SORMAG WORKSHOPS - Register Today!

SORMAG’s Spring workshops are open for enrollment.

Workshops begin May 7th. Click here to register – http://sormag.com/schedule.html


A-Z Writing Tips - http://www.sormag.com/WORKwilliams1.html

Timeframe: 4 weeks May 7th – June 1, 2007
Email Course
Cost: 50.00

This 4-week course will cover writing tips from A to Z for beginning and advance writers. The twenty-six tips will be provided over the duration of four weeks. Each week the students will receive 6 - 7 writing tips corresponding with a letter of the alphabet for discussion

Instructor: Barbara Joe Williams (Amani Publishing, LLC) is a former business school teacher, guidance counselor, and reading instructor. She is a freelance writer and an independent publisher living in Tallahassee, Florida.

Writing Romance Novels (Part 1) - http://www.sormag.com/WORKsoard1.html

Timeframe: 4 weeks May 7 – June 1, 2007
Email Workshop
Cost: 50.00

Do you love to read romance novels? Have you always thought you'd like to write one? This four week course covers the basics of what you'll need to know to get started on this exciting career journey. Lori is the author of Become a Romance Writer and has published romance novels through Thorndike's FIVE STAR line.

Instructor: Lori Soard has a PhD in Journalism and Creative Writing and an undergraduate degree in English Education from Indiana University. Her books include romantic comedies, suspense, mainstream and nonfiction topics. She teaches for a college-accredited correspondence course and creative writing to high school students.

The Fiction Writer's Self-Editing Workshop http://www.sormag.com/WORKstapleton.html

Timeframe: 2 weeks May 14 – May 18, 2007
Email Workshop
Cost: 25.00

Do you find yourself overwhelmed by confusing grammar, punctuation, and editing rules? Don't despair! The Fiction Writer's Self-Editing Workshop is the place for you. Whether you're a beginning writer or seasoned author, you can learn simple, straightforward tips for self-editing.

Instructor: Rhonda Stapleton obtained her Master's degree in English from Cleveland State University. She has a Bachelor's degree in English from CSU, as well. Rhonda is a Principal Editor at Thomson West, a legal publishing company, where she has worked for the last five years. In addition, she has freelance edited novels, theses, student papers, and a college writing textbook.

See ya on the net - Building Your Online Presence - http://www.sormag.com/WORKhoffman.html

http://www.sormag.com/WORKhoffman2.html

Timeframe 2 weeks – May 14 – May 18, 2007 and May 21 – June 1, 2007
Email Course
Cost: 25.00

This course is geared toward the newly published authors or the author who would like to promote their books online. This course will take you step-by step to building an online presence.

Instructor: LaShaunda Carruth Hoffman is the publisher of Shades Of Romance Magazine. An online magazine for readers and writers of multi-cultural romance and fiction. She has eight years of experience in online promotion. She believes in helping writers reach their dreams of publication and introducing readers to the wonderful world of multi-cultural romance and fiction.

COMING IN JUNE

Mistakes First Time Authors Make
Writing Romance Novels (Part 2)
Detoxify – Your Life and Your Legacy Require it
How to Survive Your First Interview
Online Book Tours

APRIL 07 REVIEWS

Defining Moments
Jacquelin Thomas
NAL Praise
ISBN 13 978-0-451-22028-8
February 2007

Rating: 5 Stars - Supreme
Reviewed by Regina Hightower M Div.


This sequel to The Prodigal Husband is excellent Before reading this book, first read the Prodigal Husband, if you haven't already. This book is a sequel to that. Though its a sequel, DEFINING MOMENTS stands alone as a terrific contemporary inspirational story using reflections to tell the key points of the first story I really did not think that Sheila could be redeemed. Cause she was a total harlot from the word say go with her scheming was and conniving deeds . Forgiveness is hard, especially when you have to forgive and forget.

Tori was willing to forgive her husband Jake but she did not want to forgive Sheila. Sheila Moore is not a character to be taken lightly. Ms. Thomas has gone above and beyond the call of duty in portraying a woman who is bad to the bone. Her skill as an author is abundantly clear as she makes a simple statement. “If you really want to know who God is, just look around and see all of the miracles He has done in your life. Ms Thomas' book gives you that spiritual kick that you need and makes you take a good look at yourself. I really wanted Sheila and Nick to get together get married and beat the disease cause we know that all things are possible to them that believe. But he did lead her to Jesus Christ and that was better than a physical relationship could ever be.

Beyond Temptation
Brenda Jackson
Kimani Press
ISBN: 978-0-373-86000-5
Publish Date: January, 2007
Fiction

Rating: 3 ½ Stars - Great
Reviewed by: Delores Hines

Calling all Brenda Jackson fans, she’s done it again. The Steele Brothers are back in Beyond Temptation, the love bug has caught up to Morgan Steele, for those of you keeping up with the series. Even if you’re new to the series, Brenda writes in a way that informs you without overdoing it for the faithful readers.

In this installment of the Steele family sagas, Morgan who’s had his eye on his sister-in-laws best friend, Lena Spears for over a year, comes up with a plan to win Lena’s heart. Lena a hardworking realtor, taking care of her elderly mother, has been there, done that with relationships. She doesn’t give Morgan the time of day, although the sparks between them are combustible. Morgan pulls out all the stops to win her heart.

Brenda Jackson keeps her novels, simple, centered on morals, family, and good work ethics. Brenda showcases careers that aren’t typically seen in novels. Lena was a portrait of a woman we all know in some capacity, hardworking, caring, taking care of others at the detriment of herself. She was also representing the big, beautiful, girls without apology.


Come with me
J.W. Hawley
Dafina Press
Fiction
January 2007

Rating: 3.5 stars - Great
Reviewed by Renee Motley

Jessica Bishop is a woman driven to success and she achieves it. Even though she is successful in her business, her personal life leaves a lot to be desired. She covered her own personal emotional baggage by becoming successful and envied by many. Michael “Mighty Cloud” Walker, is a man who also had his share of the good life. He is a wealthy and gorgeous Native American who makes Jessica look twice. Once a powerful and successful attorney in Chicago, he leaves it all to return to North Carolina to reclaim his heritage rights.

Jessica decides that she needs to do some soul searching and retreats to her brother’s cabin and while there she meets Mike. Even though both proclaim that they don’t want anything to do with the word commitment, the attraction is there. When a storm forces them to be together, the succumb to the passion that they have been hiding. The real question becomes whether the city girl can live with the country man.

J.S. Hawley’s debut novel is a good one. She has written a story that features two very different characters. Even though I would have preferred more character development, I did come to care for the characters. There was such a strong blending of supporting characters that this flaw was quickly overlooked. The educational aspect of Native Americans reminded me of Beverly Jenkin’s novels. There is always something to learn and Ms. Hawley’s development of Mike’s history was very well written. The main storyline of love healing the heart, the soul and the mind was well written. If you enjoy passionate love scenes that are believe, this is the novel for you. Ms. Hawley’s debut should be on your must read list.


Soul Fire
Stephanie Dawkins
Dawkins Publishing
ISBN: 1-4243-1186-1
Publish Date: November 2006
Fiction

Rating: 4 Stars – Excellent
Reviewed by: Delores Hines

“Soul Fire is a spiritual connection that two people have with each other. It usually occurs once two people sleep together, creating an eternal bond. The couple is married in the spirit. But if you develop this connection with the wrong man, it can drive you crazy.”

Jacqueline Stokes turns her back on her spiritual roots to live with a man who seems perfect in every way. The relationship is great for about a year. Shortly after, the emotional roller coaster begins, leaving her a shell of her spiritual self. Through prayer, confession and turning away from the relationship, Jacqueline finally breaks free. Braylon finally gets it together, too little, too late but he has one little weapon to help him win her back. Will it work?

The book is written in first person with Jackie retelling the story. Woven throughout the book are very valuable messages for the reader. The writing style was refreshing, the chapters were titled, which kept each chapter focused on the point. The chapter Sistah’s Watch Your Back didn’t flow with the story, although the information was pertinent. All in all a very well written book.


Soulful Strut
Lynn Emery
Harper Touch Publishing
Romance
November 2006

Rating: 4 Stars – Excellent
Reviewed by Renee Motley

Monette Victor spent fifteen years in prison claiming her innocence as she was framed by the County DA, Winn Barron. Even though she is paroled because of newfound evidence, she is still under the jurisdiction of the Louisiana Department of Corrections. She vows to make a new life for herself and to avoid any makes that would draw the attention of Barron. While attempting to create a new life, she writes a bestseller which makes her a star.

Jayson Odum, is attracted to Monette at first sight and Monette is equally attracted to him. The start dating and despite differences of opinions, Jayson feels a connection with her that he has never felt better. However, Monette has serious doubts about relationships due to her wild partying past which lead to her being framed by Barron.

As a huge fun of Ms. Emery, I found Soulful Strut to have her signature character development, a little mystery, some intrigue and all of that makes this novel worth reading. Her novels have characters that make you care for them. This is more than your typical love story. Boy meets girl, fall in love, happy ever after. This is a novel that will have you thinking about life, laughing a little bit and rooting for the characters. It is Monette’s development as a person risking to change her life for a second chance that draws you into the story. Her quest to balance her life, a new romance, and boost her self-esteem from loser to winner is very well written.


Business Unusual
Linda F. Beed
Inspirational Romance/Fiction
On Assignment
ISBN: 0-9785890-0-9
Published: November 2006
Inspirational Fiction

Rating: 4 ½ Stars - Exceptional
Reviewed by: Marguerite Lemons

Bernadette Lewis is a successful business woman with a strong commitment to her faith and her walk with the Lord. Hayes Davis is successful entrepreneur who is used to having women fall at his feet and worship him.

Bernadette has always relied on her faith in God and her family. She begins to question both when it seems that she is to be denied the “one” desire of her heart. Hayes has his eyes set on the “one” prize that he can’t seem to get, Bernadette. Bernadette and Hayes enter into a relationship that will test their wills and their faith. Bernadette has been walking with the Lord all her life, and can’t understand why she is being denied this one thing. When Hayes realizes that God is blocking his path to Bernadette, he embarks on a walk of faith that will dramatically change his life.

Business Unusual is an exceptional book. The main and supporting characters are mature in their individual walks, but are able to show and share their vulnerabilities with each other in their time of need. They support and hold each other accountable for their actions while backing everything up with scripture and prayer.

Mrs. Beed has written a book for all ages. This book addresses many of the questions singles have about relationships, and explains the steps that one needs to take in order to walk in faith. However, it is not just for singles, everyone can learn something that will help them with their daily walk in faith.

FEATURED AUTHOR: Joanna Bradford

SORMAG: Please give the readers a brief bio on you the person and the writer.

Joanna Bradford: I’m married with one son, who is thirteen—a “man-child.” At times, it’s almost overwhelming to think that I’m responsible for helping to shape this young life, especially when we’re in the midst of going over chores week after week. Other times, I catch glimpses of the young adult he’s becoming and I think, “What a great kid! Thank you, Lord!” I think that the Peace Corps slogan perfectly describes motherhood: “The toughest job you’ll ever love.” Of course, there is that other tough job: writing.

I’ve always been a reader. At some point, I thought, “This writing thing looks pretty easy.” Words spoken by someone who had no idea of what I was getting into. I didn’t aim for the Christian market. I had two rules for writing: no inspiration or romance. My first proclamation crumbled when I received a racist death threat. After that, I wrote an article about how God brought my family through that experience. (The story is on my website.) I turned to romance after I’d penned another story based loosely on one of my brothers. When my two brothers died within sixteen months of each other, with my mother sandwiched in between, someone suggested I take a break from my life and write romance. My first published novel: inspirational romance. At times, I believe I hear laughter from heaven. And it’s all good.

SORMAG: Tell us about your current book?

BRADFORD: The Father’s Voice details the drama of Brenda Quinn, a successful, African-American attorney who has made it out of Rattlebone Hollow, a neighborhood filled with crime, poverty and despair. Brenda has kept to her deceased father’s direction. “Run away from Rattlebone Hollow and never look back.” Then, Russell Dawson comes into her life when his cleaning company begins servicing the building where Brenda works. He spends much of his time at My Father’s House, a center for troubled neighborhood teens as well as seniors—in Brenda’s old neighborhood. He wants Brenda to become involved—at the center and in his life. Brenda’s boss encourages her to remain dedicated to her career. Matters become even more complicated following a burglary at Brenda’s office, throwing suspicion on Russell and his cleaning company. Brenda’s torn between Russell, the center, her boss’s advice, and the promise she made years earlier. Ultimately, she must learn to listen for the voice of her heavenly Father.

SORMAG: What would you like your readers to take away from your book?

BRADFORD: God has a plan for each of us, and He is no respecter of persons. Owning a “cattle on a thousand hills,” God is not impressed by our degrees or titles. One friend, an attorney, commented, “I’m not dating somebody wearing a white collar or a blue collar. I’m dating a man with no collar.” Girlfriends, if a Godly, loving man finds you, go for it. You can find somebody with a good job and if he’s not treating you right, all the money he has won’t make up for it.

SORMAG: Tell us about your publishing experience?

BRADFORD: “The Day I Received a Death Threat” was published in Today’s Christian Woman Magazine and devotionals for Victory in Grace Magazine. I’m also working on a couple of other articles which I’d like to see published in a marriage publication and another one in a child-centered magazine.

SORMAG: Do you ever have a hard time letting go of a character after the novel is finished?

BRADFORD: With some characters, “Yes.” I actually keep putting facets of the same character in each novel, changing the age, and in some cases, the genre. I guess I haven’t let go, huh? I had also started a sequel to The Father’s Voice involving domestic abuse and the police officer, Wendell Jackson, in my first book. After doing research on domestic abuse and its deep, even fatal wounds, I can’t let Wendell’s story go untold.

SORMAG: What one thing about writing do you wish other writers would understand?

BRADFORD: Be prepared to market your book like crazy! With limited resources at publishing houses and the presence of so many books on the shelves and on-line, you have to constantly think of ways to get your book and name out there.

SORMAG: How do you introduce your book to a new reader?

BRADFORD: For my first book, I seized any opportunity to mention it in conversation. I also obtained radio interviews, mentioned it on a T.V. interview focused on my faith, had it promoted at church, sold it at book tables, etc. Exercising the bodacious belief I’m claiming in my non-fiction book, “Becoming a Bodacious Believer.” I’m getting ahead of the publishing by putting part of the intro on my web site, mentioning it in my speaking ministry (Bold Believer) and even developing promotional products. I want to generate excitement, not just about the book, but about what God can do in a believer’s life.

SORMAG: Spring is here, what fun activity do you do in the spring time?

BRADFORD: I love to throw things away! I sometimes get so carried away that I’ve had to re-purchase items I’d accidentally tossed. My husband and I are very active in “watching” our son run track. Also, my neighbor, an avid gardener, has somehow infected me with this dreaded disease of digging up earthworms in the name of planting flowers. Somebody stop me!

SORMAG: What was the last book to keep you up at night reading it?

BRADFORD: To Kill a Mockingbird. My reading is an extension of my writing, so to help me with the literary novel I’m working on, someone suggested this book.

SORMAG: What resources do you use on the net?

BRADFORD: “Bible Gateway” is one of my favorites since I write for the Christian market and need quick access to scriptures. For fun, I visit www.flylady.net which has nothing to do with writing. It just feeds my love of throwing things away. For research purposes, I’ll visit sites related to the topic. I also do on-site research and interviews. Working on The Father’s Voice, I visited a detention facilitiy and received permission from a judge and the attorneys to attend a “closed” juvenile hearing. Very unusual, and exciting.

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

BRADFORD: I just updated my website: www.joannabradford.com I’d love to hear from my readers with thoughts about this book and the upcoming “Becoming a Bodacious Believer.”

Thanks to Shades of Romance for allowing me to be a featured author. Get your praise on through reading!

FEATURED AUTHOR: William Fredrick Cooper

SORMAG: Please give the reader a brief bio of the person and writer.

William Fredrick Cooper: I’m just an ordinary guy. By day, I’m a legal assistant at a law fir, basically advising attorneys on the process of law. My weekends consists of spending time with my daughter, being a teen mentor with a program in Harlem and going to church.

My writing? Well my first novel, Six Days In January, published in 2004 by Strebor Books/Atria, told the story of William McCall, a man battling his insecurities and vulnerabilities in an effort to figure love out. Between novels, I was in a series of Erotic Anthologies for Zane.

SORMAG: Tell us about your current book.


COOPER: There’s Always A Reason is a Black Love Story, simple as that. It’s the return of William McCall. Six years later, he returns to the literary scene battling more serious, life-altering issues. It takes a woman of enormous strength to pick him up, brush him off and renew his faith in love and life, a very emotional story.

SORMAG: What would you like readers to take away from your novel?

COOPER: LaShaunda, all I’m hoping the readers see is that WE NEED EACH OTHER. You know, I grow weary of all the negativity when it comes to love from both sexes. Too many defense mechanisms disguised as poor attitudes. The novel puts on a display two emotionally scarred people who been through it all, and are trying to restore faith in themselves. In the clearest possible form, I wanted to show that love can really overcome obstacles, if you believe.

SORMAG: Tell us about your publishing experience.

COOPER: An interesting journey, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Was told my writing was to emotionally sensitive for a brother, received over seventy rejection letters, slept on office floors when I had no computer at home, caught Zane’s attention with my first book when it was self-published, and went from there to being a contributor to EBONY MAGAZINE and a MAIN SELECTION for Black Expressions. A mustard seed of faith can go a long way.

SORMAG: Do you have a hard time letting go of a character after the novel is finished?

COOPER: This one was very difficult, for many reasons other than the characters. Personally, I almost lost everything, and all the while, I kept my dream alive to be a multi-novelist. At winter’s end, there was a lot of tears shed.

SORMAG: What one thing about writing do you wish other writers would understand?

COOPER: Learn the craft and stop focusing so much on selling a book. That’ll come, provided the writing is good. I really believe that. A lot of writers today are not developing plots, learning the nuances that would improve skills. Many are just writing to have a book out. The readers…No, our community suffers when our intelligences as African-Americans is not maximized. Crazy stuff.

SORMAG: How would you introduce your book to a new reader?

COOPER: To be honest, I haven’t figured this one out yet. Can’t really describe There’s Always A Reason because it came from a deep place. Its an intense heartfelt love story that puts on displays of the many strengths of the human spirit.

SORMAG: Spring is here, what fun activity do you do in the spring time?

COOPER: Playing basketball, listening to music at Central Park.

SORMAG: What was the last book to keep you up at night reading it?

COOPER: Can I Get an Amen Again, the novella collection by Janice Sims, Natalie Dunbar, Kim Louise and Nathasha Brooks-Harris.

SORMAG: What resources do you use on the net?

COOPER: ESPN.com, Amazon, and Yahoo. That’s about it.

SORMAG: How can readers get in contact with you?

COOPER: Readers can reach me at my MySpace address: www.myspace.com/wfcooper or my email addy – Areason006@ yahoo.com

I really hope they enjoy There’s Always A Reason, as it comes from my soul.

ARTICLE - Twelve Tales of Woe from a Busy (and Grumpy) Editor

By Carolyn Howard-Johnson


Here's an imaginary letter from a busy and grumpy editor to you, yes, YOU! (And, yes, it made me feel good to write it!)

Dear Freelancer, Author of Poetry, Short Stories, Books or Anything Else:

Pretend I'm a Busy Editor (or Agent or Publisher or Producer) that you want to contact. I depend on what you have to say for content but not nearly badly enough to have to dig for it. In other words--to be perfectly blunt-- there are lots of feature ideas out there, lots of authors, lots of books and no matter how good yours is, yours is not worth it to me to have to work overtime. Something else will come along shortly and that person will have the savvy to make my job easy for me. So, here are some ways to help me out:

1. Don't send attachments. I jus' ain't gonna open them. (Clinton might say, "It's not only the time, it's the viruses, stupid!")

2. Let me know if you have a media kit available, electronically and by post. If I want one, I'll ask.

3. Don't make me fill out and squint at one of those little spam forms for your convenience. Nope, not gonna go there!

4. If you're sending me something for one of my columns or features, try to send it in the style I use or at the very least, include all the information that I need.

5. If you send me a letter, tell me what it is you want. I'm not a mind reader. Do you want something included in my newsletter? Do you want me to consider it as recommendation for my classes? Do you want me publish it on my website? My anthology? Most editors do more than one thing.

6. If you're sending something by e-mail tell me what in the subject line. Media Release. Query. Subscribe. Whatever. Then follow that with a subject line I can't resist. Otherwise--you guessed it--I might not open it thinking it's SPAM.

7. Use a signature line. PLEASE! Even if we've corresponded before. I'm not as young as I used to be. I have more contacts than I used to. I may know more than one Pam. I may even know more than one Pam Brown.

8. Don't change your e-mail every two weeks and expect me to keep my files current.

9. Don't reply to one of my e-mails without clipping and pasting a sentence or two to remind me what I said to you. You know? I may have written 200 e-mails on Tuesday!

10. Don't expect me to trail around your website finding what I need for a story. Put it all in one, easily identifiable place. Like a media room. When I have my radio host hat on, I don't even mind if you call it a press room, but I'll know you're more of a professional if you don't!

11. Try to use my name if you're contacting me personally. I don't mind mass e-mails but you'll get better results from something personal.

12. Keep your messages or letters full of information, yes, but still as short as possible. You should be able to pick out the most pertinent part of your message and say it one page.

13. A baker's dozen. Something extra to illustrate this point. Always give more service than an editor asks for. Let him or her know you're available to help. When asked, answer promptly and completely. And don't send new information in scraps. Include what you sent before for easy reference.

----

Carolyn Howard-Johnson is an award-winning novelist and poet. She is an instructor for UCLA Extension's Writers' Program and has shared her expertise at venues like San Diego State's world renowned Writers' Conference and Call to Arts! EXPO. She was recently awarded Woman of the Year in Arts and Entertainment by the California Legislature; her home town's Character and Ethics Commission honored her for her work on promoting tolerance and the Pasadena Weekly named her to their list of "San Gabriel Valley women who make life happen" for literary activism. Her nitty gritty how-to book, THE FRUGAL BOOK PROMOTER won USA Book News' Best Professional Book and the Book Publicists of Southern California's Irwin Award. Her second in the HowToDoItFrugally Series is The Frugal Editor: Put Your Best Book Forward to Avoid Humiliation and Ensure Success. Cheryl Wright of Writer2Writer.com says, "The Frugal Editor will become a well-used reference for writers around the world." http://HowToDoItFrugally.com .

Instructors Needed

Do you have a workshop you would like to offer to writers or readers?

SORMAG WORKSHOPS are currently looking for instructors.

Dates open are May 1 – November 20th.

SORMAG WORKSHOPS are online workshops for writers and readers.

Workshops can be 1 day to 4 weeks. They are held online at yahoo.com.

This is a nice way to make some extra money.

Please do not reply to this message, if you're interested in being an instructor, send your topic to: sormag@yahoo.com

I will send you more information on being an instructor for SORMAG workshops.

Look forward to working with you.

LaShaunda
http://sormag.blogspot.com

What's Happening On SORMAG - APRIL

Its April already and it feels like December here in St. Louis. I’m wishing for the real spring to show up.

I want to thank everyone who attended my High Tea Party. It was nice, made turning 40 FUN!

SORMAG Featured Authors this month:

Sydney Molare
April 9th

Joanna McGee Bradford
April 16th

William Cooper
April 23rd

Tiffany Collins
April 30th

I’m scheduling for the upcoming months, so if you need a place to promote your books, check out our rates. We have something for every writer’s budget – http://sormag.com/AUTHOR.html

In need of something good to read? SORMAG Bookstore features some great books each month. Read a blurb and order your books through our links. Your support helps keep SORMAG online. http://sormag.com/store.html

Don’t forget to leave a comment for your chance to win a prize. Check out our lucky winners below.

MARCH SORMAG WINNERS

Linda Beed

Dwan Abrams

Gwyneth Bolton

Sylvia Hubbard

Patricia W.

Michelle Sutton

Patricia W.

Patricia Sargeant

Ann Christopher


Happy Reading!

P.S. I have two terrific personal blogs, one that features Christian authors. Stop by and read about my slip of the tongue.

http://lashaunda.blogspot.com

http://blog.myspace.com/lchoffman

eTours: NeCee

Grooming Him For Her by NeCee

"Nikki Ford is a successful lawyer on the fast track to a marvelous career. She has just been made partner and her life is perfect...Almost."

"Sasha Benay loves men, and isn't ashamed to show it. Her latest desire is Robert, a happily married man that has never been unfaithful...until now."

http://www.neceeonline.com/

FEATURED AUTHOR: Sydney Molare

SORMAG: Please give the readers a brief bio on you the person and the writer.

Sydney Molare: I'm a fairly recent re-transplant back to my native state of Mississippi. I'm a veterinarian by profession and I've been writing about six years now.

SORMAG: Tell us about your current book?

MOLARE: Devil's Orchestra. I call it my "sit up and take notice America!" book. I used three extremely successful individuals and had them take a journey rehashing their lives. They managed to stand by the life they'd lived, that is until Luke shows up. Luke gives them the ultimate test-- follow me in the afterlife as you followed me in life. Who takes them up on his offer? You'll have to read it to see.

SORMAG: What would you like your readers to take away from your book?

MOLARE: The realization that every action has a reaction, positive or negative. We make no ripples in this life that someone doesn't feel.

SORMAG: Tell us about your publishing experience?

MOLARE: I've been self published and traditionally published. Honestly, they are very similar. You still have to market yourself and hustle to get books sold. With self-publishing, your profit margin is much higher. With traditional publishing, you receive up front money and they have better distribution channels which make selling your work easier.

SORMAG: How do you feel about critique groups?

MOLARE: We have too many of them. LOL.

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

MOLARE: Why we continue to write even though we've not become a "best-seller". It's about wanting to share our stories; wanting someone else to "connect" with us.

SORMAG: Do you have any promotional tips for writers?

MOLARE: Be consistent and persistent. Just as the squeaky wheel gets the oil, the name they hear the most sells the most books.

SORMAG: What activity do you like to do in the spring?

MOLARE: Man hunt. When spring fever hits, its out with the old and in with the new.

SORMAG: What was the last book to keep you up at night reading it?

MOLARE: Wrapped in Rain by Charles Martin.

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

MOLARE: sydneymolare@yahoo.com or visit my website: www.sydneymolare.com

FEATURED AUTHOR: Jessie Jamie Coleman

SORMAG: Please give the readers a brief bio on you the person and the writer.

Jessie Jamie Coleman: Though I have been writing for over ten years, I didn't start my publishing business, Autumn Girl Press, until the spring of 2005. I then published such titles as "Sex on the Side," A Regrettable Twist of Fate" and "Where Will You Be in Two Years.

SORMAG: Tell us about your current book?

COLEMAN: My first non-fiction book is "Where Will You Be in Two Years," which will be available April 24, 2007. It is a self-discovery journal specifically tailored for the goal-oriented woman. It aids women in building self-esteem and setting goals.

SORMAG: What would you like your readers to take away from your book?

COLEMAN: Most of all, I want women to realize that they need not have a man in their lives to validate them and that they can validate themselves with self-love.

SORMAG: Tell us about your publishing experience?

COLEMAN: As of this date, I have six titles in print with a plan to publish ten more in the next three years. One day soon, I would like to publish other writer's work.

SORMAG: How do you feel about critique groups?

COLEMAN: I think writers should be leary of critique groups because a person who is not realizing their dreams, enjoys nothing better than to bring others down who are realizing their dreams. I personally would not take part in a critique group unless they were people who had a vested interest in my project. Say a movie producer or book publisher. Other than that, I am not interested.

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

COLEMAN: I wish that non-writers knew that writing is not about money. It is about writing stories, sharing stories that will entertain as well as inspire.

SORMAG: Do you have any promotional tips for writers?

COLEMAN: A good promotional tip which I just learned of is to send book covers and press releases to libraries so that they will order your book across the country.

SORMAG: What activity do you like to do in the spring?

COLEMAN: Some of my favorite activities are: journaling, movies and water parks.

SORMAG: What was the last book to keep you up at night reading it?

COLEMAN: The last book that kept me up at night was "Where Will You Be in Two Years" and "End the Struggle and Dance with Life." "End the Struggle and Dance wif Life" is one of the best self-help books I have ever read.

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

COLEMAN: I can be contacted at jessie353@yahoo.com and my websites: www.jessiejamiecoleman.com and www.autumngirlpress.com.

Royalties

This week I received a message from an author asking her fans not to buy her books from a certain publisher, because that publisher wasn’t paying her royalties.

As a writer who dreams of publication, this is a scary notion, that when I do get published, there is a chance I won’t get my royalties.

This isn’t the first time I’ve heard of this problem. Last year a few authors took their publisher to court because of the same problems.

What is up with these publishers?

Should writers boycott these publishers who don’t pay royalties?

Why do you think publishers are withholding royalties?

What can a writer do when they find out they are?

SORMAG would like to know your opinion on this issue.

HIGH TEA - LaShaunda's Birthday Party

WELCOME TO LASHAUNDA’s HIGH TEA

11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. central time

Today’s High Tea Menu

Cucumber Tea Sandwiches

Chicken salad Tea Sandwiches

Cherry Scones

Caramel Toffee Scones

Blue Berry Scones

Lemon Curd

Strawberry Cream

Chocolate Strawberries

Chocolate Fondue with pound cake, strawberries,
pineapples, apples, shortbread cookies for dipping

Petiti Fours

Russian Teacakes

Chocolate Brownie Trifle

Birthday Cake - Split Lemon with whip cream topping

Assorted Teas

Please come in, visit the buffet for your refreshments.

We have tables prepared, find a seat and enjoy the tea.

We also invite you to check out our blog.

We have some great authors and their books featured here.

Click Comments to enter

FEATURED AUTHOR: Rhonda Jackson Joesph

Editor Note: It is always exciting to introduce someone I met on my path to publication. Rhonda is one of the members of SORMAG’s writer’s group and her romance novel makes its debut this month.

SORMAG: Please give the readers a brief bio on you the person and the writer.

Rhonda Jackson Joseph: I am the proud mother of four, and I hail from Houston, Texas. There is never an unwritable moment in my house! I am an avid reader, and I have always loved everything about words; so, it was a natural progression to a career in writing. I've had several short works published, and I have just stepped up to having my first contemporary romance novel, Call It What You Want published. I am currently working on several other novels and a screenplay.

SORMAG: Tell us about your current book?

JOSEPH: My current book is entitled Call It What You Want, and it's a contemporary romance about two up and coming business owners who propose to have a "no strings attached' type of relationship because neither wants to pull away from growing their businesses for a real relationship. Of course, this proposition spirals out of their control and they find that they need much more.

SORMAG: What would you like your readers to take away from your book?

JOSEPH: I'd like for readers to take away two main things from my book. The first is the fact that everyone needs someone. We are not made to be islands, all alone, and it is not a weakness to admit that we need another person. Secondly, I'd like us to think more about realizing that when a special person is placed in our lives, we would be smart to make time to see where our relationship with that person might go. Money and reaching career goals are great, but a forever love is even better.

SORMAG: Tell us about your publishing experience?

JOSEPH: It hasn't been quite the chore it could have been. I have been blessed to have linked up with a local publisher who has been very helpful to me in setting up my publishing company and getting my book printed as the first work. I've learned so much on the back end of publishing, and I have found, over and over again, that writers are such a wonderful group of people! Whenever I've found myself stuck or with questions, there is never a shortage of answers. But I'm glad the release date is just about here. I really think the hardest part is yet to come...

SORMAG: How do you feel about critique groups?

JOSEPH: I've had both good and bad experiences with critique groups. I think it depends on the writer. If the writer is strong and confident in her/his work, then it would be hard for even a bad experience to bring that person down or discourage them. But even a strong writer has to determine after a few conversations with a potential critique partner/group whether or not the partnership would actually be benefical to their writing process.

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

JOSEPH: I wish non-writers would understand that writing is a job, too. It requires time and concentration. One book doesn't usually make an entire career, and writers do not get rich instantly.

SORMAG: Do you have any promotional tips for writers?

JOSEPH: One thing I find that has worked really well for me is to tell everyone you talk to what you're doing. When you start to believe you're a writer, everyone else does, too. And you become accountable for making your words come true because you have given them to others. Also, always carry business cards, and use them. They're great conversation starters, and you never know what role the person you're talking to might play in your journey, or you in theirs.

SORMAG: What activity do you like to do in the spring?

JOSEPH: I get spring fever real bad, and I love to change things-- around the house, the car, the wardrobes. I feel like everything needs to be new in the spring.

SORMAG: What was the last book to keep you up at night reading it?

JOSEPH: I devoured Divine Destiny by Gwenyth Bolton. It was absolutely wonderful, and I couldn't have put it down if I'd wanted to. I had to read the whole thing in one sitting. And I'm so glad I did.

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

JOSEPH: Readers can contact me via my website at: www.rhondajacksonjoseph.com, or by email: rjacksonjoseph@yahoo.com. My snail mail address is: P.O. Box 14804, Houston, Texas 77221-4804

MAR 07 FEATURED AUTHOR: Patricia Haley

Patricia Haley, national bestselling author of Nobody's Perfect, Blind Faith, Baby Blues, and No Regrets is a trailblazer in the mainstream faith-based fiction genre. She self-published her debut novel, Nobody's Perfect, in 1998 and immediately sold nearly 20,000 copies in an industry where selling 5,000 copies is highly regarded. Her faith-based novel was the first of its kind to repeatedly make numerous national best sellers list, including #1 on the Essence (African-American) bestselling list.

Originally from Rockford , IL , Patricia now lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, Jeffrey. With an engineering degree from Stanford Univ. and an M.B.A. in marketing and finance from the Univ. of Chicago , readers are often surprised to hear that Patricia is writing faith-based fiction, given her technical and business background.

http://www.patriciahaley.com/

MAR 07 EXCERPT: No Regrets

Feeling a moment of relief, she meandered to the window, which was squeaky clean as far up as a step-ladder-assisted arm could reach. She stared into the evening wondering where the week had gone and how late her husband would get home this time.

******
Johnny could still turn the heads of women when he walked into a room. His six-foot-two silhouette stood in the arched doorway of the large banquet room. [He’d] been coming to this club for over eleven years, with more frequency in recent months. He kept his slightly graying hair short to draw attention away from his balding. He no longer had the trim body he sported in college. Over the years, extra pounds had taken up residency in his physique. His age had started showing, but his handsome demeanor was still winning out.
He eased into the room like a warm knife slicing butter.
Standing next to the bar was Johnny’s friend, Tyrone. The two leaned on the bar and Johnny scoped the room. [He} was on alert. His game seemed to work best with a married woman or a pure party girl who was looking for fun without commitment. The ‘nice, goody-two-shoes type’ was too dangerous. Johnny didn't want to kickoff a fatal attraction with a single, available, and searching woman. He wanted companionship without any strings attached. A shred of a good time away from his pressures was all he needed. He wasn’t looking for a wife seeing that he already had one of those at home. Isabelle was a red flag, but something about the game drew him in. Even though he was married… [he preferred] the kind [of women] who knew he was unfaithful and liked him anyway.

******
[Several hours passed before] Tyrone held up his wrist and pointed to his watch. He didn’t mind meeting Johnny for a drink from time to time but always knew when it was time to go home. Johnny got the message.

Heading for the door, Johnny helped Isabelle put on her jacket. Outside, he pulled the parking ticket from his pants pocket and handed it to the valet.
Isabelle’s eyes widened as the car approached.
He peeled a ten-dollar bill from his pocket as the valet attendant drove the new Cadillac up to the curb. He walked around to the passenger’s side of the car and opened the door for Isabelle. He hadn’t opened the door for Karen in ten years, but then she wasn’t someone he had to impress.
“Hi, Johnny,” a soft voice echoed from over his shoulder.
He turned to see who it was.
“Tina!” He went cold on the inside, but struggled to maintain his composure. Of all the people he could have run into, Johnny was wondering why it had to be Ms. Motor Mouth. Karen’s nosey friend was the last person he wanted to see.
Tina flashed a cunning smile, knowing Johnny was caught in the act. She had him right where she wanted, squirming.
“How’s Karen?” Tina asked while getting a good look at the lady sitting in her girlfriend’s car.
He closed the door and walked towards the driver’s side of the car. “She’s fine.”
“Tell her I said hello.” Tina walked past the car and without looking back said, “No, better yet, I’ll just call her myself.”
“Will do.” Johnny hopped into the car. He drove away as quickly and with as little drama as possible.
The twenty-minute drive was filled with small talk and moments of complete silence. The unexpected run-in with Tina had put a damper on Johnny’s playboy routine.
As soon as Isabelle got out of the car, he pulled off without extending any extra courtesies. Three blocks down the road, he was back in husband mode.


Johnny sat at the stop sign, turned on his cell phone and dialed home to see if Karen still needed him to stop by the pharmacy and pick up anything. His best hope was that Tina hadn’t told Karen about his escapade at Floods.
Karen answered the phone to hear Johnny on the other end.
“Hey, I’m on my way home.”
“It’s about time!”
“I told you I was going to be out.”
“If I’d known you were going to take this long, I would have gotten the Tylenol myself.”
“Look, I’m tired and your nagging is really starting to get on my nerves.”
“Well, I’m sorry Johnny, but I deserve a little more consideration.”
“I’ll be there when I get there. Bye.” Beep went the sound of the disconnecting cell phone.


Johnny was feeling the weight of running a plant and a household. He was doing the best he could. The only gratitude he got from Karen was suspicions and constant badgering. He thought more and more about what he'd been working for? He didn't want to give up living the American dream, but Johnny felt the installments were becoming too difficult to keep up. Something was going to have to give and soon.


“Johnny, Johnny!”
Karen heard the dial tone and put the receiver on the hook. When the phone rang again, she grabbed it.
"Johnny."
“No, it’s not Johnny. This is Tina, Karen. How you doing?”

Classic SORMAG

Are you new to SORMAG?

Have you been with SORMAG since day one?

Why not revisit SORMAG at the beginning and see how far we come.


CLASSIC SORMAG – ISSUE 3
MULTI-CULTURAL PUBLISHERS

Do You Have What They Are Looking For?

http://sormag.com/index03.html

When SORMAG started it was a webpage featuring interviews.

We moved to PDF form, print and now blog. My how times changed.

Leave your comments here.

MAR 07 AUTHOR INTRO: Francine Craft

Francine Craft is a national best selling multicultural romance writer whose novels have captured the hearts of her readers. A native Mississippian, she has lived in both New Orleans and Washington, D.C. Francine has pursued a lifelong interest in writing magazine and newspaper articles as well as song lyrics. Since 1995, she has published over 17 novels, some of which have made the top 100 list on Amazon. Recently, one of her novels was selected for inclusion in the Black Expressions Book Club. Francine is a prodigious reader who loves photography, songwriting, and sharing those precious moments with her soulmate.

http://www.francinecraft.com/

MAR 07 EXCERPT: Be Encouraged

Be Encouraged
by Lynn E. Hubbard

When Goodbye Is A Gift

Life is full of surprises, some pleasant and some not so pleasant. One thing we all will experience is losing someone or the end of relationship. These things happen for many reasons. Sometimes what starts out as a simple misunderstanding can snowball into a full-fledged battle. Or maybe you are hurt by something another person has done. Whatever happens the result is the same, a bond is broken. Angry goodbyes are flung at each other like weapons and a door slams as one of you walks off. Been there? I’ll bet you have. Much as you may regret leaving or being left behind consider this- sometimes goodbye is a gift.

Think about it for a minute. Not all friendships are good for you. A true friend will never lead you into danger or wrongdoing. Young people have to learn to distinguish true friends from false one. You might be sad when a “friend” stops hanging with you because you wouldn’t go along with the crowd. They might even make fun of you and make you feel left out and alone. Listen, this may the biggest favor they could ever do for you. The price tag is way too high for the “fun” they claim you will have. If they stop calling you let go. That goodbye is a gift. Accept it.

To those of us that Reverend Flowers call the Not-So-Young, the same lesson applies. Some friends want to discuss everything that is wrong with everybody else. Resist. Life is tough enough without finding reasons to be mad. Avoid the chronically dissatisfied critic who picks through even the sunniest day to find the cloud. If you don’t cooperate, she’ll probably stop calling. That goodbye is a gift. Accept it.

You may be dating someone who does not treat you with the respect or consideration you deserve. No matter how hard you try it’s not enough. Guys complain about women who want them to buy things as proof of affection. Women complain, “He doesn’t call when he says he will” and fuss about how thoughtless a man can be. If you spend more time feeling bad than good, take it as a sign. Though you may grieve over the loss of this relationship take that goodbye as a gift.

Goodbyes can be hard, even painful. Yet sometimes it is better to let go. Do what is best for yourself in the long run. Don’t hang on because you fear being lonely or ridiculed. Sometimes saying goodbye is the best thing someone can do for you.

Be Encouraged

Life can be like a highway,

With twists and turns,

With road signs,

And signals,

And lessons to learn.

When the way is divided,

With many a lane,

Just be cautious,

Pay attention,

For wisdom to gain.

Be ready to slow down,

For potholes and shocks,

Stay alert for

A detour,

To avoid those roadblocks.

Look for warnings and signals,

Hold to God’s sweet lifeline,

Where there’s trouble,

Don’t falter,

Take the Lord’s Exit sign.

For He’ll never forsake you,

Or leave you alone,

Stay the course,

Be encouraged,

And you’ll find your way home.

Lynn E. Hubbard

www.BeEncouraged.wordpress.com

e-Tours: Carlene D. Heeter

Mama's Tears

by Carlene D. Heeter

This book is about one mother’s trials and tribulations and how God enabled her to carry on when all appeared hopeless.

Heeter shares her breakdown in faith and perseverance when she was powerless and her breakthrough. As you read her sequence of trials, you will surely be able to relate to many events in this book. Get your box of Kleenex ready because her story is guaranteed to make you laugh, cry, want to fight and even rejoice.

http://www.mamastears.com/

MAR 07 EXCERPT: Sweet Sensation

Sweet Sensation

Gwyneth Bolton
ISBN 1-58571-206-X
Genesis Press
March 2007

Brief Blurb:

Deidre James has never revealed that her daughter’s father is rap super producer Flex Towns…until a TV show spills the beans. Flex resurfaces and wants to marry Deidre, so he can protect them both from a rival record label owner. But when violence from their past explodes, will eidre be able to keep from running again? Sweet Sensation is the second book in Gwyneth’s Hip-Hop Debutantes trilogy

Excerpt:

Deidre James, poet and teacher, was a far cry from Sweet Dee, the bold and sometimes vulgar female rap artist, and she liked it that way. Her life was quiet. No one got shot after a poetry reading. For the most part, the media wasn’t trying to find out the latest dish on an up and coming poet.

Thinking of her simple life made the fact that in two days she was going to have to fly to New York and face Flex all the more stressful. Maybe he’ll be out of town. Maybe he’ll be on tour or something like that. She smiled at her wistful thoughts.

Deidre drove up the back alley, hit the garage door opener, and sailed into her small one car garage. As she walked into the back door of her home, she could hear someone ringing the front doorbell. She wondered if it was the FedEx man. He always came when she wasn’t home. She always filled out the back of the ‘delivery attempted’ card telling them to just leave future deliveries, but he never did. So, she ended up having to drive to the distribution center to pick up the package.

Determined to catch him this time, she ran to the front of the house, almost skidding across the polished hardwood floors. Maybe Kayla is right. Maybe it is time for some new slippers. These have no traction whatsoever.

Deidre banished the thought from her head. There was nothing wrong with her slippers. They had lasted her a good five years and she believed they would last her another five.
She snatched open the door to see Flex Towns turning to walk away.

When the door opened, he turned back around and looked her dead in the eyes. Her mouth fell open and goose bumps suddenly traveled up and down her arms. Handsome was too mild a term to describe the man standing at her front door. He was tall and had filled out with muscles in all the right places. The last time she’d seen him he’d had a head full of small locs. He now sported a close-cropped haircut. His dark chocolate complexion was still smooth and flawless.

Yikes. Not good.

“Fredrick.” Even though he would always be Flex to her, she called him Fredrick. At one time she did it because everyone else called him Flex and she wanted to be different. Later in their relationship, when she told herself she could care less about standing apart from all the groupies and hoochie mamas circulating in Flex’s world and hanging around The Real Deal, she called him Fredrick simply because it got on his nerves.

“Deidre.” His face was stoic. The stern stare made his always quiet demeanor scarier.

She realized that she was standing there with her mouth gaping, eyes wide, and the door open. She let out a hiss of air and tried to fight the dread knotting up in her belly. Flex had obviously seen the television special. There was no reason to try to lie. She was caught.