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Love in a Carry-On Bag By Sadeqa Johnson

2012-02-10T03:23:00.002-06:00

Erica Shaw spends her week babysitting the country’s bestselling authors for one of the top publishing companies in New York City. But on Friday nights she escapes to D.C., where her sexy-lipped musician boyfriend, Warren Prince, works and performs. Their connection is fierce, and the couple promises to never miss a weekend together. But when real life walks in—an overbearing father, an alcoholic mother, office politics, and a lucrative job contract—the couple starts unraveling at the seam. Tempers flare, violence breaks, while new lovers eagerly wait in the wings—to claim both of them.

Drenched in the perils of passion and the sweet-sounds of jazz, Johnson dives deep into the world of ambition and the stumbling blocks of family. Clever, fast-paced and sexy, Love in a Carry-On Bag is a modern day love story that marks the healing power of forgiveness and begs the question, how much baggage is really too heavy to carry.

Sadeqa Johnson is a formublic relations manager. After several years of working in the publishing industry with well-known authors such as JK Rowling, Bebe Moore Campbell, Amy Tan and Bishop TD Jakes, Johnson is now the co-founder of 12th Street Press, a boutique publishing company specializing in unique voices. An inner peace advocate, Sadeqa Johnson is a meditation teacher and motivational blogger. Love in a Carry-on Bag is her first novel, it will be released March 6, 2012.

Getting to know Author Sadeqa Johnson
1. What inspired you to write a long distance love story?
My husband, Glenn, and I started off in a long distance relationship. He was from D.C., living in Philadelphia. I was from Philadelphia, living in New York City. The highs and lows of only being together seventy-two hours per week was heart wrenching, but also hot, sexy and intoxicating. Every second together counted, so fights couldn’t linger. We had to kiss and make up quickly. The intensity of that experience drove me to write the story of Erica and Warren.

2. There is a strong element of jazz in the story. How did Warren come to be a trumpet player?
My father exposed me to jazz music very early in life. When I would listen to songs with him, he’d ask me to identify the different instruments that I heard playing. I dated a trumpet player while in college and like Erica, I would spend all night at jazz clubs while he lost himself in the music. I’m very attracted to musicians because of their passion for creating beauty. I think they are brilliant, and it was a joy to give Warren the burden of carrying around a gift for music, when all his family wanted him to do was have a good corporate job. I think people will really relate to his contradictions. Warren’s love and passion for his art was satisfying for me to create, because it expressed my own passion for writing.

3. As a first time author, what was your writing process?
Love in a Carry-on Bag took me over ten years to finish. I started writing it when I was a publicity manager at G.P Putnam’s Sons. Every day I closed my office door at four o’clock and wrote for the last hour of the work day. On my commute home, I edited the pages. I got married and left my corporate job to write and raise my children, but still nursed a burning desire to tell this story. I wrote during naptimes, between feedings, in the midst of sleep deprivation and ear infections. My husband calls me the most dedicated woman he knows because I stayed the course, even with the daily pressures of caring for a young family. But I truly believe that the first novel is where you learn to write, so it was important for me to be patient with the process and give my life and the story time to unfold. My characters follow me everywhere. I wake up thinking about them like I do my children. They tell me their secrets while I dream, and the answers to difficult plot issues always come while I’m driving. On a good week I write Monday –Friday for 3-4 hours a day, but on weekends I journal a bit and let me mind wander without structure. I read constantly, books, magazines, blogs, anything to get the juices flowing.

4. You are a self-published author. What made you pursue self-publishing as opposed to signing with a literary agent and/or a major publishing house?
I am the co-founder of 12th Street Press, a publishing company designed to bring to readers those unique literary voices that are getting lost in the shuffle by the big publishing houses. I started my company out of sheer necessity. I had a very prominent agent in New York City who was unable to secure a deal for me. Having a background in publishing and still being unable to be published was devastating. It made me feel like my work wasn’t good enough even though I had worked tirelessly on it. My husband and father are both entrepreneurs and neither could figure out why I didn’t want to go out on my own. So one day my husband asked me, “what is it that you want from a publishing house?” I told him that I wanted an editor to bring my novel up to professional standard. He looked at me and said, “So let’s hire an editor.”
I then had to get out of my own way. I had a limited belief of myself, thinking I was just a writer. But once I recognized that the plan for me was much bigger than what I believed, it became clear that I was destined to be a publisher AND a writer. Once that clicked in my own head and I said yes, 12th Street press started tumbling, twirling and picking up speed.

5. You practice and teach meditation. Tell me how it has helped you as a writer and impacted your life?
I began meditating about five or six years ago after my second child was born. Bleary eyed and overwhelmed with the responsibility of caring for two young children while trying to write was crippling for me. Finding meditation was like watering a parched, potted plant. Instantly I felt my life change. The more I sat in meditation and quieted my mind, the clearer I became on my purpose in life. My heart’s mission is to inspire. I write a weekly motivational blog, give talks and workshops on meditation and have been leading a group meditation class for over three years. Meditation has offered me a deeper focus when I’m writing. It helps to clear my head so that I am open and attuned with the characters. Before practicing meditation I use to force the characters into position, now I do my best to listen and be the conduit.

6. Which writers have inspired you?
I’ve been inspired by so many writers over my life. Maya Angelou was the first author I fell head over heels in love with. Zora Neale Hurston touched me so deeply that I named my first daughter Zora. Bebe Moore Campbell was my first writing mentor. Terry McMillian and Judy Blume were the first writers to inspire me to read their novels more than once. Right now I’m inspired by Carleen Brice, Tayari Jones, Lorene Carey, Dolen Valdez-Perkins, Lolita Files, Ernesta Carter, and Paulo Coelho.

7. What advice would you give to writers who are just starting out?
Don’t quit. Writing takes time and dedication and it is very important to be true to the craft. Take writing classes, form a writing group and read as much as you can. Give yourself time and permission to grow, and be patient with yourself. Believe in your creativity above all. Allow the magic to flow.

Weblinks:
www.sadeqajohnson.com
Twitter: sadeqasays
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SadeqaJohnson

Book trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yxbix9MaZvg Intro interview
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2Q18qyXUO8&feature=related Music that inspired Love

All Mye Queen’s Men, Chronicles of Love By Brenda Stokes Lee

2012-02-09T03:06:00.003-06:00

Brenda Stokes Lee is a writer and a storyteller who refuses to let a trivial little thing like the truth come between her and a good story. Creative, funny and full of tall tales of love, mystery, action, fantasy and intrigue this author is determined to make you laugh, cry and feel alive. Her motto is a simple one: Live, Love, Laugh, Learn to Let Go, and Leave the Rest to God.
Born in North Carolina, but raised outside of Washington DC, this writer is a Morgan State University graduate who currently resides in the DC Metropolitan suburbs.

After throwing caution and good common sense to the wind, Pre Med Student Mye Beloved Queen boldly elects to transfer colleges her senior year in an attempt to avoid boy trouble and baby mama drama. Her long standing relationship with her football super star, high school sweetheart ended badly when he is named in a paternity suit. Distraught, brokenhearted and extremely pissed she embarks on a journey to a place called far- far away from him. Little did she realize that trouble has a way of catching up with you. Torn between the new and the old, the incredible and the delicious Queen tries to sort out her feelings for two phenomenal men while another lurks in the shadows adoring her from afar waiting for his chance to love her.
And thus begins the epic tale of All Mye Queen’s Men, Chronicles of Love. This is a six book series that chronicles the life of Internal Medicine Doctor Mye Queen as she attempts to navigate a sea of delicious, smoldering hot chocolate, in search of a man who can satisfy her appetite. Captivating, addictive, funny, and oh so sexy, the saga of Mye Queen and the men that vie for her love is a crazy look at love, sex, infidelity and seriously silly grown folks’ mess. A virtual joyride of emotions awaits anyone who dares to take a peek into the life of Doctor Mye Beloved Queen and the men who dare to love her.

An Excerpt from All Mye Queen’s Men, A Love of Her Own, the first installment of the All Mye Queen’s Men, Chronicles of Love Series.
Somehow, Queen had managed to survive the night without breaking her promise to Jade, although it wasn't an easy feat. Her hormones were all over the place and she hadn't experienced the warmth of the male genitalia in over two months. Now, to her dismay, two perfectly good hard ones dangled within inches of her grasp and Jade had her on koochie lock down. Rightfully so, her good sense screamed that she should walk away and not fuck with either one of them. Too bad God didn't bless the vagina with good sense and good decision making skills. It's strange how your pussy can meow louder than any screaming rational thought. It's even stranger that the brain will listen to bullshit before sound reason every single time.
Still, Queen finds herself in bed alone, yet again. After tossing and turning for almost an hour she finally manages to fall asleep. Shortly afterwards she is awaken by soft, wet kisses between her thighs. At first her mind convinced her that she was dreaming and oh what a good dream it was. But as the skillful mouth intensified its efforts to wake her up screaming with pleasure she instantly knew that this wasn't a dream.
The room was darker than dark, so it was near impossible to identify the clit master. But at this point Queen really didn't give a shit who was responsible for the monstrous screaming orgasm that she was about to have. Still, she had a damn good idea who was bold enough to come in her bed unannounced and uninvited.
Whoever he was he was an artist and Queen was a blank canvas that inspired him to create his greatest masterpiece. As her body quickly reached the boiling point Queen's breath quickened and stopped. Anticipating the scream that would follow, Picasso handed her a pillow. Queen grabbed the pillow just in time to muffle her blood curling scream of sweet release.
Little did she know that the unknown artist was not finished. He intensified his efforts and showed her clit absolutely no mercy and minutes later Queen erupted like an active volcano once again. Forget sound reasoning, forget playing it safe, forget depriving yourself, Queen's body had spoken, loud and clear. It wants what it wants and it wants him.
"Make love to me." She managed to say as her body continued to experience shockwaves of pleasure.
"I'd love to." His sultry voice replied.
As he entered her Queen's body melted over his like a Hershey bar on hot steel. Her unexpected visitor continued to do some of his greatest work. Although the paintbrush had changed the effect was still the same, a beautiful work of art. His body clashed hard against hers and she met him with every rhythmic beat. As he made the final stroke and signed his name on his masterpiece his body exploded into ripples of rapture. Queen braced herself as her body convulsed from her third climax. Screaming uninhibited she rode the wave in with him.

Get to Know Brenda:

How did you come up with the title and concept for the book?
The concept for All Mye Queen’s Men, the Chronicles of Love came to me many years ago when I was at a family gathering laughing and joking with family and friends. We were having girl talk and the conversation gravitated to men as it always somehow manages to do. So, we were talking about the various men that we’d loved and lost and of course the ones we gladly left behind and asked to go away. A lot of funny stories and some sad ones too, were tossed around before someone joked that we needed to write a book. I thought it was a great idea.
So, I decided to write a book which enveloped many of the great stories that I’ve heard over the years. I created a character, Mye Queen who would serve as a composite of all women who have loved and lost and endured the quest for their soul mate. Thus the title All Mye Queen’s Men was chosen and from that one conversation All Mye Queen’s Men, the Chronicles of Love was born. Fortunately, that one concept has inspired me to write the six books that comprise the Chronicles of Love series.

How did you come up with the characters?
As I mentioned before the characters in the book were in part inspired by men that various women in my life have encountered over the years. Naturally the book is completely fiction so I exercised my right to do a lot of embellishing to entertain my readers. The female lead character, Mye Queen is actually a representative of any given female and no one in particular. Although her character is admittedly flawed in a lot of aspects most women can identify and connect with her.

How long did it take to write All Mye Queen’s Men, the Chronicles of Love and was it a difficult series to write?
No, not at all, it actually was extremely fun. I had a great time watching as the story evolved one word at a time. Basically the characters told their own story and I had the privilege of being their scribe. All six books were completed within a two year span.

What challenged you to write this story?
My son was in England in Film School and somehow developed a detached retina. Unfortunately, he had to come back to the states to have surgery on his eye and miss his last semester of school. Naturally he was extremely depressed. So, in an effort to lift his spirits I challenged him to a Write Off. I bet him that I could write a novel before he could finish a screenplay. I don’t know what I was thinking. I hadn’t written as much as a short story since I was in the eighth grade. Really, I had no intentions of writing anything at that time. I just wanted to refocus his energy into doing something positive. Surprisingly I won the bet and the first installment of All Mye Queen’s Men, Chronicles of Love was the product.

What’s been the most frustrating part of your journey as a new author?
Other than the constant self promotion, I think the most frustrating thing that I have experienced is that nagging fear of rejection that most of us get. I put a lot of work and a piece of my soul into this series and I just want to make sure that it wasn’t in vain. I enjoyed creating the characters and writing the scenarios and I only pray that readers embrace them and like what I’ve done.
When I finished my first installment of All Mye Queen’s Men I made the rookie mistake of giving the manuscript to a family member, my sister, to read. Boy, was that torture? She never mentioned one word about the book for over four months. My mother taught us that if you don’t have anything good to say then don’t say anything at all. So, I took her silence as the polite way of saying, Hated It. I didn’t have the nerve to ask her why she didn’t like it. So, I stopped writing and went back to life as usual. Then one day she called screaming and yelling that she read the book, she loved it and she could not believe that I wrote it. Apparently she procrastinated reading it for four months, because she didn’t want to endure the awkwardness of telling me that it sucked. Now she’s my biggest fan. Still waiting for her review and validation was both frustrating and exhausting.

How did you come up with the concept for the cover of your books?
All Mye Queen’s Men, the Chronicles of Love is actually a six book series and we had to come up with not just one, but six different book covers. We decided to go with the Chess Match theme set against a stormy sky, to solve a lot of our problems with searching for the right male models to represent the various characters in the books. Readers tend to create their own fantasy about what a particular character would look like. The chess theme assured us that we wouldn’t crush any ones fantasy about their favorite character.
Still we had to consider the fact that sex sells and the sexier the cover art the more intrigued the buyers will become. So, we’ve launched the All Mye Queen’s Men Model Search 2012. We are looking for twelve of the sexiest every day, non celebrity, men alive. So if you know anyone that might be interested in launching a career as a cover model tell them to leave their contact info for me at the Daddy’s Girl Publishing House.

Can we expect another novel from you?
Yes, definitely. Actually you can expect several more novels in the near future. As I mentioned earlier the All Mye Queen’s Men, Chronicles of Love is a six novel series and all six of the novels are published and on sale. I’m currently working on another novel called, Georgia on My Mind. It should be finished in a month or two. And I’m also writing a spinoff of All Mye Queen’s Men called, Toy’s Story, which should be finished before spring. After that I have a few more books that are on my mind. So, God willing I will have lots of stories to keep my readers entertained for quite a while.

Current Promotional discounts and freebies
Connect with Brenda at Grown Folks Books or subscribe to her BLOG and get your ebook copy of All Mye Queen’s Men, A Love of Her Own, Absolutely FREE!

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Seductive Kiss By Francis Ray

2012-02-08T00:13:00.000-06:00

Dianne Harrington is known throughout the world as "The Face", the stunningly beautiful spokesmodel for her family's fashion empire. She could probably have her pick of any man she wants. But Dianne would rather kick back and relax with a good friend-namely Alex Stewart, who she's known, and harbored a crush on, her whole life. Ever since they were kids, Alex has been Dianne's protector and pal, a shoulder to cry on. But as the brother of her best friend, Alex always seemed untouchable. Now a handsome, successful New York lawyer, Alex never realized how lonely Dianne's life has been-or how innocent she is in the ways of love. Alex wants more than anything to reach out to her, to heal her heart. But is his desire worth the risk? After a lifetime of longing building up between them, somethings gotta give. Maybe all it takes is just one kiss...

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Francis Ray is a native Texan and lives in Dallas. INCOGNITO, her sixth title, was the first made-for-TV movie for BET. Her literary fiction series-Taggart and Falcon, the Invincible Women, Grayson Family of New Mexico, and Grayson Friends have consistently made bestseller's lists, and are enjoyed by readers world-wide. She has written forty-five books to date. Awards include Romantic Times Career Achievement, EMMA, The Golden Pen, Atlantic Choice, Borders 2008 Romance Award for bestselling Multicultural Romance for NOBODY BUT YOU. IF YOU WERE MY MAN was selected as Written 2010 Book of the Year. She has four books scheduled for 2012 - A SEDUCTIVE KISS, WITH JUST ONE KISS, A DANGEROUS KISS and WHEN MORNING COMES.

Get to Know Francis:

1)What was the first book you published?

FALLEN ANGEL was published by Oddssey Books, and then retitled SOMEONE TO LOVE ME by St. Martin's Press. in 2003.

2) What is the most difficult thing about being a writer?

For me that's a two part answer - plotting the next book, and then writing that book.

3) What book would you recommend to writers wanting to be published?

"Techniques of the Selling Writer" by Dwight Swain is an excellent book and should be in every writer's library.

4)What success as a published writer surprised you the most?

My greatest surprise was making the New York Times' and USA Today bestsellers list! I was thrilled beyond words.

5) What's next for you?

In 2012 I have four books scheduled: A SEDUCTIVE KISS (01/31), WITH JUST ONE KISS (02/28), and A DANGEROUS KISS (06/26) in the Grayson Friends series. WHEN

MORNING COMES, the long-awaited sequel to I KNOW WHO HOLDS TOMORROW, will be released June 5TH.

6) What would you like to say to your loyal readers?

I'd like to say to my loyal readers that I deeply appreciate your continued support. Without you none of my success would have happened. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. May God bless and keep each of you.

7) How can readers reach you and find out more about you?

Readers can contact me through and interact on my new web site at www.francisray.com. They can have fun, watch book trailers and read free books.

Contact here:

Web-link for FaceBook- https://www.facebook.com/FrancisRayAuthor

Twitter- http://twitter.com/Francis_Ray

Author Site -www.FrancisRay.com

Blogs- http://www.francisrayblog.com/

Networks- http://groups.yahoo.com/group/readersoffrancisray/

Email: francisray@aol.com

Buy on Amazon : http://www.amazon.com/Seductive-Kiss-Grayson-Friends/dp/031253647X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1319820746&sr=1-1

Haven: The First Taste by Spoken Pandora

2012-02-07T03:46:00.001-06:00

Nicole is a business savvy lesbian that has a craving that involves the world of dominance and kink. During her exploration of her sexual desires she comes across an aggressive dominating woman that may be the answer to her all of her prayers.
In my novel, Haven, we follow Nicole on her journey through the world of dominance and extreme sexual desire. Her mind is riddled with thoughts of sexual deviancy and cravings, which lead her to cruise personal ads in hopes of finding someone who understands her needs and fantasies. Nicole gets a little more than she bargains for when she answers and ad placed by someone known only to her as Daddy. Daddy opens Nicole up to a world she only thought she knew and cradles Nicole’s mind turning it into a haven compiled of erotic dreams and images of masturbation. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Excerpt:Hunger can be a fickle beast that will turn on its captor when left unfed. Nicole was no different. Her need for sexual gratification began to wreak havoc on her; invading her space and feeding on her every thought. In the shower it consumed her naked flesh. While she slept it manipulated her dreams into an erotic playground that she feared entering into her real life. It loomed over her like a never ending hangover and began to affect her job performance. She found herself fighting hard to concentrate on her clients, instead of the pounding that beat against her pussy with every step. And now it had led her to the parking lot of a bar that on any other night she would have driven past.
Earlier that day, as she stood in front of a client, she found herself succumbing to the whispers that ravished her body. They poked and prodded her, taking her to a place that resided beyond the walls of her office. While going over the business plan of a potential client she slowly drifted off, while(delete) shedding her suit and neatly wrapped bun for nakedness. As Madeline spoke to her, she saw herself kneeling down in front of her and crawling over to her knee. She felt Madeline running her hand through her wild curls and petting her like some unclaimed kitten who needed an owner. She could smell the breath of her client against her face as Madeline moved in closer to her and slipped her hand between her thighs. Nicole came close to letting out a moan but was interrupted by reality. If it wasn’t for Michael calling into her office over the speaker, she would have given in to her fantasy.
Michael was her loyal assistant and best-friend. He had always appeared when she needed him and his intrusion was welcomed, giving her the diversion she needed to cut the meeting short so that she could clean herself up. Standing in front of the bathroom mirror, staring through her reflection, she screamed inside. Raging at whatever this was that was slowly taking over every part of her. And now she was here, sitting in the parking lot of some unnamed bar with only an open(“Open”) sign to welcome her in.
Nicole walked through the doors taking her time to inspect her surroundings, hoping for a clue to tell her why she had come. But there was not, and so she made her way towards the bartender dragging her nails along the withered wood.
Before she could ask for a drink the bartender had a martini waiting for her.
“How did you know?”
“You look like a dry martini type of girl.”
“I’m never dry.” She responded and grabbed her drink.
Nicole made her way towards the jukebox, inserted change, and searched for the right song to play. But before she could make her selection a stranger stepped in and chose a song for her.
“You owe me a quarter.”
“I’m Donatella, but they call me Dante”
Nicole leaned against the stranger, pressing her breast against Dante’s chest.
“I didn’t ask for your damn name.”
“And I didn’t wait for you to.”
Nicole turned to leave but Dante grabbed her by the wrist and pulled her closer.
“Dance with me.”
“No!”
Dante moved in even closer and whispered in her ear, “That wasn’t a question!”
She grabbed Nicole’s drink and finished it for her. Nicole felt the stern tone of this stranger run its way through her body, making her ignore her mind telling her to leave. Dante slid her hands around Nicole’s waist and rocked her slowly back and forth, in-synch with the beat that blasted through the speakers. Her hand started to slide from Nicole’s waist and ease its’ way up her blouse. Her breath came out heavy and Nicole was two seconds away from giving into her dance partner, but her senses took over and she pulled away. This time Dante wasn’t quick enough to stop her from running out of the bar.
And now here she was sitting in a parking lot, hitting her head against the steering wheel of her car and scolding herself for wanting a touch of a stranger. Nicole had no clue what was happening to her. Tonight proved that the beast she thought she had a handle on was getting out of control and control was one thing she prided herself on.
Her body wanted to be fucked, pounded into submission, subdued. But she couldn’t fathom having random sex with someone she barely knew despite the hunger pains her soul was suffering from. She started her car and flew out of the parking lot not looking back and trying desperately not to turn around.
When she got home she tried to bathe away the filth, but no amount of water would make her feel clean. Deep down she didn’t really want to be cleaned. She wanted something but that something had no name. So she found herself in front of her computer searching through personal ads over the internet. Her senses had turned her body into a depraved beast that needed to be fed and a simple meal would not do.

Spoken considers herself a gypsy poet and describes her writing style as a fornication with words. Her literary journey started out many years ago writing poetry as a means to cope with the chaos that surrounded her. Spoken’s writing quickly evolved and she began writing erotica poetry that tested boundaries and gave a different perspective of lesbian love. Her poetry mixes taboo subjects with the emotional aspects of women loving women to create an eclectic blend of heart-felt prose that leaves its mark after the piece has ended.
In 2010 Spoken published her first erotica novel, Haven: The First Taste through LM Inc. Haven is an erotica series that explores the world of BDSM through the eyes of an aspiring submissive and her potential Dommes. The difference of this work of art compared to many that have surfaced over the years is that all the characters are lesbian women of color and her words are not hindered by stereotypical opinions of a subject that few talk about outside of closed doors. In this novel we are exposed to sexual exploits unlike anything we have ever experienced or at least are willing to admit.
The success of her novel prompted new endeavors. Spoken currently reviews adult sex toys for Eden Fabtasys, Babeland, and Good Vibrations. She also shares her adult toy reviews and speaks on sexually related topics on Mr. Make It happen radio on Blog Talk Radio. In the past she has written lesbian author book reviews and advice columns and she has agreed to write sexually related essays, short stories, and adult sex toy reviews for Lady Gent Code, Sista Gurl magazine, LOTL magazine online, and Tickle Time Toys. Her work can also be seen in the anthology Life, Love & Lust by LM Inc and she will be a part of two other anthologies coming out this year by Eden Fantasys Writers Club and Perverts of Color.
Many writers claim to be different. Spoken owns the title and wears it proudly. You won’t find another erotica writer with her style that easily carries over even when the content isn’t sexual. She welcomes you to her world and hopes to break through the deviant closet, releasing all that we are condition to believe isn’t quote unquote correct by society’s standards.

Get to Know Spoken:
1. What inspired you to write Haven: The First Taste?
a. The first installment of the Haven series, The First Taste, was written during a period of sexual exploration. I had always been labeled a freak, but that title never resonated with me. I had always been kink inclined, but my sexual tastes perplexed me and I wanted to know the source. I didn’t find others of my shade who enjoyed the same things as me and were open about discussing them. For me, it was more than some perversion resulting from issues in my past. I craved to submit in ways that shamed me to the point that I spent most of my days struggling to subdue them. One day I couldn’t suppress my longings and they started to invade my space, making them seen in my everyday life. So I locked myself away in my apartment and began writing The First Taste while I explored myself. I wouldn’t call it a journal, however the novel is riddled with much of my own personal truth. Once I started writing, I couldn’t stop and Haven was born. I needed a place where I could share my thoughts and feel safe and protected. Hence the title Haven.

2. You mentioned that Haven contains much of your truth. Which character is based off of you?
a. Many characters in the first book are based off of people I encountered and at the same time the characters encompass several different people. Nicole, one of the main characters, is definitely my twin and I used her to express the thoughts, experiences, and emotional turmoil that I underwent during my quest. Through Nicole I was able to speak freely, especially since Haven is written as a fictitious novel. I like to call it non-fiction, fiction.

3. What are your current and future plans for your writing career?
a. I am currently working on several projects that will help to form my writing path. I am an adult toy reviewer for three adult toy companies on the internet and was recently allowed to review the Bedroom Kandi adult toyline by Kandi Burress. I am not the only reviewer for this collection but I was the first and it has opened doors for me as an adult toy reviewer. I will also be the reviewer and sexual health writer for Tickle Time Toys. I write a column for Sister Gurl magazine that focuses on sexual health, relationships, and intimacy. I will soon start a column for LOTL magazine online, an Australian based lesbian magazine created by Avalon Media, the company behind Curve magazine. And I have recently secured contributing to Lady Gent Code magazine.
Haven still has a long way to go as far as future books go and I am currently working on the second novel. I am also working on an erotic thriller, an erotic poetry book and a special novel that I am keeping under lock and key until it is complete. My ultimate goal is to become a successful novelist and freelance writer. With the success of Haven, I am also considering becoming an intimacy coach/speaker with a focus on kinks and fetishes. I would also like to see Haven on the big screen but I would like to develop the series more before I pursue this avenue.

4. With all that you do, how do you manage your time?
a. I would love to say that it is an easy task but I pursue as many endeavors as I can think up and my mind is constantly going. I tell myself that it is all for a good cause. With the continued support of my friends and family I continue to thrive. Post-it notes, coffee, and cigarettes also help to ease the process.
I work a 9 to 5, Monday through Friday corporate job. I have a family and like to have girl time, free time, and me time. It is hard to manage these things but I try to set aside time for everything. I start my week with a list of goals and knock them out as the week winds down. But ultimately I try to remind myself that I am only one person and look at what I don’t accomplish as an opportunity. Eventually it all gets done.

5. Why do you write?
a. Well that’s a simple one, if I don’t I would die. Writing for me is like breathing or existing. Without one the other doesn’t exist. I write for those with no voice. I write for those who have lived their lives in shame or under restraint. I write for those who doubt their power to create. I write because when He passed out gifts, this is the one I was given and I treasure it.

6. Writing in general is not the easiest thing to do. Writing in a niche market makes it even tougher. How do you succeed writing this genre?
a. Everyone says that sex sells and they are true to a point. It does sell, but everyone is selling it. To get and stay on top you have to think outside of the box and be true to yourself. I find different ways to tie erotic in to what I do. This is why I do sex toy reviews, erotic poetry, erotic essays, anthologies, etc. The key is to get recognition and write good literature. People often say that they won’t write for free. I have contributed to many projects without pay just to get the experience, exposure and networking opportunities. You have to see the bigger picture. And above all else never give up and remain true to who you are. I write for myself and having loyal fans is an added bonus. If I did not write my truth I would be doing a disservice to my readers. I am nowhere near down, but following these simple steps have put me on the right path.

7. Who is your favorite author?
a. Michael Z. Danielewski. Many years ago a friend of mine shared his book, House of Leaves, with me. I had never read a novel written in much a manner. There’s blank pages, color coded words, passages written in squares, footnotes that take up pages. It’s a masterly work of literary art. When someone tells me that I can’t write this way or that or when an editor completely demolishes a piece of my work, I think of him. It reminds me that I can write in a way that speaks to me and although all may not like it, someone will.

Web Links
Facebook: Spoken Pandora
Twitter: @Spoken_Pandora
Lady Gent Code Magazine: http://www.ladygentcode.com/
Sista Gurl Magazine: http://www.sistagurlmag.2ya.com/
LOTL Magazine Online: http://www.lotl.com/
Author Website: www.Pandorasbedfellow.com
Adult Toy Review and informational website along with author and book info: www.theeroticden.com
Tumblr: www.spokenpandora.tumblr.com

Email
spoken@pandorasbedfellow.com

Book Purchase LinksAmazon:
Kindle - http://www.amazon.com/Haven-The-first-taste-ebook/dp/B004H8GEU6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1328325424&sr=8-1
Paperback- http://www.amazon.com/Haven-First-Taste-Spoken/dp/1456447173/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1328325424&sr=8-2

Buy Paperback from publisher LM Inc.:
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Barnes and Noble:
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Purchase info on personal site:
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The “Skeeter Hawk” Novel By Hubert R. Stokes

2012-02-06T00:46:00.001-06:00

Saby Stone is the pen name for Hubert R. Stokes a retired teacher who loves to write novels to teach Black History. So many of our young adults between the age of 21 and 45 years have not been told the complete story our history so it is his dream that his novels will help to enlighten them as well as others about our history.

A Saby Stone Story is a unique story touched by the human experience, seasoned with the spice of African-American History and dashes of romance. It is the goal of Saby Stone writers to tell unique stories, but at the same time, tell the hidden or untold history of the African people as they adjust to their new home in a different land.

The title of my second novel is "Skeeter Hawk." It was released on Feb. 26, 2011 during Black History Month. The Author's name is Saby Stone (My pen name). It was self-published by me using my publishing co. Saby Stone Publishing. Books are available on my website in soft and hard covers. The ISBN number is 978-0-9817770-2-3. www.sabystone.com

Excerpt: It was well into the evening when he got up. He slipped an extra large towel around his six foot, five inch well built frame. His body was in good condition for a fifty year old. A lot of men his age would have let themselves go, but not Benjamin Brooks. He took pride in his muscular build. He had a daily workout program that called for him to rise early and exercise for one hour. Being a lawyer, he wanted to look good in his shades of blue, tailor made suits.
“Nothing worse than an out of shape lawyer” he would say. “If a lawyer couldn’t discipline himself for his own good, how could he discipline himself to pursue his client’s case?”
His smooth dark brown complexion created a rouse among the ladies in his office. His secretary Lola kept him informed as to what the ladies were saying about him.
“They call you the Black Fox, you know.” She would tell him. He couldn’t prove it,

but he thought that Lola started the rumor herself.

Sheila Smith

It was funny how he met Sheila, he was at a lawyer’s conference in Las Vegas and Sheila was there from Detroit purchasing clothes from her favorite designer, Benje. Things were still a little bumpy from his lost of Melia and he thought that he would spend some time at the dice table hoping that it would change his luck. He was losing badly, but he noticed that everyone at the dice table stopped talking and they were looking in his direction. He hadn’t noticed that Sheila had slipped up beside him. When he turned, her beauty met him front and center. Her skin was the color of brown sugar and she looked twice as sweet. He wanted to impress her with elegant words, but he had been out of practice in charming women. What could he say to her?
What’s a fine momma like you doing in here alone? No too lame. Heaven must have lost an angel and I found you. No, God and I have problems; He would never send me an angel after the things I had said to Him. Are you lost because I’m the lost and found department? Too weak!!
Before he could damage his brain thinking of things to say to her and humiliate himself, she spoke.
“You might need some help with that.”
“Some help with what?”
“Your dice, they seem to have gotten cold on you. Do you want me to warm them up for you?”
“Uh, yeah!”
She took him by the hand and turned the dice toward her. She then puckered up and was preparing to blow on the dice. He could not help but notice how moist and delicious her lips looked. He hadn’t paid attention to a woman’s lips other than Melia in years. Slowly, his hand begins to shake.
“No wonder you’re having trouble with your dice, are you nervous or is it me?”
“It is you.” He yelled in his mind. “You know darn well that you are upsetting me, throwing my game off.” He tried to steady his hand, as drops of sweat formed on his forehead. “Talking about never let them see you sweat, if she sees me sweating like a wild animal, she will never speak to me again.”
She looked straight into his eyes as if she had the power to hypnotize him; commanding him to do her will. She turned her eyes from him and blew very gently on the dice sending a warm sensation up his arm. Then, she did something completely unexpected. She kissed him tenderly on the wrist. His arm felt like it was on fire. She had not only warmed the dice, but she sat him a blaze as well. She took a cologne laced silk handkerchief from her purse and gently wiped his forehead. The scent of the cologne traveled up his nasal passage sending a tingling feeling to his brain. He thought for a second that he was about to lose consciousness.
She winked at him then turned and walked away. Her walk was unbelievably sexy. Every guy and lady at the table was watching her walk away. To him, her walk seems to have magnetic power, drawing his eyes from their sockets to roll helplessly across the floor following her. His ears followed the sound of a different drummer; the rhythmic beat of her hips as she moved further and further away. His mouth became unbelievable dry like a diabetic who have had an overdose of sugar. He craved water, but he believed that only she could quench his craving.

Hubert R. Stokes taught mathematics in the Detroit Public School for forty years. He worked exclusively on the eastside of Detroit and helped to educate generations of children. After graduating from Winston-Salem State University in Winston-Salem, N. C. in 1968, he embraced the school motto to “enter to learn and depart to serve.” Later he received his master’s degree in Middle School Mathematics from Wayne State University and continued his dream to motivate his students to be the best that they could be.

Mr. Stokes has spent time tutoring youngsters and managing after school recreation programs to help develop well rounded young people. He worked with the Detroit Public Schools, Enrichment Program for Institutionalized Children (EPIC) for over twenty years, laboring to support and educate our at risk youth.

He was retired in 2008 by his former students but continues to sponsor activities like Girl Talk and Career Day at his former school. After retirement, he has rekindled his love for Afro-American Studies, choosing to convey our Black Heritage to others in a series of romance novels called Saby Stone Stories.

Mr. Stokes has received numerous awards for his teaching abilities, including Outstanding Young Man in America, the Booker T. Washington Educators Achievement Award and Teacher of the Year at Corinthian Baptist Church, just to name a few. Mr. Stokes holds most precious, five awards given to him by his former students who recommended him to “Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers” in 1994, 2000, 2002, 2005, and 2006.

Teaching for Mr. Stokes is a unique calling from God. He has kept in contact with many of his former students. His doctor, lawyer, accountant, mechanic, banker, insurance agent and florist are all his former students. Mr. Stokes says, “some teachers teach a lifetime and never know what their former students are doing, but I take pride in knowing about my former students’ accomplishments because their success is my success.”

An Interview with Saby Stone

Interviewer: Saby Stone is the pen name for Hubert Stokes. What is the reasoning behind your use of a pen name?

Saby: I wanted to pay homage to my grandfather, Saby (say-bee) Gilliard. My father died when I was six and I was raised by my mother. She made sure that I did not forget her father. I would like for his name to go around the world. Stone is the last name of one of my former students who encouraged me to write. Besides, I think that Saby Stone is a catchy name.

Interviewer: You taught math for forty years. Becoming an author had to be a big change for you?

Saby: It was a challenge, but I had always had a desire to write a book. Writing, for me is a new frontier. It is taking me boldly where I’ve never been before.

Interviewer: Why did you write a love story and why is it unique?

Saby: Everyone wants to be loved. The idea of love appeals to all age groups. “Skeeter Hawk” is a love story with an exceptional plot. It is a modern day romance, but it captures the history of Gullah Geechee people.

Interviewer: Why write about the Gullah Geechee people?

Saby: I’m from North Carolina and my parents were born near the east coast of South Carolina. I’m embarrassed to say this, but I don’t know my heritage. I could have been a part of the Gullah Geechee people, the very people I made fun of growing up because of their unique culture. "Skeeter Hawk" is my way of saying please forgive me for my childhood ignorance.

Interviewer: That is unique. What part of the book was most difficult to write?

Saby: The romantic scenes, of course, because intimacy is a private matter to me. I did not want my book to be too far out there. I wanted things to be in good taste and not too graphic. I wanted to show that “Love Boat” kind of love, exciting and new. I had to reach deep within my mind to describe the romantic scenes. I had to become my character to think like him and understand him.

Interviewer: What is the origin of Skeeter Hawk and how did you come up with the idea?

Saby: I’ve always been a great story teller. I made up stories to help my students learn math concepts. They loved the stories I told them. So, I used my story telling skills to come up with the idea of Skeeter Hawk.

Interviewer: Do you have plans for other books and what age range will be targeted in your books?

Saby: I’m targeting people 21 – 45 because I feel that people in general have missed most of our history. I have a deep appreciation for black studies. So, my future novels will always reveal some of our heritage. You will see romance to draw them in and history to reveal the untold heritage.

One Blood By Qwantu Amaru

2012-02-05T16:27:00.002-06:00

One Blood By Qwantu Amaru
Qwantu Amaru has been writing since the age of 11. An avid reader, he has always aspired to write suspenseful page turners and socially significant literature like those of his writing influences Richard Wright, Anne Rice, Harper Lee, Walter Mosley, Tananarive Due and Stephen King. Qwantu draws his inspiration from his modest upbringing in small towns and cities across the US. In addition to his first novel, ONE BLOOD, Qwantu has published six volumes of poetry. Qwantu is an active member of the outstanding socially active poetry collective Black on Black Rhyme out of Tallahassee, FL. He has performed spoken word in poetry venues from coast to coast. He is also part owner and one third of The Pantheon Collective, an independent publishing venture dedicated to bringing high quality independent books to the masses while empowering and inspiring other authors to follow their dreams. For more information visit his website www.qwantuamaru.com, follow him on twitter @onebloodbook, join his fanpage: www.facebook.com/onebloodbook, or e-mail him at qwantuamaru@gmail.com. Qwantu currently resides in Jersey City, NJ.

Author Interview – Qwantu Amaru

Q1) How did you come up with this idea?

I was originally trying to write a short story but it just kept growing and growing until before I knew it I had a 160,000-word novel on my hands! I knew that I wanted to write a story about my neighborhood in Lake Charles, LA where I grew up and I knew that I wanted to address the interesting racial dynamics I experienced living in Louisiana which was a stark difference to what I had previously experienced in Charleston, WV and Pittsburgh, PA where I was born. I wanted to write something that was different than anything I’d ever read but would not be so different that people couldn’t get into it.

Q2) Please tell us about your current release.

One Blood is my debut novel, a story 12 years in the making. It is a supernatural thriller, set in and throughout Louisiana in the vein of books by Anne Rice, Tananarive Due, and Stephen King. The novel is pretty epic in scope, spanning 200 years of history from 1802-2002. It’s a page-turning rollercoaster that will make you think as much as it makes you jump! One Blood is a character-driven tale that involves a group of diverse characters, all tied together through hidden connections and their mutual torment by a Voodoo curse.

Q3) What inspired you to write this book?

I think debut novels are always written in an effort to understand one’s one life and self, but the catalyst was the combination of a creative writing assignment and a powerful memory of meeting former politician and KKK Grand Wizard David Duke when I was

attending high school in Lake Charles, LA. Novels I’d read by Anne Rice, Stephen King, Richard Wright, Harper Lee, Toni Morrison, Wilbur Smith, and Tananarive Due also inspired me.

Q4) One Blood has quite an extensive cast…how did you come up with the characters?

I didn’t set out to write a novel with a large cast, but as I got deeper into the tale, characters began appearing and developing on the page. In my first draft many of the characters were mere shadows and bad stereotypes. As I revised, I went very deep into

each person’s psyche and came up with the idea to give each character a dual personality that would come out in the course of the story. Some of the characters (like Lincoln, Randy, and Brandon) ended up being composites of people I’ve met in my life, others (like Panama X, Coral Lafitte, and Jhonnette Deveaux) just came out of necessity to balance the story and create the appropriate amount of drama, suspense, and tension.

Q5) How much research did you have to do for this book?

Since a large part of the book takes place in The Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola, I had to become very familiar with this prison which I did by reading different prisoner’s accounts, watching documentaries, and interviewing prison officials. Vodun is also a central element in the story so I had to do extensive research on the religion because I wanted to portray Vodun as accurately as possible and not do some bad Hollywood rendition.

Q6) Without giving away the ending, will there be a sequel to One Blood?

I have a desire to write the book the way I should have done it in the first place. That is to say, there are actually 3 full-length novels that form the back story for the events in One Blood, so I definitely am interested in telling those stories. As for a sequel, I don’t think there will be one, but I am planning several spin-off books with some of the surviving characters!

Q7) What exciting story are you working on next?

My 2nd novel can best be described as The Kite Runner meets The DaVinci Code! It is tentatively titled, The Uneasy Sleep of Giants and deals with a son trying to avenge the untimely death of his father, a chemist who may have cured Cancer and been killed for it.

1804. Luc Lafitte, pirate turned founding father, lynches a slave – Isaac, who impregnated his daughter, Melinda. Isaac is Luc’s illegitimate son. Before hanging to his death, Isaac curses his father and all future generations of Lafitte’s who live on their forbearer’s land. Three days after Isaac’s death, Luc Lafitte kills himself at the base of the same tree where Isaac was hung. 1963. Randy Lafitte seeks out a fortune teller on his eighteenth birthday in an effort to resurrect the family curse. Seventy-two hours later Randy’s father is dead. 1973. Randy is serendipitously elected Mayor, after the state’s first black Mayor is apparently assassinated by his wife, Juanita, who escapes and is never apprehended. 1992. Randy’s only son, Kristopher, is gunned down in the middle of gang crossfire, three days after his eighteenth birthday killed at the hands of his only black friend – Lincoln Baker. 2002. Randy, now Governor of Louisiana in his second term, learns his daughter, Karen, has been kidnapped on her eighteenth birthday. The ransom calls for the full pardon of Lincoln Baker. Three days after Karen’s kidnapping, an explosive cocktail of vengeance, manipulation, serendipity, fate, truth, and redemption detonates throughout Louisiana. Randy will stop at nothing to save his daughter and himself, even if it means admitting the curse is real. Even if it means committing greater atrocities. But looks are deceiving. There is something deeper at work here. When the dust settles, the ending is as unexpected as it is illuminating. ONE BLOOD is a story about the power of suggestion and the beliefs that shape our lives. There are secrets sealed in our blood, you see. The best answers, as always, lie within.

Excerpt:

1963 New Orleans, LA During the day, New Orleans’ most famous neighborhood was a tribute to architectural and cultural homogeneity. At night, the French Quarter’s multicultural legacy blurred into an unrecognizable labyrinth; especially in the eyes of the drunk and desperate. At the moment, Joseph Lafitte was both. Joseph careened down the dark alley and absentmindedly brushed at the dried blood beneath his nose with his free hand. His tailor-made shirt and pants were drenched with sweat and felt sizes smaller. He was overcome with the sensation that he was running in place, even though he was moving forward at a brisk pace. Because he was paying more attention to what was behind him rather than what was in front of him, Joseph tripped over a carton some careless individual had placed in his path. Upon impact with the concrete his cheek flayed open, but he barely felt the sting as his priceless nickel and gold plated antique Colt Navy Revolver clattered away into the darkness, out of reach. Even now, breathing as harshly as he was, he could hear someone behind him. Somehow they managed to stay just out of the range of his sight, but within earshot. It was the ideal moment for them to pounce, but Joseph would not give in so easily. He pushed himself to his feet, his eyes like twin brooms sweeping the ground for his weapon. He located it near a dilapidated doorway. Clutching it once again, he felt some semblance of self-control return. Until his dead wife called his name. “Joseph? Joseph, where are you?” That was all the motivation he needed. He broke into a full gallop but couldn’t outrun what he’d seen back at the hotel, or what he’d just heard. They are toying with me. Trying to make me doubt my own mind. This was New Orleans after all. A place with a well-documented history of trickery and alchemic manipulation. He must have drank or eaten something laced with some devilish hallucinogen. For all he knew, his own son—Randy—had given it to him. Randy still blamed Joseph for the car wreck that took his mother’s life. Joseph had noted the murderous hue in Randy’s eyes after Rita’s funeral, and even though Joseph explained that it was an accident, he knew Randy would never forgive him. Was this Randy trying to get some sort of revenge? It didn’t matter. Randy was weak—always had been and always would be. As an only child, he grew up to be softer than cotton—Rita’s doing by babying and spoiling the boy. Have I underestimated my son? This thought, along with his first glimpse of light in quite some time, simultaneously assaulted him. Where am I? And why haven’t they caught up to me yet? Maybe they want me to go this way. Joseph glanced down at the revolver that had once been carried by the great Robert E. Lee. He’d show them who had the upper hand; if Randy was behind this, he would soon be joining his mother. Rather than heading toward the light, Joseph turned left down another dark alleyway. The façade of the building was damp to the touch. Other than his troubled footfalls, there was no sound. Who knew a city nearly bursting at the seams with music could be this eerily silent? Joseph used the quiet to collect his thoughts. * * * * * He’d spent that afternoon as he spent most Saturdays, sipping bourbon and talking shop with other New Orleans power brokers inside the private room in Commander’s Palace. He knew something was wrong as soon as Randy appeared at the doorway, motioning to him. “We have to leave New Orleans right now, Father,” Randy said in a hushed tone as Joseph entered the hallway. “What are you talking about, Boy, and why are you whispering?” Joseph replied, a little louder than he needed to. Randy jerked Joseph’s arm in the direction of the exit, his eyes pleading. “Something bad is going to happen if we don’t leave here right away.” “No, Son,” Joseph said. “Something bad is going to happen if you don’t remove yourself from my sight this instant!” And that had been the end of it. Randy left, looking back only once, as if to say, Don’t say I didn’t try to warn you. Joseph returned to his drinks and colleagues. Afterward, he went downtown for a little afternoon rendezvous with a beautiful Creole whore. She came as a recommendation from his regular mistress, Claudette, who was on her cycle, and the girl certainly fit the bill. He made it back to the hotel just as the sun set and settled down for a drink or three after taking a steaming hot shower. In the comfort of his armchair, in the privacy of his suite, his thoughts returned to Randy. It was Randy’s eighteenth birthday and the boy had been acting oddly ever since he’d arrived in New Orleans two days earlier. In truth, he’d been acting strangely much longer than that. Joseph would never forget the revulsion he’d experienced when the maid in their Lake City mansion had shown him the pile of bloody rags at the bottom of Randy’s hamper. That disgust tripled once he found out the source of the blood. One night, Joseph waited until Randy exited the bath. The raw pink and black slashes across Randy’s forearms, thighs, chest, and abdomen were all the evidence he needed. Apparently Randy had taken to cutting himself in the wake of his mother’s death. Randy was barely a teenager and there was only one thing Joseph could think to do to keep from locking the boy up in a sanitarium. He sent him away to a French boarding school and commissioned some distant relatives to keep an eye on him until he graduated. If he survived that long. * * * * * This weekend was supposed to be a celebration of sorts. Randy had returned from France a distinguished young man, and Joseph was ready to bury the hatchet. But what if Randy doesn’t want it buried? What if he wants my entombment and has been patiently waiting all these years to get his revenge? Joseph grabbed hold of a lamppost to steady himself. A statue of a man on a horse loomed over him. His feet had brought him to Jackson Square. Surely, nothing bad can get me here, right? He’d believed the same to be true of his hotel room and that had definitely proven to be false. * * * * * Joseph had been cleaning his prized revolver before sleep overtook him. The sound of the door opening brought him back to consciousness. Even though all the lights were still on, his bleary eyes could barely make out the two figures—a young black male and white female—standing in his doorway. Joseph sat up in his seat. “Who are you? And what the hell are you doing in my room?” His hand quickly found the revolver on the table next to him. The man and woman looked at each other and Joseph heard a deep male voice in his head say, “Don’t worry, Joseph. It will be ova’ soon.” He felt the voice’s vibrations in his teeth and jumped to his feet. The young woman reached out to him and he heard her voice in his mind as well. “Don’t fight us, Joseph. It is so much better if you don’t resist.” Joseph felt wetness below his nose and when his hand came up blood red, he bolted around the woman, out of his room, and out of the hotel. * * * * * Now he stood in the shadow of Andrew Jackson’s immortal statue, exhausted and nearing the end of rationality. A sudden thought occurred to him. Maybe this is all a nightmare. Maybe I’m still sitting in my chair snoring. He latched onto the idea. Hadn’t he heard recently that the best way to wake from a nightmare was to kill yourself? Where did I hear that? Ah yes, now he remembered. The Creole whore had mentioned her grandmother’s secret to waking from a bad dream. What an odd coincidence… Joseph stared down at the revolver as if it were some magic talisman. If this were a dream, it was the most vivid of his life. He could feel the breeze from the Mississippi River, the cold bronze of the statue beneath his hand, his sweaty palm wrapped around the hilt of the gun. And he could hear footsteps nearing. Rita’s voice rang out across the square. “Joseph, I’m here to bring you home.” His mind showed him an image of what Rita must look like after six years underground. He hadn’t cried at her funeral, but petrified tears streaked down his face as he gritted his teeth. I have to wake from this dream! The footsteps were getting louder and closer. He didn’t have much time. To offset his fear and still his shaking hand, he thought of how good it would feel to wake up from this nightmare. He put the gun in his mouth, tasting the salty metallic flavor of the barrel as his mouth filled with saliva. God, this feels real. But he knew it wasn’t. He attempted to gaze at the statue of Andrew Jackson riding high on his horse. The statue was gone. As was the rest of Jackson Square. It had been supplanted by that damnable live oak tree in front of his Lake City mansion. He should have chopped that thing down long ago. Joseph let out an audible sigh of relief. It is a dream after all. “It’s time, Joseph,” Rita whispered in his ear. Knowing what had to be done, Joseph squeezed the trigger.

Find the Author:

www.facebook.com/onebloodbook

www.twitter.com @onebloodbook

www.qwantuamaru.com

www.pantheoncollective.com

A Little Sumthin’ Sumthin’ By Imani True

2012-02-05T02:59:00.001-06:00

How do you start over when you never thought you’d have to?
Fatimah is tired. Tired of the games, tired of the lies, tired of her husband. Malcolm has spent his entire marriage thinking of only himself and getting “a little sumthin sumthin” on the side. Plus, when he’s angry, he lashes out at the one person who’s always believed in him, even when it tore her heart to pieces.
But after one confrontation too many, Fatimah decides that enough is enough. When her bruises heal, she refuses to return home, choosing to start a new life without Malcolm.
Enter Xiomara, the badass CEO of Stallworth Global who always gets what she wants. And what she wants is Malcolm’s ex.
That’s when Fatimah has to face some truths of her own, and finally take charge of her life.
But while Xiomara is impressed, and she has Fatimah feeling things she hasn’t felt in a long time, more than a few people aren’t going to like the new and improved Fatimah.
ALSS is a story about starting over, and finding strength when you thought you had none. It’s a tale of karma, truth, love, and ultimately survival because sometimes, what goes around really does come around.
For Fatimah, the trick will be staying alive long enough to see it happen.

Excerpt:
“This is my favorite place. You’ll like it.”
A young man escorted us to a private table in the back. As we walked, I couldn’t
help but notice how Xiomara’s suit from the new ‘Lady Boss’ collection really showed off her best assets. I shook it off and tried not to stare too hard.
“I’m here so much, I have my own table,” Xiomara joked.
We both laughed. Then we sat down across from each other.
“Can we get two waters with lemon?” Xiomara asked the waiter. “I try to start every meal with water,” she told me. “That way, I eat less.” She was whispering.
I nodded at her small talk, taking time to admire the restaurant’s interior.
“This is a really nice place.”
“So Ms. Briggs, you graduated from Harvard, huh? Top in your class and editor of The Law Review?”
I had to give it up to her; the woman had done her homework.
“Yeah, I was hired by Kittman, Marshall, and Michaels right after graduation. Got my feet wet with the Bank of New York merger last year.”
“I read about that deal. Quite an accomplishment. You know, those of us in the industry really held our breaths over that one, but you brought it home. And it really increased the bottom line for KMM, made them one of the big boys. Fantastic work, Ms. Briggs.”
“Thank you. Please call me Fatimah.”
“You know, Fatimah, I could really use a closer like you on my team.”
Xiomara was the CEO of Stallworth Global Holdings, one of the top two financial investment companies on the West Coast. They’re respected worldwide, and working for her would really do wonders for my resume, not to mention my bottom line.
Finally, our waters came. As we both reached for the same glass, her hand brushed against mine. I was caught off guard and tried to play it off.
She didn’t.
“I’m sorry,” she said, handing me her glass. “You first.”
I took it. We raised our drinks.
“Let’s toast to a future with you as my new counsel.”
“Huh? Didn’t know I was interviewing for a job with Stallworth.”
“Ms. Briggs, you’re an educated professional, so you understand we’re always being watched, even when we don’t know it. I’ve certainly been following your career.”
“I’m flattered,” I said to her. “So you’re offering me a position in your company? We haven’t even talked terms yet.”
“Just tell me what it would take to steal you away from Jack Kittman. Name your price.”
Before I could say anything, she wrote a number on a napkin and slid it across the table. It was in the low six figures! My eyes widened as I thought, Girl, that’s twice what Mr. Kittman pays me!
“Am I in the ballpark?” Xiomara asked.
In the ballpark? You just hit a grand slam! I mumbled to myself. I tried to play it cool, act disinterested.
I was doing a bad job at it.
Bad move to give in too easily, I thought.
“I’ll need some time to think about it,” I told her. “And of course, to resign with proper notice. If I decide to take the job.”
“Well, the position is yours to refuse. I won’t consider any other candidates until I hear from you. Your qualifications are outstanding, and we’d love to have you here. You’re just what we need at Stallworth.”
“I’ll consider it.”
“Great. Here’s my cell number. Call anytime.”
She slipped a piece of paper into my palm. Her perfectly-manicured nails lingered an extra moment, grazing my nervous fingers lightly as she pulled them away.
I looked around the restaurant to see if anyone else there knew me. The last thing I needed was someone telling KMM that I was having lunch with another firm.
I knew it was an amazing opportunity, but I had to be careful. For all I know, Xiomara might have known exactly what Kittman paid me. Maybe she had even talked to him. I had to see where she was going with this. I knew I was worth the money -- after all, I did pull off that merger! And while I felt I was off my game some because of all the drama with Malcolm, I knew that was only temporary.
Yeah, Xiomara ran SGH and her game was definitely on point, but I was a bad chick in my own right, and I wasn’t going out like that! I knew I was the right person for the job, but that wasn’t the issue.
Xiomara broke the silence with a request. “And Fatimah?” she said.
“Yes?”
“You’re a lawyer. Draw something up and call me.” She winked.
“It may take me a few weeks to get back to you,” I told her. “I want to check out a few things before I make a decision about your extremely generous offer. I need to do some research, see what other attorneys with my experience and credentials are getting.”
Sounds good, I thought to myself.
I’m sure she could tell that I was lying.
Bad chick or not, I wasn’t fooling Xiomara. She knew that I wanted her!

Imani has been writing since she could hold a pencil. Her early works consisted of poetry and short stories written under the name C. Highsmith-Hooks. Her first book, “The Soul of a Black Woman: From a Whisper to a Shout,” was published in 2002. The collection of reflective poetry earned her a spot in Literary Divas: The Top 100+ Most Admired African-American Women in Literature, a 2006 Amber Books Publication.
Her first collaboration with Ms. Dreama Skye produced Strawberries, Stilettos, and Steam, a collection of erotic stories published by NCM Publishing in the summer of 2010. That same year, one of Imani’s stories was published in Delphine Publications’ Between the Sheets anthology. Both books won Literary Awards.
A native New Yorker at heart, Imani currently resides in Las Vegas, where she works a traditional 9 to 5 until the pen pays her bills. When she’s not writing, she enjoys watching crime thrillers, traveling, and taking pictures. She is the mother of one grown son.
In addition to working on several e-books, another short story collection, a few anthologies, and four screenplays, Imani is gearing up for the release of several novels in the genre of erotic crime thrillers.
A Little Sumthin’ Sumthin’ is the first of these works.

Get to Know Imani:
When did you start writing? I started writing at the age of six. I was in 1st grade, and the story was called “My Shadow and I.”

How did you come up with the ideas for this book? I pieced this story together from various life experiences of myself, friends, and family.

In general, how do you get started with writing a story? My stories could begin as an idea, a sentence, a quote I hear, or a title that jumps into my mind. Even someone I see who I think I can base one of my characters on.

How do you handle writer’s block? I step back from the work and let it breathe. I generally work on something else until I’m unblocked.

What genres of books do you like to read? Inspirational, Urban, Erotica, Drama. I don’t limit myself to just the genres I write. The only genres I don’t read are fantasy and vampire stuff because I don’t really enjoy those, but other than that, I’ll read almost anything else.

Who are your favorite authors? Sistah Souljah, Ernest Gaines, James Baldwin, James Patterson, Nathan McCall. My favorite contemporary writers are Queen B.G., Monique Mensah, Terry B., and Ni’cola Mitchell, who happens to be my publisher.
What’s next? I have several crime novels that will go straight to e-book, as well as some stories in upcoming anthologies.

Web-links:
Facebook Author Page: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorImaniTrue
Facebook Fan Page for Book: http://www.facebook.com/pages/A-Little-Sumthin-Sumthin-by-True/175456342555533
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/authorimanitrue
Author Site: http://www.chighsmithhooks.webs.com
Blog: http://truerotica.blogspot.com

E-mail: imanitrue@hotmail.com or thewritertrue@ymail.com

Purchase link for Book: http://www.amazon.com/Little-Sumthin-Imani-True/dp/0983346127/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1327629360&sr=1-1

Book Trailer Link: http://youtu.be/nGsiBiPMpPU

Got a Right to Be Wrong By KL Brady

2012-02-04T00:34:00.002-06:00

K. L. Brady is a D.C. native but spent a number of her formative years in the Ohio Valley. She’s an alumnus of the University of the District of Columbia and University of Maryland University College, earning a B.A. in Economics and M.B.A., respectively. She works as an analyst for a major government contracting firm and is an active real estate agent with Taylor Properties, writing by night (often into the wee hours of the morning). She lives just outside of D.C. in Cheltenham, Maryland, with her son and is an active member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

Originally self-published, her debut adult novel, THE BUM MAGNET, was published by Simon & Schuster's Pocket Books in March 2011. THE BUM MAGNET was the winner of the 2010 Next Generation Indie Book Awards for Multicultural Fiction, as well as the Third Place Grand Prize Winner for Best Fiction of 2010. Moreover, the African Americans on the Move Book Club selected Ms. Brady as their 2011 Female Author of the Year. The hilarious, highly anticipated Bum Magnet sequel, Got A Right to Be Wrong, published by Simon & Schuster's Gallery Books, will be released January 31, 2012.

The sequel to the award-winning book club favorite The Bum Magnet features the return of the smart, quick-witted, loveable real estate agent with a long memory and a short fuse. Sassy and successful real estate agent Charisse Tyson is about to tie the knot with the man of her dreams, but the wedding has everyone, including Charisse, under a lot of pressure.

As Charisse and the love of her life march toward matrimony,his hidden past is revealed, Charisse’s missing-in-action father resurfaces, and things heat up with Charisse’s best guy friend. Suddenly Charisse is faced with many new questions regarding her life decisions, and she must figure out just how right or wrong she was all along.

Get to Know KL:

1. Where did you get the inspiration to write Got aRight to Be Wrong?

It’s the follow-up to my debut novel The Bum Magnet in whichthe main character Charisse attempted to overcome her penchant for getting intorelationships with players. In that book, she experienced a great deal ofemotional growth which brought her to the man of her dreams–or so she thought.

In Got a Right to Be Wrong, we explore what happens whenwomen find out their “Mr. Right” isn’t Mr. Perfect. He’s made huge mistake,about 8 pounds 5 ounces worth, and now she has to decide whether she can getpast his failings and dishonesty to make a life and spend forever with him.

Another important issue it covers is her relationship withher missing-in-action father, who hasn’t played a role in her life but tries tomake amends during the wedding that might not happen. So many women have grownup without their fathers and have had dysfunctional romantic relationships as aresult. Got a Right to Be Wrong explores what can happen when the fatherreturns and the daughter doesn’t welcome her father with open arms.

2. Do you remember when the writing bug hit?

No. I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember. Mymother would buy me the old diaries with the little locks on them and I wouldjust write and write about my feelings, what I did, or whatever. Journaling issomething I still do to this day. Although I do find some of the subject matterI cover in my novels quite cathartic.

3. Besides books, what else do you write? Do you write for publications?

I thought I was strictly a novelist until my publisher askedme to write a few self-help/relationship articles based on themes from thebook. They wanted to publish them on the Simon & Schuster Tips for Life andLove site, as well as Yahoo! Shine, a site for women. I found I really enjoyedit and wrote two articles in a couple of hours. Both of them were accepted forpublication, so I decided to re-launch a blog I’d started ages ago featuringsuch articles. The blog is called “Get off the Love Short Bus with Rissey andNisey” who are two of the main characters from The Bum Magnet. The title of theblog really means that women should stop getting in their own way inrelationships by doing stupid things. I was an idiot ten or fifteen years ago.I hope this blog helps women find their way a little faster than did I.http;//www.thebummagnet.blogspot.com.

4. What are your favorite aspects of writing?

What’s not to love? I spend my entire day with people wholove to talk to me, tell me their dreams, fears, aspirations, interests, lovelives, etc. Mostly, I get to write happy endings. I haven’t had a lot of happyendings in my own life, with the exceptions being my writing career and my son.I love having my characters go through turmoil but finding happiness, in whateverform that may take, at the end of the story. With everything I've been through, I still believe in happy endings. Why would you end a story anyother way?

5. Your least favorite aspects of writing?

My least favorite aspect of writing is editing. No question.Once I write the story, I want to hand it off and let someone else to the gruntwork. I want to see it when it’s all pretty and shiny. Unfortunately, that’s adream world reserved for crazy people and seven-figure earning NY Timesbestsellers.

6. Who is your publisher and how did you getaccepted by them? Did you pitch yourbook yourself or go through an agent?

Simon & Schuster is my publisher. I had tried so hard toget an agent when I first finished the book, to no avail. So I self-published.Four months after self-publishing, I was discovered by an executive editor atanother house who expressed interest in acquiring my book. With her interest, Isecured a literary agent who sent it out to all editors who might beinterested, and I eventually accepted the deal from Simon & Schuster.

7. What’s next for K.L. Brady?

I’m nearly finished with the first book in a new seriesfeaturing black female FBI agent, J.J. McCall. She’s a human lie-detector whocatches spies. I think people are really going to enjoy this character becauseshe’s got the humor that one would expect to find in my books, but it’s alsogot a lot more mystery, suspense…and of course no book by me would be completewithout romance.

I’ve also finished my second young adult novel Soul of theBand about a black girl who through some strange twists of circumstance becomesthe only black member of an all white marching band. She faces all thechallenges that African-American teens in similar situations face, includingsome racism, but the question is whether she can overcome her challenges in theface of adversity. Again, a very funny character but the book has romance, alittle mystery, and certainly brings the drama.

On the horizon, I'm planning a book called, "The BootyCall" as part of my relationship series which features Micki, another hilarious, relationship-challenged heroine who becomes commitment phobic after being jilted by her first love. I'm also planning an offshoot to TheBum Magnet that features Charisse's best friend Lamar. It will shed light onhis personal/relationship history and how he became a MAJORplayer-turned-devout Christian. I'm still working on the title but rest assuredit will be a page-turner...and a growth experience for me because it features astrong male main character.

Find the Author:

Web Links:

www.AuthorKLBrady.com
http://authors.simonandschuster.com/K-L-Brady/76764023

www.facebook.com/karlab27
www.facebook.com/KL-Brady

www.twitter.com/karlab27

Blog: www.thebummagnet.blogspot.com
Blog: www.cheapindieauthor.blogspot.com
Email: karla@klbradywrites.com

Book can be purchased at:

Bookstores Nationwide

http://www.amazon.com/Got-Right-Be-Wrong-ebook/dp/B005PSJ36E/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&qid=1322945294&sr=8-1-spell
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/got-a-right-to-be-wrong-k-l-brady/1102846347?ean=9781451616576&itm=1&usri=got+a+right+to+be+wrong
http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Got-Right-Be-Wrong/K-L-Brady/9781451616576?id=5140913065143
http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781451616576
http://books.simonandschuster.com/Got-a-Right-to-Be-Wrong/K-L-Brady/9781451616576

Who Do I Run To? By Anna Black

2012-02-03T03:12:00.000-06:00

Janiece Hawkins never thought she’d find herself facing a love triangle. More than that; a love triangle with a married man. KP, the man of her dreams swept her completely off her feet before telling her he was married with two kids. Too deep in love to let go, she became accustom to being KP’s other woman and didn’t have a problem with her role as KP’s mistress until she met Isaiah. Isaiah ready to commit and make Janiece his, he stops at nothing to win her over, even though Janiece is stuck on KP. Things spiral out of control when KP decides it’s time to leave Kimberly, his wife to be with Janiece. Drama kicks into high gear when Isaiah fights to have Janiece and Kimberly also fights to keep KP. The ultimate decision has to be made by Janiece. Who will she run to when she is ready to love?

Excerpt:

Janiece sat at her desk daydreaming again about whether she would ever become Mrs. Paxton. She smiled and wondered what it would be like to live in a big beautiful house and drive an expensive car, like the one Kimberly drove. Her smile faded when she looked at the word private on the LCD screen of her cell phone. It would happen occasionally, but more often when she and her lover KP were in bed or on the sofa cuddled up watching a movie.

After five years of secretly being his mistress, she wondered what it would be like to be out in the open with KP. To meet all of his friends, colleagues, and have him attend at least one function at her office without the worries of who might know him.

“Damn, KP, what is your problem?” she said out loud looking at his gorgeous picture on her desk. He was her type, her desire, and everything she wanted in a man, but he was still another woman’s husband.

“Promises, promises are all you ever make me,” she said picking up the photo. She never pressured him about leaving Kimberly, but he would always make mention of the day he would make her his new wife. For a long time she believed him, but now, she was starting to think he was playing her. “When are you going to just leave?” she asked the photo, and then put it back in its spot next to a picture of her and her sister Janelle.

“Janelle is so wrong about you,” she said shaking her head, and shaking the thoughts of her sister’s words of how big of an asshole KP was. “She doesn’t know you like I know you, and I trust you,” she said and smiled.

“Trust who?” a voice asked, taking Janiece by surprise.

“Shawnee!” Janiece said, looking up, wondering how long she had been standing there outside of her cubicle.

“Who are you talking about?” Shawnee asked again being nosy.

“What?” Janiece asked with her head tilted, wondering why Shawnee was asking her anything because they were not friends, and she was definitely not one of Janiece’s favorites.

“Awww, never mind,” Shawnee said, coming in and sitting in the chair against Janiece’s cubicle wall as Janiece wished she had taken the chair back down the hall after she and her supervisor had their afternoon meeting.

“Listen, my brother and I are having this little get-together this weekend, and I wanted to know if you’d like to come,” she asked nicely—not the Shawnee that Janiece was familiar with.

“Get-together, huh?” Janiece said suspiciously. “What’s the occasion?” she asked, leaning back in her chair.

“Well, believe it or not, it’s my birthday weekend, and my brother wanted to give me something at his house and told me to invite a few of my girlfriends, and since, you know,” she said and flung her weave and batted her fake eyelashes, “most of the bitches up in here are jealous, and I don’t have many girlfriends to invite …” she said, and Janiece wanted to laugh in her face. She was definitely not one of Shawnee’s girlfriends, nor did she think that the women in their office were jealous of her. Shawnee was just an evil, backbiting bitch, and women couldn’t stand her.

“Well, Shawnee, you and I are not exactly girlfriends either,” Janiece pointed out.

“Nonsense, girl—you and I have been cool since we started. Remember, we came out of orientation together,” she said like that made them buddies.

“Yes, and most of the time when you see me, you turn your nose up!”

“Janiece, I do not!” Shawnee protested, like that was far from the truth. “You have always been one of my favorites!” she said with a fake smile, and Janiece could see right through her fake-ass green contacts and ten-inch fake lashes. At that moment, Janiece felt sorry for her because she knew Shawnee didn’t have any friends up in their office, so she decided she’d go.

“Okay, fine, Shawnee, I’ll come.”

“Great!” she said, and jumped up with excitement. “Here’s the address,” she said handing Janiece an invitation. “And you are welcome to bring that fine-ass man of yours!” Janiece knew she was up to something. She heard the rumors that Shawnee called KP, “The Invisible Man,” because no one in her office has ever seen him in person in the years she had been working there.

Their office had a party for every occasion, and although Janiece claimed to be the woman of the stud in the pictures she had on her desk, no one had actually met him.

“I’ll see, Shawnee—KP is an extremely busy man.”

“You don’t say,” Shawnee said sarcastically.

“Like I said, I’ll see,” Janiece said again, and stuffed the invite into her purse. She knew right then, that was the reason why Shawnee invited her. She just wanted to see if she really had a man.

“Fine, see you Saturday,” Shawnee said and sashayed back to her cubicle. Janiece wished she could invite her sexy-ass man to go with her, but she knew he’d say no, like he always did, afraid he’d run into someone he and Kimberly knew.

She went back to thinking of being Mrs. Paxton, and her day went by fairly quickly. At the close of day, she grabbed her stuff and headed straight for the train station. She stood to get off the metro and looked down to see who was calling again. It said private, so she dropped her phone back into her purse.

She made her way to the doors, got off, and stood to wait for the train to clear the tracks. When the rails went up for her to cross, her face lit up when she saw his SUV. He was at her condo to share temporary moments of bliss that Friday evening, and she was anxious to get inside to see him.

She climbed the steps, and when she opened the door, her place was set up nice and romantic with candles and soft music. The scent of food hit her nose, and she knew he had carryout from her favorite restaurant.

“Oh, my, KP, this is nice,” she said when she entered the living room.

“Hey,” he said getting up from the sofa.

“Wow, KP, you did it up, baby.” She was very impressed with his surprise candlelit dinner.

“Why, thanks, babe. Come on, have a seat and let your man serve you,” he said and pulled out her chair. He grabbed the bottle of chilled wine and poured her a glass.

“This is so sweet,” she said and took a sip, and then she noticed there was only one place setting at the table. “Hey, why is the table only set for one?” she asked, wondering what was going on.

“Listen, babe, please don’t be mad, but Kimberly’s parents are having a big dinner tonight at the main house, and I can’t stay.”

“But, KP, this is my weekend! My Friday night!” she replied, disappointed.

“I know, babe, and I’ll make it up to you. But, you know, my wife can’t go alone.”

“KP, damn, baby,” she said and put her glass down and held back the tears in her burning eyes. She anticipated her weekends, and now instead of his two a.m. departure, he was leaving before seven.

“Come on, Jai, no dramatics, okay? Now, I ran you a bath. I got your grilled chicken, mashed potatoes, and steamed veggies just the way you like it warming in the microwave. I want you to still enjoy your evening.”

“How, KP? My evening was supposed to be with you.”

“I know, Jai, but Kimberly sprang this on me at the last minute, and you know how it goes. Duty calls,” he said and glanced at his watch because he didn’t have much time.

“Forget it, KP. Just go,” she said and pushed the empty plate forward.

“Jai, please, you know I hate to leave you upset,” he said, wishing she’d cut him some slack.

“But you always do!” she whined.

“I can’t help it, Jai. When I tell you I gotta do stuff with my wife, I don’t want you to get this way. You know damn well I’d rather be here with you than at some uptight, uppity party at Kim’s parents. But her dad is my boss, okay? And Kimberly is my wife.”

“I know, KP, damn. I don’t need you to constantly remind me that Kimberly is your wife!” she yelled, and he had to go.

“A’ight, Jai, fine,” he said and kissed her forehead. “I gotta go, baby, and I really would like to see you smile for me,” he said. She gave him a faint smile. “That’s my girl. Now I’ll see you tomorrow, okay?” She nodded. He went over to the coffee table and grabbed his keys. He gave her a quick peck, and she held back the tears.

“I love you,” he said walking toward the door.

“I love you too,” she stated once he shut the door.

Talented and inspiring is the best way to describe this Chicago Native. Now You Wanna Come Back is her debut novel and it has earned Anna, her bestselling author title and has done its duty as a page turning introduction for Anna. She has showed herself to be ready for the literary world by winning the 2011 African American Literary Award for Best Anthology of the Year for her contribution to the erotic anthology Between the Sheets. Her second novel Luck of the Draw is holding its own; being one of Amazon’s best selling Kindle books for several months. Her love for writing began about ten years ago with poems and short stories and now she is ready to wow readers with her page turning plots, by giving readers stories that will make them laugh, maybe cry, but definitely reflect. This new authoress is here to make a mark in the literary world, so readers get ready. She recently released her third romance page turner Who Do I Run To and it has already received several five star reviews. She currently lives in Texas with her husband Chris and her daughter Tyra and it is her pleasure to share her written words with you.

Get to Know Anna:

1. How long have you been writing?

For several years, maybe 12 or 13, but I becamed a published author in 2008.

2. What inspires you to write a novel?

A lot of things; dreams, over hearing a conversation, if I’m going through something … almost anything. My ideas are random when I get an idea, I just write about it.

3. What motivated you to publish your works and what avenue did you use to publish?

Well a few of my friends would always want to read my stories and would be bugging me to write more. After a couple of my closes friends encouraged me to publish, I went the POD route with a company called De Novo and they literally played me and went out of business less than two months after my book released. Then I tried again with Infinity another POD company and shortly after I met Tamika Newhouse and signed with Delphine Publications.

4. How do you come up with the titles for you books?

I honestly base it off what the story is about and I try to make the title an interesting name that describes the plot of the book. I’ve been told that my book Now You Wanna Come Back is a dead giveaway and that is done purposely. I wrote that book about a brother who messed up and wants to come back, so that how I like to title my books.

5. Why are most of your leads plus sized women?

Because I want to write about the average woman. I want my stories to be realistic as possible and not all women are the size four that I have read about in the past in romance novels. I do have books coming that my leads are not plus sized, but that’s how that started. Nothing against thin women, I just wanted the average woman of today to read my book and say hey, that could be me.

6. What would be your advice to a new comer who wants to publish their book?

Take your time and be patient. Nothing happens overnight and just because you are published don’t mean you’re going be rich. It takes time, dedication and hard work. Lastly editing is something they need to invest in and not take lightly. Poor editing can ruin a great story.

7. What is next for Anna Black?

Publishing … I’ve been in this industry for a little while and I’ve learned some things along the way and I have great author friends that have been successful as self published authors. My current novels and my sequels that are to come will be with Delphine, but after that I will be launching Black House Publications.

www.annablack.net

www.annablackfans.com

www.delphinepublications.com

http://twitter.com/AnnaBlack72

www.facebook.com/ABlackAuthoress

www.annablackreaders@ymail.com

Books are available everywhere books are sold or if you want a personalized copy click http://www.annablack.net/books.html.

Married To A Married Man By Rhonda Austin

2012-02-02T01:05:00.000-06:00

Married: To A Married Man is sexy, emotional roller coaster ride that will intrigue you at every turn. Risa has to balance a cheating husband, a cheating lover, while she jealously cheats herself. Married: To A Married Man aims to please and willingly tests the foundations of the sacred bond of marriage through a lustful lens

Excerpt:

I couldn’t believe my eyes; this had to be a terrible nightmare. My husband and my boyfriend both standing in front of me yelling things at me that I can’t comprehend; and I can feel their pain and see the anger in their faces. My heart aches, my body is numb and my feet will not move. I am frozen, maybe even in shock, but what should I do? I love both of these men, even though they are both like night and day. I have a certain commitment to one but my heart is tied to the other. How did I get myself into this mess? This is not me. I am not an adulterer or player, or even what some may call a whore. But I guess I can trace my footsteps back to this moment and try to figure out how it all came to this. They both circle around my limp and hallowed frame, yelling at me, but wait; one has stopped in front of me, holding my hand and with actual tears in his eyes. This man is not calling me out of my name but looking me in my eyes and I can see the love that he has for me. I can feel his heart beating with mine as the adrenaline begins to come to a full rush. He is no longer angry but hurt and full of unanswered questions that run long past the glares that were given earlier.
“Risa why?” he asked. “Why didn’t you tell me what was going on? Why didn’t you just talk to me? I asked you so many times if something were going on and you just told me lie upon lie. I believed in you Risa. I believed in us.” It was right there that my heart sank and it felt as if I couldn’t breathe. I loved this man standing in front of me and I wanted to comfort him but I didn’t know how to or what to do.
The other man was jumping around in the middle of the street, ranting and raving and cussing me out as I tried to tune him out. He was irrational and I knew that there was no talking to him right now, not at this moment. So many things had began to flash before my eyes, the love I had just made with my beautiful husband, the fun we had been having since he had arrived back home, the passionate love making in front of the fireplace, the promises of a new beginning that we had made, the long baths we took together, the breakfasts in bed, the laughter, the plans for our future, the smile on my son’s face. Oh my God, my family… The wild sex, the freakiness I had learned to enjoy, the romantic get-a-ways, the sex, the extravagant gifts, and the sex, the nights we danced away at the local nightclubs, the sex, the toys , the sexy pics and the videos, the sex. Did I mention the sex? Oh my Lord, what have I done? It didn’t take long for it all to register, that I was Married: to a Married Man!

Rhonda Austin was raised in Sacramento, California but now resides in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. After raising her child into grown status she has finally decided to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a published author. She currently works as a Medical Benefit Administrator for a national insurance company, but due to some life altering experiences and personal loss, she has decided to shift her life's path to share her stories with others in hopes of becoming a sounding bored to alot of women's dating experience's of today. Sometimes in sharing ones stories another can see their own life through the same lens and make some necessary changes. Rhonda hopes to share many more stories and gain an audience that can appreciate her down to earth honesty of life's different paths and journey's.

Get to Know the Author:

qa1) Can you share with us what made you write Married: To A Married Man?

Married To A Married Man is a very personal story to me. It is based on some actual
events from my own life and from stories I had been told from friends as well. I think many of us have experienced a relationship that was addictive and destructive yet fel so good that it was hard to break away from. Losing one's self to another is always a risky thing and when you are giving your heart to another you must learn to be careful whom you share your love with. I also wanted to delve into how extramaritalaffairs can begin and how complex the situations can become. Marriage is a beautiful thing and it takes work and commitment and staying power.

qa2) What is your writing style and what has stimulated your growth the most?

I would explain my writing style to be a story teller. I have been told that I am a
conscious writer because I write as if I am sitting down over coffee and explaining to someone where it all went wrong and what took place. This is my first book so I
know that I have a lot of growing to do and I know that with each story I tell, my
techniques will improve. I think that what stimulates me the most is sharing life's
experience's with others and knowing that you are not alone in this world. There
may be someone else out there that has gone through the same exact thing and can relate to you.

qa3) What drives you to write? Passion or financial benefits?

Passion definitely drives me to write. I am very passionate about putting words on
paper to express my feelings on something or to simply tell a story. It is a gift to be able to form words together in a way that can grab a person's attention and draw them in to want to continue reading and making them visualize what you are trying to say.

qa4) What was the hardest part about writing your first book?

The hardest part for me was believing that someone would be interested in what
I had to say. I didn't think I could actually sit down and write a story and then
actually see it be formed into a book. I started writing this short story about five years ago and where most writer's experience writer's block, I have never had this problem. My problem came in sitting down and taking time to write the story. And also getting over my fears of exposing myself to judgment and failure. The
whole book industry is so interesting and it is really not that hard to become a published author. You just have to believe in yourself and tell your story.

qa5) On a personal note, what words would you use to describe yourself?

I would definitely have to say that I am a very caring, open minded, honest, down
to earth person who loves the adrenaline rush that comes from falling in love.Even
though I have been married and divorced and I have experienced some highs and
some lows I still believe in love. I am very old fashioned and I was raised with morals and I believe that everything is black and white. Either it is or is isn't. I am driven to live life to the fullest and take advantage of every day that God has given me to pursue happiness.

qa6) What is your latest news or future plans?

I am currently working on the sequel to Married: To A Married Man now to let the
reader's know how Risa's life turned out. And I will continue to write stories that
we common women can relate to. What we see on TV is fantasy and what I write
about it is every day life.

qa7) How may your readers follow you?

My readers can follow me on facebook at AuthorRhonda or on twitter
@ AuthorRhonda4u. I can also be emailed at rosettasbooks@yahoo.com.

Author's book may be purchased at: www.barnes&nobles.com/Nook

www.booksamillion.com

www.amazon.com/Kindle

The Temptation of a Good Man By Delaney Diamond

2012-02-01T03:16:00.003-06:00

Can true love be found after one night of passion?
Celeste Burton goes out with her girlfriends to celebrate turning thirty and winds up spending an unforgettable night with the man of her dreams. One week later, as a favor, she attends a wedding with a friend as his date and is shocked when she sees Roarke again.
Roarke Hawthorne despises cheating. Cheating tore apart his family years ago. When the physics professor sees the woman he spent the night with show up at his sister’s wedding on the arm of his brother, he knows he should keep his distance. But because of the night they set fire to the sheets in his hotel room, he can’t resist the urge to be close to her–nor can he resist the temptation to have her back in his bed.

Excerpt
Lust flickered in his eyes, and for tense moments they stared at each other, lost in the memories of heated whispers and tangled sheets. Then, as suddenly as he’d grabbed her, he dropped her arm like a hot coal.
“Derrick doesn’t deserve to be lied to and made a fool of.” He stepped around her toward the door.
Celeste grabbed his forearm to stall his exit. “Wait, please.”
“Celeste, I can’t do this.”
She slipped between him and the door. She couldn’t be the reason for a confrontation between the two brothers, and she couldn’t bear the humiliation of Derrick finding out she’d slept with his brother the first night they met. “Please don’t say anything to Derrick. I’ll stay out of your way. I promise. You won’t even know I’m here.”
He looked down at her hand, and she followed his gaze to where her fingers wrapped around his arm. She withdrew them with haste. When her eyes found his again, desire shimmied down her spine at the hunger she saw in his.
“That’s not what I meant,” he said, his voice thick and low. “I can’t be near you. You’re too much of a temptation. Maybe you can stay away from me, but I don’t know if I can keep my hands off of you.” He slammed his palms against the door above her shoulders.
Celeste jumped, her eyes widening in shock. Shaken, she pressed back against the hard door to distance herself from him. They were too close, and the instinctive movement did little to protect her from the heat of sexual frustration emanating from his pores.
His chest rose and fell with each deep breath, and a storm brewed in his dark brown eyes. “What are you doing to me?”
The tortured question needed no answer. Even if she’d been obliged to respond, he seized her mouth before she could, and his tongue thrust between her lips. The muscular, dark cords of his arms encircled her waist and held her against his body, crushing her soft curves into each hard contour of his.

Delaney Diamond was born and raised in the United States Virgin Islands and currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia. She’s the bestselling author of sweet and sensual romance with multicultural characters. In her spare time she reads romance novels, mysteries, thrillers, and a fair amount of non-fiction. A diehard foodie, when her head’s not buried in a book, she’s in the kitchen trying out new recipes or dining at one of her favorite restaurants. She also loves to travel. She speaks French and can get by in Spanish.

Your bio states you like to travel. What’s the most memorable trip you ever took?
That’s easy. It’s the summer I spent in Paris, France. I stayed with a friend of a friend, and he and I are still friends to this day. My French language skills improved dramatically. I did plenty of sightseeing and met so many wonderful people. I visited Dunkerque in northern France, and I had fun at the beach in Marseille. I was in foodie heaven, eating all that rich French food. I would love to take another extended trip overseas somewhere.

When did you first start writing stories intended for others to read?
Technically, at the age of 14. By then I’d been reading romance novels for three years (I used to check them out of the library). At 14 I wrote my first romance titled Captured Heart. It was 89 pages, typed on a typewriter. I shared it with my friends and received rave reviews. Lol.

So did you always want to be a writer? If not, what else did you want to do?
No, I wanted to be a teacher, then a secretary. Despite writing a romance at 14 and winning some short story contests in high school, I never considered becoming an author. By the time I finished high school, I knew I wanted to go into the business field, which I did. I have two business degrees with concentrations in international business, and I minored in French. In 2009 I decided I wanted to start writing romantic fiction, and my first book was published November 2010.

What are the main characters in The Temptation of a Good Man like?
The Temptation of a Good Man is the first book in a series called the Hawthorne Family series about four siblings—three brothers and one sister. This first story is about Roarke Hawthorne, the eldest. He’s smart, logical, and an all-around good guy. After his parents passed away, he raised his younger brother and sister while attending college full time at MIT. He’s a professor of physics at The University of Georgia. Celeste Hawthorne is a divorced, single mother who meets Roarke while out with her girlfriends. They end up having a steamy one night stand that later comes back to haunt her.

If you could date one hero from one of your books, who would it be and why? Which hero would you absolutely not date?
I would date Roarke Hawthorne from The Temptation of a Good Man, because he’s an astrophysicist (intelligence is so sexy on a man), he’s a good guy, he likes listening to live music (I love that, too!), and he knows his way around a woman’s body. 

The hero I would not date is Derrick Hoffman, the one in my February 3rd release, A Hard Man to Love. It’s the second book in the Hawthorne Family series. Most people who read the first book hated Derrick, and I carried his personality over into book two.

One of my critique partners said she didn’t like him for the first half of the story, which was my intention, but I hope I didn’t do it too well. I didn’t think he was that bad, and I think he redeemed himself in the end. He went through a lot early in life, which is why he behaves the way he does, but he does come around, with the help of a good woman. Eva’s more patient than I am. I’m too old to put up with foolishness like she had to from Derrick. On the other hand, he is a millionaire…so it’s possible I could make an exception. 

Tell the readers why they should buy your books.
I like to write emotional stories with lots of sexual tension. I put my characters through the wringer before giving them their happy ending. If you enjoy those kinds of stories, you’ll probably enjoy mine.

What works do you have in progress?
I’m working on Book 3 of the Hawthorne Family series, Matthew’s story. He’s the youngest brother and a bit of a playboy. His story is titled Here Comes Trouble. I also plan to write Book 4 of my Hot Latin Men series and Book 2 of my Bailar series—both of which are interracial romance.

Web-links for Facebook, Twitter, Author Site, Blogs, and Networks
Facebook: facebook.com/DelaneyDiamond
Website/blog: delaneydiamond.com
Twitter: @delaneydiamond
Goodreads: goodreads.com/delaney_diamond

Email address for readers to contact you
Email: delaneydiamond(at)ymail.com

Someday By Jae Henderson

2012-01-24T09:32:00.002-06:00

After embracing careers as a radio talk show host, marketing and media professional, freelance writer and voice over artist, Jae Henderson is making her debut as an Christian/Inspirational romance author.

Through her website, www.imagoodwoman.com, Jae is constantly motivating women to embrace their virtue and accomplish great things. The I’m A Good Woman series, beginning with her debut novel, Someday, is an extension of that spirit of success and will impart lessons of love, perseverance and triumph. Join Jae as she uses her wit and way with words to take us on a most entertaining journey that imparts some sage wisdom and assists readers in further realizing that we may not be perfect but we serve a perfect God.

Jae Henderson is a graduate of The University of Memphis where she earned a BA in Communications and an MA in English. She is the former host and producer of On Point, a popular talk show geared toward youth and young adults. Other accomplishments have included serving as a contributing writer for the award-winning, syndicated Tom Joyner Morning Show and a successful career as a voice over artist. Her signature voice has been heard in hundreds of commercials and even a couple of cartoons. Jae currently resides in her hometown of Memphis, TN.

Get to Know Jae:

1.What type of stories do you write? What is it about those stories that draws you to that subject?

I write urban inspirational romance. I enjoy being able to share God’s love for us while depicting Christians in realistic, fun and relatable ways. We, as human beings, are flawed but with faith and God’s help we can overcome our trials and tribulations. My stories illustrate that.

My books also contain what I call moral messaging. I am concerned about the decline of morals in America, especially in the African American community. It has been proven that women set the standard within American society. We may not be looked at as the traditional head of a family and we may be considered the weaker sex but we have always been the backbone of society. We support and encourage our mates while rearing the children–teaching them how to behave, manners and right from wrong. We determine the type of respect we receive from the opposite sex by determining what is and isn’t acceptable. I’ve noticed that there seems to be a lack of positive role models and influences in the home and many women and men are looking to television and other forms of entertainment for guidance. For example, women now refer to themselves as female dogs and allow men to do it as if it is a compliment. That used to be unacceptable from a man or woman. Women are running around half naked and it’s considered cute. Bedding multiple people or sleeping with every person you date is talked about as if it’s appropriate behavior and having babies by several different people is starting to be considered the norm. Much of the entertainment we are presented with contains messages about casual sex, money, materialism, drugs and other negativity.

I wanted to offer an entertaining alternative with Someday and the I’m A Good Woman literary series. I wanted to create something full of positivity, light and love that helps people to understand that we are contributing to our own detriment and that asks people to think before they act. Living in the moment isn’t always harmless. There could be serious consequences to deal with afterward.

So, I guess my short answer is I’m drawn to asking people to try things God’s way because the way of the world isn’t working. We are hurting ourselves.

2. How did you start your career as a writer?

I’m a writer by trade but I mainly do public relations related pieces–press releases, bios, web site content, letters–that type of thing. One day I sat down at the computer and started writing a fictional story and the words began to flow. I haven’t stopped since.

3. Tell us a little bit about your current book? Is it a series?

My current book is Someday and it is the first book in a three-part series. The sequel, Someday, Too, is due out by the end of January. Someday is about a woman named Tee who is going through what I call “The Someday Factor.” She has worked hard to achieve success on her own but now that she has the lucrative job, the nice house and the nice car she is yearning for someone to share it all with. She knows he’s coming–Someday. But while she’s waiting on her prince unfortunately, she’s had to kiss a few frogs. Then, one day she meets a gorgeous retired NFL player named Michael Stokes who appears to be everything she ever wanted and much more but there’s one problem. He has a stalker who is convinced Michael should be with her. The story takes an interesting twist from there as they fight to stay alive in order to stay together.

Now, the I’m A Good Woman literary series will probably be comprised of everything I write. Positive stories that encourage women to be the best they can possibly be in their personal lives and their careers. The Someday books are just the beginning.

I really hope your readers will take the time to check it out. For the month of January, the online version of Someday is only 99 cents.

4.What was it like trying to get your story published? Did you have many rejections from

publishers? Did you need an agent?

I’m self-published but I’m blessed that my good friend, Latrivia Nelson, is a book publisher and accomplished author. She read my book and agreed to allow me to become a part of the RiverHouse family and helped me get my book out. I didn’t have to deal with rejection because I didn’t go the route of trying to get signed by a traditional publishing company and at this point, I don’t have an agent.

It feels so good to have something you worked very hard on in completed form. Such a sense of accomplishment comes with that. I’m on cloud nine!

5. Is this book inspired by personal experience? Where did the idea come from?

This book is based off my experiences and the experiences of thousands of other single women. Dating, love and relationships can become a challenge. Especially, when you are trying to live according to God’s will. Yet, there are also some wonderful aspects of it too. You have no idea how many women have told me that I was peeking into their lives. They see so much of themselves in Tee.

I’m proud of the response I’ve gotten. Someday not only has romance but comedy and suspense. I’ve had people tell me repeatedly that they love the humor in it and they can’t put it down. It feels so good to release a product people enjoy. I am very blessed!

6. What do you do for promotion? Booksignings? Online chats?

As a self-published author, I’ve made myself responsible for my own promotions and I do whatever I can. If I’m invited some place to do a booksigning, I definitely try to get there. If I’m invited to a book club meeting, I’ll go whether it’s in person or via Skype. I’ve done interviews for radio, television, Internet and print publications. I love connecting with readers.

I also help promote the book with my website,www.jaehendersonauthor.com. The first three chapters of my book, my schedule and a few interviews I’ve done can be found there. I also have a blog for single women called My Side of the Single Life and a women’s motivational website, imagoodwoman.com, that helps women stay encouraged. People can sign up for my e-newsletter on both sites. I am able to stay connected to my readers and update them that way as well.

7. What is the oddest or most challenging thing you had to do to research this book?

I really didn’t have any challenges researching this book. God told me to do this. He wanted me to put out a book that entertained women while encouraging them to live a life that is pleasing to Him. I had to be obedient. The hardest thing for me was writing a full-length novel. I’m used to short projects. It took me a little while to get into the swing of things but once I did, I completed the book in about a year.

8. How can readers find you and your books? Twitter? Facebook?

My book can be purchased at any retail book store and if they don’t have it in stock, they can order it. It can also be purchased on my websites as well as Amazon.com, Barnesandnoble.com and other online bookstores. I also have a Facebook page and fan page, www.facebook.com/imagoodwoman. You can find me on Twitter as well, www.twitter.com/imagoodwoman.

9. Tell me about the sequel.

The sequel, Someday, Too, picks up where the first book left off. This one not only focuses on Tee and Michael but Tee’s best girlfriends. One is dealing with animosity toward men gained from a failed relationship, another has weight issues that are affecting her marriage and another is learning how to be self-sufficient after breaking up with the married man who took care of her and their son for years. Each has her own challenges, unique personality and a story to tell.

Of course, there’s plenty of romance, suspense and drama involved.

As a child Tina “Tee” Long dreamed of having it all and as one of Memphis’ most sought after event planners everyone believes she’s achieved it. Even though creating breathtaking events and rubbing elbows with the social elite seems fulfilling, there’s one thing missing from her fairy tale life—her prince charming. After a string of failed, faith-challenging relationships this woman of God refuses to give up on meeting the man of her dreams. Tee knows in her heart that God will answer her prayers–SOMEDAY. Until then, she tries to remain prayerful and content by occupying her time with work, her sister’s drama-filled marriage and counseling wayward youth. When Tee is introduced to an incredibly handsome, retired NFL player named Michael Stokes, it seems that someday has finally arrived. There’s one problem. He’s been marked for death.

Michael Stokes thought life was over after a knee injury claimed his career as a NFL superstar. He realized just how wrong he was after dedicating his life to Christ and beginning on a wonderful new path as a motivational speaker and book author. He even meets Tee, a woman that makes all the other women he’s dated seem like a waste of time. But when his past comes back to haunt him Michael’s greatest fear is not the loss of his lucrative contract but losing the woman who must be heaven sent. Will Tee accept a man who has a killer on his trail and a surprising new addition to his family? Someday is full of adventure, excitement, thrills, laughter and love as Tee and Michael fight to stay alive in order to stay together.

Rededication By Armond E. Mosley

2012-01-14T14:42:00.000-06:00

One of the biggest Achilles’ heels that hamper the Christian walk for men and women is that of sexual sin. Sex and all things considered sexual plague us from the time we’re old enough to have a crush on someone. Though innocent at first, if not tamed, our sexual urges have the ability to fully manifest themselves in ways that are detrimental spiritually, emotionally and most identifiably physically.

Rededication takes us on that all too familiar journey that many of us have traveled. Beginning with the “first time”, Armond Mosley shares with the reader some his most intimate moments while providing insight into the vexing reality that faith and sexuality create for a man. As he wrestles with stereotypes, stigmas and misplaced expectations, Armond eventually comes to a point of decision as a result of God’s divine intervention. With somewhat of an ultimatum in hand, he chooses to yield to the Lord and commit to a life of celibacy until marriage. While it would appear that things would get easier from there, in actuality his journey had really just begun. For the remainder of the book, Armond invites us into his personal journey as a celibate man in his 20’s, the sexual prime of his life. Though many discouraging moments along the way, Armond continues to faithfully press through until one day, he’s just about had enough. And in that moment, in a most hopeless and vulnerable state, God shines a light on him and reveals to him “a woman of noble character, whose worth is far greater than rubies”.

Rededication is passionate, humorous and most of all honest about the realities of the battle between faith and sexuality. Armond reveals himself in a most authentic manner in an effort to really connect with the reader. In each chapter, while the story is about Armond’s journey, the reader will be remiss if they aren’t convicted to recall their own relevant personal testimony. If you are a Christian, fighting against sexual sin yourself, this book will take you on a journey of restoration that you can apply in your own life.

Armond E. Mosley is the founder of Kingdom Workshops, LLC, a Christian-based organization focused on educating, motivating and activating individuals to fulfill their God-given purpose(s) in life. Through Kingdom Workshops, Armond has had the opportunity to work with many churches, universities and civic organizations to provide solutions to the issues facing their respective constituencies. Utilizing candor, transparency and humor, Armond challenges workshop attendees to yield to the voice of God in their own lives to secure the joy that has been promised to them. Some of the signature workshop offerings are: Finding Your Passion, Biblical Entrepreneurship and Dating God’s Way.

Born in Huntsville, AL, Armond now resides in Norristown, PA (a suburb of Philadelphia) with his wife Nneka. Currently, Armond is active promoting his first book publication entitled, Rededication: A Story of Sex, Repentance and Restoration, which will was released in May. In his spare time, Armond enjoys reading, watching sports (though he admits he doesn’t have a favorite team) and spending time with family and friends. For more information on Kingdom Workshops, visit www.kingdomworkshops.com. For more information on Rededication, please visit http://www.godzchildproductions.net/publications.html.

Get to Know the Author:

1. What is Rededication about?

Rededication is an honest account of one man’s struggle with faith and sexuality. Most who’ve grown up in the church have been in positions where what the Bible says and what the world says contradict one another. This reality has the potential to cause much anxiety and strife for a Christian seeking to live God’s way. If we’re honest about it, the church typically avoids the issue of fornication aside from admonishing it when evidenced by pregnancy or shacking up. It’s easy to deal with the outcomes or consequences of sexual impurity, but rarely do we deal with the origins in a preventative manner. Rededication takes an introspective look into my past and delves into the deeper motivations behind my desire to turn away from God and do things my way. Additionally, it walks the reader through my moment of sincere repentance and ultimately, my road to restoration.

2. Why did you write Rededication?

As I went through my journey of rededication and began to diligently seek out help to aide me in my efforts to become sexually pure, I realized that there wasn’t much content available from a male perspective (especially black). I looked and looked and what I found most common were books written by women or white males. Nothing against those authors and one in particular did help me, but I was looking to affirm my journey through the story of someone who looked like me. Unfortunately, I didn’t find much that I could relate to and so, as I began my journey God made it clear that I was to keep note of my own trials and tribulations as one day I would create the very content that I had longed for. So, I wrote it 1st out of obedience to God and 2nd to fill a gap that I believed (and still do) existed in the market for books on sexual purity written by black men.

3. What makes Rededication unique from other books that speak to celibacy/abstinence?

Of the books that exist that deal with the issue of celibacy/abstinence, most in my opinion are told from an existential viewpoint and seem to shield the author’s own indiscretions along the way. Rededication is transparent, authentic and personal. No punches are pulled and no stone is left unturned. Why? Because it wasn’t my story to keep to myself! God made it clear to me that I had to tell the WHOLE story…not just the parts that I was comfortable with. And so, I believe what you get with Rededication is a real account of a real person dealing with a real issue that many face everyday.

4. Do you think your message of celibacy until marriage is relevant in today’s society?

Absolutely! Society would have us believe that it’s a lost cause and that serial monogamy is the best that we can hope for. However, I think the number of “kids raising kids,” STDs and divorces in our country (especially within the black community) point to a more pervasive issue at hand. That said, I think if you bring this question under the context of the Christian faith, it becomes even more interesting. Part of the irony of my story is that while I was engaging in premarital sex, I was also proclaiming Christianity. So, I lived much of my young adult life in a “spiritually inconsistent” manner. So much so, that when I did rededicate my life to Christ, many who knew me pre-rededication would make comments like “Oh, you found Jesus, huh?” or “You’re on that church kick now?” This was a very shameful period for me because I had always known who He was…but obviously, my actions didn’t show it.

I say all of that to say, in writing Rededication I didn’t set out to convert the non-believer as a primary objective. I wrote it to speak to the hearts of the professing Christians who have found themselves in a “spiritually inconsistent” state and are looking for a way out…a window of opportunity for their own rededication to Christ. So, for this group, those who’ve felt the conviction (whether they acknowledge it or not) associated with being outside of the will of God, I feel that the message of celibacy until marriage is very relevant.

5. How have readers responded thus far to Rededication?

I praise God that readers have found the content within Rededication to be beneficial to them in their lives. This journey has really been a faith walk and I can’t say that I had any enormous expectations around reader response to start off with. That said, I’ve been blessed tremendously by their feedback. One in particular is the following:

“After I put this book down, the levees broke…the flood gates opened and all the issues of my past paraded through. I finally began to understand the sinful appetite I myself had conjured up as a result of my own struggles with carnality. Fortunately, there’s one thing that this book ultimately helped me realize…that God is and always will be in control. In the book Rededication, Mr. Mosley vividly recounts his struggles with sexual immorality as it relates to premarital sex. Even as he took the road less traveled (celibacy), he pulls the veil that so many Christians dare not to reveal as they take the “walk”: that you slip up, you have doubts, you may even become disappointed in God, and you can start all over again. I appreciated his rawness, his desire to tell it like it is and through his faithfulness, demonstrate how God orders our steps. I hope that this isn’t the end for Mr. Mosley’s writing career…that there are more books to come and guide us on a journey towards rededication! FYI – I took the pledge and rededicated my life to Christ. Thanks Armond Mosley.”

6. What are the major themes in Rededication?

I’d say there are probably four major themes within Rededication. The first would be Rebellion. Much of the first few chapters depict my adolescent and early adult years where I fought to find a sense of self. In this fight, I subconsciously (or consciously) bucked all teachings instilled by my parents and upbringing in church. The second theme is that of Repentance. I knew what I was supposed to do for much of my adult life and yet, I didn’t do it. And it wasn’t until I arrived in a most humbled state that I was able to see the “error in my ways.” As I recognized where I had erred, I realized that I needed to repent because the life I was living was not the life that God intended for me. The third theme would be that of Forgiveness. Regardless of all the “bad” things I did, God still forgave me. No matter how hard I tried to ignore Him or be mad at Him at times for not giving me what I wanted, God still remained God and in the end, welcomed me with open arms as I sought His forgiveness. The fourth theme would be Restoration. In the end, God restored me to a better place than that which I had begun. The process of becoming celibate and wholly submitted to God caused me to lose some people and things. And because of that, there was some grieving that I experienced for their loss. But, at the conclusion of the journey, God filled ALL the vacancies left behind.

7. What is the one thing that you would want our readers to know about you?

The one thing I’d want your readers to know is that I’m not perfect. I’m just as flawed as the next man/woman. Rededication clearly shows that and I want the readers to know that just because you aren’t perfect does not mean that you are unworthy of God’s love. If that were the condition of His love, none of us would ever receive it. At the end of the day, though we’ll never be perfect, our goal in life is to strive for perfection as taught through the Word of God. Thank you for taking the time to read and may God bless and keep you is my prayer.

Find the author:

Author Site: www.kindgomworkshops.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/iammosley

Buy Book:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Rededication-Story-Sex-Repentance-Restoration/dp/1937095002/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1320706660&sr=8-1-spell

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rededication-armond-e-mosley/1102047630?ean=9781937095000&itm=1&usri=rededication

Success Strategies for Black People by Zhana

2012-01-11T15:48:00.003-06:00

Practical, effective methods to help you achieve your goals

Excerpt
Human beings are born with an amazing power, the ability to transform our lives and the world around us. This has always been true, and it will always be true - and nothing can change this.
Human beings created every political and economic system that exists in our world. Our species started two world wars, and ended them. Diseases which were considered incurable one or two generations ago have been virtually wiped out.
Here is a list of just a few things which human beings have accomplished in recent years:
• Human beings built the Berlin Wall - and human beings knocked it down.
• Human beings created the apartheid system which oppressed millions of people in South Africa. And human beings dismantled it.
• At the time of this writing, human beings have put into motion the peace process in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Northern Ireland.
Even a few short years ago, many people said that these things were impossible, or would not happen within our lifetimes.
Human beings are beginning to wake up to the power within us, the power with which we were born. You can use this power to create wonderful results in your own life, and the lives of those around you.
Your potential is unlimited. There is no limit to what you can achieve. Choose success and be willing to accept success. You deserve to have the best life you can imagine.
I invite you to use the success strategies described in this book to change your life in positive ways.
The only way these techniques will work for you is if you actually do them. Don’t just read about them, think about them or talk about them, but actually do them.
For more about how Success Strategies for Black People can help you, go to:
http://ancestralenergies.blogspot.com/2011/12/why-i-wrote-success-strategies-for.html

Zhana is a modern griot, writer, publisher and Transformational Growth Consultant.
Zhana's books, courses and ebooks contain practical, effective methods to help you achieve your unlimited possibilities.
• If you have been working on something for a long time
• If you have tried different methods
• If you are feeling frustrated, fed up or disappointed with your results
Zhana can help you.
Zhana frequently publishes online articles and blogs which feature practical, effective methods to help you achieve your goals.
7 complete questions created by you and answer these questions in full sentences.
When and why did you start writing?
I've been writing since I was nine (more than 40 years now). I think it was because in my family, I often experienced not being talked to and certainly not being listened to! And I experienced people not talking to each other. I needed a way to record my thoughts and try to communicate with with other people. Plus I loved to read.
Why did you write Success Strategies for Black People?
I was using very powerful, effective methods that I wanted to share with as many people of African heritage as possible.
Do people of African heritage have particular issues and concerns?
Obviously, many of our concerns are shared by people of every racial and cultural background.
However, the statistics tell us that people of African heritage tend to experience more relationship breakdown. Our children are more likely to grow up in one-parent families. Our men are more likely to end up in prison. We tend to have a higher incidence of particular health problems.
There are clearly problems here. My work is all about solutions.
How have people of African heritage become disempowered?
We have not become disempowered. We THINK we have been.
If we look at the way our ancestors fought and resisted during slavery, and beyond slavery, it is clear that we have a great deal of power. But we do not use the power that we have. So we often end up turning that energy against ourselves and each other.
We are capable of doing amazing things and achieving magnificent results.
What is the cause of our problems?
A lot of our problems are caused by Post-Traumatic Slave Syndrome, which is a form of self-hatred. We have learned to hate ourselves and each other. We are not living up to our full potential.
We have a lot of healing to do.
So what is the solution?
The power of the human mind is incredible. I share practical, effective methods in the book. I have been using these methods for many years, so I know they work. And I have helped hundreds of people.
Long before anyone had heard of The Secret or the Law of Attraction, I was writing about the Law of Increase.
I can help you get faster results than you will get with Robert Kiyosaki or T. Harv Eker.

Any negative feedback about your methods?
You have to be open-minded and willing to try new things. I have had people in my workshops and courses give up when they had not even tried these methods. I hate that.
You have to be willing to make a real commitment and make an effort for 60-90 days. I can help you get real results.
One man stood up in one of my workshops and said, "That's impossible!". If that is your attitude, don't bother buying Success Strategies for Black People. I can't help you.

Find the author:
Face-Book,
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Success-Strategies-for-Black-People/298668754078
Twitter,
@Zhana21
Author Site,
http://www.blacksuccess1.com/
Blogs,
http://ancestralenergies.blogspot.com/
Networks
http://nurturesuccess.multiply.com/

Rewritten Lives By J. Elliot Howard

2012-01-07T14:39:00.001-06:00

From a poet-author who is deep in thoughts, sentiments, and experiences comes an emotive and endearing collection of poems that speaks of a myriad of themes and topics. J. Elliot Howard has Rewritten Lives to share the lessons, dreams, hopes, and longings to others who are willing to listen.

In this poetry anthology, Howard unleashes his profound emotions through poetic verses. With the ebb and flow of his words, readers will feel the depths of his psyche and the nadir of his heart. Penning down these pieces, he conveys the unfathomable zenith of his feelings that range from memories, yearnings, conversations, saying goodbye, moving on, life sessions, new beginnings, reminiscences, dark moments, and more.

These poems are Howard’s expressions of what he observes, feels, understands, and accepts of life and love. They are reminders of years gone by, the people that were, and the sentiments once felt. This potpourri of lines varies from subject to subject and from one theme to the next, but they all speak of the beautiful colors of life.

In “My Turn Now,” he says, “With each turn of the page of life, through graduation and having a wife tears of joy burn down my cheeks as you have held my hand.” In “Lessons,” he writes, “Our moments are like the sand on the beach. Crystals of memories within reach that in my time of need have formed the rock to meet my every care.” In “The Final Moment,” he ponders, “Life has its seasons, each season has its moments, and with these moments there are perfect times.” In “A New Beginning,” he shares, “A newness of life, the coming of a fresh start. Maybe a needed difference a need for change.” These and more poignant words are sure to welcome readers as they leaf through the pages of Rewritten Lives.

Poetry book excerpts:
GENUINE
I have approached you real,
With the truth, no less, I have approached you correct.
But a question still remains,
Not from me but from you.
It is of interest with me what your intentions are,
Because sometimes your mind has the appearance of being afar.
I told you I loved you from the bottom of my heart.
Your actions say those feelings you also share,
But your mouth is saying words that keep people unaware.
Either way it does not matter because in time I will not be there.
It is unwise to go after a love that I cannot win, Because of your indecision one can see you are not genuine

No More Reminiscing

I remember when we used to talk
daily in your life.
you would inquire of advice
that would help you in your constant walk.
I knew you and you knew me,
I was in you and you were in me,
and even the slightest care
you gave to me.
I took your cares and did not think twice.

..

the road of victory, together we traveled.
helping those along the way
I helped and watched you grow.
sharing, in those days with you
great and unsearchable things unknown.
however the present has become past,
and the past has become history.

..

after walking in unceasing victory
you turned.
breaking my heart, away you walked,
and with a boastful mouth you basked
in what you felt was your own glory.
..

for you, my heart will grieve,
but it is you who are in harm.
in the deadly vice of a world
that would sooner let you die
for a sign of weakness,
than have love for you to give.
..

no more reminiscing of the past
I see your pain,
and if you turn from the world
I will take you back with a love that will last.
unconditional love which will remove your sorrow
and give you a new life.

..
though time may have passed
you are not out of the running.
I will redeem the time
if you just ask.
we will again walk in victory,
and together, no more
will we reminisce.

About the Author:

Jerry Elliot Howard was born in Findlay, Ohio. At the age of sixteen, his family moved to Sugar Land, TX. Shortly after moving, he began to write. No matter where he went, his writing followed. He wrote while attending University Of Houston, transferring and graduating from the University of Pittsburgh, graduate school at Bowling Green State University, marriage, fatherhood, and all points in between. Poetry is his snapshot in time because words mean more than pictures to him. They allow him to look, remember, and truly embrace each new experience. He loves the city of Houston. Writing has enabled him to express himself thoroughly and creatively. Life is more than “happy love.” At times, he has had to say good-bye. Sometimes, he has had to give chase. In other situations, he has had to sit still. Nevertheless, in all of the places he has lived, and moments he has experienced, all are worthwhile.

Find the author:

Website: www.rewrittenlives.com

Facebook Rewritten Lives book page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rewritten/372263284211

3. link to twitter:
http://twitter.com/#!/Jelliot72688
4. link to barnes and nobles:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rewritten-lives-j-elliot-howard/1100376456?ean=9781450022699&itm=1&usri=rewritten%2blives

AMAZON.com link:
http://www.amazon.com/Rewritten-Lives-J-Elliot-Howard/dp/1450022693/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1317702199&sr=8-1

Tears of a Hustler Part 3 By Silk White

2011-12-27T12:39:00.002-06:00

Tears of a Hustler Part 3 By Silk White

Tears of a Hustler 3 picks up right where part two left off. Things get serious when Marvin the leader of a powerful up coming gang decides he wants to take over Pauleenas empire. With her back against the wall Pauleena defends her territory by any means necessary even if it means killing everything moving. With her main soldier gone she has step up to the plate and get her hands dirty. The streets will rain money or blood it s their choice but giving up her throne is not an option. Who will be the last hustler standing? Once against Silk White takes readers on a ride they wont ever forget.

Excerpt:

Four all black Denali SUVs pulled up back to back in front of the projects. Pauleena sat in the third SUV with her legs crossed sipping on a glass of wine. Today was a day in her life that she would never forget. “You sure this where this cat lives?”

“Yes I got a man in the staircase right now who’s been watching Carl’s crib all day” Eraser Head told her.

Pauleena sighed loudly. “Let’s go get this shit over with.” Her big Muslim body guard Malcolm quickly hopped out of the driver’s seat, and walked to the back door, and opened it for his boss. Pauleena stepped out looking like a million bucks followed by Eraser Head. Seven black Muslims all wearing black suits hopped out of the SUVs and escorted Pauleena in the building, and up to Carl’s floor. Eraser Head and Malcolm kicked open Carl’s front door, then quickly barged inside.

Carl sat in his couch watching TV when his front door came crashing open, followed by men busting inside with guns pointed in his face. “What’s all this about?” Carl asked with a confused look on his face.

“You know exactly what this is about” Pauleena said entering the apartment. From the look on Carl’s face she could tell that he didn’t know who she was, but he was definitely about to find out. “Did you kill G-Money?”

“Yes I did” Carl said confidently. “He disrespected, and violated me in front of my son, and for that he had to pay.”

Pauleena smiled. “And now you have to pay” she said as she pulled a .380 from the small of her back. Just as she was about to pull the trigger, little Bobby came running out the back room. “No please don’t hurt my daddy” he cried as he hugged his father.

“You kill me in front of my son?” Carl asked looking Pauleena dead in her eyes. He didn’t fear no man or woman, but if it was his time to go he didn’t want it to be in front of his son.

Pauleena looked down at Carl with a straight face, and pulled the trigger blowing his brains out right in front of little Bobby. She then trained her gun on the young boy, and sent bullets into the boy’s boney chest killing him instantly. “A body for a body” she said as she turned, handed her gun to Malcolm then made her exit.

Back in the Denali everyone was quiet, they knew Pauleena had just crossed the line, but they knew she had to do what she had to do. If the streets spotted any signs of weakness, every stick up kid in the world would be looking for her, and hustlers would be looking to take her spot. Pauleena was on top, and she planned on doing whatever needed to be done to stay on top.

“I heard Marvin is supposed to be having a birthday party next week” Eraser Head said breaking the silence.

“Word where at?” Pauleena asked helping herself to another glass of wine.

“Some club downtown.”

“Keep me posted” Pauleena said with a smile. “I wouldn’t miss that party for the world.”

A native of Harlem, New York, Silk White began his writing career in 2006. He is the author of the three part Urban Fiction series Tears of a Hustler and Co-Owner of Good2Go Publishing and Good2Go Films. Silk has No Way Out and Black Barbie as a film credit under Good2Go Films and in his spare time, loves to write and act. He is currently producing a new movie and is hard at work on his next novel.

Interview with Silk White

1. Tell me about the finale to your critical acclaim trilogy Tears of a Hustler?

This book is the finale to a trilogy that was written 2 years ago. We took our time with releasing part 2&3 to help build up our fan base in between releases. It’s a classic finale that all our loyal fans have been waiting for. I promised I wouldn’t let them down and according to the reviews we have received so far, everyone is happy. Check amazon.

2. What made you decide to start your own publishing company rather than signing with an establish publisher?

Well after Tears of a Hustler PT 1 was released I had several offers on the table, but from a business standpoint it just made more sense to release my titles under my own company. In the short term it’s a lot of work because you have to build your fan base one fan at a time, because you don’t have any distribution. But once you’ve established your brand like we have, you make 100% of the profit. At the rate we’re going we should be one of the biggest independent african american owned publishing companies out there in a few years. We’ve reached over 70,000 households in two years with no help. Right now we have good2go publishing and good2go films our movie Production Company and Third Lane Marketing.

3. What is the hardest part of writing for you?

Writing was a natural process for me, growing up in the environment that I grew up in and my life experiences help enhanced my already vivid imagination. My ability to translate my imagination thru writing was a god gifted talent that I discovered when I was going thru unforeseen circumstances.

4. What’s the best thing about being an author?

I really appreciate all the love and support that I get from the fans. They are the ones that keep me motivated. It’s amazing to see all the support that I get from all parts of the country, outside the country also. Shout out to all my UK Fans. I never thought that one day my work would have reached over 70,000 households.

5. What are you working on now?

Well I just wrapped up my 5th book which is slated to be released Nov 25 2011. Its called The Teflon Queen. So be on the look out for that. You can pre-order an autograph copy now from www.good2gopublishing.com I also just finished shooting my 2nd movie under good2go films its called Black Barbie. The first movie is called No Way Out you can get that at www.good2gofilms.com

6. What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

This piece of advice is not just for writers but any aspiring entrepreneurs out there. Especially, the youth coming from underprivileged communities. Sometimes in life we get a bad hand to play with. You have to make the best out of the hand you’re given. The best piece of advice I can give is, spend all your time and energy focusing on accomplishing your goals whatever it may be, you’re going to get results. Surround yourself with good people you trust, Sleep 5hrs work 19hrs.

I just want to say Thanks to everyone out there for the love and support. Keep supporting me and Good2go Publishing

Silk White

Find Silk at:

facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Silkwhite212
twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/good2gobooks
author site: www.good2gopublishing.com
blog: http://www.good2gopublishing.com/blog
Email address for readers to contact you : G2g@good2gopublishing.com
Buy Books at http://www.amazon.com/Tears-Hustler-PT-Silk-White/dp/0578084740/ref=tmm_pap_title_0

David By. Preston Dent

2011-12-23T20:53:00.002-06:00

In this explosive tale, the character David grows up in the foster care system, where he has no family or guidance he turns to the only male figure in his life Smooth, his foster brother where he heads down a dangerous life of crime and sexual encounters with multiple females that eventually leads to him contacting HIV. David is currently for sale on www.amazon.com, ISBN: 9781450242691 and is published through iuniverse.com a self-publishing company.

About Preston Dent:
Born in Kansas City Ms., at the age of 9 my father moved us to Harrisburg Pa, to the projects on Cameron St, at a young age Preston noticed he had a desire to write. By the age of 13, Preston A. Dent was writing love letters in form of poetry to impress girls and other class mates. “As I got older I started rapping my words and desired to become the next 2 Pac or Scarface.” Not knowing that his love for writing would lead to him becoming a Self-Published author Preston continued on the road of stardom as a hip hop artist under the pen name "Pacino", when he received the opportunity to present to a group of high school students, he noticed that his lyrical content was not a story he wanted to share with a group of that age, that is when Pacino resorted by to his form self of Preston Dent and created a novel that’s story could be shared with the world.

A conversation with author Preston A. Dent:

As a new author, what would you say was your most difficult challenge in completing your novel?

Finishing the story was the hardest part because my imagination runs so wild that i could keep adding stories forever.

What are your favorite things about the main three characters David?
My favorite three characters are David, Elektra, and Smooth
David because he was the little boy from under a rock, the boy with known family going foster home to foster home, I admire his heart and courage, even though he was taking his situation to a negative matter, his plans were always strategic.

Elektra because she was the happy little girl, her whole life changed when her mother died in a fatal car accident. She was sent to live with her uncle across the country and he started raping her until eventually she shot him to his death.

Smooth because he was about his money, he wanted better for David putting him in position to fend for his self. It wasn’t till David started using the drug they were trying to sell that he cut ties with him.

What’s the biggest compliment you’ve been getting on this book?
The people say the book makes them cry from the pain and sorrow that it makes them want to have sex from the sex scenes, and that it is the hardest book they ever read

As a writer, what are some of the most important things you try to get across through your books?
I write for the people that been through a struggle, to the people that survived tragic situations. So my points to get across would always be the reality not the fairy tale and fantasy land they print on your TV screen

What was the last book you read? Why that particular book?

48 laws of power because the knowledge that it provides is 100 % needed in a man’s journey to life success

Please give us a preview of your next project including when it will be released.
My next project which I am currently working on is the sequel to David.

Book Excerpts: Chapter 1

T
racy Thompson was raised in Kansas City, Missouri and lived in the inner city where her father grew up. The neighborhoods didn’t have big backyards and tall trees like the suburbs. However, Tracy’s neighbors were country and always had a barbequing going on. There was a liquor store on every corner with winos panhandling to feed their addictions. Tracy’s life was by no means perfect coming from a one--parent household, with only a father who was slowly dying from cancer. Tracy was able to rise above this difficult time in her life because she knew how much her father loved her. Tracy's mother was strung out on dope and deserted them; Tracy was eight years old at the time. Her father Michael was diagnosed with gastric cancer three years after her mother departed. Michael raised Tracy the best that he could until he became chronically ill from the dreadful cancer. He would say to Tracy, “Always remember that education is the key to success.” Tracy promised her Father that she would reach for the stars and always follow her dreams.

Tracy was young, pretty, and had a smile of pure innocence. Her father taught her to be a young lady and that receiving a good education was mandatory. Tracy was very smart in school and had a desire to strive for excellence which resulted in her making the honor roll every semester. As her father began slowly dying from cancer Tracy became spiritually stronger by reading the bible and putting her faith in God. She was able to turn her pain and frustration into a thirst for knowledge and success. Tracy’s dream was that her father would make it to her high school graduation. She prayed every day, “Lord please let my father make it to my graduation.” After years of her father going back and forth to the hospital Tracy knew that her father’s time would soon be up. Tracy began preparing for her graduation and had really high spirits awaiting her graduation date. Tracy obtained a full academic scholarship to Kansas State University and couldn’t wait to start her life at college. The only thing that troubled her was Michael’s condition and she hoped that he would be around to see her graduate.

When Tracy’s graduation day arrived she had a stomach full of butterflies, she slept very restlessly tossing and turning all night. She got up and went straight to her father’s room and knocked on the door.
“Dad you better be up because we can’t be late!”
“I’m up and don’t be rushing me you know that I’m an old man” Michael said with a laugh.
Tracy had prayed that her father would make it to see her graduate so when he responded with his normal self she showed the biggest smile. Tracy knew it was going to be a good day thinking thank you god I knew you wouldn’t let me down. Tracy started walking down the stairs heading towards the kitchen to eat a bowl of Fruity Pebbles cereal. When all of a sudden she heard strident coughs and it didn’t sound good at all. Tracy ran up the stairs and opened her father’s door and said
“Dad is you ok?”
“Yes baby I’m fine; this old man wouldn’t miss this day for nothing.”
“Dad I’m serious stop playing are you ok?”
“Yes honey, I am okay for the second time.”
“Okay then we got to go, it’s getting late.”
Tracy helped her father to the car holding his hand and opening the door for him, because he was becoming too feeble to walk by himself. Tracy made sure he was safely inside of the car before pulling off and heading to the graduation. Tracy was half way there when she looked over at her father and noticed that he was sweating and coughing.
“Dad I want you to come to my graduation but if you’re not feeling well, I’ll take you to the hospital.”
“Baby if I have to tell you one more time that I am ok, I am going to beat you.”
It felt good for Tracy to see that her father still had his sense of humor, but deep down inside she knew something was wrong. Tracy and her father pulled up to the graduation a couple minutes late. “Oh shit! I got to hurry.” as she walked her father to a seat.
“Baby I’m fine now go and make this old man proud.”
“I love you so much dad.”
Tracy gave him a hug and a kiss and began walking toward the stage to be seated with her classmates. When Tracy walked across the stage she had the biggest smile on her pretty brown face. She was waving and blowing kisses to all of her friends. When Tracy looked up to see if her father was watching she saw him waving his hand and blowing kisses back at her. Tracy thought okay he's fine and continued on with her graduation laughing, taking pictures, and hugging all the other graduates.
After everything calmed down Tracy thought, I better go check on my dad. As she approached his seat she saw her father slumped over in the chair. She put her hands to her face and screamed, “Oh my God, my dad!” As Tracy ran over to see if he was okay, He began falling off the chair hitting his head on the auditorium floor after having a stroke. He was lying next to the chair with blood leaking from the side of his head. Tracy screamed out, “God please, somebody help me, call an ambulance!” As someone called the ambulance Tracy was in a frenzy begging, “Please hurry my father is lying on the ground not moving with blood coming out of his head.” When the ambulance arrived Tracy told them that he was in his final stages of cancer but would occasionally have mild strokes. Tracy knew that her father was dying from cancer so she was already prepared for his death; she knew the reality was that her father was going to die soon. Tracy was sad but at the same time happy that her father made it to her graduation.

About the Book:In this explosive tale, the character David grows up in the foster care system, where he has no family or guidance he turns to the only male figure in his life Smooth, his foster brother where he heads down a dangerous life of crime and sexual encounters with multiple females that eventually leads to him contacting HIV. David is currently for sale on www.amazon.com, ISBN: 9781450242691 and is published through iuniverse.com a self-publishing company.

The Blacks: LOVE'S Politics By Angelia Vernon Menchan

2011-12-17T21:17:00.003-06:00

In Mrs. Black? Cinnamon Brown finally divorced her husband, William Brown, who had flagrantly disrespected their vows for decades. Cinnamon, however is not without sin, she had an affair with Malcolm Black and was set to become his wife. Does Cinnamon and Black get married? And if they do marry will they be able to withstand their comeuppance, because one must always pay for their transgressions. Not only that what could possibly occur if politics enter the already volatile mix? To find out, delve into the pages of, The Black's: LOVE'S POLITICS - New Beginnings and find out. You will not be disappointed as Angelia Vernon Menchan plunges you into a story filled with love, family, retribution, revenge, politics, and ultimately love.

Excerpt:To change the subject, did you know that Diaz was impeached?” Aunt Gladys asked Cinnamon.
“Get out of here, the Mayor being impeached, for what?”“Well, it seems he really likes young girls and he takes money that doesn’t belong to him. I tell you I just don’t understand.”“Me either…”“Well, you better because it seems there is a grassroots move to get your husband elected.”“What!?”“Yes, I was at a meeting last week and there is a petition with 5000 signatures with Malcolm Black for Mayor. We have never had a black mayor and if anyone can win, it sure is him.”“Does Malcolm know about this?”“Do, I know about what?” Malcolm walked into the room, like the handsome leader he was.
“I thought you were tired?” “I am but I am no longer used to sleeping by myself, now what should I know?”“Well, it seems there is a petition going around to get you to run for Mayor of Center City.”“What, no way, what happened to Diaz?”“It seems he has been sleeping with young girls and taking money.”“Surely, you knew, as much news and newspapers as you consume,” Aunt Gladys chimed in.“Ummm, not lately…”“You two, well he is and they want you. I want you too.”“Aunt Gladys, I don’t know about all that. I have been a private man for a long time and I just don’t do dirty politics.”“Boy, what is the worst that can happen? They mention you were a ladies man, well you weren’t married then and that secures the female vote. All of your money is legitimate. All you will have to do is come out and tell the world about your son.” Malcolm turned to Cinnamon.“What do you think about all this?”“I think you would be an awesome mayor, but, I don’t know about…I just don’t know. Can, we talk about this later.” Nodding Malcolm changed the subject.QUESTIONS:

1. Angelia what motivated you to write about such complicated love relationships? Malcolm and Cinnamon has an affair, her husband basically condoned it and now they are married and he is running for mayor.

That is pretty simple, really, life and love are full of complications and most books talk about the drama when a man cheatsor a woman loves too much, but I wanted to flip the script and do it differently, even making my characters older, because it seems many writers think sex and love ends at 30.

2. How have your older characters been received and do you have a younger audience as well?

Extremely well and I certainly do have younger readers, my books encompass all ages and everyone needs to know that black love never ends. I have written across genre, I have two young adult books, two non-fiction, two anthologies and seven women's fiction, I want to attract all readers.

3. Wow, how has ebooks worked for you and have you embraced them?

I must say, I embraced them with some reluctance, but once I did, it has been awesome. It seems that my local readers want actual books and my online readers prefer ebooks. Since I publish my own work, I can aim to please.

4. Why did you choose to self-publish?

It was a no-brainer for me even though in 2006 when I first started writing, it was frowned upon, still is actually. But, I had a very vivid imagination and knew what I wanted to write about, also, it allowed me to control my time and not worry about a contract. Ultimately, I plan to publish other authors, I have already published one author and have two anthologies with three other authors. Self-publishing is a great deal of work but worth it for me.

5. What do you want readers to take away from The Blacks: Love's Politics?

That it is never too late to love and find peace, also that we always must pay for our transgressions and at the end of the day we have to be responsible for ourselves, our families and those in our community who need us.

6. What's next?

On January 19th, my birthday, actually I will publish Family, Friends, Foes? which is the followup to this book and I am very excited about it and readers are blowing up my email and phone asking me to hurry up already. I love that!

7. Finally, what would you tell up and coming authors?

To write, write, write and to be open to constructive criticism but stay true to your stories, only you can tell your stories. Thanks AAMBC for having, be PEACE!

Angelia Vernon Menchan is wife, mother, nana and mentor. The former Job Corps Counselor is employed by day as a Budget Officer. However, by night she is the author of ‘Fictionalized Truths’… Since January 2006, she has published 13 books through her small publishing company, MAMM Productions. Her personal motto is, ‘There is and abundance through God for all of us, we simply have to be open for our blessings.” Her most recent offering is THE BLACKS: LOVE’S POLITICS

Find her at:
http://acvermen.blogspot.com
www.skirt.com/angel08
www.facebook.com/angeliam
www.twitter.com/angelmenchan

ebook link
http://www.amazon.com/Blacks-LOVES-POLITICS-Beginnings-ebook/dp/B005LH5V1U/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1323819105&sr=1-2

Bumped By Sibylla Nash

2011-12-04T12:32:00.003-06:00

What happens when you’re blindsided by betrayal and happy hour is no longer an option?

Elle Nixon seems to have the perfect life. As a music PR maven and party girl on the L.A. social scene, she attends the hottest parties and has a roster of artists that reads like the who’s who of Billboard magazine. Her upwardly mobile bound

boyfriend lavishes her with plenty of gifts and attention until he disappears…during the middle of a high-profile fraud investigation into his investment firm by the FBI. Add an unplanned pregnancy to the mix and suddenly, it’s not so fun anymore to walk a mile in her Louboutins.

Will Elle’s search for answers help or destroy her as she confronts the past and tries to reinvent her future?

Excerpt:

AFTER A FULL DAY of sightseeing in Paris with eight writers and then a sound check at the
famed Olympia, I wanted nothing more than to close my eyes and sleep. Long and hard. I unlocked
my hotel room, took two steps in and flung myself face down on the bed, landing on top of the
scratchy, green bedspread with my high heels and short trench coat still on. My room was the length
of my arm span, which was fine on a day like today. Tiny, dark, enclosed spaces couldn’t make me
feel any worse.
I buried my face in the pillow and tried to stave off the nausea. It felt like the beginning of the
flu and it had followed me from Los Angeles to Paris, and had dug its heels in at the hotel along the
Champs Elysees. It didn’t help that Paris hadn’t gotten the memo that it was spring, or maybe I
didn’t read the memo that said to pack layers of clothes. Either way, it was damp and chilly outside.
It was hard to look chic in goose bumps, no matter how cute my shoes were, and my Louboutins
were hot; save for the beating they were taking from all the cobblestone walkways.
I checked the time on my cell phone. I had less than two hours before I had to wrangle
everyone back on the bus for the main purpose of the trip, watching one of the biggest hip hop
artists in the world, Cameron perform at the Olympia, one of the oldest concert halls in Paris. He
was signed to Savage Rhythms, the record label that employed me as a publicist and subsidized my
stiletto habit.
My phone chimed and a text message from my friend Justine came through. Growing up, we
used to live four doors down from one another in New Jersey and had been as inseparable as cake
and ice cream at a birthday party. Now, living on opposite coasts, we were like caviar and a bottle of
hundred-year-old scotch, only on special occasions.
Happy B-day Ellie! Hope ur enjoying ur trip in city of love!  :> :>)
She included her usual assortment of happy faces and other crazy icons that always made me
wonder if she dictated her text messages to her 12-year-old.
Bleh! Another birthday. I grabbed a pillow and put it over my face. Born four years apart, my
sister Evie and I shared the same birthday. I’d much rather pretend the day didn’t exist. I moved the
pillow and rolled over on my stomach to send Justine a quick message.
35. Yaay. I’m working & how much fun can it really b w/my man on another continent?
Before she could reply, my phone rang.
“Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you!” Diego Rivera’s baritone sang in my ear with
only the slightest of interference from across the Atlantic. I smiled, happy to avert a trip down
memory lane. Even after two and a half years of dating, the sound of his voice still made my
stomach tingle with erratic butterflies…or it could have been the escargot from the other night. Two
words. Never. Again.

Sibylla Nash is a Los Angeles-based freelance writer and author. She has written about a variety of topics that have appeared in numerous magazines and newspapers. She is also the author of several books including DreamCity, Baby Modeling & Beyond: From the Stroller to the Red Carpet and her newest novel, Bumped. She holds a degree from the University of Southern California in print journalism and is the extremely proud mom of a young actress. You can find her on the web at sibyllanash.com, divaluscious.com, starbabyla.com, bumpedthenovel.com on Facebook and tweets @starbabyla.

Get to Know the Author:

1.) How did you begin my journey as an author?

I started off as a freelance writer but as an avid reader, novels were always in my future. This is my fifth book – all independently released - and it’s been a long work-in-progress! When I released my first novel eleven years ago, life was pretty different. The author tag line on the back of that book (DreamCity) read something like “Sibylla Nash lives in Los Angeles with her dog.” Since then, I became a mom, the dog died, I moved back to NJ and then moved back to LA. Life happens and I think that’s part of what helps one grow as a writer. Experiencing and living life and then obsessing and rehashing the details, exploring the “what if’s” and “could be’s” in the pages of the worlds we create.

2.) What compelled or inspired you to write this book?

Who hasn’t had that one relationship where you’re scratching your head after the fact asking yourself, how could I not see this? I wanted to explore betrayal in such way that seemed more organic. You really go through stages of grief after being betrayed and I wanted to show a character dealing with the ultimate betrayal, which is not necessarily the physical, cheating act. I wanted to take this character from point A of thinking everything’s great to point B where she’s like oh my gosh, who is this person? I can rattle off a list of women in that past few years that have been through a very public and humiliating scandal like Sandra Bullock, Maria Shriver, Elin Woods, etc where they’re with someone who totally turns out to be so different with the emotional and physical cheating. For the public, that’s the big story but for them, life goes on and they have to pick up the pieces.

3.) How do you develop the plot?

I use index cards, and I like to break the story up into three parts, which is from Syd Fields screenwriting technique. I plot it out and usually deviate from many of my plot points, but I always have an idea of where I’m going and I definitely know where I want to end up.

4.) How long did it take to write Bumped?

Bumped has been a labor of love for quite a few years. I always thought my second novel after DreamCity would be a sequel but the characters in Bumped demanded to be written. DreamCity was written before I became a mom and Bumped was written late at night, in between auditions for my daughter and play dates. It has taken quite a few years and revisions and was finally birthed in August 2011.

5.) What types of books do you like to read?

I have a very eclectic taste and will read everything from horror, mystery, thriller, self-help, history and anything else that catches my eye. I’ll read it on the Kindle or in printed form, whichever I can get my hands on first. I’m not a die-hard purist and love the opportunities that e-books offer.

6.) How do you feel about selling digital books vs. selling in a brick and mortar store?

I love it! That coupled with social media allows me to find and connect with a wider audience that was harder to reach with my previous books. It certainly levels the playing field and allows new voices to be heard without having to fight through the gatekeepers of the old guard.

7.) What’s next?

I’m updating my guide, Baby Modeling & Beyond. So much has changed since I wrote it six years ago and there seems to be an even bigger market of moms who are curious about getting their kids started in the business. I’m also re-releasing my first novel DreamCity at the end of the year. There’s a fun sequel to that which will be out next year. I’m staying pretty busy. I have so many stories in my head bouncing around that are demanding to get out and strut their stuff on the page or screen.

Find Sibylla Nash at:

sibyllanash.com, bumpedthenovel.com, facebook.com/bumpedbysibyllanash, Twitter @starbabyla

Email address: sibylla22@gmail.com

Buy Book at: http://www.amazon.com/Bumped-Sibylla-Nash/dp/0970170637/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1318560856&sr=8-1

Getting to Know Angela H. Brown

2011-11-28T13:51:00.003-06:00

Angela is the published author of; IT’S MO BETTER THE SECOND TIME AROUND! She is on the move and has no plans on stopping any time soon! Angela is motivated to pull her readers into the room and make them feel sexy, and secure to be themselves. It’s Mo Better is based upon bits and pieces of her own life. Angela experienced physical abuse at an early age, but the bruises eventually disappeared and she began to inspire other people to stop playing the victim and plan for your victory! Angela was inspired to write her first book by her attorney who was her client; she is a hair dresser of twenty years. The book became born and the character TIFFANY was released to the world. Tiffany is a young sexy diva who is searching for a LOVE JONES EXPERIENCE. Tiffany meets Mr.Wrong.com, and learns that love and sex is two different things. Charles is his name and boxing is his game. Charles is controlling and has the key, and code to Tiffany’s forbidden treasure. Moaning, passion, rain drops of sweat, and screaming his name ends in pain. Now Tiffany’s young and dumb attitude knows better she was raised better than that. The book will take you through a tunnel of confusion, because Tiffany finds out life ain’t perfect. Well look who fell out the sky it is a bird or a plane, no honey it is every woman’s dream it is a scoop of chocolate ice cream dripped in caramel, and nuts with a cherry on top. Lord have mercy it is Mr. Randy to the rescue. Tiffany takes this joy ride then jumps out the passenger seat and hitchhikes right to, what do the lonely do at Christmas life. Readers it get’s Mo Better because love gets real, and the bruises began to fade. This book has so much passion and surprises; it is a small world after all. Mo Better takes a flight toAtlantaand parties to the cool and classy old school beats. Rock with me and slip into your sexy gear, and enjoy making your LOVE JONES experience, a night to remember.

Angela Hughes Brown is inspired to write, because she loves expressing herself in a sexy way. She lives onFantasyIsland, when the world gets confusing then she starts to write to give herself a break. This has become her hobby and mission to inspire her readers to become the best what ever they want to be. She has trials and tribulations, but it only makes her stronger. Angela has been a listening ear to her clients for years, she gives them a healthy beautiful look, and inspire them in their hearts that they can make it with God on their side. Angela has never met a stranger she is out going and loves to net work. Her goal is to travel and motivate the world to GO AND GET THEIR DREAMS OUT THERE! When one door closes anther one will open with prayer and faith! Her passion constantly inspires her readers to never let their fire out life is too short! Look for her other books that is coming soon, How TO GET THE HEALTHY BACK IN YOUR HAIR, and CARPET BURNS! Yes Angela is your next fabulous new author she has a heart full of stories to tell, and she prefers to tell it her way. So laugh, cry, and learn a valuable lesson while this dynamic poetic writer pulls you into her world!

How To Get the Healthy Back In Your Hair . . .: Rekindling Healthy Hair

How Tto Get the Healthy Back In Your HairThis insightful book educates the reader on how to choose a hair stylist, as well as understanding their hair. It pulls you into the world of healthy hair, and focuses on important issues, like, balding, weaving, colors, and textures. Enjoy a special interview with Kimberly Williams Greer, the personal hair stylist for the Food Network show, Down Home with the Neely’s and Road Tasted with the Neely’s. Wearing your new hat with cancer, will also be featured, it gives important information concerning growing your hair back healthy after loosing your hair. Consultations before you become a client, and much more. . . .

Novel: It’s Mo Better The Second Time Around

Tiffany is a young beautiful virgin, who falls for the wrong guy. She finds that love doesn’t wear a glove, and Charles is her abuser! He inherited this mixed up abuse from Daddy Dearest! Tiffany gives up her forbidden hidden treasure, and wears tattoos in all rainbow colors. She knows that mama didn’t raise no fool! She moans,screams,and cries out for help, making love feels like, Mr. just doing his business. Tiffany has a long way to go, and being grown doesn’t seem so pretty. Charles becomes a thing of the past finally, but he leaves scares inside this young ladies heart! Mr.Right enters into Tiffany’s world, but there is much work to do. Randy is very handsome, charming, and is lover not a fighter! Can Tiffany let the past go and eat all the dessert that is on her plate? Randy is the best thing that has ever happened to Tiffany. She learns what real love feels like! Conflict will arise,and scandal will come back and hunt her. Sit tight , because it is about to turn into a LOVE JONES THRILLER! Put your seat belts on , and take a roller coaster ride, into Tiffany’s world!

It’s Mo Better The Second Time Around, Q & A

1. Q, What inspired you to write this sexy love story?

A, Well I was in a domestic relationship, and writing was my therapy.

2. Q, Do you consider yourself a survivor?

A, Yes I do, I made it and it is my responsibility to help others who may be going through the same storm!

3. Q, How did you come up with the Randy character?

A, Well Randy was not perfect but he was perfect for so many women we know inside and out! I felt it was about time someone wrote about a positive black man for a change!

4. Q, What made you tell the readers about Charles’s father’s abusive ways?

A, The readers had a right to know how this monster began learning hoe to abuse women.

5. Q, What made you come up with that shower scene between Tiffany, and Randy?

A, Well I wanted my book to breathe a classy sexy experience, and I wanted them to take their time.

6. Q, Your book had an old school flavor are you old school?

A, Yes I love old school music, and life! I wanted to bring a little of that back like the candy, Now or Later, and Lemon Heads.

7. Q, Will there be a sequel or should we just vibe off this Love Jones story?

A, Well I have many other books to come so I never say never, I will consider it in the future!

Find Angela at: www.thehealthyhair.com . E-mail is cherrywinepublisher@yahoo.com

Sleepless Nights: The Drew Smith Series By Norwood Holland

2011-11-28T13:46:00.002-06:00

William Norwood Holland, Jr. or Norwood Holland also his nom de plume was born on July 22, 1951 in Washington, DC and grew up in Gum Springs the historically black enclave in Virginia’s suburban Fairfax County once apart of the Mount Vernon plantation then willed to George Washington’s slaves and their descendants. Holland traces both maternal and paternal lineages to Washington’s slaves. During the post Brown vs. Board of Education desegregation period he attended the County’s segregated Drew-Smith Elementary School named after the pioneering African American physician Dr. Charles Drew and 19th Century Gum Springs resident and educator Annie Smith. Holland credits his early childhood reading and education with inspiring the name of his lead protagonist Drew Smith.

Desegregation was complete by the time he entered the County’sFortHuntHigh School. There he witnessed limited social and extra-curricular opportunities for blacks and sought out the historically black college experience enteringFiskUniversityin the fall of 1969. There he majored in English and Education studying under the late Harlem Renaissance writer Arna Bontemps. Hollandgraduated a member of Lambda Iota Tau International Literature Honor Society in 1973 then worked briefly at theGraduateSchool, USDA counseling military veterans and foreign students before enrolling at Howard University School of Law receiving a Juris Doctor in 1978.

He has served in several government agencies including the National Labor Relations Board and a number of Washington’s top national law firms. In the mid 90s Hollandbegan freelancing for the local media. In 2008 The Writer Magazine published his How I Write profile of local best selling novelist George Pelacanos.

Hollandidentifies with Pelacanos’ writing style and hometown setting also adopting the same hardboiled noir fiction genre. For the past 10 years Hollandhas devoted much of his writing to completing the 4 volume Drew Smith series. He launches the series with the publication of Sleepless Nights, where the practicing attorney/bon vivant keeps it real both at work and play.

Hollandcurrently blogs at editorialindpendence.com . More information on Sleepless Nights is available at SleeplessNightsNovel.com and his web site Norwood Holland.com

Trial attorney Drew Smith a solo practitioner takes on shady clients solving cases fraught with danger and romantic intrigue. Through Sleepless Nights the urban legal wizard while frolicking with an exotic dancer succumbs to a midlife crisis. Haunted by foreshadowing nightmares an awakening reveals an empty life but Smith finds solace with therapist Zöe Settles. In an already complicated life Smith is pressed into service when a vicious robbery leaves three dead and the city enraged. Drew Smith and his devoted sidekick Julio Mejia work to free his young client on the trail of a crazed gunman responsible for a growing body count. In the end, the gunman and the dancer combine forces to bring Smith down. When death comes knocking Drew Smith faces the fight of his life.

Get to Know Holland:

1. Could you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I am a freelance writer and lawyer lobbying on behalf of police and security officers. I received my law degree from Howard University School of Law and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in English at Fisk University. A native of Washington DC, I favor D.C.’s local color in my fiction and currently write the offbeat blog editorialindependence.com devoted to diversity issues and labor law, book reviews, and social commentary.

2. Describe your book ‘Sleepless Nights’ in 30 words or less.

Sleepless Nights is suspenseful with larger than life characters based on a true crime story changing the lives of three young men and those around them–an engrossing legal thriller.

3. What was the hardest part of writing your book?

For me the most difficult part of writing Sleepless Nights was developing the plot line, and trying to come up with creative ways to raise the stakes for Drew Smith. A fundament rule for legal thrillers is to make your protagonist suffer and with that in mind the challenge was to make Drew Smith suffer while seemingly enjoying the high life. Drew Smith an urban bon vivant in his favor why should he be troubled? So I had the difficult task of causing him trouble. Once I had a central plot down then subplots and characters began to unfold naturally in the development.

4. What books have had the greatest influence on you?

I love biographies and particularly writer’s biographies. I’m a student of African American Literature so my taste may be a little esoteric. Two great books which I considered my favorite autobiographies are James Weldon Johnson’s Along This Way and Langston Hughes I Wonder As I Wander. As for popular fiction I’m a big fan of Harold Robbins and James Michener, I like epic adventures. I can say unequivocally the works of Langston Hughes have had the greatest influence on me.

5. Briefly share with us what you do to market your book?

Marketing is a challenge and a whole new experience for me. I’m targeting book clubs and reading groups to develop a core readership or fan base. I’m also targeting the Library market. I have found the local and national independent publishing associations to be valuable resources. They have also been instrumental in introducing me to book fairs and trade shows as possible venues for selling books. My promotional strategy is combination of both on line and off line. I plan to implement an intense internet promotional plan primarily made up of a bog blog tours to promote the ebooks and book signings at independent book stores and reading groups.

6. How do you spend your time when you are not writing?

Lately I’ve taken up golf as a hobby. When I’m not working I’m usually involved in some type of self improvement project like trying to teach myself new skills like building web sites and learning a second language. I also like to travel something I hope to do more of as I attempt to promote my book at book stores across the country. I enjoy reading, visiting art museums, and music. According to Auntie Mame, “life is a banquet and most poor suckers are starving.” I try to end each day sated.

7. What are you working on next?

Minus One, the prequel to the Drew Smith Series is in its final editing stages. I expect to see it in print by Spring 2012. Drew Smith finishes law school and takes a job as a hotel concierge while awaiting his bar exam results. He makes new friends with two Bell Men and after a night out on the town suddenly finds themselves the center of a murder mystery.

Blacktop Hustlaz By

2011-11-24T19:44:00.003-06:00

JAMES SKIER aka “Skee” has a raw perception of women: they’re here to take care of him. And his 18-year-old girlfriend, Ariana Houston, does just that. Her parents accepted him and her father even offers him a job … but he has a better idea … he wants to sell dope.

Unbeknownst to Ariana, he finds a weed plug in the only person he knows will front him the product, an aged and respected gangster from his old neighborhood. Skee sells out fast and it seems that he’s found his niche. Even when he gets robbed at gunpoint, he switches to selling powder cocaine and hustles harder. He moves out his mother’s house and, with pride, treats his girl to a shopping spree—but under the guise that he has a real job. That very night, though, after a heated argument, he tells her he sells drugs and she storms out.

Does he care? No. He has bigger problems that threaten to tear down his newfound success.

ARIANA HOUSTON devoted herself to being the perfect girlfriend to Skee despite the rumors she heard that he’s a cheater. But when she finds out he sells drugs, she leaves him. Her best friend, Brandy, is happy for her new singleness and encourages her to go out with Ronnell “Scrill” Jackson, a well-paid brotha that goes to their college. Soon after she sleeps with him, she feels a painful guilt, as if she cheated on Skee. That guilt turns to horror when she finds out that Scrill sells drugs too … and that someone very close to her is his boss. And they’re planning to kill Skee!

Will she be able to warn her ex-boyfriend in time?

Should she …?

Interview with the Author:

Who are the main characters in Blacktop Hustlaz?

Blacktop Hustlaz is about James "Skee" Skier and Ariana Houston, a once inseparable young couple that fall apart over drug trafficking. Everyone knows they're supposed to be together, but Ariana can't see herself with someone that sells cocaine for a living. It turns out that fate has a plan to bring them back together ... but their reunion comes in a way that horrifies both of them.
What inspired you to write this book?

Authors before me inspired me to write Blacktop Hustlaz, namely Kwan, Shannon Holmes and Teri Woods, the urban lit forerunners. I wanted to write about my experiences in the streets as well, mixed in with stories I've heard about other gangsters around my city and stir it all up until I've got a story where every scene will be memorable. My second inspiration was to give my fellow inmates something to read until somebody ordered another street book, which tooks months. Then everyone started anticipating my novels. Now that I'm free, I'm making Blacktop Hustlaz available to the public.
What sets your book apart from other books in the same genre?

I didn't want to write "another drug story," so I shied away from going deep into the aspects of the dope game. I focused on character development, Skee and Ariana's relationship, and honed in on Charles Blake, an obnoxious and comedic friend of Skee's who shouldn't have any business whatsoever fooling with narcotics.
The e-book edition of your novel is different from the rest, also. How?

I added links inside the e-book that allow the reader to listen to the same music as the characters. Sometimes I would read a book, say a Stephen King novel, and he would mention songs that he obviously thought his readers were familiar with, but I had no idea what he was referring to and sometimes I don’t feel like looking up the song. So in Blacktop Hustlaz, all you have to do is click on the song as it is mentioned in the novel and you’ll hear it play. Felony Books will have that feature in all its e-books.
As an author, what is your writing process?

I need a whole lot of silence when I write, unless I've reached a love scene, which requires me to have some R&B going in my media player to create crazy-sexy-cool moments between characters. I try to get at least two pages a day in. Blacktop Hustlaz took me a year and half to write.
What made you start Felony Books, and what does “Reading By Any Means” actually mean?

I started my own publishing company because I have a lot of ground-breaking book ideas and I don’t want to have to wait to get them “approved.” And I used to hate reading street books that were riddled with errors, which, in the end, is dependent on the publisher or the editor he hired. Even more than that, I hated the "outsiders," the critics that represent other book genres, downplaying the genre that I came to love. I wanted to help urban lit grow, with quality books, fresh stories and new ideas. I studied editing, transitioning from paragraph to paragraph, plots, themes, point of view (one character for every chapter is how I do it), and I also studied the print manufacturing part of publishing, simple things like getting rid of orphans and widows in the typesetting phase. I'm not a fly-by-night author. I love writing and take it seriously, so I study it. The slogan “Reading By Any Means” came while I was incarcerated. Some institutions I was at banned street books, and we had to think of ingenious ways of getting those books inside, such as through legal mail or sending in one page at a time through family letters. We read by any means. And even back in the 1800's when reading was illegal, we read under candlelight when no one was looking and got the master's daughter to teach us words we didn't know. We read by any means. Now we’re publishing our own books, breaking into digital media and doing big numbers, and will continue to do so in whatever new venue becomes available. That's what Felony Books represents!
Can you give us a sneak peek into what’s next for Felony Books?

I'll be releasing STALKER.COM: A NOVEL in the summer of 2012, a novel that's about a woman obsessed with Facebook ... and a man that stalks her profile and eventually her life outside the computer. TRE POUND 2: TROUBLESOME is finished, but the release date for that is TBA.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jordan.belcher2

Purchase e-book here: http://amzn.com/B005X21X4W

E-mail address: felonybooks@gmail.com

Book Excerpt:

Stacy Skier was in the middle of washing her hair when she thought she heard a knock at the door. She lifted her head out the kitchen sink and cut the faucet off. Her hair was dripping wet so she grabbed the towel off the dishwasher handle and rubbed her short do wildly.

She paused to listen for a knock, but heard the phone ring instead.

Every time she settled down to get something done there was always a distraction, she thought. Her day off was never really a day off. If it wasn't the ringing telephone, it was Skee asking to use her car, borrow money, or him playing his music too loud. She was more than happy when her son got his own car. And when he told her he needed her to cosign for an apartment, she was more than willing.

As she went to pick up the phone in the living room she was sure about the knock on the door this time. But the knock was more like a bang. She let the phone ring to find out who was banging at her door. When she opened it she saw a young man standing in front of her that looked to be in his early twenties. He had a Black and Mild cigar in his mouth. He inhaled, then whistled out a stream of smoke in her face. She waved the smoke off, assuming it wasn't deliberate.

"Is there something I can help you with?" she asked with disdain.

"Yes, ma'am. I'm looking for Skee."

"Skee doesn't live here. And I would appreciate it if you wouldn’t bang on my door like you did."

"I apologize, ma'am. I was told he lived here. Do you know where we can find him?"

Stacy wondered why he said "we" when he was the only one standing here. "No, I don't. Have a nice day," she said, closing the door. But he wedged his foot in the way.

"You sure you don't know where he is, ma'am?"

"I told you no! Now move your damned foot!" Stacy peered behind the rude cigar smoker and saw three more young men walking up the small stairway. One of them had a shotgun! She remembered her .380 pistol under her mattress and turned to run for it, only for her wrist to be grabbed.

Legacy Of The Pacific" by D H Brooks

2011-11-21T14:34:00.001-06:00

Adventure, romance and intrigue meet in a titanic clash within the tale "A Legacy Of The Pacific," a paean to California and her blue neighbor: A waif called Pincin, unknowingly the heir to the throne of Nereidia, meets his two sisters: Princess Lile, the willful warrior and the winsome Princess Ciona. Once joined in their cause, his family assists him in seeking his rightful place among the people of this fantastic seascape of 1930s California vernacular architecture and billowing kelp forests. Along their quest, the siblings encounter heroes from diverse points around the globe who teach them that the myths and legends of the water deities of old have a vital message to impart in aid of saving our oceans and their inhabitants in the present day.

Excerpt:

Princess Lile wanted answers yesterday, and in her usual tactless manner, she intended to get them from the two figures who blocked her way out of the cell. "Hades protect you if you are foolish enough to block that doorway as I reach it. Who are you and what business have you here?"

The voice she had heard before spoke up again as the two shadows moved slowly toward Lile and the others. Fearing the worst, Curadh and Liam stepped in front of Lile, but she remained unstirred, pushing them aside. Her ice sword picked up on the ambient light streaming in from the hallway as she faced the two intruders.

"Show yourselves!" she demanded, holding her sword in striking position. From behind her, Pincin concentrated on the shadows, using his innate ability to manipulate light to amplify the small amount of dappled sunshine within the cell. Having done so, he could now make out the forms before him as being that of two Centaurians, merfolk who are half-man and half-seahorse. The one to the left, who appeared to be the younger of the two, addressed Lile once again, his piercing green eyes registering her displeasure.

Consumed by rock music, animation and comic books since age four, Daria H. Brooks studied Creative Writing and Comparative Literature at California State University Long Beach. She first wrote of the aquatic denizens of Nereidia in comic book form in 1993, later supplying research notes for TechTV's "Thunderbirds"tm and licensed material for A&E Home Video's "The Best Of Thunderbirds."tm A Southern California resident born and raised, the author lives in Los Angeles near her beloved Pacific Ocean.

Interview with the Author:
1) What are the origins of "A Legacy Of The Pacific?"

"A Legacy Of The Pacific" began as a "create your own comic book" challenge at work between a friend and I who loved superhero books. It took several months to draw, write, ink and letter a single issue, which added to my respect for those who do this regularly. The characters I created resonated with me but "real life" took over; it was sixteen years before I had the opportunity to revisit their adventures in novel format. Both outings were rewarding but my hands do not miss all that sketching.

2) How different is writing a novel from writing a comic book?

The successful writing of any style calls for discipline in large measure (not my forte'), plus a fair amount of being selfish with your time. It took two years to write "A Legacy Of The Pacific" and I often heard from friends who objected to my lack of availability. Now I look back and wonder where I found the time to write at all. I could use it now!

3) Who makes up your audience?

I originally assumed that I was writing for teenage girls but have found most of my readership to be middle-aged women. While I've based the tale in modern day Los Angeles and added bits of obscure Black history, the majority of my readers thus far are White and live as far away as the UK. Ideally, I want readers from all walks of life as they all have a stake in the health of our oceans, the fate of which is at the core of this tale. Additionally, the trio of heroic siblings in the story are misfits and, as such, they communicate hope and inspiration to kids who feel themselves outsiders in their own lives. Like my heroes, they can rise above if they believe in themselves and their goals.

4) Which authors and artists influenced your writing and artistic style?
My favorites artists work either in the comic book medium (Phil Jimenez; Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez) or advertising art and design (Alfons Mucha and Charles Rennie Mackintosh). Such influences come through in the artwork I created for the illustrated version of my novel (now sold out). As for writers, I love the humor of Douglas Adams, Eric Idle and Billy Connolly; my homage to Gracie Allen comes through best in the Princess Ciona character. Readers have told me that they laugh out loud at some of the exchanges in the novel; this pleases me greatly!

5) What influences guided you in writing your novel?

Much about "A Legacy Of The Pacific" is an homage to the people, places and things which were major parts of my "wonder years." I managed to work in my love of comics, animation and rock music, as well as my adoration for Los Angeles, my hometown. Our family often spent Sundays either at Point Fermin in San Pedro or driving around 1960s L. A. to see landmarks such as the Pan-Pacific and Chinese Theaters, Griffith Park and Pacific Ocean Park; those days were a strong influence upon my voice as a writer. This is my town and this novel is my way of throwing my arms around her.

6) What caused you to create this book at this time in your life?

I'm a late bloomer! More seriously, our oceans are being decimated by both industrial and military pollution, as well as by Joe and Flo Sixpack who throw their used furniture into the storm drains, flush away cat litter (which is devastating otter populations), wash motor oil down driveways and discard food wrappers and cigarette butts on our beaches. I hope that readers will personalize these attacks upon our oceans through their relationship with my characters and take on the challenge to help keep our oceans clean.

7) Where do you go from here?

Atlantis!

Find the Author:
E-mail: legacyofpacific@aol.com

Website: www.alegacyofthepacific.com

Amazon.com (Paperback/Kindle): http://www.amazon.com/Legacy-Pacific-D-H-Brooks/dp/0974021296/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1321858278&sr=1-1

Lulu.com (e-book edition / .PDF file for Adobe e-readers): http://www.lulu.com/product/ebook/a-legacy-of-the-pacific/16691554?productTrackingContext=search_results/search_shelf/center/1

Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTfZdIoNLEc
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/A-Legacy-Of-The-Pacific/303077839716038
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/pincin
Legacy blog: http://02f8337.netsolhost.com/blog2/
Publisher's website: http://cedargrovebooks.com/

I Am The Ancestor By Symbolie Monique Smith

2011-11-20T03:29:00.001-06:00

I’m the proud mother of 4 awesome and amazing children and I take my role as a mother VERY seriously. My primary reason, main purpose and my true desire for writing my book is gift to them. I have used every bit of knowledge, strength and capabilities that I’ve self-developed to raise and developed their individual personalities while building a mini empire. I refuse to just leave behind businesses, a life insurance policy, homes and other materials possessions, without sharing with them my true identity and my life’s journey. They must know who their mother really is, my experiences and what it took for me to become the women I am today.

I want to leave them a TRUE LEGACY.

As I started writing my story, I became overwhelmingly compiled to bring awareness to many areas that have affected my life. The immediate are:

Sharing of one’s history is nothing new, but are people really educating their children about their roots and the importance of them. Good or bad, parent must continue to empower them with that knowledge; they may even enlighten themselves during the process. Thus: GENEALOGY

Elementary children with cell phones may be ok for many, but do parents and care givers have a STRONG plan enforced with them about their safety and surroundings. Let them know that the boggy man is not just something that they imagine under the bed or peeking from the closet—it’s lives amongst us. Oh yea, the boggy grows as they grow and changes often. Worst of all, it’s not always a deformed evil looking creature, which only appears once they’re alone. Thus: PREDATORS

Blinded eye people – Any person who KNOWINGLY fails to perform their duties are partially responsible for damages and harm they allow to take place. There are all types of signs and processes that are being ignored by them which should immediately be acknowledge in any possible way. Blinded eye people are aiders and abettors for sharing in wrongful acts because their actions or, lack of. Family, Friends, Neighbors and Municipalities: Thus “ROLE PLAYERS”.

If I can bring hope of any, to show proof that light IS at the end of the tunnel, that a cloud can be lassoed and can proudly shout…..I AM ABLE……………..GET READY, BE READY AND STAY READY……………………Thus: INSPIRED

Excerpt:

Throughout all of this, I still make time for myself. I have to! My social life is pretty average for a woman who has her children’s best interest first. Over the years, I’ve dated and enjoyed hobbies like sewing and knitting. I also make time to connect with other women at social events and outings. On a monthly basis, I attend a recurring women’s event and every time I leave I am pumped and charged to work even harder. By all accounts, I feel like the most powerful woman in the world when I take into consideration what I have vs. what statistics report I should have.
Unfortunately, I am also a woman without a true identity on a quest to find out where it all began for me. Imagine a world with no links, no attachments, and no existence. Can you picture yourself walking down the street wondering if the person who just passed you is your brother, sister, or cousin? Do you know what it’s like to get tested more frequently than most persons because of an unknown family medical history? Have you experienced not being able to enjoy a simple cruise to Aruba, Jamaica, or the Mediterranean because you cannot produce proof of your identity? I can’t obtain a passport because my vital statistics are not correct. For too many years, I have lived this way and still I have no real answers. This is the reason I gave birth to I Am the Ancestor. After 15 years of endlessly searching for the truth, I suddenly realized that I must tell my story before I die in an attempt to leave behind a true legacy for my four children. Leaving this burden on Courtney is completely unacceptable to me.
I Am the Ancestor is an inspirational account of my life as a woman living in a world without a single connection. Thanks to being abducted, exploited, and raised by a woman named Tammie Smith who never showed any love and various municipalities such as the public school system, the Department of Social Security, Bureau of Vital Records, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and police departments who dropped the ball at one point or another in my life, I am like many victims of abduction: left to put the pieces of my life together. What’s worse is the impact this is having on my children. Now, it’s my duty as a mother, the only dear title that I really have — for I’m not a daughter, a sister, an aunt, nor a cousin — to make sense of my history.
With this book, I truly want to share my strengths, expose my weaknesses, develop in all areas of my life, and survive by any means for my children and myself. When this book is finally released, I will be free, my children will be empowered, and the minds of many will be wide open! Not only that, but this book will open the door for other people in the world, like me, who are determined to put together the missing pieces of their lives. I believe that there are thousands, if not millions, of people like me in the world! As a matter of fact, just recently I saw two different news accounts of women who had been abducted as children and were reunited with their family. It shocked the world to know that we, adults who were abducted as children, are still out.

Energetic, engaging, dynamic, inspiring, and industrious are just a few adjectives that capsulate this phenomenal woman. S. Monique Smith reared in Baltimore, Maryland, received her formal education from the Baltimore City Public School System. She holds numerous certificates and certifications in various disciplines. Ms. Smith is a full-time student of life, and prides herself in being a lifetime learner. Armed with undeniable wit, charm and personality, she has faced numerous challenges and over-come tremendous obstacles throughout her life. To her credit, Ms. Smith has only used them as motivators while carving out her place in the world as a savvy business woman, a prolific entrepreneur, and most recently added to her long list of achievements Ms. Smith is an accomplished author. There are certainly multiple dimensions to this woman and they are constantly unfolding, however amidst all her accomplishments the one that resonates and remains a constant in her life is that of “Mother.”

As a mother, she wants nothing but happiness and a “real legacy” for her four beautiful children. Ms. Smith has often said that her children are her reason for breathing. She manages to balance both the role of motherhood and professional with fineness and her own unique style. But it doesn’t end there. Ms. Smith is an involved parent, a mentor to many, a philanthropist and an activist.

Some of her interest and hobbies include bike riding, white water rafting, swimming and skating. S. Monique Smith is a
multi-talented, and vibrant powerhouse of a woman. She is indeed a force of nature, and once you’ve had the pleasure of making her acquaintance, you will be left with a indelible impression.

Get to Know Monique:

1. What’s so special about your book with so many others out there?

A. That I’m living the life as a ‘Missing Person’…because I am.

2. Have you ever written a book before?

A. I have never neither written nor desired to write a book before now but felt the need to not only share my story with my children, but to the world in hopes of HELPING anyone….another innocent child more so.

3. Why a book now?

A. Sharing! It’s time for me to share MY story and to step out on faith with another project . . . Why now? Once one knows they are ready for something . . . IT IS TIME! I had opportunities before that were small….’it’s the season now I guess”. Also, the resources I have now make it so much easier for the novice in this writing/publishing area.

4. What challenges are you facing?

A. This a whole new arena for me. Way out of my scope. …Did I say WAY? So researching, educating myself and cherry picking the resources that could directly aid me in this process was priority…and COSTLY! People are NOT the professionals that they THINK they are.

5. The release of the book?

A. Sunday October the 2nd, followed by a bus tour on Sunday October 14th, and a Book signing on Sunday October 7, 8, 22nd EXCITED!! I’m going to do a state tour in hopes of finding out what state I’m from while raising awareness and funds for my charities

6. Are you getting any help?

A. People are amazing. I’ve shared my story and have often received an abundant amount of tools, aids, resource, leads and unbelievable support…BRAVO TO ALL WHOM TAKE ACTION FOR THEIR CAUSES!!

7. Can you share anything exciting about the book?

A. Yes I can . . . my book is not just for me to share with my children. It will inspire people in so many other areas of their lives…I know and have been told DAILY since I’ve started. With that being said…I’ll be launching and advocating the importance of instilling in not just our youth, but how EVERYONE is an Ancestor….Stay Tuned.

Sleepless Nights: The Drew Smith Series By Norwood Holland

2011-11-14T13:04:00.003-06:00

William Norwood Holland, Jr. or Norwood Holland also his nom de plumewas born on July 22, 1951 in Washington, DC and grew up in Gum Springs the historically black enclave in Virginia’s suburban Fairfax County once apart of the Mount Vernon plantation then willed to George Washington’s slaves and their descendants. Holland traces both maternal and paternal lineages to Washington’s slaves. During the post Brown vs. Board of Education desegregation period he attended the County’s segregated Drew-Smith Elementary School named after the pioneering African American physician Dr. Charles Drew and 19thCentury Gum Springs resident and educator Annie Smith. Holland credits his early childhood reading and education with inspiring the name of his lead protagonist Drew Smith.

Desegregation was complete by the time he entered the County’sFortHuntHigh School. There he witnessed limited social and extra-curricular opportunities for blacks and sought out the historically black college experience enteringFiskUniversityin the fall of 1969. There he majored in English and Education studying under the late Harlem Renaissance writer Arna Bontemps. Hollandgraduated a member of Lambda Iota Tau International Literature Honor Society in 1973 then worked briefly at theGraduateSchool, USDA counseling military veterans and foreign students before enrolling at Howard University School of Law receiving a Juris Doctor in 1978.

He has served in several government agencies including the National Labor Relations Board and a number of Washington’s top national law firms. In the mid 90s Hollandbegan freelancing for the local media. In 2008 The Writer Magazine published his How I Write profile of local best selling novelist George Pelacanos.

Hollandidentifies with Pelacanos’ writing style and hometown setting also adopting the same hardboiled noir fiction genre. For the past 10 years Hollandhas devoted much of his writing to completing the 4 volume Drew Smith series. He launches the series with the publication of Sleepless Nights, where the practicing attorney/bon vivant keeps it real both at work and play.
Hollandcurrently blogs at editorialindpendence.com . More information on Sleepless Nights is available at SleeplessNightsNovel.com and his web site Norwood Holland.com

Trial attorney Drew Smith a solo practitioner takes on shady clients solving cases fraught with danger and romantic intrigue. Through Sleepless Nights the urban legal wizard while frolicking with an exotic dancer succumbs to a midlife crisis. Haunted by foreshadowing nightmares an awakening reveals an empty life but Smith finds solace with therapist Zöe Settles. In an already complicated life Smith is pressed into service when a vicious robbery leaves three dead and the city enraged. Drew Smith and his devoted sidekick Julio Mejia work to free his young client on the trail of a crazed gunman responsible for a growing body count. In the end, the gunman and the dancer combine forces to bring Smith down. When death comes knocking Drew Smith faces the fight of his life.

Get to Know Holland:
1. Could you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I am a freelance writer and lawyer lobbying on behalf of police and security officers. I received my law degree from Howard University School of Law and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in English at Fisk University. A native of Washington DC, I favor D.C.’s local color in my fiction and currently write the offbeat blog editorialindependence.com devoted to diversity issues and labor law, book reviews, and social commentary.
2. Describe your book ‘Sleepless Nights’ in 30 words or less.
Sleepless Nights is suspenseful with larger than life characters based on a true crime story changing the lives of three young men and those around them–an engrossing legal thriller.
3. What was the hardest part of writing your book?
For me the most difficult part of writing Sleepless Nights was developing the plot line, and trying to come up with creative ways to raise the stakes for Drew Smith. A fundament rule for legal thrillers is to make your protagonist suffer and with that in mind the challenge was to make Drew Smith suffer while seemingly enjoying the high life. Drew Smith an urban bon vivant in his favor why should he be troubled? So I had the difficult task of causing him trouble. Once I had a central plot down then subplots and characters began to unfold naturally in the development.
4. What books have had the greatest influence on you?
I love biographies and particularly writer’s biographies. I’m a student of African American Literature so my taste may be a little esoteric. Two great books which I considered my favorite autobiographies are James Weldon Johnson’s Along This Way and Langston Hughes I Wonder As I Wander. As for popular fiction I’m a big fan of Harold Robbins and James Michener, I like epic adventures. I can say unequivocally the works of Langston Hughes have had the greatest influence on me.
5. Briefly share with us what you do to market your book?
Marketing is a challenge and a whole new experience for me. I’m targeting book clubs and reading groups to develop a core readership or fan base. I’m also targeting the Library market. I have found the local and national independent publishing associations to be valuable resources. They have also been instrumental in introducing me to book fairs and trade shows as possible venues for selling books. My promotional strategy is combination of both on line and off line. I plan to implement an intense internet promotional plan primarily made up of a bog blog tours to promote the ebooks and book signings at independent book stores and reading groups.
6. How do you spend your time when you are not writing?
Lately I’ve taken up golf as a hobby. When I’m not working I’m usually involved in some type of self improvement project like trying to teach myself new skills like building web sites and learning a second language. I also like to travel something I hope to do more of as I attempt to promote my book at book stores across the country. I enjoy reading, visiting art museums, and music. According to Auntie Mame, “life is a banquet and most poor suckers are starving.” I try to end each day sated.
7. What are you working on next?
Minus One, the prequel to the Drew Smith Series is in its final editing stages. I expect to see it in print by Spring 2012. Drew Smith finishes law school and takes a job as a hotel concierge while awaiting his bar exam results. He makes new friends with two Bell Men and after a night out on the town suddenly finds themselves the center of a murder mystery

Prince to a King By Clifton J. Dutton

2011-10-24T12:27:00.003-05:00

Author, Clifton J. Dutton is a multi-faceted man that has confronted life’s positive and negative moments with courage and tenacity. His endowment of writing allows him to share these enthralling real life events, and allows the awaiting public a glimpse into his creative mind.

Born in 1972 in Sandy Spring, MD, Howard County, Clifton was raised in a middle class family of one sister and two brothers; Clifton being the youngest of the four. He earned a full athletic scholarship to the University of Tennessee where he studied Criminal Justice. Once college was over and the dreams of a career in the NFL never materialized, he pressed on with aspirations of working in the music industry.

Although Cliff is blessed with a wide range of gifts and talents, he quickly discovered that his mastery is indisputably writing. This expert author possesses the ability to bring his readers the gritty intense reality of the same streets that many experience every day. Cliff’s vivid imagery causes his audience to truly understand and feel what they otherwise could only speculate, traveling from DC boardrooms and South Beach bedrooms to this nation’s most powerful courtrooms.. Readers who are lovers of action, thrills, suspense and drama, get ready to brace yourself as he brings you powerful anthology which highlights the pleasure (and pain) of relationships, along with the dangerous and seductive world of the street life leaving no truth untold.

Brace yourselves as he releases the first of many in the Clifton Dutton Novel Series, Prince to a King!

Prince to a King is a novel set in an urban environment, but is also relatable to all societies. The love story that unfolds and proves to grip the plot, can take any reader of any backgrounds heart. How often do you find yourself cheering for the bad guy?
Based on elements of true events, new author Clifton J.Dutton takes the reader on a journey that proves to be electrifying.This novel captures the audience of the passionate type, while never losing the interest of the action and drama reader. This combination is often lost when trying to reach one core audience.
Prince to a King is an urban novel, but stretches the boundaries of the term taking you deep into the mind of a confused young black man that desperately seeks the love that was taken from him so long ago.©
DC, the murder capital, city of terror; It’s within these streets where a Prince will come to rise. Prince is a young man with a sadistic inner soul that was created by the tragic events of his early childhood.
Though these events have been suppressed deep in his mind, these are the traits that make him the man he is. As the pages turn and the roller coaster ride of Prince races toward the Man that stole his young life as he knew it, you can’t help but to cheer for the one American Gangster you hate to love.

Excerpt-

“Nigga drive, why the fuck you sitting here..?” Before he could finish his head was flung back from the force of the truck speeding away. Fear is the worst enemy of a man. This concept was described as the fifth law of power in the book, 48 Laws of Power written by Robert E. Green. Prince was another Sun Zu of sorts. As the smoke cleared Prince stood unmoved by the events.
The niggas ran like bitches even though everyone of them was strapped. The presence of Prince made them afraid. He was living proof that fear is indeed the worst enemy of any man. The truth of the streets of DC stood strong on that sidewalk that hot summer night. The urban legend stood tall for all to see!!

Get to Know Cliffton:
1. Where are you from?
I am from Howard County, MD.

2. Where did you attend school?
I went to the university of Tennessee on a full football scholarship.

3. What made you begin to write?
I loved to write at an early age but once sports took over my life writing was put on the back burner. Once I was incarcerated I used the time wisely to re-invent my gift of writing.

4. Where did the concept of Prince to a King come from?
The concept literally came from the first sentence of the book. I wrote the first sentence and then let the story come to life.

5. As a writer who is Clifton Dutton?
A man that is not scared to tell the truth and creatively have the ability to fictionalize the truth of life and make written words become visual as you read.

6. how many books do you plane to release under the Clifton Dutton novel series?
The plan is for the first four releases to have three parts making 12 in all.

7. Finally what makes you different then the other hundreds of Urban authors?
My opinion is this, my upbringing is completely different then most of my fellow authors in my demographic.Most of them have a “HOOD” upbringing. Myself, I was raised in a 98% whit area which gives me uncanny ability to write and be able to expand on the interest of all demographics. I just got a great review back from a 75 year old white country woman from Nevada.

Find the Author at:
www.cliftondutton.com
cliftondutton@twitter.com
cliftondutton@facebook.com

Upgrade You By Syretta Walker

2011-10-18T12:45:00.003-05:00

Anabella Carter is alone and miserable. The only thing that brings her happiness is a blunt and a pint of Hennessy. Due to a number of misforturnes, she doesn’t know where her life is headed until she enters a urban fiction contest. As she journeys through her tale, she discovers the meaning of love and pain. Anabella realizes one person has stood by her side during the good times and the bad. She wants to tell him how she feels, but doesn’t want to risk losing him. Will Anabella will succumb to the pain? or Will love prevail?

Excerpt:

That was also part of the reason Anabella decided to tell her story. She had been unable to talk about the point when her life took a turn. Anabella hated that point and most importantly she hated the way her life was headed at this point. She was twenty-one years old now with a child of her own, and most times she couldn’t believe she was a mother herself.
Anabella had gotten pregnant at seventeen, had her daughter at eighteen, and had continued to see hell every since. Currently, her National City checking account held a balance of twenty-three cent, and she didn’t have anything else to lose.
At least we got a roof over our heads and food to shove in our mouths, Anabella thought of her, and her daughter Isabella. She was due to start one of her last three semesters at Sinclair Community College tomorrow, and she didn’t know how she was going to swing that, and writing her novel as well. But, to Anabella it no longer felt like an option anymore. It was mandatory. Anabella loved the idea that she could erase the pain and hatred from her heart. She felt like she would be able to start all over again. Anabella just hated the fact that she would have to give the readers her triumph, before her tragedy. But, she thought, what the hell? Might as well get all this shit off me. Anabella decide she would use characters real names for the time being, although she knew it was risky. That is where an urban tale was born, five days into 2008, and the day before Anabella was due to go back to school…

Syretta A. Walker was born in South Carolina, but raised in Dayton, Ohio. She is a single mother of one little boy. Currently, she is obtaining an associate degree in real estate property management. In her free time, she enjoys reading, writing, cooking, and eating. Her debut novel Upgrade You was written as a form of therapy after some of her old baggage began to surface. Upgrade You is loosely based around her life story. Syretta hopes that her novel can help at least one girl that is facing similar struggles.

Books can be purchased at a www.mahogneyinkpublication.com, amazon.com and a bookstore near you!!!

Get to Know Syretta:

What is your first title called, and what is it about?

A: My first street lit title is called ‘Upgrade You’, and it is about a “broke dog”{ who goes through on trial after another on a promiscuous journey to find love; maybe it will happen, maybe it won’t.

Where did you get the inspiration to write ‘Upgrade You’?

A: My baby sister, and my son. Got to do it for the kiddies, and leave my next few generations secure.

What sets ‘Upgrade You ‘apart from other books in the same genre?

A: I wrote the book while going through schizophrenia before being diagnosed with the disease. I was hearing voices and characters in my head.

Who was the biggest influences in your life coming up, and why?

A: My late great-grandmother because I would watch her tend house for others, sell baked goods, and remain a gracious woman while instilling a hustler’s mentality in me. Second,the late rapper Tupac Shakur, for sharing his trials with the world, and still trying to help in the crisis of poverty.

As an author, what are the keys to you success that lead to getting Upgrade You out to the public?

A: Word of mouth and attending seminars to get recognized as an upcoming serious author.

As an author, what is your writing process? How long did it take to write Upgrade You?

A: It took me a month and a half. My writing process was eating a great deal of chocolate, drinking lots of sodas, and consuming lots of Newport cigarettes.

What other projects do you have available, and what’s next for Syretta Walker?

A: Chocolate Rose 2 is available on Kindle, and Nook. And I will be releasing Behind Tha Chastity Belt coming early 2012.

Email: Xmom9727 @att.net

Misleading By Winkk

2011-10-11T18:59:00.002-05:00

Sexy, wealthy and handsome is what best describes Jarvis Denttin, the owner of the exclusive popular Denttin nightclubs. His posh lifestyle has women flockingis love to him regularly, and they feed his strong appetite for sex. Having his choice of any woman, has created a selfish, deceiving, controlling man. Women are attracted to his alluring demeanor, until they are invited into his life and introduce to his devious side.

Expanding his company, Jarvis Denttin is excited to open a new nightclub in Chicago. He is devastated when his close friend is killed and his businesses become in jeopardy, that he is now reconsidering his move to the Windy City. Just as attractive and charming as Jarvis, his friend and employee Antonio Flink, is being well trained to become a duplicate of him, but Antonio proves that he is more conniving then Jarvis could imagine.

Candace Mourton, the personal assistant to Jarvis Denttin is a smart opportunist and knows that he is capable of providing the lifestyle she deserves, and she is willing to do whatever it takes to keep the money flowing. She enjoys her professional and sexual relationship with him, until she breaks her own rule and falls in love. Jarvis takes care of her financially, and she caters to him daily, but realizes that isn’t enough to keep him interested in her.

With money dominating Jarvis’s successful life, he is unaware of the scheme being orchestrated to bring him down and he gets caught up in a web of deception. Knowing all the wrong he has done to people, he’s ready for a fresh start, but karma gets to him first. Oblivious of his acquaintance motives, puts him in a deadly situation. Will his life crumble before he finds out that the people around him have been misleading him the entire time?

Once you open one of Winkk’s novels, you won’t be able to stop until you’ve navigated every twist, turn and tragedy in the lives of her relatable and fascinating characters. Winkk’s deft storytelling and experience as a former model, actress and professional dancer for artists, including R. Kelly, Avant, and Ronald Isley made “Tour Secrets” and “Tour Secrets 2,” a rousing success.

The two novels–which follow the lives and torrid love affairs of dancers and best friends, Raven and Music–flew off virtual shelves when they were published in 2009 and 2010, netting acclaim from outlets including Rolling Out, Power 92.3 FM, Parle magazine and Raw TV. She is a “Breakout Author of the Year” nominee for the 2011 African American Literary Awards, an honor also bestowed upon fellow nominees and celebrity writers Iyanla Vanzant, Tavis Smiley and CNN anchor Don Lemon.

Winkk follows that credo in her own life. That is why, despite dancing for some of the biggest names in R&B and modeling for Ebony magazine among others, she opted not to go the tell-all route. Instead, Winkk focuses on fictionalized stories based on her experience and imagination, broaching topics from “down low” men to transsexual entertainers.

Winkk also is building her brand beyond writing novels. In 2011, she founded Ailam Publishing. Though she is currently publishing her own projects, she wants to assist other authors in finding their voice.

“When I first started writing, I wanted to tell the story of the tour experience from the dancer’s side…that’s a side that never got out,” Winkk said of the books and innovative video teasers she produced on her own. “Misleading” too will get the visual treatment, as part of Winkk’s holistic literary vision. “Now, I want to tell as many stories as I can as many ways as I can in print and eventually on the small and big screen.”

Get to Know Winnk:

What inspired you to write the novels Tour Secrets and Tour Secrets 2?

I’m a former dancer/choreographer and have worked for artist including R. Kelly, Avant and Ronald Isley. Traveling on the road as a dancer inspired me to write the Tour Secrets series so the readers could get a glimpse of what dancers experienced. I felt it would be interesting to write some outrageous and sometimes unbelievable, but realistic things that dancers deal with. Tour Secrets is not a tell all, but will give you a heart-stopping, jaw-dropping inside look into the music industry. The novels have been re-released under Ailam Publishing, and are available in paperback an Ebooks.
What character did you enjoy writing about the most in the series Tour Secrets?

Raven and Que were the characters I enjoyed creating and writing about the most. Raven revealed a big secret in the book and her sassy, humorous personality was exciting to write. Que is scandalous and ruthless, and creating his character was fun.
Was it easy making the transition from a dancer to an author?

The literary industry is very similar to the entertainment business, so the transition was very easy. Since I’ve been writing for many years and used to write while traveling, I felt comfortable making the change.
Tell us about your new novel Misleading?

My new novel Misleading is about a nightclub owner who is focused on money and being successful. He realizes that he can’t control the world with money and finds out that the people closes to him are more interested in bringing him down then helping him succeed. Revenge, deceit, sex, drama and scandal are all tied up in this novel. The novel will be available on September 30, 2011 and you can pre-order it now on amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com. It will be available in paperback an Ebooks.
What part of the writing process do you enjoy the most?

The part of the writing process I enjoy is creating the story and seeing all the elements come together. I usually create the cover in my mind first and everything else falls into place. I love creating so writing a novel is like choreographing a dance routine to me. I enjoy the process from the beginning to the end.
Why did you decide to self-publish and what are your plans for your new publishing company?

I started Ailam Publishing to publish my novels and to keep the creative control over my projects. I will continue to publish my novels and would also like to publish other authors in the future.
What can we expect next from Winkk?

I will keep writing novels and producing video book trailer. I will turn my novels into movies and continue mentoring and sponsoring local artist. I’ve got a few things up my sleeves, so be on the lookout.
You can catch me at www.winkkatme.com or info@winkkatme.com. Also facebook.com/winkkatme2, Twitter.com/winkkatme.com, Myspace.com/winkkatme and Youtube.com/winkktv.

Watch trailer here http://youtu.be/FD3m41EssRk

Book Intro: Everything I Miss At Home

2011-10-04T13:55:00.005-05:00

Everything I Miss At Home is a sexy and dramatic thrill of a novel that's emotional highs and lows read like a roller coaster ride. Karma, lust, ambition, greed, and life collide as fading athlete Nikki Brown, her corporate upstart girlfriend Erin Powell, and Erin's sexy assistant Devyn McAllister play winner take all with each other's lives. The debut novel from author Dawn is a deliciously addictive narrative that feels like a dark fantasy solidly in touch with real life. Dawn effortlessly directs Everything I Miss At Home from the boardroom, to the bedroom, and to the streets crafting a suspenseful, salacious, and soul stirring look at love and life through the character's eyes.

Interview with the author:

. Everything I Miss At Home is an intense ride. Erin, Devyn, and Nikki experience crazy highs and lows. Where did the inspiration come from to write this novel?

Everything I Miss At Home came from lots of imagination, discipline, & life experience. The three main characters represent three distinct personalities but thru their experiences we can see and feel reflections of ourselves and other people we've met during our lives. Some parts of that book are my diary, some are my daydreams, some are my nightmares.

2. Everything I Miss At Home resonates because this book feels so real. What was the hardest part for you to write?

As much grandeur and entertainment I wanted Everything I Miss At Home to have, the novel has a very voyeuristic feel to it. The influence of music dictated the first person writing style in Everything I Miss At Home as well. I feel the first person is part of why music can feel so close to our spirits and hearts. With that said, there are parts I thought were too intimate. Not just the sexuality, the cursing, the growing pains, the cruel way that life gives and takes sometimes.... Everything I Miss At Home is like watching someone and reading their thoughts without them knowing it. Part of me wanted to soften it up, but I thought of the Quentin Tarantino's of the world, the Sapphires, and decided against it. If I ever pick it up, parts of the Everything I Miss At Home are hard to read because its so emotionally raw. So bottling that intensity and maintaining it throughout the novel was difficult on me emotionally. Like actors can get lost in their character, so can the writer.

3. What is your favorite part of Everything I Miss At Home?

Maybe the Dream II party... That's the night that sparks a change in Erin. I think that's when her confidence steams ahead into arrogance territory. Devyn has this open eyed curiosity and naiveté about herself. This night, Erin establishes the role she wants Devyn to play in their experience together professionally and personally. Nikki seems to finally feel good about herself as a person, even though she almost begins to mimic Erin's materialism because Nikki's new esteem almost comes more from the things she is now able to buy herself than from her talent and drive.

4. What does Devyn, Nikki, & Erin have in common with you if anything?

Devyn and I have shared experiences. Erin and I both love Jay Z and have virtually memorized his entire catalog. If you were to ride in my car, you'd hear every Jay Z album ever made. Nikki and I love basketball. I hadn't played ball since I was a teenager and Nikki actually inspired me to get back in the gym. I can hang with 20 year old boys now. :)

5. What did you learn from Erin, Devyn, & Nikki or from writing Everything I Miss At Home?

Erin taught me to watch my ego, to be conscious of the way I treated people. Devyn taught me to be wary of people like Erin (joking!!) No Devyn taught me to take off the blinders in my life. To not be so driven by feelings and emotions. Nikki taught me never to let go of my dream or my heart, because if you are always playing catch up in life you might lose your destiny.

6. What can readers expect from the follow up to Everything I Miss At Home, My Secret Enemy?

Readers can expect to see the evolution in each of the individuals. The presence Erin, Nikki, & Devyn had in each other's life leaves all three of them as changed women. The funny thing about change is much as things change, the more they stay the same. Lola Worthy has a more prominent role in My Secret Enemy and her insight is fresh air compared with Erin's brilliant swagger, Nikki's street edge, and Devyn's perceived weakness. Lola is strong and feminine, money driven but not obsessed. Lola is refined and simple. I think lots of readers will identify with her once they get to know her more.

7. What were some unintended outcomes from the completion Everything I Miss At Home?

I managed to humanize homosexual characters and make them completely relatable to heterosexual readers. I get emails from people that thank me for healing the divide between cultures of gays and straights, especially in the black community. That was unintentional. Everything I Miss At Home is far from a coming out story, its a life story where the characters happen to be lesbians. The story transcends homosexuality and is more about human nature. In my personal life, it made people look at me differently. People had expectations from me to sell a million books with no huge machine behind me at first. Initially the sales were VERY modest, and this huge accomplishment of writing and finishing and putting Everything I Miss At Home in the marketplace was dwarfed by first week sales. The release of Everything I Miss At Home made the love of my life more attracted to me, but the initial sales made it easier for the love of my life to leave me. Those things stick with me and motivate me and brings me to higher level of consciousness about my life.

Men are not the problem By Luna Charles

2011-09-06T18:18:00.002-05:00

Selene opens the door to her hand her heart melts. It was only two months prior that Michael dumped her, leaving her in Miami to return to his hometown of Sarasota, presumably to make something more of himself. It had been painful for her to let go, but at the end it was for the best. He had been a selfish and inconsiderate lover, escorting her around his white world as if she was his black Haitian Barbie.

Selene had taken charge of her life and overcame emotional and physical abuse, as well as the biased opinions of others regarding immigrants since coming to the US. Yet somehow still in love with this spoiled bad boy, she packs her bags and leaves with him, telling herself that love is worth the risk.

However, when an unexpected pregnancy and job loss turns her love sick world upside down, it is then that Michael’s true callous and cold heart is revealed. Struggling with the demons of her past and now the misfortunes of her present, Selene realizes Men Are Not the Problem.

Men Are Not the Problem knows no boundaries as this uplifting tale drives you from tear jerking moments to candid real life hilarity. Painfully blunt and remarkably inspiring Men Are Not the Problem will leave you knowing what real love is and should be.

Excerpt:

Two months later, as we piled up on the couch in the Florida room to watch TV, we heard the gunshot, then the sirens. My brother’s, my uncle and I looked at each other, then ran to the backyard to see what had happened. The Bradley’s arrived in their backyard at the same time. The fence was tall and wooden; we saw nothing on our end since we were caddy corner to the house. Lee and Lenard both grabbed the top of the fence directly behind their yard and tried to jump over, but failed. Not giving in, Lenard boosted his younger brother up to take a look. However, all they saw was the back of the house, which contained a couple of cops that warned them to get back to their side quickly before they got in trouble.

We all looked at each other from over the fence, but said nothing as we walked back inside our own house. Later that night Mr. Bradley came knocking on our door as we stood in the hallway in front of our rooms, the same hall I had sat in to listen to Mrs. J defend her husband’s actions to my mother. We heard that Mrs. Jean-Baptist’s husband had beaten her to death with the lid of a toilet reservoir and then shot himself in the head. Jack, their son, had been away and therefore spared from the massacre. The neighbor who had come over to explain to my mother what all the commotion was about, concluded as he happened to take a glance in the direction of our little group in the hall, that he heard the son would be staying with family in central Florida. My mother stood at the door, blank of expression at hearing the news. A minute later, she closed the front door and walked into the house. She gave us a stern

look for eavesdropping and walked into her bedroom.

She didn’t cry and didn’t say anything to us about what had occurred.

My uncle, who had also been raised in the old ways, went to his room without a word of guidance to us. We were left on our own to learn from what had taken place and come to our own conclusions. My brothers, too young to fully grasp the information, were only upset that their new friend was gone forever now. I tried to explain as best as I could that the world was full of bad people and sometimes bad- things happened, but the news sickened me. Ghosts of the violent past that I had left in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, sprang up to pull me back into an old nightmare.

That night as my mother slept, I sneaked into the kitchen and quietly opened the door to the liquor cabinet inside the movable bar. Pouring some rum into a blue plastic cup I silently closed the door behind me and moved to the fridge to add milk to the drink. Drinking rum at my age was not normal in my culture, wine maybe on special occasions, but not rum. However, what my mother did not know wouldn’t not hurt her, but more specifically me. And what she didn’t know was that Gloria my Nicaraguan friend who lived across from Mrs. J and was in a grade higher than me kept a bottle under her bed. She always gave me some when I went by there. How she got the bottle she would not tell me, but drinking always seemed to make me feel better when I was sad. Therefore, it was with that intention in mind that I went into my room with the

concoction.

As I sat on the white tiled floor, I started to weep as my baby sister slept soundly in her bed. I cried for Mrs. J’s unwarranted death and for my mother’s lack of emotion toward it. I cried for all the suffering that people endured and the lack of sympathy we have toward our fellow man. I cried just because in a situation like that sometimes crying is the only thing that can be done and the rum that I had hope would help had not.

I sat there letting the waves of grief and pain crash within me. I wanted the comfort of my mother, the reassurance that only a parent could give to a suffering child, the security that only her touch could bring. However, I knew better than to seek her out. I was not welcomed and would never be. It was not that she specifically disliked me, per se. I mean, it is the norm for daughters and mothers to fight while mothers and sons are best friends.

No, it was more like I reminded her of a past she did not want to remember. A past I knew nothing about except for the rare moments that she felt like inflicting on me accusations full of clues to a puzzle I had not yet pieced together to make a complete picture. I had tried through the years to be on my mother’s better side, but learned the hard way that it was impossible. She could not love me as other mothers loved their daughters. I guess like a rape victim’s spore, I was a constant reminder of what she believed was a horrendous mistake. Being a person of my age, I did not understand that.

Therefore, I tried to bribe my mother with more love and attention than other mothers received from their children. Breakfast in bed, meals when she came home from work, mowing the lawn, doing her hair, giving back massages, etc. My actions were useless, my loved denied, my heart empty. It was a sad thing when you have never had the loving hug of any parent, maybe even a self destructive thing.

Once when I was eleven as I sat in the passenger side of her brown Dodge Minivan that she used as a taxi, I flat out asked her why she never said I love you to me as she did to my brothers. Between trips to the rear to take the passengers’ luggage out she replied, “Why would I say that to a person that did nothing worthy of my love?” I died inside at those words. I had no answer. I stayed mute. Mind racing to find a reason why she should love me, but each one

that came forward I tossed out, finding them inadequate. I spent the rest of the ride from the customer’s house to our house in silence.

That day I changed. It was not apparent in anyway. Just coldness grew around my heart like icicles on a windowpane anytime she was near. Her words had wounded me in a way I could

not deal with. Not then, not anymore. Mentally, I put distance between us, knowing that no matter how hard I tried, the loving attention I sought from her would never be mine. Therefore, I

ignored her curses, and only half-listened when she called me a whore or told me I would never amount to anything. She, I decided, was not going to love me, therefore I would not love her and the emotion I wanted would have to be found somewhere else. Nevertheless, her absence from me at a time like this made the coldness grow to a peak it had never reached before. For us to be

only feet away, but eons apart hurt like my heart had turned to solid ice and the frost was traveling down my veins.

She had not had to tell me anything when she saw us in the hall. I knew what she expected of me in such a situation. She expected me to be her version of strong, to be without emotion, to show no remorse in the face of such a tragedy, to be her. I also knew if she were to walk in right now and find me in the midst of my sorrow, she would barrage me with words full of allegations. She would see my tears and believe that I was silently blaming her for what happened. Moreover, she would surely be using both profanity and threats that stated. She was not to be held responsible for any women who could not take care of themselves. Not her, she would not be responsible for anyone’s burdens, not friends, family, nor foe.

My mother was the strong one; the one who had chosen a life of solitude versus staying married to an unfaithful husband whom she had three kids with. She had chosen to divorce him when her youngest daughter was only eight months old instead of staying in a bad situation just to avoid people talking about the single mother with the five kids. She did not care about the way society looked at her or presumed she was not happy just because she was not married. On the contrary, I think she loved showing people how wrong they were.

Maybe that is why she ignored Mrs. J’s obvious need of support and left the woman whom she had been friends with, to die due to stupidity. It was not right, at least not in my thoughts. Yet, I suspect the reason she did this was that she was trying to teach Mrs. J tough love. She wanted the woman to stand up for herself without the need of a crutch like she herself had done.

Luna Charles is a self-publish author and the Director of Hardcastle Enterprises Corp., a business dedicated to helping those who are ready to realize the full potential that they have within. As the oldest of 5 kids from a single mother, Luna learned early that life may not seems fair but hard work and dedication will get you to where you want to go. Daily in her work, she strives for excellence using those early lessons to reinforce her spirit and those around her when times get tough. Her first novel Men Are Not The Problem is a heartfelt story of overcoming adversity and finding the love within which can conquer all wounds. Along with writing, Luna spends her time speaking to the youth in her local Florida community, raising her two daughters and spending time with her husband. She is currently working on a journal due out later on this year. Luna is Haitian by birth but has lived in South Florida for the last 21 years of her life.

Get to Know Author Luna Charles :

1. When and why did you begin writing?

I started writing in Elementary school. I came to American when I was nine so; I picked up the language fairly quickly. I was pretty shy and anti social, so writing gave me an outlet for my emotions. I must admit some of my early stuff was pretty dark. I always thought I would be a thriller writer, but one cannot control the words that decide to come through you when you put paper on pen, at least that has been my personal experience.

2. What inspired you to write your first book?

Life, tragedy, a desperate need to make sense of the calamity that has become my life. I had spent years not writing, not thinking, not really involved in my own life. It was like I was a spectator. Waiting to see what would the next catastrophe Luna Charles would be involved in. Self pity I now understand is a lot more addictive then reality TV. You can take it with you anywhere and it doesn’t cost a thing to feed. It when I was at my lowest that I found a journal that a friend had given me years ago, the inscription begged me to write. So I did. And I haven’t stopped since then.

3. How long did it take?

From the moment I pick up that notebook to the day Men Are Not The Problem was published, it took an incredible five years to complete. I rewrote the manuscript 4 times. Had it professionally developmental edited and copy edited. I grew into a stronger person as I wrote. A more defined individual. It was like I took a part of my character’s strength and imbued it into myself. Really, I don’t feel like I was alive until I started writing this novel.

4. Have you ever thought about turning your book into a movie?

Yes, that would wonderful. I would love to see the characters brought to life and life lessons learned on the big screen or even the small screen. But the question is, are we as a society ready for a movie like that? I mean, I see men as men, black, white, or purple. If a guy’s is a world class jerk, like Michael our antagonist, it has nothing to do with his race. It just happens that she is a black woman who falls in love with an A$@, who happened to be white. But what I am afraid of is that most people will not even see the pain and suffering that Selene goes through or that she dated other guys of other races that mistreated her. That all they will focus on is that he is white and she is black. Instead of, she is a person lost trying to find herself.

5. Have you ever thought about writing a sequel?

Yes, I am currently working on the sequel to Men Are Not The Problem. I believe the readers want to know what happened after Selene walked through that door. Yes, she is in a better place. But life is not all roses and she does have some huge events she has to deal with. I can’t wait till it’s ready, but for now I think it won’t be ready for print till 2012.

6. What are you current projects?

Currently I am working a Journal due out this November. I’m so excited about it. It’s a mixture of short stories and exercises to help those that need that extra push, to take control of their lives. Apart from that I’m busy writing short stories for different project that will be published this year.

7. Name one entity outside of family that you feel supported you?

There is no way in the world that I could name just 1 person outside my family that supported me. My friends, Aneesha, Lucien, and Susie have been instrumental in me still being here. They believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself and they continue to push me onward. With them and my family, there is no going back for me, only forward and up.

The Black’s: LOVE’S POLITICS By Angelia Vernon Menchan

2011-09-01T12:49:00.003-05:00

The Pride By Faydra D. Fields

2011-08-28T13:50:00.004-05:00

Faydra D. Fields was born in Pine Bluff, Arkansas and raised in
Tulsa, Oklahoma.

She started my higher education at Kentucky State University in Frankfort,
KY, where she was a Whitney Young Honors Scholar and where she also became
a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (Beta Zeta Chapter, 1989).
Faydra finished her time as an undergraduate at Howard University in
Washington, DC, with a degree in African-American Studies (Magna Cum,
1995).

While at Howard University, two of Faydra's most memorable internships
were with the Democratic National Committee and the Anti-Defamation
League.

Faydra's first job after college was with the National Captioning
Institute in Vienna, VA, where she was a "live display captioner," doing
closed captioning for the hearing impaired.

Faydra eventually moved back to Tulsa and taught 8th grade American
Studies for two years before joining the Army as an Information Systems
Operation Analyst.

After finishing her tour with the Army in 2006, Faydra became a computer
applications/web languages/social media trainer, web designer/developer,
blogger, columnist for Examiner.com and author. She is also an instructor
at Northern Virginia Community College – Annandale Campus.

To learn more about Faydra, please visit her site at http://faydra.com.

Synopsis: Four women have two things in common. They're all mothers, and
the father of their children is the same man.

Although Emmanuel does everything he can to provide for his own household,
and four others, it's not enough to keep the mothers of his children from
just scraping by.

Xavari convinces Denise, Angela and Romina that the four of them must pick
up the slack where Emmanuel is unable.

EXCERPT:

"Manny about had a natural fit when I told him what I wanted to name the kids," Romina confessed with a newly blossoming smile.
It was a tradition in Emmanuel's family that the women named their babies. He learned this one summer when he was visiting his grandparents. His maternal grandmother explained to him that during slavery, it was usually the slave owners who named all the slaves. This was especially insulting to the slave women who had been raped and given birth to their masters' offspring. When the first baby in their family had been born after the final Emancipation Proclamation that abolished slavery, they started the tradition of allowing the mother to name her children.
"They are really… different," Xavari said.
"He wasn't too pleased with the name Sonjie, either," Angela said as she remembered his initial reaction.
"Now that you mention it, he threw up his hands when I told him I wanted to name our son Xavier," Xavari added as her gaze drifted to the playpen. The other ladies looked, too.
"What's his twin's name?" Romina wanted to know. Xavari, Sonjie, Angela and Romina's children burst out in unbridled laughter. Denise and Romina were totally confounded and had no idea what was so funny.
"That's not his twin. That's my baby, Marcus," Angela said between chuckles.
"Oh. My. Goodness," Denise and Romina said at the same time, eyes wide with astonishment.
"I know, right? That was exactly my reaction and my words when I saw that little one," Xavari said.
"That man got so strong genes. All these kids look alike," Angela observed.
All four ladies looked around the room at the children. It was true. They all looked like they could have come from the same womb.
"When Daddy has us all together, people trip out when me and Naomi tell'em we got different mommas," Sonjie interjected. She immediately looked at her mother and waited to be scolded for jumping back into the conversation. To her relief, Angela didn't say anything harsh.
"Sonjie, y'all take the babies back there in my room with Kelvin and the twins. I'm watching my sister kids. She got twins," Angela explained to the other ladies.

Website: http://solamentepublishing.com

Social Media: Twitter (http://twitter.com/faydra_deon); Facebook
(http://www.facebook.com/faydradeon)

Sex Isn't Enough By Alicia D. Dervin

2011-08-24T14:16:00.003-05:00

Carrie Ann Woods has had enough. Sick and tired of allowing men to come in and out her life without a real commitment, she has convinced herself that she is worth much more and that she deserves to find true love. While remaining hesitant to give her heart away, she will recall the pain from her past and use everything she’s learned about love and life to her advantage in the novel, Sex Isn’t Enough.

As the owner of a successful public relations firm in Miami, this sexy and fiery soon to be 30-year-old often finds herself surrounded by athletes, musicians and other public figures that all turn to her when they want to get into or stay out of the media.

Her relationship with a married man causes her to wonder if real love even exists and if she’ll ever find it. Like many women her age she starts to tell herself that her biological clock is ticking. She sets out to prove to herself that romance means more than good sex. Sex Isn’t Enough is packed with scandal, drama, passion, and pleasure as Carrie narrates readers through her journey of learning to believe in love.

I was born on the U.S. naval base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba on April 1, 1985. My parents were both members of the navy and readily welcomed a bouncing baby girl to their family of three. My older brother was thrilled. Unfortunately, my father died merely a year later. I have been blessed with a loving mother and a a supportive brother who have both played major roles in making me who I am today.

My writing sometimes feels as though it comes organically. I never want to feel as if I'm trying too hard. If that does happen, that's when I know it's time to momentarily walk away from a project. I have always loved the ability to create a world that no one else knows of. Fiction is one of the most amazing concepts a writer can indulge in. Writing fiction is a way for me to escape into a world where I dont exist. At times, it is therapeutic. I will forever admire the works of Toni Morrison, Alice Walker, Zora Neale Hurston, and countless other literary greats. I have a B.A. in Mass Communication with a concentration in journalism from Winthrop University.

My only hope is to create characters and stories that my readers will love and enjoy for years to come.

EXCERPT:

When I got back upstairs to my office the phones were ringing like we were hosting some type of Feed the Children tell-a-thon. Joy knew how much I hated it if a phone rang more than three times. She was trying her hardest to answer them all and put this person on hold and tell that person she’d call them back with details in a few. She looked up and noticed I was back and almost dropped the receiver to the phone she was holding.
“What the hell is going on in here?” I tried to ask without sounding too disturbed. It was chaotic.
“We just got a call that Jonathan Price’s girlfriend just killed herself after attempting to shoot his wife! The lines have been ringing non-stop since you left. I tried calling your cell but it kept going straight to voicemail. I couldn’t reach you.” Joy was panicking. I hated it when people panicked.
I laughed a little on the inside because all I could think about was how many times I heard my phone buzzing as Christian was screwing my brains out. It felt so good I couldn’t dream of making him stop so I could answer the phone.
I rarely put anything before my business but this time my body won the battle that it and my brain had been fighting since I met Christian. It seemed like no matter how hard I tried I could never break the power he held over me.
I got back in work mode quickly and went into my office to contact Jonathan’s manager. Jonathan had played for the Dolphin’s for about three years and had become one of their best break-out players.
He was becoming one of the best defensive linemen in the league and was starting to gain the attention of a great deal of other NFL teams because of his size and his speed on the field.
As his career began to take off, he came to me to help keep his name in the media as a wholesome family man.
He wasn’t running any illegal dog fighting rings or anything but he just wanted to always appear to be a good guy.
From what I knew about him so far, it seemed as though he was.
The Price family had a seemingly picture perfect life. His wife was a former professional dancer who gave up her studio in Atlanta and moved to Miami with Jonathan when they met. She had given him two beautiful daughters and attended every game she could with the kids in tow.
When they decided they wanted to take their entire family to Disney World one summer, of course we sent out press releases to let newspapers, magazines and websites know that Jonathan and the family would be more than willing to take pictures and give interviews while they were there. Jonathan loved this idea. It wasn’t really their family vacation anyway.
Disney World was for regular folks. That same summer they spent three weeks in Aruba.
Dancing around with Mickey was merely a publicity stunt. He was well on his way to being dubbed the family man of the NFL. Almost everywhere he went locally the wife and kids were right behind him.
The one thing he told me in our initial meeting was to make sure he was always seen as a family man because he loved his wife and kids and would never do anything to jeopardize his family.
I’d be lying if I said I believed him then, but for the sake of his lovely wife sitting across from me with two bright-eyed young girls bouncing on her lap, I tried not to show it in my expressions.
I picked up the phone and dialed the number to Jonathan’s manager’s cell directly from my cell.
I knew his receptionist would take forever to get him on the office line.
“Hey Mark! It’s Carrie. What’s going on?” I jumped right in.
“Hi Carrie,” he said trying to sound as professional as he possibly could. “Can you hang on one second for me?” he asked. I didn’t have time to answer before he wasn’t there anymore. This usually meant there was someone in his office or in close proximity and he felt he couldn’t talk to me freely. Over the years and with various shared clients, Mark and I had developed a pretty solid working relationship. We knew a lot about the people who hired us. Things they often wouldn’t want their closest friends and family members to know about. For some reason they confided in us, trusted us. We always knew that if one knew something about a client the other would find out shortly.
“I’m here,” he said when he got back to the phone. “It’s a mad house over here. Some crazy chick decided she wanted to take the life of Andrea Price and her own as well. Andrea didn’t get hurt at all. The nut missed her completely and I guess didn’t take the time to realize it before she turned the gun on herself.”
“Wow,” I said. I couldn’t think of anything else to say at the moment. Mark must’ve sensed this so he kept going.
“This all happened in their home while the kids were taking a nap. The chick somehow got past security at the gate where they lived, climbed into a window, walked right upstairs to the master bedroom, obviously knowing where it was, and pulled the trigger when she saw Andrea. Andrea of course hit the floor when the bullet hit the mirror behind her and shattered glass everywhere. By the time Andrea looked up the girl was lying on the floor with a bullet in her head. This shit is crazy. These guys are never going to learn.”
I couldn’t help but think about Christian’s fiancé and if she could ever snap like that and try to kill me if she found out about us. I had seen one too many movies like that and watched way too much TV. I pushed the thought from my head quickly.
“Are you still there?” Mark asked trying to figure out if I was going to say anything else.
“I’m here. I just don’t understand it. I knew all of that family man bullshit was a lie the minute he said it. This could’ve been so much worse. Imagine what would’ve happened if she had hurt those girls! Well, is he talking? If we’re going to clean this up he has to give us all the details. Do we even know who the chick is at this point?”
I was officially ready to work now.
“I’ve been calling him since I found out. I think he’s at the police station with Andrea. The girls are with Andrea’s sister.”
Mark paused for a moment.
“I’ll try to get him to come and talk to you as soon as possible,” he said.
“Make it sooner than possible. I can’t answer any questions or talk to anyone until I’ve heard it directly from him.”
“Ok,” Mark said. I could tell he was irritated beyond belief.
“I’ll bring him by your office tomorrow afternoon and we’ll go from there. In the meantime let’s try to gather as much information as we can and release as little as we can.”
“Sounds good,” I said and hung up the phone. I needed a drink. A Cosmo would’ve been nice.
4That night Christian came over.
A part of me didn’t want him to. Especially since I couldn’t stop thinking about how terrified and angry Andrea Price must’ve been when she realized what had occurred in the bedroom of her home as her children slept soundly in another room.
I bet as soon as she saw psycho chick standing in her bedroom with a gun pointed in her direction, she knew exactly what was happening.
Jonathan had been unfaithful. While she had spent the last 6 years of her life, like many other wives of athletes, convincing her brain and her heart that her man only had eyes for her, she had been wrong; almost dead wrong.

Lorton Legends By Eyone Williams

2011-08-21T13:28:00.003-05:00

The Lorton Correctional Complex was one of the most notorious prisons in U.S. history. It housed convicts from Washington, D.C. Known for violence and corruption, it shaped and molded every man, or woman, that experienced life on the inside. Sent to Lorton at age 17 for armed robbery, Ronald Mays is introduced to a world where only the strong survive. In prison he is forced to better himself as a man he learns to read, he drops his heroin habit, and becomes a father. Being a loyalist at heart, Ronald gets involved in a feud with older convicts that can cost him everything. A survivor by nature, Ronald makes it out of Lorton alive and returns to the streets of D.C. with his mind focused on doing bigger and better things with his life. He leaves all of his old ways alone and pursues his dreams of becoming a pro boxer if he succeeds he wins for all those close to him. No matter how hard he tries to avoid the drama of the D.C. streets, it comes his way hard and fast. Ronald finds himself fighting his yesterdays in order to attain his dreams of tomorrow. Like most real men that survived Lorton, Ronald is driven by his will to succeed and his demand for respect. Nothing will get in his way. An epic story of struggle, adversity, and accomplishment.

Excerpt:
YOUTH CENTER I, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1975

“Ay, Blue!” Frank yelled through the vent in the back of his cell. He and Ronald were being sent to general population. Frank’s heart was pounding with apprehension of what awaited them on the compound. It was time to face the music. “Ay, Blue, get in the vent, nigga!”

“What’s up?” Blue yelled back.

“They ’bout to send us to the pound,” Frank yelled.

“Oh yeah?”

“Yeah, they just came to see us.”

“Me and T-Bone gon’ be in here for ’bout another week or so. Y’all stay on point out there,” Blue yelled.

Ronald got in the vent. “Ay, Blue, remember what we talked about, man.” They had vowed to never let the Northwest/Southeast bullshit come between them.

“You know that, bro,” Blue confirmed.

“Tell T-Bone to get in the vent.”

“Aaaaayyyy,” T-Bone yelled through the vent.

“I’ma see y’all when they let y’all hit the pound.”

“Be safe, Ronnie.”

“I’ma do that if I don’t do nothin’ else.” Ronald could hear the C.O.’s keys coming down the range over the loud talking of other convicts. “I talked to Synthia, she should be hookin’ up wit’ your girl.”

“Okay, man. I’ll holla at you when we get on the pound. I’m ’bout to get out this vent,” T-Bone said.

Ronald and Frank stepped into the unknown world of the Center. Ronald was assigned to 3 Dorm. Frank felt those familiar butterflies in his stomach when he was assigned to 2 Dorm without Ronald. As Frank and Ronald crossed the compound, they saw people everywhere, just like in the hood. They saw a few people they knew from the streets and from down Oak Hill. Some dudes they hadn’t seen in years. One of Frank’s homies that ran the streets with Gangsta, a dude by the name of G-Train, pulled up on Frank and Ronald.

“Damn, what’s up, baby boy?” G-Train hugged Frank. “What dorm they got you in?”

“2 Dorm,” Frank said, pleased to see a homie of his. “You over there wit’ me,” G-Train said, looking at Ronald like, Who the fuck is you? Ronald looked back at G-Train the same way.

“This my man, Ronald,” Frank said, sensing the vibe.

G-Train and Ronald exchanged nods, nothing more.

“Come on, I’ma walk you over to the dorm,” G-Train said to Frank.

Frank gave Ronald five and a hug. “I’ma catch you after I get my shit together.”

“Cool. Be safe,” Ronald said. He then headed to his dorm.

Inside 3 Dorm, Ronald ran into a partner of his brother’s, a dude by the name of Fray. He had some juice with the female C.O. that ran the block; she was a bad-ass sister with a sexy body. Fray got Ronald moved on the wing with him and a few other Uptown dudes.

Going on twenty three, Fray was well respected and already established down the Center. He had always looked at Ronald like a little brother and had watched him grow up. Ronald had a lot of respect for Fray; it was Fray that gave him his first .32 revolver at thirteen.

“So, what’s up wit’ this beef you got wit’ the dude Keith Henderson?” Fray asked as he and Ronald sat in his cell smoking a KOOL. “You know how word travels.”

“That nigga violated, Mike.” Ronald said, addressing Fray by his government name. He went on to explain how Keith Henderson tried to rape Frank.

Fray nodded. “Y’all did what y’all was supposed to do.” Fray respected the fact that Ronald and his little crew were coming through the door standing up as men. There was no other way to be respected down Lorton.

“Who all fuck wit’ the dude down here?” Ronald asked, knowing that he had to deal with the dude’s peoples. Not to mention, the people that fucked with the dude Joseph Hall—the dude T-Bone and Blue stabbed.

“Most of the dudes that fuck wit’ them dudes over Big Lorton, but the dude Keith got a brother in this dorm on the other wing–”

“In this dorm?” Ronald cut Fray off. His antennas went up.

“Yeah, but he ain’t that type of dude, he don’t want no trouble. He ain’t nothin’ like his brother.”

Ronald was already shaking his head no. “We can’t sleep in the same dorm, that’s out, Mike. If the nigga don’t want no trouble, then he gotta go. Matter fact, we can’t be on the same compound.”

Fray laughed a little. “Let me holla at the dude. He from Northwest, so let me talk to him real quick.”

“Mike, I fucks wit’ you and everything, but it’s nothin’ to talk about. He gotta go or I’ma put the knife in him.” Ronald’s mind was made up.

Fray tried to talk Ronald out of it, but it made no difference. “Okay, I see you got your mind made up, so I got your back. At the same time, the dude Joseph got a cousin over 2 Dorm, he pull a little weight down here. He from Southeast. You know we gon’ have to deal wit’ that, too.”

“You don’t gotta get into this shit. I got it on my end, man. All I need is a knife,” Ronald said.

“Hell nah, I fucks wit’ your brother and you like family to me. I can’t let you go out there like that.”

Moments later, Fray had armed Ronald with a lawn mower blade that could decapitate a bull. Fray also pulled up on a few of his comrades and let them know what was going on. Wookie, Larry Williams, and Greg Royster backed Fray’s call to back Ronald. Eddie Mathis and Fly were on board as well. In a huge green army coat, Ronald walked down the wing followed by Fray and his comrades. Convicts standing out on the tier looked on, knowing something was about to go down. Seeing who was backing Ronald, the convicts knew that the youngster was not some young off brand.

Pulling up on Kenny Henderson, Ronald found him talking to another convict and cut into their conversation. “Main man, let me holla at you real quick.”

Kenny could tell that Ronald was strapped, the huge coat said so. Kenny also knew that Fray and his crew were backing the youngster. “I don’t want no trouble, youngster.”

“I’m tryin’ to holla at you alone,” Ronald said with authority.

Kenny’s buddie spoke up. “You can speak to him right here.”

Wookie spoke up and addressed Kenny’s buddie. “You want some work?”

The dude sighed. “Y’all know Kenny ain’t wit’ no beefin’.”

“Fuck all that. Do you want some work?” Wookie got up in the dude’s face.

“Nah, man.” The dude left Kenny for dead.

“Look, man,” Ronald said to Kenny. “We can’t both sleep in this dorm. One of us gotta go and it ain’t gon’ be me …”

“I ain’t wit’ that shit my brother tried. I know y’all did what y’all had to do.”

Ronald thought about what Kenny said, but he wasn’t taking any chances. He refused to be rocked to sleep. “Look here,” Ronald pulled out the lawn mower blade, “I said one of us gotta go. Either you start steppin’ or shit gon’ go to another level.” In a way, Ronald felt fucked up knowing the dude had no win, but it was what it was.

“You got it, youngster.” Kenny eased by, heading for Protective Custody. “I’m goin’ in.”

Meanwhile, in 2 Dorm, Frank and G-Train were suited up as well. Frank was hiding in G-Train’s cell with a ten inch blade, his palms were sweaty and he could feel himself trembling. G-Train told him that he would go get Joseph Hall’s cousin and tell him that they wanted to squash the beef. It was game. G-Train was rockin’ the joker to sleep. He had told Frank to stab the joker right in the neck with no talking as soon as he walked him in the cell. Frank was having second thoughts as he impatiently waited for G-Train to lure the joker to the cell.

“Yeah, man, that shit ain’t for us,” G-Train said to Freddie Hall as he walked him to the cell. “My man ain’t tryin’ to beef wit’ you. Frank just comin’ in, he really don’t know how this shit go.”

With his chest out haughty and cocky, Freddie said, “Yeah, I hope so, cause I’d hate for us to fall out over this shit here.” Freddie was twenty five, he’d been down the Center for seven years and had been known to be a thorough dude. He respected G-Train, but saw him as a young nigga that was still coming into his own. As far as Freddie was concerned, G-Train had a long way to go before he could even think about getting in his business.

This nigga just don’t know, G-Train thought, we gon’ bus’ his ass. G-Train was nineteen, and he’d been down the Center for three years at that point. During that time, he’d already gotten away with a murder and countless serious assaults. He couldn’t believe that Freddie was acting like he didn’t pull weight.

As soon as G-Train opened the cell door, Frank struck like an angry diamondback rattlesnake, stabbing Freddie right under his Adam’s apple. G-Train whipped out his joint at the same time and hit Freddie in the back.

“Aaahhrrggg!” Freddie screamed, making a gagging sound as he grabbed his neck and forced his way backward, getting stabbed over and over again. Frank became possessed, stabbing Freddie in the face, neck, and chest. Freddie got unnaturally strong and ran down the wing trying to get away. Frank and G-Train were right on his ass like piranhas. They chased him and stabbed him all the way into the TV room where he collapsed, a bloody mess.

“Come on, let’s go.” G-Train grabbed Frank’s shirt, pulling him along.

Eyone Williams was born and raised in Washington, D.C. He is a publisher, author, rapper and actor representing urban life in a way that is uniquely his. Known for hard-core, gritty novels, Eyone made the Don Diva best-seller list with his first novel, Fast Lane (Fast Lane Publications). He followed up his debut novel with Hell Razor Honeys 1 and 2 (Cartel Publications). He then delivered his readers a short story entitled The Cross (DC Bookdiva Publications). He’s also a staff writer for Don Diva Magazine, his most notable work is featured in Don Diva’s issue 30, The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly, where he outlined the rise and fall of D.C. street legends Michael “Fray” Salters and Wayne Perry. Eyone’s first acting role was in the forthcoming movie Dark City (District Hustle). His latest mixtape, A Killer’z Ambition, is a sound track to the novel, A Killer’z Ambition (DC Bookdiva Publications) by Nathan Welch. For more information about Eyone Williams visit his Facebook page: facebook.com/eyonewilliams

Yesterday's Lies By Terri D.

2011-08-14T16:56:00.003-05:00

A poignant tale of a circle of close knit friends whose lives are more intertwined than they realize; that is until the blurred lines of love, lust and friendship begins to reveal the half-truths and lies that exist. Will the secrets they all hold from the past ruin their friendships and lives forever?A poignant tale of a circle of close knit friends whose lives are more intertwined than they realize; that is until the blurred lines of love, lust and friendship begins to reveal the half-truths and lies that exist. Will the secrets they all hold from the past ruin their friendships and lives forever?

Excerpt from the book
Journal EntryTuesday

As each day passes my thoughts of you and desire for you increase. When I close my eyes, I can drift back in time and feel your touch and I imagine I hear your voice. Oh how I wish I could hear your voice. I’ve let you get under my skin, and I feel very vulnerable because I know I’m in a position to get hurt. You told me when we first met, you were not looking for a relationship, and I agreed to your terms. I never expected you to be such a nice guy. I really want to call you but I promised Jada I would wait until Thursday.

In the middle of my entry, I checked the clock and it was only 10:15 pm.
It’s not too late to call, I thought to myself. I grabbed my phone and dialed the number. The phone rang four times. I was just about to disconnect the call when he picked up and answered with a simple, “Hello.”
“Hi Darien,” I said. “This is Toni.”
“Well hello, Ms. Toni,” he said and I felt like he was smiling through the phone. “I was just thinking about you.”
“Really?” I said. “That’s funny because you didn’t call me I called you,” I said with a hint of sarcasm.
“About that,” he started, “I wanted to call you but I got sent out of town on business suddenly yesterday morning. I didn’t have your cell number on me. I’ve been in meetings all day long and have not had a minute to log in to send you an email.”
Trying to sound cool, I said “Darien its okay. I was just concerned because I had not heard from you since you left my house on Sunday, and I had not seen you around the office either. I thought maybe something had happened to you and I just wanted to check on you.”
“Oh I see, well as you can hear, I’m doing okay. I’m in Miami right now and am not sure, when I’m coming home. Hopefully this weekend, but not sure I really want to fly all the way back home just for the weekend when the only thing waiting for me there is my empty bed and my fish.”
Trying to sound very nonchalant, I said, “Yes I can understand that.”
We talked for another few minutes. Then I said, “Darien it’s getting late so I need to go. Did you save my number in your phone?”
“Yes I did.”
“Okay so call me when you can.”
“I will Toni, I promise.”

Journal Entry
Tuesday continued…

I broke down and called you and even though Jada is going to have some choice words for me, I’m glad I did. I really enjoyed talking to you. Our conversation left me wanting more. I’m trying to put my finger on what it’s about you that intrigues me the most. I think it’s a combination of a number of things. First of all, I like your confidence. You carry yourself like you know exactly who you are and what you want. That’s a real turn on. In addition, you try to act like you’re a player and women do not mean that much to you, but I can tell that you really like women. The way you talked about your mom and little sister I can tell you really like women. I mean most straight men like women. They love us and want to make love to us, but they do not really like us. I can tell you do. It’s the way you listen that makes the difference. Women like to be heard more than anything else. I could write so much more but am very tired, so am closing for now. I’m looking forward to hearing from you tomorrow.

I placed my journal back in its hiding place, put my cell phone on the charger, and prepared to turn in for the night. As soon as I turned the light off my cell phone rang. I looked at the clock and it said 11:00 pm. Who is calling me this time at night? I thought to myself. I reached over to grab my phone off the charger to look at the number. It was an unfamiliar out of town number. I think the same one from the other day. Who is this who keeps calling me? I thought. I considered letting it go to voice mail again but I had a feeling I needed to take this call so I answered, “Hello”.
“Hey baby,” was the response on the other end of the phone. I could not believe my ears. I looked around my room and pinched myself to make sure I was really awake and I had not fallen asleep and this was a sick dream.
I said, “Hello”
Again and the voice responded with a chuckle, “Hey baby, it’s Benjamin. I know you recognize my voice.”
Okay so this time I did drop the phone and let out a little squeal. I sat on my bed staring at my phone as it lay on the floor beside my bed. I’ve no idea how long I just sat there before I knelt down to retrieve my phone. Once I did, I tentatively placed it back to my ear and listened to see if he was still there. I could hear him breathing into the phone. After another minute or so of listening to him breathe, I said, “Benjamin, why are you calling me?”
He responded “I’m calling you because I missed you and I was thinking about you baby.”
“Please stop calling me baby!” I screamed into the
phone. I closed my eyes in an attempt to block the painful memories that were coming back. Shaking my head, I said, “Benjamin I can’t do this right now. I do not know why you called me now but I cannot talk to you right now. Not like this.”
I heard a heavy sigh on the other end of the phone and then he said, “Okay listen. I meant what I said. I miss you and I’ve been thinking about you. Also I’m going to be in town this coming weekend so, I wanted to know if we can meet for lunch or dinner, so we can talk.”
I still could not believe this was happening and I didn’t want to commit to anything without consulting with Jada, so I responded “Um I need some time to think about it Benjamin. Your call kind of caught me off guard. Can I get back to you later about lunch?”
Sounding irritated, he said, “sure no problem. I will call you back on Friday. Is that enough time for you to make up your mind?”
“Yes,” I said, “that would be perfect.”
“Ok great, Toni I know I’ve a lot of explaining to do and I will, I promise. Just give me a chance, okay baby?”

Trying to hold back the tears that were pooling in my eyes, I said, “Benjamin I will talk to you when you call me on Friday. I’ve to go now. Good bye.”
After I hung up the phone, I sat for what felt like hours just staring at my phone and replaying in my head the brief conversation. I tried to force myself not to remember my time with Benjamin. I referred to them as the Benjamin years. Jada and I sometimes joked about my life in segments. There was the BB or before Benjamin years, and then the AB, or after Benjamin years. Jada says I changed after Benjamin. She will never say if it was good or bad, she just says I’m different. Jada does not even know everything that happened between Benjamin and me. In fact, Benjamin didn’t even know the real reason why I went to Chicago for our final semester. I was not sure I was ready to open up those wounds. I spent years in therapy trying to get over Benjamin, and the guilt I felt for decisions I made without consulting him. I had convinced myself that somehow, Benjamin had discovered the truth, and that’s the reason why he disappeared on me into thin air. I thought about all the plans we had made. He was going to be drafted into theNBA. We would get married and I would stay home and raise our children. What a great plan that was until he got injured and was unable to play basketball anymore. I knew that basketball was a major part of his life, but I never imagined him losing his chance to play would make him turn his back on me like he did.
I returned my cell to the charger, turned off the light and tried to fall asleep. I didn’t look at the clock, but I know I lay awake for hours remembering the Benjamin years. I wondered what Jada would say tomorrow when I told her about my phone call.

Get to Know Terri
1. Do you recall how your interest in writing originated? I have always felt like I had a lot to say but I was a little shy. I started journaling or keeping a diary as a pre teen. I also started writing poetry and some short stories in my early teens.

2. What inspires you the most to write? My life inspires me to write. Writing for me is like therapy. It allows me to be completely open and honest about my feelings. It is not that I have lived a very hard life because I consider myself to have been very blessed thus far in my life. It’s that I have always wanted to capture how I feel about things as they happen. That is why I journal. If someone found all of my journals and put them into chronological order, it would be a good reflection of my life.

3. Did you enjoy reading as a child? Yes as a child, I loved to read. I remember reading all of the Judy Blume books but I also liked to sneak into my mother’s room and read some of her books. She liked V.C Andrews so as a teenager and young adult she became one of my favorite authors.

4. What do you like to do when you are not writing? When I am not writing I enjoy listening to music and singing. My love for music overshadowed my reading and writing for a long time. I am glad that I have finally been able to find a good balance between the two. Now I write and listen to music and sing while I am writing.

5. What inspired you to write your first book? I decided to write my first book because I had shared some of my journal entries with a friend of mine. They commented that they really enjoyed my writing style and asked if I had ever considered writing a book. I had not and did not act on it right away. One day I was reading a book and an idea for a story popped into my head. I sat down and started writing. Several hours later, I had approximately 50 pages written.

6. What does your family think of your writing? My family has been supportive and is very excited about me finally tapping into my creative side. My family continues to encourage me to write and express myself.

7. What is next for you in your writing career? I have started working on my second novel, which is a sequel to Yesterday’s lies, and I have some ideas for other books. I also have resumed writing poetry. I plan to continue to write as long as there are people who want to read what I write.

Find Terri:
www.AuthorTerriD.com

Follow me on:
Twitter: www.Twitter.com/AuthorTerriD

Stuff Happens By Benjamin Patterson

2011-08-07T11:26:00.001-05:00

My name is Benjamin J. Patterson. Unlike most authors my back ground does not include professional reading or writing much. I am a native ofNew Orleans,La.Throughout high school and college I have always been very good at writing except I really had no interest in it as a career. Even though, writing has always played a large part in my life.

I mostly write to either relieve stress and to relay feelings or emotions I can’t really express with verbal communication. That is pretty much how Stuff Happens came to be.

Hurricane Katrina caused many drastic and unexpected changes in my life. During my stressful times or just for things I wanted to remember I would write little things here and there. I encountered many situations I had never faced and constantly wondered if I would get through, well stuff happens is my testament to the fact that hard work and determination can over come diversities in life.

Interview on Stuff Happens:

1. Will I write a part two to Stuff Happens?

I have not decided on writing a part two of Stuff Happens although, I am writing another book.

2. Did I loose any family due to Hurricanes Katrina or Rita?

Fortunately, I did not loose any immediate family, but unfortunately I did loose a step-mother Sandra who is and will be missed greatly.

2. What Happened to Ebony?

Right now Ebony and I don’t really communicate, but I still do have a place for her in my heart and from what I know she is doing well inLittle Rockhosting shows for clubs.

3. What inspired me to write Stuff Happens?

There were several reasons I decided to write Stuff Happens. Even though I’m not an avid reader writing is a way I express ideas and emotions I can not do verbally. Going through the situations I faced after Hurricane Katrina I constantly asked myself am I the only one going through this, so I decided to share my personal story in case someone was wondering the same thing. I don/t expect them to face exactly the same problems but life comes with many challenges and I just saying “we can overcome.”

4. Why did I choose to self-publish?

I choose to self publish so I could tell my story the way I want it to be told. I received offers from publishers but most of them entailed changing something here or there. I wrote Stuff Happens as an ordinary everyday person just sharing a part of my life and that is the way I want to keep it.

5. Why is the book cover so basic with not even a picture in it or on it?

Stuff Happens is more like a part of my personal journal rather than a novel or biography. Stuff Happens was written from pure emotion so I just kept it as just words to focus the reader on the story more than myself. I am sure there are many others with stories of their own, but I just decided to have mine published.

6. Do I have any regrets?

Actually, I have no regrets of anything. I was not prepared for the hurricanes as I should have been, but if not for the hurricanes I would have not have experienced the good experiences I did have. I use to run from and try to bury my problems, but I have learned to face them head on and conquer them. That is another thing I did by writing Stuff Happens. It allowed me to face my problems, conquer them and move on.

7. Am I living back in Louisiana, and if so would I be scared if and when another hurricane comes through?

Yes, I have moved back to New Orleans and a hurricane here is always something to be concerned about. More than being afraid I would be more prepared the next time a big one hits. Hurricanes are part of living here just as mid America is home of the tornadoes. We just have to be more prepared for when and not if another one comes through.

Stuff Happens is my personal story of the effects Hurricane Katrina had on my life. There are many others out there with similar experiences; however, I decided to share my personal experiences in hopes of touching someone’s life.
Throughout the book, I will discuss my experiences before, during and after Hurricane Katrina. She took things from my life along with bringing other things into my life both good and bad. Katrina triggered a string of events that turned my life into a roller coaster for a few years. Even though Katrina took away my identity she helped me find love for the first time in my life.
This special woman, who I am still friends with today, brought me from the edge of existence to the door step of prosperity. I talk about almost every aspect of our relationship mental, spiritual and physical.
Along with trying to build a life with this special person, I was also trying to get my identity back. Losing my identity also caused me to lose real control over my life; for example by allowing small occurrences good and bad to have a large effect on my life.
With God on my side and faith in myself I have managed to keep a positive attitude. I have learned things are going to happen but we must have strength and courage to live on. I have managed to sail choppy seas and break many boundaries in my quest to find my identity.
Stuff Happens is merely my message to those who are out there facing similar circumstances. We can survive disaster by turning tragedy into triumph!

Thanks for your time and patience,
Sincerely,
Benjamin Joseph Patterson

Excerpt
After the power went out we all went to sleep but were
awakened by a loud thunderous roaring. That was how
loud and violent the wind gust were. The rain came down
so hard it sounded like bricks were hitting the side of the
building. We actually heard the wind ripping the shingles
off the roof as the storm grew closer. We could also hear
debris on the street being tossed around by the wind.
The winds were so strong we actually heard trees snapping
or being ripped from the ground. I wanted to open
the door to take a look, but my survival instincts told me
otherwise.

More info at http://outskirtspress.com/truth720/

The Book of 24 Orgasms By GPA

2011-07-03T18:22:00.002-05:00

GPA, the poetic unsub, is a native of Chicago’s South Side. He is the author of the best selling,critically acclaimed book of poetry called The Confessional Heart of a Man,co authored the erotic anthology The Chocolate Rose, and released his own book of sensual poetry, The Book of 24 Orgasms. GPA has been featured in the Chicago Sun Times, Examiner, Urban Tymes Magazine, and Mattie’s periodicals. He won the Michael Baisden Poetry Slam, as well as the Poetry Penthalon hosted by the Waiting for the Bus Collective, in which, he is a member. GPA is the founding member of the League of Extraordinary Poets and a member of P.O.E.T.(People of Extraordinary Talent).My youtube channel is hchise22,and my website is www.iblowyourmind.com

Get to Know GPA:
1) When did you know you wanted to be a poet and when did you realize you were good at what you do? In August of 2007,I decided that writing a book of poetry,The Confessional Heart of a Man,was the thing for me to do.I have always thought that I was adept at writing and believe God gave me to green light to go all in now.
2) What are the traits you possess that you feel will allow you to succeed and accomplish your goal?I have never ending faith in the Father that I will win,especially this year.Similarly, my belief in myself and my abilities is unequivocal.
3) Tell our audience something you’ve learned during your career that a person just starting out in acting may not know.Acting is not as easy as it looks nor is being in a video. Everything has to coordinate according to the concept and the director’s vision. So even though poetry is my genre,the making of my video “120 Minutes before Midnight”
4) Which of your previous projects are you most proud of and why? I am very proud of my first book, The ConfessionalHeart of a Man, both with its sales and critical acclaim. You have to understand that I wrote that book while incarcerated,so it wasn’t under optimum circumstances.But my new book,The Book of 24 Orgasms, is my “Red 13″,meaning I am banking my early career on this one.I wrote,rewrote,edited, reedited,promoted,promoting, and branding it myself. So I’m pleased and proud of my effort and hope the results reflect that.
5) What project are you currently working on? The Book of 24 Orgasms is my current project.Okay, that’s not true.I’m working on a spanish version of The Confessional Heart of a Man and the followup to The Book of 24 Orgasms,The Next 24:The Land of Multiples.
6) What struggles in your life have you overcome that has strengthened you as a person? Basically, just having been incarcerated was both a hindrance obviously,but a blessing as well.If i hadn’t been locked up, I wouldn’t have had time nor focus to actually write my first book.
7) What is the most challenging aspect of what you do? The most challenging thing about being a poet is that our society is infatuated with the more mainstream form of spoken word. And that is not a slight to that genre,but my style of writing and performing lend more to the traditional concept of poetry. So a lot of times,I am not afforded similar opportunities
8) If being a poet was not an option for you as your life’s work, what else would it be? Truthfully, I don’t know
anything else.

The Book of 24 Orgasms is an electrifying book of erotic poetry.The major difference between it and other poetry or spoken word that deals with erotic or things of a sexual nature is that GPA does not use expletives,offensive,or vulgar language. The poetry contained in The Book of 24 Orgasms can be read and has been read in front of various age groups,genders,and people of different ethnic groups without slight. From Orgasm One through Orgasms Twenty-Four, there are different subjects that will appeal to everyone.

Excerpt from book: If These Walls could Talk
If These Walls Could Talk
If these walls could talk
Perhaps they would summon me
To do their bidding
Ask me if I have a password
And what be my purpose
Maybe they would widen and tighten
At their own volition
Seeking to ensnare obelisk
If these walls could talk
Perhaps in happiness they would sob relentlessly
Begging for me to paint them with several coats
Again and again
And I would depart for a spell
They would tell me to come again
If these walls could talk

This Can’t Be Life By Shakara Cannon

2011-07-03T01:18:00.000-05:00

Shakara developed her love for writing during her childhood years writing stories to read to her family at bed time. As she honed her skills, Shakara steadily gained notoriety in high school. She further developed her passion for writing at California State University, majoring in English. Later, writing fiction grew from hobby to therapy.

Her talent for creating colorful, sexy, and humorous characters, coupled with relative, relatable, and sometimes even controversial topics brings her novels to life. Each page has you thirsting to know what happens next!

Excerpt
“This can’t be life…at least not a life worth living, I thought, as I moved my aching limbs. I’d been in bed for days in immeasurable pain from a broken heart. I was literally past my breaking point and done with this life. How do you keep living when your best friend is brutally murdered and the love of your life may be responsible? Lying in the dark with nowhere to hide from my thoughts and emotions, I felt alone, betrayed, deceived, hoodwinked, bamboozled, and lead astray! I needed to release the pain by any means necessary.”

Get to know Shakara:

Q. What do you love most about writing?

A. What I love most about writing is creating characters and developing them into people we can all relate to on some level. Writing fiction is like forming one huge make believe story in your head. Nothing is off limits or taboo. You can take a story wherever your mind and creativity will allow you to take it. I become so engrossed in my characters and the lives that I create for them, that I cry when they cry, I feel happiness when they do. There is a euphoric feeling, that I’ve never experienced before, that I get when I am writing. It truly is an amazing gift.

Q. What inspired you to write This Can’t be Life?

A. I was inspired to write This Can’t be Life after I learned that I’d repressed memories from my childhood. That is the only part of this story that is directly related to me. As an adult I began having a recurring nightmare that made me aware that I’d been molested as a child. It’s really amazing how our minds work and how it will protect us from events that are too difficult to deal with.

Q. Why did you decide to self-publish?

A. I decided to self-publish after having a hard time finding an agent after writing query letter after query letter, which was harder than writing the actual novel! In the back of my head I always knew that I’d self-publish. The politics involved in being with a major publishing house and the control you lose, is a bit alarming to me. Also, what people don’t realize is that even when you are published by a big publishing house you still have to do as much work as if you were self-published, yet you make less. You have to market and promote tirelessly whether you are with one of the big boys or not! Yes it takes some up-front money to do it on your own, but the control you have is priceless. Distribution on a large scale is possible when you self-publish you just have to do the research. My book won’t sit for a year or until they are ready to release it. It won’t go out of print unless I decide to take it out of print. I have the final say on the overall look and content of my book, and what is best of all, I’ve created a business for myself that will live on if I do things right.’

Q. What can we expect from you over the course of the next few years?
A. Great question! You can expect a lot, I promise to live up to it! I’m currently working on 2 novels, one being the sequel to This Can’t be Life and the other being an experimental General Fiction novel that will cross all racial barriers. Both of those will be out within the next few years. I’m also working on a self-help book titled How Your Thoughts Can Ruin Your Life with hopes of teaching our youth the positive thinking concept. I truly believe that anything we want to accomplish is possible if we first monitor and control how we think. A lot of people don’t realize how detrimental negativity is especially in regard to our inner dialogue.

“This can’t be life…at least not a life worth living, I thought, as I moved my aching limbs. I’d been in bed for days in immeasurable pain from a broken heart. I was literally past my breaking point and done with this life. How do you keep living when your best friend is brutally murdered and the love of your life may be responsible? Lying in the dark with nowhere to hide from my thoughts and emotions, I felt alone, betrayed, deceived, hoodwinked, bamboozled, and lead astray! I needed to release the pain by any means necessary.”

When the repressed traumas of Simone Johnson’s childhood resurface through a recurring dream, secrets are unveiled that explain the negligence of her mother and her deep distrust of men. The support of her best friends, Stacey and Talise, gives her strength, but when tragedy strikes, leading Simone into a chasm of darkness, who will be there to help her find her way out?

Simone, Stacey, and Talise are your typical best friends navigating life. They brush shoulders with entertainment’s elite and experience great successes.

Simone is living an extravagant lifestyle, which some may say has come to her easily. She doesn’t trust men and is willing to remain guarded to protect herself. Even though star NBA player, Deon Bradford – a good guy, looking for a woman to love him for him – has her in his sights, and is making every effort to bring down her guard, Simone remains distrustful. She feels that she can do without a man’s love, until an unsuspecting man comes into her life and shows her what true love is really like, but is he who he portrays himself to be or will Deon win her heart?

Talise is the romantic, who dreams of a marriage just like her parents. When she meets a man that she knows is her soul-mate, but later finds out that they stand on opposite sides of religion, will this be a deal breaker?

Stacey is the brother, the shoulder, and the comic relief, but when Stacey falls in love, he falls hard. Will his need to give into his heart cost him the ultimate price?

Once the secrets start tumbling out of the closets and no door is able to contain them, who do you turn to when your reality feels like a dream and you are sure that this can’t be life?

Web links
http://www.shakaracannon.com
http://www.facebook.com/fictionnovel
http://www.twitter.com/shakaracannon

email
shakara@shakaracannon.com

Purchase Links
http://www.amazon.com/This-Cant-Life-Shakara-Cannon/dp/0983574804/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1304004269&sr=1-1

http://www.facebook.com/FictionNovel?sk=app_135607783795

Crime Pays By Tha Twinz

2011-06-26T01:18:00.000-05:00

Manny Black fled the notorious streets of Colon, Panama as a deadly fugitive. With nothing but a plan to make it rich in the Big Apple, Manny used the power of his gun to pave his way. After crossing dangerous paths with a group of Cuban gangsters and meeting the love of his life, Manny becomes the leader of the M3 Boyz. Under the direction of his hotheaded brother Rico, the massive gang of hungry street soldiers reign terror on the East Coast. Until, the Marielitos, a Cuban organized crime family, puts things into a lethal mix of murder and mayhem. Their rags to riches story is filled with an inside look at urban love, treachery, and a passion for cash. With a host of characters that most men would idolize and many women want to love; this book finally provides the answer to that age old question… Does crime really pay?

Excerpt From Crime Pays?:
Five hours after Manny and Rico landed in Panama, they were up eating what their mother could put together for breakfast. Xia was still sleeping, and Manny liked it that way. For what he was about to do, he would either be considered the man of the house, or they would be sleeping in a hotel before the day was over.
Manny called Puncho to him in the hallway of the house, then stopped Rico from going back to sleep on a full stomach. He handed Rico a bag, then walked his two brothers out into the backyard. Their father was sitting in a rocking chair while smoking a cigar as Daniel Santos played through his old boombox.
Manny grabbed the cigar out of his father’s hand and had a seat on an old tree stump facing him. Mr. Black looked at his oldest like Manny lost his mind. Rico slid in next to his father, while Puncho sat on an old beer crate at his father’s feet. While father and son had a staredown, Manny puffed on the cigar as Puncho waited for the sparks to fly.
“You too tough to respect your father, Manuel Black?” Mr. Black questioned.
Manny took a puff on the cigar, then calmly said, “Papa, the time has come that you see me as a man.” Mr. Black ordered, “Puncho, Ricardo, leave. We have something to
settle.”
Puncho was ready to run, when Manny barked, “Puncho, stay.” Puncho looked at his father confused and then back at his brother. Manny said to Puncho, “Hermano, this will be the first and last time you disobey your father.”
Mr. Black surrendered, then said to Manny, “Okay, papá, you the father now. Say what you have to say and then get out of my house.”
Manny nodded at Rico, who stood, went into the house, and returned with the bag that Manny handed him. He placed the bag next to his father and returned to his seat.
When Mr. Black looked down at the bag, Manny said, “That’s two hundred and fifty thousand dollars in cash. I have a half a million dollars in the bank here in Panama. This morning, Mamá had to scrounge up food from empty cupboards to feed us. Papá, you raised us to be men. Let us be men and take care of you and mamá.”
Mr. Black looked at both of his sons. In a voice filled with anger, he asked, “Where did you get this money from?”
“The money is ours,” Manny quickly responded, trying to downplay any suspicions.
“Esto es mucho dinero. What did you boys do to get it?” Mr. Black asked suspiciously.
“We’re doing some things over in the States,” Manny replied.
“What kind of investment give you so much money? Shouldn’t it be in a cheque or banco or something?” Mr. Black asked with a bit of sarcasm.
“That’s one of the reasons we’re here. Rico and me are interested in investing money in Panama for a family business. We have businesses in Nueva York, and we wish to do business with you in Panama.”
“Did you bring blood money into this house? With that amount of cash, it cannot be legitimate. I thought you two were working at the airport?” Mr.Black turned to Manny and said, “This is the reason you leave Panama!” He pointed to Manny. “You were running around with those maleante boys, robbing and hurting good people. You kill Señor Delecruz for money and brought shame to this family. Now you involve your brother in that life? Hijo, if we do business with blood money, anything that starts in blood ends in blood.”
Rico’s patience wore thin. When he couldn’t stand it anymore, Rico thought of the way his father demanded that his sons use articulation and said, “Look, Papá. The money is here now. It’s a fresh start. It’s good money. Look at your house, Papa. It has a hole in the roof. That is not how you raised us to be. Do you want to scrape all your life? You want you and Mama to die in this beatdown flat without seeing the better side of life? What about Puncho? Doesn’t he deserve more?” Rico was getting furious so he stood. “You slaved in that cement plant for what? You have nada! Where are the benefits? Pops, you always told Manny and me to be men. So now
we’re being men by taking care of our familia. You gonna deny us that? America stopped the money from coming into Panama when they took Noriega and the drugs. Now we gonna take the money out of America and bring it to Panama.”
Rico’s words cut his father deep. It forced Mr. Black to examine the injustice he received. He shut his eyes and concentrated. For twenty-eight years, he worked hard trying to keep a roof over his family’s head. Prior to the invasion of Panama in 1989, he worked as an executive at one of the biggest cement plants in Panama. After the war, his company was left badly damaged by the United States continuously bombing it. He thought of how the company he worked for was repairing the building and laid him off because his salary was needed to fix the place. He admitted that things had gotten bad. He didn’t like filing for bankruptcy. He didn’t like the way
Manny turned to crime and then left for the States because his father was an embarrassment. He was really upset when Rico followed in his older brother’s footsteps. Since then, his family had been getting by with the financial assistance his sons sent back home. Now that he was sitting before his two sons, he was reminded of how much he had fallen from grace. Mr.Black opened his eyes. He stared at his most loyal son Rico and felt a sense pride mixed with fear. He then looked at Puncho wondering what type of future he would provide for him.
He looked to Manny, who was always reserved and calculated, before saying, “What do you expect of me?”
A smile quickly spread across Manny’s face. He took a deep breath with a sense of relief. He said, “Papá, here’s what Rico and me have in mind. We want to move you to a hotel in Panama City so we can rebuild our house and land. Later this morning, we will go see the contractors and get them to start the work immediately. The hotel will give you and Mamá a chance to have someone take care of you for once. Papá, use that money to pay for
everything. From now on, we are going to send a hundred thousand a month to you. I want you to open up a food market with fair prices so the poor can eat. Let Puncho and Mamá run it. Me, you, and Rico will buy up the rundown property in Colon. We can fix the houses and rent them out at fair prices. With the rest of the money, you can keep it in the bank. It’s all clean.”
Mr. Black was stunned. He sat looking at his son’s great ideas, along with the money to finance them, and felt sad. In front of him were two men who could have done anything with their lives, but if Manny was behind
anything, he was sure blood had been shed for all of their riches.
Mr. Black sighed. “I was not always an old man who worked in a factory and became poor. The man that I was before I met your mother is unimportant. You are my sons, and I have lived my days. There comes a time when the parents must listen to the children. I just ask this of you. Remember, sons, that what starts in blood will end in blood. Do what you will with this house because it was built for you to share. I just hope Puncho will not be corrupted by greed, because before I die, I may have to bury the two of you.” Mr. Black stood and looked like a broken man. “Tell your mother where she will be living. Do not make her worry. I will not allow you to kill her, too.”
The sons of the Black family watched their old father walk away heading for his bedroom. Manny didn’t care how the old man felt. Rico was glad their plan was going to be in action, and Puncho was amazed that his tough brothers from New York could tell their father what to do.

Tha Twinz (Sha Bee and Baby Born) were born and conceived in Panama before moving to the notorious borough of Brooklyn. The brothers grew up hard and fast, tutored solely by their instincts for survival. By the ages of fourteen and eleven, the family seeking change relocated to Harlem. Unbeknownst, the new environment would prove to be a major turning point in Tha Twinz lives.

Under the care of their mother who worked hard to make ends meet. And despite her numerous warnings of the pit falls attributed to the streets, and the importance of education. The powerful allure of Harlem’s sub-culture prevailed. The brothers became deeply entrenched in Harlem’s legendary Drug Trade.

After years of witnessing countless lives cut short, encountering several close brushes with death and too frequent contacts with the Criminal Justice System. Tha Twinz made a conscious effort to take control of their lives by relinquishing their criminal mindset and lifestyle. The brother’s returned to school and became students of learning and obtained Degrees. They re-channeled their entrepreneurial energy by writing as a means of shedding light on the plight of so many young men of color in the inner cities across America. Additionally, they established the clothing lines Fortune Hunters & Diamond Girl apparel. It’s no secret that they have experienced a great deal of trials, errors and calamites in their lives. Nonetheless, those mistakes and failures of yesterday do not define who they are today, nor the possibilities of their future.
Currently, Tha Twinz are working on The Triple Cross, the final book of their bestselling Crime Pays? Trilogy. They are really committed to helping others with their company Prestige Communication Group. They offer an array of services for the individual who is debating if Self-Publishing or seeking a Publisher is best for them. Our Consulting services will walk them through the pros and cons as well as taking them step-by step.

Get to know Tha Twinz:

Without incriminating yourself or anyone else, tell our viewers what kind of lifestyle you lived before incarceration?

We think that everyone has a past. Our story is no different from the average fatherless youngster, who grew up in the heart of the “hood” and was influenced by its hazardous subculture. As a youngster coming up, devoid of any real parental guidance and in somewhat of a poverty-stricken state, we quickly learned how to adapt to the elements of our environment and became deeply entrenched in Harlem’s legendary drug trade. We chased money out in DC, Pittsburgh and also in Washington (Seattle). Many of the lyrics that you hear in Jay-Z, 50 Cent and Jeezy songs mirror a large portion of our previous lifestyle. But we quickly learn that with every choice we make there is always gonna be consequences- be it good or bad. Unfortunately, some of the choices we’ve made eventually led us to the penitentiary.

Do you believe that there is a future in running the streets?

No, but we are firm believer that the fundamental principles of a true hustler do not have to change –only the commodities that they push. We think that the common mistakes that most of us make who come from the streets, is that we try to make a career out of our negative lifestyle as opposed to utilizing it as a stepping stone. Just look at Jay-Z and 50 Cent who transitioned from the streets to corporate America or those who have become great entrepreneurs in their own right. We believe that they all studied the mistakes of the people, who were in the game before them and realized at some point that lifestyle could lead them to either life in prison or death. So it is definitely in their best interest to switch up their hustle which we illustrate in Crime Pays? Unfinished Business.

Without giving away too much of the books, tell us what the stories is about.

Part I, is centered around the main characters, Manny and his younger brother, Rico Black, who fled Panama and came to the United States seeking a better life. Faced with the dilemma of trying to survive and to provide for their family back home in Panama, they become deeply involved in the criminal underworld where Money, Murder and Mayhem becomes their theme. Doing what is necessary to succeed at all costs.

Part II, finds Manny making it from the streets to the corner office in corporate America, only to have to face the reality of his past which pulls him back into a dark place that he tried to escape, but is forever a part of who he is.

Why did Tha Twinz name the book Crime Pays? with a question mark? And are you actually twins?

We are not twins. Sha Bee is actually two years older than Baby Born. We only used the name, Tha Twinz for the purpose of writing together. We chose to add a question mark to the title for the pure shock value. Contrary to what most people might think, we’re not in any way glorifying, suggesting or implying that crime pays. Rather, we’re merely asking the question, does crime pays? It’s a question we leave for our readers to decide for themselves after they read the story.

What was the purpose or message Tha Twinz had in mind while writing Crime Pays?

Most people would agree that books, music and the media at-large does have the power to influence people. With that thought in mind, my brother and I decided we would utilize our writing, not only as means to entertain people, but also as a platform to interject certain thoughts and ideas that would be thought provoking. More importantly, we wanted to examine and shed light on some of the psychological and socio-economic factors that often times contribute to a particular mindset, which produces a certain type of behavior.

What inspired Tha Twinz to become authors and independent self-publishers?

We were inspired by Zach Tate, who happens to be an Essence best-selling author. He was the one who was very instrumental in helping us develop as writers. He also taught us about the publishing business. Most independent publishing houses were not offering any real money to new authors to sign with them, so we decided to go ahead and self-publish. As thriving business men it made perfectly good sense. We are in position to control our work, reap more of the profit and help others get their work out.

So what can we expect next from Tha Twinz?

Now that the much anticipated Crime Pays? Unfinished Business has been released, we are really committed to helping others with our company Prestige Communication Group. We offer an array of services for the individual who is debating if Self-Publishing or seeking a Publisher is best for them. Our Consulting services will walk them through the pros and cons as well as taking them step-by step. All our individual services are listed on our website prestigecommunciationgroup.com. Unlike other Self-Publishing service provider, we are in the business of publishing ebooks and printed books, and other forms of media. In addition, we are excited as a company to sign authors in other genres including our latest signed author who will create a really buzz in the Fantasy writing world.

Crime Pays By Tha Twinz

2011-06-21T13:09:00.000-05:00

Age of Innocence By Kimberly Purpoz

2011-06-20T13:13:00.001-05:00

Purpoz has been a professional writer and author for over 12 years. She is the owner and founder of of Messenger Inc. and was the publisher of Creative Minds Magazine. Kimberly is an author of several books under her current name and her previous pen names (Kimberly S. Phillips and Kimberly Ware). Purpoz started writing under her new pen name in February 2011. She has written several books and co-authored one book. The following are the titles of her books and series: “The Nia Trilogy”, “How To Release The Book In You” co-authored with Dr. Johnnie Swanson, “Heal My Wings: A Healing Guide for Women” and “Heal My Wings: A Healing Journal and Workbook for Women.”

Purpoz is also the author of the upcoming teen book series “Candace Green Mystery Series”. She completed the first two books to her urban fantasy novel series called “Foreshadowers”. The first book to “Foreshadowers” was released on Kindle in February 2011. The first book, “Age of Innocence” to her urban fiction series was re-released by Messenger Books. All of her novels are based on her dreams.

Under Kimberly Ware, She also writes for Associated Content and The Examiner.com.
Kimberly is a graduate of Georgia State University. And is currently attending the American Institute of Holistic Theology to pursue her Master’s degree in Metaphysics. She is also a teacher and spiritual healer. Ware is also an artist and uses water color as a medium for her paintings.

She is a sought after speaker and conducts the Heal My Wings, Spiritual Pathway, and A Recipe for the Soul Workshop Series, seminars, and keynotes through out the country. She was also a speaker for the United Way Speakers Bureau. She is currently a speaker for the Great Black Speakers Bureau.

She has received many awards and recognition for her work. She was the 1998 Final Nominee for the Georgia Author of the Year. And she was nominated Who’s Who in Black Atlanta in 2000. She was nominated for the 2001 issue of Who’s Who National Registry for Business Executives. Purpoz was nominated for the Georgia Author’s Hall of Fame from the University of Georgia, under her previous pen name. And she was nominated and a member of the 2007/2008 Cambridge Who’s Who

Q&A with Kimberly:

When and where were you born?
A: I was born on December 9, 1972. Oh no I am giving away my age! Ha, Ha, Ha! I am a Sagittarius, for those who are into zodiac signs. I grew up in Decatur, Georgia what some people from that area used to call “The Dec.”

Q: What types of books do you write?
A: I write spiritual books, romances, mysteries, urban fiction, urban fantasy, paranormal, and young adult fiction.

Q: Where do you get your ideas for your novels?
A: My ideas for my novels come from my dreams; that is why I keep a dream journal handy!:-)

Q: How long does it take you to write a book?
A: .It takes me about 3-6 months to finish both my spiritual books and novels depending on my schedule.

Q: Do you have a pen name?
A:My previous pen name was Kimberly S. Phillips. I will be phasing off of the Kimberly Ware name due to divorce. And my new titles will be under my new pen name, “Purpoz.” “Purpoz” is a play on the word purpose. The “Z” at the end of Purpoz represents zeal and zeal means power. “Purpoz” means power in your purpose.

Q: What do you do during your spare time?
A: I love to watch movies, go for walks, to work in my garden, and paint. I love to use watercolor for my art work. I am also into drawing comics. I am looking to turn my Foreshadowers series into a graphic novel series and comics. I’ll keep you all posted with my art projects.

Q: Tell us more about your current and future book projects.
A: “Age of Innocence”, book one to The Nia Trilogy Series, was re-released in March 2011 by Messenger Books. I have just completed the first two books to my new urban fantasy series called “Foreshadowers”. I will keep you all posted on my website.

A coming of age fiction about young love in da hood!

The Age of Innocence is the first book of the Nia Trilogy novel series. An urban classic street lit that foretells a saga of love, passion, hood life, street gangs, sex, violence, money, and power which weaves a web of deception.

Drug Lord, Q, has his eyes on his beautiful stepdaughter, Nia. Nia’s beauty and innocence is was what made Q want to draw her into his sinister world of human trafficking. Rachel, Nia’s crack addict mother gets entangled into Q’s illegal activities. Rachael witnesses a high profile murder spree; she vanishes with out a trace.

Nia finds the courage to run away and leave the dysfunctional home, but unfortunately she was placed back into the same dilemma by a social services system that failed.

Nia get some support from her high school sweet heart, Clay, but is he really there for her in the long run? Will peer pressure and gun violence ruin Nia and Clay’s lives? Will Nia be able to handle these problems that are beyond her age of innocence?

Excerpt:

Journal Entry #1
Dear God:

I am new to journal writing. So if I don’t use proper English please forgive me Lord. Grandma Maria gave me this journal so that I can write down my deepest thoughts. She said it was a great way to talk to you, God. I want to share my feelings with you. And I want to do right by you because I want to go to heaven one day. Right now I am only fifteen years old but I have to grow up real fast.
I miss Grandma so much that it really hurts deep down inside. It’s been three months since her death but my heart still yearns for her. Will this feeling of hurt ever go away or will it forever linger? God please bless me with a family and home.
Love,
Nia
September 1986
I reached the towering buildings of James Monroe Housing. I opened the door to my building and went up a flight of stairs.
When I got home I heard commotions going on inside mama’s apartment. From outside the door, I heard Rachel’s voice and a male’s voice yelling in the background.
I opened the door. Rachel was in the living room pleading with the local drug dealer name Q which was short for Quinton.
The living room had holes and stains all over the walls. Instead of having lovely curtains hanging in the windows, there were cheap floral sheets covering the window seals. On top of the battered wooden end table there was a picture of mama, during mama’s earlier years when she was not abusing drugs. In her pictures she was a beautiful woman, but years of street life was beginning to take hold on her body; her beauty was beginning to fade away.
“Rachael, where is my money?” Q cursed and grabbed her thin arms and shook her. He threw her on to the floor like a rag doll.
Mama was dressed in an extremely short, provocative, purple colored mini dress; her cleavage was showing. Mama’s once long silky shoulder length hair was now in disarray. Q was a chestnut complexion with gold streak in his hair. He had shaved line designs going through his hair and had the letter Q shaved into the back of his head. He had a gold herringbone necklace around his neck.
“Q, please-”
I closed the door and my heart was pounding as fast as a locomotive and my palms were clammy. I wanted to help mama but I knew it was too dangerous. He had a gun strapped to the back of his pants and he was known in the community for killing people with his street gang.
Rachael saw me standing by the door, Q’s gaze followed Rachel’s.
“Nia what are you doing here?” Rachel got up and adjusted her short dress.
“Mama-”
“Oh I see Rachael, you have a little girl. I didn’t know that you have such a fine little thang. Maybe we can keep it all in the family.” Q gave a sinister grin.
“Q, stay away from her your beef is with me!”
“I’m not going to give you anymore credits, Rachael!” Q turned around and approached mama.
“But there is one is thing you can do for me that would change my mind.” Q took his long index finger and caressed her cleavage. His dark evil eyes stared into hers.
“Come on Q, my baby is here.”
“You owe me! Don’t make me cut you in front of your baby girl!” He cursed and glared into her eyes. He grabbed her arms real tight. Rachael winced in pain.
“Ok, Q But not out here.”
“Baby, mama will be right back. This won’t take long.” Rachael blinked back her tears.
“Get your butt in here!” He cursed and smacked her hard on her bottom. He pushed her into the bedroom and slammed the door shut.
I sat in the living room and waited for mama. I could hear them moaning in the other room. I heard the head board from the bed banding against the wall. I shook my head in disgust.
Q opened the bedroom door. He adjusted his pants and had a dirty grin on his face.
Rachael’s hair was puffy and in more disarray, she stepped out of the room and pulled down her dress and adjusted her dress straps.
“Here’s ya damn drugs.” Q threw the crack rocks on to the filthy floor.”
Rachael plugged on to the floor in desperation. She was like a stray dog in the street foraging around trash cans for food.
Q shook his head, “You junky whore.”
Q then turned his attention to me. I was sitting on the corner of the couch.
“You are a cute thang. I can have you walk the streets and sale your sweetness,” he reached over and caressed my face. I turned my head away in disgust.
“You stay away from her! You got what you wanted now leave!” Rachael stood up.
“I’m leaving. I’ll be over again for some repayment options. You still owe me.” Q gave Rachael an insinuating look and winked. Rachael’s eyes were filled with tears.
Rachael closed the door.
I rushed towards mama and hugged her.
“Mama you don’t have to use those drugs. I miss you.”
“I miss you too, baby.”
“What are you doing here? You’re supposed to be over Thelma’s house.”
“I know, but I wanted to see you, mama, and make sure you’re ok.”
“I’m fine.”
Mama was sweaty and was beginning to tremble.
“What’s wrong?”
“I need it baby.”
“Look baby, I need you to leave it is not safe out here.”
Rachael picked up her crack pipe and walked me towards the door.
“Now Nia, go back to Thelma’s and stay there. My life is complicated right and I just don’t need you in the middle of my mess.” Rachael scratched her head in frustration.
“Ok mama.”
Mama closed the door behind me.

Find the author:

Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/purpozwrites
Twitter – http://twitter.com/kimberlypurpoz
Kimberly Purpoz’s Site: http://www.kimberlypurpoz.com
Kimberly Purpoz’s Wiki: http://www.purpoz.wetpaint.com

Wounded In Darkness, Healed In the Light By LaTonya G. Green

2011-06-12T22:00:00.004-05:00

LaTonya is an astute teacher and preacher of the Word of God. She lives her life by example, walking out the knowledge, wisdom and application that she teaches. LaTonya has a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Resources Management and Business Management and an Associate’s degree in Biblical Studies and Christian Education. LaTonya has been licensed and ordained as an Elder.
She has previously taught Bible Study through a Prison Outreach ministry for several years and has directed youth ministries. She is an active missionary. LaTonya travels domestically and internationally to minister the gospel and help build up communities. She has ministered as close as her next door neighbor and as far as Uganda, Africa.

LaTonya got started in ministry after turning her life over to God. She had spent many years being angry, bitter and hurt. She often blamed others for the outcome of her life. This caused her to hurt many people in her path. When she accepted the love of Christ, she took a different outlook on life. Accepting responsibility for her own actions and thoughts, caused her to mature mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

Her main passion is motivating and encouraging women and teen girls to understand their full value and worth. She tries to use every opportunity she can to encourage others to pursue their dreams and live life on purpose instead of just living life.

She has appeared as a guest speaker on the Ester Davis show and on the radio with Chaplain E. Jean Jones in Dallas.

LaTonya lives near Dallas, TX with her husband Mark and their children.

Josette is the daughter of an abusive drug addicted mother and now her life seems to be on the same path to repeat history. She has learned how to lie, steal, get high and look for love in all the wrong places. An ultimate betrayal leaves her plotting murder. Will it take death for her to find life and be released from so much pain? Only God knows.
This book is a thought provoking novel that sends the reader through a range of emotions. It is a heart stopping, tear jerking, tickle your funny bone, page turner. It has characters you will love and characters that will have you asking, “where is the love?”.
Easy to pick up and hard to put down until the last page has been read!
Excerpt:
It had been another day of not eating. It was Saturday, so there was no school lunch to tide us over. My mother finally came home from wherever she had been. She had brought home a box of fried chicken from her favorite fast food restaurant. The only problem was that it was not a big box with enough chicken for all of us. It was a three piece snack sized box. She laid down on the couch and put the box on the floor next to the couch. I was peeping out the bedroom door and watching her every move. She was not even thinking about feeding us or the fact that we had not eaten all day. She finally fell asleep. I told my brothers that I was going to get that chicken for us.
I got a knife from the kitchen. I went into the living room, where she was still sleeping. I slowly and softly walked toward her. When I was directly over her, I looked at her lying on her back. I turned and saw my brothers watching me. I knew the only way I was going to get this chicken for us was to kill her.
I slowly raised the knife over my head with both my hands. I just stood there for a few moments, gathering up the courage to stab her. I held my breath and brought the knife down…

Get to Know Latonya:

How can people get the book?

My book is available on amazon.com and barnesandnobles.com in paperback and ebook formats. It can also be requested at your local bookstores. There is also information on www.latonyagreen.com.

How did you come up with the title for the book?
I actually was almost done writing the book, when I realized I didn’t have a title. I prayed and asked God to give me a title for it. The title He gave me was Wounded In Darkness, Healed In the Light. I thought to myself that it was a great title, but surely it was already taken because it just sounded like a book that had already been written. I know there are lots of books that have the same title, so I didn’t concern myself with it too much. As soon as I had a chance I went to amazon and google to search for the title and to my surprise there was not a book with it. It just reminded me that when we seek God for answers, He always gives us the right answers. He is the creator and He can give us creative ideas.

What was your work schedule like when you were writing?
While I was writing the book, nothing in my life slowed down. All my responsibilities were still in place and needed tending to. My roles as wife, mother, minister and full-time employee never stopped. All of them require a lot of my time and attention.

The way I found time for writing was to write in the middle of the night while everyone else was asleep. Sometimes, I would just set my alarm clock for 2 or 3 a.m. in the morning and I would get up. It was not easy, but I didn’t see any other way. I was not willing to sacrifice the other areas of my life to accomplish my goal of finishing the book. It also meant I had to remain disciplined throughout the process. If I had not, I probably would still be in the planning or writing phase of the book.

Is there a sequel planned for your book?
Yes, there is more to come. Now that I’ve written the first one, I’m ready to write again. There is an evolution of the characters, their attitudes and their actions and reactions to Josette’s journey. I would love to share more, but I don’t want to give away the next book.

What is some of the feedback you’ve received so far?
The feedback has been awesome. There have been testimonies of deliverance, testimonies of healing and so many that found themselves in the book in one way or another. I’ve been told that the story is so captivating, that one doesn’t want to put it down. That has been very exciting for me because as a first time author I wasn’t quite sure how people would react. I knew that the story had to give something that would make others tell someone else since I’m an unknown author, for now. I’ve also had a lot of comments that this book should be a movie. The blessing in it has been that I’ve had people come back and buy 3 or 4 books because they say this is a story that almost anyone can relate to and also a story that will help so many.

What or who inspired you to write Wounded In Darkness, Healed In the Light?
My answer to this question might sound strange but I did not have a personal goal to write a book in the beginning. This truly was an assignment from God. I even responded back to Him by saying “God I read books, I don’t write them”. I then had a choice to make, would I or would I not write the book. God doesn’t force us to do anything He tells us to do. I decided I would put my own feelings aside and do as I was being instructed. Now that the book is written and I hear the testimonies from so many, I am so glad that I did it. It’s just like the Bible says “obedience is better than sacrifice”. I am blessed every time I hear a praise report about the book. I know there are many more to come as well.

What have you discovered since you published your book that has surprised you the most?For me, the most surprising thing has been the commonalities of the reports by those who have read the book. My favorite comment is “I could not put it down once I started reading it!” especially when it comes from people who say they don’t normally read books and yet they read my book in one or two days. My other favorite comment is when people say this book needs to be a movie and I’ll get questions like “have you thought about sending this to Tyler Perry or to Oprah’s Book Club”?

Fatal Deception/ In Plain Sight By Michelle Kershaw

2011-06-05T01:11:00.003-05:00

Just how far would you go to save a friend? In a city where dead men tell no tells, and things are never what they seem who can you trust. Is all really fair in love and war? When hearts are broken and egos are bruised all bets are off. DeAndrea Patterson- Black is an all American woman looking for love, happiness and a successful career. Greed and lust threaten to keep that all just out of her grasp. Friends and family rally to her side to bring her through her darkest hour. In trying to help DeAndrea everyone learns a little more about themselves, proving you can’t see the forest before the trees and what you are looking for just might be in plain sight.

This dramatic novel reveals the complicated nature of the relationships individuals hold with their families and close friends. I tried to develop the characters throughout the course of the novel as they face realistic scenarios in an effort to help the audience better relate to the storey line. I hope that “Fatal Deception: In Plain Sight” will inspire readers to look closely at their lives and their relationships.

Excerpt:

“Just chill D, we came here to relax and enjoy ourselves tonight. Besides, since you started working for Thomas and Associates, when was the last time you just let go?”
Come to think of it, I hadn’t. I had been working 70 hour weeks since I graduated from grad school. I hadn’t had much time for myself or for anyone else. I began to survey the room. The room was dark, that was to be expected in a lounge. There were at least 10 guys that look like GQ models and several women who needed a ham sandwich. There was a dark skinned average Joe sitting near the fire pit. Hell even the bartender was cute.
“Since I am here I might as well have a drink.” I begin to nurse a purple guppy when the bartender places another in front of me.
“I didn’t”….
The bartender cuts me off and said “It paid for by the gentleman at the window.”
I turn and notice it was the same man from the fire pit. “Tell him thank you, I said to the bartender. ” M cuts me off to tell the bartender that I will keep the drink and to tell the gentleman thank you.
“Girl when do we ever turn down free drinks, are you crazy? Now get up off your cute ass and go tell the man thank you.” I begin to protest but I am distracted by a light brush against the back of my arm.
I turn, and hear a man say,
“Hello. I am David.”
As I stand there taking stock of the man that is so brazen I hear M. say, “She is DeAndrea and I am Emerald.”
“Good evening to both you ladies. David appeared to be a well groomed man. He had an appeal to him. He was Taye Diggs dark, with the most beautiful eyes. There was huskiness about his voice. Little did I know that same voice would be saying “I do” to me a year later.

South Carolina native Michelle Kershaw attended Montgomery University, where she earned her degree in business administration in 2003. She then earned her degree in legal studies four years later at South University. While pursuing this degree, she came across the idea for her first novel.

Get to Know Michelle:

1. What inspired you to write?
I began writing as way to express myself. I am inspired by everyday life and the people in it.

2. Will you write more books?
Absolutely! I am currently working on the second novel in the Fatal Deception series, entitled Jaded Thoughts.

3. Who is your favorite author?
I just like a good book. I can’t pick a favorite. There are so many fabulous writers out there.

4. What are you reading now?
Current events, they give me comedy, tragedy, drama the news is better than television most day.

5. What puts you in the mood to write?
Neo-soul music is truly my muse.

6. This is your first published work?
This is my first published novel. I began publishing poetry at the age of 9.

7. Anything you plan to do differently the next time?
As I learn about this industry there is always something new. I would definitely network more.

Find Michelle at:

www.michellekershaw.com

Monk3300@gmail.com

Dealt The Wrong Hand By Queen BG

2011-05-29T17:25:00.003-05:00

Keshawn “KeKe” Flower is an 8 year old little girl who was taken in by her grandparents. Though Compton, Ca. was where she resided, the household and neighborhood in which she lived was far from ghetto. As a matter of fact it was close to perfection.

Unforeseen circumstances forces KeKe into the street life. Gang banging, dope selling, and numerous robberies are the highlights of her new life. It was go hard or go home and unfortunately there was no home.

The demon inside KeKe had turned into the Incredible Hulk. She flips the city upside down killin’ everything in sight. Rage is her new best friend and the streets of Los Angeles are learning first hand what KeKe brings to the game.

Excerpt:

After numerous failures at convincing me to get out and work the track for him, he changed his approach. “You pretty as a muthafucka, I know you would make more money than all dem hoes out there put together,” he said.
I remember thinking to myself, No this bitch ass nigga didn’t! “You wanna see what a hoe would do? Ima show you!” The voice in my head wanted me to say it out loud, but instead I smiled like the naive little girl he mistakenly took me to be. “Okay,” I said, “but how am I gonna know what to do?”
Being as dumb and trifling as all niggas had proven to be in my past, this fool said, “You could practice on me.”
Now you know yo’ girl had to take him up on his offer. At that very moment, the deal was sealed, and we proceeded to leave the house to check into the nearest motel. I got in the car with my bag in hand, equipped with panties, bra, soap, a change of clothes, and a little surprise.
The motel we went to was a serious hole in the wall. The outside was shabby and resembled the projects buildings. The inside was nasty looking and roach infested. I looked around in disgust thinking, “And this nigga wanna be a pimp,” Shit! From the looks of his game, I should have been his pimp. But still I played my position.
“First thing you do is take charge, and then…,” he rambled on and on about his sorry ass version of what he thought should take place, and then he lay back on the bed, naked. His body was amazing, complete with a washboard six pack, but, all I saw was a disgusting pedophile- a nigga with no morals or respect.
“How about I tie you up and kiss you all over your body?” I asked.
“Don’t nobody want no kisses! You have to suck some dick, do some fuckin!” he yelled, irritated by my foolishness.
“Oh okay. Well I’ll tie you up and suck your dick then.” His eyes widened and his smile grew bigger. He nodded his head in a ridiculous way that made him look like a bobble head.
I grabbed the two silk scarves from my bag and straddled him. I roughly placed his arms above his head and tied each one to a bed post. My titties hung just above his lips, bouncing with my every move. Once the restraints were secure, I removed my bikini top shirt to let the fullness of my breast spill out.
He seemed to be enjoying this a little too much a little too fast. His dick was rock hard, already standing at attention, and his toes curled with excitement. When I stood to my feet I said, “That little dumb-ass girl you thought I was died a long time ago. Next time, do yo’ fuckin’ homework.” And with those final words, I revealed the surprise I had in my bag, my snub-nosed .38, and put two in his head.

Queen B.G. was raised by her grandparents in Compton, Ca for the early part of her life. The foundation in which her grandparents provided aided her in succeeding in many things. At the age of 12 she was sent back to live with her parents inLos Angeles, Ca. It was there that she was introduced to the street life. Coming from a long line of gang members and not having too many options, she became a gang member herself at the age of 13. Her childhood consisted of violence, drugs, and nonsense. With her parents not being able to supply her with the foundation she craved so deeply things went down hill quickly. The constant contact with police, the lost of far too many loved ones, and being homeless opened her eyes to the reality of what the streets really had to offer her, NOTHING. And this is where her writing progressed. Now a mother herself, she is determined to be everything she didn’t have in her parents as a child.

Writing was always a passion of hers and an outlet for her frustrations. Never in a million years did she think it would become something so powerful in her life. As a writer and the President of Cali Connection, she hopes to be and remain a voice for all of those living the street life or that are homeless or just simply feeling alone out here in the world. She wishes to be motivation for anyone who thinks this is it and it gets no better. She’s a real testament to the fact that anything is possible. With integrity and humbleness she embraces herself as a Queen not only in the game but in life. She currently resides in Los Angeles, Ca. with her four children and spends her free time enjoying quality time with them. Her novel, Dealt the Wrong Hand, is the first of many more books to come.

Real Talk with Queen B.G

Q: So how long have you been writing?

A: I always loved to write but I’ve been writing with purpose for about 10years.

Q: What inspired you to write?

A: My life’s journey. It was how I vented and coped with life. I found that the easiest and most powerful way to express myself was when using a pen.

Q: Who are some of the authors you look up to?

A: There are so many but I would definitely have to say Wahida Clark, K’wan, Omar Tyree, and JM Benjamin.

Q: What is the title of your book and what is it about?

A: Dealt the Wrong Hand is a story of a young girl who is forced out of her comfort zone and into making grown up decisions. She links up with the wrong crowd and gets so deep in the game she’s lost. With her life falling apart before her eyes she terrorizes the streets and finds herself torn between breaking the code of the streets or sentencing an innocent victim to death.

Q: What do you hope to accomplish with this story?

A: I want to bring hope and shed light on the hood. There are young girls and boys going through this same situation everyday and may feel like no one understands. I want them to look at me and see themselves, not only in the content of my book but in the success of my life. And I want to open these grown men and women eyes to the effect they have on kids lives, whether at home or in the neighborhood.

Q: When you’re not writing what do you do?

A: I’m either working or spending quality time with my family.

Q: Can we expect anything more in the future?

A: Definitely! This is only the beginning of many more to come.

Find Queen BG at:

www.Twitter.com

www.authorqueenbg.comwww.gstreetchronicles.com