SimplySaidReadingAccessories

SimplySaidReadingAccessories

Monday, October 25, 2010

Convenant of Lies



Synopsis: The drama, lies, deceit, and hidden secrets are revealed in this second release of the Covenant of Lies trilogy. Continue to follow the lives of the McFinley, Richardson and Taylor families. What will become of Jill and Shane’s budding relationship? Will the long time relationship between Henry and Carl survive the years of deceit and lies? Will Marcie’s relationship with her father be the final straw for Selma? “Covenant of Lies The Revealed Truth” is the second book in the “Covenant of Lies” series of self created web of lies by Author Holly Spence.

BIO:
A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, Holly Spence is a graduate of the School of Creative and Performing Arts in which she majored in Drama, Technical Theatre Management and Vocal Music. She attended the University of Cincinnati, majoring in Chemical Technology.

Mrs. Spence is an author (“Servant Leadership The Heart That Serves” and “Power of 10 Gaining Empowerment in 10 Minutes, 10 Words, 10 People”), Conference Speaker and Workshop Facilitator.

She’s the mother of 3 beautiful children: Heather, Jehoshua and Joshijah-rapha as well as best friend and covenant partner of Vinnie Spence.


Excerpt:
Courtney wakes up, her head is pounding and blood is all over her lab coat. She does not know how long she has been out, but she remembers being knocked out by Calvin Taylor. She looks at Selma’s bed and she is still sleep. Selma was administered a heavy dose of Percocet to help her sleep through the night as comfortable as possible. Courtney then began to look around for Marcie, calling her by name, but unable to move swiftly. Water in the bathroom is running. Courtney managed to get to her knees and use the couch to get to her feet. When Courtney opened the bathroom door, Marcie was in the shallow shower with water running, bruises on her arms and legs. Her shirt was around her neck; her bra ripped off, her pants and underwear, all at her ankles.

“Oh God!!! Marcie!” Marcie doesn’t reply nor does she move. Courtney turns off the water, runs outside for help. The officer was getting up off the floor the same time Courtney was coming out of Selma’s hospital room. “Sir, are you ok? I will have someone come by to look at you, don’t get up stay seated.”

Courtney made her way to the nurse’s station, the nurse looked up, “Oh Courtney, what in the world happened?” said the nurse.

“I was attacked by Calvin Taylor, Selma Taylor’s husband, please call hospital security and have them dispatch the police. I need to call down regarding my shift, I was supposed to report to work, what time is it?” Courtney sees the clock, “Oh no, I have been out for over 30 minutes? I also need someone to look at the officer outside Mrs. Taylor’s room and I need help getting Marcie Taylor to emergency for examination.”

The sixth floor nurse scrambles to meet the request and makes the necessary calls. A second nurse joins Courtney to check out the officer. Courtney heads back down to Marcie with a gown and blankets in hand to cover Marcie. When Courtney gets back to the room, the nurse behind her tends to the officer to identify his injuries. Courtney opens the door. Marcie is still in the bathroom lying in the shower.

Visit the Author:

http://twitter.com/monarchpubllc
http://monarchpublicationsllc.blogspot.com/

Monday, October 18, 2010

Skeletons in Her Closet


Skeletons in Her Closet

Synopsis:
New author, L’Mignon
, takes pride in bringing the girl next door character to reality for her readers, creating a story that many can identify with in some fashion. In her first novel, Skeletons in Her Closet she introduces us to McKenzie Johnson. Over the years McKenzie has become so involved in work she neglects having a social life. As a New Year begins, McKenzie is convinced by her friends to trade in her conservative business attire for some sexier club gear and finally let her hair down.

All work and no play is never any fun. Not knowing when she will get out again she is determined to make the most of this night. Unbeknown to her, not only will she enjoy a fun night with the girls but also meet the man she would soon marry, Milton Williams. Ordinarily, she would never go for a man that she met in a club, but there is something different about Milton once she takes the time to get to know him. He is everything she has always wanted and felt she needed to make her life complete. But as with all things in life, McKenzie’s journey with Milton is not an easy one.

L'Mignon leaves you on the edge of your seat until the very end wondering how this story will play out.

Book Excerpt

On the outside I, McKenzie Johnson, came across as being your average girl next door. Go to work, come home, go out occasionally with the girls, you know the type. I am definitely the kind of girl every man’s mother would just love. Indeed, the kind of girl every man dreams of. I am like a chameleon. I can adapt to any environment and still hold my own. I worked as a business professor at a local community college. I really enjoyed working in this environment. Sometimes it was complicated having students older than me and some the same age. But all in all it was interesting.

I have always been dead set on establishing my career as a teacher before entertaining anything as it would relate to my personal life. For a period in my life I became so consumed with school and developing a career that my friends would have to schedule time for us to grab dinner or a movie. I started out at the high school level but knew that would be a temporary situation as I did not have the tolerance to deal with the immaturity of the high school students at times. The only worry I had with the college level is that there was a greater chance that I would see my students out in some of the local hang out spots. Regardless my age in comparison to theirs I needed them to always respect me as their professor. Bad enough I had to prove myself to some of my older colleagues. Being a professor at thirty-five was impossible in the eyes of some. However, I worked hard for every degree that I held and was surely reminded of it every time I received a bill that a student loan payment was due. The administration recognized my accomplishments so to my colleagues there really was nothing left to prove.

My friends always teased that I was too devoted to my credibility as a professor. They just did not get it. But they did have a point. As Kelly would say, ‘what’s the point of hard work if you don’t play just as hard’? Kelly and I had been friends since high school. If any one knew me she was clearly one of very few that knew everything about me. She and our friend Jay were always convincing me that I needed to branch out and devote just as much time to my personal life as I did my profession. I had come along way from the McKenzie I was back in the day and it would be an honor for any man to have me. I knew this but it was just hard conveying that into my everyday life. I had not been on a date in years. Jay and Kelly did make some attempts over the years to hook me up. But nothing ever materialized. The men they picked for me were more the type of men they would date. They both liked men that had an edge to them. It did not matter where they worked or any of that. They just needed him to look fine and be able to lay it down in the bedroom. They had no problem calling me snooty. They were such loyal friends and had no problem at all speaking their minds. I have to admit as harsh as they were at times, it made sense. Jay and Kelly were persistent they did not care how long they had to continue to sing the same mantra. They knew eventually I would give in and accommodate their requests to venture out with them and let my hair down.

As I new year was about to set in I decided that this would be the last year that Jay and Kelly would be chanting that mantra. Even my mom was pressuring me to get out there and see what life had to offer outside of the classroom. Kelly and Jay had been telling me about a party they were going to attend to bring in the a new year, so I figured the best gift to them would be a phone call saying that I would join them. When I placed the call I have to say I never heard either of them scream so loud.

“You mean to tell me that after all these years you finally stepping out with the girls. Lord it is going to snow tonight,” Kelly said. Jay just screamed when I told her. They were excited. As crazy as it may seem it had been three years since I had been to a club with the girls. We have done dinner and a movie but nothing of this sort. This was clearly about to be a new start for me.

Biography

L’Mignon was born June 29, 1979 in Richmond, VA. She graduated from Highland Springs High School in 1997. She attended Strayer University, where she received both her Associates and Bachelors Degree, majoring in Business Administration with a primary focus in Contract Management. This fall she will be returning to college to pursue her MBA with a focus in Human Resources Management.

She is the proud mother of a ten-year-old son, Makari. When she is not on the baseball or football field with Makari she can be found writing, working on various projects, or spending time with her family. L’Mignon is a social butterfly who values being able to spend time with very supportive and caring friends; and the women of the Ladies of Life~Love~Laughter chapter registered with the Red Hat Society, where she serves as chapter queen.

Skeletons in Her Closet, her first novel, was released March 2010. L’Mignon takes pride in bringing the girl next door character to reality for her readers. It is her aspiration to continue to write novels that everyday people can relate to and refer back to their daily lives.

Interview with the Author:

1. How did you come up with the pen name, L’Mignon?

When I sought out to establish a pen name I wanted something that was going to be a unique representation of me. My middle name alone is very unique. So I thought I would combine that with the first initial of my first name, hence L’Mignon was created.

2. How long did it take you to complete Skeletons in Her Closet?

I started Skeletons in Her Closet in 2007. I completed the first six chapters before putting it on a very long pause. I pulled it out in August 2009 after my 30th birthday and vowed that I would have it completed and released before my 31st birthday. After pulling it out it took me five months to have it completed and on in route to the editor.

3. What has been the response from the readers of Skeletons in Her Closet?

The response to date has been amazing. I really was not expecting the great feedback that I have from the readers. Readers have gone so far as to compare my writings to that of Zane, which is an honor. Since reading and completing Skeletons in Her Closet the readers have been constantly emailing me to see when the second novel will be available.

4. Does the main character, McKenzie, embody any of your actual personality?

Like me McKenzie has a great sense of style when it comes to her attire. Through out the novel she clearly makes sure to put a lot of detail into her gear. In my actual life, I am big on appearance and believe in looking and dressing for the occasion.

5. Will there be another book from L’Mignon?

There will definitely be more to come from me. I have even gone as far as tentatively titling the second novel, Seven Nights & Seven Days. I am aiming to have this one available March 2011

6. Can you see Skeletons in Her Closet being a film or stage play?

I read Skeletons in Her Closet for the first time a month ago on an airplane ride to California. As I was reading it vivid images was playing out in my mind. I could clearly see different scenes and even the soundtrack played in my head. I am hoping that by the time I finish the McKenzie series I will be in the developing stages of having it at transpired into, at the very least, a stage play.

7. Are there other avenues you would like to pursue?

In addition to writing, I would like to venture into being a radio host. I would like to have a female hosted version of a Michael Baisden Show. I would also like to venture into public speaking. I think as a single mother & a product of Richmond Redevelopment Housing Authority, the political way of saying projects, I have had the stereo types stacked against me. And to overcome and excel where I should be is a message of motivation alone.

Find the Author at:

www.lmignon.com

email: mignon629@gmail.com

Book Trailer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVaz7Rze-gw

Friday, October 15, 2010

Book Review: “Raising Him Alone” by David Miller


Book Review: “Raising Him Alone” by David Miller and  Matthew P. Stevens
Reviewed by: Lynia White, founder of  The Quality Corner Bookstore



Millions of black women find themselves in the very challenging position of raising a son on their own. Raising Him Alone is a valuable resourcedesigned to help single mothers to successfully face the challenge. It is written by two men that are passionate about empowering youths todayand dedicated to helping young people succeed. David Miller is Co-founder and Chief Visionary Officer of the Urban Leadership Institute, anenterprise that focuses on creating positive youth development strategies.

Miller has a background in education and has authored several books. Matthew Stevens is the Founder of Empower Today’s Youth, which provides youth with tools to make healthy life decisions. Stevens is also a presenter, youth counselor and freshman college advisor. Miller and Stevens have brought their experience together to create Raising Him Alone.

Absent fathers has become an epidemic in the black community.  It can be very difficult for black single mothers to raise a boy to be a man.Statistics reflect how young black males have been affected by the absence of a father in the home. For example, a recent report ongraduation rates indicates that in some US cities, the drop out rates among black males exceed 65 percent. That is a staggering statistic. Young men in the black community need help. The help that these boys need must start at home. The purpose of Raising Him Alone is to provide the support and guidance that single mothers need to help their sons flourish.

This guide provides so much practical wisdom. Issues such as literacy, sex education and law enforcement are discussed. The importance ofknowing your son is stressed. A mother needs to know what her son’s interests are, who his friends are and what’s in his room. I appreciate the candid approach of this book. Often, self-help books will dance around sensitive issues. However, the writers of Raising Him Alone are very honest about their own experiences with raising children and they get to the heart of issues that matter the most. Black women face veryunique challenges when raising sons.

This book is based on interviews with women that have faced these challenges successfully. They share their success and failures so others can learn from them.  While the book is directed to mothers, the role of the father is acknowledged. It is critical that boys have a relationship with their father. Mothers are helped to determine how to deal with the connection between their son and his father. The assistance of mentors and other role models is encouraged.  There is even a section that addresses grandparents that are raising grandsons.

I applaud the effort of Miller and Stevens to help mothers raise their sons alone. The strategies found in this book will benefit any mother thatwants to raise a boy to be a strong asset in the community. In addition to this book, there is a website dedicated to this cause. For more information, visit http://www.raisinghimalone.com/.


Reviewed By Lynia White:Lynia White is a columnist, book reviewer and the founder of  The Quality Corner Bookstore -  http://www.thequalitycorner.com/.   For more book reviews by Lynia, visit her blog at:  http://thequalitycorner.blogspot.com/  and  http://www.blackbookreview.com/


Raising Him Alone (http://www.raisinghimalone.com/) is designed to provide support and advocacy for single mothers raising boys and focuses on creating a safe space for single mothers to discuss parenting strategies, personal development, managing finances on a single income and a variety of other topics determined by single mothers.  

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Win a Copy of A Slip In The Right Direction


Win a Review Copy of the YA Novella
A Slip In The Right Direction by author Rachel Berry


Audio preview: A Slip In The Right Direction
MP3 File



A Slip In The Right Direction, a coming-of-age story for tweens & teens. The story of life, puppy love, and lessons, as seen through the eyes of a 14-year-old young man coming-of-age in Chicago.

Homesick for his life and friends back home, a family move forces 14 year old Clifton Henderson, aka Slip, to grow up on the north side of Chicago. In his mind, life sucks at the moment and can't get any worse. But it does. A kidnapping by gang members, a crush on a girl playing hard to get, a strict father, a mysterious neighbor, and the gift of premonitions all help take him on a ride of life until eventually he takes A Slip In The Right Direction.

Listen the book excerpt above and leave your comments, along with your email address to enter a drawing to win a review copy of Rachel Berry's new YA title,  A Slip In The Right Direction.  Author Rachel Berry will pull all the comments from her online book tour on Nov. 25, 2010 and announce the winners on Dec. 1, 2010. Please consider giving books as gifts this holiday season!

How To Enter the Contest: To enter the drawing, hosted by EDC Creations Media Group, readers must preview the excerpt podcast and leave a comment of 10 words or more. Three readers will win copies of this book, while the author is on tour. Winners will be randomly selected to receive a copy of the featured book. Winners will be posted on the author's teen blog. Books mailed within 7-10 business days of the contest ending. All prizes distributed by EDC Creations, not the publishers. Your privacy is protected. Email lists are never sold.

Eligibility: To be deemed eligible to participate in this contest, you must be 20 years of age or older and the contest legal in your state. Open only to permanent legal residents of the 50 states of the U.S.A. and D.C. This contest is NOT available outside the United States all federal, state, and local laws and regulations apply void where prohibited or restricted by law. Winners will be notified via email. Books will be shipped media mail 7-10 days after contest ends. The winners will be listed on the author's website on December 1, 2010 at: http://www.thecliftonhendersonseries.com/  and  http://www.rachelberry.webs.com./


No purchase necessary to enter or win.
Only one book per month per household or bookclub. All that we ask is for the reader to post a review online or in the social network of their choice, after reading the book. Spread the word and tell 10 people about the book.


Meet Author Rachel Berry
Rachel Berry is a word-fairy that enjoys the craft of words that create and inspire life and people. As an author & poet Rachel feels blessed to have the creative opportunity of expression. Berry is also a motivational speaker, mentor, community leader, independent book publisher, entrepreneur, columnist for SORMAG, and host of From The Heart & Soul show on Blog Talk Radio.

She currently resides in Virginia with her husband, adult children, grandchildren, and parents. Rachel puts family first and enjoys life in Virginia. When she's not writing, she also enjoys reading, dining out, traveling, and watching movies. She accredits her gain in blessings and achievements to her relationship and guidance from her creator, association with great women, positive family members, loyal friends, the upbringing of an amazing woman-her mother, and the support and love of her husband and children.

Connect with Rachel Berry, CEO Kimathi Enterprises & Publishing Company
Author Website:  http://www.rachelberry.webs.com/
 

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

For Those Who Stare at the Moon



http://thegoldenbutterfly.blogspot.com/2010/10/re-book-give-away.html


Getting to Know Tiffany Flowers

Who are some of your favorite authors/books?

I read memoirs, fiction, children’s books, and non-fiction daily. So, I do not have a favorite author or book.

What was the one book that most influenced your life and why?
The one book that influenced my life was Judy Blume’s series. During fifth grade, I was a reluctant reader. My fifth grade teacher read Fudge, Superfudge, and Sheila the Great aloud. That book pretty much changed my life as a reader. I began to read all the time after that.

What authors influence your work?

Dr. Suess, Dav Pilkey, Jacqueline Woodson, and Jon Scieszka.

About the Author
Tiffany A. Flowers is a native of Chicago, Illinois, and the author of two children's books. Born the child of an artist, she spent the majority of her childhood attending poetry readings, festivals, and art shows with her mother. The majority of her stories reflect a culmination of all of her experiences from childhood to adult. However, the ultimate goal of her work is to promote hope and creativity, and to bring joy into the lives of children.
Tiffany lives in the south and spends her time teaching, writing, reading, and spending time with her family.

Visit Tiffany online:
http://www.goldenbutterflypublishing.com/
http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=1426034761

Hear Tiffany read from her book:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqdYqxDcBkA

Be sure and leave a comment for Tiffany! Sign up for Tiffany’s blog and be entered to win one of three copies of For Those Who Stare At the Moon! Winner will be randomly chosen by the author and announced on the last day of the tour.

http://thegoldenbutterfly.blogspot.com/2010/10/re-book-give-away.html

About the Author
Tiffany A. Flowers is a native of Chicago, Illinois, and the author of two children's books. Born the child of an artist, she spent the majority of her childhood attending poetry readings, festivals, and art shows with her mother. The majority of her stories reflect a culmination of all of her experiences from childhood to adult. However, the ultimate goal of her work is to promote hope and creativity, and to bring joy into the lives of children.
Tiffany lives in the south and spends her time teaching, writing, reading, and spending time with her family.

Monday, October 11, 2010

Road to Publication with author Katie McCabe

Road to Publication with author Katie McCabe


Author Katie McCabe joins us today to share her journey to publication that led to a major movie deal. She discusses her latest book and shares advice for new authors.



Katie McCabe is a National Magazine Award winner whose Washingtonian article on black surgical legend Vivien Thomas formed the basis for the HBO film Something the Lord Made, one of the highest rated original movies in HBO history and the winner of the 2004 Emmy and 2005 Peabody Awards.

McCabe’s 2009 book Justice Older than the Law, co-authored with pioneering lawyer Dovey Roundtree, won the Association of Black Women Historians’ Letitia Woods Brown Book Prize.

For her work in science and medical journalism, McCabe has been honored with awards for investigative reporting (William Allen White Award, 1991) and public service (National Magazine Award finalist, 1986).


» Book Spotlight: Justice Older than the Law: The Life of Dovey Johnson Roundtree by Katie McCabe and Dovey Johnson Roundtree.   Chapter One, "Walking Unafraid," about Dovey Roundtree's courageous Grandma Rachel, the woman Dovey calls "the greatest warrior I ever knew."  Listen to a live reading from Katie here:    http://www.audioacrobat.com/sa/WC3S5tj4


BPM: How did you get your start in writing/publishing?
KM: As a former high school English teacher who had always wanted to write, I launched my writing career in 1985 by pitching an article to Washingtonian magazine on the subject I knew best: education. I was fortunate to sell that very first piece, whereupon I began writing regularly for the magazine, branching out from education and private school topics to lengthy narrative pieces on medicine, medical research, and medical history.
The article that moved my career to another level was an August 1989 Washingtonian article on black cardiac surgery legend Vivien Thomas, “Like Something the Lord Made,” which won the 1990 National Magazine Award for Feature Writing and was optioned for a television movie. The 2004 HBO film that was based on my article, also named “Something the Lord Made,” starred Mos Def and Alan Rickman, and it won the Emmy for Best Made for TV Movie and the 2005 Peabody.  The HBO film enabled me to secure representation by a premiere New York literary agent and led to a host of other opportunities, including speaking engagements.

KM: In the 14-year period during which the Vivien Thomas piece was in development as a movie, I continued to write for Washingtonian, and I was approached by Reader’s Digest to write for them on contract. While the Digest experience was not artistically satisfying for me as a writer who places great value on style, writing on contract for the Digest provided income while I worked on other projects and embarked on a book, and it helped me hone my narrative skills.
In the 11 years I wrote for the Digest (1989 to 2000), I did lengthy “Book Section” pieces which required not only extensive research but also a mastery of narrative structure and character development within the strict confines imposed by the Digest form. I found that those storytelling skills stood me in good stead when I embarked on my first book, Justice Older than the Law: the Life of Dovey Johnson Roundtree, in February 1995, in collaboration with the book’s subject, pioneering civil rights lawyer, veteran and minister Dovey Roundtree. Nearly 15 years in the making, the book was published in July 2009 by the University Press of Mississippi and won the 2009 Association of Black Women Historians’ Letitia Woods Brown Memorial Book Prize for the best publication on an African American woman.

BPM: Katie, what can readers expect when they open a book created by you?
KM: I believe my power as a writer derives from my lifelong love affair with words and literature, my sense of the compelling stories hidden beneath the surface of outward events, and my fascination with unsung heroes. These passions came from my late parents, John and Kathleen Burns. They exemplified for me the kind of nobility and courage I endeavor to portray over and over again in my non-fiction as I seek out heroes and heroines whose lives have profoundly altered our world but whom history has forgotten or marginalized. My goal is to portray these history-makers with the vividness of fiction, and to bring them alive for future generations.

BPM: What are you most proud of as a writer in today’s market?
KM: I have endeavored to pass on to the next generation of readers the stories of men and women who have prevailed over almost insuperable odds to achieve greatness in medicine, in the law, in athletics, and in public service. I believe that my legacy as a writer is that I have brought to life some truly extraordinary examples of the triumph of the human spirit. These examples speak to people of all races and backgrounds about what is possible when one draws strength from mentors and taps into one’s own well of courage, faith and tenacity.

In today’s market, which is dominated by books and movies that glorify violence, brutality and sexuality run rampant, I choose to tell stories that celebrate the eternal values, and I think that sets me apart from the mainstream.

BPM: What advice would you give someone just starting out as a writer?
KM: I would tell young writers two things: first, to choose stories that they consider deeply important, to bring to bear every particle of talent they have to those stories and market them with all the energy they can summon; and second, to operate on the assumption, at least at the beginning, that it will not be possible to make a living by writing. It is possible to succeed in today’s brutal publishing market, but the reality is that one needs a reliable income from a steady job in order to “support the writing habit.”

BPM: What social issues do you address in Justice Older than the Law? How is this book affecting the public?
KM: I have never been a “political writer” in that I have never set out to address any social issues. I am a storyteller, and my goal is to pass along stories that matter, that illuminate lives that exemplify nobility, courage, tenacity, faith and goodness. All truly great stories change the world, and they do so precisely because they come in “under the radar” of our critical sense and move our hearts and minds.

When I set out to write Dovey Roundtree’s story, I did so because I was enthralled with her life experience and with her personal charisma. Having said that, I do believe that Justice Older than the Law speaks importantly to some of the most critical issues of our time.

Contemporary America urgently needs this book. As we contemplate at fifty years’ distance the meaning of Brown v. Board in the light of recent Supreme Court rulings, as we struggle with issues of race at every turn, there is a sense that we’ve lost our bearings.

KM: What is justice? What sort of a society are we aiming toward? How can we capture the values we seem to have lost? How do we arrest what Dovey calls “the demon of violence” that is destroying our cities? To be able to tap into the world view of a 96-year-old living legend who brought her fight into the streets, the jailhouses, the churches, and ultimately, into the hearts of the individuals to whom she ministered, is an extraordinary opportunity, I believe, for people of all races.


Special Note: First Lady Michelle Obama saluted Dovey Johnson Roundtree on the occasion of the book's Washington, DC launch.
"She [Dovey Johnson Roundtree] has clearly demonstrated that even in the face of enormous challenges, an unblinking belief in equality and justice will spur real change. I am inspired by Ms. Roundtree, and I hope that her story continues to motivate all Americans to fight for our shared values. It is on the shoulders of people like Dovey Johnson Roundtree that we stand today, and it is with her commitment to our core ideals that we will continue moving toward a better tomorrow."   ---  First Lady Michelle Obama, July 2009

BPM: What’s new? Tell us about your latest awards and media mentions.
KM: Dovey and I are proud that the book won the 2009 Letitia Woods Brown Memorial Book Award from the Association of Black Women Historians, which praised Justice Older than the Law for the way it “aided in connecting with the person and the pathos of Dovey” by its use of the novel format. The judges stated, “Your work enhances our understanding of the importance of storytelling as biography.”

We are also deeply gratified by the fact that law firms in Washington, New York, Philadelphia, Cincinnati, Hartford and Charlotte have embraced the book and made it a part of their diversity programming. This represents a whole new wave of Dovey’s activism, which neither she nor I anticipated when we set about to tell her story together 15 years ago.

KM: Dovey and I are also thrilled that 30 or more law firms in Washington, DC featured the book at a “Law Night” on Thursday, July 8 for the rising ninth graders at Thurgood Marshall Academy, a charter school located in Anacostia, where Dovey ministered for 35 years at Allen Chapel AME Church. The Law Night, held at Dovey’s alma mater, Howard University Law School, brought together the Thurgood Marshall Academy students with attorneys and summer associates from the law firms for a program I presented on Dovey and the book.

One of the great crusades of Dovey’s later years in Washington was to find a way to quell the tide of violence among young people, to do what she called “heal the brokenness” in society and especially the black family. This book is part of her healing effort. She believes that her story will point young people to the essential truths that will sustain them amid the chaos of contemporary culture and set them on the path of goodness. At age 96, she is prevented by gravely ill health from participating in these and other book promotion events, but she continues to celebrate with me the ripple effects of the book on which we worked together for so many years.

BPM: How may readers view the photos of Dovey, contact you for more information and to find out more about the book?
KM: Visit us at http://www.justiceolderthanthelaw.com/ ,  the web site address for the book, and there is a link there to email Katie McCabe (at mccabe.kathleen@gmail.com )

Justice Older than the Law by Katie McCabe
Purchase your copy today!
It is the story of pioneering Army veteran, attorney and minister Dovey Johnson Roundtree, co-authored by Katie McCabe. This is a love song to the black family and a celebration of the eternal values that make it possible to transcend our pain and limitations. Dovey Roundtree is an icon, and her story is an inspiration to all families.
Hardcover: 288 pages;  ISBN-10: 160473132X

Friday, October 8, 2010

Loved To Death


Rosa Elmore Ferguson is the author of LOVED TO DEATH: A Different Kind of Love Story and LOVED TO DEATH: The Truth Unfolds. LOVED TO DEATH: The City Speaks will be out in early 2011.
Born Infant Sleigh, Mrs. Ferguson, and adoptee, has been searching for her biology for over forty years. Rosa uses her writing to release the frustration and anger caused by failed attempts to find out who she is and where she came from. The author would like her readers to have a better understanding of what can happen when they become a part of an unsuccessful adoption triad.

Mrs. Ferguson is the proud mother of two sets of twins and currently resides in Olive Branch, MS with her husband.

In LOVED TO DEATH: A Different Kind of Love Story and the sequel, LOVED TO DEATH: The Truth Unfolds readers are introduced to a fictional Gaston City, Indiana and will see it through the eyes of Morosa Denise McKinley. Morosa is the adopted daughter of Morrow and Rose McKinley. Adoption, love, murder and intrigue seem to rule the day with the underlying theme being the pitfalls of adoption and what happens when a person isn't allowed to know the truth about themselves. These are the first two books in the LOVED TO DEATH short story trilogy

Follow the author along her virtual blog tour and as she chats with readers about her books and the challenges she faces in finding her roots.

Enter for a chance to win a copy of LOVED TO DEATH: A Different Kind of Love Story and LOVED TO DEATH: The Truth Unfolds courtesy of the author. The winner will be announced at the end of the tour. Please visit the author’s website at http://www.rosaferguson.com/">www.RosaFerguson.com

Now, let’s have a conversation with Rosa about her books and her quest to find her biology. Leave a comment and be a part of the conversation

Friday, October 1, 2010

Intimate Conversation with author Renee Wiggins

Intimate Conversation with author Renee Wiggins


Renee Wiggins is the owner of Results By Renee, a wellness company based in Maryland. Her mission is to help people achieve optimum health through nutrition, fitness and supplemented with stress reduction techniques.

Ms. Wiggins designs lifestyle programs for individuals and groups. She is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Massage Therapist.

Listen to various health related coaching sessions by Renee, by clicking here today. 

BPM: Renee, please introduce us to your latest non-fiction, self-help book, Transformations: Give UP The Struggle.
RW: Transformations: Give UP The Struggle is a unique collection of affirmations written to encourage readers to break the chains of negative thoughts and actions, to embrace the positive aspects of change and to take the necessary steps to live a happy, fulfilling life. We all have had our ups and down in our lives, some more than others. But, how we end up in the end, determines how we actually see the storms. The storms help us to change to a better and stronger person.

BPM: How did the title of your book, Transformations: Give UP The Struggle, come about?
RW: I was searching for a word that would express the idea of change, so I came up with four different titles that embodied that concept and I sent them to friends, family members and colleagues I trusted. With their help, I came up with the word" Transformations", as I thought, that really got to the core to the message I wanted to share. I added the "Give UP The Struggle because I wanted the reader to know in order to transform, one must give up. Thus the title, " Transformations: Give UP The Struggle' was born.

BPM: What specific situation or revelation prompted you to write Transformations?
RW: As a diabetes educator, nutritionist, and personal trainer, I hear a lot about the struggles my client's experiences. And as I've listen to them over the years, I soon began to realize that many of these men and women were in unpleasant, unhealthy situations because they were unable to break bad habits and unable to realize that making simple changes in their lives could make the difference they desired. So I wrote the affirmations in this book as a way of teaching people that their chain can be broken and that they I wrote Transformations" Give UP The Struggle as a way to let people know that just as a caterpillar grows wings and transforms into a butterfly, they too, must also be open to similar evolutionary process in their lives.

BPM: Are the affirmations a representation of your life?
RW: Yes, some of these affirmations come deep within my soul, while others were birthed from the experiences men and women have shared with me regarding their own personal struggles.  I want to reach men and women from the ages of 18 years to 92 years of age, who are entering a storm or going through a storm. The affirmations presented in this book can be a turning point in the reader's life.

BPM: What are some of their specific issues, needs or problems
addressed in this book?
RW: The central themes of my book revolve around encouraging and empowering my readers to embrace their struggle as life lessons that they can move from their current situation toward greatness. I 'm happy to have these themes in the form of affirmations because research has shown that people who recite and /or live by affirmations have a more positive attitude.

BPM: What is your best advice to anyone who wants to be a writer?
RW: I encourage writers to take classes, workshops, travel to seminars, connect with other writers, join groups and most of all, and help other writers without hesitation.

BPM: Share with us your latest news, awards or upcoming book releases.
RW: I am currently writing part two of my current book, Transformations: Give UP The Struggle. This book will be a collection of stories of people who successfully danced through some of life's most turbulent storms. It s my hope that these stories will provide the strength and guidance others may need to change their lives for the better.

BPM: How can readers reach you online?
Readers can find more info on me and purchase the book at:  http://www.resultsbyrenee.com/.  Follow me on Twitter:  http://twitter.com/giveupthestrugg for diet tips, health tips and more.



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