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Wednesday, February 25, 2009
AWARD WINNER
2009 Online Literary Awards
Cheryl Donovan present the first Legends Awards to:
SORMAG-Shades of Romance Magazine
SORMAG – Shades Of Romance Magazine was started because of editor LaShaunda Hoffman’s love of AA romance novels and the lack of support for them. SORMAG was an extension of an online forum called Aspiring African-American Romance Writers she started on delphiforums.com in 1999. In 2000 SORMAG became a bi-monthly online magazine. As the romance writers began to expand into the mainstream market the magazine evolved to feature not only romance but all literature. In 2005, SORMAG advanced to the blog concept which offers readers interactive freedom. The blog lead to SORMAG becoming a publishing industry legend! Website: http://www.sormag.com/
Mosaic Literary Magazine
Launched in 1998, Mosaic is a quarterly magazine exploring the literary landscapes of Black and Latino writers. Each issue contains a unique blend of essays, profiles, and reviews. Mosaic is published by the Literary Freedom Project, a 501(c)3 tax-exempt not-for-profit arts organization that supports the literary arts through education, creative thinking, and new media. Editor/Publisher Ron Kavanaugh. http://mosaicmagazine.org/
Cheryl Donovan present the first Legends Awards to:
SORMAG-Shades of Romance Magazine
SORMAG – Shades Of Romance Magazine was started because of editor LaShaunda Hoffman’s love of AA romance novels and the lack of support for them. SORMAG was an extension of an online forum called Aspiring African-American Romance Writers she started on delphiforums.com in 1999. In 2000 SORMAG became a bi-monthly online magazine. As the romance writers began to expand into the mainstream market the magazine evolved to feature not only romance but all literature. In 2005, SORMAG advanced to the blog concept which offers readers interactive freedom. The blog lead to SORMAG becoming a publishing industry legend! Website: http://www.sormag.com/
Mosaic Literary Magazine
Launched in 1998, Mosaic is a quarterly magazine exploring the literary landscapes of Black and Latino writers. Each issue contains a unique blend of essays, profiles, and reviews. Mosaic is published by the Literary Freedom Project, a 501(c)3 tax-exempt not-for-profit arts organization that supports the literary arts through education, creative thinking, and new media. Editor/Publisher Ron Kavanaugh. http://mosaicmagazine.org/
Friday, February 20, 2009
Outlaw Marshall Blog Tour
John “The Stranger” Brockman is back by popular demand!
A good deed grants outlaw Whipley Langford early release from prison and a friendship with Chief U.S. Marshal John Brockman. Another good deed gets Whip framed for murder and looking at life through a hangman’s noose. John arrives just in time to reveal the true murderers and lead Whip to Christ.
A new man and a fast draw, Whip becomes Brockman’s deputy. Life is still fast and dangerous, and there’s a pretty lady Whip would like to get to know better too. Before he admits his love, Whip is shot in a bank robbery. Survival looks slim until he awakens to hear his lady confess her love. Weeks later, they are married.
Readers who are familiar with the Journeys of the Stranger and Angel of Mercy series reunite with well-loved characters John and Breanna Brockman. Western history buffs will enjoy a wholesome, fast-paced story where the Gospel is presented clearly. Christian readers will learn how to lean on the Lord in times of trial and non-Christians will have the opportunity to make Christ their Savior.
About The Authors:
Al Lacy is an evangelist and author of more than one hundred historical and western novels, including the Journeys of the Stranger, Angel of Mercy, and Mail Order Bride series, with more than three million books in print.
JoAnna Lacy, Al’s wife and longtime collaborator, is a retired nurse. The Lacys have been married over forty years and live in the Colorado Rockies.
Leave a comment for a chance to win this book.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Is it time to move past Black History Month?
My answer is NO. What’s wrong with having a month that celebrates your culture? What’s wrong with having a month that informs the world about Black history?
This year I signed up to be a girl scout leader. I thought it would be a fun way to spend time with my daughter. At our last meeting I decided to talk about a local Black History. One lady I admired growing up was Julia Davis. She was a local historian who made it her business to keep the Black history known at the public libraries.
My girls had heard of her name but only because a library had been named about her. They didn’t know who she was. Why?
I think its because there is so much the teachers have to teach during the year, they don’t have time to touch on everything. Which is why I believe Black History Month is important, during this month, they can make time to focus on the history of Black Americans.
If this wasn’t Black History month, the girls probably wouldn’t have heard about Julia Davis. Until all history is taught in school, Black History month will always be needed.
WHO IS JULIA DAVIS
Julia Davis was born in 1891, attended Sumner High School, Normal School, and Stowe Teachers' College and became an educator and historian of black history in St. Louis. Since 1941, she has organized the annual Negro history exhibit at the St. Louis Public Library. She served on the National Education Association Committee on Teacher Education and Professional Standards, as secretary for the St. Louis branch of the Association For Childhood Education, and has been active in other educational organizations. She retired as a public school teacher on November 20, 1961.
Dr. Julia Davis, established the Julia Davis Fund at the St. Louis Public Library in 1961 on the day she retired from teaching in the St. Louis public school system. The fund, designated for the purchase of literature by, for and about African-Americans, has provided for the acquisition of more than 2,000 volumes.
The Julia Davis Collection is housed in the beautiful Great Hall of the Central Library at 13th and Olive Streets downtown. On April 21, 1974, the St. Louis Public Library made history by dedicating a branch to a living person - Dr. Julia Davis. This branch houses the same volumes found in the Central Library and is the site for many African-American cultural activities held throughout the year. This library was on Naturalbridge.
Julia Davis gave the Julia Davis Research papers to the Black History Research Project from October 1980 to April 1981for permanent preservation at the Western Historical Manuscript Collection-St. Louis at the University of Missouri- St. Louis. Julia Davis continued to donate material through October 1988.
Do you think we should move past Black History Month?
This year I signed up to be a girl scout leader. I thought it would be a fun way to spend time with my daughter. At our last meeting I decided to talk about a local Black History. One lady I admired growing up was Julia Davis. She was a local historian who made it her business to keep the Black history known at the public libraries.
My girls had heard of her name but only because a library had been named about her. They didn’t know who she was. Why?
I think its because there is so much the teachers have to teach during the year, they don’t have time to touch on everything. Which is why I believe Black History Month is important, during this month, they can make time to focus on the history of Black Americans.
If this wasn’t Black History month, the girls probably wouldn’t have heard about Julia Davis. Until all history is taught in school, Black History month will always be needed.
WHO IS JULIA DAVIS
Julia Davis was born in 1891, attended Sumner High School, Normal School, and Stowe Teachers' College and became an educator and historian of black history in St. Louis. Since 1941, she has organized the annual Negro history exhibit at the St. Louis Public Library. She served on the National Education Association Committee on Teacher Education and Professional Standards, as secretary for the St. Louis branch of the Association For Childhood Education, and has been active in other educational organizations. She retired as a public school teacher on November 20, 1961.
Dr. Julia Davis, established the Julia Davis Fund at the St. Louis Public Library in 1961 on the day she retired from teaching in the St. Louis public school system. The fund, designated for the purchase of literature by, for and about African-Americans, has provided for the acquisition of more than 2,000 volumes.
The Julia Davis Collection is housed in the beautiful Great Hall of the Central Library at 13th and Olive Streets downtown. On April 21, 1974, the St. Louis Public Library made history by dedicating a branch to a living person - Dr. Julia Davis. This branch houses the same volumes found in the Central Library and is the site for many African-American cultural activities held throughout the year. This library was on Naturalbridge.
Julia Davis gave the Julia Davis Research papers to the Black History Research Project from October 1980 to April 1981for permanent preservation at the Western Historical Manuscript Collection-St. Louis at the University of Missouri- St. Louis. Julia Davis continued to donate material through October 1988.
Do you think we should move past Black History Month?
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Illusions Blog Tour
ILLUSIONSAfter three years of marriage, Denise Hightower discovers that her husband, Pastor Bryce Hightower, has a secret addiction that not only jeopardizes his marriage, but impairs his ability to effectively preach the gospel.
Yielding to pressure from her mother and her husband, Denise agrees to keep his addiction a secret, although her self-esteem plummets. Her life as the perfect First Lady is falling apart at the seams. Denise suffers in silence until she is confronted with the addiction from a trusted member of the church.
Self-centered and determined to uphold his pastoral image, Bryce is oblivious to his wife's emotional state. He's convinced that he can overcome his "little problem" on his own, so he rejects the spiritual help God sends him. But when his secret is discovered, will he be able to come clean with himself, God, and his congregation before he loses it all?
For more information about Wanda, visit her at http://www.wandabcampbell.net/.
What If?
It's the oldest trick in the book. The Enemy slithers his way into the mix, tempting people to question God and ask the "what if" questions by planting seeds of doubt and confusion. Denise has always been a confident woman, quite satisfied with her curves. With the burden of carrying her husband's dark secret, her world begins to unravel.
Have you ever lost your self-esteem trying to please a man? Do you know a friend or relative who is in this same boat? We hope you will purchase Illusions to learn more about Denise' story. Leave your comments below and let us know your thoughts.
THIS WEEK: Celebrate Wanda's birthday & Valentine's Day
This week's winner will receive A Box of Sees Candies and a coupon for a FREE print design (choose a bookmark, postcard or business card) courtesy of Tywebbin Creations. Winner are responsible for printing.
Check Wanda B. Campbell's blog for the winners.
MEET WANDA B. CAMPBELL
Wanda B. Campbell is an extraordinary and talented writer who brings creativity, a new sense of hope, and restoration through the healing power of God to the Kingdom, by way of Christian fiction. She uses real life everyday issues to exhort, motivate, and give comfort.
An avid reader since childhood, Wanda recently responded to the voice in her head by penning and self-publishing her debut novel, First Sunday in October, (January 2007). A romantic at heart, Wanda uses relationships to demonstrate how the power of forgiveness and reconciliation can restore us back to God and one another.
Wanda currently resides in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband of nineteen years and two sons. She also has the unique position of being the oldest of five siblings and also the youngest of twelve. Her hobbies include writing and reading of course, traveling, and collecting magnets from around the world. Wanda is the self-proclaimed biggest Oakland A’s fan.
WEEK 2 – Inside Illusions (Denise Hightower)
Feb 9 - Carla Nix, Kendra Norman-Bellamy
Feb 10 - Cecelia Dowdy, APOOO Books
Feb 11 - SORMag
Feb 12 – Dee Stewart
Feb 13 – Robin Caldwell
——
WEEK 3 – Inside Illusions (Pastor Bryce Hightower)
Feb 16 - Pat Simmons
Feb 17 - Stephanie McKenny / Passion For Life Show (8:00 pm EST)
Feb 18 – Cheryl Donavan
Feb 19 – Michelle Larks
Feb 20 - Maurice M. Gray, Jr.
——
WEEK 4 – What Readers Are Saying
Feb 23rd – Linda Beed / WrittenVoicesPodcast.com
Feb. 24th - Paulette Harper
Feb. 25th - Deena Peterson
Feb. 26th - Shana J. Burton / Something to Talk … Shawneda Marks (9pm EST)
Feb 27th – Jenny Blake, Michelle Sutton
Valentine Blog Tour
I Do Again:
With their professional success and adorable twin daughters, Jeff and Cheryl Scruggs looked like the perfect couple. But their polished facade concealed a widening chasm between two people unable to connect on an intimate, soul-deep level.
After years of frustration, Cheryl’s desire for emotional fulfillment led to an affair and, finally, divorce. Yet, incredibly, seven years later, Jeff and Cheryl once again stood at the altar, promising to “love, honor, and cherish” one another. A new and vibrant love had risen out of the ashes of this family’s pain.
I Do Again details the fascinating real-life story of a couple whose relationship seemed shattered beyond all hope until a spiritual awakening led them to reconsider their definitions of “happily ever after.” A riveting account of the power of prayer and redemption, this remarkable book offers renewed hope for even the most troubled marriages—and reveals why the rewards of restoration are well worth the wait.
Author Bio:
Cheryl and Jeff Scruggs are the founders of Hope Matters Marriage Ministries, and for the past several years they have shared their incredible story of a marriage restored with audiences across the nation. Jeff is an account manager with OshKosh B’Gosh, and Cheryl has served as director of the Frisco, Texas , office of the Center for Christian Counseling. They live in Dallas , Texas with their two college-age daughters.
Love As A Way Of Life Devo:
In his book Love As a Way of Life, best-selling author Gary Chapman shows readers how to cultivate a new lifestyle built around the seven characteristics of authentic love. Now in a companion devotional, he provides ninety inspirational readings to help Christians consistently live out the characteristics of love in every relationship.
Each devotional entry showcases biblical truths that guide a life of love, offering fresh insight and practical guidance in how to make love a lasting habit. Over the course of three months, readers will learn to follow God’s lead as they practice the characteristics of a loving person: kindness, patience, forgiveness, courtesy, humility, generosity, and honesty.
The Love As a Way of Life Devotional makes an ideal gift for the holidays or for any special occasion. Couples, parents, new graduates, and anyone celebrating a milestone in life will welcome this inspiring daily guide to richer, more satisfying relationships.
Author Bio:
Dr. Gary Chapman is the author of twenty-six books, including the New York Times bestseller The Five Love Languages, with more than 4 million copies in print. His daily radio program, A Love Language Minute, is broadcast on more than 100 stations nationwide. Dr. Chapman, a graduate of Moody Bible Institute, Wheaton College , Wake-Forest University , and Southwestern Seminary, serves on a church staff in North Carolina .
For Couples Only Box Set:
Since their debut, these revolutionary guides have sold well over a million copies, been translated into fifteen languages, and sparked much fascinating water-cooler conversation around the country. Now together in the For Couples Only boxed set, these books provide the perfect resource to help you understand what you never knew about the woman or man in your life.
Each volume is based on input from more than a thousand members of the opposite sex—including an unprecedented nationwide survey and hundreds of personal interviews. This innovative approach yields candid and surprising answers about everything you don’t “get” about your significant other—even what that person deeply wishes you knew. It also produces simple but groundbreaking awareness of how you can best love and support the one who is most important to you. [Part of me wanted to make this paragraph past tense—yielded and produced—because of the first paragraph, but that took away some of the immediacy of what the books offer. I’ll leave that up to you.]
So whether you are newly dating or have been married fifty years, get ready to know each other in a whole new way. The adventure is just beginning!
Author Bio:
Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn hold graduate degrees from Harvard University and are popular national speakers, authors, and entrepreneurs. They are also active church members and the parents of two young children, and they enjoy every minute of living life at warp speed.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
First Writing Of The Year
It’s February and I finally had time to sit down and write. I decided in January if its only 15 minutes a day I was going to make time to write, easy said than done. Each day, I made an excuse of why I didn’t have time. Then I made a deadline and I refuse to miss it. I’m having one of my chapters critiqued. My deadline is Feb 15th and I will make it.
Last night I was able to get through half the chapter, hopefully tonight I will finish it up. The revising part has always been the hardest for me because I never know when to stop. I think that’s the bad part about being not published. You never really have a deadline to meet, so you’re forever tweaking your manuscripts. I think the deadline wakes you up to the knowledge that you need to finish and move on to the next one.
After this chapter revision, I’m moving on to a new story. Something fresh and exciting and totally different from what I have ever written, a children’s story.
Last night I was able to get through half the chapter, hopefully tonight I will finish it up. The revising part has always been the hardest for me because I never know when to stop. I think that’s the bad part about being not published. You never really have a deadline to meet, so you’re forever tweaking your manuscripts. I think the deadline wakes you up to the knowledge that you need to finish and move on to the next one.
After this chapter revision, I’m moving on to a new story. Something fresh and exciting and totally different from what I have ever written, a children’s story.
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Body Clock
My two year old’s body clock is completely off. It has been since birth. Lately he doesn’t want to go to bed when we do. I usually turn on PBS kids and let him watch that until he falls asleep. The problem with that is I’m usually half asleep wondering when he is going to fall asleep.
Last night he decided he wanted to watch t.v. in his sister’s room, which was fine until he decides to get into her hair gel. This little guy knows when he’s wrong. He comes back into my room and wakes me up. He’s covered with brown gel. I want to beat him down. It’s three in the morning and he wants to play in gel. I take him into the bathroom and clean the gel off. It’s caked in his hair and all over his hands and arms. How can you be cute with gel all over you?
This morning as I’m driving I realized I missed my Kodak moment. I was too sleepy to realize, he will only be two once and hopefully this will be the last time he gets into hair gel.
What did you do when your kid stayed up and you wanted to sleep?
Last night he decided he wanted to watch t.v. in his sister’s room, which was fine until he decides to get into her hair gel. This little guy knows when he’s wrong. He comes back into my room and wakes me up. He’s covered with brown gel. I want to beat him down. It’s three in the morning and he wants to play in gel. I take him into the bathroom and clean the gel off. It’s caked in his hair and all over his hands and arms. How can you be cute with gel all over you?
This morning as I’m driving I realized I missed my Kodak moment. I was too sleepy to realize, he will only be two once and hopefully this will be the last time he gets into hair gel.
What did you do when your kid stayed up and you wanted to sleep?
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