Monday, July 9, 2012

Echo of Her Cry By Author: Jamie Jones


Synopsis:
Myla Pickins was the average carefree teenager living what seemed to be the perfect life. With successful parents in the food industry, a fun-spirited best friend, and the love & attention of almost every high school girl’s dream guy, life couldn’t be more rewarding-that is until devastating news, at least for an unwed teenager, abruptly halts her fun. While eventually accepting the upcoming role of motherhood, and with the support of her parents and boyfriend, Bernard, Myla begins to understand the changes she needs to make to improve her life. But the story is just beginning to unfold. Discover the shocking secret that will turn her world upside-down and force her to make decisions she never imagined. Will she break under pressure, or will she find the strength to move forward?



Excerpt:
No one should EVER have to end up here…
I lie face down on the concrete. Bloody, bruised, crying, struggling to stand…where am I? Who can I call for help? Immediately a vision of my cell phone popped into my head. I saw it just where I left it–in Benny’s room. I crawl, finding the strength to rise to my feet. I’m not very familiar with the location, but I think it’s close to my cousin’s house. I manage to hail a taxi that is leaving the neighborhood. It feels as though only seconds have passed as the driver parks. I limp until houses are within view. Thankfully, the neighborhood is way closer to Dennis than I thought. Staggering, I head down the street, constantly looking over my shoulder hoping they’re not behind me. The very thought forces me to try my hardest to run, regardless of the pain. Weak and numb from walking, my legs give way, forcing me to the ground. The initial shock of the pavement crashing into my face leaves me breathless, so breathless I fall into the temporary comfort of my body lying still. The comfort lasts but a second as thoughts of my attackers finding me jolt me to my feet. The next few moments are a blur, but I am thankful to find myself at Dennis’ doorstep. ‘Ding-dong!’ Screams of terror fire from the mouth of his wife, Joanna, at the sight of my bloody and swollen face. I still remember that horrific moment like yesterday. Like a CD spinning on repeat, it plays over and over and over in my head.
Jamie Jones is ready for her close up. She always did have a passion for writing since she was a little girl. Going from writing stories that only her family could read and writing scripts as a little girl in which she would act out all the characters; this 27 year old stay at home mom decided she is ready to share her passion of writing with the world. She once had a desire to have a successful music career, until she realized that being an author was not only a passion but it just fit her perfectly. After facing a number of rejections growing up trying to strive for a music career; she decided she would self-publish her debut novel, Echo of Her Cry to be in control of her own destiny. That’s when Passion Street Publications was born in which she is the CEO and Founder of. Jamie makes it clear that she would love to be signed to the right publisher. Until then; she is determined to be a respected self-published author. Jamie loves being with her family. She and her husband and 2 year old daughter reside in Houston, Texas.


Get to Know Jamie:
1.)    WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WRITE, ECHO OF HER CRY?
I wanted to write about teen pregnancy from a different prospective. It’s a fiction novel but very much realistic. I’m sure many will be able to relate to this book.

2.)    WHAT IS THE MEANING BEHIND THE TITLE, ECHO OF HER CRY?
When you think of an echo; repetition comes to mind. The character Myla has many days and nights of non-stop crying. We all know that an echo fades-so that’s pretty much describes Myla’s healing process overtime. With the difficulties she experiences, her tears won’t dry overnight. It’s a process-which is why I chose to make Echo of Her Cry a 3-book series. I want each book to focus on her stages of healing.

3.)    HOW HAS YOUR EXPERIENCE BEEN AS A SELF-PUBLISHED AUTHOR?
It’s definitely been a learning process. Writing is a passion of mine so I have been thoroughly enjoying learning many things along the way. I will say though, that the part that requires the hardest work is marketing and promotion. Regardless of how good a book is-if people don’t know about it, the book won’t sale. So, my goal is to let as many people as possible know about, Echo of Her Cry.

4.)    WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH WITH YOUR BOOK, ECHO OF HER CRY?
Definitely I want a growing fan base and respect from readers. I also would like to get the attention of publishers.

 5.)    IN ECHO OF HER CRY, DID YOU EVER EXPERIENCE WRITER’S BLOCK? IF SO, HOW DID YOU OVERCOME IT?
There were times I did get writer’s block. When that happen I usually just close down my laptop and clear my mind until I can gather my thoughts. I don’t force anything. My best work comes naturally.

6.)    WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PROJECTS?
Well earlier I mentioned that Echo of Her Cry is a 3-book series, so I’m now working on part 2 and 3.

7.)    IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO SAY TO YOUR READERS?
I would like to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. I really appreciate you all for reading my book and giving me your feedback.

Web-links:
Twitter: @itsjamiej
Facebook: authorjamiejones




Friday, July 6, 2012

"The Mind of a Poetic Unsub" Within These Walls Author: Debonair, aka G.P.A.

The Mind of a Poetic Unsub is a cornucopia of Poetry. It begins with hard hitting  autobiographical tales, continues with poetic flexing of muscles in the form of various poetry forms, followed by Romantic Age love poems, and finishing with a sensual surprise at the end. "The Mind of a Poetic Unsub" is not only speaking from the mind of its author but also speaks for the mind of others.

 Excerpt:

Within These Walls

tad more warm than cold outside
theft of things infinitely moving everything going on
within these walls
the television blares on, perhaps questions of paternity
there are no questions, just declarations, exclamations
within these walls
room temperature is accelerated to resemble desert’s humidity
thunderous waves rage, roar, run rampant throughout and against the barriers within these walls sound is not contained
the manly grunts, feminine moans, wild beasts growls friction tempts the barrier of sound and brings about the merger of things soft and hard the result not ending is all becomes drenched before, during, and after have no separation no difference can be determined
within these walls fingers intertwine as toes curls sensual synchronicitythrusts given and retorted
placesn,then other places, and ignored places all touch, kissed, kissed, and touched
oh myperhaps on a Tuesday ,there is no need for existence outside of hereso i will stay inside here and her within these walls

Who is the debonair, award winning, eclectic and inspiring yet motivational man who calls himself G.P.A. which means greatest poet alive? This is not an arrogant statement either, but more so a true revelation of how talented this man truly is. If you have never heard this talented one speak a spoken word, you have truly been deprived an opportunity to get swept away in this poet’s sheer talent. G.P.A. is from the south side of Chicago. He has been writing poetry since 2007 and published his first book of poetry, “The Confessional Heart of a Man” recently he has also written and self-published the scintillating book of sensual poetry,

 “The Book of 24 Orgasms”.

Besides his own works, G.P.A. was the main poetic contributor to both “Chocolate Rose” and “Chocolate Rose 2″ also man who support causes that don’t get enough exposure, During Domestic Violence month, he contributed poems to the anthology, Voices Behind the Tears. G.P.A .is the founding member of The League of Extraordinary Poets an organization of poets who take the art of storytelling to another level, G.P.A. is also a member of the Waiting for the Bus collective.
A man who takes pride in his work, definitely a voice that one could not easily forget he recently received the 2011 Black Essence Award for Poetry and Charity. G.P.A .has been twice nominated for Poet of the Year in 2011 and “The Book of 24 Orgasms” was nominated for Book of the Year. This poet is one who is not afraid to step outside the box from taboo topics to social awareness, G.P.A is indeed a name poetry and spoken lovers should get familiar with as he prepares to release his first cd of poetry, “The G.P.A. Experience” and the follow-up to his first book, “The Mind of A Poetic Unsub” keep your eyes and ears open because this artist is destined for greatness.

Get to Know G.P.A:

1. What makes The Mind of a Poetic Unsub so special?

The Mind of a Poetic Unsub is unlike other published books of Poetry that usually have one theme or style throughout the book.  The Mind of a Poetic Unsub not only touches different themes, but it delves into various forms of Poetry (haiku, sestina, villanelle, etc).

2. In your byline, you use words like “controversial” and “most electrifying man in Poetry”. Care to clarify those?

I have been a huge fan of professional wrestling for a long time, and there are certain wrestlers that speak with flair (The Rock, John Cena, Hulk Hogan,etc). I try to emulate that when I am interviewed and perform. Controversial is applicable because there is a certain amount of controversy that comes with attaching a moniker like “Greatest Poet Alive” to yourself, and if anyone has ever heard me begin or in the midst of an interview, read any of my writing, or seen me perform, there is a certain electricity that I give off.

3. Since you are clarifying adjectives,would you please tell everyone what the word “Unsub” means and how it applies to you?

Certainly, the word “unsub” comes from one of my favorite television shows,”Criminal Minds”. It means unknown subject or suspect, usually the antagonist in a respective episode. I use unsub along with “poetic” to state that G.P.A. is always up to some poetic scheme, whether it be a new poem, new expression, another performance, etc. And even though I’m search engine friendly and have “some” acclaim, I am still unknown to some.

4. What are some people or things that influence your Poetry?

I am influenced by everything in this journey called Life. all of the ups, downs, days, nights, the weather, various locales I’ve visited or would like to visit, and beautiful women.

5. Is your moniker “Greatest Poet Alive” something just to garner attention or what you believe yourself to be?

That is a great question. Greatest Poet Alive or G.P.A. is my moniker, an attention grabber, and what I believe every time  my fingers grasp a pen or my voice comes through a microphone that is what I am.

6. What literary goal do you have that you have not accomplished yet?

I plan to write a best selling,critically acclaimed book of Fiction. It will be in the form of a romantic comedy, but just with an urban feel to it.

7. What is next for the Greatest Poet Alive?

I will be performing works from all three of my books and other poems that are not in any of them. Besides working on my book of Fiction, I will release the final chapter of The Lust Series, Revenge of the Orgasm, following that, there will be Remembrances of a Black Boy, a book of Poetry geared towards adolescents. Along with my tag team partner, Kottyn Campbell, we will continue our “Love Tour”.

Web Links:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/GPA-Greatest-Poet-Alive-Livingston/171281820040?ref=tn_tnmn, http://www.iblowyourmind.com/, https://twitter.com/#!/gr8estpoetalive
Email contact: gpaloep@yahoo.com
Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-Y-mGrZLRM

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Her Sweetest Revenge Author Saundra Jones

Saundra Jones
Mya Bedford is a seventeen year old daddy's girl from the Brewster Douglas Project in Detroit. When her father is sent to prison, and her mother suddenly develops a drug habit, making it her number one priority; it is up to Mya to raise her younger brother and sister. Alone and aware of the grimy hustle of the streets; Mya hopes to find another path for survival. But when the leader of the a notorious gang severely beats her mother for stealing money from him, Mya vows revenge on his crew by robbing them at gunpoint and hiding her identity behind a mask. Mya successfully pulls off her first robbery against one of them but then she meets and falls in love with the very person who is attached to her enemy and is now determined to keep her secret a secret. However when Mya s secret starts to unravel and death knocks at her door, things go horribly wrong. Mya learns that hurt and happiness are one in the same but you have to have blood on your hand first.

Excerpt
After the visit with my dad I headed straight back to the Brewster feeling a little relieved and trying to figure out what he was talking about. As I approached my building I could see Li’l Bo standing in the hallway. Before I got to him I could tell that he was upset.

“What’s up, Li’l Bo? Why are you standing out here?” I questioned him as I felt myself getting nervous.

“Momma!” Li’l Bo eyes were filled with tears. “One of these "Explicit" beat her. And she won’t say who,” Li’l Bo said in short, hurried breaths.

“What!” I screamed. I pushed past him and rushed up the ten flights of stairs to get to our floor since the elevator was broken again. Explicit is always broke in these damn projects. I’m so tired by the time I run up all those stairs I can barely breathe. The door was wide open to our apartment, and the living room looked like it’s been tossed.

“Ma!” I shouted out heading straight to her room. “Oh, GOD!” I screamed but I didn’t even hear the words as they left my mouth. One look at her face sent rage through me. Her naturally red bone face was black and blue, her right eye was swollen shut, and her bottom lip was covered in crusty dried-up blood. “Come on, Momma, we gotta get you to a hospital.” I reached down and tried to lift her off the bed.

“No, Mya. I’ll be OK.” One single tear rolled down her already soaked face.

“I’ve been trying to get her to go to the hospital, Mya, but she won’t listen.” Monica tried to speak through her choked up voice. Her face was also swollen from crying.

“You need to go to the hospital, Momma. Something could be broken, and why are you holding your arm like that? Can you move it? Do you think it’s broken?” I reached over to help her lift the arm up, but she quickly pushed me off.

“Ugh, ugh, Mya, don’t touch it.” She tried to lift it herself. “AGGHH!” she screamed in agonizing pain. “I don’t think it’s broken, but it hurts like hell.” She bent over in pain.

Explicit all this, I’m calling the cops.” I rushed over to grab the phone off the dresser, but the cord got caught under my shoe and it fell to the floor.

“No, no, Mya!” she shouted. “Don’t do that. You’ll only make it worse. I’ll be OK,” she begged me.
“Well, tell me who did this. Who did this to you?” I shouted again.

“That doesn’t matter. I’m OK,” she tried to convince me.

“Monica, leave the room.” I pointed toward the door.

“But—” Monica tried to protest.

“Monica, leave the room. Now!” I screamed.

Monica got off the bed slowly and walked out. I slammed the door behind her. In a quiet voice I demanded answers from Momma.

“I want to know who did this to you and why. I won’t leave this room until I know.”

“Why does it matter, Mya? I ain’t shit but a prostitute and crack ho,” she said calmly while looking off into space. “This type of thing is bound to happen to me . . . or worse. I’m lucky every day if somebody don’t rape me and leave me for dead in an alley.”

Not trying to hear a word she was saying, I broke her trance when I got directly in her face and started screaming at her. “Do you think it’s okay for someone to do this to you? And then you try to protect him? Tell me now, goddamit!” I screamed again. “Who did this to you?” The look in my eyes had to be raging because my insides felt like they were on fire.

I think I surprised her with my rage because she had shock in her eyes. “Mya, I’m still your mother regardless of my fucked life,” she said, her voice still calm.

“Right now you are acting like a teenager, Ma, but you don’t have to tell me who did this to you. I already know. This got Squeeze’s name all over it.” I turned to leave the room, but before I did she started talking.

“He came over while y’all was gone, okay? Is that what you wanna hear, Mya?” With agonizing pain written across her face she repositioned herself on the bed. “We had sex. When we were finished he went to the bathroom to take a shower. He came outta the bathroom and started getting dressed, and then he went into his pants’ pocket and started counting his stack. All of a sudden he starts accusing me of stealing from him. I told him I didn’t touch his stuff. And, Mya, I swear I didn’t.” She looked me straight in the eye convincingly.

“I didn’t move out of this bed when he went into that bathroom. I would never steal from a Explicit but he wouldn’t listen to me, Mya.” She started to cry. Seeing my momma cry sent me into more tears. “The next thing I know he was punching me. I must’ve passed out sometime during the beating. I don’t know what happened after that. When I woke up, Monica was standing over me screaming.”

“I knew he did this.” I broke down on the floor. “I hate living here. I hate our life.” At that moment everything my dad said to me suddenly seemed clear. These streets were grimy, and the only thing that was free in the street was hurt and pain. I stood up, wiped my face, and walked toward my mother’s bedroom door.

Mom jumped off the bed and grabbed me with her good hand. Unable to see straight because of that swollen eye and the pain she stumbled. “Mya, don’t tell Li’l Bo. I’m afraid for him, and if knows he might try to kill Squeeze. I don’t want to see him locked up or shot up by the Boone Squad. I just couldn’t take it.” She reached out and wrapped her good arm around me. For the first time in four years I felt like I had my momma back.

I quickly released myself from her embrace. “Even though Squeeze deserves exactly what he’ll get one day, I won’t tell Li’l Bo. But only because I love my brother. I don’t give a Explicit about Squeeze or what may happen to him.”

I opened the door and left her room with a calm feeling that for some reason sent chills down my spine.


Get to Know Saundra:

Saundra Jones grew up in Cleveland Mississippi and as an adult now resides in Indiana. She is married with two daughters ages 11 and 5 years old. Originally she started writing screen plays at the age of twelve and as an adult her need to create intensified. This intensity produced her first self published novella titled “Owning Up”. Unable to stop there and with the voices and emails of fans requesting more she penned two more novels. Her journey as a published writer began with Delphine Publications in 2012 and is currently working on her next project.

Why did you start writing?

I have always possessed a busy imaginative mind. When I was in the 5th grade my teacher assigned us to write a short court room play with a fake trail I hated that assignment. However, when I started too created create the characters I didn’t want to stop. By the age twelve years old I was writing skits all the time just to entertain myself.

What inspires you?

Creativity inspires me I love to see ideas come to life. It amazes me how you can start from nothing and come full circle.

How is your debut going to place you among the circle?

My debut is going to clarify my true passion for writing and my natural ability for storytelling.
What is your book about?

Her Sweetest Revenge is about a young woman who chooses to speak up for her family using the only way she knows how, getting justice by any means necessary.

What is next for you?

Well I have completed a romance novel that is coming up. And I am currently working on a new project.

What are your hobbies?

My hobbies are reading, writing, and watching television.

How can readers contact you?
Sjones34@live.com
Author: Saundra Jones on Facebook
@authorsaundra on twitter
Contact Saundra:
Project Name: Her Sweetest Revenge
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Saundra-Jones/334550093223404\
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/authorsaundra
Email address: sjones34@live.com
Purchase books at: www.amazon.com and www.barnesandnoble.com