December Christmas of Authors - Author Showcase
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7:07 PM | Posted in

For the month of December, Literary Wonders! and The Author's Hideaway will be presenting "Authors for the Holidays" author showcase. All you need to do is answer the questions below and that's it! One day during the month of December you will be featured on the Literary Wonders! website, The Author's Hideaway Blog and blasted on social media networks. FREE publicity! Please let me know if you have any questions. 



Author Showcase Guidelines 
A. Author Photo 
B. Book Cover




1.Give us a brief bio
2.What made you decide to become an author?
3. Who are some of your favorite authors?
4. How are you giving back to the literary community?
5. Give one tip you would give new authors?
6. Who, What, When and Where is your next event?
7. What is the biggest lesson you've learned since becoming an author?
8. Suggest a preferred literary service. (i.e. publishing, printing, editing, marketing, accessories, etc)
9. What genre do you consider yourself?
10. Where can your work be found?
11. Contact info


Please respond and send info to info@literarywonders.com. 
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Review: Love Trumps Game by D.Y. Phillips
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3:33 PM | Posted in
Love Trumps Game by D.Y. Phillips – ISBN 10: 1-59309-270-2 ISBN 13: 978-1-59309-270-2 – 255 pages – published by Strebor Books – Paperback – Reviewed by Yolanda M. Johnson-Bryant; Literary Wonders! (www.literarywonders.com) October 19, 2009 – 4.5 Stars.


            Author D.Y. Phillips gives readers the tale of Topps Jackson; a ruthless drug dealer who plans on turning the family business over to his son as his father had done him.
In Love Trumps Game, Topps Jackson, affectionately known as ‘TJ’, has a multi-million dollar drug business and he has no problem popping anyone he considers a complication. After all, he tortured his own mother, which eventually led to her death.
            Neema Jean Sims was TJ’s ‘main girl’. Neema was so caught up in the luxurious lifestyle that TJ afforded her that it blinded her better judgment. The truth was, Topps didn’t trust her and he had every reason not to; Neema had been stealing from him for years. None of her street smarts prepared her for what Topps had in store for her.

            Like so many times in the past, Neema had disappeared and left her children in her mother’s, Hattie, care . It has been days since anyone has heard from her, including TJ. Topps is sure that his number one man Slick knows Neema’s whereabouts. He also knows that Slick and Neema have been creeping behind his back. Hattie knows something isn’t right this time, especially when Topps Jackson sends her the message that if she doesn’t return his two children, she would pay. And pay, she does.
            D.Y. Phillips, creates a story of thug life and adds plenty of action and drama complete with sex, drugs and dead bodies.
            Love Trumps Game shows what can happen with a person on the wrong side of the law leaves ‘lose ends’.
            Determined to save her grandchildren, even if it means her life, Hattie is put in protective custody, but soon realizes, nothing gets by Topps Jackson. But what Topps doesn’t realize is that Hattie was dead serious about keeping her grandchildren safe at the expense of her own life. Even Christian’s get fed up.
            This urban tale is an easy read and gives a realistic look at the pros and cons of the gangster lifestyle. Money and power is all good but you just may pay with your life. 
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Just Write!
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6:44 PM | Posted in
by Yolanda M. Johnson-Bryant
I’ve been writing for several years now, and I constantly hear people make the same statement over and over again; “I have a story to tell, but I don’t know where to start.” My advice is usually not to make it a bigger deal than it has to be. If you have a story, just start writing it. Several people have also made the following comment to me: “But I wasn’t great in English.” My response: “That’s what editors are for.”



Look, the most important thing to do is to just write. Whether you use pen and paper, use a computer or tape yourself telling the story, just get the basics down. It has been my past experience that the longer you wait to put your ideas down , the better the  chance that you will lose the information.



I, myself, am an electronic and sticky kind of gal. I like to see the writing flow onto the screen as I type, which makes it easy for me to go back and make changes. Have you seen my handwriting? I also keep a tablet and a pad of sticky notes in my night stand, next to my bed. That way if I awake in the middle of the night, I can immediately jot down my idea, because chances are, I won’t remember it in the morning. It’s not a bad idea to keep a small tablet with you in your purse and/or pocket for those times when you are on the road and need to write down your idea. A tape recorder is also an excellent idea.


For now, don’t worry about putting your writing in any particular order. Just get it down. You can always go back later and re-arrange parts so that they flow together. Then your editor will work with you to make sure that the grammar and flow is going the way it should.



Speaking of editors; if your intent is bypass and editor on your project, bad idea! One has to understand that although we think we can edit our own work, which we do several times, we will almost always come up short. Allowing an editor to have the final say in a manuscript is key. When an author edits his/her own work, it will flow as the writer remembers the story in their mind, which makes it very easy for a writer to miss errors. It is always good to have a fresh set of eyes to go over your work. And when I say fresh pair of eyes, I mean an editor and not your cousin Louie. I speak this from experience. There are several short cuts one can take in publishing their book, but editing is not one of them.


So put that anxiety on the back burner and ‘get to writing’. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Trust me, you’ll have plenty of time to worry about in the later stages of completing your project.
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Writing Numbers as Words
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3:20 PM | Posted in

Is it necessary to put a numeral in parentheses after you have already written the number in words?



Example: We will need two (2) chairs.

Conversely, is it necessary to write the number in words after you have already used the numeral?

Example: We will need 200 (two hundred) chairs.

If your document is dense, has a lot of numbers, or contains large numbers, the numerical form helps your readers scan information quickly. Conversely, while we may make a typo with only a numeral, we are almost guaranteed accuracy by writing the number in word format. So using a combination of numerals and written number format can be useful without being redundant.


Thanks for this valuable information Jane!
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Featured Business - LadyFingers Designs
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11:02 AM | Posted in

Lady Fingers provides design work for bookmarks, pre-made covers, custom covers and cover art. 


The artwork is beautiful and is professionally done. 


This business is owned by author Dara England. Check out her work, which is displayed nicely on her website, and place an order or two. The prices are awesome. 
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The NANO Challenge is coming!
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4:59 AM | Posted in



 The National Writing Month Challenge will be held November 1, 2009 - November 30, 2009. This will be my third year participating in the challenge. This year, I plan on completing the challenge. I currently have a new concept for a new novel that I want to develop during the challenge.

For those who will be participating this year, the site is finally up and running. I believe they are working out a few kinks, but for the most part, all is set to go. My user name this year is ymjauthor, so feel free to add me as one of your writing buddies. 


If you are a new writer and have been thinking about writing a novel, this is a great chance to start. Not only will the challenge give you motivation, but it will also give you via your writing buddies and the staff and crew at NANO.

For more information please visit the site at NANOWRIMO. 

GET READY......SET.....GO!
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Semicolon Use
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7:34 PM | Posted in


Do you get confused about the proper way to use a semicolon? Semicolons do not represent a full stop at the end of a sentence, as periods do; rather, they're like the "yellow light" of punctuation marks: they signal a pause between one sentence and the next. You slow down, then stop at the end of the second sentence.

Rule 1. Use a semicolon in place of a period to separate two sentences where the conjunction has been left out.
Examples:
Call me tomorrow; I will give you my answer then.
They went to the scariest movie they could find; they didn't invite their youngest sister.

Rule 2. It is preferable to use a semicolon before introductory words such as namely, however, therefore, that is, i.e., for example, e.g., or for instance when they introduce a complete sentence. It is also preferable to use a comma after the introductory word.
Examples:
You will want to bring many backpacking items; for example, sleeping bags, pans, and warm clothing will make the trip better.
As we discussed, you will bring two items; i.e., a sleeping bag and a tent are not optional.

Rule 3. Use the semicolon to separate units of a series when one or more of the units contain commas.
Example:
This conference has people who have come from Boise, Idaho; Los Angeles, California; and Nashville, Tennessee.
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Review: Sisters & Husbands by Connie Briscoe
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3:13 PM | Posted in

Sisters & Husbands by Connie Briscoe – ISBN: 978-0-446-53489-5  – 273 pages – published by Grand Central Publishing – Hardcover – Reviewed by Yolanda M. Johnson-Bryant; Literary Wonders (www.literarywonders.com) September 29, 2009 – 5 Stars

In Sisters & Husbands, bestselling author Connie Briscoe introduces us to three sisters; Charmaine, Beverly and Evelyn. Even though these sisters share the same DNA, each has their own set of individual problems. 
Charmaine is on her fourth marriage; this time to Tyrone. Even though they are still newlyweds, their marriage is being tested in the form of a step-daughter named Tiffany. Tiffany is Tyrone’s daughter, and although she only visits twice a year, uses her father’s guilt to get whatever she wants. With each visit Tyrone looses all sight of sanity and reasoning. He’s at Tiffany’s every beck and call even if it’s at the expense of his new wife Charmaine and her son. Charmaine tries to be the bigger person, but she’s had about enough.
Kevin has been the love of Evelyn’s life since high school, so it made sense that they would marry and have children and live happily ever after. After two decades of marriage, Kevin starts to lose his mind. Evelyn is sure that it is just male mid-life crisis; that is until Kevin sells his law firm and takes a job at the local Blockbuster movie rental chain, gives away his designer suits and shaves his head bald. Evelyn grows more confused about the man Kevin is becoming. Her faith is shook after she realizes Kevin has committed the ultimate betrayal.
Beverly has walked down the isle more times than she cares to remember. Not being able to go through with any of her weddings, Beverly finds herself headed to the alter once more; again with doubt. This time the unlucky fellow is Julian.  Julian adores Beverly, but becomes somewhat irritated at Beverly’s odd behavior after she finds out that her sister’s lives are not quite what they seem. Instead of living for herself, Beverly uses her sisters as a crutch and an excuse not to wed Julian.
These sisters find that everything done in the dark comes to light and no amount of money or Prada can cure a bad marriage. They share laughter and tears and do their best to be a support to one another.

When Beverly learns that both Charmaine and Eveyln are having major marriage problems she starts to think that maybe it is also her destiny to fail at marriage. The question is, will she realize that she is not her sisters?
Connie Briscoe has done another excellent job in twisting characters and story lines that birth great life lessons.  Sisters and Husbands is a witty yet realistic example of the deception depicted in some marriages today. You’ll be drawn in from the very first page.



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Q&A with Sci-Fi Writer Gregory Townes
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12:21 AM | Posted in

Where did you get the idea for The Tribe?


I had just written my first novel titled "Angel Bane" about the apocalypse. The book clocked in at over 275,000 words and close to a thousand pages; took me a year to write it. After I finished this mammoth tome I was told that no publisher would touch it because of the length of the book and that I should write something much smaller and much less controversial. I sat and tried to come up with something with an “Urban Flavor” to it and then somehow The Tribe was born.


Have you always been interested in the paranormal?


Yes. From the time I was a child I was always interested in stories about the paranormal. The Bible was my favorite book as a child.


Do you write or will you write any other genre other than the one you write?

I may write something with a comedic flair to it, but if I do it will be based 
on true life stories.





Do you like to read anything other than paranormal?

Yes. I am an eclectic reader, but I prefer stories that stimulate my imagination. 


Do you have any other work out there besides The Tribe?

I have written three full novels: Angel Bane (unpublished) The Tribe (published) and The Ides of March (unpublished). 

What are you working on now?

I am working on a story called Afterlife, about an eight year old prodigy who grew up in Germany during the Nazi Occupation and World War Two. 



What do you want your readers to take away when they read your books?

That I have the ability to first tell one hell of a story, and then I Entertain, Inspire and Inform.



Will you continue or do another book on the “Silver Eyes”?

I have a sequel in the works. 



Do you have any signings or appearances scheduled for the near future?

No. Believe it or not I am really a very shy person. I just hide it well. 



Are any of your characters true to life characters?

All of my characters are based on real people; sometimes a combination of people. 


Were you ever abducted by aliens?

The Department of Homeland Security prevents me from going into detail on this question.



If you could be one author who would it be?

A better me, but lacking that, Stephen King. 



What else would you like your readers to know about you? 

I am never afraid to “GO THERE” in my stories.


For More on Mr. Townes, contact him at www.gregorytownes.com or email him at tribe@gregorytownes.com.


Thanks Gregory!
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Literary Wonders! 2009 Scholarship Project Winner Sruthi Gohimukkula
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2:18 PM | Posted in
Meet Sruthi Gohimukkula. Sruthi Gohimukkula is a 13 year old 8th grader at The Academy at Lincoln in Greensboro, NC. She is the winner of the 2009 Literary Wonders! Scholarship Project and Scholarship. Read her winning essay below: 

            I think it is very important to vote for the President of the United State. In America, we have freedom. In a lot of countries around the world, the people are still being forced against their will. I believe that America has come a long way to get rid of that kind of stuff. A few decades ago, Americans didn’t have all the freedom we have today. Especially people of color. They were forced to sit in the back, or to go to different buildings or even to do different things. Now, we have the opportunity to choose our leader. And to choose the person who helps make all the decisions. What wouldn’t people back then give to have such an opportunity. I think that we should take an action on this golden chance. To help secure or nation’s future; to help elect someone that can make sure that America is the best country that it can possibly be. Also, in America today, different people have different opinions and views on what should happen and who should make it happen. For example, look at the Palin/McCain campaign versus the Obama/Biden campaign. Both parties have different views, but their goal is the same: to help America succeed. Americans have a tough choice to make, but I think it is important they get to make that choice.
            When you think of the President of the United States, what do you think of? A powerful man whose job is easy and all he does is sit around and watch other people do his job for him? Not quite, in my opinion, having the job of President isn’t easy. The President has so much pressure on him/her.
            The countries problems are blamed on that person, even if they had nothing to do with what was going on that particular moment. They have to make many choices, and although they have help, the little thought that something might go wrong is always bugging them in the back of their head. So what is the President’s job? I think the President’s job is to help the country succeed in whatever they may be doing. If it’s a war, the president should make sure that the troops have whatever they need to ensure success. The president must help the people. Although they cannot help each and every person, they should at least address the bigger issues or problems. That is what I believe is the role of the president.
            If I were President, the first issue that I would vow to solve would probably be health care. Millions of people in America are suffering because they cannot afford a suitable health care plan. Health insurance is a big thing in American Society. Many people cannot afford it, and are therefore living without it. If I were to become President, I would first address this issue because it is such a big deal. Many families are losing a ton of money because they don’t have a good healthcare plan to pay for medical procedures and medicines. Another problem I would address would be the price of oil and gas. We need to find an alternate that our cars can run on besides oil, because obviously, we are running out of oil rapidly. Another problem is the war in Iraq, hundreds of people have lost their lives already, and I think the ward needs to stop, as there is no reason for it to continue. These are the issues I would vow to address if I were to become President of the United States. I think the next president should also address these issues.
            As a minority, I think it is important to vote for a minority candidate for these reasons. A minority candidate can understand what is going in your life. They can improve your rights and can help discrimination against minorities. Some minorities have a good life; they have a family and decent pay, while other minority families are struggling to keep themselves and their families alive. Also, it is hard for minority children to go to colleges that require pay that is high. They may not be educated as well, and therefore cannot get academic scholarships. I go to a school in a minority area, and I see how people in that area live. The houses are very small, some house don’t have windows are the windows are broken, the roof is falling apart. I have many friends who walk to school, because their parents cannot drive them. I think that if we, as minorities, vote for minority candidates, then we can improve all the problems and live a better life.
            I think many of my generation have already realized that we must step up and take action, or else America may fail. We have kid’s voting booths to help kids understand the importance of voting from a young age. On the news the other day, they mentioned that Nickelodeon had a program where kids get to vote for the presidential candidates and tell why they voted for that particular candidate, I think that this program was very effective and showed the difference it can make for our country’s future. Our generation will invent many new things, find new places to drill for oil, find eco-friendly cars, you name it, and we can do it. But I think it’s important that we first understand that America’s future lies in our hands.
            Right now in 2008, we are facing a historical presidential race. Where we could have the first President of color, or we may have the first woman to ever be president. I think this election is one of the biggest elections in history. I also think that regardless of whoever wins, they will make a difference to our country. Both parties have different views, different opinions, but more or less their goal is to help America succeed. For example, although one party wants to stop the war in Iraq and the other party wants to continue with the war, each side has a reason for their action. I think that although they may have different opinions, they can change America. 
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An Interview with Crime Writer John A. Wooden
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12:48 PM | Posted in


I had the pleasure of meeting the "crime fighter" in 2006.  Please find below my mini-interview with Mr. Wooden. Also, read the reviews for his two novels on this blog and also at Literary Wonders!


1. It seems that your books are about crime. What gave you the inspiration to write this genre?



- It's my active imagination. Way before I put pen to paper I would have these various storylines in my head and once I did decide to become a writer, my imagination went into overdrive with plot after plot. Plus, my military experience helped as well as family members being in law enforcement.
2. Are any of your books based on true characters?

- No...strictly non-fiction. Some of the names of my characters are people I know that have consented to me using their name and in some cases, their likeness. Elliot Lucas, the FBI Deputy Director, was a very good friend and mentor up until his death.
3. Do you think you'll ever write for another genre?

- Yes, probably the supernatural genre...maybe a collaboration with a friend and fellow author, Gregory Townes. I'm a huge fan of Mr. Townes. He has a talent for the paranormal/supernatural. I don't do relationship books because I know nothing of relationships or the opposite gender (smiling/laughing).
4. Where you ever a detective?

- No, but I have a brother who used to be a detective. Additionally, during my military time, I was fortunate to do several different types of investigations.
5. Although you write crime, which genre do you enjoy reading the most?

- Mystery/Suspense/Crime is my baby!
6. Will you continue the Kenny Carson series?

- Yes!!! I love writing it and more importantly, the readers love the Kenny 'KC" Carson series. It amazes me how everyone has their favorite character and want me to write a spinoff for this character or that character. Plus, there are tons of stories to tell with Kenny and his cast of characters.
7. What are you working on next?

- My next Kenny Carson novel, Parts Are Parts. A supernatural novel, Of Good and Evil. Plus, I am collaborating with several authors on one novel called Hurt So Much, which is a relationship/suspense thriller.

Additionally, I will start soon on the novel with Gregory Townes. And lastly, working on what I call my baby, introducing my next series. This one is about a female rogue CIA officer. The first novel in the series is called Sasha McCoy, Freelancer. I think it's something different and I'm confident readers will gravitate to Sasha.
8. Do you have any signings or appearances scheduled?

- Not presently. I am busy writing, writing and more writing. But I am available for meetings with book clubs via phone, internet, chat rooms, etc.
9. If you could meet one author, who would it be?

- James Patterson...I have an overly active imagination. I can only imagine what type imagination he has.
10. Anything else you want our reading audience to know about you?

- Yes, I want your support! But my books! (Smile) I love writing and I love readers reading enjoying my storylines. I love to hear your comments, so please email me at jwooden61@yahoo.com. You can also see more of Mr. Wooden at http://www.jwooden.com/
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Review of "Beneath The Bruises" by Dwayne D. Birch
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6:48 PM | Posted in
Beneath The Bruises by Dwayne D. Birch – ISBN13:978-1-59309-208-5 ISBN10:1-59309-208-3 – 242 pages – published by Strebor Books – Paperback – Reviewed by Yolanda M. Johnson-Bryant; Literary Wonders (www.literarywonders.com) September 7, 2009 – 5 Stars
            Beneath The Bruises tackles the taboo topic of domestic violence and the affect that it has on many families.  In Beneath the Bruises, Dwayne D. Birch introduces us to Syreeta Colette Taylor. Syreeta is the typical suburban mother and doting wife to Randall “Randy” Michael Taylor III. And like many women across the world, across color lines, across social economical statuses, Syreeta is secretly, the victim of domestic violence.
            Mr. Birch takes you into the emotional turmoil of one woman’s story of entrapment, insecurities, helplessness, hopelessness and her duty to her children; no matter what the price may be.
            Randy’s years of constant verbal and physical abuse have taken its toll on Syreeta and her five children. She is constantly walking around on eggshells, knowing that Randy could explode at any moment. Can she afford to continue to pretend that the name calling, the de-programming and the black eyes aren’t real?
            Surprisingly, not significant to most abusers, Randy allows Syreeta to see a psychologist, sure that the counselor would side with him in convincing Syreeta that she is the reason for the abuse; that she is the problem.
            Through her sessions with Dr. Curtis, Syreeta finally begins to see that she is not at fault for her husband’s abuse. He helps her see it is not her problem to deal with, but Randy’s and Randy’s only.
            Syreeta begins to see the light and slowly but surely starts to stand up for herself, but will it be at a cost? Will it cost her children? Will it cost her lifestyle? Or will it cost her life? It isn’t until one night after being beaten nearly within an inch of her life that Syreena says enough is enough. But is it too late?
            Any reader of this fiction but true to life novel, is sure to experience emotions of disbelief and disdain one way or another. Dwayne D. Birch clearly delivers a message that states domestic violence is unacceptable in any situation, whether it be physical, emotional or verbal.
            Cheers to this author, Dwayne D. Birch, for Beneath The Bruises, who relays the message to women that regardless of their circumstances they don’t have to become one of the women who die annually at the hand of their abusers. It shows that they can make it out, they just have to let go of their fear and want to get out. This is an awesome story and needed to be told. I’m so glad that it was told by a man!

The author can be reached at bshatteredsouls@cs.com and http://www.freewebs.com/dywanebirch/reviews.htm
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Feature Book Store Of The Week
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9:56 PM | Posted in
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Who Speaks For The Little People?
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3:56 PM | Posted in
     I've been in this literary game for almost fifteen years and seldom have I seen writers that target small children and teenagers. Well, until now. I put a call out on Facebook asking for some authors in these genres to come forward. 
     I was blown away to find out that there are many young adult authors out there. I'm still waiting for more children authors to come forward. 
     I'd like to showcase these authors and their work on the Literary Wonders! site and The Author's Hideaway. 
     So often we as adults get caught up with adult reads, we tend to forget about the little ones and I am on a mission. 
     In the future I plan on setting up a book fair with prodominately children, tween and teen writers for the  young children here in Greensboro. If it is successful as I would like, I'll take it nationwide. 
     You know how we as adults get excited going to book events, meeting new authors and writers and getting their book? Imagine the smile on a child's face if allowed to do the same thing. 
     If anyone is interested in joining in with me to make this happen in 2010, let me know. I welcome the help; the right help. Find below some young adult authors and their work. 


                                        
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Keep On The Lookout For Newcomer Kimani Nelson
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12:00 AM | Posted in


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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