Chelle Ramsey's Blog, page 88

REAL SECRETS REVEAL

I am preparing to release my second novel REAL SECRETS. This novel was actually the first novel I ever completed over 10 years ago. I am finally ready to release it to the world. The story details a young woman's troubled life and her attempts to overcome her obstacles. I have included an excerpt below and would love to hear your comments and feedback.
Darren looked into her eyes and saw the hard, cold truth…she couldn’t give it up, not for him and not for D.J. Stripping had become an addiction for her; he didn’t know if it was the money that she had to buy anything that she wanted, or if she felt some sort of power when she took her clothes off and had grown men acting like a bunch of little boys.                    Darren walked out of the room and went into the living room to sleep. Tamara knew that if he felt this strongly about her work that it would be worse if he found out that she had been doing private parties. That’s where she had been tonight. The whiskey had helped her to endure what she had to do. What he didn’t realize is that she wasn’t a natural drinker and didn’t enjoy it much. But when she performed at private parties she needed it, and she did one to two parties a week now. Private parties…were the one thing he really hated more than stripping.
She had promised him that she would never do that and she had promised herself the same thing in the beginning when she first took the job 4 years ago. She knew that Darren would never understand. They were so close to paying off their car notes and credit cards and she had a nice lump sum to make a down payment on a home for them that would keep their mortgage payments low. She needed at this point to make as much money as she could. The sooner she got everything paid off and the sooner that she saved enough money to pay off her final 2 years of college, the sooner she could quit her job.
She wasn’t proud of what she did and she didn’t even know how she had allowed herself to sink to this depth, but in this “man’s world,” with no skill sets a woman had to do what she had to do. Hell she had made $2500 tonight alone and that was enough to pay the rent and all of the utilities. She knew from watching her parents that she couldn’t depend on a man to take care of her. Her mom never worked and always depended on her dad to take care of the family. He gave her mom an allowance that she was supposed to take care of everything with except for their bills. And when he finally died her mom had to sell the house, get a minimum wage job as a cook in a school cafeteria and get government assistance to get back on her feet. That wasn’t a life she envisioned for herself. Her mom was a strong woman, but Tamara felt that the humiliation from the government being in her business was something that she couldn’t endure for herself or her son.
If you enjoyed this excerpt from my second novel REAL SECRETS, follow me at the link in the right hand corner above for more reveals in upcoming weeks. The release of this book is scheduled for October, 2012. JUST A PIECE OF THIS WRITER... C. MICHELLE RAMSEY 

IN TIMES OF UNCERTAINTY...

The road of a new published indie author can be uncertain and shaky at times at best. There is so much to learn and so many opportunities available but you're not always sure of the best route. When I started this  journey I had a plan, I had my schedule made out, I knew the social media routes I would travel and what days and times I would do it. However, life does not always go as we plan. We must take a moment to stop and breathe when it becomes overwhelming. When you begin to pursue that dream if you are on the right path, you will almost always receive a confirmation in times of uncertainty.

Some days as I attempt to balance my writing consulting business, my day job, my books, and most importantly my family I question the path I am taking. But I receive so much joy and fulfillment in the route that I am going that I will not give up. Then a glimmer of hope shines through and I can finally see the forest for the trees and I know that all will be fine.

On Monday I was scrolling through Facebook and saw a post by Chicki Brown extending an invitation to highlight authors on her blog. My initial instinct was excitement, then I began to shy away. Once I closed my FB page, a little voice told me to open it back up and reply to her post. I did and today I am featured on  her blog Sister Scribbler. What an awesome delight and honor this is for me. I received a couple of warm welcomes from other authors who follow her blog. It was just what I needed at this point in the road to assure me that I am on the right course and to continue following my dream. Just a word of encouragement if at times you are unsure, stop, take a look around, and look for your confirmation. Sometimes it's right there in your face, don't pass up any opportunities, but embrace them with confidence and faith. Read my story on Sister Scribbler at the link below and be sure to check her out during the next two months as she features other authors.

http://sisterscribbler.blogspot.com/2012/09/author-spotlight-c-michelle-ramsey.html


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JUST A PIECE OF THIS WRITER...
C. MICHELLE RAMSEY 

ODE TO MARVELOUS

His dark chocolate skin softly glowing under the lazy morning light. My fingers splayed across the broad expanse of his back. Fingers stroking, palms gliding, I feel the expanse of his broad deep shoulders. Muscles rippling across his back down to tapered hips. A deep, low moan like that of  a lion's purr, when he is content, satisfied, and passion filled emits from his throat somewhere deep within. The anxieties, worries, and frustrations from the night before, now shed away like layers of clothing. The soft, smooth texture of his skin. Deep, sensual tones of his voice. The silky, rippled texture of his body now gone soft in some places. I know all will be right in my world because this is him, and I am him, and this is my man...my husband. Oh Marvelous Man of Mine. Good Morning. 

JUST A PIECE OF THIS WRITER...
C. MICHELLE RAMSEY 

KUDOS

Good customer service is rare and hard to find especially in this day of technology where so many people rely on the Internet. Today I would like to highlight two examples of excellent customer service that I have experienced within two days of one another...a rare gem.

MONDAY: HERTZ RENTAL @ HARTSFIELD INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT



Okay set the scene, I'm happy my husband has returned from a week's trip out of town and we are returning my rental car to the airport. I was concerned because while going through the paperwork I noticed they had a printout stating how much I would be charged in the end, which was inaccurate. I am focused on ensuring they do not charge me this amount and that I am charged at the fabulous Priceline rate I negotiated online. The attendant I am returning the car to engages me in a conversation about my first name (the C) and then states that all my charges have been paid and provides me with an accurate receipt. Grinning because all is right in the world, I walk away and my husband and I proceed to head home. He decides to take the scenic route, and while he was not lost I decided (after driving along 10 minutes in an unknown direction) to use my phone's GPS system to aid him a little.  Less than two minutes later I have frantically searched my purse and called my cell phone using his phone and did not hear it ring. I am sure I somehow left it in the car and know exactly where I left it, we head back after he remarkably finds the right direction and return all within 20 minutes of departure. Heading to the Hertz station I proceed to inform the attendants of my situation. They  to try to locate the phone to no avail. After about 10 minutes my husband began walking around looking for the car we had returned and calling my cell number. He found the attendant who we had originally returned it to and she said the car had been rented out. My husband said it was impossible it could have been gone that quick. She assures him that it has and she cannot help us. As he continues to try to get her assistance she becomes very unfriendly and determined that the car is gone and it's too late. Meanwhile, I'm near tears about my new phone I had just purchased the week before.  

The lady in the attendant booth left her station and began calling everyone she could and going up and down the stairs to find my phone. After another 20 minutes a gentleman that works for Hertz pulls up in an SUV and he has my phone! OH GLORIOUS DAY! I am grateful to both him and the female attendant. She then takes it a step further to try to locate my husband who has gone off in pursuit of the phone (ironically he's not answering his phone as I began calling him from mine). She is worried he has left and I have no ride. I assure her he's around here somewhere searching for my phone and she attempts to locate him and stay with me until I find him...a couple of minutes later. While her counterpart left something to be desired in the way of customer service, this young lady was a gem. I regret that I did not get her name, but I blessed and thanked her profusely.

WEDNESDAY: SNAPPING SHOALS ELECTRIC MEMBERSHIP CORPORATION

This morning I am running behind and I began to recall all I must do today including pay the light bill. I do not have time to stop by the office as I usually do and decide I will pay it online. Once I get to my office I attempt to make an online payment and am not successful. I call into SSEMC's office to pay by phone and the attendant Rachel (this time I remember to get her name) informs me that it is better to pay online and provides me with information why. I explain to her my dilemma and she waits for me to log onto their system and patiently walks me through resolving the issue and how to make it easier in the future. She chats with me for a while and I can hear the smile in her voice. While this situation was not as harried as my phone situation I greatly appreciated her support and feedback, positive attitude and excellent customer service provided. I took a moment to send an email to her company to extol her. Kudos to Rachel.

One more point...if you experience good customer service take a moment to let them know they are greatly appreciated. They often deal with many negative attitudes and some of them have very negative attitudes; however, everyone deserves to be appreciated.

JUST A PIECE OF THIS WRITER... C. MICHELLE RAMSEY 

RANDOM RAMBLINGS

My schedule, my kids' schedules, my boss' schedule, deadlines, and an out of town husband, all of which can make for a very frustrating day. Yet, I rock on going about the business of it all and tending to the hustle and bustle of my day. I sat this morning at my desk with a banana in one hand and cup of tea in another, which comprised my breakfast. Fox News filled the screen of my phone, but was quickly shut down...too depressing with murders, fighting, and attacks around the world. Returning emails, phone calls, and paying bills clamored for my mind's attention, while it desired to be on other things...writing, vacationing, a home-bound husband. 

Sneak a peek at a blog, FB page, or twitter account here or there. A few notes jotted hurriedly and back to the reality of my day. My boss is somewhat off schedule because his interview appointment has not shown up...will I get a break or won't I? I don't know...fifteen minutes late and she arrives. A sweet reprieve in my day and for a moment at least I can take a break away from email, phones, and managing accounts and get lost in my own thoughts. I desire to be in another place and time, as long as it constitutes of having a laptop and my precious work nearby I will be content. A little Ledisi to help me chill and get in the groove of things...the soulful sounds of Yolanda Adams to bring me back to reality allowing me to be grateful for the blessings that I call family, home, work, and living.

The magic time of the day: 3:00 arrives and my day has ended...or has it. Not really it has just begun. The kids are calling they are home and informing me that projects are waiting to be done, homework assistance is needed and they are crying out what's for snack, what's for dinner. Then I am reminded I also have homework of my own to do...after all this week we have final exams. I feel the air being deflated again out of me as quickly as I had regained it. But as I ease out of the parking deck a dear friend calls to inform me they are playing Tupac on the radio all day. I switch to V-103 and bump him softly on the way home. I walk into the door to see the sweet faces of my babies who are ready to break out in an argument. Yeah projects must be done, homework awaits both me and them, dinner has yet to cooked, and hubby is out of town dealing with stresses of his own. But it can all wait for just a moment. I am going to lay back on my bed, chill and just be. And I recall my husband's voice "Chelle...believe in who you say you believe in." And all is right with the world again, because I'm God's Daughter...and my Father has me in the cradle of his arms.

REFLECTIONS OF PROMISES EXCERPT

Sometimes we make choices to avoid drama in life. But what happens when the road we take becomes the road that brings us face to face with it? 




Here is an excerpt from my first novel "Reflections of Promises" Enjoy...


His patients’ appointments had all been rescheduled at UC and Bethesda Oak, by his secretary, who knew not to release this information to anyone, not even his colleagues at the clinic.  She began to rant and rave on his voice mail.  It became so bad that she had left one message threatening to abort the baby.  Jared knew that he had to get a handle on the situation before it spilled over to Pat without him handling it the way that he wanted to. 
The opportunity came almost 2 weeks after he and Lauren had gone away.  She showed up at his house one Thursday evening around 6:30, a time when she knew that Pat would be home.  Luckily for him, Pat had run an errand somewhere.  Unfortunately for him, he didn’t know where she had gone and how long she would be gone.  He was in his office towards the rear of the house, when he heard someone ringing the doorbell nonstop. 
Jumping up from behind his desk, Jared ran to the front of the house, worrying that something had happened to Pat.  Jared peeked from behind the draperies in the living room to see who was at the door. His heart began beating rapidly when he saw Lauren’s car parked outside. 
He ran to the door, grabbing his car keys off the front table before opening the door.  As he opened the door, Lauren tried to push past him into the house.  He had never allowed her into his home and was not surprised that she knew where he lived.
 “What the hell are you doing here?  Have you lost your damn mind girl?” he shouted in a somewhat hushed voice because he didn’t want to attract the neighbors’ attention.
  “No, but you’ve lost yours!  Why haven’t you returned my calls?  You haven’t even been at the office because you’ve been avoiding me!” She screamed at him with tears spilling from her large blue eyes. Lauren wore a powder blue, silk wrap around dress.  She stood at 5’10 in matching powder blue sling backs.  The crème colored cashmere coat she wore stood open and her blond hair swirled around her shoulders in the wind.  She looked so beautiful in that moment as Jared looked into her teary eyes.  Her blue eyes almost appeared purple in comparison with the blues that she wore.  His heart ripped as he realized the pain that was in her eyes was caused by him, the man that swore he loved her.  But they couldn’t keep standing here like this.  He grabbed her by the arm and turned her back towards the walkway.  She tried to pull away, but he dug his fingers in tight into her little arms. 
“Ouch you’re hurting me,” she winced but continued to follow him down the flagstone sidewalk towards her Silver Cadillac.  
“What are you doing J?”
“I’m getting you the hell out of here now, before my wife gets home!” he angrily responded.
“She needs to know J!”

Thanks for reading. 

http://bookstore.booktango.com/Products/SKU-000590124/Reflections-of-Promises.aspx

http://www.amazon.com/Reflections-of-Promises-ebook/dp/B008F5LS0I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1347475086&sr=8-1&keywords=reflections+of+promises

http://www.kobobooks.com/search/search.html?q=c+michelle+ramsey

MAKING THE DIFFERENCE...9/11

IN HONOR OF LIVES SACRIFICED, PUBLIC WORKERS AND VOLUNTEERS


Eleven years ago today, our world changed as we knew it. I will never forget September 11, 2001 I was at home on maternity leave and I was asleep with my 18 month old daughter lying by my side. It was two weeks to the day before my last child would be born on September 25, 2001. The phone rang waking me from a deep sleep, and my mother was on the other line hysterically asking if I was watching TV. I told her no I had been asleep and she began talking in rapid-fire tones that I could not understand. I grabbed the remote control not sure what was happening because she was in Atlanta and at that time I was living in Ohio.
Turning on the TV I still could not understand my mother as I tried to make out what the reporters were saying. Finally, it all came clear two planes had hit the Twin Towers in New York. I became extremely frightened not sure what this meant. I called my son’s school first to no avail they were not taking calls and I eventually learned the school was on lockdown. Then I called my husband who was at work at the moment to make sure that he was okay, he was watching it on TV with his co-workers and boss. I began praying for all those victims, the city of New York, my family, myself, my husband, son, daughter, and my unborn son. Lord, I began to inquire, ‘what type of world am I bringing him into’ and would we even still be here in two weeks. I experienced a series of anxiety attacks that day as I stayed glued to the television around the clock.
The news was filled with people crying and walking around dazed and stricken. Firemen, police officers, public service workers, and volunteers of all sorts filled the streets of New York trying to help wherever possible. My heart went out to them and I was filled with an amazing surge of love for these complete strangers. I still cannot shake some of the sounds I heard on my television to this day. I think it will forever haunt me.
Reports filtering out later detailed that the United Airlines Flight 93 was taken control by four hijackers with the intent of piloting the plane into the United States Capitol Building. However, a group of determined passengers working together overcame their fears and made a stand. Through faith, determination, and teamwork the hijackers’ plans were thwarted. The plane crashed in a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania at 10:03 that morning. Everyone aboard that flight died, but not before the passengers put up a good fight and deterred the hijackers’ plans. Many lives were lost that day and so many more could have been had it not been for the strength and determination of those aboard United Airlines Flight 93.
All too often we take life for granted. We never know when we will be called to duty, to make a stand for what we believe in, or to fight for the rights of others. It is because of that selfless act of sacrifice that group aboard Flight 93 made that saved thousands of other lives. Their families and loved ones are mourning their loss until this day, but I honor them for their courageous acts of sacrifice. We never know the outcome of our decisions and choices that we make in this life. But we must be ready at any given moment to be the best that we can be at all times. It doesn’t matter if no one is watching or if the entire world is tuned in to our actions, we are called for a purpose. And we have an obligation to be our best, whatever that best may be to begin making the difference in this world.
JUST A PIECE OF THIS WRITER...
C. MICHELLE RAMSEY 

ALONG FOR THE RIDE

A friend of mine came to visit me today to discuss some ideas for her new website that I am designing for her. As ideas came to mind we would discuss and either opt them in or toss them out. Some ideas we decided to ponder on for a while and come back later to make a decision. At one point in the conversation she stopped and started laughing and shook her head at me. She told me that she did not see herself a year ago on this road to owning her own business and moving forward as fast as she is. She told me that I was pushing her and things were going too fast. I had heard her say this to me before and I began to pull back after the last discussion, because she has to be ready to do this and it has to be at her pace and not mine. However, this time I heard something different. She let me know that she needed this. She wanted it bad but she was never sure how to get moving with it and some of the areas she definitely didn't have a handle on such as social media and web design. She was amazed at what I was doing, but I shared with her that I have learned so much through publishing my book and I have so much more to learn. I spend hours researching and trying different ideas as I also build my editing business. But the reality of what she said didn't hit me until later this evening as I was walking through the grocery store. Last year this time I didn't see myself being here in this place of my life either. And almost three years ago I definitely did not see it. Just after going through a mass layoff with my organization my husband and a friend of mine both encouraged me to start my own business. I told them there was no way that I could do that. I couldn't do it because I couldn't see it. That brings me to my point...vision.
It is often said that you have to see it for the dream to be realized. You have to open yourself up for all the possibilities that can be and are to come. And once you can dream it, then you can see it in your mind and map out that road for where you're going. God will begin to bring the vision to light and He will bless you with every resource and knowledge that you need. Sometimes, you may not understand where the road is going and how you're going to accomplish some things. 
 But if you open up and allow Him to use your gifts that He has blessed you with for His glory, and if you learn to trust Him to do the work in you that He has begun, He will enable you to overcome every obstacle. He will work in you in ways that you know was Him all along, because you could not do it without Him. So although I've got a long journey ahead of me, so much more to learn, so many others to reach, and I'm just at the beginning I know that in Him I can do all things...and I'm along for the ride wherever He leads me on this road. I will open myself and my gifts for Him to use as He pleases to bring honor and glory to Him. Yep, just along for the ride. If you have a vision...don't be afraid to pursue it. Even if you cannot see how it's going to be realized...believe in yourself and surround yourself with a great support system. The road to owning your business or living your dreams starts with one simple step.   JUST A PIECE OF THIS WRITER... C. MICHELLE RAMSEY

THIS IS WHO I AM...

Today I received my daily scripture sent to me by a friend who receives them from Joel and Victoria Osteen. The message was based around the following thought process:

“I wish I had been true to who I was and not just lived to meet the expectations of others.” 

This sentence alone made me start thinking about who I am. My husband challenges me to do this quite often, yet I don't. I understand it is vital to my growth as a person, therefore, when I do reflect on who I am I hope to improve myself as a result. 

As children we look to please others, whether they are our parents, grandparents, siblings, cousins, educators, and friends. However, as we become older we become more individualized and begin to define who we are. Our actions, behaviors, and decisions reflect how we feel and who we see ourselves as. This is because we tend to shed that worry about what others think about us and begin to live life based on how we feel or what we think. However, I seemed to have grasped this concept at some later stage in life at the cost of much and to the detriment of relationships with those around me. It is important to look within ourselves to understand who we are and what makes us tick. Some of this may open other doors that we dare not enter...doors that lead to painful memories and hurt. 

We quickly back out of that room and close that door because we don't want to deal with those feelings. But it is the only way to grow.

As I look within I know that I am a spiritual person whether I am at church or in quiet moments alone worshiping in His presence. I am emotional and I feel things on a deeper level than some. 

The little girl within that many of us never lose, still holds on to some of the insecurities and self-consciousness she brought with us from childhood. And as a result this has led me to make some mistakes that I must learn from. 

I am silly and goofy at times and although years have gone by and mistakes have been made I realize it is okay to laugh at myself and my mistakes sometimes. Rather than remain self-conscious I have learned to laugh with those laughing at me and point to my own flaws...thanks to that wonderful husband of mine. 

In a crowd of people I am extremely shy just as a little kid looking for the familiar face. Yet, one on one, I have so much to say and won't quit talking. 

I stand firm on what I believe in and won't back down...resulting in my aversion to losing an argument. This compassionate, food-loving, temperamental, girl/woman is who I am. And I love being me. No matter what my flaws or quirks I have to be the best me that I can be...only then can I be the best for those around me. I encourage you to look within. If you love what you see...embrace it and keep on doing you. And if you don't like what you see, keep on working on it and just know that you are God's WIP! (work in progress), and He will never be finished with you until He calls you home. 

So in my husband's words whether "good or bad, right or wrong...we are who we are" and we need to own it and move forward in it to embrace all God has given us...living our lives to His glory.





JUST A PIECE OF THIS WRITER...C. MICHELLE RAMSEY

TRAVELING DOWN THE ROAD ALONE...

I have been blogging for almost two months now and sometimes I feel as if I am traveling this road alone.  Some aspects of social media have me baffled and I spend hours at a time searching for a clue. Just when I am completely clueless, become frustrated, and ready to give up, I realize there is light over the horizon. Just last night I found another gold nugget that I should have known all along (how to build your following). But, I guess the saying is true, it's never too late to learn.
As I have read other blogs that I follow I am picking up tips along the way. The most helpful blog thus far has been Myne Whitman at Romance Meets Life. She provides very useful and relevant tips in an easy to explain manner. Her tips range from what to blog about, naming your blog, learning what your bloggers want to read about, and blogfests. The most valuable gold nugget I found was based on how to build your blog following and ensuring others can follow back.
Because I was so new to blogging I had taken a few ideas for granted. She suggests to build your reader base by following other blogs and leaving comments on their blogs frequently. I had seen this information in other areas around the web; however, I had not tried it yet. So, tonight I will begin implementing this useful blogging tip. 
Pardon me for my ignorance, but I can laugh at myself in hindsight. I did not understand why no one was following my blog. Once again it was Ms. Whitman who pointed out in her blogging tips to ensure your readers can follow you back by having this option enabled. I began searching around on the Blogger help posts to determine how to do this. The first item I found was subscription by email. This can be found under Settings->Template. Blogger provides the option to "Add A Gadget" on the layout template. Email subscriptions allow your readers to subscribe for updates on your blog. In other words anytime that I update my content, emails will be sent out to those who subscribe to this service.
The most relevant piece that I was looking for was adding the "Join this Site" button on the home page. This too was found under the wonderful Settings->Template->Add A Gadget tab. Once I enabled this button people can follow me through the following accounts:
BloggerTwitterGoogleNetlogOrkutPlaxoThe one thing that I continue to learn daily and thank God for is the wonderful community support of authors I have met on Twitter and through blogging. Everyone works to support each other and on Twitter everyone retweets your tweets ensuring you are getting the support that you need. I never would have imagined the support would be this wonderful, but you definitely have to put in your share of hard work. And I don't mind...this is my labor of love. So I guess I'm not on this road alone after all...



Stay tuned for more updates and tips as we journey through "Pieces of A Writer." 
For more useful tips on blogging you too can visit Romance Meets Life at the link below:http://www.mynewhitmanwrites.com/

Creating Words of Art, C. Michelle Ramsey