Myunique C. Green's Blog, page 9

The Book Report: Brandi K. Epps’ A Wait Worthwhile

Happy Black History Month! I’m going to commit to uploading twice a week so that I’m able to feature some of the amazing black women authors who have been published by iWriteBooks Publishing. I get so excited when I talk about these books, and I’m not being biased when I say that I truly enjoyed working on these and feel honored to have helped these amazing authors realize their dream. A Wait Worthwhile: Keys to Making Your Waiting Season a Winning Season, is a book for those that feel stagnant in life and are searching for a way to climb out of the rut of a season that feels like it will never change. It is available in the official iWB Store, as well as on Amazon, and directly from the author.

If you’re not already, follow me on social!

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To browse available iWB Author’s Titles: https://www.iwritebookspub.com/shop/iwb-author-s-nook/6

I buy most of the books I talk about with my own money. However, I have been sent books, and I am certainly not against it. If you are an indie author and would like to contact me about reading and featuring your book, please use the contact form on my website here: https://myuniquegreen.com/contact-me/ As a side note, I am a reader, author, and publisher full-time; I do not like every book that I read, though I give every book a fair chance, so know that whatever I choose to review is going to be my unbiased opinion. When using the form, please include the title of your book, where it is available, and your synopsis. All books must be available in a printed form. I will not accept ebooks or PDF’s.

Let it Shine: Nichole Williams

Are we almost to the end of the first month of 2021 already? Time is passing by so fast! Well, this week, I’d like you all to meet Nichole Williams. She doing a lot of great things, and her newest ebook The Petition is out now!

Here’s a little more about Nichole:

The pen has always been mightier than the sword for Nichole Williams!  Her love for all things written is evident in the things she surrounds herself with. Born in Denver, Colorado, the indie author’s talent is being recognized nationally!  A graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Communications from the University of Colorado, she started the Nichole Nichole deals with Reality Poetry Blog. Her messages, stories and poems on her blog not only motivate and inspire but also brings a daily dose of “reality”.  Her success has been noticed by many.  She now sits at #42 on Feedspot’s Top 100 Poetry Blogs and Influencers.  

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I always loved to write but it became more prevalent when I was in college and wanted to do Journalism, possibly write for a newspaper or magazine.  I changed my major and moved towards communications as I have a deep love for written communication, which I received my B.A in Communications from the University of Colorado. 

Tell me a little about your writing journey, thus far. 

In the last six years, I have been wanting to put out a poetry book. I have such a huge collection of poems that I have written through the years.  It hit me, like how will people know me or who will buy my work when I attended a workshop for writers wanting to publish a book in 2018. What the speaker said stuck with me.  He stated, “one should build a platform.”  From there I started a poetry blog and building my subscribers and sharing my poetry at least twice a month.  My writing has always focused on poetry, but I have evolved in writing short stories as well. I have self-published six short stories thus far in the last two years.

What do you do outside of writing?  

Outside of writing, I’m a full-time accountant and a mentor for young girls in my community.

What genre do you write and why?

I write romance and mystery.  I love a feel-good romance where love wins! I want positive visuals to shine through in my writing.  Now for mystery, I love mind tricks that keep readers turning the page and sometimes clueless at the end where they are like what just happened?

What are you currently working on in life, or in writing?

Currently, I am thinking of starting a small business online. Don’t want to talk much about it but it is in the works, so I’m excited about that.  As for my writing, I am working on another short romance story.  Also, I’m working on a chapbook for my collection of poems that reflects on my past life and my present life.

What inspired you to write?

I feel I have a way of storytelling that many can relate to and my writing is based on reality which is what inspires me to write especially through my poetry.  When I write, I write to express myself with no judgment. I write to let my words and emotions flow on the page accordingly.

What are your top 5 favorite books?

I don’t necessarily have a top five list of books but my favorite authors to read and those who inspire me to write my stories are Toni Morrison, Eric Jerome Dickey, Stephen King, Octavia Butler, Alice Walker, and Nikki Giovanni. I love reading books by Louise Hay, Lisa Nichols, Tony Gaskins, Joel Osteen, and James Baldwin. These authors motivate me in so many ways.
My favorite genres are mystery, romance and Sci-Fi. I also read a lot of self-help books to keep my sanity.

What does literary success look like to you?

Literary success to me is when you have captured your readers and they understand your way of writing. Where your writing is used to exemplify literature.

What is your writing routine?

For me, I always carry a small notebook in my purse and when I get inspiration, I write wherever I am unless I’m driving of course.  Also, since I still work a 9 to 5 when I have downtime at my job, I write a lot there.  Being an indie author, you do what you got to do.

How do you incorporate feedback into your work?

Always after I write my short stories and people say things like of this character should have expressed this or did that and with that feedback, I implement it in the next character I’m working on. I take feedback and use it for the next project happily. I love constructive feedback if it will help me as a writer grow.

What advice would you like to give to aspiring authors?

Since I’m new myself I would just advise you to keep pushing, if writing is your dream don’t stop!! Also re-read often and edit, edit, edit!!

Keep up with Nichole here:

Website – www.nicholenichole.com

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/nicholeandreality/

Get The Petition

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LGL318D/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_vGk9Fb4BQYHVX

Let It Shine: Tracey Fletcher

This week, I’d like you all to meet Tracey Fletcher!

Here’s a little bit about her:

Tracey Chizoba Fletcher, born to a British father and a Nigerian mother, lives in Lagos, Nigeria. She is an Author, International award-winning writer, Columnist, Voice-over artist, and Editor. She won the Afritondo Alternative Ending Competition in 2019, and has a short story “Chudi’s Hustle” published on their platform. Her novella, The Chase, was shortlisted for the Phoenix Quill Writing Contest. She was recently awarded “Best Selling Author” by the Influential Writers and Authors Community. She is theAuthor of Feminine Shades.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I realized I wanted to be a writer in 2017, after a soul search and fellowship with the Holy Spirit to find direction and purpose for my life.

Tell me a little about your writing journey, thus far. 

I wrote my first novella in 2017, and since then, I have written six works of fiction. Feminine Shades which is of the Chick-lit genre is already published. Two of my works will be released this month, The Chase – a crime story, and The Wrong Turn, which is fantasy. They are all traditionally published. I equally won the Afritondo Alternative Ending Competition in 2019, and have a short story, Chudi’s Hustle, published on their platform. Also, I run a column “Motivational Talk” on a print Magazine called Rainbow Magazine, which is published monthly.

What do you do outside of writing?

Aside FROM writing, I am a voice-over artist, red carpet host, editor, and proof reader.

What genre do you write and why?

I don’t write on a specific genre. I write what comes to my mind, and flow with it. My six works revolve around historical fiction, fantasy, crime, adventure, and a teeny bit of romance added to it.

What are you currently working on in life, or in writing?

Right now, I am looking forward to the release of two of my works like I mentioned earlier, and equally working on getting other works published, too. They are all meant to be read. That’s why we write.

What inspired you to write?

I want to categorically state that my primary source of inspiration is the Holy Spirit. Other secondary factors are happenings around me, and me seeing myself as a channel and voice to relay the messages of those silent voices that aren’t heard. My book, Feminine Shades, reflects that, as it is very central to the female gender, and shines a beacon of light on the plight and experiences of an average woman, played out through the stories of the different female protagonists.

What are your top 5 favorite books?

My top favorite books are the Bible, The Song of Ice and Fire series by George R.R. Martin, the Millennium series by Steig Larsson, If Tomorrow Never Comes by Sidney Sheldon, and The Santangelo novels written by Jackie Collins.

What does literary success look like to you?

Literary Success in my interpretation is having my works discovered, read, and appreciated.

What is your writing routine?

When I feel compelled to work on a new project, I set everything else aside, and make sure I write at least a chapter each day.

How do you incorporate feedback into your work?

Feedback is very important. Sometimes you don’t get to see things until they are pointed out to you. I feel happy when I get positive feedback, and when it’s the other way around, I pick the good out of it, and apply it immediately, in order to improve my writing.

What advice would you like to give to aspiring authors?

There is this general belief that writers aren’t worth a dime and shouldn’t be a route to take. My advice is this, not everyone can write. You were given that skill to write and those brilliant ideas in your head that need to be expressed. The greatest joy of a writer is penning those words down, so get to work and put down those words. You owe yourself that, and all those who will benefit from reading your work of art. Be all that you can be.

You find Tracy’s works here:

Website: www.traceyfletcherbooks.com/
Amazon Print: https://amazon.com/Feminine-Shades-Tracey-Chizoba-Fletcher/dp/B08HTM69ZF/
Amazon Kindle Edition: https://amazon.com/dp/B08HWWR1V9

Always Flawless Eyebrows | Ombre Microshading

I was so nervous going into this procedure! I’m glad I decided to stick it out and have it completed, because I am absolutely in love with these brows! Ombré Microshading lasts 2-3 years, and I think was honestly the best self-love decision I’ve made for myself in awhile. These are not your grandmas graying, tattoo eyebrows! They are flawless, and nearly pain-free. Have photo-ready eyebrows all the time!

Brow Technician on IG @official_mrsprettyspmu

If you’re not already, follow me on social!

Instagram: @_cmajor_

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/myuniquecgreen

LinkedIn: Myunique C. Green

Let It Shine: L.M. Reynolds

Welcome to the other side of 2021! We’re getting fired back up with featuring wonderful authors and writers. I have a great series of Black Women Authors I’m so excited about introducing, and I hope that you all enjoy learning from them and reading their stories and begin following their journeys.

Without further ado. The first author in the Black Women Write series is: Latedra Gladney.

About L. M Reynolds:

L. M. Reynolds is a mom of two tiny artists, a budding gardener, and a puzzle extraordinaire. She is a proud black woman, dedicated to making stories that makes you laugh, draws you in like a sister, an auntie, or a friend and most importantly, just a good tale. Though she typically writes in Speculative Fiction with titles such as- I Am Sasha Grey: Divulge- Funny Meeting You Again is her first romance novella.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

There was a show called The Glades on ABC. I hated how it ended and would talk about it so much. My mother said, why don’t you write that better ending. I started writing that better ending and never looked back. I didn’t even write the ending. I wrote a book about magical Norse wolves.

Tell me a little about your writing journey, thus far.

I had the wolf story from the first questions then another story about the boogeyman legend mixed with angels. That story involved into some of everything. It’s so big and complicated that I often get intimidated by it. I wrote it when I was in a dark period of my life. It’s often hard to go back there. So, I have a love/hate relationship with that story.

At the beginning of 2020 I released my first book on Wattpad. This story actually got me through my days as a housekeeper. I would clean and think about Sasha and Sango. Two years later I had half a script for it. But I finished it, kind of. lol

I now have my Funny You romance series and I’m about halfway finished writing the first copy of my paranormal/romance/mystery called The Legacy Witch.

What do you do outside of writing?

I co-own a platform called The Write Talk that is dedicated to helping black authors in the fantasy genres understand the industry. I have a podcast. I also help other writers flesh out their plot and characters for their works. Mostly my life revolves around writing. I try to keep a garden but that doesn’t always work out. I do like yoga and music. Reading of course. Sometimes, I vlog about my mental health journey.

What genre do you write and why?

I write paranormal romance, paranormal mystery, romance and erotica. Reading paranormal was the first time I felt like me, like a kinship. It’s my forever love. Romance and erotica, I just kind of dropped into it. I felt like I couldn’t write sex scenes nor short stories, so I started writing short erotica stories to learn how. The romance took me by surprise. I don’t know what happened. I thought I’d never write romance ever. So…. lol

What are you currently working on in life, or in writing?

I’m working on myself. I’m always working to be mentally and spiritually stable. In writing I have two WIP I’m working on.

The Legacy Witch, a paranormal/romance/mystery:  Colandria didn’t understand how she was appointed Queen Legacy of her coven. On coronation day, the missing Legacies she was replacing, fell dead from the sky. Either her and King are being set up or monsters are real?

The romance novella Funny Thing Is: Delany was stuck. She’d experienced so much loss in the past year, including herself, that she had no idea which way was up.  Terrence was the type of man you considered settled, confident, accomplished. He had a dream he knew would stay a hobby. He wasn’t ready to give it up but no idea what to do with it. They both were searching for meaning, not realizing that the push they needed for their new journey, was each other.

What inspired you to write?

Wow, I can’t remember. Nowadays, I hear stories in my mind and it’s like an impulse to get them out. And they are noisy! I can’t really focus on much else until I’ve at least written down what I know about the story. I may never come back to it but…

What are your top 5 favorite books?

1.  The Sugar Queen by Sarah Addison Allen

2.  The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz

3.  Twilight (first paranormal book I ever read)

4.  I Think I Might Love You by Christina C. Jones

5.  Funny Meeting You Again by L. M. Reynolds

What does literary success look like to you?

Writing full time, building my TWT platform and just enjoying those things and being able to provide for my family from them.

What is your writing routine?

I wake up super early, so once the family is off for the day, I start writing at 6:50 am to 8 am. That’s normally my set writing times even on my off days, even if I go past it.

How do you incorporate feedback into your work?

I consider it to understand. I know that as an artist and one so public that, your work will be a hit or miss with some people, so take it with a grain of salt but don’t ignore critique to the point where you think you can’t improve or clarify.

What advice would you like to give to aspiring authors?

Find your niche. Find groups. Find a platform. Get yourself around others that write, especially in your genre. Take all the workshops you’re able to or ask so many questions. Don’t be afraid of failure. Don’t get discouraged by a bad first draft because everybody’s first draft sucks. Most importantly, believe in yourself; you don’t need anyone else to do that for you. You are enough.

Any additional advice?

I don’t really know what else to say but enjoy your craft. Read books yes, but watch tv, take a class. Experience life. Ask yourself hard questions to learn about yourself. I love affirmations. I love most things that help me improve myself. I think we should always strive to be better with the understanding that you are living for you’re here and now. I hope that makes sense.

 Peace, love and hair grease!

You can connect with her on IG and Twitter @wordscansingtoo

Book link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08CS5HYTS/

Medium(erotica) : https://teasetee.medium.com/

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/wordscansingtoo

The Write Talk: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsSiroz9FRM9VSe3Wyf6OCg

Getting Over the Travel Blues

Having the travel blues? We were too! COVID had a way of messing things up this year, including travel. After months in the house, we figured we’d jump out there and do a little traveling again. We went to Las Vegas, Nevada in the beginning of December. Despite some of the more fun things to do being shut down, we actually had a great time! I put together this little video of some of my favorite moments. We visited Red Rock Canyon, which was beyond breathtaking; we also walked down the famous strip (because can you even say you’ve been to Vegas without walking the strip?) They say Vegas is the city that never sleeps, I think. Well, they were definitely caught taking a power nap. Hahahaha.

Red Rock Canyon was probably my favorite part. We rented trikes and rode through miles of fresh air and open road. My sister celebrated her twenty-ish birthday and both my husband and I celebrated a delayed anniversary trip. We initially planned to take a cruise, but you know what they say about life and lemons, right? Anyways, I look forward to going back when I can! The air is dry though, which did a number on my skin; but the overall weather was just gorgeous, even in “winter.” If you’re thinking about visiting Las Vegas during COVID-19, just know that while there are some fun things to do, your options are quite limited.

If you’re not already, follow me on social!

Instagram: @_cmajor_

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2020 Book Year in Review

Whew! What a year. 2020 really came in here and showed out with a pandemic. Thank goodness we have books! I want to do a quick recap of some of the books I’ve already reviewed on my channel, as well as show you some of the upcoming books for 2021. I also give my Top 4 Books this year, that I believe are absolute MUST READS! If you haven’t read at least one of them, be sure to add them to your 2021 To Be Read List; you will not be disappointed.

They’re threatening another COVID shut down; so spend some time stocking your shelves with awesome books! Alright, now #ReadWithMe

If you’re not already, follow me on social!

Instagram: @_cmajor_

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/myuniquecgreen

LinkedIn: Myunique C. Green

I buy most of the books I talk about with my own money. However, I have been sent books, and I am certainly not against it. If you are an indie author and would like to contact me about reading and featuring your book, please use the contact form on my website here: https://myuniquegreen.com/contact-me/

As a side note, I am a reader, author, and publisher full-time; I do not like every book that I read, though I give every book a fair chance, so know that whatever I choose to review is going to be my unbiased opinion. When using the form, please include the title of your book, where it is available, and your synopsis. All books must be available in a printed form. I will not accept ebooks or PDF’s. Though I have been known to make an exception or two.

The Book Report: Holly Riordan’s Forget Her

I throughly enjoyed this book! It was the perfect blend of great shows and movies like Get Out, Black Box, and that episode of Black Mirror called: The Black Museum. I loved everything about it. Holly Riordan has created a unique world of her own with this book. It is officially awarded the Myunique Best Book of the Year for 2020; which doesn’t hold a lot of weight….yet. Regardless, it was really that good. It would take an exceptional piece of literature this year; well, in whatever is left of this year (three days?) to truly wow me. So, get in on this review of Forget Her by Holly Riordan, and #ReadWithMe!

If you’re not already, follow me on social! Instagram: @_cmajor_ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/myuniquecgreen LinkedIn: Myunique C. Green

I buy most of the books I talk about with my own money. However, I have been sent books, and I am certainly not against it. If you are an indie author and would like to contact me about reading and featuring your book, please use the contact form on my website here: https://myuniquegreen.com/contact-me/ As a side note, I am a reader, author, and publisher full-time; I do not like every book that I read, though I give every book a fair chance, so know that whatever I choose to review is going to be my unbiased opinion. When using the form, please include the title of your book, where it is available, and your synopsis. All books must be available in a printed form. I will not accept ebooks or PDF’s.

Authentic: One-Week Down!

My family and I took a trip to Las Vegas this past week. There is such a natural beauty to the desert; but it was insanely dry. My skin started turning into a husk, like Rango after being tossed out of the car into the desert. Anyways! I’m one week after my first appointment, and in some areas there is no hair growing at all. I have to admit, I became a little obsessed with exfoliating, just to just the little hairs come out. In places that it did come out, it’s not regrowing at all, so I’m anxious to see what’s going to happen after my second appointment. Gah! Only one week down, and five more to go! I’m so ready for this to be over with, and for there to be no more hair whatsoever. I’ve been getting questions about how I went about finding the right place to have the procedure and all that good stuff, so I’ll be making a video about the things I’ve learned so far and how you can get in on laser hair removal for yourself, or as a gift to a loved-one. Hope you enjoy this little update!

If you’re not already, follow me on social!

Instagram: @_cmajor_

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/myuniquecgreen

LinkedIn: Myunique C. Green

The Book Report: Tiffany D. Jackson’s Grown

In this installment of The Book Report, I’m diving into Grown. The book was alright, or what it was. I really did enjoy the world that Tiffany created, and above all, I liked the distinct voice she held. Enchanted’s character could have used a little more development, but overall, I was intrigued enough to not only read–and finish–this book, but also to pick up another Tiffany D. Jackson book, Allegedly. I’ll have more details about the latter in another video, so stay tuned, and happy reading! #ReadWithMe