Trinidad banker's near-death
experience sparks remarkable transformation into award-winning author with 65
published books across five continents
The
hospital room was sterile white, and the prognosis was grim. Brenda Mohammed, a
successful Commercial Credit Manager at Republic Bank Limited in Trinidad and
Tobago, faced the fight of her life against cancer. In that moment of profound
vulnerability, something extraordinary happened, not just survival, but a
complete reinvention that would transform her from a banking executive into one
of the Caribbean's most prolific and celebrated authors.
"I
realized that life is precious and fragile," Mohammed reflects on that
pivotal period. "I had stories to tell, and I couldn't waste another
moment not sharing them with the world."
What
emerged from that hospital bed was not just a survivor, but a literary
powerhouse who would go on to publish 65 books spanning multiple genres, earn
international recognition across five continents, and inspire thousands of
aspiring writers through her advocacy work.
From Boardroom to Bookshelf
Mohammed's journey to literary prominence was anything
but conventional. Before her life-altering health battle, she had already
established herself as a trailblazing figure in Trinidad and Tobago's financial
sector. Rising from bank clerk to Commercial Credit Manager at Republic Bank
Limited, she demonstrated the same visionary thinking that would later define
her literary career.
Her
impact extended beyond traditional banking. Mohammed's innovative approach to
community development helped transform rural areas into thriving economic
centers, contributing significantly to Trinidad and Tobago's broader economic
growth. She later transitioned to insurance, where her excellence earned her
the prestigious Million Dollar Round Table qualification six times and a Life
Underwriting Fellowship from the American College in the United States.
But
it was her brush with mortality that unlocked her true calling. Her memoir
"I Am Cancer Free" became not just a bestselling account of survival,
but a beacon of hope for others facing similar battles. The book's success
marked the beginning of an unprecedented literary career that would span genres
from science fiction to children's literature.
Building a Literary Empire
What sets Mohammed apart in the crowded literary
landscape is not just her prolific output, but the breadth and quality of her
work. Her 65 published books encompass memoirs, science fiction, romance,
mystery, self-help, children's literature, Christian writing, and poetry, a
range that demonstrates remarkable versatility and storytelling mastery.
Her
acclaimed science fiction thriller "Zeeka Chronicles" garnered
particular attention, earning adaptation into a five-part screenplay for film
or television. This crossover into visual media showcases Mohammed's ability to
craft narratives that transcend traditional publishing boundaries, connecting
her to the global film and television community through platforms like Stage
32.
The
accolades have been numerous and international in scope. Mohammed has received
Reader's Favorite International Awards for both "Zeeka Chronicles"
and "I Am Cancer Free," while her memoir "My Life as a
Banker" earned second prize for Best Memoir in the Metamorph Publishing
Awards in the United States. Her "Stories People Love" and "How
to Write for Success" both received Gold Medals in Connection Emagazine
Readers' Choice Awards.
Global Recognition and Leadership
Mohammed's influence extends far beyond individual
literary achievements. As the founder of the How to Write for Success Literary
Network, she has created a platform that empowers writers worldwide through
anthologies, magazines, and mentorship programs. Her self-help book "How
to Write for Success" was praised in the Ethiopian Herald as "a
comprehensive toolkit for writers, critics, and editors."
Her
leadership roles reflect her commitment to elevating the literary community
globally. Serving as National President for Trinidad and Tobago of the Camara
International Writers and Artists (CIESART) with headquarters in Spain, and as
Peace Ambassador for the Iqra Foundation in India, Mohammed bridges cultures
and continents through her literary advocacy.
The
recognition from CIESART Spain has been particularly notable, with Mohammed
receiving numerous prestigious awards including the Plato Award, Socrates
Award, and Dante Alighieri Award. Her Barry Holmes Mysteries series earned both
the CLR Award from India and recognition from CIESART Spain, while also
becoming a finalist in the Independent Author Awards 2024.
Adding
to her impressive list of achievements, Mohammed has been nominated by CIESART
International for the Woman of the Year Award 2025, with the winner to be
announced at a gala in Spain this December.
Beyond Literature: Humanitarian
Impact
Mohammed's influence transcends literary boundaries.
Her advocacy work addresses critical social issues including peace promotion,
anti-domestic violence initiatives, anti-human trafficking efforts, anti-drug
addiction programs, and suicide prevention. This humanitarian commitment adds
depth to her literary mission, demonstrating how storytelling can be a force
for positive social change.
Her
international recognition spans five continents, reflecting not just literary
achievement but a broader impact on global communities. Through her various
roles and initiatives, Mohammed has built bridges between cultures while
maintaining her roots in Trinidad and Tobago's vibrant literary tradition.
The
breadth of Mohammed's work, from banking innovation to literary creation to
humanitarian advocacy, illustrates a life dedicated to transformation and
empowerment. Her journey from cancer patient to literary icon serves as
inspiration for anyone facing seemingly insurmountable challenges.
If
you're seeking inspiration for your own creative journey or looking to connect
with a literary community that spans continents, Brenda Mohammed's story proves
that reinvention is possible at any stage of life. Her network continues to
nurture emerging writers while her established works offer both entertainment
and guidance for readers worldwide.
About Brenda Mohammed
Brenda Mohammed is a multi-award-winning author, poet,
and literary advocate from Trinidad and Tobago with 65 published books spanning
multiple genres. A former banking executive turned literary icon, she founded
the How to Write for Success Literary Network and serves as National President
for Trinidad and Tobago of CIESART Spain. Connect with her through her Amazon author page or follow her journey on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter.
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