Ruthie Robinson resides in Austin, TX with her husband and two teenage children. She holds a bachelors degree in economics from Clark College and a master’s degree in economics from the University of Texas in Austin (Hook em horns!). She worked for more than a decade in the banking industry before turning her love of stories into a second career.
How did you start out your writing career?
I took up writing as a hobby and through the course of completing my first book, entered the Genesis Press writing contest and was fortunate enough to win.
What did you learn while writing this book?
That writing is something that I enjoy.
What did you hope to accomplish with this book?
I think love looks different for everyone, depending on who you are and what you've been through. Some of us are strong and ready to tackle love when it comes. We can receive and accept it without any problems. For others of us, it’s a bit more difficult. We have issues that get in our way. So with this book, I wanted to showcase a person who believes in love, but who is afraid of the risk associated with loving and the sometimes loss of loved ones—A person who is less willing to give love a chance again.
Katrina finds in Will, the hero, a person who can see behind her defenses and loves her just the way she is, quirks and insecurities, doubts, old hurts and fears, all of it. He gives her the support and assurances that she seeks while he pushes her to step outside of her comfort zone and learn to live with the risks that are inherent in living. This was in many ways my own story.
Which character did you have the most fun writing about?
Katrina. I thoroughly enjoyed making her different, funny, and filled with quirks.
What has surprised you most about becoming a published author?
I am most surprised at becoming a published author. I’m thankful, pleased, excited, but surprised nonetheless.
What aspect of writing do you love the best, and which do you hate the most?
I love the freedom that writing provides to “make up stuff” to shape the outcome of events.
I don’t care for rewriting and editing but I’ve learned that it’s necessary in order to tell the best story.
What are three things you wish you’d known before you reached where you are now?
I wish I’d known about the ins-and-outs of the publishing process.
I wish I’d known that the process is very lengthy and requires a high degree of patience.
I wish I’d known to trust my instincts.
Can you give us one do and one don’t for those aspiring to be a writer?
Do write what you want to read.
Don't let others discourage you.
What one thing about writing do you wish other non-writers would understand?
I don’t have an answer for that one. The whole process still feels new to me.
Can you tell us a little about winning the Genesis Contest?
I'd decided to write Reye's Gold in the summer of 2008. I was looking for something to do with my time, in preparation for my impending empty nest. I really hadn't given much thought to what would follow. I just wrote the story. I’ve purchased books for Genesis Press before and I check their website periodically, which is how I found out about the contest. I then spent more than a few weeks debating with myself about submitting it. I had plenty of angst as a first time writer as to whether my story was good enough. Anyway, per the website’s request, I submitted the first two pages, and later the first three chapters. I was thrilled to have been selected.
When you're not writing, what do you like to do in your spare time?
I hang out with my husband and children—read, watch movies, travel and hang out with friends when I can.
What do you do to interact with your readers?
Most have contacted me via my website and I try to respond.
Our theme for this month is Resources On The Net. What are your favorite resources on the net.
You Tube so far. It was extremely useful for research with Steady on gardening.
Oprah always asks, What do you know for sure?
I know that love is the answer.
I know that the greatest of these…is love.
I know that God is Love.
Can you give us a sneak peek of your next book?
Lights Out is the story of Piper and Joe. Joe was introduced in my first book, Reye’s Gold. When the book opens, Joe is raising his nephew, Shane. Reye has started her non-profit and she and Stephen are still apart of Joe's life.
Joe meets Piper, a coffee shop owner, who has been asked by her father to take care of her two half-sisters, while he tries to save his third marriage.
Piper and Joe join forces to take care of their charges, and we follow along with them as they find their HEA.
How can readers get in contact with you? (mail, email, website)
Katrina Jones is Hampton Heights' reigning gardening queen, leading the city to three consecutive gardening competition championships. As she prepares for the next upcoming competition, she finds out that her spot has been given to Will Nakane, the new eco-friendly kid on the block. Swayed by his home's sustainable construction and adjacent Japanese-inspired backyard garden, the committee taps Will for what they hope is another victory, with Katrina's assistance, putting her in an even more awkward spot since she had tried her womanly charms on him with little success at a recent New Years Eve party.
Swallowing her pride and recognizing that she doesn't hold the required qualifications to be a filly in his stable of beauties, Katrina agrees to help Will. Like the flowers she so dearly loves, Katrina begins to blossom before Will's eyes, exposing a kind of beauty he had yet to find in a female companion. As Will's interest and desire in her increases, Katrina fights the same urges, worried that a relationship between them could never work out.
Will's persistence pays off, and they eventually bring their friendship to the next level, but their love is threatened by Katrina's insecurity, created by a childhood filled with abandonment, loneliness and a feeling of unworthiness. Through compassion, determination and love, Will proves to Katrina that their love can steady any storm.
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In the midst of World War II, a Midwestern infantryman falls deeply in love through a yearlong letter exchange, unaware that the girl he's been writing to isn't the one replying.
Chicago, 1944. Liz Stephens has little interest in attending a USO club dance with her friends Betty and Julia. She doesn't need a flirtation with a lonely serviceman when she's set to marry her childhood sweetheart. Yet something happens the moment Liz glimpses Morgan McClain. They share only a brief conversation—cut short by the soldier's evident interest in Betty—but Liz can't forget him. Thus, when Betty asks her to ghostwrite a letter to Morgan, stationed overseas, Liz reluctantly agrees.
Thousands of miles away, Morgan struggles to adjust to the brutality of war. His letters from "Betty" are a comfort, their soul-baring correspondence a revelation to them both. While Liz is torn by her feelings for a man who doesn't know her true identity, Betty and Julia each become immersed in their own romantic entanglements. And as the war draws to a close, all three will face heart-wrenching choices, painful losses, and the bittersweet joy of new beginnings.
Kristina McMorris lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two sons. Her foray into fiction began in the fall of 2006 as a result of interviewing her grandmother for the biographical section of a self-published cookbook intended as a holiday gift for the family. Inspired by her grandparents' wartime courtship, Kristina penned her first novel, a WWII love story titled Letters from Home. This award-winning debut is scheduled for release in trade paperback from Kensington Books (2-22-11; U.S.) and Avon/HarperCollins (5-5-11; U.K.). Various book club rights have been sold to Reader's Digest and Doubleday, and the film rights are represented by the prestigious Creative Artists Agency of Los Angeles.
Prior to her literary career, Kristina acted in numerous independent films and major motion pictures. She began hosting an Emmy® Award-winning television show at age nine, and most recently served as the six-year host of the WB's weekly program Weddings Portland Style. Adding to her diverse résumé, McMorris is a professional emcee, literary workshop presenter, and former owner of a wedding/event planning business. Her previous writing background includes being a contributing writer for Portland Bride & Groom magazine and ten years of directing public relations for an international conglomerate. A portion of Kristina's sales proceeds from Letters from Home will benefit United Through Reading®, a nonprofit organization that video records deployed U.S. military personnel reading bedtime stories for their children. She is currently working on her next novel. For more, visit http://www.kristinamcmorris.com/
SORMAG REVIEW:
Letter from Home Kristina McMorris
Liz Stephens’ life was fine. She was in school for a career she thought would make her happy. She lived with her two best friends, Betty and Julie and had the perfect boyfriend. However one night at the USO would change her life forever. While attending Betty’s concert at the USO she meets one of the soldiers, Morgan McClain, attending the concert. They instantly click which kind of scares and excites Liz. They talk and dance and a harmless accident sends Liz to the restroom, upon returning she finds her new friend dancing with her roommate, Betty. Seeing this as a sign that she should forget about the feelings swirling inside her, she goes home.
Betty exchanged address with Morgan and wants Liz to write a letter to him, since she writes beautiful letters. Liz doesn’t want to, but agrees because she owes Betty who did a favor for her. She pours her feelings into the letter about their first meeting and wishing him a safe return. They send it off in hope that he will write back, never knowing it will be the start to new friendship for one of them.
This story had me from the premise. I enjoy letter writing and the thought of falling in love while writing them intrigued me. This was a time when the world was changing. Women were making life changing decisions. The women in this story had to decide what truly made them happy. Being a housewife vs a fashion designer, writer or even a life helping others.
Ms. McMorris draws you into their lives and as you turn the page, you wonder how it will end. I enjoyed the letters in the story; it was almost like reading poetry they were so lyrical. I could understand why they fell in love reading them.
3.5 Stars – GREAT Reviewed by LaShaunda C. Hoffman
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Rhonda Bowen is a writer and event planner living in Toronto. When not stressing over her job, she can be found at church stressing over the kids she teaches in youth class. She enjoys spending time with her family, trying on shoes she can’t afford, and enjoying life’s unexpected twists and turns.
Man Enough For Me is about Jules Jackson, publicist by day, and promoter by night. Jules is passionate about her career, especially her after-hours gig promoting new artists. She is also passionate about her family and friends. Even though they bring a lot of drama to her life, she knows she can count on them when it matters most. But most of all she is passionate about her faith and about following the path God has for her.
While working one of her events, she meets Germaine Williams, a record store and nightclub owner who makes a lasting first impression. The attraction is immediate, but the more time she spends with him the more she begins to worry that he might be into something shady. As her relationship with him begins to break down, so do her other relationships and her career. She eventually comes to a junction in her life where she must decide whether she will play it safe, or risk everything for the chance at true love and happiness.
How did you come up with ideas for this book?
Inspiration came from quite a few sources actually. For one, I have always wanted to write stories about real things that real single Christian women go through. I believe you can remove the illicit sex and immoral behavior and still have stories that are worth telling. Come sit down for an hour with me and a few of my single girlfriends and I’ll prove it.
I also had the opportunity to work on a small project with people in the music industry some time ago. The experiences I had with those people inspired the characters in Man Enough For Me. After that the story sort of wrote itself. Of course all names were changed to protect the innocent (wink, wink).
Who are your main character(s)?
Our main girl is Jules Jackson. Everyone either knows a woman like Jules or is Jules. She’s got her life on a tight schedule, holding down a day job, running a different hustle on the side and handling the issues of her friends and family. She is used to having everything under control, but she learns that to get what God has for you, you often have to let go of what’s in your hands.
Germaine Williams is the other lead character. Germaine Williams is the kind of brother you look at and know for sure that he’s got everything handled. He is the guy who manages to catch Jules’ attention despite the busyness that is her life. This tall, dark and handsome record store owner has ambition that matches Jules’ and game that keeps her hooked. However there are secrets surrounding his life that make it hard for Jules to trust him. Fortunately he is able to look past all her trust issues and see that winning her over will be worth the effort.
Did you have a favorite character(s)? Who and why?
I love the three lead women in the story, Jules, Maxine and Tanya. However of the three Maxine was my favorite to write, just because she is the one who says whatever she wants without filtering. It sometimes creates friction between her friends and it is likely to make some people blush, but at the end of the day her heart is in the right place and her loyalty towards her friends is unwavering.
Did you have to do quite a bit of research for this novel?
I did some research but not too much. The novel is set in Toronto, where I live and so it was easy to draw from locations I was familiar with. Additionally I have worked in the event planning and PR industry which the main character is a part of and so, it was easy to draw on my own experience when writing about events in the novel.
What do you hope readers will learn/discover from reading Man Enough For Me?
I hope readers will learn the importance of trusting God in all areas of life and become more willing to take a step of faith for Him. No one likes giving up the reigns of control in life but without risk there can be no gain. I hope readers will also be inspired to look for the best in the people around them. When we don’t know a lot about people it is easy to pass judgment and write them off. Taking the time to know who people are inside is important.
Okay, a not-so-fun question. How important are reviews to you as a writer?
Quite important - though it takes me quite a while to build up the courage to read them! But they help me see my blind spots. Good reviews are always fun, but reviews that include criticism are the ones that can help a writer improve her craft. I am all for both. Bring it on!
Man Enough for Me
Twenty-something public relations gem Jules Jackson has everything in her life under control, and that’s exactly the way she likes it. She’s got no problem handling two jobs, her crazy friends, and her difficult mother. But she’s just about given up on men—until she meets fine Germaine Williams …
Straight-up catch Germaine is eager to prove his worth to Jules, and she falls hard. But it’s soon clear Germaine’s keeping at least one big secret. And the deeper Jules digs, the more her balancing act, and her romance, begins to crumble. Now Jules can either turn to her faith and open her heart to love—or risk getting it broken…
Have you every started a book (or a long article) and found yourself overwhelmed by your ideas and your research? You were excited in the beginning about this point and that angle. So, you dove in with all your heart and all you ideas.
But then, you began to slip a little, sink just a bit, unravel around the edges, until all that slipping and sliding lead to overwhelm and complete inactivity. I’m saying, have you ever been up to your ears in research and just wanted a better way to keep track of all that priceless information.
In steps Literature and Latte! At SORMAG it is always for the love of the written word (and the reader). But a latte is an excellent companion too, a foamy, frothy delight (green tea soy latte for me).
Here’s the point. LiteratureandLatte.com has created (and recently updated) a smart little tool for writers, Scrivener. In fact, you can ‘scrivener’ your ideas and research all over this software and the layout makes it easier to find it and reorganize it later.
Three things to like:
• Research Consolidation: You can keep all your research in one software including typed notes, pdf files, references to print books and relevant websites. Plus, you can read them inside the software, this is a serious time saver.
• Writing Studio: Scrivener has a split screen so that you can look at your research on one side and type in the other without having to switch back and forth. Or you can black everything out and write to your heart’s content in full screen.
• Chaos Reduction: By giving you different ways to look at your information, it cuts down on the chaos and the confusion that can arise with longer literary works. These different views include a corkboard for grouping your notes, an outliner for establishing your order, text editing for typing your book (or long article or screenplay or term paper or company manual or the freedom to create your own template).
Test drive it for free. You just might like it enough to put it in your Author’s Toolbox.
BE ADVISED: This is a Mac app that comes with a free 30 day trial. However, the PC version is in beta (free for now. Follow this link to find it). It’s the perfect non committal relationship: if you don’t like it, leave it! But chances are, you will fall in love with it (at least a little).
It’s the simple solutions that save us time.
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You have just been KISSED by Jamillah Warner, Keyed In Set Straight Educated & Delivered from complication. Jamillah is a writer with a passion for business. Her work is published on multiple websites and magazines including SmallBizTrends.com and Phenomenal Woman Magazine. Expect another KISS next month.
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I was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. I work full and I’ve always been a reader of novels, mostly romantic suspense.
As a single parent raising my daughter, I’d always worked full-time while attending the local community college and university. At the end of the day, I would often find relaxation by reading a mystery and romance novel. They were a welcomed break from textbooks.
Lies in Disguise is my third published novel for Genesis Press, Inc. My debut novel, Promises Made was released on 11/4/08. My second novel, Crossing the Line was released on 4/6/10. I plan to write several more books with compelling characters, intriguing storylines and satisfying ending, after all, we’re talking romance.
I’m a member of Romance Writers of America and happily live with my husband of 16 years.
How did you start out your writing career?
After being diagnosed with carpal tunnel in 2005, then having had the surgery, I had to begin strengthening my right hand so I could return to work. I began typing various things on the computer, but that soon became boring. At the time, I was also reading a novel that I just couldn’t get into. When my husband joked and reminded me that I’d had a stack of books to choose from, I told him, noting was sparking my interest. So I sat at the computer shortly after that and began typing. At the time, a song was playing on the radio about promises, and before I knew it, a story was unfolding in my head.
I truly let the characters for my first novel, Promises Made, direct me. I had no idea in what direction the story would take or what I would do with it when it was finished...that is, if I would finish it. Then, those characters voices started talking to me and wouldn’t let up. I found myself eager to get home and start typing away. I found I had to finish their story.
Today, my husband is as surprised as I am that that I’m crafting novels, despite the CTS. My daughter, NaTiki, inspires me to keep writing with this phrase in mind, “all things are possible with love and friendship, and the endless possibilities of past, future, and present encounters.”
What did you learn while writing this book?
I’ve learned that writing a book really is hard work. It takes time. It pulls you away from your family and friends. But at the same time, when you’re creating characters and building their storylines, you have to stay focused. Yes, sitting at a computer for hours on end can be monotonous, but as the author, you have this power to not let your readers feel that. You can send your characters on a journey, and take those readers along with them.
What did you hope to accomplish with this book?
I wanted to show the connective bond of family, sisters mainly. The bond of sisterhood stretches across the divides of country, a town or even several city blocks. Sisters are connected like a thread, which at times may seem fragile, but really it isn’t. The bond of sisterhood is strong and when brought together, it’s unbreakable, regardless of family friction or conflict. The link between sisters cannot be broken.
Which character did you have the most fun writing about?
Charlene was fun to create. She’s this Southern young woman who is no stranger to hard work. She has a good heart and a loving personality, so when she’s thrust into her twin sister, Corinne’s pampered life, as a conniving and vindictive woman, Charlene is like a fish out of water. She has to struggle to be what she’s not. What results are awkward situations where Charlene’s real personality and humorous side comes out, along with that Southern twang she’s been forced to keep under wraps.
What has surprised you most about becoming a published author?
I’m very surprised by the number of people who have told me they’ve always wanted to write a book. My response is, ‘do it.’ I can only hope those future author’s have taken heed and done just that. Storytelling is evolving and many wonderful and fresh voices have yet to be discovered.
What aspect of writing do you love the best, and which do you hate the most?
I smile every time I get an email or someone says how much they like one of my novels. When I get into a chat fest about what a character did or didn’t do, it’s like rehashing yesterday’s soap opera with a friend…I just don’t want to stop.
Hum…what aspect do I hate the most? That has to be deadlines. I mean, really, a week to revise? That’s insane, but I knuckle down and do it as my husband eats peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for dinner and doesn’t get to see much of me.
What are three things you wish you’d known before you reached where you are now?
Sorry, but my list is way too long to pick just three. I have about twenty. So how about this, I wished I’d known that potato chips was not a food group, and that sleep really is essential to being able to function the next day. Anyone going on a coffee run…anyone? LOL
Can you give us one do and one don’t for those aspiring to be a writer?
1. Do write it. I’ll say it again write it…write your story. That one you’ve started in a journal years ago. The one inside of you, dying to come out. Perhaps it’s the one you hear during the quiet hours of the night and keeps coming back to you, causing you to jot in down in a notepad. Whatever it is that makes you pause and you see yourself writing, write it. If you don’t write it, no one will know about it.
2. Don’t give up. Be persistent in your dream of becoming an author if that’s what you want, then be ready for the commitment of pushing your baby into the hands of the right publisher
What one thing about writing do you wish other non-writers would understand?
That writing takes time. In saying that, writing will often keep you away from family and friends. Yes, I might miss that birthday party, but my heart is there, and LORD knows I hate to, but I just might miss a crab feast here or there…but come on, save me a dozen of the heavy, males with extra Old Bay!
If you could be a character from any book you've read, who would you be?
Alyssa Locke, FBI agent and sharpshooter from Suzanne Brockman’s Troubleshooter’s series. She was a take no prisoner, butt-kicking FBI specialist. She could interrogate the bad guy, get the information she needed then punch his lights out.
When you're not writing, what do you like to do in your spare time?
Kick back on the couch with my husband and watch a movie, or talk on the telephone with my daughter, watch ice skating or pick up a couple novels to read.
What do you do to interact with your readers?
There’s no way around it, the internet and email. I have a website. I’m on Facebook and myspace and I have a dedicated email to connect with readers. I also attend local book club meetings, as well as the Baltimore Book Festival, the African-American Authors Expo, and new this year, I’ll be participating in the National Book Club Conference in Atlanta this July.
Our theme for this month is Resources On The Net. What are your favorite resources on the net.
There are just so many choose from, but I do like to check out other author’s websites. As an example, while previewing an author release, I noticed she had an awesome trailer. The credits listed the name where she’d gotten her collections of pictures.
Anyone having a service for authors will put it on their Facebook page. I like this because the traffic is high and you’ll get feedback from those who’ve used the service(s) or just anybody with something to say. Yeah, I like that.
Google and Bing are both great search engines for, well, just about everything from a picture of a flower to directions how to make one out of paper.
Last, publisher’s websites. If you’re searching for a publishing house, check out the various publishers websites. Follow their submission guidelines…to the letter.
Oprah always asks, What do you know for sure?
I can now say that I know for sure I was meant to write, although I never intended to write or become an author. It was, as they say, something that just happened and took flight. To have family, friends and readers call or email me after they’ve finished one of my novels, and say, “Wow, I loved that story…is there going to be a sequel,” gives me a sense of accomplishment that I’m able to finish things. My history has been starting a project and not finishing it, but this writing bug has stuck and I’ll keep going at it for as long as I can.
Can you give us a sneak peek of your next book?
Okay, but only a peek…
The next book center’s around an African American woman. She isn’t what she appears to be; someone who is beautiful, intelligent and someone who has it all together. She is all of that, but she doesn’t have it all together. But she’s a master at making everyone think she does. She has a history of mental illness and she’s on medication for it. On the inside, she’s a sullen and dejected individual. She wants nothing but for her pain to stop as she struggles to function normally. She hides her mental illness from everyone around her, including the man who is reaching out to her.
Peek over :)
How can readers get in contact with you? (mail, email, website)
I’m delighted to hear from readers…come chat for a while. I’ll soon be uploading the book trailer for Lies in Disguise, which will be released, 3/1/11.
Charlene thought she could and that’s exactly what she does after waking up from a coma and realizing her twin sister, Corinne is dead.
“Promise you’ll take care of my precious babies…” It’s the one thing Corinne asked of Charlene on the faithful night she was killed. But could Charlene do an unimaginable thing and pretend to be Corinne? But how could she have known that living Corinne’s life would bring unforeseen dangers, discovering devastating secrets and revealing things about her sister that she never imagined possible?
Could Charlene step into her sister’s shoes and pretend to be mother to Corinne’s children, and wife to Corinne’s estranged and handsome husband? He certainly had motive. But would the affluent and powerful Tyler Mills do the unthinkable to rid himself of a cheating and vindictive wife? He’s first on Charlene’s list of suspects.
Can Charlene discover the truth before her deception is unraveled…or before the killer strikes again?
Could she live a lie in disguise?
…you bet she can. She has to if she wants to avenge her sister’s killer.
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Keith Thomas Walker is a graduate of Texas Wesleyan University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in English. He enjoys reading, poetry, and music of all genres. Keith currently works in administration at one of the city’s largest hospitals. He lives in Fort Worth, Texas with his wife and two children. Keith is the author of Fixin’ Tyrone, How to Kill Your Husband, A Good Dude, Riding the Corporate Ladder, and The Finley Sisters Oath of Romance. Visit him at http://www.keithwalkerbooks.com/.
How did you start out your writing career?
My writing career officially started with my first published novel, Fixin’ Tyrone, in November 2009. But unofficially it started decades before that. I was always a creative student, from grade school through college. I published my first poem when I was in high school, and I began winning awards for short stories and essays during that time. I wrote my first book in 1996. That was a rough, street novel called Colored Rags. Try as I might, I couldn’t find a publisher interested in that book. I tried for two years, and then I think I became depressed with writing, and I didn’t write anything else for more than a decade.
I got pulled back into writing in 2006. The first thing I did was re-write Colored Rags. But, once again I couldn’t generate much interest. A friend suggested I change the whole genre and style of my stories, and I gave it a shot. I wrote Fixin’ Tyrone in 2008. A few publishers were interested, but I didn’t want to make the same mistakes I made in college. I knew that the best way to increase my changes of getting published was to produce more work, so I wrote nine books in the next two years. The outcome has been very positive.
What did you learn while writing this book?
While writing my most recent book, Riding the Corporate Ladder, I learned that sex may get the books off the shelves, but it’s the story that keeps the readers coming back to you. I believe that there’s constant competition in the romance genre. Some authors feel the need to up the ante, so to speak, to produce something that’s wilder and crazier than the current bestsellers. In the process, the actual story suffers in some cases. That said, Riding the Corporate Ladder is the sexiest book I’ve ever written, but main and side-stories are just as appealing.
What did you hope to accomplish with this book?
My number one goal with any book is to entertain. But while being entertained, I want the reader think about certain things. I always have a message. Sometimes the message is subtle, like the antics of a random crackhead character. Sometimes the message is more in your face, like a main character suffering an overdose. My books would suffer if I got on the soap box about things I believe in, but it’s not hard to hit your reader with a subliminal. Like if the main character uses a condom. I don’t have to say that the AIDS rate among minorities is too damned high. I simply introduce a condom to the scene. With any of my books, my goal is to challenge the reader to think about things.
Which character did you have the most fun writing about?
Lol. Now that you mention it, one of the characters in Riding the Corporate Ladder is the random crackhead I was just talking about. He reminds me of some folks I used to know.
What has surprised you most about becoming a published author?
The biggest… Hmm. To be honest, all of my “surprises” were negative, so I’ll tell you about the most exciting things I experienced. Like when I saw my book on the shelf at Walmart. That was one of the best days of my life. Also when I had my first book signing at Barnes & Nobles. The response was great. I couldn’t have been happier that day.
What aspect of writing do you love the best, and which do you hate the most?
I love writing the most, and I guess you could say I hate editing. I don’t really hate it, but I want to be as productive as possible, and there’s no way around this fact: If I’m editing a book, I’m not writing a new book. Sometimes my publisher will ask me to revise an upcoming novel, but at the time I’ll be deeply enthralled in a new book I’m working on. It’s hard for me to stop working on my current project. But if you want to be a “real” writer, there’s no way around it.
What are three things you wish you’d known before you reached where you are now?
I wish I’d known that it’s okay to switch my style to fit the changing needs of the industry. I got bogged down with the failure of the first book I wrote. It didn’t immediately occur to me that I could just write another book. I wish I was better at marketing and promoting myself in the beginning – actually I still need help with that now. I wish I had known that everyone who reaches out to help me does not have my best interests in mind. Some do, but some do not.
Can you give us one do and one don’t for those aspiring to be a writer?
Don’t let the rejection letters get you down. Do get as much feedback as possible when you write a book. Maybe you know ten to twenty people who like to read. Give them copies of your book and pay attention to the critiques you receive. If you don’t know that many readers, join a book club or a writer’s guild and try to introduce your book to these new faces. Feedback from as many sources as possible is very important, especially for a new writer.
If you could be a character from any book you've read, who would you be?
I think I would like to be Lestat from Interview With a Vampire. I know Louis tried to make the vampire life sound horrible, but who wouldn’t want to be an immortal, supernatural being? Sure I’d be a monster, but I could write for centuries upon centuries. Lol.
When you're not writing, what do you like to do in your spare time?
When I’m not writing, I love to read. I also like to attend open mic and poetry slam events. Poetry is my first love. I still take the stage every now and then. Even if I don’t perform, I enjoy watching others. There’s a lot of talent in the poetry community. I love the jazz atmosphere, the artsy women, well-spoken brothers. It’s all good. My other hobby is video gaming. Each year I tell myself I’m getting too old for this, but the games keep getting better! I don’t wanna grow up.
What do you do to interact with your readers?
I interact with my readers in a variety of ways. The main thing I do is respond to everyone who sends me a message. It can be time consuming, but I figure if they took the time to read my book and look me up so they can tell me what they thought about it, the least I could do is respond. Plus I really am grateful for every one of my readers. I would feel bad if I didn’t acknowledge them whenever possible. Also I participate whenever I’m asked to be part of a discussion for one of my books. And I have a lot of communication with my readers on facebook.
Our theme for this month is Resources On The Net. What are your favorite resources on the net?
I know that you can do anything you set your mind to. My dad taught me that. I know that no matter how low you sink in life, you can always turn it around. Unfortunately, I had to learn that from personal experience. I know that hope springs eternal in the human breast.
Can you give us a sneak peek of your next book?
My next book is The Finley Sisters Oath of Romance. This may be the best story about sisterhood since Waiting to Exhale. Here is the back cover blurb:
Ten years ago, Mona, Rene and Dawn were the closest and most popular friends at Finley High School. Everyone knew they would be kindred spirits forever, but after graduation the real world lured them in three different directions, and the trio has little contact until their high school reunion. The girls, now women, are instantly inseparable again, but broken promises linger like ghosts from the past. An attempt to recapture the hope and innocence of their youth leads the ladies down a road of discovery that is sometimes hilarious, sometimes sensual, other times dark and painful. And what they thought was their simplest vow, to live love to the fullest, is no easy task for the Finley sisters.
How can readers get in contact with you? (mail, email, website)
To learn more about me, you can visit my website keithwalkerbooks.com. My website contains information about my upcoming books as well as excerpts from my novels. My website is also a good place to find links to my facebook account and YouTube channel. You can send an email to kwalkerbooks@yahoo.com.
Riding the Corporate Ladder
Deena Newman is sassy, single, and arguably the sexiest attorney at a prestigious law firm. She’s highly competent and valued, but most of her success has come by way of bedrooms rather than boardrooms. When the position of a lifetime comes available, Deena slips into her stilettos for the ultimate seduction, but will this last rung on the corporate ladder secure her future or cost her everything she’s worked for? Sometimes passion and power carry a price, and dreams turn into nightmares.
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Women everywhere wonder if there is more to marriage than what they have. Best-Selling author Linda Dillow, helps women shape their marriage by design rather than letting circumstances shape it by default. What's It Like to Be Married to Me? And Other Dangerous Questions, is a book about knowing the difference between having a desire for a better marriage and setting the goal of having a better marriage—as women look in the mirror to see how they can change. Extremely intimate and honest, Dillow shares the best and worst things she has done in her nearly fifty years of marriage, guides women to make their own Marriage Purpose Statement, and leads them into God’s heart for what their marriage could be.
Best –selling author Linda Dillow offers up a challenge to Christian women everywhere. Asking honest and real questions such as:
What’s really important to me?
What does it feel like to be my husband?
What’s it like to make love with me?
Am I willing to change my attitude?
Why do I want to stay mad at him?
Linda Dillow is no stranger to publishing and adventure. She's the author of Creative Counterpart, Calm My Anxious Heart, The Blessings Book, Satisfy My Thirsty Soul, and co-author of the Best-Selling book Intimate Issues. Linda and her husband Jody lived in Europe and Asia for 17 years training Christian leaders in closed countries with Biblical Education by Extension, during this time, Linda traveled extensively in Romania, Russia, Hungary, Poland and Asia. She taught women and helped them launch women's ministries. She is a mother of four children, as well as a grandmother.
And don’t forget to include a link in your post to purchase the book online:
Rosalyn McMillan is a dedicated wife and devoted mother of four, and grandmother of five, who is currently surviving both rheumatoid arthritis and Alopecia Totalis, a disease that causes bodily hair loss. Rosalyn worked as a sewing machine operator at Ford Motor Company for nineteen years before medically retiring. She used the challenges in her own life as inspiration to become a successful novelist. Rosalyn loves to research newsworthy stories and use them as sub-plots in her real-life novels.
Her first novel, Knowing, debuted as a highly successful initial achievement. Knowing sold over 70,000 hardcover copies and over 400,000 paperbacks. It was a national best-seller and charted admirably on many book lists.
Rosalyn then followed the success of her first book with One Better, then Blue Collar Blues, The Flip Side of Sin. This Side of Eternity was Rosalyn’s fifth novel; the plot centered around the sanitation workers strike in 1968.
Rosalyn remains a loyal student of her profession by reading two to three hundred books a year. She feels that it’s imperative for an author to keep abreast of the New York Times best-sellers as well as fresh voices of fiction.
Currently, she lives in Memphis, TN, with her husband, John, where they relax fishing in their stocked pond.
Some of her favorite authors are John Sanford, Alice Walker, Maya Angelou, John Grisham, Toni Morrison, Eric Jerome Dickey, Kimberla Lawson-Roby and Terry McMillan.
Visit the full blog tour and LIVE Radio schedule at http://bit.ly/WeAintTheBrontes.
About the Book
The relationship between Charity Evans and her sister Lynzee Lavender brings new meaning to the term “sibling rivalry.” Lynzee writes science fiction, and her New York Times bestseller status gets her into A-list parties and fattens her bank account. She can’t stand the fact that Charity is a published author too, though she swears that Charity is nowhere near as good.
It seems like the publishing industry might agree, because Charity is having trouble getting her contract renewed. Is it possible that Lynzee has had her blacklisted? With her savings dwindling, Charity struggles to pay her bills, and the pressure is putting incredible strain on her marriage. Things only get worse when Lynzee drops a bomb: she reveals that Charity’s husband is the father of a child she gave up for adoption years ago.
Charity’s life goes into a tailspin as she struggles with the shocking news. Should she tell her husband about the child he never knew he had, or would that be more drama than their already fragile marriage can handle? Charity chooses to fight back against her sister in a very creative way, but the fallout from all this drama might leave plenty of casualties in its wake.
Bestselling author Rosalyn McMillan narrates the tale of two literary sisters that will make readers ask: How much of this is based on actual events?
Our society is currently enforcing laws and rules against the use of deadly bombs and warfare. Yet, there exists among us a device that can be freely accessed and used by us all on a free-will basis that our government has no real reign over. Words can be a deadly tool or bomb that can shake lives & countries, or they can be a valuable vehicle that bring insight and improve lives. A writer makes the choice of which side of the fence he or she takes with each stroke of the pen and work presented to the audience. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we look to the positive play of words and wisdom that implores us to admire some women writers of yesteryear and of today that bring music to our souls and exciting, electrifying mental chords through the power of the pen and its words.
Take Maya Angelou, for instance. She uses words very elegantly whether in poetry or in story form. We all still revel in the delights of her heart-winning poem entitled “Phenomenal Woman.” A quote from her resonates power in its words: “One isn’t necessarily born with courage, but one is born with potential. Without courage, we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can’t be kind, true, merciful, generous, or honest.”
Ms. Alice Walker had this to say: “No person is your friend (or kin) who demands your silence, or denies your right to grow and be perceived as fully blossomed as you were intended.”
And the wisdom and words of Ms. Emily Dickinson still speak to hearts and minds today: “To live is so startling it leaves little time for anything else …”
Remember the famous poetic words of Julia Ward Howe in her “Battle Hymn of the Republic”? “Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord: He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored; He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword: His truth is marching on …” Her words go on and on, words that made not only a difference in Ms. Howe’s life, but the country’s as a whole.
Though not a writer per se, isn’t it delightful when we hear the inspiring words of our First Lady Michelle Obama? Take these powerful words for instance: “We have this window of opportunity; we have a chance to make something real happen. Something possible happen, to live beyond our fear—think about that, and help us. Help lift us up, help us fight this fight to change,—transform—this country in a fundamental way. This chance won’t come around again.”
Did not these women think about which words to use before creating these statements and works? Of course they did. We must too as writers.
It is my opinion that writing and words are a freedom, but the use of them is a responsibility and a privilege to capture an audience. What words are you wielding to your readers? Are you growing them or wasting their time? What message or difference do you want to be your writing legacy that will go down in history for you?
In the book of Genesis when God said, “Let there be light,” in my opinion, it appears that these were the first words of power and direction. Since then, man has set rules and laws using the drum of words and wielding their power and setting direction in many diverse tones for thousands and thousands of years.
While things have changed drastically in the form and usage of language, its dress still wears the same seams of being the good or bad messenger by the hand of its bearer. Of course, there comes a time in every writer’s life when he or she is not writing for pleasure or entertainment but for serious matters. It is still within the dagger of the words that the thoughts, ideas, and opinions either get lost, perceived beyond what was intended, or truly understood.
I believe that writers who have succeeded in being known for their craft and use of exceptional words have a few things in common:
1. They chose the appropriate words to get their point across
2. They wrote using clear sentences
3. They were conscious of making their paragraphs effective
4. They were aware of the basics of grammar, punctuation, and their mechanics
5. They wrote often and continued to hone their craft
6. Dictionaries and writing aids like a thesaurus was used to keep their writing fresh
7. Editing and reediting was a rule and not a decision—this aided against the event of using common, misspelled words and common, confused words.
8. Their work focused on a particular subject
9. Their writing tone was clear and so was the purpose
10. They knew who their audience was and wrote accordingly
These observations can be used in any writing, whether fiction or nonfiction. When sitting down to write you must have a purpose and focus in mind. These two are relative to the outcome of your words and their delivery. Before creating your next essay, novel, of poem, try some of the following and see if it makes a difference in your final delivery.
1. Understand that writing and using the correct words to deliver your thoughts is a process
2. Do some brainstorming about what it is you want to write about
3. Generate some ideas by doing some research about what you plan to write about
4. Start writing about the ideas that come to mind
5. Walk away from your first draft, and then come back with fresh eyes
6. Rewrite your thoughts, getting rid of the clutter—words you don’t need or that don’t drive your point home effectively
7. Like a building, your word structure must be solid
8. Speak to your audience in words that they’ll understand
9. Share your words and works with others and welcome honest feedback
10. Love the power of words and believe in what you want others to gain from you and your thoughts
Remember, history is always in the making for both men and women. The world’s destiny rests on more than just politics, money, and power. Words, too, guide the missile that will explode us to the next level—or continue to propel us downward. Make sure your words are making history that counts.
Pens up! to speaking words the write way.
Rachel Berry has been gifted by our Creator to be many things; on the list of these blessings are daughter, caregiver, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, best friend, aunt, published author & poet, motivational speaker, radio talk-show host, mentor, columnist, and community leader.
Berry is proudly promoting her latest book, A Slip In The Right Direction, part one of a YA series. To arrange speaking engagements, e-mail her at admin@blackpearlsunited.org.
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Knowing who Boaz is will free you from looking for love in all the wrong places. You will be encouraged, remembering the priority is not you finding him, but him finding you focused and determined.
Found, but not Chosen?
For women currently in a relationship, knowing who Boaz is will save your heart from putting more time into something that will not materialize.
Based on the Biblical account of Boaz and Ruth, The Boaz Factor…When You Are Ready For the Right One! will take you on a journey of self-discovery, highlighting why we hurt from past relationships and why we continue in a cycle of false relationships that we desire to be real.
With this revolutionary new book, Elder Brenda Bradley uses The Boaz Factor to break through the barriers of how and why we end up in the relationships that break our hearts. Grounded in scripture, truth and past experiences, The Boaz Factor will first help you to see truths that shift the paradigm of your relationships. Then, through practical, hands on application, Elder Brenda Bradley gives you a new plan to obliterate the cycle!
The Boaz Factor… When You Are Ready For the Right One! (118 Pages, paperback, ISBN 978-0-9826242-2-7, $14.99) will be released on March 20, 2011 by Ellechor Publishing House, LLC.
Book Excerpt
When I was younger, I dealt with a relationship or rather a non-relationship that I thought was a relationship. I know it sounds confusing but let me explain. I had been through almost every phase imaginable for a relationship to go through and yet it was a non-relationship relationship. After awhile I refused to talk about it, because whenever I did, I couldn’t justify why I even put up with it.
“We are ‘together.’ Well, no not really.” I’d try to explain. You see there was something there, but it couldn’t be described. We just knew that it was real and that it took precedence over anything or anyone else because we meant so much to each other. We were friends, but so much more than that. We were soul mates who couldn’t seem to commit to a relationship.
The feelings were so deep, yet it was not enough to join our lives together. It was magnetic when we were in the same room, but not right for the time being. It didn’t need to be talked about or identified all the time because we were too mature for that. We knew it was forever, because it will never be over until we finally got together…which leaves the huge question in the atmosphere of when will that be?
Do these mixed emotions sound familiar? If so, you are simply in a non-relationship relationship, a relationship without commitment. Although it seems to be everything at the time, something that you can build your life on, these kinds of relationships will only amount to insanity.
–Excerpt from Chapter 4: Want vs. Choice
Author Biography
With over 20 years of experience, Elder Brenda Bradley’s approach to relationship counseling is grounded by the Word. Quickly establishing herself in the industry through her wit and down to earth teaching style, Pastor, Teacher, Playwright and Mentor, Elder Bradley makes the subject matter so simple “a baby could understand it!”
Her message is simple: You don’t have to invest your heart in something that will never give you back what you put in!
Interview with Brenda
What compelled you to write The Boaz Factor: When You Are Ready For The Right One?
I was fascinated with the current state of relationships, the obvious change in how relationships progress, and what we as women have chosen to put up with in order to keep a person (a man) in our lives.
Of all the relationships in the Bible, why choose Boaz & Ruth?
Ruth is one of my favorite people as well as one of my favorite books of the Bible. Therefore, as I studied her, the Lord shined the light on them. I had never heard a Bible lesson or a sermon on Boaz. Nor had I seen or done a study on them in a relationship setting. It was time to create one!
What Insight does the book give on relationships?
It defines what type of relationship we are in as well as the relationship we should expect. It provides key principles to us as to whether or not we are investing ourselves into someone who is not ready to give us a corresponding return.
What are the signs of a Boaz man?
Signs of a Boaz man include his attention to details concerning his woman, and his mindset about the future. His conversation is different, focused and empowering. There are Seven Principles that I discuss in my book and on my blog that break this question down further.
5. How do you know if you are a woman “Boaz”?
If you are carrying the weight (making whatever is wrong right) in your relationship. You initiate most of your time together and what you do, your efforts, is what is holding the relationship together…You are a woman “Boaz”.
6. What kind of lesson can we learn from Leah and Jacob, a well-known, failed relationship in the Bible that you mention in your book?
Though Leah’s father tricked Jacob into marrying her, she still attempted to make the marriage work. Unfortunately, she went into the relationship knowing he would never love her as he loved Rachel. She thought by giving him children that he would change his mind about her. Nevertheless, child after child, his heart did not change. If on day one, you know in your heart that you are going to have to work hard and convince this person that you are the one he “should” love, walk away. No matter what you do, or what you give, it will never be enough.
What should women DO after reading this book?
Be empowered to walk away from a “non-relationship” relationship. Pursue the thing that God has gifted you to do. By focusing on your purpose, plan and passion, it will take you places and introduce you to people you have yet to meet. THAT is when Boaz will find you!
Robert Leon Davis was a respected police officer in New Orleans, who became involved in crime and fled arrest, living rough in the backwoods of America and Canada for over two decades before handing himself in. He now has an extensive speaking and teaching ministry.
Tell us about Running Scared.
“Running Scared" is a true life story of my life 30 years ago. It's the story of a former young police officer who found himself on the wrong side of the law in 1979. After committing a crime, he was arrested, then fled, and became one of America's longest running fugitives; for a period of 22 years. Eventually, after a revelation from God, I decided to voluntarily "surrender", first to God, and later to the authorities. Today, I travel the country speaking to police, schools, and churches about the power of God to "reform", as well as well for all to avoid crime and corruption. Profits are donated to various women and children abuse centers across America.
How did you come up with ideas for this book?
Never had to think of any ideas since it's not a novel, but simply my true life journey through life.
Did you have to do quite a bit of research for this book?
Very little research was involved. Again, I simply told my story as I remembered it, and I remembered quite a few details.
What do you hope readers will learn/discover from reading fill-in your book title?
That God still is still "listening" to our prayers, and that no matter what circumstance you find yourself in...God can deliver!
Okay, a not-so-fun question. How important are reviews to you as a writer?
Reviews can be helpful, in that it gives others a "quick view" of a book. It could also help others decide whether the book has merit for them.
About the Book
Robert Leon Davis was a street kid from a tough community. Raised on the brink of poverty, he and his siblings often went hungry, but with the help of a family in the neighborhood, he beat the odds and studied criminal law at Loyola University and joined the New Orleans police department in 1975.
He began his career with aspirations of being a great cop, but before long he was exposed to a darker side of law enforcement. While partnered with a veteran, Davis first witnessed an officer violating the very laws he had vowed to uphold–and he shared in his crime. One compromise led to another, and Davis soon was caught and faced a substantial prison term. Cops in prison don’t last long. He fled.
Davis found himself a fugitive, living off the land in remote forests in the United States and Canada to elude capture. His church upbringing was abandoned in anger. For over twenty years he hid, becoming an expert survivalist. He might still be running, but through a stranger’s prayer the angry atheist realized he was weary of hiding. Slowly he yielded his life to God and eventually gave himself in. But when the New Orleans DA dusted off his file, what would his sentence be?
Today, Robert Davis is a committed Christian and motivational speaker. He uses his extraordinary experiences to share his message of hope and redemption to both adults and children.
Cheryl Donovan has developed a unique voice that manifests itself through her literary endeavors. Her newest contribution, “Women What in Hell are You Thinking Now: Transform Your Thinking to Transform Your Life compels women to look at themselves and their lives and take inventory. If they don’t like what they see then it’s time to clean the clutter.
Donovan grew up in Houston, Texas the daughter of parents who divorced when she was four. Her father is a prominent Baptist preacher in Houston. In spite of the vicissitudes of life which found Cheryl a pregnant teen in an abusive marriage, she has now become a highly sought after inspirational speaker, educator, talk show host, and award winning author.
Donovan lives in Houston with her husband Keith Donovan, who made his writing debut in Do You Still Do What Happens Happily Ever After, the couples transparent piece on the realities of relationships and what it takes to have a marriage of purpose. They are the parents of three adult children and grandparents to two handsome grandsons.
For more information about the release of Donovan’s new book “Women What in Hell are You Thinking Now: Transform Your Thinking to Transform Your Life visit http://www.cheryllaceydonovan.org or http://www.peaceinthestormpublishing.com.
Book Trailer
You are an Evangelist and ordained Minister of the Gospel. What prompted you to write this book for women?
Over the years, I’ve shared many of my experiences and testimonies of things that happened to me and others I cross in my daily profession as a medical instructor .I originally wrote a similar book about two
years ago which addressed some of those issues but in this book, I tackle them head on with practical applications for implementation had no idea my mess would someday be a message for others. That’s the Holy Spirit for you. He brings things full circle in your life. Many of us are experiencing a spiritual disconnect in most cases. We believe our problems are carnal rather than spiritual. You want to do the right thing but are confronted with situations that are counter intuitive to all your values, cultural and spiritual, and you have to balance them all. It’s tough. So I wrote Women What the Hell are You Thinking Now? to help women get through the tough days with grace and know that God loves them and is with them no matter what.
What life lessons have you experienced personally that have nurtured and shaped who you are today?
Christians are not immune to the vicissitudes of life. Understanding this reality has helped me cope with the setbacks and unexpected pitfalls I’ve faced. Jesus said we’d have in this world but to be of good cheer because he’d overcome the world (John 16:33). That’s the good news. Christ is with us He never leaves us or forsakes us.
What is, or are, some of the common mistakes, or mis-informed choices that prevent women in developing spiritually, or building positive relationships?
We allow others to define us. Who we are and who we should be rather than looking to the creator for the answer. Many of us have unction or yearning inside about who we are and what we should be doing to build the Kingdom but we allow the enemy to lie to us and convince us otherwise. We forget that with Christ we can do all things and that he can take the foolish things and confound the wise. We are more than conquerors and we shouldn’t allow fear to consume us.
What are you hoping women will take away from your book, i.e., personally, emotionally, and/or spiritually?
I want women to understand how important to they are to God. The Kingdom of God lives within in each of us. Therefore, we already have everything we need to operate in our God given purpose. Once we get that we can truly experience the abundant life God intended for us to have.
What is next for you? Do you have plans to write other devotional/spiritual books, and how can readers reach you?
I plan to continue traveling the country ministering to women and I will continue writing books of inspiration including devotionals, journals, and other inspirational material. Anyone wishing to contact me can do so at cherylspeaks@gmail.com. They can also visit the website http://www.worthmorethanrubiesministries.org/
Readers Contest
Cheryl Donovan is celebrating the official launch of her new book “Women What the Hell are You Thinking Now?" in a big, BIG way. So, they're 'giving away the farm' to do just that.
All *you* need to do to get over $200 in free gifts is grab a copy of her book for just $15.00 off Amazon.com. How's THAT for a win-win celebration??
By purchasing a copy of Women What the Hell are You Thinking Now March 1-7, 2011 you will receive a complete library of FREE gifts to enhance your journey of self-discovery!
our special free gifts include...
1) Over 5 hours of digital audios of the I'm Every Woman Teleconference ($49.50 value, yours free!)
3) The Blessing of Receiving God's Love Audio ($9.95 value, yours free)
4) Transform Your Thinking to Transform Your Life Devotional Journal and Workbook ($34.95 value, yours free!)
5) 5 day E-course How to Transform Your Thinking. ($59.95 value, yours free!)
6) Speak to Your Mountains: Confessions of Faith Devotional ($19.95 value, yours free!)
7) 2 hours of Inspirational messages Transform Your Thinking to Transform Your Life Audio CD($19.95 value, yours free!)
Now, here's how you can grab these valuable free gifts...
STEP 1: Buy the book on Amazon
PURCHASE BOOK HERE
STEP 2: E-Mail Receipt
After you make your purchase on Amazon, they will send you an email with an order number of your purchase/receipt. Simply e-mail this receipt showing date of purchase March 1-7, 2011 to cheryl@worthmorethanrubiesministries.org
STEP 3: Retrieve Free Gifts
After e-mailing your receipt, Cheryl will forward a link for you to download your free gifts. Don’t worry about rushing to download them all at once. The download page will be available to you for a week AFTER the March 7th deadline.
Best of all, “Women What the Hell are You Thinking Now” is an amazing investment anyway because it's sure to transform the lives of those who read it.
So click on the link below and grab yourself a copy of “Women What the Hell are You Thinking Now?”
amazon.com
PLUS as an extra bonus
Be entered in a drawing to win an
(1) Apple Ipad
(1) Amazon Kindle
0r
(5) $50 VISA gift card
all you have to do to get your free gifts and be entered to win amazing prizes is just email the receipt you'll get from Amazon.com to Cheryl and she'll get your free gifts right over to you.
Send the receipt to:
cheryl@worthmorethanrubiesministries.org
However, the celebration ends at midnight Eastern Time March 7, 2011!
So the only way you can grab all the free gifts is to purchase your copy of “Women What the Hell are You Thinking Now?” and get the receipt from Amazon over to Cheryl at cheryl@worthmorethanrubiesminisrtries.org before midnight.
P.S: Remember, to receive your $200+ in free bonuses and be entered to win amazing prizes you must email the receipt to cheryl@worthmorethanrubiesministries.org by midnight Eastern Time March 7th!
P.P.P.S Please note that the Amazon system sometimes updates slowly and it may show that the book won't be shipped for a day or two, however plenty of books have been printed for this celebration.
P.P.P.P.S: Remember it's also a perfect gift for birthdays, graduation, and Mother's Day.
About the book
God has a big life for you, one that has peace, joy, and wholeness. His plan includes love and value, purpose and fulfillment, provision and supply.
Whatever has caused you to be broken, the areas in your life that aren’t working or are ineffective, the areas where you feel powerless, doing nothing and going nowhere, God wants to put them back together again!
But you can’t get to the upper level when you’re stuck on the ground floor.
Cheryl’s book Women What the Hell are You Thinking Now, will help you …
• Identify strongholds in your life and tear them down
• Realign your thoughts to create purposeful thinking
• Speak to your mountains and experience freedom from a non- productive life
• Enjoy the abundant life God intended for you
TITLE SPECIFICATIONS
• Title: Women What the Hell are You Thinking Now
• Author: Cheryl Lacey Donovan
• ISBN: 978-0-9829672-9-4
• Price: $15.00
First Chapter
Webster’s defines virtuous as conformity to a standard of right. Most of us have heard of the “Virtuous Woman” found in Proverbs Chapter 31. She’s the pinnacle of Christian womanhood. She’s upright, strong, courageous, wise, and kind. She’s every woman’s model of what a woman should be. She’s faithful and industrious and she fears God. She’s strong and able to endure. She knows when it’s time to watch, when it’s time to fight, and when it’s time to pray. Her self-esteem is high because she knows that she’s a child of the King and that she’s more than a conqueror through Jesus Christ. She believes no weapon formed against her will prosper and God can make her enemies her footstool even in the most trying of circumstances. A virtuous woman would never allow a man to rob her of her dignity or her virtue by sleeping around, acquiescing to domestic violence, or sleeping with him when he’s married. A virtuous woman would know these things are not of God because they demean her self-worth and tear down her communication with the Almighty. A virtuous woman would also be wise enough to know that after everything she’s done, her God is a forgiving God and He’s faithful to His Word.
Women are more than sugar and spice and everything nice. They are fearfully and wonderfully made by God and we women need to learn how to align our view of ourselves with God’s view of us. Far too often we allow the situations in our lives to consume us and tear us down. But this isn’t the will of God for our lives. God’s plans for us are always good and we need to review those plans and incorporate them into our daily living.
Now that we know who we are and whose we are let’s be real. Women, what in the hell are you thinking; and I do mean hell, because the situations we allow ourselves to be placed in are straight from the pit of hell designed by the enemy himself to take us out. They’re planned by the powers and principalities of Satan to undermine the order of God and the woman’s divine position in that order. The Bible is full of strong, righteous, courageous, God fearing, women: Esther, who put her life on the line for her people, Deborah who was a fearless leader, and Hannah who prayed for what she wanted and received favor from God. These were women who were faced with issues of life twists and turns that could’ve surely taken them off course and yet they found a way to seek God’s face and persevere.
Being the backbones of their families we see even in Proverbs 31:13- 27, the bible speaks of the important roles women play in the lives of their families. They’re the caretakers of their homes speaking with wisdom, they set about their work vigorously and their arms are strong for their tasks; yet, many of us suffer with low self-esteem, broken hearts, wounded souls and dead spirits. We don’t live in the glory of our divine placement. We personify an outward appearance of happiness, while living in pure hell on the inside. To the naked eye we seem joyful, courageous and in control while on the inside we’re scared little girls wishing somebody anybody would rescue us. We need to take our lives back. God wants to restore us.
He wants to reconstruct what’s been broken down. What looks like trash in your life can be restored and bring about reformation. You’ve gone through the devastation of divorce, disease, loss of friends, family and finances. You’re looking at what’s left after using external solutions to fix internal chaos and you think it’s all over. Instead of getting to the root of the problem you just prune the outside branches. Leading to our detriment too often we engage in continuous patterns of over eating, indulging in chemical fixes – alcohol, drugs, smoking, over working, using our career as our identity, rescuing people, being a savior, expecting too little, putting up walls, emotional distancing, people pleasing.
Ultimately we suffer from controlling behavior, distrust, perfectionism, intimacy problems. Or even worse we form ungodly attachments to people or mindsets of un-forgiveness, bitterness, malice,
Women what in hell are you thinking now? As long as you allow these things to control your life you’ll be stuck in a never-ending pit that will engulf you and never release you until you realize you are daughters of the King, daughters of the Most High God. It’s time to get rid of the clutter. Don’t be consumed by fear. It’s not of God. Man doesn’t have a heaven or hell to send you to so walking in a place of people pleasing can only hinder you from receiving what God has for you. As long as you keep allowing the same difficulties to consume you your life will be crowded, confused, disordered and full of junk. Don’t be conformed to this world but transform yourself by the renewing of your mind. Get rid of negative self- talk and negative self- images that keep playing themselves over and over in your head. Align yourself with God’s word and see the amazing transformation that can take place in your life. No, this doesn’t mean that every day will be rosy, but your outlook on life, even in trying times, will be joyous because you know that God is still in control even in the midst of your bad circumstances. As long as you trust in Him all things will work together for good.
Trying to push you down life will cause you to face disappointments and setbacks. Feelings of failure will cloud your mind deceiving you into believing you haven’t been forgiven for past failures or sins. Trusting God seems impossible because you still believe He’s forgotten about you in the midst of your troubles. The issues of life; bad news concerning your health, a relationship that went south, all these are setbacks.
Discouragement, loss of enthusiasm, temptation to settle where you are keeps drawing your focus away from the things of God and places it squarely on the things that weigh you down. But if you’re going to see God’s best, you have to have a “bounce-back” mentality. Knocked down, you don’t stay down. You get back up again. You don’t get bitter, you get better. You have to know that every time hardship comes, your setback is a setup for a comeback!
Your spirit man may be trying to get you to commit suicide but in these pages I speak life to your spirit and remind you that God has deposited too much in you for you to die. But Psalm 118:17-says I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord. There is kingdom work that must be done and God wants to use you. You must be about your Father’s business!
Pity parties, depression, soaking yourself in the cares of this world blaming everyone else for your problems none of this will get you any closer to the life God has planned for you. The kingdom is waiting for you to position yourself for the greatness God has in store for you. Time is out for sitting and pondering on what you’re going through. Cast your cares upon God, knowing that he cares for you. I Peter 5:7 (KJV).
Everything happens, everything exists, and everything was created to give God glory. Even your struggles are an opportunity for God to get the glory.
Trouble don’t last always! There’s a plan and destiny that God has for you. Chief architect of your life He’s building you up to be all He’s ordained you to be.
God is revealing the glory through your suffering. God is establishing you in the midst of what you’re going through. In the end, it will be worth it!
You are pregnant with purpose, pregnant with greatness. Allow the baby to be born. Don’t permit the enemy to abort the baby. God has deposited something great on the inside of you and it’s time for your delivery! Let the weak say I’m strong and the poor say I’m rich; Rich with the power of the Spirit, Rich with the Word of God, Rich with health, Rich with strength and courage. Take authority over the enemy and declare dominion over everything God has for you. Reclaim your purpose, reclaim your hopes, reclaim your destiny, and reclaim your dreams!
God has a big life for you, one that has peace, joy, and wholeness. His plan includes love and value, purpose and fulfillment, provision and supply. Whatever has caused you to be broken, the areas in your life that aren’t working or are ineffective, the areas where you feel powerless, doing nothing and going nowhere, God wants to put them back together again! But you can’t get to the upper level when you’re stuck on the ground floor.
The pages that follow will speak to the inner recesses of your soul and cause you to really look at yourself in a way that perhaps you’ve never done before. This introspection will cause you to stand up and take notice of the woman that God has called you to be and to never again allow Satan to trick you into the behaviors of the past. Even if you aren’t where you want to be right now don’t despair. God isn’t through with you yet. You are a unique woman with a unique plan designed by God just for you. Women What in Hell are you Thinking Now uses life lessons and biblical principles that will inspire you to walk in the life God has ordained for you. I pray that this book will help you to become whole in your mind, your body, and your spirit
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