Par for the Curse

Meet Toyi Ward, author of Par for the Curse

Toyi Ward is a freelance writer, author & media host who specializes in contemporary issues that affect working women. After ten years as a Fortune 100 sales & marketing executive, she launched Toyi Ward Communications, LLC, a writing/consulting company focused on the enrichment of working women. TWC contracts with e-magazines, websites, and print media to create fiction and non-fiction projects that examine issues pertaining to today’s woman.

Toyi draws upon her life experience and corporate training to facilitate workshops and lectures that enhance the lives of women at work and in their personal lives. She is the host of "TOYi Talk-Authenticity with Attitude" on the Blog Talk Radio Network. When asked, she credits her tenacity for tackling women’s issues from her name. "It’s one half of the South African toyi-toyi, the dance of protest. My parents named me well."

ABOUT THE BOOK

Stormy has grown up with the warning that she is cursed. Raised in a family of eight women with twenty-four husbands among them, she has managed to escape the family’s legacy thus far. Things begin to change once she is given the details concerning a hex that was cast upon her great grandmother over eighty years ago.

Managing the antics of her adulteress young cousin, Riley, exhausts Stormy. Comforting the heartbreak of her older cousin Lourdes, angers her. After a devastating turn of events on par with her birthright, Stormy decides to seek a remedy for the family’s plight. She travels to New Orleans determined to find answers. Along the way she faces a quilt of obstacles and a set of choices that challenge her reality. Will she reveal the information or continue playing the hand she was dealt by an angry young woman in the Bayou?

Par for the Curse reveals the influence of voodoo and the impact of generational secrets on family, life, and love.


CHARACTER PROFILE: Q & A with Riley Briggs

Q. What is your favorite thing about yourself?

RILEY: Oh that's easy. I like the fact that I love me. What's not to love? I'm beautiful, saavy, fun, with the skinniest ankles of any women I've ever met. And I know how to work what my mama gave me.

Q. What mark do you want to leave on the world?

RILEY:I don't need to leave a mark on the world. I'm planning on sliding into the grave with a bottle of Hennessey and a bag of french fries.

Q. So you plan on taking Hennessey to heaven with you?

RILEY: Now there you go. No. I don't plan to take Hennessey to heaven with me. And yes, I plan to get in. I don't need to be all up in the spot. I'll probably just get inside the gate, but I'm cool with that. [laughs]

Q. Lourdes is so sweet and beautiful. Stormy is smart and ambitious. Where do you fit?

RILEY: For starters, I'm the prettiest. People say Lourdes is because she's so nice but I've always had more men than both of them. I'm fine. They are pretty. There's a difference. True, Stormy is ambitious but she doesn't do much with it. I've been all over the world and built my real estate business by myself. She has done alot with MY social network. MY influence is why she has done well. Nobody knows her. It's me they respond to.

Q. Wow! Okay. Tell me about your husband, Damon.

RILEY: What about him? Nothing much to tell. He's nice enough. He loves me more than I love him and that's most important. But you know Kendall is my man.

Q. Doesn't it bother you that he's married?

RILEY: No. His wife is crazy. She totally mistreats him and he deserves someone like me. We have a real connection. When you read the book you'll see that. He loves me.

Q. Speaking of the book, how did you like it?

I like the story, but I don't know if I agree with my portrayal. I mean, it made me look so selfish. I mean I guess it's about my family so that makes sense, but the next book needs to be about me.

Purchase Par for the Curse to read Riley and her family's story.

Follow the Par for the Curse Blog Tour schedule at http://bitly.com/ParfortheCurse.

Are you living Victoriously?

Victorious Magazine Launch Celebration

VICTORIOUS Magazine is the cornerstone of our public communication, providing access to articles representing our victorious message! By reaching out directly to each woman and touching on the concerns that are on her heart we are able to encourage her to press on toward her dreams to live victoriously, taking control of her own destiny and achieving her true purpose. Our editorial content is designed to validate the importance of the things that appeal to her on all levels - personally, professionally, spiritually, and mentally - in a way that only women can understand.

Our article categories include Destiny & Purpose, Inspiration & Empowerment, Stewardship, Victorious Living, Victorious Wellness, and Style & Grace. The publication launched its digital version March 30, 2009. The first print issue of VICTORIOUS MAGAZINE will hit the newsstands September 2009, with an initial circulation of 25,000.

What Not to do

What Not to do

Do you, the author realize that you are a celebrity? Well to us, the fans, you are. We want to be as engaged with you as we were with your book.

I recently went to a signing and I will not mention names but the author was arrogant, smug, and had an attitude. this was not a good look. The signing had about 30 people there either with books or ready to buy.

I thought hmmm great turn out, but the author was a turn off. What ever the problem was it should have been left at the door. All the excited fans caught wind of the attitude immediately. And the excitement died just a little.

I just figured once things got started it would be great, BUT NOOO. It worsened. The author acted as if WE ought to be grateful, they were here. HUH???

The author then proceeded to do a discussion about how great thou are. Not about the books at all. WT??? At the end of the boast, the author then told people with books line up here and the ones who did not have books, and I quote “GO buy one and get in line”.

I was mortified at the rudeness. So were others. At that point I did not want my books signed, but I stood in line to tell the author to read my blog today. And I refused to have my books signed, and I asked how “does that make you feel”. By the way, the ones who were told to “GO buy a book”; they left without making a purchase.

Authors we love you, appreciate us. You need to figure out what’s going to keep us running back to you, your site and the bookstore. Obviously this is not it. If this is how you do things, you should never, ever do any public interaction.

Simply Said

Book Spotlight: When Lightning Strikes by Keya

When Lightning Strikes by Keya
How can you have it all – education, personality, and beauty - yet your life is flooded with a sea of troubles?

Imminent, new author Keya answers this question and more in When Lightning Strikes, a novel about Ms. Taylor Devereaux, her three best friends, and her spiraling-out-of-control life. Taylor is on the road to happiness and success. She is a gorgeous and classy woman with a thriving career and a wonderful fiancée. One day, Taylor’s near perfect world is turned upside down when she discovers her future husband is cheating.

To make matters worse, while trying to put the pieces of her life back together, she finds out someone at her job has filed a sexual harassment complaint against her. She realizes someone is out to ruin her life. With Taylor’s personal life, profession, and overall reputation at stake, can she overcome it all? Or, will the stress of it all bring out another side of Taylor?

See how Taylor reacts “When Lightning Strikes.”

Website: http://www.keyalit.com

Read the first chapter online:
http://www.keyalit.com/WhenLightningStrikes-Chapter1.pdf

View the online Media Kit from Keya's site:
http://www.keyalit.com/mediakit.htm

Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference "Literary Lounge"

220 Communications Author Events


Sell Your Books At Our Multiple Events

Authors can now sell their books at our monthly events (Wine Tastings, Late Night Music Series). We will provide the avenue you provide the product as part of the admission price authors receive a negotiated price for your book. Move anywhere from 20-50 books at each event you have your work available. (note: Preference will be given to Authors currently signed to sell books with 220 Communications)

For more information, contact us.

Click Here To Contact Us

info@220communications.com




Greetings!


We have an opportunity for you to become one of the few published authors to participate in the Black Enterprise Magazines. Entrepreneur Conference in Detroit this coming May. Also other information on selling your book at our many events.



2009 Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference + Expo
hosted General Motors & ExxonMobil,

DATE: May 18th -19th
TIME: 2:00-6:30 (both Days)
LOCATION: Detroit Marriott at Renaissance Center



220 Communications will sponsor a "Literary Lounge" at the 2009 Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference + Expo hosted General Motors & ExxonMobil, May 17-20, at the Detroit Marriott at Renaissance Center in Detroit, Michigan. For 4 hours Monday and Tuesday the Lounge and the participating authors will be signing and selling their books to over one thousand business owners, networkers and other attendees at the event.

We feel an author is the ultimate entrepreneur and this unique opportunity to reach an audience with the disposable income and networking reach of this caliber was too good to pass up. Traditionally published as well as self -published authors are welcomed.

Details:
- No limit on the number of titles you sell
- Authors keep all profits from book sales
- four hours each day of selling

Authors Receive:
-Selling Space (Table and Chair)
- Advertisement of appearance in 220 Communications Newsletter
- Promotion to conference attendees
- Giveaway supporting your appearance (either trip or another large prize for attendees who purchase books in the lounge)
- Opportunity for discounted admission to the full conference

Costs
$75/author (both days, no table shares)

Discounted Hotel Accommodations Available at Hotel:

Interested Authors need to contact 220 Communications via email this week. Authors will be notified of their selection and will need to satisfy fee requirements within 24 hours of selection (guaranteed funds via pay pal).

Please email info@220communications.com

Include:

Name

Title(s) of your works

Contact # and email

A New Conversation With Men

"I think your message is very current, important, and much in need today. If we can get just a few more men to hear your message, and ask them to pass it on, pay it forward and walk the talk, maybe just maybe we can reach some of those lost men, brothers and son’s".
Debra Owsley


Introduction to the phenomenal new book "A New Conversation With Men"




Introduce us to mission behind writing your book, A New Conversation with Men.

I fervently believe that the greatest challenge we face in this country is to redefine masculinity. What I mean is that we must empower men to embrace new ways of being men in todays fast paced ever-changing world. If we can engage men in this new conversation I believe we can begin eradicating things like high divorce rates, poverty, domestic abuse and addictions. These issues are tearing at the fabric of America and can not be resolved through political means. These issues are emotional, psychological and spiritual, they are not political so we cannot expect politicians to resolve them. What is needed is a new conversation with men because dialog is always the foundation of change. This book is creating a much needed dialog amongst men that I believe will begin transforming their lives in positive ways.


--- What are 3 words that sum up your book.

The three words that sum up this book are Responsibility, Accountability and Integrity. When a man takes complete responsibility for his life there is nothing that can stop him from living his dreams, If a man holds himself accountable for his actions then he never feels victimized by his external surroundings, and when he lives from a place of personal integrity and empowerment he becomes the master of his own destiny.


--- How long did it take you to write?

It is difficult for some people to believe but I wrote the entire book in only 32 days. But you must understand that there is more than twenty years of growth and experience included in these pages.


--- How did you come up with the title for your book(s)?

Approximately twenty years ago I asked myself a very simple question. The question was, "What does it mean to be a man?" This is the question that I have been attempting to answer and I'm sure most men have asked themselves at one time or another. It is a very important question that I believe my book actually answers, as a result of this question I came up with the title A New Conversation With Men.


--- How would you describe the genre in which you do most of your writing?

Most people would call it nonfiction self-help. I call it Transformational Education.


--- What motivated you to start writing in this genre? Will you branch out later with other books?
I have always been an avid reader and the majority of the books I read are non-fiction personal development type books. I only read about things that educate and motivate me to be a better person so I choose to write about the same things. I have committed to writing at least five more books in my lifetime. I already have titles and chapter outlines for these upcoming books. I will complete the follow up to this book before the end of 2009.


--- What, for you, was the most profound chapter?

As a writer I don't see the book as individual chapters. I view it as a single expression of creativity. Therefore neither chapter is more profound than another although the chapters on The Five Illusions of Manhood and Transformation are the most important chapters in my opinion.


--- Would women find interest in this book?

I've actually had more women read the book than men. Although the book is targeted to men the message actually transcends gender. The content provides fuel for contemplation for men and women and I think it's important for both sexes to engage in this new conversation. Women have told me that they learned a lot about themselves from the book even though they purchased it for the men in their lives.


--- What makes your book stand out and would make a reader pick it up?

I believe men are hungry for something new and different. They want to be empowered and they want specific strategies to help them improve their lives. This book does just that. It provides concrete action steps for any man who is ready for positive change in his life. It is written in a very conversational style that is easy to comprehend and relate to.



--- Ultimately, what do you want readers to gain from your book?

It's important that we recognize the importance of this new conversation. Because we live in a male dominated culture, most people will assume that there isn't a need for this type of book. Nothing could be further from the truth. The reason this book is so important is because the current male culture simply isn't working. If we really want to resolve the majority of the social issues affecting our country we must get to the "cause" of the problem. I believe the cause is an antiquated male culture that needs to evolve to a more loving, caring and compassionate culture. When we create this cultural shift I believe the world will become a better place.


Each today, well-lived, makes yesterday a dream of happiness and each tomorrow a vision of hope. Look, therefore, to this one day, for it and it alone is life."

Website: Michael Taylor www.ancwm.com

Email: mtcreates@comcast.net

Video LInk:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyitMm15qwQ

K.L. Belvin, A Man in Transition

When did you begin writing, and what brought you to it?
Well my writing came about as a means for me to get close to women. I found other brothers had weak game and when you write an erotic or romantic poem or story the women reacted to it. Over the years as I matured so has my writing and my choice of writing. Now I try to write works that are reflective of the man I am trying to be.

Your book Man in Transition, has a lot of personal ideologies, please speak about those thoughts.
Well I took a chance with poetry to be expressive of my personal changes but I felt it was needed. I am a born again Christian and this prompts my way of life and my book reflects the changes made as man. In my book the chapters were designed to show the reader what words come from a man who has changed his life for the better. The poetry ideas in my book cover fathers, love for mother, death, abortion, faith, teaching and even erotica. My thoughts are expressed since I have lived all that I write about...



You and your wife Tiffany are one of the cutest couples I know, which poems did you write just for her?
Oh thank you for the compliment. We really enjoy being married.

There are a few that were inspired by the feelings I have for my wife... Here they go.
Perfect Woman (if only in my mind) is one of my favorites
Harmony,
Ghetto Girl
The Smiles Not Seen, the Cries Not Heard (The Abortion Poem)
That Smile

Who is KL and what is he about?
KL is a man that has seen much and done much. My life at times can be confusing because I still haven’t figured out what my true purpose is. With that said I try many things to see if it’s the place I am supposed to be. I am secretly sensitive but I keep it hidden since people attempt to use it against you. My spirituality grounds me and keeps me focused on what is the right way to live. KL is about Love. The Love I have for my wife is a driving force to remain the man I am while finding ways to be better. I am about my people and history of my people. As an educator I try to bring a part of the past into the conversations had today. Our children need to see and hear the words from someone they trust. I am also about my own children. I haven’t always been the father I should and could be because I have multiple children with multiple women. I am not proud of the fact but, I don’t wear it as a badge of shame. I simply know I have to attempt to provide what I can within all I have for my children. Does that mean I am going to take care of everything they need, of course not. That is the punishment for living a life with no respect for life or self. I accept this fate and push forward because of it.
To sum it all up, K. L. is “A Man In Transition” and I am about constant change and positive growth. There is no room for whining or complaining. Prayer and actions are the weapons I choose.

Do you have any tips for authors and poets, like yourself, would you give to people starting this journey?
Study, Study, Study. Learn as much as you can about this craft and then decide if you’re going to make the commitment to do this. Writing is not a game and selling books is not for everyone. I would say understand marketing or get close to someone who does if you’re going to make it. You have to be ready to deal with disappointments and financial loss. You also have to surround yourself with others who are positive influences and doers in this line of work. Do give into intimidation of another success. Many authors will reach out and help so don’t be scared to ask for help. Attend conferences and be prepared to ask questions and learn.
Finally, have faith in your talents. Trust the Lord, he didn’t place you here for no particular reason.

What projects are you working on and what’s coming up?
I am in a Christian anthology coming out Father’s day called The Soul of Man. 14 brothers offering their connection with God for the world to see what “triumph” can look like through the eyes of black men. I am part of another Christian anthology called Bended Knee due out in November. This book only has 8 authors so the challenge was greater to complete. I am going to continue to promote my poetry book. However I believe that I am going to take a step back from writing and return to taking classes on becoming a better writer. I feel I am weak in the areas of professional writing and I need to truly dive into become a writer who’s work can be respected by all who read. If money will allow I plan on attending the Black Writers Conference and Reunion in Las Vegas in June
I am also considering starting my PhD in Education and course in writing.
“From Gigolo to Jesus” My life as a sexual predator. Is the title of the second book I am working on. I can see it completed and ready in late 2010. The book is about my life as an out of control fatherless young man who lived his life through sexual exploits only to found the Lord, completed my masters, got married, divorced, saved my relationship after infidelity to get remarried, reconnected all my children and take each day as educator serious enough to place my whole life under the scrutiny of today’s society. I feel it a story that needs to be told to possibly save some young men from going the route I took to find salvation and peace.

What has some of the highlights thus far in your journey?
The first day my first book came to my house.
Going to Tampa last year and selling a book when my books hadn’t been printed or delivered yet.
Writing a poem for young lady and seeing the tears come down when I read it to her.
Being asked to be one of the presenters for the poetry seminar at the Black Writer’s Conference and had only sold one book to that point...
Hearing from Best Selling Author, Mary B. Morrison and finding out she wanted my story in one of her novels.
Attending my first book signing and selling 15 copies of my book.
Being invited to a church that purchased 26 books.
Hearing one of my students say, “Mr. B, your famous now, You’re on the back of book”
There are more but these are a few that stand out.

Where can we find you on the net?
I can be found at my website: www.KLthewriter.com
MySpace: www.myspace.com/Klthewriter.com
Where my wedding video and poetry can be seen and heard.
Facebook screen name: KL Keith Belvin
My Blog: http://klbelvin.blogspot.com


Can you spit a little somethin’ somethin’?

PERFECT WOMAN
(If Only in my mind)

I ask myself why I am so lucky. Is there a reason I am so blessed?
But you’re never supposed to question God’s work. I say God because how do you explain her patience with me.
There is something about the way she understands my needs. Are there other women who would love another’s children like her own?
Would another woman be strong enough to trust God and take you back when you have tasted the fruits someone else’s?
Her soul is pure enough to douse the evil that once filled my own.
My vanity, my pride and smugness has been replaced with concern, endearment and gratefulness.
I now concern myself with more than just my own needs.
Her smile fills my heart with joy.
Her tears burn at my soul and demands my immediate attention or screams for forgiveness.
I am blessed with an equal, so again I ask why I am so lucky.
Does God see something in me I don’t see? He must.
She is sexy beyond belief, even when she sleeps.
Can that comfortable look come from what I have brought to her life?
The world is funny, one minute you’re all alone, next thing all your dreams are being answered.
Thank you God!
Well the only course of action is to leave all my worries, fears, and concerns at Lord’s feet.
Something about having the right woman that makes each day, night and morning special.
I really do have the perfect woman if only in my mind.

By. K. L. Belvin

What's Your Estimated Publicity Budget?

What’s your EPB?
Estimated Publicity Budget

Working with authors by way of “Simply Said” reading accessories"; my company doing custom
“Gift Marks” aka bookmarks,
book thongs,
book plates, and note cards,

A few common denominators keep reoccurring, such as
How much should I spend?
What should I invest in?
What will give me repeat customers?
What will keep me on there mind even after the book is finished?
What can I do to stand out from the rest?
What will give me more bang for the BOOK?


Well, I have been dealing with many authors in the last few years and these issues reappear almost every time.

YOU CAN”T SPEND MONEY TWICE!!!
OR CAN YOU???

Any promo material should be designed for REPEAT BUSINESS
You want and need to Be Remembered and Retained
You Do Not Want To use the same promo materials that others have used and disgared

Please watch the slide show I created about where your bookmarks end up at the end of a festival
It clearly shows, flyers and your average bookmarks littering the streets, in huge numbers, after the festival. This happens at every festival I have attended, there is no value to them, they are common and considered disposable.

Same stuff different festival.

Hmmmm, pause and think.

If you are a seasoned author or up coming with several books coming soon,
YOU WANT YOUR INFORMATION TO BE RETAINED
YOU WANT TO STAND OUT FROM THE REST
But.. How do you do this?????
OK

First you figure out how much you want to spend on publicizing your book.
Do you want to spend $100.00 or $1000.00 dollars?
Who is your target audience?
What are you trying to achieve?
Who are you trying to reach?
Break it down…
Book signings
Festivals
Contests from your site

How much do you estimate to spend per event?
It’s really difficult to really guess how many people will turn out to these events so estimate and then add 20%, at least

Well known events such as the B.E.A or Romance Slam Jam will pick up any overage from other events that did not have good turn outs.

Do you have a press packet?
You want to add a creative addition to your packet to stand out.

At you more intimate book club signings.
You want to give a gift for the invite and the hospitality.
What about the reader who adores you and comes to you with EVERY book you have written?
You want to THANK them for being loyal.

What about the FAN who lives in ALASKA, where your not doing any signings???
Do you disregard them? Just send them an email?

Don’t you want to stay in contact with your fan base?

How do you work you EPB ??
On a limited budget?


I have had many authors order a package of all of the above. They strategically, mailed to Book groups, had them for release parties,
Had many contests, mailed them to publicists and book stores and created quite a buzz.

The attraction was they were different and retained your information. It also showed that you went the extra mile to be noticed,
you the author did not want to be disposable.

Now I am not saying not to use flyers and other bookmarks they can be effective in some venues.

My product line is truly your”A” game your Sunday best
When you want to make a real impression that you are
Investing in yourself

www.simply-said.net has packages to fit your budget and your promotional needs, please feel free to contact me for your marketing tools.

It’s really All About You
Debra Owsley
odebdeb@aol.com
www.simply-said.net
954 562-5709

Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia

Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia
Patricia Neely-Dorsey

I was introduced to Patricia and her book through an interview she was doing with Ella Curry for Black Authors Network, on Blogtalk radio. She was absolutely charming and in discussing her book, she brought back so many memories of spending my summers, in the south with family. Just hearing her accent, took me back to being a carefree kid enjoying the simple ease of southern living. Great food, uncomplicated life, unsophisticated, easy, and running through grass with no shoes on. Being a “Big City Girl”, this laid back country life at first was unnerving. I am a New Yorker. So this was a whole new world that I learned to embrace, and appreciate, over time.

When I got Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia, I started reading her “reflections” I fell in love with southern living all over again. Patricia speaks of everything from food to family, and all between. Her poems were a pleasant trip down memory lane.

It later dawned on me that maybe that’s where my affection for Magnolia bushes came from.


Celebrate the South Blog Tour
Patricia Neely-Dorsey's fascinating book of poetry, Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia, is a true celebration of the south and things southern. Using childhood memories, personal thoughts and dreams, the author offers a positive glimpse into the southern way of life.

The author states, "There are so many negative connotations associated with Mississippi and the south in general. I want to show a flip side of the coin. There is much to love about this much maligned and misunderstood part of our country."

MISSISSIPPI MORNING
I love a Mississippi morning,
On a summer's day;
Everything's so glorious
In the most delightful way.
The sun is peaking upward,
The earth begins to warm;
Magnificent works of nature,
Are simply just the norm.
There is a sense of wonderment
At how all things look so new;
The flowers glow with freshness,
From the past night's dew.
The beauty all around you,
Would take away your breath;
You'd feel you'd like to soak it in
Until there's nothing left.
There's nothing like a Mississippi morning,
On a summer's day;
It's such a grand production,
It seems we all should pay.
Copyright 2008 Patricia Neely-Dorsey

Recommended Southern Dish of the Day

CANDIED YAMS

Ingredients
• 3 medium yams
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions (Makes 4 servings)

• Scrub yams. Place in a large pot. Cover with boiling water.
• Cook over medium heat for 20 minutes,until tender but still firm.
• Drain yams and rinse in cold. Peel yams and slice crosswise.
• Arrange in a large iron skillet. Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg.
• In a saucepan, bring water to a gentle boil. Add sugar.
• Boil gently for 3 minutes. Add butter, vanilla extract and remaining 1/4
• teaspoon nutmeg. Spoon half of the mixture over the yams and simmer slowly on top of the stove for 5 minutes.
• Baste with the remaining syrup and simmer until yams absorb most of the syrup, about 20 minutes
• Remove from heat and let stand until ready to serve


Do you love the South?

Join Us Online at the Facebook "Celebrate the South" Group.

Visit Patricia Neely-Dorsey online at http://www.patricianeelydorsey.webs.com/.

http://www.amazon.com/Reflections-Mississippi-Magnolia-Life-Poems/dp/097962942X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1237409520&sr=8-1

The Food Temptress

The Food Temptress
Synopsis:
Who knows how to convert a gay man into a straight lover using a pineapple upside-down cake? Only Ambrosia Bourgeois, The Food Temptress, can accomplish such a task. The New Orleans Goddess of Gastronomy uses food to seduce men in hopes of creating Mister Right. Paralleling southern cuisine, each short story captures the hearts and minds of different men.

In the Power of the Pudding Chapter, Ambrosia realizes that her bread pudding cannot withstand the demands of an associate minister’s plans to make her a dutiful wife. When she decides to forget about him and travels to Atlanta to visit her friend, she ends up in the bathroom with Black Thunder, a local stripper. It is not her fault; the peach cobbler was intended for the birthday girl.

Ambrosia perfects her craft by using traditional recipes from her deceased grandmother and occasionally consulting her mysterious aunt. When she discovers that her meals fall short of converting the man to her specifications, she moves on to the next one - a total of 16 ranging from the local police chief to a Bourbon Street musician. Will she reach her goal before the monstrous hurricane hits her city? The Food Temptress serves a delectable treat connected by Ambrosia’s continuing quest for both romantic and culinary perfection.

Video Trailer:



AAMBC 2009 SPRING VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR
Rekaya Gibson, Author of The Food Temptress


What is The Food Temptress about?
The main character, Ambrosia Bourgeois, uses food to seduce men in hopes of creating Mister Right. Paralleling southern cuisine, each short story captures the hearts and minds of different men. When she discovers that her meals fall short of converting the men to her specifications, she moves on to the next one—a total of 16 ranging from the local police chief to a Bourbon Street musician. The Food Temptress serves up a delectable treat connected by Ambrosia’s continuing quest for both romantic and culinary perfection.

What inspired you to write The Food Temptress?
I developed the concept from the adage, “a way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” I took my interpretation and expanded upon it, using my creativity. As result, I birth The Food Temptress.

What is the meaning of Ambrosia’s name?
The name “Ambrosia” means a Greek Goddess of food or drink. If consumed, one will become immortal. In “The Food Temptress,” Ambrosia’s grandmother named her so that she would have immortality.

How does each short story parallel Southern cuisine?
I use a hint in the chapter title to signify the food Ambrosia will use next. For example in the “Cat Got Your Tongue” chapter, Ambrosia uses catfish as the main dish. In “Green with Envy,” she serves up collard greens. In “The Power of the Pudding,” she makes bread pudding.

Why is it important for Ambrosia to find the perfect man?
Ambrosia wants to find the perfect man for her, not necessarily “a perfect man.” However, she is not willing to compromise on some things. She figured transforming a man into the perfect mate with her food would result in her finding a life-long partner.

Which dish has the greatest impact on a man?
The pineapple upside down cake has the greatest impact on a man because it converts a gay man into a straight.


What happens to women when they eat Ambrosia’s food?
When women eat Ambrosia’s food, nothing happens to them. However, a colleague of mine, John Williams, gave me the idea to create a book about men using food to seduce women. It might happen one day soon.



Biography:
Rekaya Gibson’s love for food is evident throughout her fiction work, The Food Temptress, and her children's book, Are There French Fries in Heaven? Her nonfiction articles have appeared in the “Cabo Living Magazine,” “Desert Saints Magazine,” and “Lake of the Ozarks Second Home Living Magazine.” In 2006, she self-published an e-Book, Wow Them With Your Grant Proposal, under her own e-publishing company, Gibson Girl Publishing Company. She holds a Master's degree in Public Administration from the University of New Orleans and a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Affairs from Indiana University. Currently, she resides in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Web Links:
www.foodtemptress.com
www.thefoodtemptress.blogspot.com
www.rekayagibson.com

Email:
rekaya@foodtemptress.com

Contact Information:

Rekaya Gibson
P. O. Box 621773
Las Vegas, NV 89162

Barnes and Noble, A Noble Reply

I know that we previously responded to you concerning a display that was tampered with in one of our stores. For your information, we have also posted the attached press release to our corporate website at www.barnesandnobleinc.com We trust this information will address your concerns.



We thank you for reaching out to us.



Sincerely,



Mary Ellen Keating

Spokesperson

Barnes & Noble, Inc.


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03/06/2009

Barnes & Noble Outraged Over Tampering of Store Display in Coral Gables, Florida



New York, New York – March 6, 2009 – Barnes & Noble, Inc. (NYSE: BKS), the world’s largest bookseller, announced today that it is the victim of a malicious act. The company is outraged over the tampering of a store display in its Coral Gables, Florida store by a customer who placed an inappropriate title in the center of its Presidential display. Barnes & Noble believes the incident occurred two weeks ago when a customer took a book from another part of the store entitled Monkeys: A Captivating Look at These Fascinating Animals, placed it in the window display and then photographed the altered display. When Barnes & Noble discovered the book in the display it immediately removed it. Since then, the photograph has been widely distributed via email and over the Internet falsely claiming that Barnes & Noble actually placed the book in the display.

Leonard Riggio, Barnes & Noble Founder and Chairman who has long been involved in the civil rights struggle, said “this malicious and despicable act is nothing short of a hate crime, which should be punishable under federal statutes. Rather than detracting from President Obama’s historic victory as was intended, the perpetrator of this crime served only to validate the wisdom of the tens of millions of Americans who voted for him.”

Mr. Riggio has spent his lifetime promoting equality and social justice. He currently serves as the Finance Chairman of the Host Committee for the NAACP’s upcoming Centennial Convention in New York City, and is actively engaged in many civil and human rights issues. At this moment, his family is building and donating homes to Hurricane Katrina survivors through its widely acclaimed, “Project Home Again.”

Barnes & Noble stores across the country are also involved in hosting thousands of events that promote diversity and tolerance in the communities they serve. Some examples include a Celebration of Black History Month, Autism Awareness Month, Down Syndrome Storytimes, and Close the Book on Hate (a three year campaign with the Anti-Defamation League). Sadly, the window display, which was tampered with, was a display celebrating the career of President Obama.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

About Barnes & Noble, Inc.

Barnes & Noble, Inc. (NYSE: BKS), the world’s largest bookseller and a Fortune 500 company, operates 799 bookstores in 50 states. Barnes & Noble is also the nation’s top bookseller in quality, and for the fifth year in a row, the top bookseller brand, as determined by a combination of the brand’s performance on familiarity, quality, and purchase intent, according to the EquiTrend® Brand Study by Harris Interactive®. Barnes & Noble conducts its online business through Barnes & Noble.com (www.bn.com), one of the Web’s largest e-commerce sites.

General information on Barnes & Noble, Inc. can be obtained via the Internet by visiting the company’s corporate website: www.barnesandnobleinc.com.

Book Clubs Rock

Tifany Jones, Founder/Radio Show Host, Sistah Confessions
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Black Book Clubs Rock, Founder/Coordinator
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Sale …Spring Cleaning

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Debra Owsley

A Black History Moment with Lutishia Lovely

Why Black History Is Important To Me…

I grew up in a very small, mostly White town in John Brown country, Kansas. When I was in high school and thinking about college and life after graduation, my guidance counsellor suggested I become a secretary. This because I performed excellently in classes such as English and typing, and because I was good with words. You see, this well-meaning white man didn’t know about the prolific history of the Black pen, the hieroglyphics of Egypt, the scrolls of my fore bearers nor the ingenious creativity of the griot tongue. I don’t think he’d read Up From Slavery by Booker T. Washington, The Complete Narrative of Sojourner Truth or any of Phyllis Wheatley’s poems. I’d bet my next book deal that he never heard of, much less read Paul Lawrence Dunbar’s The Party.

He was probably just not familiar with Frederick Douglas, W.E.B. DuBois, A. Phillip Randolph, Chandler Owen or Marcus Garvey. Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if he’d never read Ebony, Jet, Black Enterprise and surely not Essence Magazine. If he were familiar with any of these people and/or publications, then perhaps he would have encouraged me to become a journalist or publisher.

I doubt he knew much about the Harlem Rennaissance: Langston Hughes, Richard Wright, Ralph Ellison, Zora Neale Hurston and James Weldon Johnson. It’s unfortunate, but he probably missed the bliss of seeing the Youngers claim their new home in the Lorraine Hansberry classic: Raisin In The Sun.

But thanks to my parents, grand-parents, my own questions of “who am I” and a belief that there was life outside this narrow-minded, Podunk town, I knew about these gems of our culture along with Toni Morrison, Alice Walker, Gwendolyn Brooks, Maya Angelou, and why Colored Girls Considered Suicide When The Rainbow Was Enough. I knew about these brilliant minds and many, many more.

So while this well-meaning White man looked at me and saw a secretary, an honorable profession to be sure, I looked at me and saw a poet, an actor, a playwright and an int’l best-selling author. Knowing my history, created this present moment, and propels my future. This is why Black History is important to me.

What Black History Means To Me
The road to freedom, to being truly alive
Well lets start with this...it’s not the 10 or the 60 or the I-95
Its not a path or a freeway one can physically travel
That brings peace to the soul, and helps mysteries unravel

Before beginning , the first step is defining “free”
That answer may be different for you than it is for me
So just as a point of reference, for various meanings the word carries
I looked - in the book - called the dictionary

Inside was a plethora of delicious choices
As many blurbs to define the word as this station has voices
Enjoying personal rights or liberty,
(Translated: if u’se ain’t a slave, then u’se is free)
Exempt from external authority, independent, no restrictions
“I can do what the hell I want” is another way to put this description

Clear of obstacles, no judgment…choices!
And for Lutishia’s translation, let’s see
Uh, how bout this, why don’t you do you, and then let me do me

I think that freedom is running naked, and not caring who sees it
Freedom is writing what I want and not caring who reads it
It’s in choosing to be kind, instead of having to be right
It’s being friends with the person that nobody else likes

And when you’re the one they’re hatin’
And I don’t mean to be crass
But freedom is the ability to say
Kiss my _______ !

To me free means open, unimpeded, like flowing water without a dam
Freedom is simply the ability to be who I am
Even when I’m in a different geographical dimension
Even when we share a bunch of different opinions
Even when ones religion is different from the other, even when everybody is a different color
Even when we butt heads on a political situation, or share a different view or our sexual orientation

Freedom is recognizing self outside of time and space
Seeing all of us as coming from and going to same place
Freedom is listening to Spirit, so below as above
Freedom is knowing we’re all One, Freedom is love

The road to freedom, to being truly alive
Well lets end with this...it’s not the 10 or the 60 or the I-95
It’s a journey where you discover you’re your own best friend…
Because the road to true freedom, is a journey within.

Lutishia Lovely
www.LutishiaLovely.com

Survey

Survey: What Readers really want

1. What do authors do wrong?
2. What would you like them to do?
3. Which authors do you find very interactive?
4. Do you travel to book events in and out of state?
5. Which ones do you attend?
6. Do you listen to Blogtalk radio?
7. Which shows do you listen to?
8. Do you write reviews?
9. Where do you post them to?
10. What would you like to see more of?
11. Do you read E Books?
12. Do you belong to any Bookclubs?
13. What is the name and how many members?
14. Do you belong to any social net works?
15. Which ones? Please add links
16. What is your favorite book store?
17. Why?
18. Has the economy effected your book buying?
19. Where do you buy online?
20. Do you email authors?
21. Do you subscribe to their website or blog?
22. If no, Why?
23. Would you participate in a phone chat with your favorite author?
24. Would you participate in a online book fair?
25. What do you want authors to know?

V Day

Valentines Day
There are so many single ladies, like myself, who hate to be around the office or other friends on Valentines Day. We are Valentines Day haters. We don’t hate the day, we just hate seeing flowers delivered all day and co-workers and friends all excited about their plans for the evening, even worse because it falls on the weekend, hearing all the details of not one but 3 days, knowing we’ll be home with Fluffy and Rover, again.

One year my single girlfriends and I had a waiting to exhale party, which we gave ourselves for Valentines Day. We talked junk about men, ate, and had a pity party. It was better than sitting home alone.

There is solace in the company of likeness.

The following year a few members of the pity party, got married or became involved in a relationship; so the remaining too few of us the “I’m happy” for you haters; decided to give ourselves our own “V” Day. The rules were to do everything for yourself that you would want, or what you would do on Valentines Day.

We met a few days prior to the dreaded day and complied this list.
Wear your sexiest underwear
Use your favorite perfume
Send yourself or your single friend flowers
Dress up in red
Create a cd of all your favorite song and dance and sing
Laugh at your own jokes
Cook or have delivered a gourmet meal
Eat on your best china
Treat yourself to a fine bottle of wine and drink out of your best crystal
Write yourself a love letter
Look at yourself in the mirror and say I love you
Put rose petals on your bed
Sleep in your sexy lingerie
Explore yourself

Just doing these few things for us made the dreaded V day much easier. People at work were dying of curiosity because they had no clue what we were excited about. “Ahhh YOU have a date”??? Not giving folks a yes or a no made them a little nuts, but you have plans right? Why are you worried about mine? I saw how ugly haters looked. Then it dawned on me… just maybe they are doing the same thing we were doing for so long.

So I send this out to all the single ladies
Love you on Valentines Day.
Simply Said

In Love With a Younger Man Cheryl Robinson

Cheryl Robinson
In Love With a Younger Man

I totally adored Olena; where did you draw her character from?

I am so glad you adored Olena. I read most of my reviews even though I was advised by an established author not to and I really wish I wouldn’t because sometimes they make my heart sink, but a recent amazon.com review just tore Olena up and I thought to myself how could someone not relate to her. Particularly, if you’re a woman in your 40’s or even late thirties and professional and single. Of all of the female characters I have written, Olena is the one who I relate to the most. Yes, she has issues and she was somewhat stuck in the past, okay, she was very much stuck in the past, but I believe that it is our past that defines who we are and what we become as well as how we behave now. Yes, we can change if we want to and if we work on changing what we feel needs to be. Her sabbatical was supposed to be for that purpose, but in the process she found what she really needed to discover aside from who she was, which was how wonderful it felt to experience love times two.


She is a lot like many women, disappointed, over 40, man, and childless. Did you write this story to appeal to these women?

Actually, I wrote the story to appeal to a large cross section of both women and men. I feel young women can learn from Olena’s story and her mistakes and I feel women in Olena’s age bracket can relate to her and have something juicy to discuss with book club members and their friends. The topic of love needs to be discussed more in the black community. Why are so many black women single? We have options…younger men, men of other races. Men our same age and same race as well. We don’t have to feel as though we have to share a man or settle for less. And we definitely don’t have to take the phrase, what’s love got to do with it to heart.

The Cougar phenomenon has been picking up speed lately, why do you think this is?

In my opinion it’s for a couple of reasons. Older women look a lot younger nowadays and it’s not because of plastic surgery or botox either. Perhaps, in some cases, but it’s also because we are taking better care of ourselves, eating right, exercising, and trying not to get too stressed out. Then, there is the availability of younger men versus older men. Many older men are married and have been for quite some time. If they’re single, many of them are dating and prefer to date younger women, which has been the case for years.

I have been approached by younger men, but disregarded their advances, one of the first young brothers who did, years ago, is happily married to an older woman for 15 years now. Watching the Demi’s and Aston’s, and other May December relationships, make me wonder; have I blown my chance?

It is so ironic that you say that. I think that we as women talk ourselves out of some good relationships with men who are good and mean us well, and sometimes we do this because we worry about what other people will think and we have to get away of caring about what other people, such as our friends or family will think about issues that are going to affect our lives and not theirs. In the example you gave above you felt the young man was too young and now look he is married to an older woman because he most likely was genuinely attracted to older women. No, you haven’t your choices. I’m sure you learned from the experience and if that happened over fifteen years ago before the whole younger man-older woman phenomena that we are experiencing now, I’m sure another young cub will come your way. Not suggesting you are a cougar.

You’re in a relationship with a younger man, how did that happen?
I’m not in a relationship with a younger man. I am in love with a younger man and we met through business. He is an incredible friend and I’ve known him for over two years. He is at a stage in his career and his life where perhaps a relationship is not something he is seeking. Our friendship is wonderful and we appreciate each other. Who knows what the future holds.

How much of In Love With A Younger Man is Cheryl’s story?

Let’s just say I can relate.

Olena went for years without a relationship and got into 2 at once; Jason and Matthew.
Jason could not get over the fact that Olena was so not needy, did you write him that way to show he could not get a grip on her, but she had one on him?

At first, I really resisted having him as an ex-NFL player. I didn’t want him to be an athlete, but Jason was an ex-Falcon turned sports commentator. Stereotypically, athletes have a lot of dating options…men with money in general have these. Olena didn’t need his money and didn’t follow sports so she didn’t even know who he was. I felt a man like Jason who had fallen victim to “gold digging” women would appreciate someone like Olena…someone who didn’t have a clue as to who he was and once she found out still didn’t care.

Matthew was the exception not the rule as far as young men today; why did you create him in that character?

Because I didn’t want female readers to say they couldn’t date a “Matthew” and be his sugar mama. I wanted those readers who would be opposed to dating a younger man to think of other reasons they wouldn’t want to date a younger man aside from the belief that younger men date older women just for the money. So I created Matthew’s character to be similar to the younger man who I know and who inspired this story. I created him to be a man who didn’t need Olena’s money; a man who could take care of himself. One who had a well-paying job and a nice home, but still had a lifestyle of someone in his twenties.

The twist in this story blew my mind! I read 100’s of books a year and never saw this coming. Was this twist plotted out or did it come to you while writing?

I rarely plot out twists, but this one was plotted out. It came to me before I had even written the synopsis to the story. I will never forget that I was driving at the time. I had just left the carwash in Ocala and it popped into my head. I remember smiling and saying, “Yep, that’s it.”


What else do we need to know about Olena,Matthew, and Jason that was not told in the story?

I think readers are given a good background into Olena’s life from the time she is eighteen years old and should feel they know her the most of all. Matthew is confused when it comes to love and how to express it. His whole idea of female “friends” and being intimate with them is something that may provide temporary pleasure, but is also a source of confusion for him. He would love to find that one woman who could prevent his mind from wandering to so many others. Jason wants love just as much as Olena and he wants his sons to have a mother-figure in their lives. Jason knows what he wants…and it’s Olena.


Do you want to say anything to us who may consider playing with cubs?

Keep your options open. There are plenty of women who have, who are and who will become involved with men who are younger. The man’s age, as long as he is legal, should not be the focal point. Can the two of you relate and communicate? Do you share a mutual respect for each other? And whatever you do, don’t remind him of the age difference. My younger male friend never wanted to know how old I was, but I forced the issue. In some ways, I wish I hadn’t.

Please tell me the sequel if there is one, is out very soon.

Yes, there is a sequel. Actually, this is the first book in a series that revolves around the character Olena Day. The second book in the series is a continuation of book two and opens where book one left off. I am more than halfway finished with writing the second book in the series. Hopefully, I should have a release date to share pretty soon.

Your book info websites and contact information

For more information visit me at www.cherylrobinson.com or www.myspace.com/cherylrobinson.

Cheryl Robinson
www.cherylrobinson.com
www.myspace.com/cherylrobinson
In Love With A Younger Man available January 6, 2009 where books are sold.

I LOVED this story! Olena, Jason, and Matthew, were very intriguing and fascinating. Cheryl Robinson did a phenomenal job creating 2 complex relationships, and making them both totally believable. I was delighted that it WAS NOT just another romance. Also as an avid reader, the twist blew me away. I never saw that coming! If I could give more than 5 stars, I would GREAT READ,
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Debra Owsley

Dark Chocolate Man

Dark Chocolate Man
How long have you been an author?
I have been an Author for 3 years now...still new in the game...lol

Have you always written erotica?
No, this is my first adventure into this world

How do you come up with your topics?
My mind is always thinking of thought provoking ways of sexual pleasure and then i started to write them down...and the rest is history...Plus i wanted to really give erotica a spin from a guy's mind...most ladies write it, but I wanted to put my writing skills to the test and do it this way, plus with no one really knowing who I am...I wouldn't get fake responses to it...that is the most important part...But i can tell you about 50% of what i write I have done(Wink)

Where did you get your pseudo name, Dark Chocolate Man?
It comes from hearing ladies talk about chocolate all the time...and how much they love it...(Smile)

For the ladies give us a description of Dark Chocolate Man
Believe it or not I am a hopeless romantic, who loves to cuddles, watch TV together...I am looking for that "One" special lady to be in my life...the one I can walk on the beach with, I love the water it is so peaceful, The funniest thing is that I am that guy that you pass everyday, I love to stay at home and chill most of the time...so until I find her....I am making my travels alone :(

Is your book a series of stories such as the ones you've been putting out on My Space?
Yes, lololol I have several more coming...this year I hope to drop about 5 more

How can we get your book?
You and your fans can find my books on LuLu.com once there put in the name Cougar Club in the search area
or they can come to my My Space page www.myspace.com/darkcman and they can click my buy button right there on my page and get my book.

Can you give us a little taste?
Ha ha ha well tell your fans to come by...because my stuff is for the grown and sexy and I cant post it here

I've been reading the comments; you've gotten a huge amount of fans. What are they saying personally to you?
I have gotten wedding proposals...free trips to New York, L.A and even Florida...lol
most are excited about what I am bringing to the table. I have some who have even crowned me "The King" of erotica; I always remind them that the title has to be earned but I am doing my best this year to achieve that.

Your strategy on my space has been nothing short of phenomenal, was your marketing planned or by accident?
It was planned, I knew i had to try something different so when I pulled it off the fans started telling their friends and it has grown.

Tell us what how you got so many friends in such a short time?
My blog has brought a lot of them to me...then there was a challenge sent by another erotic writer...he told me he wanted to put his work up against mine. We did it; he posted one of my blogs on his page and i beat him 29-18...these were his fans...his page and so most of them came over to my page...lol he then got mad and shut his page down...I didn’t get that part because there are enough fans for all of us. I think most of them have come by my page by word of mouth...once the ladies started talking the friend requests were jumping...and before you knew it I had over 1200 friends in under a month and my blog has been viewed close to 6000 times already.

Do you ever plan to disclose who Dark Chocolate Man really is?
I made a promise to a dear friend of mine...I told her that once I sold One Million Books or downloads (it can be combined) that I would announce to the world who I am....lololol So I am sure she will hold me to my word!

Has your journey been what you expected?
It has been better than I could have ever imagined it would be...the show of support and emails has just been amazing!!!

What's next; what are you working on now?
I am working on my follow up to 'Cougar Club' If they read it they will understand why I have received emails asking about it already (smile)

How will you promote and meet your fans? In disguise?
Most of them are doing it for by talking...I just released Cougar Club and ladies are already talking about it...lol, but I will just keep to the internet right now...do some other Interviews...answer ll of my emails and just talk to the fans one at a time...it keeps me on my toes and it also keeps my heart humble. Once I let the world know who I am...I will put on a blitz all over and meet with book clubs...and have book signings

10 Tips for authors featuring Harrine Freeman

Hello!
I asked author Harrine Freeman to give 10 Best tips for Authors for 2009. In this economy we can use all the tips we can get. I will be featuring more articles and tips from other business professionals and ideas that I have come up with too.

10 Tips for Authors in 2009

1.Network. Since we are in a recession and many small businesses and authors lack a marketing budget, attend as many free networking functions as you can. Check your local newspaper or local civic organizations for networking events in your area.
2.Promote. Always carry your business cards and at least 10 copies of your book with you. Every encounter with someone mention you are an author or hand the person your business card. You can also post your events for free on sites like www.booktour.com. You can also use social networks to promote your book such as www.facebook.com, www.twitter.com, www.linkedin.com, and www.craigslist.com.
3.Create a website. If you don't already have a website, create one. If you can't afford to pay for a website, create a free one on www.myspace.com or www.authorsden.com.
4.Sell. Think of creative ways to sell your books. Sell them at barber shops, hair salons, networking events, conferences, grocery stores, libraries, and community events. You can also sell your book on www.ebay.com or www.amazon.com.
5.Create a shopping cart. Create a shopping cart on your website or use Google or PayPal. Make it easy for customers to purchase your book and any other products you wish to sell.
6.Learn. Learn everything you can about marketing your book, selling your book, and how to run a business. As an author you are a business and you must promote yourself as a business. Some great books to use as a reference are 1001 Ways to Market Your Book by John Kremer and The Publishing Game by Fern Reiss. Do research on web marketing by visiting websites such as www.wilsonweb.com and www.writersmarket.com, and www.writersdigest.com.
7.Revise. Review your book at least once a year and revise the content and publish the new version with a new ISBN or write a new book to keep yourself in the market.
8.Barter. Barter services with other authors or small businesses if you cannot afford to pay for them. This will save you money and help out someone else.
9.Create a newsletter. Create a newsletter and provide a sign-up sheet at each event you attend. Use websites like Icontact or Constant Contact to create your newsletter. You can also find free newsletter templates on Microsoft's website. A newsletter is a great way to promote your book without spending a lot of money.
10.Develop a plan. Develop a marketing plan for your book, plan at least 6-12 months in advance of what you hope to accomplish with your book. Set target dates for each goal and document steps taken to accomplish each goal.

Thank You for sharing Harrine

Harrine Freeman
CEO/Owner, H.E. Freeman Enterprises
http://www.hefreemanenterprises.com
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consulting@hefreemanenterprises.com
Speaker, Columnist, Author of
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Debra Owsley
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Inauguration Party

Inauguration Party
I am absolutely giddy about Tuesday’s swearing in of President Barack Obama. I am very proud and overjoyed at the promise of CHANGE. And of course because he’s the first African American to be elected President.

Now… I am not ridiculous. I know for sure this process will take years to accomplish, not too many I hope, BUT …I do see people who are like me who are excited and hopeful.

I saw a bumper sticker the other day and it said
“We can be the CHANGE we want to see”…
How profound. You guys that have been following my blog know how strongly I believe in THE SECRET. I see people focusing on the future, on better days A coming and that is what could help President Barack Obama make this change really happen. I feel that if we put all of our positive thoughts and energy towards the Change We What To See, it will help and happen. I also truly believe that’s what helped him win the election.

Let’s all focus on how we can Be The Change. How can you and I help?

I feel such a sense of responsibility to this presidency because I took part in the process. It occurred to me during the election that I need to help Barack, After the WIN..

HOW??? Heck I don’t know.
I do know for sure that I am looking at things and people with a different mind set. And I am responsible in making this Change also. Just my positive attitude is a huge start. Little things turn into big things.

CHANGE your attitude and change your mind

What are YOU doing for your Day of Service????

JUST MY 2 CENT

Happy Barack Obama Day !!!

Curtis Mayfield




We're a winner
Curtis Mayfield

We're a winner
And never let anybody say
Boy, you can't make it
'Cause a feeble mind is in your way
No more tears do we cry
And we have finally dried our eyes
And we're movin' on up (movin' on up)
Lawd have mercy
We're movin' on up (movin' on up)

We're living proof in alls alert
That we're two from the good black earth
And we're a winner
And everybody knows it too
We'll just keep on pushin'
Like your leaders tell you to
At last that blessed day has come
And I don't care where you come from
We're all movin' on up (movin' on up)
Lawd have mercy
We're movin' on up (movin' on up)

Hey, Hey
We're movin' on up (movin' on up)
Lawd have mercy
We're movin' on up (movin' on up)

I don't mind leavin' here
To show the world we have no fear
'Cause we're a winner
And everybody knows it too
We'll just keep on pushin'
Like your leaders tell you to
At last that blessed day has come
And I don't care where you come from
We're just go move on up (movin' on up)
Lawd have mercy
We're movin' on up (movin' on up)
We'll just keep on pushin'
We're a winner
Lawd, baby
Everybody
Hey, you know we're movin' on up
We're a winner







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Debra Owsley

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