The Roux in the Gumbo

Tune in and listen to my interview on Just about books

2008-05-19T10:45:00.000-07:00

justaboutbookstalkshow.com

Marguerite Press Author eTours is on the move

2008-02-01T08:45:00.000-08:00

Marguerite Press™

Marguerite Press Author eTours
Marchel Alverson, author of Savor the Sweetness eTours

Savor the Sweetness by Marchel Alverson

Visit Marchel on the Web at: Marchel

There is an old adage; “Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.” But what happens when your closest friend becomes your greatest enemy? Celeste Gray and Terri Hunter are best friends who seemingly have everything, including a “sacred” orange grove that connects them.

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Marguerite Press bringing to the forefront those issues of concern in the literary world since 1996!

Marguerite Press presents the opportunity for all authors to go on tour with "Marguerite Press Author eTours." This concept allows authors to visit different sites which provides an eTour/Virtual Book Tour.

Author Delores "Queen of Promotion" Thornton, Founder/CEO of Marguerite Press traveled to places like Atlanta, Baltimore, New York, Peoria, Cherry Hill, Hartford, San Francisco, Dublin, Ohio; Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Fort Worth, Birmingham, Pensacola, Fort Wayne, Bloomington, Wilmington, Fort Pierce, Orlando, Muncie, Richmond, IN, South Bend, Chicago, Mobile, Milwaukee, Richmond, VA, Philadelphia, Tampa, Hopkinsville, Detroit, Lansing, Jackson, Ann Arbor, Bellevue, Freeport, Bahamas; Fort Worth, Sacramento, Cincinnati, Queens, Oakland, Springfield, Durham, Columbus, St. Louis, Beaumont, and Cancun, Mexico, promoting literary works. During the tours Thornton encountered fabulous book clubs; participated in fantastic book events, and met wonderful people, some of whom ultimately became fans and friends!

Now every author can go on tour with "Marguerite Press Author eTours" which features a photo, book cover, link to author's site and 35 words of text on high profile Internet sites!!

This venture will provide mega exposure via press releases, email notices and ads in local and national media! Marguerite Press Author eTours will be thirty days per tour. Authors can use their eTour information in Press Kits and mention it in radio, television, and print interviews. For more details please send email to info@margueritepress.com.

The high profile sites are listed below:

eTour Stop #1:
Marguerite Press website where avid readers, writers, event planners, and literary organizations will find the Speakers Bureau, and the ever-popular, Around2It Talk Show with host, Delores "Queen of Promotion" Thornton.

eTours

eTour Stop #2:
Let's Talk Honestly, a site of African American opinion, poetry, news, and literature all hosted by George Cook host of his weekly online talk show LTH WEEKLY. Join us to check out great poetry and author interviews.

George L. Cook III author of Let's Talk Honestly Vol. 2 A book of poetry and essays on African American Issues Read ebook for free here:

Lets Talk Honestly

eTour Stop #3:
Sexy Ebony BBW African American Book Club is dedicated to reading and discussing literature by black authors. Our goal is to create a forum where readers can explore African American authors and the books they are creating for our reading pleasure. We also want to create a community of readers ready and willing to share their love for reading and just a bit of themselves with like-minded individuals.

Anyone interested in joining can visit our website.

Sexy Ebony BBW Book Club

eTour Stop #4:
SORMAG is the blog to click on to meet the hottest multi-cultural authors hitting the book shelves. We have reviews of their latest book releases and we keep you current on what’s happening in the literary world. The best part, it’s interactive. You can leave a comment for a chance to win a SORMAG goody bag. Click on our link and tell us what you think.

SORMAG

eTour Stop #5:
LeRue Press, LLC is committed to helping writers publish and promote their work. Writers benefit from both Internet and traditional publishing and promotion including Marguerite Press Author eTours. With a variety of poetry, children's books like "Pick Me, Pick Me!" by Elizabeth Horton, and opportunities to write and be published in the "History of", we invite you to join LeRue Press, and find your voice and your chance to be published.

We here at LeRue Press are thrilled to be a part of eTours with Marguerite Press! And, we would like to offer the eTours authors' books for sale on our site. Our listing service is free. If the author's book sells, we handle the entire process. All they need to do is read and sign our agreement at:
www.leruepress.com/bookagreement.html and forward a copy of the book.

The agreement lists the terms of sale. We only ask 9% of the sale price (less the Pay Pal fees). Our agreement clearly outlines what we expect. We hope this is a win-win for the author and for us. We hope by including the book along with the eTour, the authors will sell more books!

LeRue Press

eTour stop #6:
C&B Books caters to aspiring and self-published authors who tend to have limited capital and resources. We researched and discovered others who shared our mission. More than just promoting and supporting, C&B is a resourceful research center as well. We refer authors to our network of contacts, such as book clubs, publishers, editors, reviewers, radio stations, public access television, book fairs and expos. Our primary goal includes, organizing book signings, delivering press kits, promotional materials to bookstores, and agents.

C&B Books

eTour stop #7:
Nevaeh Publishing Dwan Abrams is a full-time novelist/publisher/speaker. She's the author of Only True Love Waits, The Scream Within and Favor (short story appearing in The Midnight Clear: Stories of Love, Hope and Inspiration anthology). Dwan is the founder, publisher and executive director of the newly formed Nevaeh Publishing, LLC. Nevaeh Publishing is a small press independent publishing house. Nevaeh Publishing was established to assist aspiring African-American Christian/Inspirational writers with getting published. Our goal is to become the premier literary Web site for Christian readers and writers.

Nevaeh Publishing

eTour stop #8:
Book Nibbler Reader's Community
So how do you read a good book? One “nibble” at a time! Book Nibbler is a targeted reader’s community currently covering ten genres. You choose what type(s) of book you would like to read and Monday through Friday, we’ll send you a preview—no longer than five minutes out of your day—to “nibble” on. It IS that easy.

Founder/ Cassandra Vaughn

Book Nibbler

eTour stop # 9
Delores Thornton The home of Delores "Queen of Promotion" Thornton

Delores Thornton

eTour stop # 10
Margie Gosa-Shivers, author of, "Once Is Never Enough"
If you had a whimper of a chance to win back the love of your life, would you grab it? Against all expectations, a Chicago homicide detective who's ready to move for a career with the FBI finds himself wrestling with the notion when he agrees to face danger once more to prove a suicide was really a homicide.

Margie Gosa Shivers

eTour stop # 11
At APOOO our mission is to expose readers of all ages to a good book in any genre; to support African American authors, books, literary events and bookclubs; and, to promote literacy within the African American community.

APOOO

eTour stop #12
Mocha Readers

Mocha Readers

eTour stop #13
Roux in the Gumbo Blogspot

Roux in the Gumbo

Author eTours, yet another great idea from Marguerite Press! Please visit the eTour sites listed above.

October eTour author was
Kevin Wayne Johnson!

November eTour authors were:
Joan Robertson
Barbara Custer
Yvonne Bridges

December eTour authors were:
Kim Robinson
Margie Gosa Shivers
Kathy J. Marsh

January 2007 eTour author was:
Electa Rome Parks

February 2007 eTour authors:
Dwan Abrams
Cherlyn Michaels
Sammie Ward

March 2007 eTour author:
Carlene D. Heeter

April 2007 eTour author:
NeCee

May 2007 eTour author:
Kathy J. Marsh

June 2007 eTour authors:
Jazz Catrell
P.R. Hawkins
Joylynn Jossel

July 2007 eTour authors:
Dr. Debbie Lassiter
Pat G'Orge-Walker

August 2007 eTour author:
Delores Thornton

September 2007 eTour authors:
E.N. Joy
Deborah Slappey Pitts
T.H. Moore

October 2007 eTour author:
Darrell King

November 2007 eTour author:
Darn Oldham

December 2007 eTour author:
LaConnie Taylor-Jones

For more details on how YOU can be on eTour please send email to info@margueritepress.com. Marguerite Press Author eTours since 2006!

Blessings!

Delores Thornton, Voted "Queen of Promotion" by C&B Books of New York
Literary Expert at www.blackrefer.com
Voted "Best Online Presence - 2006" by Nubian Literary Network

www.deloresthornton.com
www.margueritepresspr.com
www.indianapolisbookfest.com
www.margueritepress.com
www.myspace.com/deloresthornton

2008-01-16T03:52:00.001-08:00

Welcome Anita Hackley-Lambert

2008-01-05T16:27:00.000-08:00

Anita Hackley-Lambert is the former President/CEO of a fifteen years old information technology and engineering services firm and currently founder of Hackley-Lambert Enterprises, Inc., an emerging portfolio of business opportunities, including HLE Publishing from which she has launched her new writing career.

Anita Hackley-Lambert has envisioned a career in writing ever since the age of twelve, when she wrote her first unpublished book, No Where to Run, a compelling story of sexual assaults she suffered beginning at age five. She was inspired to write the life story of F.H.M. Murray, because of a promise she made to her mother to acknowledge and honor Murrays legacy. With publication of this book, the author hopes to spark the interest of historians, educators, scholars, educational institutions, black history collectors, genealogists, students, and family members of this outstanding historical figure. Her greatest desire is that each reader will come to know the essence of the man, F.H.M. Murray.

Anita currently has 3 new books slated for publication in 2008, plus 12 works-in-progress. Her future writing projects include such genre as autobiographical, biographical, inspirational, true ghost stories, suspense, and fiction. Official author site: www.AnitaHackleyLambert.com

How did you get into writing?

Actually, I wrote my first unpublished book when I was twelve. After seven years of sexual abuse, it was my way to stay connected to the real world. Those were painful years. It is a miracle I survived“ but that is a story for another book

After getting through a painful youth, I started my own information technology and engineering service company where I began writing technical documents and how-to manuals for the federal government.

When did you first know that you were a writer?

I just knew. After a near death experience in 1989, I started having dreams and vision and was prompted to write them down. After a few years, I realized I had material for several books. Then I began keeping detailed notes and writing. In retrospect, that was perhaps my first major step toward writing about things meaningful to me.

What prompted you to write â€œF.H.M. Murray: First Biography of a Forgotten Pioneer for Civil Justice?

I was inspired by a promise I made to my mother, who kept the memory of my great grandfather alive. Mother who was blinded by glaucoma, had a secret box packed with Grandpa Murray's papers. She gave me the seeds for my research and had me promise to write her grandfather's story.

F.H.M. Murray (public audience title) did so much for so many. He died in 1951 and was completely forgotten. In all he did he only wanted to be remembered in some small way.

I prepared my first draft and was later diagnosed with stage-three breast cancer. I continued my research and put the writing on hold. I refused radiation and chemo and turned to the Lord. Today, I am cancer free. I credit my strong faith in God who healed me so I could busy myself with research, validate family stories, and write the book.

How long did the book take to write?

Seems like a long time, due to the 10 years of research. However, once I settled down and began to write, it took only three months. I credit this quick push to finish to a 2005 Niagara Movement event I attended in West Virginia. I was encouraged to complete my book in time for the Centennial Commemoration of the Niagara Movement in 2006. I leaped at the opportunity. I knew this could bring maximum exposure to my great grandfather -- a founding member of the movement -- and exposure to my book.

Like my great grandfather, I wanted to self publish my book. I used a professional book editor and award-winning author for that. He was super and worked one-on-one with me and returned my manuscript in record-breaking time. Next, I had the manuscript reviewed by a professional proofreader.

What was unique about working on your book?

How I was able to show the true connection and relationship between Grandpa Murray and W.E.B. Du Bois. I was able to prove his loyalty and friendship to Du Bosi, and show how he got the shaft by Du Bois who used their friendship in self serving way to promote Du Bois own ambitions.

I learned that my great grandfather was uniquely amazing“ full of energy, a visionary, and a pioneer civil rights activist. It was difficult to understand how he had been overlooked. Further investigation revealed a possible clue F.H. M Murray was brutally honest, a no nonsense type of guy. He sought out the truth and used his newspaper business to speak out against the injustice of blacks by both white and black Americans. In the end, his stiffed neck approach seemed to have separated him from those who had once admired him.

What did you learn most?

I learned to connect to myself. It was a unique and beneficial experience for me. From the research through my grandpa's diaries I connected to myself“ actually learned that I was more like him“ explaining why I differed from my siblings.

By working closely with my editor and publishers, I learned a lot about writing and publishing. The insight taught me to appreciate the efforts of writers and of publishers, and taught me how to reduce mistakes in my next book. Another important lesson was to work my manuscripts to completion so that they can go through at least 3 edits and 3 proof readings.

Whats next?

Watch for my upcoming announcement of my new book entitled, Barry A. Murray: Biography in a New Dimension. This is an exciting story about one of this nations most radical newspaper publishers serving the District of Columbia. The twist is that Barry walked in the footsteps of F.H.M. Murray, the great grandfather he never knew. Barry was my cousin. I believe you will love it! I actually have 2 other books I hope to publish this year. After that, I can get down to writing and publishing my other twelve works-in-progress that include such genres as autobiographical, biographical, inspirational, true supernatural encounters, suspense, and fiction.

PUMP UP YOUR BOOK PROMOTION VIRTUAL BOOK TOURS

"Leave your tour in our hands!"

www.pumpupyourbookpromotion.com

What I plan to accomplish in 2008

2007-12-29T18:16:00.000-08:00

My focus for this year is to start my own publishing company and get some good media people to help me get my books out there in front of the public.
Streetlife to Housewife; my life story, does not hold anything back. I don't pull any punches in describing the things that I have survived in my life and how I am using my experiences to help others today.
Had someone told me two decades ago that I would be a writer, and speaking in churches I would have told them they were crazy. Actually a few people did tell me that God was going to use me to help others and I cursed them out.
I did not believe in or want anything to do with God thanks to a preacher that raped me at the age of five. I was in my mid thirties and in rehab for a cocaine addiction when I found out that the preacher had nothing to do with God.
Today I can't say his name enough and everything that I write is going to help people know that they can survive just like I did.
Find your purpose for being here and accomplish it. With God's help nothing can stop you.

Welcome Sydney Molare

2007-10-18T09:46:00.001-07:00

TEN THINGS YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT AUTHOR, SYDNEY MOLARE'

1. I've been self-published, traditionally published and e-published. While many wish for the traditionally published route, I've found that there is very little difference between trad and self-published. The biggest difference is that with trad you work on their schedule and they have better distribution. But the promotional efforts are the same.

2. In my spare time, I am the pianist/organist for my church. I trained classically for 9 years in my youth, competing at the state level, but now I only play for church.

3. My favorite genre is mystery and suspense. I cut my teeth on those Reader's Digest Condensed books. It was where I first heard of John LeCarre and Robert Ludlum, some of my suspense favorites. I do think James Patterson, Elmore Leonard and JD Robb do good jobs also.

4. When I write, I like to let the reader "create their own world." Meaning, I give some detail, but I don't give minute details. I find that boring, really a filler.

5. When I think of my writing style, I like to think of it as slash writing. I get right to the meat of the matter without traveling around the moon to make the point. Some criticize but most love it. Just in what you like, I guess.

6. I've made more money writing erotica than in any other genre. Amazing.

7. I'm hooked on the Oprah and Friends XM radio network. LOL. Gayle King has found her niche.

8. I was always an overachiever. I finished HS at 15, college at 19 and received my doctorate at 23.

9. My favorite colors are black and red. I don't like pastels at all, especially pink. Though I do use a pink in my book covers. It seems to appeal to women more.

10. I managed to participate in Mardi Gras in New Orleans for the first time this year. I ate, drank and was one of the few who didn't show their tits!

Visit me at www.sydneymolare.com

The Triumph of My Soul

2007-09-24T10:15:00.001-07:00

Elissa Gabrielle Editor

Jessica Tilles

Jarold Imes

Lorraine Elzia

Keshia Dawn

Fon James

Jaqueline Moore

Allyson Deese

Stories of Hope, Triumph and Inspiration.

From Author, Poet & Visionary, Elissa Gabrielle, comes a soul-stirring anthology that will touch your heart, feed your spirit, and strengthen your soul.

Every so often, an anthology is written that is meant to inspire and uplift; to fortify and nourish, to comfort and reassure, but most of all, to bring you closer to a place of peace and resolve.

This Christmas, The Triumph of My Soul releases. This anthology has stories for everyone who has ever experienced the ups and downs of life. Whether you're a parent who has lost a child, a man or woman who have been the victim of abuse, someone who has lost their identity in their love for another human being, survived a life-threatening illness, have been knocked down only to get back up time and time again…whatever your trial or tribulation, at the end there is Triumph.

Inspirational, prolific, heartfelt encouraging stories featuring Essence Best-selling author, Bill Holmes, Motivational Speaker & Talk Show Host, Cheryl Donovan, Best-selling author, Elissa Gabrielle, Karibu Best-Selling author Jessica Tilles, and College Professor and Ph.D. candidate, Dike Okoro, the highly-talented, Lorraine Elzia, the eye-opening Agnes B. Levine, the uplifting Fon James, the strong Jarold Imes, the provocative Kim Robinson, the magnificent Keshia Dawn, the sensitive Allyson Deese, the determined Linda R. Herman, the progressive Ebonee Monique, the comforting Jacqueline Moore, the survivor Linda Wattley, and the butterfly Casche Russell.

"The Triumph Of My Soul" by Elissa Gabrielle
"The Triumph of My Soul" is a story I hold near and dear to my heart. This story is meant to uplift and inspire. Too often, we are condemned, ridiculed and knocked down, time and time again. Many people will smile in our face, but we can't turn our backs to them. The beauty of life is that, no matter how many times we are knocked down, God will lift us up, if you believe Him and trust in His word. It's not about how you fall; its about the grace and dignity in how you rise."

“Julian's Grace" by Jessica Tilles
"Although my short story, "Julian's Grace" is fiction, it speaks straight to the heart. We must treasure each day we are blessed to be alive and well. Giving thanks to God for every breath we take."

"Word On The Street" by Jarold Imes
"As Contemporary Gospel & Christian Rap and Hip Hop grows, I felt the need to provide a story that would appeal to this audience. Having been a street/urban/hip-hop author and having written erotica, I know first hand what it's like for Christians who come from the streets that are my age trying to turn their lives around and give them up for Christ. Hopefully, readers saved and unsaved a like will understand that you don't have to come from a traditional church family to serve the Lord."

"A Test Of Faith" by Lorraine Elzia
“Our lives are inspiration, motivation and lessons for us to learn by. No person is given an experience just for the purpose of it happening, there is always a moral to be shared. It is our duty to share our endurances with others so that they may indulge in the delicacy of food for thought. I submitted to the Triumph for the Soul” anthology in an effort that someone might read my story and have an “Ah Ha! Moment”. It was my desire to try and reach at least one person with my words so that they too could test their faith.”

"A Stroke Of Purpose" by Keshia Dawn
"I believe in love and not necessarily just from man to woman, woman to man, but love for each other. There is so much hurt and pain in this world and I can figure that most of it comes from within the family. I honestly wanted to show that even though there is hurting yet and still in the family, there can also be healing. It just takes courage to be real. My motto, right is right and wrong is wrong. Loving unconditionally is right."

"A Mother, Her Son, And The Father" by Fon James
I was inspired to write the short story, A Mother, Her Son and The Father, after a close friend of mine experienced the loss of her only son. Even though her son was murdered, she stood strong and declared the name of Jesus, and even showed strength at his funeral by standing up to personally speak a Godly word to his friends who were angry and wanted to retaliate against the suspected murderer. One young man even turned his life over to Christ at the funeral. I saw God comfort her during that terrible time of uncertainty and bereavement. I saw God give her a peace that surpassed all understanding of why it happened. I see the victorious triumph she continues to experience everyday through her faith in God. It further confirms that when we have God on our sides, we are truly triumphant.

"Death At A Church" by Jacqueline Moore
"As a Christian Author, I am always looking new avenues to explore. When I saw the call for submission, I was intrigued so much that I actually issued a challenge in one of my online writing groups. One other member answered my challenge, Lorraine Eliza. I was thrilled when I learned that her story was accepted. I wouldn't learn until weeks later that my story had also been accepted. My story originated from a writing prompt."

"Discovering The Joy Within" by Allyson Deese
"My inspiration behind "Discovering the Joy Within," is that I wanted to help another woman to not go through the pain and the hurt that I went through at such a young age. I wanted to impower someone else to be strong and overcome their hurt and pain. I also felt that the story of my innocent babies needed to be told."

"Doors" by Ebonee Monique
"I wrote "Doors" in about ten minutes and it is, still, one of my favorite stories. I closed my eyes and visualized this woman and her struggle for love. I know this fictional character in every day life. She's my neighbor, she's the cashier where I shop, she's my professor, she's the single mother, she's the married woman...she's me. So many times, we get so caught up in trying to please the "man" in our lives that we neglect The Man in our hearts. Doors represents the change and the light at the end of the tunnel, that so many women desire to see."

"I'm Still Here" by Kim Robinson
"I submitted my story to The Triumph of My Soul because I know that my testimony can help others."

"He Loves Us, Always" by Linda Wattley
"I was inspired to share my story because of the foundation "The Triumph of My Soul" represented. It gave me an opportunity to testify about the power of God. Today I face a struggle challenging my faith in God but He reminded me, I have faced greater challenges in my life than this and He did not forsake me and will not forsake me now. When you get the victory in life, you qualilfy to impart it to others that they too can rise above adversity. It is an honor to SHARE the spirit of VICTORY!"

"Marathon" by Bill Holmes
"I was inspired by the combination of the Biblical verse 1 Corinthians 9:24; my desire to run long distance; and Don Henley’s New York Minute, a song about appreciating the blessings in our life. I listened repeatedly to the song while writing the short story to create an emotional, mental and physical connection with my characters Alex and Cynthia so I could feel and capture their frustrations into my words. Without giving too much away, it was a challenge to write Marathon because it addresses the aftermath and possible effect the Iraq war has had on the U.S. soldiers and their families. I’m proud of my contribution to The Triumph of My Soul, but I’d be a liar if I didn’t admit there’s more I want to tell about my characters and their story."

"One Woman's Journey" by Linda R. Herman
"Answering the submissions call for TRIUMPH gave me the opportunity to work with an amazing author and poet, Elissa Gabrielle. I felt that writing an inspirational piece was a challenge that I was ready to confront head on. Though my story, "One Woman's Journey" is fictional, I know that there are many 'Ambers' (my main character) in the world losing their identities in the shadows of a man. Through the words of my story I wanted to remind readers of Exodus 20:3 and just how important it is to ALWAYS put God first. To quote a beautiful song, 'Can't nobody do me like Jesus.' "

"The Ministry Of Motherhood" by Cheryl Donovan
"The Triumph of My Soul" was an opportunity for me to share with other women, the struggles that I had endured as a teen mom. I wanted them to see that their current circumstance doesn't necessarily dictate their future circumstances. My message is that faith, determination, and perserverance can bring you through the storms of life and allow you to experience a triumph of the soul."

"The Vanilla Room" by Agnes B. Levine
"Inside that vanilla room in the psychiatric ward, the supernatural experience and deliverance from God inspired me to write it as my truest testimony to give God the glory and inspire others to overcome their trials knowing God is real. The submission call for The Triumph of My Soul was my epiphany that my story was timeless and transcending."

"When You Least Expect" by Dike Okoro
"There is no doubt in my mind that my Christian background was chiefly responsible for my decision to write When You Least Expect. I was deeply moved and touched by the title of the proposed anthology and the idea behind the call for submission. On the creative front, I think historical memory and my personal and local concerns for national, universal, and human issues inspired the penning of the story."

"Breaking The Chains Of Abuse" by Casche Russell
"I wanted everyone to know that with the help of God, you can break the chains of abuse. God never gives us more than we can bear."

Ebonee Monique

Kim Robinson

Linda Wattley

Bill Holmes

Linda R. Herman

Cheryl Donovan

Agnes B. Levine

Dike Okoro

Casche Russell

Please welcome Shawna Moore

2007-09-03T21:51:00.001-07:00

Writing Through Life

Many thanks to my author friend, Kim, for this guest blog invitation. One of the topics I’ve mulled recently is how to balance the pursuit of creativity with the difficult issues and dilemmas life tosses at me. When I embarked on a full-time career in writing, I had some idea of what lay ahead. Lots of hard work. A dedication to improving my craft. Constant attention to the market and what was selling and what was not. Budgeting time for the business side of writing once publication happened. Staying in touch with readers and keeping them current on my fiction releases and works in progress. Etc.

But no matter how many times I assessed the time I’d allocated to my writing against the time I dealt with other life issues, I found each day forced me to reassess how I approached my juggling of these balls and balancing of the demands. Needless to say, on certain days one or more of the balls dropped, but I had to make sure I gathered up any fallen and paid closer attention to keeping the same in the air the next day and the days following.

Aside from focusing on my writing, researching, promotion, editing and cyber communication for 8-10 hours at least five days a week, I had other responsibilities and events that threatened to cripple my creativity—some threatening to cripple it permanently. But as with anything in life we love and love doing, I decided to step back from the creative process over my vacation and give myself a break from the balancing act.

Funny thing happened. Although some would have surrendered, I’ve stuck it out. After only two days on vacation, I started missing my writing time at the computer. On several pages of a magazine I’d brought along for reading during our flights, I jotted notes for a new story. A couple days later, I attended a writer’s conference and quickly became caught up in the swell of activity and camaraderie of fellow authors. As I returned to the hotel room after dining with some friends the first night of the conference, I sat down and chatted with my husband about how it was impossible for me to stay away from writing for very long. Writing is a passion. It’s something I can’t purge from my life no matter how many demands, frustrations, setbacks and emergencies are otherwise flung my way.

Life is great, but life is also tough. It puts many obstacles in our paths, but we mustn’t allow them to deter us from fulfilling our goals and doing our best to make our dreams become reality. Realize there will be times you will have to forego certain pursuits temporarily in favor of others. But never, ever let your dreams slip away. Go after what you love. Pursue it with passion. Dare to make your dreams become reality.

Shawna Moore

ROUGHRIDER – Ellora’s Cave

HELLE IN HEELS – Ellora’s Cave

http://www.grant-moore.com

Texas Author Explosion

2007-08-29T19:10:00.001-07:00

Texas Author Explosion

September 15 2007

5p.m. to 9 p.m.

Dallas Convention Center

Above TBAAL’s Naomi Bruton Theatre

On the corner of Lamar

Come join us Saturday September 15th at 5.00 p.m. for the Texas Author Explosion at the Dallas convention center Downtown Dallas, Texas. If you would like to be a participating author the price is only 30 dollars.

You can send a pay pal payment to

kim@kim-robinson.com or send check or money order to

Texas Author Explosion

1110 Timbercreek Drive

Allen Texas 75002

Secure your table and time on the mike. All participating author's books will be sold by Ms. Emma Rodgers from Black Images Book Store @ 40%. You can contact Ms. Rodgers at ESrodgers@aol.com.

This event is to help a woman who helped so many over the 33 years that she ran a book store in Dallas. She was forced to close her doors. Now she needs our help.

All authors will be allowed to speak about their works and will have their own table where they can sign autographs and converse with their fans. We do ask that you bring your own props to decorate your table (s). If you're an author not able to attend and would like to send promotional items and books etc for the gift bags and giveaways please send them to....

Lesley Hal

2605 John West rd #3101

Dallas, TX 75228

If you need any more information about this event please contact me off the loop at lesley_hal2000@yahoo.com or Kim@kim-robinson.com 972 747-7313

I am a Woman on the Rise

2007-08-11T00:29:00.000-07:00

www.noaw.org

Help me out and vote for me in the historical entries

2007-08-06T14:57:00.000-07:00

TO VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE AUTHORS, GO TO WWW.LITERARYAWARDSHOW.COM AND CLICK ON VOTING.

Barbara Joe Williams

2007-07-30T13:54:00.000-07:00

I am in Barbara Joe Williams anthology How I met My Sweetheart

Barbara, you’ve been described as the “hardest working woman in self-publishing” and a “marketing guru.” What made you decide to become a self-published author?

Honestly, I tried the traditional publishing route, and it just wasn’t working out for me. So I decided to do some research on the publishing industry. After learning that several of my favorite authors started out by publishing themselves, I decided to give self-publishing a try. Now five books later, I’m still happy with the decision that I made because it has allowed me a tremendous amount of opportunities. I’ve been able to meet a host of published authors, aspiring writers, and travel around promoting my books by speaking at conferences and conducting workshops.

Tell us, what is your inspiration for writing?

My inspiration for writing comes from the love of the written word and romance novels. I’ve always loved to read, and I read everything, but romance has a special place in my heart. After searching the bookstores for romance novels focusing on married people and being disappointed, I decided it was time to write one of my own. So my first two books titled, Forgive Us This Day and Dancing with Temptation, are about married couples that have been together for years and the problems are beginning to surface.

Tell us about your latest release and how you came up with the idea to write about a female minister.

Well, I’ve met a lot of single female ministers, and they seem to be having the same problems as other single women regarding relationships. So I wanted to write a story showing that their trials and tribulations are the same as other women. Sometimes the pastor is looked upon as being all-knowing, very spiritual, and untouchable, but they’re human too, and that’s the side that I wanted to show. Pastor Karema Wright, the main character in Falling for Lies, is a wise woman who happens to fall in love with the wrong man for the wrong reasons. And she loses almost everything before she even realizes what’s going on because she’s falling for lies.

What are your goals with your writing career?

My primary goal is to continue writing and publishing books for myself until I can secure an agent and a writing contract. And I enjoy publishing books for other writers under my company, Amani Publishing, LLC. So my other goal would be to continue helping other aspiring authors reach their dreams while continuing to pursue mine. And since I have several books coming out within the next year, you can check out my website at: www.amanipublishing.net for more details and contact information.

Barbara Joe-Williams resides in Tallahassee, Florida, with her husband, daughter, and dog. She’s published three novels and two non-fiction books including an anthology titled How I Met My Sweetheart and a handbook titled A Writer’s Guide to Self-Publishing and Marketing.

Tee C. Royal is one of the biggest promoters in the literary world

2007-07-25T00:24:00.000-07:00

I met Tee C. Royal at the RawSistaz literary event in South Carolina a couple of years ago. It was a very rewarding experience. I met so many wonderful authors who have become family to me. We are blessed to have her here.

Tee C. Royal is the founder of RAWSISTAZ Literary Group and its subsidiaries, a literary agent, wife and mother. She resides in the suburbs of Atlanta with her family.

How did RAWSISTAZ come about? RAWSISTAZ (Reading and Writing SISTAZ) came about in September 2000 when I was asked to start a book club for the online group SISTAZ. Since I enjoyed both reading and writing, I wanted to incorporate both, so RAWSISTAZ was born. With a handful of members from the original SISTAZ group, we opened the doors to others and branched off into a separate entity.

How long have you been reading? I’ve been reading for as long as I can remember. My earliest memories as a child are hiding on top of the house and under my bed reading.

What made you want to support authors? One of my biggest annoyances is people who talk a good game, but don’t really do anything. Another is seeing a great piece of work not getting the exposure it deserves. Both were what pushed me to have the main focus of RAWSISTAZ on supporting and promoting African-American authors and their work.

Is this a rewarding or a thankless job? It’s sometimes a bit of both, but the rewarding part always overshadows everything else. No matter how many people I run across who don’t bother with a THANK YOU, I still enjoy what I do, and plan to always do it. It’s also rewarding because I can see the impact and importance of RAWSISTAZ and I’ve met some wonderful people through the various groups.

What has RAWSISTAZ diversified into? RAWSISTAZ does various things in the literary industry, but our main objective will never change. We are most known for our free Black Book Reviews (www.blackbookreviews.net), our team of reviewers, and our online book clubs and offline chapters. We have other projects in the works, but they all revolve around the literary industry. There’s also our annual literary event, The RAWSISTAZ Affair.

For an author to take full advantage of your services and your group what should they do? First and foremost, visit the main website at www.rawsistaz.com. The website alone is a major source for exposure, at no cost to the author. There are sections to list your website, book information, bio, and items of this nature. I would also suggest joining RAW4ALL, our online literary hangout with members who are readers, writers, agents, editors, and other literary professionals. The wealth of information shared in the group is at times overwhelming, but almost always helpful. I’d also recommend visiting the various resources & links listed on our site, subscribing to our newsletters, and reading our blogs. Collectively, we offer the perfect one-stop location for “keeping you in the know regarding the African-American literary community.”

What in the literary world excites you? A better question would be what doesn’t. LOL. I simply love reading or hearing about a great book. I also love when unknown authors are in the spotlight and able to share their craft with avid readers. Most recently, I’ve been fascinated with the whole publishing process. So, there isn’t much in the industry that doesn’t excite me.

Is this why you became an agent? Pretty much, yes. It was an extension of what I’ve already been doing for six years with RAWSISTAZ, just another route for doing it and on a different scale. Granted, it’s much more complex than what I’ve done with RAWSISTAZ, but I enjoy it just as much.

Tell us about a typical day for you. Now that I’m an agent too, my day is a bit different work-wise, but for the most part, I get up before everyone and immediately start working. I then take a break and wake up the family, get coffee on and try to slip in some exercise. Then I drop off my daughter at summer camp. From there, the day varies as I normally run personal family errands once a week.

But, on most days I return back to work and go through submissions, check through email, do call-backs, and work on client projects. I also may do some editing or manuscript evaluations. I also blend in the RAWSISTAZ stuff and work on admin to the site, email, reviews, following up with publishers and authors, and depending on the day, I’ll pick up mail and log in books received. I’ll also peek in at the various groups and lend a hand as needed. I do a LOT of email correspondence, so that takes up quite a bit of my time.

Pretty soon, it’s time to pick my daughter up. Then, I work with her for a while on school stuff and depending on the day I may do housework (or I go back to work) and stop in time to get dinner ready. We then eat and have family time. After that, depending on the night, I’m back at the above things, since I admit I’m a workaholic. Sometimes we play games, do yard work or hide out in our respective areas of the house. Once they’re off to bed, I normally do more work, research or read until about midnight. I normally sleep 4-5 hrs and then the process starts over again.

Thank you so much for joining us Tee C.