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Our core belief: We are each other's harvest; we are each other's business; we are each other's magnitude and bond. – Gwendolyn Brooks

Re'Gena Bell-Roberts was featured on the Steve Harvey Show as one of the Harvey's Heroes!

Re'Gena Bell-Roberts is an actress, poet, award-winning playwright and author whose published work includes a collection of prose and poetry. She earned a bachelor's degree in history from the University of California at Los Angeles and raised her four children as a single parent while continuing to pursue a career.

Re’Gena won the Rockefeller Foundation award for her play "Eclipse"; and a Prose award from Culver City Community College. She produced and directed an NAACP Martin Luther King Day celebration event; and received numerous awards for her community service. She was featured on the Steve Harvey Show and honored as one of “Steve Harvey’s Hero.” Re’Gena resides in Murrieta, California.

BPM: Tell us about your passion for writing. Why do you write? What drives you? What impact do you want your book to make on the readers?
My passion for writing began at an early age while searching for a voice among my seven siblings. It was then that I discovered the power of the written word in the form of poetry or short stories. I am driven to write because it empowers me as an artist to evoke my inner feelings, thoughts and emotions and share them with others.

I want Walking on Thin Ice to take the reader on an unforgettable journey of love, pain and heartbreak that will inspire, motivate an empower them to make better choices and decisions in order to have a better quality of life.

BPM: Can you share a little of your current work with us? Introduce us to your book.
Walking on Thin Ice is a love story told amid the backdrop of passion, betrayal and pain. The book opens up with all the candor –– frustration, love, trial, tribulation and humor –– indicative of the human spirit. I wrote the book after cultivating it mentally and physically for many years.

Walking on Thin Ice, a memoir of love, hate, envy, and greed traces a young woman's pursuit of stardom down a dangerous road that leads to shattered dreams and a harrowing fate.

The young woman longed for fame and fortune until at last a man comes to set her free - only to be betrayed again. The saga portrays her tumultuous life as she struggles to deal with a tragic life-threatening event. Against life’s most overwhelming odds, she fights back with unshakable strength, courage, and a will to survive.

BPM: Finish this sentence- My writing offers the following legacy to future readers...
My writing offers the following legacy to future readers... a message of hope in the face of adversity.

BPM: What was your primary quest in publishing this book?
My primary quest in publishing the book was to share my story–– my struggles, my truths and my journey to convey a message of love, hope and redemption.

BPM: Who did you write this book for? Why?
I wrote this book for young girls and women who are craving the love of a man, as I did, and who are interested in or can relate to the ups and downs of a tumultuous relationship, and the risks of following your heart and desires into dangerous territory. I wrote this book for anyone who has ever been in an abusive relationship whether it’s physical, emotional or psychological. The story is as relevant today as it was decades ago.

BPM: Walk us through your journey to success. How did you get to this point? What has been your greatest challenge and how did you overcome it?
My success came after my lowest point and on the threshold of losing faith until I surrendered the reigns of my life to God. My faith allowed me to trust God and understand that sometimes the plans we make for ourselves is not the plan that He has for us. At that point I prepared to use my gift of writing knowing that it would be a long and arduous task.

My greatest challenge was facing reality –– the truth about the choices I made and how they impacted not only my life, but the lives of my family and friends—my loved ones. I overcame the experience first by accepting responsibility in the detrimental role I played in self-destruction and second, accepting the amazing grace of a second chance.

BPM: At what point in your career did you discover your real worth and own it?
I discovered my real worth the moment I regained use of my hands and placed wet ink on paper. I claimed it and took ownership of it.

BPM: Was there anyone early in your career that recognized your talent and help cultivate it?
Yes. It was definitely two of my English/literature teachers in high school who encouraged my writing talent and offered personal selections of books for me to read.

BPM: Do you feel as if your writing is making a positive impact on readers, women, or the world?
Yes. I do believe my writing is making a positive impact on readers of both gender, male and female. I feel that my book causes readers to pause and examine their relationships. It draws them deep into the very fiber and psyche of how it feels to be “Walking on Thin Ice.”

Connect with Re'Gena Bell-Roberts
Twitter: http://twitter.com/rlbroberts
Website: http://walking-on-thin-ice.com
Facebook: http://facebook.com/regena.bellroberts

Order Walking on Thin Ice by Re'Gena Bell-Roberts
Download Link: http://amzn.com/1491764759
Genre:   True Story. Non-fiction. Memoir

Born and raised in Southeast Michigan near Ann Arbor, Elle learned the importance of reading from her mother. It was also her mother who, later on in her life, gave Elle her first romance novel: Indigo by Beverly Jenkins. From that moment on, Elle became a fan of Ms. Jenkins for life and a lover of all things romance. An old journal she wrote back in college became her first book (which she still wants to publish one day).

BPM: How did you get to be where you are in your life today? Who or what motivated you?
I would not be where I am today without God. Without Him, I’d be nothing. My mother used to sing a song when I was little that says “Without Him, my life would be drifting like a ship without a sail.”

I’m where I am as a writer because of hours spent daydreaming, hard work, and perseverance. I’ve always wanted to do more, be more. My mother inspired me to read. My children inspire me to create, to follow my dreams. How can I instill in them follow their dreams if I don’t lead by example?

BPM: Who does your body of literary work speak to? Do you consider authors as role models?
I think my body of literary work speaks to lovers of romance and drama! I love to write love stories and delve into how people find love, sustain it. There are so many authors that I consider role models; authors who are doing their thing in this genre and others. I’m always amazed and very grateful for the many authors who’ve given awesome advice, shared my book, and read my work. It’s been a wonderful experience meeting authors I’ve read and getting a chance to pick their brains or just chat with them.

BPM: What inspired you to sit down and actually start writing this book? Why now?
Her Kind of Man is book 3 in my Edge of Scandal Series. When I started the series, I wanted to explore the dynamics of a close-knit group of friends. There is a theme in each of the books. This book delves into unrequited love. There is something about Allina and Kent that is pure magic. There’s an innocence to their relationship. I had a good time heating them up, but I especially loved the bonding scenes. They had an ease and genuine affection for each other that made me smile. I love it!

BPM: What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
Actually, the best part of writing this book was that was so challenging. I really had to push myself with this one. There are disturbing moments in the book, but mostly, it’s a journey to happiness. Allina and Kent had to climb out of that box they put themselves in; in their careers and in their relationship with each other.

BPM: Where do your book ideas come from? Are your books plot-driven or character-driven? Why?
Usually, my book ideas come from weird questions posed by friends or family. The Forbidden Man came about when a friend asked the simple question, “What would happen if a woman was torn between two brothers?” From there, it became my goal to write a book where the reader would sympathize and even root for the forbidden relationship.

Character-driven. I want my characters to make sense, so I spend a lot of time with characterization. My cousin always tells me “if it doesn’t make sense, don’t do it.” For example, Allina was a runaway bride. She left her wedding, her parents, and her groom behind because she felt like she was in danger. She was dealing with so much in the present that was bringing up demons from her past. So, I had to slow the romance part down because it didn’t make sense for her character to rush it. Also, Kent was so noble, he would have never taken advantage of her.

BPM: Could you tell us something about your most recent work? Is this book available on Nook and Kindle?
Engaged to a prominent preacher, Allina Parker is the envy of Cleveland. But instead of walking down the aisle, she’s running out the door. After her groom-to-be reveals his true nature, she flees to Michigan, back to Kent. Kent is the man she left behind, the one man she knew she’d always love. He is also one of her dearest friends. When she appears on his doorstep, Kent makes it his mission to protect her and finds out that there is more to her story than she’s telling him. The book is available on Nook, Kindle, iBooks, Kobo, and Google Play.

BPM: Give us some insight into your main characters or speakers. What makes each one so special?
Allina is incredibly intelligent and creative. She’s the friend that you know is going to support you through whatever while remaining calm and collected. Her dream of dreams is to design wedding gowns, but she’s left that behind to marry. Unfortunately, she didn’t realize that her Prince Charming was a sociopath. The best thing about Allina is that she surprises me. On the surface, she seems one way. But there’s so much more to her. I enjoyed figuring her out.

Kent is… loyal, dedicated, handsome, strong, protective, and funny. I absolutely loved him in all three books. He was my comic relief, but he’s also the type of friend everyone needs. He’s creative and extremely hardworking: the perfect book boyfriend.

BPM: Are there under-represented groups or ideas featured in your book?
Yes! I love to write African American romance. I love writing diverse characters. It’s my reality.

BPM: How does your book relate to your present situation, spiritual practice or journey?
Honestly, I think I was Allina. I was the good girl. I married my best friend. I’ve struggled with living up to people’s perception of me. Yep, she’s me and I am her. LOL

BPM: Did you learn anything personal from writing your book? Can you share some stories about people you met while researching this book?
One thing I always learn when writing my books are new ways of thinking about things. Each character approaches decisions differently. Most of the time in ways I would never think of.

I’m laughing because I found out that yoga pants are apparently sexy to some men. So I put that in the book. I also had to learn about different sketchpad apps for a particular scene, which was neat.

I’m from Michigan (GO BLUE), and part of the book takes place in Cleveland, so I got a chance to talk to a few friends who are from the Buckeye state. I learned about a few festivals and restaurants there that I’d want to visit one day.

BPM: What were your goals and intentions in this book, and how well do you feel you achieved them?
My goal was to write a different book. I didn’t want all the books in the series to be the same. Each couple was very different. They all had their own crosses to bear, things to overcome. I needed to do each character justice. I feel that I achieved that in this book. It’s nothing like the first two books of the series, in my opinion.

BPM: What projects are you working on at the present?
At the moment, I’m plotting two contemporary romance series. Both feature secondary characters introduced in the series. Also, I’m plotting a romantic suspense series and a Women’s Fiction.

BPM: How can readers discover more about you and your work?
Website: http://www.ellewright.com
Twitter: @LWrightAuthor
Instagram: @lrwright09
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElleWrightAuthor

Purchase Her Kind of Man by Elle Wright
Series: Edge of Scandal (Book 3)
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Check out the books in the Edge of Scandal Series

Edge of Scandal Book One – The Forbidden Man (released July 28, 2015)
Tag Line: She’s walking out on her no-good fiancé… and into the arms of his brother.

Edge of Scandal Book Two – His All Night (released November 24, 2015)
Tag Line: No expectations, no commitments, no one gets hurt…or so she thought.

Order all of the books in the Edge of Scandal Series
http://www.amazon.com/Elle-Wright/e/B00VMEWB78

Nichol Bradford, a proud Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority sister, is fascinated by human potential, and has always been interested in how technology can help individuals expand beyond their perceived limits to develop and transform themselves to the highest level.

She spent the last decade exploring these ideas in the online game industry, serving as a senior executive with responsibility for strategy, operations and marketing for major brands that include: Activision Blizzard, Disney, and Vivendi. Most recently she managed the operations of Blizzard properties, including World of Warcraft, in China.

Now, as the CEO of the Willow Group, Nichol is applying those same skills to the realm of elevating psychological well-being. Willow is a transformative technology company focused on employing rigorous scientific research to develop training protocols, hardware and software that can produce a reliable and positive change in the human experience. She is also a member of the African-American MBA Association

Nichol has an MBA from Wharton School of Business in Strategy, and a BBA in Marketing from the University of Houston. She is a fellow of the British American Project, currently serves on the board of the Brandon Marshall Foundation for Mental Health, and is a former term member of the Council on Foreign Relations.

BPM: How did you get to be where you are in your life today? Who or what motivated you?
I wrote the book I wanted to read about strong yet vulnerable and intelligent black women committed to a great and grand goal — mental freedom and empowerment for all. I was tired of not seeing heroes that looked like me. I wanted to see someone like me save the world, not as a side-kick or agency head, but as the actual, certifiable central hero. I wanted to read about Olivia Pope back then, but since she didn’t exist yet, I wrote my own. I also wanted really well-developed characters who had something on their minds other than men. So some of the characters are happily married, and some are single, but most of all their focus is not just on their men (or lack thereof) but on their friendship and common goals. I also love technology and so wanted the women to be deeply immersed in that world.

I am deeply motivated by the memory of my mother, Vivian Jones Bradford. My mother is the model for the visionary leader of the Sisterhood, Vivian Delacroix. My mother was an entrepreneur. She was completely committed to helping women and supporting the efforts of black women in particular. She believed most in defending the defenseless and used her legal education to do so. I started volunteering by her side when I was a child and she made sure that my values included service to the betterment of society.

Like the CEO on the book, my mother died suddenly and unexpectedly (months after I graduated from college). She was a young fifty, healthy, and we were very much alike. My last conversation with her was the morning of her death, and I’m so grateful for that. I was devastated. It took at least a year for me to reorient myself. The shock of losing her shaped the way I approach life. It instilled a sense that there’s plenty of time, but no time to waste. I believe in being passionate about the work that you do and who you do it with, because none of us knows how much time we have. I believe in being mission driven. I have the loss of my mother to thank for what I feel is a highly effective approach to a full life.

I’m deeply motivated by the idea of empowering people to free their minds in order to create choice and options in their lives. That thread runs through most of what I’ve done — from writing the Sisterhood, to working at a senior level in the video game industry, to launching an online meditation course, to pioneering the transformative technology sector.

Transformative Technology is about making the technology in our lives support our well-being and not just our productivity. The last decade found me exploring the idea of transformative technology in the video game industry, where I served as a senior executive with responsibility for strategy, operations, and marketing for games internationally for major brands that include: Activision/Blizzard, Disney, and Vivendi.

Most recently I managed the operations of Blizzard properties, including World of Warcraft, in China. During this time, I also began to meditate and saw interesting parallels between it and gaming. Both enable delight, flow, and access to dynamic states of consciousness. Meditation, though, goes even further and can profoundly and positively impact well-being. It seemed logical to me that technologies that directly impact human experience could do so as well, but no one seemed to be seriously working on it. So, I left Blizzard to pioneer Transformative Technology.

BPM: Who does your body of literary work speak to? Do you consider authors as role models?
My books are for women who want to make a difference with their lives — women who care about their communities, families, and lives and want to make positive change. Black women have a beautiful heroic nature, and I wanted to show that you don’t have to be wearing head-to-toe spanx to be heroic. The “Superwoman” meme sells us short. It makes us think that there’s something wrong with our heroism. We believe that our heroic nature will ensure that we are single and have nine cats so we reject our nature in order to not be alone.

Or we believe that we can’t be heroes and also be vulnerable so we build walls around our hearts while we work ourselves to death. Real heroism is the flexibility to be strong AND vulnerable AND all of those things - while keeping focused on our wider mission. As far as role models go, I think that anyone who is positive and lives with integrity can be a role model — so if an author is doing that, then yes — she or he is a role model.

BPM: What inspired you to sit down and actually start writing this book? Why now?
The Sisterhood started on a late night drive home from a success workshop I gave during college. That night, I had this group of beautiful young black women stand in a circle and tell each other, one at a time and by name, that they were smart, beautiful, and could have anything that they wanted and worked for. It was a hard session, each and every young women cried when the group told her that she could actually have what she wanted. And I realized that we don’t know this...not really (even I didn’t always believe this and still have my moments where I don’t).

As I drove home, I felt really inadequate. I know that workshops can help, but they don’t last long enough to really shift someone...or help someone shift themselves. I started thinking about how I could show what it would look like, to be women who believed they could have what they wanted and worked individually and together to make that a reality. So I decided to write the Sisterhood. I conceived of an organization of women, who faced a series of challenges. Addressing those challenges would allow me to show versus tell how an individual can be successful. I went home and jotted the basic plot down which today is more or less the same.

However, it was another eight years before I actually started writing. The events that prompted me to write the book in the Fall of 2000, to actually sit down and type the first word was a break-up that triggered a recommitment to myself. I was in business school and had been dating a sweet man, who though wonderful in many way, was not the right person for me. I also had been interviewing for jobs that truthfully, I was only interested in for the security and the salary. Essentially, I was headed towards a life that was not aligned with my inner North Star. Luckily, the man did something break-up worthy (and so we did) and none of the jobs came through (thank goodness).

I’m a Virgo baby, so every September I do an assessment on my life — where am I mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually, and professionally. During this period, I also try to clean things up — I ask forgiveness, forgive, clean out my closets, and think about what my goals are for the following year. As a part of this, I had been thinking about my goals, and realized that I had put “write the Sisterhood” on my list for eight years — and I just refused to start another year without having taken an action. Taking that action, after all the difficult things that had happened that year, was a proxy for a commitment to myself, to my intuition, to the life that I truly wanted to lead. It took another eight years to write the entire book, and then two more to publish it.

BPM: Give us some insight into your main characters. What makes each one so special?
All of the Sisterhood characters are smart and strong...yet flawed like all real human beings. They aren’t perfect — but by working together they complement one another and accomplish great things. Tonia Rawlings is the main character that you follow and I just love and admire her. She’s the head of security for the Sisterhood and carries the weight of her best friend’s death on her shoulders because Vivian, the CEO of the Sisterhood, is assassinated on the first page.

Vivian’s death triggers a chain of events where Tonia is tested more than ever — which is saying allot given a life story that includes an abusive husband, a drug conviction, and the death of a child. In order to navigate the danger, she has to change herself. Watching her wrench a new version of herself from the old is a powerful illustration of how to do the same thing.

The nine leaders in the book are based on ALL the women I know - from the amazing women I grew up around, to those I pledged AKA with in 1990, to the women I met at in the African-American MBA Association at business school, to all the women I’ve met along the way . One of the things I love about this book is that it represents the full diaspora - every size, shape, and hue of black women. The women come from all backgrounds, educations, and geographies but they share a common bond through their desire to positively impact their world. They are all women who have integrity with themselves and with their Sisterhood, showing what that looks like and the real possibilities it can create in our lives.

BPM: So, who would be a woman/member of the Sisterhood?
If you are reading this interview then she might just be you. Or maybe she’s the woman who works next to you. From businesswomen to teachers to any profession, any smart and talented woman you admire could be a secret member of The Sisterhood. That’s part of the fun of the book too - wondering about the women in your life to guess who might be in The Sisterhood already - because maybe it isn’t just a book. ;-)

BPM: Why are there nine leaders in the Sisterhood?
The Sisterhood is more than a book, it is also a teaching narrative. Each of the women represents one of nine leadership traits (discipline, self-knowledge, financial stewardship, service, sacrifice, education, vision, innovation, and entrepreneurship). In The Sisterhood, how they address challenges to their survival illustrates what is possible with collective action and individual excellence. They present a powerful illustration of what a group of focused women can do together.

The concept came to me on a late night drive home from a success workshop I gave during college for a group of high-school girls. That night, I had the group stand in a circle and tell each other, one at a time and by name, that they were smart, beautiful, and could have anything that they wanted and worked for. It was a hard session, with most of the girls unable to accept the endorsement without tears. So many of them simply could not see it, much less believe it.

As I drove home, I thought that there had to be a better way to illustrate what fulfilling one’s potential would look like - something more penetrating than quotes from self-help books and short workshop sessions. On that drive, I decided to write The Sisterhood. I conceived of an organization of women, who faced a series of challenges. Addressing those challenges would allow me to “show” versus “tell” how an individual can be successful. I went home and jotted the basic plot down which today is more or less the same.

BPM: What inspired the amazing book cover for The Sisterhood? Is this book available on Nook and Kindle?
I love the new cover of the Sisterhood. It captures the blend of drama, focus and technology that sits at the heart of the novel. You can see it in the eyes of Tonia, the woman on the cover, she will not rest until she perseveres. Also, it has the iconic Sisterhood sword on the cover blended with a data stream that I think is also ancient and futuristic.

The sword comes from a quote I once read about how the vast continent of a woman’s life crosses the shadow of a sword, where one side lies the known, but the other lies adventure. I would say to the other side also lies purpose and mission. We are vessels of potential and we realize it now more than ever. The e-book is available on Kindle and the hard copies are available at www.mskincorporated.com.

BPM: What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
I enjoyed learning how to actually write. Though I was an avid reader, I didn’t know how to write fiction. I didn’t know how to show not tell. I had to learn how to write in order to share the story I had in my heart. I was lucky enough to meet the legendary literary agent Marie Brown, who introduced me to the woman who became my editor and my teacher. I remember sitting at my computer at times, crying, because my skills didn’t yet allow me to tell the story I could see in my mind. But I refused to give up. I didn’t stop until The Sisterhood was complete.

Since I was working full time, and more, I wrote at 5AM before work, after work and weekends. I missed parties, dates, and trips. But I got that story out of my heart and onto paper, dammit. It was the most wonderful/horrible thing I have ever done, and I grew as a person and a woman by doing it. I highly recommend making a goal that requires you evolve and learn something new in order to achieve it.

BPM: Where do your book ideas come from? Are your books plot-driven or character-driven?
My books are mission driven (thank you Mom!). I think of the effect I want a book to have and then craft a story that makes that point. However, even with a mission-driven writing process, the story has to stand on its own, and be worth reading even without an underlying message.

The Sisterhood is more than a book, it is also a teaching narrative. Each of the women represents one of nine leadership traits (discipline, self-knowledge, financial stewardship, service, sacrifice, education, vision, innovation, and entrepreneurship). In The Sisterhood, how they address challenges to their survival illustrates what is possible with collective action and individual excellence. They present a powerful illustration of what a group of focused women can do together.

The book can be read just for entertainment, or it can be read as a skills blueprint. Each of the characters is informed by several major skills and personality testing programs, like the Meyers-Briggs test and the Leadership Women’s EQ. There’s a workbook that allows the reader to assess her own skills as she reads the book and then make an action plan to fill in the areas where she’d like to excel.

I write mission-driven books in order to illustrate a world where women are awake, think for themselves, live with purpose, and work together. All of this is possible, and if we were to live this way, then we could transform our lives, our communities and the world.

BPM: Are there under-represented groups or ideas featured in your book? If so, discuss them.
I’ll answer this question with a summary that was written by one of the LA talent agencies on the Sisterhood.
In this empowering story, African-American women joining together to fight slavery in the new millennium. A reinvention of the futuristic action genre, intelligent technology, hot cars and sleek offices are paired with unique heroines, proud black women. The book is based on a revolutionary premise: black female action hero moguls.

The book's concept is an original rendition of a classic crime-in-the-future story, replete with a mysterious threat, a radically different government, and teams of highly trained civilian forces. The leads happen to be almost uniformly African-American, and this is, of course, a major difference. The combination of glossy urban environs with soulful leads with deep appreciations of their histories is an original, welcome twist.

In terms of characters, the book is dominated by strong African-Americans who work in a host of capacities, from banking to science, law and law enforcement. All of the leads have well-developed personalities, can effortlessly crunch numbers and beat down villains. They also have highly-defined back stories, husbands, children, professions, which lend them necessary substance. The book thus provides a phenomenal vehicle for female African-American talent.

I love all of the new TV shows with amazing black female leads—when I wrote the Sisterhood these characters were rare in film and TV. Still missing though, is media showing black women working together to achieve something extraordinary. The ensemble casts with black women today show women supporting one another in their private lives with men, children and neighborhood dramas, but not as a team in the world. The Sisterhood represents the next step and as such, is still an underrepresented idea.

BPM: Why should I tell my friends about the Sisterhood and this new movement?
You should tell your friends that you’ve found this great book where the black women save the world. Then tell them that there’s a character in it that reminds you of them - because that will happen while you read it - you will see yourself and all of your closest friends. Then challenge them to read it in the next 30 days so you can talk about it and make your action plans together to fulfill your absolute potential and make all your hopes and dreams possible.

BPM: How does your book relate to your present situation or journey?
I wrote each of the characters as a trait—so at any time you can be like any one of the characters. When you are visionary—you are a Vivian. When you need to connect with your warrior—then you are a Tonia. Likewise, for your entrepreneurial time, your community time, or whatever, you can bring forth the trait that you need when you need it. So what is interesting to me is how I cycle through being “like” the character whose trait I need at that time as I continue my journey.

This also is relevant for teams. Since all nine traits are important for a successful team, you can use the Sisterhood framework to “bring forth” a trait from yourself or recruit someone with the missing trait in order to have a full set of skills on your team.

On a high-level, the work that I am doing in the world mirrors the work that the women in the Sisterhood. Meditation leads to mental freedom, the same objective the Sisterhood pursues. My secular meditation course is very successful at helping people to remove limiting mental blocks and psychological conditioning. We’ll reach tens of thousands easily with our program. My work in Transformative Technology is about doing that at massive scale, and our goal is to help no less than 100M people transform their lives by 2025.

BPM: Did you learn anything personal from writing your book?
I learned that I do not quit. I refuse to quit. No matter how hard, or lonely, or tough something gets, I do not quit. That’s a powerful self-lesson to learn. Now that I’ve learned that I do not quit, at the tender age of 43, I’m learning when I should “leave well enough alone” which is an entirely different lesson. LOL.

BPM: What were your goals and intentions in this book, and how well do you feel you achieved them?
My core goal and intention with the book was to inspire women to have the courage to believe in their potential and take action to bring that potential into existence because I believe that empowered women can save the world. I feel that I have achieved the ability to inspire with The Sisterhood based on the emails that I get from women who read the book and then bet on themselves. The email I recall most was from a young college student who had been a child in Rwanda during the genocide. To me, anyone who survived and thrived after witnessing that horror is a hero and has my unending respect.

She wrote an email describing how she was on the verge of a major decision — one path leading to safety and security — and the other leading to a path where success was not certain and winning would require her to become everything she was capable of being. She was struggling with the decision — and then someone gave her the Sisterhood.

After reading that book she took the harder, but more rewarding road. I cried when I read that email because staying committed for 16 years to something is not easy — I definitely sacrificed to write that book. But that one email made everything worth it because one woman stepped towards her full potential.

BPM: What message do you hope for readers of The Sisterhood to gain from reading it?
I’d like women who read the Sisterhood to become inspired to create positive change in their lives and communities. I hope that they embrace their heroism and technology. Black female heroism is perfectly suited for technology because it directly maps from our desire to be the agents of change to the ability to have an exponential impact on the world.

BPM: Can you share some stories about people you met while researching this book?
The book is not just a personal blueprint, but a community building blueprint with real-world insight on how you would fund an endeavor like the Sisterhood to radically transform our communities. The Sisterhood makes its initial wealth from very well placed investments in technology companies. They use that to buy into established but declining industries that they innovate and to set up their own labs to create the technology of the next generation. Being tech-aware and tech-savvy is at the core of their success.

So the people that I met while researching the book were entrepreneurs, financiers, strategists, technologists, and community activists. One person who stands out is Pamela Jolly — a strategist, banker, and more — who is actually written into the novel due to her cutting edge ideas on economic empowerment for communities of color.

BPM: How can I use the Sisterhood to make a Life Action Plan?
The book can be read just for entertainment, or it can be read as a skills blueprint. Each of the characters is informed by several major skills and personality testing programs, like the Meyers-Briggs test and the Leadership Women’s EQ. There’s a workbook that allows the reader to assess her own skills as she reads the book and then make an action plan to fill in the areas where she’d like to excel. The workbook is free to anyone, just send me an email at: info@mskincorporated.com and I will send you the PDF.

BPM: What projects are you working on at the present?
I am really focused on getting the word out about the Sisterhood. The Sisterhood is a part of a trilogy, all of which are outlined. I’m focused on getting part one out to as many women as possible and then will hide myself away somewhere and write the sequel.

BPM: How can readers discover more about you and your work?
Website: http://www.nicholbradford.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/nicholatsisterh
Twitter: https://twitter.com/nichol_bradford

MSK website: http://www.mskincorporated.com
Biz Networks: http://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholbradford
Community: http://www.mskincorporated.com/nichol-bradford/
Purchase Books: http://www.amazon.com/author/nicholbradford

Like on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Sisterhood-by-Nichol-Bradford/136723666351091

Sadeqa Johnson is a former public relations manager who spent years working with well-known authors such as JK Rowling, Bebe Moore Campbell, Amy Tan and Bishop TD Jakes before becoming an author herself. Her debut novel, LOVE IN A CARRY-ON BAG was hailed by Ebony.com as “this summer’s hottest read.” It was the recipient of the 2013 Phillis Wheatley award for Best Fiction and the 2012 USA Best Book award for African-American fiction. Originally from Philadelphia, she now resides in Virginia with her husband and three children. SECOND HOUSE FROM THE CORNER is her second novel.

BPM: When did you get your first inkling to write, and how did you advance the call for writing?
I’m originally from Philadelphia. As a kid, I started off wanting to be an actress. When I graduated high school, I moved to New York and attended Marymount Manhattan College as a Theatre Arts major. It was as a student that I started fooling around with poetry, which turned to playwriting, screenwriting and ended up with novel writing. I landed a job working in publishing after college and it was there that I became very serious about my writing. My first novel, Love in a Carry-on Bag took me over ten years to finish. I started writing it when I was a publicity manager at G.P Putnam’s Sons.

Every day I would close my office door at four o’clock and write for the last hour of the workday. On my commute home, I edited the pages. Once I got married, I left my corporate job to write and raise my children, but still nursed a burning desire to tell stories. I wrote during naptimes, between feedings, in the midst of sleep deprivation and my kid’s ear infections. The daily pressures of caring for a young family motivated me to finish the book. I was very much like Felicia in Second House From the Corner. As much as I loved being a mother, I didn’t want that role to be my only claim. I knew that it was important for me to carve out something that was only for me, and writing novels was it. My novels are my legacy.

BPM: What makes your writing different than others?
I’m a lover of words and keep a thick, old school thesaurus on my desk, which I use to deepen the meaning of the text. I don’t like to rush when I’m writing, and I’ll work on a paragraph for three days if it takes that long to make it sound good. Although I’m a commercial fiction writer, I work to bring poetry, beauty and music to my work. My goal is to make readers pause over a delicious sentence, giving them no choice but to read it again.

BPM: Can you share a little of your current work with us? Introduce us to your book and the characters.
I love everything about Second House From the Corner. In the novel, Felicia Lyons, a stressed out stay-at-home mom struggles to sprint ahead of the demands of motherhood, while her husband spends long days at the office. Felicia taps, utters mantra and breathes her way through most situations but on some days, like when the children won’t stop screaming her name or arguing over toy trucks and pretzel sticks, she wonders what it would be like to get in her car and drive away.

Then one evening the telephone rings, and in a split second Felicia’s innocent fantasy becomes a hellish reality. The call pulls her back into a life she’d rather forget. Felicia hasn’t been completely honest about her upbringing, and her deception forces her return to the Philadelphia of her childhood, where she is forced to confront the family demons and long buried secrets she thought she had left behind.

BPM: Did you learn anything personal from writing this book?
I wrote Second House From the Corner in about a year and a half, which was much different from my ten-year haul with Love in A Carry-on Bag. I learned to outline and draft quickly, and then to just punch the story out and fix it later. There were a lot of loving hands that touched Second House From the Corner and for that I am so grateful and utterly proud of the finished product.

BPM: What would you like to accomplish after this book is released?
Don’t laugh, but my deepest desire is to be on the New York Times best sellers list. I have been putting that out into the Universe since day one so I know it’s going to happen. I also plan to sell the movie rights and be paid (well) to consult on set as the movie is being filmed. My children are going to love walking the red carpet. Selling the foreign rights and seeing my novel printed in several languages would also make me happy. Eventually I’d like to teach a writing group and get out on the motivational speaking circuit.

BPM: Are any scenes from the book borrowed from your world or your experiences?
Oh, yes. I am a mother of three children. My kids were about the age of Felicia’s when I started writing the book and a lot of her experience of feeling overwhelmed and worn out with the duties involved with caring for small children was what I felt as a young mother. I still feel it at least four times a week. She taps her way through it, I go to hot yoga, run and meditate to find my center.

BPM: What should readers DO after reading this book?
Tell all of their friends to buy a copy. I really believe it takes a village to make a best seller. Word of mouth is the best form of advertising so please, please tell a friend. Your review on goodreads.com and all of the retailer’s website would also be wonderfully helpful.

BPM: What are your career goals as a writer? Have you accomplished most of them?
Right now I really admire Attica Locke. She wrote a book called The Cutting Season that I couldn’t put down. Then one night I was watching the show Empire, and her name popped up in the credits as producer and writer. Immeditately, I had goosebumps. I’m so proud of my fellow writers when they cross over and do big things. As I sat watching, I thought, could I write for television? Mmmm, I’m just going to let that thought marinate. Hosting a show on television would also tickle my fancy.

BPM: What have you realized about yourself since becoming a published author?
I’ve realized that I am exactly where I am supposed to be. Every moment in my life from going to college in New York City as Theatre arts major, to my first two jobs in publishing as a publicist, to starting my own publishing house and having to do everything possible to get the word out on Love in a Carry-on Bag has led me to this moment. I’ve worked hard, I deserve to be right here and my future is even brighter. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for me.

BPM: What are you the most thankful for now?
I’m grateful for my health and the health of my family and close friends. I enjoy waking up every morning, getting my kids off to school (most times without arguments and tears but not always), putting on a pot of coffee and going to work in my robe. God is always amazingly good to me. Oh, and I have a sexy, supportive husband to boot.

BPM: Do you have any advice for people seeking to publish a book?
Don’t quit. Writing takes time and dedication and it is very important to be true to the craft. Take writing classes, form a writing group and read as much as you can. Give yourself time and permission to grow, and be patient with yourself. Believe in your creativity above all. Allow the magic to flow.

BPM: What’s next?
I’m working on my third novel, And Then There Was Me. It’s about deception and betrayal. It’s scheduled to be published by Thomas Dunne Books spring of 2017 so stay tuned. And click right over to my website, www.sadeqajohnson.net and subscribe to my blog. I’ll keep the latest news listed there. I’m on all of the social media outlets so get in touch with me. I’d really love to hear from you.

Love, Light and Laughter.

Connect with Sadeqa Johnson
http://www.sadeqajohnson.net
https://twitter.com/sadeqasays
https://instagram.com/sadeqasays
https://www.facebook.com/SadeqaJohnson

Sage was born and raised in Huntingtown, MD. She has been married to her best friend, for over ten years and they have two amazing sons. She is also an Autism advocate and a parent of an autistic child, which inspired her to write a non-fiction book on raising a child on the Autism spectrum, The Optimistic Autistic: Our Testimony.

Sage also writes mysteries centered on characters that are close to the heart. She has vowed to produce books that encourage the reader to deliberately read; not just for entertainment but to read with the intention of solving the mystery along with the Detective.

Her belief that, “if you don’t see the books you’re searching for write them” has inspired her to write with a purpose and a passion.

BPM: When did you get your first inkling to write, and how did you advance the call for writing?
Reading and writing are life-long passions of mine. I have been indulging in my passion of writing since I was 13. I want to share my passion of writing psychological thrillers with the world. My mother was the first person to place a book in my hands. My father taught me how to work hard at the things that I wanted in life. I worked at achieving my Master’s Degree in Computer Science in 2009. I am now funneling that same determination and tenacity in marketing my book series.

BPM: Tell us about your passion for writing. Why do you write? What drives you?
I love to read different types of books, but I have a preference for mystery and thrillers. I enjoy a heart pumping adrenaline rush type of book. It was my love of mysteries and thrillers that stoked my interests in writing. The underrepresentation of African American characters in the books I read resonated within me. I am inspired to fill the void with my murder mystery series.

BPM: What hurdles, if any, did you have to overcome as a new author and business owner?
It’s difficult to get noticed in this industry as a mystery author. It seems like the publishers want to pigeon hole authors into one genre. It is my goal to abolish the myth that we only write urban themed books. My goal is to show through my books that black authors write thought provoking, suspense-driven novels as well.

BPM: What’s the most important quality a writer should have in your opinion?
Passion is the most important quality a writer can possess. Passion invokes determination, which in turn creates a hunger so intense that the writer can’t sleep, eat or function without transferring their story from their mind to paper. That is what I consider pure magic. If passion doesn’t drive you then you can’t make magic happen.

BPM: Our life experiences, challenges and success help define who we are on many levels. At what point in your career did you discover your real worth and own it?
I started writing when I was a teenager. The turning point in my life was when my oldest sister suddenly died of a heart attack, then less than four years later my other sister was diagnosed with heart failure. I became determined to see all of my dreams come true. No matter what, I want to see my book in the hands of every reader. I’m driven by the spirit of my sister and the support of my family; with determination such as that I will be successful.

BPM: What genre is this book? Do you write all of your books in this category? Why?
The Black Bird Detective Series is a mystery book and a psychological thriller, combined. I love to write mystery books because they keep the heart pumping with the turn of each page.

I also wrote a non-fiction book on Autism. Autism has touched our family in such a tremendous way. Both my 10-year-old son and 10-year-old nephew are Autistic. Through the years we have experienced many different emotions while raising Jordan. As I write to you today, the strongest emotion that I feel is pride. I am proud of our children for their ability to be independent of the label that society has placed on them. Many times parents hear the word Autism and have no idea what it really means. The moment we received Jordan’s diagnosis our lives changed. Initially, we thought the world was closing in around us. Then, we found our strength. We realized that through telling our stories we gain strength. So we wrote, The Optimistic Autistic – Our Testimony, which is also available on Amazon.com.

BPM: Do you set out to educate or inspire, entertain or illuminate a particular subject?
I set out to entertain my readers. I want readers to be entertained and while they’re being entertained, they’re learning something. I conduct a great amount of research for the developing of each book to ensure that readers learn something they never knew. I love to inspire readers to continue reading.

BPM: Do you have any advice for people seeking to publish a book?
Believe in what you are writing. As long as you believe in your writing and the purpose for what you do, there is nothing that can stop you. You must take the first step though. If you want to write a book, start writing. Don’t put it off any longer. If you need assistance with writing or publishing your book please contact me at rcscomputerpros@gmail.com.

BPM: What should readers DO after reading this book?
Once readers have put down Assumptions Abound, make your next purchase of Seeking Truth and Sweet Revenge. I tell you to purchase them both, because you will not want to wait for the book to ship to find out what happens next. The book series is so enthralling that you will not want to miss a beat.

BPM: What are your career goals as a writer? Have you accomplished most of them?
My career goals as a writer are to assist others with living out their dreams of writing a book. I have written and published over 10 books and I don’t plan on stopping. I want to show others that there is a way to get their thoughts, words or message out there and I am willing to help them.

I have accomplished many of the goals that I have set regarding my writing, but there is so much more work left to be done. I plan to turn my mystery trilogy series into a mini-series. I would love to see Raven on the big screen.

Website: www.blackbirddetectiveseries.com
Instagram: sageauthorsitall; Facebook: Sage

Check out Books by Sage
The Optimistic Autistic: Our Testimony by Sage (Non-fiction)
http://www.amazon.com/Optimistic-Autistic-Our-Testimony/dp/1480108782

Assumptions Abound by Sage
Order Book 1: Assumptions Abound (Black Bird Detective Series)
Link: http://amzn.com/B00642W77M

Seeking Truth by Sage
The characters from Assumptions Abound are all grown up and searching for answers. Detective Raven Carter is on a quest. For years her mother lied to her about her past and now that her mother is dead, Raven wants to know the truth.

Joel knows that his past is riddled with secrets, whispers and lies, but wait until he finds out that it also involves murder. Joel and Raven are engaged and planning their future together. Little do they neither past will be the ultimate deciding factor for their future.

Meet Raymond Thomas, the Superintendent of Cold Creek Public Schools. As the Superintendent of a large school district, Raymond has alot to prove. When his employees are systemically murdered, Raymond may have more to prove than he could ever imagine.

Order Book 2: Seeking Truth by Sage
Link: http://amzn.com/B008D2ZARA

Sweet Revenge by Sage
A high profile murder sets Raven on a wild goose chase to find the killer. Her boss is pressuring her to handle the case and he is personally involving himself. Raven must be careful; as she chases the next criminal, someone is chasing her. She hasn’t forgotten about her estranged husband. He is the love of her life, only problem…he wants her dead, or does he?

The wealthy son of a local socialite and businessman are adding to Raven’s headache. He is demanding answers that Raven does not have. When the case heats up, Raven may end up burned. Raymond is back with an ax to grind. He has enacted a plan to take down those who damaged his reputation, stole his money and ruined his life. Will he succeed?

Everyone is out for revenge….but as the saying goes, Revenge is a dish best served fast and cold!

Order Book 3: Sweet Revenge
Link: http://amzn.com/B012P17C1Q

The Butterfly by Sage
Meet the Butterfly, sexy, intelligent and lethal but severely lacking in self-esteem. With nothing to lose and everything to gain she is on a journey. A journey to make everyone who hurt her, pay. As confident as she is about her journey, there is one thing that she never considered. Will that thing be her ultimate destruction?

Order The Butterfly by Sage
Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Book 4 in the Black Bird Detective Series
Amazon Link: http://amzn.com/1522738673

Tumika Patrice Cain is an award-winning author, media personality and publisher whose works centers around uplifting, encouraging and empowering others to live the abundant life. She is also an accomplished poet; founder of the Say What?? Book Club; and host of the internet radio shows Living Abundantly with Tumika Patrice Cain, In The Spotlight, and Say What?? Author Spotlights.

In addition, she is a respected book reviewer and columnist for PEN’Ashe Magazine, a contributing writer for BLOG and Belief Magazines, and editor for two smaller publishing companies. A champion for indie authors, she works tirelessly to level the playing field to bring exposure to those authors who excel at their craft, but whose marketing budgets are limited. Inkscriptions, her publishing company, offers a myriad of book publishing services. Living by the motto of each one reach one, each one teach one, Tumika shares her passion for purpose and for life with all who cross her path.

She is the 2013 recipient of a Spoken Word Billboard award for her debut novel, Season of Change (December 2012), a novel that has since been picked up by Shan Presents and will be re-released as When a Man Loves a Woman – A Season of Change in December, 2015. To her publishing credit, she is also the author of After the Rain…a Poetry Collective (March, 2014) and The Heart of a Woman (August, 2015). Tumika’s works have been published in numerous magazines, anthologies, newsletters and periodicals.

BPM: When did you get your first inkling to write, and how did you advance the call for writing?
I was an early reader, so the love of words was already there. A classroom assignment when I was in the second grade would become my raison d’etre. I found my reason for being early on. The teacher introduced poetry and gave us the opportunity to write a poem. I loved how the words came together and that feeling the completed work gave me. The seed had been planted and I continued to write. Growing up in turmoil and being very shy, writing gave me a voice when I felt voiceless. For many years I didn’t know that I had any talent, I only knew that I liked to write. By the time I was in junior high, I had started to receive recognition for my work and in high school I started winning awards. It wasn’t until I wrote my first novel while in my early twenties, which many years later became When a Man Loves a Woman: A Season of Change, that I decided I wanted to do something professionally with the gift. Combining my love of writing with my passion for empowering others seemed the ideal solution.

BPM: Tell us about your passion for writing. Why do you write? What drives you?
Through my writing I am able to give a voice to the voiceless, to shine a ray of hope for someone who has lost their hope. Even through fiction, lives can be changed. I write to empower others. I write to free myself. I write to free others. I write because I have something to say. I write because others have something to say and many have yet to find their own voice, so I tell their stories. I write to uplift. And I write to impart the message that with each new day, we can have a fresh start. We can decide in this moment to start living authentic, abundant lives. Writing gives me wings. My tag is Changing lives one word at a time…. It’s more than just a quote, it’s a lifestyle. It’s not just what I do, it’s who I am.

BPM: What hurdles, if any, did you have to overcome as a new author and business owner?
When I first wrote the novel and tried to get it published almost twenty years ago, the market was very different and there wasn’t really a place for me. I put the book up for quite a few years knowing that eventually it would be published. Around 2011 I started getting the “feeling” to pull it back out and look into publishing it again. While I had done my research years before, lots had changed that I had not kept up with. When someone that I knew started a publishing company, I just went with it. Since it was a vanity press, once she received her money, her commitment to me was done. I learned very quickly that in choosing to work with people on your vision; your dream, it’s important to connect with those who are as concerned about your success as they are their own. Many services that had been provided were only marginally done and I had to pay out of pocket to have things redone. It was stressful and very frustrating.

However, the silver lining is that out of that experience was birthed Inkscriptions, my publishing company, and Say What?? Book Club. Being a solution-focused person, I was able to put systems and programs in place to streamline and improve the process for other writers. In the end the challenges I experienced turned out to be a tremendous blessing.

BPM: Success leaves clues, whose clues did you follow on your journey?
I read I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings when I was in elementary school. Maya Angelou had a way with words that didn’t just tell me that what I had to say was important, her words told me that who I am is important. Through her writings, I felt encouraged to share my sacred truth, and to keep writing that truth. Through her writings, I learned that I had a voice worth hearing.

My paternal grandmother was also a woman who used her words with power. She was classy and elegant and could put you in your place without raising her voice, swearing or belittling. I saw her write to corporate heads when products and services she’d spent money on left her displeased….and change would come as a result of her expressing herself. That was very powerful and had a lasting impact.

When the literary market began to change about twenty years ago, the writings of authors like Beverly Jenkins, Pearl Cleage and Terry McMillan gave me hope that my works could also be in print. I am thankful for reach one and how their lives have impacted my own.

BPM: Can you share a little of your current work with us? Introduce us to your book and the characters.
In When a Man Loves a Woman: A Season of Change (book one in the When a Man Loves a Woman series), readers meet Avery and Alicia Ayers. They are a couple who appear to have the perfect life. To their credit they are attractive, wealthy, successful, and esteemed. It’s a life anyone would want. However, what others can’t see are the cracks that exist in their persons and in their relationship. They’ve built an amazing life on a shallow foundation. Each must face themselves and determine if the life they are living is true, is healthy, is empowering and decide where to go from there.

This award-winning, full length, standalone novel is a gripping tale in women’s contemporary fiction that will make readers think, feel, celebrate love when it’s beautiful and right, and reflect on its demise when it’s not.

BPM: What should readers DO after reading this book?
I would encourage readers to stop for a moment and reflect. Think about which scenes in the book left a lasting impact and why. I would tell them to reflect on the areas of their lives where they have not been living their truth and make a decision to live authentically from that point forward. Life is short and to spend it unfulfilled is a great travesty. If the book struck a chord and they felt a sense of connection to it, I’d encourage them to share information about the book so others can purchase it. And of course, I’d ask that they leave a review on Amazon so I can know what they thought about it – good or bad.

BPM: What are you the most thankful for now?
I am thankful for Shan Richardson seeing potential in my work, enough where she signed me to a three (3) book deal. Working with her has been a great blessing. We are able to share ideas and work together as a team. I am thankful to be able to reach a larger platform of readers with my work with her help.

I am also very thankful for my family and handful of people who support me behind the scenes. It takes many hands and lots of effort to get and keep our works in front of the others. I could never do it all on my own, or have gotten as far as I have without them. I am truly grateful.

BPM: Do you have any advice for people seeking to publish a book?
Believe in yourself. Not everything is for everyone, so some people will not buy into your work. That doesn’t mean you can’t write. That person just may not be your audience. Hone your skills, take classes to make sure you are putting out a quality product, learn the business of writing, and keep forging on. At some point you will connect with those who will help make your dream a reality.

BPM: How may our readers follow you online? Please share your social media links.
Email: inkscriptionsllc@ymail.com
Website: www.TumikaPatrice.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TumikaPatrice
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TumikaPatrice
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/TumikaPatrice
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/TumikaPatrice
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Tumika-Patrice-Cain-254769847981922

Cerece Rennie Murphy fell in love with science fiction at the age of seven, watching "Empire Strikes Back" at the Uptown Theater in Washington, D.C., with her sister and mom. It's a love affair that has grown ever since. As an ardent fan of John Donne, Alice Walker, Kurt Vonnegut and Alexander Pope from an early age, Cerece began exploring her own creative writing through poetry.

She earned her master's degrees in social work and international relations at Boston College and Johns Hopkins School for Advance International Studies, respectively, and built a rewarding 15-year career in program development, management and fundraising in the community and international development arenas - all while appreciating the stories of human connection told in science fiction through works like Octavia Butler's "Wild Seed," Frank Herbert's "Dune" and "The X-Files."

In 2011, Cerece experienced her own supernatural event - a vision of her first science fiction story. Shortly after, she began developing and writing what would become the best selling "Order of the Seers" trilogy.

Cerece lives in her hometown of Washington, D.C., with her husband, two children and the family dog, Yoda.

BPM: As a full time writer, how did you get to be where you are in your life today? Who or what motivated you?
Wow, we're starting right in with the deep stuff! OK. You know, I really think that God has led me to where I am in my life today. As a young girl, I never expected to be happily married with two beautiful children. I never expected to be a writer, much less a published author. Honestly, I expected my life to be rewarding career wise and lonely in every other sense. I'd worked hard to get a good education, so I expected to be financially independent. I also knew I wanted children, so I planned to be a mother, but I expected to be on that journey alone. If I got married, I expected to get divorced and have to raise my children alone. I know that sounds pretty bleak, but it's the truth of how I saw my life right up until my early 30s. When I look at my life now, it is very clear that this is God's vision for my life, not mine, and I'm so grateful that God had bigger dreams for me than I ever could have imagined for myself.

But through everything, I always knew that God was with me and I got that knowledge from my mother, who is THE MOST spiritually connected person that I know. She prays without ceasing with a prayer book that was handed down to her from my grandmother who was a PRAYER WARRIOR. Grandma Mary was NO joke! No weapon against her had any hope of prospering! Though she passed more than a decade ago, I know I live in the benefit of her prayers today. These two women, my mother and my Grandmother, are women of incredible faith and courage. I stand on their legacy and it has always motivated me to do and be my best.

BPM: Was there ever a time in your life you let FEAR block your path? If so, how did you overcome it?
Me and fear are well acquainted. Though I don't know if I've ever let fear block my path, it sure has slowed my progress quite a bit. The fear and doubt around writing and publishing the Order of the Seers trilogy was brutal at times. With the second book especially, it was like doing battle every day, just to get a page written. I would cry and shake, convinced that no one would like what I'd written, that I had no talent or no right to do what I was doing.

But the thing about me is that, on some very visceral level, I hate being afraid. I hate letting fear control me. There are many good reasons not to pursue something, fear is rarely one of them. I have been an avid reader since I was 5 years old. I know what a story can do. I know that each story you are given is a blessing from God - a calling. That's why I feel so honored to be a writer, to be given a story to tell. So if I let the fear win, what I'm saying to God is, "You gave me this blessing, but I'm too afraid to share it. I know you would not have given me this blessing if I wasn't equipped to share it, but hey, it doesn't matter. I think my fear is more important than your purpose."

Can you imagine saying that to GOD? Yeah, exactly - me neither! My fear of wasting the breathe of God within me trumps almost any fear I have. But that doesn't mean I no longer feel afraid. I think, with each thing I do, I just get better at managing the fear, so that I can get what I need to get done. If that doesn't work, then I remember that the bottom line for me is, these stories are not about me at all. They are about the people who will be blessed, inspired and entertained by them.

BPM: As the author of novels for adults, who does your body of literary work speak to?
I think my work speaks to people who are seeking thought-provoking literature that many not be conventional - readers who want to be spiritually-inspired and entertained. Although Order of the Seers is adult science fiction and Ellis and The Magic Mirror is a children's fantasy adventure, they are essentially about the same thing - people discovering their true calling and power and using that gift to change the world for the better.

Watching the news these days can be a soul crushing experience. It's so easy to be overwhelmed by all the horrible things that are happening. But I believe that ordinary people can save the world. I believe this because I know there is no such thing as an ordinary person. We are all superheroes, but most of us have no idea how powerful we are and so we act like ants when we're actually giants - giants who can see the future because we create the future with our thoughts, our words and our actions. We can do these things because we are children of God and God has given us these abilities.

My writing is all about finding that awareness in myself and helping my readers discover the same truth for themselves because I believe, once we understand our true power, nothing can stop us from healing this world. If you like your spirituality wrapped in an action packed adventure, you'll probably enjoy my books.

BPM: Could you tell us something about your most recent novel for young readers?
Sure. I'm so excited that my first children's book titled, Ellis and The Magic Mirror! This is a very special book to me because my son asked me to write it for him and we worked on the story together - from story concept to illustration and cover approval. Ellis and The Magic Mirror is about a very curious boy named Ellis who finds a magic mirror and discovers that there is a secret society of trolls at his school who are trying to stop children from learning. Ellis, his little sister, Freddye, and his best friend, Toro go on an adventure in the forest to uncover the mystery of the trolls and stop whatever they have planned. It's an early reader chapter book with lots of action. The book is targeted towards readers age 6-10 who are transitioning from story book to chapter book. The feedback that I've been getting from educators and kids is really exciting. I can't wait to share it!

Our son, Aryeh, picked up a copy of my sci-fi trilogy Order of the Seers and asked me if he could read it. I told him that my books were for adults and that he would have to wait until he was older.

To this, he frowned and said, "Well, will you write me a book that I can read?" I was so surprised and honored that he asked me that I HAD to say YES!

Since then Aryeh and I have worked together to bring "Ellis and The Magic Mirror" to life. Aryeh gave me the "must haves" in the story he wanted which included, a skateboard, an "awesome" fight scene and an appearance by his favorite stuffed animal "Chirpy". I pitched the story concept. He approved or revised as needed. Every chapter I wrote, he read and changed according to his preferences. Every character sketch, Aryeh approved, until we had a story he liked. Along the way, my husband and our daughter made their contributions to the story as well. Seeing our son and daughter in their beds, reading their own book has been one of the best moments of my life. We had a great time creating this story. We hope you have almost as much fun reading it.

Greg and I meet at a comic convention in Chicago in 2014. As soon as I saw the incredible energy in his drawings, I knew I wanted to work with him. In fact, Greg is the only illustrator I considered for this project. Luckily, he had the time, interest and incredible generosity to take us on. Through late night meetings on Google Hangout, Greg listened patiently to comments and ideas from *every* member of our family. He's the best.

BPM: What inspired you to publish it for the world and not just for your family?
The fact that my son asked me to write him a book was really all the inspiration I needed. I don't think it would have occurred to me to write a children's book without him asking me, but it was such an honor that I couldn't refuse. But besides that, I noticed that there was a real need for chapter books that helped with the transition from storybook to chapter book. Last year, before my son first asked me to write a book for him, I knew his teacher was struggling to find reading material that held his interest. To make matters worse, his teachers and I couldn't get him to try chapter books, even though he was more than capable of reading them. When I asked him why, he said to me that "There were too many words and no pictures." So when he asked me to write him a book, I knew it was my chance to address a need that I was seeing in our home, hearing from his teachers and other parents who were experiencing the same thing I was. I set out to develop a story that combined full color illustrations with a complex narrative and as much action as I could get away with in a children's book.

My husband and I also noticed that it was getting harder and harder to find more advanced books that featured children of color - even more rare, was a child of color in a fantasy adventure. Most parents don't have the knowledge on how to produce a children's book, even if they want to, but when my son asked me, I thought, "I actually know how to do this." I'm proud to be a part of the #weneeddiversebooks movement.

BPM: What did you enjoy most about writing this book, Ellis and The Magic Mirror?
I loved working with our son on this book and seeing him see himself in the story. He owned every part of the creative process. He told me what he wanted in the story. I wrote the words and he edited them, telling me what made sense, what didn't, and what he thought would be "even cooler". His confidence in participating (and expecting to participate) in the development of this book made me so proud. He's actually really good at giving constructive criticism in a very thoughtful way! I also loved being able to show him how much I love him by writing and publishing a story just for him.

BPM: Why should our readers and educators add Ellis and The Magic Mirror to their collection?
As a mother of a 8 year old boy and a 5 year girl, I know that there are a lot of great books out there for kids. My husband and I are avid readers and have been committed to encouraging literacy in our kids since before they were born. But as our son's reading level matured, we noticed that the books available to him seemed to hold less of his interest. The early reader chapter books that we found often lacked the action and adventure he craved. And when they did have action, they had little or no pictures (and rarely in color) to accompany the story line. This often left him too intimidated to give them a try ("There are too many words, Mommy!")even though he had the ability to read them. We also noticed that protagonists who looked like him were getting harder and harder to find. I heard the same struggle echoed by parents and teachers of kids around our son's age. We were all looking to fill the gap between the Fly Guy series and the next Rick Riordan book.

And that's how I came up with the concept for The Ellis Series.

With full color illustrations integrated throughout the five-chapter story, Ellis and The Magic Mirror was written and designed to facilitate an easier transition from storybook to chapter book for young readers (ages 6-10 years old). By combining the vibrant images that storybook readers are accustomed to with a more challenging narrative, Ellis and the Magic Mirror strives to encourage early readers to dive into more complex stories, without sacrificing beautiful imagery.

Ellis and The Magic Mirror can contribute to your collection in 3 main ways:

* It is unique in the world of early reader chapter books that typically leave vibrant illustrations at the front cover,

* It fills a growing need among parents and teachers for books that capture the attention of reluctant readers, (especially boys) while still moving their reading abilities forward, and

* It offers a diverse group of main characters who are doing cool things in a world that is modern and full of possibilities.

In addition, the story of Ellis and The Magic Mirror is laced with themes that emphasize character building, the unique qualities that reside within every child and the value of learning, family and friendship. These messages could be used in any school, library, home school or church setting to enhance and enrich a range of character building and educational activities. (It also makes a great bedtime story!)

BPM: Writing gives you a way to share your boundless imagination in your fiction books. But this book is different. How do you use your writing to serve others in this book?
I know that our little boy isn't the only little boy who needs to see himself in the stories he reads, whether that means as an African-American, a kinda nerdy, kinda goofy kid, or an adventurer with an insatiable curiosity. My son will tell you that he's not the cool kid in school, but he doesn't care. He's charting his own path and I hope this book encourages other little boys and girls to step out of the mold and rejoice in their own uniqueness.

BPM: Did you learn anything personal from writing Ellis and The Magic Mirror?
I learned that God is constantly pushing me out of my comfort zone before I've even had a chance to settle in and that I need to get used to it. LOL!

BPM: What were your goals for Ellis and The Magic Mirror, and how well do you feel you achieved them?
My first goal with this book was to write a book that our son could read and enjoy. My second goal was to make sure that our younger daughter felt engaged with the story (At first, when I told her about the trolls, she wanted NOTHING to do with it.). They both sleep with copies of the book in their beds. I've caught both of them looking at it late at night. It's been one of the most incredible experiences of my life - to think that I could create something that they would like as much as Dora or a Magic Tree House book. Those were my primary goals and it feels incredible to have met them. Now, I hope that other children can enjoy them as well.

BPM: What projects are you working on at the present?
Oh, man. Well, I'm already working out the story concept for the second Ellis and The Magic Mirror book with my editor/son. I'm also so excited to start on a historical romance novel that I've had in my head ever since I finished editing the final book in the Order of the Seers Trilogy last fall. I don't usually read romance, but I adore loves stories with a supernatural element and this one has totally captured my heart. I've already started writing scenes for it, but now that Ellis and The Magic Mirror (Book I) is finished, I can really dive in!

BPM: How can readers discover more about you and your work?
Well, first of all, thank you for this wonderful interview. It really gave me a chance to explore my journey in a new light. :-) Recently, Aryeh and I were honored to be the featured authors on the cover of the Winter 2016 Children's Book Edition of SORMAG! To learn more about our journey to writing our first book together, you can get the magazine and read the article here.

If you'd like to learn more about Ellis and The Magic Mirror, you can visit the series website at: http://www.theellisseries.com. For more on my science fiction trilogy (and me, as a writer), visit http://www.cerecerenniemurphy.com

Twitter at: @cerecermurphy. Instagram at: https://instagram.com/cerecermurphy
Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cerece-Rennie-Murphy/205753729546299

Order your copy on Amazon here: http://amzn.com/0985621052
Ellis and The Magic Mirror is now on Kindle too! Gregory Garay (Illustrator)

Lydia E. Brew was born with cerebral palsy but has not allowed her physical limitations to stand in her way. Her writing provides insights into the world of the physically challenged. She graduated from Texas Southern University where she received The Society of Professional Journalist Sigma Chi Citation for Achievement. She was a member of the drama club and pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

Miss Brew founded Lydia’s Educational and Charitable Organization (LECO) when she decided to encourage young people to write. LECO did this by sponsoring a yearly contest in which the contestant had to write about positive role models who were alive and from the Houston area. Each student who wrote an eligible essay was given a certificate of participation. Winning writers received cash prizes.

Her second book titled Our Learn Together Book is a book for young readers based on the biography of Edith Irby Jones, M.D. It tells her story in a simplified format on one page and allows the reader to write their own biography on the other. There are activities in the back where younger children can learn developmental skills and older children can learn to do research. She is a Christian and attends St. Stevens United Methodist Church.

BPM: Lydia, tell us about yourself and how you started writing.
I was born with cerebral palsy but never allowed my physical limitations to stand in my way. I hope that some of my writing also provides insights into the world of the physically challenged. Under the leadership of one of my journalism professors, I penned my first book Edith, The Story of Edith Irby Jones, M.D. about the first African-American to graduate from The Arkansas School of Medicine. Upon finishing college, I worked with the Houston Association of Black Journalists. I am a Christian and attend St. Steven’s United Methodist Church.

BPM: What motivated you to sit down and actually start writing this book?
When I did the first draft of the Ungolden Silence I did no research and I wrote from my daydreams. Like another author said; she made up and wrote the story. That is what I did. People who read the first draft of the story told me that I needed to do some research, which I ultimately did. My research showed that my story was not that far off.

One thing the book shows is that we do not know what a rapist looks like; it could be anybody. In my story, two women go to the nation’s capitol on business. When they first meet an African American man they did not think that they needed to be careful as if they were in a dark alley. He was a serial rapist. Most rapists are. People do not know what a rapist looks like.

I like both reading and writing drama. I chose this particular subject to write about because I did not like the way that the media was so-called “protecting” perpetrator of rape by withholding their names. Yes, rape is a violation, but so is murder. The minute a murdered victim’s family is notified, then the name of the victim is released. Domestic violence crimes are just like any other crime. In Ungolden Silence readers can see where secrets were kept and it led to other problems. Yes, I want to entertain with drama, but I also want readers to think about the problem of rape, which is a part of domestic violence.

BPM: Do you ever let the book stew – leave it for months and then come back to it?
My stories are from my daydreams and I guess you can say that they stew in my head until I put them on paper. I have many ideas in my head, but when I actually write them down, they may end up being something totally different, but will still represent the basic idea/concept. So, yes, a story must stew until everything is mixed in the pot and comes together to create a delicious literary feast.

BPM: Where do your book ideas come from? Are your books plot driven or character driven?
As I mentioned earlier, my ideas come from my daydreams. My stories are my daydreams transformed into the written word. In order for me to create a good character I need to see the character. What I do is use the body of a person that I know or am familiar with. I then give them the personality I need them to have to fit the role in the story that I’m placing them in. When it comes to saying whether my books are plot driven or character driven, it’s hard to say. Perhaps a little bit of both.

In Ungolden Silence, it’s definitely more plot driven because even though I wanted to create engaging and memorable characters, I did not want them their drama to overshadow the important subject matter of the story. It was a challenge to find that proper balance.

BPM: What separates this story from the millions of other books on the shelves?
Society needs to change the way that is deals with the social taboo of rape. Ungolden Silence is a novel that will leave the reader with many questions. It will also attempt to answer some of the questions that society asks but never seem to want the answers to. We must look at the history of how men have been allowed to treat women. It is important not to just know the information, it is important to act on it.

Ungolden Silence will illustrate that the criminal is a real person, and rarely do they commit crimes just for fun.
What makes Ungolden Silence different from the millions of other books out there, namely that deal with the issue of rape, is that it tells the story of rape and focuses on more than just the victim. There are many people affected by the crime, including the rapist and his family. Am I kidding? No. In a lot of cases the rapists are well respected. The novel is divided into four parts, The Silent Problem, The Aftermath, Hard to Come Forward, and Something to Consider. I specifically set out to break down all aspects of the issue, versus just the single one that most books about rape address. The book is available in digital forms.

BPM: What topics are primarily discussed? Did you learn anything personal from writing your book?
Ungolden Silence is about changing the way that society thinks about sexual abuse as well as the issue of protecting the name of sexual victims. In my opinion, we need to focus on the abuser and putting him or her away. Society hears the words “sexual abuse” and they start blaming the victim by asking what was she wearing or doing. We do not do this for any other crimes. For example: When a person is murdered, the name of the victim is given when the family is notified. But when a person is sexually assaulted then it is said that the person needs privacy because he or she had been violated. Hello, taking someone’s life is the ultimate violation. Society needs to understand that abuse of any kind is wrong. Ungolden Silence is an attempt to make society think about victims of rape and how other domestic crimes are treated.

BPM: Were there any challenges in bringing this story to life?
After I did the first draft of Ungolden Silence, I let a few people read it and the feedback was that I needed to do some research on domestic violence. I decided that each of the main characters should write an article for the magazine in which the characters work for. The story is fictional, however, the articles are real with true and factual information. The challenge was to write the articles from the point of view of that character. Writing novels and articles are two totally different animals. Articles are fact based, so of course, I had to get the facts of the subject matters my characters were writing about and weave it into a fiction story.

BPM: What are your goals as a writer? Do you set out to educate or inspire?
As a writer I think that a story has to incorporate a little bit of everything. It should educate, inspire and entertain. And at the end of the day, or should I say story, there should be an obvious message connected to a particular subject matter. Any story must grab the attention of the reader; that is part entertainment. A story can and needs to be both inspirational and educational. Who wants to close a book and be left feeling heavy and drained instead of uplifted or at least enlightened? That is what I think Ungolden Silence does.

BPM: What valuable lessons do you want readers to learn from your book?
It is my hope that while the reader will not only be entertained, they will begin to learn many things about the victim as well as the rapist or batter. Why does anyone stay with a person who abuses him or her? Why does an abuser say that it will never happen again but always does? The answer is never just that simple.

BPM: How can readers discover more about you and you work?
Readers can visit me at my website: www.ungoldensilence.com or email me at leco@wt.net
I have a blog readers can subscribe to and follow: www.lydiaebrew.wordpress.com
And, of course, they can reach out to me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Ungoldensilence

Purchase Ungolden Silence by Lydia E. Brew
Link: http://amzn.com/1425798918

Angee Parker is called a visual storyteller. Her words and style of writing kidnaps the reader and holds them hostage until the very last page. She began her love of story telling at a young age. Deemed a "Drama Queen", she takes the flair that she has for the dramatic and transposes it into each character that she creates. And the "Drama" resonates all through her writing. Angee was born and raised on the south side of Chicago, where she still resides.

BPM: Can you share a little of your current work with us?
My book is called Hood Secrets (A Ghetto Who-Dun-It). It’s about the killing of the most notorious and hated man in the neighborhood, Jerome Sanders. He had so many enemies and everyone had motive and a desire to kill him. But no one knew WHO KILLED JEROME? So the neighborhood was transformed into its own version of the game clue. Because everyone wanted to know WHO KILLED JEROME?

The book is set in one of the most dangerous housing projects in Chicago. The story is told from the perspective of the many victims and their families who were affected by Jerome’s evil and malicious ways.

BPM: Are any scenes from your book borrowed from your world or your experience?
Oh definitely yes! I grew up in the housing project depicted in my book. This was my world, this was my life. I can only write from experience and then expand from there. So yes a few things really happened and a few things were created from my imagination. But I will never tell which is true and which is made up. I will never divulge my HOOD SECRETS. Although in the book I focused more on the dark side of living in a housing project that was not my only experience. Growing up on 61st and Calumet was the best times of my life and I am thankful for my upbringing there.

BPM: How did you begin your journey to become an author?
I am an avid reader of all genres of novels. And the more I read the more the seed that was planted in me at an early age began to grow. My 4th grade teacher, Mrs. Abell told me that I had the gift of words and the flair for the dramatic. She also told me if I kept at it I would be a great writer one day. So the more I read the more I wanted to tell my own stories. So I read and read until that seed finally grew and blossomed into Hood Secrets (a ghetto who dun-it). Thanks Mrs. Abell for planting that seed.

BPM: Who is your favorite author and how have they influenced you?
My favorite author is J. California Cooper. The first book I read by her was Homemade love. It’s a collective of short stories in which each character was striving to better themselves. Her style of writing was simple and direct. I was fascinated at how each character was able to draw you deeper into their stories. So I mirrored her style in my writings. My characters not only draw you into the story. They also hold you hostage until the very last word is read.

BPM: What are some of the benefits of being an author that makes it all worthwhile?
I get to tell my story, my way. I get to place the reader on a roller coaster ride while they scream out for more. As an author I able to let the reader into my thoughts and perceptions. So they can see and experience my world, according to Angee. And having the ability to do that is amazing. And it makes writing worthwhile.

BPM: Can the readers expect more from you? What’s next?
Hood Secrets (A Ghetto Who-Dun-It) is part of a trilogy. Next up is Hood Secrets (evil returns). And then Hood Secrets (Nafee’s revenge). The Drama and excitement intensifies with each book, so keep reading.

BPM: How can the readers follow you online?
They can get updated and exciting information from my website: www.angeeparker.com

Connect with Angee Parker Online
Website: http://www.angeeparker.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/msangeeparker
Instagram: http://instagram.com/msangeeparker/
Shop: http://www.angeeparker.com/#!shop/c6kj
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/angela.parkerjehan

Anita Ballard-Jones is the acclaimed author of the novels, Rehoboth Road, The Dancing Willow Tree and Ashes, Ashes, They All Fall Down. She is a native of Brooklyn, NY and a graduate of C.W. Post, at Long Island University. She is retired from New York State’s Long Island Developmental Disabilities Service Office where she worked as a Treatment Team Leader. She is a long time resident of Long Island, New York and enjoys spending time in North Carolina and Florida. She loves hearing from her individual fans, as well as book clubs.

BPM: When did you get your first inkling to write, and how did you advance the call for writing?
I was in my early fifties, not like most writers who say they had been writing for as long as they could remember. My unpublished manuscript, Broken Bond, is a memoir about my young life and relationship with my brother who had special needs. It was completed twenty years ago and it was not written for publication. I just needed a vessel to pour out my soul and to come to terms with the issue of the purpose of life for those individual having serious developmental disabilities. I had lived and worked with special needs children and adults almost all of my life and I was searching for their purpose. By the time I completed this manuscript I was at peace; I felt blessed and had my answers. A few months later, I believed the Lord handed me my gift of writing and I wrote the first one hundred pages of the acclaimed Rehoboth Road in just fourteen hours.

BPM: Tell us about your passion for writing. Why do you write? What drives you?
I love to write, but I don’t have a writing routine. I am retired and I am not looking for a career. My greatest joy is pleasing my readers. Sometimes I’ll write a very short story, and other times that short story could be as long as 7,000 words. I don’t push my writing or write outlines; I wait. I guess you could say I wait on the Lord; He sends me pictures and somehow I know it’s going to be another novel. I only create when I’m inspired by my pictures. If I don’t have the inspiration to create, and I want to work, I use the time for refinement and editing.

BPM: How did you initially break into the publishing industry? Did you ever self-publish?
Yes, after I completed Rehoboth Road, I sent out fifty query letters just to locate an agent and I received fifty rejections. Then, I self-published and sold over three thousand copies. Within that year I signed with a publishing company that never paid my royalties on time, if at all. The one great thing they did was sell my book to Black Expressions Book Club, and I knew I had arrived, even after being contractually cheated on this sale. I found a loophole in the contract and was released from my second book deal and vowed to remain a self-publish author. I told myself that my joy comes from writing and pleasing my fans, and with the proper branding agent and publicist, I could do a very good job marketing myself.

BPM: Do you ever let the book stew – leave it for months and then come back to it?
Yes, all of my books stewed with the exception of The Dancing Willow Tree. This book is the sequel to Rehoboth Road. I received hundreds of emails from my readers requesting a sequel; many people made suggestions of what they thought should happen. I was inspired, I had my visual images, my fans suggestions, and a few twist in mind; The Dancing Willow Tree was completed in three months.

BPM: Are there any areas of your writing career that you wish you could go back and change?
Without questioning the Lord, I wish I had received my gift when I was younger, but the Lord knows best. I wonder if I would have appreciated it, would I have earn my lifetime experience badge or if I would have had the time to dedicate to the craft? Sometimes I think, if I could have accomplish writing success back in my earlier life I might have been another Alice Walker or Toni Morrison, not for the fortune, but for the pleasure of knowing something I created bought pleasure to so many people.

BPM: What hurdles, if any, did you have to overcome as a new author and business owner?
I believe the real hurdle is the process of editing. I have hired a professional editor and have used my edit team and there were still problems. Other than the editing process, researching self-publishing and learning all of the aspects of the process are the hardest.

BPM: What’s the most important quality a writer should have in your opinion?
Be able to respond positively to constructive criticism. A writer should never believe they are so great that they have nothing to learn about their craft.

BPM: At what point in your career did you discover your real worth and own it?
Growing up, I always wanted to be a registered nurse. There were two professions I didn’t want any part of, a medical doctor or a writer. The novels, Little Women, Clarence Darrow and Return of the Native, and the likes, really turned me off during my high school literature classes. I cried through them; I am a pre-baby-boomer who attended George Wingate High School in Brooklyn, New York when the African American student enrollment was only two percent. No one told me about Langston Hughes, Zora Neal Hurston, James Baldwin and the others. If you didn’t know about the Harlem Renaissance, you didn’t know to ask and seek it out. I remember standing outside a theater on Manhattan’s Broadway, staring at the marquee and large posters of the play, Porgy and Bess. It was hard to believe these were black people like me, doing what white people did. It seems so funny now, but today’s young people believe they have been robbed of opportunity and I wish I could take them back to my early time and shake them.

I discovered my worth as an individual early in life, having a very successful career and lifetime experiences. I said I didn’t want to be a doctor, but I became a Treatment Team Leader, whereas I managed an interdisciplinary treatment team which included medical doctors and twenty years of report writing was the precursor to my writing profession in retirement. And now I write.

BPM: Can you share a little of your current work with us?
In this dark time in our history time, two brothers, Jacob and Jackson shared the same loving father, the same mansion home, but were separated by age and the circumstances of life; Jacob, a mulatto slave and Jackson, the sole heir to their father’s plantation. They were mirror images of each other, both tall and having golden hair, blue eyes and creamy white complexion. Jacob had the soul of a black man and Jackson’s soul was only fed by cruelty, possessions and hatred. Once Jacob was free it wasn’t long before he realized that passing for white was a powerful weapon to be used to free his enslaved family and friends, specially his black pearl, Sula who was pregnant with his child. Nothing could stop him in his quest to reach the safety of Canada before the start of the Civil War, not even murder, assault, thievery or arson. He found great pleasure standing his ground against other white people.

Throughout Jacob’s triumphs, Brother Jackson was in hot pursuit of him, but little did Jackson know revenge was not in his favor. Jackson’s attempt to kill Jacob would end up causing him more inescapable pain than he could ever have imagined; pain that was a thousand times worse than the pain he allowed his overseers to inflicted on his slaves; pain that could not be undone.

BPM: What genre is this book? Do you write all of your books in this category? Why?
This is a book of historical fiction, pre-Civil War (1860). With the exception of my memoir, most of the time I write fiction, but I tend to write in different eras from 1950 through 1990. As mentioned earlier, my inspiration comes in the form of pictures. I have my ideas of what I want to write about, but after a few paragraphs my story will take on its own life. Very often this dictates the era, storyline, characters and location. For example, someone once told me my grandfather walked from northern North Carolina to south central Virginia. I was thinking what it must have been like for a black man to walk alone on a country road around 1900. The next thing I knew I was writing Jacobs Eyes. My grandfather was a short, small framed man, with ebony colored skin and nappy hair, and Jacob was tall, well built, blue eyes, golden hair and a white complexion. The only thing they had in common was that they walked on the road.

BPM: Do you set out to educate or inspire, entertain or illuminate a particular subject?
I don’t necessary set out to educate, but my goal is to keep my stories socially clean, historically accurate, entertaining and inspiring. I research even the smallest issue. In my book, Rehoboth Road, I wanted one of my characters to purchase a specific type of car. When I researched the car I found out it had not come out for another five years. In Jacob’ Eyes, I had to learn about growing cotton, the railroad lines that were running in 1860, what shipping lines were sailing. How Lincoln was placed on the ballot, and most of all, documents related to the sale and release of slaves and many other issues. To say the least, I was educated and inspired during the writing of this novel and I hope and pray others will learn from it too.

BPM: Did you learn anything personal from writing this book?
Yes, first of all I received a history lesson, and then I learned about herbal tea, juju bags secondary railroad cars, Southern myths and much more. Most of all I learn about myself and to appreciate my gift. I had not worked at writing a novel in some time. My pictures were there for me, but I allowed life and circumstances to pull me away from what I really love doing. I have to say thank you to Jacob’s Eyes for reminding me of my gift and to be grateful to my Lord for it.

BPM: What was your primary quest in publishing this book? Why now?
I did give mainstream publishing serious thought, then I remembered my previous experience and I was not willing to lose my literary rights to my work forever. But I am like an abused woman, time will tell.

BPM: What would you like to accomplish after this book is released?
I just want to keep writing and promoting my work. I love public speaking and traveling, so with the release of this book I will be destination bound.

BPM: Are any scenes from the book borrowed from your world or your experiences?
No, Jacob’s Eyes is a product of my imagination and research.

BPM: What should readers DO after reading this book?
Just enjoy this book for its historical quality and storyline. This is not just another slave book; this is a book where the slaves win. This is a feel good book that will leave the reader saying, “Yes!” Spread the word: ask their local libraries to order it, ask their school board to place it in their high school libraries, introduce it to historically black colleges and universities, suggest it to book clubs, share the book with a young adult and don’t forget to write me and share their thoughts and feeling.

BPM: What are your career goals as a writer? Have you accomplished most of them?
I am retired and I write to please my readers. My goal is to continue writing and sell, sell, sell my work. Nothing makes me happier than to have my fans love my work. My goal is to have a well known name in the industry and I have no accomplished that.

BPM: What have you realized about yourself since becoming a published author?
There are people, other than my family, who appreciate what I have to offer. My family loves me unconditionally. My fans love me and my work; that’s why I always want to give them my very best.

BPM: What are some of the benefits of being an author that makes it all worthwhile?
Being an author, actor, singer or whatever, it really does not matter. We are all people first. Even if I were a filthy rich author it wouldn’t make a different to me; being a good person is more important. For me, the only benefits of being an author are my personal satisfaction and knowing I have made other people happy. This is my gift, but Dear Lord, I always prayed to be a great singer, but I guess You know what’s best for me, so thank you Lord.

BPM: What are you the most thankful for now?
I am most thankful for my Lord and Savior, life and good health, family, friends, my gift, fans and a good life. I am truly blessed; I have it all.

BPM: Do you have any advice for people seeking to publish a book?
Study and do your research before you decide, and then learn to do as much as you can for yourself.

BPM: Finish this sentence - “My writing offers the following legacy to future readers and authors...”
My writing offers the following legacy to future readers and authors because I try to write unforgettable novels that provide teachable moments without an expiration date.”

BPM: We are here to shine the spotlight on your new book, but what's next?
My long term goal for the next year is to produce my first manuscript, Broken Bond, my memoir, as well as a book of short stories and to continue as a columnist for the Orlando Sentinel monthly news magazine, A Better You,

BPM: How may our readers follow you online?
At my website: www.anitaballardjones.com or on Facebook at" Anita Ballard Jones

Monica Lynne Foster is an international selling author of fiction novels and Non-Fiction inspiration. Her novels focus on the lives of relatable characters who continually find themselves at a crossroads. Sometimes they make the right decisions…and sometimes they don’t.

In addition to being an author, Monica and her husband own American Gas Works, a gas contracting company in Michigan. She’s also the co-founder of Women Who Run Their World, a women’s organization whose purpose is to Encourage, Inspire, and Support our Sisters in Our Pursuit to Live Our Lives on Our Terms.

BPM: When did you get your first inkling to write, and how did you advance the call for writing?
I started writing when I was seven. I wrote a four page story titled Charlie and the Dunce. I remember reading it to my family and receiving applause. Only God knows if it was actually any good. Interestingly enough, my aunt kept it and showed it to me recently. I re-read it and it was pretty good, if I do say so myself. LOL. But it was the beginning of the 2000’s when I read Temptation by Victoria Christopher Murray that the desire to write novels was truly sparked within me. I remember reading her novel and it was the first time I’d read a novel that I enjoyed and didn’t blush my way through it! In 2003, I began working on Bad Choices Can Be Deadly and, because of my corporate career, it took me over eleven years to finally bring it to life.

BPM: Tell us about your passion for writing. Why do you write? What drives you?
I write because I love it. It gives me life. I write both novels and inspirational non-fiction. With my novels, I enjoy the feeling of freedom that I experience when my mind gets to break away from reality and enter the realm of fantasy. I can be as outrageous or as tame as I want to be. My characters can say and do things that Monica would never say or do! And I always hope and pray that my readers get to take that same mental escape when they’re enjoying my work. When I write my inspirational pieces, I share my life story and how I transitioned from being a corporate executive to an entrepreneur and author. And I write a blog that is a by-product of my quiet time with God.

BPM: How did you initially break into the publishing industry? Did you ever self-publish?
I am a self-published author and I love it. If I’m being honest, I’ll say that when I first published, I had a negative view of self-publishing. As though self-publishing was inferior to traditional publishing. But what I’ve learned through several bumps in the road is that being a self-published author, with the right team, can be very lucrative and rewarding.

BPM: Do you ever let the book stew – leave it for months and then come back to it?
Absolutely! I let my first book stew for eleven years! LOL. But seriously, I do put books on pause for various reasons. The books and the characters tell me when they’re ready to be written. I give myself target dates to complete my work, but I’m gentle with myself and if it takes a little longer than I’d anticipated, then I just flow with it.

BPM: Are there any areas of your writing career that you wish you could go back and change?
Not at all. Because every step we take, even the steps that hurt, lead us to where we are. And I’m very happy with where I am and where I’m going.

BPM: What’s the most important quality a writer should have in your opinion?
There’s more than one that rank side by side at the top of the list. Writers need to be observant. A great idea for a storyline can come from anywhere. Writers need to have thick skin. Everyone has an opinion and some will have opinions about our work that are complimentary, and others may have negative views. And the same Internet and social media worlds that we need to support us, are the exact same worlds that can crush our bubble. Give everyone the space to have their own thoughts about our work and be okay when it’s less than flattering. Understand that writing is only part of the journey. If we want people to read our work, then we have to be ambassadors for our brand and let people know what we have to offer. And finally, keep the joy. It can be tough at times, dealing with the ancillary parts of the business and the industry. But it’s necessary. Just remember how great you feel when you’re creating. And when you have a particularly tough day, go write something. You’ll feel better!

BPM: Can you share a little of your current work with us? Introduce us to your book and the characters.
My upcoming novel, Hands Off My Man is the second book in my Chanelle Series. It asks the question, “How far would you go to protect your relationship?” It’s a story that many women will initially find familiar. The title character, Chanelle, has kissed a lot of frogs and now has her Prince Charming. However, her happily ever after is threatened when her man’s ex-wife resurfaces and decides she wants him back. The situation is further complicated by his ex’s mental illness. Is Chanelle able to hold onto her relationship without pushing his ex over the edge? You have to read it to find out. ?

BPM: What genre is this book? Do you write all of your books in this category? Why?
The Chanelle Series is Women’s Fiction/Chick Lit. My novels are all written in this genre. My non-fiction work is Christian motivation/inspiration. I write in the genres that I enjoy reading.

Listen to a reading from Bad Choices Can Be Deadly – Book 1 in A Chanelle Series.
http://www.audioacrobat.com/note/CRkzZSqx

BPM: Do you set out to educate or inspire, entertain or illuminate a particular subject?
In my novels I like to explore the imperfections in people who have good hearts and mostly good intentions, but who make costly mistakes. And I do that in an entertaining fashion. With my inspiration, I hope that by being transparent with my life, my shortcomings and challenges, as well as my triumphs, I can inspire others to go after what they want out of their own lives.

BPM: What should readers DO after reading this book?
Review it! Tell others about it if they enjoyed it. And hopefully, they’ll want to continue reading the series.

BPM: What are you the most thankful for now?
I remain thankful and grateful for what’s most important in my life. My God. My family. My relationships. My peace and joy.

BPM: Do you have any advice for people seeking to publish a book?
Just do it! Seriously. Every author I’ve listened to, interviewed, been coached by, all of them will tell you that they cringe when they think about their first book. You write your first book because everyone has to have a first. As you continue writing, you will continue growing. And improving. In today’s world of self-publishing, you don’t have to wait for some publisher to believe in you. Believe in yourself. Produce a quality product and get to work! I’d also suggest that you find a book coach. Someone with experience can help guide you through the process and save you from making costly mistakes.

BPM: We are here to shine the spotlight on your new book, but what's next?
I always have a few projects in the hopper. I’m writing the third novel in the Chanelle series and it’s scheduled to be released by summer/fall 2016. I also have Blogging with Monica: 31 Days to Help You Live Your Best Life. It’s a devotional and is coming out in 2016. And I am accepting submissions for my Mustard Seed Faith project. It’s a collection of short stories and poems by women in specific areas where they have overcome challenges to live their best lives.

BPM: How may our readers follow you online?
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mlfoster5
Twitter: https://twitter.com/booksbymlfoster
Website: http://www.monicalynnefoster.com
FB: http://www.facebook.com/MonicaLynneFoster
FB: https://www.facebook.com/BooksbyMonicaLynneFoster

Order Hands Off My Man by Monica Lynne Foster
A Chanelle Series Novel – Book 2
Genre: Women’s Fiction/Chick Lit
Website: http://www.monicalynnefoster.com

Order Bad Choices Can Be Deadly by Monica Lynne Foster
A Chanelle Series Novel – Book 1
Link: http://amzn.com/B0125U3EFK

Leonard Pitts, Jr. is a nationally syndicated columnist for the Miami Herald and winner of the 2004 Pulitzer Prize for commentary, in addition to many other awards. He is also the author of the novels Freeman (Agate Bolden, 2012) and Before I Forget (Agate Bolden, 2009); the collection Forward From this Moment: Selected Columns, 1994-2009, Daily Triumphs, Tragedies, and Curiosities (Agate Bolden, 2009); and Becoming Dad: Black Men and the Journey to Fatherhood (Agate Bolden, 2006).

Pitts’ work has made him an in-demand lecturer. He maintains a rigorous speaking schedule that has taken him to colleges, civic groups and professional associations all over the country. He has also been invited to teach at a number of prestigious institutions of higher learning, including Hampton University, Ohio University, the University of Maryland and Virginia Commonwealth University. In the fall of 2011, he was a visiting professor at Princeton University, teaching a course in writing about race.

Twice each week, millions of Miami Herald newspaper readers around the country seek out his rich and uncommonly resonant voice. In a word, he connects with them. Nowhere was this demonstrated more forcefully than in the response to his initial column on the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. Pitts' column, "We'll Go Forward From This Moment," an angry and defiant open letter to the terrorists, circulated the globe via the Internet. It generated upwards of 30,000 emails, and has since been set to music, reprinted in poster form, read on television by Regis Philbin and quoted by Congressman Richard Gephardt as part of the Democratic Party's weekly radio address.

Born and raised in Southern California, Pitts now lives in suburban Washington, D.C., with his wife and children.

BPM: When did you get your first inkling to write, and how did you advance the call for writing?
People ask all the time: "Why did you decide to be a writer?" It's a question I always struggle with, because I never decided to be a writer. In other words, there was a never a decision process, per se. I knew from the time I was five that this was what I was put here to do. So the goal for the remaining years of my childhood and, indeed, my professional life, was simply about trying to become good at it and then trying to become better. From the time I was young, I liked telling stories, I enjoyed getting reactions. I think all of us are given certain gifts, certain aptitudes, certain things that fit us, that seem to come more easily to us than they do to other people. For me, that was words. In school, I sweated and worked my tail off for "C" I ever got in math. But every "A" I got in English was as easy as pie.

BPM: Mr. Pitts, how did you get started as a writer?
Well, I began to think of myself as a writer from the time I was five years old, which was a good thing, because it gave me a lot of time to be bad at it. I started sending poems and stories to magazines when I was 12 years old, first became published when I was 14, and first got paid for being published when I was 18. I spent the next 18 years working primarily as a music critic for a variety of magazines and radio programs.

I was editor of SOUL, a black entertainment tabloid, did freelance work for such magazines as Spin, Record Review and Right On!, co-created and edited a radio entertainment news magazine called RadioScope and was a writer for Casey Kasem's radio countdown show, Casey's Top 40.

BPM: Tell us about your passion for writing. Why do you write? What drives you?
I write because it's my profession, I write because it's the only thing I've ever wanted to do. I write because, if it wasn't my profession and nobody was paying me to do it, I know that I would be still be doing it. I write because this is what I love and it's who I am. I think we tell stories to figure out who we are and what we are about and I am proud of being part of that continuum. I am also driven by the need to see if I can better my best. It's a never-ending game of "Can you top this?"

BPM: Do you ever let the book stew – leave it for months and then come back to it?
I've never left a book for months. I've been forced to leave a book for weeks though, because sometimes, life intrudes. But the best way to write a book is in one long push of consistent, daily effort. A novel is, at bottom, an elaborate lie. It's an unspoken bargain between writer and reader: I'm going to tell you this story of things that never happened - maybe never could happen – and in exchange for you suspending your disbelief, I'm obligated to make sure this tale I tell is entertaining, funny, gripping, suspenseful, emotionally involving, whatever. But to sell the "lie" you're telling as a writer, you have to first believe it yourself. And I've found that if you stay away from a novel for too long, it can damage your ability to believe in the "lie" - the situations and characters you're chronicling can start to seem cardboard, less real to you. And if you don't believe in them, the reader definitely won't.

BPM: Introduce us to your book, Grant Park and the characters.
Grant Park is a novel about racial disillusionment, friendship, and what I have taken to calling the “stupidification” of America.

Forty years ago, two young men had life-altering encounters with Martin Luther King. Malcolm, a black kid, was a college dropout who scorned nonviolent protest, and embraced street violence as a way of bringing social change. A chance meeting one night with King turned him around, forced him to see the limitations of street violence and convinced him to return to school. He was on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel, about to share this news with King when James Earl Ray fired his fatal shot. He has never gotten over what he saw. Bob, a white kid, was attending a Bible college in Mississippi where he fell powerfully in love with Janeka Lattimore, a young black civil rights activist. They attended King's last march – the one in Memphis that ended in a riot. Bob was beaten bloody by an angry young black man in the crowd and right after that, Janeka left him, saying she wanted to go to a black school now, saying she wanted to "be with her people." "I thought I was your people, too," said Bob. He has never gotten over losing her.

Forty years later, Malcolm is a celebrated columnist for a Chicago newspaper, burned out by one too many cases of police violence against unarmed African-Americans and white people not caring about. He writes an angry column - "I'm sick and tired of white folks' bullshit," he says – and when the newspaper refuses to publish it, he hacks his editor's computer and publishes it anyway - one the front page of the paper, on Election Day of 2008. Then unbeknownst to anyone, he is kidnapped by two would-be white supremacist terrorists who intend to blow him up in Grant Park, where President–elect Barack Obama is scheduled to speak.

Meantime, Bob is now an editor at a Chicago newspaper and before dawn on Election Day, he gets a phone call telling him one of his columnists has hacked his computer to publish an incendiary, offensive column. Bob gets fired for it. The former civil rights activist was already sick and tired of black people always complaining, never being satisfied. Now he's lost his job over black people's whining, and he's furious, ready to strangle Malcolm – if he can only find him. Then he gets an email. Janeka is back in town and she wants to see him.

BPM: Are any scenes from the book borrowed from your world or your experiences?
Oh, yes. Much of the frustration Malcolm experiences in dealing with white readers who will not engage on the subject of racial injustice is something I have experienced firsthand. And the one reader email that sends him over the edge is cobbled together from hundreds of similar emails I have received over the years. I identify with Malcolm's angst, though not with his chosen solution.

BPM: What are your goals as a writer? Do you set out to educate? Entertain? Inspire?
I think you write to entertain, first and foremost, to tell a story a reader will lose herself or himself in. You try to create characters that will seem real to the reader and then put those characters into situations of physical or emotional danger. Secondarily, you hope that in entertaining people, you can also manage to say something of value, make some observation that will touch them or inspire them or cause them to see old things in new ways.

BPM: What are some of the benefits of being an author that makes it all worthwhile?
Writing a novel is a year, two years, or more of lonely work, staring at blank screens and not really knowing if what you're doing works or makes any kind of sense. So the best thing about being published is receiving feedback from readers. When somebody tells me they were hurt by something one of my characters did, or a situation a character found him or herself in made that reader cry, that is the highest validation and best compliment I can ever receive. It means the characters seemed real and the story works. Feedback is what makes that lonely year or two worthwhile.

BPM: What’s the most important quality a writer should have in your opinion?
Probably persistence. You have to believe in and hone your talent as a writer and cling to it, sometimes against all odds and common sense. You have to eat rejection for breakfast.

BPM: Ultimately, what do you want readers to gain from reading your book?
I want them to gain enjoyment and entertainment obviously. I'd love for them to think about some of the issues the book raises. If you or your readers would like to set up a Skype visit to discuss Grant Park or Freeman, go to my website and contact me there: http://leonardpittsjr.com. I'm available for blog tours as well.

BPM: How may our readers follow you online?
Books: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/leonard-pitts-jr.
Keep up with Leonard at his website: www.leonardpittsjr.com
Read Miami Herald column at: http://www.miamiherald.com/leonard_pitts
Like Leonard Pitts on FB: https://www.facebook.com/LeonardPittsJr
Follow on Twitter: Leonard Pitts Jr can be found at @LeonardPittsJr1.

Order Grant Park by Leonard Pitts Jr.
Link: http://amzn.com/1932841911

Other Titles by Leonard Pitts, Jr.
* Becoming Dad
* Before I Forget
* Forward From this Moment
* Freeman
* Grant Park

Phyllis Dixon is the author of two novels Down Home Blues, and Forty Acres, and Let the Brother Go If… which she co-wrote with Ms. Dupree, formerly of the syndicated Tom Joyner Morning Show. She is a contributing writer to Chicken Soup for the African American Woman’s Soul, and has written for American Legacy magazine and the Memphis Commercial Appeal. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and a National Bank Examiner. She is a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and resides in Memphis, Tennessee. Visit www.phyllisdixon.com for additional information.

BPM: How did you get to be where you are in your life today? Who or what motivated you?
While many have influenced me, my mother has always been my number one cheerleader. She stressed self-reliance, education and faith. My motivation has always been not to disappoint her.

BPM: Who does your body of literary work speak to? Do you consider authors as role models?
My themes are universal, but my primary audience is mature black females, because that’s what I know. There are several authors whose work I admire, but I can’t say they are role models. Being a writer is a very solitary endeavor and each person’s style and motivation is very personal.

BPM: What inspired you to sit down and actually start writing this book? Why now?
I have been writing for years, but didn’t consider writing as a career while I was in school. I didn’t know any writers and rarely saw books by African Americans. Since I did enjoy reading, I opened a bookstore in the 1990’s. I met many authors and learned they were regular people. So I decided if they could do it, I could too.

BPM: What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
The characters. They are like family members and I enjoyed their journey.

BPM: Where do your book ideas come from? Are your books plot-driven or character-driven? Why?
The situations and issues come from real life; although maybe not my real life. Someone asked Smokey Robinson (my favorite) how he came up with song lyrics, he said some are from his experience, some are from others’ experiences and some he makes up. I think that’s a good description of my writing process. My novels are character driven. Some of their experiences aren’t things I initially planned. But because of their personalities, the plot evolves.

BPM: Could you tell us something about your most recent work?
Down Home Blues is a family drama that asks – am I my brother (or sister’s keeper)? Is it always best to mind your own business? Divorce, foreclosure, domestic violence, and an all-expense paid trip (also called prison) disrupt the Washington siblings’ perfectly planned lives, and they end up back down home in Arkansas. Instead of serenity, sibling rivalries, divided loyalties and money squabbles resurface. Even the good news, that there may be natural gas on their father’s land, causes conflict. Down Home Blues has themes of family ties and secrets, and the dilemma of whether to speak up or keep secrets. In the African American family in particular, there is a tradition of “what goes on in the house stays in the house”. Some say this practice contributes to closely knit families, others say this perpetuates dysfunction. Down Home Blues continues this conversation. It is available on Nook and Kindle.

BPM: Give us some insight into your main characters or speakers. What makes each one so special?
The characters are special because they are people you know, or you may identify with one of the characters yourself. The stories are about relationships between men and women, the usual things, boys meets girl, boy and girl break up. But boy and girl may or may not get back together, and maybe they get back together, but they shouldn’t. In addition to the male/female relationships, the characters also deal with family relationships. What makes the characters special, is that you see their situation from multiple points of view. Sometimes things look different when you see it from another perspective.

BPM: Are there under-represented groups or ideas featured in your book? If so, discuss them.
Positive black men are featured in Down Home Blues. Sometimes it seems that African American men are only portrayed as thugs or preachers. Somewhere in between are everyday brothers that go to work every day, take care of their families and love their women. Those are the Washington men. Another underrepresented idea in fiction is the impact of incarceration on communities of color, and one of the main characters is dealing with those issues. Also, I explore domestic violence. How does it start? Why do they stay? What, if anything should friends and family members do? Again, something not often written about in fiction.

BPM: How does your book relate to your present situation, education, spiritual practice or journey?
With Down Home Blues, I am practicing what I preach by pursuing my goals and getting out of my comfort zone. Given the changes in the publishing industry, I did not really even search for a mainstream publisher. There is a long gestation period in the book industry and I did not want to wait. I have a banking background and have owned a bookstore, so I have the knowledge and skills to produce a quality product. Therefore, I put the book out myself. Now I know there is a negative connotation with self-publishing. That’s why I prefer the term independent publisher. An independent filmmaker is admired and musicians are cutting out the middleman. Given our history in this country, it seems foolish to rely on a handful of large conglomerates to tell our stories. Also, I lost my husband a few years ago and he was very involved in marketing my books. Now I have to toot my own horn. I’m not comfortable with that, but as the old folks say, “a closed mouth don’t get fed.” That is a long answer to say, at this point in my journey, I have the knowledge, confidence, and faith to be the master of my own destiny.

BPM: Did you learn anything personal from writing your book? Can you share some stories about people you met while researching this book?
I would refer to the previous answer for the first question. Something I learned while researching the book is the extent of challenges that ex-offenders face when trying to reintegrate in their communities. The majority of those incarcerated will eventually get out. But many do not have even a high school diploma or a marketable skill. How are they supposed to support themselves? Also I didn’t realize the laws varied so much from state to state. In Maine and Vermont, inmates can vote while in prison. On the flip side, there are four states where ex-offenders lose their voting rights permanently, unless pardoned by the governor.

BPM: What were your goals and intentions in this book, and how well do you feel you achieved them?
My goal was to continue the story of the Washington family. But I didn’t want this to be a “sequel” in the normal sense. Each book stands alone and you won’t be lost if you haven’t read Forty Acres. I feel I met those goals, but the reader is the ultimate judge.

BPM: What projects are you working on at the present?
I am working on another novel and also a nonfiction business book.

BPM: How can readers discover more about you and your work? Share all of your social media links.
My website is: www.phyllisdixon.com and other social media links are Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/phyllis.dixon.376 and Twitter - @phyllisrdixon.

Order Down Home Blues by Phyllis Dixon
Genre – Contemporary Fiction
Amazon - http://tinyurl.com/qg4nuhh
Barnes & Noble - http://tinyurl.com/o5g7l7l

The only thing best-selling author Bridgett Renay loves doing more than writing is breathing. If you let her tell it, the first spoken words from the quiet but observant Navy veteran were, “I should really write this down”.

As a young girl she undoubtedly had the gift. Everything from poetry to short stories filled her PeeChee folder with fantasies as well as the realities of life growing up in south central Los Angeles. And her talents didn’t go unnoticed. A Thanksgiving poem she wrote in elementary school found its way into the neighborhood newspaper, but it wasn’t a sign of what was to immediately come.

Before pursuing her dream of becoming an acclaimed novelist, the pragmatic Bridgett Renay believed she had to first make good on a promise she made to God. That promise revolved around the pursuit of higher learning and community service and was made after He healed her from a traumatic childhood incident.

The years of personal triumphs earning a Bachelor of Science in Technical Communication and a Master of Business Administration, as well as professional growth as a corporate operative and Navy Reservist, tells the story of a journey that took her to faraway places, introduced her to intoxicating people, and shaped the way she viewed the world and her place in it.

Now that she has reached the top of her pyramid, per se, Bridgett Renay is ready for the novelistic spotlight. The pen is back, the passion never left …another journey begins.

BPM: How did you get to be where you are in your life today? Who or what motivated you?
The United States Navy motivated me and has played a huge role in where I’m at today. Before 9-11, I was a regular Navy Reservist – a weekend warrior – who was also very comfortable in my cushy, corporate job. But after 9-11, I was recalled to active duty where I served in the Middle East as a security patrolman. Not only did I spend ten months seeing first-hand how other cultures lived in dire straits, but I also saw a lot of my military comrades either lose their lives or lose their ability to function normally. It reminded me how fortunate I was to have so many opportunities in America that I made a promise to myself and God that if he returned me home in one piece, I would follow each and every dream I’ve ever had. I can honestly say that I have.

Since returning home I’ve earned a B.S. and a Master’s degree, purchased my own home as a single black woman, finished out my military career and retired with twenty-four years of service, and I’ve written and published my first novel, best-selling Corporate Thugs. And every day is a new journey in pursuit of my true calling.

BPM: Who does your body of literary work speak to? Do you consider authors as role models?
My work speaks to black Americans and the challenges we face in our pursuit of happiness. And yes, I definitely consider authors as role models. I admire the way some take risks and trail blaze into new territories. I admire how they’re unapologetic with their words. That’s what I’ve strived for in this new release.

BPM: What inspired you to sit down and actually start writing this book? Why now?
We’re in campaign season and I wanted to write a drama based on the political mayhem that goes on behind the scenes. LLP – Lust, Lies & Propositions is actually based on an incident that happened to me in the work place that I considered office politics. I was letting off a lot of steam by making a mountain out of a molehill and penning a book based on that incident. And honestly, this book is more non-fiction than it is fiction because when it comes to being black in corporate America, there’s a lot of inequalities that should be brought to the forefront.

BPM: What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
I enjoyed learning the truth about corporate America. It’s only when we truly understand our environment when we can make change. This experience has taught me what my life was destined for and I’m absolutely positive that it’s just the beginning of an extraordinary journey because everything I’ve done in my life has led to this spectacular moment in time.

BPM: Where do your book ideas come from? Are your books plot-driven or character-driven? Why?
I’m an observer of human behavior and I pay very close attention to how people handle their drama. This book is more character-driven because I love taking interesting characters through their life’s drama in a way that would mirror how I handle my own mess.

BPM: Could you tell us something about your most recent work?
LLP – Lust, Lies & Propositions lightheartedly explores the political lives of black America within three distinct principalities – corporate America, romantic relationships, and government itself. It’s available Super Tuesday on Tuesday, March 1, 2016 on Kindle and Nook.

BPM: Give us some insight into your main characters or speakers. What makes each one so special?
The main character, Essence St. Clair, is a rich daddy’s little girl who grew up in a conservative environment. She believes that based on her upbringing, she’s entitled to a life where she calls all the shots. The novel takes us through her trials and tribulations as she discovers that the world does not revolve around her. What makes her unique is that she’s also trying to learn how to fit in as opposed to expecting everyone to go against their convictions and live by hers.

BPM: Are there under-represented groups or ideas featured in your book? If so, discuss them.
Essence St. Clair being a black conservative definitely falls into the category of being under-represented. In America, there’s a stigma against black conservatives and my goal was to change that – giving my readers an opportunity to look inside their worlds and realize that we’re basically all the same; everyone wants to be acknowledged, accepted, and respected. We are so focused on the wrong things that it hampers us from living our best lives. This book brings that point to life – it focuses on what we should really be talking about and the changes we should really be making within our communities.

BPM: How does your book relate to your present situation, education, spiritual practice or journey?
I currently work in corporate America so I know what I speak of. There are so many wonderful opportunities for blacks, but there are also too many stigmas to have to tolerate – equal pay, promotional opportunities, but mostly respect. Corporate America gives a lot of us very comfortable standards of living, but much more has to be done before we can say with confidence that we’re mutually represented.

BPM: Did you learn anything personal from writing your book?
What I’ve learned is the exact same thing I learned with my first book – that you don’t have to be famous to have a voice. The reality is in the majority of cases, you don’t become famous until you let your voice be heard. I’ve learned that my voice is just as important as anyone else’s and I plan to use it to be a part of the solution and not a part of the problem. I’ve learned that I don’t have to always sit in the stands. I have the talent and courage it takes to be center stage.

BPM: Can you share some stories about people you met while researching this book?
My journey over the last year has allowed me to meet black women of true distinction. I have met women like Lisa Nichols, Dr. Venus Opal Reese, Vicki Irvin, Cassandra Bradford, Tamika Newhouse, and Nicole Roberts Jones who are playing a huge role in shaping my tomorrow. The influence they’re having on my writing and my being are immeasurable. Every day I wake up with an amazing sense of purpose.

BPM: What were your goals and intentions in this book, and how well do you feel you achieved them?
Black Americans contributed to every aspect throughout history to build what should be a great nation, but we’re still underappreciated throughout enough entities that I wanted to express my feeling towards. Writing is the absolute best remedy to relieve frustrations and bring about awareness.

BPM: What projects are you working on at the present?
I am currently transitioning into non-fiction writing. I have been so inspired by the above-mentioned women that my true calling has emerged. There are so many women I see on a daily basis that are in pain and I want to see them through it. There’s enough abundance for each and every one of us and I am destined to play a role in leading those distraught women into their greatness.

BPM: How can readers discover more about you and your work? Share all of your social media links.
Website: http://www.BridgettRenay.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BridgettRenay
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bridgett.renay.3
Blog: http://www.bridgettrenay.com/
Instagram: Bridgett Renay (@undistractedbridgettrenay)

Alysia Burton Steele is a journalism professor at the University of Mississippi and author of Delta Jewels: In Search of My Grandmother’s Wisdom. In 2006, she was a picture editor for The Dallas Morning News photo team that won the Pulitzer Prize in Breaking News for their Hurricane Katrina coverage. She designed the National Urban League’s 100th commemorative poem booklet written by Maya Angelou. Prior to teaching, Steele was a photojournalist, who later became a photo editor at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Articles about her book have appeared in The New York Times, NBC.com, USA Today, Chicago Sun-Times and Southern Living.

BPM: Tell us about your passion for writing. Where does it stem from?
My passion for writing comes from talking with others and sharing history. I focus on nonfiction, narrative stories. I am a journalist by trade and by passion. I've always enjoyed talking with people, so it's just a natural fit to interview people and write about life experiences. I want more African-American history, as told by our people, to be in books. I want a better collection of oral histories. Our country needs it and I am convinced that if more young people-children read our stories, they'd understand their history that's not mentioned in classrooms and in school books - and these stories should be included.

BPM: What was your primary quest in publishing Delta Jewels: In Search of My Grandmother’s Wisdom?
I did this book, Delta Jewels: In Search of My Grandmother's Wisdom, because I missed my grandmother, Mrs. Althenia Aiken Burton. I moved to Oxford, MS to become a journalism professor at the University of Mississippi in Oxford, MS. I saw scenery in the Mississippi Delta that reminded me of my childhood summer days at Gram's family home in Spartanburg, SC. I wanted to pick up the phone to call and tell her what I was seeing and feeling, but I couldn't. She passed away 20 years go. She raised me from the time I was 4 years old and she died when I was 24 years old. I regret never really asking her about her life growing up in SC. And I started thinking about all the time I wasted arguing with her over boys, makeup, school, chores - instead of sitting down to listen and learn more about her. When you age you reflect on life. I missed my grandmother. I missed the smell of her perfume, the way she stood in the doorway to watch her loved ones leave. I thought about the skills I had acquired as a journalist and decided I would pay it forward and interview other people's grandmothers. I wanted to take beautiful, dignified professional photographs of their grandmothers and record stories. Somehow, by the grace of God, it became a book.

BPM: Who did you write this book for? Why?
Initially, I wrote this book for me. I was on a personal journey to understand my grandmother's contemporaries. It was never meant to be a book, but a project. I was going to self-publish to give the mothers, who agreed to be interviewed, a copy for their families. I couldn't talk to my grandmother, but I could talk to the women of her generation. I needed their wisdom in my life. I missed my sweet Gram. After The New York Times wrote about my project, I received several offers to publish a book. So, Delta Jewels was published. I am hoping this book inspires MANY younger women to talk to their female elders, male too, but I want the women to have some glory. We need it. I want more African-Americans to record histories. In my opinion, there isn't enough published in school books, so let's publish it ourselves and teach our children.

BPM: Can you share some stories about people you met while researching this book?
I've met and have been welcomed into the lives of 54 new grandmothers and you know 19 pastors helped me. Couldn't have done it with Clarksdale Mayor Bill Luckett, who gave me pastors' cell phone numbers. I called one and we talked. That's how it started. Rev. Juan Self was the first pastor, and he also the architect who redesigned the Memphis Civil Rights Museum. I drove 6,000 miles to interview women in 27 Mississippi Delta towns.

I even got to interview Mrs. Myrlie Evers, widow of slain civil rights leader Mr. Medgar Evers. She even shares what "their song" was and it's a precious moment for me. I've met Mrs. Tennie Self, 88, who was so angry when a car dealership refused to sell her a Cadillac, she drove almost two hours, bought one in Memphis and then drove past the dealership who refused to sell her one, honked the horn and waved at them everyday.

I met Mrs. Leola Dillared, 103, who was thrown off a cotton plantation in Yazoo City, MS because she refused to have her little girls pick cotton. She wanted them to go to school. She was told she would be thrown off the land if she insisted because she would "ruin" the other blacks, who would want to send their children to school. She chose to be thrown off the land. All of her children have masters' degrees and one has a Ph.D.

I have Mrs. Velma Moore, 78, mother of 15, grandmother of 145 (yes, 145!) who dragged a woman out of church because she was talking about how fine Mrs. Moore's husband was. She felt disrespected. The woman said she didn't know he was her husband, but she meant what she said, so Mrs. Moore said she meant was she was fittin' to do - and she punched the woman in the face. Stories that make you laugh, cry and beam with pride. I love each and every one of these mothers and am blessed to know them. Unfortunately four have passed away since the book came out nationwide on April 7, 2015. And this drives home the point of why we must capture our history.

BPM: Walk us through your journey to success. How did you get to this point?
I started Delta Jewels in summer 2013, so it's been two years. I didn't know anyone, didn't have a grant or sponsors. I saved up $50 here, $100 there - literally, for nine months, for gas money to go interview the women. They all lived two - four hours away from me, and I was teaching three classes at the time, but I drove on days I wasn't teaching or went on weekends. Thank goodness for my husband who was, and continues to be, supportive. He held it down. He was there every step of the way. He's a blessing and a man of God. I couldn't have done it without him. It was tiring, but exhilarating. I had my own private history lesson for nine months - a time I treasure. If I could do this full-time for the rest of my life, I'd do it. I'd just go and collect stories and archive them. I love it. It's my passion.

Anyway, I reached out to one pastor, who agreed to meet me, hear what I wanted to do and liked my spirit and idea. He connected me to one mother, who connected me with another. In the end I had 19 pastors helping me, initially talking to the mothers for me, who would then talk to me. It was a domino effect. By chance I had a breakfast meeting with my assistant dean, several colleagues and a columnist for the NYT, who was intrigued by my project. Sam Freedman, the columnist, flew down, rode in the Delta with me and wrote about my project. The day it published in the NYT, I had a publisher writing to me. When God gives you a blessing, when you have a destiny, you follow it. I did what I was supposed to do. The women often thank me, but it was me they saved, so I thank them. I think I understand my Gram now.

I'm filing my IRS paperwork to start the nonprofit called Delta Jewels Support Foundation. I am hoping to receive grants, donations to offer college scholarships to children who live in the Mississippi Delta, who attend or graduated from county and city schools only. I am also hoping to give the mothers honorariums and then I want to travel to teach oral history workshops to churches, school, universities, any organization that wants to learn how to do it. Again, I want a movement.

BPM: What has been your greatest challenge and how did you overcome it?
My greatest challenge was fear of the unknown. You have to listen to God and follow your destiny. You have to get out of your own way and do what you're supposed to do. You'll know it if you listen. I didn't have the money, had no idea what I was doing, wasn't knowledgeable about the Delta, but I did it and am so proud of myself. More importantly, I'm proud of the women for talking to a stranger, opening their hearts and homes - and memories to share. They shared so others could learn. What a blessing! The women thank me for what I'm doing for them, but I thank them. They saved ME from 20-year grief. It never goes away you know, but you just have to step out on faith. It sounds cliche, but it's true. Step out and do what you're supposed to do. Everything will work out the way it's supposed to. Don't let fear or the unknown deter you. God has you.

BPM: Do you feel as if your writing is making a positive impact on readers, women, or the world?
I'm receiving emails from people in Geneva, Rome, New Zealand, Australia, England - it's wonderful. There's so much appreciation from women all over the world who LOVE reading these stories. There are Caucasian men writing to me saying they learned so much and are having their teenage sons read the book. Imagine that! Just today, I promise you, I received this email - a woman told me she reads one story a night to her 6-year-old son. How precious is that? This books is cutting across race, gender and age and what a blessing - especially considering all the racial tension the media shows. The reality for many in our country is bleak with violence. Young adults are saying this book inspired them to find out more about their parents. It's uplifting to know that my personal project, the one I did because I miss my sweet Gram, is helping and touching lives. That's nothing but God.

BPM: What legacy do you think this book offers future readers?
My writing offers the following legacy to future readers....the importance of oral history. I want to start a movement of recording more oral history from our elders. They say when an elderly person dies, a library burns down. I don't want anymore libraries to burn down. We must interview our mothers, fathers, grandfathers, grandmothers. We must talk to each other more often and understand the importance of our contribution in American history, and we do that by recording more and saying thank you to our elders. I'm about to start my new book about cotton in a few weeks. More much needed oral history. I'm going to keep going.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/itsalsteele
Website: http://www.alysiaburton.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/pixlady/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deltajewelswisdom

Lloyd Johnson was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Although he has dabbled in the creative arts since elementary school, he rediscovered his passion for writing in 2004, and has been working on his craft ever since.

Lloyd has traveled both domestically and abroad, having visited 14 countries. Besides the relaxation traveling has afforded him, he has found much of his creative inspiration. An avid reader, he enjoys African-American fiction and biographies. Lloyd Johnson is currently working on his third novel. He lives in New England.

BPM: How did you get to be where you are in your life today? Who or what motivated you?
I think just experiencing life has brought me through to where I am today. I like to think that my 20s were the time to mess up in the world; my 30s was intended to learn from my 20s; and my 40s allows me to hit the reset button and take all the lessons I’ve learned and continue to learn and move forward.

BPM: Who does your body of literary work speak to? Do you consider authors as role models?
I consider E.Lynn Harris a role model. He defined a genre. He had a very simple, unpretentious style of writing. I have secretly coveted his demographic: 60% women; 20% gay men; 20% other, all within the 18-49 age brackets. I’ll be happy if I can crack those demographics.

BPM: What inspired you to sit down and actually start writing this book?
I saw the movie “Precious” and subsequently read the book, “Push” by Sapphire. I was blown away and decided to write a book with a female protagonist who encounters adversity, but manages to come out on the other side.

BPM: What did you enjoy most about writing this book, The Dog Catcher?
I enjoyed two things: The art of creating and secondly, writing the story was very cathartic for me. I was able to get a lot of anger out.

BPM: Could you tell us something about your recent work, The Dog Catcher?
The Dog Catcher is the story about Cheryl Greene’s choices in men, and how those choices dismantle her life. She’s someone to root for because her intentions are good. She doesn’t dive into drama just for drama’s sake. There is a lot of growth in her arc. It takes her time, but she gets there eventually.

Plez Jackson is evil personified, though that isn’t what we see when we meet him. But he is beguiling enough to make this woman lose herself to him. He has a method to stripping Cheryl down. Plus, his brutality, anger and unpredictability keeps the reader on edge. I had fun writing this villain because he’s one that many women have known. He stays with you.

BPM: Are there under-represented groups or ideas featured in your book? If so, discuss them.
Sexuality is addressed in this book. Cheryl has two gay friends. Her dealings with them inform her views on homosexuality when the issue hits close to home.

BPM: How does your book relate to your present situation or journey?
One thing I’m proud of is Cheryl’s spiritual arc. When we meet her, she is completely turned off to religion and spirituality because her mother is very hardcore. But as Cheryl moves through the story, she develops her own relationship with God, and calls upon that faith throughout her journey. But she does so in what I think is a realistic way. She doesn’t go from zero to ten, but does the best she can.

BPM: Did you learn anything personal from writing your book, The Dog Catcher?
I learned that I held a lot of stuff inside and the emotions connected were still very raw. For example, much of what transpires between Cheryl and her eldest son, Lawrence, is based from events that happened to me. To draw from those memories and create fiction was painful at times.

Andrea Clinton is the niece of Rock and Roll Hall of fame’s George Clinton of the funk band Parliament/Funkadelic. She’s an award winning playwright, winning the Union County, Board of Chosen Freeholders Advancement Community Theatre 2015 grant award for her play, Murphy’s Law: Group Therapy Gone Wild.

She’s also a Screenwriter/Filmmaker, Novelist and Essayist. Andrea is a Montclair State University Graduate where she achieved a Master’s degree in Theatre Studies, as well as undergraduate degrees in: English, Film and Journalism.

She’s the founder and CEO of People Helping People, Inc., a non-profit organization, whose mission is to help citizens become independent and self-sufficient.

BPM: Introduce us to your book and the main characters. Do you have favorites?
The main character is Geeda. What makes her special is that she is resilient and has overcome a nightmare of obstacles and committed to her goal of moving on up like the Jefferson's on the TV show. However, when she feels she stands to lose everything, all those nightmares come relishing back on Geeda and from the beginning of the book we find Geeda walking down the street in her sleevless t-shirt and tweety bird pajama pants lost in need of being found.

Paula is one of my favorite characters. She's quirky and a mental hot mess. She's been through so much and has educated herself so much, her mind has flipped much like the video games when you reach the high score and then you start back at the beginning. Paula is so smart and well educated she's resorted back to finding her way or not quite getting it, life; although, you ask her, life just sucks and she's not going to conform.

Shell is a retired psych hobo. I can't say homeless because it's not the case. Like many hobo's we've seen on TV shows, he wants to travel aimlessly with nothing or no one, just passing by people with no want for quality of life. But he's smart, sharp as a whip. He offers a load of good advice to all that cross his path. Geeda crosses his path and he makes her think in a way she'd never thought before. He helps her see there's no such thing as a pity party for one, it's a festival of pity shared by everyone; he helps her see she was her own worst enemy because, although we all have a story, she bought into hers and took herself all around John Henry's barn just to realize...

BPM: Which character or topic in the book can you identify with the most? Why?
Geeda, the main character is my favorite because she is me. She's living out something I live through often, visions of the past. Things are happening to her as they happened to me. You have this ugly past and it's the past, behind you, supposedly; that's what everyone tells you. In time you buy into it, only to in turn be faced with having to possibly re-live it again because your present situation threatens to change. Honestly, it's like it's always over your head that what once was may be again, whether its hurt/pain, poverty, etc. Geeda is living my nightmare. Honestly, I didn't think of it until now, being asked this question and all. When I wrote Geeda and her life I related, but I didn't realize I was writing about myself, my inner feelings or fears of my past and bad dreams of it.

BPM: What drew you to tackle the topics in your book?
The characters in this book are people from all walks of life and the thing they have in common is they suffer their own issues. Whether it's a defect or a life event, they go through the motions of dealing with their issues and not always in a positive manner. I wanted and always want to bring attention to mental health, which is why I address it in my play, Murphy's Law: Group Therapy Gone Wild. Life is no easy task and the things that happen to us and the people we deal with in life don't make it easier. Put that with chemicals in our foods that affect the brain, in our milk and in our medicines which add to a failing mental health and you see why we've got to begin fighting for our rights to have a healthy mental well being. You've seen the commercials on TV where medicines, "…may cause suicidal thoughts…"

BPM: Does your upbringing or life experiences inspire your writing?
Yes. So many experiences, learned lessons, life events lend to me wanting to share. Additionally, other's experiences inspire me to want to write, not just what they're going through but how they deal with it, their decisions when faced with an atrocity and more. I think all of our experiences make up a good story, which is why I love writing in the realism and naturalism tradition.

BPM: Can you outline some areas where your characters dealt with issues that are in current affairs?
You see mental health all over the news today. People killing, killing themselves, others and it's because they are dealing with mental health issues that is really not getting the attention it needs. The nation has succumb to using chemicals, the same ones that killed and handicapped Vietnamese and our soldiers in Vietnam when they tried to wipe out the foliage for warfare, their used on our foods and the adverse affect is cancer and mental health issues or issues in the brain; there are commercials for medicines that will help you in one way but have you kill yourself in taking them. We've always have people with mental health issues however, the number has grown so much that they are everyday people. Once they commit a crime they are treated like the average Joe and yet most of the issues mental health patients suffer is because of the way we do things or the things we allow in this country.

Geeda, the main character didn't ever think about these things before. However, when she is forced to have to be around these people, she realizes there's a world of things going on that she never, ever had a clue about. She's stumped and each day grows wiser and wiser, yet weary, except for those times she is fed up and snaps, has an outburst. She grows up and learns there's more to life than her past, she learns the hard way and it's not a happy enlightening.

BPM: Finish this sentence - “My writing offers the following legacy to future readers... ”
My writing offers the legacy of life as it was and often repeats itself. People will be
able to read my books and know what was happening in the time the books are
set in. They'll experience the mood of the people and the day and time.

BPM: Share with us your latest news, awards or upcoming book releases.
Well, I won a grant for my play MURPHY'S LAW: Group Therapy Gone Wild. The production is the first of prayerfully many, performing at Hamilton Theatre in Rahway, NJ November 13-15. I won a spot in the DC Black Theatre Festival for my play in 2016.

The sequel to my 1st novel, titled OMAR: Silent as a Lamb is coming Spring of 2016, followed by Tracy, which is the 3rd book will go into publication in the Fall of 2016. I'm going to be meeting with some film and TV people in November/December of 2015 for some scripts I have ready.

I'm just ready to take some of my writings I've been sitting on and bringing the to life for audience and reader's enjoyment. I love entertaining in any fashion. I have almost 5,000 followers on Facebook. I believe almost 2,000 on Instagram and Twitter.

Connect with Andrea on Social Media:
Website: www.AroundTheWayPublishing.com
Instagram & Twitter: @Teaclinton13
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndreaClinton13
Blog: www.AndreaClinton.me
Blog: http://around-the-way.blogspot.com
Newspaper: http://paper.li/f-1326915658#
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3214167.Andrea_Clinton

In 2008, the writing was on the wall that things in my life were about to change and not for the better. The stock market had crashed, taking sixty percent of my retirement money right along with it. To make matters worse - I was out of not one, but two writing jobs. My daughter was in her second year of college, I had a car note, two homes – which of course meant two mortgage payments and a manuscript that no one seemed to want to publish. Oh yeah, and I had no income.

It would take a book to accurately convey how I made it though that dark period of my life. For brevity sake, I will say this: for years, God had been walking a plethora of good, kind and generous people into my life. That combined with my faith and prayer – saw me through.

At the end of 2012, I sold my Brooklyn home and set off on a journey of renewal and rediscovery which I happily refer to as #LifeAfter. People always ask, what does #LifeAfter mean? What it represents for me is my life after fear and loss. Between 2009 and 2012 I was so afraid of losing everything I had worked so hard to accumulate, that it nearly drove me insane. After much meditation, tantrums and tears, I came to the realization that holding on to a life that no longer wanted me was affecting my emotional, physical and mental health.

So, I turned in my car, sold my house, threw caution to the wind and set out to rediscover myself. Some folks climbing out of trauma crave stability and solace, but I have a roaming spirit and so the best medicine for me has always been escape. A few weeks after I closed on the sale of my home, I was on a plane. In three years I’ve managed to wander as far away as Australia and as close to home as Canada. The thing that I learned while collecting all of those precious air miles, was that the world is indeed round and so is life.

What the old people say is true: God doesn’t close a door without opening a window. Being forced to let go of possessions I believed I couldn’t live without, was the best thing that happened to me because now I have less “stuff” and more joy and happiness in my life than I have had in a very long time.

My #LifeAfter has been amazing and as the late great, Ms. Maya Angelou liked to say: “I wouldn’t take nothing for my journey now.” I'm looking forward to seeing what #50Forward will bring!

Latest Novel: Loving Donovan by Bernice L. McFadden
A long-awaited reissue of this deeply thoughtful novel about hope, forgiveness, and the cost of loving Donovan, a complex man with a shattered history.

The first section of McFadden’s unconventional love story belongs to Campbell. Despite being born to a brokenhearted mother and a faithless father, Campbell still believes in the power of love . . . if she can ever find it. Living in the same neighborhood, but unknown to Campbell until a chance meeting brings them together, is Donovan, the “little man” of a shattered home—a family torn apart by anger and bitterness.

In the face of daunting obstacles, Donovan dreams of someday marrying, raising a family, and playing in the NBA. But deep inside, Campbell and Donovan live with the histories that have shaped their lives. What they discover—together and apart—forms the basis of this compelling, sensual, and surprising novel.

What people are saying…

One of Library Journal's 25 Key Indie Fiction Titles for Fall 2014-Winter 2015!

“Bernice L. McFadden is one of the best contemporary literary writers out there today . . . Her brilliance, her talent as a novelist, is the very life she breathes into all of her characters.” —Terry McMillan, from the Introduction

"A two-time Hurston/Wright Legacy Award finalist also twice honored by the Black Caucus of the American Library Association, McFadden presents a love story starring Campbell and Donovan—both from shattered homes, both still hopeful, and both shaped more by history than they can imagine. Don't miss."
—Library Journal Prepub Alert

"Loving Donovan firmly establishes McFadden among the ranks of those few writers of whom you constantly beg for more." —Black Issues Book Review

"McFadden is clearly adept in keeping the reader entertained, captivated, and on our toes to try to figure out what's going to happen next. The rich characters, life situations, and language all wrapped up in such a small book and saying so much is a feat." —Brown Girl Reading

Purchase Loving Donovan by Bernice L. McFadden
Link: http://amzn.com/1617753181

Bernice L. McFadden photo credit: Eric Payne

New York Times Bestselling Author Kimberla Lawson Roby has published 20 novels which include A CHIRSTIMAS PRAYER, THE PRODIGAL SON, A HOUSE DIVIDED, THE PERFECT MARRIAGE, THE REVEREND’S WIFE, SECRET OBSESSION, LOVE, HONOR, and BETRAY, BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU PRAY FOR, A DEEP DARK SECRET, THE BEST OF EVERYTHING, ONE IN A MILLION, SIN NO MORE, LOVE & LIES, CHANGING FACES, THE BEST-KEPT SECRET, TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING, A TASTE OF REALITY, IT’S A THIN LINE, CASTING THE FIRST STONE, HERE AND NOW, and her debut title, BEHIND CLOSED DOORS, which was originally self-published through her own company, Lenox Press.

Kimberla has sold more than 2,000,000 copies of her novels, and they have frequented numerous bestseller lists, including The New York Times, USA Today, The Washington Post, Publishers Weekly, Essence Magazine, Upscale Magazine, Emerge Magazine, Barnes and Noble, Amazon.com, Wal-Mart, The Dallas Morning News, and The Austin Chronicle to name a few, and both BEHIND CLOSED DOORS and CASTING THE FIRST STONE were #1 Blackboard bestsellers for four consecutive months in both 1997 and 2000. BEHIND CLOSED DOORS was the #1 Blackboard Best-selling book for paperback fiction in 1997.

Kimberla is a 2014 NAACP Image Award Nominee for Outstanding Literary Work – Fiction, the 2013 NAACP Image Award Winner for Outstanding Literary Work – Fiction, the recipient of the 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2013 Author of the Year – Female award presented by the African-American Literary Award Show in New York, the recipient of the 2014 Black Pearls Magazine Lifetime Achievement Award, the recipient of the 2014 AAMBC Award for Female Author of the Year, the recipient of the Blackboard Fiction Book of the Year Award in 2001 for CASTING THE FIRST STONE, the recipient of the 1998 First-Time Author Award from Chicago’s Black History Month Book Fair and Conference, and in 2001, Kimberla was inducted into the Rock Valley College Alumni Hall of Fame (Rockford, IL).

Each of Kimberla’s novels deal with very real issues, including corruption within the church, drug addiction, gambling addiction, infidelity, social status, single motherhood, infertility, sibling rivalry and jealousy, domestic violence, sexual abuse, mental illness, care-giving of a parent, racial and gender discrimination in the workplace, sexual harassment, and overweight issues to name a few.

Kimberla resides in Illinois with her husband, Will. Her 22nd title, THE ULTIMATE BETRAYAL was released June 9, 2015.

BPM: Share with us your personal journey into publishing. Was this a fun time in your life?
Writing was not a lifelong dream of mine, however, back in April 1995 I sat down and began writing my debut novel, BEHIND CLOSED DOORS. It took me about seven months to complete, and I then began querying literary agents in search for representation. I was rejected by all of them. Finally, I submitted query letters directly to editors at publishing houses and received rejection letters from them as well. This is when my husband suggested that I start my own company to self-publish my book, and I did. My mom kept telling me not to give up also. As it turned out, I learned a wealth of important and very helpful information about the business of publishing, and I sold just over 10,000 copies within the first 6 months of publication. This was truly a fun and exciting time in my life.

BPM: How did you get to be where you are in your life today? Who or what motivated you?
My mother and my maternal grandmother were two of the kindest and wisest women I have ever known, and they began instilling a certain level of Christian and family values and wisdom in me from the time I was a small girl. Even after all the rejections, my mom told me I shouldn’t give up (I miss her tremendously), and my husband continues to be my biggest encourager and supporter as well.

BPM: Who does your body of literary work speak to? Do you consider authors as role models?
I believe my literary work speaks to everyone in one way or another. I write about real-life social issues that can and do affect all human beings. Corruption within the church, infidelity, domestic violence, drug addiction, gambling addiction, adult sibling rivalry, care-giving of a terminally-ill parent, childhood sexual abuse, racial and gender discrimination in the workplace, social status, overweight issues, and the list goes on. There is also always some level of redemption and forgiveness in every single book I write. I don't consider myself to be a role model per se, but if someone does in fact view me in that manner, my prayer is that I am able to represent myself well, particularly to young people.

BPM: Could you tell us something about your most recent work?
The latest novel is titled The Ultimate Betrayal, which is my 22nd book and the 12th title in my Reverend Curtis Black Series. It will be released, Tuesday, June 9, 2015. It’s been four years since twenty-eight-year old Alicia Black, daughter of Reverend Curtis Black, divorced her second husband, the most womanizing and corrupt man she has ever known. Since then, Alicia has been dating her first husband, Phillip Sullivan, a wonderfully kind and true man of God whom she’d hurt terribly by cheating on him. Alicia has worked hard to prove herself worthy of his trust once more, and when he asks her to marry him again, she couldn’t be happier.

But Levi Cunningham, the drug dealer Alicia had an extramarital affair with, has just been released from prison, and he has completely turned his life around for the better. Still head-over-heels in love with Alicia, he will do whatever is necessary to win her back.

Remarrying Phillip is the one thing Alicia has wanted for years, but she can’t get Levi out of her mind. Alicia and Phillip aren’t the only ones in the middle of a crisis. Their best friends, husband and wife Brad and Melanie Richardson, are struggling to keep their marriage together.

Workaholic Brad is never home and has begun losing thousands on bad investments. Or so he says. Melanie, who is certain there’s more to the story, is determined to get at the truth. At the same time, her frustration and stress cause her to eat a lot less, and she behaves in an extreme fashion. Alicia worries that she could be suffering from anorexia, but Melanie steadfastly denies it. Their friendship begins to suffer, and it isn’t long before they’re talking to each other like enemies.

Fresh betrayal leads to consequences no one saw coming, and Alicia’s relationship with Phillip might not be the only thing that needs saving. But is it already too late?

Romance readers everywhere are enamored of Janice L. Dennie’s handsome heroes and feisty heroines as they tumble breathlessly in love among the pages of exciting stories set against the backdrop of California’s Napa Valley Wine Country. With a luxuriant voice and style reminiscent of the great romance writers, Ms. Dennie’s romances are dishes of luscious ice cream with candy sprinkles that keeps readers coming back for more of her smooth literary desserts!

Born to a military family that settled in San Francisco, California, where Ms. Dennie attended elementary, middle and high school. She later graduated from California State University, Hayward, with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Ms. Dennie worked for a federal agency until retiring in 2011.

Ms. Dennie wrote and published two novels that launched her into the limelight of the romance industry. Since her retirement, Ms. Dennie has returned to her first love—writing romance novels that have readers reaching for her books time and again as she delivers love stories featuring beautiful, independent women and tall, dark and dangerous men. Ms. Dennie has made a big splash in a big pond—not bad for a woman who read her first romance novel at 21!

Determined to enjoy her life as she writes her way to the top of the bestseller lists, Ms. Dennie enjoys watching football with her husband, Gregory, and fun visits with her family. Yet she still has time to travel, volunteer in her community, garden, and read her beloved romance novels!

Stamped with her signature of excellence, Ms. Dennie’s latest series, THE UNDERWOOD’S OF NAPA VALLEY are heartwarming romances woven into the gorgeous tapestry of the wine industry, its lush vineyards and the elegant men and women who still believe in the power of love! To learn more about Janice L. Dennie and her books, visit www.JaniceDennie.com and indulge in delicious claret of literary pleasure!

BPM: Family is so important in your books. Tell me a little about your family.
I’m married to Gregory D. Reed, Sr. Together we have three adult children, Gregory D. Reed, Jr., Sharita Reed and James Reed and nine grandchildren.

All of the men in my family, with the exception of my paternal grandfather, served in the military. My maternal grandfather, Albert S. Jackson, of Sapulpa, OK, served in France during World War I. My father Lawrence H. Dennie Sr., served in the Korean War. My mother, Wilma Jean Jackson-Dennie, served as a (WAC) Women’s Army Corp during the 50’s. My oldest brother, Lawrence H. Dennie Jr., served in Vietnam, and my youngest brother Albert S. Dennie, served in the Army after the Vietnam War. My paternal grandfather, Alfred S. Dennie was a Jazz musician in Kansas City, MO. He played tenor saxophone with the Benny Moten Band which included Count Basie and other jazz greats.

My parents moved to San Francisco from Denver, Colorado, where I was born, in the 1960s. My siblings and I attended elementary and middle school in San Francisco, before moving to the East Bay. I graduated from California State University, Hayward with a degree in business administration, and began a career with a federal agency, in San Francisco, before retiring in 2011. My sister Linda lives in Tulsa, OK and my youngest sister, Camille lives in Southern California.

BPM: Why did you begin to write?
I am fascinated with making “something out of nothing.” “I began writing because I wanted to create my own stories and see myself reflected in the character of the heroine. I’m inspired by writers such as James Baldwin, Walter Mosely and Jane Austin.

News articles also inspire me to write. I was inspired to write ‘Kenton’s Vintage Affair,’ when I read a news article about Dr. Earnest Bates, part owner of Bates Winery in Napa Valley. I never knew there were Black wineries in Napa, and I visited wineries there numerous times. That news article inspired me to create the fictitious Underwood family, and give each member a story.”

There are five books in The Underwood’s of Napa Valley Series. “Justin’s Body of Work,” will be released in May, 2015. Carter’s Heart Condition, will be released in December, 2015.

BPM: Who does your body of literary work speak to? Do you consider authors as role models?
My body of literary work speaks to anyone who enjoy reading romances and learning about Black culture and history. My first book The Lion of Judah introduces the reader to the idea of Black royalty. Since we do not live in a country that has kings and queens, I looked to Africa for inspiration. I read an article in Newsweek magazine that referred to Emperor Haile Selassie as The Lion of Judah. I researched the subject and found out the Lion of Judah ruling dynasty descends without interruption from the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon. I was shocked. My book came next. After that, I wrote Moon Goddess, Queen of Sheba.

I’ll never forget the time I took a black history class in college and learned about Black scientists and inventors. I brought that book home and my father, an engineer, took it from me after I finished the class. He gave me the strangest look I’d ever seen on his face. He couldn’t believe there was a book about 19th-century black scientists and inventors. I’ve often wondered why African American’s and their great accomplishments were excluded in our American history books. So I set out on a journey to learn as much as I could.

I do consider authors as role models especially for impressionable youth. It’s amazing how words can hurt or help people. I prefer to write stories that uplift the human spirit. I like writing about how characters transform into different people.

BPM: What inspired you to write The Underwood’s of Napa Valley Series?
The News. I was inspired to write “The Lion of Judah,” after reading an article in a news magazine about Emperor Heile Selassie, of Ethiopia. Although we don’t have royalty in the U.S., I thought it was fascinating that he traced his ancestry back to The Lion of Judah ruling dynasty originating with King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. The article inspired me to research the topic and write “The Lion of Judah,” followed by “Moon Goddess Queen of Sheba.”

BPM: What inspired you to sit down and actually start writing JUSTIN’S BODY OF WORK? Why now?
President Obama and Attorney General Eric Holder, and their positive attitude toward women’s rights. Although I don’t consider myself a hard core feminist, I do appreciate when people take up a shield to protect women and children. I decided to write JUSTIN’S BODY OF WORK, book 2 in The Underwood’s of Napa Valley Series because Justin’s book is next in line after KENTON’S VINTAGE AFFAIR. Justin’s story came into sharp focus after Attorney General, Eric Holder went to Ferguson, to help the disenfranchised people. I always root for the underdog. Justin fights for disenfranchised, particularly in cases involving sexual harassment, domestic abuse and equal pay. As a successful civil rights attorney, Justin is a modern day knight in shining armor. A man with characteristics every woman dreams about.

BPM: What did you enjoy most about writing JUSTIN’S BODY OF WORK?
I enjoyed creating Justin’s character. I wanted to create a strong male character that women could look up to and respect. So many modern day single women have had to be the mother and the father in many Black families. I wanted to write a story about a woman who could be a woman, and a man who could be her knight in shining armor. I know this sounds unrealistic or archaic at best, but this is the story I wanted to write. I wanted to create an over the top hero who would save the heroine from a vicious lawsuit in the court of law.

BPM: Where do your book ideas come from? Are your books plot-driven or character-driven? Why?
My book ideas come straight from my imagination and my love for African American culture and history. My creative imagination stems from my childhood when I created something out of nothing. My father was a great storyteller who made up this story called THE HARD BISCUIT, which turned out to be a little scary for a five-year-old. I dreamt about that story and even had nightmares, nonetheless, it was my father’s storytelling that also sparked my creative imagination.

My books are character driven because I enjoy falling in love with my characters. I gave all four brother in this series their own love story and a defining character trait. Kenton is the “protective one,” in his book. Justin is the “strong one,” in his book. Justin carries the disenfranchised with his strength in the court of law.

BPM: Could you tell us something about your most recent work?
JUSTIN’S BODY OF WORK, book 2 in The Underwood’s of Napa Valley Series, is about a successful Napa Valley attorney, Justin Underwood who falls in love with a beautiful spa owner, Ashley Jacobs, who is facing a serious lawsuit. The book is available in Kindle format and paperback on Amazon.com.

BPM: Give us some insight into your main characters or speakers. What makes each one so special?
The heroine, Ashley Jacobs relishes in providing her customers with a soothing and healing environment at her day spa in the Silverado area of Napa Valley. She maintains her even temper and peace of mind, avoiding anger at all costs. But when she faces a vicious lawsuit, from someone she least suspects, her peace of mind comes to a complete halt.

Justin Underwood is a successful attorney with a stellar resume and a body of work that consists of winning civil rights cases for the disenfranchised. The moment he hears Ashley’s sultry voice and feels her gentle touch, he finds comfort simply by being in her presence. He becomes hopelessly drawn to the siren with the sexy bedroom eyes. But Ashley has a family secret that prevents her from totally committing to Justin. After taking her case, he watches her coast along, with her head in the clouds, turning a blind eye to the facts of her lawsuit. Can Justin get Ashley to commit to him, and open her eyes to the facts surrounding her lawsuit? Can Ashley overcome her family’s secret that prevents her future happiness?

What makes Ashley so special, is why she reacts to conflict the way she does. What makes Justin so special is his love for Ashley and his deep desire to protect women’s rights.

BLESSEDselling author E. N. Joy is the writer behind the "New Day Divas,” “Still Divas,” “Always Divas,” and the forthcoming “Forever Divas,” series, which have been coined “Soap Operas In Print.”

She is an Essence Magazine Bestselling Author who once wrote secular books under the names Joylynn M. Jossel and JOY. Her children’s book titled The Secret Olivia Told Me, written under the name N. Joy, received a Coretta Scott King Honor from the American Library Association. The book was also acquired by Scholastic Books and has sold almost 100,000 copies. Elementary and middle school children have fallen in love with reading and creative writing as a result of the readings and workshops E. N. Joy instructs in schools nationwide.

BPM: Tell us about your journey becoming a successfully published author. What challenges did you face, if any?
I have been writing since the days of elementary school journals and rainy day writings. I started out just writing poems, then short stories. My first self-published book, Please Tell Me If the Grass Is Greener, is a mixture of poetry and short stories. Well, actually it’s poetic short stories; short stories told in a rhythmic flow. Kind of like a Dr. Seuss book for Grown-ups-LOL. I love La La Land. Growing up, my escape from reality was the La La Land I invented with pen and paper. So, I guess that is truly what drove me to pick up the pen for the first time. It was an escape. Some people use drugs, some people use alcohol, some people use sex while other people use guns. I used a pen. I wrote and self-published my first full-length novel, The Root of All Evil, under the name Joylynn M. Jossel. I wrote that manuscript with the intentions of eventually selling it to a major publishing house. So, while it was in manuscript form I sent it off (un-agented) to a major publisher for publication consideration.

But in the meantime, I eventually sent the manuscript off to the printer as well. I received a rejection letter from the publisher before the books even came off the press. But that didn’t stop me. I simply sold copies from my trunk in hopes of creating a buzz. Well, the buzz was created. I got an agent and the agent submitted the manuscript to a major publishing house that did end up giving me a three book deal. Ironically, the same publishing house who sent me my very first rejection letter was the same publisher who ended up giving me my very first book deal. After having sold 12,500 copies of the self-published edition in one year, The Root of All Evil was re-released under my first publishing contract. While it was going through the editing process, I wrote a street lit book titled Dollar Bill for Triple Crown Publications under the name JOY. It turned out to be an Essence Magazine bestseller, appeared in Newsweek and was translated to Japanese.

When I dedicated my life to Christ, a great deal of things changed in my life. I couldn’t do some of the things I used to do. I couldn’t say some of the things I used to say and I couldn’t go some of the places I used to go. Well, I soon found that I couldn’t write some of the things I used to write. That’s what prompted the change from being a secular author to a writer of Christian fiction. Now, as a Christian Fiction author, my biggest challenge is pleasing both the readers and God. I’m not just doing writing anymore, I’m doing ministry. So whatever I do has to please God while at the same time send His message to His people and, of course, entertain them and keep them engaged. And boy, oh boy, have I learned that the lives of Christian folk and church folk is beyond engaging and entertaining.

BPM: Who does your body of literary work speak to? Do you consider authors as role models?
I hear authors say it all the time: “I write my book for everybody-not just one particular audience.” That’s all fine and well, but the book business is just that-a business. In dealing with business you have to have a target audience that you start off promoting and marketing to. Once you have saturated your target audience, then you have the bull’s eye affect, where you begin to expand outward into other areas. There is absolutely no shame in my game; I write my books for my sisters. If anyone outside of my target audience wants to pick up my books, that is an awesome blessing. But I want to make sure that my sisters-my target audience-can walk right into the book store and know exactly where to find me.

Richard Ridley once said, "Many writers make the mistake of thinking that bigger is better when it comes to defining a book's target audience. They believe that if a potential reader is simply made aware of their book, then surely they'll take a chance and buy it. But by choosing this "big pond" approach, those authors are being overlooked, and they're missing the opportunity to stand out in a smaller pond. You'll have much better success being a big fish in a small pond than a small fish in a big pond."

Yes, all authors would eventually love for everybody to read a copy of their book. But when you sit down to pen a book you have to know who you are penning it for...who you want to read it. Who will understand your words? Who will they resonate with and touch? For me, my target audience is African American women. I used to even put an age limit on it, but when readers as young as thirteen started reaching out to me about how my work has changed and/or saved their life, I stopped doing that. These young thirteen year old readers are the very reason why I'd have to say that authors are role models as well. So what we don't get the press that other entertainers such as singers and actors get. So what that even if an award show does have a category for literature, they don't deem literacy an important enough honor to air on television. People are still watching us...thanks to social media.

Everything we think, tweet and eat is being watched. Either folks are going to look down on us or up to us. I prefer the latter. I know this might sound dramatic and too deep for some, but as an author, my connection with someone could determine whether or not they ever pick up a book to read. I can say this because I spoke at a graduation. Afterward I had a mother of five who was in her thirties purchase one of my books. It was the first book she had ever purchased in her life so this was a milestone for her. To be a part of a milestone in someone's life...to make that kind of impact on someone's life. Do I really have to continue to argue my case???

BPM: Could you tell us something about You Get What You Pray For, Always Divas Series, Book Three?
You Get What You Pray For is my latest title and it is book eleven in my divas installment. Coined soap operas in print, readers know to expect a fast paced, character shifting, scene changing, drama filled read with a pinch of shenanigans and just enough over the top encounters to still make it all believable. Intertwined and in the midst of it all is that life changing message that makes the emotional roller-coaster well worth the death defying ride. I know that was a mouthful, but so is this read.

The main character, Lorain, will have the reader feeling like she's a hamster in a wheel; doing so much but going absolutely nowhere. Lorain has it all, but having it all and keeping it are two different things. As she fights to hold onto all that is dear to her, she finds herself in a game of tug-o-war. But in this case, she's the one being pulled in two different directions. With the struggle being between good and evil, it would seem like a no-brainer that Lorain would go willingly to what is right, but doing that could mean losing everything, which includes her daughters and her husband. Before even considering continuing to play games with the devil, Lorain should have realized that doing so could lead to hell. But then again, being a prisoner of secrets and lies for the better part of her life has been a living hell for Lorain anyway. When her cell mates (the secrets and lies) begin to unravel, it definitely becomes hell on earth!

BPM: Give us some insight into your main characters or speakers. What makes each one so special?
Eleanor is the main character's, Lorain, mother. This old lady right here will give any reality television mother a run for her money. She is a ball of fire that the fire chief himself couldn't put out. Eleanor tends to irritate a reader or two by constantly being in Lorain's business, but they can't argue that mother knows best and delivers some tough love and advice. Just like any hard-headed child, Lorain doesn't always appreciate what her mother dishes out, but she does honor her. That wasn't always the case though. Once upon a time Lorain and Eleanor had a relationship that was so volatile, it's shocking that these two even speak to one another, let alone practically live together; Lorain in the main house and Eleanor in the in-law suite. But that's what makes these two and their relationship so special.

By reading Facebook posts on any given day, I could see how so many women struggle in their relationship with their mothers. I believe Eleanor and Lorain give readers hope that a parent-child relationship can be healed and mended. The Bible says we must honor thy mother and father. We should love our mothers the way Jesus loved Mary. No, maybe our mother was no Mary, but heck, some of us weren't a Mary to our own children either.

BPM: What was your purpose or mission behind writing this book?
My mission behind this book is for the reader to walk away knowing that even when we have everything that we have ever prayed for, we still need the One who answered those prayers. Lorain went from the hood life, to the good life. At first she was in awe of why God would even do it for a wretch like her. She got so caught up in her amazing lifestyle and getting everything she'd ever dreamed of, that the fear of all that changing led her to take things into her own hands instead of having faith that God's will would be done.

My career plans are not only to continue penning stories that are so emotionally explicit that the reader feels as if they are in the story experiencing exactly what the characters are, but to continue to help other writers/aspiring writers to evoke that same thing through my literary services. Getting to the point where you are no longer writing about characters but are writing about people takes your writing gifts and talents to whole new levels.

BPM: Where do your book ideas come from?
First off, I need to make my usual disclaimer; I have a ghostwriter. Yep, I said it. I sit down at my computer without a thought, care or outline in the world and I take dictation from my ghostwriter. And everyone who knows me knows that my ghostwriter is none other than the Holy Ghost. I allow God to give me the messages He wants for His people. His timing is always right, so readers seem to get the message right when they need it most. I'm sure tons of authors who are Holy Ghost writers can attest to this. We'll go back and read the proof pages of our books and say, "Who wrote this amazing book?" LOL. We can't remember writing half the stuff or even where it came from. We ask ourselves how did we ever come up with that idea. Well, we didn't. God's not going to give you a gift and a talent and, one, not make room for it, and two, not show you how to use it. So my ghostwriter comes up with the book ideas and my fingers just run with it!

BPM: Are your books plot-driven or character-driven? Why?
Neither. My books are people driven. I only refer to the people I write about as characters for industry sake. When I first started writing books I wrote about characters. Once I started to receive emails and testimonies from readers about how the lives in my stories mirrored their own or someone they knew, I realized then that some readers didn't see the people I was writing about as some fictitious being. They were real and their lives were real. More importantly, they were emotionally connected. At that point I knew I couldn't deny my readers of what they longed for (a connection/relationship with the people I write about) and just create characters from dust. I had to give them real live people with real life situations. I could no longer create these plots and scenarios just because they sounded like they would make for good drama and a great twist. Heck, real life is filled with enough drama, twists and turns of its own. So why not just bring the real and bring the truth? Readers can relate to something that not only feels real, but they know to be real.

BPM: How does your book relate to your present situation or journey?
This question is hitting home for me. If I was doing a live televised interview, the audience would see me break down with my ugly cry right about now. As I mentioned earlier, In You Get What You Pray For, readers get to see the result of what once was a terrible mother-daughter relationship after God has done His healing thing. Lorain had not always respected or honored her mother. Lorain had harbored ill feelings toward her mother for things that had happened to Lorain in the past. Some people assume all mothers and daughters have this strong bond, but that is not always the case. There are daughters out there in their adulthood who wish they had a close-knit relationship with their mother, but can't get over the past. I believe this ties in to under-represented groups or ideas that are featured in my book.

I think back to a status I posted on Facebook Mother's Day 2014. It took me quite some time to hit the post button, but I really felt compelled to do so. The post read as follows: "I do not talk to my mother every day. As a matter of fact, when my phone rings and I look down at my Caller ID and see that it is her my blood sometimes begins to boil. I've had anxiety attacks even. "Should I answer the call? Should I send it to voice-mail?" If I answer the call, I know from the moment I say hello she is going to tell me what an awful day it has been for her, how much pain she is in, what hurts and then talk about somebody like a dog. If I don't answer the call there is going to be a nasty voice-mail message that is going to piss me off even more-make me want to call her back and let her know how she makes me feel. But I wouldn't dare cuss or fuss my mother. No, Ma'am, no , Sir. The devil ain't gonna get me there. But it doesn't mean that desire hasn't been within.

I read FB posts everyday with quotes about removing poisonous and negative people out of your life. But your own mother???? It drains me to talk to her or be in her presence and it takes every ounce of energy in me to bear the negativity she is going to spew. When I walk into her home I feel suffocated by the black cloud that seems to dwell there. I'm not exaggerating y'all-I feel it. My children feel it, begging me not to make them go inside. Sometimes after talking with her I can't even write anything, or edit a book because my spirit feels poisoned and I don't want to inject that into anything else I am doing. Have you ever just talked to someone and felt so vexed afterward?

I listen to and watch how she talks to and treats people and I cringe, often having to apologize on her behalf or ask them not to take it personal. I see my friends and the love and relationships they have with their mothers and I just don't get it. But today, my friends, I GET IT! My mother is not a hateful, evil, mean person, of which for years I mentally described her as. But what my mother is is full of hurt, pain, guilt and shame. The person I deal with is not the sixty-one year old body I'm looking at. Instead, I now realize that the person I deal with is that young girl whose uncle violated her. That young girl who didn't have a relationship with her father. That young girl who got pregnant in tenth grade and got kicked out of school for being pregnant. That young girl who was abused horribly by her husband for years. I can still hear the fights, her getting pistol whipped, her getting turned out on drugs and her own husband pimping her. Her husband picking her up from work in his mistress' car with the mistress in the backseat. Then to go on in life only to be abused by future men, all the while doing whatever she had to do to feed her babies. So heck yeah she was mad, angry and bitter. I get that now. I finally get it.

I know this is not the typical Mother's Day post everyone is putting on their wall. There is no bouquet of flowers, balloons or chocolates attached with this one. But what is attached to this one is regardless of what our relationships were like with our mother, grandmother, auntie-whoever raised us-we have absolutely no power to manipulate it into something other than what it was. A person's perception is their reality. Therefore we have to accept it for what it is. We don't have to walk around feeling heavy or wishing we had the kind of relationship someone else has. But what we do have the power to do is choose what we want that relationship to be today. So on this Mother's Day 2014 I pray love, peace, blessings, deliverance and healing to every mother, especially my own and including myself. May God keep our minds to remember all those wonderful things and traits about the women who raised us and all they sacrificed in order for us to make it this far. To forgive and forget those things that serve no purpose but to vex our spirits, so that we may walk forward in a future untouched by pasts hurts designed to keep us bound. I thank, you , Lord, on this day for your mighty revelation. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen!"

I received a multitude of likes, comments and in-box messages on that post. So many women came out of the woodwork to say that my story was theirs. I truly pray that readers of my work, especially women who have had issues with their own mothers, can see where Lorain and Eleanor came from, to where God has brought them now and be encouraged by that.

Colette R. Harrell, wants you to know that she’s like you, God’s chosen vessel. She has come to be a gift, to be an encourager and a light that reflects God’s goodness.

She’s a wife, mother, author and playwright. A Detroit native, she currently calls Ohio home. She holds a master’s and is a Director of Social Services. Writing with humor and compassion to engage and minister to the human heart. Her motto is: whatever you do, do it “for love alone.”

Her latest novel, Tell The Truth; The Devil Won’t will thrill in October 2015. It is filled with wisdom and humor. This adventurous love story goes where Ms. Harrell loves to tread, down an unbeaten path. No millionaires rescuing damsels in distress—although she enjoys these reads herself—but every day people, falling and getting back up.

The Devil Made Me Do It was her debut novel. It was nominated for The 2015 Phillis Wheatley Book Awards in First Fiction. It has been held as one of Black Pearl Magazine’s, top ten Christian fiction books for 2014. In addition, Read Between The Lines radio show, named it as one of its overall top ten books for 2014.

Make no mistake, her sophomore novel, Tell The Truth, The Devil Won’t will cement her as an author to watch.

BPM: Can you share a little of your current work with us?
My sophomore novel is titled Tell The Truth; The Devil Won’t. It continues the story of some key characters from my debut novel, The Devil Made Me Do It. I had a ball writing this! It deals with overcoming betrayal, second chances at love, and redemption. We find out what happened to our reluctant, tarnished, tiara-wearing Cinderella princess, Esther Wiley. We scream, I told you so, at Briggs Stokes, our long-suffering pastor. Finally, he learns the wisdom . . . If you want to help others, you first have to put the oxygen mask on your own face and breathe! And, there’s Roger, our prisoner of hope. Ready to face the world again—if he can only catch a break.

BPM: What’s the most important quality a writer should have in your opinion?
Perseverance! You can tell a good story . . . know grammar and syntax . . . but, baby, if you can’t stick with it, your writing career will be toast! Despite your nine-to-five job, your family commitments, your church and community responsibilities, and the days you just can’t pull it all together, you have to rock with it! And when you fall behind due to life pushing you around? You have to roll up your sleeves, get it together, and go back after it.

BPM: Did you learn anything from successfully publishing The Devil Made Me Do It?
Yes, I learned that fear can’t hold me. We can get real caught up in what people may or may not say about us. So much so that it ends up crippling our ability to move. I learned to talk myself off the ledge and place myself into the fray by doing each step by faith. I can tell you this, sometimes the crocodile tears tried to limit my vision, but guess what? I stuck my hand out there and felt my way through.

BPM: What was your primary quest in publishing the second book? Why now?
I felt like the story The Devil Made Me Do It’s original characters weren’t finished telling their story. As long as we are alive our stories continue to unfold, so I knew they had more to tell. Could Briggs and Monica make it? Did Lawton and Esther really ride off into the sunset? Whose baby was Monica having? How did prison affect Roger? And, just a little secret . . . My readers from The Devil Made Me Do It were messaging me, e-mailing me, and stopping me in public. The common thread of their questions? Where’s the doggone second book?!

BPM: We are here to shine the spotlight on your new book, but what's next?
Oh my goodness! A lot is happening. I am currently writing my third and final book in this series, The Devil Wears Two Faces, and it will be released in April 2016. This book is predominantly new characters, with some characters from the previous two books as backstory.

This year, I received a nomination for my first novel, The Devil Made Me Do It, from the 2015 Phillis Wheatley Harlem Book Awards. Black Pearls magazine named it as one of their top ten Christian books of 2014, and Read You Later radio show named it as one of their top ten books for 2014. My first year has been eye-opening, dramatic, and a roller-coaster ride. I’m praying that we continue the journey—no seat belts needed.

BPM: How may our readers follow you online? Please share your social media links.
My biggest challenge is staying up to date on my social media. But, there is nothing more inspiring than hearing from my readers. Y’all hit a sistah up! It Takes A Village To Raise A Dream. Be A Part Of Someone's Village!

Author website: http://www.writespirit.org
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/coletteharrell/
FB Profile: http://www.facebook.com/Colette.R.Harrell
Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/ColetteRHarrellFans

Order Tell the Truth The Devil Won't (Book 2)
Link: http://amzn.com/1622868196

Order The Devil Made Me Do It (Book 1)
Link: http://amzn.com/1601627823

Angelia Vernon Menchan is an author, publisher and entrepreneur seeking to share and assist through the written word. She is often asked to speak to issues concerning growing and grown women. She lives in Jacksonville, Florida with her husband, Maurice who supports her efforts and designs her covers. They publish her work and the work of other authors through their company, Honorable Menchan Media.

BPM: How did you get to be where you are in your life today? Who or what motivated you?
My life is built on faith, hard work and taking chances to live my dream. I am motivated by my desire to reach and mentor. I was very motivated by being raised by seven amazing women.

BPM: Who does your body of literary work speak to? Do you consider authors as role models?
My literary work speaks to a cross section of readers because I consider myself genre less... However, growing and grown women are most supportive. All hard working artists who give and support are role models.

BPM: What inspired you to sit down and actually start writing this book? Why now?
I was asked by Aja Graves a fellow writer and Facebook friend to please write something about the issues that plague young women such as men and boys, self-esteem, self-worth and faith. It seems she and others find what I post and talk about mentoring worthy and what a blessing that is.

BPM: What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
Sharing me with others to create some small change .

BPM: Where do your book ideas come from? Are your books plot-driven or character-driven? Why?
Life and observation. This book is non-fiction but my fiction books are born of watching and listening and applying my imagination. The world is full of book food.

BPM: Could you tell us something about your most recent work?
It is an open letter to growing women. Real conversation from a real woman to real women on real issues. How real is that?

BPM: Are there under-represented groups or ideas featured in your book?
This book is for women of color, more than anyone. We need to feel we are enough and value ourselves and support each other in a culture that does not.

BPM: How does your book relate to your present journey?
I am these women and mentoring is what I do, what I offer, who I am.

BPM: Did you learn anything personal from writing your book? Can you share some stories about people you met while researching this book?
I learned how many people I have interacted with on my journey and how much I learned about me from them. It is continually revealing. I loved seeing myself as I grew.

BPM: What were your goals and intentions in this book, and how well do you feel you achieved them?
To reach out and say, Someone understands and gets it. Just that simply. Many responses indicate I have.

BPM: What projects are you working on at the present?
I am currently working on a few of my ongoing series and publishing other authors.

BPM: How can readers discover more about you and your work?
I am on Facebook as AngeliaM;   Twitter as AngelMenchan
Website: http://angeliavernonmenchanserials.blogspot.com

#JUSTLOVE - JUST LOVE and BLESSINGS!

Order Sister You ARE More Than Your assETS from the author and a free journal is included but only if ordered directly from her blog: http://angeliavernonmenchanserials.blogspot.com

Order Sister You ARE More Than Your assETS by Angelia Vernon Menchan
Amazon Download Link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/1519432747

AlTonya Washington has been a published romance novelist for 10 years and is a two time winner of The Romantic Times Magazine Reviewer's Choice Award. In addition to being an author, AlTonya also works as a college Reference Librarian. Writing as T. Onyx, AlTonya has also crafted a string of very popular erotica titles. Her long-running and popular Ramsey/Tesano romantic suspense series will soon conclude. "Lover's Origin: Black Island", "A Lover's Return" and "Book of Scandal: The Tesano Elders" will mark the last three titles in the saga.

BPM: How did you get to be where you are in your life today? Who or what motivated you?
Hard work and persistence. I recall the early submission letters sent to BET Arabesque. Being consistent in my follow-up correspondence with editors is what I believe got me noticed. From there it was the hard work put into forming my titles that completed the task of getting their interest. Diligence and discipline were the other pieces that proved instrumental in getting my writing contract as well as a degree in library science which is my other passion. I suppose the sense of accomplishment is what truly motivates me.

BPM: Who does your body of literary work speak to? Do you consider authors as role models?
My body of work speaks to adult readers who enjoy a good, dramatic story with a dynamic mix of multi-dimensional characters. I suppose authors are the best role models for other authors.

BPM: What inspired you to sit down and actually start writing this book? Why now?
I wrote Between Love and Hate long before I had my first writing contract. The idea came to me at a time when the term ‘male-bashing’ was first being tossed around. I make a point of not doing that in any of my stories (unless it’s with a villainous secondary character ?) I wanted to create a story where both characters were equally endearing, yet guilty of mistakes that I attempted to display equally in amount and magnitude.

Christine Young-Robinson is the author of the novels Do What You Gotta Do and We Didn’t See It Coming and the short story “Miss Amy’s Last Ride,” which was featured in the anthology Proverbs for the People. A wife, mother, and grandmother, Christine resides in South Carolina. She is the co-chairperson of the Eleuthera Book Club.

BPM: Who or what motivated you?
First and foremost, God. I’m blessed with great parents, family and friends. I got to where I am by having faith and trusting in God.

BPM: Who does your body of literary work speak to? Do you consider authors as role models?
My work speaks to lovers of stories about family suspense. I personally don’t consider myself a role model but I’m grateful if someone can draw from the goodness in me.

BPM: Where do your book ideas come from? Are your books plot-driven or character-driven?
My ideas come from my imagination, dreams, and things I observe in my surroundings. My books are plot driven but at times, it can be a mixture of both. I enjoyed writing the craziness of my characters and great storyline.

Karen D. Bradley while being a creative mind, English and Grammar were never her strongest subjects. As life would have it, her weakest link would become her saving grace. It was during college she penned her first suspenseful drama to help her cope with the death of her father, the upheaval of emotions, and her changing family dynamics. Writing fiction soon became one of her favorite pastimes. She has since published a total of five novels. What she enjoys most about being an author are the lively real talk sessions with readers about topics from her books.

BPM: How did you get to be where you are in your life today? Who or what motivated you?
Life experiences positioned me where I am today. My life shifts forward or stalls based on my ability to learn my lessons and move forward with blessings. I fell into writing due to the need to survive and stay focused on moving forward. No matter how off track I get at times, I know life will send someone or something my way to either whip me into shape or motivate me to keep going.

BPM: Who does your body of literary work speak to? Do you consider authors as role models?
My body of literary work speaks to people who enjoy suspenseful drama. However, through hosting panel discussions, as well as book discussions, I realize it also speaks to those who are looking for an entertaining platform to discuss real life issues and to talk honestly under the guise of commenting on characters.

There are several authors that I enjoy reading, but for a role model I would say Naleighna Kai. Naleighna is all about her craft, but she is also about building people up and teaching them how to let their talent shine. She represents who I want to be in life. All about being the best version of me that I can be while also helping others do the same.

BPM: What inspired you to sit down and actually start writing this book? Why now?
The seed was planted during a time when I wasn’t comfortable with the title author/writer. In my mind, a writer had a great understanding of all the rules and regulations of grammar and writing and knew how to use them well. I knew I was the run-on sentence and comma splice queen. Anytime someone would ask me about my writing journey, I would respond that my sister was the real writer in the family. The first question many people asked was, have you written anything together? It wasn’t until one of my cousins told me that she thought my writing style was similar to my sister’s that I decided we should write a book together. I brought the idea to my sister and she was on board. Since I was shifting gears, trying to position myself to produce my first movie, and debating whether to continue to release my books to the public; I thought co-writing Life on Fire with my sister was a now or possibly never thing.

BPM: What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
The process of writing with my sister was an exciting experience. I enjoyed not knowing whether the story would end as I imagined. It was difficult not having complete control of the story, but I liked the challenge of figuring out where to go after my sister threw off the story line I had going in my head. It was fun for me to work through numerous scenarios to see if, like a GPS system, I could get the story rerouted back to where I was headed or did I have to go with the flow and select a new destination.

BPM: Where do your book ideas come from? Are your books plot-driven or character-driven? Why?
My book ideas come from anywhere and can be inspired by anything; a snippet of conversation overheard on the bus, a dream, drama unfolding on the street, the rumor mill and the list goes on. Most of my published books have been plot-driven. It is because of my love of action and mystery, as well as my tendency to over analyze things that happen around me, that most of my books are plot-driven vs. character-driven.

BPM: Could you tell us something about your most recent work?
My most recent work is the novel I co-wrote with my sister, Jenetta M. Bradley, entitled, Life on Fire. It is available on Nook and Kindle. Life on Fire is a story about Brooklyn Saunders' life being set ablaze when her ex, Dante Nines, and her newly single friend, Hunter Torres, vie for the number one spot in her heart. Unknowingly, Dante brings trouble to her door, causing their personal and professional lives to collide in the worst way. The entanglement unleashes a danger that will have both of the men she loves fighting to keep her safe.

Behind the scenes, Dante and his partner, Liang, work to try to diffuse the situation. All their efforts go up in smoke when Brooklyn comes into possession of certain documents. Brooklyn is taken before Dante can put together the pieces of the puzzle and he finds himself teaming up with Hunter to save her. Each man is put in the position to risk their lives for a woman that may decide not to spend the rest of her life with him.

BPM: Give us some insight into your main characters or speakers. What makes each one so special?
Brooklyn is a head-strong senior analyst with an eclectic group of friends. She is stubborn, smart and sassy. She makes you want to cheer for her one minute and yell at her the next. Dante is Brooklyn’s ex whose work at an elite investigation firm causes a few challenges in his personal life. He is an addictive mix of manliness, compassion and spontaneity. Hunter is a club owner and an entrepreneur with ties to people who don’t always abide by the law. He is dependable with an alluring blend of sex appeal and charisma.

BPM: Are there under-represented groups or ideas featured in your book? If so, discuss them.
This is an interesting question and my interpretation of it may not be correct. I believe any time authors write the African American story, we are writing about an under represented group. In so many areas of life, we are often underrepresented. Brooklyn being a black woman in Corporate America attempting to get an Assistant Vice President position, unfortunately, makes her a part of an underrepresented group.

However, the story does not dig deep into the struggle of the black woman in Corporate America. The story more or less highlights the topic of the challenge in selecting between two great options and how the fear of making the wrong choice sometimes complicates the decision making process.

BPM: How does your book relate to your present situation, education, spiritual practice or journey?
While Life on Fire is fiction, the theme of taking risks in love and life is very real for me. I constantly remind myself I must take the risks necessary to shift and elevate my life. I have to be willing to showcase who I am in this moment in my life despite my faults. I have to risk making mistakes, saying/writing the wrong things and repeatedly failing. Also like Brooklyn in the novel, I have to evaluate my options and see which ones fit into my long term goals. Amazing things can’t be accomplished from the safety of my comfort zone. As a friend once told me, you can’t expect to hit a home run from the dugout.

BPM: What were your goals and intentions in this book, and how well do you feel you achieved them?
My goal was to create an entertaining platform that allows readers the opportunity to discuss their real life issues. Based on the feedback from the discussion, I believe I have achieved that on a small level. One young lady informed me she was in a similar situation as Brooklyn and felt she chose wrong. The truth she had to realize was there was no guarantee that the alternate choice would have had a better result. Her sharing that story showed me that people want the opportunity to use fiction to start a meaningful conversation. I love when readers can look past the suspenseful drama and fictional situations to talk about real life issues.

BPM: What projects are you working on at the present?
I am currently working on finishing a suspenseful drama about a woman moving to Chicago to go after her dreams and the challenges she faces in her attempt to breathe life into them. I’m still debating the title, but it is currently entitled, Ain’t No Love in the Heart of the City. I’m also working on my screenplay as well as a few other small projects.

BPM: How can readers discover more about you and your work?
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ambrosiasands
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambrosiasands
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kdbauthor/

LIFE ON FIRE by Jenetta M. Bradley & Karen D. Bradley
Link: http://amzn.com/B00XNZPNFG

M.J. Kane stumbled into writing. An avid reader, this stay at home mom never lost the overactive imagination of an only child. As an adult she made up stories, though never shared them, to keep herself entertained. It wasn’t until surviving a traumatic medical incident in 2006 that she found a reason to let the characters inhabiting her imagination free. Upon the suggestion of her husband, she commandeered his laptop and allowed the characters to take life. It was that, or look over her shoulder for men caring a purple strait jacket. And the rest, as they say, is history.

BPM: How did you get to be where you are in your life today? Who or what motivated you?
MJ: Life experiences and curiosity. I learned first-hand that you can’t look at someone and assume you know what’s going on in their lives or what type of experiences they have had that make them react to situations the way they do. That motivates me to write stories that explore how and why people react to life changing events, good or bad.

BPM: Who does your body of literary work speak to? Do you consider authors as role models?
MJ: I write for the reader who is looking for a story that deals with the reality of life. I don’t do fantasy or unrealistic stories. It’s all life…an exploration of relationships between family, friends, and lovers. It’s about discovering yourself, and evolving into something better. I write stories my readers can relate to, see themselves in, and hopefully find peace or motivation to try something new. Do I consider authors as role models? Of course! If it weren’t for my love of reading and discovering authors who have taken their talent and created stories that touched me, I would never have been able to discover how to find my writing voice, much less get brave enough to put my work in the hands or readers.

BPM: What inspired you to sit down and actually start writing this book? Why now?
MJ: I wanted to take a conventional idea of a BW/WM romance and explore the reality of what it would be like realistically for two people to open their minds and hearts and look beyond skin color to discover a love neither of them were looking for. I also wanted to see what would happen when the relationship was tested by outside forces that had absolutely nothing to do with race. In today’s society people are finding love openly in relationships some of us may not be able to relate to, I thought it would be good to recognize that despite the external differences a couple has, when it all comes down to it, we all face the same issues and problems. What makes us strong is the way we address them. How we handle them is shaped by our beliefs and past experiences. I don’t write un-flawed characters. We are imperfect and we make bad decisions…its how we learn and grow. If we’re lucky, we survive the journey and come out on the other side as stronger individuals.

BPM: What did you enjoy most about writing A Heart Not Easily Broken?
MJ: A Heart Not Easily Broken (Book One of The Butterfly Memoirs) is the first book I’ve ever written, so the entire experience was wonderful! I had the most fun diving into the heads of the characters and for once, allowing my imagination to run free and listen to the ‘inner voices’ that became my characters. Each one is like a real person to me, so I guess it’s like having family that will never leave!

BPM: Where do your book ideas come from? Are your books plot-driven or character-driven? Why?
MJ: The ideas for my novels come from watching and listening to people around me. It can be something I’ve heard in the news or an idea I’ve seen in a movie. My stories are definitely character-driven. I will take a ‘what if’ scenario and see what would happen if two people from various social, economic, and racial backgrounds fell in love and had to face a life changing situation.

BPM: Could you tell us something about your most recent work? Is this book available on Nook and Kindle?
MJ: The series I am writing now is called The Butterfly Memoirs. The first novel in the series is A Heart Not Easily Broken. My most current release is the fourth novel, Nobody’s Business. For this part of the series, I decided to flip the script a bit and focus on a male character and the issues he faces when he discovers he has a two-year-old son with a past girlfriend, and his son is ill. To make matters worse, he has an eye on a women he met during a one-night stand, but is fighting an internal war with his heart. Should he rekindle the romance with the mother of his child and build the perfect family for his son, or should he follow his heart and seek out the woman who’s captured it. All of my novels are available on Kindle, Nook, iTunes, Smashworks, as well as paperback. A Heart Not Easily Broken can also be found on Audible.

BPM: Give us some insight into your main characters or speakers. What makes each one so special?
MJ: My goal with all of my novels is to allow readers to hear the characters voices as they go about their lives. By writing in first-person narrative, you get a chance to see inside of them, to know what they are thinking and what motivates them to make the decisions they do. It’s so much easier to ‘experience’ emotions and feelings instead of being ‘told’ how someone feels. It draws readers into the story on a true emotional level and allows them to learn and grow along with the characters. One recent reader told me that she had just finished ‘walking’ with the character and loved it!

The Butterfly Memoirs Series
Butterflies symbolize change, evolution, the shedding of the old and bringing out the new. A memoir is a story, a narration told first hand, of someone’s personal experiences. Like butterflies in the spring that disappear into cocoons and emerge, completely changed, my characters are no longer the same when their story ends.

The Butterfly Memoirs are stories told by the characters themselves. It is Women’s Fiction, Contemporary and Interracial Romance. Each story addresses the realistic trials every woman and man face in a relationship. My goal is to inspire hope, comfort, and encourage anyone who may be able to relate to these stories.

BPM: Are there under-represented groups or ideas featured in your book? If so, discuss them.
MJ: No, but what I do have are themes that deal with real-life issues faced by men and women, regardless of race or background. I try to represent each characters race and background to the best of my ability.

BPM: How does your book relate to your present situation, education, spiritual practice or journey?
MJ: I like to write characters I could imagine becoming friends with, characters that could be you or me, the neighbor next door, or your cousin. I come from a middle-class family, so do my characters. I don’t try to represent a lifestyle that I am not familiar with. I’ve either had some personal experiences that have inspired scenes and conversations, or I have done research on them. I try to keep an open mind with my characters and let them be who they want to be. I don’t try to push any of my personal feelings or beliefs into their lives. Writing this way makes it easy to create real people who come from various walks of life and easier for all readers to be able to relate to at least once character in some way.

BPM: Did you learn anything personal from writing your book? Can you share some stories about people you met while researching this book?
MJ: Honestly, the most interesting person I’ve met along the way has been myself! I know that sounds crazy, but as a mother of four kids who, at the time I started writing the first novel in the series, were between elementary and middle school, I needed something to keep me grounded and allow me to have something that didn’t revolve around children’s’ school activities. I’ve learned that I have a talent for storytelling and the ability to affect readers in ways I never would have expected. Since then, two of my kids have graduated high school, and my youngest are both in middle and high school. Now that I have my writing to focus on, I don’t have to worry about empty nest syndrome!

BPM: What were your goals and intentions in this book, and how well do you feel you achieved them?
MJ: My first goal was to write a story, period. I didn’t exactly have dreams of getting published, but as friends and family read the book, I got encouraged to pursue it. I’d written book two, Jaded, and three, Lonely Heart, as an afterthought to see if I could continue telling the stories of the main character Ebony’s best friends. And what do you know, I did! I feel proud of my accomplishments as an author. I have been blessed to have readers reach out to connect with me both online and in person. I’ve been able to have the paperback copies of my novels available in the Barnes & Noble store in my area. And recently, the first three novels of The Butterfly Memoirs have been added to the library collection in the county where I live which means readers in Georgia who are connected to the Pines Library System have access to them. I’ve been able to accomplish the two major goals I’ve had since the day I signed my publishing contract. What’s left? Signing a movie or TV deal and talking with Oprah!

BPM: What projects are you working on at the present?
MJ: My current project is the fifth novel in the series, Alone. When I was signed to 5 Prince Publishing, it was for a six book deal. From there, I have ideas of other stories I want to write. I am also looking forward to having the next three novels turned into audio books. One step at a time…

BPM: How can readers discover more about you and your work?
MJ: Readers can find me anywhere on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and more! Just search MJKaneBooks and you’ll find me. To learn more about my books and writing tips, visit my website, MJKaneMedia.com.

Books by M.J. Kane, Author of The Butterfly Memoirs
Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction, Interracial Romance

Books In This Series (4 Books)
http://www.amazon.com/M.J.-Kane/e/B009DN708U

* A Heart Not Easily Broken (Book One of The Butterfly Memoirs)
* Jaded (Book Two of The Butterfly Memoirs)
* Lonely Heart (Book Three of The Butterfly Memoirs)
* Nobody's Business (Book Four of The Butterfly Memoirs)

Author, entrepreneur and brand creator, Quentin “Q” Holmes has dedicated his life to empowering the world’s youth through trendsetting literature, media, and fashion. The son of a hard-working father whose career advancement moved the family to nearly every region of the country, Quentin gained exposure to people from all walks of life. Quentin earned his bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from the University of Michigan, further enriching his perspective on social diversity.

The Real Street Kidz book series, created in 2009, promotes positive life messages to modern day youth. Examples of multiculturalism, along with heightening positive individual differences to achieve success, are a continuous theme across the books of this exceptional series. This type of awareness builds reading patterns of success for kids everywhere. Through reading Chasing Action, Art of Authenticity, and Good Ideas, Quentin hopes that kids will begin thinking “outside the box” and realize that teamwork and individuality are the greatest formula for success.

BPM: When did you get your first inkling to write?
In high school I wrote my first poem. It was well received by my teacher and the class. It was at that moment that I discovered I had a talent for writing, I viewed writing as a good way to creatively express myself, and I also learned that writing was a great way to connect with and inspire people.

BPM: Why did you decide to write a multicultural children’s book series?
In 2009, I developed a children’s brand called the Real Street Kidz, which captures the real essence of modern preteens who have broken out of society’s stereotypical boxes and embraced new trendsetting styles, fashions and interests of kids in other cultures. Multiculturalism, along with the heightening of positive individual differences for success, is a key theme across the books in this series. It is this type of awareness that builds a pattern of success for kids everywhere, no matter their background. Through reading Chasing Action, Art of Authenticity, and Good Ideas, I hope that kids will begin to think “outside the box” and realize that teamwork and individuality is the greatest formula for success.

BPM: Why should parents buy these books for their children?
Filled with colorful characters, rising action and page-turning suspense, the Real Street Kidz series and its accompanying website gives preteens, as well as anyone involved with young people, easy-to-read, empowering and entertaining lessons on friendship, teamwork, social diversity, and overcoming adversity.

BPM: Please introduce us to your new Real Street Kidz book, Good Ideas.
Q, Jazz, Chase, Ginger, Los, Kawena, and Lucky, are the adventure seeking Real Street Kidz. An extraordinary group of kids who live life in a big way and prove that you’re never too young to make a difference. During the summer the Real Street Kidz Chased Action and mastered the Art of Authenticity, but with the arrival of a new school semester the RSK are in serious need of Good Ideas. The kids are immediately faced with frustrating challenges from a rigid new school’s “Pilot Program,” that includes excessive pop-quizzes, strict dress codes, and a disgusting “healthy choice” menu.

Things really get worse when their old rival Junior puts the entire school in jeopardy with his “Me First” re-election campaign for school president. Q and Jazz decide to run against him to stop Junior’s reckless campaign from ruining the student body, but that’s when things become even worse! The entire school becomes divided and everyone is desperate for an infusion of Good Ideas to help put things back together again. Whose side will the friends choose? Which side would you choose? Making the wrong choice could cost everyone a lot more than just a school election; it could cost everyone a better world!

BPM: In addition to the new book, tells us about your new Good Ideas video.
Online I found that people love to talk about what’s wrong with today’s generation. However, as I researched the good ideas being developed by pre-teen today for my new book, I became inspired by the large number of kids that were making a difference through social ideas, tech ideas, and green ideas. I decided to team up with Boys & Girls Club of Watts (California) to start a social conversation on good ideas for today’s generation of kids.

We developed a short form video that is posted on YouTube that we hope will inspire kids around the globe to CREATE, SHARE, and PARTICIPATE in GOOD IDEAS. Take a look at the video today at YouTube.com/RealStreetKidz. Please share the video on your social networks using the hashtag #GoodIdeas. Also, please highlight the good ideas of the preteens on your social network. Together we can all inspire the next generation to make a difference and we can change the online conversation to celebrate the #GoodIdeas of today’s generation.

BPM: Why should teachers introduce your book series into their classrooms?
Fostering a love for reading should be a goal of every teacher. Books for many children often serve as good friends that will be cherished forever. These friends can be from any part of the world. It is the job of every teacher to make sure that every student finds that one great literature “friend”, that students can relate to on many levels. The Real Street Kidz series is helping teachers make the connections for students across the globe.

I’m confident that the Real Street Kidz books and the free Teacher’s Guides (book #1 & #2 only) will provide them with useful resources to assist them in the classroom. Through the series and this guide, I also hope that students will continue to look at character and not appearances. Teacher’s can download the guides for free at RealStreetKidz.com.

BPM: How may our readers follow you online?
Please visit the Quentin Holmes Amazon Author Page
http://www.amazon.com/Quentin-Holmes/e/B00J1QJ1FO

Email: quentinholmes@hotmail.com
Author website: RealStreetKidz.com
Twitter.com/quentinholmes
Facebook.com/realstreetkidz
YouTube.com/quentinholmes

BPM: Book Clubs and Youth Group Request Interviews (In-person or via Skype Video)
Select the Real Street Kidz series for your book club meeting and Quentin will join you in person, via webcam or via speaker phone. To schedule Quentin’s visit, email him at realstreetkidz@hotmail.com

Order Real Street Kidz: Good Ideas by Quentin Holmes
Link: http://amzn.com/0996210245

Tracey Fagan Danzey is an author and occasional blogger who has been described more than once as a natural storyteller. It is her passion for writing that allows her to create an experience, conjure emotions and share vivid views for her readers through her pictorial descriptions. To further pursue her craft and aspirations of becoming a published author, Tracey elevated her commitment by becoming a member of the Westport Writers’ Workshop, critique groups and book clubs.

“Where Is The Box For Someone Like Me?” is a project that advanced in the 2011 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Contest and has since developed into Tracey’s debut novel, “Jasper’s Cafe On The Boulevard”.

BPM: Tell us about your passion for writing. Why do you write? What drives you?
What's the best thing about being a writer? Well, that's easy for me to answer. It's being able to create lifestyles and events as I see fit. With the stroke of a pen and my generous imagination, I can allow my friends (characters) to live the reader’s dreams or to overcome common obstacles, or simply fall in love! I’ve always been described as that child with a vivid imagination! Oh . . . I was SO dramatic and everything I did was in the form of a mini-production. Whenever I told a story, people surrounded me and would cling onto my forming words.

BPM: Do you set out to educate or inspire, entertain or illuminate a particular subject?
Yes indeed! I’m not that writer who likes to write in vain; I want to be used and inspire. It’s my intention to absolutely entertain with humor and create getaways for the reader. However, I do like to present real-life controversial situations with the hope of igniting discussions that will be corrected through dialogue. I don’t want to be a preachy writer! I prefer to be much more subtle and make the reader flush it out.

BPM: Can you share a little of your current work with us? Introduce us to your book and the characters.
“Jasper’s Café,” was written to spotlight, celebrate and share the many positive aspects of Black culture, encourage women’s relationships with one another and crossing cultural groups, while bridging common gaps and sharing our strength! Equally important for me was to showcase coveted and authentic depictions of successful Black love . . . this writing would leave no doubt that we love too! I wanted to ensure that my readers would experience the purest and most transcendent relationships that I could conjure through words. It worked! My readers have let me know that Torie’s success as both a professional and classy sexy woman worked. This combination allowed her to be the perfect match for one specific suitor.

Quinn Matthews and Nigel Brooks have proven to be the barometers of what it takes and means to be a real man. This doesn’t mean perfection, but it does mean bringing a combination of core essentials to the relationship in order to sustain it. I’m not going to give it all away, just know that you will close this book feeling inspired, warm and hopeful!

BPM: What are some of the benefits of being an author that makes it all worthwhile?
Hands down, getting to meet so many kind and beautiful spirited women! You know, I have been on the road for the past few months promoting and sharing “Jasper’s Café On The Boulevard,” in Maryland, New York, Connecticut, etc. I am always amazed and flattered that a reader wants to spend time speaking with me. Seriously, the time that a reader is willing to devote to coming out to these events, to have read my book and further wants to share their experience with it . . . Ah! I’m tearing up. I can’t tell you what that means to any writer. I thank each of you from the core of my being!

BPM: What are you the most thankful for now?
Very simple. I am incredibly thankful for life, getting to be among the living and living a dream like this, with people like you!

BPM: We are here to shine the spotlight on your new book, but what's next?
I am currently working on the sequel to “Jasper's Cafe On The Boulevard” and I’ve titled it “A View From Harlem.” Yes ladies, that chocolate surprise that was introduced later in Jasper’s Café! This sequel shares the perspective of Harlem Brooks as he struggles to shift his naughty past behavior into something positive. I really have committed my writing to celebrate our Black men and Black love, so it’s a pleasure to have a say as the author.

Email: traceydanzey@aol.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FaganDanzey
Website: http://www.authortraceyfagandanzey.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authortraceyfagandanzey
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25073544-jasper-s-cafe-on-the-boulevard

Nicki Night is an edgy hopeless romantic who enjoys creating stories of love and new possibilities. Nicki has a penchant for adventure and is currently working on penning her next romantic escapade.

Nicki resides in the city where dreams are made of, but occasionally travels to her treasured seaside hideaway to write in seclusion. She enjoys hearing directly from readers and can be contacted on Facebook, through her website at NickiNight.com, or via email at NickiNightwrites@gmail.com.

BPM: How did you get to be where you are in your life today? Who or what motivated you?
I've always been unable to ignore the voices inside of me that propel me to try things out. I've always said that I never wanted to live with regrets so when I realize writing was more of a passion than a hobby that I enjoyed doing every now and then, I decided to take it serious and set out on a journey to see where it would take me and here I am--with no regrets.

BPM: Who does your body of literary work speak to? Do you consider authors as role models?
My works speak to those who enjoy being entertained, inspired, taken away and even educated. I wholehearted believe that authors are role models and we should take responsibility for what we write and portray in our work. It's a great responsibility. People often state that they don't want to be considered a role model, however once you are in a certain light, you don't necessary have the benefit to make that decision. People will make you a role model whether you are willing to be one or not. That comes with a certain level of exposure.

BPM: What inspired you to sit down and actually start writing this book? Why now?
The joy of seeing African American men portrayed in glowing lights. My male characters are flawed just like any other regular human, but these men and also great black men who are loving, responsible, hardworking, committed, intelligent, compassionate, and oh-so-fine. These are men like my husband, my friends, and my father. This is the total opposite of how black men are often portrayed in the media. It's not that they don't exist. It's that they miss the spotlight unless there's some kind of scandal connected to them. I like giving light to good black men. Why now? My answer is, why not now?

BPM: What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
There is so much that I enjoyed about writing this book. I love the happy ending. I love the characters and I love that the characters were not perfect. I also love that this was something new for me, being my first romance book and I'm so happy with how it came out.

BPM: Where do your book ideas come from? Are your books plot-driven or character-driven?
My book ideas can come from anywhere--a conversation, a dream, or just my imagination. My books are often both driven by the plot and character. There is no specific reason. It depends on the story and the character. Often one will step up and take the front seat and I will flow with that.

BPM: Could you tell us something about your most recent work?
Her Chance at Love is available everywhere in print and digitally. This book is a crazy little ride through the lives of two attorneys--one who is set on her career and has ruled dating out of her life due to a bad break up. That is Cadence Payne. The other is Blake Barrington, a cocky lawyer who's really a gem under all of his confidence. He's determined to get Cadence to admit she wants him as much as he wants her and begins making headway until a political scandal hits and he finds himself dead smack in the middle of it. Now he has to prove both his innocence and his love.

BPM: Give us some insight into your main characters or speakers. What makes each one so special?
I just love Blake Barrington. He's this cocky attorney and one of the most eligible bachelors on the legal scene along with his handsome brothers. He knows he's a great catch and isn't afraid to own that. He's capable of having his share of women and when he decides that it's Cadence that he wants, he turns up the charm into high gear. The thing about him is that he's an envelope pusher all the way around and he does things that many men would never do when they're trying to capture a woman's heart. He's such a risk-taker.

BPM: Are there under-represented groups or ideas featured in your book? If so, discuss them.
As I said before, I truly believe that great black men are under-represented in our society and I know for a fact that they exist. I could give you a list of names right now! I love this genre because it gives me a chance to tell stories about these men and celebrate them, while the world around us is so busy trying to tear them down. I want people to know that they exist. There isn't a quality in Blake or his brothers, Hunter and Drew, that I didn't get from a man I personally know. These are good black men with careers, morals, values, and so much more.

BPM: How does your book relate to your present situation, education, spiritual practice or journey?
None of my books really relate to me personally, at least not intentionally. They allow me to go off in my imagination just like the reader. However. I will say that I have a great black man and he could very well be Blake or one of his brothers. As far as my spirituality is concerned, everything that I do is part of my spiritual journey. I write because that's the gift God gave me to use in this world.

BPM: Did you learn anything personal from writing your book? Can you share some stories about people you met while researching this book?
I always try to learn something new in the process of writing my books. Mostly vocabulary. I always look for new words that I can learn and use in my text. I don't mind reading a book and having to go to my dictionary app to check it's meaning. It makes me feel smarter. I also learned a lot about the legal process to make sure that the parts of the book that addressed how the scandal was handled legally were authentic. I have a friend who is a lawyer and he helped me shape the story so that when Blake got into trouble, I could appropriately depict how the mess could be handled.

BPM: What were your goals and intentions in this book, and how well do you feel you achieved them?
I want this book to be a best-seller. I want every romance reader to come to know Nicki Night. I want people to enjoy the book and be reminded that men like these exist. This book and Nicki Night are just hitting the scene so I'm looking forward to seeing how everything flows, but I trust that it will be a hit!

BPM: What projects are you working on at the present?
Her Chance At Love is part of a three-book series. I've just finished the second book in the series with Hunter, Blake's older brother. I've beginning to work on the last book in the series, which will be Drew's story. I've also outlined a new series for my publisher that I'm really excited about.

BPM: How can readers discover more about you and your work?
I can be found on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Here are my links. I welcome everyone to follow me and get connected.

Website: http://nickinight.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nicki_Night
Instagram: https://instagram.com/nickinight
FB: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorNickiNight

Purchase Her Chance at Love by Nicki Night
Romance Series: The Barrington Brothers
Link: http://amzn.com/0373864280

Tracie Loveless-Hill was born and raised in Waterloo, Iowa. She has been married for 26 years to the love of her life, Cedric. They have two wonderful children, both adults: Taneya and Cedric II.

Tracie attended Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi and later Hawkeye Community College, earning associates degrees in Criminal Justice and General Studies. Her plans are to further her education with hopes of attaining B.A. Degrees in Criminology and Social Work, with aspirations of working with women in and transitioning from the prison system.

Tracie has enjoyed singing with two local community gospel groups and loves to sing at weddings, funerals, and other social events. Her hobbies include writing, collecting porcelain dolls and elephants with their trunks pointing upwards--a symbol of good luck and prosperity. Her latest achievement's was putting a fully operating media center in her church for the community. But the biggest joys in her life are curling up with a good novel, listening to traditional gospel music, working for the betterment of her community, or just spending time with those she loves the most: her family.

BPM: When did you get your first inkling to write, and how did you advance the call for writing?
I have always loved to write. Poetry, short stories, etc.... I even wrote poems for my college newspaper. I really begin to write seriously after becoming disabled. But I had no idea that anyone would be interested in my stories or what I had to say.

BPM: Tell us about your passion for writing. Why do you write? What drives you?
When I am writing it is like when you first fall in love, especially when I am in a zone. It is like an emotional high for me. There is no better feeling than to write what is in your heart and to get it out, To make it all come together.

BPM: Are there any areas of your writing career that you wish you could go back and change?
No. You should never apologize or regret what has come from your soul.

BPM: What hurdles, if any, did you have to overcome as a new author and business owner?
Patience. I had to learn patience. Because things do not come to you overnight. Money, recognition, fans, etc...none of it comes before you put in the work.

BPM: What’s the most important quality a writer should have in your opinion?
Being able to evoke emotions in the reader. When that reader closes that book you want them to be able to take a deep breath and feel satisfied. Like they have been on a roller coaster of a journey.

BPM: At what point in your career did you discover your real worth and own it?
When I realized that writing made me feel good. But when people come up to me and tell me that one of my books have helped them through something, something difficult. One young man said that this book helped him through his mother's death. And a young woman in her 30's died from cancer. She loved the book so much that her family actually placed it in her hands in her casket. My mother died from cancer and believe me this took me away. It made me realize that what I was doing meant something.

BPM: Introduce us to your book and the characters.
Acts of Betrayal is a Christian Fiction novel with a street edge. Michael and Lorece Moreland were high school sweethearts. Their faith is truly tested when they hit upon hard times. The meet a Bishop and his very well known in the community and extremely aggressive wife. She promises to take their 5 children in until they are able to get on their feet. In the process secrets comes out about past lives. And they are in for a fight when they have to go up against the Bishop and his wife.

BPM: What would you like to accomplish after this book is released?
To be honest more fans. I have places a full access media center in my church for our community. It is for children as well as adult's that do not have access to computers. And I have every type of book that you want to read in it. Law, Black History, Biographies and so on. I feel that more books will allow me to do more in my community.

The Regency era (early 1800s), which captivated Vanessa Riley, also made her wonder why faces of color who were integral to the building of this society: serving in her wars, adding to her arts, loving and dying for her causes, were missing. Now she brings the flavor of diverse peoples to these stories, restoring these old souls to historical romances for all the world to read. Riley is the author of "The Bargain", A Port Elizabeth, South African Regency serial and Regency novels: "Unmasked Heart", Madeline's Protector, and "Swept Away.”

BPM: When did you get your first inkling to write, and how did you advance the call for writing?
I've been writing and telling stories since I was a little girl. I remember keeping myself and my younger brothers enthralled with sweeping tales of adventure. By the time I was seventeen I began winning writing competitions. But, like many college-bound students, I put creative writing on hold, while I pursued degrees in Engineering. I made myself very busy building a career in Technology.

It wasn't until my husband and I were expecting our first child, that God got a hold of me. I suddenly had to slow down and set my pen to paper. He gave me a gift, and it wasn't just to write technical briefs! Obedient to this calling, I read books, I took courses, and I joined writing organizations like the American Christian Fiction Writers organization. I did everything to strengthen my craft. My first novel, Madeline's Protector, was published by Pelican in 2013. It hit the top ten on Christianbook.com in December of that year.

BPM: Tell us about your passion for writing. Why do you write? What drives you?
I love sweeping romances with a holy passion. The hero and heroine are challenged by their goals and desires, and by their Faith, too. I want to write words that have the power to energize the possibility for change. Maybe my words will help to change how you see things, or the words might offer a new perspective on how to deal with life. Mostly, I just want my words to affirm who you are in God's eyes.

BPM: What hurdles, if any, did you have to overcome as a new author and business owner?
For me the biggest hurdle is to learn how to grow my audience. I write Regencies or Jane Austen sounding work. In my stories I love to show the reader how we are all woven into God’s ‘Fabric of Time’. People of color didn't disappear after 300 BC suddenly to return as slaves in 1865. We are in the fabric of time. Our stories need to be told. I want to capture my reader’s imagination, so they lose themselves in the tales I weave.

BPM: What’s the most important quality a writer should have in your opinion?
I believe a writer should be hungry and fully awake with a thirst to do amazing things. Readers can taste passion in every bite of a book. We honor our readers by writing with passion and meaning.

BPM: Our life experiences, challenges and success help define who we are on many levels. At what point in your career did you discover your real worth and own it?
I am still very new in my career. I began to get emails and letters about how my books touched a reader. I’ve been told that I bring joy with my words. This gives me a strong sense of fulfillment. The stories in my head are meant to help someone. I’m sure of it! If I can bring you a smile or offer hope, I'd say I've been that hungry writer who has passion and commitment.

BPM: Can you share a little of your current work with us? Introduce us to your book and the characters.
There is that moment in a good book, when all secrets are exposed and there is nowhere to run. In Unmasked Heart Gaia Telfair discovers the truth about her illicit birth. She is not a gently-bred daughter of a gentleman, but a mulatto who has been passing for white. Her world changed. In a time where birthright defined everything about your life, she had to learn to love herself and to know she was worthy of love. Just as she was ready to tell her secret, the man who is the one for her, learns his father was responsible for destroying hers. Everything changes again.

I write very long novels and serials. A serialized story is told in episodes. The episode is completed by solving one problem. The overarching problem---will the couple be together? Will they survive the war? Those problems are resolved as the season is released.

The Bargain, a serialized Regency Romance, is set in the colony of Port Elizabeth, South Africa. I love the multicultural cast of warriors, brothel workers, heroes and heroines. The theme of this first season is about scars. Are you defined by your scars? Precious Jewell was an enslaved maid from Charleston, who has to decide if she is defined by her own scars. Her scars are both physical and emotional. I hope The Bargain challenges readers to deeply examine these lies, to uncover who we are in God's Light.

BPM: We are here to shine the spotlight on your new book, but what's next?
The finale episode IV of The Bargain releases November 22, 2015. This series has really captured readers’ imagination. Good news! Season Two releases in Fall of 2016. All of your favorites (if they lived) will be around in the next season. The central story will surround cast members you met in season one. I will also be releasing a Regency Romantic suspense in Spring of 2016, Unveiling Love. This one will keep you on the edge of your seats! You’ll be rooting for celebrated mulatto barrister Bradley Norton, and his half-Egyptian, half-Spanish wife, Ariana. Together we will solve the mystery of London's Dark Walk Abductor.

Follow Vanessa on Social Media:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/vanessariley
Email: vanessa@christianregency.com
Website: http://www.Christianregency.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChristianRegency
Books on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Vanessa-Riley/e/B00C55DARS/

Unmasked Heart (Challenge of the Soul Book 1)
Link: http://amzn.com/B00WDR6C7S

The Bargain (A Port Elizabeth Regency Tale: Season One Book 4)
Link: http://amzn.com/B014BRM80M

Born in the South Suburbs of Chicago, Illinois, Nicole Hampton’s love for reading developed at an early age. She often spent hours becoming lost in the worlds of characters of her favorite books. Reading offered an opportunity for Nicole to dream about life outside of her community and fed her desire to want to explore the world beyond her modest surroundings. Wanting to find a way to help people see the struggles in their lives differently, Nicole wrote skits and plays for her church that addressed real life issues, and helped people to see God in their situations. The accolades given by those who saw her plays fueled her determination to write her first novel, Glimmer in the Darkness, and continue to address issues that occur in day-to-day life.

Nicole earned a Master’s Degree in Social Work, and utilizes the skills and knowledge learned to address the issues presented in her debut novel in a manner that allows people to connect and understand the struggles of her characters. Nicole lives in North Carolina, is a dedicated wife and mother of six, who spends any time she can snatch, developing characters and story lines to share with her readers.

BPM: When did you get your first inkling to write, and how did you advance the call for writing?
My desire to become an author developed in 2006. It was a long process getting from having a thought to actually writing a novel. When I finally built up the nerve and become serious, I took writing courses and was surprised to find out that I knew quite a bit about the process. I didn’t stop there, I have attended as many workshops as I possibly could about writing and publishing and sought the advice of other authors and people in the writing and publishing business. Doing those things was a great investment of my time and resources. It took a couple of years to actually finish Glimmer in the Darkness, but I learned a lot during the process; the most important being how to become disciplined with my time.

BPM: Tell us about your passion for writing. Why do you write? What drives you?
When I write, I feel empowered and a deep sense of satisfaction that I have not ever felt with my other profession. I write, because I want to touch the lives of others on a larger scale. I am driven by wanting to do what I never thought imaginable, that is to live my life with no regrets, to dare to dream and be willing to fail a time or two, along the path leading to my idea of success.

BPM: What hurdles, if any, did you have to overcome as a new author and business owner?
The largest hurdle I have had to overcome is being afraid of rejection. I had to come to the realization that I could write the most beautiful novel ever created, and someone will still find fault with it. There will always be someone who will not like it. Another major obstacle that I had to overcome is time. My life prior to writing a novel was extremely busy with meeting the needs of my family and working a full time job. However, I had to learn to make time for myself and pursue what I found to be important.

BPM: Can you share a little of your current work with us? Introduce us to your book and characters.
My debut novel, Glimmer in the Darkness will take readers into the life of Shannon Johnson, who much like the rest of us, poured her everything into her family. So much so, that she didn't realize that part of her family unit was suffering, until the unthinkable occurred.

Daniel Johnson, is Shannon’s hard working husband, who is a great provider, but does not do well with communicating his needs to his wife. Daniel feels unappreciated and opens a door in his marriage that he will never be able to close.

Vaneetra James, is the bane of Shannon’s existence. Her presence in Shannon’s and Daniels life, has brought about earth shaking challenges.

BPM: What genre is this book? Do you write all of your books in this category? Why?
Glimmer in the Darkness is a women’s contemporary fiction novel. At this time, I have not written in any other genres, but have plans to write children’s book, one in particular to address traumatic injury. I would one day love to write mystery and suspense novels.

BPM: What should readers DO after reading this book?
After reading this book, readers should encourage their friends to buy and read Glimmer in the Darkness, so that they can have a conversation about the real life issues addressed in it.

BPM: What are your career goals as a writer? Have you accomplished most of them?
My number one career goal is to be able to write full time. After I accomplish that, I plan to write across a couple of different genres. Overall, my goal is for any book I write to help the reader in some form or fashion.

BPM: What have you realized about yourself since becoming a published author?
I have realized that I possess courage to step outside of my bubble and educate people on Nicole. Prior to this journey, that was something I did not think I could do.

BPM: What are some of the benefits of being an author that makes it all worthwhile?
When people reach out to me and tell me how my novel touched their lives, it makes it all worthwhile.

BPM: What are you the most thankful for now?
I am most thankful for the love and support of my family and friends. They have motivated me to keep pressing forward to live my dreams.

BPM: Do you have any advice for people seeking to publish a book?
My advice for people seeking to publish a book is to put God first in everything that you do. Stay in prayer, and ask him to frame your every move. Write with the idea of wanting to touch someone’s life. Always remain determined and be willing to travel the distance. Leave room for error and learn from your mistakes. Take classes, attend workshops, seek and take advice from other professionals in the business. Finally be willing to work hard for free.

Website: http://thenicolehampton.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNicoleHampton
Twitter: @nicolehampton01 - https://twitter.com/nicolehampton01

Purchase Glimmer in the Darkness by Nicole Hampton
Link: http://amzn.com/B016IQ7TYE

Benilde Little is the bestselling author of the novels Good Hair, The Itch, Acting Out and Who Does She Think She Is? She has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Essence, Jet, People Magazine, Heart and Soul, More magazine, among many others. She has had numerous media appearances including NPR, the Today Show, and Tavis Smiley.

The Go On Girl Book Club selected Good Hair as the best book of the year. Natalie Cole bought the film rights. Benilde’s writing has appeared in numerous anthologies, including Honey Hush and About Face. She was a finalist for an NAACP Image Award.

A former reporter for The Cleveland Plain Dealer, The Star Ledger, People and senior editor at Essence, she has been a creative writing professor at Ramapo College. She lives in Montclair, New Jersey, with her husband, two children and dog.

BPM: You are known for your novels, Good Hair, The Itch, Who Does She Think She Is?, Acting Out, why nonfiction, why now?
It wasn’t a conscious, creative choice to write a non-fiction book. It was the place I was emotionally in, where this was all I could write. The feeling of hopelessness, grief and sadness was so all consuming that I had to get it out of me. I suppose I could’ve approached those feelings in a fictional form, but that never even occurred to me; wasn’t a thought. It was not the write format. Toni Morrison has said to write the book you want to read. I believe that, but I also know that this was a book I had to write and I did write it for me.

BPM: Welcome to My Breakdown, the title of your new book suggests a light tone, but the book is anything but. You write that when your mother died you weren’t sure how you would survive. Was it difficult for you to write about your depression?
Sometimes, but not as much as one might imagine; I wrote this book in pieces, so sometimes when I was writing about it, I wasn’t consistently living with it. When I’d research other writers talking about their depression, William Styron and David Forster Wallace, in particular, but also Terrie Williams, in her book Black Pain (in which she writes about her own depression and others’), I felt less alone. Feeling less alone helped me to feel somewhat better. What was hard was re-reading the descriptions of that time. There were times when I’d scan it and other times when I’d cry and sometimes I could read it at a remove.

BPM: Do you think that this book might encourage candid conversations in all communities, but particularly the African American community about depression?
That is my sincere hope. I think it will. It’s been said that the book is honest and bare and I think that will give some people permission to take a deep look at one’s self in an honest, and hopefully compassionate, way.

BPM: Clara Little is the beating heart of this book. What a remarkable woman your mother was, a loving, devoted mom, a wife, a political activist, community organizer, a feminist before the word had currency. What was it like to be the center of that much love and affection?
You don’t know what you don’t know. I thought all mothers were like her. It wasn’t until I was in adolescence when I began spending lots of time at the homes of friends where I got to see other moms, who were very different than mine. I realized and appreciated her as an adult and especially when I became a mother and I could finally realize what sacrifices she made and what a difference in my life all that love and affection made. It’s why I could grow up in Newark and have the life I have now. Her expectation of my brothers and me was that we become productive, college educated citizens of the world. She’s why we didn’t become teenage parents or get addicted to drugs or crime. And we weren’t put in a bubble, either. The downside of all that intense love and affection is that I have a very high bar for what I expect love to feel like. It’s another reason my grief was so great--knowing that no one will ever love me like she did. It’s a somewhat hybrid blessing.

BPM: Clearly you and your husband are more affluent than you were growing up, you live in a wealthy suburb, and enjoy many material possessions that were beyond your parents’ reach. There are hints here that you are an old school, hands on mother like your mother was. Do you consider yourself the same kind of mother as your mother? What’s the same, what’s different? What’s your most important job as a mother in your view?
To me the most important thing a mother can give her child is a solid sense of self. I’m not sure it’s possible to do this completely but if you can instill in your kids that they are good just the way they are, then they can do anything. They can be fulfilled, they can be secure and can find their purpose. I don’t think our parents were thinking much, if at all, about our psychological health.

I think my mother was ahead of her time and she was very intuitive, but I know she wasn’t consciously thinking about it. She didn’t belittle us; she would never slap us in the face because she believed that was demeaning (although she did get that strap and put it on the butt). I’m similar in how I’ve raised my kids in terms of being fiercely in their corner, advocating for them, loving them fiercely, but no spanking. I believe that that diminishes them and it’s not effective. I don’t want to rule from a place of fear. I think if they respect you, they want to please you. This is not to say that they won’t mess up and that they won’t do things that hurt and disappoint you, but ultimately disappointing a good parent is not something a child will want to do. When I got older, college age probably, it was hell to me to disappoint my mother. I see a lot of that in my daughter. It’s there with my son, but buried, I think because he’s a teenager. I believe in punishment for bad behavior. Like my mother, I hate lying and go nuts when my kids have.

BPM: Readers will welcome your candor about dating, marriage, family, and children. You are in a long marriage with a child in college and another in middle school. Can you tell us succinctly how the dream of having it all, like your character Alice in Good Hair reconciles with the reality of family, marriage, and children?
Well, what I know for sure is that there is no such thing. There have been tradeoffs. I began writing fiction shortly after we got married in anticipation of having children and wanting to be home with them. I began a career I could have and still be home with my kids. I quit my job at Essence because, for me, it was too demanding to do and be the kind of mother I wanted to be. I don’t know if I’d make the same decision today, but that’s what I was thinking at the time. There’s no easy, right answer. You give up your job, you give up part of an income, which impacts your lifestyle, which can impact your relationship. I don’t know if one ever truly reconciles. You might be able to “have it all,” but not at the same time.

BPM: We lose our parent, that’s an inescapable truth. Is there anything about the grieving process that you can share with others to help them through grief?
Give yourself time. There’s no one-way to grieve and there’s no time limit. There are those stages: shock, denial, anger, bargaining, guilt, sadness, acceptance. Those things can show up in different order or you may not experience each one. For me, I felt like I didn’t have a choice. It was a wave that simply knocked me down and I was in an undertow. The best was to recover in an undertow is to give in to it. I gave over to it. Now, I didn’t have a job in an office where a boss was expecting me to perform everyday. For people who have to get back to work, I would still advise them to give the grieving process as much time as you need. Do your work and go home and give yourself permission to feel like crap, to cry, to rail, all of it.

BPM: In the end, would you say that there was anything beneficial or redeeming about your depression?
It made me more compassionate, less arrogant, but also less tolerant of people who sit on the sidelines of their feelings. It helped me get clear about who I wanted in my life. I got in touch with my need for gentleness, gentle people who are also willing to be vulnerable and real. I’m no longer close to people who are disconnected from their feelings, because they can’t truly be aware of others.

BPM: What’s the takeaway? What do you want people to get, to do?
To take off the mask. I look forward to having honest conversations about some of the topics in the book, grief, motherhood—staying home/having a career, depression, mid-life, perfection pressure. So much of what we do in this culture is to soothe our wounds: we buy too much, eat too much, and drink too much. Don’t get me wrong, doing the work, looking at one’s self and examining all those warts is not easy. But I believe, in the long run, it’s the only option.

The epigram I used in Good Hair says this beautifully: “If you bring forth what is within you, what you bring forth will save you. If you do not bring forth what is within you, what you bring forth will destroy you.”—Jesus. The Gospel of Thomas

Order Welcome to My Breakdown: A Memoir by Benilde Little
http://www.amazon.com/Welcome-My-Breakdown-A-Memoir/dp/1476751951
http://books.simonandschuster.com/Welcome-to-My-Breakdown/Benilde-Little/9781476751955

With over one million books in print, Victoria Christopher Murray is one of the country’s top African American contemporary authors. Victoria always knew she would become an author, even as she was taking an unlikely path to that destination. A native of Queens, Victoria first left New York to attend Hampton University where she majored in Communication Disorders. After graduating, Victoria attended New York University where she received her MBA.

Victoria spent ten years in Corporate America before she tested her entrepreneurial spirit. She opened a Financial Services Agency for Aegon, USA where she managed the number one division for nine consecutive years. However, Victoria never lost the dream to write and when the “bug” hit her again in 1997, she answered the call.

Victoria originally self published her first novel, Temptation and in 2000, Time Warner published that novel. Temptation made numerous best sellers list and remained on the Essence bestsellers list for nine consecutive months. In 2001, Victoria received her first NAACP Image Award nomination for Temptation.

Since Temptation, Victoria has written over twenty other adult novels, including: JOY, Grown Folks Business, The Ex Files, The Deal, the Dance and the Devil, Never Say Never and the popular Jasmine Cox Larson Bush series.

Victoria has received numerous awards including the Golden Pen Award for Best Inspirational Fiction and the Phyllis Wheatley Trailblazer Award for being a pioneer in African American Fiction. Since 2007, Victoria has won seven African American Literary Awards for best novel, best Christian fiction and Author of the Year – Female. Her 2014 NAACP Image Award nomination for Never Say Never was her third Image Award nomination.

Several of Victoria's novels have been optioned to become movies, including The Deal, the Dance and the Devil and the Ex Files series.

Victoria splits her time between Los Angeles and Washington D.C. In Los Angeles, she attends Bible Enrichment Fellowship International Church under the spiritual tutelage of Dr. Beverly “BAM” Crawford. She is also a very proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

BPM: How did you get to be where you are in your life today? Who or what motivated you?
I would have to say my parents had the greatest impact on my life. Not only did they have me believing that I was THE Queen Victoria (I was seven when I discovered that I wasn't), but they made me believe that I could be and do anything. My parents have been my greatest supporters, my biggest fans and I've always wanted to do well and be well to make them proud. My father passed away and my mother is now in her eighties...and I still want to be the kind, generous, giving person that they raised me to be. I want to follow the examples that they set. I still want to make my parents proud and that drives me every day.

BPM: Who does your body of literary work speak to? Do you consider authors as role models?
Even though I've been considered a Christian fiction writer for a long time, I don't feel like that's who my writing speaks to alone. I write to speak to women who can see themselves in some of the situations that are plots in my novels. I want people to enjoy my books, and even receive a message. Now, I don't write with messages in mind. Truly, I think that God meets the readers on the pages — of not only my books, but any book. And readers always receive the message they're supposed to.

As far as being a role model, I think established authors are role models for up and coming authors and I take that responsibility seriously. I believe that not only am I responsible for telling entertaining stories, but I must help others who have the same dream. I have to.

BPM: What inspired you to sit down and actually start writing this book? Why now?
The idea for this book came to me over a year and a half ago, when the first verdict in the Michael Dunn trial came down. During the first trial, Michael Dunn (who shot into the car killing Jordan Davis) the jury couldn't come back with a decision. It was a mistrial and so many people were angry with the jurors. But I had read the transcript and the judge's instructions to the jury during the George Zimmerman trial and I knew that if anyone used the Stand Your Ground defense as part of their self-defense, that was going to be a hard case to prove. But most people didn't know that, most people didn't understand the law. Heck, most people didn't know that Stand Your Ground was in dozens of states besides Florida.

So, I believed that I had a platform to not only entertain, but to educate and hope that the education would get us to stand our ground and do something about this legal license to kill. This law must be repealed in every state.

BPM: What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
I've always felt a little challenged about the types of books that I've written. Yes, I try my best to tell entertaining stories, and yes, I work very, very hard on the craft so that with each book readers can see my growth (readers deserve that.) But to be honest, I've never felt that I've used this gift to do anything important. I've always wanted to write important books, books that make a difference, books that matter. I think Stand Your Ground is the first time I've accomplished this. And for me, that made writing this book enjoyable.

BPM: Where do you book ideas come from?
Even though I "think" I get my ideas from things that happen in the news or around me, I honestly believe that all of my ideas have come from God. This writing is a gift that He's given to me...a gift that He's given to me completely. So I have the gift of writing well, I have the discipline to do it, and He's even given me the stories.

BPM: Are you books plot-driven or character-driven?
My novels are more character driven than plot driven which can be an issue in this market. Readers love drama, drama, drama. (And I'm a reader who loves drama, so I can say that!) Character driven novels move slower because the story unfolds in the character's time. But, I love being a character driven novelist. I love spending time with my characters (that's why it takes me longer to write a book.) I love developing characters that stay with the readers long after the story is over.

BPM: Could you tell us something about your most recent work? Available on Kindle and Nook?
I'm going to sum up my most recent work in just a few words: A black teenage boy is dead. A white man shot him. Was he standing his ground? Or was it murder?

And yes, Stand Your Ground is available, on Kindle, Nook, iTunes...everything. It's available in Barnes and Noble, Walmart and Target. There will even be an audio version with the actress Suzzanne Douglass reading the novel.

BPM: Give us some insight into your main characters. What makes each so special?
I wrote Stand Your Ground from two points of views: the first from the mother of the victim and the second from the wife of the shooter. I loved telling these two stories because there was such contrast — one black, one white...which tells the whole story in a situation like this. Janice Johnson is a mother who adores her only child, her son who she knew was special from when she carried him in her womb. And now she finds herself in the middle of a nightmare. Meredith Spencer is living a life of privilege, though her world is not all that it seems to be. And she has a secret; she knows something that could send her husband to prison for the rest of his life.

BPM: Are there underrepresented groups or ideas featured in your book? If so, discuss them.
That's an interesting question. If there is any idea in Stand Your Ground that you don't see often, it's the anger that is brewing in the African American community with all of the murders that have come to light. We feel frustrated, and sometimes helpless. Those emotions play an important part in Stand Your Ground and were the driving forces that led to the shocking end of the book.

BPM: How does your book relate to your present situation or journey?
I don't think this book has anything to do with my present situation alone. Stand Your Ground tells the collective story of all of our frustrations. The stories keep repeating themselves in the news: unarmed black teen murdered by a white man/a white cop/a black cop. It plays over and over. And I wonder what are these stories doing to the psyche of us as men, women, mothers, fathers...and especially, what happens when our young black boys see these stories over and over? That's what I wanted to write about.

BPM: Did you learn anything personal from writing this book?
I learned everything that I could about the Stand Your Ground law so that I could pass it on to my readers.

BPM: Can you share any stories about people you met while researching this book?
It's interesting that you ask that because for the first time, I received a lot of help from men when writing this book. I wanted to put the real emotions of black men on paper. I could imagine how this would affect a mother, but what are fathers thinking/feeling? So, I met a high-powered attorney in Philly who really helped me. And then a young entrepreneur, who actually owns a wine company; he really helped me with the ending of the book. So I'm a novelist who primarily writes for women, but this time, I needed the men to make it happen!

BPM: What projects are you working on at the present?
There are a few projects I'm working on — my 2016 novel...the working title is Madam Vice President about a black woman on the presidential ticket...as a Republican. And, I keep thinking about writing The Autobiography of Mae Frances, the story of one of my beloved characters — this is a story that readers continue to ask me to write.

Connect with Victoria Christopher Murray
Join the Movement: #standyourgroundthenovel
Website: http://www.victoriachristophermurray.com
Twitter: @VictoriaECM, https://twitter.com/victoriaecm
Instagram: https://instagram.com/victoriachristophermurray
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/victoriachristophermurray

Purchase Stand Your Ground by Victoria Christopher Murray
Contemporary Women Fiction >African American Christian Fiction
http://www.amazon.com/Victoria-Christopher-Murray/e/B001IO9LP2
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/stand-your-ground-victoria-christopher-murray/1120678787
http://books.simonandschuster.com/Stand-Your-Ground/Victoria-Christopher-Murray/9781476792996

Life for J.M. Lominy began in Port-au-Prince, Haiti where he spent his first years with his maternal Aunt and Uncle. At the age of seven, Lominy and his older sister immigrated to the United States in order to reunite with their mother in Brooklyn, New York.

After graduating from James Madison High School, Lominy entered the United States Marine Corps and served during the first Gulf War. At the age of 22, he was honorably discharged and returned home to attend school. He went on to earn his Bachelors of Nursing degree from the City College of New York.

His work, both poetic and determined in voice, places an emphasis on the history of the Haitian experience as witnessed through the life of passionate characters. A husband and father of five boys, Lominy has been writing since 2000 and specializes in historical fiction.

Mr. Lominy currently resides in Georgia with his wife of 15 years and his three younger sons. When he’s not working or taking care of his family he is writing. Lominy states, “I am a writer with a lot of passion and fury.”

BPM: How did you get to be where you are in your life today?
I’ve gotten where I am by being discipline, writing daily, and researching with passion. I live and breathe publishing.

BPM: Who or what motivated you?
I’m motivated by the desire to write. It’s difficult to explain. I guess it’s similar to a painter or a musician that creates without any expectation. They do it for the pure joy of the experience. It becomes a part of who you are.

BPM: Who does your body of literary work speak to?
My body of work speaks to those interested in fast paced thrillers from the Caribbean, Haiti specifically.

BPM: Do you consider authors as role models?
To some extent authors can be role models by encouraging reading and writing.

BPM: What inspired you to sit down and actually start writing this book? Why now?
Inspiration for me is like a spark to gasoline. It doesn’t take much to get my pen flowing on paper. It could be something as simple as a word that functions as my spark. This book is a sequel to The Deadly Rose, An Assassin’s Tale. My characters were already well established in my mind. I’m simply giving them a stage to perform on. Why now? I spent well over ten years making excused why I shouldn’t write. I simply ran out of excuses.

BPM: What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
The research I did was an eye opener into the history of my birth country, Haiti. The joy of research is unmatched. Those who know the true history of Haiti hold her with respect and admiration.

BPM: Where do your book ideas come from?
My book ideas come from everywhere; a spoken word, a dream, conversation, and lets not forget history.

BPM: Are your books plot-driven or character-driven? Why?
The Fatal Rose: An Assassin’s Tale, is character-driven because it focuses the challenges the characters face in life and death issues. My previous book, Policeman Legros is plot driven because it’s a mystery/thriller that centers on a murder.

BPM: Could you tell us something about your most recent work?
The Fatal Rose: An Assassin’s Tale is the sequel to The Deadly Rose: An Assassin’s Tale. It picks up where the previous book left off with the main character, Pierre-André Franc¸ois (Grimo), is in a life-threatening predicament.
I take you to 1957-1958 Haiti. It was a time of turmoil, violence, and vicious political maneuvering. You get to taste the food, culture, and visit the people. Also, you will get an education in Haitian history.

BPM: Is this book available on Kindle?
The Fatal Rose: An Assassin’s Tale and the first book The Deadly Rose are available on Kindle.

BPM: Give us some insight into your main characters or speakers. What makes each one so special?
Pierre-André Franc¸ois (Grimo) is the most popular soccer player in Haitian history. He has a well-kept secret, he’s the feared assassin known as The Little Rose. Father Jean-Marie Lumier, a catholic priest, was a teenage brigand. As a youth he stabbed Grimo and nearly sent him to the grave.

Frank Gaston, Grimo’s maternal uncle, is one of the leaders of Haiti’s largest crime organization. He is the original assassin in Haiti. Marie-Anne Saviore is Grimo’s friend from childhood. She’s like a sister and mother at the same time. She brings solace to the assassin who kills with little remorse.

BPM: Are there under-represented groups in your book? If so, discuss them.
The under-represented groups in The Fatal Rose: An Assassin’s Tale are the poor, the uneducated, and the unprotected. The poor are l'invisible in Haiti. They are present but for the most part treated like furniture and unseen. One of the characters, Senator Manipolet, understands this well and uses it to his advantage.

BPM: How does your book relate to your present situation, education, spiritual practice or journey?
Your past is always a window to your present. The turmoil going on in Haiti during 1957-1958 caused my family to immigrate to the United States twenty years later. Education remains a focal point in my life. I take my research on Haiti seriously. I go to the extent of traveling there to get the full feel of the environment. For the Fatal Rose, An Assassin’s Tale I traveled to one of the cities in the book to give a true account in my writing. It was a fantastic experience. I learned to appreciate what I have.

BPM: Did you learn anything personal from writing your book?
I learned perception is mostly subjective. What you perceive you tend to believe. If it’s positive it can propel you to success. It’s also necessary to consider others point of view. My characters have flaws in their beliefs. I try not to make those mistakes.

BPM: Can you share some stories about people you met while researching this book?
I travel to Haiti at least once a year and blog about my trips. I speak with the poor and the wealthy they all have stories of their struggles. Two years ago on my last day in Haiti I was coming from the beach seated in the passenger seat beside my guide and driver. We saw three agitated men armed with rock, machetes and a handgun. They stood blocking the entrance to a beach resort frequented by the locals. My driver was familiar with the men and tried to intervene. The men warned him to move on, it was dangerous times. The rocks went flying and gunfire erupted when we arrive at the entrance to the highway not too far away. So we stopped at a restaurant within eyesight of the resort. The police arrived and more gunfire. The entire area was soon crowded. There were more people than I’ve ever seen during my visit. I soon learned I’d witness a land dispute between a brother and his deceased half-sister’s family. It was the classic land quarrel situation in the countryside I’d heard about as a youth.

Another interesting situation was going into the Haitian mountains and sitting under a calabash tree that surrounds you like a teepee exchanging blag (jokes). It was here I met the toothless magistrate candidate who couldn’t afford to shine his well-worn shoes. This tree also gave me the idea for my character Goo-Gooze a deaf mute that you will meet in The Fatal Rose.

Keleigh Crigler Hadley is an author, speaker, and teacher who is thankful God can use her messes for His glory. If she were to define herself in one sentence, she would say, "I'm a girl who loves to see God working."

She has always loved stories, and she believes the story of the Bible contains the biggest, the most redemptive dose of grace humankind has ever, and will ever, experience. She is the Christian Fiction author of the Preacher's Kids series, Revenge Inc., and What You Won't Do for Love.

Keleigh writes soul-stirring fiction, with real characters that stay with readers long after they have closed the book, (or turned the e-reader off.) The only thing she loves more than writing is reading, so contact her on social media and let her know what you're reading!

BPM: What motivated you to sit down and actually start writing this book?
The life story and choices of two very different women with the same medical diagnosis - Kara Tippets and Brittany Maynard inspired What You Won't Do for Love.

BPM: What separates this story from the millions of other books on the shelves?
What You Won't Do for Love is fresh, original and unexpected in the Christian Fiction genre. Rhonda McKnight, Publishing Manager for the Brown Girls Faith brand, says that my writing voice is unique, (my mother always said I was a little different), so that uniqueness sets me apart. Here's more about What You Won't Do for Love:

Unconditional Love. Unthinkable Choice.
Eden Price, an unlucky-in-love nurse finds herself in the midst of a heated love triangle. Globe-trotting missionary, Gabe Clark ignites her soul. Who doesn't want a man with a connection to God? Hard-working, Nemo Gates speaks to her heart. His past has caused a rift between him and God and Eden wants to help him heal.

She ultimately chooses the man that makes her passions come alive, but did she make the right choice? Her husband stuns her with a desperate plea; to prove her love for him in the most unthinkable way - to help him die with dignity.

BPM: What would you like for readers to take away from your writing?
I want them to feel engrossed and entertained while reading, and when they close the book, feel as if they are closer to the Creator.

BPM: What topics are primarily discussed?
In What You Won't Do for Love, the crux of the story is euthanasia. Would you put your husband out of his misery if he asked you to. Do you love him that much?

BPM: How can readers discover more about you and your work?
Twitter: https://twitter.com/khadley11
Website: http://www.keleighcriglerhadley.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorkeleigh

RM Johnson is the author of twenty-two novels to include, The Harris Men, The Million Dollar Divorce, the Hate the Air Series (NA), My Wife's Lover and My Wife's Baby. He holds an MFA in creative writing, is the recipient of the African American Arts Alliance Award among many others, and he resides in Atlanta, GA.

BPM: How did you get to be where you are in your life today? Who or what motivated you?
It took hard work, dedication and sacrifice. Although that sounds like a generic answer, it is true. As a novelist, you alone, do all the work. As another writer said, “There’s no one to throw the ball back to you.” You must be dedicated; writing a novel is not a sprint, but a marathon. It can take quite a long time to write a great one, equally as long to pen one that is horrible. Both are accomplishments, but you can’t finish either unless you stick to it. Referring to success: it likely won’t come without sacrifice. I have an undergraduate degree in science. I left a lucrative career in the medical field to pursue my passion for writing. As any artist will attest, there are as many valleys—if not more—as peaks, but many of chose this: to sacrifice a normal life for that of an artist’s, not for the money, but because we feel this is why we’ve been put on this earth.

BPM: Who does your body of literary work speak to? Do you consider authors as role models?
My work speaks to Black folks: men and women, married and single, young and old, fatherless and motherless, divorced, deceived and cheated on, poor and affluent. My work speaks to readers who want relevant, heartfelt, relatable and suspenseful fiction. In regard to authors being role models, I’d say only if one wants to be a writer oneself, then authors might be seen as inspirational. Aside from that, I’d say no; authors should not be seen as role models, because many of us can be pretty screwy in the head.

BPM: What inspired you to sit down and actually start writing this book? Why now?
Five years ago, a 44 year-old, good friend told me how disappointed he was with the turn his new marriage had taken. During their one-year marriage, he and his wife traveled, partied, drank and loved more than couples half their age. When they had their first child, he noticed a shift in the attention he was getting. It was a hard adjustment for him to make, and although he didn’t say he was, I detected a jealous tone in his voice. I felt there was an intriguing story there: man becomes envious of his newborn son, and does whatever he must to revert things back to the way he preferred them. I decided to write this book when I did, because, for the past several months, I’ve been working on a dystopian novel: Hate the Air, and I needed a break from the heavy lifting of that book, to something a little lighter, more familiar to me.

BPM: What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
I loved writing this book. Like I said, I’ve been working on something far less familiar to me—something that required a lot of research. “My Wife’s Baby: I Am Not A Murderer” is right in my wheelhouse—my comfort zone. If you’ve ever read “The Million Dollar Divorce” or “Bishop”, you know that I often write about unsettling family situations and the toll taken every day, just to exist in them. This book is first person, from my main character, Stan’s POV, so the reader is right there in his head, experiencing his every thought as he grapples with his unwanted, jealous feelings toward his son.

BPM: Where do your book ideas come from? Are your books plot-driven or character-driven? Why?
The idea for the current novel, like I said, came from a friend. My novels are definitely character driven. I love the conflict, the havoc, the destruction caused by differing opinions: each character believing he or she is right, attempting to impress their beliefs upon the other. It creates the potential for great drama.

BPM: Could you tell us something about your most recent work? Available on Nook and Kindle?
“My Wife’s Baby and My Wife's Lover” are available on Nook and Kindle and in paperback on Amazon.com. The premise: Stan doesn’t want children and marries a woman who says she feels the same. They have a great year of marriage, childless and obligation-free, traveling and over indulging in each other, when Erica winds up pregnant. To Stan’s dismay, she decides to have the baby. After the baby arrives, she spends almost all her time with the infant, neglecting Stan, and forcing him to take the drastic and unthinkable measure of eliminating the issue he believes is stealing his wife from him.

BPM: Give us some insight into your main characters or speakers. What makes each one so special?
I like to put my main characters in positions where, the result of them not accomplishing their goal is equivalent to the worst fate imaginable. In other words: if they fail, they die—or they will feel as though they’d want to. So when I write a character that feels he or she must succeed at all costs, they let nothing stand in their way, making them desperate. Those, in my opinion, are the most interesting characters to read.

BPM: Are there under-represented groups or ideas featured in your book? If so, discuss them.
What’s notable in this book are the intimate, emotional, non-fantastical struggles that Black men contend with everyday. It’s not about a kingpin drug dealer, or a cheating minister, or a thug that sleeps with his team of prostitutes. “My Wife’s Baby: I Am Not A Murderer”, is just an extremely intense look inside the thoughts of a Black man when faced with the notion he might lose the woman he loves most in this world.

BPM: How does your book relate to your present situation, spiritual practice or journey?
It really doesn’t. I don’t have an infant child. I’ve never experienced the jealousy, Stan, my main character, has. But men very close to me have. I’ve seen marriages fall apart because—with the addition of the baby—couples seemingly forget how to function as they had before: they forget what brought them together, what made them happy, and in some instances—not all—the mother puts the wellbeing of the baby so far ahead of the father that he feels he no longer has a place in the mother’s life.

K. L. Brady is a D.C. native but spent some of her formative years in the Ohio Valley. Her writing career started in the pages of diaries when she was 7 or 8 years old. But it wasn't until her 40th birthday and an Oprah "Live Your Best Life" moment that she finally answered her calling and wrote her first novel–The Bum Magnet. The originally self-published, award-winning novel was picked up by Simon & Schuster in a two-book deal, and K.L. hasn't looked back since. She penned the follow-up, Got a Right to Be Wrong and self-published the first books in two young adult series and a spy thriller series based on her 20-year career in the U.S. Intelligence Community.

She earned a B.A. in Economics, an MBA, and is a member of the Maryland Writer's Association, Romance Writers of America, Sisters In Crime, and International Thriller Writers. She's addicted to writing and chocolate— not necessarily in that order—and currently lives in the Washington D.C. area with her son. She is hard at work on several projects, including the next installment of her spy thriller series.

BPM: Share with us your personal journey into publishing. Was this a fun time in your life?
My personal journey into publishing came on the heels of a major break up and right before turning the big 4-0. After a "What am I going to do with the rest of my life?" moment, I dug deep down and finally decided to explore this gift of writing that I'd had since I was 7 or 8. I never thought I could be a published author. To me, authors were like gods on Mt. Olympus that worked a special brand of magic unavailable to mere mortals to write my favorite books. They didn't sit down and grind every day and type. Oh, what a rude, but happy, awakening it was when I realized how wrong I'd been. This is definitely something that everyone can do, but you have to work really hard to do it well, and consistently well, through every book. I wrote my first book in four months, published it a year later—and the rest, as they say, is history.

That was five years ago, this year (2014), and I'm eight books in now. Pretty incredible journey. Has it been fun? I can say without hesitation that finding my voice as a writer has not only been fun, but it's been satisfying, enjoyable, and often cathartic. I found myself, and my true purpose, through writing. How often do people get to do that? More than that, it is often the only thing that stands between me and insanity.

BPM: How did you get to be where you are in your life today? Who or what motivated you?
My life is a universal lesson in perseverance and finding success through failure. That's it. I had a successful 22 year in the U.S. Intelligence Community as a Senior Intelligence Analyst at the FBI, on the Joint Staff, at the Director of National Intelligence, and Coast Guard Intelligence. My success is largely due to learning from every mistake and using them to help me grow and get better. Learning to take criticism (e.g., getting my head ripped off) by full-bird Colonels, and 2,3,4-star Generals at the Pentagon really strengthened my backbone and resolve—it takes a lot to rattle me now. More than that, the experience made me learn how to get things right quickly. I earned respect through achieving excellence and got the opportunity to support a lot of amazing operations—military, intelligence, and law enforcement.

What motivated me most was refusing to fail—twice. In other words, I'd spot myself the first failure, we all make mistakes. But what I couldn't accept is knowing that I'd failed once and then do things the exact same way again. I forced myself to find ways to succeed, and that worked well throughout all of my careers, including being an author. Lord knows, I've made my mistakes there, but I've overcome them, too.

I think in some measure I used to fear success. Now I fear failure more than success, and for me failure is not trying, not fulfilling my purpose.

Lutishia Lovely is the best-selling award-winning author of almost thirty novels, including romances penned by her alter-ego, Zuri Day. In addition to her wildly popular HALLELUJAH LOVE Series, Ms. Lovely has a trilogy about a soul food dynasty called THE BUSINESS, and a thrilling new threesome, the SHADY SISTERS Trilogy, that begins with The Perfect Affair on June 1.

Prior to becoming a full-time author, Lutishia enjoyed many different careers. They all, however, had one thing in common - a link to the "world of words". From radio personality to actor to managing editor and senior writer for a holistic magazine,words have always been the magic that made Lutishia's world go 'round. One claim to fame that would probably most surprise readers is that Lutishia was a rap artist! In the 90s she billed herself as "The Rhaptress" (the combination of a rapper and an actress), and toured with other singers and musicians throughout southern CA and London. She's now happy to beat out a rhythm on her computer keyboard...songs in the key of "writer" that she hopes will inspire and entertain!

BPM: How did you get to be where you are in your life today? Who or what motivated you?
As one of the old Baptist hymns says, I've come this far by faith! When I was a little girl, my daddy said I could go anywhere and do anything. I believed him! My perspective on life has always been and is very positive, which definitely makes it easier to make dreams come true. That positive perspective also allows me to dream big dreams, which then motivates me to action in helping them come true. Faith combined with hard work has helped transform a natural gift for writing into a successful career.

BPM: Who does your body of literary work speak to? Do you consider authors as role models?
I believe we're all role models, at one time or another, in one way or another. If you around another person, especially if you are an adult and he/she is a child, it is very possible for that person to be influenced by your actions. It can even be another adult who we influence. Many people have said my story motivated them to go toward their dreams. Next to creating, motivating others in a positive way is a great and wonderful gift.

As for my literary work, I think it speaks to anyone who wants to read a good story. In one word, my books are about relationships of all kinds. Since as humans we are all in relationship to each other, I think my work is for everybody sixteen and older.

BPM: What inspired you to sit down and actually start writing this book? Why now?
The last Hallelujah Series novel was published in 2013. Afterwards, my publisher observed the popular trend of romantic suspense and edgy characters. My editor asked if I could write that type of fiction and while it was outside of my experience and comfort zone, I tackled the challenge with enthusiasm and am quite proud of The Shady Sisters Trilogy, which readers have thoroughly enjoyed. However, the Halleluah Series will always be my favorite because it was the first series that I wrote. It is also a fan favorite, which they kept reminding me through emails social media.

Their continued interest in the characters and story lines is a wonderful thing to experience and that they are as invested in the characters as I am makes me excited to continue. The break to write something different was nice, and pushed me as a writer, but I missed my messy, scandal-ridden fictitious church community and knew it was past time for an update. I'm happy to tell everyone...here it is!

BPM: What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
As I said above, just spending time with some characters whom I really love and finding ways to balance drama and some pretty dicey subjects with humor, inspiration and a message of faith.

BPM: Where do your book ideas come from? Are your books plot-driven or character-driven? Why?
Wow, story line ideas come to me from everywhere. I am a voyeur, very interested in people and the human psyche, especially when it comes to topics that fascinate me but that I would never do. Like in the Shady Sisters Trilogy, the heroine, Jackqueline, stopped at nothing to get what she wanted. She was devious, calculating and narcissistic. I found her fascinating, but wouldn't want to deal with someone like her in real life. As for plot or character driven, that's a really good question. I think the way I write, with multi-dimensional characters and juicy plots the balance is prbably fifty-fifty.

BPM: Tell us something about your most recent work. Is this book available on Nook and Kindle?
The Hallelujah Series is now exclusively digital. A Date With Destiny will be available on Kindle, Nook, iTunes, Google and Kobo.

BPM: Give us some insight into your main characters or speakers. What makes each one so special?
Destiny is the type of woman I'd want to be in my next life: stunningly beautiful, very smart, capable and sure about what she wants. She's a young woman, however, just twenty-three. As first lady of a large congregation, she has a lot of responsibility for someone this age. She's vulnerable and unsure of herself, but has the good sense to surround herself with older women who help mentor her and keep her on the right path. As for Nate Thicke, I'm just in love with this man! :) He's handsome, confident, talented, and a fierce lover of his woman. Even in Reverend Feelgood, when he was - let's say - a bit controversial, I was protective of him and defended his actions. I've admitted that were I a member of his church...I'd more than likely would have had a day of the week. For those who don't know what that means...you've got to read the book!

BPM: Are there under-represented groups or ideas featured in your book? If so, discuss them.
Yes, there are. This series often deals with difficult subjects and marginalized and/or disenfranchised characters. In A Date With Destiny we deal with domestic violence among other topics which I won't disclose as it would be a spoiler.

BPM: How does your book relate to your present situation, spiritual practice or journey?
I am a PK (preacher's kid) and for a lot of my life was very involved in ministry, from small-town churches like the one my dad had, to 10K-member mega-churches, from which most of the Hallelujah Series story lines are pulled. During my years behind the scenes in mega churches I saw a lot and heard even more. There are things I know about high-profile pastors and others that can never be shared. Even those that inspired various story lines, like Reverend Feelgood for instance, were changed in a deliberate way so those involved in the real-life scandal wouldn't see themselves.

BPM: Did you learn anything personal from writing your book? Can you share some stories about people you met while researching this book?
My characters are great teachers. I'm always learning from them. While I didn't have to interview anyone for research, I constantly use the internet to bring reality to scenes and situations. In doing so I discovered a wonderfully scenic area in Utah and a holistic spa in Arizona that I want to visit soon.

BPM: What were your goals and intentions in this book, and how well do you feel you achieved them?
My goal for every book is to educate, entertain and inspire. I feel those goals were achieved. My intention is to become a multi-million dollar bestseller. As to whether this book will meet that intention, we'll have to wait and see.

BPM: What projects are you working on at the present?
Too many! LOL!!! My mind is crammed full of so much I want to do, from taking the Hallejulah Series from book to screen to several projects with Zuri Day and a possible online and FM-radio show. In the midst of all of this, I'm always on dueline for the next book.

BPM: How can readers discover more about you and your work?
By visiting my website: LutishiaLovely.com, and joining/following/liking me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest @ LutishiaLovely.

Beverly Taylor works in the non-profit sector and teaches courses in Black History. She hails from the Midwestern state of Ohio. Ms. Taylor holds advanced and post degrees in Psychology, Counseling and Life Coaching. She enjoys ancient Egyptian studies, talking long walks, bowling, watching old black and white movies, and NBA basketball.

BPM: How did you get to be where you are in your life today? Who or what motivated you?
BT: I've always been a talker and loved to read. As a child, I couldn't wait until Saturday mornings so that I could walk to the neighborhood library with my older siblings to check out books. My mother was very influential in my life. She provided me with the best childhood ever imaginable!

BPM: Who does your body of literary work speak to? Do you consider authors as role models?
BT: My work speaks to the collective black community in general. Yes, authors make excellent role models to those who aspire to become one.

BPM: What inspired you to sit down and actually start writing this book? Why now?
BT: The lifestyles of people in the urban, Christian community.

BPM: What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
BT: The diversity of the characters.

BPM: Where do your book ideas come from? Are your books plot-driven or character-driven? Why?
BT: Ideas come from individuals everyday lives. My books are both plot and character-driven. Both are as equally important.

BPM: Could you tell us something about your most recent work? Is this book available on Nook and Kindle?
BT: Urban fiction is popular in the black reading community and Christian fiction seems to be fizzling down. I wanted to combine the genres and give Christian fiction an entertaining view, as we now witness it to be just that. Sin and Suffer is available on Kindle.

BPM: Give us some insight into your main characters or speakers. What makes each one so special?
BT: Sin and Suffer is written somewhat like a day time soap opera with lots of individual and family drama.

BPM: Are there under-represented groups or ideas featured in your book? If so, discuss them.
BT: I tried to characterize each individual as much as I could within the confines of the pages. I believe the idea of knowing your "kinship" is extremely important and may be slightly under-represented.

BPM: Did you learn anything personal from writing your book?
BT: I learned how vital it is for family relations to know one another.

BPM: What were your goals and intentions in this book, and how well do you feel you achieved them?
BT: My goal and intention were to awaken the spiritual man in the human flesh. I believe it will open many eyes.

BPM: What projects are you working on at the present?
BT: I am working on non-fiction black historical works, such as ancient Egypt, Africa, and being black in America. In addition, I am working on a documentary pertaining to black history.

BPM: How can readers discover more about you and your work?
BT: Facebook: beverlytaylorbooks

Purchase Sin and Suffer by Beverly Taylor
Link: http://amzn.com/B019VL1HQO

Trice Hickman is a self-proclaimed Southern girl, and award-winning, bestselling author. Trice’s love of reading and the power she recognized in the written word inspired her to become a writer. After receiving rejection letters from every agent and publisher she submitted her work to, Trice was determined to bring her stories to life. She self-published her first three novels to great success, and, shortly thereafter, landed a multi-book deal with Kensington (Dafina Books) where she is currently published. When she’s not busy writing and reading, Trice enjoys cooking, traveling, decorating, and meeting good people. Learn more about Trice at www.tricehickman.com.

BPM: Tell us about your journey becoming a successfully published author. What challenges did you face, if any?
My journey to becoming a published author has been full of ups and downs, and I’m appreciative of each experience because they have shaped me and helped me grow. I’d suffered from writer’s block for years before I wrote my first book, and once I finally finished it the manuscript was rejected by everyone I sent it to. Talk about disappointing!

But that disappointment taught me a valuable lesson—just because someone tells you no, it doesn’t mean you can’t do it, it just means you’re not going to do it with them—it’s up to you to turn your dreams into reality. I formed my own publishing company and published the book myself. I worked hard to market and sell my work and when I least expected it, a publisher contacted me and offered me a book deal. That’s proof that things don’t necessarily happen over night, in many cases they happen over time.

BPM: Could you tell us something about your most recent work?
My upcoming novel, SECRET INDISCRETIONS, is the first book in the Dangerous Love series. I’m excited about this story because it’s very different from the previous books I’ve written. I describe this work as edgy sophistication mixed with jaw-dropping drama and mayhem. The first paragraph of the book starts off with a gun pointed between the eyes of one of the main characters, so readers immediately know they’re in for a wild ride!

BPM: Give us some insight into your main characters or speakers. What makes each one so special?
There are four main characters in the book. Johnny and Geneva Mayfield, and Samuel and Vivana Owens. These two couples become involved in a dangerous love quadrangle that eventually turns deadly. Johnny is a womanizer whom readers will love to hate, and his wife, Geneva, is a good sister who will have readers cheering for her while covering their eyes at the train wreck that becomes her life. Samuel’s character is a testament to that fact that there are still good men out there who want to do the right thing, and his wife, Vivana, is proof positive that you can’t apply logic to an illogical mind! There’s also an interesting secondary character named Donetta, a trans woman who offers startlingly raw insight and perspective on relationships. She’s the type of friend every woman should have because the only way she knows how to communicate is from with and from her heart.

BPM: What inspired you to sit down and actually start writing this book? Why now?
I wanted to explore the importance of choosing the right mate. It’s common to hear about relationships that start off well and end badly. But what about relationships that are bad before the “I do’s”, yet the couple still chose walk down the aisle? That kind of relationship is almost certain to careen in a downward slope. Many people who find themselves in bad relationships—if they’re honest—will admit that they saw the warning signs early on, but chose to ignore them. Love isn’t blind, it sees what it wants, and it can make a person justify practically anything to suit their needs. I thought it was important to write this story now because people need to see that it’s possible to start off badly but end up end up happy, if you learn how to make the right choices. Although there’s a lot of deceit within the pages, there’s also a lesson about true love, and how to live your best life when you do it as your authentic self.

Calvin W. Maxwell, Jr. is a teacher and sports fan that lives in the Greater New York area. He writes to encourage and inspire young people.

BPM: How did you get to be where you are in your life today?
After being laid-off from my job in corporate and receiving my severance package a few years ago, I took my sister’s advice and became a substitute teacher. At first it was a serious mental adjustment to make - going from a quiet civilized corporate environment to dealing with children, but I liked it. I decided to go back to college and become a classroom teacher. While in college, a professor told me that she thought my writings were good and I should consider doing something real with that skill. Afterwards, as I was working towards becoming certified, I was also working on my first book.

BPM: Who or what motivated you?
John Grisham is my favorite author and in a TV interview he said a good writer needs to write a page a day. I told to myself “I can do that.”

BPM: Please tell us something about your most recent work?
I wrote “American Pool Player,” in part, as a way of trying to encourage young black teenagers, particularly boys, to write whether its fiction or non-fiction; western or science fiction. Just write. Tell your side of the story. Record your point-of-view. Write.

BPM: Take us inside the world of your main characters or speakers. What makes each one so special?
There’s Grice, Knowledge Born, Brenda, and Dragon. Grice is the good-hearted hero that understands the pool table much better than he understands the game of life. Knowledge Born, Grice’s best friend, is the exact opposite. He knows how dangerous the streets are and is always up for the fight. Brenda, Grice’s next door neighbor, is a popular, smart girl that loves to tease and verbally torment Grice.

Dragon is a pool shark and the meanest thug in the neighborhood. The match between Grice and Dragon isn’t only about winning money. There’s way more on the line than that…

BPM: Are there under-represented groups or ideas featured in your book? If so, discuss them.
Yes. When I go into bookstores I see a lot of books aimed at white teenagers. However, I see nothing for black teens to read. I want to change that. If we want our young to people to read more, we need to write more.

BPM: Who does your body of literary work speak to?
The body of my literary work speaks to young black people. Not all black teens are lost and troubled. There are good young people out there. They need guidance. And for the ones that are lost and troubled, I feel we can still inspire, encourage and save them.

BPM: What inspired you to sit down and actually start writing American Pool Player? Why now?
I realize in life, if you don’t stand up and speak up for yourself and your community – things will go backwards. For me, writing is my way of standing up and speaking up, especially for those who are no longer among the living.

BPM: What did you enjoy most about writing this book? Where do your book ideas come from?
I played pool as a youngster and my ideas came from that. I enjoyed reminiscing on my childhood especially the funny parts. Some of the stuff I wrote in this book even made me laugh.

BPM: Are your books plot-driven or character-driven? Why?
My books are definitely character driven. Life is filled with the amazing characters we meet along the way, isn’t it? Sometimes, it’s the worst characters we encounter in life that teach us the most about ourselves.

BPM: How does your book relate to your present situation or journey?
In my book, all my characters are in one form or another fighting for respect. I suppose I’m fighting for that too.

BPM: Did you learn anything personal from writing your book, American Pool Player?
I learned that I have a serious funny bone as a writer. That’s a good discovery.

BPM: Can you share some stories about people you met while researching this book?
My imagination and some free time on my hands was mostly all I needed to write this book. I only had to research a few dates and historical facts so that the timeline in the story was accurate.

BPM: What were your goals and intentions for this book, and how well do you feel you achieved them?
I want to represent my community and my generation in a positive, impactful way that inspires the next generation. Only time will tell, if it worked. At least I’m no longer frustrated sitting down and watching the New York Knicks go through another losing season. I’ve learned to utilize my free time more wisely. Writing for me is a blessing. I hope it can be a blessing for others.

BPM: What are the readers saying about your book? I can only imagine their excitement about a book for young men. The fact that the book is labeled Christian Hip Hop is new and refreshing in itself! I love the fact that it doesn't have any profanity, drug use or sexual content and only mild violence.
I'll share just a few of the Amazon Customer Book Reviews for American Pool Player. Here we go:

Reviewed by Heidi -American Pool Player is amazing and the writing style is fun and easy to follow. When you start reading it, you just want to continue in order to find out what happen next. The story reflects our everyday life and it shows the reader that learning one lesson does not mean that we actually learn everything in life. I recommend reading it.

Reviewed by Vera Dow -American Pool Player really made me reflect on my childhood and what it was like growing up in the 80s. And this book take a serious hard look at the issues then that mode many of us into who we are today. Very funny parts in the book too :) GREAT READ!!!

Reviewed by SCP -Mr. Maxwell it's a pleasure to endorse your book thank you for inspiring our youth, as you well know anything that will capture the attention of young minds is a true blessing and it appears you have an absolute WINNER here!

Reviewed by Book Lover -Calvin W. Maxwell is an inspiring author and paints a joyous picture of hope through his book "American Pool Player" I would reccommend this as a must read for any Christian today!

Reviewed by Jessica Miller-Greene -Awesome! Creatively written. Thank Mr.Maxwell for creating a character who is so realistic, and a story of faith and love.

BPM: What projects are you working on at the present?
I’m currently working on a black western book. Not nearly enough of those. No title as of yet.

BPM: How can readers discover more about you and your work?
I’m currently on Twitter: @calvinmaxwelljr

Purchase American Pool Player
Link: http://amzn.com/1622301412

Never has there been a time in Bridgett Renay’s life where she’s laughed harder and played more vigorously while remaining self-assured…all thanks to the power of the written word. Everything she’s done in life has led to this moment. From both an undergraduate and graduate degrees to twenty-four years of service as a Navy Reservist tells the story of a journey that took her to faraway places, introduced her to intoxicating people, and shaped the way she views the world and her place in it. What better time to pen the tales that dances inside her head.

BPM: How did you get to be where you are in your life today? Who or what motivated you?
The United States Navy motivated me and has played a huge role in where I’m at today. Before 9-11 I was a regular Navy Reservist – weekend warrior – who was also very comfortable in my cushy, corporate job. But after 9-11 I was recalled to active duty where I served in the Middle East as a security patrolman. Not only did I spend ten months seeing first-hand how other cultures lived in dire straits, but I also saw a lot of my military comrades either lose their lives or lose their ability to function normally. It reminded me how fortunate I was to have so many opportunities in America that I made a promise to myself and God that if he returned me home in one piece I would follow each and every dream I’ve ever had. I can honestly say that I have.

Since returning home I’ve earned a B.S. and a Master’s degree, purchased my own home as a single Black woman, finished out my military career and retired with twenty-four years of service, and I’ve written and published my first novel. And every day is a new journey to be grateful for.

BPM: Was there ever a time in your life you let FEAR block your path? If so, how did you overcome it?
Yes, I’m originally from Los Angeles. It was there where I lived the most self-destructive life one could ever imagine. I didn’t know my self-worth and that fact paralyzed me emotionally and spiritually. As I moved into my late twenties, I began to realize how much of a loser I was. I overcame it once I accepted the fact that I had no one to blame but myself because I simply ran out of excuses for being pitiful. I realized what I needed was to remove myself from that lifestyle.

It was then when I stepped out on faith and moved from Los Angeles to Atlanta, Georgia. Just like that – no job, no money, and no clue as to what I would find in Georgia, but I knew God pointed me in this direction for a reason. Next to going to the Middle East in uniform, it was the scariest thing I have ever done. I have absolutely NO REGRETS in leaving everything behind and starting anew.

BPM: In the beginning of your career, did you ever have a mentor or coach?
No, I didn’t have a mentor and my first publishing experience failed miserably. It actually wasn’t until I saw the promotion for the 2014 Atlanta Chocolate Social that I began to emerge myself amongst other writers and mentors. It really changed the game for me and it’s why I use my book tour to teach and inspire those by using the power of the written word.

BPM: Could you tell us something about your most recent work?
Corporate Thugs is the scandalous saga that ingeniously answers the questions, “When do you know your competition has crossed over to that distant dark side and how can you tell when their wrath is headed straight towards you?” It depicts the hardcore competitiveness of professional football alongside the cut-throat battle for corporate success. I used the psychology of nature versus nurture to tell this wicked tale about two young men.

Gerald Alexander and Marcus Stone were best friends since early childhood despite contrasting upbringings. Gerald was raised in an environment that included abandonment and serious trust issues. Though his talent geared him towards a career in professional football, statistically, his chances were slim. Marcus, on the other hand, was raised in a different environment. He was a clean-cut scholar groomed for the domination of corporate America.

Once adults, their worlds collide and their competitiveness explodes into a page-turning epic where jealousy, greed, and betrayal play host. Whoever said a good friend will only stab you in the front was lying.

BPM: What inspired you to sit down and actually start writing this book? Why now?
Once the storyline began to form and a couple of characters were developed, I began taking notes. At one point it seemed like every hour of every day the characters started taking on a life of their own and began showing themselves off in my head. I took that as a sign that I was ready to begin my publishing journey.

BPM: Who does your body of literary work speak to?
I wrote Corporate Thugs for myself and I believe my audience is people who are a lot like me – people who love fictional drama that doesn’t mirror their own life; people between the ages of 21 and 40 who perhaps work in Corporate America and love to escape it with stories about good people doing bad things.

BPM: What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
I enjoy knowing what real happiness is and living my dream. I love the company I get to keep being an author. Everything about this craft fascinates me.

BPM: Writing gives you a way to share your boundless imagination in your fiction books. But this book is different. How do you use your writing to serve other in this book?
The first sentence in my book’s synopsis is “What is the first sign that lets you know you’re dealing with a sociopath?” There’s so much to that question because a lot of us live our lives allowing other people to share it with us even when we know they are on a path to self-destruction. We forget that people come into our lives for a reason, a season or a lifetime. Just because we know that person doesn’t mean we’re obligated to them forever or to the point where their destructive lifestyles begin to affect our way of life and especially our peace of mind. My book, Corporate Thugs, serves the purpose of when you see signs that a person has taken a negative turn and is trying to take you along for the ride; it’s time to let them go. Don’t wait around for something to happen that you can’t reverse.

Charlie Marcol, was born and raised in the great state of Texas. She earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications from the University of Houston, where she became a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated. She also earned a Master of Education Degree in Counseling from Texas Southern University. From the Florist to the Forest is her debut novel. Although she is new to the publishing world, her book is spreading like wild fire.

She was featured on the Day Break morning show in Dallas instilling her motto to "Think Deep Before You Leap" into marriage. She enjoys reading, writing, traveling, and spending quality time with family. Charlie seeks to empower women through awareness, discussions and self-love. Charlie was recently featured in the March issue of Rebook discussing 'Happy At...' as a way to share ways to live within your means.

BPM: Tell us about your passion for writing. Why do you write? What drives you? What impact do you want your book to make on the readers?
Writing is very cathartic for me. It started when I was in elementary school as a daydreamer with pieces of paper and eventually I moved over to a diary. I found that I was able to share my inner most feelings that I could not express verbally. Writing has been a part of my healing process. Instead of internalizing the pain and self-doubt as a result of a failed marriage, I recognized an opportunity to share my personal journey.

The things that motivate me is when I see I have inspired or helped someone else on their journey. That’s what life is about. Helping others see the “big picture.” I’d like to think of myself as a Titus woman. The whole goal of a Titus woman is to train younger women in a Biblical, simple-to-measure, Spirit-empowered, love-based living. They train others in the pattern they have learned. A Titus woman walk speaks louder than her talk.

So, instead of choosing to take negative energy from the divorce I transformed it into a tool to help those struggling with the same issues. I want readers to walk away knowing that I am a survivor. I did not allow divorce to shake me or break my spirit. It may seem like you are a victim of your circumstance, but with God, time, prayer and a great support system you WILL become victorious. This book serves as my personal testimony of self-discovery and redemption.

BPM: Can you share a little of your current work with us?
Compelling, Real, Essential, Riveting are just a few words to describe my latest project. From the Florist to the Forest is a modern girls guide and reference book while she is dating and waiting for her mate. Invitations, themes, cakes, floral design and bridal fashions have transcended the objective of the institution of marriage. While marriage rates are declining, divorce rates are escalating. This was cause for concern to me not only for the institution of marriage itself, but also the stability of families. Marriages are failing because people fail to prepare for matrimony. Everyone has their own vision of love, but there must be a willingness to communicate that vision.

I found out that a lack of communication leads to unrealistic expectations, which can cause the demise of a relationship. I wanted people to discover what they really needed to know and forget about superficial trappings that we get caught in. In the end, the flowers on your wedding day won't matter when happiness is but a dream deferred.

BPM: What was your primary quest in publishing this book?
This book was designed for the reader to search within to assess the reasons for desiring marriage. Is it the marriage you want or the wedding? I truly believe that people are marrying out of convenience and not for love. Tina Turner asked a question in her famous comeback song of 1984, "What's love got to do with it?” Love has everything to do with Marriage.

Marriage is the first institution that God created and we are not giving it the respect and honor that it deserves. At one point, everyone around me was getting a divorce. Now, I was joining the ranks too. I hated that I was going to be another statistic so I decided to write a self-help book to share the real, the good and the truth about the marriage process.

BPM: Who did you write this book for? Why?
As women we sometimes mimic what we see. With the explosion of wedding reality TV shows within the last decade, the focus of getting married started to change. It was more about the latest trends and making grandiose statements. Brides opted for over-the-top high end weddings but had lackluster commitments. People were marrying for fantasies and not realities including myself. I too fell victim to the trend. My wedding was my dream but the marriage was a nightmare. This book is open to all; men and women married, single or engaged. Everyone can receive something from the knowledge that I share. There are so many factors that plague single women. Time, age, finances, and the biological clock.

When writing From the Florist to the Forest, I was thinking about that woman because that woman was me. My prayer is that this book will give the reader insight to look deep before taking the leap. Look deep within yourself and your potential mate. Stop skimming the surface and get to know the real person, not the representation. In the long run it will save them heartache, trouble, money and even a failed marriage.

BPM: How do you stay on top of your game professionally?
Unfortunately, the reality of life is that it’s not what you know, but whoyou know. That means you should make networking and marketing a priority. Research and networking is vital to any success. Use social media for what it was intended for. Conferences are a great place to network and connect with experts in your field as well. I am a novice to this industry so it is important for me to make a good impression. Sometimes that’s the last. I look for opportunities to connect and be visible with individuals that will take an active interest in me and my brand. It helps that I have an excellent mentor too. She is my accountability partner keeping me abreast of what’s going on, encouraging me and offering advice and ideas.

KAI is the author of the critically acclaimed Daughter of the Game series (Daughter of the Game I, II, III and Prequel) and The Loudest Silence. KAI's story Twisted Loyalty is featured in Gutta Mamis, published by Strebor in the Streetz (Simon and Schuster). She is also a contributing author to Solo Shivers and That Good Grind by Wilson.

She is a nationally recognized poet and was named AAMBC's 2013 Poet of the Year for her Peaceful Resolution collection. Her poem Pre-Destiny, was featured in the April 2008 issue of Essence Magazine.

KAI has served as a Guest Reviewer for RAWSISTAWZ Reviewers. An alumni of Hampton University, SUNY Brockport and Georgetown University Law Center, she is a licensed attorney in two states and a proud parent.

BAN RADIO: What was the inspiration for Daughter of the Game?
As a book reviewer, I reviewed a number of urban fiction novels that dealt with the drug game and its players, and the women loving them or using them, but I hadn’t read a story about the family structure—people closely related to drug dealers who aren’t in the game. I wanted to explore that reality and, in my own way, humanize the main drug dealer to expose his weakness and vulnerability. That is why Ricardo feels fear in his heart, or Armand contemplates why his life seems to be predestined for disaster, or Pete loves Miriam but can’t put it to words, and Monique worries about the generational curses her father’s empire will have on her and her children. Although Monique is the main character, I explore the different men and their choices and decisions as well.

Award-winning novelist, Marian L. Thomas is a dynamic story-teller with five engaging novels to her credit. Her books have been seen on national television stations such as, the Oprah Winfrey Network, Ovation and the A&E Network. She has been featured in print magazines, newspapers and a guest on many broadcast and online radio stations.

Her latest title, "Blue Butterfly" recently scored top honors as one of the 2014 USA BEST BOOK AWARDS Fiction/ African-American Finalist. Each of her contemporary fiction books have reached a bestseller position on Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.com. Visit the Author's Website: http://www.marianlthomas.com

BPM: Tell us about the book, Living the Empty Carriage Way of Life.
Living the Empty Carriage Way of Life is my first non-fiction, chapbook. It's a quick easy-to-read, hilarious ( I hope) but candid take on my decision to remain childless. Some call it, CBC (childless by choice).

BPM: What can readers expect to get out of the book?
The book covers some common misconceptions about me and why I made the decision to remain childless. It also gets into some interesting topics that I think would make for a very lively book club discussion such as:
a. Do women without children take freedom for granted.

b. Is it a myth or fact that women who make the "childless" decision do so because they don't like children.

c. Do women who decide to be childless do so because they feel they aren't parent material.

d. Is there really such a thing as being "Phobic" about giving birth?

Readers have to keep in mind that I can only speak for myself. I don't claim to represent every woman out there who has made the decision to be childless.

Catherine Flowers is the creator of www.freefrombondage.com, a Christian blog where she shares the word of Christ through her encouraging words and experiences. In her spare time, Catherine enjoys writing on-line content for multiple websites as well as editing the creative works of others. Her leisure activities include reading, traveling, and spending time with her family. A Sad Soul Can Kill You is her second novel. To learn more about the author, please visit www.freefrombondage.com or e-mail her at authorcatherineflowers@aol.com. You can also contact her on Facebook: Author Catherine Flowers.

BPM: How did you get to be where you are in your life today? Who or what motivated you?
I've always had a love for writing. I think I started writing poetry at the age of 10 or 13 years old. I always envisioned seeing my book in a bookstore one day. But life happens. Sometimes dreams get put on hold and I'm not so sure that's a good thing. Anyway, after practicing nursing for 16 years, I began to wonder when I would pursue my life-long desire to become a published author.

It was a chain of events that motivated me to end my nursing career and pursue my dream. First, I came across a saying at the bottom of a magazine one day. I can't remember the exact wording but it read something like this: "You will never swim the ocean, if you're afraid to step away from the shore." I remember tearing that piece of paper out of the magazine and taping it to the top of my alarm clock where it stayed for a long time.

Then an acquaintance announced she was leaving her office job to pursue her true passion which had nothing to do with the corporate world. I took that as a sign that I should be doing something else (writing). I began praying for direction, and after many months of praying, I stepped out on faith. I resigned from my nursing position, and began pursuing my dream of becoming a published author.

BPM: Who does your body of literary work speak to?
My work speaks to those who are imprisoned by the past and are unable or unwilling to forgive. Without forgiveness there can be no healing. Without healing there can be no moving forward, and without movement you can never be free.

BPM: What inspired you to sit down and actually start writing this book?
The book had actually been written years ago but the manuscript was just sitting in a drawer. When my youngest child graduated from high school, I felt like it was now or never. I began to notice so many people holding on to unnecessary grudges and the emotional pain it was causing. As a Christian, I know that Jesus is the answer. He is the deliverer. He sets the captives free. We just have to surrender our will and let His will be done. I wanted to inspire those people to turn to Jesus for deliverance.

BPM: Where do your book ideas come from? Are your books plot-driven or character-driven?
I get ideas for my books from everyday life, the people around me, and people on television. My books are mainly character-driven but it's the plot that causes action or a reaction from the character. So I would say my books have a little bit of both - plot-driven and character-driven.

BPM: Could you tell us something about your most recent work?
My most recent novel A Sad Soul Can Kill You is due to be released in May 2015. It's a sequel to my first novel, Yesterday's Eyes. Although this second novel is also a work of fiction, the topics are taken from real-life issues. My characters are all connected in some way and each of them is dealing with issues that range from homelessness to addiction.

BPM: Give us some insight into your main characters or speakers. What makes each one so special?
One of the main characters in Yesterday's Eyes is Tia, a six-year old girl. The story follows her through an abusive and neglectful childhood into young adulthood. She grows up fatherless, and with a lot of resentment towards her mother and grandmother.

The other two main characters are Tia's mother and grandmother. All three characters are dealing with unresolved issues that have kept them estranged from one another. All of them are special because underneath their pain is a desire to be set free, to love and be loved.

Ann Clay resides in Southern Illinois with her family. She enjoys reading, writing, crafts, traveling, and family time. She began writing in 1999 and is a member of the Romance Writers of America. Thanks to the support of family and friends, Ann shares her heartwarming stories with readers of the heart.

BPM: Introduce us to your current work. What genre do you consider your book?
Final Play is a contemporary romance, released October 30, 2014, and is available in both print and digital forms. Final Play is readily available online at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, but could also be ordered from your local book store. It is also accessible through Kindle, Nook, and other digital sources.

BPM: What inspired you to sit down and actually start writing this book?
This title is what I call my in-between-book. I'm in the heat of finishing the second book from my Gumbo Series, also in the contemporary romance genre, entitled 'Beyond the Blue Cypress'. Because the second title starts in the early 1950's, I have to do some research to make sure the text and the feel of the book mirrors that time. So in-between writing 'Beyond the Blue Cypress', I got the idea for this book as the football season rolled in. I thought it would be nice to have a good weekend book to read in between quarters of a football game. The story introduces the steamy romance formed between a formal pro-football player and a young doctor he meets just as he leaves his football career to enter another.

BPM: Does your upbringing, prior relationships or life experiences inspire your writing?
Always! I've always been an avid reader. Reading was my means of escape when I was a child. Also, I come from a long line of storytellers. My father and brothers could spin a tale without thought or effort. Just pick a topic, we could make up a story, and then, could spin it any way you choose... funny, sad, or adventurous. So, while writing is different from storytelling in a sense, I often use ideas I've seen, heard, or experienced to help me create the plots of my stories.

BPM: Where do your book ideas come from? Are your books plot driven or character driven? Why?
I'm fortunate enough to be able to travel, and in my travels I see a lot of story potentials/ideas. Sitting in the airport is a people-watching opportunity for me. While some people work on their electronic devices or read or talk, I watch people. Their movements, how they interact with strangers, all to me tell stories of everyday living. So I use those things to come up with ideas. I try to write stories I'm interested in. The characters, once they form themselves, pretty much run the story. I just happen to be at the keyboard, jotting it all down. I’m not one of those authors who sketches out the entire story. I pretty much have a concept, I know what the characters will and will not do, and I kind of, sort of know the ending... sometimes. Other than that, I allow the characters to tell their stories.

BPM: Give us some insight into your main characters. What makes each one so special?
Anree Alexander, a formal star football player, hangs up his helmet for a prestigious position at a national sports network as a sports analyst. He's popular, smart, driven, yet very modest. Anree loves family, but at the time he meets our heroine is not particularly ready to settle down or start a family of his own.

Rhonda Mitchell, had to overcome a tumultuous past, but champions her struggles with a lot of hard work and support. She lost both parents at an early age, but was blessed to have a godmother, her mother's best friend, as a guardian. Rhonda manages to finish college and med school before many of her peers. And at the time she meets Anree, is steadily focused on establishing her practice and managing other priorities in her life. Which means she's not looking for a serious relationship.

BPM: What topics are primarily discussed? Did you learn anything personal from writing your book?
Wow! Key plots deal with self-assessment, what we think is important in life, overcoming heartaches, how much time we spend on ourselves, fear, expectations, commitment, parenting, love or the lack of it, manipulation, protecting the people we care about, promises, hope, healing, and celebration.

This story deals with opening oneself up to possibilities. We never know just how much or how far we can go, never know what we can achieve, if we don't open our minds and hearts to it.

Keisha Hester is a librarian residing in Chicago. She connects readers with books on a daily basis, and is in the process of writing of her first novel.

BPM: Please tell us about your work in the library. Are libraries still connecting readers with books?
KH: I’m currently a department manager in a suburban Chicago public library, overseeing instruction and research services for teens and adults. Part of that work is connecting readers with books (readers’ advisory) and leading book discussions. I also schedule classes and events for teens and adults, which includes bringing in instructors to teach our fiction writing classes.

If nothing else, our library has books. This is not true in some cases, as budgets have fallen and no purchases of newer materials can be made. However, though we cannot buy every book ever printed, we are tapped into a network of libraries throughout the state and country and are likely to be able to obtain material for the reader. Furthermore, we are likely to know about forthcoming books and can put the reader on alert for it once they are published.

BPM: In your opinion, what makes a good book club conversation? Does the availability of a reading guide help with the discussion?
KH: Certainly we expect that everyone has read the book, even if they don’t like it. Far too often we think we have to like a book, agree with it 100%, in order to discuss it. In actuality, those who have some parts with which they disagree feed into the discussion, because more facets to the story come about to consider. Reading guides help to get a discussion started, however those questions tend to be more esoteric than anything. When we read books, we want to connect the story to our lives, our own experiences, no matter how fictional. We insert ourselves into the plot lines and begin thinking about the character’s next move as if the character were us. Reading guide questions, I’ve found, don’t really delve this deeply into the personal aspects of connecting the reader to the story.

BPM: Do you have any words of wisdom for other readers who might want to start a book club?
KH: Decide the ground rules from day one. If your group will actually discuss the book at length, then requirement number one is that everyone reads it. If it will be more social in nature, then pick books that are light and quicker to read. Also, feel free to totally judge a book by its cover! If it is aesthetically appealing to you, chances are higher that you will read it to completion.

BPM: Do you prefer to read books by authors of color? Do you support self-published authors?
KH: My only preference for the type of book that I read is that it is a good story. Everything that I read, whether personally or professionally, helps me to connect readers with books they might like. It’s what being a librarian is about. I have chosen not to specialize in one genre because I just love reading. There are so many ways to tell a story and I don’t want to miss out! I absolutely support self-published authors, though I wish more of them would take the time to understand what makes a book publishable. Sadly, many that we receive as donations for our collection have failed to go through any creditable editing process. They don’t understand that it’s more than just writing it and selling it on Amazon through CreateSpace. While I don’t want to be a book snob, I want self-published authors to realize that there are publishing standards that apply no matter how the book was produced. When those standards are followed, it adds an air of authority that the book will stand the test of time and continue to be read many, many years into the future.

BPM: Do you host special events during the year?
KH: We sure do! My library offers two writing classes, one for beginners and one for more seasoned writers, both hosted by award-winning, national bestselling authors. These courses help people to find their voice and tell their story. We will also host author showcases and other literary events to get people interested in other authors.

BPM: Which is your preferred way to find new books?
KH: I don’t have a preferred method, as working in a library affords me the opportunity to get pre-publishing information on lots of great titles. We are always talking about books. My patrons will also come in and tell me about books they’ve read and ask for others by certain authors.

BPM: Do you primarily purchase books online or in a bookstore?
KH: I primarily get my books through the library! I will purchase those that have made the greatest impact on my life that I would want to read again and again. And as much as I want everyone to go out and purchase the book from the author so that the author makes a sale, this just isn’t possible for everyone to do. So libraries stand in that gap. You may have a library patron who has to make the choice between buying a book or buying food. It doesn’t mean that this person forgoes all pleasures of life, including reading, but that there are other decisions to be made from the choices at hand. Being able to borrow a book from the library still exposes the reader to great writers, and is a way to track how many times that book has been shared. We do sometimes turn this data around and approach publishers, and authors, with it letting them know there is a demand for a particular work. We will also use this data to bring the author into the library for an event or class, giving them more of a platform to share their work.

BPM: How do ebooks play into this? Would you ever stop buying printed books?
KH: Libraries now offer ebooks through various platforms to patrons, though not every ebook is available for libraries to purchase. The publishers have placed certain restrictions on their digital works, which is unfortunate. Personally, I would never stop buying printed books. Here’s why: you don’t actually own the digital book itself in some cases. Publishers can essentially encrypt files to self-destruct after a certain time period, as it were, which is what happens when you borrow it from a library. After the loan period is up, you can no longer access the ebook unless you check it out again. And the platform that you use to access that ebook could also go away. What would you do with the files then, if the platform used to access them no longer existed? With the printed word, all you have to do is go to your book shelf, pull it off, sit down, and read!

BPM: Can we invite you to future events, social media chats and discussions?
KH: I would love to be part of future events! Please do invite me.
Instagram: thatotherkeisha
Facebook: www.facebook.com/keisha.thelibrarian

BPM: Please tell us about your book club! What is the name? Where are you located?
I'm Lutisha Bass from the Books and Booze Book Club. We are based in Chicago, IL. A few of us have known each other for years and knew we shared a love for reading. One day our founder, Jomonique Moore, posted a request online asking anyone if they'd be interested in forming a book club. The response was great and we've been meeting ever since. That was over a year ago to date. Our first meeting was Aug 2014. We have 62 online members that join our chats via social media. However, we have 15 members who come out face-to-face every meeting. We have not elected any officials for the group.

BPM: What genre/types of books do you prefer to read as a group?
A: The genre of our books vary. I would like to see our group venture off into possibly making our own 'books n'booze guide to 'Owning your own kind of beautiful, self love and empowering women' kind of guide. Some of the experiences we've shared with each other has the capability to reach other women in a positive way. I really don't know if the types books have change over time.

BPM: Do you primarily purchase books online or in a bookstore?
A: Primary way to find a book: Usually I stick with the authors of books that I've previously read and enjoyed BUT if I step outside of that norm I seek the recommendations of friends/associates whose opinions I value.

BPM: What are you reading now? How did you find out about this book?
A: Our next read is Blanche on the Lam by Barbara Neely. How we work is, the person who chooses to host the meeting at their home chooses the book. We never know exactly why they pick certain books unless they share at the meeting. Also, so far, we don't have a reading schedule. Everyone likes the element of surprise of not knowing what's coming next.

BPM: What are key factors that help a book remain on your mind long after the last page?
A: Great characters will help a book remain in the mind long after the last page. If you can't remember the characters you are less likely to remember what they did.

BPM: Do you host special events during the year? Do you get together as a group to socialize outside of your book club meetings?
A: We don't host special events outside of our reading meetings. However, many of our members belong to other groups. We try to support our members in their other endeavors. It is always great to show support to our artists, musicians, and other authors of the group. We are planning to host an annual summer picnic for family and friends of Books and Booze.

BPM: Have you faced any challenges as a group? If so, what and how did you deal with them?
A: The only problem we've faced is scheduling our meetings. With everyone leading fruitful and busy lives everyone is not always available. We are now trying to be a static date, like the last Sunday every other month, to meet so people can plan their lives around the block club date.

BPM: Can we invite you to future events, social media chats and discussions?
I would love to be part of future events! Please do invite me.

TaNisha Webb is the president of the award winning KC Girlfriends Book Club. TaNisha is also the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Book Club 101 Magazine, founder of Book Club 101 University and author of The Ultimate Book Club Experience: How to Create & Maintain a Successful Book Club.

BPM: Please tell us about your blog, bookstore or book club! Where are you located?
KC Girlfriends Book Club is located in the Kansas City Metropolitan area. Our book club was established in 2002 by a group of girlfriends that decided to create a book club to discuss their favorite authors’ books. In 2003, our book club dwindled down to two members due to various reasons. The sole original member and I decided to advertise the book club on a local social event calendar and our book club grew from two members to forty-one members within one and one-half years. We are now at a comfortable and dedicated twelve members at this time.

BPM: What is the purpose for your organization? Do you host events?
The purpose of the KC Girlfriends Book Club is to support new and underexposed authors. The books we discuss have to be written by an African American author or the main character has to be African American. Our book club have supported authors by coordinating literary events and sponsoring book signings in our area.

BPM: What has the main focus become over the years? What legacy will your club or blog leave for those watching in the community?
I believe our main focus over the years has been to shine a spotlight on new and underexposed author by providing years of our book selections on our website, which has provided free marketing for authors. We were also one of the first book clubs to have our own online radio show that provided opportunities for new and underexposed authors a platform to share their work, along with our literary events and sponsored book signing opportunities throughout the years.

BPM: Tell us about your blog and any contributing members. What is the demographic of your group?
Our group is made up of all women, although we’ve had a few men join our group over the years. The age range of our group is from late-20’s to mid- 50’s.

BPM: When accepting members into the group, what are you looking for in the person? Has it been difficult to get people to join the group or to stay in the group?
As a KC Girlfriends Book Club member you have to be able to meet on a regular basis and keep up with the selected reading material. We look for members that is willing to help us coordinate and/or host events as well. Because we have a strong internet presence with our website we do not have any difficulties finding new members. We have an application process to help us initially figure out who would be a good fit for our book club. The applicant is invited to sit into our next book club meeting to see if we all mesh. We only accept fifteen members at one time.

We’ve had members come and go for personal reasons over the year. Some come back and some don’t. Our former members are still family and are welcome to come back. Ultimately, we’re not concerned how big or small our book club is but more focused on attracting the right members to help sustain our book club for 13+ more years!

BPM: In your opinion, what makes a good book conversation? Do you keep the conversation on topic, or roam? Does the availability of a reading guide help with the discussion?
The first thing that makes a good book discussion is when all of the members have read the entire book. Regardless if the book is good or bad you really can’t have any discussion if no one has read the entire book. Having a group in various age range also helps with having a great discussion because everyone has different prospective versus a group that’s the same age. Coed book clubs probably have better book clubs than same sex book clubs because men will bring an entirely different prospective to a discussion.

All good book clubs will generally roam off topic! LOL Generally this happens because we’ll begin to discuss our own personal experience that the book reminded us. These particular part of the discussions actually helps book clubs to become like family because we learn more about one another when we discuss our personal experiences.

A good facilitator will know when to move the discussion along. For our book club the reading guide doesn’t help our discussions at all because we’re already thinking of questions as we’re reading the book. We’ve never gotten through even half of the questions of a reading guide because we will generally think of better questions to ask, which will take the discussion in an entirely different direction. However, reading guides can be very helpful for new book clubs.

BPM: How do you make your book selections for the month? Do you use social media to share your featured books with other readers?
The past 3-4 years have been rough for our book club due to the poor book selections so this past year we decided to change the way we select books. We now select a book theme/genre and the facilitator has to select three books that fit that particular theme/genre. Our book club then vote on an online poll and whichever book gets the most votes is selected. All of our book club members read outside of our book selection but we do not discuss other books other than our book selection with one another. I generally will share what our book club is reading on the day we meet. All of our book selections are listed on our website as well.

BPM: Do you prefer to read books by authors of color? Do you support self-published authors?
Our book club mainly read books by authors of color but over this past year we have allowed books by other authors as long as the main character is of color. Our main reason for this is because we read new and underexposed authors and sometimes the selections are very slim and we’ve quite frankly have had way too many bad experiences with book selections over the past 3-4 years.

We do support self-published authors and have had the pleasure of watching many grow into well-established authors over the years. Some of us do borrow books from the library. The library can be a great resource for book clubs and it also helps some of our members that may not be able to afford to purchase books all the time.

BPM: What genre/types of books do you prefer to read? Have the types of books changed over time?
We read all books except poetry, most autobiographies, erotica and street lit.

BPM: What are you reading now? How did you find out about this book? What books are on your reading schedule?
We’re currently reading Supreme Justice by Gary Hardwick. I’m not sure how one of our members heard about this particular book but we’re all connected to social media, attend literary events and also take suggestions from other book clubs and readers. We do not have any other books on our schedule for this year. We will begin selection books for 2016 soon and generally try to have at least four months of books selected at a time.

BPM: How do you feel about attending book signings, literary festivals and events? What are some things you would like to see at events? Any dislikes? Do you like to hear the author reading from the book?
We like attending book signings, literary festivals and events. Our book club generally learn about new and underexposed authors at various literary events and tend to suggest the books of the authors that we meet and like as book selections.

Honestly, I really think it depends on the type of event on what I like to see. I do like events that introduce new authors that have well-written books. Those are the authors I tend to look for at events and not so much of the well-known authors (outside of the ones that I’m a real fan.)

I do not like events that are not well balanced and do not understand who their audience is. There’s absolutely no reason to have the majority of panel discussions focused on the publishing industry/marketing when your audience are primarily readers and book clubs. I do like to her authors read from their book but no more than five minutes.

BPM: Has social media changed how you feel about any authors? Do you like to find new authors and interact online?
Interacting with authors on social media has definitely changed my perspective both good and bad. I think some authors share way too much about their personal and sometimes professional issues that have no place on social media and definitely changes my view on them. I’m not interested in knowing every aspect of anyone’s life, including authors. However, there are some authors that give you just enough and are quite pleasant online that enjoy quite a bit. I do like finding new authors and interacting with them online.

BPM: How can we follow you online? Do you have a website or social media pages?
Website: www.kcgirlfriendsbookclub.com
Book Club 101 Magazine’s website www.bookclub101mag.com
Twitter: KC_Girlfriends
Instagram: tanishawebb1
Facebook: KCGirlfriendsBookClub

BPM: Please tell us about your bookclub. How did you come together as a group?
My name is Sheryl Towns, President of "Reading With Soul." We are located in Columbus, Ohio. Reading has always been a passion. I had friends, family and co-workers who read all the time. We would share books and discuss them whenever we got together. I was a member of a bookclub previously and I realized I wanted to join another bookclub, but then I choose to start my own. I made fliers, posting them in places where you would see readers (hair salon/work).

In November, 2006 we had our first meeting at Barnes and Noble. We started with five members. Those same five ladies are still members. Our membership has been up and down. Thank God we are blessed to have a total of nine members.

BPM: I love the photos submitted with the interview and how you submitted the interview!
Thank you. Each member has answered a question for this interview. The two pictures shown are from a recent event with author EN Joy and the next photo is from one of our meetings. We had two very special guests, Joy who is an honorary member of our book club and the author of a book we read that recently D. L Augustine.

BPM: What is the purpose of your organization?
Our purpose is to give back to the community and to read for enjoyment, enrichment and knowledge. -Pat, Reading with Soul Member

BPM: Tell us about your members. How would you describe the personality of your group as a whole?
We are in an age range from 40's and up. Some have known each other over the years and become close over time. We all seem so much like family and have a great time during each meeting. You will always feel the love we have for each other. -Sandy, Reading with Soul Member

BPM: Which is the preferred way to find new books: a friend’s recommendation; on social media, or advertisement for a book, such as; online radio, newsletter e-blast, contests or tagging on FaceBook?
My preferred method of finding new books is by going through the books recommended to me on my Kindle e-reader. These selections are based on the types of books that I have purchased previously; I have found a lot of good books that way. However, if I don’t like any of the books recommended to me on the Kindle e-reader; I will ask friends and family about the books they are currently reading or have read in the past. Recently, I have found a couple of good books based on advertisements on my Facebook timeline. -Keisha M. Flood, Reading with Soul Member

BPM: Do you prefer to read books by authors of color? Do you support self-published authors? Do you borrow books from the library?
We can read books by any author, but we mostly read authors of color. Yes, I will support self-published authors, yes will borrow from the library as well as downloading onto my Kindle. -Debbie, Reading with Soul Member

BPM: What are key factors that help a book remain on your mind long after the last page?
The key factors that I look for and remain long after the last page are, when a book club member relates, and feel happy or sad for a character, or when we want to just say a prayer for when the pain of a character effects our soul.
-JoAnna Clark, Reading with Soul Member

BPM: Do you primarily purchase books online or in a bookstore?
I prefer to read hard copy books, because I prefer to read hard copy books and keep them as keepsakes. The price of the books does not matter to me. I would not stop buying hard copies and I doubt that I would switch to digital books permanently. -Deanne Payne, Reading with Soul Member

BPM: In your opinion, what makes a good book club conversation?
In my opinion a book that contains controversial characters; characters that some will like and others will dislike. I also think the topic of the book will make for good book club conversation. -Monte, Reading with Soul Member

BPM: Do you host special events during the year or do you work for any charities?
We haven't hosted any special events yet that invite outside guest. For our charitable giving, and as our way of giving back and supporting the community, since our book club started we have been involved with a homeless family shelter. A couple times a year we purchase food, cook and serve the residents. In addition to that, we donate items and gift cards to this shelter. -Leslie, Reading with Soul Member

BPM: Please tell us about your book club! What is the name? Where are you located?
We are the Chocolate Ceauties Cookclub located in Pontiac, Michigan. We were established in 2010 by our president/founder Angela Hunt. Currently we have 14 members.

BPM: what is the purpose for your organization?
We are a sisterhood of fun loving, reading women. The Chocolate Beauties purpose:
• To have a strong, positive and divine sisterhood
• To uplift and not tear one another down
• To push each other forward when we are stuck in our situations
• To encourage each other to reach our goals
• To pray for one another
• To fellowship and have fun
• And of course to discuss the book of the month

BPM: Tell us about your members. What is the demographic of your group?
We are all African American women (single, married, mothers, working, 35 years or older) Our Group Personality: good hearted, comedians, some what serious – great combination that works together

BPM: When accepting members into the group, what are you looking for in the person? Has it been difficult to get people to join the group or to stay in the group?
New members should love to read, ready to share, ready to have fun, enjoy working with the community and be dedicated. We try to stay away from negative people. Our membership goes up and down due to work, schedules and/or loss of interest. There is no online version of the group.

BPM: In your opinion, what makes a good book club conversation? Do you keep the conversation on topic, or roam? Does the availability of a reading guide help with the discussion?
A good book club conversation is when the whole group has read the book and comes to the meeting ready to share their thoughts, opinions, personal feelings and/or what they thought should have happened in the book. The questions in the back of the book helps, but the members generally come with their set of questions. Side bar conversations are not allowed in the meeting…..helps to keep the meeting on track.

BPM: How do you make your book selections for the month? Do you read and discuss books outside of the book of the month? Do you use social media to share your featured books with other readers?
• Our books are generally selected by the hostess for the meeting.
• Some members have time to read outside of the book of the month.
• As of today, we do not use social media to share our featured books with other readers.

BPM: Do you prefer to read books by authors of color? Do you support self-published authors? Do you borrow books from the library?
• 100% of the books that we read are by authors of color.
• Yes we support self-published authors.
• Yes, some members borrow books from the library.

BPM: What type of books have generated the most interesting discussions? Why?
True, gritty stories (storylines where the members can relate.)

BPM: Can you share a few 5-star books that have expanded your horizons?
The Stalker Chronicle Series by Electa Rome Parks; The Man In 3B, Family Business Series, and the Choir Director Series all by Carl Weber.

BPM: What are you reading now? How did you find out about this book?
We are reading “The Ties That Bind” by Electra Rome Parks. Next readings are selected by the meeting hostess.

BPM: How do you feel about attending book signings, literary festivals and events?
We as a group will be attending our 1st book signing on November 8th. However, some members have attended book signings prior to joining the book club.

BPM: Do you host special events during the year or do you work for any charities? Do you get together as a group to socialize outside of your book club meetings?
No special events are held. However, we held a celebration in July 2015 to celebrate our 5th year anniversary. Yes, we get together as a group outside of book club meeting to attend other social events and to support fellow book club members in their community activities.

BPM: What is the preferred way to find new book?
Most books are selected/found via book club members or friends.

BPM: Do you primarily purchase books online or in a bookstore? Do you prefer to read digital books? Does the price of ebooks play a big part in the purchase? Would you ever stop buying printed books?
Members are responsible for purchasing their books. Most are purchased online and/or in bookstores. Some members use/have the Kindle reader. Cost/price does not play a part in book selection/purchase. Yes, we will continue to purchase printed books.

BPM: Have you faced any challenges as a group? If so, what and how did you deal with them?
We have had an issue with members keeping their personal woes out of the meetings and/or group. Generally the President will have a 1 on 1 with them.

BPM: Do you have any words of wisdom for other readers who might want to start a book club?
• Be patient
• Keep mess and messy people out
• Enjoy the fellowship/sisterhood
• Have fun

BPM: How can we follow you online?
Facebook: CHOCOLATEBEAUTIES BOOKCLUB

BPM: Please tell us about your book club! How many members do you have?
We are "SISTERS WITH BOOKS." We are located in Los Angeles California. Our group began in 1995. A group of black women mainly educators decided they wanted to discuss books after they've read them. On roll, we have 25, we average 15 to 20 every month.

BPM: What is the purpose for your organization? Does the name have a special meaning?
The purpose of our reading club is sisterhood, and to read books written by black women. We have made exceptions: Leonard Pitts, Amy Tan, Daniel Black, and Guy Johnson.

BPM: Tell us about your members. How would you describe the personality of your group?
Sisters With Books consist of black women, ages 40's 50's 60's and 70's. We're high energy, love to debate and generous.

BPM: When accepting members into the group, what are you looking for in the person?
We have an open door policy. Our core members have been constant (15 members) we read a book a month, which can be challenging for some women who have younger children. If you're an introvert, Sisters With Books probably is not the group for you.

BPM: In your opinion, what makes a good book club conversation? Does the availability of a reading guide help with the discussion?
A twist in a story leads to a good book club discussion. Loving Donanvan by Bernice Mcfadden, lead to a discussion about our black men, and how so many of them have not been taught. We almost always have "side bars," a OJ SIMPSON TRIAL TERM. Each facilitator is different. We have some pretty creative women, a reading guide is good but not necessary.

BPM: How do you make your book selections for the month?
We select our books for the next year in November. We don't meet in December, because that month gets busy with holiday activities. When suggesting a book, it should have been read by the person recommending. We have side books that are put on an alternative list. The side books don't necessarily get discussed in our group. Two or three will get together outside the group. Our group of women are just becoming social media friendly.

BPM: Do you prefer to read books by authors of color? Do you borrow books from the library?
Authors of color, absolutely. We feel we're their voice. Pamela Samuels is one of our favorite authors. She has been brave enough to come to our book circle. The library is our friend. It can be costly purchasing a book every month. Most of the women have a Kindle or iPad, but everyone agrees, there's nothing like holding an actual book.

BPM: What genre/types of books do you prefer to read as a group?
We love historical fiction, we don't do well with biography, although Dorothy Dandridge was well received. We have a tendency of going back to our favorite authors: Bernice McFadden, Pamela Samuels Young, Ayana Mathis, Pearl Cleage, Anita Buckley, Dolen P. Valdez,Virginia DeBerry and Donna Grant. Leonard Pitts, Dwayne Smith, and Daniel Smith.

BPM: What are key factors that help a book remain on your mind long after the last page?
In "Freeman" the charcter's quest to find his wife.
In "12 Tribes of Hattie" each character could have been a book.
In "Silver Sparrow " we knew of someone living a double life.

BPM: Do you post book reviews? How do you handle bad reviews or books that flopped?
Individuals have posted reviews. We give suggestions and identify what we didn't agree with. In 2011, Sisters With Books participated in DIGG INTO BOOKS web show, created by 4 Hearts Productions. It can be found on YouTube.

BPM: What type of books have generated the most interesting discussions? Why?
The historical fiction "Wench" was the book we discussed on YouTube slavery vs enslaved. "Gathering of Waters" by Bernice McFadden, spirits, and so many of the women experienced spirits. "Before I Forget" by Leonard Pitts Jr., a Blackman realizing he wasn't a good father.

BPM: Can you share a few 5-star books that have expanded your horizons?
FREEMAN by Leonard Pitts Jr.
Before I Forget by Leonard Pitts Jr.
Loving Donovan by Bernice McFadden
What Looks like Crazy on an Ordinary Day by Pearl Cleage

BPM: What are you reading now? How did you find out about this book?
We're reading 40 Acres bybDwayne Smith, a recommendation from a book club member. Next up:
1. My Name is Butterfly by Bernice McFadden
2. Murder at Cape Three Points by Kwei Quartey
3. Balm by Dolen P. Valdez

BPM: How do you feel about attending book signings, literary festivals and events?
Love book signings and love to hear the author read from their book. We've had the privilege of having:
Anita Buckely, Dwayne Smith, Pamela Samuels Young and Eric Jerome Dickey.

BPM: Do you get together as a group to socialize outside of your book club meetings?
We've attended Alvin Ailey dance performance of "Stormy Weather" a Lena Horn play. Attended a garden tour. Attended an opera performance by Lauren Michelle (a book club member's daughter who is scheduled to perform at the DC OPERA HOUSE and ST. LOUIS OPERA HOUSE next year. We're proud! We also attended the Obama Inauguration.

BPM: Which is the preferred way to find books: recommendations, social media or advertisements?
Recommendations are how we prefer to select books for the group and personally.

BPM: Do you primarily purchase books online or in a bookstore?
I still support our community black bookstore Esowon. We give them our book list for the year and they will purchase. They also give us a discount. There are some books that can only be bought online.

BPM: Have you faced any challenges as a group? If so, what and how did you deal with them?
One of our original book club members, lost her only child in a horrific car accident. It was in the month of June, she had just retired from teaching, her anniversary week-end and Father's Day. We rallied around her. There are some books, that are just to difficult for our sister friend to handle. She has started attending book club again. This happened 3 years ago.We had a special meeting just to talk, it was therapeutic. This is an example of how our book club has served many purposes.

BPM: Has social media changed how you feel about any authors?
Social media has not changed me, because I seek out new authors, new books because I love to read!

BPM: Do you have any words of wisdom for other readers who might want to start a book club?
Do it for the love of the written word, everything else will follow. Respect other points of view. We can agree to disagree.

BPM: Do attend Twitter chats or Facebook chats? Ever viewed a Goggle Hangout or Periscope show?
Haven't attended chats, would love to Face Time with our favorite authors, such as Bernice Mcfadden and Leonard Pitts Jr.

BPM: What legacy will your club or blog leave for those watching in the community?
Sisters With Books' legacy will be black women coming together through adversity as well as celebrating each other.

Interview with La Rhonda Crosby-Johnson & Yolanda Smith, (original members) of Marcus Book Club (MBC)

BPM: Please tell us about your book club! How did your club get started?
MBC: Marcus Book Club started in August of 1997, in Oakland, CA as a part of Marcus Book Store (the oldest, African American owned bookstore in the nation.) We gathered that first time as a group of 232 readers, divided into 6 “Chapters.” Each Chapter met once per month, at the book store. Our first book was “My Soul To Keep” by Tananarive Due, who remains a favorite author. Over time the numbers decreased, eliminating the need for Chapters. Today we are 12 – 15 strong and meet on the 3rd Wednesday of each month. Meetings are still held at Marcus Book Store.

BPM: What is the purpose for your organization? Does the name have a special meaning?
MBC: Our book club’s main focus is in alignment with the tradition of Marcus Books; to read and discuss books BY and ABOUT Black People everywhere. The book club has the name of the bookstore, which was named in honor of Marcus Garvey.

BPM: Tell us about your members. How would you describe the personality of your group as a whole?
MBC: Our book club is primarily female, black and over the age of 30. We tend to be serious about great literature and sometimes have to remind ourselves to “lighten up” and make some “completely fun” book selections. We enjoy diverse opinions and lively discussions.

BPM: In your opinion, what makes a good book club conversation? Do you keep the conversation on topic, or roam? Does the availability of a reading guide help with the discussion?
MBC: A good book club discussion usually includes one or all of the following: thoughtful and diverse opinions and perspectives, a moderator who is comfortable with differing ideas and is able to bring in the less talkative members, provocative and interesting discussion questions and FUN!!!

We often develop our own questions, but have also used reading guides. We allow for “roaming”, particularly when current events connect to our book discussion, and keep the conversation on topic to respect the reason everyone came together – to discuss the book.

BPM: How do you make your book selections for the month? Do you use social media to share your featured books with other readers?
MBC: Each member is responsible for facilitating a discussion. The facilitator selects 2 – 3 books for the group to vote on and the book with the most votes is then read and discussed. We usually do not discuss books outside of our selection, but often recommend books to each other that members are reading outside of the book club. While individual members most definitely share with their networks what we are reading, we do not use social media to do this.

BPM: Do you prefer to read books by authors of color? Do you support self-published authors?
MBC: Yes and Yes again. Occasionally, we read a book by an author who is not Black, but the topic is always about Black people. We support self-published authors. As a book club that originated out of a book store and feel very strongly about supporting independent booksellers, all book club selections are purchased from Marcus Book Store.

BPM: What genre/types of books do you prefer to read as a group?
MBC: We read from a variety of genres; ranging from mystery to fantasy. We read both fiction and non-fiction. The only genre that we haven’t read has been romance. This has not changed over time.

BPM: What are key factors that help a book remain on your mind long after the last page?
MBC: The key factor that usually keeps us talking about a book is usually the characters. We also find ourselves referring back to books that were very well written or helped us to see and/or understand something from a new perspective.

BPM: What types of books have generated the most interesting discussions? Why?
MBC: Books that force us to address cultural and societal issues have generated the most interesting discussions because everyone has some level of investment in the topic. It is not out of the ordinary that we will “agree to disagree” during these discussions.

BPM: Can you share a few 5-star books that have expanded your horizons?
MBC: This is an avid reader’s least favorite question, with so many wonderful books that have expanded our horizons. Forcing ourselves to pick, here goes….1- Men We Reaped (Jesmyn Ward), 2 -Perfect Peace (Daniel Black), 3- The Warmth of Other Suns (Isabel Wilkerson), 4 – The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks (Rebecca Skloot), and 5 – Anybody’s Daughter (Pamela Samuels-Young.)

BPM: What are you reading now? What books are on your reading schedule?
MBC: Right now we are reading Attica Locke’s “Pleasantville.” She has fast become a book club favorite. Up next for us are “Driving The King” by Ravi Howard and an author who is new to the book club, Bryan Stevenson (“Just Mercy.”)

BPM: How do you feel about attending book signings, literary festivals and events? Do you like to hear the author reading from the book?
MBC: Individually and as a book club, we enjoy attending book signings, literary festivals and events. Several of our members are regulars at the National Book Club Convention held in Atlanta and The United California African American Bookclubs “Fall Into Fiction Event” held each September. There is nothing like hearing the author read from the book. It often brings a better understanding of book and/or characters. Raffles and Gift Giveaways at these events are always a PLUS!

BPM: Do you primarily purchase books online or in a bookstore? Would you ever stop buying printed books?
MBC: We purchase all our book club selections from Marcus Book Store. While most of our members also read digital books outside of the book club we would never consider not buying printed books.

BPM: Do you have any words of wisdom for other readers who are in or who might want to start a book club?
MBC: Have fun, give everyone equal voice and be open to reading books you might not choose on your own. There have been many times when we did not like the book and had amazing discussions or developed a different appreciation for the book.

BPM: Can we invite you to future events, social media chats and discussions? How can we follow you online? Do you have a website or social media pages?
MBC: We don’t have an online presence separate from the bookstore. Gives us something to consider. In the meantime you can reach us via Marcus Books on Facebook.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/marcusbooks

Shown in the First Picture:
(Left to Right) Standing: Dera Williams, Freda Pleasants, Denise Crawford

(Left to Right) Seated: Yolanda Smith, Iris Brooks

Members not pictured:
Blanche Richardson (founder), Deborah Burton, Tira McDonald, Jim McDonald, Christine Munroe, Barbara Taylor, Phil Wilhite, Bernardean Broadous, Monica Brandon, Lucretia Cotton

Soul Sistahs Book Club was founded in 2011 by Kenya Ervin of Chattanooga, TN. Initially comprised of coworkers, membership has been extended to close family and friends that share a passion for books. Soul Sistahs Book Club's mission is to promote literacy and encourage sisterhood among women of all ages and backgrounds through the love of reading and lively conversations. Interview questions completed by Kenya Ervin, President, Soul Sistahs Book Club.

BPM: Please tell us about your book club! How many members do you have?
SSBC: Soul Sistahs Book Club was founded in September 2011 by Kenya Ervin. Currently, we do not have officers assigned, but everyone comes together to get things done. We are located in Chattanooga, TN and we have five active members. Our club was started because I loved to read but I never had anyone to talk to about the books after I finished. I sought out like-minded individuals that were looking for the same thing and a book club was born.

BPM: Tell us about your members. How would you describe the personality of your group as a whole?
SSBC: Our group consists of professional African-American women in our thirties. We all have extremely different personalities so when we come together, it makes for a very animated discussion. We really enjoy having fun and thought provoking discussions during our meetings.

BPM: When accepting members into the group, what are you looking for in the person? Do you have an online version of the group?
SSBC: When accepting members into the group, we explain all of our requirements in detail. We look for people that love to read and are willing to commit to attending meetings once per month. Over the years, it has been difficult for people to stay in the group due to their lack of commitment and participation. We do not offer an online version of the book club at this time but we do have dedicated Facebook and Twitter pages to interact with other readers and authors.

BPM: In your opinion, what makes a good book club conversation? Does the availability of a reading guide help with the discussion?
SSBC: In my opinion, being honest and open-minded makes a good book club conversation. Our conversations roam to different topics most of the time but we are usually able to reel everyone back in to finish the topic at hand. We use reading guides for some of our discussions and they can be really helpful in keeping the discussions on track.

BPM: How do you make your book selections for the month? When do you select the books?
SSBC: When we started the book club, I would search online and best sellers lists to choose our book of the month. I would choose three books and allow my members to vote on the book they would like to read for the following month. Recently, I started a "Book Box". I allow my members to write names of books on a slip of paper and drop it into the box whenever they like. Each month, I draw from the box and that's what we will read. It's been very interesting so far.

BPM: Do you read and discuss books outside of the book of the month?
SSBC: Absolutely! We're always reading and if someone reads a book that they enjoyed, we love to talk about it and possibly add it as a book of the month selection.

BPM: Do you use social media to share your featured books with other readers?
SSBC: Yes. Twice a month I share what we're reading on our Facebook and Twitter pages.

BPM: Do you primarily purchase books online or in a bookstore? Do you prefer to read digital books? Would you ever stop buying printed books?
SSBC: We primarily purchase our books online. Most of my members prefer to read digital books. I am still partial to printed books and I will never stop buying them.

BPM: Can we invite you to future events, social media chats and discussions? How can we follow you online? Do you have a website or social media pages?
SSBC: Yes to all of the above! We can be reached at the following locations:
Twitter: @BookSistahs
Facebook: www.facebook.com/soulsistahs.bookclub

There are readers, individuals who may casually stroll from series to series as film adaptations have peaked their interest and driven them to the nearest bookstore or library. Then there are literary advocates, individuals who believe that books are as recreational as they are academic and socially impactful; these are individuals who have made it their life's work to foster and nourish the livelihood of literature despite society's shift and focus on media that can be absorbed quickly.

Opting to combine the base philosophy of literary advocates like herself with her personal beliefs, Yvonne Bailey has founded Book Pearls, a book club devoted to increasing readership within Black communities and uniting women through sisterhood and fellowship.

The Book Pearls meet monthly to discuss the chosen book of the month. Each discussion is different as these women have chosen to embrace all literary genres. "We love to read all genres, each book that we read carries a different message and has touched our lives in various ways".

Often, the monthly meetings carry the Pearls to various locations within their community and surrounding areas as they believe literature is a moving art form that reflects the world we live in. As the Pearls grow, they hope to become more involved within their local communities and reading communities worldwide.

Currently, the Book Pearls are reading Crazy Rich Asian by Kevin Kwan. You can join their discussion by liking them on Facebook at Book Pearls.

BPM: Please tell us about your book club! How many members do you have?
Book Pearls: We are an awesome group of women who love books, family and each other. The name of our book club is Book Pearls and we are located in Chester, Virginia which is located about ten minutes outside of Richmond, Virginia. The group was started in September of 2012 after an interest meeting and as of today we currently have six members.

BPM: Tell us about your members. How would you describe the personality of your group as a whole?
Book Pearls: I have the pleasure of knowing five spirited women who not only love me and allow me to be in their presence but also uplift and nourish who i am destined to be. These women share a love of life that only comes around once in a lifetime and I am honored to be a part of their lives. Book Pearls is composed of six strong willed, enjoying life, open-minded women.

BPM: In your opinion what makes a good book club discussion? Do you keep the conversation on topic, or roam? Does the availability of a reading guide help with the discussion?
Book Pearls: A good book club discussion should always have you wanting more. As a reader, I am always searching for ways that I can either relate to the characters or the story, in the event i am unable to personally relate to the character or topic of the book then i revel in the opportunity to have been introduced to new ideals. As a group we are always looking to better our discussions by being able to relate or place ourselves in the characters shoes. As the leader I try to keep the discussion on topic as much as I possibly can however, there will be times when it is necessary to go off topic as it relates to either of the members lives or we may just need a moment to vent. I have found in the past that a reading guide can be helpful but it is also intriguing to see what questions the host may create as well.

BPM: How do you make your book selections for the month? Do you read and discuss books outside of the book of the month? Do you use social media to share your featured books with other readers?
Book Pearls: Whoever host for that particular month gets to choose the book. This gives each member a voice and a chance to pick a book they may have been wanting to read for some time. We generally do not read and discuss books outside of our book club pick. We may read other books during the month and suggest them to one another but we do not discuss them. We are currently on Facebook and will be branching out to Instagram and twitter within this month. We share our bookclub meetings as well as our featured books on Facebook.

BPM: Do you prefer to read books by authors of color? Do you support self-published authors? Do you borrow books from the library?
Book Pearls: As a group we love our authors of color and try to support them as much as we possibly can but we generally read all authors. We support self-published authors and the public library is our friend.

BPM: Do you write and post book reviews to online retailers? How do you handle bad reviews or books that flopped?
Book Pearls: We love to write reviews. This allows us to voice our opinion and to give the author honest feedback. As for bad reviews or flopped books, the authors should be told. As readers we pay for a book hoping for the best, in many cases the books turn out to be decent and in the event that is does not, the author needs to know the readers thoughts.

BPM: What are you reading now? How did you find out about this book? What books are on your reading schedule?
Book Pearls: We are currently reading, Crazy, Rich, Asians by Kevin Kwan. This book was chosen by Lady Pearl Candice. We choose books on a month to month basis so we do not have a reading schedule.

BPM: How do you feel about attending book signings, literary festivals and events? Do you like to hear the author reading from the book?
Book Pearls: Book Pearls love to attend book signings and literary events. We just attended The Black Authors and Readers Rock literary event. While we love self-published authors, we would love to see more known authors at some of these events.

BPM: Do you have any words of wisdom for other readers who are in or might want to start a book club?
Book Pearls: The biggest advice to give to someone who is wanting to start a book club, Go for it! Life is too short to not live it beautifully, so why wait or let fear cripple you. Call a few friends who share the love of reading and choose a book. If you would like please follow us on Facebook: Book Pearls. Interview submitted by Renee Bailey, president of Book Pearls Bookclub.

BPM: Please tell us about your book club! How did your club get started?
Hi there, I'm Alysia Allen. We are Mocha Girls Read an online and in person book club for Black women. We are located in five cities right now in Los Angeles and San Diego, California; Tempe, Arizona; New Lenox, Illinois and now Waldorf, Maryland. For our members who can’t make a meeting or don’t live near a meeting area they can go online to http://mochagirlsread.com and at http://goodreads.com.

Mocha Girls Read started in October, 2011 after I looked all over the internet for a book club, I found two and joined them both. They were good and I have made a few new friends from them. But I noticed one thing about both of them…I was the only black, woman of color, African-American, mocha girl in the clubs. I thought about this for a while and finally said to myself, “Self, there has got to be some sistas in LA who like to read.” After much thought and discussion with family and friends MOCHA GIRLS READ was born. As of today Mocha Girls Read book club has about 2,000 members world wide.

BPM: What is the purpose for your organization? Does the name of the club have a special meaning?
We are a group of black women who love to read, want to read more and meet like-minded women. The books we read range from fiction, self-help, historical romance, best sellers, good ol’ short stories and basically anything we can get our hands on. Mocha Girls Read brings black women in the community together to read great literature, online and in person chit chatting about the monthly selection and a whole lot more. We are different form other book clubs because:

1. We read all genres, by authors of all genders and races, and from any publication date.
2. We are free to all women.
3. We never close meetings and membership.
4. We are ageless. We just ask that members under 18 years old have the permission of a parent each month.

The name of the book club is based on our skin color, our gender and our hobby. Mocha Girls Read.

BPM: What legacy will your club or blog leave for those watching in the community?
Our main focus has been sisterhood. Our members are so diverse and have various reasons for joining but the end result seems to be the same. We love being in each other company. I hope Mocha Girls Read brings the joy of read to each community and uplifts the Black women in each chapter through fellowship.

BPM: Tell us about your members. How would you describe the personality of your group as a whole?
Mocha Girls Read members are all ages. Our youngest member in 21 years old and our oldest is in her 80’s. We have working mom’s, single women, grandmothers and newly weds. We even have a few non Black members who just love what we are about and want to support us in all our efforts.

BPM: When accepting members into the group, what are you looking for in the person?
We are an open book club so members can come and go, as they like. We understand life, family, work come first and reading is a past time when permitted. We have two policies about membership. Members never have to host meeting in their homes and you don’t have to read the book to join in. Come as you are. Those two things seem to bring women in to the club (and it’s free) more than anything.

BPM: How do you make your book selections for the month? Do you use social media to share your featured books with other readers?
Each month I pick a theme (ie, October’s theme is a scary book), the members then have the chance to nominate one book based on the theme. Then the following week all members get to vote on three titles from the list of nominated books. The book with the most votes wins. We are bookworms so yes we talk about books each of us are reading outside of the book of the month at meeting or other book club gatherings. We are going to start using our social media outlets for more month interactions with members.

BPM: Do you prefer to read books by authors of color? Do you borrow books from the library?
We read books by all authors despite race. So far in our 4 years of reading together we have read books by Chinese-American authors, Indian authors and White authors. To make the book of the month available to all members it has to be in e-book and physical form. Some members share books, buy the books from Amazon, or get them from the library. So anything goes.

BPM: What genre/types of books do you prefer to read as a group?
We read all genres so that at the end of the year a Mocha Girl has read at least read one non-fiction, one fiction, one poetry and one award-winning book.

BPM: Have you faced any challenges as a group? If so, what and how did you deal with them?
We have faced some really big challenges with the building of this book club. The location for the Los Angeles chapter is too small and we are desperately seeking a new free venue to hold 40 plus members. The Waldorf chapter is also looking for a place to call home. Other chapters are having a hard time getting members to understand the mission of reading outside of their race. But the big hurdle we have is finding a core group that will be dedicated to the building of the online community.

BPM: Can we invite you to future events and discussions? How can we follow you online?
Twitter: @mochagirlsread
Website: http://mochagirlsread.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/mochagirlsread
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mochagirlsread

BPM: Thank you Alysia Allen and Classandra "Classy" Green.

BPM: Please tell us about your reading group! How did your club get started?
The Real Divas Read & More Social Club, located in Conley Georgia, began in 2013, and currently has 10 members. The conception of RDR was an idea that Diva Wanda established, after not receiving the fulfillment and satisfaction that she truly desired out of other groups, therefore; she blended her love of reading and interacting with other women that shares the same passion as she does.

BPM: What is the purpose for your organization? Is there something in particular that makes your group different from other groups? Does the name of the club have a special meaning?
The RDR social club was conceived, to build everlasting friendships with beautiful women who are ambitious, hardworking, optimistic, passionate and enthusiastic about life and reading. As a “Sisterhood”, our book club signifies the words of our mission statement as follows: “Enlightening, Uplifting, and Empowering Women through Fellowship, Service and Support”. The women of this group portray a more positive, sisterly and supportive attitudes with one another to debunk the myths about all of us being catty and confrontational, which ideally sets us apart from groups.

BPM: Tell us about your members. How would you describe the personality of your group as a whole?
The demographics of the RDR are all women between the ages of 33 to 55. The personality of the group is that of Performing. This is a stage of a fully functional group where members see themselves as a group and get involved in the task. Each person makes a contribution and the authority figure is also seen as a part of the group. Group norms are followed and collective pressure is exerted to ensure the Process of Group effectiveness.

BPM: When accepting members into the group, what are you looking for in the person? Do you have an online version of the group?
The Real Divas Read is a social club with a flair for reading, with that being said we welcome women who are authentic. They must enjoy participating in community awareness events, social events, and of course have a passion for reading. We would like to have divas that have the time, dedication, and openness to be a part of our club. Life happens to all of us, therefore ones priorities change because of circumstance, so we understand when a diva wants to leave the group. Ladies do request to be a part of the group all the time. We utilize Meetup as a way to invite potential divas to be a part of our club. Meetup and our Real Divas Read Facebook page are the two ways women who are interested can learn more about our group.

BPM: In your opinion, what makes a good book club conversation? Do you keep the conversation on topic, or roam? Does the availability of a reading guide help with the discussion?
To have a good book club conversation, foremost you must have read the book to be a part of the discussion. Stating open ended questions will keep the dialog going instead of asking yes/no questions. A character analysis of the main character(s), would allow the readers to see how their views may differ from that of other readers. Also asking readers if they can relate to any of the characters will allow the conversation to flow.

It is best to keep the conversation on topic to allow time for the book to be discussed in detail. Although at times it’s easy to get off the subject, but try to keep it to a minimum amount of time.

Yes, a reading guide does help. Often the guide assists in posing questions that the reader would not have thought of, and it helps with the flow of the book discussion.

BPM: How do you make your book selections for the month? Do you read and discuss books outside of the book of the month? Do you use social media to share your featured books with other readers?
We individually select a book we think will be interesting for the group to read for the month, when the prologue is read out loud on a few of the selections, we vote, and then the decision is made.
Some Divas are avid readers, yes some read additional books but the Divas only discuss our book once a month in our intimate setting.

Yes. We are on social media on Meetup.com and Facebook.com. Search for us at (Real Divas Read & More Social Club), we encourage others to see what we are reading and attend a meeting if they are interested.

BPM: Do you prefer to read books by authors of color? Do you support self-published authors? Do you borrow books from the library?
We actually don't have a preference, however, the topic and delivery (whether Fiction or Non Fiction) plays a big part in our selection of authors. Yes. Absolutely, we do support self-published authors. We have read and met a number of Authors who have written and published their own novels. We love to see authors promote their literary work.

Yes. Currently they are a few of our members that borrow their books from the library.

BPM: What are you reading now? How did you find out about this book? What books are on your reading schedule?
The group is currently reading My Wife’s Lover by RM Johnson. A few of the Divas met the author at the National Book Club conference; he introduced his novel and was invited to be our guest at our October meeting. Unfortunately; this will be our last book for the year as the holidays are approaching, but the club will resume again beginning a new year in January 2016.

BPM: How do you feel about attending book signings, literary festivals and events? Do you like to hear the author reading from the book?
Several of the Divas had the privilege of attending the “The World's Largest Book Club Meeting” The National Book Club Conference. Attending events like this gave us the opportunity to see famous authors and interact with other book clubs who shared the same passion in reading as we did. The conference included everything and much more, that consisted of numerous book club meetings, panel discussions and other events that gave readers face time with the authors of their choice. It was a great forum to offer authors, both newly published and established an opportunity to interact, both formally and casually, with so many fans. There were breakout sessions at the conference in which the audience was given the opportunity to listen to authors reading from their books. As the reader, hearing the author's voice adds a wonderful dimension to the words of the story.

BPM: Do you primarily purchase books online or in a bookstore? Do you prefer to read digital books? Does the price of ebooks play a part in the purchase? Would you ever stop buying printed books?
The days of purchasing printed/hard copy books has become obsolete, but in order to support authors that are invited to our meetings we do support them by purchasing their novel and having it signed. Although, the price is cheaper that is not our deciding factor. Ebooks come in to play because they are convenient. A member can log on from any device to enjoy a great read on a tablet, phone or desktop at work. Being avid readers who may travel a lot, digital books provide the convenience (no packing) of having several books on hand at once not to mention purchasing a book in a matter of seconds.

BPM: Have you faced any challenges as a group? If so, what and how did you deal with them?
Yes. We have faced challenges as a group. We all are from different cultures, back grounds and upbringings. Being in a group especially with deferent personalities, it can be quite challenging to agree on one thing and communicate effectively. All members of RDR have a common goal in which we practice first and foremost, and that is to Encourage, Enlighten and Uplift other woman.

BPM: Do you have any words of wisdom for other readers who might want to start a book club?
A book club brings together a group of people to discuss something they all have in common a book everyone has read. Book clubs can be a whole lot of fun and provide a great social outlet. All it takes is a few attentive readers, a book of interest to the group, a place to meet, and a bit of planning and don’t forget the refreshments.

BPM: What legacy will your club or blog leave for those watching in the community?
The main focus has always been about uplifting and supporting women and we are able to do this through fellowship, services and support of each other and our community. For those watching in the community they can tell we love helping others. Whenever organizations reach out to us (due to prior volunteer work) we are eager to help. We also do not skip out once we have committed to an event even if there is one of us going someone will always be there.

The Soul Sistahs Book Club was founded in 2011 by Kenya Ervin of Chattanooga, TN. Initially comprised of coworkers, membership has been extended to close family and friends that share a passion for books. Soul Sistahs Book Club's mission is to promote literacy and encourage sisterhood among women of all ages and backgrounds through the love of reading and lively conversations.

BPM: Introduce us to your group. What was the first book you read as a group?
SSBC: Soul Sistahs Book club was founded in September 2011 by Kenya Ervin. Currently, we do not have officers assigned, but everyone comes together to get things done. We are located in Chattanooga, TN and we have seven active members. The first book that we read was G-Spot by Noire. It was a very lively and interesting discussion.

BPM: Why was your organization created? Do you write and post book reviews? Do you host events?
SSBC: Initially, our organization was created because I loved to read and I wanted to discuss what I read with an interested party. Most people that I talked to did not share the same passion that I had for reading. I asked a few coworkers if they would be interested and it took off from there. Now we are a group of sisters that not only share a love of reading, but we share things about our personal lives as well. The members that write book reviews are Kenya Ervin, Shannon Pasley, and Treneka Jackson. Our club anniversary is usually a festive occasion. We have author visits (Tameka Newhouse and Electa Rome Parks), food, entertainment and lots of dancing. We have also hosted other authors during the year. In 2014, I hope that we can have a greater presence in the community.

BPM: What are some of your pet peeves when it comes to book promotions?
SSBC: Flooding our newsfeed and email with their books and flyers. It's ok to post one or two. Anything more than that can become annoying.

BPM: Do you prefer to only read books written by authors of color? Do you support self-published authors?
SSBC: We try to support all authors but we do prefer authors of color. I think it's easier to identify with the subject matter that's presented by authors of color based on life experiences. We also support self-published authors.

BPM: Would you ever stop buying printed books? Do you think digital books will ever replace printed books?
SSBC: I love printed books! I don't believe I will ever stop buying printed books. Although digital books have become very popular, I don't believe they will ever replace printed books. I have several book club members that love digital books and I am slowly embracing them. I love that it allows you to get a book faster than regular mail.

BPM: Does the price of a digital book play a big part in your purchase?
SSBC: I think the price of a digital book plays a part in my purchase. If the digital copy is the same price as a printed book, I would purchase the printed book instead. I think the free ebooks are a double-edged sword. It's great that the price makes it easier to get books in the hands of more readers but the quality of the material in the books have decreased somewhat.

BPM: Does social media influence your reading selections at all? Would a online radio interview, video chat or Twitter chat influence you enough to purchase a book?
SSBC: Social media is a huge influence on our reading selections. I have chosen several of our book of the month selections based on online radio interviews and Facebook chats. It allows the reader to get up close and personal with an author to see how passionate they are about their work. An author's passion, dedication and great attitude makes us want to support them as much as we can.

President: Kenya Ervin, Soul Sistahs Book Club
Facebook: www.facebook.com/soulsistahs.bookclub

I'm Bobbi Ramey Founder and President of Sistah Minds In Motion Book Club (SMM).

Sistah Minds In Motions Book Club (SMM) was established in November, 2009 by Bobbi Ramey. The first official book club meeting took place on January 16, 2010. Bobbi Ramey is an avid inspirational reader happily married for almost 16 years with two children. Her idea was to bring together a diverse group of women who enjoy reading and to bond spiritually. She asked her family and friends if they would be interested in joining and the rest is history! SMM was born! SMM is a small African American book club and social organization for positive, spiritual women who enjoy reading.

BPM: Please tell us about your book club! How did your club get started?
Sistah Minds In Motion Book Club (SMM) is located in Atlanta, GA. Bobbi Ramey asked family and friends if they would be interested in joining the rest is history! SMM was established in November 2009 by Bobbi Ramey. Our first official book club meeting took place on January 16, 2010. SMM currently has ten members.

BPM: What is the purpose for your organization? Is there something in particular that makes your group different from other groups?
The purpose of SMM is to advocate sisterhood and share our love for reading with others. To advocate literacy throughout our community with volunteer efforts, to have women contributing to a collection of wisdom with an environment of lively discussions and to build lifelong friendships, to fellowship and host monthly meetings in order to share ideas and dialogue about a variety of books and finally to build strategic relationships, advocate book clubs, African American authors and other literary organizations and events.

What makes SMM different? SMM values and lives in a manner that shows leadership and respect for all living beings by fostering healthy relationships and mutual respect. To work together as a team to respect opinions and views of others while appreciating and discussing quality literature as well as the power of unity among women. Sistah Minds In Motion Book (SMM) Book Club Enlightens your mind through the power, spirit, soul of sisterhood and reading. SMM means Sistah’s minds forming together in motion to promote one cause.

BPM: What legacy will your club or blog leave for those watching in the community?
SMM main focus is support surrounding areas charity events. SMM would like to leave a legacy on building strategic, relationships with advocate book clubs, also with African American authors and other literary organizations and events.

BPM: Tell us about your members. How would you describe the personality of your group as a whole?
SMM are women that are married, single, employed, in school, educators, working moms, stay-at-home moms and women from all walks of life. The demographics of these ladies are diverse backgrounds located in the surrounding areas of the greater Atlanta area. The ladies of SMM chose to come together to share wisdom, advice, opportunities and discuss the ripples of day to day issues in life.

BPM: When accepting members into the group, what are you looking for in the person? Do you have an online version of the group?
When accepting new members, SMM looks for members that enjoy reading. Yes and No. Getting people to join is no problem but due to day to day issues, it’s hard for some members to be consistent and they began to drift off. But each former member is still in contact and also friends with SMM book club and they also try to attend events when they are able to. At this time SMM does not have an online group.

BPM: How do you make your book selections for the month? Do you use social media to share your featured books with other readers?
Each member is unique and has the opportunity to choose a book and location once a month. Yes we do discuss other books outside of the book if the month. Yes, SMM posts monthly on Facebook & Twitter for the book of the month.

BPM: Do you prefer to read books by authors of color? Do you support self-published authors? Do you borrow books from the library?
Yes, SMM enjoys reading selections by authors of color. Yes, SMM support self-published authors. No, SMM will mostly purchase each book of the month.

BPM: What genre/types of books do you prefer to read as a group? Has this changed over time?
SMM reads all genres to include Christian fiction, non-fiction, fiction, inspirational, romance and a wide variety of other topics chosen by our members. No, the types of books have not changed over time.

BPM: Do you write and post book reviews to online retailers? How do you handle bad reviews or books that flopped?
Yes, SMM writes reviews on Amazon.com. SMM really does not write bad reviews, like my mother always said, if you cannot say anything good, do not say nothing at all!

BPM: Can we invite you to future events, social media chats and discussions? How can we follow you online?
Yes, SMM would love to be invited to your future events, social media chats and discussions.
Website: http://smmbookclub.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sistahmindsinm1
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sistah-Minds-In-Motions-Book-Club-119574314731811/timeline/

PWOC or Prominent Women of Color is a group of women dedicated to the exploration of collected written works in all platforms. This a collection of eclectic perspectives dedicated in enhancing the minds of its members and others in the intricate world of literature. PWOC is well versed and well-traveled in all manner of the written word and that devotion is shown in this delicate array of women who make up this sisterhood.

BPM: Where is your book club located? How many members do you have?
PWOC is located in Jacksonville, FL and St Mary’s GA. And was formed in 1999 and we currently have 14 members. The purpose of PWOC is to enrich and enhance our knowledge through our love for reading and encourage one another through fellowship. We promote literacy in every way possible.

BPM: How do you make your book selection?
Our BOM (Book of the Month) is chosen by our hostess for that month based on the theme for that month. Yes, several members do read other books and they are shared throughout the month with others in the group. We share our BOM on Social Media monthly and a picture of the current hostess with their chosen book and/or author. We also often Skype with various authors when we have chosen to read their book for that month.

BPM: Do you prefer to read book by authors of color only? What genre does the group prefer?
The majority of the books we read are from authors of color. We do support various self-published authors and often borrow books form the local library. The majority of our members have e-readers, but some still prefer hard copy books. We read books of all genres, we have member that prefer romance, Sci-Fi, murder mystery and others who prefer urban lit and biography. So as you can see, we dabble in all types of genres.

BPM: How do you feel about attending book signings, literary festivals and events?
When we hear about a book signing, or literary event we are ecstatic. If it is within a 2 hour driving distance, we are there supporting the author, (we call these Road Trips) We also as a group try to attend most of the literary festivals and events such as Romance Slam Jam, National Book Club Conference, and authors sponsored cruises. These are the things we plan for throughout the year.

BPM: Do you host events throughout the years? Do you get together to socialize outside the meetings?
We as a book club invite other authors to Jacksonville, and also invite other local book clubs and various book lovers to help the authors promote their books.

We support local charities such as Clara White Mission where we go and assist in distributing much needed clothing and food. We also donate to local outreach programs for nursing homes in which we supply blankets, pajamas, arts and craft supplies, etc. We donate school supplies to schools in both Jacksonville and Georgia at the beginning of each school year.

We look forward to attending movies, pool parties, and we have a mother’s day luncheon every year. We also host an annual Christmas party for our book club members and their families.

BPM: When accepting new members in your book club, what are you looking for in this person?
We look for a person who is an avid reader and has a genuine love of books. Qualities should include a person who loves to travel, loves to host meetings and has great sense of humor and adventure because we are a unique group of women who have been together for many years. It would take an equally unique person to feel at home in PWOC.

BPM: What has your main focus become over the years regarding your book club?
Incorporating sisterhood with the love of literature.

BPM: Can we invite you to future events, social media chats and discussion?
Yes, we look forward to being included in any social media chats and literary events. You can find us at: https://www.facebook.com/pwoc.jacksonville

BPM: Thank you Vanessa Phillips, Karesa Ruffin and Mrs. Nelson for this interview.

Hi I am Shabrika Mitchell, The Secretary/Treasurer of The Book Worm Diva's Book Club. The members consists of Val Hinton as The President, Tamika Cloud as The Vice President, and myself, as The Secretary/Treasurer.

BPM: Please tell us about your book club! How many members do you have?
The Book Worm Diva's Book Club is located in Newnan, Georgia. Myself (Shabrika), Val, and Tamika started the club because we all had an interest in reading. We started the club in March, 2010 and we consist of 9 members.

BPM: What is the purpose for your organization? Does the name have a special meaning?
We are a group of women together reading books and doing a lot of things for our community. We are women doing something we enjoy doing. Of course our name has its own special meaning each letter stands for something different. BOOKWORM DIVAS means Brilliant Obedient Observative Kind Women Outstanding Reliable Mindful Dedicated Intelligent Vibrant Awesome Sisterhood...

BPM: What legacy will your club leave for those watching in the community?
We enjoy reading and meeting with authors and helping others and putting smiles on people faces as well. We will be remembered and recognized as those women who did a lot for our community and enjoyed doing it.

BPM: When accepting members into the group, what are you looking for in the person? Do you have a online version of the group?
We are looking for a commitment and passion for reading and helping others. We have a probation period before you become a member. Basically a trial period to see if your heart is really in it. We have a Facebook page which is open to the public.

BPM: Do you host special events? Do you go out together as a group to socialize?
Yes, we host several events yearly such as an Easter Egg Hunt, Family and Friends Day, Thanksgiving Dinner, and a Christmas Toy Drive. We sometimes do a girls night out or just hang out other times.

BPM: How do you feel about attending booksignings, literary festivals and events?
We love attending book signings, literary festivals and events and love meet and greet with Authors. We enjoy hearing the authors reading from their books.

BPM: What type of books have generated the most interesting discussions?
Romance and Christian reads because they are very interesting and based on real life events and stories. We seem to relate to those topics.

BPM: Do you have any words of wisdom for other readers who want to start a book club?
Yes, make sure everyone has love and passion for reading and set goals and achieve them. Also, set rules for everyone to follow and it should help the club last a long time. We are 5 years and counting and we love it!!!

Interview submitted by: Shabrika Mitchell, Secretary/Treasurer of The BookWorm Diva's BookClub

Michelle Chavis is a native of Brooklyn, New York and now lives in Creedmoor, North Carolina. She has 2 children, Laticia and Trevon. Michelle Chavis is the President of Victorious Ladies Reading Book Club. When she started reading novels it gave her a peace of mind and helped her relax. She has encouraged and helped others to also fall in love with reading. Recently Michelle has become a Total Life Changes (TLC) Representative. Her genuine, honest spirit allows people to feel comfortable talking her about anything. She has also been called a “Life Coach”. She is very passionate about helping people find their true purpose and becoming their best.

BPM: Please tell us about your book club! How did your club get started?
Victorious Ladies Reading is located in the Raleigh/Durham North Carolina area. God gave Lacha Mitchell the vision to start the book club, through that vision we started the Victorious Ladies Reading Book Club. We first met as a group almost a year ago. Our second anniversary is in October. We currently have 10 members. We are group of beautiful women, of all personalities, that mesh well together.

BPM: What is the purpose for your organization? Does the name have a special meaning?
I feel the purpose of our organization is to unite monthly and discuss great books and fellowship. I think what makes us different is we are all women of God. The name of our club let's everyone know we are victorious.

BPM: How do you make your book selections for the month?
When I first joined the group the President and Vice President alternated months and picked the books, we now take suggestions from the members. Yes we have read other books that was not the book of the month and had a call to discuss the book. We may post book covers and suggestions on our own Facebook post and share them.

BPM: Do you prefer to read books by authors of color? Do you borrow books from the library?
Yes, I prefer to read books by authors of color, but I will read others also. Yes, I support self published authors and I also borrow books from the library. To add to that, I give the library a list of AA authors and their books every quarter for them to add to their selection.

BPM: What genre/types of books do you prefer to read as a group?
As a group we read Christian fiction. We did step out this month and read a non- Christian fiction.

BPM: Can you share a few 5-star books that have expanded your horizons?
Mama's Boy and Stand Your Ground.

BPM: What are you reading now? What books are on your reading schedule?
Jezebel's Daughter, we are hosting the author for our October meeting, Water Colored Pearls is on our reading list.

BPM: How do you feel about attending book signings, literary festivals and events? Do you like to hear the author reading from the book?
I love attending book signings and literary events. To me, authors are celebrities and I have a chance to meet the person that wrote the wonderful book I love to read. I love hearing their voice as they read from their book. If I have not read it yet, when I do read the book, in my mind I hear their voice.

BPM: Do you have any words of wisdom for other readers who might want to start a book club?
Communication is the key to every relationship, when you have that you will have a successful book club. Be passionate about your membership, participate as much as you can.

Tammy Washington, Lady LOTUS Bookclub Founder, is a country girl at heart, with a love for reading that takes her imagination beyond the stars. She is a graduate of the University of Louisiana at Monroe. She is an Early Childhood & Elementary Ed. Curriculum Monitor.

Tammy has been married to the love of her life, Rod Washington for 17 years. Together they have two delightful and daring boys, and two fun and feisty girls. She says her family is heaven sent and truly her JOY.

She enjoys so many authors and quotes, but she most admires author, Maya Angelou. One of her favorite quotes by Maya Angelou is, "If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude."

Most of her adult life has been dedicated to mentoring and servicing children and families. Tammy said, this is not just a passion, but her ministry. She loves to encourage others with a famous quote by Dr. Seuss, "Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You." She shares this quote in an effort to help others embrace who they are in spite of what society says they should be. Tammy's very own quote is, "True beauty begins with the heart and mind, and then flows to be seen through the eyes and smile."

Amanda Presley Lady LOTUS Bookclub Co-Founder, is somewhat of an Army brat. Both her parents were in the army. She was raised and still lives in Monroe, Louisiana. She currently works at an elementary school as a Pre-K Paraeducator. She has been in this position for the last seven years. Amanda also does after school tutoring through the school's tutoring program.

Within the last year she has started her own business, a LadyBugz a party supply store. She is praying that her business is successful enough for her to go at it full time. Amanda is a wife and mother. She has been been married to her husband Richard for 11 years. She has three daughters that keep her very busy with various activities. She is very active in the church. She sings in the church singing group and also work with the mentor program. She loves spending time with her family and friends, especially her girls. In her alone time, give her a good book and she is good to go.

BPM: Share with us the history of the organization. How did you get started? What was the first book that you read as a group? What literary events do you attend each year?
Tammy has always enjoyed reading, but for a short while, she allowed the hustle and bustle of life to pull her away from taking advantage of it more. Her mother-in-law (Barbara) in Shreveport, LA, showed her another level of reading pleasure when she began sharing books that her book club was reading; as well as, inviting her to the meetings and events. Tammy searched the internet and asked around to find a local book club in Monroe, LA, but was unsuccessful. Barbara encouraged Tammy to start her own book club for quite a while.

It wasn't until Tammy and her friend Amanda, who also has always shared a love of reading, began sharing books. It was shortly afterwards that they then decided to begin a book club together.

The Lady L.O.T.U.S (Loving Others Through United Sisterhood) book club began in July 2013. They are located in Monroe, Louisiana. The Lady L.O.T.U.S book club consists of 20 sisters (members).The first book that they read was "The Reverend's Wife" by Kimberly Lawson Roby. Their first literary event will be the National Book Club Conference to be held in August of theat year.

BPM: Do you host events? Donate to charities or provide any service for the community?
In 2013, the Lady L.O.T.U.S's hosted their 1st annual Christmas Gala, in which they invited three authors and two bookclubs from the surrounding area to attend. During the month of December, Lady L.O.T.U.S. held a book and toy drive for less fortunate families. The toy drive culminated at their Christmas Gala as the guest and authors also donated. They were blessed to surpass their toy-giving goal, and was able to help six families (ranging in size from 4-11 people per family). This year they plan to host an even bigger Christmas event.

Also in 2013, they provided Thanksgiving meals to eight families. The L.O.T.U.S bookclub has also established an annual book club scholarship fund, and in May 2014, awarded financial scholarships to two deserving graduating seniors. The Lady L.O.T.U.S. book club is also planning to do something in support of cancer awarenesss. Members of the bookclub have participated in breast cancer (Susan G. Komen) and Down syndrome (Buddy Walk) walks. They even visit various schools within their community and read to the students.

BPM: What impact has reading had on your life? Have there been any books that help shape your life? Give us a deeper understanding of how important reading is to you.
Other than the Holy Bible, books and poetry such as those by Maya Angelou, Their Eyes Were Watching God, by Zora Neale Hurston, The Bluest Eye, by Toni Morrison and a host of other books capture Tammy’s undivided attention. These books have helped shape her life because of the reality in the stories. The thought provoking richness in the story lines comes to life. Tammy enjoys Christian Fiction, Poetry, Romance, Suspense and many other genres.

BPM: What legacy will your bookclub leave for those watching in the community?
The lesson and legacy that Lady L.O.T.U.S bookclub purposes to leave is that reading is not only an outlet, but can unlock doors in the mind to build, strengthen, and enhance knowledge (spiritually, mentally and academically). They strive to model UNITY and SERVICE to our community. As God allows us to be a blessing to one another, so shall we be to our community.

BPM: How many books do you read in one month? Would you say you read more for escape, for educational purposes or for entertainment?
The book club reads one to two books a month. Lady L.O.T.U.S, Michelle Esters reads two books a month. She reads for ESCAPE. This is a way for Michelle to get away from life and escape to a new land.

Amanda may read three to four books a month. She uses reading mainly as an escape and for entertainment.

La-Shondra states, "As a child I used to read for an escape. While "escaping" I felt like I was apart of the book and I could feel and see everything hands on. It gave me hope outside the small town that I lived in. As an adult I read more educational books so I can spiritually and mentally. I enjoying learning new thing about God and myself. I read inspirational books so I can be a better mother, wife and friend." (Lady L.O.T.U.S, La-Shondra Weathersby)

BPM: Do you prefer a hard copy book or a digital book, such as a Kindle book? Do you think digital books will ever replace a printed book?
Lady L.O.T.U.S, Natasha Bosworth prefers to read digital books because she loves technology. She thinks eventually with the changing times digital books will replace hard copies.

Tammy loves to read digital books also. However, she does not feel digital books will replace hard copies because of the history, value and appreciation still shown for hard copies.

BPM: Let's have some fun now! Finish these fun loving sentences with the question and answer. What's on your nightstand now:
Me Before You, by Jojo Moyes & Blessings From the Father, by Michelle Larks (Lady L.O.T.U.S, Tammy Washington)

BPM: Favorite book when you were a child:
The giving Tree, by Shel Silverstein as a child& Sweet Valley High Series, by Francine Pascal as a preteen/teen (Lady L.O.T.U.S, Tammy Washington). A Piece of Cake by Cupcake Brown and The Shaggy Dog which was one of the Golden Book Series. (Lady L.O.T.U.S, Jamekia Dial-Hunter)

BPM: Book all readers should own excluding the Bible:
“The Shack”, by William P. Young (Lady L.O.T.U.S. Rose Lee) As a person of deep faith who is constantly striving to develop a deeper, stronger relationship with God and a better understanding of the connection between religion and spirituality, I was both astounded and uplifted by the novel, The Shack, by William P. Young. As stated in an online review: In a world where religion seems to be growing increasingly irrelevant, The Shack wrestles with the timeless question, “Where is God in a world so filled with unspeakable pain?”

Although the Bible is barely ever mentioned in the novel, the narrative centers on dialogues between Mack, the main character, and three unorthodox characterizations of the Holy Trinity. The answers the main character receives in his quest for understanding both comforted and reiterated to me that God is an ever-present, loving force in our lives, even in the midst of our darkest hours. The sense of peace I felt after reading the novel compelled me to encourage fellow book club members and others I know to read this book. (Lady L.O.T.U.S Rose Lee)

BPM: Book you gave as a gift:
The most recent books gifted are, Taylor’s Strawberry, by Taneka Fuller and Naughty or Nice, by Eric Jerome Dickey. Taylor’s Strawberry is a book for young children to promote self-awareness, self-confidence and acceptance of oneself no matter what physical flaws exist. Naughty or Nice is of course an adult novel that I gifted to a friend & bookclub member. (Lady L.O.T.U.S. Tammy)

BPM: Book you most want to read AGAIN much slower, to savor:
Lady L.O.T.U.S, Andresca Moss would read Afterburn by Zane over and over. It’s just simply a good love story even with a sad ending. Also, The Coldest Winter Ever, by Sista Souljah. She loves the raw and gangsta storylines. Lady L.O.T.U.S, Jacquie Matthews plans to read again The Blessings of Brokeness by Charles Stanley and The Tongue: a Creative Force by Charles Capps.

BPM: Favorite genre, series or sequels:
Andresca’s favorite genre is Erotica and Fifty Shades of Grey is her favorite series. Amanda's favorite genre's are romance, exotica, mystery and drama. Her favorite series are The Westmorelands by Brenda Jackson and The Family Business Series by Carl Weber. Jacquie’s favorite series is Bride Quartet, by Nora Roberts. Her favorite character is Alex Cross from James Patterson books. Lady L.O.T.U.S Alecia Murphy’s favorite series include: Kimbela Lawson Roby: Reverend Curtis Black Series and Mary B Morrison: The Darius Jones Series.

BPM: Book that should be a movie or play:
Little Black Girl Lost Series, by Keith Lee Johnson (Lady L.O.T.U.S Adrian Williams)
Mama, by Terry McMillan (Lady L.O.T.U.S Shafonda Kline)
The Gift, by Danielle Steele(Lady L.O.T.U.S La-Shondra Weathersby)

BPM: Name three authors you would like to do a phone chat with this year.
Amanda would love to do a phone chat with: Carl Weber, Lutisha Lovely and Brenda Jackson.
~You can find our group on Facebook as, Lady LOTUS Bookclub
~Website is currently being created at this time. Update will come soon.

Again, thank you so kindly for allowing us the opportunity to share our group with you and the rest of the reading world.

Second Photo: Lady LOTUS Book Club Leaders
Tammy Washington, President
Amanda Presley, Vice President

The Round Table Readers were founded by La Sheera Lee. The book club is located in Danville, VA. The group was founded on the principles of spreading literacy, fostering sisterhood, and assisting their local community.

The Round Table Readers has hosted three events to date. Each event presented their local communities with the opportunity to meet their favorite authors and to learn about the world of publishing. The literary events have also served their communities. One event featuring Zane, raised funds for a Breast Cancer Survivor. Attendees of other events, have donated can goods and school supplies for admission.

The Round Table Readers also likes to connect with other book clubs. The Sisters of the Red Tent, Sistahs of Urban Literature, and Victorious Ladies of Reading are all considered their sister book club. The Round Table Readers have enjoyed organizing book club events with these wonderful ladies!

BPM: Please tell us about your book club! How did your club get started?
The Round Table Readers were founded by La Sheera Lee. The book club is located in Danville, VA. The group was founded in 2010. Currently, we have eight members. There names are Tora Ballard, Latonya Terry, Hannah Lee, Kay Edmondson, Traci White- Williams, Twozynn McGhgee and Joyce Laverne Mayo.

BPM: Do you prefer to read books by authors of color? Do you support self-published authors?
Generally speaking, the majority of the books we read are from authors of color. We have hosted several self-published authors at our book clubs and literary events.

BPM: Has social media changed how you feel about authors? Do you like to find new authors and interact online?
Social media has forever changed the literary landscape. Authors, book clubs, readers are able to engage and discuss books. Video sharing platforms have also made it easier for readers to virtually host authors for meetings etc.

However, I think that authors need to be mindful of comments or pics presented online. Everyone is certainly entitled to their own opinions. However, if you are a public figure, you must be mindful of the impact your actions might have own your readership.

BPM: What is the purpose for your organization?
The group was founded on the principles of spreading literacy, fostering sisterhood, and assisting their local community.

BPM: Do you have any words of wisdom for other readers who might want to start a book club?
It is essential for all members to respect the time and opinions of all members. It is also important to make sure you have members who personalities click.

BPM: Can we invite you to future events and discussions? How can we follow you online?
Contact Round Table Readers Literary Book Club on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Round-Table-Readers-Literary-Book-Club-130723156983225

Contact La Sheera Lee, Founder Read You Later Communications:
http://www.readyoulater.net
https://twitter.com/readyoulater
https://www.facebook.com/lasheera.lee
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/readyoulater

BPM: Give us the history on your organization. How many members do you have?
The Girl Fridayz Book Club was conceived in August 2005 out of the founder’s love of reading. She brought together a group of “sisters” who also have a love of reading and on September 30, 2005, the Girl Fridayz Book Club was born. We meet the last Friday of each month with different members hosting the meeting. The founder’s name is Karyn Davis and she and the other members of the book club reside in Buffalo, New York. We currently have ten active members.

BPM: What is the misson for your organization? Do you host events during the year?
The main purpose of our book club is to strengthen our passion for reading, share our faith, explore quality works by African-American authors, share ideas and opinions and fellowship with like-minded friends. We have supported authors who have come to our city for book signings/workshops (Virginia DeBerry, Kayla Perrin and Beverly Jenkins), as well as other book clubs who host authors. Also, at least once a year, we contribute to a young adult pursuing his/her dreams. This year we contributed to a young athlete so that she would be able to attend the regionals for track and field. Last year, we contributed to a young lady’s fundraising efforts for Jabberwock, an evening of elegance and entertainment that showcases the gifts and talents of the young women participating in the program while advancing the goals and objectives of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority’s scholarship program.

BPM: Has there been any books that helped shape your life or gave you inspiration?
Yes, there have been several, The Allure by Jackie King-Scott, Perfect Peace by Daniel Black, The Deal, the Dance and the Devil by Victoria Christopher Murray and Redeeming Waters by Vanessa Davis Griggs. There seemed to be a common factor in these books; that being the character(s) had life-changing decisions to make and the decisions they made had a huge impact on the lives of their loved one. The decisions made by these character(s) resulted in lengthy discussions and caused us to take a hard look at the decisions we make sometimes and how we want to make better decisions for ourselves and our loved ones while always keeping God in the mix.

BPM: Do you feel as if African Americans are represented in a good light in the novels you read?
Our book club read mostly African-American Christian fiction. Although some of the characters get themselves into situations that are not very Christian-like, they usually find their way out through prayer and a willingness to do what is right. What we feel puts African Americans in a bad light is when characters consciously conduct themselves in a certain way without thought of consequences and repercussions.

BPM: Do you think digital books will ever replace a printed book? Does the price of eBooks play a big part in the purchase? Would you ever stop buying printed books?
We don’t believe that digital books will ever replace a printed book. We love to be able to turn the pages in the book and most of our members will not purchase a e-book priced more than $5.00 The majority of our members will NEVER stop buying printed books and the only way we could be forced to not buy them is if they stopped selling them.

BPM: What legacy will your club leave for those watching in the community?
Our book club would like to leave a legacy of improving literacy in our community. For those watching in the community, we hope they will see us as Christian women who were consistent in trying to teach the community, especially children the importance of reading.

BPM: How may we find out more about your club?
Please visit our Facebook, GirlFridayz BookClub. We are currently putting together a website, but in the meantime, if anyone needs more information about our book club or just needs to contact us, please contact Karyn Davis on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/girlfridayz.bookclub

Orsayor L. Simmons is the founder of Book Referees. Book Referees spotlights/reviews/promote all genres in the literary world. She is the recipient of the 2013 Top 25 Literary Leader Award - 2014 Top 25 Literary Leader Award (presented by Ella Curry) and 2015 AAMBC Blogger of the Year.

BPM: Please tell us about your blog and review team. How did you get started?
Book Referees was formed by me (Orsayor L. Simmons) - it was formed to get me amd my book loving friends to read/review/and to spread the word out about their favorite book.. but now it seems to take on a life of its own. I'm now spreading the word through my blog - interviewing authors - and getting books in the hands of celebrities. The blog continues to grow so now I have added reviewers to my team. Now when readers log on to my blog they are able to read reviews from different perspectives than it being all about me. Because when it boils down to it - it's about the BOOKS! Books are the common demoninator to bringing us together.

BPM: Do you prefer to read books by authors of color? Do you support self-published authors?
Book Referees read and reviewed all genres!! We also support self-published authors.

BPM: Has social media changed how you feel about any authors?
Yes! Social media has changed how I feel about a few authors, but I have learned over the years that I can't hang on every word an author post on Social Media. Authors like anyone else are entitled to their opinions especially if you friend them on their personal page. When it boils down to it - you have to be able to draw a line in the sand. Are you reading to be liked by an author? or Are you reading for the joy of reading? Life is too short to get caught in the "mess" of Social Media. On the flip side, I have been introduced to some wonderful authors on Social Media. That's life... There's always a good/bad side to things.

BPM: What is the purpose for your organization?
Book Referees is here to serve the literary community by being committed to getting word out about the importance of reading, the importance of reviewing, and importance of supporting authors. Book Referees has added promotional services to our services - with over 19,000 followers on Twitter - we are a 24/7 book alert system.

BPM: Do you have any words of wisdom for other readers who might want to start a book blog?
Don't let fear stand in your way! Just do it! You won't know everything when you begin your club or blog - but you will learn many new things along the way. Do not ever compare your club to other groups - every book club or blog has something special to offer to the literary community.

BPM: Can we invite you to future events and discussions? How can we follow you online?
Yes! I would be honored!
Orsayor L. Simmons Contact Information
On the Web - http://www.bookreferees.org
On Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/Orsayor
Book Referees on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/BookReferees
On LinkedIn - http://www.linkedin.com/pub/mrs-simmons/26/904/754
On Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/OrsayorSimmons
Book Referees on FB: http://www.facebook.com/TheBookReferees

BPM: Please tell us about your blog and Black Page Turners. How did you get started?
King Brooks: Black Page Turners was formed by me (Cleavester b.k.a. King Brooks) in 2013. Before Black Page Turners, I hosted an online radio show and various other book magazines and websites. I am a team of one. What inspired me to start Black Page Turners was the closing of Black Issues Book Review. I wanted a place where I could come and find out all about African Americans books, publishing info, writer tools, etc.

BPM: Do you prefer to read books by authors of color? Do you support self-published authors?
King Brooks: Yes, I love books by black authors and I support self-publish authors that are properly edited.

BPM: Has social media changed how you feel about any authors?
King Brooks: No, I have learned how to separate the work from the person. So I want be disappointed. As long as you write a good book. I have no problem with you; but if the book is not good, then we have a problem. In the words of Don Miguel Ruiz "Don't Take Anything Personally: Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering."

BPM: What is the purpose for your organization?
King Brooks: The purpose of Black Page Turners is to inform readers about books written and about African Americans.

BPM: Do you have any words of wisdom for other readers who might want to start a book blog?
King Brooks: In the famous words of Nike 'Just Do It.' If you are getting into this business to be about yourself or to be famous. Turn and exit now. Be prepared to invest long hours into your blog and be patient. The followers, authors, and publishers don't come over night. If anyone tells you 'No,' don't take it personal. Just keep moving forward and be very creative.

BPM: Can we invite you to future events and discussions? How can we follow you online?
King Brooks: You can.

Cleavester 'King' Brooks, Publisher/Editor
Website: http://www.blackpageturners.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/blackpageturners
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/bpageturners

BPM: How did your blog, Diamond's Literary World, get started?
One night, my future husband Darrell ( apparently very tired of hearing me go on and on and on about another fictional character) suggested that I start a literary blog, and after much consideration…Diamond's Literary World was created.

BPM: Is there something in particular that makes your blog different from the others?
I believe Diamond's Literary World is different, because it is not focused on one particular genre. My posts include books and events from several genres, not limited to, but including Christian Fiction, Romance, Urban/Street Lit, Erotica, Biography, Autobiography, Self-Help, Muslim and Crime Fiction. The name Diamond's Literary World is special to me because my knowledge and love of books over the last 35 years, allows me to be a diamond that stands out from the rest.

BPM: In your opinion, what makes a good book conversation? Does the availability of a reading guide help with the discussion?
A good book conversation consists of character development, climactic effect and the meat of the book. The ending also plays a large role (i.e. Did the ending surprise you?) Sometimes, it's hard to stay on topic when you have a room full of people who have various emotions about the same scene. Add a little wine, and there's no telling where the conversation may lead. I, for one, NEVER use the reading guides, because I develop my own questions along the way.

BPM: How do you make your book selections for the month? Do you use social media?
My book selections are determined by my mood. If I'm in a romantic mood, I'll choose Romance. When I need took feed my spirit, I immediately go to something religious based or Christian Fiction. Feeling a little perturbed, Urban/Street Lit is where I turn to. If I feel inspired, I'll reach for a self-help book. Social media has become my outlet when it comes to sharing my featured books with readers, in hopes that they will pick it up, too.

BPM: Do you prefer to read books by authors of color? Do you borrow books from the library?
I will read a good book by anyone who writes a good story…it doesn't necessarily haves to be a person of color. I believed in supporting self-published authors, because so many of them are people I actually know, she's I believe in supporting someone else's dream. You never know if or when you will need someone to support a dream of yours. I have not borrowed a book from the library in over 15 years, because I always end up buying the book for my personal collection. As a matter of fact, I received a library card 3 days ago. It felt kind of weird! LOL.

BPM: What are key factors that help a book remain on your mind long after the last page?
Key factors that always help a book remain on my mind are strong characters, some type of twist and a powerful message. I love a book that I can immediately pull from my mental Rolodex, years down the road. One such book would be The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Alex Haley, which I read in the 7th grade, along with my classmates. This book depicts the life of a troubled young man who canned from humble beginnings,become a man that not only changed his life, but stood up and made a difference in the world. It blew my young, impressionable mind and remains there to this day.

BPM: Do you post book reviews to online retailers? How do you handle bad reviews?
My book reviews can be found on Amazon, Facebook, WordPress, Goodreads, Shelfari, and Twitter. If a book is mediocre, I will be honest and hope that the author will take my words and use them to improve their craft.

BPM: Can you share a few 5 star books that have expanded your horizon?
I would happy to share Stand Your Ground by Victoria Christopher Murray, Strongholds by Vanessa Davis Griggs, The Man in 3B by Carl Weber, Silence of the Nine by T. Styles, and Ghetto Bastard by K'wan. They are many more, but these are the first to come to mind.

BPM: What are you reading now? What books are on your reading schedule?
I am currently reading Mama B: A Time for War by Michelle Stimpson. I found out about this book, which is the fifth installment of the Mama B series, from several posts on Facebook. My next read is Lawful Deception by Pamela Samuels Young…another book I found out about on Facebook. I'm actually pretty excited about this upcoming release!

BPM: How do you feel about attending book signings, literary festivals and events?
I love to attend book signings and literary events, because I get to meet new authors, as well as catch up with some veterans. I would like to see more people come out and support these artists, if not financially, then emotionally. Let them know what you thought of their book(s) and encouraged them to keep perfecting their craft. I really don't have any dislikes about events and I really don't mind whether an author reads from his/her but, but it does intrigued the mind sometime.

BPM: What is your preferred way to find new books?
I prefer to find new books from a friend's recommendation and social media.

BPM: Do you primarily purchase books online or in a bookstore? Do you prefer digital books?
I buy books online and at my local African American owned bookstore. I have no preference of digital or printed books, but somehow, I read the digital ones faster. The price of an e-book does not play a part in my purchase.

BPM: Do you attend Twitter chats or Facebook chats? Have you ever viewed a Google Hangout or Periscope show?
I have only attended Facebook chats and never viewed A Hangout or Periscope show. If given the opportunity, I would love to chat with Vanessa Davis Griggs or John Grisham.

BPM: Can we invite you to future social media events and discussions?
I would love to be invited you anything literary related. I can be found online at this sites:
Website: diamondsliteraryworld.wordpress.com
Twitter: purplepassion802
Facebook: Diamond's Literary World
Goodreads: Diane Rembert

BPM: Give us a little history on your organization, Indulge Book Club. How many members do you have?
Indulge Book Club was started December 2005. We are located in Washington DC. We currently have ten members. Indulge Coordinator/Founder is Micole Marbury, Secretary is Marcia Horton, Activities Coordinator Latarsha Reid, Photographer Chaquita Goode, Indulge little readers facilitator Mailka Watkins

We started Indulge because we love to read and we wanted an outlet from our daily lives and to fellowship with friends. We are a group of individuals who meet every 1st Sunday at various member homes from 4pm to 6pm for book discussions. We are varied in age and are of numerous backgrounds. We are passionate readers who have been reading together for ten years in December, 2015.

BPM: What is the mission of the group? Tell us about your work in the community.
The mission of the group is to free our minds from the stresses of life and indulge ourselves in great books, food and conversation. Indulge was not originally establish for community service purposes but in the upcoming years we plan to start promoting the importance of reading.

BPM: What types of monthly activities do you enjoy as a group? Do you travel?
We meet once a month for our book club meetings. We have activities planned for every three months in the year. We have an annual game night, we see movies together, go to dinner together, and for our 5th Anniversary on went on a cruise on the Odyssey.

BPM: What impact has reading or being in a organized group had on your life?
As the Organizer/Founder of Indulge Book Club, it has been a great pleasure to know and meet so many amazing people and to hear there thoughts and emotions. The experience helps us grow as individuals. The books are a bonus

BPM: How do you feel about electronic books such as for the Kindle, Nook or iPad, etc?
These devices are good because it helps the reader now have so many books all over the place. But they do not hold the same substance as books.

BPM: How may we find out more about your club?
You can contact us at www.Facebook.com/Indulgebookclub, and (website is under construction www.indulgebookclub.com). Email us for the mailing address to send books for review.

BPM: Introduce us to your group. What was the first book you read as a Group?
MMBC: Mississippi Magnolias Book Club was founded November, 5, 2012 in Gulfport, Mississippi by Antionette Gates, President. MMBC officers are Antionette Gates, President, Ethel Smith, Vice-President, Taironzika Wesley, Secretary, Angela McNair, Treasurer, Photographers, Lisa Ladner and Kimberly Robins. MMBC currently have ten active members. Our first book read was Money Can’t Buy Love by Connie Briscoe.

BPM: Why was the organization created? Donate to charities or provide any services for the community?
MMBC was created from avid readers that also happen o be members of Unity Festival, Incorporated, a non-profit organization. Yes, a few of us post reviews on Amazon. We contribute to all UFI events throughout the community; Thanksgiving baskets to needy families, books or prizes for the Children’s Book Jamboree, and sponsor Angel Tree children, at Christmas. MMBC members also volunteer at the organizations various functions including the neighborhood Unity Festival in March of each calendar year.

BPM: What type of books does your group read? Are there any genres that you will not read?
MMBC: Romance, Contemporary Fiction, Erotica and Mysteries are group favorites. Some members thoroughly enjoy paranormal books as well. There is no genre that we absolutely will not read. A book excerpt does not help in the book selection.

BPM: Do you prefer to only read books by authors of color? Do you support self-published authors?
MMBC: The majority of books read by MMBC are by authors of color, but books have been chosen by authors who aren’t of color. MMBC members definitely support self-published authors. Any support given self-published authors help promote awareness of the book and enlighten other readers about both the author and their books. This action in turn will someday garner a larger following for the self-published author.

BPM: What are key factors that help a book remain on your mind long after the last page?
MMBC: A few key factors are great characters, realistic problems or events, and a fantastic location.

BPM: What authors have been able to capture your imagination and support far beyond the last page?
MMBC: Authors Beverly Jenkins, Francis Ray, Brenda Jackson, Marissa Monteilh, Janet Evanovich, Kimberly Lawson Roby, Eric Jerome Dickey, and the E. Lynn Harris have created characters with strong personalities, endearing qualities and life situations. They make you wonder about the characters and events they will write about next.

BPM: What legacy will your club leave for those watching in the community?
MMBC: Our goal is to improve our community through literacy and literature. We hope to bring a sense of joy, hope, and adventure associated with the love of reading, and volunteerism to the youth on the coast. It is our goal to further these efforts in future through a youth reading group or book club.

BPM: How may we find out more about your book club?
MMBC: For more information contact us on Facebook at Mississippi Magnolias Book Club @ www.facebook.com.

BPM: Give us the history on your club. How many members do you have? Tell us about the members.
My name is Toshona E. Carter and I am the Founder and President of this great group of women called Divas Leaving No Pages Unturned. My bookclub got started on July 17, 2010 as a request from some sister friends whom loved to read. They knew I had previously been a member in another club.

The members names are the following:
LaToshia Enoch-Elston
Cassandra Wallace
Tacarla Young
Jayla Davis
Angela Davis
Erica Whitfield
Jennnifer James
Shantwan Vickers
Shereen Watkins

BPM: What is the purpose for your organization? Do you host events during the year?
Our bookclub focuses on community service. We want to promote literacy and help provide a positive atmosphere for children & families. Also to provide a nuturing environment for all women of color. When were not reading and having a book discussion, we are usually participating in some type of community service project. We recently participated in a homeless facility called the Union Rescue Mission where we packed boxes for families for Thanksgiving. We also donated to the Ronald McDonald House and took up a cash donation forThe Salvation Army.

BPM: Have you always liked to read? What you love most about reading? Favorite authors?
I have loved reading since I was a small child. I feel that reading opens your mind to so many possiblities. I do believe knowledge is Power. Some of my favorite authors include Mary Monroe, Adrienne Thompson, Francis Ray, Terry McMillan, Daniel Black, E.Lynn Harris, Rita Williams- Garcia, Zane, Toni Morrison, and Dr. Maya Angelou.

BPM: Welcome! Please share with us the history of the organization. How did you get started?
Hi my name is Sheridan Akens founder of Coffee Beanz N Readz Book Club but you can call me Mz. Coffee Bean. I was born in Los Angeles CA. and moved to Texas at an early age. I currently reside in Houston, Texas where I’m raising two beautiful daughters. I’ve always had a strong passion for reading, so it was no surprise when I began my search within the city to find a book club to join. But to my surprise I found this task somewhat challenging. So I decided to do the next best thing and start my own club.

A Book Club wrote a book about The Journey of a Book Club. The six authors of Fourth Sunday – The Journey Of A Book Club, Francesca Cook, Chyla Evans, Clarita Frazier, Allita Irby, Donna Neale, and Yolanda Yates are members of a book club based in Maryland. They have been featured in various publications, showcasing their decision to write their own novel. Add Fourth Sunday – The Journey Of A Book Club to your list of books to read! What happens when a real life book club decides to write their own novel? The result is a fresh, fun story about a group of women who have more in common than just the books they read.

FOURTH SUNDAY written by B.W. Read (aka “Because We Read” ) is the tale of seven women and their journey towards friendship by way of a simple book club. Over time, their friendship grows beyond books, as their lives, relationships, careers, and families become one. The core group of women—Gwen, Natalie, Allana, Brianna, Camille, Destiny, and Adriane—shares not only their love of books at these monthly meetings but their life experiences as well. During a two year period, the women undergo a number of trials within their own lives as they confront divorce, illness, romantic highs and lows, sexual experimentation, and career challenges. Throughout the good times and bad times, their book club family provides support, encouragement, laughter, and love.

Written by six women of a real-life book club who no longer wanted to read about characters they could not identify with, FOURTH SUNDAY is the answer for the everyday woman. FOURTH SUNDAY is timeless cosmopolitan literature. The novel incorporates intellect and riveting facts about medical, political and small business state of affairs while balancing playfulness and sensuality. It is funny, it is sad, it is contemporary, but most of all it is real.

BPM: Give us a little history on the 4th Sunday Book Club.
The 4th Sunday Book Club was founded in the 1994 by six professional African-American women from the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area . These women shared a desire to read books of quality and substance and formed a loosely structured book club simply referred as “the book club”. The objective was to read books written by African-American authors. Over time the club diversified to include at least one non-fiction book per year and has grown beyond solely African-American authored works.

The book club, which met on fourth Sundays, soon found that contemporary literature did not reflect them or their lives. Motivated by this realization, the club began writing its own book. The result is Fourth Sunday: A Journey of Book Club, which was written under the pseudonym B.W. Read and published in May 2011 by Strebor Books for Simon and Shuster. In honor of the success of the book, “the book club” was renamed “4th Sunday Book Club.”

The 4th Sunday Book Club has grown in membership and purpose. The club now has 13 active members. However, it remains an unstructured, intimate club where books are our connection and our bond is our strength.

BPM: In your opinion, why is reading important in our lives?
Reading is important because it exposes us to experiences and information we may not otherwise encounter. Reading helps us to become more educated and well rounded. Books, like "A Wrinkle In Time" by Madeleine L'Engle, influence lives at an early stage and have lasting effects.

BPM: What types of books does your group read? How do you select the featured books?
The club reads11 books per year. At least one non-fiction and a book with a romantic theme or undertone are read each year in February. The club meets only once during the summer months of July and August, for a co-ed meeting where spouses or significant others are invited is held. Books are selected at the January meeting and are selected by consensus.

BPM: What are you reading now as a group? How did you come by this selection?
This year’s co-ed book is “Before I Forget” by Leonard Pitts. The club attempts to select co-ed books that are (1) fiction with contemporary stories and themes that may appeal to the male perspective or (2) non-fiction and address contemporary issues and subject matters.

BPM: What are your all-time favorite book selections?
Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand, everything written by Tananarive Due, The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison, Red Tent by Anita Diamante, and Topping from Below by Laura Reese to name a few.

BPM: Are you satisfied with the legacy books written by African American authors will leave our future generations?
NO and NO. For the past 20 years or more, books written by black authors that are profiled or placed front and center by bookstores and the media are classified as “Urban Literature.” Most often found under this classification are books that reflect the urban hip-hop culture, baby mama drama, hustler, or mad black woman perspectives that feed the majority’s opinion. Contemporary books are capturing the moment, the flavor of the month, sometimes for shock value. Only a few of these books will be classics 20, 30, years from now.

Books of depth and substance are painted with this broad monolithic “Urban Literature” brush and are too often looked over when books get promoted. They are ultimately lost to the readers and we are left with a legacy of more widely read black books that stereotype us, our lives, and our desires.

BPM: Is there anything you would love to see more of in books?
YES. More diversity including, but not limited to mixed race couples, gay characters that aren't caricatures or stereotypes, people doing meaningful things with their lives that make them happy, and people being accountable for the decisions (good and bad) they make without blaming society, lack of money or their parents.

Interview submitted by Allita Irby, Fourth Sunday Book Club

BPM: Give us a little history on your organization, Girlfriends Book Club, Atlanta Chapter.
Our organization name is Girlfriends Book Club and we are the Atlanta Chapter. Our organization was founded in 2004 in Sacramento, CA. by CEO Tamika Shamberger. The Atlanta Chapter was founded in 2008 and we are the fourth of seven chapters. Officers of the Atlanta Chapter are Germeko Murray- President; Vegletta Cook-Lewis- Vice President, Sherica Tate- Treasurer and Stephanie Jett- Secretary. As of now we have nine members.

BPM: What is the mission of the group? Tell us about the GBC work in the community.
In the process of doing what we love which is reading we want to promote sisterhood. We would like to be a national known book club combating the stereotype that African American women can not get along, we would like show that it can be done in a positive way.

BPM: What type of monthly activities do you enjoy as a group? Do you travel?
Well, we do have our monthly book meetings, but we also try to get together as often as we can for social events such as: Book Expos, Birthdays and Girls Night Out. We have several annual events Parent/Family Day, Holiday Party and Annual Trip also we do several community services per year.

BPM: How are you celebrating the holidays? Will your club have a group party?
All of the members are very family oriented and will be celebrating the holidays with their families but we will most definitely get together for our Annual Holiday Party which will consist of dinner, games, gift exchange, a little partying and most of all enjoying the sisterhood!!!

BPM: What impact has reading and being in an organized group had on your life?
Reading is a comfort zone that sometimes takes you out of your element and it gives you a visual of situations and people that you may have never encountered or some you may know. Being in Girlfriends Book Club has allowed me to meet women from different backgrounds and experiences. I have also been able to participate in things that I would have not normally in return it has made me more open minded and appreciate sisterhood more.

BPM: How may we find out more about your club?
You can find out more about all our organizations chapters at www.girlfriendsbookclub.com and more about the Atlanta Chapter at www.gbcatlanta.webs.com, www.facebook.com/gbcatl

Submitted by:
Germeko Murray, GBC ATL President
www.gbcatlanta.webs.com
www.facebook.com/gbcatl
www.girlfriendsbookclub.com

BPM: Give us the history on your organization. How many members do you have?
Sista Girl: It was my personal challenge to read at least one book a month that lead me on this literary journey. My name is Michelle and I started “The Sista Girl Book Club” back in September, 2005, with some of my co-workers. It has been an interesting adventure to say the least. If any book club has been together more than a couple of years they can attest to the fact that a positive book club is hard to maintain. We started with five members ,we at one time had eleven members and back down to the four core members and the last three years we had five members. This May we added our sixth member to our club, we will wait another year see how this works out and may consider adding another member and take it a year at a time. We are primarily located in PA with one member from NJ.

BPM: What is the purpose for your organization? Do you host events during the year or provide services for the community?
Sista Girl: We are a group of ladies whom love to read and get together the last Saturday of each month to break bread, relax and catch up on each others lives in the midst of discussing a common book we have read. Our sole purpose is having a Sista Night Out! We all have busy lives, families, jobs and such and we are taking one night out of our busy months for some Sista time!

BPM: Are you satisfied with the legacy black books will leave our future generations? Do you think the writings of today's authors are leaving the same legacy as authors from other generations? If so, who?
Sista Girl: I am so proud to introduce someone to the African American authors that I have come to know. The writings of my people can not be housed in just one category as even I thought when I began my reading journey almost seven years ago. We have authors such as Mary Monroe and then you go all the way to the other side with a Monique D. Mensah and I will throw in a Eric Pete, Lori Johnson, Daniel Black, Tracy Brown and my newest author Victor McGlothin in the middle. What you have here is Good reading for the young and the old.

BPM: Do you feel as if African Americans are represented in a good light in the novels you read?
Sista Girl: This is an internal debate that I have with myself about the books by my people. Do I pick a book just because I want to just support my people or do I pick a book because the author is a good author?   The Sista Girl Book Club has chosen to support whom ever we tell can tell a good story, simple!

The Urban/Hood books that I read, it’s like the lights are out! Don’t get me wrong these are some of the best books that I have come to know and authors that I continue to support, but face it we look bad in most of them.   My husband always tells me to stop reading those comic books. Then we have some books that I tend to remove from that Urban category but are by African American authors and these books tell stories that shed better lighting to us as African American people. These books make you think a little harder it seems and they definitely lend to a better discussion.

BPM: Do you think digital books will ever replace a printed book? Does the price of ebooks play a big part in the purchase? Would you ever stop buying printed books?
Sista Girl: Well what can we say about technology? The price of the e-books definitely caused me to purchase more books than I would have normally. I think the easy access to purchase and read the books right away also lends to why e-books have become more popular. I have noticed that my son reads more than he did with his e-reader than his printed books, not sure why but he does. I have some diehard friends whom swore that they were not going to stray from printed books and where are they getting their books from right now? You guessed it, from the comfort of their homes, work. or wherever they are on their electronic e-readers! I will buy a printed book when necessary or at an event to support an author that I like, so I won’t rule out buying a actual printed book!

BPM: How may we find out more about your club? Please share your FB link and website address.
Sista Girl: Like us on Facebook as Sista Girl Book Club. You can check out the Sistas & Sista Happenings on our website: www.Sistagirlbooks.com

“Return2Sender” is the first release of phenomenal author Curtis Anthony Brittingham. A true story, it is riveted with the real life and after life experiences of Curtis Anthony Brittingham who was shot nine times, pronounced dead, experienced Heaven and brought back to earth by the Almighty God.

Years later, Curtis has agreed to share his miraculous story of pain, desperation, life and hope. Growing up in the streets of Trenton, New Jersey, the author shares his testament and faith in a town that held both good and horrific memories. Not only does the author share this true story, he captures the hearts of each reader by making his story relatable to others. Inspirational is just the beginning of what the author delivers to his readers.

Most importantly is the author’s clear instruction to return those things that you don’t want to accept in your life back to the sender! A must read you don’t want to miss!

Meet the Author
Curtis Anthony Brittingham, Sr. is a native of Trenton, New Jersey. He matriculated at Philadelphia Bible College, and Luther Rice Theological Seminary. Once under the leadership of City of Refuge and the didactical Bishop Noel Jones, Mr. Brittingham has pastored in Union City, Georgia.

These days, Mr. Britingham evangelizes across the United States and abroad. One of the most profound preachers of the gospel, he most enjoys ministering one on one with his prophetic gifts and letting others know that regardless of your circumstances, “You Can Make It!”

The Black Pearls Magazine family would like to thank each of you for joining us monthly in celebrating the best in literature and the arts. Our team of writers, bookclubs and authors are so humbled that you have allowed us entrance into your life. It amazes me each month as I check our subscribers how many of you deem us worthy of your time and support.

We appreciate each of you for telling 10 people about the magazine and for driving people to this site. YOU make Black Pearls the magnificent publication that it is, by sharing the Gift of Knowledge!

Please know, as we prepare each issue for you, we look for those stimulating conversations, the most thought provoking articles and most of all, the best books on the shelves. We want each page of this magazine to add value to your lives! Your comments and feedback are welcomed. Join our blog and share your news, advice and wisdom with the other readers. Tell us what you want to read too!

As we enjoy this exciting year, we hope to bring you more provocative topics and life empowering books to shape your lives. We have contests for the readers and more interactive sections added to the magazine. Let us know what you think of the fresh new content by emailing us here. Thank you!

Ella Curry, President of EDC Creations
Founder & Editor In Chief Black Pearls Magazine

Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions expressed by the authors and those providing articles for Black Pearls Magazine are theirs alone, and do not reflect the views, opinions or positions of Ella Curry, EDC Creations Media Group, Crown Holders Transmedia Group, Black Pearls Magazine or any employee thereof. We make no representations as to accuracy, completeness, timeliness, suitability or validity of any information presented by individual authors and/or guest writers for this online magazine and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries or damages arising from its display or use. If issues should arise, please contact the author or the publishing firms directly.