Passion for Writing: Interview and More with First Family Secrets Author Makasha Dorsey

Makasha Dorsey is an award-winning author, motivational speaker and public relations professional. Her personal essay "Diary of an Aspie Mom" is included in The Motherhood Diaries (Strebor Books/Simon & Schuster). She blogs about being a writer, mother, wife, woman and Christian over at A Wife in Progress and has written for Absolute Write, The Midwest Book Review, SNAPS: 1000 Words, The Daily Times Leader, and ModVive Magazine. Recently, she was named publicist and contributor to Bridal Tribe Magazine. You can learn more about Makasha by following her at these online outlets: Website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Amazon author page.

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As a child, Tangela Houston experienced “sanctified” cruelty at the hands of her doctrine driven mother. Had it not been for her father's kind, faithful heart and a desire to find her true self, she would have gladly exchanged Christianity for a pair of designer boots. But when she accepts an invitation from Felecia Williams, her mentor and direct supervisor, to visit Greater Tabernacle Christian Center, Tangela rededicates her life to God at the feet of Pastor Keith Mitchell, a man who would do anything to keep secrets from his past hidden. She even bumps into college crush turned professional football player Eric Parker and rekindles the old flame.

Her confidence in her newfound relationship with the Savior and Eric is shattered when she finds herself accused of murdering Felecia and in the arms of David Moss, the newly appointed minister of music, who is tied to her in a way that will change her life forever.

Pick up your copy of First Family Secrets today at Amazon!

Passion for Writing Interview with Makasha

Where does your passion for writing come from?
My passion for writing is primal, ingrained into my DNA. Writing is as much a part of me as breathing. Simple things like witnessing an ant drag something a thousand times its size across the floor or dust motes dancing in sunlight inspires something deep inside me to create, to write, to share.

I use to think my passion for writing was a result of my passion for learning. I was wrong. They are two sides of the same coin—me. The passion for one could not exist without the other.


If your passion for writing was a color, what color would it be and why?
It would be indigo because the very heart of me is intuitive. I like to observe and dissect the complexities of people, places, things and ideas in an effort to understand. Because of this I tend to idealize life, seeing both the good and bad in a situation. I carry the good with me and learn from the bad, which leaves a residue of its own.

My personality is also prone to structure and ritualistic behavior. Most of my main characters and personal essay ideas develop from patterns in behavior, ideas and values.


How do you keep the passion burning in your relationship with storytelling?
"Try not. Do... or do not. There is no try." – Yoda, Star Wars

When you’re passionate about something or someone, you don’t have to try because the passion becomes a part of you. I don’t have to try to tell my stories, they come when it is time. As much as writers, myself included, blame writer’s block on the inability to get a good start or finish on a story I don’t buy into it. I believe that fear prevents us from hearing what our soul compels us to write.

After deciding to write, I committed to it. Sometimes it will take me an hour to bang out a thousand or more words. Other times nothing comes that is related to what I want to write about. I submit to those feelings and allow whatever that needs to come out to flow. After that current of words moves through, I am free to write what I want. The passion is really submitting to the art and then making the art submit to you—kind of like a marriage. My writing and I are one. If I add the passion for learning, we are a trinity.

Excerpt of First Family Secrets

“Maybe my daddy really isn’t my dad, and it makes Mama upset,” she said to Lily, her pillow baby. Tangela used a small pillow as a baby doll.

“Dolls are not allowed in my home,” her mother told her grandmother, who had purchased Tangela a Cabbage Patch Kid with real hair. “It encourages girls to become unwed mothers.”

“Tangela,” her mother called from the hallway, “get out of that bed.”

Tangela tucked the pillow baby under the other pillows, and jumped out of bed. One foot landed on the light green, shag rug and the other slid into her slippers just before her mother turned on the light. She stood in place and squinted as her eyes adjusted to the light beaming from the 100-watt bulb overhead.

“Stop looking crazy! You know that since your daddy has been elected regional superintendent of our church we have to get there on time!” Her mother walked over to the closet, pulled out a long sleeved, ankle length, navy blue sailor girl dress, hung it on the back of the door, and said,

“Make your bed! Only nasty people leave their beds unmade.”

After straightening out the fitted sheet, Tangela crafted perfect hospital corners with the flat one over the mattress at the foot of the bed then made sure it laid smoothly over the fitted sheet. She placed her perfectly-fluffed pillows in front of the headboard before going into her bathroom to wash up.

She took off her pajama top revealing her white spaghetti strapped tank top, turned on her bath water, and drug her step stool over to the sink. Tangela grabbed her toothbrush from the holder and placed it on the counter. Knowing that it would be difficult to get anything out of the flat tube of Crest, she rolled the tube from the bottom and tried to force at least a dab of the green gel onto her toothbrush. Nothing. Tangela turned off the bathtub’s running faucet and headed up the hall to the main linen closet to retrieve a new tube of toothpaste.

“Get back in your room, walking around half-naked,” her mother yelled.

“Momma, I don’t have any tooth…”

Her mother slapped her in the mouth, causing her to fall to the floor. Tangela wailed as her mother hit her repeatedly. “Shut up when I am speaking to you. And do what I tell you.”

“Ruthie!” Tangela’s father grabbed the woman’s arm. “Stop hitting my child.”

“Do you see what she’s walking around the house in, Kevin?” Ruthie said.

“She’s a seven year old wearing pajamas.” He took Tangela’s hand and started walking toward her bathroom.

Tangela sobbed. “I need toothpaste.”

Her father grabbed a new tube of toothpaste for Tangela’s bathroom, took her into her bedroom, and told her to close her eyes. She obeyed and listened to her father’s footsteps fade into the distance and then return.

“Open your eyes,” her father said.

When Tangela opened her eyes, she saw a three ruffle, yellow taffeta dress with a matching purse. She ran over to the garment and caressed the fabric. “Daddy! “It’s so pretty and my favorite color.”

“I know, baby. You look like a ray of sunshine in yellow. Did I ever tell you that your very first dress was yellow?”
“Yeah, Daddy.” Tangela looked at the floor.

“What’s wrong?” Her father picked her up.

“I know why Mommy doesn’t like me.”

“Who said your mother doesn’t like you?”

“No one, but she is always mean to me. I think she knows that you are not my real daddy because I am light-skinned, and you guys are dark. She’s mad about it because you’re going to leave her to take care of me all alone, with no help.”

He stroked Tangela’s long, curly hair, reassuring her in a loving, fatherly tone, “That’s not true.

We are different skin tones because God, our father, made us that way. Your mom has had a lot on her mind lately, but I will have a talk with her.” He kissed Tangela on the forehead and left.

~~~

Tangela heard her parents screaming at each other through the adjoining bedroom’s wall.

“Kevin, you have got to stop spoiling that girl.”

“How is being a good, caring father going to spoil Tangela?” he asked his wife.

“You keep buying her all them colorful dresses. You’re turning her into a Jezebel just like her…”

Tangela’s father interrupted so she did not hear the last part of her mother’s statement.

“Don’t you ever say that again,” Kevin warned. “I treat you so kind. Why can’t you treat Tangela that way? If you didn’t want her, we should have never-”

Tangela ran into the room, completely dressed in the new outfit her father laid out for her, and screamed, “Stop it. Just, stop it. I hate having a momma and a daddy. I saw two girls last week and they were happy with only a momma. I wish I only had a daddy!”

Buy First Family Secrets on Amazon Today!

HOT RELEASE: Your Love Is King by Adrienne Thompson

Divorced nurse and single mom, Marli Meadows, finds herself stuck in a rut. She’s tired of her life and decides to leave it behind and embark on a search for change. What she finds instead is love.

Purchase your copy of Your Love Is King today for Kindle (and paperback), Nook, Kobo, and Amazon UK!

EXCERPT

From Chapter One: “You’re Not the Man”

I rolled over in the bed after a short nap, opened my eyes, and nearly jumped out of my skin. For a brief moment, I’d forgotten that Darius was lying next to me. The sight of him lying there asleep with his mouth wide open startled me.

I eyed him with disgust as I tried to ease out of bed undetected. I slid and slid until my feet finally reached the floor, then I tiptoed through the cluttered efficiency apartment into the bathroom. I peered into the smudged mirror and wondered to myself, What are you doing, Marli Meadows? Why are you here with him? I shook my head as if the mere action could erase my relationship with Darius Cotton right out of my life.

I squatted over the toilet and relieved myself, afraid to sit on the seat. Knowing Darius, there was no telling how many other butts had been on that seat. I turned the water in the faucet on to a slow trickle, still not wanting to awaken Darius, and washed my hands. I dried them with some toilet paper and then quickly pulled my underwear and work uniform back on and slowly opened the creaky bathroom door.

I exited the bathroom and found Darius sitting on the side of the bed, lighting up a blunt. Dang! I thought, if I don’t get out of here quick, I’ll be smelling just like that stuff and probably get a contact high. It’d be my luck for them to pop up with a random drug test at work and that crap’ll show up.

“You leaving, baby?” he grunted between drags. He rubbed his hand across his bare chest and stretched. I eyed his nakedness as I walked back into the room.

“Yeah, it’s already eleven. I gotta go home and get some rest for work tonight,” I answered as I gathered up my purse and slipped on my shoes.

With a lopsided grin on his face, he revealed two rows of shiny gold teeth and said,
“Yeah, cause you know if you stay here you gon’ have to put in some more work, huh?”

Ugh, I thought. “Yeah, well, I’ll talk to you later, Darius.”

“A’ight, come give me a kiss, boo.”

I swallowed hard. I know this sounds strange considering the fact that I’d just had sex with him, but the thought of kissing him really didn’t appeal to me. It took all I had in me to walk over to him, bend over, and plant a kiss on his dark lips.

He swatted my butt. “A’ight girl, I’ll holla at you later. Don’t work too hard tonight.”

I nodded. “I won’t. Bye, Darius.”

“Bye, Mar-lay.”

I shook my head as I closed the door behind me. We’d been “seeing” each other for nearly two years, and he still mispronounced my name. Well, it was either that or he was just so country that it sounded like he was mispronouncing it.  Whichever was the case, it was irritating.

I walked down the steep stairs from Darius’s apartment out onto the parking lot.  I unlocked and then climbed into my Toyota Camry which was parked right next to Darius’s souped-up Chevy Caprice. I rolled my eyes at the repeated Louis Vuitton logos covering his car. I backed out of my space and glanced at his license plate which read, SMOKONE. I sighed as I pulled off the lot.

Adrienne Thompson has worn many titles in her lifetime–from teenage mother to teenage wife to divorcee to registered nurse to author. This mother of two young adults and one teenager currently resides in Arkansas with her daughter where she writes and publishes her stories full time.

You can connect with her on the following online outlets: [Her website]  [Facebook] [Twitter] [Pinterest] [YouTube]

The Forbidden Secrets of the Goody Box by Valerie J. Lewis Coleman: A Book Review & Feature

THE BOOK

[Buy your copy of The Forbidden Secrets of the Goody Box at The Goody Box Website!]
THE FORBIDDEN SECRETS OF THE GOODY BOX – What your father didn’t tell you and your mother didn’t know...

Successful. Beautiful. Intelligent. Yet a satisfying relationship eludes Debra Hampton. At thirty-five years old, she can’t figure out why her philosophy on men—and what they want from women—isn’t working. She’s trapped in a cycle of shattered relationships, until a friend refers her to a relationship guru. After some resistance, Debra finds refuge in his counsel as he helps her navigate through the storms of rejection and failed love. Once he reveals the error of her ways, will Debra master the forbidden secrets to attract her soul mate or continue to keep love at bay?

CLG Review of The Forbidden Secrets of the Goody Box

4 (out of 5) lattes

Entertain and Inform All in One Novel

There is definitely enough drama and wisdom in The Forbidden Secrets of the Goody Box to entertain, engage, and perhaps even teach those who read the novel. Author Valerie J. Lewis Coleman wastes no time in getting readers into the heart of the story as by the first couple of pages, we're thrust into the relationship woes (and some great fighting skills!) of one of the main characters, Debra Hampton. It's hard to put down the book when an author snags you that quickly. What I enjoyed the most about Goody Box is Coleman's ability to paint true-to-life circumstances and well-developed characters. Development like this on both levels works in two ways for the book: 1) the development keeps readers close to the characters and makes readers care about what the characters go through (great for a novel!) and 2) the realistic portraits will leave readers thinking about the situations these characters go through and pulling the wisdom found in the book into their real-life situations and conversations. As much as I enjoyed Goody Box, I wasn't thrilled with the ending. It had the ability to two things simultaneously: disappointment and leave me unfulfilled, yet leave me anxiously awaiting the sequel. Just have to wait until 2014 for it.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A Taste of The Forbidden Secrets of the Goody Box

Chapter 1
For the Love of Vincent

Sunday-morning service stirred Debra Hampton’s heart. The poignant message convinced her to resolve a matter that had her torn for almost a year. She had been undecided about whether to marry her live-in boyfriend, Vincent. He didn’t share her religious beliefs and refused to go with her to church, but she knew that he was the best man for her. He laughed at her silly antics, talked with her about her ambitions and encouraged her to greatness. He made her the focal point of his life and involved her in every decision no matter how minute. But it was his touch that held her hostage, kept her toying with God’s love by giving herself to a man who was not her husband.

With her head bowed to hide the free-flowing tears, she exited the church without speaking to anyone. She sat in her Mercedes S550, took a moment to freshen her makeup, expelled a sigh of relief. She looked to Heaven through the panorama sunroof, smiled, closed her eyes, gave thanks. The decision to accept Vincent’s proposal resonated; filled her with peace as she trusted the Lord with her soul mate.

The thirty-minute drive from the inner-city church to her suburban home gave her ample time to reflect upon the life they would build together: three children, business partnership and unlimited mind-blowing sex. The rush of blood to her southern bell—the name her mother called her vagina when she was a child—gave her pause. Fortunately, she was stopped at a red light. She clicked through the Sirius Satellite stations and then opted to enjoy tunes Vincent had downloaded to her iPod a few nights prior.

As she turned into Creekwood Estates—a lavish community north of Dayton—she admired the mansion-sized homes set hundreds of feet from the street. Manicured lawns featured rows of exotic trees, shrubbery and blooming flowers. Cobblestone driveways boasted luxury cars and backyards had customized gym sets or in-ground pools.

Her stucco and brick palatial home was small in comparison to those of her neighbors, but it was big enough for her family-to-be. She loved the side-entry, three-car garage because it camouflaged the unpacked moving boxes from passersby. She parked in the usual spot—closest to the mudroom door—and then she smiled wide. "He's home."

Debra grabbed her purse and Bible and then jaunted into the house. She placed her belongings on the granite countertop, careful not to make noise. Since the television wasn’t locked on a sporting event, Vincent had to be resting in the master suite. A 3,500-square-foot home and he preferred the family room and bedroom.
She slipped off her stilettos, tiptoed up the stairs. Her heart beat faster with each step. She wiped her palms together to dry the sweaty moisture, pressed her ear to the door. His subtle snores seeped through. She giggled and then covered her mouth to halt the escape of more laughter.

She opened the door, peeked in, swung it wide. “Vincent! What the devil?”

“Debra, what are you doing here?” After a quick dismount, he rummaged the floor for his Fruit of the Looms. "When'd you get home?"

“Who is this woman and why is she in my bed?” She ran to the side of the bed, towered over her betrayer. Breath stalled in her throat, eyes widened. “Catherine!”

Catherine—the first person to welcome Debra to the neighborhood—reached for her clothes, scurried to dress.

Debra lunged at her, snatched her by the ponytail, drew back her fist. Just as she connected with Catherine’s right jaw, Vincent grabbed Debra around the waist, pulled her away. She flailed her arms, kicked at his shins, head-butted him in the mouth. When he released her, she pursued Catherine who was halfway down the stairs, underwear in tow.

Debra leapt from the top stair, using Catherine as a landing pad. Spewing expletives, she pummeled her in the back of the head, until Vincent pulled her off.

He tightened his grip on Debra’s arms, spun her around to look him in the eyes. “Stop it!” A trickle of blood oozed from the corner of his mouth.

“I cannot believe you had that female up in my house.” The same channels that had released tears of joy now flooded her face in sadness. “Vincent, how could you?” She watched Catherine sprint through the backyard; battered, bruised and butt-naked.

“I tried to tell you, but—”

“You tried to tell me what? The last thing I knew, you were looking for an engagement ring.”

“I was…for Catherine.”

Debra’s head danced like a bobble-head doll, her vision blurred. Her body quivered and then went slack as she collapsed in Vincent’s arms.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

A few minutes later, Debra awoke on the family-room couch. She picked up the note that set on the table.

Debra,

I’m sorry you had to find out like this. I’ll be back to get my things. I love you, but not enough to make you my wife.

Vincent

As she let the note float to the floor, the back door opened and then closed. The man whom she was willing to love forever had tiptoed out of the house and driven out of her life.

The agony of unreciprocated love left Debra in despair. Virtual restrainers confined her to the bedroom—the viaduct of deceit. She cried until her body heaved and the reservoir of tears was empty.


Chapter 2
Wallow

Depression infiltrated Debra and she withdrew into an abyss of desolation. She called off from work using a flare-up of Crohn’s disease as the reason. Given that her body responded with similar symptoms—loss of appetite, abdominal cramps, fatigue and diarrhea—she resolved that it was a legitimate excuse for at least a week of sick days.

The Author

Valerie J. Lewis Coleman has helped thousands of women across the nation find relational fulfillment. With over twenty years of experience in family and relationships, this expert has given advice on various issues including identifying the four types of male hunters, avoiding seventy percent of men who only want the goody box and winning the heart of Mr. Right-For-You. As she assists others with building strong relationships, she shares how she overcame personal struggles and offers proven techniques to help you get off the crazy cycle of relational demise in her bestselling novel THE FORBIDDEN SECRETS OF THE GOODY BOX! To learn more about Valerie, her books and overcoming relational matters, visit TheGoodyBoxBook.com. You can also check out Valerie on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

RELEASE DAY: Flawfully Wedded Wives by Shana Burton

Purchase Flawfully Wedded Wives through the following outlets:

[Amazon] [Black Expressions] [BN.com] [BAMM.com]

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Just when Sullivan, Lawson, Kina, Angel, and Reginell finally think they have life figured out, fate steps in and throws them all a curve ball, adding fuel to the drama that seems to follow the ladies wherever they go.
First Lady Sullivan Webb’s search for her absentee father uncovers secrets that threaten to destroy the lives of those she loves most.

Kina Battle’s new celebrity status as the winner of a popular weight-loss show receives a harsh backlash when her skeletons are exposed and the people she trusts most begin to turn on her.

Lawson Banks' refusal to accept her husband's lovechild force Garrett to choose between the woman he loves and the child he’s fathered.

Reginell Kerry's new life as the wife of a high school football coach lacks the excitement and financial security that working as an exotic dancer afforded her. When the bills start to pile up, Reginell goes back to doing what she knows best, only this time it may cost her more than she’s willing to pay.

Angel King’s broken heart finds a safe place to mend in the arms of electrician Jordan McKay, but careless actions threaten leave Angel brokenhearted once again.

The ladies often fall victim to being led by their hearts instead of their heads. This time, they have no other choice but to listen to the voice of the Lord.

EXCERPT

“Come on, everybody, lighten up,” cheered Kina. “This weekend is supposed to be about all of us fellowshipping and reconnecting and trying to re-establish some of the bonds that have been severed due to time and distance, lack of communication or—”

“Betrayal,” chimed in Sullivan.

Kina sighed. “Or betrayal. Sullivan, part of the reason I wanted you to come is because I want us to get back to the closeness we had before everything got all crazy.”

Sullivan sat up. “Everything didn’t get all crazy. You got all crazy, Kina! How could you do that to me?”

“Sully, do you really want to do this right here, right now?” asked Lawson.

Reginell finished her drink. “If you are, it sounds like we’re going to need some more alcohol!”

Sullivan looked Kina squarely in the eyes for the first time in over a year. “Yeah, Kina, let’s do this right here and now. I want to know how could one of my friends—one of my best friends, at that—try to ruin my marriage and destroy me life.”

Lawson jumped into the conversation. “Sullivan, you’re the one—”

Sullivan held up her hand to shush Lawson. “Stay out of this, Lawson! I want Kina to answer.”

“I’m not going to sit here and let you attack my cousin.”

“It’s all right, Lawson. I can handle it.” Kina took a deep breath and sipped her drink. “There’s no one answer I can give you, Sullivan. There’s certainly not an answer to justify what I did to you and Charles. All I can tell you is that I was really, really messed up after E’Bell died. Yeah, I was glad that the abuse had stopped, that the name-calling and insults had stopped, and that I didn’t have to walk around my own apartment in fear anymore, but nothing prepared me for how alone I felt.”

“Kina, you weren’t alone. You had us,” Angel told her.

Kina took another sip, building the courage to be honest with each swallow. “Not really. Once I came home from work, I didn’t have anybody. I was so lonely, but I couldn’t tell anyone. I mean, how could I admit to all of you that I actually missed the guy who beat on me for breakfast, lunch, and dinner?”

Lawson’s heart went out to Kina. “Kina, you could’ve told us that. We wouldn’t have judged you.”

“I didn’t want you to know, just like when E’Bell was abusing me. When you’re in that kind of violent situation for so long, you get very good at hiding the truth and perfecting whatever image you want people to believe in, even those closest to you.”

“Was loneliness the reason you got involved with Joan?” posed Angel.

Kina nodded. “You know, being with Joan was never about whether I was really gay or straight. She was someone who was there showering me with the attention and affection I needed. God knows she treated me better than any man ever did, but in the back of my mind, I always knew that she wasn’t what I was looking for.”

“And that’s when you decided to go after Charles,” Sullivan surmised.

“I was so thankful for him giving me a job at the church, and he was so supportive and caring. He loved the Lord, and it seemed like he knew everything about life and God and how to treat people. I’d never met a guy like that before, and I couldn’t help myself.” Kina went on. “I wasn’t trying to hurt you, Sully. Truth be told, I really wasn’t even thinking about you. The only thing I could see was that Charles was a good man, and I needed a good man. I guess once you got pregnant and we were all convinced that the baby was Vaughn’s, I took it as a sign from God that Charles and I were meant to be together. When I told him how I felt and he continued to profess his love for you, I just snapped.”

“But why?” asked Angel.

“I guess because it seemed like no matter what Sullivan did to him and no matter how much she hurt and humiliated him, Charles still wanted her. I thought if he knew about Vaughn and the baby, it could be the one thing that could make him take the blinders off and see Sullivan for who she really was. I’d convinced myself that God wanted us to be together because he was the kind of man I’d prayed for my whole life.”

“Yes, but he was my man!” interjected Sullivan.

“Now, Sullivan, if we’re going to keep it real, we’re going to keep it one hundred all the way,” began Lawson, now fueled by liquid courage. “Everybody here knows that for years, you treated Charles like crap with all your running around and flirting, withholding sex when you felt like it, and only God knows what else you’ve done and haven’t told us about. A lesser man would’ve left your butt a long time ago. Your only saving grace is that Charles loves the Lord more than he loves you, and he tries to do what’s pleasing to God. Charles must know that you’d be an even bigger mess without him. So before you start hollering about how Charles is your man, think about how much love and appreciation you’ve shown to your man.”

“So you don’t think I deserve a man like Charles?” charged Sullivan.

“No, you don’t,” answered Lawson. “There…I said it.”

Sullivan glared at Lawson then took in a mouthful of her cocktail. “So I’m not good enough for Charles, huh?”

Kina, Reginell, and Angel braced themselves for what might come next, not knowing who among them would be the recipient of Sullivan’s rage. When Sullivan was mad while sober, she was unpredictable. Who knew how she’d respond under the influence of alcohol?

ABOUT SHANA BURTON

Shana Burton is a two-time Georgia Author of the Year nominee and bestselling author of Suddenly Single, First Comes Love, Catt Chasin', Flaws and All, Flaw Less and Flawfully Wedded Wives. She is a graduate of Georgia Southern University and Cambridge College. In addition to writing books, she also teaches post-secondary English. You can learn more about Shana through her blog and her Facebook and Twitter pages.

Introducing... Author Cassandra Baker Durham

Cassandra Baker Durham is a minister, author and advocate for women. She received her Bachelor of Social Work degree from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (A&T) (Aggie Pride). She earned a Master of Science degree in Human Services with a specialization in Social and Community Services from Capella University.

She is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry (M.A.C.M.) from Liberty University.
Cassandra is currently the Program Coordinator of HIV/AIDS Services at a local AIDS services organization, where she is a strong advocate for African American women. She also teaches several Diffusion of Effective Behavioral Interventions (SISTA- Sisters Informing Sisters on Topics about AIDS and SIHLE- Sisters, Informing, Healing, Living, Empowering) for the prevention and spread of HIV and other sexually-transmitted diseases.

The spiritual side of Cassandra is fed at her home church Temple of Prayer, Praise and Deliverance Ministries, where she sits under the anointed leadership of Senior Pastor, Apostle Louise Baker.
Cassandra is also the author of the Salt, Light and Witnesses blog, which seeks to encourage, uplift and motivate others to walk in their divine calling as children of God.

Cassandra recently published her first devotional book, Fully Persuaded: 30 Days of Encouragement in Times of Trouble. It was selected as an Oprah’s Life Class Selection. Cassandra's first novel (from her seven deadly sins series), A Summer of Wrath, was released in June 2013.

You can learn more about Cassandra at/on: [Her Website] [Facebook] [Twitter]

[Buy your copy of Fully Persuaded: 30 Days of Encouragement in Times of Trouble today from Amazon!]
Life is full of challenges. After enduring storms, tests, trials and tribulations: we can easily feel broken, dejected, and yes, even disconnected from God.

You are not alone in this season of your life.

This book is for those who have for whatever reason lost their ability to fight back against the enemy.  If you need to feel encouraged, empowered, uplifted, and edified this is the key to unlock the door to your breakthrough.  If you need your faith lifted, and your hope and trust in God stretched, this is for you!

This book is for every person that has needed to feel renewed, refreshed, and restored by being Fully Persuaded that God can do anything, but fail!

[Buy your copy of The Summer of Wrath today from Amazon!]

Wilson stopped believing in God a long time ago.

Devastated after his father is killed in the line of duty, he assumes the task of guardian and protector of his mother and two sisters. Tormented by the kidnapping of his baby sister, he unleashes a caustic and damaging wrath that will lead him down a path of destruction and annihilation. Nothing is off limits, persecution, beatings, torture. Wilson’s destructive nature consumes him almost to the brink of madness as darkness devours his soul.

Natasha is the all American girl next door. She is beautiful, intelligent and charismatic, with a bright future ahead of her. All of that is changed in an instant when she is abducted on her way to her college campus.

Shayla Jacobs has been in love with Wilson ever since she was a teenager. She remembers what God promised her, and she refuses to stand by and watch the man she loves destroyed by wrath, anger and rage.

This story of faith, hope and redemption reveals the internal struggle against the external forces of darkness as one man comes to terms with God’s grace, mercy and love before He can find his sister.

The Summer of Wrath is a captivating, gritty look into human trafficking and the lengths one brother is willing to go to find his sister.

Touring with Christians with Pervasive Issues Author Annie Brown

About Annie Brown

Annie Brown is the mother of four adult children, five grandchildren, and one great grandchild. She is a licensed minister and social worker. As a social worker, Annie works the terminally ill, providing emotional support at the most critical time in an individual's life. It is Annie's desire that Christians work through their pervasive issues before the end of life, so that the transition between death and eternity can be smooth, and not cluttered with unresolved conflicts.

You can learning more about Annie through Outskirts Press Website, Twitter page, and Facebook page; you can also e-mail her if you'd like to share your thoughts on her book!

About Christians with Pervasive Issues

[Purchase Christians with Pervasive Issues at Amazon and Outskirts Press]

Even as a faithful Christian, there may be times when you feel that there is no hope of escaping issues and themes in your life that ensnare and trip you up time and time again. When a certain pattern of behavior or type of suffering has been following you all your life, it’s hard to believe that you can ever escape from it. Christians with Pervasive Issues shows us that every child of God can be delivered from issues that cause them to be a victim, rather than walking in victory. In compassionate, no-nonsense language, Annie Brown demonstrates that with genuine repentance, using God’s principles, and the right counseling/support, you can overcome anything. Christians with Pervasive Issues gives you the ray of hope you need in order to heal your life, and get closer to God.

The Meaning of Pervasive Issues

I WAS GETTING ready for work and suddenly the words “Pervasive Issues” were dropped into my spirit. Can you imagine someone who is not normally a morning person having something so important to deal with? I could not even think of the meaning of “pervasive,” so I could not comprehend what was being said to me. I went on to work, but it did not leave me. I shared what had been dropped into my spirit with my co-worker who is an encourager. He gave me a push to pursue the message the Spirit was conveying, and to understand what God wanted me to write. I could not begin until I did some preliminary homework. I had to figure out what part of speech that “pervasive” was. “Pervasive” is an adjective, which served as a modifier to the noun (issue). Merriam-Webster Dictionary defined it as “spreading through every part.” If an issue is pervasive, it permeates the whole of something. Pervasive issues need to be dealt with within the Body of Christ.

An Excerpt from Christians with Pervasive Issues

A Remedy to Get to the Root of the Problem
WHAT IS NEEDED is that the people of God “must” clean out their secret compartments and confess that they need the Lord to deliver them. Confession is made unto salvation (deliverance). If we confess our faults, the Lord is faithful in forgiving us. You may ask, “Why do I have to confess if I was not responsible for what happened to me?”

The issue then becomes whether you have forgiven the person that caused me this harm. If there is no forgiveness, then you become a victim twice: a victim of circumstance, and a victim of bondage. This can be in some ways more dangerous than cancer. This will always be eating away at you. With cancer, at least you know what is going on in your body. Being a victim of circumstance and having an unforgiving heart bring torment. This torment becomes a part of you in such a way that it eats through your mind, destroys your inner peace, and puts your soul in jeopardy because it becomes a heart matter of sin.

Recognizing There Is a Need
EVERY INDIVIDUAL IN the Body of Christ has strengths and needs. Most times the two words strength and weakness are used to describe parts of your abilities to cope. I like the word needs instead of weakness, because weakness denotes that I just cannot help it.

However, the word need helps me to understand that I am insufficient within myself to furnish the supply. In other words, I don’t have what it takes to get this matter taken care of and I “need” help. Help, Lord! The Word of God has declared that God will supply all of our needs according to His riches in glory. Denying our helplessness and unwillingness to take the need to God only prolongs getting deliverance and healing. The Lord revealed that the Body of Christ was compared to harvest time when it is gone and the people are left in dire need.

Let us look at Jeremiah 8:20, which stated, “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved [delivered].”

Walking on Water with Author, Motivational Speaker Stanice Anderson

The Author

Stanice Anderson – An accomplished author and speaker, she has published books via small, 12-Step Programs: A Resource Guide for Helping Professionals to large publishing house, I Say A Prayer For Me: One Woman’s Life of Faith and Triumph to self-publishing her latest book, Walking On Water When The Ground Ain’t Enuf. Stanice’s books have been featured in everything from Essence and New York Times to the St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Searchlight. Publishers Weekly’s review wrote, “Gripping with a novelist’s eye for dialogue”. “Maya Angelou’s literary talent and Iyanla Vanzant’s prayerful insights”, was the praise from the Washington Informer. Anderson has also written articles published in national magazines. She was at the forefront of the “Dotcom” boom working behind the scenes at USAToday.com. Stanice is also is a principal publicist along with her son, Mike, with Anderson Tucker Agency. In April 2011, Stanice was featured in Black Enterprise Magazine in two-page spread entitled, “Self-Made Miracle.” She is outspoken, passionate and has a unique knack for social media and connecting with people from all walks of life.

To learn more about Stanice, you can check her out at her website and on Twitter and Facebook.


The Book



WALKING ON WATER WHEN THE GROUND AIN’T ENUF is a testament to the love, power and grace of God in our daily lives. Stanice Anderson’s mosaic account of her journey over troubled waters toward unwavering faith is meant to inspire, encourage and uplift. Her gripping real stories, captivating testimonies, soul-stirring monologues, and cadenced spokentry, read like intimate conversations with a trusted friend. Get ready to laugh, cry, praise and walk on water. Come on! Get your faith wet.

Click the cover above to order YOUR copy of Walking on Water When the Ground Ain't Enuf today!


Check out this awesome video featuring Stanice Anderson!

The Interview

I've been a fan of yours for a while now, Stanice. I occasionally go to your pages just to see what you're doing and to perhaps get that one sentence that I know will have me thinking, reflecting, and moving in a direction that is good for me. You definitely have the inspirational touch with whatever you do. As your words and story are an inspiration to others, what are FIVE things, people that inspire you and your endeavors?

1. Sharon Ewell Foster – Acclaimed novelist, client and friend. Her tenacity and perseverance is finding the truth, humble spirit, boldness in writing that truth into her books, and the way she freely pour of her knowledge into those willing to listen—like me.
2. Patrice Gaines – former Washington Post Reporter, author, speaker, and friend. Her life story inspires me. Someone gave me her book, Laughing in The Dark, in the late 90’s and told me she had a similar story and that like I aspired to do; she rose from the ashes and had gone on to do great things with her life. I was encouraged as I read Patrice’s words that I could indeed write my memoir and encourage others as she encouraged me. We later met, as God orchestrated that meeting through my first book, 12-Step Programs, in 1999. She agreed to read and wrote a testimonial. We’ve been friends ever since. She became my publishing world mentor and introduced my work to her then-agent, Denise Stinson; who later became my agent; then, publisher of my 2nd book, I Say A Prayer For Me (Walk Worthy Press/Warner).
3. My son is another inspiration and teacher in my life. Through his unconditional love and watching him grow as a man, he helped me let go of my prejudices toward men. Since I had been a rape survivor, residues of resentment and unforgiveness lingered in my heart. My son showed me, through his incredible perseverance, kindness and forgiveness of me as I had abandoned him during my addiction, that all men were not dogs. That I couldn’t keep blaming all men for what these three men did to me in my youth. Now, as a single father of three, I see him sacrifice, bravely, and astutely raise my grandchildren, he inspires me daily.
4. The incredible and faith-filled women that God has populated my life with; especially, my recovery sponsor and mentor, Dorine Phelps. She taught has poured her love, knowledge and experiences into my life for the entire 26 years and counting that I’ve been free from the bondage of active addiction. I mean, common-sense, simple, yet powerful things like, “Stanice, you’re so busy holding on to the old stuff; that you’re going to mess around and miss the new and good stuff that God has for you. Let it go!” Oh, and this one, so simple, I almost missed it, “It’s alright to be a fool; but don’t keep being the same damn fool over and over again.” Shonell, this was the kind of education that laid the foundation for everything that was yet to come.
5. The last shall be first! God’s Word. I’ve learned to live, breathe and practically apply it to my everyday living situation. My foundational verses, which keep me walking on water when the ground ain’t enough are Jeremiah 29:11-13, “God says, ‘I alone know the plans I have for you, plans for prosperity and not disaster; plans to give you a future and a hope,” and Revelations 12:11, “We overcome by the blood of the lamb and the word of our testimony…” That’s what I do, share my testimonies and the hope in God that I’ve found, from pages to podiums—every opportunity I’m given.

Many of us have "Come to Jesus" moments when we are touched in a way that moves us to a new level of understanding, that opens us to more, new opportunities, that shows us that we're more than we think we are. Can you talk to us about one of your "Come to Jesus" moments and illustrate FOUR ways in which you grew, found new opportunities from that moment?
Shonell, I love your phrasing of that reality! One of my “Come to Jesus” moments would be when I, with a child’s heart, decided to trust God and literally take Him at His Word, “you have not because you ask not.” I said a prayer for me and asked God to make a way for me to go to a 12-step convention in Los Angeles, CA. A woman I was mentoring to at the time, gave me a round-trip ticket, without me asking her. I saw this as my sign from God that I was to go. While I asked my parents for money to augment my $40, which was all the spare money I had to take with me, they both denied me the help. I went anyway with my $40. I called ahead and asked the convention committee for an “indigent” registration package. They said, “Yes.” I had no hotel reservation nor money for a room, but I went anyway. My mom said, “You’re going to LA with only $40. I wouldn’t go to Silver Spring, Maryland from D.C. with $40.” That did not deter me. My response, “I’m trusting God.”

Well, I parked my car at the airport with $20 of my $40 and boarded the plane. Once there, I realized I didn’t even have the flyer telling me where the convention was. I simply asked the bus drivers where they were taking the people who did a lot of hugging when they saw each other. Well, they said, they noticed that too and told me to board the bus, as they were all at the Convention Center in Anaheim. When I got there, the convention committee said I had been clean and sober too long to get an indigent registration package. And it dawned on me, as I pulled my bags through the lobby, that I had no hotel room. I stood in the middle of this sea of people and cried. I heard my name. Stanice. I looked and it was my friend who had given me the flight tickets who said she had forgot to tell me but, “I purchased a full registration package for you.”

Someone tapped me on my shoulder. As I turned around, I saw another friend from my hometown, Washington, DC. He asked why I was crying, I told him, I didn’t have a room; he proceeded to offer me his room and he would bunk with a friend. He walked me and my overpacked luggage five blocks to his hotel room and gave me his keys. It went on like this the entire weekend. One miracle after another. Actually, I tell this story in my book, I Say A Prayer For Me. Only God could have orchestrated all that happened that weekend; look, Shonell, I even came home with gifts for my son, mom, dad, and change from the $40. My return flight was in Row Two in First Class and… oh, I won’t tell everything.

What four things did I take-away from that “Come to Jesus Moment”: (1) God is faithful, even when we are faithless; (2) God is most ‘def Jehovah-Jireh, God The Provider; (3) help can come from whom and where you least expect; and (4) God cares about absolutely every detail of our lives.



Author, Motivational Speaker, Everywoman Stanice Anderson


As you make clear on your sites and in your words, what you are and what you do now are a reflection of what God has moved you to do. His words speak loudly when you "encourage, inspire, and motivate others to discover and live God's marvelous plans for their lives." What are THREE verses from the Bible that encourage, inspire, and motivate you the most--and why?
I’ve already answered with two verses in previous question. Now, let me add a third verse, “God will show you wonderful and marvelous things you know nothing about.” For someone with as curious a nature as mine, this verse quenches my thirst to the core. WOW. God will do that for me? Show me? Wonderful and marvelous things? I love it. What a promise, He keeps over and over again in my life. Makes me want to soar in Him; knowing that even more will be revealed. Now, that’s exciting!

Having a message is one thing...but having avenues in which to disseminate that message is a completely different beast altogether, especially in our digital age with so many social networks and other means to get a message across. What are TWO ways you have been able to spread your message to more people?
I was thinking about this today [9.12.2011]. I’ve had an online presence, including a website and email, since 1999, with the publication of my first book. God had given me the advantage of working for USATODAY.com at the time I started writing what has become my signature lifestories and sending them out via email--writing and emailing these stories daily to as few as 16 friends to encourage and inspire them. I looked at it as sharing my testimonies, which I had begun to understand was a major part of my purpose; afterall, I had first been given the opportunity to share my story with people in 12-step recovery community at about six months clean and sobers and then with the world via The 700 Club in 1986. So, I saw that hope was contagious. It was on a 700 Club broadcast that I heard somebody and watch their story reenacted that I related, broke through the walls of my denial, accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior and asked a family friend to help me get into an addictions treatment center.

So sharing my testimony, in emails when that technology became available to me was a natural progression. From these emailed testimonies, I saw how God was building a ministry for me. Soon came the literary agent, book deal, books, and more speaking opportunities than before my internet presence.

With my natural curiosity, love for people and communication, once social networking became available; i.e., Blogging, FaceBook, Twitter, and LinkedIN, it was opportunity to interact with my reader-friends and broaden my reach for Jesus.

Reflect on everything you've experienced, everything you've gone through in your life--what is ONE word that best encapsulates that journey for you?
RESILIENCE

***BONUS QUESTION: What projects are you currently working on?***
I’m really excited about my new assignment as publicity architect for acclaimed author Sharon Ewell Foster, and her new fact-based novel, The Resurrection of Nat Turner, Part One: The Witnesses. To represent such a significant, history-changing, stereotype-smashing work like this and for such a brilliant writer is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I’ve also been given the opportunity to work with young people 13-21 years old, using the arts to help them find their purpose and raise their self-esteem.

On the making books end, my son and I are currently republishing and repurposing my first memoir, I Say A Prayer For Me: One Woman’s Life of Faith and Triumph. It will now be a “To-Go” eBook Series, entitled, I Say A Prayer For Me: Fast Food for The Spirit. Each eBook One thru Seven will include a menu of seven (7) of my signature true lifestories. Each lifestory is made up of (1) the testimony, (2) the segue which pulls the story into the reader’s life, and (3) the prayer with related scripture.

In 3, 2, 1... Talking with Author Ashley Lounds-Brooks

The Author



A native of Atlanta, Georgia, Ashley Lounds-Brooks is also known as Brook S. Lounds in the entertainment industry. She is the founder of a nonprofit organization for women entitled [CLASSIC Inc.], which serves 'the vehicle for women empowerment' since 2007. It is her overall goal to help women better themselves in every area of their life.

To learn more about Ashley, you can check her out on Twitter and Facebook.




The Book



Single, Satisfied, and Saved was specifically written to help women grow as virtuous women in the body of Christ by looking at, first and foremost, one’s self. The book features practical Christian principles to discover one's innermost strength, talent, skill and strategies. What makes this book stands out from other self-help books is that Ashley provides the reality of the Christian walk- “some days you don’t feel like being saved!” She doesn’t just give you a list of do’s and don’ts but helps the reader to realize and understand the reasoning behind it all.



Click the cover above to order YOUR copy of Single, Satisfied, and Saved today!




CLG Review of Single, Satisfied, and Saved




4 out of 5 Latte Rating



"Good Conversational Style for a Worthwhile Message"

Sometimes, the only way you can get people to understand something is to get in their face, be personal, be truthful, and be real, and Ashley Lounds-Brooks tries to do just that in her book, Single, Satisfied, and Saved. Lounds-Brooks uses her own experiences and "sistergirl" conversation to deliver her messages on being single (the negative perceptions and positive aspects), satisfied (in all ways, from physically to spiritually), and saved (from the excuses we give to the misconceptions about Christianity). But the book isn't just about Lounds-Brooks' opinions on the issue. Throughout the book, there are study lessons and exercises for the reader to do. These sections are my favorite parts of the book because it can be easy to feel scolded if you're single and not satisfied or not saved, but these lessons give readers the opportunities to reflect on what's been read and to see how they can make changes in their lives to become wonderful, virtuous women. I think women, particularly young women, could get a lot of this book. It's obvious that Lounds-Brooks is passionate about this topic and about those who might be reached from her message.




In 3, 2, 1...

What are the three most important points you want readers to come away with from reading your book?
I want readers to finish the book with a changed mindset and outlook on life. I want them to know that it's ok to be single. There is nothing wrong with being single and to love yourself first and foremost. Most importantly I want readers to know that no matter what they have done it is not too late to change because God is a forgiving God.


What are two things you can't live without as a writer?
"Me time" to gather my thoughts and ideas and hmmm a latte from Seattle's Best for those long nights!


What is one thing you're doing to promote your book?
Besides the normal of telling everyone, I am giving my readers the opportunity to be involved in the book with a "Single, Satisfied, and Saved" experience. I don't want this to be another book they read but a lifestyle. I want to promote my book with "girls' night out" themed events.

Claiming Our Divine Super Powers with Author Tracy Spence-Banks

The Author





“Writing is not in my blood...it’s my DNA.”

This is Tracy Spence-Banks’ life motto. After having to write a short story at the age of twelve for a school assignment, she has been writing ever since. She also enjoys writing screenplays, her first The Order, which is registered with the WGAw (Writer’s Guild of America-West). She is also trying her hand at a situation comedy based on a real estate company that her family owned when she was a child.

In 2008, she served on the manuscript team and typed My Longest Drive: One Man’s Passion for the Urban Poor by Bill Hobbs, founder of Urban Youth Impact, a local youth organization in West Palm Beach, Florida.

In 2006, she was a member of SOMSistahs, an online writing group of women in various parts of the country that aspired to write an anthology of poems, short stories, and essays. This is where her inspirational book, Super Woman was born.

From 2007 to 2008, she moderated a BlogTalk Radio show, House of SOMS, which touched on and discussed various social topics, such as dating & relationships, family life, health and fitness.

Tracy is a member of the O.E.S. Ruth-Watkins #358 Chapter in Florida and she resides in Palm Beach County, Florida with her husband, two daughters, and her beloved Maltese-mix.



[website] [Ministry Women] [AuthorsDen]





The Book





As women, we wear many different hats within the family structure. Wife, mother, sister, businessperson, cook, maid, chauffeur...the list never ends. So how can we tackle so many different aspects of our lives and not get beaten down by them?

Super Woman will take you through the seven divine super powers needed to live a fulfilling and peaceful life through heart-warming anecdotes, off-beat humor, and of course, the proven Word of God.

It finishes up with a small bible study, which is easy to follow, yet thought-provoking. It asks questions that allow you to dig deeper in order to tap into your own divine super powers.




Click the cover above to order YOUR copy of Super Woman today!





Interview

Super Woman: A Guide To Tapping Into Your Divine Super Powers: Why did you feel compelled to write this book?
I’ve always been shouting from the rooftops about how women needed to step up and take control, about how we needed to start working together and not against one another. So when I was a member of the SOMSistahs (Speaking Of My Sistahs) writing group, I wrote an essay, which was Super Woman, for the anthology book we were supposed to publish. After some successes and failures with trying to keep the group together, it occurred to me that maybe it was due to our lack of truly understanding who we are as women. Why, as a whole, it suffered so many trials and tests. How can we possibly move forward and help one another if we don’t understand who we are ourselves? We needed to learn how to use the proper tools ourselves before we could start renovation on another woman’s house.

You can’t hammer a nail with a saw and you can’t cut wood with a Phillip’s head. My book is to show women how to obtain and use those tools for their own dwelling and then do an extreme makeover for another woman in their lives. Ty Pennington need not apply.


When do you think the Super Woman Syndrome began, and what keeps it going still?
I think it’s been around since the beginning of time, but perhaps in the past few decades or so, women have become so tired and frustrated with how the world views and treats them. The only mistake in that is worrying about what the “world” thinks; it only matters what God thinks. There are so many women doing double-duty in family roles that we’re starting to realize that only God has the answer and so we’re coming to Him in droves and tapping into those strengths to get us through each day. It’s a woman’s deep love for her heavenly Father that makes Super Woman a perpetual movement to motivate and encourage every woman, young and old.

We’re not trying to rehash the “burning of the bra” mentality; it’s just that women need to be equipped and we need to equip others with whatever is needed in order to succeed. Besides, have you noticed the prices of brassieres lately?


In your book, as the title shows, you discuss the super woman's divine super powers: dignity, endurance, forgiveness, grace, humility, love, and patience. Out of these seven, which is the most important super power to possess and why?
Humility, definitely! If you have true humility, then you have the other super powers. Humility is our crown that we wear with grace; it fills us with love; it gives us strength to endure; it tempers us with patience; it gives us a quiet dignity; and it allows us to forgive.

Humility is such a beautiful attribute when worn by a woman. In my case, it goes very well with my Sensationnel Instant Ponytail #1B.


Now, we know the super woman is constantly on the move. And we know that the only way a super woman can be such a mover and shaker and give to everyone is to first give to herself. A super woman is only as good as her ability to take care of self. What advice do you give to the super woman who needs to nurture her own spirit and interests?
Spend time in the presence of God. There is no other way to become a super woman and maintain your God-given powers. We have to understand that these “powers” are not by our own hand or by being born on the planet Krypton or being bitten by a radioactive spider. They are given to us by the Father in order to keep us focused, grounded, and prepared for whatever comes our way. They were instilled in ever woman at birth and began when Eve was cast out of the Garden of Eden. God put enmity between us and the devil, so he has a special hatred for women. We ratted him out and now he’s out to destroy us. God made certain that we are well-equipped to defeat any attack he has waiting for us, but if we don’t tap into those divine super powers, the enemy will ultimately defeat us.


Faith and humor are definitely found within the book; how important was it for you to blend these components into your book?
It was the most important aspect of the book in order for me to relate to a diverse group of women. Faith is universal and so is humor. Laughter sounds the same in any language or dialect. Our faith in God is one of the common bonds we share as women, no matter what region or part of the country (or the world) we come from. It just made so much sense for me to incorporate the two to get the message out there. I’ve always been the type of woman who could laugh at herself. I constantly do things on a daily basis and have to sit down and laugh about what I’ve just done.

It also helps my readers to relate to me on a more personal level, which is very important for me. I don’t want to be a “preachy” writer, sitting up high on my throne and doling out advice. I want my readers to know that I was once where they are (or still am) but instead of putting on heirs and trying to be a “holy roller”; I want them to know I truly understand what it feels like. We don’t have to cry or be depressed; laughter is the best medicine, especially when taken with the word of God.


What do you hope women get from your work?
A closer, deeper relationship with God. This book is only for His glory, not mine. I also hope they come away with a feeling of camaraderie with other women. Look at Ruth and Naomi...Mary and Mary Magdalene; these women had a bond that nothing could break. They relied upon one another in good times and in bad; this should be the way of a woman. They sowed positive seeds in one another’s lives.

It hurts to see when women go out of their way to sow negative seeds in another woman’s life. It’s more frightening when it’s young girls, so young they still have the smell of Similac on their breath but have mastered the art of copping an attitude.

The older generation must teach our “baby” sistahs that confidence and self-esteem does not translate into cockiness and arrogance.


Do you plan to continue developing inspirational works?
As long as God gives me the ability to write and speak, along with a message, I will continue to do what He called me to do. I did publish a romantic novella, but after an epiphany I had one night, I have since discontinued that book and I’ve focused on writing that will inspire, encourage and motivate.

My reward is getting an email, phone call, or a hug from a woman that says she either laughed, cried, pondered or all of the above because of my words. This affirms for me that I’m on the right path, that there is a need for what I’ve written and that I must continue to keep paying it forward.


What are you working on now?
I’m also working on a stage play for Inlet Grove Community High School’s drama department, as well as teaching a self-publishing course there at night and I’m currently shopping for an agent for my screenplay, The Order.

I’ve almost completed my second devotional, which is a wide variety of topics for women, as well as men, based on what we all see ourselves as. It’s filled with my sense of humor and a message from God.

I came up with the idea based on a caricature I had done at a local fair. Naturally, the drawing didn’t resemble me in the least and the first words out of my mouth when the artist handed it to me was, “That ain’t hardly me!” A phrase I remembered from watching Good Times as a child when J.J. painted a portrait of Miss Savannah Jones, Sweet Daddy Williams’ main squeeze.

I think I just carbon-dated myself by confessing to watching original episodes of Good Times.

In Need of a Joshua Man by Teresa D. Patterson

In Need of a Joshua Man by Teresa D. Patterson

When Audrey Peterson walks into church feeling the need to purge past sins, she sees Pastor Raymond Dickerson and is immediately put off by his striking good looks. She unfairly assumes that he must be one of those hypocritical preachers, the kind that praises the Lord on Sunday and raises hell the rest of the week.

As Audrey opens her heart and listens to Pastor Dickerson’s sermon, she decides that her preconceived views may be wrong. There’s more to the pastor than a handsome face. She feels something that she can’t explain when she briefly shakes his hand upon leaving the church, and that “something” is returned by the pastor. He senses something different about Audrey from first glance. He sweats at the altar and has to brace himself before he can carry on with his sermon. He feels a connection, just like her, and finds himself turning to God for answers.

At first, Raymond is unsure of what role he’s to play in Audrey’s life. Once he receives confirmation from God that she is to be his “help meet,” he sets out to teach her about loving God and herself. He ends up being the “Joshua Man” who leads her out of the wilderness into a land of promise.




Order your copy of In Need of a Joshua Man through [PayPal] today!


About the Author


Teresa D. Patterson, who also writes under the pseudonym, Diane Diamond and Sheisty, is the author of Its Your World, Black Girl, Project Queen, Uncrossing Her Legs, and Ex-boyfriend. She has a degree in business, and resides in Florida with her two sons.

You can learn more about Teresa at her website.

Keeping the Faith with Author Wanza Leftwich

The Author



Wanza Leftwich, The Gospel Writer, is a missionary, freelance writer, and speaker. She is editor of UrbanChristianFiction.com and the creator of the College Prayer Network. As a writer, she is passionate about sharing her faith on two inspirational blogs, The Gospel Writer and Faith & Fertility. One blog shares practical faith tips to live a prosperous life, and the latter encourages families to believe God through their season of infertility. She has expanded her freelance career by writing short stories and interviews for Tha Message Magazine.

Wanza is married to the love of her life and best friend, Arthur, III. They reside in Brooklyn, NY with God’s gift, their daughter, Symphony. They are currently expecting their second child.

You can also find Wanza on Facebook and Twitter.

The Interview

Let's start with an easy question - as hard as it is to get published today and as much work goes into being an indie-publisher (if that's your mode of publication), why do you keep coming back to the WORD, to the writing?
Writing for me is life changing. When I write I begin to understand myself, my God and the people around me more and more. Writing is a difficult field, especially if you’re looking to go the traditional route of publishing, but once your words are published, they can never be erased. Not only is it a sense of accomplishment, but it’s immortality at its best. Imagine the books we read today that change our lives and the author is deceased. Words are powerful. It’s worth the work to be published traditionally or if you put your work out there yourself.


What three writers have influenced your writing and how?
I have done at least three interviews already and have been asked this question and probably gave the same replies each time I was asked. I love reading literature that gives my imagination a surge. And though I have many who have influenced my passion for writing, you asked for 3 and it’s a tough pick, but will tell you my top 3 and why.

I absolutely love reading but unfortunately, many books do not hold my attention long enough to finish them. At this moment, the most influential authors in my life are Mary E. DeMuth because she can make me see and feel her words – they come to life off the page. Her prose is raw, gritty and you can really feel her heart. She has helped me let go of the fear of writing the next chapter. Writing is not about the author, but the story – and the author can not be selfish with words to protect her own heart.

Next, I’d say ReShonda Tate Billingsley. I relate to her style and drama. I can finish every word of her books. Her writing is smooth and real. When I write, I remember to just flow and the let the characters interact.

Thirdly, Joyce Meyer. Yes, JM is one of my favorites. I write non-fiction and fiction. Ms. Meyer’s honesty about real life events mixed with Biblical solutions to problems we face everyday has encouraged me to write with soundness. By that I mean, not by my opinion, but write according to what God truly wants me to say – what He speaks to my heart in accordance with His Word.


How do your beliefs, values, and cultural awareness reflect themselves in your writing?
I am a follower of Christ. I am Christian and my writing does reflect that in my work. I write Urban Christian Fiction and non-fiction works that are centered on Christian living. My values are integrated in my work – I wouldn’t know how to remove them! I write what I think and believe. Sure, all of my characters wouldn’t agree with me, but for the most part you can know exactly who I am after reading a passage of my work. Culturally, I find myself writing from an Urban Black perspective most of the time. Again, that is who I am but I am not limited to it.


What are some of the themes you find yourself circling back to in your writing?
I tend to weave in love and honesty in most of my writing. I think the world is lacking genuine love. We live such shallow lives that most times a man can’t tell a woman that he loves her or vice versa. We rather hide behind “the game” of dating and relationships instead of realizing what we really want and love and going after it. I’ve seen too many couples break up because of dishonesty – they couldn’t bear to tell the other person what they truly felt due to pride or what others thought about their situation. It’s such an injustice and I write about it. It’s my heart. I’ve been there.


I selected you as an October feature because your "writer's heart" connects with me. When I read your works, I sense your passion for writing and for conveying images, sounds, emotions, feelings to your reader. If you could, describe what "the heart of a writer" means to you.
Although, the story I write is fictional, the content is true to life. It’s a story that could be anyone, anywhere. I can't afford to hold back words – those very words maybe what my reader needs. “The heart of the writer” to me means that as an author I write unselfishly for my readers. I write what is true, honest, painful but helpful. When you read my writing, you see and feel what is on my mind. That is when my heart shines through my work.


Yes, writers "feel" the need to write, but we have to be realistic, too: writers WANT to get published. Talk a bit about your publication journey and some of the important things you've learned while on that journey.
My first work, Sunday Morning, I self-published. I will admit, I had NO idea of what I was doing. I just knew I was writing a book and I put it out there. To my joy, people loved it. Yes, it was structured wrong and could have used an editor, but it was out and the story made people talk and talk. I knew then that I had to continue, but I was fearful. The story was so real many people became angry because they thought I was writing about them. That was not the case. I stopped writing for years – nearly a decade.

Along this journey, I have learned to be unselfish. Someone needs the words I am going to write or have written. They need a laugh, a sigh or even a cry. It’s one of the things I was born to do. I have the ability to change someone’s thought pattern with my words. With that realization, I began to write again. Now, I am currently publishing a short story for Tha Message Magazine and pursuing traditional publishing.


Writers are more than writers today; they are publicists, marketers, brands, a whole product aside from the book itself. What are you doing, as a writer with many hats, to market/promote yourself and get your works into the right hands?
I am developing my social media skills! I blog and tweet mostly, but I am definitely online promoting myself and my brand as The Gospel Writer. I believe it is important to “do unto others” so I actively interview and promote blog tours on my blogs for other authors.


What are you working on next?
I am working on the sequel to Sunday Morning. It’s been a long time coming, but the time is now for Flour Ain’t Bread ‘Til You Bake It. Also, I have a few non-fiction proposals that I am submitting before the year is out.



The Excerpt

Taken from The Newlywed Diaries


Meet George & Sarah
by Wanza Leftwich, The Gospel Writer


Dear Diary,

Can you handle that I tell you the truth
I paid my tithes, sowed my seed
Every day broke indeed
This is what I be
The dreams I see
Can you handle me telling you about me
Walking and talking
Shouting and praising
Depressed and gloom
Never seeing prosperity
Prosperity, you see
But is it for me
Do you see where I'm coming from?
Tossed in the night
Tears streaming down
Eyes of fright
Letting up on my fight
Praying you hear
Are you near?
Sounds so weak, but this is
How my heart beats.
Can I tell you the truth
Can I trust you
No question mark at the end
It is a rhetorical sin
Can you handle me
The thoughts I see
The rain I hear
The pound that resounds within my ears
Prosperity, you say again
Is it for me...

"That's all you ever do is write that crazy depressing poetry!" George snatched the diary out of my hand. "You think God gonna deliver you if you keep writing like that?"

This time I didn't move. I didn't reach for it. I didn't grab it. I knew what he would do. He was going to flip the page. I was going to let him. Gone on, flip it. I tried to

spare your egoistical feelings, but you’ve done it this time. One more page and you're going to wish you never married me.

"What? Is this what you think?" George tore the pages out. "Is this what you think?"

A smile rose in my heart. Finally, the truth was out.

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)