SPOTLIGHT w/ Mel Bancroft, Author of The Melody of My 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

Gentle Event Reminder: Apr 13th Workshop & Apr 15th Online E-Chat

Gentle Event Reminder: Apr 13th Workshop & Apr 15th Online E-Chat sylviahubbard1 | April 12, 2010 at 12:20 pm | Categories: Event Announcements | URL: http://wp.me/p8Zp8-iR Michigan Internet Marketing Club Meets On 'How Drive Traffic To Your Blog or Web Site' Speaker Leading Author Sylvia Hubbard Apr 13th http://sylviahubbard.com/2010/04/03/event-reminder-michigan-internet-marketing-club-meets-on-%E2%80%98how-drive-traffic-to-you-blog-or-web-site%E2%80%99-speaker-leading-author-sylvia-hubbard-apr-13th/ How to get traffic to Your Blog like Blogger Michigan Internet Marketing Club Meets On How Drive Traffic To You Blog or Web Site Speaker Leading Author Sylvia Hubbard Founder [...] Read more of this post Add a comment to this post

LABW: Don't worry about the ugly couple, worry about who you kissing forever.

How to Love a Black Woman Don't worry about the ugly couple, worry about who you kissing forever. Posted: 09 Apr 2010 04:53 PM PDT (I remember a long time ago an old woman said that to some young girls talking about two people. I thought it was something silly, but after today it'll make a lot of sense.) Side note before I get started: I just know too much You ever come to the realization that there are just too many file cabinets open in your head. Yet you know you know a lot of things about a lot of stuff, but love truly is the one thing that escapes me. Now this is going to be a post that just rolls around the idea of what I have to be in order to get someone and what I am. I'm smart. Not ands, ifs or butts about that one. And yes, I spelled but wrong. I did just say I was smart. LOL. End of side note. So today I'm looking at this ugly couple walking down the street. And mind you, I'm not one to just call ANYONE ugly, although there were a couple of times during UGLY GUY Day that just still gives me chills in the middle of the middle. So this couple is walking down the street. They aren't very attractive on the eye. Matter of fact the girl reminds me of a thicker version of Mia's best friend in Princess Diaries. Including with the teeth and messed up hair, which the real life version went from a dirty blonde to dark brown. Her shirt was way too small and she was showing her spare tire. The jeans were too large for her and looked older than her. Her partner had similar hair except it was more greasy and black. I would say he looked like he rolled out of bed and was still rolling in the same clothes he'd worn a week ago. Now how did I know they were a couple? They were holding hands, talking laughing and once he stopped her and kissed her. It was the kiss that got my attention. READ MORE: http://loveablackwoman.blogspot.com/2010/04/dont-worry-about-ugly-couple-worry.html Please support this site by giving a small donation. Click here to download my ebook. Thanks!

MichiganMurderandMayhem: April 15th: Paula L. Tutman @ Virgil Carr Center w/Bookclub hosted by Motown Writers Network

Join me as I interview the wonderful Ms. Paula L. Tutman April 15th at 6pm for the BookClub @ The Carr Event April 15th: Paula L. Tutman @ Virgil Carr Center w/Bookclub hosted by Motown Writers Network Posted: 09 Apr 2010 05:57 AM PDT FREE TO THE PUBLIC! I hope to see you there!!! As an EMMY winning high profile reporter in Detroit, Paula brings instant credibility and a ready-made audience to the book market. Her creative ethos, coupled with a keen ability to promote, and her unrivaled rigorous attention to detail, provide circumstances ripe for success. DEADLINE is very loosely based on something that actually happened to Paula when she was a young police reporter in Baltimore. The Set up...PS Garrett, Detroit's top crime reporter shows up at the scene of a double murder. Two kids are shot and killed senselessly...it's a crime of opportunity...but what PS doesn't know is the triggerman still lurks on the scene. While soaking up the aftermath of his handy work, he catches a glimpse of his favorite TV reporter. He realizes that if he keeps killing, she'll keep showing up...and perhaps...just perhaps...one of these times she shows up to cover his crimes, he'll get a chance to meet her...and make her his. Join Us for BOOKCLUB @ THE CARR with Paula L. Tutman! APRIL 15TH, 2010 6PM The Virgil Carr Cultural Center 311 E. Grand River, Detroit, MI 48226 For more information, please call 313.289.8614 or email: motownwriters@yahoo.com http://paulaltutman.com http://artsleague.com http://motownwriters.com Visit http://MichiganMurderandMayhem.com to find out more about us and our authors and our books!

EVENT: Dayton, Ohio READERS Join Sylvia Hubbard @ The Dayton Book Expo Update

EVENT: Dayton, Ohio READERS Join Sylvia Hubbard @ The Dayton Book Expo Update sylviahubbard1 | April 7, 2010 at 5:53 pm | Categories: Events, Uncategorized | URL: http://wp.me/p8Zp8-j1 Saturday, May 1, 2010 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Sinclair Community College David H. Ponitz Sinclair Center Great Hall - Building 12 444 West Third Street Dayton, Ohio 45402 FOR MORE INFORMATION OR ITINERARY PLEASE GO TO: http://daytonbookexpo.com Read more of this post Add a comment to this post

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

1. What made you get into writing?

When I was a little girl, I would go under the blanket with a flashlight and read

when everyone would be asleep. I used to travel to places and see people through the eyes of the characters in those books. I started writing poems and short stories but never thought of actually writing a book.

2. What made you want to write a novel called, Winter’s Kisses?

            One morning in June of 2009, I stood in my bedroom after my morning’s devotion and reflected intensely. I was contemplating on what purpose life has for me, after being laid off from my job. I remember I asked the Lord what’s next.
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.

3. 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.

I have only a chapter to go and would like to publish it maybe in September 2010.

4. When you’re not writing, what are you up to?

I am back in school for Clinical Research and this course entails writing

numerous papers and lots of research. Also I am busy being a mommy to my two lovely daughter and holding down the fort while hubby is working over in Iraq. Also, I am busy trying to get Winter’s Kisses in the hands of avid readers.

5. What has been the most rewarding part of being a published author?

When someone comes up to me and says stuff like: I read your book and it was such a great book I couldn’t put it down until I was finished. Or how much they could identify with a character or how reading the book gave them hope.

6. What advice would you give to up and coming authors?

Learn everything you can about the industry and read all you can read about how to publish your book yourself.  Also try and meet people who will teach you stuff they know and the mistakes they made and try not to make the same ones. Be careful who they ask for advice because from experience, there are a few times I was given the wrong advice.
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

How to Love a Black Woman: Parent Tip – Easter Dinner: Sweet & Spicy Chicken & broccoli w/mushroom stuffing Posted: 05 Apr 2010 05:56 AM PDT How to Love a Black Woman Parent Tip – Easter Dinner: Sweet & Spicy Chicken & broccoli w/mushroom stuffing I cooked Easter dinner. Anyone who knows me, knows those last four words are very significant in the World of Sylvia Hubbard. I'm not a cooker. I blame being raised by a [...] Chat Schedule for E-Book Reading Challenge w/Sylvia Hubbard on Apr 15th Posted: 05 Apr 2010 05:19 AM PDT http://www.rawsistaz.com/whats-new/e-book-challenge-chat-schedule/ RawSistaz.com E-Book Reading Challenge is well under way and we are having a wonderful time with our featured authors!  If you haven't joined in, it is not too late to participate. (Register to download your free e-books here) RawSistaz.com posted this schedule with the last call for the free e-book downloads, but some [...] DON'T FORGET: Create Your Own Adventure story in Sylvia Hubbard's Literary World! Posted: 03 Apr 2010 12:58 PM PDT Create Your Own Adventure story in Sylvia Hubbard's Literary World! You are subscribed to email updates from The Literary World of Sylvia Hubbard READ MORE AT:http://sylviahubbard.com/blog