Last Temptation Blog Tour

About the Author


Michelle Stimpson is an author, a speaker, and an educator who received her Bachelor of Science degree from Jarvis Christian College in 1994. She earned a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2002. She has had the pleasure of teaching elementary, middle, and high school as well as training adults.


In addition to her work in the field of education, Michelle ministers through writing and public speaking. Her works include Boaz Brown, Breaking Bondage to Biscuits, Divas of Damascus Road (National Bestseller), The Good Stuff, Trouble In My Way, and the upcoming release, Last Temptation. She has written and published over 40 short stories through her educational publishing company at www.WeGottaRead.com. She also ministers to women through her online newsletter: www.womengrowinginchrist.com.


Michelle lives near Dallas with her husband and their two teenage children. She is active in the Creative Tyme Ministry at her home church, Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship. Visit Michelle online at http://www.michellestimpson.com/.

About the Book


Patricia “Peaches” Miller finally has the man and the ring she always wanted, but she’s not quite ready to turn in her Independent-Woman-Card to follow her follow her future husband’s dreams. When her ex suddenly becomes re-interested in her, Peaches wonders if she owes it to her son to give his father one more chance. But this last temptation hurls Peaches down a dangerous road that tests her relationships, her faith, and even her sanity. Can sin ever have a silver lining?


You’ll love revisiting the main characters from Michelle’s highly acclaimed debut novel, Boaz Brown, in this long-awaited story of rebellion and redemption.


Podcast


About the Book

To Order This Book


• Amazon.com - http://www.amazon.com/Last-Temptation-Michelle-Stimpson/dp/0758246862/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpi_1

• Barnes and Noble - http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Last-Temptation/Michelle-Stimpson/e/9780758246868

• Borders - http://www.borders.com/online/store/TitleDetail?sku=0758246862itleDetail?sku=0758246862

• Books A Million - http://www.booksamillion.com/product/9780758246868?id=4715246323067
For More Information


• Visit the author online at http://www.michellestimpson.com/

• View the blog tour schedule at http://bit.ly/LastTemptationBlogTour




If you enjoyed this post, please consider becoming a member of SORMAG's community - Join Today

COLUMNIST: Building Colorful Characters

Building Colorful Characters—
The Literary Bones of a Story, Part 11


All year, we have been exploring ways and places to find the “bones” to create interesting and memorable characters. We’ve tapped into both familiar and unconventional places and scenarios. This month as we all look forward to giving thanks for all that we have been gifted and blessed with, we all will be doing it in very similar, yet very different ways, depending on upbringing and spiritual convictions, which brings us to knock on the door of religion for our continued character search.
By learning to be nonjudgmental and open to laugh at the realities of life and all it holds, opens up a huge box of character possibilities for all writers. Remembering too this is all opinion based and certainly not meant to promote or demote any particular belief system, I feel exploring this popular type of culture gives a writer many other bones to connect creatively, as religion is mixed with as many types of characters as it is by sects, faiths, cults, and beliefs, or whatever else type of entity it has been saturated by.

Aside from what some would categorize as “modern Christianity,” many other religious characters and personalities do reign in our day. Even the familiar terms, “preacher,” “pastor,” or “reverend” brings to mind a certain type of person and character, be it male or female. For me, whenever I hear mention of such ordained ones, I think of someone with a gentle but outspoken personality. I picture that person well groomed, neatly or expensively dressed, with a distinctive handshake and voice. I would expect that individual to be the type of character that would give his/her undivided attention in a one-on-one conversation and shadowing about with a welcoming spirit.

Now in saying that, surely you know and might have met some pastors, preachers, or reverends that reek of the opposite. Sometimes these leaders or characters might appear overly flashy and very self-centered and boisterous for no reason and at inopportune times; in other words, talking loud and saying nothing. This type of character can easily draw to your mind’s eye a pot-bellied, loud, colorful, extreme-tailored-suit type of character, who is short on proper language, etiquette, and height. Can you hear the vibrating and loud sermon being pitched from someone like that? Can you visualize that person’s extravagant body movements and performance? Can you see the sweat dripping down the side of a well-fed face? Y’all don’t hear me, doe, the picture of a colorful character, indeed. Can I get an amen?

Now, what about the first lady? Do you see her as the vision of a calm woman of God and a role model for all women in the church? Her character could be that of a mild and smiling spirit, supportive of her husband and fellow church members. She could radiate the epitome of leadership and direction. Or, does your imaginative mind make her a large-hat-wearing, overly accessorized, haughty, proper-talking religious diva that believes she’s first lady because she just is? Yes, she’s another colorful character, indeed, but one that exists in both fiction and reality. And what about the church choir? Don’t sing them out of a chance for uniqueness. Ever notice the member that acts like he or she is singing in a competition to get a recording contract instead of for the Lord? How about the character that demands a solo but can’t carry a tune even if he/she held it in their hand—but since that individual is the niece or nephew of the reverend, first lady, or the church’s biggest monetary donator, he/she gets their sound-breaking wish every Sunday? Extreme characters’ right and devilishly colorful, amen?

Let’s not forget the full-figured sister that’s known to conveniently pass out in the arms of a single and unsuspecting church brother during service. Can you picture that struggle? Is it too hard to imagine the crowd of shocked members looking on and the smirks that soon follow as many realize this “prayer” for attention has been shouted before?

Take, for example, another religion and the character types portrayed by the Mormons. Their type of modest living and dress certainly resembles their beliefs and desire to live a plain and religious-filled life. Can you imagine the feelings, embarrassment, and uncomfortable situations that would present themselves to a family with this life style that gave birth to a child with Tourette’s Syndrome? The child, along with other normal children in this character’s life, offers excellent opportunities for a writer to create and dialogue in a colorful way.

When observing those of the Moslem faith, some can certainly say that their peaceful disposition, long garb, headdress, food preferences and preparations characterize them differently from most of society, and make them curious beings with an air of mystic, especially the women who choose to cover their faces. Does their characters’ way of living and how they carry themselves not make you wonder about the real “he” and “she” that shields their physiques and faces uniquely with fabric?

Let imagination write you a picture of a person of Moslem faith who mentally flips out when mistakenly given pork by someone. Visualize the story line of a person staunch in this religion that’s witnessed a serious crime in the big city they live in, taken in by the witness protection organization, and then moved to a small town out West for safety and suddenly finding himself or herself as the only one owning or knowing of this belief in the area. Can you imagine the many difficult scenarios that could develop as a considered outsider? Can you create a character that shares different eating habits, religion, and ways of dressing in a small-inhibited town? What would the sheltered townspeople be like? Would it possibly turn out that this character would be scrutinized and watched by the looming eyes of the town’s people, creating another stressful situation for everyone? This could certainly lead to the development of some colorful events and characters.

And what of those people that believe in witchcraft or have a superstitious nature? Needless to say, a writer has plenty of obvious material to use there. The gloom and doom that immediately comes to mind can be expanded to many heights of mental and physical creativity. After all, there are some that prance about us, looking as if they are in Halloween drag all year-round. Some teens find this way of life appealing and interesting. The practice of Wicca is more prominent in certain areas than in others, but certainly lends one’s mind to ask what goes on behind the closed doors of a person who is interested in and involved in spell casting and blood sacrifices. This is certainly someone who is a colorful character, to say the least. Creating their personality and way of life has no “dead ends” to speak of.

To sum it all up, a writer can look almost anywhere and gleam material to sew together characters that exude gospels of creativity and uniqueness that flows religiously throughout their work. What some consider “normal” in religious belief and practices, others will preach it as different, insane, or even spiritually forbidden. But a writer can always take creative license and reasonably comment whenever delivering any type of special characters to an audience. “Thank God for diversity, in it, we are all characters uniquely colored by individuality.”

Wordsmiths, remember to e-mail me with your creations, and I’ll post them here for all to meet and utilize. For your gifting, I’ll post a picture of your latest book and a link to your Web site.
Pens up! to building colorful characters the write way.

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


She has been a government employee for 24 years.


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


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


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


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





If you enjoyed this post, please consider becoming a member of SORMAG's community - Join Today

FEATURED AUTHOR: Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez

Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez is an award-winning journalist who was named one of today’s “25 Most Influential Hispanics in America” by Time magazine. The Three Kings is her sixth novel. She lives in Southern California and keeps a home in her native New Mexico.

THE THREE KINGS: A Christmas Dating Story

Who’s bearing gifts this Christmas? Three hot, single guys!


Christy de la Cruz has it all: a great career as an interior designer for the stylish homes of New Mexico, marriage to a tall and handsome man, and a great family—especially her cousin Maggie. But as the holidays approach, she’s down to two out of three—that handsome husband has walked out the door. Christy is so not up for dating . . . until Maggie takes Christy on as the ultimate romantic project. Just like the wise men in the nativity story, Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar arrive bearing gifts and displaying their best stuff. One’s a pretty boy, one’s a rugged cowboy, and one’s an animal lover. Which one will win Christy’s heart?

How did you start out your writing career?


I got my official start as a professional writer in college, when I started writing music reviews for The Boston Globe newspaper. I began writing for pleasure much earlier than that, probably when I was about nine years old.


What did you learn while writing this book?


I experimented a bit with form in this book. There are no chapters, just a bunch of brief vignettes all run together. I saw it as a film in my mind, with just a few moments of dialogue or scene before fading to black and opening elsewhere in the story. I learned that even within the confines of commercial fiction there is room for creativity and innovative storytelling methods.


What did you hope to accomplish with this book?


I want this book to be a relief for my readers. I hope it is a fun and funny escape from the stress of the holidays, with an uplifting message of hope, generosity, and love. It is sort of a Latina scrooge story, with three hot guys instead of the Christmas ghosts.


Is the “writer’s life” what you thought it would be?


Yes. I love my life. It is perfect and I would not change a thing. Seriously. I work from home, set my own hours, am a single mom who has never had a nanny or put my son in an after-school program. I am able to do my job and be a full-time mother at the same time. I am incredibly fortunate.


Which five characters (can be from books, movies, or tv shows) would you invite over for dinner and why?


1. Dr. Alexandre Manette from "A Tale of Two Cities" by Charles Dickens. I'd like to pick his brain about the notion of revolution.


2. Songlian from "Raise the Red Lantern," the film directed by Zhang Yimou and starring Gong Li. I'd kidnap her and never let her return to life as a miserable concubine. I'd send her to college.


3. Larry David from "Curb Your Enthusiasm". I'd ask him to marry me. He is the perfect man for me. Most people hate him, so I don't know what this says about me. Well, actually I do; I'm just in denial.


4. Natalie Portman as Ann Boelyn in "The Other Boelyn Girl". I'd ask her to marry me, too; and I wouldn't chop her head off.


5. The Guantanamera woman in Jose Marti's famous poem by the same name. I want to know what she makes of the idiot who keeps telling her how great he is.


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


I wish I'd known how fickle the book business is. I wish I'd understood genre and marketing better. I wish I'd known that it was okay to stand up to my editor and publisher when I thought they were wrong about what book should have come out after "The Dirty Girls Social Club".


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


Do: Write every day and enjoy writing. Don't: Expect workshops or degrees to make you a writer.


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


That we writers have enough stories to tell and don't really want to write your biography for you, no matter how fascinating you think you are.


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


Best advice came from Robert Crais: "You're never as good as they say you are, and you're never as bad as they say you are." Worst? "Keep writing chick lit."


What is something readers would be surprised you do?


I try to memorize Eminem lyrics and rap along with him when I drive alone in the car. I think he's a genius with words and rhythm. And, yes, I am aware that I look pitiful doing this.


If you could be a character from any book you've read, who would you be?


I'd want to be Aleida March in her autobiography, at the moment in the jungle when she first meets and seduces Che Guevara.


Our theme this month is Men In Fiction. What male writer are you reading?


Dean Koontz. I am always reading Dean Koontz. I idolize the man.


Oprah always asks, What do you know for sure?


I know for sure that Oprah asks too many questions. Oh, wait. Don't want to piss off Oprah...lemme think...uhm...I know for sure that in order to be happy a human being must derive her sense of self and worth entirely from within.


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


Next after "The Three Kings"? I am launching a very exciting young adult supernatural romance series next year, called "The Kindred". Book one, "The Temptation of Travis Hartwell," tells of a girl who finds her soulmate, only to discover that he is a revanant, or ghost in human form.


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


valdes.alisa@gmail.com
http://www.alisavaldesrodriguez.com/
twitter: @alisavaldes
Facebook: Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez


Leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of The Three Kings.



If you enjoyed this post, please consider becoming a member of SORMAG's community - Join Today

FEATURED AUTHOR: Deon C. Sanders

Deon C. Sanders (Pen: Deno Sandz), a husband and father of six, was born in Alabama and raised in Chicago. He is the prolific author of three supernatural/horror suspense/thriller novels titled Miss Mary Weather: A Southern Nightmare, Pen of Iniquity, and I AM. He is also the owner/creator of Deno Sandz Productions/Six Shortyes Films.


Web site: www.wix.com/DsandzDSanders/sandz

I,AM: A force of relentless evil
We all know how the story begins: God is completing Heaven and Earth. Heaven was full of splendor... and the Angels were filled with laughter. Except for Lucifer, the most exquisite Angel in heaven and the most jealous of God. Lucifer's jealousy of God ignites a war between God's Army and Lucifer’s followers. As the war ends, God and his army conquer Lucifer, banishing him from heaven. With God's own two hands, he throws Lucifer out of Heaven to rule in hell for all eternity. However, Lucifer did not gather his jealousy of God and the thought of War by himself. Lucifer was tempted, and manipulated into thinking he could defeat God, by an unknown evil, just as powerful as God. Its name was "No Name," it was neither good nor evil, and it was neither merciful nor malicious. It's "I,AM."


How did you start out your writing career?


I started my writing "Life style" not career at an early age. Sometimes I think I can remember as far back as the womb. My mother is and was a great writer with aptitude and stories of real life,southern myths, and superstitions. My father was extremely intelligent...a man of vision, a phenomenon, cultured, a historian, and in my mind an angel, as well as my mother who slipped away from heaven's library of truth and fiction to create me.


What did you learn while writing this book?


While writing this book I learned that the premise of an author is to continue writing until every reader is exposed to his/her art of writing, even though his/her other books have not received the recognition they deserve.


What did you hope to accomplish with this book?


Accomplishment is the foundation of hope. Without hope a writer never gets to his/her pinnacle. Like this book and every other book I penned or am about to pen. I hope to inspire the fictional side of readers.


Is the "Writer's life" what you thought it would be?


A writer takes the good reviews with the bad reviews. This is my life, my dream despite the everyday hustle and bustle trying to take care of a family. So there's no foreshadowing on the future. But I believe my future rest on my "writing gift." Yes, it is what I thought it would be. You have to color before you can write, as in crawl before you walk.


Which five characters would you invite over for dinner and why?


The five characters I would invite over for dinner would be; Socrates, from Plato "The last day of Socrates," Gulliver, from "Gulliver's Travels," Mr. Brown from "Meet the Browns," Robin Hood from the new movie(2010), and Nelson Mandela from "Invictus." These are inspiring characters who reminds me of myself. Dedicated, adventurous, funny, philosophical, and honorable.


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


The three things I wish I had known before reaching this point of my writing life is that I would have tried to save more money to promote my books, not to except ever offer from publishers who did not understand my vision, and how patience you must be to even get a glimmer of what a successful writer is.


Can you give us one do and don't for those aspiring to be writers?


Please keep writing despite what some publisher say and please don't ever stop writing it can open up the minds of the masses. Your one thought on paper can inspire people and your one book can inspire the world.


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


I would like non-writers to understand that "In the world of writing there are NO BOUNDARIES, just a place where the pen and pad meets imagination, visualization, and creativity.


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


The best advice I have received about the publishing industry is it's a publishing industry. It's not your judge and jury. Some are wrong for not publishing your vision, because they can't see past theirs. The worst advice that was given to me about the publishing industry was it's easy to subdue and make your financial mark quickly.


What is something readers would be surprised you do?


My readers would be surprised that I write screenplays, short stories, poems, that I am a high school educator, a father of six, and a husband.

Our theme this month is Men in fiction. What male writer are you reading?

"King Leopold's Ghost" by Adam Hochschild (1998)

Oprah always asks, What do you know for sure?


I know for sure that one day the world of readers will acknowledge me as one of the best fiction writers of the 21st century.

Can you give us a sneek peek of you next book?

Yes. It titled: "Blood Plantation"...well written, shocking, heartwreching, plot driven, and spellbinding.


*It's the sins of slavery*


*A real horror of the middle passage*


*Southern reality and history never forgotten*


*A nightmare for vacationing lovers*


*Fiction at it's best*


*A spirit of unforgiveable anger*


*A bloodline that can never be erased*


*A Culture of true power*


*Supernatural/Thriller*

Short: Around 1852, near the Shores of Shonwaay, Virginian which the slaves then and the Shonwaayians now call: “The Shores of the Evil Soul,” where the SOTO(The Soul of the Ocean) reign of terror began.

....SOMETHING HAPPENS AND THEN

As the other slaves bedded down for the night, they began to chant. It was the prayer of resurrection. This prayer would bring back a lost spirit to return the same hate and evil to everyone and their bloodline who subjected hate and evil to the flesh of the spirit, EVERY FIFTY YEARS.


It is now July 15, 2002 which makes another fifty years of the, “Awakening of the SOTO," at the new Bed and Breakfast.

How can the readers get in contact with you?


They can contact me by


email: dsanders4119@yahoo.com


website: www.wix.com/DsandzDsanders/sandz

facebook: http://facebook.com/denosandz


twitter: http://twitter.com/denosandz











If you enjoyed this post, please consider becoming a member of SORMAG's community - Join Today

RED INK Blog Tour with author, KATHI MACIAS

Can you give us a brief synopsis of this story?


A young Chinese woman, Zhen-Li—raised to observe the party line, including its one-child-per-family doctrine—falls in love with and marries a Christian, and adopts his faith. Though the couple downplays their Christianity in an effort to survive, Zhen-Li’s family is appalled, and she and her husband are ostracized. When she becomes pregnant for the second time and refuses to have an abortion, the persecution begins in earnest. Zhen-Li’s parents, under pressure from the government, pay to have Zhen-Li kidnapped and the baby aborted.

It is then Zhen-Li decides she must live up to her name—"Truth"—and take a firm stand for her faith, regardless of the consequences, and so she begins to regularly teach children about Zhu Yesu ("Lord Jesus") and to distribute Christian literature every chance she gets. Based loosely on the life of Christian magazine editor Li Ying, currently serving a ten-year prison sentence in China, the story of Yang Zhen-Li tells the desperate tale of her incarceration and separation from her family, as she continues to minister to other prisoners, and even to her guards, leading to a surprising conclusion that will both stun and challenge readers.


How did you get into writing? Has it always been your passion, or is it something you came to later in life?


I’ve always wanted to write, for as long as I can remember. I was an avid reader even before I started kindergarten. I wrote a short story in third grade that the teacher liked so much she showed it to the principal, and they decided to turn it into a play for the entire PTA. I was hooked! One day when I was about 13, I was walking home from school with my then boyfriend (now husband), Al, and I told him I’d be a writer some day. He often reminds me how blessed I am to have been able to do what I dreamed of all my life.

Red Ink is the third book in your four-book Extreme Devotion series. Each book is set in a different country, with the theme of first devotion and commitment to Christ above all else running through all four. How is Red Ink different, and who/what inspired you to write this book?



Red Ink is the only one of the four books that actually deals with someone being arrested and suffering specifically for her faith in Christ. The story is loosely based on my own personal heroine, Li Ying, who is currently serving a ten-year sentence in China for printing/distributing Christian materials, particularly to children. I pray for Li Ying daily, and I remind myself how very blessed I am to have the freedom to do what she did—without paying the price she now pays.

I understand you’re running a special contest that has to do with this book. Can you tell us about it?

Actually, I’m running the same contest twice—two chances to win a free Kindle! To be eligible, follow these three steps:


•You have to read Red Ink and post reviews on Amazon, CBD, etc., and/or your personal blog;


•You must also be a follower of my Easy Writer blog (address below); and,


•Let me know via my website contact email: mailto:ezyrtr@ca.rr.com that you have met the requirements and want to be entered.


The first winner will be announced in early November; the second in mid-December, just in time for a last-minute Christmas gift.


In addition to writing, you are a popular speaker at women’s event, writers’ conferences, and various venues around the country. How can people find out more about you, your writing and speaking, sign up for your weekly devotional newsletter (in English or Spanish), and/or just view your many book videos, etc.?

They can find me at my website (http://www.kathimacias.com) or blog (http://kathieasywritermacias.blogspot.com). There is a “contact” button on my website if they’d like to send me a message. I always respond to all my emails!

About the Author



Kathi is a multi-award winning writer who has authored nearly 30 books and ghostwritten several others. A former newspaper columnist and string reporter, Kathi has taught creative and business writing in various venues and has been a guest on many radio and television programs. Kathi is a popular speaker at churches, women’s clubs and retreats, and writers’ conferences, and recently won the prestigious 2008 member of the year award from AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association) at the annual Golden Scrolls award banquet. Kathi “Easy Writer” Macias lives in Homeland, CA, with her husband, Al, where the two of them spend their free time riding their Harley.


A complimentary copy of this book was provided to me as a blog tour host by New Hope Publishers in exchange for posting this interview on my blog. Please visit Christian Speaker Services at www.ChristianSpeakerServices.com for more information about blog tour management services.


If you enjoyed this post, please consider becoming a member of SORMAG's community - Join Today

Home Again Blog Tour

About The Book


Home Again is a compelling journey into the relationships that matter most: family, friends and self. Each story is founded on natural love, but will require the Father’s love to heal the brokenness.

Travel with husbands and wives, brothers, sisters, friends and families as they maneuver through life’s hurts and betrayals while leaning on a power greater than themselves.

About Maurice Gray

Maurice M. Gray, Jr. is the author of two novels, To Whom Much Is Given and All Things Work Together and the owner of Write The Vision, Inc. His short story “Long Term” appears in The Soul Of A Man anthology.


Maurice is an HIV Prevention Counselor for Beautiful Gate Outreach Center, where he educates people about HIV/AIDS.


Maurice worships at Bethel AME Church in Wilmington, DE. He is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc and of Toastmasters International. He lives in New Castle, DE with his family.


Maurice talks about his story, Family Matters

Purchase the anthology online at:

• Amazon.com - http://www.amazon.com/Home-Again-Stories-Restored-Relationships/dp/0979045819/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1287861077&sr=8-1

• BarnesandNoble.com - http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Home-Again/Wanda-B-Campbell/e/9780979045813/



View the Blog Tour Schedule at http://bit.ly/HomeAgainBlogTour.



If you enjoyed this post, please consider becoming a member of SORMAG's community - Join Today

SORMAG's INSPIRATION - NOVEMBER - Gwynne Forster

Gwynne Forster is national best-selling and award-winning author of seven novels of general fiction, thirty-one romance novels, and eight mainstream and romance novellas.


A native North Carolinian who grew up in Washington, D. C. , Gwynne holds bachelors and masters degrees in sociology, a master's degree in economics/demography and has additional graduate credits in journalism. As a demographer, she is widely published. She is formerly chief of (non-medical) research in fertility and family planning in the Population Division of the United Nations in New York and served for four years as chairperson of the International Programme Committee of the International Planned Parenthood Federation (London, England). These positions took her on official business to sixty-three developed and developing countries.


Gwynne sings on her church choir, loves to entertain, and is a museum hopper, gourmet cook and avid gardener. She enjoys classical music, opera, jazz and blues with her husband with whom she lives in New York City. She is represented by the Steel-Perkins Literary Agency, 26 Island Lane, Canandaigua, NY 14424. Reach Gwynne at P.O. Box 45, New York, N.Y. 10044;


Web page - http://www.gwynneforster.com/
Blog: http://gwynneforster.blogspot.com/

Once in a Lifetime


With a young daughter to support, recently divorced Alexis Stevenson jumps at the chance to become household manager for wealthy businessman Telford Harrington and his two brothers. Though she knows it won't be easy turning their bachelor-pad mansion into a home, she is determined to handle any obstacles, while maintaining a separate life for herself and her daughter. But Alexis isn't at all ready for the red-hot chemistry crackling between her and Telford—or the fact that she's suddenly caught in a maze of unexpected secrets and deep mistrust. But if she and Telford find their way through it—together—can they both embrace the love they so deeply desire?


We thank Gwynne for inspiring SORMAG.



If you enjoyed this post, please consider becoming a member of SORMAG's community - Join Today

BOOK SPOTLIGHT: Covenant of Lies: the Revealed Truth

Covenant of Lies the Revealed Truth


By Holly Spence


Monarch Publications


ISBN-10: 0578065819


ISBN-13: 978-0578065816


Click to purchase book


The drama, lies, deceit, and hidden secrets are revealed in this second release of the Covenant of Lies trilogy. Continue to follow the lives of the McFinley, Richardson and Taylor families. What will become of Jill and Shane's budding relationship? Will the long time relationship between Henry and Carl survive the years of deceit and lies? Will Marcie's relationship with her father be the final straw for Selma? "Covenant of Lies The Revealed Truth" is the second book in the "Covenant of Lies" series of self created web of lies by Author Holly Spence.


EXCERPT:


Courtney wakes up, her head is pounding and blood is all over her lab coat. She does not know how long she has been out, but she remembers being knocked out by Calvin Taylor. She looks at Selma's bed and she is still sleep. Selma was administered a heavy dose of Percocet to help her sleep through the night as comfortable as possible. Courtney then began to look around for Marcie, calling her by name, but unable to move swiftly. Water in the bathroom is running. Courtney managed to get to her knees and use the couch to get to her feet. When Courtney opened the bathroom door, Marcie was in the shallow shower with water running, bruises on her arms and legs. Her shirt was around her neck; her bra ripped off, her pants and underwear, all at her ankles.


"Oh God!!! Marcie!" Marcie doesn't reply nor does she move. Courtney turns off the water, runs outside for help. The officer was getting up off the floor the same time Courtney was coming out of Selma's hospital room. "Sir, are you ok? I will have someone come by to look at you, don't get up stay seated."


Courtney made her way to the nurse's station, the nurse looked up, "Oh Courtney, what in the world happened?" said the nurse.


"I was attacked by Calvin Taylor, Selma Taylor's husband, please call hospital security and have them dispatch the police. I need to call down regarding my shift, I was supposed to report to work, what time is it?" Courtney sees the clock, "Oh no, I have been out for over 30 minutes? I also need someone to look at the officer outside Mrs. Taylor's room and I need help getting Marcie Taylor to emergency for examination."


The sixth floor nurse scrambles to meet the request and makes the necessary calls. A second nurse joins Courtney to check out the officer. Courtney heads back down to Marcie with a gown and blankets in hand to cover Marcie. When Courtney gets back to the room, the nurse behind her tends to the officer to identify his injuries. Courtney opens the door. Marcie is still in the bathroom lying in the shower.


"Marcie, I am going to take you to emergency to have you examined." Marcie was still unresponsive. "Marcie, let me help you up, I have a gown for you to put on." Marcie allowed Courtney to help her up, remove her clothing and put the gown and blanket around her.


Just then, John Cartwright arrived from emergency, "Hey Court, I have a wheelchair."


"Thanks John, can you get me a plastic bag? I will need that for her clothes. Come on Marcie, let's get you into the wheelchair, we will get you cleaned up."


John comes back with the plastic bag, as Courtney is lifting Marcie; John places the plastic bag over the back of the wheel chair and proceeds to help Courtney get Marcie into the wheelchair. Just as John reaches out to Marcie, Marcie is like a wild boar, kicking and screaming. Marcie kicks John in his groin; she punches Courtney in her face. Courtney makes every effort to get Marcie to calm down, "John go out," shouted Courtney. When John left the bathroom, Marcie calmed down and Courtney was able to get her into the wheelchair.


During all of this commotion, Selma never woke up. Courtney wheeled Marcie to emergency and called ahead, "Hello this is Nurse Courtney Thomas, I am coming down from the sixth floor and I have a possible rape victim."


Would you like to spotlight your book? - check out our promotional packages.

If you enjoyed this post, please consider becoming a member of SORMAG's community - Join Today

FEATURED AUTHOR: Evelyn (Eve) Cogdell

Evelyn (Eve) Cogdell is a Poet/Writer, and the self-published Author of 5 books: a Cookbook, “Auntie Eve’s Favorite Dishes”; a Prose/Poetry collection, “5th Story Reflections”; a Short Story collection, “Matters of the Heart”; a Novel, “Cashmere & Silk, A Love Story”; and her latest book, “Cashmere & Silk---Two, A Tapestry” (the sequel to “A Love Story”). Like “A Love Story”, “A Tapestry” is a work of Romantic Fiction.


Ms. Cogdell’s poems and articles have been published in newspapers, magazines and ezines, as well as one anthology. In her writings, Ms. Cogdell seeks to enlighten and entertain her readers. It is her fondest wish that her audience will join her in her celebration of life’s triumphs and tribulations.

Cashmere & Silk --Two: A Tapestry


In “A Love Story”, we watched Connie & Stoney’s rocky relationship grow and blossom into something truly beautiful. Now as a married couple, Connie & Stoney face new challenges to their love.


Will the fire of the couple’s new found love for each other be extinguished by the flood of obstacles which threaten to pull them apart forever?


A blissfully happy relationship is what we all strive for. And, the relationship between a married couple can be thrilling. Come with me on the journey of love between Connie & Stoney as they struggle to maintain happiness amid chaotic conditions.


How did you start out your writing career?


I wrote my first poem when I was in elementary school. In high school I wrote two poems which were published in our school newspaper. Then in college I had two more poems published in our college newspaper. After college I took a 16 year sabbatical to focus on my administrative career. But in 1993, I was inspired to enter a Poetry Contest sponsored by a major Poetry publication. Although my poem was not a winning entry, I was forever bitten by the writing bug.


What did you learn while writing this book?


Basically, I learned more about the art of storytelling. I became more adept at getting inside my character’s heads and expressing myself through them. I also learned how to ensure the ‘cohesiveness’ of the general plot. In other words, my chapters relate to each other in such a way as to provide the most satisfaction and understanding for my audience.


What did you hope to accomplish with this book?


I hoped to finally establish myself as a ‘certified’ Romance novelist. I wanted to ‘put myself on the map’, so to speak. But most importantly I wanted to entertain couples, especially married couples. And, finally, I wanted to show how beautiful married life can be, if couples really strive to make it work.


Is the “writer’s life” what you thought it would be?


It is all that, and then some. I truly get a kick out of writing and would not trade it for anything else in the world. Of course, as with all careers, there is a down side. While the “writer’s life” brings me much joy, it is not always as lucrative as some other careers. However, as the old saying goes, you ‘get out of it, what you put into it’. Although I am committed, I feel I could apply myself even more.


Which five characters (can be from books, movies, or TV shows) would you invite over for dinner and why?


My desired five dinner guests would be: Diana Ross as Lady Day from “Lady Sings the Blues”; Halle Berry as Khalia Richards, the ‘crackhead’ mother who temporarily loses her son in “Losing Isaiah”; Samuel L. Jackson as, Carl Lee Hailey, the father who takes revenge on the two men who raped his 9-year old daughter in “A Time to Kill”; Jamie Foxx who did an excellent portrayal as Ray Charles in “Ray”; and Vin Diesel as Detective Sean Vetter, whose wife is killed because of his criminal ties in “A Man Apart”.


I selected these five actors and actresses because I admired their work. All five have excellent acting skills and I loved their character portrayals. I would love to discuss with them how they ‘got inside the heads’ of their characters, as well as how they felt while playing these very interesting roles. Both Diana Ross and Jamie Foxx played ‘against type’, which is always intriguing and one reason Mr. Foxx received an Oscar for his portrayal.


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


The first thing is: I would like to have known how much work and expense are involved in gaining the attention of a welcome audience; I also wish I had known how to better relate to my readers. And finally, I wish I had known how to establish a better marketing plan.


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


To aspiring writers I would suggest: hone your craft. Keep writing until you find your perfect niche; and then continue to expand upon it. Don’t listen to naysayers, because, as one writer friend advised me, if you do, you’ll never accomplish anything. You can’t let the negative opinions of others (including ‘well-meaning’ friends and family members) keep you from achieving your writing goals and subsequently reaping all the rewards the “writer’s life” has to offer.


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


I know this is ‘cliched’ but everyone has a story to tell. Most of us just don’t know how to tell it or where to start. Writing is a form of self-expression that brings pure satisfaction not only to us as writers, but also to our audience. And, pleasing our audience, just puts ‘icing on the cake’.


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


The best and worst advice I’ve ever received about the publishing industry involves whether or not to self-publish or go through a traditional publisher: Self-publishing provides the Author with greater freedom of choice; we are free to use our own creativity regarding book covers and fliers. And we have greater flexibility regarding the sales and marketing of our books.


The worst: For Authors who are not well-known or don’t have a clue as to what they are doing, self-publishing may not be the best route to travel. These Authors might do better if they employ the services of a traditional publisher, as self-publishing can be very expensive.


What is something readers would be surprised you do?


Readers might be surprised to know that in addition to my books, poetry and articles I also write humorous short plays or skits.


If you could be a character from any book you’ve read, who would you be?


I’d love to be Mrs. Louise Clark from Author Carole Piller’s book titled, “From Avinger to Iroquois Street”. Louise Clark was an attractive, interesting, courageous woman who had the sincere love and loyalty of her husband Dennis. And, even though Louise was nice, she knew how to deal with adversity when it reared its ugly head in her adventure-filled life.


Our theme this month is The Business of Writing. Can you offer any advice about the business side of writing?


Whether an Author is self-published or has gone through a traditional publishing company, they should take advantage of as many marketing tools, resources and opportunities as possible. The Internet, local libraries, schools, churches, blogs, radio, TV, public transportation, and just about anywhere people congregate for information and entertainment, are great marketing avenues. Never pass up an opportunity to let readers know about your books. Of course Authors must be sure to budget themselves and stay within their individual means.


Oprah always asks, What do you know for sure?


I am sure that I have written an excellent book that readers will enjoy. I literally poured my heart and soul into this book, and conveyed the resulting story to the best of my ability. It is my sincere belief that my audience will be thrilled with my achievement.


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


For my next book, I plan to switch venues again, and tap into my religious and poetic side. So, most likely I’ll write an anthology of religious poems. That’s a little ways down the road, so we’ll see what is happening in my life at that time.


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


I don’t currently have a website, however, readers can reach me through my email address: evecogdell@sbcglobal.net, or through my Publishing Company address: Evelyn (Eve) Cogdell, Green Apple Publications, PO Box 201982, Chicago, IL, 60620.



If you enjoyed this post, please consider becoming a member of SORMAG's community - Join Today