FEATURED AUTHOR: Donald Welch

Donald Welch is an accomplished singer, actor, director and producer, and writer of eighteen stage plays, two television pilots and several screenplays. He has also written for his friend, actor Will Smith, and sold him the film rights to his first novel, The Bachelorette Party. As an actor he has co-starred in an episode of The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air and Cosby. Don served as a celebrity judge for the Miss America Pageant (2000, and 2004) He divides his home between Los Angeles and Philadelphia.


How did you start out your writing career?

I would say my professional writing career began in 1988 when I wrote my very first stage play. It was called "Take It To The Lord... Or Else!" ( a gospel comedy) It went on to star and actress from the old tv sitcom, "Sanford & Son" (LaWanda Page - "aunt esther")

What was your most difficult scene to write?

Hmm that did not come until later when I wrote my first dramatic stage play script. It was called "A Change Is Gonna Come", and I needed a very believable ending and not just something to tie up loose ends. So I flew to San Juan, laid out on the beach which put me in a relaxed mood and after a while I came up with it. (the beach relaxes me and helps clear my mind of everything)

Have you had a "Wow" moment since you have been an author? What made it a "Wow" moment for you?

I think completing my first novel, The Bachelorette Party. The whole process was amazing, but it was definitely getting to see it on the bookstore shelf and the day my mother called me from Philadelphia and said it was in our local library. An amazing moment, because it was the very first library I had frequented as a child.

What did you hope to accomplish with this book?

"That it will be better than the first one. (which by the way, I feel it is.) Don't get me wrong. I'm very proud of my first novel, but I am ecstatic about "In My Sister's House".

What’s playing on your CD while you’re writing?

Early day Aretha & Dionne Warwick and instrumental jazz like Chris Botti ("thanks to Vivian Vanderwerd, a friend who turned me on to him")

What is your goal or mission as a writer?

"To educate, and entertain. May sound corny, but its my goal. Especially in telling "our stories'.

Name four websites you visit daily.

Facebook, Amazon, my own (Donbwelchproductions.com - because we are always doing updates) and several entertainment sites.

What are your favorite TV shows? The ones that you just can’t miss!

American Idol (my guilty pleasure), The first 48, Dateline.

Name three everyday things you wouldn’t want to live without?

My blackberry, my laptop, and TV (although it does more watching me than I it)

What one thing about writing do you wish other non-writers would understand?

The dedication and concentration it requires.

What was the best advice you’d ever gotten about the publishing industry?

The worst? "The best would be, like everything else, "Always remember at the end of the day, its still in the "numbers".. And the worst? "Always remember, at the end of the day, its still in the "numbers". lol

Can you give us one do and one don’t for those aspiring to be a writer?

The "do" would be to just "write!" and the don't would be , Never let anyone tell you about your style. If it works for you, stick with it.

What is something readers would be surprised you do?

That I have had a very successful nightclub singing career, which I plan on getting back to one day and that I love celeb autobiographies and books on Old Black Hollywood. Especially the books by one of my favorite writers, Donald Bogle.

Our theme for this month is Family Literacy, what do you do to promote literacy in your family?

Make them buy my books! lol Just kidding. I try to encourage them to read more because everyone seems to be so busy to pick up a book. Everything is so quick these days. I have some family members that probably have not read a book since they were in school, and to me that's sad.

Can you give us a sneak peek of your next book?

"The working title of my 3rd novel is "Running In Heels". Its about an on air entertainment personality that gets caught up in a sensationalized story, and becomes "the story" herself. (of course there is so much more to it than that... but i'll leave it for the book...)

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

My website is: Donbwelchproductions.com or they can request me as friend on FB. I am still on Myspace, but do people still go to that?


In My Sister's House

Meet Skylar Morrison-owner of Philly's hottest nightclub, Legends - and her beleaguered twin sister Storm, fresh out of prison and intent on cashing in her stake in the club. These twins couldn't be more different (and their extended Legends family more outrageous) and in this page-turner, they'll keep you on the edge of your seat until the last sentence. "In My Sister's House" is the story of two sisters-near strangers-who must relearn the meaning of love, trust and solidarity.

Leave a question for Donald for a chance to win a copy of In My Sister's House.

SPOTLIGHT ON: Paper Thin: The Lip Gloss Chronicles

Paper Thin: The Lip Gloss Chronicles
by Shelia Goss

Sierra’s weight isn’t the only issue in this page-turner.

Drama follows the three friends into their sophomore year. Once again, their friendship is tested. During the growth process, Sierra learns the importance of being average-size and healthy, rather than starving to be paper thin.


The Lip Gloss Chronicles explores the life of three Sassy, Urban, and Hip high school friends who are high on fashion and a magnet for drama.

http://thelipglosschronicles.com/

BLOG TOUR: Beautiful Ugly

Win an autographed copy of Beautiful Ugly by Shelia Lipsey

Envy Wilson has dark secrets she won’t share with anyone. Now they are starting to eat away at her from the inside.

Take a Peek Inside Envy’s Story
(excerpt from Beautiful Ugly Shelia Lipsey)

Envy balled her hands into fists and pounded the sides of them against the steering wheel until they turned cherry red.

“I can’t get up for going down. I can’t take a step forward without taking ten steps backward. I look at other people, including my sister and I just don’t understand. She has a beautiful home, a great job,” with emphasis she added, “and a husband with a good job who simply adores her. But look at me. Here I am still struggling, still groveling, still wishing and hoping that things were right in my life. So what if I make good money. Where has it gotten me? I have no man, no real life. So tell me, what’s the difference in me and Nikkei? It has to be my name. Envy, let’s see if I can remember what the dictionary has to say about it, as if you don’t already know.”

Envy’s anger toward God mounted with each word that spewed from her mouth. “Ahh,” she spoke out, her words laced with venom. “Envy, the verb form, means to feel envy toward or on account of,” she said from memory, having read the definition numerous times. “Surely that’s not me. Maybe it’s the other definition. You know, God, I’m talking about envy, the noun, painful or resentful awareness of another's advantages. Ah, ha, now maybe that’s me. But why should I be condemned for being resentful and in pain? I don’t understand why you don’t allow me to have one good opportunity, a real chance at having good things happen in my life. Everything that’s good flies right pass me and into somebody else’s lap.

Dang, even Kacie has it better than I do and she has six children tugging at her twenty-four seven. She may work a little part-time job, but she still seems to live better than me and I don’t have not one little crumb snatcher. I guess I should be fake, like Kacie, before you show me some love. I don’t know what you want.

And Layla? Well, Layla is Layla. She loves you, I do know that. But you don’t act like you want to give her a break either. Seems like she doesn’t realize the game you’re playing with her. What is it with you, God? ” Envy suddenly ended her conversation with God just as quickly as she’d started it. She opened the car door, got out and slammed it hard behind her.

She raised her hands in surrender and bolted off. “I don’t know why I even bother talking to you,” she hollered at the sky before rushing up the walkway leading to her front door just as the first big drops of rain began to fall – down upon her head.

What Do You Think?

Envy releases her frustration. “I can’t take a step forward without taking ten steps backward.” Do you ever feel that way sometimes? Tell us and DON’T FORGET to leave an answer for the contest question too.

To find out more about Envy and her two friends, consider purchasing a copy of Beautiful Ugly. This book makes a great book club selection for discussion!


Win an autographed copy of Beautiful Ugly

Shelia Lipsey is the author of three other Christian Fiction novels. The trivia questions below are from one of those novels. Leave your response to the trivia question below in the comment section.

What was the relationship between Frankie and Rena? Tell us the title of the book.
Leave your response to the trivia question below in the comment section.

About the Author

Author Shelia E. Lipsey is a multi-award winning author. Her novels are available at most bookstores nationwide as well as online. Lipsey’s books have been called gripping, life-altering, memorable and realistic. Lipsey was recently awarded the 2009 Top Shelf Award for Beautiful Ugly by Black Pearls Magazine. She also won 2009 Shades of Romance Readers’ Choice Awards for My Son’s Wife in the following categories: Author of the Year, Christian fiction Book of the Year, Christian Romance of the Year, Best Book Cover of the Year, Best Fiction Book of the Year, among several other awards for her novels, Into Each Life and Sinsatiable.
Lipsey is the proud mother of two sons and the grandmother of three blessed young men. She is president of UCHisGloryBookClub.net, founder of Living Your Dreams Now a non-profit organization and MAAW (Memphis African American Writers). For more information, visit http://www.shelialipsey.com/.

Read an excerpt and check the tour schedule at http://bit.ly/BeautifulUgly

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Watch the Book Trailer

SORMAG's INSPIRATION - JANUARY: Rochelle Alers

To celebrate our 10 years as loyal supporters of romance novels, I decided to recognize 12 ladies whose books helped inspire SORMAG. These were the writers I looked forward to reading each month. I started SORMAG as a way to support them and their books.

If you’re a loyal reader of SORMAG you know the first woman to grace our website, was the lady who introduced me to African-American romance, Ms. Rochelle Alers.

I can’t began to tell you how her books changed my life and that being friends with her is one of the highlights of my life, which is why I had to kick off this celebration by featuring her as our January Inspiration.

I know there are a lot of fans of Ms. Alers, so please take a moment and share a memory or favorite book with us.



Rochelle Alers was born and raised in Manhattan, New York. After earning degrees in sociology and psychology, she taught pre-school for a time before entering the business world.

She began writing her first novel in 1984, after a decade of reading romance novels. She finished her first manuscript, the novel Hideway, in 1985. After several rejections because her work did not fit the formula of a category romance novel. She has since been published through Odyssey, Arabesque, and Genesis Press, St. Martin's Press, Ballantine Books, , as well as through Silhoutte's Desire line.

Rochelle Alers has been hailed by readers and booksellers alike as one of today’s most prolific and popular African American authors of women’s fiction.

With nearly two million copies of her novels in print, Ms. Alers is a regular on the Waldenbooks, Borders and Essence bestseller lists, and has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the Gold Pen Award, the Emma Award, Vivian Stephens Award for Excellence in Romance Writing, the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award and the Zora Neale Hurston Literary Award.

She lives in Freeport, New York. Visit her website at http://www.rochellealers.com/.


Sweet Deception


Law professor Myles Eaton knows a lot can happen in ten years. A decade ago, Philadelphia's finest bachelor was a hotshot attorney engaged to a woman he swore he'd love forever—until she left him to marry a powerful politician. The only thing more difficult than forgiving her has been forgetting the searing heat they shared. And just when Myles is sure he's over her, Zabrina Cooper arrives back in his life.

Nothing could stop Zabrina from loving Myles, not even when she was blackmailed into becoming wife—in name only—to another man. And as her secrets are revealed, Zabrina has one summer to convince Myles that beyond their incredible chemistry is a soul-deep bond that never faded.

Thank you Rochelle for helping inspire SORMAG's creation.

FEATURED AUTHOR: Donna Michele Ramos

As a first-time, self-published author Donna Michele Ramos’ book “HIGH RISE”, a contemporary romance novel, made Essence Magazine and BlackBookPlus.com’s Best Seller Lists for paperback fiction. Donna Michele’s second novel “BORROWED TIME” a painstakingly researched Civil War historical romance, released December 2006, was also quickly embraced by readers as well. Writing since the age of 9, her first book "Have Your Ever Tried?" almost got published until publishers found out she was in the 4th grade. But she continues to write and has many manuscripts in various stages of readiness. Expect 2 books a year for some time to come. Her first Tweener book, written for her granddaughters, "Dear Diary...Not Quite" will be released February 2010.

This transplanted New York native, has been a Californian for the last 22 years. She attended Fordham University, Rosehill Campus, Bronx, NY in the 80’s but did not graduate college, CSUS Sacramento until Spring 2000. A proud accomplishment, showing it’s never too late. She is the mother of a son and daughter and the grandmother of four, 3 girls (including a set of twins), their younger sister and little brother. She enjoys spending time with them as often as possible.

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

A reading adventure, that they are not just reading it but that they feel they are living and experiencing it.

Why did you choose to write this book?

I got so many emails from the readers of HIGH RISE demanding a sequel, I had to write SCANDALOUS for them so the story could continue for them and they could rejoin their favorite characters in the book.

What did you learn while writing this book?

I enjoyed writing a sequel, it is my first one. It was fun to write and I enjoyed visiting my old friends.

What was your favorite scene/chapter from the book?

Michele standing up to mother-in-law dearest.

What one thing about writing do you wish other non-writers would understand?

Writing is not as hard as everyone thinks it is. If you want to write you can, you don't have to be an expert, you just have to have a passion for what you are writing.

What is the best lesson you have learned from another writer?

How to promote and market yourself.

What is the toughest test you've faced as a writer?

Getting over double digit rejection letters from publishers. Another writer told me to tell him once I got in the hundreds, that put rejection in perspective for me.

What was the best advice you’d ever gotten about the publishing industry? The worst?

To keep writing because I have talent. One big NYC publisher sent me a legal-size sheet of what I needed to change or take out of my book. If I had listened to them, I would have rewritten my entire book. I am glad I did not follow that advice, because it would not have been my story after all those changes. I published the book myself, and my readers loved it the way it was.

Can you give us one do and one don’t for those aspiring to be a writer?

Don't listen to people who say you cannot write because you have never written a book before. Do follow your passion!

I borrowed this question from Author Carleene Brice, What is your author fantasy?

To travel from city and country to country, writing novels that take place there about my experiences there.

What is something readers would be surprised you do?

I am a photography nut. I take pictures all the time. I do all the photos for my books.

Five questions about books:

One book that you have read more than once.

The Flame and the Flower

One book you would want on a desert island.

A Knight In Shining Armor

One book that made you laugh.

One book that made you cry.

The Pursuit of Happyness for both questions.

One book you wish you'd written.

Roots

Our theme for this month is Family Literature. Can you recommend three books for children?

Dear Diary...Not Quite (My Tweener book to be released Feb. 2010)

Bambi

Twas The Night Before Christmas

Oprah has--as one of her magazine columns--a section where she talks about what she knows for sure. What do you know for sure?

It is never too late; you can be a late bloomer like me. As long as you are breathing you can still accomplish what you want and follow your dream.

Can you give us a sneak peek of your next book?

Yes, "Scandalous" is being edited now and will be released January 2010. It is the sequel to "High Rise".

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

http://www.facebook.com/donnamramosfanpage

http://donnamramos.com/

donnamramos@aol.com


SCANDALOUS

Sequel to High Rise. The ruckus continues! Will Michele and Mark get married? Is Mark guilty of insider trading? Is Niecie jealous of her best friend? Will Chris get over Michele, will his broken heart heal so he can move on with his life? Can Cheyenne trust Brandon not to cheat with hoochies? When did April's life become an audition for Desparate Housewives? Can Ecchi get to Connie before she slips away from him emotionally?


HIGH RISE

If you could spy on your neighbors, what would you see? This fast- paced, fun sometimes gritty story about 3 women, at different stages in their lives. It delves deep into your heart eliciting numerous strong emotions as you experience all their joys, heartbreaks, devastation, pain and rebirth. Relive a few of your own as you identify with these women. 3 women live in the same high rise building in New York and have never met. But they have more in common than they will ever know. Each experiences the same life altering circumstance with different outcomes. Who makes it out alright? 3 women different ages, income levels, involved with different types of men. Who chose the right man?


BORROWED TIME

Ultimate love triangle between Smiling Fawn, daughter of a Blackfoot Brave and a Free Woman of Color, captured and made a slave with no chance of escape. Jim Lakeland, Yankee-hating, hedonistic master, obsessed with bedding and totally possessing Smiling Fawn. Cord Kelley, Union Army Captain, one of New York's richest and most eligible bachelors. Wounded in an ambush Fawn finds him and nurses him back to health. 1+1+1 = 3 not 2, shake well get caught up in the explosion. Love triangles = a clash, a winner and a loser.


Ask Donna a question for a chance to win a copy of SCANDALOUS.

FEATURED AUTHOR: Nikita Lynnette Nichols

Nikita Lynnette Nichols resides in Naperville, Illinois, and is employed at the Chicago Transit Authority. She is the best-selling author of “Amaryllis” and “A Man’s Worth”, which was chosen as ‘book of the year’ by the Black Pearls Book Club. Her January, 2010 release, “A Woman’s Worth”, was listed as # 73 on the Black Expressions Top 100 Best-Seller’s List while still in the pre-order stage and was the editor’s pick for the month of January. Nikita is the youngest daughter to William and Victoria Nichols of Richton Park, Illinois. She’s a member of The Progressive Life-Giving Word Cathedral under the leadership of Apostle Donald Lawrence Alford. Ms. Nichols will release, “Crossroads”, her most anticipated novel, the 3rd and final installment of the “Amaryllis” series in April, 2011. She is currently writing “Lady Elect”, the sequel to “A Woman’s Worth”, slated to release in March, 2012.

How did you start out your writing career?

I’m an avid reader and have a large book collection. I often wondered if writing a novel would be something that I could accomplish. One day, 6 years ago, I sat down at my computer to type the title of my first book and I’ve been typing ever since.

What was your most difficult scene to write?

My most difficult scene to write would have to be a scene from my novel, “A Man’s Worth”. In this particular scene, I was getting 3 children, a brother and his two sisters, back together after they had been separated for 8 months by the DCFS. The scene was extremely emotional for me because as I was writing, I was also visualizing the children hugging, crying, and kissing one another.

Have you had a "Wow" moment since you have been an author?

What made it a "Wow" moment for you? I had my first “Wow” moment when I learned that I was a best selling author. Even though becoming a best selling author is every author’s dream, to actually see it happen is like, “Wow”.

What did you hope to accomplish with this book?

This book, “A Woman’s Worth” is every woman’s fairy tale. Dreams do come true, and in this book, my lead female character, Monique Morrison, is a plus size woman but she’s having difficulty dealing with her live-in boyfriend who doesn’t want to commit to marriage. And Monique has a friend, Arykah Miles, also plus size and haunted by the mental and verbal abuse of her ex-boyfriend who cheated on her because of her weight. In this book both women come out on top when they meet their dream husbands who treat them like the queens they are. The message I want to send to plus size women is that it’s time to realize what their worth is and to stop settling for anything less.

What’s playing on your CD while you’re writing?

Nothing. I try to write in complete silence. I need to hear my characters when they speak.

What is your goal or mission as a writer?

To continue to inspire those that experience the drama that I write about. I get so happy when I open an e-mail or text message from a reader who says they could relate to my work because they’ve gone through some of the same issues that I wrote about.

Name four websites you visit daily.

Amazon.com, Borders.com, Barnes & Noble.com & Blackexpressions.com. I check ratings and read reviews every single day.

What are your favorite TV shows? The ones that you just can’t miss!

I absolutely can’t live without the Lifetime Movie Network Channel & Judge Judy.

Name three everyday things you wouldn’t want to live without?

My Blackberry that I’m just learning how to operate, the attention that my Yorkie gives me when I walk in the door, and my chocolate mocha latte.

What one thing about writing do you wish other non-writers would understand?

I wish non-writers would understand that it’s not cool to actually tell a writer that they’ve shared their books with other people. Nothing bothers me more than when a reader says to me, “Girl, I loved your book so much that I passed it around my office. I got everybody reading it.” I wish readers could understand how important it is to encourage others to buy their own copies because that’s how authors make the best selling lists.

What was the best advice you’d ever gotten about the publishing industry?

The worst? The best advice I’ve gotten was to always patent my work before it’s submitted for publication. Manuscripts do get stolen. I can’t think of any bad advice that I’ve gotten.

Can you give us one do and one don’t for those aspiring to be a writer?

Writers should always stay focused on one project and not juggle 2 or 3 manuscripts at a time. The characters will get confusing. Writers must believe in their own work. If they think their manuscript is boring then so will everyone else who reads it.

What is something readers would be surprised you do?

They would probably be surprised that I actually answer each and every one of the hundreds of e-mails I get daily. Some days it takes me well into the wee hours of the morning but I make sure that when a fan reaches out to me, I answer them. They would probably also be surprised to know that I’m addicted to crossword puzzles.

Our theme for this month is Family Literacy, what do you do to promote literacy in your family?

I am single with no children but I have nieces and nephews that I always encourage to read.

Can you give us a sneak peek of your next book?

My next book, “Crossroads”, will release in April of 2011. It is the 3rd and final installment of the “Amaryllis” series. My character, Amaryllis Price, is at a crossroads. She so desperately wants to live right but her evil ways are constantly calling her. Readers will finally learn why she’s so crazy.

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

http://www.nikitalynnettenichols.com/, kitawrites@comcast.net. I am on Facebook. I can also be reached through my publicist, Denise Glesser, at progressiveoa@gmail.com


A Woman's Worth

Monique Morrison had made a huge mistake when she moved into a home to play house with Boris Cortland. With on again then off again wedding plans and a woman who had already signed on to play the role of his wife, Boris was in no hurry to seal the deal. In his mind, Monique wasn't going anywhere, so why not continue to play the field? Though she was in church Sunday after Sunday, praying for God to touch Boris' heart and turn him from his wicked ways, it seemed Monique's pleas were constantly unanswered. Suffering from neglect, rejection and verbal abuse, Monique had all but given up on her dream of having a relationship that represented true unconditional love until Adonis Cortland moves in and does for Monique all of the things that Boris wouldn't do. Could Boris' cousin be the man that Monique had been praying for?

BLOG TOUR: Do You Wanna Be Made Whole?

MEET BERNARD BOULTON

Bernard Boulton has written a story about three men who seek to be whole in God through the spiritual leadership of a pastor. This gripping story is titled DO YOU WANNA BE MADE WHOLE? Bernard is the pastor of New Mine Creek Church in southern Virginia. He is married to his wife of eighteen years, Vantoria and they are the parents of their son, Bernard Quincy. Bernard’s hobbies include reading, traveling and supporting his hometown team the Cleveland Cavaliers and Lebron James.

Bernard stops by SORMAG to share his writing journey.

Bernard, tell us about Do You Wanna Be Made Whole?

It is a story about four men who are connected through the church. The main character is James Maxwell, and the other characters are Theo Dexter, Michael Cain and Adam Jones. The former three are best friends and have known each other all of their lives. James Maxwell has been their pastor as well all of their lives and when each of the three face a crisis, Pastor Maxwell is the one who will lead them to wholeness.

How did you come up with ideas for this book?

When I finally came to the realization that it was time for me to write and stop dreaming about writing I didn’t have a clear plot and storyline to follow. I knew that it would be a book about men and I visualized three men living together in a house. As I wrote, the ideas came forth.

Who are your main character(s)?

Pastor Maxwell is the main character. The supporting cast is Theo, Michael and Adam.

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

I didn’t have a favorite, but Theo’s point of view and his struggles makes him the most interesting to me. Throughout the story Theo struggled with doing the right thing, not just for him, but for his family. He grew through his struggle and at the end he did the right thing and took responsibility for the past and future.


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

No, the only time I did research is when I was introducing a concept in the story that I didn’t know anything about it.

What do you hope readers will learn/discover from reading Do You Wanna Be Made Whole?

I hope that the readers will learn the value of relationships and how important community is when you are dealing with struggles. I also hope that they will discover the truth that God does have another chance for you. When life builds a wall before you, God will give you the strength to leap over that wall.

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

They are very important because another person’s opinion of my writing will introduce me to others who may not have given my story a chance. A good review seems to open doors for authors in the population of readership.

About the Book

Pastor James Maxwell knows the pain of making poor choices that damages families. He has dedicated his life to helping men avoid the mistakes that he has made in his life. Now he walks through the valley with three of his spiritual sons as they try to find their way to wholeness.

Will Pastor Maxwell be able to help Theo find forgiveness for the one who betrayed him? Can he help Michael who suffered a great tragedy in his life? Will he be able to help Adam face his past and discover a new future?

Read an excerpt and check the tour schedule at http://bit.ly/DoYouWannaBeMadeWhole

For more information, visit http://www.bernardboulton.com/.

FEATURED AUTHOR: Theresa Stillwagon

Theresa Stillwagon has been writing most of her life. Since one of her teachers praised a poem she wrote for a class assignment, she’s been putting words together in the hopes of seeing them in print. Not caring if anyone other than herself ever read them. Her dream came to reality last year when she signed her first writing contract.

A former resident of the state of Ohio, Theresa now lives in a RV and travels between Savannah, Georgia and the Midwest states with her husband of twenty-seven years, Mike, and her two cats, Fred and Barney. She works in different campgrounds during the summer months, but writes all year round.

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

You don’t need to be ashamed of your past. Kate was at one time a well-known actress who was cast in only sexy roles. She was a good actress but no one gave her a chance to show it. Since giving up on acting, she’s been hiding from her past. She sees herself as two different people instead of a one. Only after she meets Matt and his mother does she begin to see this.

Why did you choose to write this book?

One of the first scenes with the hero/heroine together was a dream. I couldn’t get it out of my head, so I had to start and finish it. I dream many of my more intense scenes.

What did you learn while writing this book?

That finishing the first draft is only the beginning.

What was your favorite scene/chapter from the book?

I liked the scene where Matt finds Kate hiding in his mother’s house. It shows the beginning of desire between them and the conflict.

What one thing about writing do you wish other non-writers would understand?

Just because you’re home most of the time doesn’t mean you’re not busy. My best writing gets done when I’m alone with the TV off and no one interrupting me.

What is the best lesson you have learned from another writer?

It’s important to read books like the ones you’d like to write. And to always write.
What is the toughest test you've faced as a writer?

I once had a book at a publisher for eight or nine months that I believed would be picked up by them. I believed I’d finally made it into the ranks of published author. I received a very short rejection letter a saying ‘So sorry.’ A few other sentences and paragraphs were added to the letter but all I remember is ‘so sorry’. I gave up writing for years after this rejection letter. I didn’t start writing again until I took a romance writing course and realized all I’ve ever wanted to do was write. For years I’d been incomplete because I’d stopped writing. I’ve been writing ever since.

What was the best advice you’d ever gotten about the publishing industry? The worst?

The best—just because one editor/publisher doesn’t like your work doesn’t mean all of them will dislike it.

The worst—if you want to see your book in print maybe you should pay for it. (A vanity press sent me letters and postcards for about a year claiming this was the way for me to go.)

Can you give us one do and one don’t for those aspiring to be a writer?

Do—find a good critique partner or group, and develop a thick skin.

Don’t—ever stop writing. The only way to get better is by doing.

I borrowed this question from Author Carleene Brice, What is your author fantasy?

To sell every book I write to the first publisher I send it to.

What is something readers would be surprised you do?

I live and work in an RV. Wintering up in GA and working in the Midwest during the summer months.

Our theme for this month is Family Literacy. Can you recommend three books for children?

Charlotte's Web by E. B. White

The Little House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder

A Poky Little Puppy
3:16-The Code for Your Life:Elementary Edition by Max Lucado


Oprah has--as one of her magazine columns--a section where she talks about what she knows for sure. What do you know for sure?

Just because you sell one book doesn’t necessary mean you’ll sell the next one. My editor at TWRP turned down two. The second one was picked up by Whispers.

Can you give us a sneak peek of your next book?

My next book is another sexy contemporary called A Betrayal of Friendship due out Jan. 22, 2010 with Whispers Publishing. http://www.whispershome.com/

"You never wanted to touch me before.”

“You’re wrong.” Before Mace could silence the words, he added, “I’ve always wanted you.”

“But you hate me.”

He needed to stop this now. He needed to force the conversation to different ground, safer ground. If she ever found out the true reason he’d left her two years ago, only weeks after his brother’s funeral, she’d never be able to forgive him.

“Tell me the truth,” a tentative hand landed on his arm. “I need to know that truth.”

No, the truth is the last thing you need.

“Mace?”

He needed to change the subject—and quickly. The plane! “Pam was right.”
Charlene’s back went rigid at the female name.
“She told me and Billy you crashed the plane.” He ignored her astonished look and bent down to stare at the dented wing tip. “Looks like I’ve a mess to fix up here.”
Her temper flared. “No, Hamilton, I have a mess to fix not you.”
“You?” He was being unfair, and he knew it, but he needed to stop her tears. If she cried, he’d be lost. He hadn’t return to Kodiak after all this time just to get her to cry. He wanted her smile. Anger would do. “Yeah, right, like a woman can fix this,” placing his hand on the damaged wing, “good enough to fly it back to Kodiak.”
“Why you—” She smothered her harsh words. “I can’t talk to you now.” She glared at him before she turned and raced toward the safety of the clinic.
At least the hint of tears had left her eyes, replaced by more violent emotions.
Unfortunately, even filled with that McIntire exasperation, the woman affected him way too much.
Mason was in deep trouble.


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

theresastillwagon@yahoo.com
http://www.theresastillwagon.webs.com

Ex-actress Kate Williams only wants to visit with her friend to discuss a possible acting role in a new television series. High powered executive, Matthew Hunter, thinks she’s in town for more than just a discussion. He thinks she’s the newest means the show’s producers decided to use against him. He’d already said no once to their offer of backing the new series. But this time their plan might work. After all, at one time he had been half in love with the former actress.

Matt thinks all Kate wants from him is his money.
Kate thinks all Matt wants from her is her body.

This is a story of two mistrusting, closed people trying to find love and warmth again in their lives.

Pick up a copy TODAY

FLASHBACK THURSDAY: VOWS by Rochelle Alers

FROM THIS DAY FORWARD......

On a well-deserved vacation in exotic Mexico, sensible, pratical accountant Vanessa Blanchard allows a maelstrom of desire to turn her world upside down. She's not sure why she dared to trust gorgeous, mysterious Joshua Kirkland, a man who revealed very little about his past...or their future together. All she knows is that she fell in love with a man who made her his, and then disappeared without a trace. Now Joshua haunts her days with desperate questions and torments her sleepless nights with remembered ecstasy.


But Joshua Kirkland hasn't abandoned the woman he branded with his passion. Though his mission began as a game of seduction fueled by suspicion, it has now turned into a daring race to confront the deadly danger that threatens the love of a lifetime...and the woman he loves.



This book sealed my love for romances. I fell in love with Joshua Kirkland as I read each page and from then on, I judged other heros by him. It was hard to find another hero worthy of him. I will say, Dix Wildhorse gave him a run for his money, but that's another flashback for later.

Did you miss this book? Pick up your copy TODAY.

Which hero did you fall in love with?

BLOG TOUR: Victorious Living for Women

It Is the Right Time for You!

Joann Smith, a contributing writer for Victorious Living for Women, stops by SORMAG to leave some words of encouragement.

About the Book

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

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

This stellar assembly of women with inspiring true-life stories will captivate you throughout each page as you read how their lives were transformed from anger to joy, disappointment to destiny and trial to victory. Their candor, wisdom and inspiration can help you to pursue your path of becoming a victorious woman.
Read an excerpt and check the tour schedule at

http://bit.ly/VictoriousLivingForWomenTour.

Victorious Living for Women

Contributors

1. Althea Marscene Williams
2. Angela Brown
3. Evangelist Brenda Dennis
4. Apostle Caroll Pollard Lopez
5. Cherri Waltson
6. Cheryl A. Pullins
7. Cheryl Donovan
8. Christine Pembleton

9. Deana Murphy
10. Debbie Magee
11. Deborah Billingsley

12. Donna Saunders
13. Eleanor Pat Miller
14. Gail Dudley

15. Jacqueline Lewis-Kemp
16. Jewell Powell
17. Joan Gosier
18. Joann Smith
19. Johnese Stewart
20. Joy Turner
21. Dr. Joyce McNeal
22. Kathleen Moon
23. Katrina Norfleet
24. Kimberly F. Jackson
25. L. Denise Simpson
26. Dr. LaWanna Harrod
27. Lea Marie Lucas
28. Letetia Liggins
29. Linda Evans
30. Lorraine Williams
31. Lucretia Daniel
32. Martha Lake
33. Melissa Hoffman
34. Michele Mills

35. Paulette Harper

36. Rhonda White
37. Tiesha Johnson
38. Tiffany Easley
39. Tina Gwynn
40. Tresmaine Grimes
41. Valarie D. Bloom

Column: Building Colorful Characters

Building Colorful Characters – the Literary Bones of a Story

If the entire world was colorless, just black and white, do you think your mind would be vibrantly-tickled by dreams? Could the lack of universal character negatively affect your character, emotions, and personality? I think so. Thank God for color. And thank God for people. As you know, people make the world go around. If they didn’t, writers would have a lot less to write about. So, when writing about these universal and unique individuals, a writer must breathe life into them through invigorating and distinguishing characteristics and personality. A writer must bring a character to vision; in other words make them colorful and believable, otherwise the reader will only see the black and white of the story, missing the brain tickle. Merely stating where a character lives, their name and a brief description about them won’t draw the reader into their world. The reader must taste and inhale what they see.

How many times have a person left their scent on your memory simply by how they were dressed, smelled, talked, walked or appeared? For the amount of time a reader spends engulfed in the world created by a writer they should be benefited by rememberable and brain-tingling characters. Getting to know your character before you introduce him or her to the world is very important.

Here are two of my suggestions of how to begin to breathe colorful life into your characters.

1. Make a list of things that make up this person such as, but not limited to: age, height, weight, body type, complexion, distinguishable facial and body marks such as tattoos and scars, likes & dislikes (pet peeves,) career and education, mannerisms, bad habits, style of dress, sexual preference, marital status, financial, religious, and political beliefs, speech patterns, memberships, parental-status, health conditions, etc.

2. Find a picture in a magazine, newspaper, or search on-line for people resembling close to your characters features and make a collage of them.
Of course you won’t be relaying all these elements of your characters to your readers, but this exercise and routine will help you know your baby exclusively, therefore aiding you in portraying them believable and true to character.

This month we meet colorful character January Frittmier retired Staff Sergeant from the United States Marine Corps, affectionately known to his few acquaintances as Auggie. Each month I’ll introduce a little more about him to you.

Frittmier’s a thin-lipped, man-of-a-few-words type of guy, with a bellowing German voice. His pale face is usually flushed by the red of anger or annoyance. His patience is usually low with civilian male adults and crying knee-babies. But even as a homeless vet, his hand is always saluted high towards a fellow Marine. Styling wind-bag cheeks and a Santa Claus beard, January’s cold blue eyes stare back at you through rounded spectacles. The scars of war manifest its curse in his limp and the clutch of his silver-handled cane. But war will never kill his father-instilled arrogance, or bend Frittmier’s proud round shoulders, for this five feet one giant daily displays his military pride with the layers of a Marine Corp baseball cap and insignia jacket blazing of his adopted country’s colors.

On any given day his habitual stripped shirt seems to creep up around his bulging middle that diet and sixty-five years have gifted him; exposing a roll of pale skin, and gapping from his belted, faded blue jeans. Still, January’s stance is strong, and uncaring of his wreaking body liniments and tobacco-breath. The crisp of day and dark hues of evening-fall usually find him grunting to himself, steps mimicking hiccups down the busy streets of Chicago until he reaches his one and only daily aspiration. So, on this day, with his tightened left fist that still marries a wedding ring to his widowed heart; we find dear Auggie in a long food line demanding his evening ration from a local soup kitchen.

Now tell me, do you visualize January? Though he hasn’t uttered any words yet, can you hear his voice or accent in your minds-eye? Can you smell his aroma or imagine the lash of his angry encounters? Do you know a bit about the “why” of his personality or his character? I hope so. I hope I have given you a small taste of a colorful and believable character.

Here’s what we know so far about our character:

1. He’s of German decent/white male
2. He’s sixty years old
3. Five feet six inches tall
4. A widower
5. Homeless
6. A retired Marine Corp Vet
7. He can be short tempered
8. Holds high regard to the military and fellow veterans
9. His hygiene and appearance aren’t flattering.
10. Eats his meals daily at a soup kitchen

Here are two of the areas we’ve covered briefly that attribute to building colorful characters:

1. Face & Body
2. Personality/Identity
Of course part of the glow of excellent storytelling and presenting colorful and believable characters are in “the showing” more than “the telling.” These examples and exercises are just to get those juices flowing.

Feel free to use Auggie in any of your projects; he’s a freelance character, as will be all the characters born here.

So now, aspiring writers and authors alike – start your engines. Rev up those computer keys. In one paragraph or two, birth your own colorful baby. Take threads from an uncle, next door neighbor, the check-out woman from your favorite grocery store, or that adult-faced ten year old that’s in your son’s class who you swear is an undercover old midget. Play around with complexion, eyes, face, and body types. We’ll get into more character detail next month.

Wordsmiths, I’d love to meet who you introduce into our imaginary world. E-mail me with your creations and I’ll post them here for all to meet and utilize. For your gifting I’ll also post a picture of your latest book and a link to your website.
Pens up to building colorful characters the write way!


Rachel Berry has been gifted by our creator to be many things; on the list of these blessings are daughter, caregiver, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, best friend, aunt, published author & poet, motivational speaker, radio talk show host, mentor, columnist and community leader.

She has been a government employee for 24 years.

Rachel is the founder and president of Black Pearls United INC. (an African American sister-circle) which was founded in 2000.

Berry is also an alumni member of Toastmasters International where she has earned her CTM and has been awarded as Toastmaster of the Year.

Rachel is proudly promoting her books 'From The Heart And Heat Of Me.' and her novel ‘Family Pictures:’ the family saga of two women with too many secrets and the up and down relationships they have with those people they call family.

To arrange speaking engagements e-mail her at admin@blackpearlsunited.org. For book signings please e-mail her at rachelwrites2@yahoo.com. To preview and buy her books please visit her web site at http://www.LuLu.com/RachelBerry & http://www.RachelBerry.webs.com

FEATURED AUTHOR: Tamara Ali

Tamara Ali is a Commonwealth hybrid, born in England, raised in Trinidad and now living in the Northern Caribbean. A former high school teacher, she worked as a buyer until a chance encounter with a library in the mountains of Mexico set the stage for a major shift in her career and her life. Tamara returned to teaching in 2009, which gives her time to raise her son and also be able to write. Her romantic suspense stories are set in the Caribbean, Europe and the Americas, and her heroes and heroines are every shade of brown imaginable. She loves to write about brilliant, sensuous, conflicted Caribbean women, and the (gorgeous!) men who seek them out, and who are able to complete them in every way. To date she has published two romance novels with Hearts on Fire Books, Eventide and The Chieftain’s Chair, and is hard at work on several others! Tamara lives in the Bahamas with her husband, son, a dog and two very “biggetty” cats. Her books are available on Amazon, Fictionwise, Stanza, Coffetime Press and Hearts on Fire, both as e-books and in print. Contact her at tali@tdotali.com or tamara@tamaraali.com

The Chieftain’s Chair

Anthropologist Surya Raj and her brother’s research partner, Daniel, are on a quest to find the truth about her brother and the secrets hidden in cave systems throughout the Caribbean. But a powerful conglomerate determined to keep these secrets hidden forces them on the run. Together they embark on a chase to uncover the mystery of her missing brother and her stolen work. Thrown together on this quest, Surya and Daniel’s intimacy builds to a fever pitch of desire. But will unseen enemies destroy them before they have a chance to live out their newfound love? As enemies draw near, secrets are revealed. Time is running out...


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

The Chieftain’s Chair is a story about the bond that true soul mates share. It triumphs over all obstacles. It is something I believe in very strongly. Everyone she loved - her brother, her husband and her family - has betrayed Surya Raj. Yet she does not hesitate to return home to Trinidad to help find her brother when he disappears. Dogged by industrial spies bent on her destruction, she must trust one man. And despite her efforts to deny it, he is her true soul mate. Now he just has to prove himself to her…

Why did you choose to write this book?

Many years ago I toured the Tamana Caves in the Central Range in Trinidad. They were sufficiently creepy that I wondered what secrets were hidden in the unmapped sections of the cave systems. I wanted an authentic setting for a wildly romantic and suspenseful story, and I found it there.

What did you learn while writing this book?

That fiction is best rooted in geographical reality. It makes the story richer and more accessible to the reader. All the locations in this story are real. Readers can visit the islands and cave systems mentioned in the story.

What was your favorite scene/chapter from the book?

I love the part where Surya and Daniel argue about their relationship. They have known each other for exactly two days in this excerpt:

“You are not my man.” Surya heard the desperation in her voice. She tried to regain possession of her hand. He refused to let go.

“Of course I am.”

“I don’t even know you.” It was a wail of despair.

“Nor I you. But we will learn about each other. And you, Surya Raj, you are my woman now. Make no mistake about that.”

Surya felt her body react to his bold words, and a part of her simply melted. No one had ever spoken to her that way, certainly not her husband.

Daniel’s quiet conviction spun around in her mind, clouding reason. The rational side of her knew it just could not be for real. The rest of her reached for him, yearning for his words to be true. Her head tilted up to him of its own accord, reaching blindly for his lips. She felt the tiny grunt of satisfaction he gave before he claimed her mouth again. He pulled her hard into his arms, deepening the kiss. Taking her over again.

What one thing about writing do you wish other non-writers would understand?

I have learned that writers live in their own heads. When they need to write, they write! My family has been patient so far. We are still adjusting as a household to the times where I disappear into my study for hours.

What is the best lesson you have learned from another writer?

My sister-in-law is a writer and she taught me discipline. In order to write you must carve out the time and sit down and do it.

What is the toughest test you've faced as a writer?

It would be how to use your creative time – do you market today or write? I would love to have someone else do the publishing research and the advertising work. It is confusing doing both jobs. Writing generally wins that battle. My husband designed my website and created the cover art for my first two novels, with permission from Hearts On Fire Books. He has been my greatest ally and a true creative force in this whole process. Without his expertise, his love and encouragement I don’t know where I would be now!

What was the best advice you’d ever gotten about the publishing industry?

Protect your work!

The worst?

I can’t think of any bad advice – still too new to the industry, so I haven’t received it yet!

Can you give us one do and one don’t for those aspiring to be a writer?

Do write every day.

Don’t forget to write every day.

I borrowed this question from Author Carleene Brice, What is your author fantasy?

My author fantasy is: I walk in on my former boss as he is reaching avidly for one of my novels at a bookstore!

What is something readers would be surprised you do?

I don’t think this is truly surprising, but I crank up the music really loudly while I am writing an action scene. Last night I pounded my play list of London’s dance club scene from the eighties while drafting out a new story about love lost and found. It brought back the memories of that time and gave my hero background music for his (anguished) scene. I like to play music to get my heroes and heroines in the mood too… J

Five questions about books:

One book that you have read more than once.

God Emperor of Dune by Frank Herbert. All of the Dune books are magnificent, but when the hero becomes a sandworm, all bets are off. It was an amazing twist to the story.

One book you would want on a desert island.

I would want V.S. Naipaul’s short story collection In A Free State. I could read each story five times over and learn something new each time.

One book that made you laugh.

Looking Out For Number One by Robert R. Ringer is a self-help book. I read it when I was very young and laughed my head off at the analogies he made between corporate types and animals. Twenty years later I stumbled on a battered copy and read it again – and laughed even harder because he had hit the mark so well back in 1971. I have met each one of his corporate animal types in the private sector, and they are just as dysfunctional as he portrayed them.

One book that made you cry.

Nalini Singh’s latest novel of the psy-changeling world, Blaze of Memory, made the tears trickle down into my pillow. It was heartbreakingly beautiful.

One book you wish you'd written.

Christine Feehan’s novel about leopard people, Fever, was so well written I wish I had thought of it myself. She is an amazing writer, and this story will always be my favourite one of hers.

Our theme this month is Family Literacy. Can you recommend three books for children?

I have an eight-year old son, and he loves Jon Scieszka/Lane Smith’s book, The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales. The retold stories are fresh and fun and the illustrations are fabulous. My second choice comes from a series called Living Lights that takes a lesson from the Bible and presents it in a very non-preachy way. We are reading The Berenstain Bears Love Their Neighbours by Jan and Mike Berenstain right now. My third choice would be The Adventures of Mr. Frog E. Frogg. It is a collection of ecological stories for kids by Carolyn Ali from Trinidad – cute character, serious messages.

Oprah has--as one of her magazine columns--a section where she talks about what she knows for sure. What do you know for sure?

I know for sure that life gives you only what you can handle when you can handle it. I am ready to write now in a way I was not eighteen years ago when I produced my first novel. I had neither the courage to call myself a writer nor the discipline to write back then. I did not know how to tap into the magical well where the stories simmered. Those stories are now parked in the airplane hangar of my mind, waiting to become paper and ink. I am awed that I can write at this stage in my life, and I am so glad I stumbled into that biblioteca in the mountains of Central Mexico last year. The re-awakening of my love of books in that library, coupled with my mother’s encouragement, provided the dramatic backdrop for my “aha” moment in the summer of 2008.

Can you give us a sneak peek of your next book?

The working title is San Miguel. It is my first paranormal romance and is set in Mexico. I do not have a release date for it yet. Here is the blurb:

Alejandro Tomas has spent his life testing the curative strength of the crystals found in the caves of Mexico. He needs a crystal singer, but the last one of his tribe died fifty years ago, taking with her all the secrets of the crystal caves.

Victim of a savage attack, reporter Leana Rosales arrives in Mexico alone and traumatized. The moment she meets Alejandro, the life, as she knows it ends. And what they discover together goes beyond anything either of them knew about life and love.

Hiding from her enemies, they enter the dream world of the cave of giant crystals to learn the stories that will help them heal others. Having finally found her, Alejandro has no intention of letting go of the woman for whom he has waited his entire life.

But the crystal gods have other plans…

And here is an excerpt:

“What do you need?”

His voice sounded husky and poured over her like warm honey. What do I need? She thought. I need to feel safe again. I think I need you to stay with me a little longer.

No, scratch that. I don’t need you.

I don’t need anybody.

Leana closed her eyes and gave in. “My bath robe.”

Alejandro bent to the task, opening the largest suitcase Leana indicated. “This?” He held it up to her. For a moment she thought he looked surprised.

Alejandro straightened up, running his long fingers over the smooth fabric. He looked at her and for a moment he hesitated as if he wanted to say more. He handed it to her and his hand fell away.

An image rose up in Leana’s mind. She stood before him wearing the robe. Her hair, unbound, waved around her face in the slight breeze coming down from the mountaintop. She stood on her own two feet, unmarked, unblemished, and tilted her head up to him in silent invitation. He reached out his hand and slowly pulled on the silken bow. The knot fell away and the robe parted.

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


I can be reached at tamara@tamaraali.com or tali@tdotali.com, and my website is http://tamaraali.com/.

Leave a question for Tamara for a chance to win a copy of The Chieftain’s Chair

Family Pictures by Rachel Berry

Unexpected Discoveries: For a single mother family and their quality of life is everything. But life sometimes seems unfair and dreams unreachable. However, through resilience, unexpected discoveries, and varied relationships Regal Sommers sees the real picture of her life’s journey with new eyes and direction.

Lifelong Fears: Childhood nightmares and memories have kept Emma Jean Lo-Verde secluded in her home. Being raised in a dysfunctional family and dealing with revengeful relatives turned her to alcohol and viewing life as pictures of unhappiness. But when past secrets haunt Emma Jean, confessions and unconditional love puts a better face on her future.

Meet the author:

Rachel Berry has been gifted by our creator to be many things; on the list of these blessings are daughter, caregiver, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, best friend, aunt, published author & poet, motivational speaker, radio talk show host, mentor, columnist and community leader.

She has been a government employee for 24 years.

Rachel is the founder and president of Black Pearls United INC. (an African American sister-circle) which was founded in 2000.

Berry is also an alumni member of Toastmasters International where she has earned her CTM and has been awarded as Toastmaster of the Year.

Rachel is proudly promoting her books 'From The Heart And Heat Of Me.' and her novel ‘Family Pictures:’ the family saga of two women with too many secrets and the up and down relationships they have with those people they call family.

To arrange speaking engagements e-mail her at admin@blackpearlsunited.org. For book signings please e-mail her at rachelwrites2@yahoo.com. To preview and buy her books please visit her web site at http://www.LuLu.com/RachelBerry & http://www.rachelberry.webs.com/

ORDER THIS BOOK FROM OUR BOOKSTORE

2010 Emma Award Finalists

2010 Emma Award Finalists

Named after the co-founder of the Romance Slam Jam Conference, the Emma Awards is THE premier awards event for readers and authors of Black romance. Congratulations to the 2010 Emma Award finalists:

Favorite Hero

Quest Ramsey, A Lover's Soul by AlTonya Washington
Lawrence Hightower, Law of Desire by Gwyneth Bolton
Patrick Hightower, Sizzling Seduction by Gwyneth Bolton

Favorite Heroine

DAndra Smalls, Body by Night by Zuri Day
Samantha Dash, Make it Hot by Gwyneth Bolton
Aisha Miller, Sizzling Seduction by Gwyneth Bolton

Best Inspirational

Chosen by Patricia Haley
Lady Jasmine by Victoria Christopher Murray
Secrets and Lies by Rhonda McKnight

Best Romantic Suspense

Law of Desire by Gwyneth Bolton
Secret Agent Seduction by Maureen Smith
Sizzling Seduction by Gwyneth Bolton

Best Sequel

Law of Desire by Gwyneth Bolton
Sizzling Seduction by Gwyneth Bolton
Trust me by Melanie Schuster

Best Steamy Romance

Make You Mine by Niobia Bryant
Sizzling Seduction by Gwyneth Bolton
Sultry Storm by Celeste O. Norfleet
The Sweet Spot by Kimberly K. Terry

Best Romance of the Year

Body by Night by Zuri Day
Law of Desire by Gwyneth Bolton
Touch of Heaven by Maureen Smith

Favorite Debut Author of the Year

Iris Bolling
Jasmine Alexander
Jewel Amethyst
Joan Early
Katrina Spenser
Keith Walker
Niambi Davis
Rhonda McKnight
Sandra Foy

Author Of the Year

A.C. Author
AlTonya Washington
Celeste O. Norfleet
Gwyneth Bolton


CONGRATULATIONS FINALISTS!