Wednesday, February 29, 2012

FEATURED AUTHOR: Allyson M. Deese


Discovering The Joy Within

Where life for her should be beginning, for Jordyn she feels that her life is already over.

Lost in a world of depression, the vulnerable teen eventually feels she has found love again in Eric Carter. He's older and more mature than Carlos, and he's also the loving father of two. His kids can never replace her beautiful angels but Jordyn feels that loving them helps her broken heart to heal. Life is once again bearable until she discovers Eric's form of abuse isn't physical; it's verbal. She endures his tongue lashing but in the end, he leaves her for his lover. The stress and heartache leads the expectant mother down a familiar road; miscarriage and yet more darkness and pain.

Surrounded by her own darkness, Jordyn closes her heart to love after having endured physical and emotional abuse. That is until Marcus Brown comes along to heal her broken heart. The third time should be the charm but Jordyn soon discovers that Marcus’ glitter is not gold. What's a young woman to do when every road she takes leads to heartache and pain?

Book Trailer: http://animoto.com/play/7GyPLIImRr8WNDTEOZZzMw


Being in love with the written word since pre-school, she began writing poetry in her teens, but it would be years before she floated on cloud nine... into the world of writing to entertain and inspire others. Once writing explicit romance, Allyson now dedicates all of her writings to God with the prayer that her stories will touch the hearts of her readers.

How did you start out your writing career?

I was simply trying to heal my own soul after separating from my first husband. I posted some of my writing on my myspace blog and the rest is history.

What did you learn while writing this book?

I learned that I was definitely more emotionally connected to the characters I loved to hate, than I thought I would be.

What did you hope to accomplish with this book?

It was and is my prayer that I’ve raised awareness against teenage domestic violence, especially in the African-American community.

What came first with this story, the characters or the plot? Why?

The characters came first for me. They came first because bits and pieces of them are based on my life and the lives of those I’ve known.

What has surprised you most about becoming a published author?

The thing that has truly surprised me the most is the length of time that it takes to become well or even somewhat known for your work.

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

What I love most about writing is “getting to know” new characters. What I hate most about writing is the re-writing, and re-writing before production.

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

Three things that I’d wish I’d known before I’d made it to this point is, one: how easy it is to be boxed into one genre, two: how hard it is to break into new genres/ audiences, and three: how long it really takes to build a concrete following.

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

If I could only give one do, it would be to have a solid pre-reading team. People who will honestly give you constructive criticism.

My main don’t would have to be DO NOT LOOK FOR OVERNIGHT FAME. It takes years and lots of hard work to become known, trust me, I’m still climbing the mountain too. LOL

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

I wish that non-writers knew or understood that writing is a full time job, and most of us have full time jobs outside of the home and writing as well.

Tell us something few know about you?

Something that few know about me is that I still aim to be a fashion designer someday.

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

Reading, cooking, and spending time with my new husband.

What do you do to interact with your readers?

I can often be found talking about other books and reading along with my readers as well.

Our theme for this month is Writing the book, what advice do you have for staying motivated to complete the book?

Write in a quiet and private space, turn the music up or off, and set a schedule for completing your book and try your best to stick to it.

Do you do anything to promote Black History Month?

My husband and I do a lot different programs at church, and I like to honor the local African American Heroes in different ways.

Oprah always asks, What do you know for sure?

That God loves me, and I love Him.

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

I sure can…

Make Me Over: An Office Affairs Novel: After the soloist had finished the last line of the beautiful song, Bishop Paul McCoy stood and said the closing prayer and then asked everyone but the family of the deceased to remain seated. He came down and shook Davis, Allysia, and little Tyshawn’s hands and kissed a sound asleep baby LaDonna. Tears silently slid down Davis’ cheek but he was trying his best to remain strong for his family. Since he was the only child, he had to be the rock of the family since both of his parents were now gone. With his mother, the first woman he ever loved being taken to her final resting place, Davis felt as if a piece of his heart had been taken from him all over again.

Allysia was grateful for the fact that she and her mother in-law had gotten the chance to know one another and had formed a friendship. While the elder Mrs. Jackson didn’t agree with the fact that her daughter in-law didn’t like to cook, she had come to accept her for who she was, and Allysia Donaldson-Jackson appreciated that. As the casket passed by the family, Davis broke down and Allysia passed the baby to her mother and went to comfort her husband who was shaking and crying uncontrollably. “It’s okay baby, it’s okay. I’m here. I love you.” Allysia really didn’t know what to say to comfort her husband, but, she was doing the best she could. The casket finally passed and the family slowly followed it out of the sanctuary, though the sun was shining bright, it felt as if a dark cloud had hovered over the Jackson family as the heart of the family had been called home to glory.

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

Readers can write me at Allyson M. Deese PO Box 394, Asheville, NC 28802, allysondeese@yahoo.com or visit me http://allysonmdeese.webs.com/

Thank you so much for this interview LaShaunda!

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Tuesday, February 28, 2012

BLACK HISTORY: The Rosa Parks Story


The Rosa Parks Story

A detailed biography of pioneering civil rights activist Rosa McCauley Parks. Even as a child, Rosa stands separate from her fellow African-Americans; instead of being shipped off to a shabby public school, she is enrolled in a private classroom run by Quakers, who encourage the girl to transcend the severe limitations of legalized segregation in her home state of Alabama. In her late teens, Rosa marries barber Raymond Parks, a politically savvy and outspoken proponent of equal rights for all. For many years suffering in silence as the iniquities of the South's Jim Crow laws consign her to second-class-citizen status, Rosa finally joins the local branch of the NAACP with the encouragement of her childhood friend Rebecca "Johnnie" Carr -- much to the dismay of husband Raymond, who feels that the organization is ineffective in its ongoing battle against the white power structure. Rosa's personal struggle against institutionalized racism reaches its zenith on the night of December 1, 1955, when, bone-weary after a long day's work as a seamstress at a Montgomery department store, she refuses to give up her seat on a bus to a white man -- and is promptly arrested. Thus are the wheels set in motion for the first major Civil Rights demonstration of the 1950s, with Rosa rising to heroic status in the eyes of her people, an event that also profoundly alters the life of local religious leader Martin Luther King Jr.

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Friday, February 24, 2012

FEATURED AUTHOR: Vladimir Nicolas


Born on september 2, 1979 in Cap Haitien at Haiti. Living in Montreal (Canada) since the years 90s, he published in 2007 his first book of poetry titled Azrael,dedicated to his deceased mother, Ruth Louis. In 2008, the French publisher Le Manuscrit contracted him for publishing a cyberpunk poetry book titled Automato et humanus. Since 2011, he is writing his first novels.

How did you start out your writing career?

In 2000, I have joined a college student newspaper named “Vox Populi” at college Andre-Laurendeau in order to make new friends. Then, I fell in love with literature by writing some short poems and my thoughts for that newspapers. So little by little, literature was become an essential part of my own existence both by own passions and influence from classmates who studied in literature.

What did you learn while writing this book?

Patience.

What did you hope to accomplish with this book?

I would like people to believe that money do not necessary bring happiness. I am not the first author or philosopher that defends that viewpoint, but we often forgot that point. The second lesson people can learn by reading that book that the world will be heartless without love. Love is what that makes turn the world. Parents do sacrifices for their kids by love. Love put together humans divided by religious faith or political ideologies though they were threatened by their compatriots. So love is the universal that push humans to do the impossible by calling the best feelings within us.

What came first with this story, the characters or the plot? Why?

The plot came first inspired by Bill Gates campaign to rally several billionaires for giving their money to donation. So I got the plotting idea of a kind billionaire from Bill Gates ideas. Then, several Chinese fans and admirers complained that most of my books were written in French. So the main character family name is “Wong” in order to be grateful to my Chinese followers of my writing career.

What has surprised you most about becoming a published author?

People have great admiration of you. I have been surprised by the praise for being a published author.
Consequently, I was very surprised for being praised for that though I firmly believe anyone can become a published author.

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

To give life to an imaginary world and create the characters that will populate my fictional universe is the favorite I like enjoying when I am writing.

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

Writing is a monastic way of life. Famous or not, a writer should dare to support loneliness. Instead of fearing solitude, a writer should cherish the silence while he or she is writing the book.

Good writing is hard constitutes the second lesson I have learned from writing since five years. Like any writer, I wrote a first draft both from passion and inspiration before I review or rewrite my manuscripts several times.

At last, writing is total joy. The gratification for reading your printed book overcomes the pain for writing it. Nobody told me or taught me about the joy of writing a book. So I have discovered and enjoyed the indescribable joy to make working the heart with the mind for writing a book. Consequently, Writing a book is a total joy.

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

Write and read newspapers daily to get aware of the world you are living in. Dear aspiring and unknown writer, write first for yourself and not for fame.

So you will never lack of motivation for writing and faith in yourself-you will face with confidence the multitude of rejection letters from book publishers. At last,cheering those advices will build up the path to your long writing career.

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

Writing is the most democratic art! Writing is not an elitist activity, but an art in which everyone can learn to know themselves, fight the harsh alienation from their working place and to empower themselves by entertaining other with their writings.

Tell us something few know about you?

Before writing,I liked drawing very much. Drawing was my first artistic activity in which I was playing with my imagination to give life to my first stories.

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

I do have many hobbies beside writing. I like photography, I go wandering alone in Montreal downtown for taking photos. Then, I like watching movies,so I went with friends in theaters.

What do you do to interact with your readers?

I did a blog and a facebook author page. In the coming years, I am planning to start reading poetry and do more public activities.

Our theme for this month is Writing the book, what advice do you have for staying motivated to complete the book?

Perseverance. When you do not find support in your family or friends, you should keep the perseverance for writing though the whole world can turn against you.

Do you do anything to promote Black History Month?

Because of my daily job, I have been busy. Someday, I would like to organize a literature festival during the Black History Month for featuring several Black authors from all continents. However, the festival will be open to non-black writers for the reason I consider that literature is mankind ownership, revealing its richness and human diversities through the stories, songs and poems written by women and men from any culture.

Oprah always asks, What do you know for sure?

Writing is a long-time vocation and excellence rises from practicing the craft and the writing of several words.

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

Right now, I am involved in many writings. And my upcoming book should be a standard fantasy novel with magic and a sad love stories. It is a book I have titled: The Winter Queen

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

E-mail: vladland@yahoo.fr
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Vladimir-Nicolas/30791701145
Blog: http://blog.sina.com.cn/u/1718748480

Mister Wrong and the Goddess of Love
In this fairy tale,Mister Wong, the richest man on Earth, has a big problem: to find true love. Despite his fortune, he is unlucky to find true love because girls dated him rather to get his money than to really love him for his personality. So he will decide with despair to capture the Goddess of Love in order to be lucky in love without thinking his actions will be disastrous for the whole world.


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Wednesday, February 22, 2012

FEATURED AUTHOR: Kiru Taye

Kiru Taye writes steamy contemporary, historical and paranormal romance. Her debut historical romance novella His Treasure is a Love Romances Cafe Best Book of 2011 award-winner and an All Romance eBooks bestseller in Historical Ancient romance category. Her stories are steamy and sensual, her characters are passionate and sassy and her settings, atmospheric and exotic.

When she’s not writing, she’s reading, hanging out with family or traveling. She lives in the United Kingdom with her husband and two young children. You can reach her via her blog, Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads

How did you start out your writing career?

With 2 young kids at home and a husband who travels a lot for business I wanted a career that gave me flexibility. I’d always wanted to write but my busy career in the corporate world meant I never had the time. So when I decided to change careers, I saw it as the perfect opportunity to write.

What did you learn while writing this book?

With this story I was writing out of my comfort zone. I had to do a lot of research into Igbo culture and history. I also spoke to older relatives and friends who recalled stories where told as children. I learnt some new things about my cultural heritage.

What did you hope to accomplish with this book?

I wanted to write about African heritage and culture in a positive light. African isn’t all about war and poverty. People fall in love and are romantic just like in every other part of the world.

What came first with this story, the characters or the plot? Why?

I’m not a plotter. I tend to write my stories, one chapter at a time. So this was no different, it was character-driven. The first scene that came into my head was of this young woman on her way to the market early in the morning in ancient Africa. I didn’t quite know who she was or what her conflict was. But she was walking along chatting with her friend who happened to be pregnant. From there the story developed.

What has surprised you most about becoming a published author?

I’m pleasantly surprised everyday by the overwhelmingly positive reception my debut book has received. It is a historical romance novella set in Ancient sub-saharan African, not something you read every day.

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

I love the whole process of just writing when the idea is fresh in my head. Just me and my laptop, typing away as the story develops.

I won’t say I hate but I don’t like line editing. I always cringe whenever I read the line editor’s comments on my WIP. :)

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

Do learn – Read a lot. Find out what you love about your favorite novels and try to work that into your books.

Don’t give up – Don’t throw the towel in because you receive a rejection from a publisher. Rewrite and refine your manuscript and send it to other publishers.

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

Writing is a job. At least for me it is. It’s not a hobby. I’d like to earn a decent living from it, just like everyone else doing a job.

Tell us something few know about you?

I was born in Enugu, Nigeria.

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

I love reading, hanging out with friends and family and traveling.

What do you do to interact with your readers?

I interact with readers online via my blog, Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads

Our theme for this month is Writing the book, what advice do you have for staying motivated to complete the book?

I think it’s important to engage with your characters. My characters tend to be quite loud and ‘in my ear’ so I’m always motivated to keep going.

Another point is to just write. When I write my first draft, I don’t do any editing. I just write. It’s only when the first draft is complete that I go through and edit.

Do you do anything to promote Black History Month?

In the UK, Black History Month is on October. I participate in events with other authors to promote books of African history.

Oprah always asks, What do you know for sure?


I know that I love God, my husband and children.

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

My next book is out already. A Valentine Challenge is a contemporary romance set in Nigeria. Here’s the blurb.

Ex-soldier Michael Ede’s spent his time building his life exactly the way he wants it. Life is good. Or so he thinks. So when his friends set him a challenge to exorcise the memory of a woman from his past, he expects it to be a walk in the park.

Socialite Kasie Bosa is spitting fire at men. Her long-term boyfriend has asked for a break via text message of all things. How dare he? She’s told him to go take a dive into the River Niger. And not so politely too. So the next man who dares to cross her path is at risk of getting shredded with her spa manicured nails.

Bad news for Michael who has chosen her as the object of his challenge. But neither of them can deny the sizzling chemistry between them nor control their responses, it seems. It’s the season of love. Can either of them escape unscathed?

A Valentine Challenge is available now on Amazon US, Amazon UK and All Romance eBooks.

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


Readers can reach me via my blog - http://kirutayewrites.blogspot.com, Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads

His Treasure

In a time when men ruled their households with firm hands, can a quiet man tame his rebellious wife with persevering love?

Angry at being forced to marry a man not of her choosing, Adaku stubbornly shuns her new husband on their wedding night. However, she soon discovers there are worse things than giving in to a man whose touch awakens her deep desires. In a land where fruitfulness is celebrated, she could soon be labeled a barren woman.

Obinna knows there are several ways to tame a rebellious woman. Patience and perseverance are two of them. Adaku is his treasure and he will never let her go. When her fears push her into his arms, will he be able to convince her to stay with him forever by unleashing the passion within her?

His Treasure is available now on Amazon US, Amazon UK, All Romance eBooks and other online retailers.

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Monday, February 20, 2012

FEATURED AUTHOR: Desiree Lane


I am an undergraduate student at Concordia College Selma. I am a Lutheran as is my father, he is also the school Chaplain(retired) and has been a Lutheran minister for forty years. I traveled a lot during my youth since my father was a Navy commander/chaplain. Touring the country instilled in me a desire to learn about different cultures. I grew to appreciate America’s landscape and began to develop a thirst for knowledge.

Concordia College is nestled in a small rural town located approximately forty-five minutes outside of Montgomery, Alabama. It was here that Rosa J. Young started her first school also known as Alabama Junior College. My father, uncles, and cousins began their early educational experiences when not farming in the cotton fields.

Selma, AL is considered to be the crux of the civil rights movement. The town hosts a Jubilee each year to commemorate the tragedies that took place on Bloody Sunday. Many influential visitors have made the annual sojourn there to reenact the march that took place with Dr. Martin Luther King. I have used the pen name Desiree Lane to author this first book in a series of novella'.


How did you start out your writing career?

I began writing while studying for my BS in Elementary Education. The endless school reports and the new awakening of my own academic abilities inspired me to write. I have tutored at-risk youths and counseled teens. I wanted to share my story in my own words.


What did you learn while writing this book?

Despite any editorial jargon that is atypical of critics in the writing community; I have learned how to release the crippling prejudices that keep me from being productive. Being able to close a chapter of my life and begin again was the goal that I had set out to accomplish with this new publication.


What did you hope to accomplish with this book?

I wanted to provide hope to the young adult readers that had monumental struggles in their lives. I wanted to encourage them to enter into college. I also needed to reach the young adult that were just venturing into the world.


What came first with this story, the characters or the plot? Why?

I developed the plot initially because it was derived out of my personal experiences. As the plot developed the characters begin to unfold as well. Sometimes people relate well to experiences versus that character which can have a unique identity.


What has surprised you most about becoming a published author?

The most rewarding part of being a teacher is teaching children to read. Inspiring young minds to develop a sense of cultural awareness was essential to this authorship. Self-Publishing a series of novellas was an easy transition for me but, I would like to be represented by an agent.

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

I like have the freedom to be a creative thinker and the eccentricity that inspires me to be an individual. The editing and publishing is time consuming. I really hate when I have to redraft my work.

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

Looking back at it with the acuity of 20/20 vision is not always appealing. But, I will say that the rewards outweigh any regrets that you may have about writing. Realizing that time is invested into the project and having statistical data to support the endeavor is undermined by any financial obligations that must be met. I would have to say that the relationships that I repaired and built were reinforced by my books. Being able to abolish any stereotype about women in my writing and how this would impact the readers was as important to me as publishing.

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

Don’t be dissuaded by rejection letters. Take any advice and use it if you find it useful. Do research your demographic and target audience before publishing and find a way to meet the masses. If your work is worth publishing there will be opportunities available to writers of all skill levels.

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

Writing is an art. It is done so with professionalism and integrity. It is meant to entertain and it can be a very personal experience.



FREEDOM RINGS

Desiree Lane is a young woman that has encountered insurmountable odds. Her life was normal and her childhood seemed to be ideal. She seems to be impervious to the lifestyles of urban Americans. While enjoying her perceivably faultless suburban community in which she was bred. However, lurking in the foreground were gangs and drug addicts. When her parents divorced, her life would be augmented by the influx of crime in the inner city. She becomes encumbered by the loss of stability. Eventually, the violence in her new dwelling becomes insipid and she is assaulted. She tries to cope with the loss and betrayal while trying to maintain the equilibrium that would allow her to transition well into adulthood.



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Thursday, February 16, 2012

BLACK HISTORY: King: The Martin Luther King Story



King: The Martin Luther King covers the years 1954 through 1968, taking Rev. King from his first peaceful protests against segregation in Montgomery to his murder in Memphis.

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Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Marlene Banks Virtual Book Tour


Tell us about RUTH’S REDEMPTION.

RUTH’S REDEMPTION is a historical Romance set in 1830s Virginia. It’s a slave era story about a young female slave named Ruth who is defiant and bitter from the abuses of her slave existence. Her life becomes entangled when she’s purchased by a free black man named Bo. Bo is an educated man of strong faith in Christ. Ruth wants no part of Bo’s faith or life. All she craves is to be free, free from bondage to whites, free from uncompensated servitude and free from men. Bo, however is a different sort of man and he wins her heart. She discovers the true freedom from sin, slavery and the ghosts of the past. GOD sets her free in every imaginable way. The story is told with the backdrop of the Nat Turner rebellion.

How did you come up with ideas for this book? 

The spiritual answer is the idea came from the Holy Spirit. The anointing falls and the ideas flow, a novel is born and takes shape. My more humanistic response would be first I decided I wanted to try to write a historical romance based loosely on the book of Ruth in the Bible. I thought the slave era would be a good subject matter. I was sitting in my office and looked over at my bookshelf and my eyes fell on a book about the Nat Turner rebellion. That clicked as a historical point to place the story around.


Who are your main character(s)? 

Ruth, a young defiant breeding slave and Bo an educated free black and land owner.

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

I really don’t have a favorite but Naomi is very dear to my heart because she is the voice of love, reason and life going forward. She embodies the strength, tenacity, love of family and faith that I believe held the African American together through all the hardships of slavery. Like so many strong black women she kept it going through her own pain and everybody else’s around her.


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

Yes I did; I had to research the rebellion and life in the 1830s. I had to be more specific to that area and the slave existence. That includes how they dressed, talked, and lived in general.


What do you hope readers will learn/discover from reading RUTH’S REDEMPTION.

Not so much to learn as to question. I would like my readers to ask pertinent questions about social issues then and now. What is our responsibility as a society to make sure everyone lives with equal freedoms and the right to dignity in life? Questions like is violence ever justified outside of clear self-defense or saving someone’s life? Is violence a solution to social injustice? Does being a Christian mean being a coward when you don’t strike back? Was Jesus a coward going to the cross or is self-sacrifice the bravest road one can take? And also questions like how far have we really evolved with racial bigotry in this country? Are Christians supposed to compartmentalize GOD or is He Lord of everything? Do we trust him to handle even the social political issues as well or do we take matters in our own hands? How do we know when GOD is telling us to fight? What impact did Nat Turner’s rebellion and other’s like it have on slavery. Was it worth it or not?

As you see there are endless questions this story evokes. I don’t provide answers I just stir the mind to ask the questions so the reader can seek the answers for themselves. Answers relevant for then and for now.


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

Reviews are important to the marketing of a novel but they are simply opinions made by other people. So I don’t judge the quality of the story by a review necessarily. Reviews meter people’s reactions to my work. That is important in the market place of course but a wonderful story can get a poor review. A lousy story can get a great review. It’s all so terribly subjective when you deal with the critiquing process. Reviews have a place and function but it does not tell me the true quality of my work per se. It tells me the probable marketability of it which is crucial in publishing but not the main thing as a literary craftsperson. I love writing, crafting engaging stories that inspire and make people think. I am an inbred story teller so that to me is the primary goal; to tell a good story in an interesting and entertaining manner.

About the Book

Set in the 1800s, Ruth’s Redemption, depicts slave life in the south. Bo, the main character who was educated while a slave is a freedman who now owns a farm and buys slaves for the purpose of giving them their freedom. Bo is also a widower whose life is destined to changed when he meets the stubborn, proud and hard-hearted 20 year old slave girl, Ruth.

Ruth has known nothing but harshness and brutality since being separated from her mother at age thirteen. Purchased and sold primarily for breeding and the enlargement of her master’s slave stock, Ruth struggles to understand the way of her new master. Bo is unlike any master she’s known and what she experiences in his care will leave her forever changed.

A gripping pre-Civil War slave era novel, Ruth’s Redemption is a story of forgiveness, acceptance and redemption. Set against the backdrop of the Nat Turner Rebellion in Tidewater, Virginia, this novel shines the light of God’s unconditional love in the darkness of the evils of hatred and acts of inhumanity.

About the Author

Marlene Banks is a Philadelphia, PA native. She attended Westminster College in New Wilmington, PA and has an Associate’s Degree in Theology from the Rhema Bible Institute in Keysville, VA. She is the director of ministry at Lifeline Mission of the Gospel. Through her writing ministry, Marlene’s desire is to promote the gospel and serve the needs of her community.

Visit the author online at:

http://www.marlenebanks.com

http://www.ruthsredemption.com

BookTrailer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKwbmpX1H0I&feature=youtu.be



View the blog tour schedule at:
http://www.tywebbin.com/blog-tours/authors-on-tour/2012-tours/


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Monday, February 13, 2012

FEATURED AUTHOR: Althea Baldwin


The Day I No Longer “Heard” the Sun Shine is an informative, but emotionally connected book, speaking from experiences from the heart about enduring and overcoming the diagnosis of Cancer. Whether you are a cancer patient, caregiver to someone battling cancer, or medical professional, the pages within this book will encourage and touch in ways that will heal your mind and spirit as well as inform you to help you endure this time. There is hope in the midst of tragedy, and you will “hear” the sun shine again!


How did you start out your writing career?

I've been writing since I was young, probably about 8 years old. I've always loved the art of writing and its expression. I started writing poetry, inspirational, and motivational messages. It became a career for me once I developed my very first book.

What did you learn while writing this book?

I learned how simple documentation of facts are very vital in capturing vivid details of one's experience. I also learned how much I loved writing and how easy it was for me. I also learned about the importance of research.

What did you hope to accomplish with this book?

I hope to reach millions of women suffering with breast cancer to encourage them with an awareness of the disease and inform them of what to expect with their experience...every step of the way. I also hope to help comfort breast cancer patients as well as the caretakers that care for them.

What came first with this story, the characters or the plot? Why?

The plot of my story came first. I write for a cause...the fight against breast cancer. So I guess you can say that the plot of my story was my own experience to share with the world.

What has surprised you most about becoming a published author?

As a new author, I've been most surprised by the time involved in developing a book. There's much involved in formatting, structuring events in readable order, then placing all contents in a form that would be an interesting read to my audience. I was also surprised with the vast integral aspects of writing of publishing, marketing, promoting, and publicizing your work. Writing the book is only the beginning of your work...the hard work comes after it's published.

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

The aspect of writing that I love the most is expressing my thoughts on paper. I love writing as opposed to speaking. I feel that I express myself so much better on paper. However, I communicate well verbally, but prefer writing. I love writing when my creative juices are flowing uninterrupted. What I struggle with the most in writing, and I guess I can say I hate, is grammatically constructing proper sentences.

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

1.) That my publisher does not provide marketing/promotional services; 2.) I would have to do my own marketing of my book and contacting media/advertising agents 3.) My book is not automatically placed in every bookstore and retail outlet nationwide.

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

Do=Be inspired and write your heart...and allow it to be expressed in your own words. Don't=Reluctantly not research your audience and you cause. If writing fiction/non-fiction..know your audience.

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

Allow oneself to imagine and put yourself in the shoes of the writer; explore their writing; and try to read their books through the eyes of the writer. I finally desire that the non-writer uses their creative minds.

Tell us something few know about you?

I'm a loner. I love being alone. While I can be a "social bee"...I really am not. However, I can mix and mingle with the best of them!

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

I'm an organizer. I love organizing and arranging things in my home, or office. I'm an advocate that an organized person can more easily achieve goals.

What do you do to interact with your readers?

I love to go to speaking engagements, present my testimony and book, then answer questions from women who are either battling breast cancer or have loved ones that want to know how to better care for them. As someone who's gone through the whole process of diagnosis, treatment, surgeries, and recovery, I can offer assistance from a real point of view. I love discussion, and also hearing other women's plight with this disease. It sheds new light from various experiences and helps me to help and comfort more women. Finally, I go to doctors offices, health facilities, and even surgical procedures with women in support of them. This also helps give them a sense of peace and comfort.

Our theme for this month is Writing the book, what advice do you have for staying motivated to complete the book?

I believe when you have a burning story, cause, or message to write in a book, it should be the most important thing in your life at that time. I'm a witness that one must write immediately when inspired, in order to capture that pure and authentic thought. There should be nothing more imperative than getting that story out. When a thought pattern grows cold, or the creative juices refuses to flow, it will stifle any goal of completion of any story. You have to see that story to its end. But most importantly, see the thousands, and even millions of readers waiting out there to read your words. Finally, you must be willing to put in the time and hours of reading, re-reading, editing, and making the necessary corrections to make your work presentable to a Publisher.

Do you do anything to promote Black History Month?

I have not done anything personally to promote Black History socially. However, I play a primary role in the lives of my grandchildren to take them on tours of the King Center, Museums, and Historical sites to educate them on Black History. We also do projects to give them hands on understanding about what the movement meant, means, and how it will ultimately affect their lives.

Oprah always asks, What do you know for sure?

I know for sure that I have a specific mission in life. I want to be a servant to others (as my Lord and Savior commissions us), and help to make someone else's life more meaningful. Once this is done, our life has true relevance.

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

I have prayed and seeked the Lord occasionally on a next book, if there be one. I have no idea at this time what that would be, but know that it will be inspirational.

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

I can be reached at Althea Baldwin at my email address: alb370@bellsouth.net ; my home address: Mrs. Althea Baldwin 3770 Clearwater Drive College Park, Ga. 30349 ; or my website at http://www.altheabaldwin.moonfruit.com/

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Sunday, February 12, 2012

This Week On SORMAG

FEATURED AUTHOR: Kirby Roy III
http://sormag.blogspot.com/2012/02/featured-author-kirby-roy-iii.html
Black History: Roots
http://sormag.blogspot.com/2012/02/black-history-roots.html
Morgan Love Series
Virtual Book Tour
http://sormag.blogspot.com/2012/02/morgan-love-series-virtual-book-tour.html
Black History: Freedom Riders
http://sormag.blogspot.com/2012/02/black-history-freedom-riders.html
FEATURED AUTHOR: Quiniece Sheppard
http://sormag.blogspot.com/2012/02/featured-author-quiniece-sheppard.html

EBLASTS
Contest Newsletter – February
http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs044/1101726524994/archive/1109228346550.html
BOOK INTRO - Reluctant Protector by Nana Malone (Romance/Paranormal)
http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs044/1101726524994/archive/1109239103820.html
SPOTLIGHT - BOOKS By Francine Craft
http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs044/1101726524994/archive/1109248797011.html
A Valentine Treat
http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs044/1101726524994/archive/1109249003585.html
On The Shelf Now - A Man Of My Own by Barbara Joe Williams (Mainstream Fiction)
http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs044/1101726524994/archive/1109260542650.html
New On The Ereader This Week
http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs044/1101726524994/archive/1109249345366.html
COMING SOON - And You Call Yourself A Christian by E. N. Joy (Christian Fiction)
http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs044/1101726524994/archive/1109197076502.html


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Saturday, February 11, 2012

SORMAG PROMOTES

SORMAG started as romance magazine in 2000. We loved featuring multicultural authors who wrote romance. Over the years we evolved into a literary magazine that features:

Romance

Mainstream fiction

Christian Romance

Christian Fiction

Science Fiction

Urban Fiction

Paranormal

Children Books

Young Adult

Mystery

Non Fiction (Biographies, self help, business, cook books etc)


SORMAG has a special place in our hearts for the self published/independent author.

We know how hard it is to get your books to the reader, so we open our pages to help you.

We’ve created our promotional packages with your budget in mind. We feature eblasts and online promotions.

We invite you to take a look at what we have to offer and look forward to working with you.

http://sormag.com/advertise.htm

P.S. We also can create you a promotional plans according to your budget contact us for more info or questions – sormag@yahoo.com




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Friday, February 10, 2012

FEATURED AUTHOR: Quiniece Sheppard


Quiniece Sheppard is the author of “The Seven Deadly Sexual Sins”, published in April 2009, co-author of an e-book anthology titled “Christmas is More than a Myth: There is a Reason for the Season, published as a free e-book in December 2010, author of an e-book titled “Walking the Path to Real Love: 12 Steps to Practicing Abstinence and Celibacy, published as a free e-book in January 2011 and author of “Before the Lights Go Out: 11 keys to Achieve Real Physical Intimacy published in June 2011.

Ms. Sheppard also established Chasing books Book Club in March 2011 for African American self -publishers and independent authors. Ms. Sheppard is founder/CEO of “I Am the Chase Ministries, LLC”: a single women’s ministry whose mission is to promote abstinence and celibacy. Ms. Sheppard wants to help every woman define and understand her self-worth and value so she can live out her purpose and destiny.

Ms. Sheppard has spoken at several women’s conferences, a parent-teen retreat speaking on abstinence, held her own seminar in September 2010 and held her first single women’s conference in April 2011. Ms. Sheppard currently resides in Alexandria, VA but frequently travels as a motivational speaker to deliver messages of inspiration, transformation and enlightenment to make a lasting impact to audiences everywhere. Ms. Sheppard speaks at workshops, conferences, seminars, book clubs, churches, youth groups and more. To contact Ms. Sheppard, please visit her website at http://www.iamthechase.com/ or http://www.chasingbooks.com/
 for more information about her ministry and book club.


How did you start out your writing career?

I started my writing career with the publication of my first book titled “The Seven Deadly Sexual Sins” in April 2009, which was very difficult for me to do because I didn’t know how I or my book would be received by the public since it a taboo topic. When God called me to write this book, it took me a year to get started because I was so scared of the rejection, but out of obedience to God, I finally surrendered to his will. I released a free e-book in January 2011 titled “Walking the Path to Real Love:12 Steps to Practice Abstinence and Celibacy” and this was released to prepare people for my third book which was just published in June 2011 and that book is titled “Before the Lights Go Out:11 Keys to Achieve Real Physical Intimacy”. I’m learning more and more with each book and since both of my books are totally different, it’s great because it gives people more to choose from based on where they are in their lives. The recent book is a self-help relationship book based on Christian principles and it was written to combat the dissolving relationships that are happening right now and to provide a greater level of understanding of what intimacy is about and how to achieve it in your relationships. It goes way beyond sex, but real intimacy is about having an emotional and spiritual connection. Those two areas are where a bond and a connection is truly established. You can’t get that bond solely in the bedroom.

What did you learn while writing this book?

I learned so much about the publishing process with writing my first book. Because this was my first book, I didn’t have any knowledge of the publishing, editing, graphic design and marketing process, so you can imagine I had quite a few errors with that book. I had so much joy in writing it and finally seeing my vision in fruition, but it was a lot of work and very time consuming. I enjoyed the process. When the second book was released in June 2011, I had learned so much and since I have a background in marketing, I knew how to get out there and reach the audience I wanted to reach. With the second book, publishing it was a bit easier and so was the writing because it is a much lighter book than the first. It’s an easy, fun read, but also thought-provoking and challenging. It requires you to dig deep within yourself and in your relationships to see what you are looking for in a mate, what qualities you possess to be a potential mate and how to go about getting those qualities once you find the mate. I loved every minute of writing my latest book and what God had given me to write was such a timely message when so many relationships are in disarray and with Valentine’s Day coming up, it’ll be a great book for couples and also singles who desire to be in a committed relationship.

What did you hope to accomplish with these books?

I didn’t have any unrealistic expectations or specific criteria that I wanted out of these book other than they would be a blessing to others. I wasn’t looking for any type of monetary gain or special recognition, but I wrote these books because my passion is to minister to others with the messages God gives me to write about. I want people to have an encounter with God once they read them and perhaps take on a different mindset and begin living a different way. With the first book “The Seven Deadly Sexual Sins”, I wanted to help people overcome their sexual struggles and live a life pleasing to God. With the second book “Before the Lights Go Out:11 Keys to Achieve Real Physical Intimacy”, I wanted to fix broken relationships and give those who desire to be in a committed long lasting relationship such as marriage, biblical insight and Christian perspectives so that they can make their marriage work.

What came first with this story, the characters or the plot? Why?

Both of my books are Christian non-fiction books, so I typically don’t use plots in my books. I was the main focus in the first book. I also interviewed and talked to a few people who shared their stories in some of the chapters in the book to help bring validity and credibility to the book. It’s a book about deliverance and healing and having a better walk with Christ. In the second book, it is a Christian based book, so of course, I talked about a few characters in the bible like Job, Jesus, Esther and Ruth, etc.

What has surprised you most about becoming a published author?

I am most surprised at how much respect and admiration you receive from others when you have published a book especially from those who aspire to be authors. They look to you for advice and counsel and that is awesome because I didn’t expect that at all. I’m also grateful for all the people I meet at my book signings and how they are so happy and excited to meet an author because I’m sure people buy celebrity books, but never really get to meet the author, so to actually meet an author is exciting to them and that surprised me at first because I am a new up and coming author who’s receiving all this attention and excitement. It’s amazing. I’m still so humbled by it.

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

I love to write. I’m able to share what God has given me with others and that is awesome. Whether it’s my personal experiences or just biblical insight and wisdom from God, I am able to share it freely, authentically and originally. What I love about writing is no one can say what you want to say and say it how you want to say it, so it’s your own individual expression. No two books are the same. They may have similar topics, but the writing and the views of the author will be totally different. Everything about writing comes from a passion inside me to help others and obey God and live out the purpose He has called me to. It truly comes from within and all I’m doing is taking what God has placed inside me and sharing it with others. It’s a blessing to be able to do that.

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

Wow! Only 3 things, lol? This has been an incredible journey for me and I use the word “journey” because I’m still traveling it. After I published my first book, God gave me the vision to start a ministry and I had no clue on what I was doing, but I thank God because he held my hand every step of the way. I would say I wish I knew more about publishing or starting a ministry, or starting a business, how much money would be involved, how time consuming it would be, how to speak in front of a crowd, or how to deal with rejection and depression, and how I didn’t know this would be a lonely journey and go through a series of tests and trails, and so many more things that I’ve had to go through in my journey, but I don’t have any regrets. Each and every thing has been a part of my growth process and truly relying on God to increase my faith in Him and trust Him completely. Having to literally do things on my own was God’s plan to depend on Him and not others and to know that I can do all things through Christ. Psalm 119:71 states “it is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statues.” Trials and pain bring out the best in a person because it humbles you. It also develops your character. It’s all good with me.

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

I have a lot of do’s and don’ts to give, but I will stick to just one. One do for aspiring authors is set a budget on how much you want to spend on publishing your book, that includes editing, graphic design, etc and stick to it. Don’t think you know it all and do everything else. Ask for help and advice from other authors who have accomplished what you are trying to accomplish and they can offer you a lot of sound advice and wisdom, but don’t just ask any author. Seek out those who have published at least two books and are actively out there promoting their books. Seek out authors who are accomplished.

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

Speaking only for myself, I hope non-writers understand that writing is not just a pastime or a hobby for me. It is a calling by God to minister to other people. Yes, some writers write books for fun and enjoyment and even write as a career, but my sole purpose for writing is ministry, plain and simple.

Tell us something few know about you?

Well, not sure what people know or don’t know because I share my personal background in my books and on my website, but I do like to tell people about my southern roots. I grew up in a small town called Plantersville, AL and I come from a large family. I have 13 brothers and sisters including myself and I’m number 12. People are surprised to hear that I have a big family and that I’m southern until I open my mouth and my thick, country accent comes out. Lol.

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

When I’m not writing, working full time as a legal assistant, doing book signings, speaking engagements, planning a conference or a teleconference, choosing the next book read for my book club, updating my website, promoting my book, attending church on Sunday, attending my church’s women’s ministry meetings every 3rd Saturday of the month, serving on the board of the women’s ministry every 1st Saturday of the month, then I’m sleeping. Lol. Yes, I am busy for the Lord in the ministry, but I do love going to movies, getting my hair done, eating out and sista girl loves to eat and of course, I love to shop as well. I do find the time to do a lot even though I have a busy schedule.

What do you do to interact with your readers?

I do a lot of social networking that allows me to interact with my readers and also those involved in my singles women’s ministry. I started my own book club in March 2011 called Chasing Books Christian Book Club so that allows me to meet and greet the book club members. Since we are an online book club, we have a chat with the author teleconference after the quarterly book is read so that gives us a chance to chat with each other and the author about his/her book.

Our theme for this month is Writing the book, what advice do you have for staying motivated to complete the book?

Writing is a passion, so you should have a desire to write. There are times when you either don’t feel like writing or frankly don’t have anything to say and I’m in the place right now where I just don’t feel like it. What I advise is to still take notes when the inspiration and thoughts come to you so you don’t lose the essence of what it is you want to say and when you are ready, then begin writing it in your book. You will be ready one day as that passion to write doesn’t go away easily. It is there inside you and will be there which is why you must take notes and jot things down as they come as they will come, but once you set aside some time to write it in your book or motivate yourself to do it, then you will start writing and not be able to stop. The words will begin to flow easily and freely. I pray that for each of the aspiring writers because writing a book has to be more than just a hobby or earning a paycheck as you can easily stop writing whenever you want. You have to have a desire and deep passion for it for it to be long-lasting.

Do you do anything to promote Black History Month?

I didn’t do anything locally, but on a personal level, I try to do things to work on myself so I will work on a business plan, or work on a conference or even write in my book, but I try to do things that are beneficial for my personal and professional growth as that is truly what Black History Month means to me. I see it as more than a day off, but a chance to work on me and when I get “me” together, I can help others get themselves together.

Oprah always asks, What do you know for sure?

I know for sure that Jesus loves me and I hope He knows for sure that His daughter named Quiniece loves Him right back.

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

The first book was called “The Seven Deadly Sexual Sins” published in April 2009. My second book was called “Before the Lights Go Out:11 Keys to Achieve Real Physical Intimacy” and my third book that I’m currently working on will be called “The Battles Within: The Problem is Me” and in this book, we will take a closer look at our internal struggles: loneliness, depression, rejection, low self-esteem, etc and find out why we feel the way we feel, what caused us to feel that way and how we can overcome them and live a victorious life. If we can’t truly love ourselves, then we will have a difficult time in loving others. This book is primarily about me, a look inside my thoughts and feelings, highs and lows and as women, we deal with the exact same things. Until we realize that we are the problem, then we won’t ever be the solution. It’s a book written for women who are hurting and want to stop hurting and who just want to “get over it” or “get over themselves”.

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

Readers can contact me via my website at http://www.iamthechase.com/, or I am the Chase Ministries, PO Box 320001, Alexandria, VA 22320 or through Social Networking sites such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. Twitter name is Dladyque. I do speaking engagements, book signings at your book club or if you just want to connect with me and be a part of my ministry, I’d love to have you. Also, feel free to join my book club where we read books by African American self- published authors at http://www.chasingbooks.com/. God bless you all. Love your sis in Christ, Quiniece Sheppard.



Before the Lights Go Out:11 Keys to Achieve Real Physical Intimacy

If your idea of foreplay includes candlelight dinner, rose petals and whip cream, you are misguided. We have been focusing only on the physical while we are neglecting the emotional and spiritual needs of our mate. This neglect has lead to dissolving relationships, conflicts in the marriage, and internal struggles. In Before the Lights Go Out, I outlined eleven keys to enhance foreplay, which will develop the intimacy in your relationship, thus allowing you to form a tighter bond with your mate. For single ladies, it is a guide to help you choose the ideal man for a queen like you because any man won't do. In other words, what is he bringing to the table besides himself? For married couples, this book will force you to look into introspection: examining yourselves and retrospection; examining your past to see where you went wrong and what you can do going forward to fix it. The key to a long lasting relationship is establishing intimacy, which mean knowing if he/she is "into you": body, mind and spirit. We will leave the lights on a bit longer to begin the emotional and spiritual journey towards a better you and a better relationship with your mate.



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Thursday, February 09, 2012

BLACK HISTORY: Freedom Riders

In 1961, the Civil Rights Movement in America was at a turning point -- while the Supreme Court had ruled that racial segregation was illegal, in many parts of the South public facilities were still divided into areas for blacks and whites, and while president John F. Kennedy spoke out in favor of civil rights, his administration had done little to practically remedy the situation. So a group of student activists stepped forward to force the issue of desegregation -- dozens of college students, both black and white, began traveling together by bus through the segregated South, and simply by sitting together, eating together and sharing motel rooms, they raised controversy (often followed by violence) for flouting conventions that had been held for generations. The young civil rights activists became known as "Freedom Riders," and as their actions became national news, they played a vital role in finally putting an end to Jim Crow laws in the South and eliminating the "separate but equal" doctrine. Filmmaker Stanley Nelson combines newsreel footage, rare photos and new interviews with the activists who faced danger to fight prejudice in the documentary Freedom Riders, which was an official selection at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi



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Wednesday, February 08, 2012

Morgan Love Series Virtual Book Tour


Tell us about your book A+ Attitude.

The Morgan Love Series is a chapter book series written for girls, 7 - 9 years old. The series provides moral lessons that will aid in character development. It will also help young girls develop their vocabulary, English and math skills as they read through the stories and complete the entertaining and educational exercises provided at the end of each chapter and in the back of the book. Morgan is sad and mad at the world because things are not going the way she wants them to go. She asks, Why does my daddy have to leave again to save the country? Why do I have to go live with mommy and her new husband? Why does my mommy have to have a new baby? Why do I have to go to a new school? Why do I have to make new friends? If Morgan got a grade for her attitude and her actions it would be an F. But after her mommy gets really sick and Morgan thinks her mommy is going to die she starts to feel bad about her attitude and realizes how mean she's been to almost everybody. Though she is having a hard time adjusting to all the new things in her life, especially her new baby brother and stepdad, Derek, Morgan makes up her mind that no matter what is going on, she is going to have an A+ attitude.

How did you come up with ideas for this book?

I came up with the character Morgan Love because I spend time speaking to elementary students and I found that if they believe in themselves and have a great attitude they are more successful. Thus, I developed a character to teach them that very thing.

Who are your main character(s)?

Miss Morgan Love is the main character and she is spunky, yet sweet. She learns that you have to speak up for what is right. Stand for those need help. And that you have to be grateful for your blessings. She is a charming character that parents would like their child to read about.

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

Morgan is my favorite character in this series because she learns to grow better with each tough experience. Every reader can learn something from her sweet character.

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

Yes, I spent time in elementary schools and teachers helped me make sure my state standards were accurate. Also, church youth leaders helped me get biblical stories that resonate well with this age group.

What do you hope readers will learn/discover from reading A+Attitude?

The Morgan Love series is comprised of five YA titles to entertain, encourage, and educate youngsters. The first title is A+ Attitude. I hope this title will bless young readers as it is important to teach them about having a great attitude no matter what life brings. It also has forty-nine bolded face words, cross word puzzles and workbook pages that are targeted for 2nd and 3rd graders.


About the Author

STEPHANIE PERRY MOORE is the author of many Young Adult Christian fiction titles, including the Payton Skky series, the Laurel Shadrach series, the Perry Skky Jr. series, the Faith Thomas Novelzine series, the Carmen Browne series, and the Beta Gamma Pi series. She is also the co-editor for the impactful BibleZine, REAL. Mrs. Moore speaks with young people across the country, showing them how they can live life fully and do it God’s way. Stephanie currently lives in the greater Atlanta area with her husband, Derrick, a former NFL player and author, and their three children.

Visit her website at http://www.stephanieperrymoore.com/.
About the Book

The Morgan Love Series is a chapter book series written for girls, 7 – 9 years old. The series provides moral lessons that will aid in character development. It will also help young girls develop their vocabulary, english and math skills as they read through the stories and complete the entertaining and educational exercises provided at the end of each chapter and in the back of the book.

A+ Attitude

Morgan is sad and mad at the world because things are not going the way she wants. Why does my daddy have to leave again to save the country? Why do I have to go live with mommy and her new husband? Why does my mommy have to have a new baby? Why do I have to go to a new school? Why do I have to make new friends? Why? Why? Why? Though she is having a hard time adjusting to all the new things in her life, especially her new baby brother and stepdad, Derek, Morgan makes up her mind that no matter what is going on, she is going to have an A+ attitude.

View the blog tour schedule at :
http://www.tywebbin.com/blog-tours/authors-on-tour/2012-tours/


BOOK TRAILER





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Tuesday, February 07, 2012

BLACK HISTORY: Roots


Based on author Alex Haley's bestselling novel (and his family's lineage), Roots (1977) is a sweeping 12-hour historical drama that opened the floodgates for the golden age of television miniseries.

Enslaved African warrior Kunta Kinte (LeVar Burton) refuses to bow to oppression alongside his mentor, Fiddler (Lou Gossett Jr.), and repeatedly attempts to escape. Even in his hobbled old age -- played with dignified perfection by John Amos -- he refuses to accept his slave name, Toby. Kunta's defiant legacy endures in succeeding generations.

Eventually, Chicken George (Ben Vereen) uses his skills as a plucky handler of gamecocks to buy freedom for himself and his children, the great-grandchildren of Kunta Kinte.

Roots tells the epic story of a family's struggle to maintain a solid identity against all odds.

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Monday, February 06, 2012

FEATURED AUTHOR: Kirby Roy III


At the young age of ten, Kirby Roy III was introduced to poetry, but his exposure to literature just didn’t begin or end there. “There were always books around my house, so whenever I would get bored, I would
read.”

In 1989, he left Hampton University before completing his degree in order to become a writer. However, it was not until graduating from Clark Atlanta University that he was able to actively pursue his passion.

While maintaining his full time position as a financial analyst, Kirby eventually managed to finish his first book. “After I had Love Letters edited, I started taking notes on the second book. I wasn’t sure how I was going to get the first one published, but I knew that I didn’t want to stop writing.”

As it turned out, his patience paid off. Kirby’s first work was published and received rave reviews. Heart and Soul Magazine said that, “Kirby Roy III adds another voice to the growing club of male novelist making a mark…” Since then he has continued writing, including penning three screen plays. He also served as story editor, producer, and line producer for the award winning film Big Ain’t Bad.

How did you start out your writing career? 

I basically started writing as a reaction to losing motivation while pursing my college degree. I was not doing well in school, and the thought came to me, ‘what’s the one thing that you would do for free.’ The answer came back, ‘writing’. So after improving in college, earning a degree, and later finding a job, I decided to pursue writing.

What did you learn while writing this book?

I think the thing I learned from writing this book is what I’ve learned from writing all my books. That is, do something you love and pursue it with passion. If you do those things, then no matter what happens, you’ll always be a success. And that doesn’t necessarily mean financial success, or success from recognition. It can just means success in that you will always be able to look upon the time you spent doing what you loved and smile.

What did you hope to accomplish with this book?

I really didn’t have anything in particular that I wanted to accomplish with this book. I just wanted to tell a good story. However, with that said, I do want my stories to mean something, (if to no one else but myself.) So I would say that in writing the story I incorporated things that were interesting and important to me.

What came first with this story, the characters or the plot? Why?

The plot came first, then the story, then the characters. That’s just the way my writing has evolved. I thought about what I wanted to say or what was important to me at the time. Then the plot, or my thoughts led to a story. Then the characters sprung from the story.

What has surprised you most about becoming a published author?

I guessed what surprised me most about becoming published was just the fact that getting published is just as hard if not harder than actually writing the book itself. At least that’s been my experience.  Also, that when you do get published, you have to take responsibility for publicizing the book yourself. Whatever he publisher does to market the work, you can always add more.

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

The thing I love the best about writing is the peace I feel when I have finished a night of writing. There is a certain calmness and serenity I get when I’ve done a nights work. The thing I hate the most is the loneliness that comes from writing.

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

I wish I knew that writing is as much of a business as a passion. That’s really the only thing I wish I knew. But if I were to add two more things, they would be more in the category of things I’ve learned. The first thing I learned is that writing is a very time consuming process. The second thing I learned is that writing is a very lonely endeavor. The difference between what I wish I knew and what I’ve learned is that the second two are things I just had to experience. I couldn’t prepare for the hours of writing or the loneliness that came with it.

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

Do pursue your craft with passion. Make it your life. With that said, don’t quit your day job. There is a practical side of writing which means you need to support yourself while you’re writing. And also that you may never make a million dollars from writing. So you will need an income beyond your writing.

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

That books don’t write themselves. Writing is actually a labor intensive endeavor and it takes time and sacrifice.

Tell us something few know about you?

I’m shy.

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

Since I have a full time job, which means I have to write at night, then I really don’t have much if any spare time. However, in the free moments that I do have, I like to spend time with family and friends.

What do you do to interact with your readers?

I really don’t interact with my readers on a constant basis. However when I do interact with them, it’s been from book signings and e-mails.

Our theme for this month is Writing the book, what advice do you have for staying motivated to complete the book?

The biggest thing to completing the book is to stay focused and don’t let anything get in your way. I  personally have to block out everything, (except my job of course). There are certain tools that each individual will use to stay focused. For me it was routine. On my way home from work I would listen to music that made me think about my characters and the story. When I got home I would immediately take a nap. When I woke up, I would clean while listening to music. That helped me concentrate on what I wanted to write that night. Then I would simply start writing. I would write for a while, take a break, listen to more music and gather additional thoughts, then get back to writing. The trick is to think about the book as much as possible. Make it your life. Think about it just about every second of the day and you will give up just about anything in the world to see it completed.

Do you do anything to promote Black History Month?

I really don’t do anything to promote Black History Month.  Although, I do try to learn about black history and issues concerning African Americans throughout the year.

Oprah always asks, What do you know for sure?

A quote from one of my favorite movies is, ‘I never saved anything for the swim back.’ So with that said, I know that if you try working at something you love, you may achieve your dreams. But if you never try, you will definitely never achieve your dreams.

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

I have three novels that can come out after this one. The first is a story about a couple whose impending marriage is potentially interrupted by tragedy. The second is simply a story about two people falling in love, but ultimately having to decide if distance will separate them. The third is the tale of a couple having to survive the aftermath of hurricane Katrina.

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

You can find out more about me at my web site: http://www.kroy3rd.com/. Or you can contact me at Kirby@kroy3rd.com


In The Void Of Lies, is a riveting tale of infidelity and redemption intermingled against the passage of the health care bill. The action begins with Justin Powell applying for a job with Senator Fitzgerald in order to spend more time with his wife, Tyra. For her part, Tyra is trying to uphold her half of their marriage by covering up a secret.

Meanwhile, Senator Fitzgerald is begging Senator Danforth for money because he is being blackmailed. So as Senator Fitzgerald tries to pass his health care bill, the excitement progresses with his wife, Katie, confronting the infidelity she already knew about. And in a dramatic conclusion almost torn from the latest news headlines, Senator Fitzgerald stands at the Senate podium addressing the nation as Justin and Tyra try to decide on the outcome of their marriage. And with that, the tale ends with the truth redeeming all that they were hiding.



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