ARTS & AUTHORS Extravaganza MAGAZINE
4 Conversations
ARTS & AUTHORS TALK RADIO
Writer's Block
BI-WEEKLY ARTISTS & AUTHORS INTERVIEWS WWW.BIT.LY/ARTSANDAUTHORSSHOW
HOW TO OVERCOME
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
love, peace, and joy
HOW A LOCAL ARTIST WENT INTERNATIONAL
CREATE
YOUR WORK IS MEANT TO BE SEEN
EXPOSE YOUR WORK EXPOSURE IS KEY
GET FEATURED- INQUIRE WITHIN
A JOB SHOULD BRING ENOUGH FOR A WORKER AND FAMILY TO LIVE ON, BUT AFTER THAT, SELFREALIZATION, THE EXERCISE OF ONE'S GIFTS AND TALENTS, IS WHAT TRULY MATTERS-MD WHY I RETIRED FROM THE WORKFORCE AT 50!
YOUR
HAPPINESS
Happy NEW YEAR WHAT TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN 2022!
Vol. 1 issue 3
EDITOR'S
NOTE Arts & Authors Extravaganza is a magazine for artists and authors to express themselves. A source of planning and inspiration for artists, authors, readers, writers, etc. And for those simply in love with all things “Art.” ANAE magazine really wants to give the artist & authors more to look at, to inspire them and to remind them that this is fun and is not going anywhere! It’s the most memorable experience of their life; leaving a legacy. Our goal is to provide the readers with as much inspiration as possible online and in the magazine. More inspiration, curated inspiration, and giving our audience real people so that our aspiring artist & authors, and readers will get great ideas. And now with a legion of lovely readers, some insanely talented sponsors, a collection of wonderful contributors, and a mammoth social media following, ANAE is heading into 2022 with the aim of bringing you even more great reads, to ensure this year is your very best year ever. Kim Ross-Hollingsworth Editor in Chief ANAE
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DECEMBER 2021
ANAE Arts & Authors Extravaganza Magazine
SUBMISSIONS
Arts & Authors Extravaganza is published quarterly. Submissions are accepted for articles, poetry, prose, and art via artsandauthors@yahoo.com Subject line: Arts & Authors Submission $25 submission fee for three pieces of work and a bio write-up.
FOUNDER/CEO Kimberly Ross-Hollingsworth Publisher, Designer, Creative Director, Editor, Coach She currently resides in South Jersey
CREATIVE EDITOR Bryana Williams reads poetry and fiction. She edits & critique the publication of the magazine. She currently resides in South Jersey
ANAE TEAM Gene Hollingsworth Martha L. Ross Brittany Williams Giona Hollingsworth Shandylinn Kelly DeVita
ADVERTISE WITH US If you are interested in advertising with ANAE, email artsandauthors@yahoo.com Subject Line: Arts and Authors Submission
CONTENTS
11
Overcoming writer's block stop staring at a blank page and start writing
17
AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT
28
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
30
BOOK MARKETING BEST WAYS TO MARKET YOUR BOOK
40 20 8 Young Emerging Writers Get to know eight twenty-something
writers who will capture our literary hearts
WRITE YOUR BOOK Write, Publish, & Market Your Book www.bookbuildersacademy.com
PROFILE
PHOTO BY KYM!'s IP! Taken at Shay's event!
WOMEN'S JOURNEY TO LIFE Crowned by Grace
The Women's Journey ministry will go deeper and soar higher, so let's put our hands to the plow. And go to work this year. Igniting ourselves, our youth and our communities to soar. One pebble has a long-lasting ripple effect. New Year. New Journeys! Happy New Year Queens! ~Shay Monroe Founder: Women's Journey to Life She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. Proverbs 31:26 A Woman's Journey should be nothing but exciting. We deserve nothing but the BEST since we give so much to this world. Unfortunately it doesn't happen that way ANAE
for every woman. So I have organized this women's group where when we meet, we actually help each other in as many ways as we can. Every woman deserves to accomplish her vision. We are here to continually refill ourselves so that we can be excellent in all we do. We are a hosting group. We encourage and support each other. We are a mentoring group. Our main goal is to mentor young women who are struggling and facing difficulties in their own lives and help them achieve their educational goals. LIFE IS TOUGH BUT WE CAN MAKE IT BETTER !Now if you are looking for a group that will go out partying, drinking or clubbing then this is not for you. How ever if you
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AS A WOMAN YOU ARE AMAZING. AS A WOMAN YOU ARE HELPFUL. SO WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
want to make a difference in other people's lives please join me. If you want to learn from the experts, if you want to share your expertise, if you want to enhance your life, mentor our young ladies, enhance your family's life (which by the way we women are good at :)) I urge you to join this group. I am positive that with each other's help we can make our lives better....in fact much better!!
DECEMBER 2021
2) Always Be Creating- Don’t get stuck in your head. Don’t let life’s challenges stop you. Go create. Regardless of what type of artist or creative you are.
With the onset of incredible access to your audience online through social media and your website, you CAN build a strong creative career! But how do you do that? How can you make money as an artist now??? Particularly as we continue to contend with a continued global pandemic?
“To the artist, art is a verb.”
We must accept things have permanently changed. Things were already changing before the shutdowns and quarantines, and they continue to change rapidly. You need to have a strong online presence. This has never been more important than it is right now. And it will continue to be that way. 1) Healthy Mindset- there are many mindset obstacles to overcome. Stay strong and seek counseling if needed.
The obvious is true— to make money you must create the work you want to sell or perform the service you want to be paid for. Now. Right Now. Don’t Wait. Artists and creatives create, produce, and will not be stopped from doing so. They MUST create. So don’t wait for an invitation, listen to the Nike slogan and “JUST DO IT”. If you are a painter— paint, a writer— write, a producer— produce something, and so on. Truly it is in the work— both doing the work and sharing the work that you will hone, not just your creative skills but your marketing skills as well. You will also get to know your audience. You need to have work to sell, to put online or in a gallery or a film to screen online, or in the theaters or a (cont'd on page 33.)
STELLA'S
TOP TIPS
FOR ASPIRING
ARTISTS
Stella shares words of wisdom from
her years of experience as a young
painter.
EXPERIMENT If you're undecided on which path to take, try several paths and then
decide which one is the best fit. Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “All life is an experiment. The more
experiments you make the better.”
HAVE A CLEAR IDEA OF
WHAT YOU WANT.
“It's not hard to decide what you
want your life to be about. What's hard, she said, is figuring out what you're willing to give up in order to do the things you really care about.”
WORK ON PERSONAL
PROJECTS. Simeon Kondev once said, “I feel like
every project I work on is a dream
project, so long as I am learning.”
ANAE
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DECEMBER 2021
DECEMBER 2016 cont.. . .,
book/play/screenplay to sell or show to potential buyers. Never stop creating new work. 3) Manage Your Website - Every artist or creative NEEDS a website. This is not optional. A website is the digital real estate YOU own. It is your “storefront”, or “gallery” or “office” so your buyers, collaborators, investors, and fans can find you, see what you are creating/producing and buy your work or your services. 4) Explode Your Marketing-Yes marketing is key to you knowing how to make money as an artist. Like I said earlier, you have more opportunities to get out there and show your work or services than ever before. The days of only creating your art and doing nothing else, don’t really exist anymore for the vast majority of successful artists and creatives.
“To be an artist is to believe in life.”
Being in the driver’s seat of your marketing gives your marketing the upper hand. You know what you do best, you know what you want your audience to see, so especially when starting out and even into your midcareer you need to be more hands-on with your marketing. I see successful veteran artists still hands-on with their marketing. They want their fans and audiences to have the right perception of them and see their BEST work often. I tell all my Catalyst artists to use social media well by viewing it as an embassy directing buyers to your website. Meaning your social media posts send folks to your website to buy and get them to sign up for your email newsletter. That way if the platform’s algorithm changes you haven’t lost your fans and audiences, they have signed up for your email and you can ALWAYS reach them, algorithm change or not! You must identify ALL your audiences and ask these questions: Who are they? What do they want to buy? How do you add value to their lives? These are the important questions you must answer to market to them well. There is so much more to take a creative career to the next level! ANAE
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DECEMBER 2021
Visibility is the only thing that is going to make you stand out from the masses if you believe that your contribution and service will positively impact the broader community.
SHOW UP & SHOW OUT VISIBILITY GETS YOU PAID
The only way to cut through the clutter and noise of your competition is to make yourself relevant
ANAE
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DECEMBER 2021
THE CHALLENGER
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take." In other words, you can't succeed unless you try. And that means you have to take action._WG
"YOU AUTOMATICALLY LOSE THE CHANCES YOU DON'T TAKE" ANAE
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DECEMBER 2021
This is perhaps the most famous quote by Wayne Gretzky. It is a beautiful quote that can be applied to all aspects of life. In these words, he inspires you to take risks if you want to succeed. There is no success without taking chances. You need to give your best shot to be able to make it big. But if you don’t try it, you will not be able to make any progress.
- FEATURED ARTICLE -
Photography can be an art form, but not all photographs are created to be artworks or as forms of artistic expression. It took time for photography to be truly recognized as a valid art form. However, in the present day, many art museums and art galleries now exhibit photographic artworks
In my mind art is a subjectively biased interpretation of the artist’s subject. In many ways, the choice of subject is largely irrelevant; it’s
The sort of photography I view as art is the kind of work that has clearly had thought put into it, and in which both technical and
the biased interpretation that
artistic skills is evident.
makes things interesting and
Photographs where time has been
unique. Artists show their own unique vision of a scene, which provokes a reaction from us, the viewer. Their ‘job’ if you like, is to make us see a scene and to execute it in a way that engages the viewer. The skill lies in being able to translate an idea to a finished product in the medium of the artist’s choice.
taken to get the correct lighting, whereby possibly hours have been spent getting the set up right, a relationship with the subject has been established and is evident in the final result – these images are art. There is a skill involved in taking images that speak to the viewer and provoke a reaction in them that’s no different to the reactions evoked by art.
IS THERE ARTISTIC VALUE IN PHOTOGRAPHY?
So yes, I do believe that in the
I do believe that some
photography can be viewed as art. What a lot of people don’t realise is that many of us pros see art as a huge influence in our work.
right circumstances photography is an art form. And it’s an art form that takes skill, artistic ability and an understanding of technology. It deserves its place on the artistic
If you take a close look at landscape and portrait images,
forum.
you’ll often see the influence of paintings. I often mimic the setup of groups of people in paintings in my own portraiture, along with the interesting expressions and moods that said painters have captured. So, before many of us have even pressed the shutter, the influence of art is apparent in our work.
ANAE
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DECEMBER 2021
OVERCOMING WRITER'S BLOCK Stop staring at a blank page and start writing! by Kimberly M. Ross
EVER FOUND YOURSELF STARING AT A BLANK PAGE FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME, TRYING TO WRITE BUT BEING UNABLE TO FIND THE RIGHT WORDS?
W
.
e've all been there. Overcoming writer’s block is a delicate process that is often highly subjective and depends on each individual. But, at the end of the day, it is about conquering self-doubt and knowing that hard work will pay off. Writer’s block is a phenomenon experienced by writers that is best described as an overwhelming feeling of being stuck in the writing process without the ability to move forward and write anything new. Here are a few ideas to help you work through your creative constipation: ANAE
Get away from your desk. Do the laundry. Go for a walk. Real-life events and observations are key to keeping your idea box full and can serve as the inspiration for your best writing. Make your process more visual. Unsure of how to continue a section or chapter? Turn to diagrams, Post-it notes, or just plain pen and paper. Sometimes, visualizing the problem can help. Speak your book! - There are a lot of apps that you can use to talk your words, instead of writing.
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Take a break. Do something else for a while, and return a few days (or week, or months) later to view your work with a fresh eye. Jump ahead. Write smaller pieces of the article, story, or writing project without knowing where they fit. The important thing is to keep going. A lot of problems are
“It does not matter how slow you go so long as you do not stop.”
DECEMBER 2021
OVERCOMING WRITER'S BLOCK Stop staring at a blank page and start writing! bcont.
resolved in the doing. Avoid areas of high difficulty. Just write. You can always rewrite the first draft— make use of that freedom and get stuff down. Then come back to it. Pretend you’ve never read your work before. Start at the beginning of the work and read it through. This can make it obvious where you’ve gone off track. Freewrite. This is good advice for any kind of writer. Write without pausing to worry about sentence structure, grammar, spelling, or whether what you’re saying makes sense or not. Just write without second-guessing anything. While most of it will be unusable, it’s a good way to push through the block. Create a routine. Many famous writers have daily routines to summon the Muse.
Create a deadline for yourself. Time pressure can create focus and can force you to make decisions that you may be avoiding. Call a book mentor. Brainstorm ideas in bullet points.
Once you start heading in a direction, it's easier to pick up speed. And before you know it, your block will be a distant memory and you'll be doing what you once thought impossible. You'll be writing
“Don’t waste time waiting for inspiration. Begin, and inspiration will find you.”
ANAE
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DECEMBER 2021
C H A R L E S
M .
S C H U L Z
Art & Authors Talk Radio is a bi-weekly show that airs Monday nights @ 7pm. Various artists and authors are chosen to come on the show to share their success stories. We find out how and why they do what they do.
ANAE
Arts & Authors Talk is seen on YouTube, Anchor, Spotify, Google Play, and Facebook. To be featured on the show submit a photo along with a short bio to artsandauthors@yahoo.com Follow us on Instagram/arts_and_authors_extravaganza and Facebook/artsandauthorsextravaganza_annu al
ANAE
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DECEMBER 2021
Arts & Authors Talk Radio Show
Into the minds of the creators!
Hear the stories behind the artists and authors!
ANAE
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DECEMBER 2021
AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT ANAE
ANAE
FEATURES
LYNDA JOICE is a Mother, Playwright, Educator of Christian Studies, Published Author, Entrepreneur, Advocate Against Bullying, and a Life Coach. And soon to be GiGi in 2022. Lynda Joice was born to be a light to a dark, fallen world and a praying mother of two creative jewels, Mack and Taressa. She is a gift that keeps on giving. Lynda is a radiant, creative woman that loves to read, loves music and loves the arts. She is an atmosphere changer with a captivating smile. Her confidence and purple hair demand attention when she enters a room. Lynda’s first and middle names mean beautiful joy. Lynda has multiple talents and gifts. Lynda retired early from Cheltenham school district after 14 years due to a terrible fall which has left her disabled. In 2005, Lynda birthed the Vision Productions Inc.
THEY OFTEN FEEL THE GENUINE LOVE SHE OFFERS AFTER MEETING HER FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME. COVID-19 HAS THROWN A MONKEY WRENCH IN LYNDA’S PRODUCTION ARENA THAT SHE IS FIGHTING AGAINST. HER MOTTO IS “NEVER DEFEATED, MORE THAN A CONQUEROR!” THE LACK OF FINANCES IS THE HINDERANCE FROM MOVING FORWARD. IN 2009, LYNDA BEGAN AN ANNUAL “YOUTH EXPLOSION EVENT,” THAT BRINGS AWARENESS TO BULLYING/CYBER-BULLYING. THIS IS AN EVENT OF TEACHABLE MOMENTS. IN 2021, LYNDA CREATED “AN AUTHOR’S VISION OF EXCELLENCE,” SPOTLIGHTING AUTHORS AND ENTREPRENEURS. LYNDA IS A CO-AUTHOR OF “WHAT IS A COURAGEOUS WOMAN,” “STILETTO STAND DIARIES,” UBLISHED.
AND “PRAYER CHANGES EVERYTHING.” IN 2020, DURING A PANDEMIC, LYNDA PUBLISHED HER MEMOIR, “SURVIVING ON BROKEN PIECES,” TO ENCOURAGE OTHERS NEVER TO GIVE UP NO MATTER HOW HOPELESS IT LOOKS OR VERY WELL MAY BE. WHICH HAS HONORED LYNDA TO BECOME A TWOAWARD RECIPIENT OF CHRISTIAN LITERATURE. SHE NOW IS SOUGHT OUT TO SPEAK ON HOW SHE HAS TURNED HER PAIN INTO PURPOSE. LYNDA JOICE’S NEXT LITERARY PROJECT “SECRETS OF AN ANGEL,” WITH MORE MANUSCRIPTS AND PRODUCTIONS ARE WAITING IN THE BALLOTS TO BE P
ANAE
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DECEMBER 2021
EXCLUSIVE
THROUGH ACTING AND MUSIC, LYNDA HAS WOOED MANY AUDIENCES WITH HER TRANSPARENCY THAT SHE OFTEN WEARS LIKE A GLOVE. THE PRODUCTION’S LATEST PERFORMANCE IN 2019, WAS “BEHIND THE KEYS”, ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE. MS. LYNDA’S ORGANIZATION CREATES PROGRAMS TO BUILD LOW SELF-ESTEEM, EMPOWERMENT AND CHARACTER BUILDING, FOR INDIVIDUALS DEALING WITH DEPRESSION AND OTHER LIFE CHALLENGES. MOST YOUNG PEOPLE GRAVITATE TO HER QUICKLY. LYNDA’S HEART BLEEDS FOR YOUTH AND YOUNG WOMEN DEALING WITH FEELINGS OF HOPELESSNESS.
EXCLUSIVE
LYNDA JOICE Chef Leah, the celebrity chef, answers the questions you have all been dying to ask.
WRITTEN BY CASSIE O. LOPEZ PHOTO BY JONAH DENWORTH
31 | Steam
HEALING FOR MY SOULTRUTH BE TOLD SINCE MY MOTHER GOT PREGNANT AT THIRTY-NINE YEARS OLD WITH ME. I DON’T BELIEVE SHE WAS EXCITED ABOUT BEING PREGNANT AT HER AGE. OTHERWISE, WHY WAS IT REPEATEDLY TOLD TO ME THAT MY BIRTH WAS AN ACCIDENT. FOR YEARS, I TRIED TO DIGEST THOSE WORDS. REJECTION POSSIBLY WAS EMBEDDED IN ME FROM INSIDE MY MOTHER’S WOMB. ON MY WAY TO BECOMING FIFTY, I FINALLY TOLD MY FAMILY THAT GOD DOESN’T MAKE MISTAKES.MY WORLD REALLY GOT SHOT AT THE AGE OF EIGHT YEARS OLD. THAT WAS WHEN ONE OF MY OLDER COUSIN’S HUSBANDS MOLESTED ME. I AM NOT EVEN SURE HOW I ENDED UP ALONE IN HIS TRAILER. BEING MOLESTED OR RAPED IS A VIOLATION THAT POURS A SEED OF ANGER, FEAR OR CONFUSION INTO A HUMAN BEING ESPECIALLY IN AN INNOCENT CHILD. BY THE TIME I BECAME A TEENAGER, I WAS EXPERIMENTAL WITH MARIJUANA, CIGARETTES AND SEXUAL ENCOUNTERS. I BECAME PROMISCUOUS. I WAS TRYING TO BLOT OUT THE INTRUDERS THAT MADE ME FEEL ALONE, REJECTED AND UNLOVED. I QUESTIONED OFTEN WHAT WAS WRONG WITH ME. WAS I UGLY OR WAS I TOO FAT, THAT GUYS DIDN’T LIKE NOR WANT ME? I QUESTIONED WHY MY MOTHER DIDN’T WANT ME. I REPEATEDLY HEARD FAMILY MEMBERS SAY “YOU WEREN’T SUPPOSED TO BE HERE. YOU WERE AN ACCIDENT.” THEIR ONLY PERCEPTION WAS I WAS REBELLIOUS ANDDIFFERENT.I FELT SAD THAT LIFE HAD NOT SERVED ME WELL. I DIDN’T HAVE SOMEONE I TRUSTED TO EXPLAIN TO ME WHY MOLESTATION AND REJECTION KEPT FOLLOWING ME. BACK THEN I DON’T KNOW IF THEY HAD A NAME FOR WHAT I STARTEDDOING TO MYSELF. I WAS IN MIDDLE-SCHOOL, SELFINFLICTING MYSELF DAILY WITH A RAZOR THAT BELONGED TO MY FATHER FOR SHAVING. I WAS A CUTTER. HIS RAZOR WAS MY WEAPON TO MAKE DEEP SLICES INTO MY FLESH. I FELT UNLOVED. SO WHY SHOULD I LOVE MYSELF? I WOULD SIT IN THE BATHROOM SITTING OVER THE SINK CRYING, CUTTING MYSELF WHILE WATCHING THE BLOOD RISE.
ANAE
I DID NOT UNDERSTAND NOR KNOW THE STRANGER THAT WAS LIVING INSIDE OF ME. DURING THIS TIME, I WAS ON THE ENEMY’S SIDE. HE WANTED ME DEAD. AND I WANTED ME DEAD TOO.IN HIGH SCHOOL DURING GOSPEL CHOIR REHEARSAL, I HAD A SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCE I WILL NEVER FORGET. WHILE TARRYING FOR THE HOLY GHOST, I SAW A BRIGHT LIGHT SURROUNDING ME. NOT SOON AFTER THAT I SPOKE WITH A HEAVENLY LANGUAGE. THAT WAS MY EVIDENCE OF RECEIVING THE GIFT OF THE HOLY GHOST. THE HOLY GHOST IS WHAT CHRISTIANS BELIEVE IS THE SPIRIT OF GOD. FOR ME, THIS WAS THE FIRST REAL PROOF THAT EMMANUEL WAS WITH ME. I KNEW WITHOUT A SHADOW OF A DOUBT THAT I WAS NO LONGER ALONE. DEPRESSION AND SUICIDAL. THOUGHTS RODE ME! I OFTEN TALKED TO MYSELF AND I LEARNED HOW TO SHIFT NEGATIVE THOUGHTS OUT OF MY MIND. I DECIDED I WANTED TO LIVE AND THAT SUICIDE IS BEING SELFISH. IT IS A PERMANENT CHOICE FOR TEMPORARY SITUATIONS. I BEGAN TO WORK THROUGH MY PAIN TO TRAVAIL FORWARD AND TO BECOME EMOTIONALLY AND MENTALLY FREE. I REMEMBER YEARS AGO BEING PLACED ON MEDICATION. THEN ONE DAY I DECIDED THAT I DIDN’T WANT A CRUTCH, NOR HAVING TO PLACE A DRUG IN MY BODY THAT WOULD CONTROL ME. I TOLD THE THERAPIST THAT I DIDN’T BELIEVE THAT ANYTHING WAS WRONG WITH ME THAT JESUS COULD NOT HEAL ME FROM. I PREFERRED THE HOLISTIC ROUTE. THERE IS ALWAYS LIGHT AT THE END OF EVERY TUNNEL. JUST DON’T STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE TUNNEL. JUST LIKE THERE ARE FOUR SEASONS FOR THE WEATHER. OUR LIVES HAVE FOUR SEASONS. UNFORTUNATELY, THE WINTER SEASON CAN BE LONG, DARK, DREARY AND COLD. STRUGGLES AND DISAPPOINTMENTS CAME THAT WERE NEVER PLANNED. PEOPLE I LOVED KEPT LEAVING MY LIFE.THIS PAIN HURT AND CUT DEEPLY. WHENEVER ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, AND PANIC ATTACKS COME. I KNOW HOW TO KICKTHEIR BEHINDS OUT THE DOOR. I DUG INSIDE TO REACH MY DREAMS. I AM LEARNING WHAT I NEED IS INSIDE OF ME.
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IJUST LEARN WAYS TO PULL THEM OUT. WHEN THESE CULPRITS CAME, I HAD TO BEFRIEND PATIENCE AND ACTIVATE OUTLETS 2TO KEEP ME FROM A MENTAL DARK PLACE. WITH THE RIGHT TOOLS, I FOUGHT AND I HAVE BECOME A SURVIVOR. I HAVETURNED MY PAIN INTO PURPOSE. I REMEMBER BEING TAUGHT THAT EVEN THROUGH THE WORST OF STORMS, PALM TREES WILL BEND DOWN VERY LOW, BUT THEY NEVER BREAK! I ALSO LEARNT TO BE MY OWN CHEERLEADER. I KNEW FREEDOM WAS MY BIRTHRIGHT. I WANTED TO LIVE AND USE WHAT I KNEW TO HELP THOSE THAT WERE HURTING LIKE I ONCE DID. INDEED, WHAT FOUND AND LOVED ME WAS MUSIC AND WRITING. I FOUND MY PEACE SINGING ON THE GOSPELSCHOOL CHOIR, WRITING STORIES, WRITING PLAYS AND DIRECTING THE CHURCH CHOIRS. LATER IN LIFE I DISCOVEREDADDITIONAL TOOLS THERAPY, MEDITATION, AND JOURNALING. I EVEN BECAME A MODEL AT 50 YEARS OLD. THESE TOOLSHELPED ME LOVE MYSELF AND HELPED BUILD MY CONFIDENCE. THE TOOLS I USED FOR MY HEALING PROCESS WERE INWHAT I CALLED A SURVIVAL KIT. EVERYONE’S SURVIVAL KIT IS DIFFERENT. AFFIRMATIONS, MUSIC, FASHION, MAKE-UP,PRAYER, GOING TO THE GYM, ZUMBA CLASSES, WRITING, JOURNALING, WATCH MOVIES, LEARNING BREATHINGTECHNIQUES, THERAPY WERE IN MY SURVIVAL KIT. NOT TO MENTION BEING AN UBER AND LYFT DRIVER FOR OVER 6YEARS WAS THERAPEUTIC FOR ME. JOY AND PEACE ARE NOW MY PORTION.AS A PUBLISHED AUTHOR I HAVE TURNED MY PAIN INTO PURPOSE. EVEN THOUGH THIS JOURNEY CAN BE LONELYSOMETIMES. MY MEMOIR SURVIVING ON BROKEN PIECES IS A BEST SELLER. MY MEMOIR IS ALSO A TWO AWARDRECIPIENT OF CHRISTIAN LITERATURE. I CAME OUT! JOY AND PEACE ARE NOW MY PORTION.
DECEMBER 2021
Written by Lynda Joice
Come out, come
out, whenever
you're ready. It's natural for friendships to come and go as you
change and learn more about yourself. If it's time
to move on, let your friendship drift apart
gradually, rather than fighting. Remember, Levine
says, “A best friend today can easily become a
frenemy tomorrow.” “You can downgrade the friendship by being less
available and spending less time with the person,”
Levine says. “This can be difficult if the decision
is one-sided, but it's important not to hurt or
blame the other person. You have to think about
how it will affect other mutual friendships. When
you dump someone, there's no going back.” ANAE
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DECEMBER 2021
ARTS & AUTHORS TALK
ANDREW BAST Andrew Bast is a YA fiction author currently residing in South Jersey. He is the Chief Operations Officer (COO) for One True Promotion, a brand that educates and supports indie authors. Andrew is also a literary agent with experience in publishing both indie and Hybrid publishing. In his free time, Andrew hosts writing sprints, and a gaming stream on twitch and YouTube. Andrew published his first book in 2020 called Sanguinary Song. Sanguinary Song is a spellbinding first tale in the Sanguinary Series of magical YA novels. Once hunted, now the hunter. When a wicked evil lurks in the shadows, only Christina has the power to save her world.
"For Christina Vega, life hasn't been normal. Her parents murdered; her life uprooted. Raised by a coven of witches, Christina thought she had outrun the nightmare.Now a wicked plot has been hatched to resurrect the same fiend that stole her parents from her. An army of deadly creatures will stop at nothing to see the Sanguinary brought back to life. Time is running out and if Christina cannot stop their scheme, millions may suffer the same fate as her parents. One thing is for certain - some will not survive the final verse of… the Sanguinary Song."
ANAE
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DECEMBER 2021
How To Bake Salmon in the Oven
Here is the easiest, simplest way to bake salmon in the oven. It’s the kind of recipe to keep in your back pocket (although it’s hardly a recipe at all). Make it once and you’ll never wonder what to do with salmon again.
Today we’re showing you the easiest, simplest way to bake salmon in the oven. It’s the kind of recipe to keep in your back pocket (although it’s hardly a recipe at all). Make it once and you’ll never wonder what to do with salmon again.
ANAE
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DECEMBER 2021
CLEAN EATING
COOKING TIPS
1. Heat the oven to 425°F with a rack placed in the middle. Line a roasting pan or baking sheet with foil. Pat the salmon dry with a paper towel. 2. Drizzle some oil over the top of each salmon — just enough to coat the salmon — and rub it over the salmon with your fingers or a pastry brush. 3. Sprinkle the salmon generously with salt and pepper. 4. Place the salmon in the roasting pan, skin-side down. Transfer to the oven. 5. Roasting time depends on the thickness of your salmon, as determined by the thickest part of the salmon fillet. For every half-inch of salmon, roast 4 to 6 minutes — 4 minutes will give you salmon that is still a touch rare, 6 minutes will thoroughly cook it. You can also check the doneness of your salmon with a fork. When the salmon flakes easily with a fork, it’s ready.
www.thekichn.com
PREPARATION
HEALTHY EATING
How To Bake Salmon in the Oven
WHAT TEMPERATURE SHOULD YOU BAKE SALMON? THIS SALMON BAKES AT 425°F, WHICH MAKES FOR TENDER, BUTTERY FILLETS THAT COOK QUICKLY. EVEN THICKER FILLETS DON’T TAKE LONG: YOU’LL WANT TO AIM FOR FOUR TO SIX MINUTES PER HALF-INCH OF THICKNESS. SINCE MOST FILLETS ARE ABOUT ONE INCH THICK IN THE THICKEST PART, START CHECKING AROUND EIGHT MINUTES. WHEN THE FISH STARTS TO FLAKE EASILY WITH A FORK AND THE FLESH LOOKS OPAQUE, IT’S TIME FOR DINNER!
DO YOU BAKE SALMON COVERED OR UNCOVERED? THIS SALMON IS BAKED UNCOVERED. SIMPLY RUB THE FILLETS WITH A LITTLE OIL, SPRINKLE THEM WITH SALT AND PEPPER, THEN PLACE THEM IN THE ROASTING PAN SKIN-SIDE DOWN BEFORE POPPING THEM IN THE OVEN. HOW SHOULD I SERVE SALMON?
SALMON IS TERRIFIC WITH JUST A SPRINKLE OF FRESH HERBS AND A WEDGE OF LEMON SQUEEZED OVER TOP AS YOU WALK TO THE TABLE. IF YOU’RE IN THE MOOD FOR SOMETHING WITH A LITTLE MORE PIZZAZZ, TRY SERVING IT WITH SOME PESTO OR A DOLLOP OF ITALIAN GREMOLATA.
ANAE
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DECEMBER 2021
ZOE DURAN MILLER Zoe's current book is Maddy's Grumpa, Grumpa Day Books coming out in 2022 are, (Publisher Pegasus Publications), Maddy Wants to Grow Up Now and Three Bedtimes
Zoe Duran Miller is an avid writer,
Zoe is a member of SCBWI and
husband, father, published author,
recently completed a fiction
screenwriter and entrepreneur; He
novel (60,000 words). His
lives in Lawrenceville, NJ with his beautiful wife along with his two rambunctious dogs. Zoe first published children’s book was released in April 2021, Maddy’s Grumpa, Grumpa Day. In Oct of
current projects consist of his third screenplay and a horror novel titled “Master Pieces of Death.” With great care and confidence, he delve in all
this year he signed a 2 book deal
genres and my passion for
with Pegasus Publication, “Maddy
writing has never waned. Zoe is
Wants to Grow up Now! And
blessed with three awesome
Three Bedtimes.
children and many times we place our dreams and ambitions
Zoe is also working on a 3rd book for late 2022. He completed a screen writing Master Class in August 2021 as a result he has two registered WGAscreenplays, “Color Schemes,” and “Found
on the back burners. Since they are all adults now, he changes into his Superman costume daily and take his writing career to a new dimension.
Love.”
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DECEMBER 2021
THE INTERVIEW Arts & Authors Talk Radio Show
Kimberly: What is the name of your book(s)?
Kimberly: What do you have coming up next?
Zoe: Maddy’s Grumpa Grumpa Day Maddys Wants to Grow up Now! Three Bedtimes
Zoe: I was picked up by Pegasus publishing, so I have several new books coming out in 2022. Three Bedtimes and Maddy Wants to Grow Up Now! are confirmed. I have about 2-3 three more I’m submitting to them. I also have 2 screenplays I’m working on with 2 producers.
Kimberly: What inspires you to write? Zoe: I started writing at an early age initially poetry. Writing children’s books came about when my daughter at the age of 6 challenged me to create a more diverse bedtime story. As a Dad I had to accept the challenge, eventually my children grew up. So, I took all those stories and did some editing and eventually began to submit to publishers. Kimberly: What motivates you to do what you do?
Kimberly: Where can we find and purchase your work? Zoe: All books are and will be available at https://boobearbooks.com Kimberly: What is your social media handle? Zoe: zoeduran216 instagram
Zoe: I’m passionate about writing, I enjoy it too much to be unmotivated and I get to create a world with any character I choose all from my own thoughts. I always envision someone reading one my stories, which creates a spark in them to find their own passion to write. ANAE
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DECEMBER 2021
ARTIST
SPOTLIGHT
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Quinton is featured in many Galleries and has done many exhibits throughout the Tri-state area and Maine. He is currently one of many artist of the AfricanAmerican Heritage Museum and also a current participate with the Brigantine Art Walk. Quinton has gone international with his masterpieces. I was born in Kinston NC in October of 1962 and from the ages of 8 to around my late 20’s, my interest was not in canvas art or drawing but more of Dance and Music. Even though in High School, I took Art and Drawing classes, I focus more on Chorus and Modern Dance throughout my High School years. After Graduating from High School, I entered the Army from December of 1981 to November of 1984. I was released in November of 1984 with w MEDICAL (Honorable) Discharged with a diagnosed with Depressive Disorder and PTSD. ANAE
Many years I struggled with Alcoholism and Depression after leaving the Military but after moving to NJ from NC, I was able to overcome my demons thru the Help of my HIGHER POWER and MICA Group Therapy in 1994. From 1994 to 1999, I basically just work on improving myself and self-imagine. I entered Camden County College in 1997 and got Married that same year in July of 1997 to Priscilla Wims-Greene. Around 1999, I picked up the brush and Canvas and fell in love with the Arts. As a SelfTaught Artist, it was challenging at first, but I studied other Artists forms and techniques, and from that study, I was able to create my own thought and ideas and method of creating Art on Canvas. Dr Ralph Hunter (Curator) of African American Heritage Museum of Southern NJ gave me my first Public showing at the Martin Luther King Center in Newtonville NJ in the early 2000’s and I been exhibiting ever since and improving on my
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techniques and abilities to do Art on Canvas. My creativity has led me not only to paint on canvas but to design on canvas with multimedium. Since my first DAYVIEW, I have gone on to connect with several Community Galleries and been featured in Maine, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and multi exhibits here in NJ. Now I’m one of the many Artists for the African American Heritage Museum of Southern NJ (in Atlantic City and Newtonville NJ).
DECEMBER 2021
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DECEMBER 2021
Book Marketing The wonderful thing about marketing yourself as an author is that there are virtually limitless ways to market your book, garner media attention, and use social media and other platforms to spread the word about your book. Beyond professional media outreach, there are so many tips, ideas, and even tricks and “insider” tactics. Below you will find many ideas and tips, but we urge you to push the limits, get outside your comfort zone as it relates to promoting your book. Remember, all of these ideas are only a starting point!
7 WAYS TO MARKET YOUR BOOK
Marketing your book can be terrifying, especially if it pulls you out of your comfort zone and into uncharted territory. You’ve just written a book and courageously shared your words for all the world to see. That in itself is a fear many don’t conquer! And now, you’re on to the next big challenge. How do you get your published book into the hands of readers amidst the ever-growing sea of competition? Fact: Your book marketing plan will make or break your book’s success. No matter what your end goal is for your book – to build a writing career, grow a business, or impact thousands of lives – the consensus is clear: Effective book marketing is key to your book’s success. Otherwise, your book, along with hundreds of others, will be lost at sea – never to be discovered by the readers you want to reach. If you’ve already published your book, you can start implementing these marketing ideas now. And if you haven’t yet published, you can start working these ideas into your book launch plan.
– @bookbuildersacademy
Marketing starts the minute you have an idea to write a book
CONT.. WAYS TO MARKET YOUR BOOK Why is book marketing important? You wrote and published a book, and crickets. That’s the trap many authors fall into. Don’t think that your work ends as a published author once you’ve published the book. Some would argue that’s when the real work begins. But let’s be honest, the entire publishing process can be tricky to navigate – book marketing included. The importance of book marketing lies in being proactive in gaining new readership and selling more books. To avoid releasing your book into an audience that’s not listening because they don’t know your book exists, it’s crucial to devise a solid book marketing plan. Reasons book marketing is important for every author:
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1. It helps you reach more readership and get new book fans. 2. It helps you get more book reviews on Amazon. 3. It enables you to generate more book sales. 4. Book marketing is a lead-generator to networking. 5. It helps you establish a substantial audience and community interested in your book(s). When is the best time to launch a book marketing plan? The biggest mistake many authors make is to think a book marketing plan only needs to cover the initial book launch, right after the book is published. In reality, a book marketing plan is most successful when it’s evergreened – or, continuously happening before,
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DECEMBER 2021
during, and way after the book has been published. While this sounds like a lot of work, you’ll find that there are a ton of book marketing ideas that help you automate your book writing plan. When should you start marketing your book? You need to learn how to market your book and devise a strategy early on in your book writing journey. When should you start marketing your book? You need to learn how to market your book and devise a strategy early on in your book writing journey. #1 – Pre-launch book promotion Start marketing your book a year or more prior to publishing. This tactic will enable you to establish a solid fan base and gain authority. Ideally, this is the best time to create your author website and grow your email list by creating valuable content for your readers. Also, create and optimize your social media profiles, and grow your followers and email list (we’ll cover more on this later). It will make marketing your book during your launch a breeze.
#3 – Post launch book promotion Don’t stop book buzzing simply because you’ve launched it and you have sizeable readers. Keep marketing your book and grow as an author. Continue building your readership base. It will make it easier to sell your other books, especially if you are writing a series. You can market your book after launching through your email list, attending book forums, interviews, and speaking in book-related events and discussion forums. Here are the top book marketing ideas to promote your book: 1. Author Websites 2. Social Media Book Marketing 3. Book Promotion Sites 4. Podcast Book Marketing 5. Guest Writing Opportunities 6. Amazon Author Page Optimization 7. Wide Distribution Programs 8. Public Relations for Book Promotion 9. Book Promotion Contests 10. Paid Ads 11. Marketing with Book Trailers 12. Limited-Time Discounts 13. Live Streaming Book Marketing 14. Book Discussion Forums
#2 – During launch book promotion The launching period is the peak time to market your book. As a selfpublished author, you should launch your book at the ideal moment – when the book topic is trending. The key is to do your research and find the optimal time to launch based on your book’s topic.
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DECEMBER 2021
TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR LIFE
SUCCESS JOURNAL A journal is used for keeping daily thoughts, jotting down inspirations that come to you, and more. A planner, on the other hand, is used to keep track of your day-to-day schedule. There are plenty of options to choose from when picking out a journal or a planner, but first, you will need to determine whether you need one or the other, or both!
Learn how to make your own journal or planner with the 1-hour course that you can do whenever you're ready and at your own pace. Go to: www.bit.ly/planyourfuture
Art & Fashion FASHION IS ART AND YOU’RE AN ARTIST
LOCAL FASHION DESIGNER &STATIONERY SHOP
Art and fashion, intrinsically linked and more so than ever. From clothing design to catwalk show art direction, major labels to boutique houses, the word of fashion is falling over itself to involve important names from a diverse range of the visual arts. It’s hardly surprising. After all, what is fashion if not wearable art? And collaborations between the disciplines are mutually beneficial. Fashion, often unfairly judged as one of the more frivolous applied arts, gains serious cachet by association. The artist, meanwhile, reaches a wider, more populist audience. ANAE
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DECEMBER 2021
ART IS EVERYTHING "Your surroundings, home, personal care, pets, clothing and body are all reflections of how you see and express yourself." - Dr. Christiane Northrup In a world of social media where the idea of beauty and perfection is laid so neatly, it can be considered a form of protest to truly be yourself. You don’t have to be an activist, actress or comedian in order to express any part of yourself. If you’re shy like me, you’re more subtle about your deepest fears, concerns and thoughts. As the quote above states, there are simply things that speak for themselves. Many people will tell you that any form of art is a great way to express yourself.
Art is subjective in nature
ART IS AN EXPRESSION Knowing that art is a form of expression makes it easier to start making art, if you’re not making art already. When I say this, I mean if you are not getting rid of blockages and expressing your inner self. Take a second to reflect on your emotions, thoughts, feelings and experiences. You can do this by meditating, doing yoga or whatever your idea of grounding yourself is. This will clear your mind for the moment and let you create art with an open mind. Once art is made public, there may be many people who feel understanding and as though they are not alone. This is a great way to spread good vibes, which typically makes people feel better. Remember that you do not need public admiration or recognition to make “real” art. Art is defined by the artist, and everyone can be an artist.
Relaxing your mind and body
"See the good in yourself and in others."
"We bend so we don't break."
ANITA JETER-PETERKIN I AM MOVEMENT
Kimberly: What is the name of your book(s)?
Kimberly: What do you have coming up next?
Anita: (1) A Moment of Thoughts (2) Wrapped-
Anita: I Am working on our movement with
N-Pink...A Poetic Story of Surviving Breast
the I AM...project. A movement of using
Cancer (3) Uncuffed
positive affirmations to accomplish goals,
Anthology and my new release, I AM...
capture dreams and encourage others to take intentional action to live the life they are
Kimberly: What inspired you to do what you
meant to live.
do? Kimberly: Where can we find & purchase your Anita: I've always enjoyed writing poems and
work?
people use to always ask me if I would ever write a book. I thought about it and knew
Anita: Please visit Shop Art | Internal Instincts
doing so would give me several desired results
Creations LLC
in life such as, being a good example for my
Shop Art | Internal Instincts Creations LLC
children and siblings, inspiring others, making
Shop art is a collection of art that is
my mother and fathers proud and to not only
currently available for purchase at Internal
dream, but to set forth and capture those
Instincts Creations LLC.
dreams. Kimberly: What keeps you motivated? Anita: My family, friends and all who support my dreams, visions and creative mission in life. The work I do whether its artwork, poetry or speaking is all part of my passion to bring hope to others when life has thrown them a curveball or two. I feel grateful that GOD has given me such a gift and I won't take it for granted.
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DECEMBER 2021
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Book Builders Academy will be there as your guide along the way!
"DO THINGS AT YOUR OWN PACE. LIFE'S NOT A RACE." ANAE
– @writepublishmarketyourbook
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DECEMBER 2021
WRITE YOUR BOOK WRITE, PUBLISH, AND MARKET YOUR BOOK! WWW.BOOKBUILDERSACADEMY.COM There are so many reasons to write a book but
Crisis is potent writing fuel. Powerful writing
when you’re in the process of writing, it can be
material too. That includes you and your
hard to see the light.
writing. Whatever that might be.
The truth is, we’re all living through some
From high-fantasy to academic research to
weird times right now. I’m sure you’ve had a
children’s books to cookbooks; we need to
deluge of emails and social media posts about
keep creating. For ourselves and for the rest
staying healthy, staying sane, and activities to
of the world. Students need your research,
keep you busy. And if you’ve got a book in the
people at home need your cookbooks, and
works, this might just be the perfect time to
people like me need your stories.
finish writing it!
Well, as difficult as it can be to keep going I know this is wildly cliched, but the world
when you’re unclear as to why you started,
really does need your story now more than
there are reasons to keep writing, and write a
ever. And more than that, you need your story.
book.
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DECEMBER 2021
So really, you shouldn’t need reasons to write beyond the drive to free your story. In these strange and unprecedented times, being at home more than we’re accustomed to, you can find even more precious time to write. Take advantage of it.
BOOK BUILDERS ACADEMY
Write, publish, and market your book. | bookbuildersacademy.com
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DECEMBER 2021
Health & wellness Health refers to a state of being, from physical health to social and mental health. While whole-person or holistic health is the goal, health is often achieved by breaking down the areas that need attention and taking steps to address each area, from heart health to gut health. The steps that one would take to improve either of those areas of health might start with many of the same things, such as aiming to lose weight, lowering blood pressure and cholesterol by limiting processed foods, eating more nutrient-dense foods, prioritizing sleep, managing stress, not smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, and much more. Essentially, health is the goal, while wellness, on the other hand, is the dynamic process of living a healthy and fulfilling life. Wellness encompasses the many areas of our lives that impact our health and well-being, and not just our nutrition and physical activity! Changing the way we eat, making the food on our plate secondary – and how well we nourish ourselves with these “foods” will determine our overall wellness. Taking care of your physical health will not only benefit your body but also your mind! By focusing on eating a diet full of nutritious and colorful foods and getting enough physical activity each week, you’ll be on your way to peak physical health. Overall, take care of yourself.
GALLERY
"See the good in yourself and in others."
INSPIRATION Next, think of a compelling feature for your cover story. This will be what draws your audience in. Make sure that you have accompanying visual content that immediately catches the eye.
Fueled by happy thoughts
SIMPLICITY Include photos, illustrations, and other graphics to match. Appeal to your audience, choose the right fonts and images, and you'll have a magazine that people will remember for years to come.
When you've decided on your cover story, come up with a list of topics for your feature articles. This can range from interviews, product reviews, human interest pieces, and even lists.
INSPIRE & ANAE
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DECEMBER 2021
TRAVEL FAR ENOUGH, MEET YOURSELF "MY MOTHER USED TO TELL ME THAT ALL THE TIME. IT WAS THE BEST ADVICE I EVER GOT." ALLIE CHARDIN
IF YOU'VE BEEN SEARCHING FOR A TRUE SISTAHOOD THAT WILL LAUGH WITH YOU, CRY WITH YOU, PRAY WITH AND FOR YOU, FUSS AT YOU IN LOVE AND THEN SAY.... OK SIS LET'S GET BACK TO BUSINESS…
IT’S TIME TO STEP INTO GREATER AND TOUCH THE HEM OF YOUR DESTINY, YOU NEED TO CLICK THE LINK BELOW AND TAKE THE 30 DAY CHALLENGE TO GET IN NOW‼️ LINK BIT.LY/COACH_M OUR MORNING POWER BOOST CALLS ARE TRANSFORMING LIVES ONE CONVERSATION AT A TIME.
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Subscribe. Subscribe. Subscribe. Arts & Authors Extravaganza Magazine is published quarterly. Submissions are accepted for articles, poetry, prose, and art via artsandauthors@yahoo.com
Subject Line: Arts and Authors Submission There is a $79 submission fee for three photos and a bio write-up paid either by CashApp $artsandauthors or Paypal: kimross6615@yahoo.com Fill out this card and email it with payment to www.artsandauthors@yahoo.com
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Celebrating 11 years
