BONDED FOR LIFE by Tesa Erven (The Loose End Series - Book 3)

BONDED FOR LIFE by Tesa Erven (The Loose End Series - Book 3)

In the third installment of The Loose End series, we find Renee and Bradsen attempting to move past the adulteress relationship, turned down proposal and trust issues. While Bradsen remains optimistic, Renee fears that her scandalous past is a hindrance toward their future. Meanwhile, Renee's best friend Sabrina is overjoyed with her relationship with NFL rookie Derrick St. Jermaine. All is well with the two until photos mysteriously surface on the internet. Derrick's sister, Sonya, finds herself in a love triangle. During a lull in her longtime on-again, off-again relationship with her sexy firefighter, she begins to date the deejay of a popular nightclub she frequents. It's all fun and games with Sonya until she finds herself in an unforeseen situation.  Which bonds are temporary and which are bonded for life? EXCERPT:  BONDED FOR LIFE "I can't believe that just happened," Bradsen said to himself as he pulled his car out from in front of his twin brother, Jacksen, and his wife, Cynthia's house. He glanced over at Renee who had a stunned expression on her face. With a concerned tone he asked, "Are you okay?" He watched as the glistening tears in her oval-shaped eyes threatened to spill over. Renee's voice quivered as she replied, "I'm fine. Although, it's not every day I have a drink thrown in my face." Sabrina, Renee's best friend and former roommate, chimed in from the backseat, "I can't believe she did that. There was way too much tension in there." Renee lowered her head. "Yeah there was. But, Brenda has every right to be angry with me. I was knowingly having an affair with her husband. I'm glad she was able to release some of her anger. It could have been worse, you know. She could have pulled out a gun and shot me," Renee added, attempting to make light of the situation. "That's not funny, Renee." Bradsen glared at her. "Okay, you cheated with her husband. I get it. But, I thought we were past it. Apparently not." "Let's face it. It was too soon. I had a feeling we shouldn't have gone there tonight." "Yep," Sabrina said. Derrick joined the conversation. "I agree." Renee cleared her throat and laughed at them. "Really now? So, earlier when we were in the car contemplating on whether or not we should go into the house, no one bothered to say, 'Oh, there's a small possibility that you may get your butt kicked.' You guys are unbelievable." "A drink thrown in your face. But your butt kicked? That wouldn't have happened. At least, not with me standing there," Sabrina assured her.  Bradsen hadn't said much. Renee looked over at him and noticed tension on his handsome face. "Are you alright?"  Bradsen looked at her and softly uttered, "We'll talk about it later." Silence filled the car until Derrick asked, "You two still coming to my game, right?" The six three, well-built rookie linebacker would be starting in his first game on Sunday. Sabrina nudged him in the side. "What?" Derrick mouthed.  "Yes, we'll be there," Bradsen said as he pulled into Renee's apartment complex. Once they said their goodbyes, Sabrina and Derrick headed to his car and Bradsen and Renee went into her place.  "Now do you want to tell me what's wrong?" Renee asked when Bradsen closed the door. "Baby, I'm so sorry about tonight. I feel terrible. I should have never pressured you into going. Me and Jacksen kind of thought enough time had passed. I really wish there was a way we could all get along." Renee put her arms around his waist and leaned back to look up into his brown eyes and clean-shaven, dark brown face. Bradsen stood a couple inches over six feet, easily towering over her five-and-a-half feet.  "I don't know what you want me to do, Bradsen. This is tough. I didn't expect your family to accept me with open arms. I chose to be the other woman. It was a bad decision on my part, but I have to live with the choices that I've made, not you. I love you, but I don't want you to be miserable because you can't have it both ways. There's always going to be some kind of animosity towards me from your family." "Baby, I realize this is hard and I love you too, but there has to be a better way-" He stopped mid-sentence. Renee pulled her arms from underneath his. She spat, "A better way to what? To us trying to get together again. It's not going to happen. I'm sorry to tell you that I'm not welcomed there, and if that's a problem for you then I guess you could-"  Bradsen cut her off, "Don't you dare say it, Renee. I'm not going anywhere. You are the one I want, and we'll have to figure out something, because I won't give up on us." Renee shook her head while Bradsen pulled her back into his embrace. With her petite frame wrapped in his arms, she always felt safe with him. He wanted to reaffirm his love for her to show her that they would get through it no matter what happened. But he knew only time would tell. ( Continued... ) © 2016 All rights reserved.  Book excerpt reprinted by permission of the author, Tesa Erven.  Do not reproduce, copy or use without the author's written permission. This excerpt is used for promotional purposes only. Purchase the 3-Book Loose End Series by Tesa Erven https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N7FOB7F Purchase Bonded For Life (The Loose End Book 3) by Tesa Erven https://www.amazon.com/Bonded-Life-Loose-End-Book-ebook/dp/B01N687MKJ

Threads that Mend  (The Loose End Series - Book 2) Can two people from a secret love affair redeem themselves after suffering the consequences of their actions? Or will they allow the past to tangle the Threads that Mend. In the sequel to The Loose End, we revisit the lives of Renee Lawson, Bradsen Myers, Kayron Hawkins, and Sabrina Brown. Renee finds herself staring her decisions in the face: the selfishness of dating a married man for four years and the foolishness of pushing away another who offered true love. Meanwhile, Bradsen is attempting to cope after being rejected by Renee. The happiness he's forced to witness from his soon-to-be-wed twin brother and business partner only accelerates the pain he's feeling. Kayron is not so happy with life after the hurt he'd caused Renee and his wife comes back tenfold. Not only is he fighting for his marriage, he also finds himself in a life-threatening situation. Through all of the confusion and emotional turmoil, Sabrina is enjoying her newly found secret love affair. Will the others be as lucky as Sabrina? Or will they allow the past to tangle the threads that mend? Purchase Threads that Mend (The Loose End Book 2) https://www.amazon.com/Threads-that-Mend-Loose-Book-ebook/dp/B01FPTI0B6

The Loose End by Tesa Erven  (The Loose End Series - Book 1)

After celebrating an unforgettable weekend, he vanishes without a trace. Was he injured? Was he murdered? Where was he? Find out now in The Loose End. Renee Lawson is a young, vibrant, beautiful woman who fell in love with one of Oakland's finest, and of all things, a married man. For her twenty-fifth birthday, he surprises her with a romantic getaway. He planned to make it a weekend she'd never forget. And indeed it was, until a few weeks later, her phone calls and text messages stopped being answered or responded to. He had gone on vacation with his family, but he'd always found time to communicate with her in the past. How can she start to build a connection with him when her secret love has vanished without a trace? Was he injured? Was he murdered? Where was he? Read more: https://www.amazon.com/Tesa-Erven/e/B0136QKRM0

Intimate Conversation   with Tesa Erven Tesa Erven was born and raised in San Francisco, California. She currently resides in New Jersey with her husband and two kids. She works as an office administrator for a global outplacement firm. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, writing and singing. The Loose End is her first published work. BPM:  Tell us about your Loose End Series?  Is this book available on Nook and Kindle? Tesa: My debut novel is called The Loose End. It is available on Nook and Kindle. Renee Lawson is a young, vibrant, beautiful woman who fell in love with one of Oakland's finest, and of all things, a married man.  For her twenty-fifth birthday, he surprises her with a romantic getaway. He planned to make it a weekend she'd never forget. And indeed it was, until a few weeks later, her phone calls and text messages stopped being answered or responded to. He had gone on vacation with his family, but he'd always found time to communicate with her in the past. Renee still confused by her lover's disappearance, attends an event with her best friend, Sabrina. There they meet California native Bradsen Myers. A single, handsome, respected attorney and he's definitely interested in Renee. While Bradsen feels its love at first sight, she pushes him away. After returning home from the event, desperation sets in.  During her weeks of worry, Renee has a chance encounter with Bradsen. She feels an attraction but is conflicted. How can she start to build a connection with him when her secret love has vanished without a trace? Was he injured? Was he murdered? Where was he? BPM:  Give us some insight into your main characters or speakers. What makes each one so special? Tesa: Renee Lawson is a young, vibrant beautiful woman that fell in love with a married man. Kayron Hawkins is the so-called happily married man in a relationship with Renee. Sabrina Brown is Renee's childhood best friend and roommate and she's very opinionated. Bradsen Myers is a prominent attorney and is attracted to Renee. I enjoy developing new characters and giving them a voice because each one is uniquely written. BPM:  What inspired you to sit down and actually start writing this book? Tesa: I started writing ten years ago. The experience was great because I knew it was a big accomplishment. The problem was, I tried to go the traditional publisher route and after the many rejections I gave up on the manuscript. It wasn't until years later when my husband found it and liked what I wrote. That's when the desire for writing returned and I decided to research self-publishing. BPM:  What did you enjoy most about writing this book? Tesa:  For me, the easiest part about writing is when you have a muse that you can build or base a character on. My childhood best friend of 30+ years is inspiration to Sabrina's character in my book. She happens to have those same character traits of always being there and guiding me that it just makes the story come together in a nice even flow. BPM:  Where do your book ideas come from? Are your books plot-driven or character-driven?  Why? Tesa:  My ideas are character driven. I keep a notebook with me on the go. I start a story in there before scanning it into the computer. I still have a thing for the old fashioned scratch and scribble... I write everything down on paper. BPM:  How does your book relate to your present situation or journey? Tesa: I write fiction for entertainment purposes. I want readers to be able to escape into my world. BPM:   Did you learn anything personal from writing your book? Tesa: I love writing; it gets the creative juices flowing.  I love unknowingly connecting characters together. It's a small world and I prove that in my writing style. I get the thrill of just being able to write about love, twists, and a little suspense.  BPM:   Can you share some stories about people you met while researching this book? Tesa: Some of the places/establishments in my book are places that people can actually visit. I would recommend Sonoma Valley, where you can tour the Korbel winery. BPM:   What were your goals and intentions in this book, and how well do you feel you achieved them? Tesa: My goal was to write a love story with romance, suspense and unexpected twists. I am so pleased with the way the story turned out that it became a series. BPM:   What projects are you working on at the present? Tesa: My current project is titled, Bonded for Life, its book three in The Loose End Series, available now at: http://a.co/gENZu2W BPM:   How can readers discover more about you and your work? Twitter: @TesaErven Tesa website: www.tesaerven.com Facebook: Facebook.com/authortesaerven Amazon author page: amazon.com/author/tesaerven Books by Tesa:  https://www.amazon.com/author/tesaerven

Intimate Conversation with Andrea Blackstone &Tyler Stallings

Intimate Conversation with
Andrea Blackstone &Tyler Stallings

Tyler Stallings is an outgoing kidpreneur with an active imagination. Although one of the 4-year-old’s favorite hobbies is running a fictitious construction company and building things, he enjoys picking out his own books, discussing them, traveling and meeting awesome people from all parts of the world.

Like many children his age, Tyler began making countless excuses why he could not go to bed at night. His mother, Andrea Blackstone, decided to make up a game about traveling around the world, to encourage her son to settle down and go to sleep. Playing the game where Tyler transformed into a superhero who travels became so popular, it became a welcomed ritual when he was three. After Tyler’s questions about places he traveled in his imagination increased when he turned four years old, Blackstone asked Tyler if he wanted to write his own book. When Tyler agreed, she decided to invest in her son’s dream to become an author at a young age.

Tyler’s journey to co-write a book with his mother evolved into an early lesson in entrepreneurship. Since Tyler enjoys helping his mother with community work, he agreed that giving back to causes should be a part of his book project. Under the umbrella of Lois’ Giving Circle—which will be established in the name of his late grandmother who was an elementary school teacher, Tyler will create or support community projects.

Since Tyler and his mother are both children of veterans, a portion of the proceeds from the limited edition of “Tyler Goes Around The World” will be donated to organizations supporting veterans who served our country. With the help of his mother, the honorary CEO of Kid Time Enterprises, LLC aspires to spread the love of pursuing passions at any age, doing good things and reading books, one superhero mission at a time!

BPM: Tell me about your book. How did you come up with that (story, angle, idea)? 
Like many 4-year-old children, Tyler did not like to go to bed at night. We began pretending to travel to places, after tying an imaginary cape around his neck. He eventually started asking to fly around the world, by using his imagination. Our game became a creative way to get him to go to bed with less resistance.

BPM: Give us some insight into your main characters or speakers. What makes each one so special? 
Tyler is a superhero in his book. As the main character, he discovers new places and makes new friends in nearby places and countries located far away from home. “Super Tyler” is unafraid to embrace cultures which are unfamiliar to him. He sees or learns something different each time he lands in a new place after flying. The animals and people he encounters welcome him in return.

BPM: What inspired you to sit down and actually start writing this book? Why now?
Tyler wanted to play his adventure game so frequently, I thought it may have potential to appeal to other children and parents. We began to study countries and discuss them at night while playing the game. I eventually asked Tyler if he would like to write a story about his adventures, since he loves books, and he has always been nearby while I worked on writing assignments. Tyler often handed books to me and begged me to read them to him while I was working on the computer. Writing “Tyler Goes Around the World” was a way to spend time with each other in a meaningful way without doing something that involved the television or electronic devices. I think kids get enough of that. I wanted to spend time with him face-to-face without distractions. He wanted and deserved my undivided attention.

We decided to publish the story this year because he is older than when we created the game. Since he is four years old, he can now provide more input and help. Lastly, I felt that a story promoting tolerance and togetherness is timely. The world is a diverse place. In my opinion, we need more stories to reflect diversity so that more young people may feel included in the human experience.

BPM: What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
I enjoyed watching Tyler mature while learning new skills. He felt excited to pick out what he wanted to see in the book and make decisions while producing the project. When he made mistakes, he learned lessons that helped him to improve.

BPM: What kind of research did you do for this book?
I showed Tyler a globe, then I allowed him to pick out some appealing places to include in his manuscript. We studied the culture, animals, customs, temperature, words and related elements of story development. The Internet does not always provide reliable information, so I made calls to embassies to try to confirm what we read about places in different places in the world. Additionally, I called American Indian cultural centers to consult with experts about Native American culture.

BPM: What are the five words you would like to be remembered by as a writer?
I contributed to making a change.

BPM: Did you learn anything personal from writing your book? 
I learned that it is true that kids are sponges. My son embraced the idea that he could be viewed as a superhero who brings people from around the world together, because I introduced him to the idea that treating others well is important. He usually does not fear learning about people who are from other places, or who may not share the same ethnicity, or speak the same language. At the same time, I learned that making extra effort to empower children of color can be extremely important. They can also be main characters in stories of all kinds. Many do not have enough opportunities to see themselves represented in positive ways, since positive stories are often not shared as much as negative news. Before we began the project, I felt very disappointed by the lack of good stories about boys of color that were available online. Not everyone embraces Tyler’s journey, but he is learning early that he must believe in himself to achieve anything.

BPM: Can you share some stories about people you met while working in the community?
I allowed Tyler to become the focus of Kid Time Enterprises, LLC and decided to make him the honorary CEO. Since he expressed interest in business and supporting veterans, he met hundreds of people while collecting donations and delivering items to these homeless and elderly heroes. It was his idea to create Give Back to Veterans Day, because he wanted to do something special for them. Additionally, we met youth and adults while giving away thousands of books in Maryland, the District of Columbia and Virginia, with the help of a company called Discover Books.

I think one special moment was hearing veterans thank Tyler for bringing hygiene and grooming products to them. They have done so much for our country, yet they thanked him, and he even received a letter of thanks! Tyler spoke on the microphone for the first time at one of his events. He told me that he felt good to do something nice. The governor of Maryland recognized Tyler for his interest to help the community at a young age. Several elected officials know about what he is doing to help veterans and other children.

Lastly, during one of Tyler’s last book giveaway event, many children who reside in areas that many people overlook ran to pick out free books of their choice. Some of their parents asked me if they could have more than one. They were extremely excited to have them. Making the selections will allow these students to have books of their own to read this summer. I learned that many kids may just need more people to show they care about them. Companies like Discover Books, Wegmans and nonprofits like Start A Snowball invest in communities. In addition to members of the community who stepped up to help, their support and donations made a big difference in exposing youth to positive experiences and exciting literary events. I appreciate their support.

BPM: What were your goals and intentions in writing this book? 
My goal was to establish a platform for Tyler to write books and tell stories that he would like to create as he grows as a writer and kidpreneur. The project introduced him to the idea of having a work ethic, budgeting, saving money, and striving to earn it. Plus, learning can be fun if we take the time to teach children new skills as they participate in a process. We hope to create interest in Kid Time Enterprises, LLC so that we can also help other children to embrace their dreams, and pursue their passions, with encouragement from supportive adults.

“Tyler Goes Around the World” is our first project. I want to remind other parents to take time to consider their children’s ideas, even if they happen to express interest in something unusual. A child can inspire a positive movement. Our goal is to inspire people of all ages to pursue their dreams.

Finally, I want boys to feel encouraged, too. I do not feel that boys have the benefit of enough mentorship or encouragement at a young age. I want them to feel they are valued and expected to excel, no matter what they may often hear, or see in mainstream media.

BPM: What projects are you working on at the present?
Tyler is working on his next adventure in his book series. He is taking pictures for his first coloring book. I am transcribing another story that he told me that he wants to publish. After he figures out the ending, his first draft will be complete.

BPM: Which would you rather do: Never write another story or never read another book?
I would rather not read another book.

BPM: How can readers discover more about you and your work? 
Readers can discover more about Tyler by visiting Kid Time Enterprises, LLC. Since he is a young boy, I handle his social media accounts.

Website: http://www.kidtimeenterprises.com
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/HonoraryCEO
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kidtimeenterprises
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kidtimeenterprises

 

Intimate Conversation with Dr. Eric Quarles

Intimate Conversation with Dr. Eric Quarles

The difference between kids who are motivated and those who are not, is merely placing them in the midst of positive influencers. Dr. Quarles brings a wealth of experience serving in the law enforcement community for the past 18 years. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice, a Master of Science in Administration degree in Leadership, and a Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration.

Dr. Eric Quarles has a unique insight into the challenges faced by young children and a desire to make a difference in the community. The Officer Goodman and Friends series is an example of Dr. Quarles’ effort to bridge the gap between the young children and law enforcement agencies.

He resides in Atlanta, Georgia and is a Member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

BPM: Could you tell us something about your most recent work? Available on Nook and Kindle?
EQ: The Stories of Officer Goodman and Friends is the first installment of a series of eight books. I am really excited about the story lines that will be presented in the series. These books discuss real life challenges that young children confront in today’s society. Because it is such a prevalent issue, I feel it is important for children to be able to create a voice and understand the world they are experiencing. Currently, police issues are the topic of numerous conversations and young children are formulating their own opinions. I’m hopeful that I have created a platform for children, parents, and police to begin building a healthy line of communication.

Unfortunately, the first book isn’t available on Nook or Kindle. I am working to make the remainder of the series available electronically.

BPM: Give us some insight into your main characters or speakers. What makes each one so special? 
EQ: Officer Goodman is the main character in all of the stories. He is a typical police officer in Exceptional City, USA. He meets a diverse group of children and together, they address the issues in the community. There are five kids in total and each has his/her own main storyline with Officer Goodman.

Chase- Is an Honor Roll student at Achievement Academy. Science is his favorite subject and he likes to practice his junior detective skills.

Ethan- Participates in many sports at Achievement Academy. Biology is his favorite subject and he enjoys skateboarding.

Junjie- Attends Achievement where he can often be found in the computer lab surfing the web.

Depa-Is a social studies fanatic. She enjoys helping others and volunteering at the local animal shelter.

Maia- Is an Honor Roll student at Achievement Academy. She is a huge history fan and spending time in the library.

The passion behind both the stories and the individual characters is to bring light to issues that children in this age range mayencounter. I feel it is important for a police officer and children to take this journey together. Each story also ends with a life lesson for all parties involved. The end goal, however, is to begin establishing trust on both ends.

BPM: What inspired you to sit down and actually start writing this book? Why now?
EQ: As a former police officer and father myself, I noticed that there appeared to be a gap in age-appropriate reading material that offered insight into the current environment. These books are not just focused on the relationship between police and citizens. They also discuss issues of bullying, prejudices, internet usage, improper touching, and same sex marriage. Again, I wanted to provide a platform based on transparency while also encouraging open communication from our children. It is important for young children to have a concept of the world they live in and knowledge on how to coexist within that world. To no surprise, young children are much more advanced than we give them credit for.

Why now? I have always wanted to write books and I discovered my passion for writing during the dissertation phase of my PhD program. Some other works I am currently working on include self-help books for adults, and identifying the interlink between social media and teenagers.

BPM: What did you enjoy most about writing this book? 
EQ: Wow. This is going to sound weird but I am a process type of guy. The journey was the most fulfilling part of writing this book. The book started as an idea in my head and then I started to put it down on paper. I then started drawing stick people and mentally developing images of my characters. I had to find an artist to help me bring my vision to reality. Once I saw the final product, to me it felt like a dream. It was much more than my stick people and scribbled notes. While the business portion of developing this book was a bit of a headache, the learning experience I gained was well worth it. Not only did I have to create a company, but essentially, I became my own business. Do this really made me appreciate the process that much more. In fact, this experience has led me pursue other business ventures.

BPM: Where do your book ideas come from? Are your books plot-driven or character-driven?  
EQ: Good question. Most of my ideas come from past experiences as a city police officer. Many of the stories derive from cases that I have investigated and had a specific opinion and/or thought process on. I then added a little twist on them to be able to offer a perspective that children could understand. Oftentimes, I think we overlook the fact that they are developing an understanding of the world they are seeing and experiencing. Thus, I wanted to design a series of books just for them to address the issues they may confront.

Yes, the books are plot-driven based on my years of experience as a police officer. From those experiences, I was able to draw key things from them to be able to develop a plot for each one of the characters.

BPM: Are there under-represented groups or ideas featured in your book? If so, discuss them.
EQ: I have a diverse cast of characters and I wanted to make sure to include all ethnic populations in the series because that is an accurate picture of our current society. Again, coming from a law enforcement background and being part of many research studies, I realized that other populations of people have issues with police, not just African Americans. At some point, we all need to come together to overcome issues. There is not one population over the other.

The series of books will discuss issues that I have not seen in children’s books, some of which may be considered “tongue and cheek”. For example, I have worked part time as a school police officer and discovered it was easier working the streets. Children have issues that we as adults think they are adjusting well to (i.e., a new school). In actuality, they may be strugglingwith this and may attempt to change faces to make their parents happy. Unfortunately, they may not have the mental fortitude to overcome the issue. Thus, future books will discuss interracial relationships, same sex marriage, racial issues, bullying, internet usage, and improper touching.

BPM: How does your book relate to your present situation, spiritual practice or journey?
EQ: The first book in the series “The Misunderstanding” is relevant to the current issue with police officers and the community. There is a lack of communication and understanding by both parties. When there is a disconnect between citizens and police there will almost always be an internal conflict. The key now is to establish a new forum for all parties to express their issues with the conflicting party. Most teenagers and adults have their opinion of police which may or may not change. I feel it is important to change the relationship and mindset of children since they have yet to begin to navigate their own decision making in life.

BPM: Did you learn anything personal from writing your book? 
EQ: Creating this book has taught me that I have an entrepreneur spirit; it provided an awareness that I wasn’t sure I had. I also realized the direction I want to take this project and other projects that I am releasing in the future. I really want to develop “Officer Goodman and Friends” into an enterprise. There has to be a lot of dedication to make any project successful.

BPM: Can you share some stories about people you met while researching this book?
EQ: The most amazing people I met developing my book were the artists. I had to interview and meet several artists before I settled for the individual that ultimately illustrated the book. It was incredible to hear and see some of the sample scenes they created. The artist I eventually ended up hiring, Mr. Barry Duperon, brought my scenes and characters to life by using various angles, character expressions, background scenes, all while incorporating his overall vision for the product.

BPM: What were the goals and intentions in writing this book, and how well do you feel you achieved them? 
EQ: The overall goal and intention of the current book and upcoming books is to build trust between police officers and children. The purpose of the book is to bring awareness to issues that children may encounter as well as begin to create a dialogue with parents. Thus far, I have received quite a trail of positive feedback regarding the first book – most of which give praise to addressing the current issues of this political environment. 

BPM: What projects are you working on at the present? 
EQ: I am working on a three part series of self help book for law enforcement officers: (1) Police need help too (2) Understanding the Police & (3) Policing while black. I hope to have release dates available soon.

I also have a nonprofit mentoring program for young men ages 13-18, the Progressive Male Enrichment Program. This program is designed to equip young men with proper decision making skills and to begin providing tools to assist in navigating their way through adulthood.

I am also in the process of creating a podcast to discuss criminal justice issues in a forum manner. This one is still in the development phase as I am still in the planning and figuring out the best way to achieve overall goals.

BPM: How can readers discover more about you and your work? 
The Stories of Officer Goodman and Friends (The Misunderstanding) (Volume 1)
Link: https://amzn.com/1519753500

I have several social media outlets.
Twitter: @Dr_Eric_Quarles
IG: Officer_goodman_and_friends
Contact: contact@officergoodmanandfriends.com
FaceBook: The Stories of Officer Goodman and Friends
Officer Goodman and Friends website: http://officergoodmanandfriends.com
Progressive Male Enrichment Program website: www.progressivemaleprogram.com

 

Intimate Conversation with Eartha Dunston

Intimate Conversation with Eartha Dunston

Eartha Dunston has been writing since she was a freshman at Alabama State University. She first realized her love for writing when one of her best friends secretly entered her into his fraternity’s poetry slam. She anxiously shared her writings publicly for the first time and received an overwhelming standing ovation! It was a pivotal moment, and she knew in that instant she would one day write professionally. Her educational background coupled with becoming a mom, inspired her to begin writing about issues that affect children such as positive self-image and loosing a beloved family matriarch. She has spent the past few years honing her craft under the tutelage of many award winning and accomplished authors.

She holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work with a concentration in Clinical Studies from Virginia Commonwealth University. Eartha enjoys traveling, encouraging others through life’s obstacles, reading and crafting stories in all genres. She currently resides in South Florida. Her first Children's novel is entitled "The Hair Adventures of Princess Lindsey Sidney." The book introduces us to a beautiful princess who celebrates her hair as it transitions textures and styles throughout the week.

BPM: When did you get your first inkling to write?
I've always enjoyed writing. I started keeping a journal and writing poetry when I was in college. At the time, I never intended to share my writings publically. I was going through a very tough time. Both of my parents were terminally ill. I was struggling emotionally, financially and every way imaginable. Writing consoled me. It was my escape. I always felt better because my journal and poems were the one place I could be totally raw and honest about my feelings. I could cry out to God and be mad at him at the same time for what I was going through; and no one was there to judge me.

One of my friends discovered a poem I had written, and he persuaded me to perform at his fraternity's poetry night. I protested with everything in me, but eventually gave in. I was determined not to cower. To my amazement, the audience loved it; and I received a standing ovation. I knew in that instant I wanted to write professionally one day.
Within the next few days, several individuals and organizations invited me to perform on campus and at local spots in the city. It was an epiphany for me.

BPM: How did you advance the call for writing?
After graduate school, I settled into a comfortable career, and tucked my writing dreams away. However, the passion never died. I was visiting my brother in Atlanta one summer, when I received profound confirmation about my writing that changed my life. I dusted off all my old ideas and put work behind my faith and dreams. I started traveling the country to attend writing seminars and conferences. I ventured to New York, Houston, and Atlanta to name a few. I soaked up as much knowledge about the industry and writing process as I could. I attended seminars and writing classes featuring some of the best in the business.

A couple of the authors and I connected. One accomplished, seasoned author took me under her wings and began to motivate me with words of encouragement. Another well-known author referred me to her publicist, and things took off immediately. It got to the point where all the things I thought would be a challenge were lining up without much effort. It’s as if my dream started chasing me. I had written the Princess series of books a couple years earlier but never attempted to publish them. I had also started working on a novel. A couple of my writing mentors continued to nudge and encourage me to move forward. I could no longer mask the dream.

I knew it was time to launch my long-desired writing career. I knew all this was not coincidental, but divine connections orchestrated by God, in His timing.

BPM: Introduce your book, The Hair Adventures of Princess Lindsey Sidney and the characters.
The main character of the book, Princess Lindsey Sidney, admires her hair each day of the week as it transitions from straight to frizzy and all textures in between. My debut children’s book, entitled The Hair Adventures of Princess Lindsey Sidney, was birthed out of the struggles with my daughter’s hair. I was never good at hair. I cropped mine off years ago and never looked back. God really has a sense of humor. He gave me a beautiful daughter with the biggest, thickest, and coarsest hair I’ve ever encountered. I knew I was in trouble when it came to grooming it. I knew there had to be other parents going through the same struggles. I knew others could benefit from a book that celebrated various phases of our sometimes straight, sometimes kinky.

I would spend hours every Saturday on my daughter’s hair trying to wash it, comb it and make it pretty. It would never be as sleek or straight as I wanted. We would both be in tears. However, I noticed when her father and I told her she was a beautiful princess with the prettiest hair, she believed it! Even with a pile of untamed frizz on her head, she would stand in the mirror and admire it because we told her she was beautiful. It made me realize the power of instilling positive self-image in children at a young age. She thought her hair was beautiful in all its imperfection because we told her so.

BPM: Tell us about your passion for writing. Why do you write? What drives you?
I write because it’s liberating. I write because it is the one thing I will always do even if I never make a dime from it. I love writing and if my writing can help someone along the way, even better. Creating characters and giving them life is exhilarating. I ‘m driven by the power and emotion well developed characters evoke. I’ve gotten feedback from beta readers that tell me they can’t stop thinking about a particular character in my novel or they really felt as if they were there with the characters. When I hear that, I know I am on the right track. I will always have a passion for writing, whether it’s another children’s book, a simple article, or a fast-paced spy novel. I’m just getting started!

 

 

 

The Stories of Officer Goodman and Friends (Vol.1) The Misunderstanding by Dr. Eric Quarles

The Stories of Officer Goodman and Friends
(Vol.1)  The Misunderstanding
by Dr. Eric Quarles

Officer Goodman serves as a police officer for Exceptional City, USA. As he patrols the streets of Exceptional City, he is accompanied by this special group of kids in his many escapades. Exceptional City is a wholesome community of people that has its share of growing pains. Come join the journey.


4.0 out of 5 stars Awesome Children's Book
Amazon Book Review Written By Loni 
This is an awesome children's book which is an excellent teaching tool regarding relationships between Police and Children. Especially with the issues taking place today, it also offers a channel of communication between parents and children to understand roles and responsibilities of Law Enforcement, children's civic duties and how to manage peer pressure when going in an opposite direction of the majority. I am looking forward to the next book in the series and I would highly recommend as an addition to your church library, school classroom, children's book club or as a gift.


5.0 out of 5 stars Two Thumbs Up!
Book Review Written By Amazon Customer
In a day and age where negative policing images have become commonplace, Officer Goodman is a breath of fresh air. My kids had a difficult time differentiating between the negative image in the news, and the positive image they are taught about; Dr. Quarles makes this a little easier!

One thing in particular I appreciate is the diversity displayed throughout the book. It's an easy read and my kids have thoroughly enjoyed it.  There's even an interactive website for kids to engage with Officer Goodman and friends too - Love it!  Children’s Book Website: http://officergoodmanandfriends.com  



About the Author
The difference between kids who are motivated and those who are not, is merely placing them in the midst of positive influencers. Dr. Eric Quarles brings a wealth of experience serving in the law enforcement community for the past 18 years. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice, a Master of Science in Administration degree in Leadership, and a Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration.

He has a unique insight into the challenges faced by young children and a desire to make a difference in the community. The Officer Goodman and Friends series is an example of Dr. Quarles’ effort to bridge the gap between the young children and law enforcement agencies.

Dr. Eric Quarles resides in Atlanta, Georgia and is a Member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

Children’s Book Website: http://officergoodmanandfriends.com 


Amazon: The Stories of Officer Goodman and Friends by Dr. Eric Quarles
https://www.amazon.com/stories-officer-goodman-friends-misunderstanding/dp/1519753500

 

 

 

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Intimate Conversation with Dr. Eric Quarles

The difference between kids who are motivated and those who are not, is merely placing them in the midst of positive influencers. Dr. Quarles brings a wealth of experience serving in the law enforcement community for the past 18 years. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice, a Master of Science in Administration degree in Leadership, and a Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration.

Dr. Eric Quarles has a unique insight into the challenges faced by young children and a desire to make a difference in the community. The Officer Goodman and Friends series is an example of Dr. Quarles’ effort to bridge the gap between the young children and law enforcement agencies.

He resides in Atlanta, Georgia and is a Member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

BPM: Could you tell us something about your most recent work? Available on Nook and Kindle?
EQ: The Stories of Officer Goodman and Friends is the first installment of a series of eight books. I am really excited about the story lines that will be presented in the series. These books discuss real life challenges that young children confront in today’s society. Because it is such a prevalent issue, I feel it is important for children to be able to create a voice and understand the world they are experiencing. Currently, police issues are the topic of numerous conversations and young children are formulating their own opinions. I’m hopeful that I have created a platform for children, parents, and police to begin building a healthy line of communication.

Unfortunately, the first book isn’t available on Nook or Kindle. I am working to make the remainder of the series available electronically.

BPM: Give us some insight into your main characters or speakers. What makes each one so special? 
EQ: Officer Goodman is the main character in all of the stories. He is a typical police officer in Exceptional City, USA. He meets a diverse group of children and together, they address the issues in the community. There are five kids in total and each has his/her own main storyline with Officer Goodman.

Chase- Is an Honor Roll student at Achievement Academy. Science is his favorite subject and he likes to practice his junior detective skills.

Ethan- Participates in many sports at Achievement Academy. Biology is his favorite subject and he enjoys skateboarding.

Junjie- Attends Achievement where he can often be found in the computer lab surfing the web.

Depa-Is a social studies fanatic. She enjoys helping others and volunteering at the local animal shelter.

Maia- Is an Honor Roll student at Achievement Academy. She is a huge history fan and spending time in the library.

The passion behind both the stories and the individual characters is to bring light to issues that children in this age range may encounter. I feel it is important for a police officer and children to take this journey together. Each story also ends with a life lesson for all parties involved. The end goal, however, is to begin establishing trust on both ends.

BPM: What inspired you to sit down and actually start writing this book? Why now?
EQ: As a former police officer and father myself, I noticed that there appeared to be a gap in age-appropriate reading material that offered insight into the current environment. These books are not just focused on the relationship between police and citizens. They also discuss issues of bullying, prejudices, internet usage, improper touching, and same sex marriage. Again, I wanted to provide a platform based on transparency while also encouraging open communication from our children. It is important for young children to have a concept of the world they live in and knowledge on how to coexist within that world. To no surprise, young children are much more advanced than we give them credit for.

Why now? I have always wanted to write books and I discovered my passion for writing during the dissertation phase of my PhD program. Some other works I am currently working on include self-help books for adults, and identifying the interlink between social media and teenagers.

BPM: What did you enjoy most about writing this book? 
EQ: Wow. This is going to sound weird but I am a process type of guy. The journey was the most fulfilling part of writing this book. The book started as an idea in my head and then I started to put it down on paper. I then started drawing stick people and mentally developing images of my characters. I had to find an artist to help me bring my vision to reality. Once I saw the final product, to me it felt like a dream. It was much more than my stick people and scribbled notes. While the business portion of developing this book was a bit of a headache, the learning experience I gained was well worth it. Not only did I have to create a company, but essentially, I became my own business. Do this really made me appreciate the process that much more. In fact, this experience has led me pursue other business ventures.

BPM: Where do your book ideas come from? Are your books plot-driven or character-driven?  
EQ: Good question. Most of my ideas come from past experiences as a city police officer. Many of the stories derive from cases that I have investigated and had a specific opinion and/or thought process on. I then added a little twist on them to be able to offer a perspective that children could understand. Oftentimes, I think we overlook the fact that they are developing an understanding of the world they are seeing and experiencing. Thus, I wanted to design a series of books just for them to address the issues they may confront.

Yes, the books are plot-driven based on my years of experience as a police officer. From those experiences, I was able to draw key things from them to be able to develop a plot for each one of the characters.

BPM: Are there under-represented groups or ideas featured in your book? If so, discuss them.
EQ: I have a diverse cast of characters and I wanted to make sure to include all ethnic populations in the series because that is an accurate picture of our current society. Again, coming from a law enforcement background and being part of many research studies, I realized that other populations of people have issues with police, not just African Americans. At some point, we all need to come together to overcome issues. There is not one population over the other.

The series of books will discuss issues that I have not seen in children’s books, some of which may be considered “tongue and cheek”. For example, I have worked part time as a school police officer and discovered it was easier working the streets. Children have issues that we as adults think they are adjusting well to (i.e., a new school). In actuality, they may be strugglingwith this and may attempt to change faces to make their parents happy. Unfortunately, they may not have the mental fortitude to overcome the issue. Thus, future books will discuss interracial relationships, same sex marriage, racial issues, bullying, internet usage, and improper touching.

BPM: How does your book relate to your present situation, spiritual practice or journey?
EQ: The first book in the series “The Misunderstanding” is relevant to the current issue with police officers and the community. There is a lack of communication and understanding by both parties. When there is a disconnect between citizens and police there will almost always be an internal conflict. The key now is to establish a new forum for all parties to express their issues with the conflicting party. Most teenagers and adults have their opinion of police which may or may not change. I feel it is important to change the relationship and mindset of children since they have yet to begin to navigate their own decision making in life.

BPM: Did you learn anything personal from writing your book? 
EQ: Creating this book has taught me that I have an entrepreneur spirit; it provided an awareness that I wasn’t sure I had. I also realized the direction I want to take this project and other projects that I am releasing in the future. I really want to develop “Officer Goodman and Friends” into an enterprise. There has to be a lot of dedication to make any project successful.

BPM: Can you share some stories about people you met while researching this book?
EQ: The most amazing people I met developing my book were the artists. I had to interview and meet several artists before I settled for the individual that ultimately illustrated the book. It was incredible to hear and see some of the sample scenes they created. The artist I eventually ended up hiring, Mr. Barry Duperon, brought my scenes and characters to life by using various angles, character expressions, background scenes, all while incorporating his overall vision for the product.

BPM: What were the goals and intentions in writing this book, and how well do you feel you achieved them? 
EQ: The overall goal and intention of the current book and upcoming books is to build trust between police officers and children. The purpose of the book is to bring awareness to issues that children may encounter as well as begin to create a dialogue with parents. Thus far, I have received quite a trail of positive feedback regarding the first book – most of which give praise to addressing the current issues of this political environment. 

BPM: What projects are you working on at the present? 
EQ: I am working on a three part series of self help book for law enforcement officers: (1) Police need help too (2) Understanding the Police & (3) Policing while black. I hope to have release dates available soon.

I also have a nonprofit mentoring program for young men ages 13-18, the Progressive Male Enrichment Program. This program is designed to equip young men with proper decision making skills and to begin providing tools to assist in navigating their way through adulthood.

I am also in the process of creating a podcast to discuss criminal justice issues in a forum manner. This one is still in the development phase as I am still in the planning and figuring out the best way to achieve overall goals.

BPM: How can readers discover more about you and your work? 
The Stories of Officer Goodman and Friends (The Misunderstanding) (Volume 1)
Link: https://amzn.com/1519753500

I have several social media outlets.
Twitter: @Dr_Eric_Quarles
IG: Officer_goodman_and_friends
Contact: contact@officergoodmanandfriends.com
FaceBook: The Stories of Officer Goodman and Friends
Officer Goodman and Friends website: http://officergoodmanandfriends.com
Progressive Male Enrichment Program website: www.progressivemaleprogram.com

The Hair Adventures of Princess Lindsey Sidney by Eartha S. Dunston

The Hair Adventures of Princess Lindsey Sidney
by Eartha S. Dunston

Meet Princess Lindsey Sidney, a precocious little girl with big, bushy hair! Join Lindsey Sidney for a week of “hair adventures” as she watches her hair transition from bushy, to straight and all styles in between. She celebrates her unique styles each day of the week.

The hair adventures of Princess Lindsey Sidney is the first in a series of children's books entitled the Princess series. Each book aims to serve as a dialogue for children, parents and educators to address such issues as positive self-image and dealing with the loss of a loved one. I hope you enjoy reading about Princess Lindsey Sidney in this book as she celebrates her beauty; and later, as she triumphs through difficulties in "Grandma is Dancing in Heaven."


Meet the Author 
Eartha S. Dunston has been writing since she was a freshman at Alabama State University. She first realized her love for writing when one of her best friends secretly entered her into his fraternity’s poetry slam. She anxiously shared her writings publicly for the first time and received an overwhelming standing ovation! It was a pivotal moment, and she knew in that instant she would one day write professionally. Her educational background coupled with becoming a mom, inspired her to begin writing about issues that affect children such as positive self-image and loosing a beloved family matriarch. She has spent the past few years honing her craft under the tutelage of many award winning and accomplished authors.

She holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work with a concentration in Clinical Studies from Virginia Commonwealth University. Eartha enjoys traveling, encouraging others through life’s obstacles, reading and crafting stories in all genres. She currently resides in South Florida. Her first Children's novel is entitled "The Hair Adventures of Princess Lindsey Sidney." The book introduces us to a beautiful princess who celebrates her hair as it transitions textures and styles throughout the week.

Purchase The Hair Adventures of Princess Lindsey Sidney by Eartha Dunston
https://www.amazon.com/Hair-Adventures-Princess-Lindsey-Sidney/dp/0996930272

Ellis and The Hidden Cave by Aryeh and Cerece Rennie Murphy

Ellis and The Hidden Cave
by Aryeh and Cerece Rennie Murphy



An Ancient Civilization
An Underwater World
And A New Quest for the StoneKeeper!
 

Ellis, Toro and Freddye are at it again in the 2nd book in the Ellis Monroe Series Early Reader Chapter Book! Join them as they explore a hidden world, face more nasty Bugabols and discover that there are many kinds of superpowers!   Ellis and The Hidden Cave is book 2.  Ellis and the Magic Mirror is book 1 in the early reader series.  Join the Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/ellisandthemagicmirror/



Excerpt from Ellis and The Hidden Cave 

Chapter 1  Spring Break!

“Hurry up! Recess ends in one minute,” his teammates shouted from the sidelines.  Sprinting ahead, Ellis Monroe caught up with the soccer ball and turned toward the goal.  To his right, Ellis saw Max Washington running toward him. Ellis knew that Max wanted him to pass the ball, so that Max could try to score for the win. Max thought he was the best player on his team and always let everyone know it.  But Ellis thought a pass would be too risky. Instead, seeing an opening on the field, Ellis quickly dribbled forward. Suddenly, Kevin Taylor appeared and bumped Ellis, trying to steal the ball away. Ellis kicked the ball, hard, and watched as it sailed toward the goal.  And out of bounds.

Max came charging up to Ellis. “What’d you go and do that for?” he yelled, as several kids joined them.

“Are you trying to lose the game?” Omar Mendez said. “Yeah, Ellis, did you forget where the goal is?” asked Nate Weaver, and a few kids laughed.

Ellis flushed as the children closed in on him. He looked around at the group of kids and wished his best friend Toro Quispe wasn’t at home sick today.  “Cut it out, guys,” said Ellis, looking around for a teacher. Max moved closer to Ellis. “You should have passed me the ball!” he said. “I would have scored.”  “It was a mistake. Just drop it, Max, okay?” Ellis said.

“I should drop kick you,” Max replied, putting his face just inches away from Ellis.

“Back off, Max!” Ellis yelled, but Max stepped closer. “It’s just a game!” he said, then pushed Max away from him.

Max stumbled backward, then tripped on his feet and fell. “You pushed me!” he shouted, scrambling to his feet. Just then, Mrs. Lee appeared out of nowhere and Max ran straight to her just as the recess bell rang. Ellis hung his head, wondering how much trouble he was going to be in.

When Ellis and his younger sister Freddye got home from school, both their parents were waiting for him in the living room. “Ellis, we got a call from the principal today,” his dad said quietly. Ellis looked from one parent to another, tears pricking the back of his eyes. “I was only trying to defend myself,” Ellis explained. “I wasn’t trying to hurt anybody.”

Mrs. Monroe walked over and gently put her hand on Ellis’ head. “Why don’t you sit down and tell us what happened,” she said. Ellis put his book bag down then sat on the couch, with Freddye trailing closely behind.  “I accidently kicked the ball out of bounds and some of the kids got mad,” Ellis said. “I know Max wanted me to let him score, but he always hogs the ball and I saw an opening!” Ellis looked down. “But I missed.”

“And then?” his father prompted.

“Max got really mad and started yelling at me. And some of the other kids said stuff too.” Ellis sniffed. “And there were no teachers, and not even Toro was there. But then Max got in my face and said he should ‘drop kick me’.  I got mad and a little scared, too so I pushed him away.”

“Was he hurt?” asked his mother.

Ellis shook his head. “Well, he did fall down,” he admitted.

“Good!” piped up Freddye. “He deserved it for being mean to you!”

“Okay, Ellis,” said Dr. Monroe. “That’s what the principal told us as well. Lots of kids saw what happened and they said a few of the kids were ganging up on you.”

Freddye punched a fist into her hand. “Next time I see Max, I’m gonna hit him right in the nose for messing with my brother,” she said.

Ellis smiled at his sister. “You don’t need to do that, Freddye, but I sure won’t be helping Max with his science homework anymore.”

“Now just a minute, both of you,” saidMrs.Monroe. “We have made it clear that you have the right to defend yourself, but that doesn’t mean you can just go around punching people in the nose. I want you and Freddye to think about howyou want things to go from here. Is Max always mean to you? Is he really your enemy?”

Ellis thought for a minute. “Not really,” he admitted.

Turning her full attention back to Ellis, Mrs. Monroe continued. “Then it might be a good idea for you to think about why you and Max both acted the way you did.”

Ellis frowned. Max had acted like a big bully, and Ellis didn’t have anyone else on his side. But Max didn’t usually bully people. He just hated losing. And he actually was a really good soccer player. But that didn’t make it okay for him to say those things to Ellis.

“Your mother is right, kids,” Dr. Monroe added as he gathered Ellis and Freddye in front of him. “No matter what anyone else does, you have to decide what kind of person you’re going to be.” The children nodded silently, sitting side-by-side on the couch.

Dr. Monroe began to smile. “Well, on a happier note,” he began. “We have some exciting news for you.”

“What is it, Daddy?” Freddye asked.

“Remember how I told you that we might be taking a big trip soon?” Ellis and Freddye leaned forward in anticipation.  “Well, my colleague, Dr. Patel, has asked me to help study some ruins of an ancient civilization they recently discovered,” Dr. Monroe paused for a moment, keeping them in suspense. “The ruins are in India, so we are all going to travel there over Spring Break!”

Freddye gasped and Ellis leapt to his feet. “Oh yeah! I’ve got to tell Toro!” he said. “Is it okay if I call him?” At his parents’ nods, Ellis ran to the next room to call his best friend. 

“Hey!” Ellis said when Toro got on the phone. “Are you feeling any better?”

“Yeah,” said Toro. “I’ll be back at school tomorrow. Did I miss anything today?”

“Kind of,” Ellis began then went on to describe the scene at recess. “Max was acting meaner than those Bugabols,” he told Toro. 

Toro nodded his head in understanding. It was just a few months ago that he, Ellis and Freddye had discovered a group of trolls called Bugabols hiding out at their school. When they learned that the Bugabols were trying to stop children from learning, Ellis, Toro and Freddye devised a plan to stop them. Not only did they succeed with the help of a magic mirror, but Ellis learned that he had the special mark of the Stonekeeper, and was given a beautiful purple and yellow gem by a strange presence in the woods. “The journey of the Stonekeeper has begun,” the voice in the forest told them. While no one knew exactly what that meant, Ellis, Toro and Freddye had been on the lookout for more adventure ever since.

“Wow, that’s pretty bad,” said Toro. “I’m sorry I wasn’t there to back you up.”

“It’s okay,” Ellis said. “Besides, I’ve got some really good news.”

“Me, too!” Toro said excitedly, “You first.”

“My family is going to India for Spring Break with my Dad to study some ruins!” As soon as Ellis said it, he felt less excited than he wanted to be. “I wish you could come with us, Toro.”

“Well, guess what?” Toro asked, more excited than ever.

“What?” Ellis replied.

“I’m going to India, too,” Toro blurted out. “Since my mom’s a botanist, they asked if she could come and help them identify some of the seeds and plants they found there. So…”
he paused, “Mom, Dad and I are going on the trip with you!”

Ellis’s mouth fell open, then he dropped the phone and let out a loud whoop. “This is going to be the best spring break ever!” he shouted.

Later that evening, Ellis’ father showed the family some photos from the archeological site. “A great city once thrived here,” Dr. Monroe said.

“How do you know that, Daddy?” asked Freddye.

“There are ruins all over the area, some of them quite large. And a range of artifacts – from tools to crafts,” he answered. “Dr. Patel, the lead archeologist on the project, says that some of the artifacts came from other parts of the world, which means that these ancient people either had visitors from all over the world or they were great explorers.”

“What is this?” Ellis asked, holding up a photo of a statue with a green body surrounded by flowers.

“That is Tara. She is a Hindu goddess,” Ellis’ mother said. As an art history teacher, Mrs. Monroe knew a lot about statues.

“Wow! I’ve never seen a god look like that before,” Freddye exclaimed as she noted the statue’s peaceful pose and elaborate headdress. “And she’s sitting on a lotus flower, which is kind of cool!”

“Is a Hindu god like a kind of superhero?” asked Ellis.

Mrs. Monroe laughed. “Well, I guess you could say that.”

“What kind of superpowers does Tara have?”

“She doesn’t have powers like super-human strength or x-ray vision,” Mrs. Monroe explained. “But people of the Hindu faith believe that she can help you gain compassion for others.”

“That doesn’t sound nearly as good as being able to fly or pick up cars,” said Ellis doubtfully.

His mother smiled. “Being strong is not the only way to be powerful.”

Ellis thought about that as Mrs. Monroe picked up another photo. “They must have had an important connection to water,” she said. “See all the drawings of people swimming?”

Ellis examined one photo that showed images of people diving into a large pool. “It’s like an underwater world.” In one drawing two people were swimming past a huge blue statue.

“That’s strange,” Mrs. Monroe said, as she flipped through all the photos again.

“What is, Mom?” asked Ellis.

“With such an obvious connection to the water, I’m surprised there is no evidence of ship building,” she said. “How did they gather all of these artifacts if they didn’t travel over the water?”

“I was thinking the same thing,” Dr. Monroe agreed.  Ellis looked at the photo more carefully. He absentmindedly rubbed the star-shaped birthmark on the back of his hand that the Bugabols said identified him as the Stonekeeper.

“Maybe they could swim like fish,” Freddye offered.

Both her parents chuckled. “Well, that’s one theory you can explore when we get there.”

But Ellis didn’t laugh. He just looked at his sister. Stranger things have happened, he thought. She might be on to something.


(  Continued in the Ellis and The Hidden Cave, Early Reader Chapter Book...  )


© 2016 All rights reserved.  Excerpt from Ellis and The Hidden Cave.  Book excerpt reprinted by permission of the author, Cerece Rennie Murphy.  Do not reproduce, copy or use without the author's written permission. This excerpt is used for promotional purposes only.



About the Collaborators

Aryeh is a very curious boy and Cerece is his Mommy. “We dedicate this book to boys and girls everywhere who still like lots of pictures when reading all those words.”

Greg is an enthusiastic artist who loves a good story to draw. “I dedicate this book to all my nephews and nieces. If this doesn’t make me the coolest uncle, I don’t know what will.”

Carol is a lifelong book enthusiast who loves helping create new stories for the next generation of children. Carol dedicates this book to L and E for introducing her to the world of children's books.

 

Purchase the books from the author, go to:  http://www.theellisseries.com/buy-the-book
To learn more about the Ellis series, please visit our website at www.theellisseries.com

Join us on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ellisandthemagicmirror/

Order Books by Cerece Rennie Murphy
http://www.amazon.com/Cerece-Rennie-Murphy/e/B008G6XXBS

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Kids celebrating literature and Black History Month at the Barnes and Noble in Antioch, CA!
So honored to have Ellis and The Magic Mirror picked by the Sistahs on the Reading Edge
as their elementary school book selection!!

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Ellis and The Magic Mirror
by Cerece Rennie Murphy

Ellis Monroe has always been curious about the world. When his father brings home an ancient mirror with the power to reveal the truth about the people and things around him, Ellis begins to see the world in a whole new way. But things get more than a little strange/even more interesting when Ellis brings the mirror to school. While on the playground with the mirror and his best friend Toro Quispe, Ellis discovers that someone or something is hiding out at Harriet Tubman Elementary and trying to stop children from learning. Determined to solve the mystery, Ellis, Toro, and his little sister, Freddye go on a secret mission to find out the truth about the mischievous Buddy Cruster and stop whatever he has planned. Join Ellis, Freddye and Toro as their quest leads them deep into the forest and on an adventure you will never forget!


Ellis and The Magic Mirror Book Reviews


“Delightful and unexpected. Young readers will thoroughly enjoy this book.”
– Tanya Barnett, Founder and CEO, Forever Free Books

“The story kept my children waiting for more with every chapter. They really enjoyed it.”
– E. Mitchell, mother of a 2


"A fun adventure that teaches goodness and the power of friendship.  It is a great book that helps take reluctant readers to the next level.  The story is interesting and highlights the importance of team work and the unique characteristics each of us have that adds to the team. The sky is the limit with the adventures this crew can have! Such fun."
– Mrs. Mommy Book Nerd blog

 

"A Children's Book 4 Geeks! When you read the first two or three pages of Ellis and The Magic Mirror, you're probably going to think that it's just a regular children's book with a generic... message that's supposed to come across to readers. Though shortly after...you'll realize it's much more than that. There are great lessons throughout the book that should not be overlooked. I highly recommend getting this book to share with young children.  It's a great book to read to kids and you'll have as much fun reading it as they will listening to it."
– Black Girl Nerds


"At a mere 33 pages, I was delighted at how the authors captured a fun and adventurous story succinctly in a manner that will inspire even the most reluctant of readers to pick up the book and read. The illustrator captures the essence of the characters with fierce illustrations that draw a child’s eye to the page. While this book would be listed as an “Early Chapter Book,” it stands to be put in a class of its own because of the bright, colorful illustrations throughout the book, the edgy, kid approved story line, and the short, easy to read chapters."
– Books, Babies, and Bows


“The vocabulary and reading levels are very appropriate for second and third grade readers.  The...plot is great [and] kept my attention.  I also like that the main characters are African-American children dealing with normal…lives.  I have struggled to find books with African-American characters who are not stereotyped or set in a time period of racial struggle…great job!!! .”
– M. Erb, 2nd Grade Teacher



Purchase Ellis and The Magic Mirror by Cerece Rennie Murphy
Children's Books > Action & Adventure > Chapter Books & Early Readers
https://www.amazon.com/Ellis-Mirror-Cerece-Rennie-Murphy/dp/0985621052

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Why Add the Ellis Series To Your Kid's Book Collection?

 

As a mother of a 8 year old boy and a 5 year girl, I know that there are a lot of great books out there for kids.  My husband and I are avid readers and have been committed to encouraging literacy in our kids since before they were born.  But as our son's reading level matured, we noticed that the books available to him seemed to hold less of his interest. 

The early reader chapter books that we found often lacked the action and adventure he craved. And when they did have action, they had little or no pictures (and rarely in color) to accompany the story line.  This often left him too intimidated to give them a try ("There are too many words, Mommy!") even though he had the ability to read them. 

We also noticed that protagonists who looked like him were getting harder and harder to find. I heard the same struggle echoed by parents and teachers of kids around our son's age.  We were all looking to fill the gap between the Fly Guy series and the next Rick Riordan book.   And that's how I came up with the concept for The Ellis Series.

With full color illustrations integrated throughout the five-chapter story, Ellis and The Magic Mirror was written and designed to facilitate an easier transition from storybook to chapter book for young readers (ages 6-10 years old).  By combining the vibrant images that storybook readers are accustomed to with a more challenging narrative, Ellis and the Magic Mirror strives to encourage early readers to dive into more complex stories, without sacrificing beautiful imagery.


The Ellis Adventure Series can contribute to your collection in 3 main ways:

    * It is unique in the world of early reader chapter books that typically leave vibrant illustrations at the front cover,

    * It fills a growing need among parents and teachers for books that capture the attention of reluctant readers, (especially boys) while still moving their reading abilities forward, and

    * It offers a diverse group of main characters who are doing cool things in a world that is modern and full of possibilities.

In addition, the story of Ellis and The Magic Mirror is laced with themes that emphasize character building, the unique qualities that reside within every child and the value of learning, family and friendship.  These messages could be used in any school, library, home school or church setting to enhance and enrich a range of character building and educational activities. (It also makes a great bedtime story!)   Download the FREE Discussion Guide for Ellis and The Magic Mirror here.

Ellis and The Magic Mirror is available in hardcover and paperback and distributed through the Ingram Book Group.  Please click here to download purchase information for this title. Review copies are available in paperback and electronic format upon request.

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