Cheris Hodges's Blog, page 29

May 14, 2013

Goodreads Giveaway

Want to win an autographed copy of Forces of Nature? 

Enter my Goodreads contest!







 
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    Goodreads Book Giveaway
 


   

        Forces of Nature by Cheris Hodges
   


   

     

          Forces of Nature
     

     

          by Cheris Hodges
     


     

         
            Giveaway ends May 30, 2013.
         


         
            See the giveaway details
            at Goodreads.
         


     

   

   



      Enter to win


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Published on May 14, 2013 21:32

May 11, 2013

Charles Ramsey, hero 'nuff said. . .

I will admit it, I laughed at Sweet Brown. When someone said they had bronchitis, for a long time I immediately thought, "Ain't nobody got time fo' dat."

I favorited the auto tune version of her news interview and showed it to my mama several times. Sweet Brown had removed Antonie Dodson from my heart and YouTube playlist.



Just like everything in our culture, people are always looking for the next. . .Let me say this, Charles Ramsey is NOT the next Sweet Brown. He's a hero. End. Of. Discussion.



Stop with the auto tune of his interviews. Stop with the Facebook Memes about how he looks like Eddie Murphy characters or Sho-Nuff from the Last Dragon. He. Is. A. Hero. Ramsey had the nerve to do what a lot of use won't do. He didn't turn a blind eye to someone else's pain. He didn't ignore something that didn't feel right to him.

How many of us can say that we would do the same?



What did the media do after making Ramsey a "star?"

Break him down.




Ramsey was irresistible, especially when he delivered lines like the now infamous: "Bro, I knew that something was wrong when a pretty little white girl ran into a black man's arms. Something is wrong here. Dead giveaway."

As Ramsey's Internet profile peaked, the Internet did what it does best: It tore down the star it created less than two days earlier.

On Wednesday afternoon, The Smoking Gun website posted Ramsey's rap sheet, which includes three convictions for domestic violence.

South Carolina just reelected a lying, cheating man who had the gall to compare himself to  Lazarus — but we're talking about something a man did in his distant past? OK. Some times, I really hate everything. And this Charles Ramsey saga is making me lose my faith in humanity. 

Charles Ramsey is a hero. The auto tuners are assholes. The end. 
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Published on May 11, 2013 08:12

May 9, 2013

Chatting with Kianna Alexander. . .making history sexy











 Kianna Alexander, also known as Alexandra Kane is an empire in the making. She writes lovely historic romances, plans amazing book events and brings Hot Southern Writers together. This woman can do anything she wants to do and looks amazing while doing it.

 Some times you meet people and you feel like you've known them all of your life, that's what it's like when you meet Ms. Kianna. And then you read her books and wonder -- where have you been all of my life.

 




     
What drew you to writing historical romances?

I. love. Beverly. Jenkins. I can't even explain how much I
love her books. Combine that with a natural curiosity I've always had about
American history, and writing historical romance is pretty much unavoidable.
Plus, I don't think there are enough African American/ interracial/
multicultural historical books looking at all the facets of American history,
so I'm trying to fill that void. I love doing the research- I always find some
interesting tidbit that stays with me. Like, I discovered there's an old church
here in North Carolina, in what is now Winston Salem, where slaves were in a
Sunday service in 1865 when they found out they were free. The building is
still standing today- can you imagine the shouting that went down in that
church all those years ago when the news of freedom came? I can.




      You
also write steamy urban fantasy, do you have a favorite genre?






Historical and contemporary category romances are definitely my favorite.
The paranormal/urban fantasy/ new adult books were my way of
"stretching" as a writer- trying something outside the box, to test
my abilities, and to learn more about myself as a writer. They were a lot of
fun to write, but they don't sell as well as my historicals and contemporary-
so I'm not sure if I'll write any more of them now that the PHOENIX Files
trilogy is done. I suppose I could be persuaded if enough readers asked, but we'll
just have to see.







  Tell
the readers about your latest titles.






My latest releases are:



Midnight's Serenade: PHOENIX Files Book 3- the last in the paranormal/urban
fantasy/new adult romance trilogy, under my Alexandra Kane pen name. I like the
way it ended- readers will tell me if they agree. :)



I also recently released the print version of The Preacher's Paramour, the
second in my Roses of Ridgeway sweet historical series. It came out April and I'm currently working on the last in that trilogy.





      What’s
the best piece of writing advice you were ever given? 






I was having a very hard time selling a story very near and dear to my
heart, about a runaway slave and a quadroon doctor in the late 1840's. Five or
six publishers had rejected it and I was about to tuck it away under my bed,
never to be seen again. I felt this book needed and deserved the broader
audience a publishing house could provide, so I didn't want to self publish it.
I was at the end of my rope. Beverly Jenkins told me to write the book of my
heart, and everything else would fall into place. Sure enough, I sold it when
an editor finally saw my vision. It's now titled Freedom's Embrace, and is
coming this summer from Ellora's Cave.






   
How can readers follow you online?


Website: www.AuthorKiannaAlexander.com

Twitter: @AuthorAlexandra

Facebook, Alexandra Kane: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Alexandra-Kane/156797787681924

Facebook, Kianna Alexander: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kianna-Alexander/237587478935

Youtube: MsEboni82

Got an Android phone or tablet? Download my author app in
the Google Play store: Search "Kianna Alexander"- the image is of a
purple flower.

I also have profiles on Goodreads, Shelfari, Manic Readers,
and The Romance Reviews. I know, I'm everywhere :)




And you can meet Kianna Alexander in Charlotte on May 18th






 
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Published on May 09, 2013 03:00

May 8, 2013

Black music month in Charlotte . . .PJ Morton is coming to town

June is black music month and The Sol Kitchen is bringing real music to the Queen City.



On June 9th, PJ Morton will be performing at the Double Door Inn on Charlottetown Avenue.

Tickets are $23 in advance. The show begins at 8 p.m.



So, who is PJ Morton? The music world's best kept secret.












PJ MORTON




The time is now for one of
the industry’s best-kept secrets: PJ Morton. The Maroon 5 keyboardist/backing
vocalist makes his major label debut on May 14 with New Orleans, his first album for Young Money Entertainment/Republic
Records. One listen to Morton’s anticipated project quickly reveals why the
multi-talent became a favorite on the indie R&B circuit and an in-demand
songwriter/producer and also why the limitless talent will be a game changer
for the Lil Wayne-founded Young Money.




New Orleans marks
the Cash Money imprint’s first step toward broadening its already wide appeal,
thanks to a hit-making and award-winning roster that includes founder Lil
Wayne, Drake and Nicki Minaj. And there’s no better ambassador to musically
personify that message than Morton, whose self-described “soulful pop”
seamlessly spans multiple genres from gospel and R&B/funk to pop and rock.




“I’ve always pushed
boundaries,” says Morton, “but I always remain true to who I am musically. New Orleans is a natural progression of
who I am. I can’t explain it except through my music. That proves it better than
anything I can say.”




Building that case is “Only One”
featuring Stevie Wonder. Quickly garnering strong reaction following its
January premiere on Billboard.com,
the song is the lead single from New
Orleans.
Armed with an infectious hook and a head-boppin’ groove, the
up-tempo number showcases Morton’s velvety tenor, songwriting skills and
musicianship, accented by Wonder’s distinctive harmonica.




“Stevie joining me on the
track is the ultimate start. It’s my dream come true,” says Morton of teaming
with Wonder. “I want to continue the legacy he represents: musicianship and
positivity.”




New Orleans itself
stems from Morton’s acclaimed 2012 EP, Following
My First Mind
, featuring guest cameos from Maroon 5’s Adam Levine, Lil
Wayne and Jazmine Sullivan. A nod to Morton’s hometown and musical roots, the
forthcoming New Orleans finds Morton
at the keyboard playing with a full backing band complete with horns and
strings. The result is a lush, melodic yet organic 10-track set that grabs
listeners right from the opening title track.




“New Orleans is where I
learned how to play music,” recalls Morton. “It’s the physical and mind space I
was in when I fell in love with music. It wasn’t about marketing, radio and
publicity. It was just about making music because I loved it. It made me feel
good. Young Money wanted me creatively as I am. That’s why I’m excited about
this next chapter.”




Also featuring rapper Busta
Rhymes, New Orleans comes packed with
a diverse slate of musical influences. There’s the reggae-infused “Hard Enough,”
which explores relationship issues. “I’m looking for a love unconditional / Not
one that goes wherever the wind blows,” declares Morton as the song opens.




The self-described “Dr. Love”
traverses the same landscape on the mid-tempo “Work It Out.” Set off by a touch
of synth and a hypnotic drumbeat, the song once again spotlights Morton’s
tantalizing tenor. Also noteworthy is “Heavy,” a song revamped from Morton’s
2012 EP and featuring Adam Levine. Sporting a funk/rock track reminiscent of
Sly Stone and Prince, the song’s lyrics were inspired by Morton’s frustration at
one point with his indie career.




“It was at a point where I
was trying to figure out what the next step was,” says Morton, who hadn’t yet
connected with pop hitmakers Maroon 5. “This was me getting those feelings out.
Since that frustration, I’ve had one of the biggest years in my career. It’s
crazy.”




Influenced by acts ranging
from the Beatles and James Taylor to Wonder and Donny Hathaway, the New Orleans
native is the son of gospel singer Paul S. Morton. His formal foray into the
industry was as a member of the band Freestyle Nation, which debuted in the
early 2000s. But it was as a songwriter/producer that Morton left his first indelible
impression. He won a Grammy Award for his songwriting/production of
India.Arie’s “Interested” from her 2002 album Voyage to India.




That opened the door to more
collaborations (Jermaine Dupri, LL Cool J, Monica, Musiq Soulchild, Trinitee
5:7) and additional accolades (Dove and Stellar Awards) for his work with
gospel singer DeWayne Woods. Woods’ “Let Go, Let God” spent a record 70 weeks
on the gospel chart. Along the way, Morton released several acclaimed indie
solo albums. He also attracted the attention of Academy Award-winning producer
AR Rahman (“Slumdog Millionaire”), who asked Morton to contribute a song
(“Sajna”) to the soundtrack for the Vince Vaughn comedy “Couples Retreat.”




Morton’s next big break
occurred three years ago, when he was asked to audition by friend and Maroon 5
music director Adam Blackstone for a spot in the band as its keyboardist/vocalist.
Soon after, childhood friend and Young Money Entertainment president Mack Maine
championed Morton’s music and vision to Cash Money co-CEO’s Roland “Slim”
Williams and Bryan “Birdman” Williams. With Lil Wayne co-signing his approval
as well, Morton is ready to bring his journey full circle with New Orleans.




“My indie years and working
with various artists, including Maroon 5, have helped me understand who I am as
both an individual and an artist,” says Morton. “It has allowed me to create a
fan base that will forever be with me. Now I’m being given the opportunity to
do on steroids what I’ve been doing for years.”















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Published on May 08, 2013 10:32

Beautiful Surprise. . .Tamia Comes To Charlotte





Soul singer and six-time Grammy nominated performer
Tamia Hill began honing her stellar voice when she was still a child growing-up
in Canada. Living near the boogie down city of Detroit, the then-budding talent
was exposed to that city’s rich musical history through its deep gospel
tradition and booming Motown sound. 




She will be performing in Charlotte on June 12 at the McGlohon Theater, 345 N. College St., in support of her latest album, Beautiful Surprise.

Tickets range from $27.50 to $37.50 and are on sale now. They can be

purchased at www.carolinatix.org
or call 704.372.1000.














“I feel a connection to all types of music,” Tamia
says from her home in Florida. “From soul to country to gospel, as long as the
song has a good story, I’m hooked.” Citing Phyllis Hyman and Chaka Khan as
influences, Tamia strives to bring freshness to the soul arena.




From her brilliant debut single “You Put a Move on My
Heart,” produced by Quincy Jones in 1994, to her more recent song cycle, Tamia
possesses both a hypnotic charm and timeless voice.




In her accomplished career, Tamia has collaborated
with a diverse roster of artists including Babyface, Barry White, Missy
Elliott, Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, Gladys Knight, Eric Benet and Gerald
Levert; in 2003, she recorded the #4 Billboard Hot 100 Chart hit “”Into You” with rapper Fabolous.




With the release of her fifth studio album Beautiful Surprise, the singer aurally
explores various genres of music, blending her special passion with each style
and making them her own.




Recording Beautiful
Surprise
in various cities including Nashville, New York, Los Angeles and Miami,
the multi-talented artist also co-wrote much of the material and serves as executive
producer on the project.




Having recruited two-time Grammy nominated
songwriter/producer Claude Kelly (Bruno Mars’ “Grenade” and Kelly Clarkson’s
“My Life Would Suck without You”) as her co-executive producer on Beautiful Surprise, the two worked hard
to create a project that is as diverse as it is soulful. “There was a great
chemistry between the two of us which made going into the studio a pleasure,”
Tamia says.




The masterful producer Salaam Remi, who has also
constructed tracks for chart-topping acts the Fugees, Amy Winehouse and Nas,
produced the self-titled first single. With its soulful appeal, Tamia describes
the mid-tempo love song as “a feel good record.”




While “Beautiful Surprise” has already received a
positive response from fans and radio alike, Tamia also filmed a stunning video
that co-stars her husband, Phoenix Suns superstar Grant Hill. “After
twelve years of marriage, he finally made it into one of my videos,” she
chuckles. “I told him, ‘This is your chance, boo.’ We shot it at a mansion in
Malibu with director Ryan Pallotta and we had a great time.”




Introduced
to one another by singer Anita Baker, Tamia and Grant married in 1999 and have
two daughters. “Love is deeply complicated at times, but it’s also exciting and
fun,” Tamia says. “For me, those are also the best elements to put into a love
song.”




In
her honest and thought provoking songs, Tamia has no problem embracing the
complexities of love. Yet, as she highlights on the gospel infused “Because of
You,” it is not just her man’s love that keeps her grounded. Written
by Shep Crawford, who has also worked with Luther Vandross and Whitney Houston,
the sanctified soul of “Because of You” is a stirring track that
might surprise more than a few fans.







“As
a singer, I refuse to be pigeonholed,” she says. “I love to sing all types of
music, even opera. I knew I wanted to record an inspirational song and when Shep
played me this song, I knew I had to record it.” The two had worked together
previously on Tamia’s 2001’s “Stranger in My House,” the second single from her
sophomore gold-selling album Nu Day.




Although
Beautiful Surprise consists of mostly
original material, Tamia journeyed to Nashville, the capital of country music,
to record the haunting Wynona Judd break-up anthem “Is it Over Yet.” Played live
in the studio with a hometown band, her voice on this track is simultaneously
exquisite and troubled.




“I
truly feel a connection with country music that I tried to convey on that song,”
she says. After completing “Is it Over Yet” in three takes, Tamia decided to
use the same band to record a cover of one of her own songs, the Bryan
Cox/Jermaine Dupri track “Still.” While the song appeared first on Tamia’s
third album More, she wanted to play
with the songs arrangement and perform it with the band.




“They
sounded great,” Tamia gushes. “We pulled the original song up on YouTube,
played it for them and forty-five minutes later, we had a new version. Singing
“Still” with the band brings a new character and life to the song.”




Though
Tamia is known more for her slow jams, she also has tracks on Beautiful Surprise that are perfect for
the dance floor including “Believe in Love” and “Lose My Mind.” Both songs were
produced by The Runners (Keyshia Cole’s “Just Like You,” and Mary J. Blige’s
“Stronger With Each Tear”) in Miami. “With producers, it comes down to
chemistry and these guys were great to work with; Grant came down to the studio
as well and we had an amazing time.”




Since
the 2006 release of her fourth studio album Between Friends, Tamia has also been building her own label
Plus 1 Music Group. “The internet changed everything for artists who want to be
independent,” Tamia explains. “Besides artistically, I’ve also grown as a business
person. From paying for studios to the cost of promotion, I look at it all
differently now.”




In
addition to being a CEO, a wife, a mom and a singer, Tamia also works with
various charities. In 2003, Tamia was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), a
subject she is not shy discussing.




“MS
is not the death sentence people think it is,” Tamia, who is currently in
remission, says. “I am still able to raise my children, run a company, be a
wife and have a career. Everything that I love, I am able to do.”




Beautiful Surprise is a testament to
Tamia’s love for life, music and everything in-between. Having created a wonderful
collection of powerful material, Tamia’s songs speak directly to our hearts and
soul as though they were our best friends.

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Published on May 08, 2013 09:25

May 7, 2013

It's finally here: the official release day of Forces of Nature


 Ten years ago, I was waiting like a kid at Christmas for the release of my first romance novel, Revelations. Finally, my book was going to be on the shelves of bookstores and people would get to read a story that kept me awake at night, that kept me from hanging out with my friends and family while I wrote it.



Back then, there were a lot of book stores around. Borders on every corner, Books A Million was the new hot spot and Waldenbooks was my favorite place to go in the mall.



 Fast forward 10 years and I have that same feeling today as Forces of Nature hits the shelves today. I still get in the car and drive around my city to look for my book on shelves. Seeing my book beside some of my favorite authors, like Brenda Jackson, Victoria Christopher Murray and Donna Hill sends a wave of excitement through my body. I have to pinch myself to make sure I'm not dreaming.



Then I pull out my handy dandy Sharpie --pink of course -- and sign the books. Today, I'm carrying autographed copy stickers in my oversized purse. And yes, I'm sticking them on every book I sign. :)









So, now the real fun begins-- getting to hear what the readers think of my baby. Forces of Nature was a true labor of love. I started writing this book about four years ago. Douglas and Crystal hold a really special place in my heart. Truly fire and ice. Here's hoping that you enjoy this story as much as I enjoyed telling it.





And join me and my sisters from HOT MAMA Land on May 18 as we celebrate the release of Forces of Nature.






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Published on May 07, 2013 05:00

May 5, 2013

You should shop Posh & Stush

One thing women love is unique clothes. There's nothing worse than looking like everybody else when you get dressed up and ready to go some place.

If you get your next party dress, skirt, sundress or tank top from Posh & Stush, you're going to look good and stand out from the crowd.



Last weekend at the Taliah Waajid Natural Hair Show, I was stationed across from their booth and when I tell you that I was in total heaven looking at their clothes -- I was.





I'm a fan of Solonge Knowles and her style of dressing, Posh & Stush could style her without missing a beat. But what's even better is that you don't have to worry about anyone else wearing the same outfit that you have. And the fit! These clothes are designed with our curves in mind.









I love that these ladies have made African materials cool to wear all year round and not just during black history month.

Check them out for your dresses, fabrics and accessories.
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Published on May 05, 2013 17:29

Chatting with award winning author Iris Bolling


Fresh off her award winning night at the 2013 Romance Slam Jam, Iris Bolling talks to me about her latest work and what's on the horizon for her. At last night's event, Iris's heroine "Diamond" from her novel Teach Me won favorite heroine.



Let me tell you something about Ms. Iris, she is just as lively as the stories she creates. If you get the chance to meet her, you won't be disappointed. And if you want a steamy and page turning read, pick up her entire catalog.









   



The Pendleton Rule is hot like fire. Where did you find the inspiration to tell this story?








The
Pendleton Rule was inspried by readers. My novel Night of
Seduction/Heaven's Gate was about two sisters and two brothers who fell
in love. The brothers had a step-brother who help them when they were
being blackmailed. That brother, Tyrone Pendleton, met one of the
sister's literary agent during a weeding event and sparks flew. Readers
have been asking for Tyrone's story ever since. In NOS/HG Ty was a no
business manager who had a special way to handle problem situations. I
took that concept and expanded on it a bit and the suspense just flew
off of the pages. Some of the new characters even surprised me. LOL!
There are four woman in this book who would rock your world.
 

 What's next for you and when can we expect your next book?






 

Next
up is You're My Music. I'll be combining characters from The Heart
Series and The Gems & Gents Series to tell the story of corporate
espionage, rumors, and an unyielding love. Readers are going to be
surprised at the twists and turns in this story.  


 
  What's been the most rewarding part of writing for you?




Readers.
Meeting them, then listening to their take on the stories is so
rewarding. Having a reader to tell you, after reading one of your
novels, that the story made them believe in love again. Or they say they
never paid attention to politics, however, after reading The Heart
Series they look at politics in a totally different way. It is so
rewarding when readers get so connected with the characters they feel
like they are a part of the family. There is nothing more rewarding then
have your readers just as invested in your stories as you are. 

 

Do you have plans to write in other genres?






I
do. I am currently working on a Family Saga, which some may place in
Women's Fiction. I'm also really excited about my Detective Series,
which will debut in 2014. I get to blow up buildings, put together
conspiracy theories and kill a few people along the way. How much fun is
that. LOL!

 

 How can readers follow you online? Facebook, Twitter, Web site?






Readers can find me at:  



FACEBOOK

My personal page: https://www.facebook.com/iris.bolling

My author group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Irisbollingbookpalace/?fref=ts





Twitter

https://twitter.com/Siriaustin




Website:

www.irisbolling.net

www.sirient.com

 

You can also meet Iris Bolling in Charlotte on May 18! 



 
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Published on May 05, 2013 14:17

Waiting For The Other Shoe To Drop: Part 31








Later
that evening, David and I were cuddled up on his leather sofa watching at CNN
special when I told him about work.

“That’s
government for you,” he said. “Screw the people and get all of their money.”

“You
sound like Sonia.”

“Cities
aren’t about building neighborhoods. Especially this city.”

“But. . .”

His cell
phone rang interrupting us. When he answered it, I stretched against him and
heard a female voice on the other end of the phone.

“You’re
downstairs?” he said, and then rose to his feet causing me to tumble from the
sofa. What the?

“I’ll
come down.” He stuffed his feet into a pair of sneakers as I stood up.

“What the
hell?” I asked.

“Sorry
about that.”

“Who’s
downstairs?”

“I’ll be
right back,” he said then headed out the door. Color me curious and slightly salty.
Three beats passed before I slipped on my shoes and headed downstairs. This
felt fishy. Or maybe I was borrowing drama. Didn’t matter, I wanted to know who
sent him scampering outside. My first thought was that it was a family member –
that’s what I wanted to believe. I needed to think that someone had an
emergency that needed his touch.

Six
months. Drama free. I needed things to stay that way.

I reached
the lobby and saw David and this rotund, overly made up broad having an
animated conversation. At first glance, she looked like Eddie Murphy playing
one of the Klumps or a bad imitation of Tyler Perry’s Madea. Maybe she was his
auntie? But from the way David’s hands accented his words, I knew this wasn’t a
family discussion. What in the hell was this all about?

Now, here
was my dilemma. Did I handle this like an adult or fall back into typical Mimi
behavior—flying off the handle and acting a pure ass? Turning back to the
stairs, I weighed my options with each step. Didn’t the last six months mean I
should give him the benefit of the doubt? Should I make him suffer because of
all the bad relationships I’ve had? Then again, he was the one in the lobby
arguing with some heffa that showed up out of the blue.

If the
shoe was on the other foot . . . David and I arrived at his door simultaneously.
Turning and looking at him, a wave of calmness washed over me then I asked, “What
was that all about?”

He opened
the door and looked me in the face. “That’s somebody who wants to be where you
are.”

I.   
Should. Have. Run.
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Published on May 05, 2013 10:48

May 4, 2013

Waiting For The Other Shoe To Drop: Part 30








Needless
to say, David’s corn was amazing and we began what I thought was the most drama
free courtship ever. This was obviously how adults dated. We’d make plans and
he’d keep them. He even tried my tofu – once. We traveled together, most of the
time for his DJing gigs. The sex was always amazing – especially when he lifted
me in his arms and thrust into me as if the world was about to come to an end.

So, six
months in I had no idea that I’d be waiting for the other shoe to fall on my
head. It started at work when the city hired a new city manager who clashed
with Sonia and everyone in the department.

Sonia was
normally a cool customer, but when the new manager began an audit of our
department, she used curse words that I didn’t even know existed.

“I’ve
been doing my fucking job for ten years and this mealy mouth motherfucker comes
in here trying to tell me how to do my job? He read a book about urban development;
I’ve done enough research in this city to write that got damned book!”

I stood
there holding the report that she’d requested, unsure if I should hand it off
to her or close the door and allow her to vent further. When she stood up and
started stalking back and forth like a caged panther, I dropped the file on her
desk and closed the door.

“I know
what’s going on here. I’ve seen other cities do the same shit. You load one
side of town up with low income housing and keep the rich people safe from the
dirty poor folks. It helps when you have a mayor calling the east side a corridor
of crap.”

“Sonia,
you’re going to have convince him and the city council that these new plans
aren’t what are best for the entire city,” I said, hoping that my mentor didn’t
have a heart attack where she stood.

“No one
is listening to me. Or reading the years of research that we have about
spreading low income housing throughout the city to stimulate the economy. What
the city manager wants to do is total bullshit.”

Her phone
buzzed. “Sonia, Peter is here to see you.”

The sound
of the city manager’s name made Sonia swear even more. “Does he have an
appointment?”

“Are you
serious?” her assistant whispered.

“If he
isn’t on my calendar, tell him to make an appointment. I’m in a meeting.”  Sonia clicked her phone off and turned to me.
“If I were you, I’d polish my resume.”

“You
think the city is going to let you go?”

Sonia
smirked then rolled her eyes. “I doubt anyone in this department will have a
job after the election.”

All I
could do was pray that she was wrong. But after our talk, I did set up a
profile on CareerBuilder.com.
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Published on May 04, 2013 21:39