Black Pearls Magazine, bringing the jewels of publishing to the book clubs!

Robin R. Robinson was born in Sacramento, California and she moved to LA in 1980 to pursue a career in front of the camera. She lived in LA for 17 years and returned to northern California in the summer of 2000. While living in LA she worked for Eddie Murphy Productions, Keenen Wayans, Wing Records, Sony Pictures, ABC and Motown Productions. Robin was one of 15 selected out of a field of 300 plus to attend the prestigious Guy Hanks/Marvin Miller Screenwriting class at USC where she developed a comedy pilot as well as spec scripts. Robin has been journaling since she was 12 years old and has been an avid reader since she was 8 years old. Robin reads at least 2 novels a month.

WHY DO YOU WRITE? WHAT DRIVES YOU?
I write because it's a very easy way to express myself on paper and it comes easy to me. I don't have any problems expressing myself orally; however, writing allows me to imbue characters with traits that I possess or have read about, and it allows me to be more bold. Some of the things that Renee says in my novel, I wouldn't dream of saying; at least not now - 15 years ago yes, but not right now. I've mellowed a bit so I'm not as raunchy.

But I can go there if I have to. Good dialogue that believable, funny, and very conversational is what drives me. I believe dialogue should be written the way that people speak. At least that's what I attempt to convey in my writings.

WHAT LEGACY DO YOU OFFER FUTURE READERS:
I believe that my writing is a continuation of the extremely talented, down to earth, ain't taking no mess, author Terry McMillan. I remember reading Waiting to Exhale and saying often that "I really like the way she writes, it reminds me a lot of my writing style." My book would appeal to most women, most races, who have been scorned by a man that they thought was "the one." Any woman who has (had) body image issues, hair issues and who has lived in a city would relate as well. Also, the book is very funny and most of us enjoy laugh out loud humor.

INTRODUCE US TO CHOCOLATE LEMONS AND PEPPERMINT TEARS: The Bittersweet Life of Xena
Imagine if you will an attractive, successful, never been married black woman in her mid-30's who lives in one of the biggest cities in the world; yet, she is desperately trying to unwrap her brain around Adam, a man (who lives almost 400 miles away) - a married one at that who ripped her heart out of her chest, threw it to the ground and then stomped on it. Xena Quay Vaughan is a strong, determined, ain't taking no prisoners, very cerebral, sho 'nuff sister who wears a short 'fro in a city full of women who buy their hair. Xena also secretly wants Adam to come back in her life (but she would never admit it), she wants to shed 10-15 pounds that nobody can see except for her, and she wants to meet a wonderful, handsome, sexy black man who loves her - faults and all - so that she won't have to grow old alone, which is a big fear of hers.

Readers, this story is relatable on so many levels because:
-- There are so many successful, attractive black women who have never been married.

-- There are many black women who harbor distorted body images - especially if they live in Los Angeles. A city that is powered by aesthetics - what you look like, who you know, where you live, what you drive, who you're ballin'.

-- There are many black women who wear their hair in a natural style (braids, twists, fro) who sometimes feel invisible by (some) men who pay sisters who buy their hair way more attention. Some black men prefer black women to have hair that moves. Some black men feel that women who wear their hair in a short 'fro are gay. I think that misguided belief is not only juvenile; it's ludicrous to boot.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A NEW WRITER?
I tell folks who have asked me about writing the same thing:
A new writer has to read - a lot. I read at least 2 novels a month; as well as magazines, newspapers, the net, etc. Reading is very important. And I also suggest keeping a journal (I've been journaling since I was 12). I also read autobios, some self-help and some non-fiction, although, I prefer fiction.

WHAT BOOK ALREADY PUBLISHED IS SIMILAR TO YOUR BOOK IN ITS WRITING STYLE?
I absolutely love The Coldest Winter Ever by Sister Souljah and I think my book has a bit of that flavor. Also, Waiting to Exhale by Terry McMillan and I also think Lolita Files' latest, Murder, Lies, Sex, Fame has a similar tone. No nonsense, good dialogue, the sense that you don't want to put the book down, and the fact that you laugh out loud.

WHERE CAN WE BUY THE BOOK?
Chocolate Lemons and Peppermint Tears: The Bittersweet Life of Xena (Xpress Yourself Publishing, LLC; ISBN-10: 0981809421 and ISBN-13: 978-0981809427) is now available on www.Amazon.com.

Visit my website: www.robinrrobinson.com.
You may also get more information at the publisher's website: http://www.xpressyourselfpublishing.org/xyphome.htm

A native of Washington, D.C., Lisa Watson creates realistic characters that challenge personal and spiritual growth. Her first novel, Watch Your Back, completed, Lisa is writing her second, Interview with Love, (Urban Soul, 2010). Lisa resides in North Carolina with her family. She works at a technical services company and also handles author publicity for the annual RT BOOKLOVERS Convention

Ella: Tell us about your passion for writing. Why do you write? What drives you?
Writing is something I've been doing since Elementary school. It's one of the constants in my life that I don't think about, I just do. The people that read what I write drive me to continue writing. They inspire me, challenge me to get off my butt and get writing and they push me to write characters that they can relate to and appreciate spending time with. Over the years I've stopped writing often. Life has gotten in the way on several occasions, but writing is the one thing I keep going back to over and over. That is what made me realize that it is what I'm supposed to be doing.

Ella: Finish this sentence: I am Powerful because...
I have a strong support system: Spiritual, emotional and mental. I have what I call an "inner circle" comprised of family and friends that help keep me focused and grounded.

Ella: Introduce us to your new book Watch Your Back.
Watch Your Back is about dealing with something detrimental in your life and having the will power and fortitude to be able to come out the other side less damaged then when you went in. We all go through moments in our lives that can be tragic, life altering or simply requires us to get off the fence and make a difficult decision. It’s how we deal with those moments that define who we are. Do we find the inner strength to climb up and over, or do we let the pain or indecision engulf us? Devon Mitchell has suffered a tragic moment in his life that starts out consuming him, but one definitive moment galvanizes Devon out of the repetitious despair his life has become. A promise he made to someone dear to him. It gives him the strength to get moving again.

When Jayde Seaton meets Devon she isn’t clued in on how he will affect her life until sometime later. When she finally realizes his affect on her dreams and aspirations she’s thrown off balance. Now she has a decision to make. Does she concentrate her energy on trying to find ways to make Devon’s life miserable, or does she try to find a common thread that could help her co-exist?

I want readers to be able to find something in Watch Your Back that they can relate to or have experienced in their lives that will allow them to get what my characters are going through. I want to have readers engaged enough to share the ups and downs with Devon and Jayde. To want to stay with them long enough to find out how then come out on the other side.

Ella: Who are your two main characters and what do you like most about them?
Devon Mitchell and Jayde Seaton. I love how dedicated each of them is to what matters most to them. They are both strong-willed. Neither wants to give an inch, but eventually they realize through humorous moments, many clashes and some tense moments that they each compliment each other. They find a way to make it work.

Ella: What is the most surprising thing you have learned in creating books?
How caught up you get in your characters. How much of who I am is relayed in what I write. And how hard it is to open yourself and your story up to critiques. It's such a personal endeavor and it takes a lot to realize that for me to grow as a writer, the critiques are more important then the accolades to ensure that you have an engaging story worth reading.

Ella: What would you say has been your most significant achievement as a writer?
Getting published. I wasn't prepared for how hard it is to get your foot in the door.

Ella: What advice would you give a new writer?
Surround yourself with your own inner circle. The people that help you critique your work will be essential. Avail yourself of the writer's conferences out there. On a spur of the moment, I came across an out of state writer's conference and decided to go. I was crazy nervous, but I went. I met two of my closest friends, one of which flat out asked me, "Hey, you wanna write a book with me?" I agreed and that was how I ended up in print. The other thing is that at these conferences you have the ability to sign up for interviews with editors, publishers and agents. You get about five minutes to pitch your manuscript or idea to an industry professional. This is your best shot at getting that much coveted foot in the door. If they ask you to send them your work, either your finished manuscript or a synopsis and the first three chapters you now have the ability to put on that envelope two words that will allow your beloved work to NOT end up in the slush pile (Trash): REQUESTED MATERIAL!!!!!

Ella: Name 3 things that it takes to make a successful author, in your opinion?
1.The ability to write not just a story that you find interesting, but more importantly a story that readers will find interesting.

2.Getting your work professionally edited. I can't stress that one enough. Your story needs to be read by a professional that can give you that much needed insight that you and your critique buddies may miss because you're all too close to the subject matter. Besides the grammatical mistakes, an editor can tell you about pacing, whether you stay true to your characters personalities from start to finish, how well it flows, if it's realistic, etc...

3.The final thing would be to develop a thick skin and do your homework. The literary industry is highly competitive. New and aspiring author's works need to be top shelf before you even put the stamp on the envelope. With so many talented authors out there that engaging story in your head will need to be as good as it can be to get noticed. Be prepared for the rejection letters. A fellow author friend of mine keeps each and every rejection letter and one she didn't get back until after the book they rejected was published. Keep your focus and make sure to research the publishing house, editor or agent you want to pitch your manuscript to. Don't waste your time or theirs by pitching stories in a genre that isn't the ideal fit for their line or that they don't represent.

Ella: What can we expect from you in the future?
More stories with interesting characters that readers can relate to. I'm working on my next book, Interview with Love that will be out next year, an anthology with two amazing writers that I met at a writers conference and several ideas I'm flushing out now, but haven't started writing.

Check out www.lisawatson.com to read an excerpt from the book
Go to Amazon.com and order your copy today
Coming September 1, 2009 - Watch Your Back, Urban Soul
ISBN-10: 1599830973
ISBN-13: 978-1599830971
Coming 2010 - Interview with Love

Danger isn't always in plain sight. Sometimes you need to Watch Your Back!

At the age of five, the gift of a Barbie Doll typewriter from a family friend sparked Recha’s interest in the written word. For hours she’d sit in front of her toy typewriter and peck away occasionally stopping to greet the public and sign autographs. Throughout her childhood and early adulthood she held on to her dream even though career choices lead her in a different direction.

In 1996, The Mystery of a Woman was born and manifested as a small collection of poetry. To no avail, and many rejection letters later they were never published. Recha didn’t stop there and asked herself what would make her poetry unique. During a moment of meditation the answer was clear, a novel. In 1997, the collection of poetry became the premise of her first novel. Just like so many aspiring authors she worked tirelessly then packed it all away.

In 2003, the unfortunate news of a job closing inspired Recha to 'think outside of the box.' So she did just that. With the encouragement and support of two children she unpacked her storage box and breathed new life into her project. Her steps were ordered as God allowed her to make contact with Kimberly Matthews of Kissed Publications, who tirelessly assisted her through several edits finally seeing it through to completion. The rest is a ‘Mystery’. Recha wants all of her readers to know with God’s divine guidance dreams do come true. So remember the three P’s prayer, persistence and patience.

Ella: Where are you from? How did you start your writing journey?
I'm a native Memphian. I smile whenever people ask about my journey as a writer. Since the age of five I've been pretending to write and sign autographs. My love for the spoken word began in church as I recited the work of others. Two poems in particular that come to mind are William Herbert Brewster's 'I'm Determined To Be Somebody Someday' and Maya Angelou's 'Still I Rise'. Having to recite their work only sparked my creativity and prompted me to write my own.
Read the entire article at the BP Blog.

Matthew Aaron Goodman earned a BA from Brandeis University and an MFA from Emerson College, and benefited from the tutelage of Dr. Derek Hyra, Jay Baron Nicorvo, Arisa White, and asha bandele. Working hand and hand with formerly incarcerated men and women, he helped to create The Leadership Alliance, a community empowerment project with The Doe Fund that unites recently freed people and volunteer partners.

In 2006, he had the privilege of writing about the painter Clintel Steed’s work as well as study the artistic process and share summer corn with the visual artist Michael Dopp. His brother Joshua Goodman is an expert fly fisherman and habanero horticulturist in Colorado. His brother, David Goodman, is an artist and writer whose most recent work and writing has been exhibited in conjunction with Human Rights Watch’s Red Hand Day Campaign. Matthew now lives with Nadia, his wife, in Brooklyn, New York. Currently, he leads a literacy program for exalt, a nonprofit organization that assists youth on the spectrum of criminal justice involvement.

You can visit their blog: http://www.exaltscholars.wordpress.com.

Ella: Matthew tell us about your passion for writing.
I write because I don’t know how to play an instrument; writing is my outlet. I’ve got a trumpet and a guitar, and I’ve taught myself how to play the piano a little by planting myself in music stores and picking at the plastic keys of synthesizers and keyboards, but to date, writing is the only place I can make music, sit down and play a song so to speak. Of course, as with playing a song well, writing requires one to sit down and rehearse the song again and again, manipulating the phrasing so how I feel is conveyed in the notes as much as the harmonious intentions of the composer. So I also love the depth and precision writing affords. Writing is an act of refining, of sculpting and discovering ways of speaking, creating connections between perceptions that cause visceral reactions. So it’s the pursuit of writing, of composing that phrase in a song, that succession of notes that makes you nod your head and say “hmmmm…” that has captured me and that I am passionate about.
Read the entire article at the BP Blog.

Moses Miller is a journalist, a motivational speaker, an award winning author and a literacy advocate whose passion is mentoring the youth. His three fictional novels, The Trifling Times of Nathan Jones, The Game of Trife and Once Upon a Time in Harlem have all received critical acclaim.

Mr. Miller's latest release entitled, The Barack in Me is a motivational book written specifically for young African American males, which encourages our youth to unleash their inner greatness. Additional information about Moses Miller and his books can be obtained by visiting www.MindCandyMedia.com

Ella:   Tell us about your passion for writing. What drives you? What impact do you want your book to make?
Writing is a part of me, and I’ve been very passionate about it since I was around six. I’ve always been driven by the desire to entertain and educate my readers by delivering compelling tales that keep them on the edge of their seats.

Ella:   Finish this sentence- My writing offers the following legacy to future readers...
My legacy will be literature that builds upon the great works of my ancestors and remains relevant for future generations to study and learn from as well.

Ella:   Introduce us to your book, The Barack in Me.
The best way I can describe The Barack in Me is that it should be required reading for teenagers, young adults and those that truly care about them. I’m a humble individual, but this is truly an inspirational body of work that can benefit anyone who reads it. The concept is simple: Where you are, does not determine who you are. There’s greatness that exist within your inner soul. It’s time that you unleash, the Barack in you.

I wrote this book to let our young people know that the same greatness that exists in our President exists within them as well. It’s just the drive and determination that makes some of us different, but the potential to accomplish incredible things is there. Barack is a great example. However, instead of idly looking at him in awe, what he has achieved should drive and motivate others to shoot for the stars as well. That’s what this book encourages our young ones to do. A recent review in the Chicago Defender summed the book up perfectly.

This is a non-fiction book. However, there are various characters in the book that I utilize in short stories in each chapter that drive home the points made in the preceding chapter. A portion of a speech from Barack Obama establishes the direction of each chapter, and then I provide my perspective and offer advice based on my life experience as well.

Ella:   What inspired you to write this story, The Barack in Me?
The youth, their advocates and parents that need some insight into the challenges facing their children—I believe they can also benefit from some helpful tips and advice. I also have four children of my own that inspire me to make a difference daily. What I realized a while ago is that a lot of people talk about the issues in our communities, but don’t do much beyond talking.

It doesn’t take much to point out the problems, but what are you actually doing to fix them? I don’t just write about it. I work directly with our young ones, so I know the challenges first hand. Based on my experience I wanted to write something that spoke directly to them.

Ella:   What major issues in today's society have you addressed in the book?
I cover a lot. Self love and self hatred, materialism, misogyny, imagery in music videos, sexually suggestive song lyrics, virginity, fatherless children, promiscuity, literacy, the value of an education, the lure of fast money, the importance of good decision making, leadership, respect for females as well as elders and a host of other topics.

Ella:   How difficult was it to complete the book, The Barack in Me ?
This book was one of the easiest I’ve ever written because of the importance. The words came directly from my heart, which is why it’s one of the most passionate bodies of work I’ve published to date. When you asked about legacies earlier, this is one of those works that will continue to make a difference in people’s lives long after I’m gone in the physical sense. I self-published this book, on purpose. I wanted complete control over the final product.

Ella:   What is your most valuable lesson about the publishing industry?
The key to success in the publishing industry is knowledge. So many people want to take the easy route as opposed to reading and learning the ins and outs of the business on their own. Nothing worthwhile in life comes easy. There are so many ways to make money, but no one is going to give you anything…you have to earn it.

Ella:   What writers inspire you and why?
All writers that are trying to make a difference outside of just selling books inspire me. There are plenty of them out there. I’m an old soul, so I’m always inspired by authors like James Baldwin, Richard Wright and Ralph Ellison, mainly because of what they were willing to write about at the time in which they were writing.

Ella:   What did you hope to accomplish by writing this particular story, The Barack in Me?
I believe that I will inspire a generation of youth in need of a beacon of hope.

Ella:   Share with us your latest news, awards or upcoming book releases.

The second part of my Nan series, The Game of Trife is up for the Best Street/Urban Novel at the Afr’ Am Literary Festival this year. I won the same award for The Trifling Times of Nathan Jones last year, so I’m extremely grateful and excited about that as well. For fans of my fictional work, I’m in the process of penning the third installment in that series right now.

I’m also doing several programs with schools and groups that are focused on the youth, so please feel free to contact me directly at Moses@MindCandyMedia.com if there are any opportunities for us to work together on life changing initiatives for our children.

Stacey Covington-Lee is a native of Atlanta, Georgia. Stacey has worked in the insurance industry for a number of years. She has written multiple training guides and manuals for health insurance companies. Stacey has always had a passion for literature and has written several short stories. Her first novel was released by Xpress Yourself Publishing in March of 2009.

My Passion for Writing
I write because it is what brings me comfort and joy. Writing is an amazing way to escape the everyday. It allows me to speak things and feel things that otherwise may not be viewed as acceptable. It is the freedom of expression that drives me to write. Everyone should be passionate about something. I'm passionate about writing, it's what carries me through.

Legacy
My writing offers a legacy of pure entertainment to future readers. Some people use writing as a means to change the world but I write to provide an escape for the world. Future readers will be able to pick up my book and be transported to a place of love, deceit, and revenge. It's a place where they can forget the worries of the day and just be entertained.

Ella: Where are you from? How did you start your writing journey?
I am from Atlanta, Ga. I started my writing journey at the age of 13. I read a book by Judy Bloom, Are You There God? It's Me Margaret, and I thought that if Judy could write something that good, why couldn't I? So I sat down with my composition book and pen and wrote my first story.

Ella: Introduce us to your new book, The Knife In My Back.

They say that you're not supposed to bite the hand that feeds you. Apparently no one informed Tameka of this. She was literally plucked from a place of despair and given the opportunity to live the life she'd always dreamed of. Brook seemed to have it all and was glad to share it with her best friend, Tameka. But the more she gave, the more Tameka wanted and there were no limits on what she'd do to get it all. However, after taking the most meaningful part of Brook's life, it was Tameka's turn to suffer and she would do so for years to come.

The Knife In My Back ISBN 978-0-9779398-4-8

Ella: Who are your two main characters and what do you like most about them?
My two main characters are Brook Mansfield and Tameka Williams. What I like most about Brook is her pure heart. She only wants to see the good in people and believes that with encouragement, anyone can be a better person. What I like most about Tameka is her drive. This girl decides what she wants and then goes for it. To bad she doesn't use that quality for good.

Ella: What makes your book stand out and would entice a reader to pick it up?
I think that the book cover for The Knife In My Back is definitely a stand out (thank you Jessica Tilles) and once the reader picks it up and reads the synopsis, their interest is peaked even more. You have two people from different worlds clashing. Everyone wants to know how that turns out.

Ella: Name 3 things that it takes to make a successful author, in your opinion?
First, you must have that passion for writing. You have to know that your story is worthy of being read. Second and third, you must be willing to promote. You don't realize it at first (I didn't) but without promotion, you have nothing but a good book sitting on just your bookshelf.

Ella: What can we expect from you in the future?
You should expect other intriguing novels about all aspects of relationships, especially female friendships. Women treasure their sisters. The love, dependability and secrecy that they share is unmatched. But when it goes wrong it can be the ugliest thing in the world.

Contact Information, Links & Website
Stacey Covington-Lee
www.staceycovingtonlee.com
www.xpressyourselfpublishing.org
www.borders.com
www.amazon.com

Lorraine Elzia is a free and gentle, flower growing wild. An author wild in her thoughts and chasing her dreams. With stories in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series; and The Triumph of My Soul Anthology, Lorraine makes her solo writing debut with Mistress Memoirs, living up to the saying, “Why blend in when you are born to stand out?”

Ella: Tell us about your passion for writing. What drives you? What impact do you want your book to make on the readers?
My passion for writing: Before being published, my writing consisted mainly of long emails in response to the simplest of questions or thoughts directed my way. At the time, I labeled my rants and raves “ADQ’s” (A Deeva Quickies), entitled in recognition of my alter ego (A Deeva) who was writing them. On one occasion, after reading one of my ADQ’s, a friend jokingly said to me that they thought I had The Midnight Disease. I had no clue what that meant, so I Googled it and part of the definition (the part I’ll own) says that The Midnight Disease refers to someone who has hypergraphia, or the overwhelming urge to write. Someone with this condition has uncontrollable impulses to express themselves through the written word. I resemble that definition! Writing is the driver of the vehicle that is me.

Ella: What impact do you want your book to make on the readers?
I want my readers to walk away having experienced an Ah-ha moment—where they can’t help but marinate on the message, even if only through the pages of my book. It is my on-going desire in everything that I write, no matter what the genre, to inspire and motivate others to see the beauty and flaws that resides within all people regardless of the outer shell.

Ella: Finish this sentence- My writing offers the following legacy to future readers...
My writing offers the following legacy to future readers: A legacy of self-reflection and of being accountable for our own actions instead of shifting the blame on to others.

Ella: Introduce us to your book, Mistress Memoirs.
Mistress Memoirs – The Book is my new novel. When we hear the word “Mistress”, negative connotations immediately come to mind. Thoughts of sleazy, gold digging, home wreckers bombard our psyche. Meet Kahla, the total opposite of what we expect a “Mistress” to be, yet she is a very real threat to every wifey. Through her memoirs she explains why she’s in the role of “Sloppy Second” with the revelation of “The Me Factor” which is the ultimate symptom to the disease of any affair. Kahla shares her experiences to help us all recognize that when it comes to affairs, we should be less concerned with the “How, When or Where” of an affair, we should concern ourselves with the “Why.”

Ella: Are your characters from the portrayal of real people?
The main character, Kahla is one woman who embodies the qualities of about 7 real people. She is not any one person that I know, but her actions and thoughts encompass a recurring theme I heard from friends over the years. I blended them all together, and VOILA…. Kayla was born.

Ella: What inspired you to write this story, Mistress Memoirs?
Women like to talk, sometimes spilling the beans on things that they probably shouldn’t share, but they do in order to get some advice or guidance. After listening to more than one friend or family member shed many tears over their relationship with a married man, I noticed that in all the cases, regardless of social standing, education or upbringing, they were all in the situation they were in due to the same underlying factors. I wrote Mistress Memoirs to open the eyes of women to the role they play in the situation.

Ella: Why did you decide to pick the Romance/Urban lit genre for your book?
I did not choose it; it chose me. When writing, I follow where the words lead and worry about categories or genre later. My initial thought was that Mistress Memoirs would be a self-help book, but Kahla began to show her behind by writing erotic and thought-provoking poetry, so I followed her lead. After all…the book is about Her thoughts, so as she spoke, I followed. Much in the same manner that the title leads you to have one impression of the book yet, the story line changes that impression, so too does Kahla’s thoughts venture into a territory of ensuring that you get much more than you expect when you open the cover. I chose this genre being obedient to how my character wanted to come to life.

Ella: How difficult was it to complete the novel, Mistress Memoirs?
The beginning of Mistress Memoirs was written several years ago. After sending several chapters to an editor, I was told that it needed work. That discouraged me and I put it on the shelf in my closet for several years. Once Peace In The Storm Publishing picked me up, I blew the dust off of my old manuscript and having been ignited with a new fire of inspiration of having “my own” book with ONLY my name on it; I couldn’t stop writing once I started. I had a new passion, and the whole book was written in about 6 months, with no outline and just winging it as I went along. I let Kahla and Kevin tell me where to go, and each spoke to me and when they did, I couldn’t keep up fast enough with them in putting their experience on paper.

Ella: Share with us your latest news, awards or upcoming book releases.
I am honored to announce that I have been nominated for the 2009 African American Literary Award Show in the category of Break-Out Author of the year. I thank my readers and those that nominated me and humbly ask for your vote for me, my label mates and our publishing company, Peace in the Storm Publishing at www.literaryawardshow.com/voting.html.

I also have begun my next novel, “Ask Nicely and I Might”, which will be released in the spring of 2010. If you thought Kahla was sassy, sexy and intriguing, wait till you get a chance to meet Jade! She’ll leave your mouth wide open, watering in the corners and yearning for more.

Mistress Memoirs by Lorraine Elzia, available at:
www.peaceinthestormpublishing.com
www.amazon.com
www.barnesandnoble.com
www.lorraineelzia.com

And local Borders and Walden Book Stores Worldwide

Meet Sandra Hamer author of "Glory...the Hair". I am originally from Grand Junction, Tennessee. I have been in Memphis, Tennessee since 1983. I came to Memphis to attend the University of Memphis where I majored in Broadcast Journalism. I spent 13 years in broadcasting working most recently as an Overnight Anchor/Reporter at WMC-TV 5. I have been teaching school for 10 years.

Legacy
My writing offers the following legacy to future readers...it will provide faith and encouragement during challenging times.

Ella: Why do I write? How did I start my writing career?
I now know that I have always been a writer. In high school I started keeping a diary around 10th grade and wrote a short play for class. I also started writing poetry in high school and still continue to do so. While lunching with a friend of mine some 13 years ago, she suggested that I write a novel. A friend of hers had written a few novels and was quite successful at it. She told me about a continuing education course to take at the University of Memphis that would guide me in the writing process. I followed her advice. I am still grateful to her for planting that seed until this day.

After working with an editor on "Glory...the Hair," I realize that I am indeed a writer. Everyday, I try to journal or write. If I don't write on a regular basis, I won't have the best day or week because I have something to say that's not coming out of my head. I also feel like my writing is an extension of my calling to teach. I believe that a lot of people don't fit the normal mode of church but they read alot. I am hoping that they will read something in my book "Glory...the Hair" that will inspire them and give them more faith and lead others to Christ.

Ella: Introduce us to your new book, Glory...the Hair.

This book is mainly about two women. One is a customer and one is a hairstylist. Sometimes in life there are deep issues. This book deals with deep issues that come about after a hairstyle gone wrong. It deals with how Shelia really has issues with her clients or she wouldn't be just cutting their hair off. Jennifer has some issues too. She has her own spiritual struggles. We find out how this affects their personal, professional and spiritual lives.

Ella: Who are my two main characters?
The two main characters in my book are Jennifer Williams and Shelia Kennedy. I like the fact that Jennifer is not just sitting by and letting a hairdresser have her way with her hair. I like the fact that Jennifer is conscientious. She takes Shelia to court but not for money. Shelia has good traits. She's a virgin and committed to God in a big way. She's a business owner. Shelia has her own problems with her mom but her fiance' is very supportive of her.

Ella: What makes my book stand out and what would entice a reader to read it?
First of all, I think that it has a nice cover and it makes people wonder what it is about. Everyone who has read the book basically loves it. I have talked to people in libraries, relatives, friends and folks who I don't even know. I do know one hairdresser who was skeptical of the book until she read it. She thought that it was going to bash hairdressers but it doesn't do that at all. She finally admitted that it was a good book with a lot of little stories in it.

Ella: Ultimately, what do you want readers to gain from your book?
I really want those who don't know Christ to give him a chance. After they read all of the stories inside this book, I believe that it makes Christianity look easier than those on the outside might believe.

Ella: What can we expect from you in the future?
I am working on a sequel to "Glory...the Hair." I don't believe it will be as long as the first book.

Ella: What advice would you give a new writer?
Don't put off writing. Write everyday and discipline yourself. Also, get a mentor. Research self-publishing and agents. Attend conferences, network, read magazines, etc. Treat it like a career.

Contact Sandra Hamer
www.glorythehair.com
www.sandrahamer.com
www.authorhouse.com
shamer@sandrahamer.com

Ella: Sharon Oliver, how did you start your writing journey?

I’m originally from the Maryland/DC area, born in Baltimore. I’ve lived in South Carolina, North Carolina, and for the past 15 years, Atlanta. My career in the federal government spanned from the age of 16 until a “much more advanced” age in 2003. That same year, a desire to write had birthed within me. However, I had limited myself to try my hand at writing articles. A friend suggested I try penning a novel. One day to my surprise, some ideas I had for articles and entries from my journals found their way into the first 3 chapters of what would turn out to be my first piece of fiction, Keep Your Enemies Closer.

Ella: Tell us about your passion for writing. Why do you write? What drives you?
First of all, GOD is truly behind the inspiration because I had no dream as a little girl to become a writer when I grew up. Believe it or not, when someone says something funny or pro found, that is inspiration for me. And just this morning I had a dream about something to add to a storyline. I write because 2003 was a transition year for me. There was a restlessness, an urgency to find out what I am to do besides work a 9 to 5. It is to write and I love creating stories.

Ella: Share the Legacy behind your writing.
My writing offers the following legacy to future readers in that it’s good clean writing that is entertaining and everlasting. I want to encourage writers to keep the torch burning for wholesome writing.

Ella: Give us a synopsis of the book being discussed, Deliver Me From My Enemies.
Deliver Me From My Enemies is the sequel to Keep Your Enemies Closer. The protagonist, Charlotte Morley, receives a series of letters from an imprisoned aunt serving time for killing her husband. The story touches on subject matters that go on behind closed doors even in the black community and dare I say even some Christian have experienced or can relate to said matters. At first glance, one would think being subjected to wife swapping is enough to make a person snap and commit murder. But secrets can be just as detrimental.

Ella: Who are your two main characters and what do you like most about them?
Charlotte Morley for her calm demeanor, wisdom, level-headedness and heart. And Nora “Sista” Jones! Although very tactless, Sista says what others wish they had the nerve to say. She is one of the last of the Madea(s) and Big Mama(s).

Ella: What makes your book stand out and would entice a reader to pick it up?
Hopefully, the titles and covers are eye catchers. Secondly, I don’t write romance novels. My favorite genre has always been mystery and humor, which is what I write. So when a reader wants something that is a little different, they’ll keep me in mind.

Ella: Ultimately, what do you want readers to gain from your book?

My desire is for readers to finish the book having gained insight on some level and be entertained. Laughter is good medicine and insight is just GOD ministering a word.

Ella: What is the most surprising thing you have learned in creating books?
That I really could do it. You may have an idea for a book and even know how you want it to end, but it’s being able to fill in that middle that rounds the whole thing out. Coming up with your first 10,000 to 12, 000 can be easy, but the work comes in after that.

Ella: What advice would you give a new writer?
Three things: Network as much as you can, never stop researching and gathering resources and give back. Recently, I had been approached by an aspiring writer/poet who was disheartened about his encounters with folk unwilling to share information. I believe in the principle of sowing and reaping. This is a tough business, but I believe GOD opens even more doors when we are willing to sow into one another’s =2 0lives.

Ella: What can we expect from you in the future?
Expect more humor and mystery with unexpected plot twists. My next book is a murder mystery.

Contact Info: www.sharonoliver.net and www.myspace.com/sharonwrites

Book is available at: Barnes & Noble, Borders, Wal-Mart and other major bookstores.
Also online at www.amazon.com, www.blackexpressions.com, www.half.com and other online stores.

Angie L. Jennings is an advocate of writing quickly and not giving the demonic self-critic the chance to set in and dig its claws into her back. With the instruction of a university seminar, Angie L. Jennings followed a rigorous schedule—writing two hours a day/six days a week—to complete her manuscript in a month and a half. She published the novel two years later. Jennings is an adjunct English professor with Washington, DC area colleges and universities and runs aiellejai (pronounced A-L-J), a communications firm.

Ella: Tell us about your passion for writing. Why do you write? What drives you?
My passion for writing comes in spurts and is usually devoted to completing a larger body of work. I’ve never been a fan of journaling or short forms of daily writing other than blogging because, for me, my writing has to have a specific purpose. About four years ago, I knew I wanted to write a novel and that I was capable of doing so, but the actual writing did not begin until I decided that it was time to get to work on the piece. My writing process starts in my head, where scenes play out as if there were a giant projection screen in my brain. I modify the scenes and I may jot them down on paper. When my brain tires of running the projector, or the film strip breaks, or I feel like I’m up to committing large amounts of text to paper, I do so. Once I put pen to paper, my writing, in a way, serves as my confidant and I spill all the secrets of the film that played from months or years before.

Ella: Finish this sentence: I am Powerful because...
I am powerful because I’ve learned to be my own best cheerleader. Self-publishing a novel is an incredibly rewarding, but challenging and lonely feat. Once you get over the initial hurdle of writing and producing the piece, which, to me, is the easy part, you’re left to pump yourself up to market the title. Reading up on the process of self-publishing gives you the foundation for overseeing the production and promotion of the project, but it minimally prepares you for what you will actually endure. That’s where the internal cheerleader kicks in, to keep you motivated, to keep you sane, and to keep you confident that you are a good writer and that the product you’ve produced is just as worthy of accolades as any other title out there.

Ella: Give us the synopsis of the book being discussed.

In the debut novel, “Twist” by author Angie L. Jennings, twenty-four-year-old Sharin Downs confronts the events of her past in an effort to learn from her mistakes and not take herself too seriously. Through a series of counseling sessions, she discovers that perhaps her astronomic challenges are just minor setbacks and tries to muster the determination to stay the course. Like many twenty-somethings, Sharin Downs finds herself entangled in a whirlwind of relationship blunders, financial instability, and career missteps as she makes a daunting transition into adulthood. Loosely based on the author’s experiences as a young professional woman striving to become financially independent and establish her place in the world, “Twist” is a story of introspection and personal growth that will resonate with readers, particularly in these harsh economic times.

Ella: Who are your two main characters and what do you like most about them?
The novel’s two main characters are Sharin Downs and Dr. Gregory Bailey. Through a series of counseling sessions with Dr. Bailey, Sharin begins to discover that her personal turmoil runs deeper than finding her next job. I like these characters and their interactions not only because they are loosely based on my own experiences but the discoveries made in their sessions together are real and relevant to my audience today. Because of current economic instability, a number of individuals are now asking, “Now what?” When they take the time to really explore the answer to this question and what it means to them, they may be surprised at what they find. I look at Sharin as the icon of this uncertainty that many have endured but have yet to see documented through such a realistic but fictional character.

Ella: What makes your book stand out and would entice a reader pick it up?
One thing that stands out about Twist is the cover. The crossed legs symbolize Sharin’s desire to make sense of her sexual relationships and how closed and guarded she’s been with her true feelings and thoughts until now. Something else that stands out about this novel is that it doesn’t follow the current trend of urban/gangsta lit. As African-American fiction writers, we have to be careful about allowing our characters to fall into the stereotypical chasms that characters in TV and film have fallen into in the past. There has been an ongoing battle between black America and mass media to close these chasms, but the chasms are opening now in the publishing world. I’m so proud of Sharin because she is literally the young lady next door, the young lady you work with or the one sitting next to you in class who’s trying her best to legitimately find her way in life.

Ella: What is the most surprising thing you have learned in creating books?
The most surprising thing that I’ve learned during the production of a novel is that once it’s printed, it most likely won’t be met with open arms and a wealth of support from your audience. I mean, I knew this on the surface going into the project, but it becomes overwhelmingly apparent when you’re done and in the promotion phase. We live in a faster paced, technological world now and although this new technology has made it easier to identify your audience, the general audience for books is getting smaller. I’ve accomplished a huge task in writing and self-publishing a novel, but the novel itself and the contents are not enough. I’m continually thinking of ways to not only make my title more interesting but make the act of reading more interesting to my target audience.

Ella: What advice would you give a new writer?
Be prepared to make the investment in your project, because no one will care about this project like you do. Again, this concept is another that all writers know on the surface, but once that book is in your hands, it’s up to you to do something with it –whether that means sell thousands of copies or use it to legitimize yourself as a writer and lay the groundwork for subsequent titles. Also, when it comes to spending money on promotional items (media lists, email blasts, events), evaluate how your media buy will specifically help you sell your book or promote you as a writer. Ask these providers for past results or measurements (email open rates, list sizes) that can help you make the best decision for your project.

Ella: What can we expect from you in the future?
You can expect to see another “Sharin” novel. Other than that, I do have a few other filmstrips running in my head that I may choose to bring to life on paper. But if two Sharin Downs novels are the only ones I ever write, I’d be okay with that.

------

Angie L. Jennings author of "Twist"
(332 pp., $12.95, spine publishing)
Listen to excerpts from Twist

spine publishing a subsidiary of aiellejai
www.callmetwist.com

Ella: Sonia, tell us a little about you and your life.
I am a survivor of domestic violence. After leaving my abuser, without a dime to my name and a 3 year old in tow, I managed to make a better life for herself and my child, and complete my education. Since that experience I’ve spent over 12 years working in shelters, group homes, and as an educator.

Ella: Tell us about you passion for writing, why do you write? What drives you?
My passion for writing comes from a need for expression. Writing is my counselor. I can cry, yell, scream and cuss and it's always appropriate. I can share my writing or I can keep it them private. It's great.

Ella: A Legacy is something that is handed down from one period of time to another period of time. What legacy do you want to leave with your readers?
My writing offers future readers an honest look into the human experience. Sometimes that experience is funny. Sometimes its sad, scandalous and even erotic. My writing is real life.

Ella: Give us the synopsis of the book being discussed, When Life Becomes a Love Story.
When Life Becomes a Love Story is about one girls journey and the road she takes to finding true love and happiness. Ayo, the main character grew up believing she wasn't worth loving. She tries just about everything to receive the love she needs. When nothing works she pretends to be someone else in hopes to win over the love of her life. It takes Ayo over 13 years to realize that she had the power to live her love story all along. But not until she began to love herself.

Ella: Where are you from? How did you start your writing journey?

I am from St. Louis, MO. I started my writing journey out of a need for survival. I was depressed and lost and couldn't decide between life or death. I chose life!

Ella: Who are your two main characters and what do you like most about them?
Ayo and Noel are the two main characters. I life Ayo because she is a reflection of me. She is strong, vulnerable, giving and most of all a survivor. Noel is the love of Ayo's life. He sweeps her of her feet and gives Ayo her first real taste of real love.

Ella: What makes your book stand out and would entice a reader to pick it up?
I've been told that it's a page turner. You want to find out what happens next. You can cry, laugh and be mad as hell all in that same chapter.

Ella: Ultimately, what do you want readers to gain from your book?
I want readers to feel hopeful. I want them to understand just how much power they really have over creating a lifetime of happiness.

Ella: What is the most surprising thing you have learned in creating books?
What I found most surprising is that you can pour yourself into setting a mood or a scene but as soon as your editor reads it, it still isn't good enough to get the message across. It can be disheartening. But definitely a learning experience and has taught me to be a better writer.

Ella: What would you say has been your most significant achievement as a writer?
My most significant achievement as a writer is being able to offer scholarships to individuals who have over come adversities. That's what I'm most proud of.

Ella: What advice would you give a new writer?
They're your words but you don't know everything. Listen, listen, listen while staying true to yourself.

Ella: Name 3 things that it takes to make a successful author, in your opinion?
1. Focus, 2. the ability to take criticism and 3. A love for the craft.

Ella: What can we expect from you in the future?
I am currently co-authoring 2 biographies. We all have a story to tell. I want to help you tell it. If you are interested in telling your story but don't know where to start contact me at sonia@amadipublishingco.com

Ella: Share with us you latest news, awards or upcoming book releases.
I just celebrated the launch of When Life Becomes a Love Story on May 16. I will be announcing my first WLBLS scholarship winner very soon. I recently spoke at Bowie State to a group of domestic violence survivors.

Contact information:
Sonia Matthews Author, Self-Publisher
5810 Kingstowne Center Drive
Kingstowne, VA 22315
sonia@amadipublishingco.com
www.soniamatthews.com

Meet Nancy M. Sellers O'Bryan. What can we say? She made it! Some say she's witty, funny, brutally honest, but most of all she is real! Nancy M. Sellers O'Bryan is a wife, a daughter, a sister, a mother, saved, sanctified, filled with the burning fire of the holy spirit, a committed writer, and most of all a true friend to many. She has beaten the odds of childhood struggles; teenage parenting, single-motherhood, spousal death, disappointments, domestic violence and the vicious act of rape. She strived to turn it all into something GOOD. Now a published author she is on her way! The purpose of this book is to minister to troubled teen-agers; women and men who take their bodies for granted and abuse it, thinking it’s love. She has no more Bondage but has Freedom to love again! You can be free!

Ella: Nancy M. Sellers O'Bryan, tell us about your passion for writing.
My passion for writing is the creativity that my mind has other than everyday living. It shows me that I can create situations, story lines and intrigue other people to get interested in what I have to say. This is also why I write. Why do you write? When I am unable to express in conversation verbally, my mind guides the keys on my computer to pour out of my heart all that I am feeling and plainly speak for me. I can convey every thought perfectly in ink or computer. I do not do manuscripts because I am able to start at one place and end in another with no problem. What drives you? My focus and ability to show others that I can do it or anything I put my mind to drives me to write. I am imaginative and love to prove points.

Ella: Finish this sentence: I am Powerful because...
I am Powerful because...I lived long enough to tell my story and I am free.

Ella: Where are you from? How did you start your writing journey?
I am from Poughkeepsie, NY. It's a city that has become hopeless but I intend to help make a difference even if it's a small one. My journey to write was there as a child but I was side tracked with the abuse at home, lack of love and attention I so desired. I got off track for many years but finally got it together after meeting a wonderful man named Fritz. He is also my husband, comforter, encourager and love of my life. He stuck around in spite of my past and wanted to see me do better. He never lets me give up.

Ella: Give us the synopsis of the book being discussed, Bondage to Freedom.

The book is a testimony about my life. I desire to share with the young women and men that change is in need. You ask how, why? Teen pregnancy has become an epidemic/issue. After deciding to take my life back, being that I was a teen mom at the age of 14 and have been through a lot of the things people wish not to speak about, I looked around my community and asked myself, why are there so many young girls having babies like its the in thing to do? So I went around and found that there is nothing for these kids to do and decided that I would write a book to let them know they don't have to have sex to be noticed, they can have SUCCESS. I am a voice for those who have none. Instead of talking about it, I am doing something about it.

Ella: Who are your two main characters and what do you like most about them?
The two main characters I love the most are myself, because I saw how much junk I took from people which let me know if I turn that into something positive I could make it. The character Jarod, he let me know there were men that lied for a living and didn't know it.

Ella: What makes your book stand out and would entice a reader pick it up?
My book stands out mainly because of the cover. I design books that represent what I am talking about. The bondage and freedom is clearly depicted on the cover. My message is that you can survive anything and live to tell about it. That's why people should read it...There are people trapped by their own past and my books lets them know they don't have to be.

Ella: Ultimately, what do you want readers to gain from your book or poetry?
FREEDOM, FORGIVENESS mainly of themselves...and live...life is too short to hold on to something you can't change.

Ella: What is the most surprising thing you have learned in creating books?
I learned that there was so many things ( I ) can do.. I learned how to format, design covers and creative writing about all sorts of things God gives me. I learned to cut out the middle man and do it myself.

Ella: What would you say has been your most significant achievement as a writer?
That I actually did it and people are reading it with wonderful feed back! Oh, and I love writing period.. My passion is back.

Ella: What advice would you give a new writer?
Be creative, Be yourself, learn all you can. Remain teachable. Don't be a know it all.

Ella: Name 3 things that it takes to make a successful author, in your opinion?
Spirit, Purpose, Ability to learn more

Ella: What can we expect from you in the future?
SUCCESS, That I saved someone's life, mentoring

Ella: Share with us your latest news, awards or upcoming book releases.
(I will be going on Oprah in June 2009. I had an opportunity to submit my info to you. New release of (I'm Not in Love, You're Just a Booty Call May 2009) 3rd Book and Created Just for Me, June 2009 4th book

Nancy M. Sellers O'Bryan
CEO of Bondage to Freedom....The Book
It's Not Just Another Story...It's about change!!!!!
www.bondagetofreedom.com

Reach Nancy M. Sellers O'Bryan online:
http://blackdiamond357.ning.com/profile/NancySellersOBryan
http://www.blackpreachingnetwork.com/profile/NancySellersOBryan
http://www.iseecolor.com/profile/NancyMSellersOBryan
http://holywomenofexcellency.ning.com/profile/NancySellersOBryan
http://ebonylounge.ning.com/profile/NancySellersOBryan
http://blackauthors.ning.com/profile/NancyOBryan
http://megaliveradio.ning.com/profile/NancySellersOBryan
http://minglezonenetwork.ning.com/profile/NancySellersOBryan
http://mmnetworks.ning.com/profile/NancyOBryan
http://wwdd08.ning.com/profile/NancyOBryan

Meet Poet B. Kelliean Joseph

I am B. Kelliean Joseph. I'm sentimental in my traditions, kind in my ways and spirited and humorous in my personality. I was born and raised in the Americas. My interest in writing began as a child when reading became my hobby. Life has taken me on unbelievable journeys. I use poetry to share my experiences and gained knowledge.

For fifteen years or so I lingered on my hearts desire to write. Life had me wrapped up. Within the past three years the passion for writing began to re-emerge. Poetry writing at its divine has brought out of me some amazing poems and continues to do so. My passion for writing is now stronger than ever. My fingers tingle whenever I get the argue to write a new piece.

The love I have for my poems is rather like mother to child, each piece holds a place in my heart and summons an array of emotions. This is the very reason I want to share my poems with the rest of the world. Three things my inspirations derives from are: one, my love for music, some say money makes the world go round, I say music make my world turn. Secondly, love, love drives me, there is an indescribable burst of love-energy within me that spills into everything I do. The third is life, my outlook on all life experiences are positive, though rugged at times, what's learned is worth the price paid. The nature of all life fascinates me.

Currently I reside in "The City that never sleeps", The Biggest Apple of all.... and I take small bites at a time savoring the sweet taste. My hopes are to reach millions of people with my poems, bring a smile to faces, joy to hearts, a spark of hope within..... or just entertain.

Poetic Expression: I Want

I want to kiss like tomorrow will never come, until my lips are moistened with my lovers taste, so we won’t even know when our mouths part.

I want to love like a feather floating in the wind not knowing where it will take us, to feel the free-ness of our souls drifting of into the sunset and rising with each morning’s ray.

I want to love like Adam and Eve in the newness of the earth. Love like a free flowing song never skipping a beat while the violin plays along.

I want to know my lover’s heart beat for me,.... Yes, even skip a beat whenever he sees my smiling face. All days, let my face be his sunshine with each passing cloud.

I want our lovemaking to be like lemon drops on the tip of my tongue,.... Like a warm bubble bath on a cold rainy day,..... Like a goodnight’s sleep awaken refreshed.

I want for his penetration to be deep within my soul melting my desire for our oneness. For the icy tip of his tongue to touch my breast; sending me into a shock of ecstasy; crying for more, longing for our embrace to never end.

I want to dance on the moistened grass to the melodies of the trombone frogs, violin mosquitoes and all the nightly musical critters. For him to hold my hand as we skip the river rock in the moonlight.

I want me to hold his heart in my bosom safely like an unborn egg.

I want us to love in a triangle, connecting our souls, our minds and bodies.

I want him and me to love like this forever.

by
B. Kelliean Joseph
Email: "LIFERIDER" < nickell0001@gmail.com >

Intimate Conversation with Geoffrey D. Holman

Geoffrey D. Holman, a Visual artist, Poet, Spoken word poet, actor, director, producer and published author writer. An artist looking for the complex answers to the mystery of living, the mystery of the human existence through the tools of art and literature. Director/creator of several community theatrical productions and Off Off broad way productions. An intense artist/writer who looks at the opportunities in life, looking at life not necessarily in the center. (www.RainTiger.com) this month's featured poet)

Ella: Geoffrey, tell us more about you and your life.
I was born in Brooklyn, New York and raised in Deer Park, Long Island, New York. In the Suffolk County school district, we learned about writing creatively as early as the third grade. Scholastic books, creative writing flash cards, all of that...pushed me along in my urgency to write. During this period of time, teachers weren't hard pressed for money, at least we didn't know about it. They weren't concerned about the color of your skin or your financial back ground. They were concerned about what you learned and how well you learned and if it would be retained. My writing journey, I guess began after being captivated by ALEX HALEY'S "ROOTS", I fell in love with the book, it's characters had become my family, I first read the book when I was twelve, to this day we have the collection (video) and watch it annually, usually around the holidays.

Ella:   What makes "GHETTOETRY: A COLLECTION OF POETRY & ILLUSTRATIONS " stand out?
Well besides the title and it's cover, the book is the second collection of my poetry that has been published. This book speaks to you and brings ones mind to people that you either know, have been or have heard about at some point in life's journey.

It's honesty, it's compassion and it' voice and heart felt concern for those of us that live in the rough spots of urban America. For many of us on the other side of the American consciousness..... It really is "a jungle out there." I have seen how our self hatred, our oppression and instinctive will to survive first hand in urban America, I have seen so many of the strong succumb to the gripping realities of poverty. The book tears away the image that is conveyed of the ghetto and it's people. It reflects and revels in the humanity of the PEOPLE that reside in the "hood".

Ella:   What it is that the reader should get out of this manuscript?
They should get life.....they should see that the pain of a mother or father losing their loved one to the angst of gang bangers, to drugs, alcohol and A.I.D.S. That this is some real deep, dark doo doo that 's going on in the black and brown communities. This isn't a collection of poetry for the average Joe, it's poetry for those that want to know and who really care about life in Americas urban communities.

Ella:   The three things that it takes to make a successful author?
Belief in your higher power. Persistence, the ability to learn from, except and utilize criticism to your advantage

Ella:   What can you expect from me in the future?
Currently I am in the process of several projects, my original multi media, one act vignette called "The GET THERE: DRAMALOUGES & SPOKEN WORDS" which is featured in "The NUMERAL THR3EE" opening at the NUYORICAN POETS CAFE in New York City in August.

Also attempting to get funding for my stage play "LOVES INTENTIONS....(A COMEDY....SERIOUSLY!) and my screen play "URBAN POETS" . In addition, a film project which I am the subject of called "SOUL OF A PRIEST" A DOCU ART FILM Produced and directed by Emmitt H. Thrower, featuring my spoken word poetry and some of my art work depicting life in urban America, this should be completed by August 09. Also putting together my fourth collection of poetry and illustration "THE BEAUTIFUL GHETTO" (which will also feature some art work of my son, Schuyler D. Holman)

Published Author/Visual illustrator/ spoken word performance artist/screen and playwright /actor/director and producer/ fiction writer/Liberationists.

www.ghettoetry.orgfree.com
www.myspace.com/nueliberationtheatre1
ghettoetry.0928@yahoo.com
www.urbankornerz.ning.com
www.blackauthorshowcase.ning.com

"GHETTOETRY" (A collection of poetry and illustrations) (c) by Geoffrey D. Holman a/k/a PRIEST coming from PUBLISH AMERICA. "THE NUMERAL THR3EE (c)": An original collection of three vignettes by some of New York's most innovative writers and performance artist "THE GET THERE: DRAMALOUGES AND SPOKEN WORDS" .

Written by Geoffrey D. Holman aka Priest /Directed by Tantra Zawadi
"GIRL: A Choreospective" Written and performed by Tantra Zawadi

Directed by Geoffrey D. Holman aka Priest "The Illusionist"
Based on a character and concepts and performed by Mildred "DRED" Gerestant, written and directed by Geoffrey D. Holman aka Priest.

Intimate Conversation with Toyi Ward

Toyi Ward is an author & media host. After ten years as a Fortune 100 sales & marketing executive, she pursued her writing career full-time. Her debut novel, Par for the Curse, examines the impact of generational secrets on the family. She is the host of “TOYi Talk-Authenticity with Attitude” on the Blog Talk Radio Network.

Toyi was awarded Top 50 Women in Business by NJBIZ magazine for her commitment to personal and professional achievement. She also holds a seat at The Center for Research on Violence Against Women (CRVAW) and The University of Kentucky Women & Philanthropy Leadership Council. While writing is work for her, she enjoys being able to work at any beach front location from Hilton Head, South Carolina to Cape Town, South Africa. She is married with two children.

Ella:   Tell us about your passion for writing. Why do you write? What drives you?
I write for two reasons. The first is that I am pregnant with stories to create that just won't leave me until I write them. I have to write because God called me to it. It burns inside of me. I tried to NOT write, but my desire remained. The second reason I write is that I want to enlighten readers inside of an entertaining story. I write about family because families are the source of our society. When the family is functional, society is functional and the village thrives. Otherwise, everything is a mess.

Ella: A Legacy is something that is handed down from one period of time to another period of time. Finish this sentence- My writing offers the following legacy to future readers...
An ability to look into human flaws and dysfuction without judgment. I hope readers will enjoy my writing for generations and it will always be applicable to their families. I desire for my writing to bring about healing in family pain and forgiveness toward loved ones who made mistakes along the way.

Ella:    Give us the synopsis of the book being discussed.
The men they love with never love them. The men who love them, they will never love. These simple but ominous words describe the complex situation in the life of Stormy Briggs. The drama in Stormy's life is caused by a curse put on her great-grandmother, Lila, over eighty years ago. The heart line of Grandma Lila's palm was sliced in two which led to a life void of love and lasting relationships. Though her cousins Riley and Lourdes accept the lot they have been given in life, an unexpected event forces Stormy to return New Orleans to investigate the origin of the curse. Par for the Curse is unpredictable and not easily put into a box. This story was written to shed light on how we often hurt our family members with the best of intentions. Family secrets are most often meant to protect loved ones but instead end up being painful baggage carried for generations. Stormy is determined to rid herself and her family of the curse and the baggage once and for all.

Ella:   Who are your two main characters and what do you like most about them?
Stormy is the main character in Par for the Curse. She is the "smart one" in this family of beautiful women. I love her because she is courageous. It takes a lot to confront secrets from the past and she pushes with full force to rid her family of this curse. Riley is Stormy's rowdy younger cousin. She has accepted the curse on her life and has decided to make the most of her loveless life by enticing men with her "assets". I love Riley because she is unapologetic about who she is. She's a mess and she knows it.

Ella: What makes your book stand out and would entice a reader pick it up?
Par for the Curse is a fast paced story that takes the reader through a range of emotions. Every chapter ends leaving the reader with a question of what more could happen to these women. It has elements of romance and mystery but is a work of fiction that captures real life dilemma's with drama you only want to read about in books.

Ella: Ultimately, what do you want readers to gain from your book or poetry?
First, I want readers to enjoy the story. I want them to be entertained and be satisfied once they have completed the book. I want them to think about their own lives and identify the negative patterns of behavior that have been passed on to them. Pack up that baggage and throw it out. Get rid of the family baggage and break generational curses in their own families.

Ella: What advice would you give a new writer?
Write the thing that you are afraid to write. When you feel exposed or uncomfortable writing something, that authenticity comes through to the reader. Go for it!

Ella: Name 3 things that it takes to make a successful author, in your opinion?
The persistence to keep writing, the desire to make each project better, and a continuous student of the craft.

Ella: What can we expect from you in the future?
Even I don't know what to expect. I'll go wherever God takes me and the canvas is blank. I'm committed to writing about the family and tackling tough issues that affect us all.

Website: http://www.TOYIWARD.com
TOYi Talk, The Blog: http://www.toyiward.com/blog

Par for the Curse Blog: http://parforthecurse.toyiward.com

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/toyiward
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/toyiward

Par for the CURSE, a novel is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Target, and everywhere books are sold.

Read about it on the Par for the CURSE Blog.
“What a refreshing story. For popular fiction the sentence structure is strong and could easily be literary in nature. The plot is well done and the ending does not disappoint. This is a genre busting display of originality. The character development is some of the best in popular fiction. Though the characters are mixed race African-Americans, their plight and appeal are universal. The depth and complexity of the family dynamics are perfectly crafted in a tale of love, support, and typical family tension. The character behavior is consistent throughout the novel and there was never any place that I felt a disconnect between character and behavior. It's funny, thought-provoking, and pure entertainment. I give this story an "A" and Toyi Ward a red carpet into fiction writing.” –Amazon Editorial Reviews, March 2009

Ella: Join me in welcoming author Tomi Akinyanmi to the family. Tomi is a stay at home mum, who writes and draws in her “free” time. Her accomplishments include the award winning book “A Worthy Legacy” and various published poems, including "Voices in the Wind" - 2002 winner of the Voicesnet poetry contest. She is also a singer and songwriter.

Ella: Where are you from? How did you start your writing journey?
I was born and I grew up in Nigeria. I moved to the United States in 2002. I began writing when I was in Elementary School. I love to read and my first experiment with writing was in trying to write an alternate end to the books I have read especially if I felt the end just didn’t feel right. However, it wasn’t until I was in college that I got really serious with my writing. I would write song lyrics and poetry. Also, since I wasn’t much of a talker, those days, writing was (and still remains) my way to unwind. To tell the truth, it is much easier for me to sit and write than to talk, I would attend parties and while others chatted about me, I could pick up on a piece of conversation, sit in a corner and create a story around it. There’s just something about playing around with words playing that I find relaxing.

Ella: Introduce us to your award winning book! What makes your book stand out and would entice a reader pick it up? Don't be modest...LOL.
Synopsis: An intensely personal story with a powerful universal resonance, "A Worthy Legacy" chronicles the story of a granddaughter who journeys to the Nigerian village of her childhood to join the rest of her family by her grandfather's deathbed. As the family says their goodbyes, Grandpa begins to share the secrets of his long life and happiness.
However, far from the ramblings of an old man, the eloquent last words amount to a code for life that's neither preachy nor commanding. "I have no diamonds to leave as inheritances to you", he tells his family gathered around him. "What I have to give are words, and they are more precious than any other thing I could give to you".

From the cover to the interior, a worthy legacy stands out as a beautiful book with an unforgettable cover image. As A. Kai (RawSistaz Reviewers) wrote, “A WORTHY LEGACY is a lovely artwork unto itself”.

The story of “A Worthy Legacy” has resonated with a lot of people across different cultures, especially people who have suffered the loss of a loved one as well as people going through life changing events. In the words of Margaret Orford (Allbooks Review) “There are some wise insights to the meaning of life and other key points that affect the quality of the life that one chooses to live”.

The story of the book also provides a window to the African culture. Since moving to the US, I have been amazed at how little people actually know of the richness of the African culture and its influence on individuals who grew up there. “A Worthy Legacy” is one of the few books out there that talks firsthand about the depth of the African cultural experience. Far from being just a story, the events described in the story represents one of the ways in which values, history, knowledge and instruction has been transferred across generations in many African cultures. Read the entire article at the BP Blog.

Eugenia O'Neal is a true woman of the Caribbean - her mother was from the Dominican Republic and her father was born in Cuba. She, herself, grew up in the British Virgin Islands and went to high school in Barbados before studying journalism in Philadelphia. She's currently living and working in London while working on several manuscripts.

Three of her short stories have been published in The Caribbean Writer and, in 1995, she participated in the Caribbean Writers Summer Institute at the University of Miami. One of her more recent short stories appeared in the Black Expressions Anthology, The Heart of Our Community. Her first book was From the Field to the Legislature: A History of Women in the Virgin Islands, which was based on her master's thesis for the University of the West Indies and was published by Greenwood Press in 2001. Her first contemporary romance received rave reviews as has Dido's Prize, her latest offering.

She is a member of Romance Writers of America and From The Heart Romance Writers. Her Website is http://www.eugeniaoneal.com.

Ella: Introduce us to your new book, Dido's Prize.
Dido, a slave on a Jamaican sugar plantation, runs away to join Henry Morgan's privateer fleet and find the treasure that will allow her to buy her family's freedom. What she doesn't bargain on is falling in love with El Negro, a pirate captain with no particular yen for a long-lasting relationship. As Morgan sails the Spanish Main, sacking first, El Puerto del Principe in Cuba, and then the great city of Porto Bello in Panama, Dido becomes a valued member of El Negro's crew. After the ships return to Jamaica, Dido thinks she will never see the pirate captain again, but he comes to her rescue when she is in peril. They flee deep into the Blue Mountains, but El Negro knows he will never be safe on the island. Together, Dido and her pirate, head back out to sea to find a place where they can live and love in freedom.

Ella: Where are you from? How did you start your writing journey?
I started writing when I was very young - I love writing as much as I love reading. I started my first manuscript before I finished college but I never completed it, I just shelved it and didn't bother trying to polish it up. Then when I was in my early thirties I thought about it and decided to have another go - the manuscript that became Just an Affair looked very different after all my revisions than it had when I first wrote it. I hadn't known anything then about conflict and dark moments and those sorts of things. Read the entire article at the BP Blog.

Bonnie Hopkins is a mother, grandmother, mentor, and writer, who resides in the Houston, Texas area where writing is her second career. She is surprised that God has called her into a writing ministry, but knows why, and her books poignantly reflect that. Bonnie also mentors a group of aspiring writers. Bonnie’s debut novel, “Seasons”, has blessed countless readers - many who admit to reading it over and over. She is prayerful that her subsequent books will have the same effect.

Ella: Tell us about your passion for writing.
I basically stumbled into writing after retiring to pursue a new venture. Since I started writing, I am now convinced that writing is God’s purpose for my life. I am joy-filled, peaceful and enthusiastic as I write – filled with the same emotions my characters are experiencing, and asking God to equip me with the capability to express those emotions through the story. My prayer is that readers will be blessed with an enjoyable, encouraging, inspiring and satisfying story.

Ella: Bonnie, give us the synopsis of the book being discussed today.
The title of the book is “Now and Then, Again”. Just as Savannah Sinclair begins to savor her new beginning, which includes taking a chance on a new relationship, a devastating demand from the past sends her reeling with shock. She is challenged to WALK her Christian TALK.

But strongholds of hurt, un-forgiveness, anger and fear, - hidden in the rut of her soul, - hold her captive and Vann admits defeat to these rut buddies when she fails the ultimate Christian tests of love, forgiveness and faith. I offer this story to readers who need to escape their own ruts and discover God’s power to reach into the past and bring restoration and renewal into the present. Read the entire article at the BP Blog.

Black Pearls family join me in welcoming author Cheryl Robinson. Bestselling Author and native Detroiter Cheryl Robinson is a women’s fiction author. She has been known for writing novels with a twist, portraying women who face the odds and succeed. Cheryl currently resides in central Florida.

Ella Curry of EDC Creations chats with Cheryl about her new book release.

Cheryl: Tell us about your passion for writing. What's the title of your new book?

I have been writing for what feels like my entire life. During college, I enrolled in a fiction writing class as an elective and that’s when I discovered my passion for creating characters and stories that readers will hopefully find memorable. As for my latest novel, In Love With A Younger Man that was just released January 2009 and is in stores now here is the description Black Expressions Book Club has:

Her tryst with this sexy young man uncovers a startling secret...

At forty-three Olena Day has her life under control. Her professional life at least. But having earned a years’ sabbatical what will she do now? Enter Matthew Harper, a management trainee for a large auto dealer, who has big plans when it comes to his career. But relationships? He’s never been serious about the young girls who have thrown themselves at him. But this ambitious and fine bachelor’s world gets rocked when sexy Olena walks into his dealership. She may be looking for a new car but she’ll end up with a lot more than she bargained for. Besides their eighteen year age difference there’s another secret that could threaten this May-December romance.

Ella: Cheryl, you seem to have it all together. Women writers could really see you as a role model. Finish this sentence for us: I am Powerful because...
I am Powerful because... I believe and have faith in God and I believe that anything is possible...I believe in the power of positive thinking. In 2009, I want to demonstrate more than ever that what you believe you can achieve.

Ella: Albert Einstein states, "If the facts don't fit the theory, change the facts." Was there ever a point in your career, when your life didn't match the theory? And how did you change the facts?
Of course, in terms of my publishing journey, the theory was that it would be nearly impossible for me as an unpublished writer to find a literary agent and to sign a book deal. Every book I picked up on publishing started off with depressing odds and telling countless stories of rejection. I changed the facts by finding inspiration through those who found alternative ways to get their stories told; successful authors such as, Kimberla Lawson Roby, E. Lynn Harris, Michael Baisden, Mary Morrison, and Zane to name quite a few. I decided to do what they had done at the start of their career and I self-published two novels and then, the next thing I knew I was signed with a literary agent and soon after I had my first book deal.

Introduction to In Love With A Younger Man

Ella: Who are your two main characters and what do you like most about them?
In a sense, I have three; Olena Day, Matthew Harper, and Jason Nix, who isn’t a main character, but he is very central to the story. I like him because he's romantic and up for a challenge to a certain point. He's the type who tells it like it is, but he’s not negative, and we need people like that in our lives.

Matthew Harper is the younger man who I like because while he is so much younger than Olena it's not what some expect when they think of a May-December romance. He is holding his own. He has a good job, a nice home, and what I really like about him is that he is honest. He is the first to admit he is not looking for a serious relationship. Is he completely honest about his life? Well, no. But many of us aren't.

Olena Day is my favorite character although one of my girlfriends has stated that she's kind of "touched." She's the woman who is living a great life now, but is still a product of her past failures; the fact that she dropped out of college and had to return home to finish school and later on as an adult had a long-term affair with a married man that she regrets. She is forty-three, never married and has no children and I think as "touched" as she may seem to some readers if you give her the opportunity they will find that they have a lot in common with her. Olena wants to not only be successful in her career and in life, but she also wants to love and to be loved. She has never had a man to genuinely love her and now she has two who say they do.

Ella: What makes your book stand out and would entice a reader to pick it up?
The cover with a loving couple pictured in an intimate and tasteful pose and the title, In Love with A Younger Man since that will be the first thing a reader sees. This is the first book I've written so far where the title speaks for itself.

Ella: Ultimately, what do you want readers to gain from your book?
I want In Love With A Younger Man to invite readers into a discussion about the characters of the book of course, but to move from their characters into their own lives. I want my characters to linger after the book is closed and have readers wonder what they are up to because I am working on the second book in the series as we speak. I want readers to feel as if they have a clear understanding of Olena and what motivates her, which is why I chose to open the book in 1984, the year Olena's first went off to college. Readers are given a glimpse of her life at Howard University and then the book jumps to twenty-five years later. One of the messages of the story is to not focus so much on the past and instead appreciate all that is good in the present moment, which the past created.

Ella: What is the most surprising thing you have learned in creating books?
The characters take on a voice of their own and the events that come from the story for the most part are purely organic. I may want a particular event to occur, but if I force that on the story I may cheat the reader. And there is the fact that readers interpret stories through their own experiences so how I view the story may not at all be the way others do.

Ella: What advice would you give a new writer? Would you change anything about your journey?
My advice to new writers is to, of course, keep writing and if you haven't already finished your manuscript please do. Always stay positive during the entire process. If writing is something that you want to do in your heart and it is your passion and getting published is something that you desire, I truly believe it will happen for you. I would hear about other people getting book deals well before I got my own and I was never jealous-hearted for others success. In fact, it was more motivational than anything. It made me realize it can be done, because if no one was getting a book deal that would have been very discouraging. I always kept the faith that one day I would
be published as well, and I am and have been with a major publishing company since 2005.

In Love With A Younger Man is the fifth book I've written and the fourth book I've had published through New American Library, which is a division of The Penguin Group. There is always a sense of I wish I would of, I should of, maybe I could of, but I also believe everything happens for a reason so I am exactly where I am supposed to be. No, I wouldn’t change anything. I have learned lessons and incorporated those into my present life. I am stronger because of every experience.

Ella: What can we expect from you in the future?
In the future look for more books in the Olena Day series. I’m focusing on women’s fiction that will introduce readers to women who are confident and successful. My main characters will give readers someone to cheer for and laugh with. As well expect to see male characters that women dream of. We’ve all had our fair share of men who weren’t any good. I’m focusing on those who are or have the potential to be.

Ella: Share with us your latest news.
In Love With A Younger Man is a Black Expressions Book Club main selection for January 2009. It is also the first of my novels to be reviewed by Publishers Weekly. Here is a blurb from the Publishers Weekly review for In Love with A Younger Man:

“Their relationship is passionate and complicated, and a stunning revelation at the end makes the age difference seem a minor point as Olena must face not only her future but her past. In a straightforward and entertaining tale, Robinson delivers what she promises.”

For more information visit the author at http://www.cherylrobinson.com, www.myspace.com/cherylrobinson or her blog www.mybestlife365.blogspot.com.

Thank you Cheryl Robinson for joining us today. Readers, go out and pick up a copy of In Love With A Younger Man available January 6, 2009 where books are sold.

Please join in the discussion by leaving comments or congrats here for Cheryl.

Lynne Forde is a smart, stylish and sexy new author from the NY Tri-State area. Born and raised in Brooklyn, Lynne has always had dreams of writing and pursuing a career in the entertainment world. As a teen she wrote her first screenplay. She is talented with the abilities to write not only novels and screenplays, but can play 4 instruments and writes music.

As an adult Lynne graduated from CUNY with a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice. While in college she furthered her interest in the Arts acting and writing in her classes. Since leaving school she has been managed by Saffyre Entertainment, Inc. This has allowed her to travel across the country with other musical artists as well as meet other writers, film producers, music producers and executives.

Since creating her debut novel Lies of Blue, her focus has been promoting her book and she has successfully stirred alot of interest from the film industry.

Book Introduction for Lies of Blue by author Lynne Forde
What is the price for fulfilling your dream?

Lies of Blue is the story about Lynne Forde, a young woman who tries to reach her dream by making sacrifices. Somewhere along the line, the wrong sacrifices get made. It’s Training Day meets OZ with a twist of Set It Off.

When Forde gets tired of her dead end job in the City Courts, she embarks on a career in the belly of the beast. With a degree in hand and a little bit of street sense, she decides to try her hand working in River’s Edge Jail Complex. From day one at the Academy to her last day at Prison, Forde evolves from your average “rookie” into something other than just a woman. To make matters worse, if you put a sexual being in the midst of some of the city’s most conniving men and women, you are bound to come up with something a little kinky and very destructive. The more dangerous the game became, the more erotic the encounters became. She goes from Officer, to Hustler, to Vic, to CEO in a matter of 8 years.

Lies of Blue is an expose of what goes on in the belly of the beast, through the eyes of one woman. Lies of Blue teaches you that there are so many people you may come across in life, you never know who is real and who is fake, but that the journey can become a battle of life or death. Choose wisely. What is the price for fulfilling your dream?

Paperback: 180 pages
Publisher: Saffyre Entertainment Inc.; 2nd edition (January 1, 2009)
ISBN-10: 1604023783 | ISBN-13: 978-1604023787

Lynne Forde Interview on Her Writer's Journey

As a new author, what would you say was your most difficult challenge in completing your novel?
The most difficult challenges were writing the abusive parts of the story. I place myself into the characters to feel what they feel. So that created a writers block due to the violent acts. The other part is the editing process. Grueling!

What are your favorite things about the main three characters Lynne Forde, Develin Former and Danny?
Were they hard characters to depict? Lynne was the easiest to depict. She has so many of my characteristics and traits. She is super sexual and too compassionate. Danny was the epitome of Lynne's flawed feelings of sex = love. Develin is the most despicable, devious and confused person. Much like Jack Nicholson in The Shining.

What’s the biggest compliment you’ve been getting on this book?
That this is a very hardcore real story and you can feel this like real life.

As a writer, what are some of the most important things you try to get across through your books?
Inspiration always and belief in a higher power. Also Karma is something that I know exists, I want readers to know that every action has a reaction.

What was the last book you read? Why that particular book?
Tavis Smiley - The Covenant. I was interested in learning what Tavis had to say. Amazingly enough I opened the book it spoke directly to me.

I’d love to know the specifics regarding your tour. Please give us some info on your appearances.
I will be on the Black Authors Network. I have a book signing at Zereous in NYC March 26. I will be at the BEA in NYC May 2009 and so much more which you can find the dates on my website. I will have an article in Floss Magazine Feb - June 2009. This summer I expect to be in Chicago and in California this fall. Please go to www.liesofblue.com or www.saffyre.us to see the schedule in full.

Please give us a preview of your next project including when it will be released.
My next two projects are actually screenplays. I am working on Best Kept Secret a story which asks what lie will you take to your grave? Also Really Real, a parody of today's entertainment industry and makes us look at how far into the abyss we can fall.

Intimate Conversation with William R. Patterson

Financial Workshop with William R. Patterson part 1
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Black-Author-Network/2009/02/08/Black-History-Book-Fair-Financial-Wellness

Listen to 2 great authors and financial leaders share with us the following topics:
Black History - Wealth-Building Lessons from Black Business Barons, How to Market Your Book, Brand and Business in the Marketplace. Get your pens and paper! This is an awesome show.

Financial Workshop with William R. Patterson part 2
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Black-Author-Network/2009/02/09/Black-History-Online-Book-Fair

Authors and experts Lynn Richardson, Antonio Crawford and William R. Patterson encourage and educate the listeners to change their spending patterns. Dark Chocolate Man makes his debut on BAN Radio! He shares his success in marketing on MySpace. The expert speakers all give the fans awesome marketing and promotions advice and tips. This is must listen show! Tell all your friends. Read the entire article at the BP Blog.

Intimate Conversation with Raven Starr

Finish this sentence: I am Powerful because...
I am Powerful because... I have faith.

Ella: Why is it so important to celebrate Black History 365 days a year?
I believe it is important to celebrate who we are as a race and a nation. I don't believe that only in the month of February should black people get the recognition they deserve in the shortest month of the year. Especially now with our new president this is a joyous and momentous time we all of us to overcome our differences and love and respect one another fully.

Ella: Where are you from? What type of books do you write?
My name is Raven Starr and I write Interracial Romance. I'm published with Red Rose Publishing I was born in Paris… Ha I got ya, not Paris, France but a little town in Tennessee.

Ella: How did you start your writing journey?
For as long as I can remember I’ve had a pencil in my hand. I started with poetry and then after the death of a high school friend I wrote two plays. After writing the plays
I started but never finished my short stories. Read the entire article.

Intimate Conversation with Katrina L. Burchett

Katrina L. Burchett is the third born of her parents' six children; the shy, quiet one who, to this day, expresses herself better with the written word. As far back as she can remember it felt natural to have a piece of paper and a pen or pencil in hand. In grade school she wrote a play or two that her classmates acted out for teachers and their students.

During her middle and high school years creating poems was what she loved most, and a couple of them were printed in the local newspaper. Burchett launched a small book publishing company in 2007, naming it after her teenage niece, Kapri. Choices is Burchett's debut novel. She wanted to go deeper than the teen sexual activity and teen pregnancy statistics, so she wrote an emotional, thought-provoking read exploring the reasons why some young people make the choice to become sexually active, and why others choose to abstain....

Shauntice, Angel, Bridgette, LaKeeta, and Hope are teenage girls making decisions about boyfriends and premarital sex. Choices is the first of a trilogy. The next novel will explore teen parenting and the relationships Shauntice, Angel, Bridgette, LaKeeta and Hope have with their parents. It will also delve more into the lives of the guys in Choices. And the third novel will focus on teens and drinking. Once the trilogy is complete, Lord willing, Kapri Books will publish the works of aspiring authors.
Read the entire article at the BP Blog.

Intimate Conversation with Karen Thompkins

Karen Thompkins, Author of Double Insanity & a Domestic Abuse Survivor
For seven years Karen Thompkins was the victim of domestic abuse. In 2002, she sought the assistance of The Domestic Abuse Project of Delaware County (DAP) to change the tides in her life. Karen is a psychiatric registered nurse in Philadelphia and is focused on increasing public awareness for domestic violence nationwide. Double Insanity is based on her personal testimony.

Ella: Introduce us to your book and why you wrote it.
Double Insanity is inspired by some of your personal adversities from dealing with an abusive partner.

Ella: Why did you want to write a book on the subject of Domestic Violence?
My best friend told me that I had a story and should begin writing it down in a journal every day. When I began writing, I realized that not only was it self-healing, but it was a story that needed to be told. Domestic Violence is a national problem that needs awareness.

Ella: Why did it take you 7 years to get out of the abusive relationship, especially with children in the home?
It took years for many reasons. But the main two reasons are hope and fear. I kept hoping that my husband would change, and I feared that he would kill me if I left. Also, I would feel sorry for him because I thought he needed me, and guilt would make me stay. Plus, I was afraid of failure and did not want our relationship to fail.

Read the entire article at the BP Blog.

Intimate Conversation with Jamison Davis

Jamison Davis is a graduate of both William Paterson University and Lincoln University. She holds a Bachelors in Sociology and a Masters in Human Services. For the past eleven years, Jamison Davis has worked in the social services field working to assist people whom have made mistakes in their lives. She lives in New Jersey with her husband.

Ella: Finish this sentence for us-I am Powerful because...
I am Powerful...because I believe in my gift. My gift can shape decisions that people make in their lives. My gift can assist with making my community knowledgeable about the danger of bad choices.

Ella: Please introduce us to your new book.
Fatal Mistakes: The First of a Trilogy depicts the story of four people: Morgan, Leila, Jackson and Sean as they all face life’s challenges and make fatal mistakes. The problem is they don’t know they’re making the mistakes. Fatal Mistakes takes the readers on a journey of love, lust and revenge. It will dare to share with readers a life lesson about choices. Read the entire article.

Intimate Conversation with Xavier Knight

Xavier Knight is the Christian fiction pseudonym for C. Kelly Robinson. He is a native of Dayton, Ohio and magna cum laude graduate of Howard University and Washington University in St. Louis.

Robinson is a marketing communications manager by day and has a long record of volunteer experience across organizations including United Way, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Mentor St. Louis, and Student Venture Ministries. Author of six previous novels including the best-selling No More Mr. Nice Guy and the critically acclaimed Between Brothers (Random House), he lives outside Dayton with his wife and daughter. He is hard at work on his next novel and on a nonfiction project.

GOD ONLY KNOWS by C. Kelly Robinson writing as Xavier Knight

Julia Turner, an ambitious educator in her mid-thirties, leaves a high-profile job in Chicago to return to Dayton, Ohio to serve as superintendent of Christian Light, the K-12 private school system from which she graduated two decades earlier. A single mother with an ugly divorce and a complex childhood in her rearview mirror, Julia views her mission as a chance to contribute to her hometown and conquer the demons from her past. But she never expects to confront the one sin she and her childhood friends agree to bury as teens - the accident that left Eddie Walker hospitalized and incapacitated.

Meanwhile, Detective Peter Whitlock, Eddie Walker's older bother, is still determined to find the person(s) responsible for his brother's condition. When Whitlock's investigation leads him to the front door of Cassie Gillette, Julia's best friend and fellow Christian Light classmate, the lifelong friends must decide whether they will keep their dark secrets, or tell the truth and let God decide the outcome. With so much at stake, is their faith strong enough to risk everything?
Praise

“Knight masterfully weaves compelling characters and suspense that keeps you turning pages."
—Victoria Christopher Murray, author Too Little, Too Late

Read the entire article at the BP Blog.

Meet national best-selling author Francis Ray who is a native Texan. She is from Corsicana, Texas, home of the Golden Bears and Collins Street Bakery. Yes, the bakery that makes those famous fruit cakes that are sold worldwide.

EDC: What makes your book stand out and would make a reader pick it up?
FR: Tough question. I hope my books stand out because the main characters always have strong moral values. Readers tell me they continue to pick up and read my books because they feel connected with the characters, and feel a strong sense of place.

EDC: Ultimately, what do you want readers to gain from your book?
FR: I want readers to walk away with a sense that, although life can knock you down, if you have the courage to stand up and fight, you'll emerge triumphant.
Read the full article, click

The Good Girl Reviewers of Seasons
“Seasons is a wonderful, heartwarming book that reminds us all that God is always present no matter what season we are in. The characters and the situations they endure will stay with you long after the book has ended!”

Hello Book lovers, today we will meet author Bonnie Hopkins . She will introduce us to her book Seasons.

‘Seasons’ which is currently on Black Christian News National Bestseller list, effectively demonstrates the presence of God in our recurring seasons of circumstances, as life comes full circle and the characters collide in an explosive turn of events. Read the full article, click

EDC: Where are you from?
DV: I was raised in Oklahoma City and Portsmouth, VA and I am currently residing in the DC/MD area.

EDC: Who are your two main characters and what do you like most about them?
DV: My two main characters are Chuck and Tariff. Chuck is my favorite character of them all. I like his honesty and I am in love with his value and commitment. Chuck has this swagger about himself as well that makes him very appealing and attractive. I like Tariff as well. But one of the other characters who’s name is Demetrious. Even though he may not be a lead character. I really like his patience. Everybody went to Demetrious and he was like every bodys source for advice.

EDC: What makes your book stand out and would make a reader pick it up?
DV: I think the one thing that makes my book stands out it helps educate people. This book breaks the stereo types of Black Gay men. It helps people see us from a different perspective. The book takes you on a roller coaster ride of emotions. It helps people to understand why most black men do not come out of the closet.
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Divine destiny is what motivates mother, daughter, author, playwright Laurinda D. Brown to do what she does - write novels and plays that portray real people in true-to-life situations no different than your average neighbor next door. Brown explains, "Growing up in Memphis, Tennessee, and graduating from Howard University in Washington, DC, exposed me to the varied and diverse sides of human nature. It also gave me the opportunity to observe people and their situations and try to discern what made them do the things they did.

I realized that people are people. My writing helped me work through my own issues, emotions and circumstances. Writing expresses my take on the world."

Laurinda was kind enough to grant us an Intimate Interview, please continue to find out what makes Laurinda the bestselling author that she is.

EDC: Laurinda finish this sentence: I am Powerful because...
LDB: I am Powerful because..... I am powerful because God has given me a tremendous talent that, without much effort, has been able to touch the souls of many. Read the full article, click

I am a writer at heart. I've been writing since I was a child. I was an only child until age 10, so I had to find ways to entertain myself. A pen and a piece of paper always provided me with a way of escape from boredom. I also enjoy writing poetry, reading, and cooking (when I have time.) The introvert in me enjoys finding a quiet spot, pulling out my journal, and writing until my heart is content.

My extroverted side enjoys meeting new people, talking to complete strangers in the grocery store line, dancing, and engaging in group discussions. I promised God and myself that when I got published, I'd share what I learned along the way. I want to encourage others to achieve their dreams, whether it is to be a published author or something else.

DO NOT LET YOUR DREAMS DIE! GOD GAVE THEM TO YOU FOR A REASON! I am a witness that God does hear and answer prayer. Take the first step towards your destiny! Daphine acquired a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communications from Winthrop University and a Master of Business Administration degree at Charleston Southern University. She is a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

Finish this sentence: I am Powerful because...
I am Powerful because... I take the gift God has given me and turn it into stories to bless and entertain other.
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If you would like to see to your book showcased here, email Ella today and ask for
an Intimate Conversation Interview. We love to meet new authors and poets!