RADIO REPLAYS: Day 1-7 Bonding Thru Books Literary Festival



Bonding Thru Books Literary Festival

Celebrating Our Legacy 365!
November 19-25, 2014

Share this Hashtag: #BondingThruBooks
 
Hosted by Ella Curry, EDC Creations Media Group



You are invited to Bonding Thru Books Weekend, a totally ONLINE book festival hosted by EDC Creations Media Group.  Every year we present a very diverse author showcase with live readings, writer's workshops, book club panel discussions, and several awesome book giveaways. Join BAN Radio Show host Ella D. Curry, avid readers, book bloggers and publishing industry insiders.

If we are to survive in this nation, we all have to learn to recognize and respect the fundamental differences between races, cultures, and our diverse socio- economic human rights. It is our hope that through the nightly panels we can highlight the differences in our ideas and attitudes, yet still embrace a sophisticated dialog. We aim to share life's exhilarating variety, while eliminating much of the assumptions and fear surrounding our lives.

It is our mission to connect readers with the authors of quality books, written with a purpose. We offer  books that will change their lives!  Instead of giving expensive gifts that don't shape lives, let's Give the Gift of Knowledge, pay it forward and help to strengthen our future generations by sharing our wonderful literary legacy!


LISTEN TO THE RE-BROADCASTS


Night 1, Nov 19:    http://tobtr.com/s/5717797

Night 2, Nov 20:    http://tobtr.com/s/5717809

Night 3, Nov 21:    http://tobtr.com/s/5717823

Night 4, Nov 22:    http://tobtr.com/s/5717851

Night 5, Nov 23:    http://tobtr.com/s/5717843

Night 6, Nov 24:    http://tobtr.com/s/5717863

Night 7, Nov 25:    http://tobtr.com/s/5717869
 


STAY CONNECTED!  DON’T FORGET TO SHARE!

Bonding Thru Books Literary Festival
Share this Hashtag:  #BondingThruBooks
Hosted  Ella Curry, EDC Creations Media Group
BTB Official Bookstore:  http://astore.amazon.com/edcmagazine-20 
Chatroom for readers:  http://www.blogtalkradio.com/black-author-network





   



Wednesday Night,  November 19 at 8:00-11:00 pm (EST)

Defenders of the Heart: Fiction Authors Showcase

FEATURED AUTHORS AND SPEAKERS

Listen to the Show Here,  Night 1, Nov 19:    http://tobtr.com/s/5717797

*8:00 - Deborah Johnson -  The Secret of Magic

*8:30 - Renee Daniel Flagler, Society Wives

*9:00 - William F. Cooper, Unbreakable

*9:15 - EN Joy, More Than I Can Bear

*9:30 - Ann Jeffries  and  Gracie Hill  (pre-recorded)

*9:45 - Leiann B. Wrytes, Virtuous Deception


Join us in the BAN Radio Chatroom at 8-11pm EST: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/black-author-network  Tell at least 10 people about this online event. We have great book giveaways each night in the chatroom! Spread the word! Thank you!


 


Thursday night, November 20 at 8:00-11:00 pm (EST)

We're celebrating mind, body and spirit on DAY 2 of the Bonding Thru Books Festival. We have an awesome author lineup and the community panel discussion is titled: 1000 Steps: Overcoming Life's Obstacles Panel Discussion!


FEATURED AUTHORS AND SPEAKERS

Listen to the Show Here,  Night 2, Nov 20:    http://tobtr.com/s/5717809

* 8:00 - Lauren Francis-Sharma, 'Til the Well Runs Dry

*8:30 - Lutishia Lovely, founder of A Lovely Day Experience

*8:45 - Pamela Samuels Young, Anybody's Daughter


1000 Steps: Overcoming Life's Obstacles Panel Discussion

Thursday night, November 20 at 9-11:00 pm EST

We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love. There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies.  —Martin Luther King, Jr.

Turning Mishaps to Ministry: 
The importance of learning to love yourself!  We are discussing finding solace from within first!  The panelist will discuss how your health determines your leadership abilities and the importance of balance in our lives. We are discussing  the power of forgiveness, clean eating, health, fitness, mental health, meditation & healing, depression & recovery and  financial literacy.

How We Love: Health, Marriage & Family Ties:  Life coaches, ministers and authors will talk about their motivation for writing books that teach, guide and empower our community on how to achieve overall health and wellness, as we build stronger leadership roles in our personal and professional lives. This unique radio opportunity will provide valuable information on how to achieve balance between mind, body and spirit. Finding balance in life is real!

 
FEATURED AUTHORS AND SPEAKERS

Listen to the Show Here,  Night 2, Nov 20:    http://tobtr.com/s/5717809


*Cheryl Donovan, founder Cheryl Lacey Donovan Ministries


* Kristin L. Mitchell, He Wasn't My Daddy

*Lá Tanyha Boyd, International Host of Spiritual Food for Thought Global Radio

* Villa Powell, Thirty Day Journey Toward Transformation

* Makasha Dorsey,  First Family Secrets (The Church House, Book 1)

* Lisa Renee Johnson, founder of I Got Sunshine. women’s empowerment movement

* Live Out Loud, 52 Weeks to Reawaken Your Spirit and Live a Life of Purpose By Melisa Alaba



 



Friday Night, November 21 at 8:00-11:00 pm (EST)
The Lies Lovers Tell Author Showcase

FEATURED AUTHORS AND SPEAKERS


Listen to the Show Here,  Night 3, Nov 21:    http://tobtr.com/s/5717823

*8:00 - Trice Hickman, Troublemaker

*8:15 - Victoria Warren Jackson, Untraditional Love In The Dark

*8:30 - RM Johnson, My Wife's Baby: I'm Not a Murderer

*8:45 - Electa Rome Parks, These Boots Were Made for Stalking



The Pleasure Principles Panel Discussion
Friday Night,  November 21 at 9:00-11:00 pm (EST)

Topic of Discussion - The Pleasure Principles: Truly adult conversation!  We are discussing the art of writing Erotica, Urban Lit and Fantasy novels. The relationship panel discussion will include topics New Sexual Revolution: Polyamory-multi-partnered relationships;  maintaining monogamy in a digital age;  online & long distance dating;  alternate lifestyle choices; tips for building long lasting relationships.

FEATURED AUTHORS AND SPEAKERS

Listen to the Show Here,  Night 3, Nov 21: http://tobtr.com/s/5717823

Co-host:
  Shakir Rashaan, author of the Nubian Underworld series, including The Awakening, Legacy, and Tempest

Co-host:   N'Tyse, National bestselling author of  Twisted Vows of Seduction and executive producer of the documentary series, Beneath My Skin.

*Lutishia Lovely, founder of A Lovely Day Experience,  Author of THE PERFECT DECEPTION

*Denise Bolds, Raising Princes to be Kings; A Single Black Mother's Guide to Raising Her Black Son

* Shana Johnson-Burton, Flawbulous

*Valarie Prince, Novel: The Virus: When Love Turns Deadly

*Naleighna Kai, Was it Good For You Too  and  Open Door Marriage

* Lorna L.A. Lewis, co-author Signed, Sealed, Delivered…I’m Yours


 


Saturday night, November 22, 2014 at 6:30-9:30 pm (EST)
Get Ya Read On- YA Readers and Fiction                

We are celebrating National Family Stories Month!  We all have family stories, tall tales and folklore based on our communities. They are entertaining, yet powerful because they serve to connect our families through the ages. By telling our family stories, we can preserve family history and unlock conversations that can become history lessons too.

Beacons For the Future - Fiction Book Showcase
Five remarkably talented, authors will talk about their motivation for writing, how they prepared to be an author, how they crafted their unique stories.

Topic of Discussion:  How to promote a book for children in the digital age. We are discussing ways to engage young readers.  Speakers will share their journey as children's book writers.

FEATURED AUTHORS AND SPEAKERS


Listen to the Show, Night 4, Nov 22:    http://tobtr.com/s/5717851

* 6:30 - Janet Autherine Mahon, Growing into Greatness with God:7 Paths to Greatness for our Sons and Daughters

* 6:45 - Michelle M. Spady, ShoozyQ and the AB Crew in Bully on the Playground

* 7:00 - Shelia Goss,  Jasmine: Lip Gloss Chronicles

* 7:30 - Necole Ryse, The Missing - play legacy recording

* 7:45 - Jean Love Cush, ENDANGERED


Speculative Fiction, Mystery and Thriller Showcase
Saturday night, November 22, 2014

Each author will read from their book and share how they went about getting their fiction books published. Readers will experience surreal speculative fiction, post-apocalyptic YA novels, spy thrillers, and the wild dystopian trilogies!

FEATURED AUTHORS AND SPEAKERS

Listen to the Show, Night 4, Nov 22:    http://tobtr.com/s/5717851

* 8:00 - SD Skye, A No Good Itch (A J.J. McCall Novel) Book 3

* 8:15 - Alexandra Lane, A Vision of Angels:  The Battle Begins

* 8:30 - Nakia LaShaul, Locked in Purgatory

Author Readings Pre- Recorded
* Cerece Rennie Murphy, Order of the Seers Trilogy
* The Last King: Book 1 by A. Yamina Collins


 



Sunday night, November 23 at 8:00-11:00 pm EST.
Our Cup Runneth Over:  Good Health and Peace of Mind

Bedrock Faith: Christian Fiction Author Showcase


FEATURED AUTHORS AND SPEAKERS

Listen to the Show Here, 
Night 5, Nov 23:    http://tobtr.com/s/5717843


* 8:00 -  Ella Curry Give Out Tips and Advice; Introduce Crown Holders

* 8:15 -  Ruth Watson, An Elderberry Fall

* 8:30 -  Colette R. Harrell, The Devil Made Me Do It

* 8:45 -  Julia Blues, The Last Exhale

* 9:00 -  Tyora Moody, Oven Baked Secrets

* 9:15 -  Bonnie Taylor-Williams, With These Hands: A Country Girl Came to Town


Shaking the Tree: Publicity & PR Pros Panel Discussion
Sunday Night,  November 23  at 9:30-11:00 pm (EST)

“Whoever controls the media, controls the mind!” — Jim Morrison


Topic of Discussion - Shaking the Tree: Marketing and PR in the Digital Age

Shaking the tree means taking action that makes something happen! We are discussing innovative ways to market and promote any product in this digital age.  We will also discuss the different services each magazine or company offer authors, business owners and readers.  With ebooks and digital music becoming all the rage, how do you capture the attention of  bookclubs and readers? How do you stand out?  How are your supporting the arts?  How are we mixing traditional marketing with social media marketing?

The challenge for book lovers today is discovery. How do readers find out about new books and plays by established and emerging writers? What books are they reading and reviewing now?  How do the readers grade the publishing industry?  We will address all of these questions during the panel discussion.  Meet established reviewers, book bloggers, virtual tour hosts, radio hosts, bookstore owners and book club members. During this panel, we will show listeners how books can open your universe!



FEATURED AUTHORS AND SPEAKERS

Listen to the Show Here,  Night 5, Nov 23:    http://tobtr.com/s/5717843

*Tonya Shirelle, ES Communications Agency & Infinite Xpression Publishing

*Tyora  Moody, The Literary Entrepreneur Toolkit

*TaNisha Webb, Publisher of Book Club 101 Magazine

*LaShaunda Hoffman, Shades Of Romance Magazine

*Renee’ Sunday, M.D. is the founder of Sunday Publishing Company,  Host of Good Deeds Radio & TV Show










Monday night, November 24 at 8:00-9:00 pm EST
Books Without Borders Author Showcase


Topic of Discussion - Books Without Borders: We are discussing the art of writing historical fiction and writing books that are in settings or take place outside the USA.


Books by African American writers should be read around the world, which is our belief! We bring wonderful stories to the minds and imaginations of everyone. We have stories to tell, using our voices and our experiences, that speaks to all races and cultures.  During the Bonding Thru Books Literary Festival, we will introduce readers to cross-genre books meant to be enjoyed by ALL READERS, period!  We want readers, all readers, from all races, to appreciate the work of authors of color!

FEATURED AUTHORS AND SPEAKERS

Listen to the Show Here,  Night 6, Nov 24:    http://tobtr.com/s/5717863
* 8:00 - Breena Clarke, ANGELS MAKE THEIR HOPE HERE

* 8:15 - Marlene Banks, Gunmen Have No Sabbath

* 8:30 - Piper Hughley, The Mayor's Mission

* 8:45 - Navi Robins, Walking Among the Shadows: Awakening

* 9:00 - Sherryle K. Jackson, Submissionary

* 9:30 -The Deadly Rose, An Assassin's Tale By J. M. Lominy


Behind the Curtain: Balancing Life, Weight, Career and Care-giving
Monday night, November 24 at 9:00-11:00 pm EST

Igniting the Power Within:  Define Yourself, Redefine the World

Our guest speakers represent greatness and courage as they share their moving testimonies. We invite you to join the discussion to share your stories of triumph and survival too!  Call into the radio programs to speak up and out. You may not feel that you are one to mentor or minister to others, but you never know. Your testimony might heal a hurting person. Your struggle might eliminate the pain in someone else’s future.

FEATURED AUTHORS AND SPEAKERS

Listen to the Show Here,  Night 6, Nov 24:    http://tobtr.com/s/5717863


*Renee Wiggins, Being Fabulously Fit in God's Kingdom: A 40-Day Journey to Wellness

*Brittani D. Williams, It's Not a Piece of Cake Nutritional Coaching and Education

*Tess Tims, author of The 3C's System: Your One Evening Guide to Health and Wealth Creation

*Dr. Sheronda Orridge, PH. D. - Life Coach / Life Coach Trainer, Loving Spirit Life Coach Academy LLC

*Joyce A. Brown, Getting Away With Everything

*Martha Kennerson, author of Consequences



 


Tuesday night, November 25, 2014  at 8:00-11:00 pm EST
 Who Motivates the Motivator:  The importance of women empowerment and balance in our business lives. We are also discussing the personal protection of women, mental & physical wellness,  financial literacy and hospice and caring of elders in the home.

Listen to the Show Here, Night 7, Nov 25:    http://tobtr.com/s/5717869

* 8:00 - Nika Beamon, Misdiagnosed: The Search for Dr. House, a medical memoir

* 8:15 - Annie Brown, My Little People: A Social Worker’s Journey

* 8:30 - Charmaine Galloway, author of Golden

* 8:45 - Andrea Foy,  author of Hire Power - How to Find, Get and Keep a Job




The Black Pearls Bookstore is now fully stocked. Please browse all of the shelves, we have some awesome book selections for you! Keep our authors in mind for your holiday gifts and for your Books-of-the-Month coming in 2015. Bring all of your friends to the BTB Official Bookstore:  http://astore.amazon.com/edcmagazine-20


YOU DO NOT NEED TO OWN A KINDLE TO READ THE GIVEAWAYS!

 Read the ebooks on your smartphone, tablet, device,  or computer by downloading the FREE Kindle reading app from here:  http://goo.gl/slQb6z







#BondingThruBooks Speaker - Brittani D. Williams It's Not a Piece of Cake LLC


It's Not a Piece of Cake LLC  Nutritional Coaching and Education

Brittani, a mother of 2, found a passion for nutrition and health when she reached a peak of 226 pounds and held on to the weight 2 years after the birth of her first child. The journey of a healthier lifestyle is so complex and with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and studies as a nutritional coach Brittani is now down 90 pounds in a 2 year span with a pregnancy and birth of her second son in between, and has created services to help individuals that want to make the same lifestyle changes.
 
The MISSION of It’s Not a Piece of Cake is to educate, support and assist in the mindset transition of men and women into weight management (be it loss, gain, or maintain) It’s Not a Piece of Cake offers various programs to ensure a successful start and continuation.


Mindset Transition – via analyzing current eating habits, ways to improve, and maintain at any stage of your journey One must understand that making the changes to a healthier lifestyle journey requires a certain level of drive and realism, through a healthy mindset. Once that is balanced, the journey to greater can be enjoyed.

Education  – via explaining who food affects your body and how the proper complex nutrition can change your life. Topics are presented on a weekly base to ensure complete understanding of your new walk. When you know better, it is easier to do better.

Support  –
via accountability, I am a friend/coach, I rejoice with the positives and coach through the negatives. I am fully hands on in my client’s journey; your success is my success!! Now, no journey is perfect, but after losing 90 pounds, having 2 small children, having a full-time job through it all, and then some, I can promise to be there step-by-step along the way.


BODY,  BABY  & ME
Owner:  Elizabeth Mays Unaeze


Body, Baby & Me was founded by Elizabeth Unaeze, wife and mother of two, who initially wanted to offer a way for pre and postnatal women become and stay healthy throughout their pregnancies and beyond. After facing a difficult 2nd pregnancy due to health complications, Elizabeth realized that Body, Baby, & Me could not only help those who are expecting but anyone who would like to reach their fitness goals.

A graduate of Sociology with a minor in Psychology from Louisiana State University, Elizabeth founded Body, Baby, & Me in April of 2014 with the vision to aid in all aspects of the human development and maintenance.  


About the Company:
Body, Baby, & Me is comprised of three different components. “The Body” represents all health aspects an individual my encounter throughout their lives. “The Baby” represents all of the pre and postnatal women who may be searching for ways to become and stay healthy before, during, and after pregnancy, and “The Me” focuses on the mental aspect of becoming and staying healthy. Body, Baby, & Me has programs for men, women, and children that specifically focus on complete body awareness and strength.

Programs Available (distant options available)
  • Customized weekly plans
  • Month to Month follow up
  • Education Seminars
  • One on One, Group, and Family Education sessions/programs

Programs Available:
 Personal Training
 Group Training
 Mommy & Me classes
 Circuit & Resistance Training
 Seminars & Specialized Training Classes
 Endurance Training for races    
 Dance Fitness
  • “Egwu” – An African Dance class
  • “Prexercise” – A dance class specifically designed for pregnancy
  • “Hip Hop Pop” – A high energy music mix-up class
  • “Memory Lane” – Dance to music from the 60s, 70s, and 80s
  • “Joint Junction” – A class designed for those with mobility problems

Like Body, Baby, & Me on Facebook and check out our website http://bodybabyme.com for updates on events, classes, and more! E-mail me at eunaeze@bodybabyme.com for any questions or to sign up today!

Contact at:  facebook.com/inapocllc or email itsnotapieceofcake@gmail.com






#BondingThruBooks Mentor - Melisa Alaba



Melisa Alaba is a thought leader, sought after speaker and life coach that expresses her gifts through healing, coaching, teaching. Melisa is a graduate of Roosevelt University, Chicago, with a Bachelors and Masters degree in Psychology. Melisa received special training in meditation and stress management.

Melisa empowers her clients to take control of their destiny. With over 12 years experience as a counselor and coach, Melisa has assisted hundreds of clients in reaching their goals and fulfilling their dreams. Melisa has also taught students at Joliet Junior College, Morton College and University of Phoenix in Psychology and Sociology courses. Melisa has been affectionately called “The Vision Coach” because she has assisted many clients in reclaiming and discovering their vision and purpose.

Melisa Alaba is the founder and CEO of Vision Works Counseling and Coaching and The Pure Life Club. Melisa is also an international Wellness speaker with Cool Leaf Inc., one of the largest corporate wellness providers in the country.

Melisa has presented to companies such as: Alere (Fortune 500 company), Cobb County Social Workers Association, Woodward Private Academy and many community groups and organizations across the country. Melisa currently teaches workshops and leads retreats on Mindful Meditation, Emotional healing, Purpose journey and writing.

Additionally, Melisa has been featured as an expert in Ebony Magazine, featured guest on 1380 AM Radio and in many other notable publications and broadcasts. Melisa was honored by Stiletto Woman in Business (SWIBA) with the
2013 Entrepreneur of the Year for Health and Healing.


BPM:  What inspired you to sit down and actually start writing this book? Why now?
After having a life changing car accident in 2008. I was forced to look at my life in a different manner. Over the period of two years I got my life back after suffering devastating loses. I wrote this book to help people who have gone through similar experiences or who are lost or just stuck and what to get free.

BPM:  Does your upbringing, prior relationships or life experiences inspire your writing?
Yes. Indeed. I write about life. I believe we are all on a beautiful journey in which has many turns and twist. It is up to us to embrace it all.

BPM:  Where do your book ideas come from? Are your books plot driven or character driven?  Why?

I write self-help books which often include rich and funny stories from life and the lives of thousands of people I have encountered over the years. I am a great observer and I learn through watching. I always include the latest research but I make it palatable with storytelling which explain concepts that will benefit you.

BPM:   Introduce us to your current work. What genre do you consider your book? Is this book available in digital forms like Nook and Kindle?
Live Out Loud, 52 Ways to Reawaken Your Spirit and Live a Life of Purpose is your gate way to living a life you will love. We live in a society where we equate money and things to success and I have learned that truly living on purpose is so much more. This books opens you up to simple exercises that will put you on the path to living your life full out and on purpose!

BPM:   What topics are primarily discussed?  Did you learn anything personal from writing your book?

Live Out Loud: 52 Ways to Reawaken Your Spirit and Live a Life of Purpose introduces you to 11 keys to living a fully awake life: abundance, acceptance, balance, commitment, connection, discovery, forgiveness, giving, gratitude, organization, and purpose. I present exercises that are easy to follow that will move you from being stuck to embracing your power and overcoming disappointments or setbacks. The exercises can be done individually, with a partner, or in a group. The 52 mindful exercises are short and extremely powerful. Many are based on my firsthand experiences and biblical principles. They will move you to take action and gain the life you were created to live.

BPM:   What defines success for you, as a published author? What are your ambitions for your writing career?
Success for me has been having my readers contacting me and tell me that this book caused them to shift in their being. I wrote this book to impact the lives of others so they could impact the world. To that point I have already experienced success in that endeavor. I will continue to write books that empower people to find their voice, live authentically and deliver their gifts powerfully to the world.

BPM:   What are your expectations for this book? What would you like for readers to do after reading this book? 
So many of us have been conditioned since youth to dim our light. We have been told that our gifts are not good enough or worthy to be shared. We have been conditioned to believe that safety should be our main concern. I believe that this book will guide readers in being liberated to discover, explore and claim their gifts so that they can transform lives.

BPM:   Is there anything else you would like to add that I haven’t included?
Recently, my book was selected as the feature book for the cast of 72 Hours a film set to release in early 2015 by Christopher Nolen.

BPM:   How can readers discover more about you and your work?
Subscribe to my newsletter and receive my free Live Out Loud Toolkit which includes meditations and a few copies of the book at www.melisaalaba.com. You can also check out the many courses that I offer on living your best life.


Purchase Live Out Loud by Melisa Alaba
Kindle Edition: http://amzn.com/B00IT69V0C



 
 

#BondingThruBooks Speaker - Victoria Warren Jackson



Untraditional Love In The Dark
by Victoria Warren Jackson



Untraditional Love In The Dark by Victoria Warren Jackson

Samantha learns a valuable lesson about self-love after Isaiah, her future husband, jogs into her life one windy morning. On the rebound, Samantha marries Isaiah to later discover he has a violent temper. He is physically abusive, lazy, and has a naughty secret. Samantha is about to face the fight of her life when she discovers Isaiah is bisexual. As her life unravels, Samantha faces death and must triumph over adversity to rebuild her life. The conclusion is a definite surprise.


Reviewed by Michelle Robertson for Readers' Favorite

In Untraditional Love In The Dark by Victoria Warren Jackson, Samantha is a successful college graduate with a busy and prospering boutique that she owns, but her personal life has many faults. Sam has been through many unsuccessful relationships in her 30 years of life. One after another seemed to have their own way of causing her grief, embarrassment, and complete sadness. Sam has dealt with a disease-inflicting boyfriend, a 'married with kids' boyfriend, and then the winner of them all, a bisexual husband. Sam needs to learn how to love herself and not just love and want to love men.

Author Victoria Warren Jackson entertains readers with her realistic, suspenseful and dramatic romance novel. The story plot created within this novel is one most readers can relate highly to, knowing someone in the same position or being in the same position themselves. For a woman though, Sam's experiences with men could possibly be the worst nightmarish thing to happen in a relationship. Victoria writes with such emotion and description that readers can feel themselves being mesmerized by the sequence of events told. The book is a nonstop read and a page-turner.

Untraditional Love In The Dark is a great novel, especially for women. The author provides highly relatable characters and scenes within each chapter. It is like reading a friend's diary. The book has some R-rated content and language within, and therefore is more suited to mature readers.

Book Excerpt:  Chapter 1 - Untraditional Love In The Dark


It was December 19, and there I was strolling down the beach. I don't truly know what had possessed me that morning. I had been awake, crying practically all night long. My heart was heavy and overflowing. I wanted to leave my body, to escape it all. I had only gotten about two hours of sleep. Those two hours were not a peaceful sleep. I had a nightmare. I dreamed I was driving across a bridge in New Orleans. The bridge suddenly collapsed. Within seconds, my car was covered with water. I tried to continue driving. The car would not move. The engine made a clicking sound. I saw other cars floating on by. I saw what appeared to be seaweed or some type of plant.  I could not get my car door to open. I used the heel of my shoe to kick the window's glass. It did not break. My eyes opened wide as I struggled.  It was to late for me to escape.

I awoke from the dream gasping for air, almost as if I had swallowed some seawater. The water engulfing me was a sign of how I felt about my life. I was in too deep.  My body was totally drained after the dream. I guess I was physically struggling while I was asleep.  I could not get myself to relax. I was so angry and bitter. My emotions were out of control. It felt worse than being trapped in a tornado. I was stuck in a miserable life based on the lies fed to me by a man.

I was tired of wasting time pretending I was going to get some sleep. I wanted to sleep, to dream, to be held, but I was far from getting any of the three. I decided to go out on the beach, just to think for a while. I thought being near the water would work magic on my situation.

If it didn't, I could always have jumped in and got my clothes wet. That was a stupid thought. Not to mention, sharks are known to swim close to the shore before dawn. Sharks are more prone to attack if a swimmer is alone as opposed to being in a group. A kid was attacked by a shark three weeks beforehand. The shark devoured the child's arm in one bite. Beach-goers were being more cautious. Besides, I had enough problems already to add pneumonia and a shark bite to the list.

The water is extremely fierce on the beach early in the morning. It was around six-thirty a.m. The wind was kind of chilly but not too cold. The sky was a medium shade of gray with bits of white peeking through the center. I could smell salt water and fish. Around Christmas time in Miami, it always gets windy. The change in weather signals Christmas has arrived.

Usually when a person is depressed, the first thing to go is their appearance. Depression has a way of making a person forget about materialistic things.  I was bundled up in a cream colored sweater, an old sweatshirt, and a pair of jogging pants. I didn't want to get cold when the waves blew in towards the shore. I was having a bad hair day. I used my fingers to comb my hair towards the back.

Living in Miami kind of spoiled me as far as the weather is concerned. I was accepting of the brief visits of wind during the holiday season mainly because Miami is mostly sunny year round.

On my feet, I wore a pair of Nike Tennis and regular cotton socks. It would not have been a wise idea to wear open-toed shoes especially if I didn't want to get sand on my feet.  And God knows. I did not want any jellyfish finding a resting place on my feet. Those little things have a sting strong enough to send you to the hospital. Better yet, the poison from their sting can swell your feet bigger than a grapefruit. I once had a jellyfish to land on my feet while I was walking near the shore. I did not realize it was there until a sharp pain shot up my leg. I started running and screaming, "A shark got me. Run everybody, run." I worked myself up so bad. I nearly fainted. I got weak in the knees, and I collapsed on the beach.

The lifeguard pushed his way through the crowd of people who had circled around me. I assumed he looked at my legs and did not see any torn skin or ligaments, so he knew it was not a shark attack. He laughed as he rubbed my right leg. "You are not dead. I think a jelly fish bit you," he told me.

Yes, I was embarrassed. There I was lying on the beach. Thank God I had a sense of humor. I lowered my head and smiled. Through all of the commotion, I noticed the lifeguard's muscular build. If the circumstances were different, I probably would have flirted with him.

The beach-goers were irritated when he said jellyfish. They grunted and walked away. I heard a teenage boy tell his friend, "She got everybody all worried. She knew she was lying. She thought they were going to put her on the six o'clock news or something."

Fresh mouth kid. He was lucky I was not his relative. I had the mind to take my shoe off and give him a good whipping. I was not worried about getting on the news. I honestly thought I had been attacked by a shark. How was I supposed to know it was only a jellyfish?


(  Continued...  )

© 2014 All rights reserved. Book excerpt reprinted by permission of the author, Victoria Warren Jackson.  Do not reproduce, copy or use without the author's written permission. This excerpt is used for promotional purposes only.

Book Trailer: Untraditional Love In The Dark Youtube   
Get Your Copy Today! 
Untraditional Love In The Dark by Victoria Warren Jackson
Books are available from  Amazon.com  and  Barnes & Noble.com


Victoria Warren Jackson was born in Milledgeville, Georgia. She was raised in Milledgeville, Georgia and Miami, Florida

After graduating from high school, Victoria earned an Associate in Arts Degree in Broadcasting Journalism from Miami Dade College. She earned a Bachelor's Degree in English Literature and a Bachelor's Degree in Dietetics from Oakwood University. She earned a Master's Degree in Business Administration from Nova Southeastern University and an Educational Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University.  Victoria is FCCPC Certified and has a CDA National. She is a member of NAPW and NAEYC.

Victoria has been an educator for eighteen years and began writing her first novel while teaching middle grade students. Victoria soon realized that writing is therapy and continues to write daily. She is the author of three books, Can You Feel Me? Intimate Poetry, Not Just Us, and Untraditional Love In The Dark.

Victoria is passionate about helping children become their best. She remains busy writing, teaching full-time, volunteering in her community, and singing in the church choir.


BPM:   Introduce us to your current work. What genre do you consider your book? Is this book available in digital forms?
My current work explores relationships and self-love. This is a romance novel. This book is available from Amazon.com in Kindle format.

BPM:  What inspired you to sit down and actually start writing this book? Why now?
I was inspired to write this book because I had the thoughts living in my mind like an actual movie. After dreaming about the plot of the story, I felt it was time to share with others. I knew it was a good time to get the book published because it became a top priority in my life.

BPM:  Does your upbringing, prior relationships or life experiences inspire your writing?
My mother played a big role in my deciding to become a writer. She has always believed in me not matter what I decided to do in life. Some of my life experiences also influenced the text in the story.

BPM:  Where do your book ideas come from? Are your books plot driven or character driven?  Why?
My book ideas come from my own experiences and other situations I may see in everyday life. My books are character driven. I focus more on the personal narrative than the plot. I have always enjoyed reading books, which provide a close-up of the character's mind. This is why I like to write from a first person point-of-view.

BPM:   Give us some insight into your main characters. What makes each one so special?
The main character, Samantha, is a well-educated woman who owns a business. She is ideal based on societal norms, but she has one flaw. She cannot select the right man. Her world would be perfect if she could only meet an honest, loving man. Samantha is special because she is the voice of many women today.

BPM:   What topics are primarily discussed?  Did you learn anything personal from writing your book?
The topics primarily discussed are proper communication in a relationship, marriage, and self-love. By writing my book, I learned the importance of loving oneself before searching for love elsewhere.

BPM:   What defines success for you, as a published author? What are your ambitions for your writing career?
Success is getting the book published. As an author, I am striving to create an educational platform to help new authors who have questions and need answers.

BPM:   What are your expectations for this book? What would you like for readers to do after reading this book?
I would love to see my book on the New York Times Bestselling Author List. And I would like the theme of the book to pass on a valuable message to readers. I do enjoy hearing from readers. After reading my book, I would love for readers to share their feedback with me.

BPM:   Did you ever ask yourself, "Why am I doing this? Should I change course?"
Many times I asked myself why I am still holding on to the dream of being a successful author. It is a lot of hard work, and the publishing arena has changed drastically. I sometimes wonder what will happen to my writing because I am not a celebrity or a person with a popular voice.

BPM:   Do you feel as if you are a role model for women and other authors period?
I think I am a role model. While I was in college, my literature professor told me I could not write. I was so hurt by his constant negative comments on my essays. Some of the anger I had towards him caused me to practice even more. I refused to roll over and play dead. I did not allow him to determine what should happen in my life. Also, I started out as an indie author with limited income. It was not easy making the sacrifice to put money away for my projects, but I decided budgeting would help make my dreams come true.

BPM:   What projects are you working on at the present?
Currently, I am working on a novel. I am also working on creating teleseminars for book publishing.

BPM:   How can readers discover more about you and your work?
Twitter: @authorvwj.  Visit my website at  http://www.victoriawarrenjackson.com

#BondingThruBooks Speaker - Tonya Shirelle


Publicist, bestselling author, freelance journalist and speaker, Tonya Shirelle is a Detroit native with over 25 years experience in public relations.  After working for several Fortune 500 companies including McDonald’s Corporation and Kmart Corporation,  she pursued her passion of entrepreneurship as CEO of ES Communications Agency, a full service public relations firm,  and Infinite Xpression Publishing Company.

With a diverse clientele across the globe she uses her out-of-the-box public relations strategies to build successful PR campaigns, and create compelling campaigns for authors under the Infinite Xpression Publishing company.

As a freelance journalist she has written articles which have been published in local and national publications. She has published three fiction and two non-fiction books.  As a speaker she ignites the room with her engaging and enlightening messages.

ES Communications Agency & Infinite Xpression Publishing. www.escommunicationsagency.com and infinitexpressionpub.com


BOOK:  Circumstances by Tonya Shirelle
Link: http://amzn.com/B0071PM64A




BondingThruBooks Speaker - Kristin L. Mitchell


Being a fatherless daughter has become a widespread epidemic, and author Kristin L. Mitchell is determined to produce a cure with her memoir,  He Wasn’t My Daddy: My Road to Restoration  (September 30, 2014, ISBN: 978-0-692-25762-3, K. Restoration LLC).


Speaking from a very personal place; a hurtful place that, from time to time, she finds herself
revisiting, Kristin L. Mitchell shares her story based on her perspective—her upbringing and
how her mother raised her single-handedly, and life without her father. She shares how the
absence of her father detrimentally affected her, causing her to cling to situations and people,
looking for that unique love in all the wrong places and people.


He Wasn’t My Daddy is testimony to Mitchell’s love, her loss, her abandonment, and her
restoration! “Truly, a journey that so many women travel, I have written it in a way that I hope
will incite dialogue and bond fatherless daughters across generations, as many of us share the
same or similar experiences,” said Mitchell about her debut effort. When asked if she harbored
any hesitancy about releasing her story to the world, she said, “Admittedly, writing this book,
and sharing my story with the world was scary at first, but had become therapeutic.”

Kristin L. Mitchell’s story will travel you down the road to her restoration, in hopes of promoting
healing for other fatherless daughters. It will also allow you to explore the effect absent fathers
have on their daughters. The effect her absent father had on her.

He Wasn’t My Daddy is honest, holds nothing back, and allows others to witness that it is okay
to expose all in an effort to heal open wounds,” said Mitchell. “This is my story. This is my road
to restoration!”


Kristin L. Mitchell
is a native of Washington, DC, a graduate of Spelman College, with a
Bachelor of Arts degree, a graduate of George Mason University, with a Master of Education,
and a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. For more information, visit her online
at www.kristinlmitchell.com.

Kristin L. Mitchell  is available for speaking engagements, book signings, book club meetings,
and book fairs/events. To schedule her, please contact Nakia McGuire on 202.489.3282 or via email: n2m.mgmt@gmail.com


Purchase He Wasn't My Daddy: My Road to Restoration and Redemption. Amazon Link:  http://amzn.com/B00NF5JRJW



Book Intro -  Kristin L. Mitchell
sought Daddy’s love in all the wrong places and people. Today, she is still seeking Daddy’s love. Her story will travel you down the road to her restoration through pain, anger, therapy sessions that felt like episodes of Dr. Phil, promiscuity, attempts of suicide and stints in mental wards.

HE WASN'T MY DADDY 
is not only a memoir that is a page-turner, but inspires and enlightens. Kristin L. Mitchell’s recapitulation of a life that was filled with experiences about a young girl who grew up without her father, is extremely telling and heartfelt. Kristin has lived through abusive relationships and bad decisions in her dating and social life, resulting in suicide attempts, and run-ins with law enforcement.

HE WASN'T MY DADDY takes you on a journey of exploring the effects absent fathers have on their daughters, exploring fatherlessness, mental illness, depression, promiscuity and suicide.

This book tells all. Nothing is off limits. Nothing is kept secret.


Contact: Nakia McGuire for events and speaking engagements

Phone: 202.489.3282
Email: n2m.mgmt@gmail.com
Website: www.kristinlmitchell.com



#BondingThruBooks Speaker - Cheryl Lacey Donovan


Intimate Conversation with Cheryl Lacey Donovan

Cheryl Lacey Donovan is a nationally recognized evangelist and public speaker. As founder of Worth More than Rubies Ministries, Cheryl has become one of the nations leading conference presenters. A noted author and internet radio personality, she has influenced the lives of thousands of women in the U.S. and abroad. Cheryl’s calling to inspire, motivate, & educate others is evident as her passion to help women discover their authentic purpose and destiny comes through in her books, CD's and devotionals.

Women What the Hell are You Thinking Now?  by Cheryl Lacey Donovan
Join Author and Evangelist Cheryl Donovan as she discusses her new book Women, What the Hell are You Thinking Now? This series of discussions is designed to help individuals identify the strongholds in their lives and tear them while seeking to live the abundant life God intended.


BOOKS BY CHERYL LACEY DONOVAN


* F.A.I.T.H. (SHIFT Happens Bible Study) By Cheryl Lacey Donovan
http://astore.amazon.com/edcmagazine-20/detail/1502547406

* Killing Religion by Cheryl Lacey Donovan
http://astore.amazon.com/edcmagazine-20/detail/0692306188




BPM: Cheryl share with us a quote from one of the most powerful chapters.
"You can't get to the next level if you're stuck on the ground floor."

BPM: You are an Evangelist and ordained Minister of the Gospel. What prompted you to write this book for women?
Over the years, I’ve shared many of my experiences and testimonies of things that happened to me and others I cross in my daily profession as a medical instructor .I originally wrote a similar book about two years ago which addressed some of those issues but in this book, I tackle them head on with practical applications for implementation. I actually had no idea my mess would someday be a message for others. That’s the Holy Spirit for you. He brings things full circle in your life. Many of us are experiencing a spiritual disconnect in most cases. We believe our problems are carnal rather than spiritual. You want to do the right thing but are confronted with situations that are counter intuitive to all your values, cultural and spiritual, and you have to balance them all. It’s tough. So I wrote Women What the Hell are You Thinking Now? to help women get through the tough days with grace and know that God loves them and is with them no matter what.

BPM: What life lessons have you experienced personally that have nurtured and shaped who you are today?
Christians are not immune to the vicissitudes of life. Understanding this reality has helped me cope with the setbacks and unexpected pitfalls I’ve faced. Jesus said we’d have them in this world but to be of good cheer because he’d overcome the world (John 16:33). That’s the good news. Christ is with us He never leaves us or forsakes us.

BPM: What insight does the book give readers on life?
The book encourages the reader to look inside themselves for the changes they want to see. A transformed mind leads to a transformed life.

BPM: What are some of the common mistakes, or mis-informed choices that prevent women in developing spiritually, or building positive relationships?
We allow others to define us. Who we are and who we should be rather than looking to the creator for the answer. Many of us have an unction or yearning inside about who we are and what we should be doing to build the Kingdom but we allow the enemy to lie to us and convince us otherwise. We forget that with Christ we can do all things and that he can take the foolish things and confound the wise. We are more than conquerors and we shouldn’t allow fear to consume us.

BPM: What are you hoping women will take away from your book, i.e., personally, emotionally, and/or spiritually?
I want women to understand how important they are to God. The Kingdom of God lives within in each of us. Therefore, we already have everything we need to operate in our God given purpose. Once we get that we can truly experience the abundant life God intended for us to have.

BPM: How do you avoid the temptation of interjecting your own morals, value system or ministry in your writing?
I try to be real. I try to be transparent. I use myself, my story to connect with the reader. I'm not trying to save people with my writing; I'm simply trying to share God's love without shoving religion down their throats. I want readers to be inspired and come away encouraged.

BPM: What has been your most difficult hurdle to leap? Marketing, promotions or gaining media exposure, etc. How can EDC Creations and our readers help you?
Mainstream media exposure is probably the most difficult aspect of marketing. It can be hard to keep track of news stories trends, etc. with which your book has something in common. Yet, this is the most effective way of getting interviews in print as well as on national media programs.

BPM: How has your writing style evolved over the years? What stimulated your growth the most? We are here to shine the spotlight on your new book, but what's next?
I'd like to think it's more thought provoking and more meaningful to the reader. Again I connect with them through my own story so I believe it's more real and effective at reaching the reader. My next book is No Test No Testimony: What Happens When All Hell Breaks Loose. It discusses the fact that just because you're seen as a "leader" in the faith based community it doesn't mean that you don't go through trials and tribulations that can upset your world. But in the end as the title reflects there is ultimately a testimony for the masses.

BPM: Do you have plans to write other devotional/spiritual books, and how can readers reach you?
I plan to continue traveling the country ministering to women and I will continue writing books of inspiration including devotionals, journals, and other inspirational material. Anyone wishing to contact me can do so at cherylspeaks@gmail.com.  They can also visit the website: http://www.worthmorethanrubiesministries.org;  http://www.facebook.com/cheryl.donovan;  http://www.twitter.com/donovancheryl


Women What the Hell are You Thinking Now?  Transform Your Thinking to Transform Your Life
by Cheryl Lacey Donovan

• Book Review

Cheryl, you speak with authority, wisdom, and experience. Your book is certain to breathe life into those who feel beaten down by circumstances. Your strong yet loving words will draw women of all ages and stages to the power and peace that only our Risen Lord can provide. He has spoken through you. Thank you for being an obedient messenger. In Christ's love and warmth.   ~ Jory H. Fisher, JD,  www.WomenFindPurpose.com 


• Primary Topics Discussed in Women What the Hell are You Thinking Now?

1.)  You have to clear the clutter and get on with your life. You have to learn to forgive not only others but yourself. When you harbor fear it grows into bitterness, anger, and resentment. Ultimately the only person this hurts is you. We have to let go of all the bad feelings and emotions that keep us in bondage.

2.)  If you transform your thinking you'll transform your life. Our thoughts turn into words. Those words turn into actions. Ultimately all of this becomes a self fulfilling prophecy. Therefore, we must strive to maintain a positive attitude and positive thoughts so that our outcome will be successful.

3.)  Be truthful with yourself. Many of us hide behind masks. Masks not only shown to others but to ourselves as well. Being truthful with ourselves helps us to identify those things that keep us from living an abundant life. In this way we can begin to forgive yourself and others.

4.)  Identify opportunities for growth even in life's most mundane moments. You already have everything you need to live a life of victory. Use it.

Purchase at Amazon Today!
Genre: Christian/Inspirational

ISBN-10: 0982967268
ISBN-13: 978-0982967263
Now available on the  Nook  and  Kindle



#BondingThruBooks Speaker - Marlene Banks




GUNMEN HAVE NO SABBATH by Marlene Banks
An Exodusters Saga                                                                 

Resolving for different reasons to abandon their past lifestyles, four fast guns with well-earned reputations quietly settle outside the all-Negro town of Nicodemus, Kansas. The men are commissioned to protect the town from an unscrupulous land baron’s attempted takeover with payment of cash and property. They face the challenges of unwelcoming townsfolk, a devious adversary, and powerful corporate greed assisted by unprincipled politics, as well as their own personal demons. In the midst of this they find the unexpected; romance and a struggle of faith.

Gideon McCoy, Caleb Cain, Joshua Boudreaux and David ‘Boone’ Tennyson are reputed fast guns who become immediately attracted to the charming Nicodemus women: Sugar, a beautiful farm girl, Louise the talkative daughter of a general store owner, Liberty a sassy saloon owner and the newly arrived schoolmarm, Polly.

While Nicodemus residents enthusiastically anticipate the advent of the Pacific Union Railroad, a scheming Lucas Hitchcock and the cultural mentality of greedy ambition and ingrained racism work against a potentially beneficial arrangement. Yet the Godly presence in Lucas’ most despised enemy, Geoffrey Abington, foils his brutal bid for control. Nicodemus becomes pawn in a tug of war between a railroad company only concerned with profitable expansion along with Hitchcock’s power play and the godly team of Geoffrey Abington and his friend Harlan Colby.

Harlan, a loving family man and longtime railroad executive who is fed up with his employer’s trend of unethical business practices. Harlan makes a hard choice for what he believes to be God’s standard in business, society, and humanity as a whole. People are being harassed, run from their land, and even murdered. The four gunmen are hired to protect Nicodemus’ citizens but encounter obstacles both spiritual and natural they did not foresee. Sides are drawn culminating into a massive showdown and only God will able to save the four men and Nicodemus.

Nicodemus, Kansas is an actual town still existing today with a significant contribution to African American history. This story is fictional but with important nuggets of historical fact injected.


* GUNMEN HAVE NO SABBATH: An Exodusters Saga by Marlene Banks

http://www.amazon.com/Marlene-Banks/e/B005KXAM2I

* Greenwood and Archer: After The Riot By Marlene Banks
http://astore.amazon.com/edcmagazine-20/detail/0802406211


Marlene Banks
considers herself a Kingdom writer/novelist, hardwired to tell stories. God honors her to serve with this gift she loves to use. A passion for good stories directs her reading choices and fuels her writing goals. She believes a good story definitely has the power to show God’s glory to the world, spread the Gospel, and inspire change. Marlene emphatically declares Christ Jesus is the Author and Finisher of her faith and her fiction.

Marlene is relatively new on the scene as a professional novelist. Her penchant for ignored or misrepresented African American history, love of biblical life application along with a fascination of human psychology, and a soft spot for that male female dance of romance blended together creating the multi-layered plots for her first four novels. The result was she found her niche penning historical romance. She hasn’t stopped with that, however. She also writes contemporary fiction with a chick lit romance genre series already introduced to the public.

Marlene’s roots are in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where she currently lives and worships at the Bethel Deliverance Church in Wyncote, PA. If you want to learn more about her visit one of these sites:

http://www.marlenebanks.com
https://twitter.com/MarleneBanks2
http://www.pinterest.com/authormarleneba/boards
https://www.facebook.com/authormarlene.banks
https://www.amazon.com/author/novel_lady
https://www.goodreads.com/author/MarleneBanks




#BondingThruBooks Speaker - Alexandra Lane




Alexandra Lane
was born in Fayetteville, NC but due to her father’s military career she has lived in various states and countries. To have the opportunity to become familiar with other cultures and their traditions was an uplifting and educational journey. One she was glad to have participated in.

She later returned to Fayetteville where she attended Fayetteville State University and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration/Management. Upon graduation she worked in the financial world of banking. Although she enjoyed her years as a Banking Center Manager she wanted to devote more of her time to writing and telling compelling stories. This is her first novel. She is currently working on her second.


BPM: Can you share a little of your current work with us? Introduce us to your book. 
A Vision of Angels: The Battle Begins is the story of a woman name Minty, a slave and Jack, a slave hunter. Both their lives are shattered beyond what most people would be able to bear.

Minty will make a decision to run away to save her life and Jack and a few men will pursue her in the dark swamps of Maryland. However, Jack is unaware of what he is about to encounter at a place called, Little Canyon. Unimaginable, is how I would describe what happens next. Evil is amongst them, but more than anything, it is very aware of these two souls.

This story is a looking glass into the world of Angels and the incredible feats they performed for the sake of these two lives.
This is a story of hope in the face of hopelessness and redemption even when one feels there is none.  Of course, you will have to read the story to understand why.


BPM: Where do your book ideas come from? Are your books plot driven or character driven?  
The idea came about one day when I was watching a daytime talk show. There was a man on the show that described an incredible situation where he survived a paragliding incident that should’ve robbed him of his life. But thankfully, he lived. However, he went on to say he was incredibly “lucky.”

I saw it different. I saw his angels safely guiding him to earth because his purpose had not yet been fulfilled here on earth. So I wondered how amazing it must look to see our angels in action. How does it look when they’re doing extraordinary things behind the scenes for us? Like saving us from danger, protecting us from harm and even guiding us through life? That is when the story was born.

So far as plot or character driven, I would have to say that this is more character driven because I wanted to focus more on the people in the story. Who they are, and what made them that way. We are all flawed in some way, but there are some people who have more challenges and bigger road blocks in their lives. As a result they develop certain “defenses” to help them cope with the more strenuous obstacles of life. It makes for some very interesting outcomes.


BPM: Give us an insight into your main characters. What makes each one so special? 
Well the main characters are Minty, Jack and Red. What makes Minty special is her spirit. Even as a slave she doesn’t lose hope. She never stops believing that she can, one day, be free. Even when everything around her, the environment, the other slaves and her husband, says NO YOU CAN’T.

Jack is special because his life started out one way but made a drastic turn when his parents died. He tries hard to fight the dark emotions that try to rule over him but it’s difficult. He actually has a good heart but it worthless to him. So, he just drifts through life trying to run from a past he hates but realizes it follows you wherever you go.

Red is different. He was born with these awful, menacing eyes that frightens everyone. But as he gets older and begins to partake in some unsavory acts, those eyes are not only frightening but they become occupied with something more sinister than himself.

And I don’t want to make light of Patty and Melinda because they are both instrumental in the story as well. Patty is the owner/madam of a saloon. Her reason for becoming a madam is very interesting.

Melinda
is a young woman who was taken in by Patty when she was kicked out of her aunt’s home. However, things begin to take a turn when she and Jack meet for the first time.


BPM: Can you outline some areas where your characters dealt with issues that are in current affairs?
Yes. Although this story takes place in 1849 around the time of slavery, I picked this time to show that even in the direst situations, there is still hope. Keep in mind slavery can come in many forms. Sometimes we are enslaved to our environment: Poverty, crime, drugs, domestic violence, abuse and the list goes on and on. Sometimes when it's all you know and you don't see a way out, it's easier to give in and accept it as your fate. (Just as the other slaves did in this story) But I strongly believe you can change your outcome.

A Vision of Angels is a story about hope, looking beyond your circumstances and what everyone else is saying and doing and fighting for a better life. Start preparing, set a plan in motion, study hard, hold onto patience and above all have faith in God and follow your angel that He has assigned to you. Do these things and you can make it out of whatever hell you may be in.

Is it going to be easy? No. Are there bumps and bruises in attempting to free yourself? Yes, many. But how great is the reward that awaits when you’re finally free.


BPM: What would you like for readers to take away from your writing? 
Psalms 91:11 says, “For He shall give His angels charge over thee in all thy ways. The translation of the word “angel” is “messenger.” Simply put, Angels are God’s messengers. What I want people to take away from this story is that we have all been assigned an angel...or two. (Smile) God sent them to help guide us on this journey, therefore, we need to listen when they are trying to do their job.

Whenever you hear a still, quiet voice in your spirit saying, Take her some food and Buy the child some clothes or sometimes a strong urge may come over you to call a friend or family member you haven’t spoken to in years. Do it, there's a reason for it. And in some cases they have messages of warnings. For example, you’re getting ready to take a ride with someone that maybe you just met, but all of a sudden this overpowering feeling/warning comes over you and you know you shouldn’t get in that car or Stay away from that place. This is your angel trying to guide you in life as well as protect you. Each act we perform or obey takes us closer to fulfilling our purpose.

And have you ever noticed that when you “do” listen, you’re so glad you did?! Sometimes, it is revealed to us later why we were told to do what we did. Makes you smile. Makes you feel really good inside.


BPM: What defines success for you, as a published author?
When someone calls you or leaves a message and tells you how much they loved your story. As an author, at least for me, it’s not always easy putting a story together but when you finally complete your story, that is the most gratifying feeling. But what’s more exciting is when others read your book and get just as excited about the story as you did when you were writing it. When they say it made them feel good or how they really liked a certain character. When I hear the words, suspenseful, inspirational, blessing or better yet, it made them think. To me, that is success! A wonderful feeling to have.


BPM: Were there any challenges in bringing this story to life? 
Yes, yes and yes to all of the above. Writing in a different time period is a challenge in itself. You have to research the clothes, the words, everything. You have to stay in that time and not forget that there are certain words we say today that were not used back in that time. Certain mannerisms and behaviors were more acceptable back then but not today. So, I had fun learning about those little details that we don’t really think about every day.


BPM: Our life experiences, challenges and success help define who we are on a personal and professional level. At what point in your career did you discover your real worth and own it? 
Actually, there are several points in my life that I can reflect on that shaped who I am today but I will address this particular one. My first trial in life came when I became a divorcee and I had three children to raise on my own. Whew! That was a tough one. I had to move to a place that my kids weren’t use to living in, but that was so I could go to college and hopefully provide a better life for them. I had always wanted to go but I didn’t have the money or any scholarships or rich relatives. LOL. I honestly didn’t know where to start.

So, I went to the college and spoke to the administrators and they were wonderful in guiding me on where to begin. But in pursuing this journey, I had to “back up” in life in order to go forward and I also had to be patient and stay focused on the end game and not my current situation. You realize how strong you are as a mother and as a person when you have very little to live off of and nowhere to pull from. But when I finished college and walked across that stage to receive my degree the REWARD was far greater than the struggle and the pain I endured.

I can’t find the words to describe how it felt to get a good paying job and what it felt like to move your family into a better home and neighborhood and comfortably provide for them.

One day, while sitting at my computer and thinking back on my life, I wrote this short poem for myself. Of course, I titled it, New Beginnings:

**A new beginning represents the journey and transition of a woman. Her struggles through difficult times and the transformation she undergoes. Strength is the gift given to each woman that has had to start over in her life, for her choices were few, and her path reset. And for every dramatic change she endures, like the butterfly, she emerges stronger, wiser and more beautiful. When you thought you couldn’t run any further, you now realize you have wings…and you can soar. **

This poem hangs on my wall in my room as a reminder of what I was brought through. Thank you, God.


Website: http://alexandralane.tateauthor.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/avisionofangels
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexandra.lane11


Purchase A Vision of Angels: The Battle Begins

Available on Kindle and Nook and in print 



Barnes and Noble.com:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-vision-of-angels-alexandra-lane/1108912950