tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68236654717703369342024-03-05T12:52:36.680-05:00Unwrapped Lit Gift BooksUnWrapped Lit offers suggested books for gifts.Ella D. Curryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01852940348120955782noreply@blogger.comBlogger76125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6823665471770336934.post-20065306577117073902015-11-30T06:54:00.002-05:002015-11-30T06:54:51.857-05:00Grant Park by Leonard Pitts, Jr.<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Grant Park by Leonard Pitts, Jr.</b></span></span><br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk2IlQs6n5_p5YrhdyeL2k2XvANSsuRSvsoDFFag6csYtzx4iwnqbLCqs1QPAC79Jz5a3Xi1YeiJWpXBTrhBHQpMeslGI-rO7nRISBcIHU3smlPUyt8l0_DhwnkeTd5jXpS5wzA52aaoQ/s1600/BTB15grantparkekl.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk2IlQs6n5_p5YrhdyeL2k2XvANSsuRSvsoDFFag6csYtzx4iwnqbLCqs1QPAC79Jz5a3Xi1YeiJWpXBTrhBHQpMeslGI-rO7nRISBcIHU3smlPUyt8l0_DhwnkeTd5jXpS5wzA52aaoQ/s400/BTB15grantparkekl.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Grant
Park is a page-turning and provocative look at black and white
relations in contemporary America, blending the absurd and the poignant
in a powerfully well-crafted narrative that showcases Pitts's gift for
telling emotionally wrenching stories.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Grant Park
begins in 1968, with Martin Luther King's final days in Memphis. The
story then moves to the eve of the 2008 election, and cuts between the
two eras as it unfolds. Disillusioned columnist Malcolm Toussaint,
fueled by yet another report of unarmed black men killed by police,
hacks into his newspaper's server to post an incendiary column that had
been rejected by his editors. Toussaint then disappears, and his
longtime editor, Bob Carson, is summarily fired within hours of the
column's publication.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">While a furious Carson tries to
find Toussaint—at the same time dealing with the reappearance of a lost
love from his days as a 60s activist—Toussaint is abducted by two
improbable but still-dangerous white supremacists plotting to explode a
bomb at Obama's planned rally in Grant Park. Toussaint and Carson are
forced to remember the choices they made as idealistic, impatient young
men, when both their lives were changed profoundly by their work in the
civil rights movement.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br />Editorial Reviews From the Publisher</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /><b>"A novel as significant as it is engrossing." —Booklist, starred review</b><br /><br />"Grant
Park is layered, insightful, and passionate. Pitts's subtly explosive
language grips readers with the delicate subject matter and earnestly
implores them to understand that '[race] has always meant something and
it always will.' The scars will remain, but stunningly powerful
examinations like Grant Park can be the salve that helps heal open
wounds." <b>—Shelf-Awareness, starred review</b><br /><br />"An important
book, one that honestly examines the current, tumultuous racial divide
in our country and demands we not turn away from its harsh realities." <b>—Amy Canfield, Miami Herald</b><br /><br />"[A]
high-stakes, hard-charging political thriller. . . . The sharply etched
characters, careful attention to detail, and rich newspaper lore propel
Pitts's socially relevant novel." <b>—Publishers Weekly</b><br /><br />"Leonard
Pitts has written a taut thriller that weaves together a stark look at
America's tortured racial past with a fast-paced tale of terrorist
conspiracy and love rekindled." <b>—Neil Steinberg, Chicago Sun Times</b><br /><br />"The book is a page-turner, but also one that commands deep reflection on history, racism, and personal choices." <b>—Blanca Torres, The Seattle Times</b><br /><br />"Pitts
masterfully revisits [election night on November 4, 2008] and four
decades of the civil rights struggle to create one of the most
suspenseful and spectacular fictitious moments you'll experience this
fall." <b>—Patrik Henry Bass, Essence</b><br /><br />"Pitts does a skillful
job of building tension in the novel's historical sections as well as on
Election Day. . . . He also does something not every political thriller
writer does: builds believable, complex characters."<b> — Colette Bancroft, Tampa Bay Times</b><br /><br />"And
then there are those thrills—gasping, mouth-gaping page-turners that
author Leonard Pitts Jr. weaves through another realism: truthful,
brutal plot-lines about racial issues of the last five decades, mulling
over exactly how far we’ve really come. That makes this
will-they-live-or-won't-they nail-biter into something that also made me
think, and I absolutely loved it." <b>—Terri Schlichenmeyer, The Bookworm Sez</b><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: medium;">GRANT PARK: CHAPTER ONE</span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
<br />
Martin Luther King stood at the railing, facing west. The moon was a
pale crescent just rising in early twilight to share the sky with a
waning sun. He leaned over, joking with the men in the parking lot
below. A couple of them were wrestling playfully with James Orange, a
good-natured man with a build like a brick wall.<br />
<br />
“Now, you be careful with preachers half your size,” King teased him.<br />
<br />
“Dr. King,” called Orange in a plaintive voice, “it’s two of them and one of me. You should be asking them not to hurt me.”<br />
<br />
“Doc,” someone called out from below, “this is Ben Branch. You remember Ben.”<br />
<br />
“Oh yes,” said King. “He’s my man. How are ya, Ben?”<br />
<br />
Another voice yelled up from below. “Glad to see you, Doc.”<br />
<br />
As Malcolm Toussaint moved toward King, it struck him that the preacher
seemed somehow lighter than he had the last time Malcolm had seen him.
It had been late one night a week before, by the Dumpsters out back of
the Holiday Inn. The man Malcolm met that night had seemed… weighted, so
much so that even Malcolm had found himself concerned and
moved—Malcolm, who had long scorned the great reverend doctor, who had,
in the fashion of other young men hip, impatient, and cruel, mocked him
as “De Lawd.” But that was before Malcolm had met the man. That was
before they had talked. Now he moved toward King, his mind roiling with
the decision that had sprung from that moment, the news he had come to
share. King, he knew, would be pleased. There would be a smile, perhaps a
heavy hand clamping on Malcolm’s shoulder. “Good for you, Brother
Malcolm,” he would say. “Good for you.”<br />
<br />
Malcolm was vaguely amused to find himself here on this balcony,
anticipating this man’s approval. If you had told him just a few days
ago that he would be here, ready to go back to school, ready to embrace
nonviolent protest, he would have laughed. But that, too, was before.
Malcolm meant to raise his hand just then, to catch King’s attention,
but a movement caught his eye. Just a reflected ray of the dying sun,
really, glinting off something in a window across the street. Something
that—he knew this instinctively—should not have been there. He wondered
distractedly what it was.<br />
<br />
King’s voice drew him back. “I want you to sing it like you’ve never
sung it before,” he was calling to someone in the parking lot below.
“Sing it real pretty.” And Malcolm realized he had missed something,
because he had no idea what they were talking about. His attention had
been distracted by… what was that?<br />
<br />
“It’s getting chilly.” Yet another voice calling to King from below. “I think you’ll need a topcoat.”<br />
<br />
“Okay, Jonesy,” King was saying. “You really know how to take good care of me.”<br />
<br />
And here, the moment breaks, time fracturing as time sometimes will into
its component parts, until an event is no longer composed of things
happening in a sequence, but somehow all happens at once. And you can
see and touch and live all the smaller moments inside the right now.
This is how it is for Malcolm Toussaint now. King is laughing. Malcolm
is taking a step toward him. King is straightening. Laughter is echoing
from below. King is reaching into a pocket for his cigarettes. He is
becoming aware of Malcolm on his left. His head is coming around. There
are the bare beginnings of a welcoming smile. And Malcolm knows.
Suddenly knows. And Malcolm is leaping, leaping across space, across
time itself, becoming airborne—he was sure of it, that detail felt
right, even though by this time King is barely six feet away. Malcolm
grabbing two hands full of expensive silk, yanking Martin Luther King
off balance, yanking him down hard in the same instant they all hear the
popping sound like a firecracker, in the same instant he feels the
soft-nosed 30.06 bullet whistle past his cheek like a phantom breath, in
the same instant he falls awkwardly across King’s chest.<br />
<br />
And then…<br />
<br />
And then time seems to reel for a crazy breathless moment, as if
decid¬ing what to do now. The fulcrum of history teetering, the future
hanging, suspended in midair.<br />
Until all at once and with a brutal force, time decides itself and slams back into gear.<br />
<br />
A woman shrieked.<br />
<br />
Someone yelled, “Somebody is shooting!”<br />
<br />
Someone yelled, “Doc, are you OK?”<br />
<br />
Someone yelled, “Stay down!”<br />
<br />
Malcolm’s breath was ragged in his own ears. His heart hammered like
drums. Then from beneath him, he heard a familiar baritone voice say
calmly, very calmly, but yet, with a touch of breathless wonder. “Oh my
God. Was that a gunshot?”<br />
<br />
Their eyes met. Malcolm didn’t speak. Couldn’t speak. “Brother Malcolm,”
said Martin Luther King, his voice still suffused with wonder and yet,
also, an almost unnatural calm, “I think you just saved my life.”<br />
<br />
Malcolm was overwhelmed by the thereness of the man. He was not myth and
mist and history. He was not a posterboard image on a wall behind a
child dutifully reciting in a child’s thin, sweet tenor, “I have a dream
today.” No, he was there, beneath 20-year-old Malcolm Toussaint, who
had fallen crosswise on top of him. Malcolm could feel the weight and
heft of him, the fall and rise of his chest. He could see his very
pores, could smell the tobacco on his breath, the Aramis on his collar.
Martin Luther King was there, still alive, beneath him. Malcolm opened
his mouth to speak.<br />
<br />
And then, he awoke.<br />
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /><br />
( Continued... )<br />
<br />
© 2015 All rights reserved. Book excerpt reprinted by permission of the
author, Leonard Pitts Jr. Do not reproduce, copy or use without the
author's written permission. This excerpt is used for promotional
purposes only.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>
Purchase Grant Park by Leonard Pitts, Jr.</b></span><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Grant-Park-Leonard-Pitts-Jr/dp/1932841911" target="_blank">Amazon: http://amzn.com/1932841911 </a><br />
<a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/grant-park-leonard-pitts-jr/1121340756?ean=9781932841916" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1QAHE1E</a><br />
<a href="https://books.google.com/books/about/Grant_Park.html?id=sjD5rQEACAAJ" target="_blank">GoogleBooks: http://bit.ly/1VY3qzr</a><br />
IndieBound: <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781932841916">http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781932841916</a><br />
Agate Publishing: <a href="http://www.agatepublishing.com/titles/grant-park">http://www.agatepublishing.com/titles/grant-park</a><br />
Books a Million: <a href="http://www.booksamillion.com/p/9781932841916">http://www.booksamillion.com/p/9781932841916</a> <br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">About the Author</span><br />Leonard Pitts, Jr.</b>
is a nationally syndicated columnist for the Miami Herald and winner of
the 2004 Pulitzer Prize for commentary, in addition to many other
awards. He is also the author of the novels Freeman (Agate Bolden, 2012)
and Before I Forget (Agate Bolden, 2009); the collection Forward From
this Moment: Selected Columns, 1994-2009, Daily Triumphs, Tragedies, and
Curiosities (Agate Bolden, 2009); and Becoming Dad: Black Men and the
Journey to Fatherhood (Agate Bolden, 2006). Born and raised in Southern
California, Pitts now lives in suburban Washington, D.C., with his wife
and children.</span><br />
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<br />Ella D. Curryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01852940348120955782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6823665471770336934.post-2476353980808797412011-02-28T01:28:00.002-05:002011-02-28T01:28:50.608-05:00Meet Life Changing Books Authors<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Meet Life Changing Books Authors<br />
and the CEO Azarel Smallwood</span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLDEpSnsfwQRuOub6gVxklj_9ArLzNyCK70BODMtDL0vy-UqflMO49DjQ4ZdXt8iVCoAwPLSeD4EeGM-Zh3cVZU4R5oYzoqWHCN5KoRIB7X_KKuKcMtScgM-wihTT3zWV8VQ1XKHF52X4/s1600/lifechanging2011banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLDEpSnsfwQRuOub6gVxklj_9ArLzNyCK70BODMtDL0vy-UqflMO49DjQ4ZdXt8iVCoAwPLSeD4EeGM-Zh3cVZU4R5oYzoqWHCN5KoRIB7X_KKuKcMtScgM-wihTT3zWV8VQ1XKHF52X4/s1600/lifechanging2011banner.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><br />
Life Changing Books</strong>, better known as LCB, established in 2003 is quickly becoming one of the most respected Independent Trade Publishers amongst chain stores, vendors, authors and readers. LCB offers a variety of African-American literature including Contemporary Fiction, Women’s Fiction, Urban/Street Literature, Erotica, and a host of other fiction categories. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">CEO, Azarel, launched the company with the release of her self-published title, A Life to Remember, and from there she has continued to add best selling authors onto her label. Currently, LCB has sixteen authors and offers outside distribution to selective projects. The success of LCB is a team effort combined with our outgoing authors, and management team. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">As of 2008, LCB has joined forces and constructed progressive relationships with both wholesale and retail establishments across the United States of America and abroad. We’ve topped the charts with some of our Essence Magazine best-selling titles such as Millionaire Mistress, Secrets of a Housewife, Bruised 2, and Deep. In addition, LCB is progressive in contributing to children in need. Visit the Life Changing Books Website: <a href="http://www.lifechangingbooks.net/">http://www.lifechangingbooks.net/</a><br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Life Changing Books presents 4 Urban Literature Sensations!</b> </div><div style="text-align: left;">View the interviews, videos and book excerpts here: <a href="http://www.blackpearlsmagazine.com/lcbauthors.html">http://www.blackpearlsmagazine.com/lcbauthors.html</a> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Video Introduction: One Night Stand by Kendall Banks</b><object height="405" width="300"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/tsRBYKSjz4g?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/tsRBYKSjz4g?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="300" height="405"></embed></object></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Video Introduction: Snitch by VegasClarke</b><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>Video Introduction: The Dirty Divorce 2 by Miss KP</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><object height="390" width="300"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/yzfmr9pg_RY?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/yzfmr9pg_RY?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="300" height="390"></embed></object></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Video Introduction: Money Maker by Tonya Ridley</b><br />
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<strong><br />
Purchase all the books from the Publisher's website - <a href="http://www.lifechangingbooks.net/">http://www.lifechangingbooks.net/</a> </strong><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>Ella D. Curryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01852940348120955782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6823665471770336934.post-46262282697994721342010-12-25T00:11:00.000-05:002010-12-25T00:11:09.660-05:00Add Black to Your Shopping Cart<strong>Add Black to Your Shopping Cart this Holiday Season </strong><br />
By Shelia M. Goss<br />
<br />
<strong>This holiday season why not buy books for gifts.</strong> Whether the person likes Christian fiction, romance, contemporary fiction, mysteries, science fiction or non-fiction, there’s a book out there to fit a variety of tastes. While doing your shopping don’t forget about picking up books by people of color. Many books by African-Americans and other nationalities sometimes go unnoticed unless it’s part of pop culture. Gems can be overlooked simply because you may not be familiar with their works.<br />
<br />
<strong>How can you help spread the word about books by African-American authors? <br />
Simple. Just tell a friend.</strong><br />
<br />
•Link to the authors website <br />
<br />
•Link directly to the book <br />
<br />
•Mention some of the books on your online network–i.e., Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, etc. <br />
<br />
•Discuss alternate books at your book club meetings <br />
<br />
•If you have a blog, do link exchanges or guest blog posts. <br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>These are just a few suggestions. Be creative.</strong><br />
<br />
<strong>Black Pearls Magazine</strong> ( <a href="http://www.blackpearlsmagazine.com/">http://www.blackpearlsmagazine.com/</a> ) showcases a variety of books, so be sure to browse around. There are plenty of good books out there by African-American authors. Happy Holidays and have fun book shopping!<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><span><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=sanklitesoci-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1601628854&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></span>About the Author</strong><br />
<strong>Shelia M. Goss</strong> is the national best-selling author of six multi-cultural romance books: His Invisible Wife (2009), My Invisible Husband, Roses are thorns, Paige’s Web, Double Platinum and Hollywood Deception (2010) and three young adult books: The Lip Gloss Chronicles series: The Ultimate Test, Splitsville, and Paper Thin (2010).<br />
<br />
Delilah (Jan 2011) is her tenth novel but first Christian fiction book. <br />
<br />
For more information, visit her website: <a href="http://www.sheliagoss.com/">http://www.sheliagoss.com/</a> <br />
<br />
<br />
Ella D. Curryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01852940348120955782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6823665471770336934.post-28702873051162832542010-12-16T22:40:00.000-05:002010-12-16T22:40:57.321-05:00Excerpt: True Confessions by Electa Rome Parks<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">True Confessions by Electa Rome Parks</span></strong><br />
<div align="left"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=sanklitesoci-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1601622392&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></span>Twenty-eight year old Kennedy Logan is gorgeous, educated, talented, and in love. Unfortunately, Drake Collins has other ideas about the true state of their relationship. Kennedy hopes to turn him around; Drake just wants to turn her out sexually. Kennedy is also searching for her biological mother, who gave her up at birth. She wants answers and she has tons of questions. The enormous weight of these predicaments leads to a failed suicide attempt.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Her overprotective and overbearing mother, Dorothy Logan, moves in with Kennedy and makes it her mission to get her daughter's life back in order. The first step is getting rid of Drake Collins once and for all, but that's easier said than done. Drake has no intentions of going anywhere. Kennedy's ever loyal and fun-loving best friend, Taylor, and her absentee father join forces to help support Kennedy in her time of need.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">At her psychiatrist's advice, Kennedy uses writing as her therapy. She starts to keep a daily journal detailing the erotic circumstances and family drama that led up to her despair. Through very personal, funny, and graphic entries, readers will share her confessions. Brace yourselves for a very steamy journey!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>Prologue True Confessions by Electa Rome Parks</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">(Erotic Fiction)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">My reality is surreal and happens in super, slow motion. A nervous giggle escapes my chapped, dry and parched lips. I lick them to restore moisture. Then, there is utter, deadly silence. If I listen closely, I can hear my heartbeat beating away at an accelerated pace. My senses are heightened and I marvel over the brilliant, bold colors of my bedroom as I inhale my favorite fragrances, from their spot on my antique dresser, colliding into one another with their potent allure. Even my sense of touch is different somehow. Everything is magnified to the nth degree. It’s like I’m looking down at myself from a huge movie screen with surround sound as I ready myself for the big finale---the final shot and then fade to black.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I’ve never been good at saying goodbye, even on short, weekend trips. I keep the handwritten note short and sweet and pray to God that mother will understand, and hopefully, one day, forgive me. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I don’t mean to hurt her or cause her any fresh pain. I sincerely don't. I hope she understands that this isn't her fault, that I love her with all my heart and being. No matter what, that fact will never change. I’m so thankful and forever grateful that she chose me to be her daughter out of all the orphaned babies in the world. She chose me. I told myself over and over again that that made me special. I needed to feel special instead of unwanted and discarded.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I’ll miss mother the most, but the hurt I feel inside is too unbearable and indescribable. It is too painful for me to continue, day in and day out, with just a hollow emptiness that erodes and corrupts any happiness that briefly surfaces. The dawn of each new day only brings me more heartache and renewed memories. Some memories are like leeches. They latch on for dear life and slowly, ever so slowly, suck and drain all the blood, all the living out of you. You are left with just a shell of the old you and that's no way to survive. Not for me, anyway.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">When they find me, I want it to look like I’m sleeping, peacefully. Just like Sleeping Beauty who only needed a handsome prince to kiss her and awaken her from the darkness that engulfed her. However, for me, there won't be a handsome, charming prince to wake me, save me, and ride off into eternity. All my so-called princes were monsters in disguise with their own hidden agendas that attempted to crush and stamp out my self-esteem. Yes, just blessed sleep awaits me. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I chose pills. I couldn’t subject mother to a messy, bloody scene that comes with slitting one’s wrists or shooting one's self. I refuse to take my final breath with that heavy on my heart. I don't think my heart could handle anything else weighing against it. As it is, I feel like I have three hundred pounds weighing me down. Crushing the life out of me.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">As I settle myself comfortably on my queen-size bed, slowly pull the red, satin comforter up to my chin and stare at the full bottle of prescription pills carefully nestled in my right hand, I can’t imagine not waking up in the morning. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">What will it be like to not see the rising sun? To not hear my alarm clock going off announcing it’s time to get ready for another day of work? Not hitting snooze to give myself another fifteen minutes? Not rushing to finish my morning rituals before I dash out the door and into rush-hour traffic? What will that feel like? </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">More important to me now, though, is will it hurt? I hope not. I have never been able to tolerate too much pain, physical, mental or emotional. Yet, that’s what Drake has caused me for the last year of my life. Pain. Intolerable suffering. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I only wanted to love him and for him to love me in return. Simple enough. Was that asking too much? My part of the equation was accomplished, effortless. Drake claimed he loved me, but he really didn’t. Probably never could. Didn't know how to love or receive it. After what happened last week, I know he didn’t. Yet, I gave him everything: my heart, my body, my soul. Now, I have nothing left to give myself. I'm empty inside.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">As tears slowly flood my weary eyes and blur my vision, I look around my cozy bedroom for the last time. Ever. It used to be one of my favorite rooms in my small two bedroom, one bath apartment. There was nothing better than lighting several fragrant candles, drinking a little white wine and cozying up with a good romance novel. Yes, that was heaven. Simple things excite me. Always have. Watching a sunrise or sunset, waking up to birds chirping in the treetops, walking hand in hand through the park with the one I love, all these things brought me great joy. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Mother will have to understand. I left her a note, propped up on the nightstand, in full view, that explains how much I love her and daddy. What will she think when she can’t reach me tonight? I would love to hear her soothing, loving voice one last time. Yet, I know I wouldn’t be able to go through with my plan if I did. I’d give away my intentions over the phone or mother would pick up on my foul mood and that would be that. I’d wake up another day with this aching, dull pain inside, tearing me apart, bit-by-bit. Pain that dulls and diminishes every ounce of my strength, all the way down to my pores. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Drake Collins. His name leaves a bitter taste on my tongue. Just the thought of him brings bile to the back of my throat. I will forever regret the day I met that man. If I could turn back the hands of time, do it all over again, I would have called in sick that day or run for the hills. I was just fine with my life the way it was. Sure, it wasn’t exciting or glamorous, but it was enough for me. Drake came with the charm, movie star looks, glitz and high drama and reeled me right in like a bass caught at sea. I gladly jumped into his net.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I say a silent prayer of forgiveness as I place one, then two colorful pills on my tongue and swallow dry. I didn't think of getting a glass of water. I can't think. The lump in my throat quickly diminishes. There’s no turning back now. Just like there was no turning back when Drake turned me out. The countdown begins. Ten, nine, eight. . . I've lived a happy life. I have tons of good memories. I've treated others the way I wanted to be treated.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I hope this happens quickly. I steadfastly place three, four pills on my tongue and swallow again. Hot tears start to spill forth and stream down my cheeks as I realize the final result of my actions. Seven, six, five. . . It’s for the best. I need to stop the pain. Will he even miss me? Or will he just move on to his next victim? Will all this be in vain?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I guess I’ll never have that family now. The one I used to daydream and write about in my journal. The family with the almost perfect mommy and daddy and two kids, a boy and girl. The boy would be the oldest, and he'd look out for and protect his younger sister. They'd have cute, adorable names and they'd know they were wanted and loved and cherished by their parents. They'd never feel unwanted.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Four, three. . . I swallow a handful of pills this time. I've lost count as to how many I've digested. As spittle escapes from my mouth, I gag. I wipe the overflow away with the back of my hand and keep right on shoving pills in my mouth until the orange-brown medicine bottle is empty. I look inside, in awe, shake the bottle, and can’t believe the pills are gone so quickly. Just like the illusion of love. If you blink, you'll miss it.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I wonder if Drake even realizes how much I loved him? Now, I wait for blessed relief and peace to take away my hurt and pain. I’m so tired. Tired of loving the wrong men. Tired of giving my all, coming up empty, and getting absolutely nothing back in return. Good sex isn’t the end all to everything. Drake taught me that lesson. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Two, one. . . It won’t be long now. I faintly smile and lay back against my down pillow. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I welcome peace. In my mind, I start silently repeating Psalms 23. I shall walk through the valley of death; I shall fear no evil, for thou art with me. I’m so sleepy. I can barely keep my eyes open. I can feel myself giving in to the fog that slowly invades my mind. Maybe if I close my eyes for a few moments. Yeah, just rest them for a few minutes without seeing Drake’s face behind my heavy eyelids. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Suddenly, I feel lightheaded, like I’m floating on a big, fluffy white cloud, bouncing up and down, giddy with not a care in the world. This is a different sensation that I literally reach out my right hand to embrace and never let go of. Not a care in the world. Nothing matters but blessed, uneventful sleep. I close my tired, weary eyes as the countdown ends. Fade to black.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">###</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>True Confessions by Electa Rome Parks</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">ISBN-10: 1601622392 </div><div style="text-align: left;">ISBN-13: 978-1601622396 </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>Purchase from Amazon.com</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/True-Confessions-Electa-Rome-Parks/dp/1601622392">http://www.amazon.com/True-Confessions-Electa-Rome-Parks/dp/1601622392</a> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>Purchase from Barnes & Noble.com</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/True-Confessions/Electa-Rome-Parks/e/9781601622396">http://search.barnesandnoble.com/True-Confessions/Electa-Rome-Parks/e/9781601622396</a> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">© 2010 All rights reserved. Book Excerpt Reprinted by Permission of Electa Rome Parks, author. Do not reproduce, copy or use without the author's written permission. Copyright infringement is a serious offense. This excerpt is used for promotional purposes only. Share a link to this page or the author's website if you really like this sample from True Confessions.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIDyiHsUMf7nAxy_fe38j_SLIdTzAov3rloJSAqEDpZbia4akbZZEQRPLPnrpH7H75gxLZf3sfMwaofZY06GFbf_G3nMc8WZe9oByyMBLKYYNasVL-h9JoGxTqPmCsAafAApCKgZuSutrY/s1600/1electaparks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIDyiHsUMf7nAxy_fe38j_SLIdTzAov3rloJSAqEDpZbia4akbZZEQRPLPnrpH7H75gxLZf3sfMwaofZY06GFbf_G3nMc8WZe9oByyMBLKYYNasVL-h9JoGxTqPmCsAafAApCKgZuSutrY/s1600/1electaparks.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>About the Author</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>Electa Rome Parks lives</strong> outside Atlanta, Georgia and is the best-selling author of six acclaimed novels, The Ties That Bind, Loose Ends, Almost Doesn't Count, Ladies' Night Out, These Are My Confessions (anthology) and Diary of a Stalker. Dubbed a "book club favorite," avid readers have embraced Electa's true to life characters that tackle prevalent and heavy hitting issues that take them on an emotional roller coaster.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The self-proclaimed Queen of Real, Electa has been a frequent guest on radio shows, nominated for many industry awards and interviewed by numerous newspapers and national magazines. Electa is currently following her passion and working on her next novel and first screenplay.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>Connect with Electa Rome Parks online at:</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">Email: <a href="mailto:novelideal@aol.com">novelideal@aol.com</a> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Website: <a href="http://www.electaromeparks.com/">http://www.electaromeparks.com/</a> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/electaromeparks">www.facebook.com/electaromeparks</a> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div></div>Ella D. Curryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01852940348120955782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6823665471770336934.post-45221869303392810362010-12-06T01:05:00.003-05:002010-12-06T01:10:19.910-05:00REMIX: Black Books Weekend Rebroadcast<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimEElnTV3ktCDnTCfrWSLn5jNrC9xFfgf5Qz8E07vx4sdT1bFjBLoed8zQRNTUsLLneXzMPC69nFpgThXiCJZXujTRrpW5zVCw1meOosgTGv7mfx8CtAicjPTf7B_ImZOzO8Fq1HL0gpTH/s1600/blkbookswknremix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimEElnTV3ktCDnTCfrWSLn5jNrC9xFfgf5Qz8E07vx4sdT1bFjBLoed8zQRNTUsLLneXzMPC69nFpgThXiCJZXujTRrpW5zVCw1meOosgTGv7mfx8CtAicjPTf7B_ImZOzO8Fq1HL0gpTH/s1600/blkbookswknremix.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Black Books Weekend opened Black Friday, November 26, 2010</strong> with live readings and live Twitter/Facebook chats with 80+ of the most talented writers on the shelves, from all genres. </div>This was one of our best bookclub appreciation weekends yet! We showcased several bookclubs at Black Pearls Magazine for the December, Christmas/Holiday Edition. <a href="http://www.blackpearlsmagazine.com/bookclubs2011.htm">Check out all the bookclubs, here.</a><br />
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<strong>Summary of the Weekend Events:</strong> We had exactly 747 live callers, a total of 397 chatroom guests and visitors and a total of 19,781 RSS feed downloads of the shows as of Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2010. I would like to personally say "thank you" to each of you who posted to your network about the show and included Twitter, Facebook and Myspace in the coverage! You Rock! We did it! <br />
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<strong><a href="http://unwrappedlit.blogspot.com/search/label/Black%20Books%20Wkn">Listen to the Black Books Weekend archive, HERE.</a></strong><br />
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The <strong>3rd Annual Black Books Weekend</strong>, hosted by Ella Curry of EDC Creations featured four nights of readings and discussions with noted authors, bookclubs and poets. Our mission was to convince folks to buy great books for gifts 365 days a year as gifts, from our featured authors, publishers and imprints.<br />
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<strong><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/podcast/black-authors-network-literary/id290221884">Find Black Books Weekend Rebroadcast on iTunes here.</a></strong><br />
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<strong>Explore all the nights of Black Books Weekend. Meet the featured bookclubs and the authors. </strong><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div align="left"><left><br />
<table border="1" width="100%"><tr> <td width="56%"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt; font-family: Times New Roman"><a href="http://unwrappedlit.blogspot.com/2010/12/black-pearls-legacy-panel-discussion.html">Black Pearls Literary Legacy Panel Discussion</a> </span></td> <td width="44%"><a href="http://unwrappedlit.blogspot.com/2010/12/sankofa-bookclub-summit-black-books_01.html"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt; font-family: Times New Roman">Sankofa Bookclub and Twitter Friend Summit</span></a></td> </tr>
<tr> <td width="56%"><a href="http://unwrappedlit.blogspot.com/2010/12/fabulous-fierce-friday-black-books.html"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt; font-family: Times New Roman">Fabulous & Fierce Friday;<br />
Opening Ceremony </span></a></td> <td width="44%"><a href="http://astore.amazon.com/edcmagazine-20"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt; font-family: Times New Roman">Shop EDC Creations Bookstores</span></a></td> </tr>
<tr> <td width="56%"><a href="http://unwrappedlit.blogspot.com/2010/12/sexy-and-spicy-saturday-black-books.html"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt; font-family: Times New Roman">Sexy and Spicy Saturday;<br />
Fiction Mixed Genre Books</span></a></td> <td width="44%"><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/podcast/black-authors-network-literary/id290221884"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt; font-family: Times New Roman">Find Black Books Weekend on iTunes</span></a></td> </tr>
<tr> <td width="56%"><a href="http://unwrappedlit.blogspot.com/2010/12/sassy-soulful-sunday-black-books.html"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt; font-family: Times New Roman">Soulful Sunday;<br />
Motivational, Christian Fic.and Non-fiction</span></a></td> <td width="44%"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt; font-family: Times New Roman"><a href="http://unwrappedlit.blogspot.com/2010_11_01_archive.html">Holiday<br />
Blog Author Interviews</a> <a href="http://unwrappedlit.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2010-11-18T10%3A27%3A00-05%3A00&max-results=20">and<br />
Readings</a></span></td> </tr>
</table></left></div></div>Please tell your network and fans about this wonderful showcase and give them The Gift of Knowledge! You can view the archive of author readings, here. WE will spread the word about great book gifts to the masses! <br />
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</br>Ella D. Curryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01852940348120955782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6823665471770336934.post-37762021652759475142010-12-01T15:36:00.000-05:002010-12-01T15:36:15.931-05:00Zuri Day Giveaway Ends Dec. 23, 2010<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Zuri Day Holiday Giveaway</span> <br />
EXCLUSIVELY <br />
for Black Authors Network Listeners</span></strong></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7lMU2BPgKZawhalMaNKP6p3kHdioTMQCzQvzwluWlx8n9KduwC5fEHTb5KruwRLqqiFn0w3CTg06Up2hY4V_UBngEdqQawUhbzBihaSqSHKnp2jgFkroYAMOxKQTHtd9YqFjI7VAqwTxJ/s1600/xmasad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7lMU2BPgKZawhalMaNKP6p3kHdioTMQCzQvzwluWlx8n9KduwC5fEHTb5KruwRLqqiFn0w3CTg06Up2hY4V_UBngEdqQawUhbzBihaSqSHKnp2jgFkroYAMOxKQTHtd9YqFjI7VAqwTxJ/s320/xmasad.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
From now until December 23, 2010, everyone who orders ANY novel by Zuri Day via Amazon, either Kindle or print, and forwards a copy of the receipt to: <a href="mailto:zuridaywrites@gmail.com">zuridaywrites@gmail.com</a> will be entered into a contest. There will be 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners as follows:<br />
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<strong>1st Place:</strong> a $25 VISA gift card,<br />
<strong>2nd Place:</strong> a $15 Gift Certificate to Bath/Body<br />
<strong>3rd Place:</strong> an autographed hard copy of Lessons From A Younger Lover!<br />
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Also, the first two book clubs who book Zuri Day for a conference call book club meeting, will receive advance copies of <em>Lovin Blue</em>, the next Day romance!<br />
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<strong>Shop Amazon for Zuri Books: </strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Zuri-Day/e/B00355AXQ8"><strong>http://www.amazon.com/Zuri-Day/e/B00355AXQ8</strong></a><strong> </strong><br />
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<br />
<strong><span><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=sanklitesoci-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=075823872X&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></span>What Love Tastes Like by Zuri Day </strong><br />
Tiffany connects with Dominick in ways she never dreamed possible, and Dominick can’t get enough of her. But when one of his exes decides to “stir the pot,” Tiffany may find there are too many cooks in the kitchen! <br />
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<strong>Lessons From A Younger Lover by Zuri Day </strong><br />
Devastated divorcee Gwen returns to her hometown to put the pieces of her life back together. Though no one is more surprised than Gwen when she ends up falling for hunky Ransom Blake—a much younger man. <br />
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<strong>About Zuri Day</strong><br />
<strong>Zuri Day is a hopeful romantic.</strong> She believes in happy endings, half-full glasses and dreams coming true. That's why she's thrilled to be a contributing writer to this genre...one of her favorites!<br />
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Zuri doesn't remember exactly how old she was when she picked up her first romance novel, but she does remember it was love at first sight. "It was probably a Harlequin," she recalled during a recent interview. "And it thankfully took me away from a fairly dull and routine existence growing up in a small Kansas town."<br />
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Things aren't dull and routine anymore. Zuri now resides in Los Angeles with her family and when she isn't writing loves to travel the world, cook vegetarian food, work out, watch sports, attend concerts and theatre and enjoy the simple things in life.<br />
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"Many people have given up on love, much less romance," Zuri says. "I'm hoping that somehow, through the love-filled pages of my romance novels, I can ignite the reader's desire to believe again. Because everything is possible, when we believe..."<br />
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Zuri Day would love to hear from you and responds to every single email! Contact her at the address below: <a href="mailto:ZuriDay@ymail.com">ZuriDay@ymail.com</a>Ella D. Curryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01852940348120955782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6823665471770336934.post-54834696905572614512010-12-01T15:29:00.000-05:002010-12-01T15:29:29.084-05:00Simply Said Reading Accessories Limited Editions<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Simply Said Reading Accessories Limited Edition</span></strong></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9xYZJkh7Fts2AJ8AULhNM_fNq_HQQEzB6kA9zs__Tg4kqejfm0dputFXnIYjM3yTWGBnauWwmWeUGEvxamM1YUFbbhUY6TIsLkGj4reDV05Ncmno6QQPk4FFPktG1W8XwZLX1T8qF9Upr/s1600/SimplySaidLimitedEdition.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="363" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9xYZJkh7Fts2AJ8AULhNM_fNq_HQQEzB6kA9zs__Tg4kqejfm0dputFXnIYjM3yTWGBnauWwmWeUGEvxamM1YUFbbhUY6TIsLkGj4reDV05Ncmno6QQPk4FFPktG1W8XwZLX1T8qF9Upr/s400/SimplySaidLimitedEdition.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: small;">Purchase your Book Jewerly today: </span></strong><a href="http://www.simply-said.net/"><strong><span style="font-size: small;">http://www.simply-said.net</span></strong></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
In Honor of EDC Creations' <em>Black Book Weekend,</em> Simply Said Reading Accessories has a special offer for every book club. Join us in this momentous tribute to the Gift of Knowledge. I was inspired to create a Limited Edition line of Book Jewels to honor the uniqueness of each book we read. <br />
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The one of a kind designs are an exclusive, distinctive, individual, extraordinary work of art just for you, the book clubs. I have acquired some fabulous pieces that are truly gorgeous. The amounts are limited. For your book club, I will create a unique piece for each member. These will not and cannot be duplicated. Once they are sold, know that you have the only one out of this category!<br />
In addition to the Book Jewelry, I will also create a “Giftmark” for each member in your book club. It will feature your book club photo or logo and your club name and favorite quote. Please email me at <a href="mailto:odebdeb@aol.com">odebdeb@aol.com</a> promptly to place your order.<br />
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<strong>The set of these Limited Editions are only $10.00, but I also offer wholesale prices on quantities. Orders for this special is code <em>10LTD</em>.</strong><br />
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You may also want to consider Simply Said Reading Accessories for gifts for Kwanza, Valentines Day and as gifts to visiting authors and your book events. Browse the photo albums to see the wonderful options.<br />
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They also make a perfect gift for the book lovers in your life so take advantage of this special Black Book Weekend Limited Edition Special! <br />
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<strong>Orders for this special is code 10LTD.</strong> Please email me at <a href="mailto:odebdeb@aol.com">odebdeb@aol.com</a> promptly to place your order. Place your orders now in order to receive it in time for your holiday gifts and Secret Santa’s.<br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Simply Said Reading Accessories, we’re making your mark!</span></strong><br />
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Email: <a href="mailto:odebdeb@aol.com">odebdeb@aol.com</a> <br />
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Website: <a href="http://www.simply-said.net/">http://www.simply-said.net/</a> <br />
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Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/simplysaidreadingaccessories">http://www.facebook.com/simplysaidreadingaccessories</a>Ella D. Curryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01852940348120955782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6823665471770336934.post-29161165420308847922010-12-01T15:07:00.001-05:002010-12-01T15:23:55.777-05:00Black Pearls Legacy Panel Discussion with Ella Curry<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong> Black Pearls Legacy Panel Discussion with Ella Curry </strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.simply-said.net/">Sponsored by: Debra Owsley, owner of Simply Said Reading Accessories</a> </div><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOdfcOo2ehpEAjH0_cC69y4hlplEAJgL36-VoIErjmHcmYXqp0SAuycTmKvXmEw2YYyOBgrFuSoZBow4YtxEMhiIUj6wlhCmNlqVb7A5nuBcTKIa59Q7VH81QhzaHqSP_m6HLCnpbRIEd5/s1600/goongirlbookclub.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOdfcOo2ehpEAjH0_cC69y4hlplEAJgL36-VoIErjmHcmYXqp0SAuycTmKvXmEw2YYyOBgrFuSoZBow4YtxEMhiIUj6wlhCmNlqVb7A5nuBcTKIa59Q7VH81QhzaHqSP_m6HLCnpbRIEd5/s1600/goongirlbookclub.bmp" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Go On Girl! Bookclub win Literary Legends Award at 2009 Black Bookclubs Rocks</strong> </td></tr>
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The <strong>Sankofa Literary Society</strong> (SLS) hosted a empowering discussion panel on the legacy our books will leave future generations. This phenomenal online experience highlighted African-Americans in the literary world including radio hosts, educators, authors and publishing leaders. The event included an online chat and panel discussion broadcast over BAN internet radio to 70,000 listeners. We consider all of the speakers our griots; their opinions and collective wisdom are valuable to the global community. Share this with your family and friends today! <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/black-author-network/2010/11/23/evening-with-ella-series">Listen to the rebroadcast here today.</a> Leave your comments below.<br />
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<strong>Featured speakers:</strong> Mocha Ochoa, Judine Slaughter, Cora Coleman Dunham, Nana Ekua Brew Hammond, Go On Girl! Bookclub members, Tina McElroy Ansa, Ella D. Curry and Shalema McGhee.<br />
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Join us in Celebrating the Legacy of Black Literature: We are discussing literature, love of community and our literary legacy! This is a showcase that you should truly share with your network too! <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/black-author-network/2010/11/23/evening-with-ella-series">Listen here</a>.<br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Black Pearls Literary Legacy Panel Discussion </span></strong><br />
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FEATURED SPEAKERS:</strong><br />
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<strong>Mocha Ochoa</strong><br />
Web: <a href="http://www.theoraclegroup.net/">http://www.theoraclegroup.net/</a> <br />
Facebook: Facebook/inthecafewithmocha <br />
In the Café with Mocha Literary Talk Show<br />
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<strong>Mocha Ochoa is the CEO of The Oracle Group,</strong> a nationally recognized agency that specializes in producing literary, educational and outreach campaign development. Connecting authors with events that engage and uplift the local, national and global community. The Oracle Group specializes in producing A-List Author Launch Events, National and Community Book Fairs, Educator Appreciation Series and Literary Campaign Development.<br />
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Mocha, host of the <em>In the Café with Mocha Literary Talk Show</em> co-founded the NAACP Author Pavilion at their Annual Convention and has also organized book events for Barnes & Noble, The National Book Festival, The National Press Club and the National Council of Negro Women. She the founding member and implementing partner of the Reading Across Continents initiative, an interactive cross-cultural literary exchange project connecting students, teachers and authors via technology. Participating countries include Ghana, Nigeria and the United State. <br />
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<strong><span><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=sanklitesoci-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0971532850&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></span>Judine Slaughter</strong><br />
Websites: <a href="http://bwgpg.org/">http://bwgpg.org/</a> and <a href="http://eybooks.com/">http://eybooks.com/</a> <br />
Books: Clear Skinned and Do-It-Yourself Publishing <br />
Exective Director United Black Writers Association<br />
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<strong>Judine Slaughter is the Executive Director of the United Black Writers Association.</strong> She has previously been the editor of several newsletters, taught three online classes on publishing/marketing and has presented writing workshops. Ms. Slaughter supports the nurturing of literary talent, because everyone has a story. <br />
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<strong>Go On Girl! Book Club</strong><br />
Website: <a href="http://www.goongirl.org/">http://www.goongirl.org/</a> <br />
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Lynda M. Johnson - Co-Founder, Go On Girl! Book Club <br />
Willette Hill - Corresponding Secretary <br />
Evalyn Rose Hamilton - Historian <br />
Tracey Y. Smith - Nat'l Media & Author Relations, Founder More Than Words<br />
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<strong>Go On Girl! Celebrating the Legacy of Black Literature®</strong> -- With more than 30 chapters in 12 states, The Go On Girl! Book Club is the largest African-American women's book club in the country. Founded in 1991, members meet in their homes in their respective cities to discuss the club's reading selection of the month. Feedback on each selection is shared with the authors and publishers. The chapters come together annually to honor authors and celebrate the legacy of Black literature. Through the years, literary luminaries such as Gloria Naylor, Bebe Moore Campbell, Jill Nelson and Pearl Cleage have come in person to receive their Go On Girl! Author of the Year award. <br />
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<strong>Shalema McGhee</strong><br />
Blogger, Authors In Color<br />
<a href="http://authorsincolor.blogspot.com/">http://authorsincolor.blogspot.com/</a><br />
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<strong>Shalema K. McGhee is founder and blogger of Authors In Color.</strong> Her main goal is to promote and support books by authors of the African diaspora. She is also a member of Go On Girl! Book Club, where she currently serves as facilitator of the founding chapter.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kick-Snare-Hat-Superstar-Drummers/dp/B001J6979O?ie=UTF8&tag=sanklitesoci-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Kick Snare Hat: Superstar Drummers of Hip Hop and R&B" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B001J6979O&tag=sanklitesoci-20" /></a><strong><span><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sanklitesoci-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B001J6979O" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span>Cora Coleman-Dunham </strong><br />
Website: <a href="http://www.vivoclub.com/">http://www.vivoclub.com/</a> <br />
Musician, Mentor and Author <br />
Book: G.A.G.U. - Gathering a Greater Understanding: The Ultimate Life Guide for Youth<br />
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<strong>Cora C. Dunham, is the Vice-President and CEO of The Vivo Club.</strong> Drummer, writer, photographer, director, clinician, mentor and designer, Cora received her Bachelor of Music degree in 2004 from Howard University (Washington, DC). Cora has performed with Pink, Lalah Hathaway, Goapele, Richard Smallwood, Il Divo, Elton John, Frank McComb and is currently the drummer for Pop artist, Prince.<br />
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<strong><span><span><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=sanklitesoci-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1439126100&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></span></span>Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond </strong><br />
Website: <a href="http://www.nanaekua.com/">http://www.nanaekua.com/</a> <br />
Book: Powder Necklace: A Novel <br />
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<strong>Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond</strong> has written for AOL, Parenting Magazine, the Village Voice, Metro and Trace Magazine. Her short story "Bush Girl" was published in the May 2008 issues of African Writing and her poem, "The Whinings of a Seven Sister Cum Laude Graduate Working Board as an Assistant," was published in 2006's Growing up Girl Anthology. <br />
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A cum laude graduate of Vassar College, she attended secondary school in Ghana. Powder Necklace is loosely based on the experience. POWDER NECKLACE chronicles the seminal years in the life of a teenage girl as she is shuttled both physically and emotionally from London to Ghana to London again, and finally Long Island.<br />
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<strong><span><span><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=sanklitesoci-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=097997111X&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></span><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sanklitesoci-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=097997111X" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span>Karen F. Brundage-Johnson, Ph.D.</strong><br />
Book: Beyond the Body! Developing Inner Beauty<br />
Professional Women Woman Speakers Bureau - <a href="http://www.protrain.net/">http://www.protrain.net/</a> <br />
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<strong>Karen Brundage-Johnson, PhD is President of Your Image Matters</strong>, a consulting and training organization. As a business leader, Karen has overseen training &development for thousands of employees implementing programs in professional development, empowerment, and diversity. <br />
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Karen is co-author of “Beyond the Body! Developing Inner Beauty”, a book for women focused on emotional, mental & spiritual wellness.<br />
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In 2004, she founded the <em>Readers Journey Book Club Network</em> bringing book clubs together in Atlantic County New Jersey to fellowship and experience author discussions and in 2008 featured in Essence Magazine with author Gloria Naylor.<br />
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Karen also writes jazz performance reviews that accompany the jazz photos taken by her husband, noted jazz photographer Ben Johnson for Jazz Time Magazine online.<br />
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<strong><span><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=sanklitesoci-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0979954312&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></span>Tina McElroy Ansa</strong><br />
Book: Taking After Mudear<br />
Novelist, Publisher, Filmmaker and Journalist<br />
Websites: <a href="http://www.tinamcelroyansa.com/">http://www.tinamcelroyansa.com/</a> and <a href="http://www.downsouthpress.com/">http://www.downsouthpress.com/</a> <br />
<strong>Tina McElroy Ansa is a novelist, publisher, filmmaker, teacher and journalist.</strong> But above all, she is a storyteller. She calls herself “part of a long and honored writing tradition, one of those little Southern girls who always knew she wanted to be a writer.” She grew up in Middle Georgia in the 1950s hearing her grandfather’s stories on the porch of her family home and strangers’ stories downtown in her father’s juke joint, which have inspired Mulberry, Georgia, the mythical world of her four novels, Baby of the Family, Ugly Ways, The Hand I Fan With and You Know Better. <br />
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In March 2007, Mrs. Ansa launched an independent publishing company, DownSouth Press, with its focus on African-American literature -- fiction and nonfiction. Her fifth novel, Taking After Mudear, a sequel to her bestselling Ugly Ways, will be the lead title on DownSouth Press’s first list in the fall of 2007. DownSouth Press will publish established as well as emerging literary voices.<br />
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She and her husband, AFI (American Film Institute) Fellow filmmaker Joneé Ansa are currently adapting Baby of the Family for the screen in a feature film starring Alfre Woodard, Loretta Devine, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Vanessa Williams, Todd Bridges, Pam Grier, and Tonea Stewart. The author is collaborating with her husband on the screenplay for Baby of the Family, which he will direct and shoot in her hometown of Macon, Georgia. Mrs. Ansa is executive producer. <br />
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She and her husband, Joneé Ansa, have lived on St. Simons Island, Georgia since 1984. Together they produced and directed the 1989 Georgia Sea Island Festival, a 30-year-old grassroots festival that seeks to preserve the crafts, music, slave chants, games, food and spirit of the African-American people who lived and worked as slaves on the rice and cotton plantations along the Georgia coast. Ms. Ansa is an avid birder, amateur naturalist, and gardener. She always has collard greens growing in her garden among the black-eyed Susans and moonflowers.<br />
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<strong><span><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=sanklitesoci-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0758235429&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></span>Ella Curry, EDC Creations</strong><br />
Website: <a href="http://www.edc-creations.com/">http://www.edc-creations.com/</a> <br />
Magazine: <a href="http://www.blackpearlsmagazine.com/">http://www.blackpearlsmagazine.com/</a> <br />
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<strong>Ella Curry is the president and CEO of EDC Creations Media Group.</strong> She brings more than 20 years of PR and marketing experience to clients in film, music, publishing and corporate event planning. Her expertise as well as her love for all things literary, dynamic contacts, and collaborative approach with clients have earned her a reputation as a respected leader in the publishing industry. Ella has enjoyed an extensive tenure in media promotions and book publicity. She started out as a corporate event planner and website developer; later becoming a buyer for the legendary Karibu Book Store chain. Her career now includes services such as blog tour coordinator, book coach, video journalist and literary publicist.<br />
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She has interviewed community leaders and celebrities such as: The View's Emmy® award-winning co-host, comedienne/actress Sherri Shepherd, Byron Pitts Emmy® award-winning journalist for 60 Minutes and chief national correspondent for CBS Evening News, American film director of Secret Life of Bees, Gina Prince-Bythewood, literary legends Dr. Maya Angelou and Sonia Sanchez, along with award-winning actors and actresses such as Hill Harper, Queen Latifah, Jennifer Hudson, Dakota Fanning, Tristan Wilds, and International motivational speaker Lisa Nichols of the Secret DVD and author of No Matter What. <br />
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<strong>Ella Curry is the host and producer of the Black Authors Network Radio Show,</strong> sponsored by EDC Creations Media Group. Ella has interviewed MochaMoms® and other community leaders along with bestselling authors Terrie M. Williams, Sue Monk Kidd, Farrah Gray, Breena Clarke, Carleen Brice, Nathan McCall, Mary B. Morrison, Francis Ray, Walter Mosley, John Kremer, Lutishia Lovely and Donna Hill. <br />
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<strong>Ella Curry is the publisher of Black Pearls Magazine,</strong> a professional blogger and literary reporter for <a href="http://www.blackpearlsmagazine.com/">http://www.blackpearlsmagazine.com/</a> where she publishes her popular <em>Intimate Conversation</em> Interviews with today's hottest authors, business owners and community leaders. In the Spring of 2011, Ella will release her first book on how to effectively market and promote your book with social media while on a budget.<br />
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Ella D. Curryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01852940348120955782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6823665471770336934.post-63455128059887807762010-12-01T14:58:00.002-05:002010-12-01T15:00:41.316-05:00Fabulous & Fierce Friday - Black Books Weekend<strong><span style="font-size: large;">* Friday, November 26, 2010</span></strong>Opening Ceremony for Black Books Weekend. Discussing the Literary Legacy with several of today's veteran writers such as: Kimberla Lawson Roby, Donna Hill, Bernice McFadden, Tina McElroy Ansa, Stacy Hawkins Adams and Earl Sewell. <br />
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<strong>Fabulous & Fierce Friday - Readings from Adult Lit, Romance and Gay/Lesbian</strong><br />
<strong><a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/black-author-network/2010/11/27/black-books-wkn-opening-erotica-and-romance-showca">Listen to the rebroadcast here today. Leave your comments below.</a></strong><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Be-Careful-What-You-Pray/dp/0061443115?ie=UTF8&tag=sanklitesoci-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Be Careful What You Pray For" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0061443115&tag=sanklitesoci-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sanklitesoci-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0061443115" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Private-Lessons-Kimani-Romance-Donna/dp/0373861761?ie=UTF8&tag=sanklitesoci-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Private Lessons (Kimani Romance)" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0373861761&tag=sanklitesoci-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sanklitesoci-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0373861761" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Scandalous-Affair-Arabesque-Donna-Hill/dp/0373831927?ie=UTF8&tag=sanklitesoci-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="A Scandalous Affair (Arabesque)" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0373831927&tag=sanklitesoci-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sanklitesoci-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0373831927" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/What-Mother-Never-Told-Me/dp/0373831439?ie=UTF8&tag=sanklitesoci-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="What Mother Never Told Me" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0373831439&tag=sanklitesoci-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sanklitesoci-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0373831439" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Who-Speaks-Your-Heart-Whispers/dp/0310292719?ie=UTF8&tag=sanklitesoci-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Who Speaks to Your Heart?: Tuning in to Hear God's Whispers" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0310292719&tag=sanklitesoci-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sanklitesoci-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0310292719" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dreams-That-Wont-Let-Go/dp/0800732685?ie=UTF8&tag=sanklitesoci-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Dreams That Won't Let Go: A Novel (Jubilant Soul)" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0800732685&tag=sanklitesoci-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sanklitesoci-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0800732685" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Glorious-Bernice-L-McFadden/dp/1936070111?ie=UTF8&tag=sanklitesoci-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Glorious" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=1936070111&tag=sanklitesoci-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sanklitesoci-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1936070111" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Myself-Kimani-Tru-Earl-Sewell/dp/0373831765?ie=UTF8&tag=sanklitesoci-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Myself and I (Kimani Tru)" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0373831765&tag=sanklitesoci-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sanklitesoci-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0373831765" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Taking-After-Mudear-Tina-McElroy/dp/0979954312?ie=UTF8&tag=sanklitesoci-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Taking After Mudear" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0979954312&tag=sanklitesoci-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sanklitesoci-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0979954312" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Diary-Stalker-Urban-Renaissance-Electa/dp/160162199X?ie=UTF8&tag=sanklitesoci-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Diary of a Stalker (Urban Renaissance)" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=160162199X&tag=sanklitesoci-20" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/True-Confessions-Electa-Rome-Parks/dp/1601622392?ie=UTF8&tag=sanklitesoci-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="True Confessions" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=1601622392&tag=sanklitesoci-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sanklitesoci-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1601622392" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Intercourse-Jamise-L-Dames/dp/0971515816?ie=UTF8&tag=sanklitesoci-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Intercourse" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0971515816&tag=sanklitesoci-20" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bedroom-Chronicles-Anthology-Jamise-Dames/dp/0971515824?ie=UTF8&tag=sanklitesoci-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Bedroom Chronicles: An Anthology" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0971515824&tag=sanklitesoci-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sanklitesoci-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0971515824" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sanklitesoci-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0971515816" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sanklitesoci-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=160162199X" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Heaven-Forbid-Lutishia-Lovely/dp/0758238673?ie=UTF8&tag=sanklitesoci-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Heaven Forbid" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0758238673&tag=sanklitesoci-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sanklitesoci-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0758238673" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Satisfy-Me-Again-Renee-Luke/dp/0758221916?ie=UTF8&tag=sanklitesoci-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Satisfy Me Again" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0758221916&tag=sanklitesoci-20" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dangerous-Pleasures-Fiona-Zedde/dp/0758217404?ie=UTF8&tag=sanklitesoci-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Dangerous Pleasures" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0758217404&tag=sanklitesoci-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sanklitesoci-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0758217404" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sanklitesoci-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0758221916" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ebony-Kryptonite-1-Samara-King/dp/1453771263?ie=UTF8&tag=sanklitesoci-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="The Ebony Kryptonite (Volume 1)" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=1453771263&tag=sanklitesoci-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sanklitesoci-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1453771263" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Best-African-American-Fiction-2010/dp/0553385356?ie=UTF8&tag=sanklitesoci-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Best African American Fiction 2010" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0553385356&tag=sanklitesoci-20" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Best-African-American-Fiction-2009/dp/0553385348?ie=UTF8&tag=sanklitesoci-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Best African American Fiction: 2009" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0553385348&tag=sanklitesoci-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sanklitesoci-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0553385348" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/God-Aint-Through-Mary-Monroe/dp/0758238592?ie=UTF8&tag=sanklitesoci-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="God Ain't Through Yet" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0758238592&tag=sanklitesoci-20" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lover-Mine-Novel-Dagger-Brotherhood/dp/0451229851?ie=UTF8&tag=sanklitesoci-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Lover Mine: A Novel of the Black Dagger Brotherhood" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0451229851&tag=sanklitesoci-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sanklitesoci-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0451229851" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sanklitesoci-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0758238592" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sanklitesoci-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0553385356" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
<br />
<strong>Featured Authors Reading Schedule </strong><br />
<br />
<strong>8:00-8:30 pm EST</strong><br />
1. Kimberla Lawson Roby<br />
2. Donna Hill<br />
3. Stacy Hawkins Adams<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>8:30-9:00 pm EST</strong><br />
1. Earl Sewell<br />
2. Tina McElroy Ansa<br />
3. Electa Rome Parks<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>9:00-9:30 pm EST</strong><br />
1. Bernice McFadden<br />
2. Jamise Dames<br />
3. Lutishia Lovely<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>9:30-11:00 pm EST</strong><br />
1. Fiona Zedde<br />
2. Samara King<br />
<br />
<strong>Shop EDC Creations Bookstores</strong><br />
<a href="http://astore.amazon.com/edcmagazine-20">http://astore.amazon.com/edcmagazine-20</a>Ella D. Curryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01852940348120955782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6823665471770336934.post-41113694045067344522010-12-01T14:43:00.000-05:002010-12-01T14:43:06.721-05:00Sexy and Spicy Saturday - Black Books Weekend<strong><span style="font-size: large;">* Saturday, November 27, 2010 </span></strong><br />
Sexy and Spicy readings from bestselling and new authors. Our friends join the chat too!<br />
Women's Fiction, Urban Lit, Thrillers, Mystery, Poetry and Mixed Genre Books<br />
<br />
<strong><a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/black-author-network/2010/11/28/black-books-weekend">Listen to the rebroadcast here today. Leave your comments below.</a></strong><br />
<br />
<span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Buying-Time-Pamela-Samuels-Young/dp/098156271X?ie=UTF8&tag=sanklitesoci-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Buying Time" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=098156271X&tag=sanklitesoci-20" /></a><span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Not-Quite-What-Seems-ebook/dp/B003H4I5IA?ie=UTF8&tag=sanklitesoci-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Not Quite What It Seems" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B003H4I5IA&tag=sanklitesoci-20" /></a><span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lipstick-Hustla-Allison-Hobbs/dp/1593092822?ie=UTF8&tag=sanklitesoci-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Lipstick Hustla" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=1593092822&tag=sanklitesoci-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sanklitesoci-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1593092822" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /><span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Eye-Dwayne-S-Joseph/dp/1601622260?ie=UTF8&tag=sanklitesoci-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Eye for an Eye" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=1601622260&tag=sanklitesoci-20" /></a><span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Shady-Novel-Dell-Banks/dp/0615406971?ie=UTF8&tag=sanklitesoci-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Shady: A Novel" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0615406971&tag=sanklitesoci-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sanklitesoci-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0615406971" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sanklitesoci-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1601622260" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span></span><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sanklitesoci-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B003H4I5IA" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sanklitesoci-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=098156271X" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span><br />
<span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Thunder-Storms-Nicole-Shelton/dp/1453657940?ie=UTF8&tag=sanklitesoci-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Thunder Storms" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=1453657940&tag=sanklitesoci-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sanklitesoci-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1453657940" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /><span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Between-My-Legs-Junnita-Jackson/dp/057803655X?ie=UTF8&tag=sanklitesoci-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Between My Legs" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=057803655X&tag=sanklitesoci-20" /></a><span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/If-Dont-Hurt-AinT-Love/dp/0615239145?ie=UTF8&tag=sanklitesoci-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="If It Don't Hurt... It Ain'T Love" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0615239145&tag=sanklitesoci-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sanklitesoci-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0615239145" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sanklitesoci-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=057803655X" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /><span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Star-Publications-Presents-Daughter-Game/dp/0984388109?ie=UTF8&tag=sanklitesoci-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="5 Star Publications Presents: Daughter of the Game" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0984388109&tag=sanklitesoci-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sanklitesoci-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0984388109" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /><span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Barack-Me-Moses-Miller/dp/0978692926?ie=UTF8&tag=sanklitesoci-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="The Barack In Me" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0978692926&tag=sanklitesoci-20" /></a><span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Nan-Game-Trife-Moses-Miller/dp/0978692918?ie=UTF8&tag=sanklitesoci-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Nan: The Game of Trife" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0978692918&tag=sanklitesoci-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sanklitesoci-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0978692918" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sanklitesoci-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0978692926" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /><span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/LIES-BLUE-Lynne-Forde/dp/1604023783?ie=UTF8&tag=sanklitesoci-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="LIES OF BLUE" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=1604023783&tag=sanklitesoci-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sanklitesoci-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1604023783" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /><span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Drama-Capital-D-Denise-Coleman/dp/1934157325?ie=UTF8&tag=sanklitesoci-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Drama With a Capital D" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=1934157325&tag=sanklitesoci-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sanklitesoci-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1934157325" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<strong>Featured Authors Reading Schedule </strong><br />
<br />
<strong>8:00-8:30 pm EST</strong><br />
1. Pamela Samuels Young<br />
2. <span><span>Mari Walker<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sanklitesoci-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B003H4I5IA" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sanklitesoci-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B003H4I5IA" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span><br />
<br />
<strong>8:30-9:00 pm EST</strong><br />
1. Allison Hobbs<br />
2. Dwayne S. Joseph<br />
3. <a href="http://www.simply-said.net/">Debra Owsley</a>, Simply Said<br />
4. Dell Banks<br />
<br />
<strong>9:00-11:30 pm EST</strong><br />
1. Junnita Jackson<br />
2. Author Kai<br />
3. Moses Miller<br />
4. Lynne Forde<br />
5. Denise R. Coleman<br />
<br />
<strong>Shop EDC Creations Bookstores</strong><br />
<a href="http://astore.amazon.com/edcmagazine-20">http://astore.amazon.com/edcmagazine-20</a> Ella D. Curryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01852940348120955782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6823665471770336934.post-88360501720350614792010-12-01T14:31:00.000-05:002010-12-01T14:31:00.993-05:00Sassy Soulful Sunday - Black Books Weekend<strong><span style="font-size: large;">* Sunday, November 28, 2010 </span></strong><br />
<br />
A sassy, spirit filled 3-hour session of book discussions and author readings. <br />
Theme: Motivational, Christian Fiction, Non-fiction, Self-help, YA Readers, and Religious Books.<br />
.<br />
<a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/black-author-network/2010/11/29/black-books-weekend"><strong>Listen to the rebroadcast here today. Leave your comments below.</strong></a><br />
<br />
<strong>Moderated by Debra Owsley, owner of Simply Said Reading Accessories </strong><br />
Visit Simply Said Reading Accessories: <a href="http://www.simply-said.net/">http://www.simply-said.net/</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sistergirl-Devotions-Keeping-Jesus-Mix/dp/0800733975?ie=UTF8&tag=sanklitesoci-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Sistergirl Devotions: Keeping Jesus in the Mix on the Job" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0800733975&tag=sanklitesoci-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sanklitesoci-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0800733975" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /><span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Completely-Whole-Paulette-Harper/dp/0615331017?ie=UTF8&tag=sanklitesoci-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Completely Whole" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0615331017&tag=sanklitesoci-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sanklitesoci-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0615331017" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /><span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Postal-Blues-Nikki-Coe/dp/1934248592?ie=UTF8&tag=sanklitesoci-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Postal Blues" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=1934248592&tag=sanklitesoci-20" /></a><span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Something-Desirable-Sherlyn-Powell/dp/0595477267?ie=UTF8&tag=sanklitesoci-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Something Desirable" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0595477267&tag=sanklitesoci-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sanklitesoci-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0595477267" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /><span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Heaven-Forbid-Lutishia-Lovely/dp/0758238673?ie=UTF8&tag=sanklitesoci-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Heaven Forbid" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0758238673&tag=sanklitesoci-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sanklitesoci-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0758238673" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /><span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Flaws-Urban-Christian-Shana-Burton/dp/1601628528?ie=UTF8&tag=sanklitesoci-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Flaws and All (Urban Christian)" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=1601628528&tag=sanklitesoci-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sanklitesoci-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1601628528" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span></span></span><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sanklitesoci-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1934248592" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span></span></span><br />
<span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fearfully-Wonderfully-Made-Diamond/dp/1449089615?ie=UTF8&tag=sanklitesoci-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="The Fearfully and Wonderfully Made Diamond" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=1449089615&tag=sanklitesoci-20" /><span></span></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fearfully-Wonderfully-Made-Diamond/dp/1449089615?ie=UTF8&tag=sanklitesoci-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sanklitesoci-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B0032FO6B4" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /></a><span><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sanklitesoci-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1441574352" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sanklitesoci-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1449089615" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /><span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Jazz-Java-Jesus-Aleysha-Proctor/dp/1441574352?ie=UTF8&tag=sanklitesoci-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Jazz, Java & Jesus" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=1441574352&tag=sanklitesoci-20" /></a><span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Unsigned-Hype-Booker-T-Mattison/dp/B003E7EXTU?ie=UTF8&tag=sanklitesoci-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Unsigned Hype: A Novel" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B003E7EXTU&tag=sanklitesoci-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sanklitesoci-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B003E7EXTU" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /><span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Snitch-Novel-Booker-T-Mattison/dp/0800733967?ie=UTF8&tag=sanklitesoci-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Snitch: A Novel" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0800733967&tag=sanklitesoci-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sanklitesoci-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0800733967" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /><span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Straight-Your-Best-Friend-Relationships/dp/1932841563?ie=UTF8&tag=sanklitesoci-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Straight from Your Gay Best Friend: The Straight-Up Truth About Relationships, Work, and Having a Fabulous Life" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=1932841563&tag=sanklitesoci-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sanklitesoci-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1932841563" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /><span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Transformations-Give-Struggle-Renee-Wiggins/dp/098256130X?ie=UTF8&tag=sanklitesoci-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Transformations:Give Up The Struggle" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=098256130X&tag=sanklitesoci-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sanklitesoci-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=098256130X" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /><span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tahitian-Pearl-Gritty-Dune-Oasis/dp/0984218807?ie=UTF8&tag=sanklitesoci-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Tahitian Pearl (From The Gritty Dune To An Oasis In The Sun)" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0984218807&tag=sanklitesoci-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sanklitesoci-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0984218807" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /><span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Worthy-William-Ashanti-Hobbs/dp/0964221225?ie=UTF8&tag=sanklitesoci-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Worthy" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0964221225&tag=sanklitesoci-20" /></a><span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Chosen-People-William-Ashanti-Hobbs/dp/1413438008?ie=UTF8&tag=sanklitesoci-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="The Chosen People" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=1413438008&tag=sanklitesoci-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sanklitesoci-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1413438008" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sanklitesoci-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0964221225" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span></span></span></span></span></span><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sanklitesoci-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1441574352" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Featured Authors Reading Schedule</strong><br />
<a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/black-author-network/2010/11/29/black-books-weekend">Listen to the showcase here now.</a><br />
<br />
<strong><br />
8:00-8:30 pm EST</strong><br />
1. Carol Mackey<br />
2. Paulette Harper<br />
3. Nikki Coe<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>8:30-9:00 pm EST</strong><br />
1. Sherlyn Powell<br />
2. LaDonna M. Smith<br />
3. Lutishia Lovely<br />
4. Shana Burton<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>9:00-9:30 pm EST</strong><br />
1. Chizelle Archie<br />
2. Aleysha Proctor<br />
3. Booker T. Mattison<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>9:30-11:30 pm EST</strong><br />
1. Terrance Dean<br />
2. Renee Wiggins<br />
3. Esauren Phyer<br />
4. William Ashanti Hobbs<br />
<br />
<strong>Shop EDC Creations Bookstores</strong><br />
<a href="http://astore.amazon.com/edcmagazine-20">http://astore.amazon.com/edcmagazine-20</a> Ella D. Curryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01852940348120955782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6823665471770336934.post-58257715171900660632010-12-01T14:13:00.002-05:002010-12-02T04:24:49.899-05:00Sankofa Bookclub Summit - Black Books Weekend<strong><span style="font-size: large;">*</span> <span style="font-size: large;">Monday, November 29, 2010</span></strong><br />
<strong>Theme: Sankofa Bookclub and Twitter Friend Summit</strong><br />
<a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/black-author-network/2010/11/30/50-book-giveaway-sls-online-bookclub-summit">Listen to the rebroadcast here today. Leave your comments below.</a><br />
<br />
We invited readers to tell us what was on their mind! We discussed the books they were reading and what they would like to see changed in the literary world. Check it out, <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/black-author-network/2010/11/30/50-book-giveaway-sls-online-bookclub-summit">here</a>, to see what's important!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/All-Up-Business-Lutishia-Lovely/dp/075823869X?ie=UTF8&tag=sanklitesoci-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="All Up In My Business" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=075823869X&tag=sanklitesoci-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sanklitesoci-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=075823869X" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/What-Love-Tastes-Like-Zuri/dp/075823872X?ie=UTF8&tag=sanklitesoci-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="What Love Tastes Like" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=075823872X&tag=sanklitesoci-20" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lovin-Blue-Zuri-Day/dp/0758259999?ie=UTF8&tag=sanklitesoci-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Lovin' Blue" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0758259999&tag=sanklitesoci-20" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Straight-Your-Best-Friend-Relationships/dp/1932841563?ie=UTF8&tag=sanklitesoci-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Straight from Your Gay Best Friend: The Straight-Up Truth About Relationships, Work, and Having a Fabulous Life" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=1932841563&tag=sanklitesoci-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sanklitesoci-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1932841563" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/You-Showed-Me-Nahisha-McCoy/dp/1934157333?ie=UTF8&tag=sanklitesoci-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="You Showed Me" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=1934157333&tag=sanklitesoci-20" /></a><span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Worthy-William-Ashanti-Hobbs/dp/0964221225?ie=UTF8&tag=sanklitesoci-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Worthy" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0964221225&tag=sanklitesoci-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sanklitesoci-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0964221225" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span><br />
<br />
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sanklitesoci-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1934157333" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sanklitesoci-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0758259999" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sanklitesoci-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=075823872X" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
<br />
<strong>Speakers and Featured Authors Reading</strong><br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Lutishia Lovely<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sanklitesoci-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=075823869X" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Zuri Day</div>Terrance Dean<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sanklitesoci-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1932841563" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
William Ashanti Hobbs<br />
Nahisha McCoy<br />
<a href="http://www.simply-said.net/">Debra Owsley</a>, owner of Simply Said Reading Accessories<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>Shop EDC Creations Bookstores</strong></div><a href="http://astore.amazon.com/edcmagazine-20">http://astore.amazon.com/edcmagazine-20</a> <br />
<br />
<strong>View the BAN Radio Reader's Newsletter </strong><br />
<a href="http://www.feedblitz.com/f/f.fbz?html=301498">http://www.feedblitz.com/f/f.fbz?html=301498</a> <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Ella D. Curryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01852940348120955782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6823665471770336934.post-25036419466578132572010-11-29T04:50:00.000-05:002010-12-02T04:51:27.074-05:00Workshops: Empowering Single Mothers Raising Male Children Alone<div style="text-align: center;"><strong>EMPOWERING SINGLE MOTHERS RAISING MALE CHILDREN</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Raising Him Alone Workshops for Single Mothers Kick-Off Philadelphia, PA</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTznGS-6GPWJWklGalYSOJDQE0VQoDlHMbm9xkiM1cailXUwhL_YUvVWMP-eX4gDyG8wSbl-nzS8R7pBbCUfYtPizHe71Azqbi43ncoAK06pwV94RpjHgprK9kSlro1odT5W3v_fBF6Uzj/s1600/raisinghimalonebanner0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTznGS-6GPWJWklGalYSOJDQE0VQoDlHMbm9xkiM1cailXUwhL_YUvVWMP-eX4gDyG8wSbl-nzS8R7pBbCUfYtPizHe71Azqbi43ncoAK06pwV94RpjHgprK9kSlro1odT5W3v_fBF6Uzj/s400/raisinghimalonebanner0.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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. <br />
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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. <br />
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<strong>Raising Him Alone Kick-off Philadelphia PA: Securing Our Sons Future Workshops:</strong><br />
<br />
<strong>» Saturday, Dec 18, 2010</strong><br />
Keeping Him Alive & Free<br />
Co-Parenting Young Black Males<br />
(Northwest Community Coalition for Youth)<br />
Imhotep Charter High School<br />
6201 N. 21st Street <br />
Philadelphia, PA 19138<br />
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.<br />
Kwanzaa Celebration to Follow<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>» Friday, March 25, 2011</strong><br />
10 Rules of Survival When Stopped by the Police<br />
Special host organization: Institute for the Development of African-American Youth (IDAAY)<br />
Temple University<br />
1801 Broad Street <br />
Philadelphia, PA 19122<br />
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>» Thursday, April 21, 2011</strong><br />
Monitoring Your Son's Technology<br />
Police Athletic League (PAL)<br />
2423 N. 27th Street <br />
Philadelphia, PA 19132<br />
6:30p.m. - 8:00p.m.<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>» Saturday, May 14, 2011</strong><br />
Black Male Development Symposium<br />
7th Annual Symposium<br />
Special Panel: Mothers Raising Sons<br />
Cheltenham High School<br />
500 Rices Mill Road <br />
Wyncote, PA 19095<br />
8:00a.m. - 4:00p.m.<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>» Wednesday, June 8, 2011</strong><br />
Parent Retreat<br />
FOP Lodge #5<br />
1336 Spring Garden Street <br />
Philadelphia, PA 19123<br />
6:00p.m. - 8:00p.m.<br />
<br />
<strong>All workshops will provide a licensed child care provider, lunch or dinner and great giveaways.</strong> Attendees must R.S.V.P by contacting 215.851.1795, 215-572-8510 OR 877.339.4300 or visit us at <a href="http://www.raisinghimalone.com/">http://www.raisinghimalone.com/</a> <br />
<br />
<strong>Raising Him Alone (RHA)</strong> 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.<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=sanklitesoci-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B002AN0XZ2&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>About The Raising Him Alone Campaign</strong><br />
<strong>The Raising Him Alone Campaign is the vision of David Miller and Matt Stevens.</strong> 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. <br />
<br />
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. <br />
<br />
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. <br />
<br />
<strong>The Raising Him Alone Campaign</strong> 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. <br />
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<strong>CONTACT: Lee McDonald </strong><br />
Email: <a href="mailto:therenaissancegrouplm@gmail.com">therenaissancegrouplm@gmail.com</a>Ella D. Curryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01852940348120955782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6823665471770336934.post-68532009047829240222010-11-23T08:23:00.001-05:002010-11-23T08:26:12.375-05:00Divine Women of Faith Book Club<span style="color: black; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span> <br />
<div align="center"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Conversation with Divine Women of Faith Book Club</span></b></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3AfAxqKA0N_h2ha4oZXsZwqj5AJ3sZx_gnfWvBcO3GdTdGletKR-kWvMiLxJTkKKxeNTuxjkZTjJwWm3G3BbwhcFXRJYuJbxqV93xDunRO6OM0v58cJWqVp_PW2kwkhlqVAkTCKbsl6PI/s1600/divinewomenoffaithbookclub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3AfAxqKA0N_h2ha4oZXsZwqj5AJ3sZx_gnfWvBcO3GdTdGletKR-kWvMiLxJTkKKxeNTuxjkZTjJwWm3G3BbwhcFXRJYuJbxqV93xDunRO6OM0v58cJWqVp_PW2kwkhlqVAkTCKbsl6PI/s1600/divinewomenoffaithbookclub.jpg" /></a></div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>The Divine Women of Faith Book Club</b> (</span></span><a href="http://www.myspace.com/divinewomenofaithbookclub"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">http://www.myspace.com/divinewomenofaithbookclub</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">) 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.<br />
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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.<br />
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<b>My name is Shelia Goss and I'm the founder of Divine Women of Faith Book Club</b>. 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.<br />
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<b>Ella: What is the vision for your organization? </b><br />
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.<br />
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<b>Ella: On your nightstand now: </b><br />
Lady Jasmine by Victoria Christopher Murray<br />
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<b>Ella: Book all readers should own besides the bible: </b><br />
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.<br />
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<b>Ella: Your top three authors. Why?</b><br />
Kimberla Lawson Roby<br />
ReShonda Tate Billingsley<br />
Victoria Christopher Murray<br />
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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.<br />
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<b>Ella: Meet the president of Divine Women of Faith Book Club/ Shelia M. Goss </b><br />
<strong>Shelia M. Goss</strong> 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 (</span><a href="http://www.thelipglosschronicles.com/"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">www.thelipglosschronicles.com</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">).<br />
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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 </span><a href="http://www.sheliagoss.com/"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">www.sheliagoss.com</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
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<b>Ella: Tell us about your passion for writing. </b><br />
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.<br />
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<b>Ella: A Legacy is something that is handed down from one period of time to another period of time. What is yours?</b><br />
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.<br />
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<b>Ella: Introduce us to your book, His Invisible Wife. </b><br />
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.<br />
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<b>Ella: What inspired you to write this story, His Invisible Wife?</b><br />
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.<br />
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<b>Ella: How would you describe the genre in which you do most of your writing?</b><br />
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.<br />
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<b>Ella: Are your characters from the portrayal of real people?</b><br />
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.<br />
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<b>Ella: What advice would you give a new writer?</b><br />
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.<br />
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<b>Ella: Share with us your latest news, awards or upcoming book releases.</b><br />
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.<br />
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<b>Ella: Where can the readers find you online?</b><br />
Main website: </span><a href="http://www.sheliagoss.com/"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">www.sheliagoss.com</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
Young Adult website: </span><a href="http://www.thelipglosschronicles.com/"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">www.thelipglosschronicles.com</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
Myspace page: </span><a href="http://www.myspace.com/sheliagoss"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">www.myspace.com/sheliagoss</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
Twitter page: </span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/sheliamgoss"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">www.twitter.com/sheliamgoss</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Shelia M. Goss</b><br />
National Bestselling Author of His Invisible Wife (July 2009), My Invisible Husband etc. </span></span><a href="http://www.sheliagoss.com/"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">http://www.sheliagoss.com</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Ella D. Curryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01852940348120955782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6823665471770336934.post-80531208723163595112010-11-23T08:18:00.001-05:002010-11-23T08:27:26.332-05:00OOSA Bookclub Gets It Read<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><strong><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Intimate Conversation with Only One Key Stroke Away (O.O.S.A.)</span></strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: black;"> </span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Only One Key Stroke Away (O.O.S.A.) </strong>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!<br />
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<b>Ella: What is the vision for your organization? </b><br />
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.<br />
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<b>Ella: Give a deeper understanding of how important reading is to you.</b><br />
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.<br />
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<b>Ella: Favorite couple from a book: </b>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).<br />
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<b>Ella: Favorite genre, series or sequels: </b> 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.<br />
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<b>Ella: Name three authors you would like to do a phone chat with this year. </b><br />
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.<br />
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<b>Ella: Share your news or events with us. What's next for your group? </b><br />
What’s next…more Author Spotlights and contests.. And as always, we read, review and recommend. It’s what we do.</span></span><br />
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</span><b><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Book club and contact info: </span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Website: </span></span><a href="http://www.oosaonlinebookclub.com/"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">www.oosaonlinebookclub.com</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/oosaonlinebookclub"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">www.facebook.com/oosaonlinebookclub</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><a href="http://twitter.com/OOSABookClub"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">http://twitter.com/OOSABookClub</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Ella D. Curryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01852940348120955782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6823665471770336934.post-64482511585888444802010-11-23T08:12:00.001-05:002010-11-23T08:34:19.840-05:00Sisters Sippin’ Tea Literary Group<div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Intimate Conversations with Sharon Haynes </span>Coordinator of Sisters Sippin’ Tea Literary Group – Tulsa Chapter</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301928896478581202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO8tXA0E21K4Rt73mx3cPAuJax48w2bXzjrG27DRaKhzASry2vTAfEWu_lrg-kH0Irx_YjiVwi1UIYHA0YeLzY47yHeirBpyDfKlPluSxtvKjr2jaStiyQp18WhkpiS8k_S60nEqzFU_E/s400/SistersSippinTea.jpg" style="display: block; height: 252px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></span></strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong></strong> </span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>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.</strong><br />
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<strong>Ella: Tell us about the mission of the literary group.</strong><br />
The <em>Tulsa chapter of Sisters Sippin’ Tea Literary Group</em> 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.<br />
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<strong>Ella: Sharon, tell us a few books that you would define as "Literary Hallmarks."</strong><br />
The Known World by Edward P. Jones<br />
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison<br />
The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin<br />
Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe<br />
My Soul to Keep by Tananarive Due<br />
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<strong>Ella: That is a wonderful selection of books! What do you define as Quality Literature?</strong><br />
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.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhWDMCxuKZ4ECdP95726anj-oRUZzgoq6zwrKqXl76FjEJf2gRz5f0fRw7nROBk-V6bB1LJsMAyyK0HkHdN-IMluc-hi2rAOxROEzU7aliJB9XFOC95xkI51CC87Y-_IpfiAh3XnzX2sI/s1600/SistersSippinTeawhite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301929004114459186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhWDMCxuKZ4ECdP95726anj-oRUZzgoq6zwrKqXl76FjEJf2gRz5f0fRw7nROBk-V6bB1LJsMAyyK0HkHdN-IMluc-hi2rAOxROEzU7aliJB9XFOC95xkI51CC87Y-_IpfiAh3XnzX2sI/s400/SistersSippinTeawhite.jpg" style="height: 362px; margin-top: 0px; width: 336px;" /></a><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Ella: How did your organization develop? How many members are in the group?</strong></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhWDMCxuKZ4ECdP95726anj-oRUZzgoq6zwrKqXl76FjEJf2gRz5f0fRw7nROBk-V6bB1LJsMAyyK0HkHdN-IMluc-hi2rAOxROEzU7aliJB9XFOC95xkI51CC87Y-_IpfiAh3XnzX2sI/s1600-h/SistersSippinTeawhite.jpg"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">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. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">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 <em>Sistah Circle Book Club</em>. 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.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">We began as <em>Emerging Minds Books and More</em>. 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 <em>Sisters Sippin’ Tea</em>; it’s been a wonderful journey every since! The Tulsa chapter currently has 11 members.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
<strong>Ella: Do you have outreach programs or events that we can support?</strong><br />
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. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Sisters Sippin’ Tea</strong> 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.<br />
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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.<br />
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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.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
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<strong>Ella: What does a typical meeting consist of for the members?</strong><br />
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.<br />
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<strong>Ella: Who are some of the other authors your group has featured?</strong><br />
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.</span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Ella: Name three authors you would like to have on a phone chat.</strong><br />
President Barack Obama, Toni Morrison, Bell Hooks. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Ella: What advice would you give authors about approaching book clubs to read their work?</strong><br />
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.</span></div><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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<strong>Ella: Ultimately, what do you want members to gain from your union?</strong><br />
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.<br />
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<strong>Ella: How may our readers find out more about you and the group?</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Sisters Sippin’ Tea Literary Group – Tulsa Chapter<br />
Visit SST online<span style="color: black;">: </span></span><a href="http://www.sisterssippinteatulsa.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">http://www.sisterssippinteatulsa.com</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.myspace.com/tulsa_sisters_sippin_tea" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">http://www.myspace.com/tulsa_sisters_sippin_tea</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div></span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Sharon Haynes – Coordinator</strong></span></div></div></div><br />
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</div>Ella D. Curryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01852940348120955782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6823665471770336934.post-17652272967292764432010-11-23T07:30:00.002-05:002010-11-23T07:32:10.805-05:00Kreative Readers Bookclub<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<div align="center"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-size: medium;"><b>Keyonda Campbell - President of Kreative Readers</b></span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7rSxYcotdhZqK9kz6nSk9y6KXFeND7NsRCGCajwITy_St5LtTStsnvV61Y-qYR5fsrRd3b-mv5Ozd8FbhQdUbnXvTkmbLYnjvC77yETrCPOBUnevKkMq3AAJT7SRNKxfh1p8P-lf19Esm/s1600/KreativeReadersBookClub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="251" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7rSxYcotdhZqK9kz6nSk9y6KXFeND7NsRCGCajwITy_St5LtTStsnvV61Y-qYR5fsrRd3b-mv5Ozd8FbhQdUbnXvTkmbLYnjvC77yETrCPOBUnevKkMq3AAJT7SRNKxfh1p8P-lf19Esm/s320/KreativeReadersBookClub.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div align="center"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Share the History of the Kreative Readers.</b><br />
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.<br />
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<b>The vision of the Kreative Readers:</b><br />
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.<br />
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<b>Living your best life includes:</b><br />
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.<br />
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<b>On my bedroom book stand right now is: </b>The List by Sherri Lewis and also We take this Man by Candice Dow and Daaimah S. Poole.<br />
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<b>Favorite book when I was a child: </b>The Very Hungry Caterpillar</span></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Name three authors you would like to do a phone chat with this year.</b><br />
I would love to do a phone chat with Author Angelle Michelle, Bernice L. McFadden, E. Lynn Harris</span></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Book you most want to read AGAIN much slower, to savor:</b><br />
I really enjoy V.C. Andrews earlier work so I would like to re-read Flowers in the attic and savor her creative abilities.<br />
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<b>THE KREATIVE READERS</b></span><a href="http://www.myspace.com/kreativereaders"><span style="color: black;">www.myspace.com/kreativereaders</span></a></span></div><div align="justify"><br />
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</div>Ella D. Curryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01852940348120955782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6823665471770336934.post-24271082820682344022010-11-18T11:48:00.001-05:002010-11-18T12:23:42.636-05:00Christmas with Jacqueline E. Luckett<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Intimate Conversation with Jacqueline E. Luckett</span></strong><br />
<strong>Searching for Tina Turner</strong></div><strong></strong><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLfIkdNuVjWIiy3TzskB4tJvIpoiEtm8zo3VHP6WYtIP36gxmO4NXGi7tmKaO1eAo4lSFd4ppAg8W6M6Z8OAB1hJH7sxXmoREJtDs1An5Y0bP2LIsh69RBbEvxZ1oao-XY9zOX_JglO411/s1600/JacquelineLuckettbio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLfIkdNuVjWIiy3TzskB4tJvIpoiEtm8zo3VHP6WYtIP36gxmO4NXGi7tmKaO1eAo4lSFd4ppAg8W6M6Z8OAB1hJH7sxXmoREJtDs1An5Y0bP2LIsh69RBbEvxZ1oao-XY9zOX_JglO411/s1600/JacquelineLuckettbio.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">After leaving the corporate world, <strong>Jacqueline Luckett</strong> 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.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>» What are you most thankful for today? </strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">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.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>» Tell us about your fondest holiday moment or event. Do you have Holiday rituals that absolutely, positively must be followed? </strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">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. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">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. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">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.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7YCt_37oByzlJLA37yDVphDEeOvuNcG5wSjmKCVhBRmh1z9qy1kExGeksHY8B5u45e4Iatku93FCp17nXUTziCb2JIpOxNOa28uf2MpMxiTbp-_eKdWgrB3Q0onzm4BBtrdB9-R-SHKSy/s1600/JacquelineLuckettholiday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7YCt_37oByzlJLA37yDVphDEeOvuNcG5wSjmKCVhBRmh1z9qy1kExGeksHY8B5u45e4Iatku93FCp17nXUTziCb2JIpOxNOa28uf2MpMxiTbp-_eKdWgrB3Q0onzm4BBtrdB9-R-SHKSy/s1600/JacquelineLuckettholiday.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>» Do you have a favorite holiday menu, story or song? <br />
Share with us. </strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">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. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">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). </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">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.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">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!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=sanklitesoci-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0446542962&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>» Tell us about your latest book. What are two main events taking place in the book? </strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">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.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">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. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>Review for Searching for Tina Turner by Jacqueline Luckett </strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">“A fierce, beautiful tour de force . . . a heroine for the ages . . . Luckett is a writer to watch and admire.” <br />
--ZZ Packer</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>» Have you ever considered what kind of legacy you want to leave future generations? What do you want to be remembered for? </strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">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. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">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.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>» How may our readers contact you online and pick up your latest work? </strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><em>Searching for Tina Turner</em> 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.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Follow me on Twitter: @jackieluckett at <a href="http://twitter.com/jackieluckett">http://twitter.com/jackieluckett</a>; Website: <a href="http://www.jacquelineluckett.com/">http://www.jacquelineluckett.com/</a>; Finish Party: http://www.finishparty.com; FB Fanpage: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jacqueline-Luckett-Searching-for-Tina-Turner/108871448654">www.facebook.com/pages/Jacqueline-Luckett-Searching-for-Tina-Turner/108871448654</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Ella D. Curryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01852940348120955782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6823665471770336934.post-73175203239602680912010-11-18T11:38:00.000-05:002010-11-18T11:38:23.613-05:00Intimate Conversation with Miss KP<span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Intimate Conversation with Miss KP</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>The Dirty Divorce Trilogy<br />
</strong> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9FGGeViKedWF1w4Fe9Uq_uAo8aczf1j9zT9Uo45OSkiCvlHK4i8qsueKi26zJjKTzWxPfg-XAY6QZHk7sNWMUdtaImGMSpeLTapOjqmskn3LgPQo5wS_yAbm4SS1J3NTHtVz_A8GnV7s8/s1600/misskpbio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9FGGeViKedWF1w4Fe9Uq_uAo8aczf1j9zT9Uo45OSkiCvlHK4i8qsueKi26zJjKTzWxPfg-XAY6QZHk7sNWMUdtaImGMSpeLTapOjqmskn3LgPQo5wS_yAbm4SS1J3NTHtVz_A8GnV7s8/s1600/misskpbio.jpg" /></a></div><strong>Miss KP</strong> 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 <em>Dirty Divorce, Part 1</em>.<br />
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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. <br />
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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, <em>The Dirty Divorce- Part 2.</em> For more information on Miss KP or her books, visit her website at: <a href="http://www.misskp.com/">http://www.misskp.com/</a> <br />
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<strong>Ella: Introduce us to your book, <em><a href="http://www.lifechangingbooks.net/images/lcb_bookstore.html">Dirty Divorce 2</a></em> and the main characters.</strong><br />
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. <br />
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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? <br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;"><span><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=sanklitesoci-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1934230774&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></span><span style="font-size: small;">Meet the Main Players in </span><a href="http://www.lifechangingbooks.net/images/lcb_bookstore.html"><span style="font-size: small;">Dirty Divorce 2</span></a></span></strong><br />
<strong>Rich</strong>- 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.<br />
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<strong>Lisa- Rich's wife.</strong> 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.<br />
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<strong>Juan- Rich and Lisa's son.</strong> 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.<br />
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<strong>Denie- Rich and Lisa's daughter.</strong> 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.<br />
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<strong>Carlos "Los"- Rich's Cousin.</strong> 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. <br />
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<strong>Marisol- Carlos' wife.</strong> Beautiful but ruthless. A true ride or die chick. Will do anything for her husband. <br />
A close friend to Lisa.<br />
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<strong>Ella: Who are your favorites? Are your characters from the portrayal of real people?</strong><br />
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.<br />
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<strong>Ella: What role do you give the mean spirited characters? Do you have such characters?</strong><br />
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.<br />
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<strong>Ella: What specific situation or revelation prompted you to write a book?</strong><br />
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.<br />
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<strong><span><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=sanklitesoci-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B003M5IOK8&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></span>Ella: Who do you want to reach with your book and what is the message within?</strong><br />
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. <br />
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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. <br />
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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.<br />
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<strong>Ella: What are some of their specific issues or problems addressed in this book?</strong><br />
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.<br />
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<strong>Ella: Share with us your upcoming releases and online contact info.</strong><br />
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: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/misskpdc">www.twitter.com/misskpdc</a>. <br />
Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/misskpdc">www.facebook.com/misskpdc</a> or visit my website at: <a href="http://www.misskp.com/">http://www.misskp.com/</a> <br />
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<a href="http://www.lifechangingbooks.net/images/lcb_bookstore.html">Purchase Dirty Divorce 1 and 2 written by Miss KP, HERE.</a></strong><br />
Publisher: Life Changing Books <br />
ISBN-10: 193423074X <br />
ISBN-13: 978-1934230749Ella D. Curryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01852940348120955782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6823665471770336934.post-65522305334018857562010-11-18T11:25:00.000-05:002010-11-18T11:25:48.877-05:00Christmas with author Andrea Foy<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Christmas with author Andrea Foy</span></strong></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoFbmERh5zgyTiTLh02LwCnysDjN9M7l2FHXOeqfPhNMV7o0dPDFB4evEPYC3MBSIEYSaLbtt93qLgah8d7Urq9w930w7RY_spU17LGeCf3VQvS-aeGjG336XB44JfgpidppqwFDWPPQO3/s1600/andreafoy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoFbmERh5zgyTiTLh02LwCnysDjN9M7l2FHXOeqfPhNMV7o0dPDFB4evEPYC3MBSIEYSaLbtt93qLgah8d7Urq9w930w7RY_spU17LGeCf3VQvS-aeGjG336XB44JfgpidppqwFDWPPQO3/s1600/andreafoy.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>Andrea</strong> <strong>Foy</strong> 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: <a href="http://www.andreafoy.com/">http://www.andreafoy.com/</a> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>BPM: What are you most thankful for today?</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">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.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>BPM: Tell us about your fondest holiday moment or event. Do you have Holiday rituals that absolutely, positively must be followed?</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">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.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>BPM: How do you celebrate the holidays? Have you planned anything special for this year?</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">This will be the first year without my father, who recently passed so it will be low key this year, remembering him. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>BPM: Do you have a favorite holiday menu, story or song? Share with us.</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">Menu – Turkey, sweet potatoes, homemade rolls, cranberry sauce. Story and song – The little drummer boy story and song.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>BPM: Tell us about your latest book, <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hire-Power-Andrea-Foy/dp/0981743692">Hire Power: How to find, get, and keep a Job</a></em>. </strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">My book is a non-fiction book for the Mature YA, with tips on job hunting, customer service and working in general.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>BPM: Have you ever considered what kind of legacy you want to leave future generations? </strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">I hope my book is used for future generations because they all need to learn.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>BPM: How may our readers contact you online and pick up your latest work?</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.andreafoy.com/">http://www.andreafoy.com/</a> and Amazon.com. It is available as an e-book too, <a href="http://penofthewriter.podbean.com/ebook-hire-power">HERE</a>. Follow me on Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com//HirePower">www.facebook.com//HirePower</a> and check out my Tweets at: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/HirePower2010">www.twitter.com/HirePower2010</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;"><span><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=sanklitesoci-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0981743692&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></span>Hire Power by Andrea Foy</span></strong><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hire-Power-Andrea-Foy/dp/0981743692">Hire Power</a> 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.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>In Hire Power you will learn:</strong><div style="text-align: left;">• How to complete an application </div><div style="text-align: left;">• Appropriate and inappropriate attire for an interview </div><div style="text-align: left;">• How to deal with coworkers, bosses and customers </div><div style="text-align: left;">• Basic business etiquette </div><div style="text-align: left;">• How job performance can lead to great appraisals and promotions</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hire-Power-Andrea-Foy/dp/0981743692"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Hire Power by Andrea Foy</span></strong></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">How to find, get, and keep a Job <br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://penofthewriter.podbean.com/ebook-hire-power"><strong>E-Book - order now.</strong></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hire-Power-Andrea-Foy/dp/0981743692"><strong>Amazon - order now.</strong></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">ISBN-10: 0981743692 </div><div style="text-align: left;">ISBN-13: 978-0981743691 </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div></div></div>Ella D. Curryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01852940348120955782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6823665471770336934.post-88442780446935457002010-11-18T11:06:00.002-05:002010-11-18T11:10:08.595-05:00Intimate Conversation with Niambi Brown Davis<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Intimate Conversation with Niambi Brown Davis</span></strong></div><strong><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5EJSx5lfISz8bEH9eFF7XNhUU3Ee3SNjVaRM7XF7Rhcaq1VOttVfXRAHHwSRCsDEoTv8wZ_pKtuQMxUjHqpCGifDrKpvxw9NNlfz0czRGHwLduGNGrHFW3XAr5cTYS4pRi5MbT0a3GBhx/s1600/niambibrowndavisphoto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5EJSx5lfISz8bEH9eFF7XNhUU3Ee3SNjVaRM7XF7Rhcaq1VOttVfXRAHHwSRCsDEoTv8wZ_pKtuQMxUjHqpCGifDrKpvxw9NNlfz0czRGHwLduGNGrHFW3XAr5cTYS4pRi5MbT0a3GBhx/s1600/niambibrowndavisphoto.jpg" /></a></div><strong>Niambi Brown Davis</strong> 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. <br />
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In 2010 Sanctuary was released as an Apple iTunes application, and will be released in e-book format through Lady Leo Publishing. <em>Sabor a Mi</em>, Niambi’s latest novella, was released in September 2010 by InnerVision Books.<br />
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<strong>BPM: What are you most thankful for today?</strong> <br />
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.<br />
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<strong>BPM: Tell us about your fondest holiday moment or event. Do you have Holiday/Christmas rituals that absolutely, positively must be followed?</strong><br />
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). <br />
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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…) <br />
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<strong>BPM: How do you celebrate the holidays? </strong>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.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEimVTN4O6rGry2K_RGSG2zxPuV75m5RKbOsE3NFGJ0khKBrrB9oaUos6HlWY47PNXLG9MBWZ-lIePL58OlRXsKdqrUxaAljg3PWN3CzCewNnPOkKwkxYcbmLpwubUgq39_8yU4TC8sjnP/s1600/Niambidavis1967.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEimVTN4O6rGry2K_RGSG2zxPuV75m5RKbOsE3NFGJ0khKBrrB9oaUos6HlWY47PNXLG9MBWZ-lIePL58OlRXsKdqrUxaAljg3PWN3CzCewNnPOkKwkxYcbmLpwubUgq39_8yU4TC8sjnP/s1600/Niambidavis1967.jpg" /></a></div><strong>BPM: Do you have a favorite holiday menu, story or song? Share with us.</strong><br />
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.<br />
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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.” <br />
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<strong>BPM: Tell us about your latest book. What are two main events taking place in the book?</strong> <br />
<em>Sabor a Mi</em> 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. <br />
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I started <em>Sabor a Mi</em> 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. <br />
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<strong>BPM: How may our readers contact you online and pick up your latest work?</strong><br />
Thanks so much for including me in the Holiday Book Tour. I can be reached by email at <a href="mailto:niambi@niambibrowndavis.com">niambi@niambibrowndavis.com</a>, or <a href="mailto:nbrowndavis@aol.com">nbrowndavis@aol.com</a> Sabor a Mi is available for download at <a href="http://www.innervisionbooks.com/">http://www.innervisionbooks.com/</a>, or for the Kindle at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/">http://www.amazon.com/</a>. <br />
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My web address is <a href="http://www.niambibrowndavis.com/">http://www.niambibrowndavis.com/</a>. I look forward to hearing from readers and friends - Happy Holidays!Ella D. Curryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01852940348120955782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6823665471770336934.post-2668487483048350512010-11-18T10:50:00.001-05:002010-11-18T10:55:31.950-05:00Intimate Conversation with Kai<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Intimate Conversation with Kai</span></strong><br />
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</span></strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitJp3OnnbsREd_H_bq60-NNeCX3C0KdpRvC6OjoPd6rSNS23jvjkRchffdNraioaAFxGBVLw3mCtmaLycmAD4WZ9HYvyj3YaGbSg_V0vz36CZkYV6kl3foijvOw3aKfdDLld49zQzd1Ehf/s1600/KaiMoorebio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitJp3OnnbsREd_H_bq60-NNeCX3C0KdpRvC6OjoPd6rSNS23jvjkRchffdNraioaAFxGBVLw3mCtmaLycmAD4WZ9HYvyj3YaGbSg_V0vz36CZkYV6kl3foijvOw3aKfdDLld49zQzd1Ehf/s1600/KaiMoorebio.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>Kai</strong> 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. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">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. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">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.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>BPM: What are you most thankful for today?</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">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.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>BPM: Do you have a favorite holiday menu, story or song? Share with us.</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">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.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>BPM: Have you ever considered what kind of legacy you want to leave future generations? <br />
What do you want to be remembered for?</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">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.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>BPM: Tell us about your latest book. What are two main events taking place in the book? What are the main subjects discussed?</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">In <em>Daughter of the Game</em>, 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.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">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.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">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. </div><div style="text-align: left;">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.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">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.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>BPM: How may our readers contact you online and pick up your latest work?</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">My website is <a href="http://www.authorkai.com/">http://www.authorkai.com/</a> and my email is <a href="mailto:discoverkai@yahoo.com">discoverkai@yahoo.com</a>. Please send me an email- I will definitely respond. <em>Daughter of the Game</em> is a trilogy, the second release - <em>The Secret Keeper</em> - will be available in early spring 2011. A sneak peak at the prologue is currently available on my website at <a href="http://www.authorkai.com/">http://www.authorkai.com/</a>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">My next novel, <em>The Loudest Silence</em>, 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 <a href="http://www.authorkai.com/">http://www.authorkai.com/</a>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Intro for <em>The Loudest Silence</em> by Kai</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>The Loudest Silence </strong>- Where every cruel, silent action is met with a definite, louder reaction... </div><div style="text-align: left;">"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. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">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.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Star-Publications-Presents-Daughter-Game/dp/0984388109">Daughter of the Game by Kai</a></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">ISBN-10: 0984388109 </div><div style="text-align: left;">ISBN-13: 978-0984388103 </div><div style="text-align: left;">Author website: <a href="http://www.daughterofthegame.net/">http://www.daughterofthegame.net/</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=sanklitesoci-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0984388109&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><span style="font-size: large;">Daughter of the Game </span><span style="font-size: large;">by Kai</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">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? </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>Daughter of the Game Book Review:</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">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. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">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. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">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. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">This review, which was unsolicited but greatly appreciated, was posted by a reader on amazon.com </div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>- By Hotchklate "Coast2CoastReaders" (Bronx, N.Y.) </strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Ella D. Curryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01852940348120955782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6823665471770336934.post-33203412293483258862010-11-18T10:38:00.002-05:002010-11-18T10:41:29.003-05:00A Love for Tomorrow by Vanessa Miller<strong><span style="font-size: large;"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=sanklitesoci-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1603742085&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>A Love for Tomorrow by Vanessa Miller</span></strong><br />
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. <br />
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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. <br />
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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. <br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">A Love for Tomorrow Book Reviews</span></strong><br />
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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. <strong>– CBA Retailers Reviewer</strong> <br />
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<strong>5.0 out of 5 stars by Pat Simmons </strong><br />
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). <strong>– Reviewed by Pat Simmons </strong><br />
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<strong>5.0 out of 5 stars by WB Amazon Review</strong><br />
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. <br />
<strong>– Reviewed by WB Amazon Review</strong><br />
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<strong>5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Read! by Charlene L. Amsden "Quilly"</strong><br />
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.<br />
<strong>– Reviewed by Charlene L. Amsden </strong><br />
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<strong>True Love! By LOVE2READ "TJ" (MARYLAND) </strong><br />
This review is from: Love for Tomorrow (Second Chance at Love #2)<br />
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.....<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1QaLzmYDY_zZ-zwJFh6Q6uJx0nfucOHlsp31ep13Q6MER7qF_Uo-ODeVgvcmgx5FkglpgJ-Y8NqJqh8NSdqPxcEMzyRQ3jQFJ5whzhJRmN4oqOK_WhdCv1wy-WsIHTdBzOaEPE_HqOirD/s1600/VanessaMillerbiosm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1QaLzmYDY_zZ-zwJFh6Q6uJx0nfucOHlsp31ep13Q6MER7qF_Uo-ODeVgvcmgx5FkglpgJ-Y8NqJqh8NSdqPxcEMzyRQ3jQFJ5whzhJRmN4oqOK_WhdCv1wy-WsIHTdBzOaEPE_HqOirD/s1600/VanessaMillerbiosm.jpg" /></a><strong><span style="font-size: large;">About the Author</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span>Vanessa Miller</strong> 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.</div><br />
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.”<br />
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<strong>Love for Tomorrow (Second Chance at Love #2) </strong><br />
ISBN-10: 1603742085 <br />
ISBN-13: 978-1603742085<br />
Categories/genre: Christian Romance <br />
Book Video Trailer: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2YnQEDMnJg">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2YnQEDMnJg</a>Ella D. Curryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01852940348120955782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6823665471770336934.post-26372572314327794092010-11-18T10:27:00.000-05:002010-11-18T10:27:14.434-05:00Intimate Conversation with Vanessa Miller<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtSV6ZDEtIFMpVMFGcqR6_35kT3s1QBjBWsR8tGo6jN3hTkvQc7IAhpEoWbjJ9ffi80eyhSI1GkVqpIDgDEnfZ3-_9DVNe0URoQUXsdCLtFzXd-7Y5QAP0LZwUIwfIWnFy2M2VykoDSwxe/s1600/vanessamillebiom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtSV6ZDEtIFMpVMFGcqR6_35kT3s1QBjBWsR8tGo6jN3hTkvQc7IAhpEoWbjJ9ffi80eyhSI1GkVqpIDgDEnfZ3-_9DVNe0URoQUXsdCLtFzXd-7Y5QAP0LZwUIwfIWnFy2M2VykoDSwxe/s1600/vanessamillebiom.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Intimate Conversation with Vanessa Miller</span></strong></div><strong><br />
</strong><strong>Vanessa Miller</strong> 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.<br />
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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.”<br />
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<a href="http://vanessamiller.com/pdf/A%20Love%20for%20Tomorrow-excerpt.pdf"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Read an Excerpt from A Love for Tomorrow.</span></strong></a><br />
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<strong>BPM: Vanessa, what makes you powerful as a person and a writer? Who are your mentors?</strong><br />
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.<br />
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<strong>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?</strong><br />
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.<br />
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<strong>BPM: Finish this sentence- My writing offers the following legacy to future readers... </strong><br />
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.<br />
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<strong>BPM: Introduce us to your latest Christian Romance novel, <em>A Love for Tomorrow</em>.</strong><br />
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....<br />
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<strong>A Love for Tomorrow</strong> 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.<br />
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<strong>BPM: What specific situation or revelation prompted you to write your book?</strong><br />
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. <br />
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<strong><span><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=sanklitesoci-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1603742085&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></span>BPM: Take us inside <em>A Love for Tomorrow</em>. What are two major events taking place?</strong> <br />
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.<br />
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<strong>BPM: Who are your favorite characters? Are your characters from the portrayal of real people?</strong><br />
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.<br />
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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.<br />
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<strong>BPM: Who do you want to reach with your book and the message within?</strong><br />
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.<br />
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<strong>BPM: How will reading your book shape the readers lives? </strong><br />
My hope is that reading <em>A Love for Tomorrow</em> 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 <em>A Love for Tomorrow</em>. I would have to agree with her.<br />
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<strong>BPM: What are some of the other specific issues or problems addressed in this book?</strong><br />
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.<br />
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<strong>BPM: What was the most powerful chapter in the book?</strong><br />
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. <br />
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<strong>BPM: What do you think makes your book different from others on the same subject?</strong><br />
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 <em>A Love for Tomorrow</em>… it’s good romance that ministers.<br />
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<strong>BPM: Share with us your latest news, awards or upcoming book releases. </strong><br />
A Love for Tomorrow – #1 on the BCNN/BCBC Bestseller List for September<br />
Long Time Coming – Winner of the ACFW Book of the Month for December 2010<br />
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<strong>Other book releases:</strong><br />
Long Time Coming – November 2010<br />
A Promise of Forever Love (sequel to A Love for Tomorrow) – April 2011<br />
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<strong>BPM: How can our readers reach you online? </strong><br />
Website: <a href="http://www.vanessamiller.com/">http://www.vanessamiller.com/</a> <br />
Twitter: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/vanessamiller01">www.twitter.com/vanessamiller01</a> <br />
Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/vanessamiller01">www.facebook.com/vanessamiller01</a>Ella D. Curryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01852940348120955782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6823665471770336934.post-74084097653556588642010-11-18T10:13:00.004-05:002010-11-18T10:16:51.833-05:00Christmas with author Renee Wiggins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixqJ_iIFQcLA5Dkkcy-ti-jadnmm34Z6MWSyaB767sOgq95GXIe-GIVmR3V_sy2H4p8AOaP-t38QtN6exvhyNCKftASMLL1CP5WxCIZEyT-zhQs9eVscniBMpi_dIlsRWihuBpEnxZXo7Q/s1600/ReneeWiggins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixqJ_iIFQcLA5Dkkcy-ti-jadnmm34Z6MWSyaB767sOgq95GXIe-GIVmR3V_sy2H4p8AOaP-t38QtN6exvhyNCKftASMLL1CP5WxCIZEyT-zhQs9eVscniBMpi_dIlsRWihuBpEnxZXo7Q/s1600/ReneeWiggins.jpg" /></a></div><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Christmas with author Renee Wiggins</span></strong><br />
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<strong>Renee Wiggins</strong> has mentored, trained, and changed lives in the health and wellness industry for more than twenty years. A strong believer and encouragerin living an authentic, healthy lifestyle, Renee specializes in designing customized lifestyle programs that are tailored to the client's needs, goals, and habits. <br />
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Renee Wiggins is a registered dietitian, and certified massage therapist. She is the author of several books, "Can I Exercise Sitting Down?" and Stress Down and Lift UP. My fourth book, will be release in March 2011, it is a collection of stories to help uplift and encourage people to embrace their struggles and to know that the storm is only temporary.<br />
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<strong>What are you thankful for Today?</strong><br />
I am thankful for being alive. I am in constant pain with heel spurs and, some days, I hardly can walk, but I am grateful. I am thankful for the friends I have and for the caring, love, and closeness among my family members. I'm also thankful for the freedom I have because of people who gave their lives to ensure it. I thank GOD everyday for their sacrifice.<br />
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<strong>Tell us about your fondest holiday moment or event?</strong><br />
When I was 7 years old, I received an Annie Oakley cowgirl outfit as a Christmas gift. You know, the boots, the skirt, vest, shirt and hat along with two cap guns. I thought I was on top of the world with that outfit and that remains one of my fondest memories ever.<br />
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<strong>Do you have a favorite holiday menu, story, or song?</strong><br />
<strong> </strong>My favorite holiday menu includes candied yams, cranberry sauce and macaroni and cheese. I love the way my mother used to fix these items and, to this day, I have to have them every Thanksgiving. <br />
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<strong>How do you celebrate the holidays? </strong><br />
I celebrate holidays with my mother. She's getting older, so now I do the cooking. I make our special holiday meal for the two of us and we both enjoy it.<br />
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<strong><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=sanklitesoci-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=098256130X&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>Tell us about your latest book, <em>Transformations: Give UP The Struggle</em>. </strong>Transformations: Give UP The Struggle is a collection of affirmations that motivate the reader to do what's necessary to heal their brokenness and to move forward. <br />
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<strong>How my our readers contact you online and pick up your latest work?</strong><br />
Your readers can contact me at <a href="mailto:renee@resultsbyrenee.com">renee@resultsbyrenee.com</a>. <br />
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<strong>The book is available on Amazon.com</strong> or <a href="http://www.resultsbyrenee.com/">http://www.resultsbyrenee.com/</a> or Follow me on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/giveupthestrugg">www.twitter.com/giveupthestrugg</a> or <a href="http://www.transformationsgiveupthestruggle.blogspot.com/">http://www.transformationsgiveupthestruggle.blogspot.com/</a> <br />
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<strong>Transformations: Give Up The Struggle </strong>by Renee Wiggins <br />
ISBN-10: 098256130X <br />
ISBN-13: 978-0982561300 <br />
Author website: <a href="http://www.resultsbyrenee.com/">http://www.resultsbyrenee.com/</a>Ella D. Curryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01852940348120955782noreply@blogger.com0