The Romer Review's LITERARY SHOWCASE Presents…Lorraine Elzia

A Moment with the Author

Lorraine Elzia is an Author, Editor, Ghostwriter, Literary Artist and the 2009 African American Literary Show (AALS) Break Out Author of the year, and this year in 2011 she managed to again be nominated by AALS for an award. Awards notwithstanding, what’s all the hoopla about this author? Needless to say, literary fortitude is measured both by what you write and how you write it. She recalls what influenced her bailiwick in the industry and what propels her forward -- wanting to detail things in a manner that someone else experiencing the same angst would find a sense of serenity in what is written by her. And because of a gift in realizing that writing is much more than words, Lorraine has always had an admiration for literature and exercised her God-given talent for storytelling in various venues. I was given her latest novel, Ask Me Nicely and I Might. And it took me a long time to read it, but ultimately, curiosity overcame my sense of idleness. And as it turned out, I loved it! In additional to being beautifully written, the real story within the book is about how innate insecurities can allow murder and mayhem to trigger emotional trepidation. Here, under the auspices of The Romer Review (TRR), I was able to garner a few moments of her time long enough for her to give me an in-depth interview explaining some good points of interest on her persona, her writing, and why she’s able to deliver in different genres relative to inspiring and motivating others to see the beauty that derives from being diverse. 

THE INTERVIEW

TRR: For those who may not know who Lorraine Elzia is, introduce yourself! Who are you...why do you do what you do, and why should the reading public buy your books?

LE: Who am I? What a great question and one that ALL of us should ask ourselves from time to time. If we don’t question who we are, we will never be able to reach the destination of where we are going. First and foremost, I’m a child of God; one that recognizes that she is blessed and highly favored. I’m also a representative of every woman who has dared to chase dreams without fear of failure. My philosophy is, “if I fail, oh well...at least I tried!” I’d much rather chase my dreams and risk failure than not to chase them and always question myself as to what I could have been.

By day, I work in the rigid legal field in a demanding, but fulfilling job; by night, I allow my creativity to be my dance instructor via words. The only thing that is as seductively fulfilling as a sensuous dance is the ability to describe it for another who has not experienced it, doing so in a manner that makes the reader’s feet ache from dancing vicariously through my words. That’s my goal in everything I write. That is why I do what I do...I want my readers to feel a connectivity to my stories that is so real to them that they feel it physically and mentally. I want them to get blisters on the toes of their imagination as we dance together through words. Ultimately, when you read a story by me, you will walk away not feeling as if you’ve read a good book, but as if you have EXPERIENCED it firsthand as well!

TRR: How did you get started writing and how have you managed to augment it with motivational speaking, editing, ghostwriting and the other extra-curricular things you’re into...are they synonymous in illustrating points of contention for you? If so, why and to what extent?

LE:  Much like we’ve all learned to have crawled before we walked, and then walked before we ran, so has been the course of my writing experience. It has been a progressive series of be y steps first, that when coddled with the right amount of encouragement and focused study...it pushed me to the next level of existence. Yes, I crawled, therefore now I walk, and eventually I will run naturally. I’m a constant work in progress, striving to reach the best that I can be as serious writer that others should be paying attention to. I never sough out the path to writing, but it has always seemed to be an extremity of mine that demanded to be recognized and treated as an equal in the makeup of who I am.

A few years ago, I would have said that I was, ‘somewhat of an author.’ At that time, I wasn’t comfortable attaching such a prestigious label on something that I pursued for personal enjoyment. But as I began to take the craft of writing more to heart I became serious along with the need to help others bring their stories to life. Only then did I accept the fact that being a Writer, an Editor and a Ghostwriter were akin with being pregnant. I say this because when you’re carrying an expected pieced of you, you want it to be pronounced and proficient. There’s no middle ground; no safe line that can be walked. I had to always relieve myself of toxic thinking where writing was related -- I had to bring it! Once I allowed myself to be comfortable with labels and titles, it freed me to do what i felt I was born to do. Thus, I was able to ‘make it do what it do’, regardless of outcomes, judgment, or failure. Needless to say, everything just fell in place.

TRR: With so many books on the market how has the literary journey been for you...what have you learned, and what would you do differently if you were starting out again today?

LE:  I would not change one thing about my literary journey. It was a gift to me, and as such, I have absolutely no expectations from it other than to follow where it leads me. I grateful for the journey, and to be honest, I think that the problem with most of the new, if not aspiring authors is the fact that they search for fame and fortune placing their hopes on the ‘expectation’ that the books they write will instantaneously become bestsellers and put themselves on easy street financially. They lose the real blessing behind the talent they’ve been given. It can be misleading when you fall prey to focusing all of your attention on sales numbers (or lack of same) where it would cause you to lose sight of the joy of writing. Don’t get me wrong...I have the same dreams as others of one day selling a million books or more, but it’s more important in my opinion to write with substance in an entertaining way, showing readers that there’s something to learn, and just making them feel that they have achieved an ‘ah ha’ moment! My goal has always been, and will always be associated with good storytelling. Quality over quantity is my mantra. What God has is for me, and if that equates to book sales so be it. If any of the above is realized then I’m operating in the light I’m supposed to be operating in.

You have to stay hungry to the craft of writing, and only the craft of writing in order to do well and have continuity. I admit that I’m STARVING, and there’s a place for marketing and promotions and those sort of things...but the satisfaction I get is knowing that there’s nothing that will ever supersede my need to tell a good story the way I’ve been led to tell it --this is what I measure my success as an author by! I’m nourished by my creative spirit.

TRR: Authors are always asked questions relative their beginnings as writers. Was it your goal to become a writer, or was it something else that inspired you to choose the literary arts?

LE: I didn’t choose writing, it chose me. Others may question why they were put here on earth, but this is not a question that looms in my heart. God influences me. He told me how, when and why, so I didn’t spend time pondering and questioning what came natural to me with His anointing grace. I’m secure in the fact that I’m obedient. I’m a confident writer because that is what I was created and designed to be. If I didn’t write, I honestly believe that I would wither away and just die! Writing is essential to my life as food and water is to survival. For me, writing indelibly is a necessity and a blessing.

TRR: What are some of the timeless, if not memorable occurrences that shaped you as a writer, and why would it be beneficial in sharing them with other aspiring authors?

LE:  My beginnings as a writer are found in anthologies. I’m in seven of them. I put pen to paper in a manner that I thought others could relate to. I wanted to detail things in ways where someone else experiencing the same pain as I did could find solace and while relating, would be able to say “dang, I can SEE that!” Writing this way has done more to shape me as a writer than anything else. It made me keep details in the forefront of my mind in everything I wrote. From that moment on where it concerned being detailed-oriented, I didn’t just want to tell a story, I wanted to write from the heart and wanted it to be so visual that readers could close their eyes and picture the surroundings that I described. Occurrences like this while writing is not only timeless, but part of the fabric that made me wanted readers to feel what my characters felt. It is a step in the process of writing that should never be overlooked by authors of any genre. It’s important for them to remember to make readers FEEL it, see it, and experience what is being articulated. Do this, and I guarantee that audiences will walk away feeling satisfied.

TRR: Tell us about your new book, ‘Ask Nicely and I Might.’ Particularly, why did you choose to write about murder, mayhem and mystery...and how did you come about the theme for the story? Were there alternative plot twists, and perhaps a different setting that you wanted to include?

LE:  I’ve written in all genres from religious to erotica, but I have a serious fascination with suspense and thrillers! I decided to write this book in appeasement of one of my alter ego’s desire to walk on the wild side if you will, for a moment or two. I admit that I’m a bit of an obsessive geek when it comes to why people kill and serial killers in general. I’ve done research and studied them for a while, long before I knew what I was doing. The idea of a female serial killer was one that I hadn’t seen written often, if at all, especially one of African-American origin. That sparked an interest and it challenged me to see if I could pull off writing about one.

There was no theme to the story for me, I just let the characters have free reign and take me to where they wanted to go. I only knew the beginning and end, everything else just fell into the ebb and flow of the story. I winged it and allowed the characters to be definitive of the direction they wanted to gravitate to. They led me! Ask Nicely and I Might was extremely enjoyable for me to write because as I finished each chapter and went to bed at night, I couldn’t wait to wake up and see what was going to happen next. Even though I knew what the final destination was to be, I had no clue of what sights would be seen along the way. 

TRR: I’m sure you’ve been asked this a lot, but what significance does the title have for the story...how did you come up with it?

LE:  As the story line began to speak to me, I knew that if I was going to have any success in portraying the sexy side of murder, I had to have a title that at first glance would set the mood for the rest of the book.  The title had to have a pillow talk appeal -- something uttered from the lips of a lover. A sensuous serial killer deserved a sensuous marque to announce her presence. The title came from a need to express the sassy nature of a woman in control. 

TRR: ‘Ask Nicely and I Might’ has contrasts that are inherent for a good balance for the story to stand on its own for good structure and perhaps something that you want readers to take in consideration...what would that be real or imagined?

LE: There are several messages layered over one another in my book. Some are quite obvious and others kind of sneak up on the reader and sucker punch them! However, the main contrasts are the two main characters who are nothing alike but whom both carry baggage of their past into their adult lives. The way they deal with their demons is something I ask readers to consider when measuring the weight they allow their own past to illustrate their lives today, Also, through a crime scene investigation, I’ve asked readers to tape into their own beliefs concerning the act of blindly following religion, or those that are self-proposed prophets and the effects that it can have on families psychologically. I deal with physical and sexual abuse...not only in the obvious ways but also in the emotional bedroom where women can mentally abuse men by their actions or lack of same. 

TRR: You’re one mare in a stable of several horses of different hues and literary temperament...tell me, how do you differ from the herd?

LE:  I really don’t deliberately try to differentiate myself from the others. I just do what I do and I encourage them to do what they do. We all get along. One of the problems I’ve found among African American authors is that some of us have a ‘crab int he barrel’ mentality where we think that in order for us to rise to the top we have to push down and step on top of another trying to ascend to the next level. I don’t  give in to that plan at all. I believe there’s an audience for everyone that write well. I make it a habit not to compete with my stablemates, nor do I compete with any other author out there. The only author I compete with is myself! I constantly fight myself to be unique and original. My goals always are to write something unlike anything else out there...something that readers hasn’t read before. I mean, how many African American female serial killers are out there?

I believe in diversity. That’s one of the reasons why i don’t write in one genre. I want each and every book that a reader pick up with my name on it to be of a different hue, something out of the ordinary, an unexpected twist and definitely something that they cannot get from author X, Y or Z. My only concern is to write to the best of my ability and be true to the craft!

TRR: Do you read other authors? Who would be considered your mentor in the literary world (if you have one), or perhaps who is it that you admire most?

LE:  What do I read? I like to read relatively new authors, the ones that doesn’t have household names who haven’t cracked the literary scene long enough for their names to be branded. Why is this? Since I’m an Editor and a Ghostwriter, I tend to read much often their work. But due to the nature of providing the aforementioned services new writers will more often get my attention. Generally speaking though, I hate this question because I usually don’t have a stock answer with a litany of well-known authors that others can, and will judge me by. That being said, when I DO read, I enjoy Peace in the Storm authors, the likes of publisher Elissa Gabrielle, and LaToya Watkins. K. Roland Williams is another favorite of mine. Each of them has style and substance unlike any others that I’ve experienced before. They take their time in creating visual experiences worth of the title, ‘Author.’  But at the end of the day when i want to curl up and read something just for the sheer enjoyment of reading good writers never fail to deliver!

TRR: In conclusion, what would you say as parting words for the general readership of this blog and website?

LE: There is a quote that I like to use as a tagline for my life that I encourage others to use as well: “Don’t blend in, when you were born to stand out.” It’s a simple philosophy of encouragement to make life your own and give reference to style, a flair for the dramatic and flavor that only YOU can give. Too often we strive to be like someone else, mimicking their actions when what we really want and need is to walk proudly in the individual uniqueness of what we are. Whether you are a trash man, cashier, teacher, doctor, lawyer or whatever follow the path of what God has called you to be...but do it only as you can. Hold your head up and walk boldly with your individual swagger into your destiny knowing that you too, have stories to tell!

THE BOOK REVIEW: 'Ask Nicely and I Might'     

The title of the sophomoric novel by Lorraine Elzia, `Ask Nicely and I Might' albeit catchy, but could have also been given an alternative appellation and it wouldn't have detracted from the excitement of a well-penned effort. `To Catch A Killer' would have been my choice, but there's more to this book than the title. First and foremost, any book written as noir extracting the exact amount of intrigue for mystery, murder, mayhem, that does wonders for a script, should be definitive of good character development among other dramatic fortitude. This one doesn't disappoint. To wit: the reading public is introduced to the antagonist, Jade, who after years of abuse from her alcoholic husband Carl, implements an ingenious plan to take herself out of misery. Yes, she murders him in a matter-of-fact way, thus defining methodology that permeates throughout the book. Reaching the limit and vowing not to be abuse any more, a murderer is born embarking on a path of whimsical destruction on men she encounters who take her body for granted. 

In an unusual twist, Ms Elzia writes the antagonist as the catalyst, weaving the story around her antics and psychotic mindset allowing her sister Alex as the `trailer' giving contrast. Back to Jade for a moment. The book unfolds with her center stage portrayed as a subservient wife, but with a fragile demeanor that grew stronger and bolder with each excuse to inflict pain to each unsuspecting soul. The protagonist, a detective searching for answer herself for the father that was missing in her life, and the unexpected revelation that her sister is a murderer. Her aggressive deportment gives the storyline great contrast to Jade's trail of blood. The story is so compelling that the only secondary character, Dr. Morris, a psychoanalyst is almost inconsequential, but manages to add semblances of importance. 

I like this book for many reasons, and rated it 5 of 5 stars. Seldom do you find authors of color writing murder mysteries with desires to write across the board without being stereotyped in status quo literary renderings. Lorraine Elzia manages to push the envelope creating a compelling book, with enough drama to hold her own. I especially liked too, how she played each sister off of each other for the denouement to leave much to the imagination for perhaps a sequel. Energetic with page-turning anticipation, Ask Nicely and I Might, without regret will have readers spellbound! The Jade character jumps out at you and you KNOW that there should be continuity to her story. The book resonates and vacillate from chapter to alternating chapter with Jade, Alex and Dr. Morris having their say. This is a great book, and if you want suspense and thrilling episodes I recommend you buy it where books are sold. Lorraine Elzia is poised to join the ranks of superlative written acumen if she continues to write books of this nature. I, like many others are destined to want our appetites whetted with more of this type of writing!

The Romer Review's LITERARY SHOWCASE Presents a Compilation of Short Stories

THE MAN

The author, Wilbert Gibson by his own account is an old man, but from what you'll gather by reading his latest book, 'Scratching for Daylight', you'll discover that he happens to write with a prolific pen! Everything indeed is on the table with good taste where words of wisdom are in order for applicable initiative. I look at Mr. Gibson as an epitome of this! From experiences shared from his long life, he's a wise, experience man who has suffered many hard times, and made more than his share of mistakes. However God has blessed him to overcome obstacles and instilled a literary gift to write great stories. With that said, all stories are not created equal, but those told from Biblical mindsets tend to be of more value when parallels are drawn to today's everyday existence. Thus, it's the present things from different perspectives that I introduce my opinion about the scratch for daylight.

THE BOOK

Human nature when confronted with blind awareness tend to panic and hope for the brighter side of darkness. We are gluttons for punishment if and when there’s the perception of no solution for applicable initiative. But human nature also lets us know that if there’s a will, there’s a way...especially when there’s legitimate analogies to draw parallel to certain topical issues with good copy. ‘Good copy’ in this case can be exemplified by the contents of the book, ‘Scratching for Daylight’. Wilbert Gibson is the author and knows quite a bit about darkness. He portrays the frailties of typical life struggles and strength using real life experiences. It’s my opinion that a story should be an analogy illustrating a strong point of contention, and this book is an eye-opener with 13 poignant stories provoking self-examination. I asked myself what made each of the stories therein synonymous with each other? After further examination, I found it relative to the Biblical book of Ecclesiastes dealing with life within the boundaries of human experience where adverse conditions. I also surmised that Mr. Gibson went to great lengths in building a foundation for this stories to be enduring monuments where the control of destiny (or lack of same) can achieve a state of secure and lasting happiness -- people laboring at life with an overblown conception of human powers and consequently pursuing unrealistic hopes and aspirations, albeit in darkness. To wit: The first one depicts Western Africa during the days of the slave trade. It’s a compelling ditty about the circumstances of capture and the horrors of the middle passage.

Then there’s the story of a gang banger, murderer, and prison snitch, who after twenty-eight years in solitary confinement, finally finds himself with God’s favor as an anointed servant. An epitome is like that, especially in the case of another man on death row and the situation that sealed his fate; You will read about parallels to light and dark and where one can go from corrupt to correct and from perseverance to purpose. It’s all here! You will find a frantic mother of a church pushing the panic button, who had resigned herself as a goner eventually finding solace from rays of hope. been given up on, and was on the way to her final resting place. Through the vision and vigilance of an old Deacon, you will witness that blissful paradise of the New Jerusalem, and my favorite one -- ‘The Future of the Black Church’. This book delves into the raw struggles of human existence and it's ultimate meaning.

I loved this book because of its parallels of the profiles of courage that gave each story a day in the sun where darkness wouldn’t define them as failures. This is a good book to give readers what sacrifice is about and for the sake of struggle why some of the stories within reason doesn’t flow smoothly...they meander with jumps and starts, through the general messiness of human experience to which the author gives ample responses for light. There is also underlying, if not an intermingling of poetry and prose where Mr. Gibson uses both first and third person voices. Nevertheless, the book outlines reflections, at least in a general way, the reasons its main discourses. should be illustrated for illumination. I have no problems rating this book five stars out of five. Read it and be enlightened! For more of Wilbert Gibson's wit and wisdom, follow him on his blog: http://scratchingfordaylight.com/bills_blogs

The Romer Review's LITERARY SHOWCASE Presents Author, Rosalyn McMillan

THE INTERVIEW

She wants to fly with her own wings, and still be recognized as one of the better writers in the industry despite some of the pitfalls that writers are prone to fall into. Time and place oftentimes are apropos for settings to fuel what’s needed to put the pieces back in the puzzle for legitimacy. The Fountainbleu area of West Miami was the perfect setting for author Rosalyn McMillan and I to see what has been missing in our lives both as platonic friends, and authors who have been away awhile and to get back to now! Our chats talking about the business and the craft of writing took place at Dunkin’ Donuts coffee shop on several occasions. How often is it when you can get one-on-one exposure with one of your favorite authors? Well, after being away for ten years I welcomed her as I hope you will. I had a chance to really talk to Rosalyn and she shared tidbits of information that sheds light on her persona for you to truly take her serious this time around. Here’s what she had to say:

ACR: Rosalyn, I want to thank you for making yourself available for this interview. We've played e-mail and phone tag, which suggested that you've been toiling away at getting your new book out to the public. Tell the reading audience about yourself...who is Rosalyn McMillan and why should she be taken again seriously as a writer of fiction?

RM: I'm a very passionate writer. I work hard and try to do the best job I can. I take my job seriously. I love writing fiction. I have dozens of stories that I want to tell. I have a good work ethic and only read good fiction. I stay on task, and will work fourteen hour days if I'm behind schedule.

ACR: It’s been awhile since the last Rosalyn McMillan book was on bookstore shelves, what have you been doing since?

RM: I've been selling cars, bridal dresses, furniture and Jenny Craig.

ACR: Doing the time of your hiatus, how do you view the current industry on whole and what do you perceive as your greatest challenge?

RM: The industry has changed tremendously. There aren't as many African American writers out there and few are getting new contracts. My greatest challenge is to make the New York Times best-seller list.

ACR: The name McMillan is somewhat revered in African American literary lore. What are the pros and cons being the sister of Terry McMillan?

RM: I'm proud of our last name. The name, McMillan, is really respected in the publishing industry. Some of Terry's fans think that I'm trying to ride on her coat tails. That is so untrue.

ACR: Let’s talk about your new project, ‘We Ain’t the Brontes’. Why are so excited about the book and where did the title come from?

RM: I'm excited because no one has written about two African American literary sisters before. I have another sister that's written a book, so it's really three of us like the Bronte sisters. The title came from the Bronte sisters, but we're nothing like them. When we get mad at each other, we cuss each other out. But we always make up.

ACR: I love the premise of the book centering around aspects of sibling rivalry... is this story loosely based on any personal or real time antics between Terry and yourself? If so, to what effect. If not, then explain further.

RM: This book is not based on any real time antics between Terry and myself. It's totally fictional. However, Terry did want me to hyphenate my last name with my married name. I refused. I promised my mother before she died in 1993 that I would use my maiden name. I'm keeping that promise.

ACR: What was the journey life for you writing the new book, including convincing Urban Books that they should consider giving you a chance?

RM: It was invigorating writing a new book. I already have nine more completed that aren't published you. I hope to turn some of them into e-books. Carl was okay with the first book that my agent gave him, but he really wanted something a little juicier. That's when I thought of the Brontes. He loved the concept and wanted to buy the book.

ACR: Would you please give The Romer Review, and the reading public a sneak peek into your writing process.

RM: I rise at six. Drink two cups of coffee. Exercise, eat breakfast, and am on my computer working by eight. I work until five or six. I try to write a chapter a day. If I finish early, I edit, edit, edit.

ACR: Assuming that you're not ready to quit your day job, or lie dormant, what will change first and foremost about you and how you approach the literary industry?

RM: I'm medically retired from Ford Motor Company after nineteen years of service, and I get a pension, so I don't have to work a day job anymore. I'm hoping to get a bigger contract with my next book, it's a black man's love story.

ACR: At this point getting back into the mainstream of the industry, what would you like to tell your fans relative to future projects, your reemergence, and basically any other tidbits that would further accentuate your previous brand?

RM: I have an e-book coming out in February. It's a psychological thriller about a female serial killer. I'm planning on writing this book as the first of a series, like John Sanford's Prey series. The Memphis Police Department has opened the doors for me to glean information from their department. I went on crime scenes and look forward to going on many more. I want to do two e-books a year and one published book. I've been away a long time, and now I've got a lot to say. I hope my readers are receptive to it.

THE BOOK REVIEW: 'We Ain't The Brontes'

The questions has been asked many times -- “when will Rosalyn McMillan write another book, or where is Rosalyn McMillan?” The reading public knows that for she’s been missing for quite awhile with nothing to show for it, and she has been sorely missed. Well, the book everybody has been waiting for is here. ‘We Ain’t The Brontes’ is no way near any of the previous books written by this author, in my opinion but the vestiges of her storytelling prowess is still there to a certain extent. The story starts out slow, a bit tedious and doesn’t do a credible job in giving the characters more depth to bolster the storyline. The middle passage intensified a little, and allowed her themes to justify how jealousy, greed, and selfishness can fuel drama in sibling rivalry. Given the gist of the aforementioned, one would readily look for the characters to drive the story, especially for denouement in defining sound structural analysis for basic conflict and contrasting balance. The exposition of the story was good as it should have been with such a long introduction to the premise.

To wit: Charity Evans and Lynzee Lavender are sisters who happen to be writers, but their relationship runs hot and cold depending on what colors the author uses to shade the moods that usually accompany the angst of different brush strokes. Lynzee, who can be depicted as a prima donna is living with a perceived silver spoon in her mouth due to previous writing success in the profession, while Charity is bubbling below the surface striving for legitimacy as a writer herself. The rising action which is the basic internal conflict, is complicated by the introduction of trivial secondary conflicts, including various obstacles that frustrate the protagonist's attempt to reach her goal. Key to this is Charity’s struggle to land another publishing contract that acceptable by both Lynzee and any publisher willing to give her a chance. It threatens Charity’s marriage and things get more convoluted when Lynzee reveals that she and Charity's husband had a love child that was given up for adoption years ago. Can Charity's handle this bomb without imploding the whole structure of her sanity and sanctity in lieu of concentrating on all of her other problems? Alas, the title. I'm sure ‘We Ain't the Brontes’ may mislead a few people who will want to go beyond the symbolism to assert it as a thinly disguised autobiographical sketch. But somewhere along the line, other parts of the canvas wasn’t given enough hue for the final picture to resonate on par with her other books.

Vestiges of Rosalyn McMillan’s prowess as a venerable storyteller in parts are here, but not enough. The secondary characters, including Charity's sons adds fodder to the shallow plot. I would have liked to have seen a subplot, or the type of backstory that would make the turning point meaningful and worth waiting for. The two strong messages in this book are reminiscent of blood being thicker than water, and that the covenant of marriage is not fleeting as it should embody serious overtones. As predictable as the ending was, it at least gave reference to both characters as sisters the ability to finally forge familial order. I rated this book three stars out of five, and feel that the legion of fans that believe that Ms McMillan is due acclaim with her peers may have to wait for the next offering.

New Strategies for Mastering 'The Game'

In a world where everything is neat, pristine and without blemish it’s the perfect type of environment to feel that a favorable existence would be most desirable. It would be par for the course not to assume that the races are not bonding and getting along the way God intended in such a scenario. All of the aforementioned is fine and perfect, and the way it should be...but if you are a person of color you would not believe any of this is possible now, and surely you have no reason to believe it wouldn’t be attainable in the foreseeable future if change wasn’t eminent. Now comes authors Randal Pinkett and Jeffrey Robinson who has answers and devised how the game should be played, and how you can stay in place and THRIVE! Their new book, Black Faces in White Places not only has a plan of action, but it comes intact with ten game changing strategic gems to achieve long-lasting success where greatness isn’t a second thought to destiny. As an African American you may have done all you can feeling that you are ready for the world, ready to ascend corporate American and show her what you can do and what you’re made of...you’re credentialed and well-learned; and you feel that you’ve arrived -- been there, done it and certainly ready to prove that you belong.

Alas, along the way to reality there’s a few obstacles in your way. In your mind you would know that strategies and a viable plan would definitely be needed because things just haven’t gone right with you stumbling every now and then and feeling that it’s no fault of your own. Or is it? “Why am I not looked upon with the same accolades as my white counterparts, some whom I consider peers, even”, you may say. Sure, you’ve put yourself in these shoes because they are real and it may have already happened to you. And you also ask yourself, “what can be done to turn the tide...how can we stay in place without having to prove that we can hang with whomever has been deemed the ones we should emulate”?

This is no ordinary ‘how to’ book with rudimentary precepts that cannot be used with a sense of continuity. Black Faces in White Places is a mindset written and designed for Black folk to change the game and score repeatedly. I feel that there’s greatness in all that apply and are able to persevere against all odds. The ten strategies are well-placed and thought-provoking to elicit challenges and changes. The book is divided into four parts with each strategy interspersed in subcategories with its own topical subjects. The authors’ voices are vociferous with all of the analogies and objectives loud enough as if to jump off the pages to keep you rooted to the cause. The ‘game’ is all about living, learning and listening. There’s homilies on learning the game, playing the game, mastering the game, and redefining the game. Would you be effective and respected if you don’t establish strong identities and purposes, or not obtaining broad exposure to create branding operatives? What about the need to build diverse and solid relationships while seeking the wisdom of others...and if there’s strength in numbers, then can we collectively allow entrepreneurial fortitude to bolster self, family and community? The key would be to give back generously for sustained synergy for solid scale and scope. All of these questions are answered in-depth with applicable initiatives to use and expand the idea of ethnicity as an asset in lieu of liabilities that have always plagued Blacks in America.

I loved this book, and as a matter of fact, is one of the best books I’ve read this year (2010). I’m partial to this book for many reasons, but the main ones are the ones where comfort zones are challenged to recognize how the search for excellence is not a moot point, but a point of contention. As a Black man myself, I’m not immune to what needs to be done for me to be accepted and assimilated in the icons of respectability. I’m concerned about not being able to beat people of other persuasion at their own game. I want to be able to master ways to balance scales and plant seeds for positive practices and lasting legacies of strength. You should too. Moreover, reading this outstanding book gave me hope that there’s a method to the madness, and ways to build beneficial relations and powerful networks. In closing, social responsibility is ours to exact ways to diffuse inferiority complexes that we have allowed ourselves to operate from. For sure, Black Faces in White Places is a ‘must read’ tome for us to redefine the rules, narrow gaps (real or imagined), and to master the inherent 10 strategies to navigate the authors’ roadmap to respectability. I’m more than ready, what about you? Buy this book , do an about face and create your own space in the place!

Going Home Again is Not All Bad!

More often than not we experience life and feel that we have all the answers, and we feel we're ready to fly the coop, leave the nest and do it on our own -- until we come face to face with reality, and acknowledge that the school of hard knocks are common ground for redemptive value. Redeeming truths merely states that you can always come home, pick up the pieces and start over again. Nobody knows that better than best-selling author, Wanda B. Campbell who gave few talented authors a chance to do just that. Her anthology, HOME AGAIN is a testimony for accountability to manifest those truths. She gave me the opportunity to write the Foreword to the book and my introduction says in volumes what I think of this effort. This is the complete unedited version, and you're getting it firsthand from me!

I have one word to describe this book: Poignant! Publisher and author, Wanda B. Campbell has assembled an interesting coterie of stories that are at the center of timing and a place to come back to for redeeming value demonstrating the power of love restoring broken relationships and accountability as part of the process. Coming home always has special meaning when amends are made and the better part of valor are allowed to be in place to save face. How do you define that particular ‘place’? Is it home, perhaps? Home is an institution where we are loved and cared for...a place of genuine affection and security. Ironically, it can also be the source of our greatest heartaches and biggest disappointments. With God’s love and guidance we are always susceptible to be circumstantial in relationships and predicaments learning to love again.” Now comes this volume of short stories and creative endeavors featured in this book to offer eloquent forays of erring misfortune and the chance to get it write! The authors in this set have something to say and refused to let the ink dry before writing it down. At their best, and behind such compelling fare help illustrate in convincing fashion just how truly diverse, urgent and haunting the stories are. “All we want to do is to be able to come home to make our wrongs write!” -- so says the authors with their shared stories all in one volume.

I shared moments with Ms Campbell as she gave me the impetus behind this project. I got the sense that with the myriad of success we’re apt to garner in life, there’s equal amounts of angst and disappointment that colors our landscapes. These colorful stories bridges gaps between redemption and salvation tinting the forefront and backdrops from her ‘friends’. I blatantly asked what was the premise behind this literary effort when there’s so much instability and uncertainty due to an economy out of control? Undaunted and unfazed, she answered, “every author has a story and these stories are just components to getting where one needs to be to come home for restoration...for this project, relationship is not limited to male/female romance, and ‘home’ is not limited to a physical building. Besides romance, we’re looking for stories in which the parent/child relationship is mended, sibling rivalries are dissolved, and friendships are restored.”

The opening statement has a lot to do with the 9 writers chosen to give accounts of restored relationships ready for the healing process. I believe in the publisher, the authors and their stories therein. When asked to write the Foreword, I never hesitated because I know what it means to come back to repair a relationship. If there were methods to the madness willing to expose broken relationships and how they affect those that believe that home is where the heart is, I wanted to be the one to tell why these writers were willing to bear their souls, and why you should read their stories. Yes, you SHOULD read these stories! There are stories that tug at your heartstrings, where passion and sensitivity are the genesis for wanting to be accountable, and stories with the audacity to render you spellbound under the shroud of intrigue.

Who are some of these talented writers who dug deep into the inner spectrums to give us something to think about? Each author brings diverse writing acumen as I introduce them to you and let you read the rest. Tyora Moody’s ‘Birthing Pains’ is a story with excellent ebb and flow. She allowed the premise of her story to mesh with intrigue and contrast to embellish her characters. A Graphic Designer and Book Promoter, her story is not only graphic but designed to be a page-turning delight. Likewise for Shenette Jones! ‘Uncovered’ is not one to be hidden without discovering why committing adultery can have devastating consequences with reciprocal repercussions. This beautiful story resonates with a theme of ‘if you can do it, I can too! Ms Jones, a multi-talented singer, dancer and writer bared it all in her portrayal of what it means to be faithful with a purpose. Pastor Bernard Boulton gives us the story of ‘Jake and Eric.’ He delves into reasons why we’re still our brother’s keeper and why sibling rivalry will always be central to it needing an intercessor to be par for the course. In it, there’s the immovable object against the irresistible force -- Carnality vs. Spirituality. Dr. Linda Beed, the erudite and gifted voice of reason comes to us with ‘Flavorful’ and a good taste to digest. She previously published Business As Usual and follows it up with a warm and intrusive narrative about forgiveness through the eyes of a young clairvoyant girl and the essence of replanting seeds for better growth. Her story told in first person is one that you wished would have add more.

When I read Maurice Gray, Jr, and Dijorn Moss, I recall the words I use for authors who get their ideas from countless sources and parlay them into vignettes near or far to what inspired them in the first place. Mr. Gray gives new meaning and an interesting take on dealing with familial (dis)order. Read ‘Family Matters’ and see why this author has gotten rave reviews for earlier published projects. ‘Journey to the Throne’ gives good analogies to the fight game and real-life references to beating back the demons attributing to alcoholism. Moss takes you to the arena and don’t leave you hanging on the ropes. Trinea Moss (yes, she’s the wife of Dijorn) brings us ‘Couple On Trial’ along with other tribulations attributed to marital life with the story of James and Ebony. Tavares S. Carney, a book reviewer, educator and social media promoter felt that there’s a story that had to be told in her ‘Confidential Relations.’ In it, she delves into foster parentage and a revealing mother/daughter relationship that comes full circle after much soul searching. Alas, we come to Ms Wanda B. Campbell, publisher extraordinaire and literary maven with a story poignant and provocative with a sense of urgency where sensitivity and familial fortitude gives new meaning to forgiveness.

These, indeed are the stories that you will come home to, want to read them and get a sense that the authors will be trust-worthy enough for a subsequent following. With this book we want to whet your appetite and present a generous sampling of creative personalities and the stories that color the canvas for the hue and cry of balanced writing. No matter your taste, there’s bound to be that story or two that brings you full circle...we want the lot of them to be committed to making work of the highest caliber. Coming back to the roost to regroup is not bad at all and at the very least, coming home again will be worth your while! Buy this book, read it and DO enjoy!