Onika Pascal - Another Writer's Block

Kodak files for bankruptcy

2012-01-19T10:08:00.001-08:00

If you've ever taken a picture in your lifetime, held a camera or bought roles of film and had them developed...telling my age here...you know the name Kodak.

According to USA Today and just about all of the world's business reports, Kodak has filed Chapter 11 ...who's taking a pic of that?

It's sad to hear they have to fold....they're an icon in the photogrophy world, and the inovator of the digital camera....so how could this be?

With Kodak going belly up, who do you think will take the spotlight? Do you think that Kodak can remain on top of their game, even in bankruptcy stages?

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All work and no play can get you fired!!

2012-01-18T21:26:00.000-08:00

How absurd is this? ABC News reported a story of a woman being fired for skipping lunch and denied unemployment benefits. She took her case to court and won her case.

Good for her!!!

I know quite a few of us are guilty for doing this. We get so bogged down with work that "has to get done", we end up sitting through out lunch hour to do it. I know I'm VERY guilty of doing that at least 4 times a week. Matter of fact, I did it just yesterday. I can't imagine my boss firing me for doing HIS/HER work during MY lunch hour. I mean, if its a problem of paying me over time, then understand that I need MY time. Anything 'urgent' will have to simmer until I return from Macy's.

Kudo's to her for fighting her battle and winning, what was deemed a lost cause. Sometimes you have to take matters into your own hands. Now she can have a peaceful lunch.

How many of you actually sit through your lunch hour doing your boss' work? Do you do it for 'employee of the month' recognition, or do you do it because you're NOT hungry?...come on now tell the truth!!!

Sanaa Lathan...the New face of Pantene

2012-01-18T12:43:00.001-08:00

My eye caught an article on the Huffington Post earlier and just had to share it with you.

According to the article Sanaa Lathan is the new face (or head of hair rather) endorsed to promote Pantene Pro-V's Nature Fusion Collection...

...I don't know about you, but I LOVE me some Pantene. When Pantene introduced their Relaxed and Natural line of hair care products, I just KNEW I was gonna have a head full of long bouncy flowing hair. If I'd stop cutting my hair...I just might.

A bouncy coif or not, Pantene is a staple in my shower...and Sanaa just encouraged me to buy and try the Nature Fusion.

Would you be trying it?

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A Little At a Time

2012-01-18T08:47:00.001-08:00

Year of the 35...my first blog post after a long hiatus from blogging tells you where I've been and what I was doing. So it took me a while to get back to this, but I'm back.

I guess I wasn't sure what my purpose of blogging was and seeing the many 'famous' bloggers and their sites run the gamut, I didn't know what I wanted to project. Since I just simply adore the outlet, I figured it would simply be my own way of growing. I'm no pro, but damn it, I like it. Someone may read it and feel inspired, in some way.

I started off blogging with "Collections of a See Through Soul"... It was a series of writings that reflected my thoughts as I went through a disturbing heart break. But I evolved from it, and so did my blog.

I then began pursuing my opportunity to publish my poetry...and that I did. And I revealed the "so called writer in me"....I say so called because I am YET to break the barrier I truly want to. But I've been enjoying the journey. I write for Outlish Magazine...a fun, dramatic magazine that showcases the ins and outs of young Trinidadians....if you didn't know, I AM a very proud Trinidad born living in America. The opportunity to write for Outlish has been an outstanding one, and I look forward to a writing for them for a long time to come.

During my hiatus from my blog, I also began writing for eWoman Empowerment Magazine ( online and in print) and their sister site Women of Power BVI I'm still fresh, but look forward to a long run with them....they're amazing!!!

And aside from those writing stints, I have been working on my 1st novel for the past two years. Yes! Two years. I start and stop, and live and lose track, and doubt and believe...its an ongoing series of distractions.. And here you are... Welcome to MY Writer's Block...

So now that I'm back I aim to finally use this blogging space as a collage of it all... My see through soul, my distractions, my writing journey and to share a little entertainment...interviews, updates, giveaways (when I can)...I'm making it my own.

So to commemorate the rebirth of my blog...there'd be grand give aways coming next week...you're no blogger if you don't do give aways ... So stay tuned for the announcement for my 1st of 5 giveways. I promise it'd be exciting.

Hope you enjoy, and visit often...

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Joyful Noise - To see or not to see!!

2012-01-05T21:25:00.000-08:00

To simply state... its A MUST SEE!!!!

Now that I have the silly grin off my face and my tears are dried up, I can concentrate on writing this blog.

Two days ago I get a DM on Twitter from my tweet pal @socamomDC inviting me to the preview of Joyful Noise, DC which was sponsored by Rolling Out Magazine and American Airlines. I was thrilled. Not only would it give me a chance to meet her for the first time, but to actually get out of my daily routine of work, commute and spending the evening watching reality tv shows that makes me seem like I have turrets syndrome.

Queen Latifah has definitely landed on the tippy top of the hip-hop totem pole. She has outdone herself as the Executive Producer of this Warner Bros. film. I'll admit, I woke up one morning and saw the trailer for it on tv. Said to myself "Nicki Minaj sings one line about Dolly Parton and here she is starring in a movie." Really I did say that. I even rolled over and didn't think twice of the movie. Then I saw it again later that day and paid attention...ahhhh a movie I can take in one Sunday afternoon. But my Sunday came sooner than I thought.

Here I was sitting in a theater room with Brian Dickens (you know him as Fantasia's manager), media personality Jawn Murray, and the event host Gospel recording artist Byron Cage...it was a packed house, with a very polite and orderly group of adults...this was grown folk mingling.

Where do I even begin about this movie??? So much to say. But I'll start by saying that Joyful Noise wasn't stuffed with the typical African American cast that consists of Taraji P. Henson, Morris Chestnut, Gabriel Union...nope, not-a-one. The cast was made up of fresh new faces that complimented each other well. They were fresh faces supported by Queen Latifah, Courtney B. Vance (of The Preachers Wife...yup he's a preacher again), KeKe Palmer (with her Angela Basset stance), and in a refreshing, returning and welcoming role Dolly Parton ( the legendary all American icon that she is).

Joyful Noise is about a small town Georgia church choir that has persistently competed in the Joyful Noise national competition. A competition they could never seem to win because of the choir lead by Kirk Franklin ... definitely a tough act to beat. When the beloved choir director dies, everyone seems to have lost hope that they have a chance to win the competition, unless some changes are made from their boring routine. Vi Rose (Queen Latifah) and G.G. Sparrow (Dolly Parton) can't seem to get their differences settled, bringing a small Christian, yet comical, feud between the two, yet uniting the choir all the way to the finals.

The movie is undeniably hilarious. Its clean plot, comical and inspiring and at times quirky quotes brings us a message of hope, love, joy and the unity of family.

I wouldn't steer you wrong. It's Glee meets Sister Act with a musical soundtrack feel of Dream Girls...one you can listen to just about everyday. Sure the plot is as predictable as can be, but it is totally refreshing from the reality tv shows that bombard us every day.

I say on January 13th, take the family out and enjoy some quality time...

Now if ONLY I can get the image of Lil Kim trying to bust out of Dolly Parton's face, I'll totally ignore the fact that I sat there expecting to see Queen Latifah bust out in her "Set if Off" persona ... I tell you there are some things you just can't let go...

Blogisode 2: And its a New Year...Happy! Indeed

2012-01-01T13:22:00.000-08:00

Another year is upon us and we're all, I'm sure, thankful to be around to see what this year will bring.

Making resolutions are a big to-do for any new year. We assess what happened in the previous year, assess how we reacted to those events, and vow to be different in the year ahead of us. It was my thing to do too. But I've since realized that waiting for a new year to plan or change certain things, is a reason to procrastinate.

By October my goals for the coming year were set. By my 35th birthday I declared my resolutions...and the wheels are already turning.

I'm ready for 2012. Ready for enhancing the parts of me that fall short, and putting into practice the lessons I learned from situations I encountered.

Life is about learning, and with each new year you have the opportunity to make it better, tone it down, or reap what you have sowed and just be mellow. I intend to do all 3. If more lands on my plate, I'm open for all the positive growth that comes my way...I won't turn away the opportunities for more.

I wish all of you a prosperous, constructive and blessed New Year!!!

Gathering of Waters by Bernice McFadden

2011-12-30T19:15:00.000-08:00

I've admired words for a very long time. As a child I've spent hours to myself with my thumb in my mouth soaking in characters, scenes, plots, and imagining myself as one of the characters in the story. But what I love the most is reading a story that gives my words a face. And only a few authors give me that vision.

Bernice L. McFadden does that for me. I see the features of each character as plain as day. And there's no better way to read a story.

Ms. McFadden is hands down my favorite author of my time. She's my Maya Angelou and Toni Morrison rolled up in one. She's an ancestral griot packed into a modern day mind. I have never picked up one of her books and had the need to say..."I bet this is a refurbished plot from a story I read long ago." No! Every one of her books introduces a character you're yet to meet, and a story that is yet to be told.

Gathering of Waters published by Akashic Books is a story narrated by the town of Money, Mississippi. A story narrated by a town? Who better to tell a story, than the town itself? Money made me cry, laugh, think, imagine, applaud, sigh, and shiver (I looked over my shoulders in fear a few times). The power of Bernice McFadden's words held me captive. I only put the book down when I had to drive, get off the metro, actually tend to a motion and memo at work, and to sleep. It was captivating. Enchanting. Haunting. Mesmerizing. Historic. All the while inviting you to a taste of history and how it could have possibly occurred.

This latest novel by Bernice L. McFadden is far more than a story being told through the eyes of a town. Its a compilation of the authors mind, inviting us to see how history is relevant. If you didn't know about Emmett Till, you definitely would want to research about him now. She gave him a side that I never imagined him to have. She gave him life. He was just a teenager brutally murdered who sparked the Civil Rights movement. Now! He is a brutally murdered teenage boy who has come to life.

When words in a novel move you to feel passion, dedication and a burning desire to learn...its a novel written beyond its expectation.

You'd have to read it yourself order your copy at Akashic Books and read a story that's going to move you mind, body and spirit.

Beautifully written and worthy of its praises. When history meets fiction the way this story is told...there's no option left but to give a standing ovation.

Blogisode 1: Forward ever, backward never!

2011-12-20T20:02:00.000-08:00

I suggest you take off your shoes, get a glass of water...possibly something to eat...and get ready to catch up:

For those of you who have read my blog in the past, probably wondered where I'd been for the past year or so. I locked up shop without a forwarding address, and left my blog for dead.

Well, see, what had happened was.... Usually it'd go like that if I had some cockamamie answer. One to pacify you and soothe you over and welcome you back. But in fact, I have a real life reason. It happened...life that is.

No I didn't get married...hush now! If I did, all of blog world would have known...unfortunately, since my first ever entry, I'm still single...some things take longer than others.

But what happened was my brain started churning out plans and goals beyond graduating Medgar Evers College. I was being torn away from my adult duties, and played around with things that I wasn't even sure belonged in my future. But had a wonderful time in the experience...because I believe wholeheartedly, that unless you try something, you'll never know if you're good at it. And publishing my two collections of poetry was indeed one of the most exciting things I have experienced. But life still lingered outside of that dream. My real life.

I felt like I was getting older with no solid progress and accomplishments in my life. I had to face reality. I had other goals that I kept putting off, and I had to lay out my options. My will to succeed was so intense, that I couldn't deny it.

Last year, in September, I had orthopedic surgery on both my feet. Some consider it cosmetic surgery, but I deemed it necessary *snuffs nose in air*. I had a nagging pain (and a bunion) that I had to fix. It was an easy decision to make, YET, a very painful recovery. That experience reminded me to be very grateful for the ability to walk. It took me 3 months to fully recover. But it was in my first weeks that I laid on my bed and planned my very first move for the moment the pins were removed from my feet.

I felt like my life was missing something. It wasn't whole. I was just a body following a routine without fulfillment. Believe me, laying flat on your back for weeks is enough to lead you to think the world of thoughts. Though I worked from home, I couldn't move without help, so I'd work and think. And lay there and think. And every thought that came to mind, my son was the first. He was getting ready to graduate middle school, and I had to offer him better. Then law school popped in (wondered if I should try again), or grad school, and then another and back to my son again. They kept that cycle for a few days and I realized that Brooklyn was stifling me. Holding me back from progressing. I was too safe there. I was smothered and I had to break free. I had to find out if I existed outside of Brooklyn.

Moving to Maryland was one of the big to-do's on my vision board the year before (I've always wanted to move there since I was a teen in high school), and heck, if I didn't try, I wouldn't know if I can succeed. Earlier that year I visited Maryland frequently. On random weekends. No one knew that I was truly scoping out the place for possible homes. While I masked it as a joy ride and get away from New York, the underlying truth was that I WAS getting away from New York...at some point. I just didn't know when. But then I let go the thought of moving. I doubted myself and the thought of it never happening manifested. It was August and I was still living in Brooklyn.

So while I laid immobile, I plucked away at my laptop and googled just about every county and neighborhood in Maryland. I had to find where I felt most comfortable. And I did. I was excited, but felt unsuccessful because I was unable to drive, and unable to make things happen right then and there. I had to play the waiting game. I counted down the days the pins were to be removed from my feet, so that I can jump in my car and steal away to see this place that I had found. My pins were out on a Tuesday morning, and by Saturday morning I left.

When I got there, it was indeed home. I drove back to New York fulfilled. I, still in some pain, returned to my house and began packing slowly. I kept it to myself UNTIL I had completely settled into my new home. So I slowly packed, and like a thief in the night I left Brooklyn. Left her to her memories, her gripping claws, and her grim outlook for my future with her. It took me all of two weeks, and 2 weeks that couldn't come fast enough.

I moved. I did it. I was scared. I was nervous. I was uplifted. I was renewed. I was giddy. I was rejuvenated. I was alone. But I had a goal. I had a mission. And I HAD a plan, so I had to focus. As the days went by I checked off from my list. Move (check), order furniture (check), buy groceries (check), confidence (check). I had it ALL written down. If I was going to make this major change, I had to do it right. It couldn't be a half assed mission. Which was most of my previous goals. This was something that would be permanent, so I had to make sure the carvings I made in stone, were done right.

I moved in December ( so I'm living here 1 year today...and I did A LOT within that year) and by February had already been accepted to The George Washington University (still currently attending classes), gotten my son enrolled in his intended high school, supported him through his first season of high school football (which meant no sleep for me, but all worth it...I saw him blossom into an amazing young man). All the while continuing to write for Outlish Magazine, and also being contracted to write for E Woman Magazine / E Women's Summit a prominent Caribbean women's magazine...and watched in awe as both our lives changed drastically and positively.

However, by June I was laid off. It shot a dagger in my chest. I was crashing. I didn't have that on my list. But I survived it. I turned the fear into a thank you. For I was thankful that God still allowed me the opportunity to be home with my son everyday, support him in the transition, and helped myself get to not lose myself in this fast paced change. Don't ask me how I survived, but I did. After my lay off and many nights of angry crying, I realized that this was God's way of slowing me down. I was on a runaway train without breaks. So I surrendered.

And after surrendering, a month later I was hired at a prominent law firm in D.C. I'm still in school. I'm still a supermom, and I am living life so free, so fresh, so new, so exciting and so deserved that I thank God every day, and to this day, for all of the blessings he has bestowed. And I call them blessings because, though I planned, they didn't have to come through. But they did. And in such a magical way, that I can't call them any different.

I think what I'm trying to say is, when you have a burning desire to achieve something, NOTHING and no one will stand in your way. You WILL achieve that goal without the hemming and hawing at what ifs and can'ts. Sometimes life just makes you take a leap and land into the very thing you've been afraid of and show you just how good that thing can be to you and for you.

My life is in its purpose. Its not bullshit free, but its progressing in a direction I didn't imagine I could accomplish. Now I wake up without the fear of trying new things. I profess a goal, and I lay it out and follow it to the end. Sometimes stepping outside of your comfort zone, can propel you so far into your destiny, that it only truly takes a chance, and never looking back.

Forward ever, backward never!! (Maurice Bishop, Grenadian Politician)

Year of the 35 - Akwaaba

2011-12-18T18:15:00.000-08:00

I haven't blogged in over a year...and as I dusted past the cobwebs and scent of year old blog posts...I was smiling from ear to ear...I'M BACKKKKKK and what better way than to start with a blog post about my 35th birthday??? ... this is the beginning of my weekly "blogisodes"

Akwaaba: means welcome

As the months trickled down for me to celebrate my 35th birthday, I contemplated on how I wanted to spend it. Turning 35 wasn't JUST another birthday, it had great significance to me. And I had to celebrate in the way ONLY I knew fit.

Sharing a birthday in the same month with baby Jesus hasn't always been a fun thing for me...He took all the shine :) .... folks would either be too busy caught up in the spirit of the season and not have the time and money to celebrate with me. So for many years I've learned to just let it be, with the exceptance of one or two years. My 30th, and last year.

I've even had to go through the day with some forgetting that it was my birthday. At age 35, it wasn't going to happen. I was doing it MY way, and MY way ONLY. No one was going to disappoint me on this day. NO ONE. NO BB. NO TEXT. NO EMAIL. NO FB. NO TWITTER.

So I thought long and hard as to how to celebrate. All I know I wanted to celebrate it alone, refelcting, and at peace with this milestone year of mine. I searched online for get away spots. Hotels...I figured the more expensive, the more luxurious my stay. Then i thought of a spa. I've always wanted to go to Arizona. I had found a great spa out there over the summer, but with my new job, time off was out of the question. Maybe I can stay at home and relax...I did that last year when I moved (moving out of Brooklyn to Maryland was my gift to myself)...didn't want to do a repeat. BUT staycation was definitely the order. But where???

Over the summer my BFF @janellewilliams and I talked about Akwaaba. And it hit me. THAT'S IT...I'd go after work and spend the weekend there...and that I did. I did the research on the hip and modern bed and breakfast, and was only impressed to find out that their rooms were designed and named after poets and writers. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Really? This DEFINITELY was the place for me to celebrate my 35th. It was meant to be.

There was the Toni Morrison room, The Langston Hughes, The Walter Mosley...and I was in awe. Though late in the night the eeriness of Langston Hughes' voice from the collection of his poems that I have on disc....howled in the hallways at night...yeah I was scared shitless LOL... nontheless I was happy to be there.

As I WELCOME my 35th year of life, there was no better place for me to spend my time reflecting, and celebrating the victories I have won. I acclaim 35. I embrace it. I'm going to breathe it. I'm going to nurture it. I will master it. And I will live it. I totally intend to live it.

I spent 2 days at AkwaabaDC. My housekeeper Joanne, was so hospitable. From her welcome, her smile, her engaging conversation about the history of Akwaaba...she knew that home inside out, and to the exciting are of Dupont Circle and U Street...which I have visited quite a few times already. Joanne was more than a house keeper, she was an unknown, yet welcomed guest into MY space at Akwaaba. Her pleasantess will make me return very soon.

Remember that Akwaaba means welcome and indeed it welcomes everyone. I had the pleasure of meeting a very vibrant lady, Mary. She held a trunk show at Akwaaba on Saturday, and I bought the cutest pair of earrings and a dress that I'm aching to wear. Over breakfast I had the privilege of meeting an Australian couple who couldn't stop talking about the ambiance of Akwaaba. And I couldn't help but agree, and co-sign with everything they were saying. We all had a great conversation about life, and marriage and children, and traveling and living. I was the single mom, Mary was a well traveled, happily married mother, and the Australian couple were new to marriage and parenthood.

They found me to be rather inspiring. A single mom, living through what must be a very trying situation...and though it is I assured them that "I think I've mastered it well enough to no longer consider myself a single mom, but a mom who lives for her son"...I am not alone.

Turning 35 is such a special moment for me, that there aren't any words I can use to truly convey my emotions.

This world we live in is structured for us to fail. We're challenged everyday. Tested everyday, reminded everyday that there's a hurdle to get over. And I've jumped over everyone, and I've survived. And I'm proud.

I can see my destiny unfold before me and I know that my steps are guided. I was born to be someone great...I feel it in my bones... But I am yet to brave it and let her be born.

The year of the 35. I feel empowered. I feel womanly. I feel brave. I feel motherly. I feel I can love till there's no more love to give...I've encountered it, lost it, mourned it, and I am IT. I am LOVE and I welcome it in all its forms.

I've released a lot of things and people and their aura and their burden and their lumps of coals that sat on my back, and chest and heart and mind. They wore me down. I let them wear me down. But no more. I release it all.

The year of the 35 is flowing with forgiveness. But never a step back into relationships of the abyss.

Though this is an intimate journey for me, I wish ALL of you your very own year of the 35 ... its meaning is far more than my birthday, but a step into a different type of confidence and boldness about personal happiness.

MOTHER WIT...by Authors Angelia Vernon Menchan and Dera R. Williams

2010-09-21T17:26:00.000-07:00

"Mother Wit" explores the complicated relationships between mothers and daughters, stepmothers and stepdaughters, and it encompasses the romantic and family relationship that bind, separate and bond them one to the other.

This compilation of stories will make you take a second look at your own relationship with your mother, and or daughter. The things we need to cherish in a bond that's as pure as mother nature intended it to be. Our bonds are unrehearsed and unforced. What we share with each other should always be as clear as day. For the slightest misunderstanding can send us in disarray.

The stories were true to life. Just imagining that somewhere, a mother and child could have, and can be going through something of the sort pulled at my heart strings. But believe, through the messages of selflessness, selfishness, fear, faith, and trust, in the end the bond will prevail.

Author Menchan and Author Wililams put together situations that will make any mother to daughter, daughter to mother, think about what they have, and value it to the end.

Angelia Vernon Menchan is a wife, mother, mentor, writer, publisher, and child of God; whose goal is to reach as many as she can through the written word, and do what God has asked of her, mentor by writing. Angelia resides in Jacksonville, Florida with her love of 32 years; Maurice Menchan. Mother Wit is her 10th book published through her company MAmm Productions, since 2006.

Dera lives, works and plays in the Oakland/Bay Area where she is employed at a local community college. Proud of her southern roots, she is the family historian and storyteller. As a writer she has contributed to several anthologies and journals, most recently "Go, Tell Michelle: African American Women Write to the New First Lady. Dera had also done academic writing for reference manuals. She is a book reviewer in print and online publications, and active in local literary events. She is the proud mother of a daughter and soon to be grandmother.

For further information please visit www.angeliamenchan.com

AAMBC FALL BOOK TOUR: UNRAVELED by Author MAXX KILBOURNE

2010-09-19T06:50:00.000-07:00


Synopsis: The story of Love, lust and memories lost. Sam Bradford is the only hope of a desperate professor, the only love of a jealous harlot and the only friend to a man facing insurmountable odds. While Sam holds the key to so many lives, he can't remember anything of his own life, not even the reason an ambitious prosecutor hopes to lock him away forever.

Excerpt:

Rising from her chair, the old woman slowly stepped towards an open window. “You young folks are disillusioned by your fancy machines and your cell phones. You’re too busy Facebooking and emailing to know what real emotion looks like. I know it. I’ve seen it. I know that boy is innocent.”
Pointing her finger outside the window she motioned for each juror to join her. “Look, look over there” she instructed. “See those people? Tell me what you see? Ms. Mad-at-every-man, tell me what your eyes see over yonder.”

“I see people walking” the girl reluctantly answered. “Why? What does it have to do with anything?”

“Oh my child” the old woman winced. “It has everything to do with everything. You kids are so unfeeling now.

Alla’ these shoot’em up movies and killing makes you forget what real smiles and frowns look like, you’re missing the big picture. When I look from this window I see that young mother walking her child to school for the first time. I see the fear in his eyes and in hers. I see the way he holds his head and the uncertainty they both surely feel. I notice her apprehensiveness to let him go and the pride she has that he’s grown. I see it because I’ve been there before.”

www.maxxkilbourne.com

Biography:

Maxx Kilbourne was born and raised on the Eastside of Detroit, Michigan, an area known for drugs, gangs and violence. Kept in line by a stern mother, supportive father and strong male role models, Maxx graduated from Denby High School and received a Bachelors Degree in History from Thomas Edison State College in Trenton New Jersey. Maxx worked in the radio industry for ten years before leaping into the world of writing, penning his first novel, "Heart of Justice" in 2009 as a tribute to a fallen comrade.

Maxx carefully crafts his novels in a manner that appeals to readers of all backgrounds, he's a product of the inner-city, not a hostage. Maxx knows the "hood" is more than sex, drugs and violence and believe Urban novels should be more as well. Each Maxx Kilbourne novel is written to entertain readers and offer insight to virtues of life, each interjects comedy, drama and pleasant subtleties of life without a single phrase of profanity. Maxx Kilbourne novels are easy reads offering messages of hope and understanding to men and women alike.

Maxx currently writes for The Source Magazine and working on a Masters of Education degree from the University of Southern California.

AAMBC BOOK TOUR: THE DIARY OF THE SECRET WIFE by Author T. NICOLE

2010-09-12T21:02:00.000-07:00

THE DIARY OF THE SECRET WIFE

Synopsis - 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 supposed 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 too much for her. To add insult to injury, their baby is stuck not knowing his father’s 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 builds until, she can't hold it anymore. There is a plan brewing and her diary is the only one that knows...

EXCERPT:

“Hold on,” he told the person on the other end of the phone. Looking at Sheree, “I am not discussing this with you right now. I am tired and I need to get some sleep before I have to go back to work at nine,” he informed Sheree calmly as he walked off. He pinched the baby’s cheek and walked up the stairs toward the bedroom. “I’m sorry, what were you saying?” he continued on the phone.

Sheree couldn’t believe what had just transpired. She and Matt had been married for a little over a year and had dated for three years. She had never seen him act like that. She was used to coming second when we in the eye of the public, but never in their own house. He was treating her like some ho off the street. Sheree didn’t understand it, but she damn sure wasn’t about to settle for it. She put Lil Matt’s swing on automatic and ran up the steps. By the time she got to the top of the steps she heard the shower start. She attempted to catch him before he actually got in the shower.

“Matt!” she pounded on the door. “Matt, open the fucking door!”

“Sheree, I am not in the mood for this right now; I just wanna clean up so I can get a quick nap,” Matt replied in his normal, non-emotional voice.

“Not in the mood….just wanna clean up?! Don’t you think I need to know where you been all night?!”

“A meeting ran late,” he responded.

By this point Sheree was heated. She couldn’t believe he was acting like it was no big deal that he hadn’t been home since the morning before. It was almost as if he thought since Sheree hadn’t made a big deal out of anything before that he could do whatever he wanted to.

“Matt if you don’t bring ya ass out of that bathroom, we gonna have a problem,” she threatened.

The door didn’t budge. Matt was not going to open that door. Sheree decided that if he wasn’t going to open the door himself, she was going to do it for him. She ran down the steps to grab a butter knife. She heard noises on the way down the steps. She had completely forgotten Lil Matt was in the swing. He was giggling and enjoying another half hour of Blue’s Clues on the TV. She tiptoed behind the swing into the kitchen. If he saw her he would want to her to pick him up. She inched into the kitchen, opened the silverware drawer and grabbed a butter knife.

She tiptoed back by the swing and ran up the stairs. Matt was still in the shower and it didn’t look like he even attempted to come out and talk about anything. She was livid, so much so that she couldn’t get the knife in the straight keyhole because her hand was shaking so much. She took a couple of deep breathes, gripped the knife with both hands. She slipped the knife into the long shaped slot and turned it slowly. She didn’t want him to know she was coming in.

She turned the doorknob and entered the bathroom and looked around. His clothes were on the floor and his cell phone was on the sink counter. Sheree thought about checking his phone to see who he was talking to when he entered the house. Matt had no idea she was in the bathroom and she wanted to keep it that way. She grabbed his cell phone and pushed the talk button. The last seven calls came up on the screen. Five of those calls were from Kelly. Most importantly, she was the last call outgoing call. That call was made at three forty-five in the morning. It was almost like he had been with her at the ‘business dinner’, left and went out with the potential clients and met back up with Kelly later on that night. The pattern of the calls made it evident that she was calling him to see when he was going to be done with those clients. Sheree was far from stupid and her imagination was far from being dull. She put that whole scenario together by just checking a phone log. She placed the phone back on the sink counter and thought about what she should do. She had no concrete evidence, but she knew the two of them were together.

“Matt?!” she yelled at the shower curtain. “You ain’t gonna just walk up in here and not acknowledge the fact that you just got home! It’s almost five in the morning…”

Matt slid the shower curtain back and gave her the nastiest look, “Why are you in here?”

“’Cause you wouldn’t open the door. And I’m not leaving until you answer some questions!” she screamed holding the butter knife upright, as if she was threatening to stab him.

“I am not answering any questions you have. I told you I had a business dinner and that is that. You need to put that knife down before you do something you are going to regret.”

Author T. Nicole

Biography -

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 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 www.tnicoleonline.com

Interview with Author T. Nicole:

1. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I can remember when I was about 7 Or 8 years old and I had an assignment in school. The assignment was to write a poem. Now most of the children in the class wrote the typical "Roses are red, Violets are blue", but not I. I decided to write a poem about something completely different involving intense feeling about my 7 or 8 year old life. Ever since that day I have been writing.

2. When did you write your first book and how old were you?

I have written several short stories in my younger years, but never did anything with them. I took all the poetry I had written over the years and put them together for my first book. That was released in December 2007.

3. How long does it take you to write a book?

It depends on what the book is about. Some situations and characters come easy because they are loosely based on people I have encountered in my life. Other books may take longer if I am basis the characters off of one or nothing. It typically takes me about 6 months to come to a final draft of a book.

4. Do you have any suggestions to help others become a writer? If so, what are they?

The one suggestion I have for others trying to become authors is to stick to your guns. Listen to your inner voice and strive to achieve what you have set out to accomplish. Also, attend as many literary events as you possible can - they are filled with information and chances to network with other authors.

5. What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

It is not as cut and dry as the readers may think. The writing of the book is the easiest part. Publishing your book is what is going to test your dedication.

6. What’s next for you?

I am working on several projects right now. I have my third novel, The Diary of the Secret Wife hitting stores on September 14^th. I am always busy working on my next creative venture.

7. How can fans get in contact with you?

I can be reached at www.tnicoleonline.com

Healthy Relationship Activist Jennifer Tardy - Author of "His Ingredient Label: A Woman's Guide to Recognizing a Junk Food Man"

2010-07-28T04:19:00.000-07:00

In His Ingredient Label, Tardy shows readers how men are like foods to which one can become addicted if you don’t control yourself. The book helps readers to recognize how one's own decision-making can be the first step to a healthier relationship and demonstrates how to recognize the true character of a man by investigating what he is made of. This is the first volume in the Forever Tardy, but Never Late Collection.

Dorothy Lafrinere of WomensSelfEsteem.com highly recommends Tardy’s work. “His Ingredient Label is an excellent knowledge base and resource for all women, single or otherwise, in the fact that we never graduate from the school of life including relationships,” says Lafrinere “ It has been proven over time that we learn more effectively by example...let this book be your example to learn from. Awareness, preparation and knowledge have always been the keys to any successful relationship.”

I read the title and chuckled just a bit…how often have we, as women, wished we knew what men were made of? And here you have it, your opinion about the ingredients to help us gain a new perspective on dating and relationships.

Once we hit the dating age, we set ourselves up to experience all sorts of downfalls. Some of us fall down so hard that we struggle to get back up. Some of us even afraid to confront or face the hurt we’ve experienced, thereby locking us in zone that keeps us from wanting to find real love.

I know I have definitely fallen short in the compatibility department and have lost a love or two…or three LOL. And as much as I’ve lost, I learned and grew with each failed attempt. So I’m always going to be hopeful for the “real deal”…it’s out there somewhere.

And while I wait, I’m more than honored to have this opportunity to chat with Jennifer Tardy, author of the newly released “His Ingredient Label – A Woman’s Guide to Recognizing a Junk Food Man”

About Jennifer Tardy

J. M. Tardy earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia. She has trained thousands on understanding the behaviors of others and how it can improve relationships, personally and professionally. She lives with her fiance, Isaac, and their dogs Bishop and Bella, in Charlotte, NC. Visit her online at www.JenniferTardy.com.

For booking and interview requests, contact Jameka Whitten (JSW Media Group) at 704.826.5012 or Jameka@jswmediagroup.com.

OP: Jennifer, welcome to Another Writer’s Block …this is where it all gets exposed. But first, please tell my readers a little about yourself? Who is Jennifer Tardy?

JT: Beyond my work, I am an uncomplicated, evolving, and introspective woman. By title, I’m an Author, Healthy Relationship Activist, and Post Relationship Adjustment Coach. With everything I do personally and professionally, I’m promoting the benefits of healthy relationships on the mind, body, and soul while simultaneously working to help mend broken hearts.

OP: Writing for you, what is it? Where do you take yourself, to bring forth the product that you do?

JT: There are a lot of flashbacks in my writing. While composing my first book, I spent time trying to remember what it felt like when I would go from one unhealthy relationship to the next. What did it feel like when I saw so many people around me happy and I was lonely? In retrospect, I’m thankful for those experiences (and present flashbacks) because I wouldn’t be a writer without them. I wouldn’t care for writing had I not experienced each situation. Writing for me is a healing therapy. It’s such a significant part of my life right now—next largest being speaking.

OP: “His Ingredient Label – A Woman’s Guide to Recognizing a Junk Food Man”, you know I had to ask…how did you come up with the title?

JT: I love this question! I always go on and off of healthy eating kicks, like the ones I describe in my book. It had gotten to the point where I was so tired of everyone telling me what I should and shouldn’t eat, that I started to do my own research on WHY foods were good and bad for me. I wanted to know why sodium should be eaten in smaller portions than potassium and why beets are better to eat than lettuce. I really wanted to know for myself! So the more I started to learn about the ingredients in foods (during my cleansing period), I would joke about how great life would be if men would also wear ingredient labels. That way we (women) would know WHY we should or should not invest in them. Eventually this joke turned into a book concept. Funny story, but the first working title was His Ingredient Label: A Woman’s Guide to Understanding What She’s Putting in Her Body. It was a bit crass, so I changed it.

OP: What propelled you to “reach out” to sisters, and brothers to take a deeper look at their relationships?

JT: Life Lessons for my little Black Girls” by Natasha Munson, really confirmed my direction in writing and was my real motivation for reaching out. There was a time when I had almost decided not to move forward with my first book. I almost decided to leave the completed manuscript sitting in my office closet unpublished. I then picked up Munson’s book (as I had hundreds of times before when I needed some plain advice) and there my answer was,
“People need and want help and sometimes the only way they’ll get it is if you jump in. Why acquire knowledge if you’re not going to share it? Please God, get out there and help somebody learn. Teach somebody what you know. Don’t sit up in the house saying the community is going downhill when you could be helping someone, even one person, get their life on track. It’s just not excusable and should be totally unacceptable to you.”
Wow. Even reading this now, helps me to remember why I am pushing forward with each title. It’s because someone needed to hear it. What’s crazy is that by the time I finished the book, I finally realized that I was really speaking to myself—my teenage self, that is. That’s the therapeutic part.

OP: In Chapter 5 – Controlling Those Cravings, you talked about “Janelle”. You questioned, “Why are women so emotional?” From you (your thoughts) to my readers, why do you think women are emotional?

JT: Since birth, we’ve had the perfect storm of events in our lives. We grew up watching our mothers and aunts react emotionally in relationships—they were always the softer side of everything. We’ve watched television shows that portray the female character as a ball of emotion. Society has created the ideal, overly emotional woman and the emotionally dormant man and if we are ever to walk outside of those roles, we are criticized as trying to be something that we are not. Don’t forget that we are also coated by our own hormones: natural hormones, hormones in the products we use, hormones in the food we eat, pills we ingest that can potentially cause our edginess at times. Whether learned, or innate, our emotions have become a natural part of us. All I’m saying in His Ingredient Label is that we have to be very aware of them and learn how to keep them under control when necessary.

OP: Let’s talk about the “cravings” and how we stay devoted to them, rather than be “rational” in the way we love. Can you give my readers a little insight on your concept about our “cravings”?

JT: I think the best way to explain is to tell you my story. I used to love men with status and those who were accomplished. Both went hand in hand for me. It didn’t matter what type of status. If he had a PhD, was at a high level in a company, was in a fraternity, was on a team, and was in the 6-figure leagues, had a perfect credit score, etc., it didn’t matter. They had accomplishments. Having someone like that was symbolic to eating a Snickers bar whenever I wanted. I was addicted to both. This was until I realized that none of those things (the degrees, money, job title, or 800 FICO score) could guarantee that he wanted to be faithful, long-term, honest, and/or in a relationship with me. Let me repeat, none of those accomplishments could guarantee those things. Just like a Snickers bar was only a quick fix to a natural craving, so were my 3-month relationships. So I finally made the connection. I had to learn to control my cravings if I wanted a healthy relationship. I had to start paying attention to the ingredients in my foods as I did with the character of the men I chose to give my time to.

OP: I laughed quietly a bit at the concept of the Quadrant Four Girlfriend: the one who will slip on in and give you many more nights of tears. I’ve had MANY nights of being the shoulder to crying girlfriends, and them to me. Can the role of a ‘girlfriend’ create more damage than help a friend’s relationship?

JT: Whew. I’m pretty passionate about this question. I love having girlfriends. They are truly God’s gift in life. But without healthy boundaries sometimes the roles of our girlfriend’s can actually damage more than it can help. Maybe I should clarify, right?
Two points:
One, like dating, you should also get to know your girlfriends before giving away the benefits (i.e. intimate secrets about yourself and info about your relationship). Unfortunately, some women will pull you right out of your relationship if you give the chance to so they won’t have to be the only single girlfriend. Others may put ideas in your mind that all men will cheat, simply because it’s their philosophy. And on the other end of the spectrum, some girlfriends have you best interest in mind and only want to see you happy. You can never know your girlfriend’s motives if you don’t know your girlfriend.
Two, pay attention to where your girlfriend’s advice is coming from. Is it coming from a place of love or fear? Even if it is coming from love, does she truly know your entire situation? No. Only you and your partner know everything about your circumstances. Make sure that you are making a decision because you know that it is the right thing to do and not because your girlfriend recommended it to you. Your girlfriends love you. They don’t love your man, at least not yet. They don’t even know your man. They have no ties to him. They simply want to protect you. And even in the midst of the most love, your girlfriends may go about it the wrong way. Even with the purest intention, she still may not give you the best advice for your situation.
Ultimately, girlfriends are the greatest, but they too are only human. Be certain that the women in your circle are the best ones for the job. Healthy boundaries are always a great start.

OP: I adored how you correlate relationship woes, to the things in life that aren’t good for us…certain foods, cigarettes…etc. “His Ingredient Label – A Woman’s Guide to Recognizing a Junk Food Man” is a clever compilation of concepts to guide couples.. budding and long term. In this realization, I dare ask. Is your relationship a testament to these pages?

JT: Thank you for the compliment. To answer your question—absolutely! My fiancé hails from Quadrant Three: the Hot Pepper. I consistently aim to live all that I speak about. How he treats me (and our relationship) has more to do with who he is as a person (i.e. his character) than has to do with me. That’s the secret to having a healthy relationship—simply find a partner who is also seeking one.

OP: Where can my readers get a copy of your book?

JT: They can visit my website: www.JenniferTardy.com. There they can find more information on the “special offer” I have going on for the next 99 autographed books that I’m selling. Outside of my website, readers can go to any online bookstore (such as www.Amazon.com) to purchase a copy of my book.

OP: Can my readers expect anything more from you?

JT: They certainly can. I have a new book to add to my Forever Tardy, but Never Late collection. It’s called, Good Job, Great Guy: Finding & Attracting the Man of Your Dreams—the Boss’ Way. This book is everything you need to know about knowing where to find and how to attract the ultimate partner in your life. Please visit my website for more details.
Outside of writing my next book, I’m into anything (and everything) that promotes healthy relationships. Currently, my primary goal is in the evolution of my website—creating more visibility, traffic, repeat visits, etc. I’d like to create a sort of resource bank for those in need of information concerning relationships and dating. I’m also a life coach—more specifically, a Post Relationship Adjustment Coach. In other words, I coach highly motivated women on the “what’s next” once a relationship has ended. I’m also partnering with two phenomenal women in order to create a society of enlightened women. We are creating a movement of female masterminds. More to come on this later. In my free time (I barely have any…) I’m a freelance/contributing writer to Charlotte Style Magazine and (Charlotte) Examiner.com. Article writing is a recent love of mine.
So, as you can see, I’m just getting my momentum. I’m excited about all of the possibilities!

Jennifer, again, thanks for taking the time to have this interview with me. I’m wishing you much success with “His Ingredient Label – A Woman’s Guide to Recognizing a Junk Food Man”. Many of us out there could use this, tell-it-like-it-is guide.

AAMBC Book Tour: Author Aarica Blackett: No Longer Daddy's Little Girl

2010-07-08T05:00:00.000-07:00

AARICA BLACKETT

Biography:

Born in Memphis, TN, Aarica Jihan Blackett is an Information Technology (IT) consultant, a visual artist and the author of the book No Longer Daddy’s Little Girl.

The inspiration for writing her book No Longer Daddy’s Little Girl came to her when she was in the middle of rebuilding her relationship with her father during her time in college. With the staggering number of fatherless African-American households in the United States, Aarica saw it as her responsibility to reach out and help others. She wanted to share her experience and lessons learned to other young girls who were going through similar experiences of growing up without a father.

Aarica earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics with a minor in French from Spelman College in 2008, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa.

She is an active Big Sister in the Big Brothers Big Sisters Organization of Atlanta, and she is a board member of the Express Yourself School of the Arts organization. Aarica is also the founder and artist of her company Art Pieces of a Dream, which is the company that encompasses all of her visual artistic products.

During her spare time, Aarica loves to play soccer, paint, and listen to music.

The book No Longer Daddy’s Little Girl is available for purchase on the book’s website, www.nolongerdaddyslittlegirl.com. To contact the author, please email her at aarica.blackett@gmail.com

Book Website: www.nolongerdaddyslittlegirl.com
Art Website: www.artpiecesofadream.com

SYNOPSIS:
The new book, No Longer Daddy’s Little Girl, gives young girls who are growing up without a father in the household a new sense of perspective and responsibility for their own future.

In 2008, 51% of African-American households in the United States were fatherless. The odds are stacked against children in single mother households from the onset. Children raised in these homes are:

• 63% more likely to commit suicide than their dual parent counterparts
• 71% more likely to drop out of high school than their dual parent counterparts
• 111% more likely to become pregnant as a teenager than their dual parent counterparts
• 164% more likely to be a single parent than their dual parent counterparts

Is this the only future that fatherless daughters have to strive for?

This book, No Longer Daddy’s Little Girl, will encourage young girls to take responsibility for their future by respecting themselves, their bodies, and their family. With the growing number of fatherless African-American households in the United States the author, Aarica J. Blackett, sees it as her responsibility to reach out and help where possible.

This book has three attributes that will make readers take notice:

• written for young girls by a young woman
• shares the experiences of other young women in this situation
• reads like a conversation as opposed to a dissertation so that the intended audience can readily digest the information

The author’s father abandoned her and her brother for six years while he tended to the needs of his new wife and new son. No Longer Daddy’s Little Girl is the author’s opportunity to share the diverse lessons she has learned. These lessons touch everything from forming healthy relationships with men to managing her emotions when her father made his reappearance. The combined experiences of the author and other young college women will empower all young readers to love themselves and triumph through adversity.

Aarica's Interview

1. How did you start to write this No Longer Daddy’s Little Girl?
After being fed up with being caught in the middle of trying to convince my mother of my loyalty to her and attempting to rebuild a relationship with my father, emotions just came out of me from every point of my body. As tears were rushing down my face and anger filled my veins, I started writing down everything that I was feeling. Every thought, every tear, every scream, every pain was written down in my journal that night. The next day, I returned to my journal in order to comprehend the thoughts that were running on my head. As I was reading, I realized that I had a story to tell. Too many young girls go through this, and no one is there to tell their story from one young girl to another.

2. How is this book different from the other books that discuss strained father-daughter relationships?
This book has three attributes that will make readers stand up and take notice:
• written for young girls by a young woman (written at the age of 20 years old)
• shares the experiences of other young women in this situation
• reads like a conversation as opposed to a dissertation so that the intended audience can readily digest the information

3. What are the two most important messages that you convey in your book?
I want young girls in any and all situations to know that despite the negative statistics that face you, you have the strength inside you to fight it. Be the exception to the statistic! In addition to that, forgiveness is a very important lesson with this book. It is important to forgive people in life because it provides closure and builds your character. It takes too much energy to hold a grudge against someone, especially when you can forgive and move on.

4. How did your parents react to the book?
Both my mother and my father knew about the book while I was writing it. They are both very supportive of me and the book.

5. Did you always dream of being a writer?
No, I have written poems since I was younger, even had a few published, but I never thought about being a writer. With that said, everyone has talents that they should explore!

6. What’s next for Aarica J. Blackett?
Well, anything is possible at this point. I am just excited about life and will continue to explore different avenues. Besides writing, I am also a visual artist. I paint positive images of African American women. To see some of my artwork, visit my website at www.artpiecesofadream.com.

7. An artist? Wow, don’t tell me that the cover of No Longer Daddy’s Little Girl is one of your art pieces?
Yes it is. I painted that piece particularly for the book cover.

The book No Longer Daddy’s Little Girl is available for purchase on the book’s website, www.nolongerdaddyslittlegirl.com.

To contact the author, please email her at aarica.blackett@gmail.com

Book Website: www.nolongerdaddyslittlegirl.com

Art Website: www.artpiecesofadream.com

AAMBC Book Promotions: Author ShaniQ and her novel Beneath My Stilettos

2010-06-15T04:41:00.000-07:00

Biography

ShaniQ has been recognized for being a creative and brilliant writer who produces original and delightful reads. She aspires to compose award-winning scripts for movie production. She wants readers to discover a unique flair that is uplifting as well as entertaining. She does not seek after one, but many genres. The author’s goal is to provide variation in her work including spirituality, romance, conflict, and a twist of comedy. She may even surprise you with some crime and passion.

ShaniQ currently lives in Miami, FL with her children

Synopsis:

Beneath My Stilettos is about a remarkable young woman, Zafinah Marie Hembree, a woman who makes up in her mind that she is not going to allow a dreadful past to hinder her journey in life. From birth, she was said to be a curse because of things her grandparents and parents did. Who said it? Her aunt Joy, who was a woman of God, saw the condemnation of God above the love and restoration of God. She truly believed Zafinah's life was unworthy.

At only a few months old, Zafinah ended up in a foster home. Like any child would, she wanted to know what happened to her parents. She had bits and pieces of information but she needed more to complete the puzzle. For a while, she wondered until she fell in love with Chino, a young career criminal. In the beginning, Chino is sufficient to fill the void until his lifestyle is fully revealed. The void that was once filled became empty again.

No longer did she wonder about her parents, she set out to search for her parents only to have her heart broken. It was not until she ended up in jail, of course for something Chino had much to do with, that she was given access to the truth. Many times, we want to sweep things under the rug, we do not want to face the truth, but Zafinah who is a courageous young woman wants to know. By the way, she has this thing for Stilettos.

If we would take the time to just hear truth, which sometimes arrive in the darkest moment, when we sit still and listen, we gain access to freedom. When we face our fears and decide to conquer the evil that has threatened us or that had been spoken over us, then we are allowed full access to overcome. Zafinah uncovers generational truth in this journey.

Excerpt:

Everything occurred shortly after the spring of 1979. The church bell rang profoundly as all the members of Mt. Tabor gleefully made their entrance. Men were accompanied by their wives while children skipped about playfully along their side. The well-mannered youths knew it was wise to tame the mischievous behavior once they entered through the doors that led to a paradise where veneration was to take place. All unnecessary acts were silenced upon the sudden entrance of the elders. One could discover complete order in this ripe ministry. It had been that way from day one. You did not find many broken families in this powerful ministry either. Whatever the case was, the members seemed to have always maintained a buoyant attitude, it was unmovable. Even the widows sang hymns with joy, they knew with all their hearts God was in the midst. Yes, they poured gracefully through the doors with their sophisticated suits, women represented with their wide brim hats and for many, showing off elegantly coifed hair was necessary. They believed if at any time they should look especially best, that time would be Sunday morning. Not to impress each other, but they wanted to look their best for the One who provided consistently.

At Mt. Tabor, they believed God was the One who made provisions where they could live in such a way that they did. In the congregation sat business owners, doctors, lawyers, best-selling authors, not an ounce of reason for jealousy. They weren’t merely excited about the newly renovated thirty-year-old structure. Cheerfulness covered the atmosphere because of their attitude of expectation. The members were eager to discover which sermon the most reverent Pastor in the community, Pastor Clifford D. McRae III, would dish out on Sunday. The fifty-two year old elite had picked up where his father, Pastor Clifford McRae II had left off three years ago after his father suffered an atrocious stroke leaving him partially paralyzed. It wasn’t enough to stop him, but the eighty-three year old figured that was God’s way of telling him it was time to pass on the responsibility of overseeing ministerial affairs to his only son. Not that Pastor McRae II wasn’t a fiery preacher himself, but Lord, his son, MY GOD, MY GOD… that Pastor McRae III knew how to deliver the Word with a fire that swept through every pew, shook the musicians, blew on the ushers, even stunned the children to an attentive silence.

Everyone was so caught up in the spirit that they didn’t recognize the stained windows trembling. No, there was never a dull moment. He had an ability to keep those members coming for more without earnest solicitation. He was a servant who owned unrelenting power.

Pastor McRae III and his wife, Mrs. Betty McRae never refused to greet their congregation before service and they were always present following service seeing all off with warm wishes. It seemed neither of them was ever tired of the firm handshakes, saintly kisses on the cheek and heartfelt hugs. Pastor and First Lady McRae were always glowing exuberantly, never exhausted of the ongoing responsibility.

It was exactly one minute after eleven o’clock, Betty realized. “Pastor McRae, it’s time,” she whispered softly in his ear. Twenty-five years of marriage and he still found her whispers to be sensual, never failing to acquire his attention. He agreed easily with a nod.

“First Lady, would you and Pastor like for me to begin? It’s after eleven,” Sister Joy Sweeting, optimistically prompted. She was always willing to get praise and worship going. There was always a song in her heart.

“In a minute, Sister Joy,” Betty replied nicely. Joy understood with a smile before rhythmically strutting away. Betty McRae realized her husband’s sudden hesitation. He was in the middle of a pivot when he recognized the last three individuals to arrive. He couldn’t help noticing the charming beauties being escorted by an ever so graceful masculinity. It was the Hembrees, one of the most prominent families in Belleville.

Interview with ShaniQ

1. When and why did you begin writing?

I began writing in book form when I was around twelve or thirteen years old. I can recall filling tablets up with stories I would imagine and sit for hours writing. Writing was and is entertaining to me.

2. When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I considered myself a writer from day one when I started. As I would always create stories that I envisioned being used for film production. I did not have an audience besides my family and a few friends then but in my heart, I believed I was a writer.

3. What inspired you to write your first book?

I had a sudden urge to take my writing further than my personal tablets. As I went back and forth to work, I would spend time just writing out constant ideas for stories. For a while, many of those stories were tossed out while cleaning or sitting catching dust. It dawned on me one day that I needed to record my literary works. Much of my writings were misplaced and I wanted to make sure that never happened again.

4. Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

In all of my writings, I want to give a positive message. With Beneath My Stilettos, I want readers to grasp that we choose our steps in life and it is up to us to choose our steps wisely. Our steps of belief are critical and come with consequence. As we journey through this life, we must know that we have a freedom to make a difference despite of what those before us may have done.

5. How much of the book is realistic?

Much of my works are from my imagination but comes as a result of real life incidents. The particular topic that led me to write Beneath My Stilettos is generational curses.

6. Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

The majority of the story reflects my imagination and there is a portion that reflects true experiences of someone I know.

7. Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

You can expect to be amused, surprised and receive a great deal of inspiration from this work, I sincerely hope all who pick up Beneath My Stilettos will enjoy it. It is not so much what people do or say, but what we ALLOW in to our minds and hearts that can make a difference. If you believe you are cursed, you will be cursed. If you believe that you are blessed, highly favored, with a gift of chance to make things right for you and your children, and loved by God beyond your faults, then it is so.

Author Site: http://www.shaniq.com/Home.html

Blogs: http://shaniqthewriter.blogspot.com/

Email: shaniq@shaniq.com

An AAMBC Book Tour Promotion: Feautring Author Kevin "Coach" Brown"s From Ghetto to Greatness

2010-06-08T17:27:00.000-07:00

Author Kevin Brown tells an incredible true story in his novel From Ghetto to Greatness. The main character Jerome Green is based him. Brown was born into a picture perfect family until in 1972 his parents divorced. From there he bounced around California and found himself as a book smart, drug addict, and juvenile delinquent. Somehow he found his way out of the Ghetto and followed his path to greatness. Today he has earned well over a million dollars in corporate America.

He gave twelve years of exemplary service to the United States Air Force and California Air National Guard. While in the military, he earned degrees in Education and Electronic Systems. From there, he embarked on a career in telecommunications as an Engineer, Instructor, and Consultant for fortune 300 companies.

Brown's burning desire to uplift the lives' of individuals with similar backgrounds as his, led him to establish his company Brown Publishing and Seminars (BPS). BPS provides:

1. Success Coaching services to individual clients-Including Dedicated Athletes

2. Success Seminars

3. Book Publishing Services

Brown has a following of over 5000 online fans who logon to his various websites to read his sage advice on positive living.

While still managing his responsibilities as a Senior Technical Consultant, Brown also finds time to be an active member of ToastMasters International, The International Coach Federation, Georgia Coach Association, and other civic and professional organizations.

He is married to Nkemamaka (Kem) Okoye-Brown.

Synopsis: From Ghetto to Greatness

Set in the late 1970's, Author Kevin "Coach" Brown's novel From Ghetto to Greatness is a masterpiece of storytelling that grabs the reader's attention from the very beginning. Once you are pulled into the protagonist's Jerome Green's world, you're whisked away with him through the perils of teenage drug addiction and living life with no parental guidance.

You will be pulling for Jerome all the way. The plot is fresh and intriguing; as opposed to the trite storyline of "I sold drugs, I was in a gang, I went to jail, and now I want to save the world." The result of this brand new approach to urban literature is a book that is absolutely a must read for all.

It's just a wonderful story that will inspire you. It will make you laugh and sometimes want to cry. Brown paints his characters brilliantly as they all come to life and have a cumulative effect on Jerome Green's unsure future.