Katherine Jones Scholarship Winner

My Inspiration


I recently took a trip to Atlanta to attend the Black Writers Reunion & Conference, after winning the Katherine D Jones scholarship sponsored by SORMAG. And I think I broke out of my shyness because I had a BLAST on top of learning so much about the literary industry, and sharing my dreams with others. I have always thought of myself as an introvert, but I'm truly an extrovert who really loves to meet and greet others sharing a common interests for books, reading, and writing. I met some of the most amazing writers from all across the country with personal stories of inspiration, who offered words of encouragement and a wealth of information that will assist me during my writing in progress.


One writer I met in particular was someone like me, the previous year, gathering all the resources she needed to make her dreams of becoming a published author, TRUE. Inspiration #1 Nakia R. Laushaul, author of The Truth As I See, driven by her faith to write and published her book of poetry and prose within a year. WOW! In addition, she hosted one of the workshops this year at BWRC, sharing with other authors how to write some cents into it by turning your passion for writing into a potentially lucrative business.


I had the opportunity to meet several other writers such as Dwan Abrams, Stacy Hawkins Adams, and Vincent Alexandria titled book Black Rain, which is now set to show on the big screen. What an amazing accomplishment for Mr. Vincent! I was so fortunate all workshops of my choice and one of my favorite ones were with Sharon Ewell Foster who hosted Creating Strong Characters, Dialogue & Style, and Writing Christian Fiction. Inspiration #2 Sharon made me realize there’s no escaping my desire to write the story that is on my heart, especially if GOD has a hand in the destiny he has pre-determined for me. All I have to do is just write it. Therefore, I am writing it with everything I had learned to carry me through my journey.


I also enjoyed meeting and participating in Linda Beed's workshop. She hosted Authors as Activist. Inspiration #3--- thanks Linda for helping me see my passion beyond the quote of ‘just writing’. My passion as an author activist is to help other see that their life has value. Inspiration #4 Renee Daniel Flagler who hosted the workshop So You Wanna Write. I simply love Renee’s personality as a determined, professional, easygoing, God empowered enterprising person. What a true motivator! Her presentation was phenomenal for anyone who has a desire to write. She told me to just write, write, and write!


Attending the Black Writers Reunion & Conference was a blessing beyond belief just to be in the presence of other writers who uplifted each other with fellowship, and made this stranger within myself, feel as though I was a part of a whole new family. Many doors have been open, one, which allowed me to join a local writers group with a few published authors from the conference. I have formed many friendships with kindred spirits who embrace the muse of writing and networking. Most importantly, I have removed the term 'inspiring' writer from my vocabulary when ask if I’m a writer. Inspiration #5 a special thanks to Tia and Monica, the directors of BWRC who encouraged me to claim and believe what I am.


I am a writer!


Here's a link of my slides (pics) from the conference...


http://www.slide.com/r/t6I-DExF5D-kaMK1eqEhmOXT-dnZx5wY?previous_view=mscd_embedded_url&view=original



Leticia Bouvier-Williams is the first recipient of the Katherine Jones Scholarship awarded to an aspiring writer to attend a live conference.




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A Hope Undaunted Blog Tour

The 1920s are drawing to a close, and feisty Katie O'Connor is the epitome of the new woman--smart and sassy with goals for her future that include the perfect husband and a challenging career in law. Her boyfriend Jack fits all of her criteria for a husband--good-looking, well-connected, wealthy, and head-over-heels in love with her. But when she is forced to spend the summer of 1929 with Cluny McGee, the bane of her childhood existence, Katie comes face to face with a choice. Will she follow her well-laid plans to marry Jack? Or will she fall for the man she swore to despise forever? A Hope Undaunted is the engrossing first book in the WINDS OF CHANGE series from popular author Julie Lessman. Readers will thrill at the highly charged romance in this passionate story.

“Available September 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

MY REVIEW:


As a fan of Julie Lessman, I look forward to the continuing saga of the O’Connor family. She never disappoints as she spins the next tale. Katie is the baby girl of the family and probably the most headstrong. She doesn’t like her father running her life and wants her freedom to do as she pleases.


One night she misses curfew and her father decides her punishment will be a summer without her sweetheart, Jack and her volunteering at the local orphanage, a decision that would change her life forever.


Katie is not thrilled at the idea of volunteering or working for her worse enemy, child hood friend, Luke McGee. The man she loves to hate. Their child hood rivalry has grown into an attraction that Katie refuses to acknowledge.


I enjoy Ms. Lessman’s style of writing. She introduces history into the story without overwhelming you. It was fun learning about the roaring twenties and different historical figures during this time. Katie keeps you on your toes as you read about her different antics. Will she choose the man who fits all her criterias or will she choose the man who flips her heart?

This book was provided for review by Revell.

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BOOK SPOTLIGHT: Jupitervale

Jupitervale is a coming-of-age young adult novel about the dilemmas four teenage girls face over their summer break.


Abitha Smith and her sisters were abandoned by their parents at a young age. Having no desire to be separated by the foster care system, she keeps a job, attends school, and raises her sisters while maintaining a low profile until her 18th birthday ... when she can qualify as their legal guardian.


Kat Brazilson is a new mother who has plans to move home to Jupitervale to start anew. She knows they deserve better than the life their headed for ... but she will have to fight to get it.


Marie Kyle has always been close with her family ... but she is coping with the death of her mother, a loving father who's pulling disappearing acts, and a boyfriend who is an ass. What will she do when a new face compels her to find her inner strength?


Graciela Sinclair is frustrated from battling everyday with her older sister and the secret love she has for her best guy friend. Will she reveal her true feelings when he comes back?

http://jupitervale.com/



A bright new author, Stashia Barnabá has been expressing her creativity for quite some time. Before writing Jupitervale at age 16, she wrote her first song when she was 7 years old and was involved with four different vocal groups. Although the groups were unsuccessful, her writing gained recognition as her poem “My Generation” was published in the November 2003 issue of Vibe Magazine. Her first novel, Jupitervale was published the following year by AuthorHouse. To view, visit http://jupitervale.com/.


While attending college at the Community College of Allegheny County – Allegheny Campus in Pittsburgh PA, she held an internship with American Urban Radio Networks where she worked as the co-writer and co-producer of Surfin’ The Net (winner of two Achievement in Radio Awards for Best Public Affairs or Feature; another internship with the Walt Disney World College Program; and volunteered as a student DJ at the Community College of Allegheny County – South Campus radio station, WSCR – South Campus Radio as well as a music mentor with the CCAC College Choir for the Holy Family Institute (Pittsburgh, PA).


Barnabá is still employed with American Urban Radio Networks as a freelance audio journalist and is continuing her education at Chatham University (also in Pittsburgh,PA) as a Music and Arts Management major. Along with continuing the Jupitervale series, she plans to publish a book of poetry, a mystery/suspense/thriller novel, a collection of short stories, and a music based realistic fiction novel.



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BOOK SPOTLIGHT: The Diary of the Secret Wife

People always say that journaling is good for the soul...those people don't know Sheree. She knew the deal when she married Matt. She was suppose to be the silent wife, but when that silence made her invisible, it was a problem. Her invisibility allowed Kelly to be the woman in the eye of Matt's friends, family, and colleagues. Matt was the kind of professional that had to keep a perfect image; an image that didn't include a black wife and mixed breed baby. Trying to deal with Matt, Kelly, and the fact that she can never be seen, was proving to be to much for her. To add insult to injury, their baby is stuck not knowing his fathers side of the family; he is the biggest secret of all.


All the while she continues to be the perfect wife and mother. The rage inside and builds until she can't hold it anymore. There is a plan brewing and her diary is the only one that knows...


T. Nicole has always had a love for writing. As a young child she could be found in her room writing anything from poetry to short stories and graphic novels. Her love for the written word has continued to grow and she now has decided to share her projects with the world. T. Nicole has experienced much in her short time on this earth and she allows her everyday occurrences to guide her in creating innovative and never to be duplicated works. She is persuing a Master’s Degree in Fine Arts in Creative Writing to perfect her craft. She takes every moment in her life and uses it as inspiration to do better things.


T. Nicole currently resides in Philadelphia, Pa. where she works as a Social Worker to at risk youth. She enjoys reading the works of others, listening to music, and hanging out with her girlfriends. She takes life as it comes, one second at a time.


To find out more about T. Nicole go to http://www.tnicoleonline.com/


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FEATURED AUTHOR: Margaret Brownley

Margaret is the bestselling author of more than 20 novels and her books have been published in 15 languages. Book one in her Rocky Creek series, A Lady Like Sarah, was her first inspirational, and was both a Women of Faith selection and a Romance Writers of America RITA finalist. Margaret and her husband have three grown children and live in Southern California. Margaret is hard at work on a new series.


How did you start out your writing career?


First of all, I’d like to thank you for having me. It’s a delight to be here.


To answer your question, I’ve always wanted to be a writer and wrote my first “novel” in 5th grade, a mystery with no ending (and probably no merit). It wasn’t until my children were out of grade school that I began writing in earnest. I wrote the church newsletter and, after making a church picnic sound like a Grisham novel, my then pastor suggested that perhaps God was calling me to write fiction. I wrote four books, including the world’s worst romance, before selling my first. I’ve since gone on to publish more than twenty novels. Not bad for someone who failed 8th grade English. Just don’t ask me to diagram a sentence.


What did you learn while writing this book?


In a SUITOR FOR JENNY, my heroine is terribly motivated and is never caught without her infernal notebook. In seeking husbands for her two sisters she surrounds herself with lists, schedules, and etiquette books. Worse, she puts every perspective suitor through the PHAT (Potential Husband Aptitude Test). In other words, she’s unrelenting and thinks she knows how to pick the perfect man. It takes a very strong and motivated hero to peel away her defenses and find the soft, vulnerable and lonely women inside.


In researching psychological defense mechanisms, I was amazed at the many creative ways people hide their insecurities. The know-it-all uncle, the critical mother, the life-of-the-party, the rebellious teen, the overbearing boss—we all know people like these. Perhaps we’ve even acted out these parts ourselves. We will do anything to hide an inner hurt, even if it means pretending we’re someone we’re not. Fascinating stuff.


What did you hope to accomplish with this book?


I enjoy combining serious themes with humor. We’re going through tough times right now and if I can make a reader laugh and maybe even see the world through different eyes, then I’ve done what I’ve set out to do.


What is the toughest test you've faced as a writer?


It was when our oldest son died. Writing comes from the heart and mine was broken. I didn’t write for five years.


If you had the opportunity to talk with three writers, who would you choose and why?


I’m very fortunate to have met so many wonderful writers. I once even had lunch with Louis L’Amour—a lovely man. But here are few I would like to have met: Louisa May Alcott because Little Women was one of my all time favorite books. When I was growing up Jo was my role model.


Shakespeare because I want to know how he penned all those works without a computer.


Mark Twain because he lived during the 1800s which is the period I write about, and I still laugh at his wit.

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


I wish I knew not to take rejections personally. Rejections are part of the business and sometimes it’s the best thing that can happen to you. A rejection offers a second chance to get the story right or find a better publisher. One of my books was rejected seven times before it was picked up by a publisher to launch a new line of books.


I wish I had known to enjoy the process of becoming a writer more. The main goal of an aspiring writer should not be to get published. The goal is to learn the craft of writing and to become the best writer possible. The rest will follow.


I wish I had found my “voice” sooner. I started my career by writing angst-driven contemporaries, but I wrote funny notes to my agent. It was this same agent that suggested I try my hand at writing a humorous historical novel. Other people sometimes see things in us that we fail to see in ourselves.


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


Do enjoy the process. As an aspiring writer you have the luxury of taking as much time as you need to write your book. You can give it all the love and attention it requires without worrying about meeting a deadline and having to deal with the business of writing.


Don’t give up. Join a writers’ group and surround yourself with a caring support system that understands the writing business. Other writers know to celebrate a “good” rejection or a fifth place win in a writing contest. Your spouse won’t know this. Your children won’t know this. Your non-writing friends won’t know this. But your writing group will.


I borrowed this question from Author Carleene Brice, What is your author fantasy?


Right now the book industry is in influx. Bookstores are in trouble. Publishers are trying to figure out the e-book phenomenon. Writers don’t know which way to turn. My fantasy is that every man, woman and child in America will walk into a bookstore and purchase a book. I would then hope that whatever book each reader chooses has the power to change his or her life for the better.


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


I don’t know if understand is the correct word; forgive might be a better one. I want my non-writing friends to forgive my habit of spacing out on occasion, but as a historical writer I tend to time-travel a lot. I don’t mean to be rude, but if I hear something witty, clever or just plain interesting, I may suddenly have the answer to a plotting problem I’ve been struggling with for a week. Suddenly, I’m back in the 1800s.


What was the best advice you’d ever gotten about the publishing industry? The worst?


The best: Don’t quit your day job.
The Worse: Quit your day job.
Or was it the other way around?


If you could visit any place in the world where would you travel to?


Right now I want to travel to Arizona because that’s the setting of my work in progress.


Our theme this month is Online Marketing. What online marketing have you found works well for you?


We authors today are so fortunate. We literally have the world—and our readers—at our fingertips.I’m on Twitter and Facebook but I have to remind myself to post. I’m also a resident blogger on http://www.petticoatsandpistols.com/. I’m not sure what works best in terms of selling books but I personally prefer blogs that allow for reader feedback. It’s the exchange of ideas that I most enjoy and makes me feel like part of a community.


Oprah always asks, What do you know for sure?


Good ole Oprah, we’re going to miss her. I don’t know much for sure but I do know this: Life is tough but it’s also filled with the most amazing blessings—the greatest of which is love.


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


The 3rd and last book in my Rocky Creek series is A Vision of Lucy, and it’s scheduled for publication June 2011. Lucy is a photographer and there’s nothing she won’t do to get the perfect picture—often with hilarious and sometimes even disastrous results.


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

You can reach me through my homestead: http://www.margaretbrownley.com/

And if you want some light-hearted fun, check out my video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prY2q9Oasp4

A SUITOR FOR JENNY


Jenny Higgins is certain falling in love and finding a husband are matters of the mind. But her heart has other plans.


After their parents died, Jenny felt responsible for seeing that her two younger sisters were well-taken care of. Tipped off by an article naming Rocky Creek the town with the highest number of eligible bachelors, Jenny rolled into this Texas town with a clear objective: find suitable husbands for her two younger sisters and then start fresh somewhere far, far away. Jenny believes that women who fall in love at first sight often wish they’d taken a second look, so she diligently begins to follow all the rules set forth in her handy manual on how to land a husband.


But while Jenny is interviewing the less-than-promising candidates, her sisters are falling in love the old fashioned way--with men of their choosing. And the longer Jenny stays, the more her sense of control slips away. The town isn’t living up to her expectations, her sisters are rebelling against her practical choices, and soon her own heart starts to betray her, as US Marshal Rhett Armstrong stirs up emotions in her that weren’t part of her plan.


To relinquish her control to God and calm her restless spirit, she’ll need to give up her foregone conclusions about marriage, love, and faith.


Leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of A Suitor For Jenny.



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Jazz, Java and Jesus Blog Tour

Aleysha Proctor is an award winning Christian inspirational author & entrepreneur. She’s the author of three books; “With Style & Amazing Grace”, “He’s the Keeper of My Soul” and “Jazz, Java & Jesus”. Her passion in life is helping to inspire people to use their potential now.

Aleysha, tell us about Jazz, Java & Jesus.


Jazz, Java & Jesus is twenty-four Christian devotions and puzzles about jazz, java and Jesus. It’s the perfect book to take to a coffee or tea house, or anywhere, and meditate on the promises of God. After reading each devotional, you'll see the hand of God throughout the ages and KNOW that He's able to help you successfully get through whatever you're facing.

How did you come up with ideas for this book?


This particular book is the result of me writing devotions for an online Bible study group over an 18 month period.


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


Yes and No. Yes, because I did do research for each devotion (24 of them) and no because I already know the Word of God so a lot of the information was already innate.


What do you hope readers will learn/discover from reading Jazz, Java & Jesus?


I hope that the readers will learn that NO MATTER what they’re going through that God is able to deliver them out of everything!


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

Reviews are good for other readers. As the writer, I’m incredibly inspired when a reader tells me that they were inspired, or their faith has been increased, after reading my books.

Jazz, Java and Jesus 


Twenty-four Christian devotions and puzzles about jazz, java and Jesus. The perfect book to take to a coffee or tea house, or anywhere, and meditate on the promises of God.


Jazz, Java and Jesus Twitter Party




Chat with Aleysha LIVE on Twitter on September 20, 2010 at 8:00 pm EST


Follow Aleysha at http://twitter.com/AleyshaProctor

Follow the moderator Tywebbin Blog Tours at http://twitter.com/tcblogtours



GIVEAWAYS INCLUDE:


• (4) signed copies of “Jazz, Java & Jesus” by Aleysha Proctor
• (4) copies of “Everyday With Jesus: Daily Devotional” by TBN (Trinity Broadcast Network)
• $25 Target gift card
• $25 Starbucks gift card courtesy of Tywebbin.com
Use the following Twitter Hashtags to be eligible for winning a prize.
#AleyshaProctor #JazzJavaJesus #Aleyshasbooktour


Book Trailer





Podcast

Purchase the Book Online at:


• Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Jazz-Java-Jesus-Aleysha-Proctor/dp/1441574352/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1281223302&sr=8-2

• BarnesandNoble – http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Jazz-Java-Jesus/Aleysha-R-Proctor/e/9781441574350/?itm=2&USRI=aleysha+proctor

 • Books A Million – http://www.booksamillion.com/product/9781441574350?id=4715246323067


For More Information


• Visit Aleysha online at http://www.aleyshaproctor.com/.


• View the blog tour schedule at http://bit.ly/JazzJavaandJesusTour




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Sweeter Than The Honey Blog Tour with LaShanda Michelle

LaShanda Michelle is an author and a playwright. In her free time she enjoys reading, dancing, and spending time with her family. She is a native of Huntsville, Texas.

Sweeter Than The Honey


Kamilah Wright has a lot on her shoulders for someone entering their senior year of high school. Not only does her mom expect her to raise the other seven children in their home, but she’s also required to turn a blind eye to her father’s infidelity, as well as maintain a perfect 4.0 GPA in order to get the academic scholarship she desperately needs to attend college. To complicate matters even more, she’s also a rape victim. The only person she’s told is her best friend, Eric, whom she’s secretly in love with. Through all of this Kamilah convinces herself that she has everything under control.


That is until she meets Summer Freeman. The beautiful new girl at school, Summer introduces Kamilah to a lifestyle that she’s never known, including fashion, luxury, and alternative viewpoints that conflict with her Christian upbringing. Pretty soon the love she has for her new friend evolves into something more, and Kamilah has to prove which love she will devote herself to. Will she stay in the same sex relationship that feels so right, or will she embrace the faith she didn’t know meant so much to her


Book Trailer







Podcast

Purchase the Book Online at:


• Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Sweeter-Than-Honey-LaShanda-Michelle/dp/0979123763/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1281396496&sr=8-1



• BarnesandNoble – http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Sweeter-Than-the-Honey/LaShanda-Michelle/e/9780979123764/?itm=1&USRI=lashanda+michelle



• Books A Million – http://www.booksamillion.com/product/9780979123764?id=4715246323067

• Indiebound - http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780979123764


For More Information


• Visit the author online at http://www.lashandamichelle.com/



• View the blog tour schedule at http://bit.ly/SweeterThanTheHoneyTour.




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COLUMN: Building Colorful Characters

Building Colorful Characters—
The Literary Bones of a Story, Part 9

While the kiddies have once again adorned their book bags, sharpened their pencils, and packed those colorful notebooks to return to school, you, too, wordsmiths, should head back to the good ole classroom of yesteryear. It’s time to take a walk down Memory Lane.

What for? you ask. To remember and reacquaint yourself with the characters that daily tickled your funny bone or made life miserable for you. Yes, it’s time for a virtual class reunion. Surely you can rummage through those school-day memories of your great classmate pickings to conjure up some unique character ideas for your upcoming stories. Let’s unzip your gym bag of words and watch who jumps out.

First stop, English 101. Sit back down again and smell, see, and feel the even-toned atmosphere of the crowded classroom. Hear the air conditioner hum and remember Warren, the goofy redheaded boy with freckles that wore huge glasses, had a pocket full of trinkets, at least four pens clipped to his overall vest, but made straight A’s so Brandon, the curly-headed, not-so-bright football jock who reeked of handsome and muscles, sat right behind him every test day and peeked over his shoulder for answers. Remember the blood-rush on his face the day he realized his failing grade was Warren’s silent revenge?

Envision ruby-lipped Jessica, your preppy classmate with long legs that were borrowed from a running horse. Venture back to the day she was voted in as class president and see her glide down the main hallways as students leaned against their lockers, watching her strut knee-high boots, a long, silky hair swing, and wearing a perfect size zero jean and jacket set. Her wave as she passes mocks that of a queen passing through town—until she trips—a dance she’ll never live down.

Picture bone-thin Ms. Lacey, a popular teacher who was always fashionably dressed in vintage outfits of earth colors and a flaming bush of sun-red hair, standing with both ears plugged during morning announcements as the office clerk’s cheery voice was frequently interrupted by the abrupt and fuzzy crackling of the loud speaker. Watch her chicken-bone fingers habitually circle the air in a wrap motion holding her bubble gum after she blew a huge bubble, and then shoved it back in her mouth momentarily before sticking it under her chair as you and the entire class watched.

Push open the double doors to the cafeteria. Remember that circus? See Miss Claudette again, the lunchroom monitor, four-nine in height, two inches of dyed blond hair, and resembling a double wide trailer with more rolls than a bakery. Even her cotton stretch pants show the lumps of skin that hang below her belly. Yet a smile she wore every day like the mustache that colored her upper lip. Remember wondering why fire never sparked as she wobbled along on her kissing thighs?

The frenzy of school-day characters, their clothing styles, unique physique shapes, trademarking smells, and voice music are endless when you put yourself back into the past and swamp your senses with thought.

Never overlook the settings that made the teachers come alive or deem meaner than a barnyard dog. Was it the noisy, loud, and rude class that made Mrs. Stanford yell, veins bulging and eyes baseball size, followed by a stern slap with her ruler to her desk that unintentionally overruled her new and well fitting outfit? When finally quiet settled across the crowd, someone made a noise likened to a squeezed balloon, forcing the room back into a flurry of laughter again. Remember the spitballs that spiked the air during that conversation frenzy while determined humans tried to outtalk the other between loud laughter that twined a joke or two?

Remember their faces, their stiff or sudden body movements? Envision where they were sitting or standing.
The creating of colorful characters also takes on motion and evokes action as well. A situation or event can drop an ordinary and plain character in a colorful event which paints different shadows and hues on them as well. A room full of vibrant conversations, loud laughter, or heated arguments will always seize people to look, act, and appear bolder than if they were demurely sitting or quietly talking. Creating a mood of suspense and drama will certainly liven up the drabbest of audiences.

Shoot a bullet in the air and make people run for survival or escape to a safer place immediately livens up all of your actors. Remember it’s not only a character’s vocation, location, or how he looks, sounds, or walks that bring him to bold life, but also the actions and activities he engages in as well.

Take time to remember the class bully, the class clown, the school nurse, basketball coach, science teacher, gym teacher, office staff, janitor, the cutest girl and handsomest boy, the classmates that were often picked on, the gangly boy in the class, the pudgy girl who sat next to you, the best and worst dressed, the ones most and least likely to succeed, the prom queen and king, your class valedictorian. Who was the smartest, and who stayed back? Who seemed to have the most problems? Who inspired you? Who were they? What characteristics caused them to play the role that they did in your school’s world at that time? What colored the situations you all found yourself in? Answering these questions will help you remember their character, and you can have fun mixing and matching, adding and subtracting, their characteristics.

And now that you’re back in math class, think about the classmates who sat next to you, behind you, and in front of you. What did their hair look like from the back? What shape were their heads? Did their ears stick out? Did their bodies move in different ways when you approached them head-on or from behind? Which hand did they write with? What did their posture communicate? How did their voices sound behind you when they spoke? Distant? Muffled? When certain people walked past you, how did they smell? Offensive? Flowery? If they often bumped your chair when they passed, was it from inattentiveness or meanness? These things might seem trivial to you, but as a writer, you realize that detail is very important if you’re going to create true-to-life characters and realistic situations to put them in.

In gym class when it was cold, were more people covered in goose bumps and hunched over sitting on the bleachers waiting for teacher instructions, or did most people grab some type of a cover to blanket themselves with? If so, how were they wrapping it around themselves? Like a cocoon?

Can you remember what the lab or nurse’s office smelled like? Did the odor of formaldehyde or rubbing alcohol perfume the air? Did your stomach revolt at the odor? How did the climate feel in the library and auditorium? Was it a hallowed experience? How were the students sitting in those two places? When most students stood around in a conversation, did they invade each other’s personal space, or did they protect their own space?

Did the people who formed cliques or best-friend groups seem alike, or were they all uniquely different?

Remembering all these details will also help when you’re writing descriptions for your narration parts.

Okay, you’ve been detained long enough. How about creating a small group of school-age high-society friends, say … three men and two women, best buddies with very different personalities, nationalities, and talents. They all share the blessing of wealth while their parents spoil them immensely. They decide to go into business together after obtaining their college degrees. But then … life happens and one decides that traditional lifestyles are holding her back, and she confesses to the group that she’s having a sex change. Another decides to give up everything and seek nirvana by living a simple life among a primitive, bone-through-nose tribal group in the deep, dark jungles of the Amazon that he recently saw on the Discovery Channel. Can you imagine the scenario and drama that follows such revelations and how they color each of these characters? Well, then, last tag—you’re it!

Wordsmiths, remember to e-mail me with your creations and I’ll post them here for all to meet and utilize. For your gifting, I’ll post a picture of your latest book and a link to your Web site.

Pens up! to building colorful characters the write way.


Rachel Berry has been gifted by our creator to be many things; on the list of these blessings are daughter, caregiver, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, best friend, aunt, published author & poet, motivational speaker, radio talk show host, mentor, columnist and community leader.


She has been a government employee for 24 years.


Rachel is the founder and president of Black Pearls United INC. (an African American sister-circle) which was founded in 2000.


Berry is also an alumni member of Toastmasters International where she has earned her CTM and has been awarded as Toastmaster of the Year.


Rachel is proudly promoting her books 'From The Heart And Heat Of Me.' and her novel ‘Family Pictures:’ the family saga of two women with too many secrets and the up and down relationships they have with those people they call family.


To arrange speaking engagements e-mail her at admin@blackpearlsunited.org. For book signings please e-mail her at rachelwrites2@yahoo.com. To preview and buy her books please visit her web site at http://www.lulu.com/RachelBerry, http://www.rachelberry.webs.com/.

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DEBUT AUTHOR: Ava Bleu

Ava Bleu lives and loves in the Midwest, countering bitter winters with smooth jazz and tasty edibles. A book-lover, author, artist and photographer, Ava believes creativity in any form is worth celebrating. She can be found in bookstores and the public library camped next to the cookbooks and/or on the town keeping an eye out for hero-material.

The Diva of Peddler’s Creek

African American romance novelist Taylor Beir will stop at nothing to get her mother off her back, including relocating to teach a little boy she’s never met how to read. But Christopher Doubleday doesn’t want to learn. Handsome older brother, Boyd, has an invisible stick up his backside. And she suspects sweet Mary and Jesse are trying transform her into the mythical “good girl” she’s never been; either by power of suggestion or bribing her with endless goodies from Mary’s kitchen.


Taylor may be down—and stuffed—but she’s not out. Someday the townspeople of Peddler’s Creek, West Virginia will realize their hostility is misplaced and recognize her for the gentle, misunderstood soul she really is. And they will admit that Taylor Beir truly is the best thing to ever happen to their tiny, dirt road, middle-of-nowhere, backwater town of Peddler’s Creek, West Virginia … if they know what’s good for them.


How did you start out your writing career?


I used to write to relax and eventually the light bulb went on in my head, why not do it for a living?


What did you learn while writing this book?


I really enjoy humor in romance.


What did you hope to accomplish with this book?


I wanted to make readers hungry and make them laugh. I think I accomplished both :).

I also wanted to put African American characters in a rural community. That isn’t done much in contemporary romance and I thought it’d be a nice change and reminder that black people aren’t just one monolithic group. We come with different life experiences and live in many different environments.


What is the toughest test you've faced as a writer?


Years of rejection! You learn to question if you really want to be a writer or if you just want to say you are.


If you had the opportunity to talk with three writers, who would you choose and why?


Toni Morrison: Do I really need to explain?


Sharon Bell Mathis: Because she wrote the first book I ever read with an African American family as the focus. Teacup Full of Roses is the first book that ever moved me to tears.


Judy Blume: I just can’t figure out how she is able to channel the feelings of teenaged girls. Who can do that after the age of twenty-one?


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


1. Failure is not the enemy, it’s more like the annoying coach.
2. It’s never too early to start.
3. Just because other writers have gotten there quicker, doesn’t mean they’re better.


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


Do take advantage of story ideas that crop up naturally but …


Don’t shy away from taking a leap into unknown territory.


I borrowed this question from Author Carleene Brice, What is your author fantasy?


Some people fantasize about Blair Underwood or Denzel… okay, yes, I dream about them, too. But I also dream about seeing my work on a nighttime soap opera. Yes, it gets me as hot and bothered as Blair. Well … almost…


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


Even successful authors sometimes have to keep their day jobs.


What was the best advice you’d ever gotten about the publishing industry? The worst?


Succeeding in the industry is not always just about talent. Sometimes it’s about timing and sometimes even professionals make mistakes.

I can’t think of any bad advice. No one ever told me it would be easy; that would be the only bad advice anyone could give me.


If you could visit any place in the world where would you travel to?

France. Yes, it’s the food thing again.


What is something readers would be surprised you do?

LOL. Ah, the advantage of being unknown, no one knows who I am and, therefore, no expectations. I don’t know about the “doing” but on the “being” front I can tell you this: people may be surprised to know that I am even more beautiful than my avatar. Way more. Are you listening, Blair?


Our theme this month is Online Marketing. What online marketing have you found works well for you?


Well, this is my debut and it has not been released yet so the jury is out on what works. I plan to try everything and then try to figure out what actually took. But I love seeing my book cover on postcards and bookmarks. I’d buy my book.


Oprah always asks, What do you know for sure?


Everyone deserves love.


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


My tagline is “Ordinary Women, Extraordinary Love” and my next romance continues that theme. I’m still in the revision process but I can’t wait to get the next one out there.


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


Join my mailing list! Readers can sign up or read my blog at http://www.booksbyava.com/. They can also find me at DIVAS UNITE on Facebook. I will be running contests and giveaways to coincide with my launch so readers really should get on my list ASAP.


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BOOK SPOTLIGHT: A Lost Heart

A Lost Heart

By Iris Bolling

After nearly losing his life to save his friend’s family ex-FBI agent Brian Thompson realizes something is missing from his life—love.

On a scouting trip to southwest Virginia the last person he expected to see was Caitlyn Montgomery, the woman that disappeared from his life ten years ago, married with a child.


For reasons she can’t explain, Caitlyn Montgomery was forced to leave the love of her life, Brian Thompson. Ten years later she sees the man whose love she sacrificed standing in her doorway.


Manipulative parents weave a web of deceit and secrets that is now threatening her son’s life. Now Caitlyn need the man she walked out on help to find her missing son.


Brian finds himself at the forefront of an investigation of a missing child. Can he find the child in time….will he even try?

AUTHOR INFO


Iris Bolling was born in Richmond, Virginia, has a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Management. Iris started her climb up the corporate ladder with the banking industry. From there she began what has become a 25-year career with the Commonwealth of Virginia, providing management, training, and professional development consultation for the state workforce.


In an effort to combine the areas in her life she enjoys the most, education, politics and romance, she penned her first manuscript, Once You’ve Touched the Heart, which was release in March 2008. She has now completed her second novel, The Heart of Him and her third, Look Into My Heart. In March of 2010 her fourth novel, A Heart Divided, was released.

In April of 2010 Iris was named Debut Author the Year, at the Romance Slam Jam conference. Her novel, Once You’ve Touched the Heart was voted the Readers Choice Award with Shades of Romance Magazine for, Romance Book of the Year. Iris was voted Romance Author of the Year and Author of the Year.


Her passions are reading (especially romance novels), writing, sports and politics. An active proponent of state and federal educational issues, she continues to encourage young adults to pursue their education. She also volunteers with her local registrar’s office, promoting voter registration in the African-American community.


For more information please visit; http://www.irisbolling.net/, http://www.sirient.com/ or email at irisb@sirient.com.




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