Saturday, May 1, 2010      
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Enjoy Reads and Challenges
from an Author and Avid Reader
Author's Website | Free Reads | Live Story Explained
Wednesday, April 07, 2010
EVENT: Dayton, Ohio READERS Join Sylvia Hubbard @ The Dayton Book Expo Update
Tuesday, April 06, 2010
SPOTLIGHT: Pauline R. Evans, Author/Publisher/CEO, Pink Peach Publishing
Biography
Pauline R. Evans
Author/Publisher/CEO, Pink Peach Publishing
“Energy is the essence of life. Every day you decide how you're going to use it by knowing what you want and what it takes to reach that goal, and by maintaining focus.” – Oprah Winfrey
Maintaining focus is what led author Pauline R. Evans to create and complete her debut novel, Winter’s Kisses. “I have always wanted to write, be it short poems, short stories, whatever came to my imagination. I knew one day I would have a book and now it has happened.”
“In June 2009, I was standing at my bedroom window, looking out at the flowers and thinking, ‘Lord, will I ever get a job again?’ And then the answer was given to me. My job was there waiting on me; it had been all the time. I only had to claim it. My job was writing, thus the concept which became Winter’s Kisses.”
A native of Kingston, Jamaica, Pauline holds an Associate’s Degree in Paralegal Technology from Fayetteville Technical Community College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Paralegal Studies from Campbell University. Additionally, she earned a certificate in Nursing Assistant from Daytona Beach College in 1995.
Self-described as a learner, an achiever, confident and disciplined relater who is passionate for excellence. Pauline now resides in the Atlanta, GA, metro with her husband, Robert, and two daughters, where she is busy working on her second novel, She Never Left, the sequel to Winter’s Kisses.
Winter’s Kisses, is available now on the author’s website and on Amazon.com. Interact with Pauline, read her daily blogs, and get the latest on author appearances and happenings at www.paulineevansonline.org.
Synopsis
Winter Allison Reeves matured into an elegant gorgeous swan effortlessly sweep men off their feet. Aaron Dean Newton was the epitome of good looks, the walking dream for women and an object of envy for men.
Keith Pendleton, Winter’s high school sweetheart crossed paths with her and, he’s certain he has reconnected with the woman of his dreams. Megan Iris- a red-headed divorced RN fueled with a fierce determination has her sights on becoming the next Mrs. Aaron Newton.
Can their marriage survive their tumultuous affairs or will the temptation to leave become too strong to overcome? Will Winter’s best friends Amy stick by her and help her realize her true love? One thing is certain, Winter, Aaron, Keith and Megan are all playing with fire, and, without question, someone is bound to end up getting burned.
Excerpt from Winter Kisses
Aaron and I wanted kids but were unsuccessful. We spent thousands of dollars on doctors and fertility drugs, intense hours of lovemaking sessions each week but no change. We tried for years until we gave up. Our efforts only resulted in more frustration. I became somewhat regretful and angry. Over the years, despite this problem, we worked through it as we realized it was creating further breakdown in our marriage. Well, we tried to, at least.
At one point, I encouraged Aaron to adopt but he was totally against any kid moving into our home unless we were the biological parents. Once I cried, fussed and pleaded to the point where he became less firm and decided we could try adopting a baby boy. I was ecstatic! We visited an agency, fulfilled all the requirements and even set up a nursery in our home. A few months later, we received a call that we were going to be proud parents of a baby boy. The birth mom was sixteen, seven months pregnant and her parents advised her to give up the baby so he could have a better life than she could give him. The eighteen year old boy that impregnated her had moved away out of fear that her father, who sent threats, would harm him for deflowering his precious daughter.
I remember counting down the days to the birth. We chose to have an open adoption where we maintained an ongoing relationship with the mom-to-be, which made the wait free from anxiety and worry. The closer we got to the birth date, the more I noticed a tension in Aaron. I would ask him repeatedly what was wrong and he gave me the very same answer with a tinge of impatience. According to him, nothing is wrong! I sat, and would look at him, wondering why he was lying about his feelings. In the end, Aaron couldn’t allow himself to go through with the adoption. He stated he didn’t think he would be able to love this little innocent baby boy like his own. Needless to say, I was devastated. I withdrew and became self absorbed, miserable and sad for a long time. I resented Aaron to the point where I wasn’t drawn to love him anymore. He tried over time, many a times, to rekindle the flame we once shared but I grew cold towards him from the hurt I fostered deep within from not being able to conceive or adopt.
As the arguments ensue and become more frequent, we were no longer in accord with each other to the point we had to seek marriage counseling. Soon after, we decided to quit marriage counseling when we realized it had no cathartic effect. We just weren’t getting anywhere. The process tore us apart and we spoke less to each other. Sometimes I’d notice Aaron sitting and staring into space, and from the far away expression on his face I knew he was thinking of warmer and sunnier days.
I recall once I asked Aaron if he would reconsider adoption again and he flew off the handle.
“I know that would make you happy Winter,” he replied icily, “but my answer remains the same. I don’t want to adopt someone else’s kid! I’d rather have our own.” The conversation became harsh as we argued back and forth for most of the evening. I tried reasoning with him. However, it was pointless as he stood there staring bitterly at me while he yelled.
“Maybe if we stop arguing, and start spending more time together we might just get pregnant with our own child.” He continued angrily.
“I guess you are right,” I mumbled as I looked at him agonizingly. And with that, he kissed me on my forehead and went in the family room to watch the game. “Good night Aaron.” I spoke with an unreadable expression on my face, “I am going to bed.” He turned around but did not answer. For better or worst! I thought.
Interview with Pauline
- What made you get into writing?
- When I was a little girl, I would go under the blanket with a flashlight and read
- What made you want to write a novel called, Winter’s Kisses?
Emotions were running wildly, and yet, with all control, I decided to sit by my laptop. After I reminisced for a few hours, I started typing. After a while, my typing became words that reflected on two important virtues that mattered to me greatly: love and relationships.
At first, it was just 106 pages of something. Having realized the coherence of my thoughts, I called it progress and named it a story after I realized it wasn’t really trash. After weeks of writing, reviewing, re-writing and editing, with the help of great and true friends, it resulted in the composition of my first novel, Winter’s Kisses.
- Do you have any other novels coming out soon?
- I am currently working on the sequel to Winter’s Kisses. It called She Never Left.
- When you’re not writing, what are you up to?
- I am back in school for Clinical Research and this course entails writing
- What has been the most rewarding part of being a published author?
- What advice would you give to up and coming authors?
Web link: http://www.paulineevansonline.org
email: evansp534@aol.com
Book can be purchased at: http://www.paulineevansonline.com
Amazon:com
www.powell.com
Love A Black Woman Update | Chat Schedule @ Rawsistaz Apr 15th | Create Yr Own Adventure w/Yr Author
READ MORE AT:http://sylviahubbard.com/blog | ||||||||
Monday, April 05, 2010
AAMBC Spring Tours w/ Mel Bancroft, Author of Bittersweet
Mel Bancroft
Inspirational Author, Poet & Songwriter
Biography
Inspirational Author, Poet and Songwriter, Mel Bancroft's writings have been seen on Helium.com, OfficeArrow.com, Healthy News, Regal Magazine for African American men, and the Los Angeles Sentinel, America's number one African American newspaper. Recently she was awarded "The Winner in You Extra Efforts Award" by Salute America in recognition of her contributions to the world of poetry and thought, and for her socially conscious perspectives. She has also appeared as a panelist on several online talk radio shows discussing domestic violence issues, the importance of creative writing, and social consciousness.
When Ms. Bancroft was a little girl, if she got fussy, her mother could always calm her down by giving her a pencil and a piece of paper or a book to read. Born in Chicago, she grew up on the rough, west side of the city enduring domestic violence and childhood abuse, which left her with deep-seated, low self-esteem. Writing was her saving grace, keeping her distracted from her destitute surroundings. After moving to Los Angeles as a teen, she found coming of age further confusing and painful as she tried to find her identity. She finally found her place in poetry, music, and writing short stories. But her artistic passion was never realized until she stopped living her life as the “victimized girl” and conquered drug addiction.
Ms. Bancroft has written poetry and articles on a wide range of subject matter: self-help, spirituality, marketing, business, family, and relationships. Notably, the poem Jena Six: Our Strangefruit Is Still Hanging, emphatically questioning how far African Americans have come, was published in TRIBES Magazine. She is currently penning the sequel to her debut memoir, Bitter Sweet & Mo’ Sweeta due for release in late 2010. She enjoys yoga, meditation, tennis, and dancing, and resides in Atlanta, Georgia.
The Melody of My BitterSweet Blues
is a riveting, true story which is narrated through the eyes of a woman who has endured sexual abuse as a child, struggled through coming of age, finding herself in abusive relationships as an adult. Not only is the story told candidly and graphically, revealing the secrets that lurk behind abuse, the narrator takes the reader inside a journey of spiritual healing and unbridled courage through poetic enlightenment and poignant imagery. What lead you to create this book?
Actually it was God-inspired. As someone who has survived several forms of abuse, it has been on my heart for many years to share my strength with others who may still be trying to find their own empowerment. The book was also inspired by Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.
Who should read this book and why?
There are several groups, I believe, that can benefit from this book: adult survivors of abuse, victims of spousal abuse, even those who have been perpetrators of abuse who aspire to change how they deal with problems. This book serves as a reminder to those who have suffered from such dysfunction, that they are not alone, and encourages them to seek their own healing.
Is there a message in your book that you want readers to grasp and share?
The message that I want men and women to grasp is that we need each other’s love and support in order to stop domestic violence—victims and perpetrators.
What do you like to do when you're not writing?
Meditation and yoga helps me to stay in mental and physical shape. I love to go out dancing and spend time with friends and family.
What does your family think of your writing?
For the most part, everyone’s supportive. My mother read the book in one day. But exposing family secrets and having them read about them in a book is not easy for some people to accept, yet it has brought healing to my family.
What is the best piece of advice you would give to an aspiring author?
First of all, make sure your life is clear of major stressors that can get in the way of writing, such as unhealthy relationships and jobs that drain you. Writing takes time, energy, dedication, and discipline. Learn every writing technique you can, practice good grammar and spelling and, most of all, write from the heart.
Share with us your latest news, awards or upcoming book releases. Also share with us your online contact information.
I am currently developing the sequel to The Melody of My BitterSweet Blues, which is entitled BitterSweet & Mo’ Sweeta. I am also working on a self-help book geared toward dating and relationship issues between women and men. The Melody of My BitterSweet Blues can be purchased at WWW.MELBANCROFT.COM, WWW.AMAZON.COM, and WWW.BARNES & NOBLE.COM.
Web Links
Author Website: www.melbancroft.com
Email: mel@melbancroft.com
Social Networks
The Melody of My BitterSweet Blues on Facebook
Follow Mel Bancroft on Twitter
Mel Bancroft's Blog
Visit Mel Bancroft on MySpace
Create Your Own Adventure story in Sylvia Hubbard’s Literary World!
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How to Love a Black Woman: Parent Tip - Easter Dinner: Sweet & Spicy Chicken & broccoli w/mushroom stuffing
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Sunday, April 04, 2010
Create Your Own Adventure story in Sylvia Hubbard’s Literary World!
Create Your Own Adventure story in Sylvia Hubbard's Literary World!This note is created to bring fun and feedback for my readers.
I wanted to do something different that actually interacts with my readers, but you choose the adventure. We're on deadline to start by July 2010 and finish by September 2010. We want to get the premise of the story up first, so we have to get some things out on the table first, but I would love for you to give me the premise. READ MORE… http://wp.me/p8Zp8-i9 |
Saturday, April 03, 2010
By Pauline R Evans
By Toshia ShawThursday, April 01, 2010
AAMBC Spring Tours w/ Toshia Shaw
Synopsis: Shauna, Dawn, and Felicia are best friends who are bonded as "partners in crime" while trying to survive in Las Vegas, Nevada aka Sin City. Their friendship quickly begins to unravel when Jeffrey, Dawn's fiancé, enters the picture. Although happy for their friend, Shauna and Felicia quickly begin to question the validity of their friendship when they aren't allowed into Dawn's new picture perfect life. Desperate to keep her old lifestyle a secret from her fiancé, Dawn comes up with an elaborate scheme to make sure she weds Jeffrey at any cost, but Jeffrey attends a bachelor party where he meets, and instantly falls for, the naive and beautiful Shauna, and he and Dawn's relationship becomes compromised. When dealing with matters of the heart, all bets are off. Felicia is caught in the middle, and when it proves too much, she goes against her better judgment and becomes lost in her own world where promiscuity and drug abuse become the major players in her life. High Stakes, sometimes when you gamble a little, you wind up losing it all. Biography: Toshia Shaw is a poet and writer hailing from Las Vegas, Nevada where she resides with her husband and two children. She holds a Bachelors degree in Human Services and is currently pursuing a Masters of Business Administration in Health Care Management. She sits on the board of Nevada Youth Alliance, and she is the Executive Director of Purple Wings Organization; a non-profit directed at deterring at-risk young ladies from the sex industry of Las Vegas, Nevada. When Toshia isn't writing she loves spending time with her family. Interview with Toshia: Where were you born? I was born in Joliet, Illinois, but raised in Memphis, Tennessee. Education background? I graduated from Trezevant High School in Memphis, TN., earned my Bachelors in Human Services, and I am currently pursuing my Masters in Business Administration with a concentration in Health Administration. What's your inspiration or who is? I draw inspiration from my children; my three year old daughter, and 14 year old son. They both inspire me to be and do my best. I want to be the example instead of just talking about striving to do and be more. As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up? Actually, as a child I made up my mind that I wanted to be an author. I would get lost in the world of books as early as seven years old. My parents would have to make me put them down. I would read books in one day, stay up all night if I had to. I just loved the art form of making words form a work of poetry, or a story. I see it as art. Whatever I went through I recorded those feelings with writing. Did you ever think you'd ever become an author? Yes, I always knew I would one day get the opportunity to share my creative writing with the world. Although, life took me on other paths I have never forgotten my first love which is writing. How long does it take you to write a book? Well it depends on what I am writing. It can take anywhere from one month to one year. When did you write your first book and how old were you? I remember entering my first writing contest at the age of seven where I took first place. I got the chance to meet a famous Chicago Bear football player. I will never forget that book; I entitled it, Cindy and her Maracas. Whose writing do you admire most? My favorite writer of all time would have to be Toni Morrison. I admire the writing style of Akosua Busia however, she has only written one book that I know of. I am sitting on the edge of my chair waiting for her next work. I will always have a strong connection with Terry McMillan's characters because they are so easy to relate to. What is your work schedule like when you're writing? Basically, I don't get any sleep! I have a full time job, in Grad school, and a family so the only time I get to work on my craft is late at night or early in the morning before anyone rises. Social Networks: Linked In: http://www.linkedin.com/in/toshiashaw Twitter: http://twitter.com/WritingAddict MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/519954807 Fan Club: http://toshiashaw.ning.com/ Website: http://www.toshiashaw.com/ Email Addy: compulsivewriting@yahoo.com FaceBook: http://www.facebook.com/tosh.shaw Book Trailer: Excerpt: Dawn took a bite of food, looked toward the door, and almost choked. Dawn could feel her heart dropping into her stomach with the force and swiftness of a fallen airplane. She could not believe who she was seeing enter the restaurant. She watched Felicia saunter in with an older, white, balding man. She wore her usual long wig and a beautiful red and white Valentino dress, undoubtedly a gift from one of her tricks, such as the man she was with. The back of Dawn's neck was growing warm and she felt her eyes growing bigger by the second. No, this can't be happening to me—not now, not tonight! she said to herself. "Dawn, darling, is something wrong? You don't look well." Mrs. Mathers patted Dawn's hand. "Baby, you all right?" Jeffrey rushed to his fiancée's side. High Stakes "Umm, I suddenly feel ill. I'm just going to excuse myself and go to the ladies' room." As Dawn stood up, she and Felicia locked eyes. What were the chances that she and Felicia would end up in the same restaurant? Dawn thought she might die. What in the hell was Felicia doing at Tres Jazz? She escaped to the restroom to collect herself. There was no way she would stay in that restaurant when the past was right up in her face. She splashed cold water on her face and began to dry it with a paper towel, and when she looked up Felicia was standing behind her. "Fancy meeting you here. Are you and future hubby here on a little date?" Felicia asked with a curt look on her face. She knew that Dawn's seeing her there would ruffle her feathers. "Felicia, what are you doing here, and who is that guy?" Felicia walked to the other side of Dawn to primp in the mirror. "Don't tell me he's one of your tricks," Dawn said with a condescending look. Felicia stopped brushing her wig and turned to face Dawn. She was tired of the whole façade Dawn was wearing, acting as if she didn't know anything about tricking. "Look, I am here to eat, and I prefer the term 'date.'" Felicia pulled out a tube of lipstick and began to reapply. "Don't call him a trick. He is too paid to be one of them. Oh, and, Dawn, tricking is something you should know a lot about. You seem to be performing a lot with your man out there." "Whatever. I am here having dinner with my fiancé and his mother. We were just about to leave, so I'll call you later this week." Dawn tried to make it clear, without saying the words, that she did not need Felicia's lowlife self butting all up in her business, trying to come over and introduce herself to Jeffrey. "Oh, in other words, I need to stay clear of your table?" Felicia stepped up to Dawn and stared her in the eyes. "Don't worry, Cinderella. I won't spoil the ball for you and Jeffrey. I'm sure he doesn't want to know that his fiancée is a cheap, two-dollar hoe!" Felicia infuriated Dawn, and she was about to tear the wig off her bald headed body when she realized she was above her now. She didn't have to resort to her type of behavior. Felicia noticed the hesitation on Dawn's part. "What's wrong, Dawn, you scared of a little tiff?" Dawn did nothing but stare at Felicia square in the eyes, she did not flinch or dare to breathe heavily. A slow smile crept onto Felicia's face. She looked Dawn up and down, dismissed her with one hand, and turned on her heel to leave. As she was about to leave, Felicia added, "Remember, girl, you can take the bitch out of the ghetto, but you can't take the ghetto out of the bitch!" With that remark, she turned and pranced out of the restroom. Dawn pulled herself together and walked back to the table calmly as if nothing had happened. She looked at Felicia out of the corner of her eye. Felicia winked at her, undoubtedly toying with her emotions. Linked In: http://www.linkedin.com/in/toshiashaw Twitter: http://twitter.com/WritingAddict MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/519954807 Fan Club: http://toshiashaw.ning.com/ Website: http://www.toshiashaw.com/ Email Addy: compulsivewriting@yahoo.com FaceBook: http://www.facebook.com/tosh.shaw Book Trailer: |
Thursday, March 25, 2010
PODCAST: WHY are writers choosing to publish on their own.
Sylvia Hubbard spoke on a panel about being an independent author. In addition, she addresses the question as to WHY are writers choosing to publish on their own.      
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