Toi Thomas's Blog, page 111

Interview 14: Anne-Sweazy-Kulju

Greetings humans, half-breeds, and everything in between. A while back, I had the pleasure to interview my new friend, Anne-Sweazy-Kulju. She is visiting the ECS as a guest and sharing loads of interesting insights into her work. Be sure to look around and see what she has to offer. Here are the results of our interview. A good time was truly had by all, and here’s how it went down. Hi there Anne! It’s so awesome to have you here at the ECS Universe. Don’t worry about the darkness, your eyes will adjust.
 So tell me, who is Anne-Sweazy-Kulju?
As a middle child from a dysfunctional family, I could focus inward, almost hypnotically, when I  needed to escape. My first stories were published in my 30’s. Following a life-changing accident two years later, I wrote my first novel. *A career-change was needed; my husband said he only knew two ways I could make money from bed--but, I did not want to be a telemarketer (-; 
I got an agent, then a movie offer… it fell through. Discouraged, I put the manuscript away for seventeen years. A challenge made me edit and submit it to a publisher, and…here I am.
You know dysfunctional families are the norm now, but as a writer, all life experiences can to inspiration or motivation. Your story sounds very interesting.
So whacha got for me today?

“The thing with feathers,” my debut novel, is an historical-fiction/saga and guaranteed knee-hugger. It’s actually the second novel I wrote, but for the personal reason that I thought my heroine, Blair, might be of help to real victims of personal tragedies such as hers, this was the first manuscript I edited and submitted.

I am a careful researcher, and readers will find mine to be accurate depictions of settings and events for the 1920‘s to 40‘s on Oregon’s coast. Some characters are modeled after real persons, and some sub-plots are factual, but the main story is purely fiction.
This sounds great. I love stories from different eras and can appreciate the difficulty and artistry of blending fact and fiction together in order to create a compelling story. I can’t wait to learn more.
 So who’s starring is this 2 dimensional script read of The Thing with Feathers?
My self-proclaimed Baptist preacher, Bowman, is a bad guy who was “conditioned” into insanity as a young man, by his own father. He grew up to possess less-than-sterling character and even scantier morals. He is my story’s murderer, racist and child-rapist.
My victim is Blair Bowman, the Preacher’s daughter. She grew up without a mother and has lived a hellish existence as her father’s concubine, since the age of 5. At sixteen years old and made pregnant by her father, she suffers a dissociative disorder. It helps her to cope. But, like any classic Greek hero, she’s broken and must find a way to fix herself, if she is to save her child.
WikipediaMy hero is Sean Marshall. He is loosely fashioned after the real life photographer, Clyde Hudson. Sean Marshall is the youngest son of a Tillamook Countydairy farmer. While out taking photographs, he happens upon an unspeakable crime and knows his word would be no good against that of his highly-respected town preacher… so he snaps a picture. That’s what gets the whole ball rolling.
Wow, just reading the descriptions of these characters lets you know just how intense this story will be. This is definitely not a light read, but seems to quite dynamic already.
 Past, present, future, is there a rhyme or reason to your writing?
WikipediaWhen I write I am very structured. I have a well fleshed-out outline, with an ending, and some twenty pages, typed, on every primary and secondary character in my book. That‘s before I ever begin putting words on paper. I know them, and I know what any one of them would do in a given situation. I can just sit back and let my characters move my story forward.  As for what else I am doing, I am sitting at my kitchen counter with my laptop, my usual spot, and eating my fudge brownie. It is after four am, and I have the TV on and dogs playing for background noise.  My current project is another historical fiction action-fest with the working title, “Grog Wars.” This one is set in 1850’s Portland, Oregon, Shanghai capital of the entire world. The story follows the main character, Burke Kaufmann, one of the first Germans to bring beer to the northwest, and his young wife, Lili Brucke Kaufmann, a bum-magnet with a good head on her shoulders. She is forced into an arranged marriage with Burke Kaufmann. Burke is then forced by his own father to grow the family’s interests in America, leaving his bride behind for nearly two years.
I like your methodology; it’s very precise. I think character is very important to the development of a good story, and like you said, if it’s done well the characters will write the stories themselves.
What author(s) has most influenced your writing? Why or how?
Google SearchI think it would be Jack London. Like myself, he does not believe there is any such thing as writer’s block. In fact, I have a huge banner above my office alcove that boasts a quote by London. It reads, “You can’t wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club.” It sounded like a motto worth adopting. I read him early on in high school, when I was dreaming of maybe being a writer one day. I find his style epic, startling visual, and unapologetic. I have tried to incorporate those qualities of style into my own.
I agree London has quite a style to his writing that is very realistic. I like the idea that you have a motto for your whole literary expression; maybe I should think about getting one.
 Whose brain are you just itching to scratch?
Google SearchJohn F. Kennedy, because I want to ask who killed him, of course.  But, also because I sort of believe he was still alive until just a few years ago, and was poised to be the ‘Anti-Christ‘. Or… maybe that’s just a future story idea I’ve been rolling around in my head.
Seriously, I’ve heard that theory before; maybe someone should make it into a story. As for wanting to know who killed him, I think I’d rather no why? We all think we know why because of what was going on in the country at that time, but I don’t believe that any assignation as mysterious as this one can be so easily understood.
Who is so you and why?
IMDBI am a little OCD and I am constantly fussing over the room I just cleaned or the meal I just cooked…I have been compared to Monica from “Friends” [What a classic character. I know someone who gets compared to her all the time. What so great about it is that a little OCD is enough to drive your friends and family crazy, just not crazy enough to for them to love you any less. Sometimes it’s good to be a OCD or as I like to call it “super focused.”
What’s your ideal reading spot for your next highly anticipated read? sanuks.comReading...oh, it’s a ritual. I must be comfortable, and for me that is not as easy as it sounds. If it is cold outside, I am in my favorite jeans, Sanuks, and a thick Fisherman’ssweater, with a great cup of coffee. I curl up in my chaise lounge, and with my iPod speakers set to play my favorite play list, I start reading. If it is hot outside, the jeans become capris, the coffee becomes iced tea, and the “spot” is at the beach on Whelan Island. My home is sort of across from the small island’s access that has been donated to the state of Oregon. The state has made such a lovely state park out of the island. My favorite place to read is down on the beach there. My husband and I usually have the whole stretch of beach all to ourselves, our dogs and a family of Bald Eagles.
At the moment, I only have time to read my own books. I have “Bodie” releasing in early spring, and I am up to my elbows on “Grog Wars”.
Yeah, finding time to read for pleasure and be difficult when you’re in the zone with your own writing, but there is always satisfaction in reading your final draft and being happy with it. I love the fact that your reading style is ritualistic; I tend to have a certain way I like to do things as well.
What was your favorite book or story, pre-teen years?
Watership Down AmazonI somehow missed this book in my childhood though I’ve been told by so many what a great book it is. Of course it’s on my TBR list, but I shudder to think just how long my TBR list is at the moment…
Now this is where the questions get a little kooky; are you ready?
Absitively-Posilutely!
Alright then, here we go.
If you could only watch one movie for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Gone With The Wind
Ah, a good solid choice; I love it when people pick a classic movie as their all time fave.
What makes you geek out?
Google SearchPit Bulls. They are such cool dogs (the best disposition of any AKC breed), loyal, smart, loving. And they are treated so shabbily. At the turn of the century they were such good babysitters for small children that no good parent would be without one. They were nicknamed, “The Nanny Dog”. Then along came the wars and it was learned that these noble dogs would give their lives for the soldiers. Many died beside their partners and many won medals of honor. When I see one mistreated or unloved, my heart just squeezes. A couple of months ago, I had a friend drive me over 250 miles and spent over $500 to fetch our lovely Leah, who was on death row. She had not had a good life so far (a lot of pain) -- and she is only 8 months old. Now she is happy and very, very loved. I can really get into that!
I love dogs, all kinds, and really like when I see someone embrace a particular breed to grace and love instead of fear and apprehension. I thinks Pits are good dogs.
 So what’s testing your patience right now?
IMDBI wanted to read, “The Life of Pi,” but I have three different novels in different stages of completion and could not find the time. Now the movie is out, so I am anxious to see it--as soon as I can.
I’m with you there. I have several book that I’ve been meaning to get to that now have movies out, so maybe I’ll see the films and then read later; who knows. BTW- Life of Pi is a really good book. I want to see the movie just to compare, but again, haven’t done so yet.
When the soundtrack of your life is playing in your head, what songs express your glee and what songs bring out your rage?
Glee, in the form of soothing, strengthening, relaxing, fun:Google SearchThe Funeral - Band of Horses
Detlef Schrempf - Band of HorsesWild Horses - The Rolling StonesReign on Me - The WhoBukowski - Modest MouseThe Time of Your Life - Green DayHands - JewelRolling in the Deep <=listen-  AdeleIn the Arms of the Angels - Sarah McLachlanSatisfaction - The Rolling StonesDrops of Jupiter - Train

*The Killer of Glee is the music from that commercial for the Humane Society. I have to leave the room.

*I can’t stand anything that is rap (so disrespectful to women), and I dislike most Hip-Hop (ditto the reason). When I hear it, it could bring out my rage, I guess. (Truthfully, I am not much of a “rage-er”)
What’s the most fun experience you’ve ever had, to date?
I and my pledge sisters were tasked with breaking into a fraternity house and pulling that semester’s sorority R.F. (they say it stands for “rat-fink”, but we all knew the first word stood for “royally” and the second word was…not ‘fink’). Believe me, we were up to the challenge (you’ll find out why in a minute).
IMDBSo, when the boys were all away at classes, we: put laundry detergent in their swimming pool and turned on the filter; lifted all of the toilet seats and covered the bowls with clear plastic wrap before putting the seat back down (splash!); knotted every shoe in the house to one-another, and arranged them walking down the stairs; we sprinkled uncooked rice under their bottom bed sheets; and, (the crème de la crème) we unscrewed all of the shower heads, put in blue dye leak-tracer rounds, and put the shower heads back on, no one the wiser. We left a tape of the Blues Brothersin the VCR. I almost wet myself when, the next day, my boyfriend’s roommate showed up for class looking a bit blue.
Mean? Maybe. But before you judge me, I just want you all to know what they did to us a week earlier. They showed up at my apartment, where 4 Delta Zeta’s lived together, kidnapped us in our pajamas, and left us in the middle of nowhere in the So. Cal desert at 2 in the morning, with 2 bottles of Pepsi. This was so we could drink the Pepsi, walk to the nearest place for a dime, and call someone for a ride home (yes, I just dated myself: it was just a dime back then). A trucker pulled over for us (four scantily-dressed co-eds on the side of the rode at 2 am). Fortunately he was a gentleman with daughters of his own, and when he heard our story, boy, he was ticked off! He could have just as easily been Jack the Ripper, though. Turn-about is fair play, and payback can sometimes be the most fun you’ll ever have!
Sweet! College is wonderful and that’s all I have to say about that :)
 Remind me again how I was lucky enough to meet you?
I responded to an invitation in one of my LinkedInthreads (thank you, again!)
No, thank you. I’m glad I did it. I has been a wonderful experience.
Not that you can see into the future, but in your opinion, what does the future hold?
When I was in my 20’s-30’s, I was too busy living life to write about it. Now I am too busy writing about life to live it. In five or more years I will have the pendulum swinging the other way a little bit--I just hope my body is not too beat to sh*t to enjoy it (I really had fun in my 20’s!)
Ok humans, half-breeds, and everything in between, that’s all for today. Be sure to follow this blog to see who will be visiting next time. For more from Anne-Sweazy-Kulju, check out these great links and a great GIVEAWAYbelow:
www.AnneSweazyKulju.com
http://www.redroom.com/member/Anne-Sweazy-Kulju
www.FaceBook.com/Anne.Kulju
www.Twitter.com/AnneSweazyKulju
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/anne-sweazy-kulju/
…In finale, author Anne Sweazy-Kulju is offering a FREE Swag Bag for her book, “The Thing with Feathers”. In the bag you will find:  an autographed copy of the book, a 15-oz. customized "Reality is Over-rated" Latte Mug, and one pound of gourmet coffee from Tillamook County's finest, Five Rivers Coffee Roasters. All you have to do is stop by, read today’s interview, and leave a nifty comment. Winner announced right here, at twitter, and facebook.com at 7:00 a.m. tomorrow.

Guest Post 11: Anne Sweazy-Kulju

Is it a snap getting a novel traditionally-published these days? No it is not! So one would think, having accomplished this feat, that one’s family would be proud; proud enough to, say, want to read your novel. One would think…

I confess I was surprised, maybe even hurt. But, let’s put my own family aside (they didn’t invent dysfunction, but they may have perfected it). People know books aren’t free, or illegal to own, or an obligation to write a professional review. So then, what is up with our families when it comes to reading all of our hard work? I asked this question of one of my LinkedIn groups. Responses generally fell into the following categories:

1. Family members expect free copies. Period.
2. When you give them a copy, they do not write reviews, as promised; in fact,
3. They do not read the books (but some will tell you they did).
4. They lose your book.
5. If you mention the book, they request a replacement* (free, of course).
6. If you send a replacement copy, they don't bother to thank you.
----------------------
*One of the funniest (or saddest) author replies I received, relayed how a family member, who had accidentally dropped her (expensive) hardback book into the bathtub, wanted the author to replace it. Personally, I would have called my flying monkeys on (fictional name) Aunt Bessie, but the author who shared the story possesses infinitely more restraint than I.

I digress, no doubt out of jealousy that a member of her family was willing to read her book, but…gad-zooks! The books are not free, people! And getting a novel published is such a feat, that I find family members’ indifference to our accomplishment staggering. In the end, I did not call my flying monkeys on anyone. I did, however, send the little “funny” below to my family, with the following message: “I forgive you. Now, read my dang book!”

 …Again for your blog reading pleasure, author Anne Sweazy-Kulju is offering a FREE digital download of her book, “The Thing with Feathers” in the form of a customized autographed Digital Download Card. All you have to do is stop by, read today’s article, and leave a nifty comment. Winner announced right here, at twitter, and facebook.com at 7:00 a.m. tomorrow.
~Be sure to stop by again tomorrow for the interview with Anne. You’ll be so glad you did. She has so much more to share. In the meantime, check her out at: www.FaceBook.com/Anne.Kulju and www.Twitter.com/AnneSweazyKulju .

Guest Post 10: Anne Sweazy-Kulju

IS THIS FICTION?
I do not call myself a "psychic," because I am such a mediocre one. I don't get to see what I want to see, necessarily (although with my help, my father has hit the Pick-Six at various racetracks, three times). Most of my visions play like living-color in my head. Sometimes it’s just a flash, other times I see several seconds’ worth of something about to happen very soon. I’ll give an example: when I was a blackjack dealer, the house would let me tell players ahead of time if they were going to get a blackjack, so they could (press) up their bets. The House had no faith in my ability. They just thought it would be a novelty. Well, I did it so many times (contrary to what the House thought would happen, my superstitious players ALL pressed their bets), that the Table Games Manager told me to stop. I was a high-stakes dealer and I was, apparently, giving away too much money.

I’m sure there are eyes rolling out there, and some of you might think me crazy as pig knuckles, but before you judge me, let me tell you about my next novel, "Bodie" (releasing spring 2013).  It is historical fiction (my genre), and it is based upon a true story--mine. Two sisters had identical repetitive dreams over the course of many years, and neither sister knew the other one was having them. They go to a past-life regression therapist, and she confirms the woman in the girls' dream, Elise, was murdered, in 1878. It happened in the most violent town in America's history, Bodie, California. This gold rush boom-town averaged a murder a day, due to bad weather, bad whiskey and bad men--but that is only what they would have us believe. 
But I don’t want to trigger a spoiler alert. Suffice that the story is my psychic impression of what really happened, and why I believe the murdered woman could not rest in peace. She had unfinished business; something needed to be set right. I and my sister have not had the dream since I wrote the book, some seventeen years ago. I believe something about my story being published for all to see, is what gives Elise peace. So, is it fiction or did it happen? My job as writer is to blur the lines; to leave the reader wondering where the history ends and the fiction begins. In so many places, I hit the nail squarely on its head. It was almost as if I had been there myself (I know, I know, that‘s just crazy talk…right?) Truthfully, I lost track of what, in the book, is fiction and what isn’t, what is dreams and what is imagination. Sometimes I don‘t know the answer, myself.
While awaiting the release of “Bodie,” go ahead and check out my current release, “The Thing with Feathers.”
…And for your blog reading pleasure, author Anne Sweazy-Kulju is offering a FREE digital download of her book, “The Thing with Feathers” in the form of a customized autographed Digital Download Card. All you have to do is stop by, read today’s article, and leave a nifty comment. Winner announced right here, at twitter, and facebook.com at 7:00 a.m. tomorrow.
~Don’t forget to stop by again tomorrow. Anne has so much more to share. In the meantime, check her out at: www.FaceBook.com/Anne.Kulju and www.Twitter.com/AnneSweazyKulju .
 

Interview 13: Emeka Iwenofu

Greetings humans, half-breeds, and everything in between. A while back, I had the pleasure to interview my new friend, Emeka Iwenofu. He is visiting the ECS as a guest and sharing loads of interesting insights into his work. Be sure to look around and see what he has to offer. Here are the results of our interview. A good time was truly had by all, and here’s how it went down.

 Hi there Emeka! It’s so awesome to have you here at the ECS Universe. Don’t worry about the darkness, your eyes will adjust.
 So tell me, who is Emeka Iwenofu?
My friends call me “Mecca” for short. I am a resident of Cleveland and graduated from Cleveland State University with a degree in accounting. I first fell in love with the pen when I was 12 years old. I became fascinated with writing my own stories after reading many other stories. During my adolescent years, I began to write different stories here and there before I eventually took it serious and put down the calculator (in accounting terms) and picked up the pen.  It was something I loved to do and I knew how to do it well. Since then, I founded my own publishing company Hope Point Press, LLC and have produced a three book series called The Miracle Trilogy with the first and popular release being, Jackie’s Miracle, already out now while the other two will come out later this year. Writing is what I do full time now.
Well Mecca, that’s very impressive. Not too many people can say that they’ve taken a childhood dream and made it come true. You’ve taken your dream to the next level and claimed ownership of it…Good for you.
So whacha got for me today?
My highly acclaimed book, Jackie’s Miracle (release 1 & book 3 in this oddly ordered series) tells the story of young black girl who has just been released from prison for violent crimes she committed. Prior to this, she had a very painful childhood. She never knew her father and her mom was a drug addict who later died. She was also abused and neglected before entering different foster homes, later dropping out of high school and engaging a life of alcohol and drugs. It isn’t until she is assigned a parole officer named Mandi, who mentors her on secret success principles, that Jackie’s life takes on an extraordinary journey beyond what she ever thought possible, once she applies the techniques.  In all, this book is one you will not want to put down. It embodies love, peace, inspiration, and what we as people can all accomplish with the power of our minds regardless of our present conditions and circumstances.
This sounds like a very powerful story with many layers. I’m sure people will be interested to see just how and ex-con is able to turn her life around and live with positivity and success.
 So who’s starring is this 2 dimensional script read of Jackie’s Miracle?
There are a few characters that stand out in this story. Jackie is the main character of this story and she lives with painful scars of her past as she tries her best to live a life of positive change.
Mandi (Jackie’s mentor) is a healthy black woman in her late thirties, who’s married and hEriq is a young black fitness coach who becomes Jackie’s soul mate, the person with whom she shares many exciting experiences. Though what’s really interesting is what becomes of Jackie and Mandi’s children. It truly is a fascinating read and tear jerker.
I can see that strong females are dominant in this series and I like it. I’m sure that if I’m wondering about this “secret” others will too. You definitely have something here.
 Past, present, future, is there a rhyme or reason to your writing?
I primarily have a thought already mapped out for what I want to write and then just go along with it without procrastinating. It’s strange, but I guess it’s that Infinite or Higher Intelligence that experts talk about that helps me out.  I write on my laptop in a place where there’s no distraction of any kind, so that I can focus. I write until I’m done with at least one chapter. There’s no writer’s block of any kind and I usually finish one chapter in a day. I pace myself to do just one chapter a day, which can take me, at the most, 4 hours of pure concentration to do. For instance, I completed both books, Francine’s Miracle and Mandi’s Miracle in under six weeks back in November 2011. Also, I titled all my chapters which express the primary theme and nature of the chapters, which I do in all my books.
I like your work ethic. A chapter a day is very ambitious and if you’re able to pull it off, why not.
What author(s) has most influenced your writing? Why or how?
Napoleon Hill, Og Mandino, Alexander Dumas, and William Shakespeare.
Napoleon Hill and Og Mandino are authors whose books express success principles, the need for having a positive attitude in all things, and most importantly how to think. These are all primary themes in my stories, telling why and how that “new” change affects the life of Jackie in my story. The personal turnaround Jackie makes is meant to empower readers to develop these same principles in order to achieve success in their lives, while eliminating all excuses of why they can’t attain something. AmazonI enjoyed Alexander Duma’s classic book The Count of Monte Cristo , which is where I really learned how to develop characters and plots in order to make an interesting story and keep readers on the edge. Og Mandino’s book, The Greatest Salesman in the World sort of expressed that same style in a true positive form among characters. And as for the plays of William Shakespeare, I just enjoyed learning the various personalities of all of his characters and how he put them together in order to make his powerful masterpieces.

Well, I’ve read from all these great authors and am now feeling quite proud of myself. These are great examples of writing styles and techniques to mimic and admire. I say it all the time and will say it once more- you must read the kind of material you want to write if you expect to be any good at it…Kudos to you Mecca for a fine selection of influence and inspiration. 
Whose brain are you just itching to scratch? N.H. from WikipediaNapoleon Hill for his masterpieces of The Law of Success , commissioned by Andrew Carnegie, and Think and Grow Rich , the most treasured success book in history with other 70 millions copied sold. Many famous celebrities and business moguls throughout the world have credited the latter as the reason for their success.
I am very intrigued about the whole process of interviews, adversity, and setbacks he endured and overcame to complete the work of Carnegie’s commission. From him, I think I can learn how I could further better myself as a human being, since what he expresses are universal laws to be successful and not just suggestions.
Yes, I agree that the story of how The Law of Success came about is almost as interesting as the book itself, and it’s hard to deny the wisdom of Think and Grow Rich. It seems that that one would have quite a bit to gain from having an in-depth conversation with Mr. Hill.
Who is so you and why? IMDBI’m so Tony Montana from Scarface because I can relate to a man who has a dream and desire in life, and doesn’t waste any time procrastinating to achieve it. In essence, Montana is a go-getter. Regardless of his profession, Scarface has a dream and a goal, and is going to fulfill it at all costs which just so happens to be the first law of success Napoleon Hill teaches. A man must have “A Definite Chief Aim” before anything can work. The general population just doesn’t have that kind of or aim or purpose, which explains the level that most people are at. Basically, man must have a hungry desire or fueling obsession to achieve or become something and that’s what Tony Montana has. That’s why I relate and idolize him so much. He understands: The World is Yours!
 Not too many people can put a positive spin on Tony Montana, but you did it. I guess even in the mind of a mad man, once has to give credit to determination. In all seriousness, I know what you mean, but Scarface is crazy.
What’s your ideal reading spot for your next highly anticipated read?
Basically I like to read in a quiet area, ideally in a library or my home where there’s no noise or distraction and I can devote full concentration and/or focus to what I’m reading.
AmazonI’m currently reading, Outwitting the Devil by Napoleon Hill. It was a manuscript written by him back in 1938 but wasn’t ever published until 2011 since the entire book was so controversial and believed to be very troubling to churches, schools, and other institutions in carrying out their “duty”, which had Napoleon and his wife in fear of ever releasing it to the public, thinking they would be condemned by everybody and thus locked in a safe vault until a brave family member uncovered it 35 years after Napoleon’s wife died in ’84.
I never knew about this book and again the story behind it is so fascinating. I can only image what other wonders and insight Mr. Hill had to offer so long ago, which I’m sure is still relevant now.
What was your favorite book or story, pre-teen years?
’Their Eyes Were Watching God’ by Zora Neale Hurston
AmazonThat’s some pretty heavy reading for a pre-teen, but good to hear. It’s a very emotional and controversial story. Kids gotta learn about that stuff sometime and if you read it that early in life, you must have been ready for it…
Now this is where the questions get a little kooky; are you ready?
Fo’ sho.
Alright then, here we go.
If you could only watch one movie for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Freedom Writers : starring Hilary Swank. MTV Films/Paramount Pictures. 2007
I’ve never seen that film, but I’ve heard it’s pretty good.
What makes you geek out?
Freedom/positive change, or documentaries that tell the truth of different economic issues affecting America or the massive cover-ups, which the news never reports.
Sounds to me that you’re a bit of a Conspiracy Theorists, not that I see a problem with that. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with having questions and not taking everything at face value. There is a time and place for everything, including complacence and defiance.
 So what’s testing your patience right now?
JACKIE’S MIRACLE! I have already gotten offers from screenwriters and was suggested by many fans for it to become a movie or screen play. Seriously. However, I want to release the other two books of the Trilogy later on this year so as to determine the best route to go.
Along, with that, I intend to do some traveling throughout the world, learning more and more about the other fun things in life while being inspiring to mankind. I just want to have fun, living life financially free.
Two excellent points that would surely  test my patience: the possible of your work being made into a film or play and the prospect of doing some world traveling sound great.
When the soundtrack of your life is playing in your head, what songs express your glee and what songs bring out your rage?
I love jazz and old school R&B (like back in the 80s). I can’t stand Alternative or Heavy Metal. I’m sorry.
There’s no need to be sorry. I get all kinds of answers from people that praise and bash musical genres. I even had one person tell that they didn’t really like any kind of music. I’m a music lover, so it’s hard for me not to find something admirable about most musical genres, but I find that the average person doesn’t think in terms of genres, even though they think they do. I like the idea of exploring personal preferences because there is no right or wrong answer.
What’s the most fun experience you’ve ever had, to date?
Believe it or not, I think the moment I got fired from my job with the federal government was the most exciting time in my life. It was fun because it was the first time in my life that I discovered how to really think of what I really wanted and where I wanted to go, rather than follow the crowd that just goes on to work and doesn’t really know why they’re doing it, other than to pay the bills. In fact, I believe that if it wasn’t for that incident, I probably wouldn’t be here today as a guest on your blog…because I’d be working some job and wouldn’t have been inspired to write my books.
That’s quite a prospective you have there. I guess it’s one of those scenarios that’s not very funny when it’s happening, but inevitably you end of laughing about it down the road. In any case, I think it’s great. Thank goodness for hidden blessings and miracles.
 Remind me again how I was lucky enough to meet you?
I saw your post on LinkedIn under the group Black Authors Network,which I check daily. If not that, I at least check it 3-4 times a week.
Oh yes, I remember I posting a message there and a few other places. I’m glad that I did. Meeting all the great authors, including you, has  been a wonderful experience.
Not that you can see into the future, but in your opinion, what does the future hold?
I believe I will be on multiple talk shows throughout the country and beyond, speaking at major events, be it on stage, on radio, or TV spreading my message. Plus, I believe and know for a fact that I will be travelling the world, meeting all kinds of people and experiencing all kinds of cultures, thus educating myself to a whole new world while enjoying every minute of it.
Ok humans, half-breeds, and everything in between, that’s all for today. Be sure to follow this blog to see who will be visiting next time. For more from Emeka Iwenofu, check out these great links:
Jackiesmiracle.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWf1QDsyPns         
Facebook.com/Jackie’s Miracle
http://www.amazon.com/Jackies-Miracle-ebook/dp/B008OQV1AU/ref=sr_1_1_title_1_kin?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1358787689&sr=1-1&keywords=jackie%27s+miracleAtlasbooks.com/
http://www.atlasbooks.com/marktplc/04196.htm

Guest Post 09: Emeka Iwenofu

My name is Emeka Iwenofu; I’ve composed three empowering stories called the Miracle Trilogy.  This trilogy tells of the lives of three women from varying generations plagued by their own challenges and adversity before becoming inspired by their personal mentor in order to obtain their miracle and later teaching someone else.

The first story, entitled Francine’s Miracle(which will be OUT this Valentine’s Day 2013) tells of a young Irish girl named Francine who immigrates to the United States with her family from Ireland during the 1920s  at the age of 8. This time in history marks the height of the Prohibition era where there are mob ties, bootlegging, and other illegal activities all over the streets of New York City. After a series of impactful events, Francine and her family, known as the Sullivans,  move away to Virginia where she experiences poverty, a drunk father, a bitter mother, tragedy, physical and verbal abuse from both her parents and other challenges that makes her wish she was never even born. It isn’t until through a twist of fate, that she discovers a woman able and willing to enlighten her on a “secret” that when Francine applies the methods, makes all of her dreams come true, making her the most respected woman in town. Though after receiving her miracle and knowing well how to apply the secret, she is then instructed by her mentor to “pay it forward” or help another subject who’s in “need” to learn these same principles, which draws this story to the next book, called Mandi’s Miracle, where now, Francine becomes Mandi’s mentor, which takes place in the South in Mississippi during the 1960 civil rights era.
The book, Mandi’s Miracle, is not yet out but will be made available later during the year 2013. However, this book talks about a young black girl, named Mandi, age 12, who is stricken with a terminal illness with only 5 months to live according to the doctors.  It isn’t until Francine is informed about this that Mandi’s mother brings her to Francine for healing. Francine instructs step by step the principles Mandi must apply in order to be cured of the disease. When that happens, Mandi, goes off to college, has a family, and later becomes a parole officer in Detroit Michigan during the early 1990s to mentor a troubled and abused client/parolee named JaQuita Jenkins or “Jackie” to begin the 3rd installment, which is out now, called Jackie’s Miracle.
Jackie’s Miracle has already been acclaimed and has received a number of praises from different readers and book reviewers alike. However for all of you readers and non-readers out there, I am allowing anyone to download Jackie’s Miracle absolutely FREE, from March 11 to March 24, 2013 which will be on any ebook notepad or tablet such as Kindle, Nook, IPad, eReader, you name it. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. So don’t miss out. You’ll be SO happy you did.
Francine’s Miracle is truly a great read which will be available at: Francinesmiracle.com, Atlasbooks.com, Amazon.com, BN.com, and wherever ebooks are sold! Just so you know, how great this book is, here are a few endorsements received from a few reputable people.
“Francine’s Miracle is delightful.  Once again, Emeka Iwenofu creates a character that readers relate to; first in her struggles and then in her ultimate triumph.  The story of Francine’s journey is a powerful tribute to the miracles that happen when one woman learns to harness the power within to manifest the life of her dreams. If you want to be inspired, read this book!”--Lisa RyanChief Appreciation Strategist, GrategyAuthor of The Upside of Down Times: Discovering the Power of GratitudeFeatured expert in “The Keep of the Keys” and “The Gratitude Experiment”
“Francine’s Miracle is absolutely fantastic; a definite must read classic! Five complete stars! It is so detailed and paints such a vivid mental picture. All the characters come to life; an absolute must read from start to finish!”--Mary EasonUnity Center of the Heights Spiritual Leader and TeacherLicensed Minister, member of A Course in MiraclesandOut of the Matrix

Thank you all for letting me share my series with you. After reading any of these books, please feel free to review, leave comments, and rate them. Comments and reviews on GoodReads.com are also welcomed and appreciated. Lastly, free to ‘like’ the Facebook page at: facebook.com/JackiesMiracle to stay up to date on series progression.
Good luck to all of you and thank you Toinette Thomas. You’re the GREATEST!!!

WWW WEDNESDAYS 16

WWW WEDNESDAYS… is a weekly meme hosted by Should Be Reading, where you share (1)What you’re currently reading, (2)What you recently finished reading, and (3)What you think you’ll read next.
Comments and shares are welcomed here, but please try to share with Should be Reading as this is their meme.
1. What are you currently reading? Divergent by Veronica Roth and Mercury Falls by Robert Kroese.
2. What did you recently finish reading? Childhood’s End  by Author C. Clark and Year Zero by Rob Reid.
3. What do you think you’ll read next? I finally started Seraphina What is your WWW Wednesday?
Check out what others are reading. Ticket to Anywhere. More to come.

Featured Guest 03: Tori Jones

I would like to welcome back my fashion and style guru, Tori Jones, to the Eternal Curse Series Blog.  She’s the inspiration for Mira’s (from EC:GA) sense of style and my guide to what’s now.

It’s cold outside and you may want to power up with Puffy wear!
Personally, the puffy vest is my go to.
But you can try them all; from a full coat to crops coat.  #kisses Tori
If you like this, check out Winter Essentials.

Teaser Tuesdays 05

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!(make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers.

My teaser: Christine was somewhat heartened by the fact that Isaacson didn’t seem ready to dismiss her entirely despite her performance. She could only guess that he appreciated her honesty.

~ebook 15% of Mercury Falls by Robert Kroese

6 Sentence Sunday 18

This is a weekly meme hosted and originated by 6 Sentence Sunday.
Eternal Curse: Giovanni’s Angel -6 sentences from chapter 19.
Just then, the little girl turned and stared at the window. Giovanni and Mira looked at each other, wondering silently if the little girl had seen them. The girl paused a moment and then quickly scampered over to her tiny pink vanity set. She wrote something down on a piece of paper, scampered back over to the window, and held it up for them to see.
“Look at that!” said Mira pointing to the window.
Giovanni leaned forward and stared at the little girl holding up her note…
To participate, pick six (6) sentences from anything you like (it can be from a Work in Progress (WiP), something you recently sold, something you hope to sell or even something already under contract and available for purchase – and don’t worry, Six Sentence Sunday is for published AND unpublished writers ). Then post them on your blog on Sunday. That’s all there is to it!
Posts are for bloggers only, but comments are open to all. Please post a link back to Six Sunday, the “anchor” site, to let people know where you heard about the idea. You are not required to list the week’s posters on your post…And don’t be afraid to share the love by adding the hashtag #sixsunday to your tweets about Six Sentence Sunday. You can follow the official Six Sentence Sunday twitter at: https://twitter.com/6_Sunday.
*The informative content listed above was taken directly from the 6 Sentence Sunday website with a few paraphrases for ease of viewing and reading. Please review their FAQs for more details.

Author Insight 15

Well is been a while since I've just made a statement, but I feel that now is the time.
I love to write, I enjoying posting to my blogs, and I like social networking, but these things are quite difficult to do when you're sick all the time. Even though I fight to get over my ailments, sometimes they get the better of me. I will make every effort I can to be as consistent as possible with this blog, but don't be too surprised if I go M.I.A. again.

I promise, I will always come back and start just where I left off.