Book
lovers join us on Monday and Wednesday nights for the most stimulating
conversation on the planet. Meet new authors, hear the latest literary news and
fellowship with other book lovers! Call into the literary themed radio show at
646. 200.0402.
New Releases
Advertise
Your Banner Here by Reserving Your Spot Today, GO!
Connect with BPM
Sign Up for
Black Pearls Weekly
Contest News
Black Pearls
Magazine
Weekend Edition
Get the latest literary, bookclub, lifestyle and career news right in your inbox.
View current edition today, go
here.
Welcome
to Black Pearls Magazine, where authors get their chance to shine and book lovers get the chance to discover priceless literary gems. Our readers can dream as big as possible and let their imaginations become unbridled as they explore the pages of Black Pearls!
We are celebrating those with the unique vision of what's important to our readers. Join us and share your thoughts--in our
comments section
or
in the community--on literature, careers, fitness, style, enriching personal growth and more. Become a voice and
unwrap the power in you today!
Tantalizing stories, memorable characters, provocative storylines are all here!
We bring you the hottest titles released by the most talented authors, writers, and poets of the craft. Join us in daily
book chats on Facebook, listen to incredible audio book
previews, and help us expose great books to the world. These
pages are filled with glorious books and author introductions! We have more than
enough to entertain and educate you all month long. Share this spirit filled issue with at least 10 friends and co-workers.
Join
Our Team!
Would you like to be a guest blogger? We are now seeking virtual tour stop
hosts! If you want to be added as a stop on our online literary tours, contact
me today. Just email Ella Curry with any questions or comments
at: elladcurry@edc-creations.com.
Check
out our BPM blog
and online newsletter for the latest literary news and
events. Explore
the newsletter
here today.
Ella D. Curry, editor-in-chief Black Pearls Magazine
President of
EDC Creations Media Group
EDC Creations website: www.edc-creations.com
WHAT OUR READERS ARE THINKING...
State of Black Books Legacy Are you concerned with the quality of books on the shelves today?
Are you satisfied with the legacy black books will leave our future generations? Feedback on African American Writers and Literature and Our Legacy
State of Literature and Our Legacy
As a writer, I would like to leave a legacy of positive, stimulating, and uplifting stories. I would like to tell future generations that African American (people of color) authors broke through the book industry’s color barrier. We have come a long way, but still have a long way to go in the quality of our work.
There are many African American books being published today, especially eBooks, as entrainment only, and that's okay, but don't be followers, be innovators. Surely, we can write the type of entertainment that will be important works in the next century.
Certain publishers know black sex sells. Their rule, among others, is you must include two or three exciting sex scenes spread throughout your story. Writers are holding to that template, believing they will receive more recognition. In my opinion, these types of stories will not stand the test of time. They will eventually go by the wayside.
Many of our writers have creative minds, wonderful muses. Every book should not necessarily have a premise of teaching or preaching. Still, in some ways we are teachers -- good and bad. IMO, the majority of work coming through the pipeline is about the hood, thugs, drugs, and not to forget, books that over excite sensibilities with poorly placed sexual scenes or violence. Do we really want to leave this type of writing "time capsule" for future generations?
Some people of color’s literature will stand for years to come; writers like Toni Morrison, Alice Walker, Maya Angelou, Tananarive Due, Octavia E. Butler, and Jewell Parker Rhodes, just to name a few. Going further back in history, the works of James Baldwin and Zora Neal Hurston are still popular after more than fifty years.
The Harlem Renaissance was called "The New Negro Movement." We can be
"The Great People of Color Literary Movement." Why PofC Movement? Because there’s other brown peoples in the world that write. Africans, Arabs, Asians, and Latin Americans have books on the market today.
One last small sermon: Constantly writing, professional editing, and reading everything will get us there.
African American Literature has changed and grown over the past 2 decades. It has gone from being totally Afro-centric to multi-cultural, when need be. The stories penned have reflected upper, middle, and lower class cross sections of
African American society.
The wonderful thing about African American Literature is that it reflects people of color who look like me. This was a once neglected market, because gatekeepers in traditional publishing houses held the power to say what Black people would and would not read. Now, the Black writers are literally "taking it to the street." Our readers are our first line of defense, who decides what they want to read.
Literature is a repository of our culture, and this will record our history for years to come. We don't own the media so when people look back 100 years from now to say who Black people were, they don't have to just go by the negative images portrayed in the news.
I feel seeing more of our cultural diversity in our literature is what indirectly led to having a President Barack Obama.
Not long ago, a common theme from white literary critics was that black writers would never be taken seriously until they stopped writing about the African American experience. To me, that idea sums what is wrong not only with the publishing industry, but with the country overall as if white culture and sensibilities are a desired state, which automatically relegates other cultures to second class citizenship. There are many reasons why black writers chronicle the African American culture, foremost among them is that it is the culture we know, but closer to the point is that the people making these statements not only make it necessary they make it imperative that black writers chronicle our story or it will never be told.
I've read all the classic black literature and continue to read black authors today. Although I read fiction occasionally, I cut my teeth on the prose of
W.E.B. Dubois and read non-fiction regularly by authors like Michael Eric Dyson, Cornell West, Ralph Wiley, Nathan McCall, William R. Jones and others. Non-fiction is my favorite genre because it allows me to continue my education for the price of a book or a download, which may seem somewhat limiting, but African America owns some of the country's most brilliant minds; I cannot pass up a chance to look at the world through eyes of intellectuals like West, John Hope Franklin, Neil de Grasse Tyson, John McWhorter and Anthony Pinn. Just this short list presents a wide gamut of intellectualism ranging from conservative and religious to progressive and atheistic.
Although I am not in agreement with each writer, it is still important to gather as much knowledge as possible by at least viewing both sides of an argument. In my opinion, intellectual non-fiction offers a chance to "catch up" with the world while improving the art of thinking. Critical thinking is too often lost in the black community before it has a chance to blossom. The kindling for fiction is around us everyday, but digging into issues requires thinking of the type that often requires training.
If there is any complaint I have with today's public intellectuals is that they honor the paycheck rather than the thought. In fact, success ruined them and it shows in their thinking. Nevertheless, there are black intellectuals a plenty, but finding them is not always easy.
Donald R. Barbera, Black Pearls Reader
The Girl in the Garden
by Kamala Nair
The redemptive journey of a young woman unsure of her engagement, who revisits in memory the events of one scorching childhood summer when her beautiful yet troubled mother spirits her away from her home to an Indian village untouched by time, where she discovers in the jungle behind her ancestral house a spellbinding garden that harbors a terrifying secret.
About the Author: Kamala Nair was born in London and grew up in the United States. A graduate of Wellesley College, she studied literature at Oxford University and received an M.Phil in Creative Writing from Trinity College Dublin in 2005.
She currently lives in New York City, where she has worked at ELLE DECOR.
In Celebration of Fathers Day...
A Day of Amnesty for Dads: Rebuilding Families One Father at a Time
On
Father’s Day, June 19, David Miller (The Urban Leadership Institute & Raising Him Alone - Baltimore) and Kenneth Braswell (Fathers Incorporated & Year of Responsible Men - New York) are asking men who are estranged from their children to summon the courage to take steps to reconnect with their children.
By using social media and leveraging partnerships with community based organizations, this groundbreaking initiative seeks to mobilize 100,000 fathers to do one of the following:
1. Pick up the phone and make contact with your son or daughter
2. Write a letter to your son or daughter as an icebreaker
3. Contact your child’s mother or guardian to arrange a visit
Additionally, the initiative is calling on mothers and grandmothers to be supportive of dads who are willing to initiate contact with their children. “We believe helping mothers and grandmothers understand the power of forgiveness can be the first step toward healing families.”
Through a host of national partners, A Day of Amnesty for Dads aims to reconnect fathers with their families.
Click here to view the
official press kit for the campaign.
STRAIGHT NO CHASER: FACTS ON ABSENT FATHERS
• 24 million children in America – one out of three – live in homes without biological fathers
• A child with a nonresident father is 54 percent more likely to be poorer than his or her father
• Fatherless children are twice as likely to drop out of school
• Children growing up without fathers are at a far greater risk of child abuse:
• An 80 percent greater risk of suffering serious injury as a result of abuse
• A 165 percent greater risk of experiencing notable physical neglect
• Kindergarteners who live with single parents are over-represented among those lagging socially, emotionally and cognitively
and also tend to have more health issues. Thirty-three percent of children who were behind in all three areas were living
with single parents, while only 22 percent were not lagging behind.
• A study of 13,986 imprisoned women showed that more than half of them grew up without their father. Forty-two percent
grew up in a single-mother household, and 16 percent lived with neither parent.
David Miller, Co-Founder of the Urban Leadership Institute, a Baltimore-based advocacy group that works nationally to support fathers and families through programmatic innovation and to develop strategies to work with fathers in some of the country’s toughest communities across the country states, “The issue of absent fathers has become a matter of public health. We can all identify fatherless youth in our community who struggle to cope with the realities of life.”
Studies show 72% of African-American children are born to unwed mothers, numbers that paint a grim forecast for many children growing up in communities already ravaged by crime, drugs and apathy.
Kenneth Braswell, Author and Executive Director of Father’s
Incorporated, added: “It will be impossible to reduce crime and improve communities unless responsible fatherhood becomes a focus in those communities.
About Urban Leadership Institute
Urban Leadership Institute (ULI) is based in Baltimore, Maryland. ULI focuses on leadership development by providing management, consultation services, program development, research and market analysis. We empower youth and adults to create and launch their own enterprises, and through these enterprises, take greater responsibility for their lives and communities.
www.urbanleadershipinstitute.com
Data compiled from a variety of sources, including the U.S. Census, National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect, National Fatherhood Initiative, National Center for Education Statistics and several other scholarly reports.
Male Victims of Domestic
Violence When HE is the Victim
by Judith Brown
There are many programs for female victims of domestic
violence too numerous to mention - and that's a good thing. But what happens
when the MALE is the victim of domestic violence? Are we as a society quick to
intervene, do we show compassion for the male victim, or do we simply look the
other way?
Mainstream media and cheesy tabloids exploded with the news. A physical
altercation left singer Rihanna bruised, allegedly by her equally-popular,
then-boyfriend, Chris Brown. The news traveled far and fast. People
everywhere were furious and even the hip-hop world spoke out on the alleged
assault. Talk shows dedicated entire episodes on the topic of violence against
women and rightly so.
For a certainty, the subject of domestic violence (DV) is no longer taboo.
As recently as the early 1990's, the topic was only spoken of in smaller,
more intimate circles. There were whispers in the dark and for the most part,
people - including the victims' family members - turned a blind eye.
While the outrage toward domestic violence is most appropriate, we often view
the victims as our mother, sister, daughter or other female acquaintance.
But what happens when the male is the victim of domestic violence? While there
are hundreds of human service programs to aid female victims, most male victims
of domestic violence are shown no compassion, and are, quite frankly, forgotten.
What's worse: many people aren't even aware such brutality exists. And yet, of
the 400,000 annually-reported incidents of domestic violence, about 40
percent include male victims of domestic violence, abused either by their male
partners, their wives or their girlfriends. Yes, domestic violence
seems to be an equal opportunity plague in our society.
The Silent Plague
"Lee" is one such victim. But to hear him tell it the relationship is
not a "domestic violence" issue. Lee says, "As a straight man,
you don't want to believe you're the 'victim' of anything - let alone domestic
violence. It's not a macho image."
Like female victims, male victims of domestic violence are often themselves
misled. For example, Lee goes on to say that the problems he experiences with
his Baby-Mama is "normal relationship" drama. He says this just after
telling me that Baby-Mama threatens to take his children away; has appeared
(uninvited) at his place of employment on several occasions; and at one point
broke out his car windshield. Lee has also been physically abused at the hands
of his Baby-Mama.
Lee's outlook on domestic violence is all too common. While society would view a
male stalker as an obvious threat, a female stalker seems less threatening. But
the numbers don't support that view.
Statically speaking, over 370,000 men are stalked annually in the Unites
States. Of that number, 30 percent of stalkers are intimate partners.
Yet, only 10 percent of male victims of domestic violence seek a Protection from
Abuse (PFA) order from the courts.
Lee explains why he never sought a PFA. "As a Black man, I have been
the object of racism by the police. I don't trust them, so why would I call them
if I'm in need of help? And...she is the mother of my children."
Racist authority aside, there are also other underlying factors that contribute
to the ignorance of the ever-growing trend of domestic violence against males.
As one DV counselor put it, "It's hard enough for women to admit
they're in a dangerous situation. As difficult as it is for women, male victims
of domestic violence are three times as likely to overlook a serious domestic
violence issue." In fact, no one knows the accurate numbers of
male victims of domestic violence, since men seldom bring their issues out in
the open.
Why Stay?
The reasons men stay in abusive relationships mirror that of female abuse
victims: (1) for the children; (2) assuming blame for the abuse; (3) dependency
on the abuser.
For the Children - Like many female victims of domestic violence, male
victims of domestic violence often stay in the relationship to protect their
children from the abuser. Often the male victim feels that the object of the
abuser's rage might be directed toward the children if he did not reside in the
home, or that the children might be used against him. As in Lee's case, the
thought of never seeing his children haunted him. He decided to stay. Yes, Lee
yet remains a statistic, one of hundreds of thousands of male victims of
domestic violence.
Assuming Blame - Again, like their female counterparts, many male victims
of domestic violence assume 'they deserve what they get.' While the truth is far
from the mantra, the psychological burden often takes its toll on the victim
until there is no more fight left. Male victims of domestic violence simply give
up and resort themselves to a life of victimization through emotional, mental or
physical abuse.
Dependency on the Abuser for Survival - In many circumstances, male
victims of domestic violence are dependent on their abuser, either mentally,
emotionally or financially. This scenario leaves the male victim feeling
worthless, depressed or anxious, as he relies on the very person who harms him
to provide his everyday needs for survival.
What can WE Do?
"Our society must view violence as just that - violent behavior. It doesn't
matter who the abuser might be. We [society as a whole] need to report abuse
whenever we witness it," explains the aforementioned DV counselor.
Whereas society is often quick to dial 9-1-1 when we witness an assault on a
woman, we often look in the opposite direction when the victim is a man.
"I have clients that feel they have no way out because they don't have the
same support system that a woman might have. Most male victims of domestic
violence would never call their homeboys to tell them they got a black eye from
their partner. The thought of being ridiculed is greater than the affects of the
abuse," says the counselor. "Often society thinks male victims of
domestic violence should simply 'man-up'!"
This type of ignorance often comes at a much heavier price. When we
neglect to reveal incidents of domestic violence, the ones who suffer most are
the children raised in homes where abuse is taking place. Studies show that
children who witness abused relationships have a likely chance of growing up to
be either a victim or an abuser.
If we as a society don't soon step up to the plate, the ongoing trend of
violence in our communities will continue. In short, whether an abuse victim is
a man or woman, abuse is still abuse. If you are an abuse victim, or are
the witness to an incident of abuse, contact the National Domestic Hotline at
1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or TTY 1-800-787-3224 immediately.
Intimate Conversation with Robert Moore
Author, Columnist and United States Marshal
The Honorable
Robert Moore retired United States Marshal/Chief of Police, Jackson, Mississippi is the author of a new history book entitled
"The President's Men Black United States Marshals in America."
He has published numerous articles in Police Magazine, which includes, “Strategies for Increasing Black Police Executives,” “Chief Moore Journal to Vietnam and Cambodia,” “Marshal Service Gets Record number of Black Marshals,” and the “History of Minorities in the Illinois State Police.”
He is a successful law enforcement executive, community leader, author, businessman, historian on Black Marshals History and Black Illinois State Police History. He is the curator of the national traveling exhibit "The President Men: Black U.S. Marshals.”
The author grew up in the southern segregated town of Pontotoc, Mississippi, where he experienced the full force of a separate and unequal society. He grew up in a society where there were separate school, separate drinking fountains, no public lodging, and where he was prohibited from eating in restaurants or other public eating places.
Regardless of the circumstances of his living environment, he graduated from Pontotoc Colored High School in 1962 with the distinction of being voted most likely to succeed. After graduation he served three year in the military in Kansas and Germany.
Today, Robert holds a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice and a Masters Degree in Public Administration, from the University of Illinois at Springfield.
He was the recipient of the University’s 2009 Alumni Humanitarian award.
Other awards that he has received since retiring include the Paul Harris award, Rotary International, the FBI Directors Award for Community Leadership. He has also two distinguished service awards from the Marshal Service.
Robert is a graduate of the Southern Police Institute’s National Police Academy, University of Louisville,
Kentucky. He has served on all the major boards in Springfield, which include the Chamber of Commerce, United Way, Chairman, Springfield Civil Service Commission, Frontiers International, Triangle Center, Rotary Downtown, Central Illinois Blood Bank and presently serve as an Ex-officio Board of Director, Orange Lake Resort and Country Club and Resorts, Orlando Florida. He lives in Springfield.
BPM: 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?
Like the absence of so many African-American achievers from the pages of history, the accomplishments and contributions of African-Americans within the United States Marshals Service was omitted from the official history book of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Due to this unfortunate omission the author wrote the first article on Black Presidential appointed United States Marshals in 1995, one year after his appointment in October of 1994. The article entitled “Marshal Service gets record number of Black Marshals” described the record number of African American Marshals who had been appointed by President Jefferson Clinton. Finding out that
writing could change lives and public policy soon began to fuel my passion for
the craft in 1977. Along with some great successes in life, that passion was fueled to again
write about the “The President's Men.”
BPM: Finish this sentence- “My writing offers the following legacy to future readers...”
“My writing offers the following legacy to future readers and future generations by preserving the history of a whole category of prestigious presidential appointed U.S. Marshals, as well as providing proof positive
and examples that we can write, preserve and educate the nation about our own history.
BPM: Introduce us to your book, “The President’s Men: Black United States Marshals in America.” Tell us about a few of the major topics discussed.
History books, television and movies have shaped the images
of how we think U.S. Marshals
look. These books, movies & televisions productions have introduced Matt Dillon of the
TV Series “Gun smoke,” and the recent movies the “Fugitive” chasing Dr. Kimble, (Harrison Ford) and the “U S. Marshals,” chasing a black fugitive played by (Wesley Snipes) have not
told us the whole truth.
Even the Marshal Service official history book have not presented an accurate picture of the brave people who help shape this nation while serving this nation as deputy United States Marshals and Presidential appointed Marshals.
These images and lack of information has created a, “ certain blindness” in the African American
communities and the larger society about the participation of black men and women in the oldest federal law enforcement agencies in the nation who have contributed to the building of this
nation!
The New Black History/Political Book entitled "The President's Men: Black United States Marshal in America,” will shatter these old images of how we think U.S. Marshal look and leave readers asking the question, “
How could 132 years of these men and women’s history, who were appointed by our Presidents, be summarizes in two and one half sentences in the Marshals Service official history
book? ”
The President’s Men: Black United States Marshals in America explodes with new findings about Black U.S. marshals, whose contributions and achievements were once summarized by only two-and-one-half sentences in the official record book about U.S. Marshals. Presidential approved and appointed; the book explains that they were his men and women to marshal in law enforcement.
The book contains twelve years of research and my journey to becoming a
published author. I am the second African-American from Illinois to be appointed to the position of an U.S. Marshal in 1994 by President Bill
Clinton!
The President’s Men: Black United States Marshals in America gives new insight into the oldest law enforcement agency in the nation and will
introduce readers to the 66 prestigious black men and women who have received these appointments from only nine presidents since the inception of the Marshal Service in 1789.
Readers will be shocked to learn that Frederick Douglass, appointed by President Rutherford B. Hayes in 1877, was the first African American to be appointed a United States Marshals and that it would be 85 years before another African American would be appointed to this position.
The President’s Men: Black United States Marshals in America will give readers new insight to why the Washington, DC Bar Associations opposed
the Marshal Douglass nomination and what major newspaper was apart of an attempt to have President Hayes remove Douglass from office after he was confirm as Marshal for the District of Columbia.
Readers will be able to read Marshal Douglass' letter to the editor of this major newspaper defending himself.
You will also gain insight into my fight to save my nomination in Springfield, Illinois, 116 years after Marshal Douglass'
successful fight in 1877 and the role three prominent U.S. Senators played in saving
both of our nominations.
The President’s Men: Black United States Marshals in America is a book that fills in what history left out.
It gives a clear historical picture of the selection of African-American Marshals by Democrat and Republican Parties’ presidents in the 222-year history of these appointments.
A history book for all ages, it may be used by libraries, high schools,
and colleges for law enforcement studies, Black History and American History courses, and political science
instruction. Visit my website for more information at: Black Marshal
Publishing http://www.blackmarshalpublishing.com/book-overview
BPM: Tell us about your career in the police department and the marshal service. How did you start your writing journey after years in law enforcement?
I have been appointed to the following positions in Illinois, which include, Deputy Sheriff, Rockford Illinois, Illinois States Trooper/EEO Director, Deputy Director/Chief of Internal affairs Illinois Department of Children and Family Service, and United States Marshal, Central District of Illinois.
I was appointed by President Clinton in 1994.
While maintaining my home and communities ties to Springfield,
I have been recruited to the southern states and cities of Savannah, Georgia and Jackson, Mississippi, to serve in their communities as Deputy Chief of Police and Chief of Police respectively.
My career in writing started when I was serving as a state police officer and EEO Director of the Illinois State Police in 1977.
I wrote 5 affirmative action plans for the agency and I wrote the history of the Minority Office in the Illinois State Police.
BPM: Why was this book so important to create? Will future officers benefit from the historical aspect of this book?
One hundred and thirty two years of our history was summarized with two and one half sentences in the official Marshal Service History Book.
It was important to right a wrong. When I was serving as a marshal, along with
twenty other African American marshals, I saw the pride and self -esteem that career employees had when
serving in visible leadership roles. This book will inspire career employees, as well as those serving outside of the service,
to see visible role models and know what type of character and experience it takes to become a presidential appointed U.S Marshal.
BPM: How will your book motivate readers to live life to the fullest?
Being the recipient of a presidential appointment is one of the highest honors that an individual can receive
when working for the government. The pictures in the book will illustrate the interaction with Presidents and other high level officials. This alone should motivate readers to live their lives to it fullest.
BPM: Ultimately, what do you want readers to gain from your book?
I want readers to be educated about the accomplishments of the Presidential appointed
marshals and learn about the political process that will benefit the reader, and perhaps a family member. I want the readers to understand the importance of preserving one’s history.
BPM: What is the most surprising thing you have learned from publishing your book?
Writing and publishing is the easy part; however, the heavy lifting comes in the marketing, sales and cost of travel to get your book in front of audiences. Additionally, self-published authors do not have the same doors open to them as industry published authors.
BPM: What would you say has been your most significant achievement with this book?
The book is helping me to significantly accelerate my goals of educating the nation about the accomplishment of the African American
marshals and it is giving me the vehicle to preserve their history in libraries, museums and homes all across America.
BPM: What advice would you give a person who wants to enter law enforcement or would like to be considered for the appointment of a marshal?
To be appointed a U.S. Marshal you must understand the political process and you must make yourself known to the U.S.
Senators from the states and districts in which you reside. You must be able to withstand an FBI Background Check, White House Check, and judicial Committee
Check. One seeking a career as a police or upon entering local police
departments and state police agencies, must understand how critical it is to
perform well on the written and oral tests. I advise new officers to take as many tests as possible with different police
departments. The more you practice the better chance you have of getting that
police job or promotion to a higher position.
BPM: Share with us your latest news or upcoming book releases.
I am excited about making a presentation at the National Civil Rights Conference in Philadelphia, Mississippi and a three hour leadership seminar for the National Black Police Association in Chicago.
Additionally I am excited about being the keynote speaker for the NAACP Blooming Illinois Chapter Banquet.
I am also excited about the full page coverage my home town of Pontotoc, Mississippi gave me on the publication of my book and my career.
Intimate Conversation with Mary Monroe
Hosted by Black Pearls Magazine and Ella Curry
Mary Monroe
is the third child of Alabama sharecroppers and the first and only member of her family to finish high school.
She did not attend college or any writing classes, but taught herself how to write and started writing short stories around the age of four.
She spent the first part of her life in Alabama and Ohio, and moved to Richmond, California, in 1973.
She has lived in Oakland since 1984.
Her first novel, The Upper Room, was published by St. Martin’s Press in 1985, and was widely reviewed throughout the U.S. and in Great Britain.
She endured fifteen years and hundreds of rejection letters before she landed a contract for her second novel,
God Don’t Like Ugly. It was published in October 2000, by Kensington Books.
God Don’t Play was her seventh novel to be published, and it landed her a spot on the prestigious New York Times bestsellers list for the first time!
Mary is divorced, loves to travel, loves to mingle with other authors.
She still writes seven days a week and gets most of her ideas from current events, and the people around her, but most of her material is autobiographical.
New York Times Bestselling author Mary Monroe created fabulous books such as: Mama Ruby, The Upper Room
and the God Don't Like Ugly series for readers with a sense of humor and adventure.
When The Upper Room was published, Monroe had this to say:
"This is my story -- these characters are people I know, it's my life," Mary Monroe laughs when asked what her inspiration was for her first novels.
Meet author Mary Monroe as she travels across the nation discussing Mama Ruby and her literary journey:
http://www.marymonroe.org
BPM: How long have you been writing and where do you see yourself within the next several years?
I started making up stories before I even started elementary school. In junior and high school I wrote stories for some confession magazines. Since then I’ve written novels and a few non-fiction pieces. Mama Ruby will be my fourteenth published novel. Within the next few years I hope to do at least ten more novels, my autobiography, a few screenplays.
BPM: Introduce us to your book, Mama Ruby. What genre is the book? On Kindle or Nook? Who are the major players? What are two major events taking place in Mama
Ruby?
Mama Ruby is the prequel to my first novel, The Upper Room. It's mainstream African American fiction with strong female characters. I am pretty sure it will be available on Kindle and Nook. The major players are Ruby "Mama Ruby" Upshaw and her best friend Othella Cartier. The biggest event in this story is Ruby's secret teenage pregnancy and Othella talking her into turning the baby over to an orphanage asylum. Another major event is Ruby and Othella leaving home looking for love and adventure and ending up working as prostitutes.
BPM: Share with us a little snippet from the Upper Room, a 1985 release and national bestselling novel.
Intro: The Upper Room--Mama Ruby's known for taking things that aren't rightfully hers, like her best friend's stillborn infant, who she brought back to life and christened Maureen. She's also rumored to have done away with her husband. Some fear her, others try their best to avoid her. But Mama Ruby doesn't pay them any mind. Not when she's got the one gift God gave her--her precious baby girl.
BPM: What are your plans for continuing to write about this series of characters?
This story will continue with a sequel to The Upper Room. Mama Ruby leaves a few loose ends that can not be tied up until after the events that take place in
The Upper Room.
BPM: Are your characters from the portrayal of real people or experiences?
Of course. Almost every story I write is based on something that happened to me or someone I know. And all of my characters are composites of people I know...
BPM: What inspired you to write this book? What are some of the unique issues or topics addressed in this book?
I was inspired to write this book because I grew up around some "colorful" characters. Most of them did a lot of wicked, funny, sad, and intriguing things and I thought their stories needed to be told.
Mama Ruby takes place in southern locations. It is set in a time period during the thirties and forties when there was a totally different outlook than there is now on racism, sex, poverty, and other social issues that impact African American women.
BPM: How did you come to create such strong main characters? Did you know that they would be so complex and exciting from the start?
I was raised by strong females. As a matter of fact, the main character, Mama Ruby, is a combination of my mother and two other females relatives. The more I worked on this story, the more complex and exciting the characters became. They have a lot of strong characteristics but they also have just as many weaknesses.
BPM: Can you see any of your books being optioned for movies?
Yes! I watch TV for several hours a day and I go to a lot of movies so I know what the viewing public likes to watch. I feel that any one of my books would make a good big screen movie or TV mini-series.
I write each book with specific actors and actresses in mind to play the roles. I’ve already written movie treatments for some of my books.
BPM: Who are some of the authors you admire and why?
I love Toni Morrison, James Patterson, Stephen King, and Ernest Gaines. I was in my twenties when I discovered Toni Morrison and Ernest Gaines and that's when I knew for sure that writing books was my destiny. Their books are so insightful and thought-provoking that I re-read them at least once a year.
I also love stories with a paranormal theme so when I discovered Stephen King I became a fan of his for life. James Patterson's books are more for light-weight entertainment and sometimes that is all I want in a story.
BPM: Share with us your latest news, awards or upcoming book releases. How may our readers follow you online?
My latest news is that I recently completed the sixth book in my God Don’t Like Ugly
series, God Don’t Make No Mistakes. Readers can follow me on Facebook and Twitter and they can visit my
website at: www.Marymonroe.org.
I also LOVE hearing from my fans by email at: Authorauthor5409@aol.com.
I answer my email personally.
Mama Ruby by Mary Monroe
ISBN-10: 0758238614
ISBN-13: 978-0758238610
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.
It was time to update the literary navigational system. Readers will always be there.
It’s just that the route to find and retain those readers have changed. Where once you depended on knee cap to knee cap meet-ups, the landscape has been cleared for virtual encounters and social media marketing.
I applaud the efforts of a good many African American bestsellers and literary pioneers that have forged their way into the innovative land of digital publishing.
One group in particular has started A Chapter a Month (dot) com. These authors are
literally taking their readers on a literary ride as they craft their novels in real time, feeding them a chapter a month.
Chapters can be downloaded to your PC or sent to your digital reader or mobile device.
It shows the devotion to their readers and overall moxie of a group that refuses to be intimidated by the grim statistics of the industry right now.
So what have I learned from downed trees and publishing power lines? Where there is a will there is a way.
Cliché, I know, but where a need drives a demand. I shake off my funk with the realization that I wasn’t taken out by any fallen trees.
I am not out of the ranking. Words continue to be my fascination, and storylines keep coming just like new saplings continue to be planted and will grow into our next literary institutions.
About the Author
Sherryle Kiser Jackson
is a multi-published author, teacher, wife and
mother. Her triumphant debut novel, Soon and Very Soon (2007)was followed up by
The Manual (2009) and Soon After (2010). Her fourth novel for Urban Christian titled
Taylor-Made will be released in August 2011.
Check out her media room at www.sherrylejackson.com.
Don't sit on a Dream, Pray it Forward!
Coming August 2011:
Taylor-Made: A Novel
A young couple is forced to face their past through the mirror of marriage
A Dollar Saved
by Mary Monroe
My most memorable ex-boyfriend was very creative when it came to saving money. He escorted me to parties and funerals of people we didn’t know just so he could “treat” me to a free meal. At each event he would stuff my purse with food to take home.
He drove a twenty-three-year-old Ford and lived in a “boot leg”, free rent,
Section 8 apartment (it was in the name of a shady relative who used several aliases).
What my ex-boyfriend couldn’t scavenge from the items that people had set outside for the city crew to pick up and dispose of, he got from flea markets, yard sales, and his unscrupulous associates.
His apartment contained more stolen property than a police warehouse. I gave him a new shirt for his birthday that year. He returned it to the store, exchanged it for a cheaper one, and kept the change.
Why did I date such a creep? Well, not only was he cute and a very good lover, he provided some good material for me to write about.
He dumped me when I refused to help him pull off a phony accident insurance scheme
(he had “choked” on a buffalo wing bone in a bar during the “buy one drink, get free snacks”
happy hour).
I dated another miser who made the previous one look like Santa Claus. This man used to urinate in a bucket and empty it in his backyard so that his toilet wouldn’t have to be flushed too many times.
He liked to keep his water bill low. His “gifts” to me included a paperback book autographed to him from an author I didn’t like, and a well-worn wig that his ex-wife had left behind.
This man was too frugal even for me. I realized that when he recycled some left-over snacks from one of my book signings and sold them to his friends!
These two former lovers inspired the cheapskate fiancé of my character Annette Goode in my third novel,
God STILL Don’t Like Ugly.
I know females who are almost as cheap as my two exes. One borrows money from me, pays me back with a post-dated check, borrows the same amount from me again, gives me another post-dated check, and so on. There is a fifty dollar loan that has been “floating” back and forth from me to her for two years. When this woman gets runs in her pantyhose, she cuts off the legs and wears the panty part for underwear. When we go out to eat, she brings along a calculator to figure out who owes what.
I don’t see anything wrong with people being frugal. I like to save money, too. I cruise yard sales, discount stores and flea markets. I pay for groceries with coupons, and I recycle as many things as possible.
A few years ago, while I was shopping in a drugstore that was about to go out of business, I stumbled across the sale of the century: brand-name toothbrushes for a PENNY each. I purchased a hundred. For three years, I included one in the gift bags that I gave out for Christmas.
I travel extensively so I collect a lot of hotel “gifts.” You know those cute little condiment containers that you get when you order room service, and those cute little bottles of lotion and shampoo in the hotel bathrooms. I have not had to purchase ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, sugar, steak sauce, soap, shampoo, or lotion, in years.
However, when those items are on sale, I pick up a few--but only if I have a “buy one, get one free coupon.” I am not a pauper and I do like to do extravagant things. I love shows like The Lion King, David Copperfield, Cher, and anything by Cirque de Soleil. Therefore, one of my favorite places is Vegas. When I do that city, I do it in
style!
Last month a stretch limo picked me up at the Vegas airport and took me to Bellagio, one of the most lavish casino resorts on the strip. I checked into a gorgeous suite that had three flat screen TVs, a bar, and a Jacuzzi in one of the two bathrooms. I ate lobster and filet mignon and drank the finest champagne for three days. I saw two Cirque de Soleil shows. I got a manicure, a pedicure, and a massage at the casino spa. This awesome excursion cost me a little over a couple hundred dollars—money that I used to pay for tips. Despite my penny pinching ways, when I get a meal comped in a five-star restaurant, the least I can do is leave a decent tip. The casino comped me for everything else; even my roundtrip airfare and the limo service.
Anybody can live the champagne lifestyle in Vegas on a Kool-aid budget—if they know how. And that’s one thing I know how to do. A few years ago, I played penny slots in several of the casinos on the strip. I lost about twenty dollars in each one. A few months later, every single one of those casinos sent me invitations that included complimentary rooms, food credits, and more. One offer included $800.00 in free slot play and a seat on a chartered, roundtrip flight from Oakland to Vegas.
I live near downtown Oakland. One of the many things that I love about the San Francisco Bay Area is that a lot of celebrities live here. A lot of them wear their expensive outfits only one time and then they drop them off at thrift stores and consignment shops. I hightail it to those same thrift stores and consignment shops almost every weekend. You would not believe some of the treasures I’ve come across! I recently purchased an almost brand new pair of Jimmy Choo pumps for twenty dollars!
I have several acquaintances who have great jobs and make lots of money—but they are always broke, always borrowing money, and forever dodging bill collectors.
When they make fun of me for being “cheap” I remind them that a dollar saved is a dollar
earned…
About the Author
Mary Monroe is the author of the award-winning, New York Times bestselling God series, which includes
God Don’t Like Ugly and God Ain’t Blind. Mary Monroe is the third child of Alabama sharecroppers and the first and only member of her family to finish high school. One of her proudest moments was when she became a winner of the PEN/Oakland Josephine Miles Award.
She is currently celebrating the release of Mama Ruby, the prequel to the
Upper Room, the book that started it all. She still writes seven days a week and gets most of her ideas from current events, and the people around her, but most of her material is autobiographical.
Mary Monroe currently lives in Oakland, California. She is divorced, loves to travel, loves to mingle with other authors, and she'll read anything by Ernest Gaines, Stephen King, Alice Walker, and James Patterson.
LATEST RELEASE BY MARY MONROE
Mama Ruby by Mary Monroe
ISBN-10: 0758238614
ISBN-13: 978-0758238610
On Saturday, 19 November 2011, over 40 nations throughout our global village
will observe International Men’s Day (www.international-mens-day.com)
under the theme “Giving Boys The Best Possible Start In Life.
” Created in 1999 by Jerome
Teelucksingh, Ph.D., a faculty member in the History Department at the
University of West Indies in Trinidad and Tobago, International Men’s Day
resonates with Men and Women and celebrates and honors the sacrifices that Men
make to our families, communities, and our world.
International
Men’s Day shares a 48-hour partnership with Universal Children’s Day which
is observed worldwide on 20 November of each year and is endorsed by the United
Nations.
To
commemorate 2011 International Men’s Day, IN SEARCH OF FATHERHOOD®
(http://globalfatherhooddialogue.blogspot.com)
has issued a CALL FOR PAPERS and welcomes submissions from educators,
CEOs, legislators, legal professionals, law enforcement professionals,
Fatherhood and Men’s Issues Practitioners and Advocates, health care
professionals and providers, social entrepreneurs, religious leaders, social
services professionals and providers, journalists, family and marriage
therapists, members of the judiciary, and students which, among other
things, design new initiatives or identify existing initiatives which provide a
blueprint for how we can give “Boys The Best Possible Start In Life”
throughout our global village.
The
initiatives should address one (1) of the following five (5) challenges which
have been identified as areas that are problematic for boys and young males
throughout our global village:
·HEALTH AND LIFE EXPECTANCY:
Why are boys around the world more likely to die before the age of five and why
do boys in every continent look forward to a much shorter life than girls? What
are the reasons for boy’s higher likelihood of suicide? What action can we
take to give boys the best possible start in life and help them live longer,
happier, healthier lives?
·EDUCATIONAL FOCUS: Why
are boys in richer countries underperforming girls and also less likely to be in
education, and why are tens of millions of boys in poorer countries still not
completing a primary education? How can we address truancy, and poor literacy
rates which leave boys prone to adult unemployment, substance abuse, obesity,
depression, and poverty? What action can we take to focus on boys’ education
in way that gives them the best possible start in life and closes the gaps
between girls and boys and rich boys and poor boys?
·TOLERANCE OF VIOLENCE: Why
are we so tolerant of violence and abuse against men and boys and why do we
still tolerate a world where we send boys to fight the wars among adults? What
actions can we take to help boys’ grow up free from violence and challenge our
collective tolerance and support of violence against men and boys?
·RIGHTS TO FATHERHOOD: How
can we give boys a right to family life that gives them an equal opportunity to
know and experience both their father and mother and ensure that their role as a
future father is equal to a girls role as future mother. What actions can we
take to give every boy an equal right to fatherhood?
·REAL LIFE CHOICES: How
can we make sure that every boy has opportunities to make a range of positive
life choices in terms of work, family and leisure and reduce the number of boys
whose life choices are limited and end up poor, illiterate, unemployed,
homeless, imprisoned and isolated? What action can we make to help every boy get
the best possible start in life and make a positive transition form boy to man
that makes the world a better place for everyone?
Submissions
should be sent via e-mail to D.A. Sears, Managing Editor – IN SEARCH OF
FATHERHOOD® at:insearchoffatherhood@gmail.com.
Inquiries can be made by
contacting D.A. Sears, Managing Editor – IN SEARCH OF FATHERHOOD® via
e-mail at: insearchoffatherhood@gmail.com
or by telephone at 267-581-3963.
Free Content
for Blog Tours,
Radio Show Hosts and Bookclubs!
Dear Authors,
Last year readers united to voice their pet peeves in reading. The responses were overwhelming and the feelings were pretty much the same, expanding numerous readers. Readers spoke out on the things that they would like to see authors stop doing. A year has passed. Want to know how you did?
AREAS STILL IN NEED OF IMPROVEMENT
Lack of Creativity:
Sequels/trilogies/series – A sequel or continuation of books is not always necessary. Readers want complete stories and should not have to wait on another book for closure or to answer questions pertinent to the plot of book one. It’s insulting to readers for an author or publishing company to take one plot and break it up and stretch it for several books. Be creative and write. That is what writers do – write.
Celebrity look-a-likes – Use your words. Describe your characters instead of simply stating what celebrity he/she resembles. Everyone cannot possibly have Beyonce’s hips and LL Cool J’s lips. With so many descriptive words in the English language, use them.
Designer Labels – It’s been said that clothes don’t make a person, a person makes the clothes. Today, unfortunately, designer labels make the books. Page after page, paragraph after paragraph, sentence after sentence, it’s designer label overload. A book should not read like a commercial advertising a product. It’s not limited to clothes. Cars, alcohol, shoes and make-up are also frequently overused. Focus more on details pertinent to the story.
Book covers – A few authors have moved a little more towards creativity this past year, and there are many phenomenal graphic artists to choose from. But…the "booty" is still gracing too many book covers. Readers want eye catching covers, true, but they also want covers that blend in with the storyline and aren’t just for shock value. Booties, guns, blood and money…what else do you have?
Positivity – It would be nice to see more positive representation of characters, especially parental figures. Every mother is not on drugs nor is every father absent. Positivity is a choice. Positive begets positive.
Quality
of Book Production:
Editing – The quality of books seem to be at an all-time low and that is disturbing, yet its importance has never changed. Many authors are resorting to editing books themselves, using programs such as Spell Check or leaving the crucial task to a family member or friend. Also, some mistakenly believe that ‘editing’ only covers grammatical issues. That is not so. The collaboration and assistance of a content or developmental editor can make a world of difference with the development of a storyline. An editor should be a trusted person who sees your vision and the ultimate goal should be to build a stronger story.
There are different kinds of editing, all of which can be useful to authors. Lack of copyediting and developmental editing has saturated the industry with books littered with errors and underdeveloped plots and characters. It is very important to not only utilize the assistance of an editor but to also be sure that the person is a QUALIFIED editor. In many cases, an editor that is not qualified is just as bad as not using an editor at all. Do your research. Expect quality. Demand quality. Proper editing is the best investment any author can make.
Typesetting – As is the case with finding a qualified editor, the same applies to typesetting. Do your research. Expect quality. Demand quality.
Author
Behaviors:
Reviews – A disturbing trend has developed, and it’s very unfortunate. Many authors are resorting to unprofessional behavior and/or reactions in response to less than favorable reviews. Some authors have stooped to the level of referring to anyone that doesn’t like/love their book or points out flaws and areas in need of improvement as a ‘hater.’Some have gone so far as to refer to reviewers as obscene names.
With social networking sites like Facebook and the comment feature on Amazon, it seems to have reached epidemic proportions. Such behavior is never okay or acceptable. All reviews are not going to be 5-stars or state that a book is a “page-turner.” While it’s nice to read glowing reviews, just as important are the reviews that provide constructive criticism. Instead of getting mad or upset and acting out, focus on what it is that the reviewer did not like or felt needed improvement. If an author cannot handle the opinions of others, maybe that person should consider another profession.
Self-appointed titles – Too many people are giving themselves titles and there is often little or no evidence to support their claim. How can you be the King/Queen/Prince/Princess/Duchess/Emperor/First Lady/Godfather/Adopted Cousin/Third Aunt Removed (you get the point!) of any genre with no book, one book or even three books? Leave the title appointing to the readers, reflective of sales. Such titles are earned by years of hard work evident by a variety of books.
Danielle Steel has been dubbed the Queen of Romance. She has more than 580 million copies of her books in print, and every one of her books is a bestseller. In short, she is the most popular author writing today. Her books have been translated in 28 languages. Twenty-one of her novels have been adapted for television, each earning high ratings and critical acclaim, including two Golden Globe nominations. She has reason to have titles bestowed upon her. What have you done deserving of a title?
AREAS OF IMPROVEMENT
There has been improvement in safe sex practices through more incorporation of condoms. However, there is still a long way to go.
GOING FORWARD
While we have enjoyed another year of reading, it is becoming more of a daunting task to weed through the bad. Respect not only yourself by delivering the best product, but the readers who continuously support you. After all, what is an author without readers?
Sincerely,
Your Readers
Black Pearl Readers, what are your thoughts on this subject? Leave your comments on Ms. Toni's thread
here, go now.
Living under Reese Madaris's roof makes LaKenna James the envy of every woman in town. But Reese's offer of a place to stay is strictly platonic—just until Kenna's new condo is completed. He has no idea that his best friend has been attracted to him since college, and Kenna plans to keep it that way.
Ever since his cousin Blade got married, Reese has become Houston's most eligible bachelor—and a magnet for gold diggers. Reese turns to his temporary roommate for dating advice, and suddenly sees Kenna for the beautiful, voluptuous woman she is. Though Kenna's afraid to give her heart to the man who could so easily break it, when her life is in jeopardy, she'll discover just how far a Madaris man will go when love is at stake…
[
more book details here ]
The Zora Neale Hurston/Richard Wright Foundation - the nation's resource center for writers, readers, and supporters of Black literature. The only organization of its kind that provides culturally sensitive services and guidance for Black writers at every stage of their development.
What Is Our Mission?
Founded in 1990 by novelist Marita Golden and bibliophile Clyde McElvene, the Foundation’s mission is to discover, develop, and honor Black writers. The programs of the Foundation preserve the legacy and ensure the future of Black writers and the literature they produce. The Foundation was named for two geniuses of American and world literature, Zora Neale Hurston and Richard Wright.
Why Is Our Work Important?
Historically, the African American community has lacked viable institutions dedicated to supporting creative writing either as an artistic expression or a professional endeavor. No educational institution, professional organization, or existing non-profit has responded to this need as comprehensively as the Hurston/Wright Foundation. The Foundation is the only organization in the nation that provides culturally sensitive services and guidance for Black writers at every stage of their development.
Since 1990, the Foundation has created a wide range of new opportunities for Black writers. In the process, the organization has also increased the awareness and appreciation of Black literature, while simultaneously serving underserved areas of the Black community, and increasing the appreciation of literature.
Visit the website for more information on events, workshops and community
activities.
K.
L. Brady is a D.C. native but spent a number of her formative years in
the Ohio Valley. She’s an alumnus of the University of the District of
Columbia and University of Maryland University College, earning a B.A. in
Economics and M.B.A., respectively.
She works as an
analyst for a major government contracting firm and is an active real estate
agent with Exit Realty by day—and writes by night (often into the wee hours of
the morning).
She lives just outside of D.C. in Cheltenham, Maryland, with her son and lives
to eat chocolate, shop, read, and write.
Originally self-published, her adult novel, THE BUM MAGNET, was published by
Simon & Schuster's Pocket Books in March 2011. THE BUM MAGNET was the
winner of the 2010 Next Generation Indie Book Awards for Multicultural Fiction,
as well as the Third Place Grand Prize Winner for Best Fiction of 2010.
BPM: Introduce us to your book, The Bum Magnet and the main
characters. On Kindle or Nook?
My hilarious but oh-so-real debut romantic comedy/women’s fiction is about
Charisse Tyson, who is approaching a major life milestone—her fortieth
birthday. She has just broken up with boyfriend number “too many” and reads
an article that makes her realize it’s time to assess why she keeps picking
players over and over and over again.
But, as it always happens when you make a plan, life happens! And she makes a
hilarious but really bad decision that takes her COMPLETELY off course. No
sooner than she decides she’ll have nothing more to do with men, they start
coming out of the woodwork—a sexy new businessman, ex-boyfriends, and a
strange stalker-type that she feels drawn to for some yet unknown reason.
So, she goes against her better instinct and puts herself in the position where
she’s got to navigate this minefield of men while trying to work on herself at
the same time. The story follows her along this journey. But along the way, she
finds out the answer to her problem goes a lot deeper than an appetite for
good-looking men and great sex. It’s that realization that helps her shift her
life to a new level.
While this story is full of laugh-out-loud funny moments, it also has the kind
of page-turning twists and turns that will make it almost impossible to put down
once you get into to it. This book has been blamed for many sleepless nights,
missed subway and bus stop, and late stays at the office because the people
couldn’t move until they finished it.
BPM:
What insight does The Bum Magnet give readers on relationships or
one defined topic? Has your view changed since completing your book?
I never set out to convey a message when I wrote this book. I wanted to tell a
entertaining story that would keep readers glued to the pages. However, I would
have to say that there are definitely several life lessons that all
people—both men and women—can take from Charisse’s story.
The first is that when you see yourself repeating the same bad patterns in
relationships over and over again, at some point you’ve really got to stop
pointing the finger at the people you choose, and start pointing your finger at
the one who is doing the choosing—YOU! Sometimes, we’re so wrapped up in the
drama of relationships that we don’t see that we’re standing in our own way,
and blocking our own blessing, because we’re not dealing with some past hurt
or pain. We can’t just sweep our dirt under a beautiful rug, sit some
furniture on it, and pretend like it’s not still a hot mess underneath.
And while this is not Christian fiction, this character (despite her
occasionally colorful language) is very spiritual and learns a few lessons about
leaning on her faith, trusting in herself, honoring her friends and family, and
the new “F” You word—forgiveness.
Ladies' Man by Frederick Germaine
Damien Hardy had everything early in life. He is an academic and athletic All-American at Crenshaw High in Los Angeles. On top of that, he's attractive, popular, and most of all madly in love with his beautiful girlfriend named
Crystal Gayle. Until one horrific day, he catches Crystal in bed with another man and she breaks his heart. Right then, he vows never to fall in love again or give his heart to a woman.
Damien rescinds his baseball scholarship offer from USC and decides to attend the University of Miami instead. After a disappointing college baseball career, Damien's best friend
Mookie convinces him to relocate to Atlanta. Mookie schools Damien on the "starting five concept" and Damien never looks back. While in Atlanta, Damien is involved with a plethora of beautiful black women and never can seem to get enough. After many years, love eventually prevails. Damien finds himself trying to make the ultimate choice.
First, Crystal resurfaces when she relocates her medical practice from L.A. to Atlanta. She desperately wants to rekindle her love interest with Damien. Secondly,
Diamond springs back into Damien's life and has the ultimate surprise for him. Then there's
Nicole, who is married and miserable but wants Damien all to herself.
She stops at nothing to accomplish this task. But Katrina, the sophisticated high profile corporate attorney, has other plans for Damien. She's has everything in life, except a man, and now wants him as her
"boy toy." Finally, Tameka who is Diamond's fake friend has a trick up her sleeve to combat them all.
Does love conquer all or will Damien continue to be just another ladies' man?
About
the Author Frederick Germaine has always been fascinated how writing could be so intriguing. It takes dedication and an imaginable thought process to capture an audience within a good novel. After writing leisurely for years, Frederick Germaine decided to pen his first novel.
Ladies' Man is an entertaining love novel from a male-perspective. He wrote the novel because he felt almost everyone has previously been in love, is currently in love or simply seeking love. Thus, we all can relate to it. After the release of
Ladies' Man, Frederick Germaine was featured in Xtra Magazine.
Besides being an author, Frederick Germaine is an advocate for mentorship programs. He currently serves as a mentor to the youth and young adults. Additionally, he is a motivational speaker compelling individuals to make the right "choices" in life.
Frederick Germaine graduated from Jacksonville State University where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business. He currently resides in Atlanta where he continues to write and promises to deliver another hot novel.
For additional information on Frederick Germaine, please visit his website at:
www.frederickgermaine.com.
Ladies' Man by Frederick Germaine
ISBN-10: 0578078430
ISBN-13: 978-0578078434
Intimate Conversation with Marian L. Thomas
Hosted by Ella Curry, founder Black Pearls Magazine
Marian L.
Thomas, reared in Chicago but lives with her biggest-supporter—her husband and their spoiled but playful dog, Winston in Atlanta, Georgia. Her debut title, Color Me Jazzmyne, went on to become an Amazon Best-Seller and was ranked as one of the "Top 100 Books"
- 1st Qtr 2010 by the Sankofa Literary Society Review.
Marian welcomes the release of her second book, My Father's Colors-The Drama-Filled Journey of Naya Monà Continues on March 1, 2011 to online retailers, Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble.com, Kindle and Nook. Be sure to get your copy today! It is sure to be another Best-Seller for the author as it takes you on the journey of four individuals that lead to one destination filled with betrayal, lies and shocking secrets.
BPM: Marian, this is your second published book, why do you write?
What's your goal in writing?
For me, writing is more of a release from the reflection of the world around us. It is a way to express the obvious using tones that soothe,
excite, uplift and allow the reader to step out of their comfort level. That is my goal when writing. That is what drives me to create characters
such as Naya Mona.
BPM: Tell us about your passion for writing. What impact do you want your book to make on the readers?
“Passion is a hard word to describe because it's like describing what it feels like to have something move you so much that you can't help but act upon it... are their real words for that? For me, writing is more of a release from reality, a way to express the obvious using melodious tones that soothe the reader and allows them to live in a world other than their own. That is my goal when writing. That is what drives me.”
BPM: What makes you powerful as a person and a writer?
I wouldn't consider myself powerful but I hope that people who read my books, make a powerful connection with them in some form or fashion. Be it
mentally or emotionally. If that occurs, that gives strength to my pen.
BPM: Who are your mentors? Where do you find your inspiration?
My mentors are people who encourage me. Who tell me to "never give up." They become my inspiration and my drive to write. My husband, mother and
mother-in-law, along with friends and readers have become both mentors and inspirations for me.
BPM: Finish this sentence- My writing offers the following legacy to future readers...
That the term 'color' doesn't necessarily refer to the color of a woman's skin. Rather, it can refer to the colors that make up her crayon box of
life. As women—our journeys, emotions, experiences, tears, joys, laughter and even pains in life help determine the colors in our box. We can either
create our own box of crayons or allow others to do it for us.
BPM: Share with us a little about Color Me Jazzmyne before we move into the newly released sequel
My Father's Colors.
Child abuse, rape, struggling to make money to live—these are all the things that women have gone through at least once in their lifetime. When a father's touch is no longer innocent, how do you find the courage to forgive?
Women will relate to the drama, romance, and struggles Naya Mona goes through in Color Me Jazzmyne. She has a voice that commands the attention of its readers and takes them on a rollercoaster ride as she confronts a son whom she never got a chance to name. How do you tell your son that your father is his? There are so many questions that face Naya and she tries to explain just what color is Jazzmyne.
BPM: Now let's move forward, introduce us to My Father's Colors.
My Father's Colors-The Drama-Filled Journey of Naya Monà Continues, takes you on the journey of four individuals that lead to one incredible
destination filled with betrayal, lies and shocking secrets. Naya Monà is back on another emotional and drama-filled roller coaster as
she finds herself fighting to find her voice, discover her father's past and search for her daughter. How do you find a daughter you never knew
you gave birth to?
BPM: Are your characters in Color Me Jazzmyne a portrayal of real people?
In Color Me Jazzmyne, I discussed several current issues in society, such as rape and incest. Rape is often the "hush" word in our lives. It's the thing that we prefer to put into the closet of other
skeletons that we pray no one has the key to. Child abuse often occurs at a young age and more than often it is done by someone that is very close---a family member or friend of the family. It's a difficult thing to get over, it's even more difficult to explain. According to one statistic.... one out of every six women will be raped over their lifetime and 73% of all rape victims know their assailants. In fact, studies have shown that 60% of all sexual assaults are not reported.
Reality is always a part of us and as such what we read must adhere to some form of it in order to make it so that one can relate to the story
that is being told. Naya is clearly a reflection of the many women that I have met over the years and the struggles that they have gone through. I
do not remove myself from that reflection. Misty represents all the so-called friends that revolve in and out of our lives and Chris is what I term the 'life-time' type of husband. He represents the compassion and love that we as women need, want and deserve.
BPM: Who were your favorites in My Father's Colors, the sequel to Color Me
Jazzmyne?
In this book, my favorite character is Chris. He is a devoted husband who makes mistakes but his motives and love for his wife are pure, real and
felt throughout the choices he makes. Each of the characters portray a version of someone we can all relate to, whether in a good or bad way. I think that element of reality helps make a good reader connection.
BPM: What situation or revelation prompted you to write My Father's
Colors?
Watching the struggles, pain and abuse of children prompted me to tackle the subject within the pages of my books.
BPM: What are two major events taking place in My Father's Colors?
First, there is the inner struggle that the main character Naya Monà must face. She must find peace within herself, within her past and dig within
the depths of her heart to find forgiveness for her father.
Second, there is the inner struggle of Jonathan—Naya's son. How do you deal with knowing that your mother was raped and that you were the result?
How do you find the strength to forgive when your heart can't let go of the past? How do you see your future—your wife and children and realize that their love is what matters most?
BPM: Who do you want to reach with My Father's Colors?
For women who have gone through what Naya has, I hope that when they close the book, after reading the last sentence, they feel as if they too can find their voice. Their inner-strength and their desire to be a survivor.
BPM: What are some of the issues addressed My Father's Colors?
One of the issues addressed in the book is the desire that some show for fame and fortune. Family, friends and even love are still part of the
essentials in life and the materials things don't define or determine our worth in life.
BPM: Did you self-publish your books? If so, what was the process like?
When you write something that has taken on part of who you are, you want to own it--not "lease it out". No one will believe in your story like you do. No one will own it, live it or tell it...like you can. I never went to a publishing company, I simply started my own. I knew from the beginning this was going to be my story from beginning to end.
My book is under my middle names ( I have two believe it or not) and my company is under my first name so that I keep them separate. When you self-publish, it is vital that you understand that when you're an Author you speak as one but when it comes to business--that requires a totally different hat. I do plan to publish other titles besides than my own, but I will do so with the author from the
beginning to the end and I will treat their story as if it were my own. I will make it a part of me.
BPM: What is your most valuable lesson about the publishing industry?
That fiction gets very little love so you have to cultivate it. It's easy to read
"how-to books" and don't get me wrong they serve a purpose but reading the experiences of life through the eyes of a character that grips onto your inner-self and never lets go until you close the book...that's priceless.
BPM: Share with us your latest news, awards or upcoming book releases.
My Father's Colors has already reached #12 on the Amazon.com bestseller Soul List.
BPM: How can our readers reach you online?
My website is: http://www.marianlthomas.com.
Here readers can read about my books, watch book trailers, read reviews, view my media kit and book clubs can schedule a personal visit.
Email: larrita@lbpublishingco.com
Ivette
Attaud, a Harlem, New York native and former Fort Bragg Army wife, has been a survivor of domestic violence and abuse for over twenty years.
Ivette served on the Battered Women’s Justice Committee of Voices of Women Organizing Project in New York as well as contributed research regarding law guardians to their report
Justice Denied: How Family Courts in NYC Endanger Battered Women and
Children.
Ivette Attaud, publisher, a gifted author, highly sought-after motivational speaker and domestic violence expert, developed
Healing The Body Before The Spirit, a domestic abuse educational workshop for the faith-based community. She has written numerous articles, including a recently-published article entitled
Surviving the Loss of a Child for Spotlight On Recovery Magazine. More information can be found online at:
http://www.mylifemysoul.com.
Domestic violence affects two to four million people alone in the United States including teenagers and 54% of parents admit they haven’t spoken to their teen about dating violence or healthy relationships.
My Life My Soul, Surviving, Healing And Thriving After An Abusive Relationship is an honest and graphic true story of Ivette Attaud’s dating relationship as a teen and how it quickly manifested into a destructive, violent and psychologically abusive marriage. Ivette puts a face on domestic violence as she describes how she was able to break the emotional and psychological chains of her abuser.
Ivette recounts vivid memories of growing up as a Jehovah’s Witness; her experience with dating violence; her battle with depression; a suicide attempt; the loss of her infant twin daughter to a domestic violence assault and re-victimization by the New York City family court system, including actual documents! In the first part of this three-part series,
My Life My Soul, Surviving, Healing And Thriving After An Abusive Relationship: Part 1 –
Surviving, Ivette lays bare the life-long difficulties those in abusive relationships face.
BPM: Ivette, when did you begin writing? When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I was born and raised in Harlem. I started keeping a journal about 10 years ago to release some of the emotional pain and trauma I had been dealing with since I left my abuser and to leave something for my children so they could gain some insight as to what I went through and maybe help them deal with their issues when they became adults. I didn't consider myself as just a writer; I considered myself a person with an important story to
tell.
BPM: Do you see writing as a career now?
Yes, I do. I am a true entrepreneur at heart! I launched My Life My Soul, The Unspoken Journey of Life After Domestic Abuse to raise awareness about domestic violence and abuse and also launched MLMS Publishing to release my first book.
BPM: What inspired you to write your first book, My Life, My Soul? How did you come up with the title? Who designed the book cover?
I wrote this book as a way to cope with the loneliness and isolation that is felt by survivors of an abusive relationship, and to deal with the grief of losing my child as a result of the abuse. I experienced writer's block frequently, as this is a difficult topic to write about. Over 15 years ago, I was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder as a result of the abuse, and one of the primary symptoms is re-living the trauma. It took me 10 years to write this because I needed to deal with the book setting off my triggers.
When I was invited to speak in public about my experience and scores of people approached me with positive feedback and shared their experiences with me, I believed that my book could help a lot of people. When I saw the statistics on teen dating violence, I included my experience with that as well.
I designed the cover myself to show that real freedom does exist for the survivor when they break the emotional and psychological chains of their abuser. My Life, My Soul - Surviving, Healing And Thriving After An Abusive Relationship: The title is a reflection of the physical violence and psychological abuse that threatened my life and the spiritual abuse that jeopardized my soul; and that leaving an abusive relationship is about breaking the chains that bind you.
BPM: Did you learn anything from writing My Life, My Soul and what was it?
We go through things in life for a reason. I was able to take a negative and turn it into a positive so I would be in a better position to heal and help others. I learned a lot about myself and what constituted an unhealthy relationship. I was also able to see how I’ve grown psychologically and emotionally from my teenage years, all the way to adulthood. Understanding where you’ve come from is crucial to knowing where you’re going. I also learned that I have a very powerful gift for helping people past obstacles in life that may be holding them back from achieving their goals. So, I am also a Personal Life
Coach.
BPM: What messages in your book, My Life, My Soul, do you want readers to grasp?
The book contains several messages: it inspires and gives hope to the survivor who is currently in or who has left an abusive relationship so they know they’re not alone; it’s an example for the families and friends of the survivor to know what NOT to do and say; it’s for parents and teens who want to know about the red flags of an abusive relationship and it’s for the professional who works with those who have experienced domestic violence and/or abuse. The reader has a birds-eye view of what the daily reality is like for someone going through an abusive relationship, whether you are a teen or an adult. I remember what my thought process was like as a teenager. I believe there is always something to learn from someone else’s experience.
BPM: Now, let’s talk about the publishing industry. How did you initially break into the publishing industry? What road did you travel?
I initially decided to use a subsidy publisher some months ago. But the publishing industry changes so quickly, and more self-publishing resources became available to me, that I decided to fund the publishing of the book myself. It is a common myth that if you use a subsidy publisher, and they offer you a marketing package, that they will market your book. Their goal is to make money from the author. Regardless of the publishing method used, it will always be the author's responsibility to market the book themselves. I decided to independently publish because I am a true entrepreneur at heart (it runs in my family), and I love the challenges of running my own business.
BPM: How do you feel about self-publishing? How do feel about selling digital books vs. selling in a brick and mortar store?
It depends on what the author defines as self-publishing. I prefer the term Independent Publisher. It could be a subsidy publisher, or completely funding the publishing of the book yourself. The traditional publishing industry is slowly changing their bias against self-publishers. The choice between selling digital books vs. selling in a brick and mortar store goes back to the first question - what your goal is for writing your book. Both still require a lot of hard work on the part of the author to get their book in either channel. My Life, My Soul will be available in print and as an e-book in order to make the book available to everyone.
I want to re-emphasize that understanding your goal for writing your book is important. If you want to independently publish your book, you need to understand how the industry operates. For example, if an author plans on publishing independently out of his or her own pocket, and is working hard to market and promote that book, just know that all your hard work may be in jeopardy. I have seen many self-publishers disillusioned by the publishing industry because they don't make much money from the sale of their books. That is because while selling online is an important part of marketing and promoting your book, if they've listed their book at online retailers, they will undercut the author's price by selling their books at a discount.
BPM: Awesome advice! Do you have any more advice for other writers? Do you have any advice for people seeking to publish a book?
There is a story inside everyone and someone will definitely benefit from what you have to say. I would advise anyone wanting to publish a book to do ask themselves the following questions: Why am I writing it and what are my goals? What results do I want to see from publishing this book? Am I ready to take on the challenges of publishing it myself and not use a subsidy publisher? What do I expect from a subsidy publisher? Do I have the resources to market this book? Do I want to make $1-2 dollars in royalties for my book, or do I want to keep more money in my
pocket?
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?
The most difficult hurdle is in converting the level of interest in the book into actual sales. As an author and publisher, I wear many hats. Not only am I responsible for the health of my business, but I'm also responsible for making the strongest efforts possible in my marketing and media exposure to make sure my book gets into the hands of those that can really benefit from it.
BPM: Share with us your latest news, awards or upcoming book releases. How may our readers follow you online?
Readers can follow me on Twitter - @ivetteattaud or on Facebook. They can also email me directly at ivetteattaud@mylifemysoul.com
Domestic violence is devastating. Understand how to better help a friend or loved one.
Purchase My Life, My Soul - Surviving, Healing And Thriving After An Abusive Relationship, Part 1: Surviving on
www.mylifemysoul.com!
My Life, My Soul - Surviving, Healing And Thriving After An Abusive Relationship
Part 1 – Surviving by Ivette Attaud
US $15.95; Nonfiction; ISBN-13: 978-0615440613
Purchase books here: http://www.mylifemysoul.com
Intimate Conversation with Minnie E. Miller
Minnie E. Miller is a seasoned writer by age, not by the number of books written. She’s 74 years old and has written three books. Two more are pending. She retired in 1999 from the Office of the Mayor of San Francisco, California. She traveled to U.S. cities and abroad returning to her native home in Chicago’s Hyde Park community. “Whispers from the Mirror” is her latest novel.
BPM: Who are your mentors? Where do you find your inspiration?
MEM: My mentors are Octavia Estelle Butler and Tananarive Due. I love the work of others too, but Butler and Due stand out when it comes to premise, structure, and emotions. My mentors lead the way through the forest and thickets that I may see better. Reading helps my writing.
BPM: What have you realized about yourself since becoming a published author?
MEM: Please allow me this quote: “The art of writing is the art of discovering what you believe." ~~ Gustave Flaubert.
I have learned, however, that fiction is life personified. My characters represent my ideas; my pros and cons; my fancy; and my concepts, mostly noble, but ... Anyway, my earlier novel, “The Seduction of Mr. Bradley” is about the pros and cons of life. I’m not foolish enough to believe everyone agrees with me and that’s okay.
I’ve come to realize things I didn’t know I felt and believed. Flash back is a son-of-a-gun. For instance, I used to leave projects and situations unfinished, and I’ve experienced many through the years. I cut my adult teeth, if you will, on politics in several states. My body was impatient, and my mind busy. I didn’t know what to do with all that mental energy until a very-English teacher encouraged me to explore my muse and feel the passion. Someone cared! That made me become serious about writing, but it didn’t work for me until my early sixties.
Intimate
Conversation with Nikkea Smithers
Nikkea
Smithers is a dynamic award winning and Essence Magazine bestselling writer
and spoken word artist, originally from Connecticut , currently residing in
Richmond , VA. She has released several novels, poetry compilations and has
contributed to several anthologies. Her writing style is unique as she uses her
ability to play on words throughout each project. Her novels flair with the
explicit details of life told through her characters’ eyes. Visit the
author's website at: www.nikkeasmithers.com
for more book excerpts and event details.
BPM: What makes you powerful as a person and a writer? What drives you to
write?
I truly believe in walking by faith and not by sight. I trust in God to direct
me in whatever way he sees fit. I often write books so far in advance with no
real clue as to when I may release it because I wait until my faith leads me to
move in that direction. When it comes to my writing, I'm driven by the message,
even as I push myself in different genres, the message is the guide.
BPM: What have you realized about yourself since becoming a published author?
I've discovered that I can't put a lid on my creativity. I have learned that
there is power and freedom in just doing. I'm inspired daily just with the fact
that I'm doing it, I'm living my dream and refuse to let any obstacle stop me.
BPM: Besides the creative process, what is the most gratifying aspect of
being a writer?
When I get feedback from readers and they 'get' my vision and share my
excitement I am in awe. Writing is my form of therapy so to know that I've
touched someone else's life with what I had in me is very liberating!
BPM: Do you have any advice for people seeking to publish a book?
Research, follow your hearts desire, and do it! Anything worth having in life
will be a challenge, your job is to not let that challenge stifle your hearts
desire.
BPM: How do you define success or personal happiness?
Success is meeting your own personal goals, not defining your life by someone
else's mile markers. We are truly happy when we do what we desire, nourish what
makes us feel good, and don't live with regrets because every experience is a
learning curve.
BPM: Hot Seat: Share with us one thing most readers don’t know about you?
I am a Master of All Trades. I'm a licensed hairdresser, spoken word artist,
actress, graphic artist, marketing and finance specialist, jewelry maker, music
producer, music engineer, mentor, motivational speaker, I've even done
professional modeling. I believe if something interest me, nothing can stop me
from learning it (often self-teaching) and mastering it before I move on to the
next.
Joan
Early grew up in Woodville, Mississippi and began writing after a long
career in mortgage banking and mortgage law. Her first completed short story won
first place in Ebony Magazine’s literary contest. Joan’s family history and
travels help fill the pages of her four published paperbacks and a published
E-book. Joan continues writing in the tranquility of her home in the Houston
suburb of Kingwood, Texas.
BPM: What makes you powerful as a person and a writer? What drives you to
write?
Ans. Humility and a profound love for the printed word. Writing keeps me focused
on the world I create, which is often less stressful and intimidating than
reality.
BPM: Do you insert your own characteristics in your writing?
Ans. Yes. I use the strength, compassion, and tolerance that I continue
developing in my life to shape the characters I create.
BPM: Besides the creative process, what is the most gratifying aspect of
being a writer?
Ans. Knowing that someone has benefited from my struggles, or from a suggestion
or storyline in one of my works. I received an email from a reader who praised
my descriptive narratives in Oak Bluffs, and said it brought back wonderful
memories of her childhood summers in Martha’s Vineyard. That was a good
feeling.
BPM: Hot seat: Share with us one thing most readers don’t know about you?
Ans. My one regret in life is not becoming the first black female on the Supreme
Court.
BPM: Introduce us to your book, Oak Bluffs, and
the main characters. What genre is the book? On Kindle or Nook?
Ans. Oak Bluffs is set in fetchingly beautiful and historic Martha’s
Vineyard, with side trips to bustling New York City, and the sprawling plains of
Texas. Martha’s Vineyard is filled with African American and Native American
history.
The main characters are Lacey Daigle, a privileged New Yorker
who tries to reconnect with her family roots, and wealthy rancher John Jacob
Tobias who abandons his identity after his wife’s death, and poses as riding
instructor Monroe Faulkner, a man he greatly admired. Oak Bluffs is contemporary
romantic fiction, available on Nook and Kindle.
BPM: Who do you want to reach with your book and the message within?
Ans. The goal in all of my writings is to create interesting characters that
remain in the reader’s hearts long after the book is closed. Oak Bluff’s
message to those still searching for fulfillment, happiness, and love is open
your heart and never give up.
BPM: Share with us a quote or brief excerpt from one of the most powerful
characters in Oak Bluffs.
Ans. Monroe’s (John’s) feelings after spending time with Lacey. He watched
her with the excitement that only love can bring. Their time alone had been
marvelous and he wanted more. After months of longing to touch her, he now knew
how it felt, and that was a feeling he never wanted to lose.
Oak Bluffs (Indigo Love Stories) by Joan Early
ISBN-10: 1585713791
ISBN-13: 978-1585713790
Web Address: www.joanearly.com
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author
Francis Ray lives in Texas. She has over 43 books in print. Her awards include EMMA, Romantic Times Career Achievement, Golden Pen, WRITTEN 2010 Book of the Year, and Borders 2008 bestselling multicultural book.
She has four books scheduled for 2011:
BREAK EVERY RULE 03/29, TWICE THE TEMPTATION 06/21, UNDENIABLE 06/21 and TROUBLE DON'T LAST ALWAYS 11/01.
Please visit her web site at www.francisray.com
and let her know what you think of her new widget, and Twice The Temptation contest.
BPM: Introduce us to your book and the main characters. What genre is the book? On Kindle or Nook?
My latest book is BREAK EVERY RULE, book #2 in the Falcon series. Break Every
Rule is a romance and can be found on both the Kindle and Nook. In Break Every
Rule, Dominique Falcon is a gorgeous model, a wealthy socialite-and a total fool when it comes to love. After falling for a charmer who was after her money, she's decided to set some ground rules for romance, starting with: Don't be richer than your man
…
He might be rough around the edges, but Trent is a hardworking man who built his successful trucking firm from humble beginnings. Dominique can't ignore the sparks between them-but dating a man so soon after his fiancée betrayed him would be breaking another basic rule: Don't trust a man on the rebound. Even so, things are heating up fast and-even though she might get burned-Dominique is ready to risk it all. In the game of love, rules are made to be broken.
BPM: What insight does the book give readers on relationships or one defined topic? Has your view changed since completing your book?
BREAK EVERY RULE gives the readers insights on not judging the faults of others on everyone. Dominique, the heroine, had to learn the difficult lesson of trusting a man again. It was a slow process, but Trent, the hero, was patient.
BPM: Are your characters from the portrayal of real people or experiences?
The characters are not real people, but I did do a great deal of research on the two main characters occupations of photography and running a trucking company.
BPM: What compelled or inspired you to write this book? Why now?
In the prologue of HEART OF THE FALCON, Dominique appeared at her brother Daniel's wedding with a helicopter ready to whisk him away from what Dominique thought would be a disaster. She quickly learned that Daniel's bride Madelyn loved her brother as much as she loved him. I ached for Dominique to be so young and cynical, and decided that she'd know a love just as deep and strong.
Intimate Conversation with Doug Magee
Doug Magee is a writer, photographer and filmmaker living in New York’s East Harlem. He is the author of
Slow Coming Dark: Interviews on Death Row, What Murder Leaves Behind: The Victim’s
Family, and three books for children. His produced screenplays include HBO’s
Somebody Has To Shoot The Picture and Showtime’s Beyond The Call.
Never Wave Goodbye is his first novel.
BPM: What makes you powerful as a person and a writer?
I wouldn’t call myself powerful in the traditional definition of the word. I don’t control armies or organizations. But I do have a power of sorts when someone opens my book and starts reading. Then I am a guide, a magician, a story teller and whoever is reading is, hopefully, under my spell. For me the best way to put people under that spell is to make the stories I’m telling both unusual and believable. I want to take people out of their normal setting, bring them inside engaging characters, but I don’t want things to be so far out or implausible that the reader can’t connect. It’s a tricky proposition, this balance of the fascinating and the real. But I believe achieving that gives me the power to hold the reader to the final page.
BPM: How much of what you write reflects on your outlook on life?
Everything I write reflects my outlook on life, if not directly, certainly indirectly.
Stokely Carmichael once said, “Your politics are determined by what you see out your front window.” In other words, where you place yourself can make a lot of difference in who you are. Similarly, who you are can’t help but determine what and how you write. If you’re doing something other than writing from your deepest self you’re not really writing, you’re imitating or just typing.
BPM: Who are your mentors? Where do you find your inspiration?
I find inspiration in the visual. I began my professional life as a photographer and have worked in film as a screenwriter and director. When I write a novel I’m often inspired by images that come to me. They seem to propel the story. Of course a novel is more than images, but they are the beginning for me. Then it’s a question of using those images to set scenes, to see characters and to get inside the heads of those characters.
Intimate
Conversation with Carla S. Pennington
Author
Carla S. Pennington was born and raised in Prichard, Alabama where she
continues to reside with her family. In 1995, she graduated from Mattie T.
Blount High School, an all black school. She became a teen mother in 1992
and was advised that she couldn’t return to school for an entire semester
after giving birth. This devastated Carla, but she refused to be held back. Her
dedication and hard work paid off. She ranked number five in her graduating
class and received an advanced diploma with honors.
In 1996, Carla was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Over the years, the
disease has halted her, but she refuses to let it stop her. She is currently
working on a number of other projects that she plans to have published in the
near future.
In 2002, she received her Bachelor of Arts degree with a concentration in
journalism from Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama. After graduation, Carla
decided not to pursue her career in journalism. Her heart and mind were
elsewhere. She wanted to write fiction novels and short stories, something that
she had been doing since she was a young girl.
In 2005, Carla published her first novel, Fling and from there several short
stories which appeared in anthologies across the country. Finally, she landed a
book deal with Life Changing Books which released the wildly anticipated novel,
the Available Wife in January 2011. Readers can reach Carla S. Pennington on FaceBook and Twitter as:
carlapennington. Email address: carlapennington@hotmail.com
Intimate
Conversation with Margo Candela
Margo
Candela was born and raised in Northeast Los Angeles. She moved to San
Francisco to attend college and ended up staying for a decade before moving back
home in 2005. Her first three novels, More Than This (Touchstone, Aug. 2008),
Life Over Easy (Kensington, Oct. 2007) and Underneath It All (Kensington, Jan.
2007) are set in San Francisco. More Than This was a Target stores Breakout Book and an American Association of
Publishers national book club selection at Borders Books with Las Comadres. Her
next novel, Goodbye To All That, will be published in 2010 by Touchstone and is
her first novel set in her native Los Angeles.
BPM: Introduce us to your book, Good-bye To All That, and the main
characters.
Good-bye To All That is my fourth novel and the first set in my native Los
Angeles. When I was trying to convince my editor (and myself) that I’d finally
nailed down what I was going to write about, I told her Good-bye To All That
would be like “Working Girl meets Mad Men with a little bit of Entourage
thrown in.” My main character is 25-year-old Raquel Azorian. She’s floated
from job to job after college and lands a temp assignment that lead to full-time
job working in the marketing for a powerful media company. Once there she
realizes it’s where she wants to be and works very hard to prove her worth to
her boss and mentor. She has her work life tightly controlled, but her high
maintenance family stresses her out.
Raquel is the youngest character I’ve written yet and I had to tap into my own
anxieties and concerns from when I was in my 20s and trying to figure out what
to do with my life and where to fit my family into the new life I was trying to
make for myself. All of my novels deal with family, identity and what it means
to be independent. That Good-bye To All That is set in Hollywood added a level
of fun and glamour, but it’s still a book that explores very relatable issues
and concerns.
Intimate
Conversation with Connie May Fowler
New
York Times bestselling writer Connie May Fowler is an essayist,
screenwriter, and novelist. She is the author of five novels, most recently The
Problem with Murmur Lee, and a memoir, When Katie Wakes. In 1996, she published
Before Women Had Wings, which became a paperback bestseller and was made into a
successful Oprah Winfrey Presents movie. She founded the Connie May Fowler Women
With Wings Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to aiding women and
children in need. Connie lives in Florida.
BPM: What specific situation or revelation prompted you to write your new
book, How Clarissa Burden Learned to Fly?
I was reading up on pre-Civil war Florida history and discovered that when
Florida was a Spanish territory, women could be property owners and slavery was
outlawed. But Spain and the United States signed an agreement that would change
all of that. The Florida Purchase Treaty of 1819 guaranteed that the United
States would lay claim to Florida in 1821. With a stroke of a pen and strike of
a clock, suddenly all women and blacks would have their rights stripped away.
That haunted me and I walked around with that kernel in my head for a few years
before I sat down to write the novel, which takes place in 2006 but is populated
with ghosts.
BPM:
Take us inside the book. What are two major events taking place?
The book tracks a day in the life of Clarissa Burden, a woman who wakes on the
Summer Solstice with the knowledge that her life must change because she is
wracked with spousal death scenarios and writer’s block. Concurrent with her
story is that of Olga Villada. Villada and her family are ghosts, their souls
unable to move on from the place where they were brutally murdered. Their
stories converge, resulting in a startling and life-changing chain of events.
Intimate Conversation with Elder Brenda Bradley
With over 20 years of experience, Elder Brenda Bradley's approach to relationship counseling is grounded by the Word. Quickly establishing herself in the industry through her wit and down to earth teaching style, Pastor, Teacher, Playwright and Mentor, Elder Bradley makes the subject matter so simple “a baby could understand it!”
Her message is simple: You don’t have to invest your heart in something that will never give back what you put in!
BPM: What makes you powerful as a person and a writer?
My thought process makes me powerful as person, for it allows me to start from the big picture and work down to the details. As a writer, I write from a prospective of breaking down the big details so that you understand what is happening in the whole scenario.
BPM: Who are your mentors?
Lossie P. Williams and Rosa L Newsome. May they both rest in peace. They were my grandmothers. Both of them did and accomplished things that were not normal in their generations.
BPM: What compelled you to write The Boaz Factor.
I was fascinated with the current state of relationships, the obvious change in how relationships progress, and what we as women have chosen to put up with in order to keep a person (a man) in our lives. This Christian Devotional takes readers on a journey of self-discovery, opening their eyes to the truths in their relationships.
Intimate
Conversation with Laurence “Lonz” Cook
Laurence, a Marine Corps veteran, educator, and technology professional has
written professionally for years. He’s a graduate of the Marine Corps Command
and Staff College and holds a Masters of Science Degree. His creativity helped
fellow service members passionately communicate with their loved ones during
deployments. Along his career, friends and relatives pushed him to write
creatively; there came his novel debut "Good Guys Finish Last."
BPM: What makes you powerful as a person, parent and a writer?
As a writer, the ability to influence and develop through multiple messages
makes one extremely powerful. Especially when provoking thought certain social
behavior through readers, it’s amazingly powerful. When readers finish the
novel, they tend to contemplate their behavior on social events. In A Choice to
Yield, either they admit to a mis-belief or stereo type, based on someone’s
look, ethnicity, or gender, or assess members of their social circle.
Parenting is challenging within itself. You never knew you could love so greatly
until you embrace the little person and realize he/she is of you and your
responsibility. Power then becomes relevant to how we envision our children for
the future and focus on outcome of the child. We do what’s necessary to teach,
nurture, and lead so children are capable of enduring life’s challenges. In my
case, they lead me to power as realization took hold on their dependency for
leadership and guidance. Yet, the greatest power given is their pure love and
trust. There lies what makes me a powerful parent, giving love, guidance, and
nurturing to their success. (And closing the door so they don’t return...the
real parental power.)
A powerful person is challenging in defining, and yet quite simple. Power for me
comes in continued social contributions, equally sharing in reflecting a
positive image, and uplifting through spiritual means. Not only is there
influence in my acts, but there is sincerity in association with others. My
interactions with many allows an immediate impact, either they view me as
someone to communicate with, or someone to emulate. The power for me lies in the
ability to communicate, and communicate sensibly to those with a thirst for
motivation. Especially when influencing behavior change through an emotional
impact. Usually in my conversation there is a parable, a message, something to
spark positive thought, and therefore hopefully ignite a following act. The
result is often someone traveling a new direction. Especially in social change.
Sober, Responsible Men and Fathers Please Apply
by David Miller
Historically,
the role of Black men and fathers has been minimized by mainstream media and
marginalized by society. Media assaults on the images of Black fathers have been
well documented over the last 25 years. While several television examples of
responsible manhood and Black fatherhood can be cited, including Sanford and
Son, Good Times, The Jeffersons, The Cosby Show, Roc, The Bernie Mac Show and
Everybody Loves Chris, the vast majority of images depicting Black fathers are
devoid of any social or political responsibility as well as allegiance to our
families.
Television shows like The Game, produced by actor Kelsey Grammer who starred in
Frasier, continue a long legacy of portraying Black men as irresponsible and
incapable of maintaining healthy relationships. The fallacy of shows like The
Game is they fail to provide balanced perspectives of Black family life and
culture. While The Game is merely entertainment to most, it continues to
perpetuate destructive images about Black life and culture. Several parallels
can be made to Zip Coon, a caricature that emanated from the Antebellum South.
Zip Coon, an exaggerated figure, was created to depict Black men as lazy, easily
frightened, chronically idle, inarticulate and unable to reason or comprehend.
The Game, which was thankfully canned by the CW Network, was subsequently picked
up by BET as a result of millions of fans displaying outrage over its
cancellation. Sadly, The Game debuted on Jan. 11, 2011, with more than seven
million viewers glued to the tube. It saddens me that so many people –
undoubtedly most of them African-American – got so outraged over the
cancellation of a stereotypical television show when, by contrast, I bet if you
go to any PTA meeting at virtually any school in this country you’d be hard
pressed to find many African-American parents in attendance.
(Click "Read More" for the entire important message to our male
leaders.)
The Sister Soldiers Project was born out of the desire to send “care packages” to the brave women serving our nation, containing various ethnic personal care products so important to their quality of life, products unavailable to them through normal channels, thus giving them at least a small taste of their “normal” lives back home.
Since 2006, nearly four thousand of such packages have been shipped to Sister
Soldiers, aided by women’s groups from California to New York. Read a
wonderful article about the parties.
Visit the Sister Soldier site
to view photos of the parties, the sister soldiers and to purchase products
for the sisters. Photo borrowed from the site. Click
here to see the entire site and the original photo.
View the 2011 Sister Soldier Packing Party Album submitted by
Tannie Lewis Bradley, here.
Your purchases on SisterSoldierProject.com will enable many more Sister Soldiers to enjoy the use of these products. You can identify a specific soldier to receive your shipment or ask Sister Solider Project to select a name drawn from
www.AnySoldier.com.
Sister Soldier Project also makes it easy for companies, organizations, groups or individuals to send packages to one or more soldiers. Give us your budget and leave all the details to us. We will tell you how many Soldiers we can support within your budget, supply a summary of our shipments on your behalf, and forward all thank you notes from the Soldiers back to your organization.
For more information,
contact Sister
Soldier Project.
Send a Sister the “Good Stuff” today, click the SHOP Page and select a package for a
Sister Soldier or contact us to schedule a Packing Party: info@SisterSoldierProject.com
Contact Us Below or Learn More About Us
Here
Sister Soldier Project, LLC
P.O. Box 1311
Grover Beach, CA 93483-1311
Email: info@sistersoldierproject.com
Share the Sister Soldier Project website with friends, Here.
Gather
Your Friends for a Sister Soldier Packing Party!
International Women’s Literature Celebration
In celebration of International Women’s History Month a panel of women writers from across the globe discusses the intersection of place, time and culture in literature and in the lives of women.
Sponsored by Enoch Pratt Free Library and the Antigua & Barbuda International Literary Festival.
CONFIRMED AUTHORS:
Victoria Brown, Minding Ben (VOICE, an imprint of Hyperion)
Jasmin Darznik, The Good Daughter (Grand Central Publishing)
Sarita Mandanna, Tiger Hills (Grand Central Publishing)
Tanya Wright, Butterfly Rising (CreateSpace)
Moderated by Linda A. Duggins
Minding Ben by Victoria Brown
Victoria Brown was born in Trinidad and came to the United States alone at just 16 years old. After working as a full-time nanny for several years in New York, she attended the University of Warwick in the UK where she wrote Minding Ben in lieu of her Master's thesis. Eventually, Victoria returned to New York where she taught English at LaGuardia Community College. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and two adorable children and has a part-time nanny in her employ. Her debut novel, MINDING BEN, based on her true-life story, comes out in April 2011.
Butterfly Rising by Tanya Wright
Tanya Wright is an actress, writer and director. Currently featured in a recurring role on HBO’s True Blood, the Bronx, N.Y. native is a multi-talented, creative force. Since Wright moved to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career, she has appeared in ground-breaking shows including 24, NYPD Blue, ER and the Morgan Freeman-produced NBC feature Mutiny. Wright is also the writer and creator of several screenplays and television pilots, a soap opera, a web-based series and a reality show. She enjoys physical activities such as yoga, dance, bike riding and hiking, and is committed to mentoring projects for young girls and other artists.
The Good Daughter by Jasmin Darznik
Born in Tehran to an Iranian mother and European father, Jasmin Darznik has contributed to the New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, San Francisco Chronicle, and other publications. The manuscript of THE GOOD DAUGHTER was a recipient of a Jackson Phelan award and a major fellowship from the Marin Arts Council, and was a finalist for this year's Iowa Review Award in Nonfiction.
She received her doctorate in English from Princeton University and is a professor at Washington and Lee University.
Tiger Hills by Sarita Mandanna
Sarita Mandanna is from Coorg, India, with family roots that extend for centuries through these hills. She worked as an investment banker in India and Hong Kong before moving to the United States. She holds an MBA from the Wharton School of Business, a PGDM from the Indian Institute of Management, and was most recently a private equity professional in New York before moving to Canada to join her husband at the beginning of 2010.
Panel Moderator: Linda A. Duggins
Linda A. Duggins is the Director of Multicultural Publicity at Hachette Book Group, USA. Terrie Williams, Teri Woods, Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. and Nalo Hopkinson are among the many great authors represented by Duggins at Hachette. She earned her MBA in Media Management from Metropolitan College of New York in January 2005.
As Co-founder of the Harlem Book Fair, she has helped to create a nationally recognized venue that promotes literacy and literary expressions with writers of the Diaspora. An avid booklover, she is the Co-leader of the African Diaspora Literary Group in New York City.
Linda represents the Board of Directors of the Caribbean International Literary Festival, held in Antigua, as well as the Board of Directors of the Queensbridge Scholarship Fund, serving college bound students in the Queensbridge and Ravenswood housing developments. Founder of the Caribbean Women's Literary Celebration held in March of each year. In celebration of women's history month five women writers of Caribbean descent discuss the voice and role of Caribbean women on the page and live and in living color at the historic Enoch Pratt Library in Baltimore, MD.
Linda is also on the Board of Directors of the National Book Club Conference, based in Atlanta, GA, whose mission is to advance literacy and knowledge through reading and dialogue. You can view her full list of culture contributions,
here.
Body Image,
Health, and Fitness
What’s It Really All About? by Trice Hickman
Body
image. It’s an issue that most women struggle with at some point in our
lives—I know I certainly have, and still do. During my 20’s everything was
perky and tight. I ate whatever I wanted and I still looked pretty good. When
I entered my 30’s I began to notice subtle changes. Things weren’t as they
had been a decade before, but, it was still all good! When I slid into my 40’s
reality started kicking in, my metabolism slowed down, and I found myself
wondering what had happened to my body. Even shopping, one of my favorite
pastimes, became challenging.
*Cautionary Note*: There is nothing more
sobering than taking your clothes off in a department store dressing room and
looking at your half-naked self under the glare of those ultra bright lights.
As we age, we gain things we didn’t have before, and lose things we wish we
could hold on to.
I don’t know a woman alive who thinks, “My body is great just the way
it is!”
I’m sure such women exist, and that they are actually inhabiting this planet
(well-adjusted aliens living among us, disguised as humans)…just kidding…a
little! If I conducted a poll and asked the average woman to name one thing
she’d like to change about her body, I guarantee she could come up with at
least three different things off the top of her head. Some want thinner
thighs, smaller waistlines, slimmer hips, and firmer everything! And on the
flip side, some long for larger thighs, rounder behinds…and yes, firmer
everything! Whether we’re big or small we fantasize about having the perfect
bikini body. But let’s face it, even the svelte swim suit models gracing the
fashion magazines are airbrushed to death, so what’s it really all
about?...I believe it all starts with good self-esteem combined with good
health and fitness habits.
Our society has become obsessed with beauty over substance. We
live in an age of mid-drift bearing, booty-shakin’, breast implant
having, show-what-you-got, in-your-face boldness. The unrealistic standards of
beauty and body size thrust in front of us by way of magazines and music
videos can make the average woman feel inadequate…and I’ll be the first to
admit that I’ve been guilty of succumbing to the hype.
I’ve often bemoaned and criticized my wide hips, thick thighs, and big legs.
But slowly, and I mean very slowly, I’m learning to appreciate my curvy,
grown woman shape. The other day I stood in front of the mirror, naked as the
day I came into this world, and studied my body closely. Every inch of it. I
closed my eyes, then opened them again. I spoke affirming words to the woman
staring back at me. I embraced my taunt, smooth, skin that protects my body,
and I thanked my big legs for allowing me to walk everywhere I need to go. I’m
truly thankful for both. And even though I didn’t get around to praising my
wide hips or thick thighs, I know I’ll get there soon, and when I do I will
appreciate them, regardless of their size. This whole thing is a process—and
it’s called acceptance. Loving who you are is a necessary exercise. Both the
mind and body must be treated with reverence and care.
It’s important to be healthy, no matter your body size. There are thin
women who are grossly out of shape and haven’t an ounce of cardio endurance,
while there are overweight women who are fit and can run circles around their
thinner counterparts. As I’ve gotten older, I realize how much more
important it is to feel good than to look good (but for the record, I do like
to look good, too!).
I’ve also learned that educating yourself about proper
diet and exercise, and incorporating both into your daily lifestyle is
essential at any age. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables, drinking plenty of
water, and moving your body in some sort of aerobic activity for at least 30
minutes a day can make all the difference in the world. When we do good things
for our bodies we get great result. And when we love what’s on the inside,
that’s an unbeatable feeling!
So tell me, how do you feel about your body and what issues are you struggling
with, if any? What are some of the things you’re doing to stay fit and
healthy? Let me know and share some of the health and nutrition tips that have
worked for you? Seriously, email me,
I want to chat about this with you.
About the Author
Trice Hickman is an award winning, bestselling author of contemporary
fiction. Her love of reading and words led her to become a writer. Determined
to have her voice heard, Trice self-published three novels before signing a
book deal with Kensington (Dafina Books), who will re-release her original
works.
Trice is currently writing her next novel, and in her spare time she enjoys cooking, reading, home improvement projects, and traveling. Visit her website for more details on her books and upcoming tour schedule at:
www.tricehickman.com
Just as liquids are important to flush toxins from your system as you diet, a similar approach can trim the bulge in your budget. Americans have been bingeing on debt and according to the Federal Reserve Board have racked up more than 2.26 billion dollars in consumer debt. Like dieters who get on the treadmill daily and the pounds don't come off it can be difficult to gain control of your finances.
The culprit---fees and monthly interest charges that have the same affect on your budget that nutritionist say artificial sweeteners and refined sugar have on weight loss. Here are a few ideas that you can use to implement a financial cleansing.
Financial Fast
Like a fast when you're dieting it is important to approach ridding yourself from debt gradually otherwise you feel deprived and then start to binge or in this case overspend. Start by making a list of all your debt and identifying the largest balances with the highest interest rates first. Pay off your small balances first and eliminate a bill or tackle the balance with the highest interest rate in order to short circuit the compound interest on your balances. The key is to gradually reduce your debt burden and experience a feeling of financial peace.
Drink your liquids
When I talk about putting liquidity in your budget I'm not talking about grabbing a can of Slim Fast, I mean having readily available cash. One of the main causes of credit card debt is not having an emergency fund. Building liquidity may require you to cut your expenses. If you haven't been saving money, I hope to convince you to reverse that trend.
Make a commitment to pay yourself ten percent of your take home pay each week and have it automatically transferred from your paycheck or checking account. into a savings or a money market account. The trade off is settling for the paltry current interest rates of 1.50% or less. For listings of top-yielding savings, money market accounts and CDs, check
www.bankrate.com and www.imoney.net.
When an emergency happens you can reach for cash instead of credit.
Spend Organically
Going green in your finances means using cold hard cash. A study on spending behavior found that people who use credit cards for everyday purchases spend fifteen percent more than if they were using cash. Give yourself an allowance every pay period and make a commitment to use cash only. When you open your wallet and there is no cash it means you have reached your spending limit. The sweetest sound a financially responsible person hears is the sound of their wallet or purse snapping shut.
Meet Author and Wealth Coach Deborah Owens
Deborah Owens is a speaker, author, columnist, entrepreneur, and radio talk show host. She spent two decades as a financial services professional working high net worth clients. During this period, one of her positions was vice president of an investment company. But, eventually, Deborah decided she wanted a change. Today, she is a financial lifestyle expert heading her firm, Owens Media Group, which creates and delivers personal finance content for multimedia platforms. Deborah's goal is clear, to provide financial empowerment programs to companies and individuals of all incomes. In 2001, Deborah was president the Entrepreneur of the Year award by the Business Women's Network.
The host of "Real Money," a personal finance talk show on the NPR affiliate in the Baltimore/Washington DC area, Deborah shares her enthusiasm, wit, and humor on a regular basis. A dynamic speaker who simplifies complex messages, she currently tours nationally as a featured speaker on The B.E.S.T. Tour, featuring Bishop T.D. Jakes, Magic Johnson, and Dr. Cornel West. In the past, Deborah has toured with Working Women Events, Everywoman's Money Conference, and the NASD Office of Individual Investors.
Women In
Introspection As Seen
In Black American Writing
by guest writer Hiltrud Eve
In past
literature portraits of women were reflected only as a man’s view of
what women should be. What women had actually felt and experienced had not
been heard of in literature. Traditionally in most fiction, men were the central
characters and women just played a background figure. When male writers depict
female characters, they often write from a fiercely male perspective. Women were
seen primarily in relation to male protagonist who occupied the works. Generally
African American male writers were in the depictions of the above stated
observation.
Women of African origin in the United States were keenly aware of the impact of
race, class gender and oppression upon their lives. Since slavery they had
struggled individually and in groups to eradicate the multiple injustices which
their communities face. The history of black women in United States began with
the forced migration of millions of African women from the interiors of the west
coast of Africa. They were transported as human cargo across the Atlantic Ocean
to plantations in the West Indies. The enslaved Africans were then sold to
European colonies.
Black women faced misery and suffering in redefining themselves. The enslaved
black women were not given proper medical care, because blacks were assumed
to be less fragile; who gave birth easily and therefore needed less care than
white women. The women were made to work as lumberjacks and turpentine producers
in the forests of Georgia and Carolina. They hauled logs by leather straps
attached to their shoulders. They plowed using mules or oxen and sometimes worked
with heaviest implements available.
Black men under slavery were equally powerless, so the women could not depend
upon them for protection, but at time even they poured out their frustration on
the black women. Therefore the black women had to protect themselves against
the white men. Some were bold enough to rebel and fight against their masters;
some even murdered them while they managed to escape. By the end of nineteenth
century numerous clubs and organizations came to support women suffrage and gave
priority to social and political issues that affected the black community as well as
black women specifically. The
National Association of Colored Women formed in 1896 brought together more
than one hundred black women’s club.
Many movements like the Civil
Rights Movement (1955-1965), started by Martin Luther King came up to rebel
against racism presented by the Black Panthers. Student
Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and others came face to face
with black liberation. The Black feminist movement grew out of and in response
to the Black
Liberation Movement and Women’s Movement in an effort to meet the needs of
black women who felt they were being racially oppressed in women’s movement
and sexually oppressed in the black liberation movement.
Segregation breeds hostility and fear, superiority and inferiority. In
the 1930s and 1940s, African-Americans is the southern states of the USA were
treated with contempt by the majority of white people. There was segregation.
Black people were not allowed to have good school, good jobs, good housing or
medical treatment. They were kept poor and ignorant. They had to treat white
people with respect and show great humility. They were employed by whites, but
were paid very little.
Black children feared whites, and in fact, as in the case of the
author, did not think of them as being human. At that time in America, women had
a lower place in society that man, both for whites and Blacks. During the times of slavery, the order of
importance in American Society was clearly mapped out. First the white males,
next white women, then black males, and finally black women. So being a black
woman was thought to be as low in society as one could be. They were servants to whites and
servants to men. However, things were different in the north. Blacks had a much
easier time than those in the south. Black women in general would suffer
the same harsh and unbearable treatment from black men, as they would white,
physical abuse, emotional abuse, and sexual assault were all a part of the
everyday lives of African American women during the age of slavery.
Literature and the Black Womanist/Feminist Movement
Many writers defined the Black
Feminist Movement, but the most notable is Alice
Walker, defining black feminist movement as “Womanism”. Alice
Walker, one of the leading voices amongst black American women writers, has
produced an acclaimed body of work including: poetry, novels, short stories,
essays, and political themed criticisms. Her writings portrays the struggle of
black people throughout history. She is praised for her insightful and riveting
portraits of black culture, in particular the experiences of women in a often
times sexist and racist society.
Alice Walker in
her acclaimed womanist prose In Search Of Our Mother’s Garden
defines “Womanist” as “a black feminist or feminist of color.
” Three main writers heralded the rise of a new black women’s
creative activism. Michelle Wallace’s controversial Black Macho
and the Myth of the Superwoman (1978). Ntozake Shanges’s
explosive play For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow
is Enuf (1975) and Alice Walker’s powerful and provocative novel The
Color Purple (1982).
Black feminist groups had to overcome three mammoth challenges that no other
feminist group had to face. The first and most important challenge
was to “convince other black women that feminism was their power to claim.
Feminism was not just for other races of women.” 2) They also had
to demand that women of other races “join this fight, this movement, with them
and embrace diversity” and 3) “face the equally misogynist and gender
bias attitude of Black Nationalists.” Alice Walker and other womanists
pointed out that black women experienced a different and more intense kind of
oppression from that of white women.
“ Black Women” says Alice
Walker “are of America’s greatest heroes… Not enough credit has been
given to the black women who have been oppressed beyond recognition.” A
good majority of Walker’s novels, short stories, essays, and poems focus on
issues of civil rights, emphasizing especially the plight of black women, who
suffer the dual oppression of racism and sexism.
Black feminists contend that the liberation of black women entails freedom for
all people, of all races, classes and religions since it would bring
about
the end of racism, sexism, and class oppression. The black
feminist writers through their works aimed at demolishing the negative portrayal
of black people by white writers and society. They presented their people as complete,
whole and independent and not as the downtrodden people who were suppressed for
hundreds of years. Though black feminist writers wrote of a particular race, yet
they had a universal appeal because the oppression of women exists in all
communities, male-female relationships, emotions, feelings were same for all
human beings.
Legendary
Feminist Writers: Toni Morrison, Maya Angleou, Jamaica Kincaid and
Rita Dove were also noted feminist writers who talked about the sufferings of
black American women in their writings. Other important
Black feminist authors include: Kimberle Crenshaw, Sapphire, Jewelle
Gomez, Ann Allen Shockley, Bell Hooks, June Jordan, Patricia Hill Collins,
Audre Lorde, Becky Birtha, Donna Allegra, and Cheryl Clarke.
The legendary
Toni Morrison's writing created a sound impact of the representation of Black
women in literature. Toni Morrison’s novels revolved round the theme of isolation and identity,
tales of the disposed and disillusioned black voice. Toni Morrison’s novels
revealed a black woman’s life centered around a love for children, for parents,
and bereft
always of an autonomous self. Toni Morrison’s novels stressed the need
for self-discovery and self- identity leading to self- actualization.
Zora
Neal Hurston was serious cataloger of African American folk stories, dialect
and religious practices. Hurston wrote four novels and more than 50 published
short stories, plays, and essays. She is a legend in the literary world.
Several of Hurston's literary contemporaries criticized Hurston's use of dialect
as a representation of African American lore. The credit of Hurston’s rise to
current literary greatness goes to Alice Walker.
An article, "In Search of Zora Neale Hurston", written by Alice Walker
for the March 1975 issue of Ms. Magazine renewed interest in Hurston's work.
In her works,
Walker found African American people were presented as complete and complex
individual undiminished by the negative stereotypes of the characterizations
depicted by the society. Hurston was rejected by society for picturing African
American people as whole and complete in themselves instead of downtrodden,
oppressed people. Many contemporary writers today strive to bring the same solid
sense of unity, peace, purpose and freedom to Black people world wide. Who are
your favorite modern day feminist writers?
Author: Hiltrud Eve, COMPLETED M.A., Mphil. and have six years writing experience.
5 Most Common Black-Leather-Shoe
Mistakes Women Make
By Marian L. Thomas
Ladies! There are a few simple things you can avoid that will save you from repeat
B.L.S.D, (Black-Leather-Shoes Doom) that we all experience from time to time. However, please remember that even after reading this, it might not prevent you from running into, marrying or dating a B.L.S.D - type of man overnight, but I hope that the information below will help you to see, acknowledge and accept the warning signs before it's too late. Shall we begin?
Mistake #1— Checking out his appearance and getting lost in his black leather shoes! Solution: If his shoes are shinning more than what he says to you or does for you, run!
Mistake #2— Forgetting to check his background before thinking about your future together. Solution: Do your homework. Find out about the past drama before you become the present drama.
Mistake #3— Check the Compliments! Solution: Ask yourself: Does it sound sincere? You want to be sure he is being sincere with his compliments and not just telling you something that 50 other women have heard.
Mistake #4— Not having a 'line' in mind! Solution: Know and have standards but make sure that you are up to par with them yourself.
Mistake #5— Not Repeating this to yourself: "I am worth it"! Solution: He smiled to capture your interest, brought your flowers and called you every night, now make sure that he keeps doing it.
That's it ladies, the 5 most common Black-Leather-Shoe Mistakes, we as women can make at some point in our lives.
About the
Author
Marian L. Thomas, reared in Chicago but lives with her biggest-supporter—her husband and their spoiled but playful dog, Winston in Atlanta, Georgia. Her debut title, Color Me Jazzmyne, went on to become an Amazon Best-Seller and was ranked as one of the " Top 100 Books" -1st Qtr 2010 by the Sankofa Literary Society Review.
Marian welcomes the release of her second book, My Father's Colors-The Drama-Filled Journey of Naya Monà Continues on March 1, 2011 to online retailers, Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble.com, Kindle and Nook. Be sure to get your copy today! It is sure to be another Best-Seller for the author as it takes you on the journey of four individuals that lead to one destination filled with betrayal, lies and shocking secrets.
Ready to Purchase Your Copy of My Father's Colors-The Drama-Filled Journey of Naya Monà Continues?
Click
Here. Visit the author's website: http://www.marianlthomas.com
Prescription
for Healthy Relationships by Talayah G. Stovall
Human beings
have an inherent need to develop meaningful relationships. We all want to
share our goals, ideas, joys, sorrows, desires, affection and experiences with
someone else. However, we all fall short at times in handling the mechanics of
them. There are times when we need to “doctor” up or even perform
“surgery” on some of our relationships.
Do you experience any of the following symptoms in any of your relationships?
• Frequent arguments
• Low energy conversations
• Apathy regarding the relationship
• Lack of interaction/no desire for proximity
• Continuously looking for “something better”
We go to the doctor for regular checkups, but how often do we check the
health of our relationships? Just like your physical health, positive
relationships whether they are romantic, social or professional–require
maintenance. Good relationships don’t just “happen.” Just as our physical
bodies get sick from time to time, most relationships go through periods of
“illness” as well. Fortunately, with proper treatment, these relationships
can “recover” and thrive.
Being constantly on guard for symptoms of illness within your relationships will
help keep them healthy and prosperous. People who have healthy relationships are
happier and less stressed.
If you answered “yes” to any of the above symptoms, you might be in an
unhealthy relationship. If so, click "Read More" below for
some possible “remedies.”
Intimate Conversation with
The Reading Divas Book Club
A Message from Sharon Richardson Lucas to Our Authors
4th Annual Reading Divas Literary Brunch-October 15, 2011
Dear Author or Publicist:
The Reading Divas Book Club will host their 4th Annual Literary Brunch on October 15, 2011. Please visit our website (www.thereadingdivas12.com) to learn more about the group and the event.
We expect more than 200 book club members and die-hard book lovers to join us that day. The purpose of this email is to ask if you would share your work with the guests – we will add all books that are donated to the giveaway bags given to each guest. We will ask the recipients to read and post a review of the book on line and your name will be included on a list placed in each gift bag, encouraging our guests to support your works.
Please send donations to:
The Reading Divas, P O Box 102, Glenn Dale, MD 20769
Sincerely,
Sharon Richardson Lucas,
Chairperson – The Reading Divas Book Club
Meet the The Reading Divas Book Club
:|: Tell us a little about yourself and your favorite things.
My name is Sharon Lucas and I am the founder and Chairperson of the Reading Divas Book Club. I am a wife, mother, grandmother and a Reading Diva! I recently retired after 20 years as a District Sales Manager with Avon Products, Inc. I have read all of my life – I come from a family of readers. I do not remember a time when I didn’t read – going back to when I had to hide “True Confessions” under the covers and read after I was supposed to be asleep.
After thinking about it for a long time, in July 1998, I invited a group of friends to my home to review the book, “The Good Negress” by A. J. Verdelle. It wasn’t the most exciting read, but it did allow me to share my vision of a book club with the attendees and thus was born “The Reading Divas”.
:|: Share with us the history of the organization. What literary events do you attend each year?
After almost 13 years, our basic structure remains the same: We are a group of African American women who meet monthly to review a book, share ideas, and exchange stories. Thus, we have formed a “sisterhood” of book lovers! My initial goal was to have at least 12 members so no one would have to host a meeting more than once each year, currently there are 14 members; we meet monthly, rotating from house to house; the hostess for the month selects the book for the month. We primarily read books written by African American Authors, but do not limit ourselves to any race or type of book. By silent vote, we don’t read the now popular “street” books or “erotica”.
Several years ago, another charter member, Lena Tanguep, and I attended the Book Club meeting in Atlanta. After that uplifting experience we agreed that the club needed more structure and we also needed to give something to the community and not limit ourselves to simply reading a book a month and socializing (we love mimosas and sangria). We then adopted a club charter to define our structure and we agreed to host an event to celebrate our 10th Anniversary. We weren’t sure exactly what we wanted to do, but we knew it had to be “literary” and not just a social event.
In October 2008, we successfully hosted the “First Annual Reading Divas Literary Brunch” featuring Mary Monroe - she was fabulous and so was our audience of about 100. In October 2009, when we held our second Brunch featuring Virginia Deberry and Donna Grant- we knew we had hit on something good. Virginia and Donna were “excellent” – they made themselves at home and our audience loved them. We closed this affair knowing that our event has a “following” and that we were keeping our commitment to involve the community not just through our audience participation but also by inviting local authors, many of whom are self-published and trying to get their foot in the door – to participate and therefore expand their reach. Please go to our website – www.thereadingdivas12.com – to read more about us or to get in touch with us.
In October 2010, we hosted our third Brunch featuring Dr. Daniel Omotosho Black, he was dynamic. This year we look forward to featuring Pamela Samuels-Young (“Murder on the Down Low”, “Buying Time” and more).
Dr. Black is in the photo with us above!
:|: What is the vision for your group? How important is reading in your life?
Our vision is to “keep on keeping on” – reading, discussing, and socializing – as we help others to realize how important it is to our culture that we read the works of African American authors and to continue to grow our annual Literary Event.
Reading is essential! I cannot imagine life without the ability to enter new and different worlds through the written words of others.
:|: Do you download books? Do you prefer a hard copy book or a digital book, such as a Kindle book? Do you think digital books will ever replace a printed book?
I purchased a Kindle two years ago and while I love it, I still purchase books; several other members do the same. I don’t know if the written word will ever be replaced by digital books, but I do believe digital books are putting a real dent in the printed word. I read 3-4 books a month, depending on my free time, primarily for entertainment. I really love a book that has a defined plot and easy to remember characters. I don’t often identify with characters but rather I identify with things that occur in the book that I may have experienced or witnessed.
Finish these fun loving sentences with the question and answer:
:|: Living your best life includes:
Living my best life includes having books and my Kindle at my fingertips at all times – my motto is “Never leave home without something to read”.
:|: On your nightstand now:
Now on my Kindle nightstand now are “Uptown” by Deberry & Grant, “Til you Hear from Me:” by Pearl Cleage, and “Cross Fire” by James Patterson and my sister just dropped off about 20 books, mostly mysteries, she recently read, so I am busy. I’ve always been a mystery and suspense lover – I loved “Nancy Drew” as a child but I soon moved on to Perry Mason.
:|: Book you most want to read AGAIN much slower, to savor:
The book I want to read again and again to savor is “What Seems Like Crazy on an Ordinary Day” and the sequel “I Wish I had a Red Dress” both by Pearl Cleage. My favorite series is the Alex Cross series by James Paterson and I love all of the works by Dr. Daniel Black.
The Reading Divas Book Club will host their 4th Annual Literary Brunch on October 15, 2011. Please visit our website
(www.thereadingdivas12.com) to learn more about the group and the event.
Intimate Conversation
with
Our Reading Circle of Friends
BPM: Give us a little history on your organization. How
many members do you have?
Our Reading Circle of Friends (RCOF) was founded in 1995 by sixteen African
American women bound by friendship, a love of reading and a commitment to
support African American authors. We all live in the Washington, DC
metropolitan area. Most of us have been friends for more than 20 years and
Circle members for at least 10 years. Seven of the current members are
founding members of the Circle!
BPM: What is the mission of the group? Tell us about your work in the
community.
Our mission is to:
· encourage African American women to find time for themselves
· read and promote books penned by African American authors
· encourage reading as a lifelong hobby
· inspire others to read by demonstrating our commitment to literacy
· heighten awareness of social and cultural issues
· provide a forum where friends share life lessons
· share our time and talents with our community
· serve as activists for social justice
The
Little Black Book of Success
Laws of Leadership for Black Women
Written by Elaine Meryl Brown, Marsha Haygood
and Rhonda Joy McLean
In this engaging and invaluable “mentor in your pocket,” three dynamic
and successful black female executives share their strategies to help all black
women, at any level of their careers, play the power game—and win.
Rich with wisdom, this practical gem focuses on the building blocks of true
leadership—self-confidence, effective communication, collaboration, and
courage—while dealing specifically with stereotypes (avoid the Mammy Trap, and
don’t become the Angry Black Woman) and the perils of self-victimization
(don’t assume that every challenge occurs because you are black or female).
Some leaders are born, but most leaders are made—and The Little Black Book of
Success will show you how to make it to the top, one step at a time.
Read Excerpt from Chapter
Two
The Little Black Book of Success
To
Attain Victory, Stay Positive
Master the art of positive thinking. To become a leader you must have a positive
mental attitude, which you can achieve with positive self- talk and looking at
what is right with people instead of what is wrong with them. Positive self-talk
means saying positive things about yourself to yourself and to others. You are
what you think, and you can accomplish what you think you can.
For example, if
you tell yourself that you can’t perform a particular task or difficult
assignment, then you are setting yourself up for failure. You must tell yourself
that you can meet professional challenges that come your way. Instead of
thinking, “Oh, I can’t do this. I’ve never done this before,” say,
“This is new to me. I’ll give it my best shot.” Then go do your homework,
consult with others, go online, request the reports, do whatever you need to do
to get the information to complete the assignment to the best of your ability.
Positive thoughts create constructive energy around you.
You must establish this habit of positive self-talk in your mind, because it
requires regular reinforcement. Make it a habit. Invest five minutes a day
before you head out to work. Tell yourself you can meet any professional
challenges that life has to offer. Write down your positive affirmations in your
Personal Leadership Notebook and read them out loud, or write a positive prayer.
The spoken word is extremely powerful.
For example:
• I release the past and now allow myself to be filled with positive thoughts.
• I deserve the best and welcome it into my life.
• I see the good in everyone.
• I accept for myself all the good things that life and work have to offer.
• I am worthy and deserving of new challenges that come my way.
• I am in the process of making positive changes.
Be actively aware of what you’re thinking. What kind of voice do you hear in
your head? Does a voice tell you that you can’t do something because a family
member warned years ago that you were going to fail? Or that trying something
new was too risky?
7 Tips for Identifying Your Passion
and Turning it into a Profession
by Trice Hickman
1. Write down the things you would do for free
(things you would enjoy doing every day even if you didn’t get paid a dime
for it). Most likely, there’s a profession disguised as one of your hobbies!
2. Find a way to make your passion work for you. Ask yourself;
Can I provide a service to others through my passion? Are people willing to
pay for the service my passion offers? How can my passion add value to a
potential customer’s life?
3. Develop a plan. Successful ventures start with a good plan
because good plans shape good decisions. Chart your course—If you know and
understand the direction in which you’re headed, the journey getting there
is much smoother.
4. Surround yourself with others who are doing what you aspire to
do. Learn from them, network with them, and build your platform, i.e., who you
are, what you stand for, and what you have to offer?
5. Promote what you’re doing. Word of mouth is still the best
advertisement, and in the Internet age, social media has taken word of mouth
from a local to a global level. Promote your service/business on Facebook,
Twitter, LinkedIn, etc. Pitch your service/business to local media by writing
an article or offering advice for consumers that is directly tied to the
product or service you provide.
6. Perception is reality, so always present yourself in a
professional, competent manner. Create professional looking promotional
materials to advertise your service/business.
7. Reach out to established professionals in your field so you
can partner with them on projects or combine your services to offer customers
a special deal.
Remember to have fun along the way. Never give up and keep pushing forward
until you reach your goal?
About the Author
Trice Hickman is an award winning, bestselling author of contemporary fiction. Her love of reading and words led her to become a writer. Determined to have her voice heard, Trice self-published three novels before signing a book deal with Kensington (Dafina Books), who will re-release her original works.
How to Publish Yourself
by Marian L. Thomas
For the last
couple of months, perhaps years —you have stared at a monitor, pecked away at
a keyboard and searched the depths of your imagination for something real, fresh
and captivating that will show the world who you are from a written page.
Finally, you have put your last period at the end of a sentence and sat back
with a smile of disbelief. Did you just finish writing your first book?
Will it be a bestseller? Yes, and Maybe.
Okay, why did I say maybe? When you decided to begin your journey to
authorship, you also decided to publish yourself. To put 'you' out there
to all who have never heard of 'you' before.
It's a scary thought, but such a reality that stares you in the face and asks
"are you ready?"
A valid question.
So just how do you go about getting not just your book published but you for that matter?
Before I answer that, remember this fact: that one can have an amazing book, an amazing cover, and the best story out there, but if you fail to publish yourself who will know it?
So when
should you begin the process of 'publishing you'? It is highly recommended
that you begin this process before your book hits the online venues and brick
and mortars. Actually, studies have shown that you should begin to market
yourself at least three months prior. How?
The Beauty of Small Publishers by Susan Mary Malone
Should you go with a small press or a big publishing house?
A deceiving question, on the outside. Writers have dreams of
being published by Random House, or Simon & Schuster, or any of the big conglomerates in NY, under whose
umbrella myriad imprints abound. But going with a smaller house has many perks,
and can often--even for seasoned authors--be a better way to go.
Yes, the prestige comes with the big boys. We all know that. A galley review
coming from any of the five major publishers does get noticed more quickly,
whether from Publishers Weekly or the local paper and every review outlet in
between. And usually (although even this has changed drastically in recent
years), you're also looking at more advance money. But after that, unless your
last name is King or Clancy or Rice or any of the list of bestselling authors,
the benefits pretty much fizzle from there.
With the death of the mid-list author came the reality that everyone else is
pretty much left to promote his book himself. Advertising dollars go to that
list of well knowns. So either way you're left to do the promotion.
That small publishers have much fewer promotional dollars is a fact. But,
they're quite willing to help you to promote your book, and guide you through
the process. Sometimes you'll work with a good book editor, sometimes not, but
often at a big house your manuscript has to be camera-ready before submission as
well. The main thing is, rather than a minnow being bashed around publishing's
treacherous seas within a big house, you'll be a fish on equal footing at
smaller presses. And the small press is much more vested in seeing your book
become a success--its success depends upon it, rather than a couple of
huge-selling authors who are keeping the entire boat afloat.
How
To Turn Up The Heat
Without Being Too Hot To Handle
by Ci Ci Foster
There is a fine line between erotica and pornography. As an author you bear the daunting task of determining your novels level of heat. This choice should not be taken lightly as it has the ability to appeal to a mass audience or completely turn them off.
I remember one of my first interviews for my sexually charged novel, Sunny Rain. The reporter asked in a condescending tone; what’s the difference between your work and pornography? The question took me by surprise. As naive as it sounds, it never occurred to me that someone would compare my work to pornography. I politely told the woman erotic fiction is a story with explicitly written sex scenes. Unlike porno, it does not aim to sexually arouse, but it has the potential to do so. She replied, “If you say so”. Lesson learned; you can’t please everyone. Erotica is so subjective. One girl’s sweet is another girl’s sizzle.
There are 3 main levels of heat typically used by authors, readers, and review sites: steamy, sizzling, and scorching. It is important to know what the readers in each category expect, to deliver the goods, and keep them cumming back for more…Excuse me, that’s coming back for more.
A steamy novel is filled with love scenes that require the reader to use their imagination. If it were a movie, it would have a PG 13 rating. Typically the characters sexcapades don’t deviate too much outside of the norm. Flowery language and clinical terms are often used to describe “the act”.
More sensual than sexual, these books have a more artistic flare than sizzling or scorching tales.
A novel with a sizzling heat level is similar to that of a rated R movie. These stories contain a mixture of graphic, clinical language, and sexual slang. These books may play on kinky subjects, but they don’t tackle the subject with hard-core detail.
In a scorching novel anything goes. These kinky tales take sex to the limit. It contains anything from multiple partners to BDSM. The language is extremely graphic and in full detail leaving nothing to the imagination.
Turn up the heat on your novel by pushing your characters to their sexual limits. Is there such a thing as going too far?
5 Easy Steps to Sell Up to 100 Copies of Your Book!
Marian L. Thomas
Talk with most
authors and they all have one thing in common—to sell their books. For some
authors, writing their book was the easy part, putting down their pen and
picking up their marketing hat—is not as easier.
Hopefully, following these 5 easy steps will help get the marketing juices flowing and your books out the
door!
Step #1- Get a website created with your own custom domain name. It
has been common in the industry to see author domain names that are geared
toward the title of their first book, however, it might be more effectively in
the long run to get a domain name that features your first and last author
name. For example: http://www.marianlthomas.com.
Why is this important? Readers need somewhere to go to read more about you, your book
(s) and to see purchasing options. It also helps to establish creditability as a
serious author.
Include on your website the following:
-Home Page: a photo of yourself is often displayed on the home page.
-Biography: Keep it simple but give it some substance.
-Book Page: Book Synopsis, Purchase Links for the Book, Reviews, and
links to videos.
-Media: To set up this page, make sure you set-up a press room at http://www.prlog.org.
Once your press room has been
created, ensure that any press releases that are written about your book, book events or other news that is media worthy is linked to your press room. You can then add a link to your press room under your Media tab. Be sure to include any links to articles that you have written or radio shows on this page.
-Contact:
Use this page for comments, a way for readers to reach you or as a guest book.
-Calendar: Must have! Google Calendar is great, free and can be embedded on your website.
Step #2 - Plan a major book signing/launch event around a theme.
Everyone loves to go to a themed party, so have one. Invite everyone you know and ask them to invite 5 to 10 people that they know.
If you get 50 to 100 people to attend, that's 50 to 100 books sold! Make sure to include the cost of your book in the ticket price if possible and feed your guest!
Live entertainment is always good to have. Look for someone local. Local author, local entertainer. Win-Win.
Receive
a monthly text message when Black Pearls Magazine has new contests for book
lovers, news of hot topics and has updated the list of featured authors
and books for the
month. Stay abreast of the events we are attending so that you can come
join us for great gifts and swag bags! Play our weekly Books & Babes
game by signing up today. We will not blow up your cell-phone with ads! Calls on
Sunday evenings only.
Seeking Book Reviewers EDC
Creations seeks to add avid readers to our community as book reviewers. We would
like readers to share their honest opinions about the books they read. You do
not have to be a professional writer, we want to feel your passion for reading.
Reviewers receive books from EDC Creations’ publishing partners monthly.
You can review our policy for book reviewers by
clicking here. Email Ella Curry for more details at: edc_dg@yahoo.com
---
Seeking
Book Club Interviews Ella
Curry and EDC Creations celebrates the rise of book clubs in the publishing
industry. We host monthly tributes and parties for our featured book clubs. You
too can become a Black Pearls Bookclub Star! Request that your book club obtain
a interview and receive a gift bag of books!
Your book club and network of friends are invited to check all the great authors
in the Bookclub Reading Room and to explore
the magazine for your next featured book of the month. Email Ella Curry for more
details or to request the interview questions at: edc_dg@yahoo.com
---
Skype
and BPM Video Chat We
host bi-weekly Skype and BPM video chat sessions to introduce authors to our
readers. Do you want an author to visit with you and your friends without
leaving home?
Add us as a friend at Skype and you can join the fun. If you would
like to be invited to our BPM Meet the Authors Video Segments,
sign up here for the newsletter.
Ella's Skype ID: [ edc1creations]
Join
Skype to get Video Messages from Ella Curry and featured authors. Add me
to your Skype friend list. Also, send me your Skype address so that I can add
you too! Email your Skype ID to: edc_dg@yahoo.com
so that we can email you a friend request on Skype.
---
Seeking
Blog Tour Hosts
and Radio Hosts Each
month EDC Creations hosts a online book tour for five wonderful authors. We travel across the
web sharing our message of Give the Gift of Knowledge. We are now seeking
bloggers, book clubs and book lovers to host the authors on their websites,
blogs or radio shows. If you would like to feature authors on your website or
blog, we provide all the material for you. It's as simple as emailing us your
interest.
We
will hold live readings weekly and would like for readers to share the news on
Twitter, Facebook and Myspace. Gather five or more friends and meet us for an
online party! We promote great books via the phone, Skype and the web. Great
benefits available for tour hosts. Email Ella Curry for more details on joining
the tours at: edc_dg@yahoo.com
Please take a moment to view our previous tour
hosts here.
---
Business
Interviews Requested Do
you have a great business that serves our community? Tell Black Pearls Magazine
about it! We are seeking community leader interviews. We showcase five business
owners per month. Email Ella Curry for more details at: edc_dg@yahoo.com
The
Black Pearls Magazine family wants to take the time to thank each of you for
joining us monthly in celebrating the best in literature and the arts. Our
team of writers, bookclubs and authors are so humbled that you have allowed us
entrance into your life. It amazes me each month as I check our subscribers how
many of you deem us worthy of your time and support.
We
appreciate each of you for telling 10 people about the magazine and for driving
people to this site. YOU make Black Pearls the magnificent publication that it
is, by sharing the Gift of Knowledge!
Please
know, as we prepare each issue for you, we look for those stimulating
conversations, the most thought provoking articles and most of all, the best
books on the shelves. We want each page of this magazine to add value to your
lives! Your comments and feedback are welcomed. Join our
blog and share your news, advice and wisdom with the other readers. Tell us
what you want to read too!
As we take off in this new decade we hope to bring you more provocative topics
and life empowering books to shape your lives. We have contests for the readers
and more interactive sections added to the magazine. Let us know what you think
of the fresh new content by emailing
us here. Thank you!
Ella Curry, President of EDC Creations
Founder & Editor In Chief Black Pearls Magazine
State of Literature and Our Legacy
State of Literature and Our Legacy
The redemptive journey of a young woman unsure of her engagement, who revisits in memory the events of one scorching childhood summer when her beautiful yet troubled mother spirits her away from her home to an Indian village untouched by time, where she discovers in the jungle behind her ancestral house a spellbinding garden that harbors a terrifying secret. 
The Honorable
Robert Moore retired United States Marshal/Chief of Police, Jackson, Mississippi is the author of a new history book entitled
"The President's Men Black United States Marshals in America."
He has published numerous articles in Police Magazine, which includes, “Strategies for Increasing Black Police Executives,” “Chief Moore Journal to Vietnam and Cambodia,” “Marshal Service Gets Record number of Black Marshals,” and the “History of Minorities in the Illinois State Police.”
He is a successful law enforcement executive, community leader, author, businessman, historian on Black Marshals History and Black Illinois State Police History. He is the curator of the national traveling exhibit "The President Men: Black U.S. Marshals.” 
BPM: Introduce us to your book, “The President’s Men: Black United States Marshals in America.” Tell us about a few of the major topics discussed. 
Mary Monroe
is the third child of Alabama sharecroppers and the first and only member of her family to finish high school.
She did not attend college or any writing classes, but taught herself how to write and started writing short stories around the age of four.
She spent the first part of her life in Alabama and Ohio, and moved to Richmond, California, in 1973.
She has lived in Oakland since 1984.
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. 
So what have I learned from downed trees and publishing power lines? Where there is a will there is a way.
Cliché, I know, but where a need drives a demand. I shake off my funk with the realization that I wasn’t taken out by any fallen trees.
I am not out of the ranking. Words continue to be my fascination, and storylines keep coming just like new saplings continue to be planted and will grow into our next literary institutions.
My most memorable ex-boyfriend was very creative when it came to saving money. He escorted me to parties and funerals of people we didn’t know just so he could “treat” me to a free meal. At each event he would stuff my purse with food to take home.
He drove a twenty-three-year-old Ford and lived in a “boot leg”, free rent,
Section 8 apartment (it was in the name of a shady relative who used several aliases).
What my ex-boyfriend couldn’t scavenge from the items that people had set outside for the city crew to pick up and dispose of, he got from flea markets, yard sales, and his unscrupulous associates.
His apartment contained more stolen property than a police warehouse. I gave him a new shirt for his birthday that year. He returned it to the store, exchanged it for a cheaper one, and kept the change. 
About the Author
K.
L. Brady is a D.C. native but spent a number of her formative years in
the Ohio Valley. She’s an alumnus of the University of the District of
Columbia and University of Maryland University College, earning a B.A. in
Economics and M.B.A., respectively. 
Damien Hardy had everything early in life. He is an academic and athletic All-American at Crenshaw High in Los Angeles. On top of that, he's attractive, popular, and most of all madly in love with his beautiful girlfriend named
Crystal Gayle. Until one horrific day, he catches Crystal in bed with another man and she breaks his heart. Right then, he vows never to fall in love again or give his heart to a woman. 
About
the Author
Marian L.
Thomas, reared in Chicago but lives with her biggest-supporter—her husband and their spoiled but playful dog, Winston in Atlanta, Georgia. Her debut title, Color Me Jazzmyne, went on to become an Amazon Best-Seller and was ranked as one of the "Top 100 Books"
- 1st Qtr 2010 by the Sankofa Literary Society Review. 
BPM: Share with us a little about Color Me Jazzmyne before we move into the newly released sequel
My Father's Colors.
BPM: What are two major events taking place in My Father's Colors?
Ivette
Attaud, a Harlem, New York native and former Fort Bragg Army wife, has been a survivor of domestic violence and abuse for over twenty years.
Ivette served on the Battered Women’s Justice Committee of Voices of Women Organizing Project in New York as well as contributed research regarding law guardians to their report
Justice Denied: How Family Courts in NYC Endanger Battered Women and
Children. 
BPM: What inspired you to write your first book, My Life, My Soul? How did you come up with the title? Who designed the book cover?
Nikkea
Smithers is a dynamic award winning and Essence Magazine bestselling writer
and spoken word artist, originally from Connecticut , currently residing in
Richmond , VA. She has released several novels, poetry compilations and has
contributed to several anthologies. Her writing style is unique as she uses her
ability to play on words throughout each project. Her novels flair with the
explicit details of life told through her characters’ eyes. Visit the
author's website at: 
Joan
Early grew up in Woodville, Mississippi and began writing after a long
career in mortgage banking and mortgage law. Her first completed short story won
first place in Ebony Magazine’s literary contest. Joan’s family history and
travels help fill the pages of her four published paperbacks and a published
E-book. Joan continues writing in the tranquility of her home in the Houston
suburb of Kingwood, Texas.
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author
Francis Ray lives in Texas. She has over 43 books in print. Her awards include EMMA, Romantic Times Career Achievement, Golden Pen, WRITTEN 2010 Book of the Year, and Borders 2008 bestselling multicultural book.
Doug Magee is a writer, photographer and filmmaker living in New York’s East Harlem. He is the author of
Slow Coming Dark: Interviews on Death Row, What Murder Leaves Behind: The Victim’s
Family, and three books for children. His produced screenplays include HBO’s
Somebody Has To Shoot The Picture and Showtime’s Beyond The Call.
Never Wave Goodbye is his first novel. 
Author
Carla S. Pennington was born and raised in Prichard, Alabama where she
continues to reside with her family. In 1995, she graduated from Mattie T.
Blount High School, an all black school. She became a teen mother in 1992
and was advised that she couldn’t return to school for an entire semester
after giving birth. This devastated Carla, but she refused to be held back. Her
dedication and hard work paid off. She ranked number five in her graduating
class and received an advanced diploma with honors. 
With over 20 years of experience, Elder Brenda Bradley's approach to relationship counseling is grounded by the Word. Quickly establishing herself in the industry through her wit and down to earth teaching style, Pastor, Teacher, Playwright and Mentor, Elder Bradley makes the subject matter so simple “a baby could understand it!”
Her message is simple: You don’t have to invest your heart in something that will never give back what you put in!
Laurence, a Marine Corps veteran, educator, and technology professional has
written professionally for years. He’s a graduate of the Marine Corps Command
and Staff College and holds a Masters of Science Degree. His creativity helped
fellow service members passionately communicate with their loved ones during
deployments. Along his career, friends and relatives pushed him to write
creatively; there came his novel debut "Good Guys Finish Last."
Historically,
the role of Black men and fathers has been minimized by mainstream media and
marginalized by society. Media assaults on the images of Black fathers have been
well documented over the last 25 years. While several television examples of
responsible manhood and Black fatherhood can be cited, including Sanford and
Son, Good Times, The Jeffersons, The Cosby Show, Roc, The Bernie Mac Show and
Everybody Loves Chris, the vast majority of images depicting Black fathers are
devoid of any social or political responsibility as well as allegiance to our
families. 
Minding Ben by Victoria Brown
Body
image. It’s an issue that most women struggle with at some point in our
lives—I know I certainly have, and still do. During my 20’s everything was
perky and tight. I ate whatever I wanted and I still looked pretty good. When
I entered my 30’s I began to notice subtle changes. Things weren’t as they
had been a decade before, but, it was still all good! When I slid into my 40’s
reality started kicking in, my metabolism slowed down, and I found myself
wondering what had happened to my body. Even shopping, one of my favorite
pastimes, became challenging. 
It’s important to be healthy, no matter your body size. There are thin
women who are grossly out of shape and haven’t an ounce of cardio endurance,
while there are overweight women who are fit and can run circles around their
thinner counterparts. As I’ve gotten older, I realize how much more
important it is to feel good than to look good (but for the record, I do like
to look good, too!).
Meet Author and Wealth Coach Deborah Owens 
About the
Author
In this engaging and invaluable “mentor in your pocket,” three dynamic
and successful black female executives share their strategies to help all black
women, at any level of their careers, play the power game—and win.
The
Black Pearls Magazine 