TWO SHIPS DOCKED AT NOON©

TWO SHIPS DOCKED AT NOON©
By Agnes B. Levine


The boiling noon sun, yellow, not orange, high in the sky. Praise His name. I made it to my destination. The Coca-Cola machine outside of Dale's Crabs in the northern suburbs. Sweat beading in the nape of my locks and shaven pits. The cool white cotton, sleeveless shirt was sweaty under my voluptuous breasts. It was white this morning, but dingy white now. My three-shaded, window-paned, denim skirt still allowed a sexy breeze across my brown-toned lap as I swung my short legs over the gray wooden picnic bench. Whew!

Psssst! The refreshing, cool sound of soda escaping from the cold can. "Shit." It ain't as cold as the can, but what the hell. The fizz was all I needed to be free from the heat and the rich, spicy aroma of Dale's crabs will get me the rest of the way.

The gray wooden table vibrated and I looked up and across the angled view at the chocolate big-haired, small-framed woman who had just flopped on the far end of the other grey wooden picnic bench. Her make-up was sweaty and matted, but her ship just docked too, so who cared.
"Hey, how you doing?" She asked politely, but not sincerely.

"Fine, and you?" I responded cordially, half-heartedly. I got thoughts to think. She got issues to issue. No time for strangers' conversations when our ships will be pulling out in a matter of twenty minutes or so.

She whipped out a Newport and flicked her lighter. I gulped more warm soda and inhaled deeply. Two aromas now. I love Newports. I love crabs. Old Bay seasoning, too. Newports. Coca-Cola. Stay ship.

"Hot as hell again, ain't it?" I asked.

"You ain't lying," she answered and inhaled again. I watched her manicured nails hold it firmly. I wrapped mine around the can of coke.

"It's gonna rain tomorrow, thank goodness," she said.

"Oh, no! Really!" I faked a disastrous cry when actually I could have cared less. I was in a somber mood.

"Yeah, heard it on the news. Like all I need is rain tomorrow. Ipromised my twins I'd take them to AFRAM tomorrow," she explained.

“That ain't no reason not to go," I said and slid the red, empty can away from me.

"Gurl, I'm looking for excuses," she laughed. "Don't burst my bubble!" More laughter. She flicked her cigarette butt off at a distance and glanced at her shiny gold watch with the black leather band. "I should be ashamed of myself for sitting up here taking a slick day and spending money I don't have on crabs. You know? I don't even know where I'm gonna get my rent money from and I been ducking Rent-A-Center all week. I'm playing hookie, but I don't care. I just don't, you know? I laid around all morning moping and I said, what-the-hell, and here I am getting crabs. And I'm gonna go home and eat these damn crabs all by myself before I get my twins and I decided I ain't worryin’ 'bout no rent, 'bout no rental appliances, ‘bout no nothing t’day. You know what I mean?" Then she shuffled herself off the bench in one moist-eyed sigh of relief at unburdening her passengers.

"Do I know what you mean? I don't even have a job to take a slick day from! Geez! I remember them rental appliance store days, and you get all the way to the last month before you own it and they try everything to repo their shit! Man, they took my refrigerator back and I went weeks with a cooler and ice, but you know what -- I ain't never had but a week's worth of food anyway, so I just said fuck 'em!" I said.

Our shipwrecked selves laughed our hearts out. "That's what I said when they left another message this morning. That's what I said to the phone company last week when they turned my phone off. I mean, damn, I got a cell phone anyway!" More passengers unloaded. Her spirits were lifting again. It was in her voice tone. It was in the way she snatched up another Newport. It was in the way it spilled down the table onto me. I counted out change for another warm soda. Neither of us concerned about the time, Dale finished steaming our unaffordable crabs. The crabs served as our therapeutic self-gratification to ease the frustrations of survival.

"Then VISA cancelled my credit card and I can't write a check no where, no how," she added with laughter. “Fuck ‘em.”

"A check! Credit card? What are they again? I'm lucky if the pay-phones take my quarters and I can pay attention at Social Services!" I said through weary laughter.

"Gurrrlll...." She was in hysterics. "And I am so sick of eviction notices. It ain't like I ain't trying, you know what I mean? Shit! My niece does my nails and hair for a l’il somethin,’ somethin.’ I work every damn day and overtime and there's never a way out." She confessed.

"Who you telling?" I shot back. "I used to wallpaper my walls with eviction notices and turn-offs, then I ran out of glue. Now I frame doctor bills and skip meals so I can fill prescriptions." It felt good to testify.

Oh, my companion and I were laughing hysterically all over the bench as a few white passers-by looked on curiously. We had no business there in the first place. Not at that hour. And having secret fun, too. What was going on?

Finally, our therapy session was interrupted by a twenty- something Caucasian female. Adorned in a long white apron dusted with Old Bay Seasoning, red shorts, and a white tee-shirt, she appeared through the doorway.

"Are you ladies waiting on crabs? A dozen and half and a dozen?" She asked. She was totally oblivious to our need to unburden our weary cargo.

"Yes," we said in unison and began collecting ourselves from the gray wooden picnic bench. I paid for my order first and immediately pricked myself with one of the pointy little creatures in the big brown, steaming hot bag. A reminder of my reality. This selfish want would hurt financially.

Being sisterly, I turned and touched my nameless friend on the arm tenderly. "Since they say we all look alike, I'll see you and the twins tomorrow." I whispered and winked my eye.
"Gurrll, stop! You know we will. And tomorrow. And tomorrow. Andtomorrow, love ya. Take care."




"Cooling Well Water: A Collection of Work From An African-American Bi-Polar Woman."
ISBN 0-9754612-06
www/myspace.com/agnesblevine
www.authorsden.com/agnesblevine
www.blackplanet.com/agnesblevine
http://www.levineoliverpublisher.com/

Interview with author Tinisha Nicole Johnson

Searchable Whereabouts
ISBN: 0-9799757-0-03


Tinisha Nicole Johnson lives in Colorado with her husband and two children. She grew up wanting to be a lawyer, and ended up becoming a writer and a published author. Searchable Whereabouts is her debut novel. Her next book will be a short-story collaboration entitled, Somebody Prayed For Me. It releases February 2009.


Where are you from? What is your favorite book, music, movie, play?
I currently live in Denver, Colorado, originally from Illinois. My favorite books are mystery novels and as far as movies, I love the Lifetime Network Channel. I’ll watch movies all day on that channel if I could.


How do you spend your free time? Do you write poetry or sing?
I enjoy spending time with my husband and kids, going to the park, out to eat or planning a romantic get-a-way with my husband. I also love writing poetry. I call it my Free Therapy. And when I have some alone time, which is not that often, I like to drown my head in a good book.


Could you imagine your life without writing today?
I really couldn’t. I spend so much time typing story or/and poems on my computer, or writing in my notebook. I’ve enjoyed writing since I was a child. I am an only child and I was shy as a little girl, so writing was a very good friend at the time and still is.


How did you feel when you saw your book on the shelf for the first time?
I was very happy and enthusiastic. It was like a dream come true. I took pictures of the shelf my books were on, right there in the store.

Bring your 3 main characters to life. Tell us who they are and what you love about them.
Rahkel Williams is down to earth. She has a troubled past – involved in a prior abusive relationship, the death of her son, drug and alcohol abuse and unresolved issues with her father. She’s trying to move on, while at the same time searching for some type of meaning to her life. At times, Rahkel may come off distant to the world, and that’s due to a few self-esteem negativities and the guilt over her son’s death.

Why I love this character: Two things I really do love about Rahkel is her determination, and her unconditional love for her niece, Nevilla.

Darrin Miller – He’s tall, attractive and a Private Investigator and a personal trainer. So you know his body is in tip-top shape. He’s Rahkel’s love interest in the story. He brings out the best in Rahkel, and makes her believe in herself. He has his priorities together and is passionate about his work. He goes all out to help Rahkel in the search of what happened to her beloved Uncle Leon.

Why I love this character: Darrin is the man of many women’s dreams. And I love him for that; and also his handsome physique.

Janetta is Rahkel’s loud-mouth best friend. This woman is full-figured and has a charismatic and outgoing personality. She’s proud of who she is and never allows her weight to keep her from dates or having a good time. She speaks her mind and never skips a beat on telling it like it is. Her two favorite obsessions: men and food.

Why I love this character: Janetta is just plain funny and the type of friend everyone should have. And she’s a true friend. The sincere friendship she has with Rahkel is why I love her the most.


Tinisha Nicole Johnson Writer/Author/Poet
Proud Member of ASA (Authors Supporting Authors)http://www.asanetwork.webs.com/
To learn more about the author, you can visit http://www.tinishanicolejohnson.com/

Purchase Searchable Whereabouts

The Hive by Chris Berman

The Hive by Chris Berman

Tell us what motivated you to write this book.
I always wanted to write a book but I never had time to do it or even thought I could write an entire novel. Also I thought it would be like being at the bottom of a mountain and looking up, thinking how am I ever going to get to the top? Back last summer, I was recovering from being hit by a car. I had some fractured vertebrae and it was difficult to sleep. I'd wake up about 1:30 AM and sit up until about 3 or 4 in the morning watching old movies, the Discovery Channel, National Geographic Explorer.

Two programs kind of stuck in my thoughts. One was about the Siafu, large and very aggressive African Army Ants with a highly developed collective intelligence and ruthless behavior. They colonize an area, eliminate any competing species and then denude the area of every living thing. Once a colony is established, a new queen sets out with her army to invade and secure a new target area. They showed the pattern of colonization from a single point and it expanded in a funnel shape and I remembered where I saw this before. It was in Carl Sagan’s book Cosmos. It was the hypothetical map of how an advanced technological species would travel from star to star, establishing colonies on planets. I thought, wow, what if something like the hive mind of an insect species evolved into a technological species. There used to be giant insects on the Earth 300 million years ago. Seven foot centipedes, three foot wide spiders, etc., so I suppose it’s possible.

The second show was about the Tunguska event. In 1908 something entered the Earth’s atmosphere over Northern Siberia and exploded about three miles up with the force of a 15 megaton bomb. It didn't leave a crater like a meteor but, instead blasted and flash burned the forest below for miles in the classic butterfly pattern of a nuclear detonation.

So, I though, what if this was some kind of nuclear powered spacecraft that was sent to locate habitable planets and it had some sort of self-destruct mechanism to erase any trace of the visit. Suppose this sent a message to a hive mind like the Siafu. That is how I came up with the plot for The Hive. I wanted it to be a fun read, good science fiction and have some romance and adventure in it. Because I was sitting up at night, I started writing sometimes three pages, sometimes ten or twelve a night and before I knew it, I had 400 pages and a complete novel. I guess you could call me an "Accidental Author."



Who did you write this book for?
I wrote this for fans of hard science fiction. I'm a big fan of these kinds of books. I love alien invasion stories, space battles, aircraft dog fights and a good romance rolled into a book. I don't think I'm alone in this so my audience is people like me. We're kind of like big kids who love seeing things get blown up, rescuing beautiful women from terrifying aliens, that sort of thing. This is not deep thought or high brow literature; this is entertainment, like a Seven Segal movie. I wrote this for people who like this kind of genre.



Bring your 3 main characters to life. Tell us who they are and what you love about them.
The Hive really has two main characters and quite a few secondary but important characters that keep popping up, some of them right until the end of the book. There is Colin Hewette, an American aerospace engineer. He’s a man’s man. A very intelligent and talented scientist but also a motorcycle enthusiast, he’s into marshal arts, tall and good looking with quite a few attractive ladies at his call.

However, he has a deep scar. His fiancée died in a senseless auto accident six years earlier. He blames himself because she wanted so much for him to take a drive down to San Diego at Christmas and instead he chose to stay up at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory to work on a problem with the design of a space probe. Colin is the first to realize that the mysterious alien device that is discovered and just the tip of the iceberg. The device is sending information to an advancing fleet of alien warships. Instead of getting discourage and wringing his hands, he comes up with a bold plan to resurrect shelved technologies using nuclear propulsion to begin to develop a credible defense of the Earth. He never gives up.

Marina Asamova is a Russian/ Ukrainian radio astronomer working on the SETI program to search for extra terrestrial radio signals. She is a strikingly beautiful woman. Very intelligent but reserved, almost shy and very sensitive. She lost her own fiancée five years earlier in a training accident when he was flying a modified aircraft at the cosmonaut training center at Star City in Russia . She is very insightful and I drew her character from that of my wife, so how could I not love her? Needless to say, when fate and invading aliens bring these two together, sparks fly and romance blooms.

Other important characters are Misha Rodchenko, the very independent and rebellious computer genius from Ukraine who works to solve the mystery of the alien probe. There is Thomas Sanders, the heroic African American astronaut who is now the director of NASA. There is Karen Gleason, the female military pilot who flies the first nuclear powered spacecraft out to the alien artifact and many others, including a retired Israeli Air Force pilot who is a key character in the final showdown between humans and The Hive.



Where are you from? What is your favorite book, music, movie, play?
I was born just outside of New York City on Long Island . I lived in Connecticut for a time before relocating to Florida for my job. Like half the population of Florida , I’m from somewhere else.
I have quite a few favorite books. I like alternate history by writers like Leo Frankowski and Harry Turtledove. I think two of my favorite science fiction novels are, Inherit the Stars by James P. Hogan and Millennium, by Ben Bova. I'd also have to add Enemy Mine, by Barry Longyear.

My favorite films? White Nights with Gregory Hines and Mikhail Baryshnikov, Doctor Zhavago, Highlander (“I'm Connor McLeod of the Clan McLeod and I am immortal!”) Star Trek, The Voyage Home and 2010 (not 2001, too esoteric). For music, I'm a big 80s fan. I like Duran, Duran, Pet Shop Boys, Flock of Seagulls, etc. I love Jimi Hendrix, Clapton, BB King, The Allman Brothers and I love Russian pop and rock music. It’s different but very cool. As for plays, I'm pretty big on Shakespeare, like Macbeth, King Leer, Romeo and Juliet, etc. I'm really into ballet, classical ballet companies like ABT, the Kirov , Bolshoi, etc.



How do you spend your free time? Do you write poetry or sing?
Most of my free time is spent with my family. With my wife, Lareesa and our daughters Marina and Sabrina. Sabrina is just starting kindergarten this year, so lots of play time. She’s turning into an excellent reader. I don't sing for fear of being arrested for murdering someone’s ear drums. I do write poetry but only for my wife. My daughter Marina is excellent at writing poetry. She has such a gift for the English language and she spent the first 10 years of her life speaking Russian. I can't write as descriptively as she can.



How did you feel when you saw your book on the shelf for the first time?
I don’t know yet as it will be released in January but I’m sure it will have a certain feel of unreality to it like where did that come from? Did I write that?


What is your process for creating a novel? Do you plot out the story or do the characters speak to you?
I have the basic idea in my head and I start by setting the scene with some background information and third person narrative. Then my characters are put into place and begin to grow and develop. Sometimes I go back and expand on something in my character’s development but I try not to give the reader all the information at once. I try to spread the character development over quite a few chapters so you learn more about the person as you go along.



Could you imagine your life without writing today?
Not really, it becomes something you get hooked on. Almost like and addiction. You suddenly get a new character or a story idea in your head and you feel that if you don’t write it down, your head will explode. It’s a wonderful addiction however, sometimes my wife will ask me where am I because I'll get this distracted look, and I have to answer Oh, I'm on the Moon or in Earth orbit or maybe in the Gobi Desert. That’s the sort of thing that happens once you get bitten by the writing bug.



Do you feel writing is for those trained to write or for anyone who has a story to tell?
I think anyone who has a story to tell should tell it. I believe that writing is a talent and either you have this or you don't. You can train and take literature and English courses and you may be polished and you may have all the grammar right but the text has no soul to it. Take a famous impressionist artist like Henri Rousseau. His paintings like The Dream, are just amazing and powerful, yet, he had no training at all as an artist. One of my favorite science fiction authors is James P. Hogan. He was a commercial marketing rep for a computer company and he wrote his first novel because of a bet with his friend. It was excellent and from there he went on to have a career as a writer. Tom Clancy was an insurance agent when he wrote The Hunt for Red October. He had no formal training as a writer and now just about everyone knows who he is. Several of his novels have been made into movies. If you have a story to tell, tell it.



What is the best thing about being a published author?
I guess you could call me an in process of being published author. But, already, I'm entering a new world that I was unaware of. I have been asked to speak at the North Florida Writers meeting coming up in February on how I wrote my first novel in seven and a half weeks and how I found a publisher in two months after completing the book. It’s very exciting to find that people are really interested in what you are doing and want to know about it.


As a writer, what are some of the most important things you try to convey to readers through your books?
I guess I want to impart some of my own values into my writing. That humanity holds a special place in God’s universe. That we are basically all the same people that share a common origin. I try to show hope for the future and I believe we can become a far richer and more peaceful society if we expand off the Earth and reap the wealth of the solar system. I try to use facts in my writing. In The Hive, everything is based upon either real technology or plausible technology based on the laws of physics. I use real places and people. My wife, Lareesa has been a huge help with bringing my Russian characters to life. I want to show that despite many set backs that we see, humanities’ future is not one of war and decreasing resources but a future of abundance for all.

What are you doing next? When can we expect to see you touring online or on the road?
Right now, I’m already close to 100 pages into my second novel and planning three more. Novel two is more of a political science fiction story with a squabble over the Moon’s resources and how this is resolved.

My other book that is still an idea combines aliens and time travel with 17th century pirates and I have a mystery about scammers who marry and then dispose of their husbands as well as a comedy about the crazy stuff that happened when bringing my wife here from Ukraine to get married in America. Right now, I'm, planning a book launch party for January in my home city of Saint Augustine , FL and I have a web site for promoting my first book, The Hive. www.freewebs.com/chrisbfla

Interview with Bestselling Author Bill Holmes

Tell us what motivated you to write this book.
I wrote my novel One Love because I always had a desire to write fiction. I started taking my love to write poetry seriously back in 1996, and one year later I ventured out to open mics in Philly to recite my poems. I attended a book signing in Philly for Marcus Major in 2001 on the release of his second novel Four Guys and Trouble. I was the only person in attendance, but the opportunity to vibe with Marcus left a positive impression upon me. The next day, I purchased a large notebook and started jotting down the ideas for One Love.

One Love is also my tribute to the Philadelphia spoken word scene. I incorporated some of
my friends into the plot to make the novel authentic (with their legal permission, of course).


Bring your 3 main characters to life. Tell us who they are and what you love about them.

Chris Harrington is one of the two main characters from One Love. He's an educated,
handsome, African American male who is very passionate about his creativity. He doesn't have the best relationship with his family, especially with his father and his step-brother Sam. Unfortunately, his taste in women leaves a lot to be desired because he's currently involved with someone, but his heart isn't there.

Regina Simmons/Gigi is the other main character from One Love. She's educated, beautiful,
ambitious, but she's also passionate about her creativity that was placed on hold due to
circumstances in her life. Like Chris her taste in men leaves a lot to be desired because she's been in and out of relationships herself.

Both Chris and Regina are feeling frustrated about the direction that their separate lives are heading. However, a chance encounter one morning while commuting to work helps these two discover that there is a small world where love, family, friendship and poetry come together.

Camille Monroe/Cami is the main supporting character from One Love. She's Regina's best friend and the owner and proprietor of the beauty salon, Camille's. While the novel is told from the two main characters' points of view, Cami has got some drama going on in her personal life that could have some nasty affects into her friendship with Regina.


Where are you from? What is your favorite book, music, movie, play?
I'm originally from Philadelphia, PA, but I currently reside in Sicklerville, NJ. There are so many books I like, but my two favorite books are Terry McMillian's Disappearing Acts and The Autobiography of Malcolm X. My favorite music is R & B. My favorite movie is The Color Purple. My favorite play is Tennessee Williams' Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (with the all-star African American cast including James Earl Jones and Phylicia Rashad).


How do you spend your free time? Do you write poetry or sing?
I spend my free time exercising, reading, writing, traveling, cooking, shopping and hanging out
with my family and friends. I do write and recite poetry because it is a part of my life. I'm currently working on another spoken word CD for either late 2008 or early 2009 entitled Brand New Day. I also teach creative writing at Temple University through their Pan African Studies Continuing Education Program (PASCEP) in the Fall and Spring semesters.


Could you imagine your life without writing today?
I couldn't imagine what my life without writing would be like. The thought scares me because writing has been my therapeutic outlet to alleviate my frustrations. It has given me tremendous strength and courage to express my creativity and discover my talents. If I never sold another book again, I would continue to write because it has never been about the monetary rewards. To be able to touch another person's life in a positive way through my words is a wonderful blessing.


Bill Holmes www.BillHolmes.com
Poet, Writer and ESSENCE Best Selling Author of One Love

"Every word I write is an extension of my breath, my heart, and my soul that I want the world to share and to remember long after my life has come to an end."

The First Chronicle of Zayashariya

The First Chronicle of Zayashariya: Out of Night
by: Violette L. Reid
ISBN-13: 978-0-9799757-6-9
ISBN-10 0-9799757-6-X
http://www.xpressyourselfpublishing.org/

Violette L. Reid, a happily married mother, writer, painter, poet, and native of Atlanta, Georgia, earned her B.A. in English at Clark Atlanta University and is currently working on a Masters Degree in Theology. Writing since her pre-teen years, she has written over 1,200 poems (a few have been published on numerous poetry sites and in poetry anthologies), and 25 short stories.

Her first published book called, Violette Ardor: A Volume of Poetry has received rave reviews. Violette is currently working on the sequel to her fantasy novel, a supernatural novel (which will be released in 2009), a life drama novel, and a screenplay. She also publishes an internet entertainment newsletter called PeachPublishing on her website that features art, literature, and miscellaneous features from various artists and writers from around the globe. The First Chronicle of Zayashariya: Out of Night is her first novel.


Interview with author Violette L. Reid

Tell us what motivated you to write this book.
As a child I always had a very vivid imagination and I wanted to share my creativity with the world.

Who did you write this book for?
Everyone who appreciated the power of imagination.

Bring your 3 main characters to life. Tell us who they are and what you love about them.

Zayashariya: She is beautiful, dangerous, and full od surprises. She is constant battle with herself and wants so badly to be a better person.

Queen Lilith: Evil personified. She is raw and violent and full of sexual energy. She is totally selfish and cares about nothing but power.

Fital: A very nice and nobel man who lets his desire blind him to reality.


Where are you from? What is your favorite book, music, movie, play?
Atlanta, GA. I love all Anne Rice books. Prince is my favorite musician and I love movies in general. I love so many I can't just pick one.

How do you spend your free time? Do you write poetry or sing?
I love to paint, dance, write poetry, chill with my family, and just live life.

How did you feel when you saw your book on the shelf for the first time?
Ecstatic! I felt proud and full of unspeakable joy.

What is your process for creating a novel? Do you plot out the story or do the characters speak to you?
I simply write. I let it unfold on its own.

Could you image your life without writing today?
Never. I have been writing since my childhood. It has always been a source of relaxation and release.

Do you feel writing is for those trained to write or for anyone who has a story to tell? Both.

What is the best thing about being a published author? The sense of accomplishment.

As a writer, what are some of the most important things you try to convey to readers through your books?
To step outside the box and see things in a different way. I want them to know that there is a reason and method to all things.

What are you doing next?
When can we expect to see you touring online or on the road? Working on a new novel. On the road hopefully!



Contact Violet

VioletteReid.com
violettereid@yahoo.com

Look at what God can do

Look at what God can do
by Arlether Wilson

It is October, 2008, and I am in awe of what we can accomplish. Today we have achieved what many considered impossible. In no other country would this occur but in America. Barack Obama has been nominated as the first African American presidential nominee. I don't know about you but I am inspired and motivated. Look at what God can do.

We live in a country, where 50% of African American males drop out of high school and are 6 times more likely to be victims of homicide. In a country where more than 28% of Black males are imprisoned even though they only make up 12% of the United States population. Brothers and sisters we are a population crying out for help and until recently, no one seem to be listening. I don't know about you but that information is astounding.

Are you aware that 70% of black babies are born to single mothers? No, I am not just speaking of teenage mothers. People we are a country in crisis. African American families need their fathers and brothers. Looking at the statistics, makes it seemed unattainable. But after listening to Barack Obama's acceptance speech, I believe he has given us new HOPE--SOLUTIONS. This is not television. It's real life.

After today, we should never feel limited by our environment or our circumstances. We should never make excuses for what we have not done or feel sorry for ourselves. As I listened to Barack speak, tears filled my eyes and the eyes of many attending the Democratic National Convention. We did not shed tears of sadness but tears of joy and anticipation. I am ready for this revolution.

As a child born in the middle of the Civil Rights Movement, I understand where we've been and the progress we're making. This is big, historical. Some of us have been so overwhelmed and preoccupied with events that occurred during the last 8 years that we almost forgot that we had a voice. It's time to step up and speak up. From this day forward, I pledge to do all that I can to heal our families and remember that it is not about me.

Parents take a moment and talk to your children about achieving their dreams, setting goals and the importance of education. Encourage them to live each day to the fullest. Let them know that as Americans they can BE anything that they choose to BE and no one has the right to tell them that they can't.

Furthermore, teach your children about the importance of community service, helping others and loving one another. If everyone took the time to help just one person, we could create a better world--a better world for our children and generations to come.

People Barack Obama is a great leader but he cannot achieve his dream, alone. Are you ready to Pay it Forward?


Arlether Wilson, Author of "Rewriting the Script" arlether@rewritethescript.com

www.arletherwilson.com
arlether@rewritethescript.com

He's Saved...But Is He For Real?

He's Saved...But Is He For Real? by Kimberley Brooks




1. Tell us about your book.
He's Fine...But is He Saved? is about the challenges and triumphs of three single girlfriends waiting to be found by love. The sequel, He's Saved...But is He For Real? continues the sage with the same 3 characters - Sandy, Liz, and Michelle.

2. Who are your 3 favorite characters?
3 favorite characters are the main characters --Sandy is the baby Christian who loves God but still loves and seeks attention and adoration from men. Liz is "super-spiritual" and feels she needs "no man but Jesus" and is very judgemental towards men and Sandy. Michelle is the mature believer and is the glue of the three friends.

3. What message would you like the readers to take away from the book?
I would like readers to see three women who live an uncompromising, Christian lifestyle in their day to day walk. Sure, they may make mistakes but they always turn to God and each other for edifications to deal with their problems. I also promote the abstence message.



Kim's Writing Journey

1. I've been writing short stories ever since I was a little girl. In Dec. 2004 I decided to self-publish my first novel. It went national, did great on the market, and two years later it acquired a 2-book deal with Kimani Press, an imprint of Harlequin.

2. I believe what separates my book is it's authenticity about the struggles which take place in single women's hearts and lives. I've had people tell me that reading my book was like reading their very own diary.

3. Advice to a budding author - write the book, consider your target market or audience as you write, have 5-6 avid readers read and honestly critique the first 3 chapters of your work, purchase, "The Self-Publishing Manual" by Dan Poynter - the book I used to self-publish, join a local or online writer's group, network locally and nationally at writer's conference, etc, and first and foremost, pray and get God's leading and direction.


Book Details
It's been almost two years since Michelle Williamson's boyfriend, Pierre Dupree, walked out on her to marry a minister's daughter. Since then, Michelle's friendship with her church buddy David has deepened into something sweet and special, but learning that Pierre has called off his wedding throws her into confusion. When Pierre wants Michelle back, she's forced to make a choice—one she may regret.

Liz Coleman has two great blessings—her calling as a minister, and a saved man who truly loves her. But Liz's insecurity and jealousy are eating at her peace of mind and threatening her relationship.

Sandy has found the strength to get her ex out of her life. But meeting a loving, spiritual man to replace him isn't easy, and soon her loneliness leads her to the one brother who should be off-limits….

With their hearts and souls on the line, Michelle, Liz and Sandy are learning that a good, saved man isn't always easy to find—but he's definitely worth waiting for….


Paperback: 320 pages
ISBN-10: 0373831234
ISBN-13: 978-0373831234

Meet Phoenix by Marcia King-Gamble

Hello BAN Readers, today we are honored with a visit from Marcia King-Gamble. Marcia King-Gamble will share with us the journey to getting published and the most Intimate Connections within the books.

As part of our Intimate Conversation interviews, we always give the author a chance to tell us things not found on the back cover. Continue to read the extraordinary interview with bestselling author Marcia King-Gamble discussing her new book Meet Phoenix (ISBN: 0-373-86077-3) and sharing a glimpse inside the world of an published author. The Sankofa Literary Society has selected Meet Phoenix as book of the month featured title.



Marcia King-Gamble is a national best selling author, and an ex-travel industry executive. She’s lived in five different states and traveled to some of the more exotic parts of the world. The Far East, Venice and New Zealand are still her favorites.

She enjoys a good work out, is passionate about animals, old houses, and tearjerker movies. Marcia is also the editor of a monthly newsletter entitled Marcia’s Romantically Yours. Log onto her website www.lovemarcia.com and find out what she’s all about.


Books by Marcia King-Gamble
Hook, Line & Single - Harlequin January 2008
The Way He Moves - Harlequin May 2008
Meet Phoenix - Harlequin August 2008



Bring your 3 main characters to life. Tell us who they are and what you love about them.
One of my main character's, Phoenix is an African American art restoration specialist. She's beautiful, talented, and determined. I enjoyed writing about her because she is strong and principled; strong enough to walk away from a man she loves to find herself. Damon, Phoenix's love interest and ex is playful, talented and totally irreverent. He's a man's man but Buddhism has tempered some rough edges. He's a good balance for Phoenix and is sexy as they come. Then there's Phoenix's father, a disgraced art curator, struggling to recover and be his former self. We're dealing with real people here but even with flaws these are people we love.



How did you feel when you saw your book on the shelf for the first time?
It was one of the most gratifying experiences of my life. For so many years I had visualized seeing my book on the shelf, and then there it was. I stood for a long time with tears in my eyes holding my book and wallowing in all the emotions that come with knowing my hard work had paid off.



What is your process for creating a novel? Do you plot out the story or do the characters speak to you?
I am a seat of the pants writer, meaning I get an idea in my head, I jot notes and then start writing. I'll let my story take me wherever and then I'll clean it up. No story boards for me or detailed outlines. I find that very restrictive and hampers my creativity.


Could you imagine your life without writing today?
It would be difficult to imagine. Writing has become therapy for me. I write every day and will continue to do so whether under contract or not. It's become a way of life and I enjoy the camaraderie that I have with other writers who understand that writing can be addictive and you lose all sense of time.



As a writer, what are some of the most important things you try to convey to readers through your books?
In addition to providing a good read, my goal is to educate my fans. My topics are usually current. Because of my extensive travel background I try to introduce fun and unusual settings. My overall message is that with a little perseverance and some clear thinking any obstacle can be overcome. Good triumphs over evil and love prevails. Call me an idealist but I truly believe. Maybe it's the laws of attraction talking.




edc creations

Pulpit Confessions are revealed!

Hello Readers, today we are honored with a visit from Péron F. Long . Péron F. Long will share with us the journey to getting published by Xpress Yourself Publishing, LLC and the most Intimate Connection within the books. As part of our Intimate Conversation interviews, we always give the author a chance to tell us things not found on the back cover.

Continue to read the extraordinary interview with author Péron F. Long discussing, Pulpit Confessions and sharing a glimpse inside the world of an published author. The Sankofa Literary Society has selected Pulpit Confessions as book of the month featured title.

Péron Fritzgerald Long was born in Rock Hill , SC , where he also currently resides. As told to him by his mother, he has always had a fascination with words and began to teach himself how to read and write at age 4 and began creating short stories by the age of 6.

If It Ain’t Right, It’s Wrong is his first published Novel. Pulpit Confessions is his first novel released by XYP! Péron’s next title Livin’ Ain’t Easy will be released in early 09 (Urban Books). He is currently working on his 6th title The First Person.

We are discussing Pulpit Confessions by Péron F. Long

Tell us what motivated you to write this book, start your business or service.
::: My inspiration for this novel was based on the current state of today’s Spiritual
community. Over the past couple of years we have seen the fall of congregations due to the acts of Man. My goal while writing PC was to show a more humanistic side of those viewed as the epitome of Righteousness.

Where are you from? What is your favorite book, music, movie, play?
::: I’m from Rock Hill , SC a suburb outside of Charlotte , NC . My favorite book is Seduced written by Nelson George, my desire to actually become a published author took a life of its own. I am currently listening to old school hip-hop or alternative R&B. Favorite movies are Love Jones and The Five Heartbeats


How do you spend your free time? Do you write poetry or sing?
::: Most of my free time is spent resting as much as I can (Ha-Ha) I do dabble in poetry from time to time when the words come to me.


Could you imagine your life without writing today?
::: No I could not imagine my life without writing. I strongly believe that I was born a writer. From the stories told to me by my mother, I began to teach myself to read and write at age 4 and actually began developing stories at age 6. Writing has always been a part of me and I’ve written several short stories and novels over the years. I never truly thought about publishing my work until maybe 5 or 6 years ago.


As a writer, what are some of the most important things you try to convey to readers through your books?
::: As a writer, I want to convey to readers that I not only possess the passion of the craft but I also possess the desire to educate and bring forth issues that affect our community while creating entertaining tales at the same time.



Book Details:
Pulpit Confessions is the story of Raymond Sr., Ruth, Raymond Jr., Katherine and Anthony Miller, the leaders of The Spiritual Dynasty God’s Deliverance Ministries. For the past thirty years, God’s Deliverance has become a powerful spiritually based organization well known throughout the world. Bishop Raymond Miller Jr., his wife Katherine, along with his mother Ruth, younger brother Anthony and father Raymond Sr., who now suffers from dementia, are seen by the world as God's chosen family. But there are secrets within this family that could eventually destroy them all.

When Katherine becomes tired of her lonely nights without Raymond Jr. to provide the love and physical desires she craves, she finds herself attracted to Kevin Taylor, a coach at the school where she is the principal. After discovering that Raymond Jr. has been having an affair for the past two years with his assistant, Janaé Young, who is also the faux girlfriend to younger brother Anthony, her desires to be with Kevin becomes a reality.

When Janaé becomes pregnant, Raymond, who was encouraged by his mother Ruth, asks Anthony to marry her. Although Anthony has a secret attraction towards her, he reluctantly accepts Raymond's request.

This is a story of family deceit that leads to corruption and murder, and one person's plot to take complete control. All Hell will definitely break loose, when Bishop Raymond Miller Jr.’s Pulpit Confessions are revealed.


ISBN: 9780979975794; ISBN10: 0979975783; Xpress Yourself Publishing; On Sale: 1/15/2008; Format: Trade Paperback; Trim Size: 6 x 9; Pages: 208; Ages: 18 and Up

edc creations

No One Knows My Name

No One Knows My Name
by Tinisha Nicole Johnson

A little shy girl who grew into a woman with dreams and a voice to be heard
And no one told me this world was going to be so cold

I am but a spec on the earth from up above, looking down
I am but one,
I am but a person,
I am but another writer, another author, another expression of my serenity
I also recognize I want to get noticed...but no one knows my name

I can hear a mild sound, a distance bump-bump in the night,
It is my heart and it is yearning and sometimes stirring with mixed emotions, not knowing which turns are right

Walking on a line so thin, trying desperately to figure out my pathway
I already tried to be someone else, but I now know I can only be me, and yes… I have a name

Calm, delicate, watching the world pass right in front of me,
I see love and hate – a world filled with so much drama and different attitudes

And I just feel full of energy and take on the world by writing in magnitude
Writing is my comfort, it is my Life – I sometimes find myself hidden behind the words on the pageWords for people to read, enjoy, cry and laugh,

I’ve made my decision, and you will find out it’s affections upon you - generations upon generations

I’m ready to say what’s on my mind, so I need your attention, because this may take you on many elevations . . .

I’ve been chained, banged, whipped and multiplied
And you don’t know my name

I’ve raised many children – some, not my own, and they have carried my values and fed from me

I have slaved the fields and held down an entire generation
And I am everyone’s mother, it seems

I’ve been called the minority because of my gender and my race
I have to fight with words and stand by my man and defend my family
If you only knew what these eyes have witnessed…Go ask you grandmother

The world is changing and things are happening, and if you don’t pay attention…well… you may have already missed it

A new generation, a new time…afro-puffs and hand cuffs, trying to fight for freedom.
Black Power!

I now have many roles
I have my struggles, but I move on, cause my kind is strong like that
I can be anyone, the opportunity is there for me to grab
Visions, desires, and new challenges…
I am taking on the world with boldness

And yes, you will remember my name, because I am a Black Woman
An undeniable, evident, special, beautiful, God-fearing, phenomenal Black Woman



Written by:
Tinisha Nicole JohnsonAuthor, Writer, & Poet
http://www.tinishanicolejohnson.com/


edc creations

Interview with author Ruth Jenkins-Oliver

Hello Readers, today we are honored with a visit from Ruth Jenkins-Oliver. Ruth Jenkins-Oliver will share with us the journey to getting published and the most Intimate Connect within the books.

As part of our Intimate Conversation interviews, we always give the author a chance to tell us things not found on the back cover. Continue to read the extraordinary interview with author Ruth Jenkins-Oliver discussing, Living in Fear and sharing a glimpse inside the world of an published author.

Ruth Jenkins-Oliver grew up in McIntosh county, Ga listening to family history and legends passed down from generation to generation. Her book, Living in Fear, is a true account based on those stories.

We are discussing the book Living in Fear by R. Jenkins-Oliver


Who did you write this book for?
::: I wrote the book for anyone who enjoy reading historical fiction.

How did you feel when you saw your book on the shelf for the first time?
::: I was happy to see my work in print because the Geechee language is a part of African American history.


What is your process for creating a novel? Do you plot out the story or do the characters speak to you?
::: My process for creating the stories in Living in Fear is based on passed-down family lore.

Do you feel writing is for those trained to write or for anyone who has a story to tell?
::: In my opinion, anyone who has a story to tell can write a book, but have the manuscript edited, critique or proofread before it is published.

What are you doing next?
::: I’m writing a book based on one of the characters in Living in Fear.


Living in Fear by R. Jenkins-Oliver
ISBN 9781598247626
Can be purchased online at Barnes and Noble. com and other online bookstores.
Contact Information email: l_Rolivercorpllc@yahoo.com

CHOICEZ How They Impact Our Lives

CHOICEZ How They Impact Our Lives
A memoir by Aginah Carter-Shabazz

CHOICEZ is the true story of Aginah Carter-Shabazz, an African-American woman from Philadelphia who learned the hard way about the high cost of pursuing the "fabulous" life as the girlfriend of a hustler and ex-wife of a Muslim minister and also a jewel thief. Reality set in when her boyfriend and a rival drug kingpin were killed in a massacre by the so-called black mafia inside Club Harlem, in Atlantic City, New Jersey. It happened on Easter Sunday, April, 1972. She barely escaped with her life. www.youtube.com/thebookchoicez

Years later, Carter-Shabazz’s own personal transformation came too late to save her daughter, Nas, from walking in her footsteps as a young woman. As a result, Nas was charged with a capital murder that could have left her facing the death penalty for a murder she neither committed nor orchestrated.

Though, Nas, Aginah’s daughter, had nothing to do with this killing, she was charged solely as a prosecutorial tactic to convict an innocent woman to pressure her to reveal information about her previous boyfriend’s illegal activities. Never one to shrink back from a just cause, Aginah conveyed strength of purpose to women of all ages. Whether this effort will succeed and Nas will be given a second chance to make another choice about her own life awaits the reader in the exciting climax of this book. CHOICEZ: How They Impact Our Lives.



ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aginah Carter-Shabazz was born on Mothers’ day in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on May 13, 1950 to Donald and Elizabeth Glenn-Carter. She began her professional career in 1978 as a “sleuth” who was bound and determined to uncover the mysteries of having beautiful hair "working from the inside out." Aginah opened several hair salons complete with her own line of Aginah’s Herbal Hair Products in Philadelphia. She has served her loyal clients for over three decades. Ms. Carter-Shabazz’s entrepreneurial thinking has taken her creativity to a whole new dimension. In 2003, Aginah was inspired to direct and produce Justice For Her, an award winning documentary following her daughter’s arrest, trial and acquittal in a capital punishment case. www.myspace/justiceforher.org


Today her motto, "working from the inside out," has taken on an even greater meaning and a far wider perspective. Ms. Carter-Shabazz uses the message to influence the ideals of young women, helping them to understand that the choices they make in their hearts and minds will affect the rest of their lives as well as their ability to enjoy positive and productive futures.
Aginah Carter-Shabazz has received a large amount of press over the years. She has received numerous leadership awards, including the State Treasurer’s Award to African-American Female Entrepreneurs in recognition of her contribution to society and the West Philadelphia Economic Development Award. In a fitting tribute to her personal triumph and her professional achievement, Ms. Carter-Shabazz was awarded the 1996 Madam C.J. Walker Award by the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., placing her among the nations' outstanding African-American women who walked in the path of an African-American icon. http://www.aginah.com/


TO PURCHASE CHOICEZ

BY PHONE: Xlibris at 1-888-795-4274 ext 7876
ONLINE: Please visit www.xlibris.com/Choicez, www.amazon.com
ISBN13 Hardcover: 978-1-4363-222-5 $29.99
ISBN13 Softcover: 978-1-4363-2221-8 $19.99

Copyright © 2008 by Aginah Carter-Shabazz

Ph. 215.878.1227
Email Aginahhair@aol.com
http://www.choicezthebook.blogspot.com/

Prayer- October Breast Cancer Month

October
Breath Cancer Awareness Month

This month may touch us all in many different ways. For me it is the memory of a Great Aunt who was stricken with breast cancer during the years where preventive care was rare, treatment was no more than mere testing and the thought of a cure was a smoke filled dream. During that time, I was a child, and didn't understand that this disease would be the cause of my Grandmother's death as well as the reason my Mother would lose a breast. After my Grandmother's death, I paid more attention to my health and not be passive about prevention.
My Mother's surgery, a crucial lost for females, brought the disease closer to me and my daughter and grandaughter's. There is a need for research, treatment, and a cure.

It is important to be aware of our bodies, our family's health history, and how society treats the research of such a devastating disease. During this month, hold someone in prayer, donate time to passing on information of this disease, help someone who is receiving treatment and most importantly don't feel that it won't touch you and ignore this crisis.

My Prayer is for those who have survived, those who have lost, and the families who have become depressed, it is my hope that you find comfort in in my poem.

My Prayer

In prayer we sometimes look for an immediate change.
The more we pray the more it seems to remain the same.
It is not in what we say or how often it is said.
It is predetermined by His word, that in which we have read.
Pray for what will get you through,
Pray to accomplish a thing or two,
Pray for strength to fight away the tears.
Pray so that You can understand,
Enrich your soul while you hold His unchanging hand.
Pray for many encounters with family and friends.
Pray for us to be together, and then,
When you have prayed and feel refreshed,
Know that the Lord is with you and you are Blessed.

Copyright 2000 Thoughts & Reflection
Author, Nanette M. Buchanan

Thoughts -
A Poetic Journey
Author, Nanette M. Buchanan
Now available e-book www.lulu.com
Get Your Copy Today $10.00

Family Secrets Lies & Alibi's
Author, Nanette M. Buchanan
Now available www.myspace.com/ipendesigns
Get Your Copy Today $14.95

THINKING OF YOU

As we get closer day by day

My idle time is filled with thoughts of romantic play

Thinking of the small pleasures,

Your laugh, a wink, your sweet smile.

Makes me realize this is a relationship that will last a while

Exposing these thoughts is just letting you know

You're on my mind

I think of you wherever you may go.



Copyright 1998 Thoughts

Author Nanette M. Buchanan

www.ipendesigns.com
www.myspace.com/ipendesigns

Purchase your copy of Thoughts www.lulu.com

Check Out What The Authors Have To Say