Friday, May 31, 2013

FEATURED AUTHOR: Stone Erickson Mims

 

 My name is Stone Erickson Mims and I was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma on September 24, 1997. I’m a 15 (and a half, and don’t let anyone tell you different) year old freshman and I’ve been in gifted classes since Middle school. I’ve played soccer since I was age 4 and have held an addiction to reading for an even longer time. Early in my youth, I noticed that I could read faster and comprehend more than adults who were several times my age . This talent for reading eventually manifested itself as writing around my 3rd grade year as comic books and that eventually grew into short stories and novellas. My dream (for a long time now) has been to become an author (and or millionaire) and I am very excited to get started!

 

Black Angel is the tale of a young teen who struggles in everyday life due to bullies, school work and the occasional beating from his abusive stepfather. Losing his birth father only seems to add to his grief. One day, on his way home Solomon is hit by a car while saving another. He dies. But that isn’t the end of this malevolent tale. Solomon finds himself face to face with a being that offers him a second chance at life and the powers to protect others. Solomon accepts....but every contract has its deal. What are the terms in this lethal legislative law? You'll have to read to find out.


Click To Read Stone Erickson Mims's interview in the MAY/JUNE issue of SORMAG Digital.


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

Do you need help with your promoting? - http://sormag.com/advertise.htm


Monday, May 27, 2013

FEATURED AUTHOR: Angela Breidenbach


Angela Breidenbach’s book, A Healing Heart, is based on the family tradition of giving unique quilts of memorable moments spanning birth to graduation to their graduating seniors. Mrs. Montana International 2009, an inspirational speaker and author, Angela also coaches writers, weight loss/fitness, and pageant contestants in Missoula, MT. Other works by Angela include: Gems of Wisdom: For a Treasure-filled Life (women's Bible study), Creative Cooking for Colitis, and Creative Cooking for Simple Elegance. She's also an accomplished freelance writer with years of articles, compilations, and devotionals. A Healing Heart released April 1st, 2013 as Angela's debut novel.

www.AngelaBreidenbach.com

www.QuiltsOfLoveBooks.com


What would you do if the one man who can help is the one man you can’t trust?

A heart attack has stopped Mara Keegan in her tracks, leaving her daughter’s unfinished photo memory quilt hanging by a thread. Little does Mara know, this quilt—and the memories it bolsters—are the key to her rehabilitation. But Mara’s heart needs to be healed in more ways than one. And Joel Ryan is fraying her last nerve. With her daughter’s graduation fast approaching, even Mara starts to wonder if she—and her faith—can mend in time. Will Joel’s photo find a place on the quilt… and in Mara’s heart?


Click To Read Angela Breidenbach's interview in the MAY/JUNE issue of SORMAG Digital.

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

Do you need help with your promoting? - http://sormag.com/advertise.htm


Thursday, May 23, 2013

BLOG TOUR: Lovely Lies by LaShanta Charles



Makynzee has spent all of her life being dependent on people who've always disappointed her, especially her abusive mother. Everyone lies to her - her sister, her uncle, even her beloved father. When her mom strips her of her one true love, gymnastics, she's determined to find and maintain her independence. There's only one little problem...money. She sets out to find a job as a dancer at a gentelman's club, but finds Kalil instead. With his looks, money, and charisma any woman would be crazy not to want him and Makynzee's no different. Falling for him fast she soon discovers some things just arent adding up and Kalil may not be the man she thought he was. He wants to be with her and provide for her, but can he protect her? When a love-struck fan becomes obsessed and begins attacking and stalking Makynzee she questions Kalil's ability to be her protector. Makynzee has no idea who he is, where he came from, or why he's here, but he's determined to have her even if that means eliminating everyone she knows and loves. By any means necessary, right? She belongs to him and he's claiming what's rightfully his, no matter the circumstances. When truths are revealed, they threaten to tear Makynzee's soul apart and chaos becomes her life. Will she be able to escape this temporary insanity or will she become a permanent victim?

Excerpt:

Not much surprises or upsets me anymore when it comes to my mom. In fact, the only things that actually mean anything to me in this house are my Beats headphones, my music, gymnastics, and what little is left of my sanity. I’m surprised that I actually have to contemplate which upsets me more, the stinging sensation across the left side of my face, from the slap my mom just delivered or the sight of her foot stomping on my headphones which flew from my ears when she hit me. I’m a pretty practical girl, so I go with the stomping of the headphones. Before she demolishes them I swoop down and snatch them up. Then our staring contest begins. My look asks “what now,” hers is unreadable, but I think I win. She looks away first.

“You and these stupid ass headphones make me sick, instead of sitting in your room you should be out trying to find a job and figure out a way to pay for college so I’m not stuck with you for another four years,” she yells.

“If you hadn’t spent all of the money Daddy saved for me I’d be long gone,” I mumble.

This surprises her…and me. I’ve never disrespected my mother, never uttered a word back to her. Her surprise quickly fades and as anger replaces the previous emotion, I’m dealt another blow to the face. This time she uses the back of her left hand. The skin on my cheek catches the wedding ring that she still wears and I suppress a yell as I feel the pain. I bring my hand up to my face then look down at the blood that covers my fingers. There’s not much blood so I know it’s not a big cut, but that doesn’t make it hurt any less. I look up at my mother and her eyes dare me to say anything. I don’t. I cower away from her and avert my eyes to the floor.

“If you weren’t such a fat fuck, you’d still be able to do gymnastics and get a full scholarship!”

I keep my eyes trained on the floor. I’m not fat and I can definitely still do gymnastics.



Lashanta Charles was born and raised in the small town of Orangeburg, SC. She has always been an avid reader of all genres, but Urban/ African American Fiction has always been her true love and is what inspired her to pursue a writing career. In high school, she began letting her classmates read the short stories that she would write and based off of their feedback, her passion for writing pushed her to become a published author. Through trial and error, she has developed a unique writing style that she fully embraces. She penned her first official novel, Lovely Lies, in 2013 and is currently working on the sequel.

Currently she lives in Waynesville, MO, with her husband and two children. She is pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in English at Drury University and also serving in the US Army. Her hobbies include spending time with family, travelling, eating, and of course, writing. Her motto is “strive to excel, not to equal.”

Get to know LaShanta:

What are you working on at the moment / next?

Lashanta: Right now I’m working on the sequel for “Lovely Lies.” It’s so hard to stay focus. I honestly think I’m bipolar or have some sort of attention deficit disorder or something like that because I have so many projects in my head, I can’t just focus on only one. I’m working on my sequel, but I’m also making notes on my third and fourth book.

Have you had any rejections? If so, how do you deal with them?

Lashanta: Yes! Before signing with Delphine Publications, I queried agents and other publishing companies for roughly 18 months (maybe longer) and they all said no L. My first rejection left me crying like a baby. I was literally inconsolable. Then after a while I came to expect rejections and realized it was just a part of the process. When I finally got an acceptance letter, I actually received 3 other offers for signing within the same month, so I was pretty excited about that.

Do you have an agent? Do you think they’re vital to an author’s success?

Lashanta: No agent at this time, but I ultimately would like to have one. I don’t think they’re vital to your success, but I think they’re a tremendous help. There are some publishing houses that won’t accept unsolicited queries from authors, they only deal with agents. It’s always a good feeling to have that agent on your team and fighting for you though.

From your novel, Lovely Lies, who is your favorite character and why?

I would have to say that my favorite character is Kaeden. He doesn’t show up until later in the story, but he has that personality that intrigues you because he’s so mysterious. It’s as though he’s suddenly there and you’re automatically drawn to him. He has the “bad boy” mentality, but on a level that you’re not used to because he’s so quiet.

What was the hardest part of writing your book?

Remembering that it was okay for me not to agree with the things my characters do and say. Occasionally, I would find myself writing something and have to stop and reevaluate a few lines because it fit my thoughts more than it fit my character’s personality. There were some things that the characters did that I found just completely went against what I stood for, but I had to remind myself to be okay with that.

Do you prefer eBooks, paperbacks, or hardcovers?

That preference is directly related to where I am and what I’m doing. If I’m out on some sort of Army mission, I prefer paperbacks because I can squeeze them into small compartments of my bags without taking up too much room. If I’m relaxing on a beach or in front of a fireplace, I prefer a nice and sturdy hardcover. Now if I’m traveling or out on the go and running errands, I prefer eBooks that I can easily access on my iPad or my phone.

Is there anything else you’d like to mention?

Lashanta: My debut novel, “Lovely Lies” releases on May 21, 2013 and is available for pre-order now on Amazon. Also, you will find me at this year’s Essence Music Festival doing author meet & greets, book signings, etc.

Contact Info: lashantacharles@gmail.com

www.lashantacharles.com (Personal website)

www.delphinepublications.com (Publisher’s website)

https://www.facebook.com/authorlashanta (Facebook)

www.twitter.com/twiety01
 (Twitter)

Purchase Info:

www.amazon.com


www.delphinepublications.com


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

Do you need help with your promoting? - http://sormag.com/advertise.htm


Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Blog Tour: Minus One: The Drew Smith Series


Minus One the Drew Smith Series prequel takes us back when the attorney launches his legal career. Before the ink is dry on his license to practice law Drew Smith finds himself at the center of a murder mystery. The recent law school graduate works as a hotel concierge and befriends two bellmen an Arab and a Latino, Medhat and Julio. Like the three musketeers they bond in a fraternal friendship put to the test when Medhat is kidnapped after running up a drug tab he can't pay. Rescued by Drew and Julio, Medhat then becomes the prime suspect in a string of murders. Driven by their romantic entanglements the attorney is captivated with a pretty Latina whose father objects to her dating a Black man. Julio and his Filipina love find themselves expecting, and Medhat’s passion for blondes gets him snared in a femme fatale's net. Minus One captures Drew Smith's evolution from youthful indiscretion to a professional burdened with seriousness of purpose.


About The Author

Norwood Holland is a freelance writer, lawyer, and author of the Drew Smith legal thriller series based on the capers of an urban trial attorney. He is a graduate of Howard University School of Law with a bachelor’s degree in English from Fisk University where he studied under the renowned Harlem Renaissance author Arna Bontemps. Holland favors D.C.'s local color in his fiction and currently writes the blog editorialindependence.com devoted to promoting independent authors among other things.

He has served in several government agencies including the National Labor Relations Board and a number of Washington’s top national law firms. In the mid 90s Holland began freelancing for the local media. Some of his credits include The Writer Magazine, the Examiner, and Black Literature Magazine. Minus One follows up on the success of Sleepless Nights, the first in the Drew Smith Series.

Book Excerpt

Chapter 1

Caught Red-Handed

HE OFFICERS WERE dispatched on a possible domestic dispute. They didn’t know what to expect when Mrs. Oliphant met the two at the elevator, one Latino the other African- American, both towering over the blue haired dowager. Nervous and animated, she spoke as rapidly as she stepped, guiding them to the apartment door.

“Are you related?” asked the stocky dark haired Latino. “No. I'm Carol's next door neighbor. There was a fight and I heard the disturbance,” Mrs. Oliphant sighed and shook her head as though shaking off a secret annoyance. “Mind you, I don't eavesdrop but I couldn't help hearing—you know thin walls and vents carry conversations. This is her apartment.”

They stopped in front of the corner apartment at the end of the hall. “I have the key,” she said. Mrs. Oliphant's tiny trembling liver spotted hand offered it up between the thumb and forefinger. With a nod the Latino urged her to open the door. “Hard to make sense of it all,” she continued her prattle fumbling to get the key in the keyhole, “I could only piece things together. She's so distraught almost hysterical—it had to be something traumatic. I gave her a sedative.” She relaxed with the key finally in.

“Did you go in?” the Latino asked. He reached over her shoulder, turned the knob and pushed the door open. “No, she told me to call the police.” Mrs. Oliphant followed the two in.

Connect with the Author

Email = norwoodholland@aim.com
Website: http://www.norwoodholland.com/

Twitter https://twitter.com/Norwood22

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/norwood.holland

To purchase book: http://www.amazon.com/Norwood-Holland/e/B004Q26D4U/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1365085906&sr=8-1

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

Do you need help with your promoting? - http://sormag.com/advertise.htm


Monday, May 20, 2013

SORMAG DIGITAL - Shades Of Romance Magazine - Digital



MAY/JUNE ISSUE - READERS

MAR/APR ISSUE - Resources On The Net

JAN/FEB ISSUE - Writing The Book

NOV/DEC ISSUE - Children Book
SEP/OCT ISSUE -  The Business Of Writing




ADVERTISE IN SORMAG DIGITAL 


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

Do you need help with your promoting? - http://sormag.com/advertise.htm


Tuesday, May 14, 2013

BOOK OF THE DAY: The Touch - Angels-in-Training by Karen White Owens



An angel's work is never done. That's what angels-of-death Ayanna and Rachel learn while waiting at the bedside of Alexander Johnson. Worried that his beloved grandson, Patrick, will be alone, Alexander refuses to cross over. The patriarch clings to life, fighting with everything in him to stay in this world and near the one person he loves.

Although she dumped him, Patrick has never stopped loving his college sweetheart, Vanessa. Separated through the maneuvers of his grandfather, Patrick stays at his only living relative's side while silently wishing for the love, presence, and support of Vanessa. Through angel magic, Patrick and Vanessa reconnect. Both are suspicious of the feelings they still share. It's going to take all of Ayanna and Rachel's angel powers and skills to reunite this couple and restore their faith in love and each other while helping Alexander Johnson take his final journey.

Author bio

Karen White Owens is a lifelong resident of Detroit Michigan. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Sociology and a Master's of Library and Information Science from Wayne State University. In addition to writing, she is the director of a northern Macomb County public library.

Ms. Owens is the author of nine romance novels, three novella and two short-stories. In addition to writing, Her 2004 novel, Circles of Love received a 4-1/2 Gold review from Romantic Times Book Club, the highest honor an author can receive and was nominated Best Multicultural Novel for 2004. She also received a nomination for Best Hero from the Romantic Slam Jam Emma Awards. Her next novel, Love Changes Everything received 4-1/2 stars Romantic Times Book Club and top pick for November 2005. In 2006, she won the Wayne State University Women in the Media award. To learn more about Karen and her books, visit her website at: www.karenwhiteowens.com

Website address www.karenwhiteowens.com

Download your copy TODAY

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

Do you need help with your promoting? - http://sormag.com/advertise.htm


Thursday, May 09, 2013

Christians with Pervasive Issues Virtual Book Tour with Annie Brown



About The Book

Even as a faithful Christian, there may be times when you feel that there is no hope of escaping issues and themes in your life that ensnare and trip you up time and time again. When a certain pattern of behavior or type of suffering has been following you all your life, it’s hard to believe that you can ever escape from it. Christians with Pervasive Issues shows us that every child of God can be delivered from issues that cause them to be a victim, rather than walking in victory. In compassionate, no-nonsense language, Annie Brown demonstrates that with genuine repentance, using God’s principles, and the right counseling/support, you can overcome anything. Christians with Pervasive Issues gives you the ray of hope you need in order to heal your life, and get closer to God.



Annie Brown is the mother of four adult children, five grandchildren, and one great grandchild. She is a licensed minister and social worker. As a social worker, Annie works the terminally ill, providing emotional support at the most critical time in an individual's life. It is Annie's desire that Christians work through their pervasive issues before the end of life, so that the transition between death and eternity can be smooth, and not cluttered with unresolved conflicts.

The Meaning of Pervasive Issues

I WAS GETTING ready for work and suddenly the words “Pervasive Issues” were dropped into my spirit. Can you imagine someone who is not normally a morning person having something so important to deal with? I could not even think of the meaning of “pervasive,” so I could not comprehend what was being said to me. I went on to work, but it did not leave me. I shared what had been dropped into my spirit with my co-worker who is an encourager. He gave me a push to pursue the message the Spirit was conveying, and to understand what God wanted me to write. I could not begin until I did some preliminary homework. I had to figure out what part of speech that “pervasive” was. “Pervasive” is an adjective, which served as a modifier to the noun (issue). Merriam-Webster Dictionary defined it as “spreading through every part.” If an issue is pervasive, it permeates the whole of something. Pervasive issues need to be dealt with within the Body of Christ.

Book Excerpt



A Remedy to Get to the Root of the Problem

WHAT IS NEEDED is that the people of God “must” clean out their secret compartments and confess that they need the Lord to deliver them. Confession is made unto salvation (deliverance). If we confess our faults, the Lord is faithful in forgiving us. You may ask, “Why do I have to confess if I was not responsible for what happened to me?” The issue then becomes whether you have forgiven the person that caused me this harm. If there is no forgiveness, then you become a victim twice: a victim of circumstance, and a victim of bondage. This can be in some ways more dangerous than cancer. This will always be eating away at you. With cancer, at least you know what is going on in your body. Being a victim of circumstance and having an unforgiving heart bring torment. This torment becomes a part of you in such a way that it eats through your mind, destroys your inner peace, and puts your soul in jeopardy because it becomes a heart matter of sin.

Connect with the Author

Email Address: aclara2002@yahoo.com
Website www.outskirtspress.com/christianswithpervasiveissues
Twitter link http://twitter/annieclara2002

Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Christians-with-Pervasive-Issues/333501483361141

Order a copy

Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Christians-with-Pervasive-Issues-ebook/dp/B005IAAPMK/ref=dp_kinw_strp_1

Outskirts Press: http://outskirtspress.com/webpage.php?ISBN=9781432775766

Tour Schedule: Write Now Literary Virtual Book Tour http://wnlbooktours.com/





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

Do you need help with your promoting? - http://sormag.com/advertise.htm


Welcome To SORMAG's Blog

About Me

My photo
I believe in promoting authors and their books. Let me introduce you and your books to online readers.

I'm also a happily married mother of three who's trying to break into the Christian writing field. The writing road can be rocky.

I’m available for:

Online promotion coaching
Lectures
Seminars
Freelancing
Contact me at:lchwriter@gmail.com

Serving Our Community 365 Days a Year!