Forsaken Blog Tour

Meet Vanessa Miller, author of Forsaken

Vanessa, tell us about Forsaken.

Forsaken is the story of a fallen preacher’s journey back to God. The synopsis reads:

Pastor Jerome Tyler “JT” Thomas is charismatic behind the pulpit, charming to all he comes in contact with, and lethal to those who linger too long. Since the age of twenty-two, when he prayed for God to keep him out of prison, JT knew he would preach the gospel. Bishop Turner makes it possible; but there are strings attached, and now JT isn't sure he can stay tied down.

Cutting loose causes more problems than JT anticipated. When an old friend from his days on the streets resurfaces and his extracurricular activity comes knocking on his front door, JT’s life and the lives of those close to him spiral out of control. Now he will need divine intervention to make things right. But how much help can a man hope to receive when he feels he’s been forsaken by God?

How did you come up with ideas for this book?

There has been so many stories in the media about pastors who have fallen, that I wanted to write a book that shows people what needs to happen when you find yourself in a fallen state. This book is not just for fallen pastors, but any Christian who falls – it’s a book that shows that you can get back up.

Who are your main character(s)?

Pastor Jerome Tyler (JT) Thomas and his wife, Cassandra

Did you have a favorite character(s)? Who and why?
I really felt Cassandra’s pain in this story and the sequel, title (Forgiven) so she would have to be my favorite character in this series.

What do you hope readers will learn/discover from reading Forsaken?

I want readers to know that God is a forgiving God. Therefore, if any of us fall, we can turn back to God with a repentant heart, because He has grace and mercy for his people.

Okay, a not-so-fun question. How important are reviews to you as a writer?

They are very important to me. I have to admit, I read all of my reviews and enjoy the fact that readers gain a better understanding having a relationship with Jesus Christ after reading my novels.

Follow the blog tour at http://bit.ly/Forsaken.

For more information about Vanessa, visit her at http://www.vanessamiller.com/.

PRIZE WINNERS

I'm the process of sending off the prizes for the conference.

I've been waiting on a few addresses and I haven't received the following:
Stephanie McKenny
La Monica
Diamond McKenzie
Amelia
Faith
Consuella
Kandie
C.M. Jones
Linda Chavis
Book Lover in Cali
Chris
Melsha Olgen
Karen Brown
Kimberly Cauley
Angela Anmiri Riley
Mary Thomas


If I don't hear from you by the 30th, I'll assume you don't want the prize.

For those who won prizes, if you haven't received your prizes by the end of October, please let me know.

BLOG TOUR: Del Rio Bay Clique Series

In 2007 Paula Chase Hyman introduced us to Mina Mooney a teenager at Del Rio Bay High. Five books later we’re still loving us some Mina.

Have you been missing out on the fun?

Meet Paula and Mina.

Del Rio Bay Clique Series

So Not the Drama

Hoping Del Rio Bay High will live up to her greatest expectations, Mina has big plans for infiltrating the school's social glitterati. After all, she's been mad popular for as long as she can remember—and she isn't about to go from Middle School Royalty to High School Ambiguity. But Del Rio Bay is a big school, so it'll take some plotting to avoid getting lost in the crowd. Good thing she isn't afraid of a little hard work—and that her playground peeps, Lizzie, Michael, and JZ, have got her back.

But it isn't long before Mina's big plans for securing her social status take a back seat to some drama that was so not expected. Lizzie's scored an invite from the beautiful people that Mina can only dream about, and not only is Michael tripping about being back in school, but now he's beefing with JZ. Worst of all, Mina's sociology class experiment to rid the world—or at least Del Rio Bay High—of prejudice is about to backfire. Because it might just mean she'll have to rid herself of her very best friend...

Read an Excerpt - http://www.paulachasehyman.com/drama1.php


Don't Get It Twisted

Mina Mooney's parents are killing her social life. It's time to fight back.

Mina's fantasy has finally come true. Craig Simpson-the hottest guy at Del Rio Bay High-has just invited her to the biggest bash of the year. There's just one hitch— her parents aren't down with letting Mina date a boy they know nothing about. Now she has thirteen days to give her parents a crash course in Craig, or else figure out how to get her fine self to the soiree-without alerting mom and pops. Whatever she decides, she's going to need reinforcements.

Unfortunately, her peeps are caught up in their own twists and turns. Jacinta's boyfriend has been getting on her nerves about spending so much time in `burbville, while rich and sheltered Kelly just might kick it with Angel, a cute, slick-talking hustler from the projects. And ever since JZ made varsity basketball, his mind has been glued to the game instead of schoolwork, which means his dad might make him drop all sports. As for Mina, if she doesn't succeed in enlisting the help of her friends-and fast-her social life just might hit skid row.

A fast-paced novel about loyalty, love, and friendship, Don't Get It Twisted shows what it takes to have a blast while breaking all the rules.

Read an Excerpt - http://www.paulachasehyman.com/twisted1.php

That's What's Up!

Mina Mooney is about to discover that when you're at the top, the only place to go is down.

It's springtime in Del Rio Bay, and everyone's heading to the O.C. to catch the varsity cheer squad compete at the Extreme Nationals. Everyone's pumped, especially Mina Mooney, because making the elite squad has finally gained her entrance into the Upper Circle. Mina's psyched for the big show-and some unsupervised cuddle time with Brian. Best of all, her number-one enemy, Jessica, has shocked everyone by calling a truce. But little does she know that Jessica's peace offer is nothing more than a disguise for what she really has in store for Mina.

Spring break means all sorts of trouble for Mina's friends, too. Lizzie, whose focus has never strayed from the books, is boy crazy for the first time in her life. Kelly's decision to give ex-hustler Angel another chance just might backfire. And Jacinta is having a hard time breaking things off with Raheem-even when he does something utterly unforgivable.

Fun, fast-paced, and impossible to put down, That's What's Up! proves that when it comes to popularity, you better watch your back.

Read an Excerpt – http://www.paulachasehyman.com/whatsup1.php


Who You Wit'?

Mina Mooney has a new worst enemy-her best friend.

Summer is just around the corner, but things are already too hot to handle in Del Rio Bay. Mina's so sprung over Brian that she's having a hard time just thinking straight. So, she's not at all ready when her best friend Lizzie makes their clique swear to a year-long virginity pact...

Now Mina and her crew are feeling way too much heat. Kelly is glad to take things slow with cute jock Greg-but ex-hustler Angel isn't about to let her go drama-free. For Jacinta, a missed period and Raheem planning "their" future together is promising nothing but trouble. And when Lizzie finds out Mina has "betrayed" the pact, it's a head-to-head, no-holds-barred showdown that could say hasta la vista to the clique for good.

Read an Excerpt – http://www.paulachasehyman.com/wit1.php



Flipping the Script

It's junior year at Del Rio Bay High, and from near and far, the guys are taking center stage...

Now that Mina's boyfriend Brian is off to Duke University, life in Del Rio Bay is lonely. And Brian's busy schedule as a Duke baller isn't helping. As the season heats up and the phone calls get fewer, Mina's insecurity increases—and so does Brian's impatience with it. But he's not the only guy in the clique dealing with craziness.

Michael's passion for fashion has led to a chance to attend a special creative arts program in D.C. He knows he should jump on it, but leaving home is harder than he thought. He turns to his dancer friend Rob for support, but Rob's presence around the clique triggers star athlete JZ's feelings of homophobia. As JZ's discomfort simmers, his feelings get the best of him when he finds himself seriously attracted to Jacinta—and discovers she's on a different page.

With relationships in the balance and friendships at risk, Flipping the Script challenges the guys to step up when the stakes are high.

Read an Excerpt – http://www.paulachasehyman.com/flipping.php


Author Paula Chase Hyman has written for Girls’ Life, Sweet 16, and Baltimore Magazine among others. Her Del Rio Bay series launched Kensington Books YA line in 2007. It paved the way for the growing number of popular fiction YA books targeted to multi-culti suburbanite teens. The five part series includes the '07 debut, So Not The Drama. Chase calls her brand of teen literature, Hip lit, a nod to the diversity spawned by the MTV-watching, 106th & Park-ing, pop culture hungry hip hop generation. Not happy with the lack of awareness African American authors writing for children were receiving among gatekeepers, Chase started The Brown Bookshelf with four other children’s authors in October 2007. The group’s flagship initiative, 28 Days Later, spotlights both under-the-radar authors and pioneers in children’s lit. The author lives outside of Annapolis , MD with her husband and two daughters.

http://www.paulachasehyman.com

BLOG TOUR: What Is This Love Thing All About?

Corey J. Barnes is a long time native of Lakeland, Florida. Currently he resides there with his son Corey Jr. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education, a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership, and is currently working on his PhD in Instructional Leadership and Adult Education.

Becoming an author and also establishing the publishing company CJ Publishing has fulfilled a lifelong dream for Corey as he attempts to bring true romance and integrity back to urban fiction, from a male perspective, hence his moniker, “The Renaissance Man of Romance”.

In his debut novel What Is This Love Thing All About? Corey displays that chivalry is not dead and the thrill of the chase is still present in today’s world. Presently, Corey is working on his second novel. In addition to his work as a middle school administrator, Corey also coaches high school boys basketball and his son’s little league football team. When he is not writing, he enjoys spending time with his son and working out.


What Is This Love Thing All About?

Be careful what you wish for... Is what you think you want... Really what you need?

Meet Rick Jenkins, who has everything that most would love to have in life. Great job, great looks, well educated, money, he has it all, except for one thing – a woman to share it with. A single and eligible bachelor, Rick can’t seem to even find a good woman to go on a date with, much less to think about take it to the next level. Rick is content to take life as it is until one night at a sorority fund raising function, he runs into Aphrodite Morrison and his fate changes forever.

Aphrodite is a mysterious, yet angelic woman who Rick is lost for from the first minute he talks to her. A partner in one of the top advertising companies in the Greater Atlanta area, she does not have a want for anything. There is another side to Aphrodite that looms under the surface. When she thinks she has met the perfect man, her past threatens everything that she thinks may be meant for her and happening with Rick. Fate collides with destiny and creates doubt; does anyone really know: What is this Love Thing All About?


Where were you born?

I was born in Lakeland, Florida.

Education background?

I attended and graduated from Kathleen High School in Lakeland, Fl. I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in Education, specializing in Specific Learning Disabilities and Elementary Education from University of South Florida. I then obtained my Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Saint Leo University. I am currently working on my PhD in Adult Education and Instructional Leadership from Nova Southeastern University.

What's your inspiration or who is?

My inspiration in all that I do is my son, CJ. He is the very best part of me and is the reason I wake up in the morning. He is my heartbeat and my motivation.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

When I was a child I had dreams of either being a pro football player or a lawyer. As you can see, neither one of them took place.

Did you ever think you'd ever become an author?

I never thought I would become an author. I love to read, but I didn’t think I would ever do it myself, even though it was one of my goals. It was one of those things where you think about something but know it will never be, but it has and it is very exciting.

How long does it take you to write a book?

It took me a total of 8 months to write my first book. I actually wrote the first character in 5 months, and went back and added in the 2nd, which took 3 more months.

When did you write your first book and how old were you?

I wrote my first book, What Is This Love Thing All About at the age of 32.

Whose writing do you admire most?

The author whose style I admire the most is Eric Jerome Dickey. I also enjoy Dwayne Joseph’s style.

Were you a good student in school?

I was actually a very good student in school.

Tell me about your revision process.

I usually read from the back to the front for corrections needed. Doing it this way makes the story pretty much gibberish and in that sense, I can just concentrate on making sure that sentence structure and things of that nature are correct.

Did you like school? What was your favorite subject?

I enjoyed school. I am a life long learner and look to continually improve myself. My favorite subject in school was English, which helped me with being an author and the next subject was Math. I hated Science in school, but did it because I had too.

WIN THIS BOOK: The Million Dollar Demise

The Million Dollar Demise
by RM Johnson

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing Group
Pub. Date: September 2009
ISBN-13: 9781416596264


The tension and suspense are ramped up to new highs in this eagerly anticipated final installment in Essence bestselling author RM Johnson's Million Dollar trilogy.

Picking up where The Million Dollar Deception left off, Freddy Ford knocks on Nate Kenny's door, storms into the house, and shoots both Nate and his ex-wife Monica. But he doesn't stop there — before driving off, Freddy manages to escape with little Nathaniel, Nate and Monica's beloved adopted son, while little Layla sleeps upstairs.

Nate is expected to survive the brutal attack, but Monica is left in a coma, and doctors are not certain that she will ever recover. When Lewis Waters — Freddy's best friend and Layla's actual father — visits the hospital to see Monica, Nate bargains with him: if Lewis can get Freddy arrested, Nate will give him back his little girl.

Meanwhile, Daphanie Coleman, the woman Nate had planned to marry before he sought revenge on Monica, rushes to Nate's side with plans to get him back by making herself available to him in his time of crisis. By chance, she meets Lewis while visiting Monica's bedside, and the two devise a plan to both get what they want.

When Monica finally awakens, she opens her eyes to a world in which Daphanie and Nate are hiding an affair, Lewis and Daphanie are harboring nasty secrets, and Nate has plotted to steal another man's child in the name of revenge. Will Monica forgive Nate, whom she was about to remarry? Will she uncover the truth behind the love triangle of Daphanie, Lewis, and Nate? And, more important, can the tragic lovers escape a second attempt on their lives?

RM Johnson is the author of seven novels, including bestsellers The Harris Family and The Million Dollar Divorce. He holds an MFA in creative writing from Chicago State University and is a native of Chicago, where he currently resides.

Visit RM Johnson's website at www.RMnovels.com.


Leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of The Million Dollar Demise (we have five copies to giveaway)

Deadline 11:00PM Sep 22, 2009

BLOG TOUR: Have a New Husband by Friday

Have a New Husband by Friday: How to Change His Attitude, Behavior and Communication in 5 Days
by Kevin Leman

Baker Publishing Group
Pub. Date: October 2009
ISBN-13: 9780800719128


Have a new husband by Friday? Is that even possible? Dr. Kevin Leman says it is. The New York Times bestselling author and self-help guru shows even the most frustrated wife how she can have a new husband by Friday. Leman reminds any wife that if what she's doing to get better behavior out of her husband isn't working now, it never will. So it's time for a change. That means it's time to change her own patterns of behavior. Here's how Leman suggests she handle it day to day:

Monday: Secrets Revealed: Cracking the Male Code
Yes, you're different species, but you can work together in harmony.

Tuesday: Creatures from Another Planet . . . or Creatures of Habit?

To understand men, you have to track 'em to their den.

Wednesday: Think about What You Want to Say, Then Divide It by Ten

How to talk so your guy will really listen . . . and listen so your guy will really talk.

Thursday: Think of Him as a Seal Waiting for a Three-Pound Fish

Why making love to your man is a key to who he is and how satisfied he'll be, and what's in it for you.

Friday: It Takes a Real Woman to Make a Man Feel like a Real Man

How to open your man's heart, revolutionize your love life, and turn him into the knight you've always dreamed of.

Dr. Kevin Leman is an internationally known psychologist, humorist, and bestselling author of The Birth Order Book and Have a New Kid by Friday. He is former consulting psychologist for Good Morning America and a frequent guest on The View, The Early Show, and Focus on the Family. He and his wife, Sande, live in Tucson, Arizona. They have five children and two grandchildren.

You Were Born For This Blog Tour

His New York Times phenomenon The Prayer of Jabez changed how millions pray. Now Bruce Wilkinson wants to change what they do next.

Anyone can do a good deed, but some good works can only happen by a direct intervention from God. Around the world these acts are called miracles—not that even religious people expect to see one any time soon. But what would happen if millions of ordinary people walked out each morning expecting God to deliver a miracle through them to a person in need? You Were Born for This starts with the dramatic premise that everyone at all times is in need of a miracle, and that God is ready to meet those needs supernaturally through ordinary people who are willing to learn how Heaven works.

In the straightforward, story-driven, highly motivating style for which he is known, Wilkinson describes how anyone can help others experience miracles in such universally significant arenas of life as finances, practical help, relationships, purpose, and spiritual growth.

You Were Born for This will change how readers see their world, and what they expect God can do through them to meet real needs. They will master seven simple tools of service, and come to say with confidence, “I want to deliver a supernatural gift from God to someone in need today—and now I know how!”


Author Bios:

One of the world’s foremost Christian teachers, Bruce Wilkinson is best known as the author of the New York Times #1 bestseller The Prayer of Jabez. He is also the author of numerous other bestsellers, including A Life God Rewards, Secrets of the Vine, and The Dream Giver. Over the past three decades, Wilkinson has founded several global initiatives, including organizations that recruited and trained thousands of Americans to address hunger, AIDS, and poverty in Africa . Bruce and his wife, Darlene, have three children and six grandchildren. They live outside Atlanta .

David Kopp has collaborated with Bruce Wilkinson on over a dozen bestselling books, including The Prayer of Jabez. He is an editor and writer living in Colorado .

Girl, Naw! Blog Tour

Meet LaCricia A’ngelle, author of Girl, Naw!


Tell us about Girl, Naw!

Girl, Naw! is the story of Antoinette Walker, a Christian counselor for women. The story outlines the lives of the women Antoinette counsels as well as her own life and issues. Antoinette takes a special interest in one of her clients that will lead to some unexpected decisions. Being confronted with people from her past that have hurt her in various ways, Antoinette is challenged to forgive them in order to possess the freedom she desires.

How did you come up with ideas for this book?

Similar to Antoinette I was in a position in which I was asked to counsel many people. On several occasions I noticed some of these people viewed my life as being perfect, which raised the question -who counsels the counselor. That thought was the basis for Girl, Naw!

Who are your main character(s)?

My main characters are Antoinette Walker, Maurice Walker- Antoinette's husband, Yvette King -Antoinette's best friend,

Did you have a favorite character(s)? Who and why?

My favorite character is definitely Yvette. I like Yvette because she is so funny. She says whatever is on her mind, and although she has an odd way of saying things, she actually makes sense. She reminds me a lot of myself.

Did you have to do quite a bit of research for this novel?

No, I didn't do a lot of research for Girl, Naw! I relied on past experiences for myself and others that I know.

What do you hope readers will learn/discover from reading Girl, Naw?

I hope readers will learn the power of true forgiveness. I also hope reading Girl, Naw! will help people to not be so judgmental of others because we never really know what's going on behind the scenes of someone's life.

Follow the blog tour at http://bit.ly/GirlNaw

For more information about LaCricia, visit her at http://lacriciaangelle.com/

In Memory of Patrick Swayze

I was introduced to Patrick as a teenager, he starred in “The Outsiders”. I had read the book and couldn’t wait to see who Ponyboy’s family was being played by. Patrick was the older brother and a hunk. I remember tearing his picture out of the teen magazine and taping it to my wall. My infatuation started.

I loved all the movies he played in, but my all time favorites are, Dirty Dancing and Ghost. I can watched them over and over again like I never seen them before.

I bought both soundtracks to the Dirty Dancing movie because I loved the music. “Do You Love Me” always reminds me of the time period of my life in San Diego.

I was heartbroken to hear of his death. I knew he had pancreas cancer but it still hurt to know his smiling face will never grace another movie theater. When I think of Movie Stars, Patrick face will always come to mind.

I’ll miss you Patrick. My deepest sympathy goes out to the Swayze family, friends and fans.

If you have a favorite Patrick memory or movie, share it here.


She's Like the Wind

She's like the wind through my tree
She rides the night next to me
She leads me through moonlight
Only to burn me with the sun
She's taken my heart
But she doesn't know what she's done

Feel her breath on my face
Her body close to me
Can't look in her eyes
She's out of my league
Just a fool to believe
I have anything she needs
She's like the wind

[SOLO]

I look in the mirror and all I see
Is a young old man with only a dream
Am I just fooling myself
That she'll stop the pain
Living without her
I'd go insane

Feel her breath on my face
Her body close to me
Can't look in her eyes
She's out of my league
Just a fool to believe
I have anything she needs
She's like the wind

Feel your breath on my face
Your body close to me
Can't look in your eyes
You're out of my league
Just a fool to believe
(Just a fool to believe)
She's like the wind
(Just a fool to believe)
Just a fool to believe
(She's like the wind)
Just a fool to believe
(Just a fool to believe)
She's like the wind
(Just a fool to believe)
Just a fool to believe
She's like the wind

(Just a fool...)
(She's like the wind)
(She's like the wind)
(Just a fool...)
(She's like the wind)
(Just a fool...)

SEEK AND FIND

SORMAG celebrates 9 years this month. I thought it would be fun to see how much you know about SORMAG. Each Friday I will host a SEEK and FIND. Some of the answers can be found on the blog, some you have to search online.

The person with the most correct answers will win a SORMAG Goody Bag.

Here are the questions:

Where did SORMAG first began?

Who was the first cover author?

What does SORMAG stand for?

What did LaShaunda try to change the name to?

Who was the first interview for 2009?

Who was SORMAG's Author of The Year

Who was our first Blog interview?

When was our first online conference?

Where was it held?

Who is the Live Conference Scholarship named for?

BOOK INTRO: After The Feeling

After The Feeling
T.N. Williams


Urban Christian
ISBN-10: 1601629885
ISBN-13: 978-1601629883

Christian Fiction

Pornography was once an acceptable element of the Wilson marriage, but a particular incident stretches Germani's comfort zone to the limit. When she reevaluates her Christian beliefs and decides to make a change, Germani quickly learns that Scott doesn't agree with her decision. Germani's request that her husband sacrifice his longtime activities falls on deaf ear.

Germani and Scott discover the magnitude of their differences as their lives become tainted. Frustration and judgment test their love for each other. A strain on their relationship develops as they battle over individual ideals and seek advice from every source except the one that matters most. Ultimately, it will take a greater influence from God if their marriage is to be saved.

Chapter Excerpt

October 11, 2007

9:58 p.m.

The fateful call came in.

The credits to a re-run episode of Grey's Anatomy had begun to play.

I didn't answer on the first ring.

I was too busy wallowing in aggravation and exhaustion as I devoured a plate full of grease-laden buffalo wings and mozzarella sticks.

My husband, Scott's, porn obsession was wearying me out. Nothing I said or did seemed to matter. My feelings of confusion, shame, loneliness and rejection were ignored by the man I vowed to love unconditionally; wasted on deaf ear like a bruised apple tumbling from a windblown tree.

Scott's attention was consumed by sexual images on his computer from the Internet, DVD's from the local sex shops, and those videos from Pay-Per-View. It was more than I could handle. More than I knew how to deal with. Maybe if he acknowledged how bad things were, we wouldn't be at ends. Maybe. But he kept making excuses; justifying his actions at the expense of our family.

There's only so much understanding that a woman can give before...enough becomes enough.

It brought to mind when I saw a colorful logo on the bumper sticker of a Yugo parked at the grocery store that read 'SEX SELLS'. Made me think it was too bad that same statement didn't come with a warning.

Sex kills too.

The phone's ringing interrupted my sulking.

I was willing to let that call go to voicemail, but curiosity compelled me to answer just from the phone number flashing across my television.

“Germani?” an anguished voice cracked after I answered.

The caller on the other end of the line was familiar, but sounded in worse condition than I felt. I couldn't put my finger on it. There was no other definition to describe the conversation beyond peculiar. When the caller made a shocking confession I saw warning signs and red flags go up all around me.

I put the caller on hold while I went to the bathroom to wash the remnants of my meal from my greasy hands. The caller needed better advice than I could give. I was clueless on how I'd help 'em with my own thoughts all messed up. But I knew I had to do something. On the way back to the family room I grabbed a New King James Bible off the bookshelf near the computer center and flipped through as I walked. I tried to find the right words amongst the pages as my mind drew blanks. By the time I made it back to the phone with Bible in clean hands, a busy signal blared through and the caller was gone.

My heart quickened as I thought about what to do next.



10:41 p.m.

Blood

There was blood everywhere when I made it to the caller's home. Deep crimson streaks that saturated vanilla satin sheets and rained burgundy droplets onto the Persian area rug beneath the bed.

I stood planted against the door frame like a wisteria vine attached to aluminum siding. I was too afraid to step in the room and too disturbed to walk away.

Music was playing. The eighties song “Real Love” by a group named Skyy ended. An eerie silence penetrated the air for just a few seconds. The song began to play again. Somebody had put it on repeat.

Don’t be afraid of the way you feel.

Fear came quickly. I was too late.

I couldn't think as my eyes stayed locked on the crimson streaks, mesmerized like a teenager on an acid trip. Dazed and stunned, my lips slowly opened as my brain processed. I was in the middle of a gory crime scene and somebody was dead...murdered. Suddenly terror filled the once irritated space of my abdomen where aggravation was devoured by panic and I screamed at the top of my lungs.

Website address - www.tnwilliams.com

PURPOSELY SAID - Dr. Linda F. Beed

What’s That I Hear?
By Dr. Linda F. Beed


One of the fastest growing and effective mediums for authors is the World Wide Web.

With the emergence of teleconferences and blogtalk radio, reaching the masses has been made easier and more cost effective than ever before.

What has not changed is the necessity to conduct business in a professional manner. The inability to see your audience does not negate your responsibility to respect their investment of time in you.

Before accepting your first or your next on air engagement consider the following:

• Get the Pertinent Information

Know the date, time and dial-in number no less than one week prior to engagement.
Confirm time zones to assure your timeliness and to appropriately schedule your online promotions.

• Advance Preparation

Be honest about your knowledge of the proposed topic. If the subject matter is out of your area of expertise, let it go.

If it is within your knowledge base, update materials in order to be on point.

Have announcements for your social networks and online groups ready for posting within the appropriate timeline.

Have all available handouts available for emailing or ready to post on site one week in advance of program.

Make notes to refer to and to help keep your thoughts organized.
Make list of your online contacts to read on air.

• Familiarization

Take the time to listen to prior broadcasts in order to become familiar with the program format and host’s style.

• Food

Cease from eating at least one hour prior to broadcast.
Do not eat or drink during broadcast.
If you develop a dry throat, take small sips of water when necessary.

• Background

Radio microphones are very sensitive. If possible be away from others.
Turn off televisions, radios and cell phone.

• Online Etiquette

Turn your telephone speaker up.
Talk at a level where you can be heard.
Do not talk over your host.
Be courteous to callers and other guests.
Thank your host for the opportunity, verbally and via online or written note.

• Tone

Voice inflection tells people more about what you feel than what you say does.
You may not agree with the point of view of your host of fellow panelist, but your point can be made without being offensive.

These basic points are valuable for you and your listening audience. Those tuning in have invested their time in you. Time is a commodity that cannot be redeemed. It is your job to make sure that their time was not wasted.


Until next time, remember—Purposely Said words can destroy or create a life. Linda!

Dr. Linda Beed is an educator, speaker, children’s minister and author of Business Unusual and co-moderator of BWChristianLit an online writing and mentor group. She is also review editor for KDgospel Media Magazine.

You can find her on the web at:

http://www.lindabeed.com/ / MySpace / On Assignment Reviews / BWChristianLit

It’s Our Anniversary

SORMAG turned 9 years old this month.

I can still remember sitting up all night trying to get the first issue online. I think I drove myself crazy the next day, checking the counter to see if anyone was looking at it. My first reader, clicked on and we were official, Shades Of Romance Magazine made its mark on the web.

We have evolved to an interactive magazine and I love it. We just finished our sixth online conference, and I’m looking forward to the upcoming months and year.

I have tons of books in my basement and I need to get rid of them before my husband throws them away like he promises. So this month, I’m giving away goodybags. They will be a surprise because you could get a book from 2000 or one published in 2009. This is my way to say thank you to our loyal readers.

You have three ways to win.

1. You can post comments all month for a chance to win.

2. I will be picking out winners from our mailing list. If you haven’t joined our mailing list this is the time to join.

3. I will be picking out winners from our social media (twitter and facebook). If you’re not following SORMAG or my friend on facebook, here’s your chance to connect.


I thank you for being a part of SORMAG and I look forward to many more years of introducing you to the hottest books on the shelves, and helping you on your writing journey.

BLOG TOUR: Sins Of The Father

Meet Angela Benson, author of Sins of the Father

Tell us about Sins of the Father.

I really like how the back cover describes the book:

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

How did you come up with ideas for this book?

The idea for Sins of the Father came from the biblical story of Abraham, Sarah, Hagar, Sarah's son's Isaac and Hagar's son Ishmael. I wondered how Ishmael felt and what would have happened if Abraham had later claimed him as his son.

Who are your main character(s)?

Like most of my books, Sins of the Father has an ensemble cast. The major players are Abraham Martin, his wife Saralyn and their son Isaac; and Leah Thomas and the two children she had with Abraham, Michael and Deborah. Then there's Isaac's wife, Rebecca, and Michael's wife, Josette.

Did you have a favorite character(s)? Who and why?

I liked them all, but Saralyn has a special place in my heart. She's not the nicest person but I really understood why she behaved the way she did so I couldn't hate her. Sometimes it seems easier to make a problem go away rather than to deal with it. She just wanted her problem to go away.

Did you have to do quite a bit of research for this novel?

Not a lot, but I did have to research a few health issues because I used them in the book.

What do you hope readers will learn/discover from reading Sins of the Father?

I want absentee fathers to realize how much their children need them, regardless of the children's ages. I want the children of absentee fathers to forgive them. And if there's a chance for reconciliation, I want them to explore it and not let past hurts keep them from knowing a parent. Above all, I want these children to realize that God will be a father even if their biological father is not present. I know this to be true because it was true for me.

Okay, a not-so-fun question. How important are reviews to you as a writer?

I like good ones and bad ones make me feel down for a minute or two. I've gotten philosophical about it though. If everybody loves my book, it means that I didn't have good distribution. I don't expect everybody who reads my work to enjoy it. I don't think that's realistic.

About the Book

Successful media mogul Abraham Martin has great wealth, an elegant wife, Saralyn, and a rebellious son, Isaac. He also has a secret: a second family that no one knows about. Now, after thirty years—driven by the urging of his long dormant conscience—Abraham is determined to do the right thing by finally bringing his illegitimate children into the light…and into the family fold.

But beautiful, manipulative Saralyn will never accept the proof of her husband’s indiscretions. Isaac the heir, shaken by his father’s revelations, will fight mercilessly when his world is threatened, and may lose everything that matters as a result. And while Abraham’s forgotten daughter Deborah is open to the undreamed-of possibilities suddenly awaiting her, son Michael cannot forgive the man who cruelly abandoned them to near poverty. And he’s driven by only one desire: revenge!


Angela Benson’s Sins of the Father is a powerful story of a house bitterly divided—a rich, multilayered family saga of betrayal and redemption, rage and compassion, faith, forgiveness, and ultimately, of love.

Follow the blog tour at http://bitly.com/SinsoftheFather.

For more information about Angela, visit her at http://angelabenson.com/.

Perfect Labor Day Beverage: Coca-Cola Aluminum Bottles

Arriving just in time to keep you cool during the hottest days of summer, Coca-Cola announces the arrival of the new aluminum bottles!

The redesigned packaging incorporates the classic iconic Coca-Cola look in a stylish 8.5 oz bottle that serves to keep beverages cooler longer, while also offering the perfect taste and carbonation. Varieties available include Coca-Cola classic®, Coke Zero™ and Diet Coke®.

The stylish aluminum bottle design is the perfect companion for pool parties, beach days and nights out on the town. The aluminum bottles are available at the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills , California and at bars on Sunset Blvd. in Los Angeles , California .

CONGRATS TO OUR WINNER: Rhonda M.