Category Archives: Urban

May 14, 2014 · 9:49 am

Her Hearts Desire Media Tour with Author Lisa Watson

Lisa Watson Answers Linda Fegins’ Questions About Her Book and Her Writing Journey

What would you like readers to take away from your book?

– I’d like readers to read Her Heart’s Desire and see that your life and relationships are yours to mold and shape in a way to makes you happy, and contributes to your life in a positive way. When you find someone that centers you, and compliments who you are…hang on to them. Don’t be afraid to do the work. Life isn’t cookie cutter, and neither are people.

What inspired you to write this book? –

I was fascinated by Norma Jean’s character. Here’s this matchmaking mother that would do anything to ensure that her only son finds the type of happiness she’s found with his father. The thing is she doesn’t stop there. That single-minded purpose extends to his friends, too and before long, “The Love Broker” has several of Adrian’s friends in her sights. They think she’s horrible at match making…but is she?

What is your favorite chapter from the book and why? –

My favorite chapter would have to be the black hole moment. When Tiffany and Ivan are presented with an obstacle that seems insurmountable. Tiffany’s past experiences with on love, life, and how she views the man in her life present challenges for Ivan. How he handles things within their relationship is also based on what he’s used to doing, and are ingrained in him. Sometimes the combination of the two makes for a bumpy road for the couple.

What did you hope to accomplish with this book? –

I wanted readers to be able to connect, and root for the relationships in The Match Broker series; Love Contract and Her Heart’s Desire. Like all of us, these are real-life people. Have you ever had a family member that considered themselves a match maker and wouldn’t take no for an answer? Fears about life, problems with work, or dating and relationship dilemmas? We all do, and I wanted my characters to be no different. I believe that love, open communication and respect for your significant other can get you on the road to happiness…that doesn’t always mean it’s a smooth trip, and without its share of bumps along the way.

What are three things you wish you’d known before you reached where you are now?

–
1. How important it is that the person representing you as your agent, editor, or publisher is a great fit for you. Are they as passionate about your work as you are? Will they work hard, and represent you in the best possible way? Spend time, do the research and find that perfect fit. It may save you a lot of time, and effort later if they relationship isn’t all you expected.
2. The importance of great marketing for your book, and the time involved as a new author publicizing yourself, and your works. It’s very essential, and some publishers may not provide you with promotional materials. If not, it’s up to you as the author to do what it takes to get your name out there and promote yourself and your brand.
3. Don’t be afraid to follow your dream. If it’s to be a writer…or if it’s another career…move mountains to accomplish what’s in your heart. Don’t let others dissuade you from at least trying to do what makes your soul happy. You have an inner voice for a reason—listen to it.

Oprah always asks, What do you know for sure?

– I know that writing isn’t all glamour, it takes a great deal of hard work, dedication, passion and faith. You will get rejected, we don’t all start out getting phenomenal advances, and bestseller status. For most it’s a long road, and you’ll need a strong back bone for the times those reviews are less than favorable, and it’s scary sharing your innermost thoughts with the world…but for me, knowing that I am using my God given talents is an indescribable joy. Receiving those unexpected emails from readers offering support and excitement for my work…weaving a tale from my imagination, and then seeing it in print, and knowing that my words have touched even one person’s life and made them smile and feel better…inspires me to keep going and never look back.

If you could have dinner with three authors to talk with about their writing, living or deceased, who would you invite and why?

– Maya Angelou. She is such an inspirational woman. For me, her words are soul stirring and compel you to do better than your best. Ms. Angelou is doing exactly what she was born to do, and that’s phenomenal. Leslie Esdaile Banks. She was such a wonderful person. When I first met her at a writer’s convention, I was awe struck. Here was this bestselling, famous author, and she was chatting with me like we had been friends for decades. She was a beautiful soul, and would always offer me pearls of wisdom and sage advice on lessons learned, how to make it in such a competitive business, and how not to get caught up in the hype. I miss her terribly, but I’m so grateful that she and I crossed paths. I would love to have chatted with Jane Austen, too. I enjoy reading historical novels, and her heroines were strong, ahead of their time, and were not content to sit and let life pass them by. I’m sure she would have fascinating tales to tell in person.

How do you find time to connect with God?

– I truly have to stop and listen. I multi-task a lot, but that doesn’t always assure that I get things accomplished. There was one time when I was on deadline worrying over a part of my manuscript, stressing over my full-time job pressures, family life and wishing there were more hours in the day. I have the habit of worrying over everything all at once. This was one of those times, and meltdown was imminent. Suddenly, the words “Be Still,” popped into my head. Immediately I stopped, and did just that. I felt an overwhelming calm that came from sitting there, being quiet, and not thinking about anything but that. That was God’s wake up call for me, and I listened. Since then, I find the time to unplug and just Be Still. I pray more, read more, and focus on the things that matter, like trying to grow spiritually and do the things that I was put on Earth to do. I don’t major on the minutia nearly as much. I’m far from perfect at it, but I am a work in progress.

About the Book

Love’s his only mission

After a series of dating disasters, Tiffany Gentry isn’t ready to risk her heart again. Just when she decides it’s safer to stay single, the Chicago boutique owner meets Colonel Ivan Mangum. The gorgeous military hero is an expert in security. Yet Tiffany has no defense against Ivan’s sensual maneuvers….

Ivan knows that Tiffany should stop looking for Mr. Right—she has already found him! From romantic city nights to a passionate tryst at his mountain retreat, Ivan uses every seductive weapon in his arsenal to prove he’s her true soul mate. But when their future together is threatened, will this soldier find a way to turn his dream of love into a mission possible?

About the Author

A native of Washington D.C., the city’s historic and political backdrop fed Lisa Watson’s romantic imagination. Lisa has written several multi-cultural novellas and novels, and loves creating engaging storylines with strong characters that are drawn together by respect and love.
Lisa works at a technology consulting firm, and is the co-publicist for RT Book Review Magazine’s annual RT Booklovers Conventions.

Lisa’s Amazon Bestselling novel for Harlequin’s KIMANI™ ROMANCE, Love Contract, is book one of The Match Broker series. Book two, Her Heart’s Desire is coming May 2014, and book three, Love by Design in Fall 2014. Her new holiday novellas, A Heart for Christmas (2nd Edition), and Two Hearts for Christmas, in the Love at Christmastime series is available on Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Kobo Books and Allromanceebooks.com.

Lisa lives outside Raleigh, NC and is married with two teenagers, and a Maltipoo, Brinkley. Connect with Lisa on Facebook (NCLisaWatson), Twitter (@LisaYWatson), and at www.lisawatson.com.

Purchase the Book Online at:
Amazon.com
BarnesandNoble.com

Visit the author online at:
www.lisawatson.com

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Filed under romance novel, Urban

Tagged as matchmaking, romance

· 12:29 am

BeJeweled Online Tour With Chelle Ramsey

Chelle Ramsey Answers Linda Fegins’ Questions About Her Book and Her Journey

Tell us about your current book?

BeJeweled is the first novel in a four book series. Each story focuses on the main character: Olivia, the salon owner; and one of her stylists, nail techs, or masseuses. There are other background characters that you get to know, who will have their own story.

BeJeweled: The Flight of an Angel focuses on Olivia and Angel Franklin, a hard working stylist with dreams of owning her own salon. However, with being berated by another co-worker, constantly finding herself in the center of BeJeweled’s gossip, and her husband’s constant infidelity, she’s losing hope quickly. With years of looking the other way, she realizes that she can no longer ignore his “side chicks” when it hits close to home. Angel may have to make a decision that may leave her raising their only son alone.

Olivia is working on opening a second salon, but when things in the shop spiral out of control, she finds herself being torn in several different directions. A spiritual woman, Olivia attempts to inspire her workers to rise above their adversities. Yet, her attention is diverted when the only man she has ever loved returns to Atlanta. Questioning his return, the status of his marriage, and his intentions, Olivia finds herself once again laying her heart on the line. With the possibility of finally discovering love, she realizes an old promise she made will be tested. Between the drama in the shop, and her own drama surfacing, Olivia finds her faith tested.

Oprah always asks, “What do you know for sure?”

That I am finally where I belong. I have a sense of fulfillment and walking in my purpose when I write. There are many life challenges that we all must face. Our attitude determines how we come out on the other side of that obstacle, if we come out at all. When you give your absolute best to a situation, you will have peace at the end knowing that you gave it your all.

What is the toughest test you faced as a writer or in your profession and how did you overcome the problem?

Marketing my work. This is a work in progress, because I enjoy writing not necessarily the promotional aspects of it. Initially I am an introvert, who is learning to come out of her shell. As I continue to grow in this world, I am learning to make the connections, build the relationships, and do the work. I believe having belief in my abilities, putting in the hard work, and having faith, I will reach my goals.

What is something readers would be surprised you do?

Have a big whine fest before every great challenge. This occurs in the process of designing book covers, as well as certain routes I want to take in terms of content of the book. I actually begin a squabble with my husband over something silly about the process and somehow it brings the best of both of us together, and then we get the best out of my books. I can be a big baby during the process, despite the fact that the other side of me is very inspirational and grounded. Laughing out loud!

Can you give us one do and one don’t for those aspiring to be a writer?

Do your research in determining which routes you want to take in this area of your career, to prepare yourself for the journey. You want to be as knowledgeable and educated as possible on the journey, despite the fact that you will make mistakes.

Don’t allow others to dictate how and what you write. If you do, you will later realize that you have not been true to yourself on the journey at all.

How can writers get in contact with you?

Website: www.cmichelleramsey.com
Blog: www.writingmydreams.comFB: Author Chelle Ramsey
Email: books@cmichelleramsey.com
Twitter: @ChellesBooks
Pinterest: authorcmramsey

About The Author

An avid reader since her primary years, Chelle saw books as an escape mechanism. Excited by the worlds, and characters that could be created with a touch of the imagination, she began writing her own stories at the age of 12. The more enamored with storytelling she became, the more she wanted to create stories about the suffering, and hardships she saw others enduring, with one twist…her characters would rise above their adversities and limitations, but not always with traditional endings.
This busy wife, and mother of three, exchanged her Girl Scout Leader pins for her creative writing pen, as she began to focus on publishing her novels. In her spare time, when she isn’t writing, she enjoys reading mystery novels, watching the NBA, remodeling their home with her husband, and spending time with him and their children. Having received her MBA in Human Resource Management, she says she cannot wait for the day when writing becomes her full-time career. “If I can show my readers they are not alone, in dealing with their challenges, and that they can rise above their limitations, I have achieved my goal,” Ramsey says.

Purchase the Book Online at:
Amazon.com
BarnesandNoble.com

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Filed under Urban, women's fiction

Tagged as Angel, women's fiction

February 7, 2014 · 2:06 am

No Conditions Book Blast & Book Giveaway by Dr. Vivi Monroe Congress

Autograph Copy~~ Raffle code: a Rafflecopter giveaway

About The Book

O.C. Byrd is hard-working, handsome and newly married to the woman of his prayers. With his sights firmly set on becoming a Gospel recording artist, his determination is beginning to pay off, earning him a windstorm of recognition at the local level.
But will both his widespread notoriety and his marriage be jeopardized through the accidental discovery of his wife’s former lifestyle?

About The Author

Dr. Congress is a Best-Selling, Award-Winning Wordsmith, Literary Advisor, Publisher and creator of C.H.O.C. Lit™ Flavored Books (Christians Having Ordinary Challenges).
She holds a BA in Human Relations, Masters in Theology, Doctor of Ministry degree in Christian Counseling and is a Certified Christian Life Coach.

Buy Links:
Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Conditions-Dr-Vivi-Monroe-Congress/dp/0974802034/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1391037221&sr=8-6&keywords=vivi+monroe+congressAmazon Author Profile: http://www.amazon.com/Vivi-Monroe-Congress/e/B006RXHOPI/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

Social Links:
Facebook.com/DocVMC
Twitter.com/DocVMC
Email: littlelightprod@aol.com
Website www.DrViviMonroeCongress.com

Sneak Peak
Chapter Ten

“Okay, let’s hit that once more from the top,” directed one very perfection-driven recording engineer. Enoch “Z-man” Zimmerman is, by far, the most on-point dude I know; nothing gets by him—musically speaking—and if his name is attached to it, so is excellence. If I hadn’t known this about him beforehand, I would’ve ended this session an hour ago. Old dude is dipping into my pockets—deep. But, it’s all good. There’s no price tag on quality or knowing that your creative vision is being birthed and we did cover a lot of ground in these last two days. However, I was trying to come in under a budget since I still have to get updated headshots and that, alone, can cost a mint. Needless to say, the budget needs a budget.

From within the encapsulated sound booth, I quickly prepare myself for a retake by clearing my throat and rolling my head to work out neck and shoulder tension. This is the last track we’re recording, also my favorite, and I can’t risk anything getting in the way of my sound. I’ve reworked the lyrics and rearranged the music to Will Downing’s All About You and in a play on words, I decided to use the working title, All About Him, for my CD. Z-man, who was previously in a zone setting the levels on the control panel, gives me his ‘look,’ the one that says, any minute now…waiting on you.

Closing my eyes, I ease into the moment by thinking of the unending blessings God has poured into my life, most recently the love and devotion of a woman who loves Him as much as I do. I give Z-man a thumbs up, our non-verbal cue that I’m ready to record. Through my headphones, I hear the music intro and seconds later, Z-man‘s voice comes through in a word, “Rolling.”
Swaying side to side, I’m feeling it and without forethought, I take ownership of the musical moment and sing, “I’m not a perfect man, I do the best I can…”

Inside of four minutes, Z-man shouts, “Perfect!” and just like that we’re done. Demo complete, mission accomplished. Talk about feeling good … man!
Collecting my sheet music from the copy stand, I give the booth the once-over and scan the small space for other belongings I might have overlooked. As if handling a Ming vase, I carefully place the headphones on the overhead hang. Lord knows the last thing I need now is to have Z-man add something else to my currently swollen studio tab.

“You know, O.C., I believe your voice has gotten much stronger. Not at all like when I first recorded you a few years back. You’ve got a more mature sound.”
Beaming with pride, “Man, a lot has gotten stronger and better with me.” I strike an impressive bodybuilder crab pose, careful not to flash the shiny new article of jewelry that now resides on the ring finger of my left land. We both laugh and post up a high-five on it.

“Oh, I know that look. Had it once upon a time myself,” Z-man reflects. “That’s the look of a man who’s found his better half. Congrats again, man. I wish you the best.” His voice fades as though he’s been a casualty of love. And while his wound may still be fresh, he is no love reject; he’s recovering from the death of his wife earlier this year.

“Thanks, Z,” I respond. Placing a sympathetic hand on his shoulder which serves as a point of contact as well, I whisper a brief prayer for his healing. “That means a lot, man.”
“I miss her, O.C.” his voice slightly cracking, “I miss her a lot.” Z-man’s body slowly slumps in his chair, his eyes misting despite his best efforts to blink back the tears.
Identifying with his pain in the presence of my own joy is a real challenge, but I do my best to console him anyway.

“You and Maggie…watching the two of you was…was…well, inspiring. Y’all were so in sync. I’ve never seen anything like it except for my Mom and Pops, of course.” Although I did my best to encourage Z-man, Goddess is the pro at this kind of thing since she deals with death and sorrow every day for a living.
I watch as a nostalgic smile sweeps across Z-man’s face. I must’ve said something right. Unfolding his grief-tormented body, he sits straight up and releases a fraction of his pain through a loud exhale, “Remember this…if this were your last day on earth, what would you look at more closely, more intensely? What would you appreciate? What would you want to savor? What would really be important to you?” He pauses and appears to be thinking about his next words.

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Filed under christian romance novel, Urban, Urban Christian

Tagged as Dr. Vivi Monroe Congress, urban Chrisitan

October 22, 2013 · 1:35 am

Living Separate Lives by Author Paulette Harper

About The Book

Candace Walker, Kaylan Smith, Jordan Tate, and Tiffany Thomas have their share of sorrows, but neither of them realizes how deep the sorrow goes. What happens when they agree to meet for a weekend of relaxation in beautiful Napa County? Which one will leave the same or worse?
For Candace Walker, life has left her battered and bruised. Kaylan Smith has struggled with prejudice from her in-laws. After fifteen years of marriage, bitterness is trying to raise its ugly head for Jordan Tate, whose husband wants to call it quits. And for Tiffany Thomas, dealing with rejection has never been one of her greatest feats.
Although they have been friends for years, they thought they knew each other well. But will a secret destroy their relationship and bring the sisterhood to a complete halt? Will they be able to forgive and allow God to mend that which might be torn?

About The Author

Paulette Harper is an award-winning and best-selling author. She is the owner of Write Now Literary Virtual Book Tours and is passionate about helping authors succeed in publishing and marketing their books. Paulette has been writing and publishing books since 2008. Paulette is the author of That Was Then, This is Now, Completely Whole and The Sanctuary. Her articles have appeared on-line and in print.

Review of the book

Paulette Harper’s christian novella, Living Separate Lives about four girlfriends Tiffany, Candace, Kaylan and Jordan who reconnect years after high school was quite engaging to me. Paulette Harper‘s realistic characters and storytelling were endearing. Each girlfriend is dealing with issues in her life such as rejection, prejudice, unevenly yoked , never reaching your dreams and at least one is still reacting from the hurt of rejection from her childhood that has lead to poor choices in her adult life. The ladies agree to a girlfriend weekend retreat at Kaylan’s home in Napa Valley region of California. However, the weekend does not turn out how the girlfriends planned. When the truth about one of their lives unexpectedly is discovered accidentally ,the impact upon the life of another causes anger, betrayal and further rejection to show its ugly head. Now the girlfriends really need to go before the King to pray, praise and seek the face of the Lord, when one of them is asked to leave the retreat. Can the ladies who profess to be a Christian forgive the perpetrator? How do you reach out to the one that betrayed you when she is in trouble? This novella raises real issues about friendship, forgiveness, your walk of faith in hurting times and wanting to support a friend in the good times and the bad times. It is an excellent minstry tool for the women’s minsitry or for a workshop on forgivenss and forgetting the past.

Trailer:http://youtu.be/Y2YWSYkfxAM

Social Media Links
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/PauletteHarperAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/pauletteharper
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/paulette-harper-johnson/7/a29/8a7
Pinterest : http://pinterest.com/pauletteharper/
Website: www.pauletteharper.com
Email: pharperjohnson@gmail.com

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Filed under Uncategorized, Urban, Urban Christian

Tagged as betrayal, christian novella, Paulete Harper

August 29, 2013 · 11:50 pm

Stepping Down Virtual Book Tour with Michelle Stimpson

About The Book Mark has been pastoring New Vision church for six years now, and all his hard work is about to pay off as the church approaches mega-church status. But while Mark has been busy building the church, his own household has been crumbling to pieces. After ignoring divine guidance, Mark finds himself caught up in the appearance of a scandal that threatens to tear the church apart. And his wife’s secrets only add insult to near-fatal injury.

Sharla would have done just about anything to be a mother…and, actually, she did. She was willing to pay the price for her mistakes, but she never dreamed someone else might have to suffer instead. How close can she come to confessing her past without jeopardizing her future?

Stepping Down is the eighth full-length novel from National Bestselling Author Michelle Stimpson. As the granddaughter of a pastor and the great-granddaughter of a bishop, she explores a conflict many spiritual leaders still encounter today. Readers will enjoy this fast-paced, hard-hitting novel that addresses the ageless question: How can a man run the church if he can’t run his own household?

About The Author

Michelle Stimpson is an author, a speaker, and an educator who received her Bachelor of Science degree from Jarvis Christian College in 1994. She earned a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2002. She has had the pleasure of teaching elementary, middle, and high school as well as training adults.

In addition to her work in the field of education, Michelle ministers through writing and public speaking. Her works include the highly acclaimed Boaz Brown, Divas of Damascus Road (National Bestseller), and Falling Into Grace, which has been optioned by Paulist Productions for a movie of the week. She has published several short stories for high school students through her educational publishing company, Right Track Academic Support Services, at www.wegottaread.com.

Michelle serves in women’s ministry at her home church, Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship. She also ministers to women and writers through her blog. Michelle regularly speaks at special events and writing workshops sponsored by churches, schools, book clubs, and educational organizations.

The Stimpsons are proud parents of two young adults and one crazy dog.

Interview Questions for Michelle Stimpson by Linda Fegins

First of all I loved Boaz Brown and Divas of Damascus Road . My book club had a great discussion about both of the books. The book club is in for an exciting and twisting read in Stepping Down I am sure. The diaglogue ,for which you are masterful at, and the infusion of spiritual wisdom throughout, will keep the readers engaged as well as give them spiritual food to think about how this story could apply to their life.

Describe yourself for our visitors.

I’m a wife, a mom, and a writer who is loved by the Lord Jesus!

How do you find time to connect with God?

One of the greatest realizations that I’ve come to love is that the indwelling Christ is always in us, connected with us from the inside out. More and more, I’m finding that the constant commune with Him means fellowship throughout the day. I usually have a set aside time in the mornings, but even when I don’t, His presence is constant.

What inspired you to write this book?

This book was the product of prayer and reading two other books (52 Lies Heard in Churches Every Sunday and Pagan Christianity) that really challenged me to think about what it means to be in ministry and in leadership. The main character struggles to balance his commitment to family and to his calling, which is something that I think many people struggle to maintain.

Who are your favorite authors and why?? Favorite books?

My favorite author (lately!) is the late Andrew Murray. I thoroughly enjoy the purity of his work in the books Humility and Abide in Christ.

Tell us about your journey to publication.

In retrospect, this whole journey has been so blessed. I wrote my first novel, Boaz Brown, in about 3 months, then sent if off to two publishers. The first publisher turned it down. The second publisher (Denise Stinson) said she liked it, but it needed a lot of work. She made some recommendations. I made those recommendations, sent it back to her, and from that point, I was signed. I started out with Walk Worthy Press/Warner Books in 2004. I really didn’t even know what a “big deal” that was—and it’s a good thing, too. I probably would have been beside myself. Actually, that’s pretty much the story of my writing career. Great things happen and I have no idea how great they are until after-the-fact. As far as I know, I’m just writing and doing something I know I was created to do.

How did you come up with ideas for this book?

I asked several of my writing group friends for input, since they’d been married to pastors/ministers. I also researched several things in the media about what it’s like to be a pastor, why pastors leave their churches, and why minister burn-out is so common.

What valuable lessons do you want readers to learn from your book?

One thing I want readers to realize is that “the church” is the body of Christ, not necessarily a group of people who gather at a building. I also want those who are in leadership positions in ministry to recognize that Christ is the Great Shepherd. Yes, we have roles and responsibilities. But, ultimately, He is responsible for shepherding His people, and He has promised to do so faithfully.

What’s next for you?

I’m co-authoring a book with one of my mentees, grateful to be a part of her budding career. I’m also planning to write a follow-up to a fun Christian novella entitled I Met Him in the Ladies’ Room.

Where can visitors find you online?
www.MichelleStimpson.com

When did you begin to realize you wanted to write?

My mom says she almost had to punish me for staying up late reading and writing, so I’m pretty sure it’s always been in me. Honestly, I can’t think of a time when writing wasn’t on my agenda. I don’t think I chose to write—it chose me. Bless God!

Thanks so much for the opportunity!

Find Michelle online at:
Twitter link www.twitter.com/stimpsontweets
Facebook link www.facebook.com/michelle.stimpson2

WEBSITE, EMAIL
Email: stimpson.michelle@gmail.com
Website: www.MichelleStimpson.com
BLOG:
WE GOTTAREAD
www.wegottaread.com

Order a copy
Amazon ebook: http://tinyurl.com/kbfeuexAmazon book: http://tinyurl.com/kt5f3fh

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Filed under Urban, Urban Christian

Tagged as Michelle Stimpson, urban christian fiction