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Ella Curry, President and CEO of EDC Creations Media
Group
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.
Book spotlight: A Woman Scorned by Ericka Williams
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.
Ella: Ericka, introduce us to your book, A Woman Scorned.
Ericka: A Woman Scorned is about pain. It is about death. It is about love and revenge. When someone you love hurts you, your pain often times turns to anger and feelings of betrayal. That rage can turn into violence. Crimes of passion are real and have happened since the beginning of time. A Woman Scorned shows what happens when a woman's broken heart turns her into a predator. It makes her hate instead of love.
I feel most readers will relate to this book, A Woman Scorned, because it’s about redemption and consequences. It points out how we can not use excuses for our wrongdoings nor dodge retribution. We all have irrationally thoughts from time to time, but we can turn ourselves around. It brings attention to the fact that self-love is necessary and essential to our sanity. It also brings home the truth—you must pay for your actions one way or another. The primary thing I hope all readers will take away from reading A Woman Scorned is that loving YOU, even when no one else does, is crucial in living the best life.
Q: Tell us a little about your main characters. Who was your favorite? Why?
Ericka: Brielle was the main character. She was my favorite because she wanted to be a better person. She had aspirations for her life. She didn’t relish in being destructive the way her cousin Janay did.
Brielle had been molested, abused, and mistreated from a child. She yearns for the love she never felt from anyone. She never found love in the right places, until Dante rescued her and married her. She thought she was safe in his love, until two miscarriages and one affair too many, made her snap. The faith that she puts into her husband, is the very faith she should have found in herself. When he disappoints her, she wants nothing but to see him in pain.
Brielle not only exacts revenge on her husband for his grimy living, but she gets to “do it for the Ladies” as well, by making a few more men accountable for their actions. Until she meets Darren and Shawn; both men are falling for her. Brielle cannot see beyond her past to give them an honest chance at loving her sincerely. One prevails as the victor, while the other is another victim of A Woman Scorned.
While Brielle is unleashing her “fury” on men, there are two women, her cousin Janay, and her husband’s pregnant lover, who may be the ones to bring her down and stop her reign of terror on the opposite sex.
Q: Are your characters from the portrayal of real people?
Ericka: Yes, real people who react to life’s drama in a negative way. We have all made bad choices in responding to wrongs we feel have been inflicted upon us. This book takes a poignant look at the repercussions of letting one’s rage get out of control.
Q: What inspired you to write this story?
Ericka: To be honest, having the feeling of anger and wanting revenge on a former boyfriend. The closest and safest way to take action was to write about! Writing can be healing in so many forms.
Q: What issues in today's society have you addressed in the book?
Ericka: Infidelity, Domestic Violence, Molestation, Murder, and Revenge.
Q: What was your primary quest in publishing this book?
Ericka: To show how life traumas and a quest for love can affect one’s judgments and choices.
Q: Who did you write this book for? Why?
Ericka: I wrote A Woman Scorned for women who have been emotionally, physically, and mentally abused. I wanted them to know that they can love themselves when no one else does.
Q. What impact will this book have on the community?
Ericka: It deals with an emotion that many understand, revenge, giving the community a glimpse inside the mind and heart of a damaged individual; showing how revenge is not profitable.
I want people who read this book to accept that they are not a product of their circumstances and that anyone can change. Also, that your past does not have to dictate your future.
Q: What sets your book apart from others in your genre?
Ericka: Revenge has never been sexier.
Q: What was the most powerful chapter or scene in the book for you?
Ericka: One powerful scene is a scene where Brielle meets with her father on his death bed after five years of no contact with him.
Q: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
Ericka: Not that I can think of at the moment.
Q: What is the best piece of advice you would give to an aspiring author?
Ericka: Write with passion.
Q: Share with us your latest news, awards or upcoming book releases.
Ericka: My next book will be The Clique in 2010.
Join
me in welcome bestselling author Gloria Mallette! Nationally acclaimed award
winning author GLORIA MALLETTE began her true literary journey by
self-publishing her second novel Shades of Jade in April of 2000. By July and
13,000 sold copies later, Gloria signed on with Random House who re-released
Shades of Jade in 2001. Shades of Jade made several best sellers lists,
including Black Board, Essence Magazine, The Dallas Morning News, and The
Washington Post/Washington is Also Reading listing.
Gloria has been featured in The New York Daily News, USAToday, ToDay’s Black
Woman, Upscale Magazine, The Dallas Morning News, and The Pocono Record. Gloria
also has a featured novella, Come Tomorrow, on the USAToday website. To her
credit, Gloria now has ten published titles including the newly released SASSY,
a Finalist in the National Best Books 2009 Awards; Weeping Willows Dance; and
Living, Breathing Lies, winner of the National Best Books 2007 Awards and the
2008 Indie Excellence Award.
Intimate Conversation with Gloria hosted by Ella Curry of EDC Creations
Q: Introduce us to your new book SASSY.
GM: Finally SASSY! It took a while but SASSY is now available where ever books
are sold. Order your autographed copy from the SASSY page, or order from
Amazon.com. If not online, please order through your local bookstore.
Who is Sassy? A successful romance novelist, Sassy Davenport is a woman
looking to fulfill her own romantic fantasy. When the man of her dreams steps
right out of the pages of her latest novel, Butterfly, Sassy falls madly in love
with him. But what evil lies behind Norris Yoshito’s beautiful eyes and sexy
smile? Is the man of Sassy’s dream a serial killer of women who made the
mistake of trusting him just as Sassy did? When Sassy finds herself caught up in
a nightmare of deception and danger, she has to keep her suspicions to herself
or fall victim to a heartless killer who sees her death as the ultimate act of
revenge
Book Review for Sassy:
"[Sassy] is a fascinating psychological drama...." Harriet Klausner,
#1 Amazon Reviewer
"This is a thriller that I couldn't put down...I read it within 24
hours...a must read." --- B. Davis 'crazy about books.'
Q: Tell us a little about your main characters.
GM: The main characters in SASSY are Sassy Davenport and Norris Yoshito. Sassy
is a romance novelist who has yet to find the man of her romantic dreams. That
is until Norris Yoshito, an architect of Japanese and African American decent,
by chance, attends one of Sassy's book signings and purchases ten copies of her
latest novel---which impresses her.
The attraction between Sassy and Norris is immediate. Norris is the embodiment
of the leading man in Sassy's novel, but Sassy quickly learns that Norris is a
man of great compassion and substance when he helps her take care of her cousin
Bernard who is dying of AIDS. However, there appears to be a darker side to
Norris that frightens Sassy. Women associated with Norris are being murdered and
the police believe Norris is the killer. Not knowing what to believe, Sassy
fears that she might have to fight the man she loves in order to save her own
life.
Q: Who was your favorite? Why?
GM: While I liked Sassy's strength and tenacity, I fell in love with Norris. I
liked that Norris was caring, loving, and strong. Norris didn't shy away from
Bernard's illness; nor did he back down from Sassy whenever she tried to get the
upper hand; nor did he fear his older brother Clarence who had hated him all of
his life. Norris was indeed the man that most women dream about being in love
with.
Q:
What issue, person or thing inspired you to write this story?
GM: Actually, my character, Norris, inspired me to write this book. Strange as
it might seem, I kept dreaming about this Afro-Asian man who marries an
African-American woman who faces head on the problems they were up against
because of his past. My dreams evolved into SASSY.
Q: What issues in today's society have you addressed in the book?
GM: One of the issues I addressed in SASSY was AIDS and the other mixed race
children in Japan who are technically outcasts in a very purist, racist society.
Even today, Japanese people as a whole do not condone the mixing or tainting of
their blood by foreigners, especially people of African decent. I even learned
that bleaching cream is very big in Asia because Japanese people believe the
whiter their skin the better. I had to do a lot of research and it was no
surprise that women who bore mixed race children were ostracized. Big
surprise---not.
Q: What was your primary quest in publishing this book?
GM: My primary quest in publishing SASSY was to do it my way. My previous
publisher wanted me to add a lot of sex to my books, but sex is not what I
write. If a sex scene is called for, that's fine, but to write sex to drive the
story, that's not me. I write what my characters lead me to write, not what I
think will sell more books.
Q: Thousands of books are published each year. What sets your book apart from
other books in your genre?
GM: That's just it, publishers have never been able to pigeonhole me. I don't
write in a particular genre which is what sets my books apart from other books.
I love mystery, suspense, and romance. Combining the three seem to work
perfectly for me, which is why readers tell me they can't stop reading until the
very last page.
Q: What was the most powerful chapter or scene in the book for you?
GM: There were several powerful scenes in SASSY that touched me. One in
particular was when Bernard, who is dying of AIDS, gets to see his
seven-year-old son Brice. Bernard had been afraid that he would scare Brice by
his emaciated appearance and tried to end all contact with Brice and Brice's
mother Evelyn. When Brice was brought to the house, it was Brice who embraced
Bernard and said he would take care of him. I actually cried when I wrote this
scene.
Q: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your
latest book?
GM: Interestingly, there is nothing in the content of the SASSY that I would
change, it would be the copyeditor who didn't do such a great job.
Q: Share with us your latest news, awards or upcoming book releases.
GM: SASSY placed as a finalist in the National Best Book 2009 Awards. I feel
fortunate that it has been acknowledged, just as Living, Breathing Lies was in
2007 and 2008 wherein it won a National Best Book Awards and an Indie Excellence
Award. As a self-publisher who has been mainstream published, a little
validation goes a long way.
I'd like to extend an invitation to readers to visit my website: www.gloriamallette.com
to see the videos for both Sassy and Living, Breathing Lies. Books ordered
through my website are personally autographed.
Writing remains my passion. I am now hard at work on my next book, Shh! Don’t
Tell which will be out in 2011.
Sassy by Gloria
A. Mallette
ISBN-10: 0967878934 | ISBN-13: 9780967878935
National
Best Book 2009 Awards Finalist -- Sassy
National Indie Excellence 2008 Award Winner -- Living, Breathing Lies
National Best Book 2007 Awards Winner AA Fiction -- Living, Breathing Lies
MosaicBooks.com 2007 Bestseller -- Living, Breathing Lies
8 Unhappy Marriage
Signs
How to Know When Your Marriage is on the Rocks?
By: Meredith Glee
Most love marriages start off with great feelings of happiness just like a fairy tale romance, but soon degenerate into something cold and boring, a kind of habit that both partners fall into and soon the marriage starts showing those inevitable unhappy marriage signs that all married couples dread. So what are these signs and how can you notice them and stop them from repairing your marriage until it’s too late?
Sign # 1
Both spouses have taken recourse to vulgar cursing and calling each other names and hurling the choicest of expletives and abuses at each other. Well, this might make you feel at peace with yourself for you have given vent to your anger, but has it helped your marriage in any way? It only leads to damaging behavior of further varieties such as depression, low self esteem, unhappiness, anger etc.
Sign # 2
Another unhappy marriage sign is when dinner times, which are supposed to be family get together times, become relegated to catching supper before the television or grabbing a bite on the run. In this way, it becomes impossible to stay connected to each other.
Sign # 3
Both husband and wife are attending the same social event, but are arriving and leaving separately and independently. Well, this will sure provide fodder to the gossip mills and make the grape vines buzz overtime.
Sign # 4
Other unhappy marriage signs that can spell doom are when either partners or one spouse feels that his/her responsibilities or work is more important than that of the partner’s. What you don’t realize is that it will leave your husband/wife feeling uncared for and unappreciated.
Sign # 5
When you stop listening to your mate, it signifies that something is wrong in your marriage. What you don’t realize is that by keeping yourself busy with yourself and with your job or activity, you are neglecting your partner, hurting his/her feelings and emotions and giving rise to depression, frustration and coldness. Your spouse will start to suffer from a deep lack in his/her life.
Sign # 6
A loveless marriage that has no fire in it is another sign that your marriage is not
healthy. In such dead marriages, the sexual spark fizzles out prematurely; the couple no longer feels the desire to get intimate between the sheets and drifts apart from each other.
Sign # 7
Whereas once you used to kiss with a lot of passion and intensity and fire, nowadays you just give each other quick pecks on the cheek. This is surely a sign of a dissipating passion.
Sign # 8
When the lines of communication break down and the events and incidents of the day are not shared it forebodes something bad. The emotional intimacy will degenerate into coldness.
Some more unhappy marriage signs that are seen frequently are an unusual silence between the two partners when they have stopped sharing their thoughts and feelings with each other and stopped getting touchy feely or passionate or flushed with desire.
Most
couples reminisce about how the person they ultimately married actively pursued
them for their time, attention, or love when they were dating. The pursuit to
gain the affection of another person is known as courting. This active pursuit
should not end just because you are now married. Women have been most noted to
complain about their spouse’s lack of time and attention once they were
married. All of the special things he once did (romantic dates, flowers, candy,
thoughtful cards and gifts) have disappeared into the sea of forgetfulness.
Now,
your husband sexually approaches you without even stroking your hair or kissing
your neck. If this becomes the norm and you are frustrated by it, be sure to
lovingly let your hubby know that you would like to include more romance into
your sex life instead of just diving right into the act!
Remind
him of all of the wonderful things that he did to get your attention and how
this really made you fall in love with him. Married couples should continue to
court one another and offer tokens of love and appreciation. You don’t have to
spend a lot of money. Even little signs of gratitude and courtship can go a long
way in having a great marriage. Ladies, this cuts both ways. Be prepared to be
reminded of some things that you may have done or let slip during your time of
dating or early in your marriage when things were fresh, new and exciting. Both
men and women need to remember how hard they once worked to impress each other.
Why not do it now?
Another
point that many couples will remember is that while courting and dating, it was
difficult for them to keep their hands off one another and resist the sexual
attraction they felt toward each other. Although the Scriptures clearly tell us
that it is God’s desire that we abstain from sex until marriage, sex inside of
marriage is His perfect plan for couples. Sex outside of marriage is
fornication. Fornication is a sin against God. It is just like the enemy to
entice and put pressure on couples to have sex before marriage. Then once they
are married, couples may not find sex pleasurable anymore or they become
disinterested. It is also a tactic of the enemy to make sexual intimacy that is
sanctioned and blessed by God into something that couples want to avoid. Couples
must be vigilant to submit themselves to God (His will) and resist the devil in
every area of their lives, including their sexual relationship with their
spouse, and he will flee (James 4:7). It is the will of God and His desire for
married couples to have sex.
Most
couples listened carefully to one another when they were dating. Once married,
it may be more difficult to find interest in some of the same stories your
spouse shares. However, it is important to put the time and energy into
listening to them talk about work, concerns about friends, and their outside
interests. No matter how boring this may seem to you now, and how you may tire
of hearing them rambling on about things that don’t interest you, this is an
important part of making them feel important.
Think
back. Remember how glad you were to be allowed into their inner-most thoughts,
emotions, and dreams when you first started dating. Well, you got what you were
looking for! Now, you are their friend and lover forever! Intently listen to
what your spouse has to say and share your feelings and thoughts with them, as
well. This verbal intimacy between couples is the preliminary step toward
physical intimacy.
The
courting process is very different for each couple. If your husband loves a good
evening meal, you can court him with his favorite dinner. If your wife loves
flowers, buy her flowers for no reason. There are countless ways to “court”
each other. Wear the perfume that makes his toes curl. Bring her a small box of
her favorite chocolates. Men, washing the dishes for your wife after she has an
exhausting day at work or at home with the kids could be the sexiest thing
you’ve done in weeks because it demonstrates your care and concern to meet her
needs. All of these examples are simple ways of communicating that your spouse
is still the most important person to you and that you don’t take them for
granted.
If
you have realized that you have become lazy in your pursuit of the one you love,
pick up the wonderful little things that you use to do for them to communicate
your love and affection. If you have forgotten, ask them! By expressing your
love and appreciation through small tokens, you set the stage for intimacy and
open the door for lovemaking.
African Home Decor Guide: Buying Quality African Home Decor
By: Roy Primm
The popularity of African home decor reflects in the growth of this trend over the last three years. More interior designers and buyers longing to spice up and ad a sense of adventure to their homes have sought African decor items to fill that need.
For centuries the continent of Africa has produced inspired works of art people around the globe envy. For example, objects made from stone, clay, woods and other natural materials.
With the popularity of earth-friendly home decor products, African home accessories seem like a natural (pardon the pun) fit for today's demanding home decor market and consumer.
African decor produced from natural earth friendly materials continues to grow in popularity among interior designers. The most popular forms of African tribal decor is wood figurines, wood masks and animal wood carvings.
These African wood carvings often made from trees that replenish easily because of faster growth - as opposed to other trees. For example, trees such as bamboo, teak and other fast growing varieties.
Colorful African baskets of all sizes continue to grow as a popular home decor accessory, adding a splash of color and interest to any room. The popularity comes from the double benefits of a decorative piece that's also used for storage purposes.
Quality hand-made African home decor baskets crafted with various kinds of loom add variety to any home decor. The better quality form of loom is the horizontal pedal loom. The horizontal loom is most popular from the regions of West Africa.
The West African tribes of the Kasai and Kwilu territories located near the Central Congo developed a unique weaving technique. For example, the tribal women meticulously weave plush raffia or fiber on diagonal looms. Next they take the pattern and knot it in broad bands during the detailed weaving process. And finally the expert weaver completes the detailed steps by cutting the overhanging material to an even finish.
Inserting a colorful pattern, done in various ways adds a touch of color to the decorative African baskets. The most popular method? Meticulously hand-weaving with colored threads, the result is a stunning piece of African art that would brighten up any room.
Wrought iron African home decor accessories continues as a favorite because of its longevity. African statues and figurines of tribesmen, tribeswomen and popular animals throughout the tropical forest and East Africa represent consumer favorites world-wide.
African pottery is another popular African decor accessory used to add a look of adventure to any room in your home. African hand-made pottery usually employs many popular and recognized techniques. For example, rounded pots hollowed out with a continuous turning movement of the craft persons hands - at just the right angle and depth.
African gourde containers grow in West Africa. The gourde container, usually cut in half and their hard outer shells used to fashion decorative bowls, cups, plates and other vessels for water and food. These African bowls, decorated with various patterns of stripes and other colorful designs adds interest and authenticity. These African designs not only add interest to the piece, they often tell a story or give a positive message to the reader.
Quality African decor can add zest and life to any room. There's a category that fits every taste and lifestyle.
About the author:
Roy Primm has written dozens of articles on the power of African home decor. Get more ideas for using African home decor go to:
http://www.BlackHomeOwnerNews.com/africanamericandecor.html
Article Source: www.isnare.com;Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=273628&ca=Home+Management
Intimate Conversation with
Patryce "Choc'Let" Banks
Patryce "Choc'Let" Banks carved her niche as an innovator and one of the major players in the "Funk" music genre. The award winning audio/visual dynamo is the former female lead singer of chart topping, Grammy nominated, Graham Central Station, Larry Grahams' (Sly's bass player) band. Her career has been an exciting adventure, traveling through life with such companions as Sly and the Family Stone, B.B King, Stephanie Mills, Chaka Kahn, Dr.Dre, Rose Royce, and many others. Patryce invites you to share her journey through her debut book; A Choc'Let State of Mind. A Choc’Let State of Mind consists of short stories and poetry including the autobiographical short piece, Funk 101. Her anxiously anticipated newly released second novel, Déjà View: Memoirs of a Funk Diva, explores Choc' let's relationship with Larry Graham and her career as a member of Graham Central Station.
Ella: Patryce, please tell us about you and introduce us to your book,
give us a little sneak peek.
Patryce "Choc' let" Banks, formerly of the premier funk band, Graham Central Station, has picked up the pen and is fast becoming a literary force to be reckoned with. The female forerunner of funk music details her insights about her life and experiences during these seminal years in African-American music. Her perspective is close-up and candid, detailing all of the elements that comprised the glittering lifestyle; sex, drugs, abuse, and the players. With unsparing narration, Choc’Let shares her very public romance with Larry Graham .
Deja View: Memoirs of a Funk Diva explores Choc'let's relationship with Larry and her career as a member of Graham Central Station. She takes you with her as she travels in the fast lane of funk, placing you in the front row of her compelling life experience. When asked why she writes, Choc’Let states, “ I feel it's my duty as a Funkstress to do my part to keep the funk alive! I regard my literary works as history books. Hoping to take aspiring "Funkateers" with me on my journey and try to shed some light on what it was like to be a witness to the power of the funk.”
Excerpt from
Deja View: Memoirs of a Funk Diva
"Can you handle it?"...the bass is thumping, David's guitar rides the rhythm, Willie beats the drums into submission, hanging with Larry stroke for stroke. Butch and Hershall on both ends of the stage, fingers flying, capturing every note on the scale.
Fonk is so thick in the air, you can smell it. The crowd is grooving hard, faces reflecting their struggle to hang, as Graham Central Station relentlessly drives on. "Can you handle it?"...the lyrics ask. In my mind, I ask myself the same question.
Here I stand in front of thousands of people as the female lead singer of the premier funk band, Graham Central Station. Larry Graham is the leader, and my man. The crowd sees me, the funk diva. My outfit is "Glam Funk" all the way. Silver sequined gown with a plunging neck line, stopping just above my belly button...hair cascading to my waist...silver and rhinestone, custom made platforms...turquoise and silver rings on every finger, silver bangles on both arms up to my elbows --- and dark glasses.
What they can't see is the blackness surrounding my right eye, competing with the blackness of the lens of the glasses.
A fake smile attempts to convince the audience of "Fonkateers", that it is all good. I want them to think the shades are hiding how high I am. I would rather they think I was too high, than know the truth. The ring of bruises and blackness, is the result of an assault --- the violent abusive act committed by the same hand playing the thundering bass, the hand of the man I loved.
Ella: Tell us about your passion for writing. Why do you write? What drives you?
I have always written. I'm the little girl who kept diaries and journals, some go back as far as elementary school. I am also a song writer. Writing has always come easy for me. I finally "went for it" so that my own words—"I need to write a book!"—would stop haunting me.
My writing offers the following legacy to future readers, the legacy of music history. I regard my literary works as music history books.
Ella:
Why do you think your story should be told?
I 'm approached often by many aspiring "funkateers" with questions, hungry to hear an authentic account of personal encounters with funk icons. It is so important to nourish any yearnings that young people have regarding real music. We can't allow buttons to replace instruments and genuine passion.
Ella:
Did you self-publish
Deja View: Memoirs of a Funk Diva?
My first book was published by my cousin, Terry O'Neal's publishing company, Motion Publishing. She's a best selling children's author so she was very busy and I was impatient. I decided to self-publish Déjà View simply because it was expeditious and the process wasn't as difficult as I anticipated. With all the resources available on the internet to promote and market literary works, I was excited to be the one in control and see just how successful I would be. Self-publishing is a challenge that I'm more than ready for.
Ella:
What can we expect to see next from Choc’ Let?
Many, many, many more books! I am expecting an awesome, blessed career as an author. My intention is to write books that will one day be preserved in space capsules for generations to come!
I anticipate that in the year 3000 when folks wonder what a "Funk Diva" was, they can open my book and find out.
Ella:
How can someone get a copy of your book?
Readers can order my first book, A Choc'Let State of Mind and newly released, Déjà View: Memoirs of a Funk Diva through
Favflayvor1@msn.com or use PayPal, to receive a signed copy from me to you!
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Intimate
Interview: No
More Tomorrows: Two Lives, Two Stories, One Love
Rodney Lofton has been a voice and face for those living with HIV. He has served as a keynote speaker and requested facilitator by the New Jersey World AIDS Day Celebration, the U.S. Conference on AIDS among others. He is a former freelance writer and public relations professional. He served as a columnist for the online GBMNews. His columns focused on issues around HIV/AIDS and African-American gay men. His debut novel The Day I Stopped Being Pretty: A Memoir was nominated for a Lambda Literary Award. He currently resides in Virginia. For more information on the author, please visit
www.rodneylofton.com, www.nomoretomorrows.net
or www.myspace.com/rodlofton.
Ella: Tell us about your passion for writing. What drives you? What impact do you want your book to make?
A: I started writing professionally when I was a publicist in the entertainment industry. Initially I did it because it was required for the work I did, but I really got into it. I started to freelance, focusing on reviews and feature articles on celebrities I was assigned to cover. From there, I started to create stories that I would enjoy reading. I was afforded the opportunity to write for a Black Gay Publication The Male Box, which allowed me to explore and create more stories that were both entertaining and enlightening for Black Gay Men. Writing my first book The Day I Stopped Being Pretty: A Memoir was both therapeutic for me and a natural progression as a writer in the process.
Ella: A Legacy is something that is handed down from one period of time to another period of time. Finish this sentence- My writing offers the following legacy to future readers...
A: My writing offers future readers a small, but intimate look into the lives of those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. I hope that I am able to show the world just a little about the emotional ups and downs associated with the HIV pandemic and its impact on those we love and those we choose to love.
Ella:
Introduce us to your book, No More Tomorrows: Two Lives, Two Stories, One Love.
A: No More Tomorrows: Two Lives, Two Stories, One Love is a story of loving in the age of HIV/AIDS. The reader is introduced to two incredible souls, Mark Jones, an HIV positive man and Kevin Williams, his HIV negative partner. Mark awakes one morning from a dream that has haunted him for weeks and he realizes it is his last day on this physical earth. The story of their journey to love is told in flashbacks, from their very first meeting, their first date, their first kiss and the moment they have both dreaded, the time they have to say good-bye.
Ella: What inspired you to write this story?
A: As a black gay man living with HIV, I noticed there were very few stories, if any that addressed the lives of HIV positive men living and loving in the age of AIDS. Typically with HIV positive characters that have been portrayed, they are secondary characters close to death without being fully developed individuals within the storyline. What I attempted to do was to showcase fully, the life of Mark Jones; a self identified proud black gay man living with HIV, as a rounded and loving individual. I wanted to show the dynamics of living in the age of HIV/AIDS and the sometimes difficult road it is for those we love and those we choose to love.
Ella: What issues in today's society have you addressed in the book?
A: Well, I attempted to address the stigma associated with HIV. Even now in 2009 based on what we know as a society about HIV transmission and prevention, there are individuals in our community that still have issues being and even associating with persons living with HIV. We focus primarily on the behavior that caused the infection, versus the individual. I also addressed some of the stereotypes that many in the black community have as it pertains to being gay. Mark and Kevin are clearly written as two strong black men first and foremost. Although they are both gay, their sexuality is secondary to them. The images of black gays and lesbians in the media have not been traditionally positive (no pun intended). We are far more than the non-sexual best friend of the female heroine or drag queens with a biting sense of humor. We are loving sons and daughters, contributing members to our community’s survival. We are fathers and mothers; we are members of our local churches. We are not caricatures or sexual deviants; we are just persons who love.
Ella: How difficult was it to complete the novel?
A: It was very difficult at times. It was trying at times to find the very distinct voices of Mark and Kevin. But as the journey of their union evolved, it became easier. At times emotionally, especially towards the end of the book, it became difficult to tell the rest of their story. I began to root for both of them, hoping that the end result would be something out of a Disney movie in which everyone lived happily ever after, but that was not the case with this story. I cried as their reality has become the reality of so many who have loved and lost as a result of HIV disease.
Ella: Did you self-publish? How difficult was it to find a publisher to pick up your novel?
A: I did not self-publish. I was blessed in the form of Zane of Strebor Books. After sending out so many submission letters and queries, I received the very nice rejection letters, sometimes no letters or responses at all. But Zane, being the visionary she is, provided me a venue to share stories like Mark and Kevin’s.
Ella: Why did you decide to pick the Gay genre for your book?
A: I wanted to tell the story of two black men, both of whom are gay, living and loving in the face of adversity. It also helped that I am a gay man LOL.
Ella: Are your characters from the portrayal of real people?
A; I would answer that question both yes and no. Mark and Kevin are not based on real life individuals, but I did draw from some of my emotional experiences as a black, gay and HIV positive male, to infuse the story with some of life’s harsh realities surrounding the disease. The struggle of finding someone to love you because of who you are and your heart and not pity you because of a “death sentence”.
Ella: What is your most valuable lesson about the publishing industry?
A: I have learned since the release of The Day I Stopped Being Pretty: A Memoir, there are individuals who will always have something to say. It is very difficult for us as a people to embrace something we are not completely familiar with or don’t understand. We allow our prejudices to prevent us from opening our minds and hearts to something that we consider different or out of the norm. I have also learned you have to be part of your own success. That means finding creative ways of promoting your product. There are times where you may only sell one or two books, if that many at an event, but a friendly handshake, a smile and engaging conversation may lead the reader to purchasing your book down the road. A smile goes a long way.
Ella: What writers inspire you and why?
A; Gloria Naylor is certainly one of my favorites. I wouldn’t just call her a writer or author. She is an incredible storyteller. She has a way of making you the reader, become a part of the story, the journey. She allows you to stand there as she unfolds the story for you. She is incredible.
Ella: What did you hope to accomplish by writing this particular story?
A: I hope the reader is able to look into the world of Mark and Kevin and celebrate the love these two have for one another. I want the reader to root for them and support them during a very difficult time. I want the reader to have a better understanding what it is like to love someone living with HIV and the emotional upheaval this disease carries with it.
Ella: Share with us your latest news, awards or upcoming book releases.
A: I am working on a script for a stage production of my first book The Day I Stopped Being Pretty: A Memoir. It will certainly stay true to the story, but it is a far more intimate look into the man who wrote the story and the life he lived. The book was powerful but the stage play is up close, personal and certainly in your face. I am also excited about being selected as the August 2009 Man of the Month by the Black Gay Men’s Network. As a result of this honor, I will be featured in their 2010 Calendar. Imagine, all of this from a country boy born on his grandmother’s bed in North
Carolina.
No
More Tomorrows: Two Lives, Two Stories, One Love
After
awaking from a restless sleep that has plagued him for weeks, Mark Jones
awakes to the realization it is his last physical day on earth. Mark begins
to reflect on his life of living with HIV and his love for his HIV negative
partner Kevin Williams, who despite his initial reservations has embraced and
loved Mark knowing that "death would come knocking soon."
This love story
traces the relationship between Mark and Kevin from the very first date, the
very first kiss, the first time they made love and the last time they would
say good-bye.
Reginald Dwayne Betts was born in a city in San Diego he no longer remembers. Dwayne was raised in Suitland, MD, a small city in the DC Metropolitan area. On December 8, 1996 Dwayne went from being an average boy in the neighborhood, carrying hoop dreams and college ambitions in his head, to another young black male behind bars. In thirty seconds he became a statistic and his memoir, A Question of Freedom, is about everything he did while in prison to make his life more than the moments that left him standing before a judge in a Fairfax County Courtroom. A Question of Freedom shows his journey away from the neighborhoods he called home to the prison cells where he spent most of his teenage years and early 20s.
At the age of sixteen, R. Dwayne Betts—a good student from a lower-middle-class family—carjacked a man with a friend. He had never held a gun before, but within a matter of minutes he had committed six felonies. A bright young kid, he served his nine-year sentence as part of the adult population in some of the worst prisons in the state.
A Question of Freedom is a coming-of-age story with the unique twist that it takes place in prison. Utterly alone—and with the growing realization that he really is not going home any time soon—Dwayne confronts profound questions about violence, freedom, crime, race, and the justice system. Above all, A Question of Freedom is about a quest for identity—one that guarantees Dwayne's survival in a hostile environment that incorporates an understanding of how his own past led to the moment of his crime.
More About R. Dwayne Betts...
R Dwayne Betts was raised in Suitland, MD. The only child of a single mother, his earliest years showed the kind of academic promise that leads children to be labeled as gifted. Throughout school, despite often finding himself in trouble for talking too loudly and much too often, he excelled in his schoolwork. Friends, family members and teachers all expected that he’d attend college and become the engineer he told anyone who would listen that he wanted to be...MORE
Professor Henry Louis Gates, a premier member of America’s Black Elite
Would have been carried to jail
If Cambridge’s finest could have put shackles on his feet
As the respected scholar unexpectedly found himself in racial profiling hell
Has it come to this?
Where strangers are our neighbors?
Calling the cops on a man
Who purchased a home based on his own hard labor?
Did the neighborly neighbor ring the alarm on a whim?
Perhaps if it was Flava Flav they would have recognized him
But we’ll never know, the media will never get a confession
From the “concerned” neighbor that may have felt the need to teach this new-age negro a lesson
How is it that we take three steps forward and ten steps back?
When, for the first time in History we have a President that is Black?
We cannot get weary -- We cannot Rest
Day after day, year after year, there will always be a Test
To fly higher run faster be smarter work harder
Just to achieve educational and economic parity and still have to barter
to get into our own “Houses?”
Is it not enough that our ancestors built this country with their blood, sweat and tears?
Where enslaved women watched their men being tarred, feathered and pulled apart by horses exacerbating her fears?
Is it not enough that we were bred to destroy on e another from the inside out
That some of we, a loving people, are full of self-hate, insecurities, ill-intention and doubt?
With the continuous racist incidents (that we hear of)
That leave us drained and emotionally spent
Here we go again…
What will it take to end?
How can we be fooled?
When in 2009 little black kids got kicked out of a pool
When a Harvard scholar is carted away in handcuffs
And his mug shot plastered across the nation making him appear angry and tough
When Sean Bell is shot for no particular reason
And prejudice persists during all four seasons
It’s beguiling to me
Leaves me scratching my head
Makes me wonder if Racism will ever be dead?
Ahmad and Nikki Jacobs are the picture perfect couple. They began their love affair as college sweethearts. Now, they are married, live in the biggest and most beautiful home on their street, and drive the finest cars money can buy. Ahmad is the most successful attorney in the state and Nikki gave up her career as a teacher to become a stay at home mom; raising her daughters and lunching with her girlfriends several times a week.
But what appears to be picture perfect from the outside of this three- story brownstone is very different from the real drama that is happening on the inside.
Nikki’s painful past and Ahmad’s irresponsible behavior has led them down a road that takes many tragic turns. Shannon, Nikki’s younger sister, has her own plans for Ahmad. Lies, deception and murder all take their toll on this already struggling marriage.
Can this couple get to a loving and trusting place in their relationship or has the collateral damage ruined it for life?
MEET THE CHARACTERS:
Nikki is the quintessential girl next door with brains, beauty and a big heart. She leaves Mobile, Alabama for college life far away from home on the campus of Georgetown University. But no matter how hard she tries, she can't get away from her painful past. Nikki wants to love and be loved but is afraid that if she lets anyone in, she'll be hurt again.
Ahmad has it going on at every level and has his pick of women. He is one of the rising basketball stars for the Georgetown Hoyas but his time on the court is cut short by an awful tragedy. Ahmad is a good guy who constantly makes irresponsible choices that at one point, almost cost him everything.
Shannon, Nikki's emotionally damaged younger sister, also moves to the nation's capital to further her education at nearby Howard University. Both sisters share the same twisted family secret but deal with it differently. Shannon is on a mission to get as much as she can, by any means necessary. Her destructive behavior leaves everyone in her path shell-shocked.
Author, Hazel Mills' Bio:
African American Literary Award nominated author, Hazel Mills, knew that she wanted to be a writer from the moment she penned the first words of a poem titled “A Tree” when she was in the third grade. Even though she majored in business at the University of Alabama, writing continued to be her first love.
Hazel’s short erotic fiction has been published in Playgirl Magazine’s Erotic Encounters (January 2007 issue) and in
Best Lesbian Love Stories: New York City, edited by Simone Thorne (November 2006, Alyson Books). She is also one of the contributing authors to the award-winning anthology,
Mocha Chocolate: Taste A Piece of Ecstasy, edited by Shani Greene-Dowdell. Hazel’s debut collection of critically acclaimed erotic short stories,
Bare Necessities: Sensuous Tales of Passion (April 2008, Xpress Yourself Publishing) was awarded the honor of “Best Erotica” given by African Americans On The Move Bookclub at their 2009 national conference.
Lady Leo Publishing has also published some of her short stories in ebook format. She is a contributing author to the highly anticipated upcoming release,
The Triumph of My Soul: The Breakthrough, edited by Elissa Gabrielle (2010) Hazel’s new book,
Journey To Surrender, was released in September 2009 by Xpress Yourself Publishing.
Somewhat obsessed with fabricating stories that usually got her in big trouble as a child GStarr is now able to keep the stories going for a profit. Born in her native country of Panama author GStarr is the co-founder of UrbanL Publishing in Queens, New York. Inspired by the late E. Lynn Harris and bestselling author Eric Jerome Dickey, GStarr’s first novel Pulling Me Back is a story about the discovery of lesbian love between best friends.
Ella: Where did you get the idea and inspiration to write Pulling Me Back?
My inspiration for writing Pulling Me Back a novel that centers around two women beginning a lesbian romance in the midst of everyday issues was inspired by reading Eric Jerome Dickey’s Friends and Lovers and E. Lynn Harris’ Just As I Am. I genuinely enjoyed the books for different reasons. Eric’s novel dealt with the essence of friendship and the dynamic among different personalities, E. Lynn Harris’ novel was a trailblazer for introducing avid readers to characters living within the lesbian and gay communities. The idea of infusing subject matters from my two favorite authors seemed to be an untapped niche. I was tired of reading the urban fiction novels with so much drug crimes and gold digger related plots.
Ella: Introduce us to your book, Pulling Me Back.
What makes the picture perfect working girl go from being with a man to being with a woman? In
Pulling Me Back Bre Morgan learns that her beloved honey is not the faithful hardworking man that she thought he was. He may be hard working as a celebrity bodyguard, but he’s diligent at keeping his “other life” a secret. A heartbroken Bre learns turns to a night of drinking and partying with her closest friends including Jordan Powers her lesbian BFF after learning who Sean Hunter really is—a cheating bastard.
Throwing caution to the wind Bre makes an overt pass at Jordan, who chooses to ignore it the first time it happens. When a sexual pass comes Jordan’s way a second time, she indulges in her best friend and the two embark on a closeted, insane ride of bliss, pain and confusion that neither can seem to navigate.
Pulling Me Back is a novel that satisfies a dire need for erotic, alternative lifestyle story telling. In the midst of family feuds and broken hearts can two women find true love beyond the mayhem that life has thrown their way?
Ella: Are your characters from the portrayal of real people?
The main characters all have bits and pieces of parts of the girl I used to be and the woman I am today.
Ella: Tell us about your passion for writing. Why do you write? What drives you? What impact do you want your book to make on the readers?
I write because ever since I was child I would make up stuff. I would just talk and fiction would always come out, I think the fiction was more entertaining to me than telling the truth. It’s been said that I’m always in my own world—daydreaming and contemplating life and scenarios better than the reality we have before us. I have "mini- movies" going on in my head, so a new author I plan to share these visions with my followers.
My passion comes from always having a story to tell. I really do enjoy making things up and having control of all fates of my characters—what they do, where they live, who they hook up with, where they travel, etc. That kind of control is fun—even if it’s only in fiction.
Ella:
As an author, what is your writing process? How long did it take to finish Pulling Me Back?
I received a laptop for a birthday gift. Once I knew I wanted to write Pulling Me Back I would carry my laptop with me everywhere. I would type during the roundtrip bus ride to and from work and on my lunch break. Any extra downtime was used to get this book typed up. Once I got started, I just couldn’t stop. It took a total of 5 months to complete. Writing Pulling Me Back was a new goal in my life and I’m glad I can check it off my list. This is just the beginning for GStarr.
Ella: What is your most valuable lesson about the publishing industry?
So far the most valuable lesson that I’ve learned from being in publishing is-- a book won’t sell itself. A great book does not make for great book sales, unless the author, especially a new one is willing to get out there and meet the people, sell yourself and your product. It is my job to form a fan base and let people know what I have to offer. The marketing aspect of publishing is very important.
Ella: What issues in today's society have you addressed in the book?
An important topic among today’s generation that I cover in Pulling Me Back is --being gay. One of the characters, Jordan is openly gay to everyone who knows her, except her parents who just refuse to believe it. Her mom keeps wanted her to get a man and her father doesn’t choose to discuss it at all. When Jordan let’s her family know that her being a lesbian is who she is and they must except that things get ugly. This happens in so many households across America. It’s sad that acceptance can sometimes come from outsiders before your own family. E. Lynn Harris was a role model to me and I respect his writing and his creativity, but more importantly I admired him for being a trailblazer and opening the door for myself and authors to write about the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) demographic. You will still find, love lust, lies, happiness, sadness, etc in Pulling Me Back, I hope to pick up where the late E. Lynn Harris left off.
To request an advance read copy for print, online or book club reviews contact Dream Relations 347-715-4921 or email request to
dreamrelations@gmail.com
Intimate Conversation with
Angel Mechelle
Angel Mechelle was raised a “military brat”. She attended Neu-Ulm High School in Germany and graduated from Southeast High school in Bradenton Florida . She now resides in Virginia with her two children. Armed with an active imagination and a notion for DRAMA, Angel was finally able to share her love for story telling with the world when she accepted as a contributing author in the Shannon Holmes Anthology “Hood2Hood. Mr. Holmes was impressed with her talent and offered to publish her debut novel. The opportunity has opened many doors in the literary industry for Angel. She recently completed another short story to be featured in the Anthology “Flirt” due to be released in October.
Ella: Tell us about your passion for writing. What drives you?
My passion for writing comes from my deep passion for story telling. I love giving people something to relate to, a situation that allows them to analyze their own situation and sometimes look deep within themselves for the answer. I also love to entertain. I think the characters I create entertain readers, they can laugh at, cry with and hate the characters all at the same time. Sharing my vivid imagination with readers is what drives me. I have many characters and plots that run through my mind daily, this keeps me writing.
Ella:
Introduce us to your book,
Another Woman’s Husband.
Another Woman’s Husband is a twisted love story. Bree Michaels is a single mother who has had a rough time in the relationship department and she is ready for a change. She packs up her children and moves to her hometown to make a fresh start. It doesn’t take long for the self proclaimed drama magnet to attract the wrong kind of attention. In the form of her neighbor’s husband, Dré, who doesn’t seem to hide his attraction to her, at first Bree dismisses his advances but when a special bond develops between the two, there is no turning back and the drama begins! Bree and Dré are feeling this new connection and believe that they are soul mates and need to be together. There is only one obstacle that stands in their way, Dré’s wife, Neecy. She’s not having any part in giving up her husband to another woman and she proves it, by going hard and standing by her man through all of the drama. Another Woman’s Husband is a deep look inside of an affair that feels right, but is all wrong.
Ella:
How will your book impact
your readers?
The impact I would like Another Woman’s Husband to have on readers is, I would like them to number one be entertained. I would also like for women and men who are in similar situations to read the story of Bree and Dré and understand the ramifications an affair has on all parties involved. If readers look at their situation and re-evaluate the choices they are making and make necessary changes then my purpose for writing Another Woman’s Husband has been accomplished.
Ella:
What inspired you to write this story?
I wrote Another Woman’s Husband because when I looked at the situations around me (myself, family member and friends); I knew that this was not a unique story or situation. Women and men deal with infidelity all the time. I wanted to write a story that was so personal the average woman could relate to the emotions and the decisions that a woman in love makes. Sometimes the decisions are not the best, but I felt if women could read Bree’s story and relate, then they could see where she went wrong and maybe where they are going wrong and make changes. I have received many messages from women telling me that Another Woman’s Husband is their story and how they are so proud of Bree for getting out of that situation and moving on and now maybe they can do the same. Messages like those validate my intentions for writing the novel.
Ella:
Are your characters from the portrayal of real people?
Another Woman’s Husband is inspired by actual events and people. Although I believe that everyone knows a “Bree”, “Dré” and “Neecy” and many of the supporting characters. The story is so relatable, I’ve been told that people feel like they are reading about themselves, their girlfriend, Aunties and best friends.
Ella:
How difficult was it to complete the novel?”
Another Woman’s Husband took me a year and a couple of months to complete. There were many technical difficulties, and some emotional setbacks, still the writing flowed naturally and freely 24/7. I wrote from the moment I woke up, I wrote on down time at work and late into the night, it was almost like I couldn’t stop until the story was finished. I believe when you are passionate and determined nothing can stop you…Not even you computer crashing and deleting all of your files and you have to type every word again!
Ella:
Share with us your latest news and awards… Another Woman’s Husband has been nominated in two categories for the
Af’Fram literary awards. My latest project is a short story in the anthology “Flirt” where I will be featured with Bestselling Authors Tracy Brown and K’wan. Flirt is due to be released in October.
Another Woman's Husband can be purchased from Amazon.com. Autographed copies can be purchased directly from author via her
Myspace and Facebook sites.
Myspace: www.myspace.com/writeordiechic
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Angel Mechelle
Angel Mechelle, Author (Another Woman's Husband)
"Dream more than others think is practical...risk more than others think is wise..."
Intimate Conversation with
Saundra E.
Harris
Former two-term Vice President of the Black Writers Guild of Maryland, Saundra E. Harris, is the author of THE PARTY, which received the Romantic Times Magazine BOOKreview 2005 Reviewer’s Choice Award for Best African American Romance by a First Time Novelist. Ms. Harris recently completed her long awaited sequel to her first novel THE AFTER PARTY which is also receiving rave reviews.
She holds a Bachelors degree in Business Management and plans to pursue a Masters. Additionally, she is the President of SHE Media Group the parent company whose holdings include Saphari Books, Inc., an independent small press, and WSER Sassy Entertainment Radio™, a weekly internet radio show, focusing on bridging the communication gap between the sexes. Currently she is at work on her third and fourth novels, due to be released in 2010 and 2011, respectively.
Ella: Tell us about your passion for writing. What drives you?
I never knew how cathartic writing was until I was dared to actually write my stories that I told on paper. I was going through a bad relationship and an even worse breakup and it was so healing to be able to write down what happened. I was not only able to see his issue, but my own as well and my contribution to the demise of the relationship. Now I cannot go a day without writing something. Whether it’s an entry in my blog, or a t hr ead,
topic on my Twitter or Face Book pages, or even an answer to a thread, I have to get my opinions out and my thoughts on paper.
My main motivation for writing are men and sex, the very thought of the two stimulate my senses and gives me an awareness of life. It may sound strange, but the inner workings of relationships intrigue me, and the more I see women in miserable situations [sometimes of their own choosing] it inspires me to write more. I want to empower women with the knowledge that being single is not a dirty word and that your true friends will help you t hr ough all trials and tribulations.
Ella: Finish this sentence- My writing offers the following legacy to
future readers...
My writing is inspirational and I want to show future readers a true understanding of what it means to be a friend. I also want to leave the legacy to my family of the importance of writing and how diverse and talented the family is. It is my hope to jumpstart their imagination into a new world and a new realm of creativity. Ella:
Introduce us to your book, The After Party.
THE AFTER PARTY: Shaeyla, Benét, Kendra, Diandra, and Worthy have been friends for years, and are known as “the party girls”, but what happens when the party spirals out of control testing their sisterhood as well as their relationships?
Shaeyla Andrews the preeminent event planner in the Mid- Atlantic region is roped into hosting yet another party celebrating love and life centered on her girls. Benet and Worthy barely survived the last party, while Kendra and Diandra found love and Shaeyla remained torn between two men. The After Party invites you back into the lives of five dynamic and sexy ladies… It’s a new year and the ladies have finally learned their lesson…or have they?
Ella:
What
inspired you to write this story,
The After Party?
This story is actually the sequel to the first book THE PARTY, yet it has been so long between books that I wanted the readers to be able to read THE AFTER PARTY and still understand the storyline.
I was inspired to write both books because of my own relationship and how I dealt with it at the time. I also noticed that women in my life were turning a blind eye to the odd habit forming vices – i.e. gambling, womanizing, alcoholism, and drug addiction, and to me they had sold their souls just to say they had a man AND they no longer had their girlfriends. I noticed that they only called on their friends when times were hard, but when times were good, they pushed their friends away. So that was another key aspect for writing the book. I wanted to show how true friendship and sistergirl’s related and how they acted with each other, that they could say anything they wanted without rancor and that it was an understanding between the ladies that we say things out of love and not hate. As a side bar, my girlfriends and I are known as “the party girls”.
Ella:
What
issues in today’s society have you addressed in this book, The
After Party?
I have addressed the issue of friendship; true and real friendship between women. Society tells women that we cannot be friends, and that we have to be leery of each other around our men and since that is not my point of reference, I wanted to write about women like me. Women who have friends that have lasted t hr ough all the ups and downs in life for more than thirty years, the type of women who try to cheer you up when you are down or give you a shoulder to cry on when your sad, or even the type that say “I told you so”. That is the type of woman that I am and that is the type of female sistergirl friends that I surround myself with.
Ella:
How
difficult was it to complete the novel?
This novel was actually completed in 2003 when I finished my first novel, but I was not satisfied with it, so I sat it on the shelf. I did not revisit the manuscript again until 2007 and after a year and half of rewrites and edits; the story came together to the point that I was excited and in love with my characters again. So there was a six year hiatus between my first novel THE PARTY and the sequel THE AFTER PARTY. What I don’t think people understand is that you have to have a passion for your art and I can only write what I would want to read as a reader. I am an incurable romantic and despite the drama in my books I always want them to have a happy ending. So choosing to write a dramatic romance was easy, because my favorite author’s are romance writers, such as Brenda Jackson and
Rochelle Alers.
Ella:Share with us your latest news, awards, or upcoming book releases?
My alter-ego SassyScribe will be publishing her very first novel. It is a non-fiction book entitled SITUATIONS with SASSY which discusses dating, love, sex, and relationships, and is currently in the editing stages, with a release date set for Feb 2011. For 2012, I hope to have two more novels completed - SUMMERS OFF and DELIVERANCE AME are both in rough manuscript form and deals with marriage and infidelity and the church respectively and will make for great summer reading.
Connect online
Website – www.shemedia.com – under construction
www.xcapdesofthegirlz.blogspot.com – Situations with Sassy Blog
www.blogtalkradio.com/sassyentertainment - WSER Sassy Entertainment Radio
A native of Chicago,
J. Thurman uses his experience as a researcher, educator, published author and student of life to bring forth an offering that will start the movement to redefine the ideas of relationships. He is a graduate of Southern University A&M Baton Rouge, LA and lives in Atlanta, GA.
Ella: Introduce us to your book, The Man-You All.
The Man-You All is created for women who want answers in real time. Is it designed for women to look at traditional means of making choices in relationships and turn those ideas upside down. Can you be put to the fire when it comes to what you think you know about relationships? Who really chooses for you when it comes to relationships? Do you have a plan or are you lead by your EGO (Exercising Genius Obnoxiously)? The beauty of this book is that you can see how ideas about relationships have or have not evolved over the centuries. This book is a mirrors image into the deep thoughts of women, rather they will admit it or not.
Ella:
Ultimately, what do you want readers to gain from your book?
I want readers to wake up and seize their power back while learning to embrace their human frailties that controls them. That would be their beguiling fear of loss and hope of gain. I want the reader to feel a since of empowerment that eludes many women in this day and time. Many women fake it and use their fear to control their actions. It is through the truth of their power that they can have real dominance.
Ella: What would you say has been your most significant achievement with this book?
I feel that the most significant achievement with this book, besides self publishing this project, is using it as a platform to address issues of sex, perception and how women can develop their ideas about relationship. This book's message is clear. You can live and flourish with your own specific ideas about relationships or wait for someone to give them to you.
Ella: What is the most surprising thing you have learned from the community?
The most surprising thing that I have learned from the community is that there are women who want to free themselves from the old ideologies on relationships, but don't where to start. No matter their socioeconomic level or education women still have issues with taking complete ownership of their feelings and autonomy.
Ella: Why was this book so important to create?
This book was important to create because there was no book out there at the time that talked about developing a plan and conveyed a sincere message in a real time dialog. The people deserved better, not less. They deserved to hear what they were thinking but were too afraid to say. This book was important because a lot of women never stop to think where their ideas about relationships from. They never stopped to think about redefining their relationships specifically to their needs and not their predecessors.
J.Thurman, Author/ Power Speaker/Literary Consultant/Entrepreneur
The Man-You-All (A Guide to Save Black Women Time, Money & Energy)
Order your copy @ iuniverse.com or 1(800)AUTHORS
www.amazon.com
www.barnesandnoble.com
Intimate Conversation with
M.Yvette
M.Yvette is a dramatic author that enjoys creating erotic yet soul searching stories. She is native of Virginia, and also spent time in Atlanta, Georgia (which she claims as her second home). M.Yvette is the founder of Volour Publishing. BPMAG: What drives you? What impact
do you want your book to make on the readers?
M.YVETTE: Ella, the true reason why I write is because my soul has
found it’s home there. We all have a reason or a purpose... I’ve found
mines as a scribe. My stories come from imagination but it surfaces on true
issues that we all go through. I can start on a story and maybe want to move
on to another, but I will have to finish writing both of them because someone
needs to hear the message or know that they aren’t alone with whatever they
are going through.
BPMAG: Finish this sentence- My writing offers the following legacy to
future readers...
M.YVETTE: My writing offers the following legacy to future readers
because life is filled with drama (always has been) but somewhere lies an
answer to our peace, love, and happiness. Never give up on that. Diggin is
based on our search for those treasures in life.
BPMAG:
Introduce us to your book, Diggin.
M.YVETTE: DIGGIN is an urban drama that takes you into the so called easy
life of three gold diggers (Jazz, Cristy, and Iysis). The truth is that
there’s no such thing as easy money. The easier it seems, sometimes the
personal price to pay is greater. So does that make the game worth it? The
story consists of memoirs throughout, which focuses on the true souls of these
females that are viewed as heartless gold diggers. The fictional story conveys
that contrary to belief, sinners have souls too. DIGGIN takes its readers on
not just an edgy journey (which urban fiction is known for), but it also gives
a spice of erotica, and conveys the souls of its characters in such a way that
inspiration seeps out whole heartedly.
BPMAG: Are your characters from the portrayal of real people?
M.YVETTE: DIGGIN is a fictional story though the characters portrayed go
through relatable issues. Even male readers’ feedback is always like,
"I know that’s right," and, "that’s nothing but the
truth!" The characters Jazz (a used to be prostitute and stripper-turned
singer), Cristy Luv (a stripper turned pimpstress and a divorced mother of
two), as well as Iysis (an around the way girl that’s after every man’s
green sheets) all share two things in common. They had all endured pains in
their past during their time together as foster sisters, and they were all
searching for what life owed them.
BPMAG: What inspired you to write this story?
M.YVETTE: I was inspired to write this story because I myself was once
a gold digger.
BPMAG: What issues in today's society have you addressed in the book?
M.YVETTE: The material gain has become an overall need instead of a perk in
life, and has caused society to validate unmoral means to get what we tend to
believe will bring us total peace, love and happiness. The spiritual undertone
of DIGGIN is what makes this one of urban fiction’s most unique reads.
BPMAG: How difficult was it to complete the novel? Did you self-publish?
M.YVETTE: The most difficult part of completing my novel was the fact that
I had decided to publish it myself. That meant starting a business, Volour
Publishing, while raising a family on regular wages.
BPMAG: Why did you decide to pick the Urban fiction genre for your book?
M.YVETTE: Though my plans for Volour Publishing is to publish authors
and poets from many genres, my writing is what I call Urban Drama. The
scenarios that come out of me seem to mesh together real to life situations
that entertain but always carry a moral.
BPMAG: What is your most valuable lesson about the publishing industry?
M.YVETTE: I would say the most valuable lesson I’ve learned about the
publishing industry is that sometimes things are set from a statistic stand
point of what’s hot at that time. I focus Volour Publishing around what is
hot, period. A true good book is never a fad.
BPMAG: What writers inspire you and why?
M.YVETTE: Author’s that inspire me vary in genre. Terry McMillan,
Sister Souljah, Derek Vitatoe, Terri Woods, Nikki Turner, Kwan, Kiki Swinson,
Audrey Niffenegger, Keeb Knight, Zane, and Noire are a few of my favorites.
Some inspire me because of their writing alone. However, some I’m also
inspired by their determination to uphold their passion.
BPMAG: What did you hope to accomplish by writing this particular story?
M.YVETTE: I hope that DIGGIN will not just leave its readers
entertained through its dramatic twists, but that it will also leave them
empowered to look at life’s simple abundance with a sense of satisfaction,
and financial prosperity as an additional blessing; like dessert after a meal.
BPMAG: Share with us your latest news, awards or upcoming book releases.
M.YVETTE: Volour Publishing’s first journey was with the limited
2004 published title, JUSTIFIED LIES. That was my first novel and it did well
in the Atlanta area. It spoke boldly about emotionally escaping from an
abusive relationship. JUSTIFIED LIES is due to release a new edition fall
2009. Volour Publishing also has a romantic treat to release for the 2009's
winter holidays. The newly released DIGGIN is currently available at Amazon.com
and Urban Knowledge Bookstore.
Lamar Ariel recently published his first collection of letters entitled Ready to Male. Having spent his formative years in Chicago, Ariel describes himself as a not-so-typical Midwestern boy who was easily seduced by the energy of New York City. Lamar Ariel received a Bachelor of Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Master of Arts Management from Carnegie Mellon University. He currently lives in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan.
Ella: Lamar, please introduce us to Ready to Male, your new book.
Ready to Male is autobiographical fiction written as a collection of letters. The book contains six chapters. Chapter One, "Is Easy Because You're Beautiful," contains letters written to and about the individuals who have taught and continue to teach me how to love. Chapter Two, "Find Him Keep Him, Lose Him Weep Him," consists of letters that uniquely document my emotions—depression, anger, loneliness, denial, and resolution—following the end of a tumultuous relationship. Chapter Three, "Creature of Bad Habits," describes the five types of men I have repeatedly dated during my ever-interesting existence as a single, gay man in New York City. Chapter Four, "Haughty Traveler," details some of my reflections and frustrations while using NYC's transit system. Chapter Five, "Very Perceptive, Practically Psychic," is a mix of social commentary and fantasy where I make certain predictions about my future and the future of America. And the last, Chapter Six, "Is It Me Or Is It New?" highlights some of my thoughts with regards to wanting, needing, and preparing for change.
Ella: What is meant by autobiographical fiction?
Ready to Male combines elements of the memoir (autobiographical) and the short story (fiction) in the context of letters. Each letter is an exaggerated interpretation of my thoughts, experiences, and memories. I personally think of the book as a collection of Polaroid prints taken by a voyeuristic photographer (me) obsessed with “capital-L” Love, self-preservation through humor, and emotional exhibitionism.
Ella: What was the process like of creating this work?
Is it one of those things you had thought about doing for years, or did it come about suddenly? Did you mean for the letters to become a book, or were you just writing short stories?
I began writing letters as a way to decompress some of my thoughts. I was unemployed at the time, going through a typical irritatingly-sad break-up, and having one of my mid-year identity crisis all at the same time. So one day, after discovering the costs of a real therapist, I decided that I would have to find another way. That way, and the empty page it led me to, became my therapist.
As I shared the letters with friends, I found myself crying, laughing, and even “testifyin’” about our shared emotional struggles, “aha!” moments, and all of the truly funny “stuff” that happened in between. Per the suggestion of one of those friends, I looked into the process of creating a book and realized that there was definitely a void in the marketplace. Ready to Male, will be my first of many contributions to assist in the filling of this void.
Ella:
What do you hope that people gain from this book? What has this process done to effect you internally?
After reading Ready to Male, I hope people recognize that writing letters doesn’t have to exist solely in the realm of formal correspondence. Like any vehicle of self-expression, they are driven by the person behind the wheel. They can go up hills, off cliffs, under water, back to the future and even to a space called home. People just have to let go of their fear and resist the urge to always place their hands at “10” and “2.”
Additionally, I hope that people continue to make personal connections with some of letters. Although the book is written by a gay, black, twenty-something, male; I hope that the audience continues to diversify and people allow themselves to see the universal and shared struggles to live, to laugh, and to be present as a human being.
The process of writing letters has created a much more self-aware yet at the same time less self-conscious person. I’ve begun to pay attention to some of the different layers of my identity and force myself to examine how those layers affect the difference between answering “Who am I?” and “Who do I want to be?”
Ella: Did you have any major influences as a writer? Be it other writers, friends, musicians, artists, whatever? How have they effected you and your work?
I “L”ove J California Cooper and David Sedaris but there are a few unsung heroes who inspire me including Marvin K White, E. Patrick Johnson, G. Winston James, and Steven Fullwood whose work has independently and collectively inspired me to retain truth and authenticity in my writing. The shortlist of my influences includes hugs, public transportation, the “missed connections” area of Craigslist, and all types of dance.
In terms of music, I have definitely noticed a real rhythm to my letters. I often find myself tapping my foot when I am reading on tour and can only imagine it is due to an eclectic writing soundtrack that includes Nina Simone, Amy Winehouse, Kathleen Battle, Rachell Ferrell, Jill Scott, Billy Porter, Chaka Khan, and others.
But if there was one thing that inspired me the most it would have to be “L”ove.
READY TO MALE
To purchase Ready to Male, view videos of the author reading excerpts and more, please visit:
www.readytomale.com
Lamar Ariel is actively looking to participate in book club chats and conversations with book groups. Please send an e-mail to:
info@lamarariel.com to schedule a discussion around Ready to Male.
Intimate Conversation with
Shawna
Hill
Shawna Hill always loved the idea of writing a novel. At the age of eight, she penned her first book. Her book with ribbon bound edges in hand sprang forth and thus her love for writing began. Shawna is a single mother of two and a Columbus, Ohio native. She holds a BS in Business Administration from Ohio Dominican University.
Ella: Tell us about your passion for writing. hat impact do you want your book to make on the readers?
I have always known that I wanted to write, I created my first story around the age of eight and knew then that was what I wanted to do. I write because it’s a part of who I am. It gives me an outlet and a way to express myself in a way that is easiest and natural for me. Especially in troubled times in my life, writing paved the way for me to temporarily escape my problems or troubles and be someone else or experience a life other than my own for a while with no cares, no worries, no repercussions, and no pain. I want the readers to be able to escape the same way I did and enter another world, if only for a moment.
Ella: A Legacy is something that is handed down from one period of time to another period of time. Finish this sentence- My writing offers the following legacy to future readers...
My writing offers the following legacy to follow ones dreams and know that what your mind conceives, you can achieve. That is one phrase and mindset that has been passed from one generation to the next in my family. I hope that the hard work and determination and passion that I have for writing translates into and conveys that same message to my children and others as well.
Ella:
Introduce us to your book and your main characters in In
Between Lies
Men and women look at relationships from a totally different view. From my own experiences, I have to say that men are more logical and take things for what they are "at that moment", unless it is clearly stated otherwise. Women on the other hand, are more emotional and "assume" a lot of what is unspoken and take things to heart more readily, which can lead to disaster if the men we are involved with are not on the same page. The meat of the story deals with how we deal with commitment. When does commitment take place in a relationship and how far reaching is that commitment.
There is really no one clear cut message in the story, but more or less themes that will allow you to flow through the encounters of Savannah Summers, Kevin Styles, and Naomi Saunders.
Where is the line crossed in that gray area of friends with benefits into a full blown relationship?
Another vital vein that this story deals with is having your cake and eating it too along with dealing with the ramifications that come with it. Is having your cake and eating it too one way of toying with emotions and a ploy to get what you want? Who is ultimately hurt the most in these situations? There are lessons to be learned from all aspects.
Ella: Check out In
Between Lies by Shawna Hill
After a devastating break up with her cheating fiancé, Savannah Summers
delves into her work as the Assistant to the VP of Production in a
marketing/production company. Finding refuge in work and her best friends,
she finally decides to try her hand at love one more time. This time around
she vows to not give her whole self as before and keep her heart closer and
guarded more than ever before.
Kevin Styles is a smooth, handsome Meteorologist at a local news station and
is somewhat a local celebrity in his own right. When it comes to women,
playing his cards right is his forte and he is just the man to wine and dine
her. However, a known player to his heart, he's looking for the right woman
to "tame" his wild ways. Just when things are going perfect, Naomi
Sanders, a blast from Kevin's past blows through and the drama and lies
begin. Shattered trust and betrayal is inevitable. Can their blooming
relationship withstand Naomi's tactics, or should Savannah cut her losses and
run? (
ISBN-10: 1441486194 | ISBN-13: 978-1441486196 )
Ella: Are your characters from the portrayal of real
people?
None of the characters are actual portrayals of real people, but they do have some of the characteristics of people that I have encountered in my life in one form or another.
Ella: What inspired you to write this story?
This story has been actually written over at least three times over a period of years. The reason it took so long to finally complete it is that over the years it was picked up and put down, because I was "living" some experiences. Had I finished this way before now, it would not be what it is today. So I have to say that life inspired me to visualize this book and pen it in this manner.
Ella: Did you self-publish? How difficult was it?
I self published In Between Lies, and plan on self publishing the rest of my books as well. As far as finding a publisher to call home, its not a big deal to me now as there are many options that are available in this day that were not some time ago. Back then, the big question was how to get a publisher to pick you up...today, for me that’s not the question. The question now is how to market the book cost effectively...which is the same question a large publishing house asks every time they sign an author. A publisher just prints and puts the book out there with not much promotional backing unless you are a J.K. Rowling or a big name with tried and proven sales....so with that said, a self published author can print the same (if funds allow) and do the same as a publishing house and gain, experiences, lifetime and life altering knowledge from doing it themselves. Of course, it probably will take longer, but it can be done. Personally, since I am a hands on person, I like it like that. I like to be a part of every aspect, from writing to producing, to marketing and selling...and I absolutely love doing it!
Ella: What writers inspire you and why?
Terry McMillan because I just absolutely love her books! Independent/self published authors always inspire me because they have that undeniable drive, vision and zest...the same drive and spirit pushes me in every way possible...and the answer "no" is not an option nor in their vocabulary. As a self published author, you are able to define yourself and be yourself with no strings.
Ella: Share with us your latest news, awards or upcoming book releases.
My latest news that I am most excited about is that I have formed my own company that will serve as a spring board into other creative ventures. Urban Prints Productions was formed just this month (August) and will prove to be a viable asset. Under its umbrella, my upcoming books, tentatively titled, Dark Whispers, Intimate Illusions, Bronze Expressions, Why I Can't Get Married, and Black Housewives will be published. Three of them will be out by the end of December 2009.
Also, since the release of In Between Lies, I have been blessed with awesome feedback on the book and numerous people are eagerly awaiting the sequel (which I hadn’t planned on doing so quickly), Intimate Illusions. Although the word has not been put out officially just yet, Urban Prints Productions will be also publishing other author’s works as well...maybe as soon as the late Spring of 2010... I have already been approached by some local authors with works in hand! Also, all books published will be available in all
bookstores! Thanks again, Ella.
Celia Anderson is one of today’s best and brightest upcoming authors. Her
stories and articles both educate and inspire.
Ms. Anderson holds a Master Degree from the University of Arkansas which speaks
volumes about her commitment to education. She is quoted as saying her love for
higher education, books, and competitive spirit is what drives her most. She
plans to continue her education eventually earning a PhD in critical and
cultural media.
The former basketball player for the Lady Razorbacks also played
professionally in Greece before going on to work for New York Times
bestselling author E. Lynn Harris. In the acknowledgments of his novel I Say
A Little Prayer, Mr. Harris list Celia as a “brilliant young writer whom the
world will soon discover”. Her years of dedication and hard work landed her
first publishing deal with Random House in a compilation of short stories
alongside Mr. Harris to be published in the near future.
Ms. Anderson also teaches freshman level communication at a community college.
She says teaching is one of life’s simplest pleasures, “I enjoy helping others
take their lives to a different level. If you think it can’t be done, look at
me. A simple girl from the streets of Little Rock, AR to a life that once only
existed in my dreams. Like the saying goes, who are you not to be?”
Ms. Anderson’s first novel, Love, Ocean was released in January,
2009. Currently, she speaks across the nation to youth, writes and prides
herself on being the best mother in the world to her only daughter, Gabrielle
Simone.
Love, Ocean is the first of the Brown Skin Series. She uses the
Brown Skin Series along with an interactive presentation for teenagers, entitled
G.A.M.E.T.I.M.E (Gaining A Meaningful Education To Insure Maximum Elevation), to
empower young adults who feel powerless to achieve greatness. Please note that
the main character is a Christian.
Ella: A Legacy is something that is handed down from one period of time to another
period of time. Finish this sentence- My writing offers the following legacy to
future readers...
My
writing offers the legacy of hope and prosperity, proving to the world that your
birth situation does not determine your destination.
Ella: Where are you from? How did you start your writing journey?
I was born in Chicago, but raised in Mississippi and Arkansas. I wrote myself
out of a depression and I am sure that had I not started writing I would still
be in that dark place.
Ella: Introduce us to your book Love, Ocean. Love, Ocean has an accurate time line of one of the most significant events in
American History, alongside the conscience use of standardized testing
vocabulary. The following is the official synopsis:
After surviving Hurricane Katrina, seventeen-year-old Ocean Renee Sims, is
forced into a new life in Little Rock, Arkansas. As if adjusting to life outside
of New Orleans isn't bad enough, she has to do it without her father, a solider
fighting in Iraq and her boyfriend Jovan, future star football player at
Louisiana State University; but more importantly with Shelia, her Aunt who is
drowning demons from her past in alcohol. After being in Arkansas only a day,
she has an accident that puts her in the hospital for a week. While there, she
finds out some news that changes her life even more. Can she handle the
aftermath of the storm and return to the only life she has known? Or will she
have to adjust to a new life far from the love and support she has always felt?
Love, Ocean is not a love story. It is however, a story about love and how "it"
alone is the glue that holds America together.
With so many things in the world for our youth that plants bad seed in them, I
write to make a difference. Sometimes artists do not understand that what they
write, will eventually get inside of someone and it just may become something
they believe. Once they believe they speak it, thus shaping their world. So I
write with the sole purpose of passing on a legacy of hope and prosperity. I am
driven by my passion to make a change.
Ella: Who are your two main characters and what do you like most about them?
Love, Ocean, is a story about choices and consequences. It offers the reader a
realistic view of the citizens who were affected by Hurricane Katrina. It's more
than the mere generalizations that were offered by the media which painted the
citizens as hoodlums and thugs. It tells the story of the people who were just
like the rest of us. They loved, they cried, they hurt and they died. The goal
is for the reader to fall in love with the main character, Ocean Sims, and take
the journey with her, hopefully pulling for her and her family all the way.
Ocean Renee Sims and her Father Willie Sims. I love Ocean because she
understands at age 17 that one should always seek the counsel of the wise and
after they speak, listen. She is faced with several obstacles and she always
makes the right decisions. She is a woman who has learned to carry her own head.
I love her father because he is the reason she is the way she is. He offers her
a voice of reason and never shy away from his responsibility.
Ella: What makes your book stand out and would entice a reader pick it up?
Aside from a exciting plot driven story line, the book offers historical facts
about Katrina and standardized testing vocabulary is used throughout. Finally a
book that both students and educators can agree on!
Ella: Ultimately, what do you want readers to gain from your book?
That love is the glue that holds everything together.
Ella: What is the most surprising thing you have learned in creating books?
How many people still view African Americans in stereotypical ways.
Ella:What advice would you give a new writer?
Follow your own voice. If you believe in it, write it...the money will take care
of itself.
Ella: Name 3 things that it takes to make a successful author, in your opinion?
Purpose, Passion and Pride
Ella: What can we expect from you in the future?
The sequel to Love, Ocean, Daddy's Home, will publish in January 2010. My goal
is to publish one novel a year in the Ocean Series until 2012. After which I
will work on the SHA (she hoops anyway) Chronicles, a women's basketball series.
Caramel Vixen is a native of Western North Carolina.
Caramel ‘s debut Novella “Office Affairs” was originally published in e-book format from Lady Leo Publishing.
Ms. Vixen is extremely proud to announce that her “baby” Office Affairs is now a novel due for release from Xpress Yourself Publishing September 2009.
Visit the erotica princess at her website http://caramelvixen84.webs.com
Ella: What is your favorite genre? How did you start your writing journey?
I’m from Asheville, NC. My favorite genre is romance/erotica. My writing journey began as a very short story posted on my blog and a colleague saw it and encouraged me to submit it and then turn it into the novel Office Affairs.
Ella: Tell us about your passion for writing. Why do you write? What drives you?
I write because it frees my soul. I feel liberated when I write. What drives me when I write is wanting other women like myself to learn to love themselves.
Ella: Finish this sentence- My writing offers the following legacy to future readers...
My writing offers the following legacy to future readers... the message to love and accept yourself regardless of circumstance.
Ella: Share with us the storyline for Office Affairs a novel by Caramel Vixen
Allysia Donaldson is a woman who has always known what she wanted professionally. She pursued her dream of owning her own clothing line and is now the CEO of Ample Delights, a company that caters to the thick madams of the world. At the young age of thirty, Allysia has accomplished a lot but yet she feels a void. As much as she has pursued professionally, she has run away from in her personal life.
Davis is a single, hard working father. He lost his wife to cancer. Even though women are constantly throwing themselves at him, Davis doesn't date. The one woman he wants won't give him the time of day. If Allysia would only open her heart to him, Davis would fill that void in her life. She may see him as only a delivery guy but if she would only take the time to get to know him she would realize there's so much more to Davis Jackson.
Office Affairs is a funny, erotic novel about love and the discovery of self worth!
ISBN-10: 0-9779398-0-4 | ISBN-13: 978-0-9779398-0-0
Ella: Who are your two main characters and what do you like most about them?
My main characters are Allysia Donaldson & LaDonna Jenkins. I love Allysia’s sassiness and confidence and LaDonna’s innocence.
Ms. Vixen introduces readers to Allysia Donaldson, a BBW who at only 30 years of age, owns her own clothing company, Ample Delights, which is centrally located in beautiful Manhattan. Allysia is very successful in her business endeavors but when it comes to love, she’s batting zero. That is until she opens her heart to Davis Jackson, the sexy delivery man who has been feeling her from day one. Davis proves he is capable of delivering much more than fabric. Can he handle that all so sweet loving that only a BBW can deliver?
Love is in the air and not only are Allysia and Davis TKO’d, Allysia’s secretary, LaDonna Jenkins has a crush on the very handsome security guard, Ronald. Like Allysia, LaDonna is also a plus size beauty with a heart of gold. She entertains readers throughout this entertaining novel with her southern wit and charm.
Let’s face it America, big is beautiful and the BBWs of the world are here to stay. Ms. Vixen proves over and over again just how beautiful, voluptuous, and sexy BBWs are in OFFICE AFFAIRS.
Ella: Who would this book really "speak to" and why?
This book really speaks to the BBWs (big beautiful women) of the world. They should be able to identify with the issues that the main female characters face.
Ella: How does this book shape or add value to the reader's life?
Not only does it enhance their sexual imagination, it also teaches self love & size acceptance.
Ella: Ultimately, what do you want readers to gain from your book?
Ultimately, I would want my readers to know that love does not have a size or a limit.
Ella: What would you say has been your most significant achievement as a writer?
Being one of the youngest African American published authors in the business has got to be one of my greatest achievements in my life, period.
Ella: What advice would you give a new writer?
Write for you; don’t write to fit other’s taste. There will always be people who love it.
Ella: Name 3 things that it takes to make a successful author, in your opinion?
The three things I believe that it takes to make a successful author are: an awesome support system, unforgettable promotional, and the ability to write words that speak to a reader’s soul.
Ella: What book already published is similar to your book in its writing style?
Naughty or Nice by Eric Jerome Dickey. I loved how he told the story from different characters point of view, and I decided to do the same.
Ella: What can we expect from you in the future?
More books, more passion, much more excitement!
Ella: Share with us your latest news, awards or upcoming book releases.
My upcoming releases are The Things I Learned from His Father, and the sequel to
Office Affairs: Strawberries Dipped in Chocolate Desire, and many more.
Yonder- the maker of the taboo series, which started the movement of Taboo Talk Raw and Uncut. My first book hit the streets and book stores in 2005. I have been writing for years and decided after reading some Zane that I would try my hand in the writing industry.
Once first book hit the street after I would do book signing folks would not leave. They would stick around for hours asking questions. Mostly about relationships and sex. This is how Taboo Talk came about. This was the genius idea of my publicist and business partner Troy Rawlings. We started hosting events instead of just doing book signing, we would have it a local night spot or hotel ballroom, feed you and have live band such as Elliot Levine. Then after we break the ice, we would do questionnaire and have open forum about love, sex, relationship and anything in between. Taboo Talk Raw and Uncut has gotten so popular that my publicist host a on line radio show in Los Angeles with 20,000 listeners per broadcast on
www.925kyhy.com
Ella: Tell us about your passion for writing. What drives you? What impact do you want your book to make?
My passion for writing has not actually been released, there are at least 100 other books in me, ranging from erotic to self to mystery, I even have some spiritual books I am working on.
Ella: Finish this sentence- My writing offers the following legacy to future readers...
My legacy is for my two kids and my wife to finish there books. Publishing books will be the family business. This will be the legacy that will be carried on for future generations.
Ella: Introduce us to your book, What I do Is Taboo.
What I do Is Taboo---There are three main characters in each book, you have Henson Phillip III. He is your typical young man growing up in the sex crazed revolution, but he is not part of the culture. He is well read and educated with a good job, until his alter ego starts to disrupt his life by exploring everything Taboo. Maggie is the Diva that Maggie’s Madness explores. She is a housewife that is bored to death, so she starts to act out sexually by cheating on her husband and doing something’s that is truly breath taking.
The last character is Mr. Roarke, he has his own consulting firm, but his issue is he can’t make up his mind with the ladies; he is a born player that decides to start caring. But this gets him all emotional unavailable which takes him on a rollercoaster of wild sexual experiences with more women than he can handle.
My characters are from portrayal of real people.
Ella: What was your inspiration for creating this book, What I do Is Taboo? Did you self-publish?
The inspiration to write this piece of work came from various directions. Including my own life.
I did self publish my novels. My first book I wrote in 40 days, second book 60, and third book one week.
Ella: What is your most valuable lesson learned from the publishing industry?
My most valuable lesson about the publishing industry is to learn how to play the game. Basically read and talk to as many people in the industry and always keep abreast on all aspects.
Ella: What writers inspire you and why?
Here are some writers that inspire me, K.Lowery Moore, Jessica Tilles, Ronda
Roundtree, T.L. Rawlings, Saundra Harris, Treasure Blue, J.Tremble, Melinda Robinson, and T.T. Bridgeman.
Ella: Share with us your latest news, awards or upcoming book releases.
Book 3; just hit the stores on July 4. What I do is Taboo 4, and 5 will be out before Christmas. Taboo is a seven book series.
Website: www.whatidoistaboo.com
The Art of
Seduction and Sensuality
The
very title The Art of Seduction and Sensuality gets our attention and conjures
up images of a beautiful woman and a handsome man. We’ve all seen the commercial
with the alluring beauty who captures the soul of the handsome beau as he
engulfs her in his arms. But the question is who is seducing who? And we might
want to question why does it matter? Well it does matter because seduction
comes with a high price. As women we have all grown up hearing the word
“seduction” and equated it with power, sex and the prize man. And yet as a
wordsmith I have problems with the word off the top. If we are to have a
straight discussion about the art of seduction let’s be clear with how
“seduction” is defined.
According to
Webster’s Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary “seduction” means: 1. act of
leading to wrong; specifically 2.
something that attracts or charms: the
enticement of a female to unlawful sexual intercourse without force 3.
something that seduces: TEMPTATION
Therefore to be seductive means: tending to seduce: having alluring or tempting
qualities and to seduce means: to lead away 2. to lead astray usually by
persuasion or false promises 3. to carry out physical seduction of 4.
ATTRACT. No with the definition of seduction in mind, we must note that there
is an element of trickery involved. So ask yourself do you really want to be
associated with trickery when it comes to your man? What good can it possibly
lead to? The story of Adam and Eve introduces us to the master seducer, Satan
himself who tricked Eve into eating from the Tree of Life against the directive
from God resulting in the expulsion of both she and Adam from Eden. So women I
beckon you to rethink this whole seduction thing. Do you want to seduce a man or
do you want to attract a man?
I know that you are
puzzled because “attract” is the fourth definition of the word seduce. However
the stronger meanings of the word seduction are those that entail the idea of
leading astray, or to tempt. The uneasy sense of a man that he’s being led down
some dark road that will lead him to no good does not stop him from going down
that alley. His loss of conscience is overcome by his carnal desires that speak
more loudly and boldly than most women understand. His sexual need is an urge
that needs little approval from his intellect. It really does have a mind of its
own. So to draw to yourself a man or charm him but for one night or lead him
astray from his wife and family for an affair, or to trick him with your “damsel
in distress” act will last only so long. Being sensual, sexy, soft, sweet,
sophisticated, savvy and smart are all key attributes to a man’s heart. As a
woman you always want to appear as you are. The game playing days are over in
this globally competitive world where a man can get on the internet and connect
with a beautiful woman, get on a plane and fly to Istanbul or Brazil, pick her
up and take her back to his home. You want to be open, truthful, and seek the
opportunity to be self expressed.
You want to create
the situation, environment, ambience that allows you to show off your best self.
You know your attributes better than anyone else. So set up the “hook-up” to
introduce yourself whether it’s taking advantage of the moment at a friend’s
home, or in the grocery store, or at work or even the art gallery. You’ve seen
him check you out, and you know he’s feeling you, so let him know that it’s okay
for him to make the next move. I believe that even in today’s progressive world,
men still like being the aggressor. Yet we can gently nudge them, steer them,
guide them and direct them our way. As for a man, if he really wants you, he
will step up to the plate and get those digits. If you indicate that it’s a go
and he doesn’t bite, don’t waste your time. He will not change even if you begin
to date. He will always let you take the lead. He’ll accept your invitations and
you will have a decent time. What man will back away from the “big easy” from a
good looking woman? But when he calls you that day and says, “I’m getting
married and I just wanted you to hear it from me first’ or not. He may just
disappear and you do hear about it from someone else. Anyway the point is let
the man declare his interest in you. It’s a sure way to weed out the “booty
call” hunters.
Men are pretty basic
but we make it complicated. If a man is attracted to you, all tricks barred he
will be there for you. You just have to stay as beautiful as you were the day he
met you and fell head over heels for you. Keep your conversation interesting and
positive, again the same as it was when you first met. Maintain the upkeep of
your hair, your nails and your signature scent. Continue your interests,
whatever they may be. Sure you show an interest in his concerns, basketball,
football, cars, finances etc but you keep yours as a priority. Be supportive and
insist that he pursue his dreams, discuss his vision and how it compliments
yours. Cooking for a man is a good thing especially in this day when women seem
to think that “cooking” is demeaning. It is not. It is a way to express love and
caring. Continue to dress sexy for bed and do not reveal your beauty secrets (do
not pluck chin hairs in his presence). Sensuality is the embodiment of ones
comfort with self and the smooth seamless flow of this confidence through the
physical expression of touch, conversation and dining.
How a woman’s voice
tone is received by a man can stimulate him with excitement, soothe him and calm
him or cause him to reject her and dismiss the communication. The intentional
woman knows her sensual abilities and chooses to inspire. This is sensuality. A
woman’s touch whether it’s the light brush of her hand upon her man’s cheek or
the thigh against thigh touching in the restaurant, the warm sweet breath
against his ear as she whispers “let’s go,” or the peek-a-boo show of skin so
subtle from the slit of her skirt, or the show of lace on her bra ever so
hidden, or the fact that she has no panty lines and bare legs are all sensual
moves that suggest in her man’s mind the wonderful moments of loving that he
looks forward to with her. These carefully executed actions are the stuff of a
sensual woman. She’s no floozy, no scank, no ho, no seductress but a bona-fide
sexy sensual woman in charge of her being. She is not seducing her man but
rather marketing herself in a classy manner.
So if I had to change
the title from The Art of Seduction and Sensuality I’d rename it The Art of
Marketing Your Sensuality. Marketing yourself is what mature women do because we
accept the consequences and the benefits or rewards for our choices. We get that
we are accountable for our actions. We’re not going to get pregnant and hold a
man hostage. We’re not going to mother him and punish him by withholding sex
when he’s bad. We will however always be straight with him and inform him of our
expectations, what we are willing to do or not do, what we will accept and what
we won’t tolerate. We will acknowledge and respect him as we demand in return.
We market who we are and it doesn’t get any better than that.
-----
Kai EL´ Zabar, is a multi media consultant with over twenty-five
years of experience in publishing, public relations, marketing,
production and managing the process of creative projects from concept to
production. She has served as project manager of print
for The NAACP Image Awards, the National Association for Black Journalists
National Convention and various other
publishing endeavors. She has been writer or producer for CBS, PBS, and Disney.
In print, she was writer/editor both the Chicago
Tribune and Chicago Defender newspapers and or associated publications as well
as the content writer/editor for
TavisTalks.com, the official website of Tavis Smiley. In addition she has
contributed articles to numerous newspapers, magazines
and other national publications. She is the founding producer of the “Blacklight
Film Festival” and the critically acclaimed
Underground Fest. You may download Kai's entire bio here.
Intimate Conversation with Lies of Blue author Lynne Forde
What is the true price for fulfilling your dreams? Is it going against your own
standard beliefs, becoming something you’re not? Or putting yourself in a
position to be “eaten alive” by your enemy or better yet your supposed to be
friends and people you thought were on your side. Lynne Forde examines that
question in her new novel, Lies of Blue.
Set in New York’s grit and grime, this epic full-length novel tells the story of
an aspiring music executive who gets caught up in the world of men, money and
drugs. In her attempt to escape the poisonous world of entertainment, Lynne
launches a new “career” as a correctional officer in a men’s prison. The trials
and tribulations that follow send her spiraling into an even more disastrous
world from which she came, eventually putting the young woman up against games
that can kill. Join Lynne on her journey as she comes full circle with her
mistakes and choices in efforts to finally realize her dream.
As Lynne Forde’s first full-length novel, which is accompanied by a straight to
DVD movie version of the work, this multimedia project looks to set a milestone
in urban fiction by introducing a new element for the reader. As a phenomenal
writer with the ability to fully capture her own experiences in words, Lynne is
also writer for the people. Women and those who go against all odds to progress,
in particular will be able to explore real life situations in lyric and sound as
they journey with Lynne Ford into the Lies of Blue. The premier author of
Saffyre Entertainment, Lynne Ford is making quite a statement. Personifying
strength, success, and ambition, the CUNY graduate and New York resident has
effectively introduced a new hit to the urban literary market. “Lies of Blue,”
which addresses the question, “What is the true price of fulfilling your
dreams,” deals with the decisions and consequences of a young woman driven to
make something of herself and life. Drawn from personal experiences and
occurrences, “Lies of Blue” is a true depiction of the real world and its realms
of “good vs. evil”.
An ambitious woman and trailblazer with several other written screenplays,
including “Living the Dream” and “Best Kept Secret”, Forde lives with no regrets
of the sacrifices she has made to become the woman she is today. Hoping to aid
other individuals who are put in between the hard decisions of life, “Lies of
Blue” is a compelling novel that will make a difference in many lives. A firm
believer in the word ‘sacrifice,’ Forde knows she has more to make, but if she
can help others through those sacrifices she has already made, than it all will
have been well worth the struggle.
Coming from origins that span into music, production and management, Forde has
had the privilege of working with 45 King, the NBA, and some of New York City’s
hottest underground artists. Joining forces with Saffyre Entertainment in 1998
has successfully propelled both of the entities to the forefront of the
entertainment industry. In addition to staking her place in the world of
entertainment Forde is also currently working on a number of community based
projects that include the H.O.P.E. Foundation, which will enable men of color to
make an easier transition back into the community. This is first of many ways
Forde intends to reach out and uplift the community.
With the ability to combine her street knowledge with business savvy, which
allows her to speak to both “the hood” and the boardroom with ease, her life
experiences have just begun to show the industry how bright her light can shine.
The sky is truly the limit for Forde as she has created a critically acclaimed
trailer for her book “Lies of Blue” totally changing the face of urban
literature. Besides steadily gaining fan momentum, Forde has also impressed a
number of industry heavyweights including, Warrington Hudlin of BET who is
quoted as saying, “The room was electrified and swept away by your story.” Susan
Taylor of Essence Magazine quoted the story as “Compelling”, while Oprah’s
Oxygen Channel has considered making the story a TV Series. To date Lynne has
been successful in promoting “Lies of Blue” on a number of circuits that include
the American Black Film Festival, Tribeca Film Festival Cinemas, Radio, Mass and
Urban Publications, Black owned bookstores and HBCU’s across the country.
Lynne Forde Saffyre Entertainment Inc.
Website: www.liesofblue.com or www.saffyre.us
Email: saffyre222@yahoo.com LIES OF BLUE ON SALE NOW
Please contact Keya personally to arrange speaking engagements, interviews, blog visits or live readings at:
wlstrikes@yahoo.com
Synopsis:
How can you have it all – education, personality, and beauty - yet your life is flooded with a sea of troubles?
Imminent, new author Keya answers this question and more in When Lightning Strikes, a novel about Ms. Taylor Devereaux, her three best friends, and her spiraling-out-of-control life.
Taylor is on the road to happiness and success. She is a gorgeous and classy woman with a thriving career and a wonderful fiancée.
One day, Taylor’s near perfect world is turned upside down when she discovers her future husband is cheating. To make matters worse, while trying to put the pieces of her life back together, she finds out someone at her job has filed a sexual harassment complaint against her. She realizes someone is out to ruin her life. With Taylor’s personal life, profession, and overall reputation at stake, can she overcome it all? Or, will the stress of it all bring out another side of Taylor? See how Taylor reacts When Lightning Strikes.
Buy the book at: Barnes and Noble, Alibris or Amazon, Authorhouse, or directly from Keya, the author
Intimate Conversation with Clayton W.
Oliver
author of Daughter of the Sun
Hello
Black Pearls family my name is Clayton W. Oliver (there are at least one
other author by that name), author of the "Pharaoh's Clan" series, volume one
"Daughter of the Sun." I was raised in East Baltimore where after high school
I entered the U. S. Army 82nd airborne division. When my service ended I
returned to Baltimore to raise a family and to further my education. I
attended a trade school to learn to drive semi-tractor and trailer trucks to
support my household and then once employed I attended night college for 17
years to receive my AA, BS, and 46 MPA credits from the University of
Baltimore.
Sitting here rereading my synopsis
of my life I realize there's a great deal of living missing from the story.
Whenever a person tries to explain their success or achievements to this point
within their lives we must realize there are great and ultimately important
gaps missing that would explain the "who," "what" and "why's" that occurs to
get them to this point. I'll try to sum it up for me like this: I've been
lucky! Not lucky in the sense that I was discovered by someone to have
some special talent for hand-to-eye coordination in placing a ball through a
basket, or swinging a bat to hit a ball, or even the ability to aim a weapon
at a target with accuracy or the military would have kept me. I was lucky to
have extraordinary common sense and people around me throughout periods of my
life who recognized that I was someone they could share their life experiences
with and that I would take heed and learn from them--no matter their status in
life. I was lucky enough to understand that "voice" within my head and my
heart that warned me of danger and wrong-going and I heeded that warning (for
the most part). I was lucky in that I learned at an early age to lead or step
aside but not to follow unless I believe enough in the cause and the leader of
the cause to allow myself to be led. I think back to so many of my friends and
peers, both male and females who were lost. Lost because they made the wrong
decisions in life that cost them their lives either through incarceration,
murder, or drugs, or simply following the wrong leaders. I've been lucky!
I'm asked the question: I am
powerful because... I am powerful because I am an independent thinker. I
may allow others to make their arguments for a specific idea but I make up my
own mind and I do my own research to discover my truths. I learned at an early
age to not follow the group, or to buy into the "group-think" mentality. I
stand separate from the group, making my own decisions, charting my own path.
When someone yells fire in the theater I don't rush out with the crowd but
stand back and access the situation to find a better route out or choose not
to flee at all. My way may not prove to be the most successful means of
achieving my goals but I accept the consequences of my own choices and do not
allow my life to be manipulated by the decisions of others. I couldn't live my
life say "doing life" in prison because I allowed a so-called friend to talk
me into an arm robbery. I already know I couldn't do that kind of "stupid
time" so I don't allow myself to be put into that situation. Therefore I am
powerful because I refuse to allow someone else to have authority over my
life's decisions.
Why is it important to celebrate
Black History 365 days a year? For Black people it's important at this
time and place to reaffirm within us that we are more than just physical
beings capable of dribbling a basketball, or running through a line of heavily
padded men trying to stop us. Competition is fine but we're a cerebral people
too. We're capable of magnificent achievements of the mind. I mean think of
the dedication it took Doctor Carver to experiment with peanuts that empowered
others to think, "Wow...if he can do all of that with a peanut what could we
do with other plants, organic and inorganic materials?" And now we have
plastics, and cell phones, miracle drugs. I take some artistic leisure with
the historical facts but my finer point is that creativity should not be
subjected to a limited set of goals. We're not all meant to be Michael Jordan,
we may be meant to be a Doctor Ben Cardin, world renowned neurosurgeon or a
Clayton Oliver that's driven millions of miles of American highway delivering
goods to thousands of people safely. Black history, 365 days should celebrate
all our achievements and make us aware of who we are truly to ourselves.
I started my writing journey in
college when I had a professor who would not accept a substandard term paper
from me--or any student for that matter. I can't recall his name at this
writing although I can see his face just as clear as I can see my own. I have
this saying, "Not everything Black is my Brother and not everything White is
my enemy." And that essentially means that there have been influential Whites
in my life who have corrected me on my path in life despite the fact they
weren't obligated to do so. I always hated English it was one of my worst
subjects in High School but this man recognized my determination to succeed
and earn my degree and he challenged me in a subject area that he was not
obligated to help me achieve in. The lessons I learned from that gentleman
have been utilized repeatedly throughout my life. What he shared with me was
the "power of the pen" and what it meant within his world (White America) and
the respect that comes from being able to use the written word to express
one's self. Now I only started to write the "Pharaoh's Clan" in the summer of
2002 when I decided I needed a serious career change other than driving a
truck for a living. I had always been an avid reader. I find I'm incapable of
sitting for prolong periods without having something to read to occupy my idle
time. And I love to read mainstream fiction such as works by Tom Clancy,
W.E.B. Griffin, and I began to realize two things in my reading that became
clear to me. One: there was very little action adventure being written by
Black authors. With the exception of Ms. Octavia Butler, I still have
discovered very little written works by Black authors in the mainstream
fiction genre. Two: there's very little if any written works with female leads
or heroines. Those I could find usually relied on some male lead for support
and I thought this rather odd as the women I've encountered within my life
were nothing like the women I read of within these books. The Black women I
grew up with and that I'm accustomed to were fighters in their own right not
these victims within the books I was reading.
Who are my two main characters and
what do I like most about them? Doctors Deidra Jones is my main character
and Doctor Choe Lee Chang is my main supporting character. What I most like
about these two women are that they are fiercely independent and have a strong
sense of their self-worth. Deidra is the product of a mixed black/white
marriage and she's had to struggle with the fact that she's neither one or the
other in a world where people are judged first by their appearances and then
by their potential. With Choe Lee, being Deidra's senior by some years, the
struggle has been more gender based--she's had to break through the glass
ceiling and make a reputation for herself within the "Good Ole Boy" system
that sought to keep her from career advancement. They both are successful
bio-researchers with the CDC in Atlanta Georgia who now find themselves facing
the greatest challenge to face any "Man" let alone two ordinary women. They
must become werewolf fighters.
What I want readers (young women
especially) to gain from my books are that they too can achieve extraordinary
goals against extraordinary odds if they believe in themselves and not allow
some other to define who they are and what their worth. Both Deidra and
Choe Lee are chosen to confront obstacles that they themselves were not
trained to handle but confront them they do because that's how they have
always lived their lives. They have always stepped up to the challenge and
they did not allow someone else to determine what they could or could not
achieve. On a broader note the entertainment industry needs to pay more
attention to how they portray our young women in the media arts. Women are
rarely seen as the heroes or the leads in a role unless she's more manly than
the men within a role. I believe women can be the lead and still be a woman
and not some helpless airhead victim that can't scream and run from the
monster at the same time or that has to have some man with a "really big gun"
come to her rescue. There have been some strides taken to remedy the situation
like Halle as Storm in the X-Men, or as the Catwoman, and Cherlize as Aerion
Flux, Mila kicking butts in Resident Evil, but it's a sad commentary that the
most recognizable and reoccurring American action hero for women in the movies
is a man in drag i.e. Tyler Perry's Madea.
What advice would I give a new
writer? When I initially wrote the "Pharaoh's Clan" it was titled, "The
Pharaoh's Clan, The Lycanthrope Wars" and it had at its center a plot that
glorified a male soldier that had to save the world from werewolves. Yeah I
know--boring. When it was rejected repeatedly I had to do some soul searching
and I listen to that inner voice that had served me so much throughout my life
and it asked me the question: "Would you buy this?" What I came to understand
is that writing is a business. And unless you can somehow pay for everything
yourself with you own money you have to create a product that other people
would want to purchase. As a writer I came to realize that "I" (because
I wanted control) had to from the front cover to the back create a product
that was marketable. I therefore went back to the drawing board, discarded all
the crap from the story and recognized a niche in the market for a Black
action adventure writer and the need for female heroines. Whether this proves
to be reasonable revisions remains to seen but I did it my way--the way I
wanted it done. I produced this entire novel with the exception of the cover
and the model for which I searched extensively until I found someone with the
talent I wanted to represent the cover art and Mr. Tood F. Jerde of IMagus
Digital Fine Art hit it right on the head with his first attempt. This total
package is mine and God's to succeed or to fail on and I wouldn't have it any
other way.
Clayton W. Oliver author and owner of Four Deuces
Entertainment
The "Pharaoh's Clan" Series, "Daughter of the Sun"
Act Like a Lady Think Like a Man
by Sharon P. Carson Copyright 2004!A MUST READ FOR WOMEN AND MEN!
Act like a Lady – Think like a Man is a
collection of short lessons that are intended to
inspire women to practice both self-love and
tough love in relationships.
In today’s world women’s hearts are being
broken over and over again, as easily as eggs
for an omelet and without remorse or second
thought.
By gaining some insight into
how men think (in terms of their relationships
with women,) a woman can help better her
present relationship and be more able either to
recognize the signs of a bad relationship so
that she doesn’t fall into one, or to recognize
if she has already fallen into one.
It is time for women to recognize their self worth
and move from pain to gain!
Secrets... How Far Are You Willing To Go To
Keep Yours?
by Tracy Wilson
The ‘Secrets' series delivers shock,
drama, pain, and pleasure like you’ve never read! Just when you think you have
it all figured out another plot twist emerges leaving you feeling angry,
excited, scared, and relieved! If you think you’ve read it all you’re in for the
shock of your life!
ISBN-10: 158909381X | ISBN-13: 978-1589093812
Tracy Wilson lives in Westchester County. She earned her Bachelor’s
Degree in Business Administration while working for the Department of Social
Services. She started working on the 'Secrets' series in 2003 after reading
'Awaken the Genius - Mind Technology for the 21st Century,' by Patrick K.
Porter, Ph.D., and attending the Dynamic Changes Institute in New York City for
weekly hypnosis where she concentrated on Patrick Porter's 'Blue Print for
Personal Success' program as well as other programs.
Her interests include writing, singing, songwriting, and reading. Her song,
'Sexy Chocolate' was written into the plot along with a few others, and she
wanted to give her family, friends, and fans a place where they could hear her
songs as well as find out more about her books. She's been singing since she was
3 years old and writing since she was 13 years old. She published her first
novel in December 2006 and she will publish more in the next few years, but she
will also continue to work on her music. Her song, 'My Heart Says Yes' was
submitted to the very first American Idol Songwriting Competition in 2007. Four
days before her 3rd birthday, on February 6, 2007, Tracy's granddaughter called
her and sang her song, 'Don't Say That Word' on Tracy's answering machine. Tracy
is so proud her granddaughter is following in her footsteps.
In addition to the ‘Secrets’ website she has her own friends group, and her own
pen friends page. Tracy is the host of the awesome 'Sexy Talk' Radio Show. Check
out 'Sexy Talk' at 8pm EST on Thursday nights! Call in at (1-347) 838-9081 and
tune in at
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/sexytalk
Tracy, also known as Beautiee, is also a Tournament Director for Cases
Backgammon & Spades Ladders. She hosts live tournaments in the evenings and on
weekends at Safe Harbor Games. Email:
tracy@secretsinwestchester.com
'Sexy Readings' on Sexy Talk Radio
Kerry Fezza on Sexy Talk the First Thursday of each month.
Kerry specializes in Astrology and Intuitive Tarot Readings. She is also
available for parties, charities, media events ~ radio broadcasts, TV
appearances, Public Speaking Events, Nightclub promotions, and Private Lessons!
Jamison Davis is a graduate of both William Paterson University and Lincoln
University. She holds a Bachelors in Sociology and a Masters in Human Services.
For the past eleven years, Jamison Davis has worked in the social services field
working to assist people whom have made mistakes in their lives. She lives in
New Jersey with her husband.
Ella: Finish this sentence for us- I am Powerful because...
I am Powerful...because I believe in my gift. My gift can shape decisions that
people make in their lives. My gift can assist with making my community
knowledgeable about the danger of bad choices.
Ella: Please introduce us to your new book.
Fatal Mistakes: The First of a Trilogy depicts the story of four people: Morgan,
Leila, Jackson and Sean as they all face life’s challenges and make fatal
mistakes. The problem is they don’t know they’re making the mistakes. Fatal
Mistakes takes the readers on a journey of love, lust and revenge. It will dare
to share with readers a life lesson about choices.
Ella: What makes your book stand out and would entice a reader pick it up?
I offer the readers a story about everyday people making some of the worst
mistakes in their lives but also putting a humanistic outlook on those errors.
I want readers to be able to understand that even though the characters are
fictional, the errors in judgment are real and can land people in a lot of
trouble if we don't wise up to some of the things that we are doing to destroy
the black community. The thing that makes my book stand out and entice readers
is the story line. It is action pack from the first page. Something is always
going on in the book that will keep the reader wanting more. My book brings a
face to real life challenges that people face today. Sex, drugs and revenge. At
some point, many people can and will relate to something that is going on in the
book. My book is realistic!
Ella: Ultimately, what do you want readers to gain from your book?
I want readers to ultimately gain a understanding of the choices that we make in
life. Not everything that we do is bad but just because it feels good doesn't
make it right. We have to all be accountable for our behavior and no that there
is always a cause and effect to it. I also want readers to understand that
people are affected by our actions and to be mindful of that when we make
impulse decisions without thinking them through.
Ella: What is the most surprising thing you have learned in creating books?
The most surprising thing that I have learned from writing books is that as you
write, the characters come alive by themselves. You may have the idea in your
head or on paper about what you want to happen but as the words are being typed,
the characters make their own story. I have also learned that self publishing is
one of the most challenging task that I have ever encountered. There is so much
to learn about being a successful publisher that I haven't even enjoyed being a
author. Actually having my words down on paper for all to see is such a exciting
experience that I want everyone that wants to do to try it, at least once. They
will be happy if they do!
Ella: What advice would you give a new writer?
The greatest piece of advice that I would give a new writer is to be true to
your craft. Don't take no as the only answer. If you are passionate enough about
your work, make it happen regardless of any negative feedback that you may have
gotten from others.
Ella: Share with us your latest news, events or upcoming book releases.
Some of the projects that I am working on in the future is part two to Fatal
Mistakes. Many of my readers are already knocking down my door for more. That
makes me so happy that people are enjoying what I have to offer. I call my self
the sophisticated writer because I talk about real important topics but I give
it a twist so that everyone can enjoy the story.
Contact info for Jamison Davis:
All inquiries can be directed to pr@amethystpublishing1.com or
info@amethystpublishing1.com
Zuri Day sizzles with a seductive story of one woman’s quest to take control of
her life…while experiencing an attraction too explosive to resist.
D’Andra Smalls has had enough. She’s tired of being overweight, she’s had it
with her overbearing family, and she’s fed up with settling for any guy who’ll
have her—especially since she caught her boyfriend cheating with her best
friend.
But working out and avoiding delicious food is easy compared to resisting the
charms of Los Angeles’ hottest personal trainer, JaJuan “Night” Simmons. Six
feet of chiseled muscle and fine chocolate, he’s challenging her body in all the
right ways—and proving there’s a sensitive, caring guy under the good looks.
Their shared career goals of promoting health and fitness bring them even closer
together.
But D’Andra feels it may be too much of a good
thing. After succeeding in taking command of her life, can she risk losing
control of her heart.
[Read More of the story here]
Behind the Books with Zuri Day
Zuri Day is a hopeful romantic. She believes in happy endings, half-full glasses
and dreams coming true. That's why she's thrilled to introduce her second
romance novel, which follows the success of Lies Lovers Tell, because writing
and having her novels published is for Zuri a dream come true.
Zuri doesn't remember exactly how old she was when she picked up her first
romance novel, but she does remember it was love at first sight. "It was
probably a Harlequin," she recalled during a recent interview. "And it
thankfully took me away from a fairly dull and routine existence growing up in a
small Kansas town."
Things aren't dull and routine anymore. Zuri now resides in Los Angeles with her
family and when she isn't writing loves to travel the world, cook vegetarian
food, work out, watch sports, attend concerts and theatre and enjoy the simple
things in life.
"Many people have given up on love, much less romance," Zuri says. "I'm hoping
that somehow in the love-filled pages of my romance novels, they can ignite the
desire to believe again. Anything is possible, when we believe..."
HONOR THY FATHER
by author and poet Mozell Fleming
These words are meant to honor you because I understand, all the lessons you
taught to me. To help me to become a man.
Often look back into our past and I marvel at the years gone by. How time has
had so little effect of the vision of me in your eyes.
You’ve often had to navigate treacherous waves left in my wake. You’ve manned
the bilge and held the line in hopes…I’d get it right this time.
You taught me all I needed to know. You believed in work, you let it show.
You’ve done your part at every turn. Now Dad I say I’ve finally learned…
Life’s to short to throw away.
With time and love and money too you’ve done your part to see me, through. The
best things I’ve learned, I’ve learned from you.
To you….I owe my existence my dreams. Like all great men you’ve overcame great
things. As your blood and genes do flow in me I promise to make myself happy.
And should my glow reflect on you…….I hope to make you happy too.
Ashes, Ashes, They All Fall Down
by Anita Ballard-Jones
ISBN: 978-0-9729455-3-0
Buy the Book
Josey was pregnant, struggling to overcome her cocaine addiction, and determined
her baby would not be born an addict like her second daughter, Kelly. After
three attempts to clean up, Sabur, Josey’s husband continued offering her an
endless supply of cocaine to keep her under his control. Finally, Josey ran away
and with the help of Sabur’s mother, Sadie, she entered a long term
rehabilitation facility and vowed never to return to Sabur. The only problem was
Sabur was a powerful and anonymous drug financier and Josey loved him more than
she feared him. Did Josey want what Sadie wanted for her and her children? Did
she just want Sabur to love her and change their way of life, or did she have a
choice?
Dr. Pearson, Josey’s psychologist at the Springwood Rehabilitation Center , had
no knowledge of Josey’s husband’s involvement in her repeated relapses. He had
Josey seek the underlying cause for her substance abuse by having her return to
her early years and relive her past by analyzing her old memories. Josey begins
thinking back to her childhood, to when the horrors began; to a time when she
and her brothers and sister had to fight most of their young lives for survival
while their parents were strung out on heroine and had turned their apartment in
a Brooklyn, New York housing project into a junkie’s hangout.
Josey faced many trials in her present life while struggling to overcome her
addiction to cocaine. She became stronger each day and most of her strength came
from the survival skills she developed in childhood. She tells a gripping story
how everyone in her family had fallen down; of how her mother sliced her wrist
in a suicide attempt and her six children had to try to save her until help
arrived. How she and her baby sister delivered their baby brother on the living
room sofa while their mother was high on heroine; then eleven years later they
had to bury him after his death from AIDS. Josey tells how she prevented her own
rape by a junky that frequented their apartment, and how she had to kill him.
Josey pours her heart out telling of her horrific childhood and how drugs and
the consequences of the drug culture destroyed her family.
While Josey was still at Springwood Rehab she decided to return to Sabur. She
said he had changed and agreed to move the family from New York . He said he was
leaving the business and Josey, his mother, their girls and their son would be
safe. But before he could pick Josey up rehab he was killed in a suspicious car
accident. Josey was devastated, but was left with millions of dollars. Finally,
Josey, Sadie and Josey’s sister, Kim and the children moved to the northern
suburb’s of New Orleans . Almost a year later Sabur returned. His identity had
been surgically altered and his name had been changed. Josey was elated, and
although Sadie was happy her son was still alive, she remembered what the real
Sabur was like. She told him that she had set a plan in place that would destroy
him should he hurt Josey again.
This novel tells the story of ten people who fell down and only seven of them
got up again.
Intimate Conversation with
Cheryl Robinson
Black Pearls family join me in welcoming author Cheryl
Robinson. Bestselling Author and native Detroiter Cheryl Robinson is a women’s
fiction author. She has been known for writing novels with a twist, portraying
women who face the odds and succeed. Cheryl currently resides in central
Florida.
Ella Curry of EDC Creations chats with Cheryl about her
new book release.
Cheryl: Tell us about your passion for writing. What's the title of your
new book?
I
have been writing for what feels like my entire life. During college, I enrolled
in a fiction writing class as an elective and that’s when I discovered my
passion for creating characters and stories that readers will hopefully find
memorable. As for my latest novel, In Love With A Younger Man
that was just released January 2009 and is in stores now here is the description
Black Expressions Book Club has:
Her tryst with this sexy young man uncovers a startling secret...
At forty-three Olena Day has her life under control. Her professional life at
least. But having earned a years’ sabbatical what will she do now? Enter Matthew
Harper, a management trainee for a large auto dealer, who has big plans when it
comes to his career.
But relationships? He’s never been serious about the young
girls who have thrown themselves at him. But this ambitious and fine bachelor’s
world gets rocked when sexy Olena walks into his dealership. She may be looking
for a new car but she’ll end up with a lot more than she bargained for. Besides
their eighteen year age difference there’s another secret that could threaten
this May-December romance.
Ella: Cheryl, you seem to have it all together.
Women writers could really see you as a role model. Finish this sentence for us:
I am Powerful because...
I am Powerful because... I believe and have faith in God and I believe that
anything is possible...I believe in the power of positive thinking. In 2009, I
want to demonstrate more than ever that what you believe you can achieve.
Ella: Albert Einstein states, "If the facts don't fit the theory, change
the facts." Was there ever a point in your career, when your life didn't match
the theory? And how did you change the facts?
Of course, in terms of my publishing journey, the theory was that it would be
nearly impossible for me as an unpublished writer to find a literary agent and
to sign a book deal. Every book I picked up on publishing started off with
depressing odds and telling countless stories of rejection. I changed the facts
by finding inspiration through those who found alternative ways to get their
stories told; successful authors such as, Kimberla Lawson Roby, E. Lynn Harris,
Michael Baisden, Mary Morrison, and Zane to name quite a few. I decided to do
what they had done at the start of their career and I self-published two novels
and then, the next thing I knew I was signed with a literary agent and soon
after I had my first book deal. [ Read the entire intimate conversation
with Cheryl here. ]
Her tryst with this sexy young man uncovers a startling secret...
At forty-three Olena Day has her life under control. Her professional life at
least. But having earned a years’ sabbatical what will she do now? Enter Matthew
Harper, a management trainee for a large auto dealer, who has big plans when it
comes to his career. But relationships? He’s never been serious about the young
girls who have thrown themselves at him.
But this ambitious and fine bachelor’s world gets rocked when sexy Olena walks
into his dealership. She may be looking for a new car but she’ll end up with a
lot more than she bargained for. Besides their eighteen year age difference
there’s another secret that could threaten this May-December romance.
Publishers Weekly review for In Love with A Younger Man:
“Their relationship is passionate and complicated, and a stunning revelation at
the end makes the age difference seem a minor point as Olena must face not only
her future but her past. In a straightforward and entertaining tale, Robinson
delivers what she promises.”
Abuse in Teen Relationships: Is your teen crying silently?
The
issue of teen abuse is not one that immediately pops into mind for most of us
when we discuss domestic violence. Until November 2006, I was one who might have
believed that it didn't exist, at least not in my world.
The morning I received a phone call informing me that my younger cousin, who was
seventeen at the time, had been raped by her ex-boyfriend, is one that I'll
never forget. 2006 had already claimed the life of my maternal grandmother, and
I didn't want to imagine that things could get any worse in our family. But low
and behold, we had yet another travesty to deal with, leaning on the arms of
God's mercy and love for strength that only He could deliver.
My heart broke into a million pieces when I saw my cousin. I thanked God that
she was alive and not seriously bruised externally, but the fear and pain I saw
in her eyes nearly stopped the rhythmic beating of my heart as it filled with
just a portion of what she was feeling. I didn't know her pain personally but
knowing and loving her is what caused my eyes to fill with tears.
I sat with her at the hospital waiting for them to call her back to do the rape
kit.
I listened to the question and answer session between her and the
detective. Every answer angered me as my heart continued to break and my blood
boiled. I wanted to find the aggressor before the police did. Not only had he
raped her at knife-point but he took off with their one-year old son and was
nowhere to be found. [Parents wake up! Is your child at risk?
Read the entire article here]
Images in Reflection by
Laura Major
I participated in the Grown & Sexy with Ella Curry
broadcast on the Black Authors Network Blogtalk Radio. Amidst the sexy titles
and erotic explorations came real conversations about definitions of sexuality.
· What makes one homosexual?
· Are you bisexual or just a freak?
· Can a person be "on the down-low" and still be straight?
· Why women who experiment with other women aren’t considered gay
and men are?
All those in attendance agreed that healthy sexual interest begins with some
level of attraction. What interested me most was what wasn't being discussed.
Everyone assumed that finding attractiveness in others instantly leads to sexual
desire. That being said, straight people would only remark positively about
specific physical features exhibited by members of the same sex in relation to
body characteristics they wish to acquire.
In other words, a straight man would not admire the
tight ass or ripped abs of another man for the sake of the taut body part
itself. It can only be recognized as an example of how the admiring man would
like to fix his own self-perceived flaws. Some women on the panel expressed
the same for themselves. That part of the conversation struck a chord with me
in that we as people should be able to recognize the beauty in others
regardless of gender or orientation without sexual desire or sexual preference
coming into play.
I am a heterosexual black woman and, as one panel member remarked, I am an
erotic person by nature. I can see the eroticism in another female and not
desire her in any way. I can recognize what makes her sexy and have no desire
to possess her. I can also see the sexual prowess of a man and not want to go
to bed with him.
While nothing makes my panties buzz more than a man's
strong shoulders and a nice broad chest, I take pride in the fact that I can
appreciate another woman's beauty without feeling threatened and without
feeling less sexy in my own right. I don't think I am physically perfect, but
I realize that there will always be someone taller, someone with a flatter
stomach and longer hair.
Once we can all view beautiful bodies of both genders without it defining our
sexuality, we will come closer to understanding why we love who we love.
If only it were that simple. As curious children sneaking peaks at Dad's
girlie magazines and as teenagers practicing intimacy with each other, society
teaches us to control our urges instead of being a slave to them. Then with
adulthood comes the right to pursue those urges, even be consumed by them.
Something that was meant to be so beautiful and pleasurable has become so
perverted in the search for instant gratification. So much so, we can't admire
the sexual energy of others without calling our motives into question.
The human body and its sexuality should be viewed like a piece of artwork. It
should be admired, expressed and appreciated simply because it exists in its
natural state. Sexuality which is as old as humanity itself holds only the
connotation we assign to it. For some it's pure ecstasy while others associate
excruciating pain in its power to make one vulnerable.
As long as we are obsessed with sex and its personification, happiness with
our bodies and our sexuality will remain outside our comfort zone.
[Share your thoughts here]
How to Handle the
Insane EX-Girlfriend by
John R Williams (The Author)
My recent book The Reunion focuses on the antics of an insanely jealous
girlfriend that would do anything and everything to keep her relationship alive.
I am very passionate about this subject because of personal experience, as a
writer I have heard countless stories from men who have been victims of
vandalism, character defamation and even assault. In these times, in order to
make a clean break from a bad relationship one must handle their situation
carefully.
I have polled dozens of my readers and they agree with me, there are (3) steps
you must take when handling the insane EX-Girlfriend:
Step #1- No more sex
Men crave for good sex with an insatiable fanaticism that is sometimes to our
detriment. Getting physical with women when you don’t intend to commit to them
will add fuel to the fire. It’s hard for most men to refuse sex, especially when
it is good sex but you must in order to make a clean break and safe split. Deny
yourself, if you don’t women will get confused by your gesture. They will
believe that they still have a connection with you when you know damn well that
you are only in it for one thing. Leave the cookies in the jar!
Step #2 - Tell them it’s over
Today’s woman is very keen and knowledgeable but she is no psychic. You must
actually tell her that the relationship has ended. When you do, be firm. You
must state the reasons why you don’t want to be with her and clearly state the
deficiencies in the relationship so there is no confusion.
Step #3 – Go off the grid
All communication must stop. Women love communicating, it is how they establish
a connection. To women, emotional connections are far stronger than any physical
connection could ever be. If a crazy Ex can still call you, text you, e-mail
you, write letters to you, see you and converse with you they remain attached.
In my experience, to wean your ex-lover, it will take about one week of
isolation for every six months of relationship time.
Community Discussion Questions:
1. Should men file restraining orders with the police if they feel their body or
property is threatened? Press charges?
2. Why behaviors trigger jealous behavior in a relationship?
Join us on the EDC Creation' book tour blog to answer the questions above.
[Post here]
When
a former drug addict is given a second chance he finds the true meaning of life.
So often people wander through life not knowing their purpose and they go to the
grave without ever fulfilling their destiny. Joe Green, author of From Kilos to
the Kingdom takes us through an in- depth journey of his life and transition
from an empty life filled with drugs, a promiscuous lifestyle, and failed
relationships to becoming a community leader, a loving husband and father, a
savvy business man, and the first African-American to own an FCC licensed radio
station in Central PA.
Although Joe was raised in the church and baptized at the age of nine, there was
a deep void to fill. After trying to find his value in money, drugs, and women,
this lifestyle left Joe discontent, frustrated, lonely, broke, and homeless.
After several near death incidents, Joe finally decided to return to his first
true love, The Lord, and has not looked back since.
With God’s promises comes no remorse, and Joe’s current family, community, and
business successes are reflective of this. God gave Joe a second chance at life,
love, and happiness and he considers it a blessing to share his testimony, time,
effort, and money with others.
Joe’s transparency in this book allows others to see just what God can do with a
heart that surrenders to him and how forgiveness is truly possible. From Kilos
to the Kingdom is a story of God’s grace and mercy and how He will never leave
nor forsake us (Heb. 13:5). See how God can turn a spirit full of poverty into
one of prosperity. For with God all things are possible to those who believe and
He desires to bless his children.
During our lives we go through “trials and
tribulations”. Some we cause for ourselves and some are beyond our control.
The “dross” or impurity, in us gets burned away in these trials by fire, leaving
the pure spiritual gold, the true, everlasting wealth of salvation.
When we truly turn our lives over to God and serve Him, we start to see
things from a different perspective.
We understand the meaning of true wealth, the worthlessness of temporary earthly
goods, titles and positions. We stop seeking status. We’re no longer concerned
with being elevated in the eyes of man. We are “lifted up” by God, not by
ourselves, or by others. When we put God first in our lives and seek Him, He
gives us the gift of true reward, eternal salvation.
From the beginning of Genesis to the end of Revelation, every person ever born,
throughout their lives, is truly a “work in progress”. Throughout the ages
God has continued to build His Kingdom. Each of us is offered the opportunity,
through salvation, to become a part of it. This book is the story of one
person’s journey toward acceptance of that offer.
"From Kilos to the Kingdom" is a book about Joe's journey and how all things
truly work for the good of those who love the Lord and are called according to
His purpose (Romans 8:28)
[Read
the rest of this motivating article here.]
Mistress Memoirs by Lorraine Elzia
What kind of woman becomes a mistress?
Someone who has no regard for the unspoken cardinal rule among women of
“Thou
shall not covet another woman’s husband?” Certainly not Kahla Thompson; or so
she thought.
Kahla
is beautiful, single, and independently successful, possessing all the material
goods a woman could desire. Her life is surreptitiously turned upside down when
she meets Kevin Eckhart, a married man with a million-dollar smile and a
seductive charm she falls prey to. The two have a magnetic, compelling
attraction for each another and begin a relationship under the guise of
friendship. Kahla struggles to suppress her hunger for Kevin, but soon finds
herself in a paradox; fighting her natural propensity to avoid an affair versus
her lascivious desires for a married man and all he represents.
Mistress Memoirs is an engaging, unorthodox lurk into the mind of a mistress.
Through the illuminating introspective words of Kahla; Lorraine Elzia
engrossingly entertains, while skillfully removing the cocoon of preconceived
notions as to why a woman becomes a mistress. By delving into the self-analyzing
inner thoughts that catapult Kahla into the role of the woman on the side,
Mistress Memoirs gives a vision of who the other woman really is as viewed from
the standpoint of the mistress herself.
Opposing Views
helps you uncover all sides of the issues you care about most. Here at
www.opposingviews.com, experts go
head-to-head on real-life concerns, debating news and events, addressing the
questions that keep you up at night. We introduce the questions, the experts
present their cases (and disagree with each other), and you leave ready to make
well-informed decisions and take action.
Each section of
www.opposingviews.com is a channel, including politics, society, health,
money, and religion. Our point/counter-point format gives each expert a chance
to state their information and opinions on an issue. Meanwhile, the other side
objects by calling out the flaws in that information, and then states their own
side. Opposing Views brings together the information on the issue, the
evidence on each side and their counter-points.
EDC Creations has now added Opposing Views
to the EDC Creations Virtual Media Tours. Clients of EDC Creations will
become guest authors at Opposing Views! Visit Opposing Views to explore
all their wonderful articles. Remember to return back here to explore the great
books showcased on the EDC Creations Magazine Online.
Do
We Still Need Affirmative Action?
” I
have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where
they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their
character.” Martin Luther King spoke these words in 1963, and they still
resonate today.
Affirmative action programs
were established to create this very type of equality, but have they brought us
closer to Dr. King’s dream or hindered it? Share your opinions
and remember to return here.
Should Same-Sex Marriage be Legal?
The tide of marriage for same-sex couples has ebbed and flowed over the last
decade with no end in sight. Because marriage sits squarely at the intersection
of religion, law and society, the discussion around same-sex couples’ inclusion
into the institution of marriage has been one of the most complex and hotly
contested topics in America. How do you feel about it? Share your opinions
and remember to return here.
Can
the Obama Presidency End Racism in America?
At the start of the American Civil War, there were still more than 4 million
African-Americans living in slavery. Now, approximately 150 years later, an
African-American will become president of that same nation. There is much discussion
about how such a presidency will affect America, but will an Obama victory usher
in a new generation of tolerance?
Share your opinions
and remember to return here.
Is Spanking Children OK?
You have probably heard the
expression, "Spare the rod, spoil the child." Do you agree with it? Perhaps you
were spanked as a kid. Was it appropriate? Some people see spanking as an
outdated method of punishment or even child abuse, while others view a swat on
the bottom as a parent's prerogative. Where do we draw the line
when it comes to disciplining our children? Share your opinions
and remember to return here.
Maya
Angelou: Letter to My Daughter
By Laura
Major
With women
making the largest strides in the arenas of politics, education,
entrepreneurship and business, no other time is more poignant for Letter to
My Daughter, Maya Angelou's poetic tribute to the emotionally adopted
daughters who have touched her life. In response to the question regarding the
reason for her tribute, she was quoted, "I gave birth to one child–a son, but I
have thousands of daughters." No doubt with this poetic volume, Dr. Angelou will
garner many more female supporters happy to draw upon her maternal wisdom.
On
September 11, 2008, the seventh anniversary of a very scary and profound time in
US history, Dr. Maya Angelou met with Literary Publicist and CEO of EDC
Creations Ella Curry to discuss her gift of poetry to the world's daughters.
When Curry further asked about the book's inspiration, Dr. Angelou confided,
"Well, this is my 80th year and I have been celebrating it all year long. And I
realize that I have much less time ahead of me than I have behind and that I
have learned some lessons and am in the process of learning some. So I thought I
would jot down some of the incidents, some events which took place in my life
from which I drew great lessons."
Always a
teacher and naturally so, Angelou had this to say, "In looking at that [my
life's lessons], I didn't want to say which lessons I learned or what exactly I
did with the lessons–solutions. Because I know that my readers are as
intelligent and resourceful and they will read about one incident they will get
one solution. They'll gather it and then six months later, if they read it again
they will find another possible lesson to be learned. I know that is the way I
do when I read other people's work...I hope that's what will happen to my
readers."
Opening
with a powerful letter to daughters everywhere, Angelou says in part, "My life
has been long, and believing that life loves the liver of it, I have dared to
try many things, sometimes trembling, but daring, still." As Curry accurately
described, Dr. Angelou, "in the rhythm of her poetry and the elegance of her
prose", expresses the numerous useful lessons in terms of the people she's met,
the places she's been and the events of her life.
During the
interview with Ms. Curry, one of the most awe-struck memories she shares is her
friendship with Civil Rights Activist, Coretta Scott King. She says of their
friendship, "I was brought to look at those events because a number of friends
of mine have died recently and I thought back to Mrs. King and how we were
chosen sisters and how I miss her." Knowing the importance of grieving time but
also knowing the need to celebrate the legacy our loves often leave for us, Dr.
Angelo continued, "...I felt, 'Well maybe, maybe there's a way I can reduce the
mourning, if I can go back to that life and see what their friendship did for
me.' And as I went back, I was disheartened, heartened, I was inspired because I
had been thinking about their absence and not really about the fun we had and
the lessons they taught me." Dr. Angelou goes on to describe how Mrs. Coretta
Scott King's "stick-to-it-tiveness" has bolstered a lasting memory of her
influential husband that may not have been more than "footnote in history"
without Ms. King's tenacity.
Dr. Maya
Angelou's Letter to My Daughter is packed with profound and inspirational
gems designed to do what all faithful motherly advice does–educate, empower and
empathize.
About Laura Major:
Laura Major is a multicultural
fiction author and freelance writer residing in the greater Phoenix area of
Arizona. Her first novel, Mismatched
was published by Amira Press in February of 2008. Laura also manages a
multicultural website, Sable Lit
Reviews.com, one of the few of its kind providing commentary on the
multicultural impact of current events as well as multicultural book reviews.
SECRETS OF THE SENSUOUS WOMAN
by Hazel Mills
Sensuality
is an essential ingredient for a deeper sexual experience and it brings an
unparalleled awareness and exploration of all of our senses. In lovemaking,
it allows us to become intimate therefore giving us permission to make an
emotional investment in our partner. We become totally oblivious to
everything and everyone around us and we are only focused on what feels good
to us and to our lover. Our skin hungers for their touch, we long for the
sight of them, we crave the taste of their kiss, our bodies ignite at the
sound of their “hello” and their lingering scent evokes erotic fantasies.
Sensuality is not only
limited to sex. We can make any experience a sensuous one, with the right
state of mind. It is the passion and wonder we encounter in our everyday
lives from watching the sunrise to looking into the face of a child. It’s in
how we feel when we eat our favorite meal, snuggle with a cozy blanket or a
good book or when we dance to our favorite tune.
Here are a few things
to try:
1. Have confidence in yourself.
Nothing turns a man on more than a woman who knows what she wants and is not
afraid to ask for it.
2. Make special occasions out of
everyday tasks. Burn a scented candle while your are online paying bills
or on the couch watching television.
3. Take the time for a long relaxing
bath at least 2 to 3 times a week. Use this opportunity to invite your
lover for some quiet time together.
4. Keep a gratitude journal. At
the end of each day, write down all of the things that happened during your
day for which you are grateful and why. It doesn’t have to be an extravagant
entry or a lengthy essay. It can be one thing. Even if you’ve had a rough
day, there is still something to be grateful for.
5. Eat chocolate. It releases
“feel good” endorphins.
6. Buy fresh flowers. The
inexpensive ones from the supermarket will work. The sight and smell of
flowers makes us feel happy and special.
7. Call an old friend. The sound
of their voice will bring back wonderful memories.
8. Do a favor for a stranger. The
next time you are in the store and see someone struggling to reach an item
on a high shelf, offer to get it for him or her. If you are on your way into
the supermarket and you see someone returning the shopping cart, offer to do
it for them since you are already going that way.
9. Dance in the mirror alone. Put
in your favorite CD from back in the day and boogie down like you are coming
down the Soul Train line. You’ll find yourself laughing up a storm before
long.
10. Make love. No explanation needed.
Remember that sensuality is the unconditional caress of each moment.
About Author Hazel Mills African
American Literary Award nominated author, Hazel Mills, knew that she wanted
to be a writer from the moment she penned the first words of a poem titled,
"A Tree" when she was in the third grade. Even though she majored in
business at the University of Alabama, writing continued to be her first
love.
Hazel's short erotic fiction has been published in Playgirl Magazine's
Erotic Encounters (January, 2007 issue) and in Best Lesbian Love Stories:
New York City, edited by Simone Thorne (November, 2006, Alyson Books). Her
essays have been featured in Jolie Dupre's series in the Blushing Ladies
Journal.
PassionScape is her
monthly column published online by EDC Creations and Sankofa Literary
Society. Hazel is an contributing author to the award-winning anthology,
Mocha Chocolate: Taste A Piece of Ecstasy, edited by Shani Greene Dowdell
(March, 2008, Nayberry Publications). Hazel's debut collection of critically
acclaimed erotic short stories, Bare Necessities: Sensuous Tales of Passion
(April, 2008, Xpress Yourself Publishing) has been nominated for several
literary awards. Hazel is an editor for EroticExpressions.net and a
contributing author the the highly anticipated upcoming release, The Triumph
of My Soul: The Breakthrough, edited by Elissa Gabrielle (2009).
Hazel's new book, Journey To Surrender, is slated for release in 2009
by Xpress Yourself Publishing.
Patryce "Choc'Let" Banks carved her niche as an innovator and one of the major players in the "Funk" music genre. The award winning audio/visual dynamo is the former female lead singer of chart topping, Grammy nominated, Graham Central Station, Larry Grahams' (Sly's bass player) band. Her career has been an exciting adventure, traveling through life with such companions as Sly and the Family Stone, B.B King, Stephanie Mills, Chaka Kahn, Dr.Dre, Rose Royce, and many others. Patryce invites you to share her journey through her debut book; A Choc'Let State of Mind. A Choc’Let State of Mind consists of short stories and poetry including the autobiographical short piece, Funk 101. Her anxiously anticipated newly released second novel, Déjà View: Memoirs of a Funk Diva, explores Choc' let's relationship with Larry Graham and her career as a member of Graham Central Station.
Excerpt from
Deja View: Memoirs of a Funk Diva
Male Victims of Domestic Violence – When HE is the Victim
Q: What issues in today's society have you addressed in the book? 
Join
me in welcome bestselling author Gloria Mallette! Nationally acclaimed award
winning author GLORIA MALLETTE began her true literary journey by
self-publishing her second novel Shades of Jade in April of 2000. By July and
13,000 sold copies later, Gloria signed on with Random House who re-released
Shades of Jade in 2001. Shades of Jade made several best sellers lists,
including Black Board, Essence Magazine, The Dallas Morning News, and The
Washington Post/Washington is Also Reading listing.
Q:
What issue, person or thing inspired you to write this story?
8 Unhappy Marriage
Signs
Most
couples reminisce about how the person they ultimately married actively pursued
them for their time, attention, or love when they were dating. The pursuit to
gain the affection of another person is known as courting. This active pursuit
should not end just because you are now married. Women have been most noted to
complain about their spouse’s lack of time and attention once they were
married. All of the special things he once did (romantic dates, flowers, candy,
thoughtful cards and gifts) have disappeared into the sea of forgetfulness. 
African Home Decor Guide: Buying Quality African Home Decor
Internet
Marketing for Writers and Businesses
Rodney Lofton has been a voice and face for those living with HIV. He has served as a keynote speaker and requested facilitator by the New Jersey World AIDS Day Celebration, the U.S. Conference on AIDS among others. He is a former freelance writer and public relations professional. He served as a columnist for the online GBMNews. His columns focused on issues around HIV/AIDS and African-American gay men. His debut novel The Day I Stopped Being Pretty: A Memoir was nominated for a Lambda Literary Award. He currently resides in Virginia. For more information on the author, please visit
Reginald Dwayne Betts was born in a city in San Diego he no longer remembers. Dwayne was raised in Suitland, MD, a small city in the DC Metropolitan area. On December 8, 1996 Dwayne went from being an average boy in the neighborhood, carrying hoop dreams and college ambitions in his head, to another young black male behind bars. In thirty seconds he became a statistic and his memoir, A Question of Freedom, is about everything he did while in prison to make his life more than the moments that left him standing before a judge in a Fairfax County Courtroom. A Question of Freedom shows his journey away from the neighborhoods he called home to the prison cells where he spent most of his teenage years and early 20s. 
Ahmad and Nikki Jacobs are the picture perfect couple. They began their love affair as college sweethearts. Now, they are married, live in the biggest and most beautiful home on their street, and drive the finest cars money can buy. Ahmad is the most successful attorney in the state and Nikki gave up her career as a teacher to become a stay at home mom; raising her daughters and lunching with her girlfriends several times a week.
Somewhat obsessed with fabricating stories that usually got her in big trouble as a child GStarr is now able to keep the stories going for a profit. Born in her native country of Panama author GStarr is the co-founder of UrbanL Publishing in Queens, New York. Inspired by the late E. Lynn Harris and bestselling author Eric Jerome Dickey, GStarr’s first novel Pulling Me Back is a story about the discovery of lesbian love between best friends. 
Ella:
As an author, what is your writing process? How long did it take to finish Pulling Me Back? 
Angel Mechelle was raised a “military brat”. She attended Neu-Ulm High School in Germany and graduated from Southeast High school in Bradenton Florida . She now resides in Virginia with her two children. Armed with an active imagination and a notion for DRAMA, Angel was finally able to share her love for story telling with the world when she accepted as a contributing author in the Shannon Holmes Anthology “Hood2Hood. Mr. Holmes was impressed with her talent and offered to publish her debut novel. The opportunity has opened many doors in the literary industry for Angel. She recently completed another short story to be featured in the Anthology “Flirt” due to be released in October.
Ella:
Former two-term Vice President of the Black Writers Guild of Maryland, Saundra E. Harris, is the author of THE PARTY, which received the Romantic Times Magazine BOOKreview 2005 Reviewer’s Choice Award for Best African American Romance by a First Time Novelist. Ms. Harris recently completed her long awaited sequel to her first novel THE AFTER PARTY which is also receiving rave reviews.
Ella:
Introduce us to your book, The After Party.
A native of Chicago,
J. Thurman uses his experience as a researcher, educator, published author and student of life to bring forth an offering that will start the movement to redefine the ideas of relationships. He is a graduate of Southern University A&M Baton Rouge, LA and lives in Atlanta, GA.
Ella:
Ultimately, what do you want readers to gain from your book?
M.Yvette is a dramatic author that enjoys creating erotic yet soul searching stories. She is native of Virginia, and also spent time in Atlanta, Georgia (which she claims as her second home). M.Yvette is the founder of Volour Publishing.
BPMAG:
Introduce us to your book, Diggin.
Lamar Ariel recently published his first collection of letters entitled Ready to Male. Having spent his formative years in Chicago, Ariel describes himself as a not-so-typical Midwestern boy who was easily seduced by the energy of New York City. Lamar Ariel received a Bachelor of Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Master of Arts Management from Carnegie Mellon University. He currently lives in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan. 
Ella:
What do you hope that people gain from this book? What has this process done to effect you internally?
Shawna Hill always loved the idea of writing a novel. At the age of eight, she penned her first book. Her book with ribbon bound edges in hand sprang forth and thus her love for writing began. Shawna is a single mother of two and a Columbus, Ohio native. She holds a BS in Business Administration from Ohio Dominican University. 
Ella:
Introduce us to your book and your main characters in 
Celia Anderson is one of today’s best and brightest upcoming authors. Her
stories and articles both educate and inspire.
Ms. Anderson holds a Master Degree from the University of Arkansas which speaks
volumes about her commitment to education. She is quoted as saying her love for
higher education, books, and competitive spirit is what drives her most. She
plans to continue her education eventually earning a PhD in critical and
cultural media.
Caramel Vixen is a native of Western North Carolina.
Caramel ‘s debut Novella “Office Affairs” was originally published in e-book format from Lady Leo Publishing.
Ms. Vixen is extremely proud to announce that her “baby” Office Affairs is now a novel due for release from Xpress Yourself Publishing September 2009.
Visit the erotica princess at her website 
Ella: Who are your two main characters and what do you like most about them? 
Yonder- the maker of the taboo series, which started the movement of Taboo Talk Raw and Uncut. My first book hit the streets and book stores in 2005. I have been writing for years and decided after reading some Zane that I would try my hand in the writing industry.
The
very title The Art of Seduction and Sensuality gets our attention and conjures
up images of a beautiful woman and a handsome man. We’ve all seen the commercial
with the alluring beauty who captures the soul of the handsome beau as he
engulfs her in his arms. But the question is who is seducing who? And we might
want to question why does it matter? Well it does matter because seduction
comes with a high price. As women we have all grown up hearing the word
“seduction” and equated it with power, sex and the prize man. And yet as a
wordsmith I have problems with the word off the top. If we are to have a
straight discussion about the art of seduction let’s be clear with how
“seduction” is defined. 
Book: When Lightning Strikes
Hello
Black Pearls family my name is Clayton W. Oliver (there are at least one
other author by that name), author of the "Pharaoh's Clan" series, volume one
"Daughter of the Sun." I was raised in East Baltimore where after high school
I entered the U. S. Army 82nd airborne division. When my service ended I
returned to Baltimore to raise a family and to further my education. I
attended a trade school to learn to drive semi-tractor and trailer trucks to
support my household and then once employed I attended night college for 17
years to receive my AA, BS, and 46 MPA credits from the University of
Baltimore.
Kerry Fezza on Sexy Talk the First Thursday of each month.
Jamison Davis is a graduate of both William Paterson University and Lincoln
University. She holds a Bachelors in Sociology and a Masters in Human Services.
For the past eleven years, Jamison Davis has worked in the social services field
working to assist people whom have made mistakes in their lives. She lives in
New Jersey with her husband.
ISBN-10: 0758228821
|
ISBN-13: 978-0758228826 
These words are meant to honor you because I understand, all the lessons you
taught to me. To help me to become a man.
Often look back into our past and I marvel at the years gone by. How time has
had so little effect of the vision of me in your eyes. 
Ashes, Ashes, They All Fall Down
I
have been writing for what feels like my entire life. During college, I enrolled
in a fiction writing class as an elective and that’s when I discovered my
passion for creating characters and stories that readers will hopefully find
memorable. As for my latest novel, In Love With A Younger Man
that was just released January 2009 and is in stores now here is the description
Black Expressions Book Club has:
The
issue of teen abuse is not one that immediately pops into mind for most of us
when we discuss domestic violence. Until November 2006, I was one who might have
believed that it didn't exist, at least not in my world.
I participated in the Grown & Sexy with Ella Curry
broadcast on the Black Authors Network Blogtalk Radio. Amidst the sexy titles
and erotic explorations came real conversations about definitions of sexuality.
My recent book The Reunion focuses on the antics of an insanely jealous
girlfriend that would do anything and everything to keep her relationship alive.
I am very passionate about this subject because of personal experience, as a
writer I have heard countless stories from men who have been victims of
vandalism, character defamation and even assault. In these times, in order to
make a clean break from a bad relationship one must handle their situation
carefully.
When
a former drug addict is given a second chance he finds the true meaning of life.
So often people wander through life not knowing their purpose and they go to the
grave without ever fulfilling their destiny. Joe Green, author of From Kilos to
the Kingdom takes us through an in- depth journey of his life and transition
from an empty life filled with drugs, a promiscuous lifestyle, and failed
relationships to becoming a community leader, a loving husband and father, a
savvy business man, and the first African-American to own an FCC licensed radio
station in Central PA.
Kahla
is beautiful, single, and independently successful, possessing all the material
goods a woman could desire. Her life is surreptitiously turned upside down when
she meets Kevin Eckhart, a married man with a million-dollar smile and a
seductive charm she falls prey to. The two have a magnetic, compelling
attraction for each another and begin a relationship under the guise of
friendship. Kahla struggles to suppress her hunger for Kevin, but soon finds
herself in a paradox; fighting her natural propensity to avoid an affair versus
her lascivious desires for a married man and all he represents.
Do
We Still Need Affirmative Action?
On
September 11, 2008, the seventh anniversary of a very scary and profound time in
US history, Dr. Maya Angelou met with Literary Publicist and CEO of EDC
Creations Ella Curry to discuss her gift of poetry to the world's daughters.
When Curry further asked about the book's inspiration, Dr. Angelou confided,
"Well, this is my 80th year and I have been celebrating it all year long. And I
realize that I have much less time ahead of me than I have behind and that I
have learned some lessons and am in the process of learning some. So I thought I
would jot down some of the incidents, some events which took place in my life
from which I drew great lessons."
Sensuality
is an essential ingredient for a deeper sexual experience and it brings an
unparalleled awareness and exploration of all of our senses. In lovemaking,
it allows us to become intimate therefore giving us permission to make an
emotional investment in our partner. We become totally oblivious to
everything and everyone around us and we are only focused on what feels good
to us and to our lover. Our skin hungers for their touch, we long for the
sight of them, we crave the taste of their kiss, our bodies ignite at the
sound of their “hello” and their lingering scent evokes erotic fantasies.
African
American Literary Award nominated author, Hazel Mills, knew that she wanted
to be a writer from the moment she penned the first words of a poem titled,
"A Tree" when she was in the third grade. Even though she majored in
business at the University of Alabama, writing continued to be her first
love.
Hazel's short erotic fiction has been published in Playgirl Magazine's
Erotic Encounters (January, 2007 issue) and in Best Lesbian Love Stories:
New York City, edited by Simone Thorne (November, 2006, Alyson Books). Her
essays have been featured in Jolie Dupre's series in the Blushing Ladies
Journal. 