AUTHOR INTRO: Xavier Pierre Jr

Xavier Pierre Jr.

Born in Haiti and raised on Long Island , Xavier Pierre Jr. is a computer specialist who, after 22 years working in the computer industry, started writing short stories as a means of sharing his life experiences. His writing was so powerful that readers were always asking to know the rest of the story. This led to work on Lovers’ Anonymous and the upcoming sequel Twelve Steps to Love. In addition to being a writer, Xavier is a gifted poet and photographer with a loyal following within a close-knit community of bloggers who affectionately refer to him as Alizé (Ali's Zay) because of his devotion to his sweetheart Ali.

For more information visit http://loversanonymousbook.blogspot.com/ or to read the chapter in its' entirety go to : http://www.rosebooks.blogspot.com/.

Lovers Anonymous


In his autobiographical debut, Lovers Anonymous, Xavier Pierre Jr. not only showcases his storytelling skills, but he also takes readers on a visual tour of Haiti that is filled with sex, frustration, pain and adventure.

In Lovers Anonymous, Xavier provides readers with a translucent view of the demons that he has been forced to face and the hard lessons he has involuntarily learned on his trek to gain a fuller understanding of himself and the reasons why he is the man he is today

FEATURED AUTHOR: Carole McDonnell

EDITOR: You know I'm always excited to introduce you to a new writer, because it means they've reached what some of you are striving for. Its my way of giving you hope on this crazy journey. I also like introducing you to someone I've met online, because its inspiring to me to see someone I've communicated with see their dreams come to reality.

I'm excited for Carole because she's step into a genre not many AA authors write, but she didn't let that deter her from telling her story. From the reviews I've read its a good story too. I look forward to reading it over the holidays. I hope you get a chance to pick it up or add to your Christmas list. Please take a moment to meet this debut author.

Please give the readers a brief bio on you the person and the writer.

Carole McDonnell holds a BA degree in Literature from SUNY Purchase and is a writer of Christian, supernatural, and ethnic stories. Her writings appear in various anthologies including "So Long Been Dreaming: Post-colonialism in science fiction," edited by Nalo Hopkinson and published by Arsenal Pulp Press; "Jigsaw Nation" published by Spyre publications, "Life Spices from Seasoned Sistahs: writings by mature women of color" among others. Her reviews appear in print and at various online sites. She lives in New York’s Hudson Valley with her husband, two sons, and their pets. Her first novel, Wind Follower was published by Juno Books in September 2007.

Tell us about your current book?

It's a paranormal romance called Wind Follower. In the story a young eighteen year old man falls in love with a twenty year old woman and asks that she be his wife. The woman isn't too keen on this at the beginning but grows to love him. Just as they are about to start a new life together, old vendettas and spiritual forces tear them apart. It's a Christian fantasy but it isn't like many Christian fantasies you would read. Most Christian fantasies take place in a Euro-centric world with dwarves, elves, etc. But this one is based in a more tribal setting. It's got a lot of African folkloric stuff in it, such as shamans, demons, tribe headmen. In addition it's very multicultural and it's about multiculturalism because there are different tribes with different skin colors and all these tribes brush up against each other.

What would you like your readers to take away from your book?

So many things. Definitely a love for marital love and fidelity. Love is such a glorious thing. The effect of the book depends on the reader, I think. I'd like the non-religious reader to understand how the religious heart views religion. One of the things I like best about the book is the way we see how the insecure human heart works when it's in love. For various reasons, my two characters are both emotionally wounded. They don't trust each other's love. They don't trust their family's love. That doesn't help matters.

What inspired this story?

I love old Elizabethan ballads. Many of my stories begin when one of these ballads simply pops up and refuses to leave my brain. One of my favorite songs is, "He's young but he's daily growing." I swear, I would be walking downtown and the song hounded me. The song is about a twenty-four year old woman whose father betroths her to a fourteen year old boy. The kid dies while she is waiting for him to grow up and there is this very sad lingering grief. Well, that lingering grief pretty much attacked me. I couldn't shake it. I love love. But I also love romances with unmatched lovers. I also like interracial stories. My film collection seems to be wholly made up of love stories where people from different cultures meet. The next thing I knew I wanted to write a love story which was not rooted in Northern American culture or in western notions of love, culture, feminism, etc. Of course I had to change the ages. Too far apart. And I changed the reason for the marriage.

I also like tribal stories and I felt it was about time that the Christian fiction world widened itself. So often we North American Christians forget that Christianity is primarily a non-western religion. Jesus Christ was a tribal man, who came from the tribe of Judah. I wanted the American Christian audience to understand the tribal foundation of Christianity. There is also the folkloric foundations: the notion of blood sacrifices, the holiness of the Creator, demonic battles, etc. It should be about the lives of all the people in the Christian community. I know this all sounds very political and racial, yet the book isn't really like that at all.

So there were emotional, creative, cultural, and spiritual reasons for the birth of Wind Follower.

How long did it take from first word to sale? What were some of the steps along the journey?

About two years. The story went through so many permutations. It started out as a short story then became a novel. My friend, Cynthia Ward, told me that Juno was looking for books with strong female characters. Although Wind Follower wasn't finished I sent in about 70 pages to the Juno editor. Honestly, that was about all I had when Juno signed me on. Not a good thing to do, mind you. A writer should be finished with a manuscript when she presents it to an editor. But some of my fiction had already been published in reputable anthologies and the editor, Paula Guran, knew I could write. Besides I had Cindy Ward telling Paula to give me a chance. In addition, Paula liked the idea of having Wind Follower, with its Christian folklore theme, on the Juno list. Juno doesn't publish Christian fantasy, mind you, so the book had to prove that it would work as a secular book.

What have you learned throughout the process of writing, pitching - and now, promoting - a novel?

The story is what matters. If a writer knows the basics of plotting an original story and pitches it to the right editor and writes within the guidelines of the publishing guidelines she is pitching to, her novel should get published.

As for actually writing the story, I think it's best that a writer create the setting, the characters, the internal motivations and external conflicts of the characters and then let the characters be themselves. Open the gates, tighten the springs, and see what happens when these characters come up against each other. Certain things MUST happen. I don't believe in outlines because then the story becomes too predictable. I believe it's good to write an outline of the story after the second draft. In that way, there aren't any loose ends. But pretty much an author should develop a sense of faith in the work --the muse, God and the unconsciousness-- and trust that everything in the story will work itself out and make sense by the eighth draft.

Any exciting things happening before or during the time period while the book is releasing?

Not really. The most exciting thing is seeing how proud and happy my friends are for me, and seeing all the lovely things the reviewers have discovered in the book. Lovely stuff that I get to take credit for, I might add. I did get interviewed on the radio. That was neat. And I got invited to read at the local Barnes and Noble author celebration. But the best thing is to be a published author, to actually have a book out there.

How much marketing do you do? What have you found that particularly works well for you?

I'm a mad networker. I'm always talking to different people online. This has led to interesting marketing but I didn't really aim for marketing in the first place. I think the thing that works for me is that I like writing. So I write a lot of articles at friends' blogs.

What are three things you wish you'd known before you reached where you are now?

The importance of taking care of one's health
The power of God's word
The love of God for me.

What do you do to make time for yourself?

I am always taking time for myself, unfortunately. We writers tend to procrastinate if we aren't careful. What I need to learn is to take time for my novel. My current work-in-progress is called Inheritance. It keeps calling to me. And I'm working on it. But honestly, I tend to neglect it at the drop of a button. So I have to remind myself that professionalism demands that I finish books instead of watching some cute actor in a creature feature on television.

How can readers get in contact with you? (mail, email, website)

Email addy: strongarmstudios@gmail.com
Email addy: carole@carolemcdonnell.com
Website: http://www.carolemcdonnell.com/
Blog: http://www.darkparables.blogspot.com/
Blog http://www.carolemcdonnell.blogspot.com/

AUTHOR INTRO: Sandy Blair

SANDY BLAIR

Award-winning author Sandy Blair has slept in castles, dined with peerage, floated down Venetian canals, lost her husband in an Egyptian ruin (she still denies being the one lost,) and fallen (gracefully) off a cruise ship.

Winner of RWA’s Golden Heart and a National Readers Choice Award for Best Paranormal Romance, Write Touch Readers Award for Best Historical, Golden Quill and Barclay awards for Best Novella, nominated for a RITA and recipient of Romantic Times BOOKReview’s 4 ½ star Top Pick, Sandy loves writing about Scotland’s past.

Sandy resides in Texas with her tall Scot husband and Bichon Coco.


A Highlander For Christmas

A HIGHLANDER FOR CHRISTMAS is an exciting fish-out-of-water tale that’s sure to prove a perfect stress reliever during the upcoming holiday rush. If you enjoyed Kate and Leopold, you’ll love Claire and Sir Cameron MacLeod.

Website address: http://www.sandyblair.net/

FEATURED AUTHOR: Fon James

Please give the readers a brief bio on you the person and the writer.

My name is Fon James and I currently work full-time as a sr. communications consultant for a major insurance company, but within my literary career I am the owner and publisher of Tucker House Publishing. I reside in Houston, TX with my husband Donte.’ Back and Forth is my first novel, and I am also the author of a short story, A Mother, Her Son and The Father, which will be appearing in the upcoming anthology, The Triumph of My Soul (www.thetriumphofmysoul.com) to be released in December. My educational background is in journalism, but I also have an MBA which I think really helps me as a business owner. I’ve worked for several major daily newspapers including The Houston Chronicle, the Contra Costa Times, the Cleveland Plain Dealer, and the Clarion-Ledger. Prior to my print career, I also did a stint as an on-air radio personality in Jackson, MS (my hometown). I enjoy hanging out with family and attending HBCU football games.

Tell us about your current book?


My current book is Back and Forth. It’s actually set on the campus of my college alma mater and taps in the collegiate lives of four characters: Faith, Gavin, Chrissy, and Remi. The lives of these four friends take an unexpected turn when two of these friends “accidentally” sleep together. While temptations of sex and alcohol are as common as textbooks and pencils for these college students, this little sex incident rocks the core of their friendship bond and slow begins to unravel the once tightly-woven group. Meanwhile, Faith struggles to live a celibate lifestyle and goes “Back and Forth” on her commitment to no sex, all in the name of keeping her man satisfied and happy. To make matters in her life even more strenuous, a big family secret is revealed that leaves her clinging to the only stable thing in her life…her faith in God.

What would you like your readers to take away from your book?

I want readers to know that no matter what you have done, God can forgive you and once God has forgiven you, you don’t have to rehash the past over and over. Let it go and march forward into the blessings He has for your life.

What inspired this story?

The ideas for this book were derived from my experiences in college, along with those I knew in college, my imagination, and God’s divine intervention. Initially, I began writing a different story, but God took over and thank goodness I let Him, because I would have been lost without His direction. This book takes a peek into the lives of those that struggle with doing right. A lot of us know what to do and we “say” we are going to do right, but when it comes to certain aspects of our lives, we straddle the fence and don’t really turn everything over to God. We partially turn it over. We try to handle portions of our lives ourselves, and we can’t do that. We can’t fight the devil alone… period, end of sentence. We need God to fight our battles. There were things in my life that I struggled with (and if truth be told, still continue to struggle with) and I know I’m not alone…so I know that readers will be able to relate to the characters and the messages in this novel, no matter what age they are.

How long did it take from first word to sale? What were some of the steps along the journey?

This writing journey for me actually began when I stated out loud that I would write a book back in 1998. After several attempts, I finally started seriously writing this particular novel in September 2006. I finished the manuscript in July and from that point on, the pace quickened! From revisions and edits and feedback from various friends and family members, to setting up my publishing company and actually waiting on the UPS man to deliver my first proof, it has definitely been an exciting journey and one that will always keep me in a thankful posture. I know that I would not have been able to do any of this without God’s direction. And during the process, I would sometimes get these doubtful feelings of whether or not I could really pull it off by the set November release date. But praise God, I began selling books three and half weeks earlier than my release (official release date: November 6th), and the first place I sold books you ask? My church! It was an awesome day!

What have you learned throughout the process of writing, pitching - and now, promoting - a novel?

The first thing I have learned is that you must have support. Whether it’s from a spouse, a family member, a friend, or like me, have more than three writing groups with tons of people seeking the same goal, you must position yourself around like-minded people. When I got into this business I was warned by so many to watch who you associate yourself with because everybody is not out to help you. I prayed on that very thing and God led me to the “write” places. One of those places is the Writer’s Hut, moderated by national best selling author, Kendra Norman-Bellamy. The members of the Hut have supported me and taught me so much! Becoming a member of that environment alone afforded me the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people and gain so much insight and knowledge into the publishing industry…and then on top of that, it’s a Christian group, so we even support each other through prayers and give virtual high-fives with praise reports!

You must also be organized in this writing/publishing process. Not staying on tasks will keep you from reaching your goals. As far as promoting the novel, nothing is off limits. My background in journalism and my current full-time position in marketing communications, has allowed me to utilize many of those very skills that I have attained in my previous positions. But I have so much more to learn with regard to book promotions, so I am wide-eyed and always eager and ready for more info on how to do it!

Any exciting things happening before or during the time period while the book is releasing?

I got a chance to do a book signing at my church three weeks prior to the official release and I sold and signed 85 books out the gate! To me that was a major blessing! I also sold 55 pre-orders and sales have continued to go very well for my debut novel. But what’s even more of a blessing, is the fact that I had a young lady to email me to say that the book changed her life in so many ways and that she wanted to live fully for Christ! She learned about the book on Facebook. Her email to me was more than exciting, it was beyond my mind’s ability to even comprehend the awesome power of God. Wrapping my head around the fact that someone read my book and it changed their life for the better…if I don’t get another sell, my effort and my writing this novel has not been in vain. I thank God for the pre-release blessings and I can’t wait to see what He will do next!

How much marketing do you do? What have you found that particularly works well for you?

Currently I am ramping up the marketing efforts with several campaigns. I believe that anyone who doesn’t have an existing platform (i.e. a built-in audience) has to truly create a marketing plan. Therefore by doing interviews with you and sending out media kits to those who already tap into my target audience (mature young adults) and developing unconventional methods, I am slowly but surely getting the buzz going about Back and Forth. Marketing is definitely a top priority right now for me because if no one knows about your book, then how can you sell it to them? I am not sure what the best marketing tactic is right now (other than word of mouth, which is usually the best method), so I am trying a little bit of everything. From targeting students at HBCUs through my sorority affiliation (Delta Sigma Theta Sorority) to keeping my myspace page updated, my marketing strategies will run the gamut on what I do to grab the attention of my audience. So check back with me in six months and hopefully I will be able to tell you what’s really working for me ;)

What are three things you wish you'd known before you reached where you are now?

I wish I would’ve known that I would be so tired (LOL).Then I would have been more consistent with my workout plan, so that by now I would be habitual about drinking plenty of water and exercising. Now I have to form this habit and keep pushing at the same time…that’s tough (LOL)!

I wish I had known the rewriting stage would take longer than the initial writing stage, and then I wouldn’t have spent so much time trying to make the first draft perfect (LOL). Boy was I in for a surprise when I realized revisions took longer. I thought it would be a quick thing. WRONG!

I wish I had learned about online writing groups a long time ago. Maybe I would have been further along in the process, but actually when I think about how everything has worked out, the spiritual Fon says that God does everything in His time and that’s really where I want to be…following Him, not trying to get ahead of Him. I am most sure that the way everything has panned out is much much better than I ever could have wished it to work out anyway.

What do you do to make time for yourself?

I just have to stop doing what I am doing and say, “Today I am going to rest.” Now mind you, my brain is still trying to think of what I need to be doing, but I pray and ask God to give me peace about where I am and allow me to rest so that He can rejuvenate me to be the best me when its time to lace up to run the literary race again. I recently realized after a weekend full of signings and literary running around, that you have to take care of your body, eat right and exercise. While I can delegate a lot of things, no one else can autograph my novel at a signing but me; or have a book discussion about the characters, but me. So I have to take care of me and make time for me, in order to be the best me I can be! (LOL)

How can readers get in contact with you? (mail, email, website)

You can reach me via email at fon@fonjames.com, via my website: http://www.fonjames.com/
or on myspace: www.myspace.com/fonjames ; for my publishing company: http://www.tuckerhousepublishing.com/

To get a copy of the book, visit:

Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Back-Forth-Fon-James/dp/0979957109/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/105-5428177-7518023?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1193845748&sr=1-1


BarnesandNoble.com: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbninquiry.asp?ISBN=9780979957109#TABS

Or my website:

http://www.fonjames.com/

EXCERPT : Back and Forth

BACK AND FORTH
by Fon James


Step into the college lives of Faith, Gavin, Chrissy, and Remi to see how temptation, betrayal, faith and forgiveness all plan an integral role in the journey to growing closer to God.



Chapter One Excerpt

“Don’t do it!” they all shouted as Gavin pulled his car into the small parking lot. There were several cars in the lot and only two available spaces left. Gavin whipped his late model Toyota Camry into one of the vacancies on the end. He had been holding Faith’s hand for the duration of the ride.

“Well, I guess this is it, Gavin. Are we sure this is what we want to do?” Faith looked into Gavin’s eyes, hoping that something in them would give her a signal that this was not the right decision.

“Faith, we’ve already talked about this for two and half weeks straight. There is no other way. We don’t have a choice. We are just too young to handle such a huge responsibility like this. I mean, we are pretty much kids ourselves. Let’s just do this and get it over with.”

Faith stared at her boyfriend. She loved him so much and he had to be right…right? What other options did they have? She knew it was wrong, but it was the only right she and Gavin knew at the time. From the moment she’d discovered her plight, it had become the focal point of all of their conversations.

“Gavin, it’s Faith. Um, we need to talk. Can you meet me in your lobby in about fifteen minutes?”

“Faith, you know I am getting ready to leave campus so that I can catch my flight. Girl, you know I love your butt, so don’t be trying to make this little mini-Christmas vacation a big deal. I’ll be back in two weeks and like I said last night, umph…last night.” Gavin thought about his Christmas gift from Faith and briefly paused to reflect before finishing his statement. “I will call you everyday.”

“Gavin Tremaine Roberts, would you just listen!” Faith nearly screamed into the phone. We have to talk before you go. I know what you said last night, but I have to tell you something before you leave and this cannot wait. It’s really important; okay, baby?” She quieted her voice as she felt herself about to cry. “I’ll be right over, okay.”

Faith snapped the purple top back on the pregnancy test and slipped it into her jacket pocket. She tried to zip it closed, but the pocket wasn’t shaped right for the stick. “I’ll just hold it in my hand so I can be sure it won’t slip out while running. Should I even be running?” She talked to herself, as the positive results of the test came rushing back to her remembrance. Slipping her feet into her shoes, Faith rushed out the door. Even after nearly screaming at Gavin, her best friend and roommate, Chrissy, was still sound asleep, so she didn’t even worry about locking the door to their dorm room.

As she made her way across the campus to the men’s freshman dormitory, she wondered what her boyfriend’s reaction was going to be. She said a quick prayer and asked God to help her make it through this. Gavin was standing on the curb as though he was waiting on a bus.

“Faith, girl, you are really tripping. You gone make me late, over here waiting on you like this. What it do, baby? Hit me with the info quick or I’m gone miss my flight.”

Faith thought about it and realizing that she had little or no time for antics, she blurted, “Gavin, I’m… I’m pregnant.” As tears began to roll down her cheeks, Gavin dropped his bag in shock.

He instantly grabbed Faith and pulled her close as he stared into the morning sky. Today was supposed to have been a great day. He was going to see his family in the next couple of hours and celebrate Christmas. Engulfed by shock and anguish, Gavin mouthed a silent oath.

Gavin’s best friend, Remi, pulled his red Chevy Blazer up to the curb where the couple was standing, still embracing one other. “Man look, y’all ought to have enough of each other, all that sex y’all been having lately. If we gone make this flight, we have to go now.” Remi chuckled, but quickly noticed that neither of his friends was laughing with him. Faith pulled away and looked at Remi with tearful eyes.

“What? What’s wrong, man?” He noticed that Gavin’s eyes were slightly watered too. “Man, would somebody please say something?”
“Remi, give me a minute with Faith, then we can go.” Remi was about to object, but the seriousness in Gavin’s face told him not to. He knew that Gavin would tell him what was going on during the ride to the airport.

“Faith, sweetie, we will get through this together, okay? I am so sorry I did this to you. I knew I should have used a condom. I am really sorry. I am even sorrier that I have to leave you, but I have to catch this flight if I want to get home for Christmas. I will call you as soon as I get home, okay, so that we can talk. I love you, sweetie.”
And just like that, he and Remi were off. Faith stood shivering in the cold with her hands still clenching the pregnancy test. She watched as Remi’s SUV disappeared.


While Gavin and Faith got out of the car, the protestors were still shouting...

End of Excerpt

Are you craving more? Order Your Copy Today!

FEATURED AUTHOR: Stacy Hawkins Adams

Please give the readers a brief bio on you the person and the writer.

I'm a lover of the written word who penned my first stories and poems when I was in first grade. My eldest sister would take them and type them up and return them to me in "book form," planting the first seeds that I could be an author. I majored in journalism in college and served as a daily newspaper reporter and columnist for 13 years, covering social issues and matters of faith. In early 2006, I left my long-time reporting position to become a full-time novelist, freelance writer and inspirational speaker. I have written three Christian fiction novels ( Speak To My Heart, Nothing But the Right Thing and Watercolored Pearls) and freelance regularly for publications such as Heart & Soul magazine, Crosswalk.com and the Richmond Times-Dispatch. I'm married to my high school sweetheart and have two children, ages 6 and 9, who make sure we never have a dull moment at home.

Tell us about your current book?

Watercolored Pearls tells the story of three friends who find themselves on very different journeys, each doubting herself and questioning the choices she's made. Serena is an overwhelmed stay-at-home mom and pastor's wife; Erika is a single mother struggling with whether to leave her once-abusive marriage, and Tawana is a promising law school student in danger of losing a bright future because she's tormented by her past. By the end of the story, the women realize that the paths they have traveled thus far and the places they now find themselves in are exactly where they should be to grow into the pearls that God has destined them to be. Watercolored Pearls is the third and final book in a series that includes the titles Speak To My Heart and Nothing But the Right Thing; however, it was written as a stand-alone title so that readers can pick up this book first and still be fully engaged in the characters' lives.

What would you like your readers to take away from your book?

I'd like readers to laugh and cry with these characters and see themselves or their friends in Serena, Erika or Tawana. I'd like them to be entertained by the book, but also finish it and know that despite their circumstances, they, too, are "pearls in progress" and are loved unconditionally by God.

What inspired this story?

The story flowed out of my desire to develop realistic characters struggling with the tough issues many women face today - even women who fully embrace their faith. I wanted to tackle true-to-life issues and challenges and show how people of faith grapple with them and rely on their faith as a source of guidance and peace.

How long did it take from first word to sale? What were some of the steps along the journey?

Since this was my third book in a series, I had a contract to write the book over a nine-month period. I'm the type of writer who ponders the story for a while in my head before I put it down on paper. I can write a skeleton of the entire book within a week or two, then I go back and read through it more slowly to add context, meaning, twists and turns, and other layers. The key is to get a completed first draft so I'll have something to fine tune.

What have you learned throughout the process of writing, pitching - and now, promoting - a novel?

I've learned that as an author you have to wear the dual hats of writer and marketing expert. Authors know their books best, so that makes us the best ones to pitch them and sell them to readers. It's really important to work closely with your publisher's marketing team to make sure you're hitting your target audience as hard as you can to spread the word about your books. I've also learned that you can never stop growing as a writer - or at least you shouldn't. I try to improve my technique and my voice with each book I write so that hopefully readers feel rewarded each time they pick up one of my novels.

Any exciting things happening before or during the time period while the book is releasing?

Just before a book's release it's always a frenzy to get as much buzz about your book out there as possible, through online and radio interviews, book signings, etc. One of the exciting things that I did in conjunction with the release of Watercolored Pearls was host a community-wide book release reception that also served as an opportunity to recognize a nonprofit organization and a community volunteer in my local area (Richmond, Virginia) with Watercolored Pearl Awards. The organization and the volunteer each received a pearl-shaped glass trophy, and the volunteer also received a strand of pearls from a local jewelry store. In recognizing them during the signing, I helped raise awareness about their efforts and helped them secure more volunteers and supporters.

I will also be sponsoring various online contests and giveaways on my website during the holiday season for readers who purchase Watercolored Pearls. They can visit the website for details.

How much marketing do you do? What have you found that particularly works well for you?

I do all types of marketing, because there's no one-size-fits-all way to reach readers. I do book signings, pay for online marketing promotions such as those offered by SORMAG, do radio and television interviews, blog occassionally, write freelance articles that include a mention of my books and publish an authors e-newsletter called Life Untapped. I profile a guest author in the newsletter, recommend books to read and also highlight the latest news about my books and speaking engagements .

What are three things you wish you'd known before you reached where you are now?

I wish I had known:
1) How important it is for an author to do his/her own marketing
2) How important it is to brand your writing style and books and think outside the box regarding ways to promote the titles
3) Approximately 40,000 books are published every year. As an author, you can't just write a good book and expect it to stand out; you have to work hard to make it stand out, through marketing, word of mouth, connecting with booksellers, etc.

What do you do to make time for yourself?

Finding time for myself can be a challenge! In addition to penning books, freelancing and speaking, I'm always juggling community service endeavors and my children's activities. I find it relaxing most evenings to simply unwind with a cup of hot tea and something brief to read, like a magazine article or short devotional that I've been meaning to get to. I play an occasional game of tennis when I can, and I love bubble baths. I also get together with my two best friends from college once or twice a year for a girlfriend weekend, and we talk and laugh ourselves silly.

How can readers get in contact with you? (mail, email, website)

I love hearing from readers. They can reach me in the following ways:

http://www.stacyhawkinsadams.com/

stacy@stacyhawkinsadams.com

P.O. Box 25985
Richmond, VA 23260

AUTHOR INTRO: Nicole S. Rouse

Nicole S. Rouse was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She attended Temple University and received a degree in Elementary Education. As a teacher, Nicole heavily emphasized the importance of writing. Over time, her students learned to appreciate many forms of writing and Nicole rediscovered her own passion for literacy. A colleague recognized Nicole’s enthusiasm and encouraged her to “dream big.” For Nicole, that meant pursuing a career in the publishing industry. She is now a senior editor at a large educational publishing company. In her spare time, she mentors children in Chicago and they continue to “dream big” together.

Happily Ever Now


There was a time when Renee Thomas had the ideal life. She had a loving husband, well-behaved children, and a rewarding career. But on the eve of her thirty-fifth birthday, her life began to crumble. Through God's love, can she learn to forgive and discover the true joy of life's happiness?

Visit Nicole - http://www.nicolerouse.com/

Etour: Darn Oldham

Scent of an Angel

by Darn Oldham

Doug Kenner's flesh seems to be vying for a position greater than his spirit.

He nearly gives up on the notion of finding The One...

until he meets Copper Patterson.

Will their connection prove fatal?

Visit Darn on the Web at http://www.nevaehpublishing.com/

FEATURED AUTHOR: Pat Simmons

EDITOR NOTE: It is always nice to introduce you to someone I know. A fellow St. Louisian is even better. Pat has a great since of humor and is someone you can ask a favor and she's right there. I'm excited to see her career taking off and I look forward to seeing more of her books in print. Please meet Pat Simmons.

Please give the readers a brief bio on you the person and the writer.

Professionally, I'm a news writer and assignment editor for a TV station in the Midwest. I consider myself an amateur genealogist who loves to find the missing links in the family. I've been baptized in Jesus' name for about 28 years and had the wonderful experience of being filled with the Holy Ghost and hearing myself speak in unknown tongues. I've been married for more than twenty years and have two in college.

As a writer, I'm learning the business, and this is a whole new world for me.

Tell us about your current book?

Guilty of Love is part comedy, relationship, and genealogy, but its all inspirational from a Christian viewpoint. Every person is guilty of love when it comes to spouses, children, siblings, etc., we have a habit of overlooking their discretion. Cheney Reynolds is trying to restore her life after making a bad decision. Parke Jamieson VI is a direct descendant of a Royal African tribe and arrogant doesn't begin to describe him, but eventually he becomes Cheney's prince. Then there is Mrs. Beatrice Tilley Beacon aka Grandma BB--the neighborhood terror to the dance-a-thon queen--and she's an eighty-year old something widow. Cheney's close friend, Imani, is definitely not what readers think she is, and Hallison and Malcolm. Readers are screaming for a sequel.

What would you like your readers to take away from your book?


I had hoped someone would re-evaluate their walk with God and allow God to release their guilt. And from the emails I've received, that is happening.

What inspired this story?


Obedience to God. At first, I was hesitate about the subject matter, but then I realized if I wrote 10 books, none would be successful until I penned the one God told me to do.

How long did it take from first word to sale?

About 3 years.

What were some of the steps along the journey?

Editing, revising, editing, submitting, hoping, refusing to give up after numerous rejection letters, and rejoicing. Definitely networking!

What have you learned throughout the process of writing, pitching - and now, promoting - a novel?

For me, there isn't a part of the process that is easy. Learning the "art" of storytelling instead of writing. I put myself right in the middle of a scene so that I can feel and see what I want the readers to feel.

Although I have several years in the media, including as a publicist, it's different when it's your own book. I'm tweaking my next novel; I'm on the phone setting up radio/TV interviews, newspaper write-ups, etc.; and contacting book stores for signings--and that was discouraging because many of the Borders and even Barnes & Noble didn't have my book on the shelf because it was "Multicultural" and the district or regional office didn't think there was the clientele. That was a surprise to me and the their practice still frustrates me. It's extremely hard for one person to do it all, but somebody has to do it.

Any exciting things happening before or during the time period while the book is releasing? A lot of media publicity before and a the beginning.


Setting up a website and building a potential reader/fan base.

How much marketing do you do? What have you found that particularly works well for you?

I do a LOT of marketing from postcard mailings to doing radio/TV interviews, to networking, etc. Every week I try to do something publicly from Girls Night Out to book setups at salons, YMCA, schools, etc.

What are three things you wish you'd known before you reached where you are now?

I wish I had two finished novels completed before signing a book contract.

The pressure to finished a second book is unbelievable when writers have all the time in the world perfecting the first one.

I wish I hadn't expected people to support me--friends, family, church, etc. I was surprised after 2 months, many hadn't purchased the book.Then God spoke to me and let me know that the sales of my books wasn't about me, but about HIM. And that my success is NOT based on anyone's support, but His Will in my life. That Word from God changed my perspective about my secondary role as an author.

Have at least $500 available prior to the advancement to start putting things in motion.

What do you do to make time for yourself?

I try and sew about one hour each morning so when I do my signings I look nice.

How can readers get in contact with you? (mail, email, website)


http://www.patsimmons.net/
patsimmons.blog.com

pat@patsimmons.net

EXCERPT: Guilty of Love

Guilty of Love

Pat Simmons

How was Cheney Reynolds to know that the most important decision in her life was the right one? Parke Jamison VI, a direct descendent of a royal African tribe, argues it wasn’t. The incomparable and sassy Mrs. Beatrice Tilley Beacon aka Grandma BB becomes their self-appointed unofficial referee, but God had already reached the verdict.

PROLOGUE

Durham, North Carolina
“Larry,” a trembling voice whispered into the phone, “I’m pregnant.”
Gripping the receiver, Cheney Reynolds sniffed back tears. She waited and waited—for soothing words of comfort, shouts of jubilation, or any response from her boyfriend. Instead, silence ensued. Seconds dragged into minutes.
A boom of laughter exploded in the hall outside her dorm, startling Cheney. High-pitched voices consumed with gaiety seemed to belittle her predicament. Fellow Duke University students were making plans for a night of partying. Cheney had to think beyond tonight. Somehow, she had lost focus and allowed her promising, secure future to be in the hands of one man.
Larry Thimes exhaled a restless breath through the phone before speaking as if his teeth were glued together. His words measured, his tone stiff, like the ugly all-season brown curtains hanging at her dorm window.
“Then you know what must be done,” he responded in a clipped tone.
“No. What?”
“Get rid of it.”
“Just like that? No discussion?” Cheney shut her eyes as darkness invaded her mind. “But—” She tasted the bile racing up her throat. “Oh, my God, no. You can’t mean that.” The room began to spin. She closed her eyes, but the dizziness was already set in motion. This wasn’t suppose to happen. She and Larry had practiced safe sex. Now she wondered if the phrase was a misnomer.
“Sweetheart,” Larry said as if talking to a child, “you’re scheduled to graduate next semester, remember?”
“I know, but—”
“You’re enrolling in Duke’s Global Executive MBA program. Plus, I’m completing my J.D. and will be busy studying for the bar.”
“Maybe—”
“I can’t even support myself. Sorry, a baby isn’t an option for us right now.”
Stress deepened the lines in Cheney’s forehead. What Larry said was true. In addition, Cheney did want to be married before she had a baby. At least that’s what society deemed acceptable. Cheney didn’t think about etiquette when she was with Larry. What would her parents say about her pregnancy? Her mother would faint from the thought of embarrassment. Her philosophical father would gather his thoughts before advising her of his disappointment. Her older sister, Janae, would be shocked, and her twin brother—he would be ecstatic. Rainey always loved children.
Sifting through her situation for the third time that day, Cheney had to concur with Larry. A pregnancy wasn’t in their plans. After all, she had won a four-year scholarship. I can’t just throw it all away. She was an educated, up-and-coming professional, but her heart pounded against her chest, refusing to comply. “Larry, maybe we should think about this. There has to be another way.”
“No, Love. There isn’t.”
She gnawed on her fist, crying. Larry was the calm, reasonable and decision-maker in their relationship. He was the strong black man every sistah craved and every woman would endure drastic measures to keep. His charm opened doors for him as if he were royalty. He had showed her how to love and was now the father of her child. Larry mocked her when he didn’t hesitate to say, “kill it.” No, it was like a slap in the face from her lover.
A collage of their romantic moments played in Cheney’s mind. She sighed, visualizing Larry’s long, dark-chocolate fingers outlining her lips when she smiled or right before he smothered them with kisses.
Cheney remembered the night they shared their first slow dance at a campus fraternity party at the end of her freshmen year. At that magical moment, she wanted to be with Larry for the rest of her life. At the end of her sophomore year, she had shared her entire being with the self-confident, look-twice-handsome and sensitive Larry Thimes.
I could use some sensitivity right now, she pleaded silently. Didn’t Larry realize how much in love she was with him? Their souls had connected in passionate lovemaking that had produced a little miracle. A baby, their baby. Cheney shook her head in disbelief. She wanted to wake up from this nightmare.
“Larry—”
“Cheney. There’s no point to keep discussing this.”
“There is no discussion. You’re dictating to me.”
We’ll have another child later,” he consoled before snapping, “How could you’ve been so stupid and allowed this to happen anyway?”
“Me?”
Did he just blame me? Larry’s harshness caused Cheney’s head to pound. Her heart ached as her stomach contracted. Suddenly, her prenatal, P-M-S, post-menopause, and any other hormones that scientists had yet to identify kicked in. I am not the one to mess with, she shouted inwardly. She couldn’t talk anymore, much less breathe. Without a goodbye, she slammed the phone down.
It had taken Cheney seven days to accept the fact that she was a pregnant, unmarried college student. Larry only needed five seconds to give a responding, “no.” At least she had juggled the idea of motherhood versus a career, and the sacrifice they would have to make.
“Why couldn’t he say, ‘A baby? Honey, that’s wonderful, or ‘What do you want to do?’ or ‘We can get married now or later’,” she fussed to no one. Instead, Larry had failed the ultimate test. Sitting still on her narrow twin bed, Cheney listened as water dripped from a corner sink and voices shouted in her head.
The boisterous women had moved inside to the adjoining suite connected by a small bathroom. Mentally tormented, Cheney collapsed against the wall, rubbing her belly. The phone rung, but it was her prerogative to ignore it.
She couldn’t stand Larry’s name at the moment. “I sure don’t want to hear your voice,” Cheney said, needing time to think and pray. She sobbed instead.
As an hour ticked by, Cheney’s swollen eyes half-registered the room’s blackness. To wake up from a bad dream, she forced her body to the sink and patted cold water on her numbed, red face. She sighed at her tousled reflection. “I’m pregnant.” Cheney yanked her long, black hair as if she was about to extricate weeds from a manicured lawn. “Career or motherhood, what am I going to do? God, if I ever needed you, it’s now.”

CHAPTER 1
Five years later
Ferguson, Missouri

Four-year-old Cheyenne Reynolds slammed the screened door, limping into the house. Tears trickled down her plump cheeks. Faint traces of blood and grass marks stained her pink-and-watermelon-green short set. Dirt played tagged with her once clean ruffled socks and new Keds.
“Mommy, I fell off my bike. I’m bleedin’. Am I goin’ die?” Her bottom lip trembled.
Kneeling, Cheney examined the scrapped skin below Cheyenne ’s knee, and relaxed—nothing requiring stitches. She was still amazed how her daughter’s temperament was so much like hers when she was younger, especially the over-dramatization about the smallest mishap.
“No, sweetie, you’ll live to be an old woman with a house full of your own munchkins.” Cheney smiled.
The child giggled, forgetting her mishap.
Cheney laughed and opened her arms wide to comfort her daughter whose eye lashes were saturated with tears. Meticulously, Cheney picked leaf fragments from her daughter’s hair, smoothing back wild black strands that had escaped from two braids.
Cheyenne laid her head against Cheney’s chest, casting an angelic upward look. “Ooh, Mommy, it hurts. It hurts,” she whimpered. “I can’t walk.”
“I bet a Bugs Bunny Band-Aid will make it feel better, and then you’ll be able to ride your bike again. Okay, sweetie?”
Liking the sound of that, Cheyenne nodded and squeezed her mother with all the strength her tiny arms could muster. “You’re the best.” She smacked a hard, wet kiss against Cheney’s cheek. “I wuv you, Mommy.”
Savoring the moment, Cheney closed her eyes, rocking the preschooler she had created with Larry—no doubt an established attorney by now, but a non-existent father who had fought her daily to terminate the pregnancy.
“Just do it! It’ll be over before you realize it, and we can get back to the way we were,” Larry had said in a frustrated whisper, waiting outside her dorm room. For days she hadn’t returned his calls and had avoided him in the dining hall.
Not to be disregarded, Larry had come to see her after a morning exam. Presenting a long-stemmed rose, he displayed an expression laden with guilt. Without much coaching, he guided her to a secluded bench on the other side of campus. Neither hinted at the turmoil raging between them as they walked unhurried.
Once they were seated, Larry intertwined his fingers through hers. He inhaled, held his breath, and exhaled as he stared at a passing car. Cheney didn’t rush him. Her heart was heavy, too. She turned and looked at his dark skin, high cheekbones, and large lips. She wondered who their baby would look like.
Larry allowed Cheney the scrutiny before loosening his fingers. He snuggled closer, cherishing her like she meant everything to him.
“You know I love you,” Larry whispered.
Cheney’s eyes welled with tears. She needed to hear that. “Larry, I love you so very, very much, but I’m scared, confused, and excited.”
Larry grabbed her around the waist, recoiling when he touched her stomach. “Baby, our love is strong and endless, we can’t let anything— I mean anything come between us, including this mistake. That’s all this is, a mistake, not a baby. We’ll get through this. I’m here for you like always. Just do it. “
Within days, their tranquility shattered. Tempers flared and disagreements became commonplace. Larry accused her of not thinking rationally about their future. To the contrary, that’s all she had been contemplating, and she was starting to accept the idea of becoming a mother. But the stress and despair overtook Cheney in her weakest state. She submitted to Larry’s demand, beguiled by a romantic dinner, a seductive body massage, and a dozen roses.
Honking horns jolted Cheney back to the present and the green traffic light. Fanning her sweaty face, she swallowed back tears. A trembling hand gripped the steering wheel. She cleared her throat, and mumbled, “It’s water under the bridge.”
Yeah, right, but the recollections caused Cheney’s nostrils to flare. Anger rose up within her. She felt like she had enough hostility to beat down an army, agreeing to something that had succeeded in pulling her into hell.
She didn’t ask for them, but the memories had faded in and out during the past five years. Sometimes Cheney could still taste the fear and feel the uncertainty of being an unwed pregnant college student.
Their loving relationship disintegrated after she allowed Larry to take her to Crist Clinic in Jacksonville , North Carolina . She cried all the way; he concentrated on driving. Once inside, Larry didn’t hold her hand or glance into her grief-stricken eyes as they waited. To add further insult to injury, he had refused to go into the counseling room with her. “It’s nothing more than woman talk. I know you can handle it.”
Cheney found herself begging God for some guidance. When He didn’t answer, Cheney knew she was on her own. The nurse’s words of wisdom seemed to reinforce what Larry had suggested, “You made the right decision because your man doesn’t look like he wants to be tied down with a small fry.”
The final nail in her coffin was his nonchalance after their child was ripped from her womb. No whispers of I love you, or warm hugs. Basically, get over it. Larry wasn’t even cordial enough to ask if she was okay. “I should’ve recognized the signs,” she told herself. God didn’t give her any signs so the decision was hers.
Four days later, Cheney laid in Duke University Medical Center as blood drained from her body. The doctor who had performed the abortion had perforated her uterus. She endured fitful nights of excruciating pain—alone.
The physical loss was small, but her mind lashed out. Ashamed, she couldn’t tell her family. Only a close friend knew about her stupidity. Leaving the hospital, Cheney had experienced post-abortion stress syndrome.
The child’s spirit lingered, haunting Cheney when she least expected. If only God had spoken to Cheney, directing her. The beautiful child that God seemed bent on tormenting her with would be with Cheney now, strapped in a booster seat and singing a nursery rhyme. Thousands of women aborted their babies every year so what’s the big deal? They got over it, didn’t they? Sure.
She had read about other women’s grief on an internet website and learned even after ten or twenty years, some still regretted their decision. “I am not one of them, God,” she taunted as if God was a passenger in her vehicle. “The dreams are not funny, either. You gave me free will, and I used it!”
The move from Durham back home to Missouri was a big step. Remaining in North Carolina would only serve to remind her of the guilt from what went wrong in her life. For the pass five years she had been too ashamed to come home and tell her family the good, bad, and the extremely ugly decisions she had made. So she did what she thought was best. Shut them out.
Cheney didn’t want to admit it, but God helped her make that decision. A month before she had hesitantly asked for a job transfer, put her condo up for sale, and gave most of her belongings away like she was holding a public auction except her stuff was free.
The decision came after she sped pass a little storefront church and refused to give it a sideways glance. That didn’t stop the sensation that God was peeping out from the building watching her. God seemed to pluck her out of the car and thrust her into a tarnished Garden of Eden. Just like Adam and Eve, God was letting Cheney know she couldn’t cover the shame of her nakedness. She audibly heard a scripture whispered into her ear, but to this day, Cheney refused to read Revelation three, seventeen and eighteen. Besides, she didn’t own a Bible.

Thank You

Today is the day we give thanks to those who have served their country.

I say thank you to my family and friends

Hubby - Clyde

Uncles - Gerald, Perry

Cousin - Richard

Friends - Lenore, Phyllis, Marianne, Sharon, Antonio,

John, Paul, Tonja, Michael, Danny, Bunce, Linda

Bill, Don, Jennifer, Marion, Rebecca, Alvin,

Family/Friends serving today,

Thank you, love ya and miss you.

Niece - Khalila

Nephew - Amad

Friend - Ruth

NOV HOT BOOKS

Greetings in the name of literature,


Welcome to HOTBOOKS.

Lately I've found myself buying more books online than at the bookstores. I wondered if I'm alone in this or are more people leaving the bookstores behind and going online.

Please take a moment to fill out a quick survey. We'd like to know how you're buying your books.

http://sormag.blogspot.com/2007/11/book-survey.html

Don't forget to check your email on Wed - November 14th for our first Christmas Buying Issue.

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We welcome your opinion on the newsletter and the books. Let us know what you're buying.

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See ya on the net,

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P.S. If you haven't ordered your book thongs for Christmas presents, what are you waiting on? They're made by Simply Said and are beautiful.


FEATURED AUTHORS THIS WEEK

Stop by SORMAG's Blog http://sormag.blogspot.com/ and meet:

Taylor Chang-Babaian & Christie Walker Bos

ASIAN FACES

Perigee Trade

ISBN-10: 0399533141
ISBN-13: 978-0399533143

Is the essential beauty guide for all Asian woman, whether you are East Asian (Japanese, Korean etc.) to South Asian (Indian), The book is a wealth of information on how to apply make up, what products are and what they do and why you need them.


MAGICAL MAN LIST

Cerridwen Press
http://www.cerridwenpress.com/productpage.asp?ISBN=9781419910845

The story of two women, Samantha and Marta who decide to make "man lists" detailing all the traits and characteristics they want in the perfect man. To activate their lists, they make up "magical" ceremonies that involve breaking into Dodger Stadium and almost drowning in the Pacific ocean. But if there's one thing Sam and Marta discover on their hilarious journey-there's no sacrifice too great when it comes to finding true love.


CHRISTIAN

THE PASTOR'S WIFE DOES CRY
Lady Bea Morgan

Prioritybooks Publications
ISBN-10: 0979282349
ISBN-13: 978-0979282348

Scandal: Abuse in the Church Exposed

What do these three women have in common: Lady Bea Morgan, Mary Winkler and Juanita Bynum? They are all first ladies, claiming to be abused by pastors.

First Lady, Lady Bea Morgan debut novel, The Pastor's Wife Does Cry, shares her personal account of abuse and is risking all to unlock, unfold, and expose the unrighteousness within her church and home.


THE YADA YADA PRAYER GROUP

GETS DECKED OUT
Neta Jackson

ISBN-10: 1595543619
ISBN-13: 978-1595543615

Thomas Nelson

The Yada Yadas are getting "decked out" to celebrate the holidays! But God's idea of "decked out" just might change the nature of their party plans--along with a purse-snatching, a hurry-up wedding, and a child who will forever change the Baxter family. This holiday season, the Yada Yadas are learning that no one can out-celebrate God.

Website address: http://www.daveneta.com/



KEEPING MISERY COMPANY
Michelle Larks

ISBN: ISBN-10: 1601629486
ISBN-13: 978-1601629487

Urban Christian Books

Keeping Misery Company is an inspirational tale about Ruth Wilcox, the only daughter of prominent Chicago minister, Reverend Isaiah Clayton and his feisty wife, Queen Esther. Ruth has her hands full trying to cope with mounting marital problems and the onslaught of physical changes her body is going through. Lately, Ruth and her husband, Daniel, have drifted apart like two ships passing in the night; with zero visibility between them. The two don't even share the same bedroom anymore. Daniel hasn't been happy in the marriage for some time and seeks solace in the arms of his young mistress, Lenora. He oversleeps after a tryst between the sheets with Lenora, and when he arrives home, all hell breaks loose.

Keeping Misery Company is a poignant tale about a religious family in spiritual crisis. Secrets, lies, betrayal, and forgiveness are at the forefront of this story. It culminates with a triumphing of the spirit and soul.

Website address http://www.michellelarks.com/
or http://www.urbanchristianonline.net/


EROTICA


ZACK AND THE DARK SHAFT: Zara's Bois 1:
Gracie C. McKeever

ISBN: 1-933563-11-7
E-book $3.50

Zara's Bois:

When the powers-that-be make the decision to return a selfish party-girl to Earth on three missions of redemption, can romance and mayhem be far behind?

As different as night and day, the only thing twins Zara and Zack Benjamin have in common are their genes and their love for Quincy Powers. Zara's death in an unfortunate accident gives her brother a chance with Quincy. Except Zara hasn't quit on the man she loves just yet.

Siren Publishing, Inc.: http://www.sirenpublishing.com/graciecmckeever/zatds.asp



SEX ON THE 2ND FLOOR
Jazz Catrell

Prioritybooks Publications

ISBN-10: 0975363484
ISBN-13: 978-0975363485

Jessica Williamson never dreamed that the fire in her would unleash an insurmountable passion when she hired the sexy and handsome Travis Ingram to maintain the company's computer system. Will Jessica and Travis control the passion that threatens to destroy everything they worked so hard to obtain? Or will they succumb to the passion in their hearts?



CHARMED
Koko Brown

Ellora's Cave

What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas, right?
Unfortunately, this isn't the case for recently married Chloe Walker, who believes she's left behind the biggest mistake she's ever made in her life in Sin City, her husband Tristan. Who although a walking Adonis is nuttier than her grandma Violet's fruitcake because he thinks he's a flesh and blood vampire!

However, after returning home, Chloe discovers that Tristan might not have been the loony tune she first assumed him to be. But while she must come to terms with the strange new changes in her life, she must also fend off an irresistible husband, who despite her weight insecurities is hell bent on winning her back.

But, happily ever after isn't so easy for the two when Chloe learns that Tristan hasn't exactly played the game of love & war fairly

Website: http://cocobuttr72.googlepages.com/


ROMANCE


ACROSS TIME: Mystery of the Great Sphinx
O. J. Harp III, Ph.D.



Llumnia Press

1-59526-601-1
1-59526-602-X

The novel is a sci-fi story that bridges the ages, expertly pulling you into the diverse realms of the future as well as the distant past. It's filled with mysticism, magic, future technology, and the history and lore of ancient Egypt (Kemet), with its spells, Pharaohs and pyramids.

http://www.ojharp.com



TOO LATE FOR ROMANCE?L.M. Gonzalez


The Wild Rose Press
http://www.thewildrosepress.com/

ISBN 1-60154-1554

Gloria Amaya believes romance has passed her by and only wants her rose garden to flourish. Matt Cerda knows gardens. When he meets Gloria, he realizes that she and her garden need more than a little tender loving care. Will Gloria and Matt allow their love to blossom?

Website address: www.freewebs.com/lesmora


THE WELCOME INN
Elaine Cantrell

Wings ePress

ISBN-10: 1597057762
ISBN-13: 978-1597057769

A resentful employee falls for her ruggedly handsome new boss who helps her thwart jewel thieves who believe she has taken their stolen diamonds.

http://www.elainecantrell.com


CHRISTMAS HEAT

Devon Vaughn Archer


Kimani Romance

ISBN: 0373860471

A season of miracles and second chances

Audrey Lamour was a successful artist and devoted mother, forever indebted to the heroic fireman who pulled her from a blaze twenty-five years ago on Christmas Day. She honored him by painting his portrait--never dreaming her picture would become a lifeline to love...

Conrad Pearson was driven to meet the woman whose emotional painting of his father seared his soul, even if it meant returning home to the Pacific Northwest, and painful memories. But Audrey's beauty, grace, and unforgettable kiss ignited the kind of sensual fire that made a man glad to be alive. Now he was ready to face all the ghosts of Christmas past to keep this angel in his arms forever.

Website address

http://www.rbarriflowers.com/DevonVaughnArcher.html

http://www.myspace.com/devonvaughnarcher



SACRED GROUND

Rita Karnopp


ISBN 978-0-9804263-4-2

Eternal Press


"This book tells of dreams and legends; of the struggle to overcome fear and prejudice. Beautiful, tender and full of love, it tugs at the heartstrings. Five red roses, Anne, redrosesforauthors."

Website address: http://www.eternalpress.com/



SLOW BURN: A MADARIS NOVEL
Brenda Jackson


ISBN: 0312940491
St. Martin's Press


As they say -- where there's smoke, there's a fire - and the flame that burns between Skye Barclay and Slade Madaris in this new sizzling novel is, well a SLOW BURN!

ONCE YOU FIND

Everything in attorney Skye Barclay's life is coming together smoothly until she makes the startling discovery that she is adopted! Not only does she learn about her birth mother's death, she also learns that she has a brother, Vincent, she knew nothing about. Skye is on a mission to locate her brother even though her adoptive parents and fiancé, Wayne, doesn't think it is a good idea. In fact, Wayne goes even further by abruptly ending their engagement.

A LOVE THAT'S TRUE

Skye's search for Vincent leads her to his adoptive parents, Dr. Justin and Lorren Madaris, and Slade Madaris, Vincent's tall, dark, and very sexy cousin. Slade is by far the most compelling man Skye has ever met. But she's not ready to get involved in another relationship so soon after Wayne's rejection -- not even when Slade offers her a job so she can stick around and get to know her brother better.

MAKE IT LAST FOREVER

Slade is a shrewd businessman, but hiring Skye is one of the riskiest moves he's ever made. Soon their mutual attraction for each other explodes into a steamy summer affair. When Wayne shows up in town determined to win Skye back, Slade sets out to prove that he and Skye are meant to be together. A Madaris man never walks away from a challenge-especially when true love is on the line

Join the SLOW BURN celebration! - http://www.thegrits.com/promos/books/BJackson.html


MAINSTREAM


ONE G STRING SHORT OF CRAZY
Desiree Day


ISBN-10: 1416543163
ISBN-13: 978-1416543169

Pocket Books


Felicia and Aisha Goodman are hot as hell twin sisters who need separate places. Aisha can't settle on any one man, and night after night of loud hot sex in the room next door is driving Felicia crazy. But neither can imagine life without the other.

Website address: http://www.desireeday.com/



SUSPENSE

BLOOD WEB
Gary Starta

ISBN: 0979130484
Charles River Press

Caitlin Diggs became the FBI's top agent by being brazen and unconventional, but her experience and training had not prepared her for this new enemy a murderous teenager has linked with a crystal and now spawns a biological Internet threatening Diggs and all humanity.

Website: http://www.garystarta.com/


COMING SOON


NEVER AS GOOD AS THE FIRST TIME
Mari Walker

St. Martin's Griffin
April 15, 2008

ISBN-10: 0312375425
ISBN-13: 978-0312375423

An intense, gripping debut novel about a young mother of three young children struggling through a divorce and with an unforgettable battle with addiction that threatens to destroy her life and her family. Is love -and just a little bit of faith-enough to save them all?

http://www.mariwalker.com/


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These items are GREAT GIFTS TO FANS, GIVEAWAYS, BOOK SIGNINGS, PROMOTIONAL EVENTS, RELEASE PARTIES, AND CONTESTS for your website, as well as wonderful additions to your PRESS PACKETS
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The BOOK THONGS are jewelry for the book lover the come in many colors and styles, No 2 are the same. The ladies love them and we are working on a line just for the Gents! They are Sexy and Swinging, Bookmarks. These are made with all different types of beads and satin ribbon.

They are great contest gifts and give away's.

We are inviting you to come visit myspace.com/odebsimplysaid

to see samples of what we do.

odebdeb@aol.com

954 562-5709

LOOKING FOR A PLACE TO PROMOTE?
SORMAG IS THE PLACE FOR YOU

Didn't see your name or your book?

We still have slots available for November and the upcoming months.

Lock in your 2008 promotions before the rates change.

If you would like to sponsor our newsletter, send me an email and I'll send you more information.

SORMAG has different packages to fit every authors budget.

Check out our rates and let us introduce you to our readers.

Get your spot today - http://sormag.com/AUTHOR.html

Please feel free to tell your friends looking for a place to promote about our great rates.

COMING SOON 2008

NEVER AS GOOD AS THE FIRST TIME
Mari Walker

St. Martin's Griffin
April 15, 2008


ISBN-10: 0312375425
ISBN-13: 978-0312375423

An intense, gripping debut novel about a young mother of three young children struggling through a divorce and with an unforgettable battle with addiction that threatens to destroy her life and her family. Is love -and just a little bit of faith-enough to save them all?

http://www.mariwalker.com/

BOOK SURVEY

1. How do you buy your books? (pick as many as you use)

Online (amazon.com/BN other)

Independent book stores

Chain Bookstores

Sam’s Club/Coscos

Walmart

Used Bookstores

Online (Used)

Book Clubs

Subscriptions

2. Why do you choose to buy your books this way?

3. Do bookstores cater to the reader?

4. Do you attend booksigning? Why

5. How do you think bookstores can draw more readers?

This survey will be used to determine how readers are buying their books. Please feel free to tell others of the survey.