Vivienne Diane Neal's Blog, page 62

When Romance Does Not End Happily Ever After by Vivienne Diane Neal

Imagine you are a man or a woman searching for love, romance, or a lifetime partner; you are happy because you have met someone on an online dating site, at a social function, through a pen pal service, on a social medium, or through a chance meeting. You believe you have found true love and happiness and become romantically involved with that person. The relationship is going great; love has gotten a hold on you, and you are now ready to take that next step by committing yourself to that man or woman, but somewhere down the road, you discover that a heartless pretender has played a cruel joke on you.

When you read romance novels, the endings are supposed to end happily ever after or happily for now. In the real world, the two do not always come into fruition and can sometimes lead to broken hearts and empty bank accounts.
You discover that some folks will use love and romance as embellishments to pull people into their perverted lives and use any means necessary to get what they want. This is why it is so important to get to know someone before giving out personal or financial information to a potential love interest that you meet on an online dating site.
There are numerous dating sites that do background checks, but most will deny any type of responsibilities or liabilities if you decide to meet someone online and you become the victim of a criminal act perpetuated by that person. Just searching a name on search engines may provide some information, but the details may be sketchy at best. While there are no guarantees that you won’t come across a fraudulent individual, you can try to protect yourself against potential con-artists by observing a person’s character and actions in person and not behind a computer screen.
Before providing any pertinent details about yourself or your finances, get to know that person first, on a face to face basis.  If the conversation centers only on money, this may be a sign that the individual wants to get his or her hands into your nest egg.
If you have fallen hard for someone who lives in another state or country, and he or she wants to be with you, but does not have the resources to pay for the trip but will ask you to send money for a plane, train, or bus ticket, your sixth sense should go into full mode. Because you are so infatuated with the person and see your relationship blossoming into eternal bliss, you go ahead and send the money. Chances are you will never see that individual or your money.
The last thing you want is to end up losing the shirt or blouse off your back. So, be extra careful when you meet someone on an online dating site. Love is not cheap if you end up flat broke and busted.
* * * *
About the Author: Vivienne has just written her sixth novel, Deception in Plain Sight, which is due to be released in the fall of 2014.

Announcing King Series By Mimi Jean Pamfiloff Virtual Book Tour

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will give away one of four autographed paperbacks to four winners randomly chosen through Rafflecopter. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

“I am the man who can find anything or anyone. For a price. And my price is you.”


When Mia Turner’s brother goes missing while on an archaeological dig, she believes that life couldn’t get much worse. But when she’s blocked at every turn by both local and U.S. authorities from finding answers, she must turn to a man she swears is the devil.


Others might be fooled by his private jet, fine tailored suits, and disarming smile, but Mia knows something dark, something sinister lurks behind those penetrating, pale gray eyes. And the more she learns, the more she realizes she may never be free again.

Better the devil you don’t know?


When Mia Turner’s life becomes tethered to a mysterious billionaire who she swears is the devil himself, she knows she must find a way to break free. It doesn’t matter if everything about him—those sinful lips, those steel-gray eyes, that perfect male body—keeps her awake at night, restless for him. She has to get away.


But when this man, known simply as King, disappears without a trace, Mia will discover she’s not home free. Because the only thing keeping her safe from King’s ruthless, depraved, power-hungry social circle had been him.


If Mia wants to survive, not only must she find King, but she will have to conceal his absence and walk a mile in the evil man’s twisted, cruel shoes. What she discovers in the process, however, will leave her more terrified and her heart more conflicted than she ever imagined.


King is not who she thought. She wasn’t even close.

About the Author:
When San Francisco native, Mimi Jean, went on an adventure as an exchange student to Mexico City, she never imagined the journey would lead to writing Romance. But one Mexican MBA, one sexy Mexican husband, and two rowdy kids later, Mimi would trade in corporate life for vampires, deities, and snarky humor. She continues to hope that her books will inspire a leather pants comeback (for men) and that she might make you laugh when you need it most. She also enjoys interacting with her fans (especially if they’re batshit crazy). You can always find her chatting away on Facebook, Twitter, or saying many naughty words on her show MAN CANDY on Radioslot.com


New York Times and USA Today Best Selling Author, Host of The Man Candy Show

www.mimijean.net

http://radioslot.com/

https://twitter.com/MimiJeanRomance

https://www.facebook.com/MimiJeanPamfiloff

http://www.mimijean.net/king_trilogy_books.html

Join Interracial Multicultural Romance Readers Bookclub lst Annual Writer’s Retreat

Date: August 13, 2014 12:00 AMVenue: Courtyard by MarriotLocation: 415 Liberty Street, Savannah, GA, USADescription: Join IMRR Bookclub August 13-17, 2014 for our 1st Annual Writer's Retreat in the historic city of Savannah, Georgia!
Experience the history, architecture, gorgeous parks and culture of Savannah, America's first planned city.
Hop a trolley and tour the city as you research your upcoming book.

Tour historical sites that shaped the nation.
Visit the oldest African American church (and stop on the Underground Railroad) in the nation.
Meet up with your critique partner and spend the day brainstorming.
Visit the birthplace of Flannery O'Connor, or the birth place of The Girl Scouts!
Join a Critique Session and polish your future best selling novel!
Or just lock yourself and your characters in your room and work it out by day, and hang out with everyone by night!
SPACE IS LIMITED! To register, click here

Aphrodisiac Cookbook Delights with Enticing Recipes for Love

Food and s e xuality are inextricably intertwined. We use the same senses at the table to measure a great meal as we do to appreciate a fine time in bed – the eyes, the ears, the nose, the mouth, and tactile sensations. We have foreplay, and we have fork play! Then there is this: great food is like great s e x – both can evoke ecstatic pleas for more.

Los Angeles psychologist Dr. Linda Villers spent six years researching the relationship between food and s e x. The results of her arduous endeavor can be found in her book Simple S e x y Food, 101 Tasty Aphrodisiac Recipes and Sensual Tips to Stir Your Libido and Feed Your Love.

The culinary taste treats in this exquisitely done 248-page book reveal the time-tested, proven, key elements in the art of seduction. There are certain foods that lead to desire and intimacy and love. Simple S e x y Food is very simply a manual for aphrodisiac cooking and sensual self-help, which offers up 101 enticing recipes along with Lore and Fun Facts that explain both the folkloric history and scientific evidence supporting the arousing abilities of each food ingredient. The book is practical, inspiring, erotic, and elegant.

Dr. De Villers offers up a virtual alphabetic pantheon of the foods, concoctions, and the s e x y nutrients, which can stir the libido. Apples, apricots, bananas, beets, carrots, caviar, celery, cherries, chocolate, cilantro, clams, dates, eggplant, eggs, ginger, grapes, honey, ice cream, lobster, mangoes, mussels, olive oil, oranges, oysters, papaya, pears, pineapples, pomegranates, salmon, shrimp, steak, and yes strawberries, and much more, which you can use to entice anyone at anytime.
* * * * About Dr. Linda De Villers

Linda De Villers, Ph.D., is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Diplomate and Clinical Supervisor in S e x Therapy with the American Association of S e x Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT).

For nearly three decades, Dr. De Villers has maintained a private practice and has taught psychology, health psychology, and human s e x uality courses at major universities and colleges. She is currently an adjunct professor in the psychology departments of Pepperdine University Graduate School, Santa Monica College, and Chaffey College.

She has had extensive media coverage and has published research around the world, and is widely quoted and referenced in numerous regional, national, and international media. A brief list of her appearances includes New York Times, USA Today, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Cosmo, Glamour, McCalls, Mademoiselle, Better Homes and Gardens, Fitness and Men’s Health in print; Discovery Health, Montel Williams, Berman & Berman, Midmorning Los Angeles and Jenny Jones Show on television; and numerous regional and national radio shows. For one year, she had a monthly column in Health magazine; prior to that, she was a weekly Q&A Columnist for Playboy.com.

Dr. De Villers grew up in a medical household in which healthy and sumptuous eating ruled the day. She has spent over 30 years honing her clinical knowledge of s e xuality and physical and mental health, combing it with a foodies’ enthusiasm for fine cuisine, cast when she married a Frenchman. She has spent the last sixteen years developing the playful approach to life, love and food and the practice of seduction with her husband Dennis.

Simple S e x y Food is her second book and follows on the success of her first book, Love Skills , still in print fifteen years after publication.

She lives in Los Angeles, California.

Simple S e x y Food - 101 Tasty Aphrodisiac Recipes and Sensual Tips to Stir Your Libido and Feed Your Love by Linda De Villers, PhD is available online or wherever books are sold.
For more information, visit www.simplesexyfood.com

Calling All Multicultural Romance Authors

May is Multicultural Month
If you’re a multicultural romance author, consider participating in the Multicultural Love Blog-A-Thon. Each day (weekdays only) during the month of May a different multicultural romance author will be featured the site. All that’s needed is your book cover, blurb and/or excerpt (of the multicultural romance novel/novella), buy links and your social media links. Want to write a guest blog as well or instead? That’s acceptable too!
You're welcome to host a giveaway on your guest day but it’s not required. A $10 Gift Card (Amazon or B&N) will be given away to a visitor at the end of the Blog-A-Thon. Any romance genre is acceptable (new adult, LGBT, erotic, etc.)
Interested? Great! For More Info and to sign up, visit http://www.yolandaashton.wordpress.com 

Meet Michele Zurlo, Author of Kiss Me Goodnight

One World Singles Magazine Blog would like to welcome Michele Zurlo, author of Kiss Me Goodnight, a contemporary romance novel.  On her Virtual Book Tour, she has stopped by to give you a preview of her book.
Following is Michelle’s introduction to two of her central characters, Thomas Pritchett, Jr. and Dylan Day who are competitors for the protagonist, Lacey Hallen.
Dylan vs. Thomas ___________________

Many classic love stories involve a triangle of some kind. When Lacey meets Dylan, they have instant chemistry. However, that doesn’t lead to love at first sight. Lacey is dealing with a host of quirks related to her OCD, and Dylan is wrestling with some demons of his own. Though they like one another, their timing is a little off. When Lacey meets Thomas, tension definitely crackles between them. Thomas is a lot faster on the draw, and Lacey likes him too. So let’s take a closer look at these two contenders for Lacey’s heart.
ThomasVitals: Thomas Pritchett, Jr has pale brown eyes that glow when he smiles, light brown hair, a neat goatee, likes to wear suits, and is built. He’s wealthy, handsome, down-to-earth, and charming.
Background: Thomas meets Lacey when he comes to town to close down and sell off his father’s business—for which Lacey works. Thomas’s parents divorced when he was little, and he grew up in the Boston area. Though his first meeting with Lacey didn’t go well—firing people is never a great way to meet a love interest—he reenters her life with good intentions.
Reasons to Love Him: Thomas knows about Lacey’s problem with lying and he likes her anyway. She can be open and honest with him. He doesn’t judge her, and though he takes her on some spectacular dates (airplane travel is involved,) he never pressures her to move the relationship forward faster than she’s comfortable with. He’s very good at the communication parts of a relationship, and he is nothing but supportive of what Lacey wants out of life.
DylanVitals: Dylan Day has black shaggy hair and teal eyes. He wears jeans and concert T-shirts. By day, he’s a family counselor; In the evenings, he’s the front man for Kiss Me Goodnight, an alt-rock band that’s new on the scene.
Background: Lacey meets Dylan when he sits next to her in a crowded coffee shop. She inadvertently spills her iced latte on him, and he follows her to the bathroom when she flees in mortified shame—to wash her hands.
Reasons to Love Him: Dylan is sexy badness. He’s a bit arrogant and self-centered, especially when he thinks something (or someone) is his. He’s ten kinds of trouble—but he means well, and he has a good heart…And he’s determined to make Lacey fall in love with him.
Lacy has one hell of a dilemma. Who would you choose—Dylan or Thomas?

BLURB:
I’m Lacey Hallem, and I have a few secrets. These aren’t them: I wash my hands a lot and lie when I’m stressed. Also, I have horrible taste in men. That’s how I knew Dylan was trouble the first time I saw him…
Life can be challenging for Lacey, especially when things don’t come in sets of six, but she’s smart and funny and able to keep her demons at bay—most of the time. She might have sensed trouble when she set eyes on Dylan, a delectable musician in a vintage T-shirt, but that doesn’t stop her from thinking about him, or spending more and more time in his company.
Enter Thomas. Wealthy, handsome, and completely adoring of Lacey (flaws and all), he’s everything a man should be. So why can’t she convince her heart to fall in love?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
EXCERPT:
After the show, I introduced my best friends Jane and Luma to Dylan’s band. Thank goodness neither of them looked at the men like they were a buffet.
Gavin looked at Dylan and clapped Levi on the back. “We should clear out.”
“No, you shouldn’t.” Heads swung and everybody looked at me. It was a little disorienting. I won’t be going on a stage anytime soon. I swallowed. “I mean, this was your first performance. There have to be a hundred women and more than a few men hanging out in there who enjoyed your show and wouldn’t mind meeting you. Mingling will help build your fan base.”
I needed to shut up before somebody asked me if I was a publicist. Knowing me, I would probably answer in the affirmative. I have a major in finance with a minor in business administration. Nothing there speaks to this situation.
“Sorry. Just throwing out ideas.”
Jane and Luma chuckled nervously. Jane moved closer, probably ready to drag me away if I kept going.
Levi nodded thoughtfully. “Good ideas, though. They make sense. Ladies and gentlemen, we’re heading back inside.”
Daisy linked her arms through Jane and Luma’s, and the three of them went first. Levi and Gavin followed.
Dylan held the door for me, which led to a hallway behind the stage. He grabbed my hand, holding me back when I would have followed everyone else through the door into the main room.
I cocked my head and gazed up at him.
“You liked the show?”
“Very much. I’d even see it again.” I still think they need some backing vocals. “I especially liked the last song. That’s where you took the name for your band?”
He nodded. “I wrote the song a few years ago.” His eyes clouded over the tiniest bit, a combination of nostalgia and melancholy.
I was about to ask him if he was okay when he tilted his head down. The right moment had finally come. He was going to kiss me. My lips tingled with anticipation. My senses came alive, attuned to every molecule of this moment.
He pulled me against him, holding me so I could feel the hard length of his thighs (yes, thighs, you perv) against mine. But that wasn’t enough. Taking one step forward, he moved my back against the wall. Throwing caution to the wind, I gave in to my urge to run my hands over his chest. I broke my gaze from his, putting off a moment I knew would blow away every kiss I’ve ever had.
You don’t think I’ve set my hopes too high, do you?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AUTHOR Bio:
Michele Zurlo, AuthorI’m Michele Zurlo, author of over 20 romance novels. During the day, I teach English, and in the evenings, romantic tales flow from my fingertips.
I’m not half as interesting as my characters. My childhood dreams tended to stretch no further than the next book in my to-be-read pile, and I aspired to be a librarian so I could read all day. I’m pretty impulsive when it comes to big decisions, especially when it’s something I’ve never done before. Writing is just one in a long line of impulsive decisions that turned out to showcase my great instincts. Find out more at www.michelezurloauthor.com or @MZurloAuthor.
LINKS:
Amazon Author Page  BN Author Page
#####
*Michele will be awarding an autographed paperback of Kiss Me Goodnight and $20 Amazon GC to one randomly drawn Rafflecopter winner (US only).

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

Dr. Ava Cadell Announces “NeuroLoveology” Book Release

After a whirlwind exclusive speaking tour throughout Australia and India, international love guru, Dr. Ava Cadell, has released her new book “NeuroLoveology: Power to Mindful Love and Sex.” Dr. Cadell, Founder of LoveologyUniversity.compresents her breakthrough discoveries on how to grow your romantic relationship while growing your brain cells. “NeuroLoveology” is the first work to be released from the three-book series.
Dr. Ava Cadell’s “NeuroLoveology,” is published by Premier Digital Publishing and sells for $14.95 in print and $9.99 in digital format. The subject matter explores how the brain processes attraction, relationship conflicts and sexual intimacy. “NeuroLoveology” introduces new ways to make your environment love-friendly, so that your mind and body are ready, willing and able to give and receive love. “NeuroLoveology” also features an eWorkbook that is available for digital download for $3.99.
"By becoming more fully aware of what your brain is doing, you set the foundation for an even greater romantic life because what used to be stumbling blocks can now be transformed to building blocks,” states Dr. Ava Cadell. “I’m going to share how to make love and intimacy a priority in your life with NeuroLoveology and provide lots of techniques that will help you to overcome daily distractions that prevent you from connecting to your partner intimately."
Order "NeuroLoveology" on Amazon today!

5 Key Benefits of Being Single

Married life has its benefits, not the least of which is creating a family to carry-on your lineage. But while married couples are quick to point out the advantages of exchanging vows, single life carries its own benefits, too.  Ultimately, whether or not to tie the knot is up to you, regardless of how outsiders view your single status, but before you take the leap, consider some of the key benefits of staying single.
Freedom of Movement - For people who don't like to be tied down, marriage is not the best approach to achieving happiness.  Single men and women have unlimited mobility, enabling them to pursue employment and other far-flung opportunities, which can be limited by a partner's inability to do the same.  While couples do find success compromising and establishing mutually beneficial living arrangements, one partner or another always gives something up to make it happen.
If you are adventurous, anticipating extensive travel or other frequent moves; consider staying single for the freedom and flexibility it furnishes.
Decision-Making Autonomy - Just as travel and residential decisions are shared between married couples, other important considerations also require input from both sides of a married equation.  Single folks, on the other hand, make most of their major life's decisions independently, unencumbered by divergent opinions held by their spouses. And even minor everyday outcomes are orchestrated with the utmost autonomy.  Who, what, where and when are each decided according to a single person's desires, rather than relying on compromises made between a husband and wife.
Self-Actualization - Being your best self requires flexibility and the ability to respond to shortcomings in real-time.  Too often, self-improvement takes a back seat to the new entity created by marriage, standing in the way of personal progress for the individuals involved.  Single life doesn't bear the same hallmarks, instead enabling selfish pursuits, which help individuals realize their full potential at work and in other settings.  There is only room for one at the top of Maslow's Hierarchy of needs, so self-actualization comes more naturally to single people, who are not pulled off-course on their way toward personal fulfillment.
Accountable to Yourself - Marriage brings added pressure and accountability, which are not as pronounced among single men and women.  While you probably strive for positive outcomes, regardless of your marital status, failure takes on a different complexion when you are accountable to your spouse.  Single people fail in business and personal life, without fear of far-reaching consequences capable of interfering with another individual's well-being.  Couples, on the other hand, are tied to the actions of one another, each possessing the capacity to sink the ship.
Financial Independence - Double-income families bring more money to the table than single individuals, in many cases, but the flow of cash in the other direction is often enough to cancel-out the dual-income benefit.  Single members of society make spending decisions without having purchases approved by committee, establishing a tangible relationship between the money they earn and the things they buy with it.
Being single is sometimes viewed as simply not having met the right mate yet.  But there are benefits to staying unwed that many singles recognize.  Independence, autonomy and personal accountability are a few of the benefits single men and women cling to, furnishing a clear upside to single life.
###
Author Bio: This is a guest post by Sarah Brooks from best people search. She is a Houston based freelance writer and blogger. Questions and comments can be sent to brooks.sarah23@gmail.com.

Book Blast Tour: When Ice Melts by Al Tonya Washington

Book Blast and Giveaway. Author is giving away $10.00 Amazon Gift Card, One signed autograph copy and one ebook copy of When Ice Melts.
  A Rafflecopter giveaway
Paperback: 294 pagesPublisher: Al Tonya Washington (January 3, 2014)ISBN-10: 0989145557ISBN-13: 978-0989145558Genre: Romantic Suspense/ Women FictionAge group: Adult 18+
About The Book
Icia Graham’s love affair with Rakim Transou had the makings of a fairy tale romance with the happily ever after ending, until the night of Rakim’s college graduation party. For Icia, it was the night her life was forever changed. So desperate to escape the horrific memories she’d suddenly been saddled with, Icia left school and the man she loved. The years passed and; in that time, both Rakim and Icia reached goals that carried them to the heights of success. For Rakim it was a powerful advertising agency that brought him a respected and revered name in the business. Icia’s accomplishment was a bit darker, but no less revered and she had no desire to revisit the past and be tortured by thoughts of love lost with the only man she’d ever wanted. A series of events however, would bring Icia right back to where she swore she’d never return. Once more Rakim Transou was back in her life and she was simultaneously overjoyed and distraught. How could she start anew with the man who still meant everything to her, when there were so many secrets between them? When the need for vengeance on those; who were still very much a part of Rakim’s life, still raged so viciously inside her?
About The Author
Al Tonya Washington, AuthorAl Tonya Washington has been a published romance novelist for 10 years. In 2013, her Harlequin Kimani novel "His Texas Touch" won the Romantic Times Magazine Reviewer's Choice Award for Best Series Romance of 2012. In addition to being an author, AlTonya also works as a college Reference Librarian. Writing as T. Onyx, AlTonya released her latest erotica "Ravenous: Ruler of Perfection II" in 2013.
Her newest title with Harlequin Kimani is "Provocative Passion" nominated for an AMB Ovation Award for Outstanding Interracial Romance and the sequel to the January 2013 release "Provocative Territory". In November she will release "A Lover's Debt", the 17th title in the Ramsey Tesano saga.
Buy Links
Amazon ebook: http://amzn.to/1luSPdnAmazon paperback: http://amzn.to/1i7KQ1zBarnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1dUKRdK
Social Links
Email: altonya@lovealtonya.comWebsite: http://www.lovealtonya.comWebsite: www.alsreaders.comFacebook: www.facebook.com/altonyawTwitter: www.twitter.com/RamseysgirlTour Hosted by WNL Book Tour: www.wnlbooktours.com
  Author Tour Schedule

Houston, Texas~
"Here you go, Val," Rakim Transou was saying to his assistant as he signed the last of the three contracts on his desk. "I don't have time, man," he grumbled to his Vice President.
Charles 'Cory" Henderson shook his head at his boss and best friend, before perching his lean body on the edge of the desk. "You need to think about this, Kimm."
"Is that it, Valerie?" Rakim sighed, pleased to see his mound of work slowly dissolving.
Val scanned the documents and smiled. "That's it," she sang and headed out of the office.
"Kimm, what's the point of owning this place if you're not gonna have fun runnin' it?" Cory asked, once Val was gone.
Rakim ran both hands over his soft, close-cut hair. "The last thing I need to do is waste my day looking at pictures."
"Of models," Cory pointed out, smiling devilishly. "Do you know how stress-relieving that can be?"
Rakim groaned. "Here we go," he said, leaning back in his leather swivel chair. "You know I get tired of you telling me how sad my life is. If I hadn't been focused on business all these years, you wouldn't be working for one of the most successful ad agencies in the country."
Cory nodded, familiar with the speech. He cleared his throat and braced his hands on top of the polished cherry wood desk. "And given that you own one of the most successful agencies in the country, why can't you have some fun?"
Rakim leaned forward to pin Cory with his deep, obsidian stare. "I don't want one of the most successful agencies. I want the most successful agency, period."Cory slapped a hand against his bald head. "Man, thinking like that'll never get you a steady woman."
"I can live with that," Rakim easily replied, focusing his attention on the appointment book lying open on the desk.
"I give up," Cory mumbled and walked out of the plush, twentieth floor office.Alone, Rakim allowed the facade to fade. He massaged the bridge of his nose, then opened the bottom desk drawer and pulled a tattered envelope from the back. The expression was fixed, intense on his handsome, dark-chocolate face. His midnight gaze was riveted on the contents of the note he knew by heart.
Rakim, I'm so sorry I couldn’t be there today. Something's happened and I have to leave. I'll be changing schools. Don't try to find me. My parents won't tell you anything. I hate doing this to you, but I can't see you again.  I just can't. I do love you-so much. It's really better like this. I love you, but if you hate me now, I understand.  Coco.
            As usual, once Rakim finished reading the letter, he pressed the page to his nose. He swore he could still smell her perfume clinging to it.
The relationship they shared had been so right. She was everything to him and he trusted her with his life. When he walked into his bedroom the afternoon of the graduation, his entire world changed. He found the note lying in the center of the bed. Icia Graham had taken anything else that would have reminded him of her-including all the pictures. The brief letter provided no answers. It was most effective; however, in helping him lose his temper. Rakim grunted as he remembered the way he demolished the house. Cory and Fred had been so spooked by his mood that they left him alone for a week.
Just then, Cory's earlier comments filtered his mind. He had completely buried himself in work after Icia left. He took the job he'd been offered in Richmond and worked there while obtaining his Masters degree. Afterwards, he went back home to Houston and put everything he had into building his company. Now, The Transou Agency was respected by its competitors and clients alike.
Of course, Rakim acknowledged that his private life may have suffered. Not that there weren't women. There had been several. Unfortunately, he only had to be in the relationship for a matter of months, before he began to compare his companion to Icia. Not even that flaw could keep the women away, though. Rakim Transou's good looks seem to intensify with age. He stood well over six feet and had been blessed with a flawless deep chocolate complexion and the type of lean, muscular frame that flattered everything he wore. The thick, curly afro he used to sport had been trimmed to a close-cut fade. The style only enhanced his pitch, deep-set eyes and sleek brows. His wide mouth was made more enticing by the set of double dimples which appeared whenever he spoke or smiled.

Why It Is Important to Register Your Work with the Copyright Office by Vivienne Diane Neal

Since many of our guest bloggers and visitors are self-publishing authors or are planning to write a book, I thought I would share this bit of information.
Recently, I received the following e-mail from a site that sells my book:
Hello, we have removed your document "Malicious Acts" because our text matching system determined that it was very similar to a work that has been marked as copyrighted and not permitted on Scribd.
Like all automated matching systems, our system is not perfect and occasionally makes mistakes. If you believe that your document is not infringing, please contact us at copyright@scribd.com and we will investigate the matter.
As stated in our terms of use, repeated incidents of copyright infringement will result in the deletion of your Scribd.com account and prohibit you from uploading material to Scribd.com in the future.
To prevent us from having to take these steps, please delete from scribd.com any material you have uploaded to which you do not own the necessary rights and refrain from uploading any material you are not entitled to upload.
For more information about Scribd.com's copyright policy, please read the Terms of Use located at http://www.scribd.com/terms.
I responded to Scribd by informing them that I had registered my book with the Copyright Office in 2011 and attached a copy of my Copyright Certificate, proving that I am the owner of the work. Up until now, I have not heard a word from the site.
This is why it is not enough to just place the copyright notice on your work, even though your work is supposed to be protected under the law. But I have always taken that extra step, especially if you bring legal action against any entity who claims to own your work, which will have to be registered in order to prove your case.
Registering your work with the Copyright Office can be done online or through snail mail. I would strongly recommend that you register your work online, which cost less and is faster than doing it though the US Postal Service. Because of safety measures, it may take up to a year before you receive your certificate, whereas if done online, your work is instantly registered once you submit it and pay the fee.
You can register an unpublished or published work. If you do register an unpublished work, you won’t have to register it again once your book is published.
For additional information on Copyright laws and to register your work, go to http://www.copyright.gov.
###