2 million youth live homeless on the streets of the United States everyday.
Their days are not filled with
sleepovers, team practices, birthday parties or even mundane activities like homework. Panhandling, prostitution, drug running, surviving muggings, rape and predators are the daily realities of youth that must make the streets their home.
• As many as 20,000 youth in the United States are forced into prostitution by human trafficking networks
every year.
• 12% of runaway and homeless youth spent at least one night outside in a park, on the street, under a bridge or
overhang, or on a rooftop.
• 32% of runaway and homeless youth have attempted suicide at some point in their lives.
• 43% of homeless young men and 39% of homeless young women say they were assaulted with a weapon
while living on the street.
• 1/3 of homeless youth have witnessed a stabbing, shooting, rape or murder.
• 75% of the young people living on the streets are likely to be engaged in substance abuse as a means to
self-medicate to deal with the traumatic experiences and abuse they face while trying to survive.
The suspense thriller, Dark Side of Valor, delves into the harrowing world of teen homelessness. At the age of 17, the novel’s heroine, Lelia Freeman, is homeless and surviving the deadly streets of Los Angeles. Lelia’s fictitious life of homelessness and tragedy are the real life experiences of many American teens.
Many organizations, such as the National Runaway Switchboard, Children of the Night and Ambassadors of Hope and Opportunity, aid homeless youth and teens with life skills, job training, counseling, college assistance and by supplying safe living environments.
Meet Author Alicia Singleton
Alicia Singleton, an award winning author, was born and raised in Philadelphia. The Howard University graduate embraced the written word at an early age. She credits this to her loving older. Alicia resides in Maryland with her wonderful husband and son. Still an avid reader, Alicia is currently at work on a new novel. Visit her website at
www.aliciasingleton.com.
I wonder if infidelity hurts more if the person who betrayed you is still alive or if its worse if they are dead before you find out about the cheating? I recently went to the movies to see the movie The Descendants with George Clooney. I was a very emotional movie. The long and short of the movie is that George Clooney's wife is in a boating accident and ends up in a coma. While in the coma just as the doctor tells him she's not coming out of it he finds out that she was cheating on him. Fortunately she had a living will so he did not have to make the decision to keep her alive or not. George's character was shocked and hurt but as portrayed in the movie it seemed worse because he couldn't confront his cheating spouse and get answers to the one question that was burning within him...
WHY???
It brought me back to Jada one of the main characters in my books Yesterday's Lies and Today's Truth. Jada's husband David Jr. cheated on her but she has no idea and he is now deceased. Her friends are doing everything they can to keep the truth from her. If the truth is revealed to her now it will be a year since he died. Will the pain be more or less because he is dead? Check out Today's Truth coming May 2012 to see how Jada reacts when Yesterday's Lies become Today's Truth.
About the Author
Terri D is a long-term transplant resident of Harrisburg, PA. She is a single mother of three who has written poetry and short stories all of her life. Her children have always been her inspiration to push to get to the next level. She writes as a way to express herself and to document her inner most feelings. Terri D published her debut novel titled Yesterday’s Lies in 2011 and her second novel Today’s Truth is being released in the Spring of 2012. For more information about Terri D please visit her website at
www.AuthorTerriD.com or visit her Fan page on Face Book
http://www.facebook.com/AuthorTerriD
Top 3 Reasons Why We Ruin
Relationships
The largest single reason for divorce and for the break-up of
our relationships is a misunderstanding of personality type differences. This
article will present the leading three reasons most folks lose in relationships
that are related to
Myers-Briggs Personality Type.
1. We Don't Know the Personality Types of Ourselves and our Mates.
Most of us don't know that we have a personality type that is scientifically and
psychologically defined. We confuse personality with many other
non-psychological things. In reality each of our personality types was formed
within us before we were born! In addition, if your personality type differs in
certain ways with your mate's type --your communication, which is the "key" to
relationships, will dramatically suffer.
2. You Don't Speak Their Language!
Very simply both people in a relationship can be speaking the same national
language, say "English" but if they are opposite especially on the
"Dominant" function area it is like they were speaking two different languages
with neither understanding the other!
We will be "Dominant" either with the function we take in information with, i.e.
"Sensing" or "Intuition" or we will be "Dominant" in how we make decisions, i.e.
"Thinking" (using logic) or "Feeling" (using feelings). No matter which one you
are "Dominant" in , if your loved one is "Dominant' in the opposite you two will
have great and natural difficulty speaking to each other.
3. You "Talk Your Talk" Only...May Even Insist On It!
What most folks do not understand about personality dynamics is that the natural
personality difference are not to be seen as something that is bad;
something their mate does not understand; something the other person is "doing"
to them to make their life miserable. If only they could be like me! Why can't
you do what I do, after all I'm right and you are wrong.
I mean basically this is what most of us do because we are
ignorant of our inborn, instinctive personality and what that might mean, if we
are faced with differences in our relationships. Well , forcing someone to be
like you won't work my friend because you are trying to change human nature, you
are trying to make the "instinctive" "un-instinctive" ( if there is such an
expression). Can't be done, so we need to understand our personality, which can
be accomplished several different ways and use that knowledge to allow our
relationship interest to be who they are, validate who they are and if you do,
you will find love and other relationships get better and better.
By the way, the terms I've been using in this brief article are related to the
Myers-Briggs
Personality Indicator. Which would be my strong recommendation for you
to identify your type. Now you can take the MBTI on the Internet but there will
be a fee. The MBTI is not free anywhere. Or, you can take a Jungian-like
personality indicator which is very accurate and absolutely free. That is up to
you, I hope you do one of the two. At that point, find a Myers-Briggs
practitioner and have them interpret back to you what your score means. Your
relationships will thank you!
In conclusion, we can guarantee the long life of our relationships, in fact we
can create perfect love compatibility and perfect relationship compatibility by
using the power of our personality type. If we will take the loving time to
identify our personality types and those of our love/relationship interests and
then learn how to use what we find so we can "speak" in the other person's
language, if need be; then we can save relationships from and at the core. In
addition, we can use personality type to find our "soul mate", find the perfect
love compatibility relationship for us in the first place. It is not difficult
and it is automatic when we understand our types.
Since the beginning of time men and women have been
unfaithful to each other. I think it started around the time of Adam and Eve.
Relationship break-ups are not just a fabrication of modern society. However in
this day and age you must realize that a lot of these relationship problems CAN
be salvaged. The old song (I think by the Everley Bros) "Breaking Up Is Hard To
Do" only tells half of the story. I think mending the relationship or making up
poses the more difficult part of the problem. In the first instance only one
person may have caused the problem, but now it will take two people to construct
a successful outcome.
A lot of people will not believe that a relationship once broken can be
repaired. They find it difficult to believe that almost every break up for
whatever reason, infidelity, plain old lost passion, loss of interest, a stolen
heart and worse can be salvaged. But if the two individuals involved are
prepared to give it a try then let no-one stand in their way.
There are many guidelines posed by so-called experts in the community and many
approaches set down to follow. Among other things they suggest the following:
*Are you missing each other.
*The capacity of the innocent party to forgive.
*Are there children involved.
*The commitment to repair what has been broken
*Meeting up and discussing problems without apportioning blame
*The capacity of the guilty party to admit guilt
*The capacity of the other party to FORGIVE
Once you are prepared to address all these issues then you are in a position to
be able to formulate ways to repair the relationship and get your ex back.
The problem in most cases like this is that some people never tend to figure out
what really went wrong and consequently they are never able to find ways
to get their ex back. However, the last thing you want to do, if you're hoping
to get your ex back, is to try and put the blame on them. You also need to take
responsibility for your part in
this breakdown. This means, in many cases, being very aware of your inputs (or
lack of ) to the relationship and ignoring what your best friend tell you
on how to get your ex back. Also you probably need to ignore what your family
says because of their emotional involvement and the tendency to support you at
all costs and in most cases.
Be yourself and remember who you are, and your role in this whole issue. You
must consider how the person who your Ex fell in love with (YOU) acted and
if you want to get your Ex back, you must be able to revert to that role
once more. The breakup of a relationship is usually the result of a number of
factors, not just one. In most cases, the contributing factors can be clearly
identified if you really are prepared to analyze the breakdown. Don't focus on
what you think is wrong with your partner; that's their job. Accept
responsibility for your role in the breakup and try to figure out how you can
fix what you can control.
The Magic Of Making Up contains practical tips and suggestions to restore your
relationship to old warmth and affection and also an amazing resource for
unfailing and innovative techniques to get your ex back no matter how bad
the situation is. You’ll still have a chance then to get your ex back. But you
must first convince yourself that is what you really want to do and not just to
satisfy a bruised ego.
About the Author: Noel is an experienced internet marketer.
He displays a keen interest in society and its relationships and the many issues
they produce as most adults have at some time in their life. For more detailed
information about resolving some of these problems and to access the program=>
http://tinyurl.com/57ed4z
Discovering the Meaning of Life Through Partnership
By Robert S. Cosmar
Great awareness can come out of relationships, if both parties are unafraid to reveal their true self to each other, and if they see the relationship as a tool to understanding their inner workings, beliefs and complexes.
Too often, people seek a relationship to calm their emotional storms and sexual urges. These relationships often end on the rocks because the connection is superficial and not deep and lasting. People walk away angry, frustrated and blaming each other for the failure to make it last. They do not see that each of them is triggering pain deep inside the other and, while it seems to be the other person's fault, it is still THEIR pain. It comes from inside you and it is a key as to why you feel cut off from life.
Till death do you part is only realized by people lucky enough to have found love.
Love calls you to unity, it reveals hopes and it also binds you to discover those fears, doubts and illusions that prevent you from being more conscious and aware. It is for your Being and not just your body. Love is an energy that permeates everything, but it is separated from us by the duality of existence. Mind is the opposite of being. Thought is a bridge for being to relate to mind in our outer reality. A barrier exists between being and thought and that is mind. It allows us to function in this realm as a separate ego, still connected to being but unaware of its location or presence. Our aloneness is our lack of awareness of our totality as beings.
Partnership in love is an opportunity to weaken the ego and bridge the consciousness through the heart to the soul. It allows for awareness to blossom and healing of the unconscious. It helps to show us that life can be easier when we come from a level of deep awareness and magic does exist. Life can be a dance and a synergy with the divine. Our power is revealed through partnership as we realize that we become conscious of a cooperation that exists with the greater parts of our beings. Together, we share in its vision and revelation. We are tools for the divine to reveal its nature, purpose and truth.
So little respect today exists for love, partnership and marriage. The sacredness has been forgotten.
The energy is misunderstood and the purpose polluted. Still, it lingers and waits for the mystery of love to breathe on two souls and say come hither, come together, come as the whispers beacon you deeper beyond the strife to the clarity of being and existence.
It
was quiet in the room. The sun, closing on the day, was sending her warmth
and comfortable colors through the Venetian blinds. Bewitching, charming and
divine, soft in its touch, enchanting like a rainbow...my eyes danced with the
colors as they turned...and I knew that twilight would soon have his due.
It was peaceful!
I was surprised at the calm; distant was the rough activity of the world
outside, it seemed to be a complete absence of noise, of agitation, even of
stress. Which was surprising to me under the circumstances, but I was enjoying
this ambience. The bedroom door was closed, which was atypical because we were
the only ones in the house, but somehow it did seem more private.
When I heard the toilet flush, my heart quickened, which made me chuckle, why?
I'm not sure, but I do know that was when thoughts of my age came to mind.
Algebraic equations flowed across the blackboard of my mind. Arithmetic
answering my questions about five years from now, even ten... then eighteen.
Ahhh eighteen, all the years before it are just preparation for that year. Then
the board was wiped with a mental eraser and other numbers flowed, representing
the needs of what might be coming out of that bathroom, from the first day of
confirmation, things have to be brought, and I'm not sure if it ever stops. I
know that it gets increasingly more as the years go by....
That's when my hands starting getting sweaty; although the room was cool, I
could feel the circulating air blowing from the vents. Again, my heart
quickened as I looked at the bathroom door. Was that doubt that knocked!
Just an instant! Then I thought of her!
Her, with her warm smile and her quirky ways, her laugh that sounds so
musical... it made me wonder what she was feeling right now. Did she enjoy any
of the peacefulness that I was enjoying just moments ago, somehow I doubted that
she experiencing that, she probably was wondering about how I was feeling. That
would be just like her, to wonder how I was feeling...
With that, doubt...was knocked down for the count!
When the bathroom door opened, it squeaked on its hinges and I made a mental
note to spray some W-D 40 on it, another strange thing to think about at a time
like this. She didn't come through like I thought she would, instead she called
out my name, she had to call me twice while I found my voice to answer. My life
could possibly change within the next few moments...
"Yes Honey..." I said.
She said something about coming into the bathroom.
Well, I fumbled with my feet and made my way to the bathroom. It was bright when
I stepped inside there; I looked back briefly, to the quietude. The impression
of my thoughts still sitting in the pattern I left on the bed.
I looked into her eyes but didn't see any answer....
Gee, thanks baby... but I didn't say that!
I looked down on the sink counter and viewed the pen shaped medical apparatus...
There was a plus sign.
"Honey," she started. "You're a New Born Dad!"
Joy! That's what I felt, and when I reached for her hand, I felt her joy too!
"I'm a New Born Dad!"
Written by Alfred Steven Harris, Author of 'Don't Push Me' and 'On-line Love'
All rights reserved. Copyright April 2010; Email author: aplussolo@yahoo.com
Kissing the
Day
by Alfred Steven Harris
The
sun was kissing the day, laying its yellow lips on the skyline. She had told her
white, fluffy, and flurry little friends to scram, they weren't needed today.
She wanted the sky to be clear and blue and was determined to hold on to this
day, for an amazing thing had happened. True love was born, she knew it was
love, they knew it too, and everyone that was witness to it... knew it too, what
they didn't know was that it would last....forever!
So the Sun, to the annoyance and exasperation of the powers that be, was
refusing to let caliginous have his due. You see many, many years ago it was
agreed upon that both would share the world, but this day was different...
There is so much bad in the world that today the Sun, beaming in all her glory,
wanted the world to remember, to commemorate the improbability of the growth of
a new love, born out of the apprehension and trepidation from all the horror
stories one usually hears from this source, this love was born!
These two had met on the Internet!
Twilight once again winked at the horizon, but the sun just turned orange, from
yellow, in her determination. She shined her light on the lakes so that her glow
would shimmer across the waters, those on the docks were astounded that the sun
sat so long. Children, who dared to skip rocks, were delighted.
She peeped between city buildings casting effulgence and warmth, even cheer to
those who would accept it.
'Just a little longer' she whispered to Darkness, knowing that he, contrary to
popular belief, could be kind and gentle, providing things like secrecy and
ambiance. He, too, would understand the importance of true friendship, which
could, and in this case would, lead to True Love...and with True Love, comes
True Peace...and our world needs that!
Then the two people broke their kiss, but not their embrace, and Sunshine was
able to bless them with her warmth upon their faces, she watched them both
smile, accepting, lost in their own, but joined thoughts. Sunshine settled in
and lowered herself below the junction of earth and sky; she was witnessing
happiness and decided that she would bless the world with her face again
tomorrow.
There is so much good in the world...why do we only advertise the bad!
Written by Alfred Steven Harris, Author of 'Don't Push Me' and 'On-line Love'
All rights reserved. Copyright April 2010; Email author: aplussolo@yahoo.com
Author Sharon R. Wells
Draws on Her Past
to Create a Resource Guide for Sexual Abuse Victims
Last
year was a landmark year for Sharon R. Wells. One year ago she created a
business called Angel Wings Publications, LLC, and a website designed to empower
and educate victims who suffer a wide range of repercussions resulting from
sexual abuse.
Today she celebrates the one-year anniversary of her organization at the same
time that she anticipates the publication of her first book, "Without
Permission." "Without Permission" is a candidly-written story of
the many problems Wells has suffered, all of them the result of the sexual abuse
she experienced as a child.
Book
and Website Helps Victims, Friends and Families Struggling
with the Effects of Sexual Abuse
The mission of her website and her book is both simple and critically important
- to build the awareness that can help prevent sexual abuse in the future.
"I decided to open up and tell my story in the hopes that it may help spare
others the pain of sexual abuse," Wells stated. "I have had the
opportunity to speak at a few panel discussions. I look forward to other such
speaking engagements in the future. My most important goal is to encourage
victims to break their silence and begin to heal. I also hope to educate and
inform people so that they may recognize the various signs of potential abuse
and hopefully prevent other children from becoming victims too."
She has published her introduction along with the first chapter of "Without
Permission" on her website as a free resource to people needing help. For
people who wish to know her entire story, the book will soon be available at www.angelwingspublications.com
for $15.
"It is my fondest hope that 'Without Permission' will inform people about
the effects of sexual abuse and encourages sexual abuse survivors to heal,"
said Wells. "I also believe my website can be a wonderful resource for
victims and the people who love them. If my book and website can make a
difference in just one person's life, then it will all be worth it."
Sharon R. Wells, is a writer, entrepreneur, survivor and advocate of
sexual abuse prevention and awareness. It has been her determination, unwavering
faith and perseverance that has helped her to overcome many challenging
obstacles in her life. She has written heartfelt, spiritual and inspirational
essays during her healing journey. This has inspired her to create Angel Wings
Publications, LLC, to help victims find strength, hope and courage to begin
their healing process.
Sharon
presently works as an executive liaison for a prestigious fortune five hundred
company located in New York City. Over the past few years, she has achieved a
certification in Human Resource Management and is also a certified rape crisis
advocate.
Book Excerpt: Without Permission A Spiritual Journey of Healing http://www.angelwingspublications.com/?page=news&id=977
"Without Permission" is my personal story of how I have
survived child sexual abuse and my journey towards healing, forgiveness and
finding inner-peace.
As I look back at the turbulence in my life which stemmed from sexual abuse, it
lead me down a path of self-destructive behavior. It included drug abuse,
relationship and trust issues with family and friends. Not to mention, the long
list of typical effects that this particular type of abuse tends to spawn.
In addition, are stories of courageous survivors who share their stories on how
they have overcome their trauma and began to heal. The stories of victims may
differ in various ways, but the root of the problem is still the same. I share
these thoughts with those who seek comfort and closure. This problem can torment
the victim from childhood throughout their adult lives. This is a sensitive
issue, and for those who have been affected, this may open a door where you find
courage to seek help and support. This is an issue that must be addressed, and
up until now, has had a lack of exposure. It is time to unveil the secrets
without shame or fear, and trust that God will help you find inner peace.
Lifestyle Hot
Topic
Consequences by Linda R.
Herman
Look
at me, take a long, hard stare.
I'm the face of HIV. I represent every woman 25-34 who has died or is
dying from AIDS. AIDS is the leading cause of death in African American women in
this age group.
So, LOOK at me!
Do you think I'm ready to die? I'm not ready. I don't want to leave my children,
family, and friends. LOOK at me!
Can you honestly tell me we can't change the statistics by raising awareness?
Can we not see the Consequences of our actions? Oh God, is anybody even
listening to me? LOOK at me!
Now, take a long hard look at yourself and answer this question: What am
I going to do today to raise awareness of HIV & AIDS?
HIV in the African American community: AIDS is the leading cause of death
in African American women 25-34 years of age. Take a stand, make a difference,
and eradicate the spread of HIV. Consequences is now available on Amazon Kindle.
Consequences by Linda R. Herman
It all begins with the look; that initial contact when the eyes speak loud and
clear as to what the body craves. Deep, wet, passionate kisses leading to mind
blowing orgasms that leaves the body trembling much like a leaf on a tree on the
windiest of days. Sex. It's meant to be a beautiful bond, a physically
satisfying act between two people, but when not engaged in responsibly, sex can
turn ugly, deadly even.
Andre
Peters, a man who has it all; the perfect wife and family, and the job of his
dreams. From the outside looking in, one would have to ask, What more could he
ask for? What he didn't ask for was his secret desires for the same sex; those
desires that occasionally lead him astray from his marital vows. But Andre
doesn't consider himself gay or bi. He still loves sex with his wife; it's just
every now and again that he craves something different, pleasure he can only
find in the arms of another man. His failure to be honest with his lovers of
both genders; his failure to engage in safe sex; his denial of his sexual
preference; and his desire to straddle the fence-sleeping with both women and
men-leads to a domino effect, destroying lives one HIV infection after another.
In Consequences, readers are taken on a journey into the lives of a down-low
husband, his wife, his lovers, and a cast of others who are affected, whether
directly or indirectly, by the HIV virus. The story is fiction but the reality
of HIV is fact, and the reality is that each year there are thousands of new
cases diagnosed-most of those new cases being women of color and minority. It
has to end; and it has to end where it begins-with each one of us.
Linda R. Herman, Co-Founder of Authors Supporting Authors
Website: http://www.lindarherman.org
ISBN-10: 0981809405
The
Stalker Chronicles
By Electa Rome Parks
Pilar is
back, and this time it's all about revenge.
Tall,
dark, and handsome bestselling male author Xavier Preston thought his
nightmare—in the form of Pilar, a fanatical stalker/fan—had finally ended.
Little does he know it’s only beginning.
When Xavier met Pilar, he got much more than he bargained for. What started out
as an erotic one-night stand quickly turned into a dangerous game of obsession
and pain, with both parties playing to win. Then she simply disappeared.
Stunning Pilar hasn't gone away, though. In fact, she has been very near,
watching his every move and patiently waiting for him to realize they were meant
to be together forever. She still believes they’re soul mates, and the only
option for her is “Until death do us part.” If she can't have Xavier, then
no one can. Now no one is safe—not his friends, and definitely not him.
Revenge can be a real killer...
The
Stalker Chronicles by Electa Rome Parks
Prologue
It was getting easier and easier now.
She moved quickly and efficiently throughout the spacious three-car garage. She
wanted to remove any traces of evidence that she had ever been there. She had
always been good at simply disappearing and being invisible. That was easy.
She was definitely more confident, and it showed in her cool, calm, and
collected demeanor. She was no longer afraid of being caught, because the urge
to punish those who had hurt her was stronger, much more overwhelming, and
urgent. She probably couldn’t stop herself even if she wanted to---she was
operating on pure animal instinct. The need to survive and protect herself by
any means necessary overrode anything else. Fight or flight. And she had long
been tired of running.
There had been others over the years, more than she could count on one hand.
They were mere vague gray memories that occasionally crossed her mind, like one
might think of a stray pet one owned as a child, but she dismissed the images
just as quickly. She never held on to them for more than a few fleeting moments
in time. Denial was her refuge.
Only one had successfully escaped her sharp talons and womanly wiles. Or had he?
Maybe she let him get away, just that one time. She hadn’t determined which.
Sometimes she thought of him, when her mind wasn’t a jumble of darkness,
discontent, and madness. There were moments. . . .
She missed him, yearned for his special touch, the touch that only he could
deliver with precision and skill. His touch brought heat and desire. His lies
brought pain and sorrow. She hated that he escaped her grasp, or that possibly
she let him walk away, unscathed. She still considered him her soul mate, the
one who made her complete and safe and sound. She yearned to feel complete,
because most days she realized she was broken and damaged beyond repair.
However, she couldn’t think of that one just yet. Not now. That would come
later. The strenuous act of positioning this one just right was over. Now she
had serious, delicate cleanup work to complete. Within seconds, that one, the
one who got away, was pushed to the dark, cold recesses of her mind. Forgotten .
. . for now.
It was painstakingly slow work because everything had to be absolutely perfect.
She had observed and respected what a perfectionist he was. He thrived on it.
She softly snickered to herself and had to catch herself before it became an
all-out rambunctious laugh. He didn’t look too perfect right now, slumped
behind the steering wheel of his black BMW like a deflated, tossed-aside bag of
rags and bones. Another snicker escaped. She tightly clamped her gloved hand
down over her mouth to stop it, to keep it from spilling forth.
When he was discovered—hopefully, within a day or two—she wanted him to
appear perfect in death. That was the least she could do, because she honestly
felt she owed him that much. With a gloved hand, she carefully took the
typewritten note out of his jacket pocket, typed from the personal computer in
his home office, and gently placed it next to him on the soft leather passenger
seat of his car. Laughter escaped freely and drifted into the still air.
She took one last hopeful look at him and placed a single kiss on his left
cheek. She wanted to remember him at peace. Happy. So handsome. She sighed
before she carefully closed the driver’s side car door. Then she continued to
wipe down any surface she might have touched that bore her prints. She was
patient as perspiration dotted her forehead. From her experiences, she knew that
patience was a virtue.
She dreamily thought, We could have been so deliriously happy together. They
always fucked things up. Always. She hadn’t met a man yet who didn’t. It was
never a matter of if, but when. If only he hadn’t started to question or doubt
her because of that damn movie, Diary of a Stalker, which had been released a
month earlier and was a blockbuster success. Everyone was talking about it;
already there was talk of Oscar nominations for best actress and best actor. She
couldn’t escape it, no matter where she turned or what it signified for her.
No, you didn’t reject me and attempt to walk away, without a backward glance,
she thought. How dare he? She didn’t do well with rejection. Never had. Never
would. She chuckled to herself, thinking the joke was definitely on him. If he
were alive, he would probably appreciate the joke as well. She had decided years
ago that no one, especially not a man, would ever hurt her again. Never again.
So far, she hadn’t broken her promise to herself, nor did she have any
intentions to going forward.
She exited the beautiful, spacious home that screamed quiet elegance, luxury,
and money. She let herself out and quietly disappeared into the night, under the
cover of darkness. She craved the darkness for its mystery and power. She
whistled a happy tune to herself as she walked away. No worries. No rush. She
was lost in her own demented world. Enter at your own risk.
She reminisced about a man—a beautiful, tall, dark, and very sexy man with
deep dimples and gorgeous teeth, a man she couldn’t wait to be reunited with.
Her body craved him, and she could hardly contain her excitement and joy at just
the mere thought of being in his presence again. It had been too long. As for
the one in the garage, with the car engine running and the towel stuffed in the
exhaust system, he had already slipped her mind, before his body was even cold
and stiff. Her last thoughts of him were that when they found him, she hoped he
would look perfect. She knew he would want it that way. After all, that was the
least she could do. She hummed a lively tune and strolled off into the darkness.
The
Stalker Chronicles by Electa Rome Parks
Coming January 31, 2012 Purchase
from Amazon Online
ISBN-10: 1601623348
ISBN-13: 978-1601623348
Meet
the Author Electa Rome Parks currently resides outside Atlanta, Georgia. After
successfully self-publishing her debut novel, The Ties That Bind, New American
Library, a division of Penguin Group, bought the rights. Electa signed a
three-book deal with New American Library. All three books were immediately
chosen as Black Expressions Book Club main selections and embraced as Books of
the Month by book clubs across the country. Dubbed a "book club
favorite," avid readers have embraced Electa's true to life characters that
tackle prevalent and heavy hitting issues.
Since then Electa has become an award-winning, national bestselling author of
eight books. Electa was highlighted in Literary Divas: The Top 100+ Most Admired
African-American Women in Literature and has written articles for several
on-line magazines such as Black Pearls Magazine. The self-proclaimed, Queen of
Real, Electa has been a frequent guest on radio shows, has been nominated for
many industry awards and has been interviewed by AOL's Black Voices, Vibe Vixen,
Upscale Magazine, Today's Black Woman, Rolling Out and Booking Matters, to name
just a few publications.
With a BA degree in marketing and a minor in sociology, she is following her
true passion and working on her next novel, The Stalker Chronicles (coming Feb.
2012), and first non-fiction book. Electa is also currently touring with
Atlanta's GA Peach Authors tour.
Twisted
by Ni'cola Mitchell The
highly anticipated sequel to Over and Over Again
“I
have to do what’s best for me” has been Dionni’s motto since the horrible
night she found her finance Dale entangled between the legs of her best friend
Eva. Enraged and torn, Dionni goes on a hiatus from Las Vegas to clear her mind
and get her heart back in order.
Dionni’s much needed vacation is interrupted once she is informed that Tiana,
her other best friend was found raped, beaten and now in a coma. Without any
family around, Dionni has to return home to face her past while trying to put
the shattered pieces of her life back together.
Will the demons of Dionni’s past allow her to be free or continue to keep her
twisted?
Excerpt
from Twisted by Ni'cola Mitchell
I removed my Armani Exchange sunglasses and extended my left hand to take a good
look at my ring finger. I was in love with my two carat, sky blue diamond,
platinum engagement ring that Dale gave me when he proposed to me.
The ring he gave me just hours before I went on a high speed chase with a damn
near empty gas tank through the city of North Las Vegas chasing him and his
chick of the moment. The same ring that he gave me before he knew that Ashley,
his mistress from the garage was pregnant. The same ring that he gave me despite
of the secret love affair that I discovered that him and Eva, my supposedly best
friend was entangled in.
Yea, I was oh so in love with this beautiful ring, that I did not think twice as
I stood in line at the small pawnbroker downtown to do the inevitable.
I was about to pawn it.
That’s right. I walked up to the elderly Middle Eastern woman that stood
behind the counter and asked her for her best offer.
The lady peered at me for a moment over her wire reading glasses, before
stepping away to speak to her supervisor. I really was not in the mood for
speculations, and I glared right back at her. My hazel colored eyes never
blinking.
I knew that we were in Las Vegas, home of big dreams and huge losses. Land of
gambling your rent money away, and spending all night at the neighborhood casino
trying to flip it back. The city known for its connection of sin, and the motto
of by any means necessary; but this situation was not the case.
I am far from being hard up for money. I do not harbor any typical addictions
such as gambling, drinking, sex or smoking. I did not have to live by the rules
of robbing Peter to pay Paul.
My kryptonite was on a totally different level. My addiction was Dale, and the
heartbreak that he proposed on me on so many occasions. Getting rid of this ring
was going to be the first step of my road to recovery, and I really didn’t
care about what this old lady nor anyone felt or thought about what I was doing.
About the Author Ni’cola Mitchell
Striving to establish a new flair to the term contemporary fiction, author
Ni’cola Mitchell entered the literary scene with one main objective: To
Stimulate Your Mind, One Word at a Time.
Through her independent publishing company, NCM Publishing, Ni’cola published
her debut novel titled Over and Over Again in June 2009. Following on the heels
of her debut’s critical acclaim, The Appetizer: When You’re Not His Main
Course was released February 2010. Ni’cola’s growing readership
eagerly awaited her next literary masterpiece Twisted, which was released
December 2010. Much of her work revolves around complex relationship issues,
intimate situations and Mitchell’s compulsive desire to see women over come
challenges.
Over and Over Again was featured in the top ten by EDC Creations
Recommended Reading List for the 2009 fall season under Mainstream Fiction and
Women’s Fiction. She was recently nominated Self-Published Author of the Year
by the African-African Literary Awards Show. She is also a member of the
national touring group the Literary Sistahs.
Because of her outstanding representation of Las Vegas’ African-American
community, she was featured in the second edition of Who’s Who in Black Las
Vegas. Ni’cola is also a motivational speaker and literary consultant.
When Ni’cola isn’t writing, she loves to spend time with her family and
volunteer as a mentor for youth activities.
Originally from Kingston, Jamaica, Ni’cola Mitchell currently resides in North
Las Vegas, Nevada, with her two daughters, Destani and Diamond. She holds
a Bachelors degree of Science in Business Management and is currently pursuing a
Masters of Business Administration in HealthCare Management. To find out more
check out www.nicolacmitchell.com.
Kevin Kennard gazed into the precious face of his newborn son, the offspring of the intoxicating love he shared with his wife, Simone. Closing his eyes, Kevin whispered a prayer of thanks. Life had given him a second chance at happiness far greater than anything he'd fathomed from inside the concrete walls of his prison cell. While Kevin and Simone bask in their familial bliss, those scorned by their union collect the pieces to their shattered hearts and plot the couple's demise. Darkness hovers the Kennards when their newborn baby becomes the target for revenge.
A tidal wave of fatal events stifles the sanctity Kevin and Simone have come to cherish. Kevin had promised those he loved that his gun-toting days were a thing of the past. But with nothing else to live for, he journeys to find the person responsible for the devastation reeked in his world. Someone will pay for what they've done to his family, even if it cost Kevin his own life. In the award winning novel, "Two Tears in a Bucket," Kevin and Simone reminded us how powerful and lasting the bonds of love can be. But can it weather, Another Tear?
Excerpt from Another Tear by Traci Bee
Trapped in the darkness, Simone struggled to free herself. She hated when her body became immobile but her mind remained fully conscious. Normally, when she hallucinated in her sleep, her surroundings seemed clear. But this time, a still blackness haunted her. She struggled to wake. Finally, after a fluster of forced blinks, her eyes opened. Slowly, the objects around her began to take form.
An older Caucasian man stood two inches taller than Kevin. A head full of salt-and-pepper curls, a slowly aging face of soft wrinkles, and his lean build clothed in an expensive-looking navy blue suit; everything about him screamed money. His mouth moved, yet silence flowed as he chatted with her husband. Pain was etched in Kevin’s face as he listened, his back resting against the wall to support his feeble stance as he stared out at nothing. Angela sat in a chair, black mascara smeared around her eyes. Dried-up tears stained her cheeks.
Kevin’s lips moved. She knew his lips well and read what seemed to be “Still no word on...” The doctor’s nod cut Kevin off before he could finish asking his question.
What’s going on? Simone questioned. She couldn’t hear a thing. Nothing but the continuously, annoying beep from the heart monitor. Is that machine for me? I’m in the hospital?
She grunted and pulled, but couldn’t move. Something was holding her down. Her surroundings were too vivid for it to be a hallucination.
The doctor took a step toward the door. No, don’t leave!
Simone grew frustrated. Wait a minute! Her ears popped. Her hearing had returned. Relieved, she called after the doctor. Doc!
Kevin leaned against the wall with his hand on his forehead. “Doc.”
Thank you, baby, Simone said.
Though Kevin’s voice was muffled and seemingly as weak as hers, he was closer to the doctor. Lifting his head, he stared at the doctor through red eyes stained from crying.
“There’s really nothing you can do? I mean, suppose she was the president? What would y’all do then? I can’t take fifty-fifty, Doc. I need something more concrete. I need you to tell me she’s going to be okay.”
The doctor sighed as he searched for the right words of comfort.
“Unfortunately, Mr. Kennard, we’ve done everything we can. Pulling through something like this is up to the patient. It just depends on their will to live.”
Yes, I can hear you. You can’t hear me? Simone cleared her throat. Is that better? Can you hear me now?
“In most cases, they can,” the doctor shared. “So talk to her. It can only help.”
Okay, I have got to get out of this bed. Simone tugged. She pulled. But no matter her attempt, she couldn’t free herself from the bed. To gather strength, she relaxed and filled her lungs with air. Fueled by determination, she gave another powerful tug until finally, she sat up in bed.
It happened in slow motion. Angela’s gut wrenching, boundless wails bedeviled the room as her body gradually descended from the chair to the floor. Kevin’s eyes bulged in fear as he and the doctor leaped across the room to Simone’s bedside.
Simone turned to the heart monitor. The continuously, annoying beep was gone. In its place: a flatline.
Meet the Author
Traci Bee
is the award-winning author of the Kindle drama chart topping, Two Tears in a Bucket. When she’s not writing, Traci enjoys karaoke and spending time with her family. She currently resides in Waldorf, Maryland with her husband and kids and is working on two novels; the final installment to the Two Tears in a Bucket Series and A Nickel for A Kiss.
Betrayed by her cold, callous mother and abused by her alcoholic stepfather, eighteen-year-old Simone Woodard is kicked out of the house like a bag of trash and left to survive on her own. While struggling to create a life for herself, her beauty and innocence captivate Kevin Kennard, a handsome, hazel-eyed felon with an addiction to all things illegal.
For the first time in Kevin's life, real love has him rethinking his criminal path. But the action on the street refuses to take a backseat and pull Kevin into his worse nightmare.
Simone's world crumbles but an unlikely ally refuses to allow her to wallow in self-pity. Slowly, she becomes the whole, powerful woman she was destined to be. But is her newfound strength enough to get her through life's brutal unpredictability?
Two Tears in a Bucket is a soulful novel that reminds us how powerful and lasting the bonds of love can be, even among the harsh realities of urban life.
Excerpt: TWO TEARS IN A BUCKET
Kevin’s nightmares tracked him down yet again. The screams and cries were louder than usual as he ran through the dark forest. The trees had come to life, dripping with blood. Kevin ran, ducking and dodging the branches as they reached out to grab him. Something was chasing him, and today it was faster than ever. Kevin ran toward the light. The closer he got, the thicker the woods became.
“Run, Kevin,” he heard a male’s voice encourage. A hand appeared through the light, reaching out to him. Whatever was chasing him was on his heels. Without a second thought, Kevin reached for the hand and was yanked into an area so bright that it nearly blinded him. He threw up his arms, covering his eyes. Slowly, the light began to soften. Kevin lowered his arms and gasped as he came face-to-face with Mr. Johnson.
“No, Kevin.” Mr. Johnson smiled, reading the panic on his face.
“Am I dead?” Kevin asked anyway.
Mr. Johnson raised an eyebrow. “Kevin, you know goodness well that if you died today, you and I wouldn’t be in the same place.”
A train of tears poured from Kevin’s eyes as he stared at Mr. Johnson and his heavenly glow. “Mr. Johnson, I’m sorry,” he cried, dropping to his knees. “You know I didn’t mean to kill you. I would never, ever do anything to harm you. I loved you like a father.”
“I know that, son. I know that,” Mr. Johnson said. “But, Kevin… would you have killed Toby? What about James or the guy you nearly beat to death in the shower?”
Engulfed in his emotions, Kevin couldn’t respond. Instead, he sat on the ground and bawled. Mr. Johnson lowered himself to the ground and patted Kevin on the back in an attempt at comfort.
“I’m sorry, Mr. Johnson,” Kevin cried. “I’m sorry. I didn’t go to—”
“Kevin, Kevin… It was an accident, son. I know,” Mr. Johnson interrupted. “Do you remember our talks at the nursing home?”
Kevin answered with a nod of his head.
“I told you I was gonna be watching you, and God has allowed me to do so. That’s why you didn’t get to James. I wish I could’ve prevented his death altogether, but I could only help you. The only reason I didn’t stop the
fight in the shower was because you needed this time to be alone, to think about what it is you’re going to do with your life.”
Mr. Johnson helped Kevin stand to his feet. “I don’t know any pain now, son. But don’t let my death be in vain. I’ve seen your future.” He lifted Kevin’s head with his
fingers and smiled with a raised brow. “But the only way you can have it is if you get yourself together. If you really, really sorry, you’ll do it for me. And remember,” he said as his image faded, “I’m watching you.”
Kevin sprang up in bed. The sun’s rays beamed through the window of his small cell. He sighed, realizing he had been dreaming. I’m going to get myself together, Mr. Johnson.
About the Author
Traci Bee’s debut novel TWO TEARS IN A BUCKET has earned her numerous awards, including AAMBC’S 2011 Breakout Author of the Year, and remains one of the hottest selling ebook dramas on Amazon.
The proud owner of King George Publishing, LLC, a company named in honor of her daddy angel, George, Traci plans to release ANOTHER TEAR this summer and A NICKEL FOR A KISS in December, 2011.
Website: http://www.tracibee.com | Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com
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.
A native of Philadelphia and a former teacher, Renee Bess has been writing most of her life...poetry, short fiction, and now novels. In authoring LEAVE OF ABSENCE, BREAKING JAIE,
RE: BUILDING SASHA, AND THE BUTTERFLY MOMENTS, Renee has remained committed to writing stories about multi-ethnic characters, timely social themes, romance, intrigue, and mystery. She welcomes a diverse audience of readers to her books and to her website,
www.reneebess.com.
BPM: Tell us about your journey to becoming a successfully published author. Do you have anyone in your life who was influential in your deciding to become an author?
It seems to me that I've been writing for most of my life. A few of my early poems were published in anthologies. In 1994, my short story, "At the Beauty Parlor," won first place in a short fiction contest sponsored by a Philadelphia area feminist newspaper, "Labyrinth." A year or two after that, two of my stories were included in two different Canadian LGBT anthologies.
During the mid-1990's I began writing what started as a piece of short fiction. I would write in the summers during my breaks from teaching. This particular short story kept growing, chapter by chapter. Before I knew it, I'd written a novel, "Leave of Absence." I self-published it with Borders Personal Publishing. After my second manuscript was rejected by two different publishers, I submitted it to a third, Regal Crest Enterprises. The owner of RCE liked my work and offered me a contract. RCE published BREAKING JAIE along with my third and fourth books.
I credit my parents for influencing my love of the written word. When I was very young, my dad was the bedtime story reader. Whenever he ran out of new story books to read, he would invent his own tales to entertain my sister and me. My mother has either given me a book or a gift voucher from a book store every Christmas of my life.
BPM: Take us inside your latest book. Of the main characters, do you have any favorites?
My latest book, THE BUTTERFLY MOMENTS, began as a traditional romance. Very quickly, it morphed into a romance-with-intrigue. This book is my first foray into writing a murder mystery with romance elements. The murder, which has taken place before the story begins, is based very loosely on the real killing of a high school student who lived not far from me. After that crime occurred, I couldn't drive by the murder scene and the area where her body was abandoned without feeling sadness for the loss of such a promising young person.
In the book, the main characters include Detective Johnetta Jones (a character who is in two other books,) Alana Blue (a Parole officer on the cusp of retirement,) Rafaela Ortiz (a P.O. with a checkered work history,) Nikki and Owen Reid (Alana's homophobic daughter and supportive son-in-law.)
The murder is the thread that connects these characters. Certainly I have favorites, but I prefer not saying who they are.
BPM: In writing your novels, how do you develop the plot? How much research was required, if any? Do you ever experience writer's block?
From time to time, I do experience writer's block. I find that any kind of stress tends to squelch my creativity.
My characters emerge from my imagination long before I begin to write. Usually it is the characters who lead me to the plot. I know some writers develop elaborate outlines for their books. I haven't used that method so far. I have a sketchy idea of where I want the story to go, but my characters always take themselves through the story arc.
For THE BUTTERFLY MOMENTS
I needed to research a typical day in the work life of a Parole Officer, so I interviewed a neighbor of mine who is a career
Parole Officer. Prior to writing
RE: BUILDING SASHA, I interviewed a cousin of mine who had been a general manager of a construction company. I was curious about the subtle and not so subtle challenges that face a female in such a male dominated field.
BPM: How did you come to create such strong main characters? Did you know from the start that they would be so complex and exciting?
Whenever I write fiction I have three goals: to create fully formed and well described characters, to craft the language with the same precision with which a sculptor would carve a statue, and to tell a story that will encourage the reader to think beyond it. So yes, I intended for the characters to be complex and exciting. I want the reader to wonder what becomes of Johnetta's and Alana's relationship; what does Nikki do with her feelings about her mother's sexuality; where does Rafe land as a consequence of her choices?
BPM: Who do you want to reach with your book, THE BUTTERFLY
MOMENTS?
I want to reach as many readers as possible. I've been told that my fiction is not solely for African-American LGBT readers; that the stories have cross-over appeal. I believe that their themes and characters are recognizable to all people, regardless of gender, sexuality and racial/ethnic identity. In a most gentle non-proselytizing way, I welcome all readers.
BPM: What particular scene(s) from the novel will grab readers and serve to stimulate spirited discussions?
The scenes between Alana and Johnetta and between Alana and Rafe should be thought provoking, especially for the more mature readers who might find themselves somewhere along the continuum spanning rational decision making and do-it-because-it-looks-exciting-and dangerous decision making. And of course, the scene in which the murderer is revealed will grab the readers.
BPM: What has been your most difficult hurdle to leap--marketing, promotions or gaining media exposure?
All three of the above. I am an introvert, a quiet thinker, a wonderer. I live in my head.
Getting the word out about my books is much more challenging than writing them. I am grateful for outlets like Black Pearls Magazine, and the interviews I've done on
BAN Radio via Blogtalkradio.
BPM: Share with us your latest news.
I'm pleased that THE BUTTERFLY MOMENTS is short-listed by the Golden Crown Literary Society as a finalist for a Goldie Award in the Romance with Intrigue category. The awards will be announced on June 12th during their annual conference. Your readers can stay abreast of my news by going to my website:
www.reneebess.com
Michael McGrew
can be described in one word, “visionary.” Naturally born with a gift in storytelling, writing a gripping novel is a walk in the park for this Los Angeles native. When asked about his role models and inspiration growing up, he simply explained that “Life itself and what it offers every day is a lesson and every lesson, if learned is the best advice the universe can give you.” He is a very diverse individual with a mind that invites the reality in which we choose to either accept or ignore. We just choose to ignore the imperfections in our own perfect world.
BPM: Tell us about your journey becoming a successfully published author. Do you have anyone in your life that was heavily influential in your deciding to become an author?
My journey is coincidental considering I couldn't stand to read at all as a youth, but I've always been a good story teller. As far as any influences that helped me make a decision I'd have to give credit to time. I didn't grow up with a role model or professionals to look up to and time allowed me to learn who I was, therefore giving me the ability to acknowledge my strengths.
My Kinda Girl by Michael McGrew
Bobbi Williams dreamed his way to the top without accepting failure as an option. From street hustler to a successful con man, he finds himself lost and confused when his best friend/sister is murdered in cold blood. After doing six years in prison for a string of robberies, and now friends with his late sister's boyfriend James, they plan their way to the top together. When Bobbi is released from Atlanta State Penitentiary with a lot to prove and a legal hustling game plan, his life begins to take a successful turn for the worst starting with a secret affair involving James fiancé, Jennifer.... recognizing that she is his kinda girl. Bobbi has it all; the money, fame, a fantasy and a family until his past and a little karma catches up to him. MY KINDA GIRL is a tale that travels deep in the mind of a man with secrets that manifests into problems, too hard to live with, and death is the only way out!
BPM: Did you choose your genre, or did your genre choose you?
I chose urban life/fiction because when I took an interest in writing professional in 2008 urban fiction's demand was increasing and I figured it would be an awesome genre to establish a platform before pursuing other genres of literature.
BPM: Success leaves clues, whose clues did you follow on your journey?
I followed many talents on different levels in the industry such as Kwan, Will Smith, Troy Johnson, Baby Williams, and a close friend of mine Tim Beachum.
BPM: What are some of the benefits of being an author that makes it all worthwhile?
Some of my benefits are sharing my views, expressing my opinion through my characters and being able to touch my readers in a way to trigger questions, concerns in hopes that they can improve a situation or even learn what not to do as a learning experience. When I receive reviews or someone stops me in public and discuss my story with me just tickles my funny bone! I'm glad that I have a platform to touch and help people, now that's living.
BPM: Do you have any advice for people seeking to publish a book?
Where do I start...um...being artistic is awesome and I'm glad I chose writing as a profession, however business is just as important, in fact twice as important if you want to succeed in doing so. Some people just want to print a book to give out to the family for Christmas or even to say they've got a book printed. However, if you want to become an author; which should enable you to become a publisher someday, then you've got to have a marketing plan.
BPM: Now, let’s talk about the industry. How did you initially break into the publishing industry? What road did you travel? How do you feel about self-publishing? How do feel about selling digital books vs. selling in a brick and mortar store?
Okay your getting me excited, let me reposition my chair! After I decided to show interest in joining the literary world I had the pleasure to meet Kiki Swinson and she gave me a few pointers and I ran with them. From the information she gave me and the research I found, which happened to be worth my time in investing, I put an order in at a local printer in my town and was quoted $7500 for 2500 books which came out to $3.00 per book (Highway robbery! I know but didn't know any better.) and paid him in full in 5 months. I put a two weeks notice in at my job two weeks prior to my book being shipped and have been advancing in this industry ever since. I
feel it's very important to become your own boss, but I understand that there's a lot of people who just want to write under another entrepreneurs company.
I chose the independent route and established Legacy Publishing Group LLC in 2010 and looking at greater profit margins, recognition and flexibility as my own publisher. Ebooks is to bookstores what Wal-Mart is to mom and pop shops across the nation. Bookstores are suffering everywhere for the simple fact that it's convenient for someone to buy a E-reading deceive for $114 or download an app and purchase your work online for $12 cheaper than the store, which they have to get in their car and drive to! Personally I think ebooks prices should be regulated to at least half of what the retail value is and I understand that we can set our own price, but it's the authors who aren't seeing the bigger picture that needs to stop settling for a $2.99 sale that their only going to receive $1.04. My work is more valuable, so why not spend money in the stores and keep the tradition going?
BPM: Share with our readers the “behind-the-scenes” dish! Introduce us to your book and the main characters. Do you have any favorites? What genre is the book? On Kindle or Nook?
Well My Kinda Girl is about two guys who are in love with a woman. She is tempting, drop dead gorgeous and belongs to James. Bobby looks up to him and is also was his deceased sisters boyfriend in the past. Bobbi can't resist Jennifer as she pursues him until he gives in and plants his first Karma seed. Lonnie Biggs is also a leading character, he's a corrupt detective who seeks revenge on his only sons killer and puts the pieces of the story together and finds out that James and Bobbi are the main suspects.
It all unravels but Bobbi's karma piles up as he is forced to deal with deceiving his friend and dealing with Lonnie Biggs. My Kinda Girl will have you dropping the book out of shock when you finish! I don't really have any favorites, I like them all actually but the there is only one victim in my eyes and that was Bobbi's girlfriend Stacy, she endured a lot and loved him so much. The genre is urban life/fiction but my company will also be publishing romance, self help and how-to/instructional books. My Kinda Girl and Taking Losses are both available on Kindle, Nook and IPad for only $6.99.
BPM: What inspired you to write this book? Why now? Ever experience writers block?
Some say I sound cocky when I say this but I just woke up one day and decided to write a book. It was one of those "If he can do it, then I could do better" type of scenarios and I did it. It was that simple. There is no grey area and there shouldn't be in life. Whether you can or you can't...you're right! Why Now? I asked myself this question on countless occasions and I think I finally know the answer.
Our experiences are great opportunity builders and being a single father during my late teens and twenties enabled me to focus on responsibilities and not my dreams. I began to ask myself the right questions such as what do I want to do with my life professionally and where did I want to be in the next five years? And it wasn't until my son was living with his grandmother between 2006-2008 that I came to the conclusion that I'd rather become the master of one mountain than a servant of a thousand foothills. I put all my chips on publishing and I'm still at the table. I've experienced writers block and don't like to rush it but before I begin to write, I develop the story in my head first so my process is pretty smooth.
BPM: What particular scenes will grab readers and serve to stimulate spirited discussions?
James suffers from heartache in a scene and describes his new found perception of love and explaining this scene is powerful enough to stir up emotion and questions that need to be discussed.
BPM: Who do you want to reach with your book and the message enclosed?
I want to reach everyone who's interested in reading movies on paper, that simple. I want to escape the expectations of urban fiction and provide great content for my readers, prompting them to demand the same from other authors.
BPM: How do you avoid the temptation of interjecting your own morals or value system in your writing?
I think I keep a pretty good balance but my experiences, vision and ability to explain in detail is my identity in this field. Mixed with a marketing plan and knowledge of my target market, it helps me and my story framing.
BPM: Share with us a quote or brief excerpt from one of the most powerful chapters.
"He looked vulnerable and beat, and at that moment I learned that if you want to defeat a man, you have to work him form the inside. Never in a hundred years did I think that I would ever come to envision a depressed version of James. A man with a mysterious passion and will to pursue goals to prove to more than just himself, that anyone can grab the success stick and run with it, but with every strength lies a weakness, and his, unfortunately was reliability." - from main character Bobbi Williams
BPM: Ultimately, what do you want readers to gain from your book?
As an individual we all have choices that lead us in a direction or path of our own. Our life's direction is all based on the decisions we make everyday. My characters represent symbols that are translated simply as karma, trust, commitment, honesty and relationships (business and personal).
BPM: What has been your most difficult hurdle to leap? Marketing, promotions or gaining media exposure, etc. How can EDC Creations and our readers help you?
This is a great question and being an entrepreneur and known for building great relationships I could use more media exposure. For the last four months I've focused primarily on my Internet presence as well as image establishment and as I prepare for my book tour following the Harlem Book Fair, It's time for me to socialize and grow my brand. Legacy Publishing Group is here to stay and authors are the NEW Rockstars!
BPM: How has your writing style evolved over the years? What stimulated your growth the most? We are here to shine the spotlight on your new book, but what's next?
I'm that type of writer that's all about growth and it has definitely gotten better and that's what happens when you deal with professional editors, they are a writers best friend. My personality and strength in the sales department. Well look out for Legacy Publishing Group and it's affiliates, in the process of growing the My Kinda Girl brand a playwright has been discussed as well as comedy and fashion shows coming soon. It's only the beginning.
BPM: What's next for you? Share with us your latest news. How may our readers follow you online?
Taking Losses is my sophomore novel and that will be released July 15, 2011.
My book tour begins July 21st - August 19th which will consist of a seven city tour ending in Virginia before flying back to L.A for the LABBX August 20th. You can purchase my novel "My Kinda Girl" on Amazon and it's also available at Barnes and Noble for only $13.95.
In My Kinda Girl by Michael McGrew readers are introduced to Bobbi Williams, a dreamer who takes a wrong turn while defending his sister's honor. Once Bobbi is released from prison his new friend, James, comes to his rescue with business opportunities and the ability to live the high life.
James has taken on the responsibility of running the entertainment business while his partner, Bobbi, is away. James meets and falls in love with Jennifer, the woman of his dreams. It is apparent that James did not think about the demands of being a business owner. The demands take their toll on him and he is court ordered to commit himself to a drug rehab program.
Bobbi is released and starts taking over the operation. James is not worried because he knows Bobbi will hold things down. He has taught Bobbi, everything he needs to know about their businesses. While James is away, Bobbi starts communicating more and more with Jennifer, his best friend's girlfriend, and things seem to get out of hand. Now they say keep your enemies close and Bobbi learns this the hard way. Bobbi's past discretions catch up to him and he is betrayed by the only person he has ever really trusted. Will Bobbi come out on top?
My Kinda Girl is a story about people coming into your life for a reason. This author has orchestrated a believable story that happens to many people in the entertainment industry. The author also introduced a new twist to street literature that will keep readers intrigued. The characters are well-developed allowing readers to relate to their plights. My Kinda Girl is also a page-turning book of unsuspected surprises that had me rushing to finish. I cannot wait to read more from this author and I definitely recommend this book to others.
-- This book was provided by the author for review purposes. Reviewed by Teresa Beasley, APOOO BookClub. APOOO Rating: 4.5
Intimate Conversation with LaDonna "The Exectress" Smith
LaDonna
is the Founder of
Philatonian Productions, Fire and Words Publishing, a member of The Black Writer’s Guild of Maryland, former intern producer of the Bernie McCain Show, former Associate Producer of the Michael Eric Dyson Show, a member of the Maryland Business Roundtable Speakers Bureau, a member of the National Association of Professional Women. Please check her website for her most recent media appearances like
Essencemagazine.com and more. She still resides in Maryland.
BPM: Where are you from? How did you start your writing journey?
I was born in Silver Spring MD and grew up in Fairmont Heights MD. My mother wanted my brother and I to attend the best possible schools so she would drive us to Montgomery County Schools on her way to work. Well I eventually attended and graduated from PG County Schools.
I have been writing as far back as I can remember, and I used to get in trouble for staying up and sneaking to write more. My journey with this particular book began at first as a way of getting my ex back for the pain and hurt he caused me but it quickly transitioned into and continues to be a healing process for me personally.
BPM: Why was this book, I Married Satan, so important to create?
Because it is the voice of so many whose voices have been silent about domestic violence, and abuse (physical, emotional, spiritual, molestation). I unknowingly became completely transparent in this book so others could begin the healing process.
BPM: Tell us about your passion for writing. What impact do you want your book to make on the readers? Who or what inspired you?
I would have to say my life experiences inspire me the most. When I say they inspire me I mean that I write from the situations that I experience firsthand. I Married Satan is a direct reflection and memoirs of me going through a marriage that I thought for four and a half years that I had married the man of my dreams you know I was prepared to spend the rest of my life with him I was 25 and you know my biological clock had already started ticking I had peer pressure cause other family and friends had gotten married and it seemed like I was the last person that was still single with no children and ultimately I filed for my divorce he filed for an annulment, and how in the world can you file for an annulment after being married for four and a half years?
Well! The answer is if you are still married to someone else you can do that and the experience part came from the fact that yes he’s a bigamist no he received no repercussions, he kept everything the house the cars he had everything and I basically had to start all over again I have even been homeless and slept on people’s porches; ate slices of bread and water as meals; borrowed food from the corner store and paid them on credit and fact of the title
I Married Satan let me tell you a little bit about that the fact that the enemy the devil satan can come in different forms, shapes appearances sizes colors etc is what focused that book. He’s not some red headed some red character with horns on his head and a spiky tail and carrying a pitch fork.
That’s not the devil that ‘s what people think that they see so if they don’t see that ah particular character come about they think that it’s not the devil they think that it might be just you know somebody else somebody else it may be that person. But the Bible says that we wrestle not against flesh and bone but against principalities. Meaning that it’s what’s inside that person that we’re wrestling.
BPM: Introduce us to your book, I Married Satan.
For four and a half years author LaDonna M. Smith thought that she was married to the man of her dreams…but the marriage turned out to be a four and a half year nightmare, which God made disappear in moments.
On August 14, 2003, LaDonna got married to a man she was prepared to spend the rest of her life. However, after days, and months of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual abuse – she found the strength to leave him. But she would soon return to endure even more hardships – some repetitious – some worse.
Finally, a year later she left for good and three and a half years later she filed for a divorce. Only to find out that her spouse had filed for an annulment – a month later. How can he file for an annulment after so many years of marriage? Because - before, during, and after their marriage he was still legally married to his first wife.
The book I Married Satan (self published) takes you inside the life of a woman who suffered, endured and eventually triumphed through an abusive marriage; swallowed the pain; forgave her ex ____________ (you fill in the blank) and has since become stronger, wiser, and more spiritual than she could have ever imagined.
This book is for every person who has ever been in a relationship with an abusive spouse; or has experienced facets of abuse such as: physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, molestation, drugs, or alcoholism…
BPM: How will your book motivate others to live life to the fullest?
I Married Satan will encourage readers to talk about their stories. Also God willing it will begin to increase awareness at churches and places where domestic violence and abuse has been “swept under the rug”. It’s time to expose the enemies attack on families-one survivor at a time!
BPM: Ultimately, what do you want readers to gain from your book?
Healing through the understanding that we were not created to endure pain and hardships from domestic violence and abuse. People we need to know our VALUE and WORTH!
BPM: What is the most surprising thing you have learned from publishing your book?
How receptive and supportive people are. They have encouraged me to continue with the process when I had considered quitting or that it wasn’t worth producing. Just when I had those thoughts someone else would pre order the book. I had book sales before any even saw the cover. Then once they saw the cover I began receiving emails and phone calls and text messages encouraging me even more so.
BPM: What would you say has been your most significant achievement with this book?
Meeting so many people with similar stories. Although some may say it’s unfortunate…it’s good to know that you are not the “only one” having or who has had this/these experiences. And yet we are still standing.
BPM: What advice would you give a person who wants to tell their story?
Like NIKE says “Just Do It”. There is some one waiting to hear that “this too shall pass.
” If you had not gone through the experience you would only be giving an opinion and you would not be qualified to give advice.
BPM: Name three things that it takes to make a successful person, in your opinion?
An intimate relationship with God-because “in all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your paths.” Also, He is who wisdom comes from.
Humbleness –forever be a student. Remember that there is always someone who knows more, and who has had more experiences.
Also once success is obtained in my opinion “big headed people” fall fast.
Just as quick as you obtain it- you can loose it. Never take it for granted.
The willingness to give INSTEAD of receive. I am a giver and I no longer know how to receive. This can range from compliments to
tangible items. I try to out give more even if it means something as simple as cooking a meal for someone who doesn’t have it. But let me emphasize-with the use of discernment.
BPM: What can we expect from you in the future?
I have other books that I am working on. So far there are 2 which are close. Hannah’s Song: A Musical Approach to Potty Training (a children’s book) and one other which is
copy-written yet. I am a multiple genre author so expect books ranging from Children’s Books to Self Help to Devotionals to whatever else God gives me to write about.
Be on the lookout for my new book I Married Satan (ISBN: 978-1-4507-2036-6)
Published by the author's brand new publishing company: FIRE AND WORDS PUBLISHING. For more information or to pre-order your copy today visit:
ladonnamsmith.com
Intimate Conversation with
Ivette Attaud
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. She received a Certificate of Completion in Victim Assistance Training from the New York State Office For Victims of Crime; has received numerous awards for speaking at high schools and colleges; created and facilitated a domestic violence and abuse training for Chaplains called
Healing The Body Before The Spirit and talks to teens in various high schools about dating violence and their internet footprint.
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: 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: What insight does the book give teen readers on relationships?
The whole book is based on my experiences. I didn't want my book to be a glossed-over version of an abusive relationship. I wanted it to be as real to the reader as it was to me, so there is graphic language in the book. Not because that is my writing style, but because that is the true nature of domestic violence.
The book gives the reader insight on what a person in an abusive relationship goes through. It also helps the reader understand the isolation that survivors of relationship abuse go through. And, more importantly, that you can live a happy and fulfilling life after an abusive relationship.
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: In writing your book, how much legal research was required, if any?
I still have the court documents I received when my abuser took me to court. When I decided to publish this book, I went to family court to review my family court file and see if there were any additional documents in it. To my surprise, there were court documents in my file that I knew nothing about. I decided to include those documents in my book.
BPM: Who do you want to reach with your book and the message enclosed?
There are approximately 32 million American men, women and children that have experienced some form of family violence. I wanted the reader to understand and know:
• The Military Justice System to know what the daily reality of someone being abused by an active duty service member is like;
• the Legal System to understand that there is more to addressing the issue of domestic violence and abuse than “whoever gets to court first and has the most money wins,”
• the Mental Health System to see how their decisions and diagnoses, without the appropriate follow-up, severely impacts the lives of the victim and his or her children long after the case is closed;
• the Medical Community to see that the number of bruises and broken bones that pass through their emergency rooms are more than statistics;
• the Religious Community to realize that you have to heal the body before the spirit;
• people whose loved ones are in an abusive relationship to recognize the signs of the type of severe depression that leads to suicide and to understand that family support is crucial in the healing process;
• parents of teens who are dating to recognize the red flags of an abusive relationship; and
• anyone who currently is in an abusive relationship or has left an abusive relationship to know that you are not alone and you can and will break the emotional and psychological chains that bind you.
BPM: What should readers DO after reading this book?
Readers who have a friend or a loved one who is in an/was in abusive relationship, and they want to have a better understanding of what they've experienced should read the book. Survivors of domestic violence and abuse internalize a lot of their trauma, and we don't talk about it too much. My book details the thought process of someone in an abusive relationship.
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
author Pynk
PYNK
is the best-selling author of three erotica titles and winner of the 2008 YOUnity award for both the Fastest Rising Literary Star and Author of the Year.
Hachette Books released the first title, Erotic City, in November 2008.
Erotic City was a finalist for a 2009 African-American Literary Award in the
category of erotica and voted one of the Best Reads for 2008 by Black
Expressions.
The second
title, Sexaholics, about four women addicted to sex, hit the
shelves on March 23, 2010 and was voted among the 2010 Best Books by the Sankofa
Literary Society.
The third PYNK
title, Sixty-Nine, about three women born in 1969 who are about to turn
the big 4-0, came out on March 25, 2011. Politics Escorts
Blackmail follows in 2012.
Each steamy PYNK title is set in a different city - Atlanta, Los Angeles,
Miami, New York, and soon in Las Vegas and Dallas. Allow yourself to
live your sexy dreams through the words of PYNK, as her characters are sure to
make a fictional appearance in your city soon.
BPM: Who are your mentors? Where do you find your inspiration?
Some of my mentors have been those who came before me, not hands on but showing
by example, like Octavia Butler, Terry McMillan, James Baldwin, and Stephen
King. Today, I've learned much from talented author-friends like Mary B.
Morrison, Eric Jerome Dickey, and Victoria Christopher Murray, among others. My
love of writing inspires me by piquing my curiosity in certain topics,
motivating me to breathe life into characters so I can explore their journeys in
my mind's eye. That's exciting!
BPM: What have you realized about yourself since becoming a published author?
I've realized that I am very effective at managing the reclusive times that are
absolutely necessary when it comes to writing - some can't. I know when it's
time to shut down the computer and see to my needs and connect with others, and
I have great people in my life who understand and respect my deadlines. I'm very
disciplined and the life of a writer suits me well.
BPM: What is the most rewarding aspect of your career?
The most rewarding part of my career is hearing from readers. I so enjoy
connecting with readers who've taken the time to not only read my works, but to
also sign my guestbook, send emails, share their lives, post reviews, or come
out and meet me. I'm honored and appreciative. My readers make me smile big!
BPM: Do you have any advice for people seeking to publish a book?
Study the craft of writing and do the research on the business of publishing,
whether you self-publish of accept an offer. Also, ask yourself if writing is
your passion. Would you do it for free? If the answer is yes, then do the work,
stay disciplined, develop a think skin, manage the lifestyle, be patient, and
work toward making a living at it.
BPM: If you were not a writer, what would you be?
If I was not a writer I would be either an interior decorator or a professional
bowler. I love both - do what you love!
BPM: When you have completed a project, how do you celebrate?
I celebrate by making sure to enjoy my favorite meal, along with a chilled glass
of wine champagne. I take a long bubble-bath, perhaps enjoy a massage, and make
sure to get away somewhere out of town for a while with someone I love, just
relaxing and recharging until the next one.
BPM: Hot Seat-- share with us ONE detail about you or a hobby readers would
enjoy.
Detail: I was a commercial actress and my first acting job was a one-on-one
scene with legendary actress Angela Lansbury, who's the most beautiful and
patient spirit I've ever met. She sat nearby and chased away the butterflies,
even when she wasn't in the scene. I'll never forget her.
BPM:
Introduce us to your book, SIXTY-NINE and the characters. On Kindle or
Nook?
In my third title, SIXTY-NINE, Magnolia Butler, Rebe Richardson and Darla Clark
are about to turn the big 4-0. They're all born in 1969 (thus the
title). They've been best friends since high school and have lived
life on the safe side of the street, especially when it comes to sex.
SIXTY-NINE is a coming-of-age story of sisterhood and friendship, and about how
our upbringing and experiences shape our ideas about life, sometimes leaving us
unfulfilled and dissatisfied, though it can also be true that some things are
better off left alone. One New Year's Eve, these three best friends
make a vow to go beyond their boundaries and the outcomes change their lives
forever. SIXTY-NINE is erotica, available in trade paperback, and on
Kindle and Nook.
BPM: Take us inside SIXTY-NINE. What are two major events taking
place?
1) Darla Clark has been a widow for five years and has been celibate since her
husband's death. She's at a crossroads as far as whether to move on, or continue
to show respect to her husband's memory by never again sharing her heart or body
with anyone, just as her father has done ever since Darla's conservative mother
passed away. The toughest part for Darla is that when her husband died, she was
in bed with him.
2) Magnolia Butler is in a make-up to break-up relationship with Mr. Wrong whose
name is Neal Graham, whom she just can't seem to shake. The supposed last straw
was that he cheated with his freaky-deaky secretary, yet now he wants Darla back
"one more time." She vows it'll never happen again, and also vows to
explore her own wild side of life, believing if she'd just been a little more of
a vixen, he would've never strayed. But being that it's a small world, she finds
one particular encounter to be too close for comfort.
BPM: What situation or revelation prompted you to write your book, SIXTY-NINE?
My characters were created after watching an episode of The Oprah Show on the
topic of sexual repression. She talked about how some women have never had an
orgasm, and that some do not know how to enjoy sex, while others know how and
are willing, yet the old programmed messages of guilt speak louder than their
desire to enjoy themselves freely. I see this as a problem in our society for
women. We women need to be educated and seek help if necessary. The word sex is
still so negative to so many. Healthy sex between consenting adults, or alone,
is a woman's right as well as a man's.
BPM: Who do you want to reach with your book and the message within?
I would like women who might feel some sort of sexual repression to relax and
embrace their sexuality. Mind you, I'm not saying be promiscuous and partake in
risky behavior. Whether you have a lover or not, learn as much as you can about
your own body and how it works, what it looks like, focus on your likes and
dislikes, express yourself and ask for what pleases you. Be more creative. Try
something new that you're comfortable with. If you have repressive aspects that
have caused problems, seek help from a counselor and/or gynecologist. Enjoy
yourself and be happy. That is key.
Even women who
don't have repressive issues might recognize a friend in this story, and men
could learn a lot about the women in their lives by reading SIXTY-NINE. It could
help men to become more patient and understanding. It's all about sexual
awakenings, in the book, in one's mind, and in the bed.
BPM: What are some of the specific issues or problems addressed in this book?
In SIXTY-NINE, I address the inability to achieve orgasm, a woman's first
experience on an adult website, abusive parents, conservative upbringings,
economic pressures, betrayal, threesomes, mother-daughter-issues, mid-life
stripping, love-addiction, second chances, and more.
BPM: Share with us a quote from one of the most powerful chapters.
I suppose that would be the opening line of the book: She really did love her
best friends, but less than twenty years ago she slept with her best friend's
man and got pregnant.
BPM: Ultimately, what do you want readers to gain from your book?
I want women to learn to be Sex-see, as I call it, seeing themselves as sexy,
feeling sexy and looking sexy for themselves. I have a "Pynk Dares You To
Be Sexy" chapter in SIXTY-NINE that lists 26 ideas or homework assignments
on how you can be sexier. Try a few alone or with a partner whom you trust. You
just might find new meaning in the term Sixty-Nine. Flip your sex life to a
brighter side.
BPM: Share with us your latest news, awards or upcoming book releases.
I'm happy to say that I was an honoree at the SistahFriend Book Club's
African-American Literary Festival, where myself and other authors were awarded
the 2010 Pink Diamond Award. Also, EROTIC CITY was nominated in the best fiction
category for an African-American Literary Award. SIXTY-NINE hits the shelves on
March 25, 2011, and I'm wrapping up my 2012 title called POLITICS ESCORTS
BLACKMAIL, about the call-girls and politicians in New York City. It's Madam
Money Watts' fictional memoir.
Sneak Peek: Unexpected Interruptions
by Trice Hickman
Sometimes
it's the unexpected that makes life interesting. . .
Smart, sexy Victoria Small has come to the end of her year off—from men, that
is. She's enjoyed her hiatus, the peace, quiet—and no unexpected
interruptions. But now she's ready to have someone to come home to. And her
timing is perfect, as not one, but two, handsome possibilities enter her life. .
.
Ted, a powerful, blue-eyed CEO sends a thrill of excitement through her that
shocks Victoria out of her comfort zone. Meanwhile, Parker, a talented surgeon,
melts her defenses with his warmth and ebony good looks. The men are as
different as can be—inside and out—but they have one thing in common: they
both want Victoria.
And as she
struggles to decide what—and who—she really wants, Victoria will have to
face her deepest fears, secrets, and desires—and decide if she's brave enough
for true love, no matter what color it comes in. Her answer just may surprise
everyone, including herself. . .
Peer Book Review
"Trice Hickman has created passionate, three-dimensional characters who
push the envelope of love and life. . . A memorable first offering."
—Marissa Monteilh, author of Dr. Feelgood
Read a Sample Chapter of
Unexpected Interruptions by Trice Hickman
Chapter One
Not Necessarily In That Order......
"Why is my life so damn complicated?" Victoria asked herself as she
steered her car past her circular driveway, toward the car pad in the back. She
turned off the engine and sat for a few minutes, reflecting on the last twelve
hours of her day. Work and men, not necessarily in that order, had thoroughly
wrecked her nerves.
She grabbed her handbag, leather attaché, and umbrella from the passenger seat,
took a deep breath, and readied herself for the cold Atlanta rain that had been
falling all day. Looking overhead at the evening sky, Victoria could see that it
was just as unsettled as her mood. She stuck out one leg, planting her
size-nine, black Ferragamo onto the cold, wet pavement. "Damnit, it's days
like this that I wish I'd never turned the garage into a home gym," she
cursed, quickly pushing her umbrella open as she made a mad dash for the door.
She fumbled with her key until it slid into the lock.
"Home sweet home," she said out loud. Each time Victoria walked
through her door she felt an immediate sense of comfort. After patiently saving
money, buying high-end furniture, scouring antique stores, and then garnering
her treasured finds in a storage unit she'd rented, Victoria had finally found
her dream home. This month made one year since Sherry Smith, realtor
extraordinaire, had led her to 1701 Summerset Lane.
"Sherry, this house is beautiful!" Victoria had marveled, pulling her
long black hair behind her ear as she and Sherry approached the large
Tudor-style house.
"I came by first thing this morning to check it out for myself,"
Sherry smiled, flashing her perfect, cosmetically whitened teeth. "This
home is a lovely split level with three large bedrooms including a master suite.
There's even an extra bonus room that'll be great for a home office. Victoria, I
know you'll just adore the large living and dining room; they're perfect for
entertaining. And wait 'til you see the hardwood floors, high ceilings and crown
moldings throughout. Believe me, this house is you, dear," Sherry gushed,
already calculating her sizeable commission.
Things had been very different twelve months ago when Victoria walked into her
dream home—out of a recent nightmare. And as she replayed today's events in
her mind, she had a funny feeling that her life was about to take an
unpredictable turn. Her day began with an interesting twist when Ted Thornton
knocked on her office door.
Warm Cinnamon Sugar ...
"Hi Ted, how are you?" Victoria smiled, startled to see him as she
looked up from the stack of papers on her desk.
"I'm well, thank you," he smiled back, allowing his eyes to quickly
dart over both Victoria and her office.
Ted Thornton had been hired at ViaTech seven months ago. Lamar Williams, the
Founder and CEO of the company, had successfully wooed him from Asco Systems,
one of their toughest competitors. Lamar was retiring next spring, and had
handpicked Ted as his successor to run the company he'd built from a small
storefront into a telecommunications powerhouse. Ted was well known and highly
regarded throughout the telecom industry, which made Lamar confident in his
choice of the man he both admired professionally and respected personally. It
was even rumored that Ted had negotiated a deal with Lamar to become part owner
of the privately held company once he assumed the permanent CEO position next
spring.
For a man of forty-five, Ted looked younger than his years. He was very handsome
... one could even say outrageously so. His ocean blue eyes, tall, lean body and
confident allure attracted all the women at ViaTech, many of whom boldly
flaunted themselves at him. He could have his pick of women, but he was careful,
never giving them so much as a second glance. His nonchalance served to make him
even more intriguing to his many admirers, particularly since it was no secret
that his marriage of over twenty years was about as sunny as London in the fall.
"Victoria, do you have a minute?" Ted asked.
"Sure, have a seat," she said, motioning to the chair in front of her
desk. Victoria had only seen Ted twice in the seven months he'd been with
ViaTech. Their first encounter had been during her department's senior
management meeting. He'd only been with the company for less than a week, and no
one had expected him to attend department meetings so soon, or without warning.
He had come in, stayed for a few minutes, then left as suddenly as he'd entered.
The second time was two months later when he'd requested individual meetings
with senior staff in the Atlanta headquarters office. Their meeting had gone
well. They'd started out discussing business strategies and ViaTech's future,
then shifted to a more casual conversation: his adjustment from L.A. to Atlanta
and her preference of Atlanta over her hometown of Raleigh, North Carolina. They
even touched on their personal lives. Nothing too deep. Just nice
get-to-know-you questions—Where did you grow up? What are your hobbies and
interests? Their meeting ran well over the scheduled thirty minutes, and even
Jen, Ted's personal assistant, had said that was a good sign because Ted
Thornton wasn't a man prone to wasting time on idle chatter. But up to this
moment, Victoria hadn't heard from him since that day many months ago.
Now, he was standing in her office and her mind raced to figure out why the hell
he was there. She knew it wasn't every day that the acting CEO just happened to
pop in for a visit. Victoria watched as he pulled out one of the leather chairs
in front of her desk, unbuttoned the jacket of his gray, custom-made suit and
took a seat. Even though most telecom companies practiced a relaxed dress code,
ViaTech employees, save for the engineers, dressed like Wall Street investment
bankers. He's very handsome, Victoria thought to herself, watching him settle
comfortably into the chair.
"You have an incredible office," Ted observed, surveying the room.
"The way you've decorated with art on the walls and plants all around ...
it feels more like a room in your home than an office at work. And it smells
good too."
Victoria smiled. "It's my job to make our employees feel comfortable when
they come to me with problems or concerns, and I believe a welcoming environment
helps to foster that." Although she appreciated his discerning eye and
obvious good taste, she thought it was an unusual observation to make, given
that most of the men at ViaTech could care less about her office's décor and
had never commented on the fragrant smell that filled the room. But she noticed
that Ted had taken in every detail.
"I like your style, Victoria," Ted smiled.
"Warm cinnamon sugar," she spoke up.
"I beg your pardon?"
"That's what you smell, it's warm cinnamon sugar–scented potpourri."
"Ahh ... very nice." Ted paused, giving himself a moment before
proceeding with the speech he'd been rehearsing for days. "Victoria, as you
know, ViaTech is the number two telecom company in the region. But our goal, and
my plan, is to make us number one. The only way to hit that target is through
the strength of our human capital. Only the best and the brightest can lead this
company forward."
Victoria nodded in agreement, but wondered where he was going with the
conversation.
"Five years ago the executive management team developed a highly selective
year-long mentoring program to identify individuals who show great leadership
potential. You're familiar with the program, are you not?" he asked.
"Yes, I'm very familiar with the Executive Mentoring Program. Our
department handles the announcements." Who doesn't know about EMP? Victoria
thought, letting out a frustrated sigh—but only in her head.
The EMP nominations for the upcoming year were due to be announced next week.
Victoria was sure that Patricia Clark, the senior director of compliance, would
be nominated from their department for the prestigious honor. But she couldn't
figure out why Ted had come down to her office to share that information.
"Then all that's left to say is congratulations, Victoria. I'd like to
personally nominate you for the program," Ted smiled.
Victoria sat in stunned silence. At thirty-three, she was one of the youngest
senior directors in the company. She'd started in the marketing department when
she came to ViaTech six years ago after leaving Queens Bank. But after working
for a short time in the all-white, male-dominated department, the only upward
mobility she saw available required a willing libido, which for her was out of
the question. So when the HR department posted an internal search to replace the
director of employee relations, Victoria seized the position. A few years later
she was promoted to senior director. She excelled in her job, which was a piece
of cake compared to the rigors of having worked for Queens Bank. In return for
her hard work, ViaTech rewarded her with a handsome salary, bonuses, and perks.
But despite her corporate success, Victoria longed for something else entirely.
Her plan was to leave ViaTech next summer and do what her heart had been calling
her to do for as long as she could remember—open her own event-planning and
catering business. She'd started Divine Occasions a year ago, shortly after she
bought her house. Slowly, she'd begun to build a client roster and was putting
plans into motion to run her business full-time. Being nominated for EMP was the
last thing she'd expected, or wanted for that matter.
"Ted, I'm ... um ... honored. I really don't know what to say,"
Victoria stammered. She came from behind her desk as Ted rose to his feet on her
approach. She sat down in the chair beside him, crossed her long legs, and
quickly tried to organize her thoughts.
Ted carefully inspected her from the top of her head to the tip of her pointed
toe shoes, all done so smoothly she didn't even notice. Her silk blouse, slim
fitted skirt, and double strand pearls and matching earrings gave her a
decidedly feminine look he loved. "Just say you'll accept my
nomination," he encouraged.
"Well, it's just that I'm really shocked by this ... I wasn't expecting it
at all." Victoria's mind raced. All she could think about were her plans to
leave ViaTech.
She knew that start-up costs for her business would be high, so she'd decided to
work until next June so she could stash extra money under her belt before
fleeing the corporate dungeon. Victoria knew that her father would gladly give
her as much financial backing as she needed, even without presenting the
business plan she'd been working on for months. His guilt, if for nothing else,
would dictate that. But this was something she wanted to do on her own. So
instead of accepting his money, she planned to apply for a low-interest loan
just like any other bank customer. Besides, she knew that her cousin, Jeremy,
who was now helping to run Queens Bank, which her father owned, would probably
demand a perusal of her business plan. In Victoria's opinion, Jeremy was a
first-class asshole.
She knew she had to ease out of the EMP nomination without giving away her
plans. Her father had taught her the golden rule of corporate America—never
let them know all your business!
Ted sensed her trepidation. "Victoria, you seem a little hesitant?" He
was trying to figure out why a go-getter like her wasn't jumping at the golden
opportunity he'd just laid before her.
"Actually, I am. The truth is, I have a lot on my plate right now."
She could see the surprise on Ted's face, but she continued. "It's just bad
timing. I believe in giving one-hundred percent, and if I don't see that it's
possible for me to do my best, I don't commit. That's why as much as I'm
flattered by the nomination ..."
"Victoria," Ted interrupted, "I understand your concerns. And
yes, committing yourself to this program will require extra hours and projects,
in addition to your normal workload. But I'll see to it that you have the
support and resources you'll need."
Ted hadn't planned on Victoria turning him down, and now he was scrambling to
convince her to accept his nomination. He'd been looking for a way to spend time
with her since the first day they met. But without a legitimate work-related
project, the acting CEO couldn't spend leisure office time with one of his many
employees unless there was a damn good reason.
Initially, Ted questioned his decision for choosing Victoria. Was it because he
was attracted to her, or was it because she deserved to be in the program? In
the end he realized it was both. Her outstanding reviews, high praise from the
executive team, and her record of achievement made her a prime candidate. And an
added bonus was that he would finally be able to spend time with the woman he'd
been thinking about and desiring from afar.
"Ted ... again, I appreciate the consideration and vote of confidence. But
as I said, it's bad timing."
"I must say, I'm disappointed." Ted leaned back in his chair, quickly
plotting his next move. "The nominations won't be finalized until next
Friday. I'd like you to take a week and think it over," he asked, masking
his desperation. He stood and buttoned his suit jacket, signaling that he was
about to leave.
Victoria rose on cue. "All right, I'll think about it," she said, even
though she knew her answer wouldn't change.
As she watched him walk out of her office, she could feel there was something
arrestingly different about him. He wasn't like most executive types she knew.
He seemed familiar, almost like she knew him, even though this was only their
third encounter.
Just as she returned to her desk to finish her paperwork, Denise, her
administrative assistant, walked through the door. She stood there, arms crossed
and staring. "Girlfriend, what kind of excuse are you gonna come up with
for not accepting that man's EMP nomination? Telling him you can't dedicate
one-hundred percent is some bullshit that ain't gonna fly."
"Have you been out there listening?"
"Absolutely. You know I gotta get the 411," she grinned.
Victoria pictured Denise standing outside her door with a glass cupped to her
ear like a detective in a 1960's spy movie. Denise called Victoria by her given
name in the presence of their colleagues, but when they were alone she
affectionately referred to her as "Girlfriend."
Denise was impeccably dressed, well-organized, and knew her job inside-out. She
was an unabashed woman who could read you like last week's news, yet be gentle
as a lamb when the occasion warranted. There were three things about Denise that
were constant; she always smelled of Chanel No. 5, her pretty, apple-shaped face
always boasted a smile, and she always shot straight from the hip, never sugar
coating anything. She had an Associate's degree in Administrative Office
Technology and a PhD in common sense. She was sharper than a J.A. Henckels
carving knife, and Victoria relied heavily upon her insight.
"Denise, why didn't you tell me that Ted Thornton was coming to my office?
I was completely caught off-guard."
"Sorry. He must've come by my desk while I was in the copy room,"
Denise said, handing Victoria a thick stack of papers. "When I came back
your door was half-closed. I was going to come in and see what was going on, but
then I heard you two talking, and well ... I listened because Mr. Thornton never
comes down to anyone's office," she said, placing her hands on her ample
hips.
"I'm shocked. I just knew that Patricia had the nomination in the bag, at
least that's what she's been telling everyone. Can you imagine how embarrassing
it's going to be for her when she finds out that she's not one of the ten
nominees?"
"That's her problem. This is one time she can't throw her legs open to get
what she wants. That woman is so shady, I wouldn't trust her with the keys to
the shit house."
"Damn!" Victoria laughed. "You're right about that. But
seriously, Ted Thornton can give me a week or even a month, I'm not going to
change my mind."
"And you shouldn't. You've put your dream on hold long enough. You have to
make yourself happy, Girlfriend."
"Tell me about it. I'm tired of running my business on the side and trying
to maintain this job at the same time. It's really taken a toll over the last
year. I just wish I'd had the courage to make this decision sooner,"
Victoria lamented.
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. Trice resides
in Washington, DC. To learn more about Trice Hickman, her new releases and book
events, visit her web site at www.tricehickman.com.
Purchase
Unexpected Interruptions by Trice Hickman
Check out Victoria Small, her exciting life, and the amazingly colorful cast of
jump-off-the-page characters in Trice Hickman’s novel, Unexpected
Interruptions, (Dafina Books, March 29, 2011).
ISBN-10: 0758269064 | ISBN-13:
978-0758269065
Intimate Conversation with Lorraine Elzia
Constantly the free and gentle flower growing wild,
Lorraine Elzia absorbs all life has to offer. Stumbling into writing at the suggestion of loved ones, Lorraine has embraced that calling to become an Award-Winning Author, Editor, and Ghostwriter. Her debut novel,
Mistress Memoirs received the AALAS Break Out Author of the year award. Ask Nicely and I
Might, her sophomore novel, promises to not only entertain, but tell a message as well.
Book Spotlight: Ask Nicely and I Might by Lorraine Elzia
A twisted game of bewildering intrigue proves positive that Six degrees of separation bridge the gap between the sane and the insane.
Alex Carlysle is a savvy homicide detective highly respected among her peers. When her lover becomes the latest victim in a series of brutal murders, the investigation of the killings becomes personal for her and catching the killer could be the break she has been waiting for concerning her career. Jade abides by a different set of rules. Instead of enforcing the law, she is the thorn in its side. She is a sexy enigma of a serial killer who taunts the police just for the pleasure of it while devouring her prey in the process.
As the hunter becomes the hunted, both women are destined for a massive head-on collision with each other. The thrill of pursuit is not the only tie that binds them; they are also driven by bloodshed and a chain of circumstances that began in the subconscious mind. Ask Nicely and I Might is a racy thriller filled with sexy suspense; a wicked game of cat and mouse where time is rapidly running out for both the hunter and the hunted.
BPM: What makes you powerful as a person and a writer?
It would have to be my passion and belief that giving anything less than 100% of my effort to anything is unacceptable. I am a people pleaser at heart, but I have included myself at top of the definition of “people.” The thought behind that is that I know I am my hardest critic, no one is harder on me than I am on myself; so if I work real hard not to disappoint myself, then I definitely won’t disappoint others. I follow that thought process in life and in my writing endeavors.
BPM: Success leaves clues, whose clues did you follow on your journey?
Sorry if this sounds cliché, but I truly follow the clues of God first and foremost. Even though I write in every genre from religious to erotica, my journey and my steps have been ordered. God gave me a unique and descriptive gift. I don’t take the gift lightly and I never feel worthy of receiving it, yet I am obedient in the ways I use it. I was told by Him several years ago that if I, but listened to what He had to say, eventually, I would be successful according to the measurement standards of man. From that day to this one, I am continually on a scavenger hunt, following one clue after another from Him, knowing that my efforts are not in vain. He directs my path and I have no problem following the clues and being patient in waiting on my promised blessings.
BPM: What have you realized about yourself since becoming a published author?
I’ve realized that the voices in my head that were screaming to be heard actually had a space, a place and life of their own. Writing, for me, is as necessary as the air I breathe—it is essential for my daily sustenance and a vital source of strength and nourishment for me. From the first anthology I was in, to the completion of my sophomore novel, I recognized that being a published author is a form of self-expression for me that is bigger than any other need I have. It is one of the desires of my heart that I ‘allow’ to control and own me.
BPM: What is the most rewarding aspect of your career?
I feel the most rewarded when a reader expresses sheer enjoyment from my words, when they are totally engulfed with the people, places and things that are just figments of my imagination. Whether the message I tried to convey touched them or whether I was the vessel that allowed them to escape from day-to-day reality for a hot minute in order to exhale and have a woosah moment at the end of their day. I love being able to give readers a momentary ‘vacation.’ I’m not greedy concerning how my readers were touched, but I do receive extreme gratification from letting my fingers do the walking across a keyboard in a manner that “reaches out and touches” someone.
BPM: If you were not a writer, what would you be?
I’ve always had a fascination with all aspects of law, the judicial system and legal debate. If I wasn’t a writer, I would have aspired to be the female equivalent of Johnny Cochran; an untouchable, highly skilled, legal orator. I love the way that the late Mr. Cochran could use word play in order to make people see things in the exact manner that he wanted them to see them, and yet he did it with a style and flavor that was uniquely his own. They say that imitation is the highest form of flattery. If I weren’t a writer, I would have tried to imitate Mr. Cochran in female form.
BPM: Hot Seat-- Share with us one detail about you or a hobby readers would enjoy.
I am obsessed with Betty Boop. I collect any and everything Betty, you name it, and I have a Betty Boop version of it from ink pens to clothing. I’m obsessed with anything Betty. Her persona intrigues me and reminds me to keep the same outlook on life: sexy, sassy, classy and carefree.
BPM: Introduce us to your book and the main characters. What genre is the book? On Kindle or Nook?
My latest book is Ask Nicely and I Might. The tag line is: Welcome to the Sexy Side of
Murder. Unlike any cat and mouse game that you have read before, this book has overlapping storylines which begs the question of the lines of separation between the sane and insane. It is a suspenseful thriller that revolves around two very strong African American female characters; one is Jade, a serial killer whose past has affected her thinking to the point that she feels the need to devour prey just for the fun of it. The other is Alex, a streetwise detective whose lover falls victim to Jade, making the capture of Jade her number one priority. As the two women collide they soon find that they have more in common than just bloodshed. The book is available at www.amazon.com and www.barnesandnoble.com in paperback, Kindle, and Nook.
BPM: Are your characters from the portrayal of real people or experiences?
The situations in the book are not real, but the underlying reasons that both women act in the manner that they do are ‘baggage’ that a lot of women carry with them throughout life. I used a fictional situation to illustrate how we have to ‘let go’ of the demons of our past if we are ever to progress and grow into the people we were born to be.
BPM: What compelled you to write this book, Ask Nicely and I Might?
Honestly, just the need to take a topic that I think all women think about at one time or another and give that topic life. I think every woman has thought about that moment in time where they could snap.--The moment when the things she is going through in life are considered the last straw for her and she gives in to animalistic desires and demands.
Reality is that most of us pull it together before acting in a manner that becomes deadly; we find a way to overcome those moments of madness. But what if we chose not to? What if we gave in to the darker side? I wanted to explore what would make a woman actually decide to take that course, and I wanted to also address how sometimes our past makes it harder and harder to bear one last straw after another. I wanted to look into what happens when straws of defeat can feel like unbearable mountains of despair, and force us to act in a manner we wouldn’t normally entertain.
BPM: Who do you want to reach with your book and the message within?
My first intent in writing this book was to entertain. I wanted to write about something I had not seen done before; a black female serial killer and a black female detective; both good at what they do. I knew that would be something I would like to read over a weekend, while sitting on the beach, and I wanted to give that temporary ‘getaway’ to readers. But as with everything I write, there is a message. And that message is that we cannot let the issues of our past, dictate our future. Nor should we allow them to be excuses for our current behavior. There comes a time when we all just have to ‘let it go’ and take ownership of our actions.
BPM: Share with us a quote from one of the most powerful chapters.
We’re all intimately intertwined to one another as human beings in one form or another by a mere six degrees of separation. Like vines of ivy growing alongside a wall reaching towards the sky, if you follow the branches close enough back to the point of origin you eventually find the connection. Whether through skin color, religious beliefs, ideologies, social-economical connections or bloodline; the separation is not as large as we sometimes profess loudly with our mouths, or secretly think in our moments of personal grandeur. It’s all a matter of semantics. Scratch and sniff the surface long and hard enough and the connections can be made. We are all linked together, all related and all strung to one another by a mere six degrees.
BPM: Ultimately, what do you want readers to gain from your book?
A sense that we as individuals—not our circumstances, not our upbringing, not what has or has not happened to us—are in control of our destiny and ultimately what we become in life.
BPM: Share with us your latest news or upcoming book releases.
My next release is entitled, Tell the Truth, Shame the Devil. This tale is a cross between Sleepless in Seattle and Dead Man Walking. It chronicles the last 30 days of a man on death row and his late night, pillow talk confessions with a radio talk show host where he details not only his life on death row, but the events leading up to the crime for which he is scheduled to die for. As the radio host and the inmate discuss his case, a race against time ensues as she tries to save his life against a crime he says he did not commit.
Tell the Truth, Shame the Devil will be a story unlike any you have read before as you find yourself watching the clock tick away to see if love and justice actually conquer all.
Ask Nicely and I Might by Lorraine Elzia
ISBN: 978-0-9829672-0-1
Suspense, Thriller, Urban Fiction
Targeted to anyone of legal age who loves a good suspense book
Infidelity by Ericka Williams
"Once a cheater, always a cheater" is a popular saying. Is it true? Some people believe that if you are not married, then you are single and free to "see" whomever you want to, until you take vows and become committed to your spouse. Others believe that if you are in a relationship with someone, it is cheating to talk to someone of the opposite sex; especially if the conversation is one that cannot be had in the presence of your significant other. To this group, going out on a date or any intimate contact with someone else is wrong and drama will unfold.
Nowadays, with Facebook, My Space, and a million other social networking sites, not to mention, everything else that we can do online, it is very hard to trust or be in a committed relationship with someone at all—married or single. One cannot possibly make sure that their "other half" is not involved with someone else with all the possible ways to "mix and mingle".
So what is a person to do in this day of AIDS epidemics? How do you guarantee that you’re safe and in a monogamous relationship? Some believe that "snooping" is unacceptable, but I beg to differ. Yes, we all would love to be able to just trust and believe that our partner is being true. But, isn't a cheater also a liar? So how can someone who is cheating on you tell you the truth? I will be frank in saying that if I suspect that my "man" is cheating, that I will do my homework. I will do what I have to do to protect myself, my interests, and my health. I am very open when it comes to being in a relationship, because if there is nothing to hide. I don't have to hide my cell phone, or have a lock on it. What about the right to privacy? I don't need it if I am being faithful. My business is my man's business. What are your thoughts on this?
Yes, men and women are different and men oftentimes feel trapped in relationships, so it
doesn't necessarily mean that he is cheating because he doesn't want you reading his texts from his "ex."
Then again, "Why can't I?" if there's nothing in them indecent. I think the problem really lies in lying to begin with. A man, or woman for that matter who is not ready to be in a committed relationship, should not commit to being in one. The reason many people "go along" with being in a relationship, when they are not ready for one, is to hold on to the person they love, until they are ready to be loyal. But that is just a selfish way to live. It will only come back to bite you when you get caught out there. It is not fair to the person who you are supposed to love and it is cruel to put their health in danger because you are not ready. An Essence poll showed that many Black men who cheat admitted that they do not always or regularly use condoms when they cheat. That is just not fair.
There are so many distractions and attractions for people, but there is also such a thing as self-control.
Actually, it is understandable that people will have urges, but do they have to act them out? Why is it that a man will throw away his whole family for a night of indiscretion? Why is it that having one woman is not enough? I must side with some men who say that their women get comfortable, and no longer are concerned with keeping them satisfied, once they have the man. It happens. I must also say that there is a noticeable lack of respect from the single woman in regards to married men, with wives at home!
Unfortunately nowadays, anything goes, relationships are temporary, and people are only together until they break up. What happened to true commitment and to “death do us part?” Are we really doomed to lives of expected infidelity? What’s sad is that nothing is sacred, cherished, or sustained. Many children will not know what it is like to have two parents in the same home; just as many children of divorce must see the breakup of their families. All while, some just continue to "stick and move." Are there any people in this world who want to stick together, through thick and thin and live out the real til’ death do us part? It doesn't look that way. If you are in a committed and loving relationship, speak up and tell us about it! Bring back the HOPE to our relationships.
Meet the Author
Ericka Williams is a determined business woman and author. She never takes no for an answer. When she sets her mind on a goal, she doesn't stop until it is reached. She is a graduate of Teaneck High School, in Teaneck New Jersey. She attended Howard University and graduated from Rutgers University. She is currently a teacher. Ericka has always had a yearning for knowledge, expression, and creativity. She is the author of three books the Essence Magazine bestseller “All That Glitters”, and the sequel “Shining Star”, as well as the forthcoming release A Woman Scorned. ISBN-10: 1934230715 or ISBN-13:9781934239718. Pick up a copy at Amazon Online.
http://www.amazon.com/Woman-Scorned-Ericka-Williams/dp/1934230715
Domestic Violence and Revenge: Two Sides of the Same Coin
By Ericka Williams
Domestic Violence is a touchy and controversial subject. In society it is considered unacceptable and unconceivable for a man to physically batter his girlfriend or wife. The recent incident with singers Chris Brown and Rihanna was a publicized and highly debated event. Many famous people expressed discontent with, criticized, and verbally condemned Chris Brown; while siding with and supporting Rihanna, without being witnesses to the occurrence. I have two conflicting feelings in regards to domestic violence. Generally, I believe that it is wrong to hit a person that you are supposed to care for, because that person may be critically injured or killed. Many women have died at the hands of the men they loved. It is a dangerous habit and a problem that escalates over time, as many statistics prove. Relationships are so multi-faceted and often times built on foundations of lust, long before love. Add is a little stress, a few lies by omission and things get out of hand quickly.
Many young women have the misconception that if a man puts his hand on them, it is because he loves them enough to lose control, because if he didn't care he wouldn't get that angry.
Herein lies the problem: a man who does not know how to deal with his emotions or control his anger, is a man to fear. When a man starts the cycle of abuse often times the assaults become worse and worse as time goes on and more and more frequent. What may begin as a shove may turn into a punch and ultimately a murder. Emotions run high in matters of the heart and volatile relationships don't become healthy ones easily. When things are going great is not the time to decide whether you are with the right man. However, the time to assess who you really love is when there are issues or conflicts. No one should hurt you in order to show their love. Your spouse or mate should be able to deal with problems with their mind and not their fists. When the schoolyard fighting days are over, adults need to know how to handle situations.
As an author, I write about these situations because I see them unfold daily; most likely not receiving the same publicity of Chris and Rihanna. My book, A Woman Scorned, addresses the issue of domestic violence from the female abuser’s point of view. The main character, Brielle Prescott, remained in an abusive marriage partially because of her physical abuse by her parents as a child. The emotional scars and distress from being battered lasts, affecting the victim for a lifetime, in many cases, in real life and in my fictional tales.
No matter how damaged the individual is there really an excuse to hit someone you are involved with? What if she/he cheats? What if she/he lies about where they were and who they were with? What if she spends the money that should have gone to bills? Is there really any justification for physical abuse except for the fact that it comes from lack of rationale. When a man lashes out, he may not intend to black an eye, bust a lip, break a limb, or commit a stabbing or shooting, but that does not mean it won't happen. As a woman who has dealt with more than one hostile and violent man in my lifetime, I know that it is by the grace of God that I was never badly hurt. However, I could have been. I choose not to excuse that behavior in my "seasoned" time as a woman.
I decided to heed the warning signs and not leave my life in the hands of an irrational
man, because life and death are only a breath and heartbeat away from each other, and in one split second you can be gone. Contrary to what I just expressed, however, I do understand what rage feels like. I have been wronged by past boyfriends, as well, and it is not a good feeling. I know how it feels to lose control and lash out with my fists. I have been on both sides of this issue and that’s why I wrote A Woman Scorned. My main character, Brielle, is a victim and a perpetrator. She becomes the very thing she had come to hate, an abuser. She resorts to revenge, which is also a form of domestic violence—if violence is the means to getting that revenge.
How do we know what Rihanna did to Chris Brown to make him lash out? How do we know that she did not hit him first? Many might say that it doesn't matter because a woman is not capable of hurting a man the way a man is able to hurt a woman. However, is that true when a woman has a weapon? No, it is not. I have brought Domestic Violence and Revenge together because there is sometimes a marriage of the two in relationships. Domestic Violence is sometimes a reaction to a real injustice that is done to someone and Revenge is a reaction to the same. Therefore, what I believe we must do as a society is be more understanding, as opposed to condemning. Next, offer help to those who are on both sides of the issue. Chris Brown expressed a feeling of betrayal from Oprah for "all that he had done for her" because he said that he expected Oprah to offer him some advice or assistance in how to heal as well. Rihanna was not the only one who needed support. He is human, as we all are.
I am not condoning abusers or anyone who inflicts pain on another.
But let’s be real, it happens, on both sides! None of us can handle things the right way, at all times. Emotions run high the matter of love. So why is it that we find it okay, to kill the perpetrator? Isn't that violence too? What about trying to find the root of the problem? Let’s try to find the stressors that created the violence and address those issues, instead of rushing to judgment. I am sure many of you have opinions on revenge and what defines domestic violence. Share your views on the subject too, let’s talk about it.
Meet the Author
Ericka Williams is a determined business woman and author. She never takes no for an answer. When she sets her mind on a goal, she doesn't stop until it is reached. She is a graduate of Teaneck High School, in Teaneck New Jersey. She attended Howard University and graduated from Rutgers University. She is currently a teacher. Ericka has always had a yearning for knowledge, expression, and creativity. She is the author of three books the Essence Magazine bestseller “All That Glitters”, and the sequel “Shining Star”, as well as the forthcoming release A Woman Scorned. Pick up a copy at Amazon Online.
http://www.amazon.com/Woman-Scorned-Ericka-Williams/dp/1934230715
Meet author
and veteran Dezi D. Stanley
Book
Spotlight: God Still Loves You
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.
He has been unemployed since August of 2008, with no income coming in to provide
or support his family. He is currently awaiting disability from the military; he
filed for Social Security but was denied and is in the process of refilling.
Although he has no transportation he continues to volunteer throughout the
community and remain focused on high risk children. He has met many veterans who
feel they are not being treated fairly and he assist them and also makes there
conditions and concerns known publicly. He has written several newspapers,
congress, the governor, and also the White House but has yet to receive type of
response/just automatic responses of the same information. He states he will
continue to write until someone listens.
His love for music has led him to the path of song writing, throughout his
travels he began to write poetry. Realizing his gift for writing he has
collaborated his thoughts, experiences and travels to create his poetry and
inspire his books. Although his books are diverse, the reality exists. Through
his writing he hopes to open eyes, change lives and help inspire someone to
become a positive person, and a positive influence in their community, city, and
our society. He continues to writes, he states he is going to be well and on his
feet soon, because God is good and will not fail him. He is self published and
just released a book tilted God Still Loves You.
Dezi feel that far too many times we allow situations and circumstances to cause
our trust in God to fade away, and our faith to waver or shatter. God Still
Loves You is an inspirational love story between God and man. A book comprised
of short stories, poems and scriptures to enhance the love of God in our lives.
And to help men, women, boys and girls to understand the fullness of God’s love.
This book will help people understand that regardless of the situations or
circumstances… God Still Loves Us. His book can be purchased at
http://stores.lulu.com/Blaque.
In his poetry book Generations of Love and Pain he address several needs of
Veterans and children.
Dezi pray through his book the reader will experience the love, grace and mercy
of God and apply it to their lives and share it. He considers his self to be a
walking testimony, a voice for the people i.e. the children, the men and women
who have put their lives on the line to come home to be forgotten or mistreated.
He has been without power since March; he has no transportation to get to
appointments. The whether conditions are taking a toll on his home. He is being
threatened with foreclosure. He has been to several military and civilian
organizations to get help without success. He understands and appreciate that
organizations give food, clothes and some places shelter but he states that will
not pay bills or a mortgage. He knows that there are many people/veterans in his
situation, some worst that is why he says he will continue to plead his and
their cases. He states that once God allows him to get on his feet he will help
the children, veterans and anyone who feel they have issues that should be heard
and addressed and he has informed several organizations as well as congress of
his plans. He feels that all people are created equal, God made man although
society has made it their way. Money is put into all types of things in all
types of places for the wrong reasons. People talk about America and being a
citizen in the land of the free and the brave… many are forgotten, many are used
and abused, many still feel like slaves.
Any donations or contributions would be greatly appreciated; you can send
it/them to Dezi D. Stanley at 309 N. Rail Road Street, St. Pauls NC 28384. Thank
you and God Bless. He may be contacted personally at
Blaque_el@yahoo.com
Subject:
Veterans are in Need of Help and Recognition
To the Editor of Media Sources
:
I am writing this to bring awareness to all veterans, including those who are
disabled and those who are still serving our country. I willingly served in the
Army and National Guard for fourteen years, ten months, and six days.. I have
three years of Reserve status.
I have noticed that there has been a lack of concern for many veterans in many
cities and states. There are homeless veterans, veterans in serious need of
medical treatment/physical and mental care. There are veterans who have made
every attempt to maintain their dignity, decorum and military bearing and
continue to patronize our country. Sadly, many are starting to wonder why. I
have spoken to several veterans who now feel deceived and betrayed after all
their loyalty and constancy, not to mention the suffering and pain endured
during their time of service.
It is incongruous for a solider to have to pay for treatment and medication
after serving and risking his or her life for our country. I have been taught,
as have other soldiers, that no man/woman is left behind. Yet we cannot eat, we
do not have decent clothes, we are living in the dark/without power. Too many
are homeless! Veterans are out of work; there are some who could work but now
are unable to work and provide for their families or sustain their bills.
One veteran told me a few months ago that he wished he were dead and had not
served. That still lingers in my mind. I can relate to his feelings, that
feeling of being forgotten, that feeling of worthlessness. I can relate to that
feeling of being less than a man, due to not being able to provide for your
family, and having to look your spouse in the face or hear your child asking for
something and you have to borrow to make sure you can meet their needs.
Our society gives the criminal more assistance than the veteran!
The men and women who are able to work receive Medicaid and more food stamps
than someone who actually needs it. The Red Cross, The Salvation Army and many
community churches and organizations tell you they are under-funded or have no
funds at all for assistance.
I went to the Robeson County Church and Community Center for assistance and was
denied due to not having any income. I made the statement to the woman on the
desk “If I had income, I would not have told you I had no income and needed
help.” She smiled and said “Sorry, that’s how it is, no income, so we can’t help
you.”
I went to Social Service and was told they only helped once a year or up to the
amount of six hundred dollars a year.
I have been out of work since August, 2008. God has placed some people in my
life who have really been a blessing and I thank Him as well as them. I have had
to swallow my pride, but no one wants to be viewed as a beggar or free loader.
It is fine to assist with food, and I am thankful, as many are, but food does
not keep the lights on or pay the mortgage. I have been unemployed now seven
months. I filed for unemployment but my employer did not adequately release my
medical and financial status/condition.
I filed for a hearing in September, 2008; the unemployment office did not send
my appeal/request to Raleigh until January, 2009 after it appeared that I was an
inconvenience. Then the hearing officer took the word of the director, seemingly
after paying no attention to the statements/evidence submitted.
I have called several agencies/organizations for assistance without success or
without even being given a false pledge/promise for assistance. One of the least
sympathetic specified that since I was not Lumbee, and not part of the Lumbee
tribe, they could not help me. I have no quarrels with comprehending and
accommodating your own, but when someone is in need and you can assist… Assist!
Nationality or ethnicity should not impede when in need or the funds are
available.
I filed for Social Security benefits and was denied. I was informed that my
medical conditions, cancer and lung problems, are not severe enough to receive
benefits. I know several people who are able to work, or already working, and
they receive benefits. Do I have to be on my death bed to receive benefits? I
cannot receive Medicaid because I was not qualified through Social Security.
Although my condition does not (yet) make me a hospice patient, I still should
be able to receive some type of benefits according to the degree of my
disabilities.
Companies and organizations which made bad decisions, and which are not
suffering financially, are being bailed out. Where is a veteran’s bailout? Where
is a veteran’s bonus? Where is free housing for a veteran? Where is the funding
to relieve veterans who are walking due to no transportation? Where are the
relief funds for a veteran who is being threatened with foreclosure? Where are
the monies for a veteran to provide and put clothes on their children’s back?
What does it take for a veteran to be assisted, remembered and appreciated?
Maybe we all should write the mayor, congress, and the governor… the president.
No solider left behind-- but leave them out or forget them! Is this the
American way, our American Dream? Is this what I and others fought and died for?
God Bless Us!
Hola – Hollah!
Niambi Brown Davis
“No ticket, no taco.” Translation: hold on
to your Mexican immigration card – you can’t go home without it. “Drink plenty
of Mexican beer.” Meaning: guzzle as much Tecate as you can. Our tour company
representative was a closet comic and the perfect ambassador to the Riviera
Maya.
The trip was
thrown together at the last minute. This time the Caribbean didn’t work out.
The next best tropical destination was Mexico, although I had doubts if it would
meet my sun- sand-and sea standards. One day into the trip and I was ready to
award five waving palms to Mexico and the Iberostar Paraiso del Mar. For the
“traveler not a tourist” purist, an all-inclusive is the equivalent of Bedlam in
the 16th century. This time I didn’t want a “dress-down” vacation.
I was all too happy to join the other inmates inside the beautiful
hacienda-styled “asylum.”
Lush is often
overworked, but it’s the best word to describe the grounds of Paraiso del Mar.
When developers carved it out of a jungle, they left many of the original palms,
tropical flowers and cenotes (underground rivers) in place. Pink flamingos graze
in a lagoon set between the marble walkways. Peacocks and other tropical birds
stroll the grounds and terraces, leaving stray feathers behind as their calling
card.
The Yucatan in
August is hot as hell (but I loved it!) By late morning the pool water was the
temperature of bath water. For a slightly cooler dip, Paraiso Beach was a
short walk away. The ¾ mile stretch of sand fronts some of the bluest water
I’ve ever seen. Even so, some hotel guests never made it past the pool that
wound through the property like a never-ending blue ribbon. Instead, they
lounged on covered poolside beds, relaxed in the Jacuzzi, drank at the swim-up
bar or took part in salsa and Spanish lessons. When the Star Band set up, a
poolside salsa dance party broke out.
I’m convinced that The Iberostar Group runs a do- or- die boot camp for its
staff. I’m also convinced that it should become a franchise. Customer service
was outstanding - no stone-faced greetings or barely civil service, even with
the most difficult vacationer whose server couldn’t catch a break. Each day the
housekeeping staff left us with chocolates, hibiscus flowers and towel art. How
many hours of practice does it take to fashion a dog, an elephant and a Mayan
Indian out of terry cloth?
If we didn’t want to leave the all-inclusive cocoon we didn’t have to. One
evening a group of locals arrived, dressed in white shirts and black pants or
skirts. At first glance I thought “folk entertainers.” until they set up a
moveable village marketplace stocked with carvings, pottery, silver, paintings,
leather goods and handcrafted clothing (I should have bought that black leather
gaucho hat…).
The Star Friends and the Star Band deserve the title of hardest working staff in
hotel entertainment. For most of the day, and a lot of the night, they were on
duty at poolside, entertaining the children at Lucy’s Kids Club and the adults
with salsa, Spanish, archery and pottery lessons. At lunchtime they’d grab a
plate, pull up a chair beside their guests and share some of that Iberostar
hospitality.
No strangers to the stage, at night, they literally became stars. In one
performance shrouded in darkness, a feathered dancer depicted the majesty of the
Mayan past. On Las Vegas night a black clad man moon-walked across the stage, a
dead ringer for the Gloved One. An elaborately costumed segment from The
Lion King brought the audience to its feet. It may have been America
served whole in Mexico, but the crowd, especially families with children, loved
it.
In Playa del
Carmen around the corner from the famous Carlos and Charlie’s, I got a glimpse
of Mexican commando-style security. Looking no more than 18 and dressed in black
from head to toe, the guard in front of a jewelry store gave off a “Die-hard”
stare. He gripped a shotgun in both hands and wore a pistol strapped to his
waist. He did not look like a fun kind of guy. So when my
daughter ran over and asked to take a picture with him, I was sure we’d be
calling home collect from a Mexican jail or she’d learn some Spanish words they
didn’t teach in school. He nodded and they posed, with “turista” written all
over his otherwise stoic expression.
Further down the
street, we ran into some new-found south of the border brothers. “Hola, my
sisters,” they called out, waiting for us to “hollah back.”
We loved that
part of Mexico so much that we tried to stay an extra day. It didn’t happen, but
the last days were the best. On Isla Mujeres (The Island of Women) a shopkeeper
and I communicated in a little English, a little Spanish and a lot of hands
signs about Mexican artist Frieda Kahlo. Later that day eight of us, joined by
the camaraderie of vacationing strangers, took a catamaran sail around the
island. Nearby, a Mexican flag the size of a small airfield rippled in the
breeze. Out on the open water, we claimed the day as a spiritual massage.
Reggae and rhythm and blues vibrated from the speakers on the slow, smooth sail
through water every color of blue imaginable. We sailed past a white beach
backed by palm trees and dotted with turquoise beach umbrellas and thatched
palapas. Before heading back, our captain dropped anchor and we swam in the
Mexican Caribbean. Near the end of the trip, he gave us a close up of a
luxurious, but vacant home built on a rocky edge of land. It was unplanned
perfection, like a random shot made even more beautiful because the picture
wasn’t posed.
The next time
I’m in Mexico I’ll have more time. I hope to see the sacred Mayan ruins of
Chichen Itza, and head over to Oaxaca or Zihuatanejo. Either way, I’ll keep you
posted.
-------------
Meet Author Niambi
Brown Davis Thanks for visiting my place in cyberspace. Here you'll find news of my current
and upcoming releases.
Pull out your virtual passport — get ready to travel with men and women who find
love in all corners of the world.
Make yourselves comfortable and stop in anytime. In my little house on the hill,
a light is always shining.
Niambi
was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and raised on the Eastern Shore of
Maryland. She and her family lived for many years in Washington, DC and for
three and a half years, made the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago their home.
She has written for Bronze Thrills, True Confessions and Black Romance
Magazines. Niambi indulged her passion for sailing and travel by serving as
publicist for the Black Boaters Summit and as a member of the National
Association of Black Travel Writers. A script for her first digital novella has
been accepted and published by Arrow Publications, LLC. Presently, Niambi writes
for Travel Lady Magazine.
Aside from travel and writing, Niambi is an avid reader of historical fiction,
and deeply involved in tracing the history of both branches of her family tree.
Her day job is running the business of Sand & Silk / Soleful Strut, her
own line of handcrafted bath and body products.
“The Day I Stopped Being Pretty,” will make you laugh, it will make you
cry. It will make you search deep within to explore the most important love one
can embrace, self-love.
Rodney Lofton shares his true-life account of “living with
HIV” and how his life and testimony has affected everyone around him. Ever since
being diagnosed with HIV, Rodney Lofton has lived under society’s label of being
“dirty or unclean.” But after he woke from a failed suicide attempt, Lofton set
out on a journey to overcome the adversity of racism, homophobia, rape, and more
to find love, not just from others, but also within himself. Lofton tells the
story of his sexual awakening, a life of low self-esteem compounded by a harsh
father and loving mother, who wanted to protect him from the world, physical and
emotional abuse, and his eventual diagnosis of HIV. Through it all, Lofton
emphasizes his efforts to inform the youth community nationwide on the issues of
disclosure and acceptance of HIV and how tragedy can be turned into triumph.
The Day I Stopped Being Pretty provides an
insightful, inspiring perspective into the lives of those living with HIV and
AIDS. It brings a face to the epidemic and shows the power of love, sorrow, and
hope. It is a story of living gay, loving positively, and finding the inner
strength to reach out to others despite their rejection and scorn.
Rodney Lofton has been a voice and face for those living with HIV for the past
ten years. He has served as a keynote speaker and requested facilitator by the
New Jersey World AIDS Day Celebration, the U.S. Conference on AIDS, and many
other events. He has presented on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues
at the National Gay & Lesbian Taskforce Conference Creating Change and the Gay &
Lesbian Medical Association Conference. He is a former freelance writer with
SPICE Magazine, Music Biz and the African-American gay publication The Malebox.
Lofton is also a former Public Relations professional, having represented the
likes of Kool and the Gang, Mary Wilson of the legendary Supremes, Dancehall
Reggae artist Shabba Ranks and the R&B recording group RIFF. He currently
resides in Virginia.
EDC: Finish this sentence: I am Powerful
because..... Answer: I am Powerful because I am a black, gay HIV positive man,
living positively in the face of adversity.
EDC: Where are you from? Answer: I was born in Seaboard, North Carolina, but currently
reside in Richmond, VA.
EDC: Who are your two main characters and what do you like most
about them? Answer: Well, because my book is a memoir, the main character of
the book is me. It took me a while to learn to like and love myself, so what I
admire most about the character/me is that I was able to learn to love myself.
EDC: What makes your book stand out and would make a reader pick
it up? Answer: I would say the cover truly stands out. It is a photograph
of me as a little boy. I have been told by readers of the book, the cover was
what caught their initial interest.
EDC: Ultimately, what do you want readers to gain from your
book? Answer: Because it is an honest telling of my life, the good, the
bad and the ugly, I wanted the reader to take a small peak into the life of a
black, gay HIV positive male’s journey. I do not speak for the entire black, gay
HIV positive community, this was my journey and I hope readers will get a better
understanding of living and loving with HIV.
EDC: What is the one most surprising thing you have learned in
creating novels? Answer: For me, I was surprised that many would read a novel like
mine because it is out of the norm. It doesn’t focus on brothers living on the
down low, but a true openly black gay man.
EDC: What would you say has been your most significant
achievement as a writer? How did you do it? Answer: I was pleased that my first outing was nominated for a
Lambda Literary Award, but the most significant achievement was the response I
received from individuals living with HIV praising my honesty.
EDC: What advice would you give a new writer? Would you change
anything about your journey? Answer: I would encourage new writers to learn the business of
writing. Publishing a book is probably the easiest part of the industry, but
promoting and getting your product out there can be trying and difficult at
times. Through it all, I wouldn’t change a thing about the literary journey that
I have embarked on.
EDC: What can we expect from you in the future? Answer: Currently, I am featured in Lee Hayes’ erotic anthology
entitled Flesh to Flesh and my follow-up novel, No More Tomorrows: Two Lives,
Two Stories, One Love is scheduled for release May 2009 on the Simon and
Schuster imprint, Strebor Books.
It
was quiet in the room. The sun, closing on the day, was sending her warmth
and comfortable colors through the Venetian blinds. Bewitching, charming and
divine, soft in its touch, enchanting like a rainbow...my eyes danced with the
colors as they turned...and I knew that twilight would soon have his due.
The
sun was kissing the day, laying its yellow lips on the skyline. She had told her
white, fluffy, and flurry little friends to scram, they weren't needed today.
She wanted the sky to be clear and blue and was determined to hold on to this
day, for an amazing thing had happened. True love was born, she knew it was
love, they knew it too, and everyone that was witness to it... knew it too, what
they didn't know was that it would last....forever!
Last
year was a landmark year for Sharon R. Wells. One year ago she created a
business called Angel Wings Publications, LLC, and a website designed to empower
and educate victims who suffer a wide range of repercussions resulting from
sexual abuse. 
Further
information about Sharon R. Wells, her website and "Without
Permission" is available online at 
Tall,
dark, and handsome bestselling male author Xavier Preston thought his
nightmare—in the form of Pilar, a fanatical stalker/fan—had finally ended.
Little does he know it’s only beginning. 
About the Author Ni’cola Mitchell
Betrayed by her cold, callous mother and abused by her alcoholic stepfather, eighteen-year-old Simone Woodard is kicked out of the house like a bag of trash and left to survive on her own. While struggling to create a life for herself, her beauty and innocence captivate Kevin Kennard, a handsome, hazel-eyed felon with an addiction to all things illegal. 
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.
A native of Philadelphia and a former teacher, Renee Bess has been writing most of her life...poetry, short fiction, and now novels. In authoring LEAVE OF ABSENCE, BREAKING JAIE,
RE: BUILDING SASHA, AND THE BUTTERFLY MOMENTS, Renee has remained committed to writing stories about multi-ethnic characters, timely social themes, romance, intrigue, and mystery. She welcomes a diverse audience of readers to her books and to her website,
BPM: Take us inside your latest book. Of the main characters, do you have any favorites?
Michael McGrew
can be described in one word, “visionary.” Naturally born with a gift in storytelling, writing a gripping novel is a walk in the park for this Los Angeles native. When asked about his role models and inspiration growing up, he simply explained that “Life itself and what it offers every day is a lesson and every lesson, if learned is the best advice the universe can give you.” He is a very diverse individual with a mind that invites the reality in which we choose to either accept or ignore. We just choose to ignore the imperfections in our own perfect world. 
BPM: Share with our readers the “behind-the-scenes” dish! Introduce us to your book and the main characters. Do you have any favorites? What genre is the book? On Kindle or Nook? 
LaDonna
is the Founder of
Philatonian Productions, Fire and Words Publishing, a member of The Black Writer’s Guild of Maryland, former intern producer of the Bernie McCain Show, former Associate Producer of the Michael Eric Dyson Show, a member of the Maryland Business Roundtable Speakers Bureau, a member of the National Association of Professional Women. Please check her website for her most recent media appearances like
Essencemagazine.com and more. She still resides in Maryland.
BPM: Introduce us to your book, I Married Satan.
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. She received a Certificate of Completion in Victim Assistance Training from the New York State Office For Victims of Crime; has received numerous awards for speaking at high schools and colleges; created and facilitated a domestic violence and abuse training for Chaplains called
Healing The Body Before The Spirit and talks to teens in various high schools about dating violence and their internet footprint. 
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?
PYNK
is the best-selling author of three erotica titles and winner of the 2008 YOUnity award for both the Fastest Rising Literary Star and Author of the Year.
Hachette Books released the first title, Erotic City, in November 2008.
Erotic City was a finalist for a 2009 African-American Literary Award in the
category of erotica and voted one of the Best Reads for 2008 by Black
Expressions. 
BPM:
Introduce us to your book, SIXTY-NINE and the characters. On Kindle or
Nook? 
Sometimes
it's the unexpected that makes life interesting. . .
About
the Author
Constantly the free and gentle flower growing wild,
Lorraine Elzia absorbs all life has to offer. Stumbling into writing at the suggestion of loved ones, Lorraine has embraced that calling to become an Award-Winning Author, Editor, and Ghostwriter. Her debut novel,
Mistress Memoirs received the AALAS Break Out Author of the year award. Ask Nicely and I
Might, her sophomore novel, promises to not only entertain, but tell a message as well. 
BPM: What compelled you to write this book, Ask Nicely and I Might? 