A New Game Created for ALL Book Lovers: #LitVersations

If you are a book lover, a voracious reader, and love talking about books, then you should check out Debra Owsley and her new game Lit-Versations. I have known Debra for years, and she has always been a dedicated reader, promoter, and lover of books; it makes perfect sense to me that of all people, she would be the one to create a wonderful game like Lit-Versations.

To purchase Lit-Versations, you can visit Debra at Simply Said or through PayPal.me.

I talked with Debra about her love of books, her fave genres and authors and books, and about Lit-Versations. Check out the interview below!

Talking Books and LitVersations with Debra Owsley

I’ve known you for a long time, and since day one, I knew you to be a lover of books. Where did your love of books and reading come from?
Yes Shon, from MySpace days!!! I spent many hours in libraries. I wasn’t allowed to go to many people’s houses, so I went to the library. There I had friends and adventures and learned things that was not familiar, in books. I would DEVOUR them. I’d read fiction, nonfiction, craft books, anything that would cross my mind. I was very curious, so libraries sated my curiosity and my questions. My mom was also a huge reader of non-fiction and history.


What are your top three genres to read?
Fiction, Self-help, Biographies


Who are your top three authors?
Only 3? That’s like asking a mother of 12, who’s her favorite child! Donna Hill, Eric Jerome Dickey, Lolita Files, Bernice McFadden, and Lutishia Lovely are the authors I absolutely adore.


What is your most favorite book, and why?
My most favorite book is The Hand I Fan With by Tina McElroy Ansa. There is something about the way she told that story that really resonated with my soul. Everything in that story I could see, taste, and feel. Lena and Herman in my mind were real people. When I figured out what was going to happen in the story, I cried, slammed the book shut and just wept. I then started it all over ago so the story would never end. My tear stains are still on those pages. I never had a book affect me like that before.

You have a new, awesome, unique product out that is, not surprisingly, tied to your love of books: the game Lit-Versations. What was the initial spark that ignited the creation of Lit-Versations?
Lit-Versations©® The Book Conversation Game is a project I’ve worked VERY hard to bring to life for over two years. This idea came to me while listening to people discuss books and being interviewed asking the same questions over and over again. It was like the same questions, different book and same questions different author. I wanted meatier questions, questions that were open ended and led to a deeper conversation, a real Lit-Versation! So I created the questions I wanted to ask, 70 questions to get the Lit-Versation started!


What were some of the challenges (and rewards) that arose during Lit-Versations’ journey to creation?
I had so many challenges and tears creating this game. Two graphic designers, printers that made me say many, many bad words, picking reviewers I trusted not to let the cat out of the bag, getting samples made 4 times, deciding on the right questions, finding the right boxes, having them edited, (A million THANKS, Shon). It was a very stressful time and a lot of work. I’ve been told I’m a perfectionist and difficult, but I wanted what I saw in my head. I worked very hard to bring this project to life! The most rewarding things were when I was test marketing the game; people were as excited as I was! These where avid readers like me, authors, interviewers and bloggers. Once the first orders went out, I held my breath until the reviews came in from people who paid! That’s when I felt JOY like nothing else! I kinda felt like Sally Field… “They like me! They like my new baby.”


What are three reasons people should run, not walk, to purchase Lit-Versations?
There are way more than three reasons, Shon! Here are a few...

• These questions open up refreshing dialogue with new and interesting perspectives.
• A fun interactive ice breaker
• I wanted people to love book discussions without being bored.
• Helps others understand other interpretations of the story
• Promotes richer exchanges and inspires thought
• Great for authors to take along to gatherings
• Great gift for book lovers and book clubs
• Helps discussions stay on track and active
• Great for all ages
• This was created for book lovers, by a book lover.

Book clubs and reading groups, authors, teachers and parents, reviewers, bloggers, interviewers, and online chat facilitators can ALL benefit from and enjoy using Lit-Versations.


Any final comments?
Books can take you anywhere you want to be. Just do what feels right in your gut and in your soul. Do what makes your heart dance. Realize you’ve had the power all along. #SimplySaid

About Debra Owsley

Since December 2006, Debra Owsley has taken her love of reading along with her hobby and created the reading accessory business, Simply Said Reading Accessories.

Initially, the business was created to support her ravenous book habit! Debra never dreamed her two loves would turn into a marketing and promotional business that has allowed her to meet and work with authors she has read and admired for years. She also offers her work at book events and book festivals where she meets other avid readers and book club members.

Recently, she’s added a new project to her collection, a book conversation game named LitVersations. Debra says she created the game because "I got tired of the same questions and interactions." In creating the game, she believes it allows "everyone to feel like they really comprehended the book and the author's intentions. Also, to have more fun!"

Debra works with several major bestselling authors, bookstores, event planners, and industry professionals. Her “book candy” includes unique “gift-marks,” Kindle charms, book thongs, and many other special treasures for book lovers. She also creates whimsical displays for authors and other tools to promote literacy. Debra also coaches authors on how to promote and market their books on a budget.

Debra is a hairstylist and has been one for over 25 years. She loves to read, travel, blog, dance, and discuss books with friends over great food. She also has an in salon book club named Under The Dryer. She’s always sharing her latest reads with her clients and encouraging them to purchase books and support authors.

Debra can be found all over the Internet. To learn more about Debra, her wares, and her book loves, you can follow her at the following online outlets:

Simply Said on Facebook | Debra's Blog | Lit-Versations Website | Twitter | E-mail

To purchase Lit-Versations, you can visit Debra at Simply Said or through PayPal.me.

In Touch w/ Everywoman and Echelon Press CEO Karen L. Syed

The Everywoman









Karen L. Syed is the president and CEO of Echelon Press, LLC. Every day is a new success story for her as she continues to grow herself and her business. She has seen eight of her own novels published (writing as Alexis Hart), along with numerous articles and short stories. As a former bookstore owner, she garnered a nomination from Publishers Weekly for their Bookseller of the Year award. She is a member of EPIC, GLBA, SinC, MWA, ALA, YALSA, and ITW.

You can learn more about Karen at her blog, and you can go to Echelon Press to view/purchase the exciting titles she publishes.










The Interview



What is the initial spark that brought Echelon Press to life?
I am one of those people who writes from the heart and my work always seemed to fall through the cracks of placement. To dark for this, to light for this, no real place to belong. Everyone loved my writing and my stories, so we decided we wanted a place for those writers who have great stories in them, but the traditional industry would not take a chance on them as new writers. We wanted to be a stepping stone.


What is the mission of Echelon Press?
To introduce fresh voices to readers who are generally overrun with cookie-cutter stories.










What genres do you publish?
Whatever I like. It pays to be the boss. We do a lot of commercial fiction, things that fit into any category, and then some. Our big genre is mystery, but we do pretty much all the genres, and even some that most people aren’t familiar with. Our newest acquisition is a steampunk novel for our Quake line.


What makes a good Echelon Press story?
Heart. For us, when we pick a story we want to feel the emotion of the characters as well as the author. No matter the genre, it has to engage the reader and make them feel, horror needs to make the readers think about their own fears, romance needs to make their hearts sing, mystery needs to leave the reader on the edge of the seat. It has to be extraordinary to pull the reader in.


What are the top three reasons a book might be rejected by Echelon Press?
The biggest reason is failure to submit a clean manuscript. Writers seem to think they can just write a story and it will get contracted and they will get an editor who will fix all their mistakes. That is fiction people!

The next reason would be the failure to draw the reader in. If you have a 300 page manuscript and you use “was” 2198 times, “were” 987 times, “knew” 389, and “seemed” 493 times your manuscript is excessively passive or weak. We know that those words are necessary, but numbers like these (and these are actual counts from a rejected book) draw the reader away from the story and become repetitive.

The other thing that will get you rejected, straight out of the gate, is if you do NOT follow the instructions on our submission guidelines. No one seems to take our request for a marketing strategy seriously. If you don’t follow instructions you get rejected without comment.


Electronic publishing: how successful are you in the selling of your e-books?
It is getting better every day. Venues like Fictionwise and All Romance eBook have been very beneficial for us. Readers and authors alike should realize the convenience and value of eBooks. People fear that eBooks will replace the printed book, but that will never happen. It just won’t. eBooks are an alternative for readers who need a break. I travel a lot and cannot carry all those books anymore. I love my Palm T/X and it allows me to carry numerous books at one time. Many of my readers are beginning to see the value for them as authors, because they actually make higher royalties on eBooks. Reads can benefit from eBooks because some companies like Echelon keep our prices lower. Our highest priced eBook is $7.00.


Electronic publishing: predict its future success; do you see more people turning to electronic books
I honestly believe that if people stop fearing the worst they will see the opportunities available to them. While the traditional publishing industry hovers in limbo, ePublishing continues to grow and blossom. I can’t predict what will happen, but I can say that if authors open their minds and allow themselves to be a part of this growing industry they can actually benefit from the experience of publication, which will prepare them for more traditional routes. For already published authors, it is just as viable for publication as any other format. The only reason ePublishing is questioned is because authors question it. If authors and publishers got behind it 100% readers would eventually see the value.


How are you using the internet to market/promote your books and your company?
Social networking is the best thing since sliced bread. The Internet is incredible. It opens up doors that would be impossible to even see. We have tried print ads with no success, we have tried radio ads and interviews with no success, but the Internet has brought us readers and customers from all over the world, literally. We are finding HUGE success with Twitter, Facebook, and MySpace. We are reaching 1000 times more readers in a shorter amount of time and at virtually no cost. I think the difference with us is, I try to train the authors not to just shamelessly promote, but to build some kind of relationship. It might take a little longer, but it is working wonderfully.


What three books are selling well at Echelon Press right now?
Our overall top seller is THREE STRIKES YOU’RE DEAD by Robert Goldsborough, followed by THE BRIMSTONE MURDERS by Jeff Sherratt, and MURDER OFF THE BOOKS by Evelyn David.


How might authors learn more about your submission guidelines?
The only way is to visit our web site. It is important that you read the entire page before submitting—you don’t want to miss anything!

The Ultimate Yes Yes with Author Tamika Newhouse

The Author


Tamika Newhouse [website] is an author, radio host, book club owner, publisher, and book promoter.

In February 2008 Tamika created the online based book club African Americans on the Move book Club in hopes to fill the void of wanting to be a part of a book club. In a two months time AAMBC grew into an astonishing literary source catering to men and women who wanted to have a book club of their own. Through AAMBC Tamika started a book promotions branch, and the now syndicated AAMBC Radio show. On her radio show she interviews some of today’s prominent new and season authors to date. The show brings an audience of book lovers who crave to meet authors on a personal level.

In December 2008 Tamika Newhouse launched her first anthology publication which caters to new and seasoned authors wanting to get their name known. A Reflection of Me Anthologies showcases all genres of writings allowing each author to express their passion. Also in December 2008, Tamika Newhouse debuted her first novel entitled The Ultimate NO NO, an urban romance dedicated to bringing a new twist to the genre urban lit.

Alongside a fellow author, Tamika Newhouse created an author tour group named Authors with a Passion Book Tours. This tour group of men and women will focus on brining that author-reader contact to cities across the nation. The mission is to bring passionate authors to the front line, and together they will produce an anthology. This will be a collection of works from each author as well.

Tamika Newhouse is currently working on her second novel entitled The Ultimate Moment, and hosting her radio show.



The Book


Are you a woman who has been hurt by a man and wonder what it would be like if you could give him a dose of his own medicine?

Well, the characters in The Ultimate No, No give you the opportunity to live vicariously through their lives and the events that transpired during The Scam Nitrah a teacher is drawn between her friends and a man named Troyon, when her friends ask her to do the unthinkable. That's get revenge on a man through his heart. Things go as planned until Troyon and Nitrah find themselves infatuated with each other. What happens to this relationship that was doomed from the beginning when the lies, sex, and deceit come to the surface?

On the other hand there's Dahlia, Nitrah’s best friends and the master mind behind the plan to break Troyon's heart. Her secrets will come back to haunt her as her world comes crashing down. She thinks this is the perfect plan to hurt the man who broke her heart, but then again she could be right. Find out what happens when the person Dahlia keeps close eyes on turns out to be her worst enemy and it want be who you think it is.

In this romantic tale you will witness a sisterly bond, a passion to be loved, and the yearn to be with the one you love. Learn what The Ultimate No No is when it comes to love.

Click cover to order THE ULTIMATE NO NO!


The Interview

You have 25 words or less to make us pant for your novel, THE ULTIMATE NO NO! Go!
Can you love someone knowing you lied to them from the beginning? Can you handle helping your friend gain revenge by getting involved with her ex?


What was the initial spark that brought THE ULTIMATE NO NO into being?
I knew I wanted to write a love story, but I also knew that this story had to be relatable. I abandoned the typical fairy tale ending in this book because life isn’t a fairy tale.


What's your favorite thing about THE ULTIMATE NO NO?
What I enjoyed the most about The Ultimate NO NO is the unforgettable secrets that continue to come out in this story. Many of the secrets I created were a spur of the moment; none of it was planned.


What are three adjectives that best describe THE ULTIMATE NO NO?
Love, revenge, deceit


What are three adjectives that best describe YOU?
Day Dreamer, enthusiastic, determined


Do you have a standard process to your writing? Are you a plotter or a pantser?
I first have to know the concept and storyline that I want, and I usually have the timeline of the story the same day. I usual plot but abandon most of that when I start writing because I usual go another way with the stories.


In addition to being an author, you are also the owner of AAMBC Publications. What led to you start AAMBC, and what type of books will we see coming from the press?
AAMBC Publications has the vision of publishing authors who need more exposure. You can also be an aspiring author and we give them the opportunity to be published. The main focus is to publish only anthologies to help promote black authors and their works.


You are a mother, wife, student, publisher, author, literary consultant, and book promoter - how do you find the time to do everything and do them WELL?
Well I do a lot of multi-tasking. I am just about done with school so that will be one thing less. I am just hungry for success, and I simply pace myself on everything I do. All my tasks really don’t take that long. I honestly still watch TV about 3-4 hours a day and sleep 8 hours a day.


TAMIKA NEWHOUSE: My Life & Times -- The Soundtrack. What three tracks would make it onto a soundtrack of your life, and why?
Jennifer Hudson’s "You Pulled Me Through," KC and JOJO’s "All My Life," and "I’m Going up a Yonder" by a gospel singer I don’t remember. All these songs speak to my soul and inspire me. I think of my mother a lot when I hear these songs and she is my inspiration.


Word Association. What comes to mind when you see the following words:
NITRAH: bold
THE ULTIMATE NO NO: playing with love
FRIENDSHIP: companion
LOVE: emotions
TAMIKA NEWHOUSE: busy


What advice would you offer aspiring-to-be-published authors?
Do a lot of research because there is always someone out there trying to take advantage. How will you know if someone is using you if you don’t know the business? Publishing is a hard industry just like any other.


What is one big thing you've learned about the industry since you became published?
That once I learned the ropes the journey became easy. I opened up my mind to meeting new people and that helped me a lot.


THE ULTIMATE NO NO: THE MOVIE. Who plays Nitrah, Troyon, and Dahlia?
I will like Keshia Knight Pulliam to play Nitrah, Shemar Moore to Play Troyon, and the girl off Baldwin Hills who takes her best friends ex to play Dahlia.


What projects are you currently working on?
I am writing two books - the sequel to The Ultimate NO NO titled The Ultimate Moment No Regrets, and Cookie A Teen Story loosely based off of my life.

Lost in Author Sandy Lo and Her Debut Novel, Lost in You

The Author


Born Sandra Lo Grasso [website] in Staten Island, New York, Sandy has always been a creative person. As a child, she was good in art and English and began writing and drawing for fun. In high school, Sandy discovered her career choice of entertainment journalism. She was always fascinated by music and movies and enjoyed writing about celebrities. Dabbling in song-writing and someday wanting to write her own screenplay, Sandy wanted to be a part of entertainment in any way possible.

At the age of seventeen, Sandy wrote her first novel; although it was rough, she quickly realized becoming a published author was very much a dream of hers. After high school, Sandy established her own entertainment magazine called StarShine Magazine and still continues to run the online publication. Sandy has interviewed many stars from Jessica Simpson to the Backstreet Boys.

In Sandy's spare time, she continued to write, but didn't feel ready to publish any of her novels until she wrote Lost in You. Sandy started writing the novel in 2004 and hit a road block with the story until the summer of 2007. She was dealing with tragedy as her mother became ill, and writing became the therapy Sandy needed to get through it. Lost in You was finished just two months after Sandy's mother passed away. Now at twenty-five and with her mother as her guardian angel, Sandy knows she will establish herself as a novelist.



The Book


Cooper Jackson is a twenty-five year old woman, who shuts down in relationships. Burdened by her mother’s failed love life and her untimely death, Cooper won’t allow her heart to get broken, or stolen, either. A chance meeting with a famous singer, Ryan Latham could change Cooper forever. She finds herself wanting to give her heart to Ryan…one problem: he’s engaged. To divert her attention, Cooper throws herself into a relationship with Ryan’s best friend, JT, a man just as unstable as she is. Lost In You is a coming of age love story for a slightly older generation; it’s about finding yourself, overcoming your past, and building a future.


Click cover to order LOST IN YOU!


The Interview


Fill in the blank: "To read LOST IN YOU is to believe in yourself, life and love."


You walk into a movie theater and there's a movie poster for your LOST IN YOU. What's the logline?
Sometimes Mr. Wrong Really Is Mr. Right.


Expand on that logline by pitching us LOST IN YOU in 50 words or less.
LOST IN YOU explores a complicated woman's new feelings on love and the two men she falls for. A heartwarming story about overcoming fears and looking forward to the future. With just the right mix of drama, comedy, sex and romance, LOST IN YOU is the feel good story of the year!


What are THREE adjectives that best describe LOST IN YOU?
Realistic, Touching, Entertaining


What are THREE adjectives that best describe YOU?
Fun, Optimistic, Diverse


What's your favorite thing about LOST IN YOU?
The realistic qualities of all my characters. I find myself comparing people I meet to who my characters are. For example, I'll meet a nice guy and I'll say "He reminds me of Ryan Latham."


How do you spend your time when you're not writing?
When I'm away from writing, I'm usually still thinking about ideas wherever I am or whomever I'm with. But I enjoy spending time with family and friends going to dinner, the movies, concerts and dancing.


SANDY LO: THE SOUNDTRACK. What are three tracks that would HAVE to make it onto the soundtrack of your life?
1. "Time After Time" by Cyndi Lauper. My Mom used to sing this song to me as a small child and it always stuck with me.
2. "Sandy" by John Travolta. This one is obvious since my name is Sandy, but also because I am in love with John Travolta and I always wanted someone to sing this song to me in public in a romantic gesture. Still waiting...
3. "Don't Stop Believing" by Journey. This one was always a favorite of mine and always gave me hope.


You're strutting down the street - sexy, happy, and confident - what song is playing in your mind?
"These Boots Are Made For Walking" by Jessica Simpson


Do you have a standard process to your writing? Are you a plotter or a pantser?
I'm definitely more of a pantser. I could get the smallest idea for a story and just go with it. I'll admit, it's not very conventional or easy at times, but it works best for me. I have tried outlining and by the time I'm finished outlining everything, I either wind up straying from the plan anyway or get bored with the storyline altogether.


What are you doing to promote and market LOST IN YOU?
I have been doing interviews with various newspapers, websites and magazines. I've also been promoting myself on Facebook and MySpace as well as setting up fan chats. In April, I will be doing a book signing at Barnes & Noble in my hometown of Staten Island, NY, so I'm really excited about that. Word of mouth has been very helpful thanks to my friends and family who have been spreading the word. Also, running my own magazine helps since celebrities have been nice enough to take pictures with LOST IN YOU.


Word Association. What comes to mind when you see the following words:

COOPER JACKSON: Guarded.
MUSIC: Inspiring.
WRITING: Indescribable
LOST IN YOU: Relatable
SANDY LO: Dreamer


At the end of the day, what do you want readers to feel about you as a writer?
I want them to feel inspired by my characters and I want them to have a good time reading my work. I want to be that writer that keeps you wanting more, but satisfies your needs at the end of each book. I want my readers to feel every emotion.


What advice would you offer aspiring-to-be-published authors?
The industry is tough, but don't let it stop you. Keep going, keep writing, and keep thinking outside the box for all kinds of publishing opportunities. Take chances on yourself!


Lost in You: The Movie. Who plays Cooper Jackson? Who plays Ryan Latham?
It's hard for me to pick someone to play Cooper. Maybe Rachel McAdams? Ryan is easier. I was thinking either Bryan Greenberg or Kevin Connelly.


What projects are you currently working on?
I'm finishing up my second novel, Dream Catchers, which I am insanely excited about! It's a young, fun story with a big comedic factor as well as a powerful romance. I think it will appeal to everyone in some way and can't wait to publish it hopefully next year! Other than Dream Catchers, I'm also in the process of working on a biography with my friend Anna Sundstrand about her life in the music industry. I will also start my third novel soon, which will be more supernatural than romance. I'm very excited to explore that side of writing!

In Touch with Urban Christian Author Sharon Oliver

Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Sharon Oliver is a resident of the Atlanta area. She is also a contributing writer for an online magazine and currently working on her third novel, a murder mystery.

To learn more about Sharon and her literary works, you can check out her WEBSITE!

Fill in the blank: "Reading KEEP YOUR ENEMIES CLOSER will make you laugh, think and last but not least, honor God. Hopefully, the reader(s) will recognize God’s grace in the book as well as in their own lives."


In screenwriting, a logline is a one-sentence summary of a script. Typically, a logline does three things: tells who the main character is and what he/she wants, tells who or what stands in his/her way, and tells what makes the story unique. Having said that, imagine the poster for KEEP YOUR ENEMIES CLOSER: THE MOVIE. What would its logline read?
A weary young divorcee sojourns in the deep south to rest and regroup only to find big city drama in a not-so sleepy small town.


What's your favorite thing about KEEP YOUR ENEMIES CLOSER?
The humor even when intertwined in a serious message.


What have you done or what do you plan to do - as author - to promote KEEP YOUR ENEMIES CLOSER?
I’ve scheduled book signings, advertised in magazines, mailed and passed out brochures, sent email blasts and participated in online interviews.


Why do you feel compelled to write fiction that integrates Christian values?
A fellow Urban Christian author summed up Christian fiction and there is one key point I’d like to borrow from her to answer that question. That is, it is a ministry I feel God has given me a heart for. I don’t have a desire to write erotica, horror, etc. So far, I’ve not been given any ideas for writing romance either and romance novels are the norm these days. I’ve always enjoyed mystery/suspense books as well as humorous novels. With that said, I’d like to reach that like-minded audience and add Jesus to the mix. Nothing too heavy, but enlightening, creating and/or keeping a thirst for God.


Do you see yourself integrating Christian values into future works?
Definitely.


INSIDE YOUR MP3 PLAYER: What three tracks MUST you listen to these days?
Chris Tomlin’s HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD, Israel Houghton’s ALPHA & OMEGA, and whatever the day’s mood calls for.


Sharon Oliver: THE SOUNDTRACK! What three tracks would make it onto a soundtrack of your life, and why?
FENCEWALK, by a 70’s group named Mandrill just for the old school jam; Richard Smallwood’s, ANTHEM OF PRAISE for the uplifting and setting the tone and Marvin Sapp’s, NEVER WOULD HAVE MADE IT because…I mean, come on.


Who are some of your favorite writers, and how do they inspire you as a writer?
Agatha Christie, Walter Mosley and Elaine Viets. Agatha’s fictions are just classics. This brilliant creator of methodical sleuths introduced us to a host of suspects, dreamy locales and crafty villains. Walter Mosley’s Easy Rawlins series are film noirs in print. I grew up watching black and white movies and still enjoy a good AMC or Turner Classic film. Mosley gives it to you with an African American as the major player. Elaine Viets’ books keep me in stitches while trying to figure out whodunit. She’s excellent at creating comical lines and conversations between the characters.


Click the cover above to order your copy of KEEP YOUR ENEMIES CLOSER Today!



What have you learned as a writer since the publication of KEEP YOUR ENEMIES CLOSER?
Whew! Where do I start? Actually, I’m still learning. One thing for sure, you can never have enough pair of eyes for editing. Connecting with others in the field is important. Be patient and have perseverance because God can sure make those crooked paths straight.


Dream-on: You've just been told that someone wants to turn KEEP YOUR ENEMIES CLOSER into a movie. Who would play Charlotte Morley and Reverend Holiday?
Nia Long as Charlotte and Anthony Anderson as Reverend Holiday. Might I add that Tasha Smith would be perfect for the part of Timmi and donning a wig and makeup to look aged, the effervescent Jennifer Lewis as Miss Sista.


What's currently going on in your WRITING LIFE?
Right now, I’m working on a 3rd novel, which happens to be a murder mystery and yes, it is still Christian fiction. I’m also branching out as a contributing writer for a couple of online magazines.


Word Association. What comes to mind when you see the following words:
ENEMIES: defeated
WRITING: evolving
KEEP YOUR ENEMIES CLOSER: if you know what I know you, you will (Oops, that’s 9 words. Sorry)
FAITH: necessary
SHARON OLIVER: growing