FEATURED AUTHOR: Connie Briscoe

Connie Briscoe has had six novels, one novella, and one nonfiction book published. Her first novel, Sisters and Lovers, sold more than 100,000 hardcover copies and about 500,000 copies in paperback. Her work has appeared on the bestseller lists of the New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Washington Post, Boston Globe, Boston Herald, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, and Essence. A Long Way From Home, the story of her ancestors, was nominated for an NAACP Image Award. Her upcoming novel, Money Can't Buy Love, will be published in June 2011. She currently lives in Maryland with her family.

How did you start out your writing career?

By getting up at 5 a.m. every morning and writing before going into work. I also wrote on the weekends and holidays. Writing was all I did morning, noon, and night--even to the point of sacrificing a love interest or two. Of course, the men I let go couldn’t have been all that important if I gave them up, but it gives you an idea of how consumed I was with getting Sisters and Lovers on paper. I believed in it and I think that you really need that, especially for the first novel.

What did you learn while writing this book?

That I had it in me to be an author.

What did you hope to accomplish with this book?

In Sisters and Lovers, as well as the sequel Sisters and Husbands, I tried to show that even if your man leaves you or hurts you, your sisters will always be there to help out. I also wanted to entertain readers with a good tale. To make them laugh and cry. That’s still true when I write today.

Which character did you have the most fun writing about?

I love all three sisters. They will always have a special place in my heart because they got my writing career started and they were hugely popular. If forced to choose, I would say that Charmaine is my favorite in both Sisters and Lovers and Sisters and Husbands because she’s sassy, passionate, and always says what’s on her mind.

What has surprised you most about becoming a published author?

How much we have to market and sell ourselves. And that has magnified tenfold over the past few years.

What aspect of writing do you love the best, and which do you hate the most?

What I love best is reaching the end of a novel. I don’t think I hate anything about it.

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

Learn to write well. By that I mean learn good grammar and sentence structure. I don’t want to find myself correcting your grammar in my head while reading your work. Yes, editors will help but only if you’re 90 percent there when they read it.

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

There is no magical formula to writing a novel. It takes talent and a lot of hard work.

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

Connie Briscoe in my biography. I haven’t read my biography because it hasn’t been written. But it’s up there in my head. And I wouldn’t trade places with anyone.

When you're not writing, what do you like to do in your spare time?

Travel, hang out with family and friends, and read of course.

What do you do to interact with your readers?

I have a blog and I’m on Facebook and Twitter a lot. Maybe too much. But I enjoy them.

Our theme for this month is INDEPENDENT PUBLISHERS. Have you ever considered self publishing your work? Why or Why not?

I think most authors today have given self-publishing a thought, even if only for a moment. There’s something thrilling about having all that control over your work, from conception to writing to marketing and sales. And keeping more of the money for yourself. But there’s a lot that’s frightening about it, too. Which is why more authors who have been successful with traditional publishing haven’t taken the plunge.

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

My blog is the best place to start. http://www.writerrevealed.com/. From there you can e-mail me as well as get to my Facebook and Twitter pages.

Sisters and Husbands

by Connie Briscoe

Ten years have passed since Sisters and Lovers, and Beverly, now 39, is engaged to Julian, a man her family and friends agree is the epitome of a great catch: he's gorgeous, loyal, trustworthy, successful, and very much in love with her. Since this is Beverly's third engagement in the past five years, after breaking off the previous two at the last moment, everyone's happy that she's finally settling down. For Beverly and Julian, nothing could be better than being in love and planning their wedding. That is until Beverly's oldest sister's marriage falls apart and dampens the mood of what should have been the happiest time in Beverly's life. Now, second-guessing her impending nuptials, Beverly is forced to wonder if marriage really works. Will she stick it out? Or will her fears cloud her judgment once again?

Money Can't Buy Love
by Connie Briscoe

Lenora Stone used to say if she didn't have bad luck, she wouldn't have any luck at all. At age thirty-eight, instead of socializing with Baltimore's A-list, she photographs them for Baltimore Scene, a glossy magazine filled with beautiful people who, unlike Lenora, never have to worry about car trouble and overdue bills. As much as she'd love to slam the door on her overbearing boss, quitting isn't an option. She's barely making her mortgage payments and, though her condo might not be a palace, it's hers. Lately even things with her boyfriend Gerald haven't been right. They've been together for three years but he can't seem to ask the one question she's been waiting for. But what Lenora doesn't know is that her luck is about to change...

Just when she thinks things can't get worse, Lenora wins the jackpot in the Maryland lottery. In a heartbeat, all her dreams become possible. She quits her job and indulges her every desire-starting with a shiny, silver BMW and a million-dollar mansion. Gerald is finally ready to put a ring on her finger and the city's most exclusive women's group is dying for her to join, officially moving Lenora from behind the lens, into the limelight. But in Lenora's lavish new world, all that glitters definitely isn't gold. Her old friend's are concerned about her sudden changes, and Ray, a sexy, young landscaper Lenora covered for the magazine is looking for more than a purely professional relationship.

As her life starts to come together, the things Lenora holds dear begin to fall apart. Has her world really changed for the better, or does fortune come with a heavy price?


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SORMAG's ONLINE BOOKFAIR - DAY TWO - JUNE 11th

SORMAG's ONLINE BOOKFAIR - DAY TWO - JUNE 11th

Greetings in the name of literature,

I'd like to welcome to the second day of the Online Book Fair.

Our featured books are wonderful and just a click away from you owning them for yourself. Remember to support our authors, we want them to be writing for many more years.

Today is an author panel. Feel free to make comments or ask the author those questions that have been on your mind forever. They will stop in through out the day to answer questions.

If you have any problems or questions feel free to contact me at sormag@yahoo.com.

I will be online all day, so I hope to see you on the net too.

Enjoy the Online Book Fair.

LaShaunda C. Hoffman
SORMAG's Online Book Fair Host

ONLINE BOOK FAIR - DAY TWO SCHEDULE

FEATURED BOOKS

SORMAG's THEATER

BREAKING INTO THE CHRISTIAN MARKET PANEL

ONLINE BOOK FAIR - DAY ONE SCHEDULE

Click links to enter

FEATURED BOOKS

SORMAG's THEATER

AUTHOR PANEL

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SORMAG's ONLINE BOOK FAIR - Breaking Into The Christian Market - DAY TWO

DAY TWO - JUNE 11TH - ONLINE BOOK FAIR

Click on the comments and leave a comment or question for our panel. Unless noted, the authors will drop in through out the day to answer questions or post comments.

Breaking Into The Christian Market – Panel

(Advice on writing for the Christian Market)

MEET THE PANEL

Lyn Cote

When Lyn Cote became a mother, she gave up teaching, and while raising a son and a daughter, she began working on her first novel. Long years of rejection followed. Finally in 1997, Lyn got "the call." Her first book, Never Alone, was chosen by Steeple Hill. Lyn has had over twenty-five novels published since then. In 2006 Lyn's book, Chloe, was a finalist for the RITA. And in 2010, Lyn's Her Patchwork Family was a Carol finalist.

Lyn helped found two RWA chapters: Heart of Iowa Fiction Authors in 1994 and Faith, Hope & Love Inspirational Chapter in 1997. She served as president of both. She is an active member of Wisconsin Romance Writers and American Christian Fiction Writers. Lyn has also written three articles for the RWR on the inspirational romance market and one on Classic Romantic Conflicts. Lyn has taught regional and national workshops for RWA. For the past 12 years, Lyn has also compiled a Christian fiction market update every year which she posts on her website www.LynCote.net. Lyn’s brand “Strong Women, Brave Stories,” always includes three elements: a strong heroine who is a passionate participant in her times, authentic historical detail and a multicultural cast of characters. She maintains and active blog with that title www.StrongWomenBraveStories.com. Lyn also can be found on Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads. Living in northern Wisconsin in a lake cottage with her husband and four cats, Lyn spends her days writing books that show the power of divine as well as human love.

E.N. Joy (9am & 8 pm; )

BLESSEDselling Author E. N. Joy is the writer behind the "New Day Divas" five book series, which has been coined the soap opera in print. Titles include She Who Finds A Husband, Been There Prayed That, Love Honor or Stray, Trying to Stay Saved and I Can Do Better All By Myself. Currently, E. N. Joy is working on the "Still Divas" three book series set to launch in 2012. The titles include And You Call Yourself a Christian, The Perfect Christian and The Sunday Only Christian. You can visit the author at www.enjoywrites.com.

Shelia Lipsey

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

Rhonda McKnight

Rhonda McKnight is the author of the Black Expressions Top 20 bestseller, An Inconvenient Friend and Secrets and Lies. Winner of the 2010 Emma Award for Favorite Debut Author and the 2009 Shades of Romance Award for Best Christian Fiction Novel, she resides in Atlanta with her family. Visit her at http://www.rhondamcknight.net/

Leslie J. Sherrod

Leslie J. Sherrod is a native of Baltimore, Maryland. Her debut novel, Like Sheep Gone Astray (Grand Central Publishing, 2006), earned a Starred Review from Booklist and was featured on AOL’s Black Voices. She is a contributor to the bestselling A Cup of Comfort series (Adams Media) and co-partner of Paintbrush Poetry Original Art & Gifts, a business that combines her creative writing with her husband's original artwork. She is a recent graduate of the University of Maryland, Baltimore, where she completed her masters in clinical social work. A wife and mother to three, Secret Place (Urban Christian/Kensington Publishing Corp, 2011), a compelling novel addressing mental illness in families, is her second project.

Pat Simmons

Pat Simmons is the award-winning and bestselling author of five Christian fiction novels: Guilty of Love, Not Guilty of Love, Still Guilty, Talk to Me, and Crowning Glory. Her sixth novel, Guilty by Association will be released in January 2012. She is a genealogy sleuth and when she discovers ancestors, she casts them into starring roles in her novels.

Pat is a baptized in Jesus name Bible Believer and describes her Holy Ghost experience as an amazing journey in her salvation walk.

She has a B.S. in mass communication from Emerson College in Boston, MA and has worked in various media positions for more than twenty years, most recently as an assignment editor and news writer for TV. Presently, she is the publicist for the annual RT Booklovers Conventions.

She has been married for 28 years and has a son and daughter who recently graduated from college. Pat describes her husband, Kerry, as her GPS-guided chauffeur to book events as well as her amateur travel agent, booking those book events.

website is http://www.patsimmons.net/

Michelle Sutton (12 pm - 3pm az)

Michelle has been writing for over seven years and is a member of ACFW, as well as an avid book reviewer and blogger on a variety of sites. She founded Edgy Christian Fiction Lovers social networking site which is approaching 1000 members. Southeastern Arizona is where Michelle calls home. She loves that she is surrounded by mountains and clean air. She and her husband are approaching twenty-one years of marriage and their two sons will begin their second year of college this fall. She is the author of well over a dozen novels releasing through 2013, and presently has three publishers. They are... Sheaf House, Desert Breeze Publishing, and Sword of the Spirit.

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SORMAG's THEATER - DAY TWO

Welcome to SORMAG's THEATER

Step in and enjoy a few book trailers.  Post a comment and let us know what you think.

Secret Place

By Leslie Sherrod

An Inconvenient Friend

By Rhonda McKnight

Keeping Up With the Divas

By E.N. Joy

Their Separate Ways
By Michelle Sutton


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FEATURED AUTHOR: Candice Dow

Candice Dow is a native of Baltimore, MD and graduate of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and Johns Hopkins University. Before becoming a full-time writer, she worked as a Senior Software Engineer. It was her lifelong dream to write a novel and after toying with the idea for over five years, Candice made a commitment to herself to finish, Caught in the Mix; a story she had sporadically worked on.

Shortly after, Candice retained a literary agent and within two months was offered a two-book deal from Kensington Publishing. In 2005, she stepped out on faith and quit her six-figure job, one month prior to the release of her debut novel, Caught in the Mix. In her subsequent novels, Ain’t No Sunshine, A Hire Love and Tappin’ On Thirty, Candice continues to tackle relatable topics and create intriguing characters with stories that speak to the soul.

How did you start out your writing career?

I’d always love to read and write, but after I graduated from college, I began working on my first novel, Caught in the Mix. Keyword is STARTED. I didn’t finish it for nearly six years and I tried the traditional route first. I luckily landed an agent and a publishing deal.

What did you learn while writing this book?

This is the first novel I wrote after becoming a mother. I learned that juggling motherhood and creativity is a serious challenge.

What did you hope to accomplish with this book?

I hope this book helps people to be less judgmental of women that chose an alternative career. I don’t believe that anyone can truly say never about anything.

Which character did you have the most fun writing about?

I really enjoyed writing William Thorne. He is extremely charming and can sell water to a fish.

What has surprised you most about becoming a published author?

Readers actually emailing me to tell me they enjoyed my book. While I hoped they would, it touched me that they were compelled to send me a message. Even after seven novels, I am still flattered by this.

What aspect of writing do you love the best, and which do you hate the most?

I love coming up with the plot and character development. I hate deadlines.

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

I can’t really come up with three, but I would cherish every moment instead of rushing to a new goal. Time flies so fast and within minutes you’re no longer a first time author.

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

Read authors you enjoy primarily to study their technique and why they’re writing is appealing to you. This way you can snag a mix of all of your favorite authors styles combined with your style to create compelling stories. As an unpublished writer, DON’T put in your query letter that you have written the best novel ever. You don’t want to come off as arrogant. Instead, make your brief synopsis intriguing enough that the editor or agent wants to take time to read it.

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

Writers often just pull stories and characters from the sky. Really most of my stories come from my wild imagination. I think non-writers assume the characters are either the writer or someone they know.

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

I would be Pat in Trying to Sleep In the Bed You Made, by Virginia Deberry & Donna Grant

When you're not writing, what do you like to do in your spare time?

I love spending time with family and girls’ night out with my longtime girlfriends.

What do you do to interact with your readers?

Social networking.

Our theme for this month is INDEPENDENT PUBLISHERS. Have you ever considered self publishing your work? Why or Why not?

Yes, I have considered it, but I am a Software Engineer as well as a writer and I do not have the time necessary to be successful as an independent publisher.

Oprah always asks, What do you know for sure?

I know that I can do anything I put my mind to.

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

Email: candice@candicedow.com

OFF THE CHAIN

She’s fresh out of college, in major-league debt, and her shot at veterinary school just fell through. London Reed needs lots of cash fast, and when handsome tycoon William Thorne shows her just how to bend the rules, she finds that there’s not much difference between working with dogs and handling powerful alpha males. Soon London is sporting head-to-toe Dior, hitting the most exclusive A-list events, and giving her wealthy clients the uber-wild no-strings sex they’ve only dreamed about. But the cost of doing business is guilt, lies, betrayal, and an addiction to the high-end call girl life London can’t shake. As a new threat closes in, her clients’ most scandalous secrets—and London’s future—are put on the line. Her only way out is to discover what she truly wants . . . and that could be the most dangerous gamble of all.


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Summer Reads

Editor’s Note:


If I haven’t told you, I’m loving my Kindle, best thing since the laptop. I have tons of books on it, and I’m forever adding cash to my amazon account so I can be ready when something new comes out. I’m looking forward to reading this summer. Below is my partial reading list. I'm sure I’ll be adding more, when I do I’ll let you know.

Something Old, Something New: A Blessings Novel
By Beverly Jenkins

The citizens of Henry Adams are starting to take bets—will Lily Fontaine and Trent July finally tie the knot?

All they want is a nice, simple wedding, but their well-meaning neighbors are turning the no-fuss affair into the event of the decade. Bernadine, the town's fairy godmother, wants Lily to have a storybook wedding fit for a princess, and Lily's nine-year-old foster son is campaigning to be town preacher so he can officiate at the ceremony. Trouble multiplies when Trent is called on to help a new family move to town, not to mention Lily and Trent's task of blending their families together.

With the bustle of the tight-knit, and often tightly wound, friends and family pushing them to the breaking point, the couple begins to wish they'd eloped. But, as they'll soon be reminded, happiness in Henry Adams is meant to be shared.

The Deal, the Dance, and the Devil
by Victoria Christopher Murray

What would you do for five million dollars? Adam and Evia Langston have lived in their own little garden of Eden since the two married at the age of seventeen. Working their way up from the humblest of beginnings, the Langstons have thrived beyond anything they could have ever imagined. Now they live in the finest home, drive the best cars, and indulge in all the trimmings that signify their massive success.
But then the recession hits and rips apart the family’s financial stability. Unable to support their three children and other relatives, Adam and Evia find themselves drowning in financial trouble and teetering on the brink of complete disaster. With nowhere to turn, the Langstons have no idea what to do.

Until Shay-Shaunté, Evia’s multimillionaire boss, comes to the Langstons with a five-million-dollar offer that seems so hard to refuse. Will the Langstons make this deal? Or will they recognize that the glitter of five million dollars may be far from gold?

A Good Excuse To Be Bad
by Miranda Parker

Smart, gorgeous, and too tough for her own good, bail recovery agent and single mom Evangeline Crawford moved to the burbs for a quiet life. Fortunately, it's not turning out that way. . .

Angel has to admit she's feeling restless. The only excitement in her new life is her schoolgirl crush on the town's new pastor, Justus-too-Hot-to-be-Holy Morgan. But a fateful encounter and a job gone wrong at Club Night Candy in underground Atlanta is about to change all that. . .Soon, Angel's trying to save her divazilla twin sister from her big mouth and a scandalous murder charge, and probing a church cover-up—with none other than Justus by her side. But Angel has one more pressing concern: will Bella be ready for kindergarten? Only time will tell for this bad girl gone good whose days are once again far from boring—and hopefully far from numbered. . .

The Power of Six (I Am Number Four)
By Pittacus Lore

I've seen him on the news. Followed the stories about what happened in Ohio. John Smith, out there, on the run. To the world, he's a mystery. But to me . . . he's one of us.

Nine of us came here, but sometimes I wonder if time has changed us—if we all still believe in our mission. How can I know? There are six of us left. We're hiding, blending in, avoiding contact with one another . . . but our Legacies are developing, and soon we'll be equipped to fight. Is John Number Four, and is his appearance the sign I've been waiting for? And what about Number Five and Six? Could one of them be the raven-haired girl with the stormy eyes from my dreams? The girl with powers that are beyond anything I could ever imagine? The girl who may be strong enough to bring the six of us together?

They caught Number One in Malaysia.
Number Two in England.
And Number Three in Kenya.
They tried to catch Number Four in Ohio—and failed.

I am Number Seven. One of six still alive.

And I'm ready to fight.

How to Get Out of Your Own Way
By Tyrese Gibson

HOW TO GET OUT OF YOUR OWN WAY is organized into a series of fundamental questions that helped Tyrese redefine who he was as a human being, and evolve into a new man. Tyrese stresses that life becomes infinitely richer when one takes the time to know him or herself and understand the true meaning of peace and fulfillment. This book is a guide to helping yourself, using his experiences as a learning tool. "It's not about talking down to people, it's about elevating them," Tyrese says.

Some of Tyrese's chapter-based questions include: How much do you love yourself? How much do you want for yourself? Why do men cheat? What is your bottom line? Are you ready for the next level?

Go the F*** to Sleep
by Adam Mansbach , Ricardo Cortes (Illustrator)

Go the F*** to Sleep is a bedtime book for parents who live in the real world, where a few snoozing kitties and cutesy rhymes don't always send a toddler sailing blissfully off to dreamland. Profane, affectionate, and radically honest, California Book Award-winning author Adam Mansbach's verses perfectly capture the familiar—and unspoken—tribulations of putting your little angel down for the night. In the process, they open up a conversation about parenting, granting us permission to admit our frustrations, and laugh at their absurdity.

With illustrations by Ricardo Cortes, Go the F*** to Sleep is beautiful, subversive, and pants-wettingly funny—a book for parents new, old, and expectant. You probably should not read it to your children.

Delilah
By Shelia M. Goss

Behind every successful man is a good woman. The downfall of a good man is a woman up to no good.

Thirty-year-old Samson Judges is a prominent pastor of the Peaceful Rest Missionary Baptist Church. His church owns land that real estate mogul William Trusts wants. When Samson refuses to sell, William hires Delilah Baker to find out Samson's Achilles heel.

Money isn't Delilah's only motivation for taking the assignment. After watching Samson every Sunday morning on a local television station, Delilah has fallen in love with him. In her mind, there is only one person standing in her way of getting Samson--his fiancée, Julia Rivers.

Samson is far from innocent. He feels his longstanding relationship with God puts him above reproach. His weakness for one woman, Delilah, threatens to ruin his relationship with Julia, his parents, and his church. When he realizes the length Delilah will go through to get her man, Samson vows to protect his ministry by any means necessary.

Pompeii: City of Fire: A Novel
By T. L. Higley

Pompeii, a city that's many things to many people. For Cato, it's the perfect escape from a failed political career in Rome. A place to start again, become a winemaker. But when a corrupt politician wrongfully jails Cato's sister, he must oust the man from power to save her.

For Ariella, Pompeii is a means to an end. As a young Jew, she escaped the fall of Jerusalem only to endure slavery to a cruel Roman general. She ends up in Pompeii, disguised as a young man and sold into a gladiator troupe. Her anger fuels her to fight well, hoping to win the arena crowds and reveal her gender at the perfect time. Perhaps then she will win true freedom.

But evil creeps through the streets of Pompeii. Political corruption, religious persecution, and family peril threaten to destroy Ariella and Cato, who are thrown together in the battle to survive. As Vesuvius churns with deadly intent, the two must bridge their differences to save the lives of those they love, before the fiery ash buries Pompeii, leaving the city lost to the world.

A Writer's Guide to Publishing & Marketing
by Barbara Joe Williams

This is an easy to follow guide that will lead you from the first page of your draft to the last page of your published manuscript. In addition, you will learn successful strategies for increasing your book sales.

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BOOK SPOTLIGHT: THE DEAL, THE DANCE, AND THE DEVIL

What would you do for five million dollars? Adam and Evia Langston have lived in their own little garden of Eden since the two married at the age of seventeen. Working their way up from the humblest of beginnings, the Langstons have thrived beyond anything they could have ever imagined. Now they live in the finest home, drive the best cars, and indulge in all the trimmings that signify their massive success.

But then the recession hits and rips apart the family’s financial stability. Unable to support their three children and other relatives, Adam and Evia find themselves drowning in financial trouble and teetering on the brink of complete disaster. With nowhere to turn, the Langstons have no idea what to do.

Until Shay-Shaunté, Evia’s multimillionaire boss, comes to the Langstons with a five-million-dollar offer that seems so hard to refuse. Will the Langstons make this deal? Or will they recognize that the glitter of five million dollars may be far from gold?

Leave a comment for a chance to win a copy.
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BOOK TOUR: Ebonee Monique

Nominated as the 2009 Break Out Author of the Year by the African American Literary Awards for her novel Suicide Diaries, author Ebonee Monique returns this summer with her 3rd book Blitz (Peace in the Storm Publishing) about successful Tampa entrepreneur and owner of Robinson Realty, Mia Robinson as she learns that money doesn’t fix everything, especially when it comes to family matters.

As a young wife and mother, Mia was the victim of constant domestic violence by the hand of her alcoholic husband Branson. Her abuse was painful and frequent enough that she was on a first name basis with the emergency room staff at the local hospital. After suffering through her last beating Mia takes her baby daughter Brandi and runs away to Tampa, Florida. A chance meeting with an infamous real estate tycoon opened the door for Mia to learn the industry and become a well-known powerhouse in the real estate business.

Described in a 5-star Amazon review, Ebonee Monique does a remarkable job of developing the characters and the plot in her books. Her writing style is descriptive and fluid.

Shades of Romance shares a 1-minute excerpt from Blitz

1-minute Excerpt from Blitz by Ebonee Monique (Peace in the Storm Publishing)

( Mia Robinson, main character)

At eighteen, I got married to the worst mistake in my life, my high school sweetheart, Branson. Branson was just as poor, if not poorer, than me and had no aspirations or goals in life. But what he did have was my heart and, at that time, that was all that mattered. He’d promised me the mansion, the cars and the beautiful clothes, but I knew it would never happen.

And just like that, I began to fall into a life of regret and, surprisingly, dead-end wishes.

As a married woman, I was back to skimming magazines and praying at night that God would somehow grant those wishes. But as I stared around my one-bedroom apartment and poverty stricken neighborhood, I wondered if I had any type of escape route.

Branson and I lived paycheck to paycheck and started the cycle that both of our parents had grown accustomed to: barely paying the bills. There were plenty of times when we’d have to decide between eating and staying warm; normally staying warm won. I always knew I wanted more than living in Houston and the broken down neighborhood Branson and I called home; so I started secretly taking real estate classes, thinking Branson would be thrilled when I brought the certificate home. Instead, the night I brought my license to his attention, he slapped me to the ground and cursed me for spending “hard earned money on a stupid dream”. From that day on, the abuse continued.

Sometimes he’d hit me for reasons, which he voiced, other times it would be out of the blue and unexpected. My guard was constantly up, even in my own house. A feeling that made me feel less than human. Nevertheless, no matter how hard he beat me or how many times he did it, I still didn’t have
the backbone or the courage to leave. This was my husband; my mother didn’t raise me to divorce. Plus I loved that man with everything I had.

So, after Branson convinced me that real estate wasn’t a viable or realistic option for income, I put my knowledge and license on the back burner and continued working as a waitress.

But the entire time, I wondered whether or not that little piece of paper could serve as my lottery ticket out of the life I was living.

To purchase a copy of Blitz please visit online www.amazon.com
www.peaceinthestormpublishing.com

Keep in touch with Ebonee Monique via Twitter @eboneemonique Follow her virtual book tour and get a chance to chat with her by visiting her website www.eboneemonique.com

Content Courtesy of Dream Relations, PR & Literary Consulting Agency

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SORMAG's ONLINE BOOKFAIR - DAY ONE - JUNE 4th

Greetings in the name of literature,

I'd like to welcome you to our second Online Book Fair.

I'm sure you're wondering when was the first one. Way back in 2004 we had our first book fair. It was a huge success however, the site I hosted it on no longer exists, so I kind of put the book fair on the back burner. Fast forward to now, I wondered what I could do this year since I wasn't hosting the online conference and the book fair popped back up.

I love, love book fairs, but I can't go to as many as I would like, so I decided to bring one to us. We have some fantastic authors participating this year with some great discussions panels. I hope you take a moment to participate in the discussions.

Our featured books are wonderful and just a click away from you owning them for yourself. Remember to support our authors, we want them to be writing for many more years.

Today is an author panel. Feel free to make comments or ask the author those questions that have been on your mind forever. They will stop in through out the day to answer questions.

If you have any problems or questions feel free to contact me at sormag@yahoo.com.

I will be online all day, so I hope to see you on the net too.

Enjoy the Online Book Fair.

LaShaunda C. Hoffman
SORMAG's Online Book Fair Host

 

ONLINE BOOK FAIR - DAY ONE SCHEDULE

Click links to enter

FEATURED BOOKS

SORMAG's THEATER

AUTHOR PANEL

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SORMAG's ONLINE BOOK FAIR - Meet The Author Panel - Day One

DAY ONE - JUNE 4TH - ONLINE BOOK FAIR

Click on the comments and leave a comment or question for our panel.  Unless noted, the authors will drop in through out the day to answer questions or post comments.

MEET THE AUTHOR PANEL

Elaine Cantrell - 2- 5 pm

Elaine Cantrell was born and raised in South Carolina . She holds a master’s degree in personnel services from Clemson University . She is a member of Alpha Delta Kappa, an international honorary society for women educators. She is also a member of Romance Writers of America and EPIC authors. Her first novel, A New Leaf, was the 2003 winner of the Timeless Love Contest. When she isn’t writing or teaching high school social studies, she enjoys gardening, quilting, and collecting vintage Christmas ornaments. You can learn more about Elaine at her web site http://www.elainecantrell.com/

Grayson Reyes Cole

Grayson Cole is an author obsessed with language, love and the fantastic. She is intrigued by the relationships people build and what makes them work. Grayson hopes to bring intense and engaging characters to life for her readers along with well-developed, interesting stories.

Born and raised in Alabama, Grayson considers herself a quintessential Southerner. She also has a longstanding love affair with travel. She speaks a smattering of languages poorly and enjoys sharing stories of her adventures across Europe and Asia.
On her nightstand at any given time, one can find a stack of books in a lot of different genres. Right at this very moment, she has two books by Stanley Bing, Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison, one novel by Marjorie M. Liu, and a collection of short stories by Jorge Luis Borges.
Though a complete romantic at heart, Grayson's first major novel, Bright Star , flexed her fantasy/horror muscle and released to outstanding reviews with Lyrical Press, Inc in 2008. Reviews for this dark fantasy have been outstanding and it has consistently been a mainstream bestseller. The follow up, Domina, is much anticipated.
Expressing her softer, more romantic side, Grayson released The Builder and The Prescription Playboy, both of which are about strong women who recognize and welcome love, yet still have to struggle to acknowledge its place in their lives. She is expanding on this theme in her upcoming novel Inside Out from Genesis Press.

Shelia Lipsey

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

Lutishia Lovely
LUTISHIA LOVELY is the bestselling author of the popular Hallelujah Love Series which includes Sex In The Sanctuary, Reverend Feelgood and Heaven Forbid. A professional writer for more than a decade, she made the leap from stage and screenplays with a children's book before writing her first full-length novel of contemporary fiction. The first book in her new series, All Up In My Business, is out now and she’s just completed her fourteenth work. Six are romances penned by her alter-ego, Zuri Day. Lutishia resides in wine country, between LA and San Diego, and in her spare time loves to create delicious, vegetarian cuisine for family and friends. She also enjoys sports, the arts, travel, and most of all hearing from readers. Contact her at http://www.lutishialovely.com/.

Kimberly Purpoz
Kimberly Purpoz has been a professional writer and author for over 12 years. Kimberly currently writes under the following pseudonyms: Kimberly Purpoz and Purpoz. She is the author of "Age of Innocence", "Foreshadowers: The Seeker of Legends, and the upcoming motivational book, "Purpose Lies Within: A Motivational Book for the Heart and Soul." Purpoz is a graduate of Georgia State University. She is a motivational speaker and speaks for Great Black Speakers Bureau.
Find out more about Purpoz @:
http://www.purpoz.blogspot.com/
http://www.purpoz.wetpaint.com/
http://www.kimberlypurpoz.com/

Lisa Watson
A native of Washington D.C., the city’s historic and political backdrop fed Lisa Watson’s romantic imagination. Her hobbies are as eclectic as her music collection, but her guilty pleasure is writing fan fiction based on the characters of the popular television series, Remington Steele for which she has a National and International fan base. Enamored with scenic beauty, the picturesque locales she visits always seem to find a way into her latest novels.
Lisa’s short story, The Reunion, was featured in Sun Magazine’s 10-Minute Love Story column. Her debut novel, Watch Your Back continues to receive rave reviews, and was nominated for a 2009 Afr’Am Literary Fest award in Contemporary Romance and listed in the 2010 Best Reviewed Books.
A subcontractor to ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives), Lisa is also the co-publicist for RT Book Review Magazine’s annual RT Booklovers Conventions promoting National Bestselling authors that attend the conference via media outlets.
Lisa has just released Interview with Love (Urban Renaissance, December 2010) and is currently working on two exciting new novels, Brace for Impact and Off the Market.

Lisa lives outside Raleigh, NC and is married with two children.

http://lisawatson.com/


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SORMAG's THEATER - DAY ONE

Welcome to SORMAG's THEATER

Step in and enjoy a few book trailers.  Post a comment and let us know what you think.

A New Day by Elaine Cantrell

All Up In My Business by Lutishia Lovely

 

Age of Innocence  by Kimberly Purpoz

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JUNE REVIEWS

Lovin' Blue
Zuri Day


Kensington Publishing Corp.
ISBN: 13; 978-0-7582-5999-8
Publish Date: April 2011


Fiction
Rating: 4 Star -Excellent
Reviewed by: Delores Hines

Eden Anderson and Jansen McKnight are opposites in every way imaginable. Eden and Jansen have a long history because she’s Jansen’s best friend’s sister. Each of them returns to the old neighborhood wearing battle scars from failed marriages.

Through a miscommunication both of them end up house sitting Eden’s brother’s house. They try to coexist under one roof despite being complete opposites, she’s a vegetarian, and he loves meat. She’s totally against violence and he’s a gun toting police officer. Although they’ve both been hurt in the past they decide to have some fun together and see where things lead.

Eden and Jansen is such a cute couple whose relationship is in constant conflict with their individual beliefs but the love they share is too strong to ignore. The characters in this book are portrayed so realistically that you feel like you can almost reach out and touch them. The couple was on my mind long after the book was over.

Passion’s Price
Gwynne Forster


Kimani Press
ISBN: 13: 978-0-373-86200-9
Publish Date: February 2011


Fiction
Rating: 3 Stars -Good
Reviewed by: Delores Hines

Darlene Cunningham, attorney of criminal law, walks right into the middle of an investigation while looking for a key witness. While she doesn’t find her witness, she does find instant attraction in detective Mike Raines who is staking out the house where the investigation takes place. Each of them recognized the immediate chemistry but is not quite sure how to handle it.

Darlene ends up on house arrest because Mike believes she may be a key person in his investigation. The couple is forced to work together to get to the bottom of the case. Sparks continue to fly and the couple decides to let their instincts lead them personally and professionally.

Darlene and Mike struggle to keep their professional identities while trying to become a couple with tons of miles between them. For all of us Gwynne Forster fans the book delivers the quirky, spunky and spicy characters we come to know and love from her.

A Silken Thread
Brenda Jackson
Kimani Press
ISBN -13: 9780373534265
Published: February 2011
Romance


Rating: 5 STARS – SUPREME
Reviewed by: Vicki Brooks

Great characters, Great drama! If you enjoy a good soap opera, you’ll enjoy the twists and turns of A Silken Thread. This was definitely a modern day Peyton Place (and I’m giving away my age when I mention this movie). This story is about Brian and Erica, who met on a beach one summer day while vacationing. And a few months later are planning their dream wedding of which Erica’s Mom, Karen swears will never happen. The story, in my opinion revolves around Karen, who does every manipulative, undermining and deceitful thing to stop this wedding. She hires a private investigator to find dirt on Brian and when he can’t she tells him to make some dirt. Needless to say, while the private investigator is looking for dirt he finds it - - just not where Karen expects it to be. Unfortunately, while Karen is creating havoc for her daughter, her husband Wilson is creating a little somethin’ somethin’ with Rita, Brian’s Mom. While all of this is going on, Erica’s best friend, April is trying to find the love of her life after three failed marriages.

Several couples found love in this novel, check it out to find out who they are and whether or not their love was as strong as A Silken Thread.

P.S. I love a contemporary romance which includes the 50+ age bracket (thanks Brenda for looking out). Needless to say, my favorite characters were Rita and Wilson; they were just meant to be.


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The Revelation Gate Blog Tour

Tell us about The Revelation Gate

The Revelation Gate is three unconventional love stories set in the background of a Saharan country on the brink of war. A young woman with an incurable blood disease finds herself cured and pregnant – thanks to a mysterious phenomenon called “holy rain.” Though the law forbids it, she gives birth and immediately goes into hiding to save her son, who is destined one day to enter The Revelation Gate to free his people.

When the boy returns home years later after being presumed dead, a childhood friend falls in love with him – though he is forbidden to reciprocate it. And the freedom of his people depends on his devotion and willingness to sacrifice for them.

How did you come up with ideas for this book?

Honestly, I’d say about 80% of the ideas in the book are straight from the Bible or from the period of time surrounding the first century church. King Herod declared an infanticide when he heard of Jesus’ birth. John the Baptist was beheaded. The Jewish nation shunned the Samaritan nation because of its idolatry. These are all parts of The Revelation Gate, combined with a powerful love story. The mystic elements came from my love of comic books and superheroes.

Who are your main character(s)?

The main characters are: Isoke, the mother of the liberator; Chimelu, Isoke’s only son; Fola, Isoke’s brother and the leader of the slave rebellion, Lusala, Chimelu’s childhood friend and love interest; and Letsego, the brother-in-law of Isoke who not-so-secretly covets her hand in marriage. Muuaji is the king who opposes the slaves, and Kaizari is his ally in conquering the known world.

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

My favorite character is a tie between Chimelu and Lusala. I loved writing them both; especially the scenes they shared together.

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

The novel required extensive research, from the African-like area it depicts to the customs, weather seasons, and kinds of weapons available in the fictional time period (likened to around 800 B.C. to 20 A.D.).

What do you hope readers will learn/discover from reading The Revelation Gate?

I hope readers see themes of hope, redemption, and sacrifice to achieve God-ordained destiny for their own lives. Equally as important, I hope they learn something about themselves.

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

Reviews are important for me as a writer starting out. As a writer builds a following, the reviews become less and less important as they will know what to expect from me. But a good review never hurts!


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Happy Memorial Day - Thank You

When I joined the Navy at eighteen, I was so naïve I believed I would see the world on a cruise ship. A few months later I found out what I really was in the Navy for when we started having issues overseas. I was in seaman training and most of the men were called up to serve overseas. It hit us all that this was serious business.

Today when you join the military you know that there is a chance that you will have to fight for your country. I have the most respect for our military force today.

For those who serve - You didn’t have to sign up to join the military, but you did. You risk your life each and everyday so we can be comfortable in our homes.

THANK YOU

I pray the Lord continues to keep you safe and bring you home safely.

Have a safe Memorial Day

P.S. To my family members who serve -Khalilah Limbrick and Devora Bevly-Jones. You ladies rock - Love ya.


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Featured Author: Booker T. Mattison

Booker T. Mattison is an author and filmmaker who wrote the screenplay for and directed the film adaptation of Zora Neale Hurston's classic story "The Gilded Six Bits," which aired on Showtime.

His second novel Snitch was published May 1st. His debut novel Unsigned Hype was published in June 2009 and is in its third printing. Mattison received his Master of Fine Arts in film from New York University and his Bachelor of Science in mass communication from Norfolk State University. He has taught Literary Criticism at the College of New Rochelle in New York, film production at Brooklyn College and Advanced Directing, Screenwriting and Directing Actors at Regent University in Virginia.

How did you start out your writing career?

My writing career actually started long before I ever drafted a sentence. I have been creating characters for as long as I can remember. When I was three I created a game called "The Working-tics" where I got up and went to work every day. I made up an entire cast of characters, and my two older brothers would join in and play the game. Essentially, I was creating characters and directing. I guess that was a
prelude to me becoming an author and filmmaker.

What did you learn while writing this book?

As I wrote Snitch I learned that writing a novel can be excruciatingly difficult. I wrote my first novel Unsigned Hype in six weeks. It took me two and a half years to write Snitch! There were times when I really had to wrestle through difficult plot points, characterization issues and lulls in creativity. I had to 'do' many of the things that I teach my students because it was a battle!

What did you hope to accomplish with this book?

I hope that Snitch contributes to a larger discussion on witness intimidation, snitching and community involvement in the legal process. I consider that triumvirate to be a silent crisis that is not getting enough attention.

Which character did you have the most fun writing about?

The character of Rock was fun to write because he is so dramatically different from any other character that I've written or read. He is arguably the most interesting character in Snitch.

What has surprised you most about becoming a published author?

What has surprised me the most about being a published author is the way that people respond to you. I write stories. Always have. And I never thought that writing stories made me special. But sometimes readers can be awestruck by an author; reverential even. That takes some getting used to because I don't consider myself to be special. God has just gifted me to be able to put words together on the page.

What aspect of writing do you love the best, and which do you hate the most?

That's easy. What I like most about writing is reading the completed story. What I like least is the work of writing it!

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

The three things that I wish I knew before I reached where I am now are: a.) Hard work doesn't always translate into dollar signs. b.) As it relates to writing, skill is not the most important factor in determining success.. c.) Serving God will not keep you out of the wilderness, rather it will likely land you smack in the middle of it!

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

As an aspiring writer the most important thing that you can do is finish your manuscript, because it's not about writing it's about re-writing. As for a 'don't do' - never approach someone and ask them for help unless you know SPECIFICALLY what you want them to help you with, but don't get offended if that person says no.

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

This answer is related to your previous question - many authors are busy in ways that non-writers can’t imagine. Let's say an author sells five thousand copies of their novel. Imagine if only a third of those readers sent that author an email or asked that author to read their ideas or help them get their book published. That's over 1,600 requests for an author that is not even that popular! Imagine the same scenario if the author sold 50,000 copies of their book. Requests can become maddening.

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

I would like to be Ralph the mouse in Beverly Cleary’s The Mouse and the Motorcycle. I was intrigued with where he went and what he did on his motorcycle. I especially liked the crash helmet that Keith fashioned for Ralph out of a ping pong ball. When I read that story as a kid I became Ralph and enjoyed the wonder and excitement of riding his toy motorcycle along with him.

When you're not writing, what do you like to do in your spare time?

When I’m not writing I’m a full time father and husband.. My wife and I will celebrate ten years of marriage in December and we have four kids ages 8, 7, 6 and 3.

What do you do to interact with your readers?

I accept all friend requests on Facebook, and often engage in Facebook IM conversations with readers. I also respond to every email that readers send me through my website. I think it’s important to acknowledge, and communicate with people who make the financial and time investment of buying and reading your books.

Our theme for this month is BOOK READERS. Give a shot out to five book clubs who have featured your books.

I’m sorry, but there are six that have been extremely supportive so I must list them all. There is Black Expressions Book Club who has as its editor-in-chief my “label mate” Carol Mackey and AALBC.com (African American Literature Book Club) founded by my good friend Troy Johnson. Then there is Go On Girl Book Club which just celebrated their 20th anniversary. They featured me as part of their 20th anniversary celebration activities. There is also the Sankofa Literary Society, founded by Ella Curry, which is a collection of 30 book clubs, Conversations Book Club founded by my friend Cyrus Webb and last, but certainly not least, AAMBC (African Americans on the Move Book Club) founded by my cut buddy Tamika Newhouse.

Oprah always asks, What do you know for sure?

What I know for sure is that God is real and He has a son named Jesus.

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

I have yet to begin writing my next book, however I have two stories that I am kicking around in my head. One is titled Great Falls, and the second The Art of Loss. Both stories are mere fetuses, so I am not at liberty to divulge what kind of life they will grow into. Nevertheless, I plan to finish the screenplays for Snitch and my debut novel Unsigned Hype before I start my third novel.

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

Readers can email me through my website
http://www.facebook.com/l/010f6bvwslOLKWIb0gEzka7eTAg/www.bookertmattison.com.

 I also accept all friend requests on Facebook. You can also ‘Like’ me on my Facebook artist page. My personal and artist page are both Booker T. Mattison. My twitter handle is @bookertmattison.

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SNITCH

On the streets of Jersey City there is a simple code. You don’t talk to the cops. You don’t snitch. Period. But when young bus driver Andre Bolden witnesses a crime on his route, he is compelled to make a choice. If he keeps silent, he might lose his job and be gnawed by his conscience. If he snitches, he could lose his family—even his life.

This explosive story explores the clash between a working man and the code of the street. Gifted storyteller Booker T. Mattison has crafted a realistic tale full of tension and raw suspense yet infused with spiritual truth. Snitch rewrites the rule to mind your own business, peers into the hearts of those who seek revenge and redemption, and celebrates the ability of a community to triumph over violence and intimidation.

"Snitch: A Novel" Book Trailer: http://vimeo.com/23012447


"Snitch: A Novel" Author Commentary: http://vimeo.com/23834111

Praise for Snitch

"Mattison has a suberb ear and his skill keeps on growing." --Publishers Weekly, starred review
"Snitch should be required reading for anyone with a pulse and a conscience." —Lisa Cortés, executive producer of the Academy Award–winning film Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire.

"AMAZING--down to the last line. Bravo!"--Victoria Christopher Murray, Essence bestselling author

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