rp({"version":"1.0","encoding":"UTF-8","feed":{"xmlns":"http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom","xmlns$openSearch":"http://a9.com/-/spec/opensearchrss/1.0/","xmlns$georss":"http://www.georss.org/georss","id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569"},"updated":{"$t":"2009-12-28T02:51:44.227-06:00"},"title":{"type":"text","$t":"SORMAG's Blog"},"subtitle":{"type":"html","$t":"The award winning online magazine for readers and writers of multi-cultural literature."},"link":[{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#feed","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://sormag.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15713569/posts/default?alt\u003djson-in-script\u0026orderby\u003dpublished"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http://sormag.blogspot.com/"},{"rel":"hub","href":"http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com/"},{"rel":"next","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15713569/posts/default?alt\u003djson-in-script\u0026start-index\u003d26\u0026max-results\u003d25\u0026orderby\u003dpublished"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"LaShaunda"},"uri":{"$t":"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02882241010643308240"},"email":{"$t":"sormag@yahoo.com"}}],"generator":{"version":"7.00","uri":"http://www.blogger.com","$t":"Blogger"},"openSearch$totalResults":{"$t":"1021"},"openSearch$startIndex":{"$t":"1"},"openSearch$itemsPerPage":{"$t":"25"},"entry":[{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-8220359706522755451"},"published":{"$t":"2009-12-23T09:10:00.003-06:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2009-12-23T09:18:36.856-06:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Young Adult Fiction"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"BLOG TOUR"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"BLOG TOUR: The Hunts"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003ca href\u003d\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/SzI0O14bZWI/AAAAAAAADbI/BxhG8odwLsA/s1600-h/natashapic.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg id\u003d\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418450731266696546\" style\u003d\"FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 226px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px\" alt\u003d\"\" src\u003d\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/SzI0O14bZWI/AAAAAAAADbI/BxhG8odwLsA/s320/natashapic.jpg\" border\u003d\"0\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNatasha Usher\u003c/strong\u003e is a wife, a mother, and a middle grades teacher who lives outside of Atlanta Georgia. When not writing or nurturing young minds, Natasha enjoys reading, watching movies, photography, and cooking. She is a graduate of Mercer University where she majored in Business and earned her initial teaching certification. \u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003eAt seven years old, after being denied a role in an elementary school play because of a lack of character roles, Natasha decided she wanted to be a writer. She wanted to write plays and stories that had enough roles to keep all children happy. Since then, she has been sharing her stories with family, friends, and anyone who will listen. The Hunts is her second novel for young adults.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen did you begin writing, and who nurtured you as a writer? Do you write for children only? What inspired your decision to write children's books?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003eUnhappy with the ending of the many of the books I read, I began creating my own endings in elementary school. My efforts were nurtured by my teachers and my family, especially my grandmother. Since I’m a middle grades school teacher and deal with children on a daily basis, I’m always on the look out for a great book for my students. What better way to know what they’re reading than by writing the books myself.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eWho are some of your favorite children's authors? How do their works differ from the children's authors of your childhood?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI don’t read a lot of books by “new authors”, but if I do read something, it is usually a Walter Dean Myers novel or something by Sharon Draper. I’m still drawn to the classics, I guess, of my childhood. By classics, I mean books that I was introduced to in school.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat are you currently reading?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI am currently reading (and for the second time) Hill Harper’s Letters to a Young Sister. It’s such an amazing novel.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAs an educator, what do you feel that we children need to see more in their books? How will you help fill this void?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eAs an educator, I just want children to read; it doesn’t matter to me what they read. Still, I would like to see more humor and less seriousness in books. To me, books have always served as an escape, and in this world, I think children need all the hideaways they can get. I also believe that there is a great need for more children’s books with African American characters. When I go to the bookstores, it’s always hard for me to find good stories (for my children) that revolve around the lives of African Americans.That’s why in THE HUNTS, I created a funny story around a group of African American siblings.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBriefly tell us about The Hunts and where did you get the idea for this story.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI have a colorful cast of nieces and nephews, eight of them, who keep me in stitches. They inspired the mischievous bunch of Hunts.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is your targeted age group audience? How are readers and their parents and/or teachers responding?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eMy targeted age group is 9-12. So far the response to my book has been positive. Parents and teachers are telling me that they are laughing just as much as the children.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eWhat advice would you like to share with aspiring writers?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eWrite down every idea you have, no matter how crazy or whacky it seems to you or other people. The best stories come from unusual ideas. Don’t be afraid to take a risk. You only fail when you talk yourself out of trying. And of course, good luck!\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/SzI0hiZlE1I/AAAAAAAADbQ/7oTKrH3AtvU/s1600-h/hunt.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg id\u003d\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418451052454548306\" style\u003d\"FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 215px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px\" alt\u003d\"\" src\u003d\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/SzI0hiZlE1I/AAAAAAAADbQ/7oTKrH3AtvU/s320/hunt.jpg\" border\u003d\"0\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThe Hunts\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eVictoria, Luther V, Tyler, Tyger, and DougRoss Hunt. Sure these five African American children are named after their parents’ favorite celebrities, but they still have a lot going for them. Despite their young ages, the Hunts are very resourceful. They have managed to live alone ever since their parents abandoned them. Their survival strategy is quite simple - if it is not given to them, they simply take it.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eWhen the Hunts decide life is too boring in their small town of Acon, Georgia, they decide a trip to the big city of Atlanta is just what they need. The fact they have no money for the trip doesn’t faze them at all.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eAfter the Hunts’ attempt to raise money fails, the townspeople, eager for a quiet weekend, take up a trip collection fund for them. When most of the people hand over their credit cards, the Hunts are on their way. Atlanta and the Hunts will never be the same again.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eWeb Links\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.thehuntsstory.info/\"\u003ehttp://www.thehuntsstory.info/\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e – official book site\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.myspace.com/runningwildacon\"\u003ehttp://www.myspace.com/runningwildacon\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e - myspace site\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class\u003d\"blogger-post-footer\"\u003e\u003cimg width\u003d'1' height\u003d'1' src\u003d'https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15713569-8220359706522755451?l\u003dsormag.blogspot.com' alt\u003d'' /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://sormag.blogspot.com/feeds/8220359706522755451/comments/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID\u003d15713569\u0026postID\u003d8220359706522755451","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15713569/posts/default/8220359706522755451"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15713569/posts/default/8220359706522755451"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http://sormag.blogspot.com/2009/12/blog-tour-hunts.html","title":"BLOG TOUR: The Hunts"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"LaShaunda"},"uri":{"$t":"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02882241010643308240"},"email":{"$t":"sormag@yahoo.com"},"gd$extendedProperty":{"xmlns$gd":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005","name":"OpenSocialUserId","value":"16185978513480922541"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/SzI0O14bZWI/AAAAAAAADbI/BxhG8odwLsA/s72-c/natashapic.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"xmlns$thr":"http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0","$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-6979379653695783942"},"published":{"$t":"2009-12-21T10:27:00.003-06:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2009-12-21T10:44:53.579-06:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Romance"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Featured Author"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"FEATURED AUTHOR:  Gail McFarland"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003ca href\u003d\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/Sy-lh_K9hoI/AAAAAAAADa4/qevDv6e0U1Q/s1600-h/gail_mcfarland.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg id\u003d\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417730880061671042\" style\u003d\"FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 218px\" alt\u003d\"\" src\u003d\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/Sy-lh_K9hoI/AAAAAAAADa4/qevDv6e0U1Q/s320/gail_mcfarland.jpg\" border\u003d\"0\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGail McFarland\u003c/strong\u003e is the published author of more than 100 short romantic confessions and stories and seven novels including: SUMMERWIND (BET/Arabesque), WHEN LOVE CALLS (BET/Arabesque), BOUQUET (with Roberta Gayle and Anna Laurence, BET/Arabesque), LADY KILLER (LULU Books), and ALL FOR LOVE (LULU Books).\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eA dedicated wellness/fitness advocate, Ms. McFarland is currently an active fitness instructor and consultant. She happily admits that DREAM RUNNER (ISBN: 1585713171) is the first of her novels to combine her love of sports and fitness with the passion of romance. DREAM KEEPER, the sequel to this well received novel, is slated for December, 2009. Also in 2009, Ms. McFarland will be returning to her romantic roots with short stories and confessions, in conjunction with Lady Leo Publications.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eA native of Cleveland, Ohio, Ms. McFarland now makes her home in Atlanta, Georgia.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat would you like readers to take away from your book?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eWhen they turn that last page, I want them to hold the book, smile, sigh, and refuse to ever lend it to anyone. Seriously, I want readers to be completely satisfied with the characters and the story, and willing to believe that love is real and worth the challenges and changes we go through to hold on to it.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy did you choose to write this book?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThese characters kind of snuck up on me. Rissa and Dench were secondary characters in DREAM RUNNER, and they became my friends as I wrote. Their connection, humor, and passion were irresistible, and they were married by the epilogue – but nobody knew any details. So I HAD to write their story.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat did you learn while writing this book?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI learned a lot about the causes and responses to infertility and had to challenge my writing skills by keeping the information relevant in a romantic setting. I also learned a lot about the challenges of writing a sequel. My previous books have all been single titles with unrelated stories, but this time, I had to maintain timelines, relationships, physical characteristics, and environments for a whole cast of characters.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat was your favorite scene/chapter from the book?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI absolutely loved the passion shared by the couples in DREAM KEEPER, and writing the love scenes was a lot of fun, but without giving away the story, there is an emotional breakdown that stands out for me. One of the characters has lost a baby and has to deal with the fact that life goes on in spite of her anger at herself and God. My only regret in writing this scene is that a red velvet cake was sacrificed, but I love the mood, the intensity, the language, and the resolution of this scene.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat one thing about writing do you wish non-writers would understand?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThat writing takes more than a decision to sit down and put words on paper. Completing a novel takes skill, commitment, process orientation, and loads of patience. Bringing a book to completion is a lot harder than it looks, but being able to tell a good story and share it with others is so very worth it in the end.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the best lesson you have learned from another writer?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eTo tell a good story, and I think this quote sums it up quite nicely.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e“…try to leave out the parts that people skip.” ~ Elmore Leonard\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the toughest test you've faced as a writer?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eMy dad has had some serious health challenges lately, and they have seriously impacted my time. Writing on a deadline, time has been of the essence, so everything else about the writing/editing/publishing process was compressed. The test has been to work hard and fast, and turn out a book that I could be proud of and that readers would enjoy.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat was the best advice you’d ever gotten about the publishing industry?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThat every rejection is not final. A manuscript may be rejected for many different reasons, and sometimes the writer can’t see it at first glance. If you believe in the story, reevaluate the manuscript, fix the problems, and resubmit it somewhere else. I read that in a Writers Digest article back in 1994 and never forgot it. The worst? Honestly, I don’t have a ready answer for this one.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan you give us one do and one don’t for those aspiring to be a writer?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eDO pay attention to deadlines, contracts, and other commitments.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eDON’T think that every word you write is golden. Books and stories can benefit significantly from editing.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eI borrowed this question from Author Carleene Brice, What is your author fantasy?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThis is a really good question. When I write, my characters are very active in my head. I would love to see what they do in movies. So my fantasy is to see my books as feature films.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is something readers would be surprised you do?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI work in Wellness/Fitness so most people are not surprised that I teach aerobics, but they might be a little surprised to learn that I have recently tried pole dancing, and I liked it!\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFive questions about books:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cem\u003eOne book that you have read more than once.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/em\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eA TALE OF TWO CITIES (Charles Dickens). This was a school assignment, and I am so glad I did my homework. I know that it is a political commentary, but the idea of a man who would die so that the woman he loves might live – and with another man – thrills me to this day.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cem\u003eOne book you would want on a desert island.\u003c/em\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThe latest entry in the J.D. Robb “IN DEATH” (Nora Roberts) series. Eve Dallas is smart and just hard enough to make you nod your head, and her husband, Roarke makes you wish you could say one word about him: Mine.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cem\u003eOne book that made you laugh.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/em\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eFRANKLY, MY DEAR (Sandra Hill). This is the funniest romance in the western world! I recommend it highly.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cem\u003eOne book that made you cry.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/em\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eNIGHT (Elie Wiesel). The eloquence and simplicity of this true story is painful and haunts my heart.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cem\u003eOne book you wish you'd written.\u003c/em\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eTHEIR EYES WERE WATCHING GOD (Zora Neale Hurston). I can still close my eyes and see Janie walking down that road in overalls…\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eOh, oh, and can I have just one more? It would have to be THE HAND I FAN WITH (Tina McElroy Ansa). Herman… need I say more?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOur theme for this month is Children Books. Can you recommend three books for children?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eTAR BEACH (Faith Ringgold) offers beautiful illustrations and a lovely stretch of imagination.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eSTONE SOUP (Kit Schorsch) an old fairytale wonderfully told.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eMRS. PIGGLE WIGGLE (Betty MacDonald) I loved this series when I was a child, and still enjoy reading them to others.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eOprah has--as one of her magazine columns--a section where she talks about what she knows for sure. What do you know for sure?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI know for sure that God don’t make junk, and good health is worth the effort it takes to maintain it.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan you give us a sneak peek of your next book?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI would love to!\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eReaders met Bianca Coltrane in DREAM RUNNER, and she was a very bad girl. But even bad girls can find redemption and have dreams. Now, romance with the wrong man has taught her what she wants in the right one.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eHaru “Harry”Jordan has always been the best at everything he’s tried – except finding the right woman.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eStepping out on faith is a task neither of them ever saw coming, but if Bianca is ever to be free of the entanglements of her past, faith and Harry may be all she has.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eOffering her the honesty and sensual integrity no other man has ever deemed her worthy of, Harry steps to the side of a woman in charge of herself. Accepting a man who has never stepped out of perfection to be only a man is not an easy task for an imperfect woman like Bianca Coltrane, but it is the only right thing for a woman with wayward dreams to do.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eReaders can look for WAYWARD DREAMS in June, 2010.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow can readers get in contact with you? (mail, email, website)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eMailing Address: P.O.Box 56782 / Atlanta, GA 30343\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eEmail: the_fitwryter@yahoo.com\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eWebsite: \u003ca href\u003d\"http://fitwryter.tripod.com/\"\u003ehttp://fitwryter.tripod.com/\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eBooksite: \u003ca href\u003d\"http://fitwryter.tripod.com/books/\"\u003ehttp://fitwryter.tripod.com/books/\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/Sy-lumStmVI/AAAAAAAADbA/2l9O_4CENT8/s1600-h/12gail.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg id\u003d\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417731096721594706\" style\u003d\"FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 173px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 280px\" alt\u003d\"\" src\u003d\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/Sy-lumStmVI/AAAAAAAADbA/2l9O_4CENT8/s320/12gail.jpg\" border\u003d\"0\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDREAMKEEPER\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003eIt took a lot for Rissa and Dench Traylor to get friends and family on the right track, but they did and found each other in the process. Now, what about their own marriage? Will a baby ever make three? A series of miscarriages forces them to make some hard decisions, decisions that place a strain on their marriage. As the tension grows, Rissa must remember that Dench married her because he loved her, not because he loved the prospect of kids.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLeave a question for a chance to win a copy of DREAM KEEPER.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class\u003d\"blogger-post-footer\"\u003e\u003cimg width\u003d'1' height\u003d'1' src\u003d'https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15713569-6979379653695783942?l\u003dsormag.blogspot.com' alt\u003d'' /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://sormag.blogspot.com/feeds/6979379653695783942/comments/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID\u003d15713569\u0026postID\u003d6979379653695783942","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15713569/posts/default/6979379653695783942"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15713569/posts/default/6979379653695783942"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http://sormag.blogspot.com/2009/12/featured-author-gail-mcfarland.html","title":"FEATURED AUTHOR:  Gail McFarland"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"LaShaunda"},"uri":{"$t":"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02882241010643308240"},"email":{"$t":"sormag@yahoo.com"},"gd$extendedProperty":{"xmlns$gd":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005","name":"OpenSocialUserId","value":"16185978513480922541"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/Sy-lh_K9hoI/AAAAAAAADa4/qevDv6e0U1Q/s72-c/gail_mcfarland.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"xmlns$thr":"http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0","$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-5557927047714264294"},"published":{"$t":"2009-12-19T08:51:00.000-06:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2009-12-19T09:54:42.830-06:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Featured Author"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"FEATURED AUTHOR:  Tia Stewart"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003ca href\u003d\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/Syz2AQg1DTI/AAAAAAAADaw/JoWgKxNnxjk/s1600-h/tia.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg style\u003d\"MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand\" id\u003d\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416974936112958770\" border\u003d\"0\" alt\u003d\"\" src\u003d\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/Syz2AQg1DTI/AAAAAAAADaw/JoWgKxNnxjk/s320/tia.jpg\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTia Stewart\u003c/strong\u003e is a professional writer. She is a proud native of Petersburg, Virginia, and her adopted hometowns, Detroit, Michigan and Norfolk, Virginia. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Mocha Moms, the Science Museum of Virginia, North Carolina Aquariums, and The Dooley Society, Maymont Foundation in Richmond, Virginia.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eShe was born November 3, 1963 in Petersburg, Virginia. Always an advocate for private Christian and home- school instruction, Ms Stewart is a parochial school graduate of Detroit Benedictine High School.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eMs. Stewart spent a year as an Americorps Vista volunteer, at the Greater Capital Area Literacy Coalition in Lansing, Michigan, where her projects were family, migrant, and healthcare literacy under former first lady, Barbara Busch’s campaign for literacy.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eMs Stewart is the mother of four lovely children, Ariana, Austin, Alexander, and Armand, all who reside in Chesterfield County, Virginia.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eMs. Stewart is a Registered Nurse, and also a very proud alumnus of Norfolk State University, a historically black college, in Norfolk, Virginia, where she was inducted into Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society. She also attended Northwestern University, in Evanston, Illinois as a biomedical engineering major in the eighties. Ms. Stewart attended University of Michigan-Dearborn as a biology major. She holds a second baccalaureate degree from Excelsior University. She also attended the College of Human Medicine at Michigan State University for one year before becoming a full-time mommy. All of these educational endeavors are a source for her writings.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eShe loves, hanging out with family, reading, and watching movies. And eating “ real homemade Southern food”, at the Croaker Spot restaurant in the historic Jackson Ward section of downtown Richmond, Virginia in her spare time.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eOn any given week day, you can find her at a bookstore, Starbucks, a museum, visiting a rose garden, the zoo or at the Virginia Beach oceanfront. Or just home relaxing.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eOn any given Sunday, you will usually find her worshipping at St Paul’s Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia. Where, internationally renown, Pastor Dr. Lance Watson, a fellow Michigander, and a fellow avid Detroit Lions football and Detroit Pistons basketball fan is preaching.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eShe is available for speaking engagements, spoken word/poetry readings, and new book release events. She is available for speaking engagements, spoken word/poetry readings, and new book release events. She is available to speak to your group on a variety of African-American issues, Christian women’s issues, mind/body health connections, Christian family, Christian parenting and general wellness topics.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/Syz1ts2_bMI/AAAAAAAADao/7_B5NfBAL50/s1600-h/12tia.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg style\u003d\"MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 185px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 264px; CURSOR: hand\" id\u003d\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416974617304591554\" border\u003d\"0\" alt\u003d\"\" src\u003d\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/Syz1ts2_bMI/AAAAAAAADao/7_B5NfBAL50/s320/12tia.jpg\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eColors of a Man:\u003c/strong\u003e Tribute to African-American Men is a collection of new millennium “call to action” poetry selections featuring historical leaders such as President Barack Obama. From regular Joes to CEO’s, African-American men are compared to the great masterpiece paintings.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"The relationship with our men should mirror that between young lovers. Eagerly awaiting the arrival of their beloved mate, melting under the tender touch, finally succumbing to the moment after hearing sweet serenades of love, longing, and anticipation.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThe beginning starts with a simple caress, a calming chord that cherishes their contribution to their Community. Family community. Work Community. Church Community. Everyday Community. Shoulder to shoulder, the young couple embrace,\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003ePlanning for the new life that will blossom out of their love.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThey will shoulder the responsibility for their offspring together.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eAt the climax, we yell, scream, and celebrate in quiet solitude about these special men in our life.\"\u003c/em\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThe poem above is entitled \"Black Night.\"\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eAll of the poems are my own intimate fictionalized reflections about the men in my life and our world community. Says noted new author, Tia Stewart.\u003c/span\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003eListen to Tia read her \u003c/span\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://sormag.podbean.com/2009/12/19/tia-stewart/\"\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePOETRY\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLeave a comment or question for Tia for a chance to win a copy of Colors of Man.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv class\u003d\"blogger-post-footer\"\u003e\u003cimg width\u003d'1' height\u003d'1' src\u003d'https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15713569-5557927047714264294?l\u003dsormag.blogspot.com' alt\u003d'' /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://sormag.blogspot.com/feeds/5557927047714264294/comments/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID\u003d15713569\u0026postID\u003d5557927047714264294","title":"1 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15713569/posts/default/5557927047714264294"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15713569/posts/default/5557927047714264294"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http://sormag.blogspot.com/2009/12/featured-author-tia-stewart.html","title":"FEATURED AUTHOR:  Tia Stewart"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"LaShaunda"},"uri":{"$t":"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02882241010643308240"},"email":{"$t":"sormag@yahoo.com"},"gd$extendedProperty":{"xmlns$gd":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005","name":"OpenSocialUserId","value":"16185978513480922541"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/Syz2AQg1DTI/AAAAAAAADaw/JoWgKxNnxjk/s72-c/tia.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"xmlns$thr":"http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0","$t":"1"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-6773821437246715341"},"published":{"$t":"2009-12-17T09:03:00.007-06:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2009-12-17T16:03:07.468-06:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Open House"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"OPEN HOUSE 2009"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003cdiv align\u003d\"center\"\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://bp0.blogger.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/R2hYJJEOIjI/AAAAAAAAAw0/d3CgPen9N-4/s1600-h/tree.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg style\u003d\"MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; FLOAT: right; CURSOR: hand\" id\u003d\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145459488346481202\" border\u003d\"0\" alt\u003d\"\" src\u003d\"http://bp0.blogger.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/R2hYJJEOIjI/AAAAAAAAAw0/d3CgPen9N-4/s320/tree.jpg\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e \u003ca href\u003d\"http://bp3.blogger.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/R2hYC5EOIiI/AAAAAAAAAws/zYSsTIIoWDM/s1600-h/tree.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg style\u003d\"MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand\" id\u003d\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145459380972298786\" border\u003d\"0\" alt\u003d\"\" src\u003d\"http://bp3.blogger.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/R2hYC5EOIiI/AAAAAAAAAws/zYSsTIIoWDM/s320/tree.jpg\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:180%;\"\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"color:#ff0000;\"\u003eSORMAG's OPEN HOUSE\u003c/span\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003eWelcome to our OPEN HOUSE (\u003cstrong\u003e9am - 5pm\u003c/strong\u003e).\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThank you so much for stopping by today. It is a cold day outside, but I’ve turned up the heat. \u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003eOur chocolate bar includes a pitcher of cocoa, tea and coffee with lots of marshmallows and whip cream. If you need a cherry there’s a few of them too.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI’ve decided to serve my favorite Christmas cakes on the dessert bar, Red Velvet with Cream cheese frosting, Split lemon cake and my specialty Turtle cake with extra Carmel.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI know it’s early in the morning so I have a breakfast bar with a few bagels, glazed donuts and Christmas cookies if cakes are too much for you.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI’m looking forward to mingling with you all and I have a few questions each hour to break up the quietness, so pick one or all three and share your Christmas spirit.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eMingle with the other guests who drop by. Tell us how your holiday plans are going.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eListen to some music with us.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.pandora.com/\"\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003ehttp://www.pandora.com/\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003eType in Christmas Song – Select Brian McKnight \u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003eNow you’re listening to the music at our open house - Enjoy\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eAuthors feel free to tell us about your current books. We all know books make great gifts, so tell us what we're missing.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003eCome on in and have some fun.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eLaShaunda\u003cbr /\u003eSORMAG’s Editor/Hostess\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eP.S. I have doorprizes every hour. You have to leave a comment to win.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e4:00 pm questions:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003eDo you open presents on Christmas eve or Christmas day?\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003eFavorite thing to eat on Christmas?\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003eWorst Christmas gift ever?\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp align\u003d\"center\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003cp align\u003d\"center\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003ePRIZE WINNERS\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eFirst Guest Winner - Handmade Purse by Victoria Wise (SORMAG member) \u003c/span\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp align\u003d\"center\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;\"\u003eGwyneth Bolton\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp align\u003d\"center\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e10:00 Winner - The MPire: Death Cometh by TL James\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp align\u003d\"center\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;\"\u003eConseula\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp align\u003d\"center\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e11:00 Winner - SORMAG Goodybag\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp align\u003d\"center\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;\"\u003eJC Martin\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp align\u003d\"center\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e12:00 Winner - The MPire: Death Cometh by TL James\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp align\u003d\"center\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;\"\u003eLadysilver\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv class\u003d\"blogger-post-footer\"\u003e\u003cimg width\u003d'1' height\u003d'1' src\u003d'https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15713569-6773821437246715341?l\u003dsormag.blogspot.com' alt\u003d'' /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://sormag.blogspot.com/feeds/6773821437246715341/comments/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID\u003d15713569\u0026postID\u003d6773821437246715341","title":"23 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15713569/posts/default/6773821437246715341"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15713569/posts/default/6773821437246715341"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http://sormag.blogspot.com/2009/12/open-house-2009.html","title":"OPEN HOUSE 2009"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"LaShaunda"},"uri":{"$t":"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02882241010643308240"},"email":{"$t":"sormag@yahoo.com"},"gd$extendedProperty":{"xmlns$gd":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005","name":"OpenSocialUserId","value":"16185978513480922541"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http://bp0.blogger.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/R2hYJJEOIjI/AAAAAAAAAw0/d3CgPen9N-4/s72-c/tree.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"xmlns$thr":"http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0","$t":"23"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-3733822224028901509"},"published":{"$t":"2009-12-16T08:58:00.002-06:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2009-12-16T09:03:13.955-06:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Open House"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"invite"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"OPEN HOUSE TOMORROW"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003cdiv align\u003d\"center\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003eYou are invited to SORMAG’s Annual Open House\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eDecember 17th\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eAll day here on the blog\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003ePlease stop by and share some cyber cheer with us.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThere will be prizes given away each hour from 9-5 pm.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eIf you would like to donate a prize send your info to \u003c/span\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"mailto:sormag@yahoo.com\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003esormag@yahoo.com\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003eLook forward to seeing you all on the net.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class\u003d\"blogger-post-footer\"\u003e\u003cimg width\u003d'1' height\u003d'1' src\u003d'https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15713569-3733822224028901509?l\u003dsormag.blogspot.com' alt\u003d'' /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://sormag.blogspot.com/feeds/3733822224028901509/comments/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID\u003d15713569\u0026postID\u003d3733822224028901509","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15713569/posts/default/3733822224028901509"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15713569/posts/default/3733822224028901509"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http://sormag.blogspot.com/2009/12/open-house-tomorrow.html","title":"OPEN HOUSE TOMORROW"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"LaShaunda"},"uri":{"$t":"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02882241010643308240"},"email":{"$t":"sormag@yahoo.com"},"gd$extendedProperty":{"xmlns$gd":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005","name":"OpenSocialUserId","value":"16185978513480922541"}}],"thr$total":{"xmlns$thr":"http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0","$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-7757303772635935333"},"published":{"$t":"2009-12-15T09:10:00.000-06:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2009-12-15T09:17:47.185-06:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"mainstream fiction"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Featured Author"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"FEATURED AUTHOR:  David L"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003ca href\u003d\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/SyZcV32Nq0I/AAAAAAAADaY/WDmerSErxug/s1600-h/David+L.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg id\u003d\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415117132797946690\" style\u003d\"FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 170px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 226px\" alt\u003d\"\" src\u003d\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/SyZcV32Nq0I/AAAAAAAADaY/WDmerSErxug/s320/David+L.jpg\" border\u003d\"0\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDavid L.\u003c/strong\u003e is the President and CEO of Total Package Publications, an independently-run publishing company with major distribution that includes Baker \u0026amp; Taylor, Walden Books, Amazon, and most recently, Ingram. His first novel, Over Your Dead Body has been received with critical acclaim and multiple awards and has been optioned for a movie deal with a Los Angeles-based independent film company. Over Your Dead Body accurately details the unfortunate occurrences of separation, followed by divorce and forces every married couple to “look in the mirror” and ask themselves the question: “Is My Marriage In Trouble?” It is by no means to glorify separation and divorce, instead, to highlight a cautionary tale of what could happen if one allows their relationship to get to the point where there is no “turning back.” David L.’s second release, Chalk Outline Confessions has also been receiving numerous nominations for its ability to capture the realism and graphic display of the suspense and thriller African-American genre. His most recent release, My Life Is A Movie is an engaging, coming of age story about a teenage female going through the trials and tribulations of growing up in the late 80’s.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eDavid L. has expanded his literary services recently and has begun working with enthusiastic authors seeking a publishing outlet to showcase their craft and share in his passion for writing. In addition to his novels, David L. has also published various articles and has written as a guest columnist for various periodicals ranging from race relations in the U.S., self publishing do’s and don’ts, to working with troubled youth in the community. David L. holds a Bachelors Degree in Communications and Human Relations as well as a Masters Degree in Social Work with a concentration in Clinical Administration. David L.’s area of expertise includes couples therapy, family crisis intervention, and marriage counseling.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat would you like readers to take away from your book?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI would like all of my readers to understand that every action will almost always inevitably cause a reaction of some kind. Consequently, everyone has to answer to something that they have done either recently or sometime in their immediate past. My characters, although fictional are based on real life individuals from both my earlier years as well as young adult life. Additionally, sometimes things happen in life that we cannot control. We as individuals instead of concerning ourselves with what we cannot control should master those things that we can control. With the right amount of planning and self control, many of us can and will make better judgment decisions that dictate our course in life. The overall theme that I continue to stress in my novel, My Life Is A Movie can be summed up as: peer pressure and karma is a b***h no matter who you are!\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy did you choose to write this book?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eFirst and foremost, I would like my readers (regardless of age) to understand the enjoyment of nostalgia. My book was written during the timeframe of 1988 – an era of simpler, yet complex times nonetheless. Where now we have cell phones, back then we had ten cent pay phones on every corner. Where now most of our youth stay inside and take up much of their valuable time with X-Box and Play station, back then kids were outside playing tag, wetting cars up with fire hydrants, and girls stayed jumping rope in front of their buildings. Secondly, I would like my young readers to know their past as much of their current hairstyles and clothing accessories are clones of yesteryear. To all my thirty-something and up readers, I challenge you to not lecture, but instead remind those same youth that you can relate to their needs, wants, and aspirations because that was you not too long ago. Thirdly, and most importantly, I would like everyone to enjoy a coming-of-age story reminiscent of the classic, Cooley High movie from the 70’s era in which I take you on a time travel trip to a place in Brooklyn, New York where I once resided and lived my formative years doing all of the aforementioned rites of passage.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat did you learn while writing this book?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI learned (or more accurately was reminded) that no matter what life has dished out for you, change can be implemented as long as you have breath in your body. Many of the characters in my novel faced insurmountable odds as they dealt with the obstacles that often plague our teenage youth: dating, family drama, negative peer pressure, drug experimentation, gang involvement, etc. My education on the previously-mentioned areas of concern reminded me that no matter how much things change, they also remain the same. My goal is for all of my readers (especially all of you young readers out there) to keep in mind that you will inevitably travel down various roads in your life. Choose wisely as some of those roads will include road blocks and detours. Other roads will be bumpier and can even lead you into oncoming traffic!\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat was your favorite scene/chapter from the book?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eWithout giving too much away, 3 of my favorite scenes in my novel (too many to limit it to just one!) are (in no particular order): 1st scene - during a dice game in which Donovan gets into a physical altercation with another classmate. I enjoyed writing this because it showed just how quickly in life good friends can quickly become hated adversaries. Back in the late 80’s, there probably wasn’t as much gun violence. Instead boys would be boys and “duke” it out. Whoever lost the fight lived to see another day! 2nd scene – Kayla meets her potential love interest at a nearby club. This was an especially memorable part of the book for me because I included many of the hit records that were out during that time in my formative years: Eric B. \u0026amp; Rakim – Eric B. Is President; Rob Base \u0026amp; EZ Rock / It Takes Two; and Big Daddy Kane – Ain’t No Half Steppin’. 3rd scene – hospital scene with Donovan and his “little friend.” I can’t give too much away, but trust – even some of you self-proclaimed “I keep it real” hard cats will possibly drop a tear over what happens!\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat one thing about writing do you wish other non-writers would understand?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eFor all of you non-writers out there that either always wanted to write a book or think the writing business is as simple as picking up a pen and paper: this is not an overnight hobby or spur-of-the-moment idea! I first realized I wanted to write and had the GOD-given talent to do so way back in grade school. While everyone was playing Atari and trying to get a paper route, I was making and selling comic books to the neighborhood kids. Not just writing them. I was coming up with the storyline, cover design, character outline – everything! I was about eleven or twelve. That eventually evolved into other writing projects such as the school newspaper. I would write about current and controversial topics that plagued my community on an ongoing basis. I appreciated the reaction of my peers and the positive feedback, so I kept writing. Eventually, my articles turned into full-scale stories. In conclusion - I take my craft seriously!\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the best lesson you have learned from another writer?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI continue to take bits and pieces of information from writers that I've had the fortune of meeting throughout the years. I continue to be amazed over how similar the publishing industry is compared to the music industry. In the murky world of publishing, distribution and niche marketing is key. No matter how well you’ve written a body of work, no one will ever know about you unless it is distributed and promoted correctly. Secondly, you need to establish a core fan base. Readers can sometimes be very fickle and possibly forget about you when that next “hot” author comes out. My goal from the very beginning was, and still is to stay humble and appreciative of those that supported my vision from day one. A special “shout-out” to those that I am referring to right now…you know who you are!\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the toughest test you've faced as a writer?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eMy toughest test faced as a writer is to continue to write great bodies of work and not allow complacency to become a barrier to my overall goals of taking over the literary world! There may be times that the politics and shadiness of the business may cause me to become eager to retire prematurely or focus primarily on my other authors, however, I would be doing my readers that have supported my vision throughout the years a disservice. In other words, I'm focused on putting out a novel annually. Not because I have to, but because it is one of my self-imposed decisions in order to remain relevant to my core fan base. So far, I am 3-0 with another novel coming up sooner than you think!\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat was the best advice you’d ever gotten about the publishing industry? The worst?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eUnfortunately, everything I’ve learned about the publishing business (both good and bad), I had to learn the hard way. That means taking my “bumps” and “bruises” without the benefit of someone putting me under their “wing.” Fortunately, that allowed my growth process as both a writer and eventually a publishing force to adapt and solidify my ongoing knowledge of the business. Because of this, I’ve taken on a very active role in other author’s careers as far as coordinating author workshops in the community, offering free tutorials just by visiting my author blogs on my website and replying to random email inquiries for those trying to get into this business of writing.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan you give us one do and one don’t for those aspiring to be a writer?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eDo: My advice for up and coming authors is to invest in yourself. You are your own best salesperson. More importantly, begin promoting your work well before its release date. Create a buzz. Create demand and impatience. You can’t have a fan following without it. Always strive to be as humble as possible and treat every potential book purchaser the same. A bad reputation for being standoffish and apathetic to your audience can and will be your downfall. During book signings, smile and personally greet everyone whether they purchase your book or not. The ones who do not purchase your books today may not be financially able at that moment; however, a smile will leave a lasting impression. Last but definitely not least, create your own “lane.” This means be as original as possible and develop a style you can call your own. By doing so, you can almost guarantee more leverage in obtaining radio and print publicity and a following that will keep your name alive for many, many years to come!\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eDon’t: Avoid the people in your life that begin their sentences with words like: “can’t,” “won’t,” and “never.” If I had listened to those same individuals, I wouldn’t have any books out right now. You can be either your best adversary or your own worst enemy. Develop a strategic plan and keep your focus. No one is going to do it for you.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is your author fantasy?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eOne word: Oprah! I know undoubtedly that with her impact and my writing prowess, there is no way I can’t sell six digit numbers.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is something readers would be surprised you do?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eWhen I’m not writing, I am looking for every opportunity to brand myself and take my writing skills to the next level. Activities that I’m constantly involved in include public speaking in the areas of race relations, self-publishing, and effective marketing and my personal passion – working with at-risk foster care youth in the community. I’m often asked what the last book I’ve read was and my answer is always the same: “the time it takes me to read someone else’s book, I could be hard at work writing my next one!”\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOne book that you have read more than once:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eMessage To The Black Man by Elijah Muhammad. One word: classic!\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOne book you would want on a desert island:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e4 way tie: Over Your Dead Body, Chalk Outline Confessions, My Life Is A Movie – and coming soon: Represent – all by me!\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOne book that made you laugh:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eAny of my books! I enjoy incorporating well-timed humor in all of my novels…and will continue to do so as long as there is a logical place for it somewhere in the book.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOne book that made you cry:\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eNo book has ever made me cry. More importantly – I would never admit it!\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOne book you wish you’d written:\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eTie: the sequel to my first and second novels: Over Your Dead Body \u0026amp; Chalk Outline Confessions…the fans have spoken so don’t be surprised and be careful for what you ask for because you may just get it!\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3 books for children:\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI’m basing this on the assumption that the terminology “children” refer to those youth probably under the age of at least twelve. In that case, I recommend any book that offers both invaluable insight about who they are as a person and at the same time, teach them about knowledge of self. Although I am unable to offer and specific examples, the one book that comes to mind for me is Lord Of The Flies, The Autobiography of Malcolm X, and Black Boy by Richard Wright.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat do I know for sure?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI know for sure that as long as I stay focused in my writing and persevere towards my master plan of literary domination, only positive outcomes can be achieved. I also know that a well crafted novel can only remain in the shadows for a pre-determined amount of time. In other words, get ready for big things to come your way in the very near future!\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan you give us a sneak peek of your next book?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThe next and long-awaited book by David L. will be titled: REPRESENT. The overall concept of this book is to show my readers what happens when family gets in the way of better judgment. Trenton “Innocent” Barnes receives life for his role in the numerous executions of rival drug lords, but he’s determined to not let that stop him from monopolizing the game. Enter youngest sibling Prentice who has just been given sole responsibility of not only taking over the “family business,” but convincing his newly-acquired troops AND his competition that he is up to the challenge. A word of caution: this is not your typical “hood book” that glorifies street life and random, senseless killings and the ending will leave you salivating for more!\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow can readers get in contact with you?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eWebsite: \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.totalpackagepublications.com/\"\u003ehttp://www.totalpackagepublications.com/\u003c/a\u003e \u003c/span\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eEmail: contacttpp@totalpackagepublications.com\u003cbr /\u003eSnail mail: C/O Total Package Publications P.O. Box 3237, Mount Vernon, NY 10553\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/SyJMR2jyZ8I/AAAAAAAADYw/CrMk9XiyhSo/s320/13L.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg style\u003d\"FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 207px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px\" alt\u003d\"\" src\u003d\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/SyJMR2jyZ8I/AAAAAAAADYw/CrMk9XiyhSo/s320/13L.jpg\" border\u003d\"0\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMy Life Is A Movie\u003c/strong\u003e \u003c/div\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eKayla Brown is living the classic struggle for acceptance and respect at the crossroads of her life: the upcoming senior spring dance, graduation, and a new love in her life that everyone seems to dislike. Her circle of friends include Tamika, clearly her opposite in every conceivable way, and Donovan, Tilden High School's star athlete as well as Tamika's boyfriend. Kayla's journey as she encounters dating, family drama, and tragedy clearly demonstrate how choices dramatically impact one's immediate future and the lives of those around them. She also believes the world revolves around her and very much like a critically-acclaimed movie, everyone should be paying attention to her every move! The overall theme of the book strategically shifts from playful to cautionary with each passing page. As in real life, Kayla, Tamika, and Donovan are engrossed in drama, danger, and at times, misfortune. Decisions are ultimately made, and as result, repercussions are inevitable. More importantly, see how each central character deals with their individual misfortune and the unexpected in their own unique way.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePick up your copy \u003c/strong\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0978927621/shadesofromance\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTODAY\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e or leave a question for David for a chance to win a copy.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class\u003d\"blogger-post-footer\"\u003e\u003cimg width\u003d'1' height\u003d'1' src\u003d'https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15713569-7757303772635935333?l\u003dsormag.blogspot.com' alt\u003d'' /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://sormag.blogspot.com/feeds/7757303772635935333/comments/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID\u003d15713569\u0026postID\u003d7757303772635935333","title":"3 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15713569/posts/default/7757303772635935333"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15713569/posts/default/7757303772635935333"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http://sormag.blogspot.com/2009/12/featured-author-david-l.html","title":"FEATURED AUTHOR:  David L"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"LaShaunda"},"uri":{"$t":"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02882241010643308240"},"email":{"$t":"sormag@yahoo.com"},"gd$extendedProperty":{"xmlns$gd":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005","name":"OpenSocialUserId","value":"16185978513480922541"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/SyZcV32Nq0I/AAAAAAAADaY/WDmerSErxug/s72-c/David+L.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"xmlns$thr":"http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0","$t":"3"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-7228621503458845725"},"published":{"$t":"2009-12-11T08:45:00.004-06:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2009-12-11T09:15:26.035-06:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Featured Authors"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Debut Author"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Christian fiction"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"DEBUT AUTHOR: Shawneda Marks"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003ca href\u003d\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/SyJhfj6yVwI/AAAAAAAADaA/N17TWmLklDU/s1600-h/12marks.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg id\u003d\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413996896898406146\" style\u003d\"FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 172px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 172px\" alt\u003d\"\" src\u003d\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/SyJhfj6yVwI/AAAAAAAADaA/N17TWmLklDU/s320/12marks.jpg\" border\u003d\"0\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShawneda's\u003c/strong\u003e love of writing began as a teen when she published her first poems in the Library of Congress. Today, Shawneda has penned three books, including Love Is..., All I Ever Wanted, and It's In My Blood. She is an activist author and speaker, using her talents to raise awareness of important topics, such as women and girls issues and the environment. Shawneda lives in Snelville, GA with her husband and baby girl.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat would you like readers to take away from your book?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI'd like readers to take a way the desire to do something to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS, to be tested and the ability to do something with their new found awareness about this illness. Not only is knowledge power but knowing is beautiful.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy did you choose to write this book?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI don't think I chose this book this book chose me. It sounds corny but its true. The main character stuck around from my first novel and made it known she had a story to be told. With the death of a friend from the complications of AIDS and African American women being the highest demographic of new HIV positive patients...I couldn't not write the book.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat did you learn while writing this book?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI learned the importance of being available to be someone else's advocate. I learned that being an intercessor sometimes requires trusting God to know the details without everyone else knowing them. I learned I have a bigger heart now than before for misunderstood and ostracized individuals.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat was your favorite scene/chapter from the book?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eMy favorite scene from the book is when John's prayer is answered and he finds one of the root causes to the issues between his wife and daughter, it's juicy.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat one thing about writing do you wish other non-writers would understand?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eWe're artists and we're sensitive about our art.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the best lesson you have learned from another writer?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eKendra Norman Bellamy and Stephanie Perry Moore both said write what's in your heart. Stephanie Perry Moore helped me be free from the cookie cutter syndrome...every trend and rule isn't for everyone. I have to write the stories God gave me the way my life allows not based on the opinions, expertise or habits of others.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the toughest test you've faced as a writer?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThe toughest test I've faced as a writer is stepping out on faith and releasing a book in an openly controversial technology because of my beliefs and convictions regarding ministry and being green.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat was the best advice you’d ever gotten about the publishing industry?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eBest advice I've ever received about the publishing industry is to learn all I can about it from the inside out.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe worst?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI was told to follow and execute exactly as laid out the \"formula\" to have a bestseller. Upon further investigation I found out you have to write the best book you can write, give it all you have to offer at the time and trust God. There. Is. No. Formula.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan you give us one do and one don’t for those aspiring to be a writer?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eDo: Write your first draft with as little editing as possible to get the story out of your mind.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eDon't: Forget to follow your own voice. \"You are a voice in this world and you deserve to be heard\" (borrowed from A Different World)\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is something readers would be surprised you do?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI sing Old Yellow Car by Dan Seals when I drive by clunker cars and salvage yards.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFive questions about books:\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cem\u003eOne book that you have read more than once\u003c/em\u003e.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003eSoul Journey by Jacquelin Thomas\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cem\u003eOne book you would want on a desert island.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003eThe Amplified Bible\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cem\u003eOne book that made you laugh.\u003c/em\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eMake Me Whole by Roishina Henderson\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cem\u003eOne book that made you cry.\u003c/em\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThe LoveChild by Ashea Goldson\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cem\u003eOne book you wish you'd written.\u003c/em\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eFinancial Secrets My Dad Taught Me (I have too many questions left unanswered and now he's gone)\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOur theme for this month is Children Books.\u003c/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eCan you recommend three books for children?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003eWhere the Red Fern Grows classic fiction , Willie Willing Heart and the Ten Commandments by Caterri Leaks, and Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein a classic poetry book\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOprah has--as one of her magazine columns--a section where she talks about what she knows for sure. What do you know for sure?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI know for sure that God is real, He lives and He loves not just me but everyone. I know for sure if just one person is tested, does something to raise HIV/AIDS awareness and help others this book will be worth all the blood, sweat and tears writing and publishing it required.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan you give us a sneak peek of your next book?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cem\u003eDiamond Butterfly:\u003c/em\u003e Share Heal Sparkle Shine Fly, a devotional available June 2010\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eEmotional trauma at any age is devastating at a young age it is brutal. Sometimes we need a safe place to share what we're going through. Being open about the pain, hurt, anger and other myriad of feelings we have after being grossly neglected, hurt, abused, molested, and betrayed is an important part of being able to heal.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI pray over time you encounter here and in every area of your life what is needed for God to wipe away the pain until you sparkle and shine. Let the Lord lift every burden and free you from your pain. God protected you against things that have taken many others out. He can give you what you need to mount up on wings like an eagle and let the world see the beauty of your wings when you fly.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow can readers get in contact with you? (mail, email, website)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eFind me and all my online hangouts and contact info \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.shawneda.com/\"\u003ehttp://www.shawneda.com/\u003c/a\u003e \u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eRead Now - \u003ca href\u003d\"http://bit.ly/4ywVQh\"\u003ehttp://bit.ly/4ywVQh\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eTwitter - @shawneda\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/SyJhJ82YJ4I/AAAAAAAADZ4/ORQ10AsZWGc/s1600-h/12marks2.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg id\u003d\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413996525633677186\" style\u003d\"FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 217px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px\" alt\u003d\"\" src\u003d\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/SyJhJ82YJ4I/AAAAAAAADZ4/ORQ10AsZWGc/s320/12marks2.jpg\" border\u003d\"0\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eIt's In My Blood\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cem\u003eA daughter betrayed.\u003c/em\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eRocked to the core by the loss of the last man she loved, Rosalyn isn’t sure how to continue on. Tragic news destroys what she thought would be the happiest moment of her life. Scared and alone she contemplates doing the worst thing possible in her mind, going back home.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cem\u003eA mother twisted by fear.\u003c/em\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eNaomi has prayed for God to send her daughter home to restore the relationship they once shared. Almost ten years of praying fasting and pleading has her face to face with her greatest desire and worst fear.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cem\u003eA father left in the dark.\u003c/em\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThe only thing more important to John than his wife and child is his relationship with Christ. Everything else in his life is going in the right direction he hopes that his daughters need to come home will be the start of a new chapter in their lives.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAsk Shawneda a question for a chance to win a copy of It's In My Blood and matching jewelry mark.\u003c/strong\u003e \u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class\u003d\"blogger-post-footer\"\u003e\u003cimg width\u003d'1' height\u003d'1' src\u003d'https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15713569-7228621503458845725?l\u003dsormag.blogspot.com' alt\u003d'' /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://sormag.blogspot.com/feeds/7228621503458845725/comments/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID\u003d15713569\u0026postID\u003d7228621503458845725","title":"5 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15713569/posts/default/7228621503458845725"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15713569/posts/default/7228621503458845725"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http://sormag.blogspot.com/2009/12/debut-author-shawneda-marks.html","title":"DEBUT AUTHOR: Shawneda Marks"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"LaShaunda"},"uri":{"$t":"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02882241010643308240"},"email":{"$t":"sormag@yahoo.com"},"gd$extendedProperty":{"xmlns$gd":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005","name":"OpenSocialUserId","value":"16185978513480922541"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/SyJhfj6yVwI/AAAAAAAADaA/N17TWmLklDU/s72-c/12marks.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"xmlns$thr":"http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0","$t":"5"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-5679954246268025695"},"published":{"$t":"2009-12-08T08:50:00.001-06:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2009-12-08T08:54:43.432-06:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Purposley Said"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Columnist"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Purposely Said – Dr. Linda F. Beed"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/SWuxd3xEBiI/AAAAAAAACWw/-PoV6uVM9JY/s1600-h/beed.jpg\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cimg id\u003d\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290517314020836898\" style\u003d\"FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px\" alt\u003d\"\" src\u003d\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/SWuxd3xEBiI/AAAAAAAACWw/-PoV6uVM9JY/s320/beed.jpg\" border\u003d\"0\" /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIt’s a Family Affair\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eOver the weekend I had the pleasure of taking my granddaughter to the premiere of The Princess and the Frog.\u003cbr /\u003eI must be honest when I say that I have never been a big fan of animated movies. Honesty compels me to admit that I had reservations regarding how this storyline would be presented. With complete candor I must admit that it was an extremely enjoyable movie.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eMy perspective of the movie comes from two places. The first being that place of protection regarding what my granddaughter would be exposed to. The fact that the setting was one that many children and parents could identify with put me totally at ease.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eMy second view comes from that as a writer. From beginning to end the setting, storyline and developed characters leads the viewing audience to an unexpected, but well-received and feasible end to a fairytale.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eWhy am I bringing up this movie? I brought it up because of the family and moral value in it. Consistently little Tiana is taught the value of hard work and believing in her dreams. Other pearls of wisdom come from of the most unexpected places and causes young and old to ponder the depth of expertly dispensed words.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eLike most animated movies there are products for the children to place on their ‘must have’ lists. Whether it be books from this movie or others, I encourage you to seek books that align with the values you want your children to embrace. Make reading a family affair. Take the time to read with them and discuss what has been read. Their views may not be what you expect, but when you allow them their thoughts, it shows that you respect them.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eUntil next time, remember—Purposely Said words can destroy or create a life. Linda!\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eDr. Linda Beed is an educator, speaker, children’s minister and award winning author of Business Unusual.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eYou can find her on the web at: \u003c/span\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.lindabeed.com/\"\u003ehttp://www.lindabeed.com/\u003c/a\u003e / \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.myspace.com/lindabeed\"\u003eMySpace\u003c/a\u003e / \u003ca href\u003d\"http://lindabeed.blogspot.com/\"\u003eOn Assignment Reviews\u003c/a\u003e / \u003ca href\u003d\"http://bwchristianlit.blogspot.com/\"\u003eBWChristianLit\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cdiv class\u003d\"blogger-post-footer\"\u003e\u003cimg width\u003d'1' height\u003d'1' src\u003d'https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15713569-5679954246268025695?l\u003dsormag.blogspot.com' alt\u003d'' /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://sormag.blogspot.com/feeds/5679954246268025695/comments/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID\u003d15713569\u0026postID\u003d5679954246268025695","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15713569/posts/default/5679954246268025695"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15713569/posts/default/5679954246268025695"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http://sormag.blogspot.com/2009/12/purposely-said-dr-linda-f-beed.html","title":"Purposely Said – Dr. Linda F. Beed"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"LaShaunda"},"uri":{"$t":"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02882241010643308240"},"email":{"$t":"sormag@yahoo.com"},"gd$extendedProperty":{"xmlns$gd":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005","name":"OpenSocialUserId","value":"16185978513480922541"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/SWuxd3xEBiI/AAAAAAAACWw/-PoV6uVM9JY/s72-c/beed.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"xmlns$thr":"http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0","$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-3687210791410927460"},"published":{"$t":"2009-12-07T09:00:00.005-06:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2009-12-07T09:21:49.202-06:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Romance"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Featured Author"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"FEATURED AUTHOR:  Erin O'Riordan"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003ca href\u003d\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/Sx0c_lUtsiI/AAAAAAAADYQ/iTOIky-jGuc/s1600-h/12erin2.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg id\u003d\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412514205845533218\" style\u003d\"FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 75px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 105px\" alt\u003d\"\" src\u003d\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/Sx0c_lUtsiI/AAAAAAAADYQ/iTOIky-jGuc/s320/12erin2.jpg\" border\u003d\"0\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eErin O'Riordan\u003c/strong\u003e lives in the midwestern United States with her husband. She has been writing compulsively since she could hold a pencil, and professionally since 2006. Her erotic stories, essays, and film reviews have been published in numerous magazines and websites. Though she has written about everything from professional basketball to her favorite literary sex scenes, the intersection of spirituality and sexuality remains one of her favorite themes. Readers can view more of her work at \u003c/span\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.aeess.com./\"\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003ewww.aeess.com.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat would you like readers to take away from your book?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eAn open mind toward other religions and cultures they may not know very much about. An open mind about the possibility of magic.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy did you choose to write this book?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThe Pagan Spirits series began as a short story, but the characters wanted me to know more about their lives and loves, so now I’m committed to finishing all 12 books in the series.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat did you learn while writing this book?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eTo write this book, I had to learn a lot about the geography, climate and culture of India. I’m still learning.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat was your favorite scene/chapter from the book?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI love the last chapter, because this book has such a happy ending.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat one thing about writing do you wish other non-writers would understand?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003ePeople who are not writers, but are readers, should understand that they don’t need any special credentials to review a book. If you read a book and you liked it, tell your friends about it. Sometimes people think, “Nobody cares about MY opinion,” but it isn’t true. I’ve found out about excellent books based on recommendations from people who aren’t professional reviewers.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the best lesson you have learned from another writer?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI was inspired, and reassured, by Linda Lael Miller when she said she gets writing ideas from everything she consumes, from TV reruns to country songs!\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the toughest test you've faced as a writer?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThe toughest test is opening that first rejection letter; once I survived that and learned the world wasn’t going to end, nothing else has been as difficult.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat was the best advice you’d ever gotten about the publishing industry? The worst?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThe best advice is “persevere.” The worst advice I’ve ever read it probably, when submitting a book query to publishers, to strictly follow each and every publishing house’s individual guidelines. It consumes too much time that could better be spent writing. I learned from Bob Mayer that the most efficient thing to do is develop one standard query for all the publishers.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan you give us one do and one don’t for those aspiring to be a writer?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eDo read your work out loud to yourself; don’t take rejection personally.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eI borrowed this question from Author Carleene Brice, What is your author fantasy?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eSeeing one, or more, of my books on the New York Times Best-Seller List.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is something readers would be surprised you do?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eGo to church! But I don’t do it often enough.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFive questions about books:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cem\u003eOne book that you have read more than once.\u003c/em\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eWuthering Heights by Emily Bronte.\u003c/span\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cem\u003eOne book you would want on a desert island.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/em\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThe complete poems of Emily Dickinson.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cem\u003eOne book that made you laugh.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/em\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eLemony Snicket: The Unauthorized Autobiography.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cem\u003eOne book that made you cry.\u003c/em\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThe Book Thief by Markus Zusak.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cem\u003eOne book you wish you'd written.\u003c/em\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003ePretty Birds by Scott Simon, because it made me laugh and cry.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOur theme for this month is Children Books. Can you recommend three books for children?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eBig Mama Makes by World by Phyllis Root and Helen Oxenbury\u003cbr /\u003eThe Adventures of Toby and Doby by Susan Pennington-Hurtubise\u003cbr /\u003eBetsy Who Cried Wolf by Gail Carson Levine\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOprah has--as one of her magazine columns--a section where she talks about what she knows for sure. What do you know for sure?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI know the right thing to do is always to treat others as I want to be treated.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan you give us a sneak peek of your next book?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eFrom St. James’s Day (Pagan Spirits, Book 3) by Erin O’Riordan:\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cem\u003e“Where are we going?” Gillian asked as Mike drove toward the Third Ward.\u003cbr /\u003e“If I tell you, it won’t be a surprise,” he said. Soon, however, Gillian deduced they were going to the pizza place Mike and Fisher managed.\u003cbr /\u003e“According to the sign, it’s closed,” Gillian pointed out.\u003cbr /\u003e“You forget I have the key,” he said. When they reached the door, however, it opened without need of the key. The lights were on, and one of the counter staff, a tall high school girl named Amanda, greeted them on the other side of the door.\u003cbr /\u003e“Hello, my name is Amanda, and I’ll be your server this evening,” the lanky girl said with a disarming smile. She was dressed in the feminine version of a maitre d’s outfit, with a high white collar, a black bow tie and jacket, and a full-length black skirt. She even had a kitchen towel draped over one arm. She showed them to their table: the romantic window table, already prepared with glowing candles and a chilled bottle of white wine.\u003cbr /\u003e“Would you like to see the menu?” Amanda asked Gillian. “Or should I have the chef prepare you the specialty of the evening?”\u003cbr /\u003e“I’ll have the specialty,” Gillian said. Amanda nodded at Mike, but didn’t ask him what he would like. She disappeared behind the curtain, and Mike poured the wine into the chilled flutes on the table.\u003cbr /\u003e“What did you do?” Gillian asked him.\u003cbr /\u003e“I wanted our first date to be special,” he said. “Let’s have a toast to new beginnings.”\u003cbr /\u003eShe held up her glass, and they toasted. “To new beginnings.”\u003cbr /\u003eAfter they’d finished the first glass of wine, conversation became easy again. They were once again Gillian Deitz and Mike Lubeck, best buddies. She asked him about the Magpies’ latest show and how the demo CD was going. He was in the middle of explaining the lyrics of “LULAS” to her when their meal arrived.\u003cbr /\u003e“Organic whole-wheat pizza crust,” Amanda announced, laying the pizza on the table in front of them. “Handmade sauce¾made by our own Mr. Lubeck¾made from fresh, organic Roma tomatoes and homegrown herbs, topped with soy cheese and delectable green peppers.”\u003cbr /\u003eGillian looked down and noticed the green peppers had been arranged in the shape of a heart. She smiled. Mike smiled back.\u003cbr /\u003e“You went through a lot of trouble,” she said as Amanda disappeared again.\u003cbr /\u003e“I said I wanted our first date to be special.”\u003cbr /\u003e“It’s special because it’s with you,” Gillian said. She took two slices of pizza and put them on her plate. After her first bite of the heavenly organic pizza, Gillian added, “Now, I believe you were telling about some song you wrote about me?”\u003c/em\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow can readers get in contact with you? (mail, email, website)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/em\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eReaders can e-mail me at \u003c/span\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"mailto:erinoriordan@sbcglobal.net\"\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003eerinoriordan@sbcglobal.net\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e. My websites are \u003c/span\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.erinoriordan.blogspot.com/\"\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003ewww.erinoriordan.blogspot.com\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e and \u003c/span\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.aeess.com/\"\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003ewww.aeess.com\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/Sx0cJaGiHeI/AAAAAAAADYI/_-1Dbnc_w3k/s1600-h/12erin.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg id\u003d\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412513275120328162\" style\u003d\"FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 100px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px\" alt\u003d\"\" src\u003d\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/Sx0cJaGiHeI/AAAAAAAADYI/_-1Dbnc_w3k/s320/12erin.jpg\" border\u003d\"0\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMIDSUMMER NIGHT\u003c/strong\u003e \u003c/span\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003eZen falls in love with biology grad student/modern Pagan Ramesh Sudhra. One thing stands in the way of their happiness: his traditional Indian-American family doesn’t welcome Zen. Between his stern mother’s disapproval, Zen’s one-year vow of celibacy, and her assistant’s romantic troubles with a wild new witch, Zen’s life may never be the same.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLeave a question for Erin for a chance to win a copy of\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Midsummer Night.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cdiv class\u003d\"blogger-post-footer\"\u003e\u003cimg width\u003d'1' height\u003d'1' src\u003d'https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15713569-3687210791410927460?l\u003dsormag.blogspot.com' alt\u003d'' /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://sormag.blogspot.com/feeds/3687210791410927460/comments/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID\u003d15713569\u0026postID\u003d3687210791410927460","title":"31 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15713569/posts/default/3687210791410927460"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15713569/posts/default/3687210791410927460"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http://sormag.blogspot.com/2009/12/featured-author-erin-oriordan.html","title":"FEATURED AUTHOR:  Erin O'Riordan"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"LaShaunda"},"uri":{"$t":"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02882241010643308240"},"email":{"$t":"sormag@yahoo.com"},"gd$extendedProperty":{"xmlns$gd":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005","name":"OpenSocialUserId","value":"16185978513480922541"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/Sx0c_lUtsiI/AAAAAAAADYQ/iTOIky-jGuc/s72-c/12erin2.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"xmlns$thr":"http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0","$t":"31"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-6718053118627878714"},"published":{"$t":"2009-12-04T06:04:00.001-06:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2009-12-04T06:04:00.206-06:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Book Intro"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"BOOK INTRO: Secondhand Jesus: Trading Rumors of God for a Firsthand Faith"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003ca href\u003d\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/SxUxZ6lavYI/AAAAAAAADYA/BXqtCR7K_CU/s1600/jesus.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg id\u003d\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410284848648207746\" style\u003d\"FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 217px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px\" alt\u003d\"\" src\u003d\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/SxUxZ6lavYI/AAAAAAAADYA/BXqtCR7K_CU/s320/jesus.jpg\" border\u003d\"0\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003eTaking a Shortcut to God?\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eIn Secondhand Jesus, rising author and musician Glenn Packiam helps Christians exchange rumors of God for a firsthand faith\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eWe live in a culture of experts. Everywhere one turns, there are professionals touting advice on everything from how to repair your car to how to fix your marriage. And, in Christian circles, some have even started to believe that there are “God experts”—people who can pray in just the right way that God hears them or who worship in such a way as to make God listen. We begin to rely on these people as our sole source of information about God, rather than make the effort to encounter Him directly ourselves.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eIn his new book, Secondhand Jesus: Trading Rumors of God for a Firsthand Faith (David C Cook, June 2009), author and worship pastor of New Life Church Glenn Packiam summons readers upon a passionate quest—a holy pursuit—to truly experience Christ’s power and love for themselves. “God wants us to know Him deeply and personally,” Packiam says. “But there are no shortcuts to God. The Bible tells us that ‘The way to life—to God!—is vigorous and requires total attention.’” (Matthew 7:14, The Message)\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eGod has offered us firsthand knowledge of His love, His grace, and His power. Yet so often, we too easily settle for someone else’s descriptions, the Cliff notes from another’s spiritual journey. We are content for others to do the heavy lifting and then give us the bottom line. And, like any secondhand information, after enough times through the grapevine, the truth about God deteriorates and crumbs of rumor are all that remain.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eBut when life derails, and things don’t go as we had planned, our thin view of God is challenged. In those critical moments, we can choose to walk away from God, or to let our questions lead us home. When we choose to wrestle with God, to engage Him individually, we—like Jacob and Job and David—will see rumors die and revelation come alive.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eCrushing rumors of God that many Christians mistakenly hold, Secondhand Jesus isn’t a five-step formula, but rather a challenge to Christians to own their faith by questioning their preconceived ideas about God. “It’s time to hear the magnificent, Divine Invitation,” says Packiam. “It’s time to take God up on His offer and embrace the mystery and majesty of knowing Him for ourselves.”\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eBeginning May 15 and continuing throughout the month of July, the “Hear It First, Read It First” contest and promotion for Secondhand Jesus will be sponsored by David C Cook, Integrity Music, HearItFirst.com, and Gibson/Epiphone Guitars. By visiting HearItFirst.com, fans and readers will be able to win prizes, as well as download a free music video performance of Glenn Packiam (i.e., “Burning in Me”).\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGlenn Packiam\u003c/strong\u003e is an associate worship pastor at New Life Church and the director of New Life School of Worship in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He was one of the founding worship leaders and songwriters for the Desperation Band. Glenn’s worship songs, like “Your Name,” “Everyone (Praises),” “My Savior Lives,” and “We Lift You Up,” are being sung in churches all over the world. Glenn is also the author of Butterfly in Brazil. He and his wife, Holly, and their two adorable daughters, Sophia and Norah, live in Colorado Springs.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eSecondhand Jesus by Glenn Packiam\u003cbr /\u003eDavid C Cook/June 2009/ISBN 978-1-434766-39-7/224 pages/softcover/$14.99\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.davidccook.com/\" target\u003d\"_blank\" rel\u003d\"nofollow\"\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003ewww.davidccook.com\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e ~ \u003c/span\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.glennpackiam.com/\" target\u003d\"_blank\" rel\u003d\"nofollow\"\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003ewww.glennpackiam.com\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/a\u003e \u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class\u003d\"blogger-post-footer\"\u003e\u003cimg width\u003d'1' height\u003d'1' src\u003d'https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15713569-6718053118627878714?l\u003dsormag.blogspot.com' alt\u003d'' /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://sormag.blogspot.com/feeds/6718053118627878714/comments/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID\u003d15713569\u0026postID\u003d6718053118627878714","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15713569/posts/default/6718053118627878714"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15713569/posts/default/6718053118627878714"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http://sormag.blogspot.com/2009/12/book-intro-secondhand-jesus-trading.html","title":"BOOK INTRO: Secondhand Jesus: Trading Rumors of God for a Firsthand Faith"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"LaShaunda"},"uri":{"$t":"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02882241010643308240"},"email":{"$t":"sormag@yahoo.com"},"gd$extendedProperty":{"xmlns$gd":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005","name":"OpenSocialUserId","value":"16185978513480922541"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/SxUxZ6lavYI/AAAAAAAADYA/BXqtCR7K_CU/s72-c/jesus.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"xmlns$thr":"http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0","$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-2297604003942996646"},"published":{"$t":"2009-12-03T06:00:00.000-06:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2009-12-03T06:00:10.079-06:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Book Intro"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"BOOK INTRO: When the Good News Gets Even Better"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003ca href\u003d\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/SxUwQLRgvOI/AAAAAAAADX4/bkyEae24rEo/s1600/news.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg id\u003d\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410283581817797858\" style\u003d\"FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 249px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px\" alt\u003d\"\" src\u003d\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/SxUwQLRgvOI/AAAAAAAADX4/bkyEae24rEo/s320/news.jpg\" border\u003d\"0\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003eWitness the Gospels Through the Eyes of a First-Century Hebrew New Bible study from David C Cook gives readers a fresh new way to experience the Good News\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eHow is it possible to make the Good News of the Gospel better? How can truth be enhanced? Can Jesus Christ be improved upon? In his new Bible study, author Neb Hayden emphatically answers, “Impossible! The Gospel gets even better only when it’s more clearly understood. The Good News gets even better only when we read the Gospels as they were communicated and in the way they were meant to be seen.”\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThat’s why in his new study, \u003cstrong\u003eWhen the Good News Gets Even B\u003c/strong\u003eetter (David C Cook, June 2009), Hayden gives students of the New Testament the opportunity to walk through the Gospel narratives in Hebrew sandals. This unique Bible study allows readers to see these letters just as their original audience did and provides vital insights into the Jewish culture, customs, and perspectives, giving a fresh and thoroughly relevant context to the life of Christ.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e“The Gospels are the foundation of our faith because our faith is built on a Person,” explains Hayden. “He was a Jew, living in a Jewish world, and communicating with Jewish people. This study offers readers the chance to walk the dusty roads with Him, to be there as a participant rather than simply as an observer.”\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eUsing a three-month format, When the Good News Gets Even Better combines all four Gospels into one comprehensive and chronological narrative, allowing readers to focus on the overall themes and truths as they occurred. Among many other subjects, Hayden examines the births and childhoods of Jesus and John the Baptist, Jesus’ public ministry, the training of the twelve disciples, and Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension. Features also include days sectioned into key points of Jesus’ ministry, suggestions for when to skim or thoroughly read a selection, and interactive questions for individual study and group discussion.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e“The Gospels are just the beginning of God’s continuing pursuit of intimacy with mankind,” says Hayden. “These biographies of Jesus are our stories too. Every move Jesus made and every word He spoke has direct implications for our lives in the twenty-first century. I pray that readers will be permanently transformed as they become first-hand witnesses to the Gospels’ miraculous events and times explored in this guide.”\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNeb Hayden\u003c/strong\u003e is director of International Student Development at The King’s College in New York City. A former quarterback for “Bear Bryant” at Alabama, Neb has been involved his adult life with the fellowship in Washington, D.C., which works behind the scenes to nurture and encourage the leadership in over 180 nations. The group also works behind the scenes of the National Prayer Breakfast. Neb speaks and teaches extensively at seminars, conferences, and retreats. He and his wife, Susan, live in New York City and are the parents of three grown sons and two daughters-in-law.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eWhen the Good News Gets Even Better: Rediscovering the Gospels Through First-Century Jewish Eyes by Neb Hayden \u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eDavid C Cook/June 2009/ISBN: 978-1-434767-00-4/240 pages/softcover/$16.99\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class\u003d\"blogger-post-footer\"\u003e\u003cimg width\u003d'1' height\u003d'1' src\u003d'https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15713569-2297604003942996646?l\u003dsormag.blogspot.com' alt\u003d'' /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://sormag.blogspot.com/feeds/2297604003942996646/comments/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID\u003d15713569\u0026postID\u003d2297604003942996646","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15713569/posts/default/2297604003942996646"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15713569/posts/default/2297604003942996646"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http://sormag.blogspot.com/2009/12/book-intro-when-good-news-gets-even.html","title":"BOOK INTRO: When the Good News Gets Even Better"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"LaShaunda"},"uri":{"$t":"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02882241010643308240"},"email":{"$t":"sormag@yahoo.com"},"gd$extendedProperty":{"xmlns$gd":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005","name":"OpenSocialUserId","value":"16185978513480922541"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/SxUwQLRgvOI/AAAAAAAADX4/bkyEae24rEo/s72-c/news.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"xmlns$thr":"http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0","$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-6315948140785249471"},"published":{"$t":"2009-12-01T08:49:00.004-06:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2009-12-01T08:59:20.638-06:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Book Intro"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"BOOK INTRO: BE Hopeful"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003ca href\u003d\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/SxUuZIAA8xI/AAAAAAAADXw/kRCD1-0qfe8/s1600/BE.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg id\u003d\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410281536534672146\" style\u003d\"FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px\" alt\u003d\"\" src\u003d\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/SxUuZIAA8xI/AAAAAAAADXw/kRCD1-0qfe8/s320/BE.jpg\" border\u003d\"0\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003eTimeless Wisdom from Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe for a New Generation of Christians\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eDavid C Cook releases eight revised editions of Dr. Wiersbe’s trusted Bible commentaries—the “BE” Series\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eFor the past four decades, the widely popular “BE” series, a set of more than 50 Bible studies by Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe, has sold over four million copies and led untold numbers deeper in their walks with God. This summer, a new generation of readers will have the opportunity to discover the best-selling commentaries as David C Cook introduces an updated and revised edition of eight volumes of the “BE” series.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eA man who has given his life to a deep examination of the Word of God, Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe is an internationally known Bible teacher, former pastor of The Moody Church in Chicago, and the author of more than 150 books. For ten years he was associated with the Back to the Bible radio broadcast, first as Bible teacher and then as general director. Dubbed by many as the “pastor’s pastor,” Dr. Wiersbe skillfully weaves Scripture with historical explanations and thought-provoking questions, communicating the Word in such a way that the masses grasp its relevance for today.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eEasily accessible for both pastors and lay people alike, Wiersbe’s profound study guides can be used in personal Bible study or with a group. David C Cook’s third installment of eight revised “BE” series volumes each feature updated content for today’s readers, a new introduction by Ken Baugh, and new study questions for each chapter. The 2009 expanded Bible commentaries will include the following studies:\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e· \u003cstrong\u003eBe Comforted\u003c/strong\u003e (a study of Isaiah) reminds believers that their hope is in Christ, God’s plan of salvation for the whole world. (ISBN: 978-1-434766-15-1/192 pages/softcover/$12.99)\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e· \u003cstrong\u003eBe Daring\u003c/strong\u003e (a study of Acts 13-28) provides the motivation to follow the Great Commission wholeheartedly. (ISBN: 978-1-434767-42-4/176 pages/softcover/$12.99)\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e· \u003cstrong\u003eBe Determined\u003c/strong\u003e (a study of Nehemiah) shows readers the secrets to resolute leadership and successful service. (ISBN: 978-1-434767-45-5/176 pages/softcover/$12.99)\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e· \u003cstrong\u003eBe Dynamic\u003c/strong\u003e (a study of Acts 1-12) is a powerful account of the work of the Holy Spirit in and through the church. (ISBN: 978-1-434767-46-2/192 pages/softcover/$12.99)\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e· \u003cstrong\u003eBe Free\u003c/strong\u003e (a study of Galatians) inspires a fresh perspective of the Good News and encourages readers to embrace freedom in Christ. (ISBN: 978-1-434767-47-9/176 pages/softcover/$12.99)\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e· \u003cstrong\u003eBe Hopeful\u003c/strong\u003e (a study of First Peter) encourages believers to never give up and to have hope during trials and suffering. (ISBN: 978-1-434767-43-1/208 pages/softcover/$12.99)\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e· \u003cstrong\u003eBe Patient\u003c/strong\u003e (a study of Job) unpacks the book of Job, explaining Job’s suffering and why God allowed it, illustrating God’s sovereign plan. (ISBN: 978-1-434767-41-7/192 pages/softcover/$12.99)\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e· \u003cstrong\u003eBe Real\u003c/strong\u003e (a study of First John) shows readers how to have a truly satisfied life through authentic relationship with Jesus Christ. (ISBN: 978-1-434767-44-8/276 pages/$12.99)\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eAcclaimed worldwide as a pastoral resource for international leaders, the “BE” series will soon include companion study guides—the Wiersbe Bible Study Series—with each study guide correlating with the appropriate “BE” book. David C Cook plans to release additional editions of the series over the next few years.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBe Hopeful \u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003eHow to Win When Fiery Trials Come \u003c/span\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThe people who first read Peter's epistle were familiar with suffering and persecution because of their loyalty to Christ. But Peter warned that something new would soon happen: a \"fiery trial\" of official persecution was about to begin. Peter wanted to tell them how they could be triumphant for the glory of God. We can expect to suffer for our faith, but we can also be hopeful. God's grace is ours for the asking! Suffering in the will of God leads to the glory of God.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eWe can prepare for the best of God's blessings rather than fear the worst of man's hatred.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eLook to Jesus Christ and BE HOPEFUL\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThe “BE” Series by Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cdiv class\u003d\"blogger-post-footer\"\u003e\u003cimg width\u003d'1' height\u003d'1' src\u003d'https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15713569-6315948140785249471?l\u003dsormag.blogspot.com' alt\u003d'' /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://sormag.blogspot.com/feeds/6315948140785249471/comments/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID\u003d15713569\u0026postID\u003d6315948140785249471","title":"1 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15713569/posts/default/6315948140785249471"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15713569/posts/default/6315948140785249471"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http://sormag.blogspot.com/2009/12/book-intro-be-hopeful.html","title":"BOOK INTRO: BE Hopeful"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"LaShaunda"},"uri":{"$t":"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02882241010643308240"},"email":{"$t":"sormag@yahoo.com"},"gd$extendedProperty":{"xmlns$gd":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005","name":"OpenSocialUserId","value":"16185978513480922541"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/SxUuZIAA8xI/AAAAAAAADXw/kRCD1-0qfe8/s72-c/BE.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"xmlns$thr":"http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0","$t":"1"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-2039394915888278112"},"published":{"$t":"2009-11-30T06:00:00.002-06:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2009-11-30T06:00:06.660-06:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Debut Author"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Featured Author"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"FEATURED AUTHOR: Rhonda McKnight"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003ca href\u003d\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/Sw2cZKKmrJI/AAAAAAAADXg/B54AA_SWzmo/s1600/rhonda.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg style\u003d\"MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 318px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand\" id\u003d\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408150683581328530\" border\u003d\"0\" alt\u003d\"\" src\u003d\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/Sw2cZKKmrJI/AAAAAAAADXg/B54AA_SWzmo/s320/rhonda.jpg\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEDITOR NOTE:  \u003cem\u003eIt is always a pleasure to introduce you to one of my friends. When she announced she sold I rejoiced with her. Receiving a review copy of her book brought tears to my eyes. Reading it brought more tears. Reading her facebook posts about waiting on her book to arrive on her doorstep brought on more tears.   I guess you can say I'm happy to see her dream come true.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe road to publication is hard some days but when you experience the first sale with a friend you know the reward of a published book is worth it.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI’m excited to be able to introduce you to fantastic new writer that I hope will be added to your must read list. Please meet my friend and new Christian Fiction author, Rhonda McKnight.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/em\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eRhonda McKnight\u003c/strong\u003e is the owner of Legacy Editing, a free-lance editing service for fiction writers and Urban Christian Fiction Today \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.urbanchristianfictiontoday.com/\"\u003ehttp://www.urbanchristianfictiontoday.com/\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e,  a popular Internet site that highlights African-American Christian fiction. She’s the vice-president of Faith Based Fiction Writers of Atlanta. \u003c/span\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003eWhen she’s not editing projects, teaching writing workshops or penning her next novel, she spends time with her family. Originally from a small, coastal town in New Jersey, she’s called Atlanta, Georgia home for twelve years. More information about the author can be found at \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.rhondamcknight.net/\"\u003ehttp://www.rhondamcknight.net/\u003c/a\u003e \u003c/span\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat would you like readers to take away from your book?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eSecrets and Lies is a story about faith, forgiveness and reconciliation. I believe it will resonate differently with each individual, and honestly, I’d like readers to take the message God has for them. But if I had to name one thing, I'd say I’d like my readers to understand that forgiveness is a decision. Once a person decides that peace is more important than bitterness and pain, they will have a fuller, more complete life.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy did you choose to write this book?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThe story chose me. I tried not to write this book, because at the time there were elements of the story that were very painful for me personally, but I heard God and my writing partner, author Sherri Lewis, telling me to finish it.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat did you learn while writing this book?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eOther than how to write a book. (LOL). I learned that this (writing) is what I was really born to do. (That is other than be a mother).\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat was your favorite scene/chapter from the book?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThere are so many, and I’d have to give the story away to tell them, but there’s a funeral scene that plays in my mind like a clip from a movie. It almost didn’t make it in the book. I’m glad it did.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat one thing about writing do you wish other non-writers would understand?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eHow much time it actually takes to write a book, and how hard we have to concentrate to do it. That interruptions and phone calls or even “Hon, where’s my red tie?” are intrusions that mess up our flow.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow did it feel to finally see your first book in print?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI won’t hold my book until November 24th when I run in the bookstore and purchase it. I’ll cry for sure. I mean cry and snot. I cried when my advance review copies came. I cried when I received my promo material. I cried when I read my first review. I’m a crybaby.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow many books did you write before selling?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI sold the first book I finished.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is one thing being a writer taught you about God?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThat HE really cares about my gift. HE cares about my stories and all this stuff I have inside of me that wants to get out, because HE shows up in my stories and really delivers a punch.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre you a morning writer or a night writer?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI’m not a morning anything.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the best lesson you have learned from another writer?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eMy mentor, Victoria Christopher Murray taught me that even though we write Christian fiction that we must never forget we’re entertainers. Entertain your reader by digging deep for the creativity.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the toughest test you've faced as a writer? \u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eWell I’m working on my third book as I write this, so I’m a newbie, but I had unexpected surgery last summer right before I was due to turn in my second novel. It was very difficult to make up for the lost time and meet my deadline.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat was the best advice you’d ever gotten about the publishing industry? The worst?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThe best advice I received was to begin to build my brand and my readership early. I can’t say that I’ve received any bad advice; if I have I don’t know it yet. (LOL)\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan you give us one do and one don’t for those aspiring to be a writer?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eDo study the craft of writing. Story is king, but executing that story with excellence is a skill that’s honed. Just like someone may be gifted to play the piano, they won’t play in an orchestra until they learn how to read music. Don’t chase trends or copy someone else’s style. Write your story. Someone out there is waiting for it.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eI borrowed this question from Author Carleen Brice, What is your author fantasy?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eHah, hah, hah – I’m pretty simple. Right now it’d be a dream to have my books converted to audio books. I have several family members and Facebook friends who don’t read well (for various reasons) and have told me they’d like to listen to my book. I would love to reach more people by being in audio.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is something readers would be surprised you do?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eWatch 24. A lot of people think it’s a “dude” show. I haven’t missed an episode in seven seasons. Once when my power was out I drove to Wal-mart and watched it in the television section. Okay, so I’m a little obsessed with Jack Bauer. Surprise!\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFive questions about books:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cem\u003eOne book that you have read more than once.\u003c/em\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eYou’re Blues Ain’t Like Mine by the late BeBe Moore Campbell, and it may be the only book I’ve read more than once.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cem\u003eOne book you would want on a desert island.\u003c/em\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eYou know it’s funny, because I ask people this question on my blog a few times a month and I always wonder what that book would be for me. So do I have an answer? Not really – maybe Brothers and Sisters by the late BeBe Moore Campbell. See a pattern here. I am a fan of her work. She is surely missed.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cem\u003eOne book that made you laugh\u003c/em\u003e.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThe List by Sherri Lewis, hilarious.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cem\u003eOne book that made you cry.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/em\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eKeeping Misery Company by Michelle Larks – I cried and cried at the end.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cem\u003eOne book you wish you'd written.\u003c/em\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThe Purpose Driven Life by Russ Warren – 22 million sold. Yep, that would be the book I wish I’d written.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOur theme for this month is Time Management. Do you have any tips on making time for writing?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eYeah, and so does Nike – Just Do It. Honestly, schedule the time in otherwise life will steal it. Be realistic. If you work full-time and have a family you can’t expect to sit down and write 4 hours a day, unless you plan to neglect the people you love. Commit to short chunks of time. Your lunch break, an hour on Saturday or Sunday morning before the family wakes up, an hour on Friday night after the kids are in bed. Carve it out for you and slowly but surely the manuscript will come together.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOprah has--as one of her magazine columns--a section where she talks about what she knows for sure. What do you know for sure?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI know that God is sovereign.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan you give us a sneak peek of your next book?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eSure, An Inconvenient Friend comes out August 1, 2010. Samaria Jacobs, one of the minor characters from Secrets and Lies gets her own book. It’s a true stand alone story. I bring nothing of Secrets and Lies to this book except her “lovely” personality. Here’s an unofficial synopsis:\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eSamaria Jacobs doesn’t know Jesus, yet. She’s still the same manipulative, devious, man stealer we met in Secrets and Lies. Her creed in life: If at first you don’t succeed, try…try…again. She’s got her hooks in someone else’s husband, but this time her plan to steal him involves secretly befriending his wife. Will she get the man or destroy herself and everyone else in the process?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow can readers get in contact with you?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThe best way to reach me is by email at rhonda@rhondamcknight.net . I love having people stop by my website and sign my guestbook www.rhondamcknight.net and I am a total and complete Facebook addict. You can catch me every day that the sun rises at \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.facebook.com/rhondamcknight\"\u003ewww.facebook.com/rhondamcknight\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/SxNvUEddEHI/AAAAAAAADXo/2zTi54rJwrU/s1600/11mcnight.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg style\u003d\"MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 185px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 280px; CURSOR: hand\" id\u003d\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409789967987445874\" border\u003d\"0\" alt\u003d\"\" src\u003d\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/SxNvUEddEHI/AAAAAAAADXo/2zTi54rJwrU/s320/11mcnight.jpg\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSecrets and Lies\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eFaith Morgan is struggling with her faith. Years of neglect leave her doubting that God will ever fix her marriage. When a coworker accuses her husband, Jonah, of the unthinkable, Faith begins to wonder if she really knows him at all, and if it’s truly in God’s will for them to stay married. \u003c/span\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003cbr /\u003ePediatric cardiologist Jonah Morgan is obsessed with one thing: his work. A childhood incident cemented his desire to heal children at any cost, even his family, but now he finds himself at a crossroads in his life. Will he continue to allow the past to haunt him, or find healing and peace in a God he shut out long ago?\u003c/span\u003e\u003cdiv class\u003d\"blogger-post-footer\"\u003e\u003cimg width\u003d'1' height\u003d'1' src\u003d'https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15713569-2039394915888278112?l\u003dsormag.blogspot.com' alt\u003d'' /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://sormag.blogspot.com/feeds/2039394915888278112/comments/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID\u003d15713569\u0026postID\u003d2039394915888278112","title":"1 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15713569/posts/default/2039394915888278112"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15713569/posts/default/2039394915888278112"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http://sormag.blogspot.com/2009/11/featured-author-rhonda-mcknight.html","title":"FEATURED AUTHOR: Rhonda McKnight"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"LaShaunda"},"uri":{"$t":"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02882241010643308240"},"email":{"$t":"sormag@yahoo.com"},"gd$extendedProperty":{"xmlns$gd":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005","name":"OpenSocialUserId","value":"16185978513480922541"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/Sw2cZKKmrJI/AAAAAAAADXg/B54AA_SWzmo/s72-c/rhonda.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"xmlns$thr":"http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0","$t":"1"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-3428322901052319600"},"published":{"$t":"2009-11-27T06:00:00.006-06:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2009-11-27T06:00:02.379-06:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Featured Author"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"FEATURED AUTHOR:  Cynthia Banks"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003ca href\u003d\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/Sw2aYbzORDI/AAAAAAAADXQ/0ndneI_onQI/s1600/cynthia.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg style\u003d\"MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 214px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand\" id\u003d\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408148472111973426\" border\u003d\"0\" alt\u003d\"\" src\u003d\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/Sw2aYbzORDI/AAAAAAAADXQ/0ndneI_onQI/s320/cynthia.jpg\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCynthia Banks\u003c/strong\u003e is the owner and director of The Little Teapot Daycare Center, founded in Fort Worth, Texas in 1993; and is President of Banks Entertainment, LLC a Concert, Tour Booking and Management Company. She is also an Accreditation Validator for the National Association of Family Childcare and a board member of Agape, Kids, an organization that supports the needs and concerns of children of battered women. One of the most rewarding organizations that Cynthia has the privilege of being a part of is the Stop Aids Leadership Project. S.S.A.L.P. was conceived out of the concern for the growing number of AIDS/HIV infected African Americans in the community. Cynthia hosts and participates in events and HIV/AIDS testing sites throughout Texas to encourage the public to “Know Your Status”.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eCynthia is also the author of Prayers of the Innocent, a true story of fraud and exploitation. The crimes occurred from the late 1990s through 2003, at historically black colleges in the South. The story follows a young college student who unwittingly is caught-up in bank fraud that leads to racketeering, sexual exploitation and theft. Prayers of the Innocent is a story of fear, compassion and a need to protect. Banks is currently working on her third book, Broken Trust, another true story of corruption in a county governmental office in Florida. The story follows Charles, one of Miami-Dade County Water and Sewer Department’s most trusted employees for over sixteen years. Unbeknownst to the company, Charles found a way to embezzle over 4 million dollars over a 3 year span. Broken Trust is a story that proves that things and people are not always as they seem.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003ePublic speaking is no stranger to Cynthia Banks. She has spoken at the United Negro College Fund conference, has been interviewed by several radio stations, including The Bob Gorley Show in Los Angeles. She has had several book signings in Public Libraries, schools and colleges, churches and expos, including Book Expo America in New York. Banks has also appeared on CCTV Channel 31 in Fort Worth, Texas and WCTV in Tallahassee, Florida.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat would you like readers to take away from your book?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThat there is hope for anyone. If you trust and believe in God, He will send you the people and the resources you need to make it through any situation.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy did you choose to write this book?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThis was a powerful story of victory. A story of a woman who lived 27 years with alcoholism, went through heartache, pain, trauma and tragedy, came out HIV negative and lived to tell about it. Her story had to be told.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat did you learn while writing this book?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThat there is always someone out there worse off than I am. When I even think about complaining about how bad “it” is, I need to remember Priscilla Gibson and how bad it could get.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat was your favorite scene/chapter from the book?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eChapter 21 - When Priscilla and her boyfriend showed up at her dead husband’s funeral late and drunk. I could just imagine the scene and visualize how people were acting towards her when she walked in.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat one thing about writing do you wish other non-writers would understand?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThat, too much is given, much is required. You have to burn the midnight oil and the candle at both ends to have a successful product.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the best lesson you have learned from another writer?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eIf you are a non-fictional writer, get your legal stuff out the way first, so all you have to do is concentrate on writing the book.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the toughest test you've faced as a writer?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThat people will “hate” on you no matter what.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat was the best advice you’d ever gotten about the publishing industry?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThat self-publishing is the way to go.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe worst?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e“Trust me” we can make it happen for you! Yeah right!!!!!!!!\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan you give us one do and one don’t for those aspiring to be a writer?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eDO, write about something you love and can relate to – your passion for it will be released.\u003c/span\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eDON’T, write about something you will feel ashamed and embarrassed about later – like when the Pastor reads it.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eI borrowed this question from Author Carleene Brice, What is your author fantasy?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eTo not write because I have to (for money), but because I want to, because I really love it. OR\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eTo be stuck in the house, during a snow storm with the roads closed for weeks with Blair Underwood working on a hot new romance book – I mean Christian book.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is something readers would be surprised you do?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eDress up like Foxy Brown at Halloween, like a turkey at Thanksgiving and like an elf at Christmas. (I also own a daycare center)\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFive questions about books:\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOne book that you have read more than once.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003ePrayers of the Innocent\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOne book you would want on a desert island.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eA MAPSCO - The book with the directions that tells me how to get back to Fort Worth, Texas.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOne book that made you laugh.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eRomance and the Stone\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOne book that made you cry.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eDrunk for 27 years\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eOne book you wish you'd written.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMy life story\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eOur theme for this month is Time Management. Do you have any tips on making time for writing?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eIf you don’t make time to write the ideas and thoughts running through your mind about the book will drive you crazy and keep you up at night, so if you want a good night sleep, make time to write.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eMonday-write, Tuesday-bible study, Wednesday-write, Thursday-watch CSI, Friday-free day, Saturday morning-write, run errand in the afternoon, Sunday morning-go to Church, after church clean house and wash clothes, Sunday night-write.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow can readers get in contact with you? (mail, email, website)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eP.O. Box 331291, Fort Worth, Texas 76163, \u003c/span\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.authorcynthiabanks.com/\"\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003ewww.authorcynthiabanks.com\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e,\u003c/span\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.thelittleteapot@sbcglobal.net/\"\u003ehttp://www.thelittleteapot@sbcglobal.net/\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan you give us a sneak peek of your next book?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eMy next book is titled, M.A.C. Daddy. M.A.C. is an acronym for marijuana, alcohol and cocaine. It’s the life story of Tyrese Gibson’s father.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/Sw2ZQWvN1SI/AAAAAAAADXI/Nf3r1oqsbgk/s1600/11drunk.jpg\"\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cimg style\u003d\"MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 207px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand\" id\u003d\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408147233802409250\" border\u003d\"0\" alt\u003d\"\" src\u003d\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/Sw2ZQWvN1SI/AAAAAAAADXI/Nf3r1oqsbgk/s320/11drunk.jpg\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eDrunk for 27 years\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThe road of Priscilla’s life was paved by the people that made choices for her. Through heartache, pain, trauma and tragedy, Priscilla’s experiences became stepping stones that forced her to make a choice that ultimately changed the outcome of her life.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eDrunk for 27 years, the compelling true story of Priscilla Gibson, mother of singer, actor and model Tyrese Gibson, suffered 27 years with alcoholicism. The book reveals the unconditional love that her children had for their mother, who despite all they had experienced remained just the strength she needed to make it through.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eSuffering abuse at the hands of an alcoholic mother, Priscilla began drinking at a very young age, and continued into her adult years. Many factors manipulated the course of Priscilla’s life, causing her to make one bad choice after another until she finally made the choice to live and not die. \u003c/span\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/Sw2ZQWvN1SI/AAAAAAAADXI/Nf3r1oqsbgk/s1600/11drunk.jpg\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cdiv class\u003d\"blogger-post-footer\"\u003e\u003cimg width\u003d'1' height\u003d'1' src\u003d'https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15713569-3428322901052319600?l\u003dsormag.blogspot.com' alt\u003d'' /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://sormag.blogspot.com/feeds/3428322901052319600/comments/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID\u003d15713569\u0026postID\u003d3428322901052319600","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15713569/posts/default/3428322901052319600"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15713569/posts/default/3428322901052319600"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http://sormag.blogspot.com/2009/11/featured-author-cynthia-banks.html","title":"FEATURED AUTHOR:  Cynthia Banks"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"LaShaunda"},"uri":{"$t":"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02882241010643308240"},"email":{"$t":"sormag@yahoo.com"},"gd$extendedProperty":{"xmlns$gd":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005","name":"OpenSocialUserId","value":"16185978513480922541"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/Sw2aYbzORDI/AAAAAAAADXQ/0ndneI_onQI/s72-c/cynthia.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"xmlns$thr":"http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0","$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-5087630373008895830"},"published":{"$t":"2009-11-23T09:02:00.003-06:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2009-11-23T09:14:41.830-06:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Featured Author"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"FEATURED AUTHOR: Caridad Pineiro"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003ca href\u003d\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/SwqmtBa7VWI/AAAAAAAADXA/2RbnFWyORE8/s1600/caridadface.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg id\u003d\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407317595017401698\" style\u003d\"FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px\" alt\u003d\"\" src\u003d\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/SwqmtBa7VWI/AAAAAAAADXA/2RbnFWyORE8/s320/caridadface.jpg\" border\u003d\"0\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003eNew York Times and USA Today bestseller \u003cstrong\u003eCaridad Pineiro\u003c/strong\u003e wrote her first novel in the fifth grade when her teacher assigned a project - to write a book for a class lending library. Bitten by the writing bug, Caridad continued with her passion for the written word through high school, college and law school. In 1999, Caridad's first novel was released and a decade later, Caridad is the author of over twenty novels and novellas. When not writing, Caridad is an attorney, wife and mother to an aspiring writer and fashionista. For more information on Caridad, please visit \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.caridad.com/\"\u003ehttp://www.caridad.com/\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003chttp:\u003eor \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.thecallingvampirenovels.com/\"\u003ehttp://www.thecallingvampirenovels.com/\u003c/a\u003e. \u003c/span\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat would you like readers to take away from your book?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eAround this time of year, we're all into the scary monster thing, but I would like readers to consider that humans can be much scarier than monsters because they are real and much more inhumane. I'd also like them to take away that love and honor can conquer even the most impossible odds.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy did you choose to write this book?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI love writing paranormal suspense, but decided it was time to explore a slightly different type of paranormal, namely, one where the otherworldly elements were created by real life science. SINS OF THE FLESH was born out of that desire.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat did you learn while writing this book?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI learned that there are lots of interesting things happening in the world of genetic engineering that could hopefully one day help people overcome some dangerous illnesses. I also learned that a hero who is not so perfect provided a powerful story of redemption.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat was your favorite scene/chapter from the book?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThere is a later scene in the book where the heroine, Caterina, picks up her cello and begins to play in order to restore peace to her soul before what she knows will be a very dangerous task. As she is playing, the hero comes into the room to listen and he is overcome by her music and his love for her. What ensues is a very touching and loving scene between the two.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat one thing about writing do you wish other non-writers would understand?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThat it is a very demanding craft which requires a combination of passion, talent, creativity and perseverance. When I first started writing, I thought, \"How hard is it to write a book?\" As I discovered later, it's very hard, but I love doing it.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the best lesson you have learned from another writer?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThe best lesson I learned from another writer is to never be afraid to try something different and challenge yourself. I had been writing contemporary romances at first, but took a chance and wrote something darker. By doing so I discovered my strongest voice and the one that I loved the most.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the toughest test you've faced as a writer?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThe toughest test I faced as a writer was when the line for which I was writing, the multicultural Encanto line, folded in 2001. It was difficult to think about what to do next, but it also came at a time when I was taking the risk to do something different, namely a vampire story. Unfortunately, in 2002 and 2003 I was being told that no one wanted vampires anymore. I stuck to it and eventually sold the story. The rest is history as they say.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat was the best advice you'd ever gotten about the publishing industry? The worst?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThe best advice was to never say \"No.\" No matter what an editor asks of you in terms of revisions, deadlines, etc. always go with the flow and try to satisfy their demands. Being known as a go-to girl will always help you get ahead. The worst thing - Don't try to be what you're not (namely, don't try anything different). You never know who you were meant to be unless you're willing to continue to grow and change.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan you give us one do and one don't for those aspiring to be a writer?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eDo be professional and polite in all your contacts with other authors and industry professionals.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eDon't be a diva.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eI borrowed this question from Author Carleene Brice, What is your author fantasy?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eMy author fantasy is to keep on publishing the stories that I love for a very long time.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is something readers would be surprised you do?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI was very shy as a child and young adult. It took a lot for me to come out of my shell and learn how to mingle and chat with others.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFive questions about books:\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOne book that you have read more than once.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThe Wolf and the Dove.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOne book you would want on a desert island.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eAny of the J.D. Robb books.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOne book that made you laugh.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eErma Bombeck's IF LIFE IS A BOWL OF CHERRIES, WHY DID I GET THE PITS?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOne book that made you cry.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eFINE THINGS by Danielle Steele.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOne book you wish you'd written.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eWUTHERING HEIGHTS by Emily Bronte.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOur theme for this month is Time Management. Do you have any tips on making time for writing?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eSince I still work full time and have a family, I carved out time by writing on my train ride to work and by getting up very early on Saturday and Sunday mornings, usually before the family was up. I've found that the morning hours are the most creative for me and I would tell you to try and find your peak creative time and try to schedule some time around that.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan you give us a sneak peek of your next book?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eMy next book is the second one in the SINS series. It's titled STRONGER THAN SIN and it is about Jesse Bradford, a football player who is forced from the game thanks to a degenerative bone disease. Jesse bribes his way into a radical gene therapy project, only to discover that he is being used as a guinea pig. When Jesse is told that his sister is suffering from a more radical form of the disease, he is willing to do anything to help her, including joining with a black ops team. By doing so he will be introduced to Dr. Liliana Carrera, who has been recruited to help control the genes running crazy in his body, threatening to turn Jesse to bone. There's just one problem. Well, maybe two. Jesse falls hard for the beautiful doctor who is unaware of the fact that she is being used. When Liliana finds out the truth, their love will have to prove stronger than the mad men running the black ops team.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow can readers get in contact with you? (mail, email, website)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eReaders can visit me at www.caridad.com \u003chttp:\u003e, find me on Facebook and also, twitter at @CaridadPineiro. I love to hear from readers!\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSINS OF THE FLESH\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/SwqmBSzUQfI/AAAAAAAADW4/6j6d5ATwn2g/s1600/11caridad.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg id\u003d\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407316843768857074\" style\u003d\"FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 198px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px\" alt\u003d\"\" src\u003d\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/SwqmBSzUQfI/AAAAAAAADW4/6j6d5ATwn2g/s320/11caridad.jpg\" border\u003d\"0\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eCaterina Shaw's days are numbered. Her only chance for survival is a highly experimental gene treatment - a risk she willingly takes. But now Caterina barely recognizes herself. She has new, terrifying powers, an exotic, arresting body - and she's been accused of a savage murder, sending her on the run.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eMick Carrera is a mercenary and an expert at capturing elusive, clever prey. Yet the woman he's hunting down is far from the vicious killer he's been told to expect: Caterina is wounded, vulnerable, and a startling mystery of medical science. Even more, she's a beautiful woman whose innocent sensuality tempts Mick to show her exactly how thrilling pleasure can be. The heat that builds between them is irresistible, but surrendering to it could kill them both . . . for a dangerous group is plotting its next move using Caterina as its deadly pawn.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLeave a comment for a chance to win a SINS T-shirt and copy of the book.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class\u003d\"blogger-post-footer\"\u003e\u003cimg width\u003d'1' height\u003d'1' src\u003d'https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15713569-5087630373008895830?l\u003dsormag.blogspot.com' alt\u003d'' /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://sormag.blogspot.com/feeds/5087630373008895830/comments/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID\u003d15713569\u0026postID\u003d5087630373008895830","title":"1 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15713569/posts/default/5087630373008895830"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15713569/posts/default/5087630373008895830"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http://sormag.blogspot.com/2009/11/featured-author-caridad-pineiro.html","title":"FEATURED AUTHOR: Caridad Pineiro"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"LaShaunda"},"uri":{"$t":"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02882241010643308240"},"email":{"$t":"sormag@yahoo.com"},"gd$extendedProperty":{"xmlns$gd":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005","name":"OpenSocialUserId","value":"16185978513480922541"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/SwqmtBa7VWI/AAAAAAAADXA/2RbnFWyORE8/s72-c/caridadface.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"xmlns$thr":"http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0","$t":"1"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-1085302857543702776"},"published":{"$t":"2009-11-20T09:31:00.002-06:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2009-11-20T09:35:30.800-06:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Featured Author"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"FEATURED:  Jewel Amethyst"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003ca href\u003d\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/Swa22SwTJeI/AAAAAAAADWg/urWsudzjkOo/s1600/jewel.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg id\u003d\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406209446568469986\" style\u003d\"FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 286px\" alt\u003d\"\" src\u003d\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/Swa22SwTJeI/AAAAAAAADWg/urWsudzjkOo/s320/jewel.jpg\" border\u003d\"0\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJewel Amethyst\u003c/strong\u003e was born and raised on the Caribbean island of St. Kitts. She has a passion for writing and has authored several collections of short stories and poems. Her debut novel, “A Marriage of Convenience” received a 4 star rating from Romantic Times. Since then, Jewel Amethyst has authored “From SKB with Love”, a novella in the romance anthology “Holiday Brides”. Jewel currently resides in Maryland with her husband and three kids.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat would you like readers to take away from your book?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eAs with most romance, I would love readers to be caught up in the feeling of happiness as the heroine walks that rocky road to her happily ever after. The heroine is not your typical overly beautiful female. She is a short plus sized woman who finds love in a man she marries as part of a business deal. So what I would really like readers to take away is that you don’t have to be the physically beautiful, rich or without struggles to find your true love and romance can come in the strangest of situations.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy did you choose to write this book?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI’m not sure if I chose this book or this book chose me. As an immigrant, I’ve often heard stories of people marrying for their green cards. A few years back an acquaintance married for his green card and stuck around for love. I thought: what a great romance story that would make. So I wrote A Marriage of Convenience.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat did you learn while writing this book?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eGood editing is what makes a good book. Even the most experienced writer has to go back and edit the book to make it as interesting and easy to read as possible.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat was your favorite scene/chapter from the book?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI have so many favorite scenes it’s hard to say. But if I really think about it, it would have to be Thanksgiving dinner where a snow storm forces Tamara to share her bedroom with her husband for the first time. She finally agrees to consummate the marriage and spent so much time in the shower preparing herself for him just to find that he’d fallen asleep.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat one thing about writing do you wish other non-writers would understand?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThat it’s not as easy as we think. I constantly hear non-writers say, “Anyone can write a book”. Well, that may be true but not every one can tell a really interesting tale. It takes time, dedication and yes, talent. Most of all it is a process that must be developed.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the best lesson you have learned from another writer?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI tend to write by inspiration rather than by discipline; meaning, I write when I’m in the mood or can find time to write. That can be tough when you have young kids. One of the best bits of advice I got from another author is that we shouldn’t find time to write, we should make time to write.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the toughest test you've faced as a writer?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eGetting my book published was tough. I have learned that a rejection of your manuscript from a publishing house or agent is not a rejection of you or a reflection of your ability to write. But when those rejection letters come, it is difficult not to be discouraged.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat was the best advice you’d ever gotten about the publishing industry? The worst?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe best advice\u003c/strong\u003e: No matter how great your publisher, you are your best promoter for your book.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe worst:\u003c/strong\u003e submit manuscripts only to literary agents. They can get you the best deals. I’ve learned to explore all options and forms of publications including, submitting directly to publishers, considering e-publishing or self publishing.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan you give us one do and one don’t for those aspiring to be a writer?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eDo stick to it. Sometimes it’s discouraging when we spend years writing just to be rejected by a publisher, but we should keep writing in spite of it. The more you write, the better your writing becomes.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eDon’t ever give up your dreams of being published. There are many more avenues for publication available today than there were a decade or two ago. If conventional publishing houses aren’t working for you, explore some of the other options, but whatever you do, don’t give up.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eI borrowed this question from Author Carleene Brice, What is your author fantasy?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eJust a few weeks ago on the blog Novel Spaces, one author spoke about first time authors who fantasized about their debut books becoming bestsellers and went on to outline some of her more realistic fantasies. Well I still have that little fantasy that my book would be featured on Oprah’s book club and would rocket to the number one spot on the New York Times bestseller list. Of course I also fantasize about getting it made into a movie. My more realistic fantasy though, is that I can be prolific enough to get two or three publications per year.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is something readers would be surprised you do?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI think they would be surprised to learn that I am a scientist and spend quite a bit of time in a lab running experiments.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFive questions about books:\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOne book that you have read more than once.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThe Color Purple\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOne book you would want on a desert island.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThe Bible\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOne book that made you laugh.\u003c/strong\u003e \u003c/span\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eBill Cosby’s “Cosbyology”\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOne book that made you cry.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eAlice Walker’s “The Color Purple”\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOne book you wish you'd written.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThat’s a toughie. I can’t think of a book that I wish I’d written.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOur theme for this month is Time Management. Do you have any tips on making time for writing?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eHaving a full time job and a family with young kids, it is really hard to find time to write. I tend to do a lot of my writing sometime between my kids bedtime and mine. But I do write a lot of my scenes mentally while going about my daily chores. My only tip is to write when you can and when you are relaxed enough to focus on the writing. Fifteen minutes of quality writing beats three hours of staring at the computer blankly hoping that something would come to you.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThe other thing I would suggest is visualize some of your scenes in your mind while you go about your daily routine. That way when you get the time to write it, you would spend less time dealing with writer’s block.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan you give us a sneak peek of your next book?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eMy second book, the novella “From SKB with Love” is part of the “Holiday Brides” anthology which also includes novellas by Farrah Rochon and Stefanie Worth. That was released last month and is in most bookstores as well as Amazon.com and other online book retailers. “From SKB with Love” is about a grieving young widow whose friend wins a trip to the Caribbean island paradise of St. Kitts (my home country) and drags her along. There she meets and falls in love with a handsome Kittitian, but her loyalties to the memory of her dead husband gets in the way of their love.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI currently have a WIP but it is still in its infancy so I’m afraid that sneak peek would have to wait. \u003c/span\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow can readers get in contact with you? (mail, email, website)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI can be reached by email: \u003c/span\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"mailto:jeweld8@gmail.com\"\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003ejeweld8@gmail.com\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e. I am also on facebook. I blog twice a month on \u003ca href\u003d\"http://novelspaces.blogspot.com/\"\u003ehttp://novelspaces.blogspot.com/\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e along with 10 other authors and quite a few guest bloggers. I am also on \u003ca href\u003d\"http://gather.com/\"\u003ehttp://gather.com/\u003c/a\u003e \u003c/span\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/Swa2rkR0jjI/AAAAAAAADWY/LRscMRdt6F8/s1600/11jewel.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg id\u003d\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406209262293913138\" style\u003d\"FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 245px\" alt\u003d\"\" src\u003d\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/Swa2rkR0jjI/AAAAAAAADWY/LRscMRdt6F8/s320/11jewel.jpg\" border\u003d\"0\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA Marriage of Convenience\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThe Perfect Bride Tamara Fontaine has planned every detail of her fairy-tale wedding, from her elegant satin-and-lace gown to the rose-strewn bed where she and her husband-to-be will consummate their vows. There’s only one catch… No Groom.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eHumiliated and financially devastated by the con artist who left her waiting at the altar, Tamara has no use for men. But she does need someone to share the beautiful new home she can’t afford on her own. Enter Kwabena Opoku, a gorgeous Ghanaian scientist in search of a green card. This time the rules are all laid out ahead of time, and they don’t include romance. But sometimes, against all odds, love comes after…A MARRIAGE OF CONVENIENCE\u003c/span\u003e\u003cdiv class\u003d\"blogger-post-footer\"\u003e\u003cimg width\u003d'1' height\u003d'1' src\u003d'https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15713569-1085302857543702776?l\u003dsormag.blogspot.com' alt\u003d'' /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://sormag.blogspot.com/feeds/1085302857543702776/comments/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID\u003d15713569\u0026postID\u003d1085302857543702776","title":"2 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15713569/posts/default/1085302857543702776"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15713569/posts/default/1085302857543702776"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http://sormag.blogspot.com/2009/11/featured-jewel-amethyst.html","title":"FEATURED:  Jewel Amethyst"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"LaShaunda"},"uri":{"$t":"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02882241010643308240"},"email":{"$t":"sormag@yahoo.com"},"gd$extendedProperty":{"xmlns$gd":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005","name":"OpenSocialUserId","value":"16185978513480922541"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/Swa22SwTJeI/AAAAAAAADWg/urWsudzjkOo/s72-c/jewel.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"xmlns$thr":"http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0","$t":"2"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-1771081573781917804"},"published":{"$t":"2009-11-20T09:01:00.002-06:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2009-11-20T09:31:15.130-06:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Article"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"ARTICLE: The Atypical Heroine"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Atypical Heroine\u003cbr /\u003eby Jewel Amethyst\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eIn romance, we dream of a fantasy land where heroines are uncommonly beautiful and the heroes are tall dark and handsome, not to mention rich. I’ve read so many books of women with exotic beauty snagging men with unbelievable wealth that I began to wonder, “Don’t ordinary women fall in love?”\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eOf course we want fantasy. Of course we want an escape from the realities of life. That’s what romance is about isn’t it? Maybe not.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI have learned over the years that even in our fantasy world we look for people we can identify with. Not every woman maintains a slender size 2 or a curvy size 6. We don’t all sport creamy flawless skin, endless lashes, high cheekbones and full sensuous lips. And we are not all tall with long shapely legs and a luxurious mane of thick shiny hair.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI have been toying for a while with the idea having a not so physically perfect female find her happily ever after (HEA). Hence I created Tamara Fontaine, atypical romance heroine of “A Marriage of Convenience”. Unlike most heroines, Tamara is short. She is what many would describe as a woman with “more to love” as she yo-yos between a size 16 and a size 22. She loses weight, and gains it right back.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eShe is also financially strapped and emotionally devastated. She was stood up at the altar by a con-artist she’d fallen in love with. She was robbed of all her savings and in credit card debt. Worst yet she was unemployed thanks to a bad job market and corporate downsizing and unable to pay her mortgage. In fear of losing her home she agrees to a green card marriage where the deal includes financial help for her. But things quickly turn from a marriage of convenience to a marriage of love as her handsome foreigner husband begins to fall in love with her.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThe thing about Tamara is that she meets her hero at her lowest point in her life. She doesn’t lose weight to meet her man. She doesn’t dig herself out of her financial difficulties or win a lottery. She is in fact at her heaviest and her most vulnerable point in life when the romance is ignited. Yet her husband, Ghanaian born scientist Kwabena Opoku, sees in her beauty, not the overt physical beauty of a supermodel, but the kind that’s generated on the inside and radiates out. And he is captivated by it.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eYes they do find their happily ever after. She doesn’t have to lose weight to find it. And even though she does lose weight in the book, she remains a plus size woman, and she gains it right back. Isn’t that the story of the average American? Oprah Winfrey certainly taught us a lot about losing weight. For the average person, it is a struggle to maintain and we often gain it right back.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eBut the point is, we can have our happily ever after without being physically perfect. Everyone can find love. And love can overcome all obstacles, even the self imposed ones.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eTamara Fontaine is indeed an atypical heroine of a romance novel, but she is a woman most of us can identify with. I hope to see more romance heroines that reflect the average person. After all, won’t we all like to have our own HEA?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cdiv class\u003d\"blogger-post-footer\"\u003e\u003cimg width\u003d'1' height\u003d'1' src\u003d'https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15713569-1771081573781917804?l\u003dsormag.blogspot.com' alt\u003d'' /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://sormag.blogspot.com/feeds/1771081573781917804/comments/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID\u003d15713569\u0026postID\u003d1771081573781917804","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15713569/posts/default/1771081573781917804"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15713569/posts/default/1771081573781917804"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http://sormag.blogspot.com/2009/11/article-atypical-heroine.html","title":"ARTICLE: The Atypical Heroine"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"LaShaunda"},"uri":{"$t":"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02882241010643308240"},"email":{"$t":"sormag@yahoo.com"},"gd$extendedProperty":{"xmlns$gd":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005","name":"OpenSocialUserId","value":"16185978513480922541"}}],"thr$total":{"xmlns$thr":"http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0","$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-7046334863604554070"},"published":{"$t":"2009-11-19T12:58:00.007-06:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2009-11-19T16:10:57.937-06:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Book Intro"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"BOOK INTRO: Live Relationally and Live Deeply"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003ca href\u003d\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/SwXCZBhv9-I/AAAAAAAADWQ/u5uRDWR5dEE/s1600/live2.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg id\u003d\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405940662890657762\" style\u003d\"FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 249px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px\" alt\u003d\"\" src\u003d\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/SwXCZBhv9-I/AAAAAAAADWQ/u5uRDWR5dEE/s320/live2.jpg\" border\u003d\"0\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNot Your Grandmother’s Bible Study\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003eAward-winning team of Heitzig and Rose has created a stylish, fast, AND substantive Bible study series for women on the go\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eVoracious Bible study readers, women purchase Bible studies more than do men by a ratio of five-to-one—and Gallup reports that 14 percent of Americans belong to a Bible-study group. This summer, David C Cook will release two new books in the Fresh Life series, their easy-to-use series of Bible studies for women and about women.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eWith strong endorsements from well-known Christian leaders like Kay Arthur and Ruth Graham Bell, two up-and-coming female authors, Lenya Heitzig and Penny Pierce Rose, have created the Fresh Life Bible study series published by David C Cook. Perfect for every age, appropriate for groups or individual study, and intended for today’s on-the-go woman, the Fresh Life series requires just 20 minutes a day for a meaningful contemplation of God’s Word. The next two books in the series are Live Relationally and Live Deeply (David C Cook, June 2009). (The first two books, Live Intimately and Live Fearlessly, were released in the summer of 2008.)\u003cbr /\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/SwXCPV292BI/AAAAAAAADWI/WSyfVPggvO4/s1600/live.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg id\u003d\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405940496549664786\" style\u003d\"FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 249px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px\" alt\u003d\"\" src\u003d\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/SwXCPV292BI/AAAAAAAADWI/WSyfVPggvO4/s320/live.jpg\" border\u003d\"0\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLive Relationally\u003c/strong\u003e offers a fresh look at the important women of Genesis. Though women in the Bible are sometimes overlooked or downplayed, this fascinating Bible study curriculum reminds readers that women are central to God’s story—and His plan. Genesis alone is peopled with women who experience death, marriage, divorce, rape, and family tragedy. And if that sounds like something out of Desperate Housewives, it just goes to show that the Bible has a message for women—today.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eWith probing questions, insightful sidebars, and meaningful life-application exercises, Live Relationally offers the vivid lessons and rich wisdom of Israel’s founding mothers. From the complicated Tamar to the often oversimplified Eve, they are wives and mothers, slaves and owners, sinners and saints … and each woman’s story will touch hearts for God.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLive Deeply\u003c/strong\u003e is for anyone who has ever read one of Jesus’ parables and asked, “What is He talking about?” Now women—alone or with a small group—can dig deeper into the meaning of these parables to uncover their important meaning for their walks with Christ. Designed with today’s busy woman in mind, each lesson can be completed in as little as 20 minutes per day, but will leave her with a lifetime of valuable insights.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eBased on the inductive Bible study method, each lesson conjures vivid imagery of the sights and sounds of Ancient Israel alongside poignant application questions for today. The Fresh Life Bible study series offers something for Christian women of all shapes and sizes; everyone will leave with a more profound understanding of the important women of Genesis and Christ’s amazing parables.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eAuthor Bios\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLenya Heitzig\u003c/strong\u003e is an award-winning author and popular Bible teacher. After beginning her ministry as a single women’s counselor with Youth with a Mission, Lenya married Skip and together they started Calvary of Albuquerque, one of the fast growing churches in the country. The author of Holy Moments and co-author of the Gold Medallion-winning Pathways to God’s Treasures, Lenya currently serves as director of women at Calvary, overseeing weekly Bible studies and yearly retreats. Lenya and Skip live in Albuquerque, New Mexico.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePenny Pierce Rose\u003c/strong\u003e is the award-winning author/co-author of several books and Bible studies, including the ECPA Gold Medallion winner Pathways to God’s Treasures. She has served on the board of directors for the Southwest Women’s Festival and develops Bible study curriculum for the women’s programs at Calvary of Albuquerque. Penny, her husband, Kerry, and their three children, Erin, Kristian, and Ryan, live in Albuquerque, New Mexico.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eLive Relationally: Lessons from the Women of Genesis\u003cbr /\u003eand Live Deeply: A Study of the Parables of Jesus\u003cbr /\u003eby Lenya Heitzig and Penny Pierce Rose\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003eDavid C Cook June 2009\u003cbr /\u003eISBN: 978-1-434767-48-6/288 pages/softcover/$14.99\u003cbr /\u003eISBN: 978-1-434799-86-9/304 pages/softcover/$14.99\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.davidccook.com/\" target\u003d\"_blank\" rel\u003d\"nofollow\"\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003ewww.davidccook.com\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e \u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv class\u003d\"blogger-post-footer\"\u003e\u003cimg width\u003d'1' height\u003d'1' src\u003d'https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15713569-7046334863604554070?l\u003dsormag.blogspot.com' alt\u003d'' /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://sormag.blogspot.com/feeds/7046334863604554070/comments/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID\u003d15713569\u0026postID\u003d7046334863604554070","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15713569/posts/default/7046334863604554070"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15713569/posts/default/7046334863604554070"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http://sormag.blogspot.com/2009/11/book-intro-live-relationally-and-live.html","title":"BOOK INTRO: Live Relationally and Live Deeply"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"LaShaunda"},"uri":{"$t":"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02882241010643308240"},"email":{"$t":"sormag@yahoo.com"},"gd$extendedProperty":{"xmlns$gd":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005","name":"OpenSocialUserId","value":"16185978513480922541"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/SwXCZBhv9-I/AAAAAAAADWQ/u5uRDWR5dEE/s72-c/live2.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"xmlns$thr":"http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0","$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-7819253129420325728"},"published":{"$t":"2009-11-18T12:17:00.007-06:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2009-11-19T15:07:44.447-06:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"BLOG TOUR"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Marriage 101 Blog Tour"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003ca href\u003d\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/SwQ8pijJj3I/AAAAAAAADVw/4Q71tWow7uw/s1600/jpowell.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg id\u003d\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405512137097973618\" style\u003d\"DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 160px; TEXT-ALIGN: center\" alt\u003d\"\" src\u003d\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/SwQ8pijJj3I/AAAAAAAADVw/4Q71tWow7uw/s320/jpowell.jpg\" border\u003d\"0\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMarriage is Like a Bank: Top 10 Deposits to Make Today\u003c/strong\u003e \u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003eby Jewell Powell\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003eWe’ve all heard that success is a journey, not a destination. I say that marriage is a journey, not a destination. In other words you have to constantly work at building a successful relationship; it doesn’t just happen. We know that the cares of this world: career, children, household chores, other family members, and more take up so much of our time that by the end of the day, we have nothing left to give to our spouses. In turn, our marriages are missing the very core of what it should have: love.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003eA successful marriage is not based on a couple having no challenges or disagreements. But it is based on how they communicate with one another day after day. The definition of communicate is: a process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior (words or deeds); to open into each other: connect. Therefore, communicating is connecting to one another on a daily basis to strengthen and enrich your marriage. I am not talking about the day in and day out of the routine of marriage – a peck on the cheek, “Have a nice day” - to a call in the middle of the day to discuss the children or why you will be home late - to a peck on the cheek and lights out.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003eMarriage is a lot like a bank account. A successful couple makes daily deposits – ways to make their marriage a priority. Below are ten ways to deposit love (and they’re FREE!):\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e1. Kiss them passionately\u003cbr /\u003e2. Send an ecard (\u003c/span\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.myfuncards.com/\"\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003ehttp://www.myfuncards.com/\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e, \u003c/span\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.americangreetings.com/\"\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003ehttp://www.americangreetings.com/\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e, \u003c/span\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.123greetings.com/\"\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003ehttp://www.123greetings.com/\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e)\u003cbr /\u003e3. Watch their favorite show or do their favorite activity\u003cbr /\u003e4. Hug them and tell them how much you love and appreciate them\u003cbr /\u003e5. Make love to them (yes have SEX!)\u003cbr /\u003e6. Put the kids down early, fix a nice healthy dessert, light a candle, and just talk\u003cbr /\u003e7. Start a tradition (every week to take a walk, etc.)\u003cbr /\u003e8. Play a board game/cards\u003cbr /\u003e9. Find a poem or quote (internet, library, or write one) that will express your feelings (either send it or read it to them)\u003cbr /\u003e10. Pamper your spouse after work\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eDating should not stop once you are married. Continue to court one another and offer tokens of love and appreciation. You don't have to spend a lot of money, but little signs of gratitude and courtship can go a long way to enhance your relationship.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e© Jewell R. Powell, the Marriage Coach and author of Marriage 101: Building a Life Together by Faith. For more information, visit \u003c/span\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.marriage101.us/\"\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003ehttp://www.marriage101.us/\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eABOUT THE AUTHOR\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/SwQ8NG4-HmI/AAAAAAAADVo/WhMVOnVkhLM/s1600/jewell-powell.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg id\u003d\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405511648636968546\" style\u003d\"FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 156px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 220px\" alt\u003d\"\" src\u003d\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/SwQ8NG4-HmI/AAAAAAAADVo/WhMVOnVkhLM/s320/jewell-powell.jpg\" border\u003d\"0\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003eIn July of 1992, Jewell met her Prince Charming at a Roy Rogers restaurant. When the couple decided to marry four years later, both were aware of the latest marriage statistics and the legacy of divorce that lay between them. Her parents divorced when she was four, after moving the family to Maryland, leaving her to be raised by a single mother. To circumvent the odds, they went through pre-marital counseling, attended church regularly and felt a strong love for one another. They believed they were ready for marriage.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003eWhile desiring to have a happily ever after, Jewell found life after marriage anything but a fairy tale. In 2001, she and her husband, Lewis, had been married for five years but were growing apart, after experiencing problems with infertility, sleeping in separate bedrooms and Lewis’s increasing disinterest in going to church. As she searched for answers to her marital troubles, Jewell found herself on a journey, seeking answers to save her marriage.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003eDespite a shaky beginning, the Powells now have a relationship with a strong foundation. After successfully resolving their marital problems, they started the Happily Ever After Marriage Ministry to help others do the same. Her new book, Marriage 101: Building a Life Together by Faith (Revell Books February 2009, ISBN 978-0-8007-3332-2, $13.99), offers hope and guidance to help transform broken relationships through the use of biblical wisdom in a simple workbook format.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003eJewell serves as co-owner of Antiok Holdings, an emerging full-service management consulting firm, which she owns with her husband. She earned a Bachelor of Science in business from the University of Maryland and is pursuing a Master of Divinity. The Powells reside in southern Maryland with their two daughters.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eABOUT THE BOOK\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/SwQ7cmA_-RI/AAAAAAAADVY/HsMHZ9UsLJw/s1600/marriage101.jpg\"\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003cimg id\u003d\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405510815178553618\" style\u003d\"FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 126px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 220px\" alt\u003d\"\" src\u003d\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/SwQ7cmA_-RI/AAAAAAAADVY/HsMHZ9UsLJw/s320/marriage101.jpg\" border\u003d\"0\" /\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003eYour marriage can be strong, healthy, happy, and blessed. Marriage coach Jewell Powell shows you how in this 8-week plan for marital success. She reveals how God’s truths can transform two individuals into the union he desires. Laying a spiritual foundation is crucial to your marriage. In Marriage 101: Building a Life Together by Faith, you will discover God’s purpose for marriage, how to develop godly character, how to communicate effectively, and much more. With biblical examples, study questions, and Scripture meditations perfect for individuals or couples, you will be challenged to examine areas in your life that may need change so that your marriage can thrive.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003eFollow the blog tour at \u003c/span\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://bit.ly/Marriage101\"\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003ehttp://bit.ly/Marriage101\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003eFor more information about, visit Jewell at \u003c/span\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.marriage101.us/\"\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003ehttp://www.marriage101.us/\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBLOG TOUR DRAWING:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cem\u003eAt the end of the week, One Winner (Randomly chosen from all blogs - see schedule at \u003c/em\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://bit.ly/Marriage101\" target\u003d\"_blank\" rel\u003d\"nofollow\"\u003e\u003cem\u003ehttp://bit.ly/Marriage101\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cem\u003e) will receive a $30 DATE NIGHT certificate to the restaurant of their choice (Applebees, Chili's, Ruby Tuesday or Red Lobster) and a gift pack of books (includes Marriage 101, I Don't Want a Divorce, and Have a New Husband by Friday.)\u003c/em\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003c/em\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cem\u003eYou MUST leave an email address in the comments and answer the question:\u003c/em\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003c/em\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow can a husband and wife find time for each other when they are both busy with work and family? \u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/em\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cdiv class\u003d\"blogger-post-footer\"\u003e\u003cimg width\u003d'1' height\u003d'1' src\u003d'https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15713569-7819253129420325728?l\u003dsormag.blogspot.com' alt\u003d'' /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://sormag.blogspot.com/feeds/7819253129420325728/comments/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID\u003d15713569\u0026postID\u003d7819253129420325728","title":"5 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15713569/posts/default/7819253129420325728"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15713569/posts/default/7819253129420325728"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http://sormag.blogspot.com/2009/11/marriage-101-blog-tour.html","title":"Marriage 101 Blog Tour"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"LaShaunda"},"uri":{"$t":"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02882241010643308240"},"email":{"$t":"sormag@yahoo.com"},"gd$extendedProperty":{"xmlns$gd":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005","name":"OpenSocialUserId","value":"16185978513480922541"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/SwQ8pijJj3I/AAAAAAAADVw/4Q71tWow7uw/s72-c/jpowell.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"xmlns$thr":"http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0","$t":"5"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-7736894141696570518"},"published":{"$t":"2009-11-16T09:01:00.004-06:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2009-11-16T09:12:54.347-06:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Featured Author"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"FEATURED AUTHOR:  Dianne Castell"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003cdiv align\u003d\"center\"\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/SwFp84EpF-I/AAAAAAAADVQ/ORbi2FiAR5I/s1600/11castell.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg id\u003d\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404717522386229218\" style\u003d\"DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center\" alt\u003d\"\" src\u003d\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/SwFp84EpF-I/AAAAAAAADVQ/ORbi2FiAR5I/s320/11castell.jpg\" border\u003d\"0\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHot and Irresistible:\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eFour Southern gals\u003cbr /\u003eFour hot guys\u003cbr /\u003eOne lost jewel\u003cbr /\u003eA splash of ghosts\u003cbr /\u003eA mix of voodoo\u003cbr /\u003eAnd a big dose of mystery\u003cbr /\u003ethat brings them all together\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align\u003d\"left\"\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat would you like readers to take away from your book?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eBeing entertained and a feeling for Savannah. Savannah is like another character in Hot and Irresistible. It’s such a great city. And I want readers to have a good time when they read my books.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy did you choose to write this book?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI love writing best-friend books. And I love Savannah and that it’s haunted and filled with great stories and good food and incredible old homes. It was such fun writing the Savannah Sizzles series. Like taking a vacation there every time I wrote.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat did you learn while writing this book?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI do a lot of research so I know about voodoo and the workings of the police department in Savannah and how to drive a power boat, run an illegal casino, and how NOT to cast a spell.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat was your favorite scene/chapter from the book?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eWhen the heroine, Bebe, discovers who here dad is, she had a bad childhood with an adopted mother who hated her and then she found her family. So much fun to write.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat one thing about writing do you wish other non-writers would understand?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eIt’s business, all business. This is not a hobby or a friendship club. It’s really tough business to get published.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the best lesson you have learned from another writer?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eDon’t give up! And the best revenge for a reject letter is to get published somewhere else and make it big. Hehehehe!\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the toughest test you've faced as a writer?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eGetting dropped by one publisher and having to find another. Not fun.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat was the best advice you’d ever gotten about the publishing industry?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eGet an agent...a good one. The worse advice was promote your books more. IMO the best thing you can do to promote your books is to write the next one fast!\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan you give us one do and one don’t for those aspiring to be a writer?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eDon’t give up. Learn to accept rejection or you’ll never last in this business and remember all that matters to a publishing house is the bottom line...how much money can you make for them. \u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003cdiv align\u003d\"left\"\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eDon’t take rejection personally. It’s just business.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eWrite something new and submit it and the only advice you follow is the advice of an editor. Critique groups can be death to your voice.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eI borrowed this question from Author Carleene Brice, What is your author fantasy?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI’m already living it...readers enjoy my books. What could be better than that! :) Bless the readers they are the best. I’ve met so many wonderful people...readers, publishers, authors... while writing. It’s more than I could have dreamed. What fun.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is something readers would be surprised you do?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eEat peanut butter right from the jar! I’m a peanut butter junkie!\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFive questions about books:\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOne book that you have read more than once.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI am a big re-reader!\u003cbr /\u003eGone with the Wind\u003cbr /\u003eAll the Stephanie Plum books\u003cbr /\u003eJurassic Park\u003cbr /\u003eJane Austin books\u003cbr /\u003eYou get the picture. Like visiting old friends\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOne book you would want on a desert island.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eOne book? Only one? The Bible. It says it all and is history and stories and adventure and morals all rolled into one\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOne book that made you laugh.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThe Stephanie Plum books always make me laugh\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOne book that made you cry.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI cried all the way through The Old Man and The Sea. Love that book!\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOne book you wish you'd written.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThe Old Man and the Sea. :)\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOur theme for this month is Time Management. Do you have any tips on making time for writing?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eTreat writing like a business and not a hobby and you will get published.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow can readers get in contact with you?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI love love love to hear from readers!! See what’s going on in their neck of the woods. Email: DianneCastell@hotmail.com and my website is \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.diannecastell.com/\"\u003ehttp://www.diannecastell.com/\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align\u003d\"left\"\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHot and Irresistible excerpt: \u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align\u003d\"left\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c/div\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cdiv align\u003d\"left\"\u003e“Don’t you dare go feeling sorry for me, Donovan McCabe, I sure as hell don’t need a pity party.” Her gaze met his and she braced herself for the Oh, you poor thing look but instead Donovan bent his head and kissed her. She started to protest but her lips were busy and suddenly her tongue was too and then her arms got into the act. This was all wrong on every level except one...Donovan McCabe felt so darn good when she was feeling crappy as hell.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eHow many times had stepmother Dara struck and no one had been there? But here and now on this beautiful spring morning in Savannah, there was Donovan McCabe and that he was a damn Yankee didn’t seem to matter all that much at the moment. She breathed, a sense of peace she’d never known before filling her up like a glass long empty. She leaned into him and took one more kiss, just a little with a tiny nibble of his bottom lip to chase away the lingering chill of Dara, then Bebe stepped back. Every cell in her body...except the two rational cells still functioning in her brain... insisted she was the most stupid woman on planet Earth for not staying locked in his arms.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e“What was that all about?” The question was as much for her as him because she didn’t know what to think about the effect he had on her.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e“You look like a woman who needed a hug and the kiss part just snuck in.” His voice was steady but there was an unsure spark in his brown eyes that said he didn’t just go around kissing every woman who may have the need. But she didn’t want him to be nice and she wished like hell he hadn’t seen Dara. It was Bebe’s private life, the part she kept tucked away as best she could. A crappy childhood did not transfer into a crappy life. “Are you playing me, McCabe? Softening me up so I’ll help you on this case? Well, I won’t, I have a friendship with an old friend to protect and I can handle Dara on my own.”\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e“How about I look the other way and you just shoot her.”\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eBebe broke into a laugh and today she didn’t think she’d be laughing about anything. “I’ll lend you my gun,” he continued, looking perfectly serious. “Or at least blast the bitch verbally. I’ve seen you in action you’re a hellcat when riled.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eWhy not now?”\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eIf he hadn’t offered his gun she would have told Donovan to butt out but he did offer and he’d kissed her when she needed it and she wasn’t in the habit of needing much.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDianne Castell\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eUSA Today best selling author Dianne Castell writes for Kensington BRAVA. She also writes a monthly editor interview column for Romance Writers Report. Her books have won Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award, been on the cover of Romantic Times Magazine and included in Rhapsody Book Club, Doubleday Book Club and have made the Waldenbooks Bestseller list.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThe second book in her Savannah Sizzles series for the BRAVA line, Hot and Irresistible, hits the shelves Nov‘09. Hot Summer Nights is out May ’10. \u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align\u003d\"left\"\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eDianne lives in Cincinnati with her two cats and will do just about anything to get out of housework.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cdiv class\u003d\"blogger-post-footer\"\u003e\u003cimg width\u003d'1' height\u003d'1' src\u003d'https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15713569-7736894141696570518?l\u003dsormag.blogspot.com' alt\u003d'' /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://sormag.blogspot.com/feeds/7736894141696570518/comments/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID\u003d15713569\u0026postID\u003d7736894141696570518","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15713569/posts/default/7736894141696570518"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15713569/posts/default/7736894141696570518"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http://sormag.blogspot.com/2009/11/featured-author-dianne-castell.html","title":"FEATURED AUTHOR:  Dianne Castell"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"LaShaunda"},"uri":{"$t":"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02882241010643308240"},"email":{"$t":"sormag@yahoo.com"},"gd$extendedProperty":{"xmlns$gd":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005","name":"OpenSocialUserId","value":"16185978513480922541"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/SwFp84EpF-I/AAAAAAAADVQ/ORbi2FiAR5I/s72-c/11castell.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"xmlns$thr":"http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0","$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-2696260399922165608"},"published":{"$t":"2009-11-13T06:00:00.001-06:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2009-11-19T15:33:37.990-06:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Featured Author"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"FEATURED AUTHOR:  Kimberly Killion"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003cp align\u003d\"center\"\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://kimberlykillion.com/\" target\u003d\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cimg src\u003d\"http://kimberlykillion.com/images/KimberlyKillionbiopicwiki.jpg\" align\u003d\"right\" border\u003d\"0\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003eAward-winning author, \u003cstrong\u003eKimberly Killion\u003c/strong\u003e, writes sexy Medieval romances for Zebra Books. Her debut book, HER ONE DESIRE, was a RITA® nominee, and her second book, HIGHLAND DRAGON, went into a second printing before release. RT Book Reviews dubbed Killion as an author who writes “captivating romance with excellent pacing and characters who are honorable, intelligent and full of humanity.” Aside from writing, Killion teaches graphic/web design and serves as the President of the Missouri Romance Writers of America. She lives in Illinois with her husband, two children, a dog, three cats, and two dozen chickens. Please visit her website at \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.kimberlykillion.com/\"\u003ehttp://www.kimberlykillion.com/\u003c/a\u003e \u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYou write in the Medieval time era. Why did you choose this time frame and how does it enhance the stories?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI love the drama that goes hand in hand with the Medieval era. The struggles and decisions faced by the Highland laird were no small potatoes. People were always at risk, as was land and status. I like to write with a dramatic flare. I have a voice for it, and I think that’s what makes my stories so intense.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is your favorite part of being a writer?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eAs the heroine, I get to fall in love. As the hero, I get to be strong, handsome, flirtatious, witty… As the villain, I get to be sadistic and twisted. And as the author, I get to play with people’s lives, make them cry, make them laugh, make them fall in love. And if I’m lucky, I might just inspire one person—the reader.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat was your favorite scene/chapter from the book?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eOh, wow! This is a difficult question. I love the “tree scene”, the “blessing of the bed” scene, the scene where Aunt Wanda says, “I’ve the mind to take a blade to your bollocks and have Mattie cook them slowly over the spit. Ye’ve nay use for them.”\u003cbr /\u003eBut my favorite would have to be Calin and Akira’s initial meeting. She is being sold at a slave auction of sorts and is a wee bit pissed off about her predicament.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHere’s a snippet:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cem\u003eHe crawled atop Akira on all fours, covering her from head to toe. Mocking their privacy, the guards lowered a gauze canopy—caging them like breeding animals on public display. She violently thrashed her head side to side, whipping a black web of hair to veil her features.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e“Imigh sa diabhal, bastún,” Akira cursed at him in Gaelic. And then in French. “Focal leat! Retournez à la pute qui t’a accouchée!”\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e“I am nay a bastard, and my mother wasnae a whore.” Calin calmly corrected her expletives. Her obscene vocabulary both shocked and impressed him.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e“To the devil with your black blood. May ye rot alongside the bitseach that birthed ye.”\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e“Nor was my mother a bitch.” Although Calin knew little about the woman who died giving birth to him, he felt a sense of honor to protect his mother from such heinous names. He exhaled dramatically, shook his head, and tsked. “How can such a vulgar tongue be placed betwixt the lips of such a bonnie fine mouth?”\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eIn response, Akira spat on him. She then thrust forward, ramming her forehead into the bridge of his nose. The impact against his skull reverberated clear to his back teeth.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eHell and damnation, his bride was a hoyden!\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/em\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e******************************\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat one thing about writing do you wish other non-writers would understand?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThat it’s hard. I think there is a misconception that writers just sit down and start typing. There is so much that goes into a story that non-writers don’t know about, like the research, the character development, GMC…just to name a few.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the best lesson you have learned from another writer?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI’ve learned perseverance. When you finish a book, and NY rejects it, you start another one. The old saying “suck it up and move on” applies here.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the toughest test you've faced as a writer?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eFinding the time to be something besides a writer. I make time for writing, but sometimes my family suffers for it. If I’m not careful, my kids will be grown and gone while I’m sitting behind this keyboard.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat would you like to tell aspiring writers?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003ePerseverance. If you want it bad enough, it will happen. You must continue to learn. Find a critique partner or group. I found it easier to learn the craft of writing from reading ‘bad writing’ vs. ‘good writing’. Join online writer’s group and take classes. Read all the How-to books and never, under any circumstances should you ever give up.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is something readers would be surprised you do?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI get up between 3:00 and 4:00 am every morning to write. It is the most peaceful time of day and all is quiet. Plus, I write in a camper that’s parked right outside my garage.J\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFive questions about books:\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOne book that you have read more than once.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003eJulie Garwood’s THE SECRET\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOne book you would want on a desert island.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003eTeresa Medeiros’s HEATHER AND VELVET\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOne book that scared you.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eScott Smith’s THE RUINS\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOne book that made you cry.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eHIGHLAND DRAGON (I sobbed through that thing while I was doing line edits)\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOne book you wish you'd written.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eTWILIGHT\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOur theme for this month is Time Management. Do you have any tips on making time for writing?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eTurn off the TV and write.\u003cbr /\u003eGet off the internet and write.\u003cbr /\u003eGet up an hour earlier and write.\u003cbr /\u003eStay up an hour later and write.\u003cbr /\u003eYou have to want it to make it happen.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e*********************\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eCheck out Kimberly's award-winning novel, HIGHLAND DRAGON, released Oct. 6 from Zebra books.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cembed src\u003d\"http://www.youtube.com/v/CzgMMKsoS8k\u0026amp;hl\u003d\" width\u003d\"425\" height\u003d\"344\" type\u003d\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" fs\u003d\"1\u0026amp;\" allowscriptaccess\u003d\"always\" allowfullscreen\u003d\"true\"\u003e\u003c/embed\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://kimberlykillion.com/\" target\u003d\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cimg src\u003d\"http://kimberlykillion.com/images/HighlandDragonWiki.jpg\" align\u003d\"right\" border\u003d\"0\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003eHIGHLAND DRAGON\u003c/strong\u003e \u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003eSecrets and lies have a price that must be paid in blood through the generations.\u003cbr /\u003eEighteen years after hiding the secret of his betrothed’s lineage, Laird Calin MacLeod must choose between avenging his father’s death and surrendering to the passion he finds in the arms of his enemy’s daughter.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\"Fascinating…well-crafted romance. The appeal of Killion's characters comes from their honor, intelligence and humanity.\"–Romantic Times, 4-star review\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVisit Kimberly Killion’s website for contests, excerpts and more: \u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.kimberlykillion.com/\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003ewww.kimberlykillion.com\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003eNow it's your turn. Kimberly is giving away an autographed copy of HIGHLAND DRAGON to one lucky commenter. She wants to know which authors have inspired you to write and what book did you read that made a long term impression on you???\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv class\u003d\"blogger-post-footer\"\u003e\u003cimg width\u003d'1' height\u003d'1' src\u003d'https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15713569-2696260399922165608?l\u003dsormag.blogspot.com' alt\u003d'' /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://sormag.blogspot.com/feeds/2696260399922165608/comments/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID\u003d15713569\u0026postID\u003d2696260399922165608","title":"3 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15713569/posts/default/2696260399922165608"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15713569/posts/default/2696260399922165608"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http://sormag.blogspot.com/2009/11/featured-author-kimberly-killion.html","title":"FEATURED AUTHOR:  Kimberly Killion"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"LaShaunda"},"uri":{"$t":"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02882241010643308240"},"email":{"$t":"sormag@yahoo.com"},"gd$extendedProperty":{"xmlns$gd":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005","name":"OpenSocialUserId","value":"16185978513480922541"}}],"thr$total":{"xmlns$thr":"http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0","$t":"3"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-1176825318237913163"},"published":{"$t":"2009-11-11T08:22:00.004-06:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2009-11-11T08:31:17.034-06:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"BLOG TOUR"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"The Lovechild Blog Tour"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003ca href\u003d\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/SvrKF6N9ypI/AAAAAAAADU4/YavlnszH1M4/s1600-h/goldson.JPG\"\u003e\u003cimg style\u003d\"MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 271px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand\" id\u003d\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402852905860319890\" border\u003d\"0\" alt\u003d\"\" src\u003d\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/SvrKF6N9ypI/AAAAAAAADU4/YavlnszH1M4/s320/goldson.JPG\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAshea Goldson\u003c/strong\u003e, originally born in Brooklyn, NewYork is a wife of twenty three years, a mother of two daughters, a grandmother of one, a graduate of Fordham University, a writer, a poet, a publisher, a reviewer, an internet radio host, an educator, and a co-founder of a Christian preparatory school. Active in the ministry, she is a dedicated member of World Changers Church International for many years. She has a lifetime of experience with writing which ranges from being published in local newspapers, magazines, and online publications to full length books.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eHer first Christian fiction novel is The Lovechild, published by Urban Christian Publishers in 2008. Ashea’s short story entitled “The Kit Cat Trial” will be released in an anthology named Pets Across America in September 2009. Her second Christian fiction novel, Joy Comes In The Morning, will be released in July 2010, also by Urban Christian Publishers. She has recently released a non-fiction title, Resurrecting Vision: 45 steps To Digging Up Your Destiny And Seeing It Through God’s Eyes through her own publishing company.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eCalling herself a kingdom writer, and passionate about this calling, she is currently working on her third novel, random poems, several short stories, a children’s book, and is organizing a literacy group for youth in her community. During her relaxation time she can be found hanging out with her family, snuggled up to a good book, or listening to gospel music.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAshea, tell us about The Lovechild.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThe Lovechild is a story about family secrets and one woman’s struggle to forgive them. After escaping what seems like the most dysfunctional family ever to become an international fashion designer, Makaeli Hunt is on her way to the top. Yet when a family emergency forces her to come home, she is faced with truths so devastating that she risks losing her loved ones, her own identity, and the opportunity to reconcile her relationship with God.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow did you come up with ideas for this book?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI wanted to write about a character who was strong, independent, yet wounded , who would encounter something so devastating it would cause her to question everything he or she believed in. So I started to shape the story from that premise.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWho are your main character(s)?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eMy main characters are Makaeli Hunt, her sister Lisa, and her love interest, Antonio\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDid you have a favorite character(s)? Who and why?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eMy favorite character is Makaeli because she is independent, and ambitious, but still caring.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDid you have to do quite a bit of research for this novel?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eYes, I had to research quite a bit about Italy since Makaeli was living there. I also had to research mental illness for the mother’s character.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat do you hope readers will learn/discover from reading The Lovechild?\u003c/strong\u003e \u003c/span\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI hope that people will realize that redemption is available to everyone no matter where you are spiritually, no matter what has happened to you, no matter what you have done, or haven’t done. Nothing can separate us from God’s love, nothing. God will meet you wherever you are and do a divine work in your life if you allow Him to.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOkay, a not-so-fun question. How important are reviews to you as a writer?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eReviews help to encourage me as a writer, nothing more and nothing less.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eABOUT THE BOOK\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/SvrJ63cgR5I/AAAAAAAADUw/jTf0xsLxsto/s1600-h/goldson2.jpg\"\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003cimg style\u003d\"MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 157px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 232px; CURSOR: hand\" id\u003d\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402852716137432978\" border\u003d\"0\" alt\u003d\"\" src\u003d\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/SvrJ63cgR5I/AAAAAAAADUw/jTf0xsLxsto/s320/goldson2.jpg\" /\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eIn The Lovechild, Makaeli Hunt, a successful fashion designer, has been driven far away from home by her family’s dysfunction. While living in Italy, trying to heal the wounds of yesterday, ambition becomes her comforter. When a family emergency forces her to return to her home, in seven life altering days, amidst memories of a tumultuous past, will one revealed secret drive her away from her family and God forever? Or will she discover what it means to be God’s lovechild?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eDealing with issues of racism, depression, self-esteem, drug addiction, mental illness, verbal and physical abuse,The Lovechild is a story of redemption and re-dedication, confirming our victory in Jesus Christ.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eFollow the blog tour at \u003ca href\u003d\"http://bit.ly/TheLovechild\"\u003ehttp://bit.ly/TheLovechild\u003c/a\u003e \u003c/span\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eFor more information about Ashea, visit her at \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.asheagoldson.com/\"\u003ehttp://www.asheagoldson.com\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cdiv class\u003d\"blogger-post-footer\"\u003e\u003cimg width\u003d'1' height\u003d'1' src\u003d'https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15713569-1176825318237913163?l\u003dsormag.blogspot.com' alt\u003d'' /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://sormag.blogspot.com/feeds/1176825318237913163/comments/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID\u003d15713569\u0026postID\u003d1176825318237913163","title":"3 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15713569/posts/default/1176825318237913163"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15713569/posts/default/1176825318237913163"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http://sormag.blogspot.com/2009/11/lovechild-blog-tour.html","title":"The Lovechild Blog Tour"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"LaShaunda"},"uri":{"$t":"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02882241010643308240"},"email":{"$t":"sormag@yahoo.com"},"gd$extendedProperty":{"xmlns$gd":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005","name":"OpenSocialUserId","value":"16185978513480922541"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/SvrKF6N9ypI/AAAAAAAADU4/YavlnszH1M4/s72-c/goldson.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"xmlns$thr":"http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0","$t":"3"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-8229059494175923855"},"published":{"$t":"2009-11-10T08:17:00.002-06:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2009-11-10T08:23:47.994-06:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Purposley Said"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Columnist"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"PURPOSELY SAID - Dr. Linda F. Beed"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/SWuxd3xEBiI/AAAAAAAACWw/-PoV6uVM9JY/s1600-h/beed.jpg\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cimg style\u003d\"MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand\" id\u003d\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290517314020836898\" border\u003d\"0\" alt\u003d\"\" src\u003d\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/SWuxd3xEBiI/AAAAAAAACWw/-PoV6uVM9JY/s320/beed.jpg\" /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBe Not Distracted\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eDistract – To cause to turn away from the original focus of attention or interest; divert.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eOne of the pitfalls of writing is finding the time to do so without distractions.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eDistractions come in a variety of forms. It can be something as simple as having a friend or family member visit during your self-imposed work hours, to losing stretches of time tuning in and out of programs on a television that should be off.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eWriting is a business that requires a plan. Your master plan for success should include undisturbed time for writing. Some of the possibilities to help you can be as simple as:\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e*Setting your schedule so that you are able to be away from family without being distracted by guilt\u003cbr /\u003e*Know what project, passage or chapter you need to make headway on\u003cbr /\u003e*Turning off the ringer of your home and cell phone\u003cbr /\u003e*Turning off televisions and all music\u003cbr /\u003e*Having a meal or snack before settling in\u003cbr /\u003e*Having a bottle of water nearby\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThe above practices will vary for each individual. The point is that eliminating distractions is necessary and requires a plan in order to remain on task.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDr. 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.\u003c/strong\u003e \u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003eYou can find her on the web at: \u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.lindabeed.com/\"\u003ehttp://www.lindabeed.com/\u003c/a\u003e / \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.myspace.com/lindabeed\"\u003eMySpace\u003c/a\u003e / \u003ca href\u003d\"http://lindabeed.blogspot.com/\"\u003eOn Assignment Reviews\u003c/a\u003e / \u003ca href\u003d\"http://bwchristianlit.blogspot.com/\"\u003eBWChristianLit\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cdiv class\u003d\"blogger-post-footer\"\u003e\u003cimg width\u003d'1' height\u003d'1' src\u003d'https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15713569-8229059494175923855?l\u003dsormag.blogspot.com' alt\u003d'' /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://sormag.blogspot.com/feeds/8229059494175923855/comments/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID\u003d15713569\u0026postID\u003d8229059494175923855","title":"2 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15713569/posts/default/8229059494175923855"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15713569/posts/default/8229059494175923855"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http://sormag.blogspot.com/2009/11/purposely-said-dr-linda-f-beed.html","title":"PURPOSELY SAID - Dr. Linda F. Beed"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"LaShaunda"},"uri":{"$t":"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02882241010643308240"},"email":{"$t":"sormag@yahoo.com"},"gd$extendedProperty":{"xmlns$gd":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005","name":"OpenSocialUserId","value":"16185978513480922541"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/SWuxd3xEBiI/AAAAAAAACWw/-PoV6uVM9JY/s72-c/beed.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"xmlns$thr":"http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0","$t":"2"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-6390371717979648307"},"published":{"$t":"2009-11-09T09:46:00.004-06:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2009-11-09T09:51:50.688-06:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Featured Author"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"FEATURED AUTHOR:  Marilyn Brant"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003ca href\u003d\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/Svg6QSaQFRI/AAAAAAAADUo/hmH6lSy1sys/s1600-h/MarilynBrant[1].jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg id\u003d\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402131804525171986\" style\u003d\"FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 260px\" alt\u003d\"\" src\u003d\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/Svg6QSaQFRI/AAAAAAAADUo/hmH6lSy1sys/s320/MarilynBrant%5B1%5D.jpg\" border\u003d\"0\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMarilyn Brant\u003c/strong\u003e is the award-winning women's fiction author of ACCORDING TO JANE, the story of a modern woman who receives dating advice from the spirit of Jane Austen (October 2009), and her second forthcoming novel about three suburban moms who shake up their lives and their marriages (October 2010), both from Kensington Books.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eAs a former teacher, library staff member, freelance magazine writer and national book reviewer for Romantic Times, Marilyn has spent much of her life lost in literature. She received her M.A. in educational psychology from Loyola University Chicago, dabbled in both fiction and art at Northwestern University, studied the works of Austen at Oxford University and is an active member of the Jane Austen Society of North America. Her debut novel won RWA's prestigious Golden Heart Award® in 2007.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eMarilyn lives in the northern Chicago suburbs with her family, but she also hangs out online at her blog \"Brant Flakes.\" When she isn't rereading Jane's books or enjoying the latest releases by her writer friends, she's working on her next novel, eating chocolate indiscriminately and hiding from the laundry.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/Svg6ACWM1JI/AAAAAAAADUg/zjT3SOsr17w/s1600-h/11brant.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg id\u003d\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402131525335307410\" style\u003d\"FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 308px\" alt\u003d\"\" src\u003d\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/Svg6ACWM1JI/AAAAAAAADUg/zjT3SOsr17w/s320/11brant.jpg\" border\u003d\"0\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAccording to Jane:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eIt begins one day in sophomore English class, just as Ellie Barnett's teacher is assigning Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. From nowhere comes a quiet \"tsk\" of displeasure. The target: Sam Blaine, the cute bad boy who's teasing Ellie mercilessly, just as he has since kindergarten. Entirely unbidden, as Jane might say, the author's ghost has taken up residence in Ellie's mind, and seems determined to stay there.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eJane's wise and witty advice guides Ellie through the hell of adolescence and beyond, serving as the voice she trusts, usually far more than her own. Years and boyfriends come and go--sometimes a little too quickly, sometimes not nearly fast enough. But Jane's counsel is constant, and on the subject of Sam, quite insistent. Stay away, Jane demands. He is your Mr. Wickham.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eStill, everyone has something to learn about love--perhaps even Jane herself. And lately, the voice in Ellie's head is being drowned out by another, urging her to look beyond everything she thought she knew and seek out her very own, very unexpected, happy ending. . .\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat would you like readers to take away from your book?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThat a woman’s journey toward understanding her heart and listening to her own voice can, many times, take far longer than we would like. That the relationship odyssey is often treacherous and strewn with frustrating obstacles. But…the journey is worth it.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy did you choose to write this book?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI fell in love with Austen’s Pride \u0026amp; Prejudice when I was 14 and couldn’t help but wish I had someone as wise as Jane to guide me through the perils of adolescence. In a way, writing According to Jane was a kind of wish fulfillment! Who better to offer romantic advice than the author who penned one of my favorite love stories of all time, right?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat did you learn while writing this book?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThat a writer could tell a good story, but it takes something more to make it a publishable one. My book needed heavy structural revision in order to be marketable. It’s the same story it was when I was telling it chronologically but, in its current form (with flashbacks and other references to the past), it better fits in the women’s fiction genre. The publisher needed that clearer “fit” in order to sell it to the marketing/sales people who, in turn, needed that definitive genre placement to sell it to the bookstore chains.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat was your favorite scene/chapter from the book?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eOne scene I had a lot of fun writing was the bar scene in the first chapter where my main character runs into her ex-high-school boyfriend for the first time in four years. It was a situation I’d never experienced personally, but I could imagine the comical possibilities so clearly and feel and the frustration of my heroine as if I’d been the one standing there, facing the jerk and his latest girlfriend, while Jane Austen ranted about how “insufferable” he was.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat one thing about writing do you wish other non-writers would understand?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThat just because I work from home, it doesn’t mean I’m always available. Fortunately, my friends understand this now, but people I don’t know as well are occasionally mystified by the fact that I can’t just take off in the middle of the day whenever I want. That being a writer requires a lot of self discipline to work, even when there isn’t a boss standing over you, demanding you to get your projects done.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the best lesson you have learned from another writer?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThat it’s critical to maintain a healthy perspective about the publishing industry. Basically, to keep your priorities very clear so your life doesn’t fall into imbalance. My family is my #1 priority and everything else follows that. I can (and do) work hard at writing, but I’m trying to work equally hard at not being so obsessive about it that I lose too much time with those I love or miss important events.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the toughest test you've faced as a writer?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThat, once I had a contract, I’d have far less time to actually write! This has been one of the biggest challenges for me. I now have to split my true writing time with promotion and publicity. In some ways, it’s helped me use the real writing time more efficiently--I don’t have a half hour to web surf for just the perfect name for some character’s pet, I need to get to the heart of the narrative much faster and save some of the detail hunting for later. Regardless, it’s proven to be quite a juggling act: promoting book #1, revising and finalizing book #2, drafting book #3…simultaneously…while also still trying to have a family life and make time to sleep/eat/shower. Also, authors are no longer quite so anonymous in today’s world. Aside from the work of keeping up with my online life, the fact that my photo is visible on my website, blog, Facebook page, etc. has made me a more frequently recognized person in my community. That, too, has been surprising, and it’s led to some rather interesting, impromptu conversations at the local Piggly Wiggly.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat was the best advice you’d ever gotten about the publishing industry? The worst?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThe best advice was an essay I read that stressed understanding that book reviews (or manuscript critiques) are not personal. The reviewer brings his/her own biases to the story and, in the end, the review is more of a reflection of the reviewer’s beliefs, tastes and values than a commentary on your story. And this is true whether that commentary ends up being positive or negative.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThe worst advice I was given was from an editor who told me I should rewrite my book to fit a a particular genre just because that was a hot market… I did not follow that advice AT ALL, and I don’t regret it!\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan you give us one do and one don’t for those aspiring to be a writer?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDO:\u003c/strong\u003e Work to really understand WHY you write. This is a personal thing, of course, and it’s rare that two writers in a room would share the exact same reason, but what’s YOUR draw? Crafting characters? Plotting something dramatic/suspenseful/funny/heartwarming? The possibility of fame, fortune and lengthy book tours? What brings you back to your notebook or your computer screen, even without a contract nudging you? Remember that and cherish it.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDON’T:\u003c/strong\u003e Write to trends--write only what you love and feel passionate about.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eI borrowed this question from Author Carleen Brice, What is your author fantasy?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eOh, I’m secretly, unrelentingly ambitious, even when I have no right to be. Of course I want the NYT bestseller list *and* the movie. Also, an Oprah invitation and a few RITAs. However, these are not quite enough to satisfy every daydream I’ve ever had. I’d greatly enjoy winning an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, a Tony and an Olympic gold medal (in both ice skating and gymnastics). The fact that I’m pathetic on skates and terrified of the uneven bars is, in no way, a deterrent from these unrealistic fantasies. My simple ability to *imagine* them, makes them almost real. Furthermore, I like shiny things (although I don’t like to dust them), so I hereby promise that if I win ANY heavy golden statuettes--ever--I will dust faithfully. Especially that Grammy award. Really.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is something readers would be surprised you do?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI used to dance! I was in a touring folk dance group during college and spent a summer dancing at festivals throughout Europe. It was an exhausting and fabulous experience.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFive questions about books:\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOne book that you have read more than once.\u003c/strong\u003e Love Story by Erich Segal\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOne book you would want on a desert island.\u003c/strong\u003e A very large blank journal (and a pen…)\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOne book that made you laugh.\u003c/strong\u003e The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOne book that made you cry.\u003c/strong\u003e Never Change by Elizabeth Berg\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOne book you wish you'd written.\u003c/strong\u003e (Only one?!) Nobody’s Baby But Mine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOur theme for this month is Time Management. Do you have any tips on making time for writing?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eSomething I do when I’ve only got a few minutes to work and know I might get interrupted is to just grab a notebook page and a pen and jot down (in list form) “things that need to happen in the next scene.” I can expand on an idea if I think of further details and (if time allows) put the events in order. That way, when I’m at my computer and really have time to sit and type that next scene, I’m going into it with some very specific ideas of what’s happening in the plot and with the emotional arcs of the characters.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow can readers get in contact with you? (mail, email, website)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eMy website is \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.marilynbrant.com/\"\u003ewww.marilynbrant.com\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e and I have a Press/Contact page with a snail mail and an email address. I’m also on Facebook, GoodReads and have a Yahoo group, and those sites are listed there, too.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan you give us a sneak peek of your next book?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eMy next book is called Fridays at Nine, and it’s a modern fairy tale about three suburban forty-something moms who meet for coffee every Friday morning. One day, one of the women asks her friends if they think they made the right choice in marrying the man they did…and if they’d make any changes if they could. Each woman must figure out how to answer that question for herself…\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cdiv class\u003d\"blogger-post-footer\"\u003e\u003cimg width\u003d'1' height\u003d'1' src\u003d'https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15713569-6390371717979648307?l\u003dsormag.blogspot.com' alt\u003d'' /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://sormag.blogspot.com/feeds/6390371717979648307/comments/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID\u003d15713569\u0026postID\u003d6390371717979648307","title":"2 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15713569/posts/default/6390371717979648307"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15713569/posts/default/6390371717979648307"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http://sormag.blogspot.com/2009/11/featured-author-marilyn-brant.html","title":"FEATURED AUTHOR:  Marilyn Brant"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"LaShaunda"},"uri":{"$t":"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02882241010643308240"},"email":{"$t":"sormag@yahoo.com"},"gd$extendedProperty":{"xmlns$gd":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005","name":"OpenSocialUserId","value":"16185978513480922541"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/Svg6QSaQFRI/AAAAAAAADUo/hmH6lSy1sys/s72-c/MarilynBrant%5B1%5D.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"xmlns$thr":"http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0","$t":"2"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-5947200961282326427"},"published":{"$t":"2009-11-06T06:00:00.001-06:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2009-11-06T06:00:04.770-06:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Featured Author"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"FEATURED AUTHOR:  Zaria Garrison"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003ca href\u003d\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/SvNJpcJfXTI/AAAAAAAADUY/sge3HLSyH4g/s1600-h/11garr.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg id\u003d\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400741354426817842\" style\u003d\"FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 290px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px\" alt\u003d\"\" src\u003d\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/SvNJpcJfXTI/AAAAAAAADUY/sge3HLSyH4g/s320/11garr.jpg\" border\u003d\"0\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eZaria Garrison\u003c/strong\u003e was born and raised in Greenville SC, where she found a love for reading and writing at an early age. In 2005 her first novel Baring it All was released by Publish America under her birth name Gena L. Garrison. It received rave reviews and she was awarded the best new author award of 2005 by Mahogany Media. \u003c/span\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003eAs she continued writing she felt she could no longer write stories that involved explicit sex and violence. She could only write what God told her to write. Following her transformation, as he did with Saul, God gave her a new name Zaria, which means new beginnings. As an award-winning author she is committed to writing and publishing literature that ministers as well as entertains. \u003c/span\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eZaria is also part owner and staff writer for EKG Literary magazine. An online magazine dedicated to being the pulse of the literary community.\u003c/span\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003eZaria also offers insight and encouragement to aspiring authors through workshops, and writing classes that allow each participant to discover the craft of writing and how it can be used to effectively minister to youth, women, and all members of the community.\u003c/span\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eProdigal is her first Christian fiction novel. \u003c/span\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat would you like readers to take away from your book?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI want the readers to feel entertained, as well as enlightened. I'd also like for them to feel the theme of forgiveness. I hope they feel it in their hearts and take it for use in their lives.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy did you choose to write this book?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI thought it would be interesting to take a look at the Biblical story of the Prodigal son, from a female perspective. So I decided to make the sibling involved women.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat did you learn while writing this book?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI learned a great deal about myself as a sibling who also has dealt with sisterly rivalry. After writing some scenes I went back and re-read the book, and was able to see God speaking to me through my own words. Writing this book taught me a better way to deal with my sister and our issues.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat was your favorite scene/chapter from the book?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI actually have two favorite scenes. The first is the scene when Phylicia realizes the truth about her husband and her sister, Phoebe. It's a very heart wrenching scene. The second is a dream sequence. I don't want to give details about that because I don' t want to give spoilers. However it was really fun to write.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat one thing about writing do you wish other non-writers would understand?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI think most non-writers don't understand how much research and effort actually goes into writing a book. Even when I'm not physically typing words, I am going over scenes and chapters in my head. Sometimes I'm online researching situations or fact checking things I want to write about. There is a lot more to writing than just putting the words on paper.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the best lesson you have learned from another writer?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eEbony Farashuu taught the value of networking and having friends in the publishing industry. She and I became friends online and since that time we've both had books released and our friendship and connections have been very valuable.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eWithout knowing it, Victoria Christopher Murry taught me the value of being approachable and humble. Whenever I have emailed Victoria whether as a fan, or an aspiring writer, she always responds and she's always cordial. I know that's the type of author I want to be.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the toughest test you've faced as a writer?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eLearning how to promote myself has been very tough during this recession. I lost my day job, which meant I also lost my income. However, in order to continue with my writing, I still needed to continue with promotions. So I had to learn to think outside the box, and just keep persevering. It's been difficult but I can honestly say that it's possible to promote on little or no money.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat was the best advice you’d ever gotten about the publishing industry?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eEssence best selling author Angel Hunter told me to do lots of research before submitting to any publisher or agent. That has helped me to avoid some of the mistakes I see others making in the business. I do my homework and try to go into every situation with my eyes wide open.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThe worst? Thankfully I've never been given any bad advise about the publishing industry. I feel blessed that everyone I've encountered has offered valuable information.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan you give us one do and one don’t for those aspiring to be a writer?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThe biggest do is do read. I don't think that anyone can be a good writer without first being an avid reader. I think anyone aspiring to write should read anything they can get their hands on. Read magazines, books of different genres, websites and especially newspaper. I feel that will teach the writer to recognize a good story. The biggest don't, would be don't give up. I talk to people all the time who say they wish they could become writers, but they have a mountain of excuses for why they have given up. It's not easy, and success won't come overnight. But it's rewarding and well worth pursuing.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eI borrowed this question from Author Carleene Brice, What is your author fantasy?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eMy fantasy would be to have my books simultaneously sitting atop several best seller lists. Because of that, there is a line of hundreds waiting outside bookstores to talk with me and have me sign their books. That would be awesome.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is something readers would be surprised you do?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI think some readers would be surprised to know that I sing. I'm a soloist with my church choir, and singing is actually my first love, before writing. Most people who know that I sing are surprised to find out that I also write, so I think the reverse would be true also.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFive questions about books:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOne book that you have read more than once.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThe Coldest Winter Ever by Sistah Souljah\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOne book you would want on a desert island.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThe Bible\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOne book that made you laugh.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eSo you call yourself a man by Carl Weber\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOne book that made you cry.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eJoy by Victoria Christopher Murry\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOne book you wish you'd written.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eWhatever book is currently sitting atop the NY Times best seller list.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOur theme for this month is Time Management. Do you have any tips on making time for writing?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI made a commitment to write for at least 30 minutes per day everyday. That means no playing on Facebook, watching TV, or even listening to music. I set my cell phone alarm to remind me when to start and stop.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan you give us a sneak peek of your next book?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eMy next book is called Losing it.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eGrammy award winning gospel singer and actress Sharmaine Cleveland has been arrested and charged with the attempted murder of her husband, Leon. This follows on the heels of another scandal involving sex tapes that have been distributed to news stations across the country. Allegedly, the woman in the tapes is Sharmaine Cleveland.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eHer latest CD release is a flop, while her newest movie release has been placed on hold indefinitely. Believing she wants him dead, her husband Leon abandons her, and her mother in law forcibly takes her children.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eSharmaine’s life is sinking fast. Will she go under or will God be able to pick her back up and put the pieces back together.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eLosing it will be released Oct 2010 \u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow can readers get in contact with you? (mail, email, website)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eMy email is zaria@zariagarrison.com\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eMy website address is \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.zariagarrison.com/\"\u003ehttp://www.zariagarrison.com/\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e and also \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.ekgliterarymag.com/\"\u003ehttp://www.ekgliterarymag.com/\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/SvNJNa_phNI/AAAAAAAADUQ/1qtXfnZwT2g/s1600-h/11garrison.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg id\u003d\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400740873080767698\" style\u003d\"FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 158px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px\" alt\u003d\"\" src\u003d\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/SvNJNa_phNI/AAAAAAAADUQ/1qtXfnZwT2g/s320/11garrison.jpg\" border\u003d\"0\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProdigal\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eIt’s good twin versus bad in this Christian drama filled with romantic rivalry and sister strife. Phylicia and Phoebe are both in love with Reverend Gary Morgan, the pastor of Freedom Inspiration, but he only has eyes for his high school sweetheart, Phylicia. That doesn’t stop Phoebe from scheming to get him, however. The girls are saved and saving themselves for marriage, but Phoebe decides to pose as her sister one day and seduces the poor pastor—who’s enraged when he learns he’s been duped. Phylicia and Gary are able to get paste it and build a life together, while shamed Phoebe leaves town. But that’s not the last they’ll all hear of the betrayal that altered the course of everyone’s destiny, including that of their children…\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eBuy \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1601629370?ie\u003dUTF8\u0026amp;tag\u003dsormagstore-20\u0026amp;linkCode\u003das2\u0026amp;camp\u003d1789\u0026amp;creative\u003d9325\u0026amp;creativeASIN\u003d1601629370\"\u003eProdigal (Urban Christian)\u003c/a\u003e\u003cimg style\u003d\"BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; MARGIN: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none\" height\u003d\"1\" alt\u003d\"\" src\u003d\"http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t\u003dsormagstore-20\u0026amp;l\u003das2\u0026amp;o\u003d1\u0026amp;a\u003d1601629370\" width\u003d\"1\" border\u003d\"0\" /\u003eTODAY\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cdiv class\u003d\"blogger-post-footer\"\u003e\u003cimg width\u003d'1' height\u003d'1' src\u003d'https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15713569-5947200961282326427?l\u003dsormag.blogspot.com' alt\u003d'' /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://sormag.blogspot.com/feeds/5947200961282326427/comments/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID\u003d15713569\u0026postID\u003d5947200961282326427","title":"2 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15713569/posts/default/5947200961282326427"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15713569/posts/default/5947200961282326427"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http://sormag.blogspot.com/2009/11/featured-author-zaria-garrison.html","title":"FEATURED AUTHOR:  Zaria Garrison"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"LaShaunda"},"uri":{"$t":"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02882241010643308240"},"email":{"$t":"sormag@yahoo.com"},"gd$extendedProperty":{"xmlns$gd":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005","name":"OpenSocialUserId","value":"16185978513480922541"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VyvtXdVcOlc/SvNJpcJfXTI/AAAAAAAADUY/sge3HLSyH4g/s72-c/11garr.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"xmlns$thr":"http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0","$t":"2"}}]}});