EMPOWERING SINGLE MOTHERS RAISING MALE CHILDREN

Raising Him Alone Workshops for Single Mothers Kick-Off Philadelphia, PA

The Urban Leadership Institute, Residential After-School Program and the Institute for Interactive Instruction are pleased to announce the Raising Him Alone Campaign (RHAC). The campaign seeks to create a larger community dialogue around the importance of supporting single mothers who are raising boys. With generous funding from the Open Society Institute’s Campaign for Black Male Achievement the Raising Him Alone Campaign has created a national platform to support single mothers raising boys in some of the toughest communities throughout this country.

On Wednesday, November 17, 2010 the campaign kicks off the first of many workshops to be held in Philadelphia, PA and will continue through June 2011. The campaign has partnered with a host of recognized organizations in the area to help mobilize mothers who are raising sons. BAEO- Philadelphia, Black Male Development Symposium and The Coalition of Schools Educating Boys of Color are just a few of the campaign’s strategic partners who are support our work to improve the social and academic outcomes among boys of color.

Raising Him Alone Kick-off Philadelphia PA: Securing Our Sons Future Workshops:

» Saturday, Dec 18, 2010
Keeping Him Alive & Free
Co-Parenting Young Black Males
(Northwest Community Coalition for Youth)
Imhotep Charter High School
6201 N. 21st Street
Philadelphia, PA 19138
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Kwanzaa Celebration to Follow


» Friday, March 25, 2011
10 Rules of Survival When Stopped by the Police
Special host organization: Institute for the Development of African-American Youth (IDAAY)
Temple University
1801 Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19122
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.


» Thursday, April 21, 2011
Monitoring Your Son's Technology
Police Athletic League (PAL)
2423 N. 27th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19132
6:30p.m. - 8:00p.m.


» Saturday, May 14, 2011
Black Male Development Symposium
7th Annual Symposium
Special Panel: Mothers Raising Sons
Cheltenham High School
500 Rices Mill Road
Wyncote, PA 19095
8:00a.m. - 4:00p.m.


» Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Parent Retreat
FOP Lodge #5
1336 Spring Garden Street
Philadelphia, PA 19123
6:00p.m. - 8:00p.m.

All workshops will provide a licensed child care provider, lunch or dinner and great giveaways. Attendees must R.S.V.P by contacting 215.851.1795,   215-572-8510   OR   877.339.4300 or visit us at http://www.raisinghimalone.com/

Raising Him Alone (RHA) is dedicated to researching, designing, and implementing a campaign to support the social well being of single mothers raising boys. Through a series of intense community forums, workshops and support group initiatives, RHA seeks to increase access to resources in the areas of Health & Well Being (Mental Health), Educational Support & Advocacy, as well as Financial Literacy.


About The Raising Him Alone Campaign
The Raising Him Alone Campaign is the vision of David Miller and Matt Stevens. It is based on Miller and Stevens' collective work to improve the life chances of African American males. Miller and Stevens were compelled to join forces to create an advocacy campaign that focused specifically on supporting single mothers raising boys.

The campaign is based on numerous conversations with local and national organizations on ways to better support African American boys. Additionally, Miller & Stevens hosted a series of focus groups and interviews with single mothers raising boys across the U.S. to determine the successes and challenges which confront these families. Overwhelmingly, mothers indicated issues related to understanding male development, issues with their sons father's and financial constraints as major challenges in their lives.

The campaign acknowledges that nationwide several groups are doing an exceptional job working with African American boys from an academic and social developmental standpoint, however few organizations are working with the parents of these boys.

The Raising Him Alone Campaign recognizes that there has been a total disregard for the voices of single mothers living in urban communities. Such neglect of mothers raising boys has created some alarming trends among African American boys. To this end, the campaign believes that by increasing awareness around the need to connect single mothers to greater access to services (mental health, financial literacy, strategies for parenting a male child and strategies to support school achievement of male children) we can produce more positive outcomes for African American boys.

###

CONTACT: Lee McDonald
Email: therenaissancegrouplm@gmail.com

 

Conversation with Divine Women of Faith Book Club

The Divine Women of Faith Book Club (http://www.myspace.com/divinewomenofaithbookclub) took root after a conversation I had with my pastor. We're a fairly new book club and we're comprised of women from my church's congregation. There are currently seven active members.

We read Christian fiction and non-fiction. Some of our book of the months for this year: Everybody Say Amen by ReShonda Tate Billingsley, Scandalous Truth by Monica P Carter, Lady Jasmine by Victoria Christopher Murray, etc.

My name is Shelia Goss and I'm the founder of Divine Women of Faith Book Club.  Although I'm an author, I am also an avid reader. I love to be able to discuss books with others and the book club is a great reason to fellowship outside of church. I'm also a member of another book club where we read books in all genres.

Ella:  What is the vision for your organization? 
Besides promoting literacy in the community, our goal is to also assist others in areas of need. During each quarter, our goal is to do at least one act of service. Providing clothes to a local women's shelter is our primary goal for this quarter.

Ella:  On your nightstand now: 
Lady Jasmine by Victoria Christopher Murray

Ella:  Book all readers should own besides the bible: 
The entire Left Behind series. If you pick up one book in the series, it will forever change your life and you'll be hooked.

Ella:  Your top three authors. Why?
Kimberla Lawson Roby
ReShonda Tate Billingsley
Victoria Christopher Murray

All three of these authors make reading Christian Fiction entertaining and they allow readers to see that although we're all flawed that God loves us in spite of ourselves.


Ella:  Meet the president of  Divine Women of Faith Book Club/ Shelia M. Goss 
Shelia M. Goss is the Essence Magazine and  Black Expressions Book Club Best-Selling author of My Invisible Husband, Roses are Thorns, Paige’s Web, Double Platinum and the new teen series The Lip Gloss Chronicles (www.thelipglosschronicles.com).

His Invisible Wife is her fifth women’s fiction novel. Besides writing fiction, she is a freelance writer.  She’s also the recipient of three Shades of Romance Magazine Readers Choice Multi-Cultural Awards and honored as a Literary Diva: The Top 100 Most Admired African American Women in Literature. Her main website is www.sheliagoss.com

Ella:  Tell us about your passion for writing. 
The passion for writing comes from deep within. It's a part of me. I've been writing the majority of my life--whether it was a poem, a song, a short story or a full length novel.

Ella:  A Legacy is something that is handed down from one period of time to another period of time. What is yours?
My writing offers readers an alternate glance at the world of African-Americans; not just the negative side that many see on the news. My books are filled with ordinary people. The kind of people that I know--hard working and law abiding citizens who want the best for their families.

Ella:  Introduce us to your book, His Invisible Wife. 
In these hard economic times, what would you do or not do for money? HIS INVISIBLE WIFE explores that question and more. In this riveting novel, a marriage of convenience is plagued with lies, deceit, intrigue, and betrayal, as two newlyweds must learn to love each other to get through the drama and thrive.

Ella:  What inspired you to write this story, His Invisible Wife?
Several things inspired me to write HIS INVISIBLE WIFE. Number one--the readers. Several readers of My Invisible Husband sent me emails about wanting to see Nikki and Byron again. The storyline for His Invisible Wife gave me an opportunity to re-introduce those two characters and give readers an up-to-date view into their lives. Another thing that inspired me: One day I was listening to the news and a question popped into my head, "What would you do for a million dollars?" I wrote HIS INVISIBLE WIFE based on that one question.

Ella:  How would you describe the genre in which you do most of your writing?
I've been told that my stories are romance, chick-lit, romantic comedy and inspirational, so I usually categorize my books as women’s fiction. I also write young adult books.

Ella:  Are your characters from the portrayal of real people?
I file away in my memory bank characteristics that I might find interesting in individuals I meet, and I use a combination of those characteristics for various characters. But to answer your question; no. None of my characters are based on people I know.

Ella:  What advice would you give a new writer?
If you want to be a writer, write. You'll never have enough time to write, so carve out time and stick to it. Believe in yourself and don't let the rejections discourage you.

Ella:  Share with us your latest news, awards or upcoming book releases.
His Invisible Wife is my fifth women's fiction book. I'm real excited that the book received an EDC Creations Top Books Award.  I'm also the author of the young adult book series--The Lip Gloss Chronicles. The first book--The Ultimate Test hit the book stands in June. The second book--Splitsville will be in stores on September 29, 2009.  My sixth women's fiction novel--Hollywood Deception will be in stores in 2010. I just finished working on the third book in the Lip Gloss Chronicles series so expect to see it in 2010 as well.

Ella:  Where can the readers find you online?
Main website: www.sheliagoss.com
Young Adult website: www.thelipglosschronicles.com
Myspace page: www.myspace.com/sheliagoss
Twitter page: www.twitter.com/sheliamgoss  

Shelia M.  Goss
National Bestselling Author of His Invisible Wife (July 2009), My Invisible Husband etc. http://www.sheliagoss.com

Intimate Conversation with Only One Key Stroke Away (O.O.S.A.)

 Only One Key Stroke Away (O.O.S.A.) was founded in January of 2005 by a group of readers, wishing to share their thoughts and opinions with others. We started out as a group that simply read together. Eventually we moved to inviting authors to chat with us about their books. Shortly thereafter, we decided to review our selected reads. Our reviews are posted at several sites including: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, MySpace and GoodReads. The rest is…OOSA! Our resume includes hundreds of titles of varying genres as our motto is: OOSA Gets It Read!

Ella: What is the vision for your organization? 
We do not have a president. We are a team and there is no “I” in team. We each have responsibilities and tasks that make OOSA what it is. We are an online book club and reviewing team that focuses on African American authors. We wish to further promote African American literature by taking special interest in new and self published authors. We read, review and recommend.

Ella: Give  a deeper understanding of how important reading is to you.
It’s cliché, but reading is fundamental. It’s the corner stone to life. We read everyday in our lives, whether we want to or not. Because literacy is so important we believe in starting as early as possible. The Ladies of OOSA are mothers, grandmothers and aunts. We promote literacy within our families first. When our children see us reading and enjoying ourselves, it encourages them to read. They learn reading is not a chore but something fun to do. What better method than to teach by example.

Ella: Favorite couple from a book:  Nina and Dutch (Dutch - Kwame Teague), Yuri and Britt (The Sweetest Taboo - Risque), Portia and Jay (A Dollar Outta Fifteen Cent - Caroline McGill), Clark and Devin (Caught in the Mix - Candice Dow) and Natalia and Shawn (Triangle of Sins - Nurit Folkes).

Ella:  Favorite genre, series or sequels:  We are a group of avid readers with various tastes in literature. As such, we really don’t have particular preferred genres. We welcome and enjoy all genres. Some of our favorite sequels include: Little Black Girl Lost by Keith Lee Johnson, the True2Life series by Al-Saadiq Banks, Dutch by Kwame Teague, Naughty by Brenda Hampton, the Vernetta Henderson legal thrillers by Pamela Samuels Young and the Dilemma series by Reign.

Ella: Name three authors you would like to do a phone chat with this year. 
We’ve been fortunate enough to have had phone chats this year with several of our favorite authors including Mike Sanders, Torrian Ferguson, Kwame ‘Dutch’ Teague, Anthony Fields and Al-Saadiq Banks. We’re hoping to get in a few more before the year comes to an end.

Ella: Share your news or events with us. What's next for your group? 
What’s next…more Author Spotlights and contests.. And as always, we read, review and recommend. It’s what we do.

Book club and contact info: 
Website: www.oosaonlinebookclub.com  www.facebook.com/oosaonlinebookclub    http://twitter.com/OOSABookClub  

Intimate Conversations with Sharon Haynes Coordinator  of Sisters Sippin’ Tea Literary Group – Tulsa Chapter

 

Ella: Welcome, Sharon Haynes, coordinator for the Sisters Sippin’ Tea Literary Group – Tulsa Chapter. It is such a pleasure to have you visit with us the chapter.

Ella: Tell us about the mission of the literary group.
The Tulsa chapter of Sisters Sippin’ Tea Literary Group is committed to providing an opportunity for women from all walks of life to come together for a common and primary goal…reading and promoting literacy through our community outreach programs. Our pledge is to transmit our passion for literary pursuits to future generations.

Ella: Sharon, tell us a few books that you would define as "Literary Hallmarks."
The Known World by Edward P. Jones
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin
Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe
My Soul to Keep by Tananarive Due

Ella: That is a wonderful selection of books! What do you define as Quality Literature?
Quality Literature encompasses style, characters, plot and the ability for the written words to come to life and embrace you in a way that totally consumes you. We know the characters personally and can visualize the settings and after reading the book we’re wishing for more.

 

Ella: How did your organization develop? How many members are in the group?

There were so many aspects to how we initially started. The African American Resource Center was hosting Roslyn McMillan and extended an invitation for people to read three of her books and we would meet once a month for three months prior to her visit to discuss.

We had an awesome time and wanted the group to continue but because of prior commitments and time constraints the AARC Coordinator could not commit. A couple of us located book clubs but they were not a good fit, they lacked structure and consistency. Several months later I attended a weekend Literary Retreat with two friends at a secluded B & B in Texas hosted by Sistah Circle Book Club. We had an awesome time. I decided then that if we couldn’t find what we were looking for I would get a few ladies together and we would discuss starting our own club. My vision was to form a sisterhood who shared a passion for reading, promoting literacy and making a difference in our community.

 

We began as Emerging Minds Books and More. After a few months I started investigating national book clubs and brought the idea to the group of becoming affiliated with a national group where we could broaden our literary experiences and connect with other sistah’s from all around the globe. I provided the group information on three national organizations and it was a unanimous decision that we join up with Sisters Sippin’ Tea; it’s been a wonderful journey every since! The Tulsa chapter currently has 11 members.

Ella: Do you have outreach programs or events that we can support?
Yes, each October our main event is our annual Fall Books and Brunch (B&B) where the purpose is two-fold. Our first goal is to give back to our community by enhancing educational opportunities for African American high school students and recent graduates who demonstrate an interest in community and literacy, and our second goal is to discover creative ways to promote literacy.

Sisters Sippin’ Tea is dedicated to promoting literacy in our community. We are actively involved in various activities that are geared towards raising literacy awareness through mentoring, counseling and outreach programs.

In 2007 we established the SST Scholarship Fund which is subsidized by a portion of the B&B proceeds. Additionally the B&B allows us the privilege of showcasing phenomenal authors, introducing them to a Tulsa base of avid readers that are a force to reckon with. We are always looking for authors that motivate and inspire as well as entertain our audience. We happily accept donations for our scholarship fund as well as donations that can be utilized for door prizes, etc.

Each May we co-host the African American author Expo at the local library. This program highlights approximately 15 African American authors by providing a platform for the authors to showcase their written work.

Ella: What does a typical meeting consist of for the members?
We start in prayer. We fellowship while dinning on whatever delicacies the host has prepared. A short business meeting follows and then the book discussion begins. We have a pool of talented fabulous opinionated women so the discussions are pretty lively. We end with each lady providing a rating of the book. We close out in prayer. Our meetings are held the third Saturday of each month in members’ homes or a locale selected by the host. We are together officially for approximately 2 ½ hours.


Ella: Who are some of the other authors your group has featured?
We have been so fortunate to have the caliber of authors who have supported our literary endeavors. To name a few - Terrie Williams, JD Mason, Professor Charles Ogletree, Clifton Taulbert, Dr. Bertice Berry, Lorna Owens, Lee Thomas, LY Marlow, Obrey Hendricks, Travis Hunter, James Guitard, Donna Hill, Whitney LeBlanc, Lisa Teasley, Camika Spencer, Dr. Monique Anderson – the list goes on and on so a name not mentioned is definitely unintentional.

Ella: Name three authors you would like to have on a phone chat.
President Barack Obama, Toni Morrison, Bell Hooks.

Ella: What advice would you give authors about approaching book clubs to read their work?
If the book is self published, be sure you’ve gotten it edited to perfection. Poor spelling, bad grammar, limited plotting and characterization – these are the definite no-noes and time wasting turn-offs.

Ella: Ultimately, what do you want members to gain from your union?
The true meaning of sisterhood and community. We’d like each meeting to create a virtual retreat where for a few hours each month we share a serene and meaningful diversion as we assemble for the sake of sisterhood and reading.


Ella: How may our readers find out more about you and the group?

Sisters Sippin’ Tea Literary Group – Tulsa Chapter
Visit SST online: http://www.sisterssippinteatulsa.com

http://www.myspace.com/tulsa_sisters_sippin_tea

Sharon Haynes – Coordinator

Keyonda Campbell - President of Kreative Readers

Share the History of the Kreative Readers.
I was searching for a book club to join at end of 2007, I found one, which name I won't mention and it seemed so cliquish and distant to the new members so I just kept looking. One of my friends joked about me starting my own group and I was on my journey since then. I began asking my online friends on Myspace would they be interested and also my friends off line. After starting a online YAHOO group we started our meetings. Our first in person meeting was March, 23rd 2008 at my house and the book of the month was The Coldest Winter ever. Which is a classic! Since then we have grown and have over six active in person members and four via online. We have meet several authors and even the Governor of IL.

The vision of the Kreative Readers:
When the group was first founded I promised myself not to be one of those groups where if you weren't a member you felt like you were looking at a secret society. I wanted the members and the group in general to be friendly and welcoming. Reading is more than just looking at a book, its absorbing some ones craftsmanship and traveling to a new place and or venue. Looking at the world through some one else's eyes and I feel that a book club should explore different, places and try different things that doesn't always line up with the literary world. Our slogan is "Where we put a Kreative Twist on reading" and I eventually want to add to that....Life.

Living your best life includes:
Enjoying all that the world of art has to offer with the emphasis of music, food and books!! And also a rewarding relationship with God.

On my bedroom book stand right now is: The List by Sherri Lewis and also We take this Man by Candice Dow and Daaimah S. Poole.

Favorite book when I was a child: The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Name three authors you would like to do a phone chat with this year.
I would love to do a phone chat with Author Angelle Michelle, Bernice L. McFadden, E. Lynn Harris

Book you most want to read AGAIN much slower, to savor:
I really enjoy V.C. Andrews earlier work so I would like to re-read Flowers in the attic and savor her creative abilities.

THE KREATIVE READERSwww.myspace.com/kreativereaders

Intimate Conversation with Jacqueline E. Luckett
Searching for Tina Turner

After leaving the corporate world, Jacqueline Luckett took a creative writing class on a dare—from herself. During that time she began writing short stories and poetry and, since then, has never looked back. The Bay Area native loves living in Oakland, but travels frequently to nurture her passion for photography and cooking. Her first novel, Searching for Tina Turner, released in January 2010, was chosen by Essence Magazine as its January 2010 Book Selection. Her second novel, Passing Love, is scheduled for publication in October 2011.

» What are you most thankful for today?

I am blessed. This journey to writing and publication has been a dream come true. I’m thankful for my friends, old and new, who’ve offered their support with book parties, signings and the right words at the right minute. I’m so grateful that my mother, at age 88, is still with me and full of energy and good spirit—not to mention her constant supply of chocolate chip cookies and peanut brittle. I’m thankful for having rediscovered my passion.

» Tell us about your fondest holiday moment or event. Do you have Holiday rituals that absolutely, positively must be followed?

My sister and I took ballet lessons when we were young. Neither one of us liked the formal structure of ballet; I think we were more interested in Saturday morning cartoons than dance lessons. Although I can't quite remember how old we were at the time (under 12, for sure), I do recall one special Christmas recital.

We learned a very simple dance choreographed to the music of Johnny Mathis’ “Winter Wonderland”—“sleighbells rings, are you listening?” –an easy step, step, glide. We wore shimmering, short skirts that made us look like professional ice skaters and beige tights that made our skinny legs took big above our white ballet slippers. In the Bay Area, Berkeley, where I grew up, it only snows on the rarest of occasions, but for that recital we wore fuzzy earmuffs and matching hand muffs, white like the sumptuous ermine they were supposed to imitate.

We kept our costumes and for many Christmases afterwards we turned that dance into our ritual. Christmas Eve, we put Johnny Mathis’s Christmas album on the Hi-Fi and nearly wore out the groove on song number one. We danced to the tune over and over again, carefully executing our steps on the small stage that was our living room floor, as if that would urge Santa Claus to tumble down our chimney earlier, or make the clock spin faster to midnight and Christmas and all the joys of that morning. I don’t know how many Christmas Eves we spent dancing to “Winter Wonderland.” I only know we truly believed that without that song and dance, Christmas would never be the same.

» Do you have a favorite holiday menu, story or song?
Share with us.

Next to Thanksgiving, Christmas is my favorite time of the year to cook. I love those holidays because of the focus, among other things, on food—eating it, preparing it, talking about it; sampling, testing, putting dishes together. I experiment with cooking during the holidays more than any other time of the year. I have dozens of cookbooks. About two weeks beforehand, I pull several from the shelf, pile them on my table, and the search begins.

I look for unusual recipes for appetizers, salads, entrée dishes and desserts. For years, I baked all sorts of cookies at Christmas—nut balls covered with confectioner’s sugar, cranberry chocolate chip, and snickerdoodles. I taste while cooking, but I rarely test the recipes in advance—I suppose that since I make my selections from tried and true favorite cookbooks, there’s no need to. These are a couple of cookbooks from my collection that have great recipes: Paul Prudhomme’s Louisiana Kitchen, The Silver Palate Good Times Cookbook (Lukins and Rosso), and LaBelle Cuisine (Patti LaBelle).

The preparations are almost a ritual for me. Typically, I create a menu with many more dishes than I intend to cook. I let the menu sit for a day or so and then come back to it and balance the meal with light and heavy dishes and veggies and sweets.

Many of my friends spend the holidays with family or take trips out of town and we don’t have the chance to spend holiday time together. For the last couple of years, I’ve prepared a meal the Sunday before Thanksgiving complete with dishes that bring back memories. Last year, I decided that there was enough time for turkey, so I cooked a pre-Thanksgiving dinner without that big bird: tossed salad of mixed greens, broccoli casserole, brined and roasted whole chicken, pork roast stuffed with peppers and onions, mac and cheese, a yam soufflé covered with mini-marshmallows, cornbread dressing with homemade cranberry chutney, and bread pudding for dessert. Yes, I overdid it, but the leftovers were fantastic! Happy eating!

» Tell us about your latest book. What are two main events taking place in the book?

Searching for Tina Turner is the story of Lena Harrison Spencer, a woman on the verge of change. Lena confronts the hard truths of what it means to have it all and still find oneself unfulfilled. She determines that what she needs is the strength to say no to all that is extraneous in her life, and Tina Turner becomes the icon from whose story she derives strength, even as everyone else tells her she’s crazy for giving up her cashmere cocoon.

Lena takes both an emotional and physical journey in the novel, and without giving away too much, readers who’ve always wanted to go to the South of France and Paris will enjoy the descriptions (and the action) in the last half of the story.

Review for Searching for Tina Turner by Jacqueline Luckett

“A fierce, beautiful tour de force . . . a heroine for the ages . . . Luckett is a writer to watch and admire.”
--ZZ Packer

» Have you ever considered what kind of legacy you want to leave future generations? What do you want to be remembered for?

This is a great, thought-provoking question and one that I’ll continue to ponder. Writing, finishing, and having my novel published have made their marks on my bucket list. I don’t suppose I’m too different from many writers who want to make a positive impact on the world.

My novel speaks to reinvention, inner strength and finding one’s passion. It’s my hope that my characters and stories provide inspiration and spark my readers to think about their own lives and ponder the possibilities for change at any age. Midlife characters are the focus of my novels; I look forward to dispelling the myths of being “over the hill.” I want “baby boomers” to have strong, sexy, and determined characters that they can relate to.

» How may our readers contact you online and pick up your latest work?

Searching for Tina Turner is available online, electronically, and at chain and independent bookstores everywhere. If you don’t see it, bookstores can order it for you. I’d love for readers to become Facebook fans, follow me on Twitter or email me.

Follow me on Twitter: @jackieluckett at  http://twitter.com/jackieluckett;  Website: http://www.jacquelineluckett.com/;   Finish Party:  http://www.finishparty.com;  FB Fanpage: www.facebook.com/pages/Jacqueline-Luckett-Searching-for-Tina-Turner/108871448654

Intimate Conversation with Miss KP

The Dirty Divorce Trilogy
 

Miss KP began writing in high school as an outlet to express her emotions as a teenager. She would write poetry and has even written unpublished songs. However, after feeling as if she had much more to say, she decided to purchase a laptop and began working on her first novel, which we now know as Dirty Divorce, Part 1.

Just months after a good friend introduced her to publisher, Azarel; Miss KP’s dreams came true. She became a published author with the Life Changing Books (L.C.B) family with a #1 hit behind her name. Along with being an author, Miss KP works in the fashion industry as a Merchandise Manager in prominent department store.

A native Washingtonian, Miss KP currently resides in Maryland with her eight year old daughter, and is awaiting the release of her second and most anticipated novel of 2010, The Dirty Divorce- Part 2. For more information on Miss KP or her books, visit her website at: http://www.misskp.com/

Ella: Introduce us to your book, Dirty Divorce 2 and the main characters.
Drugs turn out to be a way of life for Rich, a powerful, sexy Drug Lord hailing from Washington, D.C. His desire for fast money and the extravagant things that it brings puts his family in harms way. Soon, his ego forces him to leave his castle and empire to expand business on the West Coast. His decision to leave his love ones behind at the mercy of his enemies turns out to be catastrophic. One by one, each of Rich's children spiral out of control.

Pregnancy, rape, and abduction all hit the family structure one day after another. With Rich putting his focus on money, sex, and insignificant things in life his wife Lisa, throws some new drama into the relationship as well; a side-piece and divorce papers. This creates an even bigger wedge between Rich and Lisa. The hate that Rich and Lisa develop for each other causes the divorce to get down- right dirty. Can their love out way their hate to save their family or is it too late?  

Meet the Main Players in Dirty Divorce 2
Rich- Handsome and definitely a lady's man. Father and husband that is ruthless and some think he's heartless but he's real. He lacks respect for women and his infidelity causes major issues in his home. His only love is for his money and his daughter. He keeps his son and wife on the back burner which causes major problems.

Lisa- Rich's wife. A docile, fragile wife and mother that struggles with what's important in life-- the love of money or her happiness. She deals with Rich's infidelity for the finer things in life but realizes when it's too late the price of street life has a hefty price tag.

Juan- Rich and Lisa's son. Has extreme hate for his dad due to his lack of respect for Lisa but doesn't realize he's more like his father that he knows.

Denie- Rich and Lisa's daughter. Teen girl that loves her father no matter how much he neglects her. He can do no wrong until it effects her and their relationship is tested.

Carlos "Los"- Rich's Cousin. Handsome street Colombian that holds rank in the street. His father Uncle Renzo makes things happen on both coasts and is the reason for the major cash flow that Rich and his family benefits from. Carlos and Rich's loyalty is tested by the ultimate betrayal and causes the family to dismantle.

Marisol- Carlos' wife. Beautiful but ruthless. A true ride or die chick. Will do anything for her husband.
A close friend to Lisa.


Ella: Who are your favorites? Are your characters from the portrayal of real people?
I would have to say that Lisa would be my favorite character in Part 1 because of the transformation of her character. It was intriguing to have her go from being this gullible wife to this deranged woman that was lost and willing to do anything for revenge. The characters of the book are fictional characters but the situations are real.

Ella: What role do you give the mean spirited characters? Do you have such characters?
The mean spirited character in the book is Rich, but he is consistent. Sometimes we have to look inside to see what makes people tick and why are they the way that they are. When people treat others with lack of respect and there are no consequences, do we blame the victim for allowing it and not standing up for themselves.

Ella: What specific situation or revelation prompted you to write a book?
As a teenager I would write as an outlet because I experienced a lot at a young age. My father’s absence through my teen years contributed to a lot that I went through. One of good friends was going through some relationship issues and made a powerful statement, she said, “I feel as though I’m being punished for everything my father did wrong to women, why do my relationships keep failing?” From there I said I want to write a book with a storyline that speaks to the troubled black family.

Ella: Who do you want to reach with your book and what is the message within?
The Dirty Divorce I feel anyone can relate to. Everyone either knows someone who has been through a divorce or has been through one themselves, even if they are a product of divorce. Everyone in the family is affected by the break up, whether dirty or not. The abuse in the home becomes a way of life and you take the risk of your off springs either becoming a product of their environment or finding a way out. I want people to see that even though this book is fiction, it’s somebody in this world going through the same things and what are we going to do differently in our lives to make a change in our current behaviors.

The one thing I always say is, I don’t want anyone to lose the message. The cars, the money, and the big house might seem all good but we need to know the consequences that come with it. The streets are always watching and you have to live a life in fear of the day it could all come to an end; whether if it’s the Feds or the next man trying to get on top it eventually comes to an end. Infidelity comes with the territory as well.

Know that these are all the things you sign up for street life, but the main message is not only what I just mentioned, it’s the effect on the family and the children. It’s a vicious cycle because we are teaching our children that this is the only way, and as young girls we choose the hustler as our boyfriend, and as young men we choose street life as the way because this is all we know.

Ella: What are some of their specific issues or problems addressed in this book?
Divorce has been such an easy way out these days, the younger generation doesn't fight anymore for their relationships so this is definitely a topic everyone can relate to. Also the relationship between a mother and her son as well as a father and their daughter. How the decisions that we make as parents and how they affect our children.

Ella: Share with us your upcoming releases and online contact info.
The Dirty Divorce is a trilogy and Part 2 will be released on November 24th and for updates on release information or to contact me I can be reached on Twitter: www.twitter.com/misskpdc. 
Facebook: www.facebook.com/misskpdc   or visit my website at:  http://www.misskp.com/  


Purchase Dirty Divorce 1 and 2 written by Miss KP, HERE.
Publisher: Life Changing Books
ISBN-10: 193423074X
ISBN-13: 978-1934230749

Christmas with author Andrea Foy

Andrea Foy has over twenty years of customer service experience working for companies such as McDonald’s, Sears, Delta and USAir Airlines, American Express Financial Advisors the Federal Government. A graduate of Dayton’s Wright State University, she currently resides outside Dayton Ohio where she is attending grad school in Organizational Leadership and volunteers for her community. Visit the author's website: http://www.andreafoy.com/  

BPM:  What are you most thankful for today?

I am thankful for being a published author. It is one of the most challenging but rewarding things you can do in life. Being a self-published author puts you in complete control and it is nice.

BPM:  Tell us about your fondest holiday moment or event. Do you have Holiday rituals that absolutely, positively must be followed?

It is all about the food. I love eating my way through the holiday! I used to be a flight attendant and on what I thought would be my first Christmas away from home, I pulled an all nighter and got home by noon on Christmas day. That was considered the best present by my family.

BPM:   How do you celebrate the holidays? Have you planned anything special for this year?

This will be the first year without my father, who recently passed so it will be low key this year, remembering him.

BPM:   Do you have a favorite holiday menu, story or song? Share with us.

Menu – Turkey, sweet potatoes, homemade rolls, cranberry sauce. Story and song – The little drummer boy story and song.

BPM:   Tell us about your latest book, Hire Power: How to find, get, and keep a Job.

My book is a non-fiction book for the Mature YA, with tips on job hunting, customer service and working in general.

BPM:   Have you ever considered what kind of legacy you want to leave future generations?

I hope my book is used for future generations because they all need to learn.

BPM:   How may our readers contact you online and pick up your latest work?

http://www.andreafoy.com/  and Amazon.com. It is available as an e-book too, HERE.  Follow me on Facebook: www.facebook.com//HirePower  and check out my Tweets at: www.twitter.com/HirePower2010

 

Hire Power by Andrea Foy

Hire Power  is a how-to guide that steps you through the process of landing the job you want—yes;  want—to knowing when to leave for better opportunities. Geared toward the workplace neophyte, this book provides insight for the experienced employee too.

In Hire Power you will learn:

• How to complete an application

• Appropriate and inappropriate attire for an interview

• How to deal with coworkers, bosses and customers

• Basic business etiquette

• How job performance can lead to great appraisals and promotions

 

Hire Power by Andrea Foy

How to find, get, and keep a Job

E-Book - order now.

Amazon - order now.

ISBN-10: 0981743692

ISBN-13: 978-0981743691

  

Intimate Conversation with Niambi Brown Davis

Niambi Brown Davis has lived on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, in Washington, DC and Trinidad and Tobago. She is the editor of Travel and Enjoy, an online travel magazine that will make its debut in December 2010. From Dusk to Dawn, her first full-length novel, and Love's Redemption, a digital novella, were both published in 2008.  

In 2010 Sanctuary was released as an Apple iTunes application, and will be released in e-book format through Lady Leo Publishing. Sabor a Mi,  Niambi’s latest novella, was released in September 2010 by InnerVision Books.

BPM: What are you most thankful for today?
Without doubt, my fabulous family.  Second, would be gratitude for the lessons I finally learned: even in total darkness, keep looking for the light and it will find you.

BPM: Tell us about your fondest holiday moment or event. Do you have Holiday/Christmas rituals that absolutely, positively must be followed?
I have so many, but I’ll reign in my urge to share them all (lol). As a child the arrival of the catalog from Miles Kimball of Oshkosh meant Christmas was on the way. From that catalog my parents ordered our personalized Christmas cards (a snowy scene painted in white on midnight blue and inscribed “From the Three of Us” over our names). And then there was the yearly trip to Gimbels in Philadelphia to sit on Santa’s knee and later shopping for the one pre-Christmas gift I was allowed (usually a book, but when I got older it was a beautiful black watch plaid skirt).

In later years my mother would invite the little girls in our extended family over to bake Christmas cookies. She and I had our own ritual – we would leave one item on the list for the excitement of a last-minute Christmas Eve shopping sprint. And now each year my daughter and I buy a new pair of Christmas Eve pajamas. Lest I forget, we always put the Kwanzaa symbols up early so they don’t get left behind in the excitement that is Christmas. (I guess I didn’t reign in as much as I thought…)

BPM: How do you celebrate the holidays? While everyone else is asleep, I wait up until midnight, usually with a glass of eggnog one more gift to wrap. The next morning, we get up, open our gifts and get ready for a big family meal at one of my relative’s houses.

BPM:  Do you have a favorite holiday menu, story or song? Share with us.
One year a family friend and his wife gave my parents and I a Christmas card that came with a holiday punch recipe. We still make it every year.

I grew up when black radio was found only on the AM frequency and went off when the sun went down.  The next best alternative was Baltimore’s  WCAO,  where I first heard Brenda Lee’s  “Rocking Around the Christmas Tree”  and Bobby Helms  “Jingle Bell Rock.”  They remind me of my childhood Christmas, and are some of my favorites to this day.  It wouldn’t be Christmas for me without Donny Hathaway’s  “This Christmas”,  Carla Thomas’  “Gee Whiz It’s Christmas”  or any soulful rendition of O Holy Night.”

BPM: Tell us about your latest book. What are two main events taking place in the book?
Sabor a Mi  is the story of Melody Walker and Raimundo (Ray) Santos, two people who love Latin dance, but hate each other on sight, especially when Ray cracks on her culture and her size. When they’re paired together for a competition, it’s make or break in more ways than one.

I started Sabor a Mi right after a ballroom dancing class, but it eventually grew into more than just my love of salsa and Latin music.  It ended up being a story about the relentless pursuit of a dream, the unstoppable power of true love, real men, strong women, family first and second chances.

BPM: How may our readers contact you online and pick up your latest work?
Thanks so much for including me in the Holiday Book Tour. I can be reached by email at niambi@niambibrowndavis.com,  or  nbrowndavis@aol.com    Sabor a Mi is available for download at http://www.innervisionbooks.com/,    or  for the Kindle at  http://www.amazon.com/.  

My web address is http://www.niambibrowndavis.com/.  I look forward to hearing from readers and friends - Happy Holidays!

Intimate Conversation with Kai

Kai  is a published and nationally recognized poet and writer. Her poem, Pre-Destiny was featured in the April 2008 issue of Essence Magazine and she was a Featured Poet in A Place Of Our Own (APOOO) national tribute in April 2008 and RAWSISTAZ Author Showcase, April 2007. She is a contributing poet in Step Up to the Mic: A Poetry Explosion, by Poetic Press (Xpress Yourself Publishing). A winner of the No Candles Infinity Contest, hosted by Osbey Books, Kai is credited for writing emotionally raw and thought provoking works.

Her short story featured in If It Ain't One Thing..., by Diva Books, Inc., received praise for its originality and realism. Similarly, her tribute to mothers, entitled Soften My Soul, featured in APOOO's Mother's Day Tribute, has resulted in an outpouring of praise and personal testimonies.

Additionally, Kai's poem My Baby Girl, was featured in the Fall 2008 issue of The Write Vibe, and her poem The Other Women is featured at Tribute to Black Women. Kai also serves as a Guest Reviewer for RAWSISTAWZ Reviewers. An alumni of Hampton University, SUNY Brockport and Georgetown University Law Center, she is a licensed attorney and proud parent.

BPM:  What are you most thankful for today?

I am always thankful for my children - they are a gift from God that I couldn't have foreseen.  My eldest son taught me pure love. As a child, he was so open and trusting and I remember wanting to protect his innocence from the world.  When my daughter was born, I was actually amazed at the sight of her.  It was a feeling of awe that I will never forget-for the first time I felt like I glimpsed just a bit of God's ability and it left me dumbfounded.  Every day my children make me laugh, even if I am hiding my smile while trying to be a disciplinarian. And I know they have no idea how very grateful I am that they exist. I dedicate everything that I am, or will ever be, to them.

BPM:  Do you have a favorite holiday menu, story or song? Share with us.

Homemade lasagna is a requirement every Christmas, along with the normal holiday meal. The tradition started when my mother in law, Carolyn Moore, would cook large South Carolina style soul food meals every holiday - I would make lasagna to have something at my house, even though we would eat at her house on Christmas day. After she passed away, I assumed full cooking duties (although my cooking will never compare to hers) but I kept making the homemade lasagna from her recipe, for nostalgia and as a quiet tribute to her.  That started in 1996. Lasagna has been apart of our Christmas holiday meal ever since.

BPM:  Have you ever considered what kind of legacy you want to leave future generations? 
What do you want to be remembered for?

My legacy is one of unconditional love.  That is what I strive for - to live life transparent and love without requirement.  I have made so many mistakes, trusted the wrong persons, opened myself up to humiliation-but when it was all said and done I forgave myself, brushed myself off and kept moving forward. I have to-my mistakes may be the template for the next person to avoid similar pain. So I speak on it; I don't hide it. It is the journey of this life that counts, the destination is so very secondary. And if my mistakes make my journey richer, then I accept and welcome them.  If my mistakes allow for a person to confide in me, to release the pain that they are holding because they know I won't judge them, then the experience wasn't for naught. That is my legacy. To love regardless and to accept people for who they are, regardless of their mistakes.

BPM:  Tell us about your latest book. What are two main events taking place in the book? What are the main subjects discussed?

In Daughter of the Game, Monique Waters is in the unique position of being the daughter of the major drug kingpin in the city without anyone knowing her identity.  She was raised by her schoolteacher mother, tucked away in middle class life. But her tangled relationship with her father and siblings leaves her wanting, and she searches for love in Armand Smith- a street hustler on the rise. In the midst of an argument, Armand brings Monique fully into his world for the first time, unfortunately, it is the night that he is attacked by his boss's enemy. Their goal is to kill everyone, including Monique. Although she survives, Armand did not save her. While he seeks revenge on his enemies, Monique searches for him-instead of caring for herself- and further jeopardizes her own life and the safety of her family.

In one climatic scene, Monique and Armand are pulled over by the police.  Armand is ready to die, going out with guns blazing is the way to forever etch his name in street legend. But Monique has a life to live for.  She is going to college, has a mother to think about, relationships to consider.  She uses her education and appeal to save them from the police--a move that enrages Armand.  He feels both emasculated and challenged--in his eyes, the move reveals that Monique could, under the right circumstances, turn traitor.  It's a decision that he doesn't forgive and his reaction to it causes the destruction of their love.

In another scene, Armand realizes that he is still being hunted by his enemies, even though he is on neutral territory!  The violation rips across his mind and he contemplates life and the unfairness of it all, the randomness of destiny that would make him a drug dealer instead of a lawyer's child, or something so much easier. That, coupled with the loss of a life long friend, changes everything.  The game goes out of the window, so does proper protocol.  He decides that for every life he lost, ten will be taken. He hides and overtakes his pursuer, killing one in the process and kidnapping the other for information. 

While he tortures his captive, Armand finds out something that he never expected - his enemies have Monique. It's a fact that he can't wrap his mind around and the helplessness of not being able to protect his love--his woman--sends him into overdrive. It's time to go savage-all bets are off.

This book is about family--those who love, live and support those who live "the game." Dealers and hustlers aren't all blatant monsters with no code, no ties, no love, no loyalty. Circumstances create personas behind which people live and hide to survive. And there are networks of people around them who are also affected, also harmed, also tormented, also loved. Daughter of the Game examines the story of those who are tied in by love and life, whether they want to be or not.

BPM:  How may our readers contact you online and pick up your latest work?

My website is http://www.authorkai.com/ and my email is discoverkai@yahoo.com. Please send me an email- I will definitely respond.  Daughter of the Game is a trilogy, the second release - The Secret Keeper - will be available in early spring 2011.  A sneak peak at the prologue is currently available on my website at http://www.authorkai.com/.

My next novel, The Loudest Silence, will be available this winter. It is the story of the destruction of a marriage - when there are no more words left.  I have had numerous men approach me about this story-amazed to have read something that captures that silent frustration they felt. A sneak peek at the prologue for The Loudest Silence is also available on my website at  http://www.authorkai.com/.

Intro for The Loudest Silence by Kai

The Loudest Silence - Where every cruel, silent action is met with a definite, louder reaction...

"The tables have turned," Lani thought, watching her husband Terrance beat his hands against the hood of her car. Lani locked the doors. She flinched as Terrence slammed his golf club against her windshield. Lani punched her horn in anger. Terrance had some nerve. He had left her; had walked out on their life without looking back. Terrence had started this battle when he ran to his "best friend" Kenya, after another argument, like the punk Lani believed him to be.

Now, Terrence had her trapped in her car, watching him act like a maniac as he tried to figure out where she had been, who she had been with. Terrence didn't even know the half of it and he deserved it. He deserved every minute of agony. This was payback for the cold silence Terrence had subjected Lani to during her times of need. The time had come for Terrence to realize that for every cruel, silent action he took, Lani would respond with a definite, louder reaction.

Daughter of the Game by Kai

ISBN-10: 0984388109

ISBN-13: 978-0984388103

Author website:  http://www.daughterofthegame.net/

Daughter of the Game by Kai

In Daughter of the Game, the game devours life and life devours love. It's obvious that Armand is a hustler on the rise. As long as he keeps that life separate from Monique, she is willing to be his everything. Needing Armand's love, she hides her true identity. Armand has no clue that Monique's father is the ruler of all vice, so deep in the game that most hustlers work for and answer to him without ever knowing it. In a moment of weakness, Armand submerges Monique into his underworld, exposing her to his secrets and risking her life to his enemy. When that enemy turns out to be her father, Monique finds herself in a cruel tango between family loyalty and all consuming love. Can true love outlast the game? Or must love be sacrificed for both of them to survive?

Daughter of the Game Book Review:

Monique Waters is ensnared in the middle of a deadly drug war. Making the situation more precarious is the fact that the warring factions are her father and her boyfriend. For over a year Monique was successful at keeping both parts of her life totally separate. Her boyfriend Armand only knew Monique as the college student who's being raised by her school teacher mother. While Monique's father Pete is convinced that Monique will be the only one of his children that will fully escape his street dealings. Monique's mother severed her relationship with Pete many years ago to ensure that as well and the decision seemed to be a wise one until Monique falls for Armand.

When Armand's benefactor Titan crosses Pete, Pete decides to retaliate by knocking off Titan's top protégé who just happens to be Armand. Pete's assault places Monique directly in harm's way and sets off a chain of events that shifts the book into overdrive. The entire novel encompasses a 72 hour period that will be seared into the minds of readers. Author Kai does an extraordinary job demonstrating how urban fiction can be done correctly.

The premise of Daughter of the Game is in no way new but what made it stand out against other stories with similar plots is the realism and character development exhibited. Monique wasn't a spoiled princess dating a drug dealer as a way to rebel against her dad. Pete wasn't an over the top drug lord flaunting his wealth with purchases that he wouldn't be able to justify to the IRS. With Daughter of the Game Kai effectively showcased that an urban book doesn't have to be filled with stereotypical characters to be believable. Authentic heartfelt characters that readers can sympathize with will give the novel all the street credibility it needs to be convincing.

This review, which was unsolicited but greatly appreciated, was posted by a reader on amazon.com

- By Hotchklate "Coast2CoastReaders" (Bronx, N.Y.)

A Love for Tomorrow  by Vanessa Miller
When Christian talk show host Serenity Williams' fiancé calls off their wedding because he can't deal with her popularity, she determines that she will never fall in love with another pride-filled, ego-driven pastor.

Then, Serenity's producer asks her to interview the charismatic Pastor Phillip McKnight, who has recently gone through a divorce. Serenity feels that this is her chance to expose the arrogance of ego-filled pastors to the world.

But Pastor Phillip is broken and humbled from his experiences, and the surprising humility of this man causes Serenity to want to un-break his heart. However, Serenity will need the Lord to fix her heart and change her mind about male preachers before she and Phillip can become all they were meant to be to each other.

A Love for Tomorrow Book Reviews


Trust, Forgiveness, and faith, the core of author Miller’s message are woven into a light love story that offers help and healing… good romance that ministers. – CBA Retailers Reviewer  


5.0 out of 5 stars by  Pat Simmons 
Vanessa Miller keeps getting better and better with this romantic stuff in her series. I enjoy a happy ending and A Love for Tomorrow delivers. If a man needs pointers on how to romance a woman, ask Phillip. Two hints: gift card and dressing room. That's all I've got to say!  I cheered on Serenity as she refused to settled for less, and I loved how she depicted the life of a preacher's kid (PK). – Reviewed by Pat Simmons


5.0 out of 5 stars by  WB Amazon Review
This was one of the best love stories from a Christian perspective that I have ever read." This story is a testament of Gods true love for us and the blessings that he has waiting for us when we reach out to him. The world is a better place because of writers like Vanessa Miller. Her ability to help us see through her eyes by giving us the story of Serenity Williams and Phillip McKnight. The story line which showed that although God is sometimes late by mans standards he's always on time. Ms Miller has yet written another outstanding book and provided her readers to tie a knot and hang on because Gods yet in control.
– Reviewed by WB Amazon Review


5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Read! by  Charlene L. Amsden "Quilly"
I loved this story! Finally, a Christian romance that showed couples with issues working their way through them. They sought prayer, meditation, scripture and advice from Godly friends and mentors -- just as the Bible instructs us to do in our daily lives. And, despite the fact that there was much soul searching going on in this book, there was also much action and much story. Vanessa Miller is an excellent writer. I highly recommend this book. It is a page turner that kept me riveted in my seat.
– Reviewed by Charlene L. Amsden 


True Love!  By  LOVE2READ "TJ" (MARYLAND) 
This review is from: Love for Tomorrow (Second Chance at Love #2)
This book is about two people that have been burned in love and have built walls to protect them from being hurt again. But God had a different plan. Serenity and Phillip both have felt pain and eventually they both open up and let love in. This is a great story and I highly recommend it. Phillip is an ideal man which is hard to find nowadays.....

  

About the Author

Vanessa Miller  is a best-selling author, playwright, and motivational speaker. She started writing as a child, spending countless hours either reading or writing poetry, short stories, stage plays and novels. Vanessa’s creative endeavors took on new meaning in1994 when she became a Christian. Since then, her writing has been centered on themes of redemption, often focusing on characters facing multi-dimensional struggles.

Vanessa’s  novels have received rave reviews, with several appearing on Essence Magazine’s Bestseller’s List. Miller’s work has receiving numerous awards, including “Best Christian Fiction Mahogany Award” and the “Red Rose Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction.” Miller graduated from Capital University with a degree in Organizational Communication. She is an ordained “exhorter” in her church, explaining, “God has called me to exhort readers and to help them rediscover their place with the Lord.”

Love for Tomorrow  (Second Chance at Love #2) 
ISBN-10: 1603742085 
ISBN-13:  978-1603742085
Categories/genre:  Christian Romance
Book Video Trailer:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2YnQEDMnJg

Intimate Conversation with Vanessa Miller

Vanessa Miller is a best-selling author, playwright, and motivational speaker. She started writing as a child, spending countless hours either reading or writing poetry, short stories, stage plays and novels. Vanessa’s creative endeavors took on new meaning in1994 when she became a Christian. Since then, her writing has been centered on themes of redemption, often focusing on characters facing multi-dimensional struggles.

Vanessa’s novels have received rave reviews, with several appearing on Essence Magazine’s Bestseller’s List. Miller’s work has receiving numerous awards, including “Best Christian Fiction Mahogany Award” and the “Red Rose Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction.”  Miller graduated from Capital University with a degree in Organizational Communication. She is an ordained “exhorter” in her church, explaining, “God has called me to exhort readers and to help them rediscover their place with the Lord.”

Read an Excerpt from A Love for Tomorrow.

BPM: Vanessa, what makes you powerful as a person and a writer? Who are your mentors?
The thing that makes me powerful as a person and a writer is my faith in God. I feel as if I have found this pot of gold that everyone is searching for, and I just want to share it with the world. I really don’t have any mentors at the moment. But I study authors, attended conferences and read and study this industry.

BPM: Tell us about your passion for writing. Why do you write? What drives you? What impact do you want your book to make on the readers?
I have been writing since I was a kid. I have always known that I would one day be a writer. However, as a child and even while in my twenties, I didn’t know how to make my dream of writing come true. It was after I dedicated my life to the Lord that I began to research this business. Because I then knew that I really had something to say. So, the reason I write is to tell the story about midnight sorrows and morning glory… and the glory comes from knowing Jesus. My characters don’t always start off with this knowledge of Jesus, because I write redemption stories. The impact I’d like my books to have on my readers would simple be that my books help them to rediscover their place with God.

BPM: Finish this sentence- My writing offers the following legacy to future readers...
My writing offers the legacy of hope, healing and faith to my readers. I write stories about people with issues… issues that can be healed through trust in Jesus.

BPM: Introduce us to your latest Christian Romance novel,  A Love for Tomorrow.
Christian talk show host Serenity Williams may be at the top of her game professionally, but when her fiancé calls off their wedding, she learns the true price of fame. He can’t deal with her popularity, and when he walks out, she knows it will be a long time before she lets another pride-filled pastor into her heart. Then she gets assigned an interview with the charismatic Pastor Phillip McKnight. Delighted that she now has the opportunity to expose the arrogance of ego-driven pastors to the world, she isn’t prepared for the real man behind the pulpit. Recently divorced, Phillip is broken from his experiences, and soon his surprising humility causes Serenity not to want to ruin him, but instead to un-break his heart....

A Love for Tomorrow deals with trust issues. It is also a book that explores the benefits of forgiving and rediscovering faith in God. Along the way I add in a love story that is sure to touch the reader’s heart.

BPM: What specific situation or revelation prompted you to write your book?
I wanted to write a series on women in ministry to highlight their accomplishments and show that they are very much human and have feeling and love interests. The reason I am so interested in this topic is because the bishop of my church is a woman and I have met other women in ministry that struggle with the fact that many people still don’t believe that women should preach.

BPM: Take us inside A Love for Tomorrow. What are two major events taking place?
The first major event happens at the beginning of the book. Serenity’s finance’ breaks her heart by calling off the wedding simply because her talk show has made her more popular than he. She decides at that point that preachers are off limits and lumps them all in the same boat with her ex. But then she meet Pastor Phillip McKnight… and he isn’t what she expected…  The next major event occurs when has to deal with her trust issues in order to move on with live and love.

BPM: Who are your favorite characters? Are your characters from the portrayal of real people?
Serenity was my favorite character in this book and the entire series thus far, because I really identified with her. Serenity Williams has been hurt by church people and one particular ego-driven pastor. She vows that she will never let another ego-driven pastor into her heart. But when she meets Pastor Phillip McKnight… she comes in contact with the very man who will help her rediscover her trust in humanity and faith in God.

Some times in life you can be hurt so much that you just refuse to be hurt again… and you build walls. This book shows the reader how to tear down those walls… with the help of God and one really good man.

BPM: Who do you want to reach with your book and the message within?
Anyone who has ever experienced heartbreak and then put up a wall to defend against it ever happening again. I want those people to know that with God in their heart, it is okay to trust and to love again.

BPM: How will reading your book shape the readers lives?
My hope is that reading A Love for Tomorrow will provide readers with answers as to how they can forgive and learn to trust again.  A CBA Retailers Reviewer recently said that… Trust, Forgiveness and faith were at the core of my message in A Love for Tomorrow. I would have to agree with her.

BPM: What are some of the other specific issues or problems addressed in this book?
I also deal with the issue of  "church hurt" in this book. Serenity has grown up in church… and she has seen Christian act not so Christianly at times, and therefore, although she wants to serve God, she wants nothing to do with His people.

BPM: What was the most powerful chapter in the book?
Some of my readers have told me that Chapter 23, when Serenity comes to terms with her trust issues and Chapter 24, the chase scene, when Phillip gets his woman are the most powerful scenes in the book.

BPM: What do you think makes your book different from others on the same subject?
This particular series is Christian Romance. So, I think what makes my romances different from others is simply what a CBA Reviewer had to say about A Love for Tomorrow… it’s good romance that ministers.

BPM: Share with us your latest news, awards or upcoming book releases.
A Love for Tomorrow – #1 on the BCNN/BCBC Bestseller List for September
Long Time Coming – Winner of the ACFW Book of the Month for December 2010

Other book releases:
Long Time Coming – November 2010
A Promise of Forever Love (sequel to A Love for Tomorrow) – April 2011

BPM: How can our readers reach you online?
Website: http://www.vanessamiller.com/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/vanessamiller01
Facebook: www.facebook.com/vanessamiller01