Intimate Conversation with Activist Terrance Tykeem

Intimate Conversation with Terrance Tykeem

Terrance Tykeem was born in Atlanta,Georgia, spending equal time between Atlanta and Philadelphia before becoming an NFL walk-on. Due to early injury his NFL career was short lived and Terrance deftly transitioned into the entertainment industry.

Terrance has signed with two different record labels and developed a TV show called the Players Club. [ A show whose name he eventually sold to Rapper and Director “ICE CUBE”.]

In recent years Terrance’s focus has shifted to social reform which resulted in the 2013 release of “Guilty by Reason of Arrest” and his third book “Touched” in 2014.  His second and third books, deal with mass incarceration and child molestation, respectively. Growing up between relatives and the Foster care system Terrance provides first hand insight into the issues plaguing our communities.

As a writer, speaker, and activist, Terrance is not afraid to challenge the system and does not shy away from asking or answering difficult questions. Terrance has founded the We Stand Up Coalition a non-profit that tours nationally providing education and awareness on such issues.

Author/Singer Terrance Tykeem releases Touched a short film music video to address the issue of Child Sexual Abuse. While in the Foster Care System a young Terrance Tykeem witnessed first hand the sexual abuse of countless boys and girls and barely escaped being a victim himself. These images have haunted him for years.  This short film music video has some of today’s well known actors, reality stars and personalities such as Eva Marcille, Chaz Shepherd, Ramona Rizzo, Mama Jones and many others. The music video can be found at:  http://vimeo.com/99473045

BOOKS WE’RE DISCUSSING
1. Guilty By Reason Of Arrest by Terrance Tykeem
2. Touched: When Innocence is Stolen the Pain Lasts Forever by Terrance Tykeem

Books can be purchased on Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/Terrance-Tykeem/e/B00J1I7X20

BPM:  Tell us about your journey and the beginning of your career.  How did you get to be where you are in your life today? Who or what motivated you? 
I was motivated to become an activist and advocate after my own experiences with the legal system. I also learned from my various life experiences that it was more worthwhile and important to me to help others than to use my money for selfish motives.

BPM:  Who does your body of literary work speak to? Do you consider authors as role models?
The Guilty by Reason of Arrest book speaks to an audience that wants to better understand how the legal system is biased and places minorities and those in low socioeconomic status at a greater risk of being incarcerated than their affluent white counterparts. It also deals with the injustice that privatized prisons causes our society as a whole.
Touched speaks to adults survivors of child sexual abuse, young adult victims, and their family members that may want to better understand what it is like to be victimized.

I think some authors are role models but I don’t think it applies to every author. As an artist whether I am writing a song, producing a movie or writing a book my intention is to find a way to move the intended audience. If an author can create a piece of work that pushes the audience to think differently, to challenge the status quo, or even to inspire than I think they are a role model.

BPM:  What inspired you to sit down and actually start writing this book, Touched? Why now?
I was inspired to write Touched because when I was working on the song alot of individuals chose to disclose their stories of abuse to me. I just wanted to share a few of the stories as told to me.

BPM:  What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
The song birthed the book Touched, the book in turn birthed my non-profit foundation, and the non-profit is currently working to birth an entire national movement. To see an idea that existed only in ether come to life and have a following of people behind it is pretty great. To talk with the people that are moved by the song and what we are doing makes you feel like you are building a legacy. I want to have bodies of work that really change peoples lives. I think this is what is beginning to take hold now.

BPM:  Where do your book ideas come from? Are your books plot-driven or character-driven? 
I have lots of ideas, they are mostly plot-driven. The news, current events, the political climate, the financial climate, it all impacts me as an artist. Sometimes it moves me to write music, sometimes I write books, other times I am working on screen plays.

BPM:  Could you tell us something about your most recent work? Are your books available in digital forms?
My most recent work is a documentary also titled “Touched” that was an idea I got when I received feedback from the music video. Yes, my books are available on Kindle.

BPM:  Give us some insight into your main characters or speakers from both books. What makes each one so special? 
Guilty by Reason of Arrest references actual legal issues that affected either myself or those I knew. Touched has two stories, each told by the victim in their words. Each book is educational and can also be viewed as self help.

BPM:  Are there under-represented groups or ideas featured in your books? 
If so, discuss them. Guilty by Reason of Arrest speaks to minorities, less educated and low socioeconomic status individuals. Touched raises awareness of the pandemic of child sexual abuse. Approximately every 2 minutes a child is sexually abused.

BPM:  How does your books relate to your present career path, spiritual practice or journey?
My books are a reflection of what issues are really weighing on me. These are topics that have resonated within me because of personal experiences coupled with the reality of how often these crimes are occurring in our communities.

BPM:   Did you learn anything personal from writing your books? Can you share some stories about people you met while researching the books?
I have met really genuine people that are really invested in changing their communities. Conversely, I have met alot of people that verbally supported the causes but when our organization reached out to them to help with community events or cameos in the documentary it was apparent that in spite of the cause or even that they themselves were victims, some activists and celebrities were more concerned about how much we were willing to pay them for their time. I was really disappointed in that aspect.

As for the people that I met while writing my books, or the people whose stories I used, they were amazing individuals that I think were courageous. It takes alot to share your darkest secrets. It is hard for most people to trust another [person] to share such horrific details with but because they were victims and by the very nature of the crimes committed against them, these individuals already have a history of broken trust. The fact that these individuals (and others as we are touring) share their stories with me is definitely courageous.

BPM:   What were your goals and intentions for crafting the two books, and how well do you feel you achieved them?  
I feel like each book accomplishes what I intended. I just wanted to be able to educate others on the given topics. I can’t speak for other authors but I know I can re-read my books a thousand times before they go to publishing and be happy with them but as soon as I get them back bound and beautiful I think of different ways I could have expanded certain parts of the books. I find my works are like living objects because they are created in a form I create and then as they get viewed and taken in by others and I get feedback, I feel like they take on a form of their own. I also think of how I could have done the subject matter more justice. I’m very Type A though so I don’t know if I will every be completely content with any one body of work I’ve created. I’m always looking for how to out do myself on the next project.

BPM:   What projects are you working on at the present?
My current project is to complete the documentary, Touched. I also have a few television shows I also would like to do a national tour in some format.. like visiting alternative schools inspiring adolescents, speaking in juvenile detention centers and prisons. The staff of my non profit are also working on a national tour in collaboration with treatment facilities for sexual abuse. We would like to have individuals create glass tiles from all 50 states to create a national mosaic tile memorial piece dedicated to victims and families of child sexual abuse. We have a wonderful artist Susan Jablon and her daughter Emily that have graciously agreed to create the piece with us. 

BPM:   How can readers discover more about you and your work?
Follow me on social media.. like my non-profit on Facebook, We Stand Up Coalition, attend one of my events. Book me for speaking engagements.

We Stand Up Coalition Website: http://www.we-stand-up.org

Terrance Tykeem | Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/terrance.tykeem

Guilty By Reason Of Arrest by Terrance Tykeem

There have been countless books, movies, TV Shows and documentaries describing the criminal justice system and the people who control it. What they all have failed to do is make clear the true motives of those behind what can actually be described as the “In-Justice system”.

The police, politicians, court and prison officials have waged war on the poor and minority citizens of this country for financial and political reasons among others, while successfully turning millions of our nations less fortunate into commodities and stock options in the process.

Each of these five step chapters will do what others have refused to, by describing in great detail who, where, when and why the self-proclaimed land of the free has become the world leader in incarcerating and disenfranchising it’s poor.

Guilty By Reason of Arrest, will not only shed light on what has become a human rights atrocity, but also provide a blueprint to assist scores of others from getting caught up in an ever expanding web.

Touched: When Innocence is Stolen the Pain Lasts Forever 

There will be 500,000 babies born this year in the United States alone that will be sexually molested before the age of 18 (http://cachouston.org/child-sexual-abuse-facts). This means there are more than 42 million adult survivors of child sexual abuse in the U.S.( Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2006). Children of every gender, age, race, ethnicity, background, socioeconomic status and family structure are at risk.

It isn’t strangers our children have to fear…

Most child sexual abusers are respected members of the community drawn to settings where they gain easy access to children like schools, clubs and churches. Even worse to comprehend is when the abuser is a parent, foster parent, or relative.

The two individuals that allowed me to share their heartbreaking stories of molestation are part of a fraternity of millions whose lives have been forever changed by individuals that were entrusted to be their protectors but instead would become their tormentors.

“What I do know is that sexual abuse is completely preventable. We, as parents, educators, siblings, and caretakers should bear the responsibility to take all measures to keep our children safe. When we allow our children to have their innocence stolen it saddles the victims with feelings of shame, self hatred and pain. The long term consequences can be devastating” – T. Tykeem

Books can be purchased on Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/Terrance-Tykeem/e/B00J1I7X20

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BAN Radio Special: A Vision of Angels:The Battle Begins by Alexandra Lane

Alexandra Lane reads from the suspenseful novel A Vision of Angels: The Battle Begins on BAN Radio. Listen to the author’s interview with Ella Curry and the exciting reading from the book: http://tobtr.com/s/6070859

A Vision of Angels: The Battle Begins by Alexandra Lane

 What happens when you’re born into a world of darkness where there are no choices? 
Where the undercurrents of evil are so strong you can’t fight your way out.  What do you do?

Minty, a slave, was born into a world that offered no solace, no happiness but more than anything, no hope.  But on a cold, bitter night, Minty will be forced into making one of the hardest decisions of her life; to leave everyone that she knows and loves behind.  Her decision will bring forth an evil that will stop at nothing to keep her from reaching her destiny.  For it knows, it sees what Minty does not.

Jack, a loner with a dark past, and a few men will pursue her in the dark swamps of Maryland, along with Red, a sinister gray-eyed man who is the perfect embodiment of evil.

Unaware of what’s waiting for him at Little Canyon, Jack will be faced with unbelievable events that will cast him into some of the most frightening experiences of his life.

A weary search, wrought with unexplainable happenings, will begin to take its toll.  Fateful choices will be made.  Choices that will bring about an unimaginable outcome.

This story is a looking glass into the world of angels and the incredible feats they performed for the sake of these two lives.  To understand why, you will have to read the story.  This is about hope in the face of hopelessness and redemption when one feels there is none. 

Chapter Excerpt:  The Beginning
 
Minty has just suffered a horrific beating by one of the slave masters who believed she  and a few other slaves were trying to escape.  She’s lying on the ground unconscious because the pain was unconscionable.  Zacharius, one of the young male slaves picks her up and takes her to her mother, Old Rit.  This is a pivotal moment in the book. 

(Readers, please keep in mind these are slaves, so they will speak differently.)

Zacharias quickly carried Minty to her mother’s quarters and stood before the door, kicking it and yelling for Old Rit to let him in. Old Rit opened the door with concern etched in her face. When she saw her daughter’s flaccid body draped in the young man’s arms, her eyes immediately reflected the fear that rose up inside her.

“She ain’t dead! She jus’ passed out,” said Zacharias.

Old Rit looked up at the young man to make sure she heard him correctly.

“She ain’t dead,” he repeated.

“Take her and lay her in dah bed.”

Old Rit scrambled around the room looking for salve and clean rags.

Zacharias gently laid Minty on the bed and then turned toward Old Rit with the front of his shirt soaked with her blood.

“I’s kin fetch some water from dah well fo’ ya, but den I’s gotta go and work dah fields befo’ old man

Brodess finds out where I is.”

Then Zacharias grabbed a small tin bucket on the floor and ran out the door.

As many times as Old Rit had seen her daughter like this, it never got any easier, for tears would still well up in her eyes, but this was the worst she had seen.

Almost immediately, Zacharias returned with the bucket, and with water spilling everywhere, he fretfully placed it on the floor in front of Old Rit then quickly left out running toward the lumber yard.

As she sat cleaning Minty’s cuts, she began to think about her daughter’s plight and what her end would be on this earth. Minty thought she had a right to humanity and to freedom, and because of that very thought, she was subjected to many beatings. She knew Minty’s stubborn nature, along with her illness, would either get her killed or sold, for she was as rebellious as a wild stallion.

However, some of the younger slaves didn’t agree with her ways. They said she was a twenty-seven-year old married woman, and she should know better. They never quite understood why she just wouldn’t humble herself and simply follow the master’s rules as they did.

After regaining consciousness, Minty realized she was lying on her mother’s bed, naked and bleeding. With her jaws tight and her face stern, she secretly promised herself and God that Ben would never beat her again.

“Ouch!” Minty yelled as her mother sat by her side spreading salve on the open wounds. But the constant writhing from the sting of the herbal ointments was making it difficult for Old Rit to apply.

“Now you’s gotta try and lie still why I’s fix yo wounds ‘cause you’s got quite a few of dem dis time,” she said.

“It hurts, Momma!”

“I’s know, baby, but you’s gotta go through dah pain to get to dah healin’.” Then silence filled the room as Old Rit worked on her daughter’s body like a skilled doctor.

“I’s had enough, Momma,” Minty suddenly said, breaking the silence. “I’s can’t take no mo. Two days ago, Zacharias told me ’bout a white man, a abolishnist that was helpin’ slaves scape ta dah North. So ’bout three months ago, I’s went to ’im, and he gave me a map showin’ me how ta get ta dah river where’s  a boat would be waitin’ that would take me up north, close ta a place called a safe house,” she explained.

“Is that what got ya like dis? Minty, ba—”

“No, Momma!” Minty shouted. “I’s got no choice.”

“Minty, you’s can’t trust ‘im, baby. You’s don’t know nuttin’ ’bout ’im.”

“If I stay, I’s gonna die.” Minty paused. “I’s gonna die, Momma. And I don’t wanna die. Not like dis… not like dis.” Then Minty broke down and began to cry.

Old Rit tearfully looked at her daughter then reached down to embrace her, but she quickly let her go when Minty screamed out from the painful touch.

Then she leaned back and looked at Minty’s body. She saw the deep bloody cuts, her bruised and busted lip, and the welt marks that were grotesquely displayed on her body. She realized that her daughter survived, once again, but the day would come when she would not. She gently rubbed Minty’s head and began to slowly shake her head in agreement.

Old Rit could see that Minty’s once vibrant spirit was slowly fading, not only from the beatings but from the struggle to be free. She knew that it was out of her hands and that it was now in God’s.

Then suddenly the door to Old Rit’s quarters violently flew open. Minty’s husband, John, burst into the room. Minty raised her head. Then she strained a little harder, looking into his eyes. Her face quickly changed.

John, a tall, average-built man, stood in the doorway breathing heavily with his chest visibly heaving up and down. He had run all the way from town when he heard the news of Minty’s savage beating. Seeing her battered body and her blood-soaked clothes lying on the floor next to the bed was more than he could take. He was neither happy nor thrilled at the fact that Minty was still alive. Instead, he was furious.

“I’s told you you’d get a beatin’ if you didn’t learn ta shut yo mouth!” he said. “Sneakin’ round here, always talkin’ bout escapin’. Where’s ya gonna go? You’s need ta stop thinkin’ you’s better than everyone else. Thinkin’ you’s kin say or do whateva you’s want. Have ya forgot that you’s a slave?” Then he slammed his fist against the door, making a small dent. “Well, let me help ya! You’s a slave, dammit!”

John abruptly turned to leave out the small quarters, but he turned back around and pointed his calloused finger at Minty.

“You’s best start thinkin’ ’bout how you’s gonna change yo ways befo’ you get both o’ us kilt.”

Then he turned and walked out the door, slamming it behind him. He slammed it so hard that it rebounded off the framed doorway and swung back open.

 “Minty, he’ll neva understand how you’s feel. He be a free man, bone that way. You’s runnin’ away and gettin’ yo freedom means him losin’ his wife and bein’ alone. Ya see how he acts when you’s talk ta him ’bout bein’ free. You’s kin see it in his eyes. He don’t want ya ta leave, and he’ll do whateva he can ta stop it. Even said he’ll tell ole man Brodess if you’s kept talkin’ bout it. You knows dis ta be true.”

Minty slowly laid her head back down and blankly stared at the open doorway. Something was changing…something in her.

 Then unexpectedly, in the midst of staggering summer heat, the whisper of a cool breeze blew in through the open doorway and encircled Minty’s face and body. The breeze felt as if God was blowing his divine breath upon her battered and bruised body. So Minty closed her eyes and welcomed the comfort that the cool breeze bestowed upon her stinging wounds.

Old Rit looked at her daughter and smiled as she gently rubbed her head, for as the old folk would say, God was whispering to her soul. 

(  Continued…  )

© 2014 All rights reserved. Book excerpt reprinted by permission of the author, Alexandra Lane.  Do not reproduce, copy or use without the author’s written permission. This excerpt is used for promotional purposes only.


Purchase A Vision of Angels: The Battle Begins
Genre:  Historical Fiction, Suspense, Inspirational, Fantasy, and Christian Fiction

Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/Vision-Angels-Alexandra-Lane-ebook/dp/B008S19ODW

Barnes and Noble.com
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-vision-of-angels-alexandra-lane/1108912950  

Intimate Conversation with Alexandra Lane

Alexandra Lane was born in Fayetteville, NC but due to her father’s military career she has lived in various states and countries. To have the opportunity to become familiar with other cultures and their traditions was an uplifting and educational journey. One she was glad to have participated in.

She later returned to Fayetteville where she attended Fayetteville State University and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration/Management. Upon graduation she worked in the financial world of banking. Although she enjoyed her years as a Banking Center Manager she wanted to devote more of her time to writing and telling compelling stories. This is her first novel. She is currently working on her second.

BPM: Can you share a little of your current work with us? Introduce us to your book. 
A Vision of Angels: The Battle Begins is the story of a woman name Minty, a slave and Jack, a slave hunter. Both their lives are shattered beyond what most people would be able to bear.

Minty will make a decision to run away to save her life and Jack and a few men will pursue her in the dark swamps of Maryland. However, Jack is unaware of what he is about to encounter at a place called, Little Canyon. Unimaginable, is how I would describe what happens next. Evil is amongst them, but more than anything, it is very aware of these two souls.

This story is a looking glass into the world of Angels and the incredible feats they performed for the sake of these two lives. This is a story of hope in the face of hopelessness and redemption even when one feels there is none.  Of course, you will have to read the story to understand why.

BPM: Where do your book ideas come from? Are your books plot driven or character driven?  
The idea came about one day when I was watching a daytime talk show. There was a man on the show that described an incredible situation where he survived a paragliding incident that should’ve robbed him of his life. But thankfully, he lived. However, he went on to say he was incredibly “lucky.”

I saw it different. I saw his angels safely guiding him to earth because his purpose had not yet been fulfilled here on earth. So I wondered how amazing it must look to see our angels in action. How does it look when they’re doing extraordinary things behind the scenes for us? Like saving us from danger, protecting us from harm and even guiding us through life? That is when the story was born.

So far as plot or character driven, I would have to say that this is more character driven because I wanted to focus more on the people in the story. Who they are, and what made them that way. We are all flawed in some way, but there are some people who have more challenges and bigger road blocks in their lives. As a result they develop certain “defenses” to help them cope with the more strenuous obstacles of life. It makes for some very interesting outcomes.

BPM: Give us an insight into your main characters. What makes each one so special? 
Well the main characters are Minty, Jack and Red. What makes Minty special is her spirit. Even as a slave she doesn’t lose hope. She never stops believing that she can, one day, be free. Even when everything around her, the environment, the other slaves and her husband, says NO YOU CAN’T.

Jack is special because his life started out one way but made a drastic turn when his parents died. He tries hard to fight the dark emotions that try to rule over him but it’s difficult. He actually has a good heart but it worthless to him. So, he just drifts through life trying to run from a past he hates but realizes it follows you wherever you go.

Red is different. He was born with these awful, menacing eyes that frightens everyone. But as he gets older and begins to partake in some unsavory acts, those eyes are not only frightening but they become occupied with something more sinister than himself.

And I don’t want to make light of Patty and Melinda because they are both instrumental in the story as well. Patty is the owner/madam of a saloon. Her reason for becoming a madam is very interesting.

Melinda is a young woman who was taken in by Patty when she was kicked out of her aunt’s home. However, things begin to take a turn when she and Jack meet for the first time.

BPM: Can you outline some areas where your characters dealt with issues that are in current affairs?
Yes. Although this story takes place in 1849 around the time of slavery, I picked this time to show that even in the direst situations, there is still hope. Keep in mind slavery can come in many forms. Sometimes we are enslaved to our environment: Poverty, crime, drugs, domestic violence, abuse and the list goes on and on. Sometimes when it’s all you know and you don’t see a way out, it’s easier to give in and accept it as your fate. (Just as the other slaves did in this story) But I strongly believe you can change your outcome.

A Vision of Angels is a story about hope, looking beyond your circumstances and what everyone else is saying and doing and fighting for a better life. Start preparing, set a plan in motion, study hard, hold onto patience and above all have faith in God and follow your angel that He has assigned to you. Do these things and you can make it out of whatever hell you may be in.

Is it going to be easy? No. Are there bumps and bruises in attempting to free yourself? Yes, many. But how great is the reward that awaits when you’re finally free.

BPM: What would you like for readers to take away from your writing? 
Psalms 91:11 says, “For He shall give His angels charge over thee in all thy ways. The translation of the word “angel” is “messenger.” Simply put, Angels are God’s messengers. What I want people to take away from this story is that we have all been assigned an angel…or two. (Smile) God sent them to help guide us on this journey, therefore, we need to listen when they are trying to do their job.

Whenever you hear a still, quiet voice in your spirit saying, Take her some food and Buy the child some clothes or sometimes a strong urge may come over you to call a friend or family member you haven’t spoken to in years. Do it, there’s a reason for it. And in some cases they have messages of warnings. For example, you’re getting ready to take a ride with someone that maybe you just met, but all of a sudden this overpowering feeling/warning comes over you and you know you shouldn’t get in that car or Stay away from that place. This is your angel trying to guide you in life as well as protect you. Each act we perform or obey takes us closer to fulfilling our purpose.

And have you ever noticed that when you “do” listen, you’re so glad you did?! Sometimes, it is revealed to us later why we were told to do what we did. Makes you smile. Makes you feel really good inside.

BPM: What defines success for you, as a published author?
When someone calls you or leaves a message and tells you how much they loved your story. As an author, at least for me, it’s not always easy putting a story together but when you finally complete your story, that is the most gratifying feeling. But what’s more exciting is when others read your book and get just as excited about the story as you did when you were writing it. When they say it made them feel good or how they really liked a certain character. When I hear the words, suspenseful, inspirational, blessing or better yet, it made them think. To me, that is success! A wonderful feeling to have.

BPM: Were there any challenges in bringing this story to life? 
Yes, yes and yes to all of the above. Writing in a different time period is a challenge in itself. You have to research the clothes, the words, everything. You have to stay in that time and not forget that there are certain words we say today that were not used back in that time. Certain mannerisms and behaviors were more acceptable back then but not today. So, I had fun learning about those little details that we don’t really think about every day.

BPM: Our life experiences, challenges and success help define who we are on a personal and professional level. At what point in your career did you discover your real worth and own it? 
Actually, there are several points in my life that I can reflect on that shaped who I am today but I will address this particular one. My first trial in life came when I became a divorcee and I had three children to raise on my own. Whew! That was a tough one. I had to move to a place that my kids weren’t use to living in, but that was so I could go to college and hopefully provide a better life for them. I had always wanted to go but I didn’t have the money or any scholarships or rich relatives. LOL. I honestly didn’t know where to start.

So, I went to the college and spoke to the administrators and they were wonderful in guiding me on where to begin. But in pursuing this journey, I had to “back up” in life in order to go forward and I also had to be patient and stay focused on the end game and not my current situation. You realize how strong you are as a mother and as a person when you have very little to live off of and nowhere to pull from. But when I finished college and walked across that stage to receive my degree the REWARD was far greater than the struggle and the pain I endured.

I can’t find the words to describe how it felt to get a good paying job and what it felt like to move your family into a better home and neighborhood and comfortably provide for them.

One day, while sitting at my computer and thinking back on my life, I wrote this short poem for myself. Of course, I titled it, New Beginnings:

**A new beginning represents the journey and transition of a woman. Her struggles through difficult times and the transformation she undergoes. Strength is the gift given to each woman that has had to start over in her life, for her choices were few, and her path reset. And for every dramatic change she endures, like the butterfly, she emerges stronger, wiser and more beautiful. When you thought you couldn’t run any further, you now realize you have wings…and you can soar. **

This poem hangs on my wall in my room as a reminder of what I was brought through. Thank you, God.

Website: http://alexandralane.tateauthor.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/avisionofangels
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexandra.lane11


Purchase A Vision of Angels: The Battle Begins
Available on Kindle and Nook and in print 


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BAN RADIO Oct. 27 – A Christmas Prayer by Kimberla Lawson Roby

FEATURED BOOK: A Christmas Prayer by Kimberla Lawson Roby  Join us on Oct. 27, 2014 at 8:00 PM (EST) by calling into the live radio show:  646.200.0402.  Or click here the night of the show, to listen.
 

Readers can never really miss a BAN interview!  If you miss the live show, listen to the BAN Radio Show archives 24/7 from your device, phone, tablet or PC at: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/black-author-network

 
A Christmas Prayer by Kimberla Lawson Roby

BARNES & NOBLE has discounted the hardcover version of Kimberla Lawson Roby’s upcoming book, A CHRISTMAS PRAYER by 50%!    If you PRE-ORDER it now, the cost is only $10.00!   You can get a copy for your own collection, and/or buy it as a gift for someone else! You can order by clicking here: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-christmas-prayer-kimberla-roby/1118862156

Alexis Fletcher hasn’t had a merry Christmas in five years-not since her mother passed away. Every December she remembers the joy her mother brought to everyone during the holiday season and feels the pain of her absence, even more so now that she and her sister are barely speaking. More than anything, Alexis wishes her family could be whole again.

However, with her wedding fast approaching, Alexis might just be ready to make some holiday memories with a new family of her own. Alexis’s fiancé, Chase Dupont, is everything she ever dreamed of. He’s kind, handsome, fully supportive of Alexis’s career, and the CEO of a large company. But outside forces threaten to derail this happy couple from ever reaching the altar.

As tensions rise, a dramatic event causes Alexis to question everything.  Will fate give her what she needs to finally embrace the season that has brought her so much pain? Will Alexis get her wish for a happy holiday? Or will her Christmas prayer go unanswered?  

Chapter 1 – A Christmas Prayer

It was Black Friday, and while millions of folks were out chasing some of the most colossal deals of the century, all Alexis wanted was for this whole Christmas season to be over with. There were times when she wished she could feel differently, but ever since her mom had passed away five years ago, she hadn’t wanted anything to do with it. Of course, she did still recognize and mentally rejoice at the beautiful birth of Christ, but when it came to huge family celebrations and festive gatherings, she wanted no parts of them. What she did instead, mostly, was pray that New Year’s Day would come as quickly as possible so she could get on with her life.

Alexis curled her body into a tighter ball, picked up the remote control, and looked toward the flat-screen television on her bedroom wall. It was shortly past one in the afternoon, yet she still lay in her dark mahogany sleigh-style bed with her pajamas on. She just didn’t feel like doing anything, and the fact that almost every news channel she turned to showed massive shopping crowds and footage of customers and workers being trampled, well, that made Alexis want to turn off the TV altogether. As it was, she had already been trying her best to avoid every one of those sappy Hallmark Christmas card commercials, and she’d certainly been staying clear of one of her personal favorites—the Hallmark Channel itself, since they were doing what they did every year: airing those depressing Christmas movies day in and day out, twenty-four seven .

If only her mom were still here, Alexis would be so much happier. Even now, she couldn’t help thinking about how much her mom had loved, loved, loved Christmas. It had been by far her favorite holiday, and she’d adored it so much that she would immediately begin decorating the day after Thanksgiving. She would celebrate in various other ways, too, the entire month of December, including playing some of her favorite Christmas carols, such as “Silent Night,” “Away in a Manger,” and “The First Noel.” Then, on the twenty-fifth, she would host a huge family dinner. She bought gifts for everyone, she baked and cooked and baked and cooked some more, and on Christmas afternoon, she would say, “I almost hate to see the sun go down, because Christmas will be just about over.”

This was how it had always been, and it was because of these kinds of sentiments that Alexis was full of happy childhood memories. She even had fond memories from her adult life…that is, until her mom had passed.  Now her heart was consumed only with sadness.

Alexis flipped through more channels, sighing heavily. But then she came upon one of her favorite movies, This Christmas, starring Loretta Devine, Regina King, and Idris Elba. She could tell the movie had been on for a while because Chris Brown was already walking toward the front of the church, preparing to sing…“This Christmas.” Alexis watched and listened, though she wasn’t sure why she tortured herself this way, because not once had she ever watched this scene without breaking into tears. It was such a reminder of her mom and the way she had loved and doted on her family. It also reminded Alexis of how her mom had taught her children exceedingly strong Christian values. She’d raised Alexis and her younger sister, Sabrina, to treat all people the way they wanted to be treated and to keep God and family first in their lives. The two of them had been very blessed to have such a loving, caring, and compassionate mother—and it meant everything.

Alexis watched Chris Brown singing from the depths of his soul and then saw family members standing and walking into the church aisle, embracing one another. It was after this that Alexis’s eyes welled up with tears, and she cried uncontrollably. She missed her mother so tremendously that her chest ached. Then, to make matters worse, the next scene showcased the entire family gathered around the dinner table. They looked as though they couldn’t be happier, and Alexis couldn’t help thinking how this was the way she’d once felt, too.

But as the saying went, that was then and this was now. Her mother was gone, and as far as Alexis was concerned, there wasn’t a single thing or person that could make her feel better about it, not even the people Alexis loved. Paula, her best friend since childhood, had been trying to lift her Christmas spirit for years, and so had Alexis’s fiancé, Chase, for the time he’d known her. But if anything, Alexis seemed to feel sadder with each passing year. In fact, this year she’d begun dreading the whole idea of Christmas as early as September. She wasn’t sure what had set her off, exactly; all she knew was that not long after Labor Day, the thought of Christmas had entered her mind and she’d become depressed. It was as if the simplest anticipation of it all had been enough to ruin Alexis’s day, which was the reason she’d taken that particular afternoon off. This hadn’t been hard to do, since she was self-employed as a motivational speaker and her hours were flexible, but she still hated that mere thoughts of Christmas affected her so gravely.

It also didn’t help that she and her sister, Sabrina, were usually at odds about one thing or another. Alexis and Sabrina had never gotten along the way sisters should. They were just too different, she guessed. But at least when their mom had been alive, they’d worked harder at it and tolerated each other more. Now, Alexis practically had to beg to see her niece, Courtney, and there were times when Sabrina still told her no just to be spiteful. The two of them had a lot of bad history, but that was a whole other story and one Alexis didn’t want to think about because it was far too distressing.

As one thought after another raced  through her mind, Alexis wept like a child. She was miserable, and she wished she could sleep for the next week. She knew this wasn’t logical, but she just wanted this awful pain to go away. She wanted to be at peace, and before long, she glanced over at the bottle of amitriptyline on her wooden nightstand. Her doctor had prescribed it for insomnia, and although she only took one ten-milligram pill at bedtime, and sometimes only half a pill, she contemplated taking much more. Or maybe all she needed to do was take two of them, because she knew one woman who took twenty-five milligrams for unexplained abdominal pain and another who took more than that for depression. If Alexis only took twenty milligrams, she wouldn’t be overdoing it, and she also wouldn’t likely wake up until many hours from now—meaning she wouldn’t have to think about the loss of her mom or anything relating to family or Christmas. She would simply be able to sleep away her sadness, and by tomorrow, Black Friday and all the hoopla surrounding it would be over. She was sure the media would continue covering all the shopping stories throughout the weekend as well as  on Cyber Monday, but at least the biggest shopping day of the year would have ended, and she’d be one day closer to January 1.

All she had to do was bide her time, and things would return to normal. They had to, because after all, she and Chase were getting married in June, and the last thing she wanted was to be an unhappy bride. She was engaged to the man of her dreams, and she looked forward to becoming Mrs. Chase Dupont III. This was what she kept telling herself, anyway—especially since her future mother-in-law was the most heartless woman she’d ever met. Still, what woman in her right mind wouldn’t be thrilled about marrying a man like Chase? He was gorgeous, well educated, and CEO of a Fortune 500 company called Borg-Freeman Technologies—which, interestingly enough, was the same position his father had held for years before his passing. He’d also placed a five-karat ring on her finger, and he truly loved her. By most people’s standards, Chase was everything a woman could hope for, so Alexis tried to remember that.

But for now, she reached over and picked up her pill bottle, opened it, swallowed two pills with water, and lay back down. She closed her eyes and smiled. In a few moments, she’d be sound asleep and wouldn’t have to think about Christmas at all…and she certainly wouldn’t have to think about Chase’s mother—or the disastrous time she’d had with them yesterday during Thanksgiving dinner. She wouldn’t have a problem in the world, and just knowing that made her feel better already.

( Continued… )

As the online publicist for EDC Creations, hired by Kimberla Lawson Roby, I have her permission to share this excerpt.  © 2014 All rights reserved. Book excerpt reprinted by permission of the author, Kimberla Lawson Roby.  This excerpt is used for promotional purposes only. Do not reproduce, copy or use without the publisher’s written permission. Copyright infringement is a serious offense. Share a link to this page or the author’s website if you really like this promotional excerpt.

 

Purchase A Christmas Prayer by Kimberla Lawson Roby
On Sale Date- October 28, 2014;  Novella – Pages: 192

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-christmas-prayer-kimberla-roby/1118862156

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Prayer-Kimberla-Lawson-Roby/dp/1455526045

Meet Kimberla Lawson Roby

New York Times Bestselling Author Kimberla Lawson Roby has published 20 novels and she has sold more than 2,000,000 copies of her novels, and they have frequented numerous bestseller lists, including The New York Times, USA Today, The Washington Post, Publishers Weekly, Essence Magazine, Upscale Magazine, Emerge Magazine, Barnes and Noble, Amazon.com, Wal-Mart, The Dallas Morning News, and The Austin Chronicle to name a few, and both BEHIND CLOSED DOORS and CASTING THE FIRST STONE were #1 Blackboard bestsellers for four consecutive months in both 1997 and 2000. BEHIND CLOSED DOORS was the #1 Blackboard Best-selling book for paperback fiction in 1997.

Kimberla is a 2013 NAACP Image Award Winner for Outstanding Literary Work – Fiction, the recipient of the 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2013 Author of the Year – Female award presented by the African-American Literary Award Show in New York, the recipient of the 2014 Literary Excellence Award from Black Pearls Magazine, the recipient of the 2014 AAMBC Award for Female Author of the Year, the recipient of the Blackboard Fiction Book of the Year Award in 2001 for CASTING THE FIRST STONE, the recipient of the 1998 First-Time Author Award from Chicago’s Black History Month Book Fair and Conference, and in 2001, Kimberla was inducted into the Rock Valley College Alumni Hall of Fame (Rockford, IL).

Each of Kimberla’s novels deal with very real issues, including corruption within the church, drug addiction, gambling addiction, infidelity, social status, single motherhood, infertility, sibling rivalry and jealousy, domestic violence, sexual abuse, mental illness, care-giving of a parent, racial and gender discrimination in the workplace, sexual harassment, and overweight issues to name a few.

Kimberla resides in Illinois with her husband, Will.  Her 21st title, A CHRISTMAS PRAYER will release on October 28, 2014.   Listen to the author reading from book:   http://www.audioacrobat.com/note/CHDXS4Wx/

 
BPM: Share with us your personal journey into publishing.  Was this a fun time in your life?
Writing was not a lifelong dream of mine, however, back in April 1995 I sat down and began writing my debut novel, BEHIND CLOSED DOORS.  It took me about seven months to complete, and I then began querying literary agents in search for representation.  I was rejected by all of them.  Finally, I submitted query letters directly to editors at publishing houses and received rejection letters from them as well.  This is when my husband suggested that I start my own company to self-publish my book, and I did.  My mom kept telling me not to give up also.  As it turned out, I learned a wealth of important and very helpful information about the business of publishing, and I sold just over 10,000 copies within the first 6 months of publication.  This was truly a fun and exciting time in my life.

BPM:  How did you get to be where you are in your life today?  Who or what motivated you?
My mother and my maternal grandmother were two of the kindest and wisest women I have ever known, and they began instilling a certain level of Christian and family values and wisdom in me from the time I was a small girl. Even after all the rejections, my mom told me I shouldn’t give up (I miss her tremendously), and my husband continues to be my biggest encourager and supporter as well.

BPM:  Who does your body of literary work speak to?  Do you consider authors as role models?
I believe my literary work speaks to everyone in one way or another.  I write about real-life social issues that can and do affect all human beings.  Corruption within the church, infidelity, domestic violence, drug addiction, gambling addiction, adult sibling rivalry, care-giving of a terminally-ill parent, childhood sexual abuse, racial and gender discrimination in the workplace, social status, overweight issues, and the list goes on.  There is also always some level of redemption and forgiveness in every single book I write.  I don’t consider myself to be a role model per se, but if someone does in fact view me in that manner, my prayer is that I am able to represent myself well, particularly to young people.

BPM:  Could you tell us something about your most recent work?  Is this book available in digital forms like Nook and Kindle?
A CHRISTMAS PRAYER centers on Alexis Fletcher, who sadly, hasn’t had a merry Christmas in five years—not since her mother passed away.  Every December, she remembers the joy that her mother brought to everyone during the holiday season and feels the pain of her absence.  This is even more so now that she and her sister are barely speaking, and her future mother-in-law would do anything—anything at all—to stop her son, Chase, from marrying Alexis. Yes, it is available in all digital formats.

BPM:  Give us some insight into your main characters or speakers. What makes each one so special?
Alexis is kind, compassionate and very intelligent, yet she is struggling with lots of sadness because of the passing of her mother.  No matter what she does or how wonderful every aspect of her life is, she still can’t seem to get beyond her feelings about the holidays.

BPM:  What inspired you to sit down and actually start writing this book? Why now?
About three years ago, my editor, Beth de Guzman suggested that I write a Christmas book, and while I wasn’t sure what I would center the story on, I told her about my own personal feelings about Christmas, and she said, “Well, that’s the story.”  I can’t personally relate to every aspect of Alexis Fletcher’s life, but I can certainly relate to not truly wanting to celebrate Christmas since the passing of my own mom 13 years ago.

BPM:  What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
I enjoyed writing this book because even though Alexis is sad about the holidays, she is blessed in so many other ways and there is a strong sense of love and family throughout the entire story.

BPM:  Where do your book ideas come from?
With every book I write, I first decide which social issue I’m really feeling passionate about at the time and then I create my characters around it.  From there, I outline the story.

BPM:  Are your books plot-driven or character-driven?  Why?
My books can tend to be both, depending on which title.  What I hear most often than not, though, from the majority of my readers is that they can always relate to both my characters and the overall storyline.

BPM:  Are there under-represented groups or ideas featured if your book?  If so, discuss them.
In many of my books, there are.  One example, is my novella, A DEEP DARK SECRET where I wrote about a 12-year-old girl who was being sexually molested by her stepfather who was an upstanding deacon in the church.  She was suffering in silence and so are millions of children in this country who never tell anyone what’s happening to them.

BPM:  How does your book relate to your present situation, education, spiritual practice or journey?
As I mentioned above, I can’t personally relate to every aspect of Alexis Fletcher’s life, but I can certainly relate to not wanting to celebrate Christmas since the passing of my own mom 13 years ago.  My prayer, however, is that God will give me a renewed spirit and the desire to enjoy the holidays again with family and friends.

BPM:   What were your goals and intentions in this book, and how well do you feel you achieved them?
I wanted to show that not everyone is the same and that loss of a loved one can affect people very differently.  I also wanted to show that even through loss, God still gives each and every one of us so many other blessings and loved ones to be there for us.

BPM:   What projects are you working on at the present?
I’m currently finishing up THE ULTIMATE BETRAYAL, which is my 22nd book and the 12th title in my Reverend Curtis Black Series.  It will be released, Tuesday, May 5, 2015.

BPM:   How can readers discover more about you and your work?
Readers can visit my web site, http://www.kimroby.com. or visit me through social media at http://www.facebook.com/kimberlalawsonroby or http://www.twitter.com/KimberlaLRoby

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BAN RADIO Oct. 29 – Dangerously In Love: Blame it On the Streets by Aletta H.

FEATURED BOOK:  Dangerously In Love: Blame it On the Streets  by Aletta H.   Join us on November 3, 2014 at 8:00 PM (EST) by calling into the live radio show:  646.200.0402.  Or click here the night of the show, to listen.

Readers can never really miss a BAN interview!  If you miss the live show, listen to the BAN Radio Show archives 24/7 from your device, phone, tablet or PC at: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/black-author-network

Dangerously In Love: Blame it On the Streets  by Aletta H. Reminisce would blame the streets for the way her life turned out. She grew up poor, insecure and wanting the finer things in life. That’s where Jimmy came in at. He was a hustler and soon able to give Reminisce all the things in life she dreamed of. The problem was, Jimmy not only took care of her, and he also indulged in the finer things of life too. He was an obsessive cheater and a womanizer. 

Their relationship was entering the fifth year and things had gotten worse. But Reminisce loved Jimmy and was willing to put up with his bullshit as long as the money kept coming. But things changed when some men broke in the house to rob Jimmy and nearly killed them both during the robbery. Reminisce wanted out. She retreated to writing poetry, something she used to do as a little girl. She soon found strength in her heart to want out. 

Jimmy got arrested and she found her first real chance of leaving Jimmy. But would she make it on her own without the drug money Jimmy provided? Reminisce blames the streets but the streets doesn’t owe anyone any loyalty. Dangerously In Love is a modern love tale filled with danger, passion, and one woman’s dream of escape.

Purchase Your Copy of Dangerously in Love
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NF9HBEG

Dangerously in Love: Modern Urban Love Story Provides Uplifting Solace to Abused Women Making Transition from Victim to Victor.

Masterfully crafted by Aletta H, ‘Dangerously in Love’ fuses prose and poetry to tell the story of Reminisce, a bold and brave young woman who is taunted by failed love and lost direction at a time when she needs it the most. The world around Reminisce and the people within it are dragging her own existence into the ground – but will hope prevail? Find out in this gripping new novel that proves walking out of abusive relationships is far easier said than done.

 Urban Fiction is quickly picking up pace to become one of the most in-demand genres among the female readership. However, critics are currently crying out for wholly-unique new narratives that don’t succumb to the recycling of the ‘same-old’ literary concepts. Thankfully, author Aletta H has answered the call with gusto, to twist fact with fiction in a debut novel that can easily rival any bestseller.

Aletta won’t say how much of ‘Dangerously in Love’ was inspired by her own life experiences – but maintains that the adversity faced by heroine Reminisce is a microcosm of the daily lives of thousands of young African Americans in urban settings across the nation.

Dangerously In Love is a modern love tale filled with danger, passion, and one woman’s dream of escape.  “The book brings both prose and poetry together, words that will remind every woman either of herself or someone she knows,” explains Aletta. “I want to make it clear that leaving an abusive relationship is not as simple as walking out of the door; there’s a huge mental battle that ensues and it holds many back from changing their lives.”

Continuing, “You have to build yourself back up in something of a physical and mental rebirth. This book explains that entire process and will touch the heart of anyone that has stared abuse in the eyes.”

Since its release, the book has garnered a string of rave reviews. Spring Olsen comments, “I just finished reading Dangerously in Love by Aletta H.! I couldn’t put it down once I started! This book is amazing! I can’t wait for her next book! I am definitely pre ordering that one, too! A very talented author!”

Jacqueline Passaway adds, “Definitely a must read! This book grabs your attention and won’t let go. People look up! Author Aletta H. is on her way to the top!”

With the book’s popularity expected to increase, interested readers are urged to purchase their copies as soon as possible.

‘Dangerously in Love’, from Cinematic Ink Publications, is available now: http://amzn.to/1xVzPgg.

Meet Aletta Hodges

Author Aletta Hodges is poet and writer born and raised in Mid-Michigan. Her debut novel, Dangerously In Love was published in August 2014 on Cinematic Ink, a subsidiary of SBR Publications, owned and operated by best selling author David Weaver. Aletta currently lives in Lansing Michigan where she is a Dental Assistant and Tax Preparer. She began writing poetry at the age of twelve and has always been an avid reader. Her poems have long been sought out by fans and friends alike for years. Her book, Dangerously In Love is a trilogy series that chronicles a love tale filled with danger, passion and one woman’s dream of escape.

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BAN RADIO Oct. 29 – Misdiagnosed: The Search for Dr. House by Nika Beamon

BAN RADIO FEATURED BOOK:
Misdiagnosed: The Search for Dr. House by Nika Beamon

Join us on Oct. 29, 2014 at 8:00 PM (EST) by calling into the live radio show:  646.200.0402.  Or click here the night of the show, to listen.

Readers can never really miss a BAN interview!  If you miss the live show, listen to the BAN Radio Show archives 24/7 from your device, phone, tablet or PC at: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/black-author-network

Misdiagnosed: The Search for Dr. House is the tale of a Nika Beamon’s quest to find the correct medical diagnosis after years of getting false assessments. This frank and engaging story takes the reader on journey through her various hospital trips, and procedures, as well as her feeling and emotions that are as real as they are raw. It also introduces them to a quirky cast of characters who go through this 17 year odyssey with her until she finally finds out that she has an autoimmune disorder.

Misdiagnosed gives a voice to the 30 million Americans diagnosed with rare diseases, who have struggled to figure out what ail them. It gives people suffering with chronic conditions, rare or not, tips on how to continue to get the best medical care possible. I also provide tips on how to care for someone who is chronically ill and the things all single chronically ill people should do to make things easier for their family and friends.

Also, Misdiagnosed serves a cautionary guide to anyone who falls ill or has a loved one suffering with an ailment in the US. A recent John Hopkins study found that hospital errors lead to as many as 40,500 patients dying annually. Also, a study published in April showed 1 in every 20 people or 12 million per year are misdiagnosed at outpatient clinics in the U.S.

Misdiagnosed: The Search for Dr. House  has been endorsed by bestselling authors Wes Moore, Marya Hornbacher and Richard Cohen (Meredith Vieira’s husband) as well as Dr. Robert Lahita of UMDNJ and the Nation Women’s Health Network.

WHY BEAMON’S MISDIAGNOSED IS A MUST READ
Misdiagnosed sheds light the experiences of African American and other minorities who have a well-documented history of getting substandard or inadequate medical treatment in the U.S. A research study cited in a February 14, 2010 Daily Beast article said “race-related differences in health care cost the country 229 billion between 2003 and 2006” alone; a fact that “Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius called ‘just stunning and shocking.’”

The Mayo Clinic found 26 percent of cases are misdiagnosed; this number rises to a staggering 44 percent when it comes to some types of cancer according to the Journal of Clinical Onocology. These mistakes cost nearly one third of the 2.7 trillion spent in the US on healthcare. A study published in April showed one in every 20 people or 12 million per year are misdiagnosed at outpatient clinics in the U.S.    Source

WHO SHOULD READ THIS BOOK
Anyone who has not had a chronic illness.
Anyone who has a chronic illness. 
Anyone who has cared for someone with a chronic illness. 
Anyone who has treated, or attempted to treat, someone with a chronic illness. 
Anyone who influences health policy in the U.S. or other countries. 

Order Links for Misdiagnosed
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/457341

http://www.amazon.com/Misdiagnosed-The-Search-Dr-House/dp/1500436674

http://www.amazon.com/Misdiagnosed-Search-House-Nika-Beamon-ebook/dp/B00M5G9TLI

Intimate Conversation with Nika C. Beamon

Nika C. Beamon is a TV News Writer/Producer in New York. She pursued a BA in Communications and a BA in Sociology at Boston College in Massachusetts.

Beamon has been credited as a reference in the several books on television news and has also won many awards throughout her career including a Peabody Award for ABC News’ coverage of the September 11th Attacks.

In 2009, Chicago Review Press published her well-received non-fiction book: I Didn’t Work This Hard Just to Get Married: Successful, Single Black Women Speak Out. In 2000, she published her first mystery novel, Dark Recesses. In 2002, her second mystery novel, Eyewitness was released.

BPM:  What inspired you to sit down and actually start writing this book? Why now?
I sat down to write this book after having my first lymph node biopsy and realizing the delay in my diagnosis may have led to my illness progress to the near terminal stage. Family, friends and co-workers encouraged me to share my story to inspire others.  Months later, the first draft of Misdiagnosed: The Search for Dr. House was complete.

BPM:  Does your upbringing, prior relationships or life experiences inspire your writing?
Certain my life experiences have taught to me to embrace myself, flaws and all, so that I can keep growing and sharing who I am with the world.  My upbringing taught me I’m capable of succeeding, despite my limitations, with the help of my support system.

BPM:  Where do your book ideas come from? Are your books plot driven or character driven?  Why?
My book ideas are influenced by the stories I read about or come in contact with every day.   I’d like to think my books are character driven; that readers connect with someone in the story and go on the journey with them. However, I believe the social themes I address are equally as important to grasp.

BPM:   Introduce us to your current work. What genre do you consider your book? Is this book available in digital forms like Nook and Kindle?
My new book is my first memoir, Misdiagnosed: The Search for Dr. House.   I work in television and am a self-professed TV junkie so naturally I was a fan of the show, “Dr. House, MD.”  When my own illness seemed to baffled doctors, I searched for a doctor, like the one on the show, who could help figure out what was wrong with me.  It takes me 17 years and nearly 22 doctors to find an answer but thankfully I survived to get it. The book will be available a paperback and in all e-book forms starting August 1st.

BPM:   Give us some insight into your main speakers. What makes each one so special?
The main speakers in the book real people: me and my ex-boyfriend. You gain great insight into our nearly decade long romantic relationship and the toll my physical decay takes on it.  Additionally, you are introduced to my parents and several close friends that form a village to take care of me when I am unable to do so myself.

BPM:   What topics are primarily discussed?  Did you learn anything personal from writing your book?
Misdiagnosed: The Search for Dr. House deals with a variety of topics including: being sick and single, dealing with chronic illness, the plight of medical misdiagnosis, the financial toll prolonged illnesses take, the role of the caregiver in the lives of the chronically ill and the strength of the human spirit, as well as the role of faith in healing. Reflecting on the various bouts with illness in my life taught me to appreciate where I am in my life right now and all those who have aided me.

BPM:   What defines success for you, as a published author? What are your ambitions for your writing career?
The only real ambition I have as a writer is to tell stories that entertain and enlighten readers about subjects, persons or thoughts they don’t often consider.  I define success as anytime I reach anyone outside of my circle of friends, family and co-workers.

BPM:   What are your expectations for this book? What would you like for readers to do after reading this book?
I truly hope this book as used as a resource to aid other people struggling with illness.  I provide tips at the end to help others avoid the pitfalls I ran into so that they can focus on getting well.

BPM:   How can readers discover more about you and your work?
Readers can find out more about me and my other books by logging onto my website:
http://www.nikabeamon.com
https://twitter.com/NikaBeamon
https://www.facebook.com/NikaCBeamon

Reviews for Misdiagnosed: The Search for Dr. House

“Misdiagnosed is an eye-opening, fascinating account of a brave journey through the labyrinth of American medicine. Beamon draws the reader in skillfully, and gives us a close up view of the power of human persistence.”
—Marya Hornbacher, a Pulitzer Prize and Pushcart Prize nominated author. Her bestselling books include: Wasted: A Memoir of Anorexia and Bulimia; Madness: A Bi-Polar Life and Waiting: A Non-Believer’s Guide to a Higher Power.

“How long can my body endure all the invasions by doctors?   Nika Beamon’s cry is heard throughout Misdiagnosed: The Search for Dr. House. That doc does not exist, of course, but the author’s journey across hazardous terrain in the medical jungle did.  Her misery being mangled by modern medicine provides lessons on arming ourselves for the battles many of us face.”
—Richard M. Cohen, New York Times Best Selling author of Blindsided and Strong at the Broken Places.
“This is a book is a “must read” for all doctors and healthcare professionals…  Enigmatic to most physicians, devastating to patients, the stuff of science fiction, and limitless in presentation; autoimmune diseases are the frontier of medicine in the 21st century.  They demand an understanding of complex science and while practicing the art of medicine with compassion…Read Nika’s story to understand why patients long for a diagnosis.”
—Robert G. Lahita MD, PhD, FACP, MACR, FRCP,  Chairman of Medicine and VP, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, Professor of Medicine, UMDNJ

“Misdiagnosed” is a gripping medical detective story. It could be a fictional episode of “House” from the patient’s perspective, but this story is real. It is a raw telling of Nika Beamon’s journey through high-tech American health care. Just as she recounts stripping naked for doctors’ probes and surgeons’ scalpels, Beamon bares hers physical and emotional tribulations to readers.”
—Andrew Holtz, MPH Editor-In-Chief, HoltzReport and author of The Medical Science of House, M.D.

“Nika’s book is a well written, eye opening, call to action. An inspiring, yet alarming story that lets us know that even in our darkest and most alone moments, that we are not alone.”
—Wes Moore, Bestselling author of The Other Wes Moore.

“…Everyone with an invisible illness, whether named or not, will relate to Nika Beamon’s hidden dramas in her life, dealing with the daily frustrations of a mysteriously uncooperative body — and then, often worse, with an ill-equipped, punishing medical system…”
—Paula Kamen,  Author of All in My Head: An Epic Quest to Cure an Unrelenting, Totally Unreasonable, and Only Slightly Enlightening Headache

“…I believe it will truly help someone as they are on the quest for their own.  More people need to realize that doctors truly don’t know everything and that doctors can be learning about a patient’s illness right along with them!”
—Shaniqua D. Seth, Health Communications Manager, National Women’s Health Initiative

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An Evening With George Clinton Book Party!

An Evening With George Clinton Book Party!

Join us for an unforgettable evening with none other than Mr. P-Funk himself, George Clinton.  This also doubles as a Birthday Party for Oracle Group, Inc CEO Mocha Ochoa Nana.  It will not be your regular Run of the Mill Book Event, get prepared to board the Mother Ship as we take off with the Maestro George Clinton.

We will also have a special presentation from African Ancestry Inc, as George Clinton’s Ancestral DNA is revealed.  You don’t want to miss this!

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library
Saturday, November 1,  2014
Time of Event:  6:00 PM — 9:00 PM
901 G. Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001

Get Tickets Today!
http://theoraclegroup.ticketleap.com/an-evening-with-george-clinton/

YOU WILL NOT GET IN WITHOUT A TICKET, RESERVE NOW!
The Library will close its doors at 5:30 and reopen for TICKET HOLDERS ONLY.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Brothas Be, Yo Like George, Ain’t That Funkin’ Kinda Hard on You?: A Memoir Hardcover  by George Clinton

The long-awaited memoir from one of the greatest bandleaders, hit makers, and most influential pop artists of our time—known for over forty R&B hit singles—George Clinton of Parliament-Funkadelic.

George Clinton began his musical career in New Jersey, where his obsession with doo-wop and R&B led to a barbershop quartet—literally, as Clinton and his friends also styled hair in the local shop—the way kids often got their musical start in the ’50s. But how many kids like that ended up playing to tens of thousands of rabid fans alongside a diaper-clad guitarist? How many of them commissioned a spaceship and landed it onstage during concerts? How many put their stamp on four decades of pop music, from the mind-expanding sixties to the hip-hop-dominated nineties and beyond?

One of them. That’s how many.

How George Clinton got from barbershop quartet to funk music megastar is a story for the ages. As a high school student he traveled to New York City, where he absorbed all the trends in pop music, from traditional rhythm and blues to Motown, the Beatles, the Stones, and psychedelic rock, not to mention the formative funk of James Brown and Sly Stone. By the dawn of the seventies, he had emerged as the leader of a wildly creative musical movement composed mainly of two bands—Parliament and Funkadelic. And by the bicentennial, Clinton and his P-Funk empire were dominating the soul charts as well as the pop charts. He was an artistic visionary, visual icon, merry prankster, absurdist philosopher, and savvy businessmen, all rolled into one. He was like no one else in pop music, before or since.

Written with wit, humor, and candor, this memoir provides tremendous insight into America’s music industry as forever changed by Clinton’s massive talent. This is a story of a beloved global icon who dedicated himself to spreading the gospel of funk music.

Brothas Be, Yo Like George, Ain’t That Funkin’ Kinda Hard on You?
Purchase:  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1476751072 

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Intimate Conversation with Kimberla Lawson Roby

New York Times Bestselling Author Kimberla Lawson Roby has published 20 novels and she has sold more than 2,000,000 copies of her novels, and they have frequented numerous bestseller lists, including The New York Times, USA Today, The Washington Post, Publishers Weekly, Essence Magazine, Upscale Magazine, Emerge Magazine, Barnes and Noble, Amazon.com, Wal-Mart, The Dallas Morning News, and The Austin Chronicle to name a few.

Kimberla is a 2013 NAACP Image Award Winner for Outstanding Literary Work – Fiction, the recipient of the 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2013 Author of the Year – Female award presented by the African-American Literary Award Show in New York, the recipient of the 2014 Literary Excellence Award from Black Pearls Magazine, the recipient of the 2014 AAMBC Award for Female Author of the Year, the recipient of the Blackboard Fiction Book of the Year Award in 2001 for CASTING THE FIRST STONE, the recipient of the 1998 First-Time Author Award from Chicago’s Black History Month Book Fair and Conference, and in 2001, Kimberla was inducted into the Rock Valley College Alumni Hall of Fame (Rockford, IL).

Each of Kimberla’s novels deal with very real issues, including corruption within the church, drug addiction, gambling addiction, infidelity, social status, single motherhood, infertility, sibling rivalry and jealousy, domestic violence, sexual abuse, mental illness, care-giving of a parent, racial and gender discrimination in the workplace, sexual harassment, and overweight issues to name a few.

Kimberla resides in Illinois with her husband, Will. Her 21st title, A CHRISTMAS PRAYER will release on October 28, 2014.

BPM: Share with us your personal journey into publishing. Was this a fun time in your life?
Writing was not a lifelong dream of mine, however, back in April 1995 I sat down and began writing my debut novel, BEHIND CLOSED DOORS. It took me about seven months to complete, and I then began querying literary agents in search for representation. I was rejected by all of them. Finally, I submitted query letters directly to editors at publishing houses and received rejection letters from them as well. This is when my husband suggested that I start my own company to self-publish my book, and I did. My mom kept telling me not to give up also. As it turned out, I learned a wealth of important and very helpful information about the business of publishing, and I sold just over 10,000 copies within the first 6 months of publication. This was truly a fun and exciting time in my life.

BPM: How did you get to be where you are in your life today? Who or what motivated you?
My mother and my maternal grandmother were two of the kindest and wisest women I have ever known, and they began instilling a certain level of Christian and family values and wisdom in me from the time I was a small girl. Even after all the rejections, my mom told me I shouldn’t give up (I miss her tremendously), and my husband continues to be my biggest encourager and supporter as well.

BPM: Who does your body of literary work speak to? Do you consider authors as role models?
I believe my literary work speaks to everyone in one way or another. I write about real-life social issues that can and do affect all human beings. Corruption within the church, infidelity, domestic violence, drug addiction, gambling addiction, adult sibling rivalry, care-giving of a terminally-ill parent, childhood sexual abuse, racial and gender discrimination in the workplace, social status, overweight issues, and the list goes on. There is also always some level of redemption and forgiveness in every single book I write. I don’t consider myself to be a role model per se, but if someone does in fact view me in that manner, my prayer is that I am able to represent myself well, particularly to young people.

BPM: Could you tell us something about your most recent work? Is this book availableon Nook and Kindle?
A CHRISTMAS PRAYER centers on Alexis Fletcher, who sadly, hasn’t had a merry Christmas in five years—not since her mother passed away. Every December, she remembers the joy that her mother brought to everyone during the holiday season and feels the pain of her absence. This is even more so now that she and her sister are barely speaking, and her future mother-in-law would do anything—anything at all—to stop her son, Chase, from marrying Alexis.   Yes, it is available in all digital formats.

BPM: Give us some insight into your main characters or speakers. What makes each one so special? 
Alexis is kind, compassionate and very intelligent, yet she is struggling with lots of sadness because of the passing of her mother. No matter what she does or how wonderful every aspect of her life is, she still can’t seem to get beyond her feelings about the holidays.

BPM: What inspired you to sit down and actually start writing this book? Why now?
About three years ago, my editor, Beth de Guzman suggested that I write a Christmas book, and while I wasn’t sure what I would center the story on, I told her about my own personal feelings about Christmas, and she said, “Well, that’s the story.” I can’t personally relate to every aspect of Alexis Fletcher’s life, but I can certainly relate to not truly wanting to celebrate Christmas since the passing of my own mom 13 years ago.

BPM: What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
I enjoyed writing this book because even though Alexis is sad about the holidays, she is blessed in so many other ways and there is a strong sense of love and family throughout the entire story.

BPM: Where do your book ideas come from?
With every book I write, I first decide which social issue I’m really feeling passionate about at the time and then I create my characters around it. From there, I outline the story.

BPM: Are your books plot-driven or character-driven? Why?
My books can tend to be both, depending on which title. What I hear most often than not, though, from the majority of my readers is that they can always relate to both my characters and the overall storyline.

BPM: Are there under-represented groups or ideas featured in your book? If so, discuss them.
In many of my books, there are. One example, is my novella, A DEEP DARK SECRET where I wrote about a 12-year-old girl who was being sexually molested by her stepfather who was an upstanding deacon in the church. She was suffering in silence and so are millions of children in this country who never tell anyone what’s happening to them.

BPM: How does your book relate to your present situation, education, spiritual practice or journey?
As I mentioned above, I can’t personally relate to every aspect of Alexis Fletcher’s life, but I can certainly relate to not wanting to celebrate Christmas since the passing of my own mom 13 years ago. My prayer, however, is that God will give me a renewed spirit and the desire to enjoy the holidays again with family and friends.

BPM: What were your goals and intentions in this book, and how well do you feel you achieved them?
I wanted to show that not everyone is the same and that loss of a loved one can affect people very differently. I also wanted to show that even through loss, God still gives each and every one of us so many other blessings and loved ones to be there for us.

BPM: What projects are you working on at the present?
I’m currently finishing up THE ULTIMATE BETRAYAL, which is my 22nd book and the 12th title in my Reverend Curtis Black Series. It will be released, Tuesday, May 5, 2015.

BPM: How can readers discover more about you and your work?
Readers can visit my web site, http://www.kimroby.com. or visit me through social media at www.facebook.com/kimberlalawsonroby   or  www.twitter.com/KimberlaLRoby

 

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Intimate Conversation with Lindsay Evans

Born in Jamaica, Lindsay Evans currently lives in Atlanta, GA. She loves good food and romance and would happily travel to the ends of the earth for both. She currently writes sensual love stories for Harlequin Kimani. Find out more at:  http://www.LindsayEvansWrites.com

BPM:  What inspired you to sit down and actually start writing this book? Why now?
LE: I’ve always loved romance. When I wrote my first Harlequin Kimani novel, Pleasure under the Sun, I fell in love with one of the secondary characters and couldn’t resist writing about him in Sultry Pleasure.

BPM:  Does your upbringing, prior relationships or life experiences inspire your writing?
LE: Yes, my mother was an avid reader while I was growing up. She read to me when I was a child and shared with me her love of stories. Without her and her influence, I doubt I’d be a writer now.

BPM:  Where do your book ideas come from? Are your books plot driven or character driven? 
LE: My ideas come from many places. From my travels, conversations I’ve overheard, even songs. Usually it’s a character that attracts my attention and propels the book. After that, the plot finds itself.

BPM:   Introduce us to your current work. What genre do you consider your book? Is this book available in digital forms like Nook and Kindle?
LE: My current book is Sultry Pleasure. It’s a contemporary romance novel that features a jaded playboy who has everything and a young woman who lost one of the most important people in her life at a young age. He’s hot and she’s cool. They come together and make fireworks. Sultry Pleasure is available for Kindle, Nook, iPad, Kobo, and all other e-readers.

BPM:   Give us some insight into your main characters. What makes each one so special? 
LE: Diana Hobbes is the heroine in this novel. She has sacrificed most of the happiness in her life to take care of her younger siblings and her dependent mother. When Marcus Stanfield appears, she’d given up on having any happiness of her own, but he tempts her with his wicked sense of humor and the sensual promise in his eyes. But he’s hiding a secret that threatens to break apart the tentative connection Diana feels with him.

BPM:   What topics are primarily discussed?  Did you learn anything personal from writing your book?
LE: Earned trust is a big theme in this novel. That and the idea of finding balance when it comes to taking care of the people you love and taking care of yourself. During the writing of this novel, I learned not to over-think the writing process. To simply enjoy the words and the characters as they come.

BPM:   What defines success for you, as a published author? What are your ambitions for your writing career?
LE: To me, success as a writer is being able to live from the financial fruit of my work. That’s my ambition.

BPM:   What are your expectations for this book? What would you like for readers to do after reading this book? 
LE: I want the readers to love the novel. I want them to fall in love with the characters and send me email and letters about their reading experience. I don’t ask for too much J.

BPM:   Is there anything else you would like to add that I haven’t included? 
LE: Yes. While Sultry Pleasure is a follow up to Pleasure under the Sun and it would make me very happy if after reading this post, people went out and bought both books, Sultry Pleasure can be read as a stand-alone piece.

BPM:   How can readers discover more about you and your work?
LE: They can find me online at:  http://www.LindsayEvansWrites.com  and on Facebook
Twitter: @LindsayEvansXOX
Website: http://www.LindsayEvansWrites.com
Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/LindsayEvansXOX

Sultry Pleasure by Lindsay Evans
A hot Miami night. A glittering gala. And a gorgeous billionaire wants to spirit her away. This might be a fantasy for most women, but not Diana Hobbes. She’s at a charity event representing the nonprofit adoption agency she has poured her heart and soul into. And despite the hot body, easy charm and luxury ride of playboy Marcus Stanfield, Diana has nothing in common with him.

Marcus is unaccustomed to having women refuse him. So he is surprised by Diana’s brush-off – and intrigued. Angelically kind and devilishly sexy, Diana is worth more than a little effort…so an epic seduction campaign begins. Lavish evenings, small touches, and grand gestures all say “I want you.” The desire is mutual, the tension maddening. But which will Diana ultimately choose: holding back… or giving in?

Purchase Sultry Pleasure by Lindsay Evans
Genre: Romance.  Amazon link:  http://amzn.to/1dzwicR

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Intimate Conversation with Lauren Francis-Sharma

Lauren Francis-Sharma, a child of Trinidadian immigrants, was born in New York City and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English literature with a minor in African-American Studies from the University of Pennsylvania and a J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School. She lives in the Washington, D.C., area with her husband and two children. ‘Til the Well Runs Dry is her first novel.

 

BPM:  What inspired you to write this book, ‘TIL THE WELL RUNS DRY? 
A: I was not inspired as much as I was looking to understand my maternal grandmother, a woman whom I did not feel like I really knew. When she had her first stroke, I sat next to her hospital bed and realized I knew so little. She was not one to share her feelings and I had never bothered to push her on the details of her life story. I wrote this book, which is loosely based on the little I knew about her, as a way to fill that void.

BPM:  The case could be made that Blanchisseuse, a sea-side village in Trinidad, is a character in the book. What drew you to this particular town, and what effect does it have on the lives of your characters? 
A: I firmly believe that the places where we live as children are natural characters in our story, so it seemed befitting to attempt to make Blanchisseuse come alive on the page, as this is how Marcia feels about her birthplace. My grandmother’s family purchased land in Blanchisseuse in the early twentieth century, and my grandmother was born and raised there. Many of my mother’s childhood memories, her stories, are set there. To me, Blanchisseuse is a magical place, and it has been a part of me for as long as I remember.

BPM:  The chapters in ‘Til the Well Runs Dry are told from the perspective of three central characters. Why did you choose these specific characters to hold up the arc of the story? 
A: When I began writing this story, Jacqueline was the protagonist. On the first page she wakes to the sound of her mother tapping a spoon on the lip of a pot. The story should have been a coming-of-age story where Jacqueline grows to understand herself and her quite difficult mother. But as I continued to write, this mother, Marcia, began to steal scenes. And before long, Farouk also became a necessity, as someone needed to tell his story. Now I couldn’t imagine it any other way.

BPM:  Marcia, one of your main protagonists, is an incredibly strong woman – both mentally and physically. Where do you think her strength comes from, and is she an amalgamation of you and your grandmother? 
A: The circumstances, the world, into which Marcia is born makes living a challenge, but she wants to survive. And even though she can be a hard woman, many of her decisions show immense vulnerability. To me, therein lies her real strength: To choose to love. To choose to be a mother. To admit fear. To fight fear. These qualities make her strong. My grandmother faced many of the same challenges, and Marcia is who I hope my grandmother was deep down inside. Marcia is also who I hope I am or will be, though I would like to be more openly expressive about my love for others.

BPM:  The topic of parenthood – and most especially motherhood – is central to your novel. This theme deeply affects two of your three protagonists, namely Marcia and her husband, Farouk. After they have their first child, Farouk learns of a family secret on Marcia’s side, which threatens their relationship. In fact, he moves out of their shared home. Yet year after year, they keep having children. After their fourth child arrives, Farouk becomes very detached from his family. What is it about parenthood that brought them together and then drove them apart?
A: For Farouk parenthood is an extension of his love for Marcia. After the breakdown of the marriage, he is angry, and feels betrayed, and though he still loves Marcia, the children become central figures in his burning resentment—the only way he can continue to hurt Marcia for the never-ending pain he experiences. For Marcia, because of the twins, perhaps even because she is a woman, she understands that parenthood is a separate entity from marriage, though she’d like for them to co-exist. Of course, having the children means having a small part of Farouk, and though she sometimes resents the burden parenthood has placed on her life, Marcia’s commitment to them is unwavering. Farouk eventually comes to understand this kind of commitment, this kind of love.

BPM:  You manage to capture the sights, sounds, food, and – let’s not forget – the voodoo of Trinidad. How much research did you have to do in order to make this country come alive? Can you talk a bit more about the obeah women and their role not only in your book but in Trinidadian culture? 
A: I was born in America to Trinidadian parents. There are some things that come to you by osmosis when you are part of the first generation growing up away from the family homeland. But to be honest, there were more things that were fuzzy. I did my best—through asking questions, reading books, and traveling to Trinidad—to make it as alive and as authentic as possible. I know I did not get it all right, but my goal was to serve my family and the country well. As such, I do not particularly like the word “voodoo.” “Magic,” “the mystical,” “witchcraft” are used for the same purposes, yet do not carry the same connotation.

So, yes, perhaps “obeah” is simply a different label, but in my mind, obeah, the use of which was far more prevalent fifty years ago, is not always hateful and vengeful. People have used obeah to guide them in making important life decisions and to protect them from negative outcomes. In this story, Farouk simply wants to capture Marcia’s heart. It is the obeah woman, the bearer of the institution, abusing her privilege for her own gain, who throws a wrench in his plan.

BPM:  Marcia makes the ultimate sacrifice for her children when she leaves them behind in Trinidad and immigrates to the United States with the intention, of course, to earn enough money to bring them all to the States at some point. While Marcia struggles to get her footing, do you think that her home country of Trinidad and its melting-pot population gave her an advantage when she arrived in the melting pot of New York City?
A: No. I do not think anything can prepare a person for that kind of life transition. Immigration is dislocation. One’s life is completely turned on its head. Think back sixty years or more and imagine you have no television, you’ve seen maybe one movie, you know very little about the place where you will live. Then imagine that when you get there nothing goes as planned. The person who leaves her home seeking a better opportunity, who is willing to do what it takes and sticks it out despite all that inevitably will go wrong, is inherently better equipped than many of the rest of us. But she needs a chance. The only advantage Marcia has when she arrives in New York is that there are other West Indians who are willing to help her. Community is the key to many immigrant success stories.

BPM:  Is ‘Til the Well Runs Dry the first book you’ve written? 
A: I wish! No, I had two novels prior to this that I failed to get published.

Purchase ‘Til the Well Runs Dry: A Novel
by Lauren Francis-Sharma
Link: http://amzn.com/0805098038  

 

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Intimate Conversation with Pamela Samuels Young

Pamela Samuels Young is a NAACP Image Award winning author and practicing attorney who’s taken a brief hiatus from crafting her fast-paced mystery novels to write about her newest passion: natural hair care. In her first non-fiction book, Kinky Coily: A Resource Guide to Going Natural, Pamela chronicles her transition to natural hair. Kinky Coily also provides tips and resources for other women who want to begin their own natural hair journey. A bona fide natural hair enthusiast, Pamela is excited about sharing her new found knowledge in the hope of helping other women learn the beauty and versatility of their kinky coils. You can visit Pamela’s YouTube channel, KinkyCurlyPamela, and her website, http://www.pamelasamuelsyoung.com, for more hair care tips and videos.

Have you been thinking about transitioning to natural hair, but don’t know where to start?  Then Kinky Coily: A Resource Guide for Going Natural  is for you. A literal treasure trove of information, Kinky Coily is a roadmap for anyone interested in beginning a natural hair journey. You’ll find the best bloggers, the best books and magazines, as well as recommendations on how to select the right hair care tools and products.

Better yet, you’ll learn how to begin your natural hair journey, how to develop a weekly hair care regime and how to track your progress. Whether you’re transitioning from a relaxer, ready to give up your weave or flat iron, or already rocking your natural locs, Kinky Coily: A Resource Guide for Going Natural will open your eyes to the true beauty and versatility of your naturally kinky coils.


Review for Kinky Coily: A Natural Hair Resource Guide
“Everything you need to know in order to embark on and succeed in your natural hair care journey is listed in this book … Awesome job!   Five stars!!!” Written by Tanishia Pearson-Jones

BPM: Pamela, why did you go natural? How did you start the journey from permed hair to natural hair?
I decided to go natural after my hair started falling out from a relaxer. One day I had a head full of hair and only a few months later, I had patches of bald spots. My hair was shedding at an alarming rate every single day and neither I nor the hair stylist I was seeing knew how to stop it. A friend of mind had recently gone natural and introduced me to her natural hair mentor, Deanie. Deanie met me at the beauty supply, told me about sulfates and moisturizing, recommended conditioners and protein treatment, and gave me a list of do’s and don’ts. After the very first treatment, my hair stopped falling out—immediately. That’s when I became a believer and set out on a journey to take charge of my own hair care.

BPM: Did you go for the “big chop” or did you transition to natural hair with braids or a wig?
Initially, I refused to do the big chop. I just didn’t want to sport a teeny weenie after. So I hid my damaged hair underneath a wig. But after about three months, I got tired of putting on a wig every morning and taking it off every night. So I did it. I chopped it all off and I’m so glad I did.

BPM: We saw your YouTube videos.  Amazing! You are so brave to share your story with millions, what inspired you?
I’ve learned so much about my natural hair. For example, I had no idea my hair had a natural wave pattern. So many people see my hair and say, “My hair would never do that.” I would’ve said the same thing. That’s because we don’t know our hair!  I’m on a mission to change that. Your readers can view all of the videos: http://www.youtube.com/user/KinkyCurlyPamela

BPM: What three tips would you offer women who are thinking about going natural?
My top three tips are:  1) No sulfates! Either wash with a conditioner (co-wash) or find a sulfate free shampoo; 2) stay away from the heat, that means flat irons as well as blow dryers; and 3) moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. Kinky hair needs moisture!  I deep condition at least twice a week and moisturize and seal nightly.

BPM: What products do you use? Share with us your favorite products.
Unfortunately, the same products don’t work for every hair texture. You’ll need to experiment to find out what works best for you. I have kinky, tightly coiled hair. So if you have a looser curl pattern or if your hair isn’t as coarse as mine, the products I love won’t work for you.

That said, my can’t-do-without products are: Uncle Funky’s Daughter Curly Magic, Kinky Curly Knot Today conditioner, Organic Roots Stimulator’s Temple Balm and Curl Refresher, and Herbal Essence Long Term Relationship Conditioner. I love Herbal Essence for co washing. I also love mixing my own oils. My favorites are amla oil, avocado oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil, castor oil, olive oil and peppermint oil.

BPM: How long did it take for your hair become more healthy in your opinion?
It took about three months before I noticed my bald spots growing in. Within about six months, I really saw a change. My hair grew back much thicker and healthier.

BPM: How did you wear your hair to work during the transition?
I hid my damaged hair underneath a wig, until I finally broke down and did the big chop. I have to say, though, my Mommy wig was quite cute. I still plan to wear it sometime.

BPM: Do you think our hair has a lot to do with our body image and self-esteem?
Absolutely! I don’t care what I’m wearing. If my hair isn’t right, I don’t feel good about myself.

BPM: Research helps us learn to embrace our beautiful hair. Did you do a lot of research?
Tons of research. I recommend that everybody read The Science of Black Hair: A Comprehensive Guide to Textured Hair Care by Audrey Davis-Sivasothy. That book is an encyclopedia on kinky hair. I learned so much from that book. And I lived on the internet and YouTube. My favorite bloggers are Curly Nikki, Naptural 85, KimmayTube, Mahogany Curls and African Export. I owe those sistas a debt of gratitude for everything they taught me.

BPM: What was the most rewarding part of this experience?
All the compliments I get about my hair. Women always come up to me to ask about the products I use and I’m always glad to share.

BPM: How will your book Kinky Coily motivate women to consider moving toward natural hair care?
I think when they see other women taking charge of their own hair, they will feel free to do the same.

BPM:  Readers, here is the official introduction to the Kinky Coily: A Natural Hair Resource Guide.
Fall in Love with Your Natural Hair!  Have you been thinking about transitioning to natural hair, but can’t figure out how to get started? Then Kinky Coily: A Natural Hair Resource Guide is for you. In this literal treasure trove of information, attorney and award-winning author Pamela Samuels Young shares the natural hair care practices, products, and online resources that took her from hair disaster to natural hair heaven! Just one glance at the Pamela’s “before” and “after” photographs will convince you that you too can take charge of your own hair care. So don’t wait, get started on your own natural hair journey now!

What You’ll Find Inside:
• Tips on beginning your hair journey.
• How to develop a hair care regimen.
• Ways to track your progress.
• The best books, bloggers, products and more!

To ensure that your natural hair journey is a success, be sure to check out the Kinky Coily Natural Hair Journal, which will guide you in creating a natural hair regimen and will also help you track your progress. Whether you’re transitioning from a relaxer, ready to abandon your weave or anxious to give up the flat irons, Kinky Coily: A Natural Hair Resource Guide will empower you to discover the true beauty of your naturally kinky coils!

BPM: Ultimately, what do you want readers to gain from your book and your how-to-videos?
I want them to have the confidence to take charge of their own hair care. I’m not trying to put hair stylists out of business. But I want women to know they can remedy their own hair care problems. If I’d known everything I know now when my hair started falling out, I could have stopped my shedding. My hair was damaged from the heat and badly needed moisture. I was also getting touch ups too often. But I didn’t that because I knew nothing about the care of my hair. Now I do!

BPM: What advice would you give a person who wants to tell their hair care story?
Take good notes during your hair care journey. I keep a journal and took pictures every three months. After you finish your book, ask for constructive feedback from family and friends.

Connect with Pamela Online
http://www.pamelasamuelsyoung.com
http://www.twitter.com/pamsamuelsyoung
http://www.youtube.com/kinkycurlypamela
http://www.facebook.com/pamelasamuelsyoung

FOLLOW HER BOOK TOUR HERE
http://www.pamelasamuelsyoung.com/tour-dates/index.html

Kinky Coily Natural Hair Journal  by Pamela Samuels Young 

Are you ready to go natural? Then the Kinky Coily Natural Hair Journal will help make your natural hair journey a rousing success! You’ll find step-by-step instructions for creating a hair care regimen, scheduling your hair time and tracking your progress. Journal your way to fabulously natural hair with the Kinky Coily Natural Hair Journal.

Be sure to check out Kinky Coily: A Natural Hair Resource Guide, the companion book to this journal. In this must-read guide for any wannabe natural, attorney and author Pamela Samuels Young shares the natural hair care practices, products and online resources that took her from hair disaster to natural hair heaven!

Visit Pamela at PamelaSamuelsYoung.com and YouTube.com/KinkyCoilyPamela.

Kinky Coily Natural Hair Journal
by Pamela Samuels Young
http://www.amazon.com/Kinky-Coily-Natural-Hair-Journal/dp/0985734183

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Intimate Conversation with Martha Kennerson

Martha Kennerson has enjoyed a successful career in executive management for over twenty years; half of which have been in marketing and outreach. Her love of reading and writing is a significant part of who she is and she uses both to create the kinds of stories that relay a message of healing and forgiveness. In addition to Consequences, Martha has written a gripping novel about survival titled Choices and has contributed to two additional books; Baring it All: The Ins and Outs of Publishing and Signed, Sealed, Delivered…I’m Yours, a romance anthology penned with the members of M-LAS. Her first romance novel for the Harlequin Kimani line is scheduled for release in the summer of 2015.

Martha lives with her family in League City, Texas. She believes her current blessings are only matched by the struggle it took to achieve such happiness. To find out more about Martha and her journey check out her website at http://www.marthakennerson.com. 

BPM:  How did you get to be where you are in your life today? Who or what motivated you?
I worked hard to get healthy and gain the courage to write something personal in such a way that people will enjoy as well as learn a few lessons.

BPM:  Who does your body of literary work speak to? Do you consider authors as role models?
I like writing works with a message that can touch people, specifically women, on a number of levels. Authors should be praised and admired for their work but not for the way they live their lives.

BPM:  What inspired you to sit down and actually start writing this book?
Why now? My eldest daughter helped me see that this was a survivor’s story that needed to be told and now I’m healthy enough to tell it.

BPM:  What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
I had a blast developing all the different characters.

BPM:  Could you tell us something about your most recent work?  Is this book available in digital forms like Nook and Kindle?
Consequences is a story about a young woman named Kristine whose set to have everything she’s ever wanted until an ill-fated encounter changes everything. While waking up naked in bed with a couple she barely knew wasn’t Kristine’s choice, how she deals with the consequences of that night creates a series of shocking choices that have a domino effect of turmoil to those close to her. Consequences is available both digitally and paperback form.

BPM:  Give us some insight into your main characters or speakers. What makes each one so special? 
My main character Kristine survived a horrific night of violence and while it wasn’t easy, she managed to heal, forgive and ultimately love again.

BPM:  Are there under-represented groups or ideas featured in your book?  If so, discuss them.
Surviving a sexual assault by both a man and a woman is hard enough. Choosing to keep the child that was the result of such an act of violence is life altering and for some devastating. For me, it was life saving.

BPM:   Did you learn anything personal from writing your book? Can you share some stories about people you met while researching this book?
Consequences is based on my personal journey so sharing it in this manner helped to further my healing process.

BPM:   What were your goals and intentions in this book, and how well do you feel you achieved them?
I hope my book helps other women that may have had similar experiences see that you can get through it and from the feedback that I’ve received, I’ve done just that.

BPM:   What projects are you working on at the present?
I’m currently working on a romance series for the Harlequin Kimani line and the first book in that series will be released in August of 2015.

BPM:   How can readers discover more about you and your work?
Readers can find out more about me and my work either on my website at:  http://www.marthakennerson.com  or through social media: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Purchase Consequences by Martha Kennerson
http://www.amazon.com/Consequences-Martha-Kennerson-ebook/dp/B00NC92T1E

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Intimate Conversation with Naleighna Kai

Naleighna Kai is the national bestselling author of Open Door Marriage, Every Woman Needs a Wife, co-author of Signed, Sealed, Delivered … I’m Yours, and Baring it All: The Ins and Outs of Publishing. She started writing in December of 1999, independently publishing her first two novels before acquiring a book deal with an imprint of Simon & Schuster and most recently a book deal with an independent publishing house. She is a contributing author to a New York Times Bestseller, an award-winning author, and The E. Lynn Harris Author of Distinction.

Naleighna is the CEO of Macro Marketing & Promotions Group, the founder of Macro Literary All-Stars (M-LAS), as well as the marketing consultant to several national bestselling and aspiring writers. She is also the brainchild behind the annual Cavalcade of Authors events which takes place in her hometown of Chicago. Naleighna pens contemporary fiction, erotica, and speculative fiction and is currently working on her next novels: Rich Woman’s Fetish and Slaves of Heaven.

BPM:  How did you get to be where you are in your life today? Who or what motivated you?
The only answer to that question is the Creator has a purpose for my life. A purpose that included surviving sexual abuse by two separate male family members as well as physical abuse by my mother. All of which have been something that my female lead characters have overcome in my novels.  At one point, the will to survive motivated me, then it was my only child, J. L., then it was healing from the things that happened to me, lately it has been helping others to heal and to live their dreams.  Even more pointedly, it has been the members of M-LAS, an author support group that I founded in May.  The women (and one male), have provided a whole new set of life lessons as well as personal growth that I would not have been able to experience elsewhere.

BPM:  Who does your body of literary work speak to? Do you consider authors as role models? 
My body of work speaks to women who have been caught between a rock and hard place, or places that were just plain hard. It is my hope that something that is between the pages of my novels speaks to the heart, helps them to heal, or provides some insight into dealing with something they’re going through at the moment. Authors can be role models, and because I realize that what I put into print can impact other people’s lives, I try to write novels that speak to the human condition and tastefully tackles complex situations.

BPM:  What inspired you to sit down and actually start writing this book? Why now?
After writing four books that focused on a trio relationship that was all about two women and one man, I thought I would flip that scenario on its head and write something where the woman was in a dilemma where there are two men she loves dearly and an opportunity where both men would have to accept her choice.

BPM:  What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
In the beginning of the story, I was able to relive my time on the Soul Expressions Wal*Mart tour with so many wonderful authors. It was the only tour of its kind and even now I wish Pam Nelson was still with Levy and could do it all over again.  And I was able to express some ideas gleaned from what I learned during that time and from the people who put that tour together. I also posed a question in the novel that I have been afraid to do so before now: where was God? Where was God when my father raped me? Where was God when my father molested me? Where was God when all these horrible things happened. The answer that came as I wrote the words was something intensely beautiful and healing.  I don’t think I was ready to address that question before now, and I’m glad the book provided the opportunity.

BPM:  Where do your book ideas come from? Are your books plot-driven or character-driven?  Why?
What if’s always drive my novels. The what if’s make for an interesting experience because I don’t always anticipate the outcome. I’m taking a journey just like the reader is.  My books tend to be more character driven because I’m drawing on splinters of my soul in order to lay a situation on the page and explore the outcome through my character’s eyes.

BPM:  Could you tell us something about your most recent work?  Is this book available in digital forms like Nook and Kindle?
My current book, Was it Good For You Too?, is a slide into the polyamorous lifestyle that many are hearing about these days—in articles and in the news.  Instead of polygamy one man with many women, this is a look at the flipside, one woman who is in love with two men, and only one of them is her husband who introduced the practice into their relationship only to have second and third thoughts when his wife’s first love enters the picture again.  The novel is available in all ebook forms and in trade paperback.

BPM:  Give us some insight into your main characters or speakers. What makes each one so special?
Tailan is a lot like me when it comes to strength and determination.  She is also like me in the since that I never wanted a child, but I’m so happy that I have my number one son.  She is also like me in the fact that she, like me, overheard my mother’s biological brother and sister, discussing an arrangement for my uncle to come to her home every week to have sex with me. Like my main character, I too, ran away from home.  Unfortunately, I met with different results than my character, Tailan.

Delvin is representative of a man who makes a mistake and does everything in his power to right old wrongs. It’s also about a man who stands strong in his convictions when it comes to the woman he loves. At first, he will go along with the program, then he realizes that in order to have what he wants he will have to assert his innate beliefs—even if it pains him to do so.

BPM:  Are there under-represented groups or ideas featured in your book?  If so, discuss them.
This is a look into the poly lifestyle. Though the term “free love” has been around since the 60s, polyamorous relationships are on the rise as more people decide to embrace a stable anchor for a partner, but want the ability to take on lovers to fulfill other aspects of their lives. They desire to keep the primary family intact, but are open to exploring sensuality, love, and sexuality with others who are of like.

BPM:  How does your book relate to your present situation, education, spiritual practice or journey?
This book is nothing like my present situation. I am not in poly relationship nor looking to be in one at the moment, but I did take the time to speak with several people who are and learned a great deal from the prospective of those who openly embrace the lifestyle.

BPM:   Did you learn anything personal from writing your book? Can you share some stories about people you met while researching this book?
Without “outing” anyone, I will say that I dove into the polyamorous community and was able to ask the women questions about why these types of relationships work for them; how it fared in the beginning, and what allowances were made for trying to make sure everyone was “safe” in such an open environment.

BPM:   What were your goals and intentions in this book, and how well do you feel you achieved them?
My goal was to explore some of the issues encountered in the polyamorous community. I think I presented the situation in a light that will make people think, and also show the human emotions are prevalent regardless of rules and boundaries; emotions can drive things array because that it not something people can control.

BPM:   What projects are you working on at the present?
Rich Woman’s Fetish and Ninety Days of Pleasure (a prequel to Open Door Marriage), that is being written with an author support team called M-LAS.

BPM:   How can readers discover more about you and your work?
I invite people to visit my website: http://www.naleighnakai.com or look me up on FaceBook as I’m there almost every day. I also have aspiring writers join me in a FaceBook group called the M-LAS Literary Café.

http://www.naleighnakai.com
https://twitter.com/NaleighnaKai
https://www.facebook.com/naleighnakai

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Intimate Conversation with Janice L. Dennie

Veteran author, JANICE L. DENNIE, has returned with a heartwarming new romance set in California’s lush Napa Valley. Kenton’s Vintage Affair, book 1 in the Underwood’s of Napa Valley series, introduces the reader to the fictitious Underwood family, owners of a successful winery in Napa Valley.  Janice began her her writing career in 1997 with her debut novel, The Lion of Judah.  Her second novel, Moon Goddess Queen of Sheba, was published in August 1999.

Janice was born in Denver, Colorado and raised in Northern California.  After graduating from college, she began working for a federal agency.  However, writing has always been her passion. Janice services her community through various charities, and non-profit organizations.  She currently writes full-time and lives in Northern California with her family.

BPM:  How did you get to be where you are in your life today? Who or what motivated you?
JLD:    Higher education was stressed in my family.  My parent’s exposed us to as much as they could when my siblings and I were children.  Earning anything lower than a C in grade school was unacceptable and meant automatic punishment.  My oldest brother was a straight A student, my other siblings and I were A & B students.  Both of my parents motivated me to want to accomplish something in life. My parents always said, if you’re going to stay at home, you must either go to school or work; no sitting around.  It was implied that they expected me to make something out of myself.

I got to be where I am today because of my mother’s sacrifices.  As a working woman, she became a strong role model for me to pattern my life after.  I got to be where I am because of my faith in my heavenly father. 

 
BPM:  Who does your body of literary work speak to? Do you consider authors as role models?
JLD:    I absolutely adore Black History.  My body of literary work speaks to readers who enjoy learning about history in general, Black history in particular.  My first book The Lion of Judah introduced the reader to the idea of Black royalty, which I knew nothing about.  Since we do not live in a country that has kings and queens, I looked to Africa for inspiration. I read an article in Newsweek magazine that referred to Haile Selassie as The Lion of Judah.  After researching the subject, I found out the Lion of Judah, was based on the Solomonic line of kings, which descended without interruption from the dynasty of Menelik I, son of the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon.  I was shocked.  My book came next. After that I wrote Moon Goddess, Queen of Sheba.

I’ll never forget the time I took a black history class in college and learned about Black scientists and inventors.  I brought that book home and my father, an engineer, took it from me after I finished the class.  He gave me the strangest look I’d ever seen on his face.  He couldn’t believe there was a book about 19th century black scientists and inventors.  I’ve often wondered why the accomplishments of great African American’s were excluded in our American history books.  So I set out on a journey to learn as much as I could.

I do consider authors as role models especially for impressionable youth.  It’s amazing how words can hurt or help people.  I prefer to write stories that uplift the human spirit. I like writing about how characters transform into different people.

 
BPM:  What inspired you to sit down and actually start writing this book? Why now?
JLD:  I lived in Vallejo, California for twelve years.  It is the gateway to the Napa Valley Wine Country.  There are some wonderful restaurants and wineries there.  All the years I had been going to the wine country, I never saw a black winery.  When I found out that there were African American wineries in Napa Valley, I decided to write Kenton’s Vintage Affair. I researched black wineries in Napa Valley, I was shocked.  I invited three of the wineries to participate in a panel discussion and private wine tasting at an event that my chapter of a non-profit organization was hosting in Oakland.  They all graciously accepted.  I wrote the book after that experience.

I wanted to write Kenton’s Vintage Affair now, because I felt if I didn’t write about these black wineries in Napa Valley no one else would.  I also wanted to give readers a chance to escape into the world of Napa Valley by reading my book.  The wine country is such a romantic place, so why not write a romance novel about a black family in a beautiful setting.

 
BPM:  What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
JLD:    I enjoyed creating the characters from scratch.  I also enjoyed writing about the setting, which I think is gorgeous.

BPM:  Where do your book ideas come from? Are your books plot-driven or character-driven?  Why?
JLD:    My book ideas come straight from my imagination and my love for African American culture and history.  My creative imagination stems from my father’s bedtime stories he told my brother and I, when we were small children.  My father was a great storyteller.  He made up this story called The Hard Biscuit, which turned out to be a little scary for a five-year-old.  I dreamt about that story and even had nightmares, nonetheless, it was my father’s storytelling that sparked my creative imagination.

I love plot driven stories by authors such as Walter Mosley, but my books are usually character driven because I enjoy falling in love with characters.  I remember reading my first romance novel The Wolf and the Dove, by Kathleen Woodiwiss.  I can still remember the names of the characters.  I can’t remember the details of the plot, but I can remember the characters.

 
BPM:  Could you tell us something about your most recent work?  Is this book available in digital forms like Nook and Kindle?
JLD:  My most recent work is Kenton’s Vintage Affair, book 1, in The Underwood’s of Napa Valley series.  The book is available now on Amazon.com in Kindle format.

 
BPM:  Give us some insight into your main characters or speakers. What makes each one so special?
JLD:    The Heroine is Briana Rutledge from Baton Rouge.  She is an unemployed Low Country chef who comes to Napa Valley to heal from her grandmother’s death.  She stays with her grandmother’s good friend, Henrietta Underwood, the matriarch of the Underwood family.  What makes Briana special is that she is a young entrepreneur determined to open her own restaurant.  I think more young women should become entrepreneurs and create their own opportunities.

 Kenton Underwood is the family vintner (winemaker) for Underwood Hills Winery.  He loves working with the earth.  He only produces cabernet wines, but wants to expand the family’s winery to include white wines to his label.  What makes him so special is he is one of the few successful African American vintners in Napa Valley.

 
BPM:  Are there under-represented groups or ideas featured in your book?  If so, discuss them.
JLD:    Black vintners are under-represented groups in Napa Valley.  I discuss this in the book, as well as some serious issues that the Hero must face.

 
BPM:  How does your book relate to your present situation, education, spiritual practice or journey?
JLD:    Like myself, the hero and heroine are both college educated, Christian, business owners.

 
BPM:   Did you learn anything personal from writing your book? Can you share some stories about people you met while researching this book?
JLD:    I met Dr. Ernest Bates and Ms. Vanessa Robledo, Mr. Vance Sharp and “Mac” MacDonald, all winemakers in Napa Valley while researching this book.  I learned the art of wine-tasting and wine production from all three vintners.

BPM:   What were your goals and intentions in this book, and how well do you feel you achieved them?
JLD:    My goal was to expose readers to black wineries in Napa Valley and establish a series of romance novels in that setting.  I think I achieved that goal very well beginning with Kenton’s Vintage Affair, book 1 in The Underwood’s of Napa Valley series.
 
BPM:   What projects are you working on at the present?
JLD:    I am completing my other books in the Napa Valley series.
 
BPM:   How can readers discover more about you and your work?
JLD:    Visit my website at http://www.janicedennie.com.
Find my book here:  www.amazon.com/Kentons-Vintage-Affair-Underwoods-Valley-ebook/dp/B00NS4KW0I 

Kenton’s Vintage Affair by Janice L. Dennie
Unemployed chef, Briana Rutledge, inherits a cottage on one thousand acres of land in California’s Napa Valley, making her a millionaire. She sets out to turn the cottage into her dream restaurant. But others have agendas to destroy Briana and her plans.

The Underwood brothers have inherited the character DNA of their male ancestors, a line of old fashioned southern gentlemen who took great pride in protecting women and children. As the eldest brother, Kenton Underwood has been betrayed and no longer believes women need his protection.  He has no room for love until he meets sexy, understated, Briana Rutledge, who finds a special place in his heart. But Briana harbors a deep seated fear that prevents their future happiness. Kenton has also been scarred by an obsession that fuels his competitive behavior.  Can their relationship survive Kenton’s obsession and Briana’s fear?

 
Order Kenton’s Vintage Affair by Janice L. Dennie.  This title is available now on Amazon.com at:
www.amazon.com/Kentons-Vintage-Affair-Underwoods-Valley-ebook/dp/B00NS4KW0I
 
 

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Intimate Conversation with Author Terrance Tykeem

Terrance Tykeem was born in Atlanta,Georgia, spending equal time between Atlanta and Philadelphia before becoming an NFL walk-on. Due to early injury his NFL career was short lived and Terrance deftly transitioned into the entertainment industry.

Terrance has signed with two different record labels and developed a TV show called the Players Club. [ A show whose name he eventually sold to Rapper and Director “ICE CUBE”.]

In recent years Terrance’s focus has shifted to social reform which resulted in the 2013 release of “Guilty by Reason of Arrest” and his third book “Touched” in 2014.  His second and third books, deal with mass incarceration and child molestation, respectively. Growing up between relatives and the Foster care system Terrance provides first hand insight into the issues plaguing our communities.

As a writer, speaker, and activist, Terrance is not afraid to challenge the system and does not shy away from asking or answering difficult questions. Terrance has founded the We Stand Up Coalition a non-profit that tours nationally providing education and awareness on such issues.

Author/Singer Terrance Tykeem releases Touched a short film music video to address the issue of Child Sexual Abuse. While in the Foster Care System a young Terrance Tykeem witnessed first hand the sexual abuse of countless boys and girls and barely escaped being a victim himself. These images have haunted him for years.  This short film music video has some of today’s well known actors, reality stars and personalities such as Eva Marcille, Chaz Shepherd, Ramona Rizzo, Mama Jones and many others. The music video can be found at:  http://vimeo.com/99473045

BOOKS WE”RE DISCUSSING
1. Guilty By Reason Of Arrest by Terrance Tykeem
2. Touched: When Innocence is Stolen the Pain Lasts Forever by Terrance Tykeem

Books can be purchased on Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/Terrance-Tykeem/e/B00J1I7X20

BPM:  Tell us about your journey and the beginning of your career.  How did you get to be where you are in your life today? Who or what motivated you? 
I was motivated to become an activist and advocate after my own experiences with the legal system. I also learned from my various life experiences that it was more worthwhile and important to me to help others than to use my money for selfish motives.

BPM:  Who does your body of literary work speak to? Do you consider authors as role models?
The Guilty by Reason of Arrest book speaks to an audience that wants to better understand how the legal system is biased and places minorities and those in low socioeconomic status at a greater risk of being incarcerated than their affluent white counterparts. It also deals with the injustice that privatized prisons causes our society as a whole.
Touched speaks to adults survivors of child sexual abuse, young adult victims, and their family members that may want to better understand what it is like to be victimized.

I think some authors are role models but I don’t think it applies to every author. As an artist whether I am writing a song, producing a movie or writing a book my intention is to find a way to move the intended audience. If an author can create a piece of work that pushes the audience to think differently, to challenge the status quo, or even to inspire than I think they are a role model.

BPM:  What inspired you to sit down and actually start writing this book, Touched? Why now?
I was inspired to write Touched because when I was working on the song alot of individuals chose to disclose their stories of abuse to me. I just wanted to share a few of the stories as told to me.

BPM:  What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
The song birthed the book Touched, the book in turn birthed my non-profit foundation, and the non-profit is currently working to birth an entire national movement. To see an idea that existed only in ether come to life and have a following of people behind it is pretty great. To talk with the people that are moved by the song and what we are doing makes you feel like you are building a legacy. I want to have bodies of work that really change peoples lives. I think this is what is beginning to take hold now.

BPM:  Where do your book ideas come from? Are your books plot-driven or character-driven? 
I have lots of ideas, they are mostly plot-driven. The news, current events, the political climate, the financial climate, it all impacts me as an artist. Sometimes it moves me to write music, sometimes I write books, other times I am working on screen plays.

BPM:  Could you tell us something about your most recent work? Are your books available in digital forms?
My most recent work is a documentary also titled “Touched” that was an idea I got when I received feedback from the music video. Yes, my books are available on Kindle.

BPM:  Give us some insight into your main characters or speakers from both books. What makes each one so special? 
Guilty by Reason of Arrest references actual legal issues that affected either myself or those I knew. Touched has two stories, each told by the victim in their words. Each book is educational and can also be viewed as self help.

BPM:  Are there under-represented groups or ideas featured in your books? 
If so, discuss them. Guilty by Reason of Arrest speaks to minorities, less educated and low socioeconomic status individuals. Touched raises awareness of the pandemic of child sexual abuse. Approximately every 2 minutes a child is sexually abused.

BPM:  How does your books relate to your present career path, spiritual practice or journey?
My books are a reflection of what issues are really weighing on me. These are topics that have resonated within me because of personal experiences coupled with the reality of how often these crimes are occurring in our communities.

BPM:   Did you learn anything personal from writing your books? Can you share some stories about people you met while researching the books?
I have met really genuine people that are really invested in changing their communities. Conversely, I have met alot of people that verbally supported the causes but when our organization reached out to them to help with community events or cameos in the documentary it was apparent that in spite of the cause or even that they themselves were victims, some activists and celebrities were more concerned about how much we were willing to pay them for their time. I was really disappointed in that aspect.

As for the people that I met while writing my books, or the people whose stories I used, they were amazing individuals that I think were courageous. It takes alot to share your darkest secrets. It is hard for most people to trust another [person] to share such horrific details with but because they were victims and by the very nature of the crimes committed against them, these individuals already have a history of broken trust. The fact that these individuals (and others as we are touring) share their stories with me is definitely courageous.

BPM:   What were your goals and intentions for crafting the two books, and how well do you feel you achieved them?  
I feel like each book accomplishes what I intended. I just wanted to be able to educate others on the given topics. I can’t speak for other authors but I know I can re-read my books a thousand times before they go to publishing and be happy with them but as soon as I get them back bound and beautiful I think of different ways I could have expanded certain parts of the books. I find my works are like living objects because they are created in a form I create and then as they get viewed and taken in by others and I get feedback, I feel like they take on a form of their own. I also think of how I could have done the subject matter more justice. I’m very Type A though so I don’t know if I will every be completely content with any one body of work I’ve created. I’m always looking for how to out do myself on the next project.

BPM:   What projects are you working on at the present?
My current project is to complete the documentary, Touched. I also have a few television shows I also would like to do a national tour in some format.. like visiting alternative schools inspiring adolescents, speaking in juvenile detention centers and prisons. The staff of my non profit are also working on a national tour in collaboration with treatment facilities for sexual abuse. We would like to have individuals create glass tiles from all 50 states to create a national mosaic tile memorial piece dedicated to victims and families of child sexual abuse. We have a wonderful artist Susan Jablon and her daughter Emily that have graciously agreed to create the piece with us. 

BPM:   How can readers discover more about you and your work?
Follow me on social media.. like my non-profit on Facebook, We Stand Up Coalition, attend one of my events. Book me for speaking engagements.

We Stand Up Coalition Website: http://www.we-stand-up.org

Terrance Tykeem | Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/terrance.tykeem

Guilty By Reason Of Arrest by Terrance TykeemThere have been countless books, movies, TV Shows and documentaries describing the criminal justice system and the people who control it. What they all have failed to do is make clear the true motives of those behind what can actually be described as the “In-Justice system”.

The police, politicians, court and prison officials have waged war on the poor and minority citizens of this country for financial and political reasons among others, while successfully turning millions of our nations less fortunate into commodities and stock options in the process.

Each of these five step chapters will do what others have refused to, by describing in great detail who, where, when and why the self-proclaimed land of the free has become the world leader in incarcerating and disenfranchising it’s poor.

Guilty By Reason of Arrest, will not only shed light on what has become a human rights atrocity, but also provide a blueprint to assist scores of others from getting caught up in an ever expanding web.

Touched: When Innocence is Stolen the Pain Lasts Forever  There will be 500,000 babies born this year in the United States alone that will be sexually molested before the age of 18 (http://cachouston.org/child-sexual-abuse-facts). This means there are more than 42 million adult survivors of child sexual abuse in the U.S.( Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2006). Children of every gender, age, race, ethnicity, background, socioeconomic status and family structure are at risk.

It isn’t strangers our children have to fear…

Most child sexual abusers are respected members of the community drawn to settings where they gain easy access to children like schools, clubs and churches. Even worse to comprehend is when the abuser is a parent, foster parent, or relative.

The two individuals that allowed me to share their heartbreaking stories of molestation are part of a fraternity of millions whose lives have been forever changed by individuals that were entrusted to be their protectors but instead would become their tormentors.

“What I do know is that sexual abuse is completely preventable. We, as parents, educators, siblings, and caretakers should bear the responsibility to take all measures to keep our children safe. When we allow our children to have their innocence stolen it saddles the victims with feelings of shame, self hatred and pain. The long term consequences can be devastating” – T. Tykeem

Books can be purchased on Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/Terrance-Tykeem/e/B00J1I7X20

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His Last Wife by Grace Octavia

FEATURED BOOK: HIS LAST WIFE: A Southern Scandal Novel  by Grace Octavia.  Join us on Oct. 22, 2014 at 8:00 PM (EST) by calling into the live radio show:  646.200.0402.  Or click here the night of the show, to listen.
 
Readers can never really miss a BAN interview!  If you miss the live show, listen to the BAN Radio Show archives 24/7 from your device, phone, tablet or PC at: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/black-author-network

His Last Wife: A Southern Scandal Novel  by Grace Octavia

“This latest Southern Scandal book is a great story with Octavia’s usual twists and turns, full of unexpected surprises, mama-drama, and treacherous Atlanta politics. Loved it!.”–RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars
In Essence® bestselling author Grace Octavia’s most exciting, volatile novel yet, charismatic bad boy mayor Jamison Jackson has finally taken a spectacular fall. But that doesn’t mean he’s going down alone.

Since the night Atlanta mayor, self-made millionaire, and womanizer Jamison Jackson plummeted from the top floor of a downtown hotel, everyone seems to have profited, from vicious criminals to corrupt politicians. Everyone except his jilted first wife, Kerry. Once a socialite, she’s now the prime suspect in Jamison’s alleged murder. Dhe swears she’s no killer—and surprisingly, Jamison’s widow, Val, agrees. For all they know, it was Coreen, the mother of Jamison’s secret love child. After years of extortion, Coreen’s cash flow has come to an end. The reality is, Jamison had a murky past and a legion of enemies old and new who’ll do whatever it takes to cover up the truth…and it’s even more scandalous, unexpected, and filled with secrets than anyone suspects.


His Last Wife by Grace Octavia
Coming to Store October 28, 2014
Series: A Southern Scandal Novel Series
http://www.amazon.com/His-Last-Wife-Southern-Scandal-ebook/dp/B00JVW6H32/

Praise for Grace Octavia
“His Third Wife kicks off with a murder and a mystery. And if that’s not enough to hook you, there’s also sex, politics, shady characters and plenty of ‘mama drama’ to be had. A must-read!” –RT Book Reviews

Read an Excerpt His Third Wife

CHAPTER 1

“His Next Wife”

Everything started when a mother came to town. Quiet and all alone, she got off a Greyhound bus across the street from a conveniently placed strip club. Had on fake pearls and a red lace-front wig. Her daughter picked her up in a shiny new Jaguar with two seats and the top down.

After maybe thirty minutes of silent riding, the mother was standing at the window in the big house—there were pillars out front and all. She was looking away from everything beautiful behind her. Clutching her purse like she wasn’t staying. Thinking. Trying to decide how she should tell her smiling baby girl, who always wanted more than she could hold in her arms, that she ought to get on the next bus and go back to Memphis with her.

“I don’t know why you didn’t accept the tickets I sent you. First-class flight? I thought you’d like that,” Val, her daughter, said. Maybe she was sipping her mimosa or waiting for the maid to pour her another glass.

“Memphis ain’t but a stone’s throw away,” the mother mumbled. Her name was Mama Fee—everyone had always called her that, even before she’d had children. “Takes more time to get on the plane and fly than it does to get on the bus and ride. And I don’t do big birds. Like to see the earth.”

“That’s old talk. This is a new world.”

“Is it? Is it really, Val? You tell me.”

“Yes, Mama Fee. You still act like flying is just for white folks. Or rich folks—”

“Ain’t said nothing like that.”

“Well, that’s good, because it isn’t. As long as you can pay, you can play. That’s the Atlanta way.” Val chuckled and looked at Lorna, the maid holding the pitcher of mimosa to her glass, to support the comedy of her play on words with laughter. “I’m just saying, it’s 2012—not 1902!”

“What does that matter?” Mama Fee asked. “Po’ folks still the same. Rich folks still the same.”

Lorna was only able to produce a half smile before Val shooed her away with a tired wave. As soon as Lorna stepped over the threshold, the mother turned and looked at her daughter.

“Seems like you shouldn’t be drinking,” she nearly whispered before turning back to the window. “Not in your condition.”

“Condition? Please! What do you know about it?”

“Plenty. Had you and your sisters. Doctor says it’s bad.”

“No. Doctor says it’s good. Helps to relieve stress. A little won’t hurt the baby at all.” Val downed the last of her drink. There was an audible gulp that resonated with pangs of short nerves or anxiety. “And I need it today—with it being my wedding day and all.” She looked at the big blue diamond on her ring finger. She’d purchased it a week ago with her fiancé’s credit card and full blessing. “I need to relax.”

Mama Fee was still looking out the window and thinking. The shiny Jaguar was resting in the middle of a circular drive that was filled with perfectly shaped creamy stones and purple pebbles that made the whole world outside the house look like a giant fish tank.

“Maybe you should’ve waited until the baby was born,” she said. “At least until we could’ve had a proper wedding—your family come. You know? Like Patrice and Rhonda did. Still don’t see why you couldn’t invite your own sisters to your wedding.”

“Would you stop it? I didn’t invite you hear to go drilling me about everything.”

“I ain’t drilling you. They’re your sisters. You were in their weddings.”

“Yeah, and they married big fat losers. Is Patrice’s husband out of jail yet?”

“You watch your mouth,” Mama Fee said, finally turning to look at her daughter again. But she needed no confirmation that it was Val who could bring up such a thing. Her youngest child had been born spitting fire at anything that didn’t seem to pick her up in some way that she deemed acceptable. This might’ve been considered gross ambition or maybe even unapologetic drive if it weren’t for the fact that sometimes Val’s desire for uplift went beyond frustrated tongue lashings and straight to unmitigated evil—well, the kind of evil a girl from Memphis who’d barely graduated high school could spin.

When Val was fifteen, Patrice had just finished beauty school and her prized graduation gift was a beauty box filled with emerald and sea foam and lavender and canary eye shadow. Lipsticks of every shade of red and pink. After Val had begged to sit and try just one shadow, paint her lips in one red, Patrice balked and hid the box beneath her bed. The next morning, the rainbow of shadows and lipsticks were floating in a river of bleach on the bathroom floor. Mama Fee nearly killed Val with her switch in the backyard after that incident, trying to teach the girl a lesson. But Val didn’t cry one tear.

“Patrice’s husband is a fucking jailbird. Don’t blame me for that,” Val said nearly laughing.

“And what about you? What about your husband?”

“Fiancé. And what about him?”

“Well, where is he?” Mama Fee asked, fingering a small Tiffany frame she’d found in the windowsill. It was a picture of a handsome brown man standing beside an older woman at what looked like his college graduation.

“He had to work this morning,” Val replied.

“On your wedding day?”

There was a pause. And then, “You’re picking again.”

“I’m not picking. I’m just asking. It’s an obvious question.” She held out the picture to Val. “This him?”

“Yes. Him and his raggedy-ass mama,” Val snarled. “Hate that old bat.”

“At least you’ve met her. I can’t say the same about her son. Don’t seem right neither. Got to read about him in all those articles you send me. Can’t tell enough about a man just by reading about him. Words don’t make a man.”

“Damn, Mama Fee! What’s that supposed to mean? Because you’ve never met him, something’s not right? You don’t trust me?”

“I didn’t say that either, girl. It just means I would like to have known him first—before he married my youngest daughter. Known what kind of man he is. Stuff your daddy would’ve done.”

Both mother and daughter paused at the mention of a daddy. He’d been long gone. Had been a good man. But had disappeared one evening after leaving a bar following a fight with one of his white coworkers. Everyone had cursed him for leaving Fee alone to raise three girls. They’d never eat right again. There had been rumors of another woman, another family in Kentucky. Soon, Fee had believed these rumors, but then his body had floated to the top of a forgotten old swimming hole at the back of town. There’d been a noose tied to his neck. No genitals left on his body. No one had ever been interviewed, interrogated, or charged.

“A rich man. A powerful man. That’s what kind of man my fiancé is. That’s what you need to know,” Val finally said in a voice so vindictive it promised some secret punishment for a private vendetta.

“A man who works on his wedding day?” Mama Fee asked.

“God, would you just leave that alone? Look, Jamison didn’t want anything big. He just got elected to office. I’m his former assistant. I’m pregnant. The press, they’ll run all over it. They’re still running pictures of his first wife in the newspapers here. ‘Kerry Jackson.’ Fucking press.”

“The press?”

“The press. Yes, the newspapers. The fucking websites. I have to think about that. We have to think about that. I’m marrying the fucking mayor of Atlanta, Mama Fee. Jamison Taylor. Not some jailbird like Patrice did.”

“I know, baby. I heard you a million times before.”

The sound of the beautiful stones and pebbles cracking beneath tires in the driveway announced a new arrival.

Val jumped up from her empty champagne flute with amazing ease and stepped quickly to the mirror over the fireplace. She puckered her lips, cleaned her teeth with her tongue, smiled, and was out the front door.

Mama Fee looked back out the window in time to see the soon-to-be son-in-law she’d never met close his car door and lean into Val’s open arms with a stiff back. He was carrying a laptop in one arm. Had a gym bag draped over the other shoulder. Was wearing sweats. Mama Fee looked from him to the picture in her hand. Alone in the silent room, she looked over her shoulder for the maid and then slid the picture into her purse.

“You’re late, Jamison,” Val said outside. “We’re going to have to hightail it downtown if we’re going to do this today.” She paused, but he didn’t say anything. “We are doing this today. Right?”

“Jesus. A million questions. I just got here.”

“My mother’s here.”

“I know,” Jamison said. “I bought the bus ticket.”

Val stood in front of him with her feet firmly planted in the pebbles and stones like a little girl about to cry.

“So, we’re doing it?” she repeated after recovering with a hand on her hip.

“Yes.”

“I’m just asking because we were supposed to go before the judge earlier and—”

“We’re going to Forsyth.”

“Forsyth County? Why? That’s too far away.”

“It’s just far enough. I can’t risk everyone knowing about this.”

“They’re all going to know soon. Right?” Val asked, setting off a conversation they’d had most every day since she’d announced she was pregnant.

“Yes. I just need to keep this quiet now. Until we’re married. Then I can release a statement about you and the baby. I need to control the situation. Get in front of it. I’m still dealing with Ras’s shit. And Jeremy with those hookers in Biloxi. I need some time out of the headlines.”

“Fine. Well, where’s your mother? Where’s Tyrian?”

“Mama said she’ll meet us at the courthouse,” Jamison explained. “She didn’t want to risk blowing my cover.”

Val smiled at this lie. She knew Jamison’s mother didn’t like her. His mother actually told Val herself just days after Val started working as Jamison’s assistant. She’d caught Val and Jamison having sex in the bathroom at his office. She didn’t even leave. Didn’t blink at the scene of blushing flesh and scattered office attire. She stood there like a pillar, glowering until Jamison had run away like a little boy. Val tried to be more defiant. It wasn’t her mother. She excused herself out of the stall and went to the mirror to fix her lipstick. Mama Taylor walked up behind her and said two short sentences to Val’s reflection in the mirror: “I smell your shit. More like diarrhea.”

“What about Tyrian?” Val asked Jamison again.

“My son’s with his mother.”

“He’s not coming to the wedding?”

“No.”

* * *

You give a man everything. All of you. Out on a table. Everything. Appetizers. Sides. Drinks. An entrée. And dessert. Just everything you have to give.

For this, you ask for something. A small thing.

You get nothing.

I was tired of getting nothing. Nothing from every man. I’d bend like this. I’d turn like that. They’d notice and smile. Follow me for a little while. And then, I was alone again. Back and broken. Worse off than I was before. Poor. And black. And a woman. And I don’t need to have gone to college to know that shit ain’t fair.

So, you’re damn right, when I met Jamison I was tired of getting nothing. But I gave him everything anyway. I wore high leopard-print heels and shit. I dusted my nipples in Ecstasy. I fried chicken in my thong in the middle of the night. Whatever he wanted. He noticed. He smiled.

Then I asked for something.

He got real quiet. That man-not-answering-the-phone-or-email quiet.

That’s when I realized I wasn’t being left with nothing this time. I was taking what I wanted.

It’s funny what a man will do to keep what he has. When I told Jamison I was pregnant, his first question was how far along I was. I knew what that meant. I lied. Fifteen weeks. Too late for an abortion. He told me to take his credit card and pick out an engagement ring. Mr. Mayor had to marry me to keep everything he has. And that’s no trouble for me. I wanted to marry him because of everything he has. Because now I have it, too.

* * *

The bride and groom took the long drive to downtown Forsyth in separate cars.

Mama Fee sat beside Val in the Jaguar trying to decide how to say what she needed to say and ask what she needed to know. What she wanted to say was, “This is crazy! This is ridiculous!” What she wanted to ask was, “Why are we in separate cars? Why hasn’t your fiancé spoken to me?” But seemingly having her thoughts read, at every peak of possibility of internal eruption, Val would offer statements that made any claims or interrogations irrelevant in her new world: “Jamison likes to think in the car. He likes to ride alone…. I love driving my new car…. I don’t mind driving myself around…. Soon, I’ll have a driver anyway…. He can’t wait to meet you…. Don’t worry, Mama…. This ain’t Memphis…. This is Atlanta…. Things are done differently here….”

Jamison’s new assistant, a white boy with strawberry-blond hair and emeralds for eyes, met the two cars in the parking lot at the courthouse, whisked Jamison into the back of the building one way and Val and Mama Fee into the back of the building another way nearly thirty minutes later.

So much rushing. So little talking. Mama Fee pretended she was having trouble walking just so Val would have to hold her hand.

“I love you, Val Denise. I want the best for you. Always have,” Mama Fee said softly to Val just before the assistant pulled them into a holding room where Jamison was waiting on his cell phone.

Val smiled, kissed her mother on the cheek and let go of her hand.

Jamison was barking commands at the someone on the phone and signaling for his assistant to seat Val and her mother. He forced his free hand into his pocket and stood tall with his shoulders perfectly squared. The stance announced that he was a man handling business.

“Tell Darth the contract isn’t negotiable. He can bring anyone he wants to the table,” Jamison said. “I won’t move. The people of this city won’t move. That park isn’t going anywhere. Darth will have to speak to me first.”

Val took a glass of water the assistant was holding and handed it to Jamison herself. She was grinning at his display. Something in his tone, his force, vibrated to her ankles and made her head feel cloudy.

Jamison hung up the phone and slid the precious thing into his pocket.

“Work,” he said to Val before turning to his assistant. “Leaf, call Senator Green. Tell him I’ll take him up on his offer for drinks tonight. Tell him I’ll expect one of his top cigars. None of that cheap shit.”

“Of course, Mayor Taylor,” Leaf said, clicking out of the room with his phone already in his hand.

“I’m so sorry,” Jamison said, suddenly focusing his attention on Mama Fee. “All this work this morning and I haven’t had a chance to make your acquaintance.”

“Oh, you had a chance at the house, but you were in such a rush that—” Mama Fee tried before Val cut off what was sure to be some tongue lashing.

“Jamison, this is—” Val tried to mediate, but then Jamison cut her off with dribbles of Southern charm in his voice that could have softened any woman’s angry tongue. Anyone listening had the sense that this was how he’d talked to older voters at senior centers and nursing homes during press spots when he was trying to get elected.

“No. No need—” He held out his arm before getting down on his knee in front of where Leaf had sat Mama Fee. “I know exactly who this Cherokee Rose is.” He took her hand and kissed it. “Mama Fee. My new mother-in-law.” He looked into her eyes. “It is a pleasure to meet you.”

“Well, you too.” Everything Mama Fee had imagined about this brown stranger who was marrying her daughter was whirling down a veritable toilet bowl and disappearing into a forgotten sewer. This old woman was blushing. Her heart was heating.

“I know these aren’t the best circumstances for us to be meeting, but I’m sure you know the old way.” Traces of Jamison’s true Southern accent punctuated each verb. “I had to make an honest woman of your daughter. And fast.”

“Well, thank you, sir,” Mama Fee said, and her tone recalled traces of the young woman she used to be, “but you can save that. I’ve heard many things about my daughter, and ‘honest’ ain’t one of them.”

Everyone chuckled but Val.

“So, we know the same woman?” Jamison asked, rubbing Mama Fee’s shoulder.

“I made her; you bought her.” Mama Fee grabbed Jamison’s hand to stop him. Looked into his eyes. “Just promise me you’ll treat her right.”

“I will.”

“Okay. Enough with the negro family reunion,” Val jumped in, looking at Jamison. “Where’s the judge? Your baby and I are tired and we need a nap.”

“Don’t worry. Everything’s going as planned,” Jamison answered, feeling the sharp, stark jab of a reminder of his predicament in “your” associated with the baby. “We’re just waiting for Mama—” The door opened and Leaf ushered in an older version of the woman in the Tiffany picture frame in Mama Fee’s purse. “And here she is.”

(Continues…)

Excerpted from His Third Wife by GRACE OCTAVIA. Copyright © 2013 Grace Octavia. Excerpted by permission of KENSINGTON PUBLISHING CORP.  All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.

Meet the Author
Essence bestselling author Grace Octavia has published ten contemporary African American novels with Kensington Publishing. Her witty, insightful fiction, which presents wicked humor and spunk has garnered her sparkling reviews in Essence, Publisher’s Weekly, The Romantic Times, Booklist, Rawsistaz, APOOO and the Urban Reviewers.

Her first novel, Take Her Man, was a selection at the 2007 Zora Neale Hurston Literary Conference in Tulsa, Okla. and she received a best new author’s award from the national Real Ladies Read Book Club. A frequent book club selection, it earned her invitations to speak to thousands of readers at the 2008 South Carolina Book Festival and the Delta Sigma Theta national convention. Her second novel, His First Wife, was the first reading selection for the Women in Entertainment Empowerment Network (WEEN), a Black Expressions Book Club selection, May 2008 Essence Magazine bestseller and the winner of the National Readers’ Choice Award for the Romantic Times in 2008. Of her fourth novel, Playing Hard to Get, a review in Publisher’s Weekly proclaimed, “Octavia gives Sex and the City a smart Afrocentric update.”

Her 2011 release, Should Have Known Better, was selected as a featured read for the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System 2012 adult summer reading program and will be read by groups throughout the public library system. The noted novel was also nominated for the Romantic Times’ 2011 top multicultural fiction novel award.

She’s presented papers about her writing and read at Georgia Tech University, the University of Georgia, Georgia State University, and the University of Texas at the African American Women’s Language Conference in 2008. Her work has also appeared in Sisterfriends by Julia Chance, numerous journals and anthologies.

A native of Long Island, Octavia is a graduate of New York University, she completed her PhD in English at Georgia State University. A proud sister of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, she is also a member of the Sigma Tau Delta National English Honor Society. The former editor of Rolling Out Urbanstyle Weekly, she lives in Atlanta, GA. She enjoys international travel, hiking, cooking, and being with her girlfriends. She currently teaches writing at Spelman College

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The Pleasure Trap by Niobia Bryant

FEATURED BOOK: The Pleasure Trap by Niobia Bryant.   Join us on Oct. 19, 2014 at 8:00 PM (EST) by calling into the live radio show:  646.200.0402.  Or click here the night of the show, to listen.
 
Readers can never really miss a BAN interview!  If you miss the live show, listen to the BAN Radio Show archives 24/7 from your device, phone, tablet or PC at: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/black-author-network

The Pleasure Trap by Niobia Bryant

Introduced in Niobia Bryant’s bestselling Mistress series, he’s the ultimate irresistible temptation, and he’s always in control. Until now…

Pleasure is his name, one that women whisper—and scream—with desire. As a popular exotic dancer and top escort, he strokes his clients’ deepest longings and fulfills their every sexy fantasy. His climb has taken him from the streets’ most lethal ride-or-die ladies to the even more dangerous world of wealthy, powerful women. All along, he believed leveraging his chiseled body for a life of luxury would help him outrun his tormented childhood and bitter distrust.

Now a mysterious woman has him at her mercy, determined to punish him for reasons he doesn’t understand. Saving his own life means Pleasure must figure out which of the women from his past has a deadly obsession, brought on by either the insatiable passions he ignited, or the pain he caused. When a long-buried secret arises, will he be able to survive, or will facing it completely destroy him?

RT Book Reviews on THE PLEASURE TRAP
“The Pleasure Trap is another testament to Bryant’s awesome imagination. She takes us inside the head of Pleasure as he transitions from tricking for a madam to scheduling his own appointments. Shockingly, this installment opens with him drugged and bound in his own home. He’s literally tied to his past as we struggle with him to learn why and by whom. Flashing back to his relationships, we are swept off our feet during the climatic reveal.”
–RT Book Reviews, 4.5 Stars

BOOK EXCERPT:  THE PLEASURE TRAP

Pleasure looked up and shifted his eyes to look around as much as he could at the living room of his Jersey City penthouse apartment. The rich black and charcoal gray décor. The floor- to- ceiling windows that overlooked the Hudson River and showcased the New York skyline across the water. However, it felt almost surreal as he struggled to remember just how he came to be naked and tied to a chair.  ‘Think, man, think.’

But his thoughts were clouded and varied. He couldn’t get a firm grasp on anything. ‘What’s wrong with me?’

His eyes drifted closed and his body slackened, with just the ties at his wrists and ankles to keep him in the chair.

“Do you remember me, Pleasure?”

A firm brown hand roughly grabbed his chin and jerked his face up. He opened his eyes to a woman as she stood before him dressed in all black with her face covered by a black ski mask and her hands in leather gloves. He shook his head yet again to clear it.

WHAP.  He winced from the pain. She’d used the back of her hand that time and her knuckles dug into his cheek with the blow.

“Well, I remember you,” she said snidely into his ear, from behind him now.

She lightly bit one of his broad muscled shoulders. Slowly she deepened the bite.

“Sh*t,” he swore sharply, his tall and muscled frame jerking.

She laughed and smacked the back of his head before coming around his body with her hand trailing across his chest. “Not bad at all for a man-whore,” she said, leaving him.

He eyed her as she moved about his living room and touched things that apparently caught drew her eye.

“Who is she? What does she want?”

(  Continued…  )

© 2014 All rights reserved. Book excerpt reprinted by permission of the author, Niobia Bryant.  Do not reproduce, copy or use without the author’s written permission. This excerpt is used for promotional purposes only.

The Pleasure Trap by Niobia Bryant
Coming October 28, 2014
http://www.amazon.com/Pleasure-Trap-Niobia-Bryant-ebook/dp/B00JVW6GOM

Meet the Author
Niobia Bryant is the national bestselling and award-winning author of more than a dozen “Sexy, Funny & Oh So Real” novels. As Meesha Mink, she’s also the co-author of Desperate Hoodwives and Shameless Hoodwives. A proud native of Newark, New Jersey, Niobia currently writes full time and splits her time between New Jersey and South Carolina.
 

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Download SpyCatcher Ebook Box Set by S.D. Skye

In the Game of Espionage, Spy Takes Traitor. J.J. McCall takes Over!

Now available in one box set, the first 3 books in the planned 5-book FBI Espionage Series featuring the lie-detecting FBI Special Agent J.J. McCall who, along with her co-case agent Tony Donato, is embroiled in a the post-Cold War mole hunt for Russian spies.

The Seven Year Itch – Book 1
“The Seven Year Itch” is a mystery thriller from S. D. Skye … hard to put down for lovers of spy fiction, highly recommended. — Carl Logan, Midwest Book Review (April 2013)

★★★★ “Thick with layers, THE SEVEN YEAR ITCH is filled with strife, deceit, lust, pain, mystery, and humor.” OOSA Online Book Club

FBI Special Agent J.J. McCall and her co-case agent, Tony Donato, are drawn into an unsanctioned mole hunt when a Russian intelligence officer, working for the FBI, is murdered and they suspect a traitor burrowed deep inside the U.S. Intelligence Community is responsible.

Son of a Itch – Book 2
2014 Next Generation Indie Book Award for Multicultural Fiction

★★★★★ ” If you like a brilliantly executed, thrilling, and addictive suspense novel, Son of a Itch is for you. S. D. Skye can flat write her butt off, I was sold, and tagged. This is a great series and J.J. is Jack Ryan with a [lady part].” ~ Sebella Blue

The award-winning follow up to The Seven Year Itch which takes J.J. and her counterintelligence task force on the hunt for Russian moles who breached the nerve center of U.S. national security.

A No Good Itch – Book 3
J.J. and Tony’s next mole hunt takes them to the Big Apple where the worlds of Counterintelligence and Organized Crime collide. The investigation to dismantle the financial hub of a Russian sleeper cell is sidetracked when an act of vengeance for Lana Michaels’ murder targets the wrong man and threatens to spark a war between Russian and Italian mafia factions.

Skye’s SpyCatcher Book Set, filled with mystery, espionage, romance, and suspense, will keep you burning through the pages until J.J. catches the very last mole.


Download the SpyCatcher Ebook Box Set  by S.D. Skye
http://www.amazon.com/Spy-Catcher-McCall-Novels-Espionage-ebook/dp/B00NUHIIG8

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Getting Away With Everything by Joyce A. Brown

FEATURED BOOK:  Getting Away With Everything by Joyce A. Brown.   Join us on Oct. 20, 2014 at 8:30 PM (EST) by calling into the live radio show:  646.200.0402.  Or click here the night of the show, to listen.
 

Readers can never really miss a BAN interview!  If you miss the live show, listen to the BAN Radio Show archives 24/7 from your device, phone, tablet or PC at: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/black-author-network

Getting Away With Everything by Joyce A. Brown
Some men are born into success and some men are thrust into it!

Neal Collins is a charming ladies’ man whose street smarts and business savvy propels him to a position of power and respectability amidst of Detroit’s political shifts and corruption. He has the toughness, cunning, and intelligence to take advantage of the opportunities that make him a force to be reckoned with. But he also has powerful enemies who will stop at nothing to take away the successful empire he has built. The one thing Neal wants most is still out of his reach—the love of his life, Shari Grant.
   
Shari loves Neal with the passion of a woman who has known what it is to lose everything and come back stronger than ever. She is the one woman Neal cannot control. Beautiful, educated, and hardworking she refuses to become dependent on Neal or sit at his table begging for the crumbs of his life.
   
While the unlikely couple navigates the pathways of love, loss and betrayal, Neal and Shari must finally come together to deal with outside complications that pose a threat, not only to their business interests, but their lives. They are forced to put their personal issues aside, launch a daring plan to rid Detroit of a criminal element, and ensure their loved ones aren’t caught in the aftermath.

Purchase Getting Away With Everything by Joyce A. Brown
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NC8PBOW

Author and Inspirational Speaker
Joyce A. Brown is a motivational speaker and author who uses her creative energy to give voice and meaning to the challenges women face in all walks of life. She grew up in Rockford, Illinois in a household of strong women, but her professional career expanded her reach into Peoria and Battle Creek, Michigan. 

She is a proud member of AKA Sorority, Inc. and has served as a direct services worker, executive director, program director for a major foundation, and an entrepreneur. Joyce has experienced many uplifting moments as a professional and as a dedicated parent and strives to bring those events and lessons to life through her characters in the contemporary fiction novels she pens.

Live The Dream Publishers
http://www.livethedreampublishers.com

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Ungolden Silence by Lydia E. Brew

Beatrice James and Elaine Wilson work for a marketing firm in Houston, Texas. Life hasn’t been easy for Elaine as she copes with her disability, and at the same time manages to function in her everyday life. The two coworkers and friends jump at the opportunity to help run a Disabled Awareness Campaign when Mrs. Stevens, from Washington D.C., calls the ladies up and pitches the idea. Elaine agrees to chair the campaign and Beatrice agree to be second chair. Both women agree to meet with Mrs. Stevens in Washington to get the campaign set-up and running. All goes well until Thomas Paige enter the scene.

Stevens herself is excited to meet, for the first time, the dapper and charming Thomas Paige, who is a well-known community leader.  It doesn’t take long for the charm to evaporate and Thomas began to shed his wool, revealing the wolf underneath the sheep’s clothing. Elaine begins to sense that there’s something more to Thomas than what he’s presenting, but will it be too late when she finds out for certain?

Ungolden Silence will have you peeling off what’s underneath a man’s exterior, before peeling back the sheets.

Order Ungolden Silence by Lydia E. Brew
http://www.amazon.com/Ungolden-Silence-Thought-Provoking-Novel/dp/1425798918

Intimate Conversation with Lydia E. Brew
Lydia E. Brew was born with cerebral palsy but has not allowed her physical limitations to stand in her way. Her writing also provides insights into the world of the physically challenged. She graduated from Texas Southern University where she received The Society of Professional Journalist Sigma Chi Citation for Achievement.  She was a member of the drama club and pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. 

Under the leadership of one of her journalism professors, Miss Brew penned her first book, Edith, The Story of Edith Irby Jones, M.D. about the first African-American to graduate from The Arkansas School of Medicine.  Upon finishing college, Miss Brew worked with the Houston Association of Black Journalists. She is a Christian and attends church.

Miss Brew founded Lydia’s Educational and Charitable Organization (LECO) when she decided to encourage young people to write.  LECO did this by sponsoring a yearly contest in which the contestant had to write about positive role models who were alive and from the Houston area. Each student who wrote an eligible essay was given a certificate of participation.  Winning writers received cash prizes.

BPM:  What inspired to sit down and actually start writing this book? Why now?
In the 1990’s I kept noticing that during the news when a crime was reported the name of the victim was given. The news always waited until the next of kin was notified and then the name was release to the public.  However, when it came to sexual crimes the names of the victims were not given. The policy of most news organizations was not to give the names of the victims to protect their privacy. Elizabeth Smart was kidnapped from her home. Nine months later she found and appeared on Oprah. Oprah talked about everything. However, when it came to the fact that Elizabeth was violated Oprah said that it was private and went on with the show. Another story that comes to mind is of three girls who were kidnapped and found at first their names were given, however, it was discovered they were violated their name were not given anymore.

Society has in my opinion has sexual assault and lovemaking confused. This started the daydream that led to Ungolden Silence. The first draft was done from my daydreams. After from several people who told me that I  needed to do some research?  It was during the research I realized that Ungolden Silence is not that far off.

While Ungolden Silence focuses on rape, society needs to understand that rape comes under the domestic violence umbrella.  Society needs to understand that mental, physical, and sexual abuse in any form is a crime. Stop worrying about keeping the names private. Rape victims need to come forward. They did not asked to be rape. It does matter they was wearing.

BPM:  Could you tell us something about your recent work? Is this book available in digital forms like Nook and Kindle?
I believe that the reader can get a lot from Ungolden Silence. First of all it is a novel  and it is entertainment. The reader can relax and get involved with the story.

I recently saw a play about Nat King Cole. The play dealt with what he went through when he had his own show in the 1950’s. It was hard for me to enjoy the play because I read his biography. I just could not get into the play because I knew that man had to go through a lot. His voice was beautiful. Even though he died in the 60’s, his music it still heard around the world.

When a person reads Ungolden Silence, he or she can enjoy the story. The characters are not real.  The characters decide that society needs to become aware of the problems that a victim face when she does comes forward. What about the families and co-workers of victims?  Society cannot forget the rapist and their families. What? Yes, because the rapist is a human being. Not a good one, but there is family and love ones. Nothing is simple.

This works is meant to provoke thought and perhaps create understanding about the world of domestic violence. Yes, the book is an e-book.

BPM:  Give some insight into your main characters or speakers. What make each so special?
Elaine Wilson  was based on me. I wanted her disability to be identical to mine. I cannot speak plainly or walk well. I needed to show that I am physically disabled, not mentally.  Elaine worked for a marketing firm, and was given a million dollar account. She was put in charge of a marketing campaign for the disabled. Elaine knows that she can handle the work, but this client was in Washington, D.C. Elaine’s co-worker Beatrice James also knows that Elaine is capable of during the work and convinces her boss and Elaine’s parents that she wants to take Elaine on her first professional trip.

Elaine and Beatrice are excited as they begin their work in Washington, D.C. It is the charming Mr. Paige that changed the story. Mr. Paige a well-known community leader it not the man he seems to be. The second that Elaine and the client, Mrs. Stevens, steps out of the room, Mr. Paige begins sexually harassing Beatrice. Upon her return Elaine knows something is not right, especially when Beatrice in anxious to leave. Mr. Paige tries to use the fact that Elaine is physically disabled to his advantage.

Beatrice usually is a strong woman. However, being sexually harassed while on a business trip is something that she refuses to acknowledge. She also refuses to let this ruin this for Elaine.  Both of these women are strong but however, they kept silent about what Beatrice was going through.

BPM:  Are there under-represented groups or ideas featured in your book? If so, discuss them.
Yes, the family and friends of rape victims and of the rapist themselves. Two plus two equals four, which is a simple problem. In any problem there needs to be at least two components. However, with Domestic Violence there are many components. Society needs to understand that for the victim and the rapist, after the rape there is an aftermath.

After Beatrice was raped the co-workers had to deal with their own issues.  The family of Mr. Thomas Paige had to deal with who he was.  It was Mr. William Paige that suggests the Domestic Awareness Campaign. His brother was among other things a serial rapist and was also a husband and father.  Thomas Paige’s family had to go under the care of a psychiatrist.  So there are forgotten victims of crimes and society needs to realize that and be there for them.

BPM:  What did you enjoy must about writing this book?
I loved writing my daydreams. I used the bodies of people known for characters, bodies not personalities and have fun. I told my Daddy that these characters were dancing in my head. I could not wait to get to my computer and to write.

BPM:  How can readers discover more about you and your work?
Websites:
• http://www.ungoldensilence.com
• http://www.facebook.com/Ungoldensilence

To view more of this tour, visit the schedule online at:  http://tywebbinpublicity.com/?p=10955

Ungolden Silence: A Thought Provoking Novel
Purchase Link: http://amzn.com/1425798918

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Walking Among the Shadows: Awakening by Navi’ Robins

For high school sophomore Aiden Storm, Jasmine is everything a teenager could ever want in a girlfriend. But all he can think about is killing her.

When Jasmine arrives at Deerfield High Aiden’s simple life is changed forever. Her presence awakens a darkness inside of him that slowly spirals the soft spoken teenager’s mental stability down an abyss of madness. Constantly tormented by a growing hunger for violence, Aiden confides in his best friend Tony his uncontrollable urges. Choosing friendship over his conscience Tony promises to keep Aiden’s dark desires a secret while they try and unravel the mystery of Jasmine and the affect she’s having on Aiden.

On the night of Aiden’s seventeenth birthday their friendship is tested when the town of Deerfield is rocked by a home invasion and murder that directly implicates Aiden. Without an alibi or recollection of his whereabouts on that night, Tony begins to suspect Aiden is on the fast track to becoming Deerfield’s first serial killer.

But Aiden fears something more sinister is at work in Deerfield and its source is Jasmine. Aiden believes underneath her beauty Jasmine harbors an evil that has already infected him and will soon spread to everyone he loves if it isn’t destroyed. Aiden must find a way to keep Tony quiet, remain one step ahead of the FBI, and maintain his sanity long enough to find out who and what Jasmine really is…

FEATURED BOOK:  Walking Among the Shadows: Awakening by Navi’ Robins.   Join us on Oct. 22, 2014 at 8:30 PM (EST) by calling into the live radio show:  646.200.0402.  Or click here the night of the show, to listen.
 

Readers can never really miss a BAN interview!  If you miss the live show, listen to the BAN Radio Show archives 24/7 from your device, phone, tablet or PC at: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/black-author-network

Message for Parents/Readers from Navi
My target audience for this book and series  is 13-18+.  This book and series has something for teenagers as well as adults. The story entertains while showing the reader to “never judge a person until you get to know them”. This first chapter in the Walking Among the Shadows series introduces the readers to a diverse cast of characters with cultural backgrounds from all over the globe and it strays away from many stereotypes and clinches that I feel limits the reach and exposure of African American authors.

Race isn’t the issue but the actions and intentions of each character in the story. The story touches on the importance of family, friendship, and fatherhood with a twist the reader won’t see coming.

Amazon Reader Review:  5.0 out of 5 stars by Rena D. Jones
As the first book of the Walking Among the Shadows: Awakening Series, this is compelling reading and makes the reader want to read the next book immediately.

This book is an intense page turner book. I was very surprised how this first time, self published author has creatively woven an original, enticing and spell binding world that got me hooked from start to finish. The story is fast-paced and exciting with plot to plot twists and the nonstop epic action scenes will surely entertain the readers as much as it has entertained me, never a dull moment in this book, It was such a good read, I purchased the kindle version and a hard-copy for my sister. I am eagerly awaiting the author’s second volume in this series entitled: Walking Among the Shadows: Belly of the Beast.

Purchase Walking Among the Shadows: Awakening
October 21, 2014.  2nd Edition.  Genre: Young Adult/Thriller
http://www.amazon.com/Walking-Among-Shadows-Awakening-Revised-ebook/dp/B00NU6X9LI/

Amazon Best Sellers Rank:
#29 in Books > Mystery, Thriller & Suspense > Thrillers & Suspense > Supernatural

Meet the Author
Navi’ Robins was born in Chicago, IL and comes from a family as diverse as the characters in his novels. He is the author of two highly rated series, Walking Among the Shadows and Article 88: Jericho’s Revenge. He published his first novel in May of 2013 and since that time has published three other books as well. He aspires to write in as many genres as possible to broaden his imagination and writing prowess; while also creating new ideas and realities that will not only fascinate readers but also provide thought provoking lessons that many can relate to.
Contact Navi’ Robins at:  http://www.navirobins.com

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Flawbulous by Shana Burton

FEATURED BOOK:  Flawbulous by Shana Burton.   Join us on Oct. 20, 2014 at 8:00 PM (EST) by calling into the live radio show:  646.200.0402.  Or click here the night of the show, to listen. 

Readers can never really miss a BAN interview!  If you miss the live show, listen to the BAN Radio Show archives 24/7 from your device, phone, tablet or PC at: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/black-author-network

 
Flawbulous by Shana Burton

What happens when you only have one chance to get it right and you choose wrong?
Has there ever been a time when you did the one thing you swore you’d never do? For fabulously flawed friends Lawson, Sullivan, Kina, Angel, and Reginell, that time is now!
When Lawson is pushed against the wall, she fights back by betraying those closest to her. A split decision changes Sullivan’s fate and family dynamics forever. Kina is searching for love again but finds it in all the wrong places. Happiness is finally within Angel’s reach, but another woman may cause it to slip through her fingers once again. Reginell has made her share of mistakes in the past, but she never thought trusting her sister would be one of them until now.

All of the lies, drama, love, fights, and prayers have led to this moment. Join the ladies for one last ride in this critically-acclaimed book series!

About the Author
Shana Burton is the bestselling author of Suddenly Single, First Comes Love, Catt Chasin’, Flaws and All, Flaw Less, Flawfully Wedded Wives, and a memoir, Note to Self: The Diary of a Divorcee. The two-time Georgia Author of the Year nominee is also an educator and resides in Georgia.


Purchase Flawbulous by Shana Burton
http://www.amazon.com/Flawbulous-Urban-Books-Shana-Burton-ebook/dp/B00NGZ55BU

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Consequences by Martha Kennerson

Kristine is beautiful, smart, driven, and all set to have everything she wants in life. That is, until an ill-fated encounter alters the path she’s chosen in such a way that she’s forced to make the kind of life-altering decisions no woman should ever have to face. While waking up naked in a strange bed with a couple she barely knew wasn’t Kristine’s choice, how she deals with the consequences of that night creates a series of shocking choices that have a domino effect of turmoil to those close to her. Not everyone agrees with the direction Kristine’s life takes, but ultimately, she learns that strength and forgiveness can come from the most unfortunate of circumstances.

Purchase Consequences by Martha Kennerson
http://www.amazon.com/Consequences-Martha-Kennerson-ebook/dp/B00NC92T1E

Excerpt for Consequences:

Prologue

Don’t pass out. Do not pass out.  Kristine didn’t want to be that girl—the one who gets so tanked that she loses consciousness. Luckily, Eric and Samantha appeared suddenly, like guardian angels, and offered to get her home safely. This was a level of embarrassment that Kristine never wanted to experience again, and she was so profoundly grateful that her friends were going to look out for her. They picked her up off her seat, removed the beer bottle from her hand, and placed one of her arms over one of each of their shoulders. They folded her limp form into the back seat of their car.

Kristine’s eyes blinked rapidly.  Her drunkenness was finally starting to dissipate. She tried forcing her eyes to focus, but at the moment, that seemed like wishful thinking. She wasn’t sure what was happening, but her ears clued her in to her surrounding faster than her eyes. Kristine knew those kinds of sounds—the heavy panting, the cries of spiking pleasure, the grunts of physical effort. She thought her ears had to be deceiving her until her eyes finally hit on a clear target. Were Eric and Samantha just having sex right in front of me? No way. But…she could see the evidence—the dripping sweat, the heaving naked bodies. Then their hands left each other to reach out to Kristine—to her clothes.

A loud, ominous ripping of fabric echoed in the sex-musky air around her. “Samantha, what are you doing? Why are you holding down my arms? Let go of me!” Kristine’s eyes tracked the naked male body squirming and forcing its way between her thighs. This can’t be happening!  “No. Eric, no! Don’t do this.” Kristine’s arms were useless in the vise grip of her friend. “Samantha, please … make him stop!” Frantically she beseeched both of them with her cries—with her eyes!  “What are you doing? No, please … dear God, help me.”

***

The sound of a screaming alarm clock jerked Kristine out of an all-too-familiar nightmare. She jackknifed forward, breathing hard, trying to pull as much air as possible into her thunderous lungs. The sheets were wet again. Sweat poured down her sensitive flesh as the endless shaking of her limbs rattled the headboard of the bed against the wall. 

Kristine’s inhaler was the only thing that would help her now. Her fingers closed around the device, which was resting on her nightstand in the darkened room. With two quick puffs, the fog lifted from her mind and allowed her to acknowledge the still blaring alarm. Carefully, she returned the inhaler back to its cradle and shut off the alarm. The inhaler was working, but she needed to call upon other techniques to calm herself fully.

With her eyes closed and her head anchored against the headboard, Kristine willed her breathing to level out. You’re not there anymore. You lived through that night. You’re in control of what happens next. Sheer will could only transport her so far. Eventually she had to think of things that made her smile—vacations with her family, shopping with her mother and sister, hanging out and sharing secrets with her best friend, and all the fun times that she shared with her father—to distance herself from those horrific memories that had caused the nightmares in the first place. 

Finally, Kristine began to relax as her breathing returned to normal. Battling post-traumatic stress disorder and all it entails—attending therapy with Dr. D., learning special breathing techniques, and writing in journals—wasn’t something she ever thought she’d have to deal with, especially at such a young age. Kristine was from a disciplined military family that believed in self-sufficiency; they believed in fixing their own problems.

Kristine’s parents taught her and her sister to be strong and independent, and they encouraged them to live life to its fullest. They molded them into well-educated intellectuals who had caring spirits and were capable of making smart choices. Kristine’s father used to say, “If you believe, you can achieve. So go make your dreams come true.” He did everything in his power to ensure that his words were not hollow.  Their parents provided Kristine and her sister with the tools to achieve their own goals. But sometimes, life has a way of interfering with one’s plans, no matter how well you’ve prepared.

The summer before Kristine Alexander left for college, she met and fell madly in love with an amazing man. His name was Dennis Langford. He was a brilliant, extremely handsome, a caring soul, and a member of one of the wealthiest oil families in the country. Unfortunately, that notably prestigious family had plans for his future that didn’t include allowing him to choose the person he would eventually marry.

Despite the fact that Dennis and Kristine were hopelessly in love—not to mention the fact that they were living in the twenty-first century—Dennis relented to his family’s desires and agreed to an arranged marriage to a beautiful and clever socialite named Colby McGill. Colby’s family’s pedigree, sizeable influence, and financial strength equaled the Langford’s. The McGills were another oil family, with the majority of their immense holdings in Latin America and several Middle Eastern countries. A marriage between the two families would create the most dominant privately-owned oil and gas company in the world, guaranteeing that generations of Langford-McGills would be zillionaires.

Dennis crushed Kristine when he chose to honor the commitment he had made to his family and to the McGills. Every girl wants the fairy tale, wants love to conquer all. But Kristine’s fairy tale was not meant to be, the greed of the families was too strong; the creation of an oil dynasty was too enticing. Not even love could compete with that reality. Kristine wanted to believe her sweet Dennis would fight for them. He didn’t, and that choice nearly destroyed her.

Losing Dennis sent Kristine into a tailspin of mounting bad decisions that left her in an unpalatable situation, which forced her to make far-reaching and life-altering choices. The only option left for her…to deal with the consequences.

(  Continued…  )

© 2014 All rights reserved. Book excerpt reprinted by permission of the author, Martha Kennerson.  Do not reproduce, copy or use without the author’s written permission. This excerpt is used for promotional purposes only.

Purchase Consequences by Martha Kennerson
http://www.amazon.com/Consequences-Martha-Kennerson-ebook/dp/B00NC92T1E

About the Author
Martha Kennerson has enjoyed a successful career in executive management for over twenty years; half of which have been in marketing and outreach. Her love of reading and writing is a significant part of who she is and she uses both to create the kinds of stories that relay a message of healing and forgiveness. In addition to Consequences, Martha has written a gripping novel about survival titled Choices and has contributed to two additional books; Baring it All: The Ins and Outs of Publishing and Signed, Sealed, Delivered…I’m Yours, a romance anthology penned with the members of M-LAS. Her first romance novel for the Harlequin Kimani line is scheduled for release in the summer of 2015.

Martha lives with her family in League City, Texas. She believes her current blessings are only matched by the struggle it took to achieve such happiness. To find out more about Martha and her journey check out her website at http://www.marthakennerson.com. 

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Signed, Sealed, Delivered … I’m Yours by M-LAS Authors

Signed, Sealed, Delivered … I’m Yours  by  Naleighna Kai, Tanishia Pearson-Jones, L. A. Lewis, Joyce A Brown, D. J. McLaurin, Candy Jackson, Valarie Prince, Martha Kennerson, and Susan D. Peters

M-LAS, nine authors, including national bestsellers and award-winners, bring the romantic heat with stories featuring leading men who are at your service from the military, law enforcement, and civil service. The leading ladies, professionals who are successful in their own rights, are all posing the type of challenge that means love won’t come easy—these men are going to have to work for it. Will they succeed in winning their woman’s heart?

These nine stories are a little bit naughty and a little bit nice, but we hope you’ll find them every bit of enjoyable. Most women can appreciate a man in uniform … perhaps even more when it comes off.

Purchase Signed, Sealed, Delivered … I’m Yours
http://www.amazon.com/Signed-Sealed-Delivered-Im-Yours-ebook/dp/B00MNSZ7I2

Excerpt from Signed, Sealed, Delivered … I’m Yours

“When did policemen start looking like that?” Elise Payne gasped, putting a tighter grip on the steering wheel.

She had been pulled over for speeding but she couldn’t believe that someone as breathtaking as Officer Friendly had stepped out of the cruiser. The man had expressive, dark brown eyes and smooth golden features—a proud nose and sensuously curved lips—carved into a ruggedly handsome face that was damn pleasant to look at along with a muscular body that was nothing but pleasure to watch. Elise normally enjoyed milk chocolate, but maybe it was time to give vanilla bean some consideration.

The fact that this delay would probably make her miss the train slipped her mind as she became totally smitten by the most handsome male since Jesus turned water into wine. She could picture those gorgeous lips doing wicked, forbidden things to her—the kind of things that made a woman start speaking in tongues, the kind of things that made a woman leave religion at the altar and dive headfirst into temptation, skinny dip in an overdose of sin, and—

“License, insurance, and registration, ma’am.”

Her fantasy circled the bowl and flushed right down the drain with those words. She let out a long, slow breath and said, “May I take my hands off the steering wheel?”

He nodded, grimacing as he did so.

Elise inched her hand into her satchel and produced a license, then leaned toward the glove compartment and froze at the thoughts whipping through her mind. Registration, no problem. Insurance, huuuuge problem. Expired. Five hundred dollars.

She tried to keep the despair from showing on her face as she slid the documents to him. Elise watched his every move as he snailed a walk back to his cruiser.

Seriously? Can’t you go any faster?!

Several minutes ticked by before he returned. She quickly put her hands on the wheel before he made it all the way to the driver side window.

This time, he sighed with impatience. “It’s safe to take your hands off the wheel, Ms. Payne. I’m a Burnham officer. It’s the Chicago police who are trigger-happy.”

Elise remained completely silent. Maybe if she zipped her lips, he would give her the ticket and let her be on her damn way.

“Do you realize you were going 77 in a 45?” he asked.

“Actually, I thought it was just 65, but 77 it is,” she shot back.

He paused for a moment, his right eyebrow lifting. Elise saw a sudden slight uplift at the corners of his lips. There was a fullness that made them the most kissable pair she’d seen in a long time. What was it about this man’s lips that invited her to give him a second and third look? What was it about those dark brown eyes that held a sparkle of mischief, but a smidgen of pain behind them? And how was that so easy for her to recognize?

“Why were you going so fast?” he asked.

“Because I was trying to catch that train riiiiight there,” she replied, gesturing to the silver and orange commuter whizzing past them on a black bridge overhead. Her heart sank. All hopes of landing that new position were gone.

“There’ll be another one coming along.”

The train disappeared from their view, and she returned her focus to him. “Not in enough time to make it downtown for my first day.” She slumped in the leather seat and whispered, “And this one had a chance to go permanent.”

The officer looked down at her, as though summing things up, summing her up. “Well, I’m not going to ticket you for speeding.”

Her grateful gaze locked on him.

“Or for the fact that you weren’t wearing a seatbelt.”

She opened her mouth to protest that she had only slipped it off because he had taken so long, but shut it and nodded her thanks.

“Or for the fact that your insurance expired last week.”

“Thank you, Officer Montgomery,” she murmured as he slid the items back to her. Their hands touched briefly, and a jolt of electricity whipped through her. She looked up in time to see his shocked expression. Ah, he felt it too!

At that moment, however, the only electricity she needed to worry about was ComEd. Her lights and power were about to become a distant memory if she didn’t dance into their office with something more than a handful of “give me” and a mouthful of “much obliged.”

He tipped his hat. “You have a nice day, ma’am. And leave a little earlier next time.”

When he walked back to the cruiser, Elise laid her forehead on the steering wheel. Tears she had been holding back for months finally had their reign. The energy to forge on, to get up and dust herself had never abandoned her—but everything happening at once had finally taken its toll.

Elise moaned as the tears increased. Her entire life was at a standstill and most wasn’t of her own making. All of her money was gone. Every single dime she had had been used to keep her twin sister alive, only to lose that beautiful soul to kidney and liver failure last month.

No sooner than she could breathe again without razor blades tearing into her lungs from that loss, did her rich ex-husband swoop down with a team of lawyers and manage to steal her baby boy while she was distracted with grief and the fallout of her family’s displeasure at what she’d done to keep her sister alive as long as she could. Yet, she had gathered up whatever resources she could, fought with everything she had, only to lose her son anyway.

Another blow, another setback, another harsh, bitter loss. The last being the one which left her so out of sorts—at least financially. The fact that Ameritech’s merger put her and 5,000 other people on the unemployment line was a wakeup call that blared in her ears every day.

Elise sniffled and blindly reached into her satchel for a tissue. She couldn’t even drive downtown and park because what she had left in the bank had been shelled out to pay mortgage, a few groceries, and get a train pass to carry her through the month. She didn’t complain because at some point, she’d catch her breath and a break—both at the same time.

Fighting for the life of her sister was something Elise would never regret. But the aftermath to her finances and the never-ending strain between her and the family was putting her closer to the edge of emotional bankruptcy.

A tap on the window startled her.

Elise absently patted her tears away with the tissue.

“Ma’am, is everything all right?” Officer Montgomery questioned.

She rolled down the window. “Your kindness was the nicest thing that’s happened to me in a long time.” She looked up toward the empty bridge. “Thank you. But the next train comes in two hours. By then, the agency will call someone else to take the spot I was going for.”

The officer scanned the area. Only a few cars zipped by them. “Traffic isn’t bad right now. You could make it downtown in about thirty minutes and still get there on time.”

“I could but …” Elise hesitated then abruptly added, “I can’ t …” She couldn’t voice the words—she had everything, down to the last penny budgeted—and parking downtown was an arm, a leg and a couple of someone else’s toes.

Officer Montgomery placed a hand over hers. “I’m really sorry.”

His touch was wonderful. She centered her self-control with a quickness. “What’s done is done. Recently my life has been hit with more curve balls than a dodge ball tournament. So I’m going home to regroup. I’ll be fine.” Her voice wavered on the last sentence, but she took a deep breath, tossed her hair over her shoulder, and held her head high. Seconds later, she turned the key in the ignition to start the car. “Take care.”

Officer Montgomery reached for her hand again. “No, you’re not,” he ordered. “You will park your car in that lot just ahead. Then you’ll get into my car and I’ll get you to work on time.” He stepped back and finished, “That’s what you’re going to do.”

She looked at him, her tears blurring her vision. “That’s what I’m going to do?”

He nodded.

Elise took a moment before whispering, “All right, then.”

Officer Montgomery headed for his squad car again and added, “I’ll be right behind you.”

This time, she did smile … a little.

(  Continued…  )

© 2014 All rights reserved. Book excerpt reprinted by permission of the authors from Macro Literary All-Stars (M-LAS).  Do not reproduce, copy or use without the author’s written permission. This excerpt is used for promotional purposes only.

Purchase Signed, Sealed, Delivered … I’m Yours
http://www.amazon.com/Signed-Sealed-Delivered-Im-Yours-ebook/dp/B00MNSZ7I2

Who is M-LAS?
Macro Literary All-Stars (M-LAS)  is an author support group of Macro Marketing & Promotions Group clients which was founded by Naleighna Kai in May 2014. Our main purpose is to grow, learn to write new genres, and cross-promote each other. 

Our mission is to build a broad base of mainstream readers and travel the country to events that will connect us with book clubs and avid readers. Our ultimate goal is to land on the national bestsellers lists—together. The group features: national best-selling author, Naleighna Kai, award-winning authors, J. L. Woodson, Janice Pernell, Susan D. Peters, and L. A. Lewis, bestselling authors: Joyce A. Brown and Candy Jackson, Martha Kennerson, D. J. McLaurin, Valarie Prince, and debut author, Tanishia Pearson-Jones.

Find out more about M-LAS members and upcoming projects on http://www.macrompg.com

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Reason by Victoria Elaine Jones

Things done in the dark don’t just come to light; they come to Reason. The horrific news of the murder-suicide that orphaned eight-year-old, Jean, sent the town into a panic, and separated best friends, Jean and Sincere. No one questioned Jean’s sudden disappearance after she was found beside her Daddy’s body and covered in his blood. Sincere, too, lost herself that fateful day and was left to be raised by Mama Kinney, who has been hiding the depths of her own emotional wounds.

Everyone in the town moved on, or so they thought, until Miranda, a woman with a striking resemblance to Jean, moves into Reason, pulling the stitches out of a septic wound and stepping into it. Miranda is hell-bent on revenge and finally meting out justice to all who deserve. The town will have to revisit the cataclysmic events of that tragic day and accept punishment for their roles, however minor they may seem.

Sincere might be the only one with the power and knowledge to soothe Miranda’s blood thirst, but Sincere has her own demons to conquer. Will she stop Miranda in time, or will Miranda send Reason into shock, and leave with blood on her hands, again?

Purchase Reason by Victoria Elaine Jones
http://www.amazon.com/Victoria-Elaine-Jones/e/B00K3ANVYY

Intimate Conversation with Victoria Elaine Jones

Victoria Elaine Jones is a writer, lawyer, and mother living in Dallas, Texas. Her poetry has been published in several magazines and anthologies. Reason is her debut novel.

BPM:  How did you get to be where you are in your life today? Who or what motivated you?
I am the product of so many people’s love and assistance, it’s not even funny. I’ve had teachers and community members and agencies and friends who took a personal interest in my life from day one. I actually acknowledge two of them in this novel, Ms. Lenigan, whose first name I never knew, and Ms. Logan, with whom I still have a close relationship. Ms. Lenigan was the student teacher in my 3rd grade class, but she was the first person ever to encourage me to write. That was important because at the time she knew me, my home life was really tumultuous and there wasn’t a lot of support. My regular teacher only saw me as this student who missed a bunch of school and never turned in assignments, but it was wonderful to have this teacher take a personal interest in me. I never saw her again, wouldn’t know how to track her down if I wanted to, but I said that to remind everyone of the impact a teacher can have on a child, and of the need to sometimes see what’s below the surface. Some children seem like problem kids but they really just need a little extra love. And then Ms. Logan was the first person to introduce me to feminism, although we talk sometimes about how my feminism has evolved and distinguished itself from her, but she wonderfully was willing to bring her own passions to a class of 6th grade kids.

BPM:  Who does your body of literary work speak to? Do you consider authors as role models?
I have been in love with Toni Morrison since I was maybe 12 years old. I think I read Song of Solomon first, and I just fell in love. I enjoy how she’s able to contain multiple stories in one, while still creating a consistent narrative. She makes each character distinguishable and interesting, without detracting from the main character. When I was in middle school, about the time I discovered feminism, I started reading everything I could find by her, Richard Wright, Anais Nin was my secret pleasure, sooooo many romance novels, Gabrielle Garcia Marquez, Charles Beautillaire, who was it who wrote A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, there were such wonderful stories in books! My mom had no clue that I was living in this very adult world, and she could never punish me because you can’t really take away books from kids.

BPM:  What inspired you to sit down and actually start writing this book? Why now?
My writing is character-driven. And I have no idea where the ideas come from, they always feel to me as if they just are. Like, they exist independent of me, these are real stories, real people. I’m just transcribing their lives.

BPM:  What did you enjoy most about writing this?
These characters had been living in my head for so long.  I was glad to get them on paper and leave a little space for some other people to take root and grow.

BPM:  Where do your book ideas come from? Are your books plot driven or character-driven?  Why?
Reason is a revenge novel, really. It’s all about justice, about community justice and how sometimes we get it right, sometimes we get it wrong. Sometimes we judge people based on what we know and we’re not wrong, exactly, we’re just ignorant. In Reason, the town acts on their limited knowledge and their actions harm a little girl. The girl acts on her limited knowledge and harms someone else. Everyone in the town has little bits and pieces of knowledge, and they’re all trying to do what they believe is right, but they’re all also acting in a way that harms others, too. So I guess it’s also about how we treat one another, and how we protect ourselves.

BPM:  Give us some insight into your main characters or speakers. What makes each one so special?
Each of the characters in Reason has an entire backstory that is the foundation of why they do what they do. Some of them, I tell you their backstory. But many of them, you just have to wonder. Maybe in the next book… But what I hope is that my readers, they might not like a person, they might not agree with what they do, but I hope they will understand things from that character’s perspective and consider whether they might not do the same, given the same information.

BPM:  Are there under-represented groups or ideas featured if your book?  If so, discuss them.
Of course there are! Reason has everything that is me, so while there are some issues of race and gender, there are also themes of sexual orientation, religion, and inter-generational considerations.

BPM:  How does your book relate to your present situation, education, spiritual practice or journey?
So my writing is where I really get to be me, and where I get to bring all the conflicting parts of me together. I define myself as a fiscally-conservative, religiously-conservative radical leftist liberal Black feminist. So as you might imagine, different parts of me are constantly at war with others. My writing gives me the opportunity to explore all of those different facets without judgment, to let them confront each other. Sometimes I learn things about myself in my writing. So when I finished Reason, for example, I started thinking maybe I have some issues with religion that I need to resolve, because I tend in this book to portay a stark contrast between religion and “true religion.” Of all the characters in the book, there is one woman, Lady, that I think has the truest sense of religion and yet she’s living in a house with several men with whom she has ongoing sexual relations!

BPM:   Did you learn anything personal from writing your book? Can you share some stories about people you met while researching this book?
I didn’t really spend a lot of time researching Reason. In truth, when Reason happened it just poured out of me. I couldn’t stop it, I was writing 20, 30 pages every night. I was in law school at the time, and I was like a robot. Every answer I gave was exact, because I spent all my time in my head writing. Ironically, my friends at the time all said I sounded brilliant when I spoke in class, and people would come to me asking me to explain stuff, but I had no idea what I said. All I could think about was Reason, I was living in the town and dealing with the characters all the time. There wasn’t any time to slow down and actually go research anything.

BPM:   What were your goals and intentions in this book, and how well do you feel you achieved them?
My goals in writing Reason were simple. Truth is, I’d write it if there was no audience. The characters deserve a platform, they deserve to be written, and so I did. No motives involved, just to give them their due.

BPM:   What projects are you working on at the present?
Right now I’m writing A Thin Line, my next book. It actually predates Reason and takes place very nearby, and there are a couple of characters from Reason whose backstories get explored in A Thin Line. I’m utterly in love with one of the characters, would totally marry another, hate-love a third, I want to comfort and hold a fourth, and the fifth one, I just think she’s stupid. I wonder how I’ll feel about them all when it’s finished!

BPM:   How can readers discover more about you and your work?
Well, right now I’m on tour with Reason. People who want to know more should visit my website at http://www.victoriaelainejones.com and sign up for the mailing list, so they can be in the know when new things happen. And if you’ve already bought the book for yourself, buy a copy for your best friend.

Purchase Reason by Victoria Elaine Jones
http://www.amazon.com/Reason-Enterprises-Presents-Victoria-Elaine/dp/0985166436

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Was it Good For You Too? by Naleighna Kai

Tailan Song has four days to pull off the biggest accomplishment of her career or lose everything she’s worked so hard to gain. Throwing all her energy into making a Midwest tour for twenty-one authors work when everyone expects failure is certain to keep her mind off of the turmoil in her personal life. That is, until her high school sweetheart, Delvin Germaine, now an Oscar-winning actor, lands on the bus at the last minute, and the heartthrob spells certain trouble for Tailan.

Years before, the couple complicated their lives by bringing another woman into the relationship to bear Delvin’s children. When threatened with losing the family he always wanted, Delvin felt he had no choice but to marry the surrogate and send Tailan packing, in spite of the fact that he loved Tailan like he loved no other woman.

Now seven years later, Fate has given Delvin four days to right old wrongs, and he’ll use everything in his power to win Tailan back. Unfortunately, Tailan is harboring a secret that she’s kept not only from him, but from the world. His determination to have her will turn the tables and make him have to either share Tailan with another man or walk away from the strongest love he’s ever known.

 
“Was it Good For You Too? is sexy, sensational and an emotional rollercoaster that every reader will love to ride. Naleighna Kai has penned the perfect book to follow her provocative novel, Open Door Marriage.”
—Martha Kennerson, author of Choices and Consequences.
 

Excerpt:  Was it Good For You Too? by Naleighna Kai

Chapter 2

Delvin didn’t have a quick comeback for Tailan. He could only take in the anger flashing in her soft brown eyes. She had creamy golden skin, a pert nose, almond-shaped eyes, and inviting lips—a beautiful, exotic combination. She looked absolutely sexy with a touch of magnificent thrown in to give him an erection that could plow through rush hour traffic.

Anger often made Delvin play dirty. He tossed over his shoulder to Tailan’s boss, “I see I’m not the only star on this bus.”

The warning look David flashed Tailan made her whisper to Delvin, “I’m going to put you over my knee and spank that ass.” But she sat back down, scooting over to the window seat.

“Was that a promise or a threat?” he drawled.

She threw him a look that could melt the North Pole.

Delvin ignored her animosity and joined her. She kept her gaze firmly fixed outside the window, but he plucked the novel from her manicured fingers to get her attention and placed the book behind his back. “How’ve you been?”

Tailan’s eyes nearly cut him in half as her head snapped in his direction. She dashed a quick glance to David, who continued to throw daggers her way. She took a deep breath and mumbled, “I was wonderful until you showed up.” She gave a quick “I’ll get to you later” nod in David’s direction before turning her heated gaze again to Delvin. “You’re playing with my livelihood, Delvin,” she strained through a tight smile. “David is the Vice President of Nelson Entertainment Group. Because of you, he’s watching me more closely during one of the most challenging events of my career.”

“It’s your own fault. All—”

“Shut it,” Tailan commanded, snapping her fingers together like a duck’s beak. “It’s taken me months of fancy footwork and my best impression of James Brown’s baby, baby, baby pleeeeeeeassse, to get the publishers and big-box retailers on board.” Her eyelids dipped over her incredible eyes. Her lips pursed in a thin line, and Delvin realized he wanted to kiss them. She rubbed her temples as she continued. “Everyone expects this book tour to fail. David has already warned—hell, more like flat-out threatened—that if this tour doesn’t meet the projected numbers I guaranteed …” Tailan shook her head and turned away.

Being in her presence was pleasure and pain. Delvin had loved this woman since the summer he had found her hiding in a classroom at school. She had no place to go and had eaten her last meal two days before. Even in her most vulnerable state, she was still the most courageous person he knew. He loved her to this day, and he knew that would never change. He had to make things right between them.

Tailan dug in her bag for another book. He confiscated that one too.

She looked over to David, who was now completely absorbed in his tablet, then back to Delvin.

Delvin waited. Tailan said nothing. Delvin waited some more. She still remained stubbornly silent.

He blew out a weary breath. “Talk to me.” Delvin held out her coveted novel, and she placed it on her lap. “There’s nothing to talk about.”

“I’ve missed you.”

Tailan waved her hand dismissively. “No doubt,” she taunted. “Is your wife still serving it up to every Tom, Dick, and Harry, Sally, Sue, and Mary Jane?”

Delvin felt the volcanic rush of blood through him. “That was low, even for you, Tai.”

“Really?” she asked with a toothy grin. “I learned from the best, so I’ll take that as a compliment.”

Delvin’s surrogate-turned-last-minute wife had caused Tailan years of unnecessary tears and grief. Evidently that grief had turned into an anger so large it needed a zip code of its own.

After shooting three movies back to back, he had hoped this tour would afford him some quiet time to reflect on his next move in life, especially since Gabrielle’s publicist recently leaked a “major alert” that they weren’t divorcing—a blatant lie. His agent sold him on being part of the Woodland tour to promote his new novel. But Delvin saw the move for what it really was—a way to keep Delvin away from Gabrielle until this new issue was sorted out.

“You were engaged to me,” Tailan attacked, effectively pulling him back from his trip down a memory lane that had more potholes than a Chicago street. “She lied to you and you married her instead. You made your choice.”

“She was pregnant with my child—a child, may I remind you, that you told me to have with her!” he shot back. “Because you swore up and down you weren’t having one.”

Tailan sank deeper into her seat and studied him. The way her eyes traveled along every inch of his body triggered tremors of desire in him but also sparks of caution. He was right to be cautious, as she wasn’t about to let him off the hook.

“Are you really that dense? That child isn’t even yours,” she countered. “If it is, that was the loooooongest pregnancy known to man. Ten-and-a half months, right? She was on a movie set those first two months. Last time I checked, numbers don’t lie. The truth is plain. But then again, I didn’t marry her, so that’s not my business.”

Delvin felt humiliation erode his normally stoic features.

“So, you still want to talk, sweetheart?” She flipped open her novel and looked down at the pages.

(  Continued…  )

© 2014 All rights reserved. Book excerpt reprinted by permission of the author, Naleighna Kai.  Do not reproduce, copy or use without the author’s written permission. This excerpt is used for promotional purposes only.

Purchase Was it Good For You Too?
Contemporary Fiction
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NBA6Q8G

About the Author
Naleighna Kai is the national bestselling author of Open Door Marriage, Every Woman Needs a Wife, co-author of Signed, Sealed, Delivered … I’m Yours, and Baring it All: The Ins and Outs of Publishing. She started writing in December of 1999, independently publishing her first two novels before acquiring a book deal with an imprint of Simon & Schuster and most recently a book deal with an independent publishing house. She is a contributing author to a New York Times Bestseller, an award-winning author, and The E. Lynn Harris Author of Distinction.

Naleighna is the CEO of Macro Marketing & Promotions Group, the founder of Macro Literary All-Stars (M-LAS), as well as the marketing consultant to several national bestselling and aspiring writers. She is also the brainchild behind the annual Cavalcade of Authors events which takes place in her hometown of Chicago. Naleighna pens contemporary fiction, erotica, and speculative fiction and is currently working on her next novels: Rich Woman’s Fetish and Slaves of Heaven.

http://www.naleighnakai.com
https://twitter.com/NaleighnaKai
https://www.facebook.com/naleighnakai

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Kenton’s Vintage Affair by Janice L. Dennie

Unemployed chef, Briana Rutledge, inherits a cottage on one thousand acres of land in California’s Napa Valley, making her a millionaire. She sets out to turn the cottage into her dream restaurant. But others have agendas to destroy Briana and her plans.

The Underwood brothers have inherited the character DNA of their male ancestors, a line of old fashioned southern gentlemen who took great pride in protecting women and children. As the eldest brother, Kenton Underwood has been betrayed and no longer believes women need his protection.  He has no room for love until he meets sexy, understated, Briana Rutledge, who finds a special place in his heart. But Briana harbors a deep seated fear that prevents their future happiness. Kenton has also been scarred by an obsession that fuels his competitive behavior.

Can their relationship survive Kenton’s obsession and Briana’s fear?

Order Kenton’s Vintage Affair by Janice L. Dennie
www.amazon.com/Kentons-Vintage-Affair-Underwoods-Valley-ebook/dp/B00NS4KW0I

SNEAK PEAK: KENTON’S VINTAGE AFFAIR

“Want some wine?”

“Sure, I’ll have a glass.”

Kenton walked over to the butler’s pantry to select a bottle of wine.  He grabbed two red wine glasses, a corkscrew and walked back to the sofa.  After leaving the wine bottle on the coffee table, he walked over to his Bose docking station and selected the John Legend song, Best You Ever Had from his iPod.  As the music began to play, and the base thumped, Kenton sang along with the song. Baby tonight’s the night….

The excitement of hearing Kenton’s melodic voice singing along with the music added shine to Briana’s eyes. She watched Kenton hold out his hands beckoning her to dance with him. He pulled her up from the sofa. “Come on baby let’s dance.” A faint light twinkled in the depths of his eyes when he pulled her up, holding her around her waist.  He pressed her body to his, spinning, swaying and dipping her.  Briana realized he was stepping Chicago style. Determined to keep up with his pace, Briana felt dizzy following his lead.  She hadn’t stepped in a long time, but the movements came back, like riding a bike. Briana felt alive dancing, spinning, swaying, dipping and twirling in Kenton’s arms.

Kenton complimented her. “You’re a good dancer,” he said, holding her in his embrace.  He continued to sing along with the song. I don’t wanna brag….  Briana grinned and leaned her head back in delight.  He slowed down, and sang into her hair I’ll be the best you’ve ever had….

“You remembered my favorite artist.” Briana closed her eyes as she laughed.  The sound of the music, the smoothness of Kenton’s dancing and singing fascinated Briana. Kenton was the best man she’d ever known.

“How could I forget?” Kenton said in between words to the song.

Briana began to sing along with Kenton. They sang her favorite part simultaneously with loud voices, the best you ever had….  They both paused for a few seconds which felt like an eternity.  Within seconds, Briana snapped back into real time, although she felt as if she’d been hanging in space for hours.  Looking into Kenton’s eyes, she melted in the tenderness of his gaze.

Kenton twirled her around and then pulled her close. Staring into her eyes, he gave Briana a smoldering look.  “How did you like that?”

(  Continues…  )

Copyright  © 2014 by Janice L. Dennie.  All rights reserved.  Book excerpt reprinted by permission of the author, Janice L. Dennie.  This excerpt is used for promotional purposes only.  Do not reproduce, copy or use without the publisher’s written permission.  Copyright infringement is a serious offense.  Share a link to this page or the author’s website if you like this promotional excerpt.

Order Kenton’s Vintage Affair by Janice L. Dennie.  This title is available now on Amazon.com at:
www.amazon.com/Kentons-Vintage-Affair-Underwoods-Valley-ebook/dp/B00NS4KW0I

 

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BAN Radio Special: Alexandra Lane – A Vision of Angels:The Battle Begins

Alexandra Lane reads from the suspenseful novel A Vision of Angels: The Battle Begins on BAN Radio. Listen to the author’s interview with Ella Curry and the exciting reading from the book: http://tobtr.com/s/6070859

A Vision of Angels: The Battle Begins by Alexandra Lane

 What happens when you’re born into a world of darkness where there are no choices? 
Where the undercurrents of evil are so strong you can’t fight your way out.  What do you do?

Minty, a slave, was born into a world that offered no solace, no happiness but more than anything, no hope.  But on a cold, bitter night, Minty will be forced into making one of the hardest decisions of her life; to leave everyone that she knows and loves behind.  Her decision will bring forth an evil that will stop at nothing to keep her from reaching her destiny.  For it knows, it sees what Minty does not.

Jack, a loner with a dark past, and a few men will pursue her in the dark swamps of Maryland, along with Red, a sinister gray-eyed man who is the perfect embodiment of evil.

Unaware of what’s waiting for him at Little Canyon, Jack will be faced with unbelievable events that will cast him into some of the most frightening experiences of his life.

A weary search, wrought with unexplainable happenings, will begin to take its toll.  Fateful choices will be made.  Choices that will bring about an unimaginable outcome.

This story is a looking glass into the world of angels and the incredible feats they performed for the sake of these two lives.  To understand why, you will have to read the story.  This is about hope in the face of hopelessness and redemption when one feels there is none. 


Chapter Excerpt:  The Beginning
 
Minty has just suffered a horrific beating by one of the slave masters who believed she  and a few other slaves were trying to escape.  She’s lying on the ground unconscious because the pain was unconscionable.  Zacharius, one of the young male slaves picks her up and takes her to her mother, Old Rit.  This is a pivotal moment in the book. 

(Readers, please keep in mind these are slaves, so they will speak differently.)

Zacharias quickly carried Minty to her mother’s quarters and stood before the door, kicking it and yelling for Old Rit to let him in. Old Rit opened the door with concern etched in her face. When she saw her daughter’s flaccid body draped in the young man’s arms, her eyes immediately reflected the fear that rose up inside her.

“She ain’t dead! She jus’ passed out,” said Zacharias.

Old Rit looked up at the young man to make sure she heard him correctly.

“She ain’t dead,” he repeated.

“Take her and lay her in dah bed.”

Old Rit scrambled around the room looking for salve and clean rags.

Zacharias gently laid Minty on the bed and then turned toward Old Rit with the front of his shirt soaked with her blood.

“I’s kin fetch some water from dah well fo’ ya, but den I’s gotta go and work dah fields befo’ old man

Brodess finds out where I is.”

Then Zacharias grabbed a small tin bucket on the floor and ran out the door.

As many times as Old Rit had seen her daughter like this, it never got any easier, for tears would still well up in her eyes, but this was the worst she had seen.

Almost immediately, Zacharias returned with the bucket, and with water spilling everywhere, he fretfully placed it on the floor in front of Old Rit then quickly left out running toward the lumber yard.

As she sat cleaning Minty’s cuts, she began to think about her daughter’s plight and what her end would be on this earth. Minty thought she had a right to humanity and to freedom, and because of that very thought, she was subjected to many beatings. She knew Minty’s stubborn nature, along with her illness, would either get her killed or sold, for she was as rebellious as a wild stallion.

However, some of the younger slaves didn’t agree with her ways. They said she was a twenty-seven-year old married woman, and she should know better. They never quite understood why she just wouldn’t humble herself and simply follow the master’s rules as they did.

After regaining consciousness, Minty realized she was lying on her mother’s bed, naked and bleeding. With her jaws tight and her face stern, she secretly promised herself and God that Ben would never beat her again.

“Ouch!” Minty yelled as her mother sat by her side spreading salve on the open wounds. But the constant writhing from the sting of the herbal ointments was making it difficult for Old Rit to apply.

“Now you’s gotta try and lie still why I’s fix yo wounds ‘cause you’s got quite a few of dem dis time,” she said.

“It hurts, Momma!”

“I’s know, baby, but you’s gotta go through dah pain to get to dah healin’.” Then silence filled the room as Old Rit worked on her daughter’s body like a skilled doctor.

“I’s had enough, Momma,” Minty suddenly said, breaking the silence. “I’s can’t take no mo. Two days ago, Zacharias told me ’bout a white man, a abolishnist that was helpin’ slaves scape ta dah North. So ’bout three months ago, I’s went to ’im, and he gave me a map showin’ me how ta get ta dah river where’s  a boat would be waitin’ that would take me up north, close ta a place called a safe house,” she explained.

“Is that what got ya like dis? Minty, ba—”

“No, Momma!” Minty shouted. “I’s got no choice.”

“Minty, you’s can’t trust ‘im, baby. You’s don’t know nuttin’ ’bout ’im.”

“If I stay, I’s gonna die.” Minty paused. “I’s gonna die, Momma. And I don’t wanna die. Not like dis… not like dis.” Then Minty broke down and began to cry.

Old Rit tearfully looked at her daughter then reached down to embrace her, but she quickly let her go when Minty screamed out from the painful touch.

Then she leaned back and looked at Minty’s body. She saw the deep bloody cuts, her bruised and busted lip, and the welt marks that were grotesquely displayed on her body. She realized that her daughter survived, once again, but the day would come when she would not. She gently rubbed Minty’s head and began to slowly shake her head in agreement.

Old Rit could see that Minty’s once vibrant spirit was slowly fading, not only from the beatings but from the struggle to be free. She knew that it was out of her hands and that it was now in God’s.

Then suddenly the door to Old Rit’s quarters violently flew open. Minty’s husband, John, burst into the room. Minty raised her head. Then she strained a little harder, looking into his eyes. Her face quickly changed.

John, a tall, average-built man, stood in the doorway breathing heavily with his chest visibly heaving up and down. He had run all the way from town when he heard the news of Minty’s savage beating. Seeing her battered body and her blood-soaked clothes lying on the floor next to the bed was more than he could take. He was neither happy nor thrilled at the fact that Minty was still alive. Instead, he was furious.

“I’s told you you’d get a beatin’ if you didn’t learn ta shut yo mouth!” he said. “Sneakin’ round here, always talkin’ bout escapin’. Where’s ya gonna go? You’s need ta stop thinkin’ you’s better than everyone else. Thinkin’ you’s kin say or do whateva you’s want. Have ya forgot that you’s a slave?” Then he slammed his fist against the door, making a small dent. “Well, let me help ya! You’s a slave, dammit!”

John abruptly turned to leave out the small quarters, but he turned back around and pointed his calloused finger at Minty.

“You’s best start thinkin’ ’bout how you’s gonna change yo ways befo’ you get both o’ us kilt.”

Then he turned and walked out the door, slamming it behind him. He slammed it so hard that it rebounded off the framed doorway and swung back open.

 “Minty, he’ll neva understand how you’s feel. He be a free man, bone that way. You’s runnin’ away and gettin’ yo freedom means him losin’ his wife and bein’ alone. Ya see how he acts when you’s talk ta him ’bout bein’ free. You’s kin see it in his eyes. He don’t want ya ta leave, and he’ll do whateva he can ta stop it. Even said he’ll tell ole man Brodess if you’s kept talkin’ bout it. You knows dis ta be true.”

Minty slowly laid her head back down and blankly stared at the open doorway. Something was changing…something in her.

 Then unexpectedly, in the midst of staggering summer heat, the whisper of a cool breeze blew in through the open doorway and encircled Minty’s face and body. The breeze felt as if God was blowing his divine breath upon her battered and bruised body. So Minty closed her eyes and welcomed the comfort that the cool breeze bestowed upon her stinging wounds.

Old Rit looked at her daughter and smiled as she gently rubbed her head, for as the old folk would say, God was whispering to her soul. 

(  Continued…  )

© 2014 All rights reserved. Book excerpt reprinted by permission of the author, Alexandra Lane.  Do not reproduce, copy or use without the author’s written permission. This excerpt is used for promotional purposes only.


Purchase A Vision of Angels: The Battle Begins
Genre:  Historical Fiction, Suspense, Inspirational, Fantasy, and Christian Fiction

Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/Vision-Angels-Alexandra-Lane-ebook/dp/B008S19ODW

Barnes and Noble.com
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-vision-of-angels-alexandra-lane/1108912950  

 

Intimate Conversation with Alexandra Lane

Alexandra Lane was born in Fayetteville, NC but due to her father’s military career she has lived in various states and countries. To have the opportunity to become familiar with other cultures and their traditions was an uplifting and educational journey. One she was glad to have participated in.

She later returned to Fayetteville where she attended Fayetteville State University and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration/Management. Upon graduation she worked in the financial world of banking. Although she enjoyed her years as a Banking Center Manager she wanted to devote more of her time to writing and telling compelling stories. This is her first novel. She is currently working on her second.

BPM: Can you share a little of your current work with us? Introduce us to your book. 
A Vision of Angels: The Battle Begins is the story of a woman name Minty, a slave and Jack, a slave hunter. Both their lives are shattered beyond what most people would be able to bear.

Minty will make a decision to run away to save her life and Jack and a few men will pursue her in the dark swamps of Maryland. However, Jack is unaware of what he is about to encounter at a place called, Little Canyon. Unimaginable, is how I would describe what happens next. Evil is amongst them, but more than anything, it is very aware of these two souls.

This story is a looking glass into the world of Angels and the incredible feats they performed for the sake of these two lives. This is a story of hope in the face of hopelessness and redemption even when one feels there is none.  Of course, you will have to read the story to understand why.

BPM: Where do your book ideas come from? Are your books plot driven or character driven?  
The idea came about one day when I was watching a daytime talk show. There was a man on the show that described an incredible situation where he survived a paragliding incident that should’ve robbed him of his life. But thankfully, he lived. However, he went on to say he was incredibly “lucky.”

I saw it different. I saw his angels safely guiding him to earth because his purpose had not yet been fulfilled here on earth. So I wondered how amazing it must look to see our angels in action. How does it look when they’re doing extraordinary things behind the scenes for us? Like saving us from danger, protecting us from harm and even guiding us through life? That is when the story was born.

So far as plot or character driven, I would have to say that this is more character driven because I wanted to focus more on the people in the story. Who they are, and what made them that way. We are all flawed in some way, but there are some people who have more challenges and bigger road blocks in their lives. As a result they develop certain “defenses” to help them cope with the more strenuous obstacles of life. It makes for some very interesting outcomes.

BPM: Give us an insight into your main characters. What makes each one so special? 
Well the main characters are Minty, Jack and Red. What makes Minty special is her spirit. Even as a slave she doesn’t lose hope. She never stops believing that she can, one day, be free. Even when everything around her, the environment, the other slaves and her husband, says NO YOU CAN’T.

Jack is special because his life started out one way but made a drastic turn when his parents died. He tries hard to fight the dark emotions that try to rule over him but it’s difficult. He actually has a good heart but it worthless to him. So, he just drifts through life trying to run from a past he hates but realizes it follows you wherever you go.

Red is different. He was born with these awful, menacing eyes that frightens everyone. But as he gets older and begins to partake in some unsavory acts, those eyes are not only frightening but they become occupied with something more sinister than himself.

And I don’t want to make light of Patty and Melinda because they are both instrumental in the story as well. Patty is the owner/madam of a saloon. Her reason for becoming a madam is very interesting.

Melinda is a young woman who was taken in by Patty when she was kicked out of her aunt’s home. However, things begin to take a turn when she and Jack meet for the first time.

BPM: Can you outline some areas where your characters dealt with issues that are in current affairs?
Yes. Although this story takes place in 1849 around the time of slavery, I picked this time to show that even in the direst situations, there is still hope. Keep in mind slavery can come in many forms. Sometimes we are enslaved to our environment: Poverty, crime, drugs, domestic violence, abuse and the list goes on and on. Sometimes when it’s all you know and you don’t see a way out, it’s easier to give in and accept it as your fate. (Just as the other slaves did in this story) But I strongly believe you can change your outcome.

A Vision of Angels is a story about hope, looking beyond your circumstances and what everyone else is saying and doing and fighting for a better life. Start preparing, set a plan in motion, study hard, hold onto patience and above all have faith in God and follow your angel that He has assigned to you. Do these things and you can make it out of whatever hell you may be in.

Is it going to be easy? No. Are there bumps and bruises in attempting to free yourself? Yes, many. But how great is the reward that awaits when you’re finally free.

BPM: What would you like for readers to take away from your writing? 
Psalms 91:11 says, “For He shall give His angels charge over thee in all thy ways. The translation of the word “angel” is “messenger.” Simply put, Angels are God’s messengers. What I want people to take away from this story is that we have all been assigned an angel…or two. (Smile) God sent them to help guide us on this journey, therefore, we need to listen when they are trying to do their job.

Whenever you hear a still, quiet voice in your spirit saying, Take her some food and Buy the child some clothes or sometimes a strong urge may come over you to call a friend or family member you haven’t spoken to in years. Do it, there’s a reason for it. And in some cases they have messages of warnings. For example, you’re getting ready to take a ride with someone that maybe you just met, but all of a sudden this overpowering feeling/warning comes over you and you know you shouldn’t get in that car or Stay away from that place. This is your angel trying to guide you in life as well as protect you. Each act we perform or obey takes us closer to fulfilling our purpose.

And have you ever noticed that when you “do” listen, you’re so glad you did?! Sometimes, it is revealed to us later why we were told to do what we did. Makes you smile. Makes you feel really good inside.

BPM: What defines success for you, as a published author?
When someone calls you or leaves a message and tells you how much they loved your story. As an author, at least for me, it’s not always easy putting a story together but when you finally complete your story, that is the most gratifying feeling. But what’s more exciting is when others read your book and get just as excited about the story as you did when you were writing it. When they say it made them feel good or how they really liked a certain character. When I hear the words, suspenseful, inspirational, blessing or better yet, it made them think. To me, that is success! A wonderful feeling to have.

BPM: Were there any challenges in bringing this story to life? 
Yes, yes and yes to all of the above. Writing in a different time period is a challenge in itself. You have to research the clothes, the words, everything. You have to stay in that time and not forget that there are certain words we say today that were not used back in that time. Certain mannerisms and behaviors were more acceptable back then but not today. So, I had fun learning about those little details that we don’t really think about every day.

BPM: Our life experiences, challenges and success help define who we are on a personal and professional level. At what point in your career did you discover your real worth and own it? 
Actually, there are several points in my life that I can reflect on that shaped who I am today but I will address this particular one. My first trial in life came when I became a divorcee and I had three children to raise on my own. Whew! That was a tough one. I had to move to a place that my kids weren’t use to living in, but that was so I could go to college and hopefully provide a better life for them. I had always wanted to go but I didn’t have the money or any scholarships or rich relatives. LOL. I honestly didn’t know where to start.

So, I went to the college and spoke to the administrators and they were wonderful in guiding me on where to begin. But in pursuing this journey, I had to “back up” in life in order to go forward and I also had to be patient and stay focused on the end game and not my current situation. You realize how strong you are as a mother and as a person when you have very little to live off of and nowhere to pull from. But when I finished college and walked across that stage to receive my degree the REWARD was far greater than the struggle and the pain I endured.

I can’t find the words to describe how it felt to get a good paying job and what it felt like to move your family into a better home and neighborhood and comfortably provide for them.

One day, while sitting at my computer and thinking back on my life, I wrote this short poem for myself. Of course, I titled it, New Beginnings:

**A new beginning represents the journey and transition of a woman. Her struggles through difficult times and the transformation she undergoes. Strength is the gift given to each woman that has had to start over in her life, for her choices were few, and her path reset. And for every dramatic change she endures, like the butterfly, she emerges stronger, wiser and more beautiful. When you thought you couldn’t run any further, you now realize you have wings…and you can soar. **

This poem hangs on my wall in my room as a reminder of what I was brought through. Thank you, God.

Website: http://alexandralane.tateauthor.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/avisionofangels
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexandra.lane11


Purchase A Vision of Angels: The Battle Begins
Available on Kindle and Nook and in print 


Barnes and Noble.com:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-vision-of-angels-alexandra-lane/1108912950 

 

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BAN Radio Sun. Oct. 12 at 5:30pm – Evening with Terrance Tykeem

FEATURED BOOKS:
1. Guilty By Reason Of Arrest by Terrance Tykeem

2. Touched: When Innocence is Stolen the Pain Lasts Forever by Terrance Tykeem

Join us for a lively book discussion on BAN Radio Show,  Sunday, Oct. 12, 2014  at  5:30 PM (EST) by calling into the live radio show:  646.200.0402.  Or click here the night of the show, to listen: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/black-author-network

About Terrance Tykeem
Terrance Tykeem was born in Atlanta,Georgia, spending equal time between Atlanta and Philadelphia before becoming an NFL walk-on. Due to early injury his NFL career was short lived and Terrance deftly transitioned into the entertainment industry.

Terrance has signed with two different record labels and developed a TV show called the Players Club. [ A show whose name he eventually sold to Rapper and Director “ICE CUBE”.]

In recent years Terrance’s focus has shifted to social reform which resulted in the 2013 release of “Guilty by Reason of Arrest” and his third book “Touched” in 2014.

His second and third books, deal with mass incarceration and child molestation, respectively. Growing up between relatives and the Foster care system Terrance provides first hand insight into the issues plaguing our communities.

As a writer, speaker, and activist, Terrance is not afraid to challenge the system and does not shy away from asking or answering difficult questions. Terrance has founded the We Stand Up Coalition a non-profit that tours nationally providing education and awareness on such issues.

We Stand Up Coalition
Website: http://www.we-stand-up.org

Terrance Tykeem | Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/terrance.tykeem


Guilty By Reason Of Arrest by Terrance Tykeem
There have been countless books, movies, TV Shows and documentaries describing the criminal justice system and the people who control it. What they all have failed to do is make clear the true motives of those behind what can actually be described as the “In-Justice system”.

The police, politicians, court and prison officials have waged war on the poor and minority citizens of this country for financial and political reasons among others, while successfully turning millions of our nations less fortunate into commodities and stock options in the process.

Each of these five step chapters will do what others have refused to, by describing in great detail who, where, when and why the self-proclaimed land of the free has become the world leader in incarcerating and disenfranchising it’s poor.

Guilty By Reason of Arrest, will not only shed light on what has become a human rights atrocity, but also provide a blueprint to assist scores of others from getting caught up in an ever expanding web.

Touched: When Innocence is Stolen the Pain Lasts Forever by Terrance Tykeem

There will be 500,000 babies born this year in the United States alone that will be sexually molested before the age of 18 (http://cachouston.org/child-sexual-abuse-facts). This means there are more than 42 million adult survivors of child sexual abuse in the U.S.( Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2006). Children of every gender, age, race, ethnicity, background, socioeconomic status and family structure are at risk.

It isn’t strangers our children have to fear…

Most child sexual abusers are respected members of the community drawn to settings where they gain easy access to children like schools, clubs and churches. Even worse to comprehend is when the abuser is a parent, foster parent, or relative.

The two individuals that allowed me to share their heartbreaking stories of molestation are part of a fraternity of millions whose lives have been forever changed by individuals that were entrusted to be their protectors but instead would become their tormentors.

“What I do know is that sexual abuse is completely preventable. We, as parents, educators, siblings, and caretakers should bear the responsibility to take all measures to keep our children safe. When we allow our children to have their innocence stolen it saddles the victims with feelings of shame, self hatred and pain. The long term consequences can be devastating” – T. Tykeem

Books can be purchased on Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/Terrance-Tykeem/e/B00J1I7X20

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BAN Radio Oct. 13, Book Launch Party for Kristin L. Mitchell

FEATURED BOOK: He Wasn’t My Daddy: My Road to Restoration and Redemption.   Join us for the book launch party on BAN Radio Oct. 13, 2014  at  8:00 PM (EST) by calling into the live radio show:  646.200.0402.  Or click here the night of the show, to listen: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/black-author-network

Being a fatherless daughter has become a widespread epidemic, and author Kristin L. Mitchell is determined to produce a cure with her memoir,  He Wasn’t My Daddy: My Road to Restoration

Speaking from a very personal place; a hurtful place that, from time to time, she finds herself
revisiting, Kristin L. Mitchell shares her story based on her perspective—her upbringing and
how her mother raised her single-handedly, and life without her father. She shares how the
absence of her father detrimentally affected her, causing her to cling to situations and people,
looking for that unique love in all the wrong places and people.

He Wasn’t My Daddy is testimony to Mitchell’s love, her loss, her abandonment, and her
restoration! “Truly, a journey that so many women travel, I have written it in a way that I hope
will incite dialogue and bond fatherless daughters across generations, as many of us share the
same or similar experiences,” said Mitchell about her debut effort. When asked if she harbored
any hesitancy about releasing her story to the world, she said, “Admittedly, writing this book,
and sharing my story with the world was scary at first, but had become therapeutic.”

Kristin L. Mitchell’s story will travel you down the road to her restoration, in hopes of promoting
healing for other fatherless daughters. It will also allow you to explore the effect absent fathers
have on their daughters. The effect her absent father had on her.

“He Wasn’t My Daddy is honest, holds nothing back, and allows others to witness that it is okay
to expose all in an effort to heal open wounds,” said Mitchell. “This is my story. This is my road
to restoration!”

Kristin L. Mitchell  is available for speaking engagements, book signings, book club meetings,
and book fairs/events. To schedule her, please contact Nakia McGuire on 202.489.3282 or via email: n2m.mgmt@gmail.com

Purchase He Wasn’t My Daddy: My Road to Restoration and Redemption.
Amazon Link: http://amzn.com/B00NF5JRJW

Intimate Conversation with Kristin L. Mitchell

Kristin L. Mitchell, M.Ed. is a native Washingtonian. She graduated from Spelman College and George Mason University, with high honors and degrees in education and special education. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and enjoys a career as a special education teacher with the District of Columbia Public School system.

BPM: What motivated you to sit down and actually start writing this book? 
My relationship with an ex-boyfriend was my inspiration for writing, He Wasn’t My Daddy. The demise of this relationship catapulted into a platform that is relevant to millions of women across the globe. This platform is that of being a “fatherless daughter.” This relationship allowed me to realize that I was a “fatherless daughter” and that I had, “daddy issues.” Thusly, I began to realize the importance of having that father figure in your life, and the detriment that can be caused when that presence is absent, as in my case.

BPM: Does your upbringing or life experiences inspire your writing?
Absolutely! In this book, I am speaking from a very personal place. I am telling, “Kristin’s story, based on Kristin’s perspective.” My story is all about my upbringing, being raised by a single mother, and being a, “fatherless daughter.” I speak to how not having the presence of a father figure in my life affected me, how it caused me to cling onto situations and people and look for that unique love in all the wrong places.

BPM: Introduce us to your current work. What separates this story from the millions of other books on the shelves? Will the book become available in digital forms like Nook and Kindle?
You know, this is a story about love, loss, abandonment, and restoration! It truly takes you through the journey of a “fatherless daughter.” It is written in a way that bonds “fatherless daughters” across the world. It connects us by teaching and allowing the reader to see that so many of us share the same and/or similar stories, as it relates to this platform. It provides real-life examples of how to reach a happier ending; and most importantly, it’s expression of vulnerability and emotional exposure makes it easy for readers to relieve some of the shame and/or guilt for the decisions that they might have made, as a result of not having that father figure. He Wasn’t My Daddy is honest, holds nothing back, and allows for others to witness that it is okay to expose all, in an effort to heal open wounds. Yes, it will be available on Nook and Kindle.

BPM: Give us an insight into the relationships discussed in the book. What makes each one so special? 
The two biggest relationships that I discuss in the book are the relationship with my ex, L.B. and the relationship between my father and I. Where do I begin? My relationship with L.B. was my first real, “adult” relationship. I would have moved Heaven and Earth for that man. There was something about the genuine care and concern that I believed he felt for me that drew me into him. I mean, I don’t recall ever feeling as if a man felt that type of genuine care and concern about me before. He wanted the best for me, he cared about my well being, he was interested in my finishing undergrad; he just wanted the overall best for me. No wonder I latched on! I quickly and unknowingly, placed him on a pedestal: one so tall that I left no room for him to fall – no room for error. I believe this is where I subconsciously placed him in the role of a father figure. He became my “everything!”

After L.B. and I broke up, and I began to experience an, “emotional rollercoaster.” During the aftermath, I began to realize what I had subconsciously done; but it took me four long years! I realized that I did have, “daddy issues” and all this time, I was looking fort L.B. to fulfill that role. I mean I had never had my father around growing up. He was imprisoned when I was so young. All those years that I missed out on having my father around, affected me in a very subconscious way. All this time I thought that I was just looking for and yearning for L.B.’s love; when all the while, I was yearning for the love of my father; the type of love that L.B. would never have been able to give me, no matter how hard he tried. Needless to say, the book definitely speaks to my father and my estranged relationship and the journey that we are on to build what should have always been there.

BPM: What topics are primarily discussed? Did you learn anything personal from writing your book? 
Wow! This book delves deep. He Wasn’t My Daddy speaks to various topics, platforms. The primary one being that of, “fatherless daughters.” Additionally, I discuss mental illness, suicidal ideations, sexual promiscuity, love & relationships, and self-esteem. Writing this book was definitely therapeutic for me. It allowed me to uncover a LOT of deep-rooted baggage that I was blindly carrying around. Being able to share my story and connect with other women in the same and/or similar circumstances is a pure blessing!

BPM: What would you like for readers to take away from your writing? How do you go about reaching new readers? 
I want readers to take away that if I can make it, Lord knows they can too! I mean, the struggle is definitely real, and there will be days that seem unbearable. However, I want to be the voice that says, “You can make it. Don’t give up and stay the course.” Look at the bright side, having the opportunity to reconnect to your father, or any parent is a blessing. It allows you to learn more about yourself, repair other broken relationships, set realistic expectations and ways of being for romantic relationships, and it opens up so many doors for emotional healing.

Lastly, I want readers to realize just how much not having a relationship with a parent can affect romantic relationships. We wonder why we as women put up with so much from the men in our lives; here is a good reason why!

BPM: What defines success for you, as a published author? What are your ambitions for your writing career? What would you like to accomplish after the book is released? 
To me, success can’t really be defined or measured. Success is your personal satisfaction with self, both professionally and personally. That is very different for everyone and depending on where you are in your life, it can change for the individual as well. Don’t try to be successful; if you’re anything like me, you will run yourself into the ground trying to keep up with yourself. Rather, work toward accomplishing whatever realistic goals you set out for yourself. That’s it, that’s all!

BPM: What’s the most important quality a writer should have?
I believe that the most important quality a writer should have is transparency. I do not believe that you can truly affect change, inspire, and uplift people if you do not bring a strong sense of transparency. People want someone that they can relate to, someone who is not afraid to be vulnerable and share their story; with the hopes that someone else can benefit from it.

BPM: What are your expectations for this book? 
My expectations for this book are two things. The first being to continue to spark a nation-wide and worldwide dialogue about, “fatherless daughters.” It is important for women to understand that there are millions of other women out there who understand and have fought this struggle and that they are not alone. It is equally as important for them to realize that often time their personal and romantic relationships have a great potential to be negatively affected as a result of being a, “fatherless daughter.” 

Often time we do not realize the detriment that is caused, the cycles that we perpetuate and how the decisions we make are predicated on those primary relationships we build with our parents; and as daughters with our fathers. Perhaps, continuing this dialogue will open the eyes of many to this issue.

My second expectation of this book is to travel the world, being a voice for and connecting to women like me! What a more fulfilling experience? Let’s talk, allow me to share how made it through my darkest times, my mental illness, my suicidal attempts. Allow me to share the steps that my father and I have taken to mend our relationship, and how that has tremendously benefited my life and helped to uncover so many other broken relationships; and most importantly, allow me to share how the grace of God has kept me.

BPM: What are your goals as a writer? Do you set out to educate or inspire? Entertain? Illuminate a particular subject? 
My primary goals as a writer are to inspire, to uplift, to share, to connect, and to restore broken women.

BPM: How can readers discover more about you and you work?
The best ways to discover more about my work and me is to follow me on social media and invite me to speak at panel discussions and various events.

Connect with Kristin L. Mitchell
Website: www.hewasntmydaddy.com
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/KrisLMitchell
Instagram:  http://instagram.com/theekristinmitchell
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristin.mitchell.52

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BAN Radio Oct 15 – Endangered: A Novel by Jean Love Cush

FEATURED BOOK: Endangered: A Novel by Jean Love Cush.   Join us on Oct. 15, 2014  at  8:00 PM (EST) by calling into the live radio show:  646.200.0402.  Or click here the night of the show, to listen.
 
Readers can never really miss a BAN interview!  If you miss the live show, listen to the BAN Radio Show archives 24/7 from your device, phone, tablet or PC at: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/black-author-network

A MOTHER’S WORST FEAR…

                      A SON ACCUSED OF MURDER…

                                         A SYSTEM RIDDLED WITH BIAS…

An innocent black teenager is accused of murder in this provocative and compassionate thriller that skillfully probes issues of race, class, crime, and injustice and offers a searing portrait of modern America.

From the time her son, Malik, could walk, Janae Williams taught him that the best way to stay alive and out of trouble with the law was to cooperate. Terrified for his safety, she warned him, “raise your hands high, keep your mouth shut, and do whatever they say,” if the police ever stopped him. But when a wave of murders hits Philadelphia and fifteen-year-old Malik is arrested, Janae’s fear is compounded by guilt and doubt—would Malik have escaped jail if he’d run?

Unable to pay for legal fees, Janae reluctantly allows Roger Whitford, a white human rights attorney, to represent Malik. With the help of an ambitious private attorney named Calvin Moore, Roger is determined to challenge the entire criminal justice system and expose its inherent bias against all black men. Armed with two decades of research, the attorneys make the unprecedented argument that black males should be protected under the law as an endangered species.  This controversial case starts a media blitz that results in a firestorm of debate on race, prison and politics in America.

BOOK REVIEWS

“A page-turner.” ―Ebony Magazine

“Engaging … intriguing … Cush has crafted a compassionate story that commands the reader’s attention.”
―Publishers Weekly

“…frightening and realistic…Cush makes a passionate argument for the defense of young men whose only crimes were being born black in America.”
―Kirkus Reviews

“Endangered is a gripping tale that captivates from the first page to the very last. This phenomenal debut pulls at your heartstrings and exposes an unfair justice system while simultaneously engrossing you with skillful storytelling. It was amazing.”
—Ashley & Jaquavis, New York Times bestselling authors of The Cartel

“Cush, a former family law attorney, bravely tackles the important social issue of racial injustice, and her novel features many powerful scenes as mothers agonize over their crushed hopes for their sons.”
―Library Journal

“Jean Love Cush fashions a far-reaching, thought-provoking tale from the kind of tragedy found any day on local newscasts and in the small type of big-city newspapers.”
—Michael A. Fletcher, author of Being a Black Man in America and Supreme Discomfort

“Endangered by Jean Love Cush tells a heartwarming, insightful, and thought-provoking tale that is oftentimes all too true. The emotional impact is immediate. As a mother I could truly relate to the myriad emotions. As a Philadelphian, I can say this book is on point. It’s an infusion of masterful writing and raw emotion. It blew me away.”
—Celeste Norfleet, author of The Thrill of You

CHAPTER ONE

BEFORE THE SOUND OF THE SIRENS . . .

Four boys were hanging out on Fortieth Street. They had skipped school because they wanted to extend the Martin Luther King holiday weekend. They were dressed alike in blue jeans, leather jackets, and sneakers as if they were part of the same team. Except, one wore a green wool hat low on his head to protect his ears from the frigid cold.

The wind blew Malik Williams’s hoodie off his head, and he quickly snatched the covering back on. Eric Richardson’s numb hands were stuffed in his pants pocket. He drew his neck deeper into his leather jacket, wishing he had worn a scarf.

“Dude, give me some of your chips,” Eric said.

“I only have a little bit left,” D’Andre responded, flicking the outside of the foil bag with his gloved fingers.

“Then give me half of that.”

D’Andre extended the bag to Eric, then quickly tilted it to his own mouth and downed the rest of the crumbled potato chips.

Malik laughed. “Sucker! He played you.”

Eric shoved his hand, empty, back into his pants pocket. Embarrassed, he teased, “Who got played earlier today?”

Malik twisted his lips into a frown. “Man, you weren’t even there. What are you talking about?”

“Oh, snap!”  D’Andre instigated, “Tell us again. Tell us what said to Sean G.”

Feeling himself, Malik puffed out his chest. “I was like hell no!”

Suddenly, there was the sound of police sirens. The noise was getting closer, clearly heading toward the young boys. Louder and louder. The sound of fifty cats screaming. Malik could feel the building vibration of the noise through the soles of his sneakers. His heart began to beat faster.

The potato chip bag fell to the ground as red and blue lights flashed brightly against the dimming sky.

Eric tugged on his friend Malik’s arm, but Malik was an immoveable force. His mother’s words, which rang in his head, would not allow him to go along and escape with the others. For me, Malik, do what they say. He could see her warm smile in his mind and knew there was no way he was going to let her down. Eric tried to pull him again before running away at full speed, knowing the police were there to harm them, not help.

Malik spun around in a slow circle, a delayed reaction to his friends scrambling like ants to get behind closed doors. Before Malik could turn around completely, three Philly police cars came to a screeching halt in front of him, blowing up dis- carded fast-food wrappers, cigarette butts and mangled plastic bottles. Drivers’ and passengers’ doors swung open. Five officers exploded out of the cars with their guns drawn.

“Hands up! Hands up!” a short, white, balding man in uni- form ordered. The other four followed after him in V formation like geese migrating south.

Heavy, hot breath gushed from the lead officer’s mouth. His gun was pointed at Malik’s head. Four more barrels were directed at his chest.

“I didn’t do nothing,” Malik blurted as his hands went straight up. A lump formed in his throat, making swallowing almost impossible.

“Shut the f*uck up,” the lead officer demanded. “Do you have a gun? Do you have a weapon?”

The policeman, with the name RHINEHOLD in all black capital letters engraved on a small bronze-colored rectangle on his chest, took wide steps toward Malik. He positioned the gun inches away from the young man’s head. Malik could see into the dark emptiness of the barrel.

“No! No!” He pressed his eyes shut.

Using his free hand, Officer Rhinehold reached up for Malik’s arm and yanked it toward his back, forcing the boy to flip over and crash headfirst to the ground. The officer’s booted foot immediately pressed hard into his back.

Blood spilled from a deep tear in Malik’s skin just above his right cheek, as pain reverberated through his body. It was impossible to tell if the source of the pain was the boot in his back, the unnatural twist and crack his body made as he was flipped to the ground, or from when his face bounced off the cold concrete like a deflated basketball.

He tasted blood. He was afraid to spit it out, not sure if the officer would take it as a sign of disrespect. He swallowed hard against the lump in his throat and suppressed his need to gag.

“I’m sick of yous punk asses running around here like a band of animals,” Officer Rhinehold said, frothing at the mouth. “You’re going straight to hell, where you belong.”

The officer bent over Malik and patted him down, from his splayed-out arms to his feet. He kicked Malik in the side of his rib cage, and the boy instinctively curled into the fetal position.

“Flat on the ground!” the officer fumed, kicking the boy again. Rhinehold then cuffed Malik and snatched him up by the hoodie that was hanging out of his leather jacket. He dumped him into the caged backseat of his cruiser.

( Continued… )

© 2014 All rights reserved. Book excerpt reprinted by permission of the author, Jean Love Cush.  This excerpt is used for promotional purposes only. Do not reproduce, copy or use without the publisher’s written permission. Copyright infringement is a serious offense. Share a link to this page or the author’s website if you really like this promotional excerpt.

Purchase Endangered: A Novel  by Jean Love Cush
Fiction; Thriller;  Probes issues of race, class, crime, and injustice 
Kindle Download Link:  http://amzn.com/0062316230 
www.amazon.com/Endangered-Novel-Jean-Love-Cush/dp/0062316230

About the Author
A native of Philadelphia, Jean Love Cush graduated magna cum laude from Temple University School of Communication. She later earned a law degree, and worked as a prosecutor for the Philadelphia district attorney’s office. Jean also served as a family law attorney helping low-income women escape domestic-abuse situations through community outreach, advocacy, and legal representation.

As the host of her own weekly radio show, Jean continued to pour her energy into issues that matter to her. As the on air personality of A View From the Summit, she tackled such issues as public safety, education, inner city violence and the plight of African American youth. It was while at the radio station that the idea and research for her novel Endangered came about.

Endangered was published by Amistad/HarperCollins and has received rave reviews. New York Times best selling authors Ashley and JaQuarvis call it “a gripping tale that captivates from the first page to the very last.” Publishers Weekly said the author “crafted a compassionate story that commands the reader’s attention,” while Ebony Magazine declared Endangered a “page turner.”

Jean is currently working on her third novel, The Missing, which is scheduled for release sometime in 2016.

While writing books has been a dream of Jean’s since childhood, her greatest loves are God, her two beautiful daughters Sydney and Haley and her husband Charles Cush.

Follow Jean Love Cush on Twitter — http://www.twitter/jcush
Please visit the Jean Love Cush website ― http://www.jeanlovecush.com
Like Jean Love Cush on Facebook ― http://www.facebook.com/jeanlovecush

Purchase Endangered: A Novel  by Jean Love Cush
Fiction; Thriller;  Probes issues of race, class, crime, and injustice 
Kindle Download Link:  http://amzn.com/0062316230 
www.amazon.com/Endangered-Novel-Jean-Love-Cush/dp/0062316230

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BAN Radio Oct. 15 – Just Dreams (The Brooks Sisters Dreams Series) by L. J. Taylor

FEATURED BOOK: Just Dreams (The Brooks Sisters Dreams Series)  by L. J. Taylor.   Join us on Oct. 15, 2014  at  8:30 PM (EST) by calling into the live radio show:  646.200.0402.  Or click here the night of the show, to listen.
 
Readers can never really miss a BAN interview!  If you miss the live show, listen to the BAN Radio Show archives 24/7 from your device, phone, tablet or PC at: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/black-author-network

Just Dreams by L. J. Taylor

Love is a dirty word and passion has no place in the world of high-profile litigation.

Sparks fly when attorney Kathy Brooks agrees to represent novelist Charles Morgan, Jr. in a high-profile suit against a powerful government defense contractor.  But when Charles’ hidden agenda threatens to expose the government’s dirty little secrets, what started out as the case of a lifetime could cost Kathy her heart, her career and even her life.

Charles doesn’t just want to win the lawsuit.  He wants to destroy the company responsible for his wife’s death.  His enemies, however, will stop at nothing to make the case go away – and that includes blackmail, kidnapping, and murder.

As the body count rises and the stakes get higher, Charles and Kathy will have to decide just how much they’re willing to sacrifice for the win.  To get justice, they’ll have to put it all out on the line – including each other – and it still might not be enough.

 
Purchase Just Dreams (The Brooks Sisters Dreams Series)
Book genre: Romantic Suspense.  Legal Thriller.  African-American women. 
http://www.amazon.com/Just-Dreams-Brooks-Sisters-Series-ebook/dp/B00N6IRDGW

 Meet the Author
L.J. Taylor is a pseudonym for Candace Duff – a graduate of Vassar College and the University of Pennsylvania Law School, and a civil trial attorney with more than twenty years of experience.  The oldest of six children, she grew up in New York City. As a child, she voraciously read every every romance novel she could check out of the public library. Her tastes later expanded to include spy novels and thrillers. She began writing novels during National November Writing Month in 2007 and has been chugging along ever since.

Connect with L.J. Taylor
Author of “Just Dreams”  – a romantic legal thriller
https://www.ljtaylorbooks.com
https://twitter.com/@ljtaylor99
https://plus.google.com/+ljtaylor99
https://www.facebook.com/LJTaylorbooks
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/lj-taylor/48/72a/a41
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8526892.L_J_Taylor

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BAN Radio Oct. 17 – Celebrating Black Speculative Fiction Month

FEATURED BOOK: Celebrating Black Speculative Fiction Month.   Join us on Oct. 17, 2014 at 8-9:00 PM (EST) by calling into the live radio show:  646.200.0402.  Or click here the night of the show, to listen.
 
Readers can never really miss a BAN interview!  If you miss the live show, listen to the BAN Radio Show archives 24/7 from your device, phone, tablet or PC at: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/black-author-network

The Keys by Balogun Ojetade
Pyramids – located all over the world, among different cultures and nations – are actually portals that allow teleportation between them. For thousands of years, there was peace between nations; there was exchange of knowledge and culture and all of the pyramid cultures worldwide advanced because of it. But the peace soon shattered and the world was cast into the bloodiest and most costly of wars.

At the same time, the Iberian Empire, led by Infante (“Prince”) Henry the Navigator, attacked the Aztec Empire. Henry, the Navigator believed the legendary Christian kingdom of Prester John (“Presbytu Johannes”) to be the Aztec Empire’s Nueva Guatemala de la Asuncion (now called Guatemala City). He wanted to find the kingdom and achieve immortality and would murder the world if it meant achieving his goal. The Aztec allied with the powerful Oyo Empire of West Africa and together they defeated Henry the Navigator and his monstrous army and restored a fragile peace to the world, deactivating the power of the world’s pyramids until humanity was once again ready to use their power responsibly.

Two gods – one Oyo and one Aztec – were placed into a deep sleep within the bloodlines of two warrior families from the great Oyo-Aztec Alliance. These gods, lying dormant within two unwitting teenagers known as The Keys, are to awaken only when the world – and the gods’ teenaged hosts – is ready.

YOU choose to be one of the two heroes of the story: Jordan Drummond, college basketball phenomenon and math genius; or Theresa “Terry” De Fuego, self-proclaimed “extreme journalist.” YOU battle the forces of evil and maybe even save the world! YOU decide your destiny… for YOU are the Hero!

Purchase:  https://www.roaringlionsproductions.com/store/c1/Featured_Products.html

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Only By Moonlight by Lynn Emery

Only By Moonlight is the third book in the paranormal series featuring psychic LaShaun Rousselle and Deputy Chase Broussard. Lovely Vermilion Parish, Louisiana is teeming with bloody secrets. LaShaun is once more called on to use her paranormal ability to solve a mystery.

In Only By Moonlight what starts out as a simple case of wild teenagers dabbling in the occult turns out to be just one layer to a far darker and deeper plot. A formidable cult is determined to unleash a malevolent force on the world. To her horror, Chase seems possessed by the threat LaShaun is fighting to defeat. Will she have to kill Chase to save him?  LaShaun wages a war she can’t afford to lose.

Website – http://www.lynnemery.com
Store link – http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I28FPSY

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Introducing Order of the Seers Trilogy

How far would you go to protect what matters most?

Salvation Has Its Price

The Order of the Seers Trilogy poses this question within a story that fuses action, mystery, and romance into a science fiction adventure that keeps you at the edge of your seat.

Captured and enslaved for their extraordinary gift, a group of individuals, known as Seers, are forced to serve a ruthless world organization that uses the power of the Seers to exploit the ultimate advantage: knowing the future. While a brother and his Seer sister fight to evade the group that hunts them, an unlikely captured Seer plots his escape from within the organization and sets off a chain of events that will change the world.

The Red Order follows the epic battle for freedom which began in Order of the Seers, revealing the secret motives behind an organization that exists to exploit and a renegade movement that seeks to usher in the next phase in human evolution.

The Seers face the ultimate challenge in The Last Seer, the third and final book in the Order of the Seers trilogy.

When the fall of one nemesis unleashes an even greater danger into the world, Lilli, Joel and the Lost Seers must stand against a new enemy with the means and the will to destroy all of mankind, starting with those they hold most dear.

As the Seers mobilize to confront this new evil, the Guild tries desperately to uphold the crumbling world order on which it depends. When their attempts to manage the crisis fail, the members of the Guild are forced to place themselves at the mercy of an unlikely ally.

But the Guild isn’t the only one interested in maintaining control.

An agreement made in secret threatens to destroy any hope of a peaceful alliance before it can be made and as the betrayals unfold, no one is safe against a power that will stop at nothing to get what it wants. To defeat this threat and ensure the survival of the human race, the Seers must push the boundaries of their abilities beyond any limits they have known and risk crossing the line between life and death.

Purchase:  http://www.amazon.com/Order-Seers-Last-Seer-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00MQZRXL6

About Cerece Rennie Murphy
Cerece Rennie Murphy lives and writes just outside of her hometown of Washington, DC.   Cerece is currently developing a children’s book series titled Enchanted: 5 Tales of Magic in the Everyday, a historical adventure and a 2-part science fiction thriller set in outer space. To learn more about the author and her upcoming projects, please visit her website at http://www.cerecerenniemurphy.com.

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The Last King: Book 1, Volume #4  by A. Yamina Collins

In episode #4 Emmy accepts an invitation to the home of Gilead and Markus – and when she enters their home, a whole new world of wonder opens up to her.

Twenty-eight year Emmy Hughes has never quite fit in—she’s six feet tall, dark-skinned, and daydreams of being Galadriel from Lord of the Rings. But when she is badly injured in a car accident that kills her mother, Emmy does not dream of fantastical worlds anymore—she just wants her shattered life to be normal again.

Unfortunately, normalcy is the last thing in store for her once she meets Lake George’s newest arrival, Dr. Gilead Knightly. Granted immortality from a line of people whose Great Ancestor marched into the Garden of Eden and ate from the Tree of Life, Gilead has been alive for centuries and has met everyone from Nubian kings to Napoleon.

But Gilead and his eccentric family are also hunted beings because God considers the Edenites’ possession of immortality to be theft. And for thousands of years He has dealt with their transgression by sending each of them a “Glitch” —an unsuspecting human meant to retrieve this stolen “property” of immortality and kill them off.

When Emmy discovers that she is Gilead’s Glitch, she is not only thrown into a world of immortals who eat bone marrow, panthers who read minds, and a family whose blood is made of pulsing gold, but she finds herself the target of Gilead’s vengeance: he must get rid of her before she gets rid of him.

Easier said than done. Because Glitches are not only an Edenite’s greatest threat—they’re also their greatest love.

Download The Last King: Book 1,Volume #4
http://www.amazon.com/Last-King-Book-Yamina-Collins-ebook/dp/B00M9AU9QE
Women’s Fiction Books > New Adults > Religion & Spirituality > Science Fiction & Fantasy

THE LAST KING, by A. Yamina Collins
Genre: Fantasy/romance
http://www.amazon.com/A.Yamina-Collins/e/B008KF2XZM
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20813560-the-last-king

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BAN Radio Oct. 19 – The Pleasure Trap by Niobia Bryant

FEATURED BOOK: The Pleasure Trap by Niobia Bryant.   Join us on Oct. 19, 2014 at 8:00 PM (EST) by calling into the live radio show:  646.200.0402.  Or click here the night of the show, to listen.
 
Readers can never really miss a BAN interview!  If you miss the live show, listen to the BAN Radio Show archives 24/7 from your device, phone, tablet or PC at: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/black-author-network

The Pleasure Trap by Niobia Bryant

Introduced in Niobia Bryant’s bestselling Mistress series, he’s the ultimate irresistible temptation, and he’s always in control. Until now…

Pleasure is his name, one that women whisper—and scream—with desire. As a popular exotic dancer and top escort, he strokes his clients’ deepest longings and fulfills their every sexy fantasy. His climb has taken him from the streets’ most lethal ride-or-die ladies to the even more dangerous world of wealthy, powerful women. All along, he believed leveraging his chiseled body for a life of luxury would help him outrun his tormented childhood and bitter distrust.

Now a mysterious woman has him at her mercy, determined to punish him for reasons he doesn’t understand. Saving his own life means Pleasure must figure out which of the women from his past has a deadly obsession, brought on by either the insatiable passions he ignited, or the pain he caused. When a long-buried secret arises, will he be able to survive, or will facing it completely destroy him?

RT Book Reviews on THE PLEASURE TRAP
“The Pleasure Trap is another testament to Bryant’s awesome imagination. She takes us inside the head of Pleasure as he transitions from tricking for a madam to scheduling his own appointments. Shockingly, this installment opens with him drugged and bound in his own home. He’s literally tied to his past as we struggle with him to learn why and by whom. Flashing back to his relationships, we are swept off our feet during the climatic reveal.”
–RT Book Reviews, 4.5 Stars

BOOK EXCERPT:  THE PLEASURE TRAP

Pleasure looked up and shifted his eyes to look around as much as he could at the living room of his Jersey City penthouse apartment. The rich black and charcoal gray décor. The floor- to- ceiling windows that overlooked the Hudson River and showcased the New York skyline across the water. However, it felt almost surreal as he struggled to remember just how he came to be naked and tied to a chair.  ‘Think, man, think.’

But his thoughts were clouded and varied. He couldn’t get a firm grasp on anything. ‘What’s wrong with me?’

His eyes drifted closed and his body slackened, with just the ties at his wrists and ankles to keep him in the chair.

“Do you remember me, Pleasure?”

A firm brown hand roughly grabbed his chin and jerked his face up. He opened his eyes to a woman as she stood before him dressed in all black with her face covered by a black ski mask and her hands in leather gloves. He shook his head yet again to clear it.

WHAP.  He winced from the pain. She’d used the back of her hand that time and her knuckles dug into his cheek with the blow.

“Well, I remember you,” she said snidely into his ear, from behind him now.

She lightly bit one of his broad muscled shoulders. Slowly she deepened the bite.

“Sh*t,” he swore sharply, his tall and muscled frame jerking.

She laughed and smacked the back of his head before coming around his body with her hand trailing across his chest. “Not bad at all for a man-whore,” she said, leaving him.

He eyed her as she moved about his living room and touched things that apparently caught drew her eye.

“Who is she? What does she want?”

(  Continued…  )

© 2014 All rights reserved. Book excerpt reprinted by permission of the author, Niobia Bryant.  Do not reproduce, copy or use without the author’s written permission. This excerpt is used for promotional purposes only.

The Pleasure Trap by Niobia Bryant
Coming October 28, 2014
http://www.amazon.com/Pleasure-Trap-Niobia-Bryant-ebook/dp/B00JVW6GOM

Meet the Author
Niobia Bryant is the national bestselling and award-winning author of more than a dozen “Sexy, Funny & Oh So Real” novels. As Meesha Mink, she’s also the co-author of Desperate Hoodwives and Shameless Hoodwives. A proud native of Newark, New Jersey, Niobia currently writes full time and splits her time between New Jersey and South Carolina.
 

 

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BAN Radio Show Oct. 20 – Flawbulous by Shana Burton

FEATURED BOOK:  Flawbulous by Shana Burton.   Join us on Oct. 20, 2014 at 8:00 PM (EST) by calling into the live radio show:  646.200.0402.  Or click here the night of the show, to listen. 

Readers can never really miss a BAN interview!  If you miss the live show, listen to the BAN Radio Show archives 24/7 from your device, phone, tablet or PC at: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/black-author-network

 

Flawbulous by Shana Burton

What happens when you only have one chance to get it right and you choose wrong?
Has there ever been a time when you did the one thing you swore you’d never do? For fabulously flawed friends Lawson, Sullivan, Kina, Angel, and Reginell, that time is now!
When Lawson is pushed against the wall, she fights back by betraying those closest to her. A split decision changes Sullivan’s fate and family dynamics forever. Kina is searching for love again but finds it in all the wrong places. Happiness is finally within Angel’s reach, but another woman may cause it to slip through her fingers once again. Reginell has made her share of mistakes in the past, but she never thought trusting her sister would be one of them until now.

All of the lies, drama, love, fights, and prayers have led to this moment. Join the ladies for one last ride in this critically-acclaimed book series!

About the Author
Shana Burton is the bestselling author of Suddenly Single, First Comes Love, Catt Chasin’, Flaws and All, Flaw Less, Flawfully Wedded Wives, and a memoir, Note to Self: The Diary of a Divorcee. The two-time Georgia Author of the Year nominee is also an educator and resides in Georgia.


Purchase Flawbulous by Shana Burton
http://www.amazon.com/Flawbulous-Urban-Books-Shana-Burton-ebook/dp/B00NGZ55BU

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BAN Radio Show Oct. 20 – Getting Away With Everything by Joyce A. Brown

FEATURED BOOK:  Getting Away With Everything by Joyce A. Brown.   Join us on Oct. 20, 2014 at 8:30 PM (EST) by calling into the live radio show:  646.200.0402.  Or click here the night of the show, to listen.
 
Readers can never really miss a BAN interview!  If you miss the live show, listen to the BAN Radio Show archives 24/7 from your device, phone, tablet or PC at: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/black-author-network

Getting Away With Everything by Joyce A. Brown
Some men are born into success and some men are thrust into it!

Neal Collins is a charming ladies’ man whose street smarts and business savvy propels him to a position of power and respectability amidst of Detroit’s political shifts and corruption. He has the toughness, cunning, and intelligence to take advantage of the opportunities that make him a force to be reckoned with. But he also has powerful enemies who will stop at nothing to take away the successful empire he has built. The one thing Neal wants most is still out of his reach—the love of his life, Shari Grant.
   
Shari loves Neal with the passion of a woman who has known what it is to lose everything and come back stronger than ever. She is the one woman Neal cannot control. Beautiful, educated, and hardworking she refuses to become dependent on Neal or sit at his table begging for the crumbs of his life.
   
While the unlikely couple navigates the pathways of love, loss and betrayal, Neal and Shari must finally come together to deal with outside complications that pose a threat, not only to their business interests, but their lives. They are forced to put their personal issues aside, launch a daring plan to rid Detroit of a criminal element, and ensure their loved ones aren’t caught in the aftermath.

Purchase Getting Away With Everything by Joyce A. Brown
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NC8PBOW

Author and Inspirational Speaker
Joyce A. Brown is a motivational speaker and author who uses her creative energy to give voice and meaning to the challenges women face in all walks of life. She grew up in Rockford, Illinois in a household of strong women, but her professional career expanded her reach into Peoria and Battle Creek, Michigan. 

She is a proud member of AKA Sorority, Inc. and has served as a direct services worker, executive director, program director for a major foundation, and an entrepreneur. Joyce has experienced many uplifting moments as a professional and as a dedicated parent and strives to bring those events and lessons to life through her characters in the contemporary fiction novels she pens.

Live The Dream Publishers
http://www.livethedreampublishers.com

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BAN RADIO Oct. 22 – Walking Among the Shadows: Awakening by Navi’ Robins

FEATURED BOOK:  Walking Among the Shadows: Awakening by Navi’ Robins.   Join us on Oct. 22, 2014 at 8:30 PM (EST) by calling into the live radio show:  646.200.0402.  Or click here the night of the show, to listen.
 
Readers can never really miss a BAN interview!  If you miss the live show, listen to the BAN Radio Show archives 24/7 from your device, phone, tablet or PC at: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/black-author-network

Walking Among the Shadows: Awakening by Navi’ Robins

For high school sophomore Aiden Storm, Jasmine is everything a teenager could ever want in a girlfriend. But all he can think about is killing her.

When Jasmine arrives at Deerfield High Aiden’s simple life is changed forever. Her presence awakens a darkness inside of him that slowly spirals the soft spoken teenager’s mental stability down an abyss of madness. Constantly tormented by a growing hunger for violence, Aiden confides in his best friend Tony his uncontrollable urges. Choosing friendship over his conscience Tony promises to keep Aiden’s dark desires a secret while they try and unravel the mystery of Jasmine and the affect she’s having on Aiden.

On the night of Aiden’s seventeenth birthday their friendship is tested when the town of Deerfield is rocked by a home invasion and murder that directly implicates Aiden. Without an alibi or recollection of his whereabouts on that night, Tony begins to suspect Aiden is on the fast track to becoming Deerfield’s first serial killer.

But Aiden fears something more sinister is at work in Deerfield and its source is Jasmine. Aiden believes underneath her beauty Jasmine harbors an evil that has already infected him and will soon spread to everyone he loves if it isn’t destroyed. Aiden must find a way to keep Tony quiet, remain one step ahead of the FBI, and maintain his sanity long enough to find out who and what Jasmine really is…

Message for Parents from Navi
My target audience for this book and series  is 13-18+.  This book and series has something for teenagers as well as adults. The story entertains while showing the reader to “never judge a person until you get to know them”. This first chapter in the Walking Among the Shadows series introduces the readers to a diverse cast of characters with cultural backgrounds from all over the globe and it strays away from many stereotypes and clinches that I feel limits the reach and exposure of African American authors.

Race isn’t the issue but the actions and intentions of each character in the story. The story touches on the importance of family, friendship, and fatherhood with a twist the reader won’t see coming.

Amazon Reader Review:  5 stars. Written by Rena D. Jones
As the first book of the Walking Among the Shadows: Awakening Series, this is compelling reading and makes the reader want to read the next book immediately.

This book is an intense page turner book. I was very surprised how this first time, self published author has creatively woven an original, enticing and spell binding world that got me hooked from start to finish. The story is fast-paced and exciting with plot to plot twists and the nonstop epic action scenes will surely entertain the readers as much as it has entertained me, never a dull moment in this book, It was such a good read, I purchased the kindle version and a hardcopy for my sister. I am eagerly awaiting the author’s second volume in this series entitled: Walking Among the Shadows: Belly of the Beast.

Purchase Walking Among the Shadows: Awakening
October 21, 2014.  2nd Edition.  Genre: Young Adult/Thriller
http://www.amazon.com/Walking-Among-Shadows-Awakening-Revised-ebook/dp/B00NU6X9LI/

 Amazon Best Sellers Rank:
#29 in Books > Mystery, Thriller & Suspense > Thrillers & Suspense > Supernatural

Meet the Author
Navi’ Robins was born in Chicago, IL and comes from a family as diverse as the characters in his novels. He is the author of two highly rated series, Walking Among the Shadows and Article 88: Jericho’s Revenge. He published his first novel in May of 2013 and since that time has published three other books as well. He aspires to write in as many genres as possible to broaden his imagination and writing prowess; while also creating new ideas and realities that will not only fascinate readers but also provide thought provoking lessons that many can relate to.
Contact Navi’ Robins:  http://www.navirobins.com

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BAN RADIO Oct. 22 – His Last Wife by Grace Octavia

FEATURED BOOK: HIS LAST WIFE: A Southern Scandal Novel  by Grace Octavia.  Join us on Oct. 22, 2014 at 8:00 PM (EST) by calling into the live radio show:  646.200.0402.  Or click here the night of the show, to listen.
 
Readers can never really miss a BAN interview!  If you miss the live show, listen to the BAN Radio Show archives 24/7 from your device, phone, tablet or PC at: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/black-author-network

His Last Wife: A Southern Scandal Novel  by Grace Octavia

“This latest Southern Scandal book is a great story with Octavia’s usual twists and turns, full of unexpected surprises, mama-drama, and treacherous Atlanta politics. Loved it!.”–RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars

In Essence® bestselling author Grace Octavia’s most exciting, volatile novel yet, charismatic bad boy mayor Jamison Jackson has finally taken a spectacular fall. But that doesn’t mean he’s going down alone.

Since the night Atlanta mayor, self-made millionaire, and womanizer Jamison Jackson plummeted from the top floor of a downtown hotel, everyone seems to have profited, from vicious criminals to corrupt politicians. Everyone except his jilted first wife, Kerry. Once a socialite, she’s now the prime suspect in Jamison’s alleged murder. Dhe swears she’s no killer—and surprisingly, Jamison’s widow, Val, agrees. For all they know, it was Coreen, the mother of Jamison’s secret love child. After years of extortion, Coreen’s cash flow has come to an end. The reality is, Jamison had a murky past and a legion of enemies old and new who’ll do whatever it takes to cover up the truth…and it’s even more scandalous, unexpected, and filled with secrets than anyone suspects.


His Last Wife by Grace Octavia
Coming to Store October 28, 2014
Series: A Southern Scandal Novel Series
http://www.amazon.com/His-Last-Wife-Southern-Scandal-ebook/dp/B00JVW6H32/

Praise for Grace Octavia
“His Third Wife kicks off with a murder and a mystery. And if that’s not enough to hook you, there’s also sex, politics, shady characters and plenty of ‘mama drama’ to be had. A must-read!” –RT Book Reviews

Read an Excerpt His Third Wife

CHAPTER 1

“His Next Wife”

Everything started when a mother came to town. Quiet and all alone, she got off a Greyhound bus across the street from a conveniently placed strip club. Had on fake pearls and a red lace-front wig. Her daughter picked her up in a shiny new Jaguar with two seats and the top down.

After maybe thirty minutes of silent riding, the mother was standing at the window in the big house—there were pillars out front and all. She was looking away from everything beautiful behind her. Clutching her purse like she wasn’t staying. Thinking. Trying to decide how she should tell her smiling baby girl, who always wanted more than she could hold in her arms, that she ought to get on the next bus and go back to Memphis with her.

“I don’t know why you didn’t accept the tickets I sent you. First-class flight? I thought you’d like that,” Val, her daughter, said. Maybe she was sipping her mimosa or waiting for the maid to pour her another glass.

“Memphis ain’t but a stone’s throw away,” the mother mumbled. Her name was Mama Fee—everyone had always called her that, even before she’d had children. “Takes more time to get on the plane and fly than it does to get on the bus and ride. And I don’t do big birds. Like to see the earth.”

“That’s old talk. This is a new world.”

“Is it? Is it really, Val? You tell me.”

“Yes, Mama Fee. You still act like flying is just for white folks. Or rich folks—”

“Ain’t said nothing like that.”

“Well, that’s good, because it isn’t. As long as you can pay, you can play. That’s the Atlanta way.” Val chuckled and looked at Lorna, the maid holding the pitcher of mimosa to her glass, to support the comedy of her play on words with laughter. “I’m just saying, it’s 2012—not 1902!”

“What does that matter?” Mama Fee asked. “Po’ folks still the same. Rich folks still the same.”

Lorna was only able to produce a half smile before Val shooed her away with a tired wave. As soon as Lorna stepped over the threshold, the mother turned and looked at her daughter.

“Seems like you shouldn’t be drinking,” she nearly whispered before turning back to the window. “Not in your condition.”

“Condition? Please! What do you know about it?”

“Plenty. Had you and your sisters. Doctor says it’s bad.”

“No. Doctor says it’s good. Helps to relieve stress. A little won’t hurt the baby at all.” Val downed the last of her drink. There was an audible gulp that resonated with pangs of short nerves or anxiety. “And I need it today—with it being my wedding day and all.” She looked at the big blue diamond on her ring finger. She’d purchased it a week ago with her fiancé’s credit card and full blessing. “I need to relax.”

Mama Fee was still looking out the window and thinking. The shiny Jaguar was resting in the middle of a circular drive that was filled with perfectly shaped creamy stones and purple pebbles that made the whole world outside the house look like a giant fish tank.

“Maybe you should’ve waited until the baby was born,” she said. “At least until we could’ve had a proper wedding—your family come. You know? Like Patrice and Rhonda did. Still don’t see why you couldn’t invite your own sisters to your wedding.”

“Would you stop it? I didn’t invite you hear to go drilling me about everything.”

“I ain’t drilling you. They’re your sisters. You were in their weddings.”

“Yeah, and they married big fat losers. Is Patrice’s husband out of jail yet?”

“You watch your mouth,” Mama Fee said, finally turning to look at her daughter again. But she needed no confirmation that it was Val who could bring up such a thing. Her youngest child had been born spitting fire at anything that didn’t seem to pick her up in some way that she deemed acceptable. This might’ve been considered gross ambition or maybe even unapologetic drive if it weren’t for the fact that sometimes Val’s desire for uplift went beyond frustrated tongue lashings and straight to unmitigated evil—well, the kind of evil a girl from Memphis who’d barely graduated high school could spin.

When Val was fifteen, Patrice had just finished beauty school and her prized graduation gift was a beauty box filled with emerald and sea foam and lavender and canary eye shadow. Lipsticks of every shade of red and pink. After Val had begged to sit and try just one shadow, paint her lips in one red, Patrice balked and hid the box beneath her bed. The next morning, the rainbow of shadows and lipsticks were floating in a river of bleach on the bathroom floor. Mama Fee nearly killed Val with her switch in the backyard after that incident, trying to teach the girl a lesson. But Val didn’t cry one tear.

“Patrice’s husband is a fucking jailbird. Don’t blame me for that,” Val said nearly laughing.

“And what about you? What about your husband?”

“Fiancé. And what about him?”

“Well, where is he?” Mama Fee asked, fingering a small Tiffany frame she’d found in the windowsill. It was a picture of a handsome brown man standing beside an older woman at what looked like his college graduation.

“He had to work this morning,” Val replied.

“On your wedding day?”

There was a pause. And then, “You’re picking again.”

“I’m not picking. I’m just asking. It’s an obvious question.” She held out the picture to Val. “This him?”

“Yes. Him and his raggedy-ass mama,” Val snarled. “Hate that old bat.”

“At least you’ve met her. I can’t say the same about her son. Don’t seem right neither. Got to read about him in all those articles you send me. Can’t tell enough about a man just by reading about him. Words don’t make a man.”

“Damn, Mama Fee! What’s that supposed to mean? Because you’ve never met him, something’s not right? You don’t trust me?”

“I didn’t say that either, girl. It just means I would like to have known him first—before he married my youngest daughter. Known what kind of man he is. Stuff your daddy would’ve done.”

Both mother and daughter paused at the mention of a daddy. He’d been long gone. Had been a good man. But had disappeared one evening after leaving a bar following a fight with one of his white coworkers. Everyone had cursed him for leaving Fee alone to raise three girls. They’d never eat right again. There had been rumors of another woman, another family in Kentucky. Soon, Fee had believed these rumors, but then his body had floated to the top of a forgotten old swimming hole at the back of town. There’d been a noose tied to his neck. No genitals left on his body. No one had ever been interviewed, interrogated, or charged.

“A rich man. A powerful man. That’s what kind of man my fiancé is. That’s what you need to know,” Val finally said in a voice so vindictive it promised some secret punishment for a private vendetta.

“A man who works on his wedding day?” Mama Fee asked.

“God, would you just leave that alone? Look, Jamison didn’t want anything big. He just got elected to office. I’m his former assistant. I’m pregnant. The press, they’ll run all over it. They’re still running pictures of his first wife in the newspapers here. ‘Kerry Jackson.’ Fucking press.”

“The press?”

“The press. Yes, the newspapers. The fucking websites. I have to think about that. We have to think about that. I’m marrying the fucking mayor of Atlanta, Mama Fee. Jamison Taylor. Not some jailbird like Patrice did.”

“I know, baby. I heard you a million times before.”

The sound of the beautiful stones and pebbles cracking beneath tires in the driveway announced a new arrival.

Val jumped up from her empty champagne flute with amazing ease and stepped quickly to the mirror over the fireplace. She puckered her lips, cleaned her teeth with her tongue, smiled, and was out the front door.

Mama Fee looked back out the window in time to see the soon-to-be son-in-law she’d never met close his car door and lean into Val’s open arms with a stiff back. He was carrying a laptop in one arm. Had a gym bag draped over the other shoulder. Was wearing sweats. Mama Fee looked from him to the picture in her hand. Alone in the silent room, she looked over her shoulder for the maid and then slid the picture into her purse.

“You’re late, Jamison,” Val said outside. “We’re going to have to hightail it downtown if we’re going to do this today.” She paused, but he didn’t say anything. “We are doing this today. Right?”

“Jesus. A million questions. I just got here.”

“My mother’s here.”

“I know,” Jamison said. “I bought the bus ticket.”

Val stood in front of him with her feet firmly planted in the pebbles and stones like a little girl about to cry.

“So, we’re doing it?” she repeated after recovering with a hand on her hip.

“Yes.”

“I’m just asking because we were supposed to go before the judge earlier and—”

“We’re going to Forsyth.”

“Forsyth County? Why? That’s too far away.”

“It’s just far enough. I can’t risk everyone knowing about this.”

“They’re all going to know soon. Right?” Val asked, setting off a conversation they’d had most every day since she’d announced she was pregnant.

“Yes. I just need to keep this quiet now. Until we’re married. Then I can release a statement about you and the baby. I need to control the situation. Get in front of it. I’m still dealing with Ras’s shit. And Jeremy with those hookers in Biloxi. I need some time out of the headlines.”

“Fine. Well, where’s your mother? Where’s Tyrian?”

“Mama said she’ll meet us at the courthouse,” Jamison explained. “She didn’t want to risk blowing my cover.”

Val smiled at this lie. She knew Jamison’s mother didn’t like her. His mother actually told Val herself just days after Val started working as Jamison’s assistant. She’d caught Val and Jamison having sex in the bathroom at his office. She didn’t even leave. Didn’t blink at the scene of blushing flesh and scattered office attire. She stood there like a pillar, glowering until Jamison had run away like a little boy. Val tried to be more defiant. It wasn’t her mother. She excused herself out of the stall and went to the mirror to fix her lipstick. Mama Taylor walked up behind her and said two short sentences to Val’s reflection in the mirror: “I smell your shit. More like diarrhea.”

“What about Tyrian?” Val asked Jamison again.

“My son’s with his mother.”

“He’s not coming to the wedding?”

“No.”

* * *

You give a man everything. All of you. Out on a table. Everything. Appetizers. Sides. Drinks. An entrée. And dessert. Just everything you have to give.

For this, you ask for something. A small thing.

You get nothing.

I was tired of getting nothing. Nothing from every man. I’d bend like this. I’d turn like that. They’d notice and smile. Follow me for a little while. And then, I was alone again. Back and broken. Worse off than I was before. Poor. And black. And a woman. And I don’t need to have gone to college to know that shit ain’t fair.

So, you’re damn right, when I met Jamison I was tired of getting nothing. But I gave him everything anyway. I wore high leopard-print heels and shit. I dusted my nipples in Ecstasy. I fried chicken in my thong in the middle of the night. Whatever he wanted. He noticed. He smiled.

Then I asked for something.

He got real quiet. That man-not-answering-the-phone-or-email quiet.

That’s when I realized I wasn’t being left with nothing this time. I was taking what I wanted.

It’s funny what a man will do to keep what he has. When I told Jamison I was pregnant, his first question was how far along I was. I knew what that meant. I lied. Fifteen weeks. Too late for an abortion. He told me to take his credit card and pick out an engagement ring. Mr. Mayor had to marry me to keep everything he has. And that’s no trouble for me. I wanted to marry him because of everything he has. Because now I have it, too.

* * *

The bride and groom took the long drive to downtown Forsyth in separate cars.

Mama Fee sat beside Val in the Jaguar trying to decide how to say what she needed to say and ask what she needed to know. What she wanted to say was, “This is crazy! This is ridiculous!” What she wanted to ask was, “Why are we in separate cars? Why hasn’t your fiancé spoken to me?” But seemingly having her thoughts read, at every peak of possibility of internal eruption, Val would offer statements that made any claims or interrogations irrelevant in her new world: “Jamison likes to think in the car. He likes to ride alone…. I love driving my new car…. I don’t mind driving myself around…. Soon, I’ll have a driver anyway…. He can’t wait to meet you…. Don’t worry, Mama…. This ain’t Memphis…. This is Atlanta…. Things are done differently here….”

Jamison’s new assistant, a white boy with strawberry-blond hair and emeralds for eyes, met the two cars in the parking lot at the courthouse, whisked Jamison into the back of the building one way and Val and Mama Fee into the back of the building another way nearly thirty minutes later.

So much rushing. So little talking. Mama Fee pretended she was having trouble walking just so Val would have to hold her hand.

“I love you, Val Denise. I want the best for you. Always have,” Mama Fee said softly to Val just before the assistant pulled them into a holding room where Jamison was waiting on his cell phone.

Val smiled, kissed her mother on the cheek and let go of her hand.

Jamison was barking commands at the someone on the phone and signaling for his assistant to seat Val and her mother. He forced his free hand into his pocket and stood tall with his shoulders perfectly squared. The stance announced that he was a man handling business.

“Tell Darth the contract isn’t negotiable. He can bring anyone he wants to the table,” Jamison said. “I won’t move. The people of this city won’t move. That park isn’t going anywhere. Darth will have to speak to me first.”

Val took a glass of water the assistant was holding and handed it to Jamison herself. She was grinning at his display. Something in his tone, his force, vibrated to her ankles and made her head feel cloudy.

Jamison hung up the phone and slid the precious thing into his pocket.

“Work,” he said to Val before turning to his assistant. “Leaf, call Senator Green. Tell him I’ll take him up on his offer for drinks tonight. Tell him I’ll expect one of his top cigars. None of that cheap shit.”

“Of course, Mayor Taylor,” Leaf said, clicking out of the room with his phone already in his hand.

“I’m so sorry,” Jamison said, suddenly focusing his attention on Mama Fee. “All this work this morning and I haven’t had a chance to make your acquaintance.”

“Oh, you had a chance at the house, but you were in such a rush that—” Mama Fee tried before Val cut off what was sure to be some tongue lashing.

“Jamison, this is—” Val tried to mediate, but then Jamison cut her off with dribbles of Southern charm in his voice that could have softened any woman’s angry tongue. Anyone listening had the sense that this was how he’d talked to older voters at senior centers and nursing homes during press spots when he was trying to get elected.

“No. No need—” He held out his arm before getting down on his knee in front of where Leaf had sat Mama Fee. “I know exactly who this Cherokee Rose is.” He took her hand and kissed it. “Mama Fee. My new mother-in-law.” He looked into her eyes. “It is a pleasure to meet you.”

“Well, you too.” Everything Mama Fee had imagined about this brown stranger who was marrying her daughter was whirling down a veritable toilet bowl and disappearing into a forgotten sewer. This old woman was blushing. Her heart was heating.

“I know these aren’t the best circumstances for us to be meeting, but I’m sure you know the old way.” Traces of Jamison’s true Southern accent punctuated each verb. “I had to make an honest woman of your daughter. And fast.”

“Well, thank you, sir,” Mama Fee said, and her tone recalled traces of the young woman she used to be, “but you can save that. I’ve heard many things about my daughter, and ‘honest’ ain’t one of them.”

Everyone chuckled but Val.

“So, we know the same woman?” Jamison asked, rubbing Mama Fee’s shoulder.

“I made her; you bought her.” Mama Fee grabbed Jamison’s hand to stop him. Looked into his eyes. “Just promise me you’ll treat her right.”

“I will.”

“Okay. Enough with the negro family reunion,” Val jumped in, looking at Jamison. “Where’s the judge? Your baby and I are tired and we need a nap.”

“Don’t worry. Everything’s going as planned,” Jamison answered, feeling the sharp, stark jab of a reminder of his predicament in “your” associated with the baby. “We’re just waiting for Mama—” The door opened and Leaf ushered in an older version of the woman in the Tiffany picture frame in Mama Fee’s purse. “And here she is.”

(Continues…)

Excerpted from His Third Wife by GRACE OCTAVIA. Copyright © 2013 Grace Octavia. Excerpted by permission of KENSINGTON PUBLISHING CORP.  All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.

Meet the Author
Essence bestselling author Grace Octavia has published ten contemporary African American novels with Kensington Publishing. Her witty, insightful fiction, which presents wicked humor and spunk has garnered her sparkling reviews in Essence, Publisher’s Weekly, The Romantic Times, Booklist, Rawsistaz, APOOO and the Urban Reviewers.

Her first novel, Take Her Man, was a selection at the 2007 Zora Neale Hurston Literary Conference in Tulsa, Okla. and she received a best new author’s award from the national Real Ladies Read Book Club. A frequent book club selection, it earned her invitations to speak to thousands of readers at the 2008 South Carolina Book Festival and the Delta Sigma Theta national convention. Her second novel, His First Wife, was the first reading selection for the Women in Entertainment Empowerment Network (WEEN), a Black Expressions Book Club selection, May 2008 Essence Magazine bestseller and the winner of the National Readers’ Choice Award for the Romantic Times in 2008. Of her fourth novel, Playing Hard to Get, a review in Publisher’s Weekly proclaimed, “Octavia gives Sex and the City a smart Afrocentric update.”

Her 2011 release, Should Have Known Better, was selected as a featured read for the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System 2012 adult summer reading program and will be read by groups throughout the public library system. The noted novel was also nominated for the Romantic Times’ 2011 top multicultural fiction novel award.

She’s presented papers about her writing and read at Georgia Tech University, the University of Georgia, Georgia State University, and the University of Texas at the African American Women’s Language Conference in 2008. Her work has also appeared in Sisterfriends by Julia Chance, numerous journals and anthologies.

A native of Long Island, Octavia is a graduate of New York University, she completed her PhD in English at Georgia State University. A proud sister of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, she is also a member of the Sigma Tau Delta National English Honor Society. The former editor of Rolling Out Urbanstyle Weekly, she lives in Atlanta, GA. She enjoys international travel, hiking, cooking, and being with her girlfriends. She currently teaches writing at Spelman College

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BAN RADIO Oct. 27 – A Christmas Prayer by Kimberla Lawson Roby

FEATURED BOOK: A Christmas Prayer by Kimberla Lawson Roby  Join us on Oct. 27, 2014 at 8:00 PM (EST) by calling into the live radio show:  646.200.0402.  Or click here the night of the show, to listen.
 
Readers can never really miss a BAN interview!  If you miss the live show, listen to the BAN Radio Show archives 24/7 from your device, phone, tablet or PC at: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/black-author-network

 
A Christmas Prayer by Kimberla Lawson Roby

BARNES & NOBLE has discounted the hardcover version of Kimberla Lawson Roby’s upcoming book, A CHRISTMAS PRAYER by 50%!    If you PRE-ORDER it now, the cost is only $10.00!   You can get a copy for your own collection, and/or buy it as a gift for someone else! You can order by clicking here: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-christmas-prayer-kimberla-roby/1118862156

Alexis Fletcher hasn’t had a merry Christmas in five years-not since her mother passed away. Every December she remembers the joy her mother brought to everyone during the holiday season and feels the pain of her absence, even more so now that she and her sister are barely speaking. More than anything, Alexis wishes her family could be whole again.

However, with her wedding fast approaching, Alexis might just be ready to make some holiday memories with a new family of her own. Alexis’s fiancé, Chase Dupont, is everything she ever dreamed of. He’s kind, handsome, fully supportive of Alexis’s career, and the CEO of a large company. But outside forces threaten to derail this happy couple from ever reaching the altar.

As tensions rise, a dramatic event causes Alexis to question everything.  Will fate give her what she needs to finally embrace the season that has brought her so much pain? Will Alexis get her wish for a happy holiday? Or will her Christmas prayer go unanswered?  

Chapter 1 – A Christmas Prayer

It was Black Friday, and while millions of folks were out chasing some of the most colossal deals of the century, all Alexis wanted was for this whole Christmas season to be over with. There were times when she wished she could feel differently, but ever since her mom had passed away five years ago, she hadn’t wanted anything to do with it. Of course, she did still recognize and mentally rejoice at the beautiful birth of Christ, but when it came to huge family celebrations and festive gatherings, she wanted no parts of them. What she did instead, mostly, was pray that New Year’s Day would come as quickly as possible so she could get on with her life.

Alexis curled her body into a tighter ball, picked up the remote control, and looked toward the flat-screen television on her bedroom wall. It was shortly past one in the afternoon, yet she still lay in her dark mahogany sleigh-style bed with her pajamas on. She just didn’t feel like doing anything, and the fact that almost every news channel she turned to showed massive shopping crowds and footage of customers and workers being trampled, well, that made Alexis want to turn off the TV altogether. As it was, she had already been trying her best to avoid every one of those sappy Hallmark Christmas card commercials, and she’d certainly been staying clear of one of her personal favorites—the Hallmark Channel itself, since they were doing what they did every year: airing those depressing Christmas movies day in and day out, twenty-four seven .

If only her mom were still here, Alexis would be so much happier. Even now, she couldn’t help thinking about how much her mom had loved, loved, loved Christmas. It had been by far her favorite holiday, and she’d adored it so much that she would immediately begin decorating the day after Thanksgiving. She would celebrate in various other ways, too, the entire month of December, including playing some of her favorite Christmas carols, such as “Silent Night,” “Away in a Manger,” and “The First Noel.” Then, on the twenty-fifth, she would host a huge family dinner. She bought gifts for everyone, she baked and cooked and baked and cooked some more, and on Christmas afternoon, she would say, “I almost hate to see the sun go down, because Christmas will be just about over.”

This was how it had always been, and it was because of these kinds of sentiments that Alexis was full of happy childhood memories. She even had fond memories from her adult life…that is, until her mom had passed.  Now her heart was consumed only with sadness.

Alexis flipped through more channels, sighing heavily. But then she came upon one of her favorite movies, This Christmas, starring Loretta Devine, Regina King, and Idris Elba. She could tell the movie had been on for a while because Chris Brown was already walking toward the front of the church, preparing to sing…“This Christmas.” Alexis watched and listened, though she wasn’t sure why she tortured herself this way, because not once had she ever watched this scene without breaking into tears. It was such a reminder of her mom and the way she had loved and doted on her family. It also reminded Alexis of how her mom had taught her children exceedingly strong Christian values. She’d raised Alexis and her younger sister, Sabrina, to treat all people the way they wanted to be treated and to keep God and family first in their lives. The two of them had been very blessed to have such a loving, caring, and compassionate mother—and it meant everything.

Alexis watched Chris Brown singing from the depths of his soul and then saw family members standing and walking into the church aisle, embracing one another. It was after this that Alexis’s eyes welled up with tears, and she cried uncontrollably. She missed her mother so tremendously that her chest ached. Then, to make matters worse, the next scene showcased the entire family gathered around the dinner table. They looked as though they couldn’t be happier, and Alexis couldn’t help thinking how this was the way she’d once felt, too.

But as the saying went, that was then and this was now. Her mother was gone, and as far as Alexis was concerned, there wasn’t a single thing or person that could make her feel better about it, not even the people Alexis loved. Paula, her best friend since childhood, had been trying to lift her Christmas spirit for years, and so had Alexis’s fiancé, Chase, for the time he’d known her. But if anything, Alexis seemed to feel sadder with each passing year. In fact, this year she’d begun dreading the whole idea of Christmas as early as September. She wasn’t sure what had set her off, exactly; all she knew was that not long after Labor Day, the thought of Christmas had entered her mind and she’d become depressed. It was as if the simplest anticipation of it all had been enough to ruin Alexis’s day, which was the reason she’d taken that particular afternoon off. This hadn’t been hard to do, since she was self-employed as a motivational speaker and her hours were flexible, but she still hated that mere thoughts of Christmas affected her so gravely.

It also didn’t help that she and her sister, Sabrina, were usually at odds about one thing or another. Alexis and Sabrina had never gotten along the way sisters should. They were just too different, she guessed. But at least when their mom had been alive, they’d worked harder at it and tolerated each other more. Now, Alexis practically had to beg to see her niece, Courtney, and there were times when Sabrina still told her no just to be spiteful. The two of them had a lot of bad history, but that was a whole other story and one Alexis didn’t want to think about because it was far too distressing.

As one thought after another raced  through her mind, Alexis wept like a child. She was miserable, and she wished she could sleep for the next week. She knew this wasn’t logical, but she just wanted this awful pain to go away. She wanted to be at peace, and before long, she glanced over at the bottle of amitriptyline on her wooden nightstand. Her doctor had prescribed it for insomnia, and although she only took one ten-milligram pill at bedtime, and sometimes only half a pill, she contemplated taking much more. Or maybe all she needed to do was take two of them, because she knew one woman who took twenty-five milligrams for unexplained abdominal pain and another who took more than that for depression. If Alexis only took twenty milligrams, she wouldn’t be overdoing it, and she also wouldn’t likely wake up until many hours from now—meaning she wouldn’t have to think about the loss of her mom or anything relating to family or Christmas. She would simply be able to sleep away her sadness, and by tomorrow, Black Friday and all the hoopla surrounding it would be over. She was sure the media would continue covering all the shopping stories throughout the weekend as well as  on Cyber Monday, but at least the biggest shopping day of the year would have ended, and she’d be one day closer to January 1.

All she had to do was bide her time, and things would return to normal. They had to, because after all, she and Chase were getting married in June, and the last thing she wanted was to be an unhappy bride. She was engaged to the man of her dreams, and she looked forward to becoming Mrs. Chase Dupont III. This was what she kept telling herself, anyway—especially since her future mother-in-law was the most heartless woman she’d ever met. Still, what woman in her right mind wouldn’t be thrilled about marrying a man like Chase? He was gorgeous, well educated, and CEO of a Fortune 500 company called Borg-Freeman Technologies—which, interestingly enough, was the same position his father had held for years before his passing. He’d also placed a five-karat ring on her finger, and he truly loved her. By most people’s standards, Chase was everything a woman could hope for, so Alexis tried to remember that.

But for now, she reached over and picked up her pill bottle, opened it, swallowed two pills with water, and lay back down. She closed her eyes and smiled. In a few moments, she’d be sound asleep and wouldn’t have to think about Christmas at all…and she certainly wouldn’t have to think about Chase’s mother—or the disastrous time she’d had with them yesterday during Thanksgiving dinner. She wouldn’t have a problem in the world, and just knowing that made her feel better already.

( Continued… )

As the online publicist for EDC Creations, hired by Kimberla Lawson Roby, I have her permission to share this excerpt.  © 2014 All rights reserved. Book excerpt reprinted by permission of the author, Kimberla Lawson Roby.  This excerpt is used for promotional purposes only. Do not reproduce, copy or use without the publisher’s written permission. Copyright infringement is a serious offense. Share a link to this page or the author’s website if you really like this promotional excerpt.

 

Purchase A Christmas Prayer by Kimberla Lawson Roby
On Sale Date- October 28, 2014;  Novella – Pages: 192

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-christmas-prayer-kimberla-roby/1118862156

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Prayer-Kimberla-Lawson-Roby/dp/1455526045

Meet Kimberla Lawson Roby

New York Times Bestselling Author Kimberla Lawson Roby has published 20 novels and she has sold more than 2,000,000 copies of her novels, and they have frequented numerous bestseller lists, including The New York Times, USA Today, The Washington Post, Publishers Weekly, Essence Magazine, Upscale Magazine, Emerge Magazine, Barnes and Noble, Amazon.com, Wal-Mart, The Dallas Morning News, and The Austin Chronicle to name a few, and both BEHIND CLOSED DOORS and CASTING THE FIRST STONE were #1 Blackboard bestsellers for four consecutive months in both 1997 and 2000. BEHIND CLOSED DOORS was the #1 Blackboard Best-selling book for paperback fiction in 1997.

Kimberla is a 2013 NAACP Image Award Winner for Outstanding Literary Work – Fiction, the recipient of the 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2013 Author of the Year – Female award presented by the African-American Literary Award Show in New York, the recipient of the 2014 Literary Excellence Award from Black Pearls Magazine, the recipient of the 2014 AAMBC Award for Female Author of the Year, the recipient of the Blackboard Fiction Book of the Year Award in 2001 for CASTING THE FIRST STONE, the recipient of the 1998 First-Time Author Award from Chicago’s Black History Month Book Fair and Conference, and in 2001, Kimberla was inducted into the Rock Valley College Alumni Hall of Fame (Rockford, IL).

Each of Kimberla’s novels deal with very real issues, including corruption within the church, drug addiction, gambling addiction, infidelity, social status, single motherhood, infertility, sibling rivalry and jealousy, domestic violence, sexual abuse, mental illness, care-giving of a parent, racial and gender discrimination in the workplace, sexual harassment, and overweight issues to name a few.

Kimberla resides in Illinois with her husband, Will.  Her 21st title, A CHRISTMAS PRAYER will release on October 28, 2014.   Listen to the author reading from book:   http://www.audioacrobat.com/note/CHDXS4Wx/

 
BPM: Share with us your personal journey into publishing.  Was this a fun time in your life?
Writing was not a lifelong dream of mine, however, back in April 1995 I sat down and began writing my debut novel, BEHIND CLOSED DOORS.  It took me about seven months to complete, and I then began querying literary agents in search for representation.  I was rejected by all of them.  Finally, I submitted query letters directly to editors at publishing houses and received rejection letters from them as well.  This is when my husband suggested that I start my own company to self-publish my book, and I did.  My mom kept telling me not to give up also.  As it turned out, I learned a wealth of important and very helpful information about the business of publishing, and I sold just over 10,000 copies within the first 6 months of publication.  This was truly a fun and exciting time in my life.

BPM:  How did you get to be where you are in your life today?  Who or what motivated you?
My mother and my maternal grandmother were two of the kindest and wisest women I have ever known, and they began instilling a certain level of Christian and family values and wisdom in me from the time I was a small girl. Even after all the rejections, my mom told me I shouldn’t give up (I miss her tremendously), and my husband continues to be my biggest encourager and supporter as well.

BPM:  Who does your body of literary work speak to?  Do you consider authors as role models?
I believe my literary work speaks to everyone in one way or another.  I write about real-life social issues that can and do affect all human beings.  Corruption within the church, infidelity, domestic violence, drug addiction, gambling addiction, adult sibling rivalry, care-giving of a terminally-ill parent, childhood sexual abuse, racial and gender discrimination in the workplace, social status, overweight issues, and the list goes on.  There is also always some level of redemption and forgiveness in every single book I write.  I don’t consider myself to be a role model per se, but if someone does in fact view me in that manner, my prayer is that I am able to represent myself well, particularly to young people.

BPM:  Could you tell us something about your most recent work?  Is this book available in digital forms like Nook and Kindle?
A CHRISTMAS PRAYER centers on Alexis Fletcher, who sadly, hasn’t had a merry Christmas in five years—not since her mother passed away.  Every December, she remembers the joy that her mother brought to everyone during the holiday season and feels the pain of her absence.  This is even more so now that she and her sister are barely speaking, and her future mother-in-law would do anything—anything at all—to stop her son, Chase, from marrying Alexis. Yes, it is available in all digital formats.

BPM:  Give us some insight into your main characters or speakers. What makes each one so special?
Alexis is kind, compassionate and very intelligent, yet she is struggling with lots of sadness because of the passing of her mother.  No matter what she does or how wonderful every aspect of her life is, she still can’t seem to get beyond her feelings about the holidays.

BPM:  What inspired you to sit down and actually start writing this book? Why now?
About three years ago, my editor, Beth de Guzman suggested that I write a Christmas book, and while I wasn’t sure what I would center the story on, I told her about my own personal feelings about Christmas, and she said, “Well, that’s the story.”  I can’t personally relate to every aspect of Alexis Fletcher’s life, but I can certainly relate to not truly wanting to celebrate Christmas since the passing of my own mom 13 years ago.

BPM:  What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
I enjoyed writing this book because even though Alexis is sad about the holidays, she is blessed in so many other ways and there is a strong sense of love and family throughout the entire story.

BPM:  Where do your book ideas come from?
With every book I write, I first decide which social issue I’m really feeling passionate about at the time and then I create my characters around it.  From there, I outline the story.

BPM:  Are your books plot-driven or character-driven?  Why?
My books can tend to be both, depending on which title.  What I hear most often than not, though, from the majority of my readers is that they can always relate to both my characters and the overall storyline.

BPM:  Are there under-represented groups or ideas featured if your book?  If so, discuss them.
In many of my books, there are.  One example, is my novella, A DEEP DARK SECRET where I wrote about a 12-year-old girl who was being sexually molested by her stepfather who was an upstanding deacon in the church.  She was suffering in silence and so are millions of children in this country who never tell anyone what’s happening to them.

BPM:  How does your book relate to your present situation, education, spiritual practice or journey?
As I mentioned above, I can’t personally relate to every aspect of Alexis Fletcher’s life, but I can certainly relate to not wanting to celebrate Christmas since the passing of my own mom 13 years ago.  My prayer, however, is that God will give me a renewed spirit and the desire to enjoy the holidays again with family and friends.

BPM:   What were your goals and intentions in this book, and how well do you feel you achieved them?
I wanted to show that not everyone is the same and that loss of a loved one can affect people very differently.  I also wanted to show that even through loss, God still gives each and every one of us so many other blessings and loved ones to be there for us.

BPM:   What projects are you working on at the present?
I’m currently finishing up THE ULTIMATE BETRAYAL, which is my 22nd book and the 12th title in my Reverend Curtis Black Series.  It will be released, Tuesday, May 5, 2015.

BPM:   How can readers discover more about you and your work?
Readers can visit my web site, http://www.kimroby.com. or visit me through social media at http://www.facebook.com/kimberlalawsonroby or http://www.twitter.com/KimberlaLRoby

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BAN RADIO Oct. 29 – Dangerously In Love: Blame it On the Streets by Aletta H.

FEATURED BOOK:  Dangerously In Love: Blame it On the Streets  by Aletta H.   Join us on Oct. 29, 2014 at 8:30 PM (EST) by calling into the live radio show:  646.200.0402.  Or click here the night of the show, to listen.

Readers can never really miss a BAN interview!  If you miss the live show, listen to the BAN Radio Show archives 24/7 from your device, phone, tablet or PC at: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/black-author-network

Dangerously In Love: Blame it On the Streets  by Aletta H. Reminisce would blame the streets for the way her life turned out. She grew up poor, insecure and wanting the finer things in life. That’s where Jimmy came in at. He was a hustler and soon able to give Reminisce all the things in life she dreamed of. The problem was, Jimmy not only took care of her, and he also indulged in the finer things of life too. He was an obsessive cheater and a womanizer. 

Their relationship was entering the fifth year and things had gotten worse. But Reminisce loved Jimmy and was willing to put up with his bullshit as long as the money kept coming. But things changed when some men broke in the house to rob Jimmy and nearly killed them both during the robbery. Reminisce wanted out. She retreated to writing poetry, something she used to do as a little girl. She soon found strength in her heart to want out. 

Jimmy got arrested and she found her first real chance of leaving Jimmy. But would she make it on her own without the drug money Jimmy provided? Reminisce blames the streets but the streets doesn’t owe anyone any loyalty. Dangerously In Love is a modern love tale filled with danger, passion, and one woman’s dream of escape.

Purchase Your Copy of Dangerously in Love
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NF9HBEG

Dangerously in Love: Modern Urban Love Story Provides Uplifting Solace to Abused Women Making Transition from Victim to Victor.

Masterfully crafted by Aletta H, ‘Dangerously in Love’ fuses prose and poetry to tell the story of Reminisce, a bold and brave young woman who is taunted by failed love and lost direction at a time when she needs it the most. The world around Reminisce and the people within it are dragging her own existence into the ground – but will hope prevail? Find out in this gripping new novel that proves walking out of abusive relationships is far easier said than done.

 Urban Fiction is quickly picking up pace to become one of the most in-demand genres among the female readership. However, critics are currently crying out for wholly-unique new narratives that don’t succumb to the recycling of the ‘same-old’ literary concepts. Thankfully, author Aletta H has answered the call with gusto, to twist fact with fiction in a debut novel that can easily rival any bestseller.

Aletta won’t say how much of ‘Dangerously in Love’ was inspired by her own life experiences – but maintains that the adversity faced by heroine Reminisce is a microcosm of the daily lives of thousands of young African Americans in urban settings across the nation.

Dangerously In Love is a modern love tale filled with danger, passion, and one woman’s dream of escape.  “The book brings both prose and poetry together, words that will remind every woman either of herself or someone she knows,” explains Aletta. “I want to make it clear that leaving an abusive relationship is not as simple as walking out of the door; there’s a huge mental battle that ensues and it holds many back from changing their lives.”

Continuing, “You have to build yourself back up in something of a physical and mental rebirth. This book explains that entire process and will touch the heart of anyone that has stared abuse in the eyes.”

Since its release, the book has garnered a string of rave reviews. Spring Olsen comments, “I just finished reading Dangerously in Love by Aletta H.! I couldn’t put it down once I started! This book is amazing! I can’t wait for her next book! I am definitely pre ordering that one, too! A very talented author!”

Jacqueline Passaway adds, “Definitely a must read! This book grabs your attention and won’t let go. People look up! Author Aletta H. is on her way to the top!”

With the book’s popularity expected to increase, interested readers are urged to purchase their copies as soon as possible.

‘Dangerously in Love’, from Cinematic Ink Publications, is available now: http://amzn.to/1xVzPgg.

Meet Aletta HodgesAuthor Aletta Hodges is poet and writer born and raised in Mid-Michigan. Her debut novel, Dangerously In Love was published in August 2014 on Cinematic Ink, a subsidiary of SBR Publications, owned and operated by best selling author David Weaver. Aletta currently lives in Lansing Michigan where she is a Dental Assistant and Tax Preparer. She began writing poetry at the age of twelve and has always been an avid reader. Her poems have long been sought out by fans and friends alike for years. Her book, Dangerously In Love is a trilogy series that chronicles a love tale filled with danger, passion and one woman’s dream of escape.

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BAN RADIO Oct. 29 – Misdiagnosed: The Search for Dr. House by Nika Beamon

BAN RADIO FEATURED BOOK:
Misdiagnosed: The Search for Dr. House by Nika Beamon


Join us on Oct. 29, 2014 at 8:00 PM (EST) by calling into the live radio show:  646.200.0402.  Or click here the night of the show, to listen.

Readers can never really miss a BAN interview!  If you miss the live show, listen to the BAN Radio Show archives 24/7 from your device, phone, tablet or PC at: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/black-author-network

Misdiagnosed: The Search for Dr. House is the tale of a Nika Beamon’s quest to find the correct medical diagnosis after years of getting false assessments. This frank and engaging story takes the reader on journey through her various hospital trips, and procedures, as well as her feeling and emotions that are as real as they are raw. It also introduces them to a quirky cast of characters who go through this 17 year odyssey with her until she finally finds out that she has an autoimmune disorder.

Misdiagnosed gives a voice to the 30 million Americans diagnosed with rare diseases, who have struggled to figure out what ail them. It gives people suffering with chronic conditions, rare or not, tips on how to continue to get the best medical care possible. I also provide tips on how to care for someone who is chronically ill and the things all single chronically ill people should do to make things easier for their family and friends.

Also, Misdiagnosed serves a cautionary guide to anyone who falls ill or has a loved one suffering with an ailment in the US. A recent John Hopkins study found that hospital errors lead to as many as 40,500 patients dying annually. Also, a study published in April showed 1 in every 20 people or 12 million per year are misdiagnosed at outpatient clinics in the U.S.

Misdiagnosed: The Search for Dr. House  has been endorsed by bestselling authors Wes Moore, Marya Hornbacher and Richard Cohen (Meredith Vieira’s husband) as well as Dr. Robert Lahita of UMDNJ and the Nation Women’s Health Network.

WHY BEAMON’S MISDIAGNOSED IS A MUST READ
Misdiagnosed sheds light the experiences of African American and other minorities who have a well-documented history of getting substandard or inadequate medical treatment in the U.S. A research study cited in a February 14, 2010 Daily Beast article said “race-related differences in health care cost the country 229 billion between 2003 and 2006” alone; a fact that “Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius called ‘just stunning and shocking.’”

The Mayo Clinic found 26 percent of cases are misdiagnosed; this number rises to a staggering 44 percent when it comes to some types of cancer according to the Journal of Clinical Onocology. These mistakes cost nearly one third of the 2.7 trillion spent in the US on healthcare. A study published in April showed one in every 20 people or 12 million per year are misdiagnosed at outpatient clinics in the U.S.    Source

WHO SHOULD READ THIS BOOK
Anyone who has not had a chronic illness.
Anyone who has a chronic illness. 
Anyone who has cared for someone with a chronic illness. 
Anyone who has treated, or attempted to treat, someone with a chronic illness. 
Anyone who influences health policy in the U.S. or other countries. 

Order Links for Misdiagnosed
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/457341

http://www.amazon.com/Misdiagnosed-The-Search-Dr-House/dp/1500436674

http://www.amazon.com/Misdiagnosed-Search-House-Nika-Beamon-ebook/dp/B00M5G9TLI

Intimate Conversation with Nika C. Beamon

Nika C. Beamon is a TV News Writer/Producer in New York. She pursued a BA in Communications and a BA in Sociology at Boston College in Massachusetts.

Beamon has been credited as a reference in the several books on television news and has also won many awards throughout her career including a Peabody Award for ABC News’ coverage of the September 11th Attacks.

In 2009, Chicago Review Press published her well-received non-fiction book: I Didn’t Work This Hard Just to Get Married: Successful, Single Black Women Speak Out. In 2000, she published her first mystery novel, Dark Recesses. In 2002, her second mystery novel, Eyewitness was released.

BPM:  What inspired you to sit down and actually start writing this book? Why now?
I sat down to write this book after having my first lymph node biopsy and realizing the delay in my diagnosis may have led to my illness progress to the near terminal stage. Family, friends and co-workers encouraged me to share my story to inspire others.  Months later, the first draft of Misdiagnosed: The Search for Dr. House was complete.

BPM:  Does your upbringing, prior relationships or life experiences inspire your writing?
Certain my life experiences have taught to me to embrace myself, flaws and all, so that I can keep growing and sharing who I am with the world.  My upbringing taught me I’m capable of succeeding, despite my limitations, with the help of my support system.

BPM:  Where do your book ideas come from? Are your books plot driven or character driven?  Why?
My book ideas are influenced by the stories I read about or come in contact with every day.   I’d like to think my books are character driven; that readers connect with someone in the story and go on the journey with them. However, I believe the social themes I address are equally as important to grasp.

BPM:   Introduce us to your current work. What genre do you consider your book? Is this book available in digital forms like Nook and Kindle?
My new book is my first memoir, Misdiagnosed: The Search for Dr. House.   I work in television and am a self-professed TV junkie so naturally I was a fan of the show, “Dr. House, MD.”  When my own illness seemed to baffled doctors, I searched for a doctor, like the one on the show, who could help figure out what was wrong with me.  It takes me 17 years and nearly 22 doctors to find an answer but thankfully I survived to get it. The book will be available a paperback and in all e-book forms starting August 1st.

BPM:   Give us some insight into your main speakers. What makes each one so special?
The main speakers in the book real people: me and my ex-boyfriend. You gain great insight into our nearly decade long romantic relationship and the toll my physical decay takes on it.  Additionally, you are introduced to my parents and several close friends that form a village to take care of me when I am unable to do so myself.

BPM:   What topics are primarily discussed?  Did you learn anything personal from writing your book?
Misdiagnosed: The Search for Dr. House deals with a variety of topics including: being sick and single, dealing with chronic illness, the plight of medical misdiagnosis, the financial toll prolonged illnesses take, the role of the caregiver in the lives of the chronically ill and the strength of the human spirit, as well as the role of faith in healing. Reflecting on the various bouts with illness in my life taught me to appreciate where I am in my life right now and all those who have aided me.

BPM:   What defines success for you, as a published author? What are your ambitions for your writing career?
The only real ambition I have as a writer is to tell stories that entertain and enlighten readers about subjects, persons or thoughts they don’t often consider.  I define success as anytime I reach anyone outside of my circle of friends, family and co-workers.

BPM:   What are your expectations for this book? What would you like for readers to do after reading this book?
I truly hope this book as used as a resource to aid other people struggling with illness.  I provide tips at the end to help others avoid the pitfalls I ran into so that they can focus on getting well.

BPM:   How can readers discover more about you and your work?
Readers can find out more about me and my other books by logging onto my website:
http://www.nikabeamon.com
https://twitter.com/NikaBeamon
https://www.facebook.com/NikaCBeamon

Reviews for Misdiagnosed: The Search for Dr. House

“Misdiagnosed is an eye-opening, fascinating account of a brave journey through the labyrinth of American medicine. Beamon draws the reader in skillfully, and gives us a close up view of the power of human persistence.”
—Marya Hornbacher, a Pulitzer Prize and Pushcart Prize nominated author. Her bestselling books include: Wasted: A Memoir of Anorexia and Bulimia; Madness: A Bi-Polar Life and Waiting: A Non-Believer’s Guide to a Higher Power.

“How long can my body endure all the invasions by doctors?   Nika Beamon’s cry is heard throughout Misdiagnosed: The Search for Dr. House. That doc does not exist, of course, but the author’s journey across hazardous terrain in the medical jungle did.  Her misery being mangled by modern medicine provides lessons on arming ourselves for the battles many of us face.”
—Richard M. Cohen, New York Times Best Selling author of Blindsided and Strong at the Broken Places.

“This is a book is a “must read” for all doctors and healthcare professionals…  Enigmatic to most physicians, devastating to patients, the stuff of science fiction, and limitless in presentation; autoimmune diseases are the frontier of medicine in the 21st century.  They demand an understanding of complex science and while practicing the art of medicine with compassion…Read Nika’s story to understand why patients long for a diagnosis.”
—Robert G. Lahita MD, PhD, FACP, MACR, FRCP,  Chairman of Medicine and VP, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, Professor of Medicine, UMDNJ

“Misdiagnosed” is a gripping medical detective story. It could be a fictional episode of “House” from the patient’s perspective, but this story is real. It is a raw telling of Nika Beamon’s journey through high-tech American health care. Just as she recounts stripping naked for doctors’ probes and surgeons’ scalpels, Beamon bares hers physical and emotional tribulations to readers.”
—Andrew Holtz, MPH Editor-In-Chief, HoltzReport and author of The Medical Science of House, M.D.

“Nika’s book is a well written, eye opening, call to action. An inspiring, yet alarming story that lets us know that even in our darkest and most alone moments, that we are not alone.”
—Wes Moore, Bestselling author of The Other Wes Moore.

“…Everyone with an invisible illness, whether named or not, will relate to Nika Beamon’s hidden dramas in her life, dealing with the daily frustrations of a mysteriously uncooperative body — and then, often worse, with an ill-equipped, punishing medical system…”
—Paula Kamen,  Author of All in My Head: An Epic Quest to Cure an Unrelenting, Totally Unreasonable, and Only Slightly Enlightening Headache

“…I believe it will truly help someone as they are on the quest for their own.  More people need to realize that doctors truly don’t know everything and that doctors can be learning about a patient’s illness right along with them!”
—Shaniqua D. Seth, Health Communications Manager, National Women’s Health Initiative

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