You've finally published your book. What a great feeling! Now you need help spreading the word. Between the Reads is your platform. We'll read your book, write a review, and give you a space to market your work to book lovers everywhere.
Check out the show at: www.betweenthereads.com
When you're ready, reach out to us at audra@betweenthereads.com
WHAT’S NEW INSIDE
19. Rudolph Murphy
22. Stanley James II
24. Karamell Jones 29. Lorna L.A. Lewis
32. STICKY SITUATIONS PUBLISHING 55. Mark Polite
36 40 42
44
IN EVERY ISSUE FROM THE EDITOR
10
ASPIRING AUTHORS Q&A
14
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
12
EDITOR’S ADVICE
16
AUTHOR’S BAG GIVEAWAY
33
AUTHORS TO KNOW
36
COVER SNAPSHOTS
46
READER’S SURVEY
61
BOOK REVIEWS PODCASTS
POETRY CORNER WORD SEARCH
28 34 44
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From
the
Editor
Dear Readers,
Welcome to the first issue of our 5th year. We are so excited for you guys to meet this line up of authors. Our December issue features articles about CROSS-PROMO and Publishing Hacks to make your publishing career easier. We also include in this issue a few podcasts you as an author can request for interviews.
I want to encourage you guys that no matter how far you are in your writing career it is never too late to learn new ways of marketing and promoting. Every Sunday, I go LIVE on our IG page @strawberrylit_magazine and go over many different marketing and promotional aspects of the Publishing Industry. Be sure to check us out there. Enjoy our many contest and games. We are constantly striving to bring you the latest in Literary & Arts.
As always - Keep Writing. Keep Painting. Keep Designing. Keep Living. Until the next issue. Enjoy our many contest and games. We are constantly striving to bring you the latest in Literary & Arts.
As always - Keep Writing. Keep Painting. Keep Designing. Keep Living. Until the next issue.
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e n o l a M a h s i e u LaQ
Editor-In-Chief LaQueisha Malone
T: @laqueishamalone F: Laqueisha Malone IG: laqueishamalone
Always Forever Reading
IG: alwaysforeverreading
ADVERTISING Publisher
Strawberry Publications, LLC
T: @pubstrawberry F: Strawberry Publications, LLC IG: @strawberrypublications
Promoter
LaQueisha Malone
T: @laqueishamalone F: Laqueisha Malone IG: laqueishamalone
Marketing & Advertising LaQueisha Malone
T: @laqueishamalone F: Laqueisha Malone IG: laqueishamalone Mz. Jetson
T: @MzJetson F: MzJetson IG: mzjetson
Literary Branding Advertising
F: Literary Brand Advertising IG: literarybrandadvertising
GArden Avenue Press
We have the stories you're looking for! Sexy romance and gripping women's fiction with romantic elements. Fall in love with our heroes and escape into a world of happily ever afters. All books are published on the Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple, and Kobo platforms, with select titles in paperback and audiobooks. Website: gardenavenuepress.com Twitter: @GardenAvePress Facebook: @GardenAvenuePress
WILD THOUGHTS by Delaney Diamond "Malik is every woman's dream man...and he makes an interesting form of art, with his bare manly hands. Can you say swoon?" Literally Black Blog FORBIDDEN by TIYE LOVE “Wow....Nail Biter...Page turner. So much love, lust, and lies and this the beginning of the trilogy.” Amazon reviewer
HONEYDEW by S. TAYLOR "...a fascinating story that is sure to keep you reading for hours." - Romance in Color Reviews
LOVE REKINDLED by Nyora René “Loved it! This is the first book read by this author and I assure you that it won't be the last.” Amazon reviewer THE THICK OF THINGS by J. L. Campbell "[She] did a wonderful job telling the story of a woman on the heels of a divorce falling for another man." Goodreads reviewer
Letters
to the
Editor “I found the articles, tips and author interviews engaging to read. I enjoyed discovering new-to-me authors and books.” ~E. B.
We are so excited to know you are enjoying our issue. We strive to bring great interviews and new authors to the forefront. We love introdusing new books to our readers.
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“I love the Cover Snapshots in your magazine. I have seen quite few books I’ve never heard of, but would love to buy.” ~J.W. That is why we created the Cover Snapshots, so that our readers can be exposed to new authors. It’s our on mini catalog system for authors. Leave us your review.
Aspiring Author Q&A How do you promote your self as author when you haven’ t published a book? Many writers are unsure how to promote or if they should promote when they haven’t published a book. Some writers think they should wait until they publish the book to start promoting, but as a writer you still have something to say. One thing you can do is talk about what it is you are writing about. You can do this through Live Vidoes, post excerpts, Meme’s, chapter readings, and more. Find topics from your book and see how they are related to current events. Tie it all back to your book. You can create a website and add a book page that includes your book cover, discription, and a subscribe button. You can give away a free chapter excerpt to anyone who subscribes to your emailing list. There are many ways to promote yourself as a writer. Be creative, put your own personality into it, and have fun.
Ask your questions via our social media or email at strawberrylitmagazine@gmail.com
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Interviews Book Covers Tips
Arti es
5 Star
Read/Pass
Strawberry-Lit Magazine G ET
FEATURED
TO D AY!!!
WWW.STRAWBERRYLITMAGAZINE.COM
Gifts
Editer’s Advice CROSS-PROMO There are many strategies to marketing and promoting your book as an author. We aim to bring light to as many as we can to help out as many authors as we can. One way of marketing is CROSS-PROMO or Cross Promotion. What is CROSS-PROMO, you may ask? Cross-Promo is where you link up with an author of a similar genre and/or even writing style and you both will promote each others work to your audience. 4 Different ways to CROSS-PROMOTE:
1. Newsletters - share each others books via newsletters to
each others audience.
2. Social Media - Teaming up and sharing each others con-
tent on each others social media outlets.
3. Contest - Team up with an author of similar genre and
offer a contest to win a collection of both authors books, while both authors promote to their audience.
4. Interviews - Teaming up and interviewing each other on
each others blogs or social media outlets. By using these strategies, both authors can grow their following and increase sales. Create a plan that you can utilize in your Marketing Plan to bring the most success. Do NOT just go on a whim. Create a plan for success with your CROSS-PROMO. Let us know how this strategy worked for you. 16 STRAWBERRY-LIT
"In just a matter of hours, my innocence, along with my peace of mind, was stolen and replaced with the constant paranoia of reality returning to my doorstep, asking for a place to sleep."
Available On
www.jdscribes.com
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@laqueishamalone
What inspried youwhile writing this story? The lack of support and recognition mental illness receives in the urban comunity. What do you hope the reader ’s gain from reading this book? Compassion, awareness, and hope. How did you come up with the story, “ Play IV Keeps” ? It was one of those scenarios where art imitated life. I have people I love, struggling with mental illness. How would you described your writing style? Realism, authentic, unique, a little abstract. What advice would you give to aspiring authors? You must see something in yourself, and believe in your work before you can expect anyone else to, and it may get tough, but stay the course! Because what is meant for you, will be for you. Who is R. Murphy Jr, . and what writing project is next? I’m a citizen of the world, I believe in love and equality for all regardless of race, my next project will be “Life without Murder” The Autobiography of Samuel Barlow.
CONNECT with R.Murphy, Jr IG, FB, TW: Rudolph Murphy, Jr STRAWBERRY-LIT 19
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driving team behind me that picks up the work that sometimes I miss. I love to be in a position where I can give my peoples jobs and a place of acceptance under my title of being CEO! Now, my brand is knocking on 50k units sold, but my main goal is to sell one million books hand- to-hand, the Master P and Too Short way!
Consistent, Hardworking, Self-Driven @laqueishamalone
How did you get the title, “ Black Hollywood Crip Author ” ? I’ve actually been given the name Black Hollywood Crip Author by the streets of Hollywood that I daily hustle on. I used to set up shop on the Hollywood streets with my MCM backpack, selling my paperbacks and doing interviews with some Hollywood elites. I’ve been seen around so much with my books in Hollywood that they just eventually gave me the moniker, the Black Hollywood Crip Author! Kids and teenagers run up to me or my car when they spot me hustling books around Hollywood asking for autographs. You’ ve sold over 25,000 copies of your books worldwide. What are some marketing strategies you would say contributed to that? Yeah, selling over 25k books over a course of 3 years wasn’t an easy ride for me, especially when you doing everything independently…. For me, I just used the same street hustling ideology I had when I was selling cocaine, weed, and crack and transitioned it to books. Me and my team attend any and every literary event held in my city and state. I have a strong
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Tell us a little bit about your publishing company, Gang Tales Publications. What are the requirements to submit? I’ve launched my independent publishing company, GangTales, this year 2020, from the learning of my mentors, friends, and colleagues: Terry Wroten, Kwan Foye, Teri Woods, and JaQuavis Coleman. My publishing company is pretty much an outlet for the voices of the streets to be heard. The submission requirements are pretty simple by submitting the first 3 chapters and being a genuine hard worker. Those genres we accept range from Street Lit, Poetry, Erotica, Westerns, and Sci Fi. We, here at GangTales Publications, give 100% control of their creative work as well as book royalties. GangTales Publications is here to stay for the next 100 years. What was the concept behind your story, “ The Bust ” ? The concept of my first novel, “ The Bust,” which was loosely based upon my life and those around me was put together by my daily operations as a Crip member. I was in a very problematic place when this book was written; I’ve lost four of my closest friends to murder; writing was my only outlet in life. How important do you feel the editing process was for your books? The editing process is the most important process of putting any book together! The editing is the lifeline of a book; it could make or break it. I encourage every author o work with multiple editor, having multiple pairs of eyes on a project can bring out the best. What genre would you categorize yourself ? What makes your work unique in this genre? I can’t really categorize or put myself into a specific box or writing genre due to the fact I
write reality fiction if you can understand. I feel like my writing is too gangster for street lit! Do you have any upcoming projects? Yeah, within these next 8 months, I’m dropping books from myself and other authors back to back like a Drizzy Drake song. I have several upcoming releases with Project Baby being the first release under the company followed by “ Who Do You Love” another poetry release and the release of my books, “Bottom Bytch” and the rest of the “ESCOBAR’S REVENGE” series. What did you find to be the most challenging during the writing process, publishing process, and marketing process? Nothing seems too much of a challenge for me due to I like to take the slow route. I’m kind of a perfectionist when it comes down to certain things. To say the least, to be real, when I first started in this literary industry, I didn’t know shit about books other than how to read them. I didn’t know even what run-on sentences were. But I really enjoy the learning process of the whole industry; I learn something new everyday that can help me get to my goals and as an author and publisher. Who are some of your favorite authors? Frank Yerby, Paul Laurence Dunbar, JaQuavis Coleman, Kwan Foye, Teri Woods, Silk White, Shakespeare, and James Patterson, What advice would you give to aspiring authors? Write Write Write..Get serious about your craft, your business, and your time! Shoot for moon cause if ya miss, you still amongst those stars!
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@laqueishamalone
Who is Author Karamell Jones? Karamell Jones is the alter ego of Yvette Walters, a Wife,a Mother of 3, a Sister, a Glam Mom of 3, and so much more. But Karamell Jones is the part of Yvette that no one really knows, Yvette is quiet and shy, the one who is always in the back or off to the side, out of the way of the spotlight. When Karamell Jones enters a room all heads turn, her presents demand attention and all eyes on her. Karamell, says what everyone else is thinking, she is a rule breaker, a trendsetter, a free thinker, and all these come through in her storytelling. She pulls you into her world where nothing is as it seems She tells story love stories with a twist that you’ll never see come , leaving you wanting more. What would you say is the most challenging aspect of your writing career? The most challenging aspect of my writing career? Wow I have so many..lol, but If I had to narrow it down it would be two. The first challenge for me would be getting the words out of my head and onto paper, and creating a believable story that people will want to read and enjoy. The second and biggest challenge for me when it comes to my writing is believing in myself and the gift of storytelling God has given me to be able connect with others through my writing. This writing career is new and scary for me as I continue to learn the rules of becoming a great storyteller, I’m learning there are really no rules, if that makes sense.. Lol. Tell us about your latest release, and what do you hope your readers will gain from reading your book? My latest release is the Twisted Dreams series, book 1&2 which are out right now on Amazon . I’m currently working on book 3, the final book in the series. This series is based around one of the main character’s Gregory Jones,28yr old, architect,who has been dreaming about a woman he has never met. His fiancé April Lewis has been understanding, but when Gregory calls out another woman’s name in his sleep, April’s patience begins to wear thin, But things become more complicated when the mystery woman from his dreams becomes his new client. When dreams and reality collide sparks fly. When my reader’s finish one of my books, I hope they have been entertained and if they gain something great, but my books are solely for entertainment, for my readers to escape from their everyday lives and live vicariously through someone else . With your latest release, tell us what the feeling was like holding your book in your hand for the first time?
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The first time I held one of my books in my hands, I was overwhelmed with so many emotions, but it didn’t really hit me until someone asked me to autograph their book that they had purchased off of Amazon. And like a bolt of lightning, it hit me. I wrote a book and somebody bought and read it , damn I am really an author...It’s a surreal moment that never gets old. When it comes to marketing your books, what are some strategies that has worked for you? When it comes to marketing strategies for promoting my book, I’m still learning what works. I have used social media promoters , posting excerpts from my book ,doing interviews, buying ad space in magazines such as Strawberry Lit and good old word of mouth. These strategies have been working for the most part, but I know in order to reach a broader audeince I have to step my marketing game up and think outside of the box on how to reach my fan base. Marketing is important and also tricky, As an author I am trying to figure out and learn my niche, my audience and the best way to reach them. How much of your real-life is portrayed in your stories? LOL! I get asked this question all the time. None of my real-life is portrayed in any of my stories. All my stories are made up from this wonderful creative imgaination of mine. What do Karamell have to do to set the mood for writing? After I finish working my 9 to 5, I have a glass of wine ( Stella Rosa Black ) to clear my mind of my real life thoughts to allow my fictional story world and my characters to come through. I select the perfect playlist to set the mood and to awaken my creative thoughts. Next is the location, my go to spaces are my bedroom and our den, but I can write pretty much anywhere as long as I have my phone,headphone or airpods to block out the outside world. What is a mistake in publishing you want to warn an aspiring author about? I would warn aspiring authors about people who present themselves as publishers or publishing houses or companies. This was a costly mistake that I made but it was also a learning experience. I found out what actually goes into publishing a book after the story is written, things I didn’t know before, like editing, formatiing, page header, fonts,story structure, book cover design and size, etc… and the silver lining from this experience was that I was connect with awesome and talented authors who shared their knowlegde to help me become a self published author. So to all my aspiring authors, do your research before you allow someone to help bring your dreams to life. Because there are creatives out there who are willing to share their knowledge with you just because they want you to succeed. What projects do you have coming up? I have several upcoming projects, one I am really excited about, that is the premiere of my first short film, written and directed by yours truly .. It is adapted from my book Twisted Dreams and it is nominated for an award in the Indie Short Fest for Best Romantic Comedy. I am working on my second short film called “Loves Changes Everything”. And I am working on the second season for my podcast called Karamell Jones Presents, and completing Twisted Dreams 3. Who are some of your favorite authors? E.Lynn Harris Yara Kaleemah Stephaine Nicole Norris Crystal Alexis Zane Brenda Jackson What would you tell aspiring authors, who are struggling to tell their story? I would say to all aspiring authors , Don’t overthink your story just write it. Get the words out of your head and on the paper, let it flow . Never let someone else’s insecurity dictate how you pursue your dreams and goals. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, Don’t let fear of what “IF”stop you from pursuing your Dreams. Remember what is for you has already been written, so no one can stop it or take it away from you. So let’s get it !!
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Book review COLORS AT FIRST SIGHT by Vallean Jackson Reviewed by: Always Forever Reading
Are you a parent who wants to teach your child about colors? Are you an educator who wants to teach your students about colors? Whether you are a parent, an educator, or both, Adventures with Liyah Presents Colors at First Sight is a book that all children should read. Just as the title suggests, this book focuses on Liyah’s adventures through the world of colors. Whether primary, secondary, or tertiary, Jackson’s book brings colors to life so much that young children will want to read it. Overall, this book is definitely worth purchasing. It promotes learning, it is well-written, and the illustrations are easy to understand for the targeted audience. It is evident that Jackson devoted much thought about the content of this book and had fun writing it, and Robins’ illustrations clearly depict the words on each page. Hence, children will have fun reading while learning.
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@laqueishamalone
It is very exciting to have you in our magazine for a second time around. What have you been working on these past few years? Thank you, thanks for having me again. For the past few years, I’ve been writing short stories and working on another full-length novel. I’ve written and filmed a short film titled “Secrets from the Bayou, and I’ve also started a writing coaching program, where I help aspiring writers get the idea from their head and onto paper. I like to say that I help people turn their battles STRAWBERRY-LIT 29
into books since most of my clients have written 2. Never stop talking about your book. memoirs. Post pictures, a synopsis, reviews, ask questions about situations in your book, etc. Engage your What genre(s) have you written in? audience; don’t just request that they buy your book. I write fiction novels mainly, but I’ve also writ- 3. Start an email list and use it. Send out ten a daily devotional and a book for young girls valuable information that your readers would titled “P.W.I.T: Phenomenal Woman In Training.” be interested in receiving. Build a relationship with them before and after they purchase your I see that you have a writing workshop. What book. can you tell us about it, and how would someone participate? 2021 is right around the corner. What is on your Vision Board for 2021? My writing workshop is a 4 part series where I teach about outlining, writing, editing, and My vision for 2021 is to release my 4th fullpublishing. I’m offering the videos to anyone in- length novel, help more people successfully terested in purchasing them and going along at write and publish their books, continue filming their own pace to complete the activities I assign my short “Secrets from the Bayou,” and travel. I at the end of each session. Those activities are to can’t wait to travel again. help the participants with outlining their book enough to start writing without getting stuck. What authors have you worked with in this industry? What inspired you to write the storyline for “Torn: A Daughter’s Love”? I’ve had the pleasure of working with some fantastic USA Today and NAACP award-winning auThe idea for this book came as I was watching thors. Recently, I’ve connected and am currenta movie. In the film, a husband and wife were ly working with Gina Johnson, Keleigh Cringler both looking for a briefcase filled with money. Hadley, Nicole Bird-Faulker, and Michelle LinHe needed the money to save his best friend’s do-Rice. life, and she needed it to save her brother. I imagined what a difficult decision that had to be Who would you like to collaborate with, and for both of them. That led me to think of other in what genre? circumstances where the decision would be unbelievably difficult. I kept asking, “what if?” until My dream is to collaborate with my all-time faI came to the idea I ultimately decided would be vorite author, Kimberla Lawson Roby. She’s an the worst position for anyone to be in, especially amazing writer, and I’ve learned so much from a child who loves both of their parents. her over the years. As a best-selling author, what are some tips you can give authors when marketing their books? 1. For a great street team. These are people who are willing to help you promote your book. The more dedicated people you can recruit, the better. 30 STRAWBERRY-LIT
What’s next for LA Lorna?
More writing and more coaching. I want to fill my days creating more stories for my readers and myself and helping more people fulfill their dream of telling their story.
Who are some of your favorite authors? Some of my favorite authors are Kimberla Lawson Roby, Michelle Lindo-Rice, Farrah Rochon, and Kennedy Ryan. What would you tell aspiring authors, who are struggling to tell their story?
The main thing I tell all aspiring authors is not to worry about the process of writing and publishing. They stress about publishing a book that’s not even written yet. Just write. Start with the idea that made them want to write the book. Maybe it was an event, a situation, a conversation, whatever it was, start with that and expand from there. Connect with LA Lewis: Facebook: Author L.A. Lewis Instagram: lorna_loves_writing Twitter: Author L.A. Lewis Website: www.authorlalewis.com STRAWBERRY-LIT 31
Publisher’s takEover WE SPECIALIZE IN PUBLISHING A COLLECTION OF SHORT STORIES, NOVELLAS, & NOVELS DESIGNEDTO EXCITE AND SATISFY SSBT LLC IS A GROUP OF AFRICAN AMERICAN FEMALE AUTHORS WHO strive to educate, encourage, and edify individuals on sexual health through engaging Spicy stories. EVERYTHING WE WRITE AND SELL, FROM OUR BOOKS TO OUR TOYS IS A CELEBRATION OF FEMINITY, AND SEXUAL FREEDOM. We strive to move forward in a way that not only unites but forges healthy relationships with WOMEN OF ALL RACES AND ETHNICITIES, AND OFCORSE, the opposite sex. OUR TEAM JULIA PRESS SIMMONS Publisher ~ Editor in Chief Author of Forever Sassy, Lavish Anthology Submissions ~ Pleasure Principle & Sexvenge ALLISON GRACE Publisher ~ Production Editor Author of In It To Ring It Anthology Submissions ~ Trois & Ménage SANDRA NICOLE Author of Sticky Situations Anthology Submissions ~ Rent Money, Tuition & A Fatal Affair ANGEL MECHELLE Author of Sticky Situation Anthology Submission ~ Wife In Law SH’MOORE Author of Sticky Situation Anthology Submissions Getting To Maybe & Feast From Famine FOREVER REDD Author Of Sticky Situations Anthology Submission The Velvet Trail DIANE REMBERT Voice Actor HEATHER BUTLER Literary Agent SHONELL BACON Senior Editor
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AUTHOR’S BAG Giveaway
OVER $100
WORTH
OF PRIZES
WIN Prizes from our AUTHOR’S BAG GIVEAWAY at
facebook.com/groups/strawberrylitmagazinereadandreview We are changing things for our Author’s Bag Giveway. To enter join our Facebook Group and we will be hosting our giveaways once a month only to our group members. These prizes will includes BOOKS, T-SHIRTS, PROMOTIONAL ITEMS, & GIFT CARDS.
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PODCAST: Authors are you looking reach more readers by using podcast. Check out these podcasters below. Podcast Show Name: Get Caught Up Author Podcast Host: Untamed Email : untamedpublishingllc@gmail.com Podcasts Streams: iTunes Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Spotify, Anchor FM, Overcast, Radio Public, Breaker, Pocketcasts, and Stitcher Website: anchor.fm/getcaughtup __________ Podcast Show Name: Beyond the Pages Host: Kala S Email : beyondthepages2020@gmail.com Podcasts Streams: iTunes Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Spotify Website: linktr.ee/BeyondthePages __________ Podcast Show Name: Books I Have Not Read Yet: a Podcast Host: Faria Email : booksihavenotreadyet@gmail.com Podcasts Streams: iTunes Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Spotify, Overcast, Radio Public Website: anchor.fm/booksihavenotreadyet
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Authors
to know
PATRICIA RIVERS resides in Suffolk, VA. She
majored in Mass Communications with a minor in writing earninf her Bachelors of Arts degree. She started writing at the tender age of only nine. She is also the proud owner of That Riverz Girl Brand and a magazine Versafi Magazine.
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Authors
to know
JUVA ALEXANDER is an accomplished author/ed-
itor, inspirational speaker, playwright, podcaster, and advocate. She is the author From the Pole to the Pulpit she sheds light on the dark lifestyle of her experience as an exotic dancer and how the saving of Jesus Christ pulled her out.
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Authors
to know
DR. CHERIE SIMS, was born and raised in Mil-
waukee, Wisconsin. Dr. Sims is the host of The International Global Move Movement, The Girl Live and Boy Live broadcast. In herb book “Fresh Wind”, Dr. Sims shares her testimony and many eye-witness account of God performing the miraculous in her life and the lives of many others. 40 STRAWBERRY-LIT
Authors
to know
PROPHETESS SHALONDA also known as, The
Nspirational Treasure, is the visionary servant of Love Walk Outreach Global. She is a Certified Self-Worth, and Emotional Intelligence Life Coach, a best selling author and has written, published and collaborated on 14 books to date.
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POETRY CORNER A Little Story
____________________ Diovion Davis, writer, poet, & artist, resides in Arkansas. She discovered she had an act writing while lyrics to a song playing around with friends. Her goals and dreams are to record music some day and continue writing and take advantage of whatever interest that sparks.
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Let me drop a little story, a story bout way back when. When I was at my lowest in life I had to pretend like I was happy, I’m inside not outside I can’t not see in Moral of the story, this love I don’t wanna feel again So seems you know that I’m the clown of this whole story She had me looking stupid, looking around like she ain’t know me I was hoping that she would change, but that showed me she wasn’t for me I was never alone, but I swear to god I felt so lonely. You know that I just wanted love. You made it seem so haunted. I was miss up like me on drugs My confidence I lost it. You broke my heart, man, that love I don’t know they taught it. Keep claiming I wanted to much, but love was all I wanted. Yes, heard that word “was” in there now it’s regret and revenge. You made me feel stupid. Especially to my friends, and I mean I know that’s my fault cause I didn’t want it to end, but I was blind if you ain’t want me should’ve told me then. Instead of taking advantage of what I gave you I used to have all love for you, but you wasn’t being faithful. Did everything to get your attention. Guess I wasn’t “grateful” I’ll tell you it’s all love, and to be honest I don’t hate you But I mean, who know, maybe the problem’s me. Maybe I was to chosen like a leaf falling off a tree, but if you wanna act single then go ahead mane just be free. Cause what goes around come back around and that’s just how it be.
COVER Snapshots
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COVER Snapshots
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@laqueishamalone
As an Award-Winning Writer, what award did you win and how was that experience? I was the winner of Best Blog Commentary of 2014 from the New York Association of Black Journalists. I have also won the Greg Dotoli Poetry Award in 2017. Both of these experiences were awesome. It is a wonderful feeling to have your work recognized. You’ ve published three books, what has the publishing process been like for you? What are some of the successes you’ ve experienced? The publishing process has been a journey for me. Every project that I have done was different, and felt like a process that I needed to go through to learn. As I branched out from originally starting as a blogger to becoming an author, I learned a lot about the ins and outs of the publishing process. Each subsequent work has meant refining exactly what I wanted to say, without always taking my cues from what was “hot” at the time. What are some struggles you have encountered? Some of the struggles I have encountered are getting my work out there. When you are independently published, you have to do all of your own legwork to get the books in stores, and in people’s hands. It is also a struggle to keep up with all of the social media outlets that authors have available to them to STRAWBERRY-LIT 55
promote our work. As a member of the Harlem Writers Guild, what are some of your contributions? As a proud member of the Harlem Writers Guild, I have participated in their in person events- book signings, Book Fairs, and panel discussions. In addition to this, I have also had the opportunity to connect the struggle for Black lives to HWG’s advocacy for Black writers on our official website. The Guild has been in existence for 70 years, and continues to advocate for writers from the African Diaspora telling our own stories. Tell us about your latest release? My latest release is Poetic Ruminations: Volume 2. It is a collection of poems about building self-esteem, and holding space for yourself in this society. I get into topics like mental health, pushing back on crass materialism and classism, Black consciousness, standing in your truth, and taking care of an aging parent. What upcoming projects do you have? The upcoming projects I have are a feature in a poetry anthology, and an essay collection. Given how 2020 has gone, these projects have been delayed
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significantly. As I regroup, the plan is to have these projects available for 2021. Describe yourself in 3 words? If I had to describe myself in three words, they would be thoughtful, resilient, and empathetic. I do my best to think carefully about the possible impact of what I am writing, and whether it needs to be said or not. If it needs to be said, there is a way that a message can be conveyed without being acerbic. Who are some of your favorite authors? Some of my favorite authors are Isabel Wilkerson, Ishmael Reed, and Richard Wright. What would you tell aspiring authors, who are struggling to tell their story? I would tell any aspiring authors, to study. Learn about the publishing industry, look at the resources available in your area. If you are struggling to tell your story, just start from a place of honesty. Speak to your experiences, and be true to what you believe. You will eventually find your audience, and you won’t have to jump through hoops to have people understand where you are coming from.
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WIN
Directions: Personality Adjectives are adjectives used to describe a person and their character or personality. Below there are 27 personality adjectives hidden in this Word Search. The words are diagonal, horizontal, vertical, forward, and backwards. Enter to win a $100 Barnes&Nobles eGift Card by finding at least 21 words.
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——————————————————————————— Upload this Word Search to our email strawberrylitmagazine@gmail.com You can also email a Word Doc with the list of words you have found to be entered for your chance to win. Participant must be 18+ or older to enter. Giveaway only valid December 1, 2020 12:00AM to March 31, 2021 11:59PM. Any entries after that date are disqualified. $100 will be awarded as a Barnes&Nobles eCard. Email entry to strawberrylitmagazine@gmail.com
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marketing tip 101:
effectively marketing & promting Marketing and promoting your book can begin as early as the moment you decide to write it. When that first idea comes to mind, you should begin some type of promoting whether via social media, word of mouth, your website, or blog. For many authors coming up with strategies of marketing and promoting are tough. The one thing you don’t want to do is wait until you have released your book to begin promoting it. By then it’s late in the promotion process. There are many ways you can promote. You can promote by using Contest, Giveaways, Promotional Items, Word-of-Mouth, Blog, and many more. The first thing you should understand is when marketing and promoting your book you should get to know your audience. If you don’t know who your targeted audience is you could be missing out on a lot of sales. Now that you know who your target audience is we have to find out where they hangout. Where are these people most liable to be? That’s right! In book publishing you must be able to go where the readers are. Not every person that’s a reader will read your book. Not every person that’s a reader will be fair with your project. That’s why your target audience is a must to just start you books career path. Now that you have found your target audience and know where they hangout, the next step is presentation. You must present an attractive strategy to appease their appetite for reading your material. This can consist of Press Kits, Media Kits, Press Releases, Sell Sheets, flyers, excerpts, review, gifts, contest, giveaways, events, interviews, and more. This presentation is what you will use to show who you are, why you write, and what you hope to gain. GET OUT THERE AND MARKET YOURSELF.
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READER’S SURVEY
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