Featured Author for February 2009
Darrell McCollum, author
Darrell McCollum was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He attended the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and has a BA in Economics. He is also the author of "Driving Solo", a novel, "PigTails", a children’s book, and "The Gift of Sight," a screenplay. Currently resides in Charlotte, North Carolina and is working on a stage play entitled, "Who's Crying Now."
Words of Wisdom:
To all the aspiring authors in the world, follow your dream. There are a lot of people who state that they want to write, and there are a lot of people who write but never share their work with the world and then there are those who actually do write. Whatever your goal is, don't stop at the first sign of a roadblock. Think out of the box! It's truly the best way to keep your creative juices flowing, and I'll leave you with this, tell your story, continue to write and never stop dreaming. After all, dreams do come true!
Chocolate Sista by Darrell McCollum and Jamie Brown
Chocolate Sista is a book of poetry and short stories dedicated to the African American Woman. It's broken down into 4 Seasons and each season has different types of poetry. Spring is the season of Education, Summer is the season of Romance, Autumn is the season of Spirituality, and Winter is the season of Forgiveness. The book was written by Darrell McCollum and Jamie Brown, and it is from a man's point of view. It’s sure to capture women’s attention and imagination.
Featured Author for January 2009
Sharnia Artis, PhD, author, researcher and speaker
Dr. Sharnnia Artis, a native of Chesapeake, Virginia, is an author, researcher, engineer, world traveler, and speaker. Dr. Artis’ Foundation for extraordinaire was established in the public schools of Portsmouth and Chesapeake, Virginia, where she graduated in the top one percent of her high school class with a 4.2 grade point average and over $100,000 in scholarships and awards for the college of her choice.
After high school, Dr. Artis attended Virginia Tech to pursue a degree in engineering. She graduated with her Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, and Doctorate of Philosophy degrees in industrial and systems engineering. She served as president of the Virginia Tech Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Theta Phi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and president and national public relations chairperson of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE). Additionally, Dr. Artis was the recipient of many honors and accolades, the most recent honors being NSBE’s Graduate Student of the Year, Virginia Tech’s
Graduate Woman of the Year, National TRIO Achiever, and a top ten finalist in the Miss Virginia USA pageant.
Aside from her educational achievements and accolades, Dr. Artis is an avid traveler. She has journeyed internationally to present her research, give inspirational talks, and explore and embrace the cultural differences of Canada, Mexico, The Bahamas, France, Italy, Belgium, and three countries in the Motherland—Ghana, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.
Currently, Dr. Artis is a human factors engineer for a consulting firm outside in Dayton, Ohio and the author of Moving from Ordinary to Extraordinary: The Teen’s Guide to High School Success. Dr. Artis believes that all things are possible, and is an advocate for promoting and encouraging individuals to be extraordinary and go beyond the ordinary to achieve to their greatest potential.
Words of wisdom
Everyone has a book ready to be born. I encourage you to step out on faith and tell the world your story! Writing a book is a journey that encounters many roads (some traveled frequently and others less traveled) and detours. You've already started the journey; you are writing or at least have an idea about what you want to write. Now you have to go through the process or travel on different roads to put your story in the hands of many. This process requires editing, more editing, designing the book interior and cover, publishing, marketing and promoting. Stay focused on your goal of telling your story and utilize the people around to keep you motivated, bounce off ideas, and to hold you accountable. If you don't have a writing partner, find one right away! Set up weekly meetings with a writing partner so you can constantly make progress. When you find yourself at a dead end (e.g., writer's block) or taking another detour, don't get discouraged, it's just a short delay. Don't give up! Understand that it's a journey and things will come up; you will not always have your way or be able to precisely plan the entire journey. However, remember that the process makes for a better book. All the best and happy writing!
Moving from Ordinary to Extraordinary: The Teen's Guide to High School Success by Dr. Sharnia Artis
Moving from Ordinary to Extraordinary: The Teen's Guide to High School Success is a step-by-step educational resource guide that will help students and their parents both prepare for and achieve success in high school, college, and beyond.
Dr. Sharnnia Artis was a successful high school student who overcame great obstacles in order to attend college, earn three degrees, and establish a successful career as an engineer. She shares real-world advice and practical tips as she describes her journey that eventually led her to receive over $100,000 in scholarships and acceptance to every college she applied to as a high school senior. Dr. Artis states that all things are possible through a Four-D philosophy: dedication, discipline, determination, and dependence on a support group. She provides specific information on how to:
Set goals and accomplish them in a competitive society
Get involved in essential extracurricular activities
Shine in front of college admissions representatives, scholarship committees, and potential employers
Effectively manage a busy schedule
View sacrifices as fun instead of as hardships
Moving from Ordinary to Extraordinary: The Teen's Guide to High School Success teaches students how to stand out among the ordinary by covering proactive approaches to preparing for college, applying for scholarships, and acquiring extraordinary life skills.
Featured Author for November '08
Jeanette Hill, Playwright, Producer, Director
Jeanette is a transplanted Ohioan now living in Central Texas. An alumnus of the University of Akron, she is married to her soul mate, Robert and they have four great children. Her church activities include being the Christian Education Team Leader for the Women’s Ministry at her church as well as a Sunday School teacher. She has also worked with the church’s Youth Department. She was one of the assistant co-coordinators for the 2006 Faith-Based Arts conference.
Ms. Hill is the founder and Creative Director of Sight Ain’t Seeing Productions (SASP), a non-profit Christian theater group which provides Christian plays with an African American viewpoint as well as Christian drama workshops to local churches and community organizations. SASP also conducts an annual summer creative arts camp, Believe Beyond Boundaries for middle and high school students from historically underserved areas in the Austin area.
Beginning in October 2008, her first production of a local television series, The Amen Circle, will debut. The Amen Circle is a fictionalized account of the lives of several urban families, who are all members of neighborhood churches located within a five mile radius of the historical Piedmont Park.
An accomplished playwright and prolific writer, she has been writing plays since attending Goodyear Junior High School in Akron, Ohio, where her first play was performed in the eighth grade. Her Christian plays have been performed at regional and national conferences. She was named the 1996 African American Playwright of Austin by Texas Organized Professionals for her play, “The Right One, The Right Reason”. She received the A. W. Agape Award from her church for the production of the highly acclaimed dramatic and spiritual play, “The Broom”. Other productionsinclude, “The Silent City” (October 2008), “Bruised But Not Broken!”, “God Allows YOU Turns”, “It’s Not About You”, “The Interview”, “One More Night With The Frogs” and “Talkin’ Bout Church Folks!”
She acknowledges her talent as a ‘gift from God’ and plans to faithfully follow His guidance. Her two favorite scriptures are Philippians 1:6 and Jeremiah 29:11.
You can find out more about Jeanette and Sight Ain’t Seeing Productions on the SASP website, www.sasprod.org or by emailing her at [email protected].
WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT FOR OTHER WRITERS: 1. Never give up on your dreams, if the Lord has gifted you with a vision, it’s His way of speaking life into your future. Write from your heart and not for the bestseller’s list, to please others or because the subject is the hottest thing going right now. Remember that your writing is your soul on paper.
THE SILENT CITY by Jeanette Hill
Where do you go…
...when your arc of safety is cracked?
…When exposing your situation will destroy not only your marriage but your church family, what options are left?
…Where do you turn when the people that you’ve trusted turn a blind eye, deaf ear and silent tongue to your condition?
…Who do you confide in when exposure means the destruction those you love?
…How do you purge the guilt and shame of your past and live the purpose-filled life God wants you to have?
Kari Bradford is the First Lady of the City of Praise (COP) Tabernacle and possibly the wife of the next city councilman. To all outward appearances she lives a blessed life. She’s attractive, healthy, educated, married to the charismatic, prestigious pastor of the city’s largest African American church and heir-apparent to the Bradford family dynasty. She lives in a beautiful home, is financially stable and has all of the material things a woman could wish for. Her life is the envy of most women.
Not even her warm personality, winning smile and elegant style has been able to shield her from the guilt and shame of her past. That guilt prevents her from being the true woman of God she is purposed to be and she believes from having the baby that her heart and body long for.
She is living a lie and exposing it will not only ruin the life she now has but will devastate her church, community and wreck Jameson’s bid for public office. With her life and her sanity at stake, can she save them both?
This play is being produced in support of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Featured Author for October '08
Daphine Glenn Robinson
Daphine Glenn Robinson is a freelance writer and editor, born and raised in the Carolinas. A native of Spartanburg, SC, she has lived in Rock Hill, SC, Charleston, SC, and Pittsburgh, PA. She has had a passion for reading and writing since the young age of twelve when a teacher recognized and identified the gift within her.
After acquiring a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications from Winthrop University, she wanted to be a professional writer, but life took a different path. She later obtained a Master of Business Administration from Charleston Southern University, but the desire to be a professional writer and published author never left her spirit.
Momisms Mama Never Told Me There Would Be Days Like This is Mrs. Robinson’s first published work. In 2006, she wrote and published the christian fiction hit, Brotherly Love and Betrayal. Her third book, Caring What People Think will be released on September 30, 2008.
Mrs. Robinson currently works as a human resource manager at a manufacturing facility, and lives with her family in North Carolina.
Caring What People Think
Russell Brown is the most eligible bachelor at Brown Missionary Baptist Church. Every woman wants to be his wife. He’s career minded, has his own money and is successful. He’s tired of dating and has vowed to not casually date, but to find Mrs. Brown. Battling depression since her father’s death, Dannica Rawlins sees nothing good in her present or future. At the end of her rope, she meets Russell in the nick of time. After dating for only a few months, Russell is sure she is the one to take his last name. Will Dannica allow God and an upright man to love her pain away?
If you liked Brotherly Love & Betrayal, you’re sure to love Caring What People Think.
Featured Author for August '08
Previn Taylor (author)
Growing up in Richmond, Virginia, Previn Taylor had no aspirations of becoming a writer of any sort. However, shortly before graduating from North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, “the bug” set in when was given the opportunity to work as a freelance writer for USA Today.com, covering his alma mater’s football team. Even though his articles were posted deep enough in the website to where he is fairly sure that nobody saw them, he somehow got the idea that he might have something to say that was worth writing about.
Possibly out of post-graduation-boredom, Previn began writing short stories, novels and screenplays in 1997 and 1998. In 2005, he was a finalist in the Virginia Governor’s Screenplay competition. Also in 2005, Previn published his first novel, “The Friday Dilemma.” Currently, Previn is pursuing publication of his second novel, a vampire story titled, “Made Not Born,” as well as selling a screenplay titled, “Writer’s Weekend.” He also hopes to one day write a graphic novel. Previn lives in the Tidewater area of Virginia with his wife and daughter.
The Friday Dilemna
The Friday Dilemma Synopsis
Overnight, Saul “Thud” Anthony, senior safety at Williams High is elevated from bench-warming scrub to a rising star on one of the State of Virginia’s best high school football teams. Adjusting to changes in his responsibilities on the football field as well as that of his newfound prestige is no easy task at the suburban Camelot-esque school ruled by the centerpiece couple, Thud’s star teammate, Ajax, and his nemesis, the fittingly superlative head cheerleader, Afrika. The invincible Ajax and the stunning Afrika represent the bourgeois and the rest of the students are sorted out in a rigid social caste system. Lost somewhere in the void of underclassman anonymity is Thud’s sensitive and vulnerable platonic friend, Ali, who seeks her own niche in school’s complex social order through the upcoming homecoming court elections.
Already a balancing act between his on-field heroics, his brimming hostilities with Afrika and his evolving relationship with Ali, Thud’s season turns bizarre when, he finds a haunting and anonymous suicide note that has been left in his locker. At first, he dismisses the strange letter as a joke. As the football season intensifies, Thud discovers more similarly penned and progressively disturbing notes in his locker. His increasing distraction becomes twofold when Afrika cruelly sabotages Ali’s homecoming court campaign.
As he consoles Ali, coincidences and clues somehow corroborate and they discover that the author of the suicide notes is Afrika. Suddenly, Thud finds himself in a complex moral dilemma. Should he attempt to prevent his enemy from killing herself? Or should he let Afrika take her own life by virtue of contempt? As the clock seems to tick down, Thud and Ali debate Afrika’s fate. Thud ponders his role as the tension threatens his friendship with Ali as well as his own delicate dreams of Friday night glory.
Words of Wisdom
Obviously, I’m no expert. Every effort is a learning experience and a chance to improve your craft. Determine your creative process, whatever that may be. Every time you write, adapt and refine your process as necessary but stick to it. As an aspiring fiction writer, to me the two most important aspects are 1) creating a world and/or knowing your backdrop and 2) character development. Either or both can be valuable tools to establishing a connection with the reader.
Featured Author for July '08
David Horton (author & community activist)
Born in Durham, NC and a “Durmite” to his heart, David Horton just so happens to be a young black male and he is waiting patiently to become an old black male. Commonly known as "Supa Dave" to friends, family, and foes alike, he is a politically minded community activist and huge advocate of the progression of the young black male. David is an alumnus of North Carolina A&T State University where he earned his Civil Engineering degree and Georgia Tech where he recently completed his Masters from the College of Architecture.
No stranger to the hood, David has lived in 6 states since the age of 18 and created strong bonds with black males all over the globe. He is the product of a single parent home that has taught him that life is what you make it and that the sky is the limit. His goal is to empower as many young black males as he can in whatever fashion deemed necessary.
After years in corporate America spending his spare time writing a playful newsletter to many of his close friends, David began to take writing more seriously and found that he spoke for a special segment of the population. Negro Intellect is David’s first book but he has more in the plans. Committed to his brethren whether they be free or behind bars, his intention is to promote confidence and self-awareness to a group of people he feels that America has forgotten and he will be letting the world know that we’re still HERE.
David is currently completing his next offering “Negro Diva: A guide for young females” which is due in stores by October 1st, 2008. Stay tuned! David can be reached at www.negrointellect.com or www.myspace.com/negrointellect.
Negro Intellect: A guide for young black males
DAVID'S WORDS OF WISDOM:
"Well I don't try to just write - I write what I feel. That makes it much easier for me but it also makes the writing a bit more sporadic. You have to learn to know your 'feeling'. Also, KNOW what you write. It makes a big difference. And before thinking book - think about material. So many people put the cart before the horse. Unless you're experienced you need to try and at least get 50 pages of SOMETHING. Hit me up...
Supa Dave... www.negrointellect.com & www.myspace.com/negrointellect and on facebook too!!
Featured Author for June '08
Keith Lee Johnson (author)
Keith Lee Johnson is the author of seven novels. His most successful novels are the Little Black Girl Lost stories. The journey to publication began at Owens Community College, and was accidental as he never intended to be an author. He began writing when a literature professor unwittingly challenged his ability to write a credible story in class one day. He picked up a pen that very day and has been writing ever since. Keith went on to graduate with honors and became the commencement speaker for the December 1996 graduating class.
Keith joined the United States Air Force in September 1978, attained a Top Secret security clearance, and served his country Texas, Mississippi, Nevada, California, Turkey, and various other places in his four years of active service.
Keith has written in several genres including, suspense/thrillers, drama, and contemporary fiction. He lives in Toledo, Ohio.
His faithful readers can also expect Hell Has No Fury: a Phoenix Perry novel, October 2007. To read excerpts and for more information, visit his website: www.keithleejohnson.com
Hell Has No Fury
Book Description: After a long stint at desk duty, Phoenix Perry is dragged back into the limelight when a family member is found beaten and near death. To complicate matters, there are two dead bodies at the scene, and Pheonix's cousin is the prime suspect. Can Phoenix find her cousin's attackers and prove her innocence before the body count becomes astronomical? A nationwide chase ensues, involving shady editors, crooked literary agents and host of others.
Reader Reviews (September 29, 2007)
Excellent as always! Reviewer: Ronata N. Bryant
Keith never fails to draw me in. I can't put his books down. His easy style turns his words into reality. I feel I am living his books and not just reading. This one was no exception! If you've never read his books, you should start now. What a joy.
Keith's Words of Encouragement
"Talk to some published authors and learn the business before you get into it."
Featured Author for May '08
Cheris Hodges (author)
Cheris Hodges, the author of seven novels—including “Just Can’t Get Enough,” “The Business of Love” and “A Love of Her Own,” has always been a huge football fan.
But her first true love has always been writing. The writing bug bit the Bennettsville native early and hard.
“Let’s Get It On” is Cheris’s eighth novel and one of her favorites because she was able to combine her two of her favorite things, football and writing. Though she lives in Charlotte, Cheris is a die hard Dallas Cowboys fan. But she will cheer for the Carolina Panthers when they are playing anyone other than Dallas.
Cheris is a 1999 graduate of Johnson C. Smith University and a staff writer with the weekly newspaper Creative Loafing.
“Let’s Get It On” is her second novel with Dafina, Kensington Books African American romance line.
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41aiYdj3YML._AA240_.jpg
Pre Order "Let's Get It On" today from Amazon.com.
In Stores now, "Just Can't Get Enough"
www.cherishodges.com
www.myspace.com/cherishodges
Let's Get It On by Cheris Hodges
“Let’s Get It On," which will be released on August 5, 2008, is the story of fictional Carolina Panthers wide receiver Maurice Goings. He’s about to marry the wrong woman in a huge wedding ceremony for the world to see. But when his fiancée, Lauryn, leaves him at the altar for another woman, Maurice is left to figure out what the hell just happened to his life.
Meanwhile in Atlanta, Ga., Kenya Taylor, Maurice’s high school sweetheart and the woman he betrayed to be with Lauryn has just been promoted at her law firm. The only draw back, she has to move to Charlotte, NC where she knows Maurice and Lauryn are. It’s the last place she wants to go, but what choice does she have? Kenya decides that before she takes the job, she’s going to need a vacation.
Maurice decides to make lemonade from the lemons of his failed attempt at marriage. He and his brother, James, decide to take the honeymoon trip to the Bahamas, because after all, the tickets are non-refundable.
When Maurice and Kenya run into each other at the island resort, old bitter feelings come up again as well as new passionate desires. Still, Kenya’s not sure if Maurice can be trusted and Maurice is willing to do anything to get Kenya back into his arms again.
Cheris's Words of Encouragement
For the aspiring writer: In this business, you're going to hear a lot of nos before you get that one yes. But you have to keep writing and keep pushing to get what you want. And once you're published, the real work begins. You're going to have to go out and meet people and convince them that your book is a must read. But when you believe in your work, you'll find that it's easy to do. But above all else, write everyday and learn your craft.
Featured Author for April '08
Shawne A. White (author)
Shawne A. White is the daughter of Arthur and Delores White. Born and reared in Raleigh, North Carolina, she attended William G. Enloe High School, from which she graduated, prepared for college life in Greensboro, North Carolina. Shawne attended North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, where she obtained a host of knowledge and a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration. She decided to return to school for a postgraduate degree, and committed the ultimate betrayal when she enrolled in the MBA program at North Carolina Central University in Durham, North Carolina. Shawne graduated from Central and is currently working as a Business Systems Analyst in Raleigh. She enjoys writing, going to the gym, ballroom dancing, roller skating with the Carolina Cruisers, watching 24, teaching aerobics at her church, reading every now and then, hanging with the Crew, and keeping in touch with a host of family and friends. Shawne currently resides in the charming town of Knightdale, North Carolina.
Book Synopsis for Holla If You Hear Me...No More Blind Dates Please!
This first-person account of a young woman’s blind dating search for “the One” entertains and shares lessons learned along the way.
“My coworker, Jennifer, and I had had this conversation plenty of times and she always said that if God could raise a man from the dead, surely he could send the one for us.”
“The One” is out there somewhere, and author Shawne A. White intends to find him. What better way to search for the perfect mate than through blind dates arranged by well-meaning matchmakers? She didn’t go on just one or two rendezvous, but many, many blind dates with an eclectic assortment of men. And she’s willing to spill the details.
This first-person account of White’s encounters is a collection of sometimes funny, sometimes touching short stories. She invites you to tag along vicariously as her blind date blunders—and occasional successes—unfold. A touch of humor, therapeutic observation, and commentary on North Carolinian etiquette and cuisine keep you turning pages as she shares her newly developed understanding.
Whether you prefer to profit from lessons learned along the way, or simply be entertained, White’s blind date experiences will keep you laughing and dating, because you never know, your next date may be “the One”.
You can read the first chapter of by going to http://www.iuniverse.com/bookstore/book_detail.asp?isbn=0-595-33872-0. Scroll down to the browse before you buy button. You can order it from iuniverse.com, amazon.com, bamm.com, bn.com, or take the ISBN# 0595338720 to any Barnes & Noble and they will order it for you.
Shawne's Words of Encouragement
I am single, but if you have ever been single, you know how people want so badly to see you with someone. In my case, badly enough to recommend people they thought would be great for me to meet. A friend, who is like one of my brothers, and I had a conversation about our experiences as singles in our 30's. He strongly urged me to write the stories down on paper. The result, my book of short stories entitled, Holla If You Hear Me... No More Blind Dates, Please!
I carry the reader with me on these dates as I relive them. Guys, it is not a slam book against men... but a humorous account of my experiences as they actually happened. (In other words... this is a work of non-fiction.) Encouraged by my friends, family members, and co-workers, I started looking into getting my short stories published. The agents all had the same form letter expressing how they didn't feel they were the right company for my manuscript. How many of you know what God has for you is for YOU?!?!?!? Discouraged, but not defeated- I self published with iuniverse.com and the rest is history. I found the links below to be quite helpful during this whole process:
http://www.copyright.gov/
http://www.iuniverse.com/?self-publishing
http://www.lulu.com
http://www.ehow.com/how_107987_self-publish-book.html
http://www.soyouwanna.com/site/syws/publishbook/publishbook.html
If you are determined... check them out, finish your work, and claim what God has for YOU! Best Wishes and much success to you all on your book publishing efforts!
Shawne White J
Featured Author for March '08
Norma L. Jarrett, JD. (Author & Speaker)
Norma L. Jarrett is originally from New Jersey, but currently resides in Houston, Texas. She is the author of the fictional novel "Sunday Brunch" (Harlem Moon Trade Paperback Original; ISBN: 0-7679-1570; $12.95/$19.95 Canada) and a non-fictional work entitled "Coffee Table Quotes for the Contemporary Christian." In addition, Ms. Jarrett has written and produced a small play called "Sunday Brunch - The Book Skit," a dramatic presentation based upon the novel. She is a graduate of and North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and Thurgood Marshall School of Law (Honors). She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (AKA). Her work has been featured in Essence, Upscale, Gospel Truth, QBR, Black Expressions and other local and national publications. Ms. Jarrett received the "Outstanding Young African-American Leader of Houston," award from Interfaith Ministries. Her novel "Sunday Brunch" was previously awarded the Sister Circle "Best Christian Fiction" award. Most recently, she received a Certificate of Congressional Recognition from Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee on behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives in honor of her literary work. Ms. Jarrett continues to travel nationally to promote her work, speak and facilitate several original workshops. She has completed her second novel and is working on a third also to be released on the Harlem Moon Trade Paperback line. She currently attends Lakewood Church and is employed at a university in Houston, TX.
