RL Taylor is interviewed by Real Sista Writers

The following interview was conducted by Ginae from Real Sista Writers Yahoo Group.

My debut novel The Last Ms. Understanding was selected as their October Book of the Month

-Tell us how you got started into writing ?

A: I used to be a habitual reader up until about 7 or 8 years ago. Life got busy and my reading slowed down.

Then, a friend of mine told me he was writing a book and suggested I give it a try. That prompted the reading bug again, and the next thing I know I was writing. I also studied the craft very hard, submerging myself in articles, books, and magazines surrounding the subject of writing. For the past 3 years I have been writing almost daily, and I don’t see an end in sight.

-How did you come up with the title for your book and what was the mindset behind it?

A: The Last Ms. Understanding was my debut novel. The title is a play on words and basically means that sometimes in relationships understanding is needed. In this book the main female character is very understanding, but sometimes misunderstandings can be used as an excuse to hide the truth.

-Tell us about any current projects you're working on...

A: I am currently working on promoting my new novel; Champagne , Jellybeans, and Chocolate. I also have two other books completed and I’m having trouble figuring out which one to focus my attention on as I embark on the final edits for each. They are titled Check Mate and Dreaming of a Crayon Sun, which is the 2nd book in the Champagne , Jellybeans, and Chocolate series. The third book in the series is being written right now and titled, Dragonfly Summer. Read more about these books on the internet at http://www.rltayloronline.com

-What advice would you give other writers trying to write their first novel?

A: I would say to not give up, keep writing, and educate yourself as much as possible. Self-publishing can be difficult, especially when you’re trying to gain an audience and respect as a quality author. Don’t doubt your ability, you just may be talented.

-As a male, did you find it difficult to put a woman's voice to your book?

A: I thought about various women I know or have known. Being married to an independent professional woman was a blessing because I know how strong women can be. In each book I hope to portray women in a positive light. I see too many books today with women sleeping around and being promiscuous. I feel that is a bad representation of our women.

-How did you come up with the story line for your book?

A: The storyline evolved as I wrote it. I tried to stick to an outline but added extra twists and turns inside every chapter. I really wanted to keep the reader guessing as they read on. I put myself in each characters shoe’s to ask myself how I would react in their situation.

-Is there anything different or any changes you wish you had made regarding the story and/or characters looking back?

A: I kind of like how it ended up. The reason I say this is because I receive so many varying views on who was right, and who was wrong. Some female readers really were pulling for Rita. Others couldn’t stand her. The same is true with Lee. Most readers said he was the “typical man”, and I’m not sure if that was a compliment or not. You and others have hinted at a sequel, so I feel like I delivered. A sequel may be in the works soon…

-Which character do you find your readers tend to identify with the most?

A: I would say half and half. The women say either Rita or Simone. All men say Lee. I patterned a lot of his behavior after myself and decisions I’ve made. Good or bad. There is definitely a wide range of characters in the book. Everyone will be able to identify with one of them.

-What are some of your favorite books?

A: I have to say that I’m all over the map as far as reading. I will mix in some non-fiction at times, but fiction novels…. I really enjoyed, John Grisham “The Street Lawyer”, Brandon Massey “Cornered”, and Stuart Woods “Short Straw"

-Anything else you would like to tell us about RL?

A: I want readers to know that I am going to turn out books that are truly different. I will make sure to present women in a positive light and not degrade. At the same time I assure you that you will be thoroughly entertained. My goal is to not have any dull chapters. I want readers to love my books as much as I enjoy crafting the stories.

I’m currently running a free promo on my website. Readers can go there thru November and sign up for a free 15 chapter preview of Champagne, Jellybeans, and Chocolate.

Thanks again Ginae, I want to thank you for the opportunity to be selected as the book of the month and for this interview. I wish you all the best in any of your endeavors.

RL Taylor
http://www.rltayloronline.com

Their Eyes Were Reading Smut

The following is an article by Nick Chiles, the editor in chief of Odyssey Colour Magazine.
He is also the co-author w/ Denene Millner of, "A Love Story"
This article was published a while ago in the New York Times.
What is your opinion?
Has "street-lit" been a blessing or a curse?
Should African-American books be lumped together in one section?
What kinds of books do you enjoy reading?

Last month I happened to go into the Borders Books store at the Stonecrest mall in Lithonia, Ga., about a half-hour from my house here. To my surprise, it had one of the largest collections of books by black authors that I've ever seen outside an independent black bookstore, rows and rows of bookcases. This is the sort of discovery that makes the pulse quicken, evidence of a population I've spent most of my professional life seeking: African-American readers. What a thrill to have so much space in a major chain store devoted to this country's black writers.

With an extra spring in my step, I walked into the "African-American Literature" section - and what I saw there thoroughly embarrassed and disgusted me.

On shelf after shelf, in bookcase after bookcase, all that I could see was lurid book jackets displaying all forms of brown flesh, usually half-naked and in some erotic pose, often accompanied by guns and other symbols of criminal life. I felt as if I was walking into a pornography shop, except in this case the smut is being produced by and for my people, and it is called "literature."

As a black author, I had certainly become familiar with the sexualization and degradation of black fiction. Over the last several years, I had watched the shelves of black bookstores around the country and the tables of street vendors, particularly in New York City, become overrun with novels that seemed to appeal exclusively to our most prurient natures - as if these nasty books were pairing off back in the stockrooms like little paperback rabbits and churning out even more graphic offspring that make Ralph Ellison books cringe into a dusty corner.

Early last year I walked into a B. Dalton bookstore in a New Jersey mall where the manager had always proudly told me how well my books were selling. This time, I was introduced to a new manager who was just as proud to show me an enhanced black books section teeming with this new black erotica. I've also noticed much more of this oversexed genre in Barnes & Noble bookstores over the past few months, although it's harder to see there since the chain doesn't appear to have separate black fiction sections.

But up until that visit to Borders in Lithonia, I had thought this mostly a phenomenon of the black retail world, where the black bookstore owners and street vendors say they have to stock what sells, and increasingly what sells are stories that glorify and glamorize black criminals. The genre has been described by different names; "ghetto fiction" and "street lit" are two I've heard most often. Apparently, what we are now seeing is the crossover of this genre to mainstream bookstores.

But the placard above this section of Borders in Lithonia didn't say "Street Lit," it said "African-American Literature." We were all represented under that placard, the whole community of black authors - from me to Terry McMillan and Toni Morrison, from Yolanda Joe and Benilde Little to Edward P. Jones and Kuwana Haulsey - surrounded and swallowed whole on the shelves by an overwhelming wave of titles and jackets that I wouldn't want my 13-year-old son to see: "Hustlin' Backwards." "Legit Baller." "A Hustler's Wife." "Chocolate Flava."

I've heard defenders say that the main buyers of these books, young black women, have simply found something that speaks to them, and that it's great that they're reading something. I'd agree if these books were a starting point, and that readers ultimately turned to works inspired by the best that's in us, not the worst.

But we're not seeing evidence of that. On Essence magazine's list of best sellers at black bookstores, for example, authors of street lit now dominate, driving out serious writers. Under the heading "African-American Literature," what's available is almost exclusively pornography for black women.

As I stood there in Borders, I had two sensations: I was ashamed and mortified to see my books sitting on the same shelves as these titles; and secondly, as someone who makes a living as a writer I felt I had no way to compete with these purveyors of crassness.

That leaves me wondering where we - writers, publishers, readers, the black community - go from here. Is street fiction some passing fad, or does it represent our future? It's depressing that this noble profession, one that I aspired to as a child from the moment I first cracked open James Baldwin and Gabriel García Márquez about 30 years ago, has been reduced by the greed of the publishing industry and the ways of the American marketplace to a tasteless collection of pornography.

I realize that publishing is a business, but publishers also have a responsibility to balance street lit with more quality writing. After all, how are we going to explain ourselves to the next generation of writers and readers who will wonder why they have so little to read of import and value produced in the early 21st century, why their founts of inspiration are so parched?

At times, I push myself away from the computer in anger. I don't want to compete with "Legit Baller." But then I come across something like "The Known World" by Edward P. Jones and again I am inspired.

But I must say that I retain very little of the hope and excitement and enthusiasm that I had when my first book was published eight years ago. I feel defeated, disrespected and troubled about the future of my community and my little subsection of this carnivorous, unforgiving industry.

How do you feel after reading this article?

Learn more about Nick Chiles: http://www.celebrateblacklove.com/

To learn more about RL Taylor: http://www.rltayloronline.com

My secret - I am Royce Tyler

Hello,

My name is Royce Tyler and I've been dealing with a lot of emotional stress lately and I'm looking to pull myself out of this saddened state. For the past few months I've been walking around trying to conceal this secret that I've been living with. It's bugging me because I feel like there isn't anyone out there who understands my situation.

I don't know who to turn to..who I can talk to? I'm really afraid that people will laugh at me, or look down on me. Believe me I'm trying to make it...it's hard. I'm not here to ask for money or even your sympathy. Really, a little understanding would be nice. Please, don't treat me like I have some kind of death-dealing contagious disease. I'm just looking for a listening ear. There's more people out here like me than you may even realize. I look just like you. Trust me, you couldn't pick me out of a crowd. I'm educated and well-spoken but that didn't stop me from ending up in this predicament.


I'm ashamed it's come to this point. I promise myself everyday that things are going to turn around. Things are going to change. I ran into an old girlfriend from college this morning. She had it going on. She looked absolutely amazing and had a a great job. I couldn't force myself to tell her the truth. When she asked me how I'd been doing I just lied and told her I was fine. In reality I'm not. I'm battling depression. There's more...I have to be honest. I have to tell someone. I'm homeless. There I said it....homeless.


To read more about me and my predicament, enjoy a free 15 Chapter preview of RL Taylor's new novel: Champagne, Jellybeans, and Chocolate. Click here for your FREE copy

Watch the short video about my situation by clicking here

How do you react to homeless people? Have you or anyone you know ever been forced to live on the street? How close do you think the average person is to ending up homeless?

A Few Homeless Facts and Statistics:

• Nationwide, 44 percent of homeless people have some sort of jobs, according to the latest statistics available from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.


• Of the adults who requested emergency food aid in 26 major American cities this year, 67 percent were employed, according to a report released recently by the U.S. Conference of Mayors.
  That's almost double the 37 percent found last year in the 30 cities surveyed by the mayors' conference; but no one at the organization can explain the increase.


• In 2006 52% of homeless adults and 54% of homeless youth 17 and younger report a recent diagnosis or treatment for a serious mental illness. In addition, 33% of adults and 24% of youth report cognitive disabilities that make them frequently confused or cause problems in making decisions.

For more information on this subject, please visit: http://www.nationalhomeless.org/

Why can't relationships be easy?

This is a fair question. There are many answers.

How do you feel? Below are 5 issues couples face today...

Issue #1: The Breadwinner-

Up until recently the male has been the provider of the typical American family. He won the bread and he brought home the goods. When the opportunity for marriage came along, it wasn't always an entirely attractive opportunity. It was a leap of faith to marry because it seemed he had a lot of freedom to lose. For a woman however, marriage was an opportunity to gain freedom. Freedom from the burden of providing for herself and the opportunity to try her hand at something she had never done before----have children. It's no wonder that women want marriage and men think twice.

Issue #2: The Breadwinner Catch-22-

Today, women value work, success and education, sometimes to the extent that they no longer seek the opportunities of family life. Many women today earn more than their man. What is he supposed to do? He can provide more than money for the family but his role has become cheapened---almost unnecessary. The woman takes a physical role (breadwinner) and a spiritual role (mother) and leaves very little for the man. What is his role? It's no wonder a man shirks from his “responsibilities.” What are his responsibilities?

Issue #3: Men Love their Playtime-
Men seem to value play and want freedom. However, most men are well aware that marriage isn't always about play. In fact, most of the time it's not about play. Women who value friendship and companionship sometimes think,commitment and children will force them to prioritize their values as they would prefer not to. It's reasonable to see why the male counterpart sometimes shies away from the serious relationship that is presented to him.

Issue #4: Fear of Failure-

Also with the fear of investing in a serious relationship is the fear of failure, and nothing offers as much potential for failure as marriage. It's been said that love is a gamble. It’s cruel. It’s dangerous. Commitment, can be even more of a minefield. No wonder that when love rears its head, many men hesitate – or turn and run.Serious Relationship Phobia

Issue #5: Lack of Options-

Believe it or not, a woman living in the U.S. Today will have far more options than the male counterpart who shares her same economic status. She can decide she wants children, that she wants to work, that she wants to go back to school, that she wants to change her career, that she wants it all.

All of that said; a serious relationship, when done with respect, and very careful consideration can actually be quite pleasant for both sexes...

What do you think are the biggest relationship issues facing couples today?

What have you done to have success in love?

In my new novel this subject is explored in dramatic fashion as Royce Tyler and Paula Daniels experience the ups and downs of trying to make things work in a society that doesn't make things easy.

It's even more difficult when one person is hiding the truth....

To read a FREE 15 Chapter excerpt from Champagne, Jellybeans, and Chocolate click here

Getting back together with your ex....

Getting back together after a long time can seem like a tricky proposition. If you are committed to making this relationship work there are a few things to keep in mind so that you can avoid the potential pitfalls that had you parting ways in the past. It’s a good idea to keep these things in mind as you explore a new relationship whether you've been apart for months or years.

Getting back together after a long time is not that uncommon. Couples are now finding one another and reconnection after years thanks to the power of the Internet and many programs that allow you to touch base with high school and college connections. A few thoughts…Don't work so hard at rekindling an old flame. That flame died for a reason. Make a point of building a new relationship based on the people you are today rather than the person you knew so long ago.
Strong bonds of love stand the test of time. If you really loved each other at one time the chances are that the love you felt didn't go away. It's still there you just might need to work a little bit to rekindle things. Chances are you buried it deep once the relationship ended - whatever the reason for the initial breakup may have been. People change. Hopefully for the better. Take the time to get to know the new person behind the familiar face. Getting to know the new person while remembering the things you loved about at the heart of your former sweetheart will assist you in not focusing on the new expectations and staying more focused on hope for the future. Look forward and not behind.

It is found to be difficult when getting back together after a long break to keep your eyes to the future. There is a past there but that past should stay buried. It’s the past. Don’t bring arguments from the old relationship up and make sure you work hard to live your relationship in the here and now rather than attempting to relive the relationship that ended so long ago. Talk, hold hands, and reminisce. Keep your eyes to the future rather than looking back at the relationships past.

Have you ever gotten back with an ex? If so, how did things work out?
Would you recommend this course of action to someone else?

In my new novel, Champagne, Jellybeans, and Chocolate the main characters reconnect after quite a few years apart. Their lifestyles have taken a change and their are a lot of secrets that they struggle to keep hidden. For a free 15 Chapter preview, click here

Hello Aliyah Burke

Aliyah Burke
Vittano’s Willow
Bio:
Aliyah Burke loves to read and write. Her debut novel was titled A Knight’s Vow. She is married to a career military man, they have two German Shepherds and a DSH cat. Her days are spent sharing her time between work, writing, and dog training.

What do you want readers to take away from your book?
I hope readers take away an adventure. I try to cover a gamut of emotions in a story, I want you to laugh, cry, or whatever right along with the characters, feel as if you are truly in the story with them.

Are you a believer in outlines, or do you write spontaneously?
Oh, I believe in them but they don’t work for me. J I’ve tried using and outline and my men just laugh and take me in the total opposite direction. So I’ve learned, my purpose is to pen the story, they’ll tell me how it plays out.

What do you think it is about your book that will keep readers turning the pages?
Hot men, feisty women, and hopefully places you can believe you’re there. I love adding little twists, my characters have quirks…ok, sometimes many of them but I think it makes them more “relatable” if that makes sense.

How can readers learn more and get in contact with you?
I love getting emails: aliyah_burke@hotmail.com sakima111@yahoo.com
Website: www.aliyah-burke.com
Myspace: www.myspace.com/aliyahburke
Yahoo group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/aliyah_burke/
Blog: http://aliyahburke.blogspot.com/
www.stores.lulu.com/aliyahburke
Satin Notes: this is a free read site which I am a part of with two other great authors.
www.satinnotes.com
Scribes Unleashed: a group I am a part of with 4 other wonderful authors
www.scribesunleashed.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/scribesunleashed/ thank you so much for the opportunity to do this interview.

Aliyah, this was my pleasure. Best wishes!
RL Taylor
http://www.rltayloronline.com

Greetings, Nannette Buchanan

Nanette M. Buchanan -

AuthorTitles: Family Secrets Lies & Alibi's - A Different Kind of Love (The Sequel)


Nanette M. Buchanan is a wife, mother, and grandmother. She's enjoying the new venture of publishing, marketing and promoting her works. Through the process she has now published, "Family Secrets Lies & Alibi's, "A Different Kind of Love", "Thoughts" (an e-book of her poetry). Her third novel, "Bruised Love", is scheduled to be released this fall. Nanette is currently working full time for the State of New Jersey, Department of Corrections.


What do you want readers to take away?
After reading my novel, I am hoping it will encourage families to talk about lineage. The secrets of the outside affairs that leave siblings separated. This has become a part of our way of life. However for the child, who either is deliberately kept away or has no connection to their father or other family members this becomes a burden to bear after a parents death. We now have more people looking for their lost family members because of the "Family Secrets, Lies & Alibi's".

Do you prefer outlines to write?
Once I begin working on a writing I commit myself to writing two chapters a night. I start with an outline of the entire story. The characters develop as I write but the basis of the story and the outcome has already been determined.

What will keep readers turning the pages?
My novel is real. It relates to people we know, if not ourselves. One can substitute the names of my fictitious characters with those they have personal encounters with. A believable story makes the best journey for reading.

How can readers reach you?
I'm available for chats and book signings. I encourage feedback from my readers and reviewers. My sites are www.ipendesigns.com and www.myspace.com/ipendesigns. Please visit often, sign my guest book for updates on my blogs, events and information on my upcoming book releases.Thank you for this opportunity to connect to your audience.

Marilyn Meredith speaks to us...

F. M. Meredith a.k.a. Marilyn Meredith
No Sanctuary, the latest in the Rocky Bluff P.D. series.

Bio:
Marilyn Meredith is the author of over twenty-five published novels, including the award winning Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery series, the latest Kindred Spirits from Mundania Press. Under the name of F. M. Meredith she writes the Rocky Bluff P.D. crime series, No Sanctuary is the newest from Oak Tree Press. In order to write the Rocky Bluff P.D. series, she's done several ride-alongs and draws on experiences related to her by her friends and relatives in law enforcement, though she always reminds everyone she is writing fiction.
She is a member of EPIC, Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, and on the board of the Public Safety Writers of America. She was an instructor for Writer’s Digest School for ten years, served as an instructor at the Maui Writer’s Retreat and many other writer’s conferences.


What do you want readers to take away from your book?
When I began writing the Rocky Bluff P.D. series my goal was to let the reader see how the what happens on the "job" affects the family and what happens with the family affects the "job." With any of my books, what I truly want is for the reader to enjoy learnng about Rocky Bluff and the people who live there, and to be caught up in whatever mystery or crime is going on.

Are you a believer in outlines, or do you write spontaneously?

I do not outline the way some authors do. Because I'm writing a series, the world my characters live in is already created, many of the characters are ongoing, though different ones may have starring roles depending upon the book. In No Sanctuary the romance between Detective Doug Milligan and Officer Stacey Wilbur doesn't have much of a chance to develop as they investigate the murder of a popular minister's wife.

What I do when starting a new series book is decide what kind of crime I want the characters to face and what new characters need to be created--and because the Rocky Bluff P.D. is always a centerpiece, there will be more than one problem to be faced both on the job and in their personal lives.

What do you think it is about your book that will keep readers turning the pages?
My intention was to create enough suspense to entice the reader to want to find out how the mystery will be resolved and what will happen in the characters lives.

How can readers learn more and get in contact with you?

To learn more about me and my books, visit my website: http://fictionforyou.com
No Sanctuary is available in all the usual places on line including Amazon.com and the publisher's website: http://www.oaktreebooks.com under the Dark Oak label, and is also available on Kindle.

Autographed copies are available through my website: http://fictionforyou.com

I have a blog: http://marilynmeredith.blogspot.com where I post nearly every day, writing tips as well as things I've been doing.

Thank you for interviewing me.



Marilyn...my pleasure

Meet Deondriea...

Deondriea...


Author Bio
Deondriea’s life in itself is a story to be told. She has faced and conquered obstacles that most people would deem amazing. Deondriea became a parent at 14. However, the challenges of being a teen parent did not stop her from graduating high school and successfully raising her three children alone.

Deondriea has written poetry, short stories, and most notable Rhythm Can’t Keep Time, Sometimes Love Just Ain’t Enough. Deondriea aspires to have a positive impact on everyone she encounters through effective communication, veracity, and affirmative interaction. Deondriea’s motto is, “with direction and discipline, accomplishment is attainable.”

What do you want readers to take away from your book?
When reading Rhythm Can’t Keep Time, I want readers to understand that love in any type of relationship is a verb, not and adjective. Meaning love is more valuable when it is shown rather than felt. Although love can be shown and felt simultaneously, it should never be felt and not sown. Also, I challenge readers to define, know, and seek relationships that are positive, healthy and whole.

Are you a believer in outlines, or do you write spontaneously?
Depending on what I am writing determines whether or not I use an outline. The use of an outline is usually dictated by the length of what I am writing. When I am writing a book or something that covers a variety of subjects an outline works better. In fact, an outline makes it easier for me to write lengthy stories. I am able to skip around specific headers as needed without extra editing.

What do you think it is about your book that will keep readers turning the pages?
I believe the story compels readers to keep turning pages is Rhythm Can’t Keep Time deals with true to life characters and situations. Readers of both sexes are able to find at least one character and/or situation that he or she can relate to.

How can readers learn more and get in contact with you?
Readers can learn more and contact me at www.deondriea.com or on Facebook, Myspace, Linkedin, or Twitter user name is Deondriea.

Spotlight on Cynthia Toliver

Cynthia Toliver, author of Crown's Jewel, IUniverse 2008

Bio: Ms. Toliver is an author, teacher and engineer. She writes historical and contemporary fiction. Crown's Jewel is her first published novel. She is currently completing a family saga.

What do you want readers to take away from your book?


I want readers to be transported to a different place and time. I want them to be emotionally invested in the characters. I want readers to care what happens. Crown's Jewel does just that.

Crown McGee comes to Colwin County, Texas to claim his estranged father's estate, a thriving rice farm, dilapidated mansion and cemetery. Smitten by tenant Carrie Giddings, Crown vows to have Carrie just as he has claimed his father's land. Crown offers complicity in a murder in exchange for Carrie, but the Giddings flee Colwin County, leaving Carrie's daft sister Jewel in Carrie's place. On the road to love and redemption, Crown faces hard lessons, a daughter Sela, born with his deformity and a wayward brother Jackson bent on claiming the estate.

Readers tell me they have a love/hate relationship with Crown McGee that parallels Crown's discovery of his own self-worth. When Crown learns to love himself, he can extend that love to others. That is a universal lesson.

Are you a believer in outlines, or do you write spontaneously?

I have done both. Characters have a backstory - a history that motivates them to act the way they do. I find it helps me to develop a profile for my major characters and a timeline for key events, including events that occurred before the story begins.There are times however when a story just takes off without an itinerary. A great story can develop either way.


What do you think it is about your book that will keep readers turning the pages?

Readers love these characters. Short chapters and good writing propel the story and the reader to a climatic end.

How can readers learn more and get in contact with you?

Visit www.cynthiatoliver.net to learn more and contact me.

Introducing Carol Ann Culbert Johnson

Carol Ann Culbert Johnson -

What do you want readers to take away from your book?
I want my readers to take away from my book the arena of romance, and reality. My short stories are about things that happen to men and women all day and night. I want my readers to enjoy a good short story about love and romance, and the every day ingredients of trials and tribulations. I want to be remembered for my "I confess" series.
Are you a believer in outlines, or do you write spontaneously?
I don't really write in outlines. When I see something on television, or outside, a friend or stranger, or a movie, I immediately write it down in my black and white composition book, and add my spend to it. I can write in the middle of the night, the morning, the afternoon, on the train, in the bathroom, etc.
What do you think it is about your book that will keep readers turning the pages?
I hope the short stories will keep you turning because you don't know what's coming next. You can read "Business Love" in one chapter, and then "Fatal Mistake" in another chapter. My stories don't have the same theme, but they do promote romance, which I am a believer of. I know everyone has a mate for them. I think the titles will also add a twist because the story surprises you in a lot of ways.
How can readers learn more and get in contact with you?
Readers can contact me at greeniconfessbooks@yahoo.com and www.carolannjohnson.net where they can sign the guestbook and explore my website. I have some interesting information on my website and email me for any questions or comments.

Carol Ann Culbert Johnson
http://www.carolannjohnson.net
www.lulu.com/jcarolannjohnson

Meet Doris A. Johnson

Doris A.C. Johnson
“You’ll Never Be Ready Until You Do It”

(Bio)
I am a volunteer for the Michigan Epilepsy Foundation, a domestic violence activist and public speaker whose mission is to educate, inspire, and arm women with the mental ammunition necessary to stand and walk (even if it means taking baby steps) towards a better life. My first novel, “You’ll Never Be Ready Until You Do It” is a testament of my struggle that serves as an anthem for victims as well as the survivors of abuse. I am currently a third year Psychology major who aspires to use my experiences and passion as an avenue to commit myself to servicing the needs of women facing adversity.

What do you want readers to take away from this book?
I want readers to take away from my book that all things are possible, that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, that tomorrow comes in the morning and that change begins with self. When I was in the abusive relationship, I never felt ready to leave because their were obstacles at every turn and I contested the impediments initially with an assortment of reasons explaining why I couldn’t walk out…why I did not feel strong enough to leave…why I didn’t think I could make it on my own when I was already alone…alone with company. Take with you that sometimes no amount of planning and contemplation can prepare you to make a change and that you may never be ready until you do it.
Do you believe in writing outlines?
I believe in outlines and use them depending on how well structured and organized the topic upon which I am writing needs to be. In my first novel, “You’ll Never Be Ready Until You Do It”, I used a form of outlining because I compiled over 15 years worth of journals as the foundation and basis for my story. It was a great help. At the beginning of the book, I just free lanced or wrote spontaneously the information but because the story was inspired by actual events it was important for me to be organized to a certain degree for the sake of clarity. I believe that when a story line is experienced based it also needs to give off an air of naturalness to draw in the reader so that they are able to evoke emotions and appeal to the reading audience’s intellect.
What will keep the readers turning the pages?
I believe that what will keep readers turning the pages of this book is being able to relate to someone who is going through something that affects each of us on some level in our daily lives. When people read this book they are probably gaining a better understanding of why it takes so many women such a long time to break the chains of abuse and move towards a better life. I think the strength and charisma that the main character displays keeps the reader interested in what she will do next, and how she will handle each turning point in her life. The book is a nail biter, a crier, a laugher, and a beacon of hope for anyone who feels to weary to carry on.
How can we contact you?
Readers can learn more and contact me on www.myspace.com/djluvs2write, www.myspace.com/candix6, www.dorisajohnson.com, 313-247-8277

Get to know C.M. Albrecht...

C. M. Albrecht-

Bio: I presently have seven novels, all in the crime genre. The Little Mornings, Marta’s Place, The Albemarle Affair, The Reception, Music, Evidence and Still Life with Music. Some are in print, some coming in print, all available as e-books.

I always wanted to write, but for many years I had too many other activities going on; a good excuse to put off writing. Once I really got started, I found I loved it.

1. What do you want readers to take away from your book?

I hope the reader will not only learn something or gain a new perspective, as well as come away with a sense of satisfaction. I hate when a book (or movie) leaves things up in the air. When I want “real life”, I read the newspapers.

2. Are you a believer in outlines, or do you write spontaneously?

Actually, I do sort of use an outline, but it’s in my head. I always have a pretty clear idea of the ending, so I know my destination. But instead of taking the freeway, I take the “scenic route”.I learn new things about the characters and the story as I go.

3. What do you think it is about your book that will keep readers turning the pages?

I try offer interesting characters and to keep things moving, with a periodic brisk change of scene and atmosphere, like stopping and taking a fresh breath. When you watch a movie, you instinctively know when the director allows a scene to drag on too long. A good director knows when to yell, “Cut!” Same with a book.

4. How can readers learn more and get in contact with you?

I have sites at http://www.crimespace.ning.com as well as others. By searching for C.M. Albrecht, you can bring all these up along with info about my novels. Readers are certainly welcome to contact me at: pplepic@yahoo.fr
I’m happily married and not looking for any personal relationships, but questions, comments or suggestions about writing are certainly welcome. My one piece of advice to anyone who is trying to get published would be: Never give up.

Introducing Chevetta Burton

My name is Chevetta Burton.

The title of my book is Aloha… A New Beginning.

The gift of writing came naturally for me at a young age. I love putting my thoughts onto paper and then developing a story to share with others. Even though I didn't act upon writing a novel until I was older, the dream to become a published author was always there. My greatest motivation to write and publish came from some of my former professors who read my papers and expressed how much they enjoyed the material. I've obtained a BA in Marketing from Cleary University; and a Masters of Science in Human Resources and Organizational Development from Eastern Michigan University.
What do you want readers to take away from your book?
My book is about friendship, love, trust, and pursuing a dream.
Are you a believer in outlines, or do you write spontaneously?
I do tend to write spontaneously but I am a believer in outlines because it helps to keep things organized.
What do you think it is about your book that will keep readers turning the pages?
The story itself is refreshing and people can relate to the characters therefore readers want to continue to see what happens next. It is and I intended for it to be an easy read.
How can readers learn more and get in contact with you?
Readers may visit my website at www.chevettaburton.com and they can also email me at cburton38522@yahoo.com

Meet Madison Taylor

Madison Taylor, Author
Title of Book: Scattered Lies
Release date: October, 2009

First I would like to say thank you for this opportunity. I see this as my first to many interviews.

Madison Taylor is the definition of hard work. 32, the eldest of three girls, raised in Bronx, NY, I was faced with many challenges. Strived to finish school and become a lawyer, I managed to obtain a Bachelors in Criminal Justice and currently in Graduate school to obtain my MPA at John Jay College.

I surmised myself as having a dramatic imagination and writing became my passion hobby. I’ve had this story in my head so long, it seemed like I had lived it. I had made so many excuses as to why this wouldn’t work and kept putting it on hold, but I was tired of reading the same stories over and over again and eventually decided my story would bring to the public a creative twist to the ghetto drama.

Tell us about your book----

I want readers to read Scattered Lies and take in the spirit of each character. Many fiction books are written and the story focuses on one character. My book brings you four stories of different lives that deceit brings together through a world wind of unpredictable events. I want readers to see that sometimes we will do anything for self preservation and when it comes to personal happiness nothing is sacred.
How do you write?
I am a spontaneous writer. I feel outlines limit my thought process. When I free write it gives me just that, freedom to write.
Why will readers keep turning pages?
The key page turner of Scattered Lies is the characters are relatable. A reader, man or women will see something in the book that will remind them of “that” time. Scattered Lies is also a dramatic novel that takes us on a unique journey of a different ghetto minus the clichés’ of the more circulated street tales of sex, money and murder.
How can readers contact you?
Scattered Lies was self published through Influential Writers Publishing Company, owned by me, promoted and managed by One 2 NV Management Company.
I can be reached at: Influential Writers Publishing Company
621 Beverly Rancocas Road
PMB 145
Willingboro , NJ 08046
www.influentialwriterspublishing.com
888*536*0085

One 2 NV Management
621 Beverly Rancocas Road
PMB 134
Willingboro , NJ 08046
646*363*1748
contactme@one2nvmanagement.vpweb.com