Have you ever thought about the fact that Female pedophilia is on the rise!
Are Our Children Safe? Part I by Keith Lee Johnson http://edcmagazine.blogspot.com/2008/10/are-our-children-safe-part-i-by-keith.html
Are Our Children Safe? Part 2
http://edcmagazine.blogspot.com/2008/10/are-our-children-safe-part-2.html
Are Our Children Safe? Part 3
http://edcmagazine.blogspot.com/2008/10/are-our-children-safe-part-3.html
Are Our Children Safe? Part I
EDC Creations is proud to present this stunning editorial by author Keith Lee Johnson on the welfare of our children. Read it and take in the importance of knowing who is in your circle!
Recent revelations about Catholic priests and Jewish rabbis have shaken the very foundation of the religious world. Sadly, another shocker is on the horizon. There have been recent reports that Catholic nuns are guilty of female pedophilia, too. Rick Linsk and Stephen Scott of the Pioneer Press report that a nun at a Roman Catholic boarding school abused Mary Dunford for three years. Dunford says the floor monitor “would enter her room at night and spend the next one to three hours with me.” Ashley Hill, author of Habits of Sin, a book about the sexual abuse of women and children by nuns, claims she was sexually abused by a nun in the second grade.
Female pedophilia is on the rise. For years, men have dominated the headlines in the arena of child molestation. Now, entire websites are dedicated to this phenomenon of female pedophilia. One such site is called Female Childlove. This site encourages adult women to accept child molestation as a natural and maternal way of life with catch phases like “female childlove, you’re not the only one.”
The recurring theme throughout the Female Childlove site seems to be an affirmation of vile fantasies that the pedophiliacs claim many women have but are afraid to acknowledge. Page after page of their rhetoric delves into the sexual desires of women while at the same time staunchly advocating that children have rights, “including the right to choose adult sexual and romantic partners.”
Joy, an educator and one of the hosts of the Female Childlove site, believes that “female childlovers who have young female lovers are often the only ones offering a hand to help these young women cross the difficult terrain between strait [sic] society and the lesbian/bisexual community. Baby dykes need and deserve such guidance, mentoring, and love.” Sally, Joy’s collaborator, says, “I am [a] female childlover. I have been attracted to children as long as I can remember. For a long time I thought I was alone. But after I found this web site I know now there are others like me.”
On the opening page of the Female Childlove website is a cartoon of a five- or six-year-old girl scantily dressed in a black and white maid’s uniform, complete with thigh high black stockings and revealing white panties. On the About Us page, the same little girl has pulled down her panties while looking innocently into the camera. Other pictures depict young girls in provocative positions wearing lace and thong underwear.
On the Frequently Asked Questions page, these depraved women justify their way of life by answering the trenchant questions posed. One such question asked, “Why do you profess that female childlove is normal and healthy for children?” The answer was “We allow children to be seductive. We encourage their sexual expression. We share in their sensuality and their sexuality. We give rather than take from them.”
To be fair, it should be noted that these female pedophiliacs say they don’t approve of rape, coercion, manipulation, or any form of violence against children by adults. They say that sex with young girls and boys is okay as long as the child agrees. Nevertheless, sex with minors is a criminal offense, regardless of their acquiescence to the act. Consensual sex with a child is, by law, rape, coercion, manipulation, and probably in a lot of cases, violent in nature. Simply put, these women are guilty of everything they say they’re against.
The women on the Female Childlove website describe themselves as female childlovers. They describe “childlove” as an attraction to young girls and boys. If what these women are doing to innocent children is as natural as they claim, why was it necessary to exchange the word pedophilia for the word childlove? Why exchange the word attraction for the word eroticism? Perhaps it’s because childlove doesn’t sound nearly as outrageous as pedophilia. Childlove almost sounds like a maternal act, when in reality a felony is being committed.
Is pedophilia acceptable if you “love” the child? Of course not. Nevertheless, female pedophiliacs tend to throw the word love around when they have sex with children. Observe, for example, Mary Kay Letourneau, 36, who was impregnated twice by a child less than half her age. It should be further noted that Mary Kay Letourneau is far from being the only woman in this sad predicament. (I will deal with the issue of female teachers who have sex with their students in an upcoming article.)
The Female Childlove site is full of provocative pictures and fictionalized stories of “woman child love.” The authors of these “fictional stories” say they are wives, mothers, grandmothers, teachers, and other professionals. The “stories” include seducing preteens at swimming pools, at the next door neighbors’ house, and just about anywhere one looks. This is incredibly disturbing, especially since a crime is being committed and these female pedophiliacs don’t seem to get it. Some of the names of these stories are “Gazing at Tiffany’s Venus Part 1,” “The Boy Next Door,” “Carwash,” “Fancy Pants Part 1,” “Catholic Scandal,” and others. These stories are sexual in nature and vivid in description.
Finally, the Female Childlove site goes into amazing detail to explain away their crimes of passion by claiming that women are stimulated when nursing their young. The following questions are posed: “Is anyone not aware of the nature of the female nipple? That clitoral/genital arousal is involuntarily and automatically achieved when the nipple is sucked?” Several years ago, I worked with a woman who told me she was stimulated by breast-feeding. The woman was emotionally unstable, so while I thought what she told me was strange, I dismissed it. However, recently, I have been told by several other stable women that they, too, are stimulated by breast-feeding.
Whether all women experience an involuntary and automatic response to breast-feeding is irrelevant. The point is that the female pedophiliac takes a natural act and turns it into something vile, then justifies the act by associating the body’s natural responses with prurient desire. Given the national coverage of the three little girls who were kidnapped, one of whom was molested and murdered, I wonder how much female molestation is going on unreported. Are our children safe?
Continued to PART 2 and PART 3, read all three of these thought provoking articles. Please leave your thoughts and opinions at the end of each post.
Written by bestselling author Keith Lee Johnson
[Reference: www.keithleejohnson.com/childrensafe1.php ]
All comments about this article should be sent to: KeithLeeJohnson1@aol.com
Are Our Children Safe? Part 2
Do screenwriters get their ideas from real life? Or are Americans inspired by the films they see? Perhaps motion pictures are a mere reflection of our hidden selves. Whatever the truth, one thing is clear; Hollywood has a knack for delivering Oscar winning pictures that reflect the basest aspect of the human condition. And when it suits studio executives, aspects of the human condition can be told in such a way that the general populace isn’t even offended by offensive subject matter. In fact, Americans tend to embrace the offensive and discard their sense or right and wrong. And more important, their sense of justice.
In 1967, Embassy Pictures released The Graduate. The Oscar winning film depicted the seduction of a recent college graduate by an older married woman. With the monumental success of that film, Hollywood went for the gusto. In 1971, just four years later, two more coming of age films were produced. Columbia Pictures released The Last Picture Show and Warner Brothers released, The Summer of ’42. The difference between these films and The Graduate is that they depicted relationships of high school students and older women. Both films were greeted with high praise and 12 Oscar nominations between them. However, only three Oscars were won; two for The Last Picture Show and one for The Summer of ’42.
Cloris Leachman, who won best supporting actress for her portrayal of Ruth Popper, the wife of the high school football coach, said, “I based my character on some Ruth Poppers I knew when I was growing up in Des Moines.” The Summer of ‘42’s only Oscar was awarded for its theme song. But the film was met with critical acclaim and actress Jennifer O’Neill received glowing reviews.
“A ROMANTIC FILM! Jennifer O’Neill is a girl of almost magical loveliness and vulnerability.” The New York Times.
“REWARDING! ABSORBING! A tender, funny, realistic story. Beautifully written. Jennifer O’Neill is a delight!” – Long Island Press
“THIS IS MOVIE-MAKING AT ITS BEST! Stunning with beautiful acting and direction!” – The Evening News
“MAJESTY ON FILM! It is wonderful – told in an almost unforgettable way. Jennifer O’Neill is super!” – WABC-TV
“A BEAUTIFUL MOVIE! A blend of humor, growing-up pangs, and life’s experiences! Jennifer O’Neill is fetchingly perfect!” – Cue Magazine
“A MASTERPIECE! ONE OF THE MOST TOUCHING FILMS I’VE EVER SEEN! Its warmth cannot be conveyed, it must be experienced. It actually evokes long dormant, sincere emotions – beautiful memories we share. Jennifer O’Neill has a quiet, beautiful maturity that makes her impossible to resist!” – WPIX-TV
“Beautiful! A LOVE STORY with a bite.” – Washington Post
“A MARVELOUSLY DONE FILM! – A touching, sensitive, unforgettable experience!” – Family Circle
“TENDER, FUNNY, SENTIMENTAL AND HONEST!” – Women’s Wear Daily
What the reviews don’t say is that Jennifer O’Neill plays the role of a 22-year-old woman who has a sexual fling with a 15-year-old boy. Keep in mind that these films were released in 1971, a time when sexual mores were a lot more reserved than they are in 2002. Even at that conservative time, the critics saw nothing wrong with this. They used words like absorbing, tender, love, sensitive, touching, romantic, and rewarding to describe The Summer of ’42. Perhaps the reaction to those films explains why so many female teachers have abandoned their public trust and are having inappropriate sexual relationships with their male students.
Female Teachers-Male Students
In 1996, Mary Kay Letourneau, a Washington State teacher, made headlines when it was discovered that she was having sexual relations with a 13-year-old boy, who eventually impregnated her two times. I’m sure most Americans thought this was an aberration, but it was just the tip of the iceberg. There have been numerous female teacher-male student relationships through out the country.
For example, On February 12, 1999, The Arizona Republic reported that a teacher at Parker High School, Jennifer A., was indicted for three counts of sexual conduct with a minor. A couple of weeks later, Ms. Tracey N., a librarian in the same district, was indicted for molesting a 13-year-old girl. “This week, Ms. Marian L., 39, former director of a Cave Creek charter school, was given a year in jail and lifetime probation for two counts of attempted sexual contact with two 14-year-old boys.” Some years earlier, in the same school district, Suzanne Y., 40, was having sexual relations with a 14-year-old boy. She was sentenced to three years’ probation. “In 1997, Ms. Catherine M., a 35-year-old former teacher at Deer Valley High School, got six months for sex with a minor, a former student, at a party in the desert.”
Sadly, the abuse by female teachers isn’t confined to Arizona. One could find cases of abuse in virtually every state. For example, Denise McBryde, a 38-year-old Florida teacher, married with three children, admitted to having a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old boy.
Caroline Hendrie of Hastings, Minnesota reports that Julie Anne Feil, a 32-year-old married teacher with an 8-year-old son, pleaded guilty in 1998 to having a three-month sexual relationship a 15-year-old boy, saying, “I loved him the best way I knew how.” A note she had written to the boy about a Valentine’s Day rendezvous was discovered. It read: “Here’s what I want. 1. Go to our place. 2. Great Sex! 3. Dinner out–Olive Garden? Planet Hollywood? We dress up! 4. Dancing or a movie? Or our place and more great sex?” Four months after her arrest, while she was out on bond, Mrs. Feil went to the boy’s home at 2 A.M., her 8 year-old-son in tow, and “pounded on his window,” and attempted to have sex with him on the lawn.
In Carroll County, Maryland, two more female teachers, Kimberly Merson, 24, and Tracie Lynn Mokry, 21, were charged with having sex with teenage boys. Merson pleaded guilty, but Mokry’s charges were dropped. According to a May 23, 2001, police report, Mokry initially denied having contact with male students away from school. But later in the same interview, Mokry admitted to having sex talk with some students on a computer. One of the students told the police that Mokry had provided large quantities of alcohol to him and six other males from Francis Scott Key High School. The same student reported that after drinking a lot of alcohol, he laid down on her bed and Mokry took off his pants and “initiated sexual contact with him.” “The contact included, French kissing, fondling, fellatio, cunnilingus, and vaginal intercourse.”
The police report filled against Mrs. Kimberly Lynn Merson provided even more damaging information than Ms. Mokry’s. Mrs. Merson admitted to drinking alcohol with students, posing nude, and having sexual contact with “one or more students.” One of the students gave the police four pictures of Mrs. Merson spreading her genitalia and fondling herself. The report went on to say that Mrs. Merson had written requesting the return of the photographs. The note read: “it’s all my fault, I know, but I need to stop worrying and act like that part never happened. I hope you respect me enough to do this.” The police arrested Mrs. Merson May 19, 2001, and she admitted to providing alcohol, doing a striptease, having sex, fellatio, and fondling “multiple male students.”
If I were talking about the sexual deviance of men, I could probably stop providing evidence at this point. But women are not known for their lust and sexual depravity. Therefore, I will offer more evidence that our children are not only in danger from licentious predatory men, but also from lascivious women. As I said in my last article, female pedophilia is on the horizon.
Consider these examples, “37-year-old Amy Rodriguez raped a 12-year-old boy at least three times at her home. The mother of the boy suspected trouble when she noticed Rodriguez picking up the boy. When she checked his room, she found romantic messages from his teacher.” June 13, 2002, the Associated Press reports that “California high school teacher, Tanya Hadden, 33, ran off with her 15-year-old student. A Louisiana teacher is accused of having an affair with her 14-year-old student. In the Bronx, a teacher is charged with statutory rape involving a 16-year-old former student.”
Court TV.com reports that Beth Friedman was convicted of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. The 42-year-old Florida teacher was having an 18-month relationship with a 14-year-old student. “In Utah, a female gymnastics coach awaits trial for allegedly raping and sodomizing a 12-year-old male student. A 24-year-old New York teacher is charged with having a sexual relationship with two 16-year-old male students at the high school where she worked. And this past August, a former Bentonville, Arkansas special education teacher pleaded guilty to first-degree violation of a minor for having sex with one of her 16-year-old students.” In Hackensack, New Jersey, a 43-year-old teacher, Pamela Diehl-Moore admitted having sex with a seventh-grade student who was 13 at the time.
At this point, I’m sure some people are saying, “So what? What’s the big deal? These guys are lucky. They ought to be grateful. And therein lays the problem with female pedophiliacs. Few people care. Most people think this sort of thing doesn’t happen very often. Even judges want to wink at this. For example, New Jersey Superior Court Judge Bruce A. Gaeta, after sentencing Pamela Diehl-Moore to five years probation, said, “I really don’t see the harm that was done here, and certainly society doesn’t need to be worried. I do not believe she is a sexual predator. It’s just something between two people that clicked beyond the teacher-student relationship. Maybe it was a way for him, once this happened, to satisfy his sexual needs. People mature at different rates.”
He doesn’t see the harm? It’s just something that clicked between two people? The boy was 13-years-old. Ms. Diehl-Moore was 43. Perhaps Judge Gaeta was a fan of the films I mentioned earlier in this article. I wonder if the judge would see something wrong with a man being 43 and having sexual relations with a seventh-grade 13-year-old girl. What if it was his daughter? Would he feel the same? Would you?
Imagine the mind-set of a 13-year-old boy whose had sex with a grown woman. Does anybody think he’s going to stop having sex once the relationship is over? He’s probably going to think its okay to have sex with girls his own age. Or worst yet, he too, will become an abuser. This is the harm that judge Gaeta is too short sighted to see. This boy, like so many before him, may become a sexual predator. The irony of this is that if the boy becomes a pedophile, a judge will probably give him a sentence far more severe then the woman who molested him. I seriously doubt that the judge would say, “maybe it was a way for 13-year-old girl to satisfy her needs” even if she gave her consent. But this article isn’t about equal treatment under the law. It’s about bringing the issue of female pedophilia to the surface.
Nevertheless, a double standard exists. People are not outraged when a woman molests a child. Somehow, people deduced that the woman is crazy. Why? Because if she were sane, a woman would never do something like that. But I’ve just proven that a woman will and have molested boys all over the United States. We can’t continue to smile and look the other way. If we do, how can we condemn men when they do the very thing that we winked at years earlier. What if the male pedophile believes it’s okay to have sex with young girls? Isn’t that what we taught him by telling him he was lucky?
Consider Daniel, who was molested by his mother, who was molested by her stepfather. Daniel had been molested at a local swimming pool and his mother insisted that he tell the authorities. Daniel told the police he didn’t see what the big deal was. His mother did the same thing to him all the time. Subsequently, Daniel’s mother was arrested and sentenced to prison. Seven years later, Daniel is now up on charges for molesting his young female cousin.
Best regards,
Keith Lee Johnson
Women Committing Statutory Rape
It’s important to note that sexual molestation isn’t indigenous to female teachers. Women in other vocations are committing the same crimes in record numbers. For example, Kristina Magnuson, 30, a Kenosha County social worker was found guilty of molesting four boys, one of which has three children with her.
In Tampa, Florida, Patricia Burmeister, 32, was arrested for picking up teenage boys and girls at bus stops. Burmeister, a mother of two, provided alcohol and pornographic movies, and had sex with the kids.
Joyce Smith, a mother of three, surrendered to San Diego police for luring teenage boys over the Internet to her home and having sex with them. They boys ages range from 14-17.
A 35-year-old New York woman was sentenced to five years of probation and designated a level one sex offender after she pleaded guilty to raping a 14-year-old boy whose child she bore.
In Conyers, GA, 21-year-old Summer Jessica Strickland was charged with statutory rape of 13-year-old Tony Goss. The couple is married now, but Strickland still faces 20 years.
A March 26 1998 UPI article reports that Rebecca S., 28, of Roseville, Michigan, and a 13-year-old boy are in love and want to get married. Rebecca is facing two counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct.
Women and Incest
Unfortunately, there’s not enough space to chronicle all the crimes that I’d like to list to convince the general populace of what’s going on. As I said, what I list here is only the tip of an enormous iceberg.
The parents were glad to see a woman bond with their children. But Shelley, a 41-year-old mother, had a dark secret that the other parents didn’t know about. “All these sexual fantasies were going through my head when I was talking to the children,” Shelly confessed. “It was very sexual for me.” Soon Shelley began to focus on her 3-year-old son, Troy. She believes the abuse began when she continued to breast feed him when he was eighteen months old. Not long after that, her sexual urges became too powerful for her to control. “I would have him lay on top of me or on my breasts. I would put my finger in his rectum and suck on his penis.”
A December 3, 1997 UPI article reported that Maria D., 28, of Hempstead, NY, is facing charges of forcing her 2-year-old to perform oral sex.
An August 19, 1998, Associated Press article reported that a 30-year-old woman in Antioch, California was ordered to stay away from her foster son. She had had a child by him and was pregnant again with his child. She started having sex with the boy when she was 27 and he was 14. The woman said she loved the boy. “I just want everyone to know that I am not a child molester.”
It’s seems as though each time a woman is arrested for raping boys, she says she’s in love. Let’s remember that these boys are victims no matter how many men and women rationalize the crime. More important, male victims of sexual molestation are often psychologically damaged. The trouble is society still says its okay for boys and men to practice whoredom. Therefore, society sanctions these so-called harmless crimes, right up to the time that these boys become men and do the same thing that they were praised for when they were children. We can’t have it both ways. We cannot say a boy can be molested and that’s all right, but don’t you molest a girl when you become an adult.
Perhaps we need to teach our boys to be chaste instead of whorish. Perhaps we should value male sexuality the way we value female sexuality. And in this way, we can curtail the abuse that both genders suffer. If we teach our boys to value their sexuality, if we teach them that sex is a sacred gift, maybe teenage pregnancy would become a thing of the past. Maybe sexual disease would disappear. But since we allow our boys to be whores, we as a society must take a significant portion of the blame when our daughters succumb to their innate desires too. After all, girls realize that there is a double standard. And given what they’re allowed to watch on television, and listen to on CD’s it is any wonder that our children are becoming sexually active at earlier ages. If we want our children to be safe, we have to stop focusing on our females and concentrate on our males. We cannot allow adult women to abuse boys with a mere slap on the wrist. The punishment must be severe, not simply because it would be equal treatment under the law, but because an adult, in all probability, set into motion a chain of abuse that tends to expand in scope exponentially.
Statically, female pedophiles only represent three percent of the population. But is this true? Or is this something we want to believe? The truth is probably somewhere in the middle. Both boys and girls generally under report abuse. One reason for this is that the abuser swears the abused to secrecy, or threatens the victim. Another reason is that the abuser often tricks the victim into believing that if they felt pleasure from the abuse, they are accessories to the crime. Some abusers actually trick the victim into believing that they initiated the sex and they are responsible for what happened. This leads to untold psychological damage to the victim and society in general.
Consider for example, the unresolved issues that result from abused males who are now adults. Many experience alcohol and drug abuse problems. Remember Mrs. Merson and Tracie Mokry, the two teachers who served alcohol to several males students at a party prior to having sex with them? It is highly possible that these women were abused the same way. Physical abuses, domestic violence, suicide, poor relationship skills, are more results that point to the victim of an adult that was sexually abused as a child.
Imagine the horror of the pyramid prism of sexual abuse with just one male at the top. If that male abuses five victims, and each victim abuses five victims, the numbers boggle the mind. It’s important to point out that boys don’t typically report the crime. In all the examples that I cited, not one victim reported the crime. Usually, someone finds out and tells the authorities. With that in mind, imagine just how much of this is going on. What’s worse is that society is too short sighted to see that winking at this is a major contributing factor to my pyramid theory.
Tolerating female perpetrators eventually affects all of society. Erica Pratt, Tamara Brooks, and Jacqueline Marris are all lucky to be alive after being abducted the summer of 2002. But what about 14-year-old Elizabeth Smart who is still missing? Who can forget 6-year-old Jon Bonet Ramsey, 5-year-old Samantha Runnion, and 9-year-old Amber Hagerman? Sadly, we don’t realize that premature sex has profound consequences when these abused men become adults. When they become the abusers, when they kidnap our little girls and sexually abuse them, when they brutally rape and murder our little girls, only then are we outraged. But it’s too late then. We need to do something now, before another potential predator is sexually abused.
Best regards,
Keith Lee Johnson
If I’ve guessed correctly, Sen. Barack Obama’s 30-minute informercial on several national media outlets tonight should prove to be the final move he needed to make in his campaign to be elected as this country’s next president.Some political pundits have called this general election phase a Battle Royale of sorts that involved ideological, generational, and social contrasts.
But if I accurately have a sense for the way Obama thinks, he played his campaign against John McCain like a chess match. He’s now made his case for declaring checkmate.How so?If any of you’ve been watching the polls like I have, Obama leads either comfortably or significantly in most of the states that have shown an inclination to vote for him. Although the national polls have dwindled from about eight points to right at six points since last weekend, Obama is likely to experience a boost in the overall polls once again.
Add him going on a likely full-court press with his campaign stops it’s also probable that his overall margin over McCain should take him back up to seven or eight points by the end of the weekend. That would make it almost impossible -if the polls are any where near accurate – for McCain to overcome with two days remaining.
Obama’s informercial went straight to the heart of this country and matter. He used samplings from ordinary people from Missouri, Ohio, New Mexico, and Kentucky to articulate their personal situations. All were struggling in some form or fashion like many of us. That resonates with the average person.Of personal interest, I’m aware of a man who is in his mid-50s who after today was out of an $85,000-a-year job as a senior manager.
He has a wife, a college-age daughter, a pre-teen son, and a mortgage. As of today, his employer could not withstand this economy and officially closed its doors. His problems are much like those who appeared on Obama’s informercial. Now he’s facing the uncertainty of whether he’ll find a job -any one – given his work experience, pay his bills, or have anything to be thankful over for at the family’s holiday meal next month.Complicating matters, earlier this year his daughter had surgery to relieve issues from a cancerous tumor on her brain stem.
I’m not sure whether he’s managed to pay whatever he’s been exposed with his insurance coverage: a $1,500 deductible and a $5,000 out-of-pocket expense. But considering the actual cost of the surgery and other related services was in upwards of $30,000 he wasn’t complaining at the time. Now he’ll have no health insurance starting on Nov. 1; his daughter’s only option unless he finds a job is to accept a marginal indemnity plan that doesn’t pay for any hospitalization or the state’s insurance pool, which costs on average twice as much as an individual insurance plan.
I’m sure that Obama’s tax plan that should help 95 percent of tax-paying Americans sounds inviting at this moment. So does Obama’s proposed tax credit for college. Not to mention, his proposed policy to streamline the health insurance industry, and make it a little more affordable.
Though the Republicans may scoff and mock Obama’s moment, comparing it to his Party acceptance speech and staging in Denver, they would love to have had a fraction of the money that Obama spent on the 30 minutes of prime air time to present whatever message they might have to offer this country.
The way Obama orchestrated the informercial along with his campaign stops this week is nothing short of brilliance. I’m more than convinced that he’s had some read on McCain, and he knows that McCain being the military man that he is will not concede this election until it becomes clearly obvious on Tuesday night.
The fact remains, however, that McCain has no more moves that he can make on this year’s political chessboard. Obama has him cornered; therefore, it is checkmate.
–Posted By Sam B. Redd to Straight From The Maverick at 10/29/2008
In Texas alone, statistics indicated in 2005 that there were 30, 995 reported incidents of domestic violence? Just imagine the “silent” unreported incidents who are living in silent fear! Each year, an estimated 3.3 million children are exposed to violence by family members against their mothers or female caretakers.
Empowering Women to Empower Themselves through programs that promote social and economic self-sufficiency
For you created my innermost being, you knit me together in my
mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made, your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139: 13-14
For centuries, women have been competing with the unrealistic portrayal of beauty as depicted by Hollywood and in the print media. The need to be thinner, younger and in some cases, plumped up in certain areas; has escalated to epidemic proportions.
African-American women have been taught that the darkness of their skin, the fullness of their lips, and the thickness of their waist, are the things that make them unattractive. Their nappy hair is a sign of un-cleanliness and their big noses are a sure sign that they must have descended from apes.
Our Caucasian sisters are also confronted with faulty conditioning by society. They are told to seek a darker complexions, hence the popularity of the “tan body.” They run the risk of skin cancers by tanning in the tanning salons and baking their white flesh in the sun. If their lips are not full enough, then they are supposed to have collagen added for fullness. If their hair is curly, they need to straighten it. If their hair is straight, they need perms to make it curly. No matter what their hair color, they are told that blondes have more fun.
In recent years, the desire to become more like the Hollywood caricature has escalated to behavior that is putting our very lives at risk. Eating disorders and plastic surgery, issues that until a few years ago were unheard of, have now spiraled out of control. Bulimia and Anorexia were once words that did not exist in the minds and lives of young women, but now they are as widespread today in our schools as the common cold.
Women of all races are dying everyday from their attempts to become more beautiful.
Gastric bypass surgery, breast augmentation, nose jobs, cheek, and chin implants are becoming commonplace as a means to reshape and redefine who we are. Young girls are starving themselves to death, just to fit it.Hollywood’s image of the beautiful and desirable woman has tainted our perceptions of the acceptable standards of beauty.
Even successful women, who appear to have achieved greatness through their work, are succumbing to the pressures of being in the public eye. Starr Jones and Cher are but two well-known celebrities who have undergone dramatic procedures to improve their looks, while Oprah, Kirstie Alley and Janet Jackson are criticized for gaining even the slightest bit of weight.
We are born into this world, with no preconceived notions about how a person should look. As children, we don’t know to judge others based on their skin color, hair length, how tall or how short they are. We don’t instinctively look at another child and say, she looks different to me. The tendency to judge is not a natural part of our makeup; we teach our children these things. At some point during our childhood, we start judging others by standards we have been taught. We start tearing down one another’s self-esteem. We create doubt in the minds of others on their worthiness. We start going along with the crowd. We start thinking like the crowd instead of thinking for ourselves.
I am not trying to imply there is anything wrong with us making cosmetic changes so that we look better or feel healthier. I have acrylic nails, I wear make-up, and I have had dental work done. However, I did these things to help me feel better about myself, not to be accepted by others. While doing research on this topic, I came across a very interesting passage written by Wade Hodges.
In speaking on the Virtuous Women in one of his sermons, he quoted another passage of scripture from the book of Proverbs. It was from the book of Proverbs, Chapter 11; verse 22. He used the NIV interpretation, which really drove the point home. Proverbs 11; 22 says, like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion. His interpretation stated, don’t get so enamored with the golden ring that you fail to see that it’s stuck in a pigs nose.” In other words, don’t let the beauty fool you. Beauty is fleeting, charm is deceitful, don’t be led astray by such things.Self-acceptance is the real beauty secret.
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Jacqueline (Jackie) Moore is a Christian writer of non-fiction and fiction. She is currently working on publishing her first fiction book Serving Justice and has written a nonfiction book on “Virtuous Women” from which she has developed a workshop/seminar.
Jackie is currently pursuing her undergraduate degree in religion at Liberty University and offers spiritual words of encouragement daily on her website www.virtuousliving.com. She and her two sons, James and Joseph reside in Detroit, Michigan.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Kingdom Living Bookstore
10907 Livingston Road
Ft. Washington, MD 20744
Phone Number: 301-292-9010
Website URL: www.kingdomlivingbookstore.com
African American Males have a New Champion and guide for Success in 2009
“In the new book Strength Within Surviving by the Grace of God, readers will be inspired by Roland V. Tyler’s story of overcoming horrific trials and finding his Strength Within. As a young child the Strength Within helped Roland V. Tyler and his younger brother survive abuse at the hands of their mother, and missing in action Dad. This book will release the chains for many!”
Temple Hills, Maryland – November 1, 2008 – Strength Within, Surviving by the Grace of God is truly a deep inspirational story about a young boy who comes into manhood without any guidance, or so he thought. This thought provoking book exposes the unwritten taboo that what goes on in the family, stays in the family.
Strength Within, Surviving by the Grace of God shows the reader that they are not alone on life’s path. Mr. Tyler’s testimony demonstrates the matchless glory of God. Strength Within, Surviving by the Grace of God is an excellent roadmap for young men determined to succeed, even when faced with unwise decisions and various trials during their lives. We all fall down, the thing is to get back up and learn from the experience.“ This book is a ” MUST READ.” Hope R Greene ~ Brooklyn, New York
“Please if you have not done so, read this brother’s book. To me it was very uplifting. I do pray that he continues to contribute to the literary world. Roland-thanks for sharing with readers around the globe. Continue to be blessed. ” Zandra B. ~ Wyandanch, New York
” This book was one of the best books I have read in 2008. I hope that this book will touch the hearts of many as it has touched Roland V. Tyler’s heart. I cant wait until this book hits the silver screen to help someone who feels like they are all alone with their troubles. ” Melissa ~ Hyattsville, Maryland
Roland V. Tyler Jr., was born in Long Island, New York and now resides in Temple Hills, Maryland. He has a degree in General Studies from ” THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, EASTERNSHORE “. A screen writer has completed the script for this movie and Mr. Tyler is now working on the continuation to his first book called “I Am Roland V. Tyler: Brother’s Keeper Vol. l “
You can visit his website at rolandvtyler.com where you can read chapter three of Strength Within, Surviving by the Grace of God.
The book can be purchased at Kingdom Living Bookstore located at 10907 Livingston Road, Fort Washington Maryland 301-292-9010. Visit them on the web at www.kingdomlivingbookstore.com.
Full title of book: Strength Within Surviving by the Grace of God (Second Edition)
Name: Roland V. Tyler Jr.
Date published: September 2008
ISBN number: 978-0-615-21031-5
Author email contact: r.tyler38@yahoo.com
###
In an effort to accommodate tightened budgets, in addition to our print editions, we are now offering Parker Publishing, LLC books in electronic PDF and Kindle formats for our customers.
Conversations Presents its “Top 50 Fiction Titles of 2008”
Conversations Book Club is pleased to announce its “Top 50 Fiction Titles of 2008”. There are so many books that have come into the market during 2007 and 2008, however, these are the ones that we feel should be on your bookshelves.
(Listed in no particular order)
“Possession” by Da’Neen Hale
“The Street Life Series 2: Is It Passion or Revenge?” by Kevin M. Weeks
“Brothers” by James Fredericks
“Mpire Series: In Search of the Lost” by T. L. James
“Running From Mercy” by Terra Little
“Every Secret Crime” by Doug M. Cummings
“Grown & Gangsta” by Jacki-O
“Murder on the Down Low” by Pamela Samuels-Young
“Love On A Two-Way Street” by J. L. King
“Sweet Dreams” by Nikkea Smithers
“Pieces of the Hole” by Tony Lindsay
“Daughter Denied” by Alretha Thomas
“A Rich Man’s Baby” by Daaimah S. Poole
“Unbound” by Kia Stokes
“My Son’s Wife” by Shelia E. Lipsey
“When Destinies Meet” by V. L. Green
“Yellow Moon” by Jewell Parker Rhodes
“My Soul Cries Out” by Sherri L. Lewis
“Scota’s Curse” by Dudley Sykes
“Hot Mahogany” by Stuart Woods
“Faces of Fear” by John Saul
“Too Little, Too Late” by Victoria Christopher Murray
“Always and Forever” by Gretchen Craig
“Ex-Terminator” by Suzetta Perkins
“Electric Honey” by Sam Love
“Gettin’ Caught Up Wit Nina” by P. Elaine Archie
“Keyshia & Clyde” by Treasure E. Blue
“Dare” by Abiola Abrams
“Final Fling” by Torrian Ferguson & Brian W. Smith
“Journey To Love” by Peter Gebeshian
“Pulpit Confessions” by Peron Long
“Stackin’ Paper” by Joy King & Joe Joe
“Just Too Good To Be True” by E. Lynn Harris
“Divorcing The Devil” by Dwan Abrams
“Still Dirty” by Vickie Stringer
“Sandrine’s Letter To Tomorrow” by Dedra Johnson
“Of Blood and Sorry” by Valerie Wilson Wesley
“The Messiah” by Lee Hayes
“Unfaithful” by Devin Scott
“The Prayer Chest” by August Gold & Joel Fotinos
“Unholy Birth” by Andrew Neiderman
“Searchable Whereabouts” by Tinisha Nicole Johnson
“My Secrets, Your Lies” by N’Tyse
“Memories Vision” by Ken Coleman
“Love Don’t Live Here No More” by Snoop Dogg
“Deadly Sins, Deadly Secrets” by Sylvia Dickey Smith
“She Had It Coming” by Mary Monroe
“Love Tornado” by Mable John
“The Ties That Bind” by Electa Rome Parks
“Palace Council” by Stephen L. Carter
JOIN THE ADDICTION: Get hooked on books! http://www.thebestbookclub.info
Starting on Black Friday (Day after Thanksgiving) This Hurts & What He Really Wants will be 30% off with Free shipping until December 20th, 2008. This offer is only available on http://www.aapribooks.com/
Synopsis For This Hurts:
Syncere Washington is an attractive charming playboy who lies andcheats his way into the hearts of women who adore him. But all that changeswhen he meets Kendra Lewis, whom Syncere wants to change his lifestyle for. All is easier said than done, as distance proves too great for the twoyoungadults to have the type of relationship they both want. So to fill thevoid of Kendra’s absence, Syncere indulges in romantic and sexualrelationships with various women until the opportunity to be with Kendra presents itself.
But when that opportunity finally comes knocking will Syncere be able to releasehis playboy activities to be with the woman he fell in love with?
Or will the fear of karma be so great that it throws Syncere into a paranoid state when Kendra attends UNC and befriends a star football player?
Maybe the possibility of spending some time behind barswill be enough to teach Syncere that you receive what you put out!
Does this sound like a book you would purchase for yourself or a friend? Have you ever read any of the books by the author? Share your thoughts with us. Please leave your questions or comments below. We so appreciate your feedback!
I AM A BLACK MAN IN AMERICA by William Fredrick Cooper
(Author of ‘There’s Always a Reason’)
Sometimes I’m up, and then too again, I’m down
Sometimes, I’m almost, leveled to the ground,
Lord, I’m tired of being lied on, tired of being stripped and scorned,
How long, will it be?
Excerpt of ‘Tell Me How Long’
Stripping me of my origins, removing me from my warm climate and the harmony of ancestral bliss, you brought me here, against my wishes. Sometimes in my own vomit and feces but always, always in shackles and chains, many of my brothers never completed this cruel journey, for some were fed to sharks or impaled by long, rusty nails on a wooden bed I never asked to lay my head on.
But you never killed my soul, even when forced to live as a Black Man in America.
Working from dawn till dusk upon my arrival, all the while enduring inhumane, harsh realities, you tried to break me. Feeding my brain with illiteracy, incompetency, insecurity and inadequacy, even a glimpse of my inherited strength was cause for confinement in corn cribs and tool sheds, the branding of my skin, or my tongue being slit in two. Worse yet, the bloodied stripes of 39 lashes at a public flogging, to teach others who looked like me “a lesson.” Alternatively toiling in extreme heat and bone-freezing cold, in plantation fields for your prosperity or in your house serving your ego, you just loved being called “Massa.” My mouth said such, but my soul, still raging fire, screamed an unspoken truth.
You’ll never break my spirit, even as I try to survive as a Black Man in America.
Using me as a mule and a breeder, then separating me from my family, I watched in silent horror as you, your family members and owner friends raped the most treasured part of my existence, my queens. Imposing your racism and thrusting your hatred for me within her core with each stroke, my anger bordered on unspeakable fury as children looking like you were produced. Psychologically castrated, emasculated and humiliated, but never devastated, if I were caught trying to escape the insane asylum you called a normal life, you chopped a foot off. But in most cases I stayed and endured your darkness. My inner resolve saw progress if I survived and stories to share with other brothers in the lurch.
You threw me down, but a Black Man in America was not destroyed.
After slavery, any time I spoke of equal treatment, you threatened my life and those I loved, then said with a straight face that it was for my own protection. Foolishly, I sought your approval by heroically fighting in wars emanated by your dissension. Alas, even when representing your country, you were wedded to the notion that I was dishonest, cowardly and inferior. Yet you still needed my assistance for your cause. Loyal, even while segregated in battle, foreigners told me constantly, “this is not your war”, while slaughtering my body with bullets and bayonets. Returning home to your hypocrisy in democracy not as a conquering hero recognized for his bravery and valor, but to continued separatism and unwelcome pariah status, even in your uniforms, I was maimed and shot at by mobs and local authorities.
Winning Olympics medals for you to discourage Hitler, in your eyes I remained an animal when racing horses just to survive. Knocking out heavyweight hopes in boxing matches to disprove Aryan supremacy, the reward for my courage were mountainous tax debts; in spite my generous donations to your military might. Bravely, I spoke up for my family and community, and you burned my churches down. Nary a truth could be voiced against your madness, or the ultimate penalty was suffered. With glee coming from hooded eyes I never saw, I recognized the letters KKK as you fractured my skull, knocked my eyeballs out with sticks, chopped off digits from hands, pulled raw flesh from me, and then mercifully, burned me alive or strung me up on trees. A lynching was a relief to me, for I was going home to a God who stilled loved me.
You tortured and killed the body, but the soul and spirit of a Black Man in America always lives.
With a courage and resolve you still find implausible, indestructible and incomprehensible to this day, selflessly, I soldiered on. Innately knowing the risks for the progression, power and peace of millions to follow and fortified with faith, still I must endure. That was the reward, I told myself, even when hoses full blast from hating crows named Jim drenched my hope; vicious attacks from dogs ate away at my resolve; milk and paint tossed in my face stained my dreams for better days; and the assassinations of those who believed in change left me weary and wary. Sometimes the way was dark, and the load hard to bear, but I knew if I leaned on God and never let my faith waver, everything would be alright.
Even in the deepest valleys, A Black Man In America always sees the top of the mountain.
And today, a Black Man in America, in spite of all obstacles, and with the aid of a helpmate who understands that it’s not about competing against each other, but complementing one another while putting God first, will always reach the summit. Even if I endure racial slurs when crossing color lines and ‘Dear Nigger love letters’ when breaking home run records; even when dealing with brothers who aren’t completely down with the struggle; (You know them very well in past and present. Take a bow, Anti-Affirmative Action Activist masquerading as a Supreme Court Justice.
A round of applause for all infiltrators of the 1960’s revolutionary movement as per the directive of a cross-dressing racist. Or those in the 21st Century real time polluting our neighborhoods with guns and drugs.) even when saying “I’m sorry” and “I still love you, my queen” with humility to some our own women still angry at our imperfections and waiting to exhale in love; even as I struggle to bridge an emotional chasm built on waters of resentment by becoming a better father to my sons and daughters; even when breaking traditional stereotypes by putting my emotions on public display in an effort to show a beautiful masculine completeness never understood; and most importantly, with help from My heavenly father, a Black Man in America, will always stand tall.
And today, because of our patience, persistence and perseverance for the sake of change, God has given us a blessing. A Black Man in America, Barack Obama will be the 44th President of the United States.
————–
William Fredrick Cooper is a proud member of First Corinthian Baptism Church, in Harlem, New York. A secretary of Brother 2 Brother Symposium, Inc., a literary initiative that encourages black men to read fiction, Mr. Cooper is the author of the critically acclaimed novel Six Days In January as well as the African-American Literary Award-Nominated, Black Expressions Book Club and Essence Bestselling novel There’s Always A Reason.
Described by writing peers as a message-delivering, emotional masterpiece within the African-American Community, There’s Always A Reason was a Master’s List Finalist for a 2008 NAACP Image Award Nomination in the Outstanding Literary Work Fiction Category as well as the recipient of four Infini Literary Awards. Touching minds when giving thought-provoking radio interviews or when moderating or facilitating panel discussions throughout North America, he has contributed articles to national periodicals such as EBONY MAGAZINE and many bestselling anthologies.
William Fredrick Cooper
http://www.myspace.com/wfcooper
AWARD-WINNING, BEST-SELLING AUTHOR of THERE’S ALWAYS A REASON CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED AUTHOR of SIX DAYS IN JANUARY COMING IN 2010: LOVE IS ALL WE NEED
My Man, My Boyz by author Dwayne VernonWhere are you from?
I was raised in Oklahoma City and Portsmouth, Va and I am currently residing in the DC/MD area.
Who are your two main characters and what do you like most about them?
My two main characters are Chuck and Tariff. Chuck is my favorite character of them all. I like his honesty and I am in love with his value and commitment. Chuck has this swagger about himself as well that makes him very appealing and attractive.
I like Tariff as well. But one of the other characters who’s name is Demetrious. Even though he may not be a lead character. I really like his patience. Everybody went to Demetrious and he was like every bodys source for advice.
What makes your book stand out and would make a reader pick it up?
I think the one thing that makes my book stands out it helps educate people. This book breaks the stereo types of Black Gay men. It helps people see us from a different perspective. The book takes you on a roller coaster ride of emotions. It helps people to understand why most black men do not come out of the closet.
What is the one most surprising thing you have learned in creating novels?
That my writing style is much different then most writers. I use a lot of cliff hangers throughout the book. I guess you could say my writing style is much like a soap opera. Once you start reading you will definitely understand what I am saying.
Contact the Author
Dwayne Vernon dv_norcarjo@yahoo.com 240-472-0850 or 301-396-3548 or 240-449-9809 Website address: http://www.norcarjo.com/
Synopsis
My Man My Boyz is an intriguing story about men coming together as a family. Their shared lifestyle and compassion for each other is the back drop for this fast-paced drama filled with emotional moments and suspenseful plot twists.
Tyrell and Chuck – Will this promising new relationship be destroyed by Chuck’s secret past? Does his past have the power to wreak havoc on the interwoven lives of all these men?
Tariff – Struggling to uphold his lover’s dying wish for him to find love again; he must come to terms with Demetrius, who waits in the wings. Can Demetrius be patient while Tariff accepts the love he has to offer him?
Mike and Reese – The veteran lovers attempt to maintain their partnership while Mike deals with the rejection from his father, and Reese faces difficulties with getting his NFL career jump started. This mosaic of black men weaves a poignant tale through the chance encounters, human action, and past history of these eclectic characters.
They all have their own issues to deal with, but the bond they share is unbreakable – or is it?
This mosaic of black men weaves a poignant tale through the chance encounters, human action, and past history of there eclectic characters. They all have their own issues to deal with, but the bonds they share is unbreakable – or is it?
Explore the Excerpt
Unconsciously, James reached for the cell phone. Just as he grabbed the phone, Curtis nervously pulled the trigger, firing a deadly shot to James’ abdomen. For a second, James thought he’d been punched, but when he touched his stomach he felt the sticky warmth of his blood.
James was shot. He struggled to stand, but collapsed to the pavement. Shock and fear began to choke him and everything began to turn white.
“Shit! Shit! Shit! Shit! Why that niggah have to move, huh? Why he have to move?” Curtis yelled hysterically, knocking himself in the head with his hand. Chuck sat in the car, petrified, his head buried in the spokes of the steering wheel. He kept repeating to himself, “What did we
do? What did we do?” “Man, come on, let’s go! You done killed dude we gotta get the fuck outta here! Come on niggah, let’s go!” Carlton said, pulling Curtis away from the scene and into the waiting getaway car. “Move niggah!” Carlton snapped, pushing a catatonic Chuck out of the driver’s seat.
With Curtis’ head spinning a mile a minute and Chuck whispering prayers to himself, the three drove off, hoping that the horror of the last five minutes was nothing more than a terrible nightmare.
James heard his cell phone ring for the second time. He momentarily blocked out the sleepy sensation that was overtaking him. He struggled to pull himself up on one elbow to answer the familiar ring.
“Baby, where are you, you should have been here over 10 minutes ago,” Tariff said chuckling with mock annoyance.
James heard the words in his head and struggled to make them leave his mouth. Finally, he faintly heard himself say, “A couple of blocks away near Elm Avenue, I’ve been shot!”
Tariff felt the shot of adrenaline and panic hit him. Before the words had completely settled in his brain, he yelled, “I’m on my way baby, hold on, don’t hang up!” Tariff sprinted up the street toward where James lay dying. His pace didn’t affect his dread-drenched words of support to his soul mate. He didn’t want to lose the sound of James’ voice.
When Tariff reached James, his body dangled between the car door and the ground. He desperately looked around to see one of the neighbors coming around the corner. Tariff yelled for her to call 911 as he slammed his own cell phone to the ground and ran to James’ side. Tariff slid down next to James and put his upper body in his lap as he waited for help to come.
“I’m sorry to spoil our anniversary, baby,” James uttered with short breaths, his eyes almost completely closed.
The sound of James apologizing shattered Tariff’s heart. “You didn’t spoil anything baby. We’re goin’ to have plenty more to celebrate,” Tariff said, tears streaming down his cheeks. James could feel the life force slipping out of his wounded body. James suddenly started to see
a warm soft light, and the sound of Tariff’s voice grew muffled and faint. He fought to look at Tariff, but his vision became blurry and all he could think about was whatever was waiting for him on the other side.
“Listen, Tariff,” James dribbled out, “I want you to know that I have always loved you and I always will. Baby…” James paused before continuing, “if I don’t make it I want you to know I will still be with you. As he felt his heart drumming to a slower beat, he finally said, “But I want you to love again, okay?”
Tariff shook his head from side to side in disagreement, not wanting to hear what James was saying to him. “Don’t talk like that James, just hold on for a little longer. It’s going to be alright. You’re not going anywhere.” Realizing that time was rushing by, Tariff looked up frantically,
eyes darting from corner to corner, wishing to see flashing lights and hear siren sounds of hope, but there were none. The cool and eerie silence told the story. As Tariff looked back down at James, he had closed his eyes. They would never open again. Rocking James in his arms, Tariff cried and kissed James’ lips.
Brought to you by:
GBM Book Club is a literary group created by and for us as same-gender-loving men of African descent where we gather to be culturally affirmed and empowered. We focus on the advancement of self-love, social consciousness and critical thinking skills that will not only allow
us to overcome, but also transcend the conditions facing our community. We are primarily educated through literature by authors of African descent which recognizes and promote diversity within the African Diaspora.
Does this sound like a book you would purchase for yourself or a friend? Have you ever read any of the books by the author? Share your thoughts with us. Please leave your questions or comments below. We so appreciate your feedback!
EDC: Introduce us to your new book.
EDC: Where are you from?
TBM:
EDC: Who are your two main characters and what do you like most about them?
EDC: What makes your book stand out and would make a reader pick it up?
TBM:
EDC: Ultimately, what do you want readers to gain from your book?
EDC: What is the one most surprising thing you have learned in creating novels?
EDC: What would you say has been your most significant achievement as a writer?
EDC: What advice would you give a new writer?
TBM:
EDC: What can we expect from you in the future?
Tina Brooks McKinney is the author of All That Drama, Lawd, Mo’ Drama, Fool Stop Tripping, and The Set Up (May 2009). She is also the editor of Taboo Publishing.
To learn more about Tina visit her website at
http://www.tinamckinney.com/ or visit http://www.taboopublishing.com/. Contact: tybrooks2@yahoo.com or editor@taboopublishing.
To Good To Be True ( Summary)
Jasmine Simmons had some misfortunes in her life but know she has a big break a chance to go to law school. She has taken her finals and meets with her advisor and everything is set. She has a full scholarship to the University Of Duke School of law. Everything will be great as
long as her secret stays hidden if anyone found out her secret all chances of her going to law school would be gone. Emmanuel McBride was getting ready for his career to take off with a job teaching business law classes at Duke University. He was excited finally his college degree would be put to work. Malcolm, Emmanuel best friend got him to agree to go to the club. Even though he new he didn’t like going but he had been down in the dumps lately.
Walking into the NCO club he new he was going to be board out of his mind until he turned around and seen the most beautiful being he’s ever laid his eyes on. He almost forgot to breathe. Jasmine wanted to go and celebrate passing her exams and getting into law school. She
was ready to celebrate but not at the club. Ally had hoodwinked her again. She was going to try and have a good time.
Snapping out of her Daydream she heard all the ladies whispering and fanning themselves so Jasmine turned around to see what all the commotion was about when her eyes locked with the most sinful sexy dark chocolate brother she’s ever seen. Dam! Her clitoris started jumping and doing double flips just by the sight of him and that was strange since Jasmine hated men with a capital H. Emmanuel introduces himself to her but upon doing so she shut him down and I mean shut him down cold.
A month had past and Emmanuel couldn’t stop thinking about Jasmine and Jasmine couldn’t stop thinking about Emmanuel. A chance meeting had them spending the day together and enjoying each others company realizing they had a lot in common and were very attracted
to each other. Emmanuel wanting Jasmine so much he didn’t even realized there’s someone coming from his past and this person has some unfinished business with him. Can Emmanuel get Jasmine to let her guard down, to trust in him, to give them a try or will secrets, lies and past lovers interfere before they get started or could this turn out to be a love TO GOOD TO BE TRUE!
About NDEA B
A little about my self I am a new author with a lot of good things going on. My first novel will be released under A New Journey Publishing titled Too Good To Be True. The released date is December 26, 2008. I am president of the tour group Authors With A Passion. We have a lot of great things coming up.
Check us out at http://www.authorswithapassion.com/, I’m also vice president of AAMBC with Tamika Newhouse who is president and founder. We have a lot of great things going on to LOL. We have the Anthology coming out in December of 2008 in which I wrote a short story title Part Time Lovers check it out. We are also having our first annual meeting in Houston Tx, come out and join us.
Visit us at http://www.urbanbooklovers.ning.com/ for updates and functions.
My second novel will be out July of 2009 title The Other Brother it is a romance/supense. Me and Authoress Tamika Newhouse will be co-writing a novel together titled To Sides To A
Story. Keep checking I will be posting things often. Enjoy your stay!!!!
NDEA B, President of Authors With A Passion, Vice President of AAMBC
http://www.ndeab.net/ http://www.authorswithapassion.com/
Social Network: http://www.ndeabnetwork.ning.com/
NDEA B. Blog: http://www.ndeabsliterarychillinspot.blogspot.com/
Does this sound like a book you would purchase for yourself or a friend? Have you ever read any of the books by the author? Share your thoughts with us. Please leave your questions or comments below. We so appreciate your feedback!
THE CLOSING ARGUMENT: WILL THE TRUTH SET US FREE?
By William Fredrick Cooper (Author Of THERE’S ALWAYS A REASON)
Seven long days until a truth is revealed to the world. Seven long days until the beginning of change, or a worsened chaos. Seven long days until a difficult choice between hope and fear is made. For better or worse, the judgment of a whole globe awaits the land of opportunity. Will the flowers that grow on November 5th be rosy red in truth, or wilted in despair? Will the world sing a joyful noise of praise, because America finally got it right; or in the alternative, will the bells toll a continued sorrow?
In this writer’s opinion, it’s a choice that screams common sense. Given the present legacy that has led to two reckless wars (Where are those weapons of mass destruction? Osama Bin Laden – we find him yet?) economic mismanagement (see Government Bailout) and blatant fraud (Why were gas prices so high in June/July, and so low now?), the light has turned green to forward, yet fundamental change.
Out with the cold-war nationalism, the warhorse bullying tactics that transformed allies into adversaries, friends to foes that detest our present chief executive. In with the multi-polar world view and warm universal growth.
Out with the argumentative, confrontational guard, for that approach leads to bullets and bombs. In with growth and change that starts within the stars and stripes and illuminates the outer continents. Out with the panic, in with the peace. Out with the infighting Republican Party worried more about the public infighting and the money it spends to dress is Vice-Presidential nominee than solving our fiscal crisis. In with a party demanding that parents focus more on education than MTV, video games and saving as opposed to spending on what cannot be afforded. Out with the spoiled “sense of entitlement” mentality that has crippled our economic core, and in with the hard-working mentality of generations past.
In short translation, Barack Obama should be the next president of the United States over John McCain, and the world is watching America closely, and what we tell our children:
“I’m sorry Maranda or Michael,” the bronze colored authority figure says to his eight year old, “But you can be anything in this country but it’s chief executive. Will equal opportunity be exposed as a myth? Will the land of free be truly labeled such if it fails to put the legacy of slavery, segregation and racism in the rearview mirror? Will the rest of the world embrace a country that couldn’t put its own self-preservation ahead of the race element that continues to make such an obvious choice confusing.
There, I said it. The Truth. Dress it up with foreclosures throughout the land, sprinkle in the fluctuating gas prices and other components of a major money crisis, add a pinch of war policies, job layoffs and economic bailouts, add a dash of 9/11 after a couple of rigged elections, and you now have, for your dining pleasure, the perfect recipe for a phony meal disguising the truth about traditional politics.
Is America ready for a person of color to run this country, or do the stars and stripes remain crazily irrational when the subject pertains to race? Ask yourself this: When a candidate like Barack Obama spends close to seven hundred million dollars to emphasize the need for change, does it make sense? To me, it further illustrates the “Twice as Good, to be considered equal” philosophy that can all change on November 5th. When he remains dead-even in states even after providing a logical blueprint for all to see and his opponent spends more time either 1) attempting to publicly humiliate him as opposed to establishing his own agenda – WAS THERE EVER ONE IN PLACE?- and; 2) Dresses up a honey pot named Sarah to distract voters from the ills shaping the country’s fabric?; that should speak volumes.
Strip away all of the pageantry that has you undecided, the political correctness so many hold dearly in their minds, and think about the truth. Is the country ready to progress forward in a way of complete change, or in the contrary, will the words of Jack Nicholson from the movie “A Few Good Men” true about the core of the country.
Can we handle the truth?
Seven long days until it is revealed to all.
And I, for one can’t wait.
———————————-
William Fredrick Cooper
www.myspace.com/wfcooper AWARD-WINNING, BEST-SELLING AUTHOR of THERE’S ALWAYS A REASON
CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED AUTHOR of SIX DAYS IN JANUARY
COMING IN 2010: LOVE IS ALL WE NEED
“STRENGTH WITHIN is truly a deep, inspirational story of a determined young man who had nowhere to run, nowhere to hide and nowhere to get help.” Kalaani of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers
Strength Within Surviving by the Grace of God is truly a deep inspirational story about a young boy who comes into manhood without any guidance, or so he thought. This must read book exposes the unwritten taboo that what goes on in the family– stays in the family. Strength Within Surviving by the Grace of God shows you that you are not alone. Mr. Tyler’s testimony demonstrates the matcless glory of God.
Readers will be inspired by Roland V. Tyler’s story of overcoming horrific trials and finding the Strength Within. As a young child the Strength Within helped his younger brother and Roland survive abuse at the hands of their mother, and missing in action Dad, who only showed up to add to their already dismal world.
You know the saying “GOD DON’T MAKE NO JUNK…” Well, Roland V. Tyler, native New Yorker will let you know that saying is true. He went from thinking God has punished him at every turn in his life, to finally rejoicing that God was his Strength Within.
A Message from the Author Roland V. Tyler
My true life story is incredibly unique and unlike any other. I tell of the horrific tests and trials experienced from my youth to adulthood, most of which the average young boy could not have endured. Your curiosity will be aroused when you learn of how as a young boy, I overcame a dismal childhood stricken with abuse. I will take you for an emotional walk through my family history. It’s struggles, its tragedies and the obstacles as a family exactly as they played out. Most importantly you will learn from my story that strength is created from within through all life experiences and like a tiger, that strength is reveled from GOD.
I insist that my story strengthens your momentum and will thereafter, enable you to prevail. Through life, hard times and hurdled obstacles that were put before me….. Thus I survived by the GRACE OF GOD.
Please visit my website at www.rolandvtyler.com where you can read chapter three and visit http://www.blogger.com/www.myspace.com/rolandvtylerdvtyler.
To purchase a copy of the book please visit Kingdom Living Bookstore located at 10907 Livingston Road, Fort Washington Maryland 301-292-9010. Please visit them on the web at http://www.kingdomlivingbookstore.com/.
About the Author Roland Tyler
Roland V. Tyler was born in Minneola, New York. As a small child, he moved to Roosevelt, where both he and his brother Andre were raised. As a teenager, both Roland and Andre came under the loving care of Aunt Rosa Witsell in Lakeview, New York. Aunt Rosa Witsell raised not only Roland and Andre, but also her three sons – Gerod, Mark and Chad. Roland fondly calls them all his brothers. Roland attended North Carolina Central University, and later transferred to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES), in Princess Anne, Maryland. It was at UMES where Roland received his Bachelor of Studies in General Studies.
Does this sound like a book you would purchase for yourself or a friend? Have you ever read any of the books by the author? Share your thoughts with us. Please leave your questions or comments below. We so appreciate your feedback!
Author Roland V. Tyler , is available for book signings, panel discussions, literary events and interviews. If you would like to host a telephone conference with the author, please email Ella Curry, the founder of EDC Creations to arrange the interview. Email for interviews:
elladcurry@edc-creations.com.
Visit EDC Creations for more information on our author promotions: http://www.edc-creations.com/
Endy was born in Newark, NJ. Like most inner city children she was fascinated by the noise of the busy streets in the ’hood. Raised in a two parent home with her younger brother, her parents knew the harsh reality of living in the city. With her mother being robbed several times at gun point while operating the clothing store they owned, her father carted his family away to the suburbs of Linden, NJ. Endy’s father wanted to give his family a better home and a solid foundation. Little did he know his daughter would be drawn back to the streets in which she was born.But Endy felt a magnet pulling at her and that magnet was the streets. So, she returned. Although, she continued with her schooling in which she enrolled at Union County College, she couldn’t shake the monkey on her back. “I’ve seen a lot in my time in the streets and I’ve stored them in the back of my brain as a learning tool.” As an adult she became involved in different after school programs for kids after witnessing what most children had to deal with growing up in the ’hood. She continued to write poetry going on to win several poetry contests in NJ and in NY night clubs. Endy loved to read and write. She says, “It relaxes me and allows my mind to release all it has taken in for the week.”
Endy became heavily involved with the community and volunteering many hours helping children. She joined the Pop Warner Organization where she became a certified Coach for the Cheer teams. She enjoys mentoring the girls steering them away from the fast life of glam and
glitter. Afterwards she penned two novels, that she held onto for her first introduction to Crystal Lacey Winslow, who was interested in her work, and later she signed with Melodrama.
EDC Creations Intimate Conversation with Endy
EDC: Where are you from?
Endy: I am from New Jersey.
EDC: What makes your book stand out and would make a reader pick it up?
Endy: My synopsis, which may give you more of the story then most others. Once you read my books, I’ve been told that they are detailed and very descriptive having the reader feeling they are right there in the scenes as they play out.
EDC: Ultimately, what do you want readers to gain from your book?
Endy: The readers gain a rollercoaster ride thru my world of twist turns and reality adventures. They will get to know and fall in love with my characters. They will be able to understand first hand why each character goes through the obstacles that they do. My goal is to reach, if not one but several readers. Reaching them by hopefully helping them to understand that they are not the only ones dealing with their lifes issue. Hopefully to change someone’s life by helping them to
change the life that they may be living at the time.
EDC: What advice would you give a new writer? Would you change anything about your journey?
Endy: My advice to a new writer is to never give up. Write everyday, even if it’s a paragraph or two. Be consistent with for your readers. Do the best you can with each novel. After all that’s how you build a fan base. Be consistent with your writing everyday!
Do not come into the business thinking you are going to be an overnight success. Strive for success, but do not have the mind set that you are going to be rich because your novel has been published.
Do your homework! Understand all the aspect there is to learn about writing, publishing, promoting and advertising. You must be faithful and dedicated to your craft. You must promote yourself along with your publishing company. Do not cancel any book signings unless absolutely necessary. Grind! You must get out there and do as many book signings, public appearances and networking as you can. Last but not least, be yourself. Be true to self and have confidence in yourself.
EDC: What can we expect from you in the future?
Endy: You can expect more novels of course. I plan to write from different genres in the
future. I plan to start a Not-For-Profit organization for teen woman of today. I plan to get into producing as well as directing.
Endy: My passion comes deep within. I’ve lived some through some scary moments in my life and I didn’t have to. So when I write, its like I relive some of those experiences through my writing. I want to share what I know first hand hoping that someone can learn from my experiences.
Books by Endy
A Deal With Death
Sounds like a horror movie or something, right? Well it isn’t written as one, however it is the harsh reality of a horror movie in which some people live.
The book takes place in inner city of Newark NJ. At one time Newark was at the top of the list for murders, car thefts and drug trafficking. These things actually still going on now everyday in the city, however today there are other city’s whom have taken the lead in the government
statistic list. But every city has the same issues.
A Deal with Death focuses on a single mother who happens to be a functioning Heroine addict. This is a common issue in most cities. No one can judge a person unless they have walked in their shoes. The novel focuses on how difficult it is to live in low income and still find the strength and sanity to raise your children properly. All at the same time while you try to keep your teen children away from a King Pin who preys on the young recruiting them to do his dirty work. The book gives you an inside look at what the media cannot show you. It helps you to understand why it is easy for a person to become an addict.
In My ‘Hood
ISBN: 0971702195
Every city has a hood, and every hood has a drug-infested corner. As a once successful businesswoman, Desiree “Rae-Rae” Johnson use to avoid driving through that section of the neighborhood until she fell on hard times. After becoming a crack addict, she starts living with her soul mate Bilal “Bunchy” Wilson, the man who introduced her to cocaine.
After witnessing a double murder and struggling to survive the everyday dramas to support their drug habits, they manage to pull off one of the biggest robberies in New Jersey’s history. Bilal is sentenced to life for murder and armed robbery and meets his sudden death in prison,
leaving Desiree to face the demons of her past alone.
After turning her life around, she meets one of the top men in the game, Ishmael Jenkins and falls for him, not knowing his secret past. Ishmael is comfortable in his position in the hood, and falls for Desiree just as hard. All hell breaks loose as Ishmael’s loyalty is tested and
Desiree struggles to maintain her sobriety. Between love, murder and a possible relapse, will they survive? Or will they be another statistic in this society in which we live? Have you seen this in your hood? Well, this is what happened In My ‘Hood.
Nettie’s back to wreak havoc on the city of Newark by targeting the HNIC, Leroy “Big Roy” Jenkins. But she is not alone. She recruits Ishmael’s old squad, along with a few people of her own and takes getting money by any means necessary to a new level. But there’s a new cat on the block and his name is Wild. The name is self-explanatory and he has the same vision in sight: to conquer and destroy Leroy. Nettie and Wild join forces to create the illest crew Essex County has seen in decades.
Greed and jealousy rear their ugly heads among the crew, causing a turmoil of destruction that reveals Nettie’s ultimate secret. Will Nettie trade in the blade she sucked on for years for a gun? Or will the ’hood take her out first?
———————
Would you purchase these books for yourself or a friend? Have you ever read any of the books by the author? Share your thoughts with us. Please leave your positive questions or comments below. We so appreciate your feedback!
Author Endy, is available for book signings, panel discussions, literary events and interviews. If you would like to host a telephone conference with the author, please email Ella Curry, the founder of EDC Creations to arrange the interview. Email for interviews: elladcurry@edc-creations.com.
Visit EDC Creations for more information on our author promotions: http://www.edc-creations.com/
Divine destiny is what motivates mother, daughter, author, playwright Laurinda D. Brown to do what she does – write novels and plays that portray real people in true-to-life situations no different than your average neighbor next door. Brown explains, “Growing up in Memphis, Tennessee, and graduating from Howard University in Washington, DC, exposed me to the varied and diverse sides of human nature. It also gave me the opportunity to observe people and their situations and try to discern what made them do the things they did. I realized that people are people. My writing helped me work through my own issues, emotions and circumstances. Writing expresses my take on the world.”
Brown’s take on the world expressed itself in a different fashion in 2006 when she dared to combine literary orgasmic experiences with theatre. The result was her critically acclaimed and highly touted production “Walk Like A Man – The Play.” Based on her recent national best-selling novel, Walk Like A Man, from Q-boro Books/Kensington Publishing, “Walk Like A Man – The Play” uses spoken word and dramatic monologues to educate audiences on issues, labels and stereotypes faced in the lesbian community while driving home subtle yet solid lessons in diversity.
The book, according to the December 2006/January 2007 issue of “Black Issues Book Review Magazine,” was the #1 selling fiction paperback among independent African-American bookstores and is consistently ranked within the top four lesbian short story best sellers on Amazon.com where it has been ranked most frequently at #1 since its release. “Walk Like A Man – The Play” is once again directed and produced by its playwright, Laurinda D. Brown. (See http://www.walklikeaman.net/ for more details.)
Before “Walk Like A Man – The Play,” Brown began her literary journey with Fire & Brimstone, the 2005 Lambda Literary Award finalist for “Best Debut Lesbian Fiction”, followed by UnderCover and Walk Like A Man, the 2006 Lambda Literary Award winner for “Best Lesbian Erotica.” Walk Like A Man also received “Honorable Mention” at the 2007 West Hollywood Book Festival. Laurinda is a featured writer in the Nghosi Books anthology, Longing, Lust, and Love: Black Lesbian Stories, and in Zane’s Purple Panties. Her others titles include Strapped and The Cathouse.
Laurinda resides with her two daughters in the greater Atlanta metro area where she is celebrating the August 2008 release of her highly anticipated, explosive piece of historical fiction, The Highest Price for Passion (Strebor Books/Atria/Simon and Schuster).
Laurinda was kind enough to grant us an Intimate Interview, please continue to find out what makes Laurinda the bestselling author that she is.
I am Powerful because….. I am powerful because God has given me a tremendous talent that, without much effort, has been able to touch the souls of many.
EDC: Where are you from?
LDB: Although born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, I currently live in the Atlanta metro area.
EDC: What makes your book stand out and would make a reader pick it up?
LDB: The Highest Price for Passion stands out because it’s different. Not often do African-American authors journey to a historical place where the sexual deviances and attitudes of today are explored. The cover of the book speaks volumes with just enough eroticism (chains and buttocks) and cultural controversy (the Dixie flag) to make one pick it up. At book signings, it actually grabs the attention of the White men and women.
EDC: Ultimately, what do you want readers to gain from your book, The Highest Price for Passion?
LDB: I want readers to gain from my novel that passion comes in so many forms and fashions. I also want them to realize that I am a writer of fiction and not merely a writer of gay fiction.
EDC: What is the one most surprising thing you have learned in creating novels?
LDB: The one most surprising thing I’ve learned in creating novels is the number of people who are able to relate to what I’ve written.
EDC: What would you say has been your most significant achievement as a writer? How did you do it?
LDB: My most significant accomplishment as a writer was winning the Lambda Literary Award for my book Walk Like A Man. Winning the respect of my peers with words I chose to not sugarcoat meant a great deal to me.
EDC: What advice would you give a new writer? Would you change anything about your journey?
LDB: My advice to a new writer is to be patient. None of what has happened to me came overnight. I had anxious days – many of them, but I took that time to prepare myself mentally for whatever was to come.
EDC: Tell us about your passion for writing and what readers can expect from your books.
LDB: The Highest Price for Passion reflects one hundred years of the most volatile era to divide American soil, interspersed with the uncontrollable fervor from the most unlikeliest of sources — when both master and mistress vie for the affections of a slave too beautiful to destroy, with a quiet intelligence neither can outwit. Discover a time when the concept of family paled against the principle of human bondage.
Fight for the cause. Die for the freedom…to live, to choose, to love.
Unyielding. Uncompromising. Undeniable. These are the qualities that make The Highest Price for Passion…unforgettable.
I love to write about most anything. Rather than do the norm, I like to create stories that make you sit up in bed in the middle of the night and go, “Hmmm.” Writing fills my lungs with pleasure and that is how I breathe.
Does this sound like a book you would purchase for yourself or a friend? You may purchase the books here.
Author Laurinda D. Brown, is available for book signings, panel discussions, literary events and interviews. If you would like to host a telephone conference with the author, please email Ella Curry, the founder of EDC Creations to arrange the interview. Email: elladcurry@edc-creations.com.
Visit EDC Creations for more information on our author promotions: http://www.edc-creations.com/
EDC Creations, The Sankofa Literary Society and The Black Authors Network announced the launch of their 2008-2009 “Give the Gift of Knowledge Campaign,” bringing readers and authors together to help improve literacy.
In 2004, during the Christmas holidays, Ella Curry, the founder of EDC Creations, reached out to women’s groups and literary organizations to help promote early literacy by giving new books to children from low income homes. Today, the “Give the Gift of Knowledge Campaign,” seeks to expand even further by giving the gift of knowledge 365 days a year!
“Based on the “each one teach one,” model, our goal is to help people introduce reading and new books to their family and friends,” says CEO and founder of EDC creations, Ella Curry. “Instead of giving expensive gifts that don’t shape lives—-let’s “Give the Gift of Knowledge” and help to strengthen our future generations!”
Each year thousands of people — educators, concerned parents, community leaders, authors, poets and publishers — devote their time and resources to presenting the reader with great books! However, too many outstanding books do not get the attention and reader support that they deserve. It is our mission to connect readers with these hidden gems and bring them books that will change their lives.
Each week EDC Creations will sponsor bookclub chats, live readings from authors, podcast presentations, seminars, community relations discussions, and radio shows that deliver the best our writers have to offer. All we ask is that the readers of the world spread the word.
Our Vision
Our vision is to build the most successful network of readers, authors and publishers by bringing together the talents, efforts, and relationships necessary for a greater collective success. At EDC Creations every client is vital to us and our community. Your success and ours are truly dependent on each other. Without your support, we cannot deliver the information and resources that are so important to millions of people who read in the world.
We will give our all in order to help you meet the challenges you face by developing innovative programs that really work, with the audience we have come to know and love.
Through the ups and downs of these trying times, our partners and loyal supporters have stuck together and have emerged as industry leaders in building rich, credible, and inviting communities for people around the world, and from all walks of life, whatever their interests and lifestyles. We strive to continue to bring you the most stimulating content on the web.
Future Goals
Our president and chief executive officer, Ella Curry, is determined to become one of the most powerful literary conglomerates in the industry. Offering the self-published and independently published author the same quality of exposure as the traditionally published author. By 2012, we hope to have our own radio show on AM radio, our cable TV literary show launched and to bring new books and the authors who create them, to millions of readers around world. Join us in this drive to Give the Gift of Knowledge!
Email the founder, Ella Curry if you would like to be featured on this blog: elladcurry@edc-creations.com
Blog Blog Blog
Hard Times….
Times are hard right now, not just for me but for everybody.
I am a hairstylist by profession, and hair, is considered a luxury.
During hard times, it is the first on the list of the things that gets cut back or cut off.
I’ve watched my clients cut back from every week to every 2 weeks to every 6 weeks.
Don’t these guys realize they pay my salary???
SIGH.
I do understand.
I have cut back too. PEDICURES, WAXING, My favorite pizza, driving, cable, movies, and the worse yet MY BOOKS!!!
I can’t afford to spend the $100.00 or more a month on books.
That hurts more than anything and I think I am going thru withdrawal and it’s not pretty.
I am cranky and irritated because I can’t get away from my drama in a great read; Reading has always made me feel better.
It was either whew my life ain’t so bad or I traveled to a far away place and had a mini vacation, or maybe I fell in love and lived happily ever after, even if it was until my next read.
My books are my Calgon, take me away.
So, I am re reading, revisiting, remembering.
I often re read my favorite books.
The Hand I Fan with by Tina McElroy Ansa is my all time favorite book and I religiously re read it once a year. I must visit Herman and Lena once a year, and yes I still cry over the end.
I am re reading Rhythms by Donna Hill, which and whom I totally adore with all my heart.
I am also going to re visit all of my Eric Jerome Dickey, Gloria Naylor, Victor McGlothin and Bernice McFadden books which are on my short list of loves.
I am so grateful I buy when I can.
So when times are hard and I am to broke to buy, I can revisit my hearts, the ones that left a mark on my heart and I consider, my treasures.
My boys who are no longer boys, say “We live in a library”, I just smile and say, Thank God you do. But we can leave, when ever we want to.
Simply Said.
http://www.myspace.com/odebsimplysaid
Email: odebeb@aol.com
http://www.simplysaid.ning.com
Literary Director
Debra Owsley
Did you know that it is NOT GOD’S WILL that you be physically, sexually, or emotionally abused?
Award Winning Author Cheryl Lacey Donovan Speaks out about Faith Communities about Domestic Violence
In Texas alone, statistics indicated in 2005 that there were 30, 995 reported incidents of domestic violence? Just imagine the “silent” unreported incidents who are living in silent fear!
Each year, an estimated 3.3 million children are exposed to violence by family members against their mothers or female caretakers. In a national survey of more than 2,000 American families, approximately 50% of the men who frequently assaulted their wives also frequently abused their children!
Of children who witness their mothers being abused by their fathers, 40% suffer anxiety, 48% suffer depression, 53% act out with their parents and 60% act out with siblings. Statistics further indicate that victims of domestic violence are everywhere– even in your faith community. Seventy-four percent of all Texans have either been a victim of domestic violence or know someone who has (according to a quantitative study conducted for Texas Council on Family Violence, Saurage, 2002.)
Because there is a need for outreach and education in faith communities, the faith family can be a critical resource for spiritual renewal and guidance. Texas Council on Family Violence. The problem is communities of faith can inadvertently make the situation worse. Misguided attempts at counseling can, in some cases, endanger rather than help the victim.
In addition, religious values may pressure the victim to keep the family together at all costs. Some batterers may even use scriptures and faith as a way to control their partner. “I grew up in a ministerial family. My parents were divorced when I was very young, but the religious impact was always there.
Therefore, when I was initially thrust into an abusive situation, I found it difficult to come to a conclusion about my future because I didn’t want to do anything that would be seen as contradictory to God’s teachings on marriage,” said Donovan. “Dissolving the marital relationship was one of the hardest things I had ever done because I wanted to be right in God’s sight. Yet, there were no programs within the church setting to provide guidance in this respect.”
The bottom line is, love should never hurt. Domestic violence is never acceptable. It goes contrary to any religious teachings. Expecting a victim of domestic violence to simply pray about a situation and expect it to go away is ludacris. Encouraging a victim to keep the family together because it is what God would want is not scriptural or moral. Communities of faith need to open their eyes and understand the important role that they play in the fight against domestic violence. Training programs and outreach can assist congregants who may be experiencing physical or psychological abuse.
Information regarding training and outreach programs can be obtained from the Texas Council on Family violence www.tcfv.org. Cheryl Donovan is the award winning author of Women What the Hell are You Thinking and the soon to be released Ministry of Motherhood.
She is also the host of the inspirational radio show Worth More than Rubies which airs on blogtalkradio.com. To contact Cheryl to speak about domestic violence issues as they relate to communities of faith, or to learn more about other potential topics, e-mail her at cherylspeaks@ gmail.com. You may also visit her website at www.cheryllaceydonovan.com
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Empowering Women to Empower Themselves through programs that promote social and economic self-sufficiency
[Straight From The Maverick] Obama Still Standing After McCain’s Foray
If image is counts as much as it appears to do in this world today, Sen. Barack Obama proved during the final presidential debate for 2008 why he has the temperament and discipline to merit being elected as this country’s next president.Simply put, this man withstood everything that his rival, John McCain, could grasp onto and haul at him, sometimes connecting and other times whirring past him, and he still managed to stand tall at the final bell to make his case.”I ask for your vote,” Obama said in his final comments. “I will work tirelessly on your behalf for your future and your children’s future.”
That’s the question you ask your customer when you’re confident that you’ve clinched the sale. Meanwhile McCain, still breathing heavily from his effort, could only surmise his case based on personal and his family history’s service to this country and leaning on as a crutch his talking points of reform, trust, an examination of his political record, and the argument that his country needs a new direction.Is the latter the kind of person you want leading this country? I suppose there may be some who were convinced – one way or another.
Months ago I questioned during the primaries whether Obama could close the sale. He had whetted the appetite of the electorate, but he had yet to offer substantive solutions and policy. I remember on the night of the Texas primaries that a television pundit made a fool out of an Obama supporter during the Texas primaries when he asked what single piece of legislation had Obama ever fought to get passed in his political career. The man had no answer.
Since then, it is clearly evident that this country has gotten to know more about Obama, and depending on your side of the argument the man has finally put some substance to the sheen of his eloquence and charisma.Throughout the debate in New York, McCain took on the role of the attacker and he questioned everything ranging from Obama’s proposed tax plans, his ideas on energy, health care, education, abortion, the selection of judges at the federal level, and the rest of this country’s economic woes.Yet Obama never wavered nor flinched.
Each time he made reference to specific policy proposals he looked directly in the camera and spoke with resolution what he would do for us, the citizenry that will be going to the polls in less than three weeks.I think ultimately this country wants somebody who could connect with them through that television camera. The best of the presidents in terms of effectiveness were able to do that – Bill Clinton and before him Ronald Reagan – come to mind in my adult years.
McCain did it on occasion, specifically when he made reference to Joe the plumber in Ohio; however, he was more so consumed with hauling every piece of furniture at Obama and while he talked, digging into his tool chest to unscrew the bathroom and kitchen sinks to haul at Obama in a tense, jittery motion.
I think this country might be – and should be – smart enough to decipher between rhetoric and substance. And what we saw tonight was Obama’s substance and cool winning over McCain’s rhetoric and obvious desperation – much to his frustration and exasperation.
–Posted By Sam B. Redd to Straight From The Maverick at 10/15/2008 11:05:00 PM
For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Leah Hubbard, 248.342-8806
staff@ministrymarketingsolutions.com
Christian Authors Connect on New Social Networking Site ChocolatePagesNetwork.com
MMS Newswire– Detroit, MI (August 19, 2008) — ChocolatePagesNetwork.com, a new online social networking community, allows its member to connect with each other, learn more about the book industry and share personal trials and triumphs in book promotion.
ChocolatePagesNetwork.com founder Pam Perry, said, “Here members will find literary PR experts and fellow authors who are willing to share tips on how to get out there.” Perry is a literary publicist, agent and pioneer in the ministry marketing field. Her company, Ministry Marketing Solutions Inc., works with publishers and self-published authors targeting the African American Christian market.
Christian authors, aspiring authors, book club members, book industry professionals, book store owners, freelance writers, graphic artists, journalists, multi-media professionals, publicists and readers will now have the ability to share a platform and connect with one another in a ministry and industry forum.
“The ChocolatePagesNetwork.com site is unique because it is the only site that provides a social media community for people with a wide range of interests and experience in the book industry – while also encouraging members with Christian love and prayer as they market the message of Jesus,” said Perry.
As a social media web site, ChocolatePagesNetwork.com lets members interact and connect with similar skills and interests while also expanding their databases of professional contacts.
“There are so many gifted, anointed writers out there just waiting to be recognized by the world,” said Perry.
“With ChocolatePagesNetwork.com, people never need give up their hopes and dreams. Our site will take them to the next level, using the power of social networking to get recognized and get connected.”
ChocolatePagesNetwork.com also facilitates exposure with industry experts, best-selling authors by giving members the ability to prominently feature contact information and links back to an official web page. There will also be cross promotion on ChocolatePagesNetwork.com with Blogtalkradio.com on The Chocolate Pages Show as well as on other web 2.0 sites such as Myspace, LinkedIn and Facebook.
Promotion on ChocolatePagesNetwork.com will help people gain exposure for their books which will equate with more book signings, sales and speaking opportunities as well as allowing for the exchange of ideas, innovative branding advice and prayer.
“We encourage everyone to promote their talent and their work via blogs, video or by posting a news items or calendar events. Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream. We are the children of the dream. Our time has come – and this social network is part of what will make it come true,” concluded Perry.
The social network, run through ConnectPlatform.com, is available at: http://www.ChocolatePagesNetwork.com.
About Ministry Marketing Solutions Inc. (founder of ChocolatePagesNetwork.com)
Ministry Marketing Solutions is a Christian public relations consulting and internet marketing firm. Headed by Pam Perry, Ministry Marketing Solutions has worked hand in hand for more than 25 years with many Christian publishers and authors to promote their books and bring their message to the CBA market and the African-American and general mainstream markets. The social networking web site encourages users to upload media such as videos, photos and other content such as devotionals, book reviews, interviews, and events in the news or blog sections.
Contact information:www.ChocolatePagesNetwork.com
Leah Hubbard, Ministry Marketing Solutions Inc.
(248) 426-2300
info@ministrymarketingsolutions.com
Web: http://www.ministrymarketingsolutions.com
I have always been wired to network. I love sharing information; connecting cool people with other cool people, seeing groups come together for a common cause. There’s strength in numbers. Jesus said, “I can of mine own self do nothing” (John 5:30).
Because networking is so much a part of my personality, I have been teased a lot. I had even begun to think I was a bit strange – until I realized Jesus was a networker. He had to be. He took twelve folks and revolutionized the world. He had a life-changing message that He imparted into mankind through the networking of men. The twelve disciples told some people, and they told some people, and so on and so on…
Isn’t that what life is all about? No man is an island – we all need each other. How could anyone have received Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior if they had not heard the Gospel? And how can they have heard without someone telling them? (Romans 10:14). That’s the ultimate “network.” Hooking people up to the “true vine” because Jesus said, “apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:1 and 5).
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King talked about networking too. He said, “As long as there is poverty in the world I can never be rich, even if I had a billion dollars…I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be. No individual or nation can stand out boasting of being independent. We are all interdependent.”
Networking is not always about getting. It’s really about giving. Actually, you’re more blessed when you give than when you receive (Acts 20:35). I have a passion for God which has caused me to have compassion for people.
We must be set on helping people. Ephesians 4:3 says, “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” When we network together, we weave a bond of ultimate power. Creating alliances and cultivating relationships is critical today especially in business.
It is painful to me when I see “lone rangers” and those folks floating encased in their own bubbles. They will never experience a full, abundant life because they are afraid to step out of their comfort zone. Or they’re just too proud to ask people for help or too selfish to even think about anyone else. These attitudes are totally against the Word of God.
God’s Word tells us to walk in love. Perfect love will cast out fear (1 John 4:18) and when we are walking in love, we esteem others higher than ourselves. We not only look out for our own interests but also the interests of others (Philippians 4:3-4). Our love for God is expressed by our love for each other.
Networking is love in action (see 1 Corinthians 13). The master networker, best-selling author of “Success Runs in Our Race” and publisher of the Success Guide, George C. Fraser said, “I think success really involves the situations you get yourself into and the people you meet. No one can be successful by themselves. It’s the relationships that you develop with the people around you. Throughout my life, I’ve had people who helped me do better.”
Success does run in our race. Fraser has been on a mission to link African Americans together for the betterment of them all. For ten years, he has published The Success Guide to accomplish this goal. More than an upscale directory of contacts, it is the only vehicle that has African American professionals from 7 different countries and 75 cities. “It’s networking in an instant with real people getting real results,” said Fraser. He is also the author of “Click.”
The Bible tells us in Matthew 25:39 to “love your neighbor as yourself.” This is the key to a successful life. Another recurring phrase in the Bible is “one another.” We are to: love, instruct, encourage, stir up, lift up, rejoice with, prefer, serve, pray with, submit to, admonish, minister to, fellowship with and edify ONE ANOTHER. Sounds like networking to me.
Nobody gets to the highest peaks without help of others. Networking is the identification of relationships for the purpose of sharing information and resources. Taking time for people and communicating is the key. Don’t ever get too busy to share information or your wisdom.
Get the right attitude about networking and begin to open up and give. Get your copy of Fraser’s Success Guide and hook up with like-minded folks and kindred spirits. Moving ahead often involves reaching out and being willing to give. We reap what we sow.
The Success Guide is available at online at http://www.frasernet.com/ or email pamperry@ministrymarketingsolutions.com Work your net! 
Called To Be a Kingdom Connector
By Genikwa Williams
About the author: Genikwa R. Williams is a freelance writer and a communications and marketing specialist. Contact: E-mail ˜ http://b8.mail.yahoo.com/ym/edc-creations.com/Compose?To=BeAll4Him@yahoo.com V Address: P.O. Box 305 , Willingboro , NJ 08046 V Phone: 609-216-0268 V Writing Site: http://www.genikwawilliams.com/ Business Site: http://www.jordanmediagroup.org/
5 Critical Elements that Every Successful Business Owner Needs to Know
Posted by Nathan Crane
[Source]
Today I am going to discuss a very important topic in the world of business.If you do not believe you are in the world of business just because you may not own your own business, you may want to re-analyze your thinking. Nearly everything in this world is currently based upon business.
Even if you dont own your own business, you can take these aspects I am going to talk about, and implement them into your daily life, or into your work life. They are all around good principles and ideas that can help us in all areas of our lives.
Furthermore, if one day you are ever interested in becoming an entrepreneur and adventuring into the world of business on your own terms, than this will give you a huge head start.And if you currently own your own business, and you are just starting, have 1 year under your belt, or are a million dollar giant, these are always good principles to go over from time to time.
“The 5 Critical Elements that Every Successful Business Owner Needs to Know.”
1. Be honest. This is a highly debatable topic for sales people and business owners around the world…(why it is even debatable should be a huge question for people.) But the truth is, many people may intend to be honest and truthful with their clients and customers, but because of the many techniques that they have learned, and the various habits that they have developed, this is actually much harder for most people than it seems. When you are totally and completely honest in all aspects of your transaction and dealings, your results are always going to be tremendously more fulfilling.
2. Create a Plan. I remember when I opened my 1st company with 6 other successful business owners, and the very first thing we did for 4 months straight, was come up with a plan. We sat night after night around a large table, covering every aspect of how we thought the business should be structured from the ground up. Additionally, what I learned from that, is that you dont need to cover every little aspect of how you are going to do business… but yes, you do need a solid outline and game plan to guide you in the right direction, and from there, you can fill in the details as you go along. (Make sure to continuously fill in the details!)
3. Cover Your Needs. If you are depending solely on your new business to cover all of your expenses, you may have a surprise coming for you, (Unless of course you have investors, or you are already generating enough consistent income to not have this worry.) This is so important, but many people forget to absorb the importance of this principle. As long as all of your basic needs are covered, and you can continue to invest additional money that you have into your business, you can always keep going and growing, no matter how little, or how big you are.
4. Keep Advancing Your Goals. When you start your business, you have goals. When you move through your first months, and your first years, and of course into your later years, you will always need to continue analyzing, re-analyzing and resetting your goals, hopefully higher than they were the last time you set them. Set a realistic goal, but out of reach, so when you reach it, you will know that you worked extremely hard to do so, and you will benefit tremendously from the outcome. When you come close to reaching that goal, again, reset your goals and always continue moving forward, and upward.
5. Never Give Up. I have read quite a few different forums lately that have mentioned something I think is pretty outlandish, they say “fail quickly, so you can move onto the next one faster.” Personally, I have never found that to be a helpful mindset in becoming personally and professionally successful. Yes, I have failed many times before, and failure can be a very good thing. But if you go into a project, business or life mission to own and create a very successful business, and you have the mindset that you could possibly be failing, so you should do it quickly…. what exactly do you think is going to happen? Of course you are going to fail quickly.
You need to have a perseverant mindset, especially if you have a burning desire inside you to make this company happen! Dont plan for failure, plan for success.
If you encounter failure, that’s no problem… I have decided that failure is just a confirmation that success is possible. And in my experience, that is absolute truth.I invite you to take these 5 critical elements, and implement them into your business, and into your life.They have really helped me to not only make things happen in my personal and professional life, but to become more fulfilled within myself.
I guess I should have named this the 6 critical elements, because I just remembered the most important of all.HAVE FUN! Enjoy what you are doing, this is your life, and your business. It is always going to be challenging, but you can make those challenges become enjoyable by seeing them as missions, tasks and lessons that need to be completed for you to move onto the next level.And always remember to Smile, it’s a great day to be alive!
Create a miracle today…and if you dont believe you can, you better double check the mirror.”~Nate Crane My Website
2009 Titles
“The Cooling Board” by Tamara Angela Grant
“Serving Justice” by Jacqueline Moore
“The Ministry of Motherhood” by Cheryl Donovan
“Mistress Memoirs” by Lorraine Elzia
“A Whisper to a Scream” by Elissa Gabrielle
“Hiding in the Shadows” by Claudia Brown Mosley
“Suicide Diaries” by Ebonee Monique
“The Baker’s Dozen” by S.D. Denny
“Holy Seduction” by Jessica A. Robinson
The Triumph Series continues in 2009
Peace in the Storm Publishing is a broad-based publisher whose strength lies in publishing quality books to reach the reader’s soul. Our motto is “Giving your Soul a Rise, One Page at a Time.” Our mission is to publish entertaining and enjoyable works by gifted storytellers in all genres, including, contemporary fiction, mystery, romance, self help, general interest fiction, street-lit, erotica, non-fiction and Christian fiction.
DON’T MISS A BEAT! SIGN UP FOR AUTHOR NEWS,
BOOK RELEASES, CONTESTS!
About Laura Major: Laura Major is a multicultural fiction author and freelance writer residing in the greater Phoenix area of Arizona. Her first novel, Mismatched was published by Amira Press in February of 2008. Laura also manages a multicultural website, Sable Lit Reviews.com, one of the few of its kind providing commentary on the multicultural impact of current events as well as multicultural book reviews.
What kind of woman becomes a mistress? Someone who has no regard for the unspoken cardinal rule among women of “Thou shall not covet another woman’s husband?” Certainly not Kahla Thompson; or so she thought.
Kahla is beautiful, single, and independently successful, possessing all the material goods a woman could desire. Her life is surreptitiously turned upside down when she meets Kevin Eckhart, a married man with a million-dollar smile and a seductive charm she falls prey to. The two have a magnetic, compelling attraction for each another and begin a relationship under the guise of friendship. Kahla struggles to suppress her hunger for Kevin, but soon finds herself in a paradox; fighting her natural propensity to avoid an affair versus her lascivious desires for a married man and all he represents.
Mistress Memoirs is an engaging, unorthodox lurk into the mind of a mistress. Through the illuminating introspective words of Kahla; Lorraine Elzia engrossingly entertains, while skillfully removing the cocoon of preconceived notions as to why a woman becomes a mistress. By delving into the self-analyzing inner thoughts that catapult Kahla into the role of the woman on the side, Mistress Memoirs gives a vision of who the other woman really is as viewed from the standpoint of the mistress herself.
Meet Author Lorraine Elzia
http://edcmagazine.blogspot.com/2008/10/meet-author-lorraine-elzia.html
I AM a Woman
I am a woman
Subliminal is my presence
Unintentional in design
yet lingering just the same
I am a woman
and even the trees whisper my name.
I switch, sash shay
and ostentatiously glide
as I waltz by
Ever cognoscente of your
Intrusive eyes
I smile in recognition
Of your undivided attention
All the while
Glowing,
constantly knowing
I am a woman
and even the trees whisper my name.
Provocative is the web I weave
Evoking a longing
within your psyche
My scent is ambrosia
Forcing you to want me
I am a woman
and even the trees whisper my name
My clandestine sexuality
intrigues you
My femininity
you crave
I do it without trying
For I am a woman
and even the trees whisper my name
————–
Lorraine Elzia
Author of Mistress Memoirs, debuting February 2009
From Peace in the Storm Publishing
http://www.lorraineelzia.com
Consanguinity
A cord providing life
began the connection between me and you.
It was love at first sight as I counted your fingers and toes
and dreamt of what they may one day do.
My ears sang to your first words,
your first steps lit up my face with delight.
Then came tears at your first day of school,
your kindergarten graduation,
and more when you fell off of your first bike.
I kissed each and every boo boo,
searched the closet for monsters as I tried to erase your fears.
I loved you,
comforted you,
and protected you, as only a mother could do throughout the years.
I nurtured your independence,
did my best to guide your ways,
every milestone and hurdle you crossed
brought sunshine to my days.
The years are flying by now
and the cord continues to stretch.
But every day,
in your loving way,
you show our connection is forever etched.
What started out a fluttering feeling
from deep within my womb,
took on a life
all of its own
from which unconditional love has bloomed.
As you struggle to find your place in life,
I will always hold your hand.
And inch by inch,
I sever the cord and smile,
as you slowly blossom into a man.
A Deeva 8/22/05
Visit these sites to learn more about Lorraine:
If image is counts as much as it appears to do in this world today, Sen. Barack Obama proved during the final presidential debate for 2008 why he has the temperament and discipline to merit being elected as this country’s next president.
Simply put, this man withstood everything that his rival, John McCain, could grasp onto and haul at him, sometimes connecting and other times whirring past him, and he still managed to stand tall at the final bell to make his case.”I ask for your vote,” Obama said in his final comments. “I will work tirelessly on your behalf for your future and your children’s future.”That’s the question you ask your customer when you’re confident that you’ve clinched the sale.
Meanwhile McCain, still breathing heavily from his effort, could only surmise his case based on personal and his family history’s service to this country and leaning on as a crutch his talking points of reform, trust, an examination of his political record, and the argument that his country needs a new direction.Is the latter the kind of person you want leading this country? I suppose there may be some who were convinced – one way or another.Months ago I questioned during the primaries whether Obama could close the sale.
He had whetted the appetite of the electorate, but he had yet to offer substantive solutions and policy. I remember on the night of the Texas primaries that a television pundit made a fool out of an Obama supporter during the Texas primaries when he asked what single piece of legislation had Obama ever fought to get passed in his political career.
The man had no answer. Since then, it is clearly evident that this country has gotten to know more about Obama, and depending on your side of the argument the man has finally put some substance to the sheen of his eloquence and charisma.Throughout the debate in New York, McCain took on the role of the attacker and he questioned everything ranging from Obama’s proposed tax plans, his ideas on energy, health care, education, abortion, the selection of judges at the federal level, and the rest of this country’s economic woes.
Yet Obama never wavered nor flinched. Each time he made reference to specific policy proposals he looked directly in the camera and spoke with resolution what he would do for us, the citizenry that will be going to the polls in less than three weeks.I think ultimately this country wants somebody who could connect with them through that television camera.
The best of the presidents in terms of effectiveness were able to do that Bill Clinton and before him Ronald Reagan, come to mind in my adult years.McCain did it on occasion, specifically when he made reference to Joe the plumber in Ohio; however, he was more so consumed with hauling every piece of furniture at Obama and while he talked, digging into his tool chest to unscrew the bathroom and kitchen sinks to haul at Obama in a tense, jittery motion.
I think this country might be –and should be– smart enough to decipher between rhetoric and substance. And what we saw tonight was Obama’s substance and cool winning over McCain’s rhetoric and obvious desperation – much to his frustration and exasperation.
–Posted By Sam B. Redd to Straight From The Maverick at 10/15/2008 11:05:00 PM
How Book Authors Can Promote Their Work with Social Media
Submitted by Chris on Monday, 16 June 2008
[Source of this Article]
As I have written before, publishers are increasingly leveraging their authors’ own personal platform to market their books. With more than 400,000 books published each year, it is harder to make an impact without a platform strategy.
Authors can learn a lot from the personal branding and social media marketing advice of Chris Brogan who recently offered 100 Personal Branding Tactics Using Social Media. Of course, Chris is not speaking about books in particular, but that’s the beauty of his advice – it can be applied to many different situations where your personal brand and growing online network can make a difference.
I’ve written quite a bit on the subject here as well, but with a focus on book publishing. Check out the following and the Related Posts links for some of my thoughts on how book authors can promote their work with social media.
Why Word of Mouth Matters
Book Marketing for Authors: The Author Questionnaire
Crowdhacking: 10 Simple Ways Authors Can Help to Increase Sales at Amazon.com
Amazon.com as a Social Network
Looks Like We Are About to Get Bum Rushed by the Age of Conversation
The Making of A Bestseller: A Case Study in The Meme
Article written by: Chris Webb
10 Ways Authors Can Help to Increase Sales at Amazon.com
Article by Chris Webb
Source of Article
In my world this is especially true of Amazon.com. Reader reviews can often make or break a book, so it’s important to pay attention to your book’s page and the activity there. I’m not suggesting that authors or publishers purposely try to game the Amazon.com reviewer system. However, there are several ways authors can participate to be sure that their voice is part of the conversation.
10 simple ways authors can help to increase sales at Amazon.com:
Add a link to your book at Amazon.com or other online retailer as part of your email signature, forum signatures – anywhere you leave your name.
Add a link to your book on your blog or website. Amazon.com offers an affiliate program which pays you when readers you refer purchase your book. Double dipping!
Amazon.com allows readers to share their own images, so get the ball rolling by sharing yours. Look for the “Share your own customer images” link under the book’s cover image and start uploading. Wrote a book on building a PC? Upload photos of the build process. Wrote a Florida travel book? Use those photos of your trip to Disney World.
There are 2 quick and simple ways you can help people find your book at Amazon.com.
First look for the “Help others find this item” section near the bottom of the page and make valid suggestions for search terms or your book. Second, find the “Tag this product” section and add tags that are pertinent to your book.
Get involved in the discussion – many titles now include a beta feature called “Customer Discussions.” Be sure to find that link on your book’s page and monitor it so that you can answer any questions readers or potential readers may have. If there is no discussion started on your book – start one!
Be a part of Amazon Connect! Did you know that you can have a blog on your Amazon.com product page? It will list your last 3 posts on the page, with a “more” link over to all other posts. It requires your publisher to verify you as the author of your book via email, so be sure to discuss it with them first. You can learn more and sign up at the Amazon Connect website.
Write a Listmania! list. Anyone can create a list of up to 40 related items at Amazon.com. Why not create a list that is focused on the topic of your book and includes your book as well as other items? For instance, if you wrote a book on building a PC, you might create a list simply called Building a PC. The list would, of course, contain your book as one of the items, as well as your favorite hard drive, RAM, video card, motherboard and other parts available through Amazon.com.
When you mix product lists like this (i.e. not just a list of books) you are effectively cross merchandizing your book into other sections of Amazon.com. In this example, customers looking for the hard drive or video card you selected may encounter your list and be exposed to your book. In fact, with Listmania! you can get pretty granular. In our example you could also build just a list for video cards with advice for particular cards, and include your book as a guide to building PCs that includes more detailed advice.
Write a short tutorial – the So You’d LikeTo…Guides. Similar to a Listmania!, these guides allow you to show off a little bit about what you know. They work very similarly to the Listmania! lists in that you can select a variety of products to include, and provide the same advantage of cross-merchandizing, but should be a bit more advice-driven and tutorial in nature. Check out this short example on getting started in digital photography for ideas on how you might be able to leverage this feature.
Make sure you book is part of the Search Inside the Book program. This is controlled by your publisher and is a program they have to opt into. If they are not a part of the program, you might ask why they are not involved in such an important marketing vehicle at one of the world’s largest online retailers. If they are a part of the program then be sure your book will be included. As part of this program, Amazon.com indexes the books content and provides online customers a change to thumb through your book.
Reviews – I saved the best for last. All the items above were really about helping readers find your book, and participating in the conversation with readers once they have. However nothing helps or hurts sales at Amazon.com more than the Reviewer Ranking and reader reviews. So you should just make up some accounts and start posting 5-Star reviews, right? Of course not – but there are some things you can do to help:
Write a good book. Obvious, I know – but no amount of promotion will help a book that simply does not meet reader expectations.
Make sure your colleagues and members of your network get a copy of the book. These readers are more likely to help with favorable but honest reviews, but it’s very important to ask for a review at Amazon.com. Otherwise you may get a “thank you” for the book and nothing more. Provide your publisher with a list of influencers in your topical space and be sure they get a review copy.
If you receive an email or a comment on your blog from someone who enjoyed our book or see a review posted online elsewhere – ask them to post that on Amazon.com. I have also seen authors who have asked for permission to repost favorable online reviews (with attribution) at Amazon.com
Help Amazon.com weed out the illegitimate reviews. If you get a review that is not appropriate – one where it’s obvious the reviewer did not read the book, provided no basis for the review, or left a simple “This sucks” sort of review, ask Amazon.com to take a look. Each review has a “Report this” link next to it that flags the post for review by Amazon. If they feel the review is not valid they may remove it. Use this option sparingly – it’s not for legitimate negative reviews.
I’d be interested to hear from other editors, authors, markets or publishers on the topic. What have you seen help books at Amazon.com?
8 Tips to Stay Productive and Focused
By Anastasia Pryanikova
In our fast-paced world, maintaining focused energy is one of the biggest personal productivity challenges. Much of the energy drain happens due to the sense of mental overwhelm and frequent information overload. This sense of overwhelm and inability to cope effectively with the daily flow of information, interactions, and distractions is a significant cause of stress and decrease in productivity for many people.
What stops you from having focused mental energy right now? Here’s a list of common energy drainers and stressors. Do you see anything that applies to you?
* Lack of focus
* Mental clutter;
* Mindless distractions;
* Fear of uncertainty;
* Pessimistic attitude;
* Self-criticism;
* Unrealistic expectations or beliefs;
* Information overload;
* Perfectionism;
* Low self-esteem;
* Procrastination;
* Negative self-talk;
* Overwhelming negative emotions;
* Resistance;
* Misalignment between your life purpose and everyday actions;
* Poor diet;
* Insufficient physical activity;
* Lack of sleep;
* Toxic home or work environment;
* Lack of social support.
Now, picture the power of the focused energy and how it could transform your life. Imagine what it feels like to be so absorbed by the task that nothing else matters. Certain practices enable us to maintain clear focus and add more energy to our days.
Here’s what you can do to boost your energy and personal productivity.
1. Stop multitasking to avoid the “sprinkler effect.”
If you are easily distracted by thoughts buzzing in your head as you are trying to concentrate on a project, you are not alone. Mental noise and distractions create energy leaks. I call it the “sprinkler effect.” Just like the sprinkler cuts through the stream of water dispersing it, distractions dissipate our energy.
Our focus and perception diminish when it happens. Think of all the distractions throughout your typical day: a phone rings, an urgent email pops up, somebody interrupts your train of thought, etc. A common response is to multitask, but multitasking doesn’t work. Our brains cannot do parallel processing if it requires conscious awareness. Multitasking is really a rapid task switching. The more complex and unfamiliar the tasks are, the longer it is going to take to switch between them. Multitasking causes the sprinkler effect.
2. Create mental “White Space.”
We can experience more focused energy if we practice mindfulness and give our full attention to the present moment. As we cultivate awareness, we gain the state of clarity, or the mental “white space.” In art and design, the concept of “white space” refers to the absence, or nothingness, that makes the content stand out.
White space creates balance. Similarly, when we are truly present and aware, our perception is heightened. We notice things we wouldn’t otherwise. We experience more insights. We respond to situations as they arise without stress or worry generated by mental clutter. To experience this mental “white space,” try limiting sensory input to your brain. Close your eyes, turn off any sound, and be still and quiet for a few moments. Neuroscience research suggests the brain needs about two seconds of “shutting down” to deactivate the current circuits and enable an insight to emerge into the conscious attention.
3. Verbalize distractions: pour your disruptive thoughts onto paper. When you feel bogged down by persistent, negative thoughts, write them all down and set the time when you will review the list. Writing thoughts down decreases their negative influence on the mind. When your scheduled time comes, review the list and determine which thoughts actually deserve your time and energy. Develop a habit of writing down your fears, doubts, and concerns.
4. Chop up your projects and your work days into chunks.
To shift your attention to a new project, begin by organizing your thoughts and assessing the work that needs to be done. Mentally run down the list of burning questions you must address.
Here are a few favorites to get you started:
a. What needs to be done?
b. Why would it be desirable to do those things?
c. What have you already accomplished that will help you move forward with this project?
d. What do you need to know to complete this project?
e. What kinds of resources and help will you need when you start working on the project?
f. What’s the next action step?
Write out your answers. Writing brings clarity, calmness and objectivity to the mind. Next, create a sequence of specific, measurable steps to complete your project. Set milestones and deadlines to keep track of your progress. It’s time to set SMART goals:
1. Specific
2. Measurable
3. Achievable
4. Realistic
5. Time-defined
Try a three-tier structure for your goals: the theme, the goals to support your theme, and the steps to accomplish your goals.
Your theme can be the big reason behind the project, the main aspect of it, or the crucial learning and development point. The theme helps to unify the parts of the project, provide additional motivation and momentum to move forward.
Break your project into well-defined goals that will serve as the milestones for your work. When deciding upon goals:
* Make them big enough to really stretch your comfort zone. We often underestimate what we can achieve.
* Picture the benefits you gain from completing your goals. Visualize the outcomes. How would you know you have accomplished your objective? How will it feel to succeed? Capture your best reasons on paper and return to them when you need extra motivation.
* Identify the cost of your goals. Each goal comes with a price tag. What do you have to give up for the opportunity to achieve your goals? Identify those trade-offs and decide if you are truly willing to pay the price.
* Prioritize and eliminate inconsistent goals. The goals we set often compete for our time, effort, and resources. It’s important to know the priority of your goals and check for conflicting objectives. You may be as passionate about visiting Italy as you are about visiting Brazil, but you can’t be in two places at the same time. You must choose.
* Set a deadline for each of your goals.
* Schedule regular intervals to revisit your goals and track your progress.
Divide your goals into smaller tasks or steps, giving each task a target date for completion as well. These steps will give you a clear picture of what you should be working on at any given time.
Finally, divide your work day into chunks of uninterrupted time when you can focus on your scheduled tasks and eliminate distractions. Don’t forget to take breaks periodically, and when you do so, switch your attention to something completely different and enjoyable. You want to use this downtime to recharge.
5. Don’t resist, accept: stewing is worse than doing. Do you ever feel so overwhelmed and exhausted by all of the things you need to do that you can only complain and procrastinate instead of taking action? All this time, you are building resistance. Many people can relate to this experience. Resisting and complaining sap your energy. Whenever you feel the build-up of resistance, you want to stop and think about how you can move from resistance to acceptance.
It’s natural and human to experience the whole range of emotions. What’s important is how we process those emotions in our minds and our bodies. There are constructive ways to deal with negative emotions, such as resistance. You don’t want to bottle them up because you will end up with emotional and energetic imbalances. Instead, you want to let yourself experience the emotion, just be with it for some time and observe. Recognizing negative emotions, labeling them, and paying attention to the physiological responses these emotions produce in your body may help to counteract their effect.
6. Embrace uncertainty, just like you would do in a casino.
How comfortable are you with uncertainty? What stops some people from pursuing their dreams and their mission is fear of the unknown. Interestingly, uncertainty can actually add to our motivation.
Do you ever wonder how people can spend hours pulling a lever of a slot machine? It is the uncertainty of the reward that keeps them interested. The anticipation of uncertain rewards has been linked to the increased production of the neuromodulator dopamine, which is responsible for a focused attention and more pleasurable experience. Imagine what would happen if you were to get a regular salary for pulling the same lever but no chance of a random win. You’d be bored to death very soon. The uncertainty of the reward keeps the excitement alive.
7. Get excited! Don’t wait for the next holiday to start a celebration. Make a list of five things that you are excited about today. What brings you joy when you just think about it? We all should have something to celebrate each day. This is a good exercise to do in the morning to begin your day on a positive note.
Next, list five things that you are grateful for or people you would like to thank. Notice any shifts in your emotional state once you have competed the exercise. Expressing gratitude for things that go well is a sure way to cultivate positive emotions. Positive psychology studies have linked feelings of gratitude to emotional well-being.
8. Hang out with people who can lighten up the room.
Sometimes, all we need to do to get energized is to talk to certain people.
* Who are those people with vibrant, positive energy in your life?
* How can you limit your interactions with people who drain you?
* How can you strengthen your support system?
Taking personal responsibility for your energy also has an effect of attracting more people with positive energy into your life. Do you know people who can lighten up the room with their presence? Everybody wants to be around them. With little practice and conscious choices, you can be that person.
What is one improvement you are willing to make today to manage your personal energy better.
Anastasia Pryanikova, M.A., J.D. is a coach, author, learning & transformation catalyst. She is the founder and principal of E-Studio, LLC, a company devoted to helping busy professionals release overwhelm and bridge the gap between information and transformation.
If you liked this article, you’ll love Anastasia’s interactive and dynamic coaching programs that will empower your mind through awareness, reflection, insights, accelerated learning, and consistent action. You can learn more and get free tips on how to release overwhelm at http://www.selfhelpbookmuse.com
Anastasia also publishes Lawsagna blog, which offers “alternating layers of thoughts, tips, tricks, and other ingredients to live and learn well in law and beyond.” Please visit it at http://www.lawsagna.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anastasia_Pryanikova
10 Reasons to Create Information Products
What You Need to Know Before You Begin
By Anastasia Pryanikova
If you are a coach, consultant or other entrepreneur, sooner or later you will start thinking about creating information products. You may feel excited and a bit scared at the same time. The little critic in your head may whisper that you don’t have much to say, or that you don’t know how to do it, or you are not comfortable with technology, or internet marketing, or whatever the current magnet for your fear is. You are not alone here.
After all, you may not have had a chance to study adult learning theory, instructional design or curriculum development, so you are not exactly sure how to go about designing your first e-course. And that’s OK because the good thing is that we all can learn and enlist help of specialists when needed.
To have an impact, learning needs to be personal, so go ahead and ask the question “What’s in it for me?” Becoming clear on your personal motivation for creating an information product is a good place to start because your motivation will influence many aspects of your project.
So, why do people create information products? Here are some common reasons and questions to consider as you plan your project:
Reason 1: Creating passive income streams. Once you’ve created a product, and it sells, you receive a continuous stream of revenue from it without putting extra time into the product itself. When you coach, for example, you sell your time, and you better be there for your coaching session. An information product, on the other hand, can sell even when you are taking a vacation on a remote island.
Questions to ponder:
:::: What do you need to learn about marketing and sales to ensure that your information product sells?
:::: How are you going to research your market to determine its needs and the demand for your product?
Reason 2: Building credibility. It’s no secret that there is already a lot of information out there. People often feel information overload. So, how does it help you? Aren’t you just creating more information? Not if your information product solves a problem for people in a systemic, easy-to follow way. People don’t have time for research, and the job of an expert – you – is to wash the information sand for a few golden nuggets. You then make a jewelry piece out of the gold that you client can actually use. The credibility comes from being able to repackage information into valuable solutions for your clients.
Questions to ponder:
:::: How do you want others to see you?
:::: What are your own development points to bridge the gap between now and where you want to be?
:::: What should you be learning now?
:::: Who are established experts in your field?
:::: How can teaming up with others enhance your own authority?
Reason 3: Establishing affiliate programs and other joint ventures. Information products offer a way to harness the power of your internet connections and relationships. They are tangible, which means that they can be sold, gifted, won as a prize in a variety of contexts by different internet entities. In a way, you can speak from multiple podiums at the same time and extend the reach of your message through your information products.
Questions to ponder:
:::: What partnerships would you like to develop?
:::: What criteria will you use to filter potential business relationships?
:::: What products and services are complimentary to yours and can strengthen your position in your niche market but don’t compete with your offerings?
Reason 4: Putting a part of your business on auto-pilot. Isn’t it nice to be able to step away from your business and be assured that it is still running smoothly? When you put systems in place to build your list, have a consistent method of communicating with your prospects, market and sell your products, you can have more time to spend with your family and friends, pursue hobbies and whatever else your heart desires.
Questions to ponder:
:::: What systems can you implement in your business to make everything run consistently and automatically?
:::: What can you outsource so that you could work from your strengths?
Reason 5: Offering lower-priced alternatives to individual consulting or coaching. It’s beneficial to have several information products that range from low-priced to high-priced because they give your prospects more options. People can choose to sample your work with a no-cost or low-cost product, and if they feel confident in your services, they may eventually upgrade to higher-priced options.
Questions to ponder:
:::: What no-cost or low-cost options can you offer to your clients and prospects?
:::: What are your high-priced offerings?
Reason 6: Expanding your list of clients. People vary in their learning styles and preferences for learning solutions. A client with a dominant linguistic intelligence may enjoy an e-book, while somebody with a strong musical intelligence will prefer a set of CDs or mp3 downloads. Once again, the more options you have, the more people you will be able to attract and accommodate.
Questions to ponder:
:::: Who is your ideal client?
:::: What do they want from your services and products?
:::: How can you make your offering more attractive to your ideal client niche?
Reason 7: Laying the foundation for the future growth of your expert services. The ideas you develop for one information product can be reused, improved, and repackaged for other information products. It is a process of continuous improvement and growth for you and your clients who are able to stay with you and continue to benefit from your growing expertise.
Questions to ponder:
:::: How can you repackage what you have already created?
:::: How can you use your clients’ feedback to improve and diversify your products?
Reason 8: Growing professionally and building your own expertise. Creating information products is also an opportunity for you to grow professionally as a coach or consultant. You need to do your research, keep current with your niche trends, develop clarity and precision in your own thinking and communicating, all of which will keep you focused and engaged.
Questions to ponder:
:::: What do you want to learn next?
:::: What systems and tools do you have in place to stay current on important information?
:::: What do you do to grow professionally?
:::: How can you apply what you are learning to your work on information products?
Reason 9: Expressing yourself creatively. In order to design quality information product that engage your clients and have the potential of transforming their lives, you need to let your own creativity flourish. You want to present the same idea in different ways and engage multiple intelligences in order to accommodate the needs of various learners. You want to make it fun and memorable so that people keep referring back to your product and tell others about it. Get inspired!
:::: What can you do to feed your creativity?
:::: How can you capture your creative ideas without judging them?
:::: Who would you like to invite for a creative brainstorming?
Reason 10: Sharing your knowledge and skills for impact. You have an important message to communicate, a unique way to help people, a valuable perspective or experience to share with others. Your information products can reach lots of people all over the world, magnifying your impact.
Questions to ponder:
:::: What is your key message and how is it reflected in the products you are creating?
:::: Who is your target audience?
:::: What are the best ways to reach your audience?
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Anastasia Pryanikova, M.A., J.D. is a coach, author, learning & transformation catalyst. She is the founder and principal of E-Studio, LLC, a company devoted to empowering professionals to shorten their learning curve and to bridge the gap between information and transformation. If you liked this article, you’ll love Anastasia’s interactive and dynamic coaching programs that will empower your mind through awareness, reflection, insights, accelerated learning, and consistent action.
You can learn more and get free tips on how to boost your potential at http://www.selfhelpbookmuse.com
Anastasia also publishes Lawsagna blog, which offers “alternating layers of thoughts, tips, tricks, and other ingredients to live and learn well in law and beyond.”
Please visit it at http://www.lawsagna.com
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