The Nate Holmes Honorary Award to be given at the AAMBC Literary Awards (cc @aambookclub)

The Nate Holmes Honorary Award to be given at the AAMBC Literary Awards Posted by aambcgroup  This year AAMBC celebrates African American literature with its fourth year of its annual awards. A company launched in 2008 by an aspiring writer at the age of 20, Tamika Newhouse, set out to expose unknown writers. In less than a decade it grew to be one of the most recognizable and sought out sources of literature to date. Paving the way for writers and other affiliates who have followed AAMBC's lead, this year they added more to their growing number of ways to contribute to African American literature.   On August 26, 2011, Author Nate Nati Holmes was gunned down in Phoenix, Arizona leaving behind a legacy he still had yet to fulfill. Many of his friends and colleagues mourned his death including AAMBC founder, Tamika Newhouse. Tamika had the desire to pay tribute to Nate Holmes, and in March 2012 announced the "Nate Holmes Honorary Award" that will be added to the annual AAMBC Literary Awards.     READ MORE AT: http://aambookclub.com/the-nate-holmes-honorary-award-given-at-the-aambc-literary-awards

New On The Ereader This Week featuring RedHeart by @sylviahubbard1 via @sormag

New On The Ereader This Week Issue 9 - March 2012   In This Issue Isn't She Lovely Kissing The Captain Red Heart Donovan's Bed CLICK THE BUY NOW TO GET YOUR COPIES TODAY Isn't She Lovely? by Bettye Griffin   Buy Now Nathan's Cougar by Timothy Stelly  Buy Now  Endless Enchantment by Angie Daniels  Buy Now  Dancing With Destiny by AlTonya Washington        Buy Now    Kissing the Captain   by Kianna Alexander Buy Now        Frienemies by Janie De Coster Buy Now        Red Heart (Heart of Detroit) by Sylvia Hubbard Buy Now    Donovan's Bed  Calhoun Sisters, Book 1 by Debra Mullins Buy Now  Hope's Garden by Lyn Cote Buy Now    FAMILY, FRIENDS, FOES? A Malcolm Black Novel by Angelia   Vernon Menchan    Buy Now  When Hearts Collide by Kendra James Buy Now  The Seduction of Mr. Bradley by Minnie E Miller     Buy Now                MAINSTREAM ROMANCE              ISN'T SHE LOVELY?   by Bettye Griffin              The author of The Heat of Heat and A Kiss of a Different Color delivers a heart-tugging tale of loss and healing... In the years since her husband left her, Tracy Pegram has struggled to support her children, working full-time and taking classes to advance her career. Then her son is injured in a hit-and-run accident...and when she learns the irresponsible driver is the son of a millionaire politician, she wants blood. Illinois Attorney General Keith Norwood's promising political career stalled after a horrific road accident killed his wife and her mother before his eyes. Voters felt he should tend to his traumatized young son, who also witnessed the crash, and he lost his party's nomination for governor. Now, four years later, he is running again and leading in the polls when his troubled son, Josh, runs over a child and flees the scene in a panic. In an attempt to protect the teen, Keith and his lawyer offer a private settlement to the injured boy's mother. Tracy is livid at the candidate's attempt to buy his son out of trouble, but when Josh Norwood asks to apologize to her son, she sees into the heart of the troubled teen and opens her home and heart to him. Before long she recognizes a tortured soul under the rigid public persona of Keith Norwood as well, but opening her heart to the father the way she has to the son is out of the question...or is it?     Website address:   www.bettyegriffin.com       Available on   Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Smashwords           HISTORICAL ROMANCE              KISSING THE CAPTAIN   by Kianna Alexander            In 1879, near the small northern California town of Ridgeway, Lilly Warren is a young black woman who has recently lost her father. There is little time for mourning, though, as the responsibility of running the twenty-six acre farm now belongs to her. To make matters even more complex, her father has deeded the house and the land to her in his will with an interesting condition: that she share the land with a person she's never met, or forfeit ownership. Ricardo Benigno is a Spanish captain of the Anna Juanita, a shipping vessel bringing spices and oils to the shores of California. Seeking out the farm of his old friend Leonard Warren, he discovers that the older man has passed away. To his surprise, Ricardo has also been willed joint ownership of Warren land, as long as he shares it with Lilly, Warren's only child. The attraction between them is instant, and they both agree that marriage is the only acceptable way they can share the land. But can two people from such different worlds learn to love each other, or will Lilly's heart be broken if she dares to kiss the captain?     Website address: www.KiannaAlexander.com        Available on   Amazon, Barnes & Noble          ROMANCE              RED HEART   by Sylvia Hubbard           After a long period away, Jode returns to her hometown Detroit just to attend her best friend's funeral. Yet, when she finds out that the death was no suicide, she goes in search of the truth. As secrets are revealed and the past she ran away from began to haunt her again, Jode believes that her best friend's murderer may be her first love, Red Heart.       Website address:  http://sylviahubbard.com     Available on   Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Smashwords        HISTORICAL WESTERN ROMANCE              DONOVAN'S BED    by Debra Mullins        In this battle of the sexes, the ultimate prize is love. The Calhoun Sisters, Book 1 Sarah Calhoun is bound and determined to restore honor to the family name the only way she knows how-make her late father's newspaper, the Burr Chronicle, the most successful in the Wyoming Territory. Haunted by past scandal, she knows one misstep, one misunderstanding, could bring disgrace back down on her head. Yet that doesn't stop her from running an article about the insulting Jack Donovan. The blasted man is shopping for a wife as he would a horse! Jack finally has the house in the kind of town he's always dreamed about. Now all that's missing is a wife. At first, he thinks Sarah's scathing article about his quest is a good thing-until he finds himself hounded by hordes of young girls, spinsters and widows. Still, he can't stop thinking about the sassy newspaper editor who started it all. Sarah is as determined to ignore her impossible attraction to Donovan as she is to uncover his mysterious past. But the harder she digs for his secrets, the deeper he hides them. Until there's only one rock left unturned. His heart. Website address:  www.debramullins.com  Available on   Amazon, Barnes & Noble         THANK YOU FOR READING   NEXT ISSUE - April 4th        Let me know if you add these books to your ereaders.  I'd love to know what you think of them.    Feel free to forward this to your book loving friends.   See you on the net,     LaShaunda Hoffman  SORMAG -http://sormag.blogspot.com sormag@yahoo.com    P.S. Have you joined SORMAG's Ereader Bookclub on Facebook? Send me an email and join the fun.    Do you have an ebook? (Amazon, Nook, Smashbook or PDF )   Our newsletter is just right for you  $55.00   FORWARD TO YOUR BOOK LOVING FRIENDS SORMAG | http://sormag.com | http://sormag.blogspot.com | http://sormagtours.com | St. Louis | MO | 63111

Check out @SORMAG's featured of @TamikaNewhouse

SORMAG's Blog FEATURED AUTHOR: Tamika Newhouse Kisses Don't Lie  Theres Dean her first love and then theres Keith Mr. Right Now. Kyla struggles with her desires and her past when she makes a rare trip back home to Fort Worth. After leaving ten years ago Kyla comes to terms with the one who got away; Dean and their short lived romance comes into full swing. That is until it goes terribly wrong and she is left with wondering if she should work it out with Keith instead. A simple kiss led to many secrets being revealed; and it makes Kyla wish she could take it all back. Michael is ready to commit to Brittany and for once he feels he has the right woman by his side. That is until a passionate night turns into an unwanted child. Fighting to keep her heart from being broken; Brittany vows to never be just another notch in a mans belt. Although Michael promises to be there and seals it with a kiss, Brittany still struggles with if she should carry their child. When love isnt enough will each one of them make the right decision? Can they finally trust the one they want the most? After all its better to be slapped by the truth then kissed with a lie. They say kisses dont lie, right? Tamika Newhouse is a self-published bestselling author who founded Delphine Publications, at the age of 21; Tamika appeared on various bestseller lists and won Self Published Author of the Year at the 2009 African American Literary Awards only 9 months after her debut novel. In 2010 she was inducted into Who's who in Black San Antonio and she landed a major publishing deal without an agent and still continues to write independent projects. In 2011 her company Delphine Publications won an African American Literary Award for Best Anthology as well as Tamika won for the second time Self Published Author of the Year. She was also nominated by the National Women in Business Association for the 2011 Entrepreneurial Spirit Award. Along with Delphine Publications, Tamika is the founder and President of African Americans on the Move Book Club (AAMBC) - an online book club and radio show catering to avid readers across the nation. She is also CEO of Obsessive Soul Media. With future projects in the works from short films, stage plays and much more, Tamika is a young woman on a mission. Tamika presently tours the country speaking about overcoming her teen pregnancy to fulfill her dream, as well as teaching aspiring writers the publishing ropes. A former radio host, she hosted her own internet radio show (AAMBC) for over three years and continues to expand her brand. She is currently living in San Antonio with her son and daughter and is currently working on her fifth novel He's My Favorite Mistake. For Bookings: Nikki@NikkiWalkerPR.net How did you start out your writing career? At the age of 21 I launched my own publishing company, Delphine Publications by publishing my own book The Ultimate NO NO. I went on from that book and landed a major book deal without an agent all the while publishing other authors and continuing to write independently. What did you learn while writing this book? When writing my current book, Kisses Don't Lie, I discovered the balance between my craft and the business. I learned to maintain both and write daily to ensure I can have a project out on time. What did you hope to accomplish with this book? I hope to have a cross over audience and build a brand that's outside of the book world. I want to gain readers who wouldn't normally pick up a romance novel. I want to open up many doors for other writers to come up behind me and be even more successful. What came first with this story, the characters or the plot? Why? The plot came first. I knew that I wanted my characters to develop from a young age to only fall apart as time passed by. We all have that first love but we grow up and then we forget about that love as if it never happened. What has surprised you most about becoming a published author? That I would have a love/hate for this book world. It can be tiresome but I don't see myself doing anything else. I see that there are clicks, and bully's and gossipers and try to overlook the negativity. But when I get a message from a reader stating they loved my work it makes all the heartache worth it. What aspect of writing do you love the best, and which do you hate the most? I love writing drama and I love writing about being in love. Although love isn't perfect so when I write about the heartaches my characters go through it's all coming from a real place. No love is perfect so I will never have a perfect love story. What are three things you wish you'd known before you reached where you are now? Where to travel, who to socialize with, and how to develop a book/media tour Can you give us one do and one don't for those aspiring to be a writer? Do not get involved in clicks with authors who promote and socialize to each other, expand your brand and your reach. Lastly to be consistent in this industry, if you quit you will never make it. What one thing about writing do you wish other non-writers would understand? At events I am often approached by readers or supporters that they wish to write a book, but one thing about writing is that this is a God given talent. Not just any one can write and develop a story. Tell us something few know about you? I am anti-social by nature. I love to be at home and be alone. But since coming into this industry I had to develop a personality and become personable. When you're not writing, what do you like to do in your spare time? I like to just watch tv and lay around the house. Nothing major the downtime I get is worth every minute. What do you do to interact with your readers? I am active on my social networks on twitter @TamikaNewhouse and Facebook at facebook.com/tamikanewhouse I am also available by email at aambookclub@gmail.com Our theme for this issue is Resources On The Net. What resources on the net have been helpful in your writing? I follow a lot in the entertainment world and ENT. Publicist. Following them helps me develop new ways on exposing myself to a broader audience. Who was the first author you ever met? That is a tuffy I believe it was several independent writers at an event I was also attending. But my biggest and most proud moment was meeting Eric Jerome Dickey, his books I fell in love with growing up. Oprah always asks, What do you know for sure? I know that I am obsessive and that I want to succeed. I know that I would die trying before I give up. Can you give us a sneak peek of your next book? I take you into the lives of Kyla and Brittany Howard as they struggle with an old flame and a new found love. Each sister is faced with hard decisions that can either break their hearts or finally give them happiness. One deals with letting go of her first love and the other deals with an unwanted child. Some of their hardest decisions are made on a whelm. Drama and more will cover the pages of Kisses Don't Lie. How can readers get in contact with you? (mail, email, website) I am active on my social networks on twitter @TamikaNewhouse and Facebook at facebook.com/tamikanewhouse I am also available by email at aambookclub@gmail.com If you enjoyed this post, please consider becoming a member of SORMAG's community - Join Today Do you need help with your promoting? - http://sormag.com/advertise.htm You are subscribed to email updates from SORMAG's Blog

SPOTLIGHT: A Generation of Curses By Patricia A. Bridewell @PABridewell and Faatima Albasir-Johnson via @aambookclub

Khadesia Hill’s life could not be better. She is the wife of the debonair Assistant Pastor, Malcolm Hill, youngest son and first choice to succeed his father as pastor of the mega church, Solid Rock Christian Ministries. Obedience to the Lord led her to California twelve years earlier where she later met, married Malcolm, and gave birth to their daughter.

Her world shatters when a detective shows up at her business one day. He claims to have evidence that could possibly link her to an ex-boyfriend’s murder in her home town. Secrets about her past unfold and cast shadows over her pure reputation in the church and with Malcolm’s family. When the news is revealed, Malcolm’s older brother Corbin and his wife Stacie step up efforts to win Corbin his father’s seat as the next pastor. While Khadesia fights to clear her name, Stacie’s friend Maxie, who has a long-time attraction to Malcolm, tries to sway his attention her way. Will 
Khadesia and Malcolm remain steadfast in faith through the crises in their marriage? 

PURCHASE

 




Patrica A. Bridewell is a native of Los Angeles, California. Her first Christian Fiction novel, “Reflections of a Quiet Storm,” was released in 2009. She is a contributing writer to the anthologies, Gumbo for the Soul – Women of Honor: Pink Edition, and Keeping the Faith. Her work has also been published in the Los Angeles Sentinel Newspaper, Advance for Nurses Magazine, and multiple online magazines. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, the Hurston/Wright Foundation, and International Black Writers and Artists – Los Angeles. Patricia is a full-time nursing professor at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science. She is a long-time member of West Angeles Church of God in Christ in Los Angeles. She is currently working on her second novel.
 
Patricia is a mom, grandmother, an avid reader, and loves music.






 

A native of Kansas City, Missouri, Faatima Albasir-Johnson’s creative mind began at a young age. It came as no surprise that her creativity transitioned into the literary world. Her years of experience as a photo lab manager and event and party planner were a catalyst to writing. She often wrote journal notes, poetry, and developed ideas for party invitations and/or programs for events. Over the years, her interest in writing peaked, which ultimately led to an idea to co-author the highly anticipated Christian Fiction novel “A Generation of Curses.” The book is scheduled for release by NCM Publishing in 2012.
 
Faatima is a devoted mother and grandmother, she enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her family

Get to Know the Authors:

 
What motivated you to start writing and how long have you been writing?

PAB: I didn’t have a plan to become a writer, so I have to say that was God-inspired. I started journaling 7 years ago during a time of crisis, and from those notes I started writing my first book.

FAJ: My motivation came from my previous work and a desire to make a difference.

What process do you use to create a good storyline?

PAB: When an idea strikes, the first thing I do is jot down notes—character names, personalities, appearance, potential plot ideas−everything that comes to mind. From there the story begins. I may start out with a short outline, but I use a lot of notes .

FAJ: I do free-flow writing. Whenever I get a good idea for a chapter, I write down what I want to say and build on that.

Was your first book self-published, published by a small press or major publisher?

PAB: My first book was published by an independent publisher.

FAJ: My first book will be published by independent publisher NCM Publishing

Tell your readers a little about the main characters in your next book “A Generation of Curses.”

PAB: Khadesia Hill is a wife, business woman, and pastor’s wife. She becomes caught in a cross between doing what is right by telling her husband Malcolm about her past , which she knows will hurt him and possibly destroy their marriage, or doing the wrong thing and continuing to conceal that information. The story revolves around the challenges they encounter when a detective shows up at Khadesia’s job. He discloses that an old case regarding an ex-boyfriend’s death has now been reopened, and she is the prime suspect.
 
FAJ: Khadesia’s problem causes conflict with her husband and a host of others in her life. Malcolm also experiences problems as things spiral out of control. The story will keep readers on the edge of their seats as they enter the lives of two people who love each other, but face problems that only faith in God can resolve.
 
Do any of your characters depict your real life experiences or are they strictly fictional?

PAB: Yes, I have created characters that were similar to me and some of my experiences. However, many ideas for characters either come from my own image of how I envision them as I write or from people that I’ve met in the past.
 
FAJ: Yes and no. Some of the characters have some of my real life experiences, but not all of them. Many of my ideas are strictly fictional. I might take experiences that I have seen others go through and change or develop another idea from their experiences. Or I just create new ideas.
 
What do you like best about being an author?

PAB: For me writing is a ministry. I feel blessed for the gift of being able to write stories that will 
provide enjoyment as well as encouragement and inspiration for my readers. About six months ago, a reader emailed me and thanked me for my short story “On My Way to Where I’ve Never Been,” which was part of Christian Fiction author Vanessa Miller’s Keeping the Faith anthology. She wrote about a full page testimony on how she was touched by my story. I was in tears by the time I finished. But, this is why I right.
 
FAJ: The excitement of being able to connect with readers through my writing. I’m a newbie, but I am learning so much and I feel blessed for the opportunity. I hope to travel this road for many years and write many more books.
 
What advice would you give aspiring writers?

PAB: My best advice is learn the craft of writing, learn the publishing industry, and learn them well. Research cannot be emphasized enough. I still research and I consistently strive to improve my writing skills and enhance my knowledge about publishing. Find a good editor. And DO NOT submit your work before you have it professionally edited. I have found that networking with new and veteran authors, attending conferences, and writing groups have been particularly helpful for me.
 
FAJ: Network with other writers, develop relationships with book clubs, and study the craft of writing. These tools have helped me become a better writer.

Contact the Author: bridern@verizon.net
Twitter.com - PABridewell
Facebook.com – Patricia Ann Bridewell

Facebook page – A Generation of Curses
www.patriciabridewell.com
———————————————————————————————————
faatimaalbasir@ymail.com
Facebook.com – Faatima Ingrid Burns Albasir
www.faatimaalbasirjohnson.com

Purchase book at: www.ncmpublishing.com, www.amazon.com , bn.com

BOOK INTRO - BOOK INTRO - When Rain Falls by @TyoraMoody (Romantic Suspense) via @sormag

BOOK INTRO When Rain Falls    by Tyora Moody    Click book to purchase  "Why does God keep taking away the people I love?" This is the lamentation of widow CANDACE JOHNSON when her best friend is brutally murdered. Ensnared by a deep-rooted bitterness, seeping her faith day by day, Candace is determined to seek justice. Detective Darnell Jackson is in need of clues fast. The police captain is coming down hard on him and his partner to find out who murdered Pamela Coleman, the daughter of a high profile judge.   Darnell confers with Candace to get the inside track on events leading up to the murder. As the investigation heats up, his growing attraction for Candace plays havoc on Darnell's judgment.     Little does she know, Candace's quest to find the truth has led her straight to the killer. She's already lost loved ones. Now Candace must choose to completely trust God with her own life. Coming to bookstores in February 2012 Pre-order yours TODAY MEET THE AUTHOR Tyora Moody is an author and entrepreneur. Her debut novel, When Rain Falls, will be released March 2012 (Urban Christian/Kensington). Tyora writes romantic suspense and cozy mysteries. She is a member of Sisters in Crime and American Christian Fiction Writers. She owns and operates TywebbinCreations.com, a design and marketing company. Visit Tyora on the web - http://www.tyoramoody.com    CHAPTER EXCERPT - CHAPTER ONE   Charlotte, North Carolina, 2008 "What's going on?" Candace Johnson sat up in the bed and waited. Either the cellular company had dropped the call or her friend was on the line, probably twirling a lock of hair, her mind elsewhere. She fired off, "Pamela, are you still there?" "I'm here," Pamela shot back. Her friend let out a deep sigh. "There's a lot I'm trying to process right now. It's late. Let's talk tomorrow." Tomorrow. "You're kidding me, right?" Nothing rattled Pamela Coleman, but only a few minutes ago Pamela had called with a shaky voice, saying, "We have to talk." There was no way Pamela could leave the conversation hanging until the morning. "I'm tired, Candace. To be quite honest, I may not be thinking straight." Candace pulled the covers up closer to her body. It wasn't unusual for them to talk until the wee hours of the morning, but she knew not to push her friend. "Where are you, anyway? Are you still at the art gallery reception this late?" "No, I'm on my way home." "All right, girlfriend. I hope you get a good night's sleep. There will be no excuses tomorrow. I expect you to spill everything." "I hope I can. You get some sleep, too." The dial tone buzzed in her ear for a few seconds before she hung up the cordless phone. Sleep. That's a joke. Out of habit, Candace slipped out of the bed and walked over to the window. She lifted one of the blind slats to peer out onto the street. It had been over a year and a half since the police department had provided protection for her family during the night. Now it seemed the police no longer cared. Other cases took priority, she guessed. Maybe it was all her imagination, overcome by grief and loss. Rain pelted the roof and windows. The kind of rain that could coax a person into a deep, restful sleep. Candace wished. A full night's sleep had become a lost luxury, but she would try to close her eyes. As she climbed under her favorite quilt, uneasiness settled over her mind. Again. Another long night awaited her. She could blame her sleeplessness on the late-night pizza session with the kids, but she knew better. Even Pamela's ominous call didn't help matters. It was the past that kept her staring at the ceiling, walking beside her like a maddening visitor, just hanging around, with no signs of departure. Stealing her sleep, her peace. She gripped the quilt, hugging it close to her body. Her aunt always said, "Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger." Candace didn't care about being strong. She wanted answers. She stared into the darkness, beyond the clock, to where the glow illuminated a man's features. The photo was barely visible, but Candace had it memorized. In her mind, she could see Detective Frank Johnson dressed in his uniform. Though his smile was serious, his deep dimples still made an appearance. Almost seventeen years of marriage. Her protector. Seemed like everyone these days told her the same thing. "Frank would've wanted you to move on." How could she? Her Frank believed in justice. In the end, her husband received none. That haunted her. She did need to get herself together. Her children had been through enough. She didn't need Rachel and Daniel worrying about their mother. More than anything she wanted them to enjoy their youth. She didn't want them to experience the pain she struggled through at their age from losing a parent. So Candace meditated on the rain, willing her eyes to grow heavy. Mama! Her eyes flew open, and then she smacked the pillow. Even as she resolved to put the familiar memory out of her mind, questions lingered. Why now? Almost thirty years had passed since that night. It seemed like every now and then Mama decided to visit her in a dream. Images of the beautiful, troubled woman who birthed her often were like a bittersweet reunion. But sometimes he would show up, too. Candace was no longer afraid of him. She'd made sure to track down his whereabouts after Frank's death just to be sure her childhood bogeyman had not returned. She knew he wasn't a threat to her anymore. Still, she knew sleep would not come tonight. She refused to close her eyes. Like that night long ago, it felt like God had stopped by to shake her around like one of those snow globes. Where would the pieces of her life fall like those flakes? Candace wasn't sure she wanted to know. Candace focused her thoughts on the earlier phone call. Pamela, what do you have to tell me tomorrow?   Join Our Mailing List Feel free to forward to your book loving friends http://sormag.com/advertise.htm