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WELCOME Thank you for visiting EDC Creations'
Black Pearls Magazine online! The EDC Creations Magazine
is a proud bi-monthly publication that both showcases and celebrates the positive
Black image through motivating articles and intimate interviews. We are proud to
boast that we represent emerging writers and poet as well as the household names, in the
publishing industry, who recognize the importance of celebrating African
American heritage and our voice. Ella Curry, President of EDC Creations
Black Pearls Celebrations
June 2009
June 20, 2009 11am-3pm EST
Radisson Hotel
9100 Basil Court
Tifany Jones, Founder/Radio Show Host, Sistah Confessions
July 2009
Authors
on Tour
Black Pearl Favorites
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Father’s Day Special: Daddy Wasn’t Home, But I
Made It
 A young child questioned his mother about the character of his father: “Hey
Momma!
Is it true what they say that Papa never worked a day, in his life? And Momma,
some bad talk goin' round town sayin' that Papa had three outside children….”
This narrative from “Papa Was A Rolling Stone” was made famous by the
Temptations. Eventually, the song would garner the Temptations a number one hit
on the Billboard Hot 100 and three Grammy Awards. Unfortunately, the song
represented an underpinning theme for millions of children who exist with a
dysfunctional father in their lives.Therefore, Father’s Day isn’t a pleasant experience for many folks in society. Some individuals are fortunate to have a caring, supportive father. Unfortunately, numerous people live without one. Across the social spectrum, lots of individuals are living with deep wounds left by their fathers. Let me say that in spite of the dysfunctional mentality of some men, fathers are still important to families. Good fathers are more than sperm donors. In fact, a substantial body of research indicates that high levels of involvement by fathers contribute to children’s wellbeing. Yet, some political pundits, educators, and other experts believe that if a child doesn’t have daddy in his or her home, that child cannot be successful. This article explores the realities of a dysfunctional father and how individuals can overcome this situation. The Reality Missing fathers have become a national crisis with unintended consequences. Due to the increase in ‘out-of-wedlock’ births and the high number of divorces, children living away from their biological fathers have become commonplace. Numerous stories paint a terrible picture for these fatherless children. Some facts that bear out this reality: (a) 85% of children with behavioral problems come from fatherless homes, according to the Center for Disease Control, (b) 71% of all high school dropouts come from fatherless homes, (c) 85% of all youth in prison come from fatherless homes, and (d) 75% of all youth in chemical abuse centers come from fatherless homes. Therefore, fathers are viewed as an important factor for achievement. With the guidance of their fathers, many children have a solid foundation to be successful. Consequently, some people would proclaim that products of a single parent home without any father presence is destined for failure. In most cases, this assumption causes many folks to write off many children. Nationally syndicated columnist George Curry spoke about the lack of a good father in his home. Curry noted that his father was an alcoholic. He explained, “Sometimes, it is better that daddy isn’t home, especially if he’s an alcoholic or abusive.” The Will Some people feel handicapped by an insignificant father figure. Yet, other individuals move on to greatness. Therefore, where there is a will, there is a way to success for some people. There are plenty of examples to demonstrate this reality. Noted people, such as former US Secretary of State Alexander Haig, Millionaire Ida B. Wells, actor Tom Cruise, and historian WEB Dubois have all overcame this hurdle in their lives. In fact, US President Barack Obama achieved victory over mental frustration with his own estranged father. In many cases, it is important to build a “Never Quit” mentality. For example, legendary R&B artist Luther Vandross achieved his fame with this mentality. Vandross’ father was an upholsterer and his mother was a nurse. His father died when he was 8 years old. Growing up in the housing projects of New York, Vandross could have blamed many things for his downturn in life. Yet, he did not. Being a self-taught musician, Vandross learned to maximize his talents and seize every opportunity. In spite of many obstacles and hurdles, Vandross went on to become an international sensation as an artist, producer, and arranger. With the right mindset, it is possible to be successful in spite of being without a good father figure. Conclusion With millions and millions of young people feeling the agony of an imperfect father in their lives, some folks wonder if these people can make it. As it has already been stated, a good father can lay the foundation for his child’s success. However, a fatherless child should not lose hope. Fortunately, society is filled with such a cloud of witnesses that in spite of obstacles and an imperfect father model, it is possible to be successful. Obviously, there are numerous examples of deadbeat dads. Yet, there are many fathers doing the right things. Every citizen should take some ownership in seeing that every child can encounter a positive father figure. Let’s pray that it isn’t too late. © 2009 by Daryl D. Green ---- Dr. Daryl D. Green writes on contemporary issues impacting individuals, businesses, and society across the globe. With over 20 years of management experience, Dr. Green’s expertise has been noted and quoted by USA Today, Ebony Magazine, and Associated Press. Dr. Daryl D. Green is an award winning writer for the Sankofa Literary Society as well as the popular Black Pearls Literary Magazine. For more information, you can go to http://stores.lulu.com/darygre or http://www.darylgreen.org. Raising Him Alone: Empowering Single Mothers Raising Male Children Approximately 84% of Custodial Parents are Mothers  The Urban Leadership Institute, Residential After-School Program, Institute for
Interactive Instruction and Open Society Institute’s Campaign on Black Male
Achievement, are pleased to announce the Raising Him Alone Campaign. Creating a
larger community dialogue around the importance of supporting single mothers who
are raising boys the campaign will provide resources to help single mothers in
health & nutrition, education, legal support, financial literacy and more.
Empowerment seminars will take place to really bring the help parents need to the community. Each event will feature celebrity mothers who have raised highly successful sons. Panelists include: Dr. Brenda Greene, Professor at Medgar Evers College and mother of Talib Kweli, Dr. Mahalia Hines, Retired Chicago Public School Principal and mother of actor/rapper Common and Sheron “Umi’ Smith, mother of Grammy Nominated actor and rapper Mos Def. Panels will be hosted by mother/actress/comedienne Meshelle. In 2010 the events will expand to Washington, DC and New Orleans, Louisiana. For more information on Raising Him Alone visit www.raisinghimalone.com
ELLA: Where are you from? How did you start your
writing journey?
Changing Fatherhood Campaign
Purchase Children of the Waters Today!
A Tribute to My Husband and
Best Friend
A Father's Day Tribute to Mr. Dwayne L. Buckingham
Meet author
and veteran Dezi D. Stanley
Meet author
and veteran
Tucker Smallwood
We
can resolve America ’s high school dropout problem by investing in the future.
How do we do that? It’s simple. Bring together concerned individuals,
educators, academic, business and religious institutions, social
entrepreneurs, and community grassroots organizations in every community which
have key “pieces of the puzzle” to creating and effectively implementing
programs that will, with all deliberate speed, inspire our children to
complete high school and resolve the myriad of issues that currently make it
difficult for 1,890,000 American children to remain in school. These
individuals and organizations know how to get the job done. And, IN SEARCH OF
FATHERHOOD®, knows who they are and where they are. Let’s give these
individuals and organizations the freedom and support they will need to
implement programs that have a successful track record of dramatically
reducing America’s high school dropout rate and inspiring our children – our
future – our bridge to the future “to do more, want more, and be more”. The American Cancer Society (www.acs.org) projects that 1 out of 35 men will die from prostate cancer. In 2009, according to the Washington, D.C.-based Men’s Health Network (www.menshealthnetwork.org), approximately 186,000 American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. It is estimated that 1 out of 10 American men will be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease by their 55th birthday. The Center for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) which collects and maintains diabetes statistics has found that men are more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes than women. Approximately 77,250 men were diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2008 and at least 24,260 male colorectal cancer patients succumbed to the disease. Approximately, 10.9 million men in the
United States -- or 10.5% of all American men -- who are over the age of 20
are estimated to have diabetes. Diabetes increases significantly the risk for
an individual to suffer a stroke or heart disease. And not surprisingly, the
incidence rate for stroke and heart disease is high for American men. Moving
legislators in the United States to propose and enact into law the Men’s
Health Act of 2009 which will establish an Office of Men’s Health in the
United States Department of Health and Human Services is one of the key
“pieces of the puzzle” to resolving the critical state of affairs of health
for American men and investing in our future. The establishment of an Office
of Men’s Health in the United States Department of Health and Human Services
will do much to help men obtain increased research and research funding for
their critical and unique health issues, orchestrate regional health awareness
and educational programs, and provide all American men with equal and greater
access to health resources and support services. BSI WEBSITE:
www.bsi-international.com Intimate Conversation with Gil L. Robertson IV, Editor  Family Affair editor, Gil L. Robertson IV is one of America’s foremost
authorities on African American pop culture. He is the editor of the NAACP Image
Award nominated book, Not in My Family: AIDS in the African American Community.
He’s also the author of Writing as a Tool of Empowerment, a resource book for
media professionals, and a frequent contributor to The African American Almanac
(Gale Press). Robertson also contributed to the anthology Souls of My Brothers
(Plume).
Ella: Tell us about your passion for writing. Why do
you write? What drives you?I write because I enjoy the process of or discovery and creation. My goals as a writer are to provide readers with entertainment and insight and information that will add value to their lives. What drives me to write is pure inspiration. Ella: Where are you from? How did you start your writing journey? I am a Los Angeles native. I decided to pursue A&E journalism full-time, two-years after I completed college. I left a good-paying job working for a political think tank in Los Angeles but left to pursue journalism as a full-time career. I was very persistent and after a while carved out a niche for myself as the go-to guy in Los Angeles for a lot of east-coast based publications that were looking for content covering the film and television communities. From there, I was able to add legitimacy to my by-line by becoming the Urban Music Editor at Cash Box, and then became the Urban Music Editor at Music Connection which is a regional trade (and I operated in both of these roles simultaneously). I went from becoming this fledgling A&E writer, barely making enough to keep my bills paid, to being someone with influence at two important industry trades. I have to say, that really turned my life around because it provided me with a platform. Since, I’ve been able to nurture relationships that have been very beneficial to me ever since.  Ella:
Tell us about the new book: Family Affair.Family Affair: What it Means to be African American Today is a collection of first-person narratives from an wide cross-section of Black Americans. Edited by noted journalist Gil L. Robertson IV, the book is follow-up to his 2006 bestselling anthology, “Not in My Family: AIDS in the African American Community” and provides a revealing and introspective look at the contemporary issues that have shaped the African American community. Family Affair provides a unique platform for the African American community to explore and share it diverse perspective, while offering thoughtful solutions to overcome the many issues giving the Black community. It is a provocative tapestry of ideologies, beliefs, and generational themes that defines the Black community. Ella: What makes your book stand out and would entice a reader pick it up? Family Affair provides a platform for readers to develop a better understanding of themselves and their place in the world. This book focuses on identity for African Americans, which I felt was a compelling subject because of the history of pain, hardship, and controversy attached to our experiences in American life. My goal, for Family Affair, is to help Americans of all backgrounds gain a clearer sense of the Black experience in this country. Ella: Ultimately, what do you want readers to gain from your book? I hope that Family Affair helps readers to let go of the social and emotional baggage of the past, that so often affects the present and future. I believe the essays in this book will empower readers to find authenticity in their lives. For generations, African-Americans have been hampered with doubt that hinged on unresolved emotions associated with our individual and collective identity. Family Affair represents a 21st century idea that all can embrace. Here, we address questions that every American – Black, white, red, yellow and brown – have had to deal with at one time in their life’s journey. The problem has always been about identity and the value of that identity within our larger society. Family Affair breaks through issues to reveal the commonality that we all share. We are all God’s children, and despite our differences, it’s time that we accept that we are equal. Ella: What advice would you give a new writer? First, and foremost, you must be dedicated to the crate. Contrary to popular belief, writing is hard work that takes a great deal of due-diligence and perseverance. It’s important to be discipline and very organize with your work. It’s also important to develop professional alliances to help grow your career. A career as a writer can be very rewarding, so keep at it and best of luck. Ella: What can we expect from you in the future? Well, I just signed with Just Us Books – the premiere publisher of Black-interest books for my children’s book debut, 21st Century African American Political Leaders. It’s slated for a February 2010 release, the book series will provide children ages 9 – 14, with inspirational biographical sketches on the lives of 24 contemporary African American political leaders. For more information, please visit www.familyaffairbook.com Gil L. Robertson IV, Editor of Family Affair: What it Means to be African American Today www.familyaffairbook.com 
Intimate
Conversation with literary icon Pat G’Orge-WalkerBook Spotlight: Somebody's Sinning in My Bed  Pat G’Orge-Walker is the Essence bestselling author of Somewhat Saved; Cruisin’
on Desperation; Mother Eternal Ann Everlastin’s…; Sister Betty, God’s Calling
You, Again!; and contributed short stories to several anthologies. Being a
preacher’s kid gave her a quirky perspective on church, inspiring her to create
a one-woman comedy show centering on Sister Betty, whose unchristian-like
behavior blocks her blessings.Ella: Tell us about your passion for writing. Why do you write? What drives you? I believe my love for words play an integral part in my passion for writing. I need to write as much as I need air to breathe. It is like being constantly pregnant and needing to deliver. Ella: A Legacy is something that is handed down from one period of time to another period of time. Finish this sentence- My writing offers the following legacy to future readers... My writing offers the following legacy to future readers: permission to be different in the face of naysayers. There were times when I was faced with the challenge of delivering God's message through humor. Of course, laughter, although permitted through scripture, didn't seem to connect with those staunch Saintly folks. Never let anyone step on your creativity when your creativity is to enlighten and provide entertainment. Ella: Where are you from? Mount Vernon, New York. Ella: How did you start your writing journey? My writing journey began in elementary school and was mentored by my third grade teacher, Ms. Bobbie Madison. Ella: Give us the synopsis of the book being discussed, Somebody's Sinning in My Bed.  Chyna and her sister Janelle are always moments away from a catfight. They love
each other, but Janelle has never forgiven her sister for swiping her first
love, Cordell. That was ages ago, and now Chyna is showing off as the First Lady
of New Hope Assembly, a church that’s caught between the old ways of Holiness
and new ways of serving its community. New Hope ’s leader, Reverend Grayson
Young, is also caught…in the infamous Sweet Bush lounge, an establishment
well-known for adult pleasures.
Despite being First Lady Chyna's no saint and
when her husband falls from grace he snatches her along too. Chyna's now facing
down blackmail from the church board and cannot get sympathy or help from the
one person who's always been there for her, her sister Janelle who's dealing
with breast cancer.
In the midst of all the chaos Cordell returns as
a new man. He's now a man of God who must try and reconcile the mess he's made
of the sisters lives as an ex-husband to one and ex-lover to the other. what
follows are squabbling, chaos, and surprises that show just how hard the road to
salvation really is…
Ella: Who are your two main characters and what do you like most about them?
The main characters in my book are two sisters; Chyna and Janelle. What I like about Chyna is that she finally resolves to not think less of herself than God does. What I like about Janelle is her fire. Janelle's a person who loves deeply and that makes her dangerous on several levels. However, Janelle is also able to suck on pigfeet while drinking Cristol and make it look classy. Ella: What makes your book stand out and would entice a reader pick it up? My books are pretty much known for their covers. The fire red cover, shy-yet flirty female and the church steeple are strong images. I also think the title is provocative; Somebody's Sinning in My Bed. Explore the book here. Ella: Ultimately, what do you want readers to gain from your book, Somebody's Sinning in My Bed? I want the reader to remember that we're birthed in complexities and need. Life is a journey that will make you or break you. If the reader can remember that God is always in control and whatever you go through...God's got the end already tied up and gift-wrapped for you if you walk in faith. However, one should never play with God; a reprobated mind is a terrible thing to have. And finally, one should never think less of themselves than God does. Ella: What is the most surprising thing you have learned in creating books? The most surprising thing I've learned to date is that readers come in all shapes, colors, sizes and persuasions. You cannot please them all and that can be quite sobering if you rely solely on the reader for inspiration. So you must write for you and remain honest in what you write. Ella: What would you say has been your most significant achievement as a writer? I believe my most significant achievement as a writer would have to be the across the board, in terms of gender, race, secular and Christian acceptance of my work. It's a great reward in and of itself. Ella: What advice would you give a new writer? I would advise a new writer to study their craft, pray often and surround yourself with like-minded people. Also in getting representation make sure they are reputable and don't jump at the first person/agency to say they can make you a star or get your books published. Ella: Name 3 things that it takes to make a successful author, in your opinion? Three things that make a successful author in my opinion are: (1) the ability to craft a good story that the reader won't have to read two-three times to get its meaning. (2) Have a marketing plan that is doable and then do it along with prayer. (3) An honest relationship with your editor is key. Ella: What can we expect from you in the future? I will have one more book coming out in 2010. It is tentatively titled, "Jessie's Jewels." After that there will be more stories involving Sister Betty and her zany cohorts. Ella: Share with us your latest news, awards or upcoming book releases. I'm currently working on my next novel and eagerly awaiting the release of Somebody's Sinning in My Bed. It will debut as a August 2009 release. Of course, I'm still out and about performing and traveling with my Somewhat Saved Comedy Show. Buy a copy of the book from Amazon Contact info: pat248@aol.com or sisterbetty@sisterbetty.com www.sisterbetty.com or www.patgorgewalker.com or www.myspace.com/sisterbettycomedy 
Intimate Conversation
with Patti Lacy
Hello Patti! Welcome to Black Pearls, tell us a little
about you and your family.I’m Patti Lacy, a displaced Southerner who was gifted with teacher parents and a passion to read. In 2006, I left my beloved community college halls to set up a writing “room of my own” in the home I share with my teacher husband and a dog named Laura.  Ella:
Where are you from? How did you start your writing journey?I was born in the back seat of a Buick in Waco, Texas , grew up in the South, and now live in Normal, Illinois. I devour literary fiction, penned by Austen, Kingsolver, Morrison, Dostoevsky, Stegner, Hemingway, Gaines, and many, many more. Unlike many writers, I didn’t put anything on paper, except maudlin poetry and embarrassing love letters, until 2005, when Mary’s story refused to settle into my brain and keep quiet. Ella: Tell us about your passion for writing. Why do you write? What drives you? In 2005, God gifted me with a wonderful story about Mary, a brave Irishwoman who’d for years kept the secret of how she’d been betrayed by not one but two dysfunctional families. I became obsessed with the secrets women keep and why they keep them. When the Still Small Voice kept whispering for me to capture Mary’s story on paper, I finally obeyed and penned my first novel, An Irishwoman’s Tale. Why do I write? Because I HAVE TO! Stories and images bang on my skull and refuse to stop until I release them into a computer file. Hey, I’m 54 and want to share these stories for as long as God allows. That may be for another thirty years. Or it may be one…more…day. Ella: What Legacy do you want to leave future readers? My writing offers the following legacy to future readers: When a heart festering with pus-laden secrets is cut open and exposed to light and air, healing begins. Healing brings health. Healthy women can share with others to promote well-being. Ella: Give us the synopsis of the book being discussed, What the Bayou Saw.  Sally
Stevens, a chatty Midwestern college instructor, smothers her secrets with
drawly talk, chocolate, and big-toothed smiles. Then the she-devil Katrina
threatens her brother and Ella Ward, Sally’s former best friend, and three of
Sally’s students are accused of assaulting a fourth student, Shamika Williams.
When a bigoted cop, Shamika’s mama tiger aunt, and Sally collide in Shamika’s hospital room, the past, which has been buried under Louisiana bayou mud, begins to bubble to the surface. Racism, sexual dysfunction, and the traumatic aftermath of assault reach across the span of time and threaten to destroy Sally’s tranquil life in Normal , Illinois . Dare Sally share her secrets with a hurting Shamika and risk exposing her own prejudices? Ella: Who are your two main characters and what do you like most about them? Segregation and a chain link fence separated twelve-year-old Sally Flowers from her best friend, Ella Ward. Yet a brutal assault bound them together. Forever. Thirty-eight years later, Sally, a middle-aged Midwestern instructor, dredges up childhood secrets long buried beneath the waters of a Louisiana bayou in order to help her student, who has also been raped. Fragments of spirituals, gospel songs, and images of a Katrina-ravaged New Orleans are woven into the story. Sally Stevens, the 52-year-old college Humanities instructor whose friendly drawl and bubbly personality mask deep-rooted scars from a childhood rape. I admire Sally’s fierce devotion to her family and to her students. Ella Ward, Sally’s middle-aged childhood friend who teams with Sally to kill a rapist and later faces betrayal at the hands of Sally. I love Ella’s professionalism, gift of healing, and ability to forgive an awful wrong. Ella: How does this book shape or add value to the reader's life? What the Bayou Saw emphasizes the importance of exposing the prejudice all of us harbor, in varying degrees, to the light of truth so that healing can begin. This my second novel also deals with the terrible aftermath in the souls of young girls because of sexual assault and the chilling statistic that even in homes with “good” communication, many crimes continue to go unreported. I also hope my book entertains the reader with a good story and a satisfying ending. Ella: Ultimately, what do you want readers to gain from your book? The need for dialogue about race issues in America to continue. The terrible human stain left by racism, sexual assault…and lies. Ella: Who would this book really "speak to" and why? My target audience is readers, especially women, between the ages of 25 and 100! Women have traditionally stoked the home fires, have shouldered abuse and misuse throughout the ages. By bonding with other women and honestly sharing our past, we put our heads together to better problem-solve. Think of cultures where women gather at the well to chat and chew. I hope to “chat and chew” with my readers! Ella: What would you say has been your most significant achievement as a writer? The humbling opportunity to reach out to one reader at a time. I love each one of you and appreciate your investment of time and money in my book. Ella: What advice would you give a new writer? Write for the Audience of One. Write because you’ve been given a talent. Work at it with your heart, your soul, and your mind. Read books. Study the great writers. Become a professional writer, no matter what other people say. Yes, you can. Ella: Name three things that it takes to make a successful author, in your opinion. The blessing of God. A crazy passion to read and write, knowing this passion will cost you dearly in other areas of your life but will give tremendous joy and sense of purpose. A solid foundation in crafting words, whether self-taught, through reading the works of literary giants (hopefully a combination of both). Ella: What book already published is similar to your book in its writing style? It’s hard to know something like that about one’s own work. I like to think that my voice is fresh and can’t be duplicated. That idiotic thought off my chest, perhaps the frame idea and regional dialect of Fried Green Tomatoes by Fannie Flagg and the visual imagery of Ella Cather. Ella: What can we expect from you in the future? My Name is Sheba, another framed story that begins in the rollicking Age of Jazz in New Orleans and ends in the red light district of Bangkok. Ella: Share with us your latest news, awards or upcoming book releases. An Irishwoman’s Tale, my debut novel, finaled in the Foreword Magazine Book of the Year contest. Winners will be announced at the Book Expo in New York City on May 29th. Wouldn’t it be cool to see y’all there??? Contact information: Patti Lacy patti@pattilacy.com www.pattilacy.com Books can be purchased anywhere books are sold, including Barnes & Noble, Borders, LifeWay Christian stores, and www.amazon.com. Meet Author Michele Andrea Bowen Book Spotlight: Up at the College
Ella: Michele, Tell us about your
passion for writing. Ella: Where are you from? How did you start your writing journey?
Ella: I read in a previous interview that you have children. How do you balance being a mom in terms of your life as a writer? Does the rest of your life enhance your work as a published author, detract from it, or do these things barely factor in career-wise? Being a mom forces me to balance my life and put everything, work, career, in the proper perspective. My children are proud of their mother. But as my oldest daughter said to her friends a few years ago..."My mommy writes novels, but she is always our mommy and she never forgets that. She makes sure we are okay and remembers what is important to us." My life's work does not detract from writing. Life for me is pretty down-home. It fuels my writing.
Ella:
Introduce us to your new
book Up at the College. He can not understand what all of this "God is the source and the strength of my life...He moves all pain, misery and strife" talk is about. It seems like to do that is to be weak, and certainly not man enough to command a team of basketball players at an historically black university. But as we used to say back in the day--"He thought like Caesar" right before the ill-fated monarch met up with a very disgruntled Marc Anthony. This book is a story of renewal, restoration, love, and finding your strength and joy in the Lord. Ella: Ultimately, what do you want readers to gain from your book? I want readers to walk away with joy, less stressed because they laughed so hard, and some insight to what living a life where God is in control looks like. Ella: Finish this sentence: I
am Powerful because... Ella: What is the most
surprising thing you have learned in creating books? Ella: What would you say has
been your most significant achievement as a writer? Ella: Name 3 things that it
takes to make a successful author, in your opinion? Ella: What can we expect from
you in the future? Ella: Share with us your latest
news, awards or upcoming book releases.
Meet Author Lutishia Lovely Book Spotlight: A Preacher's Passion
This love affair with words took an interesting turn when she responded to a small newspaper ad for people interested in radio. It contained the only three words she needed to see in order to apply-no experience necessary. Attending that first meeting led to a broadcasting certification, an FCC license and a radio career that lasted more than ten years; as a morning-drive disc jockey, award-winning Saturday morning talk show host and eventually program director. During this time she also became involved in theatre, and along with acting began writing and producing stage plays.. These days, Lutishia is rarely far from her computer, having just finished book five of the Hallelujah Love Series. And just to keep it interesting, she sometimes dons an alter-ego, Zuri Day, and writes romance. When not working, Lutishia enjoys travel, theatre, concerts, and whipping up yummy vegetarian dishes for her family and friends. She is based out of Los Angeles, but currently lives in Barcelona, Spain. Ella: Can any one of us be truly content with only our dreams? What action steps did you take to help your dream, of being a writer, become a reality? Well, Ella, the first step I took was to pick up a pen and write! But those first pieces, poetry, weren't even written because I thought I wanted to be a writer, it was just what I loved to do...create. When I began to seriously entertain a writing career, I read a lot and wrote a lot, honing my craft. I joined writer groups, and looked for various ways I could get experience and exposure: news/entertainment reports (radio), newspaper articles, magazine articles, etc. By the time I wrote my first novel, Sex In The Sanctuary, I had been writing professionally off and on for almost ten years. Regarding the first part of your question, I believe dreams are simply Spirit's way of showing us what's possible. If we believe, and take appropriate action, our dreams can become our reality. And believe me, the reality is better than the dream! Ella: There are moments in life, that will inspire the rest of your life. Tell us about the moment in life, that inspired you to become a writer for life! This is going to sound interesting, but losing a job I loved was the inspiration, and the best thing that could have happened! I was working as the managing editor and senior writer of a holistic magazine and I loved what I did. It was a small but vibrant publication and being involved in it was very rewarding. Unfortunately, the owner ran into problems and the company folded. I panicked, and began sending out resumes for not only writing jobs, but other areas where I thought I'd find work faster: sales, marketing, administrative, PR. Girl, I started sending out those resumes and almost got sick to my stomach! The thought of going back into a regular 9-5--all due respect to 9-5ers--but that thought didn't make me feel good at all. I'd gotten spoiled with waking up every day and loving what I did. One day, something happened, something snapped in my spirit. While sitting at my computer, I declared out loud, "I am a writer!". At that exact moment, I decided to put all of my energies into my dream, and let the chips fall where they may. From that day on, I sent out only writing resumes, and watched my meager savings dry up, the bills pile up, my fear creep up, but my faith leap up! Whenever I faltered, I'd remind myself of who I was and whose I was...a writer, and God's beloved daughter. All things are possible, Spirit would whisper. And I believed, Ella! Several weeks later, I got my first ghostwriting client. That project fed me, led to other ghostwriting opportunities and lasted almost a year. I got my first publishing contract a year later. Ella: We are who we are, our actions
define who we really are. Our actions create our brand! What are some of the
actions you have taken, in life or in your writing, that will create an
impact on your readers? When the stories for my series first came to me, I censored the voices as I wrote. The plots were complex, sometimes inspirational, sometimes erotic...sex and scripture often coming within pages of each other! Having grown up in church I knew this would be controversial, but I also knew these voices were reflective of an aspect of "churchanity", they reflected the reality of some people's lives, and dealt with topics that few in the religious community openly discuss. I believe these voices, these stories came through me because I was unconstrained enough to write them. There is a scripture that says "he whom the Son sets free, is free indeed". I think my readers are impacted by the fact that I'm free!
Ella:
In your new book, A Preacher's Passion,
what is the overall message you hope to relay to your readers. Why was it so
important to bring out this message? Ella: What is the best way for readers
and the media to contact you for event invitations or to share reviews? A Preacher's Passion--Available Now!   Intimate Conversations with Award Winning Book Clubs Read all of the special interviews 
Intimate Conversation
with Sharon Haynes
Coordinator of Sisters Sippin’ Tea Literary Group – Tulsa Chapter Ella: Welcome, Sharon Haynes,
coordinator for the Sisters Sippin’ Tea Literary Group – Tulsa Chapter. -- The Known World by Edward P. Jones -- The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison -- The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin -- Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe -- My Soul to Keep by Tananarive Due Ella: That is a wonderful selection of books! What do you define as Quality Literature? Quality Literature encompasses style, characters, plot and the ability for the written words to come to life and embrace you in a way that totally consumes you. We know the characters personally and can visualize the settings and after reading the book we’re wishing for more. For more details, read the entire article.  Meet Book Reviewer Terri Schlichenmeyer and owner of The Bookworm Sez, LLC
My then-husband was loudly complaining about my "book habit". I was working at a radio station at the time, so I thought maybe I could put my books to good use. I asked if I could do radio reviews. A couple months later, a friend-of-a-friend asked me to do a newspaper article. I saw that there was a market for low-cost, reliable book reviewers so I started marketing myself and here I am... Ella: Did you have any formal business training? I spent 5 years as the copywriter at that radio station. Because I was considered a part of the sales dept., I was expected to attend all sales training (even though it had no direct use for my job at the time). After I started writing my column, I took what I learned from my former job and applied it to my own business. Ella: What separates you and your firm from the competition? I have a style all my own. I'm reliable and professional. I can churn out four or five quality columns each week, ON TIME and within word count, spell-checked and ready to go. Because I offer so many options, editors can choose what they want to run. And I'm inexpensive. Read more details about this organization by clicking here
Ella:
Share with us what iZania is and why you started it. Read more details about this organization by clicking here
Meet Yvonne
Perry is a freelance writer, newsletter publisher and editor
Yvonne
Perry is a freelance writer and editor, award-winning, bestselling Amazon.com
author, podcast host, blogger, newsletter publisher, Internet marketing guru,
and the owner of Writers in the Sky Creative Writing Services (WITS). She
graduated from American Institute of Holistic Theology where she earned a
Bachelor of Science in Metaphysics.
Meet Editor and
Reporter Rhonda Crowder
Meet Tiffany Rainey President of the Distinct
Ladies Book Club As President of the club I try to bring
new and exciting authors to meet our ladies. I try to keep their interest peeked
to come them coming back for more. I wouldn't trade DLBC for nothing in the
world.
Meet Dayna Turner
President Nubian Queens Book Club
Meet Nikkea Smithers President of Readers With Attitude Book Club
Read more details about this organization by clicking here
Meet Sharney Thomas
President of Xpress Yo'self Book Club
Share
with us the history of the organization.
Featured Community Inspirations Book Spotlight: In the Land of Cotton  Ella: Martha, tell us a little bit about your life and career. I am a sixty year old grandmother of four. My writing career, until the last few years, has been one of those “don’t quit your day job arrangements”. I am a tax professional who discovered early on that my creative writing skills came in handy when writing client letters to the IRS. Ella: Share with a peek inside your passion for writing. My passion for writing becomes evident in my books. It is a blessed opportunity to give birth to a character and watch them grow throughout the development of the story. Ella: Please introduce us to your new book, In the Land of Cotton. SLAVERY IS MORE THAN CHAINS AND SHACKLES SLAVERY IS A STATE OF MIND Immerse yourself in this highly anticipated political docu-drama set in the Deep South amidst the backdrop of the Civil Rights Movement. Martha was a young white girl living in the Deep South, inundated with the racist sentiments of the times. But Martha's natural curiosity and generous heart led her to question this racial divide. When she discovered a primitive Negro family living deep in the woods near her house, everyone's life changed forever. Take the journey of a lifetime alongside Martha as she forges relationships that lead to self discovery and a clearer understanding of the world around her. In the Land of Cotton provides an outstanding snapshot of life in the South during those troubled times - a snapshot everyone should take a close look at, regardless of era or color. The year was 1956. Ella: Do you think Black History should be celebrated year round? Black History should be a daily celebration. Everyone should celebrate the sacrifices that have been made for the sake of freedom. Black History has rich roots that have woven the very fabric of equality. It has positioned every Black American to make history and not just be a part of history. Ella: What makes your book stand out and would entice a reader to pick it up? I hope the cover represents the book well. I wanted it to preview the contents and draw the reader inside. It makes the reader curious. Readers will love the depth of emotion that flows through this book. As a child growing up in Memphis I could not have known that the Boyd family, the main characters in In the Land of Cotton, would have such a haunting effect on me. Last fall, their indelible personas became overwhelming. They were all I could think about. I sat down one afternoon and the book began to flow to paper. I still had vivid memories of Cypress Grove, a primitive farm the Boyd family had lived on since the days of the Civil War. They had no electricity, no running water and certainly no refrigeration yet they wanted for nothing. It was a step back in time but, as a child, I wanted to be part of that. As the reader journeys through the 1960's, they travel along side the Boyd family as they experience the historic events of that decade. You will find as a reader that you will become immediately vested in the characters. The Boyd's have the voice for every Black American that lived through those turbulent times. Ella: Ultimately, what do you want readers to gain from your book? Ultimately, if you lived through the 60's, I want you to revisit all the history that decade produced. If you weren't alive in the 60's, you need to learn about that decade from someone who had a ringside seat. Ella: What advice would you give a new writer? There are so many things I would share with a new writer but these are my top three. #1- Pick a topic you know well or that you have enough interest in to do the research. Most new writers write on subjects that are mostly autobiographical in nature. There's a reason for that. #2-Don't write and rewrite your work. Complete it, start to finish, then go back through it with fresh eyes. You won't loose your chain of thought and you won't loose your momentum. This tip will really improve the flow of your work. #3- You have to be true to your characters- even the ones you do not like. Your readers have to be able to relate to them on some level. You want someone to be able to “see” your characters and think, “Yeah, I know someone like that.” Ella: What can we expect from you in the future? I am very committed to the Boyd’s and bringing the various family stories to life. The next book, Dixie, will begin right before the Civil War and end at 1900. I can hardly to see how the historical events of those years will unfold and how they will effect the Boyd family. Martha A. Taylor Author "In the Land of Cotton" ISBN:978-1432734718 Buy the Book Today Email me at Dixiewriter@aol.com
With the newly developed Black Authors Network Culture Center we've created an innovative platform that encourages people world wide to stop and partake of our literary gifts. The blog community for The Black Authors Network Talk Show will unite readers from around the world. We will explore important issues and engage in debates about how we should move forward, while empowering readers to learn more--and do more--to make a difference in the global African American community. I can not do this alone, I need YOU! Each of you plays a vital part in helping reshape who and what we are as a people. Each one of us represents the entire population--let that statement help you to make wiser decisions and to encourage you to bring your collective families into the fold. We can do this people! We can become a force that the world recognizes as brilliant and resourceful, Barack Obama has opened door, let's follow his lead! Enter the Black Authors Network Culture Center.
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CHILDREN OF THE WATERS is a story about two long lost half-sisters, one white
and one black, who find each other… possibly with the help of their
grandmother’s ghost. 
Carleen Brice’s debut novel,
Orange Mint and Honey (One World/Ballantine), was
an Essence “Recommended Read” and a Target “Bookmarked Breakout Book.” For this
book, she won the 2009 First Novelist Award from the Black Caucus of the
American Library Association and the 2008 Break Out Author Award at the African
American Literary Awards Show. Her second novel, Children of the Waters (One
World/Ballantine), a book about race, love and family, is available for
pre-order now and will be in stores on in June. You can read an excerpt at her
website 
Dezi D. Stanley resides in North Carolina
where he is a devoted, caring and loving father; he has fourteen years in the
military, worked for a rehabilitation branch for the Department of Corrections,
and now currently working with high-risk juveniles in hopes of stopping them
from entering into the system. He is the founder and CEO for B.Y.G. Youth Inc.
an organization designed to target the children others seem to have forgotten.
He has put the organization on hold due to fallen ill. He has a type of lung
disease, adrenal cancer and is being treated for PTSD along with several other
illnesses. (Stock photo via Internet Source.)
Tucker Smallwood was a Military Advisor in
Vietnam . He died in combat, was resurrected and became a successful actor,
writer and musician. He continues to travel extensively, writing about his
encounters, is dedicated to veteran’s advocacy and has been reinvigorated by a
guest artist experience recently at Fresno State , teaching and performing with
students in August Wilson ’s “The Piano Lesson”.
Instinctively, our parents, grandparents, and great grandparents understood
that children were more than mere extensions of themselves. They knew that we
– their children – were and are their future – their bridge to the future.
Under the most difficult set of circumstances, they positively shaped our
minds and souls and did their best to create and implement plans that would
move their families forward. Against the backdrop of two World Wars, the Great
Depression of 1929, and the turbulent global social and political climate of
the 1960s, our parents, grandparents, and great grandparents quietly and
unceremoniously went about the business of investing in our future. 
Men are the glue that holds our families, our communities, and our world
together. Investing in our future mandates that we move with all deliberate
speed to create key “pieces of the puzzle” that will effectively address the
critical and unique health issues of men throughout our global village. It is
estimated that American women are outliving American men by approximately six
years. Approximately 21% of American men have coronary heart disease.
According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer accounts for
approximately 9% of all cancer-related deaths in men in the United States.
Our sons need Fathers. It takes a Man to teach a boy how to be a man. Our
daughters need Fathers. Fathers shape our daughters’ perception of their
self-worth and their place in the world. Investing in our future requires us
to provide Fathers with what they need and want to positively shape the minds
and souls of our children – our future – our bridge to the future. America’s
25,000,000 Non-Custodial and Divorced Fathers say that they need and want
legislation in the form of a Federal Equal Custody Act that would make equal
parenting the law of the land and provide American children of divorced and
separated parents, with equal access, on a 50/50 basis, to both Dad and Mom.
At the same time, America ’s 25,000,000 Non-Custodial and Divorced Fathers say
that they need and want a modification of the child support guidelines based
on the Parenting Time Credit model created in 2004 by the State of Indiana.
In 2004, the State of Indiana modified its child support guidelines by
instituting Parenting Time Credit for Non-Custodial Parents. How does this
work? Non-Custodial and Divorced Fathers in the State of Indiana who spend
additional time with their children above and beyond the amount of time that
they are granted by the courts, will and do have the amount of their child
support obligations reduced by the additional amount of time that they spend
with their children. 
Ella
Curry, the CEO of Black Pearls Magazine, sits down with author Michele
Andrea Bowen to discuss her career and new book. Michele graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with
an M.A. in History and a M.P.H. in Public Health. She lives in Durham, North
Carolina. For more information please visit
Ella Curry, the CEO of 
Ella: 
Ella:
Roger, welcome to Black Pearls. Please tell us a little about you.
Offering
developmental, content, and copy services to authors and publishers, Rhonda
Crowder is a freelance editor who has worked on seven novels in less than three
years with two appearing on the Essence bestsellers list. Currently, she lives
in Cleveland, Ohio and is a general assignment reporter for the Call and Post
Newspapers as well as a contributing writer for magazines and trade
publications. Rhonda is also an aspiring novelist and has been featured in Who's
Who in Black Cleveland.
The Distinct Ladies have been together for almost 3 years. We started with just
4 members and we quickly grew to be 18 strong. Our book club consisted of men
and women from different backgrounds with the passion for reading. We now
currently have 6 women who have a strong bond with each other. 
In
November 2000 the Nubian Queens Book Club Meeting had its first Book Club
Meeting. I had moved to Riverside in 1995 and wanted someone to discuss the
books I would read. I prayed and ask God to send me the right women to get the
book club started. Each member chose a book for us to read. We meet
monthly and feature a good news segment, a journal segment and a Sistah Circle
where we can discuss issues that are relevant to the ladies. We have done The
Riverside Black History Parade, Moreno Valley Black History Parade and the
Revlon Breast Cancer Walk/run. We have donated toys and food to the homeless and
less fortunate families at Christmas time
Nikkea
Smithers is a dynamic writer and spoken word artist originally from Connecticut
currently residing in Richmond , VA. She is also the president of the award
winning Readers With Attitude Bookclub which has been recognized as a force to
be reckoned with in the literary industry. Her vision with RWA has been achieved
with being able to introduce the world to both self published and traditionally
published authors. She has released several novels and poetry compilations. 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. Her novel Sweet Dreams shot up the Essence Magazine’s
Bestsellers list within five months of its release proving that her stories are
provocative, fresh and truthful making her reader’s lifelong fans. Her readers
have fallen in love with her ‘tell it like it is’ approach to writing and she
has been crowned ‘Author of the Year’ for 2008 by Xander Magazine. Nikkea’s
books address issues that need to be discussed but are not overly saturated
making her stand out in the literary industry. 
EDC: Tell us how The Women of Character Book Club was developed.
