tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-144045382024-03-18T22:45:55.537-05:00All Things LiteraryMy name is Alvin C. Romer. You may know me from The Romer Review. I'm a writer, educator, and scholar. The humanities, whether it's music, the arts, or literature, is one's muse, and should cater to the creative spirit nurturing that which soothes. Literally speaking, I aim to share my thoughts and views of my writing life, and beyond. Shadow me on this journey, and let's create synergetic significance!Alvin C. Romerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17301376080517978182noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14404538.post-54110675700774625962011-08-29T16:26:00.003-05:002011-08-30T03:54:39.802-05:00The Romer Review's LITERARY SHOWCASE Presents…Lorraine Elzia<div style="font: 13.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><b><i></i></b></div><div style="color: #672c02; font: 24.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><b><i><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: underline;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">A Moment with the Author</span></i></b></span></i></b></div><div style="color: #672c02; font: 24.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><b><i><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: underline;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></i></b></span></i></b></div><div style="color: #672c02; font: 24.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><b><i><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: underline;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></i></b></span></i></b></div><br />
<div style="font: 13.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTRiB02Wd6M-gQiuEWgDbNXZUa3e8mBmdVp7OS9YT5VqkOr1SluE1cqacF2tfpDIMC2fBbL019Mj7znvUALFHXc6h4Wj434puYvTO_EaiQl7pcE7onociMDDgIfTco2GraeAZsww/s1600/PIC.Lorraine+Elzia.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTRiB02Wd6M-gQiuEWgDbNXZUa3e8mBmdVp7OS9YT5VqkOr1SluE1cqacF2tfpDIMC2fBbL019Mj7znvUALFHXc6h4Wj434puYvTO_EaiQl7pcE7onociMDDgIfTco2GraeAZsww/s1600/PIC.Lorraine+Elzia.png" /></a><span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><i>Lorraine Elzia</i></b><i> 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. </i></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: large;"><i><b><u>THE INTERVIEW</u></b></i></span></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Verdana; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 16.0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><i></i></span></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><i>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?</i></b></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Verdana; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 16.0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><i></i></b></span></span></div><div style="font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #790000; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Verdana; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span">LE:</span></i></b></span><span style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Verdana; letter-spacing: 0px;"><i> </i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><i>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.</i></span></span></div><div style="font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 16.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;"><i></i></span></div><div style="font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;"><i>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!</i></span></div><div style="font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 16.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;"><i></i></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><i>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?</i></b></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 15.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><i></i></b></span></div><div style="font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #790000; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Arial; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><i>LE: </i></b></span><span style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Arial; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><i> </i></b></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><i>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.</i></span></span></div><div style="font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 16.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;"><i></i></span></div><div style="font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;"><i>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.</i></span></div><div style="font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 16.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;"><i></i></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><i>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?</i></b></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 15.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><i></i></b></span></div><div style="font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #790000; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Arial; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><i>LE: </i></b></span><span style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Arial; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><i> </i></b></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><i>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.</i></span></span></div><div style="font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 16.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;"><i></i></span></div><div style="font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;"><i>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.</i></span></div><div style="font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 16.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;"><i></i></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">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?</span></i></b></span></div><div style="font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 16.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;"><i></i></span></div><div style="font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #790000; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Arial; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><i>LE:</i></b></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><i> 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.</i></span></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 15.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><i></i></b></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><i>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?</i></b></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 15.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><i></i></b></span></div><div style="font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #790000; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Arial; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><i>LE:</i></b></span><span style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Arial; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><i> </i></b></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><i>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.</i></span></span></div><div style="font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 16.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;"><i></i></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><i>TRR: Tell us about your new book, </i></b></span><span style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal 'Times New Roman'; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><i>‘Ask Nicely and I Might.’</i></b></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><i> 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?</i></b></span></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 15.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><i></i></b></span></div><div style="font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #790000; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Arial; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><i>LE:</i></b></span><span style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Arial; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><i> </i></b></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><i>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.</i></span></span></div><div style="font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 16.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;"><i></i></span></div><div style="font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;"><i>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. </i></span></div><div style="font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 16.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;"><i></i></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><i>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?</i></b></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 15.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><i></i></b></span></div><div style="font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #790000; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Arial; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><i>LE: </i></b></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><i>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. </i></span></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 15.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><i></i></b></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><i>TRR: </i></b></span><span style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal 'Times New Roman'; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">‘<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Ask Nicely and I Might’</span></span></i></b></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><i> 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?</i></b></span></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 15.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><i></i></b></span></div><div style="font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #790000; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Arial; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><i>LE:</i></b></span><span style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Arial; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><i> </i></b></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><i>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. </i></span></span></div><div style="font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 16.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;"><i></i></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><i>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?</i></b></span></div><div style="font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 16.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;"><i></i></span></div><div style="font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #790000; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Arial; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><i>LE: </i></b></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><i> 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></span></span></div><div style="font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 16.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;"><i></i></span></div><div style="font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;"><i>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!</i></span></div><div style="font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 16.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;"><i></i></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><i>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?</i></b></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 15.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><i></i></b></span></div><div style="font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #790000; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Arial; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><i>LE: </i></b></span><span style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Arial; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><i> </i></b></span></span><span style="font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal 'Times New Roman'; letter-spacing: 0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">do I read?</span></i></span><span style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Arial; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><i> </i></b></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><i>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!</i></span></span></div><div style="font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 16.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;"><i></i></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><i>TRR: In conclusion, what would you say as parting words for the general readership of this blog and website?</i></b></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 15.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><i></i></b></span></div><div style="font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #790000; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Arial; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><i>LE:</i></b></span><span style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Arial; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><i> </i></b></span></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><i>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!</i></span></span></div><div style="font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></i></div><div style="font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><u>THE BOOK REVIEW</u>:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"> 'Ask Nicely and I Might' </span></b></i></span></div><div style="font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><b><u><br />
</u></b></i></span></div><div style="font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i></i></b></span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Arial; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMtmFca5GxL4JEQksmgv71n2VIqveGsv7qqJ2M2ygyNjYgl6_bG8-d-i2R6vWg2e0EmK6LQR3NxZ4MLRG8nTH54jniRvGr1fxZ6TOM-cWeXAO_sMmMGhipVPtr_SErsr-FQBdH7w/s1600/Book.Ask+Nicely+and+I+Might.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMtmFca5GxL4JEQksmgv71n2VIqveGsv7qqJ2M2ygyNjYgl6_bG8-d-i2R6vWg2e0EmK6LQR3NxZ4MLRG8nTH54jniRvGr1fxZ6TOM-cWeXAO_sMmMGhipVPtr_SErsr-FQBdH7w/s1600/Book.Ask+Nicely+and+I+Might.JPG" /></a></i></span></div><div><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><i></i></span><br />
<div style="font: 13.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">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. </span></i></span></i></span></div><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><i> </i></span><br />
<div style="font: 13.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 15.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><i></i></span></span></i></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">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. </span></i></span></i></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 15.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><i></i></span></span></i></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">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!</span></i></span></i></span></div><div><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><i><br />
</i></span></i></span></div></div>Alvin C. Romerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17301376080517978182noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14404538.post-86985247199572505952011-05-30T10:57:00.009-05:002011-05-30T11:24:38.344-05:00The Romer Review's LITERARY SHOWCASE Presents a Compilation of Short Stories<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzf0rWquXSTYxuWtzpoHQr0q5qz_CLuWDnZbb8bLuzvj1EQypqyNXTm-3nITV7IC_ocASXuY-HXRFGw6c_ukoCpCEIzA3t43mUSr1iX8xEFO57PSsPrencg_gZtIY8du6uIk0ykg/s1600/AuthorPic.Wilbert+Gibson.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 271px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzf0rWquXSTYxuWtzpoHQr0q5qz_CLuWDnZbb8bLuzvj1EQypqyNXTm-3nITV7IC_ocASXuY-HXRFGw6c_ukoCpCEIzA3t43mUSr1iX8xEFO57PSsPrencg_gZtIY8du6uIk0ykg/s400/AuthorPic.Wilbert+Gibson.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612539851185413762" /></a><br /><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 18.0px 'Times New Roman'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 18.0px 'Times New Roman'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 18.0px 'Times New Roman'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 18.0px 'Times New Roman'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 18.0px 'Times New Roman'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 18.0px 'Times New Roman'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 18.0px 'Times New Roman'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 18.0px 'Times New Roman'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 18.0px 'Times New Roman'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 18.0px 'Times New Roman'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 18.0px 'Times New Roman'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 18.0px 'Times New Roman'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 18.0px 'Times New Roman'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 18.0px 'Times New Roman'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><i>THE MAN</i></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 18.0px 'Times New Roman'; min-height: 21.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i></i></span><br /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 18px/normal 'Times New Roman'; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i>The author, </i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px ;color:#030099;"><i><b>Wilbert Gibson</b></i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i> by his own account is an old man, but from what you'll gather by reading his latest book, </i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px ;color:#ff0000;"><i>'</i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px ;color:#ff0101;"><i>Scratching for Daylight'</i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i>, 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.</i></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 18px/normal 'Times New Roman'; min-height: 21px; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i></i></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 18.0px 'Times New Roman'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><i>THE BOOK </i></b><i> </i></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 18.0px 'Times New Roman'; min-height: 21.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i></i></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 14.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">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, ‘</span></i></span><span style="font: 18.0px 'Times New Roman'; letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Scratching for Daylight’</span></span></i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">. </span></i><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Wilbert Gibson</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></i></b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">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. </span></i></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 14.0px Helvetica; min-height: 17.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 14.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">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.</span></i></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 14.0px Helvetica; min-height: 17.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 14.0px Arial"><span style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">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</span></i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> 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! </span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">For more of Wilbert Gibson's wit and wisdom, follow him on his blog:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><a href="http://scratchingfordaylight.com/bills_blogs"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">http://scratchingfordaylight.com/bills_blogs</span></span></a></i></p>Alvin C. Romerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17301376080517978182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14404538.post-35387453046603259842011-03-07T17:32:00.009-05:002011-03-07T18:23:31.603-05:00The Romer Review's LITERARY SHOWCASE Presents Author, Rosalyn McMillan<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0l1aNucDITXkK8qFVXHi6A6dBR3zA9oR3pFI2Pg55uWn9EhbGvK64vDhkl2h-yF9XKBdSvai9Dtw0bCDh2binXv4h26-z7jOu0V-lXFm_f1E-vfItg4fZyMMzx47_nHZygcQZRw/s1600/AuthorPic2.Rosalyn+McMillan.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 361px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0l1aNucDITXkK8qFVXHi6A6dBR3zA9oR3pFI2Pg55uWn9EhbGvK64vDhkl2h-yF9XKBdSvai9Dtw0bCDh2binXv4h26-z7jOu0V-lXFm_f1E-vfItg4fZyMMzx47_nHZygcQZRw/s400/AuthorPic2.Rosalyn+McMillan.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581471817848829906" /></a><br /><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 14.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993300;">THE INTERVIEW</span></span></b></i></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 14.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 14.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><b></b></i></span></p><i><b><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 14.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">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 <b>Rosalyn McMillan</b> 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:</span></i></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 14.0px Helvetica; min-height: 17.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i></i></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 14.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">ACR:</span></i></b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></i><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Rosalyn,</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">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? </span></i></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 14.0px Helvetica; min-height: 17.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i></i></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 18.0px 'Times New Roman'"><span style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">RM: </span></i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">I'm a very passionate writer. I work hard and try to do the best job</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> I can. </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> 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.</span></i></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 14.0px Helvetica; min-height: 17.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 14.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">ACR:</span></i></b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></i><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">It’s been awhile since the last Rosalyn McMillan book was on bookstore shelves, what have you been doing since?</span></i></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 14.0px Helvetica; min-height: 17.0pxcolor:#500050;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b></b></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 18.0px 'Times New Roman'"><span style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i>RM:</i></span><span style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; letter-spacing: 0.0px color:#500050;"><i> </i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i>I've been selling cars, bridal dresses, furniture and Jenny Craig.</i></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 18.0px 'Times New Roman'; min-height: 21.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 14.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">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?</span></i></b><i> </i></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 14.0px Helvetica; min-height: 17.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i></i></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 18.0px 'Times New Roman'"><span style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i>RM: </i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i>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.</i></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 18.0px 'Times New Roman'; min-height: 21.0pxcolor:#500050;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i></i></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 14.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">ACR:</span></i></b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></i><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The name McMillan is somewhat revered in African American literary lore. What are the pros and cons being the sister of Terry McMillan? </span></i></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 14.0px Helvetica; min-height: 17.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i></i></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 18.0px 'Times New Roman'"><span style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i>RM: </i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i>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.</i></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 14.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 14.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">ACR:</span></i></b></span><span style="font: 18.0px 'Times New Roman'; letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></i></b></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> 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?</span></i></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 14.0px Helvetica; min-height: 17.0pxcolor:#500050;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i></i></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 18.0px 'Times New Roman'"><span style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i>RM: </i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i>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.</i></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 18.0px 'Times New Roman'; color:#500050;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"> </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 14.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></i></b></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 14.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">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.</span></i></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 14.0px Helvetica; min-height: 17.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b></b></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 18.0px 'Times New Roman'"><span style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i>RM: </i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i>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.</i></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 18.0px 'Times New Roman'; min-height: 21.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 14.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">ACR: What was the journey life for you writing the new book, including convincing Urban Books that they should consider giving you a chance? </span></i></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 14.0px Helvetica; min-height: 17.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i></i></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 18.0px 'Times New Roman'"><span style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i>RM: </i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i>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.</i></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 14.0px Helvetica; min-height: 17.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 14.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">ACR: Would you please give The Romer Review, and the reading public a sneak peek into your writing process. </span></i></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 14.0px Helvetica; min-height: 17.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i></i></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 18.0px 'Times New Roman'"><span style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i>RM: </i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i>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.</i></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 14.0px Helvetica; min-height: 17.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 14.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">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? </span></i></b><i> </i></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 18.0px 'Times New Roman'"><span style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i>RM: </i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i>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.</i></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 14.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i> </i><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">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?</span></i></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 18.0px 'Times New Roman'"><span style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i>RM:</i> </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i>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.</i></span></p></b></i><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 14.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993300;">THE BOOK REVIEW: '<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">We Ain't The Brontes' <iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/OHg8c_-VxEU" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></span></span></span></b></i></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 14.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><br /></i></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 14.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">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. </span></span></i><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">‘We Ain’t The Brontes’</span></span></span></i></b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">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. </span></span></i></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 14.0px Helvetica; min-height: 17.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i></i></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 13.0px Verdana"><span style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">To wit: </span></span></i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">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 </span></span></i></span><span style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">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 </span></span></i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">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, </span></span></i></span><span style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">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. </span></span></i></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 13.0px Verdana"><span style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></i></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 13.0px Verdana"><span style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">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.</span></span></i></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 13.0px Verdana"><span style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></i></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 13.0px Verdana"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Helvetica;font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:14px;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></p>Alvin C. Romerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17301376080517978182noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14404538.post-81059121561473945542010-11-21T00:42:00.004-05:002010-11-21T00:54:12.597-05:00New Strategies for Mastering 'The Game'<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIqJmfQ4bqfbK9jJ0BX9otm2StEQtPaQDXbUCBcZMovtOQN_DAXSeAd5JxcJ9PPoITDthups2ujtPlMXLEYfJtIMCHnoUYalGOKXBkCPAN2lI64D3ADkxQVCM88zZ57sluuteNkw/s1600/51r67zq6JXL._SL160_AA160_.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIqJmfQ4bqfbK9jJ0BX9otm2StEQtPaQDXbUCBcZMovtOQN_DAXSeAd5JxcJ9PPoITDthups2ujtPlMXLEYfJtIMCHnoUYalGOKXBkCPAN2lI64D3ADkxQVCM88zZ57sluuteNkw/s400/51r67zq6JXL._SL160_AA160_.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541876324004439394" /></a><br /><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">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. </span></i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Now comes authors </span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">Randal Pinkett</span> </span></i><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">and </span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">Jeffrey Robinson</span></span></i><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> who has answers and devised how the game should be played, and how you can stay in place and THRIVE! Their new book, </span></i></span><span style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal 'Times New Roman'; letter-spacing: 0px; color:#29237a;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Black Faces in White Places</span></span></i></b></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">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. </span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">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. </span></i></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></i></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">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”? </span></i></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">This is no ordinary ‘how to’ book with rudimentary precepts that cannot be used with a sense of continuity. </span></i></span><span style="font: 13.0px 'Times New Roman'; letter-spacing: 0.0px color:#29237a;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Black Faces in White Place</span>s</span></i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> 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.</span></i></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">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, </span></i></span><span style="font: 13.0px 'Times New Roman'; letter-spacing: 0.0px color:#29237a;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Black Faces in White Places</span></span></i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> 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!</span></i></span></p>Alvin C. Romerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17301376080517978182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14404538.post-43839947640035043752010-11-02T11:37:00.006-05:002010-11-02T12:14:39.491-05:00Going Home Again is Not All Bad!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQROsXxRaxTf_9pQCnzJhKu_2ESjfOw4Bvj3s2VvUaIXX0fb4Z9vLLdQJJcxV1LDXPBe9fNzM0noQbO77Wc1DX0Z3OHt9SQlce8acxz9WuQR46kZrdn5GF1oZTucr5C_VfIIIclQ/s1600/mail.jpeg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 221px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQROsXxRaxTf_9pQCnzJhKu_2ESjfOw4Bvj3s2VvUaIXX0fb4Z9vLLdQJJcxV1LDXPBe9fNzM0noQbO77Wc1DX0Z3OHt9SQlce8acxz9WuQR46kZrdn5GF1oZTucr5C_VfIIIclQ/s400/mail.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535001212488731506" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">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, </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Wanda B. Campbell</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> who gave few talented authors a chance to do just that. Her anthology, </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">HOME AGAIN</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> 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!</span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 14.0px Arial"><span style="font: 16.0px Arial; letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><i></i></span></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> I have one word to describe this book: Poignant! Publisher and author,</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></i><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Wanda B. Campbell </span></i></b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">h</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">as 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.</span></span></i></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 14.0px Arial"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></span></i></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 14.0px Arial"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></i></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 14.0px Arial"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> 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</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">, </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">relationship</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">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.” </span></span></i></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 14.0px Arial"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></i></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 14.0px Arial"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">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.</span></span></i></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 14.0px Arial"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></span></i></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 14.0px Arial"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></i></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 14.0px Arial"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> 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.</span></span></i></span><span style="font: 16.0px Arial; letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></i></span><span style="font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman'; letter-spacing: 0.0px color:#ff0100;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Tyora Moody’s</span></span></i></span><span style="font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman'; letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">‘</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Birthing Pains’</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">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</span></span></i></span><span style="font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman'; letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></i></span><span style="font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman'; letter-spacing: 0.0px color:#ff0100;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Shenette Jones!</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">‘Uncovered’</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">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.</span></span></i></span><span style="font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman'; letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></span></i></span><span style="font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman'; letter-spacing: 0.0px color:#ff0100;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Pastor Bernard Boulton</span></span></i></span><span style="font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman'; letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">g</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">ives us the story of </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">‘</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Jake and Eric.’</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">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.</span></span></i></span><span style="font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman'; letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></span></i></span><span style="font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman'; letter-spacing: 0.0px color:#ff0100;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Dr. Linda Beed</span></span></i></span><span style="font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman'; letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">, </span></span></i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">the erudite and gifted voice of reason comes to us with ‘</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Flavorful’</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> and a good taste to digest. She previously published </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Business As Usual</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> 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. </span></span></i></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 14.0px Arial"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></i></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 14.0px Arial"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> When I read</span></span></i></span><span style="font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman'; letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></i></span><span style="font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman'; letter-spacing: 0.0px color:#ff0100;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Maurice Gray, Jr,</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">and</span></span></i></span><span style="font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman'; letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></span></i></span><span style="font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman'; letter-spacing: 0.0px color:#ff0100;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Dijorn Moss</span></span></i></span><span style="font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman'; letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">,</span></span></i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> 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</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">‘Family Matters’ </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">and see why this author has gotten rave reviews for earlier published projects.</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> ‘Journey to the Throne’</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> 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.</span></span></i></span><span style="font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman'; letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></span></i></span><span style="font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman'; letter-spacing: 0.0px "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Trinea Moss</span></span></i></span><span style="font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman'; letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></span></i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">(yes, she’s the wife of Dijorn) brings us</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></b></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">‘Couple On Trial’ </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">along with other tribulations attributed to marital life with the story of James and Ebony.</span></span></i></span><span style="font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman'; letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></i></span><span style="font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman'; letter-spacing: 0.0px color:#ff0100;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Tavares S. Carney</span></span></i></span><span style="font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman'; letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">, </span></span></i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">a book reviewer, educator and social media promoter felt that there’s a story that had to be told in her</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> ‘</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Confidential Relations.’ </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">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</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Ms</span></span></i></span><span style="font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman'; letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></span></i></span><span style="font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman'; letter-spacing: 0.0px color:#ff0100;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Wanda B. Campbell</span></span></i></span><span style="font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman'; letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">,</span></span></i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> 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.</span></span></i></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 14.0px Arial"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></i></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 14.0px Arial"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></i></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 14.0px Arial"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">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! </span></span></i></span></p></span></span></i></div>Alvin C. Romerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17301376080517978182noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14404538.post-58377996751923702932010-10-27T04:59:00.004-05:002010-10-27T05:18:15.137-05:00One Author's Story of Living A Psalm 118:17 Existence<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimnhG4sryXmQv_4uP6jaG70tR1vjn_GLtlEbZFRyS0lFvRXMoSmY_6OLrqsopiQNd7KMG1ngH7eZoW8IJUL04asHKv5-VQst73I-_jwty0zj2ml4tjJhyphenhypheniNAx5Sf4qNrbheXuN3w/s1600/BookCoverIShallNotDie.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimnhG4sryXmQv_4uP6jaG70tR1vjn_GLtlEbZFRyS0lFvRXMoSmY_6OLrqsopiQNd7KMG1ngH7eZoW8IJUL04asHKv5-VQst73I-_jwty0zj2ml4tjJhyphenhypheniNAx5Sf4qNrbheXuN3w/s320/BookCoverIShallNotDie.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532668044563539586" /></a><br /><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Any epiphany worthy of due diligence is one that should have a message that can be emulated and given its proper place for better understanding. Anyone with the privilege of reading best-selling author Kendra Norman-Bellamy’s initial foray into inspirational nonfiction will hav no problem in educing how poignant her story is. </span></i><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">I SHALL NOT DIE</span> </span></i></b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">is much more than a surface adaptation of angst gone awry...rather, it’s a real-life ordeal that saw the emergence of a woman come of age and her determination to rise up and be a galvanized influence on her family based on her late husband’s decree. And what a story! </span></i></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></i></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Reading this book, I couldn’t help but empathize with the surreal ramifications of dealing with the AIDS virus, and not because I happen to know the author on a personal note...it stems from me having a member of my family succumbing to the malady, and understanding the real meaning of why she had to come forward. Moreover, it allowed me to dig deeper into my reserve and resolve and report to the general public how and why surface interpretation is not enough to understand what is needed to survive seemingly unsurmountable odds without faith initiatives. But this is the author’s story and she indeed goes deep to portray a man, his legacy and his affect on those that knew him best. It’s about an autobiographical sketch as a prelude to establishing an empowerment ministry, along with a window with a view. This indeed is an easy read, but profound with the message therein. </span></i></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></i></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">The author leaves nothing to bare and nothing unturned in depicting her journey. Thirteen intrusive chapters will allow readers a candid and gut-wrenching truth analogies on why it’s so important to at least get the truth about AIDS. I was asked after reading the book why I felt it was such a poignant and important read. I had no problems and illusions illustrating via my opinionated view that living testimonies are true testaments to how one can unlearn things that are so misunderstood in life, and why Jesus can make a difference when so much is shown why faith cannot be compromised. I loved this book for all of the emotion and truths that the author gave in baring her soul on issues that are often taboo when going deep into the pools of personal intimacy. What then are the messages the author wanted to convey? </span></i></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></i></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Kendra Norman-Bellamy HAD to write this story. To wit: “Tests and trials are inevitable. The choice that each of us has to make is whether we will endure and believe God to deliver us...or if we’re just going to give under the pressure and die”, or this, “...although God is long-suffering, He wouldn’t let me get away with not fulfilling His purpose. There were hearts that needed healing, He said; minds that needed encouraging, and souls that needed saving. The were assigned to me, but the only way I would reach them is by way of obedience to write I Shall Not Die.”</span></i></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><i></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">And there you have it. Proof that this book -- the life and times of Jimmy Holmes, is the making of a woman, wife and mother in sharing and alluding graphically to the fact that there’s no need to die when there’s a purposeful reason for living. I recommend this book highly...and if you read no other this year, do yourself a favor and be enlightened by a true story destined to be the forerunner of more truths by this talented, gifted and blessed writer.</span></i></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i></i></span><br /></p>Alvin C. Romerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17301376080517978182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14404538.post-21053710357736891592010-06-11T12:44:00.009-05:002010-06-11T14:41:02.658-05:00The Romer Review's LITERARY SHOWCASE Presents Author, Jacquelin Thomas<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqgg5qQZCHFPkARrdPyJPkF-iL_B2n-137VKsgJ9JOUjdzg9qMXSUoEk7ZXUVQDZrVNTH7YIVCVKNcRimeo8F1el4jA2_zJaHRpTcbr_W1NULhilWk2E5pKchBWnWKnnAoMimqAg/s1600/29630609.jpg"><span><span></span></span><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 188px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqgg5qQZCHFPkARrdPyJPkF-iL_B2n-137VKsgJ9JOUjdzg9qMXSUoEk7ZXUVQDZrVNTH7YIVCVKNcRimeo8F1el4jA2_zJaHRpTcbr_W1NULhilWk2E5pKchBWnWKnnAoMimqAg/s400/29630609.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481574892403053138" /></a><br /><p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 12.5px; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Arial; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">n the African American literary arena, I’m sure there are many authors that you find yourself reading over and over, and ones that you consider to bring it often and with pizazz. Yes, we all have our favorites. I’m not ashamed to admit that the standards I have for writers to allow their stories to be definitive in allowing words to give imaginative verve to them is what I look for. Best-selling author </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Jacquelin Thomas</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> is all of that for me! What you’re reading now on this blog is part of a ‘blog tour’ featuring her latest book that I was asked to showcase. In it you will find a few intrusive questions that have been asked of her with my intent to give flavor to her what she is all about...and of course the review of her latest book -- ‘</span></i><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">SAMSON’</span></i></b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">, a modern-day adaptation of Samson and Delilah’s story.</span></i></span></i></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; line-height: 12.5px; font: 14.0px Arial; min-height: 16.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; line-height: 12.5px; font: 14.0px Arial"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">THE INTERVIEW....</span></b></i></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; line-height: 12.5px; font: 14.0px Arial; min-height: 16.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 14.0px Arial"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Q. You wear so many hats as a writer—romance author, Christian fiction author, young-adult author. How do you decide what to write next? What are the differences, if any, in writing for different genres?</span></i></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 12.0px Arial; min-height: 14.0pxcolor:#404040;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman'; color:#1e195f;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I love writing, and God has given me so many stories I find it’s hard to keep up at times. I love romance and I’m married to my very own Hero, so writing romance is just a celebration of love. With writing Christian fiction, it’s more of a ministry for me, and with YA, I have a heart for teens so I wanted to write books that spoke to their issues. There really isn’t any difference between them as I always strive to tell a good story. The teen books are geared toward ages twelve to eighteen. None of my books have profanity or graphic sexual situations.</span></span></i></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 14.0px Arial"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Q. Can you walk us through your writing regime? Do you have a set outline that you follow, or do you go where the narrative takes you?</span></i></b></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 14.0px Arial; min-height: 16.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman'; color:#1e195f;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I write from an outline, which changes from time to time, but for the first draft, I tend to keep it close to my initial notes. The rewriting phase is when I really flesh out my scenes and let the characters tell me where to take the story.</span></span></i></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 14.0px Arial; color:#404040;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Q. How important is it to incorporate your faith into your work? What does your faith bring to your life?</span></i></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 14.0px Arial; min-height: 16.0pxcolor:#404040;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman'; color:#1e195f;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It’s very important as my writing is a gift from God. I didn’t just decide to be a writer—it is what I was born to do, and I truly believe this. God wants us to use our gifts to glorify Him and that’s what I want to do. Without Him, none of this would be possible.</span></span></i></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Helvetica, serif;"><br /></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 14.0px Arial; color:#404040;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Q. Throughout your Christian Fiction novels, the characters refer back to the Bible. Do you have a favorite passage from scripture? What is it, and why?</span></i></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 12.0px Arial; min-height: 14.0pxcolor:#404040;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman'; color:#1e195f;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I guess it would be</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></i><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Habakkuk 3:17–19</span></span></i></b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">, because it talks about how Habakkuk lost everything, but he continued to rejoice in the Lord because God is his strength and has equipped him to endure trials and tribulations. I believe that we find out what we’re really made of when we go through hardships. Oftentimes, we feel life isn’t fair and we pout, but another way to look at our struggles is this: The harder the struggle, the more faith God has in us. He knows just how much we can bear, so when life gets rough, just know that God is there cheering you on, because He knows that you can make it through! He just wants you to realize it, too, and trust that He’s already worked it out.</span></span></i></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman'; min-height: 16.0pxcolor:#1e195f;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 14.0px Arial"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">THE BOOK REVIEW… </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Samson</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> by Jacquelin Thomas</span></i></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 14.0px Arial; min-height: 16.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i></i></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 13.0px Verdana"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></i></span></p><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 100px; height: 157px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKg2lZ0saez7JFha-nKf4tUvjTa9xV-8LccHBVmvu3rf4f6QdE29bqTtQEdALlVW_pLtEE7gai5UJFQ477qJPzdpaoRh5UDeKDIZ-K9A3OttgnR0nSeBEAp1__QLSeVXEEeM1Y_g/s400/samsonsmall.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481601283535462594" /><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 13.0px Verdana"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Inspired by the Biblical tale of Samson and Delilah, the first chapter wastes no time in setting the stage with what’s to come as Samson Taylor gives readers why a man is vulnerable without the covering of righteous intent with a heart that sustains it. Best selling author Jacquelin Thomas whets our appetite with a delicious menu with her latest book, </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">SAMSON</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">. The table is set and the players are ready to show that it takes more than one to allow iniquity to prove that the pulpit is not exempt from snakes. Is it fair to call Samson Taylor a snake? An unmarried man of God unwilling to give up his player’s card? The story unfolds with Taylor newly installed as Assistant Pastor at a gregarious North Carolina church. He’s perceived to be a man of God—and proves early that he’s definitely not ready to ascend the dais that his father previously held. Armed with adonis-like features, with a gift of gab, his charisma stirs up only adds to problems dealing with any beautiful women that happen to cross his path. And they come out one by one -- Savannah, Delinda, and most notably Meagan.</span></i></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 13.0px Verdana; min-height: 16.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 13.0px Verdana"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The book is a moving fast-paced drama that speeded along with enough intrigue and contrast for the denouement to justify Samson finally getting his act together. Like the story it’s crafted from a voice of reason is constant as a quasi-omniscient present in aunt Helen, who admonishes him more often than not about ‘thus sayeth the Lord’ morals. The author gives a plausible attempt to show Samson with enough reticence to be remorseful, but not before he meets Delinda, married to a popular NBA star which culminates to a public altercation with her husband. The chagrined and disgraced pastor tired of the frustration and shameful acts embarks on a journey to save grace where a new sense of awareness clarifies his current vision. Reading this story, you know that God will forgive Samson’s past—but will Samson himself be able to truly change his heart and turn the other cheek? </span></i></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 13.0px Verdana; min-height: 16.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 13.0px Verdana"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I loved this book. Simply because it reminded me of how lust and the challenge of conquering the desire to have any woman that appealed to me. Trying to get a life without the temptation that Satan throws to the weakened flesh can be fraught with dangerous dalliances with a false sense of security. Samson found out at the right time for salvation to be the progenitor of a great read, and I’m so glad that it was Jacquelin Thomas who gave it to us with page-turning delight. This in my opinion is one of her better books and I don’t have problems rating it 5 stars out of 5. Pick up this book and add it among the ones you savor and support!</span></i></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 13.0px Verdana; min-height: 16.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p>Alvin C. Romerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17301376080517978182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14404538.post-30019330510931881492010-05-11T09:26:00.005-05:002010-05-11T11:01:14.802-05:00The Romer Review's LITERARY SHOWCASE Presents Author, Allison Hobbs<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkpzn02N9QsvhKa7Oc_W1yyx77R61nKjO9GQ9WPTYoHjmR8RplH40R_Iha4GehkBCHVBVi9uEzfWyOcVNnjEjEPnkYhjqb5pqLLCN1wT7JE3-RiGwdDM41msfTCmd5Heb6WVgtBA/s1600/AUTHOR+PIC.Aliision+Hobbs.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkpzn02N9QsvhKa7Oc_W1yyx77R61nKjO9GQ9WPTYoHjmR8RplH40R_Iha4GehkBCHVBVi9uEzfWyOcVNnjEjEPnkYhjqb5pqLLCN1wT7JE3-RiGwdDM41msfTCmd5Heb6WVgtBA/s400/AUTHOR+PIC.Aliision+Hobbs.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470038260526929954" /></a><br /><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#003300;">Allison Hobbs</span> </span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">resides in Philadelphia, PA. A former singer during the era of the Philly Sound, Allison was a member of a female trio known as </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Brown Sugar</span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> (Allison Hobbs, Phyllis Nelson, and Karen Dempsey). The Philadelphia trio toured as background singers for Major Harris who's number one single, Love Won't Let Me Wait, allowed the group an opportunity to perform as the opening act for artists such as Marvin Gaye and Earth, Wind, & Fire. Brown Sugar later signed and recorded with Capitol Records. A self-taught folk artist, Allison's prolific body of work portrays scenes of black Americana. She received a Bachelor of Science degree from</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Temple University</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'times new roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">But it's her writing</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> that has everybody excited about</span>.</span> </span></span></i><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"E</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">ver saw something that appealed to you so much that no matter the circumstances and consequences you knew in your mind that you just HAD to have it? Even going to the extent that you'd beg, borrow or STEAL it? True to form and with a slew of books written where you stole time to read them, best-selling author </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#003300;">Allison Hobbs</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> has something sweet for you. I took time to talk to this maven of myriad thoughts of page-turning delight and she gave me all I could handle in answering my questions." <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#003300;">Alvin C. Romer/Editor, The Romer Review</span></span></i><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; font-family:Times;font-size:medium;"><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><i><b>I first discovered you as a prolific writer with one of your first books, ‘</b></i><i><b>PANDORA’S BOX</b></i><i><b>’ a while back, and your star since then has ascended to greater heights...who is Allison Hobbs, why do you write as you do, and why should readers buy your books?</b></i></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#003300;">My mother named me Allison after a character in a book she was reading. I grew up in a household where every family member read daily. My mom read three newspapers a day. Her book collection was extensive, including autobiographies, classics, poetry, and controversial novels of her time such as The Tropic of Cancer and </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">Ralph Ellison’s</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">Invisible Man</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#003300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">.</span></span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#003300;">Her favorite novelist was </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#003300;">James Baldwin</span></b></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#003300;">. </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#003300;">My older brother read classics that were appropriate for young boys: old-fashioned, hard back classics, i.e. Huckleberry Finn. His book collection seemed terribly boring. In fact, I felt a little sorry for him and was perplexed as to why he kept his head buried in such dull-looking books. My younger brother, a prodigy of sorts, devoured comic books in addition to reading Invisible Man and other books that were considered adult literature.</span></i></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#003300;">While my mother and brothers read important works of fiction, my dad read “cheap little paper backs.” He always had a book in his hand. There was usually a cowboy on the cover. My mom definitely disapproved of his reading material, referring to his cowboy fiction as “trash.” My dad also had a vast collection of pornographic paperback novels that he kept hidden in the back of a closet. Like everyone in my family, I was also a voracious reader. My reading choices, however, were limited to classic Grimm Brothers and Hans Christian Andersen fairy tales, Aesop’s Fables and nursery rhymes. I loved books about queens and castles, make believe and magic. Books with glossy pictures and happy endings. I was very content in my make believe world and had no desire to try out different genres.</span></i></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#003300;">I was the eccentric and artsy member in a family of intellects. By the time I reached thirteen and was still obsessed with fairy tales, my mom no longer viewed me as merely quirky, she became seriously concerned about my emotional development. She insisted that I read a full-length, age-appropriate novel. I went to the library and browsed. I remember the librarian giving an audible sigh of relief when she saw me venturing outside the aisle of fairy tales. But instead of getting something that was recommended for teens, I selected </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#003300;">Gone with the Wind</span></i></span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#003300;">. That thick book was a huge leap from fairy tales, but I read it in a few days. I became addicted to books. At the conclusion of a novel, I had to immediately begin another. No pun intended, but my lust for reading led me to explore my dad’s porn stash. I was intrigued by the naughty titles of those books. By day I read books from my school’s recommended reading list, but at night behind my locked bedroom door, I read eye-popping, arousing tales of wanton, scandalous sex!</span></i></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#003300;">I believe that my writing style and the genre that I’m known for is a reflection of the reading that inspired me during my youth. Classy and trashy—a meshing of profound literature and explicit porn. Though I never set out to become an erotic writer, being a creative person, it is my nature to express in a flamboyant and vivid manner. In my novels, I try to paint a picture with words. Like a songwriter, I play around with prose until I’m satisfied with the cadence and rhythm of the sentences. My covers are bold and salacious, my titles are often audacious, but don’t let that fool you. Inside the pages, the reader will find originality, rich language, and clever plot twists interwoven with messages of social importance.</span></i></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><i><b>With so many books on the market how has the journey been for you; what have you learned, and what would you do differently if you were starting out again today?</b></i></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#003300;">I’m fortunate that with so many books on the market that I have managed to stay current and stay in the game. I can’t take total credit. My publisher, New York Times Bestselling Author and Executive Producer of Cinemax’s</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">Zane’s Sex Chronicles</span></span></span>,<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#003300;"> </span></i><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#003300;">Zane</span></b></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#003300;">, gave me my start in the publishing industry and continues to enthusiastically support my efforts. That is a blessing that I don’t take for granted. If I were starting out again today, I would learn more about the craft of writing before getting mid-way into my manuscript.</span></i></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><i><b>Authors are always asked the question relative to their beginnings as a writer. Was it your goal to become a writer, or was it something that inspired you to choose this field?</b></i></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#003300;">No, I never planned on becoming a writer. My oldest brother, now deceased, was encouraged to pursue writing. He became an award-winning journalist and a published author. My younger brother was published by </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">Holloway House</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#003300;">while in his twenties. My mother constantly told me that I had the gift of storytelling, but I don’t think she actually expected me—free-spirited and unconventional—to ever sit still long enough to complete a novel. Had she lived to my collection of work, she would be extremely proud. In 1998, after the untimely death of a dear friend, I felt compelled to write about my journey in life…a journey, in which she had played a huge role from teenage years up until that point. When I attempted to write my autobiography, I had no illusions. I knew that my story would be of no interest to a publisher. But I wanted to document my life…for my children. For posterity’s sake.</span></i></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#003300;">After beginning the process, I found that writing about the past was a punishing task. I’d managed to suppress many painful memories, and reopening old wounds seemed more damaging than cathartic. So I distracted myself by playing around with fiction. I began to let my imagination run wild. Without planning, I found myself writing my first novel, Pandora’s Box. Making up a story was easier and much more pleasant than dredging up the painful past. Midway into the manuscript, I began to believe that I could actually become a published author. It was clear to me that I had the same talent that my brother’s had…that my mother had. My late mother had been active in the Civil Rights movement and she was once a free-lance writer for our local newspaper. Her commentary concerned social injustice. Though I never read any of her articles, I have some of her hand-written letters and I hear her voice in my own writing style. </span></i></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#003300;">To date, I hear ongoing inner dialogue that is prompting me to tell the story that I set out to write, but I’m still not emotionally strong enough. Apparently my protective subconscious won’t allow me to write any more than a few fragments at a time. Tiny, disjointed pieces of my life are interspersed in my various novels. </span></i></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><i><b>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 writers?</b></i></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#003300;">After writing the first one hundred pages of my first novel, I proudly asked my cousin, a professional editor, to read what I’d written thus far. I recall smugly awaiting her email…confidently expecting to be praised. She took forever to respond. I couldn’t figure out what was taking her so long. After a few weeks, she finally sent me an email stating that she didn’t know how to tell me in a kind way that my manuscript was awful and was giving her a headache. She informed me that being a good storyteller didn’t necessarily make me a good writer. “I am a good writer,” I insisted. She vehemently disagreed and suggested that I take a writing class, join an online group, or get books that teach the craft of writing fiction. I was flabbergasted. Why would I need instructions on writing? My vocabulary was up to par, I was not grammatically-challenged, and as I’ve mentioned, my ability to tell a story was legendary. So what in the heck was she talking about?</span></i></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#003300;">We argued back and forth. Furthering her case, she said, “You have five girls in a scene, and you give the reader each girl’s perspective.” “Yeah, so what? What’s wrong with that?” I asked, really annoyed. Then she asked me the meaning of point of view (POV). I didn’t know and didn’t care. It sounded like some unnecessary, technical jargon. I was halfway through the book and I was very proud of my accomplishment and I was going to get published, darn it. But my cousin the editor, wouldn’t budge. She refused to continue reading my book—not even for money. “Learn the craft,” she persisted. Words cannot express the degree of my agitation. But I had no choice. I had to appease her if I wanted my 150 page-manuscript edited. With a birthday coming up, I told my significant other (at the time) to forget about flowers, no Godiva chocolate this year, and to take Victoria’s Secret off my wish list. I didn’t want any of the traditional birthday crap he usually bought me. “Get me books. I need tons of “How to Write Fiction books.”</span></i></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#003300;">He bought me eight different fiction-writing books. I randomly cracked open one of them and began reading. I was stunned to discover that my cousin had been one hundred percent correct. I had been arrogant, willful, and falsely suspected that she was envious of my new-found talent. To have been so blissfully ignorant was extremely embarrassing. But I was also grateful that she had risked hurting my feelings and that she had used tough love to steer me in the right direction. Knowledge is power. I rewrote those 150 pages and eventually finished the novel, adhering to all the rules I’d learned. My advice to all aspiring writers: Please take the time to learn the craft of writing. Your editor will appreciate not having to rewrite your work to make it readable.</span></i></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><i><b>Simon & Schuster (S&S), the distributor for Strebor Books International (SBI) the imprint you write for has been great partners together literally...has their relationship impacted on you as a writer and a sense of legitimacy?</b></i></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#003300;">I began as a self-published author. During that brief stint, I couldn’t refer to myself as an author without feeling pretentious. After signing a publishing deal with Strebor Books, and having</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"> </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">Zane</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#003300;"> personally overseeing my career, I felt completely validated. The partnership between </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">Strebor Books</span></b> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#003300;">and</span> <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">Simon and Schuster</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#003300;">was the icing on the cake. The library has always been a second home to me. I remember going to the library and inquiring about </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">Pandora’s Box</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#003300;">A very snooty librarian told me, “We don’t have those kinds of books on our shelves.” I shrugged and thought to myself, we’ll see about that! Since then my books are on the library shelves nationally and in high demand. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; font-family:Times, serif;"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#003300;">Since childhood, I get an adrenaline rush when I walk inside a library. Now that my books are on the shelves, that excitement is heightened. I get a total sense of legitimacy when I see my novels on the public library’s hallowed shelves.</span></i></span><i> </i></span></i></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">Charmane Parker </span>at SBI and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">Yona Deshommes</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;"> </span>at S&S keep me busy with the authors they represent relative to the books I get to review...share with the readers the process once you’ve submitted the final draft for publication...Are there any interaction individually or collectively between you for dialogue?</b></i></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">Zane</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"> </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#003300;">edits my manuscripts. Her editing skills are as extraordinary as her writing ability. She understands my style and typically doesn’t need to confer with me or ask me to make any changes. Occasionally, she has to return a flawed manuscript for me to rewrite</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#003300;">.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"> Charmaine Parker</span></b> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">r</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#003300;">eads the proofs after the book has been type-set. I’m always grateful for Charmaine’s eagle eyes. I can read the proofs ten times and still not find all the errors that Charmaine picks up. Yona Deshommes handles the publicity after the book is in galley format. Yona and the S&S publicity department collaborate with Zane and Charmaine on the marketing plan. With my next release, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">Stealing Candy</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#003300;">, my input is being included in the marketing plan. Yona is accessible, personable, creative, and super intelligent. I feel privileged to work with this powerful team of women.</span></i></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Let’s talk about your latest book, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">‘</span></span></b></i><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">STEALING CANDY</span></span></b></i><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">’</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. What’s the premise or motivation behind this book, and how does it differ from others that you’ve written</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">?</span></i></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Stealing Candy</span></span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#003300;">deals with the disturbing topic of teenage sex trafficking. This problem is usually viewed as something that only happens in other countries, but it is rampant right here in America and is getting worse. Teenage girls and boys are being kidnapped and forced into sexual servitude. Children are being sold to sexual predators by their own parents in exchange for illicit drugs. A few stories make the national headlines, but for the most part, the children that are forced into the commercial sex industry have no voice. Every time I hear about an innocent child that has been violated in any manner, it hurts me to the core. Writing this novel was my personal way of bringing awareness to the plight of sex-trafficked children, especially those within the African American communities who don’t get the media attention as missing white children.</span></i></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#003300;">In</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">Stealing Candy</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#003300;">, I do not gloss over or allude to the dehumanizing and heinous crimes that are inflicted upon the main characters. The reader is given the raw, graphic, and ugly truth of what is happening to our children. Though there is always an underlying social message in most of my novels,</span> </i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">Stealing Candy</span></span></span></i><i> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#003300;">is the first novel that I specifically wrote to raise awareness.</span></i></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">What has been the favorite among your books, and why</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">?</span></i></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#003300;">In addition to</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">Stealing Candy</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#003300;">, my next favorite is </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">The Enchantress</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#003300;">. I stepped outside my comfort zone and wrote a paranormal/erotic novel. The setting of the first few chapters is a plantation in Virginia during slavery. Adding that historical element along with the supernatural and erotic aspects was a stretch for me. After the doing the initial research on slavery and on mythological goddesses, the book required very little of me. It seemed to write itself. I was amped, exhilarated, and in this miraculous zone where hours would fly by. During the writing process, it seemed that I was merely a vessel in front of the</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#003300;">keyboard. The book had its own will. The words flowed faster than I could keep up with them. I wrote </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">The Enchantress</span></span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#003300;">in a only a few months.</span></i></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><i><b>What matters most to you both as a novelist and a writer…can you actively separate them in definitive terms as they apply to your writing sensibilities?</b></i></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#003300;">In my opinion, a writer can write anything from screenplays to advertising copy. A novelist writes fiction. As a novelist, I’m very aware of what my readers enjoy, but I’ve also taken risks and written books that appeal to my own tastes. However, book sales matter and I can’t force my preferences on my readers.</span></i></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><i><b>Let me throw a few topics at you. I want you to comment responsively and say the first thing that comes to mind!</b></i></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:180%;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Self Publishing:</span></span> </i></b></span><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#003300;">Hard work!</span></i></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:180%;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Your ideal book tour</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">:</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"> </span></i></b></span><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#003300;">It’s coming up this summer with the</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">Stealing Candy</span></span></span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#003300;">promotional tour.</span></i></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:180%;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Learning the business:</span></span> </i></b></span><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#003300;">Arggh! The creative end is much more fun.</span></i></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Your writing process: </span></i></b></span><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">T</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#003300;">urn off phones. Stay off the internet. Limited communication with the outside world while working on a manuscript.</span></i></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:180%;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Book Reviews and Reviewers</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">:</span></span> </i></b></span><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;"><i>I<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#003300;"> love it when the reviewers “get it.”</span></i></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><i><b>What’s next on the horizon for Allison Hobbs?</b></i></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">Lipstick Hustla</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#003300;"> the third installment to</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">Double Dippin’</span></span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#003300;">and</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">Big Juicy Lips </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#003300;">will be released in November 2010. My 2011 release is focused on three female friends with relationship issues. I guess you could call it a sister-girl novel…with a wicked twist. Also in 2011 or possibly 2012, I’ll be co-authoring a book with the best and hottest writer in the game. I’m totally looking forward to having fun with this project. Collaborating with my “shero” is a dream come true.</span></i></span></p><p align="justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, serif;"><i>For additional information on Allison Hobb's latest and upcoming book, and to join the cause, refer to this link: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><a href="http://sn138w.snt138.mail.live.com/default.aspx?n=302097979">http://sn138w.snt138.mail.live.com/default.aspx?n=302097979</a></span></b></i></span></p></span></i></div></div>Alvin C. Romerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17301376080517978182noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14404538.post-15922894452649011532010-03-10T12:13:00.008-05:002010-03-10T18:10:38.358-05:00The Romer Review's LITERARY SHOWCASE Presents Author, J.D. Mason<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjddWIYSBJ_WjIS9crLnlIsK8k1GAads5CkO-wzmcnozX1QzDAWjCjg6QF1RS5JeIMHoYVzVevBOflFwLOTcLEuPEIyV-ip7-W_n5ubv6_-ec591Xu1VWPGftB3mur0xHv7yXVHYA/s1600-h/2009_0328usgirls0028_607x600.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 395px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjddWIYSBJ_WjIS9crLnlIsK8k1GAads5CkO-wzmcnozX1QzDAWjCjg6QF1RS5JeIMHoYVzVevBOflFwLOTcLEuPEIyV-ip7-W_n5ubv6_-ec591Xu1VWPGftB3mur0xHv7yXVHYA/s400/2009_0328usgirls0028_607x600.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447068239503317730" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Anyone who is familiar with good storytelling and have read a lot of it should know author, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">J.D. Mason</span>. Her books are all the rage and I make no apologies relative to the fact that she's one of my favorite writers. Moreover, I'm proud to announce the first presentation that <b>THE ROMER REVIEW</b> is offering under a subsidiary production called,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"> '</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">The Romer Review's Literary Showcase Presents...'</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"> </span>series. J.D. Mason is the author of several bestselling novels including, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">And On The Eighth Day She Rested</span></span></span>, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">This Fire Down In My Soul,</span></span></span> and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Y</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">ou Gotta Sin To Get Saved</span></span></span>, which has been selected as one of the best books of 2008 by Black Expressions and the RAWSISTAZ Online Bookclub, and has been nominated for The Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award in the African American Fiction category. She is the recipient of the Atlanta Choice Award for her novel <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">One Day I Saw A Black King</span></span></span>, and her novel <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Don’t Want No Sugar </span></span></span>was also nominated The Romantic Times Magazine award for Best Contemporary Fiction. Her novels have consistently been selected by The Black Expressions Book Club as main selections, and her work has appeared on bestseller lists in the Dallas Morning News, Black Expressions Book Club, and on Amazon.com. Without further ado, we've decided to allow this author to be our first presentation and hope that you embrace her as we have! I had a chance to secure this one-on-one discussion and would like to share it with our reading audience:</span></span></div><div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; font-family:Times;font-size:medium;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Helvetica;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b>Over the years you’ve written well enough to elicit an outstanding fan base with 6 books under your belt, not including contributions to two more anthologies...what has contributed to the longevity of your writing acumen, and what has been your experience from idea to bookshelves? </b></span></i></span><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">"Knowing that there is always another perspective to circumstances and being willing to consider other points of view is key to seeing the bigger picture. When I start new projects, it’s not about being overwhelmed with buckets of inspiration raining down on my head. It’s about choosing a subject matter that I think readers might find interesting and then asking myself the question, “What’s the best way to tell this story?”. That’s the motivation for me. The questions, “What’s the best story to tell” or “What’s the most unique story,” don’t necessarily come into play all the time for me, because I believe that just about any story can be made better if you are willing to tell it in an original way. People are absolutely fascinating, even when we don’t mean to be. We’re especially unique in our subtleness, when we think no one is paying attention, or when we’re being our most honest selves. I’ve always been pretty intuitive and observant, and those are the strengths in me, I feel, that keep me focused and driven as a writer. </span></span></span></i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">T</span></span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; font-size:medium;"><span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">he experience from idea to bookshelf is always a challenging one, and one that never unfolds the same way twice. Just when I think I’ve found that magic formula of how to put a book together, it never seems to work the same way again. I always struggle a lot in the beginning. Usually, it’s a process of starting and stopping and starting over again, before I finally find the “flow” I’m looking for. When I find the feeling I’m seeking, then I can usually finish the book, but until I do, it’s like driving a car that sputters along because you somehow got water in the gas tank.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">" </span> </span></span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"> </span></span></span></span></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Helvetica;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Why is writing so important to how you can express putting it all down on paper...is there a method to this madness? When and where is the best time for you to write? </span></b></i></span><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">"There’s no method, but plenty of madness. I actually hate the process of writing. I love storytelling, making up stories, but writing is hard work. It’s not something I consider fun. It’s boring, tedious, frustrating, and did I say tedious? I know that once I get started, and find that vibe or rhythm, then it’s off to the races, and I try and write as quickly as I can to get as much done as I can before I lose it. But there is no best time to write. Some books I’ve written in the early hours of the day. Other books, I may have written in the afternoon hours, and some may be written late at night. I used to think that I’d have a formula figured out by now, but I don’t think that’s ever going to happen."</span></span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"> </span></span></span></i><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Helvetica;color:#444444;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">You may not remember me, but I was formally introduced to you via </span></b></span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Marlive Harris’ </span></b></span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">G.R.I.T.S. online reading and book club about 4 years ago and have never stop admiring your afinity to great storytelling...how important are book clubs to all things literary pertaining to you as an author and the books you write?</span></b></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></b></i></span><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">"Book clubs are the pulse of the literary world. It’s the book clubs, I believe, that have kept most of us in print, and without them, I don’t know if I’d still be here after all these years. Individually, I don’t think they realize the power of their influence in this business, but collectively, they are as important as publishers, writers, bookstores… And it’s always wonderful to see people gather together to break bread to discuss a good book. Honestly, I think that’s the best way to truly enjoy reading."</span></i></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"> </span></i></span></span><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Helvetica;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b>From the first book you wrote --</b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b> </b></span></i></span><span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">‘</span></span></span></i></span><span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And the Eight Day She Rested’<b> </b></span></span></span></i></span><span style="font-family:Helvetica;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b>to the </b>current ‘</span></i></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Take Your Pleasure Where You Find It’</span></span></i></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></i></span><span style="font-family:Helvetica;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b>how have you matured as a writer?</b></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b> </b></span><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">"I’ve become more comfortable with the sound of my literary voice. With my earlier books, 8</span></span></i></span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">th</span></span></i></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"> Day, and Black King, I honestly had no idea that I even had a literary voice. When you’re a new writer, you write mostly from passion, and the desire to finish a book and to hopefully see it on the shelves someday. But as time goes on, and you write more books, the passion is still there, but it’s different. I am still a nervous wreck before a book comes out, worrying over whether or not people will like it. But I write with purpose, now. I write with a specific direction in mind, and with my earlier books, I don’t think I did that, intentionally. Now I’m passionate about being more creative and exploring new directions with my books. As a writer, I feel that I’m brave enough to do that now—on purpose!"</span></span></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"> </span></span></i></span><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b>I’ve always feel that your stories are character-driven with great plot twists, compelling settings with story lines that give drama a favorable flair...are there formulas you use to weave a fabric to tell your stories? </b></span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">"All I know is that if I’m bored writing the book, then readers are going to be bored reading it. When that happens, I usually hit the delete button on my computer and start over from scratch. There’s not a formula, but I believe that reading should be more than two-dimensional. You have to do more than just see the words and hold the book in your hand. Reading should stir emotions, and physical feelings in the reader, and in the writer. I can’t just go through the motions and put words on paper just to fill a word count for my publisher. When I hit that last keystroke, I need to feel satisfied."</span></span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"> </span></span></span></i><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b>Let’s talk about </b></span></span></i></span><span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">‘</span></span></i></span><span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Take Your Pleasure Where You Find It’</span></span></span></i></span><span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b>.</b></span></span></i></span><span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b>..tell us how you came about writing the gist of the story, and why was it so poignant for you to illustrate it in a narrative? </b></span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></span><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">"The original premise of this book was to show the mature woman (40plus) in a different light. The three main characters, Renetta, Phyllis, and Freddie, are all about forty-eight, and thirty years out of high school, and I wanted readers to see that women of this age could be funny, daring, sexy, flawed, and still stumbling along trying to find themselves. The idea to add Tasha, the long lost daughter of one of these women, came later to add an element of tension to the group. This is a great book for book club discussions and for women to maybe see that getting older means getting more out of life in a way that you were too clueless to do when you were younger. It’s also about coming to terms with a decision these women made years ago, and realizing that each one of them, in her own way, has been mourning that decision for too long on her own." </span></span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"> </span></span></span></i><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b>People whose lives are connected seem to be one of the mantras you use to fuel dramatic interludes, are any of the characters in the books you’ve written related, or have issues that would justify fodder to be used in subsequent books? </b></span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></span><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">"The only characters that I have carried over into other books so far are the characters from One Day I Saw A Black King, which I call my “unintentional series”. It was never meant to be a series, but I loved the characters, and they all had such a rich story line component, that it was hard not to do. And readers kept asking for more of these characters, which was surprising. I’ve been asked if I plan on writing sequels to other books, like That Devil’s No Friend of Mine and And On The Eighth Day She Rested, but I don’t think it’ll happen—necessarily. There are some characters from other books that I’d like to keep on the back burner, though…just in case."</span></span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"> </span></span></span></i><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">‘On the Eighth Day She Rested’</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b> </b></span></span></i></span><span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b>and </b></span></span></i></span><span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">‘One Day I Saw A Black King’</span></span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></span><span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b>are two of my favorite J.D. Mason books...and I like them for many reasons, but mainly because of human values are interwoven with how relationships are won and lost on how decisions are made... What can you tell the reading public about how issues between people may be staples for you writing a good story? </b></span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b> </b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">"People and their relationships are the best and most plentiful inspiration. I mean, it’s endless. An individual has a ton of different relationships going on all at once, and in each of those relationships, that person can represent someone different to each person; a mother, a daughter, a sister, a friend, a wife…and in each role, we behave differently depending on who we’re with. We think differently, we speak differently. That’s the beauty of being human, and that’s why the inspiration for exploring relationships in books is so bountiful. It’s about stepping outside of my skin and pretending to be someone else. And when I do that, I have to try and think and act like they would. I get to play pretend when I’m writing, just like I used to play when I was a kid. That’s why this is such a great job."</span></span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"> </span></span></span></i><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b>What is your favorite book you've written...the one that you feel best exemplify how you nailed your concept for reader appeal. Explain why. </b></span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">"I honestly can’t say which one is my favorite. I’ve loved them all for different reasons, and I don’t know if I’ve ever completely nailed any concept for any particular reader. I think that if you ask different readers, you’ll get different answers as to which book they liked best. Personally, I like them all."</span></span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><br /></span></span></span></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Helvetica;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b>If someone were to ask you, “Who is J.D. Mason, why you write as you do, and why they should buy your books, what would you tell them? </b></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">"I’m probably one of the most unassuming people you’ll ever meet, and I can be a bit shy too sometimes. I communicate so much better as a writer than I do in face to face conversation. But still waters run deep, and I am more confident on paper than anywhere else. Sometimes, I don’t even know how deep I can be until I go back and read something I’ve written, then look at it, like “where did that come from?”</span></span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-family:Times, serif;font-size:medium;"><span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">Being a creative writer is what I do best, and when you read my books, I think you’ll be carried away by good stories that offer new and different perspectives that maybe you wouldn’t have otherwise considered. I write to get you thinking and talking, and maybe even arguing and disagreeing. I write to stir feelings in you that maybe you didn’t even know were there, but are surprised and happy to discover."</span></span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"> </span></span></span></i></span></span></span></span></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b>Are there any suggestions, tidbits of information or good advice that you could give my granddaughter about becoming an accomplished writer?</b></span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b> </b></span></span><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">"Have an open mind and spirit. Be receptive to your thoughts and characters voices, no matter how much they conflict with your own. And be brave enough to try new things, to explore new and unique concepts. Be diligent, because this business is tough. It’s tough to get into, and even after you’ve signed a contract for your first book, it’s still tough. I won’t tell you to get a thick skin because the criticism will come. All criticism hurts, but you should learn to separate constructive criticism from insults, and grow from it."</span></span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"> </span></span></span></i><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b>What’s next for J.D. Mason on the horizon?</b></span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">"I’m finishing up the very last book featuring the characters from Black King. The new book is called Somebody Pick Up My Pieces, and should be out later this year. I’ve just turned in my first science fiction novel to my editor, and I’m waiting to hear from her on how I well I did, or didn’t do, with it. It’s the first book in a three book series. I have just started a new novel called '</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;">Beautiful, Dirty, Rich' </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">and it centers around a rich and powerful black family from the south called the Gatewoods, and I’m toying around with the idea of writing a YA sci/fi novel or series, if it works out."</span></span></i></span></p></span></i></span></div>Alvin C. Romerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17301376080517978182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14404538.post-39092548002828688962010-02-17T17:51:00.008-05:002010-02-17T19:15:03.659-05:00Introducing...Hozeh, the Author!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwyIOKlYogPJli3-Ff_yN0JP2bAWWJiqXSXJCdwT_taZUfmIrchzi3L4XIcJnZfy2GhXPd9SYiGBjSjzFvgD7QzHjsrqxlYvF888E8QOhTfEB6j3atUTV6RQUtA4UwFeuAGf_9pg/s1600-h/IMAGE.Hozeh.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwyIOKlYogPJli3-Ff_yN0JP2bAWWJiqXSXJCdwT_taZUfmIrchzi3L4XIcJnZfy2GhXPd9SYiGBjSjzFvgD7QzHjsrqxlYvF888E8QOhTfEB6j3atUTV6RQUtA4UwFeuAGf_9pg/s400/IMAGE.Hozeh.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439358833351020946" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHrdEUgzvGYUDDiloElGhZ16i4vd7kOGEBxptPxvYvpbXiKk321P-M2bFK7EUh8uHemIecvCLWMCbLpaRI1pWaN-5gcn8sWvCe001RQamzYhu3fW9glJSdLRF8fbrM_d69BqavtA/s1600-h/37764.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 175px; height: 280px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHrdEUgzvGYUDDiloElGhZ16i4vd7kOGEBxptPxvYvpbXiKk321P-M2bFK7EUh8uHemIecvCLWMCbLpaRI1pWaN-5gcn8sWvCe001RQamzYhu3fW9glJSdLRF8fbrM_d69BqavtA/s400/37764.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439356063316064274" /></a><br /><br /><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></i><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Every now and then there comes a literary gem that shines in spite of every other gem that sparkles may be sparkling in its wake. Authors come and go, but there are a few that shine so brightly that it's hard to be ignored. Such is the case of first time author, <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Hozeh</span></b>, a prolific writer who aims to make more of a name for himself despite the fact that Hozeh indeed is a Hebrew word meaning 'a suggestive parallel with the Prophet'. <b>The Hip Hop Manifesto</b> is his latest work. I took time out to ask a few questions of this talented author and here is what he articulated to me....</span></i><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Times, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 1px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 1px;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; line-height: 23px; font-family:'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif;font-size:19px;"><p class="NormalWeb1" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- display: block; color:initial;"><b style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><i style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- font-family:Arial;font-size:10.5pt;color:initial;"></span></i></b></p><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 23px; font-size:19px;"><p class="NormalWeb1" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- display: block; color:initial;"><b style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- font-family:Arial;color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">ACR: If someone were to ask “who are you?”, including wanting you to give</span></i></span></span></b><b style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- font-family:'Lucida Grande';color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></i></span></span></b><b style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- font-family:Arial;color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">them three adjectives to further describe yourself, what would you say and what would they be?</span></i></span></span></b></p><p class="NormalWeb1" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- display: block; text-align: justify; min-height: 16px; color:initial;"><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- font-family:Arial;color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">Hozeh: </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">I’ve always thought that the question “Who are you?” was a difficult question to answer.</span></span></i><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">Reason being: when you answer that question, you immediately impose limits upon yourself.</span></span></i><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">I don’t do limits.</span></span></i><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">But, if pressed for an answer, I would have to say that I’m an advocate for change—both personal and in the world at-large—who thinks, writes, teaches, and loves like his heart and mind are on fire…but are not being consumed. <span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; font-size:23px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Three adjectives to describe myself?</span></i><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Now, that’s a lot easier.</span></i><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Passionate, risk-taker, non-conformist.</span></i></span></span></span></i></span></p><p class="NormalWeb1" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- display: block; text-align: justify; color:initial;"><b style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- font-family:Arial;color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">ACR: What redeeming value do you get from writing…what do you get out of sharing what you write?</span></i></span></span></b></p><p class="NormalWeb1" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- display: block; text-align: justify; color:initial;"><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- font-family:Arial;color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">Hozeh: </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">I believe that every writer who is </span></span></i><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">truly</span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"> committed to his/her craft is inspired by God and called by God.</span></span></i><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">So, I get a great deal of satisfaction doing what God has called me to do.</span></span></i><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">Sharing what I’ve written is part of that calling as well.</span></span></i></span></p><p class="NormalWeb1" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- display: block; text-align: justify; color:initial;"><b style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- font-family:Arial;color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">ACR: Describe your book in general and the setting specifically, to those who may question the reason you wrote it in the genre it's written in (and of course, without giving too much away, LOL!)</span></i></span></span></b></p><p class="NormalWeb1" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- display: block; text-align: justify; min-height: 16px; color:initial;"><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- font-family:Arial;color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">Hozeh:</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"> </span></span></i><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">The</span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"> Hip Hop Manifesto is a sci-fi novel set in the southwestern United States approximately </span></span></i><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1266449657_1" style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">one hundred years</span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"> in the future after war, famine, disease, and death has left the Earth a barren wasteland.</span></span></i><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">Disease and mutation have gifted a few of the survivors of this holocaust with tremendous cognitive and psychic abilities.</span></span></i><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">They are able to recall every word that’s ever been spoken and written and use </span></span></i><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">The Word </span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">for not only its rhetorical power and wisdom but also its energy.</span></span></i><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">The gifted have made a new religion, and its holy book is the Hip Hop Manifesto.</span></span></i><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">El Adrel, the main character, has trouble grasping the subtleties of this faith, and we follow him as he seeks to master it and himself.</span></span></i></span></p><p class="NormalWeb1" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- display: block; text-align: justify; color:initial;"><b style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- font-family:Arial;color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">ACR: I have to constantly remind myself that this is your first effort at publishing a full-length novel. Was writing always a form of expression for you…if so, explain further?</span></i></span></span></b></p><p class="NormalWeb1" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- display: block; text-align: justify; color:initial;"><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- font-family:Arial;color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">Hozeh: </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">Writing was not always a form of expression for me.</span></span></i><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">In fact, in undergrad, I avoided classes that required large amounts of writing.</span></span></i><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">I disliked writing.</span></span></i><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">It wasn’t until I got cut from the basketball team in my sophomore year that I started to explore other means of expression.</span></span></i><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">My first poems were written in 1989, my senior year, after hanging out with some new-found friends who had formed a </span></span></i><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1266449657_2" style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">Hip Hop group</span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">.</span></span></i><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">I had always had a deep appreciation for Hip Hop, and after being with those guys for a while, my love and respect for the art deepened.</span></span></i><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">To this day, I write in a Hip Hop state of mind, pulling from as broad of a perspective and ideological foundation as I can.</span></span></i><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">Like pure Hip Hop, I refuse to put limits and boundaries on myself as a writer.</span></span></i></span></p><p class="NormalWeb1" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- display: block; text-align: justify; color:initial;"><b style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- font-family:Arial;color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">ACR: The previous question had a lot to do with the style and substance used by you as a first time novelist, share with us the concept behind and the making of your book... where did the idea originate? </span></i></span></span></b></p><p class="NormalWeb1" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- display: block; text-align: justify; min-height: 16px; color:initial;"><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- font-family:Arial;color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">Hozeh:</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"> Circa 1998.</span></span></i><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">I was talking with a friend and colleague one Sunday.</span></span></i><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">He remarked that he hadn’t attended church that day but that he had listened to </span></span></i><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1266449657_3" style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">Stevie Wonder</span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">.</span></span></i><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">I said to him that listening to Stevie is as good as goin’ to church and that I’ve gotten “the ghost” from listening to his music.</span></span></i><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">I went on to list several other artists who given me </span></span></i><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1266449657_4" style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">religious experiences</span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">.</span></span></i><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">The idea that works other than the Bible, Torah, Koran, Bhagavad-Gita, etc. can be “of God” began to take shape.</span></span></i></span></p><p class="NormalWeb1" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- display: block; text-align: justify; color:initial;"><b style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- font-family:Arial;color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">ACR: Let’s talk more about how and why you chose the unique title for the book and what significance it had on the story line?</span></i></span></span></b></p><p class="NormalWeb1" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- display: block; text-align: justify; color:initial;"><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- font-family:Arial;color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">Hozeh:</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"> (cont. from above) Soon, I asked myself, </span></span></i><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">what if</span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"> Hip Hop was the basis for a religion, and if it was, what rituals would it have?</span></span></i><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">In what way would salvation be achieved?</span></span></i><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">What would be its holy days?</span></span></i><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">Would there be a Sabbath?</span></span></i><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">Who would be its prophets?</span></span></i><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">What text would its disciples read from?</span></span></i><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">A Hip Hop manifesto, perhaps.</span></span></i></span></p><p class="NormalWeb1" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- display: block; text-align: justify; color:initial;"><b style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- font-family:Arial;color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">ACR: This story reads like a movie, and I won’t be surprised if there’s a script being written for it. (If indeed there is, please explain further). Tell us then, the methodology used to create and weave the characters throughout the book to enhance the back story and other </span></i><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1266449657_5" style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">plot twists</span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">.</span></i></span></span></b></p><p class="NormalWeb1" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- display: block; text-align: justify; min-height: 16px; color:initial;"><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- font-family:Arial;color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">Hozeh:</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"> I’m in the process of adapting it for a television series.</span></span></i><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">To me, it would fit best as an HBO series.</span></span></i><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">A movie wouldn’t do the depth and scope of the novel justice.</span></span></i><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">The methodology used to create and weave the characters throughout the book, story, and plot is from a </span></span></i><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1266449657_6" style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">Hip Hop foundation</span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">.</span></span></i><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">Countless hours were spent finding the right rap quotes by listening to tapes, CDs, and browsing the internet.</span></span></i><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">In a sense, I would do what Rakim, of Eric B and Rakim, would do:</span></span></i><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">“I start to think, and then I sink into the paper like I was ink. When I’m writing I’m trapped in between the lines. I escape when I finish my rhymes.”</span></span></i><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">In other words, you have to become totally immersed in the subject matter as an actor would immerse himself into a character.</span></span></i></span></p><p class="NormalWeb1" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- display: block; text-align: justify; color:initial;"><b style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- font-family:Arial;color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">ACR: From idea to bookshelf, to what effect do you owe any modicum of success to the fact that your book is now in print…. in other words, who and what is responsible most for bringing it to fruition?</span></i></span></span></b></p><p class="NormalWeb1" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- display: block; text-align: justify; min-height: 16px; color:initial;"><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- font-family:Arial;color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">Hozeh:</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"> Countless rappers, Hip Hoppers, writers, and God are owed the inspiration.</span></span></i><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">There’s an old adage in street culture: rap is what you do, but Hip Hop is what you live.</span></span></i><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">The best Hip Hop is made by people who breathe and bleed the culture, the way of life.</span></span></i><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">There’s a difference between a guy rappin’ because it’s the latest gimmick to sell records and Eminem.</span></span></i><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">There is a difference between Mexican food and food made by Mexicans.</span></span></i><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">There is a difference between a person who practices martial arts for self-defense and a Shaolin martial artist. </span></span></i></span></p><p class="NormalWeb1" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- display: block; text-align: justify; color:initial;"><b style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- font-family:Arial;color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">ACR: What is your favorite scene in the book, and why does it hold such significance to your train of thought?</span></i></span></span></b></p><p class="NormalWeb1" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- display: block; text-align: justify; min-height: 16px; color:initial;"><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- font-family:Arial;color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">Hozeh:</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"> My favorite scene is in chapter 39 when El has a talk with his inner child.</span></span></i><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">That scene reminds me that there is good and bad in all of us and that to judge anyone is a self-defeating, futile gesture.</span></span></i><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">Chapter 39 also reminds me of Jesus’ quote, “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.”</span></span></i><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">As I told a colleague once, “We are just men; we’re not meant to know everything.”</span></span></i></span></p><p class="NormalWeb1" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- display: block; text-align: justify; color:initial;"><b style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- font-family:Arial;color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">ACR: What’s next on the horizon for you besides marketing this book and letting the world know that they should read it?</span></i></span></span></b></p><p class="NormalWeb1" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- display: block; text-align: justify; min-height: 16px; color:initial;"><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- font-family:Arial;color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">Hozeh:</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"> I plan to further explore (thinking, writing, creating, etc.) what I consider to be the greatest challenge facing humankind today: human rights.</span></span></i><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, </span></span></i></span><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- font-family:Arial;color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">Liberty</span></span></i></span><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- font-family:Arial;color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">, and the pursuit of Happiness.”</span></span></i><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">This excerpt from the </span></span></i><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1266449657_7" style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 102, 204); cursor: pointer; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">Declaration of Independence</span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"> is one of the most sacred utterances enunciated and penned by the hands of humankind.</span></span></i><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">I have long held that a person deprived of life is dead, a person deprived of liberty is a slave, and a person deprived of the ability to pursue happiness will become a monster.</span></span></i><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">To let any of those consequences befall </span></span></i><b style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">anyone</span></span></i></span></b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"> is to betray the most fundamental thing that makes a person an American, or dare I say, a human.</span></span></i><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">Indeed, how can you call yourself an American if you are in opposition to it?</span></span></i></span></p><p class="NormalWeb1" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- display: block; text-align: justify; color:initial;"><b style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- font-family:Arial;color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">ACR: Based on what you know now about the publishing industry, what would you do differently and what would you tell other inspiring authors?</span></i></span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- display: block; color:initial;"><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- font-family:Arial;color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">Hozeh:</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"> At this stage of the game, you don’t have to wait for a major publishing house to publish you.</span></span></i><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">You can do it yourself…and keep your rights.</span></span></i><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">However, be smart about it.</span></span></i><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">Find a good editor.</span></span></i><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">Know and understand all of the different ways you can market yourself.</span></span></i><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">Lastly/firstly/most importantly, write something that will get you noticed.</span></span></i><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"> </span></span></i></span><b style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">BE PROVOCATIVE!</span></span></i></b></span></p></span></span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- display: block; color:initial;"><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- font-family:Arial;font-size:10.5pt;color:initial;"><b style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><i></i></b></span></p></span></span></span></div></div>Alvin C. Romerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17301376080517978182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14404538.post-8162972979662928912009-10-30T11:36:00.007-05:002009-10-30T12:28:48.027-05:00Is It Time for Publishers to Change Marketing Strategies?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9j-W4H-JsKsMsB3f0rmVmeI8rPHvm0qkWsfdgDU9nQI43lvKIzvABhT1zkwoCTYjuvl8pvqPomSKsyXcYoV4vGU-uAJJHMjrGZywgnnDP9Iuju1MwmgCI-OuzIwj4GJjX_-CkhQ/s1600-h/fauzia_burke.jpg"><span><span></span></span><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 120px; height: 120px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9j-W4H-JsKsMsB3f0rmVmeI8rPHvm0qkWsfdgDU9nQI43lvKIzvABhT1zkwoCTYjuvl8pvqPomSKsyXcYoV4vGU-uAJJHMjrGZywgnnDP9Iuju1MwmgCI-OuzIwj4GJjX_-CkhQ/s400/fauzia_burke.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398440337411201586" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px; font-family:arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- display: block; color:initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><i></i></span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"><i><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; line-height: 23.0px; font: 22.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i></i></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; line-height: 23.0px; font: 16.0px Times New Roman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i>Is it time for publishers large and small to change their marketing strategies? Which is more relevant, readers you’re hoping to help establish your financial success, or how much money can be made in any given quarter or fiscal year? No one will ever dispute that mainstream publishing and all of their subsidiaries are money making ventures that caters to a bottom line relative to return of invested dollars that have branded their products. Their status quo mentality oftentimes have taken the reading public for granted, but now that the economy is forcing them to reassess their financial foundations it should also be a magnification of how their decisions are affecting readers. A colleague of mine, </i><b><i>Fauzia Burke,</i></b><i> who is the founder and President of </i><a href="http://www.fsbassociates.com/"><span style="text-decoration: underline ; letter-spacing: 0.0px "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">FSB Associates</span></i></span></a><i> is currently a featured blogger on </i><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/fauzia-burke"><span style="text-decoration: underline ; letter-spacing: 0.0px "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">The Huffington Post</span></i></span></a><i> new books vertical where the article you're about to read below originally debuted. The article due to heavy readership ended up on the front page of Huff Post for a few days</i></span><span style="font: 16.0px Arial; letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i> </i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i>where it featured poignant pleas for the industry to take heed to that segment of the industry that cannot be ignored any longer. After talking to staff members at </i><b><i>FSB Associates</i></b><i> it was agreed that the area that I serve most should be aware of her approach to opinionated matters that would ascertain to a wider awareness. I readily support this effort and I invite your attention to her concern:</i></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 23.0px; font: 16.0px Arial; min-height: 18.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; line-height: 23.0px; font: 14.0px Arial"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i>With today's search empowered readers, do we need to market and publish books differently? Does general publishing makes sense in an age of Google searches, micro communities and niche marketing? Today's readers are tech savvy and resourceful. They know how to get the information they need and have higher expectations from publishers and authors. They don't just expect a book, they expect a community with their book. I often hear publishers say that there are "very few brands in book publishing." But to thrive in today's competitive, niche markets, perhaps brands are exactly what we need. What readers choose to read is personal and an extension of who they are. Shouldn't their book choices be supported by a publisher, a brand that is invested in their interests? </i></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; line-height: 30.0px; font: 14.0px Arial; min-height: 16.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i></i></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; line-height: 22.0px; font: 14.0px Arial"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i>Many small publishing companies have done an enviable job of branding themselves and building reader communities around their books. Take </i><b><i>O'Reilly</i></b><i>, </i><b><i>TOR</i></b><i> and </i><b><i>Hay House</i></b><i>. You may not read their books, but you know what they publish. Their communities trust them. People who share their point-of-view flock to their lists. These companies publish for a niche community, and are trusted members of their community. They provide extra resources, and often their authors are members of the community itself. TOR has even launched a bookstore to meet their readers' needs. These publishers show passion for their books and an understanding of their readers, and as such their readers reward them with loyalty. </i></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center; line-height: 23.0px; font: 14.0px Arial; min-height: 16.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center; line-height: 23.0px; font: 14.0px Arial"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><i>Publishing books for the community</i></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center; line-height: 22.0px; font: 14.0px Arial; min-height: 16.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i></i></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; line-height: 22.0px; font: 14.0px Arial"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i>Besides reader loyalty, publishing for micro communities may have other long-term benefits as well. For example, the focus would help publishers save money on marketing. Marketing through online communities is less expensive and much more powerful than trying to reach the general public and hoping to find the right match. The publisher's Web site wouldn't have to cater to a wide variety of people, it would be designed to serve the needs of a small group. Instead of expensive advertising, they could announce the book to the community that has already bought into their brand. Publishers and authors could enlist the support of the community to spread the word (which will always be the most efficient method for marketing books.) The logo on the book spine would mean the readers have a promise that the book is worth reading. The readers would know that the publisher looked at over a thousand manuscripts all on the same topic and is offering them the very best. </i></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; line-height: 30.0px; font: 14.0px Arial; min-height: 16.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i></i></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; line-height: 22.0px; font: 14.0px Arial"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i>So are large, general publishers at a disadvantage with today's search-empowered, community oriented readers? I think so. General trade publishing is for everyone, yet there is no "everyone" out there. Readers are part of micro communities. They want good books, and they need publishers who will support their interests and passions. The bottom line is that publishers and authors need to evolve their marketing and publishing strategies to accommodate for a new kind of reader. A reader whose expectations demand more interaction and community. A reader whose loyalty you can have once you have earned it. A reader who wants more than a 6 week marketing campaign so you can sell a book. This new reader requires an investment of months and years. Is that too much to expect? Perhaps. But this is your new reader, and she will stay with you if you stay with her. </i></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; line-height: 23.0px; font: 14.0px Arial; min-height: 16.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 23px; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Arial; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><i>Author Bio: Fauzia Burke</i></b><i> is the Founder and President of FSB Associates, a Web publicity firm specializing in creating online awareness for books and authors. For more information, please visit </i><a href="http://www.fsbassociates.com/"><span style="font: 14.0px Arial; letter-spacing: 0.0px "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">www.FSBAssociates.com</span></i></span></a><i>. Stay tuned for Web marketing tips in future weeks, or follow FSB on Twitter to see our result is in real time: </i><a href="http://twitter.com/FSBAssociates"><span style="font: 14.0px Arial; letter-spacing: 0.0px "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">http://twitter.com/FSBAssociates</span></i></span></a><i> ©2009 Fauzia Burke</i></span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;font-size:6;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: normal;font-size:20px;"><br /></span></span></div></span><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; line-height: 23.0px; font: 22.0px Arial"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i></i></span></p></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"></span><p></p>Alvin C. Romerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17301376080517978182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14404538.post-12091428824458388612009-08-14T17:49:00.003-05:002009-08-14T18:01:18.983-05:00What Lies Within the Souls of Men?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFS-YSBqDZ0PZFODPHuZzYqRpJNfzE-AmhWYGGhLEG25pdUbazv_VXw0_i3dGL8NebVJiCrCEIIpzVPcBPhuhoqxYAdX6IdapJL_GCr_EOaslqxceUysF7JngO4XX6gzW5q1NBbw/s1600-h/PERSONAL+PIC.Soul+Of+A+Man+Promo+.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 309px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFS-YSBqDZ0PZFODPHuZzYqRpJNfzE-AmhWYGGhLEG25pdUbazv_VXw0_i3dGL8NebVJiCrCEIIpzVPcBPhuhoqxYAdX6IdapJL_GCr_EOaslqxceUysF7JngO4XX6gzW5q1NBbw/s400/PERSONAL+PIC.Soul+Of+A+Man+Promo+.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369958063970169474" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(66, 64, 55); line-height: 21px; font-family:Arial;font-size:12px;"><p style="text-align: justify;padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 18px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">There will come a time in your life where you'd want to have questions answered about your man, father, brother, uncle, son, nephew, husband or friend. The subject is men and what is in their souls and minds that would tend to keep them silent in some cases and mysterious in ways that baffle the minds of those around them. Questions are always asked -- what lies in the souls of men? Love, laughter, heartache, and sorrow? Pride, fear, rage, and contentment? These questions aside, I contend that the soul of a man lies in his heart and in his inner being. Trials are measured and grounded by an inner sanctum that serves as a holding tank of ideas, feelings and thoughts. Real or imagined, they are the expectations gone awry, hopes and dreams that are nurtured with some sort of light at the end of tunnels.</span></span></span></p><div style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">From socio-economic barriers to racial tensions, from broken hearts, to new found faith experiences, the plight of man varies individually. There are many stories to tell and those still being told, and now cones a seminal anthology extolling all of the above by a few good men whose souls are bared. THE SOUL OF A MAN is the name, and in it are the wacky and weird situations are laid out in living color. Check out this book and be enlightened! </span></span></span></div></span>Alvin C. Romerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17301376080517978182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14404538.post-79829292226974612352009-05-24T19:56:00.008-05:002009-05-24T21:21:37.073-05:00Generational Curses - Real or Imagined?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz8YTsl3dJt-466Eve0K5bqbnmeSBNaPHK_1oAQLslhz0kyKztYFYjjF3CehzJJFjdX3ZSBqtKLEBpI4_9QkvWyZERVDYl68N3yAqxg00SZE07UjSq1lzptH2KCN3cEZ7acR0IlQ/s1600-h/IMAGE.BlogTour+for+Toyi+Ward.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz8YTsl3dJt-466Eve0K5bqbnmeSBNaPHK_1oAQLslhz0kyKztYFYjjF3CehzJJFjdX3ZSBqtKLEBpI4_9QkvWyZERVDYl68N3yAqxg00SZE07UjSq1lzptH2KCN3cEZ7acR0IlQ/s400/IMAGE.BlogTour+for+Toyi+Ward.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339572432925676450" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Times;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style=" ;font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> remember distinctly as a child how my grandmother would always cite curses that my siblings and I were under. It wasn't until later that I came to realize and be cognizant of how the Bible mentions “generational curses” in several places</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">(Exodus </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">20:5; 34:7</span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">; </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Numbers </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">14:18</span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">; </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Deuteronomy </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">5:9</span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">). </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Despite the fact that I understood the issue after much research, It still sounded unfair to me for God to punish children for the sins of their fathers. However, this is looking at it from a perspective that bears witness to all things Spiritual. God knew what he was doing when He included seed begging bread, passed down from one generation to the next maladies that effected all. When a father has a sinful lifestyle, his children are likely to have the same sinful lifestyle as well. Of course that's why it is not unjust for God to punish sin to the third or fourth generation – because they are committing the same sins their ancestors did. They are being punished for their own sins, not the sins of their ancestors. The Bible specifically tells us that God does not hold children accountable for the sins of their parents </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">(</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Deuteronomy </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">24:16</span></span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">).</span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Now let's cut to the chase...now comes the eloquent </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Toyi Ward</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> with her debut book about generational curses involving a family experiencing issues that to them, is nothing but curses from the past. The Book -- </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">PAR FOR THE CURSE</span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> is an interesting one. I had a chance to talk to the author and what an insightful analogy given on her take of curses:</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial;"></span></span></span></p><p color="#460d50" style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Arial; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1. Indeed, this is one of the best books I've read thus far in 2009, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">tell the reading audience your journey to becoming a published author</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Arial; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></p> <p color="#001afb" style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Georgia; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Depending upon where you begin it took five years or twenty years. I started writing stories as a teenager but never considered writing as a career. Five years ago I began crafting PAR FOR THE CURSE. Managing my career as a sales & marketing executive while writing in my spare time proved difficult but not impossible. Last summer, after several complete revisions, the final manuscript was ready. I began searching for agents to no avail. That's when I chose the small press route. And the rest, as they say, is history</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">.</span></span></span></p> <p color="#460d50" style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Arial; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></p> <p color="#460d50" style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Arial; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2. Why all the recent interest in generational curses...Is it something African-Americans should be overly conscious of?</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p color="#460d50" style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Arial; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></span></p> <p color="#001afb" style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Georgia; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Absolutely! It's something everyone should be conscious of, but especially African-Americans. A lot has changed for us in the last forty-plus years, but not everyone has been included in that change. While some African-Americans are getting educations, starting businesses, and running the free world, others are still caught in the same rut as their parents and grandparents. Some projects have three generations of family living in the same building. Divorce, single motherhood, absentee fatherhood, poverty, violence, and substance abuse are all things that are often passed through generations of African-American families. Until the very fabric of the community is healed from these curses, the race, as a whole, cannot truly move forward in it's stature. When African-Americans have a cultural reputation similar to the wealth of the Jews or the entrepreneurship of the Asians, then we will have moved collectively</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">. </span></span></span></p> <p color="#460d50" style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Arial; min-height: 16px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></span></p> <p color="#460d50" style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Arial; min-height: 16px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">3. What makes your story unique and different than any other situation relative to the subject?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Arial; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></p> <p color="#001afb" style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Georgia; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Well, I don't know of many stories written about generational curses. That's why I chose to address the topic. However, the particular curse in the story, unfulfilled love, has been written about many times. In most of these cases, the character struggles with relationships, finds their true love, and the couple live happily ever after. Par for the Curse is not about love. Nor is it about living happily ever after. It's about our attitudes toward love. The goal of the story is not for these women to find Mr. Right. It's for them to discover who they really are in word and deed. It's about them getting it right. </span></span></span></span></p> <p color="#001afb" style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Arial; min-height: 16px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></span></p> <p color="#001afb" style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Arial; min-height: 16px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">4. What if any, are the benefits and banes of curses...are they real or figments of imaginations?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Arial; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></p> <p color="#001afb" style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Georgia; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I believe curses are real. The division we have as a people is a curse from slavery. There is no question. Curses have been spoken since biblical times. However, there is great debate over where curses originate. Can someone put a curse on someone else? If you believe they can, they can. There are no benefits to a curse. If you have inherited something beneficial....it's a blessing.</span></span></span></span></p> <p color="#460d50" style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Arial; min-height: 16px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></span></p> <p color="#460d50" style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Arial; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">5. How would you summarize the path to overcoming generational or any other type of curse?</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p color="#460d50" style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Arial; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></span></p> <p color="#001afb" style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Georgia; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">One word. JESUS! Generational Curses are patterns of learned behavior that need to be unlearned, often times without an example. You can find that example in Christ. Breaking that pattern is not an easy thing to do. The first step, like anything else, is to acknowledge and recognize that there is a generational curse on your family. It's not enough to simply stop a behavior. You need to also proactively start a positive behavior in the opposite direction. As for the other type of curses, your faith is even more important. Those curses come from darkness. The only way to rid something or someone of darkness is to shine light. </span></span></span></span></p> <p color="#460d50" style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Arial; min-height: 16px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></span></p> <p color="#460d50" style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Arial; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">6. Do you believe in curses yourself, and why did you feel the need to write this book?</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Arial; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></p> <p color="#001afb" style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Georgia; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I strongly believe in generational curses - negative patterns of behavior that continue to regenerate themselves in a bloodline. So many people are suffering without realizing that they are trapped in a cycle. People need to realize that they are born with a clean slate. Your mother's mess and your father's drama do not have to dictate how you live your life. You may even help them in the process. That's why I wrote the book. My mother had some mess. My father stays with drama. I put down their baggage and dealt with my own stuff. Now, my mom is like a new person too. This whole process has been a blessing. </span></span></span></span></p> <p color="#001afb" style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Arial; min-height: 16px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></span></p> <p color="#460d50" style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Arial; min-height: 16px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">7. What advice would you give he/she finding themselves real or imagined, coming into a cursed situation or relationship?</span></span></p> <p color="#460d50" style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Arial; min-height: 16px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></span></p> <p color="#001afb" style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Georgia; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">First, be real with yourself. See the situation for what it is and not what you want it to be. If it's abuse, call it abuse. If it's poverty, call it out quickly. The second thing a person needs to do is arm himself/herself with information. Figure out what's going on and what the best way is to stop it. If you find yourself abusing drugs just like your parent, you need information to help you out of that. Get the knowledge on how to be better. Lastly, get someone to go through it with you - someone who doesn't suffer with the same issue. You are not looking for camaraderie. You need to seek strength.</span></span></span></span></p><p color="#001afb" style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Georgia; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p color="#460d50" style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Arial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Interestingly enough, before entering the promised land Moses warned </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">the Israelites about a new generation that was preparing a new life, and that they would have to repent and deal with their own personal sins that were their fathers'. Isn't it so today that we should not be held accountable for our father's sins until we repent ourselves and stop curses before they become par for our course?</span></span></span></span></p></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></p><p align="left" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial;"><br /></span></p>Alvin C. Romerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17301376080517978182noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14404538.post-40208524361044383332009-04-09T17:27:00.005-05:002009-04-09T23:08:43.319-05:00A Southern Man<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVMoJ2bDlNWoBWE84e6tgI9p8sw1JMCS9TjFmkabyS6vvpjloJGyeYnap5bxC6Ykc46ePZs-dfjgB8sOw-97UA6T4qZPc89VgL8tsey82m5g5Utk59iY0MgZw5WyrWO4u6jnrqNw/s1600-h/PIC.Palms+on+the+water.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 204px; height: 137px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVMoJ2bDlNWoBWE84e6tgI9p8sw1JMCS9TjFmkabyS6vvpjloJGyeYnap5bxC6Ykc46ePZs-dfjgB8sOw-97UA6T4qZPc89VgL8tsey82m5g5Utk59iY0MgZw5WyrWO4u6jnrqNw/s400/PIC.Palms+on+the+water.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322871023189740178" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">I was born and raised in Miami, the part of Florida with tropical allure, a melting pot of culture and a place that I defend regularly. You see, I'm a Southern Man. As I celebrate the south, I can think of no other place than home where I lay my hat, caress my pillow and post on blogs like this to know that this is where I want to be --the South. Anywhere below the Mason-Dixon line is fine where a unique sense of belonging rife with distinct flavors that resonate with familiarity. There's nothing like southern living, believe me! It's the center of my familiar, a place for lovers of the out of doors where nature beckons. It is that which gives me pride when I visit other places and long to be home; it is the type of hospitality we are known for, where in some places the village is still intact; and it is where you can enjoy Mama's apple pie on the way to the beach.</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">In the south chivalry certainly not dead, and in some places warts are still viable and visible, where you find people whistling Dixie wishing for the antebellum days of yore to reappear. The Southern Man takes nothing for granted, walking with pride often dismissing the ignorance and fear of other persuasions. Stereotypically in the south is where one is reminded that to be African-American is inevitably to find yourself defined by other people's distortions, misplaced sense of superiority, and the fear of an angry Black man. A Southern Man shrugs, knowing that the work of a lifetime is to make them see you with just as much intellect as they would want you to believe they have. He will endeavor to make them see him anew -- not the person that they've been told he should be, but the person that he is, standing there astute and in living color!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">A Southern Man's way to his heart is how well his food is cooked and the fact that it's plentiful. His food is grown, picked and shipped from the south, and wants it served on silver platters. It's about oranges, peaches, pecans, peanuts, mangos, guavas, strawberry fields forever, and yes -- watermelons! He's a glutton for Hoppin' John, peas and rice, fried green tomatoes, catfish, corn pone, oatmeal; crave dirty rice and other Creole staples; love his macaroni and cheese moist, cornbread and collard greens cooked with ham hocks, and cobblers baked with the best peaches this side of Georgia. It's about that Mississippi Magnolia with poetry & prose prim and proper; he longs for erstwhile cotillion balls, Canal Street and the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Essence Music Festival</span>. He knows that only fragrant orange blossoms and Virginia hams alongside rashers of lean bacon served up with creamy grits and butter can only be appreciated in the south.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">A Southern Man travels basking in the bayous, cruising the highways and other mainstays while educated in the best academic institutions with historical value -- that's me! </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">George Washington Carver</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> would be proud, so would </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Booker T. Washington</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> of </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Tuskeegee</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">. Then there's</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Meharry Medical Institute</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">, Stax Records, Beale Street, The French Quarter, The </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Fisk Jubilee Singers</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Florida A&M Marching 100</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">, the best beaches in Florida and </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Morehouse College's </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">D</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">istinguished </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">G</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">entlemen</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> among the aforementioned living in southern comfort. Lastly but not least...</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">A Southern Man is a gentle man, debonair, respects and loves his women! He wants them with curves, brains and beauty. He can appreciate the wiles that women often display in trying to be hard to get, but in the end a Southern Man will woo, wine and dine for bed and board to really mean something. New York, Boston, Philadelphia and Baltimore are fine cities, nice places to visit but not to live...But I'm a Southern Man tried and true, give me the South -- for there's no place like home!</span></span></div>Alvin C. Romerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17301376080517978182noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14404538.post-73248436763760371002009-03-31T20:35:00.010-05:002009-04-08T13:04:45.426-05:00The Mississippi Magnolia<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFsjkKRIKf6o3Eb9097972SRr-Z_9pZrH8wkRzEPAir3mqGdb4tm7qL6o0oCDphhwgM7XP-wnJB1PwNigYX9RhL9WA_RcZqiMJ0VOffz89oVbdhi5_S9rfLbG2C10cDkdylJDo2g/s1600-h/AUTHOR+PIC.Patricia+Neely-Dorsey.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFsjkKRIKf6o3Eb9097972SRr-Z_9pZrH8wkRzEPAir3mqGdb4tm7qL6o0oCDphhwgM7XP-wnJB1PwNigYX9RhL9WA_RcZqiMJ0VOffz89oVbdhi5_S9rfLbG2C10cDkdylJDo2g/s400/AUTHOR+PIC.Patricia+Neely-Dorsey.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322342799272862482" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyYIG4WWgBQPfFKTrQ2LW2Buez7X2wThdPKi5LIDkpphOTQpL7V9JX1_24hfFpXBsUK7SH1BMMskiBAy69-SrcCFCsugjXz6RG4-U-HDu7LrB5zau36PzqVynzhjc9JmHZrvVGLA/s1600-h/IMAGE.Mississippi+Magnolia.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></a><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">The deep south resplendent with aromatic euphoria associated with delicious food, fine hospitality, comforts beyond imagination, and -- Mississippi! Much maligned and ever so magnificent, this state is a bucolic jewel indicative of its state flower, so majestic and matronly. It's on display along with another symbolic treasure -- Patricia Neely-Dorsey who is on a journey of love and admiration for her home state to dispel the notion of stigmatized misinterpretation that usually depicts it. Now comes reflections from this talented Poetess with much articulation and a sassy way of showing it. She's rapidly making a name for herself, albeit with several interviews already under her belt. This being next in line is yet another intrusive look at what Mississippi has given us! I caught up with this remarkable young woman along this journey as she opened the door a bit to facilitate my entrance. Here is what she had to reflect upon about all things Mississippi, magnolias and more:</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">ACR: Give us an idea who the REAL Patricia Neely-Dorsey is...why do you feel people should buy your poetry?</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">PND: I am a multi-faceted and many layered woman! In my book I uncover and and peel away at some of those layers for myself and others to examine. I think that readers will begin to connect with things within themselves as they are reminded of their own life circumstances that may coincide with mine. I remember one woman writing me saying that my poems connected her to some of the best times of her life. She went on to say that it just doesn't get any better than that! What more can you ask for in a book (or anything else) than something that gets you more in touch with who you are, and helps you to explore and appreciate some of the simple pleasures that have been pushed back in the darker corners of your mind. What a wonderful thing it is to be reminded of the beauty of life. Generally speaking, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Reflections Of A Mississippi Magnolia</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> does that.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">ACR: When did the idea hit home that you were a poetess...was it difficult starting the process?</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">PND: In the Foreword of my book, I say that I hesitate to call myself a 'poet' because of the way the poems were "gifted" to me. It was not hard at all to begin the process of writing poems because it was not something I tried to do or worked at in the beginning. All of my initial poems from </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Reflections Of A Mississippi Magnolia</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> were poems that just started to flow out of me with no real forethought on my part. Over time though, I've become comfortable with the title because it is what I do. There's more conscious effort and just another part of who I am.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">ACR: Why did you decide to write poems as opposed to other forms of writing?</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">PND: I've said countless times that I really didn't choose the genre nor venues to express myself in it - poetry chose me! I think that I had a lot of things within me that I wanted to have released to share...and they all came out in poetic form in a natural way.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">ACR: How do you approach writing poetry as a whole...what comes first, the title or content</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">?</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">PND: My poems are basically inspired by a memory or thoughts of some life event. I might be talking to a friend about something, or riding along and see an incredibly beautiful scene that jolts something inside of me. The poems then begin to form themselves and take a life of its own. I have a habit of telling people that my poetry come to me in many ways complete and fully packaged title and all. When I sit down to write, more often than not the content comes and then the title pops up as a sort of punctuation and icing on the cake. I must say that my titles really amuse me!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">ACR: Let's talk about your latest claim to fame...how did it actually come about, why focus on Mississippi and what was the journey like form idea to shelf?</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">PND: Believe me, I had no desire or intentions of writing a book. I woke up on Valentine's Day 2007 with a poem swirling around in my head. I quickly got up and scribbled it down. After that, many more oems started to take shape, and flowed over a period of time. They became a source of personal entertainment and inspiration. When I started sharing them I constantly were told that I should do something with them. That encouragement led me down the road toward publication and as a result the book was published a year from the date that I wrote my first poem. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">ACR: Do you have a specific approach for creating a model for a poem or coming up with a sense of style for your poems?</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">PND: As I write more, I am slowly learning the 'craft' of writing poetry. I didn't consciously use any elements of technically crafting or developing any of the poems in </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Reflections Of A Mississippi Magnolia</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> in the true sense of it. The word that I repeatedly use concerning the poems therein is that they were a gift to me 'beautifully packaged', title and all. It's like they were gift-wrapped with a nice bow on top and laid at my front door! I say that to say that there's no specific approach or technique use on my part in getting the poems to the page. Even now, when I read some of the poems it's like opening a wonderful package not knowing what to expect. I'm still absolutely delighted with them, especially when people comment about how much I seem to enjoy interpreting them during readings and presentations. I feel myself smiling a lot when I read because telling the story about how the poems and book came to be seems more unbelievable to me. The STORY of the book is really a book in itself!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">ACR: What have you learned about the writing of poetry and pulling deep within to feel warranted to write?</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">PND: I think that every person has a unique voice in the world. So much so that their story is different and need to be told. I have found that there is great value in sharing one's story. With it there is a true connection with self and with others that can be found in exploring the elements that make up a life story and the things that lie within. I'm learning so much about myself by reading and writing poems. There's something therapeutic and freeing in self-examination through creative insight. As a result of writing in poetic form I've found out so much about the lives of other folk as we compare and share life experiences. The expression of my inner self has opened up a whole new world that I'm just beginning to scratch the surface. I feel that there's so much more for me to share.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">ACR: What's in store for you next, and what would you do differently now that you've published a book of your poetry?</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">PND: There is much more to come! My publisher is encouraging me to write a children's book of poems. I think that will be in the very near future for sure. There also will be another book of Southern-life poetry, and then a book of more intimate poems dealing with sensuality. I've already titled it -- </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">'The Secret Garden Of Love In Poems'</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> . As far as doing things differently, I honestly feel that I probably wouldn't change a thing. Things are as they should be. I let all of the poems come as they do with them having my unique 'feel' and brand to them. I definitely want to continue learning more about the business of this business -- the marketing and promotional aspects of the industry. That, I feel is the REAL work!</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Alvin C. Romerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17301376080517978182noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14404538.post-21560972333528034362009-03-10T23:50:00.008-05:002009-03-11T00:39:12.475-05:00Write In the Midst Of It All!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqU_7SvLysaZfFW1Ilp1nl-1xT6IPkkSN1-fQuKMrhirDUvueNpYzCSHJWPP1VKQT9uj9Jn4i_GqI5emhV-BfESF-ylBydkDDiYeBu6v6C3FWp1EjHP5Pf2iCdvhsGiHtpCAghnA/s1600-h/KWC+PIC.Me+Frontal+Pic.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 96px; height: 144px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqU_7SvLysaZfFW1Ilp1nl-1xT6IPkkSN1-fQuKMrhirDUvueNpYzCSHJWPP1VKQT9uj9Jn4i_GqI5emhV-BfESF-ylBydkDDiYeBu6v6C3FWp1EjHP5Pf2iCdvhsGiHtpCAghnA/s400/KWC+PIC.Me+Frontal+Pic.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311800417024545362" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2kpijk3KE_ufygRTjnFqYGYcdHb55cux8Gsjq0eTQOGX0lxBT9cRc4Bqym8BTbii83VJzVSXXsnmmCRKXIHLCuOR8KowADX2DU6YoLfMkwVpAjMAnMG8AlYTYW7N04vxaIBf9_w/s1600-h/PIC.Books+in+a+Library.jpg"><br /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:33px;"></span></div><span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:33px;"></span></div><span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Despite the gloomy state of our economy we as professionals and others from different centers of influence will endeavor to do what we've always done. 'Tho I open collectively with this initial approach, I know that when I'm alone I will reflect on the times. It will hit home more astutely and force my hand. The intrinsic value will galvanize me and dictate my every move for empower and inspiration. My need for expressionism will extrapolate my angst for better longitude and latitude to live large, but I would be </span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">exonerated. </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;"></span></span></span></div></span><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br />But can I really escape...and if I could where would I go? Whom shall I seek, and what would be the final analysis? If and when I descend there await me will be my imagination and verve. I will take my pen, position my paper and assume the posture to persevere. In the midst of it all, I will write with renewed anticipation. I will dig deeper and draw near the fire and warm my soul for all that dwell within. I will summon the imagery and imagine with immodest zeal how I can be much more than status quo. I will write legibly and indelibly to be understood.</span></span></span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">While waiting to exhale a bit I won't tarry, nor will I exhort unfavorably those that may disagree with me. I will resort to my 'to be read pile' and write to infinity. My writing will define and defend my motives and serve as my mentor. In the midst of it all I will continue talking to Him for guidance and support. My ink will dry as page-turning delight will also be apropos. Nothing will refute my understand that reading is paramount to a certain level of serenity in my solitude. If I should sign my name you will know who I am, and know that the "do not disturb sign" would have meaning. Yes, I'm indeed in the midst of it trying to assess the soul of a man!<br /></span></span></span></span><span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:33px;"></span><br /></div></span></span><div style="text-align: justify;"></div></div>Alvin C. Romerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17301376080517978182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14404538.post-28106629267827794772009-02-15T00:51:00.001-05:002009-02-15T00:53:27.262-05:00How Is the Economy Affecting Your Writing Career?Alvin C. Romerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17301376080517978182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14404538.post-44949276527756532492009-02-14T11:32:00.001-05:002009-02-14T11:32:21.778-05:00Alvin C. Romerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17301376080517978182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14404538.post-21131290068815751812008-10-15T05:14:00.001-05:002008-10-15T05:14:51.070-05:00Black Author Showcase member badge<script type="text/javascript" src="http://widgets.clearspring.com/o/483ec89d3823f260/48f5c298f8d37873/483ec89d28fd4e4c/f7941d4b/widget.js"></script>Alvin C. Romerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17301376080517978182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14404538.post-75536348702843242722007-08-24T12:58:00.000-05:002007-08-24T13:04:33.022-05:00How To Get Your Book Reviewed<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJYOMb8BGnXeOzPg-klsPbUflUW0owlgNs_6gzrp_1gVVq0_Jr-Pu_IkDXlAN7XRPKFwD472OS7rYqZlKgZyymmx0FPZ7vZqSq_zfT7R2C13By_YYx3RmC2JF56IhwU8Qf29H7VA/s1600-h/Book+Image.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJYOMb8BGnXeOzPg-klsPbUflUW0owlgNs_6gzrp_1gVVq0_Jr-Pu_IkDXlAN7XRPKFwD472OS7rYqZlKgZyymmx0FPZ7vZqSq_zfT7R2C13By_YYx3RmC2JF56IhwU8Qf29H7VA/s320/Book+Image.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5102328505115514626" border="0" /></a><br /><p style="font-weight: bold;"><i><span style="font-family:Arial;">It’s not true that all book reviewers hate self-published books. I speak for myself and will give any author a chance for alternative opinion. Authors, you can get your book reviewed, but I will caution you to be astute and choose well. You should research the market and be on the lookout for reviewers that truly understand the craft of writing, and those that can be most fair in their assessment. Of course, there are other things that you should look for, including credibility and their reputation. There’s a rumor circulating that self-published authors have a hard time getting their books reviewed. This may be true to some lesser degree, but I will go on record to say that the majority of reviewers to not share that sentiment, especially in the African-American literary Diaspora where self-publishing is a healthy alternative.<span style=""> </span>Other persuasions may feel this way in light of the fact that they are mainstream, and a different set of rules apply.<br /></span></i></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;"><i><span style="font-family:Arial;">In our world self-publishing is so inexpensive and so accessible, that publishing this way is affordable and best when the majors are restrictive in whom they let in their doors. Regardless of the deep-seated sentiments of the mainstream relative to reviewers dismissing self-published authors, they are accepted and can get reviews from the major reviewers catering to them. And it has definitely been worth the effort of late, especially in certain genre’s namely the Urban Fiction class. The industry is slow to change, and will allow status quo to usually dictate modus operandi as long as readers are buying what they want to read. Bookstores and libraries still rely heavily on the reviews in the major book review journals, online, and what is given to book clubs. If you get a good review in Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, BookList, RAWSISTAS, or The Romer Review, you will probably get high visibility, and the publicity factor will eventually set in for readers to find what they are looking for – and the book review is key!<span style=""> </span><br /></span></i></p><p style="font-weight: bold;"><i><span style="font-family:Arial;">What must an author do to get reviewed? You get your book reviewed by using savvy ploys to solicit your work. I always look for visual things in choosing the books I review. I like for authors to present me with a good press kit and a plan! Making your book available to review journals, and soliciting to have it inclusive to viable review outlets can mean the difference in your readers knowing what is available, who you are, and why you write as you do. In my opinion, there really is no such thing as a bad review. And many bookstores and libraries just automatically order any book that is reviewed by the majors. In many cases, depending on the subject matter and niche, you’ll sell a great deal more than expected with a good favorable review. And if you follow up that review with formidable publicity campaign that should include a high-quality direct mailing initiative to bookstores and/or libraries, quoting the review. So it’s definitely worth pursuing a quality reviewer and be part of these review journals.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;"><i><span style="font-family:Arial;">There are caveats, however that you should always consider. Your chances of getting a review, at face value, can be rather dismal when all the factors are in place. The key is understanding the industry and what you are up against.<span style=""> </span>When you take in consideration how many books are being published, you will be cognizant of how the numbers can be for and against you. Not everyone can be in position to have his or her books reviewed by Publishers Weekly. My research indicate that Library Journal, and others, reviews closer to 15% -20%. Yet, other factors are considered when decisions to pick your book for review. If you have a quality book—with good information, good writing, a nice looking interior design, and a well-designed cover—you can get your book reviewed. Besides the quality of the book, what’s important in getting your book reviewed is the timing. Most authors dismiss certain protocol for review policy & procedure. I know that a few review journals will only consider reviewing books that have not already been published; they feel that it’s a certain advantage to have books that are not yet available, books that are not yet in the marketplace. This way, publishers know that they must be sure to get their advance reading copies, or galleys to reviewers well in advance of the official publication date when the finished book will be available. I personally love to receive my galleys at least three to six months earlier.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;"><i><span style="font-family:Arial;">I find that most self-publishers especially, don’t have stronger marketing plan upon submitting their books. The higher your chances of being reviewed are to have a plan of action to market it adequately. Let’s face it, because the review journals know that if you present a powerhouse marketing plan and seem to be prepared, you boost your chances of selling the book exponentially—and they want to make sure they review books that are going to sell well. So make your package stand out, have press kits well garnered with the appropriate information. Give your book the best graphic design possible, make sure the typesetter has done his/her job, and that you’ve chosen a credible editor.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;"><i><span style="font-family:Arial;">Describe the highlights of your marketing and advertising plan in your cover letter, or on the bound galley itself. It’s imperative to get those galleys to the reviewers three to six months before publication. Getting reviews can be challenging and daunting at times because of the nature of the industry, and the fact that everyone thinks that they can render a good review. But despite certain flaws in the system, you as an author must have a business sense, and a flair for discernible options to help your cause. You must pay attention to the rules, and make sure the reviewer understand your writing style. They must also themselves know how to write. Choosing the right reviewer often will spell the difference between success and failure. Do your homework; learn as much as you can by watching trends. Do this and the bottom line will pay dividends for the good effort you put in for it to be a benefit to you.</span></i> </p> <p style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b><i><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></i></b></p> <p style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b><i>The Romer Review, Write On! Literary Services © copyright 2001-2007<o:p></o:p></i></b></p> <p class="MsoBodyText"><span style="font-size:18;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p>Alvin C. Romerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17301376080517978182noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14404538.post-55397702519660506792007-07-03T13:46:00.000-05:002007-07-03T14:24:43.312-05:00Welcome Back!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg17krZOin-ncNq-Jo4a-vy9wVGM2jWTBCy6NRmWhE53Kxu4Xn4U5i9emjzQF59MYlMYYQdMDT-cerdfBP1V7MLMovRbp7vYr2suGOb6oZNgl3vtlCBx70tb7RWYUTYtB2NYiEHeA/s1600-h/PICS.Barrington+Irving.All+Smiles.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg17krZOin-ncNq-Jo4a-vy9wVGM2jWTBCy6NRmWhE53Kxu4Xn4U5i9emjzQF59MYlMYYQdMDT-cerdfBP1V7MLMovRbp7vYr2suGOb6oZNgl3vtlCBx70tb7RWYUTYtB2NYiEHeA/s320/PICS.Barrington+Irving.All+Smiles.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083053733901534578" border="0" /></a><br /><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:12;" ><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Barrington, Your dream crystallized in your mind for quite some time. You first broached the subject to your family, and they never discouraged you. With this support and confidence you took your idea to those that had deep pockets that would give you the financial backbone to carry it forth. Despite a few stumbling blocks and minor obstacles along the way, you persevered. You never allowed doubt and people who said you couldn't reach your dream deter you from looking ahead.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">And in the process you let everyone who wanted to hear that it would only be a matter of time. Opa Locka airport never would be the same as you and your throng of well wishers came out en masse for the genesis of your attempt to be the first and youngest of your race to fly around the world. We were with you every step of the way as we monitored you at each stop...even concerned when you ran out of money and had to wire home for funds; or when you weathered storms trying to get to each point; and even when you had delays, which lengthened the trip, some.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">As the days rolled on, we felt more butterflies as anxiety inched up the ante for your return. Young people the world over were giving the high five sign and grinning from ear to ear knowing that history was being made, and that a person that looked liked them were just as proud. You landed finally, and the multitude of people there to great you understood as you circled the airfield twice signaling your presence. We knew that this was your signature, and we saw legibly that it indeed was you! This unique achievement will be there for other triumphs to give our youths a chance to know that they too, can dream. You did it, and we are proud!!<br /><br />Thank you, ever so much - Alvin C. Romer<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">To read a related essay, please click onto this link: <a href="http://alvincromerverbatim.blogspot.com/">http://alvincromerverbatim.blogspot.com/</a></span><br /></span>Alvin C. Romerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17301376080517978182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14404538.post-1607083269449170472007-03-24T10:15:00.000-05:002007-03-24T10:29:30.141-05:00Will This be One the Major AA Stories of 2007?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOlvO7NUhearxZs7LmvOC4geHAlw1YYvBnhX1ajwKg4YP-BE46OPWPq2wVpUZiNNImS0mvXeJOBRTA2dUvX4xipwEMwHFlw_-L8HXCZTjJlH-9_vwgEKot4WPxPqt1-dmu-V0FjQ/s1600-h/Photo+Image.B+Irving+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOlvO7NUhearxZs7LmvOC4geHAlw1YYvBnhX1ajwKg4YP-BE46OPWPq2wVpUZiNNImS0mvXeJOBRTA2dUvX4xipwEMwHFlw_-L8HXCZTjJlH-9_vwgEKot4WPxPqt1-dmu-V0FjQ/s320/Photo+Image.B+Irving+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5045512178782142114" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);font-family:arial;" >I would imagine that the small executive airport in Opa-Locka (a small community North of Miami) will be jammed with people wanting to be part of history when Barrington Irving touches down after circling the globe solo - the first African American to do so! I will be there, and so will the boys I mentor. What better way than to serve notice to the youngster what it took, and how things can be done if you have and keep the faith. Perseverance notwithstanding, here's a young adult that endeavored to not be a statistic, one who had dreams and set goals for achieved success. He imagined and was inspired. I will want my kids to let this be a lesson to them. Notice the swagger and air of confidence he shows in this picture.<br /><br />This is, and will be a positive role model to emulate. My greatest goal is to teach them to think on their feet, strive to be the best, and acquire enough self-esteem to be respected and get the job done. The journey is live, and the quest continues...</span>Alvin C. Romerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17301376080517978182noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14404538.post-80346926041056288712007-03-24T01:31:00.000-05:002007-03-24T01:52:59.892-05:00Editing With A Purpose<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBZWN7xj6KRqOWCkf47RzcKlSK3Bu19AeRBsSV8T_is_P0teB6Xf_mLpRI1FDZfX4CzBwdJCi2T6hDzgsz4ozTdoeifecZUBvIYWE_zI-hPRkcTvsGEDNgK5kU64EiqFAVryX4sg/s1600-h/Special+Logos+and+Images.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBZWN7xj6KRqOWCkf47RzcKlSK3Bu19AeRBsSV8T_is_P0teB6Xf_mLpRI1FDZfX4CzBwdJCi2T6hDzgsz4ozTdoeifecZUBvIYWE_zI-hPRkcTvsGEDNgK5kU64EiqFAVryX4sg/s320/Special+Logos+and+Images.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5045380121422691922" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:arial;" >The editing bug has bitten and its significance has left a permanent mark on my psyche and muse. I contemplated long and hard whether I wanted to extend my time, patience, and expertise to this phase of literary priority. I have been approached quite a few times in the past to do so but I always found some handy excuse to nix the idea. Well, here's a prime example of Providence being the force behind illumination and destiny. To date, I've edited three manuscripts that ultimately will be three of a multitude of published work by people of color in the industry.<br /><br /> I want to edit with a purpose and be stylistically true to the craft, and establish credibility.</span> <span style="font-style: italic;font-family:arial;" >How does that make me feel? I've come to realize that God has given and expanded a talent I have to share with others. I feel confident that I can shoulder the nuances that tend to color this realm of the territory without compromising good intent. Though I'm grateful and give Him all the glory, I humble myself in this regard to be in position to have others have discernment to make the right choice in me.<br /><br />The joy I get from seeing my work being manifested to another level is proof of the confidence I have in myself to not allow arrogance to be the progenitor of me doing it on my own. My web presence and The </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:arial;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" >Romer</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:arial;" > Review is the seed that started it all, and through it I will continue my quest for a successful journey up literature's meandering rivers.</span>Alvin C. Romerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17301376080517978182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14404538.post-1166753835307710932006-12-21T21:15:00.000-05:002006-12-21T21:17:15.370-05:00Where I Need to Be<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/3799/1302/1024/112373/FL000005.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: all; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/3799/1302/400/502980/FL000005.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a> Alvin C. Romerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17301376080517978182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14404538.post-1166753293599085432006-12-21T20:13:00.000-05:002007-03-24T01:59:00.963-05:00Where I Need to Be<span style="font-style: italic; font-family: arial;">A child with potential and appeal at some point in their ambiance will stumble a little and perhaps falter in attempts to impress. They are prone to be apprehensive at times when the realization hits that they must go on. Recently, one of my mentees needed that extra encouraging word to continue as planned. It's the least I could do being in position to ease the butterflies floundering in her stomach, and anxiety rushing to add unwanted feelings of doubt. There's no greater joy in giving children their chance to shine, and to prepare them for the task of carrying on expectations for their generation as our leaders of tomorrow.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-family: arial;">It's all about championing the cause of transitioning young boys to men, and young girls to the ladies that we adults cater to. As responsible men and women we should be on missions to see to it that we set the stage for good order. Our children need us in ways where effective leadership is measured by acts and deeds that would be right for them to follow. How often do we stop to ask ourselves -- "what do we have within ourselves for somebody else to benefit from?" Individually, it may be "How can I be a worthy role model for children to see me much more than an icon?" No easy task to tackle, or questions to be answered without closer inspection of self-worth as an advocacy for kids. To be worthy of talent that God has given us are to be thankful of gifts that are not ours to keep. It is this awareness that would force us to go much deeper within to adhere to giving something back.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-family: arial;">Our children are embracing norms that do not do them good. Besides, if our communities continue to be disenfranchised and families within them are torn apart, is it any wonder that children of this generation are lost, and without discipline? Daily, the former and the latter gives credence to the ills that have defined problematic issues unique to, but not limited to something of this order that may be familiar to you. The family and community are always synonymous with each other, addressing a multitude of circumstances and misfortunes within our collective lives on raising children the right way, and for them to be able to look up to us for noted value.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-family: arial;">I look at the lack of affordable housing, school systems that are undeserving, healthcare gone awry, rampant unemployment, decadent crime, and drugs so deep-seated in communities that it robs the citizenry of self-respect and estimable choices. I'm concerned and want to make a difference...so much so, that when I see a child needing me to give advice I do so without compromise. When I know that they could use consultation and consoling, I do so because they depend on my knowledge and expertise to latch onto a learning curve. I do so supremely because I want to know and understand the role of modeling for my community so children will know who I am. Be where you need to be -- embrace a child and be responsible!</span>Alvin C. Romerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17301376080517978182noreply@blogger.com0