5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… Vanessa Miller, author of A Love for Tomorrow

Joey Pinkney 5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… Vanessa Miller, author of A Love for Tomorrow Posted: 15 Sep 2010 06:59 AM PDT JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview 5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… Vanessa Miller, author of A Love for Tomorrow (Whitaker House) When Christian talk show host Serenity Williams' fiancé calls off their wedding because he can't deal with her popularity, she determines that she will never fall in love with another pride-filled, ego-driven pastor. Then, Serenity's producer asks her to interview the charismatic Pastor Phillip McKnight, who has recently gone through a divorce. Serenity feels that this is her chance to expose the arrogance of ego-filled pastors to the world. But Pastor Phillip is broken and humbled from his experiences, and the surprising humility of this man causes Serenity to want to un-break his heart. However, Serenity will need the Lord to fix her heart and change her mind about male preachers before she and Phillip can become all they were meant to be to each other. Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the idea and inspiration to write A Love for Tomorrow? Vanessa Miller: I've talked with many people who have experienced hurt in the church. So, I wanted to write a story about a woman who had trust issues because of things she'd seen growing up in church. JP: What sets A Love for Tomorrow apart from other novels in its genre? VM: A CBA (Christian Book Association) Reviewer said this about A Love for Tomorrow: "Trust, Forgiveness, and faith, the core of author Miller's message are woven into a light love story that offers help and healing… good romance that ministers." I believe her review hit in on the head. What sets my books apart from others is that all though A Love for Tomorrow is romance it is written to not just touch the heart, but also the soul and spirit. JP: As an author, what are the keys to your success that lead to A Love for Tomorrow getting out to the public? VM: If I have any keys to success it would simply be that I have decided to stick it out and to succeed at doing what I love… no matter what it takes or how long it takes. I also try to publicize my books as much as possible. I do a 5-7 city tour when my books releases. I believe that it is important to get out there and meet your readers. JP: As an author, what is your writing process? How long did it take for you to start and finish A Love for Tomorrow? VM: A Love for Tomorrow took two months to write. Most of my books take between two – three months. As for a process, I get up every morning and sit down in front of my computer and write. I do not allow myself too many non-writing days. This is my career. I couldn't go into a corporate job and say, "Well, I'm here but I'm not going to do any work today." So, even though I work from home, I am determined to be productive. The writing business takes discipline. So, if anyone says to me, "I want to write a book." Then I tell them to sit down and write everyday. I also handle a lot of the business of writing through the day also. I may write a page or two and then need a break, so I'll check my email and handle whatever is on the agenda for that day… An interview, setting up a book signing, signing books and mailing them out, responding to my readers, working on book cover or back copy concepts with my publishers. Believe me, there is a lot to do in a day. JP: What's next for Vanessa Miller? VM: I have another book releasing in November, Long Time Coming, which is a stand alone book with a wonderfully inspiring story. The third book in the Second Chance at Love Series will release in April 2011. So therefore, you have: Yesterday Promise, A Love for Tomorrow, then A Promise of Forever Love. http://www.vanessamiller.com/ http://www.myspace.com/vmiller1 http://www.facebook.com/vanessamiller01 http://www.twitter.com/vanessamiller01 P.S. To join the JoeyPinkney.com Newsletter, click here. Please click on the banners to learn more about each JoeyPinkney.com sponsor: You need to advertise with JoeyPinkney.com! (Click here for more information.)

AAMBC Book Fall Tours w/ Arquila Todd

Synopsis :  My Testimony documents Arquila's remarkable journey from dating drama and distress to dating experiences with knowledge and revelation. This highly personal yet universally relatable book outlines how Todd rose from the depths of despair after finding the true love of her life, God. Through her inspiring story readers will learn:
 

What the Bible really says about relationships - key Scripture to uplift, enlighten and heal.
 

How to learn, grow, and mature from your past boyfriends or partners no matter how painful or dysfunctional, with the help from Jesus Christ. She sat at His feet and was transformed.
 

The secrets to living a happy, fulfilled single life, whether dating or not. Discover the inner strength you didn't know you had by relying on God's glorious Word.
 

Through Todd's honest frank and always engaging personal history, readers will gain life-changing insights into the way God really commands us to live and the peace and fullness of life that follows. This book is for all women who have ever struggled with the answers that solve their dating frustrations.

 

Excerpt: So many men have been conditioned by the reactions of women. A man will mention plans and not follow through, which causes the woman to chase after him because the woman wants what he has suggested. Pavlov was a scientist famous for demonstrating that if you give a dog something to eat every time you ring a bell, soon the dog starts to salivate when you just ring the bell because it has associated one stimulus with the other. It’s the same way with men. The ladies they date enjoy spending time with them, and after a while, they just offer to spend time with the women, who begin to salivate, wishing for the reward of being with these men.
 

Awareness of the situation is key. We have a choice to step back for a moment and witness what is happening. Is a man putting a carrot in front of his woman’s face because he’s so conditioned to seeing women chase after the hope of being with him? He wants her to chase after what he is offering or what he has. And if so, we can make a conscience choice to not chase that carrot. We accomplish this by not allowing their proposals to get us so excited that we plan everything or nag them about their suggestion. We don’t run after what they are offering; we simply allow them to give to us. We can see the proposal for what it is—just a suggestion—and say, “Oh, well, maybe he will follow through but maybe not. We will see. I am not affected by what he does or doesn’t do. I can make a conscious choice to not get bent out of shape if he doesn’t follow through. His proposal doesn’t make me or break me. His calling or not calling doesn’t rock my world. His follow-through, or lack thereof, doesn’t ruin my day. He doesn’t have that kind of control over my feelings. He is not the be-all to end-all. If he doesn’t make plans, life goes on. I am not thrown off one bit.”
 

Now, that’s girl power!

 

 Biography: Arquila grew up in small town Phenix City, AL where her parents instilled in her a reverence for God. She graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Airway Science Management and has been an air traffic controller for the past 20 years. Arquila enjoys reading, vacationing and visits with friends and family. She lives in Arlington

 

Interview with Arquila

 

1. What was the biggest problem in your dating relationship? I put the man before God. I loved the creation more than the Creator. I had forsaken my first love which caused chaos in my relationship.
 

2. What was your biggest lesson you learned during your journey? That there is a cost for the sin I commit. Scripture teaches me not to fornicate which is having sex and I am not married. I could not be mad at the guy I was dating because of my choice to be disobedient which caused me pain. I was experiencing consequences for what I choose to do. In taking responsibility I could never say, “There are no good men left or all men are dogs.” If I want things to go better in my relationships, the change starts with me.
 

3. How was your past affecting your dating? I grew up in a house hold were my father would tell me I would never amount to anything and couldn’t do anything right. My ex-husband had that same condescending attitude towards me. What I learned is I had to forgive my father because that childhood relationship was still affecting me. And I had to learn what godly relationships looked like. I read how Boaz protected and provided for Ruth and she let him. Now this is my example and new standard for the special man in my life.
 

4. What did Scripture teach you as far as dating? First, Scripture taught me the difference in a man who treats me as someone who is special compared to someone he just wants to sleep with. The example is Jacob, Rachel and Leah where Jacob had an outward show of affection for Rachel. Jacob knew who he wanted and chose Rachel. He helped her with her task. He wanted to be in her presence. She was special and he waited to have sex with her. Jacob did not choose Leah but had sex with her and the next morning was calling for Rachel. Leah having sex with Jacob did not keep him from calling the woman who had his heart. Leah had sex with Jacob but was miserable and unloved. Jacob used Leah but loved Rachel. There was no mention of any outward show of affection or any mention of him spending time with Leah. 

All Jacob wanted was sex from Leah. As women we must decide if we are going to be a Leah or a Rachel.
 

5.  How do you handle a guys disappearing act? By having a life that does not revolve around him. I had to learn to keep my appointments with my friends and family and it was okay to tell him no to us getting together when I had previous plans. Absence makes the heart grown fonder and too much of anything is not good. I do not want my male companion complaining of Arquila overload. Balance is key. So I volunteer with big brothers and big sisters, spend time writing books and hanging out with friends.
 

6. How do you handle the frustration when a guy makes possible plans for the weekend but doesn’t follow through which leaves many women sitting a home waiting on his call? I have him RSVP. I tell him to let me know by Wednesday if we are going to get together on Friday or else I will make alternate plans. This way my life is not on hold because of some possible plans he may have.
 

7. Does it frustrate you if a guy gets your number but does not call? No, I had to learn that when a guy does not call he is not the one for me. God blocked the connection and instead of being angry I am thankful. Life is all about perspective.

 

 Email address  Kinsmanredeemer41@gmail.com

Author Site: www.outskirtspress.com/mytestimony

Monday Morning Motivation - "You are the Boss of You"

Monday Morning Motivation "You Are The Boss of You" Greetings! We have a tendency to torture ourselves.  We over book ourselves.  We take on more than we can handle.  We help other people more than we help ourselves.  Do any of these behaviors sound familiar?  What I have eventually come to realize is that in the past I made my life a lot harder than it had to be.  Sometimes we take our lives and ourselves way too seriously.  As an entrepreneur, I am my own boss.  But as people, we are all the bosses of our own lives.  Therefore, we have the power to make our lives work for us.  How can you readjust your day to day routine to reduce unnecessary stress?  Here are a couple of simple suggestions... Pay Yourself First When I say this, I don't just mean money. Time and energy are just as valuable as money.   Do something for yourself first, before you begin to think about what needs to be done for the children, what needs to be done around the house, or what you need to do for work.  Each day, I exercise first, which sets a nice tone for the rest of my day and helps me to have more energy, less stress, and peace of mind in knowing that I took care of myself first. It doesn't have to take two hours.  It may just be that you spend the first five minutes of your day in prayer, enjoying your favorite breakfast, or reading a chapter of a juicy novel.  When we neglect ourselves and put all of our energy into others, resentment begins to creep in and take over our joy.  When you put yourself first, if only for a moment, you will feel much better about the things that you do for everyone else. Make Time For Fun Some people play too much, but most people don't play enough.  Play is an integral part of the human experience.  So make some time for fun, or those things that you've always wanted to do.  Reintroduce spontaneity into your life. Go to a carnival, arcade or movie with your mate. Read a book for enjoyment instead of business or school.  Make a spur of the moment decision, throw caution to the wind and just do it!  This week I made a last minute decision to attend an out of town literary event next weekend where some of the biggest authors in the business will be in attendance.  I figure that since I want to be the best, then I'd better surround myself with the best.  So I've decided to embark upon this adventure before I begin to create a thousand reasons why I shouldn't go. Now that I've registered for the conference and booked my room, I feel so excited!  I'm excited not only about the experience, which I know will be awesome, but I am excited about taking such a huge leap of faith and doing something that I know that I will enjoy.   This week I challenge you to come up with a simple and manageable plan to make your life work for you.  You are the boss of you, so take charge and adjust accordingly. Marketing and Motivation Mondays with Monica Marie Jones Radio Show TONIGHT! 8pm-9pm Eastern Standard Time Join Author and Motivational Speaker Monica Marie Jones as she shares Book and Business Marketing tips on a budget and Motivation to keep you striving toward your goals! This week's show features Dara Nichole, author of the highly anticipated, soon to be released, young adult novel..."Called Out!" This is a show that you do not want to miss. Listen and chat live at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/michiganliterarynetwork or call in at (646) 915.9177 Monica Marie Jones The Literary Loft www.monicamariejones.com monica@monicamariejones.com

Fw: The Literary World of Sylvia Hubbard Updates

The Literary World of Sylvia Hubbard Updates Writer Request: Help Me Write My Story Posted: 07 Sep 2010 07:13 AM PDT Iget this question and request a lot. Many times I just want to say, I cannot help you. I have so many stories to write that I do not have the time or the patience to help you. But what I can do is offer words of encouragement and we can help each other in [...] You are subscribed to email updates from The Literary World of Sylvia Hubbard read more at: http://sylviahubbard.com/2010/09/07/writer-request-help-me-write-my-story

Black Pearls Magazine eSpot - Intimate Conversation with Cheryl Robinson

Black Pearls Magazine is a fantastic digital magazine committed to inspire, encourage and empower a international group of readers. Our mission is to provide information that is essential, enlightening and entertaining. The information that we publish helps to empower our BP readers, therefore enriching their lives and benefiting the communities in which they live. We believe in Giving the Gift of Knowledge! We are here to bring you those literary jewels, Black Pearls, that are sure to bring you and your love ones much pleasure and empowerment. Every issue of this weekly published newsletter will celebrate the accomplishments of authors and writers from around the globe, honoring proud traditions and spotlighting ways to enhance the reader"s everyday life.  This is our newsletter, visit the main site here. Promote your book in this newsletter by visiting our parent company EDC Creations here.      Black Pearls Magazine eSpot - 2 new articles  In This Issue... Intimate Conversation with Cheryl Robinson Intimate Conversation with Pamela Leigh Starr Did You Miss These Defining Moments In Our History....   Intimate Conversation with Cheryl Robinson Intimate Conversation with author Cheryl Robinson    Cheryl Robinson is the author of five novels. Most recently, When I Get Where I'm Going, In Love with a Younger Man and Sweet Georgia Brown. She is a native Detroiter and graduate of Wayne State University. Robinson now resides in Central Florida where she is writing her next novel.  BPM: What makes you powerful as a person and a writer?  As a person I feel power in my faith. It allows me to press on through the rough times and to remain positive. I try not to let the daily stresses of life get to me. And I try not to judge others. The more I stop myself when I feel my mind going in that direction, the easier it becomes. I get tired of seeing people get built up by the media to later get knocked down. The less I judge others the better I not only feel, but also when I write and develop characters it's much easier for me to remove myself from the situation. I realize it's impossible for everyone to love my books, but I always keep that as one of my primary writing goals. And, I try to keep a healthy balance between being my own worst critic and one of my biggest fans. BPM: Where do you find your inspiration? All of the inspiration I could ever need I can find from everyday life--the joys and the pitfalls. I can open one email from someone telling me how upset they are at the way I ended my last book and then turn around and open another email from someone telling me how much they thoroughly enjoyed it. That's an example of how life is in general. One minute you can be down, but in a second it can all turn around. You have to take the good with the bad and learn from them both. But honestly, sometimes I just want it to all be good.  BPM: What specific situation or revelation prompted you to write your book?  Some years ago, when I was about nineteen or twenty, I answered the phone at my parents' home and there was a woman on the other end who insisted that we were related. She was trying to tell me that she was my half sister and that we had the same father. I remember my heart sinking. In order for that to be true, based on her timeframe, that would mean my father, who I thought had been happily married to my mother for years, had cheated. But as the conversation continued we both realized that while the two men shared the same name they weren't the same person.  Still, for those few minutes, I had to ask myself what if that was actually the case. The thought never completely escaped my mind, and in some ways it was that event that prompted me to eventually get around to exploring the scenario. And now, in the age of social networking, it's much easier to find your missing relatives. And in the case of these three sisters, it's also true, and they do share the same father. BPM: Who do you want to reach with When I Get Where I'm Going and the message within?  I am a Women's Fiction author. That does not mean I only write for women. Nor does the fact that I'm black mean I only write for black people. I don't write to exclude any one, but to enlighten and entertain us all. I write about women and women's issues, and of course, men are in my novels too. As an author I have an opportunity to go beyond stereotypes. I've learned over the eight years that I've been writing professionally that there is a way to entertain without offending.  If I, as a black woman, do not feel good about how we are represented in the media. If I don't feel empowered about what is being written about us on the internet and elsewhere and if I have to continuously hear from the media that black women are "the least desirable of all the races" or not a preference by some men even within our own race, as an artist, I have an opportunity to present a different message that isn't a negative one, but can still be realistic. It's like music. Some songs only have a good beat while others also have wonderful lyrics. I want to write books that make people feel good.  My intended message isn't given to readers, but written in such a way that the reader gets out of it what they came to the story with and how they view the story and the characters will be interpreted by how they view the world. But maybe, if I do my job as I intend to, they will have a different opinion after it's all said and done.  BPM: Introduce us to your latest book, When I Get Where I'm Going.  What would you do if you discovered that you had a sibling you never knew existed? Would you be like Heaven, so excited to connect to that person that you quickly took to Facebook and started searching? Would you be like Hope, too caught up in the trials and tribulations of your own life to even care? Or would you be like Alicia, skeptical at first, but willing to open up to the idea?  Alicia, Hope, and Heaven are three estranged sisters embarking on one special reunion. And it will take an earth-shattering discovery, a lucky lottery ticket, and a near-fatal encounter to finally bring three sisters together and have them realize that nothing can save a person like family.  BPM: Introduce us to your main characters in When I Get Where I'm Going. Heaven Jetter, Hope Teasdale, and Alicia Day are three special sisters! Heaven is twenty-one and the youngest sister. She's on probation, caught up in an abusive relationship, and trying desperately to get her life back on track. Hope is a young widow and single mother searching for the truth behind her husband's death, but once she finds out, can she handle it? Alicia is a struggling actress trying to catch a break in Hollywood after thirteen years of trying, but a devastating one-two punch forces her back to Detroit.  BPM: What are two major events taking place? The novel is written in third person and begins with a prologue that occurs five months prior to the start of the story. And then the rest of the novel is divided into three parts and most of the chapters alternate between the point of view of each sister. Without giving away any spoilers, I will say that each sister has a major turning point that makes each of them reevaluate their life.  BPM: What are a couple of the specific issues or problems addressed in this book? One issue in the story is domestic abuse. Heaven is involved in an unhealthy relationship, but like so many other women involved in something like that, she finds it nearly impossible to leave. Her story isn't from the viewpoint of a woman who is both a wife and mother and being abused, but from a young woman who has gotten caught-up with the wrong man and finds herself so confused that she doesn't know what to do and feels that her life in general is spiraling out of control.  Alicia Day's character was written for anyone who has been holding on to a dream for a very long time and wondering if it will ever come true. Aspiring actors, singers, and writers should be able to especially relate to her story. Black actresses, in particular, should also be able to as much has been discussed about the struggles that black women experience while trying to succeed in Hollywood.  Discussion Topics: When I Get Where I'm Going Domestic violence, sisterhood, estranged family, the entertainment industry, and specifically the lack of roles for black women in Hollywood.  BPM: Share with us your latest news, awards or upcoming book releases.When I Get Where I'm Going is featured in the September issue of Essence Magazine. And I recently completed my next novel, Remember Me, that will be released in September 2011.  BPM: How can our readers reach you online? Readers can connect with me through my website at: www.cherylrobinson.com and also join me on my recently created Facebook page. There is a link on my web site.  Cheryl Robinson--When I Get Where I'm Going  Purchase your copy today at Amazon  http://www.amazon.com/When-Get-Where-Im-Going/dp/0451229479  Please check out the featured book and return feedback below. Brought to you by EDC Creations and Black Pearls Magazine. Visit the BP magazine here: http://www.blackpearlsmagazine.com/

http://ra8.happy65.com

FW: readers names challenge

 

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From: blackpoison9@hotmail.com
To: sylviahubbard1@yahoo.com
Subject: readers names challenge
Date: Mon, 16 Aug 2010 19:43:02 -0400

So the challenge for you as my readers is to find another name for yourselves.
The best name will receive a disk with all my ebooks on them in the mail in pdf format. (Even if you're overseas.)
 
Hi Sylvia how are you? I like this challenge and here is my list.
book patron
researcher
browser quest
gabfest
book user
theme chick or guy
bookworm heist
scholar gang
If this not what you want let me know.
Cinquetta
I am resending this email. i hope you get it.

Reader Question: Are there more chapters for A little bit of sin?

Reader Question: Are there more chapters for A little bit of sin? sylviahubbard1 | September 3, 2010 at 2:42 pm | Categories: formspring.me | URL: http://wp.me/p8Zp8-q9 yes, but currently with my laptop stolen and master copy on the flash drive in the laptop, I'm basically writing from scratch all over again. Sorry for the inconvenience. I hope to finish that up soon as well as The Mysterious Mr. Black Ask me anything Read more of this post Add a comment to this post