Even Sinners Have Souls Too

Even Sinners Have Souls Too
Introduction by National Best selling author, K'Wan, with four stories by Darrell King and Essence Magazine bestselling authors, Michel Moore, Tysha and Victor L. Martin.





Meet author and editor E.N. Joy
E.N. Joy is the author of Me, Myself and Him, which was her debut work into the Christian Fiction genre. Formerly a secular author writing under the names Joylynn M. Jossel and JOY, this author has fully dedicated her writing to Christ. She is currently working on the “New Day Divas” series as well as completing the “Sinners Series” project.



Intimate Conversation with Ella Curry of EDC Creations


Ella: Introduce us to the book, Even Sinners Have Souls TOO.
E.N. Joy: Even Sinners Have Souls TOO is book two from the “Sinners Series”. As editor and publisher of this project, it was my goal to share with the reading audience well written and compelling stories by some of the industry’s most respected and authority authors in the Urban Lit genre.



Ella: Why was it important to produce this work today?
E.N. Joy: Books and authors of books that are categorized as urban, erotic, street, ghetto, gangster, Hip-Hop fiction, or whatever else they are being labeled, are taking hard hits in the industry, especially by these so-called “literary writers”. Why is it that whenever black people bring the life they live front and center and turn it into art, society goes crazy? Are we that afraid and offended of the ghetto and the projects to the point where we ridicule those who talk about it? Is growing up in the hood that taboo?

E.N. Joy: Despite popular belief, everything that comes from the ghetto isn’t all bad. There are some good products of the ghetto. It produces great individuals, some even authors. But because of the type of genre that these authors choose to pen, they are stigmatized and rumored unable to create literature without glorifying a trigger happy, drug dealing thug, or a burgundy micro braid wearing, gum poppin’, promiscuous gold digger, or a television stealing crack head (in addition to at least two curse words per paragraph).



Ella: Will this book change how Urban Lit is protrayed as a industry?
E.N. Joy: There is a huge misconception that authors who write Urban Lit, referred to as Street Lit by many, can’t pen a decent story that doesn’t include foul language and explicit sex scenes. These authors are even often accused of glorifying street life. The “Sinners Series” forces critics and skeptics alike to take a different stand when they read the storylines contained in the “Sinners Series.”




Ella: What are some unique aspects of the Sinners Series?
E.N. Joy: Even Sinners Have Souls Too offers more of Urban Lit's finest take a walk on the other side in book two, Even Sinners Have Souls Too, of the three book Sinners Series. Darrell King and Essence Best-Selling authors, Victor L. Martin, Tysha and Michel Moore bring you four smashing tales, but not before National Best-Selling author, K'Wan, hits you with the powerful introduction, "Oh Sinner Man."

E.N. Joy: The authors bring to life the same raw and gritty characters found in some of their other works. There are the dope boys, the hood rats, the promiscuity, homosexuality, the gang bangers, abuse, drugs, alcohol, etc...; all the things that exist in real life on the streets. But what makes these tales so phenomenal and unique is that in the midst of it all, just like in real life on the streets, there is also, God, prayer, and sometimes a praying grandmother. What pleased me the most about each and every story is that they never, for one moment, lost their authenticity. The authors still walked away from this project with their street credit, so to speak.




Ella: What impact with the Sinners Series have on the community?
E.N. Joy: The “Sinners Series” is going to shatter the myth about urban and street literature and its authors once and for all. This project is not so that authors have to defend their work, or even compromise it.

The purpose is to show that they are multi-talented with a natural gift to pen what flows through their spirit and not just what’s selling, and at the same time to add a creative twist on their already original writing styles. In doing so, we pray that readers will be touched and moved by every single character; every single story…that they won’t be the same person as they were before reading these works.

Website: http://www.enjoywrites.com/

ISBN-10: 0970672659 | ISBN-13: 978-0970672650

Pick up a copy at Amazon

Please join in the discussion by leaving comments or congrats below.
Black Authors Culture Center-- Twitter with Ella

Color Me Jazzmyne by Marian L. Thomas

Author Interview: Color Me Jazzmyne by Marian L. Thomas

I would like to introduce you to a fantastic new book, Color Me Jazzmyne. Readers of Color Me Jazzmyne have been captivated by the depth of the emotional journey that the book takes them on. It digs deep into what it takes for women to embrace who they are no matter what size, color, educational background or social status. Sisters will learn to love themselves despite what society says or the voices that surround them!

Marian L. Thomas is native of Chicago but currently resides in Atlanta.She first awakened her desire to write while in her second year of high school. She majored in Journalism but received her Bachelor of Art degree in Business Communication, graduating Magna Cum Laude. 2009 the dream of becoming a published author was realized when she was able to debut her first title Color Me Jazzmyne. She is a wife and supporter of victims of abuse and was recently featured in the Atlanta Skirt! Magazine as one of Atlanta's 9to5 Women in the Media Industry.


Motivation Behind Color Me Jazzmyne
Color Me Jazzmyne addresses a major issue in our society today..."Rape is often the "hush" word in our lives. It's the thing that we prefer to put into the closet of other skeltons that we pray no one has the key to.

Child abuse often occurs at a young age and more than often it is done by someone that is very close---a family member or friend of the family. It's a difficult thing to get over, it's even more difficult to explain.

According to one statistic.... one out of every six women will be raped over their lifetime and 73% of all rape victims know their assailants. In fact, studies have shown that 60% of all sexual assaults are not reported. I hope that women who read this book and have gone through something similar will find the courage to reach out and talk to someone about it."


Color Me Jazzmyne Book Excerpt
Read Chapters 1-3 and give us your opinion.
http://www.freado.com/book/4169/Color-Me-Jazzmyne



Intimate Conversation with author Marian L. Thomas

What impact do you want your book, Color Me Jazzmyne, to make on readers?
Marian: "I hope that women who read this book and have lived the life of Naya Mona in some form or fashion will find the voice, strength and motivation to push past the pain and live."


Why do you write? Is is healing or to create awareness in our community?
Marian:  Both! For me, writing is more of a release from the reflection of the world around us. It is a way to express the obvious using tones that soothe,excite, uplift and allow the reader to step out of their comfort level. That is my goal when writing. That is what drives me to create characters such as Naya Mona.


Are your characters, in Color Me Jazzmyne, a portrayal of real people?
Marian: Reality is always a part of us and as such what we read must adhere to some form of it in order to make it so that one can relate to the story that is being told. Naya is clearly a reflection of the many women that I have met over the years and the struggles that they have gone through. I do not remove myself from that reflection. Misty represents all the so-called friends that revolve in and out of our lives and Chris is what I term the 'life-time' type of husband. He represents the compassion and love that we as women need, want and deserve.

Contact Marian Online
Email: larrita@lbpublishingco.com
Website: http://www.marianlthomas.com/
Author's Blog: http://findingmycolorwithmlt.blogspot.com/

Pickup Your Copy Today!
ISBN-10: 0615270670; ISBN-13: 978-0615270678

Amazon .com
Kindle Download
Barnes & Noble.com

EDC Creations Book Promotions




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Join the Conversation, leave questions or comments below. Thank you!EDC Creations Book Promotions


EDC Creations Book Promotions

Loretta “Faith” Harris author of The Journey Less Traveled

Black Pearls Magazine Interview
Loretta “Faith” Harris

 

Loretta “Faith” Harris is a prolific speaker, entrepreneur, author, and humanitarian. Loretta is the presiding President and Founder of C.H. Publishing. This exceptional educator possesses the ability to cultivate the gifts and talents within her young adult scholars. Loretta currently resides in Orlando, Florida where she is dedicated to the completion of her doctorate degree in education at Nova Southeastern University.

Q: Why do you write?
I am an inspirational writer, so most of my writings emerge from personal experiences, encounters of others, or through divine inspiration.

Q: What drives you?
As a survivor of tragedy, the driving force behind my writing is the hope of inspiring someone that has or will face difficult times. Whether it’s the lost of a loved one, a health challenge, financial crisis, or emotional despair, this book is designed to awaken its readers to the possibility of victory.

Q: What impact do you want your book to make on the readers?
I want people to know that there is life after tragedy! I am dedicated to writing inspirational publications designed to empower, enlighten, and educate my readers.

Q: Introduce us to your book, The Journey Less Traveled.
The sole purpose of “The Journey Less Traveled” is to equip readers with the necessary tools to make the conscious decision to “Turn Tragedy into Triumph.” When life throws you a hardball, it does not teach you how to recover from the hit. Survivors of tragedy often struggle with understanding the, “why me?” question. This memoir takes you through my personal journey from death to life. From the ICU unit, to rehab, to outpatient therapy, depression, emotional deprivation, and my eventual triumph; this book offers readers a transparent look at how I chose to endure the pain that would ultimately catapult me into my destiny. Readers be prepared to triumph!

Q: How did you start your writing journey?
As an adolescent, I discovered my fervor for reading and writing. I would indulge countless hours in my public library reading and writing miniature plays, poems and short stories. Since that time, I vowed that I would one day write children’s novels. As a result, C.H. Publishing emerged in 2006 with the commitment to publish five chapter books that I coauthored with my six grade students. On May 24, 2006, I met in a tragic car accident that left me fighting for my life. My most recent memoir, “The Journey Less Traveled: Choose to Turn Your Tragedy into Triumph” was birthed through my encounter with death and quest to help others overcome life’s unplanned obstacles.

Q: Why was this book so important to create?
My doctor’s report shows that I escaped death three times! I spent an entire summer in ICU on life support and special rehabilitation. Once I regained my consciousness, I knew that the rest of my life would be dedicated to sharing my story of triumph with people in similar situations. This book was created to endow individuals with survival tools necessary for life’s journey.

Q: How will your book impact community relationships?
This book is the voice of millions of people who find themselves at death’s door. Maybe you have not experienced a severe tragedy; this book will bridge the gap and help family members, close friends, and colleagues understand how to treat a survivor of hardship.

Q: Ultimately, what do you want readers to gain from your book?
This book is a roadmap that will teach readers how to live a triumphant life despite the odds.

Q: What would you say has been your most significant achievement with this book?
This book has gone into the homes of the hurt and dying and has given them a reason to live. I have heard the testimonies of doctors, teachers, pastors, parents, and students who all agreed that this book has encouraged them to push past their despair and live a life of success.

Q: What can we expect from you in the future?
Well, Loretta Faith Harris is going places! I am saturating the airwaves, public institutions, and international markets with this inspirational message of hope. I am currently a full time doctorate student and will complete my studies in 2010. I plan to transition from high school teaching to collegiate level in the areas of reading and education. I will continue to publish up lifting publications designed to breathe life into my readers.


Q: Share with us your latest news, awards or upcoming book releases.
A. The Journey Less Traveled recently received three 5 STAR ratings from RAWSISTAZ Reviewers, OOSA Book Club, and APEX Reviews. ( http://www.amazon.com/ )

B. C.H Publishing is hosting a Spring Get-Away Sweepstakes! With every book purchase readers will be entered for their chance to win a 7-Day Vacation at one of Orlando’s Premium Resort! (www.chpublishing.org)

C. C.H. Publishing has recently joined forces with Atlas Distribution and anticipates international distribution in 2009. ( http://www.atlasbooks.com/marktplc/02695.htm )

D. Book Club members will receive a 30% discount with their purchase of 10 or more books. See website for wholesale purchase instructions.

Loretta "Faith" Harris, M.Ed.
Children’s Heart Publishing, CCR certified
Author of, “The Journey Less Traveled: Choose to Turn Your Tragedy into Triumph”

Email: LHarris@chpublishing.org
Website: http://www.chpublishing.org/
Professional Reviews: www.myspace.com/chpublishing

Children's Heart Publishing where we are "capturing the heart of the writer"...™

Connect with Loretta Online
http://www.atlasbooks.com/marktplc/02695.htm
http://www.myspace.com/chpublishing
http://lorettaharris.wordpress.com/
http://www.twitter.com/faithharris
http://www.facebook.com/perfectf8th
http://www.iseecolor.com/profile/lorettafaithharris
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/lorettafaithharris
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/keepingitreal

All The Way by Kimberley White-New Release

Introducing Award Winning Author… Kimberley White

Award-winning author Kimberley White resides in metropolitan Detroit. She’s a nurse practitioner currently pursuing her Doctorate of Nursing Practice. She uses her twenty years of nursing experience to address topics such as domestic violence, hypertension and sexual harassment in an entertaining and informative manner. Ms. White speaks at writing conferences and has taught writing courses at several Michigan colleges.

Kimberley White resides in metropolitan Detroit where she is a nurse practitioner during the day and a writer of steamy romances at night. Visit her website at http://www.kwhitewrite.com/   Email: kwhite_writer@hotmail.com



Ms. White’s novels and awards include:
:: Sweet Tomorrows (Genesis Press, April 2001)
:: Dream Jobs To Go: Romance Writing (Intellectua ebooks, June 2001)
:: Lujon 1 (Best Black Women’s Erotica, Volume II. Cleis, February 2003)
:: Acquisitions (Genesis Press, May 2003)
:: Only In My Dreams (BET/Arabesque, May 2003)—Nominee, Best Romance of the Year
:: Tango (BET/Arabesque, November 2003)
:: Hard to Love (June 2004)
:: Forever After (BET/Arabesque, July 2004)—Winner, Steamiest Romance Book
:: Conquering Dr. Wexler’s Heart (Genesis Press, NOV 2004)
:: To Love A Ballantyne (BET/Arabesque, 2005)
:: Sweet Repercussions (BET/Arabesque, 2005)
:: You Never Know (BET/Kimani Press, 2006)
:: Ballantyne’s Destiny (BET/Kimani Press, 2006)
:: All the Way (Dafina, 2008)
:: I Need More (Dafina, 2009)


Community Discussion Questions
Please read Kimberley White's book excerpts and answer the following questions in this forum. Two commentors will be randomly selected to obtain a review copy of Kimberley White latest book. Leave your email addresses with comments here  to enter drawing. All winners will be announced on the Black Pearls Magazine at Facebook on November 27, 2009, during Black Books Weekends with Ella.

1. Why are we willing to sacrifice what’s truly important in life—love, family, health & safety—for fame and money?

2. Role reversal: are men now marrying for money?

3. Are African-American men really portrayed badly in the literature?

4. Are female characters relatable? (Physically? Use of foul language and slang?)

5. Why would an author lose their voice in their own books?



Introduction to I Need More by Kimberley White
Preview Chapters from the book here.

She Has Everything She Wants. . .
Dr. Erika Johnson's life couldn't get any better. Her practice is flourishing and her hunk of a husband Brock can't keep his hands off her--until the day he suddenly leaves her without a word of explanation. Stunned, Erika has no choice but to cobble together a new life on her own. When she serves Brock with divorce papers, Erika is certain he'll sign them so they can both move on. But that's when the surprises really begin. . .

Except The Man She Loves...
Brock is sure he did the right thing. All he ever wanted was to bring joy into Erika's life, not pain and sorrow. But when rumors reach him that Erika is seeing another man, he's torn between what he thinks is right and what he feels is right. Despite everything, there's no denying the fierce attraction she and Brock have always shared is burning hotter than ever. And when Erika finally learns Brock's secret, they must decide if they will face the uncertain future together-or apart. . .   ISBN-13: 9780758222107; ISBN 10: 0758222106   Buy the book, I Need More by Kimberley White, today!



Introduction to All The Way by Kimberley White
Read preview chapters here.
Romantic Suspense

As manager of the hot nightclub Skye, Payton Vaughn thinks she’s seen it all…until the night she witnesses a cold blooded murder. The police can’t protect her from a psychopathetic killer with sexually sadistic fantasies of how to keep her quiet, so she runs…All the Way…Into the arms of Adriano Norwood, a man who’s happy to see the story of his career wrapped in the perfectly angelic body of a woman he’ll soon want to protect with his own life. He’d sacrifice his happiness and let her go before he’ll put her in danger again…Unless they find a way to have it all.  ISBN-10: 0758222106; ISBN-13: 978-0758222107   Buy the book, All The Way by Kimberley White, today!

ALL THE WAY Book Reviews
Romance In Color
Urban Reviews

Black Books Weekend Full Details

Black Books Weekend

Totally Online, November 27-30,2009

Connect.Communicate.Community

Black Books Weekend will open Black Friday, November 27, 2009 with live readings from 50 of the most talented writers on the shelves. Black Books Weekend, hosted by Ella Curry of EDC Creations features 4 nights of readings and discussions with noted authors, bookclubs and poets. Our mission is to get folks to buy great books for gifts this holiday season, from our featured publishers and imprints.

November 27-30, 2009 this totally online festival will present a full authors showcase with live readings, a bookclub panel discussion, and poetry showcase, as we party in the spirit of Sankofa, celebrating our heritage, culture and talents! Join us from the comfort of your home, bring in your friends, make an event of it and chat with today's hottest authors! All the fun is at Black Authors Network Radio (BAN)
www.blogtalkradio.com/Black-Author-Network  

For more information, email Ella Curry at: edc_dg@yahoo.com   Bookclubs, we have over 200 books that will be given away as REVIEW copies during the showcase. The Black Pearls Grand Prize gift bag, for the weekend, includes 15 of our finest Black Pearls books,  a handmade doll from Sister Inc., book thongs, bookmarks, CDs by poet Marc Lacy, EDC Creations 2010 book calendar, EDC Creations totebag and Godiva Chocolates! Value of gift bag $450.00. Contributors: Francis Ray, Pat G'Orge Walker, Lynne Forde, Pamela Samuels Young,  Electa Rome Parks, Xpress Yourself Publishing, Life Changing Books, Triple Crown Publications, Kimani Romance, Genesis Press (Romance titles) Hachette Book Group USA, 6 Indie Publishers, Simply Said Reading Accessories and Audrey Bell-Kearney owner of Sister Inc. Dolls

Dynamic personal interaction between readers and authors will be the hightlight of the 4 evenings. Don’t miss the latest literary buzz! Read our blog here for the list of books in the goody-room and the schedule of events. Callers are welcome to join us on the phones each night at: 646.200.0402. Please repost and blog about this awesome event. Book lovers this is a readers paradise! You will hear several excerpts from books that are NOT on the shelves yet. There will be opportunities for registered BlogTalk Radio users to win books, prizes and the huge Black Pearls Grand Prize gift bag!


Black Authors Network Radio Show
Callers Welcomed: (646) 200-0402
www.blogtalkradio.com/Black-Author-Network

EDC Creations Bookstore
http://astore.amazon.com/sanklitesoci-20

Connect with EDC Creations Online
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Follow us on Twitter and Facebook to stay abreast of the prizes and winners.

EDC Creations Book Promotions

Gail Grier. That's the name of the first person to appear at my table this weekend for my booksigning at Border's Books in Columbia, Maryland. I gave my Manual spiel-she bought three books, three of my books which is an investment of her entertainment dollars at fifteen dollars a pop. Many stopped, but few parted with the cash.I was eternally grateful to Gail. Non-authors may not know but an in store signings can make or break a a more squeamish author's self esteem. Especially when the only person to come past your table is a 7 year old who happened to wonder away from her mommy and stops to ask where the popular kid series, Diary of a Wimpy Kid books are. True story. I'm over it. I'm not bitter.An odd thing, those in store signings. I am one of those authors who never settled in my semi-celebrity. Your stuck out front on display like a half dressed Christmas tree in mid October, in-your-face and seemingly inappropriate blocking the entrance for patrons trying to get in and out of the store. Never showcased in all my literary glory. I might be more comfortable in my element as in a reading or a leading a discussion. Gotta bring in more of a crowd for that.So for now I am resigned to a table. You smile at some, try to catch the eye of others who show youupon their arrival that they are not to be persuaded. I take that back. You are not chained to that table. In fact, the store mangaer reccomended I get up and greet people. Find that balance between being inviting and harrassing. But, I was shell shocked.I felt like I had to be guardian over the stores inventory of my books. staked neatly in four piles (2 for each title). I think I was having a flashback to another signing where I temporarily walked away from my books to find my books carelessly thrown-better yet, shoved onto a stack of coffee table books by "regulars" who play chess in the cafe and needed the table for a tournament. Has this ever happened to you? I said, I'm over it, really.So I keep vigil. My smile the mini watt bulbs on the Christmas tree blatantly advertising, "Tis the Season" to buy this book! Next weekend, I'll be at the entrance of another store, maybe one near you. With bells on, I might add. Tis the season to buy The Manual,the highly anticipated sophomore novel by Sherryle Jackson

Carbon Copy by Azarel

BAN Radio Interview with Author Azarel

Azarel, CEO of Life Changing Books is a former teacher and native of North Carolina. She received her BS degree from University of Maryland Eastern Shore, and earned a Masters of Arts in teaching degree from Bowie State University in 1999. Her love for writing sparked a career change in 2002. She resigned from her teaching tenure in the Prince George's County public school system to fulfill her dream of becoming an author. After writing her first novel, "A Life to Remember," written in an attempt to help change lives of young men, Azarel launched her own publishing company, Life Changing Books (LCB). Now with over twenty-one titles published to date, LCB is one of the most well known and successful African-American publishing companies in the publishing industry.

Listen to the Intimate Conversation Interview below as Azarel reads from the book.

Many titles produced by Azarel have continuously topped the charts on the national Essence Best sellers list and many national book store chains.Although Azarel publishes a wide variety of adult fiction, her title roster includes “Teenage Bluez" an urban series of books for teens. Teenage Bluez is designed to capture the hearts of teens across America by providing them with entertaining stories in a positive manner.

As a wife, and mother of two Azarel enjoys spending time with family and friends and lending support to those in need. By mentoring teens and speaking at shelters for abused women she continues to achieve that goal. Azarel’s greatest wish is for every able body to reach out to a teen. Visit her foundation, Spreading Literacy and Love and lend your support to youth in need Spreadlitandlove.com


Book Intro: Carbon Copy by Azarel
Have you ever craved someone so bad…that you’d be willing to do anything?

Meet Dominique Lewis, a foul, hard-boiled, go-getter who spends most of her days yearning to be just like her sister, and plotting on taking her man. For her, it’s all about money, sex, and power. Although she possesses the perfect physique and sexy features, her life-long dream is to become wealthy and a house-hold name. By any means necessary, she vows to get what she wants.

As Dominique’s mission unfolds, she manages to get connected to Yuri, a violent replacement for the man she really sought. After realizing she’s partnered with a beast, her world turns upside down. And soon, after the tragic murder of her sister, all hell breaks loose when Dominique’s cover is blown.

Armed with revenge on the brain, and a status goal in mind, Dominique soon appoints herself as Rapheal’s woman, the most sought after millionaire in Atlanta. Raphael’s lavish status in town would put her on a new level, right where she always dreamed…the only problem …he never said he wanted her. In an effort to hold on to Rapheal, and all the elaborate material possessions, Dominique sets out on a deadly mission to remove anything that stands in her way. • ISBN-10: 1934230677 • ISBN-13: 978-1934230671

BOOK REVIEW
If you believe that you’ve read about many crazed and demented women like Dominique …guess again. Dominique is off the hook and Carbon Copy is destined to be a classic.--Tiphani- bestselling author of The Mistress Series

•ISBN-10: 1934230677
•ISBN-13: 978-1934230671

Read Chapter 1 of Carbon Copy
http://lifechangingbooks.net/synopsis/pdf/CarbonCopy_chapater1.pdf

Buy the book from Barnes and Noble
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Carbon-Copy/Azarel/e/9781934230671/?itm=4&usri=1

Book Tour: In the Land of Cotton by Martha A. Taylor

In The Land of Cotton by Martha A. Taylor
Have you ever wondered what were the children doing during the Civil Rights movement in the 50s and 60s? What were the people who weren't actively protesting or participating in racism doing? Author Martha A. Taylor recently published a book that answers these questions!

Martha tells her childhood story, in her book In The Land of Cotton, as a young white girl who has a memorable relationship with a spirit filled black family. Martha meets a very poor family, the Boyds, and her life changes as she falls in love with one of the young members of the Boyd family, Silas. The Boyd family is trapped in time; Martha comes from a middle-class white family who is not actively taking part in harassing black people. The story is spectacular and filled with historical revelations. For more details, read the material below to fully grasp the importance and relevance of this book, at this time. If you liked the movie and book, The Secret Life of Bees, you will truly love this new book!

Author Martha A. Taylor has published her first book! Let's give her a hand for stepping up to the plate and telling her story. She's one brave woman to have done all the things she reveals in her new book!

Intro:  In the Land of Cotton by Martha A. Taylor

SLAVERY IS MORE THAN CHAINS AND SHACKLES
SLAVERY IS A STATE OF MIND

Immerse yourself in this highly anticipated political docu-drama set in the Deep South amidst the backdrop of the Civil Rights Movement.

Martha was a young white girl living in the Deep South, inundated with the racist sentiments of the times. But Martha's natural curiosity and generous heart led her to question this racial divide. When she discovered a poor Negro family, the Boyds, living deep in the woods near her house, everyone's life changed forever. She meets Silas, a little black boy and falls in love. The Boyd family "adopts" her as one of their own and the saga begins....

Take the journey of a lifetime alongside Martha as she forges relationships that lead to self discovery and a clearer understanding of the world around her. In the Land of Cotton provides an outstanding snapshot of life in the South during those troubled times - a snapshot everyone should take a close look at, regardless of era or color. The year was 1956.  (Book info: ISBN-10: 1432734717; ISBN-13: 978-1432734718)

Interview: In the Land of Cotton by Martha A. Taylor
http://edcmagazine.blogspot.com/2009/04/intimate-conversation-with-author.html

EDC Creations Sunday News Email Newsletters
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Shop EDC Creations Bookstores
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Buy the book today  from Barnes and Noble

Buy the book today from Amazon Online


Join the In the Land of Cotton Book Tour

WEEK 1

Martha A. Taylor's Media Center

EDC Creations Media Group front page slideshow

EDC Virtual Tours Main Site

EDC Virtual Tours at MSN

Black Authors Network Radio


EDC Creations at MySpace

Black Pearls Magazine Home Page

Authors on Tour in Reading Room

African Americans on the Move Bookclubs

Guest Blogger with ASA - Authors Supporting Authors

Guest Blogger with Author Arlinda McGlothin

Barnes & Noble Book Clubs

Guest Blogger with Ty Moody Network

http://aakulturezone.com/
http://writtenvoicesblog.com/
http://writtenvoicespodcast.com/

AAMBC Showcase Radio Show
Host: Tamika Newhouse
Radio Show Website: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/AAMBC

Urban Literary Review Radio Show
Host: Martin Pratt
Website: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/urbanliteraryreview

Rachel Berry AKA Lady Serenity
Host: Rachel Berry
Website: http://www.BlogTalkRadio.com/Lady-Serenity

Black Authors Network Talk Show
Host: Ella Curry
Website: www.blogtalkradio.com/Black-Author-Network




WEEK 2

iZania Black Networking Community

Black Authors Network Blog

Authors on Tour in Reading Room


Sankofa Literary Review

Short Books Showcase


EDC Book Tours

Black History 365 Authors

SLS Bookclub Center

EDC Creations Twitter

SLS Paradigm Shift

EDC Creations at Library Thing


African/African American Literature

Romance - from historical to contemporary


Books By Us



WEEK 3


Black Authors Network at LinkedIn

Cover to Cover at LinkedIn

Authors of Fiction at LinkedIn

Goodreads at LinkedIn

Oprah's Book Club

ESSENCE Community


The Tyra Banks Show


Lipstick Alley


Sankofa Literary Society Bookclub at Vox

The Inklings at Vox

The Beautiful People at Vox

Verbal Penetrations at Vox

African American by Association


Monthly Book Club at Vox

Girl Talk at Vox

Mahogany Book Club at Vox


Moms Who Shop at Vox



WEEK 4
EDC at Black Planet

Black Planet AA Authors

Black Planet Book Club

I LOVE BOOKS - Book Club


BOOK LOVERS at Black Planet


BOOKS LOVER2 at Black Planet


BlackPlanet Book of the Month

Black Authors Network LinkedIn

Reader's Entertainment LinkedIn


EDC Creations at CafeMom.com

Mature African American Moms


African American Books Swapping


Authors' Den


African American Mommies



WEEK 5

Book Chat at Shelfari

SLS Book Club at Shelfari

African American Books

SistahFriend Book Club


Readers Of African-American Authors

African American Literature at Shelfari

B-more Readers with W.I.S.D.O.M

Books that work well for Reading Groups/Book Clubs

DIVAS OF LITERATURE

SORMAG BOOKS

Coast 2 Coast Readers

United Black Writers



WEEK 6

African American Literature at Yahoo

African American Literature Club

Black Book Lovers - A Club for Connoisseurs of Black Literature

The Black Bookshelf Book Club

African American Book Club & More

Ebony Authors & Readers

My Sistah's Keeper

PASSION 4READING


African-American Literary Network

Speak Sister at MySpace

Book Lovers Bookclub MySpace

Black Romance/Urban Bookclub

African American Intellectuals

African American Fiction at Myspace

Myspace Book Club

The People's Lounge



WEEK 7

TCP Color Page

Book Marketing Network

Black Authors On Fire

Nia Promotions Community

EDC Black Authors Network at FB

African Americans on the Move Book Club

The Writers & Readers Lounge

Reading is Sexy

Passion for Books at FB

Genre Book Club at FB

Girls Gone God!

Urban Reviews Facebook Group

UrbanWritten Coalition at FB

African American Authors

FB Bookclub


African American Relationships at FB

Black Author Showcase at FB

African American Authors (Book Club)

Young, Black, and Gifted Journalists!

Mothers of Wisdom



WEEK 8

MyBrothersKeeper.com

Crucial Diva

We Are One

Each-One-Teach-One

AfricanAmericans.NET


Chocolate Pages Network


Black Internet Marketers


Black In America.com

Black History.com

Black Authors Connect 


Black Authors Network Connect.com

BlackWomenConnect.com


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Praise for In the Land of Cotton by Martha A. Taylor

Racism from the perspective of an innocent white girl who learns firsthand how absurd it is.
Book Review by cashbacher@yahoo.com (TOP 50 REVIEWER, Amazon)

The innocence of youth is a beautiful thing, it is refreshing to witness and gives the world so much, except when it is a young white girl being exposed to a poor black family in the southern United States in the 1950's. In that context, it could have meant the death of some of the participants.

Martha was a young white girl who bonded with her black maid when her parents were generally absent. Her natural curiosity and openness led her to an enclave of an extended black family living in primitive conditions. Martha was quickly "adopted" by the family, as they allowed her to be a part of their activities and she responded in kind. Martha's parents were racist and she maintained her relationship with the black group in secret for many years and even over great distances.

Martha also fell in love with Silas, first a playmate from the black family, then a companion and eventually a fiance. Silas was extremely intelligent and handsome and when he was old enough, he went off to school in Chicago and then joined the military, becoming a helicopter pilot flying rescue missions in Vietnam. Silas is seriously injured and Martha rushes to his bedside to take care of him.

One simple, yet significant scene is when a white soldier in the hospital wing with Silas objects to the black-white relationship. Another white soldier immediately responds, telling the white soldier, "That man saved my life, he can have whatever girlfriend he wants." The history of the civil rights movement, from the Rosa Parks refusal through the assassination of Martin Luther King is chronicled and placed in context.

Therefore, the story has two significant and complex tracks. The story of two people who grow to love each other within the bounds of a truly extended "family" and the broader context of the segregation of the south and how it was finally and thankfully forever broken. Given that the names of the title character and the author are identical, it seems clear that the book is an autobiography, which increases the power of the depiction of the events.

ISBN: 1432734717
ISBN-13: 9781432734718
Format: Paperback, 270pp
Buy the Book: Amazon




 

Capital BookFest 5th Anniversary

5th Anniversary Capital BookFest
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Time: 10am-7pm EST

Location:
Boulevard at the Capital Centre
900 Capital Centre Boulevard, Largo 20774

Website: http://www.capitalbookfest.org



Celebrating 5 Years of Strengthening Families through Reading

Event Description: Presented in partnership with the Department of Parks and Recreation, the Bookfest features author readings, publishing workshops, poetry performances, children's storytelling, teen programs, and over 75 vendors. Free books to the first 1,000 people.

The authors talks include discussions with Nelson George, Tim Reid, Liza Mundy (Michelle Obama: Biography), Sonya Sones, Marita Golden, Lori Nelson, Ronald Cotton (Picking Cotton), Chef Gillian Clark, Sahar Simmons, Le Hinton, Victoria Christopher Murray, W. Ralph Eubanks, Lucille Clifton, Omar Tyree, Kimberly Seals Allers (The Mocha Moms Manual), Charisse Nunes (I am Barack Obama children’s book), and several teen authors.

This year, in response to President Barack Obama’s call to service, the Capital BookFest and the Prince George’s County Department of Social Services will team up to promote healthy homes for children in foster care. Meet Ella Curry of EDC Creations for live reader interviews! Visit http://www.capitalbookfest.org/ for a schedule of events. All ages welcome. Cost: FREE admission



Capital BookFest Founder
Kwame Alexander, a poet, publisher, playwright, producer, dynamic speaker, and performer, is the author of eight books -including the best-selling Do The Write Thing: 7 Steps to Publishing Success, Kupenda: Love Poems, Dancing Naked on the Floor: poems and essays, and The Way I Walk, a collection of young adult short stories.

He has conducted standing-room only publishing workshops, delivered awe-inspiring keynote speeches, and performed his cutting-edge brand of poetry to audiences at numerous conferences, colleges and venues throughout the world, including: Stratford-on-Avon, Brixton Town Hall, Oberlin College, UC Berkeley, Hampton University, Duke University, University of Maryland, America's Choice National Conference, Baltimore Writers Alliance, and the Gwendolyn Brooks Writers Conference.

Alexander has produced over two-hundred literary related special events, the most recent being the First Annual Capital BookFest, a major literary arts festival sponsored by The Washington Post, Chick-fil-A, and The Literacy Council of Prince George's County. Dubbed a "phenom" in the poetry world by The Charleston (SC) City Paper, Alexander has wowed audiences with his electric readings and performances at coffeehouses, theatres, and universities across the country and abroad. In 2002, 2004, and 2005 Alexander was selected as a special guest author for the Library of Congress Poets at Noon Series, and The Washington Post-Maryland Center for the Book Evening in The Stacks Gala.

The founder of two book publishing companies, BlackWords Press and Do The Write Thing , this publishing veteran of over fifteen years is responsible for some of the most progressive, original and exciting fiction and non-fiction on the shelves today. He has published over forty authors in different genres, including: M. Dion Thompson, former Baltimore Sun reporter and author of the critically-acclaimed historical novel Walk Like A Natural Man; Lalita Noronha, author of the short story collection, Where Monsoons Cry; and Michael Datcher, Today Show Book Club Awardee and editor of Tough Love: The Life and Death of Tupac Shakur . Kwame Alexander has served as a judge for several local and national literary awards, including the Georgia Writer's Awards, and the Washington, DC Parkmont Poetry Awards. Among his many board appointments are The CityLit Project, Baltimore's Artscape Festival, and the Hippodrome Arts & Education Committee. Alexander is a graduate of Virginia Tech, where he studied under renowned poet Nikki Giovanni.

He lives in Northern Virginia with his wife and daughter, where he hosts a weekly radio program, Word of Mouth, and serves as poet-in-the-schools for Crossland High School/Prince George's County Schools. When not working on several new and exciting book and TV/film projects, he enjoys reading, writing, and a good game of chess.

EDC Creations Celebrates Who Is He To You

Join the Party with Ella Curry and Author Monique D. Mensah as we celebrate the release of Who Is He To You!

EDC Creations and the Sankofa Literary Society announces the official virtual book tour of Monique D. Mensah, the award-winning author of the dramatic fiction, Who Is He To You. Come party with us September 1 to October 30, 2009.

Follow Monique D. Mensah on an interesting journey all over the Internet from the comfort of your home. Readers will be intrigued by the intelligent exploration of sensitive issues such as cutting, emotional abuse, depression, and drug-addiction. The first page is filled with intense emotion and a descriptive setting that pulls the reader right into the scene. This virtual book tour is brought to you by EDC Creations Media Group.

Give the Gift of Knowledge Campaign
EDC Creations announces the launch of the 2009-2010 Give the Gift of Knowledge Campaign, bringing readers and authors together to help improve literacy and change lives through the gift of books. A sincere thank you to all of our tour hosts, wonderful readers and book club members who continue to support us and our authors and business owners. During our travels, we meet so many wonderful people and we look forward to meeting more of you, and getting to know you and providing what you need to satisfy your literary appetite. If you have not done so already, please sign up for our newsletter to stay abreast of new literary events and the latest book news, reviews and author tours. We select 4 newsletter subscribers each week to review newly released books for us. Sign up for our Sunday News Literary Email Newsletter here.

Prizes for Bloggers and Reviewers
We offer special gifts for those who support the authors during our Intimate Evening reading series on BAN Radio and to those who respond to the posts! To become eligible to win 1 of 5 copies of Who Is He To You by Monique Mensah, follow author Monique Mensah on her virtual tour and leave comments at the blog stops and interviews. The lucky winners will be announced on EDC Creations' Black Pearls magazine blog on November 7, 2009!




Join the Who Is He To You Book Release Celebration

If you would like to follow the Who Is He To You virtual book tour, visit the online media center frequently for the tour schedule. Meet Monique on the sites listed and add your comments or reviews. If you would like to host author Monique Mensah on your site, blog, radio show or magazine, please visit the online media center and select promotional material that will Give the Gift of Knowledge to your network.

Thank you all for Giving the Gift of Knowledge! Make sure to check out our bookshelves for gifts and books that change lives. Let's get this party started!

EDC Creations- Book Stores
http://astore.amazon.com/edcmagazine-20
http://astore.amazon.com/sanklitesoci-20

Ella Curry, president of EDC Creations
Website: http://www.edc-creations.com

WHO IS HE TO YOU BOOK TOUR CELEBRATION

WEEK 1
Who Is He To You Book Launch Party
Listen to the exciting book release party with fans
Author: Monique Mensah
Book: Who Is He To You
Genre: Dramatic Fiction
ISBN-13: 9780578023489

Download a copy of the Who Is He To You Book Launch Party
Click here and save to your computer


Urban Literary Review Radio Show
Sept 11, 2009 @ 9p EST
Website: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/urbanliteraryreview

Black Pearls Magzine Sistas Corner
http://www.blackpearlsmagazine.com/sistacorner.htm

EDC Creations Media Launch
http://www.blackpearlsmagazine.com/moniquemensah.htm

EDC Authors on Tour in Reading Room
Profiles listed for media and bookclubs
http://www.blackpearlsmagazine.com/readingroom.html

EDC Creations 2009 Fall Authors on Tour
Eblast: http://tinyurl.com/fallauthorspart1

Sylvia Hubbard and Motown Writers- Each Monday in Sept.
http://motownwriters.blogspot.com
http://michiganliterarynetwork.com


Unika Molden The Unique Reviewer
http://www.theuniquereviewer.blogspot.com

AAMBC Book Tours Spotlight
http://www.aambcbooktours.blogspot.com

Create A Unique Xperience with Unika
http://createauniquexperience.blogspot.com/

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WEEK 2
Intimate Evenings Reading Series

Audio Introduction Who Is He To You by Monique D. Mensah

Audio Excerpt Who Is He To You by Monique D. Mensah


Read an Excerpt of Who Is He to You by Monique D. Mensah
Read the excerpt

Monique D. Mensah - Book Tour Media Sheet
Read the media sheet here

EDC Creations Best Books Summer 2009
Check out the Top Books List

Simply Said Reading Accessories
Read the feature

Erotic Expressions Blog
Read the feature

Intimate Conversation with Monique D. Mensah
http://edcmagazine.blogspot.com

ASA - Authors Supporting Authors
http://asanetwork.blogspot.com

Author Arlinda McGlothin Spotlights Authors on Tour
http://www.lindarinsights.blogspot.com

---

WEEK 3

Party with MySpace Fans
The Making of Who Is He To You by Monique D. Mensah

EDC Creations at MySpace
Read the feature

Sankofa Literary Society Authors Spotlight
Monique D. Mensah Journey to Publication

Black Authors Network at MySpace
Read the feature

Black Pearls eSpot Live Reading
Read the feature

BAN Community Blog

Read the feature

African American Book Club!
Read the feature

Readers of African American Books
Read the feature

Myspace Book Club
Read the feature

Black Fiction Writers Community
Read the feature

Book Lovers Book Club
Read the feature

The Readers Circle at Myspace
Read the feature

African American Fiction
Read the feature

Everything in Between Reading Group
Read the feature

Black People World Wide
Read the feature

SPEAK SISTER
Read the feature

---

WEEK 4
Party with Vox Fans
Articles by Monique D. Mensah

SLS Literary Society
Read the feature

The Inklings
Read the feature

The Thinking Woman
Read the feature

The Book Club at Vox
Read the feature

The Beautiful People

Read the feature

Verbal Penetrations
Read the feature

African American by Association
Read the feature

Monthly Book Club
Read the feature

Girl Talk

Read the feature

Be Your Own.Personal.Library
Read the feature

Mahogany Book Club
Read the feature

Moms Who Shop
Read the feature

---

WEEK 5
Party with the Connect Platform Fans
Inside Who Is He To You by Monique D. Mensah

Young, Black, and Gifted Journalists!
Read the feature

Mothers of Wisdom
Read the feature

My Brothers Keeper.com
Read the feature

Crucial Diva

Read the feature

We Are One

Read the feature

Each-One-Teach-One

Read the feature

African Americans.NET

Read the feature

Chocolate Pages Network

Read the feature

Black Internet Marketers
Read the feature

Black In America.com
Read the feature

Black Journeys.com
Read the feature

Black History.com
Read the feature

Black Authors Connect
Read the feature

Black Women Connect

Read the feature

DMV Black

Read the feature

---

WEEK 6
Entertainment for the Party Goers

Off the Pages Podcast
Website: http://www.offthepagespodcast.com
Call in number is (724) 444-7444-- Call ID: 60248
Wednesday, November 4, 2009 at 9:00 pm EST

Book Videos for Who Is He to You by Monique D. Mensah
Check out the trailer for Who Is He To You at Facebook
Check out the trailer for Who Is He To You at YouTube


Who Is He To You at iZania
Enter the community

Black Authors Network Blog
http://profilesinblack.blogspot.com/

SLS Paradigm Shift
Read the feature

Sankofa's Literary Review
Read the feature

Shortbook Showcase

Read the feature

EDC Creations Tours
Read the feature

---

WEEK 7
Party with Black Planet Fans
Excerpt Presentations

Amazon Readers 5-Star Reviews
Read the rave reviews

EDC Creations at BlackPlanet
http://www.blackplanet.com/EDC1Creations

BOOKS LOVERS
http://groups.blackplanet.com/BOOKSLOVER

Black Planet Book of the Month
http://groups.blackplanet.com/BookoftheMonth

Fabulous Black Woman
http://groups.blackplanet.com/fabulousblackwoman

Ghettostocracy
http://groups.blackplanet.com/Ghettostocracy

Black Planet Journalists
http://groups.blackplanet.com/BlackPlanetJournalists

African American Authors Pavilion
http://groups.blackplanet.com/aaauthors

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WEEK 8
SO BLACK, SO BEAUTIFUL
http://groups.blackplanet.com/SBSB

It's Poppin!
http://groups.blackplanet.com/itspoppin

Black Planet Book Club
http://groups.blackplanet.com/blackplanetbookclub

Smart & Educated Black Women
http://groups.blackplanet.com/educatedblackwomen

BP BOOK LOVERS
http://groups.blackplanet.com/BOOKLOVERS

African American Fiction Lovers!
http://groups.blackplanet.com/hotblackauthors

African-American Authors & Writers
http://groups.blackplanet.com/African-American-Authors-Writers

The Black Book Club Podcast
http://groups.blackplanet.com/TBBCP

---

Connect with Monique D. Mensah Online

Who Is He To You by Monique Mensah
Website: http://www.moniquedmensah.com/
Email: monique@moniquedmensah.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/mdmensah
Fanclub: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=84945652309
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/monique-d-mensah/14/33/220
Blog at: http://moniquedmensah.wordpress.com/


Purchase Who Is He to You by Monique D. Mensah
Barnes and Noble or at Amazon