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We are so excited about this issue of Black Pearls. This entire
issue is dedicated to our featured authors. We shine the spotlight on guest columnists from
our newsletter, we are showcasing our bookclub
presidents, our authors shared special book
excerpts for you, as we bring you
inspiration and good cheer.
Black Pearls Magazine is a free digital magazine committed to inspire, encourage and empower a international group of readers.
Our mission is to provide information that is essential, enlightening and entertaining.
We believe in Giving the Gift of Knowledge! We are here to bring you those
extraordinary literary jewels, Black Pearls, that are sure to bring you and your love ones much pleasure and empowerment.
Ella Curry, editor-in-chief
Black Pearls Magazine
President of
EDC Creations Media Group
EDC Creations website: www.edc-creations.com
Freeman is a love story--sweeping, generous, brutal, compassionate, patient--about the feelings people were determined to honor, despite the enormous constraints of the times. It is this aspect of the book that should ensure it a strong, vocal, core audience of African-American women, who will help propel its likely critical acclaim to a wider audience. At the same time, this book addresses several themes that are still hotly debated today, some 145 years after the official end of the Civil War.
Freeman, the new novel by Leonard Pitts, Jr., takes
place in the first few months following the Confederate surrender and the
assassination of Abraham Lincoln. Upon learning of Lee's surrender,
Sam--a runaway slave who once worked for the Union Army--decides to leave his
safe haven in Philadelphia and set out on foot to return to the war-torn South.
What compels him on this almost-suicidal course is the desire to find his wife,
the mother of his only child, whom he and their son left behind 15 years
earlier on the Mississippi farm to which they all "belonged."
At the same time, Sam's wife, Tilda, is being forced to walk at gunpoint with
her owner and two of his other slaves from the charred remains of his
Mississippi farm into Arkansas, in search of an undefined place that would
still respect his entitlements as slave owner and Confederate officer.
The book's third main character, Prudence, is a fearless, headstrong white
woman of means who leaves her Boston home for Buford, Mississippi, to start a
school for the former bondsmen, and thus honor her father’s dying wish.
Like Cold Mountain, Freeman illuminates the times and places it
describes from a fresh perspective, with stunning results. It has the
potential to become a classic addition to the literature dealing with this
period. Few other novels so powerfully capture the pathos and possibility
of the era particularly as it reflects the ordeal of the black slaves grappling
with the promise--and the terror--of their new status as free men and women.
Leonard Pitts, Jr.
writes a newspaper column that is syndicated nationally in 250 newspapers. In 2004, he was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for commentary and has won numerous other honors from such organizations as the Society of Professional Journalists and the National Association of Black Journalists. He is the author of "Becoming Dad," a book about black men and fatherhood and also of the critically-acclaimed 2009 novel, "Before I Forget." Pitts lives in suburban Washington , DC, with his wife and family.
BPM: Mr. Pitts, how did you get started as a writer?
Well, I began to think of myself as a writer from the time I was five years old, which was a good thing, because it gave me a lot of time to be bad at it.
I started sending poems and stories to magazines when I was 12 years old, first became published when I was 14, and first got paid for being published when I was 18.
I spent the next 18 years working primarily as a music critic for a variety of magazines and radio programs.
I was editor of SOUL, a black entertainment tabloid, did freelance work for such magazines as Spin, Record Review and Right On!, co-created and edited a radio entertainment news magazine called RadioScope and was a writer for Casey Kasem's radio countdown show, Casey's Top 40.
BPM: Introduce us to your book, FREEMAN and the main characters, Tilda and Sam
Freeman. What message does his book share with the readers?
I envisioned Freeman as a love letter to African American women. That does not mean the book will not be accessible to other readers or that I don't want other readers to enjoy it. But I conceived the story as a romance that would speak most directly to my sisters who, let's face it, are often overlooked, left out, and flat out invisible in this culture.
Freeman is about a former slave named Sam who, at the very end of the Civil War, embarks on foot from Philadelphia to Mississippi in search of Tilda, the wife he has not seen in 15 years. He doesn't know if she is still in Mississippi, he doesn't know if she still alive, he doesn't know if she has another man, he doesn't know if she wants to see him again; when they parted, there was a tragedy between them and she blamed him for it and hated him for it.
Along the journey, Sam meets Prudence, a beautiful white abolitionist who has gone to Mississippi to open a school for the freed slaves. He develops feelings for her and she for him and the question becomes: does he
continue his impossible search for Tilda, who he may never find and who may not even love him anymore, or does he stay with Prudence? And then... Well, I've said enough.
BPM: Is this the book you intended on writing or did it take on a life of its own as you were writing? How do you stay focused?
It is pretty close to what I intended it to be when I started out, but you always have to leave room for things to surprise you and there were a few things that happened here that I did not expect. As to focus: you write a novel in order to tell a story you yourself want to read. If I didn't finish, I would never get to enjoy this story as a reader. That has a way of keeping you focused.
BPM: Which character or topic in the book can you identify with the most? Why?
I can identify most with Sam, I think. He is a romantic, which I am, but he is also a highly educated black man who uses his education and his facility with words sometimes as a shield against people who presume to judge him as less because of his color. I can relate to that.
While this book takes place in the slavery years, this book is not about
slavery. It's about relationships, freedom and claiming ones own identity in
this world. I can relate to that too.
BPM: What are your goals as a writer? Do you set out to educate? Entertain? Inspire?
I think you write to entertain, first and foremost, to tell a story a reader will lose herself or himself in,. You try to create characters that will seem real to the reader and then put those characters into situations of physical or emotional danger. Secondarily, you hope that in entertaining people, you can also manage to say something of value, make some observation that will touch them or inspire them or cause them to see old things in new ways.
BPM: What are some of the benefits of being an author that makes it all worthwhile?
Writing a novel is a year, two years, or more of lonely work, staring at blank screens and not really knowing if what you're doing works or makes any kind of sense. So the best thing about being published is receiving feedback from readers. When somebody tells me they were hurt by something one of my characters did, or a situation a character found him or herself in made that reader cry, that is the highest validation and best compliment I can ever receive. It means the characters seemed real and the story works. Feedback is what makes that lonely year or two worthwhile.
BPM: Do you have any advice for people seeking to publish a book?
Study your craft, read a lot, write a lot, and persevere. There really is no shortcut.
Practice your craft. Then practice it some more. After you're done with that, take a little more time and practice. This is the only sure route to learning your craft.
There is, in other words, no trick, secret, or magic formula that will make you good. Unfortunately for them, most writers are very good at finding excuses not to write. This is because writing is not enjoyable. As some sage once put it:
"Writing is not fun. Having written is."
So what is required of the would-be writer is that he or she first develop the discipline to apply the seat of the pants to the seat of the chair and start putting words down on the screen. You will be awful at first, then a little better.
In time, perhaps, you will become good. And sometime after that, assuming you possess the basic gifts for it, you will become great.
Time not spent writing should be spent reading. Read constantly and promiscuously. Read writers whose work you admire and try to figure out how they do what they do and what it is in their work that makes it achieve whatever effect it does.
Read writers whose work you dislike and try to figure out what they're doing wrong so that you can avoid making the same mistakes.
It's important to invest in the tools of your craft. In making an investment, you prove – to others and, more importantly, to yourself – that you are serious about this thing.
To that end, you need a workspace – doesn't have to be fancy, but it ought to be yours and accessible to you on a regular basis.
You need a word processor or computer; a good dictionary, an almanac, a copy of Strunk and White's Elements of Style, and a thesaurus.
You need a copy of Writer's Market, which is a directory of magazine publishers.
It lists the kind of material they're looking for, the contact persons and the prices they pay.
Also, get yourself a subscription to Writer's Digest; it's a monthly magazine that deals with the craft of writing, but also the business of it.
The magazine provides a great crash course for young writers.
Finally, assuming you have any cash left over, you might want to pick up a copy of Stephen King's On Writing. It's a memoir of the craft that I found inspirational and instructive
BPM: Ultimately, what do you want readers to gain from reading your book?
I want them to gain enjoyment and entertainment obviously. I'd love for them to think about some of the issues the book raises. But I would also like them to be aware that there was once a time in this country when black men and black women felt such a powerful need for one another that would walk, like Sam did, a thousand miles simply to be together again. I think that is an important thing to know.
If you or your readers would like to set up a Skype visit to discuss Tilda and
Sam, go to my site and contact me
here: http://leonardpittsjr.com.
I'm available for blog tours as well.
BPM: Tilda and Sam will become the new IT couple! Readers, you can read
an exclusive excerpt from the book, HERE. Thank you, Mr. Pitts, for sharing a little bit about yourself, your journey and FREEMAN with our readers!
November
and December are months noted for "giving
thanks." Even though we should take nothing for granted in this life, we set aside this time of year to be "thankful".
If you take the time to look back over the years, you will certainly see that God has truly been faithful to you. This alone is reason to give Him praise!
I can recall so many incidents in my life when all I had was my faith in God. I learned to pray as a small child. Crying out became a daily ritual for me. I had to learn how to channel my pain into God's hands and allow Him to take on all of my pains and burdens. That is a big step for a little girl to be forced to make, but a step that I am so glad I learned. When you learn to allow God to hold you and KNOW in your heart that it will be OK one day, you can then face the world with a smile. No matter what this cruel world may bring, God can and will take care of you. The secret is finding that Secret Place in Him where you can abide forever! When you are at your lowest of lows just remember that God is there with you...so you are never alone! Once you master that thought down deep in your soul, you can find that Secret Place. And to reassure your heart and mind just keep these words with you always...
"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day."
Psalms 91:1-2,5 These words let you know that once you find that secret place in God, you are under His shadow of protection. The terrors by night and arrow by day have always represented the threats and abuse that were all around. But believe me, once you get your mind set on God and His truth, you'll find that everything WILL be alright!! Amen!! I
have endured so many trials and tribulations and I love to share my victory with everyone I come in contact with!! Sure, I still have many trials. But I have learned how to weather a storm! When we are at our weakest, God's grace is all we need.
2 Corinthians 12:9 reminds us that ''My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness."
These are the words of Christ! So if you never remember anything else in your whole life, remember these few words. They got me this far and they will take me to my destiny!! I love you all and God does too!!
About the Author
Sharon Fox is a woman who wears many hats. A single mother of four sons, three of whom are in college and one in primary school. She was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis in 2005 and has lived on Medical Disability ever since. Never letting her obstacles stop her, Sharon has continued to pursue her dreams. She's served as Personal Chef, Cooking Instructor, Cake Designer, Food Editor, and now adding Author and Publisher to her list. Sharon uses her passion for cooking to lure people into her life of inspiration. Over 1,700 people are personally touched by her words of encouragement everyday. Living her life of faith has changed many lives that she has come in contact with.
You can learn more about this amazing woman of God by visiting her
website www.goodcookin4u2.webs.com.
She will be releasing a series of cookbooks in the near future. All details will be published on her website.
Article originally produced for Inspirational Insights Newsletter,
published by Sharon R. Wells, Founder & Editor of Angel Wings Publications, LLC,
view
the Thanksgiving Newsletter here today.
Commentary on Penn State Scandal
Calling All Fathers: Sober, Responsible & Spiritually Guided - You Are Needed!!
The deviance at Penn State should be another glaring example that we no longer live in a child-friendly society. Anytime there are people more concerned about a football coach than the hearts and minds of children, it sends a clear message about the state of our society.
Now more than ever, we need fathers to make their children a priority! Children with disengaged parents are far more likely to become victims of abuse.
The issue at Penn State should be a wake-up call to all parents. It is time that we realize that we are 100% responsible for education and salvation of our children. All too often, we want to send our sons to programs when as parents we must do more. For the last few days, my emotions have ranged from angry to empty. These kinds of things are happening to our sons on our watch.
Formula for building your own "Village" to protect your son:
1. Be flexible but firm.
2. Realize that raising a healthy child is possible regardless of your situation.
3. Create rituals in your house that promote success.
4. Make sure your home is your child's first classroom (Turn the damn television off!).
5. Make sure your children have access to plenty of books as literacy is critically important! Be sure to have your son read books written by black and brown people to help your son understand his history and culture.
6. Carefully surround your children around sober, responsible father figures (if their father is not engaged in
their life).
7. Special Note to Single Moms: Don't be so desperate to find men to connect with your son that you miss obvious warning signs!
8. Connect with other responsible adults and parents to help you with the journey of parenting and raising successful and productive boys.
9. Always be careful who you leave your children with. This includes family!
10. Wake up! No one is coming to save us. You have to secure and protect your own family!
About the Author
David Miller is Co-Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of Urban Leadership Institute, a social enterprise based in Baltimore.
Miller is also the Co-Founder of the Raising Him Alone Campaign, an effort to support single mothers who are raising male children.
For interview Requests Contact:
Lee McDonald, Chief Strategy Officer
The Renaissance Group, LLC
Marketing Consulting • Extraordinary Events
Passionately Pursuing Perfection
Contact Cell: 678. 778. 3955
Intimate Conversation with Patricia Raybon
Patricia Raybon is an award-winning author of life-changing books that help people heal. She is the author of
The One Year God's Great Blessings Devotional, a Christian inspirational nonfiction serving as a daily guide to 52 virtues that God blesses.
BPM: Tell us about your journey becoming a successfully published author. How did you initially break into the publishing industry? What road did you travel?
I started my career as a newspaper journalist, writing for The Denver Post. I covered news and crime, that sort of thing. Over time, however, I specialized in writing “human interest” articles on people trying to figure out life, family, work, love and how to cope with it all. Now I wrestle with those questions in books.
BPM: What are your goals as a writer? Do you set out to educate? Entertain? Illuminate? Inspire?
I write to learn. Then I share what God is willing to teach me. With my memoir on racial healing,
My First White Friend, I set out to learn how to forgive. The surprise? First I needed to forgive myself. From there I learned enough to fill a book.
Then with my second memoir,
I Told the Mountain to Move, I set out to learn how to pray. I grew up in church but didn’t have a clue what prayer was. Then my husband got sick and almost died—right in a low point in our marriage. So he needed a prayer warrior and a wife who loved him again. Writing that book saved my marriage and my husband! Readers tell me that book did the same for them. My First White Friend came out in 1995. But people still read it to find racial healing. The same is true for Mountain on healing prayer. I give talks all over the country now on both prayer and forgiveness. Writing to learn has made all of that possible.
BPM: How does your faith inform and inspire your writing?
It inspires me, first, to keep going. To stay with it. To finish the writing. To stay in the race—and if I fall out of my lane, to get back in it. This going the distance is central to the theology of Christianity. We follow a Savior who didn’t turn back, not from his calling—or even his crucifixion. In my own life, as a writer, the example of Christ inspires me to stay in the game. I love that about my faith.
Secondly, of course, my faith inspires what I write. My focus is spirituality, regardless of the topic. I did a piece on cleaning my windows with my daughter for The New York Times Sunday Magazine, but the focus was on finding God’s light in virtuous things. My faith is my life. As a writer, I aim to show that connection.
Dark Side of Valor
by Alicia Singleton
Child advocate Lelia Freeman saves children for a living. As the director of
Child Safe Shelters, she ventures to abandoned squats and crack houses to rescue teens from the hellish streets of Los Angeles. When she is summoned to Washington to serve on a committee that aids the children of a war-torn African nation, Lelia is kidnapped and becomes a political pawn in a sinister conspiracy. Oceans away from everything she knows, she must trust a mercenary to save her life, or die in the clutches of a psychopath.
Hunting, combat and staying alive are Elijah Dune’s specialties. Vengeance is his passion. Haunted by past demons, he travels to the Motherland to collect a debt. A debt that demands one payment. Death.
Caught in the crosshairs of a madman, Lelia and Elijah must survive the jungles of Zaire and the horrors of their pasts, or be forever consumed by the DARK SIDE OF VALOR.
Dark Side of Valor
Book Review
5.0 out of 5 stars: A Spellbinding and Intoxicating Must Read!
The word valor can best be described as personal bravery, courage, and fearlessness in the face of danger. In Alicia Singleton's debut novel, Dark Side of Valor, she encompasses all these things through her main character, Leila Freeman. Dark Side of Valor tells the story of Leila Freeman, a child advocate who has dedicated her life to fighting against the nightmares of her youth that currently trouble the youth of the present.
Leila is a no nonsense woman who learned the hard way about life and the freedoms that she treasures most. Spending most of her life as a runaway in LA, Leila is constantly plagued by the dangers of living on the dark side--in the streets. She is constantly haunted by predators that lurk to prey on the innocent and the weak. Despite almost falling privy to these dangers, Leila is able to find hope and regain control of her life. She becomes a savior to others like herself in LA, where is she proclaimed a "Street Angel". This accolade leads her to become apart of an important committee where she would work to improve the terrible dangers faced by the children of Sudania, Africa. Once on the committee, Leila discovers that things are not as they seem and realizes that she must fight against a deadly game of power and the risk of becoming a prisoner of an evil political fiasco. Forced to trust a stranger, Elijah Dune, she begins her fight against all odds. Will she survive against these political evils or fall victim?
Singleton deftly crafts a most interesting and complex storyline. She writes with the most magnificent prose that locks the reader in--hook, line and sinker. As I turned the pages, I was often wondering what would happen next and was pleasantly surprised at each outcome. It was as if the chapters left me on the edge of my seat, hungry to engross in more of the story. Not only were action and drama prominently present throughout the story, but a hint of romance that leads to an overall intriguing novel.
Readers, who love to be challenged, entertained, and to read a story that will remain with them long after the final page is turned, will not want to miss this novel!
If I could give this novel more than 5 stars, I gladly would. Singleton has definitely solidified her place as a strong, emerging literary voice with this debut novel.
-- Reviewed by Angelique, APOOO BookClub
Meet Author Alicia Singleton
Alicia Singleton was born and raised in Philadelphia, the Howard University graduate embraced the written word at an early age. She credits this to her loving, older sister whom, while they were youngsters, made the author eat lotion on a regular basis. Realizing the need to sound-out the ingredients on the lotion label, Alicia stopped the lotion eating practice, but continued to read the labels of the concoctions her sister brought for her to try. This early necessity to read flowered into a passion; hence, a writer was born.
Alicia resides in Maryland with her wonderful husband and son. Still an avid reader, label or otherwise, Alicia is currently at work on a new novel.
Travis Hunter is an author, songwriter and screenwriter.
The Hearts of Men was self-published in 2000 by Hunter's own company, Jimrose Publishing House. During the 2000 Book Expo America in Chicago, Hunter was signed by Random House's imprint, Villard Books for the re-release of
The Hearts of Men, Married but Still Looking, Trouble Man, A One Woman Man, Something to Die For, A Family Sin. Dark Child followed. Hunter is currently working on his first young adult novel.
Hunter is a native of Florence, S.C. and is a veteran of the U.S. Army. During his tour of duty in the military, he discovered his interest in music, ultimately writing his first song for a Sony recording artist. Always an avid reader, Hunter parlayed his interest in music into a passion for storytelling that led to his critically acclaimed debut novel, The Hearts of Men.
Travis attended Clark Atlanta University, University of Washington and subsequently enrolled in Georgia State University where he majored in psychology.
Hunter currently lives in a suburb outside of Atlanta and is the founder of the
Hearts of Men
Foundation, through which he mentors underprivileged children.
BPM: Tell us about your journey becoming a successfully published author. Do you have anyone in your life that was heavily influential in your deciding to become an author?
My journey is somewhat unique. I never had dreams of being a professional writer, but my mother planted the seed of reading at an early age. I started my nonprofit organization,
The Hearts of Men Foundation, back in 1999 and I wanted my guys to start reading but I couldn’t find any books with positive male leads. The fact that I couldn’t find any books that spoke to my demographic bothered me, so I just took a shot at writing my own. That was 12 books ago.
BPM: How has your writing style evolved over the years? What stimulated your growth?
My writing style has evolved from writing relationship driven novels to taking more chances with mysteries, teen novels, and I’m currently working on a thriller with dead people messing around with the living. I listen to my readers and they keep asking me to push the envelope. It’s quite refreshing to step out of my comfort zone.
BPM: Take us inside your latest book. Introduce us to the main characters.
My new novel, Momma’s A Virgin, is the first novel where I have a female lead. Zola Zaire is a tortured soul. She’s been dealt a bad hand in life and in the past she just accepted the fact that she would always be a victim but something happened to change her perspective and once she realized she was worthy, she starts to fight back.
BPM: What compelled or inspired you to write this book? Why now?
In my previous novels I told men stories with females as role players but I wanted to do something different. It was time to tell a female story from a male’s perspective.
BPM: In writing your novels, how do you develop the plot? Did you have difficulty keeping the story on point? How much research was required, if any? Ever experience writers block?
I write an outline, but somehow the characters always take on a life of their own and they NEVER stick to the script. I don’t have any problems staying on point, because I allow my characters freedom to be multidimensional. I do research when it’s required for the development of the character as far as their profession, or if they are experiencing an illness, but as far as the story it all comes from my head. Yes, writer’s block is real. LOL. I just take some time away from the project and allow myself to miss the characters and then I always return with some fresh ideas.
BPM: Do you recall a time where your own characters made you laugh out loud or cry over their plight or actions?
Absolutely. All the time. I have characters that make me laugh just thinking about them.
BPM: How did you come to create such strong main characters? Did you know that they would be so complex and exciting from the start? Does the reader's reaction continue to surprise you?
I get this question a lot and I’m always surprised at the reader’s reactions to something I made up in my head. So I really don’t know, but I do spend lots of time trying to do a thorough job of developing my lead characters.
BPM: Share with us your latest news. How may our readers follow you online? Momma’s A Virgin was just released and I have a new Young Adult novel,
One The Come Up, which will be released in December 2011. I have a web site (www.travishunter.com) and I’m on Facebook as well as twitter: TravisEHunter.
Momma’s a
Virgin By Travis Hunter
Essence bestselling author Travis Hunter tells the story of a young woman who takes control of her own destiny after lifelong abuse in MOMMA’S A VIRGIN.
Ngiai Zaire never had a chance to choose her man. Raped at fourteen, her mother threw her out at sixteen and she was forced to live with a man three times her age. When that man died a mysterious death, his nephew stepped in to take his place. Abuse was all she’d known, until she decided she had enough.
Momma’s a Virgin is Ngiai’s struggle to overcome a horrible past and take control of her future. With the help of a brother she never knew she had, they settle all past scores—but is her quest for revenge going to jeopardize her future?
Momma’s a Virgin By Travis Hunter by Travis Hunter
Purchase from Amazon
or B&N
Today
ISBN-10: 1593092474
Intimate Conversation with Alicia Singleton
Alicia Singleton
embraced the written word at an early age. She credits this to her loving, older sister whom, while they were youngsters, made
the author eat lotion on a regular basis. Realizing the need to sound-out the ingredients
on the lotion label, Alicia stopped the lotion-eating practice, but continued to read the labels of the concoctions her sister brought for her
to try. This early necessity to read flowered into a passion; hence, a writer was born.
Alicia resides in Maryland and is currently at work on a new novel.
BPM: What are you the most thankful for now?
So many persons in this country and all over the world don't have the basic necessities of shelter, food, safety, or
the blessing of someone to love. I'm so thankful to God for gracing me with wonderful
family and friends, my health, peace of mind and for bringing my dreams to fruition in His time.
BPM: What are the holidays like for you and your family?
For the most part, my family is spread out along the east coast. This Thanksgiving, we were blessed to have a good portion
of our family together in Virginia. Seeing each other, laughing, reminiscing, cutting
up, cooing new additions to the family and thanking God for the guidance and wisdom of our ancestors were the highlights of the day. We had
a fabulous time. For Christmas, we have family and friends over for dinner, games, movies and more laughter. It’s great!
BPM: Do you have anyone in your life that was heavily influential in your deciding
to become an author?
My elementary school reading tutor stoked my love of reading and hence my passion to write. By the time
I was well into the second grade, I could not read. Not even simple words like,' See
Spot Run’. My teacher told my mother that if I didn’t get help, I would be functionally
illiterate. When my mother hired a reading tutor, my hate for reading turned into a love of reading. I loved suspenseful, conflict
driven novels. From classics like Romeo and Juliet, The Odyssey, The Iliad to contemporary
books like Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys Mysteries and anything Edgar Allen Poe wrote.
After I fell in love with reading, I believe in my spirit, I wanted to become a writer, but I went to Howard University to get my
Bachelor's in Nursing. In my sophomore year, I wanted to change my major to journalism, but
I didn’t know what changing one’s major entailed. Too intimidated to go to the
Registrar’s Office and too afraid to go home and tell my mom that I wanted to
follow another career path, I stuck it out. A couple of years after I graduated, I began to attend writing classes, reading books,
attending seminars, conferences and workshops on the writing process. That education coupled
with my overactive imagination for plotting storylines and my love of reading was why I became a writer.
BPM: Success leaves clues, whose clues did you follow on your journey?
Robert McKee for his expert knowledge and instruction on Story. Walter Mosley for being a beacon for African-American mystery writers. Aristotle for his incline and three act structure.
L.A. Banks for writing awe inspiring supernaturals. Edgar Allen Poe, even though his
mind was troubled, he was brilliant in his prose. Iris Johansen for her staying power
and for writing suspense-rich, conflict driven thrillers.
BPM: What have you realized about yourself since becoming a published author?
Even through the toughest, most stressful days, I love being an author. The craft of writing is in my blood. It’s my passion.
BPM: Do you have any advice for people seeking to publish a book?
Learn the craft of writing and learn it well. Always seek ways to educate yourself on how to become a better writer.
Trauma surgeons, professional ballerinas, electrical engineers, classical pianists, Olympic
gymnasts and architects don’t learn their crafts in a weekend. Neither can great writers. Again, educate yourself.
BPM: Introduce us to your book, Dark Side of Valor and the main characters. Any favorites?
Dark Side of Valor is a suspense novel about Lelia Freeman. Lelia is a very strong, courageous, street-smart woman. She grew up with
an alcoholic mother and by the time she was 18, she’d run away from home and
was living homeless on the streets of Los Angeles. She survived the streets and became
a child advocate. When she gets summoned to Washington to serve on a subcommittee
that aids the children of a war-torn African nation, she stumbles onto sinister, political secrets that turns her life into a nightmare. She
has to depend on a tall, dark handsome stranger to save her life, but he has secrets
of his own.
Elijah Dune is that tall, dark, handsome stranger. A mercenary by trade, hunting, combat and staying alive are his specialties.
What woman wouldn’t feel safe in his care? Gasp and swoon, ladies. Your dark
knight has arrived.
My favorite characters in the book were Aunt Lou and Romeo Jones. Aunt Lou grew up in the jungles of Zaire, but traveled the world
as well. She’s outrageous. Bright yellow tee-shirts, neon orange basketball earrings, high top sneakers and a kente cloth skirt match her
boisterous, outspoken personality. Romeo Jones is a cab driver who loves himself
very, very, very much. Who doesn’t know a brother or sister who spends more time looking
at themselves in the mirror then they spend breathing. Both characters where extremely fun to write.
BPM: What inspired you to write this book? Why now? Ever experience writer's block?
Dark Side of Valor started off being a totally different novel. Initially, I did not choose to write about teen runaways and
teen homelessness. The novel was originally about a woman held captive in a foreign country
and she needed to escape back to the United States. So, I began to research runaways from foreign lands. Every time I’d type in the
search parameters, books, reports and articles popped up about teen runaways and homeless
teens. After several hours, I gave up and read one of the articles, then another, then a report, then a life account. After about an hour, I was
sitting in front of the library computer blubbering. As I finished reading, I had
to write their stories and out of their stories, Lelia Freeman was born.
Yes, I’ve experienced writer’s block. More often than not, it’s due to distractions. Instead of focusing on my writing, my
mind is drifting to that favor someone asked me to do, or the phone call I haven't returned
yet or the appointment I need to keep in an hour. I’m learning to carve out writing time. Undisturbed time where I set boundaries, cut off
the phone and just write.
BPM: Are any scenes from the book borrowed from your world or your experiences?
The constant fear the heroine, Lelia, experiences while living on the streets was an emotion I could relate to. Growing up
in Philadelphia during a time when gang war violence was common place, I was taught
to know my surroundings at all times. I always felt a constant, underlying fear. Always on guard, always watching. I pulled from
that experience to write Lelia’s fear on the streets.
BPM: In writing novels, how do you develop the plot? How much research was
required?
Asking, “What if,” questions always helps me to come up with the initial plot line. After I flush out the character, and get
to know everything about them, down to what kind of underwear they put on each day, I begin to build the plot. Conflict builds to the climax of the
novel. Ever increasing conflict, drives the characters to make decisions that reveal their
true character to the reader. For Dark Side of Valor, once I knew the characters, their world and the conflicts they would face, the story flowed.
The research for Dark Side of Valor was quite extensive. Because the plot, setting and characters varied drastically,
there were many aspects of the novel to research. Besides learning about the lives
of teen runaways and teen homelessness, I also researched mercenaries, the Sudan, its
people and their plight, the jungles of Zaire as well as various tribes, their
ways of life and their daily activities. I love doing research on characters, setting and cultures. It’s fascinating.
BPM: Who do you want to reach with your book and the message enclosed?
Anyone who loves suspense novels, thrillers or fast paced novels. Also, young people who are struggling with
hopeless situations.
BPM: What should readers DO after reading this book?
If you liked Dark Side of Valor, please place a comment on Amazon. Also, reach out to me at
alicia@aliciasingleton.com.
I love to hear from readers. And finally, stay tuned
for my next suspense novel.
BPM: Share with us a brief excerpt from one of the most powerful chapters.
Joella thought hell was missing her parents. Cousin Daryl had other thoughts of hell. He shared them with her daily. Open-handed cuffs
across the face, kicks to the ribs. The thrashings. Still, no hell he executed terrorized
her more than the darkness. Cousin Daryl always locked her alone.
In the darkness.
Grandma Dell tried to stop him, but he hit her, too, forced her in her room.
Joella could still hear Grandma calling through her bedroom door, begging him to
stop. She still felt fire scorch her skull from his fingers clenched in her hair, still
remembered half screeching, half choking on fear as he drug her to the barn. Taught her her lesson.
Sprawled on her stomach, her back ripped raw. Tears puddle mud under her cheek. Dirt and sweat throbbed in her busted lip. Blood and
bile sullied her tongue. Unable to move, she lay in the blackness, hushed her sobs, scared
he’d hear. Scared he’d come back to teach her more lessons. Those were the
times her safe burrows surrounded her, pressed insanity to the fringes of her mind.
One night she ran away from Cousin Daryl while he was sleeping off a high. She’d helped Grandma Dell to Granddad’s old truck,
and drove off. Her feet barely reached the pedals. They hit a couple of
ditches, but they’d made it. A family friend in the next county took them in. For a
few weeks hell disappeared.
It resurfaced when Cousin Daryl tracked them down. Joella took off, never looked back.
Some nights Cousin Daryl still found her, stole into her dreams, locked her in darkness. Memories of Daddy or Mama didn’t keep him
from hurting her, remembering Grandma Dell’s kind words didn’t hold him at bay.
Only Lelia’s soft voice broke through the death dream to save her.
Now Lelia needed saving. Her friend knelt in front of the candlelit muffin.
Zombified, she stared at the burning wick.
Comfort was the only thing Joella could offer. She shrugged the rough quilt off her shoulders, then wrapped them both in it. She
rocked like Grandma Dell used to do. It felt like forever. The hardwood dug into
her knees, the candle burned, she kept rocking.
For once, Lelia needed her. No matter what, she’d be Lelia’s light, ’cause no one should be left in the darkness.
###
BPM: Ultimately, what do you want readers to gain from your book?
That no matter what situation you find yourself in, there’s always hope.
BPM: We are here to shine the spotlight on your new book, but what's next? How may
our readers follow you online?
I’m hard at work on my next suspense novel. The working title is Returned to Bondage and my hope is that
it will thrill, intrigue and mystify readers. I love communicating with
readers. Please reach out to me at, alicia@aliciasingleton.com,
sign up for my newsletter on my website at www.aliciasingleton.com,
on Facebook at www.facebook.com/aliciamsingleton,
or on Twitter at http://twitter.com/aliciasingleton
BPM: Thank you, Alicia, for sharing a little bit about yourself, your journey
and your book with our readers!
Meet
Author
Craig T. Williams, Founder of Vintage World, LLC
A
New Jersey native, author Craig T. Williams wore many hats before becoming a
writer. At Syracuse University, Williams majored in business but always held a
deep fascination for the study of history.
Having always been inspired by classic, heroic tales like that of King Arthur,
Robin Hood, and The Lord of the Rings, he became exceedingly aware that most
of these stories did not feature heroes that he resembled. As such, Williams
has made it his mission to tell classically heroic stories that feature a
diverse cast of heroes. Propelled by a passion for research, Williams’
signature is Historical/Fiction. Of his new writing career, he says “it was
like grabbing that loose piece of thread on a sweater and pulling and you keep
on pulling till suddenly, you have the whole thing in your hands.”
It is through his latest business venture, Vintage World, LLC. that Williams
marries his passion for writing with the drive to chronicle the lives and
achievements of those exceptional men and women who he believes have been
overlooked in the pages of world history. A multimedia arts and entertainment
company, Vintage World maintains a methodology that is the literary equivalent
of an archeological dig, with an ultimate goal to unearth a lost mythology
whose timeless heroes will entertain, educate and empower generations to come.
The first fruit of this ambition, The Olympian: An American Triumph, takes
readers on a journey with Dr. John Baxter Taylor, Jr., growing up at a time of
great racial divide, yet rebelled against all odds, becoming the first African
American to win a gold medal at the 1908 Olympian Games. Having brushed away
the dust of time to share this great story, Williams’ telling of Dr.
Taylor’s legacy is the first of several projects bringing back to life
forgotten heroes.
Dionne Warwick
made her singing debut in church at the request of her grandfather, the Reverend Elzae Warrick, when she was six years old. No one knew then that she would become an international music legend, but what she knew—as words of wisdom passed down from her grandfather—was that "if you can think it, you can do it." And she did it.
Dionne released the first of more than fifty-six charted hits in 1962 with "Don’t Make Me Over," followed by "Anyone Who Had a Heart,"
"Walk On By," "I Say a Little Prayer," "Alfie," and "A House Is Not a Home,"
to name a few. She received her first Grammy in 1968 for "Do You Know the Way to San Jose" and later recorded the classic hit "That’s What Friends Are For."
She was considered the voice of Burt Bacharach/Hal David compositions, and the rest is here, in her first autobiography.
Dionne tells the stories of her life from her childhood in East Orange, New Jersey, in a two-family home with her parents, brother, and sister, to now, as she celebrates her fiftieth year in show business.
She came by her musical gifts honestly. Her mother, Lee Drinkard Warrick, was a founding member of the legendary Drinkard Jubilairs, which included her mother’s siblings Cissy, Marie, Annie, Nick, and Larry. Cissy went on to become a celebrated recording artist in her own right; she lived in the Warrick household, got married, and later gave birth to one of the most popular singers of our time, Whitney Houston.
Dionne went on to start her own gospel group with her sister, Dee Dee, called the Gospelaires. Her father, once a Pullman porter, became an accountant, went on to promote gospel records for Hob Records, and wrote a book on gospel music. She attributes her strong family, who are faithful and industrious Christians, for keeping her grounded and giving her the fortitude, as well as the talent, to earn her place among world-class performing artists without losing herself or her soul.
WHEN MY grandfather, the Reverend Elzae Warrick, asked me to sing at his church, the St. Luke’s AME Church in Newark, New Jersey, one Sunday morning, I was truly surprised. As I entered his pulpit, I looked up at him, wondering why he wanted me to sing. He simply said, “Sing for me the song you sing in Sunday school.” I was only six years old, and this would be the first time I would sing in front of a large congregation of people. Grandpa could see that I was a bundle of nerves and leaned down to whisper, “Remember, if you can think it, you can do it.”
He then stacked a few books beside the pulpit for me to stand on, so everybody could see me. I closed my eyes as tight as I could, said a quick prayer, and then started to sing:
Jesus loves me, this I know,
For the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to Him belong,
They are weak, but He is strong.
Yes, Jesus loves me!
The Bible tells me so.
Midway through, I found the courage to open one eye a little bit. The people in the congregation were smiling and urging me on. They were shouting, “Sing that song,” “Take your time,” and “Amen.”
Their encouragement seemed to wash over me, and I began to feel more confident. I closed my eyes again and really started to let loose. Even I was amazed at what was coming out of my little mouth and the notes I was able to hit. The moment was truly magical.
When I finished, I opened my eyes and was amazed to see the entire congregation on their feet. I had received my first standing ovation.
I DID IT then—and after fifty years in show business, I’m still doing it now.
I was born Marie Dionne Warrick on December 12, 1940, and raised in East Orange, New Jersey, where my mommy, Lee Drinkard Warrick, my daddy, Mancel L. Warrick, my sister, Delia “Dee Dee” Warrick, and my brother, Mancel “Pookie” Warrick Jr., lived comfortably in a two-family home that we owned.
I was named Marie after my mother’s sister. My godmother, Dezbe, chose Dionne as my middle name. The only person ever to call me Marie was my gym teacher, Ms. Perry. That fact helped me to recognize her name when—what seemed like a hundred years later—she sent a note to me backstage at a performance in Florida. It was addressed to Marie. I was not only able to know that she was there, I announced her presence to the audience and told them that she calls me Marie and why. She looked exactly the same as I had remembered: she had the greatest haircut; it’s called an Italian bob, and she still wears her silver-gray hair the exact same way, short and always neat.
I was lucky to have good teachers and two wonderful parents who were brought up in God-fearing families and who raised their children in a similar fashion. I had what was considered a normal childhood at that time, in a neighborhood full of families much like mine, with a mother and father who gave us love and discipline in major proportions.
My father’s father was a minister—he was also one of the wisest men ever to walk this earth, second only to Jesus, in my mind. Attending church was an important part of life for my mother’s side of the family as well. That part of my family was full of gospel singers. Spending the entire day in church every Sunday was not exactly what we children ever wanted to do, but that’s what happened. Our folks wouldn’t have it any other way.
Stop Whining and Get Moving
By Chuck Goetschel
Okay, I admit the title
Stop Whining and Get Moving may be a bit harsh... but it's time I rant for a moment... Everywhere I go, people are whining about how bad things are. I'm hearing all the tragedies, failures, and doom and gloom forecasting.
First off, I get it. The last three years have been brutal... I have my own set of stories I could share. It's not fun to lose a home. It's scary to lose a job or business and wonder how you're going to make it. It's awful to literally worry about how you're going to provide for your family. That part I get. Completely. And, I'm not here to minimize or invalidate how serious the situation is.
I also understand how exhausting it can be under the weight of difficult circumstances. Ever wake up in the morning feeling just as tired as when you went to bed... I know.
However, what I also know is that the one thing that nobody can take from you is the way in which you look at things and whether you CHOOSE to focus on what isn't or whether you CHOOSE to focus on what can be.
Now, I know nobody wants to hear about focusing on a positive future when you're marinating in daily drama. Let's face it, misery loves company. People would rather compare wounds than put it all aside for a moment and dream again. But, let me ask you... aren't you ready to move on to a new season?
My former mentor used to tell me when coaching people: "Kick 'em when they're down... it'll bring the fight back out in 'em!" Now, granted he was a Vietnam Vet, Navy Seal and Olympic champion so he was a bit on the strong side but he did have a point. We all have more fight in us. We just need to tap into it and there comes a point when the help of empathy isn't nearly as effective as a swift kick in the rear.
So, consider this your kick!
Here's 5 Steps you can take:
1. If you've got a mess, clean it up. Be proactive. With your finances - Get specific on where you stand and start working whatever plan is appropriate. Even if it's ugly at the moment, chaos and confusion on top of things always makes it worse. Get clear - get organized - and get on a plan.
2. Put your eyes back in the front of your head. Make a solid decision to start looking forward. Enough focus on how it used to be... Sure, I liked the days when our home prices kept doubling, everyone refinanced and used their house as a great big ATM machine. That was fun! Not so smart, but fun! Enough focus on the current struggles. Yes, take care of them, but STOP focusing on them! START looking ahead. DREAM again. Imagine for a moment...a future that takes your breath away.
3. Get creative. A brilliant and very wealthy mentor of mine once told me, "You never have a money problem. You only have an idea problem." If that's the case, then the bad news is you've just been stripped of all your excuses since it's now about your creativity. However, the good news is that you no longer need to be at the mercy of circumstances. You can choose not to participate in bad economic times. How? Get creative. What are you passionate about? What are you good at? Most importantly, what problems could you solve for other people?
4. Get Moving. As I mentioned, I understand how exhausting it can be under the weight of difficult circumstances. But, it's time to mentally get out from under there and get moving. As Will Rodgers once said, "Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there." It's time to get into motion! I know you don't feel like it. But, you don't like feeling stuck either. So, get up, dust yourself off, and get moving! Besides, motion tends to create emotion. It will get easier as you go...
5. Connect with the living. It's been said that, "The average man dies at age 21 and is buried at age 65."
The world has always been full of the walking dead - those who have given up on their dreams and are merely existing. Today more than ever, people have lost hope. However, I encourage you to seek out the living! Connect with other people who are moving on like you. Then, share ideas. Create a mastermind group. Joint venture. Fuel each other. Make it happen!
Well, I admit... I feel better :) I needed to get that out.If you've already been motivated and moving, good job. If not, now is the time for you to get back in the game!
Your future is calling!
About the Author
Chuck Goetschel
Author, Speaker, Coach, Social Media Marketer
http://ChuckGoetschel.com
Are you living your passion? Use my step-by-step strategy to give you a unique way to clearly define your passion and live it through personal branding, personal development and social media strategies.
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Motivating Yourself in 5 Easy Steps
By Delaina Miller
We all struggle to find the energy we need to make our dreams a reality. Yet there are many easy and fun things you can do to motivate yourself into action. In this article I share five ways that I motivate myself and others.
Snooze-it
Take the five or ten minutes of your snooze time to do two things. First, think about all of the things you are grateful for in your life. If you wake up feeling a little grumpy and cannot think of anything to be grateful for start with your bed.
Second, envision your day. Start with the tasks you are not excited about, ticking them off of your list quickly, and then envision all of the things you want to accomplish. When that alarm goes off, jump out of bed because you are all fired up to get on with your day.
(The key to both of these assignments is to feel good about your life. As the warm glow begins to rise in your heart, focus on it and how good you feel. )
Play-it
It is a basic law of physics that a body at rest stays at rest but a body in motion stays in motion. Most people do not like exercise, so don't exercise, play! Allow yourself to feel like a kid again and just play with movement. Dance or invest in a rebounder and jump. Kick your legs out and feel the air rush around your head and play. You will find yourself bouncing, twisting, and doing high leg kicks you didn't know you could do. Before you know it, you will have cleaned out your lymph nodes, worked up a sweat, and all with a big grin on your face.
Say-it
Because many of us are auditory learners affirmations can be used as personal validation as well as motivation tools. We need to hear good things about ourselves and expecting others to fill this role is unrealistic. It might seem ridiculous the first couple of times you do it but before you know it these positive declarations will become personalize positive feedback.
Mentally affirmations are healthy because they allow us to validate ourselves. As you are telling yourself such things as: "My challenges are opportunities to grow," you are giving yourself positive reinforcement. After all if you are not in your own corner then who will be?
Wear-it
A smile, a favorite scent, and 'feel confident' clothes are at least three things we can wear that make us feel motivated. The most important of these items is a smile. Yeah a smile, try it right now even if it is forced, make your lips curl in an upward position and hold it, keep holding it. Did you just chuckle at yourself? Good that is the whole point. People cannot stay sad with a smile on their face. Even if that smile felt forced it just motivated you to chuckle at yourself. So pull up that frown, spritz yourself, and wear your favorite outfit and say out loud "Look out world here I come to rock you off your axles!"
Share-it
Believe it or not sharing is a great motivator. We have all felt that empowered feeling that floods us when we have done something that helped someone. When we are helpful we feel good about ourselves and that feeling motivates us to help more.
Conclusion
The world's inhabitants all have one great equalizer - time. It is what we do with our time that makes us different. Yet that realization is not always the motivator we need to feel motivated. Therefore we must find ways to inspire ourselves through our visions, our actions, our words, our inspirations to motivate us into action.
About the Author
Delaina Miller is an Independent Information Professional that enjoys helping others through her writing and research. You can read more of her motivational ideas and tips at:
http://tunein2life.com. Article
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Legends &
Leaders
Tantalizing stories, memorable characters, provocative storylines are all here!
We bring you the hottest titles released by the most talented authors, writers, and poets of the craft.
Join us in daily
book chats on Facebook, listen to incredible audio book
previews, and help us expose great books to the world. These
pages are filled with glorious books and author introductions! We have more than
enough to entertain and educate you all month long.
HIRE POWER: How to Find, Get, and Keep a Job
by Andrea Foy
Hire Power is a how-to guide that steps you through the process of landing the job you want—yes; want—to knowing when to leave for better opportunities. Geared toward the workplace neophyte, this book provides insight for the experienced employee too.
In Hire Power you will learn:
** Basic business etiquette
** The elements of a resume
** How to complete an application
** Appropriate and inappropriate attire for an interview
** How to deal with coworkers, bosses and customers
** How job performance can lead to great appraisals and promotions
Winner of the Dan Poynter's Global eBook Awards
Dan Poynter's Global eBook Awards is proud to announce the 2011 Winner in the Careers/Employment category:
Hire Power: How to Find, Get, and Keep a Job. If one-third of your life is spent at work, why not make it enjoyable? Hire Power is a how-to guide that steps you through the process of landing the job you want—yes; want—to knowing when to leave for better opportunities. Congratulations to Andrea Foy!
About the Author
Andrea Foy
is an author, speaker and coach. She conducts workshops and seminars on topics such as: Women in Management, Leadership Skills for Women, Professional Presentation Skills, Self Esteem, Assertiveness, Diversity, Leadership Skills and Business Etiquette. Ms. Foy has been certified by the Professional Woman Network as a Professional Coach and Diversity Consultant.
Ms. Foy’s knowledge of business and professionalism comes from over 20 years of customer service experience working for companies such as McDonald’s, Sears, Delta and USAir Airlines, American Express Financial Advisors, Sharkey’s Modeling and Talent Agency the Federal Government. She is a member of Professional Women’s Network and the National Black MBA Association.
Among her many accomplishments, Ms. Foy has authored her first book, has a Bachelor’s in Communications from Wright State University and is working on her Master’s Degree in Business and Technology specializing in Management and Leadership from Capella University. She is also an Advanced Communicator with Toastmasters International.
Pressing Onward: Building Resiliency into
Your Personal DNA for Employability
Dr. Daryl D. Green
Coming from a rural area in Tennessee, Samuel Tate had a hard life before him. He was poor and his parents never got past an elementary education. Samuel wasn't the brightest student. Nevertheless, his Grandma Teddy kept filling his head with the notion that he would be somebody. As with most things, Samuel struggled to get out of high school. His parents begged and borrowed to send him away to college.
During his senior year, Samuel lost both parents. His financial situation grew worse. With only a semester to go, Samuel came to Grandma Teddy and stated he was going to sit out the semester and work. He stated he was tired of school and felt like giving up. He had lost everything he loved. Looking up at him, Grandma Teddy stated, "Baby, our peoples don't give up. Things are hard. Yes, you've come too far to quit. I know it hurts you losing your parents. But, you got to press on!" Samuel went back to school and graduated. Grandma Teddy later passed. Samuel was convinced he would forever press on. With 15 million people out of work, most people want to just give up. This article examines how resiliency can separate you from the competition to gain greater employability.
Economic Plight
In this financial crisis, most people are easily discouraged. According to the Census Bureau, only 55.3% of people between 16 and 29 were employed in 2010, on average (that's a significant drop from 67.3% in 2000). For a historical perspective, unemployment for this age group was the highest since World War II. Additionally, investors across the world are panicking and believe a new recession is coming. The U.S. economy has grown at an annual rate of .7% in the first half of the year, which is the slowest growth since June 2009. For millions, the economy presents a hopeless picture that compels many to simply give up.
Resiliency Trait
Individuals must have resiliency to overcome today's mental hurdles. Under the current economic crisis, most people have given up common sense in lieu of gimmicks and scams. If the promises appear too hard to imagine, it's a good case that it's not true. Yet, fools shun wise counsel. In my book, Don't Be An Old Fool: Common Sense & Gratitude, I mock popular culture that provides solutions that don't make common sense. When an individual who knows what is right chooses to select the wrong path, he is operating like a fool. Instead of selecting wise counsel, this person seeks advice from individuals who lack wisdom. In this vein, people opt for absurd promises.
Sadly, many people don't want listen to the fact that it takes resiliency to obtain a good job.
For example, parents tell their unemployed college children to "beat the streets" until they find a job. Instead they opt to fill out a few job applications online and send out online resumes to employers. Their hardworking parents find them playing video games every day, asking for their weekly allowance as if they were still in high school. Instead of asking them to do volunteer work or some other rigorous strategy, most parents accept the situation, thereby destroying their child's mental toughness in the long run.
Resiliency speaks to the mental toughness needed during this downturn. Resiliency can be defined as "an occurrence of rebounding or springing back." This characteristic is a close cousin to mental toughness, which can be defined as "the character attribute that allows an individual to stay in control while confronting adversity and navigating obstacles in life." Anchored in these two character builders, individuals have the mental strength to press on through adversity. This mentality can be seen scripturally in Corinthian 4:8, 9: "We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair;9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed."
Yet, an economic downturn can tank anyone's confidence, especially the laid-off and unemployed. Regardless of the situation, things could get much worse. The ultimate defeat is simply giving up. Therefore, it's important to do something constructive each day. It's critical to surround yourself with a positive network that encourages an environment of resiliency. In the absence of any outside positive support system, that individual must feed upon his or her own internal compass and positive self-talk to propel himself into a positive future.
Conclusion
As the economy continues to spiral downward, many individuals must rely on their own internal compass. However, any strategy that does not incorporate resiliency is a big mistake. Today's parents and other supportive adults must allow their children to build resiliency into their character building. It is bad to be "a young fool" but it is much worse to be "an old fool." Therefore, individuals who can take on today's financial challenges with resiliency have a decisive advantage over others.
About Dr. Daryl Green
Dr. Daryl Green provides motivation, guidance, and training for leaders at critical ages and stages of their development. He has over 20 years of management experience and has been noted and quoted by USA Today, Ebony Magazine, and the Associated Press. For more information, you can go to nuleadership.wordpress.com or www.darylgreen.org.
Breaking the Ties That Bind
by Gwynne Forster
One young woman is about to learn what tough love is all about. . .
Thirty-three-year-old Kendra Richards just can't escape her reckless mother's endless requests for money that will never be repaid. Again and again, Kendra rescues Ginny despite the advice of her own father—a man who left Ginny and her cheating ways long ago. Kendra knows her mother is troubled—what she doesn't understand is why she can't tell her no—until she happens to meet psychologist Sam Hayes. . .
Smart and sexy, Sam offers Kendra the answers—and the love and romance—she's been looking for. She's finally happy—until Ginny turns up for another handout. But this time the situation is desperate, and the stakes are higher than ever. Now, Kendra must finally decide if she's willing to lose everything for a woman who has nothing to give. . .
"Wise and wonderful as it points out, once again, the importance of honesty and appreciating what you have while you have
it."-Publishers Weekly on A Different Kind of Blues
"Touching, thought-provoking, and will make you think twice about ever keeping secrets from the one you love."
-Kimberla Lawson Roby, New York Times bestselling author of Secret
Obsession
Breaking the Ties That Bind
Excerpt: Chapter One
Kendra Richards completed her ablutions, opened her sleep sofa, extinguished the lights, and crawled into bed. She had stood continually from three o'clock in the afternoon until eleven that night and she'd frozen a smile on her face as she checked coats, briefcases, canes, and umbrellas in a classy Washington, D.C., restaurant. A tally of her tips showed that, as balm for her tired feet, she had exactly sixty-three dollars.
"Oh, well, at least I have a job," she said to herself, fluffed her pillow, let out a long, happy breath, and prepared to sleep. Tomorrow, she would have lunch with her three buddies—The Pace Setters, as the four called themselves—a treat to which she always looked forward.
She heard the phone ringing, but she put her head beneath the pillow and willed the noise to go away. But it persisted, so she sat up and answered it. "Hello, whoever you are at half past midnight."
"What on earth took you so long? Don't tell me you were asleep."
She got comfortable and rested her right elbow on her knee. "What's the matter, Mama?"
"Nothing's the matter. Why does something have to be the matter?"
"Mama, it's almost one o'clock in the morning. I got off a little over an hour ago, and I was just going to sleep. Why'd you call so late?"
"Oh, for goodness' sake. You're the only person in this town who thinks twelve o'clock is late."
Ready to throw up her hands, she said, "Yeah. Right," beneath her breath. Nobody had to tell her that Ginny Hunter was about to drop a bomb. Kendra cut to the chase. "What is it, Mama?"
"Don't be so frosty. Your mama needs a couple 'a thousand. I saw a nice little Lexus, and I need that money for the down payment."
Kendra stared at the receiver as if it were the phone that abused her patience. "You're not serious. You risked waking me up for this? And why would you buy a car? Your license has been revoked, and you can't drive it. Besides, you can't get car insurance if your license has been revoked, and it's against the law to drive an uninsured car."
"Oh, that's stupid. Nobody can get around in Washington without a car."
"Mama, I'm tired. Can we talk about this tomorrow? I'll call you."
"I don't want a phone call. I want the money. Getting anything out of you is like squeezing blood out of a turnip."
"That's hardly fair, Mama. For twelve years, I've been trying to save enough money to go back to Howard and complete the requirements for my bachelor's degree. And for twelve years, every time I get one or two thousand dollars in the bank, you borrow it, and you never pay it back. To make it worse, every year the cost of college is higher.
"I have two thousand dollars, but I saved it for my tuition. I hope you remember that you borrowed twenty-seven hundred dollars from me about six weeks ago and promised to pay it back in two weeks. You're acting as if you don't owe me a thing, Mama. So please don't say I'm stingy. I'll call you in the morning and let you know."
Kendra hung up wondering, not for the first time, about her mother's spending habits. Hopefully, she didn't gamble or use illegal drugs. Kendra slept fitfully and awakened as tired as she'd been when she went to bed.
The
Stalker Chronicles
By Electa Rome Parks
Pilar is
back, and this time it's all about revenge.
Tall,
dark, and handsome bestselling male author Xavier Preston thought his
nightmare—in the form of Pilar, a fanatical stalker/fan—had finally ended.
Little does he know it’s only beginning.
When Xavier met Pilar, he got much more than he bargained for. What started out
as an erotic one-night stand quickly turned into a dangerous game of obsession
and pain, with both parties playing to win. Then she simply disappeared.
Stunning Pilar hasn't gone away, though. In fact, she has been very near,
watching his every move and patiently waiting for him to realize they were meant
to be together forever. She still believes they’re soul mates, and the only
option for her is “Until death do us part.” If she can't have Xavier, then
no one can. Now no one is safe—not his friends, and definitely not him. Revenge
can be a real killer...
The
Stalker Chronicles by Electa Rome Parks
Prologue
It was getting easier and easier now.
She moved quickly and efficiently throughout the spacious three-car garage. She
wanted to remove any traces of evidence that she had ever been there. She had
always been good at simply disappearing and being invisible. That was easy.
She was definitely more confident, and it showed in her cool, calm, and
collected demeanor. She was no longer afraid of being caught, because the urge
to punish those who had hurt her was stronger, much more overwhelming, and
urgent. She probably couldn’t stop herself even if she wanted to---she was
operating on pure animal instinct. The need to survive and protect herself by
any means necessary overrode anything else. Fight or flight. And she had long
been tired of running.
There had been others over the years, more than she could count on one hand.
They were mere vague gray memories that occasionally crossed her mind, like one
might think of a stray pet one owned as a child, but she dismissed the images
just as quickly. She never held on to them for more than a few fleeting moments
in time. Denial was her refuge.
Only one had successfully escaped her sharp talons and womanly wiles. Or had he?
Maybe she let him get away, just that one time. She hadn’t determined which.
Sometimes she thought of him, when her mind wasn’t a jumble of darkness,
discontent, and madness. There were moments. . . .
She missed him, yearned for his special touch, the touch that only he could
deliver with precision and skill. His touch brought heat and desire. His lies
brought pain and sorrow. She hated that he escaped her grasp, or that possibly
she let him walk away, unscathed. She still considered him her soul mate, the
one who made her complete and safe and sound. She yearned to feel complete,
because most days she realized she was broken and damaged beyond repair.
However, she couldn’t think of that one just yet. Not now. That would come
later. The strenuous act of positioning this one just right was over. Now she
had serious, delicate cleanup work to complete. Within seconds, that one, the
one who got away, was pushed to the dark, cold recesses of her mind. Forgotten .
. . for now.
It was painstakingly slow work because everything had to be absolutely perfect.
She had observed and respected what a perfectionist he was. He thrived on it.
She softly snickered to herself and had to catch herself before it became an
all-out rambunctious laugh. He didn’t look too perfect right now, slumped
behind the steering wheel of his black BMW like a deflated, tossed-aside bag of
rags and bones. Another snicker escaped. She tightly clamped her gloved hand
down over her mouth to stop it, to keep it from spilling forth.
When he was discovered—hopefully, within a day or two—she wanted him to
appear perfect in death. That was the least she could do, because she honestly
felt she owed him that much. With a gloved hand, she carefully took the
typewritten note out of his jacket pocket, typed from the personal computer in
his home office, and gently placed it next to him on the soft leather passenger
seat of his car. Laughter escaped freely and drifted into the still air.
The Road to Publication
by Gwynne Forster
At book signings, writers conferences, in correspondence and at my lectures, the questions that readers and aspiring writes ask me most often is how I got started writing novels and, since I have a full-time job, where do I get the time. More often than not, the questioner wants to become a published author or thinks she or he does. For the most part, these are pipe dreams. When I question them, their replies invariably impress me that their major hindrance is not lack of savoir faire or of time, but of motivation and, occasionally, also of genuine interest.
How can I say that? Ms. Jane Doe wrote me that she was dying to become a published author, that she dreamed about it all the time. Yet she confessed to never having written one line of fiction. Why? In her forty-one years of existence, she hadn’t had time. One African American woman came to my book signing and asked me, "How can I write like Terry McMillan?" I assured her that I had no idea and advised her to contact Ms. McMillan. Neither of these women burns to write, only to reap the rewards that the successful writer is presumed to get. If you think you want to write a novel or a short story, but can’t get started, examine your true aims. Look closely at your priorities for, as we shall see, therein may lay your problem.
Back to the question as to how I got started. To begin with, my profession requires that I write and that the writing be of academic quality, so the act of writing, though in a different vocabulary, is second nature to me. After a story played around in my mind for months, I decided to write it down. That crude effort hooked me on novel writing, proved to me that I could write a full length novel. Pumped up with excitement about my newly discovered "talent", I decided to write one that would sell. I bought some books on fiction writing, studied them and made up my mind to become a published author. I began Sealed With A Kiss on January 2, 1994 and sold it October 21 of that same year.
Addressing the problem
The operative phrase here is made up my mind. Having done that, I did not equivocate. How do you manage that if you have a full-time job and a family, I’ve been asked. I am not the exception; fifty percent of the fiction writers I know manage this. Let us suppose that you aren’t fooling yourself, that you have the talents, the imagination required of a novelist, but just can’t get started. Ask yourself why. In discussing the matter with would-be writers, I’ve been given numerous excuses most of which boil down to lack of will.
You want to write, but you can’t find the time. Not so. People who want to write, who burn to write and need to write do that. They write. To claim you can’t find the time is to mislead yourself. The problem lies in how you use the time that you have and whether you are willing to make some sacrifices. I suggest that you keep an accurate record of what you did each minute of your waking hours and analyze seven days of records. You will get some surprises.
How much time did you spend watching television, looking at mail-order catalogues, chatting with friends who telephone you, surfing the internet or chatting with strangers on-line, critiquing someone else’s manuscript? What did you do at the hairdresser’s, while waiting at the doctor’s or dentist’s office, riding public transportation, waiting for and traveling on trains or airplanes? You could have spent the time writing. One prominent African American romance writer wrote her first published novel entirely on the subway while riding to and from work, because that was her only opportunity to write. Another rises at four in the morning to write at a time when she is guaranteed privacy and works until six-thirty when her family demands her time. Have you stretched yourself in order to write? How many hours and how many opportunities have you squandered?
Changing habits
Once you have analyzed your pattern of time consumption and know when, where and how you can make time, ask yourself if you truly want to write. If the answer is yes, decide on your goals. Do you want a career as a published novelist, to see your name on the cover of at least one book, to legitimate time spent on a hobby, to make money? If you want a career, be prepared to make sacrifices and decide up front what these will be. Self-discipline is a must. Decide the time of day you will write, how long and how many pages and stick with it. Put on your answering machine, don’t answer you doorbell, forget the
Internet unless you’re researching your novel or sending e-mail, and request your family’s indulgence. If they’re asleep, so much the better.
Hang on the door of my home office is a sign that reads, PLEASE DO NOT DISTURB: Someone who loves you is at work.
If the phone rings, it is because someone wants you, and that person can wait. Call back when you’re not writing. In other words, establish priorities and stick with them. Answer mail once a week at an established time period to make sure you get it all done, and have a time in which to return phone calls.
You’ve blocked out the time, and you’re writing, but you’re standing still. If you are unable to meet the simplest goal, such as to write for one hour each day or to write one page each day, your problem may be lack of motivation. Join a writers group such as a local club of Romance Writers Of America. These clubs offer inspiration as well as guidance to aspiring writers. Importantly, as your sister writers announce their first sale, you will be inspired to greater diligence. Remember that all published authors have one thing in common: we sit down and write, working on a book until we have finished it. There is no short cut. How do I know? Because I’ve finished twenty-nine novels and six novella, and all are in print.
Perhaps you are at work on several novels. If you are an unpublished author, that is not to your credit. Choose the story that interests you most, and lock up the other manuscripts for safe keeping. Work on that one book until you have finished it. Editors will not offer a contract to an unpublished novelist who has not completed the manuscript, because so many writers cannot finish a book. You must prove that you can do it.
If you haven’t reached that far and are still wallowing in hope and day dreams, remind yourself that if you write just one page a day, at the end of a year, you will have a book. What could be more galvanizing?
Author Chris Hicks and
Universal Publishing Co. LLC
Announces The 2nd annual Baltimore Urban Book Festival
Author Chris Hicks, in partnership with The Frederick
Douglass-Isaac Meyers Maritime Park and Universal Publishing Co. LLC in
Association with The Greater Baltimore Urban League and The Big Brother/Big
Sister of Central Maryland are proud to announce that the 2nd annual
Baltimore Urban Book Festival would be held on Sunday, May 6, 2012 at
1pm-8pm, at the Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park, 1417 Thames St,
Baltimore MD 21231. This event is going to be an enjoyable evening as we
celebrate Baltimore’s first and only book festival focusing on African
American literature.
What:
The 2nd annual Baltimore Urban Book Festival When: Sunday, May 6, 2012 from 1pm-8pm Where: Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park
1417 Thames Street, Baltimore, MD 21231
The 2nd annual Baltimore Urban Book Festival will be featuring some of
the country’s most influential and bestselling authors: Omar Tyree, Miss KP,
Ladawn Black, T. Styles, JM Benjamin, Nicola Mitchell, Chris Hicks,
and Nikki Turner, with more authors to be announced. We will also feature life
enriching workshops, an awards ceremony honoring this year’s top performing
authors, and author Omar Tyree hosts a lecture and book signing.
Special children activities will be available this year such as storytelling,
free treats, games, face painting and our annual free book giveaway drive.
Some of the proceeds from this event will benefit "Ben Carson’s Reading
Rooms Program" which provides funding and support to local schools so that
they can create a nurturing environment for a child to feel safe and secure as
they develop their reading skills. The Ben Carson Reading Project also brings
students and families together to raise the awareness of the importance of
reading allowing students to develop skills to become lifetime readers and
learners.
The Baltimore Urban Book Festival and its sponsors will also contribute to The
Fredrick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park a program of the Living Classroom
Foundation, in support of their Voyage of Exploration a science, technology,
engineering, and math program (STEM).
Intimate Conversation
with Sharel E. Gordon-Love
Born and raised in Plainfield, New Jersey, Sharel E. Gordon-Love
started writing at the age of six, winning immediate recognition for her
essays and short stories. Her first nonfiction work, “Is There Hope for the
Black Male?” was published by Black Child Magazine in 1994.
Certified in Microcomputer Technology and Business Administration, Ms.
Gordon-Love graduated from Berkeley College of Business in 1993. She is
currently a student at Ashford University pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in
Business Administration.
A licensed evangelist in the Church of God in Christ, Sharel and her family
attend New Reid Temple C.O.G.I.C. in East Orange, New Jersey. There she serves
on the Administrative staff, Youth Department, and Women’s Department
ministries. Ms. Gordon-Love resides in North Plainfield, New
Jersey with her family.
BPM: Tell us about your journey becoming a successfully published author.
Do you have anyone in your life that was heavily influential in your deciding
to become an author?
The person that was heavily influential in deciding to become an author is my
late father, Ronald A. Gordon. He would always encourage me and pass out my
flyers introducing my first published novel on his job, making sure to tell
anyone he knew or met (even for the first time) that his daughter is a writer.
BPM: How did you initially break into the publishing industry?
Initially breaking into the publishing industry was a journey in and of itself
because I had no real knowledge as to how to go about it other than to surf
the web for publishers who were seeking manuscripts and submitted my work
according to their guidelines. The very moment I decided that I was tired of
sending sample chapters and query letters, I was contacted by my previous
publisher who wanted to read the full manuscript and ultimately published my
book.
BPM: What is your definition of success?
The definition of success for me is being able to effectively help someone
else by what I do, say or how I carry myself as a woman of God. It can never
be measured by the material things I might be able to obtain, but by a life
that has been encouraged and quite possibly changed.
BPM: Has your writing style evolved over the years? What stimulated growth
the most?
My writing style has matured over the years, and what has stimulated growth
the most are the events that have occurred to change me as a person. There are
things that I could not write about ten years ago due to lack of understanding
or simply ignorance, but because I have taken the time to gain knowledge and
understanding, I can convey these messages when I write better.
BPM: Do you have any advice for people seeking to publish a book?
My advice is to first know that you truly have something to write about, and
do not try to follow someone else's journey because I believe that we all have
our own personal path to follow. Make sure you gain as much knowledge as you
can, and try to hang out in places where literary is promoted in order to meet
and network with people who will definitely be valuable to your journey.
Intimate Conversation with Patricia Haley
PATRICIA HALEY is the award winning, Essence #1 bestselling author of eight faith-based novels, including her latest series with
Broken, Destined, and
Chosen. She’s a full-time senior project manager with an engineering degree from Stanford University and an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago . She is a born again believer and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Patricia lives with her loving husband, Jeffrey, and their beautiful daughter in the Chicago area.
BPM: What books or authors made a difference in your life?
Two books have especially impacted me over the years. I read “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” by
Dr. Maya Angelou when I was in the 8th grade. I was intrigued to see a little
black girl on the cover. In the early seventies, there weren’t a lot of books out there written by and about
us, African-American women.
The second book is “This Present Darkness” by Frank Peretti (my all time favorite) which was the first faith-based novel that I read. It was a page turner and I was amazed at how the book could be so entertaining while incorporating a heavy dose of religious themes. When I finished the 400+ page book in less than a week, I was hooked. It forever changed my prayer life and what I look for in novels. I guess, in a way,
my novels mesh the two with African-American characters and faith-based themes. You could say that I write what I enjoy reading.
BPM: What are some of the benefits of being an author that makes it all worthwhile?
My purpose for writing is to glorify God while entertaining and reaching every single person that needs to be encouraged and/or inspired.
So, as an author, I am blessed to hear many stories about readers who have been encouraged, positively impacted, or genuinely entertained by my books. There is no greater satisfaction for me than knowing someone’s day has been improved or faith strengthened as a result of my writing. It makes the literary journey worthwhile for me.
I’ll never forget a specific situation. I was doing a literary event in Ohio. Everyone had purchased books and I was ready to leave. A young lady came up to me and said she couldn’t afford a book but
wanted me to sign her postcard. Instead I felt led to give her a book and told her to send me the money later. Honestly, once I left, I didn’t expect to hear from her again. Exactly a year later, I got a card with the money inside. She noted that I had met her at the lowest point in her life, at a time when she needed someone to believe in her. When I gave her the book on faith, it lifted her spirits.
I don’t always give away books. I sure am glad that I did that day. Encouraging others, that’s what it’s all about for me.
BPM: How would a new writer get started writing a manuscript for the first time?
I'm often asked how to get starting writing a manuscript. After years of writing and committing to diligently improve my craft, I can honestly say that the best way to get started is simply to put the first word on the paper. It's as simple as taking one step. Don't worry about the editing, grammar, how the book will get published, who's coming to your first book signing or what the sequel will entail. Don't get caught up with the many roadblocks (often times quite legitimate reasons why you can't get going.) Press forward. If you have a burning need to write, then I challenge you to pursue your calling and write that someone else might be inspired, encouraged, or blessed by your efforts.
If your goal is to either get published or to self-publish, my advice is to do your homework. Writing is the creative side. Publishing is all about business.
You can quote me on this. "The only commonality between any two successful authors is not the quality of their writing, or the genre, or the story line, or their marketing plan.
The only commonality is that they finished their manuscripts. Will you be among that list of successful authors?"
To each new writer, I say, "Take care and be blessed."
Intimate Conversation with Marissa Monteilh
Voted amongst the 2010 Women of Influence in Publishing by Written Magazine,
Marissa Monteilh, a former news reporter and commercial actress, is the author of ten novels, two novellas, and one non-fiction title, as well as four erotica titles under her pen name, Pynk. Originally self-published, Marissa mentors new authors and is a regular contributor to the literary blog, Novel Spaces. Originally from Los Angeles, she now resides in Atlanta, Georgia with her family.
BPM: How did you initially break into the publishing industry? What road did you travel? How do you feel about self-publishing?
I began chronicling my life story and half way through, I turned it into a novel. I submitted query letters for one year, and then after receiving a slew of rejection letter, I self-published. I’m a big proponent of self-publishing because it led to my book deal with HarperCollins in 2001.
BPM: What is your definition of success?
Success to me means overcoming the odds, surviving the negative, achieving your goals or at least going for it, and most of all, success means having the courage to live your dreams enough to leave your mark and making a difference.
BPM: Success leaves clues, whose clues did you follow on your journey?
My clues were in the form of various light-bulb moments. One in particular was when I was in junior high school and my English teacher asked me to promise her I would be a writer. She raved over a play I had written. Each job I had seemed to lead to identifying some sort of writing skill. And then one day while in church, my pastor talked about discovering our life’s passion. I realized my passion was writing. Soon after, I sat down and wrote my first novel, May December Souls, which was later auctioned for sale. All of those special moments led to my career in writing. Success yet, I’m not so sure but I will say that I am living my dream.
BPM: What books or authors made a difference in your life?
James Baldwin was one of the authors I read when I was young. He shocked me with his word-courage and helped me to be brave. And Terry McMillan made a difference by offering characters I could relate to. She taught publishers that African Americans buy books, read books, and write books. I don’t think they really understood that before the Terry McMillan experience.
BPM: What have you realized about yourself since becoming a published author?
I realize that I’m in love with words; so much so that I can’t wait to get started on the next title, and the next. I’ve also realized that I love the independence and excitement of the writing process. I’m hooked!
BPM: What are some of the benefits of being an author that makes it all worthwhile?
Being a full-time writer allows for a lot of autonomy and freedom without the restraints of being supervised or monitored. You must monitor and motivate yourself, so you have to exercise great discipline. But whether you write full-time or not, writing books is an amazing release of creativity. Writing is not glamorous, in most cases it’s not very lucrative, and it is not for the faint of heart. It is work and one must study the craft. But there’s nothing like completing a book and releasing it for the readers to experience.
BPM: Do you have any advice for people seeking to publish a book?
Buy books on self-publishing, research, ask other authors how they did it but don’t expect handouts – do the hard work. Focus on putting out a quality product, both story-wise and production-wise. Don’t rush the writing process. Get to know your characters and be true to them.
Become
Yourself by
Electa Rome Parks
“Ordinary, brown braided woman with big legs and full lips, become
yourself.”
Wow!
The first time I heard Phylicia Rashad’s character speak those words
with her gravely, powerful voice that demands attention, speaking
straight, no chaser, from her soul. . . from a place of knowing, from a
spiritual realm in the For Colored Girls trailer. . . I literally
experienced chills up and down my spine as if they were saying, pay
attention. This is a lesson in life. I was speechless, mesmerized and
empowered to action. Two little words: Become Yourself.
Become
yourself.
I have been trying to accomplish that task my entire life. You hear me, my
whole life. That has become my subconscious quest and divine mission. Only
in recent years has it become my mantra, repeating it over, again and
again in my head. I embrace it with a depth and passion as my own.
I desire to be the best mother, wife, sister, daughter, aunt, friend. . .
person. . . that I can be. I owe it to myself and I owe it to those around
me, the ones I touch with my spirit on my path to discovery and wisdom.
Become
yourself.
Something supernatural screams directly to my soul, with a mind of its
own, challenging me to make a difference. A positive difference. Life is
too precious to live and pass through in the blink of any eye, and nothing
has changed. That is simply not acceptable. You were simply a blink when
you should have been a bang. The world should be a better place simply
because you were here.
Words, especially robust, passionate ones spoken from a place of wisdom, a
place of knowing. . . words that speak to strength and coming into one’s
rightful self. . . they wrap me cocoon-like in colorful, vibrant silks as
they caress my mental palette and stroke my very soul with the
possibilities. Something primal, from generations after generations gone
by, remembers who I am suppose to be. And I embrace it because I recognize
its power.
Become
yourself.
I want to embrace my essence, live up to my fullest potential and beyond.
Each year of my life, I’m changing, growing, and evolving. That’s a
good thing. I’ve come to realize there is power in my words. They touch
people. They make people feel. My words incite emotion. A higher power has
lovingly bestowed that gift upon me and I gladly accept it and all the
responsibilities that go with it. Find yourself so that you can become.
Become
yourself.
What a beautiful world we would live in if we all did as much. We could
create a world of miracles and harmony. A utopia. Yes, such simple words,
but oh, how powerful upon closer examination, scrutiny and understanding.
I have a glorious destiny to live out, so do you. Become the beautiful
spirit you were meant to be. . . you don’t have to be extraordinary, you
can be ordinary, brown-braided. . . simply look within.
About
the Author Electa Rome
Parks lives outside Atlanta, Georgia and is the best-selling
author of six acclaimed novels, The Ties That Bind, Loose Ends, Almost
Doesn't Count, Ladies' Night Out, These Are My Confessions (anthology) and
Diary of a Stalker. Dubbed a "book club favorite," avid readers
have embraced Electa's true to life characters that tackle prevalent and
heavy hitting issues that take them on an emotional roller coaster. The
self-proclaimed Queen of Real, Electa has been a frequent guest on radio
shows, nominated for many industry awards and interviewed by
numerous newspapers and national magazines. Electa is currently following
her passion and working on her next novel and first screenplay.
When There is No Faith…
by Jamila A. Grant Davis
A wise man suspects danger and cautiously avoids evil, but the fool bears himself insolently and is [presumptuously] confident. Proverbs 14:16 AMP
All of you have seen the news or read in the newspaper about the recent flash mob attacks. Young people, as young as eleven years old, are physically and verbally attacking innocent people. When asked why they are doing this, many of the youth are replying that they are bored or because it is fun.
What is happening to our youth? Why are they so apathetic to human suffering and often full of rage? I believe it is the absence of the role that Faith has traditionally played in the black community specifically, and the entire world as a whole. When Faith is absent, that affects parenting, that affects the family structure, and that also affects mental and emotional peace.
Our Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ has been a sustaining part of the fabric of our culture as African Americans. Our Faith, when activated, holds families together, helps raise children, and sets the standards for everything; from how we dress to how we speak.
The Word says that “These evil people, who refuse to hear My words, who walk in the stubbornness of their hearts and have gone after other gods to serve them and to worship them, shall even be like this girdle or waistcloth, which is profitable for nothing,” Jeremiah 13:10 AMP. We have turned away from God and turned away from our traditions. We cannot put more value in clothes, cars, jewelry, video games, and money than we put in God, personal relationships, kindness, peace, and love. There are some vital things we need to get back to.
This is the first generation of children who were not “made” to go to church, not “made” to have a “curfew”, and not “made” to follow rules. We need to set boundaries for our children, and even for ourselves. In order to save our children, it starts with us. We have to teach them about God, give them structure, inform them of the consequence to their actions, provide discipline, and most importantly, we as adults have to model what it means to be truly Saved.
We have to not just talk the talk, but walk the walk! We have to let God into our hearts, our families, our finances, and every area of our life. It’s not too late, we can start today!
About the Author
Jamila A. Davis, formerly Jamila Grant, was born in Portland, Oregon in 1977. In 1995, Jamila began attending The Ohio State University, where she graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Interpersonal Communication, and a Minor in Fashion Merchandising/Textiles and Clothing. Since 1999, Jamila has been working in the fields of Public Relations, Marketing, and Communications, and currently is the Assistant for Membership Development/Strategic Evangelism for Bright Hope Baptist Church.
Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church is the place where she met her husband, Sharrod Davis. They married in March of 2009. Jamila became a step-mother to three boys, ranging in ages 4-11.
Jamila is loving and devoted to her family and friends, and is constantly striving to grow deeper in her relationship with Jesus Christ. One of her favorite scriptures is Romans 8:37-39 (King James Version)
Lutishia Lovely is the award-winning, best-selling author of sixteen novels. The Business Trilogy, her latest work, combines two of her passions: writing and food. This series (All Up In My Business, Mind Your Own Business
and Taking Care Of Business) centers around the Livingstons, owners of a soul food dynasty called Taste Of Soul—where sizzling scandal and delicious drama are always on the menu. Find out more about this series and Lutishia at her website:
www.LutishiaLovely.com. Also please sign up for her newsletter, where readers are treated to contests, updates, excerpts from upcoming novels, contests and
more!
BPM: What makes you powerful as a person and a writer? What drives you to write?
What makes me powerful as a person and a writer is my connection to and constant communication with Spirit, the ultimate creator! Through this connection, and the beliefs I hold as a result of it, I know that God is all there is, that everything is possible, and that our beings are so powerful that everything we think and speak ultimately comes to pass. In short, our words (thoughts and spoken) create the world we live in.
BPM: How do you define success?
Being happy, healthy, living comfortably, sharing love and giving back.
BPM: What have you realized about yourself since becoming a published author?
I’ve learned a lot about myself. For one thing, I have more stories in me than I ever dreamed and that with all of my knowledge of oneness with Spirit, I am still more than I imagined. I’ve learned that when I don’t think I can write another word, I can actually write pages. And I’ve realized how much I enjoy using my gift to enrich others lives.
BPM: Besides the creative process, what is the most gratifying aspect of being a writer?
I am living my dream. I get to wake up every day and do what I love. Now granted, some days I may not like every aspect of it. The job of being a successful author is not for the faint of heart. But every time I finish a book that I’m proud of, or read letters about how my book has changed someone’s life, or why someone stayed up all night because they couldn’t put the book down, I’m reminded why I work so hard.
BPM: Share with us one thing most readers don’t know about you?
Because of the succulent meat dishes described in The Business Trilogy, many people would be surprised to know that I’m basically vegan! The descriptions and tastes so vividly portrayed in my writing comes from memory, research and a wild imagination!
Another Tear by Traci
Bee
Kevin Kennard gazed into the precious face of his newborn son, the
offspring of the intoxicating love he shared with his wife, Simone.
Closing his eyes, Kevin whispered a prayer of thanks. Life had given him
a second chance at happiness far greater than anything he'd fathomed from
inside the concrete walls of his prison cell. While Kevin and Simone
bask in their familial bliss, those scorned by their union collect the pieces
to their shattered hearts and plot the couple's demise.
Darkness hovers the Kennards when their newborn baby
becomes the target for revenge. A tidal wave of fatal events stifles the
sanctity Kevin and Simone have come to cherish. Kevin had promised those
he loved that his gun-toting days were a thing of the past. But with
nothing else to live for, he journeys to find the person responsible for the
devastation reeked in his world.
Someone will pay for what they've done to his family, even
if it cost Kevin his own life. In the award winning novel,
"Two Tears in a Bucket," Kevin and Simone reminded us how
powerful and lasting the bonds of love can be. But can it weather, Another
Tear?
Meet the Author
Traci Bee is the
award-winning author of the Kindle drama chart topping, Two Tears in a Bucket.
When she’s not writing, Traci enjoys karaoke and spending time with her
family. She currently resides in Waldorf, Maryland with her husband and kids
and is working on two novels; the final installment to the Two Tears in a
Bucket Series and A Nickel for A Kiss.
Excerpt from Another Tear by Traci Bee
Trapped in the darkness, Simone struggled to free herself. She hated when her body became immobile but her mind remained fully conscious. Normally, when she hallucinated in her sleep, her surroundings seemed clear. But this time, a still blackness haunted her. She struggled to wake. Finally, after a fluster of forced blinks, her eyes opened. Slowly, the objects around her began to take form.
An older Caucasian man stood two inches taller than Kevin. A head full of salt-and-pepper curls, a slowly aging face of soft wrinkles, and his lean build clothed in an expensive-looking navy blue suit; everything about him screamed money. His mouth moved, yet silence flowed as he chatted with her husband. Pain was etched in Kevin’s face as he listened, his back resting against the wall to support his feeble stance as he stared out at nothing. Angela sat in a chair, black mascara smeared around her eyes. Dried-up tears stained her cheeks.
Kevin’s lips moved. She knew his lips well and read what seemed to be “Still no word on...” The doctor’s nod cut Kevin off before he could finish asking his question.
What’s going on? Simone questioned. She couldn’t hear a thing. Nothing but the continuously, annoying beep from the heart monitor. Is that machine for me? I’m in the hospital?
She grunted and pulled, but couldn’t move. Something was holding her down. Her surroundings were too vivid for it to be a hallucination.
The doctor took a step toward the door. No, don’t leave!
Simone grew frustrated. Wait a minute! Her ears popped. Her hearing had returned. Relieved, she called after the doctor.
Doc!
Kevin leaned against the wall with his hand on his forehead. “Doc.”
Thank you, baby, Simone said.
Though Kevin’s voice was muffled and seemingly as weak as hers, he was closer to the doctor. Lifting his head, he stared at the doctor through red eyes stained from crying.
Football Widows
by Pat Tucker
A glimpse
into the secret and unique lives of the women behind NFL coaches—game day
takes on a whole new meaning as these lonely women turn up the heat off the
field.
GAME
DAY takes on a whole new meaning as these LONELY WOMEN turn up the heat off the
field…
Pat Tucker has finally exposed the truth! While millions of men escape
into their own little world’s during football season each year and leave their
women to fend for themselves, the women often have a “game plan” of their
own. In Tucker’s second foray into fiction, FOOTBALL WIDOWS gives a glimpse
into the secret and unique lives of the women behind NFL coaches—game day
takes on a whole new meaning as these lonely women turn up the heat off the
field.
NFL wife B.J. Almond has had enough. When she walks in to find her head coach
husband in bed with one of his assistant coaches’ wives, she is livid. But
what really sets her off is when she discovers the other wives knew about the
affair all along. Now she’s furious and hungry for revenge. And what better
way to exact that revenge than to air everyone’s dirty laundry in a juicy
tell-all book!
B.J. knows where all the bodies are buried, and she’s digging up all the dirt.
But before she starts writing, she’s running up the score with a lawsuit
against her husband and his mistress. Armed with flight records, copies of
naughty emails, phone records, and pictures, B.J. isn’t holding back. And
neither are the other football wives, who will stop at nothing to keep their
dirty secrets from going public.
Secrets will be revealed, feelings will be hurt, and revenge will become the
main pastime in FOOTBALL WIDOWS, instead of shopping for new Jimmy Choos with
each other. Tucker, who is also author of the gut-wrenching Daddy by Default,
does a great job of once again creating an entertaining, humorous look into the
lives of unforgettable characters.
Tucker is available to discuss her new book and what lead her to write it. For
review/feature attention, please contact Adiya Mobley at: 212-698-7090 or
email her at Adiya.Mobley@simonandschuster.com.
“…a guilty pleasure for the reader.” –Kirkus Reviews
Excerpt from Chapter 1 - FOOTBALL
WIDOWS
“Ww-what was that?”
B.J.’s pretty features twisted into a frown, and a perfectly groomed eyebrow
rose. She tilted her head ever so slightly, straining to hear. B.J. needed a
visual to go along with the foreign sound. It was so faint; it could’ve been
her mind playing tricks. She stepped into her home’s foyer.
The cool, crisp air was a welcomed relief from the smoldering Los Angeles sun
outside. Something wasn’t right; she could sense it. Maybe it’s nothing, she
thought as she consciously stepped lightly on to the marble floor. In case
someone was rummaging through her jewelry box, B.J. didn’t want to announce
her arrival. Stranger things had happened.
There it was again!
This time, her heart slammed into her ribcage and her eyes quickly darted around
the room. This was no figment of her imagination. She was certain she had heard
something. She searched for anything that might be out of place, but nothing
appeared to be. Maybe she should’ve grabbed something she could use as a
weapon. She quietly closed the door and reached for her cell phone, fully
prepared to call for help if needed.
Where could the noises be coming from? The house was supposed to be empty. Her
husband’s car wasn’t in the driveway; she assumed he was still at the Los
Angeles Sea Lions training camp. Their two young kids were still away with their
grandmother so the nanny had been given some time off. B.J. herself was supposed
to be relaxing at a resort in Palm Springs.
But it was like some evil force was trying to keep B.J. from her much needed
mini-vacation. She and the other NFL coaches’ wives usually took a break
before the hectic season began. But this year, things had started off on the
wrong foot from the very beginning.
First, Ella Blu, the wife of one of B.J.’s husband’s assistant coaches, and
the last person still willing to take the trip, had backed out at the last
minute. Ella said her husband, Melvin, had begged her to stay home. Since they
were having problems, B.J. figured she’d let Ella slide.
Determined to salvage the trip, however, she decided to head out alone. But
then, as B.J. drove down I-10, her tire blew out. When her husband didn’t
answer his cell, she was forced to wait nearly two hours for the AAA tow truck
driver to come and fix the flat. Once on the road again, it was nearly an hour
before she realized she didn’t have any of the paperwork needed to get into
the exclusive resort. She reluctantly turned around and headed back home.
By the time she pulled up to her Brentwood home, she wasn’t sure if she even
had the energy to venture back out today.
There it was again, that sound. Something told B.J. not to call out as she had
started to do when she first heard the faint noise. She placed her designer Hobo
on the bottom stair and followed the noises around the cascading staircase and
toward the back of the house where the master bedroom was located. The sounds,
although still faint, were becoming clearer.
Her steps suddenly became heavy, each more challenging than the one before. By
the time she made it toward the hallway that led to her bedroom, B.J.
experienced a sudden surge of adrenaline. She could feel a lone trickle of sweat
running down her back. Her heartbeat began to race, and her throat suddenly went
dry, but still, she cautiously padded toward the bedroom.
“What the hell…” she murmured, struggling to believe her ears.
By the time B.J. reached the door and clutched the doorknob, there was no
denying those were sounds of passion that filled the air.
B.J. felt her face burn, and the vein on the side of her neck begin to throb.
She swallowed back tears that felt like broken glass gliding down her tightening
throat, but she managed a rugged deep breath, then blew it out.
When she finally mustered up the strength to push the door open, her eyes
instantly locked on those of a naked young woman who was riding her husband atop
her king-sized bed. It felt as if the air had been sucked out of the room as she
stood trying to process what she was looking at. B.J.’s mouth fell open, but
she was too irate to utter a single word.
Intimate Conversation with Janie De Coster
Janie De Coster's love of reading is what inspired her to take a step into the writing world. She pens stories of real life drama. She wants to connect with her readers on a level they can relate to.
Janie De Coster is a native New Yorker who now resides in South Carolina.
Janie is working on several projects. Her upcoming release Broken Commandments
with Parker Publishing is slated for November 2011.
BPM: Tell us about your journey becoming a published author. Do you have anyone in your life that was heavily influential in your deciding to become an
author?
Janie: My journey into becoming a successful author has been a long and tedious road. Like so many green authors I thought all you had to do was finish your
manuscript, send it out to the agents and here comes the book deal. What a rude awakening for me. I'd learn writing was a business and a tough one at that. Learning the publishing world, and I still have a long long way to go, has taught me a lot about polishing your work before it leaves your desk.
All in all writing has been fun. The way I sums it up, it's like a pregnant mother laboring through her pains. Once you hold your novel in your hand you know the work was well worth it. To answer the second question, the only person I remember that gave me a hint that I had a knack for writing was my English teacher
Mrs. Pernall back in 9th grade. She told me my poems was beautifully expressed and I should do more.
BPM: What is your definition of success?
Janie: My definition of success is doing what makes me happy and sharing it with others.
BPM: Success leaves clues, whose clues did you follow?
Janie: I think that would have to be my mother. Even though she is no longer with me, she has instilled in me about going after my dreams will take me through the rest of my life. She was a strong woman who had very little education but she taught me strength and perseverance which I think helped me greatly in my writing journey.
BPM: What are some of the benefits of being an author that makes it worthwhile?
Janie: The benefits that I've been blessed to experience is when someone walks up to me
with a glow in their eyes and a wide smile say "You are really an author."
It's like you are a celebrity on the red carpet.
BPM: Do you have any advice for people seeking to publish a book?
Janie: The best advice I can give is to never give up. Welcome the rejection letters and take them in stride. See them as stepping stones to a book deal.
BPM: Finish this sentence- "My writing offers the following legacy to future readers..."
Janie: "My writing offers the following legacy to future readers because I believe it will inspire them, turning a deaf ear to those who are negative and taking hold of courage and faith as their helpers and they too will achieve their dreams.
BPM: Introduce us to your book, What My Sister Don’t Know
,
and the main characters. Do you have any favorites? What genre is the book? On Kindle or nook?
Janie: My novel can be considered as women's fiction but it also has a flare for
Christian
fiction as well due to the backdrop of the story which is centered on God. The book main characters are Saphire and her younger sister Gade. The Michaels sisters are very intelligent, beautiful and driven, yet in their own way. Gade is soft spoken
and wears her emotions on her sleeves, while as Saphire has a do me attitude and I'll
suffer the consequences later persona. They both have loving men in their lives until
they cross path with Joe Burrels, a man who will change both of them for better or for worse. My novel is available in paper back and kindle.
BPM: What inspired you to write this book? Ever experienced writer's block?
Janie: I've been blessed thus far concerning writer's block. I have never experienced it.
When I write the words flows like a river. Sometimes I fear them drying up, but until
that day I will write. As far as what inspired me, well it was a whisper of God's voice.
I was sitting at my desk at work and I heard the words write a book. It scared me
a little but it came again...write a book. Coming from a spiritual background I was taught when God speaks to you, you listen and do what he says. I too ask the question why didn't God say something to me years ago, but God had his own plan for me and now is my time.
BPM: Are there any scenes borrowed from your world?
Janie: I can't say there is any that coincide with my life, other than the character Gade
who were smitten with an older man. I've dated older men in my days.
BPM: In writing your novels, how do you develop the plot? How much research was needed?
Janie: The plot came along easily because in relationships there are always a boat load of
drama, whether it is good drama or bad. But keeping the story on point was a
challenge due to the character Joe Burrels, who was a menace to society so to
speak. The only research I've done was on the disease Mental Illness, which came out later in my book.
Intimate Conversation with Mahayana Isabelle Dugast
Mahayana Isabelle Dugast,
Ph.D. Metaphysical Science grew up in Chamonix Mont-Blanc, France.
She originally qualified with the Association of Natural Medicine in 1993
in the UK, before she moved to Ireland, Cork, where she now
resides. She is an “Agent of Change” and the founder of
The Academy of Luminaries. She offers individual consultations
and seminars where she transmits tools that allow people to fully
eliminate self-limitations and tap into their inner potential, the source
of all successes.
BPM: Tell me about your writing background. How does one become a successful author/novelist?
With serious love for communication, dedication and perseverance! This is
my first book, originally written in 2007. I submitted it to many
publishers and got rejected MANY times... Always with notes of
encouragement and perseverance, which gave me the courage to put all the
money I had at a time into self-publishing in 2009. I then realized that
writing was the easy part, the rest (marketing, etc) was incredibly hard
work, especially as an unknown author. However, I carried on looking for
agents/publishers and was signed up by Eloquent Books in 2010, which was
absolutely fantastic. Staying power has been essential and believing in
myself is equally important.
BPM: Why do you write? What drives you?
I write because of my heartfelt desire to communicate with people and
offer empowering tools that can benefit the reader. I much prefer to
experience direct contact with people during seminars but writing allows
the information to travel far and wide and be accessible to all, so this
makes writing very inspiring for me.
I feel that we have given our power away far too long, essentially for
lack of information, so I am dedicated to giving people information and
resources so they can grow into more of who they are, begin to trust
themselves again and become fully self-empowered. One of my favorite key
phrases for this book is ‘‘Real success unfolds from within’’:
inner harmony is inner success, inner success is the root of all other
successes in my view. We are human beings, not human doings...
BPM: Name three things that it takes to make a successful person?
Being connected (you and God working together!), inspired effort,
surrender.
BPM: Finish this sentence- "My writing offers the following legacy to future readers..."
My writing offers a legacy of personal truth and self-empowerment to
readers. With basic information and a renewed contact with their inner
self, one can live in peace, trust, gratitude, beauty, simplicity and
enjoy daily, natural abundance.
BPM: Introduce us to your new self-help book
Anti-Aging Secrets: The Complete Self-Rejuvenation Manual for Conscious Men and
Women.
‘Real success unfolds from within’ - Anti-Aging Secrets: The Complete Self-Rejuvenation Manual for Conscious Men and Women
is a gift to self and others, and was created to fully empower YOU, the
reader. Nourishing at every level, this book is a gift of health and
awareness. The gentle care and nurture of the body becomes both a
spiritual journey and a refreshing panacea to the mind and emotions. The
end result is a more youthful, energized and joyous body and overall
experience of life.
BPM: Who did you write this book for and why now? Why was this book important to create?
I really just wrote this book for myself at first, as I would have loved
to find all the included information about each topic in one book. That is
why I call this book a gift to self first, and then others! I also love
practicality and had little spare time as I am a single mother of three
boys, so I only share things that really work. Added to this, I felt that
writing this book was the best use of what little spare time I had at
home, having committed all my energy to raising the boys for nearly 10
years, which brought me into my early forties. I decided that it could be
a good idea to put all the information from former workshops, which were
very successful, into a book format. I felt that writing would also help
me to rebuild my career and stay on track using my own advice!
On a spiritual note, this whole experience gave me a way to enjoy the
journey while not getting attached to the outcome. I have felt a sense of
fun, adventure, purpose and a deep experience of gratitude for all the
synchronicities so far!
Honoring Your Mind, Body & Spirit
by Sharon R. Wells
Today, Creator, help me to see my physical body as a living temple where you live. Help me to respect my body, to love and honor my body. I know that to treat my physical body with respect, love, and honor is to respect, love and honor your creation. Help me, Creator, to give my physical body whatever it needs to live in perfect health, harmony, and happiness with you. Amen.
We are God's perfect creation and He has designed our bodies to signal us when we reach a physical, spiritual or mental overload. Life has conditioned us to keep pushing on even when our health is deteriorating. We ignore the signs due to fear of jeopardizing our means to survive. The fear is so paralyzing that we keep going, going and going like the energizer bunny. It is only when our bodies bring us to a complete halt, then do we listen. This includes our mental and spiritual health
as well.
Just recently, I stopped tapping into my source of power, forgetting who is really in charge. I tried to take on the world single handedly neglecting to keep my mind and spirit fed. As a result, I experienced a mental and spiritual meltdown. It wasn't until then when I realized that I was not honoring myself. Honoring myself means loving myself enough to know when I need to stop and take care of me. I have been guilty of making everything and everybody else a priority, and putting myself last. I wasn't nurturing my spirit and wore myself down mentally and
physically.
Staying healthy requires finding balance in your life and tapping into your power source daily to draw strength. Just as we feed our physical bodies, we must also feed our minds and spirits with prayer and meditation to stay centered and balanced. This will give our physical bodies strength to go on, but with balance.
As much as our lives require us to keep moving no matter what, neglecting ourselves sabotages our fruits of labor. Whatever we are working towards becomes useless if we're not physically strong and healthy to enjoy it.
I now know the importance of listening to my body and staying in tuned with every part of me. We all want to live a long and healthy life, therefore it is vital that we honor ourselves in every way.
If we live well, eat well and stay tapped into our power source, we will be well.
Love, Eat, Pray!
ABOUT SHARON R. WELLS
A native of Philadelphia, PA, Sharon R. Wells is a writer, radio show host,
entrepreneur, motivational speaker and CEO/Founder of Angel Wings Publications,
LLC, a corporation that provides resource information for sexual and domestic
abuse victims.
Through the website and the newly released "Without
Permission" Wells provides a forum of encouragement, spiritual healing and
self-awareness to help victims overcome obstacles that have plagued their lives
as a result of sexual and/or domestic abuse.
Original Source Inspirational Insights Newsletter.
Radical Self-Love Requires Radical Self-Acceptance
by Author, Ann Thomas, Esq., CPCC
To radically accept yourself, you must embrace and come to peace with all parts of you: the beautiful, the damaged, the powerful, the remorseful, and the divine.
Radical self-acceptance means seeing yourself for all that you truly are - neither with rose-colored glasses nor with muddied glasses, but with a clean, clear accurate lens. There are 5 components to radical self-acceptance: physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and sexual.
Radical self-acceptance of your physical form. This means to see your body from a loving point of view. This is the place where you get to notice how beautiful and amazing your body is. Notice where your body curves and where it angles. Pay attention to the parts of your body that you normally neglect. Be mindful of your organs and how they serve you. And notice from a place of compassion what you don't like about your body. If it is something you can change, begin to visualize how you want it to look and feel. If it is not something you can change, send that part of your body love, and ask the Divine to help you embrace that part of you.
Radical self-acceptance of your mind. Your mind is both the holder of infinite possibility and infinite doubt. The same mind that can visualize a goal is the same mind that can derail that goal by producing a fear-based thought. Mental self-acceptance requires you to become aware of the full spectrum of your mind. Once you are aware, you can cultivate a healthier mind by choosing healthier thoughts and eliminating negative ones.
Radical self-acceptance of your emotional being. Part of accepting our emotional being is recognizing that we experience a painful emotion (anger, sadness, shame, etc.) so that we can fully appreciate its opposite. You would not really know joy if you haven't experienced pain. You cannot fully cultivate compassion, if you have never experienced shame. No, you cannot rid yourself of pain. But, you can work to reduce the intensity with which you feel it. One way to reduce the intensity is to accept and pay attention to the wounded parts of us (whether it's a wounded child, teenager, or adult). By doing so, we decrease the chance that those parts of us will create unpleasant situations that force us to pay attention to it.
Radical self-acceptance of your spirit. This means honoring the divine within you. All that is good and divine is not outside of you. The Divine flows within and through you! But, we tend to forget that. We think we are separate from the Divine. We believe heinous things about our worth - thinking that, essentially, we are not good enough. Radical self-acceptance of your spirit is KNOWING that your true essence is divine.
Radical self-acceptance of your sexuality. This means fully embracing your sexuality. I am not just talking about your sexual orientation - I am talking about fully allowing yourself to have intimacy with your sexuality. To stay connected to your body and spirit. Many women I know (especially survivors of sexual assault, molestation, or incest) either underplay or overemphasize their sexuality. This is in part because of the messages and stereotypes we receive about our sexuality as women. The same is true of the stereotypes of men, where men are encouraged to be hypersexual to "prove" their masculinity. But, neither extreme is loving. What is loving is to embrace the fact that our sexuality is an expression of and a portal for our divine energy. As a result, we must act on our sexuality from a place of integrity.
As you can see, the common thread to radical self-acceptance is to see yourself holistically, from a place of love and compassion, and most importantly without judgment.
About the Author
Ann Thomas, Esq., CPCC, is the author of 101 Affirmations for Radical Self-Love (available on Amazon.com), a certified life coach, and the founder of Evolving
Goddess. Visit the Evolving Goddess website at: www.evolvinggoddess.com to get a complimentary copy of the special report,
Surviving Rejection: A Step Toward Radical Self-Love, and learn more about Ann's retreats, workshops, and private sessions.
As a certified life coach, Ms. Thomas caters to women ready to take charge of their lives and cultivate the “Goddess” within.
She founded Evolving Goddess a company which is “devoted to teaching women around the world how to connect with their divinity and love and accept themselves unconditionally and without judgment”.
Her supportive EG Newsletter includes personal notes, recommendations, events section, feature article, and an Evolving Goddess homework assignment for readers to work on. Sign-up for her newsletter at
www.evolvinggoddess.com.
Confident
Confidant: Working Moms, Career Decisions and Intimate Relationships
By Dr. Daryl D. Green
Author Responds to the
Concerns of Professional Women Who Return to College and the Resulting Impact
on Their Personal Relationships
Many working moms seek to make a better life for their families by returning
to college yet some men resent this action and view it as a selfish step that
hurts the family. Noriko Iwanaga Chapman challenges this mentality and
offers advice to career women who want to return to college in order to pursue
personal development and a better life for their families.
Women often find it tougher to return to school. An education can reposition a
person in the workforce. According to Georgetown University's Center on
Education and the Workforce study, a college degree adds 84% earning power
over a lifetime versus just a high school diploma. However, women still show a
disadvantage. In fact, women tend to need much higher degrees to earn the same
as their male counterparts - even while working the same hours, doing the same
job.
In 2006, Forbes.com editor Michael Noer published a controversial article
about careers and marriages that sparked much debate on two-career
relationships. Noer indicated that today's men would be happier not marrying
career women. He supported his statements with studies claiming that
professional women are more likely to get divorced, more likely to be
unfaithful, and less likely to have children. The article suggested that some
men consider it offensive for women to seek more education that would take
them away from the family.
Fortunately,
the article was taken down after only one day, due to the overwhelming
response sparked among readers. Also, Forbes' editor-in-chief, Steve Forbes,
issued a public apology for the sexist remarks and the op-ed piece was
replaced with a side-by-side article including the opposing view entitled
"Don't Marry a Lazy Man," by Elizabeth Concoran.
Chapman is a symbol for successful working mothers. She is a single parent,
working as a supervisor in a male dominated industry. After overcoming cancer,
she regained her strength and returned to work on a MBA degree at Lincoln
Memorial University. Chapman understands the sacrifices of working mothers.
Her experience with some men has revealed resentment toward women who want to
return to school to better themselves.
Chapman argues, "Guys who don't want to marry career women appear to be
afraid that those women may become more successful than they are. However, I
think this attitude reflects their insecurities. I wish they would rise to the
challenge instead of being intimidated. I know many successful career women
who are caring and tender-hearted even though they must show a tough demeanor
to demonstrate their strength among men in the workplace."
Desperate Times… Breed Desperate People
by J. Tremble
History has shown us that human beings are capable of almost anything when times become desperate. We can find governments closing factories, sending work overseas, destroying small towns and companies, and firing loyal employee’s with decades of service to keep profit lines. On other pages of history are stories of neighbors stealing from one another, people being reduced to eating out of garbage cans or starving, and even the killing of loved ones for insurance money. All these things are terrible acts of humanity but they still can’t compare to the betrayal of true love.
Many of these things can be traced back to one simple thing, money. If money is the root of all evil, then money is an amazing instrument. It is used in so many
ways. A person may be punished by the removal of it. Others are rewarded with a bonus or raise.
People spend most of their lives working to acquire money to purchase items that we either need or want. The only problem is that we buy what we want so much that we have to beg for the things we need. But what happens when we can no longer beg. Where do we turn when no one is left to solicit from? That answer may be answered with another question, could you find the strength to sell your spouse?
In Bedroom
Gangsta, that question is tested and answered. When Seven is disgusted with being broke and all the dreams promised by her husband Bryce aren’t coming true. Seven develops a scheme that involves something he husband would never consider. Pick up
Bedroom Gangsta and see if you could ever stoop so low that it would have you turn into your own spouse’s pimp.
About the Author
J. Tremble is a product of the Washington DC public school system. He graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School, and received his B.A. in Psychology in 1993 and his Masters in Elementary Education in 1999.
He has worked the last ten years as a proud, sixth grade math teacher. Jay is a loving father, devoted husband, and active participant in his community, who also works with foster care youth in an independent living program.
Jay is a member of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, in addition to being the author of five best-selling novels, Secrets of a Housewife, More Secrets More Lies, Naughty Little Angel, My Man Her Son, and his latest release, Bedroom Gangsta.
For more information on J. Tremble visit - www.lifechangingbooks.net
Bedroom Gangsta
by J. Tremble
Seven, a gorgeous, retired exotic dancer is fed up with her broke and boring lifestyle. The dreams promised by her husband,
Bryce aren’t coming true, and Seven’s heart longs for the endless supply of cash she was forced to give up. When the bills aren’t getting paid and they soon face eviction, Seven wants to return to her old ways, but Bryce refuses.
However, unbeknownst to him, Seven has a scheme up her sleeve that involves something he’d never expect. Once the money starts to flow, vows are eventually broken, and unconditional love gets put to the test.
Bedroom Gangsta J. Tremble Excerpt
Bryce caught his wife smiling and laughing. “Seven, are you finally gonna share what you’re so happy about?” he asked.
“I was just thinking back to a conversation that I had earlier with an old co-worker from back in the day,” Seven answered.
“It must’ve been a good one judging by the size of the grin on your face.”
Seven smiled again then used the butter knife to spread peanut butter on one of the slices of bread. “So, what’s going on with the money and the bills? Will the rent be paid or are we gonna be homeless?”
Bryce let out a long sigh. “Baby, don’t worry yourself with the rent money. I’m working on it. I still have some other possibilities that might pan out. I’ll make a way. You’ll never have to worry about being homeless.”
Kitty-Kitty, Bang-Bang by Cairo Sequel to The Kat Trap
Erotic Fiction
It was her cutthroat ambition and ruthlessness that got Katrina—or Kat for short, out of the hood and on top of her game. Once a murderer on a seductive prowl with two missions in mind—satisfying her insatiable libido and killing unsuspecting marks—Katrina has lain down her guns. Having once used her alluring charm and exotic beauty to lure men to their deaths, Katrina has had a change of heart.
She’s settled for a simpler life and traveling, partying, and shopping have become her only guilty pleasures. In addition, she’s avoiding relationships and men like the plague. For her, life couldn’t be any sweeter—at least that’s what she wants to believe.
But, when drama rears its ugly head, Katrina returns with a vengeance. There’s the issue of confronting her ex-friend who she learned had slept with an old boyfriend. Then there are her three aunts—who are angry with how she treated her mother. And now she has to face her family, her demons, and the woman behind them—reopening old wounds, trying to mend new ones. Ultimately Kat has a new mission: to find the man behind her mother’s death and serve him up a dish of her own justice the only way she knows how—with a bullet to his head.
The Kat Trap by Cairo
Ghetto-born and street-raised, Katrina- or Kat for short, is a self-proclaimed hood goddess. With her in your-face razor-sharp attitude, alluring charm, and exotic beauty, Katrina is vivacious, vicious, and unsuspectingly dangerous. Detached from her emotions, she has no time for regrets. The product of a neglectful mother and an incarcerated father, Katrina is willing to do whatever it takes to climb- or kill- her way out of the hood.
Calculated and cunning, Katrina already has two bodies on her hands by the ripe age of twenty. When a mysterious man invites her to join his multi-million dollar "work-for-hire" network of professional assassins, it becomes the opportunity of a lifetime. The first female killer on his team, she travels all over the United States and fulfills the bloody requests of her every client. With each murder, Katrina feels more and more powerful- killing turns out to be an addictive aphrodisiac for her and the rush of violence is the only thing that satisfies her insatiable libido. Before killing each victim, Katrina tempts them with her irresistible delectable charms- and not one of them can resist.
Share this spirit filled issue with at least 10 friends and co-workers.
Would you like to be a guest blogger? We are now seeking virtual tour stops! If you want to be added as a stop on our literary tours, contact
me today. Just email Ella Curry with any questions or comments
at: elladcurry@edc-creations.com.
New
York Times bestselling author Mary B. Morrison believes that women should
shape their own destiny. Born in Aurora, IL, and raised in New Orleans, LA, she
took a chance and quit her near six-figure government job to self-publish her
first book, Soulmates Dissipate, in 2000 and begin her literary career.
New York Times bestselling author Mary “HoneyB” Morrison,
with millions of fans, has established herself in the publishing world with
novels that bring the soulful, sexy, and totally uncensored voice of black women
to readers everywhere.
Mary “HoneyB” Morrison has published sixteen novels, including her
newest release, The Eternal Engagement, to be released on July 26, 2011 by
Dafina Books, an imprint of Kensington Publishing Corp. Writing under the pen
name HoneyB, Morrison released Single Husbands and Married on Mondays
with Grand Central Publishing. In her novels, Mary addresses relationships,
sexuality, and social issues in entertaining and thought-provoking ways.
Mary’s books have appeared on numerous bestseller lists, and she’s a
frequent contributor to The Michael Baisden Show.
Leslie Small (producer and director) along with Jeff Clanagan (producer/CEO of
Codeblack Entertainment) will be at 15th Annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF),
with New York Times bestselling author Mary “HoneyB” Morrison to announce
their seven-picture deal based on Morrison’s Soulmates Dissipate series. This
is the first of seven films to be produced by Clanagan, Small, Morrison, Jesse
Byrd, Jr., and Dawn C. Mallory that will be based on the author’s works. With
the announcement of this feature film deal, Mary will blaze a sizzling new trail
by bringing to film stories of the African American experience that have made
her one of the most poignant and popular authors writing today.
For more details, visit Mary online at www.marymorrison.com.
BPM: What advice would you give women pursuing their own
dreams or struggling with the decision whether to take a risk to change their
lives or careers in some way?
Eddie Murphy inspired me tremendously. I haven’t met him yet but I saw him
during his standup RAW tour in Oakland years ago and he said, “In order to
move forward in life you must let go and never look back.” I took his advice
when I quit my near six-figure Federal government job in 2000. I could’ve
taken a leave of absence from my job just in case I didn’t make it as a
writer. I could’ve kept my job while I was writing.
If a woman is a full-time employee, single-mother or wife constantly cooking,
cleaning, and daydreaming about what if she didn’t have to wear so many hats
she could do what she really wanted to do, then that’s the woman I’d tell,
“Stop putting your needs and desires last.” As Russell Simmons
says, ‘Do You.’ If you struggle to do everything, you risk doing
nothing well. Let go of the things and the people blocking your
blessings so you can grow. Confront your deepest inner fears knowing
that you are worthy of greatness.” Life is filled with risks. In
order to succeed you must take chances, have faith, and believe that the Creator
will provide all that you need.
Behind the Pen: Meet Monique
Miller
Monique Miller is a native of North Carolina. She is a member of the Divine
Literary Tour (DLT) a non-profit organization which brings together Black Greek
Authors from across the nation for a cross-country tour to promote literacy.
Monique's creative writing landed her a placement in the 2003 Black Expressions
Book Club's Annual Fiction Writing Contest. Monique’s novels include Quiet
As It’s Kept, Redemption Lake, Soul Confessions and Secret Sisterhood.
Monique lives in North Carolina with her family.
BPM: How did you initially break into the publishing industry? How do you
feel about self-publishing?
Miller: My advice to writers is to network with other writers and like minded
people. I have met many people who were aspiring writers like me and have since
gotten book deals. My break into the industry happened because of some
networking I was doing. An author friend of mine submitted my manuscript for me
and I was blessed to have it chosen.
Self-publishing
can be an avenue for writers who want to self-publish, or for people who have
not gotten a book deal with a publisher. It is my belief that when someone
self-publishes they need to make sure their work is the best quality work they
can put out there, from the cover, to the editing and so on. A self-published
work shouldn’t look like it is self-published. An author with some of the best
self-published work I’ve seen is Trice Hickman.
Fiction Writers
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out our Black Pearls Magazine blog and online newsletter for the latest literary news and
events. Explore
the newsletter
here today.
Paige
Donahue has always resented her sister, Camille. As children, Camille got the
good grades, friends, and their parents’ love, while Paige received hurtful
criticism and no real affection. Now, as adults, Camille lives in a gorgeous
home with her husband, Pierce, and their two beautiful children, while Paige is
stuck in a small condo she can barely pay for. But enough is enough, and
soon—by planting seeds of doubt in Camille’s and Pierce’s
minds—Paige’s plan of stealing her brother-in-law begins to work perfectly.
Until Pierce makes a stunning decision and drives Paige to an even more
desperate scheme…
Book excerpt from SECRET
OBSESSION
by Kimberla Lawson Roby
Paige Donohue glanced around the elegant dining room and literally wanted to
die. She hated visiting her sister, she hated all that Camille had been blessed
with, and most important, she hated her. In fact, she always had, ever since
childhood, thanks to the way their parents had doted on Camille and treated her
like she was just a bit more precious. They’d gone out of their way,
confirming the idea that Camille was the better daughter, their golden child so
to speak, and that Paige was the very least of their worries. They’d even as
much as told Paige this very thing on several different occasions—maybe not
directly, of course, but their actions had made their feelings dreadfully clear.
Such as the
time when she’d turned sixteen, and they’d told her how they simply
couldn’t afford to give her the same pricey, sweet sixteen party they’d
given Camille, just two years before, since they now had to save all their money
for Camille’s graduation gala. Worse, they’d never even apologized for it
and had merely expected Paige to accept their decision. They’d expected her to
do the same thing she’d been forced to do when they’d purchased Camille that
brand new SUV right before she’d left for college but had convinced Paige that
there was nothing wrong with driving her sister’s hand-me-down, ten-year-old
Camry when she’d graduated—that is, since Paige would only be traveling ten
miles down the road to a junior college.
It was true
that Camille had done much better than Paige in high school, and yes, Camille
had practically breezed through Marquette with honors, and right after, had
immediately been hired by one of Chicago’s top advertising firms. But had that
given George and Maxine Donahue the right to treat their younger daughter like
she didn’t matter? Had it been okay for them to boast about Camille’s high
accomplishments to anyone who would listen and then constantly compare those
accomplishments to all that Paige had failed at? Had it been okay for them to
insist that maybe if Paige had been just a tad more like Camille, they’d have
been a lot prouder of her?
Even today, Paige still hadn’t forgiven them, doubted she ever would, and
pretty much kept her distance. From her parents, anyway, because when it came to
Camille, Paige had always visited her regularly and never let on how she truly
felt about her—not once. They did everything sisters should do together, and
Paige went out of her way letting Camille know that she loved her and would give
her life for her if she had to. She’d done all of this for years because she
needed her sister to love and trust her completely. She needed her to trust her
so much, that she would never suspect what was coming. Paige had denied herself
for fifteen agonizing years, partly because she didn’t want to hurt Crystal
and PJ, her adorable niece and nephew, but as of a few months ago, they’d
turned ten and twelve, respectively—meaning they were older and wiser and
would handle things a lot better now. They would still be hurt, that much she
knew for sure, but not devastated.
Paige smiled at her sister, then at her flawless-looking brother-in-law, Pierce,
and then at the children. She lifted one of the freshly-baked dinner rolls from
the basket, set it back onto the table and pretended she couldn’t be happier.
“So, how’s business this month?” Camille asked Paige, referring to
the public relations firm Paige had founded shortly after being laid off from
her previous job.
“Not bad. I’m still working with my three ongoing clients, and I just
contracted two short-term clients a couple of days ago.”
“That’s really great, sis,” Camille said and Paige could tell Camille was
genuinely happy for her. Too bad Paige could barely stand the sight of her—too
bad Paige envied everything about her sister, including her beautiful, extremely
thick, off-black, shoulder length hair and her ridiculously-toned,
five-foot-ten-inch frame. Even sitting down, there was no mistaking how
statuesque and attractive Camille was, and suddenly, Paige felt ill. So much so,
she wanted to leave. But she knew escaping the situation wouldn’t help her,
and she pulled herself together.
“I think it’s wonderful how you were able to start your own business and
find so much success with it,” Pierce said. “Truly impressive.”
Book Review written by
Ann Stephens
Rate: 5-stars
One of the lucky people that won this book as a pre- release. As with all
Kimberla Lawson Roby books this was an excellent read!!!
Book Review written by
Monique Real Page Turners
Rate: 4-stars
I won a pre-release copy of this novella and I'm so glad I did. Secrets destroy
but the truth shall set you free. Great read.
Lutishia
Lovely dishes up a decadent helping of love, lust, greed, and secrecy in this
riveting tale of a family's soul food dynasty...
Life is good for the Livingstons. Business is booming, Taste of Soul
restaurant is launching a West Coast division, and Bianca Livingston and her
brother, Jefferson, are vying to head it up—which means their long simmering
rivalry is about to boil over...
Having completed a culinary course in Paris—along with a hot love
affair—Bianca feels more than ready to take the reins in L.A. Her parents'
insistence that she marry a man of their choosing only fuels her ambition.
Jefferson is hoping the position will free him to be with the secret L.A. love
his family would never approve of. But the two soon realize that between their
meddling cousin, Toussaint, and the return of an enemy bent on crushing the
Livingston empire, they aren't the only ones in this competition. And when
company money mysteriously starts disappearing, they'll find it's hard to run a
business when no one can mind their own...
Chapter One from Mind
Your Own Business
"Why can't a woman be on top?" Bianca Livingston demanded,
tossing shoulder-length, straightened hair over her shoulder. She stood over her
older brother as if ready to strike, looking totally capable of kicking butts
and taking names. Her quick smile, short stature, and girly frame had caused
many men to underestimate her—to their peril. But anyone seeing her
now—shoulders back, hands on hips, her perfectly tailored black suit and
four-inch heels adding to her aura of power—would believe her capable of
running almost anything. "I'm as qualified to run the West Coast division
as you are, even more so, matter of fact."
"You're
qualified to run the kitchen, maybe," her older brother retorted. Jefferson
suppressed a smile. He'd taunted his sister from birth, and he did so now. Her
fiery personality was the perfect foil for his laid-back teasing. But even with
his ongoing provocations, this time Jefferson's antics masked the seriousness of
his quest. He had every intention of being the Livingston who moved to LA to
establish the Taste of Soul restaurants both there and in Nevada.
But unlike most
Livingstons, he didn't like confrontation or competition. He'd quietly made his
bid to step away from his cushy position in the finance department to run the
West the same way he cooked his ribs: low and slow. "Isn't that why
you spent the last nine months in Paris?" he queried to underscore his
point. "Learning the fine art of cooking so that you could give our soul
food some class?"
Actually, Bianca had fled to Paris to get away from the chain around her neck
otherwise known as fiancé Cooper Riley, Jr. But only one other person knew this
truth—her cousin, Toussaint Livingston. Initially, forestalling the marriage
everyone else believed was a fait accompli was also why she'd expressed interest
in running the West Coast locations. But now, after months of talking with
Toussaint, who, besides being her confidant and a Food Network star, was also
the ambitious brainchild behind their company expanding out West, Bianca wanted
to relocate to put her mark on the Livingston dynasty and make the West Coast
Taste of Soul restaurants shine.
Non-fiction
Writers
Please explore all the books on the sidebars,
click on all the links and most of all, share what you learn today with your
network. I so appreciate every person that visits Black Pearls. Enjoy this special magazine designed with each of you in
mind.
The Resurrection of Nat Turner
Part 1 The Witnesses: A Novel
by Sharon Ewell Foster
The truth has been buried more than one hundred years . . .
Leading a small army of slaves, Nat Turner was a man born with a mission: to set the captives free. When words failed, he ignited an uprising that left over fifty whites dead. In the predawn hours of August 22, 1831, Nat Turner stormed into history with a Bible in one hand, brandishing a sword in the other. His rebellion shined a national spotlight on slavery and the state of Virginia and divided a nation’s trust. Turner himself became a lightning rod for abolitionists like Harriet Beecher Stowe and a terror and secret shame for slave owners.
In The Resurrection of Nat Turner, Part 1: The Witnesses, Nat Turner’s story is revealed through the eyes and minds of slaves and masters, friends and foes. In their words is the truth of the mystery and conspiracy of Nat Turner’s life, death, and confession.
The Resurrection of Nat Turner spans more than sixty years, sweeping from the majestic highlands of Ethiopia to the towns of Cross Keys and Jerusalem in Southampton County. Using extensive research, Sharon Ewell Foster breaks hallowed ground in this epic novel, revealing long-buried secrets about this tragic hero.
Part One: The Witnesses is being touted as Roots meets The Da Vinci Code.
Everything We Know about Nat Turner is based on Lies!
Mighty words, but after five years of extensive research, author Sharon Ewell Foster disproves the primary historical document, Thomas Gray's 1831 The Confessions of Nat Turner, on the only successful slave revolt in American history.
FACTS:
• 2011 marks the 150-year anniversary of the Civil War and Nat Turner's significance to that historical event.
• November 11, 2011 marks the 180-year anniversary of Nat Turner's execution. He was hung, beheaded, skinned, and his skeleton sequestered to a doctor's office "so he wouldn't come back."
• Thomas Gray was NOT Nat Turner's lawyer. Gray was not mentioned anywhere in the trial's transcripts.
• The only thing Nat Turner confessed was ... INNOCENCE! Trial transcripts confirm that Nat Turner pled "Innocent."
The Resurrection of Nat Turner, Part 2: The Testimony: A Novel
Coming Soon- February 7, 2012
The sequel to The Resurrection of Nat Turner, Part I: The Witnesses shows the story of Nat Turner through his own eyes, from growing up a slave through his violent uprising and death. In the predawn hours of August 22, 1831, slave Nat Turner stormed into history with a Bible in one hand and a sword in the other. Leading a small army of fellow slaves in an uprising that left more than fifty whites dead, Turner became a tragic hero and a lightning rod for abolitionists. His rebellion put Virginia in the national spotlight and tore a nation’s trust.
In Part 2: The Testimony, relates the whole story—from Turner’s early slave years with his Ethiopian-born mother through the uprising, his trial, and hanging—from Nat’s perspective. It’s a story full of greed and betrayal, faith and courage, villains and heroes.
In Part 1: The Witnesses, Harriet Beecher Stowe encounters a mysterious runaway slave who recounts stories of people who knew Nat Turner, both friends and enemies. In their words are the truth of the mystery and conspiracy of Turner’s life, death, and confession.
The Resurrection of Nat Turner Part Two: The Testimony is available for pre-order now!
About the Author
Sharon Ewell Foster
is a critically acclaimed, award-winning author, speaker, and teacher. She is the author of Passing by Samaria, the first successful work of Christian fiction by an African American author, and six other works of fiction. Sharon is a Christy Award-winning author whose books have earned her a loyal following that crosses market, gender, and racial boundaries. She regularly receives starred book reviews—which is a rarity among writers—and is winner of the Christy Award, the Gold Pen Award, Best of Borders, and several reviewers’ choice awards.
For interviews, speaking engagements, Nat Turner Truth Tour & Sessions, or review copies, contact:
Stanice Anderson of Anderson & Tucker. Email: Stanice@AndersonTucker.com
The Bank of Self-Worth
by Ki Mani Divine
Self devaluation comes from the deposit of shame, guilt and compromising personal integrity into the bank of self-worth.
Whenever I have made a decision that went against my gut instinct or core value I devalued my self-wroth. Each time I do this I withdraw from the bank of self and became decreased in my self-value until my bank became deficient. This deficiency shows up in my life as lack of funds, not enough-ness in love and affection and self imposed starvation. I of course know my worth is more than I have been accepting so then I deposit the false currency of shame into the bank of self-worth because when I feel worthless shame is an acceptable substitute to love.
Accepting the valueless currency of shame in to my bank of self-worth lets me write the checks of guilt to the world because I know what I am giving is a valueless currency of non self-worth. When I use this currency in my interaction with the world I am compromising my personal integrity which in turn continues to deposit shame into my bank of self worth to write the checks of guilt and the compromise of my integrity. This is a viscous cycle.
In order to break the cycle I must first stop writing bad checks. When I am writing a check it is to get something which I desire, love, respect, attention, sex, etc...... First order of business is to stop all action and sit down and create a budget. This means that I will have to live off of whatever deposits of love I have inside. If I am emotionally bankrupt then I will stop the spending of emotional funds that I do not have until I have sufficient funds to withdraw from. It may appear to others that I no longer give and am only taking, taking, taking but I will instill trust into my bank of self-worth by being honest with myself about what I can spend right now.
Once I see what I am bringing in I can look clearly at the currency and see it clearly says "In God I TRUST." I realize that, that is the currency I can bank on and deposit. I can make that a daily deposit into my account of self-worth. Through acceptance and work that instills value and self-worth I can budget what I can expend and value my "self" enough not to go beyond my budget. I will reinvest my dividends into more self-worth and value and before you know it I will have a bank account that is worth billions. I live from the overflow of love that is inside and invaluable.
Thought For Today:
When I compromise my integrity I make my-self valueless. When I feel valueless I deposit shame and withdraw guilt. When I spend from guilt I reinvest worthlessness.
Today's Affirmation:
I recognize behaviors, thought patterns and beliefs that support self-worth and self-love. I deposit only the emotional, physical and spiritual currency that is
"In God I Trust" and accept no counterfeits.
To become a follower of Ki Mani's spiritual articles, affirmations and prayers, please visit her Blog Spot:
http://kimanidivine.blogspot.com.
Ki Mani Prays - A Prayer for Guidance
The infinite Expression of life is my expression right now. It is God that is this Expression moving through my very being. Whenever I am in need of direction and guidance I turn toward the inner compass of the All knowing indwelling presence of the Christ within and receive the answers to my questions. I do this through prayer. I do this through meditation. I do this through daily readings of words and affirmations that uplift my spirit. I also do this through the action of inaction.
The bible says to "be still and know" in this stillness I know I am led and guided in the direction that is in alignment with my higher self, my holy-self.
This "Self" is connected to the Divine and has not nor ever can be severed from Gods grace. This
"Self" has never felt the pain of loss or the fear of insecurity.
This "Self" knows her/his place in the Kingdom and is always in communication and communion with God. I surrender my questions now to this "Self" I surrender my thoughts and ideas, and everything I am unsure about to this "Self" and follow the directions that are given. I make it my daily intention to check-in with God and surrender my will to thy will so that earth will be a reflection of heaven. I accept the possibility of experiencing heaven right now. I acknowledge it is the fathers' great pleasure to give me the desires of my heart. I seek to always be in alignment and trust now that my source is leading the way. God is my guide and I am guided in the direction of my highest good for good. Amen
Second Chance: Working Women
Return to School
By Dr. Daryl D. Green
With the economic downturn, many individuals are turning to
universities to retool their skills and abilities to become more attractive to
employers. With roughly 15 million people unemployed, people are looking for new
job strategies.
According to the U.S. Department of Education, approximately
90 million individuals participate in some form of adult education each year,
including training and basic education offered outside of traditional higher
education. Yet, non-traditional students make up the fastest population of those
returning to school.
In fact, 40% of American college students (almost 6 million people) are 25 years
of age or older. This article examines practical and proven strategies to better
assist working women in their transition to higher education.
Economic Plight
Economic troubles make career planning more difficult. Since November 2009,
America has lost 7.2 million jobs, with the unemployment rate topping 10%.
Companies have shed 11,000 workers from their payroll. State agencies have had
to lay off or furlough workers. Millions of Americans are now waiting longer for
food stamps, unemployment checks, and disability payments. Margaret Simms of the
Urban Institute notes, "The length of the recession clearly has put a
strain on the resources that states bring to bear." Therefore,
our lives continue to unravel as things we depend on disintegrate before our
eyes.
Today's women comprise more than half of the labor force. According to the U.S.
Labor Bureau, mothers with older children (6 to 17 years of age) are more likely
to participate in the labor force than mothers with younger children (under 6
years of age). Furthermore, unmarried mothers have higher participation
rates than married mothers.
Sarita
Mandanna is from Coorg, the stunning setting of Tiger Hills. Often described
as the ‘Scotland of India’, beautiful Coorg is famous for its hills and
coffee plantations, and Sarita’s family traces roots here for centuries.
Sarita has an MBA from Wharton, and was a private equity investor in New York
before moving to Toronto in 2010.Tiger Hills is her debut novel. Long-listed for
the 2011 Man Asian Literary Prize, it is being translated into 14 languages
world-wide.
BPM: What makes you powerful as a person and a writer?
Determination. Each of us has it within ourselves to realize our passions.
Writing Tiger Hills was an act of obsession for me. It took five years, working
on the “night shift” – 11 PM through 3 or 4AM virtually every day, while
working during the day as a private equity investor. The only thing that kept me
going was the determination to finish the story and to tell it in the best
possible way I knew how.
BPM: What compelled you to write your book, Tiger Hills?
I began writing about 7 years ago, after a particularly trying week at work.
Wanting to do something entirely different and non-numbers driven for a change,
I came home, booted up my laptop and began to write. Those initial paragraphs
became a short story, and I found that I enjoyed that process so much that I
wrote six more. That was the start, to jumping off the deep end and trying my
hand at a novel.
WHERE WILL YOUR
JOURNEY TO MONEY
AND MARRIAGE LEAD YOU?
by Taffy Wagner, DMin
We’ve
all heard the story about how many young women have dreamed about their wedding
day (keyword – wedding) for as long as they can remember. Mind you not every
woman has that dream but there are many that do end up in that category. Let me
assure you, I was the woman that didn’t fall into that category.
I was raised by a single mother who did it all and as a matter of fact, for the
longest time my desire was to be a single mom. Why? She made it look somewhat
easy even though we had times of struggle. My mom doesn’t hesitate in telling
me in how she prayed to God that desire would be taken away because she knew
from personal experience it was a HARD road.
As a young woman out on my own and having grown up in a single parent household,
I would be careful in choosing a lifelong mate. Hmmm, yes I was quite naïve
when it came to dating. Having served in the military for eight years and
watching dear friends in relationships with money situations, having been in a
few relationships of my own and then returning to the civilian community… the
lessons to be learned were many.
Looking back, I realize the journey of money and marriage can start at a very
early age. It doesn’t start when you are standing there at the altar in front
of your future spouse. This journey truly begins when you are single, living
life on your own and making financial decisions whether good or bad because that
financial history follows you into marriage. Let’s be honest, that is where
the “honeymoon can come to a screeching halt”. Did you hear
those tires as you read that?
How you handle paying your bills? What has been your history with credit
cards? Are you a proponent of buying now and paying later on “borrowed
money” when you are not even promised a job tomorrow? How many couples in your
family or close friends have you witnessed getting divorced because of money?
Did you vow to yourself that if you ever got married, your marriage would not
end up like that?
You may be reading this, already married and having experienced some financial
issues that you wouldn’t wish on anyone. Would you be brave enough to share
those lessons or do you remain silent while your sister or niece who’s the
bride ignores obvious red flags when it comes to money and her fiancé. It’s a
known fact that money is one of the top three reasons for divorce, so why
aren’t more people talking about it prior to marriage? FEAR! Fear does a lot
to family members, friends and even colleagues – it will keep them from
sharing the truth and watching some marriages take place that shouldn’t or
ones that should be delayed if the hard topics were discussed.
Money talk throughout marriage is a lifestyle. It is not a one time
conversation. When couples stand before their designated wedding officiator,
taking the vows “For Richer or For Poorer” are probably the most serious
vows they could take. Yet, in this day and time husbands and wives are focusing
more on “I” instead of “we” or what’s best for “US” as a unit.
Where will your journey to money and marriage lead you? For those of you
that have dreamed about your wedding or even your son or daughter’s wedding, I
have a question for you? Have you ever dreamed about their marriage? Share with
me what that looks like, especially when it comes to money and marriage. Stay
tuned because next we will continue this journey together at the point of
engagement!
About Taffy Wagner, DMin and Certified Educator in Personal Finances
Dr. Wagner is the author of Bride and Groom Money Talk FAQ, Debt Dilemma and
Homebuyer’s Helper (How to Have and Hold on to your House). She is also a
premarital and post-marital financial counselor that conducts seminars on
personal finances. Wagner is the financial advisor for www.Blackbride.com
and financial columnist for Weddzilla.com. She is available to speak at
seminars, conferences and small groups. You can contact her through her site at www.BrideandGroommoneytalk.com
Consequences of Loving Freely
in 2011
by C. J. Hudson
Your head starts to spin. Your throat gets dry and your
entire life flashes before your eyes. For months you’ve ignored the nagging
cough that has persisted. Then, after finally deciding to go to the doctor,
reality gut punches you as the doctor informs you that you are HIV positive.
After the numbness wears off, you start to wonder who you contracted the deadly
virus from. For all intents and purposes, you have just been handed a death
sentence. Then you leave out of the doctor’s office wondering when it will
turn into full blown AIDS.
It is estimated that more than one million people are living with HIV in the
USA and that more than half a million have died after developing AIDS.
Every year, hundreds of thousands of people die from complications due to AIDS.
African Americans accounted for the largest proportion of people living with an
AIDS diagnosis in 2008 at 42.6%. It has pretty much ripped the heart from the
family structured environment that was so prevalent in earlier years.
Now, in the year 2011, it is more important than ever to be careful. With all
the information available via the Internet, pamphlets, and magazines, there is
no reason not to be educated. Even urban fiction novels are starting to get the
message out. One very educational, as well as entertaining book is my new
release Next Door Nympho. I take you on a journey detailing the dangers
of being promiscuous. Next Door Nympho shows readers that sex can be the
most dangerous form of pleasure if not taken seriously.
Unfortunately, the unprotected sex boom shows no signs of slowing down. Until
we start looking at this crippling disease through concerned eyes, we will
continue to crumble under its deadly hand. I think we can all agree that most of
us like sex. But the thing that we need to remember, now-a-days, is that sex is
no longer safe. Back in the old days if you had unprotected sex, Gonorrhea was
the most common disease you would catch. You would go to the doctor and get
either a shot in the behind or some penicillin pills to get cured. HIV/AIDS has
no cure. You can’t go to the doctor and get a shot to clear it up. All you can
do is take the medication that is prescribed for you and wait for the disease to
claim your life.
Wealthy & Wicked
by Chris Renee
Tracey Robbins has it all: money, successful, business, and a closet a girl would kill for.
St. Louis is her playground as everybody who wants to be somebody tries desperately to be in her circle.
However, living the young, black, and privileged life comes with perks that could turn the purest hearts wicked, just for a chance to be like her.
The unannounced arrival of Tez, a sexy seemingly no good thug, sends her life in a downward spiral that no one saw coming.
Soon after, she finds herself the center of a devious plan to ruin her life.
Betrayal runs deep as the people the closest to her begin to show their true colors.
With her back against the wall, she finds love in an unlikely pair of arms.
Will that love be enough to save her, or will she remain lost in the pursuit of wealth?
Zaria is back and more ruthless than ever in this sequel to One Night Stand.
Part 2 of this series holds nothing back as she navigates through this back-stabbing, cold world.
On the run, Zaria first has to develop a street-savvy mentality and then uses her body and new look to survive the rough streets of Philadelphia, PA.
Convinced that all men are dogs and responsible for ruining her life, she holds a deep hatred inside, but lives in the lapse of luxury behind the gates of a wealthy man s home.
Zaria quickly transforms into survival mode, and plays the sexy newcomer into her web of deceit.
A note to every man on earth...Zaria is unstoppable and searching for you!
Vanessa
is a character that demands every man’s attention from the time she enters the
room until the time she leaves. She’s bold, sexy and exciting. If men don’t
give her attention, then Vanessa goes into show time mode and all exhibitionist
acts are on the table. Vanessa will do things so outrageously sexy she makes
sure every man in the room can not resist! They will all stand at attention and
hoping they have strong zippers to contain the salutes. Vanessa is one of the
most interesting characters from China Ball’s “Eleven Months of
Hell” trilogy.
Vanessa is the bad girl that does what most women only dream they could do.
Vanessa wants to tell her story, and she starts from the very beginning. She
states she comes from a family of whores. Yet most of the women leave the
profession and go on to get an education to better their lives. Vanessa has been
in every book of the HELL trilogy and was a very good friend to the main
character Mercedes. Vanessa has read the books and agrees that she did all that
Mercedes said she did, but is very disappointed that Mercedes didn't exactly
tell things like they really went down.
Vanessa states, “I wasn’t born this way, I was made this way, and you’ll
have to read my story to figure out why I am the way that I am. Plus I am a
survivor, just like Mercedes and I credit her for the most successful side of
me, because before her I never met anyone that had a positive goal in life. I
want to give and receive pleasure from every man I choose. China’s version of
my life story sugar coats what I am and all that I want to be. Now I’m telling
my own story in my own words.
“Enough is enough” and I want all of you women to read and enjoy my story.
You can’t help but to find me NASTY or SEXY (What Ever)!! You know you want to
read about all that I do especially on all those lonely nights when you didn’t
get the call you wanted. Let me give you a hand or anything to relieve you from
your pent up frustrations.”
Read I AM VANESSA and form your own opinions. Just know that Vanessa
really doesn't care what anyone thinks because she lives to shock and tempt all
that lay eyes on her. Watch out you might be next!!
Intimate Conversation with China Ball
China Ball is the author of four novels. Her first novel Eleven Months of Hell was her debut novel in 2008. Each novel has been invited by the NAACP to participate in the Image Awards. Ms. Ball is a honorable disabled veteran from the United States Navy, earned her Bachelor’s of Arts degree from Norfolk State University and her Masters in Science at Central Michigan University. Miss Ball is a lady of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc.
BPM: How did you initially break into the publishing industry? What road did you travel? How do you feel about self-publishing?
I broke into the publishing industry by a need. The need was to self publish so I could release my novel. So many people were trying to get contracts and had thousands and kept getting rejection letters because the company or agent did not like their work, compelled me to self-publish. I realize that some of the people, who submitted their stories, were actually very good, but the agent, publisher, editor did not like the story, and another great story was trashed. Not having the time for several rejection letters, I chose the self publishing route, that way I could see if my work really was good or not. Fortunately I had a great supporter that encouraged me and believed in my work and fourth months after my first book was released I got an email from the NAACP inviting me to be in the Image Awards as a participant. At that point, I knew I had done the right thing.
Self publishing is a godsend. I will admit, some people do not really have the passion and just want to get paid, but for those that love writing, want to tell your story and believe you are really good at it, this is a way they can break into the industry without any prejudices or bias opinions about your work.
BPM: Tell us about your journey becoming a successfully published author. Do you have anyone in your life that was heavily influential in your deciding to become an author?
Actually it took some gentle prodding to get me to actually write my first book. I always loved reading and writing in journals, or just on my laptop computer. My fiancée would listen to my stories, and noticed I like to write so he encouraged me to put some of my stories in a book. I shared a lot of my stories with him and other friends, and he said, “You know, you’re a great story teller, you love to read and write and some of your stories would be great, especially for other people that have walked in your shoes or something similar. What got me was when he said, it’d almost be like your own personal ministry and testimonies to others. I was shy about it, and hated competing with other authors, but after I figured he wasn’t going to let up on me, I decided to write the book, and I’m glad I did. Writing gives me so much pleasure.
BPM: What books or authors made a difference in your life?
The first adult novel I read was “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” by Maya Angelou. I was very young at the time, and had not experience much in my life, but the book was profound, enlightening and that is what gave me the desire and inspiration to write my own stories. Then later Terry McMillan’s novels were so real and true to life, and this really encouraged me to write my stories, because I enjoyed each tremendously and could identify and relate with the stories.
BPM: What are some of the benefits of being an author that makes it all worthwhile?
To actually write stories and have people read and enjoy them is my biggest joy for all my work. Knowing that is my work, my ideas, and my creativity, from the cover to the end is self gratification. Each time a read contacts me to let me know how much they enjoyed my work and wanting to know when the next novel will be released lets me know my work is appreciated. This is a true blessing to actually do what I really love and have a passion for.
BPM: Do you have any advice for people seeking to publish a book?
My advice is to go with your passion. If the story that is inside you is about to burst let it go onto paper and pursue your dream. Do not get discouraged if you are going the traditional route and cannot find a publishing company to give you a contract. If it’s your passion and you want your story told, then publish it yourself. Just know it’s a lot of work and not to mention costly, but in the end it will be worth it to see your story finally published will be worth the struggle. Right now the publishing/literary industry is suffering from the hard economic times that we are experiencing, mainly because books are
discretionary items, which are not necessarily needed. But there are a lot of readers that will not give up their pleasure of reading and will continue to buy and read books. I do believe when the economic recession/depression ends books will rebound again.
BPM: If you were not a writer, what would you be? What are you passionate about, besides writing books?
I would probably be a librarian or something in the arts . I've never have been the type of person to like to be in the front of the scene so it would definitely be something behind the
scenes. I’ve always wanted to write and wanted to make it a career. But I was discouraged because so many people told me it was competitive, that the industry didn’t like non-traditional work, etc. I earned a Bachelors of Arts degree in Journalism but did not pursue it because the pay was less than I was making at the Post Office, and being a single parent with bills to pay, I had to set my dreams apart and survive for myself and my son. It almost took me a life time to pursue my passion, and I am so happy I did. I might never be a millionaire, but I feel blessed to have this opportunity to write my own books.
BPM: Introduce us to your book and the main characters. Do you have any favorites? What genre is the book? On Kindle or Nook?
“I AM VANESSA” is a character from my first three books that was friends to the main character Mercedes. In my Eleven Months of Hell Series, Vanessa is a very close friend of the main character Mercedes. Although the friends are very different they have a loyal friendship, Vanessa wants the world to know the real her, so now that the Eleven Months of Hell trilogy is now complete she wants to tell her own story in her own way. Vanessa was born into a family of whores, and as there are no men in her family tree, at least none that will admit their role in the legacy.
The main character is Vanessa, her mother Celia, her grandmother Hattie and her father Steven. There is a host of other characters that are in her story; the main characters are what make Vanessa who she is. This book is a fictional story based on a real life person that I know. The person got a huge kick out of people reading about her character and asking about her in the Eleven Months of Hell series, and this is how this book came to light, with complete confidentially to her real person. The book is available on Kindle Nook and Smashwords.
BPM: What inspired you to write this book? Why now? Ever experience writers block?
The curiosity of the readers is what inspired me to write I AM Vanessa. Several readers wanted to know what happened to Vanessa, is she a real person, what is she doing now, etc. The person I based this story on this book wanted it published, because she wanted to know if there are other people like her and what they think of her. Although I did not experience writers block with I AM Vanessa I do experience it. I experience writers block often. Mainly because I have so many things distraction me that need my attention and must complete, and sometimes I just shut down.
BPM: Are any scenes from the book borrowed from your world or your experiences?
I would say 75 percent of the scenes have been borrowed from my world and experience. One particular scene is where Vanessa has gone on leave back to the United States for Christmas Holidays. The military people overseas, like to come back overseas with the latest style, clothes, and music that the people from their area are rocking to impress everyone that are curious about what's going on the the United States. But due to her mother throwing her out of the house and not letting her get all her purchases she has to go back with nothing new. So she dyed her hair platinum blonde because that was the style of all the girls from her hometown. I remember this
vividly because I noticed she had the same clothes and shoes and nothing new, and then I found out the real story.
BPM: In writing your novels, how do you develop the plot? Did you have difficulty keeping the story on point? How much research was required, if any?
Before I write the story, I know the message I want to deliver. I develop the story by the message I want the reader to receive after reading the story. Normally I keep the story on the point, because I’ve thought about the subject for a while and I know exactly what I want to say and how I want to end it. Because some of my stories are in a different era, sometimes I do research to relate to what was going on back in that time period, such as the songs, the President, the style and the trends.
BPM: Who do you want to reach with your book and the message enclosed?
I would like younger women to read this story, because when Vanessa became wild as some people would say, it was not
readily accepted by her peers as it is now. Maybe they will see themselves and choose a different way to be who they are. I basically write stories about women and the message I want to reach to the readers is that they are not alone and some of the things they’ve experience is not unique. I would like for them to see how these women dealt with their issues whether is was positive or negative so that the reader can make a choice.
BPM: What should readers DO after reading this book?
Take a look at a woman, especially a young woman that is similar to Vanessa and try to understand her. Vanessa does not care what people think of her, but many people judge her determined her to be a horrible person. Whether it’s a friend you know like Vanessa or an associate, just know there is a reason for all behavior
BPM: How do you avoid the temptation of interjecting your own morals, value system or ministry in your writing?
First I am not a judge nor the maker of mankind, so I have no right to judge. I tell the story and not my opinion. It’s up to the reader to develop their own opinion. Personally, I judge no one but myself, and it’s up to each individual to make their own decision in life.
BPM: Share with us a quote or brief excerpt from one of the most powerful chapters.
Pg. 85. “So there you go, I was first referred to as a whore at eight years old. Melanie and her other told everyone that would listen to what happened in the principal’s office and how she knew someone from North Carolina that knew my family. What’s worse is my whole family was considered whores.”
BPM: How do feel about selling digital books vs. selling in a brick and mortar store? What impact do you think electronic book sales will have on black authors? On indie authors?
I rather sell digital books rather than selling in a brick and mortar store. The reason why is I save a lot of money on printing cost, and depending on which option you choose to sell your book digitally you can make a larger profit margin. Now for black authors I feel they will be challenged by digital books because so many readers will share the downloaded copy with friends, and rather than several readers buying their own copy, one copy could go to ten readers and as many as 100 for the price of one, which is no help to the author. This is especially despairing to indie authors, because they are already at a disadvantage because they do not have the wide distribution as a traditional author.
BPM: What has been your most difficult hurdle to leap? Marketing, promotions or gaining media exposure, etc. How can EDC Creations and our readers help you?
My biggest hurdle is finding readers or my target audience. I go to all type of book events and most of the time there are more authors than readers, and end up just competing with other authors trying to sell and promote their books.
In truth, all of the above has been hurdles that I have not been able to overcome. I have went to several book events trying to promote and market my books all over the country and to non-book events, and even though I reach a large amount of people the sales are never the amount of expense I have spent to market myself. Usually there is large number of authors and the readers that do attend have a certain limit on how much they spend and often become overwhelmed and don’t buy any books. Whatever suggestions EDC Creations can offer me to help get more exposure and sales are welcomed and will be considered.
BPM: How much does “word of mouth” play into the success of your book? What grassroots strategies have you used to spread the word about your book?
Word of mouth plays a lot in the success of my book. Each time I send out a newsletter or go to a book event, I always pass out my cards and ask them to tell their friends and everyone they know about my book. And even if they don’t buy the book, they can pass it on to someone who may be interested in reading my book.
BPM: Share with us your latest news, awards or upcoming book releases. How may our readers follow you online?
I am currently working on the sequel to I AM VANESSA to be release early Spring of 2012. The title of the sequel will be Vanessa Can’t Be Stopped.
In the summer of 2012, I plan to release the book Tessa Don’t Take No Mess. Tessa is the daughter of Vanessa and this will be her debut into the literary world. Readers that are interested in following me can email me
from my website at: chinaballauthor.com to join my newsletter I mail out quarterly, visit my website at:
www.chinaballauthor.com and I’m also on Facebook and Twitter as China Ball.
All
That Glitters is a novel that proves not only that all that glitters ain't
gold, but that we should not rely on our outside appearance to get us ahead in
life. Mika and Asia have the problem of the cutesies. They believe that because
they got it goin' on, they can have what they want, do what they want, and use
whom they want. Mika and Asia do not realize that what goes around comes around
and that beauty is only skin-deep. They, like all of us, have to pay for their
mistakes and will suffer the consequences of their actions.
Mika has a young son and a family that is trying to get her to turn from her
wicked ways. Her mother and sister have tried to keep her on the right track,
but Mika would rather run with her home girl Asia and flirt with danger instead
of finishing college and taking care of herself.
Mika and Asia thinks that life is a game that they are going to win, but when
drugs, sex, and the streets are involved in the mix, winning the game is
improbable. They want to live the good life, but life has rules and you can't
get the gold without the struggle. All That Glitters shows what happens
when you gamble with your life.
About
the Author
Ericka Williams is
a determined woman. She never takes no for an answer. When she sets her mind on
a goal, she doesn't stop until it is reached. She has always had a yearning for
knowledge, expression, and creativity! Ericka is motivated, compassionate, and
outgoing. Not only is she a dreamer but a doer. She prides herself on completing
whatever she starts.
Ericka Williams is a humanitarian, a mentor, a public speaker and above all, a
Child of God. She uses societal ills, her own experiences, and real situations
that we all face, to show that there is a light at the end of every tunnel, if
you take God's hand and let him lead the way. She believes that we all have the
obligation to spread the Word, the way that we personally know how.
She is a graduate of Teaneck High School, in Teaneck New Jersey. She attended
Howard University and graduated from Rutgers University. Ericka is a mother of
two, an elementary school Language Arts teacher, an actor, a director, and a
producer of short films. She continues to write books, act, and prepare to
fulfill her dream of having her books turned into films. You may contact Ericka
at: www.erickaw.com, or erickawilliamsinfo@yahoo.com.
You may "LIKE" her at: Ericka Monique Williams on Facebook, or follow
her on Twitter @AuthorErickaw
Family
Secrets by
Sharon Rhodes
They
Say the Truth Can Set You Free. But Can the Robertson Family Handle the Truth?
Sharon
Rhodes' debut novel begins on June 8, 1976 when Shelia Robertson was just
fourteen. On this hot day in June, Shelia never dreamt she would experience a
terrifying nightmare that would later come back to haunt her thirty four years
later. However, she swore to forget that dreadful day and vowed never to look
back.
As the book jumps forward to present day, Shelia is faced again with another
dilemma. She should be happy as she walks into the room filled with family and
friends. After all, it is a celebration. Instead, Shelia is terrified of how her
family will react. For years, she's kept a secret hidden deep inside and figured
she'd take it to the grave. But she has no choice; she has to tell it. She owes
it to her husband, children, and friends. Now, she's determined to shine a light
on what she's buried. But can they handle the truth?
Apparently, Shelia isn't the only one with a secret. As the story unfolds, it
becomes clear that Shelia's family members and her two best friends are also
concealing something. One by one, they're being exposed. And for some of them,
it's a matter of life and death. For others, the truth will change their lives
irrevocably.
Derrick the perfect son, a sophomore at University of North Carolina has
brought a stranger to his mother's celebration but who is this stranger? It's
not his girlfriend that his family adores. When introduced to the family,
Derrick's parents are sure they have met this girl but neither is sure where
until Derrick's father makes a revelation about their guest that could turn his
marriage into a tailspin.
Sada, the daughter has a dirty little secret too. She married her high
school sweetheart who is the father of her twins. But is Michael really the
father and why does she accepts his infidelity? This question has caused many
sleepless nights for Sada. The paternity of her children is disclosed when
Brandon their son is involved in a serious accident that threatens his life. You
will be surprised when a DNA test reveals the truth.
Karen, Shelia's long time childhood friend arrived at Shelia's
celebration without her husband. Why is she lying about his whereabouts? Will
she defy her husband's wish and reveal his hideout? She is torn between honoring
her husband's wish and deceiving her best friend.
Veronica, Shelia's long time military friend blames herself for her
husband's death so she seeks therapy to help cope with her guilt but she also
seeks help elsewhere, from a relationship that is taboo.
Filled with family intrigue, dynamic plot shifts, and a whole lot of mystery,
Family Secrets is about the surprises that lurk inside all of us and the courage
it takes to open up.
"Highly Recommend - 4 Stars. Family Secrets is just what it says.
The characters come alive and you just sit back and read all about their
secrets. The book has an easy flow and before you know it you are into the
characters and what's going on in their lives.
If you like authors like Mary Morrison, Carl Webber, or the old Terry McMillan
books, then you should check this new author's book out. You won't be
disappointed." -- Review written by SteffB
Jasmin
Darznik was born in Tehran, Iran. A former attorney, she received her Ph.D.
from Princeton University. Her writing has appeared in the New York Times,
Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and other publications. She is a professor
of English at Washington and Lee University and has also been a visiting
professor of Iranian literature at the University of Virginia. THE GOOD DAUGHTER
is her first book and will be published in twelve countries.
Book Spotlight--The Good Daughter: A Memoir of My Mother’s Hidden Life Quote from book: We were a world of two, my mother and I,
until I started turning into an American girl. That's when she began telling me
about The Good Daughter. It became a taunt, a warning, an omen.
Jasmin Darznik came to America from Iran when she was only three years old, and
she grew up knowing very little about her family's history. When she was in her
early twenties, on a day shortly following her father's death, Jasmin was
helping her mother move; a photograph fell from a stack of old letters. The girl
pictured was her mother. She was wearing a wedding veil, and at her side stood a
man whom Jasmin had never seen before. In this sweeping, poignant, and
beautifully written memoir, Jasmin weaves the stories of three generations of
Iranian women into a unique tale of one family's struggle for freedom and
understanding. The result is an enchanting and unforgettable story of secrets,
betrayal, and the unbreakable mother-daughter bond.
BPM: Welcome Jasmin! This wonderful story all started when you
found an old photograph of your mother as a very young bride. The man beside her
was not your father. That must have been a life changing moment for you.
Absolutely. Apart from the shock of learning she’d been married before, it was
as if I was encountering a different woman altogether. The mother I knew was
fierce, strong, and utterly unsentimental. She used to tell me that if I
didn’t behave, if I became an “American girl,” she’d go back to her
“Good Daughter” in Iran. As a child I’d felt confused and ashamed of her
strict foreign ways, and as a young woman I resented her for them.
By the time I found the photograph, I’d almost completely broken off my
relationship with her. I’d left home and I had no interest in going back to
what I thought of as “her” Iranian world. But here, suddenly, was proof of a
life she had totally hidden from me. Who was this man and why hadn’t she told
me about their marriage? I couldn’t push these questions from my mind. And for
a long time I just could not square the mother I remembered with the vulnerable
child bride staring back at me from that picture.
Marc
Lacy, author of three books and producer of four CDs, is a nationally
renowned, award winning poet/author and a lecturer. He has performed all over
the country at many national literary events and spoken word venues. Along with
writing and performance, Lacy utilizes his wordsmith talent and poetic flair as
he facilitates lectures and conducts workshops concerning writing,
communication, love and relationships. Lacy credits his faith in God and love of
family for his success in the literary industry.
BPM: Tell us about your journey becoming a successfully published author. Do
you have anyone in your life that was heavily influential in your deciding to
become an author?
My journey in "author-dom" has been a trying, yet rewarding
experience. I've seen many things out there on the road within the literary
world which would make anyone cringe at becoming an author. But through prayer
and learning to roll with the punches, I'm humbled at the fact that I have an
opportunity to write books...period.
Being that both of my parents are heavily into reading and writing (via
education and occupation), they were heavily involved in my inaugural
publication, "The Looking Heart." It was a blessing to have them as
vital support as I journey down the path to being published.
BPM: How did you initially break into the publishing industry?
Years ago, I had a strong desire to get my poetry out there to be viewed by the
masses. Thus I took the self-publishing route to make it happen.
BPM: What is your definition of success?
My definition of success is one advancing and becoming established in their
field, to the point at which they can convey to the next person, the basic
formula needed that would enable others to advance within the same field and
other areas as well.
Intimate Conversation with Bookworm Diva's Bookclub
BPM: Give us a little history on your
organization, Bookworm Diva's Bookclub.
Our organization is Bookworm Diva's Bookclub . The president name is Valrechea Hinton, the Vice president is Tamika Cloud, and the secretary/treasurer is Shabrika Mitchell. The club was established in 2010. We are located in Newnan, Ga. We have 12 members.
BPM: Do you host events during the year? Donate to charities or provide any service for the community?
We host Annual Fish Fry events and Annual Christmas Parties. We donate to a local women shelter, we give out fruit baskets to the elderly, and we host annual Toy Drive for Christmas.
BPM: What types of books does your group read? How do you select the books?
We read all types of books. We draw names each month and that person selects the book for the month.
BPM: What are you reading now as a group? How did you come by this selection?
We are now reading The Trophy Wife by Ashley and Jaquavis. Member, Keisha Pace, was chosen to pick the book for the month of November and she chose this novel.
BPM: Do you think digital books will ever replace a printed book? Would you ever stop buying printed books?
No because some people prefer to have the printed book. Therefore they can read it as many times as they like. No I would not stop buying printed because I prefer to have my own copy of the books to read..
BPM: How may we find out more about your club and possibly you book reviews? Please share with us your website address and public email address.
We have a Facebook page which we will have to accept you as a member so you can view our page. Our Facebook page is
BookWorm Divas Bookclub and our email address is Bookwormdivas@aol.com
Intimate Conversation with Chasing Books
Christian Book Club
BPM: Give us a little history on Chasing Books Christian Book Club. Where are you located? How many members do you have?
Chasing Books Christian Book Club is a quarterly online book club that was formed in March 2011 and founded by author and motivational speaker Quiniece Sheppard, who is also the founder of I am the Chase Ministries , LLC.
As of today, we have over 100 members in the book club and the list is growing daily.
At the end of the quarter, we have what we call “Chat with the Author” in which the author makes himself or herself available via teleconference that gives readers a chance to call in and talk with the author about their book and it also gives the book club members a chance to talk and get to know one another especially since we are an online book club.
It makes it more personal.
I formed this book club as a way to support African American self publishers, independent authors and those who have published with a traditional publisher. I wanted an avenue where we support the up and coming authors and it was important to me that we support our own people of color.
Being a self-published author myself, I know how much time and money goes into the publishing process and how difficult it is to expand your marketing reach, so I created this book club as a way to support other authors and to spotlight those authors who have written great books and all they need was more exposure. Hopefully, some of the books we read will make it to the best sellers list.
BPM: In your opinion, why is reading important in our lives? What impact has reading had on your life? Has there been any books that help shape your life or gave you inspiration during a trying time in life?
Reading is so important for our growth and development. So many people rely on books to help them in certain situations in their lives, so books have a profound impact in people’s lives. Some people will read a book before they go to church, so you have to reach people where they are. Since I am a Christian author and have my own singles ministry, I use my writing as a form of ministry and I know many others do the same.
I have personally been touched by the books that I have read that really enhanced my level of thinking and challenged me to live up to my full potential. Some of those books include No more Sheets by Juanita Bynum, How to Get Out of Your Own Way by Tyrese Gibson, Color Me Butterfly by L.Y. Marlow, Conversations by Hill Harper, Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Myers and so many others have shaped my life. I enjoy reading all types of books.
BPM: What types of books does your group read? How do you select the books?
My book club reads all types of books but the book must meet certain criteria in that it must not be sexually explicit, contain little or no profanity and be at least 140 pages. This is a Christian book club, so the books don’t have to be Christian based, but they must meet certain criteria as I want our readers to know that profanity, sex and violence doesn’t define a good book.
A good book is based on quality and substance, so those are the types of books we read. The author or book club member sends me a recommendation and I look into what type of book they have and if it meets the basic criteria. There is an agreement the author must sign and pay a small fee that is part of the selection process. I do all the marketing and promoting of the author’s book, so the author doesn’t have to do anything but be available for the
Chat with the Author Day Teleconference call. Overall, the process if fairly quick and simple and the turnout time is usually one to two weeks when the author knows if his book has been selected.
BPM: What are you reading now as a group? How did you come by this selection?
Currently, the book club is reading The Olympian: An American Triumph by Craig T. Williams
and we will chat with the author via teleconference in February 2012 as we are a quarterly book club so we don’t want our readers to be overwhelmed with having to read a book every month and due to the economy, money is tight with a lot of people. I selected this book based on the author’s submission and meeting the required guidelines and really enjoyed the book and I believe the book club will enjoy it as well.
BPM: How may we find out more about your club and possibly your book reviews?
You can find more about Chasing Books Christian Book Club by visiting the website at
www.chasingbooks.com and join for FREE to read along with us.
The book club doesn’t review books. We strictly read for pleasure and enjoyment. Authors are always welcome to submit their books to me once they review the submission guidelines on the website. They can also email me at:
info@chasingbooks.com for more information.
BPM: What legacy will your club leave for those watching in the community?
I hope that people will see this book club as a positive, inspirational book club where books have real substance and value. I also want people to know that self publishers have great books out there and just because they haven’t sold 1000’s of books doesn’t mean their book isn’t a good book. This book club was designed to increase an author’s book sales and give them more marketable.
I want others to know that it’s okay to support each other and see someone else’s vision come to pass and we don’t have to compete with one another. There’s plenty of room at the top. I want people to have pride and confidence in each other’s work and abilities and support a great book. A great book is a great book. Period. This book club will hopefully be known as a book club who helped support and uplift one another and encouraged each other’s dreams. We didn’t have to read erotic, sexually explicit books or books filled with profanity and violence in order to sell books, but to know that good, clean wholesome books still sell and is still what many people want to read.
Quiniece Sheppard
I am the Chase Ministries
Alexandria, VA 22320
Website: www.iamthechase.com
Intimate Conversation with Fourth Sunday Book Club
BPM: Give us a little history on the 4th Sunday Book Club.
The 4th Sunday Book Club was founded in the 1994 by six professional African-American women from the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area . These women shared a desire to read books of quality and substance and formed a loosely structured book club simply referred as “the book club”.
The objective was to read books written by African-American authors. Over time the club diversified to include at least one non-fiction book per year and has grown beyond solely African-American authored works.
The book club, which met on fourth Sundays, soon found that contemporary literature did not reflect them or their lives. Motivated by this realization, the club began writing its own book. The result is
Fourth Sunday: A Journey of Book Club, which was written under the pseudonym
B.W. Read and published in May 2011 by Strebor Books for Simon and Shuster. In honor of the success of the book, “the book club” was renamed “4th Sunday Book Club.”
The 4th Sunday Book Club has grown in membership and purpose. The club now has 13 active members. However, it remains an unstructured, intimate club where books are our connection and our bond is our strength.
BPM: In your opinion, why is reading important in our lives?
Reading is important because it exposes us to experiences and information we may not otherwise encounter. Reading helps us to become more educated and well rounded. Books, like "A Wrinkle In Time" by Madeleine L'Engle, influence lives at an early stage and have lasting effects.
BPM: What types of books does your group read? How do you select the featured books?
The club reads11 books per year. At least one non-fiction and a book with a romantic theme or undertone are read each year in February. The club meets only once during the summer months of July and August, for a co-ed meeting where spouses or significant others are invited is held. Books are selected at the January meeting and are selected by consensus.
BPM: What are you reading now as a group? How did you come by this selection?
This year’s co-ed book is “Before I Forget” by Leonard Pitts. The Co-ed meeting is scheduled for August 2011.
The club attempts to select co-ed books that are (1) fiction with contemporary stories and themes that may appeal to the male perspective or (2) non-fiction and address contemporary issues and subject matters.
BPM: What are your all-time favorite book selections?
Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand, everything written by Tananarive Due, The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison, Red Tent by Anita Diamante, and Topping from Below by Laura Reese to name a few.
BPM: Are you satisfied with the legacy books written by African American authors will leave our future generations?
NO and NO. For the past 20 years or more, books written by black authors that are profiled or placed front and center by bookstores and the media are classified as “Urban Literature.” Most often found under this classification are books that reflect the urban hip-hop culture, baby mama drama, hustler, or mad black woman perspectives that feed the majority’s opinion. Contemporary books are capturing the moment, the flavor of the month, sometimes for shock value. Only a few of these books will be classics 20, 30, years from now.
Books of depth and substance are painted with this broad monolithic “Urban Literature” brush and are too often looked over when books get promoted. They are ultimately lost to the readers and we are left with a legacy of more widely read black books that stereotype us, our lives, and our desires.
BPM: Is there anything you would love to see more of in books?
YES. More diversity including, but not limited to mixed race couples, gay characters that aren't caricatures or stereotypes, people doing meaningful things with their lives that make them happy, and people being accountable for the decisions (good and bad) they make without blaming society, lack of money or their parents.
Interview submitted by Allita Irby, Fourth Sunday Book Club
Intimate Conversation with Exquisite Ladies Book Club
BPM: Give us a little history on your organization. How
many members do you have?
Exquisite Ladies Book Club: Sisters joined in literary bliss!
President: Te'Amo Edwards
Vice President: Shanowya Jackson
Exquisite Ladies Book Club (ELBC) is based in Camden, NJ and was
founded in December 2010 by Te'Amo Edwards. Currently, we have 8 active
members and growing. ELBC is the acronym for Exquisite Ladies Book Club. The
name for this book club came about several years ago when a few of my
girlfriends on-line and myself wanted to have a social forum/book club for
females. We thought of the environment as being a place where females could go
to vent, uplift, and encourage one another so Exquisite Ladies was absolutely
befitting as the title of the forum. While the forum started out as a Yahoo
group and later became an official forum it didn't last more than a year or
so. I kept my passion for wanting a book club and in December 2010 I started
ELBC once again on Meetup. Our 1st meeting was conducted in January and we had
5 members show up and we have been doing well since. We're still growing and
encourage other females to join.
BPM: What is the vision/mission for your organization? Do you host events
during the year? Donate to charities or provide any service for the community?
Our Mission and Purpose is to provide a comfortable setting for a group of
diverse readers and discuss African American fiction and nonfiction novels.
Unite as sisters and socialize together for book discussions and other events
in the community. Support new and upcoming authors by reading, reviewing,
inviting authors to our discussions, and attending book signings. Although
ELBC is dedicated to African-American females, we will not exclude non African
American authors or members. We come to the group as equals. All have an
opportunity to read and express thoughts and feelings. This is also a great
way for us to get to know new people, enjoy stimulating discussion and most
importantly discover wonderful books. Above all, let’s learn from each other
while sharing our thoughts and ideas.
We're still in our first year so we're learning the ins and outs of
maintaining a successful book club. Our goals for next year are to implement
community service projects, plan at least 1 literary event on an annual basis,
and expand to have 12 active members at every discussion. Right now we do plan
different outings outside of our monthly discussions to keep the members in
touch and continue building bonds/friendships.
Intimate Conversation with Coffee Beanz N Readz Book Club
BPM: Welcome! Please share with us the history of
the organization. How did you get started?
Hi my name is Sheridan Akens founder of Coffee Beanz N Readz Book Club
but you can call me Mz. Coffee Bean. I was born in Los Angeles CA. and
moved to Texas at an early age. I currently reside in Houston , Texas where
I’m raising two beautiful daughters. I’ve always had a strong passion for
reading, so it was no surprise when I began my search within the city to find a
book club to join. But to my surprise I found this task somewhat challenging. So
I decided to do the next best thing and start my own club.
Because of my cheerful spirit and the strong family-oriented
values bestowed upon me, I made the choice of this not being just a club but a
SISTAHOOD. The name Coffee Beanz N Readz was created from my thoughts of
snuggling up with a good book and having a smooth cup of coffee. The two
together are a great blend and well the ladies are the whip cream on top. The
club is a way for each “Bean” to get away from the hustle and bustle of
everyday life. A place and time where you can sit, relax and savor a great
discussion with your “sisters”.
Sheridan Akens, President and Founder Coffee Beanz N Readz Book Club
“Enhancing your passion for reading”
Intimate
Conversation with the Diverse Divas Book Club
The Diverse Divas Book Club (referred to as “The
Diverse Divas”) is a group of women that reside in the Washington , DC
metropolitan area who have been friends for many years and some are family
members. They formed their book club in 2004. They originally started with
thirteen members. Four of the original members are no longer actively a part of
the group, but are always welcome to return. They later welcomed two additional
members, so currently their membership stands at nine.
The Diverse Divas decided on the name for their club because they are a diverse
group of women from diverse backgrounds, in diverse professions, and they read a
diverse genre of books. They come together for friendship, fellowship, reading
enlightenment and fun! In addition to their book club name, they decided it
would be fun to have "alter ego" Diva names that match their
personalities, professions or interests. The members are Glenda Barlow (Bossy
Diva), Sharon Brown (Natural Diva), Regina Hunter (Quiet Diva), Patsy Lee (Real
Diva), Doxie A. McCoy (Foxy Diva), Kelli McCoy-Burkett (The Diva), Shari L.
McCoy (Deputy Diva), Tira McPhail (Baby Diva), and Marianna "Brandy"
Raynor (AKA Diva).
BPM: Give us a little history on your organization the Diverse
Divas.
The name of our book club is the “Diverse Divas.” We started our book club
in 2004. We are a group of women in the Washington, DC metropolitan area who
have been friends for many years and some are family members. One of the members
approached another member about wanting to form a book club, and the rest is
"HERSTORY!"
We are nearing the end of our sixth reading cycle. We originally started with 13
members. Four of our original members are no longer actively with us but we have
a saying in our book club: "Once a Diverse Diva, always a Diverse
Diva." We later welcomed two additional members, and currently, our
membership stands at nine.
We have no leader or officers in our group, but whatever
decisions or activities we do, we attempt to reach a consensus and go with the
wishes of the majority. We have one member who has volunteered since the book
club's inception to compile a summary or debriefing of past book club meetings,
provide updates to the reading cycle with book club meetings dates, as well as
group member demographic information.
We decided on the name "Diverse Divas" by a majority vote after
members submitted various suggestions. We are the Diverse Divas because we are a
diverse group of women from diverse backgrounds, in diverse professions, and
read a diverse genre of books. We come together for friendship, fellowship,
reading enlightenment and fun!
In addition to our group name, we thought it would be fun to
have "alter ego" Diva names that match our personalities, professions
or interests. The group members are Glenda Barlow (Bossy Diva), Sharon Brown
(Natural Diva), Regina Hunter (Quiet Diva), Patsy Lee (Real Diva), Doxie A.
McCoy (Foxy Diva), Kelli McCoy-Burkett (The Diva), Shari L. McCoy (Deputy Diva),
Tira McPhail (Baby Diva), and Marianna "Brandy" Raynor (AKA Diva).
Former members include Sherry Battle, Patrice Britt (A Diva), Denise
"Peaches” Moore, Sandy Mapson, and Hope Ramsey.
We also have a "Calling Call"... When you need to capture the
attention of one, two, or all of the Divas, simply say "Divas," and
the response will be "Holla," and you have our attention!!
Connect with the Diverse
Divas Book Club
A Dollar Saved
by Mary Monroe
My
most memorable ex-boyfriend was very creative when it came to saving money. He
escorted me to parties and funerals of people we didn’t know just so he could
“treat” me to a free meal. At each event he would stuff my purse with food
to take home. He drove a twenty-three-year-old Ford and lived in a “boot
leg”, free rent, Section 8 apartment (it was in the name of a
shady relative who used several aliases). What my ex-boyfriend couldn’t
scavenge from the items that people had set outside for the city crew to pick up
and dispose of, he got from flea markets, yard sales, and his unscrupulous
associates. His apartment contained more stolen property than a police
warehouse. I gave him a new shirt for his birthday that year. He returned
it to the store, exchanged it for a cheaper one, and kept the change.
Why did I date such a creep? Well, not only was he cute and a very
good lover, he provided some good material for me to write about. He
dumped me when I refused to help him pull off a phony accident insurance scheme
(he had “choked” on a buffalo wing bone in a bar during the
“buy one drink, get free snacks” happy hour).
I dated another miser who made the previous one look like Santa Claus.
This man used to urinate in a bucket and empty it in his backyard so that his
toilet wouldn’t have to be flushed too many times. He liked to keep his
water bill low. His “gifts” to me included a paperback book
autographed to him from an author I didn’t like, and a well-worn wig that his
ex-wife had left behind.
This man was too frugal even for me. I realized that when he recycled some
left-over snacks from one of my book signings and sold them to his friends!
These two former lovers inspired the cheapskate fiancé of my character Annette
Goode in my third novel, God STILL Don’t Like Ugly.
I know females who are almost as cheap as my two exes. One borrows money from
me, pays me back with a post-dated check, borrows the same amount from me again,
gives me another post-dated check, and so on. There is a fifty dollar loan that
has been “floating” back and forth from me to her for two years. When this
woman gets runs in her pantyhose, she cuts off the legs and wears the panty part
for underwear. When we go out to eat, she brings along a calculator to figure
out who owes what.
I don’t see anything wrong with people being frugal. I like to save money,
too. I cruise yard sales, discount stores and flea markets. I pay for groceries
with coupons, and I recycle as many things as possible. A few years ago,
while I was shopping in a drugstore that was about to go out of business, I
stumbled across the sale of the century: brand-name toothbrushes for a PENNY
each. I purchased a hundred. For three years, I included one in the gift bags
that I gave out for Christmas.
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Seeking Book Reviewers EDC
Creations seeks to add avid readers to our community as book reviewers. We would
like readers to share their honest opinions about the books they read. You do
not have to be a professional writer, we want to feel your passion for reading.
Reviewers receive books from EDC Creations’ publishing partners monthly.
You can review our policy for book reviewers by
clicking here. Email Ella Curry for more details at: edc_dg@yahoo.com
---
Seeking
Book Club Interviews Ella
Curry and EDC Creations celebrates the rise of book clubs in the publishing
industry. We host monthly tributes and parties for our featured book clubs. You
too can become a Black Pearls Bookclub Star! Request that your book club obtain
a interview and receive a gift bag of books!
Your book club and network of friends are invited to check all the great authors
in the Bookclub Reading Room and to explore
the magazine for your next featured book of the month. Email Ella Curry for more
details or to request the interview questions at: edc_dg@yahoo.com
The
Black Pearls Magazine family wants to take the time to thank each of you for
joining us monthly in celebrating the best in literature and the arts. Our
team of writers, bookclubs and authors are so humbled that you have allowed us
entrance into your life. It amazes me each month as I check our subscribers how
many of you deem us worthy of your time and support.
We
appreciate each of you for telling 10 people about the magazine and for driving
people to this site. YOU make Black Pearls the magnificent publication that it
is, by sharing the Gift of Knowledge!
Please
know, as we prepare each issue for you, we look for those stimulating
conversations, the most thought provoking articles and most of all, the best
books on the shelves. We want each page of this magazine to add value to your
lives! Your comments and feedback are welcomed. Join our
blog and share your news, advice and wisdom with the other readers. Tell us
what you want to read too!
As we take off in this new decade we hope to bring you more provocative topics
and life empowering books to shape your lives. We have contests for the readers
and more interactive sections added to the magazine. Let us know what you think
of the fresh new content by emailing
us here. Thank you!
Ella Curry, President of EDC Creations
Founder & Editor In Chief Black Pearls Magazine
Leonard Pitts, Jr.
writes a newspaper column that is syndicated nationally in 250 newspapers. In 2004, he was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for commentary and has won numerous other honors from such organizations as the Society of Professional Journalists and the National Association of Black Journalists. He is the author of "Becoming Dad," a book about black men and fatherhood and also of the critically-acclaimed 2009 novel, "Before I Forget." Pitts lives in suburban Washington , DC, with his wife and family.
November
and December are months noted for "giving
thanks." Even though we should take nothing for granted in this life, we set aside this time of year to be "thankful".
If you take the time to look back over the years, you will certainly see that God has truly been faithful to you. This alone is reason to give Him praise!
Patricia Raybon is an award-winning author of life-changing books that help people heal. She is the author of
The One Year God's Great Blessings Devotional, a Christian inspirational nonfiction serving as a daily guide to 52 virtues that God blesses.
Travis Hunter is an author, songwriter and screenwriter.
The Hearts of Men was self-published in 2000 by Hunter's own company, Jimrose Publishing House. During the 2000 Book Expo America in Chicago, Hunter was signed by Random House's imprint, Villard Books for the re-release of
The Hearts of Men, Married but Still Looking, Trouble Man, A One Woman Man, Something to Die For, A Family Sin. Dark Child followed. Hunter is currently working on his first young adult novel. 
Alicia Singleton
embraced the written word at an early age. She credits this to her loving, older sister whom, while they were youngsters, made
the author eat lotion on a regular basis. Realizing the need to sound-out the ingredients
on the lotion label, Alicia stopped the lotion-eating practice, but continued to read the labels of the concoctions her sister brought for her
to try. This early necessity to read flowered into a passion; hence, a writer was born.
Alicia resides in Maryland and is currently at work on a new novel.
BPM: Introduce us to your book, Dark Side of Valor and the main characters. Any favorites?
A
New Jersey native, author Craig T. Williams wore many hats before becoming a
writer. At Syracuse University, Williams majored in business but always held a
deep fascination for the study of history.
Dionne Warwick
made her singing debut in church at the request of her grandfather, the Reverend Elzae Warrick, when she was six years old. No one knew then that she would become an international music legend, but what she knew—as words of wisdom passed down from her grandfather—was that "if you can think it, you can do it." And she did it. 
About the Author
Tall,
dark, and handsome bestselling male author Xavier Preston thought his
nightmare—in the form of Pilar, a fanatical stalker/fan—had finally ended.
Little does he know it’s only beginning. 
Born and raised in Plainfield, New Jersey, Sharel E. Gordon-Love
started writing at the age of six, winning immediate recognition for her
essays and short stories. Her first nonfiction work, “Is There Hope for the
Black Male?” was published by Black Child Magazine in 1994. 
PATRICIA HALEY is the award winning, Essence #1 bestselling author of eight faith-based novels, including her latest series with
Voted amongst the 2010 Women of Influence in Publishing by Written Magazine,
Lutishia Lovely is the award-winning, best-selling author of sixteen novels. The Business Trilogy, her latest work, combines two of her passions: writing and food. This series (All Up In My Business, Mind Your Own Business
and Taking Care Of Business) centers around the Livingstons, owners of a soul food dynasty called Taste Of Soul—where sizzling scandal and delicious drama are always on the menu. Find out more about this series and Lutishia at her website:
Kevin Kennard gazed into the precious face of his newborn son, the
offspring of the intoxicating love he shared with his wife, Simone.
Closing his eyes, Kevin whispered a prayer of thanks. Life had given him
a second chance at happiness far greater than anything he'd fathomed from
inside the concrete walls of his prison cell. While Kevin and Simone
bask in their familial bliss, those scorned by their union collect the pieces
to their shattered hearts and plot the couple's demise.
GAME
DAY takes on a whole new meaning as these LONELY WOMEN turn up the heat off the
field…
Janie De Coster's love of reading is what inspired her to take a step into the writing world. She pens stories of real life drama. She wants to connect with her readers on a level they can relate to.
Janie De Coster is a native New Yorker who now resides in South Carolina.
Janie is working on several projects. Her upcoming release Broken Commandments
with Parker Publishing is slated for November 2011.
Mahayana Isabelle Dugast,
Ph.D. Metaphysical Science grew up in Chamonix Mont-Blanc, France.
She originally qualified with the Association of Natural Medicine in 1993
in the UK, before she moved to Ireland, Cork, where she now
resides. She is an “Agent of Change” and the founder of
The Academy of Luminaries. She offers individual consultations
and seminars where she transmits tools that allow people to fully
eliminate self-limitations and tap into their inner potential, the source
of all successes.
ABOUT SHARON R. WELLS
About the Author
Seven, a gorgeous, retired exotic dancer is fed up with her broke and boring lifestyle. The dreams promised by her husband,
Bryce aren’t coming true, and Seven’s heart longs for the endless supply of cash she was forced to give up. When the bills aren’t getting paid and they soon face eviction, Seven wants to return to her old ways, but Bryce refuses. 
With murder, mayhem and hot sex,
New
York Times bestselling author Mary B. Morrison believes that women should
shape their own destiny. Born in Aurora, IL, and raised in New Orleans, LA, she
took a chance and quit her near six-figure government job to self-publish her
first book, Soulmates Dissipate, in 2000 and begin her literary career. 
Monique Miller is a native of North Carolina. She is a member of the Divine
Literary Tour (DLT) a non-profit organization which brings together Black Greek
Authors from across the nation for a cross-country tour to promote literacy. 
In The Resurrection of Nat Turner, Part 1: The Witnesses, Nat Turner’s story is revealed through the eyes and minds of slaves and masters, friends and foes. In their words is the truth of the mystery and conspiracy of Nat Turner’s life, death, and confession. 
Ki Mani Prays - A Prayer for Guidance
Sarita
Mandanna is from Coorg, the stunning setting of Tiger Hills. Often described
as the ‘Scotland of India’, beautiful Coorg is famous for its hills and
coffee plantations, and Sarita’s family traces roots here for centuries.
China Ball is the author of four novels. Her first novel Eleven Months of Hell was her debut novel in 2008. Each novel has been invited by the NAACP to participate in the Image Awards. Ms. Ball is a honorable disabled veteran from the United States Navy, earned her Bachelor’s of Arts degree from Norfolk State University and her Masters in Science at Central Michigan University. Miss Ball is a lady of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc.
All
That Glitters is a novel that proves not only that all that glitters ain't
gold, but that we should not rely on our outside appearance to get us ahead in
life. Mika and Asia have the problem of the cutesies. They believe that because
they got it goin' on, they can have what they want, do what they want, and use
whom they want. Mika and Asia do not realize that what goes around comes around
and that beauty is only skin-deep. They, like all of us, have to pay for their
mistakes and will suffer the consequences of their actions. 
About
the Author
Sharon
Rhodes' debut novel begins on June 8, 1976 when Shelia Robertson was just
fourteen. On this hot day in June, Shelia never dreamt she would experience a
terrifying nightmare that would later come back to haunt her thirty four years
later. However, she swore to forget that dreadful day and vowed never to look
back. 
Jasmin
Darznik was born in Tehran, Iran. A former attorney, she received her Ph.D.
from Princeton University. Her writing has appeared in the New York Times,
Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and other publications. She is a professor
of English at Washington and Lee University and has also been a visiting
professor of Iranian literature at the University of Virginia. THE GOOD DAUGHTER
is her first book and will be published in twelve countries.
Marc
Lacy, author of three books and producer of four CDs, is a nationally
renowned, award winning poet/author and a lecturer. He has performed all over
the country at many national literary events and spoken word venues. Along with
writing and performance, Lacy utilizes his wordsmith talent and poetic flair as
he facilitates lectures and conducts workshops concerning writing,
communication, love and relationships. Lacy credits his faith in God and love of
family for his success in the literary industry.
BPM: In your opinion, why is reading important in our lives? What impact has reading had on your life? Has there been any books that help shape your life or gave you inspiration during a trying time in life?
My
most memorable ex-boyfriend was very creative when it came to saving money. He
escorted me to parties and funerals of people we didn’t know just so he could
“treat” me to a free meal. At each event he would stuff my purse with food
to take home. He drove a twenty-three-year-old Ford and lived in a “boot
leg”, free rent, Section 8 apartment (it was in the name of a
shady relative who used several aliases). What my ex-boyfriend couldn’t
scavenge from the items that people had set outside for the city crew to pick up
and dispose of, he got from flea markets, yard sales, and his unscrupulous
associates. His apartment contained more stolen property than a police
warehouse. I gave him a new shirt for his birthday that year. He returned
it to the store, exchanged it for a cheaper one, and kept the change. 
The
Black Pearls Magazine 