Black Christian Fiction Authors on Parade: K. Victoria Chase and Charmaine T. Davis

Today's featured Black Christian Fiction Authors on Parade are K. Victoria Chase and Charmaine T. Davis.

Both of these ladies are new authors.  Upon seeing the announcement of this month-long author parade, both Victoria and Charmaine reached out to ask whether they could be included.  With a month of posts to fill, I was definitely open, and when realized my roster consisted of only established authors, no new ones, I said yes.

So I'm delighted to close out this year's Black Christian Fiction Authors on Parade with two debut authors.

First, author K. Victoria Chase:

From childhood, K. Victoria Chase, or "Tori", has been writing stories and plays since childhood.  A fan of Christian romance, she pursued a career that was anything but fanciful.  Tori received degrees in Criminal Justice and Diplomacy and worked as a federal law enforcement officer for several years before trying her hand at writing a novel.

Serial Games is her third completed work, and the first to be published. It is the first book in the Virginia Justice series.

FBI profiler Maggie Weston has a reputation for identifying the most gruesome of killers. But her reputation is put on the line when U.S. Marshal Brandon Worth walks into her office with the news that the one case that haunted her the most, John Michael Burrows, has escaped federal custody. Brandon needs her help; she understands how Burrows thinks and the best tracker on the East coast isn't about to pass up her expertise. Maggie and Brandon have to work together to catch a serial murderer and the closer they get to Burrows, the more their hearts become involved. While insecurities and bitterness threaten a budding relationship between Maggie and Brandon, an elusive killer terrorizes a small Virginia county with a game he plans on winning.

Books 2 and 3, Marked By The Mob and Killer Shoot, are scheduled for release in November 2012 and July 2012, respectively.

Tori is active on social media, including the publication of the Tori Chase Daily, a roundup of interesting publishing-related stories from around the web. Until she can make this "hobby" a full-time venture, Tori continues to work in the field of counterterrorism, identifying potential terrorists who threaten the United States and the world. She currently resides in Leesburg, VA.

Learn more about Victoria and her books at her blog, http://torilounge.blogspot.com and connect with her on Twitter and Facebook.

Now, author Charmaine T. Davis:

Charmaine T. Davis is a Virginia native and current resident. She "sneaks in writing time between taking care of her seven children and romancing her husband."  Charmaine writes short stories, novels and screenplays.

I am a literary entrepreneur, a fancy way of saying I am an indie writer and enjoying every minute of it!"   She released her debut title, The Red House: Almost A Memoir, in August 2011.

A family comedy, The Red House: Almost A Memoir, takes place in the 1980s in the foothills of Virginia. The Douglases give up a modern house to live on the home place—a decrepit log cabin dressed in red tar paper. The house has no indoor plumbing, and trips to the spring for water and to the Johnny-house for relief, are a far cry from the central air and MTV other people in town enjoy. Gail, the narrator, takes you back to her first year on the farm as a ten-year old girl. Flying chickens, run-ins with roaches, breakdowns in hoopties, crazy relatives and runaway mules are just some of the hilarious happenings in what is supposed to be a quiet life in the country.

Country housing: "The Red House had roaches. Long, flat brown ones – with wings. We didn’t know they could fly until we were having supper one day."

Country fashion: "If I stepped wide enough maybe the panty hose would stay up until I could get to the bathroom."

Country entertainment: “Grab that skinny one in the corner. He oughta fly real good.”

Country relatives: “Watch yourself, boy! We still paying off your rabies shot.”

Country vacations: "You brought your own housing...and food and shampoo and towels and sheets."

Country revivals: "We goan start promptly at seven o’clock, so be sure to take care of all your bodily needs and functions."

Country shopping: “Don’t steal nothin and don’t sit on the toilet.”

Country dining at its best: "The day he mentioned stewed possum, Mama told him, “Don’t even think about puttin somethin that nasty in my pot. We may be broke but we ain’t that broke.”

Such is the revelation in The Red House: Almost A Memoir. Think rural life is nothing but hay fields and hayrides? Think again.

Charmaine's next novel, The Dancer and the Pitcher, an interracial Christian romance, will be released in March 2012.

Learn more about Charmaine and her books at her website, http://www.charmainetdavis.com or connect with her on Twitter or LinkedIn.

Both ladies have offered to give digital copies of their books to a commenter.  Please leave a comment to be entered into the drawing.  Winners will be announced tomorrow.

So concludes this year's Black Christian Fiction Authors on Parade.  I hope you enjoyed getting to know a little about our parade of authors.  Be sure to pick up their existing books and be on the lookout for their upcoming releases!

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We have a month of book giveaways. It's not too late to comment to win. Leave a comment on any post if you'd like to win that author's book. Winners will be announced tomorrow!

Peace & Blessings,
Patricia

Stay focused. Be deliberate. Believe.

Black Christian Fiction Authors on Parade: Rhonda Bowen (BOOK GIVEAWAY)

Today Black Christian Fiction Authors on Parade brings you author Rhonda Bowen.

Rhonda is one of the newer authors on this year's parade.  Although she hasn't been writing long, only beginning her writing journey in 2008, she hasn't wasted any time.  After completing her first novel, some time in 2009, she was unsure what to do next, given that she lives in Canada and most of the commercial African American fiction with which she was familiar was published in the U.S.

But Rhonda is a resourceful and adventurous person.  A public relations professional and event planner, she recently spent a year in Thailand teaching English as a second language to school children.  Rhonda is definitely not the type of person to twiddle her thumbs for too long.

Instead, she sent her manuscript out and to her surprise, she got a call from her current publisher, Kensington Books.  Shortly thereafter, her debut novel, Man Enough For Me, was released.

Jules Jackson is more or less satisfied with her life. Sure, her job as a Toronto based publicist can get pretty hectic, and her relationship with her mom is less than perfect. But her relationship with God is enough to get her through those minor patches. Yes, she is pretty content. That is until the night she meets Germaine Williams while promoting a client who is performing at Germaine's lounge. Before she knows it, she is throwing caution to the wind, and falling hard for a man she has just met.

But Germaine isn't all that he seems, and when Jules start asking questions, things start getting more complicated than she planned for.With everything in her life up in the air, she must decide whether she is willing to give up what is sure for something and someone that is more than she could ever ask for.

Man Enough For Me represented a fresh voice in the Christian fiction market, informed by Rhonda's multicultural background--born in Jamaica, reared and living in Toronto, and having spent nearly a year in Asia.

This month, Rhonda's second novel, One Way Or Another, was released.  As in her first novel, Rhonda again writes about real Christian women in realistic situations.  As to her inspiration, Rhonda says, "A couple years ago I was attending a youth event where a young man gave a testimony about how he walked away from God as a teenager, got involved in a lot of criminal activity, but eventually came back to Christ in his adolescent years. The story he told of the consequences to his actions not only while he was involved in illegal activity, but even after he came back to God inspired me to write

Atlanta reporter Toni Shields will do whatever it takes to get a good story. So when she's arrested for sneaking around the mayor's house, she's prepared. What she's not prepared for is getting demoted--or her run-in with stubborn Adam Bayne, director of the local young men's rehab center. . .

The first time Adam saw Toni, she was wrangling with the cops. Now she's looking for a scoop at Jacob House. Adam has no intention of letting her near his boys--yet as usual, her pushiness wins. And when she genuinely helps a teen in trouble, Adam sees a side of her that cares about more than just a headline. Soon, they become close--their attraction growing. But there's more to both their lives than meets the eye. Toni has a haunting family secret, one that is taking a great toll on her. And when she uncovers that Adam has a devastating past of his own, not only their relationship, but their futures, and their faith, lie in the balance.

Rhonda's publisher, Kensington Dafina, doesn't specifically label her books as Christian or inspirational, but as was stated in a recent Library Journal article on Christian fiction, "their characters make decisions rooted in faith that CF readers can use for guidance."

When she's not writing, Rhonda enjoys spending time with her family and "trying on shoes she can't afford."

Learn more about Rhonda and her books at her website, http://www.rhondabowen.com, her blog, Learning The Ropes, or connect with her via Facebook or Twitter.

Rhonda is giving away a copy of one of her titles.  Leave a comment to be entered into the drawing.  Winners will be announced on Thursday.

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Tomorrow, Black Christian Fiction Authors on Parade comes to a close with our final two authors, K. Victoria Chase and Charmaine T. Davis.

Peace & Blessings,
Patricia

Stay focused. Be deliberate. Believe.

Black Christian Fiction Authors on Parade: Angela Benson (eBOOK GIVEAWAY)

Today, Black Christian Fiction Authors on Parade brings you author Angela Benson.

Christian romance featuring Black people?

The first ever Christian romance title I read that featured Black characters was Angela's Awakening Mercy, published in 2002.  Prior to that, I'd pretty much read Christian suspense, like Frank Peretti's This Ever Present Darkness and a host of titles from Terri Blackstock, Lori Wick and other contemporary Christian authors, none of which featured Black people.  I'd also read an early title or two from parade author Victoria Christopher Murray, but I considered those stories more dramatic fiction than romance.  The only Christian romances I knew of were coming from Steeple Hill's Love Inspired line, and I didn't see any color there until 2003 with the release of Felicia Mason's Sweet Accord.

But back to Angela.

Angela published her first novel in 1994 with Pinnacle Arabesque.  That began a string of Black romances for Arabesque and Silhouette Special Edition until she made a "faith move" to Christian fiction in 2000 with the release of Awakening Mercy, the first book in her Genesis House series and with her new publisher, Tyndale House.  Awakening Mercy went on to become a finalist for both the RITA Award, awarded by the Romance Writers of America to recognize outstanding romance novels and novellas, and the Christy Award of Excellence in Christian Fiction.

Awakening Mercy features a fresh, authentic voice in CeCe Williams. She's a young, up-from-poverty African American woman, an unwed mother who, through hard work and pluck, has established a career in real estate. Her personal life is devoted to her son, David, and she avoids men like the bad news they've been. Suddenly, CeCe is summoned to court for dozens of unpaid parking tickets--she was so busy, she forgot about them--and the judge sentences her to community service with Genesis House, an African American Christian charity working in one of Atlanta's most disadvantaged neighborhoods. CeCe finds herself counseling teenagers about careers and pregnancy, and she falls in love with the earnest young director of Genesis House, Nate Richardson. (American Library Association Booklist)

The sequel, Abiding Hope, was published in 2001, winning the Romance Slam Jam's Emma Award for Best Inspirational Romance

Fans of the series have long awaited the third book in the Genesis House trilogy, but Angela's writing veered in other directions.  Her first hardcover title, The Amen Sisters, was released in September 2005 by Walk Worthy Press.  As with her prior Christian fiction releases, The Amen House won recognition, becoming an Essence bestseller and winning the 2005 Emma Award.  On the heels of this success came Up Pops The Devil and Sins of the Father in 2008 and 2009.  In all, Angela has published twelve novels, two novellas and a successful writing book, Telling Your Tale:  A Beginner's Guide to Writing Fiction for Print and eBook (originally published by Berkley Books as Telling The Tale: The African-American Fiction Writers Guide.)

But Angela has good news for her Genesis House fans.  Enduring Love, the final book in the trilogy, will be released later this year in ebook format.  Then, Delilah's Daughters, which Angela describes as "a faith-based version of  American Idol meets Braxton Family Values" will be released in 2013.

In addition to writing, Angela holds degrees in math, operations research and human resources development.  Most recently, she completed her doctorate in instructional technology at the University of Georgia and Dr. Benson is now an associate professor of educational technology at The University of Alabama.

Recently, Angela has begun making her older novels and her writing book available in ebook format.  Both Awakening Mercy and Abiding Hope, as well as several of her older Arabesque romances, have been released digitally as has an updated version of Telling the Tale.

Revised to incorporate the changes in publishing as well as lessons learned over ten years of publishing and provide guidance for writers interested in publishing ebooks, along with its companion workbook, Telling Your Tale:  A Beginner's Guide to Writing Fiction for Print and eBook is "an invaluable resource for writers who want to improve their craft", offering tools, techniques and illustrative examples to help writers find their own style, create characters readers will care about, write natural-sounding dialogue, and weave a compelling story.

Learn more about Angela and her books via her website, http://www.angelabenson.com, and connect with her on Facebook.

Angela has graciously offered another 2-for-1 giveaway, copies of Awakening Mercy and Abiding Hope to today's winner.  Remember, leave a comment to be entered into the giveaway and all winners from this month will be announced on Thursday.

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Tomorrow's author on parade will be Rhonda Bowen.

Peace & Blessings,
Patricia

Stay focused. Be deliberate. Believe.

Reader/Writer Tidbits -- February 25, 2012

More submission opportunities.  But first a commercial...

If you're a writer interested in which publishers are looking for manuscripts and what they're looking for, seriously consider subscribing to Cindi Myers' Market News blog.  She encapsulates this information on a regular basis, and today's submission news comes from her.)

Back to our regularly scheduled... ☺

The First Line is a quarterly magazine that publishes short stories that begin with a first line supplied by the magazine. Each issue has a different first line as a prompt. The first line for the Summer 2012 issue is “Rachel’s first trip to England didn’t go as planned.” Submit your 300 to 3,000 word story beginning with this first line by May 1, 2012. Stories may be any genre.

Does your inspirational romance need a publisher home? Can your writing make a reader laugh? Cry? Sigh? The 2012 Inspirational Romance Writing Contest seeks to discover new inspirational talent! Inspired is looking for tales of love and spiritual healing. Stories that spread God’s good news. All lengths eligible for entry.  The grand prize winner will win an e-publishing contract with Inspired Romance Novels and a $50 sign-on bonus. Runner-ups will also be offered an e-publishing contract.

Family Circle Magazine’s 2012 Fiction Contest opens for entries on March 1. First prize is $750, plus a MediaBistro.com online course certificate, and MediaBistro video and AvantGuild memberships. Second prize receives $250 and MediaBristro video and AvantGuild memberships; third place receives $250 and a Media Bistro AvantGuild membership.

Read an Ebook Week is coming!  March 4 - 10.  If you've been hanging on the ebook sidelines, this might be a good time to jump in.  Download the ereader app of your choice (no, you don't have to buy an ereader to read ebooks if you have a smartphone or computer), and then begin shopping for ebooks.  (Word to the wise:  If you've never downloaded an ebook, get recommendations from friends.  There are thousands upon thousands and it can sometimes be difficult to find the truly good ones.)

Lest you think adults are having all the ebook fun, Publishing Perspectives reports that "Children's Books Go Multimedia, Multnational, Multi...Everything."  An intriguing question is asked:  "They expect their content when and where they want it, and at no more than the cost of the delivery system. So, what will be the book world’s equivalent of Pandora or Spotify?"

Makes no matter to me whether children read physical or digital books as long as they read.

Still trying to figure out the best ways to promote your work?  "5 Top Tools for Promoting Your Book on Twitter", "How to Make Your Own Book Trailer", and "10 Steps to Growing a Public Speaking Platform."

What is your protagonist's plot goal?  Is it?  Does it change?  In " Visible Plot Goal Gets a Twist", author C. S. Laken shows how starting a character out with one goal then quickly changing to a different one makes for interesting story.

I continue to be fascinated by the changing publishing landscape wherein Amazon is either hailed as a hero or denigrated as evil.  Not in a position to debate it really, and frankly, wouldn't want to.  Very much of the mindset that what works for one, may not work for another, and that everyone has to find her own path.  But author Bob Mayer gives his thoguhts on "The Reality of Amazon and the Digital Publishing World."

Author J.K. Rowling, of Harry Potter fame, is writing a new book, an adult fiction title.  I feel for her.  The human mind says it's near impossible for her to match her prior success.  Hope she only tries to write her best book possible. Going with a new publisher was a smart idea.

Today is the 3A Regional Finals in varsity basketball and my son's team is playing.  If we win (and we WILL win!), it's on to the State semi-finals and then the championship game next week.  Happy for Oldest.

Pray I do some writing, any writing, this weekend.

Happy Readin' N Writin'!

Peace & Blessings,
Patricia

Stay focused. Be deliberate. Believe.

Black Christian Fiction Authors On Parade: Tia McCollors (BOOK GIVEAWAY)

Today's Black Christian Fiction Author on Parade is Tia McCollors.

The Essence Bestselling author first hit the Christian fiction scene in 2005 with her debut novel, A Heart of Devotion, winning her the 2006 Breakout Author of the Year award from the African American Literary Awards Show.  

For two friends who are “sisters for life,” finding a guy who’s great and a good Christian takes a whole lot of faith.

Anisha Blake and her best friend Sherri Dawson are running on empty in the dating scene until Anisha meets the handsome and charming Tyson Randall at her local church. He is everything she could ever want: honest, ambitious, easy on the eyes, and religiously devout — and he even has a good-looking friend for Sherri, too. But soon Anisha risks losing Tyson to a conniving woman from his past. And it certainly doesn’t help that Sherri has found out that Tyson’s friend Xavier is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. With so much drama in their love lives, can Anisha and Sherri stay focused on their commitment to their faith?

It's said that readers don't notice imprints but I guess I do, for A Heart of Devotion was released by Moody's Lift Every Voice imprint, one I'd never heard of before.  Even then, I was aware that few CBA publishers published much African American Christian fiction so this was notable.  What was special about this author and her stories to make this CBA publisher interested?  I quickly took note of both author and publisher, vowing to keep an eye out for more.

Tia has since left a 10-year career in corporate public relations to write faith-based books full-time.  Along with her writing, Tia is an inspirational speaker, writing instructor and has recently launched a life coaching practice specializing in coaching women of faith, female entrepreneurs and stay-at-home mothers to "live their lives to the fullest."  Tia's other novels include Zora's Cry, the sequel to A Heart of Devotion; The Truth About Love, the continuation of Zora's story along with taht of several of her friends; and the two books that introduce us to Lynette and Ace Bowers and Sheila Rushmore, The Last Woman Standing and Steppin' Into the Good Life. 

A founding author of the Anointed Authors On Tour, Tia has teamed with six other award-winning, best-selling authors of Christian fiction and non-fiction--Norma Jarrett, Vivi Monroe Congress, fellow parade author Kendra Norman-Bellamy, Vanessa Miller, Shewanda Riley and Michelle Stimpson--conduct national book tours "as a testament to the power of using their gifts and talents for God’s glory."

2012 will bring the release of Tia's first non-fiction book, a women's devotional entitled "If These Shoes Could Talk."  It will be the first in her new Prissy Purse Devotions Series.

Originally from North Carolina, Tia now resides in Atlanta with her family.

In her own words,

I’m the wife to a God-fearing husband whose wisdom and vision extend far beyond his years. I’m the mother of two children – one boy, one girl – who light up my life. I honestly don’t remember what I used to do before them, and it doesn’t take much to make my eyes well with tears when I think about the small things — like their first day of school, losing their first tooth and the day they no longer want to crawl up in my lap and fall asleep. That’s why I love taking pictures – because I believe in making and capturing memories.

Italian food is my favorite cuisine, and when the time is right I’m going to hire a personal chef. I cook out of necessity, not enjoyment, but I love to clean up. It helps me to sort my thoughts when my mind is cluttered. And more than that, I like to organize papers and color-code files. Yep. You read it right!

Spending time with my family tops my lists of favorite things to do, and my girlfriends run a close second. Whenever I’m with them, there’s always at least once during our time together that I laugh until I cry, a sharp pain shoots down the center of my stomach, and I know I’m making one of those real ugly-laughing faces. Laughter is good for the soul.

I’m blessed with the gift of writing (although I wish I could sing, too), and I like to write books that make people want to have a closer relationship with God. It’s what I call a “sweet blend of faith and fiction” so that people can taste and see that the Lord is good (Psalms 34:8). Often times writing books puts you on the front lines of criticism because everyone wants add their two cents. I don’t mind. It comes with the territory. But when it’s all said and done, my purpose is to please one person – the true and living God. And I think I’m doing a pretty good job at it! I hope readers think so, too.

Tia enjoys social media so she encourages readers to connect with her via Twitter or Facebook.  Learn more about Tia and her books at her website, http://www.tiamccollors.com.

Tia is offering a copy of her last novel, The Last Woman Standing.  Leave a comment to be entered in the drawing at the end of this month.

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Black Christian Fiction Authors on Parade resumes on Monday with author Angela Benson, then wraps up with Rhonda Bowen followed by new authors, K. Victoria Chase and Charmaine T. Davis.  Don't miss it!

Peace & Blessings,
Patricia

Stay focused. Be deliberate. Believe.

Black Christian Fiction Authors on Parade: Shawneda Marks (EBOOK GIVEAWAY)

Today's Black Christian Fiction Author on Parade is Shawneda Marks.

Shawneda Marks, in her own words, "has loved reading and writing since she can remember."  Always a storyteller, after years of entertaining colleagues at Bank of America and Comcast with colorful stories about customer interactions, Shawneda decided to put pen to paper and write her own stories.

Shawneda's novels and devotionals are crafted to raise awareness.  Her debut novel, It's In My Blood, promoted HIV/AIDS awareness, the first book in the Red Ribbon collection, was released on World AIDS Day in 2009.  The story is one of a daughter whose relationships with her parents are damaged.  Upon losing the man she loved, then receiving tragic news, Rosalyn decides to go home and into the arms of a praying mother and hopeful father.  Nominated for a 2009 SORMAG Readers Choice award for Christian Fiction, It's In My Blood is about reconciliation and restoration against all odds.  It's sequel, Beyond My Status, continues Rosalyn's story as a new mother learning to live with HIV.

An entrpreneur and activist, Shawneda has established her own publishing company.  She enjoys utilizing technology as an independent author to share her stories with readers while "creating as small a carbon foot print as possible."  To that end, Shawneda offers her books primarily via Print on Demand and as ebooks.

In addition to raising awareness, Shawneda's books are designed to explore wellness and equip readers to deal with weighty issues.  The Pink Ribbon Collection deals with an increasingly prevalent disease, breast cancer.  Book 1 is My True Essence and Book 2, scheduled for release in March 2012, is Embracing Myself Now.  Again it continues the story of a group of characters from the first book in the series, in this case, four women who discover it's difficult to let go of what was having never expected what their lives have become.

Shawneda's writing extends to nonfiction in the form of devotionals to encourage others based on her own life experiences.  In Diamond Butterfly: Wings of Purpose, Karats of Destiny, Shawneda opens the book of her life and addresses what it is to age out of the foster care system ready to move forward in life but handicapped by emotional baggage.  This devotional provides a road map to deliverance, through intimacy with Christ, from the emotional trauma that comes with having experienced rape, neglect and abuse "at the hands of those you trusted".

A leopard can't change its spots. A zebra isn't able to erase it's stripes. A butterfly doesn't get to change it's wings. Not even the pitfalls, mishaps, abuses, failures, disappointments, trials or tribulations of life are able to alter, erase or change one's destiny. We are able to live the life God had in mind when He fashioned us when we discover and embrace our purpose. Decisions, dedication and determination impact each person's destiny. Life is not something that happens to us without our input or effort. Each moment, each thought, each action decides where we will be eight minutes, eight months and eight years from today. Because that is true, we can decide to change direction at any moment. Destiny is the journey along the path of our life's decisions. God assigns the purpose for our lives. Our reactions, decisions and daily habits determine how we fulfill it.

Shawneda is a contributing writer of devotionals and awareness articles for StreamingFaith.com.  Sheconsiders the Chicago/Milwaukee area her home, but since heading south to attend Spelman College, she has grown fond of metropolitan Atlanta where she resides with her husband and daughter.

Shawneda is giving away a copy of one of her books.  (Note:  This is an ebook giveaway.)  Leave a comment to be entered.  All book winners will be drawn and announced at the end of this month's author parade.

Learn more about Shawneda and her books at her website, http://www.shawneda.com/, and connect with her on Facebook.

Tomorrow's featured author is Tia McCollors.

Peace & Blessings,
Patricia

Stay focused. Be deliberate. Believe.

Reader/Writer Tidbits -- February 18, 2012

Writer hear a lot about writing a "fast draft".  Plow through and get to the end.  Then you have something to revise and polish.  But not so fast, says author Joanna Penn.  "Writing Fast Is Overrated.  5 Hidden Benefits of Writing Slowly."

Write everyday.  Pick one genre.  Write what you know.  Writers hear this advice about consistency all the time.  Writer and motivator Ollin Morales shares "Why Consistency Isn't Always a Good Thing."

The New World of Publishing:  Pen Names.  Everything you ever wanted to know about pen names, why you might want one and the details that go along with having one, from author Dean Wesley Smith.

Beats, or action, help to break up the dialogue and add visual effect to the storytelling.  But is it that simple?  Author and writing coach Mary Ann De Stefano says it how you use beats in your writing that matters.

Chuck at Terrible Minds wonders "Is Free A Price We Can Pay?"  His take on the limited time free ebook promotion and whether it hurts or helps authors.  (For self-published authors, he has a survey at the end to collect data about this type of promotion that he'll report back on.)

Agent Janet Kobobel Grant offers "4 Ways Authors Can Use QR Codes".  (Have you noticed the Rorschach-looking squares on books?  Have you clicked on any?)

For those who need a little writing motivation, Lynn of The Kaizen Plan tells us to "Eat Less, Write More With This Technique for Resisting Temptation."  Gotta say it works, although I'm certainly no pro at this.  Not that I've tried Lynn's plan specifically, but I definitely snack less when I keep myself farther away from the available snacks, and I definitely write more when I dive in before succumbing to easier temptations, like reading or watching TV.

Library Journal placed a spotlight on Christian Fiction, "A Born-Again Genre".  Giving it to you here, but once the parade of Black Christian Fiction Authors is over, I'm going to be talking about this one in much more detail.

The usual family stuff, relaxing, reading and writing.  What are you doing this weekend?

Happy Readin' N Writin'!

Peace & Blessings,
Patricia

Stay focused. Be deliberate. Believe.

Black Christian Fiction Authors on Parade: Victoria Christopher Murray and ReShonda Tate Billingsley (2-BOOK GIVEAWAY)

Today's featured author is actually a pair of authors, two of my favorites in the Christian fiction genre, Victoria Christopher Murray and ReShonda Tate Billingsley.

Victoria was featured in the first Black Christian Fiction Authors on Parade.  (Click this link to read that post.)  Since then, this author and writing coach has continued to bless her fans and mentor fellow writers with the release of several books as well as her frequent book tours and participation as a writing conference speaker/panelist.  She completed the Divine Divas series for teens and also published Lady Jasmine, continuing the story of Jasmine Larsen Cox Bush, her most infamous character, followed by two single titles, Sins of the Mother and The Deal, the Dance and The Devil, one of the most provocative Christian fiction titles released in 2011.

Originally self-published, then picked up by a major publishing house, Victoria's first novel, Temptation, was nominated for an NAACP Image Award.  In recent years, Victoria has served as a member of the NAACP Image Awards Literary Sub-committee which evaluate and selects the Image Award nominees.

Most recently, Victoria has teamed up with longtime friend, author ReShonda Tate Billingsley, to revive Jasmine yet again--and pair her with her nemesis, Rachel Jackson Adams--in the 2012 release of Sinners & Saints.  In this novel, Jasmine and Rachel, both pastor's wives, butt heads as each tries to maneuver her husband to assume the helm of the American Baptist Coalition.  It's a story full of church-based hijinx, laughter, and a faith fueled by love and grace.  Each writer wrote the chapters involving her character, sending it off to her co-writer and waiting to see what would happen next.  In promoting the book, the two ladies have formed #TeamJasmine and #TeamRachel, to which fans are eagerly aligning themselves in social media--or remaining on the sidelines as they cheer for both.

Both women are also participants in A Chapter A Month, an innovative online collective of Black authors offering new reads, a single chapter at a time, reader forums, online writing workshops and more.

I had the pleasure of meeting both of these ladies at a Faith and Fiction conference.  Victoria amazed me with her graciousness; ReShonda kept me in stitches.  Both ladies taught me a lot that weekend.

Since I've featured Victoria before, let's take a closer look at ReShonda.

A former television and radio news reporter, and a natural storyteller, ReShonda began her publishing career  by launching her own publishing company and releasing her debut novel, My Brother's Keeper. She followed that with the introduction of Rachel Jackson and her two brothers in Let the Church Say Amen as the unwed, pregnant daughter of prominent pastor, Reverend Simon Jackson.  (That story is currently being made into a movie directed by well-known actress/director Regina King.)

ReShonda's single titles have included The Devil Is A Lie, The Pastor's Wife,  Can I Get A Witness? and Holy Rollers.  In her books, ReShonda takes on issues that are common and universal--abuse, anger management, embarassing family members, divorce, blended families, even winning the lottery--with dramatic flair and loads of laughs.  her 2011 title, Say Amen, Again, is the third book continuing the saga of now First Lady Rachel Jackson Adams:

As the First Lady of Zion Hill, Rachel is not only Pastor Lester Adams’ wife—she’s currently his eight-months-pregnant wife, who’s going toe-to-toe with Lester’s onetime mistress, congregant Mary Richardson, also pregnant. Her baby may or may not be Lester’s, but Mary’s doing all she can to win sympathy and turn her fellow churchgoers against Rachel—even threatening to blackmail Pastor Adams with a paternity agreement. After all, where can an unmarried mother-to-be go but to the Lord? Rachel has a few choice answers for where Mary can go . . . but as these expectant moms do battle, hostilities erupt into a drama unlike anything Zion Hill has ever seen! Something has to give, and while Rachel contemplates everything from transferring her lifelong church membership to packing up and leaving Lester, she knows deep down God is calling her to forgiveness. Will the arrival of the new babies bring a new understanding? Or harden forever the anger that’s dividing them?

ReShonda has written for the teen market too, in the Good Girlz series which chronicles the trials and triumphs of four friends as they navigate high school and eventually enter college, even including a foray into the recording industry. In a neat nod to fans of ReShonda's work, the girls become members of Rachel Jackson Adams' church youth group.

In all, ReShonda, a national bestselling author, has published over twenty books, and along with Let the Church Say Amen, has two other titles slated for film.  Even though she left television in 2007 to write full-time, her focus has not solely been on her novels.  Currently, she is the co-host of From Cover to Cover, a literary talk radio show, a freelance reporter, an editor for the Houston Defender Newspaper and a professional editor, ghost writer and literary consultant.

As if all that weren't enough, ReShonda recently showed off her acting skills, starring in the national touring stage play, "Marriage Material", besides the likes of Allen Payne, Jill Marie Jones, comedian Michael Colyar, R&B singer Tank and T-Boz of TLC.  She is a five-time winner of the National Association of Black Journalists Spirit in the Words competition.  A perennial item on the Essence Bestseller's list, ReShonda has also appeared on The Washington Post and Dallas Morning News Bestseller's lists and her books have been featured in USA Today and Ebony magazine.  Recently, she was inducted into the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame, along with R&B singer/songwriter/producer, Ne-Yo.

Next up for ReShonda is the release of The Secret She Kept in June of this year, followed by Sinners & Saints II in January 2013.

In today's giveaway, the winner will receive two books, one by Victoria and one from ReShonda.  Be sure to comment to be entered into the drawing!

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Black Christian Fiction Authors on Parade will continue next week with authors Angela Benson, Tia McCollors and Shawneda Marks.

Peace & Blessings,
Patricia

Stay focused. Be deliberate. Believe.

Black Christian Fiction Authors on Parade: Kim Cash Tate (BOOK GIVEAWAY)

Today's Black Christian Fiction Author on Parade is Kim Cash Tate.

Kim first came to my attention with the release of her debut novel, Heavenly Places, in which a career woman with an inferiority complex by way of her mother finds her life turned upside down and forced to return to the source of her inner battles, her hometown and her family.

But Heavenly Places was not Kim's first published book.  That distinction goes to her nonfiction title, More Christian Than African-American.  In this, her memoir, Kim talks about growing up without God and seemingly achieving success as she went on to become an attorney, clerking for a federal judge and attaining a partnership with a Midwest law firm.. But then her world changes and Kim is forced to look at the world through a different set of colored lenses, lenses colored by the love and grace of Christ.

In recent years, Kim has written two additional novels, Faithful and Cherished.  In Faithful...

Cydney Sanders thought she knew God’s plan for her life. She’d marry, have kids, and then snap her body back into shape with Tae Bo. But she’s celebrating her fortieth birthday as the maid of honor at her little sister’s wedding…and still single. Why would God give her this desire to marry, but no husband? And why is her life suddenly complicated by the best man–who’s the opposite of what she wants in a husband?

and in 2011's Cherished...

Kelli London once dreamed of being a songwriter. As crazy as it seemed, she hoped that God would use the lyrics that came to her while she slept. She dreamed about Brian too, that the love they shared would be a forever kind of love. But choices she’ll forever regret upended her hope . . . and turned her dreams to dust. When those dreams come knocking once more, she’s forced to deal with the pain of the past.

Cherished inspired Christian rapper Da Truth to record a song of the same title, an ode to his wife.  Her books are always on my short list of Christian fiction recommendations for readers who are new to the genre.  (You can read my previous full reviews of Kim's books here and here.)  So I eagerly look forward to her next release, Hope Springs, scheduled for June 2012.

Besides her novels, as founder and president of Colored in Christ Ministries, Kim writes an inspirational blog.  Currently she's in the 5th week of a 6-week study with her readers called "In Hot Pursuit" about passionately pursuing a deeper relationship with Christ.  Here's an excerpt:

As we run in hot pursuit of Christ and Christlikeness, the areas in which we fall short may seem magnified.  Our sights are set on light and truth, on glory and majesty, on holiness and perfection.  We can’t help but see the things in us that don’t measure up, and those things may be suddenly glowing like neon lights.  Before, we were convicted when we spoke a harsh word to someone; now just the thought is convicting.  That book, CD, or television program that brought enjoyment now raises a question—“Is this helping or hindering my pursuit?”  Not having the faith to trust that God can move in the life of our children, our marriage, or in our employment situation might’ve been the status quo before.  Now we’re being nudged to step out and believe, and it’s scary.

A resident of St. Louis, Kim can be found online at http://kimcashtate.com/ and on Facebook.

Kim has graciously offered to give away a copy of one of her novels.  Comment on this post to be entered in the drawing!

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Catch up on authors you've missed via the Black Christian Authors on Parade blog schedule.

Tomorrow, our parade features a special 2-for-1 highlighting two of my favorite Christian fiction authors, Victoria Christopher Murray and ReShonda Tate Billingsley.  Be sure to come back!

Peace & Blessings,
Patricia

Stay focused. Be deliberate. Believe.

Black Christian Fiction Authors on Parade: Dwan Abrams (BOOK GIVEAWAY)

Today's author on parade is Dwan Abrams.

Dwan Abrams is like a multi-faceted gemstone.  There are so many sides to her, almost too many to count.  The woman is an author, freelance editor, publisher, writing coach, professional speaker and former radio show host.  That's not to mention being a mentor to middle school students, a community volunteer, a former fashion editor, a frequent writing conference panelist, a veteran of the United States Armed Forces and a mom.

Dwan began her publishing career with the release of Only True Love Waits which went on to become a bestseller and won the 2007 Pen of the Writer POWER Award for Best Fiction.  (It will be rereleased this summer by Urban Christian.

She has written several other award-winning novels, publishing as a self-published author as well as with both small and large presses.  Divorcing the Devil peeked at #1 on the Black Expressions Christian Fiction Bestsellers list and has consistently ranked in its Top 25 Fiction Bestsellers list.  It also ranked #1 on the Top 25 Black Christian Book Distributors Independent Publishers Bestsellers list and was nominated for a 2008 African American Literary Award.

Other books from Dwan include My Mother's Child, the sequel to Divorcing the Devil, Married Strangers, first book in the Married series, and The Scream Within.  Most recently she penned the 2nd book in the Married series, When the Fairytale Ends, a 2011 release:

What happens when the fairytale ends and real life begins? Greg and Shania will find out the hard way. 

Young, successful, and thriving, Shania and Greg have the type of relationship that most people only dream about. Greg enjoys working as a youth pastor at his church and making a difference in the lives of troubled teens. After receiving some unexpected news, however, Greg's manhood takes a devastating blow.

Realizing that her man is headed for depression, Shania suggests they take an exotic vacation to revitalize their marriage. Rather than bringing them closer together, the trip seems to pull them further apart. Caught in the middle of a sinister plot, they find themselves in a fight for their lives. Greed, lies, and deception might cost someone their life.

In addition to the rerelease of her first novel, Dwan's latest novel, Desperate, will be released in the fall of 2012.

But Dwan's involvement in publishing is broader than the novels she's written.  Dwan has been a contributing writer and editor for multiple magazines and as a freelance write editor, she offers editing services including copy editing, substantive editing, manuscript critiques and evaluations and ghostwriting. She is a 2006 and 2010 inductee into "Who's Who in Black Atlanta", a member of The Writer's Hut and the president of Faith Based Fiction Writers of Atlanta.

And she's the founder, publisher and editorial director of Nevaeh Publishing, LLC, a small independent publishing house issuing both fiction and nonfiction titles.  Under her banner, she has published such authors as Sharon Oliver, Melissa Ewell Miller, K. T. Richey, Stan Gregory and Jacqueline Holness, author of the recently released After the Altar Call: The Sisters' Guide to Developing a Personal Relationship With God.

Learn more about Dwan, her books and other services by visiting her website, www.dwanabrams.com or connect with her on Facebook.

Dwan is giving away a copy of one of her titles so don't forget to comment!  (All books will be awarded at the end of the month.)

Tomorrow, author Kim Cash Tate will join us on parade!

Peace & Blessings,
Patricia

Stay focused. Be deliberate. Believe.

Black Christian Fiction Authors on Parade: Shana Burton (BOOK GIVEAWAY)

Today's author on parade is Shana Burton.

Although I only recently learned of Shana Burton's books, Shana debuted in the world of publishing with Suddenly Single in 2007.

How does a woman know when she's found the one? Most know after a few bad dates and broken hearts but for Vashti Hunter, it also takes being left at the altar, arrested, the other woman, and an affair with her pastor before she finally figures it out.

Vashti knew that something was wrong when she received her fiance's nervous phone call the night before their wedding. Her worst fears are confirmed when he leaves her alone and humiliated at the altar.

After a roller-coaster ride of dating disasters, Vashti not only discovers what she does not want in a mate, but discovers who she is in the process. When she finally evolves into the woman she wants to be, she meets and falls for gentle and Christ-minded Lewis Brown, who is twenty years her senior. When Vashti is on the verge of accepting Lewis's marriage proposal, her long-lost fiance returns, remorseful and wanting another chance. Vashti believes that God brought her and Lewis together, so why she can't forget the past or the man who broke her heart?

I may have been late to the Shana Burton party, but I still was thoroughly entertained upon reading 2011's Catt Chasin', a Black Expressions Book Club Pick.  I called it "light and bubbly" even while addressing serious subjects and "one of the more fun Christian fiction novels I've read in a long time."  (You could read my review here.)

Head research and development chemist Jamal Ford has narrowed his love-life down to a science through the creation of his 30-Day Dating Plan, a guide intended to weed out the drama queens, gold-diggers, and baby mamas from his ideal: a part goddess, part sex kitten, and part Stepford Wife mate. The shallow, fun-loving 33-year-old knows he’s one of Charlotte, North Carolina’s most eligible bachelors, and he won’t settle for anything less than the trophy wife of his dreams. 


Catherine “Catt” Cason has never let scheming co-workers, her loving (but overbearing) father, or her full figure slow her down. The brilliant formulating chemist takes being labeled “the cute fat girl” in stride as she fast-tracks her way to a top position with her cosmetic company, Telegenic. While she would enjoy the love of a good man, Catt refuses to risk her career or her heart being broken again just to have a warm body at her side. Besides, why settle for the love of an earthly man when she is the fiancée of Christ?


When Jamal is paired with Catt to launch a new product for work, it’s loathe at first sight. She thinks he’s arrogant and incompetent. He thinks she’s a sanctimonious kill-joy. What each believes they want may not be what God knows they need. In this game of love, rules don’t exist, and no heart is safe. The Lord is speaking, but will they all be too caught up in their own agendas to listen?

Fall 2012 brings the release of Flaw Less, the sequel to Flaws and All, the "tell-it-like-it-is saga of redemption, sisterhood, and unconditional love" in which girlfriends Lawson, Reginell, Sullivan, Angel and Kina found their friendships and their faith tested.

A high school teacher, Shana hails from Macon, GA.  She has been a two-time Georgia Author of the Year nominee for Best Fiction.  She founded The Writers' Voice Writing Circle and frequently conducts writing workshops for high school and college students.

Connect with Shana on Facebook and via her blog, Discovering the Love in You.

Shana is offering a copy of her book, Flaws and All, to one commenter.  Leave a comment to be entered!  (Reminder:  all books will be awarded at the end of the month.)

Tomorrow's author on parade will be Dwan Abrams.

Peace & Blessings,
Patricia

Stay focused. Be deliberate. Believe.

Reader/Writer Tidbits -- February 11, 2012

Pelican Book Group is seeking Christian fiction manuscripts to fill a special 2012 holiday release extravaganza. We are currently seeking novelette to novella length stories (between 15,000 and 25,000 words) to fill twenty-four special slots. Stories may fit either the White Rose Publishing (romance) or the Harbourlight Books (general fiction) imprint, but must have a Christmas theme. Submissions must be received on or before 1 May 2012.

Ellechor Publishing's Avant-Garde Manuscript Contest is open to submissions.  They're looking modern telling of Bible stories, a parable or entire book of the Bible, in novel length (50-150k words).  The grand prize is a publishing contract and a trip to Oregon to be featured in Ellechor's 2012 launch event.

The Romance Slam Jam Aspiring Author Contest is open to submissions.  This contest is for writers of Black romance and women's fiction who are unpublished by a traditional publisher in novel length.  The three winning writers will choose from a full manuscript submission or a synopsis and 50 page manuscript critique by three top editors, Selena James of Kensington and Harlequin's Evette Porter, Kimani Tru editor and Kelli Martin, Kimani Press editor.

Adam’s Media, home of the Chicken Soup inspirational books is looking for romantic stories--contemporary, historical, paranormal, romantic suspense and erotica--to launch a digital-only romance line. Send your pitch (no attachments) to jennifer@jenniferlawler.com

Writer Ewan Morrison explores "The Self-Epublishing Bubble."  Is the whole epublishing thing a bubble poised to burst in the not too distant future?

Is Amazon going brick-and-mortar?  Word on the street says...

Have trouble writing metaphors?  Sarah Baugman of Write It Sideways says "Think Backward to Write Meaningful Metaphors."

Writers, author and editor Edie Melson says, "Put Your Readers To Sleep."  A few writing habits that pop your readers out of the dreamland of your story smack dab into reality...where you don't want them.

What Is SEO?  Marketing consultant Yolanda Johnson-Bryant breaks down the meaning, importance of and helpful tips for search engine optimization.

Allen Arnold, vp at Thomas Nelson, gives us "S.T.O.R.Y. -- Five Factors of Great Novels".

Here's an interesting tidbit... The BlackWords 5th Anniversary Symposium and Celebration, hosted by the School of English, Media Studies and Art History, AustLit, and the University of Queensland Art Museum, will be held October 20, 2012 at the UQ Art Museum in Queensland, Australia. BlackWords "provides access to both general and specific information about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander literary cultures and traditions, providing a platform for the investigation and articulation of what 'Black writing' and 'Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander literatures' might be."

This weekend is all about basketball (again).  We didn't go undefeated, losing the very last game of the season, but now it's on to post-season play.  Still gunning for a state championship.

A little bit of writing, walking and hanging with the family.

What's on your agenda?

Happy Readin' N Writin'!

Peace & Blessings,
Patricia

Stay focused. Be deliberate. Believe.

Black Christian Fiction Authors on Parade: Rhonda McKnight (BOOK GIVEAWAY)

Today's author on parade is Rhonda McKnight.

Rhonda Mcknight writes books that "touch the heart of women, one story at a time."  Rhonda has been writing since kindergarten, something about mice under a New Jersey boardwalk, but has gone on to be a highly regarded author of Christian women's fiction.  A longtime reader of romance, upon reading an interview with a favorite author who was saving copies of her books until her children were old enough to read them, Rhonda questioned whether writing romance was her path.  Then, upon discovering Temptation by author Victoria Christopher Murray, she knew what type of fiction she wanted to write.

Her first book, Secrets and Lies, was released in 2009.

Faith Morgan is struggling with her faith. Years of poor communication and neglect leave her doubting that God will ever fix her marriage. When a coworker accuses her husband, Jonah, of the unthinkable, Faith begins to wonder if she really knows him at all, and if it’s truly in God’s will for them to stay married.

Pediatric cardiologist Jonah Morgan is obsessed with one thing: his work. A childhood incident cemented his desire to heal children at any cost, even his family, but now he finds himself at a crossroads in his life. Will he continue to allow the past to haunt him, or find healing and peace in a God he shut out long ago?

Secrets and Lies went on to garner the 2010 EMMA Award for Favorite Debut Author and was a nominee for Best Christian Fiction in the 2010 African American Literary Awards.

Rhonda then released the sequel, An Inconvenient Friend, in 2010 and the most recent book in this triology, What Kind of Fool, released just ten days ago.  In it, Rhonda brings back the woman who flit across the first two books, leaving damage in her wake, Samaria Jacobs, one of those characters readers love to hate while they root and pray for both her comeuppance and her eventual deliverance.  Here's the blurb:

The Wife. Her Husband. Their faith. . . . Will it save them before it’s too late, or will an enemy from their past destroy their marriage forever?

Angelina Preston tunes out the voice of God when she decides to divorce her husband, Greg. She’s forgiven him for his affair, but she won’t forget, even though her heart is telling her to. Shortly after she files divorce papers, she finds out her non-profit organization is being investigated by the IRS for money laundering. In the midst of the very public scandal, Angelina becomes ill. Through financial and physical trials, she learns that faith and forgiveness may really be the cure for all that ails her, but can she forgive the people who hurt her most?

Sexy, successful Dr. Gregory Preston didn’t appreciate his wife when he had her. His affair with a devious man-stealer has him put out of his home and put off with women who continue to throw themselves at him. Greg wants his wife back, but he’ll have to do some fancy operating to get her. When the secrets and lies from his past continue to mess up his future, Greg finds himself looking to the God he abandoned long ago for a miracle only faith can provide.

Samaria Jacobs finally has the one thing she’s always wanted: a man with money. The fact that she’s in love with him is a bonus, but even so, life is anything but blissful. She’s paying for her past sins in ways she never imagined and living in fear that the secret she’s keeping will separate them forever.

In between the release of books two and three, Rhonda, along with authors Tiffany L. Warren and Sherri Lewis, self-published and released an anthology entitled A Woman's Revenge. Rhonda's story, "A Piece of Revenge", tells the tale of Tamera Watson, a woman who buys a guy after losing her husband along with her life savings and all the funds for the non-profit program she ran.  When she uses her last to hire a private detective to find her thieving ex, Tamera wonders whether she'll pull the trigger before God stops her from letting her desire for revenge go too far.

In addition to writing, Rhonda is the owner of Legacy Editing, a free-lance editing service for fiction writers and is the vice-president of Faith Based Fiction Writers of Atlanta. I know her as a huge encourager of aspiring writers.  When she’s not editing projects, teaching workshops about writing or penning her next novel, Rhonda spends time with her family. Originally from a small, coastal town in New Jersey, she now calls Atlanta, Georgia home.

Learn more about Rhonda and her books at her website, http://rhondamcknight.net/ and connect with her via Facebook.

Rhonda is giving away a copy of one of her books to one of today's commenters.  Leave a comment to win!

Our parade will resume on Monday, February 13, with author Shana Burton.

Peace & Blessings,
Patricia

Stay focused. Be deliberate. Believe.

Black Christian Fiction Authors on Parade: Booker T. Mattison (BOOK GIVEAWAY)

Today's featured Black Christian Fiction Author on Parade is Booker T. Mattison.

Not likely I was going to do this parade and not include Booker T. Mattison.  First, there just aren't enough Black men writing fiction with faith themes, in my opinion.  Second, I was completely blown away when I read Booker's debut novel, Unsigned Hype, a YA title in which a young man with an eye towards fame and fortune learns lessons about integrity and character as he develops a personal relationship with God.  I handed it off to my son, then 14, and he was equally blown away. 

Booker followed the success of Unsigned Hype, published in 2009, with the 2011 release of Snitch, a no less captivating adult novel.  In Snitch, a young man has to make a snap decision in the face of an unexpected, life-altering situation while also deciding what he wants and is willing to give within a relationship. 

On the streets of Jersey City there is a simple code. You don’t talk to the cops. You don’t snitch. Period. But when young bus driver Andre Bolden witnesses a crime on his route, he is compelled to make a choice. If he keeps silent, he might lose his job and be gnawed by his conscience. If he snitches, he could lose his family—even his life.

Andre learns about the consequences of his decisions, be they made quickly or with consideration.  This gritty novel takes on the code of the urban streets, explores the notion and availability of redemption for anyone, and spotlights a community's ability to rally and celebrate hard-won victories.  In a starred review, Publishers Weekly said, "Author and filmmaker Mattison's sophomore outing reads like its ready for screen adaptation... Mattison has a superb ear and his skills keep on growing."

PW knew of which it spoke.  Booker is an author, filmmaker and professor.  He wrote the screenplay for and directed the film adaptation of Zora Neale Hurston's classic story "The Gilded Six Bits," which aired on Showtime.  Of that film, The Hollywood Reporter said, "Mattison's direction and feel for her characters match up to Hurston’s sterling piece of fiction...full of atmosphere and strongly developed characters."

Booker received his Master of Fine Arts in film from New York University and his Bachelor of Science in mass communication from Norfolk State University. Mattison has taught Literary Criticism at the College of New Rochelle in New York, film production at Brooklyn College and Advanced Directing, Screenwriting and Directing Actors at Regent University in Virginia.

The multi-talented Booker T. Mattison currently is writing and planning to direct the film adaptations for both of his books, with producer Stephanie Allain Bray ("Hustle and Flow," "Black Snake Moan" and the forthcoming "We the Peeples") attached to both projects. Eager fans like my son and I will have to wait a bit longer for his next novel, but we've no doubt it will be worth the wait.
 
Learn more about Booker and his writing and film projects at his website, http://www.bookertmattison.com/, and connect with him on Facebook or Twitter.
 
One commenter will receive a copy of one of Booker's novels.  All prizes will be awarded at the end of the month.

Join the parade tomorrow when the featured author is Rhonda McKnight.

Peace & Blessings,
Patricia

Stay focused. Be deliberate. Believe.

Black Christian Fiction Authors on Parade: Michelle Larks (BOOK GIVEAWAY)

Today's author on the Christian Fiction parade is Michelle Larks!

Michelle began her writing career as a self-published author in 2003 with the release of A Myriad of Emotions, the story of a woman, through poetry, essays and prose, who manages to overcomes heartbreak twice.

Additional early works include Who's Your Daddy?, Couples Therapy, the story of four couples attending church-based group counseling through which they learn about the value of good communication and forgiveness in relationships, and Crisis Mode, a compilation of four Chicago-based novellas about women striving to get back on track after dealing with life-altering situations.  (Couples Therapy was originally self-published, but was re-released by Urban Books in 2011.)

More recently, Michelle penned, Til Debt Do Us Part, a story which highlights, through a look into the world of gambling, how Christians sometimes succumb to the same pressures as non-believers and offers a pragmatic approach to faith, followed by Faith, about a couple who must deal with the aftermath of a sexual assault.  Faith was nominated for Christian Fiction Book of the Year.  She has also contributed to two anthologies, Blended Families and The Midnight Clear.

A native of Illinois, Michelle was born, bred and educated in the Windy City.  Still a native of the area, she finds much there to fuel her writing and as such, sets many of her stories in Chicago. Married and the mother of two adult daughters, Michelle's next work is Blessing From The Father, an August 2012 release.

Mariah Green has a successful career as an advocate for battered women, but she still feels incomplete. She was raised by her maternal grandmother, Rosemary, in a Chicago housing project. Her mother, Cassandra, is addicted to drugs and has only been a fleeting presence in her life. Even more painful to Mariah is the fact that she has never known the love of a father. She’s never even set eyes on him.

To Mariah’s surprise, she receives a call from a law firm in Hammond, Indiana. A lawyer informs her that her biological father has died, and she is the sole heir to his sizeable estate. Mariah is ready to leave Chicago behind and embark on a new lifestyle in Indiana, but she’s devastated when her beloved Granny declines to join her.

Things aren’t always what they seem to be. Rosemary knows a little bit more about Mariah’s paternal side of the family than she has let on. Join Mariah as she embarks on a spiritual journey to learn about her father and begins the healing process of understanding and forgiving her mother.

Learn more about Michelle and her books at her website, http://michellelarks.com/, or on Facebook.

Michelle has graciously offered one of her titles to one of today's commenters so drop a note to Michelle!


Tomorrow's parade author is Booker T. Mattison.

Peace & Blessings,
Patricia

Stay focused. Be deliberate. Believe.

Black Christian Fiction Authors on Parade -- Blog Schedule

Black Christian Fiction Authors on Parade is underway!

Last week, the parade featured authors Kendra Norman-Bellamy, Stacy Hawkins Adams and Miranda Parker.

Tomorrow, the parade of authors resumes.  The remainder of the parade schedule is as follows:

Feb 7 -- Michelle Larks, author of Faith

Feb 8 -- Booker T. Mattison, author of Switch

Feb 9 -- Rhonda McKnight, author of What Kind of Fool

Feb 13 -- Shana Burton, author of Flawless

Feb 14 -- Dwan Abrams, author of When the Fairytale Ends

Feb 15 -- Kim Cash Tate, author of Cherished

Feb 16 -- Victoria Christopher Murray and ReShonda Tate Billingsley, author of Sinners and Saints

Feb 22 -- Shawneda Marks, author of My Crowning Glory and Diamond Butterfly

Feb 23 -- Tia McCollors, author of If These Shoes Could Talk

Feb 27 -- Angela Benson, author of Delilah's Daughters ***Date Change***

Feb 28 -- Rhonda Bowen, author of One Way or Another

Feb 29 -- K. Victoria Chase, author of Serial Games, and Charmaine T. Davis, author of The Dancer and the Pitcher

Be sure to stop by each day to learn more about these exciting authors and to comment to be included in the giveaways!  (NOTE:  All winners will be selected at the end of the month, but you must comment on the post featuring the author's book you wish to receive.)

See you at the parade!

Peace & Blessings,
Patricia

Stay focused. Be deliberate. Believe.

Reader/Writer Tidbits -- Feburary 4, 2012

Yep, it's that day.

But more on that later...

Have you been enjoying Black Christian Fiction Authors on Parade?  We've had Kendra Norman-Bellamy, Stacy Hawkins Adams and Miranda Parker.  Next week will bring four more great authors.  Be sure to check them out!

Grand Central Publishing announces a new digital imprint, Forever Yours, which will publish two to four ebooks per month, some new and some previously published.

Launching digital imprints is the thing to do.  NBC New (yes, that NBC) launched a new imprint too:  NBC Publishing.

For all you authors or bookclub members participating in video chats, agent Rachelle Gardner offers some tips for "How To Look Good On Your Webcam."

Couldn't make up my mind whether to include this tidbit here or expound on it in a full post.  It's fascinating food for thought for writers:  Writing Without Too Much On The Nose.  Do you lie in your writing?

Another list from Chuck.

Really?

Yes.  Because Chuck specializes in them and in them, he imparts wisdom amdist all the snark and the occasional profanity.  Someone will find 25 Things Writers Should Know About Agents helpful.

Alexandra Sokoloff talks the Elements of a Love Story, for all you romance writers (and readers who are interested in a peek behind the scenes.)  Alexandra's posts can be lengthy, but they are meat, not fluff.

Got this from a Twitter friend although I'm not sure which one...  A directory of Ebook Services Professionals.  It's in Google Docs so as updates are made, you'll see them.

Mystery, no matter what the story genre, helps to keep the reader turning pages.  Writer Janice Hardy says mystery comes from asking questions the reader might ask.  Leave the Breadcrumbs Behind:  Are You Asking--And Answering--The Right Story Questions?

If a picture is worth a thousand words, what's the value of a set of how-to videos for authors who are planning to submit and upload to Amazon's Kindle platform?  Courtesy of author Jill Williamson and lit agent Amanda Luedeke.

Worried about plagiarism at Amazon and wondering how this happens.  A look at "The Origins of Amazon Self-published Plagiarism."

This article from Bloomburg Businessweek, "Amazon's Hit Man", offers insights into not only Larry Kirschbaum, head of Amazon Publishing, but Amazon as a whole (and what their competitors think).


BTW...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!

One year shy of a major milestone.  Same age my brother was when he passed away last year.  Looking for great, beyond my imagination things in 2012.

To that end, I saw this quote last week, and I keep rolling it around in my head:

Do the best you can with what you have where you are. In essence, success is making the most of every opportunity. Spiritual maturity is seeing and seizing God-ordained opportunities. Think of every opportunity as God’s gift to you. What you do with those opportunities is your gift to God.  – Mark Batterson

God, May I do my best each day with the gifts You give me.

If all has gone according to plan, my son's team will go 25-0 tonight, capping off an undefeated varsity basketball season, 1st time in school history.  (I'm posting this prior to the results of last night's game #24.)  And, seeing the excitement and sense of pride in their accomplishment on his face with be present enough for me.

For now...  smile

Happy Readin' N Writin'!

Peace & Blessings,
Patricia

Stay focused. Be deliberate. Believe.

Black Christian Fiction Authors on Parade: Miranda Parker (BOOK GIVEAWAY)

The third float on our Black Christian Fiction parade carries author Miranda Parker.

Miranda Parker is the penname of a well-known publicist. I first learned of Miranda through some writing loops where she served as a fount of industry information.  I had the pleasure of meeting her at a writer's conference a few years back, and quickly discovered her to be both as warm--and as formidable--as I expected.  She has since become one of my writing mentors.
Miranda is not new to the Christian fiction scene, although her first book was released just last year.  For years, she worked as a features editor for magazines and as a publicist for national recording artists, actors, ministers and authors.  In addition, she pens the Christian Fiction blog, is a contributing editor to The Big Thrill, the monthly webzine of the International Thriller Writers (ITW), and serves as the Social Media/Marketing Head for the ITW Debut Authors Program.  She has been featured in the Atlanta Journal Constitution, RT Book Reviews Magazine and Publishers Weekly.

But Miranda's passion is writing redemptive stories about fun, feisty "bad girls gone good."  Her debut novel, A Good Excuse to Be Bad, was released in 2011 by Kensington Dafina.  It is the first book in the Evangeline Crawford Bounty Hunter series.

"Angel" Crawford, a bail recovery agent and single mom with faith/church issues, has been described as "a good girl in a fast paced, kick butt, bad boy chase, sexy thrill-ride."  Angel says, "If I weren't so screwed up, I would've sold my soul a long time ago for a handsome man who made me feel pretty or who could at least treat me to a Millionaire's Martini.  Instead I lingered over a watered down Sparkling Apple and felt sorry about what I was about to do to the blue-eyed bartender standing in front of me.  Although I shouldn't, after all, I am a bail recovery agent.  It's my job to get my skip, no matter the cost.  Yet, I had been wondering lately.  What was this job costing me?" (A Good Excuse to Be Bad, Kensington Dafina, 2011)  

Book 2 in the Bounty Hunter series, Someone Bad and Something Blue, will release in July.  Isn't that a great cover?  Here's the blurb:

Beautiful, brainy, and tough-as-nails, single mom and bail recovery agent turned sleuth Angel Crawford has a lot on her plate. But between crime-solving and kindergarten carpool, it’s all in a day’s work…

Ordered to take a vacation, Angel gives in—and sets out to solve the mystery that’s got her living on the edge: a disturbing delivery and haunting message that transports her back to the tragic day her fiancée, Gabriel Hwang, was murdered. Convinced the trail to the killer is no longer cold after six long years, Angel embarks on a hunt for the truth that propels her into Atlanta’s secretive speakeasy society, the annual Running of the Brides, and a romp around a swamp with a handsome U.S. Marshall that may ruin her future with Pastor Justus Too-Hot-To-Be-Holy Morgan. That is, providing she has a future. . . .

With all she already does, Miranda also is a writing coach.  She recently conducted a plotting workshop last October (for which I can absolutely vouch!) and will give another one, the Plotting Workshop/Bootcamp,  at the 2012 Black Writers Reunion in Fort Lauderdale, FL, August 29-31, 2012.

In keeping with common writer advice to "write what you know", like her character Angel, Miranda is a twin. She resides in Georgia near a horse ranch and spends quite a bit of time with local Girl Scouts.

A twin giveaway!  Miranda is giving away not one but TWO books.  She will give a copy of her debut, A Good Excuse to Be Bad, and the sequel, Something Bad and Something Blue, to one commenter.

Learn more about Miranda and her books at her website, http://www.mirandaparker.com/, and keep in touch with her online:

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

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/deegospel

Email: mparkerbooks@gmail.com

And...

Today is the birthday of the writer behind Miranda Parker.  Be sure to give Miranda a happy birthday shout out!

Peace & Blessings,
Patricia

Stay focused. Be deliberate. Believe.