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Mind Your Own Business
by Lutishia Lovely
Lutishia Lovely dishes up a decadent helping of love, lust, greed, and secrecy in this riveting tale of a family's soul food dynasty...
Life is good for the Livingstons. Business is booming, Taste of Soul is launching a West Coast division, and Bianca Livingston and her brother, Jefferson, are vying to head it up—which means their long simmering rivalry is about to boil over...
Having completed a culinary course in Paris—along with a hot love affair—Bianca feels more than ready to take the reins in L.A. Her parents' insistence that she marry a man of their choosing only fuels her ambition. Jefferson is hoping the position will free him to be with the secret L.A. love his family would never approve of.
But the two soon realize that between their meddling cousin, Toussaint, and the return of an enemy bent on crushing the Livingston empire, they aren't the only ones in this competition. And when company money mysteriously starts disappearing, they'll find it's hard to run a business when no one can mind their own...
Chapter Three from Mind Your Own Business by Lutishia Lovely
On the other side of town, in the comfortable surroundings of the same den where the news had broken, stealing was also the topic of conversation. After work, the Livingston men had returned to Ace's house for further discussion on the day's news. They were joined by Sterling Ross, the tall, dark, debonair family friend who was also one of the country's most preeminent detectives. Jefferson watched Toussaint prowl the room, while his dad, Ace; his uncle, Adam; and his cousin Malcolm refreshed their drinks. Sterling flipped a page on his pad and continued writing notes.
"I think the money trail will lead to Shyla," Toussaint said, a slight scowl marring his otherwise perfectly chiseled face. Like a fine wine, thirty-three-year-old Toussaint Levon Livingston only got better with age, and like everything else, marriage and impending fatherhood agreed with him. "She went away a little too quietly, no fuss at all. I know Shyla, and trust me, that's not like her."
Ace returned to his seat and passed a hand over his smooth, bald head. "You paid her two hundred thousand dollars, son. I'd say that's a fuss. Granted, she wasn't happy about leaving the company—"
"She wasn't happy about leaving Toussaint," Jefferson interjected. Ace grunted. "But I don't think she'd stoop to stealing. Shyla is classier than that."
"Besides," Adam continued, "the choice is almost too obvious. It's been a year since she left the company. All of her company credit cards were cancelled immediately. How would she have accessed the account? Why would she risk her reputation, not to mention her freedom, by stealing from us?"
"Because she's being influenced by the man who shot you, that's why!"
Toussaint's observation quieted the room. Sterling stopped writing. The name of the man who'd left Adam Livingston clinging to life on the Livingston Corporation's parking lot pavement hadn't come up in the earlier meeting. At that time, the focus had been solely on past and present Livingston employees. But now everyone's mind was on the man who'd eluded capture for almost a year: Quintin Bright.
Adam responded. "We know that for a while they were in the same place at the same time. But we don't know if they met—"
Toussaint snorted his disbelief.
"And if they did meet," Adam continued, "we have no idea what they talked about. And even if our name did come up, would a man like that admit to a crime, and would a woman like Shyla keep quiet about it?"
"For a brothas like Q?" Toussaint offered. "She'd keep quiet and she'd stay in touch. Shyla might be classy, Uncle, as you say, but she's got a messy side."
"Wait," Sterling said, holding up his hand. "You guys are getting ahead of me. Adam, you know the identity of the person who tried to rob you?"
"Robbing was the last thing on that asshole's mind." When Sterling's brow rose, Toussaint realized that he had said too much. Robbery was the motive police assumed had led Quintin Bright to shoot Adam, the motive quoted in newspaper articles and television reports. The Livingstons had done nothing to dispel this assumption.
Women
in the Workplace: Baby, Have We Come A Long Way?
By Lutishia Lovely
“Why can’t a woman be on top?” This is the first line
in my novel Mind
Your Own Business, spoken by the daughter of a successful soul food
chain. The company is expanding out west and she is competing with her older
brother to head up the new location. In 2011, one might consider that a moot
question. After all, we have females in all manners of high government, female
presidents of major corporations, female fire fighters and police officers,
doctors and EMT personnel. We’re no longer wearing aprons, pearls and heels
while waiting for daddy to come home…but we’re not yet a gender-blind
society either.
For instance in the workplace and regarding same-held positions, women still
generally make less than men. In 1979, when the National Committee On Pay Equity
was founded, women made 59.7 cents to every man’s dollar. In 1994, this total
had risen to 72 cents to the dollar men received. This organization estimates
that the figure is still hovering around 76-77 cents to the dollar. Now, in
2011. Can you believe that there’s still a need for the slogan “equal pay
for equal work?” If you’re doing the same thing, isn’t getting the same
pay a no-brainer? The reality causes me to shake my head and brings to mind one
of my father’s favorite quotes, “common sense ain’t too common.”
While conducting research for the Business
Trilogy (okay, translated staying glued to the Food Network, one of my
favorite channels), I learned that women make up roughly ten percent of the
chefs/cooks in America. For me, that was an astonishing figure. How is it that
when it comes to home cooking women rule the proverbial roost but when it comes
to cooking as a career, as a money maker, it’s a man’s world? Do you find
this as interesting, and somewhat disturbing, as I do? If you are a chef or a
cook in the industry, do you have an explanation?
One of the joys in writing the above-quoted character, named Bianca Livingston,
was the ability to portray a smart, strong, successful woman who knew what she
wanted and wasn’t afraid to go after it. Who could hold her own in the
boardroom, and roll with the big boys. When I recently read this line during an
internet radio show, it was met with knowing chuckles. Some readers assumed
Bianca wanted to be on top in the bedroom. Knowing Bianca, these readers are
probably right but taking this question from the boardroom to the bedroom would
be a whole other discussion! Maybe next time… ::smile::
About
the Author
Lutishia Lovely is
the award-winning, best-selling author of sixteen novels. The
Business Trilogy, her latest work, combines two of her passions: writing and
food. This series (All Up In My Business, Mind Your Own Business and Taking Care
Of Business) centers around the Livingstons, owners of a soul food dynasty
called Taste Of Soul—where sizzling scandal and delicious drama are always on
the menu. Find out more about this series and Lutishia at her website: www.LutishiaLovely.com.
And please sign up for her newsletter, where readers are treated to contests,
updates, excerpts from upcoming novels, contests and more!.
“Ordinary, brown braided woman with big legs and full lips, become
yourself.”
Wow! The first time I heard Phylicia Rashad’s character speak those words with
her gravely, powerful voice that demands attention, speaking straight, no
chaser, from her soul. . . from a place of knowing, from a spiritual realm in
the For Colored Girls trailer. I literally experienced chills up and down my
spine as if they were saying, pay attention. This is a lesson in life. I was
speechless, mesmerized and empowered to action. Two little words. Become
yourself.
Tyler Perry brings Ntozake Shange's seminal work For Colored Girls Who Have
Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf to the big screen and changes
lives.
Become
yourself.
I have been trying to accomplish that task my entire life. You hear me, my whole
life. That has become my subconscious quest and divine mission. Only in recent
years has it become my mantra, repeating it over, again and again in my head. I
embrace it with a depth and passion as my own.
I desire to be the best mother, wife, sister, daughter, aunt, friend. . .
person. . . that I can be. I owe it to myself and I owe it to those around
me, the ones I touch with my spirit on my path to discovery and wisdom.
Become
yourself.
Something supernatural screams directly to my soul, with a mind of its own,
challenging me to make a difference.
A positive difference. Life is too precious to live and pass through in the
blink of any eye, and nothing has changed. That is simply not acceptable. You
were simply a blink when you should have been a bang. The world should be a
better place simply because you were here.
Words, especially robust, passionate ones spoken from a place of wisdom, a place
of knowing. . . words that speak to strength and coming into one’s rightful
self. . . they wrap me cocoon-like in colorful, vibrant silks as they caress my
mental palette and stroke my very soul with the possibilities. Something primal,
from generations after generations gone by, remembers who I am suppose to be.
And I embrace it because I recognize its power.
Become
yourself.
I want to embrace my essence, live up to my fullest potential and beyond. Each
year of my life, I’m changing, growing, and evolving. That’s a good thing.
I’ve come to realize there is power in my words. They touch people. They make
people feel. My words incite emotion. A higher power has lovingly bestowed that
gift upon me and I gladly accept it and all the responsibilities that go
with it. Find yourself so that you can become.
Become
yourself.
What a beautiful world we would live in if we all did as much. We could create a
world of miracles and harmony.
A utopia. Yes, such simple words, but oh, how powerful upon closer examination,
scrutiny and understanding.
I have a glorious destiny to live out, so do you. Become the beautiful spirit
you were meant to be. . . you don’t have to be extraordinary, you can be
ordinary, brown-braided. . . simply look within.
Become
Yourself.
Electa Rome Parkslives
outside Atlanta, Georgia and is the best-selling author of six acclaimed
novels, The Ties That Bind, Loose Ends, Almost Doesn't Count, Ladies' Night Out,
These Are My Confessions (anthology) and Diary of a Stalker. Dubbed a "book
club favorite," avid readers have embraced Electa's true to life characters
that tackle prevalent and heavy hitting issues that take them on an emotional
roller coaster.
The
self-proclaimed Queen of Real, Electa has been a frequent guest on radio shows,
nominated for many industry awards and interviewed by numerous newspapers and
national magazines. Electa is currently following her passion and working on her
next novel and first screenplay.
The Underside of an
Uprooted Tree by Sherryle Kiser
Jackson
Have you ever seen the underside of an uprooted tree? Not a bush, not
a stump, but a tree, a hundred foot solid oak. I have. There it was
a toppled tree. I’m not really the off-road type, so I can’t recall the
circumstances of where I was or where I was in route to when I saw it. I
distinctively remember I was troubled by the sight. Maybe the tree was a
casualty after a storm. What captured my attention was the fact I could see its
exposed roots. The roots were so solid and strong and thick in appearance that
it reminded me of the tentacles of a mature size octopus.
What force could unearth a tree at its roots? A tree
that had been snapped in half would have made more sense to me. I remember
wanting to contact the Audubon or Arbor Day Society to help save the downed
pillar. There was nothing I could do on my own to return its boughs and branches
to the skyline among it lofty counterparts. I was helpless.
I can’t help but equate the fall of that tree to the fall of our
neighborhood institutions. I’ve seen them topple as well. I’m talking
about neighborhood hallmarks like the bookstores that service our community. As
a young writer I had seen the closing of Yawa Books and Sisterspace & Books
down the historic U Street and Adams Morgan corridor where I spent my formative
writing years in a bi-weekly writer’s critique group at the latter. One
of my favorite local music fusion groups, formerly known as Fertile Ground
has a song called “Broken Branches” that posed the question, “What about
leaves on trees with broken branches? Where will they go after they had their
dances in the wind?” I was a by product of that dynamic and eclectic
synergy now I had no place to go. Gentrification had cut my tree at the
roots before I was able to bear fruit, publish and have a book signing there.
I saw that actual collapsed tree about the same time one of the Maryland, DC
Metro area brands, Karibu Books announced it was closing. It immediately
reminded me of the void we would all surely feel when they closed for good.
I felt that same helplessness. I loved that place. It was everything a
bookstore should be - a cultural hub, meeting place, and resource center. It was
vibrant in its color, clean, classic and celebratory of our culture.
I had been a patron and fan of Karibu Books, standing in line to see so many
talented authors of color to come through their six locations. I longed to
have my books shelved somewhere between Brenda and Sheneska Jackson. It
was like a venue all the stars traveled up Interstate 95 to make an appearance
at. I was proud to be a writer and Prince Georgian when Karibu was open,
knowing its Essence reporting bookstore status would elevate me to the
bestseller list. I at least had a signing on the books for my debut
release in 2007. To my chagrin, the chain closed before that dream could
be realized. I knew I would write about the loss someday after lamenting,
and mourn I did. I went into a funk!
I felt I was owed an explanation. There was no explanation good enough to
explain why this institution crumbled or imploded the way it did so I concocted
a tale. I wanted to believe the major bookstore chains like Barnes and
Nobles, Borders or super centers that now carried books like Wal-Mart were
driving out the mom and pop stores. In my mind it was like a sapling being
denied the necessary nourishing light or water amongst the true giants.
Maybe we weren’t doing enough as a community to feed the starving chain.
If a tree falls in the forest and there is no one there to hear it, does it
make a sound? Karibu had matured and grown to a mighty oak.
Reverberations and shock waves could definitely be heard and felt after it
closed. Now my question became could we find a home and could our audience
find our books in a larger chain? Would they find value in the works of
African American authors, shelve our books, comply with our need to be communal
and host the type of events that led to sales even if our names aren’t on the
bestseller list? The answer – some stores are better than others.
It depends greatly on management and literary advocates. I imagine it is more
difficult for my self-published counterparts.
I have since published three novels and done a good many book signings at a fair
share of major bookstores and literary festivals. Life goes on and the
publishing industry keeps changing. Even Borders has had to shout
"timber" in recent years and close a couple hundred stores. Just
when I felt my funk returning, the doom and gloom of a literary career cut down
in its prime, I remember we’ve been here before.
Unforgiveness: A Deadly Force to Resist
If You Want a Fulfilling Future
by Ngozi Nwoke
Everyone often gets the opportunity to be mistreated, hurt, annoyed but what you do afterwards is what matters. Life is too short to allow this deadly force called unforgiveness to ruin it for you.
"The hatred you're carrying is a live coal in your heart - far more damaging to yourself than to them"
-- Lawana Blackwell
To err is human; to forgive is divine, they say. But we have been given the power to forgive. The power of forgiveness is awesome because of the immense benefits to the one who forgives. It is all about what you want in life and how far you want to go. Unforgiveness is a force that has the power to influence, affect or control you and your future negatively.
When a person understands the effect of this deadly force, a red light flashes on the heart when unforgiveness comes knocking on the door. This force is so deadly that it has ruined many relationships, careers, businesses, led many to their sick beds and many to their early graves.
Why you must resist unforgiveness
It gives your offender the power to hurt you-Any time you remember the offence or see the person or even hear his/her name mentioned, you will get angry or be emotionally worked up. And if the offender is aware of this effect on you and he is a bad one, he may choose to add to the injury with more offences.
Your health is affected - When your anger is boiling; it increases your heartbeat, tightens your muscles, and causes aches and pains. And may lead to more serious medical issues if not checked on time.
Reduces your ability to focus - Unforgiveness has the power to disrupt the harmony of the brain waves, making you less able to focus and think clearly. This can lead to poor decision-making, which is not good for your future!
It impedes your progress in life - When you are holding down someone, you too will go nowhere. This is the case with this deadly force. When you hold someone down in your heart, you are actually imprisoning yourself too.
It plants a seed of what you hate - A seed planted will produce fruit after sometime. Unforgiveness
harbored within you will grow to produce same in you. You will find yourself doing exactly the very thing that was done to you (that you hated) to someone else.
This deadly force drains your energy, wastes your time for more profitable ventures. Unforgiveness shows you are weak because forgiveness is the attribute of the strong. Embrace the power of forgiveness and avoid the effects of this deadly force. Why give yourself all the stress for something or somebody that is not worth it.
"It really doesn't matter if the person who hurt you deserves to be forgiven. Forgiveness is a gift you give yourself. You have things to do and you want to move on."
-- Real Live Preacher
What other reasons do you have for resisting unforgiveness?
About the Author Ngozi Nwoke is a teacher and a counselor. A product and distributor of love. She has a passion to teach people how to enjoy God's love and fellowship for more fulfilling life. Want more fulfilling life?
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here.
Consequences of Loving
Freely in 2011
by C. J. Hudson
Your head starts to spin. Your throat gets dry and your
entire life flashes before your eyes. For months you’ve ignored the nagging
cough that has persisted. Then, after finally deciding to go to the doctor,
reality gut punches you as the doctor informs you that you are HIV positive.
After the numbness wears off, you start to wonder who you contracted the deadly
virus from. For all intents and purposes, you have just been handed a death
sentence. Then you leave out of the doctor’s office wondering when it will
turn into full blown AIDS.
It is estimated that more than one million people are living with HIV in the USA
and that more than half a million have died after developing AIDS. Every
year, hundreds of thousands of people die from complications due to AIDS.
African Americans accounted for the largest proportion of people living with an
AIDS diagnosis in 2008 at 42.6%. It has pretty much ripped the heart from the
family structured environment that was so prevalent in earlier years.
Now, in the year 2011, it is more important than ever to be careful. With all
the information available via the Internet, pamphlets, and magazines, there is
no reason not to be educated. Even urban fiction novels are starting to get the
message out. One very educational, as well as entertaining book is my new
release Next Door Nympho. I take you on a journey detailing the dangers
of being promiscuous. Next Door Nympho shows readers that sex can be the
most dangerous form of pleasure if not taken seriously.
Unfortunately, the unprotected sex boom shows no signs of slowing down. Until we
start looking at this crippling disease through concerned eyes, we will continue
to crumble under its deadly hand. I think we can all agree that most of us like
sex. But the thing that we need to remember, now-a-days, is that sex is no
longer safe. Back in the old days if you had unprotected sex, Gonorrhea was the
most common disease you would catch. You would go to the doctor and get either a
shot in the behind or some penicillin pills to get cured. HIV/AIDS has no cure.
You can’t go to the doctor and get a shot to clear it up. All you can do is
take the medication that is prescribed for you and wait for the disease to claim
your life.
I know this sound harsh, but it’s the reality of the situation. So before you
take that man or woman home after leaving the club Saturday night, use Saturday
afternoon to get informed on the prevention of HIV. If you don’t like to read
magazines, or don’t like to surf the Internet, pick up a copy of author C. J.
Hudson’s Next Door Nympho. I guarantee you will be entertained as well
as informed. Listed below are several sites to visit for information on the
HIV/AIDS epidemic.
About the Author
Author Christopher Speight, better known to his fans as C. J. Hudson was
born in Alabama. He moved to Cleveland, Ohio at a young age, attended Kent State
and later went on to Kaplan Institution acquiring skills to become an
electrician. CJ has become a legend in his own rights with urban hits like Chedda
Boyz, Next Door Nympho, and his highly anticipated title Diary of
a Nympho. He likes to read, write, travel, and spend time with his
family. C. J. is married with two sons.
Lawyer and author
Pamela Samuels Young continues to receive accolades for her page turning legal thrillers that present the legal detail and mouthwatering suspense of John Grisham, combined with the understanding of urban love, explosive language and humor of Terry McMillan.
Young's latest offering, the gripping and suspenseful legal thriller, "Buying Time" has been honored by the Black Caucus of the American Library Association (BCALA) as the winner of its 2010 Fiction Award. The BCALA Literary Awards recognize excellence in adult fiction and nonfiction by African-Americans.
The Awards Committee described "Buying Time" as a "captivating, suspenseful thriller." Young will receive the award at the American Library Association's Conference in Washington, D.C. in June. "Buying Time" is Pamela Samuels Young's fourth novel and is available everywhere books are sold.
BPM: Pamela tell us about your passion for writing. Why do you write? What drives you? What impact do you want your book to make on the readers?
I definitely have a passion for writing. Nothing else could explain my willingness to sit in front of my computer for ten hours a day or my eagerness to rise at four in the morning to write before going to work. I enjoy creating characters and putting them in precarious situations. I want readers to get wrapped up in the mysteries I create, to love, hate and root for my characters, and to close each book and feel as if they got their money’s worth.
BPM: How did you feel when you saw your first book in bookstores?
I still have a very vivid memory of seeing Every Reasonable Doubt on the shelf at the Barnes and Noble near my home in February 2006. I went to the store on the book's scheduled release date, not really expecting to find it. My stepson and I searched the shelves but couldn't find it. I was about to leave, but decided to, ask for it at the reception desk. To my delight, the clerk found it and led us to the book. I just stood there staring at it. So much blood, sweat and tears led me to this point. My stepson took out his cell phone and snapped a picture of me holding the book. And just as I started to started to tear up, he promptly warned me not to embarrass him by crying in the store.
BPM: Take us inside your latest
legal thriller, Buying Time.
My newest legal thriller is a scandalous tale of blackmail, murder and betrayal, evoking John Grisham with a sister’s twist! Recently disbarred attorney Waverly Sloan is unwittingly drawn into a financial scheme targeting people who are terminally ill. When Waverly’s clients start dying sooner than they should, federal prosecutor Angela Evans is determined to bring him down. Before she can, it’s Angela’s life that begins to unravel. Enter Dre, an unassuming guy with a dark, dangerous side who comes to Angela’s rescue.
The lives of all three characters—Waverly, Angela and Dre—intersect, and soon, they’re on the run . . . forced to rely on each other if they’re going to survive.
BPM: What inspired you to begin writing mysteries after careers in journalism and law?
I've always loved reading mysteries, particularly those that involve fascinating legal cases. It bothered me, however, that the legal thrillers I read never depicted women and African-American attorneys. So . . . I decided to fill the void.
I knew pretty early that I wanted to be a writer, having worked on school newspapers in junior high, high school and college. When I decided to major in journalism at the University of Southern California, I didn't give much thought to creative writing. At the age of 18, I didn't have the guts to even consider a career as a novelist. The writers I enjoyed reading – James Baldwin, Richard Wright, Toni Morrison, Joan Didion – were incredibly talented literary writers. I knew I didn't have that kind of poetic writing talent. So I pursued a career in journalism and later, earned a law degree. Flash forward several years and I somehow gathered the courage to give creative writing a try.
BPM: What is your process for creating a novel? Do you plot out the story or do the characters speak to you?
I will spend any where from a few weeks to as long as three months outlining a book before I sit down to write. I also mull over my story a lot. I'm thinking about it in the shower, while I'm standing in line at the grocery story, during my 45-minute commute to work. I can almost see each chapter as if it were a scene in a movie. Only after I have a completed outline do I start writing. And when I write, I go from page one to the last page without doing much editing. For me, it's psychologically motivating to complete that first draft, even if it's so bad I'd never dare show it to anyone. Once I have a finished first draft, then the real writing starts. I revise, and revise and revise some more. That process can last six months or more.
BPM: What are your sources of creativity?
Imagining thousands of readers enjoying my books inspires me. I'm a morning person. My creative juices really flow around five a.m.
BPM: Finish this sentence- My writing offers the following legacy to future readers...
I want to help destroy the publishing industry’s belief that only African American readers will read stories with African American characters. People who love mysteries want a compelling story. My primary goal is to write entertaining thrillers with diverse characters and a storyline that keeps readers turning the page.
BPM: Do you have any difficulty balancing your writing career with your day
job and your personal life?
Yes! I'm fortunate to be working part-time as an in-house attorney. But it's still a struggle balancing my legal career, promoting my current books, and writing my next novel, on top of being a wife and step-mother. I'm just thankful that I have a supportive job and family. Staying afloat requires organization and a lot of physical stamina.
BPM: Your life is extremely busy! What is one piece of advice you can give to aspiring writers that are also juggling full-time careers
?
Learn to say "no" and don't feel guilty about it. Right now, I'm practicing law, promoting my books nearly every weekend, working on my next novel, and teaching a business law course at the University of Redlands School of Business. I'm also on the Board of Directors of the Southern California Chapter of Mystery Writers of America and I write a column for Global Woman magazine. I love teaching, but I recently decided that I just don't have the time or energy to teach another course this year. I also turned down a request to join the board of directors of a local non-profit group. I wish I could do it all, but there simply aren't enough hours in the day. For now, my primary focus is on finishing my next book and making sure I spend some quality time with my husband, who rarely sees me because I'm gone so much promoting my books.
BPM: How do you spend your free time?
Free time? What's that? Writing is how I spend my free time and I love every minute of it. I still work part-time as a lawyer and when I'm not at work, I'm usually someplace writing – be it at home, the library or the nearest Starbucks. Sometimes I write early in the morning before work, other times I'm up until one or two in the morning typing away on my laptop. My most productive writing time is when I can get away from home and lock myself in my timeshare in Palm Desert for a weekend. When I'm in that environment, the writing is non-stop. When I'm writing, I'm happy.
BPM: What is your most valuable lesson about the publishing industry?
You need to have faith in your talent to survive in this business. Even the mega-successful writers—e.g., J.K. Rowling, Stephanie Meyer and John Grisham, just to name a few—were rejected by multiple publishers. The writers who survive are those who ignore the rejection and just keep writing.
I learned that it's a very tough business. As a result, you have to have faith in your talent and keep going despite the rejection. I've worked in both television news and law and I never faced any where near the rejection and difficulties in those careers that I faced trying to become a novelist. In fact, both law school and the California Bar exam were way easier. I also learned that you have to think like a businessperson, not a writer. My books are products. I have to be inventive and unrelenting about getting my product to readers.
In addition to bookstore signings, I've done email blasts, online advertising, giveaways, speaking engagements, and of course book club meetings. I believe that one of the primary reasons both In Firm Pursuit and Every Reasonable Doubt have made the Essence Best-Seller's list is my heavy focus on book clubs. During a recent trip to the D.C. area, I did three book clubs in one day, along with a reception at a friend's home and a panel discussion at a bookstore. It was a long day, but I reached a lot of people.
Book clubs are social networks and they are great sources for word-of-mouth promotion. If the book club members enjoyed reading one of my books, it's likely that they're going to mention it to their friends, family and co-workers, and go back to the store to pick up my next book.
BPM: Have you gotten any sound advice from fellow authors?
Christian fiction author Victoria Christopher Murray told me that the writers who survive in this business are the persistent ones. She said that producing a book a year has been one of the keys to her success. Her fan base has followed her with each book and continues to grow. It's definitely my plan to produce a new book every year.
BPM: What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
Find the writing process that works best for you. When I wrote my first book, I struggled a lot with the writing. I didn't prepare an outline or even have the storyline worked out in my head. I had an idea for the characters and the setting and I just sat down and started writing. I would spend weeks on a single chapter, rewriting what I had written during the previous session. Later, I ended up tossing out several chapters that I spent weeks working on.
Now, I have a completed outline before I begin writing a single word. It can take me a couple of months to complete an outline. Then, I sit down and write my story from beginning to end without doing any major revising. My goal at the start of a new novel is to produce a decent first draft with a solid, engaging plot. Once I'm satisfied with the plot, then I go back and spend as much time as it takes to polish the writing—anywhere from three to six months. This process helped me cut my writing time tremendously. It took me three years to write In Firm Pursuit (written, first but sold second) and only one year to finish Every Reasonable Doubt.
BPM: What is your favorite self-marketing idea?
Book clubs, book clubs, book clubs! I've met with close to 50. Book club members are avid readers. If a book club member loves you, she will recommend your book to others. I've gained speaking events, other book club meetings, great friends and, of course, lots of fans from my book club appearances.
BPM: What are the biggest surprises you've encountered as a writer?
That readers view authors as celebrities. Also, publishers do very little to help promote your book.
BPM: What is your proudest moment as a professional writer?
Getting unsolicited praise for my novels. More than a few friends have met others who raved to them about my books, not knowing that they knew me. For example, a friend was talking to someone she'd just met at a bar and the subject of good books came up. My friend was about to tell the woman about my book, but the woman beat her to it.
BPM: What's the best advice you were given about writing?
During my pre-published days, a writing instructor told me to outline a novel like mine and study the story structure. That significantly improved my writing. I outlined John Grisham's novel, The Firm. I immediately understood how the story came together and could see the work that my novel needed in terms of story structure.
BPM: What business challenges have you faced as a writer?
I spent way too much money on printed promotional materials for my first book. All you really need are a great website, some nice bookmarks and, if you can afford it, some posters for bookstores. I would love to do more travel to meet with more book clubs and readers. But unfortunately, I only have so many frequent flyer miles.
To contact Pamela or to read an excerpt of her books, visit www.pamelasamuelsyoung.com.
BPM: What are some of your favorite authors (past, present, or future)?
The book that had the greatest impact on me as a kid was Claude Brown's Manchild in the Promised Land. I can still remember stumbling across a copy of the book at my aunt's house when I was about twelve. It was the first book I remember reading that had African-American characters and I was thrilled to be reading about people who looked like me. It was also a very gritty and graphic coming of age story. I promptly "borrowed" the book without asking for permission for fear that my aunt would think I was too young to be reading such a sexually graphic book. After that, I developed an insatiable appetite for African-American fiction.
These days, I read more mysteries than anything else. Some of my favorite authors include Walter Mosley, Sandra Brown, Tami Hoag, Joseph Finder, James Patterson, Valerie Wilson Wesley, John Grisham and Greg Iles. I love a good plot and I think all of these writers write very entertaining novels. I also enjoy contemporary fiction and I'll buy anything Terry McMillan decides to write. I spend a lot of time studying the story structure of novels that I've enjoyed reading, which has helped me tremendously with pacing.
BPM: What do you want the world to know most about you?
That I grew up in Compton, California, which I'm very proud of. When I mention my hometown, people automatically assume that I dodged bullets on the way to school every day. But it was nothing like that. I had two strong, hard-working parents, who still live in Compton today. The foundation they laid – faith in God, hard work and education – is responsible for who I am and everything I have achieved.
Buying Time by Pamela Samuels Young
Angela Evans should be on top of the world. She’s a smart, attractive prosecutor who’s about to marry a successful judge. But the closer Angela gets to saying “I do,” the more she wants out. Then she meets
Dre, a street-smart brother who’s nothing like her stuffy fiancé Cornell. Angela eventually calls off the wedding, but Cornell can’t accept the rejection. He turns violent in a way Angela never could have imagined. Dre comes to her rescue, but Angela soon learns that he’s hiding a shady past, and her world falls apart all over again.
On Sale Now! Buying Time by Pamela Samuels Young
ISBN-10: 098156271X | ISBN-13: 978-0981562711
Bookclubs, select one of Pamela’s novels for your book club meeting and she will join you in person, via webcam or via speaker phone.
Read more book excerpts
here.
Cheryl Lacey Donovan is a nationally recognized evangelist and public speaker. As founder of Worth More than Rubies Ministries, Cheryl has become one of the nations leading conference presenters. A noted author and internet radio personality, she has influenced the lives of thousands of women in the U.S. and abroad. Cheryl’s calling to inspire, motivate, & educate others is evident as her passion to help women discover their authentic purpose and destiny comes through in her books, CD's and devotionals.
Women What the Hell are You Thinking Now? Transform Your Thinking to Transform Your Life
by Cheryl Lacey Donovan
Join Author and Evangelist Cheryl Donovan as she discusses her new book Women, What the Hell are You Thinking Now? This series of discussions is designed to help individuals identify the strongholds in their lives and tear them while seeking to live the abundant life God intended.
BPM: Cheryl share with us a quote from one of the most powerful chapters.
"You can't get to the next level if you're stuck on the ground floor."
BPM: You are an Evangelist and ordained Minister of the Gospel. What prompted you to write this book for women?
Over the years, I’ve shared many of my experiences and testimonies of things that happened to me and others I cross in my daily profession as a medical instructor .I originally wrote a similar book about two years ago which addressed some of those issues but in this book, I tackle them head on with practical applications for implementation. I actually had no idea my mess would someday be a message for others. That’s the Holy Spirit for you. He brings things full circle in your life. Many of us are experiencing a spiritual disconnect in most cases. We believe our problems are carnal rather than spiritual. You want to do the right thing but are confronted with situations that are counter intuitive to all your values, cultural and spiritual, and you have to balance them all. It’s tough. So I wrote Women What the Hell are You Thinking Now? to help women get through the tough days with grace and know that God loves them and is with them no matter what.
BPM: What life lessons have you experienced personally that have nurtured and shaped who you are today?
Christians are not immune to the vicissitudes of life. Understanding this reality has helped me cope with the setbacks and unexpected pitfalls I’ve faced. Jesus said we’d have them in this world but to be of good cheer because he’d overcome the world (John 16:33). That’s the good news. Christ is with us He never leaves us or forsakes us.
BPM: What insight does the book give readers on life?
The book encourages the reader to look inside themselves for the changes they want to see. A transformed mind leads to a transformed life.
BPM: What are some of the common mistakes, or mis-informed choices that prevent women in developing spiritually, or building positive relationships?
We allow others to define us. Who we are and who we should be rather than looking to the creator for the answer. Many of us have an unction or yearning inside about who we are and what we should be doing to build the Kingdom but we allow the enemy to lie to us and convince us otherwise. We forget that with Christ we can do all things and that he can take the foolish things and confound the wise. We are more than conquerors and we shouldn’t allow fear to consume us.
BPM: What are you hoping women will take away from your book, i.e., personally, emotionally, and/or spiritually?
I want women to understand how important they are to God. The Kingdom of God lives within in each of us. Therefore, we already have everything we need to operate in our God given purpose. Once we get that we can truly experience the abundant life God intended for us to have.
BPM: How do you avoid the temptation of interjecting your own morals, value system or ministry in your writing?
I try to be real. I try to be transparent. I use myself, my story to connect with the reader. I'm not trying to save people with my writing; I'm simply trying to share God's love without shoving religion down their throats. I want readers to be inspired and come away encouraged.
BPM: What has been your most difficult hurdle to leap? Marketing, promotions or gaining media exposure, etc. How can EDC Creations and our readers help you?
Mainstream media exposure is probably the most difficult aspect of marketing. It can be hard to keep track of news stories trends, etc. with which your book has something in common. Yet, this is the most effective way of getting interviews in print as well as on national media programs.
BPM: How has your writing style evolved over the years? What stimulated your growth the most? We are here to shine the spotlight on your new book, but what's next?
I'd like to think it's more thought provoking and more meaningful to the reader. Again I connect with them through my own story so I believe it's more real and effective at reaching the reader. My next book is No Test No Testimony: What Happens When All Hell Breaks Loose. It discusses the fact that just because you're seen as a "leader" in the faith based community it doesn't mean that you don't go through trials and tribulations that can upset your world. But in the end as the title reflects there is ultimately a testimony for the masses.
BPM: Do you have plans to write other devotional/spiritual books?
I plan to continue traveling the country ministering to women and I will continue writing books of inspiration including devotionals, journals, and other inspirational material. Anyone wishing to contact me can do so at
cherylspeaks@gmail.com. They can also visit the website:
http://www.worthmorethanrubiesministries.org;
http://www.facebook.com/cheryl.donovan
Women What the Hell are You Thinking Now?
Transform Your Thinking to Transform Your Life
by Cheryl Lacey Donovan
• Book Review
Cheryl, you speak with authority, wisdom, and experience. Your book is certain to breathe life into those who feel beaten down by circumstances. Your strong yet loving words will draw women of all ages and stages to the power and peace that only our Risen Lord can provide. He has spoken through you. Thank you for being an obedient messenger. In Christ's love and warmth.
~ Jory H. Fisher, JD, www.WomenFindPurpose.com
• Primary Topics Discussed 1.) You have to clear the clutter and get on with your life. You have to learn to forgive not only others but yourself. When you harbor fear it grows into bitterness, anger, and resentment. Ultimately the only person this hurts is you. We have to let go of all the bad feelings and emotions that keep us in bondage.
2.) If you transform your thinking you'll transform your life. Our thoughts turn into words. Those words turn into actions. Ultimately all of this becomes a self fulfilling prophecy. Therefore, we must strive to maintain a positive attitude and positive thoughts so that our outcome will be successful.
3.) Be truthful with yourself. Many of us hide behind masks. Masks not only shown to others but to ourselves as well. Being truthful with ourselves helps us to identify those things that keep us from living an abundant life. In this way we can begin to forgive yourself and
others.
4.) Identify opportunities for growth even in life's most mundane moments. You already have everything you need to live a life of victory. Use it.
Shana Burton is the author of Suddenly Single First Comes Love, Flaws and All, Catt Chasin’
(Urban Christian/Kensington Publishing.) She is bestselling author and a two-time nominee for Georgia Author of the Year (2009 Best Fiction- First Comes Love, 2011 Best Fiction- Flaws and All).
She resides in Georgia with her two children. When she is not writing, she can be found gardening, dancing, or reading.
She is currently working on her fifth book, Flaw Less, which is a sequel to her bestseller Flaws and All. Flaw Less will be release in Fall 2012.
BPM: Tell us about your journey becoming a successfully published author. Do you have anyone in your life that was heavily influential in your deciding to become an author?
I've been writing since I was around four or five-years-old, and I've always known that I wanted to be a writer. I didn't always know how I was going to get there, but writing is the only thing that I've ever done consistently and not gotten bored or lost interest in it. As a child, I wrote and illustrated a little series of books. As I got older, that evolved into writing chapter novels and writing for my schools' newspapers, literary magazines, and yearbooks. I did stop writing for about seven years. During that time, I was focused on my marriage, my children, and teaching.
Since I picked up the pen again in 2005, I haven't been able to put it down. I guess God's favor has been on me since I started writing books. I wrote my first book, Suddenly Single, in about six months. I didn't take that long for me to find an agent. Once I did, she secured my book deal in a week or two. The rest is history. This is not to say I didn't suffer through my fair share of rejection letters, disappointments, and setbacks. However, when you're determined the way I was, you don't let those things discourage or stop you. "No" becomes your motivation to come back stronger and better the next time.
BPM: What is your definition of success?
I don't measure success strictly in terms of money. To me, success is having wholeness in every area of life. This includes a strong relationship with God, a healthy relationship with your spouse and children, being sound in mind and body, being successful on the job, and loving yourself.
BPM: What books or authors made a difference in your life?
The book that has made the biggest difference in my life is Their Eyes Were Watching God. It is my absolute favorite novel, and it's taught me a lot about character development, creating dialogue and a voice for my characters, and overall good writing. I can't say enough about this book or the incomparable Zora Neale Hurston. Author Mary Monroe also made a huge difference in my life. When I first started out, she was the first author to reach out to me and give me great advice about publishing and staying encouraged. She's awesome! We did a book-signing together last year, and I felt so honored just to be in her presence.
BPM: What have you realized about yourself since becoming a published author?
I've realized that I'm not as shy as I thought I was. It takes a certain level of arrogance to write a book, have it published, and expect people to spend their time and money on what you have to say. You also have to be willing to put yourself out there, to sell your books and, to a certain extent, yourself to strangers. You can't afford to be shy, literally or figuratively.
BPM: What are some of the benefits of being an author that makes it all worthwhile?
The main benefit for me is being able to touch so many people. I receive emails from people all the time telling me that my books encouraged or inspired them in some way. I had one that said First Comes Love actually saved her marriage. That's better than any review I could ask for!
BPM: Do you have any advice for people seeking to publish a book?
I would advise anyone who wants to become a published author to learn as much about the craft as possible, from writing style to marketing and promotion. I would also encourage them to join a writers' group or seek writing mentors.
BPM: If you were not a writer, what would you be? What are you passionate about, besides writing books?
I'm very passionate about helping people, so I'd probably be a teacher, which is what I still do in my 9-to-5 life. I also love to talk, so I wouldn't rule out being a talk-show host.
Catt
Chasin' by Shana Burton
Head research and development chemist Jamal Ford has narrowed his love-life down to a science through the creation of his 30-Day Dating Plan, a guide intended to weed out the drama queens, gold-diggers, and baby mamas from his ideal: a part goddess, part sex kitten, and part Stepford Wife mate. The shallow, fun-loving 33-year-old knows he’s one of Charlotte, North Carolina’s most eligible bachelors, and he won’t settle for anything less than the trophy wife of his dreams.
Catherine “Catt” Cason has never let scheming co-workers, her loving (but overbearing) father, or her full figure slow her down. The brilliant formulating chemist takes being labeled “the cute fat girl” in stride as she fast-tracks her way to a top position with her cosmetic company, Telegenic. While she would enjoy the love of a good man, Catt refuses to risk her career or her heart being broken again just to have a warm body at her side. Besides, why settle for the love of an earthly man when she is the fiancée of
Christ? When Jamal is paired with Catt to launch a new product for work, it’s loathe at first sight.
She thinks he’s arrogant and incompetent. He thinks she’s a sanctimonious kill-joy. What each believes they want may not be what God knows they need. In this game of love, rules don’t exist, and no heart is safe. The Lord is speaking, but will they all be too caught up in their own agendas to listen?
Yesterday's Lies by Terri D.
What Secrets do you keep from the one you share everything with?
Secrets. Lies. Half-Truths. A poignant tale of a circle of close knit friends whose lives are more intertwined than they realize. That is until the blurred lines of Love, Lust and Friendship begins to reveal the half-truths and lies that exist. Will the secrets they all hold from the past ruin their friendship and lives forever?
Message to the Readers from Terri D.
I am a single mother of three. I once read that children bring our subconscious issues into life. They show us the parts of us that we need to heal. My children have always been my inspiration to push myself to get to the next level. I see little pieces of me in each of them but they have all grown up to have their own distinct personalities. I have worked in the Healthcare industry for over 20 years. I am presently employed for a local Healthcare company and work in the Information Systems department. Although I work in IT I am not a "techie" as most people consider anyone who works in this field. I consider myself to be very analytical which makes people I have know for a long time wonder where all of this creativeness came from all of a sudden. To this I say it has always been there just hidden beneath the surface.
I have kept journals as far back as I can remember. I always liked to write and express myself in writing. I have often been told I express myself in writing better than I do verbally. I dabbled in poetry from time to time, but have always gravitated more towards music. I am a singer and have also used that as an outlet for my creative energy. I come from a very musical family. All of our activities usually involve music in some form or fashion. I still sing in church, as often as possible, however, my writing intensified ten years ago while going through my divorce. It was a way for me to express myself without exposing what was really going on inside of me. At one point I allowed a close friend to read some of what I wrote and they commented that I had a very unique way of writing and expressing myself and they encouraged me to continue to write.
I have continued to journal and started to write my first book a few years ago but was not able to complete it. Earlier this year (2010) due to some events in my life a story came to me and I sat down and started to write. The words flowed freely and the next thing I knew I had over fifty pages typed. My debut book Yesterday's Lies is the finished product of that brainstorm one summer night. The characters although fictional, could be argued by those who know me well, are pieces of me in each one of them. Maybe not who I am in real life, but who I would like to be in my fantasy world.
I hope that you enjoy reading Yesterday's Lies as much as I have enjoyed writing it. It was a journey to get to the finished product but one that was well worth it. I have met some wonderful people along the way; ones that I hope will remain in my life from this point forward. As we go through the journey of life we cross paths with a lot of people. Some interactions are very brief and some last much longer. The trick is recognizing which ones to grab onto and cultivate and which ones we should let go of.
As you read the book ask yourself these questions: How far would you go for your best friend? What secrets would you keep from the one you share everything with?
Excerpt from Yesterday's Lies by Terri D.
Journal Entry -- Tuesday
As each day passes my thoughts of you and desire for you increase. When I close my eyes, I can drift back in time and feel your touch and I imagine I hear your voice. Oh how I wish I could hear your voice. I've let you get under my skin, and I feel very vulnerable because I know I'm in a position to get hurt. You told me when we first met, you were not looking for a relationship, and I agreed to your terms. I never expected you to be such a nice guy. I really want to call you but I promised Jada I would wait until Thursday.
In the middle of my entry, I checked the clock and it was only 10:15 pm. It's not too late to call, I thought to myself. I grabbed my phone and dialed the number. The phone rang four times. I was just about to disconnect the call when he picked up and answered with a simple, “Hello.”
“Hi Darien,” I said. “This is Toni.”
“Well hello, Ms. Toni,” he said and I felt like he was smiling through the phone. “I was just thinking about you.”
“Really?” I said. “That’s funny because you didn’t call me I called you,” I said with a hint of sarcasm.
“About that,” he started, “I wanted to call you but I got sent out of town on business suddenly yesterday morning. I didn't have your cell number on me. I've been in meetings all day long and have not had a minute to log in to send you an email.”
Trying to sound cool, I said “Darien its okay. I was just concerned because I had not heard from you since you left my house on Sunday, and I had not seen you around the office either. I thought maybe something had happened to you and I just wanted to check on you.”
“Oh I see, well as you can hear, I'm doing okay. I'm in Miami right now and am not sure, when I'm coming home. Hopefully this weekend, but not sure I really want to fly all the way back home just for the weekend when the only thing waiting for me there is my empty bed and my fish.”
Trying to sound very nonchalant, I said, “Yes I can understand that.”
We talked for another few minutes. Then I said, “Darien it’s getting late so I need to go. Did you save my number in your phone?”
“Yes I did.”
“Okay so call me when you can.”
“I will Toni, I promise.”
Journal Entry -- Tuesday continued…
I broke down and called you and even though Jada is going to have some choice words for me, I'm glad I did. I really enjoyed talking to you. Our conversation left me wanting more. I'm trying to put my finger on what it's about you that intrigues me the most. I think it's a combination of a number of things. First of all, I like your confidence. You carry yourself like you know exactly who you are and what you want. That's a real turn on.
In addition, you try to act like you're a player and women do not mean that much to you, but I can tell that you really like women. The way you talked about your mom and little sister I can tell you really like women. I mean most straight men like women. They love us and want to make love to us, but they do not really like us. I can tell you do. It's the way you listen that makes the difference. Women like to be heard more than anything else. I could write so much more but am very tired, so am closing for now. I'm looking forward to hearing from you tomorrow.
I placed my journal back in its hiding place, put my cell phone on the charger, and prepared to turn in for the night. As soon as I turned the light off my cell phone rang. I looked at the clock and it said 11:00 pm. Who is calling me this time at night? I thought to myself. I reached over to grab my phone off the charger to look at the number. It was an unfamiliar out of town number. I think the same one from the other day. Who is this who keeps calling me? I thought. I considered letting it go to voice mail again but I had a feeling I needed to take this call so I answered,
“Hello. ”
About the Author
Terri D. is a long term transplant resident of Harrisburg, PA. She was born in Detroit Michigan and grew up in the Washington DC and Suburban Maryland area until she left to attend Chatham Hall a private boarding school in Virginia. She attended Queens College in Charlotte North Carolina as well as Lebanon Valley College in Pennsylvania. She is a single mother or three. Terri D has kept journals and written short stories and poetry all of her life.
www.AuthorTerriD.com. Follow Terri D. on Twitter: www.Twitter.com/AuthorTerriD
Nikki Coe began writing as a hobby. Employed by the USPS for nearly twenty years in several different capacities and locations, Nikki Coe is an expert on the postal experience. An avid reader, Nikki is familiar with the types of literary works that appeal most to women and she writes to that appeal. Nikki has created characters that people talk about; characters that endear and emotionally involve the reader. Her characters experience common problems that are solved in unorthodox
ways. Visit her website at: www.nikkicoe.com
BPM: Introduce us to Rain, Snow, Sleet or Hail.
What’s really going on at the Post Office? The main characters in Postal Blues meet at a safety briefing and form an unlikely friendship that working together night after night reinforces. Bailey Jenkins, Lisa Johnson, Tonya Elson and Jackson Andies, take the reader on an amusing trip thru the United States Postal Service as they deal with irritating co-workers, inept management and postal violence. In their private lives, newly found love, single parenting, an adoption gone wrong and broken hearts keeps the reader turning the pages.
There are no secrets in the post office. Yes there is, and Lisa, Tonya and Jackson guard Bailey’s at all cost. The sequel to POSTAL BLUES, RAIN, SNOW, SLEET OR HAIL takes over where Postal Blues leaves off while remaining a stand-alone book in its own right. RAIN, depicts a more mature Lisa as she becomes a full-time student while still working hard at the post office. Her first day in class she’s shocked to find out that her ‘harrrd’ law professor is no stranger.
Love and Jackson have changed Bailey but their relationship is everything but smooth because his ex refuses to let them live happily ever after. A now expectant Tonya will soon be the mother of two but her adopted three year old is not feeling her…at all. Tonya wants to send her back but she is the apple of Michael’s eye and he’s having no part of it. And yes, the irritating co-workers have pushed it up a notch and are more irritating.
Excerpt from Rain, Snow, Sleet or Hail by Nikki Coe
The sound of the rain stopped and the silence woke her. The room was cold but it had nothing to do with the open windows or the drop in temperature. Something was wrong. She kept her eyes closed but her senses were honed in on something and whatever it was, it sent terror running through her body. What was it? Why was it in her new apartment? Before her mind could answer, Trenton’s hands were around her throat.
BPM: What prompted you to write your book?
Two things prompted me to start writing. I was growing tired of reading books that left me disappointed at their completion. Tired of hearing me complain about the books I’d read, my husband urged me to “write something better” so I began taking writing classes. The first thing that you learn in writing classes is to write what you know. Being a postal employee, (a stressed out one) I began writing what I knew. That solved two problems; one, what to write about and two, it released a lot of work related stress.
BPM: Who are your favorite characters?
It’s unusual but my favorite character in both books, POSTAL BLUES and RAIN, SNOW, SLEET or HAIL is actually a side-bar character whose name is Carla. She has been on every diet known to mankind yet she continues to gain weight and she doesn’t know why. Carla can always be found with a muffin or a fast food bag in her hand. Sweet as the donuts that she can’t resist, she takes the constant ribbing about her diets with a smile. I like her because she doesn’t take herself too seriously and because she represents the inner struggle that a lot of us have with will power.
BPM: Ultimately what do you want readers to gain from your book?
People read fiction for entertainment. Does my book have any life changing revelations? No. If my writing prompts readers to consider a new way to handle a common problem, great, but I write to entertain. When someone finishes POSTAL BLUES or RAIN, SNOW, SLEET or HAIL I want them to think,
“Wow, that was entertaining, or “Wow, that’s a book I wouldn’t mind rereading...”
BPM: How much of what you write reflects your outlook on life?
A lot. There is plenty of humor in my books. I hear all the time that, “this had me cracking up”
or “I couldn’t stop laughing when I read that.” There isn’t too much life that I can’t find humor in. My writing reflects that.
BPM: Gratuitous sex scenes are often written into books simply as a vain attempt to make the rest of the book exciting. What do you think of the increasingly gratuitous sex in African American literature?
I think it takes away from the talent of the author. Not only is there too much gratuitous sex, but the over abundant number of sexual book covers depress me. When I see those covers on book shelves it makes me realize that some of my people are still falling in line with the perception that other races have of us. It makes me wonder if the author is aware of the impact that their cover may have on us as a race. But sex sells and this is a hard business to break into so I understand the method behind the madness, I don’t agree, but I do understand which leads me to my next answer.
BPM: What was the most powerful chapter in the book for you to write?
Difficult not powerful…In POSTAL BLUES one of the main characters goes through a “transformation” in the bedroom to make her husband think that she’s having an affair. In order to accomplish that, I had to write some pretty graphic sex scenes. It was difficult for me. I had to pump myself up, lock my office door and forget that my brother may someday read what I had written. Even after having three children I didn’t want him to know that I knew how to have sex. In RAIN, SNOW, SLEET or HAIL I didn’t put myself thru that torture; I wrote about making love without actually writing a ‘How to’ manual on it.
BOOK REVIEW by Bestselling Author Nikkea Smithers
Rain, Snow, Sleet or Hail by Nikki Coe
The drama continues from Postal Blues and Nikki Coe has done it again! Just when you think things are going to calm down, things pick back up in ways that you simply cannot expect! I loved, loved, loved this book! It’s such a thoroughly written story that I literally couldn’t put it down.
The fact that I have been waiting for the sequel for Postal Blues only added to that allure.
I really have become a fan of Nikki Coe because you can not tell by her writing that she is new to the literary world.
Her second book packs such a powerful punch and deals with so many issues that it only made me an even bigger fan of this authors work. I think that her biggest gift is the ability to make her books avoid predictability. I’m hoping, praying for another installment of this series!
Book Rating: 5; Reviewed by: Nikkea Smithers, RWA Bookclub President
After being diagnosed with an early stage breast cancer, Dr. Vinson decided to share intimate details of her breast cancer treatment and recovery. Though she considered this to be the trial of her life, she often found humor in the experience that helped get her through the whole ordeal.
Excerpt from This Poor Tit by Carolyn Vinson
BREAST CANCER....How can one see any humor in it? Breast cancer has killed or disfigured millions of women and it is truly no laughing matter. Yet, after having my own bout with this dreadful disease, I can't help but take a personal humorous view of it from some of my experiences. Oftentimes, it was my self-induced humor that got me through my ordeal.
I'm now sharing my experience because I am grateful that I'm still alive and that I have both of my breasts, though one is slightly scarred and shrunken. I'm grateful as well to be a breast cancer survivor. I am a witness that breast cancer is not a death sentence. With regular self-breast examinations, regularly scheduled mammograms, early diagnosis and treatment, the death rate
has been substantially reduced.
Recently, we've been told that mammograms are not a necessity until a woman reaches the age of 50. I strongly disagree with this conclusion. Although I feel that some women may have been misdiagnosed and some may have had extensive surgeries unnecessarily, mammograms are still the one sure way to detect breast cancer...especially if there is no lump or tumor present.
A woman's' breasts are her prized possession. Her breasts are her "GIRLS". They are a symbol of her womanhood. They are a resting place for her husband and a place of nourishment for her child. Consequently, every woman feels great trauma when a breast is flawed or lost to this frightful disease. She feels as if she has been violated in some way. Let us hope that one day God will grant to us a cure so that we won't have to say, "THIS POOR TIT!"
This Poor Tit by Dr. Carolyn Vinson
Genre: Non-Fiction
ISBN# 978-1-4507-6364-6
Purchase books at: www.highpointlive.org
(click on First Lady's Corner)
About the Author
Dr. Carolyn Vinson is a noted songwriter and author who's credits include the renown gospel hit song "Peanut Butter & Jelley" sung by the Truthettes on the Malaco record label. She also penned "I Feel Jesus" which was featured on Grammy/Dove nominee Vanessa Bell
Armstrong second album Chosen.
Dr. Vinson received an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity from St. Thomas Christian College and she serves as Co-Pastor of Highpoint Christian Tabernacle Church in the city of Smyrna, Georgia. Contact her at:
www.highpointlive.org (click on First Lady's Corner) or email her at:
mysix@earthlink.net
Dr. Vinson has authored two books, "First Lady" which speaks to women who are married to men of prominence, and "This Poor Tit" which gives an intimate account of her journey through breast cancer. She travels extensively and is known as a woman of great integrity.
Growing Pains: Kendra's Diaries
by K. P. Smith
Growing Pains: Kendra's Diaries
is a coming of age book. It tells the story of one girl's struggle, Kendra Foster, dealing with the difficulties of growing up as her world changes around her.
Excerpt from Growing Pains: Kendra's Diaries by K.P. Smith
I lay and waited for the knock I knew was coming. After a few seconds, there it was, a knock on the door. “Come in,” I responded.
My only sibling, my younger sister, Patrice, peeked through the crack she made when she opened the door, and asked “Can I lie with you?”
I moved over to make room for her on the bed. She hopped onto the bed and lay next to me. I took one of my pillows and gave to her. In unison, and showing our years of practice, we put the pillows over our heads and tried to drown out the screaming voices. They were so loud that I could no longer hear the birds chirping right outside my window.
Then, I heard my sister, speaking to me through the pillow. I lifted it to hear what she was saying.
“Why do mommy and daddy fight so much?” she asked, for what seemed like the millionth time.
I didn’t have a clue, myself. But, since I was the big sister, I guessed it was my job to come up with something. “Adults have a lot of things to deal with, and they don’t always agree on things, and sometimes they argue. It’s no big deal,” I said, trying to sound mature and confident, trying to reassure her.
“Do you think mommy and daddy love each other?”
That was a new question, and it kinda took me off guard. I hesitated for a second and gave the only response I could think of, “Of course.”
That seemed to satisfy her. She put the pillow back on her face. Patrice had been subjected to the fights between my parents for most of her life. Things weren’t always that way, though. There were better times—times without all this fussing and fighting—but those times seemed far, far away.
After a while, my sister’s breathing became softer and softer, letting me know she had fallen asleep. I lifted the pillow off of her face and looked around my room, since there was nothing much else to do while waiting for the argument to stop.
I had a full-size bed with a matching, Chester drawer set. When I looked down at my sister, asleep on the full bed, I thought, Thank God I was finally able to get out of the
twin bed I’d had since I got out of my baby bed. My bedroom set was a hand-me-down from one of my mother’s friends, whose daughter left for college this past summer. But since I was 13 and still in a twin, I was grateful for anything.
My bed was not decked out with a comforter set, the kind with all the fancy trimmings—no decorative pillows, no bed skirt. Instead, it was modestly covered with a spread. At least it’s my favorite color, dark green, I thought. And my curtains are a nice, lighter shade of green, close to the color of green grapes. They match my bedspread nicely.
My room was not horrible, but it was far from the beautiful rooms I had seen in magazines with the sparkling Princess bedroom furniture and everything decorated in pink. The highlight of my room, by far, was my brand new television—which I got for my birthday. My grandparents bought it for me. The downside was that my sister didn’t have her own TV, so, she often watched mine with me. At least she knows the rules. She can watch television with me, but we only watch what I want to watch. A girl has to have something of her own, right?
I stopped surveying my room, sat up, and listened to my sister’s breathing. She was okay. She felt safe. Then I wondered, who is supposed to make me feel safe? At church they said, “God is always there with you. He is there to help you.” However, I had to wonder if that was true. If he is indeed here, then where is he? And when exactly does he plan on doing something? He could start by answering any one of the countless prayers I have been praying to him.
They also said, “You have to wait on Him.” How long does it take for him to show up? They said, “He is always on time.” But, according to my watch, He is very, very late.
Growing Pains: Kendra's Diaries by K .P. Smith
Young Adult themed book
Growing Pains:
Kendra's Dairies is the first book in the series chronicling the journey of Kendra Foster from adolescence to adulthood. I aspire to encourage, entertain, and inspire young adults. Life has its ups and downs, its bumps and its bruises. But with perseverance, determination, and faith you can be all you were born to be. Never Give Up!
ISBN-10: 0615390307
ISBN-13: 978-0615390307
5-Star Book Review By Cheryl Francis (Michigan)
Kendra is dealing with several struggles in her life. As an 8th grader, she has a big transition coming up. She has to go to a different school for high school. She wants to go to The Academy, but it's expensive. The only way she would be able to go is if she gets a scholarship. She also is going to try out for cheerleader. In 6th grade she had something really embarrassing happen at tryouts and chickened out in 7th grade. She was hoping that this would be her year. Her mom had some excellent advice for her:
"Don't be a quitter. Life will bring about many difficult situations and the last thing you want to do is start quitting when things get hard. This is a painful, but important lesson for you to learn. The choice is yours. That is the most important lesson for you to learn from this life. Life is about choices and we have to live with the consequences of the choices we make." P.16
The other struggle is with her parents. It's very hard to grow up in a house where the parents are constantly at each other over money. Kendra's younger sister Patrice wondered why mom and dad fight so much.
Kendra was finding out things about her family situation that she might have rather not known. Her mom was trying to do better things for the family, but in order to do it she was keeping things from her husband. She also overheard her grandma and grandpa talking about things that they didn't know she was hearing.
I know I am kind of going off the main story here, but when Kendra was talking about the school secretary she described her as the typical one who is in her 50's, and has dark brown hair that is in a bun. She has thick horn rimmed glasses that sat on her nose and had an outfit on that looked like it was from the 60's. Now I am a school secretary and totally do not look like that and hope I never do!
Anyway, Kendra's best friend was Katrina, but things started changing between them when they were not involved in the same activities. Kendra envies her friend Katrina's life. She thinks her life is perfect. She finds out that maybe her life just isn't as bad as she thinks. Kendra may not have had things in her life happen the way she had hoped, but in the end, they didn't turn out too bad.
I really enjoyed reading this story. In life there are so many struggles to deal with, but communicating with each other is a big way to get through it. Keeping things from others is not the way to go. The only thing that this will do is cause more trouble. You keep something from someone because you are afraid if they find out, they will be mad. Well, they will be more mad if you hide something from them because when they do find it, not only will they be mad about what you were hiding, but they will be mad that you lied in the first place.
Not only did K.P. Smith write an excellent story, but she really brought up some important issues in this book. You have to keep your chin up. You can't let life get you down. You may think that you have the worst things happen to you and a terrible life, but things will work out in the end. God never gives you more than you can handle.
The story drew me in from the very beginning and kept me hooked until the end. K.P. Smith has an excellent way of writing that just flows so well. In the entire book I did not find anything that I felt could have been written any better. The editing was perfect. I felt like I really got to know the characters and felt like it was me going through the situations. I highly recommend this book!
--Reviewed by Cheryl Francis, Black Diamond's Book Reviews
About the Author
K.P. Smith
has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Xavier University in New Orleans, LA.
She also has a Masters in Business Administration with a Concentration in Marketing from Loyola University in Chicago, IL.
K.P. Smith has worked successfully in the Insurance Industry for the past 13 years.
She has been an avid reader since her youth. Writing has always been a passion of hers. Her first novel titled Growing Pains: Kendra's Diaries is her dream come true. Her mission is to inspire, encourage and guide adolescents through the journey of growing up. She currently resides in New Orleans, LA with her two sons.
Michael McGrew can be described in one word, “visionary.” Naturally born with a gift in storytelling, writing a gripping novel is a walk in the park for this Los Angeles native. When asked about his role models and inspiration growing up, he simply explained that “Life itself and what it offers every day is a lesson and every lesson, if learned is the best advice the universe can give you.” He is a very diverse individual with a mind that invites the reality in which we choose to either accept or ignore. We just choose to ignore the imperfections in our own perfect world.
BPM: Tell us about your journey becoming a successfully published author. Do you have anyone in your life that was heavily influential in your deciding to become an author?
My journey is coincidental considering I couldn't stand to read at all as a youth, but I've always been a good story teller. As far as any influences that helped me make a decision I'd have to give credit to time. I didn't grow up with a role model or professionals to look up to and time allowed me to learn who I was, therefore giving me the ability to acknowledge my strengths.
My Kinda Girl by Michael McGrew
Bobbi Williams dreamed his way to the top without accepting failure as an option. From street hustler to a successful con man, he finds himself lost and confused when his best friend/sister is murdered in cold blood. After doing six years in prison for a string of robberies, and now friends with his late sister's boyfriend James, they plan their way to the top together. When Bobbi is released from Atlanta State Penitentiary with a lot to prove and a legal hustling game plan, his life begins to take a successful turn for the worst starting with a secret affair involving James fiancé, Jennifer.... recognizing that she is his kinda girl. Bobbi has it all; the money, fame, a fantasy and a family until his past and a little karma catches up to him.
MY KINDA GIRL is a tale that travels deep in the mind of a man with secrets that manifests into problems, too hard to live with, and death is the only way out!
BPM: Did you choose your genre, or did your genre choose you?
I chose urban life/fiction because when I took an interest in writing professional in 2008 urban fiction's demand was increasing and I figured it would be an awesome genre to establish a platform before pursuing other genres of literature.
BPM: Success leaves clues, whose clues did you follow on your journey?
I followed many talents on different levels in the industry such as Kwan, Will Smith, Troy Johnson, Baby Williams, and a close friend of mine Tim Beachum.
BPM: What are some of the benefits of being an author that makes it all worthwhile?
Some of my benefits are sharing my views, expressing my opinion through my characters and being able to touch my readers in a way to trigger questions, concerns in hopes that they can improve a situation or even learn what not to do as a learning experience. When I receive reviews or someone stops me in public and discuss my story with me just tickles my funny bone! I'm glad that I have a platform to touch and help people, now that's living.
BPM: Do you have any advice for people seeking to publish a book?
Where do I start...um...being artistic is awesome and I'm glad I chose writing as a profession, however business is just as important, in fact twice as important if you want to succeed in doing so. Some people just want to print a book to give out to the family for Christmas or even to say they've got a book printed. However, if you want to become an author; which should enable you to become a publisher someday, then you've got to have a marketing plan.
BPM: Now, let’s talk about the industry. How did you initially break into the publishing industry? What road did you travel? How do you feel about self-publishing? How do feel about selling digital books vs. selling in a brick and mortar store?
Okay your getting me excited, let me reposition my chair! After I decided to show interest in joining the literary world I had the pleasure to meet Kiki Swinson and she gave me a few pointers and I ran with them. From the information she gave me and the research I found, which happened to be worth my time in investing, I put an order in at a local printer in my town and was quoted $7500 for 2500 books which came out to $3.00 per book (Highway robbery! I know but didn't know any better.) and paid him in full in 5 months. I put a two weeks notice in at my job two weeks prior to my book being shipped and have been advancing in this industry ever since. I feel it's very important to become your own boss, but I understand that there's a lot of people who just want to write under another entrepreneurs company.
I chose the independent route and established Legacy Publishing Group LLC in 2010 and looking at greater profit margins, recognition and flexibility as my own publisher. Ebooks is to bookstores what Wal-Mart is to mom and pop shops across the nation. Bookstores are suffering everywhere for the simple fact that it's convenient for someone to buy a E-reading deceive for $114 or download an app and purchase your work online for $12 cheaper than the store, which they have to get in their car and drive to!
Personally I think ebooks prices should be regulated to at least half of what the retail value is and I understand that we can set our own price, but it's the authors who aren't seeing the bigger picture that needs to stop settling for a $2.99 sale that their only going to receive $1.04. My work is more valuable, so why not spend money in the stores and keep the tradition going?
BPM: Share with our readers the “behind-the-scenes” dish! Introduce us to your book and the main characters. Do you have any favorites? What genre is the book? On Kindle or Nook?
Well My Kinda Girl
is about two guys who are in love with a woman. She is tempting, drop dead gorgeous and belongs to James. Bobby looks up to him and is also was his deceased sisters boyfriend in the past. Bobbi can't resist Jennifer as she pursues him until he gives in and plants his first Karma seed. Lonnie Biggs is also a leading character, he's a corrupt detective who seeks revenge on his only sons killer and puts the pieces of the story together and finds out that James and Bobbi are the main suspects.
It all unravels but Bobbi's karma piles up as he is forced to deal with deceiving his friend and dealing with Lonnie Biggs. My Kinda Girl will have you dropping the book out of shock when you finish! I don't really have any favorites, I like them all actually but the there is only one victim in my eyes and that was Bobbi's girlfriend Stacy, she endured a lot and loved him so much. The genre is urban life/fiction but my company will also be publishing romance, self help and how-to/instructional books. My Kinda Girl and Taking Losses are both available on Kindle, Nook and IPad for only $6.99.
BPM: What inspired you to write this book? Why now? Ever experience writers block?
Some say I sound cocky when I say this but I just woke up one day and decided to write a book. It was one of those "If he can do it, then I could do better" type of scenarios and I did it. It was that simple. There is no grey area and there shouldn't be in life. Whether you can or you can't...you're right! Why Now? I asked myself this question on countless occasions and I think I finally know the answer.
Our experiences are great opportunity builders and being a single father during my late teens and twenties enabled me to focus on responsibilities and not my dreams. I began to ask myself the right questions such as what do I want to do with my life professionally and where did I want to be in the next five years? And it wasn't until my son was living with his grandmother between 2006-2008 that I came to the conclusion that I'd rather become the master of one mountain than a servant of a thousand foothills. I put all my chips on publishing and I'm still at the table. I've experienced writers block and don't like to rush it but before I begin to write, I develop the story in my head first so my process is pretty smooth.
BPM: What particular scenes will grab readers and serve to stimulate spirited discussions?
James suffers from heartache in a scene and describes his new found perception of love and explaining this scene is powerful enough to stir up emotion and questions that need to be discussed.
BPM: Who do you want to reach with your book and the message enclosed?
I want to reach everyone who's interested in reading movies on paper, that simple. I want to escape the expectations of urban fiction and provide great content for my readers, prompting them to demand the same from other authors.
BPM: How do you avoid the temptation of interjecting your own morals or value system in your writing?
I think I keep a pretty good balance but my experiences, vision and ability to explain in detail is my identity in this field. Mixed with a marketing plan and knowledge of my target market, it helps me and my story framing.
BPM: Share with us a quote or brief excerpt from one of the most powerful chapters.
"He looked vulnerable and beat, and at that moment I learned that if you want to defeat a man, you have to work him form the inside. Never in a hundred years did I think that I would ever come to envision a depressed version of James. A man with a mysterious passion and will to pursue goals to prove to more than just himself, that anyone can grab the success stick and run with it, but with every strength lies a weakness, and his, unfortunately was reliability." - from main character Bobbi Williams
BPM: Ultimately, what do you want readers to gain from your book?
As an individual we all have choices that lead us in a direction or path of our own. Our life's direction is all based on the decisions we make everyday. My characters represent symbols that are translated simply as karma, trust, commitment, honesty and relationships (business and personal).
BPM: What has been your most difficult hurdle to leap? Marketing, promotions or gaining media exposure, etc. How can EDC Creations and our readers help you?
This is a great question and being an entrepreneur and known for building great relationships I could use more media exposure. For the last four months I've focused primarily on my Internet presence as well as image establishment and as I prepare for my book tour following the Harlem Book Fair, It's time for me to socialize and grow my brand. Legacy Publishing Group is here to stay and authors are the NEW Rockstars!
BPM: How has your writing style evolved over the years? What stimulated your growth the most? We are here to shine the spotlight on your new book, but what's next?
I'm that type of writer that's all about growth and it has definitely gotten better and that's what happens when you deal with professional editors, they are a writers best friend. My personality and strength in the sales department. Well look out for Legacy Publishing Group and it's affiliates, in the process of growing the My Kinda Girl brand a playwright has been discussed as well as comedy and fashion shows coming soon. It's only the beginning.
Grounded
by a strong faith, Riisa Renée is passionate about inspiring others and
believes that her primary duty is to love - in words and action. Through
challenge and triumph, Riisa’s history and education enable her to combine
training with personal experience in this pursuit. Daily, Riisa grows to
understand how every stage of her journey was carefully designed to equip her
for her present ministries as a mother, author, speaker, minister and an
entrepreneur.
BPM: What makes you powerful as a person and a writer?
The power of my words flow from the strength of my passion and the depth of my
love. I write from my heart and I speak from my heart with passion and
conviction. I always endeavor to be transparent and sincere in my writing and in
my life because I have come to understand that it’s not about me. If I
can help one person with my willingness to share the lessons I have learned in
life and love, then I have come one step closer to fulfilling the purpose for
which I was created.
BPM: Who are your mentors? Where do you find your inspiration?
Though it may sound cliché, my greatest mentor is my mother. She has always
been such a beautiful example of grace in the face of adversity, unwavering
faith and unconditional love. I admire her strength and her gentle spirit and
the way they coexist without any dissonance or pretense.
My two children are my greatest source of inspiration. In teaching them I learn
so much about life, about love, and about myself. They have an uncanny knack for
making the most unwittingly profound statements that completely transform my
appreciation of simple truths that I have previously only half-heartedly
acknowledged. These three relationships are a huge catalyst for my constant
pursuit of growth and positive transformation.
BPM: What is the most rewarding aspect of your career?
This one is easy! Words cannot describe the deep sense of gratitude I feel
whenever someone contacts me to tell me that my book or some words that I have
spoken have impacted their lives. Since Breaking the Silence was published, I
have had a number of people approach me to say “Thank you for telling my
story!” I have had many more inform me that the book inspired them to: forgive
themselves; to have conversations with loved ones that they had been too afraid
or ashamed to have, ultimately leading to healing or a restored relationship; to
feel like they were not alone in their experience or in what they were feeling.
I often say, “no pain without purpose”. There is no greater reward than
knowing that my words have been a blessing or encouragement in the life of
another – for that is the purpose for which my work is intended.
BPM: Do you have any advice for people seeking to publish a book?
Do your homework: There are many publishing options out there. Make sure the one
that you choose is the right fit for YOU.
Network: There are many published authors out there who have successfully
gone through the process and are surprisingly gracious to neophytes like myself.
Use their experience and wisdom to make an informed decision.
Persevere: Delayed does not mean denied. If you are passionate about your
purpose and confident in your calling; work to pursue your dream with
excellence, guard against dream-killers and be confident that “in the fullness
of time” your dream will be fulfilled.
BPM: Hot Seat- Share with us ONE detail about you or a hobby
readers would enjoy.
Since childhood, I have harbored dreams of being on Broadway. In fact, I came
close to majoring in music in college only to chicken out in favor of something
“more practical” , fearful that I wouldn’t “make it”. I revisited my
singing dreams briefly in the late ‘90’s and actually appear on an album
produced by a Grammy-winning recording artist/writer/producer including lead
vocals on one track. Perhaps one day I will feel inspired to revisit that dream
once more; but for now, I will stick to the Praise Team at church and reserve my
Broadway-inspired performances to the privacy of my shower and the confines of
my automobile.
BPM: 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 pearls to future readers..."
It’s all about LOVE! A life of LOVE is a life worth living. You, by virtue of
being born are exceptional and worthy of love. Despite any shortcomings or
shortfalls that life inevitably brings, love allows us to forgive ourselves,
learn from our mistakes, and move on using our mistakes as an opportunity to
help someone else. A life of LOVE is a life worth sharing. There is no greater
demonstration of love than to forgive ourselves enough to share our lives with
another. There is no greater gift than LOVE.
BPM:
Introduce us to Breaking the Silence.
On Kindle or Nook?
Breaking the Silence is a compilation of lessons that I have learned in my quest
to love and be loved. I speak from my heart and detail some experiences I have
had in relationships, the choices that brought me to critical decision-points in
those relationships and the consequences of those decisions.
I make no attempt to rationalize or justify
my decisions, nor do I pretend to understand the thought processes, motivation
or intent of the other parties whom I describe in the book. I do however, try to
give the reader a glimpse into my heart and the emotions I experienced in each
situation described. I am also very intentional about bringing a Biblical
perspective to every lesson that I have learned. The lessons I share are simple
and powerful because they are rooted and entrenched in the timeless wisdom and
principles of the Holy Bible.
As for genre, Breaking the Silence has been described as an “inspirational
memoir”. It is a non-fiction account of snapshots of my life paralleled with
Biblical principles taught through snapshots of the lives of prominent Bible
characters. Breaking the Silence is also available in e-book format on Kindle.
BPM: Take us inside the book. What are two major themes covered?
A dramatic and major theme in my life as described in Part I of the book centers
around my decision around remaining celibate or embarking in relationships that
challenged the foundation of my belief system. These experiences challenged my
faith and forced me to confront the what and the why of my personal faith.
Another dramatic theme and without question amongst the most dramatic events of
my life is detailed in Part II of the book where I discuss my thoughts, emotions
and decision-process through the experience of unplanned pregnancy. Here again I
offer a glimpse into my heart and mind as I grapple with my principles and my
faith on my continued journey to love and forgiveness.
BPM: Is this a actual portrayal of real people or experiences? Breaking the Silence is non-fiction, the characters are real, though the
names have been changed to protect the privacy of those mentioned. The
experiences are mine. Each story that I describe in BtS is my lived experience,
with the exception of course of the Bible stories that I use to make
illustrations.
BPM: What specific situation or revelation prompted you to write your
book?
I actually get this question a lot. As I mentioned before, I frequently say,
“no pain without purpose”. Throughout some of the most difficult moments in
my life, many of which are described in this book, there were people who were
standing in the shadows, unbeknownst to me, watching my struggle and rooting for
me in silence. When I eventually emerged on the other side of my trial battered
and exhausted – yet victorious – I would hear comments like “I was praying
for you” or “I saw you going through, I knew you would make it”, or my
personal favorite, “I went through the exact same thing. I was hoping you
would be alright”.
In those moments I would always wonder,
where were these people in the midst of my struggle? Why couldn’t they have
offered these words of encouragement when I actually needed them? Better yet, if
you saw me headed for destruction – why not give me a heads-up in the event
that I would listen to your words and avoid the situation altogether?
Bottom line, we all have our own reasons for keeping our private battles to
ourselves. I get it. But I have experienced enough heartache to know that I
wouldn’t wish the emotional pain I have felt on another human being. It was
following what I still refer to the darkest period in my life that I vowed that
I would not be “that person”. I made a vow to the Lord that I would not keep
silent if ever I had an opportunity to share my heart as a means of helping
another. My pain would not be without purpose. When I first felt compelled to
write Breaking the Silence, I wasn’t certain if it was just for me, or if I
would attempt to publish the book. The more I opened my mouth, the more people
began to express the impact of this testimony and the need that existed among
their family and friends. With that I began to feel an increasing sense of
urgency to share this message of forgiveness, healing, hope and LOVE with as
many people as possible. And here we are today, one step further on a journey of
love and purpose.
BPM: Who do you want to reach with your book and the message within?
Breaking the Silence is written for young women who have not experienced the
pain and pitfalls of counterfeit love out of season. I candidly share a
first-hand account of what can potentially happen when something so beautiful is
distorted as a means of providing information needed to make an informed
decision.
I write to women who have experienced heartbreak and made choices for which they
are finding it difficult to forgive themselves. I share my experience and my
journey to love and forgiveness to demonstrate that you do not have the right to
hold yourself hostage when in fact you are loved and forgiven.
Beyond that, Breaking the Silence is for anyone who knows people who fall into
one of the above categories – male or female. I write from the female
experience because that is the only perspective I know. I have been instructed
however by several men who have read the book that Breaking the Silence speaks
to men and women alike. That said, I hope to reach anyone who could use some
encouragement in their quest to love and be loved.
BPM: What are some of the issues, needs or problems addressed in this
book?
Breaking the Silence rips the cover off of the taboo topics of sex,
single-parenthood and abortion among saved singles. It is a story of hurt and
hope, failure and redemption, self discovery and the power of LOVE.
BPM: Share with us a quote from one of the most powerful chapters.
“I even found myself on the outside of a one-sided relationship before I
understood you must love yourself enough to recognize that you are worthy of the
love you seek. When we allow our hearts to be trampled in the hopes that we will
one day win the affection of the one we love, we are giving permission to others
to treat us poorly. We are saying to the object of our affection and reinforcing
within ourselves that we are not worthy of the same level and quality of love
that we are willing to give. When we develop the habit of suppressing our
misgivings and pushing aside our feelings for fear that we might come across as
“holier-than-thou,” when we extinguish our light so that its brightness does
not offend others, we continue to reinforce this behavior, not only in
ourselves, but also among others who learn from this example.
I encourage each of you to take the time to discover who you are and the
greatness that lies within you before you begin to seek out a romantic
relationship. Take the time to become a woman of excellence before trying to
find a good man. Spend at least as much time developing your character as you do
your curves. For those of you who do not believe that you are excellent and that
power, passion, and purpose reside within you, you don’t have to take my word
for it:
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I
praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are
wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was
made in the secret place. I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your
eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your
book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the
grains of sand. When I awake I am still with you. (Psalm 139:13–18)
This is what your Heavenly Father, your creator—the creator of ALL
things—thinks about you! I encourage you to reflect on this and allow this to
be the measure by which you compare any other message—internally or externally
generated—about yourself. Again, my sisters, in all love I admonish you to
LOVE: Learn your Own Values and Excellence.” (from Chapter 5, Let’s Talk
About Love, p.63)
BPM: Ultimately, what do you want readers to gain from your book?
No matter who you are or what you have experienced, God desires to arrange the
story of your life in such a way that the end will be far greater than anything
you could ever have imagined. Why? Because of His incomprehensible love toward
you. It’s all about LOVE! It always has been – before the foundations of the
earth – and it always will be – throughout eternity. The answers you seek
are found in love, the healing you need is found in love. The love you desire
and so desperately long to give is enabled, empowered, and actualized by His
Divine Love. After reading Breaking the Silence my prayer is that you would be
so assured of your Creator’s love toward you that you experience an
overflowing demonstration of love that compels you to openly share it with
others.
Breaking the Silence is available for purchase through all major
online retailers.
ISBN-13: 978-0984196579
Cover design by Rakeda Rianna Sharber www.papillonperspectives.showitsite.com
BPM: How can our readers reach you online?
You may reach me through either of my websites, or connect with me on Facebook
or via my new blog: Single, Saved, Sexy, Celibate!
Melissa Dorsey is a first time author who is currently working to complete her degree in Early Childhood Education Administration. Melissa is a wife, mother of two, and a dedicated staff member of Fulton County Schools. She is originally from Mississippi, but she currently resides in Alpharetta, GA. Melissa enjoys spending quality time with her family, but still finds time to write.
She is currently working on her second book entitled, The Grass after the Rain; scheduled to release in December 2011. For more information and updates on Melissa Dorsey visit
www.melissadorsey.com.
BPM: Ms. Dorsey is here to discuss her new book and her road to publication, welcome her and please share her story.
The Grass After the Drought by Melissa Dorsey is an inspirational story about a young girl who has to overcome major adversity, at a very tender age. After leaving Chicago, and a drug addicted mother, Melissa is taken to live with her grandmother in Mississippi.
Away from the drugs, crime, violence, and poverty; Melissa is faced with a much more difficult task. She has to accept the fact that she is invisible in the eyes of her family. Starved for love and attention, she finds comfort in the form of drugs, alcohol, men, and sex. With her life spiraling out of control, Melissa does the only thing that she knows how to; she turns to God for guidance. With her mother up to her old tricks, Melissa is forced to step up and assume responsibility once again. After years of heartache and pain, she finds what she has been searching for all of her life.
BPM: What have you realized about yourself since you became a published author?
I’ve realized that I have something inside of me that the world needs to know about. My words have the power to impact lives in a positive way, and that’s exactly what I am going to do for the entirety of my life.
BPM: Do you have any advice for people seeking to publish a book?
The best advice that I can give to aspiring authors is to do their homework. The world has changed, and there are so many avenues that can be taken in order to publish a book. Knowledge is the key to success.
BPM: If you were not a writer, what would you be? What are you passionate about besides writing?
If I were not a writer I’d definitely work towards opening and directing my own youth center. I adore children, and I feel that I am obligated to try and save as many of them as possible from going through some of the same experiences that I have.
BPM: Do you honestly believe that your book, The Grass After the Drought, can inspire young people to change their lives, thus bettering themselves?
Absolutely. People will feel hope when they read my story. It makes me feel good and full of hope to know that others have made it through their hard times in life; so I know that others will share these feelings too.
BPM: You being a motivational speaker for troubled and at risk youth, what would you say makes a great speaker?
In order to be a motivational speaker you have to be outspoken. You can’t be afraid to speak in front of any crowd. You have to have confidence in your abilities. It’s essential that a speaker have extensive experience with the issue that they are speaking on.
It’s impossible for me guide our youth down the right road if I’ve never traveled that road. I had to change and reinvent myself to save myself. I am available to speak with young people who may be in trouble. I have been there and done just about everything. Life has been like a roller coaster for me, so I am qualified to tell you a thing or three! I go from school to school speaking to young kids, especially young girls. I tell these children the story of my life, and try to guide them in the right direction. I take myself very seriously when it comes to speaking with the youth. They are the future, and should be treated as such. This life is not about me, it's about helping and saving others from some of the hardships that I have suffered.
BPM: What is your definition of success?
I’ve always believed that before success is achieved by anyone it has to be clear what success means to that particular person. Unless you have a clear picture of success, it’s impossible to work towards it. For me success is about following through with my goals to the best of my ability, giving back to my community, and being a great wife and mother. My success is not measured by how much money I’ve made this year; it’s measured by how many people I’ve reached this year.
The Grass After the Drought by Melissa Dorsey
The Grass After the Drought is an inspirational story about a young girl who has to overcome major adversity, at a very tender age. After leaving Chicago, and a drug addicted mother, Melissa is taken to live with her grandmother in Mississippi.
Away from the drugs, crime, violence, and poverty; Melissa is faced with a much more difficult task. She has to accept the fact that she is invisible in the eyes of her family. Starved for love and attention, she finds comfort in the form of drugs, alcohol, men, and sex. With her life spiraling out of control, Melissa does the only thing that she knows how to; she turns to God for guidance. With her mother up to her old tricks, Melissa is forced to step up and assume responsibility once again. After years of heartache and pain, she finds what she has been searching for all of her life.
Book Excerpt from The Grass After the Drought – from Chapter Eleven
Julius was the type of guy that loved to hug and kiss and hold hands, all of the things that normal couples do. I liked those things too, but I didn’t want to give him my all and then be betrayed again.
It took some time, but he finally got me to open up to him. He looked me square in the eyes and said, “Melissa please, just let me love you.” I decided to give it a chance. I stopped being so tense and stiff with him. I gave him everything that I had.
Things started to get very hot and heavy between Julius and me-too hot. A few weeks before I was to enter the eleventh grade, I found out that I was pregnant. I was a careless fool, having unprotected sex. I was lucky that I didn’t have anything more than a baby inside of me.
I may have been lucky not to have an STD, but I definitely had a huge problem on my hands. I didn’t want to have a child at 17 years old. I was just a child myself. I didn’t have a job, a house of my own, a high school diploma, or anything to offer a child. I thought about Julius and what he had to offer to me and a child, and I came up blank. I loved Julius, but I didn’t want to have children with him. He was unemployed and had one child to take care of already. How could he possibly support two children with no job?
I was lost and didn’t know what to do. I had no one to turn to in my time of need either. I thought about adoption, but if I’d carried a child for nine months, I’d be too attached to it to be able to give it away.
When I told Julius, he was calm and assured me that everything was going to be fine. I knew that he was only saying that to comfort me because he wasn’t stupid; he knew what we were up against. He told me that he was moving to Memphis to get a job so that he’d be close to the baby and me, and he could help with the support of the child.
With all of his planning, I knew that things couldn’t possibly just work out as planned. The odds were against us. We were both too young and immature to raise a child. I had seen nothing but hardship in my life, so why should this be any different? I was destined for failure from the beginning. How would I, of all people, be able to nurture and love a child? I’d never been loved of cherished, so I didn’t know how to provide that for anyone else. I was unnoticed and unloved by family, and I’d give them one more reason to dislike me by getting pregnant at 17.
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Founder & Editor In Chief Black Pearls Magazine
Lutishia Lovely dishes up a decadent helping of love, lust, greed, and secrecy in this riveting tale of a family's soul food dynasty... 
Wow! The first time I heard Phylicia Rashad’s character speak those words with
her gravely, powerful voice that demands attention, speaking straight, no
chaser, from her soul. . . from a place of knowing, from a spiritual realm in
the For Colored Girls trailer. I literally experienced chills up and down my
spine as if they were saying, pay attention. This is a lesson in life. I was
speechless, mesmerized and empowered to action. Two little words. Become
yourself.
Have you ever seen the underside of an uprooted tree? Not a bush, not
a stump, but a tree, a hundred foot solid oak. I have. There it was
a toppled tree. I’m not really the off-road type, so I can’t recall the
circumstances of where I was or where I was in route to when I saw it. I
distinctively remember I was troubled by the sight. Maybe the tree was a
casualty after a storm. What captured my attention was the fact I could see its
exposed roots. The roots were so solid and strong and thick in appearance that
it reminded me of the tentacles of a mature size octopus.
Lawyer and author
Pamela Samuels Young continues to receive accolades for her page turning legal thrillers that present the legal detail and mouthwatering suspense of John Grisham, combined with the understanding of urban love, explosive language and humor of Terry McMillan. 
Cheryl Lacey Donovan is a nationally recognized evangelist and public speaker. As founder of Worth More than Rubies Ministries, Cheryl has become one of the nations leading conference presenters. A noted author and internet radio personality, she has influenced the lives of thousands of women in the U.S. and abroad. Cheryl’s calling to inspire, motivate, & educate others is evident as her passion to help women discover their authentic purpose and destiny comes through in her books, CD's and devotionals.
Shana Burton is the author of Suddenly Single First Comes Love, Flaws and All, Catt Chasin’
(Urban Christian/Kensington Publishing.) She is bestselling author and a two-time nominee for Georgia Author of the Year (2009 Best Fiction- First Comes Love, 2011 Best Fiction- Flaws and All).
She resides in Georgia with her two children. When she is not writing, she can be found gardening, dancing, or reading.
She is currently working on her fifth book, Flaw Less, which is a sequel to her bestseller Flaws and All. Flaw Less will be release in Fall 2012.
About the Author 
BPM: Who are your favorite characters? 
About the Author
About the Author
Michael McGrew can be described in one word, “visionary.” Naturally born with a gift in storytelling, writing a gripping novel is a walk in the park for this Los Angeles native. When asked about his role models and inspiration growing up, he simply explained that “Life itself and what it offers every day is a lesson and every lesson, if learned is the best advice the universe can give you.” He is a very diverse individual with a mind that invites the reality in which we choose to either accept or ignore. We just choose to ignore the imperfections in our own perfect world. 
BPM: Share with our readers the “behind-the-scenes” dish! Introduce us to your book and the main characters. Do you have any favorites? What genre is the book? On Kindle or Nook? 
Grounded
by a strong faith, Riisa Renée is passionate about inspiring others and
believes that her primary duty is to love - in words and action. Through
challenge and triumph, Riisa’s history and education enable her to combine
training with personal experience in this pursuit. Daily, Riisa grows to
understand how every stage of her journey was carefully designed to equip her
for her present ministries as a mother, author, speaker, minister and an
entrepreneur.
Melissa Dorsey is a first time author who is currently working to complete her degree in Early Childhood Education Administration. Melissa is a wife, mother of two, and a dedicated staff member of Fulton County Schools. She is originally from Mississippi, but she currently resides in Alpharetta, GA. Melissa enjoys spending quality time with her family, but still finds time to write.
The
Black Pearls Magazine 