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

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! by sylviahubbard1 http://wp.me/p8Zp8-i9 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 Please support this site by giving a small donation. Click here to download my ebook. Thanks!

How to Love a Black Woman: Parent Tip - Easter Dinner: Sweet & Spicy Chicken & broccoli w/mushroom stuffing

How to Love a Black Woman Parent Tip - Easter Dinner: Sweet & Spicy Chicken & broccoli w/mushroom stuffing Posted: 04 Apr 2010 11:59 PM PDT 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 man who was just glad to eat rather than taste. I never knew I had to flavor food and once I became an adult, I lived with my grandparents part of the years I was in college and they suffered from all kinds of ailments so we hardly had any salt in the house much less anything like pepper or onions or even potatoes. Cooking was a trial and error kind of thing and I can say I know how to cook well spaghetti and pancakes. Everything else, is T/E (trial and error). I wanted to do something different. The kids had been eating spaghetti for the past week and I thought maybe I should cook something different for a change. Also, Of course for me that meant a little planning ahead. I know my weaknesses and I'll procrastinate until the end of time before I start something. My ahead planning meant spending my busy Saturday thinking of what i was going to cook. I didn't want anything to fancy, but I was in the mood to cook a nice dinner for the children. I figured I should get like my wonderful mother and always make sure Sunday is a home cooked meal and for the past couple of Sundays in the New Year I've been sticking to it. Yes, I am a busy woman and my kids understand that, but that can only be an excuse for so long. READ MORE AT: http://loveablackwoman.blogspot.com/2010/04/parent-tip-easter-dinner-sweet-spicy.html

Create Your Own Adventure story in Sylvia Hubbard's Literary World! by sylviahubbard1 http://wp.me/p8Zp8-i9 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

AAMBC Spring Upcoming and Current Book Tours

Romance and BitterSweet Blues headline this springs virtual tours The Melody of My BitterSweet Blues By Mel Bancroft Mel Bancroft’s debut memoir, The Melody of My BitterSweet Blues candidly and graphically reveals the secrets that lurk behind domestic violence, sexual abuse, and family dysfunction.  Little Melody is born at the peak of the civil rights movement, the Vietnam War, and the hippie counterculture, which takes her father, Moses, into a downward spiral of psychedelic drug experimentation. She lives with her family in a rundown tenement on the rough, west side of Chicago. She doesn’t quite notice they’re poor—until the old crooked-leg man grinds her soul away.   As an adolescent, Melody witnesses domestic violence, seemingly everywhere, unable to understand how her father can love her mother and beat her, too. And whatever happened to being Daddy’s little girl? She questions the meaning of sex as the coming of age aspect of this tale warns the reader of the signs of sexual abuse, teenage depression, and attempted suicide.    Melody struggles to relate to men in her adulthood, becoming a victim of abuse. Cocaine numbs the pain. She scratches her way toward sobriety for two years as she tries to mend a strained relationship with her mother, Ollie, who has been emotionally unavailable for years. She sets out to heal her past by researching her family history and interviewing family members. What she uncovers is mind-blowing. The ultimate turnaround of the life of one woman speaks to the human condition of the world. She is fearless, indefatigable, and righteous in her march to victory, thus breaking the cycle of abuse. Using poetic enlightenment and poignant imagery, Bancroft has given every survivor of abuse the gift of hope and triumph.                            Winter Kisses By Pauline R Evans 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 New! ton. 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.                      High Stakes By Toshia Shaw    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. Each girl is dancing on the stage of uncertainty. When the curtains are drawn and the neon lights go dim, who will wind up with the standing ovation? High Stakes, sometimes when you gamble a little, you wind up losing it all

Visit AAMBC www.aambcbooktours.blogspot.com throughout April to get to kow these authors and their latest projects. April 1-30th

Contact Information AAMBC National News aambookclub@gmail.com   www.aambookclub.com www.twitter.com/aambookclub

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. Each girl is dancing on the stage of uncertainty. When the curtains are drawn and the neon lights go dim, who will wind up with the standing ovation? 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: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnNlFdLf_Kc   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: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnNlFdLf_Kc

PODCAST: WHY are writers choosing to publish on their own.

PODCAST: WHY are writers choosing to publish on their own. sylviahubbard1 | March 25, 2010 at 12:31 pm | Categories: Author Interview, Feature, Uncategorized | URL: http://wp.me/p8Zp8-i0 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. Read more of this post Add a comment to this post

Sylvia Hubbard's Literary World Updates: His Substitute Wife… My Sister & The Switch… almost the same but one’s a movie

Sylvia Hubbard's Stories His Substitute Wife… My Sister & The Switch… almost the same but one's a movie Posted: 18 Mar 2010 04:26 PM PDT As you very well may know, I'm a movie nut and I just love love love any thing that has to do with movies, movie making, movie watching and re-watching. Currently my favorite site right now is... Read free stories from romance suspense, sensual noir author from Detroit, Sylvia Hubbard You are subscribed to email updates from The Literary World of Sylvia Hubbard http://sylviahubbard.com/blog Sylvia Hubbard Author, Blogger and Founder of Motown Writers Network & The African American Electronic Literary Network Author of Romance & Suspense and Internet Marketing for Writers & Business NOW AVAILABLE: Secrets, Lies and Family Ties order your copy now Coming Soon: Tanner's Devil www.redrosepublishing.com --- On Fri, 3/19/10, The Literary World of Sylvia Hubbard <sylviahubbard1@yahoo.com> wrote: From: The Literary World of Sylvia Hubbard <sylviahubbard1@yahoo.com> Subject: Sylvia Hubbard's Stories To: yexsenia2@yahoo.com Date: Friday, March 19, 2010, 7:03 AM Sylvia Hubbard's Stories His Substitute Wife… My Sister & The Switch… almost the same but one's a movie Posted: 18 Mar 2010 04:26 PM PDT As you very well may know, I'm a movie nut and I just love love love any thing that has to do with movies, movie making, movie watching and re-watching. Currently my favorite site right now is... Read free stories from romance suspense, sensual noir author from Detroit, Sylvia Hubbard You are subscribed to email updates from The Literary World of Sylvia Hubbard To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. Email delivery powered by Google Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610

EVENT: Southfield Public Library PR Literary Jam (I'll be there!)

Phone 248.796.4362 Fax 248.796.4365  News Release Date: March 18, 2010 Contact: Community Outreach For Release: Immediate                         Literary Jam @ the Southfield Public Library                                                                                                                                                          Southfield, MI –                          Rho Sigma Foundation Hosts Sixth Free SPIRIT Awards Presentation/Literary Jam   Rho Sigma Foundation presents its sixth annual SPIRIT (Sigmas Promoting Inspirational, Resourceful and Insightful Torchbearers) Awards Presentation/Literary Jam. The family-friendly, free event is set for Wednesday, March 24 at 6:30 pm. in the Southfield Public Library's Meeting Room (26300 Evergreen Road, Southfield, MI, 248.796.4200).  This year's event spotlights local poets/authors through readings and book signings plus salutes SPIRIT Awards winners who are "innovative educators". Spotlighted authors/poets include Denise Crittendon, Dr. O.D. Groves, Shayne Hearns, Darlene House, Clifford Hubbard, Sylvia Hubbard, Ari Jackson, Keir, Karen White Owens, Arvis Perry, Marquita L. Scott, Terri F. Williams and Willie Williams. Light refreshments will be served. For additional information, call 313.778.1550.   House of Communications Owner and SPIRIT Awards Originator Darlene House explained the awards recognize "innovative educators" who are individuals, companies, non- or not- for profit corporations/organizations that have carried on the legacy of the visionary seven founders of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority. The focus calls for recognition of entities that have not pledged to help realize the sorority founders' dreams but are doing so.   SPIRIT Awards winners who are "innovative educators". The Class of 2010 consists of the following worthy recipients: Charitable SPIRIT Award Winner Detroit Working Writers, Creative SPIRIT Award Winner Dorothy "Sewaa" Robinson, Enterprising SPIRIT Award Winner Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Guiding SPIRIT Award Winner Dr. Sharon Sellers-Clark, Nurturing SPIRIT Award Winner Addie M. Harper, Transcending SPIRIT Award Winner Carol Cain and Triumphant SPIRIT Award Winner Detroit Branch NAACP    Rho Sigma Foundation (RSF) was established in 1999 in Detroit as the non-profit, tax-exempt community service arm of the Rho Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.  The mission of RSF was to organize, promote, and implement charitable and educational activities in the areas of lessening neighborhood tensions, eliminating prejudice and discrimination, defending human and civil rights secured by law, combating deterioration of communities and juvenile delinquency and such other activities as may be authorized by law.   Southfield Public Library is located in the Southfield Municipal Complex, 26300 Evergreen Road.  Visit the Library's Home Page at www.southfieldlibrary.org.  For further information, please call the Guest Services Desk at 248.796.4224.                                                                         ###