My Road To Fiction By Author Penelope Davis I've always known I would write a book some day. Writing has always been my passion. I didn't know how or when I would write my first book, but I had a story to tell. A story that was so deeply embedded, I didn't think it would surface. One I carried around with me my entire life. I would jot down bits and pieces of things that happened, in an attempt to let off some frustration, only to bottle it up again and never really speak about it. I did this more frequently than not. I knew I was ready to put my story in book form when thoughts would invade the privacy of my own mind and I would find myself purchasing spiral notebooks more than the average person drinks water. Then, I began to think maybe someone else could relate to the things I had endured; perhaps it would be therapeutic for them as well. When I wrote "My Strength Comes from Abuse", I only wrote it to bring awareness to childhood abuse and how it may have a stronghold on a victim ,even after they became an adult. Never in a million years did I think it would turn into two more books, "Dysfuctional" and "The Nerve" which is the sequel to "My Strength". These were all non fictional and pretty easy to write because they came from a place within. They were my stories, my inner thoughts, and they were from the depths of my soul; things I lived and saw everyday of my life. Being the realest that I am, not once had I ever thought of doing anything fictional, it's so made up, so fake, and I didn't really want to entertain what I thought was foolishness. That changed in the blinking of an eye. One day, as I was just scrolling through olé faithful Facebook, I noticed Kim M. Stephens, my publisher, had posted a book cover design with a title, asking if there were any authors who thought they could do anything with it. The title was "No lady, but One Helluva Woman". I waited and watched for comments to see if anyone would grab that title and run with it. Of course it would be fictional and it would be a novel, not anything like my short stories, which I had become accustomed to writing. The day had gone by, and I'm not certain if anyone responded yay or nay, but I accepted the challenge. I had no idea what I’d gotten myself into, but the title had my attention. I knew I could go many different ways with it, but until I forced myself to step outside of my own place of comfort, it was impossible. I had to become someone else while I was writing , I had to create many different characters in my head and pretend to be each of them at times, to make a good novel. It took a while for it to come together, I struggled with it in the beginning, but I stayed focused because I knew I had to finish what I’d started and giving up was not an option. I worked diligently, not knowing what the outcome would be, uncertain as to what I was doing, or how far I had to go. It took months for me to finish and even then, out of fear of the unknown , I was still uneasy about submitting my final manuscript. Now with all things behind me, I would like to introduce to you my fourth book, and very first work of fiction…
No Lady, but One Helluva Woman
Nia: A struggling author from the city, Nia has been dealing with a touch of writer's block and can't seem to find her muse to meet her deadlines. She has also been a bit unlucky in the love department, leaving her with no inspiration to get her creative juices flowing. Jacob: A sexy cowboy who seems a little rough around the edges. Jacob is complacent in an on-again, off again relationship that doesn't seem to be progressing to the next step. He is content helping with the day to day operations of his family-owned ranch.
When the City Girl and the Country Boy meet, it is far from love at first sight. Can a change of scenery and a fresh perspective help these two people find the inspiration and muse they are both searching for?
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By Jay SouthEast HipHop
In this interview, Odd Ball talks about his music, what inspired him to want to rap and more!
Q-How are you doing Odd Ball, are you ready for this interview? A-I’m good, never better, stay ready… don’t have to get ready. Q-How did you get the name Odd Ball? Does that reflect the type of music you make? A-It definitely does. A homie of mine gave it to me when I was about 17. Q-How would you describe your sound as an artist? A-Really wavy, very different from the lyrics to the cadence. Super original, man. Q-What inspired you to want to rap? A-Hardship, struggle and a few artists. Q-What has been one of the biggest highlights of your career as an artist so far? A-This year I’ve grown a lot and my fan base broaden. Q-What was one of your worst experiences as an artist and what did you learn from it or how did you bounce back from it? A-I was supposed to drop Disruptive last year but I was incarcerated. That was a set back but I came back stronger. Q-What are your plans for 2018? A-A few singles and a mixtape… hopefully Platinum Records. Q-Is there anything else you would like to plug or mention? Any shout outs? A-Influenza, the album is everywhere! The new single 2scoops drops Jan 2nd. Follow me on Twitter and IG@thisisoddball. http://www.OddBallMusic.blogspot.com We would like to thank OddBall for this most gracious interview and wish him nothing but success in all his endeavors!
“Some of life’’s valuable treasures are often found in the most unusual places. Our book called, A Land of Milk and Honey, is a poetry book that tells the story of our life together in poetic form…
As husband and wife, we have researched many beautiful things and we have experienced
“once in a lifetime” events. Now we want to share them with you. Join us in this journey we all call life, while together we perpetually search for comfort within…”
JoAnna Posner
AUTHOR SHERROD TUNSTALL BEGINS WITH SOME “SPICY” Author Sherrod Tunstall came on the literary scene November 25, 2013 with his debut Amazon Bestselling book, Spicy. Even though he has enjoyed the ride and earning a place on the literary scen, he has had ups and downs seeing the ugly side of the book industry. From setbacks to a sheisty publisher, to almost giving up on his dream of being an author altogether. However, he was able to beat all odds and get himself back on track. His journey was not easy; here is his story…. Sherrod Jerome Tunstall was born and raised in St. Louis, Mo. From a child, he has always had a big imagination. He didn’t have many friends growing up so he would make up stories with his toys. He believed the world of make believe was his escape from the ugliness of the real world. Also, growing up, his was a big reader. Long before he started to read his favorite genres: urban fiction, romance and erotica, he loves reading vampire stories. He has always wanted to write his own vampire tale, and will, one day. At the age of 12, Tunstall penned his very first short story. His teacher saw he had potential and told him to continue with his dream to become an author. From the age of 12-19, he continued to write short stories, still trying to find his niche in his craft. At the age of 19, Tunstall penned his very first novel, Secrets, about a family full of deep dark secrets. He finished the book at the age of 21. Feeling proud and ready to take on the world, he sent the manuscript to major publishers and agents. He was immediately rejected by every one of them. Feeling down and out, Tunstall was stilldetermined to make his dreams come true. After reading his first book himself, he realized that this style of writing wasn’t him at all. It didn’t express who he was, what he was about or where he came from. One night in the summer of 2008, he had a dream about a beautiful young woman seeking revenge for her lover’s death. With that dream and the influence of his hometown, friends, family and his former job, Spicy (originally Hot & Spicy) was born. In February 2009, Tunstall finished the book. Again, he sent his manuscript out to all publishers and agents. And, once, again he was rejected by every one of them. He then looked up authors from St. Louis like bestselling author, Keisha Ervin (author of Cranes in the Sky and Torn) and Essence bestselling author, Brenda Hampton (author of The Naughty Series). Both women told him to not give up and keep pushing toward his dream. Tunstall graduated from STLCC in May of 2009 with an Associate’s Degree and continued his education at Webster University. He decided to put his career as an author on hold to focus on his education. However, he did continue to write, adding two more books to his collection. In the winter of 2012, Tunstall found a publisher for Spicy. Pulse Publishing, founded by Marcus Harris. In May 2012, Tunstall was signed to the Pulse family. Unfortunately, the deal fell through and after waiting months to have his book published, he received the devastatingnews the company had dropped him. Heartbroken he wanted to give up on his dream, but advice and encouragement from fellow authors, gave him the energy boost to move forward. After an hour long conversation with Hampton and a night of feeling more hopeful, Tunstall received a call the next day that would change his life forever. Michele Fletcher, the CEO of La Femme Fatale Publishing (LFFP), wanted to offer him a three book deal. In just weeks, he signed and his dream was back on track. In November 25, 2013, the world was introduce to his debut novel Spicy. The books release woke up his inner hustler. He passed out flyers, mailed flyers to bookstores, networked with other authors, did book signings and conventions, hustling like the old school authors before him and selling his work on the streets. There’s nothing like word of mouth. All the hard work earned him a place on the Amazon Bestsellers List for 2 months. In 2014 and 2015, he released The Show Me State (Originally titled, Caramel Kisses) and Black Reign, a story about the music industry. However, in late 2015, he decided to leave LFFP. In 2016, the author released his first self-published e-book project, You Now Have Entered The World Of, a very powerful story with a great message. Then August 29, 2017, Beating The Odds, Tunstall’s fourth title, was released under his new publisher Urban Books, which he believes is his best work to date. The author is currently working on the sequel to Beating The Odds (Hard-Hearted), plus, working on his sixth book, Living 4 the City and possible a play. His goal as an author is to win some awards, be on his favorite talk show The Real and just be happy. His message to all aspiring authors is to never give up. Keep writing because all things are possible.
BEATING THE ODDS Brad Carter is down on his luck. He loses his job, catches his woman in bed with another man, and he’s days away from being booted out of his home. Wanting to get away from his problems, Brad and his boys go to a nightclub, where they meet a wealthy stranger who offers them each $50,000 to go to Rio de Janeiro and traffic cocaine back to the U.S. They jump at the opportunity and have the time of their lives in Rio, but when it’s time to return to the U.S. with the drugs, all hell breaks loose. Brad and his friends are caught, and being in jail is not anything they could have imagined. With the help of a fellow prisoner with powerful connections, they plan an escape.
Brad is determined to find his way back to the U.S., but not without Diamond, the beautiful woman he met before things went awry in Rio. Can he rescue her from the clutches of Armand, the sick crime boss who’s been holding her captive for years? He soon discovers that the web of criminal connections between Armand, his wife, and his associates are deep and dangerous. With the obstacles he faces, Brad’s journey to freedom may be impossible.
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DEPRESSION IS REAL! Article by Kristi McGee
In our lives, we have all heard the sayings "looking long in the mouth" or "winter blues". We have even heard "they're just looking for attention". What exactly is depression ? Depression is a noun, meaning; feelings of severe despondency and dejection. That is the literal definition. But, it is also so much more. The feeling of isolation and of being overwhelmed can induce a panic that can lead to one taking their own life in order to feel relief. This column can not contain the massive amounts of information and feelings involved with depression. Just know this, depression has no race or gender boundaries. It has no typical "look" or no typical way to manifest. Depression can sneak up on you suddenly or be a long time building within your mind and psyche. Depression is real! It is a proven form of mental illness, therefore, one should never try to ignore it or deal with it alone. Please always reach out to family, friends or seek professional help. There is no stigma attached to finding healing for the mind and emotions just as you seek healing for the physical body. If you’re not comfortable talking face to face, call someone. Anyone, please! There are also anonymous ways to seek help. 1-800-273-8255 is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, or you can online chat privately and confidentially with someone trained to help at www.SuicidePreventionLifeline.org. Whatever you do, DO NOT DO IT ALONE BECAUSE YOU ARE NOT ALONE!
A FEW FACTS ON DEPRESSION & MENTAL ILLNESS
CLINICAL DEPRESSION:
A mental health disorder characterized by persistently depressed mood or loss of interest in activities, causing significant impairment in daily life. Google Search: Facts About Depression
Poetry Featuring wali T. Abdullah Invisible Child Bed of black top. Sea of blood Pop-pop-pop, then he shouted to stop. Never knew my mother's love Labor pains hospital bound She walks, No money or friends to be found. Hospital on other side of town. To herself she talks. Drive by, by black and white. She's feeling sick, I continue to kick. They shine a light damn near night. Touches her stomach, asking me not to kick She's got a gun, triggers click ,click, click. Shoulda been a 187. Labeled suicide by cop. My mother's passport to heaven. Gun planted the minute she dropped. Before she died, she gave birth. Siren scream, I cry. Her last breath, my first. Why, for my life, did she have to die? Naked and cold. Bathed in my mother's blood. Will I grow to be old? Deprived of my mother's love. Wrapped in a white sheet Still dripping my mother's blood. Many strangers I meet. But none show love. And all I hear over and over again is Statistic. That must be my name Wali
Meet musician, songwriter, vocalist and accomplished author Will Brown. A native of New Jersey, Will currently resides in Georgia and has taken the book industry by storm. After reading urban authors such as Nathan McCall, Ice Berg Slim, Jerome Dickens, Omar Tyree, Zane and Donald Goines, he finally put pen to paper and began to write his own brand of fiction. Within a year, his first book was born. I’ve Got So Much To Give soon became a series, including titles I Gave It All, My Cup Runs Over and due to popular demand, a final book, I Blame You, set for release in early 2018 After gaining much momentum and notoriety from book tours, fairs and signing events, Will presented the literary world with another awesome series. The Surrender Series includes titles I Surrender and Without Rhyme Or Reason. Author Will Brown and his multi-faceted characters are much discussed topics during radio interviews, musical events and arts festivals. Will’s work as an author is well received and includes a poetry collection entitled 12 Months Of Divine Love and a daily devotional accurately named 30 Days of Faith: Your Journey to Breakthrough. With such projects as Taking Care Of God’s Business: Let’s Have Church and Behind Closed Doors in the making, Will Brown is the author to watch! Today in print…tomorrow in film. The sky’s the limit for this multi-talented author, so stay tuned to see what’s next for Author Will Brown.
1.How long have you been a part of the publishing industry? I’ve been a proud member since September 2015 2.How did you get your start in African American Literature? I’ve always enjoyed reading various black authors. My gift started as a songwriter in the music industry and while cultivating my craft, I had the desire to write a book. So, I did some research on how to become a part of that process.
3.Who and/or what inspired you to become an author and what is the inspiration behind your characters? Well, as I stated earlier. I’ve always enjoyed reading various black authors like Zane, Omar Tyree and Toni Morrison. When I started creating my story lines, I wanted my characters to have depth. So, from many midnight conversations with friends on topics just talking about life, that was the driving force behind creating my characters.
4.How many books have you published? Name them and where they can be found. I have 11 books written and 7 published. I’ve Got So Much To Give, I Gave It All, My Cup Runs Over, I Surrender, Without Rhyme Or Reason, 12 Months Of Divine Love and 30 Days Of Faith: Your Journey to Breakthrough. My books can be found with all online retailers and of course through contacting me. They can also be found on my website @ http://willbrowntheauthor.net/
5.If you weren't doing what you do, what do you think would be your chosen profession? I think I would be a motivational speaker or life coach. Too many times I’ve found myself encouraging others with life matters, principals, strategies, supported by faith in the word of God. 6.What is your advice to anyone aspiring to become an author? Do your homework, gather resources. Don’t let your emotions be ruled by advertisement packages to help you become an author. Research everything and everyone you are considering to help propel you on your journey. 7.You are also a songwriter/musician. Tell us about your history in the music industry? Sure. I’ve written songs under ASCAP and BMI. I also sung with the group The Moment for a short period. I’ve also auditioned for the group Kool And The Gang. I was a background singer for Taylor Dane before joining a top 40 sing group Anonymous. We traveled throughout NY, Japan, Jamaica, Las Vegas and the Poconos.
8. Any words of encouragement or shout outs you would like to add? Build a team. You will need it. Especially for edits, social medial, event planning, websites and promotions. Joining book clubs and networking is especially important when using socila media to help build your brand . Be your best you. Don’t get caught up trying to be like someone else. What God has given you is yours and yours alone. Just be a good steward over your gift and take your time. Don’t get caught up in the hype or bashing other authors. Remember a house is built brick by brick. There is no fast track to success. However, God can and will bless you with favor and influence, as you meet people who are assigned to help get you to the next level of your journey.
Will Brown, The Author
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Poetry Featuring Rosalind Cherry If you knew" deep down what I was really feeling you step aside give me some room set my soul to go free NOW" On this day I knew deep inside I felt so different it had to make some sense by the way I kept everything locked inside of me you were in thoughts that you called yourself knowing ME? Once again there you were piercing eyes staring towards my way, when two strangers come back together questions to be ask comes from the distance when you DEPART" Closed in doors walls getting in closer looking for each another yet there was nothing once upon a time there was even those conversations times of COMFORT" Something happen between the love it disappeared went away" she turn to look for him, looking for reason just to see him upon her return he packed up then he gone WHY? Love was blinded she left out it speechless and helpless clueless to the fact that it happen to soon her heart was broken she sits there in SILENCE"
Day's that turned into Month's she soon learned how to cope through the madness she hid from hurt that once showed hid away her tears became strong from fears, one day she knew deep inside of her find her way back to love AGAIN" That dark hole she she once seen became this vision of light right before her she seen him right before her standing there I need you back in my life she stood there to say NO" Not because i didn't love you any more" I stood the chance of time been awhile since I seen you, caught out here took deep breathe life was telling me I have something to received and give back in return no longer room for you anymore See" If You Knew" We would have been right here now staring at each other" I wish you the best now this time for me to depart go on my from YOU" sis Author Rosalind Cherry CopyrightŠ Dec 17, 2017 All Rights Reserved Rosalind Cherry