Hello reader's Ms Bevy, have been away for a while look forward to sharing my love of reading with you again so stay tune change is coming, fun things will be happening on this site!

Where Did We Go Wrong? by Author Monica Mathis-Stowe

Author Monica Mathis-Stowe

Best friends Gabby, Maxine and Joy protect each other at all costs, even if it means keeping secrets that turn their lives upside down. Gabby has no boundaries when it comes to getting what she wants. She pulls out every trick in the book to keep her daughter’s married father out of their lives but keep his money in her bank account…Maxine lives for her family but when her husband’s excessive spending lands them in more debt than they can handle, the stress takes a toll on their perfect marriage…After Joy’s loyalty to her controlling mother causes her to lose the only man she’s ever loved, she marries a man she barely knows. After her wedding, she quickly realizes she made the biggest mistake of her life and it puts everybody she loves in danger. Unfortunately, someone will have to pay the ultimate price with their life.

Excerpt:
The bond between girlfriends, best friends, is unbreakable, Joy thought as she zigzagged and weaved through the Beltway traffic. She drove as fast and as calmly as she could with Gabby huffing and puffing through her labor pains in the passenger seat. Her normally light-skinned complexion turned a pale shade of red with each contraction, but she still managed to look beautiful through all her pain.
Joy glanced through her rear-view mirror at Maxine, who had decided to follow Joy and Gabby to the hospital in her minivan, in case she needed to leave to tend to her family. She had already let three cars jump between her minivan and Joy’s car. Since her friend didn’t know how to get to the hospital, Joy thought Maxine would have attempted to follow her more closely. Drivers were definitely taking advantage of her careful driving, with the many “Caution-Baby on Board” stickers plastered to her bumper. She was so far behind, Joy couldn’t see her anymore.
When Joy arrived at the hospital’s emergency room entrance, she jumped out of her Toyota Corolla and ran inside the hospital to get help. Within seconds, she returned to the car with a nurse and an orderly pushing a wheelchair. She assisted Gabby into the hospital and left to find Maxine.
Back in her car, Joy pulled out her cell phone, and called Maxine. “Girl, where are you?” Joy asked, trying to sound calm. She didn’t want to make timid Maxine more nervous than she already was.
“I’m lost. You were driving so fast, I couldn’t keep up,” Maxine whined.
Joy shook her head. “What exit are you near?”
“I see a hospital sign. Should I take that exit?” Maxine asked anxiously.
Joy sighed in frustration. “Yeah, follow the signs to the hospital. I’m gonna park my car in the garage and meet you in the lobby.”
“Okay. Bye.” Maxine hit the End Call button on her steering wheel as she took the exit.
Joy hung up and sped toward the parking garage. She turned into the first available spot and ran back to the hospital. She didn’t want Gabby to be alone when she delivered.
Monica is a native of Washington, D.C., and a graduate of Nyack College with a degree in Organizational Management. When she’s not pounding the keyboard crafting her next novel, she works as an investigator in the metropolitan Washington area. She currently lives in Prince George’s County, Maryland, with her brave, sexy firefighter husband and their loving, handsome son.


Get to Know Monica:
Question 1: Have you always wanted to be a writer?
I always enjoyed reading novels, but decided I wanted to became a writer in my mid-teens after reading a chapter where the author described a scene so vividly, I actually thought I was there. I wanted that power-the ability to make people feel and experience life through my stories.

Question 2: Tell me about your book.
Where Did We Go Wrong? is my newly released romantic suspense novel. It is about best friends Gabby, Maxine and Joy who protect each other at all costs, even if it means keeping secrets that turn their lives upside down. Gabby has no boundaries when it comes to getting what she wants. She pulls out every trick in the book to keep her daughter’s married father out of their lives but keep his money in her bank account, while Maxine lives for her family but when her husband’s excessive spending lands them in more debt than they can handle, the stress takes a toll on their perfect marriage. After Joy’s loyalty to her controlling mother causes her to lose the only man she’s ever loved, she marries a man she barely knows. When the wedding is over, she quickly realizes she made the biggest mistake of her life and it puts everybody she loves in danger. Unfortunately, someone will have to pay the ultimate price with their life.

Question 3: What would you like your readers to get out of your book?
I want readers to experience the bond and the connection between these three women. They support each other as they deal with the challenges in their lives and relationships. No matter what they’re going through and no matter how wrong they are, they stick together and support each other through it. Their bond is admirable and I think every woman should have a friendships like theirs.

Question 4: Where did you get the inspiration to write your book?
The relationships I have with my girlfriends inspired me to write this book. I wanted to tell a story about everyday women going through issues and difficulties in their lives and how their girlfriends helped them through it. I read so many novels and hear about reality television shows that focus on creating chaos and conflict between women and that’s not good. I wrote this book to show the positive side of true friendship between women.

Question 5: What sets your book apart from other books in the same genre?
If you love African-American romance novels or urban fiction in general, then this one should be on your must read list! The three main characters are strong, independent and educated women who go through enough conflict and drama to keep you turning the pages. Reading Where Did We Go Wrong? will take you on a roller coaster of emotions. This novel is a combination of drama, comedy, suspense and romance with enough sizzling sex scenes to keep you wanting more. It’s definitely in a genre of its own.

Question 6: As an author, what is your writing process? How long did it take you to start and finish your book?
I try to write every day. I would love to write every day, but it doesn’t always happen. Sometimes life gets in the way. Before I start writing, I listen to music to arrange my thoughts for the scene. Sometimes I listen to the same song over and over until I can create the scene in my head. Once I have it, I turn the music off and start pecking at the keyboard until the chapter is done or until my family needs me. It took me four months to write the first draft of Where Did We Go Wrong? and a year of rewrites and edits to complete it.

Question 7: What’s next for you?
I’m currently finishing the sequel to Where Did We Go Wrong? and I just completed an outline for a new novel, The Firefighters’ Wives. I have a lot of stories inside of me and I’m just getting started. This won’t be the last you’ve heard from me.

 

 

 

Web-links:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authormonicamathisstowe

Twitter: www.twitter.com/MMathisStowe

Author Site: www.MonicaMathisStowe.com

Email address for readers to contact me: MonicaMathisStowe@yahoo.com

 

Links to where book can be purchased:

eBook purchase – http://www.amazon.com/Where-Did-We-Wrong-ebook/dp/B007QE3Y60/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1333756816&sr=1-1

paperback purchase – www.MonicaMathisStowe.com and Amazon.com

Book Trailer: http://youtu.be/2j4Mpj3suHI

Married To Him By Author Senica Evans

Synopsis:

Senica Evans

One woman’s story of overcoming a marriage filled with deceit, infidelity, and abuse to living a life filled with joy, peace, and deliverance.

From Senica Evans, comes a riveting, heartbreaking, drama filled autobiographical tale of her tumultuous marriage to Spank. He is verbally and mentally abusive and can’t seem to control his incessant cheating. But it didn’t start that way! They met and became the best of friends. Almost inseparable from the start. As Spank’s true self was slowly being revealed the relationship picked up speed and eventually began to spin out of control. She saw the signs but her desire to keep her family intact was far greater. Despite the craziness, her love for him fueled the drama fire and his selfishness was the wind that kept it ablaze. There was a lesson to be learned from all of this and she was determined to figure it out.
Excerpt:
“The butterflies were swarming and I was warming up on the inside. He sat back on the couch and began to swirl his finger around the curls in my hair. He pulled me back to him and his lips touched mine. The kiss was so passionate it sent jolts through my body. Then all of a sudden he abruptly pulled away from me. “Go ahead and finish eating. I have more planned” he said with great confidence.”
“On one of the rare occasions  he would actually open up and talk to me, he told me, “sometimes you have to put things on the back burner to get what you want. Once I got you, I moved everything from the back to the front.” This explained it all! I was just something to be conquered. He didn’t love me, not one bit. It was all a game. “
“You’re so silly! Why aren’t you taking pictures? What woman doesn’t take pictures on vacation? You’re just walking around looking like you’re a man or something. What was the point of you bringing the camera?
I didn’t know picture taking was gender specific! If you aren’t happy with the amount of pictures I’m taking or the lack thereof you are more than welcome to take them yourself.
I’m not doing anything. You’re the woman so you are supposed to do it. I don’t know why you want to be a man so bad. Senica you aren’t a man. You can’t be the man.
Huh?!? Ok whatever Spank!”


Senica Evans as author, relationship coach, radio host, and speaker is passionate about helping women overcome the destruction in their life to reveal their true beauty and greatness. As a survivor of domestic violence, sexual assault, and destructive relationships, Senica founded SennySen to be a guiding light to women and teen girls. Senica is the author of Married to Him, an autobiography of the destruction she faced in her abusive destructive marriage.  Senica is preparing to release her second book later this year; Woman Free Yourself: A Guide to Healing from Divorce or a Heart Wrenching Breakup by Starting Over, Rediscovering You, & Crushing Bitterness, Anger, and Resentment. Visit her at http://www.sennysen.com.


Get To Know Senica:
1. What is Married to Him?
Married to Him is my story and debut book. It allows readers to journey with me through my destructive marriage which was filled with abuse, infidelity, and disrespect to peace, joy, and happiness. It also details how previous events in my life resurfaced in my marriage which caused me to accept things I was undeserving of. It will make you laugh, piss you off, and get a bird’s eye view of what’s it like to be in destruction.
2. Why did you decide to write Married to Him?
Unfortunately, there are a lot of women who get stuck in destructive relationships and it’s usually swept under the rug. Writing has always been therapeutic for me. When I started my blog, this was a way for me to get out and get over this relationship. As the blog grew, I saw there were many women who were stuck in similar situations and they found solace and comfort in my escape. Married to Him is not just my story but my journey of overcoming such a destructive relationship to come out on the other side stronger better and without regret or malice.
3. You mentioned you used writing as a therapeutic tool. When did you start writing?
I’ve always had a passion for writing. As a child, I wrote songs and poetry. I was that girl that would send you love letters. My college English professors would often encourage me to pursue writing as a career. But, I chased the career that offered the most money and quickly found myself unhappy.  I never put the pen down. I kept journals on almost every part of my life.  Finally, I had had enough and decided to step out on faith and pursue my true passion; writing.
4. Do you still talk to “him”?
Yes, I do. We have two children together so I’m forced too. We are definitely not friends but not enemies either. We do what’s necessary for our children.
5. What was the turning point for you in the relationship?
Well, without giving the book away. I simply had enough. It’s just like the old saying goes, “a person will leave when they’ve had enough” But I was finally able to walk away knowing I gave my marriage my all. I left without any remorse or what if’s. I left with a clear conscience  that I made every attempt to make my marriage work.
6. Do you have any advice for women in similar situations?
Plan, grieve, and take time for you. It sounds so cliché but it’s true; know your worth. Once you are firmly rooted in who you are and what you are deserving of, you will realize what situations or relationships are detracting from your greatness. When the relationship is over grieve that relationship. By that I mean, take the necessary time to cry, scream, or whatever it takes to get the emotions out. Don’t suppress them. It’s also important to take time for you. A wounded heart is too needy and delicate to enter another relationship quickly. Date yourself for a little while and have fun doing you. It will foster that sexy feminine confidence.
7. What can we expect from you in the future?
I am currently working on my second book, Woman Free Yourself: A Guide to Healing from Divorce or a Heart Wrenching Breakup by Starting Over, Rediscovering You, & Crushing Bitterness, Anger, and Resentment. Woman Free Yourself is a practical guide to assist women in overcoming a relationship’s demise and how to get back out there successfully. I also host a weekly internet radio show, Let’s Chat Radio Show, discussing all things relationships and women. In addition to writing and radio show hosting, I am also a speaker, relationship and life coach for women, and mentor.

You can find out more information about me and my services by visiting www.sennysen.com
Book Trailer:
http://youtu.be/unu-MN_OQng
Web-Links:
http://promos.sennysen.com/married-to-him
www.sennysen.comwww.sennysen.com/blog
www.facebook.com/sennysen11   |   www.facebook.com/sddevans
www.twiter.com/sennysen11

Lights Out by George Sherman Hudson

Synopsis:
It all started under the City Lights of Atlanta but now it’s Lights Out.
Real, with his first lady Constance by his side was living the lifestyle of the rich and famous. Just as things were looking up, it all came to a halt. Friends turned to foes and an all out Cartel war ensued. The results were hard times in a down south Georgia prison and the death of a loved one. Now Real is released and back in the city with only one thing on his mind…REVENGE!
With a list, Real hits the streets and hunts down those responsible, saving the Cartel bosses for last. He sets his sites on B-Low, his one time right-hand man and now a major player in the game, who is going to be hard to touch.
Cash, his other partner-in-crime turned snitch, sits next to B-Low on the list. From Atlanta to Miami, Real leaves no stone unturned as he takes the city by storm, in search of the ultimate payback.

Excerpt:
Back at B-Low’s crib, Ranjan and Jack were backing the van up in front of the garage door.
Jack jumped out of the truck and pulled the door open and was surprised to see the trash they’d been called to clean up was a woman.
Angela lay in the middle of the garage floor, all taped up and squirming around like a rodent.
Jack walked up and stood over her, trying his best to keep his excitement under wraps as he looked down at the thick, fine, completely naked dime-piece looking up at him with teary doe eyes, red and swollen. “Damn, lady! Who you piss off?” Jack asked jokingly, taken by Angela’s beauty.
“The wrong muthafucker,” Ranjan answered, stepping around the van to inspect the trash for himself.
Angela tried to plead with both men, but the tape had her words muffled.
Jack knelt down and pulled the tape from her mouth.
“Please help me! Please! I don’t wanna die!” she cried.
Jack and Ranjan looked down at her then at one another.
“Can’t spare her, bro, no matter what. We got a job to do, and we sticking to it,” Jack said firmly.
Angela cried softly, and Jack could tell her sobbing was bothering Ranjan quite a bit.
“Man, you know I don’t do no women or kids. Look at her, man. She ain’t no fuckin’ threat. What this li’l bitch gonna do?” Ranjan spat, looking down at the seemingly helpless girl, naked and bloodied and bound on the cold cement.

George Sherman Hudson, born and raised in Atlanta, GA, was continuously rejected by different publishers because of the subject matter contained in his books. This father of two did some research and while serving time, started G Street Chronicles, the urban book company based in College Park, Georgia. While George is determined to make G Street Chronicles a recognized name in the literary industry, he’s also working hard on his ninth novel.



Get to Know George:
1) Can you please tell us a little something about yourself?
My name is George Sherman Hudson, born and raised in Atlanta Ga. I’m 37 years old and the CEO of G Street Chronicles which is a subsidiary company of G Street Entertainment, which me and the hardest working V.P. in the business Shawna A. just made official. The parent company will incubate all facets of our upcoming businesses; G Street Chronicles, G Street Cinema and G Street Music. My days as an author are limited or should I say my writings will be far and few between. I hope my 10 titles will keep my supporters entertained until I’m able to come with another 5 star plot.
2) What inspired this particular novel?
Time… Doing time in prison and seeing the game from the other side was my inspiration. This novel has a lot of factual events, even down to the…just check it out. This is a sequel to City Lights which also has a lot of factual occurrences.
3) What motivated your writing career?
My struggle… This whole idea came to me while sitting in prison, in the hole, for a disciplinary infraction. The 110 degree weather, limited ventilation and a Triple Crown book gave me the idea. With the short stubby pencil and old crumbled up paper, I brought my vision to life.
4) Who are some people in the game that influenced you?
There was only one, Vickie Stringer. She brought this genre to the forefront and made her company a household name. I have never read one of her books but I have read some of her author’s titles. The writing isn’t what influenced me, it was how she nurtured a genre that wasn’t embraced by the masses. I hate how it all ended up but you know things happen to the best of us.
5) What’s next from George Sherman Hudson?
Hackin & Stackin, a novel based on white collar crimes with a splash of street.
6) How has the game changed since your inception?
One word…ebooks! Now everybody is putting a book out, which is cool because in the past a lot of stores and vendors wouldn’t give the indie authors a chance. Now they don’t need them. Now you see it’s a hell of a lot more talent out there than just the veteran writers. Ebooks opened the flood gates for new talent.
7) What advice would you give to someone getting into this game?
Stay focused on YOU and don’t get caught up in the competition stuff. Just do you and let your work speak for itself. Don’t think that since you signed with a publisher, it means instant success. You still have to promote and get the word out about your book. Don’t let the speed bumps, which could be people or situations, stop you. Perseverance and determination is a must.

Web-Links:
www.gstreetchronicles.com
http://www.facebook.com/gstreet.chronicles
https://twitter.com/gstrtchroni
gstreetchronicles@yahoo.com
Purchase books at www.gstreetchronicles.com

Games Men Play Author Wanda McGhee

Author Wanda Mcghee

Games Men Play Synopsis

Kalar Hargrove, an African-American reconstructive surgeon on a career fast-track, holds practice in a renowned Philadelphia hospital. Life is good for the highly respected surgeon until he gets lured into the high-stakes games of a pharmaceutical tycoon, while trying to save a friend from the tantalizing grips of a pay-for-play impresario.

This thriller moves from an exclusive doctor's address on Rittenhouse Square to a NY City gentlemen's emporium. It takes you on a high-speed chase from Las Vegas to a yacht in LA, from Costa Rica to an explosive finish back in Philadelphia that puts everything on the line. This racy page-turner will leave you breathless.

Wanda McGhee has a new book on BarnesandNoble.com that's peppered with spice and intrigue. 'Games Men Play', by W.C. McGhee, is a sharp fast-paced page turner that will thrill you from beginning to end. Why not add a copy to your must reads and tell me what you think.

Thanks!


Here’s the link!




http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/games-men-play-w-c-mcghee/1110120563?ean=9781468523041

Married in the Nick of Nine Author Alretha Thomas

Alretha Thomas

An author and playwright, Alretha Thomas is making her name through her pen. Award winning plays and wanting to help her community, Alretha’s background is as diverse as her personality. She started at the age of ten, when her 5th grade teacher picked and read her short story assignment in front of the class – that simple, loving act empowered a new writer. Continuing in high school, her numerous original oratorical conquests on the Speech Team led her to a journalism concentration at USC.

Upon graduating, Alretha soon realized that her interest in journalism was not heartfelt. While at the taping of a live sitcom, the producer noticed her and encouraged her hand at modeling. Modeling didn’t mean much to her, but it did lead her to acting and a NAACP Theatre Award Nomination (1993) for BEST ACTRESS. Alretha left acting and began to write full time. Her church gave her an outlet to fulfill her writing desires through their Liturgical Fine Arts Department wherein Alretha penned twelve theatre pieces—the community response was overwhelming.

This led to full length plays outside of the church. In 2002, The Stella Adler Theater presented A Shrine to Junior. The play was nominated for an NAACP Theatre Award and in 2004, Alretha’s play, Civil Rites, was the recipient of an NAACP Theatre Award. Her play Grandpa’s Truth ran at the Inglewood Playhouse in Inglewood, California in 2006, and was extended more than once by popular demand. Not only did radio station KJLH support by recommending this production to its listeners, but notables like the Mayor of Inglewood, Roosevelt Dorn, and music legends like Freda Payne and Stevie Wonder had critical acclaim for Grandpa’s Truth. This wonderful piece was featured on Channel 5 (KTLA News) by Entertainment Reporter, Sam Rubin. Additionally, in 2007, Alretha’s play, Sacrificing Simone had a successful run at Stage 52 in Los Angeles and was called “an inspirational crowd pleaser” by the Los Angeles Times and in 2009, Alretha’s ground breaking One, Woman Two Lives, starring Kellita Smith (The Bernie Mac Show), directed by four-time NAACP Image Award Best Director recipient Denise Dowse, garnered rave reviews from critics and audiences.

In between plays, Alretha’s first novel Daughter Denied was launched in 2008 and has received glowing reviews from readers and book clubs across the country. Representing her book, Alretha has been the guest on many radio shows and television shows including San Francisco Public Affairs show Bay Sunday with Barbara Rodgers on KTLA Channel 5. In 2011, Alretha launched her second novel Dancing Her Deams Away, and it was also well received. Her third novel, Married in the Nick of Nine, is taking readers and reviewers across the country by storm. Alretha is currently preparing for the release of sequel to Married in the Nick of Nine. The Baby in the Window will launch in 2013.

Synopsis: Cassandra Whitmore is facing yet another Valentine’s Day alone. Her love life is as dry as the Sharpie pen she uses to mark an even more dreadful day on her calendar—her upcoming 30th birthday. Driven by the maddening ticking of her biological clock, Cassandra is determined to meet, fall in love with, and marry “The One” within nine months.

When Cassandra accompanies her cousin to a night club, her Type-A quest to meet a man is quickly rewarded by a stranger’s velvety, baritone voice asking if he might occupy the seat next to her. He’s Nicolas Harte, whose good looks leave Cassandra speechless, but not for long. After mustering enough courage to strike up a conversation, she learns Nicolas is everything she wants in a man—smart, successful, and available. There’s only one catch: He’s “GU” (geographically undesirable). Nonetheless, Cassandra falls in love with Nicolas and makes the uncharacteristic decision to move from Los Angeles to New York to be with him. But Cassandra gets a rude awakening when she discovers there’s something rotten in the Big Apple.

Excerpt:
The Speakeasy is jumping; the line to get in is crazy. I don’t know how Cyn does it. I just don’t see what people find so enthralling about club life, but it must have something to offer or half the women in Los Angeles wouldn’t be standing in line shivering their butts off.  Parked outside the club, I glance at the clock on my dashboard and see that it’s already ten o’clock. I could have sworn we were supposed to meet at nine. I would call Cyn, but I forgot my Blackberry at home, and I’m not about to use the pay phone at the corner gas station. I don’t know why I didn’t fill up earlier. I could have spared myself the close encounter with that homeless man determined to wash my windows. Poor guy. I can hear my pastor now: ‘Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.’ I know he’s probably gonna buy a couple of forty-ouncers with the five dollars I gave him, but I couldn’t help myself.

Okay it’s way past ten now. I guess Cyn got confused. I wish she would get here. After that disastrous date with Lawrence, I need a pick-me-up. And speaking of pick-ups, I can’t believe he expected me to pick up the tab. According to his mother, the only way to tell a woman’s not a gold-digger is if she pays on the first date. I don’t know why Lawrence signed up with the dating service. Clearly, he’s already married.

“Lord have mercy. You scared the mess out of me!” I scowl at Cyn, who just appeared outside my passenger door.

“Let me in.”

I unlock the door; she opens it and sits.

“Girl, you scared me.”

“Why are you so on edge? What’s up?”

“I guess I’m still reeling after that date I had with Lawrence, the mama’s boy.”

“I told you you’re wasting your money on that dating service. You need to ask for a refund. It’s been a year, you’ve been out with over a dozen guys, and it always ends up the same. What was that last one’s name?”

“Richard.”

“Yeah, Richard. The one who asked for a loan after two weeks. And then there was Doug, the crackhead…”

“Former crackhead. When I met him he was clean and sober.”

“Right. Somebody put that crack pipe in his briefcase. And don’t let me forget Theodore, who wanted you to have a ménage a trois with his ex-girlfriend on your second date, or was that Phillip? No, that couldn’t have been Phillip, because he was gay.”

“I get the point!”

“Okay, so I won’t mention the four or five other guys who could have worked out if they had only worn the right color suit, lived in the right part of town, or had the right number of frequent flier miles.”

“Cyn, please! I get it.”

“Do you? I don’t know why you’re trying to get married anyway. You just don’t know how good you have it, living your own life with nobody to get on your last nerve. If it wasn’t for Shelby, I would have divorced David’s big, fat, funky butt a long time ago.”

“You don’t mean that. But even so, I’m not giving up.”

“You know what they say about people who keep doing the same thing over and over again, expecting different results?”

“I’m not crazy. But never mind that—where have you been? We were supposed to meet at nine.”
“You said ten.”

“I did not!”

We exchange looks and take a moment to size each other up. “Never mind. Just forget it,” I finally say, by way of an apology.

“Girl, that purple cashmere top is kickin’ on you,” Cyn says, her way of accepting it.

“You look good, too. Looks like you’ve lost some more weight.”

“It’s the black, but thanks anyway. We’d better head in. I need a drink.”

“I dunno, Cyn. I’m not feeling that line.”

“Please, we’re not gonna stand in line. I have a hook-up.”

“Good. Then I think I’ll have a drink, too,”

“Little miss perfect is gonna have a drink?”

I ignore Cyn. We get out of my Lexus, and all heads turn when she slams the car door. A couple of women, wearing lace front wigs give us smug looks from the head of the line. Cyn and I exchange knowing glances as we approach the long, velvet ropes separating us from the competition. Now that I’m out, I wanna have a good time. Cyn’s right—I really need to loosen up. I’m gonna really try to be spontaneous tonight. I laugh out loud at my own thoughts and follow Cyn closely as we brush past these ladies-in-waiting. I wiggle my nose at the scent of perfume and hairspray wafting through the air. I suck in my gut and hold my head high, all the while praying that Cyn truly does have a hook-up. I couldn’t bear to get to the front of the line and be kicked to the curb.
“Ouch. You stepped on my foot!”

“I’m sorry,” I say to a short girl in braids and hardly anything else.

“Come on, Cass!”

“I’m coming,” I say, trying to ignore the daggers and snickers coming our way. I stare at the back of Cyn’s head as she looks up at the six-foot-five gatekeeper with neck and arms the size of tree trunks.
“Hi, I’m Cynthia Townsend. Roberta and I work together.”

The bouncer crosses his bulging arms over a huge, barrel chest and sneers at us. “Roberta who?”

“Roberta Jenkins. She’s a social work—”

“Oh Robbie, okay. Sure, you right.” He points at me and asks, “She with you?”

Cyn looks over her shoulder. I guess to make sure it’s still me and not one of the haters we trampled en route to the head of the line. “Yeah, that’s my cousin.”

“Y’all good.”

“Thank.”

He parts the velvet rope, we high-five one another, and waltz into the club.


Get to know Alretha:
Q: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how long you’ve been writing?
A: If you look up miracle in the dictionary, you’ll see my smiling face staring back at you. Nineteen years ago, if you had told me I’d be participating in an interview with AAMBC regarding my third novel Married in the Nick of Nine, I would have directed you to the nearest lost and found so you could hopefully locate your mind. There’s no way a young, black girl raised in a San Francisco housing project, with a sickly mother on welfare, and an abusive jailbird father could become a writer. There’s no way that girl, who finds her mother’s lifeless body on the living room sofa, at the age of fourteen, could even think about writing, let alone graduate second in her high school and get a scholarship to USC. There’s no way that girl, who becomes anorexic, bulimic, and falls prey to drugs and alcohol, could have any hopes of becoming a writer. Well, miracles do happen and with determination and faith in God, I was able to overcome my obstacles and fulfill my fifth grade teacher’s prophecy, that one day I’ll be a published writer.
Q: You refer to your books as your babies. Tell us how “Married in the Nick of Nine” was conceived and born.
A: In early 2011, I began putting together a skeletal outline for a story about a young, smart, and successful woman who was determined to meet, fall in love with, and marry “The One” within nine months. Around the time I was writing the book, I was launching Dancing Her Dreams Away, so after writing about thirty-five pages, I put Married in the Nick of Nine on the shelf. Dancing Her Dreams Away launched June 2011, and I was laid off my corporate job of twelve years in September 2011!
The Friday of the week I was laid off, I decided to query agents regarding Married in the Nick of Nine, just to see if anyone would be interested. Usually I have to query about three-hundred agents before I get a handful of responses, so I didn’t expect to get any replies, let alone any positive ones. So I submitted one query letter to one agent. To my amazement, the agent requested the entire manuscript. I was filled with glee and dread because there was no manuscript. I barely had forty pages. But this was an opportunity of a lifetime, so like Bradley Cooper in Limitless, I started writing. He had NZT and I had faith. I stayed up writing the book for four days straight, and by the following Monday I received an email from the agent asking if the manuscript had gotten lost in cyberspace. I told her I would get it to her the following day. So four days after the manuscript request, and one week after being laid off, I had completed Married in the Nick of Nine. Long story short, I submitted the book, got great feedback, but no cigar. After countless revisions, more submissions, requests, and rejections, I decided to once again self-publish! And I’m glad I did. Just think if I hadn’t submitted that one query letter, Married in the Nick of Nine would still be on the shelf.

Q: Which characters in “Married in the Nick of Nine” are you most like?
A: Wow! That’s a great question. I’m actually a combination of a few of them. I was very similar to Cyn in my twenties. I liked to party and like Cyn, I drank a little too much.  I became more like Cassandra, in my late thirties. That’s when I got focused. There are aspects of both characters that I admire. I love Cyn’s free spirit and her tendency to say what’s on her mind. I love Cassandra’s determination and I admire how she managed to stay on point with her goals. She finished high school, went onto college, and now has a great career. I veered off the path during my journey, but thank God, I eventually got it together. By the way, I have a BIG crush on Nick! LOL!
Q: Is the life of a writer as you imagined it to be?

A: I never imagined what a writer’s life would be like. I’ve always envisioned what I wanted my life to be like as a writer. My dream is to be well off, free from the 9-5 grind, writing books, plays, having my books optioned for movies, and being a part of those movies as a producer. I saw myself being a part of every aspect of the movie making process, from casting to the red carpet premiere. I also saw myself being interviewed by Oprah Winfrey, Entertainment tonight, and all the other entertainment shows. Am I there yet? No. But I’m having a ball getting there. LOL!
Q: What are some of your favorite books?
A: There are hundreds. Top of my list is the BIBLE. Others that stand out the most are as follows: The late Bebe Moore’ Campbell’s, “What You Owe Me” and “Brothers and Sisters.” “Angela’s Ashes” by the late Frank McCourt. Terry McMillan’s, “Waiting to Exhale,” “Disappearing Acts,” “The Interruption of Everything,” and “A Day Late and A Dollar Short.” Wally Lamb’s “She’s Come Undone” and “I know This Much Is True.” “RL’s Dream,” by Walter Mosley, and all of Kimberla Roby Lawson’s books. Classics like “The Color Purple,” by Alice Walker and “The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison. Too many more to list!
Q: If you could go back and change one day, what would it be?
A: It would be the day my mother died and yes, the reasons are obvious. I know she’s within me, and I believe she’s aware of my life. I actually had a very vivid dream wherein she appeared to me and she was very happy. She smiled and she said, “I heard you wrote a book.” This was around the time my debut novel came out. The dream was so real. I took one look at her and burst into tears. I was overwhelmed seeing her and I cried expressing the pain that I had experienced in my life not having her around. She hugged me and I woke up. I jumped up and ran screaming through the house. “My mother came to me! My mother came to me.” My husband, who was already up, reached out to me, and I collapsed into his arms.
Q:What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
A: NEVER GIVE UP!


Web Links:
http://www.facebook.com/MarriedInTheNickOfNine
https://twitter.com/#!/Marriedinthenic
www.Marriedinthenickofnine.com.
http://www.myspace.com/marriedinthenickofnine
Alrethat@aol.com
www.Marriedinthenickofnine.com.

Tavares Marquez Jones was born in Swainsboro, Georgia on March 30, 1986, the first child of Lillie Jones, the second son of Willie Dawson. His siblings are Gerrie Brown, Sherree Brown, Talonda Brown, Clarence Williams, Shankeil Tarver, Sheniza Dawson, and Shekenia Dawson. His father was a pastor and entrepreneur, his mother a housekeeper at a nursing home, then an assembly worker in both an environmental technology and energy conservation plant and a poultry factory. He lived in Swainsboro through high school, graduated in 2004, and received a full football scholarship to Middle Tennessee State University. After enjoying a wonderful first three years both in the classroom and on the field, he fractured a bone in his right foot in a game towards the end of his senior season. Because of injury, he was unable to perform to the best of his ability in front of scouts. Therefore, his draft stock plummeted. He went from being projected as a mid-to-late round pick in the NFL Draft to not getting picked up at all. For about two or three years, he worked a few jobs here and there, an assembly worker at a Nissan plant, maintenance man at a nursing home, replenishment associate at JC Penney, before wholeheartedly rediscovering a passion he had kept secret from everyone – including his very own mother – WRITING. He finds writing very refreshing, inspirational, and exciting.

Synopsis: Twenty-year-old Michelle Tucker finds herself devastated when an obsession for dating the wrong type of man claims her freedom and relationship with her four-year-old. Filled with heartrending betrayal, devastation, adversity and more, Crushed Love follows Michelle through a gauntlet of sacrifice and redemption as she struggles to find herself and piece back together her life.


Get to Know Tavares:
1.     At what age did you start writing?
I started writing at age four.

2.   What was the first thing you wrote?
The first thing I wrote was actually a message in the form of a drawing. When I was four, there was this girl who stayed next door that I liked. So I drew this stick-figure picture of a boy and a girl holding hands with a question mark off to the right. However, it didn’t work out as I had planned because she took the piece of paper, wadded it up, and threw it in the trash.

3.   What led you back to writing after placing it on the backburner for so long to focus solely on your love for football?
After my time was up on the field, I was hurt by a lot of people I thought loved me. I was looking for someone to vent to after my then-girlfriend walked out on our three-year relationship a month before I was going to propose. As I was sitting on the floor leaning against the wall next to my bed crying, wondering how could she do something like that after how special I had always treated her, God put it on my heart to get up, walk over to my laptop, and start writing. Writing slowly but surely carried me through heartbreak and my feeling the lowest I had ever felt.

4.   In your bio I read you have five sisters, what type of affect does that have on your writing, being that most readers are women?
I think being around them so much molded me into being a bit more emotional than most men, while at the same time giving me firsthand knowledge on when to be sensitive and when to be assertive, and in turn, it shows in my writing.

5.    Tell me a little about your debut novel, Crushed Love?
Crushed Love is an urban novel written from a woman’s perspective. It’s about a young single mother who allows her obsession for dating a bad boy to destroy the relationship she has with her four-year-old son. I wrote this novel because there are so many men who don’t understand what a woman goes through after sacrificing so much to be with a man and still wound up having her heart broken. I think it will enlighten men to be a little more sensitive to and appreciative for the countless sacrifices women make, while at the same time, enlightening women to be a bit more mindful about the type of men they trust to be around their children.

6.   When and where will Crushed Love be available?
The eBook will be available July 15, 2012 for Kindle, Nook, and iPad. The paperback will be available August 15, 2012 at Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, IndieBound, Indigo, Amazon, Better World Books, and everywhere else books are sold.

7.    Where can readers find more about you, your debut novel, and your writing plans for the future?
They can find more about me on my website tavaresmjones.com, artofficialmedia.com, and my Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn pages.

Web Links:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tavares-Jones/190079654434609
http://www.twitter.com/tavaresmjones
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/tavares-jones/4a/460/11b
http://www.tavaresmjones.com
tavaresmarquezjones@gmail.com.

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

Website: http://www.iamjamiejones.com/

Email Address: authorjamiejones@yahoo.com

http://www.amazon.com/Mylas-Journey-Peace-Within-ebook/dp/B0083M0GI8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1337866026&sr=8-2

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/098549560X/ref=tmm_pap_new_olp_0?ie=UTF8&condition=new&qid=1337866026&sr=8-2

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/echo-of-her-cry-jamie-jones/1110805065?ean=2940014440721

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/echo-of-her-cry-jamie-jones/1110805065?ean=9780985495602&itm=1&usri=echo+of+her+cry

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

What is a Christian.....?

Emmett Grizzly Douglas

1. Someone who has come to terms, that they are indeed a sinner bound for eternal damnation. If a person isn't ready to do this, then all of their good works are as filthy rags before the Lord.

2. Someone who would offer to cut his neighbors yard, instead of complaining about it with the other neighbors.

3. Someone who realizes that all, including self have fallen short of God's glory, and only through the blood of the lamb, can our spirits be re-born brand new and perfect before God and sealed by His Holy Spirit until the day of redemption.

4. Someone who knows that it is our spirit that is perfect, and fully redeemed, not our flesh which must die due to the curse. Nor is our soul redeemed. Our soul must be changed through the constant renewing of our minds according to God's word. Our soul is where our emotions, feelings, and thoughts reside. The daily battles are in our minds. Learn to control them, or they will control us.

5. Someone who will never attempt to point out in judgement the sin in anyones life, because we know that we are in no way a symbol of walking, talking perfection.

6. Someone who chooses to love, and forgive everyone who has wronged us. Regardless of how much the world tells you that you have every right to be angry, or mad at them. Forgive them, let it go. Unforgiveness is like a cancer, it will eat away at your soul until you make a regretful decision.

7. Someone who will never be in agreement with any sin. Regardless of the popularity of it, or who supports it, world opinion, or even if it involves somebody we dearly love. Love people regardless lest we forget that we also have areas in our own lives that are sin. It's not our place to convict.

8. Someone who knows without a doubt that we will be in Heaven on day with the Father, not because we lived a sinless, holy life, but because Jesus lived it for us.

9. Someone who realizes that to approach to word of God, without His Holy Spirit will only lead to confusion, and senseless debate. The carnal mind only understands carnal things.

10. Someone who knows that we don't have all the answers, but we do have THE answer.

11. Someone who would never turn way anybody from God's congregation because they are a drug head, alcoholic, gang member, gay, Buddhist, Muslim, Zeus worshipper, flying spaghetti monster follower, KKK member, Black panther, Neo-Nazi, blue, green, black, white, wearing shorts with a Metallica t-shirt, because refer to #3, #4, #5, and #6.

12. Someone who knows that facts, and feelings can change at any given moment. Only truth is unchanging, and eternal.

13. Somebody who gladly makes the most out of God's grace by studying His word, meditating on His word, and applying His principles in OUR daily lives, not OTHER peoples lives. Let His light be seen by others through our life.

14. Someone who knows that every good gift is from God, and only the devil comes to steal, KILL, and destroy. God does not punish people with sickness and diseases, or death. ALL are a part of the curse. God's will for us is always life, and health, and prosperity. DO NOT BELIEVE THE LIES OF THE ENEMY on these three things. Poverty is also a curse.

15. Someone who knows his strongest offensive weapon is his own tongue. In it lays the power of life, and death and we must be careful and aware of every word we speak. This is another battle in the soulish relm. With our tongues we can build someone up to achieve, or tear them down to nothingness.

16. Someone who realizes that somedays, we don't "feel" saved, but rest in our faith regardless of how we may "feel" at that moment. Refer to #12.

17. Someone who is able to love unconditionally, this is a requirement. The ability to grow into this, brings an undescribable peace inside your heart in which the fruits of the spirit can fully blossom.

18. Someone who realizes that eventhough Texas sucks, God loves them also /w\ ;-)

Seeds from Mama’s Garden by Kat Smith



Kat Smith

 Synopsis:
Seeds from Mama’s Garden is an inspiring, based-on-truth account of one woman’s journey to a rainbow of happiness, led by the spirit of her youth. With help, she weeds her life of the strangling debris of memories. Inspiration gives her the strength to uproot the pain of generational abuse, unearthing the source of the family’s unhappiness and their mother’s true identity; an accomplice in the crimes committed against her daughters.

At a time when KATARINA LEBLANC thought her world was settling close to normal, everything changed, again. An attempted rape opened the gates to a deluge of memories and dreams to which she began communicating with herself as a child, quickly reconciling the past, which she had buried long ago.

Therapist LAURA THOMKPINS, helped Katarina uproot the painful history of her family, cultivated generations before. Together with the heroine from her dreams, (herself at the age of the abuse) she unravels the mysteries which led to answers long awaited. Likened unto a flower that blossoms between the cracks in the sidewalk, she saw her youth as strong, beautiful and determined.

Her family’s garden had been tended by women who forsaken their desire for love and endured tainted relationships in exchange for the comforts of financial stability. Women like her grandmother MADEAR, whose brutal rape in a cotton field formed her opinion about men. LORAINE GERARD, her mother, who recklessly bore twelve children, fathered by ten men. When she married GENE GERARD, Loraine ultimately sacrificed her daughters to sexual torment by neglecting the sprouts of her womb and propagating seeds of lies, deception and denial.

Katarina develops a three dimensional view of her childhood, teenage years and adulthood. She and Laura examined the patterns Katarina displayed and suffered from repeatedly. Encounters with her younger self and therapy gives her insight into the relationships with her siblings and the part they play in the infestation of incest.
Ensuing weeks filled with emotional turmoil, became even more dramatic as Katarina fought to mask her pain while challenged with the assignment of a new account, Survivors of Abuse and Incest in Families (SAIF). TELLANI GRAYSON, a representative of SAIF and a clairvoyant, inspires Katarina by sharing visions of Katarina’s past and future.
With physical and spiritual forces bearing down, Katarina also struggled to emotionally cope with a separation from husband JONATHAN LEBLANC. His affair, accompanied by the assault leaves Jonathan desperate to scale the walls she’s built around her heart, while a budding new love interest, BRAXTON JUSTICE is overshadowed by Katarina’s need to end her family’s suffering.

First she must confront her mother Loraine, for failing to expose her husband, Gene for what he is; a child molester and rapist. Seen as his accomplice, Loraine ignores the fact that he may prey on yet the next generation of girls in the family. Next is her sister LOUISE, who holds the truth as to the father of her first child, CLARISSA. Twenty five year old Clarissa only needs confirmation that her grandfather is actually her father.
In the end, Katarina experiences closure with her little spirit, setting her free of the vines that bound them.

Loraine and Gene are arrested, tried and convicted. During the trial, Clarissa reveals that she secretly tested Gene’s DNA to prove that he is her father. With vindication brings wholeness and healing for the family and Katarina blossoms into a new life.

Excerpt:
 Aeration
 I noticed God’s presence. He or she understood the pain I unleashed and, befitting the sadness, created the perfect scene. For at that very moment, darkness moved in and covered the cheerful glow of the sun, allowing me a moment to grieve.
Innocence was lost. The light that once filled my heart was now shrouded. Tears remained for what was lost or taken and all hope was buried with my dreams. Aware that I must face this unhappiness, I aerate the garden of my mind. Loosening the soil to increase the penetration of life giving elements, I uprooted the source of my pain. Pulling at the tangled roots of my past I fight to free myself from the stranglehold of the overgrowth of lies, deceit and denial.
 *  *  *

 Sitting quietly I held tight to the tapestry pillow on the sofa in the therapist’s office. The cold, stiff leather squeaked as I adjusted in my seat. Shadows cast, despite the absence of sunlight, darkening the antique upholstered chairs and walls lined with bookshelves. Laura Thompkins’ wavy, auburn hair cascaded long curls down onto her shoulders. Uncanny to the décor of the office or her age, she donned a compassionate, caring face bright with youth’s dew. I deducted that Laura’s devotion to her work was the fuel that drove her to spend numerous hours a day here; listening, taking notes, offering advice and seeking solutions.

Laura sat across from me, Katarina LeBlanc. At thirty two, I’m reliving my childhood. But not as you would think. I’m revisiting that time, led by my youth.
Clasping her hands together and leaning in, she asked, “Why don’t you describe the dream to me in detail?”

I hesitated while contemplating our initial visit, which exposed the fact that Laura had witnessed enough abuse to inspire a career to help women refuse to live as prisoners of their past. Well respected in her profession, I had read of her accomplishments. She carefully recommended and encouraged her patients into a more normal view of living in her books. Normal, I chuckled at the reference. For the most part, normal is for people on the outside looking in. Many of us will never reach normalcy. Our lives have been altered forever.

Laura observed closely as I searched my heart and mind. With all my strength and where with all, I tried to maintain control. Focusing on a sunbeam that walked up the arm of the chair, I noticed by hour’s end, it had created a halo around Laura’s head.
Suddenly my sight is fixed on something or someone in a corner of the ceiling.
A concentrated look formed lines on Laura’s forehead. Momentarily, I thought maybe she’d thought I’d lost it. I shook my head to break up the war of memories which often consumed both awaken and sleeping hours. I stared back at the image up high. “We share each other’s thoughts, but somehow, she is the keeper of my memories.” The static crackled from the broken lines of communication from her voice in my head.

“I remember the first time I heard the small tiny voice. It was ever so quiet, but as time passed she became clearer and definitive, demanding to be heard.”
Quick scribbling of a pen and the slight rustle of pages quieted my sniffles as I fought to conceal the onslaught of tears.

With closed eyes and hung head, heavy images battled for attention. In my mind my eyes darted about the room. Like a camera lens, my pupils tried to freeze-frame one of the many thoughts.I gasped to breathe between words detailing my awakening. “I was seated at the vanity … in what seemed to be my old bedroom … staring in the mirror … I reminisced … unhappy days spent in that room … in that house … in my life … like a ticker tape … across the mirror… glimpses of my past… piercing.”
Connecting to the pain, I grip my chest as I labored on. “No one thought more prevalent … just space … emptiness … a deep void … a pit … gray … in black and white … shadows … wooden … the floor and furniture all lacking color … like food missing salt … bland and tasteless … cracks in the walls … pulling apart … that’s ironic … my family torn apart … painfully … like shin splints.”

Laura flipped a page on her notepad drawing my attention. Without opening my eyes, I turned my head and cocked it to the side, temporarily removed from my trance. She paused, “you were saying?”

“Suddenly … in the mirror I see a little brown eyed girl … about nine or ten … shy and thin … her hair parted down the middle … braided on each side … like Madear used to comb my hair … I hated that style … she’s wearing my favorite dress … I hear her say ‘It’s me!’… I turned around and she’s not there … I’m not afraid … I stare back without a word … finally I said hello … anticipation … In my head I hear, ‘I’ve been waiting’… my throat tightened … choke back the deep sadness … a sorrow … can’t speak … her eyes plead … ‘See me!’” A bead of sweat rolled down my face and blended into my tears. The trance ensued as I nervously wringed my hands.

“Stares never wavered… eyes telegraphed so much… she’s so sad… I asked her name… but she did not respond… I see her tears… they run the length of her caramel colored, heart shaped face… I reach to wipe away my own… then, as quickly as she appeared… she turned away and vanished… the darkness enveloped me.”
Cries ripped up my throat and uncontrollable sobbing broke free from the containment I fought for so long.

“It was me. She was me.”
“Was she?” Laura coaxed.
“Yes. I don’t know.”
“Why do you think she met you there?” Laura guided.
“I didn’t remember her. I forgot.” Through my grief, I reached up to her in the corner. I needed her forgiveness, she needed my love. It was more than I was willing to face.
“But you remember now. You went home to reconnect and you did Katarina.”
Reality was sucked in like a vortex. I realized that I had totally opened up. I felt naked. This dream had ripped out both my heart and that of the little girl of my past. I affectionately call her, my spirit.

Recovering from my momentary weakness, I challenge the mystical message. “But the dream was dark and gloomy. My memories of home are filled with color.”
“But those dark memories were hidden and are now resurfacing in your dreams. You have to think about what she is trying to tell you,” Laura reasoned.
“I’m sorry. I can’t… I have to go. I, I’m sorry.” Snatching my handbag, I walk away as fast as my legs would carry me avoiding Laura’s attempt to stop me.
“Katarina, wait!”

I heard Laura’s call in the distance before I burst through the glass doors of the building getting hit in the face with the humidity synonymous withNew Orleans. Running to my car, the thick air challenged my breathing, bringing me inches away from hyperventilation. I trembled from the voice that lingered in my head.
Safely inside, I locked the door and started the car. Turning the air up full blast, I angled the vent directly into my face and let the cold air slap me in the face.
Reruns of my dreams played over and over in my head as I drove in the evening’s maze of traffic. Idling at a stoplight, I broke away from the confusion to assess the damage to my make-up. My image. My mask.

Pulling down the visor, expecting to see red and puffy eyes, the result of mascara filled tears, I see the eyes of my little spirit.
The honking horn of an impatient driver jolts me back.

Recently certified as a relationship coach Kat also created and manufactures a communication game for couples. She is native of New Orleans, who learned early that life is not fair, it’s just life. One of twelve siblings from ten fathers, Kat was born to a mother who’s own confusion with love created damaging patterns that she and her sisters repeated in their own relationships. Now she speaks to help women who cannot articulate or communicate their experiences with topics that concentrate on love and life enrichment, clarity of message in both career or personal relationships and recovery.
Kat is the author of several books including Romantic Retreats in Texas, Seeds From Mama’s Garden and has several programs and products that support healthy emotional living.





Get to know Katherine:
1.  What inspires you as an author?
Stories inspire me. My life has been filled with vivid stories both real and fiction. This story is based on a true account of my life. I changed the names ever so slightly to protect myself, not the guilty. I wanted to share this story with the hope that it may inspire just one woman to release her bonds from childhood trauma and live a life filled with love, free from what haunts her.
2. Are there strong female characters in this story?
Yes, I believe in our strength and gratefully I was given examples of that in my life and I cherish that. We don’t have to use that strength against ourselves by being combative or by sabotaging our relationships. We have to balance that strength with love and self nurturing. Katarina LeBlanc, is my main character. She find strength in her mentor and boss, Susan Williams who takes her under her wing and grooms her with love and support. They have a special bond. Katarina also experiences the failing of love as she endures a separation from    her husband Jonathan. But with a twist of fate, love blossoms elsewhere for Katarina.
3.  You use horticulturist terms to identify the chapters in Seeds From Mama’s Garden. What is the significance?
From the seed we grow. From seeds gardens grow. Although these chapters show a chronology of the growth of the characters in the book, they also represent growth in life and how if we neglect our gardens they can get over run with weeds and the not so pretty things that grow there. But, if we cultivate and nurture them, they produce beauty and harvest. Katarina learns that seeds of deception and pain were propagated in her family’s garden and the keeper was none other than her mother, Lorraine.
4.  How is the story is laced with a touch of spirituality?
Katarina is forced to deal with her past when she sees visions of a nine year old. Laura, her therapist guides her into a session where Katarina  relays a dream. When she realizes its meaning it starts the spiral into her struggle to uproot the weeds that choke her life’s happiness. In addition, the Universal powers will not allow her to bury her past any longer. At work she is assigned a new client; SAIF (Survivors of Abuse and Incest in Families). Tellani Grayson, their representative and a clairvoyant can see this little spirit  and the pain that Katarina carries with her.
5.  Now the cover is quite an eye catcher. You designed it, so how did you come up with the design.
There is three messages in the cover: Sin of the flesh, is represented by nakedness. Seed of the womb for the female body and the southern woman is represented by the magnolias. I am born and raised in New Orleans, and have very full and colorful memories of my life there. Especially with my Grandmother, Madear. Honestly, that is what we called her. My cousins called her Greenie. And we refer to her mother, my great grandmother as Mama Jo.(Short for Josephine). They were strong women and I wanted to honor them in my story along with my sisters which I liken to various trees that matched their personalities.
6.  What about you personally? What do you want readers to know about you?
I am passionate about my craft of writing. I have eight books now with the recent release of two at the same time: Seeds From Mama’s Garden and a romantic Texas travel guide – Romantic Retreats in Texas. Presently, I am now on chapter eight of my next book. I love writing and publishing. I created an event in Dallas called the Muse Literary Mingle where I feature a publishing professional each month (i.e. author, agent, editor, etc). It is a casual, after work gathering which allows networking and one-on-one conversations with the guests and the opportunity to sell and promote their books and services. I have volunteered for literary organization and provided consultations for those seeking publication. In the past I was a model and actor. I am the eighth of 12 children, 6’2” tall and I love to cook, travel and the ocean.
7. Who are your favorite authors?
Again, I am drawn to stories of strong female characters. Toni Morrison won me   over with Song of Solomon, Beloved and Bluest Eyes. As a young girl I was  introduced to Victoria Holt to which now I have an entire collection. Mostly I read inspirational books.

Web-Links:
FB Katherine “Kat” Smith is formerly a co-host of a four year, syndicated morning radio program with ABC Radio Networks, Inc. Her Wednesday one hour show, A Woman’s Point of View, focused on relationships.https://www.facebook.com/LoveEnthusiast
Linked in  http://www.linkedin.com/in/katherinekatsmith
Twitter https://twitter.com/#!/goddesskat
Google Plus https://plus.google.com/110552778707315826291/posts?hl=en
Website www.kat-smith.com
Blog www.kat-smith.blogspot.com