Author Cynthia Polansky Discusses Faith & Writing @ AtBaP!

Today at All the Blog's a Page (AtBaP), Cynthia Polansky, author of REMOTE CONTROL, talks about faith and writing!






REMOTE CONTROL received a GREAT Book Bytes review from ChickLitGurrl: Even death can’t stop Judith McBride from controlling things like keeping her husband away from their sexy, yet dangerous accountant! Loved the humor, sensitivity, and enlightenment in Remote Control and how in the end, a simple truth remains: spiritual growth means relinquishing control and giving to a higher power.



Head over to ALL THE BLOG'S A PAGE today to read Polansky's response to this month's AtBaP question: How does your faith, your spirituality integrate itself into your writing?


Also, if you haven't yet, check out the wonderful responses by James A. Jimason ("Give Me Destiny"), Susan McGeown ("Recipe for Disaster"), Pamela S. Thibodeaux ("Tempered Joy"), Niambi Davis ("From Dusk to Dawn"), and Beth Fehlbaum ("Courage in Patience")!

ALL THE BLOG'S A PAGE (AtBaP) - Where everything relates to writing: (LINK)

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These questions and more are answered at my new mini-blog - ChickLitGurrl on Writing.

Each tip - whether it's a writing tip, a video, a link, or other - is just a short tasty morsel, so you can grab it, use it, and GO.

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Brenda Janowitz & Summer Book Giveaway

Summer Book Giveaway!


Enter to win signed copies of the hottest books of summer!


Summer may be coming to an end, but that doesn’t mean that you should stop reading the hottest reads of the summer! And now you can enter to win a beach bag full of free books!





The winner will get signed copies of both of Brenda’s novels, JACK WITH A TWIST and SCOT ON THE ROCKS, as well as signed copies of these other fabulous reads:



ENGAGING MEN
by Lynda Curnyn



IT’S ABOUT YOUR HUSBAND
by Lauren Lipton



IF ANDY WARHOL HAD A GIRLFRIEND
by Alison Pace



THE REINCARNATIONIST by
M.J. Rose

To enter, just email brenda@brendajanowitz.com. You must be a subscriber of the www.brendajanowitz.com mailing list to enter.

Winners will be announced on September 9. So what are you waiting for? Enter today!

In Touch with Author and Scriptorium founder Sherry D. Ramsey

Sherry D. Ramsey is a Canadian science fiction and fantasy writer and Editor/Publisher of The Scriptorium Webzine for Writers, now in its tenth year of publication. She lives in Nova Scotia with her husband, daughter, and son, and steals whatever spare nanomoments she can to write fiction, publish The Scriptorium, network with other writers, and sleep and eat once in a while. Every November she disappears into the strange realm of National Novel Writing Month and emerges gasping at the end, clutching something resembling a novel. Sherry is a moderator for her local writers' group and a member of the Writer's Federation of Nova Scotia and SF Canada, a founding editor of Third Person Press [www.thirdpersonpress.com] and a copy editor for the Internet Review of Science Fiction. You can visit her on the web at www.sherrydramsey.com


Speculative Realms: Where There’s A Will, There’s A Way gathers together thirteen original stories by authors around the world, including Sherry D. Ramsey’s “Summer of the Widows.” The stories in this collection cover the speculative spectrum from fantasy to science fiction to horror. Sherry’s story is a murder mystery in a medieval fantasy setting—served up with a twist of humor.

Click the cover above to order your copy of SPECULATIVE REALMS today!



The Interview


First, I have to tell you that I LOVE The Scriptorium [http://www.thescriptorium.net]! What possessed you to create the site?
When I first began The Scriptorium, having a website was the latest “thing,” and I was very interested in the growth of the Internet and where it might be going. I decided that it would be fun to create a site that reflected what I was interested in--writing--and that might help other beginning writers by passing on the little bit of knowledge I’d already gleaned. I’ve found that in the writing community, especially among genre writers, there is a great tradition of “paying forward,” and helping newer writers. I suppose I appreciated the help that I’d found myself, and wanted to be part of that tradition. The first incarnation of the site consisted of a weekly writing tip and sometimes a writing exercise. Since then it’s been through several redesigns and an exponential amount of growth! But the reason for the site has always stayed the same--to help and support other writers.


What are some of the more popular sections of The Scriptorium?
The “toolbox” section is a very popular one, where we feature a glossary of writing terms, a quick writing Q&A, and printable forms and worksheets for character building, scene and plot development, world-building, critiquing, and submission tracking. Sue Lick’s monthly Everything But Writing column is a favorite as well; as the title suggests, Sue deals with all the "non-writing" bits of the writing life. Our "on writing" section is also popular, where we strive to include articles every month that cover a wide range of writing interests. Beyond that, I think readers tend to surf around the site, check out the latest book reviews and features, downloads, try the freewriting exercises, delve into the archives...a little bit of everything. There really isn't an area of the site that doesn't get hit!


Are there any ways in which writers or writing organizations can connect with you - in regards to collaborations, writing articles, advertising, etc?
I’m always open to hearing from writers or the writing community, and anyone can email me through the address at the bottom of each page of the site. We’re always open to article submissions, news items, advertising possibilities, or simply feedback or questions from our readers. I love hearing from our readers, especially if they have a question I can help them out with. Our submission guidelines are at [http://www.thescriptorium.net/submissions.html].


I notice that you also offer workshops through The Scriptorium. What are recent/current classes you're teaching?
In the past few months we’ve added something new to our offerings--email courses. So far they’ve been very well-received and seem to be popular with our readers. I believe folks like the email format because it offers them great flexibility as far as time is concerned...they can, of course, do each lesson as it arrives, but if they get off-schedule for some reason it doesn’t matter. They can finish the lessons at their own pace. Right now we have two email courses, The Two-Week Short Story and The Short Story Workshop for One, and I believe they’re very reasonably priced.

Several times a year (depending on the level of interest) we also offer an in-depth workshop course called Write That Story! This workshop is designed to help participants write a complete short story and finish a full initial revision of it. Participants also critique each others' work, so it's an introduction to critiquing as well. Although it requires a fairly time-intensive six and a half weeks, participants emerge armed with a story, considerable feedback and constructive criticism, and tools and advice to keep improving their work, in the form of the workbook used in the course.


You offer a webzine for young writers, Scriptorium Scribbles. How successful has the webzine been? How important do you think it is to foster a love of writing in the younger generations?
I love our young writers’ section, because of the great feedback and writing submissions we get sometimes. It's another popular section of the site. I think it’s very important to encourage young people who are interested in writing, and I think the Internet offers more opportunities than ever before to write and to share writing, especially for young writers. Blogs, forums, online communities and publications offer young writers ways for their voices to be heard, and I believe many of them want to be able to communicate effectively--in fact I think effective communication skills are more necessary today than they’ve ever been. We often hear chatter about how the Internet is “killing” reading and writing skills, but I think it’s actually making them more vital, and more frequently used.


How do you see The Scriptorium expanding in the future?
Oh, my goodness, I can barely keep up with it as it is! Seriously, though, I’d like to be able to do more with our young writers’ section, and possibly add more regular columns. As with any “for the love” project, though, all our contributors are volunteers--and I think the site has reached the limit of what we can handle right now. We’re always happy to hear from people who’d like to get involved, though, so you never know where we might go in the future.


Do you still feel as excited now working on The Scriptorium as you did when you first created it in 1998?
Like any writing project, that depends on when you ask me! I admit that there are times when an issue is late and I’m scrambling to put it together, and I wonder “why am I still doing this?” But that’s only once in a while. I love the site and I get great satisfaction from the knowledge that I’m helping other writers work toward their dreams. When I get an email from a reader thanking me for a particular article, or asking me a question about writing and trusting me to help them out, I know I’m doing something worthwhile.


You're also a writer. Tell us about your latest publication...
I have a story called "Summer of the Widows" in a new anthology just out from Speculative Realms, a small independent publisher in Australia. The anthology is Speculative Realms: Where There's A Will, There's A Way, and if anyone is interested they can find out more (and order a copy!) at [www.speculativerealm.com]. The collection includes science fiction, fantasy and horror stories from authors around the world; my story is a humorous fantasy-murder-mystery. It was an exciting project to be involved in!


What genres are you interested in writing in? Why?
I write mainly speculative fiction--science fiction and fantasy. Maybe I’m drawn to write in those genres because I grew up reading and enjoying them, but I don’t really think that’s it as I’ve always read in a wide variety of genres. I think perhaps it’s because I’m energized by the idea that speculative fiction allows us to push the boundaries of imagination, to ask the vital “what if” of fiction writing in so many ways. Speculative writing allows us to view ourselves, our cultures, our relationships, through a different lens, and to uncover truths about ourselves in a different way. It also allows us to start with an idea and take it beyond the limits of what’s currently possible, to stretch it, twist it, turn it inside out and see where it might lead. That’s always exciting.


What are you currently working on?
For the past number of months I’ve been working with two other writers, co-editing a regional anthology of speculative fiction stories under the auspices of our small, independent publishing venture, Third Person Press [www.thirdpersonpress.com]. I’m also writing several new short stories, and I’ve been working steadily on polishing up the final draft (at least I hope it’s the final draft) of a science fiction novel I wrote several years ago during National Novel Writing Month [www.nanowrimo.org]. Once I’m satisfied with that, I have a young adult fantasy novel waiting for me to tackle it with the red pen. One thing I never lack is projects to work on!


Here's a final question to muse over: why do you write? what does writing do for you?
I suppose I could say that writing gives me something constructive to do with all these people and ideas rolling around in my head. It’s probably closer to the truth, though, to say that I can’t imagine not writing. I have other creative outlets, but storytelling is the one that I find the most rewarding, and the most compelling. It’s hard work sometimes, but worth it for the moments when you write that sentence that just feels perfect, or when your characters do or say something unexpected and amazing, or when you type “The End.” Personally, I love that one. It doesn’t matter what will happen to the story in the future, how many times I’ll rewrite it or how many times it might get rejected; at that moment I always feel that I’ve achieved something wonderful.

Why Subscribe to All the Blog's a Page (AtBaP)?

ALL THE BLOG'S A PAGE - Where Everything Relates to Writing - is a monthly blogging series hosted by ChickLitGurrl™ in which writers and readers talk about writing and its relation to various topics!

In August, we're tackling FAITH & WRITING. In September, we'll be looking at SEX & WRITING, and in the upcoming months, we will be talking about such topics as gender, homosexuality, memoir, culture, death, and TV and movies.

Take the time to head to ALL THE BLOG'S A PAGE and read our wonderful works by the following authors: James A. Jimason, Susan McGeown, Pamela S. Thibodeaux, Niambi Davis, and Beth Fehlbaum. Our last FAITH & WRITING author for August will be Cynthia Polansky, who will go LIVE @ AtBaP Friday, August 29, 2008.

While you're there, take the time to SUBSCRIBE to ATBAP, too, so that you can kept in the loop to new updates and author features!

[Subscribe to AtBaP]

In the Spotlight with APOOO Books Founder Yasmin Coleman

Yasmin Coleman is a literary publicist and promoter, book reviewer, and founder of APOOO Books and BookClub. In 2000, she founded APOOO, www.apooobooks.com, an online author and reader community dedicated to advancing African-American literature. APOOO has evolved into an invaluable literary service firm whose influence continues to grow throughout the publishing industry.


The mission of APOOO is to expose readers of all ages to a good book in any genre; to support African-American authors, books, literary events, and book clubs; to provide marketing resources, tools and tips to authors; and to promote literacy within the African-American community.

APOOO and Yasmin can be found ALL over the internet, to include MySpace, Twitter, Facebook, and Shelfari!


The Interview
Yasmin, I've known you since forever, and you have always had a love of reading and supporting authors. Tell us about how your love of words brought you to publicity.
Shon, last year, on the eve of another birthday, I sat at work one day thinking--what do I want to be doing 5 years from now. I realized that as much as I love what I currently do, nothing is guaranteed when you work for someone else. In the future, I want to do something where I have more control of my destiny. I sat and thought, what can I do which combines my passion--my love of reading/books and my profession--marketing? And that's when the lights start going off in my head--literary publicist and marketing consultant.


Is there a particular name of your company?
APOOO of course...and I added Books to form APOOO Books. APOOO has equity and branding so there was no way I could branch out without having it as part of the name. Books say that we've added something. We've always been book discussions, book reviews, and now we're forwarding our mission of 'promoting our voices, showcasing our stories' via the publicity arm.


What types of services do you offer to authors?
APOOO Books is a full-service online publicity resource. We offer press kits, press releases, book trailers, podcasts, book reviews, book features, author interviews via Web site features as well as the APOOO Blog Talk Radio Show, author coaching and consulting, and, of course, virtual book tours.


What are the most popular services authors ask for?
Currently, virtual book tours are the rage and growing in popularity, so more authors are naturally asking for this service, especially since virtual book tours are nowhere near as costly as a regular book tour and can be effective since tour visits live long after a virtual book tour. Book reviews are always popular because APOOO reviews ALL genres, we post reviews to amazon.com, and our reviewers are still FREE. Free seems to be the operative word when it comes to authors and advertising/book promotions. However, now that APOOO has a new Web site (which we have received a lot of compliments on) and authors can be prominently featured on the home page, we are receiving more requests for book features/advertising. For the amount of traffic that APOOO generates and our ranking as one of the Top 5 sites for African-American literature, our Web site advertising rates are quite reasonable, so I hope more authors will utilize our services.


As a publicist, how important do you think publicity is in an age where there are a plethora of indie publishing houses arising to include e-book publishing, in addition to more traditional routes?
Definitely very important! It's not just enough to write a good book today; an author must also know how to get the word out that they have an enticing, must read book. With all the clutter in the market and given that more than 300,000 books are produced each year, but less than 90% of all books have sales greater than 500 copies, it is imperative that authors figure out how to break through the noise. Every author needs to be involved in marketing their book and promoting it to the masses. Even if an author decides to hire a publicist, they should still be involved in the process to know first-hand what is entailed.


If there were three things that EVERY author must have in his/her promotion arsenal, what would they be?
A marketing plan and a budget. Too many authors are aimlessly wandering around searching for how to generate sales for their book. A marketing plan will help guide them and show them how much money they have to spend to promote, advertise and publicize their book. Additionally, a plan is like a bible, it provides guidance and direction and helps to keep one on track and focused. A marketing plan does not need to be hundreds of pages, a one-page plan is sufficient but put it IN WRITING to assist you in creating awareness and generating sales for your book. Oh yeah, no budget, then you will need to do most of your marketing yourself. Not impossible and a lot of authors do this--it just means that an author has to not only be concerned about writing but also creating the buzz about their book. A tall order indeed in today's saturated and proliferated environment.

A Local Presence. Many authors want to travel the country to promote their book and that's fine; however, when I ask them have they explored their local options they look at me as thought I just grew another head. LOL. Does your local newspaper know that you've written a book and have they done a feature article on you? Have you done book signings/appearances at your local bookstores? Are the local book clubs aware that you have a book and have you asked them to host you at an upcoming meeting? What about local organizations? Does anyone know your name? What about in your state? Before an author spends hundreds/thousands of dollars travelling to promote their book, they should make sure they've covered most of the bases in their home location.

An Online Presence. You are an author, and I just met you at a conference, I took your information so that I can follow up with you at a later date regarding your book. Unfortunately, the airline loses my luggage as well as your materials which were included in my suitcase. However, I remember your name and do a Google search to find you online. I'm disappointed...because I don't find anything on you. It's as though Google doesn't know that you exist and neither do readers who might be interested in the subject matter of your book. It's a new millennium and at the very least an author should have a Web site/blog (which are quickly becoming one and the same and actually I recommend a blog because it's more versatile, easier to update and search engines love Word Press blogs) that has its own domain name. MySpace does NOT count as that is not YOUR OWN Web site. Anytime you have to add MySpace, Blogger or any other domain to your name (e.g. www.myspace.com/apooo4u vs. www.apooobooks.com) that does not count as your site...it's the other person's domain/site. Authors do not need a very complex or elaborate site, nor do they need to spend a lot of money on a Web site but at the very minimum the site should be professional, easy to navigate and include the following sections: ABOUT You, Contact Me, Books (JPEGs of front covers and descriptions), and a Media Kit and preferably be in your name (i.e., www.yasmincoleman.com). If you have a static Web site rather than a blog platform, then you should also add a blog to your site so that you can always post fresh and new content rather than having to depend on your Web developer. Other information you might want to include on your site include--book trailers, podcasts, tour schedule as well as any of your social media network sites (MySpace, Shelfari, FaceBook, GoodReads, Ning, Twitter).


How do you separate yourself from the pack of promo people who seem to crop up every day?
First, I have an MBA in Marketing. Second, I have 20 years of experience in marketing, advertising, promotions and publicity with primarily Fortune 500 companies including expertise on brands that are popular household names. Third, I've been reading since I was four years old and have a knack for picking books that I believe most readers will enjoy. Fourth, as with anything, my passion has to shine, so I only represent folks whose books I believe in. It's more than a business or another dollar for me; I have to truly believe in a product in order to promote it. I learned early on in my professional career that while I can market anything, I market exceptionally well products that I've tried and used. So, my education, professional training, background, and passion are what set me apart from others.


Tell us about some of your clients and most successful promotional ventures.
Against All Odds Tour featuring Niambi Brown Davis, author of From Dusk to Dawn—Niambi’s tour was my first virtual book tour. Can we say whirlwind?!?!? LOL. Nothing like baptism by fire. Niambi had to create a Web site, book trailer, and podcasts before we could even get out of the gate. With less than six weeks to plan, I organized and coordinated a 30 blog spot tour including blog guest posts, article writings, book reviews, book club chats, blog talk radio appearances, and author interviews. Because Niambi and I knew each other previously, we knew each other’s styles and were able to work well together despite the short lead time. The tour was a success, many folks that did not know Niambi the writer discovered her, and others who did not particularly care for the romance genre, picked up her book because of the positive reviews, word-of-mouth, and Niambi’s gracious spirit. Additionally, several authors who followed Niambi’s tour have contacted me regarding organizing tours for their upcoming releases.

APOOO has hosted two ‘Live’ literary showcases, spa weekend getaways for book lovers and authors. These events were an opportunity to step out of cyberspace and connect in a relaxing, rejuvenating, and refreshing atmosphere. More than 100 readers attended each affair which included Welcome Reception/Poetry Café, Book Club Slumber Party, Writer’s workshops, Panel Discussions on the state of African-American Literature and Author Readings and Appearances. Featured authors included: Ilyasah Shabazz, Lolita Files, Donna Hills, Gloria Mallette, Karen Miller, L.A. Banks (aka Leslie Esdaile), Jill Nelson, LaJill Hunt, Dwayne Joseph, Marcus Major, and Dywane Birch. Each event was positively received, and if I could clone myself they would be held each year. However, we invite everyone to join us in 2010 for the 10th anniversary of APOOO and the next literary showcase and weekend getaway.

During 2008, each month we’ve spotlighted and featured African-American authors around a theme of the month. In February, in honor of Black History month, APOOO profiled some of today’s hottest, best-known authors who have positively impacted our lives and reading experiences—Bernice McFadden, Tananarive Due, Virginia DeBerry and Donna Grant, Victoria Christopher Murray, Connie Briscoe, Martha Southgate—just to name a few. April was National Poetry Month, and not only did APOOO salute poets of yesterday and today, but, in conjunction with Marcus Harris/Voices and Vibes, we also held the first ever Virtual Spoken Word Showcase. It was an EXPLOSION…with new poets bursting on the scene, being discovered and winning cash prizes totaling over $500. Due to its success, the Virtual Spoken Word Showcase will be repeated next year, and because the bar has been set, we will come back bigger and better!

I could go on and on regarding the projects and authors that APOOO has promoted and supported in the past, but hopefully, by the brief highlights presented above, readers and authors will understand that they’re in good hands with APOOO, and all (genres) are welcome at our place.


Tell me, is the paper version of the promo/media kit passé? Is everyone doing digital media kits now in this techno-savvy age?
I do not think the version matters as much as the fact that authors should have one. No matter what your preference is, it should be professional, comprehensive, well-organized, and up-to-date. You want one document that answers the five W’s about you and your book. You want to have a media kit that is prepared and ready to go so that whenever the media/press/book club/literary professional contact you, you can respond quickly. Granted there is a trend now toward electronic press kits, and just as I believe everyone should have a Web site, it goes without saying that if you have a Web site, then your media kit should also be available online. Now, the beauty of having an online media kit is that you can download it, print it and mail via snail mail to those who request a hard copy. You don’t have to worry about creating/printing media kits that you might have to toss or that take up space while you’re waiting for clients to request them. Another advantage of having an online kit is that you don’t waste paper needlessly. Case in point, APOOO no longer requires that authors send a press kit with a review book. A business card and cover letter are sufficient so that I can place contact information with a book. Everything else, if you have an online kit, I can download or view via the Web and do not have to worry about scanning it. Finally, because it is digital, it is easier to make updates, and you can probably make changes without having to hire someone. Definitely less waste with an electronic media kit.


How can interested authors learn more about you and your publicity services?
They can visit me at www.apooobooks.com or email me at yasmin@apooobooks.com for additional details regarding my services and fees.


Shon, thanks so much for featuring me and giving me the opportunity to talk about APOOO and my literary passion. Many blessings to you on all your endeavors and especially getting that doctorate. ;)

Writing a Memoir? Check Out My Latest Article for TIPS!

Well, it's the 17th of the month, and that means my latest Blogging in Black column is LIVE!

This month, I'm talking about memoir writing. I've met so many people who not only feel that their life story is important to write, but it's also important to publish for others to read.

This got me thinking about memoirs, about the difference between memoirs and autobiography, and about some of the problems that might occur when a novice starts out trying to write his/her innermost feelings.

Come check out my article - The Story of Me: Tips on Memoir Writing - and leave comments!!

Blogging in Black - (LINK)

Why Subscribe to All the Blog's a Page (AtBaP)?

Because AtBaP is where everything relates to writing!

AtBaP is a monthly writing series where a panel of writers discusses a topic and its relation to writing.

For the month of August, we're talking about faith, and future topics include sex, gender, homosexuality, teens, TV, and culture.

This is a blog for both male and female authors, both writers and readers.

Subscribe today!

Here's the (LINK)!

After subscribing, check out the discussion on faith & writing with authors Susan McGeown ("Recipe for Disaster), Pamela S. Thibodeaux ("Tempered Joy"), Niambi Davis ("From Dusk to Dawn"), and Beth Fehlbaum ("Courage in Patience")!

Author/Publisher Susan McGeown talks about Faith & Writing @ AtBaP!

Today at All the Blog's a Page (AtBaP), Susan McGeown, author and owner of Faith Inspired Books, talks about faith and writing...

...two things that go GREAT together in her novel, RECIPE FOR DISASTER...

Nothing could be worse than being a bride abandoned on her wedding day, right? Wrong. Try factoring in an unplanned pregnancy that shatters what is left of Karly Martin's dreams to be a missionary. But Karly is a survivor, stronger and braver than she ever thought possible. Giving up her son for adoption and accepting a missionary position with a Navajo mission school gives her the chance to build on the dreams she thought she had had to abandon. Slowly, she begins to heal. Earl Nezbegay sees to all of his responsibilities: caring for his quadriplegic sister, and her eleven year old daughter, and helping out at the Navajo mission school. Keeping busy enough not to think, keeping numb enough not to feel, and keeping distant enough not to interact. It's not exactly living, but it's surviving. Recipe for Disaster brings together two very broken people. Neither is looking for love, but then life isn't always what we plan or expect, is it?


The question asked this month @ AtBaP is How does your faith, your spirituality integrate itself into your writing and Susan, in discussing her relationship with faith states: Through my successes and my failures I am determined to be a woman of faith no matter what anyone says or thinks. (Picture me with my hands on my hips, my chin raised in defiance.) I want it to be my defining feature, the glue that holds all my pieces together. No matter what hat I'm wearing: mother, sister, daughter, author, aunt, teacher, friend, classroom helper, annoyed customer, neighbor, or stranger – I want it to be the first distinctive quality anyone notices. It's a noble goal but requires constant work.


Head over to ALL THE BLOG'S A PAGE today to read the rest of Susan's response and to share your OWN thoughts on faith and writing!


Also, if you haven't yet, check out the wonderful responses by Pamela S. Thibodeaux ("Tempered Joy"), Niambi Davis ("From Dusk to Dawn"), and Beth Fehlbaum ("Courage in Patience")!

ALL THE BLOG'S A PAGE (AtBaP) - Where everything relates to writing: (LINK)

Book Buzz Tag

Okay, I hate TAGGING people more than anything, believe me, but dear friend JC Martin tagged me, so I'm going to go along with it, do it, and torture others, LOL


Here’s the idea (you can copy this paragraph to use in your post):

I am going to list three categories of books: 5 MUST Read Books, 5 Books on Your Nightstand, and 5 Look For These Soon. Keeping with the theme, I am going to tag at least 5 bloggers. They should put these same lists on their blog but SUBTRACT one book from each list and ADD one of their own. Then they should tag at least 5 more bloggers. It will be fun to see how the lists change as it goes around the blogosphere. Please come back to this post and leave a comment so I can see how the lists are changing as they go around the blogosphere. Since this is Book Buzz…please keep your lists to titles released in 2007-2009.


5 MUST Read Books:
Them by Nathan McCall
Orange Mint and Honey by Carleen Brice
Seen It All and Done The Rest by Pearl Cleage
Conception by Kalisha Buckhanon
Messalina - Devourer of Men by Zetta Brown


5 Books on the Nightstand:
Pig Candy: Taking My Father South, Taking my Father Home by Lise Funderburg
From Harvey River by Lorna Goodison
Stand the Storm by Breena Clarke
Trading Dreams at Midnight by Dianne McKinney Whetstone
The Elite by Jennifer Banash


5 Look For These Soon:
House at Sugar Beach by Helen Cooper
The Hemingses of Monticello: An American Family by Annette Gordon-Reed
In Love With a Younger Man by Cheryl Robinson
Red Light, Green Light by Margaret Johnson-Hodge
Amor and Summer Secrets by Diana Rodriguez Wallach

The bloggers I’m asking to post the lists (and make one book-for-book change to each list if they wish) are:


Empress LaBlaque
Rae Winters
Letitia P. Blount
Allyson Deese
Nathasha Brooks-Harris

Author Niambi Davis Talks about Faith & Writing Today!

Today at All the Blog's a Page (AtBaP), Niambi Davis - author of FROM DUSK TO DAWN - talks about faith and writing!





Something she knows a BIT about considering her novel...


Taliban wanna-be! Bible-thumping Crusader! Is this any way to begin a love affair? In the case of Ayo and Bilal, the answer is a resounding yes! After the dust from religious and familial wars has settled, the 42 year old widow and 32 year old appraiser fall deeply in love, until an unexpected diagnosis convinces Ayo that loving Bilal means letting him go. But has she underestimated the man who, in spite of a tragedy of his own, vows never to let her go?


The question asked this month @ AtBaP is How does your faith, your spirituality integrate itself into your writing and Niambi's first couple of sentences alone will make you want to read the rest of her response: I was a child when I first heard the word ecumenical. Once a year, the local AME, Episcopal, Catholic, and United Methodist congregations of our small town gathered together to praise the Lord. It was the only Sunday of the year when religion trumped race.


Head over to ALL THE BLOG'S A PAGE today to read the rest of Niambi's response and to share your OWN thoughts on faith and writing!


Also, if you haven't yet, check out the wonderful response by Beth Fehlbaum, author of COURAGE IN PATIENCE!

ALL THE BLOG'S A PAGE (AtBaP) - Where everything relates to writing: (LINK)

Who is ChickLitGurrl?

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

In the Spotlight: Author Shelley Halima

Imagine the movie poster for your latest novel, BLINDING MIRROR. What's the logline?
When you’re blinded to who you really are…


Expand on that logline by pitching us BLINDING MIRROR in 50 words or less.
Olivia Valente was born into abject poverty to abusive and neglectful parents. It isn't until she meets the mysterious and beautiful Pilar who shows her it's possible to escape the life as she knows it and attain one of wealth and leisure. Olivia does so but along the way to living the fabulous life she leaves a trail of lies and deceit that ends in those closest to her paying the price.


I've learned through some research that BLINDING MIRROR took you on darker paths in your writing than with your previous two novels, Azucar Moreno and Los Morenos. What was the spark to which BLINDING MIRROR was born?
One of the things I’ve observed is the fascination our culture has the so-called socialites who appear to do nothing but shop and court the paparazzi. The wheels began to turn and the story of Olivia was born and how she ended up losing her soul in her pursuit of wealth. There's nothing wrong with wanting to increase one's finances - I'm certainly working to do that - but this deals with someone who goes about in the completely wrong fashion and is willing to barter herself to become rich.


Talk to us about the writing process for BLINDING MIRROR. Was it a fast write? Was it more difficult than your previous two novels? Did the darkness of the material slow the writing process?
Blinding Mirror was definitely a more difficult write than the first two novels. I'm very familiar with the cultures represented in AM and LM but with Blinding Mirror, I had the challenge to writing about some cultures and lifestyles of which I knew nothing of and to do so in a convincing fashion. The darkness of the character Olivia didn't slow the process at all. In fact it was a great spark. Just as some actors find it more appealing and more of a challenge to portray dark characters, I as a writer felt the same way about writing the dark character.


From AZUCAR MORENO to BLINDING MIRROR, how have you grown as a writer?
I think my more subtle with my writing now. For instance there is a horrifying event that takes place in Blinding Mirror and the characters never actually speak specifically about the incident but it’s still very clear what has happened. I guess I’ve found that not saying anything at times speaks volumes.


I LOVE that you're so versatile - a novelist, a producer, a lyricist, a screenwriter. Was it always your idea to make your first novel, Azucar Moreno into the movie FIESTA?
Yes, it was. Especially, after I’d heard from so many people that they could see this as a film. And in the end it’s worked out so much better that we are doing it independently since I can be a bit of a control freak when it comes to my work.


How has the production gone with FIESTA?
The production has hit a few bumps but the wonderful thing is those bumps made way for even better people to get involved in the film. From when we started out until now, I can hardly believe how blessed we’ve been with the attention it’s gotten from certain people in the industry. If it’s possible, I’m even more excited about bringing this story to the screen.


Do you plan to produce your other books into movies, too?
Yes, I’d like to do the sequel to Azucar Moreno—Los Morenos. And Blinding Mirror has to be made into a film. I don’t quite see it as a theatrical release like I do the others. I can see this more as a cable film for some reason.


How has your work in screenwriting and movies influenced your novel writing -- or has it?
Really I think my novel writing influenced the screenwriting. With some great advice from a couple of actors I learned to bring certain subtleties into play in the screenplay. I had to learn to not SAY but to SHOW through actions and imagery as I did in my novel writing.



Click cover to receive updates on BLINDING MIRROR's availability!


What are you doing or plan to do - as author - to promote BLINDING MIRROR?
Since I've been working on getting Fiesta off the ground I'm going to move the release of Blinding Mirror to the beginning of the year, that way I can give myself time to work on promotions such as getting the galleys out and hitting up radio, newspapers and online outlets. It's best to do that about six months out before the release so this will give me time to do that. I will be releasing the novel under my entertainment company.


In looking back at your short but successful career as a novelist, what themes, topics do you find prevalent in your works...that reflect you, Shelley Halima?
I would say my open-mindedness. I've never been one who only wanted to associate with people who shared my ethnicity or background. So in my novels I want to reach out to different types of people and to tell their stories in a way that I hope can open the minds of others so that they will not automatically write someone off because they are different from them. Unfortunately, I see this a lot and it's my hope that even in some small way I can change that.


You're going on vacation, and you're only allowed to take three books with you -- what are they, and why these three?
It by Stephen King, Jubilee by Margaret Walker and Dark Rivers of the Heart by Dean R. Koontz. These are probably my top books of all time. It because it frightened me so with the improbable, Jubilee because I felt like I was transported back in time and could feel the pain and joy of those who were enslaved and then set free, and Dark Rivers because even though it was fiction it was chilling in its truth in how things are going on right now. All I can say is Patriot Act.


Who is one of your favorite writers, and how does he/she inspire you as a writer?
Without a doubt Stephen King followed very closely by Dean R. Koontz. Stephen King just has a unique way of bringing his stories to life. I love how he puts you right there in the story. On the downside, I slept with a light on for a week after reading IT and to this day I hate clowns. Nope, never had a problem with clowns until ole Steve ruined it for me forever.


BLINDING MIRROR: The Movie. In the dream version, who plays Olivia Machado (Oliva Magdalena Delgado), Gino Valente, Lourdes , Sofia , and Isabella?
Ines Sastre (Lost City) as Olivia
Miguel Ferrer as Gino Valente
Mischa Barton as Lourdes
Rachel Bilson as Isabella
Dominik Garcia-Lorido (Andy Garcia’s daughter) as Sofia


What's currently going on in your WRITING LIFE?
Right now I’m writing songs for two very talented young artists and writing songs for them, working on the sequel to Blinding Mirror entitled Crimson Mirror as well the screenplay for the follow up to Fiesta.

Want to learn more about Shelley Halima? Then check her out at the following cyber locations:

Wells-Halima Entertainment: www.wells-halimaentertainment.com
Shelley's website: www.shelleyhalima.com
Shelley's MySpace page: www.myspace.com/shelleyhalima
Fiesta: The Movie on MySpace: www.myspace.com/fiestathemovie
Official Fiesta: The Movie website: www.fiestathemovie.com (website coming soon)

Beth Fehlbaum talks about Faith & Writing @ Premiere of All the Blog's a Page

(LINK)
Where Everything Relates to Writing ~~ A monthly blogging series hosted by ChickLitGurrl™ in which writers and readers talk about writing and its relation to various topics!

AtBaP premieres its series of writer talks with Beth Fehlbaum, author of COURAGE IN PATIENCE.

For the month of August, the series will focus on the subject of Faith & Writing.


Our panel was asked the following question: How does your faith, your spirituality integrate itself into your writing?





Want to see what Beth had to say about the question? Here's an excerpt:

I strongly believe that religion should not be used as a tool to tear people down. I think that belief comes through in my debut novel, Courage in Patience, a story of hope for those who have endured abuse.

Courage in Patience's protagonist is a fifteen-year-old girl named Ashley Nicole Asher. Ashley is removed from her mother's home because her stepfather is suspected of sexually abusing her. But even before she is removed from her home, she experiences what becomes for her a crystallizing moment that colors forever her perception of fundamentalist churches. This happens when her classmates who, while not really friends, pretty-much ignored her, change into born-again "zombies" who are intensely interested in whether or not Ashley is "saved."

To read the rest of Beth's response and check out an excerpt of her novel COURAGE IN PATIENCE, head to All the Blog's a Page (LINK) and check out our premiere!

While you're there, think about the question in regards to your own writing...or reading and LEAVE COMMENTS!