Sormagspring14

SORMAG Shades Of Romance - Multi-Cultural Literary Magazine

http://sormag.blogspot.com

ROMANCE AUTHOR

Michelle Monkou

POET Dixie Ann Black

NON FICTION AUTHOR Angela Spears

Kiannasays Alexander Write The Damn Book

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DIGITAL

A Goal or Wishful Thinking?

CHRISTIAN FICTION AUTHOR Tiffany Warren

FICTION AUTHOR William Fredrick Cooper

GOAL SETTING SPRING 2014

Simply Said Reading Accessories We custom design and make by hand, reading accessories such as *Bookmarks we call “Gift-marks� *Book Thongs which are also bookmarks for Authors, Book Stores, Book Clubs and Book Lovers. www.simply-said.net www.simplysaidreadingaccessories.blogspot.com http://sormag.com

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In This Issue:

Volume 3, Issue 1 http://sormag.com http://sormag.blogspot.com Calendar http://sormag.com/guide.htm Letters To the Editor 1sormag@gmail.com Advertising http://conta.cc/VBY9zS

IN EVERY ISSUE

Cover Author - 24 Kianna Alexander

5 Things To Do This Spring - 4

Poet - 6 Dixie Ann Black

Note From The Editor - 5

Article - 9 A Goal Or Wishful Thinking

by Dr. Linda Beed

5 Things To Motivate Your Writing - 23 Simple Promotions - 31

Fiction Author - 11 William Fredrick Cooper Have You Set Your Goals For 2014

by LaShaunda Hoffman - 13 Romance Author - 14 Michelle Monkou Non Fiction Author-17 Angela Spears

Contributors Dr. Linda F. Beed is an author, educator, speaker and performing artist.

Visit her online at: www.lindabeed.com and www.thewriteplan.net Pictures in this issue: Marilyn Tyner pg 4 - Karen Johnson Kianna Alexander's photos pg Cover and 24-28 -E. Ashley Green ofArtbyAsh Photography www.artbyash.com.

SPRING 2014 - SETTING GOALS http://sormag.com

Christian Author -21 Tiffany Warren

Ads In This Issue The Realest Ever

by Keith Thomas Walker - 2 Simple Said Reading Accessories - 2 Literary Signature Services - 16 Beyond Paradise

by Kathleen Mix -20 The 228 Legacy byJennifer J. Chow - 20 Colorful Covers - 32

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5 Things To Do This Spring Take A Long Walk Have A Picnic With Someone Date With Your You Love Spouse Attend A Local Or Significant Literary Event Other

Read A Book Outside Pay It Forward Buy Someone A Book

In Memory Of Marilyn Tyner As I was going to print, I received the news of Marilyn' s passing. It blew me away because she'd contacted me last week excited about her new ebooks and wanting to promoting them.

I met Marilyn before I started SORMAG, she was one of the authors I met when I started my writer's group on delphi many years ago.

She was always helpful in sharing her wisdom about writing and I always looked forward to seeing her and her sister Alice Wootson at the Slam Jam Conferences.

Marilyn was a good writer and friend and she will be missed. http://sormag.com

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Welcome to the Spring issue of SORMAG Digital. Yes I said Spring issue, I decided to change how often I publish SORMAG Digital. This year I sat down and wrote out my goals and one of my goals was to work on getting published. What was standing in my way was time. There’s only so much time in the day. I work a full time job, I’m a wife and mother and I have SORMAG. When do I sleep or have time to write? I looked at where I spent a lot of time, in front of the television and on SORMAG. I can give up the tv, but I wasn’t ready to give up SORMAG, so I decided to make the magazine a quarterly magazine. This way I can have time to write and still publish the magazine.

Note From The Editor

Books LaShaunda Is Reading

In this issue I introduce you to amazing writer who I also call a dear friend. I met Kianna Alexander at a Romance Slam Jam conference. We were roommates. She was an aspiring writer at the time, ready to pitch her romance novel and so excited about writing it was contagious. We sat up each night talking about writing and our dreams of publication. Kianna went back home and made her dream happen and I’m so proud of her sticking to her writing goals and seeing her books on the shelves.

She’s written a writing book to help writers get their books out their head onto the paper. She has a few romances releasing and plans on writing a couple more before the year is out.

She’s the perfect example of setting goals and working your plan to make sure they are completed.

I hope you enjoy this issue of SORMAG Digtial. Drop me a line 1sormag@gmail.com and tell me what you think.

See ya on the net, LaShaunda C. Hoffman Editor/Publisher of SORMAG http://sormag.com

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Dixie Ann Black You know you have begun to mature when you realize that the answer to who you are is at once simple and complex. On one hand I am a mother and a daughter, a Believer and a friend. On the other hand I am a teacher and a healer, an artist and a leader. But, aren’t we all?

If who I am can be measured in terms of accomplishments and interests then I should mention my favorites. I am a mother of two and an avid world traveler. I hold a black belt in martial arts and practice tai chi, yoga and various other fitness oriented activities. I enjoy ballroom dancing, writing poetry and short stories and public speaking. My professional like has also included social work and brokering real estate. I am passionate about health, both physical and spiritual. I believe in the importance of building community and taking care of our planet. But if I am to speak about my heart then I will say I am a Seeker ofTruth.

How did you start out your poetry career?

My career in poetry began with a writing assignment when I was a small child. I started writing and never stopped.

What did you hope to accomplish with this book?

My poetry has touched many people throughout the years.

Through my book, Just Chasing the Sun, I hope to expand exponentially the amount of people who hear or read my work and are encouraged, inspired, comforted.

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Sunday Morning

The sweetness of Sunday morning Still lingers in the air A tender dew upon the grass.

The war drums of “Must”, “Have to” The myriad stresses of daily life Echo in the distance Staid and held at bay for now By the beauty and sweetness

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What is the hardest part about writing poetry?

The hardest thing about writing is finding the time to be consistent when so many other things compete for my attention.

What was your greatest challenge in promoting your book?

My greatest challenge by far in promoting my book is finding the time to devote to promotion.

Can you give us one do and one don’t for those aspiring to be a poet?

For an aspiring poet, DON'T ever discount or discard the words, phrases and thoughts that come to you, no matter how insignificant, they may be the seed of a great work waiting to be told; so conversely DO keep and organize everything you write, value your work if you ever hope for someone else to see it as valuable.

What is the best lesson you have learned from another writer?

The best lesson I've ever learned is that EVERY experience, especially the seemingly bitter and negative ones, benefit us when we write it down. This may simply be to vent or to tell others something worth sharing, either way it is the best form of therapy there is.

Name three internet resources you can’t live without?

In general I love Google, it opens up a world of resources. I appreciate Facebook and online book and poetry sites. I particularly like Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com for making book searching so easy.

Our theme for this issue, SETTING GOALS, do you have a system you use for setting goals for the year (calendars, vision boards etc.)?

Yes. I love goal setting. I use my smartphone as an integral part of my system. Once I have set a goal I add expected milestones and tasks into my calendar with a reminder to keep me on track.

Do you have any advice for setting goals for writing?

To reach a new goal we must change or tweak our habits. Do not turn on the television each day until you have written something. Create an atmosphere in your home that is conducive to writing and set aside one hour each day to put your thoughts on paper.

How important is social media to you as writer?

Social Media is a tremendous link to my audience. The value of social media cannot be over emphasized.

It is the new frontier in discovering community.

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Five questions about books: One book that you have read more than once.

The Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu One book you loved as a child.

Catch 22 by Joseph Heller One book that made you laugh.

The Lunatic by Anthony C. Winkler One book that made you cry.

The Pearl by John Steinbeck One book you wish you'd written.

The Chronicles of Narnia

Just Chasing the Sun is a unique collection of short stories and poems.

This original work spans a wide variety of interests with stories ranging from the humorous to the mysterious; poetry from the spiritual to the mundane.

Whether you want the lighthearted delight of seeing the world through the eyes of another or the deep resonance of hearing the echo of your own feelings, Just Chasing the Sun delivers with wit and wisdom.

What advice would you offer to someone whose book of poetry is about to be released?

Plan in advance to make time to market your book so that as many people as possible in as many ways as possible. Give yourself the best chance of success.

Oprah always asks, what do you know for sure?

I know for sure that every one of us has a message and a corresponding portion of people who need to hear what we have to say.

How can readers get in contact with you?

Readers can contact me on at Dixie Ann Black on Facebook, by email at dixieannblack@gmail.com and soon on my website at DixieAnnBlack.com Anything you'd like to say to the readers of SORMAG? The Ultimate Romance is living in the fullness of all we are supposed to be. This is driving force behind all our searching. Do not fear loneliness and failure, do not allow fear to narrow your options. When we face the things we fear, we will see they are as nothing and all that is left is our dream. I hope you will purchase for my book Just Chasing the Sun on Amazon or at Barnes and Noble when it is released on April 4, 2014. Thank you. - Dixie Ann Black http://sormag.com

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A Goal or Wishful

Now that we’ve entered a new year many are considering what to focus upon in order to enhance our lives.

Some will consider losing weight, while the focus of another might be upon writing a book, getting finances in order, returning to school or starting a business. Regardless the focus the major thing one must consider is how to set an ‘achievable’ goal.

The answer to your question why is simple— without a set plan and action, a goal is nothing more than wishful thinking.

I’ll use myself as an example.

I need to consistently exercise in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle. I also want to write a certain amount of words a day in order to meet my 2014 goals. Both are doable, but somehow didn’t transpire. They didn’t because of my lack of discipline.

Thinking?

You can contact Dr. Linda at lindaonassignment@yahoo.co m or visit her on the web at: www.lindabeed.com and

www.letsbeargoodfruit.blogspot.com

needed a viable action plan.

That plan became one of adjusting priorities without forsaking what I needed to do. I started by taking an honest look at how I was defeating myself. The first thing I had to acknowledge was my habit of squandering my time and then determine how to eliminate it.

I mentioned earlier that my muse speaks when it gets ready and rarely repeats itself. In order to capture the moment I It seems that my muse is most active when began using the ‘voice note’ option on my phone. With that I’m at my office. I’d write notes during I’m able to record those muses as they come. Please note that breaks and lunch, then rush home after work I never allow it to interfere with the job I’m being paid for. in order to expound on those thoughts.

Transcription often turned from writing to Once I get home I don’t rush for the computer. Instead I have checking email and what have you. Before I a little snack, put on some music and hit the treadmill or pop knew it dinner needed to be cooked, some in my dancercise DVD and sweat it out. I follow that with housecleaning needed tending to. And no, I getting dinner together, a bit of housework and family time. couldn’t neglect time with family.

By eight I’m putting on my writer hat.

In no time my plan had gone to the wayside. I said all that to say this—I overcame.

I was far behind my self-imposed writing goal. When I went for my next checkup, my By tweaking my routine, it allowed me to reach my goal of numbers were not what they should have consistent exercise, writing and family time without been. In order to get to the goal line I had to forsaking one goal for the other. change the habit I’d fallen into. To do that I http://sormag.com

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Below are a few tips you might consider to help begin to tailor a personal plan for achieving your goals. *Write the Vision and Mission plan for your goal(s) The vision will allow you to focus on the end result. The mission is your map to achieving that goal.

Revisit the mission from time to time in order to know what or if any adjustments are necessary. *Set Attainable Goals As writers we’re often ambitious and what to do what others have done. YOU’RE NOT THEM. There’s a quote that says To Thine Own Self Be True. Work with who you are as you build skills that take you to the next level. Remain committed to what’s before you and adjust as necessary. *Be Your Own SHINING-STAR There will be challenges and even stumbles along your path to success. You can’t move until you take the first step and remember that the only thing that beats a fall is getting up. Receiving accolades from others is a great motivator, but never wait for others to motivate you toward the gift you know that you possess. Encourage yourself toward success. *Stay In Your Lane A creative mind can sometimes take you places you’re not ready for. Identify your starting place and master it to the best of your ability. If there’s a pull to a secondary outlet, pace yourself in order to not become the Jack or Jacqueline of all trades. *Don’t Give Up The world of writing is fraught with challenges and outright disappointments. Look at each occurrence, learn from it and move on.

Don’t be fooled into believing that if you’re not on the Bestsellers list, you haven’t succeeded. If you’ve sold only two books, those words served to touch the heart of those two readers.

In closing I encourage you to be mindful of who you are and how you can motivate yourself toward fulfilling your current and future goals.

Until next time remember to use your words to bear good fruit.

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COMING SOON

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Willam Fredrick Cooper William Fredrick Cooper is the author of the critically-acclaimed SIX DAYS IN JANUARY, the Essence/Black Expressions Bestselling novel THERE'S ALWAYS A REASON; and the author of ONE SEASON IN PINSTRIPES, a sports memoir chronicling the 2009 championship season of the New York Yankees. A dynamic speaker known for giving enlightening radio interviews, he has edited several award-winning novels and contributed to New York Times Bestselling Anthologies and national periodicals such as Ebony Magazine. His forthcoming effort UNBREAKABLE (A LOVE BALLAD), the follow-up to REASON, also pays tribute to the creative engine behind his dreams, Michael Jackson. Stop by Cooper's Facebook page, listen to some great music and say hello. (www.facebook.com/wfcooper) What would you like readers to take away from your book?

UNBREAKABLE is like a Michael Jackson album in that it has a little of everything: Erotica, Social commentary, spiritual messages, a little romance and deep messages about LOVE. My prayers are that readers are in many ways moved by what’s on those pages.

What did you learn about yourself in terms of your strong points and weak points while writing this book?

LaShaunda, if I told you everything that went on behind the scenes while writing it you would be amazed that I even got it done. To pull this off I needed more focus than at any other time in my life. I’ll leave it at this: Sometimes your faith gets tested and transformation occurs once you overcome the trials. And the beauty of it all is God gets all the glory. I know I’m a better man than I was when I started the book. There was so much growth in so many ways.

Our theme for this issue, SETTING GOALS, do you have a system you use for setting goals for the year (calendars, vision boards etc.)?

Normally, I use calendars. But this year I have goals that I’ve made mentally. I prayed about them. I just hope that God doesn’t think of me as selfish. http://sormag.com

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Do you have any advice for setting goals for writing?

What I would tell anyone with designs to produce is to write a thousand words every day. And it doesn’t have to be on a project: If you are sending an email to someone, make it creative and witty.

What advice would you offer to someone whose book is about to be released?

Promote. Promote. Proudly promote with passion. No one knows your work better than you, and think about the blood, sweat and tears you invested in making your dreams come true. If you can’t get hyped after those thoughts, then “Don’t be mad, UPS is hiring…” – Thanks Biggie.

What advice would you offer to someone who wants to make a career of writing?

If you are thinking overnight success…Bzzzt, thanks for playing. There are dues to be paid, but it’s worthwhile at day’s end. Like any dream, there’s hard work involved, but nothing beats the special feeling you get when someone tells you “Wow, I really enjoyed your book.”

Who was the first author you ever met?

Donna Hill.

What are you reading right now?

LOVE by Toni Morrison How can readers get in contact with you? (mail, email, website) Readers can drop my Facebook page (www.facebook.com/wfcooper) and listen to some great music.

Or they can email me at unbreakable006@yahoo.com. I answer all emails.

Oprah always asks, what do you know for sure?

TWO THINGS: A little love is all it takes to make the world a better place. And we can do all things with the God in us, which is love.

Anything you'd like to say to the readers of SORMAG? From the bottom of my heart, LaShaunda, I am grateful. And readers, thank you for your never-ending support of Black art. We keep this literary legacy going because of you. God Bless You all.

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Have You Set Your Goals For 2014

Do you set SMART Goals?

What are SMART Goals? SMART is a term created

by George T. Doran which stands for: Specific Your goals should be very specific.

There are different sets of goals:

Measurable Your goals should be measurable. So you know when you reached them.

Attainable Your goals should be attainable. Don't set goals you'll never reach.

Realistic Your goals should be realistic, something you can complete and you have control over. http://sormag.com

Timely Your goals should have a deadline. You want to complete your goals, not have one that is never ending.

Personal Goals - Family Goals Spiritual Goals - Work Goals Writing Goals - Marketing Goals Business Goals - Health Goals Schedule some time to work on your goals for 2014. Then take each goal and create a To Do plan which includes a deadline for each goal. Schedule your plan on your 2014 calendar and you are ready to start completing your goals for 2014.

By LaShaunda C. Hoffman

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Michelle Monkou is a multi-published author with over 20 books in print and digital. She began her writing career in 2002 with Black Entertainment Television (BET) Books, Arabesque imprint. She writes contemporary romances, paranormal/urban fantasy and publishes her backlist and original stories on her independent digital platform, Stella Maris Publishing. Her stories speak to the heart and offer that happy ever after ending for the romance fiction reader.

Michelle is also an active participant with romance writers’ advocacy efforts. She served on the boards and as presidents ofWashington Romance Writers, and the 10,000 membership Romance Writers of America. She’s a weekly contributor on USA TODAY’s Happy Ever Blog conducting author interviews, recommending and reviewing books, and providing commentary on romance fiction.

She resides in Maryland writing many more stories to fill the hands and e-readers of romantic bookaholics.

Michelle Monkou Social Media Info Her website: http://michellemonkou.blogspot.com Facebook: (Author page) http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-MichelleMonkou/274955788064?ref=hl Twitter & Pinterest: @michellemonkou

Michelle Monkou

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

I want them to fall in love with the world of the shifters and these quirky characters who inhabit it.

What did you learn about yourself in terms of your strong points and weak points while writing this book?

I learned that I absolutely love working with mythology, world building, and crafting larger than life heroes and heroines.

Weak points: that I have lots more reading to do. I want to continue studying various cultures’ myths and folk tales. That’s where the juicy stuff is for brainstorming. http://sormag.com

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Our theme for this issue, SETTING GOALS, do you have a system you use for setting goals for the year (calendars, vision boards etc.)?

I’ve used calendars, vision boards, goal setting exercises – all good stuff, but not for me. I prefer meditating about it and then I come up with my game plan in my head. My daughter is my sounding board. Then I share it with my support group of writers. We talk about strategy. We talk about whether it’s a good stretch or am I taking the easy path (for the guaranteed outcome). Over the calendar period, the goals are massaged and tweaked according to what I’m doing or what unexpected things may have popped up.

Basically, it’s a fluid exercise and that’s worked for me.

Do you have any advice for setting goals for writing?

with your marketing strategies. And there is a plan for everyone, even the shy ones. But the best advice after you do your round of marketing is to get back in the chair and write the next book.

What advice would you offer to someone who wants to make a career of writing?

Like anything, research, network, study (read lots of books FOREVER) and then get to writing. The craft is to be respected. Your talent is to be respected. Approach the career with that mindset and let the world know what you have to share.

On the financial/practical side, be more conservative with your enthusiasm. Financial reward is not guaranteed, it’s not predictable, it doesn’t fit a model of --the more you work, the higher your pay. Stay on top of your finances.

Who was the first author you ever met?

For any one, the goal should be to complete a book. Many will have good intentions and start, but not complete the project. Start small. Maybe set a time limit, or a word count, or work on a specific scene. You can go to all the classes, study another’s author’s works, but at the end of the day, you have to write. The time you invest and the production of work (not number of books, but completing a book) separates those who treat writing as a hobby and those who ready to take their goals to another level.

My first encounter with authors was through my affiliation with Romance Writers ofAmerica. So the first meeting involved several authors. If I push the memory to work, I remember meeting Jacquelin Thomas and Jackie Hamilton and few others in Orlando (1996 maybe?).

What advice would you offer to someone whose book is about to be released?

How can readers get in contact with you?

Have your marketing plan in place six month before the release date. And if you haven’t done so, it’s not too late. It may entail you doing more to get the word out if you wait until the release date. Be smart about what you want to do, what you are able to do, and what your expectations are. Be smart about who and where you get your advice. Match your abilities and comfort level

Oprah always asks, what do you know for sure?

http://sormag.com

What are you reading right now?

I’m reading a book from the library: L.L. Smith—Dark Visions book set (young adult) My website: http://michellemonkou.com Email: michellemonkou@com ; Snail Mail: P.O. Box 2904, Laurel, MD 20709

I know that I’m brimming with possibilities. That I’ve only tapped the surface of my talent.

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And through God’s Grace and Mercy, I will continue to do what I enjoy doing…writing stories that I want to read.

Anything you'd like to say to the readers of SORMAG? Readers, you are the best. I love avid readers, a.k.a., bookaholics. They are near and dear to my heart because we can chat about books all day long. We couldn’t do any of this storytelling business without you. God bless.

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS IN SORMAG DIGITAL

David Chastain has one mission—to avenge the death of the royal Nuuba Pride, a dynasty of lion shifters. Enemies abound in all forms.

Could Starr, the sultry warrior-priestess who abruptly interrupts his life for a quest, be his mate for life or his downfall for eternity?

The adventure promises to be a wicked, steamy erotic ride to the end and beyond.

http://sormag.com

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Angela Spears Angela Spears, the creator and founder of Dream Living, is a Dream Partner, Life & Executive Coach, Leadership Development Professional, Keynote Speaker, Author, and friend whose purpose in life is to help others to reach new levels of excellence and fulfillment in their lives, ultimately fulfilling their dreams.

Angela has over 15 years of experience coaching and helping others implement strategies to reach higher levels of success. She does this through her writing, coaching, and delivering a host of workshops on topics which focus on building your life for success. After experiencing her energetic approach, you will come away with the belief that you too can live the life of your dreams. Through her own ambition, discipline, drive for results, positive mindset, goal focus, problem-solving skills, success tools. My Dream Living Journal is a success creativity, and initiative, she has taken the steps tool that can help individuals on their journey to living to live her dreams of achieving an outstanding the life of their dreams. career, owning her own business, becoming a writer and author, while helping others to What did you learn about yourself in terms of your achieve their dreams. strong points and weak points while writing this book?

Angela recently released her Dream Living Journal; a tool that can be used to document As I was writing this book I learned that my strong and track your goals and dreams. It outlines points are the steps outlined in my journal. I share tools I questions to ask yourself and some of the steps personally use to accomplish my personal goals and required to help identify, articulate, and achieve dreams in life. I learned that my weak points are your dreams. sometimes following through because I set so many What would you like readers to take away goals for myself that I am not able to accomplish them all. This is where setting priorities becomes critical so from your book? that I focus on the most important goals, and get to the I would like readers to know that everyone can most important results I desire in my life. live the life of their dreams with intention, belief, focus, the right actions, and the right http://sormag.com

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Our theme for this issue, SETTING GOALS, do you have a system you use for setting goals for the year (calendars, vision boards etc.)?

My journal allows for readers to write down their dreams along with supporting goals and actions steps that will move them one step closer to making the specific dream a reality. My personal system for setting goals includes the following steps: 1. At the end of every year I set new and revised goals for the upcoming year. I assess what I accomplished the previous year and set a fresh game plan for the New Year. I don’t set limits for myself in my goal setting. Anything I want to accomplish, I write it down to ensure it is documented. I also ensure that my goals are very specific. For example, instead of setting a goal of wanting to lose weight, I would want to set a goal to lose so many pounds by a certain time frame. Being specific in goal setting is very important because it specifies an intention, which is very powerful when followed up with action because it typically leads to desired results. It is important to note that my husband and I set our individual goals each year and set a time to meet to agree on our family goals. This is the time of year I absolutely love because goal-setting is actually fun for me.

2. I then take my list of goals and assign them to be accomplished in specific months of the upcoming year. This helps me to determine my areas of focus for each month of the year and allows me to have a formal plan for the entire year. Planning is everything when you want to accomplish results.

3. I then outline action steps for each goal and write them down on my calendar as tasks for specific days of the year. I typically assign these action steps at the end of each month because the planning can become overwhelming and plans can change over time. With this step added to my goal-setting system I know what I need to focus on each day to move me closer to my goals.

4. At the end of each month, I assess my results for the month and make any needed revisions to my goals, action steps and tasks for the following month. I also recently implemented a new system where my husband and I check-in with each other at the end of each month to discuss our results to include what went well, what didn’t go well, and our intentions for the following month. We implemented this system for accountability and support purposes.

5. I repeat steps 3 - 5 each month until I get to the end of the year. Then I complete step 1 again at the end of each year.

Do you have any advice for setting goals for writing?

My advice would be to set daily intentions for writing. Set a goal for how often you will write and make it a part of your regular routine. For example, you might write for 2 hours per day at a specific time, 5 days per week. Writers have to figure out what works best for them in terms of time and setting for writing. If you have a goal for writing a book, think about how much writing you will have to do in order to meet your goal by a certain date. Start with a large goal and break it down into smaller goals and http://sormag.com

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actions steps so that it is manageable over time. The most important thing is to make writing a practice or routine. The more you practice your routine, the easier it will be to write when you need to write.

What advice would you offer to someone whose book is about to be released?

Be sure to focus on your marketing plan and get the word out about your book. Tell people you know, inform your social media audience, plan events to market and promote your book and make marketing a regular practice over time. Marketing is everything when it comes to being an author and/or business owner because you want people to know about what you have to offer.

What advice would you offer to someone who wants to make a career of writing?

Develop your craft in writing, practice writing by making it routine, and set goals for what you want to do with your writing career. What is your general message in your writings? Do you want to write multiple books? Do you want to contribute to magazines and if so what types of magazines? Think about what you want out of your writing career and set goals to get there.

Who was the first author you ever met?

Dream Living Journal is a I am not sure about the very first author but the first famous tool that can author I met was Ken Blanchard, thought leader on be used to leadership and author of several books including The One document and Minute Manager. track your goals and What are you reading right now? dreams, leading you to I am an avid reader and often read several books at a time. a path of The one that stands out for me right now is The Happiness success. It Advantage by Shawn Achor. outlines questions to How can readers get in contact with you? (mail, email, ask yourself website) and some of the steps required to help identify, articulate, and achieve your www.dreamlivingcoach.com dreamlivingcoach@gmail.com dreams. This journal also includes several Dream Journal pages to write a Oprah always asks, what do you know for sure? dream description and to list goals, action steps and progress. Most With intention, belief and action, Dream Living is possible. importantly, it gives individuals room to record the date the dream became a reality.

Anything you'd like to say to the readers of SORMAG?

If your dream life and reality are not aligned, feel free to reach out to me at dreamlivingcoach@gmail.com for coaching support. Here’s to your Dream Living and may 2014 be your best year yet! http://sormag.com

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Even the deepest love needs an air supply...

Dive shop manager Marina Hernandez is carrying a heavy load as she tries to save the family business. On one shoulder rides a bucket of red ink. On the other, her father’s age-old cultural belief that women belong in the kitchen. Now that a cutthroat competitor has pushed her to the brink of bankruptcy, any chance she'll ever win her father’s respect is fading fast. The last thing she can afford right now is the complication of a tempting man.

After years of building his practice, pediatrician Brett Sutherland has changed his focus. He seeks a more well-rounded life, including a woman who'll devote herself to caring for a family. Workaholics need not apply.

Then he signs up for scuba lessons, and Marina's luminous eyes and spirited personality turn his neat, logical plan upside down.

Brett's dazzling looks heat her blood, and his compassionate nature makes her yearn to build her own life - but not if it means letting the business collapse. A little harmless flirtation couldn't hurt, though. Yet with every kiss, she's stretched thinner between the promise of Brett's love and her father's expectations. Until a critical decision pushes them both to the breaking point... http://kathleenmix.com/ Three generations in an all-female Taiwanese family living near Los Angeles in 1980 are each guarding personal secrets. Grandmother Silk finds out that she has breast cancer, as daughter Lisa loses her job, while pre-teen granddaughter Abbey struggles with a school bully. When Silk’s mysterious past comes out—revealing a shocking historical event that left her widowed—the truth forces the family to reconnect emotionally and battle their problems together.

A novel of cultural identity and long-standing secrets, The 228 Legacy weaves together multigenerational viewpoints, showing how heritage and history can influence individual behavior and family bonds.

Jennifer J. Chow, a Chinese-American, married into the Taiwanese culture. The 228 Legacy was inspired by the family stories she heard after viewing photos of a two-million-person human chain commemorating 228. She has traveled multiple times to Taiwan and visited places dedicated to the incident. Her experience with the elderly comes from a gerontology specialization at Cornell University and her geriatric social work experience. You can visit her online at www.jenniferjchow.com. http://sormag.com

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Tiffany Warren

Tiffany L. Warren is an author, playwright, songwriter, mother and wife. Her debut novel What a Sista Should Do, was released in June of 2005, and to date has ministered to over 50,000 readers. Her second book, Farther than I Meant to Go, Longer than I Meant to Stay was a national bestseller. She is also the author of The Bishop's Daughter and In The Midst of It All, Don’t Tell a Soul, and her brand new release The Replacement Wife. Tiffany has a strong e-book following with her fun and flirty novellas, Chocolate Dreams, Lies and Alibis and A Slim Chance. Additionally, Tiffany has published ten novels for young adults under her pen name Nikki Carter. Tiffany is originally from Cleveland, but resides in northern Texas with her husband, Brent, and their five children.

Visit her online at: www.TiffanyLWarren.com, www.facebook.com/tiffanylwarren, www.twitter.com/tiffanylwarren

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

This book is about dealing with grief. My pastor is always quoting his favorite scripture in Job, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.” The main character, Quentin Chambers, experiences a tremendous amount of grief when he loses his wife to cancer and is left to raise their children alone. He isn’t coping with the loss very well, especially because his wife was so good and sweet – the love of his life. I want readers to see that it is possible to live after grief and that purpose doesn’t stop with tragedy.

What did you learn about yourself in terms of your strong points and weak points while writing this book?

I’ve never really experienced that gut wrenching grief that was ripping Quentin about. My paternal grandparents passed away years ago, but I was not close with them. I really had to dig deep on this and try to imagine Quentin’s pain. And then I grappled with how he should deal with it. I agreed with Quentin! It wasn’t fair for him to lose his wife. I had to be really prayerful about how to present his journey back to faith. I wanted it to be authentic.

Our theme for this issue, SETTING GOALS, do you have a system you use for setting goals for the year (calendars, vision boards etc.)?

No system. I just do it, honestly. I am a planner in that, I get something in my mind and I make it happen.

No vision boards, because I am a NOW kind of girl. http://sormag.com

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Do you have any advice for setting goals for writing? opportunities for us in this new literary marketplace! If an author travels to your town, The only goal I have for writing is to…finish! I am nine times out of ten it is on their own dime, so if amazed at how many writers plan a career without writing you have an hour to spare, drop in at their a book. signing or event. It'll mean the world to them!

What advice would you offer to someone whose book is about to be released?

Never get lazy with the promotions, but don’t go broke doing it! Always have promo items with you (I am HORRIBLE at this, by the way).

What advice would you offer to someone who wants to make a career of writing?

Don’t quit your day job. Seriously. I work for the federal government! One day, I will leave, but you will need resources in the beginning when you launch out.

Atlanta’s most eligible widower isn’t looking to remarry—but for one woman, that’s a mere Who was the first author you ever met? detail. . .

I think it was Cheri Paris Edwards! It was my very first book event, The Fiction Function at a church in Detroit. Five years after his beloved wife’s death, Denise Stinson, my editor at the time had brought in a lot wealthy Quentin Chambers still hasn’t returned to the church or his music ministry. Even his of authors from Walk Worthy Press. home is now devoid of music, and without his attention, Quentin’s five children are getting out What are you reading right now? of control—until his mother steps in and hires I just finished, Gather Together in my Name by Maya him a live-in nanny. Montana is pretty, compassionate, church-going, and even has a Angelou. beautiful singing voice. The children take to her How can readers get in contact with you? right away, and soon enough Quentin finds his heart opening to faith—and love—once more. www.tiffanylwarren.com, But not everyone loves Montana. . . www.facebook.com/tiffanylwarren, www.twitter.com/tiffanylwarren A “friend” of Quentin’s first wife, Chloe has been scheming to become the next Mrs. Oprah always asks, what do you know for sure?

Chambers since the funeral. Chloe is convinced she’s just one seduction away from a marriage I know that I’m supposed to be writing! It is what I was proposal. Now she’ll do whatever it takes to get placed on this earth to do. rid of Montana—including blackmail, theft—and up a troublemaking man from Montana’s Anything you'd like to say to the readers of digging past. But Chloe forgets she’s got secrets of her SORMAG? own, and the tables may turn with a twist she never sees coming. . .

Please continue to support authors. There are so few http://sormag.com

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5 Things To

Motivate Your Writing

5 Pick a writing prompt and write 4 3 Read a writing book Write a blog post about 2 why you write Let someone critique 1 your first chapter

Write every day for 100 days

http://sormag.com

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Meet SORMAG's

Kianna Alexander. I’m a wife, mother, sister, friend, and avid reader. I also write like my life depended on it, because, in a way, it does.

I've been writing since I was a shy, introverted child of about ten. My stories provided an escape from a world that sometimes seemed harsh and uncaring. When I wasn't writing, I was readingdevouring R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps and Fear Street Novels, Sweet Valley High Books, and the occasional Nancy Drew mystery. I was in high school before I discovered romance novels. I perused my mother’s untouched collection of Harlequin novels, and read the occasional clench-covered tome in the library. But at sixteen, I picked up Beverly Jenkin’s Night Song. That book changed my life, and I think that’s when the writing bug first bit me.

Cover Author

Kianna Alexander http://sormag.com

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What inspired Write The Damn Book?

Whenever people found out I'm a writer, I would always be asked the same question. After years of being asked, "How do you write a book?" I decided to answer the question in a tangible format. I came up with the title because it fits- you can't just talk about writing, you have to actually write the damn book...it's not going to write itself.

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

If you're overwhelmed by the sheer number of books available on writing, or if you're not sure where to start, then this is the book for you. It's "just the facts, ma'am," no five dollar words, no pretense. This is the straight dirt on what you need to do to write your book, direct from a multi-published author.

It's short, sweet, and gets right to the point, giving you the five most essential things you need to know as you write your first book. If you want to learn the basics, without wasting time or getting frustrated before you get your writing off the ground, then Write The Damn Book is for you!

http://sormag.com

I set out to write something that would give people the basic information they needed to write a book, with nothing extraneous. I've found that when people are new to the game and writing their first book, it's pretty easy to get overwhelmed because there is so much information out there. Some of the information is too focused for a beginner, such as a whole book that only covers how to write a sentence. Other times books are so filled with information, a new writer can barely lift them off the shelf. I'd like readers to take away the sense that writing a book is something that can be done, if you're willing to put in the work. It's not an insurmountable task.

Tell us about your newest romance.

Loving the Lawman is the third book in my Roses of Ridgeway series. These books are sweet historical romances, set in the fictional town of Ridgeway, California in the late 19th century.

In this book, Sheriff Noah Rogers decides to pursue the town darling, Valerie Ridgeway. Valerie is the granddaughter of the town's founder, and not a man in town has been able to penetrate her icy exterior. Noah isn't put off by her demeanor, because he can sense the vulnerability she possesses beneath it. Just as they begin to court, though, a string of crimes in the small, close knit town threaten both their safety and their budding relationship.

What aspect of writing romances do you love the best, and which do you hate the most?

I love that romance holds the promise of a happy ending. Life often doesn't go the way we'd like it to, so it's comforting to know that the hero and heroine will get together in the end, no matter what. What I hate about writing romance is that there are not more diverse titles being published by the big houses, outside of their "ethnic" lines. It's 2014, and I think it's time to let quality writing take precedent over race.

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COVER AUTHOR

What three books must a romance writer have in their library?

Novelist's Boot Camp by Todd Stone- I think this is a must for any fiction writer. I refer to this book so often, it's full of highlights and bookmarks.

On Writing Romance by Leigh Micheals- I can't think Hot MAMA Land Fly Hat Society Luncheon of another book that breaks down the romance novel Saturday, June 7, 2014 into such easily understandable bits.

11:30AM- 4PM Holiday Inn RDU Become A Successful Author by Deatri-King-Bey: 930 Airport Blvd.

Another title that is a treasure trove of information, any Morrisville, NC 27560 writer can use this. Get it in print because you will refer Tickets: $40 to it often.

The Hot MAMA Land Fly Hat Society What advice would you offer to someone writing Luncheon will be in it's second year in 2014! I their first romance? am so very excited about this event.

Read widely in the genre. That will give you a pretty I've assembled a great group of sistah writers, all good understanding of the kinds of stories readers from the Mid-Atlantic area. expect. Familiarize yourself with the elements that The Hot MAMA's are me, Angie Daniels, make up a romance (hero/heroine, "the force," Altonya Washington, Bridget Midway, Cheris character and story arcs, etc.) Also, consider attending Hodges, Denise Jeffries, Iris Bolling, Loretta a meeting of your local Romance Writers of America Walls, and Yvette Hines. chapter. Chapters can be a hit or miss experience- in some areas you'll find a group you like, and in others This year, we'll be inducting our 10th Hot there won't be a group you mesh with. Some areas, MAMA into the group, and attendees will be the especially the more remote ones, don't have chapters at to know her identity! all. There are also a few RWA chapters that exist solely There will first also be giveaways, a delicious buffet online. If and when you find a good chapter, though, lunch, and exclusive peeks, such as a look they are an invaluable resource for craft, industry news, at the upcoming Hotsneak MAMA connected series, and encouragement.

Smoldering Heights.

The event is limited to 35 attendees so don't What do you love and hate about self-publishing? delay in getting your tickets.

I love the control self-publishing offers. I have complete authority over every step of the process.

What I hate is the cost and effort I have to take on in producing and promoting my books. Being the one who has to do it all can sometimes be overwhelming.

What advice would you offer someone interested in publishing their own book.

Make sure the book is ready before you publish it. Have it beta-read by someone who can give their honest opinions on it- an acquaintance who won't simply say it's good because they know you. Don't rust the process, because there are already a lot of books out there that aren't edited or are of otherwise low quality. And don't think writing a book is a going to make you wealthy- you've got a better shot with a stack of lottery tickets. http://sormag.com

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Five questions about your books:

Which five characters (from your books) would you invite over for dinner and why?

Lalah Norris (heroine, Darkness Rising): She's a panther shifter, and that was my high school mascot. I like her moxie- she was thrown into a pretty strange and dangerous world, but she managed to make it all work out.

Junjie Yu (hero, Darkness Rising): A Chinese man living in a country that wants to typecast him.

He is not at all in line with the "Asian stereotypes-" he practices the Carribean martial art of Capoeria, works a blue collar job, and has a muscular build. Oh, and he's also a shape-shifter. ;) Lilly Warren (heroine, Kissing the Captain): Lilly is very forward thinking and independent, especially for a woman of her time- the late 19th century. She made her hero, Ricardo, change his way of thinking about women on the whole, which was a pretty impressive feat.

Ricardo Benigno (hero, Kissing the Captain): A dashing Spanish sea captain I based of the actor William Levy. If you don't know who he is, type his name into an internet image search, and you will see why I'd want Ricardo over for dinner! (smile) Miss Deidra LaRue (heroine, Love's Lasso- coming later this year): Readers may know her as the no-nonsense madam in Freedom's Embrace, but in Love's Lasso, she gets her own story. She's a pistol-packing, plain-spoken woman with a kind heart, who genuinely cares for the women who work for her. Her mannerisms are based off of those of two of my husband's aunts.

If you could be a character from your books, who would you be?

I would probably be Tatiana Yates, the tigress shifter heroine of my paranormal book, Embrace the Night. I can think of many instances in which having super-human strength, along with the ability to turn into a tiger, could be helpful. For example, anyone who tried to snatch my purse would immediately regret it.

Which book made you cry?

As I was writing Skye's the Limit, I had to write a scene in which one of the three couples in the book is informed of a miscarriage.

At the time, I was childless, and looking forward to having a family of my own, so this scene was very difficult to write- I cried for my characters' profound loss.

Which book made you laugh?

Actually, I have laughed at some point while writing all of my books. Humor is part of my voice (or at least I like to think so), and I inject a bit of it into everything I write. Life's rough- we could all use a bit of humor here and there. http://sormag.com

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Which book was the hardest to write?

Skye's the Limit was the hardest to write, because it was my first book. In many ways I was flying by the seat of my pantyhose. I had no idea what I was doing- this was ten years ago. I was a newlywed, working and just beginning to discover who I was as a woman. I wrote several versions of the book, the first written in 2004 while I spent the winter at my cousin's home in Virginia. The book went through at least eight revisions before it was finally published in 2009. It was a long process, and very tedious, but I'm grateful for it, because the experience was invaluable. There are some things you must learn by doing, and that book taught me how to write, my way, in my voice.

What’s your writing day like?

It varies a lot, since I have small children. Typically I'm up between 5:00 and 6:30AM. I work for about an hour or two, stop to get my son off to the school bus, then return to work another hour or so, until my daughter wakes up. After that it's kind of a crap shoot getting back to my desk- she's three years old and constantly wants my attention. When my husband is home, I can get good four hours during the day to write while he entertains her. I usually can get in another two hours of writing/promotion while she's napping, then another couple of hours in the evening after dinner. Sometimes my husband takes care of the kids so I can go to Starbucks and snag a table for 2-3 hours.

What’s playing on your CD while you’re writing?

Mainly smooth jazz. I also listen to a lot of R&B, like Mint Condition, Ledisi, and Frankie Beverly and Maze.

Have you ever consider writing in another genre other than romance/women fiction (what genre if so)?

Yes, I've thought about going back to mystery/thrillers. Technically my first book, Skye's the Limit, was a mystery. I'd also like to write some children's books, as well as nonfiction. I already have a humorous essay collection called "In the Trenches of Motherhood," written under the pen name Miss MayToo. Our theme for this issue,SETTING GOALS, do you have a system you use for setting goals for the year (calendars, vision boards etc.)?

At the end of the year, I sit down and determine what I want to release the following year, and put all the release dates into a calendar (yes, on paper.) Then, I determine when certain parts of the process need to be completed, and put all those on the calendar as well. I do my level best to stick to it- this year, I have ten releases planned, and so far, I'm right on schedule.

When I'm actually writing a book, I sometimes use a Pinterest board to pin things related to the story. I also occasionally go the old school route and make a collage with glue and pictures I've cut from magazines, and hang it near my desk. http://sormag.com

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Writing is my career, and I take it very seriously. So I have goals for every aspect- how many books I want to sell per month, how much I want to make in profit, how much I will put toward marketing and promotion, and what events I will attend. I try to structure everything with this in mind: writing time takes precedent over all else, because without the books, I have no career.

What three authors inspire you?

Beverly Jenkins: I admired her work ever since I read Night Song back in the 90s. I met her at RSJ in 2008, and was so starstruck I pretty much tailed her around the hotel. Years later, I'm proud to call her my friend and mentor.

Last year in July, one of my dreams came true when I got to sign my books with her at the historic Shrine of the Black Madonna bookstore in Atlanta.

She invited me to sign with her, and I was so excited I screamed and hollered and acted a fool :) Now, I call on her when I'm stuck with a scene, need research tips, or just need a listening ear and sage life advice. I love her dearly- anyone who knows her will tell you what a sweet, incredibly wise person she is.

Iris Bolling: Another good friend of mine. I met her at RSJ in 2011- it was in Baltimore that year. I had heard so much about the Heart series I just had to meet her, and she was ever so kind. In 2012, at the RSJ in Little Rock, I got the idea to start my author group, Hot MAMA- (Multicultural Authors of the MidAtlantic). Iris was one of the first people I thought of- I knew she was from Virginia. Now that the books have been turned into a television series, I see the full measure of her dedication to her work, and how much it touches readers. What's great about Iris is that she remains humble, despite all her success, which was hard won since she is a self-published author. I find her humility and sweet nature delightful, and her accomplishments make me dream big in regards to my own work.

Melissa Harris-Perry: Melissa is far more than an author, she is also a professor of political science at Tulane, and a television show host (The Melissa Harris-Perry Show, MSNBC). Her book, Sister Citizen, is a gripping, thought provoking look at how black women's lives relate to the American political climate. I watch her show regularly, and am always struck by her cool, professional manner and the way she illuminates causes important to African Americans, particularly women. I consider her a champion and a great role model for little Black girls- every day she crushes stereotypes that seek to define Black women by narrow, outdated, and downright untrue standards.

Besides the Bible, which book have you read more than once?

There are quite a few of Beverly Jenkins' books I reread over and over, including Night Song, Topaz, and Through the Storm. I return to Novelist's Boot Camp by Todd Stone pretty much anytime I begin a new project. I have also read and re-read several books by James Patterson. The rest of the books I re-read are non-fiction, mainly historical research sources.

What is the best lesson you have learned from another writer?

Beverly Jenkins told me to write scenes as they came to me, even if that meant writing them out of order.

That advice has saved me a lot of time and stress, as I sometimes hear bits and pieces of dialogue from http://sormag.com

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different scenes, or see the ending of the book playing out in my head before I even start to write.

Sweet historical romance

Kissing the Captain: In 1879 California, Lilly Warren has just lost her father when she learns that his will left her a husband. Even though she's never met Captain Ricardo Benigno, she must marry don't him, or give up her family land.

How important is social media to you as writer?

It's extremely important. In this day and age I think there's a way around it. For me, it's not just about selling books (though it would be disingenuous The Preacher's Paramour: In 1881 California, Prudence Emerson to say sales aren't a factor). What matters to me is must choose between her dreams of going to Oberlin, and her connecting with my readers, who are the lifeblood ofbudding love for the new preacher, Rev. Derrick Chase. my career. I love my readers, because they see my vision, and by purchasing and supporting my work, Contemporary paranormal romance, sensual they allow me to continue to do what I love. I will always make time for them. The other benefit of social media is networking- I've made important Darkness Rising: Lalah Norris has always hidden her panther connections with industry professionals and other shifting abilities, until the night she is kidnapped...twice. Her rescuer, writers online. Social media also keeps me connected Shanghai native Junjie Yu, turns out to be much more than she bargained for. with my writer buddies who live in other states.

How can readers get in contact with you?

My website : www.AuthorKiannaAlexander.com Facebook.com/KiannaWrites Twitter.com/KiannaWrites Pinterest.com/KiannaWrites Snail Mail: Kianna Alexander P.O. Box 546 Wade, NC 28395-9019

Embrace the Night: Tatiana Yates owns her own beauty shop, and is also a lieutenant in PHOENIX, a covert crime-fighting organization.

When John Yates, a history professor and telekinetic, is assigned to her command, sparks and weapons fly.

Midnight's Serenade: Dr. Le'Kisha Byrd is a brilliant scientist, whose latest discovery has put her in grave danger. Even her powers as a succubus are not enough to protect her, so the Italian sorcerer Marcello Spirelli is assigned as her bodyguard. Their attraction is immediate, and volatile.

Oprah always asks, what do you know for sure?

That life is finite, so I have to follow my dream, shower love on my friends and family, and cast fear aside.

Anything you'd like to say to the readers of SORMAG? Readers, remember your power. If there is something about the publishing industry you don't like, change it. if you don't see enough books by authors of color on display at the front of your local bookstore, talk to the management or owner. Want to see more authors of color speak and sign books in your area? Call or email your local librarians, cultural centers, and arts councils. Let television networks and movie studios know you demand more positive images of people of color, and that some of those images can easily be found in our literature. If enough people demand something, the powers that be will have no choice but to respond. Also, I'd like to thank you so much for your support :)

http://sormag.com

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Simple Promotions Tips to Promote Online

1 2 3 4 5

Create an online media kit Create A Face Book Group Invite your readers

Invite readers to your mailing list Create an influencer list Create a character pinterest page http://sormag.com

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NEXT ISSUE SUMMER ONLINE BOOK CLUBS June 7th http://www.colorful-covers.com/

Would you like to write for SORMAG Digital? http://sormag.com/guidelines.htm Be interviewed by SORMAG Digital 1sormag@gmail.com Promote your books in SORMAG Digital http://sormag.com/advertise.htm