Author Interviews: Black Pearls Magazine, bringing the jewels of publishing to the book clubs

Victorious Living for Women is filled with the inspiration, wisdom and pathways to victory of 42 incredible women who share stories of their life experiences, from their heart to yours. They have endured personal pain and have come through empowered, encouraged and victorious.

As they take you on their personal journeys you will find inspiration, encouragement and blueprints for victory embedded in each chapter. You will discover principles for transforming your life. You can learn how to overcome fear, find you purpose, define your destiny, recover from divorce, heal your heart, physical healing, dealing with the loss of loved ones and so much more.

This stellar assembly of women with inspiring true-life stories will captivate you throughout each page as you read how their lives were transformed from anger to joy, disappointment to destiny and trial to victory. Their candor, wisdom and inspiration can help you to pursue your path of becoming a victorious woman. The book will be available November 24th, 2009.

Ella: Ashea, tell us a little about yourself. How do you spend your free time?
I’m a wife, mother, grandmother, an educator and an entrepreneur. I am not only a novelist, non-fiction writer and poet, but I am also an internet radio host as well. When I am not writing, working, or in church, I am spending time with my family, reading a good book, or listening to my favorite gospel selections.

Ella: Tell us about your passion for writing. Why do you write? What drives you?

Not only is writing fun for me, but it is also my calling. When I write creatively I am happy and fulfilled. I love creating characters and then controlling his or her destinies with words. I have a passion for expressing myself with written words, just as I have a passion for reading them. I call myself a kingdom writer because my words are divinely inspired, and nothing gives me more motivation than fulfilling my purpose for being on the earth.

Ella: Give us the background on your book, The Lovechild.

Makaeli Lovechild Hunt is living in Italy, running her own fashion design company and hiding her emotions behind her success. She seems quite content in being estranged from her dysfunctional family back in the United States, although she does realize that something in her life is amiss. Deep inside she knows that she also needs to reconcile her relationship with God, one that she abandoned at the same time she abandoned her family. When a family emergency beckons her home, Makaeli is forced to face all the demons of her past, and comes into contact with new family secrets she never knew existed. In seven life altering days, Makaeli must make the decision to put the past behind her or let it destroy, once and for all, her relationship with her family and with God.

Ella: Where are you from?

I was born in Brooklyn New York. I am currently living in the suburbs of Metro Atlanta.

Ella: What is your favorite genre?

Christian fiction

Ella: How did you start your writing journey?

My actual writing journey started when I was very young. I wrote stories, plays, and poetry. Then I wrote for several school publications all the way into college. However, after a long detour, my professional writing journey started in about 2001 when I discovered that writing was my purpose.

Ella: Who are your two main characters and what do you like most about them?

My two main characters are Makaeli and Lisa, her sister. What I like most about Makaeli is that she is strong, ambitious, independent and yet she is still very sensitive to the needs and feelings of others. Although she has suffered much, she still has compassion towards the people around her. What I like about Lisa, on the other hand, is her ability to take charge of the situation at hand and move forward, never looking back. I like her dedication to her family, and her willingness to do whatever she deemed necessary to keep them together.

Ella: How does this book shape or add value to the reader's life?

Hopefully, this book will encourage readers to seek or strengthen their relationship with God.

Ella: Ultimately, what do you want readers to gain from your book?

I want readers to know that nothing can separate us from the love of God. No matter what we've been through or what we've done, God can and will restore us if we give Him a chance.

Ella: Name 3 things that it takes to make a successful author, in your opinion?

Perseverence, tenacity, and creativity

Ella: What can we expect from you in the future?

You can expect more Christian fiction novels, some non-fiction books, more poetry, a children's book series, and possibly a few plays from me in the future.

Ella: Share with us your latest news, awards or upcoming book releases.

I have a story, “The Kit Cat Trial” in an anthology called Pets Across America which will be released in October. My next novel, Joy Comes In The Morning, releases in July of 2010. And I am currently working on the sequel, Count It All Joy. In addition to this, I plan to re-release my non-fiction title Resurrecting Vision in January 2010.

Ashea Goldson, Author of The Lovechild

Available in bookstores everywhere & Blackexpressions.com

Treasurer and Founding member of Faith Based Fiction Writers Of Atlanta

Jewell R. Powell, affectionately known as ‘the Marriage Coach’ is an entrepreneur, inspirational teacher, and author of Marriage 101: Building a Life Together by Faith. Jewell is passionate about helping couples have a ‘happily ever after’ marriage. She graduated from VCMI Ministerial Training School and is working towards a Masters of Divinity degree from Regent University.

Jewell R. Powell shares her spiritual journey and shows you how to have a ”happily ever after” marriage

“Till death do we part.” These words are said about 2.5 million times each year. But, despite couples’ best intentions and attempts to stay true to those vows, many—almost half!—end up in divorce. What’s going wrong?

That’s what author Jewell R. Powell asked when she found herself four years into marriage, sitting in a bedroom alone and on the brink of divorce. Desperate for answers, Powell dove deep into her faith. She searched the Scriptures for instruction on how to save her own marriage—and was surprised by what she found.

That was nine years ago. Today, her marriage with her husband is better than ever—thanks to the eight surprising truths she uncovered during that period of intense study and soul-searching.

Her book Marriage 101: Building A Life Together By Faith digs into those eight biblical truths and reveals how applying them can transform even the worst of relationships. (ISBN: 978-0-8007-3332-2, $13.99, February)

Published by Revell (Baker Publishing); available at following Retail Outlets: Christian and Mainstream Retail Stores, and online at Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, BooksAMillion.com, Walmart.com and Target.com. Revell offers practical books that bring the Christian faith to everyday life.

Ella: Tell us about your passion for writing. Why do you write? What drives you?
My passion is not for writing. My passion is for helping people. Therefore, I am driven to write.

Ella: Finish this sentence- My writing offers the following legacy to future readers...
Faith, Hope and Love. I want people, whether adults or children (I am a children’s writer as well) to experience God in a greater way after reading my books.

Ella: Give us the "behind the book" story on, Marriage 101: Building A Life Together By Faith.
I share a story many know all too well. Whether in their own lives or in those of close family and friends. It’s a story about a marriage in trouble. I take you on my spiritual journey—of how my husband and I went from being engaged and enthusiastic to being frustrated and separated. I share the real issues that plague most marriages and the many challenges we faced. I share the disappointment I felt, looking at what was supposed to be “happily ever after.” But I also share how Lewis and I were able to rebuild our relationship and the lessons learned along the way as I implemented biblical truths from searching the Scriptures.

Ella: Ultimately, what do you want readers to gain from your book?
The story is a parable of Sleeping Beauty. As you know, Jesus spoke in parables hidden messages. I want the readers to understand that the message is not so much about marriage, but more about how to become like Him. It is a transformational process. Once you become a better Christian, you will be a better wife, mother, friends, etc.

Ella: Who would this book really "speak to" and why?
Marriage 101 is not for everyone. I believe it is for those who desire to go to the next level with God. It is time for Christians to stop just going to church and become the church – people experiencing God through you no matter where you are.

Ella: Name 3 things that it takes to have a successful marriage, in your opinion?
1: Renew YOUR mind – you can have a better relationship. Think on the positive things about your spouse and do not concentrate on the present situation.

2: Change YOUR behaviors and perception – to have better relationships requires YOU to do something different. Doing the same things but expecting different results is INSANITY. I know most of you have heard the saying, “You can’t change others, but you can change yourselves.” Therefore, you must be the change you want to see in your marriage.

3: Work YOUR marriage. In other words, marriage is work. Successful couples understand that they have to make their marriage a priority and they do something everyday to acknowledge it. You only get out of it what you put into it – deposit love daily.

Ella: What can we expect from you in the future?
Traveling and teaching the eight biblical truths the Lord spoke to me. Holding marriage conferences and seminars to not only help those who are having trouble but helping keep those who already have great marriages strong.

Ella: Share with us your latest news, awards or upcoming book releases.
Marriage 101 was the Award-Winner in the Religion: Christian Inspiration category of the National Best Books 2009 Awards, sponsored by USA Book Best Books and the Marriage 101 Journal was a finalist. Marriage 101 is also listed as the #1 Bestseller list on Mosiacbooks.com. I have a four (4) book mini-series coming out in December 2009 that covers marriage topics we all face: Sex & Intimacy, Communication, Parenting, and Finance.

Intimate Conversation with Vanessa Miller

Vanessa Miller of Dayton, Ohio, is a best-selling author, playwright, and motivational speaker. To date, Vanessa has completed the Rain and Storm Series.

She is currently working on the Forsaken series, Second Chance at Love series and a single title, Long Time Coming. These books have received rave reviews, winning Best Christian Fiction Awards and topping numerous Bestseller’s lists.

Ella Curry: Tell us about your passion for writing. Why do you write? What drives you?
VM: I write because I believe that this is my calling in life. I truly believe that God gifted me with the ability to write stories that touch the hearts of readers, so I’m doing God’s will every time I put pen to paper.

Finish this sentence- My writing offers the following legacy to future readers...
VM: I hope the stories I write bring hope to my readers and help them to understand that God is a forgiving God – all they need to do is turn around and fall back into His loving arms. So I would say: My writing offers a legacy or (knowledge) of redemption.

Please introduce us to the book being discussed, Forsaken.
VM: Forsaken is about a fallen preacher’s journey back to God. This book is not just another novel about mouth dropping sin in the pulpit. The goal of Forsaken is to show readers that true repentance touches the heart of God. When JT discovers that his sins have caused him to be forsaken by God, he decides that, although he has sinned, he loves God too much to walk away. And that’s when the drama begins. J

What is your favorite genre? How did you start your writing journey?
VM: My favorite genre is Christian fiction, I also love thrillers. I have been writing sense I was a kid. I can’t remember a time I didn’t have pen and paper in my hands.

Who are the main characters in your latest novel? Tell us a little about them.
VM: Pastor Jerome Tyler (JT) Thomas and his wife Cassandra are the main characters of FORSAKEN. In the book the reader will discover two characters who started off their ministry in love with each other and God, but when tragedy struck, they fell away from each other and God. Now JT and Cassandra must fight their way back to God and each other.

Ultimately, what do you want readers to gain from your book?
VM: The knowledge that family is important and that husbands and wives should do everything possible to preserve that unity. But I also want them to understand that God is a forgiving God.

Who would this book really "speak to" and why?
VM: Any one who has ever made a mistake and thought that they would never be forgiven. I also would love for fallen pastors and ministers to read Forsaken.

What advice would you give a new writer?
VM: If I were advising someone who wanted to write, I would first suggest that they figure out why they want to write. Is it because they think they will make a lot of money? Or is it because writing is in their blood and he/she doesn’t know what they’ll do if they don’t write – then go after your dreams, write every day and network with other writers. But understand that most writers don’t earn enough money to do this thing full-time, but they keep doing it, because they love the written word.

Name 3 things that it takes to make a successful author, in your opinion?
VM: PERSISTENCE! PERSISTENCE! PERSISTENCE!

What can we expect from you in the future?
VM: I have four new books releasing in 2010. April 2010 – Yesterday’s Promise; June 2010 – Forgiven; October 2010 – Tomorrow’s Promise; November 2010 – Long Time Coming

Vanessa Miller, Essence Bestselling Author
FORSAKEN in stores October 1, 2009 - the story of a fallen preacher's journey back to God.

http://www.vanessamiller.com
http://www.anointedauthorsontour.com
http://www.myspace.com/vmiller1
http://www.facebook.com/vanessamiller01

LaCricia A`ngelle is a licensed Evangelist, writer, and the President of His Pen Publishing. A native of Chicago, LaCricia currently resides in Tennessee with her four children. As a Christian Fiction author, LaCricia not only writes for entertainment, but she also writes for ministry. Her goal in every piece of written work is to draw someone closer to Christ.

Ella: How did you start your writing journey?
I am originally a native of Chicago, however I settled in Tennessee several years ago. My favorite genre is Christian Fiction. I am very impressed with how many Christian Fiction authors are stepping out of the box and writing about topics that are relevant to today’s time. I started my writing journey as a child by writing poetry and songs.

Ella: Tell us about your passion for writing. Why do you write? What drives you?
I write first and foremost for ministry. Through my writing I not only minister to others but I minister to myself as well. In addition to ministry, I write for entertainment. I enjoy going back over some of the things I have written to see my thoughts on paper. I am driven by my desire to set a good example for my children. My writing offers me the opportunity to show my children that although my original plans/goals for my life were not achieved, I was able to dream new dreams and to become successful doing it.

Ella: Finish this sentence- My writing offers the following legacy to future readers...
Forgiveness is a choice. When we choose not to forgive, we harm ourselves much more than those we choose not to forgive.

Ella: Introduce us to your new book, Girl Naw!.
What happens when the window becomes a mirror. Antoinette Walker is good at helping other women resolve their issues but her closet isn’t free from skeletons. Girl, Naw! takes you on Antoinette’s journey of ridding her bed of roses of the thorns that continue to prick her heart. Forgiving others will only be part of her struggle.

Ella: Ultimately, what do you want readers to gain from your book?
Ultimately, I hope readers will gain from Girl, Naw! strength to move past the emotional scars that have paralyzed them. It is my prayer that readers will gain more compassion for others that are going through various things in life, because we never really know what someone else is truly facing.

Ella: Who would this book really "speak to" and why?
Girl, Naw! speaks to hurting people. It opens the door to forgiveness, and ushers in the healing process. I also believe Girl, Naw! speaks to individuals both male and female who are in a position of authority where people depend on them a lot for various reasons. Girl, Naw! shows its readers, they are not alone. Some of the very trials and tests they are facing there are others going through it as well.

Ella: What would you say has been your most significant achievement as a writer?
My most significant achievement as a writer has been having readers contact me both in person and via email and tell me the impact Girl, Naw! has made in their lives. I will never forget the time I was doing an interview about Girl, Naw! and a woman in the audience shed tears after hearing an excerpt from the book. The section that was read touched on something she was going through.

Ella:   What advice would you give a new writer?
I would advise a new writer to persevere. New writers will often have their confidence challenged. It is important to take your time and put out a good product. Don't allow yourself to become overwhelmed with unrealistic deadlines. I would also advise a new writer to take advantage of all of the resources that are available such as writers' workshops, and online writers' groups that focus on the genre in which they are writing. Finally, I would advise a new writer to read books that are compatible to what they are writing.

Ella: What can we expect from you in the future?
In the future readers can expect to see more life altering stories from LaCricia A`ngelle. Stories that show characters overcoming tough obstacles by the power of God. You can also expect to see more authors realizing their publishing dreams through His Pen Publishing. Most importantly Expect the Unexpected.

www.lacriciaangelle.com
www.myspace.com/authorlacricia
http://www.facebook.com/lacricia
http://authorlacricia.wordpress.com

Jacquelin Thomas is an award winning, bestselling author with over 30 titles in print. Her books have garnered several awards, including two EMMA awards, the Romance In Color Reviewers Award, Readers Choice Award, and the Atlanta Choice Award in the Religious & Spiritual category. She was a 2008 NAACP Image Award nominee and was given the 2008 Career Achievement Award by Romantic Times Magazine. She is happily married to her best friend and is the proud mother of three children. Jacquelin and her family live in North Carolina.

Ella: Tell us about your passion for writing. Why do you write? What drives you?
I write because I don’t know how NOT to write. I have been writing since I was in the third grade and its how I got through those years of being extremely shy. In writing, I have the ability to control everything—something we don’t have in the real world. I love being able to make someone smile, lift someone’s spirits or just entertain with my stories. I love it and can’t see doing anything else in my life outside of serving God.

Ella: A Legacy is something that is handed down from one period of time to another period of time. Finish this sentence- My writing offers the following legacy to future readers...
My writing offers the following legacy to future readers... entertaining stories of flawed individuals whose weaknesses become their greatest strengths.

Ella: Where are you from? What is your favorite genre? How did you start your writing journey?
I live in North Carolina. My favorite genres are mystery, romance and Christian Fiction. I love them all equally.

I’ve been writing since I was in the third grade—I was painfully shy growing up, so writing became my outlet. However, I would never submit anything and it wasn’t until I was pregnant with my third child that I decided to finally ‘test’ the publishing waters. I wrote a novel titled Hidden Blessings and submitted it to Kensington Publishing. Monica Harris was the editor at the time and she purchased it in 1997. The book came out in 98’, was adapted into a BET television movie and I’ve been writing ever since. I have over 30 books in print today.

Ella: Introduce us to your new book The Ideal Wife.
THE IDEAL WIFE is the story of a woman whose husband wants her to embrace the swinging lifestyle and her quest to make her marriage work without dishonoring God and her husband. The book offers the reader a glimpse into the lifestyle of a “Christian swinger.” The story will also challenge reader’s beliefs on whether swinging or wife-swapping is considered adultery. I ran across an article that said that sixty-eight percent of swingers consider themselves Christian, which inspired the writing of this story.

Ella: Who are your two main characters? Favorite things about them?
Jana and Lawrence are the main characters in The Ideal Wife. I love that Jana knows who she is in Christ and stands her ground with her husband, despite her love for him. Lawrence is likeable because he’s not out to hurt Jana—he loves God, but truly believes that there is nothing wrong with the swinging lifestyle. His pastor is a swinger, so how can it be so bad?

Ella: How does this book shape or add value to the reader's life?
The Ideal Wife is written to entertain, but also to educate. I make no attempt to pass judgment or tell couples what they should do behind closed doors. I simply want the story to open the door for discussion. I believe Jana is a wonderful role model for women, in that she loves Lawrence, but she is not willing to do something she considers immoral.

Ella: Ultimately, what do you want readers to gain from your book?
I would like readers to gain understanding that you can’t just accept someone else’s word over what the Bible says. You have to search the Word for yourself and ask God to give you wisdom and understanding, because scriptures are oftentimes manipulated to suit someone’s purpose.

Ella: Who would this book really "speak to" and why?
It should be to everyone. Sex is a gift from God and unfortunately, it’s become perverted by the world. Intimacy between a husband and wife is special and I think you have to be careful. I want my relationship with my husband to honor God because He is also a part of our marriage. Again, the book speaks to everyone and will provoke discussions between married couples and singles alike.

Ella: What would you say has been your most significant achievement as a writer?
Being nominated for a 2008 NAACP Image Award for Divine Confidential. I found out the day that I buried my father that I had been nominated, so it was bittersweet.

Ella: What advice would you give a new writer?
When writing your first draft—just write and don’t worry about how it reads. Finish the story before going back over to revise and don’t compare your work to other authors.

Ella: Name 3 things that it takes to make a successful author, in your opinion?
1. Putting pen to paper. Writers write!

2. Be willing to accept that you don’t know everything there is to know about writing and that your editor is there to help make your story shine.

3. Read books on the craft of writing and read just for fun when you’re not working on a project.

Ella: Share with us your latest news, awards or upcoming book releases.
The Ideal Wife will be in stores October 6, 2009, Teach Me Tonight will also be in stores in October, and Split Ends (Young Adult) will be released December 29, 2009.

Angela Benson's numerous novels include the Christy Award-nominated Awakening Mercy, the Essence-bestselling The Amen Sisters, and Up Pops The Devil. She's also the author of nonfiction writing book, Telling the Tale: The African-American Fiction Writer's Guide. She is currently an associate professor at the University of Alabama.

Ella: Tell us about your passion for writing. What drives you?
I don't know if I'd use the word passion to describe my writing. I write because I have something to say that I believe will encourage and motivate readers while at the same time entertaining them. My passion is for encouraging. Writing is an avenue for doing it.

Ella: A Legacy is something that is handed down from one period of time to another period of time. Finish this sentence- My writing offers the following legacy to future readers...
My writing offers the following legacy to future readers... a source of encouragement, motivation and entertainment.

Ella: Where are you from? How did you start your writing journey?
I’m an Alabama native. I started writing when I was in fifth grade. At the time, I had no idea that writing was a career option. I just wrote for my class. It wasn't until twenty years later that I began to explore writing as a career. I was fortunate in that I sold the first book I wrote. I started writing it in 1992, sold it in 1993 and it was published in 1994.

Ella: Please introduce us to your new book, Sins of the Father.
Sins of the Father (ISBN: 9780061468520)- Successful media mogul Abraham Martin has great wealth, an elegant wife, Saralyn, and a rebellious son, Isaac. He also has a secret: a second family that no one knows about. Now, after thirty years—driven by the urging of his long dormant conscience—Abraham is determined to do the right thing by finally bringing his illegitimate children into the light…and into the family fold. Sins of the Father is a powerful story of a house bitterly divided—a rich, multilayered family saga of betrayal and redemption, rage and compassion, faith, forgiveness, and ultimately, of love.

Ella: Who are your two main characters and what do you like most about them?
The three adults who drive Sins of the Father were wonderful characters to write. Abraham Martin, the father who is trying to make amends, is likeable because he really does want to do the right thing. His wife, Saralyn, is likeable because her plight and her pain are so realistic. Leah, his old mistress, tugs at your heart as she deals regret for her past decisions and the impact they’ve had on her children.

Ella: What makes your book stand out and would entice a reader pick it up?
Sins of the Father takes a biblical story and asks a different question about it than the one asked in the Bible. That question shows the relevancy of the story today. Even President Obama has addressed the problem of absentee fathers. In Sins of the Father, we see an absentee father trying to make amends with the adult children he abandoned when they were babies, and finding it very difficult. We also see how his choices, past and current, affect both of his families.

Ella: Ultimately, what do you want readers to gain from your book?
I want to confirm for readers that making amends for past bad acts is always the right thing to do. Even though you may not be forgiven or received with open arms, you still have to try. More specifically, I hope that the lines of communication between some absentee fathers and their children may open and develop.

Ella: What is the most surprising thing you have learned in creating books?
I gain as much writing the stories as readers do when reading them. There’s a lesson for me in each story.

Ella: What would you say has been your most significant achievement as a writer?
Being able to endure fifteen years in this business. My career is not one I’d recommend other writers follow. Since my first book was published in 1994, I’ve written twelve novels in four different genres for five different publishers with contracts negotiated by three different agents. While many the of writers who started writing with me have achieved more writing success, there are many who are no longer being published. I consider myself blessed to still be in the business and writing the books I want to write.

Ella: What advice would you give a new writer?
Finish at least one manuscript. It’s important for new writers to know that they can finish a book. It might not be the best book in the world, but you will have proved to yourself that you can tell a story from beginning to end. That knowledge will make finishing the second book much easier. As you write more books, you’ll find that you develop a rhythm to your writing. You’ll begin to notice how long your chapters are, how many scenes are usually in a chapter, how long it takes you to write a scene or chapter, etc. This knowledge will prove invaluable once you start writing to deadline.

Make time to read at least one book a month. Most writers start as avid readers. Once readers start to write, they sometimes find their lives so busy that reading is neglected. Don’t let that happen to you. Don’t lose your love and appreciation of good stories. In addition to hours of pleasure, reading will keep you up to date on the market.

Rejoice in the success of other writers. Every time a new writer sells a book, a struggling writer should be encouraged. That sale is proof that publishers are still buying new writers. Take time to congratulate that writer and be sure to purchase the book when it hits the shelves. Don’t give up. Don’t give up. Don’t give up.

Ella: Name 3 things that it takes to make a successful author, in your opinion?
A love of reading, a healthy respect for the craft of writing, and a willing to accept constructive criticism.

Ella: What can we expect from you in the future?
My contract with Avon/HarperCollins is up with Sins of the Father. I recently submitted a proposal to them for my next book. I hope to have some good news in the next few weeks. In the meantime, I have a novella in the upcoming Millions of Blessings anthology being published by Dafina in March 2010. Marilynn Griffith and Tia McCollors, two wonderful people and great authors, have novellas in it as well.

Ella: Share with us your latest news, awards or upcoming book releases.
The Sins of the Father Blog Tour continues through Friday, September 4, 2009. I invite each of you to join us. You can find the schedule on my blog at http://www.angelabensonblog.com

Intimate Conversation with Tia McCollors

Bestselling author Tia McCollors entices the literary taste buds of her readers with a sweet blend of faith and fiction in her inspirational novels. After leaving a career in public relations, Tia has emerged as a steadfast author of faith-based books. She is also an inspirational speaker and instructor for writing workshops. She lives with her family in the metro-Atlanta area.

Ella: Tia, where are you from?
I was born and bred in Greensboro, NC, but I’ve been living in and around the metro Atlanta area since the day after I graduated from college. That makes thirteen years now so I think I may have officially earned my Georgia peach seal of approval!

Ella: How did you start your writing journey?
I think I was in first grade when I wrote a poem about a sea shell and won a first place ribbon in the science fair…seriously! But also way back in eighth grade I had an advice column called “Tia Talks” in our monthly middle school newspaper. Now that I think about it, those columns were my first published works. It must have sparked something because when I went to high school I wrote for the newspaper for four years, and subsequently chose Journalism and Mass Communication as my major in college.

Fast forward about four years after graduation and I was laid off from a job in marketing/public relations. At that point I began to sincerely seek my life’s purpose and God told me something simple – my love for reading and writing were going to get married. Thus, I put pen to paper and the true journey began…

Ella: Tell us about your passion for writing.
Writing is my way of escape. Not only is it a chance to weave a great story, but you get to create characters who become “friends” to the readers. It’s almost like readers get “advice” from the characters based on the circumstances that happen in the story. Also, in some ways my writing is cathartic and it helps me to be a better wife, mother, and friend.

Ella:   Introduce us to your book, The Last Woman Standing.
The Last Woman Standing --The man. His woman. His ex-wife. After being married to their careers instead of each other for ten years, “Ace” and Lynette Bowers ended their marriage. But four years later, it seems their love never ended – to both of their surprises and denial. Sheila Rushmore is Ace’s current girlfriend and a woman who is used to getting what she wants – except Ace’s commitment to marriage. When Sheila realizes Lynette may be the cause, she launches a plan to play the hand of God, instead of allowing Him to bring the love all three of them desire.

Ella: Who are your two main characters and what do you like most about them?
My latest book, The Last Woman Standing, actually has three main characters. Ace Bowers (the man in the middle), Sheila Rushmore (his current girlfriend), and Lynette Bowers (his ex-wife). Even though Ace seems to be emotionally caught in the middle of the two women in his life, he is far from being a stereotypical dog. He sincerely wants to preserve his integrity and has no intention to hurt either of the women. Sheila isn’t perfect in a lot of ways, but at least she’s trying. A person has to commend her for that. Finally, Lynette is a strong woman with a lot of love for her children. Despite the rekindling of her interest in Ace, she respects the bounds of his and Sheila’s relationship. I believe all of the characters have commendable qualities.

Ella: What is your favorite genre?
I pretty much read across genres, but I don’t step into the areas of mystery/thrillers (I’d have to sleep with the light on!), urban/street fiction, and erotica because those are just not my style.

Ella: What would you say has been your most significant achievement as a writer?
This may not be what most would consider a typical writing achievement, but in my very busy household, I consider it an achievement to finish any book with two toddlers in the home. My husband is also an entrepreneur who works out of our home office, so there’s very little quiet time during my most productive hours – the morning. By the time everyone settles down in the evening, Mr. Sandman is on his way to my bed, too!

Ella: Name 3 things that it takes to make a successful author, in your opinion.
Discipline. Craft. Creativity.

Ella: What can we expect from you in the future?
An anthology titled A Million Blessings will be released in March 2010. It features the stories of myself along with inspirational authors Angela Benson and Marilynn Griffith. Other than that? Another book that’s yet to be named and fully birthed…it’s in process though!

Ella: Share with us your latest news, awards, or upcoming book releases.
I’ll be on tour with Anointed Authors on Tour in South Carolina in the cities of Greenwood & Simpsonville. Readers can visit www.AnointedAuthorsOnTour.com for more information.

The official book release reception for The Last Woman Standing will be held at the Bishop Eddie Long Family Life Center on the campus of New Birth Cathedral. People interested in attending can contact me at Tia@TiaMcCollors.com for detailed information.

WHERE TO PURCHASE:
The Last Woman Standing, and Tia’s other novels, are available at your favorite bookstores or online booksellers.
To purchase on Amazon, click the link.

CONTACT INFORMATION
Find Tia online at:
www.TiaMcCollors.com
www.myspace.com/TiaWrites
www.shoutlife.com/TiaWrites

Email: Tia@TiaMcCollors.com

Intimate Conversation with Stacy Hawkins Adams

Stacy Hawkins Adams is an award-winning journalist, Essence bestselling author and professional speaker who uses the lens of faith to explore the twists and turns life throws her fictional characters. Women’s friendships, social issues and forgiveness are central themes in her novels. Before becoming an author and professional speaker, Stacy served as a newspaper reporter and columnist for more than a decade.

Ella: Tell us about your passion for writing. Why do you write? What drives you?
I've always been a writer, from the time I learned to read. As a child, I wrote short stories and poems, and my eldest sister would type them and distribute them to our friends and family. I tried to write my first novel when I was 8, and I declared at that age that someday I would write a book.

I launched my professional writing career as a journalist and served as a daily newspaper reporter, and eventually as a columnist, for 13 years. During that period, I covered a range of topics and issues, including a NASA space shuttle launch, murder trials, social issues and women's health news. Much of that nonfiction work has given me ideas for my fiction. My first inspirational/Christian fiction novel, Speak To My Heart, was released in 2004. Since then, I've penned a total of six novels. The fifth book, Worth A Thousand Words, will be released in late June. The sixth novel will be published in January 2010.

I guess what drives me is the fact that whether I'm writing fiction or nonfiction, I'm a born storyteller. I love to hear a good story, or create a good story, and share it with as many others as I can.

Ella: A Legacy is something that is handed down from one period of time to another period of time. Finish this sentence- My writing offers the following legacy to future readers...
The knowledge that God loves them with no strings attached, and the hope that whatever they desire in their relationships, for their goals and dreams, and even for their souls, can be their reality if they'll trust God to light their paths.

Ella: Give us the synopsis of the book, Worth A Thousand Words.
Worth A Thousand Words explores the tough decisions a young woman named Indigo Burns must make in her relationships and her career. Indigo is a recent college graduate, eager to forge her path in the world and pursue her dreams. Then she’s faced with some challenging realities that force her to grapple with who she wants to be. Indigo realizes that you have to find the courage to accept difficult truths about yourself, and about others, before you can embrace life and love others unconditionally.

Ella: Who are your two main characters and what do you like most about them?
My two main characters in Worth A Thousand Words are Indigo Burns and her fiancé, Brian Harper. What I like most about them is their youthful optimism. They each believe that if they do the right things, they'll find the happiness they yearn for. Their hearts are in the right place, but throughout the course of the book, each of them learns that just as the pictures Indigo takes as a professional photographer are worth a thousand words, so is the truth. Both of them have to find the courage to accept it.

Ella: How does this book shape or add value to the reader's life?
Readers will journey through Worth A Thousand Words and come to care about these characters as if they are friends, because Indigo and Brian find themselves grappling with decisions most of us have struggled with in some form or fashion. Readers will be entertained, but they may also put down this book and begin to reflect on their own journeys and how they've handled uncomfortable truths in their own lives.

Ella: Ultimately, what do you want readers to gain from your book?
That each of us is strong enough to persevere through life's twists and turns, as long as we believe in ourselves and trust that God is working everything out for our good.

Ella: What can we expect from you in the future?
Worth A Thousand Words is the second book in the Jubilant Soul series. The third and final book in the series, Dreams That Won't Let Go, will be released in January 2010. I also am working on my first nonfiction inspirational book for women.

Ella: Share with us your latest news, awards or upcoming book releases.
The Someday List, which was released in January 2009, recently graced the Essence bestsellers list
Worth A Thousand Words is slated for release in late June, 2009. Readers can find an excerpt on my website, at www.StacyHawkinsAdams.com/Books

Intimate Conversation with Michelle Stimpson

Bestselling author Michelle Stimpson has penned several works, including Boaz Brown, Divas of Damascus Road, Breaking Bondage to Biscuits, The Good Stuff, and her young adult novel, Trouble In My Way. Michelle lives near Dallas with her husband and their two teenage children.

Ella: Tell us about your passion for writing. Why do you write? What drives you?
Why is it important to share your message or ministry in a book? I started writing on a regular basis when I was twelve years old. My mother was involved in a pretty bad car accident and I started writing in order to deal with the stress of suddenly being the "mom" of the family.

Ella: Finish this sentence- My writing offers the following legacy to future readers...
My writing lets readers see what it means to walk the Christian walk - with a great deal of grace!

Ella: Where are you from? What is your favorite genre? How did you start your writing journey?
I'm a native of Texas, I mostly read non-fiction Christian books. My professional writing journey started as a challenge of sorts - the "black" side of me versus the "Christian" side of me. My first novel, Boaz Brown, is a book about interracial relationships between two Christian characters. Writing that book was cathartic and it opened the door for me to continue to challenge myself (and my readers) through writing.

Ella: Introduce us to your new book The Good Stuff.
What Happens After I Do? The Good Stuff reveals the inside story of two marriages on the verge of divorce. Sonia is tired of raising two six-year-old twins and a thirty-something-year-old husband. Adrian couldn’t love her husband Daryll more if she tried, but he seems more interested in making money than babies. These two women are heartbroken and ready to call it quits when a common friend, Miss Irma, invites them to a prayer group. They discover marriage is more than a wedding – it’s a lifetime of compromise, patience, and forgiveness. But Adrian didn’t sign up for all that, and Sonia is busy eyeing another male prospect up ahead. Will help come in time to save their marriages?

Ella: Who are your two main characters and what do you like most about them?
My main characters in this novel are Sonia and Adrian. I like Sonia because she's full of voice and sassy - she's also very independent, to a fault. I like Adrian because she's young and gutsy. She reminds me of several of my younger cousins and I enjoy her spunk despite her mother-in-law's smothering. She grows up in this book, and I like that about her.

Ella: How does this book shape or add value to the reader's life?
I've had the opportunity to meet with a few book clubs about this book, and what I'm hearing is that women are being challenged to learn the fine art of being a wife. This is a lost art for many in my generation - we were raised to get a good education and get a good job so we would never have to depend on a man. That independence doesn't work well in a marriage. So, the book is causing us to take our existence to a higher level - from independence to interdependence.

Ella: Name 3 things that it takes to make a successful author, in your opinion?
1. Prayer 2. Reading 3. Practice

Ella: What can we expect from you in the future?
I'm working on a follow-up to Boaz Brown as well as a few movie projects. I'm also releasing a kit of short stories for high school students through my academic support service company - www.wegottaread.com

Hello Patti! Welcome to Black Pearls, tell us a little about you and your family.
I’m Patti Lacy, a displaced Southerner who was gifted with teacher parents and a passion to read. In 2006, I left my beloved community college halls to set up a writing “room of my own” in the home I share with my teacher husband and a dog named Laura.

Ella: Where are you from? How did you start your writing journey?
I was born in the back seat of a Buick in Waco, Texas , grew up in the South, and now live in Normal, Illinois. I devour literary fiction, penned by Austen, Kingsolver, Morrison, Dostoevsky, Stegner, Hemingway, Gaines, and many, many more. Unlike many writers, I didn’t put anything on paper, except maudlin poetry and embarrassing love letters, until 2005, when Mary’s story refused to settle into my brain and keep quiet.

Ella: Tell us about your passion for writing. Why do you write? What drives you?
In 2005, God gifted me with a wonderful story about Mary, a brave Irishwoman who’d for years kept the secret of how she’d been betrayed by not one but two dysfunctional families.

I became obsessed with the secrets women keep and why they keep them. When the Still Small Voice kept whispering for me to capture Mary’s story on paper, I finally obeyed and penned my first novel, An Irishwoman’s Tale.

Why do I write? Because I HAVE TO! Stories and images bang on my skull and refuse to stop until I release them into a computer file. Hey, I’m 54 and want to share these stories for as long as God allows. That may be for another thirty years. Or it may be one…more…day.

Ella: A Legacy do you want to leave future readers?
My writing offers the following legacy to future readers: When a heart festering with pus-laden secrets is cut open and exposed to light and air, healing begins. Healing brings health. Healthy women can share with others to promote well-being.

Ella: Give us the synopsis of the book being discussed, What the Bayou Saw.

Sally Stevens, a chatty Midwestern college instructor, smothers her secrets with drawly talk, chocolate, and big-toothed smiles. Then the she-devil Katrina threatens her brother and Ella Ward, Sally’s former best friend, and three of Sally’s students are accused of assaulting a fourth student, Shamika Williams.

When a bigoted cop, Shamika’s mama tiger aunt, and Sally collide in Shamika’s hospital room, the past, which has been buried under Louisiana bayou mud, begins to bubble to the surface. Racism, sexual dysfunction, and the traumatic aftermath of assault reach across the span of time and threaten to destroy Sally’s tranquil life in Normal , Illinois . Dare Sally share her secrets with a hurting Shamika and risk exposing her own prejudices?

Ella: Who are your two main characters and what do you like most about them?
Sally Stevens, the 52-year-old college Humanities instructor whose friendly drawl and bubbly personality mask deep-rooted scars from a childhood rape. I admire Sally’s fierce devotion to her family and to her students.

Ella Ward, Sally’s middle-aged childhood friend who teams with Sally to kill a rapist and later faces betrayal at the hands of Sally. I love Ella’s professionalism, gift of healing, and ability to forgive an awful wrong.

Ella: How does this book shape or add value to the reader's life?
What the Bayou Saw emphasizes the importance of exposing the prejudice all of us harbor, in varying degrees, to the light of truth so that healing can begin. This my second novel also deals with the terrible aftermath in the souls of young girls because of sexual assault and the chilling statistic that even in homes with “good” communication, many crimes continue to go unreported. I also hope my book entertains the reader with a good story and a satisfying ending.

Ella: Ultimately, what do you want readers to gain from your book?
The need for dialogue about race issues in America to continue. The terrible human stain left by racism, sexual assault…and lies.

Ella: Who would this book really "speak to" and why?
My target audience is readers, especially women, between the ages of 25 and 100! Women have traditionally stoked the home fires, have shouldered abuse and misuse throughout the ages. By bonding with other women and honestly sharing our past, we put our heads together to better problem-solve. Think of cultures where women gather at the well to chat and chew. I hope to “chat and chew” with my readers!

Ella: What would you say has been your most significant achievement as a writer?
The humbling opportunity to reach out to one reader at a time. I love each one of you and appreciate your investment of time and money in my book.

Ella: What advice would you give a new writer?
Write for the Audience of One. Write because you’ve been given a talent. Work at it with your heart, your soul, and your mind. Read books. Study the great writers. Become a professional writer, no matter what other people say. Yes, you can.

Ella: Name three things that it takes to make a successful author, in your opinion.
The blessing of God. A crazy passion to read and write, knowing this passion will cost you dearly in other areas of your life but will give tremendous joy and sense of purpose. A solid foundation in crafting words, whether self-taught, through reading the works of literary giants (hopefully a combination of both).

Ella: What book already published is similar to your book in its writing style?
It’s hard to know something like that about one’s own work. I like to think that my voice is fresh and can’t be duplicated. That idiotic thought off my chest, perhaps the frame idea and regional dialect of Fried Green Tomatoes by Fannie Flagg and the visual imagery of Ella Cather.

Ella: What can we expect from you in the future?
My Name is Sheba, another framed story that begins in the rollicking Age of Jazz in New Orleans and ends in the red light district of Bangkok.

Ella: Share with us your latest news, awards or upcoming book releases.
An Irishwoman’s Tale, my debut novel, finaled in the Foreword Magazine Book of the Year contest. Winners will be announced at the Book Expo in New York City on May 29th. Wouldn’t it be cool to see y’all there???

Contact information:

Patti Lacy
patti@pattilacy.com
www.pattilacy.com

Books can be purchased anywhere books are sold, including Barnes & Noble, Borders, LifeWay Christian stores, and www.amazon.com.

Intimate Conversation with Toyi Ward

Toyi Ward is an author & media host. After ten years as a Fortune 100 sales & marketing executive, she pursued her writing career full-time. Her debut novel, Par for the Curse, examines the impact of generational secrets on the family. She is the host of “TOYi Talk-Authenticity with Attitude” on the Blog Talk Radio Network.

Toyi was awarded Top 50 Women in Business by NJBIZ magazine for her commitment to personal and professional achievement. She also holds a seat at The Center for Research on Violence Against Women (CRVAW) and The University of Kentucky Women & Philanthropy Leadership Council. While writing is work for her, she enjoys being able to work at any beach front location from Hilton Head, South Carolina to Cape Town, South Africa. She is married with two children.

Ella:   Tell us about your passion for writing. Why do you write? What drives you?
I write for two reasons. The first is that I am pregnant with stories to create that just won't leave me until I write them. I have to write because God called me to it. It burns inside of me. I tried to NOT write, but my desire remained. The second reason I write is that I want to enlighten readers inside of an entertaining story. I write about family because families are the source of our society. When the family is functional, society is functional and the village thrives. Otherwise, everything is a mess.

Ella: A Legacy is something that is handed down from one period of time to another period of time. Finish this sentence- My writing offers the following legacy to future readers...
An ability to look into human flaws and dysfunction without judgment. I hope readers will enjoy my writing for generations and it will always be applicable to their families. I desire for my writing to bring about healing in family pain and forgiveness toward loved ones who made mistakes along the way.

Ella:    Give us the synopsis of the book being discussed.
The men they love with never love them. The men who love them, they will never love. These simple but ominous words describe the complex situation in the life of Stormy Briggs. The drama in Stormy's life is caused by a curse put on her great-grandmother, Lila, over eighty years ago. The heart line of Grandma Lila's palm was sliced in two which led to a life void of love and lasting relationships.

Though her cousins Riley and Lourdes accept the lot they have been given in life, an unexpected event forces Stormy to return New Orleans to investigate the origin of the curse. Par for the Curse is unpredictable and not easily put into a box. This story was written to shed light on how we often hurt our family members with the best of intentions. Family secrets are most often meant to protect loved ones but instead end up being painful baggage carried for generations. Stormy is determined to rid herself and her family of the curse and the baggage once and for all.

Ella:   Who are your two main characters and what do you like most about them?
Stormy is the main character in Par for the Curse. She is the "smart one" in this family of beautiful women. I love her because she is courageous. It takes a lot to confront secrets from the past and she pushes with full force to rid her family of this curse. Riley is Stormy's rowdy younger cousin. She has accepted the curse on her life and has decided to make the most of her loveless life by enticing men with her "assets". I love Riley because she is unapologetic about who she is. She's a mess and she knows it.

Ella: What makes your book stand out and would entice a reader pick it up?
Par for the Curse is a fast paced story that takes the reader through a range of emotions. Every chapter ends leaving the reader with a question of what more could happen to these women. It has elements of romance and mystery but is a work of fiction that captures real life dilemma's with drama you only want to read about in books.

Ella: Ultimately, what do you want readers to gain from your book or poetry?
First, I want readers to enjoy the story. I want them to be entertained and be satisfied once they have completed the book. I want them to think about their own lives and identify the negative patterns of behavior that have been passed on to them. Pack up that baggage and throw it out. Get rid of the family baggage and break generational curses in their own families.

Ella: What advice would you give a new writer?
Write the thing that you are afraid to write. When you feel exposed or uncomfortable writing something, that authenticity comes through to the reader. Go for it!

Ella: Name 3 things that it takes to make a successful author, in your opinion?
The persistence to keep writing, the desire to make each project better, and a continuous student of the craft.

Ella: What can we expect from you in the future?
Even I don't know what to expect. I'll go wherever God takes me and the canvas is blank. I'm committed to writing about the family and tackling tough issues that affect us all.

Website: http://www.TOYIWARD.com
TOYi Talk, The Blog: http://www.toyiward.com/blog

Par for the Curse Blog: http://parforthecurse.toyiward.com

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/toyiward
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/toyiward

Par for the CURSE, a novel is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Target, and everywhere books are sold.

Read about it on the Par for the CURSE Blog.
“What a refreshing story. For popular fiction the sentence structure is strong and could easily be literary in nature. The plot is well done and the ending does not disappoint. This is a genre busting display of originality. The character development is some of the best in popular fiction. Though the characters are mixed race African-Americans, their plight and appeal are universal. The depth and complexity of the family dynamics are perfectly crafted in a tale of love, support, and typical family tension. The character behavior is consistent throughout the novel and there was never any place that I felt a disconnect between character and behavior. It's funny, thought-provoking, and pure entertainment. I give this story an "A" and Toyi Ward a red carpet into fiction writing.” –Amazon Editorial Reviews, March 2009

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