Diary of A Stalker by Electa Rome Parks

Diary of A Stalker by Electa Rome Parks
ISBN 10: 160162199x
Never judge a book by its cover. . .
Xavier Preston is tall, dark, and handsome, and the problem is that he knows it. He's a bestselling author who is accustomed to adoring female fans, both young and old, flirting with him, throwing themselves shamelessly at him, and trying to get between more than the covers of his novels. He has always been more than willing to accommodate their needs and desires; however, his womanizing days have finally ended. He's engaged to a beautiful woman, Kendall, and he's decided to walk the straight and narrow. Or has he?

From outside appearances, the very stunning Pilar has it all: a great career, a beautiful home, and a trust fund that keeps her financially secure; however, looks can be deceiving. All that glitters isn't necessarily gold. Pilar is searching for her perfect soulmate, and she thinks she has found him in Xavier. She believes in going after what she wants with a vengeance . . . and she wants Xavier. That is not negotiable. She will have him, even if it kills him.

When Xavier meets his fanatical fan, Pilar, he gets much more than he bargained for. What starts out as an erotic one-night stand quickly spirals out of control into a dangerous game of obsession and pain with both parties playing to win.

Think you know what goes on behind the literary scene? Think again

Excerpt
Meet PILAR
I'm your #1 fan.

It's funny how one's life can forever be changed with the utterance of four simple words: I'm your #1 fan. Well, actually, they weren't spoken, but sent to my favorite male author, Xavier Preston, by way of e-mail. Man, I love the World Wide Web.

I couldn't believe it; I had recently finished reading his latest national bestseller, Secret Desires, and to put it mildly, I was simply blown away. I felt like the main character was speaking directly to me, like she was inside my brain, picking it apart, piece-by-piece. I could relate to the storyline . . . totally . . . and the ending was spectacular, took my breath away. Secret Desires stayed with me, languishing inside my soul, like a sweet kiss that lingers into the early morning hours as dawn approaches.

Even though I am an avid reader, I should be since I'm a freelance writer; I typically do not contact authors about their books. I don't get caught up in the entire groupie side of the literary industry. Yes, it exists! Surprise, surprise! There is an entire circle of women all across the country, sometimes entire book clubs, who follow the lives and movement of African-American male writers the same way groupies chase after rappers, rock stars, athletes and actors.

In the book industry, it is just a bit more subtle. For example, the book club president might fly the handsome, fine, articulate male author into her city for the weekend, to discuss his most recent hot release at the monthly book club meeting and to perhaps get the added bonus of getting up close and personal between the sheets. It happens.

For me, however, this was different; Xavier Preston made a lasting impression. And generally it took a lot to impress me because I wasn't into the ordinary and I was determined to tell him, how impressed I was. That is, after I went out and purchased all his previous novels. I had a bit of catching up to do.

A week later, after devouring his other six novels from cover to cover like a delicious gourmet meal, savoring every word, I knew I had to make contact. I simply had an unrelenting urge to speak with him. I couldn't get his lyrical, rhythmic, flowing words out of my head. This man moved me. Moved me like I had never been moved before. I felt a connection. A deep connection.

Early one morning, before I began writing an article for one of the local magazines I frequently wrote for, I sent Xavier Preston my sincere, honest thoughts.

“Mr. Preston, I'm your #1 fan. I know you hear that all the time from readers, but I really, truly am. Your characters stay with me long after I've consumed the last page of your books. I never want your stories to end; they move me. You are super-talented, put these other authors to shame, and I'd love for you to autograph my books. By the way, I have all your novels. When will you be in Atlanta? A true, die-heart fan, Pilar.”

Much to my surprise and pleasure, a couple of days later, I received a simple response.

“Pilar, what a lovely name. Thank you, for the sweet e-mail. I'm so pleased you've enjoyed my books over the years. I'd love to meet you as well. I enjoy meeting and greeting my readers. I will be signing at Medu Bookstore, at 5:00 PM next Saturday at Greenbriar Mall. Please, stop by if you get the opportunity. I would love to see you there. Xavier.”

With a pounding heartbeat, I couldn't believe what I was reading and I re-read it a few more times for clarity. Wanted to make sure I was reading correctly that Xavier Preston asked to meet me. Me. Next weekend couldn't arrive soon enough


Connect with Electa online:
Email: novelideal@aol.com
www.electaromeparks.com
www.myspace.com/author_chick
www.facebook.com/electaromeparks
www.electaromeparks.blogspot.com

Ingredients for Prayer

Ingredients for Prayer
by Eric Lambert


In times of economic turmoil in the lives of so many, people are turning to whatever financial bailout that comes their way. These stimulus packages include reduced costs for services, rebates, two for one deals, and even prayer. The Rev. Eric A. Lambert Jr. believes prayer is the stimulus to improving people’s lives not as a gimmick but by, for one, giving them peace even though they have a bleak financial outlook.

“Through prayer we find a place that guarantees peace,” Rev. Lambert says. “God wants to solve our problems and give us peace.” In his latest book, Ingredients for Prayer: A Practical Approach for Maximizing Your Time with God, Rev. Lambert, pastor of Bethel Deliverance International Church north of Philadelphia, details what he believes is the true purpose of prayer in contrast to the ‘give me syndrome’ of prayer that so many with financial woes seem to have.

“We are often challenged by the worldly view of prayer, and we fall into the trap that makes us think that we are able to use prayer to bully the Lord into doing what we want. Yet I believe prayer is a time for intimacy and connection with God,” Rev. Lambert says. “Prayer by definition is worshipful oratory. By hyper-definition, prayer is an act of intercourse with your soul and God’s spirit. It is you connecting with God until your desires have been replaced by His heart.”


By using “The Lord’s Prayer” as a framework, he examines pieces of this prayer model to show ways to connect with God, like understanding the mind and will of God and becoming dependent upon and receiving the peace of God. Rev. Lambert says having a God-centered and not self-centered focus on prayer helps you to know that “[p]rayer is not about you. It is about the will of the Lord being done through you. To make supplication means that you should bring your request to the Lord; however, you must be sure that your request does not go against the will of the Lord.”

Rev. Eric A. Lambert Jr. responded to God’s call to Jesus Christ in 1971. From that time he was active in Christian ministry, serving in a variety of capacities at Deliverance Evangelistic Church, under the pastorate of the Rev. Dr. Benjamin Smith Sr. In 1987, after God’s leading, Rev. Lambert established Bethel Deliverance International Church in 1987 with seven committed believers, just north of his hometown of Philadelphia. In addition to pastoring, Rev. Lambert is fulfilling his apostolic calling, having planted a number of churches and developed pastoral relationships with both new and seasoned pastors. He remains committed to spreading the love of God to those who do not know Him while stabilizing and fortifying believers. This is evident not only in his church but in the messages of his books. For more information, visit www.betheldeliverance.org.


For more information about Ingredients for Prayer: Maximizing Your Time with God, visit http://ericlambertministries.com.

Follow the Ingredients for Prayer blog tour at http://bitly.com/IngredientsforPrayer.

One Night with You by Francis Ray

One Night with You by Francis Ray
New York Times bestselling author Francis Ray continues her captivating series about the Grayson family and their circle of friends with One Night With You, as two people with no plans for romance find themselves blindsided by desire…

THE THRILL OF THE CHASE...
Cougars, brush fires, snow storms—rancher Duncan McBride tackles it all without a flinch. But the archeologist who’s come to authenticate cave drawings found on his property is the kind of trouble he’d sworn to avoid. Far from the aging academic he was expecting, Raven La Blanc is a stunning woman…and definitely not sticking around this small Montana town once her job is done.

THE PASSION OF A LIFETIME…
The primitive drawings at Duncan’s ranch are Raven’s ticket to the tenured position she’s worked so hard for back in Santa Fe. But there’s no denying the attraction between her and Duncan. Maybe, just this once, she can put her work aside and explore the depths of her own heart and soul? One night may be all it takes for Raven to really find what she’s looking for…

“FAST, FUN, AND FULL OF EMOTIONAL THRILLS AND SEXY CHILLS.”
—Roxanne St. Clair, bestselling author on Nobody But You

Latest Release: One Night with You
November 03, 2009
Series: Grayson Friends Series
ISBN-13: 9780312365066; ISBN-10: 0312365063

When you first started writing, did you think you would ever write as many books as you have and have such a loyal following? Did you know this would become a "business venture" for you?
Francis: I had no idea I would write this many book or have such a loyal following when I started writing. I simply keep trying to write the best book possible, and was blessed to find an editor who kept buying my books. Yes, I always knew that you had to take the business side of writing seriously to stay in this industry for years. It requires a great business head for book promotions and even more professionalism to handle the contracts.

What has been the best and the worst experience you've had on your literary journey?
Francis: The best is after I sold my first book, I've never had a book that was rejected. The worst was walking away from one publisher and unsure if I'd find another publishing house that wanted my books. Scary. Scary.

How long does it take you to write a novel?
Francis: The time frame differs. I wrote ONE NIGHT WITH YOU, my November 03, release in 3 months. IT HAD TO BE YOU, Book #4 in the Grayson Friends series, and the last book I wrote took six weeks.



Do you remember the very first story you ever wrote? What age were you when you wrote it? Was it romance even then?
Francis: I had no idea I wanted to write until Woodewiss' third book. The first story I wrote was Wife For Hire for Black Romance. I was an adult.

Since romance novels have a pretty set formula that they follow, how difficult do you find it to continue to write stories that will make loyal romance readers overlook that aspect of the book?
Francis: The only set formula I can see is that hero and heroine are at odds, but by the end of the story they're in love and the writer has tested that love so the reader knows that whatever happens in their lives their love is strong enough to endure. I'd say the possibilities are endless. My plotting skills, not the parameters, is the challenge I face.

Several romance authors have ventured into writing in other genres such as mystery, etc. Have you ever considered taking that step also?
Francis: I wanted to write Christian fiction and was blessed to have been given that opportunity when Harlequin publishes, HOW SWEET THE SOUND. I've thought of writing young adult but I haven't gotten past three pages.


What challenges have you faced in your literary journey? How did you overcome them?
Francis: Probably the biggest challenge in my literary journey was finding a publisher who wanted to publish African-American romances. Then, when I did find a publisher, distribution was spotty at best. If the book did make it to an outlet, the challenge was getting readers not to think the book was badly written because it was written by an African-American. I overcame the challenge by continuing to write and believing that I had a story to tell that people wanted to read.


What is the one thing that has surprised you the most during your writing career?
Francis: That people think all published authors are wealthy.

What authors influence your work?
Francis: Katherine Woodewiss, Elizabeth Lowell, Amanda Quick, and Nora Roberts.

What are you currently working on?
Francis: I'm working on BECAUSE OF YOU, Book # 6 in the Grayson Friends series.

How may we contact you online?
Website: http://www.francisray.com/
Blogspot: http://www.francisrayblog.com/
Myspace: myspace.com/francisray
Fanclub: readersoffrancisray@yahoogroups.com


Pick up a copy at Amazon
Pick up a copy at Barnes and Noble

One Night with You by Francis Ray ---Read the First Chapter Excerpt





Link to read full screen:
http://www.docstoc.com/docs/document-preview.aspx?doc_id=13513498

TRANSFORMERS The ReVeal-a-tion by Loretta Faith Harris

TRANSFORMERS The ReVeal-a-tion
by Loretta Faith Harris

Director Michael Bay has done it again! “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” Ranked #1 in Top Box Office Hits bringing in over $112M in just one weekend. If you’ve never been a fan of the Transformer’s action figures or Saturday morning cartoons, this Sci-Fi Action movie is sure to hold you captivated with its noteworthy actors, Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, and Tyrese Gibson.

The setting is earth and the Decepticons will stop at nothing to take over the universe! With their leader Megatron revived from a deep sea nap they insist on retrieving the missing piece to complete their Power FEAT. Of course the Autobots isn’t having it and delivers an over the top combat led by the one and only Optimus Prime. Despite the metal uniforms and heavy weaponry, the Autobots are lost without their guiding light, Sam. Unbeknownst to Sam, he is the key element in this entire equation. Though small in stature Sam was predestined as the “One” to team up with Optimus Prime to take down the infamous Megatron and the Decepticon tyrants!

Isn’t this just like the human nature. We doubt and question our ability to CONQUER and OVERCOME life’s greatest obstacles. Little do we realize that we are destined for VICTORY!

Yes, like Sam You have to dig deep down inside and pull on generations of greatness. You did not just arrive at this mission…your forefathers have been fighting this Good Fight of Faith and it’s not over until You decide to do your part and CONQUER!

I feel this thing…! This word is seeping into someone’s heart and You finally realize that You are walking into your DESTINY. What Your ancestors could not do, the fulfillment of their deferred HOPES and DREAMS is dependent upon Your decision to Act. So Act Now! Step out on Your intuition and seize the moment to FREE Yourself from those DOUBTS and FEARS that’s been eating away at your ZEAL…! No time to wait - it’s time to TRANSFORM into that Man that Woman - You know – That Vision residing in the depths of your SOUL…it’s calling!

This is TRANSFORMERS The ReVeal-a-tion!

Loretta "Faith" Harris, M.Ed.
Children’s Heart Publishing, CCR certified
Author of, “The Journey Less Traveled: Choose to Turn Your Tragedy into Triumph”

Email: LHarris@chpublishing.org
Website: http://www.chpublishing.org/
Professional Reviews: www.myspace.com/chpublishing

Children's Heart Publishing where we are "capturing the heart of the writer"...™

I Need More by Kimberley White

Introducing Award Winning Author… Kimberley White

Award-winning author Kimberley White resides in metropolitan Detroit. She’s a nurse practitioner currently pursuing her Doctorate of Nursing Practice. She uses her twenty years of nursing experience to address topics such as domestic violence, hypertension and sexual harassment in an entertaining and informative manner. Ms. White speaks at writing conferences and has taught writing courses at several Michigan colleges.

Kimberley White resides in metropolitan Detroit where she is a nurse practitioner during the day and a writer of steamy romances at night. Visit her website at http://www.kwhitewrite.com/   Email: kwhite_writer@hotmail.com



Ms. White’s novels and awards include:
:: Sweet Tomorrows (Genesis Press, April 2001)
:: Dream Jobs To Go: Romance Writing (Intellectua ebooks, June 2001)
:: Lujon 1 (Best Black Women’s Erotica, Volume II. Cleis, February 2003)
:: Acquisitions (Genesis Press, May 2003)
:: Only In My Dreams (BET/Arabesque, May 2003)—Nominee, Best Romance of the Year
:: Tango (BET/Arabesque, November 2003)
:: Hard to Love (June 2004)
:: Forever After (BET/Arabesque, July 2004)—Winner, Steamiest Romance Book
:: Conquering Dr. Wexler’s Heart (Genesis Press, NOV 2004)
:: To Love A Ballantyne (BET/Arabesque, 2005)
:: Sweet Repercussions (BET/Arabesque, 2005)
:: You Never Know (BET/Kimani Press, 2006)
:: Ballantyne’s Destiny (BET/Kimani Press, 2006)
:: All the Way (Dafina, 2008)
:: I Need More (Dafina, 2009)


Community Discussion Questions
Please read Kimberley White's book excerpts and answer the following questions in this forum. Two commentors will be randomly selected to obtain a review copy of Kimberley White latest book. Leave your email addresses with comments here  to enter drawing. All winners will be announced on the Black Pearls Magazine at Facebook on November 27, 2009, during Black Books Weekends with Ella.

1. Why are we willing to sacrifice what’s truly important in life—love, family, health & safety—for fame and money?
2. Role reversal: are men now marrying for money?
3. Are African-American men really portrayed badly in the literature?
4. Are female characters relatable? (Physically? Use of foul language and slang?)
5. Why would an author lose their voice in their own books?

Introduction to I Need More by Kimberley White
Preview Chapters from the book here.

She Has Everything She Wants. . .
Dr. Erika Johnson's life couldn't get any better. Her practice is flourishing and her hunk of a husband Brock can't keep his hands off her--until the day he suddenly leaves her without a word of explanation. Stunned, Erika has no choice but to cobble together a new life on her own. When she serves Brock with divorce papers, Erika is certain he'll sign them so they can both move on. But that's when the surprises really begin. . .

Except The Man She Loves...
Brock is sure he did the right thing. All he ever wanted was to bring joy into Erika's life, not pain and sorrow. But when rumors reach him that Erika is seeing another man, he's torn between what he thinks is right and what he feels is right. Despite everything, there's no denying the fierce attraction she and Brock have always shared is burning hotter than ever. And when Erika finally learns Brock's secret, they must decide if they will face the uncertain future together-or apart. . .   ISBN-13: 9780758222107; ISBN 10: 0758222106   Buy the book, I Need More by Kimberley White, today!

Carbon Copy by Azarel

Sibling Rivalry at Its Finest
by Azarel

Got a sister? Got a brother? If so, you probably can testify to a few low-key feuds over the years. And some folk…well maybe a couple of jabs here and there. What about murder? Yes, I said it…Murder! It’s been done before more than you’ll ever know.

Family melt-downs go back to the beginning of time. Think about Cain and Abel, Marsha and Janet Brady, or even Latoya and Janet Jackson. Of course we hear about sibling celebrity feuds nowadays since every Tom, Dick, and Harry wants to be the paparazzi. Let’s take the Olsen twins, Mary Kate and Ashley. They have billions, yet still have that contention and competition amongst themselves. Now one lives on the West coast and the other on the East. The one thing they have over the rest of us…they have billions to fuss over, most of us don’t.

Sibling rivalry is just something that can’t be erased. If you’re human, chances are you have some crazy stories that come to mind. Do you want what he or she has? Jealous about how they look? Didn’t get your Mama’s shape…ended up with your Dad’s instead? What about being pissed because you are the sibling who didn’t go to college, or the sibling who can’t keep a good paying job?

Oh, and what about your love life. Are you the one upset because your brother or sister stole your man? Yep, I said it. This day in time you never know. You gotta watch your mate with both sexes. But let’s focus on sisters for a moment. Sister rifts are torturous; especially in black women. I’m sure you’re familiar with the saying, “Don’t let me take off my earrings”. Well in 2009, we don’t just fight anymore. What about, “I will kill you!”

Well for now, ingest what I’ve just said. Let author, publisher, Azarel take you behind the scenes and finish the rest in Carbon Copy, a new novel exposing Sibling Rivalry at its Finest.




Carbon Copy by Azarel
ISBN-13: 9781934230671;   Read Chapter 1 of Carbon Copy

Website: http://www.lifechangingbooks.net/   and  www.myspace.com/azareltheauthor

Forsaken

Meet Vanessa Miller, author of Forsaken



Vanessa Miller of Dayton, Ohio is an Essence best-selling author, playwright, and motivational speaker. Her stage productions include: Get You Some Business, Don’t Turn Your Back on God, and Can’t You Hear Them Crying and Abundant Rain.

To date, Vanessa has written the Rain Series and the Storm Series. The books in the Rain Series are: Former Rain, Abundant Rain, and Latter Rain. The books in the Storm Series are: Rain Storm and Through the Storm. These books have received rave reviews, winning Best Christian Fiction Awards and topping numerous Bestseller’s lists.

FORSAKEN is Vanessa’s newest book. Forsaken is the story of a fallen pastor’s journey back to God. Vanessa believes that each of her books will touch readers across the country in a special way. It is, after all her God-given destiny to write novels that bring deliverance to God’s people.




ABOUT THE BOOK
Pastor Jerome Tyler “JT” Thomas is charismatic behind the pulpit, charming to all he comes in contact with, and lethal to those who linger too long. Since the age of twenty-two, when he prayed for God to keep him out of prison, JT knew he would preach the gospel. Bishop Turner makes it possible; but there are strings attached, and now JT isn’t sure he can stay tied down.
Cutting loose causes more problems than JT anticipated. When an old friend from his days on the streets resurfaces and his extracurricular activity comes knocking on his front door, JT’s life and the lives of those close to him spiral out of control. Now he will need divine intervention to make things right. But how much help can a man hope to receive when he feels he’s been forsaken by God

Forsaken by Vanessa Miller (excerpt) - ">


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Corey Barnes

Corey J. Barnes is a long time native of Lakeland, Florida. Currently he resides there with his son Corey Jr. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education, a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership, and is currently working on his PhD in Instructional Leadership and Adult Education.

Becoming an author and also establishing the publishing company CJ Publishing has fulfilled a lifelong dream for Corey as he attempts to bring true romance and integrity back to urban fiction, from a male perspective, hence his moniker, “The Renaissance Man of Romance”.

In his debut novel What Is This Love Thing All About? Corey displays that chivalry is not dead and the thrill of the chase is still present in today’s world. Presently, Corey is working on his second novel. In addition to his work as a middle school administrator, Corey also coaches high school boys basketball and his son’s little league football team. When he is not writing, he enjoys spending time with his son and working out.







Synopsis:
Be careful what you wish for….
Is what you think you want……
Really what you need?

Meet Rick Jenkins, who has everything that most would love to have in life. Great job, great looks, well educated, money, he has it all, except for one thing – a woman to share it with. A single and eligible bachelor, Rick can’t seem to even find a good woman to go on a date with, much less to think about take it to the next level. Rick is content to take life as it is until one night at a sorority fund raising function, he runs into Aphrodite Morrison and his fate changes forever.

Aphrodite is a mysterious, yet angelic woman who Rick is lost for from the first minute he talks to her. A partner in one of the top advertising companies in the Greater Atlanta area, she does not have a want for anything. There is another side to Aphrodite that looms under the surface. When she thinks she has met the perfect man, her past threatens everything that she thinks may be meant for her and happening with Rick. Fate collides with destiny and creates doubt; does anyone really know: What is this Love Thing All About?

Interview questions:

Where were you born?
I was born in Lakeland, Florida.

Education background?
I attended and graduated from Kathleen High School in Lakeland, Fl. I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in Education, specializing in Specific Learning Disabilities and Elementary Education from University of South Florida. I then obtained my Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Saint Leo University. I am currently working on my PhD in Adult Education and Instructional Leadership from Nova Southeastern University.

What's your inspiration or who is?
My inspiration in all that I do is my son, CJ. He is the very best part of me and is the reason I wake up in the morning. He is my heartbeat and my motivation.
As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
When I was a child I had dreams of either being a pro football player or a lawyer. As you can see, neither one of them took place.

Did you ever think you'd ever become an author?
I never thought I would become an author. I love to read, but I didn’t think I would ever do it myself, even though it was one of my goals. It was one of those things where you think about something but know it will never be, but it has and it is very exciting.

How long does it take you to write a book?
It took me a total of 8 months to write my first book. I actually wrote the first character in 5 months, and went back and added in the 2nd, which took 3 more months.
When did you write your first book and how old were you?

I wrote my first book, What Is This Love Thing All About at the age of 32.
Whose writing do you admire most?
The author whose style I admire the most is Eric Jerome Dickey. I also enjoy Dwayne Joseph’s style.

Were you a good student in school?
I was actually a very good student in school.

Tell me about your revision process.
I usually read from the back to the front for corrections needed. Doing it this way makes the story pretty much gibberish and in that sense, I can just concentrate on making sure that sentence structure and things of that nature are correct.

Did you like school? What was your favorite subject?
I enjoyed school. I am a life long learner and look to continually improve myself. My favorite subject in school was English, which helped me with being an author and the next subject was Math. I hated Science in school, but did it because I had too.