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Fashion Mantra For Plus Size Women 

By George Lyle Walker

Size doesn't matter. Slim, tall, short and yes plus sized big beautiful women can also turn heads and attract people. We have seen a few turn around in celebs like delta burke, they have not just broken the jinx that plus sized women can't look glamorous, also have become the style mantra of how to carry yourself whatever your size be. Some people have rewritten the primitive rules that black is the key to cover your flab's. The trick is just about choosing the right colors and supporting accessories.

You might have the common thumb rule that dark colors help you hide the flab; however covering yourself in outfits of the same shade isn't a good idea. The effort is to camouflage one area of your body which spoils the whole show. So the trick is not just about colors it is also about the lines. Vertical is the key the big buttons vertically stacked on your jacket, beads hanging around the longest length that you can carry and anything that shows the flow vertically on you would help you trick it. The best is about choosing what makes you most comfortable.

Flaunt the colors that you think help you pep up your mood.  Also don't forget to add they key elements that we discussed earlier, yes don't forget to add a necklace, a scarf or even a big tie. Gone are the days when loud colors were thought as the best friends of big size.

Another common sin that we big sized people do is to jump into sizes that aren't ours. Squeezing yourself into something that doesn't fits would always end up in a bad show. Don't wear that jeans which is tight, it would not just make you uneasy also would showcase the butt which you always wanted to hide. So stop yourself from picking up that isn't meant for you. Shops have realized that there exists demand for plus sizes and they do stock it. Ask them and they would help you find your right size.

The most common critics are your friends and family. Some are brutally honest to give their opinion and some just give out for the sake of it (at times just to cut short the discussion they just say what you like to hear) Avoid such people. Pick the ones who are true in their thoughts.

If jewelry is what you love then follow the same rule of size, pick the ones that justify your size. Yes, big bracelets and bangles, neck pieces that flow long on you. Also avoid washing off the thought that big is bad. It is not a thing to be embarrassed about. It's the same way of the size zero think of them. Your size is what you are so the sooner you accept it and work towards the tricks we taught you today, the better you would feel about yourself. You are beautiful in your own unique way.

As I always say friends are in search of big beautiful hearts and souls. Your external looks would only help others judge about you from a distance. Remember the last time you saw your friend in her pajama, just out of bed, no makeup and bad hair. You still loved her as much as you would have when she looked at her best.

Get the friends who value you for what you are as a person. Install your beauty as a belief in yourself. Pick the right friends, follow the right rules and above all listen to your heart.

About the Author
George Walker has been writing articles for nearly 3 years. Come visit his latest website over at Queen Air Mattress which helps people find the best Portable Air Mattress productsArticle Source  



 Necessary Elements to Maintain Good Mental Health 
When You Face Financial Problems 
By Connor R Sullivan

David O'Malley owned a construction business that specialized in building new houses in what had become a well liked area of Texas known for the unique way it was designed to attract young families who wanted to be close to schools, shopping and beautiful natural surroundings. When builders in the area began to experience a sharp drop off in clients seeking their services it became apparent that the poor economy was taking its toll on new construction. When David found it difficult to pay his employees he discovered that he was unable to pay health insurance premiums also. It was not very long before he had to contact legal expertise to see how he could best salvage what was left of his business. He first looked for a Houston bankruptcy attorney through the normal sources; the phone book and online.

Seeking to find someone who was familiar with his community he soon decided to contact someone who was a member of The Woodlands Bankruptcy Attorney law firm. The Woodlands bankruptcy lawyer who was assigned to his case was quite sympathetic to the situation but he also laid the ground rules for David to follow in order to attend to closing up his current business and pave the way for a completely new start when the time came.

Economic failures such as the one described in the above story are always hard to deal with and are never a welcome interruption to life. In fact, there are many repercussions when dealing with insolvency and a poor self image and low confidence are chief among them. Depression is also a likely result when a person is confronted with losing everything he or she has worked for by failing to meet payment deadlines and contractual obligations. Some helpful habits are sometimes undervalued but they can actually aid a person who is undergoing such a stressful time.

1. Exercise - This is such a simple but effective tool that can keep a person physically active, take up time that would otherwise be given to excess worrying and be a health benefit as well. Incorporating exercise into a daily routine is a wonderful means of building physical and mental well being.

2. Reading - This is a great aid in the fight to maintain focus and concentration when fighting depression or low esteem. There are many uplifting non-fiction books to encourage a brighter outlook on life from people who have been through trying times themselves. On the other hand, there is nothing wrong with losing oneself in a good mystery or a daring adventure novel to take your mind off of your own troubles.

3. Time with friends - Staying connected socially is vital to good mental health and will go a long way in helping a person feel he or she is not alone as they fight to regain a positive perspective. It also never hurts to keep your friends informed regarding your job search, etc. as they may be of help when it comes to networking with others they may know who could use your services.

About the Author

Connor Sullivan recently spent time researching law firms with The Woodlands bankruptcy attorney on staff. He hired The Woodlands bankruptcy lawyer to join his legal staff.   Article Source   




Intimate Conversation with
Rick Spann

Rick Spann’s background as a youth growing up in Detroit, MI, as well as his experience as a military officer, civic leader, business owner, entrepreneur, and local political candidate has fueled his passion for Black America and its respective role within society. As a result, he has spent years studying the Black experience not only in the United States, but abroad. This knowledge is now being voiced through various platforms, and his message is about achieving social, political and economic and spiritual vitality in the black community. Spann is the author of Man-Up: A Plan for the Organizational and Spiritual Retooling of Black America. 

Ella:  Introduce us to Man-Up: A Plan for the Organizational and Spiritual Retooling of Black America.
This book not only talks about the issues, but provides us with solutions to help us to overcome the plight within our communities. This book showcases issues like The Willie Lynch Syndrome – and how we allow people to engrain in our community the spirit of division, and cause us to perpetuate a slavery mentality for 300-400 years. We, as black Americans, are so caught up in the physical that we teach this and reemphasize this to the next generation. As a result we are not able to enter into social or economic debate and then develop a strategic solution to overcome our internal challenges. Man-Up addresses the symptom of blacks fleeing the black community just to receive spiritual and emotional support elsewhere. This book challenges us to take a look at this and other issues, and break the cycle and have a strategic system where we breed success stories from cradle to grave.

Ella:   What inspired you to write this book, Man-Up?
I have always had a sense of community about me. As I looked around, I could see the inequities within our communities compared to other communities. Our leaders, the media and others have constantly bashed black communities and the lack involvement of black men. I felt that it was time to start giving back through teaching our people to accept responsibility, forgive, and move forward. 

I felt it was time that a book be written that gives a how-to as oppose to a what’s wrong with us approach to addressing the political, social, economic and spiritual ills of the black community. Man-Up is about mankind, black Americans’ position in the scheme of the creation. It’s not about racial divide or prejudice. It’s about all men are created equal and all men’s responsibility to do the best they can do the greater good of all mankind. It gives a spiritual road map for the healing that must occur and the forgiveness that must occur before blacks as a people can transcend a carnal existence to the spiritual existence, and cohabitants of this world and worlds to come.

Ella:  What was your primary quest in publishing this book?
My primary quest is to get a national organization that will take a unified strategic approach to identifying and solving the problems I the black community. I hope to help to stop all the finger pointing, good or bad, by the blacks who rise about their circumstances and turn around and point a finger at other blacks less fortunate and accuse them of being lazy, crazy, etc. Some of our wealthy and educated blacks blame everything on education or the lack thereof. I know our success hinges on more than just education or starting and succeeding at business, etc. It requires a community of interdependence and global participation.

Ella:  What issues in today's society have you addressed in the book?
I have addressed issues ranging from economics to poverty to politics. I talk about education, relationships, religion and community. I’ve tried to address all relevant issues that impact the black community and suggest a plan to alleviate and overcome the problems that we collectively face.

Ella:   Who should read your book, Man-Up, and why?
First and foremost it is targeted toward the black community. It’s a how-to self-help book of developing strategies and subsequent plans to solve the social, political, economic and spiritual problems that are currently inhibiting the advancement of the black race, and fulfilling our God-given purpose.

Ella:  What impact will this book have on the community?
It will begin to teach us as a people to organize, educate and train our people to achieve objectives based on our short-term and strategic goals in order to create economic viability in our community and become active participants in the global exchange. I apply some of my life’s experiences in the book and intertwine a character of Little Johnny to portray the future generations, what they are up against, and what we need to do to provide them with generational wealth as it relates to social, political, economic and spiritual wholeness and viability.

Ella:   Is there a message in your book that you want readers to grasp and share?
Yes, the message is that we are responsible to no one but GOD and that we must know, understand and follow the universal laws (e.g., Law of Attraction) to achieve and maintain success in this world. If we don’t apply these laws then we allow ourselves to be enslaved by default…virtually asking others to rule over and exploit us.

Ella:  What was the most powerful chapter or scene in the book for you?
Move Mo-Fo because it teaches us to devise a plan to overcome our current unpleasant condition for a more favorable one. Simply, it is up to us to Move Mo-Fo if we find ourselves being taken advantage of.

Ella:   Do you write full time? Describe your writing schedule for our readers.
No, I don’t write full time. In fact, I have a three-year old, Rico, and I write when my son is asleep, mostly at night or early in the morning before everyone gets up.

Ella:  What does your family think of your writing? 
For the most part they are supportive. They have always encouraged me to write especially when I engaged them in philosophical discussions. Rather than listen to me for hours they always suggest just write it down.

Ella:   What is the best piece of advice you would give to an aspiring author?
I would simply tell them to write as much and as often as they felt in the mood. I’d tell them to not to worry about editing and grammar initially. I believe it is better to put your thoughts on paper or computer and fix later.

Ella:   Share with us your latest news, awards or upcoming book releases. 
I received recognition for Man-Up voted in the Top 100 Books of 2009 by Conversations Live. The Associated Press release for this recognition went out in November 2009. The theme of the show will be “The Year that was 2009.” 

I can be followed on Facebook and Twitter sites, and my website at  www.rickyspann.com  You can also email me directly at my website. Man-Up: A Plan for the Organizational and Spiritual Retooling of Black America can be ordered at www.iuniverse.com  or www.amazon.com.  Website: www.rickyspann.com 


 



Intimate Conversation with
Minnie Estelle Miller

Minnie Estelle Miller presently resides in Chicago, Illinois, USA. She retired in 1999 from her last job with the Office of the Mayor of San Francisco, California as special assistant to his press secretary. For forty years, home was anywhere she hung her hat: London, Paris, Jamaica and many cities in the United States. 

Ella:  If  your book is non-fiction, what led you to create this book now?
A: “Lucien: Prince of Darkness” is adult fiction in the vampire genre. I’ve been writing vampire stories since publishing “Catharsis” in 2003.

Ella:  Tell us a little about your main characters. Who was your favorite? 
A: Vampire Lucien is my favorite and Christina next. Both have strengths and weaknesses. Lucien proclaims to be the Prince of Darkness and is building an empire. He is a young upstart at five-hundred-years-old, yet vows to dethrone two-thousand-year-old Ebliss and take over his coven. Lucien’s weakness is Christina. She is mortal, an independent businesswoman, divorced, and loves the charming, tall, handsome Lucien, before learning that he is immortal.

Ella:   What inspired you to write this story, Lucien: Prince of Darkness? 
A: I love writing about vampires and am happy to see the genre becoming so popular. I became addicted reading Anne Rice’s novels about the vampire Lestat. Mind you, African American writers have numerous books out about vampires. A couple of examples are Octavia Butler’s Fledgling, and L.A. Banks’ The Vampire Huntress Legends—her twelve books were very popular long before “Twilight” hit TV.

Ella:  What issues in today's society have you addressed in the book?
A: Several issues are addressed: banking fraud, insider trading, looking into the future, and the need to protect the innocent. Imagine a vampire keeping on eye on Wall Street on behalf of Main Street. Who better to keep Wall Street under surveillance? I received this “what if” idea watching the banking industry bottom-out in 2008-09.

Ella:  Who did you write this book for? Why?
A: I wanted to write this book to give readers another view of the genre. Readers of horror and vampires books are loyal fans, and the genre is hot. It’s so fun to write “what if” using today’s events.

Ella:  Is there a message in your book that you want readers to grasp?
A: I would like readers to be more aware of our (mankind’s) world, to step outside of their comfort zone, their community, even. The world is merging. An excellent example was the election of an African American male as President of the United States. Much of the votes came from young adults and seniors. That tells me something. We can look back, but only to remember where we came from. Our young people want us to move forward. You may ask what does that have to do with “Vampire Lucien?” I want readers (and writers) to understand that it’s okay to write outside of the box, entertaining even.

Ella: What was the most powerful chapter or scene in the book for you?
A: Please forgive me for bragging, I love this. It’s part of Chapter Nine.

“Temptation taunted him many nights.

“Moonlight reflected on the vast, dark blue ocean, but Lucien’s mood was darker. He paced the California beach, hands clasped behind his back, head bent, gazing at each grain of sand. He was alone in that particular section. He spoke to the wind. “Yes, my darling, your laughter touches my heart.” He stopped cold, planted both feet hard into the sand, and rolled his shoulders. “No!  This will never do. I am the Vampire Lucien! Besides, my heart was preserved centuries ago. So what is it about this woman? Yes, I need her. Yes, I love her. I feel a love never before experienced. Me,” he said, pounding his chest, “a vampire! If she accepts me as I am, there’s no limit to my love. I know, I know, I’m being selfish. She has to understand...er...there I go again, being selfish. But I can give her the world if she accepts me. No mortal can say that. I must see her again. It’s almost like craving human blood and hers is the biggest gift. I can die without human blood and accept death, but I cannot die without love. I must plan. Discipline is essential. My approach must be flawless. I cannot, must not lose her.” Lucien stopped and sighed. His patience was wearing thin. Acting out of character amused him just so long. It was time to get back to his world, to get serious or move on. “I miss my châteaux in Bordeaux; need to spend some time at home.” He smiled at the thought. “She’ll love it. It’s perfect surroundings for my wife. Yes, Christina will be my wife."


Ella:  Do you write full time? Describe your writing schedule for our readers.
A: I write full time—I’m retired—and my schedule is whenever I feel like writing. I can sit for 4 or 5 hours on the computer, and then my back becomes painful. As an older person, I need my rest, but I have been up past midnight with this baby. Please understand, living alone has its advantages as well as drawbacks. Sometimes I feel my characters’ presence—strong characters have a tendency to visit. I don’t mind Lucien stopping by, but don’t want him to stay too long.

Ella:   What is the best piece of advice you would give to an aspiring author?
A: Other than the usual write and read constantly; write what captures your passion; it is important to listen to your peers; and listen carefully to the bad and the good of their journeys. When you get to the professional edits, and you must, take your time doing your re-writes. Know your genre, find that market and target it. Take pride in your work, and don’t let it out of your hands until you feel you’ve done your very best. And those are just the basics, there’s more, much more. I’m not the ultimate authority on literature; Stephen King is not the ultimate authority either. I believe history will judge us all.

Ella:   Share with us your latest news, awards or upcoming book releases. 
A: I have many projects pending. “Lucien: Prince of Darkness” is a spin-off from “Forever, My Love,” an Amazon Short. The novel is under contract with NTD Publishers for an early 2010 release as an eBook and paperback later. People can keep up with its progress through my web site.

"Reconstructing Emily" is my contribution to Ménage-à-20, an eBook of short stories due out before the end of the year. Sorry, the book cover is not ready yet. It promotes writings by 20 members of Goodreads, “On Fiction Writing,” many from different countries. The e-book will be given away as a free download from every blog and web site we can muster, to paraphrase Carlos J. Cortes, the father of the project. He has put tremendous energy and determination into our baby and I’m honored to be a contributor. I’ll announce the happy birth on my web site at http://www.millerscribs.com 

Information about my work can be found at http://www.millerscribs.com  and I can be contact me at minnie247@sbcglobal.net ;  visit my blog at: http://www.msprissy-dreamweaver.blogspot.com  

Minnie Estelle Miller, Marvelously Mature Author and Essayist

 


Intimate Conversation with Sean Gardner

Sean Gardner is a freelance writer, who after dabbling with writing in college, decided to take his love for the written word to the next level. His first published work was a piece on sexism & rap. Since then, he’s gone onto other projects, including his new novel, Excess Baggage. He is currently working on his second manuscript and his first screenplay.

Mr. Gardner is also a strong believer in the importance of civic contribution, having worked previously with such organizations as the Watts Health Foundation and Mother’s Against Drunk Driving. Gardner holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science & Ethnic Studies from UC Santa Barbara. He was born in Baltimore and has also lived in Atlanta and New Jersey. He now lives in Southern CA, when not “living” on the road.

Ella:  Introduce us to your new book, Excess Baggage the Novel.
After conquering the Big Apple, Tara Stevens, successful record executive, returns to Los Angeles to take a bigger title, bigger office and bigger paycheck. Her homecoming gives her a chance to reconnect with the “village” that reared her and to reunite with high school sweetheart, Dorian Daniels, a promising advertising director. Their courtship is a tale of conflicting schedules and egos. When the appearance of a mysterious outsider from the past forces them to re-evaluate their priorities, Dorian seeks the counsel of his best friend, Christian James, with whom he has nearly everything in common. The ambitious attorney bears his own cross. Having witnessed the death of his mother, Christian fights to mask the void left behind by this tragedy.

Ella:  What specific situation or revelation prompted you to write your book?
I’ve always been a pretty good story-teller. At the end of my tales, which usually ended in laughter, people would tell me that I should write a book. It seemed like the thing to do, especially since the dating experiences of my friends and family (particularly my sisters) were too juicy to keep to myself. There was a lot of rich material there. Thus, Excess Baggage was born.

Thanks in large part to my parents, my sibling and I fell in love with the spoken word at a very young age. I’m fascinated by the power of words to move people, to change lives and to inspire. I also believe that the best lessons learned are those told through a story. That’s why I love storytelling and storytellers.


Ella:  Who did you write this book for? Why?
I write for men & women that want to improve the quality of their lives by improving the quality of their personal relationships. I want everyone to be wealthy in all the things money can’t buy—love, laughter and longevity.
This novel is “edutainment” (education and entertainment) for everyone. It is perfect for people that like a little mystery to go along with their romance.

Ella:  What impact will Excess Baggage the novel have on the community?
At its core, this is a story about redemption and the power of releasing past personal issues that might weigh us down. I think if we all buy into this idea, the world is a better place. We will become more tolerate of one another’s individual uniqueness. We will heal the relationships that are more important in our personal lives. And we will grow in our love for one another. All of these are good things.



Ella:  Tell us a little about your main characters. Who was your favorite? Why?
There are four main characters. The story revolves around the lives of two couples: Dorian & Tara; and Christian & Nona. Dorian and Christian are long-term friends that share a common childhood tragedy. Dorian is the pretty boy/playa’ of the group. He leaves a lot of dates in his wake. Christian considers himself to be an “enlightened brotha” and defines himself through his career as an attorney. Nona is a nurse, who serves as a caretaker to others, but does not take very good care of her own needs. She’s really stuck on past love. Tara is my favorite character among this quartet because her evolution travels the farthest. When the reader first meets her, she wears this tough exterior. It’s partly because she has this very powerful corporate position, but it is also due to her mistrust of men. As her layers are peeled back, we glimpse the reasons for her complicated make-up. At the same time, her character is forced to re-evaluate her life and her idea of happiness. The journey she takes is both engaging and entertaining. It is very much like the experience a lot of us have.

Ella:  Are your characters from
Excess Baggage the novel a portrayal of real people?
They are a composite of people I’ve known or come into contact with. Over time, though, these characters took on lives of their own so that they became “real” to me.


 
Ella:  What issues in today’s society have you addressed in the book?
I heard a pastor once say that nearly all of our problems we have are based on some past experience that we struggle to get over and/or let go. The more I thought about this, the more profound the idea became. So, that’s why I call my stories “edutainment” because I wanted people to know that we come to the table with “issues”. It’s just a question or whether we can carry our own “baggage” or if we need a porter. We also have to be willing to explore the virtue of forgiveness, if we are going to ultimately be happy. 

Ella:  Is there a message in your book that you want readers to grasp and share?
As you’re seeking that one person that God created just for you, keep in mind that He didn’t promise that this person was going to be perfect. And that’s okay too. Love is definitely a contact sport. A famous comedian hinted at this when he recommended that “you find someone who’s as (screwed) up as you are and be happy!

Ella:  What was the most powerful chapter or scene in the book for you?
There is a scene where one of the lead female characters talks about a life-altering heartbreak and its aftermath. She goes to such extremes to rid her life of any reminders of this man, that she nearly destroys herself. It is a powerful scene. I’ve been told that some readers have cried during this part of the book.

Ella:   What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
I’m a big sports fan, so I love participating & watching football and basketball. I also really enjoy comedy, music and skating. And, of course, I love reading.

Ella:   What sets your book apart from other books in your genre?
One of the most unique aspects of the book is the cover. The woman “juggling” emotional concerns, while the men in her life wait to give her more issues to take on is a metaphor that a lot of women can relate to. It is very common for nurturers to take on the issues of those they care about in their lives. The power of this imagery resonates with a lot of people.

Ella:   What does your family think of your writing?
Many are surprised by my artistic side. They’re coming around slowly but surely.

Ella:   What is the best piece of advice you would give an inspiring author?
The world is waiting for your voice, so don’t give up. Write! Write! Write! And after that, write some mo’!

Ella:   Share with us your online contact information. 
You can reach me at  www.excessbaggagethenovel.com . Be on the look out for my next novel, Hi Speed Connection, in April 2010. 



 


 

Intimate Conversation with Rhonda Herring Dent

Rhonda was born and raised in Goldsboro, N.C.  She currently lives and works in Northern Virginia. She is a Senior Program Analyst for the Department of Defense (DOD) and has worked for DOD for more than 22 years.  She holds a BS Degree in Business Administration, majoring in Accounting and a Master’s degree in Public Administration.  She declares that she is a program analyst by day and an author by night. Rhonda is a Streaming Faith guest columnist for 2010 providing monthly devotionals and editorials for a over 600K internet population.

She is married to Timothy and have three children and two step children.   They have a dog name Teddy who is 10 years old. Rhonda started writing at a very young age.  She feels that she inherited her passion and ability to write from her mother who sometimes wrote articles  for their home town newspaper.  She also gives tribute to the many great books she has read over the years.  After finishing graduate school and as her children were getting older, she began to type her memoirs during her free time from a couple of journals she maintained some years ago.  As she did, a story began to unfold before her, thus leading her to write Ever Changing.  

She is adamant about where her direction and guidance came from and hopes that everyone who reads this book will not focus on the painful places, but focus on God and how He took her from childhood to adulthood to purpose.   

Ella:  Introduce us to your book, Ever Changing.
The theme of Ever Changing is the Serenity Prayer and what a difference it made in a life. Ever Changing is a different kind of love story. Not just about relationships with family, spouses, children, but a love story about my inability to feel love from others. It seemed every since I was a child my inability to feel the love of others was always driving me to seek love in all the wrong places. 

Ever Changing starts at the beginning of a life that seemed so insignificant by circumstances. A single mother raising her children presses to instill morals and values, strength and courage in them. As the story unfolds the child who seemed less likely to succeed and faced the most adversity took a stand and changed the course of her life. Plagued with a lazy eye and 2 eye surgeries at 10 years old that did not fully correct the problem, an absentee father and becoming a mother at 18 years of age, her life and destiny seemed bleak. As an adult she carries you through the senseless act of greed that resulted in the death of her beloved brother and the illness that led to the death of her younger sister, the issue in her marriage that lead to a dysfunctional home life, a divorce, literally homeless at one point, uneducated and seemingly hopeless. Through the adversity she cultivates a deeper relationship with God as the prayer she memorized as a little girl resonates in her. 

Through her trials and tribulations she learns the true meaning of the prayer. She realizes that she has spent countless years trying to change the one thing she absolutely cannot change. In her triumph she went to undergraduate and then graduate school. This landed her a position with the Department of Defense in the Pentagon on September 11, 2001. Walk with her as she experiences the death of co-workers and friends and comes to grips with the tragic events of that day. Experience the course of events that were pivotal in her Christian walk and how the life that seemed so painful actually led her to find the true meaning of life, love and success. How God took her ashes and turned them into something beautiful. How she learned the true meaning of the prayer that was instilled in her as a little girl and how it sustained her through her trials and tribulations. She finds the courage to change the things she can and the “wisdom” to know the difference. Therefore, as she reflects on her past she realizes her future. A God centered future that embraces her as she dares to make a difference. 

Ella:  What specific situation or revelation prompted you to write your book? 
I have always loved to read and write and thought at some point I should write magazine articles, etc. I began to write in a journal in 1992. I was compelled to write down my thoughts and experiences. I kept several diaries as a child and always wrote in them, although I do not know where my childhood diaries are today. In the beginning I had no idea what I was going to write. I just had the desire to write, so I began to write about my issues and to communicate with God. I had a vision of “Change” several years prior to starting my journal. I had no idea what it meant but I understood that at some point in time God was going to use me to promote change. 

At the time I did not relate my journal entries to my vision. When I finished graduate school I began to get restless after about a month. In my family we are not folks who sit around idle. We have to much restless energy for that. Nor do I watch a tremendous amount of television. I was in school in one capacity or the other for countless years, raising children and working a full time job. With the extra time I decided to type my memoirs on my computer. As I typed my memoirs things from my childhood and past began to come to my mind. I typed those memories as well. I often woke up in the middle of the night and wrote down my thoughts on the pad I kept on my night stand. As I typed, a story began to unfold before me. After I realized the correlation of my writing to my vision I realized that this book was being birthed. It took approximately 2 years to compile and complete this manuscript. It is only in God’s strength that I could complete such an amazing work of art. I prayed continuously about exposing the intimate details of my life and each time I got confirmation to press on.

Ella:  What do you think makes your book different from others on the same subject? 
I have read so many wonderful books on the same subject. The difference is that the story is one of the boldest testimonies ever written. It actually gives a bold account of spiritual development and maturity and the struggles that come along with growth. Not to many of us like change but we really need to embrace it and realize that change provides opportunity for growth and development. Ever changing will compel people to seek change in their own personal lives. It is a step by step account to finding and developing the most important relationship any one could ever have. It will motivate any one to look within and search the very core of their being to find purpose. Most of all it is the intimate details of my relationship with God and how he sustained me even at my weakest moments. I like to call my book a trilogy, a set of three literary or dramatic works related in subject or theme. Ever changing is definitely a different kind of love story. 

Ella:  Give us a detailed profile of the one primary type of person you want to reach with your book. What are some of their specific needs or problems that need answers? 
The profile of the one primary type of person I would like to reach is the person who does not quite understand what or why they are going through the things/changes that they are going through. Their specific need or problems are healing, motivation, faith, acceptance, forgiveness, understanding and the need to embrace the inevitable and the need to understand the importance of change and how it affects our relationship with God. Also, to look high beyond any circumstances and have the blessed assurance that God will work everything according to His Will. They will learn to ask God for His Will to be done and not seek their own personal desires.

Ella:  How will they benefit in a practical way from reading your book (how will their life change)? 
Ever changing is the ultimate life changing reading experience. It is a bold testimonial of the journey toward Purpose. It is a bold testimonial of change and a road map that leads to the growth and maturity. The benefit is to hear the story of how one woman submitted herself under God’s Will and how He sustained here even in her darkest moments. Another benefit is that the reader will follow the true interaction between God and one of His Children with no underlining motive. Ever changing was birthed out of a personal journal and no other guidance but to continue to write. Amazingly enough a story was being revealed unbeknownst to the author that it would one day, years later would be the core of her first book.

Rhonda, how can the readers reach you online and read more about you?
My website is: www.e-rhonda.net  and email address is everchanging@e-rhonda.net  I am currently promoting my book by doing speaking engagements. I am an inspirational speaker bringing my message of hope, healing and reconciliation to hurting souls, 2010 guest columnist providing 2 editorials and 1 devotional each month to StreamingFaith.com, maintain an active website and Blog page EC Blog) and have done numerous book signings, radio interviews for 2009. I am currently planning my 2010 itinerary to speak at churches, do book signings and do radio interviews, telephone and/or personally appear at book club discussions and am currently coordinating a city to city book tour in MA, VA and D.C and much more.

To receive an autographed copy of Ever Changing please order from www.e-rhonda.net  Ever Changing is also on www.amazon.com and featured on www.gazelle-press.com  Coming soon to a book store near you! 

Rhonda Herring Dent: www.e-rhonda.net 



 

Lifestyle Hot Topic
Consequences by Linda R. Herman


Look at me, take a long, hard stare.

I'm the face of HIV. I represent every woman 25-34 who has died or is dying from AIDS. AIDS is the leading cause of death in African American women in this age group.

So, LOOK at me!

Do you think I'm ready to die? I'm not ready. I don't want to leave my children, family, and friends. LOOK at me!

Can you honestly tell me we can't change the statistics by raising awareness? Can we not see the Consequences of our actions? Oh God, is anybody even listening to me? LOOK at me!

Now, take a long hard look at yourself and answer this question: What am I going to do today to raise awareness of HIV & AIDS?

HIV in the African American community: AIDS is the leading cause of death in African American women 25-34 years of age. Take a stand, make a difference, and eradicate the spread of HIV. Consequences is now available on Amazon Kindle.


Consequences by Linda R. Herman
It all begins with the look; that initial contact when the eyes speak loud and clear as to what the body craves. Deep, wet, passionate kisses leading to mind blowing orgasms that leaves the body trembling much like a leaf on a tree on the windiest of days. Sex. It's meant to be a beautiful bond, a physically satisfying act between two people, but when not engaged in responsibly, sex can turn ugly, deadly even. 

Andre Peters, a man who has it all; the perfect wife and family, and the job of his dreams. From the outside looking in, one would have to ask, What more could he ask for? What he didn't ask for was his secret desires for the same sex; those desires that occasionally lead him astray from his marital vows. But Andre doesn't consider himself gay or bi. He still loves sex with his wife; it's just every now and again that he craves something different, pleasure he can only find in the arms of another man. His failure to be honest with his lovers of both genders; his failure to engage in safe sex; his denial of his sexual preference; and his desire to straddle the fence-sleeping with both women and men-leads to a domino effect, destroying lives one HIV infection after another. In Consequences, readers are taken on a journey into the lives of a down-low husband, his wife, his lovers, and a cast of others who are affected, whether directly or indirectly, by the HIV virus. The story is fiction but the reality of HIV is fact, and the reality is that each year there are thousands of new cases diagnosed-most of those new cases being women of color and minority. It has to end; and it has to end where it begins-with each one of us. 
 
Linda R. Herman, Co-Founder of Authors Supporting Authors
Website: http://www.lindarherman.org  
ISBN-10: 0981809405

 



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The Black Pearls Magazine family wants to take the time to thank each of you for joining us monthly in celebrating the best in literature and the arts.  Our team of writers, bookclubs and authors are so humbled that you have allowed us entrance into your life. It amazes me each month as I check our subscribers how many of  you deem us worthy of your time and support.  We appreciate each of you for telling 10 people about the magazine and for driving people to this site. YOU make Black Pearls the magnificent publication that it is, by sharing the gift of knowledge!

Please know, as we prepare each issue for you, we look for those stimulating conversations, the most thought provoking articles and most of all the best books on the shelves. We want each page of this magazine to add value to your lives!  Your comments and feedback are welcomed. Join our blog and share your news, advice and wisdom with the other readers. Tell us what you want to read too!

As we take off in this new decade we hope to bring you more provocative topics and life empowering books to shape your lives. We have contest for the readers and more interactive sections added to the magazine. Let us know what you think of the fresh new content by emailing us here.  Thank you!

Ella Curry, President of EDC Creations
Founder & Editor In Chief Black Pearls Magazine

 

 

 

 


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