Behind The Book

5 Secrets to Dating in The New Year

2010-02-18T17:42:00.000-08:00

A New Year and a New You. Dating is as old as molasses; however, there are new ideas and perceptions when it comes to dating in this hi-tech day and age. Many are single or are recently getting out relationships and marriages. If you are just joining the dating scene as a woman, there are some important things to consider before you go on that first date.

1. Love Yourself First
If you are depressed or have low self-esteem, you need to deal with that immediately before you even think about entering the dating scene. Do not think that dating someone and searching for love is going to cure your low self-esteem or depression. It will not. In fact, getting involved with someone while you’re low on self-love may very well make you feel worse.

Don’t be so desperate to jump into a relationship, because when we are low on self-love, we sometimes have too many expectations of another, and we rely on someone else, like a man to make us feel loved. Men can sometimes notice these types of women. They are usually the ones who will go all out of their way to please a man’s every need, and will sleep with a man too quickly.

These men may very well take advantage of you, or say things that sound wonderful, but actually, they don’t really mean a word of it. It boils down to a man’s actions that will bring his true colors out. Always love yourself first. That is Rule #1. Loving yourself first is a beautiful quality that any real man will appreciate. Continue Reading by clicking here...

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Tinisha Nicole Johnson is an author, writer, and poet. “5 Secrets for Dating in the New Year” is based off her non-fiction, self-help book Lessons Learned: Loving Yourself as a Black Woman. Tinisha also hosts political and sports teleconferences as a profession. Learn more and connect with the author at her website: www.tinishanicolejohnson.com

Stayed tuned for Tinisha's April Virtual Book Tour….Visit her website to check out where she'll be…More information to come…

Killing, Murder & Mayhem.... How do I sleep?

2009-12-16T03:29:00.000-08:00

Ok, i really have to respond to this reader's question:

All the killing and mayhem going on in your brain, how do you sleep? You have me on tenterhooks! V.

Someone asked me this a while ago when I initially published Stone's Revenge back in 2004. Matter of fact, the reader called me in the middle of the morning and asked me the same question.
Oddly enough, I had laid the rough draft for Stone's Revenge when I was only sixteen. William was one of the first dark ominous characters I created and he still scares me to this day.

Similar questions posed to me are, were you abused as a child, did you get bullied a lot, and so on...

Read more @ Michigan Murder and Mayhem
http://michiganmurderandmayhem.com

Figuring Out The Mysterious Mr. Black

2009-11-05T02:46:00.000-08:00

(story spoiler... if you're reading the mysterious Mr. Black live story, you shouldn't read this until after part 20).

I love Xavier Black.

I also hate Xavier Black.

I'm in this love hate relationship with the character because of who he is and how life has made him, plus how he treats the female protagonist of the story has made it difficult for me to come to like him much.

I know when bad things happen to people it changes them. You can either become upset and weaker or angry and stronger. We have a choice as humans and as I build a character, they usually always have bad things happen to them.

My job as a writer is to help them through the change all the while weaving a story as this change is happening.

Today, I found out why Xavier is like he is. Now I know I'm in the middle of writing. Matter of fact, we've already made it to Chapter 19, which is one chapter off the halfway mark.

The protaganists have yet to make love although in chapter 20 they're going to come especially close, but I couldn't in my right mind allow it to happen.

Just like when I wrote His Substitute Wife...My Sister, I had to fight my way through the muck of each character's past life in order for them to allow love into their heart.

And that's true in real life. We do have to fight a lot of things that have happened to us in order to accept true unconditional love in our hearts, minds and souls.

Xavier Black is an emotional warrior and as this story progresses, I'm excited to see where he's going to take us.

: The Mysterious Mr. Black

about the story:
Jen (the woman) is having a very bad life with nowhere to go but up. Fate brings a mysterious stranger to her, yet she can’t figure out if he’s for the good or the worse.
To start off reading The Mysterious Mr. Black or just test the waters, please check out Part 1 that's not encoded.

http://sylviahubbard.wordpress.com/2009/10/16/the-mysterious-mr-black-part-1/

If you want to read more, then go to the contact page and request the password.

The "Unexpected" Book Trailer

2009-02-28T09:44:00.000-08:00

Unexpected by Tinisha Nicole Johnson

Unexpected is the love story of a business woman Dahlia Ray. A weekend up in the mountains away from work turns into more than just a relaxing get-a-way.

Visit the author behind this ebook at her website: www.TinishaNicoleJohnson .

Writing Actions Scenes

2008-08-21T11:01:00.000-07:00

Suspense involves a lot of elements. Killing scenes and love scenes I've mastered perfectly. (A little bit too good on the love scenes, huh, LOL.)

But the action scenes have been a challenge for me for a while.

The best action scene I've written is in Stealing Innocence when Onyx and Lethal entered the house and Onyx took that guy out with extreme prejudice. Dropped him like a bad habit and didn't blink. Then there was the warehouse scene where the bad men were shooting up a storm with the kids and Kimberly.

I liked that one.

Although that the scene where William fought with the killer in Stone's Revenge was pretty good too.

I mean when its involved in killing I've been surpriseningly and scarily pretty good too.

The Hearts have always been an action family and they've been a good outlet to write. But these darn action scenes are so damn detailed in this book because I'm dealing with more than one Heart at a time and they've all got drama of their own that weaves around main story line.

Writing action (fighting and showing the emotional impact to each character involved) is like describing a Jackie Chan and Jet Li fighting with a lot more blood involved when it comes to the Hearts. This means something to the characters and if you've kept up with the Heart of Detroit series, you know that it means a ot to you as a reader that I do justice to each scene.

This makes it more complicated and harder to write.

Or more like exhausting. Can you just imagine having all these big strong overwhelming men in one room all talking and doing things?

That's how I feel and that's why i've been slow at posting to my live story Emperor's Addiction because I have to take them one layer at a time so I don't feel so damn overwhelmed (especially when dealing with King and Lethal.)

I'm currently trying to get this story out the way and concentrate on my conference.

Virtual Book Tour scheduled for March 2008

2008-02-12T13:01:00.000-08:00

I will be doing a Virtual Book Tour on several blogs. Schedule coming soon and so are my tour stops.

Pump Up Your Book Promotion will be hosting me. Learn more about the author behind the mystery novel, Searchable Whereabouts and learn what advice I give to aspiring authors.

Virtual Book Tour scheduled for the month of March

Tinisha Nicole Johnson

Author, Writer, & Poet
http://www.tinishanicolejohnson.com/

His Subsitute Wife...My Sister

2007-12-21T04:02:00.000-08:00

Drama, Drama and more Drama

Where does it all come from? Certianinly not from personal experiences because my life is very boring.

I work in a 311 call center for the City of Detroit. Now Detroit is the Murder Capital, Hair Capital, we're the brokest city (highest foreclosure rate) and we're the fattest city.

Another title is that Detroit should be Drama Capital of the world.

I've lived and been to a lot of cities. I'll read other city's newspapers, but never have I seen the complications of human interaction that takes place in the wide open in Detroit.

We don't wait to get behind closed doors. We love to get out in the open and tear someone a near hole in the rear and this makes life just a little bit more interesting here (hence our popular titles) and for me as a writer, I find that it makes great fodder for books.

Now a lot of readers do relate with the stuff I put in books and I know it happens in other cities, but nothing like Detroit. (That's just my opinion)

My latest venture His Substitute Wife goes into the emotional drama of a woman realizing when it was too late that she had a good man and has to stay with the decision to share her man or lose him. On top of that he wants a baby and neither woman, who are twins, he's sleeping with can give him that. So she does what any woman would do find another woman who would give it to him, her younger sister.

Keeping it all in the family, in the end one sister will die, one will lose and one will get everything she desires.

Read the drama filled live in progress story starting in January of 2008. Click here to subscribe or check out my blog at:

http://www.sylviahubbard.blogspot.com/

Would you like to read an excerpt? Okay, CLICK HERE!

See you there.

Your author,

Sylvia Hubbard

Drawing The Line - Pushing the reader to the limit

2007-11-15T07:44:00.001-08:00

A look inside my head:

At this point in the story (Chapter 4 of Drawing The Line) I really had no idea where to go.

This story was constructed in my head way before my Mistaken Identity days. Back in 2004 to be exact when I was trying to also push out Stealing Innocence II and revamping the Stone's Revenge thing.

I knew I wanted something different for Shane, but I wasn't sure I knew how to deliver it to the reader.

I didn't want the regular romance for her. You know the boy meets girl, there's a lot of conflict, miscommunication and so forth, boy loses girl and then boy wins girl back.

I wanted to throw the biggest monkey wrench and push the limits of my readers to the point of no return.

Yet, I like good sin. (Yes, that's an oxymoron). I wanted the reader to accept the situation I planned for Shane.

This is the point (Chapter 4) is where I put the brothers together. In the beginning, they weren't going to be together. I had planned to some how share her between the two men, but I needed justification.

Now that I'm going back in the story, I want it different from the situation I set up in Mistaken Identity. I loved that one and please don't ask me how I put that twist together because I'm amazed at my own brillance with that one.

Fiction should push the limits of the readers. You should read not just to find out how the main plot is going to end, but also change your look and views of reality. Who knows what people do and accept behind closed doors? How do you know the person sitting next to you is normal? We don't know and fiction allows you to see their life. See what you've never seen before and good fiction makes you feel, taste, and show.

Journey with me. Cross the line and don't look back.

2007-09-25T13:18:00.000-07:00

Searchable Whereabouts, is the story of murder, lies and deceit. It's a mystery/suspense novel that will have you laughing, surprised, bitting your nails and in disbelief right towards the end, while Rahkel Williams takes you into her life and on her journey of solving her beloved uncle's mysterious death. Searchable Whereabouts is a true page-turner.

Searchable Whereabouts was a different write for me. Well it was more mysterious and my mind just went all over the place when developing this book. Althought it took me about 3 years to finish, it's done and ready for the world.

View my upcoming events at my website: http://www.tinishanicolejohnson.com/

Book Trailer for Searchable Whereabouts

Meet the Cast of Wicked Ways

2007-08-31T15:12:00.000-07:00

One day when I had five free minutes an idea came to me about my upcoming novel, WICKED WAYS. As many of you know that is the sequel to GETTING HERS. Well, I wanted to do something a bit different this time. So I let my characters lead the way... the result is my Wicked Ways blog.

Here you can see and meet the characters, read what they have to say about themselves and each other. And I will plant some information along the way, leading up to the release of Wicked Ways on Oct. 2.

So when you get a minute, stop by Wicked Ways

Bear with me as I continue to build the site. But in the meantime feel free to leave your comments!

Paige's Tangled Web Revealed

2007-08-30T13:47:00.001-07:00

I did it once before with a previous release and it was fun, so I thought I would try it again. Here's my one on one interview with the main character of Paige's Web.

Paige Christine Webb is the #1 Events Planner in North Texas.

Shelia Goss: I heard as a single woman, you have several rules you follow. Do you care to share it with the audience?
Paige: Sure. Rule number one: Date More Than One Man. Rule number two: Never Agree to an Exclusive Relationship. Rule number three: Run Like a Track Star at the First Sign of Love.

Shelia: Those are some rules. So how many men are you dating right now?
Paige: There’s Marvin. He’s a computer programmer. He’s a few years younger than I am, so I guess you can call me a cougar (smile). Now Alvin (fanning herself), I can’t get enough of Alvin. He’s older than I am, but you would never know it because he has more energy than the energizer bunny.

Shelia: Sounds like you have your hands full with those two. Anyone else?
Paige: Oh how could I forget Tyler. Tyler and I have been friends for a few years. We met during an event hosted by Antonio, my ex-fiance, events.

Shelia: Is your ex-fiance the reason why you don’t trust men?
Paige: I never said I didn’t trust men. I would rather play them before they play me.

Shelia: Can you elaborate?
Paige: Yes. As you can tell, meeting men is not an issue. My problem is with the “ever after.” I don’t think men really want a serious commitment. Take Antonio. He knew he was stringing me along but didn’t tell me he didn’t want to get married until the day of the wedding. How do you think that made me feel?

Shelia: I’m sure it must have hurt.
Paige: It hurt deep to the core (touching her heart). I felt humiliated and let down. I got depressed and vowed to never allow myself to be put in the position to fall in love again.

Shelia: Sorry to hear that. I know there are many of the audience who have gone through heartaches before. How do you find the time to juggle the men you mentioned?
Paige: I’m the owner of one of the fasting rising event planning companies in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. My organizational skills are superb. Managing three men is a piece of cake compared to my day to day business operations. (A one carat pear-shaped diamond ring sparkles when Paige moves her hand).

Shelia: That’s a nice ring. Did you buy it to ward off men?
Paige: Well, uh. No. (Averting eyes)

Shelia: Hmmm. Is there something you’re not telling me?
Paige: There is, but if you want to know more, read Paige’s Web. (Paige leaves a copy of the book on the desk).

More about Paige's Web:

The idea for Paige’s Web came to me out of the blue. I thought it would be interesting to show that men aren’t the only ones who have commitment phobias. People assume that it’s always the woman who wants to settle down; but in Paige Christine Webb’s case, it’s the men. She finds herself tangled in a web of lies as she works her way through her insecurities.

Paige was a fun character to write. Some of the situations she finds herself in are comical and will have readers laughing out loud.

Paige's Web will be in stores in October.

Shelia M. Goss is also the author of My Invisible Husband, Roses are thorns, Violets are true and Double Platinum (coming Spring 2008). Visit her website for more information: www.sheliagoss.com.

2007-08-27T19:28:00.000-07:00

The process of manuscript to novel to published work doesn't end when the publisher sends the book to the distributor for pre-sale orders in the bookstore. The next major phase of marketing and publicity is fully underway. This is the time when reviews, booksignings, interviews and other publicity are conducted.

My book - Straight To The Heart, a September release, has already been sighted in Walmart. It's available in bookstores for a month, via on-line sources like Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or eharlequin.com for an extended period. As a first, the book's format is also available as an e-book via http://eharlequin.com/. All future books will be in print and electronic.

Straight To The Heart is the third in a series. Bad news is that Sweet Surrender (Book 1) and Here And Now (Book 2) are sold out, even on my publisher's site. Good news is that http://barnesandnoble.com/ and http://amazon.com/ may still have copies.

Reviews for Straight To The Heart (published Harlequin - Kimani Press) are coming in:

Romantic Times Bookclub: Multilayered characters, intertwined lives and stories with an unexpected twist make Straight to the Heart (4), by Michelle Monkou, intriguing.

Single Titles.Com: Straight to the Heart is like smooth dark chocolate, and got this reader’s attention from the very beginning. Omar and Stacy are realistically created characters that felt remarkably like close friends. When they shared a scene, there were fireworks. Both are intelligent and self-reliant, warm and loyal to those they care about, passionate and sexy. Manager, Brenda is a little on the “hard-edged” side, but understandably so; she adds that extra “something” to make the storyline fresh and original. Author, Michelle Monkou is a gifted writer with the uncanny ability to draw the reader right into the lives of her characters. Definitely an author to watch, she has certainly made a fan of this reader.

Upcoming booksignings:

BWI airport (Waldenbooks) on Sept. 8 from 9 a.m. to noon.
Turn The Page - Author Nora Robert's family bookstore on Nov. 3 (see http://ttpbooks.com/ for schedule)

To stay connected:
Join mail list on http://michellemonkou.com/
Add Friend on http://myspace.com/michellemonkou

Marathon

2007-08-07T16:54:00.001-07:00

I'm currently taking a mental break in writing my latest short story Marathon. My main character, Alex, is dealing with the loss of his right leg while serving in the military overseas in Iraq. The devastating effects have taken their physical, mental and emotional toll on Alex and his relationship with his wife, Cynthia.

I've been on a roll this past weekend and getting ready to put the finishing touches on the short story. It took me a minute to get into the mood to write again because I wasn't sure how to begin. I approached this task similar to the way I wrote each chapter for my novel One Love: create a handwritten outline identifying the characters, settings, themes, goals, etc. I wanted to accomplish in the story. Sometimes the ideas work and sometimes they don't, depending on the direction my writing takes me. Below is a sample of an outline from One Love (Spoiler Warning: If you haven't read One Love and are interested in doing so, you may want to skip this part!):

One Love - Chapter 22

P.O.V. - Regina/Gigi
Chapter's goals - Gigi confronts both Cami, her best friend, and Leon, her ex-boyfriend.
Setting - The Crimson Moon Coffeehouse and Camille's, Cami's hair salon.
Round II - Gigi vs. Cami
Gigi was suppose to meet Leon at the Crimson Moon, but he no-showed.
Cami reveals to Gigi she didn't go through with her abortion. Gigi will have flashbacks about her experience while Cami's talking. Gigi will also regret her decision.
Gigi's lines in this chapter:

"Someday, Cami, I may find the heart and the strength to forgive you, but I won't ever forget what you said."
"A drunken mouth speaks a sober mind..." (This was omitted!)

April, the girls' friend, will be there as a mediator, much to Gigi's surprise.
Leon leaves Gigi a message on her answering machine at home.
Gigi calls Chris, her romantic suitor, the night before but he never returned her call (This too was omitted!)
Gigi picks up a flyer for the One Love poetry series that features Chris.
The main objective will be the end of Gigi's and Cami's friendship. On the flipside, it's the beginning of Gigi's and April's renewed friendship.
April will call Gigi later that evening to speak with her. She'll reveal to Gigi she had an abortion. (This was changed slightly as April wound up coming to Gigi's house unannounced!)
Crimson Moon Coffeehouse

ceiling fan, zebra and leopard print chairs, African tapestry on orange wall
multicolored ceiling lights and beige sofa
silver beaded curtains
dessert trays
black mermaid along red wall
music playing - A Tribe Called Quest's Award Tour (This was changed to Common's The Light).
Koko Darling, the owner - scarlet dress, black flats, brown skin complexion, silver earrings, black scarf
cafe latte, cappucino (Gigi winds up drinking the former)

Good music also puts me in the mood to write: a song that represents the essence of what I'm trying to capture in any piece - poem, short story, essay, chapter, etc. For Marathon, I've been repeatedly listening to Don Henley's New York Minute because it's the perfect for the story's theme: appreciating all that you have.

Well, the night is young and I need to get back to work. Hope this advice was beneficial for you.

For more information about me, please check out my website and the following links:

http:/www.BillHolmes.com
http:/www.myspace.com/BillHolmes
http:/www.myspace.com/BillHolmesPoetry

Take care and be blessed.

;-)

Bill Holmes
Poet, Writer and ESSENCE Best Selling Author of One Love
www.BillHolmes.com

"Every word I write is an extension of my breath, my heart, and my soul that I want the world to share and to remember long after my life has come to an end."

The Evolution Of Romance In The Book You're Writing

2007-07-27T07:00:00.000-07:00

I'm in the midst of writing my live story sexual intrigue romance called Sex Weed (http://sylviahubbard.blogspot.com/) I really understood the evolution of romance. The hook line in Sex Weed is "One taste and he can't get enough."

It's about Dyson who decides to get revenge by sleeping with his brother's wife, Melissa, but what he thought he could just tap ended up being a very involved relationship with this mysterious young woman.

Of course it has the usual non-communication isues in a romance, deceit, lies and you can't have a good romance without a lot of drama.

In the beginning of Sex Weed we open to Dyson trying to blow Melissa's back out across his desk. Pile driving in her for his own demented selfish sexual pleasure. Blackmailed to enjoy the pleasure of Dyson's rough lovemaking, Melissa does enjoys it and their relationship is that.

Sex Sex and more sex, wherever they can get it and however they can make it happen.

As the story evolves, as much as they try to keep their own emotions at bay, the drama that plays out between them and the people around them draws them closer and closer together and they find themselves in a position where the doorway of love is in front of them and although both of them want to walk through, of course its all a matter of trust when it comes to love.

Since this is one of my live story's where I post on a daily base (three times a week to be honest) a lot of the readers who got on this train to read Sex Weed had complained that this was just going to be another sex story, but now as we hit the balls out climax where danger is coming down fast and their relationship is in jeopardy of ending, the readers are finding out that this story is more complex than what they thought.

But isn't that what love is? Complex?

One reader commented on the story by saying:

I love this update.. This story has so evolved from the first chapter where lust and hate filled melissa and Dyson..to now , where love and trust are fighting for equal supremacy...but I know their avowals of love is but an inch away! Love your stories sylvia. Wow!

In all of this, I learn as I opened up Dyson and Melissa's hearts to each other for the reader is that everyone falls in love a different kind of way. It's kind of like eating food at the table.

Everyone has the same plate with the same portions, but how it's eaten and tasted from each

individual at the table is a different kind of way.

I like having people fall in love and I think as a writer, having a different experience for your reader is important. True there really can't be a new way to write a book, introduce a plot or even bring out the wonderfulness of a character, but there are a trillion ways to fall in love. And

Each book of love is a different story.

And I hope to explore all the new ways in every way in each book I write.

Sylvia Hubbard, Author

http://sylviahubbard.com/

http://sylviahubbard.blogspot.com/

Happy Birthday To Me!

2007-07-26T18:34:00.000-07:00

July 27 is my birthday. And I'm not shy about shouting it to the rooftops or celebrating my accomplishments. Why else are we here on this earth, but to develop and celebrate what God has given us.

I'm not having a party - did that last year. And what a blast that was. Nope, this year, I will stick close to home, hang out with my family and do what I always do.

Yet I have lots to be grateful for like my upcoming novel - Straight To The Heart - hitting the bookshelves in September. I can't wait. I am excited about this story and its characters.

Straight To The Heart is the third story in the Masterson series.

Meet Omar Masterson, the youngest in the family, who takes some bold steps toward independence. As a TV Video and Talk Host, his first assignment lands him in the spotlight of Stacy Watts, hip-hop singer/actress. Together the two must battle and make amends with their past or be destroyed, canceling any hope of a life together. Their fierce love for each other is swift and direct, like an arrow - straight to the heart.

Hurry and pre-order your copy on http://Amazon.com or http://barnesandnoble.com

HarlequinKimani Press

Romance ISBN 0-373-86034-X
September 2007

Michelle

Checkout my updated website

http://michellemonkou.com

http://myspace.com/michellemonkou

"What Ever happened 2 MY King" Trials, Tribulations and mad Struggle but now ready for the World!!!!!!

2007-07-03T12:24:00.000-07:00

“What Ever happened 2 My King,” is my first published novel and let me tell you―that book is my baby. I first started writing this novel when I was just 19. I came up with the title back then and started jotting down ideas but it wasn’t until March of 2005 that I committed and dedicated the time and effort I needed to complete the piece; from that point it took me about 4 months to finish it.

With “What Ever Happened 2 My King”, I wanted to reach out and touch everyone, urban, suburban, young, and elder, men and woman. The response I’m receiving from readers is CRAZY LOVE!!!! Let me put it this way, the book is over 300 pages and people are reading it in a day or two, yeah it’s one of them!! It makes me feel proud that people really enjoy my writing because I know that when I purchase a book I want to be captivated and entertained; however, I wanna peep some lessons and messages as well. My books will always be described as gritty and raw but not one person that read one of novels can say they didn’t gain something from it.

My journey has been rocky, no doubt!!! The demand for the book was high in B-more since word of mouth is a great promotional tool, but what’s demand if you don’t have the funds to fill orders!!!!!! I found myself loosing it; I had Bills, Bills, Bills, so what dough I made I had to use it instead of flipping it for more books; I guess you can say I was on my grind―Amazon orders, Barnes and Noble.com orders, street orders, book store orders; I couldn’t fill any of them and I was about to loose it, so I took a deep breath, took a step back; got a second job, did some research and met a few great authors that were willing to give me advice and some type of guidance―shout out to Jessica Tiles and Lisa Woodson!!! I learned how to get distribution and was directed to a great publicity firm “Donna Hill Promotions”. Okay, I done took my two steps back to take 5 steps forward. I am now ready for the world and will keep hitting my readers with captivating yet motivational urban page turners.

I must shout out my family; my mother Glenda Brooks, My father Michael Smith and Lil’ brother Deontay (Smokey) Smith―keep your head up baby boy!!! I also wanna say peace to all of the people down in B-more that had my back from the start; the hoods, the burbs, the barber shops, hair salons and corner stores that let me post my posters and sell my books; I especially wanna shout out Urban Knowledge Book store at Mondawmon Mall, Sand Sephia and Sable Book Store at the Plaza and Words by Wendell Bookstore for being the first three stores to stock my book!!!!!

AYE YALL, PEEP MY WEBSITE FOR MORE INFO ON ME AND MY BOOKS!!!!! www.lakishiansmith.com (Show a Sistah some LOOOOVVVE!!!!)

One Love Wins 2007 Alternative Soul Award for Best Novel

2007-05-06T16:59:00.000-07:00

It's been one year since the release of my first fiction novel One Love and what a roller coaster ride it has been for me. I couldn't begin to imagine all that I've accomplished the past twelve months selling and promoting my novel up and down the highways on the East Coast. What I also couldn't have predicted is the positive response I received from all the feedback and praise that literally exceeded my expectations. Sure, I thought One Love was excellent and well-written, but you never know what someone else would think when they get their hands on your book. All the time and energy I dedicated and put into learning how to write fiction paid off big time when last weekend when my baby (yes, One Love is my baby!!!) took home the 2007 Alternative Soul Award for Best Novel at the Alternative Soul Awards in Atlantic City, NJ.

I have to give much thanks and praise to my friend Raymond Tyler of Darkseed Communications for considerating One Love to be nominated in this category. I have to also give a special thanks to my dear friend, sister and publisher Jessica Tilles who took a chance and published my novel last year. There are so many people who assisted me along my journey including my sister and writing partner, Uva; my writing instructor, Janet Benton; my editor, John Wooden; my friend and legal counsel, Tonya Marie Evans-Walls; my parents, William L Holmes Sr and Sandra L Baytops; my brother, Mike Holmes, and my entire family and friends for their support! There are three individuals/group I need to make a special acknowledgment because I wouldn't have achieved this honor without their influence in my life:

First and foremost, God, my Lord and Savior, Who is the foundation of my inspiration because it takes great strength and courage to pursue and accomplish our dreams.

My dear friend and brother, Gene Roberson, who allowed me to use his name and likeness in One Love. The novel wouldn't have been possible without his experience, humor, and insight.

Most importantly, to everybody who has supported me over the past ten years in all of my creative endeavors! Your encouragement and enthusiasm gave me the drive to continue writing and dreaming during the tough times when I felt like giving it all up. There are not enough words to express how sentimental and special you are to me!

Praise for One Love

"Holmes pens a hip contemporary tale brimming with passion and sass. One Love is definitely one you won't want to miss!" - Tracy Price-Thompson, bestselling author of Knockin' Boots

"Bill Holmes writes with savvy, creating characters we all love to read about." - Jessica Tilles, bestselling author of Fatal Desire and Unfinished Business

"Can the past really hinder our success in the future? Bill Holmes does an excellent job of exploring that question and more in One Love." - John Wooden, author of A Moment of Justice, A Lifetime of Vengenance

"Holmes' writing is well-developed, with a very fulfilling ending." - Gary Johnson, Black Men In America.com

"One Love was a great read! I thought Regina and Chris were strong and dimensional characters that could possibly flow into a sequel." - Shawan Lewis, author of Help Wanted

What happens when a poet struggling to find inspiration and a single woman frustrated with the dating scene cross paths? Bill Holmes answers this question and more in One Love, the hot novel that's masterful, intense and has people talking.

Excerpt from Chapter One:

She always looked sharp going to work, and today was no exception. The one thing about her, which always turned me on, wasthe confidence in her stride. There was something so commanding about the way she walked, like Maxine Shaw from Living Single. I wasn't sure if she was an attorney, but she had that elegant, classy beauty like Vanessa L Williams. The linen khaki business suit she was sportin' on this humid June morning worked well against her cinnamon complexion. Her auburn shoulder length hair she usually wore down was pinned up.

Uh oh, she must have realized I'd been checking her out because she made eye contact with me. The quizzical look on her face told me she thought she might know me, too. But she wasn't certain either. She sat down in the empty seat across the aisle from me, next to the balding white guy sleeping against the window.

"Hi," I said.

"Good morning," she replied.

She pulled out her BlackBerry and I went back to writing in my journal.

For more information about One Love and Bill Holmes, please visit the author's website at www.BillHolmes.com.

Searchable Whereabouts

2007-05-06T16:27:00.000-07:00

My book, "Searchable Whereabouts" will be released January 2008 through Xpress Yourself Publishing. Be out on the lookout for it. "Searchable Whereabouts" is not my first book, but the first to be published.

This book took me about three and a half years to write. It wasn't easy, but persistance is what will keep you writing until it is complete.

Briefly, "Searchable Whereabouts" is about a young woman who's trying to unravel the mystery behind her Uncle's murder. She goes out of her way to find out the truth, but the truth is not something she is prepared for.

For more info go to: http://www.xpressyourselfpublishing.org/authors.htm

Unfinished Business...is finished!

2007-05-06T15:28:00.000-07:00

After two years of fighting with my inner self to complete Unfinished Business, I FINALLY completed it. And, I think you will be pleased. At least I hope you will, considering I am NOT going to write about Raven anymore. I really can't stand her! She works every nerve in my body. I'm almost certain this will be the last installment of Raven Ward and her skanky antics.

Unfinished Business was the hardest book I had to write, because I didn't want to write it in the first place. I thought I was done with Raven, and her whorish ways, in Sweet Revenge. But, my readers were displeased with the ending. So, after many emails asking me to please write another installment, I did. Even though it took me two years to write it. And, it's a very quick read too. BAB's (big ass books) are not my type of reads or writes.

So, the release date was set for April 17, 2007 and the pre-orders were coming in, BIG TIME! There was no way I was going to play around with people's money and not ship those books out on time. The date is April 1 and I have 13 chapters completed, which isn't the half-way point in the book. Finishing the book was going to be tricky because I run Xpress Yourself Publishing, with 14 authors who requests my attention, 24/7, as well as new titles that were being released. Oh, and let me not forget that I am the full time caretaker for my mom and dad, who constantly calls out my name, running me up and down the stairs, all day long. By April 7, I had finished the book and shot off to an editor who did the quickest editing job I'd ever seen. And, I'm almost sure there is an error or two. As a matter of fact, I've already received an email from a reader, pointing out the fact that I had left the word "a," which threw off her reading experience.

I made my deadline and I couldn't be happier. BUT, I will never, ever write like that again. For your reading pleasure, however, below is a brief snippet from Unfinished Business. To learn more, you can visit my web site at www.jessicatilles.com!

* * * *

He brushed his hands through his curly tresses, down to the back of his neck where he threaded his fingers together. He needed a haircut. Unable to stop fidgeting, he ran his hand across his five o’clock shadow. He needed a shave too.

“Even when we were separated, I never cheated on you. Don’t get me wrong, the temptation was there, but I loved you more than anything.”

“You’re using past tense. You don’t love me anymore?”

“Yes, I still love you. I can’t stand your ass at the moment, but I can’t stop loving someone at the drop of a hat either.”

Exhaling discreetly, Arthur felt a sense of relief. She still loved him. He smiled inside.
Morgan looked down at the floor and then at her toes. She wiggled them, flexed her foot and then pointed her toes toward him. “Not even my sister. Regardless of how she betrayed me, I still love her. I knew Raven was capable of many things, but her fucking you…well, I guess it really shouldn’t surprise me in the least.” She gently tapped her head against the door. “There was nothing I wouldn’t do for Raven. Her back was always secure as long as I was around. It would’ve been nice to know what it felt like for my sister to have had my back, every once in a while. Humph, all the shit I got that girl out of.”

“She’s sick. She has a problem.” Immediately after the comment left his mouth, Arthur wished he could press rewind. Damn!

Morgan gave him another menacing look into his eyes and hesitated. “What’s your excuse?”
Arthur noticed the warmth was no longer there; and it terrified him. “My actions were inexcusable and I’m beating myself up for it. We’ve overcome so many obstacles and I know we can overcome this.” Falling on his knees and crawling toward her, “Please don’t give up on me, Morgan,” he begged. Reaching her toes, he leaned down and kissed each toe. “I don’t want to think of living life without you.”

She tilted her head to the side and gnawed on her bottom lip. “Did you kiss her toes? You’ve never kissed my toes before now.”

Damn, Arthur thought, as he dropped his weight on her legs in defeat. “How long are you going to make me pay?”

“Forever!”

His warrior’s pride shattered, Arthur buried his face between her calve muscles and sobbed. “Oh God, Morgan…”

Seeing her man’s broken spirit, Morgan’s face softened. She pouted her lips and reached for his head, running her fingers through his hair and down to his cheek, pulling him up toward her.

Staring deep into his eyes, she noticed that the sparkle was gone from his pupils.

They were gone from hers as well, for she no longer trusted him.

He pulled himself closer to her face and grazed her lips with his. “I’ll do what ever it takes,” he whispered, his tongue stroking her bottom lip.

Her lips trembled as she softly moaned his name, giving him more hope.

Arthur’s eyes remained opened, peering through to her soul, hopeful while hurting, trying to find an ounce of forgiveness. Not expecting to be pardoned really, he knew the journey to righting this ship was going to be a hard road to travel. However, he was willing to endure it no matter how bumpy or how far. Until death do us part, was his vow and he was sticking to it. The question was, was she?

He slid his hand up her thigh, to her abdomen, finding comfort caressing her breast.

Morgan inhaled quickly, while drawing her eyes tighter, squeezed out a single tear, causing a thin stream to flow down her cheek. She shook her head defiantly.

“Not now, baby. Not now, don’t turn me away,” Arthur encouraged.

His tongue savored the saltiness of her skin as his lips brushed her ear, traveling across her cheek, down her lips, and then tasting the sweetness of her mocha cream-flavored lip-gloss.
Morgan’s lips trembled against his. “You need a condom,” she whispered.

The unaccustomed request sent chills throughout Arthur. Stopping, he pulled himself up on his knees and squared his shoulders. “I need a what?”

“You’ve been with someone else. I need to protect myself.”

“Protect yourself from what?”

“Arthur, you had sex with another woman.”

“For God’s sake, Morgan, I can’t keep doing this.”

“Then do what you have to do.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

Morgan shrugged her shoulders. “However you perceive it. Shit, Shalimar said it best, ‘make that move, right now, baby.’” She snatched up her shoes and headed toward the stairs. “I don’t want you in the bed anymore. Since you’re not leaving the house, then you should move your things into the guestroom.”

“Aww come on, Morgan. Now you’re being ridiculous,” Arthur shouted angrily as saliva sprayed from his mouth.

“I suggest you use Hanna and her five sisters,” his wife announced sarcastically pointing in the direction of her punnanny. “Or better yet, get some ass from Raven, because you’re never going to touch this ass again!” Her message emphatically delivered, she stormed up the stairs, into the bedroom and slammed the door.

Arthur slouched against the wall. Peering downward at his crotch, his dick was hard as a two-by-four.

“I’m not giving up, Morgan,” he yelled up the stairs to a closed door.

Visit www.jessicatilles.com!

Visit Me @ E-Spire Entertainment News

2007-04-23T19:09:00.000-07:00

Check out my blog spot with E-Spire Entertainment News whose managing editor is none other than author Shelia Goss. If you swing over there, leave a comment...let me know you stopped by.

http://e-spire.blogspot.com/2007/04/five-questions-with-michelle-monkou.html

To purchase Here and Now or Sweet Surrender, go to http://eharlequin.com

--Michelle Monkou
http://www.michellemonkou.com/

Straight To The Heart - Ready for Pre-Order!

2007-04-21T14:52:00.000-07:00

Yep, it's April and my book won't hit shelves until September, but it's all about setting the pace. So here's the link to Amazon's pre-order for my September release - Straight To The Heart.

http://www.amazon.com/Straight-Kimani-Romance-Michelle-Monkou/dp/037386034X/ref=sr_1_8/102-3055184-2482547?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1177189268&sr=8-8

Meet Omar Masterson, the youngest in the family, who takes some bold steps toward independence. As a TV Video and Talk Host, his first assignment lands him in the spotlight of Stacy Watts, hip-hop singer/actress. Together the two must battle and make amends with their past or be destroyed, cancelling any hope of a life together. Their fierce love for each other is swift and direct, like an arrow - straight to the heart.

Peace and Blessings

Michelle Monkou
http://www.michellemonkou.com

Finally Published... now what

2007-02-27T10:32:00.000-08:00

Wow, what a journey!!! I am finally a published author. The excitement has not waned but the reality has finally set in...I gotta work!!We aspiring authors imagine as soon as our books hit the shelves that fortune and fame will be quick to follow. We look at the Nora Roberts and the Terry McMillians and immediately imagine our novel on the small small screen or nearest cinaplex. We imagine reviews pouring in from Publishers Weekly , blurbs in Essence Magazine or radio interviews galore. Then we realize that the phone hasn't rung , no one has yet to return your email and your publicist has assured you that the book signings are being scheduled. Doesn't anyone recognize my gift! Yes, you just have to wait until the pass on the good news about your novel to their friends. In the meantime, keep positive, don't slack on your day job, and use every opportunity to promote yourself and your novel.Now, I don't have all the answers nor am I an expert but I have started off to a modestly good start. Here are a few tips that I think helped me make steady strides.

1) A Myspace page - its free and you have access to more people than you can imagine. Post excerpts from your novel ( with approval from your pub if you have one), thoughts for the day, etc. Make friends with not only fellow authors or book clubs but people that may fit your demographics. Do not narrow your friends down by race or gender. But be wise, a 55 year old retiree may not appreciate your literary rendering of hoodlife. If you feel your novel falls into a genre that an established author writes in , acquaint yourself w/ some of their friends.

2) Enlist foot soilders - Friends and family should be armed with postcards, promo excerpts and what ever else you may have that can promote your novel. Try get family and friends that work at hospitals and large corporations. Choose your troops carefully. If they are not the most loquacious or outgoing do enlist them unless the specifically ask you. While they may support you , don't make them feel guilty of they are not comfortable being outgoing.

3) Become an internet sleuth - Surf for sites that feature authors or post work. There are tons of web sites that feature authors, post book signing, interview, etc. Some are fee based, so decide of the fee is worth it.

4) Be an online columnist or blogger - What better way to build a readership than writing an online column or blog that revolves around the subject matter of your novel or book. Many website and web zine take on columnist. Even though you in most cases you will not get paid, you have a world wide presence.

5) Join online groups- Make sure to not only join writers groups but reader and literary lovers groups. Be interactive and post comments and questions regularly so people can get to know who you are.

6) Vistaprint.com - this website by far has the lowest printing cost I have ever seen.

7) Exhale - If you can work overtime for a J-O-B. , you can work overtime to make your dream a reality. Rome wasn't built in one day , it took hard work , planning and faith.

I hope this little list helped. I will post so more stuff shortly but know above all else that the greatest asset you have is you and the greatest source is the GREAT I AM. The Creator gave identification of self as "I am that I am ..." So never position I am in a negative...

Peace!!!! Check my synopsis & excerpt on my my personal blog !!!

My Publishing Journey - Installment 3

2007-02-10T07:54:00.000-08:00

Every Friday, I will take you on my publishing journey. I will provide a window into the world of an author, my interaction with the publisher, and the marketing/promotions involved.

Okay, so I'm a day off with this post. This week was a slow week with the writing because of a tedious week with the day-job. But you've got to earn an living. I did manage to crank out a second chapter for my young adult proposal.

The biggest hurdle with writing young adult is to keep the sentences fairly simple. I'm not pretending to write high-brow lit, so long convulted sentences with SAT-type words are not the order of the day. I'm also not writing with heavy dosage of hip lingo since most terms are dated six months to a year later. If that's the case, then my book would be dated by the time it got to the publishers and then finally to the bookshelves.

I'm enjoying the story as it unfolds, which sometimes doesn't always happen if I get mired into the pitfalls of writing: sagging middle of the story, weak characters, stilted expressions etc. The cast of characters is getting bigger. Maybe in the rewrite, some of them may not be necessary to the forward movement of the heroine's story. There is a developing subplot with her best friend, but I'm careful not to let it overshadow the main plotline.

So heading back to work on the third chapter. Here's hoping that I don't fall too behind with my timeline.

Enjoy your Valentine's day.

See you next week.

Michelle

http://www.michellemonkou.com

A BOOK IN A WEEK

2007-02-03T07:27:00.000-08:00

I was coming off a frenzied three weeks of hammering out WICKED WAYS, the sequel to GETTING HERS, when I decided to take a break and check my email. (Mistake #1). I read an email from my editor from Harlequin saying that she couldn't wait to read my next installment in my Pause for Men Series on Friday. Needless to say it was Wednesday at the time. My hands began to shake and I went into a mild panic attack. Of course my editor MUST be insane. I didn't owe her a book in two days! I scrambled through my files and located my contract. YIKES! She was right. And not only was she right she was actually giving my 2 days grace. I was fresh out of ideas, so the only thing to do was ignore the email of course! I still needed a week to finish the book I was working on.

I eventually called my agent who contacted my editor who graciously said, "Friday is fine." Friday! That was a week away. I finished WICKED WAYS, emailed it to my editor and took a one day break to clear my head. But the only coherent thought in my head was that it was impossible. Yet, I had no choice. The cover was already produced and it was scheduled for release in July. What I needed was a plan. And the one writer friend I knew who could knock out a book in record time was my girl L.A. Banks (aka Leslie Esdaile). After consoling me for about ten minutes, she told me of a plan of action.

1. I needed to be selfish, cut myself off from family, friends and the dreaded internet.

2. Start at 6 am. (yick)

3. Write in blocks of four hours. Take an hour break in between for food and exercise.

4. Stop by ten p.m.

5. Make my notes for the next day and go to bed.

Well... I did exactly what she said. My generaly daily output on a good day is anywhere from 20-25 pages per day. With this plan I was able to up the ante to 35-40 pages in a day.

Fortunately, it was regents week and my son was off from school, so instead of spending the hour in the morning getting him up and out and to school, I had that time to work. And I worked.

But Friday arrived I only had 156 pages. Panic once again set in, but I was going to be brave. I called my editor myself and once again she was very gracious and said "Monday, first thing is fine." Ouch.

I continued with the plan throughout the day and through the weekend. When Monday came I had 210 pages. But miracles to happen. I wrote a grand total of 55 pages in one day. I emailed my completed manuscript at 4:45 on Monday!!! Much to the delight of my editor.

Of course this in NOT something I would recommend on a regular basis. However the plan works. It is simply a matter of being focused and staying the course.

With any book, you must have a plan of action and goals that you set for yourself. If it's five pages per day or a chapter per day, stick with it and do it.

The bottomline is, a writer writes!

Good luck

My Publishing Journey - Installment 2

2007-02-02T12:51:00.000-08:00

Every Friday, I will take you on my publishing journey. I will provide a window into the world of an author, my interaction with the publisher, and the marketing/promotions involved.

This week I did manage to finish up my proposal launching a five-book series. I was two days late from my timeline, but nevertheless, got it done. It ended up being a four page synopsis and three chapters (49 pages), which I emailed to my agent.

I took a day off then started working on my yound adult proposal. Since this is a new genre for me, I solicited an author-friend's quick approval. I finished the synopsis and the first chapter and got it off to my author-friend. I have two more chapters to write, probably by this weekend, which means my agent will have another proposal by next week to market.

While working on the young adult book, my agent emails me that the editor is interested in seeing additional proposals, ASAP. I'm faced with setting down the young adult ficition that no one is knocking down my door for, or working on the proposals that an editor wants to see.

I know the answer seems pretty clear, but....

I'm sticking with my young adult because I'm too close to finishing the required three chapters. I wrote the first chapter in less than a day, so I think that I can finish the other two over the weekend.

I do know that one of the romance series will take place in Europe. Haven't nailed down a country, but I'm pretty sure my American heroine is going to have a wonderful time in a foreign land with the man of her dreams.

See ya next week, for the next installment.

Michelle Monkou
http://www.michellemonkou.com

My Publishing Journey - Installment 1

2007-01-26T07:02:00.000-08:00

Every Friday, I will take you on my publishing journey. I will provide a window into the world of an author, my interaction with the publisher, and the marketing/promotions involved.

Last week I turned in my book (untitled, scheduled for release Sept. 07), thereby completing the terms of my contract with my publisher. This means that I have no further commitments for any of my books. This also translates to being currently without a publisher.

First, I spoke with my agent to discuss my plans and goals. Considering that there is about a year (give or take a few months) from the time a book is bought to the time the book is released in stores, my goals must take that timeline into consideration. Therefore any proposals I write from this point, if bought, probably won't be on shelves until 2008. Editors are hard at work filling their slots year to two years in advance.

Since most of my current books are tied to a series, which is dictated by readers' choice, I will continue in this trend for my next proposal. My proposal consists of a synopsis (3-5 pages) and three chapters (15-20 pages per chapter). I'm steadily working on this proposal with a self-imposed deadline to send it to my agent by Monday 1/29.

I started my proposal last week Thursday and planned to have it done earlier this week. However, my plans and reality didn't match. Kids had homework, projects due, and lots of studying for tests with the end of the quarter approaching. Now I'm about a week beyond my goal, but that really doesn't matter. I'm still writing every day. Now I'm on Chapter 2 where I'm filling in some of the background to the characters' relationships. Hopefully I'll have a productive weekend and can send it off to my agent. I'll let you know.

See ya next Friday for my next installment.

Michelle Monkou

http://www.michellemonkou.com

Motivation for Love Scenes

2007-01-20T07:52:00.000-08:00

As I reached the first love scene in my book Sin's Iniquity, I realized something was different. I was actually reluctant to do it. I couldn't figure it out. I mean usually I'm so hyped about the love scene I can't wait to write it.

But for this one, I found it difficult to embrace the fact that now that these characters had all the tension and it was nothing to stop them from giving the reader what they wanted.

My fingers were reluctant, but I got the characters alone and she was perfectly ready to give him whatever he wanted.

Still i wasnt' in the mood, so I stepped away from the computer and looked at my work area. There as nothing turning me off to the fact that i couldn't do it. There was nothing physically wrong with me. Matter of fact, I was feeling pretty randy with no one to turn to so coming up with the scene was no problem.

Then it hit me...

Oh lawd, how could I forget the most important part of getting to the good part.

Music. I had been playing MJB in my headphones and even though she was jamming in my head, I just couldn't feel my male character.

So I switched up to Brian McNight and started to get in the mood. I sat back down, but there was something still wrong. Brian was getting to the good part, but not taking me there.

So I switched the CD again to Robin Thicke. Nice white boy with a melodious voice to groove too. And he was telling me how much he loved me. Yes! Yes! Yes!!!

With my eyes closed my fingers began to type.

Yes, Robin, you got it. Thank you !

And that's my motivation.

_______________________________

Sylvia Hubbard is an author, blogger galore and mother of 3 living, working and writing in Detroit, Michigan.

http://sylviahubbard.com

Join her as she releases Sin's Iniquity online at: http://sylviaHubbard.blogspot.com

January Release - HERE AND NOW

2007-01-15T11:06:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year, one and all!

My latest book - HERE AND NOW - has hit bookshelves this month, January 2007. This book is the 2nd in the Masterson series. The first book of the series is SWEET SURRENDER, which was part of the Kimani Press imprint launch in its third month, September 2006.

HERE and NOW takes up the story of Laura Masterson who steps out of her family's shadow to forge her own life. She reunites with her college sweetheart, Chase Westfield, who learns how to live life outside the spotlight after his Olympic career is threatened.

Laura Masterson is a physical therapist. I had the opportunity to meet a physical therapist after I was hit from behind while in my car. My back and neck were injured and I had a series of appointments with the therapist. Then I met one of the managers of the company and he was an ex-athlete who, after an injury, turned toward sports medicine. I already had the premise of the ex-athlete, but no career for Laura Masterson. One day, I shared my story and asked if it seemed realistic and that's when I learned that the manager had been an ex-pro athlete. Then I spent time interviewing my physical therapist.

I had pages of notes, but ended up using very little in the story. After all, I'm writing a romance story and the importance and attention had to be on the two characters. Their careers are simply a layer to who they are and what passions drive them. This is the true nature of conducting research and then writing the stories.

Reminder to readers: Many times books may not consistenly make it into the stores or on the shelves. Please do not let that deter you, ask the booksellers to order the books. Otherwise, bookstores will determine, based on their electronic records, that authors or genres of books do not have economic value. The books can also be ordered through http://eharlequin.com.

My first 2007 interview is posted on The Pink Heart Society under the Sunday Spotlight. Feel free to leave a comment (http://pinkheartsociety.blogspot.com).

Michelle Monkou
http://www.michellemonkou.com

Changing A Character

2006-12-31T18:20:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is the day! The Big Day!

No, I’m not talking about any wedding – especially for me. Nor am I referring to the first day of the year. I’m talking about Sin’s Iniquity, my personal live story blog that I do for a whole month.

First about the book:
Sinclaire wants simplicity in her life. In order to prove her self worth to her ungrateful and evil mother, she is studying for the bar and in no way does she want any one or anything to get in the way of her goal. That is until Dwight Bowman steps into her life and wants to very much get to know the plain Sinclaire. Despite what she wants to prove to her mother, Sinclaire can’t help her attraction to the wealthy powerful gorgeous Dwight and gives in to her heart. Yet, sins of the past are destined to tear them apart or kill them in the process of being revealed.

Second, about the blog:
A live story blog is my cure to defeat writer’s block. I post chapters of the book live for my readers, which are usually thought of about an hour to seconds before I post. That means my readers get to see what I’m writing only seconds after I think about it.

It sounds hard doesn’t it? It is sometimes, but it’s a challenge and I love a challenge. It’s actually fun because I get instant feedback from my readers right away about my writing.

Third: About the Characters (which is why I’m writing this blog)
Before I blog, in my head I’m mapping out the story. I don’t try to write anything down because I want love surprising myself and since I’m a character driven writer, I usually let my characters lead the story where it might. I just set down the foundation of the story and go from there. It’s like playing that video game the SIMS (I think that’s the name). You just set up the world and then let them do whatever they want. I’m the story teller and give my readers a glimpse into these characters lives for this period.

Well, my male hero started off an African American. He was a strong black man surviving on the mean streets of Chicago with two kids by himself. To bring more conflict to the story, I changed him to a white man living on the streets with mixed children and the adversity that he had to face. On top of this, I also changed the characters name from Christopher to Dwight. Not because of his ethnicity, but because my fingers were tired of typing that long name. LOL.

Why did I do such a thing?

Well, Sin’s Iniquity started off with a basic story line. A woman trying to get respect from her mother and thinking she can do it by improving herself as a person by going to law school. Then I needed a back storyline for Dwight, the male character. And the more adversity for him, the better to explain why he has such a calming demeanor. The man can’t go anywhere but up at this point.

I hope you join me on my journey to Sin’s Iniquity. I hope to keep you on your toes and I hope you comment often and vehemently! LOL.

Have a Happy New Year and blessings to come!!

Your Author,

Sylvia Hubbard

http://sylviahubbard.com

Blog: http://sylviahubbard.blogspot.com

http://loveablackwoman.blogspot.com

There's No "I" in The Word Team!

2006-11-06T09:43:00.000-08:00

As writers, we describe our process of writing the book as a solitary venture. We share the image with our readers and audience that we are sitting curled up in a lounge chair or at a desk painstakingly writing and thinking about word choice, sentence structure, character development. This process begins even before we put down one word on page one and doesn't stop after we write THE END.

Having a completed manuscript is only the tip of the iceberg. My latest book, Sweet Surrender, which came out in September had a small team of individuals participating in its development.

First, as a proposal of three chapters and an outline, my agent takes the manuscript and sends it to the editor. The editor then reviews it and determines whether it fits her appetite. It does and she calls my agent with an offer. My agent then calls me, we negotiate and the deal is finalized. Then I'm given a deadline for the completed manuscript.

I get to work. I have contract, soon an advance check, and a story to complete. Three months before the book is released, and maybe even earlier, I contact my publicist with the marketing material: short blurb, short bio, release date, title, etc.

The book is complete and I submit to the editor. A few months later, I received an editorial letter or notes for the story. I complete that and send it back. Most times, a week is given for the edits. Then the manuscript is sent with the edits incorporated, but a chance for the author to review. This is not the time for substantive edits. This is the time to ensure that what was marked earlier is now in or not in the work.

The publicist provides a line up of online interviews, online chats, in-store booksignings, and other publicity events to market the upcoming release. Books are mailed to various reviewers, booksellers, librarians, etc. to introduce them to the work and/or to the author.

Then the book finally hits the bookshelves. Readers can now respond with their opinions with emails to the authors, publishers, online store comment section, book clubs, etc.

Sweet Surrender made a few milestones for me. I wrote the story and am responsible for what is between the covers, but as you can see, the success of a book largely depends on a team effort.

Big thanks to all!

Michelle
http://www.michellemonkou.com

Taking You Out of Your Comfort Zone

2006-10-27T10:47:00.000-07:00

I get that from my readers many times. Over the years as I’ve written, I fascinate myself of the process I go through to get from 0 words on the page to over seventy thousand words of twists, turns and romance. The first time I ever looked at my own process was when I was twenty-nine, trying to look for a thing for my daughter and I wandered upon my second published book, Stone’s Revenge, that had been handwritten when I was sixteen. I forgot about looking for the thing and begin to read what I had written before I even knew what love was, let alone a love scene and had never experienced a day of abuse. Yet, I was able to bring forth a character named William Stone, who was just the most beautiful Hispanic man this side of the Mississippi, but with a father as a serial killer. I don’t know how or where this man came from, but he was complicated and needed love, but didn’t know how to obtain it. That’s where Abigail McPherson came in, who was the daughter of the prosecuting attorney that was William’s nemesis. (I told you I have twists and turns).

From analyzing that experience as I rewrote the book, which was very little from its original concept, I found that I had a knack for taking ordinary people going through the same things you and I are going through and making their lives extraordinary.

How? By taking my reader out of their comfort zone. I found that in order for the reader to accept the situation that I thrust my protagonist in, I had to make them like something that shouldn’t be right.

How? For example, (and I can’t go into real detail without giving away the story), in my newest book, Mistaken Identity, I took a twin, who was jealous of her sister – rich fiancé, beautiful house, and wonderful life – and once the reader sympathize with this jealousy, it was alright to allow the protagonist to sleep with her brother-in-law. Of course there are a lot more twists and turns in the story and one reader said it’s the crying game of erotic where no one will tell the secret ending (LOL), but when I published Mistaken Identity my fear was that people would just say, “Sylvia, you’re nasty.” (Which I was about to call this post) .

Yet, people who have read the story say, “I was uncomfortable, but I couldn’t stop reading.” I like when they say that, because that means I’ve accomplished what I set out to do, give you a good story by taking you into my world, made you accept it and enjoyed yourself. I hope to do this with each and every book.

So let me take you out of your comfort zone.

http://sylviahubbard.com/

Your Author, Sylvia Hubbard

Darling Nikki

2006-10-13T09:29:00.000-07:00

"Why did you write My Invisible Husband?" is a question that I'm often asked. On a subconscious level, the story idea actually developed after hearing people ask me one too many times "So when are you getting married?" The second reason is because the character, Nicolette "Nikki" Montana, wouldn’t let me sleep well until I wrote her story. (smile)

For those who haven't read My Invisible Husband yet, here’s a short synopsis: To appease her family and friends, 34-year-old Nicolette Montana fakes a Las Vegas wedding. On her return trip to Dallas, she meets the dashing Byron Matthews. When she gets caught up in her web of deceit, she's forced to ask Byron to step in to fill the void. Byron vows to help Nikki even if it means making certain sacrifices. How Nikki handles her web of deceit makes for a dramatic and sometimes comical story.

I will let Nikki tell her story in her own words:
Shelia Goss: Please introduce yourself.
Nicolette Montana: My name is Nicolette Montana but everyone calls me Nikki. I am 34 years old and as far as everyone knows, I'm engaged.

Shelia: What advice would you give other women who are in their 30s and have never been married?
Nikki: If you find a man that you love and the feelings are reciprocated, go for it. Otherwise, don't let your age cause you to bow down to the pressure.

Shelia: Were you pressured?
Nikki: Uh. Well. No. I just felt the need to share that with your readers.

Shelia: Tell us something special about your relationship.
Nikki: Where do I begin? He's everything I've dreamed of. He treats me like a queen and he's good eye-candy.

Shelia: If you could change anything about your relationship, what would it be?
Nikki: I wish he didn't travel as much.

Shelia: Do you think having a good sense of humor is important in a relationship?
Nikki: Yes. Very. Once we get married, he'll be away so much - I've already started calling him My Invisible Husband.

Of course in the interview, Nikki fails to reveal that it’s all a façade. Some would say that Nikki's world is unrealistic. The fiction world that was created around Nikki Montana pales in comparison to the real life drama of Jennifer Wilbanks—the Runaway Bride that made the news last year and who recently made the news again when she filed a suit against her ex for $500,000.00. Jennifer Wilbanks proves that someone's fiction is another person's reality.

All of my books are "stories with a twist." My goal is to take real life situations, make them entertaining, but also make you think.

P.S. - Thank you Donna Hill Promotions for allowing me the opportunity to introduce Nikki on your blog.

Shelia M Goss
http://www.sheliagoss.com/
www.myspace.com/sheliagoss

In The Beginning...

2006-10-11T04:55:00.000-07:00

IN THE BEGINNING…

So it’s another love story, well that’s a given. But the most important part to me in a romance is the journey to finding that love. LOVE ME LIKE NO OTHER starts a new series with Kimani Romance, a series of journeys and the beginning of several beautiful friendships. Okay, okay, I watch too many old movies. :)

This story started with a vision. Picture this: three absolutely yummy black men with more money then they could possibly spend in three lifetimes and enough negative female experiences to erect another Great Wall in China.

Lincoln Donovan took the lead mainly because I love the name Linc, and secondly because he’s the oldest brother and thus sets the example for the others to follow. I’m the oldest child in my family so my parents constantly fed me that tired line. Linc is too fine, too rich and too arrogant, thus making him too much for any woman to deal with. I like this type of hero because it’s so satisfying to find that small crack in his heart and break through.

Jade Vincent was the perfect nemesis because she was also a victim of the ‘too’ syndrome. She’s too loyal and too trusting which is what lands her at the mercy of the infamous Lincoln Donovan. And because life is always throwing curve balls Jade and Linc share the memory of one scorching night together. Needless to say as I went through the process of drafting the scenes that would finally pull this couple together I was touched by their contrasts and encouraged by their tenacity.

A.C. Arthur
http://www.acarthur.net/
http://www.donnahillpromotions.com/

Building a Character

2006-10-10T17:52:00.000-07:00

One of my most compelling female characters was Rayne Holland of IN MY BEDROOM. It was the first time that I attempted to do a psychological story--really get into the mind of a character who stood on the precipice of sanity. There were many questions I asked myself about what would cause a person to develop a split personality or become bi-polar. The answer that I settled on was a traumatic sexual assault. To up the ante I made that assault an incestuous one.

In looking through the stacks of papers that I have in my makeshift office, I ran across the original handwritten notes that I used to build Rayne Holland. From these notes an unforgettable character was born.

Rayne Holland:
Raised in her early years by her father. Mother died when Rayne was eight, the result of a weak heart, weakened further by the pregnancy and the ensuing years. Rayne always felt the loss and a sense of guilt--heaped upon her by her father. She felt at fault and believed she had to "make up" for her mother's loss.

Rayne was in desperate need of love. Father, in his own twisted grief begins assualting Rayne (who looks just like her mother) shortly after her mother's funeral and continues to do so until she is almost sixteen and her remarries (Edith). Although Rayne was terribly ashamed she felt this was maybe a way to "please" her father--get him to love her. Inside she knows it is wrong and in an attempt to deal with her self-hatred and guilt her personality fractures.

Edith suspects what is going on. Convinces her husband to send Rayne to live with his sister--in an attempt to protect Rayne and her marriage.

Rayne grows up withdrawn. Becomes absorbed in books, reading, television and movies. Ultimately gets a degree in film.

The nature of her work as a filmaker is reflective of her reality/personality--all fabrication. Making something out of nothing--creating an imaginary world. This is where she can bloom and feel almost human when she is creating.

She has successfully buried the assaults deep in her subconscious and it is not until a life-altering accidents takes place that the demons begin to rise to the surface and the two personalities begin to battle.

Well... that's how I began to build Rayne Holland and took her on a journey of self-discovery and healing.

How SWEET SURRENDER Turned Into A Story

2006-10-10T17:09:00.000-07:00

First, major thank you for this blog by Donna Hill Promotions where I and my fellow authors under DHP will chat about interesting details behind our work.

My September release, Sweet Surrender, like most of my stories start with creating the characters and then the plot follows when I'm in creating mode. I literally have my characters side by side on the page and work on their strengths and weaknesses, aiming for as much conflict, as possible.

In this particular story, I introduced the Masterson family. This family is without a leader in the form of a mother or father. But like all group forming processes, someone has to emerge as a leader to keep cohesion in the group.

This is especially personal to me since my brother stepped up in the big brother/paternal role when my mother, brother and I moved to the U.S. My father was still in Guyana. I remembered how much I hated my brother to transform into the big brother role. Since he is seven years older, you'd think that I could accept this permanent hierachy. But, oh no, we fought like you wouldn't believe until after my college years. Around the time of my wedding, the relationship changed and now, I'm not likely to clobber him when he begins a sentence with "As your big brother...."

Phillip Masterson, the eldest brother, acts as the self-appointed leader. His siblings would probably accuse him of being a dictator. Yet none of the siblings can deny that he did play a major and vital role in them all being reasonably successful, productive members of society. Of course, Phillip would disagree with that claim when it comes to his youngest brother, Omar. Omar doesn't care for the smothering from her brother or sisters.

As far as the story setting, which takes place in the mountains in Western Maryland, I borrowed the images from the history of many suburban cities in my home state. Many of the cities were small populated areas near a major train station, factory, or port. Cities are now aggressively pursuing revitilization of historic buildings and areas to keep a bit of the past in the rapidly expanding present and future. Street names, like Main Street, is a common sight with shopkeepers and older residents knowing each other, along with past generations. Hampton Mews where the story is set provides a wonderful fantasy retreat for me.

I also think that the house has its own personality. Here is a house that sheltered a family where the father abandoned them and the mother died. While the outside world was cold and painful, at times, the Mastersons could come home and enjoy their familial bonds.

When Haley and her daughter move to the town, it is only right that they should find their refuge in this home of love. This house will be a central part in each sibling's story where forgiveness, acceptance, and even repentance occur.

I have several autographed copies of Sweet Surrender available at Turn The Page Bookstore - http://www.ttpbooks.com. This link will take you directly to the Order Books page - http://www.ttpbooks.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=TTPB&Category_Code=VB

As I often say - Books make great gifts!

Michelle Monkou
http://www.michellemonkou.com
http://www.donnahillpromotions.com

A Brotha in Timberland Boots

2006-10-10T16:31:00.000-07:00

Yesterday a reader asked me where did I come up with my latest hero, Reginald Hodges? Well, I'm gonna tell you. I was at the club with my girls one Friday night sipping apple martinis and bobbing my head to the beat of the music when this man walked in. My heart started racing. My hand was shaking so bad I had to put my drink down. Brotha was fine! Cornrows. Throwback jersey. Loose fitted jeans. And Timberland boots. All three of us noticed and I couldn't take my eyes off this man. He looked like the good Lord had dipped him in a pot of chocolate, and them eyes! Oh me. Oh my! They were large and light brown and drew you in with one long piercing look. After asking around, the girl at the next table told me his name was Reggie and that he did odd jobs in the neighborhood. Painting. Remodeling. You name it. I didn't move the rest of the night. All I did was stare and try to decide which room I needed painted first. By the end of the night I had his business card in hand, and as soon as I got home, I started preparing a character description for my next book. Just a regular brotha from the hood, wearing low riding jeans and Timberland boots. With that in mind, A Delight Before Christmas was born.

Angie Daniels
www.angiedaniels.com
www.donnahillpromotions.com