Neva Squires-Rodriguez's Blog, page 38
September 18, 2014
Group rallies for pardon of man returned to prison for 98 years
Hello friends. I’m going to ask you for a favor. I’m going to ask that you watch this video. A little background on this. A while back, I was up putting the finishing touches on query letters that I was sending out to publishers. Something told me to go onto my Yahoo account and check my email, well instead of checking my email, this story flashed up on my screen an caught my attention. I clicked on the link and watched the video and saw this woman’s story. My heart began to hurt, it touched me just that much. I went upstairs to go to sleep and couldn’t. I lay there thinking about this woman and her children. I must have laid in bed for an hour before I decided to go back downstairs and try to reach out to her. I went downstairs at three in the morning and found her on Facebook and reached out to her offering my words of encouragement. I was really surprised when she responded the following day and even more surprised that her faith in God remained so solid in spite of everything that her family was going through. We became Facebook friends and ever since I’ve kept her family in my prayers. Someone has to know someone that knows someone that can help reunite this family. I’m asking that you please watch this story and share it if you are with me on this. Thank you, I appreciate your help. ~Neva
Originally posted on Channel 2 News:
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DENVER — An Aurora man mistakenly released from prison and sent back to serve 90 more years is getting some help from religious leaders.
Tuesday, Together Colorado gathered outside the Governor’s Mansion to pray for Rene Lima-Marin, 35, and his family.
They also will deliver letters to Gov. John Hickenlooper and Attorney General Jon Suthers.
The faith-based group is fighting against unjust sentences and for reform of a state law passed in the legislature in 1985 that doubled the prison time for all felony sentences.
Jasmine Lima-Marin and her two young sons, 4 and 7, gather with others to pray—not inside a church—but outside the Governor’s Mansion.
They ask not only for help from above–but from the governor and attorney general.
“I actually pray every day and my faith has not changed as far as my husband not spending 98 years in prison,” says Jasmine.
Her husband…
View original 275 more words
September 17, 2014
My Pet-Peeve of the Day
Today I’m going to go into a little rant about my Pet Peeve of the day. The thing that I simply can’t stand is when you are expecting a written response from someone (or any sort of response at all) and you hear nothing. For example, say you write a 550+ word article for someone, they say they really like it and that its exactly what they are looking for but suggest you write another and you do-you even shoot it right off to them because you want them to know how enthusiastic you are about the jig. Days pass and you hear absolutely nothing. You shoot them an email, to inquire on what they thought of your second article and complete silence- no it’s a no go- no nothing. You’ve just wasted two completely good articles on a lifeless writing personality who doesn’t have the courtesy to let you know their thoughts.
Okay friends, here is the thing. I don’t really care, this doesn’t really get under my skin because can write an awesome 500-650 word article in 45 minutes or less, my thing is that if you see that someone has put that much effort in taking the time to write an article for you-at least respond to them within a timely fashion. At least have the decency to respond and say -“No this won’t work” or “I received your email and I need more time to give others a chance to respond.” I would say that this sort of a response should go out within 24-48 hours, even if it’s to say that they need to give your article further consideration or that they have decided to go with someone else! Reason being-it’s just the right thing to do.
The only worse thing that could happen in this sort of a situation is if you were to go on the requestors website and see a similar article posted there, discussing the same information as the one that you wrote for them as a sample-only worded differently! Ugh.
September 13, 2014
Weekend Writing Warrior Post
Good morning warrior friends. This week I decided to give you a taste of what you will find in Liliana book one. “Liliana” is a suspense filled romance, but the goal I had in writing it was to really make the reader feel as though they were one with the character. I am positive this book will hook you. As for me, it’s been a cold-cold week in Chicago, hard to believe we were in the 80’s last weekend, hopefully this is not a taste of what’s going to come for us this winter! Yikes! It’s 48 degrees currently and I’m sure it was even colder last night. Hope everyone else is warm in their neck of the woods. :) And now… introducing Liliana:
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“No!” I screamed in disbelief.
I tried to call out for help but grasped my throat instead as no words would come out. Tears flooded my face. The man turned the gun on me, but for whatever reason decided not to shoot. I thought that maybe it was because he realized how young I was. I clutched the door handle as if it would save me, the same way I did when my mother was cutting through traffic in the morning rush hour. I looked up and saw a person’s head quickly move back from a window of an apartment building at the corner of the block.
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And there you have it, these eight sentences appear in book 1 which is on sale now! If you enjoyed that, check out the other phenomenal Weekend Writing Warriors posts by clicking here:
Also, I am trying something new this week. I am trying to create a social media blast for my book. You can help out by donating your tweets, shares and tumbler messages. I need 100 supporters in the next 2 1/2 weeks in order to make it possible. So far, I have one. :( Thanks Tamara! You can help out by clicking here:
September 11, 2014
What Were You Feeling 13 years ago, today.
Thirteen years ago today, I remember dropping my kids off before I went to work with my mother. Good Morning America played in the background as I stood talking with her. We watched as the first plane hit the World Trade Center in the background and our attention immediately went to the television. I didn’t know what to think. I thought it was some kind of a prank that they were playing on us. I remember telling her “That’s a really bad joke,” and heading off to work.
The radio stations began to discuss it as I drove to work and by the time I arrived at a local car dealer that I was working at in the License and Title department, the second plane had already hit. All the employees gathered around the television and I remember the owner walking in and everyone immediately turning to run off to their desks and he said, “It’s alright. You guys stay here, this is important.” This only added to my confusion as I stood side by side with co-workers and the owner of the dealership watching as every channel focused on the events that were taking place.
I remember beginning to worry about my father who worked in downtown Chicago and excusing myself to call my mother to see if she had heard anything from him. Downtown Chicago would shut down for the most part hours later as people tried to get home to their families, the nation unsure at that point of how many of the planes that were in air and still “safe”. A third plane hit the Pentagon and all flights were grounded. America’s heart literally stopped pumping as everyone stood in shock. People remembering the things that they had forgotten to tell their loved ones before leaving the house and suddenly wanting to get in contact with them, to hold them and to cherish the seconds that they had together.
I remember feeling frightened to see the first planes over the city. I remember every channel focusing on the events that had taken place for three days straight and I remember when America finally went back to its regular broadcasts it was almost a sigh of relief. People suddenly cared. They not only cared about their own families but about others around them. They cared not only about their being but about their opinions. In weeks to come I can’t tell you how many cars that I saw driving through the city with an American Flag decal affixed to the back window. If you didn’t have one, you simply had to get one and newspapers made it easy, putting one in the Sunday paper.
While all this was taking place I felt bad because I had friends that were Middle Eastern and people weren’t looking at them the same way. Many became targets for peoples whispers and regardless of what great personalities they exhibited, strangers assumed they were much different. I am thankful for my friends strength that got them through those rough patches of time. I am thankful for the strength of so many Americans who lost loved ones, friends, colleagues. I’m also thankful for all of those who got out of the building safely, emerging into the chaotic streets that would reflect the chaos that America would feel in years to come as America began to live in fear, scared to make purchases, frightened to attend large events and in some cases afraid to leave their homes.
Thirteen years later, aside from today, how many of us remember what we were doing on 9/11? How many of us remember what we were feeling about the future of America? How many of us take the time to care about our neighbors, to encourage them, to inspire and ultimately to be there for them? I’ve been asked time and time again, what if I remember where I was or what I was doing on 9/11? Just once, I would like someone to inquire on how I was feeling on that tragic day. I won’t forget. I never will. Maybe it’s that everyone knows that we were feeling exactly the same way on 9/11/2001. Scared out of our minds and apprehensive about the future of the land that we call our home. Today in Chicago, it’s cold and gloomy, a reflection of the somber mood of the events that took place so many years ago.
September 10, 2014
Authors, interested in getting the word out about your book?
Hi friends. I am looking for a few potential candidates to take opportunity of free ad space here on my blog. All that you need to do is review my book on either Amazon, Barnes and Noble or Good Reads and I will give you a full page interview on my blog. I guarantee, I will not make it boring. Check out the reviews I did on Tamara Philip author of “The Trouble with Playing Cupid” and on Ben Burgess author of Wounded. Please respond by September 13th 2014 if you are interested. Check out more on my suspense filled romance here:
http://books.noisetrade.com/nevasquiresrodriguez/liliana-by-neva-squires-rodriguez
Book 1 of the Liliana series
Boom!
That deafening sound changed Liliana’s life forever.
Her mother sits dead besides her, shot to death on the streets of Chicago.
Within weeks, Liliana is sent to live with a father she doesn’t know in Colombia – a foreign land filled with challenges for Liliana.
While working to pay off her father’s debt, she meets the love of her life, who frees her from her father’s illusory home, only to bring her into a new world of twisted surprises, dangers, and deceit.
September 8, 2014
Ben Burgess on Samantha Miller! ;) A character interview.
Thanks for the interview Ben!
Hello friends. I’m super excited, because this week I’m hosting a virtual book tour! Let me take a moment to introduce myself to the visitors. I’m Neva Squires-Rodriguez, author of the Liliana Series, a suspense filled romance, which will leave you both speechless and wanting more. Liliana faces numerous twisted surprises in her adventures in the United States and Colombia that are both relatable and unimaginable. It’s a real page turner folks, I promise you, but enough about me, let’s get down to business!
Last week I had the honor of Interviewing the One, the Only, Tamara Philip author of “The Trouble with Playing Cupid” a tantalizing love story that will make your heart stop. -Side note, I love that book. This week I am interviewing Ben Burgess author of “Wounded” Samantha Miller, his compelling protagonist. Friends, let me tell you, his character is hot, this interview, just doesn’t do her justice. You simply have to meet this exciting new character. Don’t forget to give Ben a “great” review on any site, I’m talking a five star minimum. :) Us author’s love reviews. Especially good ones.
What is your character’s name?
My character’s name is Samantha Miller.
That’s pretty hot. It reminds me of Sam, from “Who’s the Boss.” Does your have a nickname?
Her nickname is Sam, sometimes Sammy.
Interesting, I like it already, tell me about your character.
Samantha has brownish hair and green eyes.
She sounds pretty. What would you say is most attractive about her?
Her eyes are what draw people to her most.
Tell me more about Sam. Describe her face for me?
I would say Samantha’s full lips and green eyes are facial features that stand out the most.
Your character is getting ready for a night out. Where is she going? What does she wear? Who will she be with?
She’s probably wearing anything that makes her feel sexy. It could be a nice form fitting pencil skirt to yoga pants. She loves to show off her figure.
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Does your character have any distinguishing markings?
Samantha doesn’t have any physical scars, but she does have a tattoo that reads “Pain is Love”
Who are the characters that Sam is closest to?
Samantha’s best friends are Jackie aka” Silka” and Jaime. They are like sisters to her. Samantha grew up with them while being in the foster care system. Samantha’s mother was a drug addicted prostitute named Joan Miller and her father was a Bajan pimp known as “Silky” Samantha never had a relationship with her parents, but she wished that her life were different. She wishes she could experience what a real family feels like. Sasha is Samantha’s lover and friend. Silka, Jaime, and Sasha form a surrogate family for Samantha.
Where was your character from?
The borough of the Bronx is where Samantha was born, lives, and where she comes home.
Hmm, the Bronx, huh? I bet she is feisty, tell me about that side of her.
When Samantha is angry, she goes “hunting.” She goes to bars and other strip clubs to look for women who are “on the fence.” She gains a faux sense of control in a reality/world where she feels she doesn’t have any.
Really wow, this character is kind of scary. I’m almost afraid to ask any more questions, does Sam have any fears?
Samantha’s biggest fears are that her dreams will eventually consume her, she will never be more than a stripper, and she will die alone. Samantha hasn’t told this to anyone because she doesn’t like to appear “weak” to her friends.
Interesting, “her dreams will eventually consume her.” She sounds mysterious, does she have any secrets?
Her secret is that while she acts like she strong and secure, she’s really not. She wants “real love” and she wants a family.
A family, so she has a “lighter” side? Tell me about that.
Samantha has a very cynical sense of humor. She loves anything that is witty.
Ok, Ben, let’s get even “lighter” then cynical. Has your character ever been in love?
The first time Samantha fell in love was with a woman she met in prison named “Cheryl.” Cheryl broke Samantha’s heart, but left a lasting impression on her. Later on in life, Samantha falls in love with Sasha.
Nice, alright tell me about Sam’s house. Describe the things that the reader can find in it. Don’t leave out any detail.
Samantha’s refrigerator is stocked with V8 and lean steaks. She doesn’t have junk food in her house because she has to be in top shape since she’s the headliner at the strip club. Her bedroom floor is empty as well as her garbage can. Samantha is neat and keeps everything in it place. It’s her way of controlling things.
Ok, I see, she likes everything orderly. Does she take care of herself in the same fashion?
Samantha is looking at a pair of nice manicured toes. She gets pedicures frequently and when she’s home, she walks around bare foot.
Does Sam remember anything in particular about her childhood? A certain room of the house perhaps?
When Samantha thinks of her childhood kitchen, she becomes depressed. She has no fond memories of her mother baking cookies or cooking in general. The only meals she remembers are cold cereal, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
What is one strong memory that has stuck with your character from childhood? Why is it so powerful and lasting?
A strong memory that stands out the most is when Samantha realized she was a Lesbian. Due to the circumstance it was bittersweet discovery.
You can find Ben Burgess Jr.’s book “Wounded” at these fine retailers:
Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Wounded-Ben-Burgess-Jr-ebook/dp/B00JSBE3KA/
Barnes and Noble:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wounded-ben-burgess-jr/1119273400
Book Tour:
http://elitebookpromotions.com/book-tours/
September 5, 2014
Weekend Writing Warriors Post
Good day, my “Weekend Writing Warrior” friends. Thank you so much for your encouraging words last week. I’ve decided to share the story I’m currently working on with you this week. Here is the background on my eight “electrifying” sentences. This comes from the first chapter of the third book of the “Liliana Series.” In case you haven’t read book one yet, this series is a twisted romance, full of suspense, deceit and hot and steamy passion. Book 2 ends with a major event that I can’t go into details on since it hasn’t been released, but imagine my protagonist feeling completely devastated and confused. Antonio is your new book lover and I’ll give you this much information, he is hot! He has dark curly hair, chiseled cheeks and literally will make your mouth water. See book 1 for a full description of his sexy self.
Hoping that you enjoy this, let me know what you think and hoping that you all have a phenomenal week! :)
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I slowly turned and gazed at Elena and the rest of the family without saying a word. Not a tear fell from my eyes as I sat staring at them. My eyelids blinked, notifying me that I was in fact awake. I turned very slowly and looked up at Antonio. His eyes appeared both apologetic and eager, as he waited for my response without saying a word. The truth was, I didn’t know what my response would be. I needed direction that no one in the room was trustworthy enough to give me. I silently closed my eyes and lowered my head folding my hands in my lap and asked for direction from the only being I felt credible enough to guide me.
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Don’t forget to stop by the rest of the warriors pages. :)
Also Book 1 of the “Liliana” series is now available for download.
Check out all of the Vanilla Heart Publishing Authors here:
http://www.vanillaheartbooksandauthors.com/
September 3, 2014
My Interview with the one and only- Tamara Philip
Do you remember the “Dating Game” and all of the other dating reality shows that we loved growing up? Ever wonder what happened when the camera’s stopped rolling? In “The Trouble with Playing Cupid” author Tamara Philip, sets it off, turning her book into the ultimate Hallmark Romance! I had the honor of interviewing this amazing woman on her debut novel and laughed my behind a few of the hilarious answers that she gave me.
Where do you currently reside?
I’ve lived in Trinidad and Tobago for the past 6 years.
What is island life like?
It’s hot! LOL The thoughtless yet random acts of kindness that people do for one another on a day to day basis keeps makes me feel proud to be a Trinidadian. Even though I grew up in NYC and still feel that is my hometown.
Tell us about your current release, “The Trouble with Playing Cupid”.
It’s an ill-timed matchmaking love story between two celebrities who didn’t even realize they were missing something until they met each other.
What inspired you to write “The Trouble with Playing Cupid?”
I’m a shameless day dreamer who refuses to keep that shame to herself. LOL
What was the scariest moment of your life?
The day my father had his stroke. It was just a normal day and yet in one moment, in one phone call our lives haven’t been the same since. There’s no way you can remain unscarred or unchanged by something like that.
What family members are closest to you and how have they supported your writing career?
My fiancé, parents and my 3 younger sisters. They’re endless patience and general putting up with my horribleness. They’re absolute stars!
What was your favorite book series growing up?
There are so many but anything by Jerry Spinelli. Especially Maniac Magee. Absolute favorite book when I was a tween.
What is the most disgusting thing that you have ever done in your life?
Yikes!! I’ve done a lot of gross things in my life, I don’t even know where to start.
What are the lyrics to a song that have stuck in your head and inspired you?
Brian McKnight’s song. Where he goes “stay or let it go” It’s not even my favorite song but those words always resonate in the back of my mind every day. Especially when I’m about to get upset at something. It’s very weird.
What website would you warn others to stay away from and why?
Pinterest. Just one click of a link and you’re lost in it forever. Whole entire days, gone! Just like that! It’s my favorite site!
Find Tamara’s book here, as well as at many other fine retailers:
https://www.allromanceebooks.com/prod...
September 2, 2014
My interview with Tamara Philip
Please click to read the awesome interview that I had with fellow author Tamara Philip, author of “The Trouble with Playing Cupid”
September 1, 2014
What a weekend!
What a great weekend! As I sit here, feeling pain in several areas of my body, due to a weekend full of fun, I just wanted to send you some wonderful news.
My book is on sale for only $2.79 a download. Check it out:
https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-liliana-1602026-149.html
