African American History Month Contest

In honor of African American History Month, See Ya On The Net is hosting a contest.

Each Wednesday for the Month of February I will feature a contest.

The contest, Do You Know What These African American Writers Wrote?

Below are four pictures of African American writers. The first reader to leave in the comment section the correct titles of their works is the winner of one of the prizes donated by Warner books and Baker's Books. (one win per blog)

Want another chance at winning - Check out the contest at SORMAG

FEB 15th


















FEB - 8












FEB - 1 - WINNER - Kim W

Gwendolyn Brooks -In the Mecca
Ann Clay - Waving From the Heart
http://www.annclay.com/
Fredrick Douglas - My Bondage and My Freedom
Gwyneth Bolton - I'm Gonna Make You Love Me
http://www.gwynethbolton.com

AUTHOR INTRO - Brenda Coulter

I met Brenda through her blog. She has some interesting opinions that keep me coming back daily. When I asked her to participate in the online conference, she was right there, so that gives her a few points on my book. Brenda writes inspirational romance. I thought an interview would be a nice way to plug her book and introduce you to another writer.

See Ya On The Net: Please give a brief bio on you the person and the writer.

Brenda Coulter: I've been married for 30 years and was a contented stay-at-home mom for almost two decades. I baked bread from scratch, volunteered in our public schools, and was heavily involved with church activities. When my "baby" was preparing to enter high school and the mommy years were winding down, I began looking around for some new ways to spend my time. I had never tried writing fiction before, and I'll never know what made me think I could write a novel, but it turned out that I could. When that first manuscript sold (just over a year after I started writing), I knew what I wanted to do with the rest of my life.

SYOTN: What is your current book and what inspired you to write it?

COULTER: The hero of A Family Forever is a semi-pro cyclist and is very loosely based on my 23-year-old son, who has been crazy about bikes all his life. His first love was mountain biking, but he now rides and races track bikes. He and I have been watching cycling events on TV for years, so all the "bike stuff" in the book came right off the top of my head and was a blast to write. Oh, I should add that my hero's physical attributes are based on cyclist George Hincapie, Lance Armstrong's faithful workhorse.

SYOTN: When you're not writing, what do you like to do in your spare time?

COULTER: I'm a blogging maniac. But I occasionally tear myself away from the computer to spend time in the garden. I love my roses! I also enjoy hunting through antique stores for bone-china teacups.

SYOTN: If you could pick one of your books for a movie, which one would you,
choose, and whom would you cast in it?

COULTER: Well, I've published only two books, and I'm not sure either of them would make a good movie without a whole lotta quality screenwriting to make them more visual. And I think I'd rather see my characters played by unknown actors rather than big names.

SYOTN: Is being a published writer what you thought it would be like?

COULTER: I got The Call about 14 months after I decided to try writing a novel, so it wasn't as though I'd spent years dreaming about what it would be like. I'm not sure I ever thought about it at all.

SYOTN: What advice would you give to writer trying to get published?

COULTER: Nobody's going to hold your hand and lead you to publication. If you don't have the gumption to figure out what you want and how to get it, you'll probably never be published. So if you really want it, go after it with everything you've got.

SYOTN: In honor of Valentine's what would you consider a perfect valentines gift?

COULTER: Roses, chocolates, and jewelry are always nice, but no gift on earth beats a handwritten love letter.

Read the first chapter of A Family Forever, an inspirational romance coming in March; pick up some romance-writing tips; and browse several "afternoon tea" pages at http://BrendaCoulter.com

Sign up for my quarterly(ish) newsletter by sending a blank e-mail to
Brenda-Coulter-subscribe@googlegroups.com

Read my daily musings on "writing, life, and the writing life" at No rules. Just write.
http://BrendaCoulter.Blogspot.com

Are you reading?

I’ve interviewed many authors over the years. One thing that surprises me is how many who say they don’t read anymore. Most say they don’t have time to read.

I remember before I had children, I read three or four books a week. I enjoyed spending the day in bed with a good book. While I was pregnant a co-worker told me to enjoy my reading why I can, because once the children come there won’t be time. She was right; however as a book lover I decided I wouldn’t give up my books. I made it my treat for when I had time to spare or when I completed a project. I try to read at least one book a month.

This year I’m trying to read one book a week. It’s hard sometimes because life gets in the way, but I make it my business to read.

Why?

For enjoyment, I love being transported into a new world or learn about a place I’ve never been. I like meeting new characters and falling in love with them. I know it helps my mind continue to function. With non-fiction I learn how to improve myself. For example, some books help me to see how I can improve my writing, what I’m doing wrong, what I’m doing right.

I think this last reason is why many writers don’t read.

This week I’m reading a book by one of my favorite authors, Rochelle Alers and listen to a book on tape by Carly Phillips. WOW these women are blowing me away with their words. I’m thinking I’ll never get to their level, what was I thinking.

These type of thoughts can destroy your ego and take you away from what you’re doing. This week I understand why others don’t read. It’s hard to read someone and then compare yourself to their work.

I also learned that you can’t compare yourself to others you only can write the way you write. If everyone wrote the same there would be one style of writing and one genre. People probably wouldn’t read.

The books I’m reading continue to inspire me to be the best writer I can be. Yes I still think what was I thinking. Then I turn the page and know my name is LaShaunda, I have my own unique voice. One day, someone is going to read my book and think, I’ll never get to her level. Now that’s wild.

Keep reading! Make time to read. Read outside your genre.

You learn from each book even the bad ones. Each book will help you make your book a better book.

Happy reading,

LaShaunda

HIV/AIDS does it affect you?

Sunday night I watched a commercial that reminded me of how I use to be. The commercial was about HIV/AIDS. In the commercial the lady said she wasn’t affected by HIV/AIDS because she didn’t have it or know anyone who did. It didn’t exist in her community, so it really didn’t faze her. Then we see her traveling overseas to Africa. She meets all these children with the disease and she realized just because she doesn’t see it doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.

Why do we think this way?

HIV/AIDS didn’t affect my life either. The closest to my community was hearing about Majic Johnson contracting HIV. We were all shocked, how naive an uneducated I was back then.

HIV/AIDS stepped on my doorstep about twenty five years ago with a family friend. Her husband gave her HIV and later died. Again I was shocked, mainly due to miseducation. I had never heard of a husband giving the disease to his wife. However after learning more about the disease I found many women contract the disease from their husbands.

My friend is still living, praise God. She has good medicine and she changed her way of living. She’s probably healthier than some of us who think we are.

She’s one of the happiest people I know. She knows her purpose in life. She’s a caretaker of cats. She takes in sick cats and nurses them back to health. It’s amazing to me because I believe the stray cats communicate to others about her, because they show up on her doorstep. She makes them well and a lucky family adopts them.

Today is national HIV/AIDS day. My prayers of strength and courage go up for those who have this disease.

I say to those who think as I did, open your eyes and see this disease affects you and your community. Just because you don’t personally know someone who has it doesn’t mean it doesn’t affect you. Learn about HIV/AIDS, talk about it in your communities, in your churches. It does exist and I pray one day with the help from God it won’t.

In Memory Of - Coretta Scott King

I’m saddened to hear of the death of Coretta Scott King. A woman I highly admired. The wife of Martin Luther King, she stood beside him as he became a great leader. When he was assassinated, instead of going back to a normal life, she took up her husband cause.

She lived an amazing life and I know she will be missed.

Thank you Mrs. King for all your hard work, may we continue to live up to you and your husband’s dream.

There is a guestbook on line for Mrs. King

http://www.legacy.com/Guestbook.asp?Page=Guestbook&PersonId=16561044

Obituary For Mrs. King

http://alt.cimedia.com/ajc/pdf/kingfuneral/funeralprogram.pdf

Challenger

Where were you Jan 28, 1986?

Would you believe I was in Orlando Florida? I'd just graduated from bootcamp and was going to school there. The Challenger had been schedule earlier for take off and they kept canceling take off because of problems.

I honestly believe the Lord was trying to tell them something but they wouldn't listen.

I was in the commissary shopping when people started rushing to where the t.v. were on display. We didn't know what was happening. Someone said the space shuttle had exploded. We all were in denial until we saw for ourselves.

I'm grateful I didn't witness it first hand as we had planned. I don't think I could have handle seeing it explode. Seeing it on the t.v. sent chills down my spine. It still does because I knew there were people on that shuttle and how much their families lost that day.

My sympathy goes out to the family and everyone who was touched by this tragedy.

I'm glad we are keeping their memories alive and hopefully inspiring others to want to be astronauts. I think they would want that.

James Frey

As a reader who do we trust?

What the publisher classifies the book as?

What the writer calls the book?

Mr. Frey’s story now makes me wonder about the other non-fiction I’ve read. I guess that’s the sad part about this incident. Who do we trust? When you tell me it’s called non-fiction because it’s the truth, but it’s OK to embellish it a little. Isn’t that a little white lie?

If that’s the case it should be called true-life fiction.

As a writer we want good publicity about our books, however sometimes bad publicity can push a sell too. This publicity will send Mr. Frey book back to the printer press, to me that’s unfair.

I guess I can say that, I didn’t buy the book before and I definitely don’t plan on buying it later. OK maybe if its at the dollar store.

ONE DAY LORD

My friend Marilynn Griffith’s book PINK comes out next month. I received a copy of it yesterday in the mail. It was a nice surprise because; I received an advance copy last year. So I wasn’t expected to receive the real book.

I opened it and on the front page were recommendations from authors and book review sites. Right there in black print was a blurb from moi. It was so neat to see my name in a book. Yes, I’ve done blurbs before but for some reason this one, hit home for me.

I ran into the den and told my kids my name was in a book. They saw my name and began to scream and jump and down, like I was a celebrity. Even my husband was impressed.

For a few moments, I had a glimpse of what’s it will feel like when my name is on the cover.

One day Lord

Congrats to Mary on her new book. I give it 4 STARS. It will definitely keep your interest. Go out and by a few for you and your friends.

What do you know is true?

Today I opened an email from Sharon Foster – Christian Author. She wanted to know what One Thing I know True

Here’s mine:

The One Thing I Know True, There Is A God

For many years when people asked me if I believed in God, I said yes. Thinking over it now, I don’t think I actually believed it. It was easy to say yes than to really think about it.

Now as I look over my life, I know there is a God.

As a youngster I talked to him and told him my fears and dreams. I didn’t know if he was listening. I don’t even know if he talked to me, or at the time I didn’t realize he did when answers came to my heart. I just said it was my instincts, now I know it was God.

While in the Navy I did some wild and crazy things, and I know now God was there too, because he brought me through things, basic training, heart aches, being away from my family, advancing in rank and surviving stupid decisions.

He was there through the birth of my two children, I called his name and he held on to my hand.

He truly showed up during my mother’s illness. I know it was the time he carried me because there were many days I don’t know how I made it through.

Becoming saved has opened my eyes to see God has been with me since day one. Even on the days I didn’t think he was. He let me make my own decisions. He pulled me through when I asked. He whispered in my ear, you’re not alone, when I thought I was. He wiped away my tears, when I couldn’t cry anymore.

They say God is always on time and I have to agree. I’m glad I know there is a GOD.


What do you know is true?

The Writing Bug

My sister has caught the writing bug. She called me today to tell me she’s dropping her story off to me.

I’m excited for her because writing is new to her and I can see in her eyes the excitement I use to have when I started a book.

A few Christmas ago I gave her Zane's book. For years I’d given her a books, but nothing caught her attention. Ms. Zane blew her away. She had to have all the books in hard back of course.

As a reader, you’re always trying to hook someone else into the line of reading. This has been hard for me with my sisters, because they didn’t get the excitement of reading a book. I knew if they found the genre they liked they would see what I meant. My middle sister found mainstream books by African-Americans and she can’t get enough.

Toni my younger sister is in love with Zane.

Zane is currently holding a contest for a short story to be featured in her next anthology. I told Toni about and she took up the challenge.

Now I’m an editor, I get to help her make her story better. Who knows she could be the next Zane.

LaShaunda at the resort

Today I’m at a resort in Jupiter, Florida. It’s a writing retreat for one whole week.

I’ve taken my paper and pens and lots of sun block lotion. The best part, I haven’t left my home.

Yes I’m doing a virtual retreat with my writing group.

I’ve made a goal of 50 pages for this week. Send up some prayers for me. If you’ll like to keep up with me at the retreat, I will be posting my reports here too.

SUNDAY

I did three pages last night. However I did come up with an idea for the honeymoon, so I had to do a little research for it. Found what I was looking for, so hopefully I’ll get more pages written.

I’m looking for some music to get me in the mood, then I’m heading out to the beach.

Goal : 50 pages – 47 to go

MONDAY

I was on a roll last night. I wrote the wedding scene, the honeymoon and three other scenes.

I was listening to some Christian music and the words just flew from my fingers. It was like watching a movie and I was right there.

15 pages

GOAL: 50 – 35 pages to go

TUESDAY

I’m excited to say I wrote 12 pages yesterday. My story is moving right along. Everything I hoped for. I even came up with a few new ideas for conflict and for another story.

I think the spa treatment put me over the top.

Looking forward to today’s writing.

Hope everyone is having a good time writing.

GOAL: 50 - 23 pages to go

WEDNESDAY

The family swooped down on me saying I couldn’t leave them at home, so for two days I have to hang out with the family. You can never get rid of the family. LOL

I was able to squeeze two pages out.

GOAL: 50 - 21 pages to go

THURSDAY

Hanging out with the family today. Saw Last Holiday. It was a cutemovie, will definitely be adding to my DVD collection.Did get three pages done.

GOAL 50 - 18 pages to go

FRIDAY

We had a great day. Had dinner together, watch the lastest Harry Potter, which we all enjoyed. I put the kids to bed and was able to write 12 pages.

Goal 50: 6 pages to go

SATURDAY

I woke up early this morning, I wanted to reach my goal. I wrote 13 pages. Yes I reached my goal and beyond. Thank you Lord.

I’m all packed and ready to catch my plane. I’m sorry to leave the resort, it’s been a great week and its shown me I can meet deadlines and write when I need to.

Goal 50: 57 pages

See what you can do if you put your mind to it. Now I need 93 pages and I'll be done with the manuscript.

This little LIGHT of mine

Today’s devotion made me think:

http://www.rbc.org/odb/odb.shtml

Your life either sheds light or casts a shadow.

I do hope I’m influencing other to love the Lord. I’d hate to think I’m influencing them to give up their faith.

As a single person I use to hear parents say, what they didn’t let their kids watch or hear. I use to think it was strange. It didn’t matter. Oh how my mind has changed once I became a mother.

Yes I’m addicted to t.v. and yes I watch Nip and Tuck but you better believe its after my children are tucked in bed. As sexy as I think Christian is, he is not for those eyes.

I want my kids to stay kids as long as they can. I remember being eager to grow up. I tell them and other kids its no piece of cake being GROWN. I would love for my mother to take care of me and I not have to worry about bills.

Being married to a non-Christian, I pray that my light shines for him. I’m sure he looks at me to see what I will do wrong and will I be Christian like. Yes its easy to turn off the light and not let it shine. I choose the hard path because I know where it will lead.

My light is on and it shining brightly for those who need to come out of the darkness. I pray my light influences others to seek out the Lord.

What I'm Reading

I decided this year to read one book a week. I have a pile of books that my husbands threatens to pitch out. I always think I’ll have time to read them. This year I’ve decided to make time.

I started the year off with one of my favorite authors – Rochelle Alers. Her books introduced me to romance and I’ve been in love with her writing every since. This book is her second mainstream book.

I plan on updating this page to see how my reading is coming for 2006

1. Secrets Never Told

SORMAG's Reader's Choice Awards

Voting for the 2005 Reader's Choice Awards is now open.

Please visit:
http://www.sormag.com/05awards.html

To make your nominations.

One vote per person please – only valid emails are eligible.

Voting will close on March 1st

Come out and vote for your favorite authors and books.

Authors don't forget to vote for yourself.

Feel free to pass this on to other readers.

Happy New Year!


LaShaunda

P.S. Are you a fan of SORMAG? Please take a moment to
VOTE - Preditors & Editors Readers' Poll
http://www.critters.org/predpoll/

No Call In 2005

Another year and no I didn’t get the call. This time I’m not too upset. I learned a lot this year and for that I’m truly grateful. I believe as a writer you should learn something everyday. I learned a lot about editing and what I’m doing wrong. I need to know this if I plan on improving my work and making it sellable.

I know now my work is not ready for an editor. So I plan on using 2006 to make it more presentable and hopeful fit for an agent.

If you didn’t get the call in 2005, don’t let it stop you from writing. Finish another book. Put it aside and start on the other. Because when you do get the call, you’ll have more than one book to offer.

Happy writing.

Life Sound Track

I’m a music person. I’m probably one of those people who will have a soundtrack about my life. Music is a part of my life. A song can take me back in time. As a Christmas present to myself. I bought seven CDs.

The soundtrack to Saturday Night Fever – Yes I was Travolta fan and loved the music and the movie. This music took me back to the disco era. I so wanted to do disco, but unfortunately I was too young to go to any clubs. LOL

GUY – If you knew me in the Navy 1989, this group was my group. I Like was my theme song. I started my morning off playing this cassette. It was before CDs became popular. I played this cassette to death.

GUY along with New Edition and Backstreet are coming to St. Louis in January. Yes girlfriend has a ticket and yes I will be screaming my head off for Johnny Gill. I’m a huge JG fan.

KEM – This man is too smooth. I think I’m a new fan.

Marah Carey – Always a fan, I love the new CD, good dance music and slow stuff.

Mary Mary – You know I have to get my gospel music on. This is a good CD too.

Charlie Wilson – Yes I was a Gap Band fan, take me back to when I was 13 attended my second concert ever. My first was the Jackson 5. (What a way to start off concerts) I love Charlie’s voice. He even remade a Guy song.

TLC greatest Hits – These were my girls in the 90s. I got my party on to plenty of their music. I had too much fun in the 90s. This is a fun CD.

Yes I’m enjoying the music, wondering which new song will be added to my soundtrack.

Do you have a soundtrack?

BONEFIRE CONFERENCE

Bonefire! Conference

February 3-4, 2006

Then I said, "I will not make mention of Him, nor speak anymore in His name. "But His word was in my heart like a burning fire shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, And I could not. Jeremiah 20:9 NKJV

Whether God calls you to write or not, you have a God-given vision for your life! When God gives you something, it stays with you morning, noon, and night until you do what He says to do, the way He says to do it. It becomes like fire shut up in your bones. It becomes so hot that you have to write it down. It becomes such a powerful force that you can barely move or think.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: http://www.drgailhayes.com/index_files/Page1213.htm

NEW BOOK CLUB FOR CHRISTIAN READERS

CHRISTIAN WRITERS REACH OUT TO READERS
American Christian Fiction Writers Launches Book Club

From airport newsstands to Newsweek, Christian fiction continues to grow in popularity, resonating with readers looking for both faith and fiction. The growth of the genre has birthed many new writers, as evidenced by American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), an organization started in 2000. Now boasting almost 1000 members, ACFW reaches out to readers as well as writers with their new ACFW Book Club. Beginning January 2006, the Book Club will offer fans of Christian fiction the opportunity to chat with ACFW authors and discuss monthly reading selections. Readers will also be eligible for monthly free book drawings.

The titles chosen to kick off the club include:

* Black Sands by Colleen Coble. Trouble in paradise. A Hawaiian romantic suspense.
* Leave it to Claire by Tracey Bateman. Single mom tries to fix her family. Chick lit fun!
* Outriders by Kathryn Mackel. A new ark. An ancient enemy. Fantasy adventure.
* Pink by Marilynn Griffith. Four fashion designers collaborate on a million dollar wedding dress. Will they find God in the seams? Multicultural tale.

Information on the Book Club will be posted on the ACFW Website, and on http://groups.yahoo.com/group/acfwbookclub, a book discussion e-mail group designed to keep members informed and allow them to discuss the books throughout the month. Book Club chats will be held on the ACFW Website in the chat room at 7:00 p.m. CST on the first Monday of the month following the month the book is read. Membership is free and open to the public. To join the announcement and discussion e-mail group, send a blank e-mail to acfwbookclub-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

For more information about the ACFW Book Club, please visit: http://www.AmericanChristianFictionWriters.com

Blog Tour 2006

Are you looking for a place to promote your book? I’d be happy to feature you on my blog.

I would like to feature one author each week. So that’s four slots for the month. I will feature an interview and a chapter excerpt.

Guidelines:

Christian Literature Only (fiction and nonfiction)
1 chapter excerpt of your book/include a short blurb (no graphic or sexual content)
Picture of you and book (jpgs)
Two copies of your book. (One for me of course and one for a lucky blog reader)

If this sounds like something you would like to do contact me at sormag@yahoo.com

I’ll send you the date of your tour and address to send books.

Food For Thought

"I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today,
life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow."

"I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way
he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and
tangled Christmas tree lights."

"I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as "making
a life."

"I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance."

"I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's
mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back."

"I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I
usually make the right decision."

"I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one."

"I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone.

"People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back."

"I've learned that I still have a lot to learn."

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will
forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them
feel."

~~Maya Angelou

Death Penalty

An eye for an eye. I use to think this way until I watched a movie called Somersby. It changed my opinion about the death penalty.

I was hoping Arnold would give Tookie clemency. Mainly because as a society we say we want those in jail to turn their lives around. To be sorry for their actions and try to be a better person. I think in this situation it happen. I don’t think he should be excused from what he did, but he should have lived the rest of his life in prison.

You go to jail for killing someone. How is killing them making it right?

Maybe one day my opinion will change again, but for now I think we really should rethink the death penalty. Do we need it? Why have it if we’re going to continue asking for clemency. Send the people to jail and be done with it.

Ok I’m off of my soap box.

Rest In Peace

Richard Pryor

Yes I was a fan of Richard Pryor. He was the first comedian I ever saw do a concert. He cracked me up. Yes he had some vugar bits, but the man was funny. I was sadden to hear he died. He open doors for many other comedians and its good to know he’ll go down in history because of that.

Pat Morita

I was also sadden to hear of the death of Mr. Miyagi. In the 80's everybody was a fan of the Karate Kid movies. We all thought if we did the wax on wax off we could kick some butt.

My sympathy to their family, friends and fans. They will be truly missed.

BOOK WINNER - Made Of Honor

I would like to thank those who stopped by the blog for Marilynn’s tour. I would like send a special thank you to the ladies who left a comment.

I put your names in a hat and the winner is …….Claudia

Claudia send me your mailing address and I’ll send you a copy of Marilynn new book. You’re going to enjoy it.

Would you like to be a guest on my blog?

Contact me at sormag@yahoo.com

EXCERPT: Made Of Honor

MADE OF HONOR - MARILYNN GRIFFITH

CHAPTER ONE

I'm turning into a Chia pet.

With legs.

Little children are starting to toss dandelions when they see me. The brides of Leverhill, Illinois have taught the kiddies well. One little darling from church, a cutie with zigzag parts and snaggle teeth, wants to grow up and take my job-big flower girl. The little girl nailed it, especially about the big part, but we're not going there. Not today, with my formerly fat best friend looking like Twiggy goes bridal, while I gasp for breath in a dress fit for a train wreck. My only consolation is not having to worry about Tracey aiming a floral missile (known to some as a bouquet) at my head later on.

She wouldn't do me like that, would she? Nah. At least that's what I tell myself, but then I thought this wedding wouldn't happen either. Still, this bride is one of my closest friends and my roommate for the past three years. Tracey Cox, well, Tracey Blackman now, has picked enough baby's breath out of my teeth to know better.

Just in case though, a pint of Chunky Monkey and a pedicure appointment await me after this reception. Who knows? Tracey just might snap and throw long. Marriage does things to people. One day they're normal and the next they're inviting total strangers to wear ugly dresses in their weddings and then after the ceremony, said brides proceed to cut off all communication with members of the wedding party except for goofy Christmas photos of the newlyweds cradling an ugly dog, signed "from all of us." And don't let them actually get pregnant. Have you ever seen an entire album of birth photos? Not cute.

Do I sound bitter?

I'm not. I have friends. Sistahs even. And trying to keep up with them, keep my job and stay right with God occupies most of my time. Like now. I need to find Rochelle, my other best friend (yes, I have two) and founder of the Sassy Sistahood email list. If I don't catch up to her soon, she might make a fool of herself.

Or me.

Though my girlfriend is a paragon of virtue most days, weddings turn Rochelle into a gelatinous pool of desperation. Remember the birth photo album I mentioned? It's worse. Okay, so nothing's worse than that, but it's bad. Even the sight of me, voluptuous black woman tangled in tulips after a bouquet toss, is easier on the eyes.

Using my emergency x-ray vision (activated by squinting so hard I almost fused my contacts to my eyeballs) I glimpsed a pink satin horror similar to my own, but a set of three-inch shoulder pads blocked my view. Who would wear a power suit to a wedding-my boss. There she was, looking just as angry as when I'd left her at work last night. I ducked before she saw me, recovering from my shock that she'd even shown up. The bride, who left our office to start her own graphic design firm six months ago, insisted on inviting Naomi, her-former and my-current employer and Renee, my assistant, who was probably somewhere taking pictures of me for blackmail. She'd be giggling in my ear about this dress for the next month. At least.

My future torture aside, I was proud of Naomi for actually leaving the office (I think she secretly lives there). For her to show up at her own funeral would be the height of etiquette. Some people just don't grasp interaction, you know? And having "interacted" with Naomi daily for the past six years, I could do without her today. Besides, I needed to find Sassy Sistah #1 before she melted down and kissed somebody.

With that thought as fuel, I forced my Baker dyeables (those satin shoes that can be dyed to match your gown? I know. Prom flashbacks.) across the sprinkle of autumn leaves on the ground. Rochelle tiptoed up beside me, fanning her face, despite the growing chill. Man Mania was in full swing.

"Did you see Ryan's brother?" She said breathlessly. "From the looks of things, Tracey should have picked him."

From the reality of things. Anyone seemed a better choice. I mentally squashed the nagging doubt about my friend's hour-old marriage. Thoughts like that were getting me nowhere. It was done. God would have to take it from here. Me worrying myself to an ulcer before I got back to work on Monday was definitely a waste of resources.

I shook my head at Rochelle and considered reaching out and shaking hers. This time she was really in the zone. I spoke right into her ear, hoping it would jar her brain. "I wasn't really paying attention to the brother of the groom." Or any other man around here. What would be the point? The last guy I dated had just married my best friend.

Rochelle made a clucking sound. "You should have been paying attention. His brother is foine." She rolled her neck for effect, but didn't quite pull it off. I just stared. She'd been watching too much UPN again.

"Come on." I tugged at her arm and started back across the smattering of red-gold leaves, away from Mr. Foine. She'd hate me later if I didn't. If a brothah showed up tomorrow in response to Rochelle's flirting, she would run for her life while dictating a restraining order into her recorder.

Usually, her wedding trance would have been long since broken. But this was Tracey's wedding. And whether Rochelle and I were willing to admit it or not, we'd both thought that if anyone got married, it'd be one of the two of us, not the cute, fat, geek of the group. Not that Tracey was fat anymore. The plump-but-cute girl role was currently being played by moi. My midsection pressed against the strangling fabric of my dress as if in agreement.

Rochelle made a shrill sound, almost like a whistle. The weary-in-well-doing sigh. The sound she makes when she just can't take anymore. Not a good sign. Her pink leather t-strap shoes, designed by her own hand and much prettier than my castoffs from last year's spring formal, peeked from underneath her frock, several sizes smaller than my own. Our skirts skimmed the lawn every few steps. This was downright antebellum. If I didn't know better, I'd think a plantation was going to pop out of the ground any minute.

Rochelle's words cut through my thoughts. "I can't help feeling romantic on days like this. Lately, I even wonder if-"

"If what?" My body stiffened. I'd heard this speech before. All my die-hard single friends give this little talk before becoming wife wannabes. Tracey's little rant three months ago was still fresh in my mind. Rochelle? Despite her wedding breakdowns, I never thought I'd hear it from her. Well, not until Jericho graduated from high school anyway. That boy kept us all busy.

"I'm just talking," she said, moving faster. "It's nothing, really."

More like a big something, but I decided to leave it. This day had enough mess going without adding to it. "I hope the punch is good."

Rochelle nodded, gathering her skirt to gain a little speed. Good punch could cover a multitude of sins. Even Tracey marrying Ryan. (Okay, he's not so bad. He's rich, handsome and loves her to pieces. But there's just something creepy about the guy. I don't know. Forget I said anything).

While I pondered the groom's strangeness, Rochelle grabbed my wrist, digging her natural length nails into my flesh. Without looking at her, I knew it was already too late. And we'd almost made it to punchdom.

Tracey would not, could not throw that bouquet at me.

But she did.

A few inches ahead, a group of women floated onto the green in front of us, like a cloud of cotton candy. The bride broke through, holding her weapon of choice, peach hybrid roses from the Leverhill Botanical Gardens.

"Run!" Rochelle screamed with the concern of a fire marshal at a brewing blaze.

Obeying her command was my first mistake. The stop-drop-and-roll technique is always best to achieve my goals: avoiding head trauma, keeping the contacts in and keeping the dress covering my backside.

As previously stated, I deviated from this method.

When nothing tagged the back of my head (seriously, they stopped aiming for my hands two summers ago) I did a dumb thing and turned around. The bouquet slapped against my forehead like a Jackie Chan sound effect. I tripped on my skirt trying to escape (she'd already nailed me, of course, but it was instinct). My dress ballooned around my waist like a giant boat made of Bubble Yum.

Then . . . the pain burned beneath my eye. What was that? I dropped to one knee, jerking the whole pink mess of me back into place, while peeking through my fingers. Something I mistook for tears trickled into my mouth. Blood.

I wobbled to my feet. "What in the world?" I'd been hit with a lot of flowers, a few small shrubs even, but no one had ever drawn blood. This was past wrong.

Rochelle hovered over me, panting and picking greenery from between my braids. Satisfied with her job on that, she peeled back my fingers and surveyed the scratch under my eye. "The thorns. Tracey forgot to have them removed. It was the only thing on her list . . . Sorry."

I took my hand off my eye. Rochelle's tone let me know that she hadn't been in on this but she had been aware of the possibility. Not for the first time, the Sassy Sistahs had made me mad. Tracey approached slowly, waving like she always does after doing something crazy. I felt my anger wash away at the sight of her silly grin. Still, this was a bit much. "Thorns? You've got to be kidding."

"Wish I was." Rochelle dabbed my face with a napkin from her clutch. No doubt there was a first aid kit, needle and thread, makeup bag and two shades of pantyhose crammed in that tiny thing. How she'd even managed to hold on to it while trying to drag me to safety was beyond me, but I'd long given up on trying to figure out Chelle's superwoman capabilities. She just has skills like that. I'm lucky to keep my shoes on. (Although I did manage to keep my contacts in. A new accomplishment).

Just before Tracey reached us, someone from the groom's family intercepted and wheeled her away. The beginning of the end. She was no longer my roommate, my best friend. She was someone's wife. We walked past Tracey, giving us the "be right there" signals.

Rochelle smiled. I sulked. "Knowing Tracey, she probably thought it was more Christ-like to leave the thorns on." Mock disgust sounded in my voice. I was trying to be mad and couldn't.

"Hush you," Rochelle said, using our code phrase for when one started in on another of the three. It was the standard defense, but right now I felt like pushing past it.

Tracey joined us and slipped an arm around-well, almost around-my waist. "Got you, didn't I? Sorry about your eye though."

"You'd better be glad I love y'all," I whispered as people packed in around us. Pain seared my scalp where Rochelle had raked a stem through my hair.

"Maybe if you'd helped with the wedding errands, you could have taken care of those thorns." Rochelle said, reaching back in her purse for her dabbing cloth.

Ouch. That hurt way more than my eye. The truth always does. I pushed away Rochelle's hand, preferring to blink my own way back to health. In a minute, there'd be no skin left on the right side of my face. That girl was dangerous with a Kleenex.

Tracey started to say something, but was called away . . . again. I took a deep breath, watching her walk to behind the punch table with her mother-in-law. Where was the groom? Why was I the one getting jealous instead of him? Like I said, he's a little weird. This whole deal was. But there was no use trying to explain that to Rochelle. She wasn't trying to hear it. So I did what I always do-tried to explain it anyway.

"Look, Rochelle, I already regret not helping out with the wedding. But I just wasn't sure about this. When I dated Ryan-"

She tried the neck thing again, with success this time. "Dated? Is that what you call it? That mess was so boring he just stopped calling and came back to the singles group. So he wasn't for you. No reason he can't be the one for Tracey." In a deft motion, she grabbed a napkin from the table next to us, wadded it quickly and removed several layers of my epidermis. "There's just one last spot . . ."

She reached out again, but I shook my head, thinking I should have thrown in some cookies with the Ben and Jerry's waiting for me at home. Somehow we wandered into the punch line. We both relaxed allowing the tide of people to pull us forward. Only when a gruesome Pepto-pink cake with what looked like the watermelon gel I brushed my teeth with for filling came into view was I totally appalled. I definitely should have helped with the wedding plans. The gold-colored punch in the bowl beside the cake monster looked good though.

It would have to be.

From MADE OF HONOR, by Marilynn Griffith, Steeple Hill

ISBN 0373785542, January 2006, Copyright © 2006 by Harlequin Enterprises Limited. ® and tm are trademarks of the publisher. This edition published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.

BLOG TOUR - Marilynn Griffith

Welcome to our first blog tour. Our special guest this week is someone I’m proud to call a friend. We met online and our friendship blossom. She always knows when to send me a pick me up email. We talk on the phone for hours never minding we’re in different states.

When she told me her book sold, I probably shouted more than her. I sat up all night reading it, yes its that good. I’m excited the fiction world is getting a chance to know what I’ve know for years, Mary can WRITE.

This is an author you’ll be adding to your I need to get list.

It is my honor to introduce you to my kindred spirit friend, Marilynn Griffith, debut author of Made Of Honor. A Christian Chick Lit book which will make an excellent Christmas present.

Shades Of Romance Magazine: Please give the readers a brief bio on you the person and the writer.

Marilynn Griffith: Well, let's see... I'm mom to a tribe of kids, wife to a very handsome deacon and blessed to be friends with some wonderful writers, like you, LaShaunda. I love to read, write, speak and all things communication related. I'm the person at the family gatherings who is always either telling a story or listening to one! Before realizing I was a writer life was a bit confusing. I tried everything from secretary to math tutor (that actually worked out pretty well). These days it's family, friends and church activities when I'm not writing. I like blogging though. That's fun.

SORMAG: Tell us about your current book?

GRIFFITH: Dana Rose pledges to say "I won't" the next time she's asked to be in a wedding. Her weak will has turned her closet into cemetery for satin gowns from periwinkle to Pepto pink. After ten stints as bridesmaid, Dana thinks she's seen it all. Then she's fired, forced to turn her hobby into a business and faced with her prodigal brother, back-stabbing sis and Mr. Practically Perfect, the ex who not only married someone else, but opened the business of her dreams—across the street. There's that Maid of Honor thing too… And this time she can't say no. Will wedding #11 show Dana what's she's really made of?

SORMAG: What inspired this story?

GRIFFITH: I used to own a seasonal bath and body business. Steeple Hill rejected my first manuscript but they liked my voice. They asked my agent about me doing a chick lit. I didn't know what that was exactly, but the prospect of writing in first person sounded interesting, so I tried it and loved it. I also have had a lot of wonderful single friends over the years.

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

GRIFFITH: I'd love for readers of MADE OF HONOR to come away from the book knowing that they are fearfully and wonderfully made and that God delights in them and loves them in an intimate way, despite whatever mess riddles their pasts. Christ stands waiting to embrace them as His bride.

SORMAG: How do you balance writing with your "every day life?"

GRIFFITH: I don't. LOL Really. I've long since given God that job. He called me to be a wife and mother and a writer. Sometimes (like a deadline week) that doesn't always look like I think it should, but God graced me with the family I was supposed to have. I try to keep the Word first place and keep the lines of communication open so that when things get off balance (too much work, not enough work) we can talk about it. When I try to stop writing to be Super Mom, my kids are like,"Go write something. You're cranky!"

SORMAG: How can readers learn more about your books and get in contact with you?

GRIFFITH: I can be contacted at marilynngriffith@gmail.com or through comments at my website www.MarilynnGriffith.com .

I'm offering an autograph copy of Made Of Honor to a lucky reader. Post a comment, question and your name will be put in a drawing. Winner will be announced Friday.

Marilynn is on tour all month. Check out the rest of the tour - www.marilynnGriffith.com

SORMAG's ONLINE BOOK CLUB - DECEMBER

Dec 1 - The Bond - Karen Magill
Dec 5 - Bound By Destiny - Rayka Mennen
Dec 8 - Dancing with Temptation - Barbara Joe-Williams
Dec 12 – Catharsis - Minnie E Miller
Dec 15 – Different Flags - Eugenia Renskoff
Dec 19 - Night To Dawn issue 8 -Published by Barbara Custer
Dec 22 - Made of Honor - Marilynn Griffith
Dec 26 - A Woman Scorn'd - Dorothy Goins
Dec 29 - Counting Raindrops through a Stained Glass Window - Cherlyn Michaels

The online book club introduces you to two authors each week by sending out a chapter excerpt of their books.

To join the book club - sormagforum-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

If you would like your book featured again in our book club, we are currently scheduling for 2006. All genres are welcome.

Feature your book in our online store - For the low price of 10.00 your book will be featured for DEC

Check it out - http://www.sormag.com/store.html

Would you like to be a FEATURED AUTHOR?
http://www.sormag.com/AUTHOR.html

Please feel free to forward this information on to other book lovers.

Best of Christian Romance Contest

Christian Fiction Blog is sponsoring a contest.

Best Christian Romance Novel Award

From now until Dec. 10 they will be taking nominations for this award. All participants will automatically register to win a free copy of Mary Griffith's Made to Honor. The url for more details is:

http://christianfiction.blogspot.com/2005/11/nominate-your-fav-christian-romance.html

Happy Thanksgiving!

May you have a blessed and safe Thanksgiving.

Enjoy your family.

In Memory Of Tony C. Williams

Losing a friend is a hard thing to do. Even though we never met in face to face, I considered Tony a friend.

We sent emails to each other and we talked on the phone. He even called me one time when he was in the hospital. I was like man what are you doing on the phone, you need to be resting. As usual he laughed and said he stuff to tell me. That was what I liked about him. He didn’t let being in the hospital get him down. He was a true fighter. He said he had a lot to do and he’d sleep later.

I admired his spunky attitude and his willingness to share his wisdom. I learned a lot from him and I'm thankful the Lord sent him into my life when he did.

Tony you will be missed thanks for sharing your kindred spirit.

TONY C. WILLIAMS

A TRIBUTE TO THE MAN AND HIS LEGACY

Village Baptist Church
100 S. Hilton Street
Baltimore, Maryland
Thursday, December 1, 20056pm – 8pm

“He lost the battle to illness, but he won a place into the hearts of many”

For more information:443-423-9232 – Renee Jones

Prayer Request

My computer has died.

Yes I'm in mourning. This is the wrong time of year for a computer to die. My funds do not see a new one in the near future.

Which is why I'm asking for your prayers. I know the Lord will make a way.

As a writer we are lost without our computers.

I'm taking donations, love offerings even new computers. :)

Thanks for your prayers.

You're the one that I love

November 16, 1996 - LaShaunda & Clyde Forever

Nine years with my hero. Where did the time go?

I met my sweetie in high school. We didn’t date. If you ask him, he’ll tell you I was mean to him, but he liked me. I liked him as a friend, brother figure.

We graduated and didn’t see each other until our 10 year high school reunion. I tried to hook him up with my friend, but they could never get their time together right. Everyone thought we were dating, so we decided why not. To our surprise we fell in love.

Against my mother’s wishes, we moved in together. It was one of the best year of my life. My feeling for him grew and one day I popped the question. OK I didn’t drop to my knee and ask him to marry me. I told him November 16th and he said OK.

We didn’t want a wedding just a reception. However I wanted to walk down the aisle at my church. My step-father was suppose to escort me but he didn’t show so my father had the honor. My walking down the aisle turned into a beautiful wedding which I will forever cherish.

As with any couple we’ve had our ups and downs, but we always come out together. He has been my rock when I thought I was sinking. He has kept my writing dream alive by never letting me forget why I write. He’s the best father in the world. I wished my own father was more like him when I was younger.

I’m glad I asked my best friend to marry me. I would do it all over again, but this time I would drop to my knees.

Thank you Lord for blessing me with my friend, lover, father of my children and best of all my husband. May we be blessed with many more anniversaries.

Quote Of The Week

Chapters "The first chapter sells the book. The last chapter sells the next book." --Mickey Spillane


The Written Word (http://www.topica.com/lists/TheWrittenWordEZine) is a daily source of inspiration for writers, editors and publishers. If you would like to submit a publishing-related quote, please e-mail the quotation with the accurate source to Maidenfate@aol.com. Use the subject heading "The WrittenWord." We do not accept anonymous quotes.Feel free to forward these quotes on to your friends and encourage them to subscribe. If you would like to unsubscribe from this list, simply e-mail TheWrittenWordEZine-unsubscribe@topica.com.

Encouragement

As a writer we need encouragement too. I know I have those days, when I wonder what in the world am I doing.

Last night I received a call from a fellow writer whose books are about to hit the shelves in January. Yes you read right, books. She has two books coming out in January. Made of Honor and Pink.

Marylynn Griffith is about to make her next mark in the literary world. Many online readers know of her because her online newsletter Word Praize or they’re fans of her wonderful blog, Rhythm of Grace.

Mary as I call her probably doesn’t have a clue her call was very encouraging to me. You see, Mary understands how it feels to be where I am now. Wanting to be published and praying for the Lord to help me find the right publisher for my books.

She called for my advice on promotion and marketing, but her words lifted my spirit. They let me know not to give up on the dream because she is a living testimony that the Lord hears those I want to be published prayers.

I’m too excited about Mary’s book. They are the kind of books, I wish existed when I became a Christian. There’s nothing like looking for a book to encourage your spirit, and not being able to find them. Her books make you laugh, scream and praise the Lord. She calls them serious fun and they are.

I’m looking forward to promoting her book on SORMAG’s blog and introducing our readers to these wonderful books. I know they will be encouragement to other readers.

Thanks Mary for your encouragement.

Contest

One of my favorite bloggers – Brandilynn Collins is sponsoring a contest to win an Advance copy of her book.

I highly recommend signing up for the Sneak Pique newsletter if you a fan of Christian fiction. She has some excellent information in it. Also if you’re interested in writing suspense fiction, her blog is the place to be. Start from the beginning and read how she got published. Its very helpful for the new writer.

Win An
Advanced Reading Copy
of Web of Lies!

Just urge your friends to sign up for Sneak Pique, my e-mail newsletter on Christian fiction sent six times a year. Each time a friend of yours signs up for Sneak Pique, your name will be "put into the hat" for the drawing. So the more friends you send along, the more chances you'll have to win.

Steps to enter contest (please follow all steps in order to qualify):

Forward this e-mail to friends/family not currently receiving Sneak Pique, urging them to sign up. (They can read the latest issue on my Web site).

Friends receiving this forwarded e-mail must:
~ Sign up for the newsletter through this link.

~ Send an e-mail to gayle@brandilyncollins.com, stating (a) the name of the person who referred them to Sneak Pique, and (b) that person's e-mail address. Use the subject heading: Web of Lies Contest.

A wild week

We lost a great shero, Rosa Parks. Rosa decision to stay seated, change our world.

I survived the online conference. It was crazy. My computer decided to crash and there was no saving it. Thank God for my sister and mother having a computer. Just as I was back online, I was hit with a sinus infection. It tried to take me down, but the prayers went up and the Lord held on.

The conference was as my daughter says THE BOMB. We had some excellent panels, I felt like I was in the room with them. They shared their wisdom and I gained so much new knowledge about the crazy writing business.

No I haven’t given up on the dream. I do believe it will happen, in God’s time and not LaShaunda’s time.

The other day I was discussing this with my writing partner, my mother. I told her I’ve learned what patience is. With writing you have to learn patience. Just because you want to become published doesn’t mean it will happen. You have to wait and see. Its not easy, but its worth the wait.

I know there are a lot of you out there waiting too. STAND and know the Lord is on your side. When he makes a way it will happen.

A good book is a good book

Since BET announced Harlequin is buying them. A few blogs have been talking about it and how it will affect the authors and their books.

As a writer I’m sadden to lose another company that focuses on our books. It took years before the publishers recognized that African-American would like books that featured characters that looked like us.

I’ve been reading since I was four. I love books. The fact there is racism concerning books is appalling to me but unfortunately there is.

When our books came out instead of being marketed as romance novels they were marketed as African-American Romance Novels then Multi-Cultural Romance novels. We didn’t come up with the term, the publishers did. They decided to segregate our books. It wasn’t always like this. I remember going to the books stores looking for the books when they were announced. They were in the romance section. I found them by the spines because the book covers weren’t showing. I recognized the logo.

Later the section became the African-American section. So I had two sections to go to now. The AA sections and the romance sections. The romance to get my other books, did I stop reading white romances because they started writing AA romances? No, I’m not color blind a good book is a good book. I just had more authors to buy now.

When I joined RWA, I was surprised by how many of the members had never read an AA romance or even knew an AA author’s name. I was surprised because they were writers and as writers I thought we tried to keep up with the current market. I guess not.

I try to introduce readers to all writers. Yes SORMAG catered to Multi-cultural authors, however every chance I got I was promoting other authors too. I still believe a good book is a good book.

To get passed the racism, readers need to focus on the writing and not who is writing it. For years African-Americans only had books to read by White authors. Did that stop us from enjoying a book NOPE. A good book is a good book.

Here’s my comment I posted at ATBF about the topic about authors being on online communities

Promotion is something I preach to authors all the time. One of the reasons I started SORMAG was because the AA books and authors weren’t receiving a lot of promotion. Wayne started the online promotion, I joined on and then a few more sites did.

Most of the authors I interviewed, I approached them. They didn’t approach me. The ones I’ve never interviewed were because they didn’t have the time or no email. In this time and era its sad if you don’t have an email address. Its even sadder if you can’t make time to do a FREE interview that will help promote your books.

Many readers are now online and they meet new authors by visiting sites, groups and forums. If you’re not promoting your book online how will they know who you are.

Yeah we can moan and groan about white readers not reading our books, but if they don’t know about them how can they.

Many of SORMAG's readers were white, they wanted to find new authors writing good books.

No matter how tired you are, you have to make time for promotion. Because if you’re not promoting , nobody will read your book because they don’t know it exist.

Rejection :(

My book was not what they were looking for. Don’t you just hate those form letters? It makes you want to scream. Tell me what’s wrong with the book so I can fix it or know I should throw it in the closet.

My friend told me rejections let you know that you are working.

I like the sound of that. Especially since I’ve been doing a lot of writing lately.

I was a little hurt when I saw the white envelope on the table. I knew instantly it was a rejection. They never send your stuff back.

A little of me was relieved too. It wasn’t ready. I was so eager to send out, I should have waited and did one last review.

How do I know this? This past weekend, I read a book and as I reading it, I thought of a million things wrong with my own manuscript and how I could improve it.

I’m learning, its not easy but I feel I’m getting better with each book.

I don’t plan on doing any more submissions this year. I’ll start the new year off submitting again. I’m going to finish this year by completing the new novel and one last revision on the manuscript that was rejected. Who knows maybe next time I’ll get the please submit the complete manuscript letter.

Happy writing

Are You A Pumkin?

From one pumpkin to another!!!!!!!

A woman was asked by a coworker, "What is it like to be a Christian?"

The coworker replied, "It is like being a pumpkin." God picks you from thepatch, brings you in, and washes all the dirt off of you. Then He cuts offthe top and scoops out all the yucky stuff.He removes the seeds of doubt, hate, and greed. Then He carves you a newsmiling face and puts His light inside of you to shine for all the world to see."

Sexy

This past Thursday was my daughter’s eighth birthday. I treated her to her first manicure and pedicure. She was too excited about getting her nails down professionally.

No I didn’t get the fake nails. She’s a baby. I don’t get the mothers who put on fake nails on kids. She had her own nails. They painted them a soft pink. She was too cute.

While having my own nails done, I read an article about Toni Braxton. I’ve been a fan of her’s since she debuted with Sad Songs. Which I believe is her best record.

She talked about being sexy after two kids. It made me think about being sexy. I haven’t felt sexy in a long time. In my twenties you couldn’t tell me I wasn’t sexy. After I had children, I stopped thinking about being sexy. I now know that was the wrong mentality to have. If you don’t think you’re sexy who will.

I cut my hair a few months ago, and the word sexy came up again in my vocabulary. I remembered being sexy and why I liked being sexy. When you feel sexy your whole being changes.

I plan on treating my baby girl to more manicure/pedicures, because I want her to grow up believing she’s beautiful and sexy. As a young girl those words weren’t in my vocabulary. Hopefully this salon visit will break that mode and start a young girl on a different path.

Do you think you’re sexy?

New Book

I’m working on a new book. Its set in St. Louis. The hero is inspired by Albert Pujols of the St. Louis Cardinal.

Its exciting meeting new characters. All kinds of ideas are jumping in my head. I need to be doing my day job, but the characters keep calling me to the pen. They won’t listen when I tell them NO. LOL!

My goal for today is 10 pages.

Do you have a page goal? How do you keep up the motivation?

Getting Ready

I’m in the mist of planning an online conference and getting my book ready for submission.

Yeah I’m glutton for punishment. I usually plan the conference in six months, but with the power of internet, I’m getting it together. We have some great topics, and I think its going to be fun.

I’m trying something a little different this time. I’m using the SORMAG blog. I’m hoping it cuts back on the emails that the yahoo group used. It will also be immediate a little like instant messages. At least that’s what I’m hoping. Send up a prayer for me.

I’ve decided to submit on my own for now. This agent hunting is worst than submitting. You have to find someone who likes the book. Which can be months of waiting. Then if they like the book, they have to sell it. Another couple months of waiting. I’m telling you writing is like the Navy. Hurry and wait. UUGGHH!

I’ve found two publishers I’m interested in. I’m going to submit to both. See what happens. I’ll keep you posted.

Yes I watched Nip and Tuck last night. It was off the chain. That’s all I’m going to say about it. I also watched R U the girl. Oh so crispy won. Congrats Girl, your new life began last night.

I thought Mirrah would win. She seemed like she fit, but hey what do I know. LOL!

Happy writing!

Writing is a lonely business

If it wasn’t for the internet, I don’t know what I would do.

I started writing at 16. I asked for a typewriter for my birthday. My mother bought one for me and my writing career began. I worked on one book for the next ten years. Yes you heard me right ten years.
I think I was infatuated with the idea of writing. I never thought I had another book inside of me. Maybe if I’d had some writing buddies or an organization, I’d would have learned there was more stories inside of me.

As I started contacting other writers and talking, I realized, I needed to let go. Yes this is hard, but I learned I could put the book in the closet and move on.

For some writers, myself included, finishing the book is hard. I think its about letting go. We’re afraid to let go.

As I grow as a writer, I’m learning how to be a better writer and this doesn’t have to be a lonely business.

Go online, meet a free writers. Join an organization make a few friends. Those friends will pull you along, when you want to give up. They will encourage you when want to say this isn’t any good. They will make you smile when you receive those rejections.

Writing can introduce you to some of your best friends.

Thanks to my writing buddies – Ann Clay, Mary Griffith, Cindy Appel, and Tracy Gardner. I thank God for sending you in my life, so I can no longer be a lonely writer.

Thanks to my writing group – SORMAG’s writer’s group – You guys are the best writing support group ever.

Cutest Thing

Today as I was walking my baby boy to his class. One of his friends came down the hall towards us. He put out his hand and CJ gave him so dap. It tickled me because I’m thinking when did he learn how to give the man handshake.

I giggled because my baby boy isn’t a baby anymore. This kindergartner knows how to give dap.

I’m not ready :(

Pictures From The Retirement

ME & CJ

LENORE

CONGRATULATIONS - YN1 Lenore Tyler

This past weekend I was a part of my friend Lenore Tyler retirement ceremony. After twenty years in the Navy she was retiring.

It was a wonderful experience. Below is the speech I made.

I met Petty Officer Tyler in boot camp. We became friends because my bunkmate was a screw up and they reassigned us to new bunks. Mine happen to be beside Tyler as I called her. We started hanging out with each other. We loved to dance and we got our groove on every weekend while in seaman training.

We had some wild weekends together. Like the one time we rented a hotel room with some other girls and one of them decided to bring us some men to our room. We had to get girlfriend told. We didn’t play that.

Tyler and I cried together when we received our first duty stations. I was going to Guam. I had never heard of Guam. She was going to Iceland. Who goes to Iceland? We promised to write to each other.

We kept the promises. We wrote about our pitiful love lives. The places we visited and how much we enjoyed the Navy. Together we served our country and our friendship grew. I know now our friendship is a gift from God because she’s the only person I’ve kept in touch with since boot camp.

When I decided not to re-enlist, my friend came to visit me in Florida. We hadn’t seen each other in years, but with old friend, you pick off where you left off.

I went home to St. Louis and she re-enlisted. Through her letters and phone calls I visited Puerto Rico, Spain, Greece and many other places she was stationed. I prayed for her when she went up for her different ranks and cheered when she made them. When I decided it was time to become a wife, Tyler was right there with the video camera. She never did give me the bachelorette tape. Claimed it was for blackmail later.

Like a good friend does, she is always a good listener and never beat me up for never having the chance to visit her. She’s a good supporter who will never know how much it meant to me when she sent a check to subscribed to my magazine. A friend who believes in your dreams is a true friend indeed. I hope I’ve been that type of friend to her as she has been to me.

Tyler did what my mother wanted me to do, she continued to serve her country. I’m truly proud to be here today to help her celebrate her accomplishment of 20 years in the Navy. I consider myself bless to be able to say I was there when she started her career in the Navy and I’m here to see her end her career twenty years later.

Lenore I know this is a new beginning for you. It might be a little scary but if you can survive the Navy for twenty years. Your next adventure will be a piece of cake. May I be blessed to continue being your friend and experiences your adventures with you. I love you and I’m glad the Lord sent a friend like you to me. May he continue to bless you and fulfill all your dreams. Congratulations on your retirement.

I'm So Excited!

Once I posted the information about the book drive. I started receiving messages. Everyone wants to help. Their goal is 30,000 books. I know we can make it. I feel great knowing I’m doing something. Feeling helpless is not a good feeling. Having no money to share is even worst.

What can I do I kept asking myself? This is my way to help. It might not seem like much, but if you’re a book reader, you know a book can take you away from your problems. Maybe for a few hours someone can be transported into a new world. Maybe when they finish the book, they’ll see there is hope for them.

Right now it looks bleak, but there is calm after the storm. The Lord hasn’t left them. This is the time when he’s carrying them. Hold on my people, the Lord knows what he’s doing. You will make it through this and be a better person because of it.

LITERARY EVENT - Writer's Conferences

There is a writers' conference being held on September 16, 2005 in Roswell, GA. This is a great opportunity for anyone who is a serious writer. If you are a published writer this is an excellent opportunity to promote and sell your books.

For more information log onto: http://fountainpenn.com/WritersConference05.htmlor email to: robdani2001@fountainpenn.com

Danielle-Kim DavisVP/FountainPenn Enterprise

Successful Self-Publishing Seminar

Join some of the industry's leading professionals in a comprehensive seminar about how to turn your manuscript into a nationally or internationally distributed publication that SELLS!

We will cover pre-press and formatting issues, printing 101, POD and eBook technology, publishing law 101, marketing and promotion, bookseller relations, and distribution. We will also present a bonus segment on copyright basics for writers.

Confirmed presenters:

Brian L. Jud, BookMarketing.com
John F. Harnish, Infinity Publishing
Lisa Gibson-Wilson, Renaissance Management Services
Kevin Wayne Johnson, author of Give God the Glory series
Nancey Flowers, author of A Fool's Paradise
Tonya Evans-Walls, intellectual property and literary lawyer and author

EVENT INFO

Saturday, September 24, 2005

9:00AM-3:00PM

Philadelphia Airport Hilton
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19119

$90 per person, includes lunch, seminar materials, and FREE CD of the most important forms in the publishing industry.

$75 per person for groups of 4 or more!

http://www.fyos.com

To Participate In The Book Drive

Send an email to the following to let them know you’re participating:

Tony Rose - Amberbk@aol.com or Heather Covington at Disilgold@aol.com

Below are the Addresses to donate the books.

Gwen and Willie Richardson, Cush City.Com, 13559 Bammel North Houston Road, Houston, TX 77066,281-444-4265

Reshonda Tate Billingsley (Channel 26, Fox News Reporter),3714 Poplar Springs,Missouri City, TX 77459,281-799-7415

Tom Joyner,BlackAmericaWeb.com Relief Fund,P.O. Box 803209,Dallas, TX 75380-3209

Dorris Ellis, Publisher, The Houston Sun, 1520 Isabella St. ,Houston TX 77288, Tel: 713-443- 9774

Yolanda Bridges, Publisher;LOF Publishing, 7500 Bellerive Suite 412,Houston, TX 77036,713-899- 7904

Andrea Brown 14220 Park Row #122, Houston, TX 77084, 281-759-1470

If you want to donate to the shelter here in St. Louis

Send to :

L.C. Hoffman
7127 Minnesota Ave
St. Louis, MO 63111

I'll see that they receive the books.

THANKS!

Bless Someone With A Book

Hello everyone,

I’ve been off line for a few days. I’ve prayed for a way that I can help the hurricane survivors. My church has adopted a shelter who will receive 2000 survivors this week. This weekend, we will be painting the rooms they will live in.

I also received a press release for a book drive. I can do this. I had planned on compiling a list of the books I have for the SORMAG community; however life has been crazy so I haven’t had a chance. I’m sure you won’t mind if I donate them instead. If one book can give someone a little comfort in these crazy times, then we’ve done something to help.

I hope you can share a few of your books for this cause. Think about how the books make you feel and you’ll want to share those feelings.

My prayers continue to go up for these survivors. Let’s bless someone with a book.

NATIONAL BOOK DONATION LAUNCH FOR THE VICTIMS OF HURRICANE KATRINA

For Immediate Press Release: Amber Communications Group, Inc. (ACGI), sends condolences, prayers, warm wishes, hope for immediate disaster relief, and a safe recovery to the victims of Hurricane Katrina. In our efforts to help support the victims and families stationed at the Astrodome, relief centers and homes in Houston, Texas, Amber Communications Group, Inc.'s Publisher/CEO Tony Rose and Associate Publisher Yvonne Rose, along with Bill Cox, Publisher and Adrienne Ingrum, Associate Publisher, Black Issues Book Review; Heather Covington, CEO, Disilgold Worldwide Communications; Faye Childs, President, BlackBoard Bestsellers; Max Rodriguez, Publisher, Quarterly Black Review/Founder, Harlem Book Fair; Kassahun Checole, Publisher, Africa World Press, Inc.; Wade Hudson, President/CEO and Cheryl Hudson, Publisher, Just Us Books; Willie and Gwen Richardson, Co-Founders, CushCity.com; W. Paul Coates, Publisher, Black Classic Press, Jessica Care Moore;Moore Black Press, Mark Anthony, Publisher, Q-Boro Books; Nancey Flowers, Publisher, Flowers In Bloom Publishing; Azania Brown, Publisher, In Time Publishing; Tonya Evans-Wells, Publisher, FYOS Entertainment; Earl Cox, Publisher, Writers and Poets.Com; Gina Clark, Publisher, Alight! New York Grit Books; Willie and Gwen Richardson, Co- Founders, CushCity.com; and W. Paul Coates, Publisher, Black Classic Press (The Katrina Literary Collective) are spearheading a book fund drive.

As African-American Publishers, we recognize the importance of reading for education and enjoyment. In the case of the Katrina Hurricane victims of New Orleans, we recognize the importance of reading for mental and emotional stability. Reading can help pass the time, perhaps help victims take their minds off their trouble, offer some small pleasure, and provide an opportunity to gain knowledge on various topics that can help them gain a new foothold on their lives.We can collectively comfort their stay, promote love of Black literature, foster literacy among youth and let our people know the Black literary community at large supports them.

As Publisher and CEO of ACGI, we are urging all Independent African American publishers, book clubs, self published authors, literary services, libraries, authors, editors, and publishers at the major publishing houses, to join the donation drive to submit books to the Katrina Hurricane victims.

If you wish to participate by donating books, please email us at Amberbk@aol.com or Heather Covington at Disilgold@aol.com .

At this time our designated receivers and transporters are:

Gwen and Willie Richardson, Cush City.Com, 13559 Bammel North Houston Road, Houston, TX 77066,281-444-4265

Reshonda Tate Billingsley (Channel 26, Fox News Reporter),3714 Poplar Springs,Missouri City, TX 77459,281-799-7415

Tom Joyner,BlackAmericaWeb.com Relief Fund,P.O. Box 803209,Dallas, TX 75380-3209

Dorris Ellis, Publisher, The Houston Sun, 1520 Isabella St. ,Houston TX 77288, Tel: 713-443- 9774

Yolanda Bridges, Publisher;LOF Publishing, 7500 Bellerive Suite 412,Houston, TX 77036,713-899- 7904

Andrea Brown 14220 Park Row #122, Houston, TX 77084, 281-759-1470

We will update you as more designated receivers and transporters are involved.

If you live in Houston and would like to volunteer to receive books and transport them to the Astrodome, relief centers or homes where some victims are staying, please include with your email, your destination address and phone number.

Thank you for your support of the victims of Hurricane Katrina and taking a stand at large with the African American literary community. http://www.amberbooks.com

Thank you and God bless. Best regards,Tony Rose, Publisher & CEO , Yvonne Rose, Associate Publisher , Amber Communications Group, Inc. , www.AMBERBOOKS.COM


LITERARY ARTISTS UNITED BOOK DONATION PARTICIPANTS THUS FAR

Heather Covington- Disilgold Soul Magazine Editor - Disilgold.com,Tony Rose- CEO/ Founder Amber Books- Amber Books.com,Linda Dominique Grosvenor- “The Hamptons- LindaDominque Grosvenor.com, Marti Tucker- Author of “A Mayor’s Wife - marthatucker.com,Sydney Molare- Fishbowl International Inc. - Fishbowlinternational.com,Nathaniel Portis- Things In Between- nathanielportis.com,Electa Rome Parks- “Almost Doesn’t Count‚ - ElectaRomeParks.com.LaShaunda Carruth Hoffman – Shades Of Romance – http://sormag.blogspot.com

Prayers Going Up

Its times like this I’m thankful for the Lord in my life.

I’m just in shock over what’s happening down south. My heart goes out to all the people there. Life is so precious. Its times like this you realize how much.

Right now everything seems unimportant.

What can we do?

Pray

Christian writer – Kendra Norman Bellamy sent this link.

http://www.wwltv.com/sharedcontent/breakingnews/slideshow/083005_dmnkatrina/1.html

Looking at these pictures I can't imagine NO every being the same. I pray everyone finds a safe place to lay their heads.

LITERARY EVENT - MARCH 2006

Come out and meet Face to Face
Authors to your favorite Novels!

On the night of March 31, 2006, the Writer's Achievement Award will be
presented to Jacquelin Thomas. Jacquelin Thomas is an award winning, best selling
author with eighteen titles in print including, The Prodigal Husband, Soul Journe
y and her recent celebrated novel Saved in the City. Other credits include
contributions to the Women of Color Devotional Bible and Brides Noir magazine.
Jacquelin Thomas will be the first novelist to be awarded with the Writer's
Achievement Award. The novelist will be participate in a discussion panel & later
book signing during the Book Extravaganza along with many other national
authors. Jacquelin Thomas will be presented with the First Annual North Carolina
Black Book Festival Writer's Achievement Award during the Opening Night
Literary Gala. The literary gala's keynote speaker will be author Byron Harmon. Byron
Harmon has been awarded eight Emmy’s for news excellence at WCBS Early
Morning Show in New York City.

This gala is a ticketed event. Click Here for more information.


Saturday, April 1, 2006 Workshops and Panels (Free to the public)

Invited Authors that will be in Attendance...


Stacy Hawkins Adams Vincent Alexandria
A.C. Arthur L.A. Banks
Cassandra Darden Bell Kendra Norman-Bellamy
Jamise L. Dames Angie Daniels
Collen Dixon Gywnne Forster
Nina Foxx Bettye Griffin
Vanessa Davis Griggs Linda Dominique Grosvenor
Felicia Madlock Brandon Massey
Tia McCollors Marissa Monteilh
Electa Rome Parks Eric Pete
Ryan Phillips Karen Siplin
Sybil Barkley-Staples Linda Hudson-Smith
Van Whitfield

For more information, visit www.NCBookfest.com

CONGRATULATIONS JACQUELIN THOMAS

Submitting To An Agent

If you're on the agent hunt, this is an article you might want to read.

Kristin Nelson gives the inside scoop. Thanks Ms. Nelson I appreciated your article.

http://www.bksp.org/articles_KNelson1.html

Hurricane Katrina

My prayers go out to those caught in this hurricane.

One of my co-workers has family in New Orleans and she is devestated bywhat has happen. My heart goes out to her and her family.

I have an aunt who has family there, but I can't get in touch with herto find out if they are OK. My prayers go out this family too.

These are the times I feel so helpless. I know the Lord is able and Ipray he surrounds these families in their time of need.

Submission Begins

I spent the afternoon, researching agents. Trying to find the ones who might be interested in my books.

I found nine. I queried five.

The submissions begin.

SORMAG is on HIATUS

I've decided not to shut down competely. We're going on hiatus, until I can locate some funds.

Here is the current issue.

http://www.sormag.com/28sormag.pdf

Enjoy and let me know what you think.

LITERARY EVENT - Romance Slam Jam 2006

Romance Slam Jam 2006

Shreveport, Louisiana

March 9-12, 2006

For more informationhttp://romanceslamjam.com/

Twenty Years

Saturday I celebrated twenty years out of high school. We had our class reunion, dinner/dance. It was nice seeing everyone again. Our class wasn’t that large about 150 people. We had 42 people participate. Many of the class didn’t want to.

I was surprised because those who participated in the 10 year reunion, didn’t come back for the twenty.

High school wasn’t a great time for everyone. Some said they didn’t care for the people in high school, why be bothered now.

I enjoyed high school. I wasn’t miss popular, but I didn’t let that stop me from knowing people.

I’m glad I went to the reunion. I’m thankful the Lord let me live to have a twenty year reunion. We lost four classmates over the years. They didn’t have the chance to attend the 10 year or the twenty year.

My ten year reunion, I reunited with an old friend, who became my husband. Now that’s what you call a good party.

I pray I’m here to celebrate the thirty years. Looking forward to it.

Are you a caregiver Part 2

I started a group online for caregivers. It’s a place to vent, because you need time to let it out. A place to encourage, because there are days you can’t go on. A place to know you’re not alone because there are days you feel like you’re by yourself.

Stop by and introduce yourself.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CAREGIVERS1

Are you a caregiver?

I’m learning I’m not alone when it comes to taking care of a parent. I always knew that I would take care of my mother when the time came. However I assumed it would be when she was in her eighties and not in her fifties.

My mother is on dialysis and it has been a roller coaster ride. A scary one. Right now she’s in the hospital because of a low heart rate. The doctors can’t figure out why its low or what to do.

Its hard being a caregiver of a parent because they are adults and sometimes they act like kids. They especially resent being treated as a kid when they acting like one.

I’m in constant prayer because I don’t have a clue. This is one of those being GROWN things.

If you’re a caregiver how are you handling it? Let’s talk, maybe we can start an online support group.

Being Grown

Twenty years ago I graduated and joined the Navy. I was on my way to being grown. I thought being grown would be GREAT. No more parents telling me what to do. I could eat ice cream for breakfast if I wanted to.
Why didnt’ they tell us being grown isn’t a piece of cake. That you always feel 18 and you wish your parents would tell you what to do. OK eating ice cream for breakfast is good. LOL

My first experience as a grown up, I was surprised by what other grown ups did. They were like kids in grown up jobs. The cliques were still there as it was in highschool. The he said she said still exist. The I like you do you like me didn’t fade away.

When did we become GROWN?

I think that’s the joke, you never grow up. If you’re lucky you mature with age and you learn from your mistakes.

I tell my children and others who are eager to be grown. Its not all that great. Its hard work.

You beome somone's spouse or parent. There is no book to let you know if you're doing it right. If your parents live long enough you become thier care taker. Its an never ending circle.

Yeah being grown is GREAT!

What do you think?

80s Child

I admit it, I’m a child of the 80s. Over at Monica Jackson’s blog she has as a quiz.

I love 80s music. Give me Hall and Oates and I’m in heaven. In two weeks I celebrate 20 years out of high school. I can’t believe its been 20 years. Where did the time go. Last night I was making a collage of things that happen in 1985, what we ate and listen too. I was huge fan of Madonna. She was different and I so loved to be different.

The eighties were fun. We didn’t seem to have as much trouble with the world as we do now. People knew how to have fun and be friends.

I went to some great concerts. I’ll have to say the two best were the Hall & Oates Big Bam tour and Prince’s Purple Rain tour. Those concerts were priceless.

I was in love with Bo Brady from Days of Our Lives. I judge a many men based on this character. Yeah I’m sick lol!

Who did you love in the 80s?

Blog of the week

I stop by about fourteen blogs each day. Its refreshing to check out what others have to say. I learn a little bit, get a laugh or get encouragement.

I thought I’d introduce you to a few of the blogs I visit.

I’ll start with one of my favorites, Rhythms of Grace – Marilynn Griffith’s blog.

http://marilynngriffith.typepad.com/rhythmsofgrace/


Marilynn is a Christian writer, who incites about life make me crack up because I so can relate. She will debut next year with a book I highly recommend. Stop by and tell her I sent you.


Do you have a blog and would like me to visit, send me an email – sormag@yahoo.com and I’ll stop by.

John H. Johnson

To my surprise I opened the paper to see on the front page the announcement of John Johnson’s death. Who is John Johnson you’re wondering? If you’re a black magazine reader you know who he is. If not, he was the publisher of Ebony and Jet magazine.

When I decided to become a magazine publisher, I did my research. I found he had written a book about his life. It inspired me because he had nothing but a dream and he stepped out with the help of his mother and started a magazine. There were hard times, but he kept going. Eventually building an empire.

The world was blessed in knowing Mr. Johnson. His magazine touched many lives and his legacy continues through his daughter.

If it wasn’t for his dream, I don’t believe I could of dreamed of my magazine. For that I’m truly grateful.

My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

I also send out my prayers to Peter Jennings family. He is another legend who had his homecoming this weekend.

Favorite Words

Thank God for the find function. I’m in revision stage and looking up redundant words. I’ve learned I have favorite words (really, definitely, and that) I’m sure I would be rejected just because I have a million and two of these words in my manuscript.

What is your favorite word?

Prayer Helps

I’m one of those who believes prayer helps. I’ve been trying to be a better Christian. One of my goals is to pray for five different people each day. I thought this would be a piece of cake. However its not. Especially when you’re trying to pray for different people. After I’ve crossed off my family and friends, the list became hard.

I also realized how important it is to pray for others. Sometimes I get caught up in my own life, that its easy to say God bless the world. However I believe the Lord wants us to think of individuals not just the world. He wants to hear that you have compassion for your fellow man.

Now I look forward to picking my five people to pray about. It helps me become a better prayer and it lets me know that others need prayer too.

Have you prayed for someone today?