Monday, July 23, 2012

BLOG TOUR: Every Twenty Four Hours by CJ

Eileen knows she is a ticking time bomb. Breast cancer runs in her family: Her mother and grandmother both died of the disease. And yet, when Eileen herself falls ill and must undergo a double mastectomy, she’s unprepared for the shock of confronting her own mortality. For help, she leans hard on her family: her eccentric and outspoken aunt, a kind friend who embodies the word “sisterhood,” her red-headed cousin whose free-spirited nature results in a revolving door of men as diverse as the United Nations, but who gives Eileen an unselfish gift that leaves the entire family speechless, and her two spirited young sons, who bring out her momma lioness.
Eileen’s certain she can teach her cancer a lesson; but cancer has some lessons in store for her. As she battles her disease, she must confront the true nature of her relationship with her less-than-loving boyfriend, she must reconcile her own cancer experiences with memories of her mother and grandmother, she must turn to God and faith more than ever before, and when an old flame reappears in her life, she might finally get her happily ever after—but only if she can find the strength to seize it for herself.

Excerpt:

Scene 1
Overwhelmed, she let her head fall toward the table, and she buried her tear-soaked eyes in the bend of her arm. Why is this happening to me? Her chest felt heavy. Her mind was singed like blades of grass during a summer drought. Deep within there was still life, but the diagnosis made her exterior crumble. Seconds later a nauseous feeling overcame her, and she rushed to the bathroom, fell to her knees, and emptied the contents of her stomach in the toilet. She tucked her dangling hair behind her ears and rested her hands on the white porcelain throne as clear liquid continued to come up. When the flow had finally stopped, she slowly lifted herself up. Her knees cracked as her legs straightened. Standing, she made her way across the linoleum to the small wooden vanity. A toothbrush and a washcloth freshened her up instantly, but neither removed the excruciating pain of reality tearing through her head.

Scene 2
The corners of his mouth turned up. Eileen’s cheeks warmed. Within milliseconds, her insides felt mushy as a Popsicle on a hot summer’s afternoon. He was tall, handsome, clean-cut, and somewhere in his early twenties. His broad chest sculpted his tailored blue suit, and the scent of his cologne, geraniums with a woody musk base was a delight to her nose. Her mouth filled with saliva. Now she understood the hype in psych class about Pavlov’s dog. She swallowed several times.

“Are you okay?” he asked.

“Yes.” She stood before him, mesmerized. Was jet fuel pumping through her veins instead of plasma? All she knew was that her head was definitely in the clouds.

Scene 3
“Okay, but did you make sure the gun is still here?” Sammy asked.

“No, but he wouldn’t take the gun. We only have it in case someone breaks in.”

“I don’t think he’d take it either, but I’d feel a whole lot better if you checked. You remember no one thought Tony would try to commit suicide either.”

“That’s ridiculous!” There he goes again comparing James’s emotional state to his father’s. “If it’ll make you shut up, I’ll show you,” she shouted. Eileen stormed to her bedroom. The sea-blue walls looked red through her enraged lenses. She grabbed hold of the doorknob and slung opened the closet door. It crashed into the plaster. But she didn’t care. Sammy had hit a nerve—severed the damn thing with his ice-pick tongue. Eileen pulled out the footstool that James had made her in shop class from beneath the rack of clothes. She saw Sammy watching her tensely. With her feet planted firmly against the wood grain, she reached high on top of the shelf where she kept the gun beneath an old blanket. Sammy offered to help, but she ignored him. Hadn’t he done enough? She ran her hand along the wooden shelf and could feel a metal handle graze her fingertips. With her fingers locked around the metal, she pulled her hand back for Sammy to see. The proof was in her grasp. He was going to eat his words. All of them—choke on them like a big fat side of beef.

Get to Know CJ:

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?
I get my inspiration from my environment.  I write about things that I’ve been affected by in some way or that I’ve heard about or seen in my environment.  I select a topic and a message I want to communicate about that topic.  Then, I build a story around it.

What other books have you written?
My first novel was Stop the Music, a story about domestic violence.  My second novel was Straw Dreams, a story about one girl’s dream to escape a dysfunctional family environment for a better life.  This May, I released my third novel, Every Twenty-Four Hours, which is a story about breast cancer.

Who are some of your favorite authors?

I don’t read as much as I’d like because I work full time, volunteer for Hospice, and am always trying to write something.  However, some of the authors I enjoy are Lisa Dale, Terry McMillan, and Toni Morrison.

What’s the hardest part of writing a novel?
The hardest part of writing a novel for me is editing.  It’s difficult to become unemotionally involved with the characters to make the tough choices about cutting or rewriting scenes.  However, the goal is to make the manuscript flow nicely for readers so making those choices are necessary.

What advice would you give others who dream about seeing their manuscripts in print?

I’d tell them to self-publish. They should never let someone else define their destiny.  Some of the rejection letters are brutal, but you can’t let that stop you from accomplishing something you believe in. I don’t ever want to look back at life and know that I didn’t accomplish something I wanted because I let someone else discourage me.

How do you react to reviews about your novels?
Everyone wants a good review, but we’re people and we aren’t all the same and don’t enjoy the same types of books.  I believe there is a market for the inspirational stories that I write, so I don’t mind it if someone doesn’t like my novels.  I just hope everyone doesn’t feel that way.

What do you hope to have accomplished with your writing in ten years?
I hope that the amount of people that I touch with my novels grows by leaps and bounds, and I’d love to someday see something I’ve written be translated to the big screen. But mostly, I hope readers feel empowered by my heroines’ journeys.

Cynthia Johnson (CJ)
is a Christian, wife, mother, college graduate and a career woman.  She is also a breast cancer survivor and Caring Angel volunteer for Hospice of Dayton.  CJ has been jotting down storylines and poetry since grade school.  She has self-published two previous novels, Stop the Music and Straw Dreams, which are both inspirational novels that deal with her love of and dependence on God. She loves animals and long walks on the beach with her husband of twenty-five years.  She someday hopes to retire from her day job and lead a national cancer initiative to provide family support services for cancer patients.

Web-links:

www.cjbooksandtreasures.com

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Friday, July 13, 2012

FEATURE AUTHOR: Kay Gibbie

KAY GIBBIE is a Writer/Researcher. Her bi-lingual coloring book, My Mama’s Sweet Potato Pie/El Pay de Camote de mi Mama hit stores and online retailers in November 2011. Her real name is Rekaya Gibson and she has three adult fiction titles, Mama Don't Like Ugly, The Food Temptress, and the sequel, The Food Enchantress. Currently, she reviews cookbooks for Cuisine Noir Magazine. She resides in Newport News, Virginia. 

How did you start out your writing career?

I started by freelance writing for magazines. 

What did you learn while writing this book?

It is hard writing for a young audience. It must be entertaining, visual, and quick.

What did you hope to accomplish with this book?

I want children to understand that they can enjoy their favorite food, like French fries, in moderation.

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

The character came first because my friend's granddaughter asked her if there are french fries in heaven. I wrote the story around this idea over six years ago.

What has surprised you most about becoming a published author?

Some people think authors are celebrities.

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

Writing. Rewriting.

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

1) All editors are not created equal. 2) Readers can envision an author's brand long before the author. 3) Other authors can be your greatest supporters and promoters.

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

Do a detailed marketing plan for your book. Don't take book reviews personal.

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

Writers struggle with writing too.

Tell us something few know about you?

I was born and raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

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

I like to cook and travel.

What do you do to interact with your readers?

I attend or host events at various venues. I use social media daily. I have a blog to keep readers engaged.

Our theme for this month is FREELANCING. What type of freelancing have you done and any advice for someone interested in breaking into freelancing?

I am a freelance magazine and grant writer.

My advice is to purchase the Writer's Market and the Formatting & Submitting Your Manuscript books. The Writer's Market has listing of magazines, publishers, agents, etc. It gives details on what they are looking for; how to submit; how much they pay, et cetera. The formatting book helps writers format query letters, manuscripts for books and magazines, and much more so that it comes across professional. Best wishes.

Who was the first author you ever met?

I cannot remember.

Oprah always asks, what do you know for sure?

At the end of the day, I am another day older.

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

“Umm, umm, umm,” said six-year-old Kia, smiling as she breathed in a familiar scent.
“Look at all those french fries.”

Crunch! Crunch!

Kia looked down at her feet.

“Wow! French-fried grass.”

She walked around the playground touching the french-fried swings, monkey bars, slides, and trash cans. Her eyes were as wide as her aunt’s trailer.
“I must be in heaven.”

Kia couldn’t decide what to eat first because everything looked so good.

“Feed me,” her stomach growled.

She grabbed a fry from the french-fried water fountain. It felt firm, yet soft. She moved the long potato towards her mouth, then closer towards her lips. But it faded away from her mind before she could take a bite.

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


Six year-old Kia loves french fries and she wonders, "Are There French Fries in Heaven?" Join her as she searches for the answer to this delicious question, eventually discovering that grandma holds the key. The response makes Kia salivate and teaches her a lesson about overeating.


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Thursday, July 12, 2012

BLOG TOUR: Never Be The Same by Silk White

 
Meet Paige, a famous actress whose career is on the come up. Things couldn’t be better, until her front door is kicked in by the police. After being forced to snitch on her fiance or go to jail, Paige makes a decision that is sure to change her life forever. Meanwhile, Paige’s fiance Jeezy has problems of his own. The kind of problems that can get him killed or placed in jail for the rest of his life. With his back to the wall and a gun in his hand the only way out is for him to shoot his way out. When it’s all said and done both of their lives will never be the same. Join Silk White as he once again takes you on a ride that you won’t soon forget. Once readers put this book down they to will never be the same.

A native of Harlem, New York, Silk White began his writing career in 2006. He is the author of the three part Urban Fiction series Tears of a Hustler and Co-Owner of Good2Go Publishing and Good2Go Films. Silk has No Way Out and Black Barbie as a film credit under Good2Go Films and in his spare time, loves to write and act. He is currently producing a new movie and is hard at work on his next novel.

Meet Silk White

Tell me about the finale to your critical acclaim trilogy Tears of a Hustler?

This book is the finale to a trilogy that was written 2 years ago.  We took our time with releasing part 2&3 to help build up our fan base in between releases.  It’s a classic finale that all our loyal fans have been waiting for.  I promised I wouldn’t let them down and according to the reviews we have received so far, everyone is happy.  Check amazon.com.

What made you decide to start your own publishing company rather than signing with an 
establish publisher?

Well after Tears of a Hustler PT 1 was released I had several offers on the table, but from a business standpoint it just made more sense to release my titles under my own company.  In the short term it’s a lot of work because you have to build your fan base one fan at a time, because you don’t have any distribution.  But once you’ve established your brand like we have, you make 100% of the profit. At the rate we’re going we should be one of the biggest independent African American owned publishing companies out there in a few years.  We’ve reached over 130,000 households in two years with no help.   Right now we have good2go publishing and good2go films our movie Production Company and Third Lane Marketing.

What is the hardest part of writing for you?

Writing was a natural process for me, growing up in the environment that I grew up in and my life experiences help enhanced my already vivid imagination.  My ability to translate my imagination thru writing was a god gifted talent that I discovered when I was going thru unforeseen circumstances.

What’s the best thing about being an author?

I really appreciate all the love and support that I get from the fans.  They are the ones that keep me motivated.  It’s amazing to see all the support that I get from all parts of the country, outside the country also. Shout out to all my UK Fans. I never thought that one day my work would have reached over 70,000 households.

What are you working on now?

Well I just wrapped up my 5th book which is slated to be released Nov 25 2012.  It’s called The Teflon Queen.   So be on the look out for that. You can pre-order an autograph copy now from www.good2gopublishing.com  I also just finished shooting my 2nd movie under good2go films its called Black Barbie.  The first movie is called No Way Out you can get that at www.good2gofilms.com

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

This piece of advice is not just for writers but any aspiring entrepreneurs out there, especially, the youth coming from underprivileged communities.  Sometimes in life we get a bad hand to play with. You have to make the best out of the hand you’re given. The best piece of advice I can give is, spend all your time and energy focusing on accomplishing your goals whatever it may be, you’re going to get results.  Surround yourself with good people you trust, Sleep 5hrs work 19hrs.
I just want to say Thanks to everyone out there for the love and support.  Keep supporting me and Good2go Publishing


CONTACT INFORMATION





Book Trailer   http://youtu.be/w3sS0b9yV_o




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Monday, July 09, 2012

FEATURED AUTHOR: Maria Ruiz

Maria Ruiz is a writer living in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico after spending ten years traveling around the world. She is the moderator of the Puerto Vallarta Writer’s Group, and is currently working on a collection of short stories about the people and troubles she has encountered in her seventy years. She chaired the committee that produced an Anthology of short stories written by the members of the PVWG. Coast Lines Short Stories is available at Amazon and Amazon Kindle.

Her book, I’ll be in the Fourth Grade Forever!, is the memoir of a precocious army brat dragged from Pasadena to a war ravaged Europe, and on to the tender mercies of Junction City, Kansas by her father, a military aide to General Eisenhower. She has been published in Kings River Life Magazine, Green Prints other national magazines.

Her blog can be found at: http://pastprimetravelers.blogspot.com/

How did you start out your writing career?

As a child, I would make up stories for all the neighborhood kids to explain things like rain and thunder. I continued to tell stories to my siblings and wanted to be a writer. Life got in the way and I raised children and became a math teacher. Finally when I had the time, I wrote a book for my five year-old granddaughter.

What did you learn while writing this book?

How much fun it was to explore my imagination.

What did you hope to accomplish with this book?

To share the joys of childhood discoveries with my sisters.

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

It is a memoir and so the plot was done.

What has surprised you most about becoming a published author?

The great ego boost.

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

I love the adventure of discovering where my characters go. I hate the editing part.

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

1. That I waited so long to start. I could have been doing this for years.

2. How life can lead us in so many different directions from our original plan.

3. How much fun I can have.


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

First, Do be able to tell a story well. Second, don’t bore the reader.

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

Sometimes it’s difficult to make sure I’ve written enough to explain and not too much to lose the reader.

Tell us something few know about you?

What a lousy person I can be.

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

Good television, Logic and Math Puzzles, Sewing and Gardening.

What do you do to interact with your readers?

Facebook, Booklink,  and other writer’s blogs. Plus email all my friends.

Our theme for this month is Freelancing. What type of freelancing have you done and any advice for someone interested in breaking into freelancing.

I haven’t done much after I graduated from the University. I think the best advice is research, research and more research.

Who was the first author you ever met?

Peter Straub.

Oprah always asks, what do you know for sure?

Almost nothing. Life-long learning is one of the best things any intelligent person can do.

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

Karen Beth, a six year-old girl is pulled down between the wall and the floor into the land of you lost it and we found it by the dust bunnies under her bed. There, she meets many wonderful creatures while trying to find her friend Soldier Sam, a boy doll and return him to his owner. She is attacked by the old woman in the Land of Bad Manners and Bad Tones. In the land of Lost Tempers, she’s rained upon by bad feelings. Her 
friend Henry 2 Osborn, H2O to his friends, is a boy made of water.

How can readers get in contact with you?

Visit my blog site, PastprimeTtravelers at : http://pastprimetravelers.blogspot.mx/ or on the Puerto Vallarta Writers PVWG.com webpage.


I’ll be in the Fourth Grade Forever is a fast read about a child born in 1940 and who lived in Pasadena during WWII. Here she was exposed to all the cultural and educational advantages Los Angeles could offer. She watched as her uncles, one by one, left to join the war.

After the war, her military father took the family to live in Austria during the reconstruction of Europe, and it was at this time that she began to explore both books and forbidden places. Going through a trunk found in the attic, she discovered and flew a giant silk Nazi flag and it was soon spotted by General Eisenhower’s wife, Mamie.

After Austria, the family moved to Fort Riley, Kansas and she tried hard to fit into a place isolated from extended family and culture. It was while her father was assigned to Japan during the Korean War, that she found herself alone and in charge of saving her younger sisters and new baby brother while her mother was in the hospital, fighting for her life.

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Friday, July 06, 2012

FEATURED AUTHORS: Kiesah Hakeem and Michael McGrew

Kiesah Hakeem

Before she could utilize her talents for her own solo endeavors, R& B/Pop singer, vocal arranger, and songwriter Kiesah Hakeem was a lead singer in the family group Royalty, signed to Warner Brothers Records working with famed producers, Atlantic Star, Teddy Riley, Full Force, Jodeci and Gerald Levert. Kiesah lent her songwriting talents to several recording artists, including but not limited to, Tamia, Jessica Jerrell, Kiki Palmer, Brandy, Fabolus, Amerie, Kiesha Cole, Naz, Nick Cannon, Jay Z and the legendary Gladys Knight's Grammy Award winning contemporary album 'Greatest Love of All'. Kiesah has appeared in the films Beauty Shop, and Toys starring Robin Williams. She also has soundtrack credits for You Got Served, the Wild Wild West starring Will Smith, Earth Girls Are Easy starring Jeff Goldblum and Gina Davis and the Color Purple soundtrack under the direction of the incomparable Quincy Jones, including writing the theme song for Will Smith and Jada Pinkette's hit sitcom All of Us. Kiesah has wide ranging talents that led her to sing and perform with a female quartet for a popular Coca Cola commercial and theater work in Sisterella, produced by Larry Hart and Mark Swinton, a Motown Play, produced by Ralph Farquar and Motown Review, produced by Suzanne Depasse.

Kiesah now expands her illustrious career to establish herself as an author with Michael McGrew's Legacy Publishing and their first collaborative effort, Room 111. Room 111 depicts a male R&B singer's turbulent ride in the music business, achieving success, the price that you sometimes pay for it and the dark underlying secrets that are kept. The release of Room 111 will intrigue those who want an inside look at the entertainment business and confirm the beliefs of those who know.

Michael McGrew

It’s been a long time coming but now the world will witness Michael McGrew's shine. Michael is a single father, author and business man that has proven through patience, hard work and the ability to endure struggle will lead you to realize your dreams. After completing two seasons as a lighting technician for B.E.T in ’99, he took full responsibility as a single parent to his loving son Kierre McGrew. It was just a year and half ago when Michael completed his first novel and since then has completed his third, along with three children’s books; story editing for two reality shows and a screenplay. Michael's humble beginnings in South Los Angeles, California make him all the more impressive, considering the limited resources and the propensity of those circumstances to generate negative statistics. Michael is not only an inspiration for those with similar backgrounds but to anyone with the determination to rise above their condition.

After the success of his first novel “My Kinda Girl”, which sold over 7000 copies independently, Michael focused his efforts on writing as a profession and started Legacy Publishing Group LLC. Combining his love for storytelling with his niche for marketing, Michael and his affiliates developed branding and advertisement strategies that will propel Legacy's publications into multiple genre's and generate appeal from a broad range of lifestyles. Michael is an ambitious and clever writer who sets trends instead of following them and has definitely found his home as a publisher.

Michael's next novel is the highly anticipated winter 2012 release, 'Room 111' and collaborative effort with Grammy Award winning song writer, Kiesah Hakeem. Room 111 depicts a male R&B singer's turbulent ride in the music business, achieving success, the price that you sometimes pay for it and the dark underlying secrets that are kept. The release of Room 111 will intrigue those who want an inside look at the entertainment business and confirm the beliefs of those who know.

Michael McGrew is a visionary and an individual with diverse ideology. Born with a natural gift of storytelling, he believes that your reality is something you either choose to accept as it is or you can create your own.

How did you start out your writing career?

Kiesah: I am an avid reader and was inspired by Iyanla Vanzant to pursue my passion fearlessly.

Michael: In 2008, I found myself in a state of confusion in regards to choosing a profession and after careful thought, I realized that my ability to tell a story was one of my greatest strengths so I decided to become a writer.

What did you learn while writing this book?

Kiesah: I learned to be open and vulnerable in all aspects of creative writing so that the text is relatable and authentic for the reader.

Michael: I learned that I had the ability to captivate an audience with thought provoking subject matter that also has commercial potential. This novel means a lot to me and my co author. We are glad readers love it!

What did you hope to accomplish with this book?

Kiesah: Hopefully, people will connect with the positive message that no matter how dark your life may appear, you have the power to turn your life around.

Michael: Commercial success as Legacy Publishing Group aims to promote literacy and prove that Authors are the new ROCKSTARS.

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

Kiesah: The plot. The book is based on actual events.

Michael: In my opinion Character development had to come first in order to capture the authenticity of this story. And with Kiesah's efforts to maintain a strong plot, our collaboration was totally in sync. We envisioned our readers being right there, relating, rooting for and identifying with the main character. Our dialogue is hard hitting and closer to real than fiction and Room 111 invites you as a fly on the wall to view the dark side and politics of the music industry.

What has surprised you most about becoming a published author?

Kiesah: Being a published song writer for many years, I realized that the two worlds are very similar and equally gratifying.

Michael: How my readers are comparing me to seasoned authors and it feels great to be in the position to carry the torch in this awesome profession.

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

Kiesah: I love the freedom of being able to paint a colorful picture through words.

I hate getting writers block.

Michael: I love the process of building the story, writing, the editing process, to receiving my first review. What I hate most is a market that devalues an authors work by selling digital copies for less than a dollar.


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

Kiesah: I wish I would have pursued my dream of writing novels a lot earlier in life.

I wish I would have obtained the knowledge that I have now about human nature.

I wish I would have known earlier that it is ok to be myself entirely.

Michael: The popularity that trilogies generate.

The competitive nature of the literary field.

How important it is to develop a brand and to build strong relationships in this industry.

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

Kiesah: Do take risk in writing.

Don't listen to negativity.

Michael: Do discover your niche and style; become the master of your craft and understand that publishing is a business based on catalog and not one hit wonders, it may take years for commercial success.

Don't wait on money to pursue your dreams. Money follows, it never leads!


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

Kiesah: That is difficult to write when someone places restrictions on your story and how it is being conveyed.

Michael: How under-rated writers really are. The head of state depends on a writer to help them deliver historical speeches! If that doesn't show how powerful we are then this conversation is over. LOL


Tell us something few know about you?

Kiesah: That I have had psychic premonitions since I was a little girl.

Michael: I'm a single father of a 13 yr old son, who I give the credit for inspiring me to be a better writer. Also, one of my biggest pet peeves are people who say "huh" before responding to a question. I'm just asking!

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

Kiesah: Spending time with my son is my greatest joy!

Michael: Travel, build my company and I try to be a positive role model for our youth.

What do you do to interact with your readers?

Kiesah: I try to respond to all emails and stay connected.

Michael: I'm socially interactive with all supporters and twitter followers, my response time usually shocks my readers but I don't think I'm better than anybody else. I put my pants on one leg at a time just like you, I just write page turning novels when my pants are on!

Our theme for this month is FREELANCING. What type of freelancing have you done and any advice for someone interested in breaking into freelancing?

Kiesah: Writing for an independent publishing company and songwriting for various recording artists.

Michael: Freelancing is entrepreneurship and takes creative thought to manifest cash from thought. I encourage anyone to discover their strengths and utilize them to turn those strengths into retirement packages.

Who was the first author you ever met?

Kiesah: I've met plenty of authors but my dream would be to meet Maya Angelou and Iyanla Vanzant!

Michael: Kiki Swinson

Oprah always asks, what do you know for sure?

Kiesah: I know that I am no longer afraid to be me.

Michael: That I have a gift and that authors are the new ROCKSTARS

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

Kiesah: I just did can you guess!

Michael: False Eyelashes: a story detailing superficial women


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

Kiesah: Hakeem Management and Consulting, khakeem@roadrunner.com

Michael: Legacypublishinggrp.com

Twitter.com/michaelmcgrew

Facebook.com/mikesetstrends

Info@legacypublishinggrp.com



All dreams are made possible through God and faith, but the devil cautiously displays a blue print of his own. Raquan "Grey" Taylor is an aspiring singer and songwriter who struggles to attain his family's past until his brother's untimely death. His mother succumbs to alcoholism and is forced to send him away to live with his estranged father, Renwick Taylor, a high-powered music executive. While living in Renwick's home, an opportunity surfaces when he meets Antoine Swinger and goes against his mother's wishes to pursue a career in music. Raquan enters the world of entertainment with high hopes and dreams but gradually realizes there are extreme prices to pay to maintain his fame. Raquan quickly learns "what happens in the industry stays in the industry."

Cleverly written, Room 111 is based on actual events and sheds light on the hidden politics, bizarre lifestyles and compromising actions of some who aspire to be successful in the music industry. This novel is an enthralling inside look at the challenges that an artist faces and sacrifices that they make to be successful in the music industry.

BOOK TRAILER>

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utEL9o6bPfc&feature=youtube_gdata_player



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Monday, July 02, 2012

FEATURED AUTHOR: Ey Wade

Ey considers herself to be a caged in frustrated author of thought provoking, mind bending eBooks, an occasional step-in parent, a fountain of knowledge, and ready to share. She is (and have always been) the single mother of three daughters that were previously home-schooled and are now either attending college or graduated from college and the drooling 'Lovey' to a baby boy. Ey was born in Texas and reared as an Army brat. There is the constant need to speak, writing and telling stories is the way she chooses to socialize.

How did you start out your writing career?

Before becoming a self-published author I followed the rules. Wrote outlines, character back stories, did the word counting, queries and everything. I even had an agent once. Unfortunately he was a horrible choice. Directed me away from Ballantine books (wish I would have known who they were then) who wanted The Perfect Solution and straight into the corrupt hands of Publish America. What a crock. After that fiasco I was so humiliated I couldn’t write. Fought and had my rights returned and now, I am back. I tried the querying again, but became frustrated when it seems the agents’ rules are so varied, too confusing for me. Not to mention the rejection letters can be soul crushing. I received a lot of positive reviews for The Perfect Solution when it was first published and yet when I began querying one agent informed me no one would like the book and yet it deals with negligence in the child care system. So, off I ran on my own. I have recently put three novels, three picture books and a creative non-fiction book into the Amazon and Smashwords systems. I think e-publishing is one of the greatest inventions God has given to the world.

What did you learn while writing this book?

While writing D.N.A. I learned there is an inner strength within everyone and all it takes is a belief in yourself to sustain you through anything.

What did you hope to accomplish with this book?

I think my main goal with D.N.A. is to show teens and those who feel they have to go on shows like Maury Povich that they don’t have to act like a fool. Respect begins within yourself.

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

The plot came first. After watching so many of those ‘whose the daddy shows on TV I started to become irritated with all of the ridiculous drama Why? This is just one time I was totally plot driven.


What has surprised you most about becoming a published author?

When my first books were published years ago I was amazed at the reactions from others. People would act as if it were so amazing for someone in our town, of my color to write a book.

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

I love all aspects of writing. Some a little more than others, but I enjoy the entire creative process.

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

Number one thing I wish I had known was the fact I should believe in myself more than anyone else. Just because someone can’t understand your dream doesn’t mean there is something wrong with it or you. I wish I had known to start self-publishing and learning more about marketing.

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

I would advise any author to go the route of self-publishing when they have something they feel strongly about and no one else can envision their dreams. Then I would probably tell a writer, don’t just take the first words you scribble on a piece of tissue and run off thinking you have written the next best seller. Take your time, write, edit, and reedit before you submit anything.

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

I would love for a non-writer, reader to understand writing is not a waste of time. It is hard work and a tremendous source of release and passion.


Tell us something few know about you?

Few know I suffer with Sciatica which sometimes makes it extremely hard to move or walk, let alone type and yet I have published eight other books. http://amzn.to/wade-inbooks

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

When I’m not writing I like watching television, reading and playing with my grandbaby.

What do you do to interact with your readers?

I blog five blogs, twitter, write book reviews, post on other social networks and post on Facebook


Who was the first author you ever met?

Her name is Barbara Cooley http://www.amazon.com/Barbara-Colley/e/B001HCUXUM/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1 I met her at a writer’s workshop about 8 years ago. It was awesome. She wrote cozy mysteries about a housekeeper who solved murders in her hometown. As keepsakes for the book she gave out tiny feathered dust mops with book covers connected for one book and other paraphernalia to match her other books. I still have that little dust mop.


Oprah always asks, what do you know for sure?

What do I know for sure? Lol, with all of the voices yelling in my head to come to life and tell their stories, I know being an author is the life I am supposed to live.

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

Sure. My next book is titled, “Tripping Prince Charming” it’s a romance consisting of three stories that interweave with each other. Book Description: Carmella Candi, Ivy Gardiner, and Lillie-Rose McIntyre are best friends and have been since birth. Strong minded women, who defied the fairytales, tore up the pink fluffy dresses and enjoyed kicking Prince Charming in the teeth. In their lives, they decided who would make the choice of when the ‘happy’ became ever after.

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

Email: imtheauthor@gmail.com Web: http://wade-inpublishing.com Blogs: http://wade-inpublishing.blogspot.com http://theinterviewedcharacter.blogspot.com Twitter: http://twitter.com/jumpouttheboat Facebook: http://facebook.com/eywade2

About D.N.A. On the night before a planned family vacation, Debney is inexplicably excluded. After a bitter argument with her mother at being barred from family vacations, especially one so close to her eighteenth birthday, Debney arranges a romantic dinner with her long time crush. During the chaos of dinner turned teen party, she learns of the death of her family. Yes, sometimes relationships in families end tragically. People leave; parents die, and lives change. But does it all have to bring out the skeletons in the closet?

Debney Nichole Armstrong thought she knew everything about her family. She knew her dad worked hard at everything, except building a relationship with his family. She knew her younger brothers were typical little kids, and she knew her mother, for some unknown reason, disliked her first born and only daughter.

What she really needed to know was did her mother contribute to the ‘accident’? Who is the man repeatedly mentioned in her mother’s journals? Where were the bodies of her ten year old twin brothers, and who is the father of the child she now carries? No matter what the answers are, Debney knows, nothing will ever be the same.



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