SORMAG Digital - Summer 14 - Online Book Clubs

SORMAG Shades Of Romance - Multi-Cultural Literary Magazine

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DIGITAL

Say What??

Book Club

ROMANCE AUTHOR Sylvie Fox

ROMANCE AUTHOR Sheryle Lister

SORMAG'S Ereader Book Club

ROMANCE AUTHOR Candace Shaw

Building Relationships Around Books Book Club

Club of Choice

ROMANCE AUTHOR Lindsay Evans

Black Romance And Women’s Fiction Book Club

Bestselling Author Brenda Jackson ONLINE BOOK CLUBS SUMMER 2014

Volume 3 Issue 2

SORMAG Shades of Romance Magazine

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DIGITAL

http://sormag.blogspot.com IN EVERY ISSUE

SUMMER 2014 - ONLINE BOOK CLUBS

Note From The Editor - 5

In This Issue:

5 Things To Motivate Your Writing - 11 Simple Promotions - 17 5 Things To Do This Spring - 30

Summer Reads - 4

CONTRIBUTORS

Romance Authors

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

Ads In This Issue 2 The Motherhood Diaries 2 4 Magnolia Drive The Colors of Friendship The Color of Love True Color 10 Between Me And You Falling In The Deep

19 The Lawyers Luck The Preacher's Promise 30 Simple Said Reading Accessories

Lindsay Evans - 6 Sylvie Fox- 8 Sheryl Lister - 12 Candance Shaw - 14 Article - 18 Club of Choice by Dr. Linda Beed Online Book Clubs

31 Your Pr Assistant

BRAB- Building Relationships Around Books - 20 Black Romance And Women's Fiction - 22

Virtual Last Wishes Back cover

Pictures in this issue: nito500 - 123RF Stock Photo - 4

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Cover Author - 27 Brenda Jackson

SORMAG's Ereader Book club - 23 Say What?? Bookclub - 25

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SUMMER READS

Note From The Editor I will admit I am a summer girl. I like the warm weather. I love putting my hair in my big puff. I like wearing my wedges and feeling 6ft tall. Yes I’m a summer girl and this summer I have big plans.

Books LaShaunda Is Reading

This year I was selected for a 2014 Black Pearls Magazine Literary Excellence Award and I’m heading to Atlanta to receive my award at the Chocolate Social hosted by Ella Curry.

Both sides of my family are having family reunions this summer and I look forward to seeing my cousins and inlaws. I planted some flower this spring and I can't wait to see how they will bloom. I'm working on a historical that's been sitting in my closet and I'm thinking about taking a swim lesson.

For me one of the best parts of the summer is all the reading I do. This is my time to catch up on my books to read pile on those few vacations days. I can never go wrong with a Brenda Jackson book.

This issue I’m excited to introduce you to an author I’ve admired for many years. Brenda Jackson is what every romance writer aspires to be. She has made best selling lists, has readers who love her and has seen her book turned into a movie. I hope you enjoy meeting her.

Are you looking for a book club to join? Have you considered an online book club? This issue features four clubs who love reading and are looking for new members.

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

Calendar

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See ya on the net,

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LaShaunda C. Hoffman Editor/Publisher of SORMAG http://sormag.com

Letters To the Editor 1sormag@gmail.com

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Lindsay Evans Lindsay Evans is a writer, lover of food, and avid tea drinker. She's been reading romances since she was a very young girl and feels magically lucky that she now gets to write her own love stories.

Her first novel, PLEASURE UNDER THE SUN, was released

by Harlequin Kimani in January 2014.

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

I want readers to find pleasure and a beautiful escape in my book. Its overall theme, aside from love being possible for us all, is that we should learn from the past but not let it define us.

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

I learned that I can actually write quickly, a plus. But I also have a bad habit of getting attached to my characters. So much so that I don't want the book to end. I'm slowly learning to let go.

Our theme for this issue, Online Book Clubs, do you have any online book clubs you like working with?

I don't have any at the moment. My book just came out this year so I'm open to making connections of all kinds. I'd absolutely love to work with some online book clubs.

Do you have any advice for setting goals for writing?

Don't set unrealistic goals for yourself. Set the ones that are manageable so you can celebrate your http://sormag.com

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accomplishments versus being sorry about not measuring up.

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

I wish someone had that advice for me right now :-). But what I have to offer is: It's never too early to start promoting your book. Tell everyone who will listen about your baby.

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

Finish your book. Send it out. Never give up!

Who was the first author you ever met?

Alice Walker. She signed my old copy of In Love and Trouble. That was such an amazing day!

What are you reading right now?

The Kingdom of Gods by N.K. Jemisin. It's a wonderful book, the third in a fantasy trilogy featuring people of color.

How can readers get in contact with you?

LindsayEvansXOX@gmail.com or www.LindsayEvansWrites.com Oprah always asks, what do you know for sure?

I know that I love writing as a career and want to succeed at it.

They meet at an invitation-only party in Miami. Desire instantly ignites. Financial advisor Bailey Hughes knows better than to get involved with Jamaican playboy, Seven Carmichael. But the gorgeous, world-renowned sculptor refuses to take no for an answer. And soon Bailey finds herself aboard a private yacht enjoying days and nights of pleasure beyond her hottest fantasies.

The moment he saw her, Seven was obsessed. From Key West to an intimate Jamaican paradise, he's embarked on a campaign of seduction to make Bailey his. With a passion the wary businesswoman can't resist, he's breaking down all her defenses. What will it take to win what he wants and needs most—Bailey's carefully guarded heart? http://sormag.com

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Sylvie Fox a Brooklyn native, lives in Los Angeles, California with her husband, son, and a handful of pet rescues. She's the author of The Good Enough Husband, a multicultural romance, and books in the L.A. Nights Series. When she’s not in LA, she’s eating her way through Budapest.

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

What I'd like readers to take away from The Good Enough Husband is that each and every person should have the space to make their own life choices and decisions.

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

For someone whose book (whether the first or the fiftieth) is about to be released is: write the next book.

Building a career happens one book at a time.

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

If a writer wants to make a career of writing, I have only one piece of advice: write. The most successful writers I know write, submit, publish, and repeat. Persistence, and attention to craft wins the day in this field.

What are you reading now?

Right now, I'm reading Murder in Thrall by Anne Cleeland. I was talking to her at a local writers meeting a couple of weeks ago, mentioned I loved English detective stories. She sent me hers. http://sormag.com

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Who was the first author you ever met?

I can't remember the first author I ever met, actually. I've been involved in my local Romance Writers of America chapters for more than five years, and meet and socialize with writers nearly every month. It's a joy to be surrounded by so many creative people.

Oprah always asks, what do you know for sure?

The one thing I know for sure, is that I believe wholeheartedly people should pursue their dreams, earlier, rather than later.

How can readers get in contact with you?

I love to talk to readers, they can e-mail me at sylvie@sylviefox.com, contact me through my website, www.sylviefox.com, or find me on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSylvieFox), Twitter (https://twitter.com/sylviefoxbooks), or Pinterest (http://www.pinterest.com/sylviefox/).

What happens when the wedding isn’t the end of the fairy tale, but the beginning of the story?

Some women marry one man, wondering about the others they’ve forsaken.

The heroine in The Good Enough Husband never thinks about it until the perfect man walks into her life.

Whether to forsake her vows or chase her dreams is a dilemma she’d never imagined.

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5 Things To

Motivate Your Writing

5 4 3 Start an idea journal Write down your writing dreams 2 Write a poem about how you feel 1 Rewrite the first chapter of your favorite book Sit under a tree and read for an hour

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

I hope readers are able to connect with the characters and come away with a satisfying reading experience.

Our theme for this issue, Online Book Clubs, do you have any online book clubs you like working with?

Currently, I am working with only one online book club, Building Relationships Around Books (BRAB). I can truly say I’ve been adopted into a wonderful family.

Do you have any advice for setting goals for writing?

Set realistic goals and understand you may not be able to write the same number of words each day. If writing 500 words is all you can manage, do that.

Don’t worry if someone else is writing 3,000 a day.

The goal is to write every day. However, sometimes life happens and there will be days you can’t write.

Just regroup and get back to it.

Sheryl Lister has enjoyed reading and writing for as long as she can remember.

After putting writing on the back burner for several years, she became serious about her craft in 2009. She writes What advice would you offer to someone whose contemporary and inspirational romance and romantic suspense. When she’s not book is about to be released? reading, writing or playing chauffeur, Promote early and often. Connect with book clubs, Sheryl can be found on a date with her social media and local venues. Also run contests or husband or in the kitchen creating hold giveaways. The thing to remember is promote appetizers and bite-sized desserts. Sheryl resides in California and is a wife, at a level that is comfortable for you. mother of three and pediatric occupational therapist.

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

Learn the craft of writing and join professional writer’s organizations. Understand that writing is hard work and you will have to be committed.

Chances are you won’t become an overnight success, so prepare for the journey. Most importantly, write and finish the book. http://sormag.com

Sheryl Lister

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Gentle and compassionate teacher Janae Simms isn’t looking for love-her heart has been broken one too many times, and she doesn’t intend to relive that kind of pain. So when her best friend convinces her to let loose and attend a concert featuring R & B sensation Monte, all Janae expects is an evening of music and fun. But as soon as she hears his smooth, honeyed voice and they share a moment together backstage, Janae fears her heart is in danger once again.

Terrence “Monte” Campbell has been hurt by women seeking his wealth and celebrity instead of the man he truly is. So music is his only passion, until he meets Janae. He struggles to maintain emotional distance, but her tender sensuality and caring ways tempt Terrence as no other before. And one sizzling night, they both give in to their desires and explore all of the erotic promises between them. Is Janae really the one for Terrence, or just another disappointment waiting to happen? Can he finally let go of the past and embrace the idea of their loving future?

Who was the first author you ever met?

I met Beverly Jenkins at a book signing. Can I just say…fangirl moment! She’s warm, gracious and has a great sense of humor.

What are you reading right now?

I’ve been under a few deadlines so my ‘to be read’ pile has really grown. I’m trying to catch up on some of my fellow Kimani authors, Phyllis Bourne, Farrah Rochon, Sharon Cooper and Candace Shaw, to name a few off the top of my head. I’ll also be reading books by Beverly Jenkins, Keith Kareem Williams and Keith Thomas Walker.

How can readers get in contact with you?

Email: sheryllister@gmail.com Facebook: Author Sheryl Lister

Twitter: @1slynne Website: www.sheryllister.com

Oprah always asks, what do you know for sure?

I would be nothing without God, and the love and support of my family.

Anything you'd like to say to the readers of SORMAG? First, I’d like to thank LaShaunda Hoffman for this opportunity. To the SORMAG community, thank you for supporting us as authors. Without you, there would be no us. I’d love to communicate with you. Feel free to send me an email or look me up on Facebook. http://sormag.com

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Campaign of seduction Co-owner of an up-and-coming interior decorating firm, Megan Chase loves being a single woman on the fast track to success. But everything changes when a flat tire brings Georgia senator Steven Monroe into her life. The sinfully sexy politician needs the right woman to clean up his image. And with Megan's fine eye for detail, she just may be the woman for the job.

Steven's reputation as a player could cost him his chance at a U.S. senate seat. But when the cameras catch him and Megan in a kiss that's all too real, it's not only his future candidacy in jeopardy. As the lines between politics and desire begin to blur, how much will he risk to transform their passionate pretense into a landslide for love?

Candace Shaw Born and raised under the sunny skies and the whitest beaches in northwest Florida, Candace Shaw knew she wanted to become a writer after she read Little Women in fourth grade. After graduating from the University ofWest Florida with a degree in Elementary Education, Candace began teaching and put her dream of becoming a writer on hold until one summer vacation she started writing again and hasn’t stopped.

When Candace is not writing or researching information for a book, she's reading, shopping, learning how to cook a new dish or spending time with her loving husband and their loyal, overprotective weimaraner, Ali. She is currently working on her next fun, flirty, and sexy romance novel. http://sormag.com

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

As far as my weak points, I used a lot of repetitious words such as however, sexy and beautiful. It’s actually one of my bad habits in general I have when writing any book. Luckily, my critique partner pointed those out for me during my editing process before sending it to my editor at Harlequin Kimani.

Another weak point is trying to stick to the guidelines of the traditional publisher. I’ve self-published four books, so I write freely not worrying about whether or not an editor will delete something or change it because I have full creative control. However, when writing the Kimani, I kept second-guessing myself and changing things that I thought definitely wouldn’t fly. I was quite happy during the final editing process because some of the things I thought would be deleted weren’t. As far as my strong points while writing Her Perfect Candidate, I tried to make the hero and heroine relatable to the readers. Sure it’s supposed to be a fantasy world with millionaire heroes, private jets and shopping sprees in Manhattan, but I still wanted to create characters with real life issues and situations that the readers can relate to.

Our theme for this issue, Online Book Clubs, do you have any online book clubs you like working with?

Yes, I belong to several Online Book Clubs. My favorite is Building Relationships Around Books (BRAB) which is a book club on Facebook. The founders of the group, Sharon Blount and Prissy Parker, along with the other readers are so supportive of authors. They have book chats, writer awards, contests and set promotion days for authors. I really felt welcomed a few years ago when I joined and mentioned my first book Cooking Up Love. As a new author with a self-published book, I honestly didn’t know what to expect, and it was awesome when the readers would actually contact me and write positive reviews about my book. My book sales went up! I recently won the Best New Author award for 2013 from BRAB and that was truly an honor.

Do you have any advice for setting goals for writing?

Decide on a schedule and daily word count that is comfortable for you. Don’t pick an outrageous number of words to write that is out of your comfort zone. If you aren’t able to write on a certain day because life does happen or you have writer’s block, open the manuscript anyway if only for thirty minutes. Read over what you’ve already written. I usually find things to change or add therefore making some progress on the book for that day.

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

Promote. Promote everywhere you can. Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinetrest, and all the other social media sites that you belong to. There are also websites where you can buy ads which you can link to your website or your Amazon page. Romance Novels in Color, Shades of Romance Magazine and The Romance Studio are some that I’ve used that are reasonably price. Join Facebook groups geared toward readers and introduce yourself. On the set promotion days, show off the book cover with the blurb or a

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short excerpt along with your website address.

Make sure it’s presentable and have an excerpt or two for the book on the website or perhaps a blog post letting readers know how you conceived the idea for book. I usually have the first chapter and a sexy excerpt available for readers to enjoy before the book comes out.

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

Join a local writer’s club in your city that is geared toward the genre in which you write. They offer in-person and online workshops plus conferences. You’ll learn a wealth of knowledge about the process, how to write a synopsis, how to plot your book, character development as well as the publishing industry in general whether it’s self-publishing or traditional. You’ll also meet authors that are in the same boat as you or successful, best-selling authors who don’t mind showing you the ropes. I belong to Georgia Romance Writers a chapter of Romance Writers of America. I had the pleasure of meeting Carla Fredd and Carmen Green who read the first twenty-five pages of Her Perfect Candidate for me when it was in its rough stages. They offered very valuable advice about how to improve my manuscript and writing in general. Thanks to Trish Milburn, I know how to effectively pitch a novel to an editor under three minutes and thanks to Seressia Glass and Alicia McCalla, I know the difference between Urban Fantasy, Paranormal and Sci Fi books. My point is you’ll meet wonderful authors who are willing to help aspiring and new authors succeed. Oh and one of the most important aspects of joining a writer’s group is finding critique partners that you trust.

And I trust mine with all my heart. Authors Sharon C. Cooper and Delaney Diamond are honest and quite direct. We bounce ideas off of each, rant when we need to and inspire each other to succeed and push forward even when we’re frustrated. http://sormag.com

What are you reading right now?

Because I’m on a deadline right now for two books, I’m not reading anything at the moment unless it’s something for one of my critique partners. I have a rule that during crunch time I don’t read other books.

I have before and forgot about writing my own book for about a week. I’m a reader first, and I can easily become lost in a book or an entire series. However, my favorite types of books to read are contemporary romance, chick lit, historical, urban fantasy and paranormal. Some of my favorite authors are Walter Mosley, LA Banks, Maureen Smith and Beverly Jenkins.

How can readers get in contact with you?

Email:Candace.Shaw@aol.com Website: http://candaceshaw.net/ Twitter:https://twitter.com/Candace_Shaw Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCandaceShaw Oprah always asks, what do you know for sure?

That God and my husband love me.

Anything you'd like to say to the readers of SORMAG? I sincerely hope you’ve learned a little about me today and will check out my fun, flirty, and sexy romance novels. For excerpts and chapter 1 of each book, stop by my website. Her Perfect Candidate will be released on June 1, 2014. I hope you check it out!

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Simple Promotions Tips to Promote Online

1 Share your writing journey Sign up to Canva.com and 2 create your own graphics Host a summer contest 3 Find 5 online radio shows 4 and book an interview Schedule your weekly 5 post on your social media http://sormag.com

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Club of Choice In 1726 Benjamin Franklin formed the Junto, a club to discuss and to debate the content of literary works. Likewise, the Cadmus Club of Galesburg, Illinois formed in 1895 for the purpose of book discussion and fellowship.

Over the years physical book clubs have continued to grow in popularity. In the late twentieth century the notable way to accessing new authors became Oprah’s televised club and online book clubs. The retirement of the Oprah Winfrey show brought to a halt the instant notoriety of the club’s selection. In contrast, the enormity of the online book club continues to grow.

That growth is primarily rooted in two options.

The first is not a book club in the sense of coming together to discuss the merits of a commonly selected book. They are organizations that promote the mail-order sale of books. These organizations have become the mainstay of those without the time or desire to attend a traditional book club. From the comfort of home millions have become members of some type of ‘Book-of-the-Month Club’.

Through them millions of copies of preferred books are sold annually. The contributing factor to this statistic has been the offering of low cost for hardback books. Although these organizations make it easy to enroll, like all things, read the fine print to be sure you understand what you’re signing up for.

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Likewise, one should know the rules of operation as it pertains to joining a ‘read and discuss’ online book club. There are a myriad of offerings. The key to your longevity within it rests on it being the right fit for your taste in books and lifestyle. Selecting a club with your preferred elements in place also helps to build the strength of what the club hopes to achieve—interaction. Like the aforementioned ‘for sale’ clubs, they are only as strong as those who support them.

Most moderators will agree. A majority of them started their online club for the love of books, discussing them and other literary events. Having non-participating members, can often be a deterrent for possible new member and those who joined in hopes of interacting with more than one or two dedicated members.

One book club member I interviewed stated that she joined an online club because she couldn’t find a physical one in her area, or one that met on days she was available. “I work ten hour days and commute forty-five minutes each way. After picking up my

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children, helping with homework and cooking, my extra time is almost nonexistent. By joining the online club I can send my thoughts of the chosen book from the comfort of my bed.”

Her response is not unlike others I interviewed. My survey of ten online book club members yielded their decision to join a virtual club: • • • • • •

Interest in genre Author chats Interaction from home or away on electronic devices Moderator expertise Active debates Contests

COMING SOON In the end, online book club membership is what you make of it. You get to choose which one(s) and how you will participate. Online book clubs are a growing demographic with options of how you purchase or borrow your book. It is also one with its conveniences and challenges. One interviewee summed it up this way. “With the constant changes being made in how we read and how we receive what we read. Whatever the method I want to be able to get it and share it with the book club of my choice.

Dr. Linda F. Beed is an author, educator, speaker and performing artist. Visit her online at: www.lindabeed.com and www.letsbeargoodfruit.blogspot.com

The story of the love that started a proud college tradition New in Inspirational Historical Romance- By Two-Time Golden Heart© Nominee Piper Huguley

Available on Amazon, Nook, Kobo, Google play and iTunes http://sormag.com

Coming July 1, 2014 Coming July 31, 2014 The love between First she stole his horse, then she stole strangers started it all…. his heart….

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Tell us about your book club?

Building Relationships Around Books is more than just a book club, it is family. Every day I look forward to meeting with the family and talking about some of our favorite fictional characters. We are so serious about our favorite book heroes, even heard one lady had a baby by a fictional character ( LOL) For the next step for B.R.A.B. I would love to start a physical chapters in different locations. I feel I can reach more people that way.

Why was it created?

BRAB stands for Building Relationships Around Books. I decided to start a book club on Facebook in 2009 to find other readers who shared the same passion for reading. I wanted to have discussions, as well as tons of interaction with some of my favorite authors. I was reading so much but had nobody to talk to about the books I was enjoying. I thought this was a great way to reach more people being online. BRAB has grown so much over the last couple of years I now have two other ladies who help me run the book club Prissy Parker and Denise Stokes are my book partners and admins.

What genres does your book club read?

We primarily read AA romance & women's lit books, but we are readers who like other genres also.

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Do you let writers participate with your book club?

We encourage authors to participate with us In B.R.A.B. I love seeing authors chime in on some of the subjects we discuss about in the group. It can get really lively in there at times. With authors giving us their perspective on a certain subject helps us readers to better understand the way things are. If an author want to join all they have to do in join us on Facebook.

What advice would you offer to writers who want to work with book clubs?

Hmmmmmmmmmm are you sure you want to know my advice some may not be ready lol. Here is goes… I would suggest first find the correct book clubs to connect with. It’s painful watching some authors trying to come into a group where they don't have the audience of readers. This could lead to some authors feeling discouraged. Also, writers when you do find the correct book clubs please do more than post you have book out and leave and never be heard from again until you want to post again or another book comes out readers are smart at times find it annoying their are so many book and writers out that if you want your story to get out there and be read you need to interact with your readers now a days it take more than a well written book to be able to make a sale. Finally, writers, you do not have to be in 900 different groups to get the word out there. Find a couple of good supportive book clubs ( whatever number of book club you feel is enough for you ) that works for you and you will find how much that will work for you.. Honestly how active can you be in that many book clubs? You will short change yourself with being a post and run author that nobody pays attention too.

How can readers learn more about your book club?

Thank you for asking. You can find us on Facebook “Building Relationships Around Books” that's where we have daily interaction and fun activities or you can visit us at brabonline.net. You can learn more about our up coming book event called “The Readers Retreat A Southern Affair" held on October 10th - 12 ,2014 Atlanta featuring some great authors such as Rochelle Alers, Keith Thomas Walker, Kr Bankston, Deborah Mello, Maureen Smith, Altonya Washington, Sienna Mynx, Angie Daniels, Iris Bolling , Delaney Diamond, M.J Kane, Keith K Williams. or you can go too http://brabonline.ticketleap.com/a-readers-retreats-asouthern-affair/

I am Sharon L Blount The President of Building Relationships Around Books, I am from Oakland, California. I am a medical assistant and mother to a beautiful son who has truly taught me the meaning of love. I have not always been an avid reader because of my learning disability. Dyslexia made reading difficult for me to enjoy. I became true avid reader once I picked up my first African American romance novel by Rochelle Alers; I have not stopped since then. Along the way, I found out that I am a sucker for romance. I love happy endings and I love the fact that love can conquer all. I also enjoy different genres such as suspense, mystery, and true crime.

I have a dream of one day writing my own books. http://sormag.com

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ONLINE BOOK CLUBS Tell us about your book club?

I started the Black Romance and Women’s Fiction book club in August 2007 after I moved from Chicago to Phoenix Arizona. I’d missed my book club and couldn’t find one in my area with members who read the type of books I like, so I started an online bookclub on Shelfari. Though we mainly read Black romance and women’s fiction, many of us read across genres.

Do you let writers participate with your book club?

Our club caters to readers, but we allow authors to join the book club. Many authors are readers also, so it works out nicely. When I moved the group over to Facebook two years ago, I was worried that authors would join and basically turn the book club into a billboard. To prevent this, we have guidelines that everyone follows or they are removed from the group.

What advice would you offer to writers who want to work with book clubs?

Find book clubs that fit your genre and see what their specifications are for book discussions, then follow them. If you join an online book club, be respectful of the book club. The members are there to read and discuss books, not be bombarded by promos. Join a group or two (that reads your genre) and actually participate in them instead of joining a bunch of groups and doing promo blitzkriegs. Always follow the guidelines of the groups.

How can readers learn more about your book club?

We are located at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BlackRomanceAndWomensFiction/ Our next group discussion read is Her Perfect Candidate by Candace Shaw on July 19, but we discuss books every day. The group guidelines are in the about section of the Facebook group page. You can also email me through my website, which is listed below.

Deatri King-Bey began in the publishing industry in 2001 as an editor for Third World Press Inc., the oldest African-American owned publishing company in the country. Though she supported the non-fiction and literary mission of Third World Press Inc., she found commercial fiction more to her liking. On the fiction side of developmental editing, she freelanced for several publishing houses over the years and has edited for authors such as L. A. Banks, Beverly Jenkins and a host of others. Deatri is also multi-award winning author of Black romance and women’s fiction. Her latest honor was for the 2014 Emma Award for Heroine of the Year. She also writes dangerously-sexy suspense with Curtis L. Alcutt under the pseudonym L. L Reaper.

Visit Deatri online at http://deatrikingbey.com http://sormag.com

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ONLINE BOOK CLUBS

Tell us about your book club?

SORMAG E-reader Book club is an online book club for readers who enjoy a good book on their electronic device. We select a book to read each month and we discussed it at the end of the month.

Why was it created?

I created the book club in 2010 because I missed talking with other readers about books. I’ve never belong to an offline book club only to online ones, so I was familiar with how they work. I set up one on Facebook groups and sent out an invite to my Facebook friends.

What genres does your book club read?

We are open right now. We don’t have a set genre we read, a little bit of everything. Our only request is that it be available for downloading.

Do you let writers participate with your book club?

Yes we enjoy having book discussions with the author. It makes for a more interesting discussion because you can get the back story for the book and they can answer questions we have about the book.

We also have a few writers who are members. Please note being a member doesn’t guarantee that we will read your book.

What advice would you offer to writers who want to work with book clubs?

First I would say to read their guidelines to see if they actually work with authors. Some book clubs just want to read the books they don’t need to hear from the author. You don’t want to contact those book clubs; you want to work with those who want to do author discussions.

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By reading their guidelines you find out if they are looking to work with authors. What genres they read and most important how to get in touch with them. Don’t waste your postage contacting book clubs that don’t read your type of books.

Their guidelines will tell you how to contact them via email or mail. Do as they ask and submit the information they need.

Show up for the book discussion. Have fun and if you can offer a freebie. Send a thank you note afterwards and offer your services for future book discussion. Building relationships is very important when it comes to book clubs. Book clubs invite those they have a good relationship with.

How can readers learn more about your book club?

They can find SORMAG E-readers Book Club at – https://www.facebook.com/groups/SORMAGEreaders/ Or they can contact me at – 1sormag@gmail.com 5 TIPS FOR STARTING AN ONLINE BOOK CLUB

Decide where will you host the club. (Facebook group, website, blog, forum) Create Guidelines for book selection, book discussion and working with authors.

Create Bylaws for membership.

Create a calendar for book selections.

Purchase The Ultimate Book Club Experience: How to Create & Maintain a Successful Book Club by TaNisha Webb for excellent tips on how to maintain your book club.

I’m LaShaunda Hoffman an avid reader who turned my love for books into an online magazine – Shades Of Romance Magazine – SORMAG. I promote books and their authors and I believe there is a book for every reader.

I’m currently working on a book about online promotion and if you’re interested in learning more about it or my future books join my mailing list – http://mad.ly/signups/99759/join Email – lchwriter@gmail.com or follow me on: Facebook – facebook.com/lashaunda.hoffman Twitter – Lashaunda H Google+-lchwriter http://sormag.com

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Tell us about your book club?

Say What?? Book Club is a group of avid readers with a voracious appetite for well-written, thoughtprovoking books. Consisting of readers, writers and lovers of words, we come together to support the works of authors who are serious about their craft and who excel in the literary arts. Our goal is to connect readers with the authors and books we love. We are online only, at this time. Say What?? Book Club features the writings of emerging and established authors. Indie authors are encouraged to submit their works for review.

Why was it created?

Say What?? Book Club was created to bridge the gap between indie and traditionally published authors by providing opportunities for exposure to help level the playing field. Our monthly Author Spotlight, features one author whose book is read by the group. A review is posted on Amazon, the SWBC blog and other social media outlets and on the fourth (4) Sunday of the month, the featured author is interviewed on our radio show, Say What?? Author Spotlights with founder Tumika Patrice Cain. Spotlights for 2014 are full.

In addition, we accept submissions for our Indie program year round. Works submitted do not necessarily have to be self-published. The submitted book will go to anyone on the panel for a read and review.

Again, reviews are posted on Amazon, the SWBC blog, and throughout social media. The author is given an online interview that is posted on the SWBC blog and shared throughout social media. There is no set turnaround time for reviews. Books must be submitted in its entirety. Order of preference is as follows: Hardcopy, Kindle or PDF. For the purpose of book reviews, please know that gross errors in content, grammar, punctuation and formatting will be marked against you.

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Hardcopies may be mailed to:

How can readers learn more about your book club.

Say What?? Book Club c/o INKscriptions LLC PO BOX 1153 Garden City, MI 48136

You can access our blog at: http://SayWhatBookClub.blogspot.com

Electronic submissions can be emailed to SayWhatBC@yahoo.com What genres does your book club read?

SWBC accepts submissions in the following genres: Urban Lit, Literary Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Nonfiction Relationship and on occasion, Self Help. We do NOT in any way accept submissions in the following genres: Paranormal, BSDM, Horror, Thrillers or anything dealing with Witchcraft or Satanic Practices.

Do you let writers participate with your book club? How? There are many writers in our group. We use on our online Facebook group to share resources, ideas, to ask/answer questions and support one another. We support other authors in the same way we want support.

Say What?? Book Club was founded by award-winning author and media personality, Tumika Patrice Cain. Tumika is the author of Season of Change, her award-winning debut novel, After the Rain…a Poetry Collective, and On the Pulse of Morning (August 2014).

What advice would you offer to writers who want to work with book clubs?

Her works have been published in a number of magazines, periodicals and anthologies.

Firstly, understand what genres the group reads, especially if you want a review. Not all written works are for everyone. Secondly, understand the rules of the group and act accordingly. Thirdly, make sure your work is up to par. You only have one time to make a first impression. Next, send a thank you to the group once you have been featured by them. Finally, know that there is only so much time that the clubs allot to reading a new book. If you don’t make the cut this time, there’s always next time. Be gracious and thank them for any consideration they give to you.

Subscribing to the motto of each one reach one, each one teach one, she aims to empower, uplift and encourage others to live their best, most authentic life. Whether through fiction, poetry, devotionals, or through her weekly radio program Living Abundantly with Tumika Patrice Cain, she is changing lives one word at a time…

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Meet SORMAG's

I have published more than 100 novels and novellas, becoming the first African American author to accomplish such a feat. Additionally, I have over 3 million books in print. My professional writing career began in 1994 when I signed on with Kensington Arabesque.

My first book, Tonight and Forever, became a huge success, introducing the Madaris Family.

Since then I have introduced the Bennetts, the Westmorelands, the Montgomerys, the Masters, the Savoys, and the Steeles, just to name a few. A listing of my books can be found on this website. And because I love writing connecting stories, I have a listing of how my books connect in my various family saga series.

I was born in Jacksonville, Florida. I am a proud graduate ofWilliam M. Raines High School, and I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Jacksonville University. Also, I am a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. I got married forty-one years ago to my high school sweetheart, Gerald, and we have two sons, Gerald Jr. and Brandon, ages thirty-six and thirty-four, respectively. I still proudly wear the going-steady ring Gerald gave me at fifteen. A few years ago I retired after working 37 years in management for a major insurance company, and I am now writing full-time and enjoying every minute of it.

Cover Author

Brenda Jackson http://sormag.com

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What inspired the Westmorland series?

The Westmorelands came about with the request by Harlequin to create a new family. I decided to write about a family different than my popular Madarises, where the guys have loveable names and were considered "bad-boy" bachelors.

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

That there is such a thing as true love and that it's possible to have a soul mate.

What is your favorite scene from your book?

A man's word is his bond. His family is his strength. His heart is his own.

Superstar musician Caden Granger has spent years running from love, commitment and family. Yet despite his fame and fortune, he knows the kind of respect and adoration he needs can only come from one person—the very woman who wants nothing to do with him.

Charity volunteer and owner of a wine boutique, Shiloh Timmons finally got her life on track once her relationship with Caden ended, and she’s in no hurry to revisit a romance with the man who believes she left him standing at the altar.

If Caden can’t have Shiloh by his side, all the success in the world will mean nothing. Now he has a chance to renew his promises…but is it too late? http://sormag.com

The favorite scene from most of my books, more time than not, is the scene will the couple resolve their issues and confess their love for each other. I also like the wedding scenes.

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

What I love the best is actually writing the story, taking it from my head to the computer. What I dislike the most is doing a synopsis, because the story might not get written the way I originally intended. It usually changes as I write.

Readers fight over your characters, what advice would you give for crafting a character?

Know the character you are writing about - up, close and personal. Every has their own personality.

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

1. Their favorite romance novel - whatever it is. It keeps the idea of romance alive in your head.

2. A fashion magazine 3. Thesaurus What advice would you offer to someone writing their first romance?

Make sure you know what a real love story or a real romance story is about. Know the romance genre. A lot of stories out there are labeled romance stories and they are not.

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COVER AUTHOR What advice would you offer to someone who Five questions about your books: wants to have a long lasting career in romance writing?

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

Appreciate your readers. They are the backbone of any romance author.

Any member of the Madaris family.

Any member of the Steeles What’s your writing day like?

Lance Montgomery Westmoreland It varies. I strive to write from 15 to 20 pages a Any 3 Grangers. If all 3 can't make it, I would love to day, which constitutes a chapter for me All Unfortunately, my day don't always ends that way. invite Dalton.

What’s playing on your CD while you’re If you could be a character from your books, who would you be? writing?

Marilyn Madaris Old School, mostly Motown.

Have you ever consider writing in another Which book made you cry? genre other than romance/women fiction (what Ties That Bind genre if so)?

No. I enjoy romance and women fiction. That's Which book made you laugh? also what I enjoy reading.

Books 1 and 2 of the Granger Series; all the Steele What three authors inspire you? books Nora Roberts, Lori Foster, Beverly Jenkins

Which book was the hardest to write?

What is your most popular book that the Ties That Bind readers still talk about and why?

Fire and Desire. romance

It was my first adventure

How important is social media to you as writer?

Beside the Bible, which book have you read Very important. It's a way to stay connected to my more than once? readers.

Shanna. I read it at least once a year, if not all of You brought your characters to the big screen. it, then parts of it.

How did that feel and do you plan on turning more books to movies?

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

I loved it and yes, I will definitely do it again.

When things seem bad, don't quit. http://sormag.com

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Brenda Jackson continued from pg 29: How can readers get in contact with you? www.brendajackson.net authorbrendajackson@gmail.com P O Box 28267, Jacksonville, FL 32226 Oprah always asks, what do you know for sure?

That in my lifetime, I experienced true love.

Anything you'd like to say to the readers of SORMAG? Thanks for your support and for reading my books.

5 Things To Do This Summer Take a mini road trip

Host a literary tea

Create a list of books Roast Marshallows to read for the over a fire summer If the movie Belle is in your area, go see it with a group of friends 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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