Spotlight Author: Patricia A. Bridewell 
Give the Gift of Knowledge Campaign

EDC Creations, The Sankofa Literary Society and The Black Authors Network announced the launch of their 2009-2010  "Give the Gift of Knowledge Campaign," bringing readers and authors together to help improve literacy. In 2004, during the Christmas holidays, Ella Curry, the founder of EDC Creations, reached out to women's groups and literary organizations to help promote early literacy by giving new books to children from low income homes. 

Today, the "Give the Gift of Knowledge Campaign," seeks to expand even further! “Based on the “each one teach one,” model, our goal is to help people introduce reading and new books to their family and friends,” says CEO and founder of EDC creations, Ella Curry. “Instead of giving expensive gifts that don't shape lives----let's “Give the Gift of Knowledge” and help to strengthen our future generations!”  We now invite you, the readers, to join us by supporting the authors below and buying books as gifts!

Each year thousands of people — educators, concerned parents, community leaders, authors, poets and publishers — devote their time and resources to presenting the reader with great books! However, too many outstanding books do not get the attention and reader support that they deserve. It is our mission to connect readers with these hidden gems and bring them books that will change their lives.

Each week EDC Creations will sponsor bookclub chats, live readings from authors, podcast presentations, seminars, community relations discussions, and radio shows that deliver the best our writers have to offer. All we ask is that the readers of the world spread the word.  Check out the information below and invite this author to chat with you and 5-10 friends via Skype, tele-conference or a speaker phone meeting.  If you would like to spotlight this author on your blog, website, magazine or radio show, email Ella Curry at:  elladcurry@edc-creations.com    If you have already read the book, share your reviews with us by clicking here.

You may shop for the books at our bookstore here: http://astore.amazon.com/edcmagazine-20 
 

Meet author Patricia A. Bridewell 

Patricia Ann Bridewell was born and raised in Los Angeles , California . Her first fiction novel, Reflections of a Quiet Storm, will be released by Xpress Yourself Publishing in March 2009. She is currently working on her second novel. Patricia earned an Associate of Science in Nursing from Los Angeles Southwest College , a Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Cum Laude from Holy Names University , and a Master of Science in Nursing Education from Mount Saint Mary’s College.  

She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Society of Nursing – Nu Xi Chapter at Large, and the Zora Neale Hurston/Richard Wright Foundation. 

She is a writer, registered nurse, and nurse consultant. She is a member of West Angeles Church of God in Christ in Los Angeles ; she resides in Lancaster, CA. and has two adult children and one grandchild.  

www.myspace.com/patriciabridewell       *      email: bridern@verizon.net    

News from Patricia Ann Bridewell 

Inside Reflections of a Quiet Storm
by Patricia A. Bridewell, Author

As CEO and owner of a new nursing registry, Pauline Bridges is striving to reach the height of success, and then unexpectedly tragedy strikes.  After a near fatal automobile accident, she climbs from the wreckage unscathed, but shortly thereafter, God begins to reveal her past.  Pain, once buried deep within, rises to the surface through memories that are revived as dreams and flashbacks. Chronicled in a series of stories, her life unfolds through a long journey; a pathway that unveils many secrets that not even her children had been told.

Visions of the past invade her days and nights as constant reminders of events from childhood through her adult life replay in her mind. Memories of her mother’s abuse at the hands of her stepfather, a rape during adolescence, her brother’s stormy lifestyle, and the agony of a marriage that was destroyed by her ex-husband, Naman’s infidelity and substance abuse, all drift through her mind. And then there is the shattering memory of the unsolved murder of her former boss, a vice president for a major recording company.  All memories that Pauline had chose to forget, but now they’re back.

Pauline’s faith is challenged with not only ravaging dreams and flashbacks, but also with supporting her two adult children through their hardships.  The ditch grows much deeper when she learns her friend, Vangie, is having an affair with her best friend, Bethany ’s husband, Darryl.  Pauline temporarily escapes from revolving chaos by wallowing in her corporate world, with the aim of building a high caliber business, and helping friends and family get through their crises.

Her prayers are answered when Keith Maris steps into her life and opens her heart to feelings and emotions that she didn’t know still existed.  As their relationship flourishes, he becomes a main support system through the turmoil, and her dreams and flashbacks begin to diminish. When her friend, Bethany, has a mental breakdown after learning of Darryl’s affair; she sets out with the intent to confront them.  While brandishing a gun, it accidentally fires, striking Darryl’s shoulder. Pauline intervenes to prevent what could have become a tragedy.  Bethany and Darryl stay married after he ends his relationship with Vangie, Pauline supports her son through his father’s terminal illness and subsequent death, and also finally discovers the reasons for her daughter’s turbulent past relationship with her father.

“A novel that is based on a true life story.”
Visit www.patriciabridewell.com for  more book chapter reading and order information.
 

1.  RELATIONSHIPS

Reflections of a Quiet Storm, Excerpt from Chapter 1
Patricia A. Bridewell

“Well, are you ready for this?”  Dr. Crossier, one of the second-year residents, asked Pauline.

“Yes, I guess so,” Pauline answered.

Pauline and the young physician entered the room and the doctor closed the door behind them. After the tall, muscular, African-American man heard the news of his wife’s death, he buried his head in his hands, and the silent room filled with echoes of shrill whimpers. Pauline sat on the edge of a seat beside him, and gently touched his shoulder while offering him Kleenex. Several minutes later, he jumped to his feet. His eyes exuded fire and rage.

“What’d y’all do to my wife?” he shouted.

 Huge veins bulged through the young man’s brown flesh as he started lifting and flinging chairs at the wall. Pauline and the young doctor tried to maneuver around him, zigzagging their way to the door. Security officers rushed down the hallway. Their office was close by, which had allowed them to hear the vulgarities and loud noise. Pauline’s heart went out to this young man, as she watched four security officers choke hold and

slam him to the floor. Face down, knees caved his back in, pinning him against a cold, hard floor. Facial grimaces wore evidence of his agony as tears flowed from his eyes in streams. Breathless, he struggled to speak.  

Chapter 5, The Adoption

Hi, Bethany , this is Pauline.” 
“Pauline! Girl I was just etting’ about you the other day. How are things goin’?” She asked in her familiar southern twang.

“Not too bad, but I really miss you.” 
“I know. I miss you, too. So, how’s Naman and Damien?”

“They’re okay. How is your family doing?”
“We’re hangin’ in there. The congregation is really growin’. We’re etting’ new members all the time. How is the adoption comin’ along?”

“Well, we’re still having some problems with the foster mother, but we’re determined not to give up.”
“That’s right. Don’t let her discourage you. African-American children need to be placed with African-American parents.”

“ Bethany , I just wish I was back in L.A. I’m really ready to move back.”
“Uh oh, I recognize that tone of voice. What’s wrong?”

Pauline hesitated a few seconds before speaking. “I think Naman is seeing someone else.” 
   

Chapter 8,  The Mistress

“Just tell them I had to go away for a business trip or something. I’ll call and talk to Tara tomorrow,” he said as he picked up his suitcase and walked toward the door.

“Pauline, I do love you and . . .”

Pauline quickly raised the palm of her hand to face him. The audition was over, and he no longer had to play the part of the faithful, loving husband he was not. She had no desire to hear his speech because at this point, she was fed up with his lies and deception. She was also tired of the needless struggles he had put her through. His leaving for a few days would give her a chance to spend time in prayer, asking God to help her decide what to do about their marriage.

Sankofa Literary Society Interview with new author Patricia A. Bridewell

Patricia Ann Bridewell was born and raised in Los Angeles , California . Her first fiction novel, Reflections of a Quiet Storm, will be released by Xpress Yourself Publishing in March 2009. She is currently working on her second novel. She is a writer, registered nurse, and nurse consultant. She is a member of West Angeles Church of God in Christ in Los Angeles ; she resides in Lancaster, CA. and has two adult children and one grandchild.

 Book spotlight:  Reflections of a Quiet Storm 

As CEO and owner of a new nursing registry, Pauline Bridges is striving to reach the height of success, and then unexpectedly tragedy strikes. After a near fatal automobile accident, she climbs from the wreckage unscathed. Shortly thereafter, God begins to reveal her past. 

Chronicled in a series of stories, her life unfolds through a long journey; a pathway that unveils many secrets that not even her children had been told. Memories, dreams and flashbacks of her mother's abuse at the hands of her stepfather, a rape during adolescence, her brother's stormy lifestyle, and the agony of a marriage that was destroyed by her ex-husband, Naman's infidelity and substance abuse, all return to torment her. Then there is the shattering memory of the unsolved murder of her former boss, a vice president for a major recording company. 

The ditch grows much deeper as she struggles to help her children through their crises, and also learns that her friend, Vangie, is having an affair with her best friend, Bethany's husband, Darryl. Keith Maris steps into her life and opens her heart to feelings and emotions that she didn't know still existed. His strong support and her faith bring resolutions that pave the way through a chaotic triangle of family issues and an illicit love affair., in Reflections of a Quiet Storm.    ISBN 10-0977939863;  ISBN 13-9780977939862  Purchase the book today.


BOOK  REVIEW
Told in the voice of CEO Pauline Bridges, Reflections of a Quiet Storm is the story of a woman who has earned everything she has worked so hard for with love and dedication, for examples, a career she loves, stability, friends and a home she appreciates. However, there have been a few bumps along the road of her life, which she relays in a flashback format after a near fatal car accident. 

Told in a lighthearted fashion, Bridewell manages to make the reader wonder whether or not personal mountains have been scaled with such triumph and dedication, and if commitments to creating a better life have been met with dedication regardless of experiences and circumstance. 

Reflections of a Quiet Storm gives you the inspiration to keep reading, keep going and keeping moving toward something better - a better future and being a better you. --4/5 stars. Reviewed by The African-American Literature Review (AALR)



 Intimate conversation with author Patricia Bridewell and Ella Curry, EDC Creations

Ella:  Tell us what motivated you to write this book, Reflections of a Quiet Storm.
 My motivation probably came from life experiences, some of which were negative and others positive. Approximately a year and a half prior to writing the book, I started journaling my experiences and thoughts and I kept that journal.  I started writing the book from my journal notes.

 Ella:  Who did you write this book for?
 I think the book was written primarily for women, but I feel that most anyone, men or women, can benefit from the character’s experiences. The book was based on many things that occurred in my life. So, I feel that many people may be able to identify with some of the things that happened in the character’s life. I also believe that people will be able to see there is always a light at the end of the tunnel no matter how bleak things might appear in life.

 Ella:  Bring your 3 main characters to life. Tell us who they are and what you love about them.
 Pauline Bridges is the main character in the story. There are lots of characters that come into play in this story because she has dreams and constant flashbacks of her past, but at the same time she interacts with people who are in her life at the present time.   Another main character is Naman, her ex-husband, and Keith, who becomes her new love interest in the story. Another character is Bethany, who is a long-time, best friend, and then there is Darryl, Bethany ’s husband, and Vangie, another of Pauline’s friends.  

Main Characters of Reflections of a Quiet Storm

Pauline Bridges is a very spiritual person who has always been passionate about helping other people.  She is the matriarch of her family and the CEO of a self-owned business . Her life suddenly takes a change after a near fatal accident.  Dreams, flashbacks, and memories become a challenge. She also has the challenge of trying to remain that gigantic source of strength in the life for friends and her children as they go through their crises.

Naman is her ex-husband, who comes into the story through her dreams and a few brief interactions in present day situations. Naman’s character is somewhat self-centered, but at the same time has a certain warmth to his personality, and he cares about his children. The development of a drug and alcohol problem brings out a darker side to him, which was the main issue that brought devastation into Pauline’s life while they were married.

Keith becomes Pauline’s new love interest in the story.  He is very debonair and intelligent, and he becomes a strong support system for Pauline while she is going through all of the chaos in her life, while at the same time dealing with her past. He is the kind of man that Pauline never expected she’d ever have in her life, but as they become closer, she realizes that he cares for her.

 Ella:  Where are you from? What is your favorite book, music, movie, play?
I was born and raised in Los Angeles , California .  I have a many favorite authors, but a few of my favorite books were an autobiography called A Piece of Cake by Cupcake Brown, This Fire Down In My Soul by J.D. Mason, and Love and Lies by Kimberla Lawson-Roby.  I love gospel music. Some of my favorites are:  Mississippi Mass Choir, Marvin Sapp, Brian Cage, Tremaine Hawkins, and many more.   I also enjoy India Irie, Jill Scott, and any of those Motown oldies but goodies. My favorite movie were The Color Purple and Claudine, and favorite play was Dream Girls.

Ella:  Could you imagine your life without writing today?  I could not imagine what life would be like without writing because even though I’ve only been writing professionally for almost 4 years now, I’ve always integrated reading and writing into my life. I’ve always preferred to write over talking.   Even if I had a business problem that I needed to address, it was much easier to sit down and write a letter rather than call someone on the phone.  Of course, I realize that verbal communication is necessary and I’ve experienced phenomenal growth in that area, particularly after I started teaching, but writing is still my favorite method of communicating and I think that’s probably why I was destined to write. I just believe that God just opened other doors first to make a way for my writing career.

 AUTHOR – PATRICIA A. BRIDEWELL
BOOK  TITLE -  “REFLECTIONS OF A QUIET STORM”
XPRESS YOURSELF PUBLISHING
 ISBN-13 978-0-977939862
 ISBN-10-977939863  

Reflections of a Quiet Storm  Reading Group Questions

Author Patricia A. Bridewell is a native of Los Angeles , California . Reading has always had a certain magnetism in her life since childhood. Journaling life experiences as therapy led to her passion for writing. Her notes transcended into the novel, Reflections of a Quiet Storm, to be released by Xpress Yourself Publishing LLC on March 10, 2009 .  Patricia has multifaceted careers as a registered nurse, adjunct college professor, and CEO of her own company, Bri-John Nursing Services, Inc.  She is currently working on her second novel and is a guest writer for two new online magazines─Step Up Sista and Hotlantabuzzonline.com.   

1. At the beginning of the story the author tried to show some of the personal challenges the main character, Pauline, encountered during her childhood and adolescence.  How do you think her past experiences played a part in how she dealt with family and/or relationships in her adult life?

2. Pauline’s dreams and memories brought back painful thoughts of her past, but how do you think these dreams helped her deal with her present and future life?

3. Pauline stayed in a troubled marriage for a long time because she thought she could make things better.  What do you think she should have done after discovering her husband’s chemical dependency problem and infidelity?

4. How do you think their marriage may have impacted Pauline and Naman’s children? Positively and Negatively.

5. Pauline discovered that Bethany ’s husband, Darryl, had been cheating on his wife with Vangie, a long time friend of hers. Initially, she chose not to tell Bethany about the affair.  What was your perception of how she handled the situation? What would you have done differently?

6. Why do you think Bethany stayed in her marriage after finding out her husband cheated the first time?  And then the second time?

7. How do you think Bethany should have handled the situation after finding out her husband had been cheating the second time around?

8. Why do you think Vangie chose to keep seeing Darryl after she found out he was married?

9. What impact did Keith’s presence have on Pauline’s life?

10.  In the story, what future did you see for Pauline and Keith?