Paulette Harper's Blog, page 5
May 19, 2014
#BookBlast The Christian Writer 101 #Educational #Publishing #Newrelease
One winner will be chosen to win a paperback copy of The Christian Writer 101
Raffle for giveaway: a Rafflecopter giveaway
Book Title The Christian Writer 101 (Fourth Edition)
Genre: Instructional
About The Book
The Christian Writer 101 (Fourth Edition) is author, Nina Fitzhugh Wells’ updated version of this concise guide to Christian Self-Publishing. Within the pages are step-by-step instructions for writing, publishing and promoting your Christian book. This educational manual offers all you need to make informed choices concerning your publishing focus.
As an update the third edition, it not only boasts the technical and practical pieces, it also extensively covers such topics as: 1) A Complete social media chapter, and 2) Proven marketing and promotions strategies. As well, there are foundational scriptures, wisdom winks, and motivational quotes from literary professionals to further educate and inspire you. This Concise, Precise, Advice Guide is for ALL writers, authors, and self-publishers.
About The Author
Nina Fitzhugh Wells has served in education for more than 25 years; in the book publishing business for nearly 15 years; and in the Christian counseling for 10 years. Her calling and passion is for teaching, counseling, and evangelistic outreach. “God has commissioned me to educate and inspire all people; and to offer hope and healing to the lost and hurting,” proclaims Wells, who serve diligently to help others discover, develop, and use their gifts to their highest potential.
A native of Philadelphia, PA, Nina Fitzhugh Wells is a Doctor of Education (Ed.D) student at Walden University in Baltimore, Maryland where her focus is Higher Education and Adult Learning. She earned her Master of Arts Degree in Christian Education from the Union Theological Seminary (Now Union Presbytery Seminary) in Richmond, Virginia; and did her undergraduate studies at the Pennsylvania State University in State College, Pennsylvania. She is the author of seven books, including her profound autobiography: “Lost FOUNDation: From Foster Care to God’s Heir” (2009), a highly acclaimed top seller. Currently, she is penning her eighth book – a research-based study – entitled: “Emancipation Revelation: An Exploratory View at Resources and Supports for First Year College Students Who Age-Out of Foster Care,” to be published in 2014.
Wells is an ordained evangelist and adult educator who serves as Education Director at Kingdom Publishing Group (KPG), a Christian book publishing and promotions company in Richmond, VA. She is credited with helping a diverse group of authors to birth nearly 300 God-inspired books out to the world. Her ministry, books, and education have afforded her many opportunities to reach and teach multitudes of people from diverse communities. She continues to be in high demand as a keynote speaker, workshop facilitator, educator and Christian counselor.
In addition to publishing, teaching, and motivational speaking, Nina Fitzhugh Wells dedicates much of her time to advocating for youth who age-out of the foster care system. She is the Founder and Executive Director at “Excel HIGHER, Inc.” Through this non-profit organization, Nina works closely with local, state and federal agencies, and colleges and universities by offering resources, programming, and finishing workshops to prepare foster youth as they transition from state support to self-sufficiency. In August 2013, she began hosting a radio show entitled: Revelation For Elevation, which serves to bring awareness to the plight of youth who age-out of foster care; as well as promote advocacy.
In July 2010, Nina was inducted into the Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society for Education. As well, she is a member of the Foster Care Alumni of America (FCAA), the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC), and the Independent Book Publishers’ Association (IBPA). As well, she is a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (AKA).
Nina currently resides in Virginia; and is married to her best friend, Minister Leon Wells, Jr. She purposes to live each day based on the Philippians 4:8 scripture: “Finally Brethren, whatever is things are true, noble, just, pure, lovely and of a good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things.”
Social Links
Email:nwells@kingdompublishing.org
Website: http://www.kingdompublishing.org
Facebook page: kpgbooks
Twitter handle: @kingdomp
Tour Hosted by WNL Book Tour http://www.wnlbooktours.com
Follow the Tour: http://wnlbooktours.com/nina-fitzhugh-wells-christian-writer-101/
May 5, 2014
Friday Night Love New Release Online Tour
About the Book
CAN LOVE HEAL WHAT INFIDELITY TRIED TO DESTROY?
Zenja Maxwell was widowed in her twenties; she never thought she’d be a divorcée, too. Yet that’s the destiny she resigns herself to after learning of her husband’s dalliance with infidelity and kicking him out of the house. She plans a cruise with her best friend, Caprice, to take her mind off Roman and celebrate moving on with her life.
But Caprice won’t let her give up that easily, especially when Roman seems committed to reconciling. She and her husband invite Zenja and Roman to Friday Night Love, a weekly event for couples. Zenja hesitates, but the promise of food and fellowship prevails. She figures she can put up with Roman for one night.
At the events, the women are issued a series of Bible-based challenges designed to help them cultivate respect for their husband. Zenja struggles at first; she isn’t even sure she wants to rekindle the relationship. But Roman is persistent in his pursuit of her, even when he finds out that she nearly cheated on him. Through tragedies, triumphs, and trusted friends, the couple learns never to underestimate the Author of marriage when husbands and wives surrender to Him.
About the Author
Tia McCollors used to dream of being a television news anchor, but her destiny led her behind the pages instead of in front of the cameras. After earning a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from UNC-Chapel Hill, she went on to build a successful career in the public relations industry. In 1999, a job layoff prompted Tia to discover and pursue a writing career as an author. Following the birth of her son in 2006, she left the corporate arena to focus on her family and her expanding writing and speaking business.
Tia’s first novel, A Heart of Devotion, was an Essence Magazine bestseller. She followed her popular debut with four other inspirational novels including Zora’s Cry, The Truth About Love, The Last Woman Standing, and Steppin’ Into The Good Life. In 2012, she released If These Shoes Could Talk, her first devotion book of The Prissy Purse Devotions series. Friday Night Love is Tia’s sixth novel.
Purchase the Book Online at:
Amazon.com
BarnesandNoble.com
Visit the author online at:
View the blog tour schedule at:
Friday Night Love New Release Tour with Tia McCollors
http://tywebbinpublicity.com/?p=10808
http://tywebbinvirtualevents.com/PZFpn
Mother’s Day Contest
“Fans of Tia McCollors” facebook page:
MOTHER’S DAY CONTEST: Do at least ONE of the following about my new book, Friday Night Love, and I’ll enter your name in a contest for your mother (or special mother-figure in your life) to receive a signed copy of my devotional (If These Shoes Could Talk) and a beautiful journal for Mother’s Day. Now wouldn’t that be nice? You can : 1. Write a FB post, 2. Send a tweet, 3. Change your profile pic to the book cover, OR 4. Post a review on Amazon. Be sure to COMMENT HERE and tell me what you did! Good luck!.
Her Hearts Desire Media Tour w/Lisa Watson
About the Book
Love’s his only mission
After a series of dating disasters, Tiffany Gentry isn’t ready to risk her heart again. Just when she decides it’s safer to stay single, the Chicago boutique owner meets Colonel Ivan Mangum. The gorgeous military hero is an expert in security. Yet Tiffany has no defense against Ivan’s sensual maneuvers….
Ivan knows that Tiffany should stop looking for Mr. Right—she has already found him! From romantic city nights to a passionate tryst at his mountain retreat, Ivan uses every seductive weapon in his arsenal to prove he’s her true soul mate. But when their future together is threatened, will this soldier find a way to turn his dream of love into a mission possible?
About the Author
A native of Washington D.C., the city’s historic and political backdrop fed Lisa Watson’s romantic imagination. Lisa has written several multi-cultural novellas and novels, and loves creating engaging storylines with strong characters that are drawn together by respect and love.
Lisa works at a technology consulting firm, and is the co-publicist for RT Book Review Magazine’s annual RT Booklovers Conventions.
Lisa’s Amazon Bestselling novel for Harlequin’s KIMANI™ ROMANCE, Love Contract, is book one of The Match Broker series. Book two, Her Heart’s Desire is coming May 2014, and book three, Love by Design in Fall 2014. Her new holiday novellas, A Heart for Christmas (2nd Edition), and Two Hearts for Christmas, in the Love at Christmastime series is available on Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Kobo Books and Allromanceebooks.com.
Lisa lives outside Raleigh, NC and is married with two teenagers, and a Maltipoo, Brinkley. Connect with Lisa on Facebook (NCLisaWatson), Twitter (@LisaYWatson), and at http://www.lisawatson.com.
Purchase the Book Online at:
Amazon.com
BarnesandNoble.com
Visit the author online at:
http://www.lisawatson.com
May 2, 2014
Mighty Dads Book Blast
About the Book
Title: Mighty Dads | Author: Joan Holub | Illustrator: James Dean| Publication Date: April 29, 2014 | Publisher: Scholastic | Pages: 40 | Recommended Ages: 3+
Summary: A new constructacular picture book from the New York Times bestselling creator of Pete the Cat, James Dean and bestselling author, Joan Holub.
Mighty dads, strong and tall,
help their children, young and small.
They keep them safe and bolted tight
and show them how to build things right.
Inventively told through James Dean’s colorful construction vehicle characters, MIGHTY DADS is an adoring dedication to hardworking fathers and the subtle ways they teach their boys and girls to follow in their tracks. The Dump Trucks learn to get dirty. Crane keeps his little one safe from harm. The busy Cement Mixer gives his daughter a hug. The Forklift cheers his son on.
A surprising and touching view of a father’s love for his children, MIGHTY DADS is the perfect way to say: I’m proud of you!
Book Trailer
Purchase
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Book Depository (free worldwide delivery)
Also available at Walmart, Target, and Barnes & Noble stores.
The Buzz
“Like the best 21st-century human dads, the vehicles don’t just show their kids the ropes—they also offer plenty of TLC (“Cement Mixer Busy/ gives a hug if Mixie’s dizzy”) and affirmation (“Forklift Wise/ cheers whenever Forky tries”). Dean’s decision to anthropomorphize the construction equipment solely through a highly stylized, often single, forward-facing eye takes some getting used to—imagine a cross between the Eye of Providence on the dollar bill and a Egyptian hieroglyph. But his construction sign–inspired palette and ability to convey calm, steady affection between parent and progeny quickly outweighs this visual idiosyncrasy, making this a book worthy of any young armchair foreman.” ~ Publisher’s Weekly
“This will make a good read aloud for those looking to update their trucks/machines storytimes.” ~ Goodreads Review
“The simple rhyming text will be fun at read alouds as children can do motions (roll, roll, roll or smooth, smooth, smooth)” ~ Goodreads Review
About the Author: Joan Holub
Joan Holub is co-author of the best-selling Goddess Girls series, the Grimmtastic Girls series, and the Heroes in Training series. Her picture book Little Red Writing received three starred reviews and has been named to many Best-of lists. Her mighty cool dad inspired the creation of the picture book, Mighty Dads.
Website | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads | Facebook
About the Illustrator: James Dean
James Dean is the creator of the best-selling Pete the Cat. Before James started painting Pete the Cat as a full-time profession in 1999, he wanted to paint cars and trucks. He loves things that go, and currently drives a 1971 VW bus camper and a 1959 Chevy truck. He worked as an electrical engineer for fifteen years before he decided to try to make a living with his paintings. James lives with his wife, five cats, and a pug named Little Emma.
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Amazon Page
Want a Chance to Win a Copy of “Mighty Dads”?
Be sure to head on over to our review and giveaway of Mighty Dads for your chance to win a copy. Open US/Canada. Ends May 19, 2014. Just click on the cover below.
* $50 Book Blast Giveaway *
Prize: One winner will receive a $50 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner’s choice)
Contest ends: May 31, 11:59 pm, 2014
Open: Internationally
How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.
Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Joan Holub and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com.
April 28, 2014
Broken Vessels, by Cherylrese Barconia-Henry Book Tour #NEWRELEASE
About the Book
In Cherylrese’s latest release “Broken Vessels,” she explores how forgiveness is the key to all situations in order for the soul to be set free and experience life to the fullest.
Cherylrese Barconia is a creative, loving writer who embraces the characters of her newly released novel Broken Vessels (River Flow Publishing, 2013). This book captivates the essence of living life with the pain and mask of unforgiveness eating away and fermenting the heart while piercing the soul. Exposing the lives and experiences of eight ordinary women journeying separately but cohesively, Barconia entangles herself with each personality to seize the moments of brokenness, mending, healing and restoration.
About the Author
Minister | Speaker | Author Cherylrese Barconia-Henry
Author Cherylrese Barconia-Henry captivates the mind of not just women, but allows men to sensitize themselves to the passion that ordinary women experience through the pain that life undoubtedly brings and the testimonies that flow from the forgiveness of God and themselves. Broken Vessels is Barconia’s third book. Author Barconia shares with Jump Start Your Day Blog, how “society has women competing with each other, and not able to sensitize with one another because of the common denominator consisting of pain from the past or obstacles of the present hindering forgiveness. Freedom will come through forgiveness. Women can be healed from their past hurt, overcome obstacles and live with purpose. As women we conceal and or mask pain of the woman we have become, discouraging the woman we were destined to be.”
Author Cherylrese Barconia-Henry has also penned ‘Peace in a World of Thunder,’ and ‘The Handmaiden.’
Tell us about your book?
This book captivates the essence of living life with the pain and mask of unforgiveness eating away and fermenting the heart while piercing the soul. Exposing the lives and experiences of eight ordinary women journeying separately but cohesively, Barconia entangles herself with each personality to seize the moments of brokenness, mending, healing and restoration.
How did you come up with ideas for this book?
Because of my ability to travel I encountered many situations where I was able to observe women from all walks of life become women that mask and conceal pain, equating to unforgiveness.
What was the most difficult aspect of writing this book?
The most difficult aspect of writing the book was I didn’t know I would become a character in the book. The book was being written for women to help bring illumination and transformation in their lives. Because I had walked many paths similar to theirs, I concluded the book with my story.
Why do you write? Is it something you’ve always done, or always wanted to do? Or is it something that you started fairly recently?
I began writing at age twelve, not being aware that I had a gift to express myself through words. So, I won a contest in elementary school then didn’t pick up a pen again until I was 26. My first book written was poetry and I didn’t know that writing out my feelings would bring healing into my life.
Any advice to give to aspiring writers?
I would advise aspiring writers to be themselves. Your words of expression can touch lives if you give people the best of yourself and not imitate anyone else. The gift to write can be expressed in so many ways for you to inspire, encourage or uplift people.
For More Information:
Visit the author online at:
Book Trailer: http://vimeo.com/87526601
Website: http://www.brokenvesselsnetwork.com/
Follow on Twitter: @Cherylrese Hash-Tag #BrokenVessels
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorcherylreselynette
April 18, 2014
#NEWRELEASE Featuring Author, Iris Bolling
While in another country, CIA Operative Joshua Lassiter uncovers a plot targeting the current president of the United States. His loyalty to the country that betrayed him in the past comes to the forefront as he takes action to prevent the treasonous act. He is injured during the course of the mission and now must trust the new administration will rescue him.
In-active CIA Operative known only as ROC is called back into duty by the White House. Her mission is two-fold. Bring Joshua Lassiter home, alive. Restore him to the number one weapon in the United States covert arsenal.
The mission plunges the two into danger and uncertainty as the plot revels it is the United States military trying to prevent them from reaching the President, by any means necessary.
Who do they TRUST? ——- Who do they BELIEVE?
Iris Bolling was born in Richmond, Virginia, has a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Management. She is currently a Workforce Development Trainer with the Commonwealth of Virginia, providing management training and professional development consultation for the state workforce.
To combine the areas in her life she enjoys the most, education, politics and romance, Iris Bolling penned her first manuscript, Once You’ve Touched the Heart, which was release in March 2008. Since that time she has released five additional books in The Heart Series. The Heart Series, which consist of The Heart of Him, Look Into My Heart, A Heart Divided, A Lost Heart and The Heart, have captivated the eyes and heart of readers.
In May of 2011, Iris introduced a new cast of Characters in her novel Night of Seduction/Heaven’s Gate. The Pendleton Rule, which was released in February of 2013 the sequel.
In April of 2010 Iris was named Debut Author the Year, at the Romance Slam Jam Conference. Her novel, Once You’ve Touched the Heart was voted the Readers Choice Award with Shades of Romance Magazine for, Romance Book of the Year. Iris was voted Romance Author of the Year and Author of the Year. Her novel A Lost Heart was nominated Romantic Suspense Novel of the Year, at the 2011 Romance Slam Jam. In 2012, her novel, The Heart won Hero of The Year for her character Al “Turk” Day. Showing the ability to continuously introduce award winning novels, Iris’s introduction of her new series, Gems & Gents, titled, Teach Me won The Heroine of The Year at the 2013 Emma Awards for her character Diamond Lassiter. She just completed season one of The Heart Television Show
Contact
http://www.amazon.com/Iris-Bolling/e/B003OO376I
http://www.goodreads.com/series/96566-the-heart
https://www.facebook.com/iris.bolling
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/iris-bolling
April 16, 2014
#BookBlast, How Sweet The Sound, Historical Gospel Fiction by Vanessa Miller
Author is offering 2 ARC of #HSTS. Open to US only.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Book Title: How Sweet the Sound
Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Abingdon Press (March 4, 2014)
ISBN-10: 1426749287
ISBN-13: 978-1426749285
Genre: Historical Gospel Fiction
About The Book
Shar Gracey wants nothing more than to sing the Lord’s praises, so she jumps at the chance to join a traveling choir led by the father of black gospel music, Thomas A. Dorsey. Better yet, the opportunity will give her money to pay for her ailing mother’s medical care.
While on tour she falls under the tutelage of gospel great Mahalia Jackson—and falls for the handsome but not-so-great Nicoli James, whose desires for Shar are fueled by his own greed. Shar would do anything for Nicoli—and he knows it—so when his life is threatened after a night of gambling, Shar agrees to help pay Nicoli’s debt, only to have her faith and dreams shattered.
Reeling from the betrayal, Shar loses her voice and she believes that she will never sing again. She has no place to run except back home to her seriously ill mother—and the man she left behind, who would move heaven and earth to make Shar’s pain go away. Even if it means he has to let her go . . . again.
About The Author
Vanessa Miller of Dayton, Ohio, is a best-selling author, playwright, and motivational speaker. Her stage productions include: Get You Some Business, Don’t Turn Your Back on God, and Can’t You Hear Them Crying. Vanessa is currently in the process of turning the novels in the Rain Series into stage productions.
Vanessa has been writing since she was a young child. When she wasn’t writing poetry, short stories, stage plays and novels, reading great books consumed her free time. However, it wasn’t until she committed her life to the Lord in 1994 that she realized all gifts and anointing come from God. She then set out to write redemption stories that glorify God.
To date, Vanessa has completed the Rain and Storm Series. She is currently working on the Forsaken series, Second Chance at Love series and a single title, Long Time Coming. Vanessa believes that each book will touch readers across the country in a special way. It is, after all, her God-given destiny to write and produce plays and novels that bring deliverance to God’s people. These books have received rave reviews, winning Best Christian Fiction Awards and topping numerous Bestseller’s lists.
Social Links:
Email: vmiller-01@earthlink.net
Website: http://vanessamiller.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Vanessamiller01
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Vanessamiller01
Facebook Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/77899021863/
Buy Links:
Amazon paperback: http://www.amazon.com/How-Sweet-Sound-Vanessa-Miller/dp/1426749287/ref=vanessamil-20
Ebook: http://www.amazon.com/How-Sweet-Sound-Book-ebook/dp/B00I11W3CS/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=&qid=
Barnes & Nobles: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/how-sweet-the-sound-vanessa-miller/1118719005?ean=9781426749285&isbn=9781426749285
Hosted by Write Now Literary http://www.wnlbooktours.com
Author Schedule: http://wnlbooktours.com/vanessa-miller-how-sweet-the-sound/
April 9, 2014
#BookBlast When Ice Melts, AlTonya Washington,#Romantic #Suspense #Amazon Gift Card Giveaway
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 pages
Publisher: Al Tonya Washington (January 3, 2014)
ISBN-10: 0989145557SBN-13: 978-0989145558
Genre: Romantic Suspense/ Women Fiction
Age 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
AlTonya 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.
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.
Buy Links
Amazon ebook: http://amzn.to/1luSPdn
Amazon paperback: http://amzn.to/1i7KQ1z
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1dUKRdK
Social Links
Email: altonya@lovealtonya.com
Website: http://www.lovealtonya.com
Website: http://www.alsreaders.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/altonyaw
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Ramseysgirl
Tour Hosted by WNL Book Tour http://www.wnlbooktours.com
Author Tour Schedule: http://wnlbooktours.com/altonya-washington-when-ice-melts/
April 7, 2014
UNWELL, by Marie Chow Virtual Book Tour, #NEWRELEASE #FICTION
Paperback: 278 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (January 7, 2014)
ISBN-10: 1494941201
ISBN-13: 978-1494941208
Book Title: Unwell
Genre: Women’s/Contemporary
About The Book
Unwell is the story of one woman’s life: neither extraordinary nor fantastical, she nonetheless finds herself at an impasse few around her seem to understand, or even be aware of. She is pregnant, married, and has been told that she has everything in front of her, a life others would envy. Yet the only thing she seems to want is escape from the confines of her body, her life, and her family.
About The Author
Marie is a former teacher, education evaluator, and engineer. A lifelong student, she has degrees in chemical engineering, teaching, an MFA in writing, and a doctorate in educational leadership. Her writing focuses on bilingual and English-only children’s books that feature mixed families, as well as literary and contemporary fiction focused on Asian and Asian American characters.
Tell us about your book?
Written entirely as a letter to her unborn child, Unwell is the story of one woman’s life, written almost as a confession…
She’s married to a wonderful man, pregnant with a healthy child, and knows there’s so much she should be thankful for, and yet– She’s not ready for motherhood. She’s not ready to be a wife. She’s not ready for the realities that have trapped her. To pass the time, fill the void, and in hopes that someone may eventually understand, she begins a letter to her unborn daughter. In it she tells, unflinchingly, her life story that bring her to this moment. She explains what she hasn’t told anyone else: not only who she is, but who she isn’t.
How did you come up with ideas for this book?
When I was pregnant with my first child… I had this moment of panic. I wasn’t ready. I wasn’t sure. It was too late to back out, too late to change my mind.
My moment of panic eventually subsided, and I now have two very… spirited… toddlers. But the idea of being trapped by motherhood, of being unwilling to give up the part of your identity that does seem to get inevitably subsumed by being a parent, was an idea that stayed with me. Eventually, after marinating for long enough, it became this book.
Where can visitors find you online?
What was the most difficult aspect of writing this book?
I had this great introduction that I was so… very… attached to. I edited and re-edited it for, quite literally, months. When I finally finished the novel and began showing it to people, almost half of my friend said the same thing: the beginning’s got to go. The three chapters that I had worked the hardest on, and which had been the foundation for everything that came after it, became a single short page. Cutting out that much, especially when it was the beginning that had inspired the rest… was very, very difficult.
Why do you write? Is it something you’ve always done, or always wanted to do? Or is it something that you started fairly recently?
I’m not one of those people who’s always wanted to write. In fact, I distinctly remember the years when I loathed writing above all other subjects.
I’d spent most of my formative years traveling between Taiwan and the U.S., half a year there, half a year here. I kicked butt in subjects like math and science (which were numbers-based, as opposed to word-based), and sucked in things like history (turns out they don’t teach you about the U.S. presidents in Taiwan, and alternatively, my elementary school teachers said little about ancient Chinese emperors and dynasties).
Writing, especially creative writing was, by far, my worst subject. I had no real vocabulary to speak of, and the idea of an assignment that didn’t have a clear-cut right answer was horribly anxiety-inducing.
I didn’t start writing until midway through my college years. The short version? I was depressed, and started keeping a journal.
Which I found… even more depressing.
It was a bit of a loop for me. I’d be thinking about something sad, and so I’d write about it, which made me think about that sad thing… even more.
So, I started writing, at first, ever-so-slightly-fictionalized versions of real events. Like, that bad break-up where I’d dumped him but then he’d said some really cutting things I’d had no response to? Well, what if I’d said what I thought of days (ok fine, weeks) afterwards? Or, that unresolved fight about a snow globe I’d bought for my father that he’d probably forgotten about long ago? It would have been petty, and immature to bright it up now, but in the fictionalized version of my world…
At some point, the main characters stopped being completely me. A little later, the stories stopped being alternate versions of reality.
And I was hooked.
It was exhilarating, and thrilling, putting words on paper and creating people, characters, voices, life.
Excluding your own, name 3 books you would recommend to your friends
Magaret Atwood’s The Blind Assassin
Richard Russo’s Empire Falls
Donald Hall’s Without
Adam Haslett’s You are Not a Stranger Here
Just for fun
Coffee or tea?
Both – preferably super-saturated with sugar.
Lights on / lights off?
On… On… On…
3 things you never leave home without?
You know… I wish there were 3 things I never left home without, that would certainly simplify the number of times I’ve left the house only to realize I’ve left my keys or my wallet, or have misplaced my phone…
Sleep in or get up early?
Sleep in for as long as my children let me!
3 celebrity crushes?
Angelina Jolie, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Tom Hiddleston
Tell us something no person knows about you.
I really, really, would like to go back to school and become a computer programmer (right after I’m done with the writing stuff).
Any advice to give to aspiring writers?
If you don’t feel honestly compelled to keep writing… there are easier jobs out there. If, on the other hand, you’ve admitted that writing is a compulsion from which you can’t extricate or cure yourself, it’d be easier to just devote yourself completely to it…
Any message to your followers?
Please, oh please, leave reviews!
Links to Visit:
Website: http://mariechow.com
Buy Links:
Amazon Ebook: http://amzn.to/1cSEPcE
Amazon Paperback: http://amzn.to/PK0n1j
Hosted by: Write Now Literary Virtual Book Tour
Author Tour Schedule: http://wnlbooktours.com/marie-chow
April 4, 2014
Write Now Literary Book Blast, Blue Butterfly by Marian L. Thomas
One ebook (Kindle, Mobi) copy of Blue Butterfly will be given away!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Paperback: 314 pages
Publisher: L.B. Publishing (March 3, 2014)
ISBN-10: 0984896759
ISBN-13: 978-0984896752
Book Title: Blue Butterfly
Genre: Christian Fiction, Age Group 18+
Tour Hosted by WNL Book Tours: http://www.wnlbooktours.com
Author Tour Schedule: http://bit.ly/1oCKKEJ
About The Book
There have been five black ballerinas that have made a noticeable mark in the world of ballet. Five that have fought to have the world see their talent rather than the color of their skin. Each has graced the stage as soloist and/or principal dancer. Precious Blue Johnson is set to become one of them. Precious Blue Johnson, young, country and naive, from Lutts County, Georgia, is traveling to the energizing city of New York to search for her birth father and perhaps make history by becoming the first black ballerina. Her simple mocha skin and thick lips will put her in the center of a movement, expose secrets and unlock the past as she steps onto the stage as the Blue Butterfly. She will be guided by the vivacious and wise Ms. Ann and fall in love with the alluring Ray Silvers. Ray brings the whole package. Enchanting eyes, a bright future as a doctor, and a willingness to love completely. To Precious, he is perfect. Except Ray’s package includes his deadly past. Will their love survive the one person who could end it all—his drug-addicted mother?
About The Author
Clean Fiction novelist Marian L. Thomas is a dynamic story-teller with five engaging and dramatic novels to her credit. Her books have been seen on national television stations and featured in print magazines and newspapers. She has also been a guest on many broadcast and online radio stations. Her titles, My Father’s Colors and Strings of Color both received the USA Best Book Finalist Award. What makes her books unique? Mrs. Thomas is a pioneer for clean fiction for contemporary female readers. She refuses to lace her work with explicit sexual themes or profanity. Ms. Thomas’ books are rich with ever-intriguing themes of race, family strife, love, courage, friendship and forgiveness. And yet her tales, which seem to pre-stage current tabloid headlines, are spelled out in ways that suit the delicate moral tastes of both the Christian Fiction reader and the Clean Fiction book reader. Ms. Thomas resides in a suburb of Georgia with her husband, family and dear friends.
Social Links
Email: info@marianlthomas.com
Website: http://www.marianlthomas.com
Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/1kO44gv
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MarianLThomas01
They say on the night that I was born June 30, 1969the fringes of the moon could be seen peeking out through the thin layers of the clouds. They say that the rain had done come down so hard it felt like something was tearing away at your soul, drop by drop. They say my mama was laying in the birthing room screaming because I was ripping her life away from her. They say that the doctors wanted to cut away at her tummy, but she had done plain-out refused. She was an ebullient woman, with the heart of an unbreakable but beautiful stallion.
I ain’t never seen the woman with eyes so blue they felt like they could reach down into the pit of your core and tell you about yourself. I ain’t never seen the warmth of her smile or the way she could soothe my daddy with her kind-hearted words. People talk under their breath about her. Talk about how long her silky blond hair was or how thin and soft her frame was. I do alls I can when I hear them whispering about the woman who gave her life so I could dance in the rain on a hot summer day.
Just before she took her last breath they say that she stared into my eyes and smiled because I done come into the world with what she thought was the better part of her. The one feature that my daddy loved the most.
She was the one who placed the weight of my name upon me. Precious Blue Johnson, but everyone around here in Lutts County, Georgia, fixed my name at Precious.
My dear, sweet Daddy is a tall, well-stocked-around-the-tummy man. I heard that back in his heyday he sported a nicely trimmed frame of six feet, two inches. That his hair used to be slicked back so perfectly there wasn’t a black woman in Lutts County that wasn’t dying to give it a coat or two of sweet brown sugar with the very tips of their hard-worked fingers.
His shoulders hang now sometimes, but that wasn’t always the case. No, it be said that when Charles Johnson used to walk down these dirt-filled roads, his shoulders stood towering with an air of confidence that one could breathe in from a mile away.
Once upon a time, it be rumored that his hazel brown eyes were fixed on singing his way out of Lutts County. They still talk about this fact in the rooms of their barely-able-to-stand homes, where they figure can’t nobody hear them but God. Whispering under the dim lights about how it is such a shame that he wasted his talent on a white woman.
There are nights when I would wonder what his voice must have sounded like. I would hear him humming sometimes, but I ain’t never heard the sound of butter flowing from his lips.
That’s what they say he sounded like.
Buy Links:
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1nIfxmt
E-book: http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Butterfly-Marian-Thomas-ebook/dp/B00JETDF5A/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1396480056&sr=1-1
One ebook (Kindle, Mobi) copy of Blue Butterfly will be given away!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
