Friday, October 24, 2014

Books To Help Writers Part 1 - Podcast



A new series about books writers should have in their library.
A Writer's Guide to Publishing & Marketing (Volume 2) by Barbara Joe Williams

http://barbarajoe.webs.com/

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Thursday, October 23, 2014

5 Reasons Why You Should Attend An Online Conference





Reason #5

 LOW COST REGISTRATION  -  All the best parts of a live conference and you’re not going broke to attend

SORMAG’s Online Conference, November 1-3, 2014 is an online conference we host every year.  This year we are charging a registration fee of $25.00.  Half of the registrations will be used to send a lucky attendee to a live conference.  It is our way to give back to our online community.

The conference features workshops, panels, live discussions, door prizes and the best part is you don’t have to leave your home. The conference is 24/7. It will be held online on our forum and over the phone. 

The conference is for those writers and readers who want to go to a conference, but for some reason lack the funds to attend one.  They still have the desire to learn and the conference offers them a chance to learn and network with other writers and readers. 

Most conferences cost from 500 – 1500 or more, including registration fees, hotel and travel.  You get all the great things of a conference at a low cost of 25.00.

Registration for the conference will be open until October 29th.  Don’t miss out on the fun.

REGISTER TODAY - http://conta.cc/1nAubg7

Stop by tomorrow for the next reason to attend an online conference.



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Wednesday, October 22, 2014

BLOG TOUR: Mixing Business and Pleasure by M. Skye




After his past bad relationship, twenty-nine-year-old, newly promoted, record label CEO Jackson Whitmore vows never to love again. With his best friend and vice president, Eric, at his side, Jackson’s main focus is the business, until a beautiful woman, Milan Wells, waltzes into his life and is introduced as the new president. While Jackson wants to object to the decision, it becomes difficult when Milan brings forth bold and fresh ideas, catching both his and Eric’s attention; for different reasons.

Tensions soon arise when Milan and Eric’s competitive natures collide forcing Jackson to intervene causing a rift between the once inseparable duo. With rumors of Milan’s abusive relationship surfacing and Eric spiraling out of control, Jackson finds himself stepping up to protect Milan and entering an intense physical relationship. While Jackson and Milan are slowly falling for one another, Eric’s jealousy erupts into a vicious quest for revenge that plunges the lovers into danger they never imagined.                   

This is the sophmore novel for author M. Skye. In her novels, she likes to evoke strong dramatic story lines, with strong romantic content. She loves to throw twists and curve balls you won’t see coming into her stories, with racy encounters at every turn. This is the second published work, but won’t be the last from this imaginative writer. She spends her free time writing and spending time with her large family.


Get to know the author:

How long have you been writing, and how did you start?

I’ve been writing since middle school, mostly poems and short stories. I only recently started to dabble in full length novels. I love to read, so I was sitting reading a book from one of my favorite authors, and I thought, hey, I can do this. Two months later, I had Circle of Deception, my first novel,  and I’ve been writing ever since.

What’s the story behind the title of your book?

The title lets you know that there is going to be some king of sexual tension in the work place. What you don’t count on is the backstabbing and mudslinging regarding the two best friends.

Do you have another job outside of writing?

I have a full time job working in the medical field. I work 40 hours a week and still average to dedicate about 20 hours a week to my writing.

How did you create the plot for this book?

The plot for the book is completely fictional, while some of the relationships mirror those of people I know personally. For instance, the relationships and bonds between the siblings are like those between my siblings. (We meddle in each other’s lives as well.) Also, the relationship of Angela and Jackson somewhat mirrors mine with my guy best friend.

Which character did you most enjoy writing?

I loved all of the sisters, Rhea, Madison, and Noel. They are all so fun, carefree, and comfortable in their skin. They love their little brother with all their hearts, but give him a hard time in an attempt to make him face his true feelings. They also have so many hilarious moments when speaking to Jackson

Tell us about your favorite scene in the book.

Hands down the lines where Jackson is angry with Milan because he thinks she is sleeping with another man. You get to see his jealous side and her stubbornness. At that point, you get to see exactly how deep his feelings run for her and vice versa. It’s great because you take this once reserved man and get to see what intensity the right woman can bring out of him.

“You don’t get to walk away from me like that, not until you explain it to me first. I want to know how you can be in my bed one night and in his face the next. I’m a very understanding man, but this is where my patience wears thin. I told you I didn’t want to share, and I meant it.”

What song would you pick to go with your book?

I’m a huge R&B fan, so I would have to say ANYTHING by Babyface or Toni Braxton. I have a playlist I use when I’m writing.

Find the author:






Contact Email: topics@pinkflameexp.com

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Thursday, October 16, 2014

BLOG TOUR: Let The Games Begin by LaQuita Cameron





The games being played surrounding the death of Zipp Richards, son of Memphis Police Officer Nate, lead to a deadly revengeful plot of his twin sister Jazmina doing whatever she can to make those involved suffer. Porter and Troy are local drug dealers of Memphis, who end up fleeing to Chicago, Illinois to start another life and build a rich empire of drugs, guns and money. The scandalous affairs of Yvette with Troy, lead her down a dangerous path with a psychotic drug abuser. While Monae is left to pick up the pieces of her life, she deals with Porter’s cheating ways and inability to settle down with her. The characters try to stay alive while scheming and betraying one another. The shocking twists and turns from each character’s life keeps the reader in suspense of who will survive the deadly games being played.

Excerpt:

Jazmina smells pot roast cooking so she walks towards the kitchen. She loved her African American side of the family because they cooked some really good soul food. He sits in his chair in the kitchen reading a newspaper. His wavy salt and pepper hair matches his beard. “Well look at here. When did you get here sweetie?” Standing up at 6’6’’ he bent down to hug his niece. “Hey how have you been?” he asks smiling.

“Great, Papi. I drove here from Chicago last night, just making it this afternoon. I am doing fine but i miss you guys though. How’s dad doing?” she responds. Her uncle stirs his roast stating, “Your father is doing well. He was supposed to bring his tail over here yesterday but has not shown up yet. I figured he wanted some time to himself so I didn’t bother him this morning. Did you get everything you need?”

Jazmina pulls out her folder from her black purse showing him the photos she took of Porter. “Well I have these pictures, his business card, license plate number and I am getting an address now from Benny.” She answers grinning at her achievements. “So let’s just say I am getting very close. I know he killed him. I want to get his confession.” She adds. Her uncles face remains emotionless but he ceases smiling.

“Damn you’re good. How did you get pictures of him already? You have only been in Chicago for three months. Why didn’t you go into private investigating for a career?” he jokes with her.

“You better know it… I’m a woman that knows how to use her resources” She tells him joking making him laugh. “Before you know it I will be calling saying he is dead” she comments. He walks away from the stove over to her, removing her hair from her face. He palms her face.

“You definitely have grown into a fine woman. Be careful okay? That is a dangerous man. He is smarter than you think” He says rubbing her cheek gently gazing into her eyes. Jazmina never forgot how her uncle sexually abused her twice as a young teenager. She needs his help in her this so she goes along with his inappropriate ways for now. Getting up from the table holding his hand in hers she asks “Are you going by the burial today. You know this makes it three years today.” His smile fades away and he steps back to fix himself a plate of the food he prepared.

“Baby girl you know I don’t like graveyards. I will send some flowers though. I wish I could make it but I probably will not, sorry.” He replies as he fixes his own plate to feast on the meal. Looking on in disappointment she prepares to leave.

“Where is the stuff I ordered? I have to get going Papi.” She lies. He looks at her then leaves the kitchen returning within minutes with a brown paper bag. She reaches to take the bag from him but it remains in his grasp. Staring him in the eyes she continues to pull the bag in towards her.

“Here. Everything that you asked for is in this bag. And don’t forget to take this food with you. And I know how you feel, but doing what you’re doing will not make things better. He is gone Jaz. Let it go, okay? Before you get yourself hurt… I’m serious! You do not want to play around

with Mack P.” he warns finally handing over the bag containing two handguns with its ammunition inside.

Jazmina told her uncle her plan to find Zipp’s killers a year ago and he was reluctant at first, but agreed to aid her if she needed anything. She requested for Papi to get her some weapons he would need firepower for protection being in Chicago alone. Benny stays with her, but he will not be of any help once she was alone with Porter.

“I know what I am doing Papi. Thanks for everything. I will call you to update you.” She says hugging her uncle.

“Let me take your things out for you” he said holding her plate and grabbing the brown paper bag off the table.

They leave out of the house returning to her car. Jacob eyes Papi opening the door for Jazmina. “Alright see you later Jaz. Remember what I said. Be careful. I would hate for something to happen to you too!” he advises. He also slides a bank envelope containing $10,000 into her hands.

“Bye. Thanks again. Take care.” She replies smiling driving off towards East Memphis. Papi ran his own gang turf with his two sons Jacob and Brian. He watches her drive off walking back to the house. “Why the long face old man?” Jacob asks him.

“She is getting to motherfucking nosy. She searched for him and shit. Which one of you punks told her ass he was in Chicago? I thought I said not to tell her anything!” Papi rants making all the other men get quiet.

“Hey I didn’t tell her anything. You need to check your other son. I don’t snitch!” Jacob insists with fear in his eyes.

“Hopefully she decides to stay away from him for her own sake. My brother would kill me if he found out the truth.” He exclaims in a low tone walking into the house with Jacob following.


LaQuita Cameron is a multi-genre writer from Memphis, TN and I loves writing fictional novels. Most of the time is spent writing erotica, urban dramas, thrillers, suspense novels and crime/action series. I work full time in a call center but dedicate my remainder of my time to my three children and husband. I am inspired to write by those authors before me like Zane, Sister Soldier and even Carl Weber. I plan to write spiritual and children novels in the future. I write at least 4-8 hours a day during the week depending on my work schedule. I am currently an author at La Femme Fatale Publishing Company under Michele Fletcher, CEO. I have a passion for writing and my purpose is to entertain both women and men of all ages in the future. I have been reading since I was in the fifth grade and became accustomed to reading all genres no matter what race/ethnicity wrote it. I am currently working on 4 novels, while I have already published Let The Games Begin part 1.


Conversations with the author:

1.       What inspired you to write?

I was inspired to write based on my growing up being an avid reader. I would even sneak and read my grandmother’s romance novels. It didn’t matter the race who wrote the book as long as it was a good read, which always interested me in writing but I never got the courage to write until recently this year. I am inspired by those writers who show their love for writing in their works they publish.

2.       What writers inspired you to write? And would you be interested in collaborating with them?

My mentor Michele Fletcher of Charge It To The Game, Kwan, Ashley and Jaquavis, Nikki Turner as well as Sister Soldier. Yes, Of course I would love to collaborate with either of them!

3.       What genre is your favorite genre?

My favorite genre is romance and that goes for reading and writing genres.

4.       Can you tell us about the main character(s)?

Jazmina, the revenge enraged sister of the victim killed by Porter and his gang.

Porter Tatum aka Mack P, who is a Gangster from the streets selling drugs while running a nightclub in Chicago.

Troy MacGhee, is Porter’s club manager and childhood friend to Porter.

Monae Pinkins, the girlfriend of Porter and bartender for Porter’s club.

Yvette Brown, is Monae’s best friend working as a cocktail waitress for Porter’s club.

Deon is a local corner drug dealer for Porter and is also Yvette’s boyfriend

5.       What is your least favorite part of writing this current project?

My least favorite part about writing this current project was trying to determine which characters to leave alive for the next part of the series.

6.       If you could cast your characters in the Hollywood adaptation of your book, who would play your characters?

Monae- Megan Good

Yvette- Tasha Smith

Troy- Idris Elba

Porter- Michael Jai White

Jazmina- Lisa Ray

7.       Where did you get your ideas from for your books?


My ideas comes naturally when I write. Once I depict the character’s personalities, the ideas to either bring drama or action to certain scenes just sort of fall in place for me.
 
Find the author buy the book:


Web links: Facebook/Author LaQuita Cameron, Facebook Reads With LaQuita, Twitter: Laquitacam86

Instagram: Laquitacam86


My email address for readers to contact me is Laquita@lffpublishing.com

 Watch the trailer:


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Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Hate The Way He Loves Me by Stacey Covington-Lee





Zoe Shaw’s childhood was anything but perfect. She, her sister, Pam, and their mother, Martha, were terrorized by Otis Shaw. The man that vowed to love and protect them had become a drunken, abusive animal that took pleasure in their suffering. But when he begins to look at Zoe with lover’s eyes, she finds herself taking drastic measures to ensure that he’ll never hurt any of the Shaw women again, or so she thinks. When word gets out that Otis may be resurfacing, Zoe, being the strongest of the trio, decides that it’s time for them to move away and start anew.

Desmond Page, Zoe’s best friend, moved away a long time ago. Having had a difficult childhood of his own, he and Zoe found love and acceptance with one another and did their best to shield each other from harm. Now that she’s looking to relocate, he suggests that she join him down south.

Their new home offered everything the Shaw women ever wanted; peace, security, opportunity and even the possibility for love. When Ramon Martinez introduced himself to Zoe, the attraction was undeniable. And despite her better judgment, she allowed herself to fall for the uncommonly handsome business owner.  What she didn’t realize was that he was also the product of an abusive home, but unlike her, he chose to follow the example set by his father. His jealousy and insecurity led him to deliver painful consequences for what he deemed inexcusable behavior. But he has clearly underestimated Zoe and the question now is which one of them will survive this battered love?

Excerpt:

Zoe’s phone rang again and when she saw it was Ramon, she simply put it back in her purse, said her goodbyes to Martha, and headed home. A little while later she pulled up to the house and was annoyed to find Rich’s truck parked in the driveway. She was not in the mood to deal with company, especially Rich. He was the biggest, most arrogant jackass she’d ever met. She’d only met his little mousy girlfriend, Candy, once and after ten minutes in Rich’s presence she felt nothing but pity for his girlfriend. Zoe walked into the house and politely said hello, but she never broke her stride as she headed for the bedroom.

“Where you going, babe? I haven’t seen you all day. Don’t you want to sit out here with us and catch the end of the game?” Ramon asked.

Zoe paused for a moment. “Thanks, baby, but I’m exhausted. I think I’ll just head on back and get ready for bed,” she replied as she tried to continue on to the bedroom.

“Well, will you at least throw us a couple of sandwiches together before going back?”

“How long have you been home Ramon?”

“A couple of hours, why?”

“Babe, you could’ve prepared a full meal by now. I’m really tired and it won’t take you but a minute to slap some mayo and ham on some bread.” Zoe turned and went on in the room and closed the door.

“Damn, man, whose house is this? Cause it looks like she’s running things. I wish the hell Candy would talk to me like that or walk out on me,” Rich bellowed as if he were trying to insight a riot. He leaned back into the sofa with his round belly still sticking out as if he were eight months pregnant. His hair slicked back into a ponytail made him look as if he were some sleazy used car salesman. He kept staring at Ramon with those beady eyes waiting to see his friend’s reaction.

As if he were a twelve year old, Ramon was unwilling to look like a punk in front of his friend. Without hesitation, he took off towards the bedroom. What he didn’t need was more encouragement, but that slimy, no good Rich offered it anyway.

“That’s right, bro. Go handle your business.”

Ramon stormed into the room slamming the door behind him. Startled by the loud noise, Zoe jumped and looked around to see Ramon fuming.

“What’s wrong, babe? Did something happen with you and Rich?”

“No, something happened with you. How are you gonna come up in here and embarrass me like that. You roll up in here and act like you’re too good to hang out with me and my boy and then refuse to fix a couple of sandwiches. You need to get your damn clothes back on and come out here and fix us something to eat!” Ramon demanded.

“You sound like a crazy man! When my friends are here you won’t even speak to them. At least I acknowledge that animal you call a friend. And y’all are grown ass men perfectly capable of fixing a sandwich. I’m going to bed. Goodnight!” Zoe shouted as she slipped her shoes off. But Ramon walked up on her and grabbed her by the arm. He dug his nails into her flesh so hard that she immediately began to bruise, and when she still seemed unwilling, he dug in until he drew blood. “Ramon, I swear if you don’t let me go I’m calling the cops,” she threatened, trying her best not to cry.

“What you’re going to do is take your ass out there, fix us something to eat, and act like you’re glad to do it.” He never let go of her arm as he shuffled her out of the room and into the kitchen. As they passed by Rich, they could hear him shouting words of encouragement to Ramon.



Having fallen in love with literature at an early age, it only made sense for Stacey Covington-Lee to seek a career that would allow her to combine her passion for writing and her Communications education from Savannah State University. During her lengthy career in the insurance industry as an Instructional and PC Trainer, Stacey wrote and developed multiple training guides and manuals for both insurance companies and local government.

It was at the encouragement of a dear friend that Stacey wrote and released her first novel, The Knife In My Back. Continuing her exploration of love, friendship, and betrayal, she has since given us The Knife In My Back 2, Bitter Taste Of Love, and her much anticipated, Hate The Way He Loves Me.

Stacey is an Atlanta native and has found great enjoyment in visiting book clubs and speaking at various events throughout the Southeast region. She loves hearing from readers and invites everyone to visit her website, www.staceycovingtonlee.com, follow her on Twitter (@covingtonlee) as well as Facebook (www.facebook.com/staceycovington-lee) and IG (scovingtonlee).

Get to know Stacey:

Q. What inspires your writing?

A. I’m inspired by those around me, the people that I observe on the daily basis. Everyone has a story, everyone is trying to overcome something. It’s these situations, these struggles that tend to translate into the best stories.

Q. Hate The Way He Loves Me focuses on domestic violence. What separates your book from other books with the same focus?

A. My novel is not the typical “poor victim” type story. This book is full of unlikely heroes and twists that you’ll never see coming. It’s an emotional story that you can’t help but get caught up in.

Q. Was any part of this book based on real life experience?

A. While this book isn’t based on my experience, it was inspired in part by my experience. Many years ago I found myself in an abusive marriage. Fortunately I was able to get out of that situation and go on to make a good life for myself with a wonderful man.

Q. Would men also find your novel interesting or do you view it as a “chick novel?”
 
A. There is definitely something in this book for everyone, including male reader. Women are not the only ones that suffer abuse and this novel shows just what can happen when boys/men are the victims of abuse.

Q. As an author do you feel obligated to tackle social issues?

A. Not at all. As an author I feel that my obligation is to entertain. However, if I can use my writing to shed light on some very relevant social issues, why not do it? Raising awareness, imparting knowledge through my writing is truly a gift.

Q. What can we expect from you in the future?

A. I’m currently working on a couple projects that are sure to be wildly entertaining and hoping to have one released in spring of 2015.

Q. What advise would you give to an aspiring author?

A. I would tell them to be true to themselves. Don’t change your writing or try to do what you think will sell. Write what you’re passionate about, write in your own voice. And once your story is written be ready to do the serious work of promoting and building your brand.

Find the author/Book:




Email address: staceyleewrites@gmail.com



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