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The Replacements - Demetria Keys
The Replacements
Demetria Keys
ISBN: 9781432706494
Outskirts Press
Reviewed By Jeri Franklin
Official Apex Reviews Rating:
Twelve year-old Daniel's life is anything but extraordinary: his little brother, Malachi, is a constant nuisance, his mother is a sedate stay-at-home-mom, his father is a modest bread-winner, and he's subject to the daily idiosyncrasies of Max, his chain-smoking bus driver whose lips release a perpetual stream of smoke interlaced with sarcasm. Add to that the fact that he's fallen hard for his teacher, Mrs. Fillmore - who barely even notices him - and you've got all the makings of a pre-teen drama lived daily with no happy ending in sight.
Increasingly dissatisfied with his life as is, one night Daniel says a prayer before going to bed, wishing that his life would change...well, as the old saying goes, be careful what you wish for...Daniel awakens the next morning, apparently having gotten his wish - and then some. Suddenly, he finds himself struggling to cope with an alternative reality, a seemingly inverted mirror image of his old life, and he soon realizes that the things we ask for are often the very things we are least prepared to receive.
The Replacements is a clever commentary on the trappings of contemporary society, most especially our constant striving to gain more than what we already have. Through the eyes of a child, Demetria Keys does a convincing job of relating the fact that the best blessings we could ever receive lie squarely within the scope of our everyday lives. An effective dramatization of the old "grass is always greener" adage, Keys's tale extols the value of the benefits readily available to us. By ignoring them, we run the risk of creating a reality for ourselves that leaves even less to be desired.
Keys most effectively conveys this lesson in Daniel's epiphany regarding his parents' love. Unhappy with his father's role as a stern, exacting disciplinarian, he quietly longs for his mother to be more assertive in challenging his father's authority; however, when he awakens to his desired reality, he finds that his new life in his parents' eyes makes his old one sparkle in comparison. The contrast helps him realize that regardless of how they choose to show it, he can never take for granted the fact that his parents love him without question.
The Replacements is an encouraging morality tale of learning to embrace the real treasures of life. If you're unhappy with the way things are going in yours, read this book before you consider making any changes...
Official Apex Reviews Interview: Demetria Keys (The Replacements)
Apex Reviews: Thanks for taking the time to join us for this interview, Demetria. We appreciate it, and we truly enjoyed reading The Replacements.
Demetria Keys: Thanks for having me. It is indeed an honor to share my first of many books with you. I really can't tell you how elated I am to be afforded this opportunity.
AR: How long has it taken you to finally bring The Replacements to the light of day - from creation to publication? What has your experience been like?
DK: That's an interesting question, because I was talking to my brother, Nathan, and he recalled the day I told him I'd written this story. I'd come home, I can't recall where from, and the story just began running from me as if the "tap" had gotten stuck and couldn't be shut off. My imagination was building characters and settings as if there was some urgency to birth this story. I remember grabbing my notepad and pen and just going at it. Sitting in my front room, some time in March, I wrote The Replacements. In one day, I'd built the foundation for this story. Within that same week, I'd tweaked some things and come up with what I thought was a solid narrative. From that point, I found myself wanting to add something, but then it was as if the Holy Spirit was saying "Stop, that's it!" Every time I tried to take something away or add something to it, I felt that it wasn't for me to do so. Really, all I wanted was to write a story that was able to communicate moral values, while entertaining and not coming off "preachy". I believe I accomplished that with The Replacements. From its creation in March to its June publication, I've learned that I'm here to be far more than just another author. With all that is within me, I want to reach people in a way that literature never has.
AR: Daniel's brief experience with alternative reality almost mirrors those of Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol. Why do you think the theme of appreciating what you have before it's gone remains so popular?
DK: I believe this theme has remained so popular, because with modern ideas, void of spiritual enlightenment, comes an increase in greed. With worldly views of success so highly based on material comforts, people underestimate the value of everyday riches and overestimate the worth of temporary gain.
AR: Your writing style is very conversational and engaging. Who are some of your greatest literary influences?
DK: Though I respect the talents of a vast many secular and Christian writers such as Eric Jerome Dickey, Toni Morrison, Zora Neale Hurston, J.K. Rowling, Pastor Joel Osteen, Prophetess Juanita Bynum and Bishop T.D. Jakes; I would be lying if I said that those writers influenced my work. Taking absolutely nothing away from the masterpieces of so many literary giants, because I enjoy following their creative processes; I've never tried to directly pattern my writing after them. In short form, though I believe God has truly created some astounding writers; from the time I set out to write, I wanted to be an original. I'll let my readers decide if I've accomplished that, as they get to know me through my writing.
AR: Where did you get the inspiration to create Max, the bus driver from hell?
DK: Each and every character in The Replacements was created to promote a particular moral value. Whether in the form of a bus driver, teacher, neighbor, family member or other; a "Max" exists in all our lives. He or she is the one that presses every button they possibly can. They are generally the one who is misunderstood…the one no one takes time out to get to know the inner workings of. I wanted to develop a character who would teach my readers the value of "loving thy neighbor as ones self" in spite of themselves. It is easy to love when that same affection is reciprocated, but what value is there in that? It is when we love those who intentionally misuse us that we receive our just reward.
AR: Do you personally agree with Momma D's approach to childrearing, particularly not to physically discipline the child?
DK: Momma D left it up to her husband, Red, to punish the children. It wasn't that she didn't believe in discipline. She did, however, feel that Red chastised the kids enough for the both of them. Personally, I believe corporal punishment has its time and place. Quite often, parents look no further than the belt, extension cord or whatever other method they use to "knock some sense" into their children. There has to be some consideration given to communication. As a child, I endured corporal punishment, and I can't say that I always understood the logic behind the chastisement. There has got to be a clear understanding between the parent and the child as to what the issue is and why it is a punishable offense. Otherwise, as I did and I'm sure many other people have; I grew up resenting my mother, particularly, because unlike the father in my story; she was the one who disciplined me the most.
AR: Could The Replacements be a veiled personal message to someone particular in your life?
DK: (Smiling) Yes, The Replacements is a veiled personal message to several people in my life. Because the story is, in more ways than one, reflective of my own experiences; there was no way I could write this story without tapping into that. Most importantly, I wanted the message to be evident to my children and all those children who've found themselves in similar predicaments. Reaching out to the heads of households across America; I prayed that the message would be widely received, without the feeling of someone pointing the finger. To all those who said I couldn't do it, by FAITH; I've accomplished that which could have only been achieved through God working in me.
AR: What kinds of reactions have you gotten from people who have read the book?
DK: I've been told by my older readers that they were tremendously blessed by The Replacements. While they may not have expected to receive so much from a story written for a target audience of children age 9-young adult; they were able to relate to the story as a whole. There were times they were forced to reflect on their own upbringings, parental involvement and relationships in the home—how parents are viewed through the eyes of their children, in addition to how they related to others. A few of my teen readers took the time to write out summaries and tell me what they'd learned from the story. "I learned that not everyone is going to like you or treat you how you want to be treated, but if you treat them nice, perhaps that will make them change their mind about you," my teenage brother stated. It really made me feel good that he'd taken something away from the story, as opposed to the message becoming lost by the time he'd finished reading it. Another reader simply said "I loved it! It was absolutely awesome!"
AR: What would you say to anyone unhappy with the current status of their life?
DK: No matter the load, you are able to bear it. No matter the sadness, a smile awaits. No matter the lack, there is more awaiting. No matter the dispute, resolve is still an option. Although we may not appreciate the hand we've been dealt in life, we must realize that we were given exactly what we needed at that particular moment in time. Our families might not be who or what we would like them to be, but they are the family that God chose for us. We may not have "executive" status or drive the finest car, but until we can appreciate the smaller things in life; it is impossible to be fully appreciative of something greater. The bible says "If you are faithful over little, God will make you ruler over much." I've learned that no matter how much I've gone through in my lifetime, I am defined by the good and the bad of it. If not for hardships, I would have no backbone. If not for people turning their backs on me, I would have no way of knowing when someone was truly for me. If not for days of struggling, there would be no clear meaning behind financial stability. If not for the tears, I couldn't fully appreciate the joy that I am experiencing right now. To those unhappy with their lives, never give up, never give in, and in the end, you will win! Though voices of discouragement try to pull you down, know that you can rise to the challenge in the face of adversity.
AR: What lies next on the horizon for you?
DK: The Replacements is the first of many undertakings. I am currently finishing up a novel that I've been working on entitled The Death Effect. After that, I plan to start working on a book of original poetry.
AR: Any final thoughts you'd like to share with our readers?
DK: For those readers who've read the book or have plans to purchase it, I hope you thoroughly enjoy and appreciate the message found therein. I wrote this story so that people would recognize the hidden gems in their lives, and that their lifestyles would be governed by the moral values that make us all great. May God teach you how to truly appreciate the jewels found in your everyday lives and may you live your life in an abundance of God's blessings and favor.
AR: Thanks again, Demetria, and best of continued success to you in all your endeavors.
Demetria Keys
ISBN: 9781432706494
Outskirts Press
Reviewed By Jeri Franklin
Official Apex Reviews Rating:
Twelve year-old Daniel's life is anything but extraordinary: his little brother, Malachi, is a constant nuisance, his mother is a sedate stay-at-home-mom, his father is a modest bread-winner, and he's subject to the daily idiosyncrasies of Max, his chain-smoking bus driver whose lips release a perpetual stream of smoke interlaced with sarcasm. Add to that the fact that he's fallen hard for his teacher, Mrs. Fillmore - who barely even notices him - and you've got all the makings of a pre-teen drama lived daily with no happy ending in sight.
Increasingly dissatisfied with his life as is, one night Daniel says a prayer before going to bed, wishing that his life would change...well, as the old saying goes, be careful what you wish for...Daniel awakens the next morning, apparently having gotten his wish - and then some. Suddenly, he finds himself struggling to cope with an alternative reality, a seemingly inverted mirror image of his old life, and he soon realizes that the things we ask for are often the very things we are least prepared to receive.
The Replacements is a clever commentary on the trappings of contemporary society, most especially our constant striving to gain more than what we already have. Through the eyes of a child, Demetria Keys does a convincing job of relating the fact that the best blessings we could ever receive lie squarely within the scope of our everyday lives. An effective dramatization of the old "grass is always greener" adage, Keys's tale extols the value of the benefits readily available to us. By ignoring them, we run the risk of creating a reality for ourselves that leaves even less to be desired.
Keys most effectively conveys this lesson in Daniel's epiphany regarding his parents' love. Unhappy with his father's role as a stern, exacting disciplinarian, he quietly longs for his mother to be more assertive in challenging his father's authority; however, when he awakens to his desired reality, he finds that his new life in his parents' eyes makes his old one sparkle in comparison. The contrast helps him realize that regardless of how they choose to show it, he can never take for granted the fact that his parents love him without question.
The Replacements is an encouraging morality tale of learning to embrace the real treasures of life. If you're unhappy with the way things are going in yours, read this book before you consider making any changes...
Official Apex Reviews Interview: Demetria Keys (The Replacements)
Apex Reviews: Thanks for taking the time to join us for this interview, Demetria. We appreciate it, and we truly enjoyed reading The Replacements.
Demetria Keys: Thanks for having me. It is indeed an honor to share my first of many books with you. I really can't tell you how elated I am to be afforded this opportunity.
AR: How long has it taken you to finally bring The Replacements to the light of day - from creation to publication? What has your experience been like?
DK: That's an interesting question, because I was talking to my brother, Nathan, and he recalled the day I told him I'd written this story. I'd come home, I can't recall where from, and the story just began running from me as if the "tap" had gotten stuck and couldn't be shut off. My imagination was building characters and settings as if there was some urgency to birth this story. I remember grabbing my notepad and pen and just going at it. Sitting in my front room, some time in March, I wrote The Replacements. In one day, I'd built the foundation for this story. Within that same week, I'd tweaked some things and come up with what I thought was a solid narrative. From that point, I found myself wanting to add something, but then it was as if the Holy Spirit was saying "Stop, that's it!" Every time I tried to take something away or add something to it, I felt that it wasn't for me to do so. Really, all I wanted was to write a story that was able to communicate moral values, while entertaining and not coming off "preachy". I believe I accomplished that with The Replacements. From its creation in March to its June publication, I've learned that I'm here to be far more than just another author. With all that is within me, I want to reach people in a way that literature never has.
AR: Daniel's brief experience with alternative reality almost mirrors those of Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol. Why do you think the theme of appreciating what you have before it's gone remains so popular?
DK: I believe this theme has remained so popular, because with modern ideas, void of spiritual enlightenment, comes an increase in greed. With worldly views of success so highly based on material comforts, people underestimate the value of everyday riches and overestimate the worth of temporary gain.
AR: Your writing style is very conversational and engaging. Who are some of your greatest literary influences?
DK: Though I respect the talents of a vast many secular and Christian writers such as Eric Jerome Dickey, Toni Morrison, Zora Neale Hurston, J.K. Rowling, Pastor Joel Osteen, Prophetess Juanita Bynum and Bishop T.D. Jakes; I would be lying if I said that those writers influenced my work. Taking absolutely nothing away from the masterpieces of so many literary giants, because I enjoy following their creative processes; I've never tried to directly pattern my writing after them. In short form, though I believe God has truly created some astounding writers; from the time I set out to write, I wanted to be an original. I'll let my readers decide if I've accomplished that, as they get to know me through my writing.
AR: Where did you get the inspiration to create Max, the bus driver from hell?
DK: Each and every character in The Replacements was created to promote a particular moral value. Whether in the form of a bus driver, teacher, neighbor, family member or other; a "Max" exists in all our lives. He or she is the one that presses every button they possibly can. They are generally the one who is misunderstood…the one no one takes time out to get to know the inner workings of. I wanted to develop a character who would teach my readers the value of "loving thy neighbor as ones self" in spite of themselves. It is easy to love when that same affection is reciprocated, but what value is there in that? It is when we love those who intentionally misuse us that we receive our just reward.
AR: Do you personally agree with Momma D's approach to childrearing, particularly not to physically discipline the child?
DK: Momma D left it up to her husband, Red, to punish the children. It wasn't that she didn't believe in discipline. She did, however, feel that Red chastised the kids enough for the both of them. Personally, I believe corporal punishment has its time and place. Quite often, parents look no further than the belt, extension cord or whatever other method they use to "knock some sense" into their children. There has to be some consideration given to communication. As a child, I endured corporal punishment, and I can't say that I always understood the logic behind the chastisement. There has got to be a clear understanding between the parent and the child as to what the issue is and why it is a punishable offense. Otherwise, as I did and I'm sure many other people have; I grew up resenting my mother, particularly, because unlike the father in my story; she was the one who disciplined me the most.
AR: Could The Replacements be a veiled personal message to someone particular in your life?
DK: (Smiling) Yes, The Replacements is a veiled personal message to several people in my life. Because the story is, in more ways than one, reflective of my own experiences; there was no way I could write this story without tapping into that. Most importantly, I wanted the message to be evident to my children and all those children who've found themselves in similar predicaments. Reaching out to the heads of households across America; I prayed that the message would be widely received, without the feeling of someone pointing the finger. To all those who said I couldn't do it, by FAITH; I've accomplished that which could have only been achieved through God working in me.
AR: What kinds of reactions have you gotten from people who have read the book?
DK: I've been told by my older readers that they were tremendously blessed by The Replacements. While they may not have expected to receive so much from a story written for a target audience of children age 9-young adult; they were able to relate to the story as a whole. There were times they were forced to reflect on their own upbringings, parental involvement and relationships in the home—how parents are viewed through the eyes of their children, in addition to how they related to others. A few of my teen readers took the time to write out summaries and tell me what they'd learned from the story. "I learned that not everyone is going to like you or treat you how you want to be treated, but if you treat them nice, perhaps that will make them change their mind about you," my teenage brother stated. It really made me feel good that he'd taken something away from the story, as opposed to the message becoming lost by the time he'd finished reading it. Another reader simply said "I loved it! It was absolutely awesome!"
AR: What would you say to anyone unhappy with the current status of their life?
DK: No matter the load, you are able to bear it. No matter the sadness, a smile awaits. No matter the lack, there is more awaiting. No matter the dispute, resolve is still an option. Although we may not appreciate the hand we've been dealt in life, we must realize that we were given exactly what we needed at that particular moment in time. Our families might not be who or what we would like them to be, but they are the family that God chose for us. We may not have "executive" status or drive the finest car, but until we can appreciate the smaller things in life; it is impossible to be fully appreciative of something greater. The bible says "If you are faithful over little, God will make you ruler over much." I've learned that no matter how much I've gone through in my lifetime, I am defined by the good and the bad of it. If not for hardships, I would have no backbone. If not for people turning their backs on me, I would have no way of knowing when someone was truly for me. If not for days of struggling, there would be no clear meaning behind financial stability. If not for the tears, I couldn't fully appreciate the joy that I am experiencing right now. To those unhappy with their lives, never give up, never give in, and in the end, you will win! Though voices of discouragement try to pull you down, know that you can rise to the challenge in the face of adversity.
AR: What lies next on the horizon for you?
DK: The Replacements is the first of many undertakings. I am currently finishing up a novel that I've been working on entitled The Death Effect. After that, I plan to start working on a book of original poetry.
AR: Any final thoughts you'd like to share with our readers?
DK: For those readers who've read the book or have plans to purchase it, I hope you thoroughly enjoy and appreciate the message found therein. I wrote this story so that people would recognize the hidden gems in their lives, and that their lifestyles would be governed by the moral values that make us all great. May God teach you how to truly appreciate the jewels found in your everyday lives and may you live your life in an abundance of God's blessings and favor.
AR: Thanks again, Demetria, and best of continued success to you in all your endeavors.