Black Authors Network Literary Talk Show  

Show Notes

• Upcoming Episodes

  Book Release Party for Jerome Bell

  Black Author Network

  Date / Time: 12/7/2009 1:00 AM UTC

  Category: Books

  Call-in Number: (646) 200-0402

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  Celebrating the release of What Happens After the Hoop?

  Upcoming Episodes

  12/8/2009 1:00 AM UTC - Rebroadcast: Black Books Weekend Showcase

  12/10/2009 1:00 AM UTC - Business Leader Showcase

  12/23/2009 2:00 AM UTC - BAN Radio Anniversary and Christmas Party

• Featured Episode

  Thankgiving Celebration with Black Pearls

  Black Author Network

  Date / Time: 11/24/2009 1:00 AM UTC

  Category: Books

  
  

  This was an awesome show discussing traditions in our community and the need for more unity. The authors all read from their books! We talk at length about the future of our children. Meet the featured authors from the November Issue of Black Pearls Magazine. Featured authors: Dwight Fryer, Evie Rhodes, Andrea Foy, Rose Jackson-Beavers, and Carmen Green. The authors will share their messages of gratitude and what matters most. Please share with your network! Read more about the authors at: www.blackpearlsmagazine.com

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• On Demand Episodes           13335          

  Date / Time: 1/31/2008 6:24 PM UTC

  Authors Speaking at Online BHM Book Fair Feb. 1-29, 2008

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• Date / Time: 1/31/2008 1:51 AM UTC

  SLS Intimate Conversations Showcase: Agnes B. Levine

  SLS Intimate Conversations Showcase

  Agnes B. Levine
  
  

  

  Coolingwater
  
  
  

  
  Recently Ella Curry, CEO of EDC Creations (www.edc-creations.com) and founder of the Sankofa Literary Society (www.sankofaliterarysociety.org)  had the opportunity to talk with the author of  the book Cooling Well Water, Agnes B. Levine.

   

  
  SLS Intimate Conversations Interview Questions

  
  Tell us your latest news? 
  My highly anticipated book, "Cooling Well Water:  A Collection of Work By An African-American Bi-Polar Woman" ("Cooling Water or Collection") is in the final stages of publishing.  I am truly excited and over-whelmed with joy that this Collection will be released this year.  Of course, I am staying busy with seeing this Collection to the final stages of publishing by tending to fine details and praying to stay under God's guidance.

   

   

  When did you first consider yourself a writer?
  I have always considered myself a writer and writing has always considered me.  However, it was not until the aftermath of my father's death when I vigorously sought God's presence in my life, then writing for me became a full-time priority.  In learning to manage my mental illness, writing became a therapeutic means for me to cope.  Cooling Well Water reflects my conversations with God during a difficult period in my life when only God could have delivered me.   Of course, my writing had to undergo development both spiritually and technically and to be honest, some of those conversations I had with God that re reflected in the book left me scared, embarassed, and ashamed.  For instance, I literally laid my heart before God and asked Him to examine it and fill those dark corners with His light of healing power.  What God found surprised even me!  The first writing of mine ever published was in 2004 and titled:  "I Write Because..." by Do-It-Yourself E-zine founder Judine Slaughter.
  

  
  I write for many, many reasons when I do actually write—lol.
  

  
  I write because I’m bored.  Because it is fun.  Because I’m hurting.  Because I’m happy.  Because the paper is blank. Because the screen is blank. Because ideas are racing in my head.  Because the Lord is speaking to me and I need to capture His words.  Because I’m sad.  Because I need to remember what I need to do.  Because I want to forget what I have done or said or thought of doing or saying, or forget what others have done or said to me.  I write because my pen has fantastic, majestic powers and I can change the world while I am waiting for the doctor to see me and there is one more blank page in my two-year planner. 
  

  
  I write because my daughter still doesn’t know I love her and my sons have the prettiest eyes, and sometimes I write because I think God doesn’t believe I appreciate where He has delivered me from or just knows I’m still waiting to be delivered.  I write because that bestseller is still in my heart waiting to be born or at my fingertips waiting to be released or in my mind waiting for the perfect song to unchain it.  I write because I am stupid and words make me smart. I write because I’m fat and words make me small.  I write because I’m small and words make me huge.  When I’m a “n—,” I can write and be white, and when I’m white, I can be black.  I’m superwoman when I write and my pen is my golden lasso.  I’m the lion king when I write.  I’m silly when I write.  I’m serious when I write.  I cry when I write.  I laugh when I write.  I pray when I write.  I die when I write.  I live when I write.  I have so much love to give when I write.  Every single thing around me in my environment I write on and every single thing in my environment has a word on it that I have written on it that tells my story.  That’s why I write and will always write.  So that my story will always be told. 

   

   

  What inspired you to pen your first novel?
  The Holy Spirit.  I had to unleash the words, the story, or I was going to burst.  Seriously, I have always loved to read and I have always loved to write.  By the time I received the Holy Spirit, I felt like if I did not begin seriously writing, I was going to literally burst wide open.  That is primarily because there is always one person who will be touched by your words.  When you withhold those words as a writer, you deny or block that one person from freedom from their pain, destruction, courage, self-determination, self-motivation, staying power, etc., because by telling your story, you give permission to at least one person to say, "I can do it too!"  That is what happened to me through reading.  I constantly told myself, "You can do this!"

   

   

  Who or what has influenced your writing, and in what way? 
  There are a few African-American authors who have strong influence on me as a person and a writer.  First, I do not want to just write.  I want to leave a legacy of African-American literature.    There is a difference and to me that difference is what will help the next generation over-come the struggle?  What will help my little sistah keep the African-American community moving forward positively?  What will my grandchildren need to know about God and His omnipotence that will keep the world successful so that the ills of racism, prejudice, violence, etc. will not destroy them?    I find those teachings strong in the works of Zora Neale Hurston, Alice Walker, Henry Louis Gates, Jr., Phyllis Wheatley, Toni Morrison, Langston Hughes, and many newer authors, too, such as Maya Angelou and countless others.  Also, African-American history has been a tremendous influence because our story must always be told in order that it never repeats itself.  Therefore, my biggest influences rest in the slave writings.

   

   

  How has your environment/upbringing colored your writing? 
  My environment has colored me yellow--the color of divine intelligence.  That is not to say I am the most intelligent human being, but I am wiser because of my environment and upbringing.  I am wiser because I now that God must be first in my life and then I will be able to see His purpose for me.  I then understand that I must be a beacon of light, hope, for the woman or man suffering from a mental illness who has the internal strength to live a productive life.  I must reach back to my African-American community and help them defeat illiteracy because if we or our children do not understand how to defeat illiteracy or even that illiteracy must be defeated, we cannot possibly be a part of the global world and living on handouts is no assurance for the future.  In order to counter racism and stand for whose we really are, we must be able to understand the power of words and knowledge.  
  
  Lastly, I often share with friends that when you have a mental illness and understand the active darkness of living with one, you better appreciate living on the other side of the mental illness.  Therefore, the mental illness must not be allowed to take over your life.  Cooling Well Water allows the reader to see that freedom from oppression comes in many ways with many blessings.  Faith.  Being imprisoned by the mental illness forces you to be a victim to darkness, pain, abuse, etc.  The mere fact that this book was written in testimonial form, is inspiration in and of itself to persons with or without a mental illness.  The book frees readers from the stigma that to me is like the cement vault a casket is laid in.

   

   

  What are your current projects? 
  Currently, I am working on a project about my life, a short film script,  continuing to write articles, and I continue to publish the writings of Swaggie Coleman.  Swaggie Coleman has written her first novel and so I will be very busy between the two.  I also have big dreams for my publishing company going to the next level in 2008.  I am very excited and I have been blessed to have absolutely wonderful people placed in my life to help me grow and realize my dream.  I look especially forward to helping a special friend of mine bring forth his writing talents.

   

   

  What is a favorite book from your childhood? 
  Mary Todd Lincoln, A Tree Grows In Brooklyn.

   

   

  What do you hope readers will learn/discover from reading your book?
   That God is real.  That only through God can anything and everything be accomplished.  That trusting God will help you to be what He purposed for you to be and only then can true peace and happiness be accomplished.  That each of us has the innate ability to over-come trials and tribulations despite what obstacles are in front of us.  That we are not meant to be blessed for a day or a minute, we are blessed for a lifetime.  I also hope readers will discover that the mind is capable of surpassing the limits that a broken society gives us. 

   

   

  What distinguishes your book from others on the subject?
  It is not simply a tell-all book, it is a show-all book.  Cooling Water walks the reader through my deliverance without the fluff.  The average person will be able to relate to it as well as the above-average and the below-average.  Because the book speaks of prophecy and was written a few years ago, it will also leave the reader in awe.  It is transcending of time, race, sex, ethnicity, and religion because God is universal.

   

   

  Do you feel more African-Americans are reading?
  If not, how can we help increase this.  I believe more African-Americans are reading today, but not merely as much as we need to.  I am especially disturbed that not many African-American children are reading.  What I see is more folks reading stories and not literature.  The difference to me is that while stories are certainly a good thing, the mind must be challenged through literature in order to move our community forward.  When an individual reads a good piece of literature they become enlightened about the world and his or her mind is seeking ways to make a better difference and do it better.  When individuals are restricted to stories about gangs, violence, sex, etc., that is all they will see in their world. 
  
  A child should know about all the great things our people are doing all over the world and not be limited to where a racist society says we should stay.  The more a child reads about success and the more literature takes the mind higher, the more the child will be committed to achieve greatness beyond the bling, bling.  Thus, we need to be reading more good, quality literature and use the mind the way it was intended to be used.  There will be plenty of time for fun reading, but we have a lot of work to do with our children and ourselves in order to fully appreciate the fun, peace, and happiness that we deserve.

   

   

  Who has been your mentor or most inspiring supporter? 
  I am my Father's legacy.

   

  
  What should a new writer know about the publishing business? 
  Study it.  Decide what your uniqueness is and how you can compete with yourself.

   

   

  What have you learned about the  process of writing, marketing, and now promoting your book? 
  After you study the publishing industry for yourself, map out a strategy.  No matter what, stick to your own strategy and trust in God.  As far as writing, not all of us are meant to be writers.  Not all of us are meant to be lawyers, doctors, etc.  You can take courses and work hard at it, but if it is not what God has ordained for you to do, it won't happen successfully.  Recognize if it is not what God has ordained for you to do and move on to your true calling.

   

   

  What aspect of writing do you love the best, and which do you hate the most? 
  I love to write and read other works and apply the 'then' to the 'now' through writing.  I hate to wait for the muse and I hate waiting for an opportunity to share my work, but I have gotten a lot better with patience because I stay involved helping others with their works.

   

   

  How do you feel about critique groups? 
  Absolutely necessary!  I highly recommend the DeGriotSpace Online Writers Workshop.  Just like we all need a "best" friend or a special friend who keeps it real for us, a writer needs a best "critique" friend to keep it real for him or her.  I have one and I cannot imagine my writing life without that person.  A writer must trust the critique group or person.  The writer must not be afraid to share anything and everything and then trust the critique. 
  
  Many times I have cried and went to bed angry because my work was not as great as I thought in somebody else's opinion.  However, I can honestly say that after I got over the emotional injury to my ego (I am human) I could then say---"What the heck was I thinking when I wrote that!"  Also, when I write, I ask myself what do I want the reader to walk away with that will help them and before the day is over, I ask myself, "Would God be proud of how I used His gift?"  Amen?  Amen!

   

   

  Do you feel that the explosion  in African-American writers is a fad or another renaissance?
  Uh-hm.  I hope a fad.  After this Black History Month Event, I hope a renaissance.

   

   

  Do you feel more African-American youths  are reading?
  If not, how can we help increase this.  Yes, but trash and not enough of them read.  Parents and caretakers are responsible for the lack of young readers.  In addition, so are teachers.  Collectively, we must encourage children to read by giving them material to read.  Reading has and should be introduced to children early and the word "fun," "enjoyable," "educational," "relaxing," and "helpful" must be associated with making children read.  Notice I said "making" children read.  I am bothered by a parent who spends so much money on gadgets and designer clothes for their child and tells me, "He just don't like to read."  To me, that is like saying, "he calls his own shots."   

  If we are gong to let children wrongly prioritize their role as a child, then we cannot be surprised when they make the wrong choices.  If we read to our children and engage them in the storytelling, they will pick up on reading is fun, etc.  When I first read my first book, there were no real stories for black children to read about ourselves.  However, I wanted to go to the White House. 
  
  I became curious about the life of a girl living in the White House.  I paid more attention to how I did my homework trying to spell better because that's what little white girls did in the White House...y'all feel me. 
  

  
  Lord, the day I read a book about an African Queen I was an adult.  I felt irritated that I never knew that information as a child.  When I am in the presence of children as a part-time teacher (did I forget to mention that?) I always, always tell them about our ancestors being Queens and Kings and how we must carry on the legacy of valuing education.  Their eyes always pop open with amazement because they did not know of the great inheritance of our people.  That blame falls right smack on the shoulders of parents and caretakers who are neglecting to do their job.
  

  Having said that, I have to add that when parents and caretakers read stories about gangs, sex, bling-bling, that is what children are exposed to and what they expect their world to be.  So they do not aspire better and settle for just wanting the bling-bling.  When a child sees his or her mother or big sister curled up with a book with voluptuous breasts, thongs, etc., a visual impression is being made.  "Never judge a book by its cover!" does not, not apply to children.  They do and will judge and be influenced by what they SEE!!!

   

   

  Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.
  Church.

   

  Do you see writing as a long- or short-term career?
  Lifelong.

   

   

  If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything? 
  Yes.  I would have kept every book I ever purchased, smile.  It is so expensive trying to replace them now that I have decided I want them ALL back. 
  
  

   Copyright 20004 Agnes B. Levine

   

   

   

  Contact the author:

  Agnes B. Levine
  Levine-Oliver Publisher
  3515 Meadowside Road
  1st Floor
  Gwynn Oak, MD  21207

  
  Exclusive Publisher of Swaggie Coleman- http://swaggiecoleman.blogspot.com
  www.blackplanet.com/SwaggieC
  www.blackplanet.com/agnesblevine
  www.myspace.com/agnesblevine

   

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• Date / Time: 1/30/2008 6:05 AM UTC

  Literary Cafe: MARISSA MONTEILH

  MARISSA MONTEILH – Interview

  
  

  
  Tell us a little bit about yourself?
   
  Marissa: I am a woman who has had many careers as I have strived to evolve and pursue a profession that I loved. And after many years of working in corporate America, and then working as an actress and television broadcaster, I’ve found my niche as an author. I love what I do. Writing is my passion. I love the challenge to be disciplined and meet deadlines, and the opportunity to create stories that flow and unfold and surprise even me. I also love the fact that I get the opportunity to meet and communicate with the very readers who make my job possible.
   
  Give us a synopsis of your best-selling book thus far, Hot Boyz?
   
  Marissa: Hot Boyz is the story of three well-to-do brothers who experience life's ups and downs while living in an upscale neighborhood in Los Angeles called Ladera Heights, also known as the Black Beverly Hills. It is a story about three good black men (imagine that) who have money and fame, yet have just as many problems as anyone else, if not more. They deal with aging parents, rambunctious teenagers, sibling rivalry, racism, and more. It’s a family drama that will make you think and possibly make you cry.   
   
  What is your writing process?  Chapter by chapter?  Index Cards?  Outline?
   
  Marissa: I have tried outlines, but my stories change so drastically once I get into them, that they turn out differently from my original sketch. I prefer to write a single line sentence at the start of each chapter. I then work diligently to write that chapter as a scene. I strive to write a chapter each time I sit down, even though I might not sit down to write everyday. If I’m not in the mood to write that particular scene that day, I scan forward and pick another scene that moves me. I do not force it. I've learned that writer's block means I need to take a breather and come back later.
   
  Who are your favorite authors?  Poets?
   
  Marissa: I love both Victoria Christopher Murray and Eric Jerome Dickey. I believe they have the craft of writing down in a way that many strive for. I also enjoy reading Mary B. Morrison and R.M. Johnson. I’ve learned a lot from BeBe Moore Campbell’s writing, as she was an excellent storyteller.
   
  What books are you currently reading?
   
  Marissa: I’m not reading right now since I’m writing. I’ll pick up a title in a month or so. Probably Kim Roby’s latest.
   
  Are you going on a book tour?
   
  Marissa: Yes. The dates and locations are listed on my website at www.marissamonteilh.com
   
  What inspires you to write?
   
  Marissa: I’m inspired by an issue that intrigues me (usually while watching the news or some talk show like Montel Williams) and I imagine how certain characters would react to that issue. Like recently, I wrote a book about a woman who has a makeover, yet everything goes haywire in her life afterwards. I listen to the stories that people tell, and I watch people. I have a vivid imagination and a very creative spirit, which I consider to be part of my gift. I have a passion for telling controversial stories in a fictional way.
   
  Give us a sneak peek into your next book?
   
  Marissa: The title of my next book is Something He Can Feel, which is about spousal abuse at the hands of a wife. I decided to flip the script on relationship violence. Something He Can Feel was my most challenging story to date and I am very proud of it. Marina is hot blooded and hot headed. I think we all know someone like her.
   
  Do you mentor any aspiring authors?
   
  Marissa: Yes, I've mentored authors in the past, though I am not right now. Mainly I answer their questions, give tips and advice, and sometimes I read their works. I do not proofread but I will offer some suggestions when I’m not at deadline. I've written many blurbs for authors as well. I try to be available, just as many authors made themselves available for me.
   
  What made you decide to write in this genre?
   
  Marissa: I love contemporary stories that mirror life as it relates to love and family and careers. Life is dramatic and rewarding yet so very challenging. I usually add church scenes or therapy scenes to possibly generate growth, yet I throw in lots of friction along the way, just see how the characters will react. Originally, my books were categorized as romance, but the category quickly changed to mainstream or contemporary. My stories are not necessarily happy ever after, and I might have the wife sleeping with the neighbor, or the pastor impregnating the sister-in-law. The plots are non-traditional yet real.

   

  What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
   
  Marissa: I'm also a big proponent of self-publishing as it served as a valuable vehicle toward my mainstream contract, so I say if you really want to get your book out there and you have not yet landed a book deal, check out the self- publishing avenues. It’s hard work but it would prove extremely beneficial.

   

  The greatest advice is to be persistent and don't give up. Speak positively and consider each rejection as a sign of action in progress.  The publishing world has changed since 2000, and the deals are not being made as often as they were, but stay focused and optimistic, especially if you love what you do. Don’t let the negativity of others serve as your destiny. Be your own architect and be proactive. God reacts in direct response to your energies. Don't be lazy and don't speak in terms of what won't work, what you can't do, and what you might try. Just do it.

   

  And study the craft. Learn how to write. And most of all – sit down and write, write, write!
   
  What was your road to becoming published?
   
  Marissa: After writing my manuscript for May December Souls in 1998, I met Michael Baisden who encouraged me to buy The Self-Publishing Manual by Dan Poynter. I did. Ten months later, I had 3000 bound books delivered to my door. I self-published May December Souls in 2000 - submitted a package to a few agents - signed with an agent two moths later and signed with HarperCollins thirty days later. It all came to be once I was able to prove that my books were selling, I’d printed 6,000 books in three months and they were gone. My books were with all of the wholesalers and distributors, the bookstores and online sellers. I was able to prove that there was a market for my book and that people wanted to read my story.

   

  As a full-time writer, we know you do much more than just write. What are some of the other responsibilities that you have to oversee in terms of your career?

   

  Marissa:  Some of my other responsibilities include marketing and promoting (which is a daily job), scheduling events and online/phone interviews, communicating with my publisher and publicist, responding to readers (even more-so now with MySpace), writing articles, doing research for the next book, and working with my manager as far as submitting my works in all medias. I wear many hats.

   

  Now that you look back and you’re on your sixth novel, what are some key things you’d like to share in terms of being in the publishing industry and how to keep your head above water?

   

  Marissa: The best way to keep ones head above water is to first of all, be humble and know that you must crawl before you walk, walk before you run, etc. Some new authors want a Terry McMillan-type success right off the bat. I'd say that patience is indeed the best virtue. Also, I've leaned to keep an open mind when others are making decisions that are for the best. Mind you, I said for the best. After having complete control as a self-published author, that was a big lesson for me after signing with a mainstream publisher. You must be open to major story edits (deletes and changes), cover design concepts, timing and marketing strategies, title changes, etc. But take it from me - weigh the issues and pick your battles. Stick to your guns when necessary, and find a trusted author friend who you can bounce things off of, just to keep your sanity. And do the same in return. Most authors go through the same types of challenges, but the rewards can be great.

   

  What is the best part about being published:
   
  Marissa:  The best part about being published by a mainstream publisher is that I have more time to write than I did when I was self-published. Also, the mainstream publishers can distribute more books. But, I’m also finding that the non-traditional publishers work even harder to get the word out and their quality is just as good. We’ve come a long way and we have more options nowadays. There are some savvy and talented folks who are publishing books and their authors are making lists that many traditional N.Y. publishers’ authors are not. Amazing!

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• Date / Time: 1/30/2008 5:48 AM UTC

  A Virtuous Woman – 31

  Cheryl Lacey Donovan Bio 

  Coming from a legacy of preachers, Cheryl Lacey Donovan is walking in her destiny. An annointed woman of God, her mission is to challenge you to look inside yourself for change, to identify the strongholds in your life, and to tear them down with the help of the creator. Once you have crossed her path, your life will never be the same.

   

  Cheryl Donovan is an acclaimed author, inspirational speaker, and compelling advocate for personal empowerment. Her book Women What the Hell are You Thinking remained in the top 10 of Amazons Hot New Releases during its first two months of publication. She is the founder of A Virtuous Woman-31 whose programs seek to help women discover their true worth.

  
  

  Cheryl’s internet radio talk show Worth More than Rubies reaches thousands of listeners each Friday and has impacted women all across the nation. Her syndicated column of the same name can be found in both Favor and Divine Elegance Magazines

  
  

  Cheryl’s work was most recently published in the anthology “The Triumph of My Soul.”

  
  

  Cheryl has been recognized nationally for her work. She has been the featured author on radio talk shows such as Artist First and Power Talk FM. Her interviews have also appeared in Empowering African American Women Magazine, Swaggie’s Blog Spot and Women’s Self Esteem. She was recently awarded the 2007 Literary Power Award and will be featured for the inaugural season of What Shall We Read, a literary program which airs on CAN-TV in Chicago.

   

  A Virtuous Woman – 31 presents…

  
  

  Women What the Hell are You Thinking

  
  

  From author, educator, and inspirational speaker Cheryl Donovan comes a compelling work that will empower, inspire, and ignite.

  
  

  Once in a while a book is written that is meant to motivate and to encourage, to strengthen and to support, to console and to reassure, but most of all to bring you to a place of spiritual and emotional growth.

  
  

  This book offers wisdom collected along Cheryl’s journey as a woman and single mother along with biblical references. Whether you’re a woman who feel alone in her marriage, a woman who is a victim of abuse, or a woman who needs to build her self esteem, Women What the Hell are You Thinking has something for you.

  
  

  Empowering, inspiring, thought provoking, and insightful messages from inspirational speaker and talk show host Cheryl Lacey Donovan.

  
  

  PROMOTIONAL CAMPAIGN FOR

  WOMEN WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU THINKING

  
  

  • National Online Media Campaign
  • National Online Publicity Campaign
  • National Publicity Campaign
  • Author Tour, Author Interviews
  • Web Marketing
  • Print/Mail Campaign

  
  

  Publication Date: ISBN:

  January 2007 1-59872-739-7

  LCCN# 2007920774 978-1-59872-739-7

  
  

  Lushena Books is the distributor for A Virtuous Woman – 31 titles. Booksellers, wholesalers, and libraries may contact Lushena Books for ordering titles.

  
  

  14419 Campden Hill

  Houston, Texas 77045

  (832) 265-4845

  www.avirtuouswoman-31.org

  E-Mail: info@avirtuouswoman-31.org

   

   

  Women What the Hell are You Thinking

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Womensselfesteem.com highly recommends, ”Women, What the Hell are You Thinking” for all women. All women that face daily challenges ranging from abuse, poverty, racism, addictions and parent-teen problems, just to name a few. These challenges play the Devils advocate in many of our lives, causing so much emotional confusion. This book will help you, the reader to be more aware of your enemy.

  
  

  By Dorothy LaFraniere, Women’s Self Esteem

  
  

  
  

  Author Cheryl Lacey-Donovan penned a very relevant guide for women from all walks of life and lifestyles. From the Independent Sister, to Sisters Dating Married Men, the Single Mother and the Wife of a Good Husband, Author Lacey-Donovan addresses each issue while offering pertinent advice as it pertains to living and the Word of God.

  
  

  by Sharel E. Gordon-Love , Apooo BookClub

  
  

  In this book Cheryl Lacey-Donovan truly inspires and educates women on how to be an even better Mother, Sister, and Daughter. It also challenges women to change for the better by improving their character, spirituality and outlook.

  
  

  So single ladies if you ever in a struggle or you think your missing something this book will give you help, so your not! After reading this book married women will be encourage to be a better wife. Cheryl Lacey-Donovan is definitely going to make her mark on the literary world and change a couple lives while she's at it.

   

  AK BEASLEY, Urban Book Lovers

  
  

  With this non-fiction piece, Cheryl Donovan has made herself available to young women and women in general. This guide runs a good raise right next door to several of Juanita Bynum's self-help/inspirational pieces. I enjoyed every minute of this read honestly because she talks on a level where we can all understand. Cheryl breaks life down with words of wisdom, leaves you wanting to hear her speak the words right to your ears! This guide lets you know that there is much more than what the world has to offer!

  
  

  LaKeshia Sauls, “Keshia Dawn, Author

  
  14419 Campden Hill

  Houston, Texas 77045

  (832) 265-4845

  www.avirtuouswoman-31.org
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• Date / Time: 1/30/2008 4:51 AM UTC

  Meet Writer Shelia Dansby Harvey

  Shelia Dansby Harvey, J.D. is a writer by early morning, a lawyer for the preeminent employer of tax attorneys in the country by day and a Texas swing-out dancer at night.  She is the author of the popular Raven Holloway mystery series. Shelia has served as a visiting professor at Texas Southern University’s School of Law and an adjunct professor at Rice University’s Graduate School of Business. She is a board member with Inprint, Inc., a national leader among non-profit literary organizations. Shelia is a member of the National Bar Association, the Houston Lawyer’s Association and former board president and strong supporter of Houston’s Northeast YMCA branch.  
  
  
  Shelia hosts Stimulating Conversations, a monthly public discourse that discusses thought provoking issues from health to hip-hop.  She is also a frequent public speaker before the tax bar and at literary and other events.  Shelia’s deepest passion is helping young people achieve academic excellence. To that end, she recently established the Edna Merle Green Academic Scholarship, which annually helps one student pay for an extracurricular academic activity that he or she could otherwise not afford.  
  
  
  Shelia and her husband, Henry published Black Tie, the first regional black lifestyles magazine to achieve statewide distribution in major retail outlets throughout Texas.  Shelia has also had several opinion pieces published by the Houston Chronicle.  Over the years she has received countless honors, including Southwest Region Attorney of the year by her employer. 
  
  
  
  
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• Date / Time: 1/30/2008 4:28 AM UTC

  Meet Christian Novelist, Shelia E. Lipsey

  Meet Christian Novelist, Shelia E. Lipsey
  is a native Tennessean, residing in the city of Memphis.  She attended Belhaven College in Jackson, Mississippi, graduating magna cum laude with a BBA degree.  Lipsey, a published author and inspirational speaker has been actively writing and speaking most of her life.  Prior to being noticed by Kensington/Urban Christian, she self-published a fictional title, Always Now and Forever, about love, loss, and grief.  Then just two years later, she followed up with a nonfiction book, A Christian’s Perspective—A Journey Through Grief, which enlightens and encourages grieving hearts
  
  
  
  

  
  
  

  Lipsey has shared her inspirational messages throughout the south since the year 2000, having written several short stories and over 200 poems which she also has plans of publishing in the near future. 
  

  
  

  After submitting to the newly founded imprint, Kensington/Urban Christian, Lipsey’s talents were noticed, landing her a book deal in December 2005. She is one of the first authors to be signed to this new line of Urban Books LLC.  Her premiere novel with Urban Christian entitled, Into Each Life, was released January 2007 followed by Sinsatiable, which was released August 2007.  Lipsey’s third novel will be released October 1, 2008, entitled “My Son’s Wife.”
  

  
  

  Among Lipsey’s list of literary accomplishments and affiliations, she was awarded Conversations Book Club 2008 Author of the Year (thebestbookclub.info), Dallas Morning News Bestselling Author; Urban Knowledge Memphis Bestselling Author; Founding president Memphis African American Writers Group (MAAW), president UC His Glory Book Club (uchisglorybookclub.net) member of Memphis Rawsistaz Book Club, online member of Black Writers Christian Network, Booknibbler_Christian, Black, Copy Editor (www.thebestcopyeditor.com), IntoEachLife Literary Q&A (intoeachlife@yahoogroups.com), Writers’ Forum, and she is a staff writer for Sankofa Literary Society(sankofaliterarysociety.org) columnist at Blogginginblack.com, as well as several other online literary groups. 
  
  
  

  Bestselling Author, Shelia E. Lipsey

  2008 Author of the Year

  www.shelialipsey.com

  
  
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• Date / Time: 1/30/2008 3:36 AM UTC

  Poet Tichaona Chinyelu

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  • Tichaona Chinyelu
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