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Regarding My First Love

I love words.  They are some of the most powerful things on earth.  They can break a heart, put hope into a heart, mend a broken heart, or give a heart new life, all depending on the way they are used.  I’m ecstatic about being a writer.  It means that GOD has given me the gift of placing words the right way.  I can create a world that no one knew existed just by the way I arrange my words.
This is all still a dream that I’m praying and working very hard to see come into fruition, but the progress that I see lets me know that one day this will all be real.  I remember being eleven years old and sitting at my grandparents’ house with nothing to do (my grandmother was always afraid that something was going to happen to us if we went outside) and picking up a composition notebook.  I thought to myself, “Since my world is so boring, I’m going to create a world where everything goes the way that I want.”  It started off with people that I’d seen, things that I’d heard, boys saying things to girls that [at the time] I’d like to hear them say to me.  It developed into an entire book.  Soon I had thirteen notebooks filled with stories.  It was that summer that I found what I wanted to do with my life. 
            Of course, I’m not the accomplished author I said I was going to be by the time I turned 21.  In fact, I’ll be 27 on the 6th of September and have yet to publish a novel, let alone win my Pulitzer Prize.  But when you’re 11 years old, 21 seems like the age where you’ll have it all.  There have been a lot of diversions steering me away from the path.  For example, something that people would view as a mistake – having children at an early age – cost me my scholarship to Howard University.  Instead of going to school for journalism and taking my time doing what I want to do, I’m going to school for nursing in order to do what I have to do.  Don’t get me wrong.  I want to be a nurse.  I love helping people and helping to save lives, but there isn’t a single minute of the day when I’m not thinking about writing.  My notebook is glued to my hip.  The minute I’m inspired I have to get it on paper.  And that is how I know my dream is going to come true.
            One thing that I will say has helped me to jumpstart my career is networking.  You can’t be shy in this industry.  You have to be focused, driven, and you have to show the people who are already established how focused and driven you are.  Don’t be afraid to shoot an e-mail to your favorite author and ask him or her how he or she got to where they are today.  You never know what opportunity awaits you.  This week alone I’ve been blessed to be featured on ‘The Author’s Hideaway’, I’ve performed spoken word in front of the largest audience I’ve ever been exposed to, and I have several other events coming in the near future, all because I wasn’t afraid to network and go after what I want.  

To read an excerpt from Consider Your Ways please contact the author at sexyyoungdiva@live.com.

About the Author
Kimani Nelson was born and raised in Syracuse, NY.  She has lived there all of her life except her senior year in high school when she graduated from Eau Claire High School in Columbia, South Carolina.  Her love of writing was discovered at the age of 9 when she heard Sojourner Truth’s Ain’t I a Woman.  That poem speech inspired her first poem, Oh, and I Wonder Why. This poem was the first of many, two of which received Act-So awards for the Syracuse Chapter- Been Called Nigger (1997) and Negrophobia (1998).  
            Ms. Nelson wrote her first novel at the age of eleven, entitled Yours, ‘Til The End of Time.  It was published by her uncle and distributed to family members, but to this day she is still working on perfecting this first creation for national distribution.  Currently she is shopping for a publisher for her first completed manuscript, Consider Your Ways.  She is also working on a book of poems entitled Psalms of a Single Woman, which may evolve into a collaboration with other aspiring writers. 
            Kimani is the divorced mother of two boys.  She currently works as a Nursing Assistant and is in college studying to become a Registered Nurse.  Her hope for the future is that her books all become bestsellers. 
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In your quest to become an accomplished writer there is one resouce that is often over looked. Your local library has many valuable resources that can assist you in acheiving your goals.  
     Your local library may sponsor classes, some of which may be given by other authors and writers on how to perfect your craft. The library can be a resource on how to obtain funds for your projects and even sponsor events.  
     Another benefit is that these resouces are low cost or in most cases FREE!!! We all love the word free. I have had a number of my book signings at local libraries and have aslo attended events there.  If you are trying to get your book out and save money in the process, your local library is a major resource.  
     One last tip, as an author, once you have published your book, especially if you are a self-published author, make sure that your local library has a couple of copies of your book. Even though books are free to check out at the library, you'd be surprised how word of mouth through your local library can increase the sales on your must have book. 
     Contact the events coordinator at your local library for information.  


About the author

           Gregory W. Bryant was born December 22, 1962 in Atlantic City, New Jersey where he also attended school.  “Greg “the Poet” attended Taylor Business Institute where he majored in accounting and worked at the Golden Nugget Casino.
In 1984 he entered the United States Air Force and received an honorable discharge in 1988. Mr. Bryant is currently married and is a proud father and grandfather. This poet currently resides in Greensboro, North Carolina.
It was in 1993 that he became aware of his poetic skills.  His inspiration came from life experiences and reading poetry from his favorite poet, Langston Hughes.
His experiences motivated him to release his first book called “Poems of the Heart” in 2002.  The response was so positive he released his sophomore book “Visions” in 2003.  Mr. Bryant is currently CEO and president of Feel the Flow Publishing (www.feeltheflowpublishing.com). The objective of Feel the Flow Publishing is to assist fellow poets in self-publishing their work.  Feel the Flow Publishing has produced four books to date with the release of a compilation written by four great female poets titled “From the Hearts of Women”.  His current title is “Diary of an Open Mind”. He is currently working on his next project, which is currently untitled.
Mr. Bryant is a member and sponsor of the Academy of American Poets, the North Carolina Poets Society and is a participant in various poetry organizations.
For more information or to purchase his works visit www.feeltheflowpublishing.bravehost.com or email gb_xpress@yahoo.com.



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Treat yourself to a sneak peek inside Mrs. McKinney's latest Novel 
DUBIOUS

CHAPTER 1
Felicia
“My drought ends today!” I slapped my fist against the cool glass that covered my maple desk and winched in pain. “Ouch!” I shook my hand trying to soothe the ache away.
In retrospect, the soreness was nothing compared to the hurt in my heart. But it ended today. I grabbed my DK bag from my bottom drawer then fished through it for my keys.
I was becoming more frustrated by the minute because the keys were eluding me. Is this a sign from God telling me to sit my black ass down? The thought stunned me. For a brief second, I stopped searching.
“Naw, the good Lord knows that if I don’t get laid soon, I’m going to go postal up in this camp. I know he doesn’t want that!” I knew something had to change because I had started talking to myself, and I wasn’t sure what that would have escalated to. I shook my bag, and short of flipping it over on the top of my desk, I found them.
I was about to go on a mission.
I stopped only long enough to tell my secretary, Shakira, that I was taking an extended lunch. The look she gave me was priceless.  I hit the parking deck moving faster than the law should have allowed. The clacking of my heels against the concrete was the only sound I heard.
It was barely eleven in the morning, and I had written work off. What made it so bad was I didn’t even look to see what was on my calendar for the rest of the day. The urge to be fucked was just that strong. It had been two long years since I’d held my husband in my arms, and I was sick and tired of the bullshit.
Sliding into the driver’s seat, I flung my purse into the back and snapped on my seatbelt in two fluid movements. My reflection from my rearview mirror caught my attention. The image that stared back scared the hell out of me. I looked like I was one of those crazy and deranged people they talk about on the Michael Baisden show.  I snickered as I put the car in drive and peeled out the parking deck only stopping long enough to punch in my exit code.
My plan was simple: I was going to seduce my husband. He was going to give me the loving that I’d been craving for by hook, crook, or any means necessary. I was tired of pleasing myself at night and sleeping in our king-sized bed alone. I was not made for that crap. I needed me a nice hunk of meat to warm me up and then hose me down, preferably with his mouth.
The sad part about this whole situation was I didn’t realize it had been two years until I had come across an old anniversary card that I had stuck in my desk. It reminded me of just how long it had been since Randy and I actually talked face to face, fucked, or anything else.  He was so caught up in running his own business; he never took time out for us.
Although I wanted to place all the blame on him, I had to admit my part in the situation. When he had first started working those crazy hours at the kennel, I did nothing but complain. He had accused me of being selfish and wanting him to fail, even though I had put up the money to finance his dream. Hurt that he could even think such a thing about me, I decided to never say another word about the time he put in. At first I thought it was admirable, and I felt good about my investment. But that shit had gotten real old. Desperate times called for drastic measures.
Lost in thought, I had driven right pass the mall. “Damn,” I said, hitting the steering wheel for emphasis.
I waited impatiently for the light to change then risked a ticket by doing a U-turn in a lane that was clearly marked for no such turns. My eyes search my rearview mirror, praying that no blue lights were flashing behind me. Thank, God.
I was behaving so irrationally, I was scaring myself. To my surprise the mall was crowded, and finding a parking space was not easy. Slowing down to an empty spot, I debated on whether or not to risk my luck by parking in the handicapped spot. Thankfully, I notice another spot farther down the aisle.
* * *
Bypassing my favorite store, Macy’s, I went right to Victoria’s Secret in search of the perfect raunchy outfit that would make Randy want to suck the lining out my pussy. It was short, black, and sexy, and the matching thong was see-through.
I spent a few extra minutes picking just the right scent that would tickle his nose but still please his mouth. Satisfied with my selection, I hurried to the register and paid for my items.
I could hear my cell phone chirping in my purse. Since it was not the ring tone that I had assigned to Randy, I didn’t answer. Truth be told: I would not have spoken to him anyway because that would have spoiled my plans. With my bags in tow, I rushed back to my car.
During the drive home, I fantasized about the afternoon of loving I had planned. The hardest part was going to be getting my husband there to participate.  If someone would have told me three years ago that I would have had to resort to trickery to spend some time with my husband, I would have told them they had lost their damn mind. I thought about how my marriage had spiraled downward and said to myself, “What happened to us?”
Fighting against a depression that was threatening to overwhelm me, I tried to put this thought out of mind and concentrate on getting Randy to come home. Once he got there, I was confident that getting him into our bed was not going to be a problem. He had to be as horny as I was. We had just let life and our desire to succeed get in the way of communication and affection, but that was going to change in about an hour. 
* * *
I jumped in the shower and went over the details of my plan as I gently shaved my pubic hair. This was something that Randy had always asked me to do, but I had dismissed the idea because the new growth was bound to itch. The last thing I needed was an itchy coochie while cross-examining a witness. That thought made me laugh out loud. Laughter was foreign to me. I can’t remember the last time I had done it.
I stepped out the shower, hurried into the bedroom to dress. Resisting the urge to tie my hair into a ponytail, I opted to leave it hanging down instead. As I spread lotion on my legs, I could not help but to imagine Randy’s hands on my legs instead of my own. Not wanting to waste another minute, I snatched the phone from my nightstand and called Randy.
He picked up on the third ring. “Randy speaking.”
“Hey, it’s me.” I tried to sound like I was all about business and not extremely horny and was about to pop off at any second.
“Hey.”
I could hear him sigh as if I had interrupted him at a critical moment. I fought the urge to get mad. “I know that you are super busy, but we’ve got a problem.”
“What’s up?”
I guess I had gotten his attention because I didn’t detect an attitude.  
“I’ve been putting your mail in your office, and since you haven’t been here, it’s piling up. A letter came from the bank that requires your signature, today. They sent this second request Certified Mail, and I signed for it.”
“Why does the bank need my signature? The loan is in your name; I’m just a tenant.”
“It’s the Use and Occupancy Permit and as the tenant, you have to sign it. If we don’t get the papers back today, they will place the loan in default.”
He sighed. “Fine. I can’t leave right now, but if you bring them to the kennel, I can sign them real quick.”
“Sorry, I can’t. I had to come home to change clothes because I spilled coffee on my shirt. If you come home now, I can drop them off to the bank and still be on time for my two o’clock deposition.”
“Damn. What time is it?”
“Eleven-thirty.”
“Alright, I’m on my way. Leave the papers on my desk, and I’ll sign them. I’ve got to get right back. I’ve got an appointment this afternoon that I can’t be late for.” He hung up without saying goodbye.
“I got your appointment.” I threw the phone on the bed and continued to get dressed. “Nothing is more important than the appointment you have between my legs and getting us back on track.”
* * *
I nervously paced the floor while awaiting Randy’s arrival. I could not decide where would be the best place to greet him. Part of me wanted to stand at the front door butter-ball naked, but the thought of carpet burns on my ass ruled that out. I wanted him to manhandle me like he did when we had first gotten married, rip my clothes off, suck my breasts, and drive his dick deep into my emptiness. 
My pussy had gotten wet just thinking about it.
“I sure hope he takes a bath before he comes home,” I mumbled out loud, even though I had already decided I would take the dick in whatever form he decided to give it to me.
Ever since he had started running the kennel, he stopped doing the basic things in life like bathing. His goatee, which he normally kept trim and distinguished, had turned into a wild and wooly beard. His hair had grown long enough to braid, but I would be happy if he ran a comb through it or, at the very least, he wiped off all the dog hair that seemed to cling to his skin. The Randy I remembered had skin like rich milk chocolate. He was a hunk who was well over six feet tall, who weighed in at about 230 pounds. He had the most perfect teeth, and he had two dimples that made me wanna holla every time he smiled. His most striking feature, though, was his eyes. Most black men had dark brown or black eyes but his were chestnut with flecks of green in them.
I heard the downstairs door opening and the sound of rapid foot falls across the hardwood floors. I expected him to call me any minute, and he did not disappoint me.
“Felicia, I don’t see any paperwork.”
“I’m up here,” I hollered back. I draped myself over the bed in my most provocative pose. My pussy was practically dripping in anticipation.
He took the stairs, seemingly two at a time, and arrived at our bedroom out of breath and disheveled as hell. His smell assaulted my nose, and I fought hard not to wrinkle my nose in distaste. Briefly, I toyed with the idea of getting mine in the shower, thereby killing two birds with one stone. 
Looking everywhere but nowhere near me, he went right to our dresser, not bothering to so much as to say hi. I struggled against the urge to snap on him. Didn’t he see this pussy all dressed up for him?
Throwing up his hands in apparent frustration, he turned to face me. “Where are the papers you said I need to sign?  Didn’t I tell you I have to run in and out?”
His anger was barely kept in check, but he wasn’t the only one angry now. I had one nerve left and he was standing on it, but again, I held my tongue. 
“Hello,” I said, trying my best to sound seductive, but it didn’t resonant that way to my ears. I sounded needy instead.
“Hey.” He sighed and ran his fingers through his wild hair, leaving stray hairs, which I assumed were from the dogs that were ruining our lives.
“Sit down for a minute; it’s been so long since we’ve had a chance to talk to each other.”  Patting the bed, I tried to get him to look at me, but he wasn’t cooperating.
“Yeah, talk … that’s right. I’ve been meaning to talk to you for some time now,” he said, almost mumbling. He was still distracted, and his eyes were wandering around the room. 
My heart soared with love. All the preparation and the deceit were about to pay off. I moved over on the bed to allow him room to rest his body, but he remained standing. Hoping to urge him along, I tugged aside the thin material that hid my clean-shaven pussy.
“It’s about the kennel.” He cleared his throat as if he were searching for the right words to say.
I was outdone. Here I sat practically dripping like a faucet and he wanted to talk about his precious kennel. “The what?” I said in disbelief. Surely my ears were deceiving me.
“The kennel, I need to expand it. I need you to take out a second mortgage on the house to help me grow the business.” 
“What did you say?” Snapping my legs shut, I sat up on the bed so fast I felt dizzy. If I didn’t know better, I would have sworn that I’d stepped onto the set of The Twilight Zone.
“Come on, Felicia, I don’t have a lot of time.” He looked at his watch for emphasis.
Something inside me snapped. I grabbed my robe from the foot of the bed and put it on. Since it was obvious that Randy wasn’t interested in what I was offering him, there wasn’t need to continue lying around like a dressed turkey at Thanksgiving. My ego was bruised. I started to wonder why I was trying so hard to hold on to this asshole. “Oh, it’s like that? You barge in here—after God’s knows how long—and have the nerve to twist your lips to say that you don’t have time for me?” I was livid.
“I didn’t say I didn’t have time for you. I just said I didn’t have time for this!” He looked around the room and finally noticed the candles, the soft music coming out of the stereo, and if he hadn’t been so funky, the erotic smells emanating from the room.  Understanding finally ignited. His eyes softened, but the words he uttered remained the same. “Look, let me sign the papers. We can talk about the loan later tonight. I gotta run.” He looked around the room again, dismissing me and my wants and desires.
This was the final straw as far as I was concerned. “There is nothing to talk about. I won’t do it.”
“I’m not here to argue with you, Felicia. Just give me the damn papers and stop acting like a silly bitch.”
I could tell he regretted the silly bitch part almost immediately after he had said it, but it was too late. The damage was done.
“Oh, I got your silly bitch.” I was already pulling the earrings out my ears, ready to go toe to toe with his foul-smelling ass. At that moment, I had forgotten he was supposed to be the love of my life. Instead, he was an enemy that I needed to destroy.
“You know what, if you don’t get me that loan then it’s over.” He twisted up his lips as if he had smelled something funky coming off of me.
His words cooled my fire and caused me to pull up from the head-butt I was about to give him. Surely he didn’t mean our marriage was over … oh hell no! “Are you saying that you are going to leave me if I don’t?” I was stunned into nonaction.
“I can show your silly ass better than I can tell you.” He turned around and headed straight to the closet, which was off of the master bathroom.
Feeling dizzy again, I sat back down on the bed with the wind knocked out of me. 

 More about Mrs. Tina Brooks McKinney...
A native of Baltimore, Maryland currently residing in Covington Georgia, Tina wears many hats, as she balances her time between that of wife, mother, talk show hostess/interviewer and creative force behind the drama trilogy -- All That Drama, in 2004, Lawd, Mo’ Drama, 2007 and finally Fool, Stop Trippin’ – 2008. All published under the imprint of Strebor Books, a division of Simon & Shuster Atria Books.
In late 2008, Tina started her own publishing company called Taboo Publishing and produced her first novel, Dubious. To learn more about her publishing company and her latest book visit www.taboopublishing.com. Submission guidelines for Taboo Publishing will be posted in the very near future. She is looking for edgy material that pushes the envelope! Look for new authors and books in 2009.
Tina’s next novel—Deep Deceptions will be available May, 2009. Check back for excerpt and a sneak peek at the cover.
As an avid reader, taking in everything she could get her hands on, Tina decided to share her love of books with the world by hosting a on internet radio called Real Talk With Tina Brooks McKinney. Tina’s show focuses on both traditional and self published authors whose voices are seldom heard. To learn more about this show, log into www.blogtalkradio.com/tinabrooksmckinney. The show airs on Tuesday nights at 7:00 EST but previous shows are available in the archives.  
Tina uses fictional characters to address real issues occurring in the world. Known for her ‘tell it like it is’ banter, Tina hopes to enlighten and entertain her reading audience. Thus far, she has been successful. 
Tina loves to interact with her readers and is always interested in meeting more of them. You can contact Tina at tybrooks2@yahoo.com. She is also available for book club meetings, chats and conferences. Check her tour page to see if she is coming to a City near you!
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Take a sneak peek into "The Lies That Bind" 


During a starry night at a fundraiser in Atlanta, the course of Dr. Teresa McCall’s life is changing; and she doesn’t even realize it. The night ends with her square in the crosshairs of a predator with every intention of finishing what he started. The events that follow rock the foundation of everything Teresa thought she knew as she struggles against an unseen enemy who always seems to be one step ahead of the esteemed psychologist and determined to destroy her and everything the touches.
D.L. Sparks’ current title The Lies That Bind is slated to be released by Urban Books in January 2010. The Lies that Bind is a suspense/drama that promises to keep you on the edge of your seat. D.L. was also a nominee for Cush City’s Best New Author award in 2007, a contender for nomination for Debut Author of the Year by the NAACP Image Awards and a Best New Author nominee for Infini Promoters.  When D.L. is not writing, she spends time with her family, likes to travel and she runs her own editing company. D.L. is an accomplished speaker/lecturer with a passion for working with young people. D.L. has established Y.E.S. (Youth Empowerment Seminars) to help our young people say Y.E.S. to their future.
Visit D.L. at www.dlsparks.com
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6 Tips for Parents
Encouraging Your Teen to Read
by Shelia M. Goss

As parents or guardians, finding ways to encourage your teenager to read may be difficult but it’s not an impossible task. Below are a few tips:

Show by example. Let your kids see you reading—newspaper, magazine, books, etc.

Find out your child’s interest. Find a way to connect his or her interest to reading material.

Take your teen to the library or book store. Ask your librarian for book suggestions. When at the book store, let your child wander the aisles and observe which area of books seem to hold their attention.

Buy a book on his or her favorite interest. If your teen loves video games, surprise him or her with a book on the characters of those video games. If your teen watches TV shows like Gossip Girl or That’s So Raven, find those books at the library or book store and surprise your teen with it. The key is to show your child they can find interesting things in between the pages of a book.

Encourage reading. For those of you whose teens may be reading material you deem inappropriate, try to explain to the teenager why you feel that way and offer alternate reads.

Read young adult books too and discuss. It’s a great way to start dialogue and could lead to ongoing communication with the teen in your life.


About the author:

Shelia M. Goss is the author of the young adult series – The Lip Gloss Chronicles and six women’s fiction books.

Young Adult Books

The Ultimate Test: The Lip Gloss Chronicles Vol. 1 by Shelia M. Goss - Jun 2009

Splitsville: The Lip Gloss Chronicles Vol. 2 by Shelia M. Goss - September 29, 2009

Paper Thin: The Lip Gloss Chronicles Vol. 3 by Shelia M. Goss - Spring 2010

Women’s Fiction Books

His Invisible Wife by Shelia M. Goss - July 2009

Hollywood Deception by Shelia M. Goss - April 2010

My Invisible Husband by Shelia M. Goss - 2006

Roses are thorns (Violets are true) by Shelia M. Goss - 2007

Paige’s Web by Shelia M. Goss - 2007

Double Platinum by Shelia M. Goss - 2008

For more information, visit www.thelipglosschronicles.com or www.sheliagoss.com.
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12:00 AM | Posted in

It Always Feels Like The First Time
     All writers have experienced it.  It’s that warm fuzzy feeling of joy when we’ve written something that we know is good. It’s that feeling of giving birth to a creative or thought-provoking piece. 
     For some, it’s a piece they wrote as a child, their first moment of self expression that they will never forget writing.  For others it’s a first poem or completion of the first chapter of what will ultimately become their debut book.  And yet still for a different sect of people it’s the sale of their first book, a moment which solidifies in the writer’s mind, more than anything else, that they are truly a writer because someone is willing to shell out hard-earned cash to read the words they have connected together.
     No matter what stage the feeling comes, it is still felt by ALL writers and there is nothing like the experience of your first time.
…Or is there?
     Since the debut of my novel, Mistress Memoirs, I thought nothing else could compare to “that” feeling.  Nothing else could bring me the same joy.
     But each experience as an Author proves me wrong.  Each night I write, as I compose my next novel, and as I stare out my bedroom window into the night, allowing the stars to be my inspiration as they guide my fingertips across the keyboard, I get “that” feeling as if the new book is my very first. 
     Each time I have a book signing and a reader has the look in their eyes as if they have just purchased a precious keepsake, I think to myself, “This is what makes it worthwhile” and my heart is filled with “that” feeling once again.
    And in the midst of these experiences, I ask myself why do I write.  And each and every time, the answer is two-fold: I write because my souls say I have to and I write because there is extreme satisfaction in entertaining others.  It’s a win/win situation for me. 
     It’s at that point that I realize that when releasing my muse, I get the same gratification I received when initially stringing my first thoughts together in written format, and that makes me smile.  The long nights of writing, knowing I will pay for it in the morning through fatigue are worth it, because it’s fulfilling, and ultimately, for me…it always feels like the first time.
Lorraine Elzia is the Author of Mistress Memoirs.  She is a 2009 African American Literary Award nominee for “Break-Out” Author of the year and has been featured in several anthologies including two Chicken Soup for the Soul Anthologies and The Triumph of My Soul Anthology.  Lorraine is Co-Owner of Eve’s Literary Services,contributing Editor of the “Gumbo for the Soul” series; and Co-Moderator of Essentially Women, a writing group for African American women. She is from Austin, Texas, by way of Motown (Detroit, Michigan) and it is her desire that through the written word delivered in different genres, she will be able to inspire and motivate others to see the beauty that resides within all people. www.lorraineelzia.com;www.peaceinthestormpublishing.com.
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7:54 PM | Posted in
     The Author's Hideaway has special guests stopping by this week. Come into the hideaway to meet them and leave your comments. 


     On Monday, August 24th, our guest will be 2009 African American Literary Award "Break Out" Author Nominee, Lorraine Elzia. Lorraine is the author of "Mistress Memoirs". 


     On Tuesday, August 25th, our guest will be Essence Magazine and Black Expressions Book Club Best Selling Author Shelia M. Goss.  Shelia is the author of "Roses Are Thorns, Violets Are True", "My Invisible Husband", "Paige's Web" and "Double Platinum".


     On Wednesday, August 26th, our guest will be Cush City's 2007 Best New Author Nominee, Infini Promotors Best New Author Nominee and NAACP's Debut Author of the Year Contender, D. L. Sparks. D.L. is the author of "The Ties That Bind".


     On Thursday, August 27th, our guest will be Best Selling Author Tina Brooks McKinney.


     On Friday, August 28th, our guest will be author and poet Gregory W. Bryant. Gregory is the author of "Poems of the Heart", "Visions", and "Diary of an Open Mind". 


     And last but not least on Monday, August 31st, our guest will be debut author Kimani Nelson. Kimani is the author of "Consider Your Ways". 


     So come on out and see what's going on. We can't wait to see you!
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10:02 PM | Posted in

Real Eyes Bookstore
3306 N. Davidson Street
Suite #A
Charlotte, NC 28205
704-377-8989 - Phone
704-377-8990
www.realeyesbookstore.com

Monday - Closed
Tuesday - Saturday 11am - 7pm
Sunday 12pm - 4pm

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5:41 PM | Posted in
I had to admit that it felt so good sleeping all day yesterday. The thunderstorms really put me in a tranquil state. I slept like a baby, but then 2 a.m. came and I found myself not being able to go back to sleep after the loud pop of thunder shook the house.

I had so many ideas in my head. Some things from my dreams, and other thoughts that had been roaming around in my head.. Ideas for more books; more stories.

After eating a bowl of cheerios and drinking some hot cocoa with plenty of plush marshmallows, I decided to go into my office and write. I wrote for a while, did a little reading, more writing, some research and more writing.

Before I knew it, it was 4 a.m. I wanted to stay up, but I knew if I did, I'd be sleep for pretty much part of the day; again. So I decided to take a nap and set my alarm for 7:45am this morning.

When the alarm went off (my alarm tone is the NFL theme music) I got up, got dressed and headed out the door. I ran some errands and came back and was surprised to find that I was still in the writing mood.

My fingertips glided across the keyboard like poetry in motion. And as I was typing until my heart's content, I got an idea for a new novel. I wrote the idea down on my idea board... Then I got another! I wrote it down....

I already have my 2009 anthology pegged, and hadn't planned on starting 2010 until the Spring. So I revisited an idea to co-author a novel with another author. I got to messing around on my FB page and walla! Let's just say expect to see the end result of a best seller in a few months.

I am so excited about this new venture; so excited that it gave me motivation to finish the sequel to "Circumstances". A lot of folks are hemming and hawing that I waited so long to do this sequel and believe me, I'm a bit mad at myself. But my goal is to have it released no later than December. Wish me luck!
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10:48 PM | Posted in

Recently I joined Written Magazine's 30 Books in 90 Days Challenge. The challenge calls for readers to read 30 books in 90 days. The contest started June 15, 2009 and goes through September 15, 2009.
I have to say, in my defense, I started the challenge about two weeks into the challenge and became a little over zealous! By the time I finished compiling my list I had added 48 books! Sounds good right. Yes. Uh no. Half of these books consisted of library books, to which I inherited an $18 library fee in a matter of two and half weeks.
Look at my book list to find out the books that made my initial list. I've decided that my final list will be completed when I read the last book of the challenge. I've decided that as I go along, I will write reviews for each of these books. The reviews can be found on the Literary Wonders! website, as well as the Facebook Virtual Bookshelf and Amazon.com.
The books I've completed to date are "Of Blood and Sorrow" by Victoria Wilson Wesley; "A Moment of Justice, A Lifetime of Vengeance" by John A. Wooden and "The Tribe" by Gregory Townes. I am currently reading "Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man" by Steve Harvey; "An Eye For A Deadly Eye" by John A. Wooden and "The Shack" by Wm. Paul Young.
There are several titles on the list that I picked up to read and couldn't get into right away and had to put them down. It is my hopes to go back to them at another time.
Today is Sunday, August 2, 2009 and there are 43 days left in this challenge. Will I make my quota of 30 books? Stay tuned to find out.
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