Sunday, March 30, 2014

My Steps Are Ordered Sample and Book Trailer

A scene from "MY STEPS ARE ORDERED" second in the "On the Right Path Series" with Urban Books. Coming Jul. 29th.
“Say you’ll be here for Gina’s party. Colleen and Terence can’t make it, so I’m counting on you to show your ugly face. Trey’s been asking for his favorite Uncle Keith. ” Michael Ward threw in that last tidbit for emotional blackmail.
Keith Ward grinned, picturing the little rambunctious boy giving Gina a run for her money. “I’m his only Uncle Keith. Is he still running like his pants are on fire?”
“Yup, and you should see Gina try to pick him up when he’s already half her size.”
Sitting in a leather chair in his offices located on Queens Blvd in New York, Keith propped his foot on another chair and looked up at the ceiling. Going to Atlanta would mean that he would be seeing her again. Gina. His blessing, and his curse. Who was he fooling? Of course he’d be there.
“Okay, I’ll be there and let me know if you need me to take care of anything on my end,” Keith offered. As soon as he ended the call, he grabbed his briefcase to head to the courthouse located two blocks away. He’d gotten a call that the judge was ready to make a ruling on the Harper case. After two grueling months, he was glad a decision had been made.
While he walked, he took a stroll down memory lane. Michael had been love struck when he’d met Gina Price, at the time, at his business partner, Terence Hayworth’s wedding. His brother tended to attract psychopaths so Keith had been prepared to dislike and dismiss this new woman who had his brother spellbound. But the moment he’d seen Gina Price, he’d gotten the shock of his life.
Before Gina, Keith hadn’t known that there was such a thing as instant love at first sight or even real animal attraction, but that was how it had been. Before her, he’d only been in love once, and Vanessa Arnold had been killed by a drunk driver. However, his feelings for Vanessa had paled in comparison, to what he felt for Gina.
Gina was like a fire that consumed him.
Keith stopped. He stood at the foot of the ten steps leading up to the entrance of the courthouse. He dragged his hands down his face, pulling on his cheeks as his memories flooded him.
Twice. On two sweet occasions, he’d been with Gina.
The first time was right before his brother’s near fatal car accident. Gina had found out that Michael had cheated with his crazy ex, Karen Newton, and had broken things off with him. He’d rushed to her house. To Keith, that had been fate, and he hadn’t had any reservations about professing his love. It sounded like the plot of a cheap romance novel, but he’d been convinced that Gina was his destiny. This was his time—his moment, he’d told himself, and his heart had rung with joy when Gina confessed she’d felt the same way.
However, for them there had been no happy-ever-after.
After he and Gina had shared one of the most mind-boggling, emotionally charged intimate experiences uniting their soul… Remembering, Keith felt the old guilt begin to eat at him again… The call came. And he’d had her, for one sweet night that he’d hoped would last forever. Little did either of them know, Michael, guilty about cheating on Gina, while speeding to her house, lost control of the vehicle and crashed, almost killing himself.
He remembered how his body had shaken with fear when he’d learned that Michael was in a coma. The wait had been agony. So, when by some divine intervention, Michael had awakened with no residual brain damage, Gina patched things up with him. At her urging, Keith and Gina agreed never to talk about what had transpired between them.
Plagued with guilt, Gina pressed, “It never happened.”
After his near death experience, Michael had wasted no time in putting a rock on Gina’s finger and wedding plans had commenced with so much speed that Keith felt like he was in a time warp.
Keith trudged up the stairs as her words pounded in his head. It never happened. He made a fist. But, it had.
And then, again.
There had been a second time. Keith shrugged. He’d better leave that as a secret of the past.



Pre-Order Your Copy

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Refusing to Accept 'NO' for an Answer

What A Testimony for Aspiring Writers

Written by Mrs. Joylynn M. Ross, Acquisitions Editor for Urban Books 

Joylynn wrote: "Refusing to accept 'No' for an answer. On March 2010, as the acquisitions
editor, I received a submission for publication consideration on the Urban Christian imprint. I
rejected it, not because it wasn't an interesting storyline with great content, but because it was all
over the place. It was hard to follow because of all of the technical errors. It also lacked the
tension I knew could exist due to the struggle and conflict between the characters. I wanted to be
more connected and care more about what happened to the characters. I wanted to be
emotionally drawn in. But with two characters talking in the same paragraph, incorrect
punctuation and capitalization after dialogue...I just couldn't get into it. I rejected it.

The author didn't complain and ask why it was rejected? She only asked what could she do to
make it better, if not for me, but for another publisher, and most importantly, so that it could be
something she was proud to put her name on. I gave her some tips and some suggestions. She
went in and did the best she could and resubmitted it, but it still wasn't quite there yet. She
worked on it some more and hired an agent. I rejected it when the agent sent it to me as well
because there was still something missing from the ingredients. This woman went and hired a
professional editor and submitted it yet again. This time I said no just because I was tired of
reading it-LOL. Not really-I'm just kidding. I did reject it again, though, because by then it just
wasn't what I was looking for to publish on the line at that time. So she waited several more
months and submitted it again.

I said, "God, she did everything I asked, but I still don't feel like the time is now." So what then
entered my spirit as a reply from God was, "It will be my time." Needless to say, three years to
the day, almost, that I received her submission, Theresa A. Campbell's first book was released on
the Urban Christian line and I'm currently editing her second one. Between the notes I gave her
and working with a professional editor, this second manuscript, God Has Spoken, is bringing
tears to my eyes. It is so well crafted and put together, that if she were a student and I her
professor, I'd accuse her of plagiarism. That same author who sent me that submission three
years ago is not the same author who wrote this book I'm now editing. This Theresa is the never
give up, do the best that I can do and do ALL that I can to do, don't accept 'No' for an answer and
wait on a 'yes' from God Theresa. This right here is why I love my job!"

Theresa A. Campbell, author of “Are You There, God?”
www.theresaacampbell.com
https://www.facebook.com/theresaacampbell
https://twitter.com/theresaacampbel
http://theresaacampbell.blogspot.com/

 Order Your Copy
About the Book
As a young woman in rural Jamaica, Dupree struggles to maintain a home for herself and the ailing aunt who is raising her after she was abandoned by her teenage mother. The effort of life with no electricity, running water, or money often leaves Dupree battered and bruised, but she refuses to be defeated. She might have been forced to grow up too fast, but she will not succumb to the wiles of the devil, choosing instead to rely on the power of Almighty God to help her through.
After a brutal attack that takes her to hell and back, Dupree must reach for her inner strength once again to survive. Her journey for a better life leads her to Kingston, a city some people refer to as “Jamaica’s Sodom and Gomorrah.” There, she sees and experiences things beyond her imagination. Dupree seeks comfort in the arms of her Prince Charming—but he might just be a wolf in sheep’s clothing. 
Caught up in a web of lies and betrayal, Dupree fights to save her life. In pure desperation, she seeks an answer to her question, “Are you there, God?” Will she be around to hear His response, or will it be too late?
Order your Copy

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

CrossReads Book Blast: The Swaddling Clothes

Title:  CrossReads Book Blast: The Swaddling Clothes, Amber Schamel

swaddling clothes
The Swaddling Clothes By Amber Schamel

About the Book

Through the ages, many stories have been told about Mary, Joseph and the birth of the Messiah. Stories of shepherds and sheep, kings, angels, and stables. But there is one story that has never been told. One story that has remained hidden in the fabric of time. The story of The Swaddling Clothes. Mentioned not once, but several times in the Scriptural text, what is the significance of these special cloths? And how did they make their way into a stable in Bethlehem? From the author that brought you the Days of Messiah series comes a whole new adventure critics are calling "intriguing...thought provoking... a fresh twist on an age old story." "I get tired of Bible stories sometimes, but The Swaddling Clothes brings the story to life." "Heartwarming... truly inspired. A story you will want to read again and again. Rich details and a suspenseful plot will keep you reading while giving you a glimpse of God's wonderful power and His amazing love." Amber SchamelAmber Schamel is a multi-published author of Christian Historical Fiction. Her passion for history and culture has led her to travel extensively throughout the United States, Europe, and the Holy Land. Amber is actively involved in her church and enjoys volunteer work and music ministry. Raised in a family of twelve children and homeschooled throughout her education, she currently resides in the beautiful state of Colorado where she also serves as bookkeeper and marketing director for their family businesses. Find Amber on her blog, or on all the main social media sites.
Follow Amber Schamel Website | Facebook | Twitter

Enter to Win a $50 Amazon Gift Card!

Enter below to enter a $50 Amazon gift card, sponsored by author Amber Schamel! a Rafflecopter giveaway This book blast is hosted by Crossreads. We would like to send out a special THANK YOU to all of the CrossReads book blast bloggers!

Thursday, March 20, 2014

When Perfection Fails

When Perfection Fails

Victory Gospel Series by Tyora Moody

When Perfection Fails: Victory Gospel Series



Reverend Jonathan Freeman and his wife Lenora are quickly becoming Charlotte’s “it” couple. All eyes are on them as Jonathan is named pastor of a church following the death of his father and Lenora has become a sought-after wedding planner. The Freemans are media darlings and a model couple; the picture of perfection. Or are they?

Behind the scenes, Jonathan struggles with his role as pastor of a megachurch while Lenora grows increasingly and uncharacteristically distant. A number of odd and tragic incidents push her further away from the love of her life and the façade of perfection begins to crack.

A carefully guarded secret catches up with Lenora and it threatens her security as well as that of her family. Has an imperfect past finally caught up with her? Will the ghost of someone she thought long dead rise like Lazarus from the grave and destroy all she has worked to preserve? Or will Lenora fight to protect the man she loves and the beautiful life God has blessed her to have?


Excerpt from When Perfection Fails by Tyora Moody

PROLOGUE

Charlotte, North Carolina, 1989


Lenora clutched the car dashboard and shouted as her friend almost rammed the Honda Civic into the car in front of them. The brakes squealed in protest as the car came to a stop inches away from the back of the Buick LaSabre. Charmayne smacked the steering wheel. “Woo, that was a close one.” Then, she started to laugh.

Lenora stretched her eyes wide as she watched her friend appear as if she was having a mental breakdown. “That wasn’t funny. You need to get yourself together.”

The light changed from red to green. The unscathed Buick took off and the driver behind them was blowing his horn. Charmayne stopped giggling. She grabbed the rearview mirror and made an obscene gesture with her hand. “I know you ain’t blowing your horn at me.”

Lenora pointed towards the light. “Charmayne, the light is green. Go!”

“Whatever!” Charmayne placed her hands on the steering wheel. The car lurched forward as she pressed the accelerator. After they had driven half-way down the block, 

Lenora asked, “How much did you drink? Maybe I should drive.”

Charmayne shook her head. “Girl, you can’t drive. Besides I’m fine.”

Her friend held up her fingers and counted. “I only had like two, three beers. I think.”

Lenora held her hand to her forehead. “If I had known...”

Charmayne held her hand towards Lenora’s face. “Girl, would you stop tripping? I can tell your momma don’t let you go nowhere. This might have been your first time to a party, not mine. Just sit tight. I will have you home in a second, okay.” She reached over and turned the radio’s volume dial up high.

As Charmayne proceeded to sing loudly to Bobby Brown’s “My Prerogative,” Lenora sucked her teeth and crossed her arms. Why did I let Charmayne convince me to go to this party? She felt bad lying to her mother knowing how hard she worked and expected 

Lenora to keep up her grades. Tonight was definitely not a study group session at 
Charmayne’s house. As Lenora glanced out the window, something whizzed by the passenger side. Before Lenora could register what she was seeing the car slid to the right crashing into the flying object. The sounds of screeching metal over the loud thumping music terrified Lenora.

“What was that?” Lenora yelled. She turned her body to see what had just scraped the side of the car. “Charmayne, you have to stop the car.” 

Charmayne slowed the car down and turned the blaring music down. She grabbed the rearview mirror and whined, “Oh no!” 

“What?” Lenora spun around to peer out the back window. They had turned down the road leading to her home and there weren’t any other cars behind them. Lenora squinted into the darkness. A streetlight illuminated cars parked along the streets. Her eyes locked in on what appeared to be a body on the road. Panic rose in her gut. She looked at Charmayne. “What did you do? Is that a person?” Lenora spun around and reached for the door handle.




Purchase When Perfection Fails, Victory Gospel Series, Book 3
Romantic Suspense/Christian Fiction

MEET THE AUTHOR

Tyora Moody is an author and literary entrepreneur. Tyora has coined her fiction books as Soul-Searching Suspense. Her debut novel, When Rain Falls, was released March 2012 (Urban Christian). This is the first book in the Victory Gospel series. The second book in the Victory Gospel Series, When Memories Fade, was released in April 2013 (Urban Christian). The final book in the series, When Perfection Fails (Urban Christian) was released March 2014.

Deep Fried Trouble, the first book in the Eugeena Patterson Mystery series was released June 2013 (Tymm Publishing LLC). She is currently working on the second book in the Eugeena Patterson Mysteries, Oven Baked Secrets (October 2014) and the first book in a new romantic suspense series (April 2015).

She is the 2013 Urban Literary Awards Debut Author Winner and 2013 Urban Literary Awards Mystery/Thriller/Suspense Winner. Tyora is a member of Sisters in Crime and American Christian Fiction Writers.

As a literary-focused entrepreneur, she has assisted countless authors with developing an online presence via her company, TywebbinCreations.com. Popular services include online publicity, social media management, book trailers and book covers. DIYwithTy is an instructional platform that grew from her 13+ years of working with authors. The Literary Entrepreneur’s Toolkit was released January 2014.

When Tyora isn’t working for a client or doing something literary, she enjoys spending time with family, catching a movie on the big screen, and traveling. For more information about her literary endeavors, visit her online at TyoraMoody.com.


Connect with Tyora "Ty" Moody | 
TyoraMoody.com
Author and Literary EntrepreneurFIND TY ON SOCIAL MEDIA


VICTORY GOSPEL SERIES | SteppingIntoVictory.com

  • When Perfection Fails, Book 3 (March 2014)
  • When Memories Fade, Book 2 
  • When Rain Falls, Book 1 


EUGEENA PATTERSON MYSTERIES | EugeenaPatterson.com
  • Oven Baked Secrets, Book 2 (October 2014)
  • Deep Fried Trouble, Book 1
  • Shattered Dreams: A Short Story 

DIYwithTy SERIES | DIYwithTy.com
  • The Literary Entrepreneur's Toolkit (January 2014)

Monday, March 17, 2014

Five-Star Review of Walk A Straight Line

I'd like to share a 5-Star review of Walk A Straight Line.

"The cost of friendship can be hard in Walk A Straight Line by Michelle Lindo-Rice. Colleen MacGregor turns her life over to God after her marriage to Terence Hayworth is sealed. Colleen works to be the best helpmate she can be while struggle to keep her friendship together with her best friend, Gina. Colleen soon realizes that she has to draw the line at some point. Colleen has a lot of her plate because the man she fell in love with is not the man she married. Colleen’s world takes a dark turn and she has to come to some harsh decisions.

Gina Price loves her best friend but the bible toting and holy than thou act is getting on her last nerve. Gina feels Colleen judges everything she does not that she hasn’t done some questionable things, but her friend should always support her. Gina also does not care for Terence because she has a feeling there is more to him than meets the eye. Gina is dealing with her own issues and does not need a lashing from her friend. Gina is dating Michael but has desires for his brother Keith. The attraction for Keith is one that cannot be ignored but what is she to do especially when Michael has proposed. Gina finds herself in a sticky situation, which will she choose?

Terence Hayworth has been preparing for the ministry and now has a wonderful wife to complete his look. Terence’s mother gives him advice as any mother would until he marries Colleen. Terence’s mother will do whatever she can to get rid of the new Mrs. Hayworth. Terence has a momma’s boy mentality that just may cost him everything especially when his wife puts her foot down at the situation. Will Terence learn his lesson? Or will he let his mother ruin his marriage?

What I Did Not Like: Terrence’s mother drove me crazy with frustration.

What I Did Like: It was about friendship, family and marriage. It expressed how hard it can be to have friends that are not saved. This book had well-developed characters, drama and suspense. The author does a wonderful job showing Colleen and Terence’s marriage evolving as the book progressed. I also love the fact that both Colleen and Terence had issues that caused them to stand up for themselves. I definitely recommend Walk A Straight Line to others.

This book was provided by the author for review purposes.

Teresa Beasley
A&RBC Reviews
5 Stars=Non Stop Page Turner"
http://www.amazon.com/Walk-Straight-Line-Michelle-Lindo-Rice/dp/1601627777/ref=sr_1_cc_3?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1370541929&sr=1-3-catcorr&keywords=michelle+lindo+rice

Friday, March 14, 2014

I Ain't Me No More

I Ain't Me No More

BY E. N. JOY

I Ain't Me No More

Helen wasn't just born the devious vixen of New Day Temple of Faith. There had to be something rooted deep within her to make her inflict and feed off of other people's pain.

Perhaps it was her own pain that she had suppressed for so many years-an unimaginable pain-that created an internal prison of which her mind was the only captive. But once the demons within her break free, those around her better beware, as Helen surely becomes the epitome of the saying, "Hurt people, hurt people."

In I Ain't Me No More, Helen has no shame displaying that she hasn't been saved all her life. Will the divas of New Day Temple of Faith think Helen's worth saving? But more importantly, can God save Helen from not only her evil past; can He save her from herself?

First Chapter Excerpt

Man, I hate the cleaning guy! Why does he have to do his job so well? Can’t he ever leave just one spot, smear or smudge on this dang stripper pole? Something so that I don’t have to see myself so painfully visible like this? What makes him think I want to be able to see myself twirling around this pole like some skilled monkey—caught up in the powerful grip of the almighty dollar; a grip known to have choked the life out of many while leaving others gasping for their last breath?

“That’s for you,” Damon spoke out over R. Kelly’s “Your Body’s Calling.” With his chestnut brown, bald head and facial hair that is edged up nice and clean, Damon licks his thumb and uses it to flick a twenty dollar bill off the stack of money he’s palming.

I swivel my body down to the ground the way the vanilla and chocolate swirl ice cream at the DQ makes its way from the machine to the cone. “Baby, you know it takes gas to keep a Cadillac like myself going,” I say to Damon. “As long as you keep filling up the tank, I’ma go-go all night.” I swivel my body back up to a standing position while adding, “In any direction you want me to go.”

Damon’s lips part into that sexy signature smile of his.

“Whatever you want,” Damon said. “It’s your Caddy. I’ll drive, ride, heck, I’ll even be a backseat passenger. Just know that I got you, Ma.” Damon begins to flick off bills like he’s the dealer in a game of spades.

I’m very much content with the hand I’m being dealt. So much so that I want to drop to my knees and begin scooping like a kid standing under a piñata that has just been busted open. But I don’t want to appear too desperate. Resolving to strip in the first place was out of desperation. At the time of making the decision I felt trapped, like Jonah in the belly of the big fish. I was always trying to make ends meet, but neither of my ends were the least bit interested in getting to know one another. Bills were due. I weighed some options on my immoral scale of desperation and stripping was a less load to travel with in my mental carry-on. I mean, at least I’m not selling my whole self --just bartering off a piece of me.

“Go on, Go-Go Girl. You know you wanna bend that thang over and pick up that loot.”

Once again, Damon licks his thumb and lightens his pile of money as he flicks a couple more bills onto the stage at my feet. “Come on, just show me a li’l sumpin’-sumpin’,” Damon urges. His eyes peruse my body from head to toe, wetting his thumb in preparation to keep making it rain.

And this was rain, might I add. Ones being flicked off; that’s a chance of rain. Fives being flicked off; that’s a little drizzle. Tens being flicked off; that’s a scattered shower. Twenties; that’s rain. Benjamins; an all-out thunderstorm!

“Come on, Damon, you know the rules. You don’t want me to break the rules and get put on punishment do you?” I ask, making a puppy dog face.

“Forget the rules,” Damon barks like the big dawg he is. “And if all that is worthy of just a peek,” he says, referring to all the money he’s laid at my feet, “I can only imagine what this will get me.”

I freeze on the stage, which means the bill Damon is now displaying must be triggering some type of ice storm. Until this very moment, I never even knew that such a bill exists.

“What’s the matter, Go-Go Girl? You ain’t never seen a five hundred dollar bill before?” He chuckles. “So what do you say you make tonight a first for a lot of things?”

All of a sudden I’m starting to think about church, kicking myself for not having paid my respects (or tithes) to the house of the Lord in a couple of months. At the same time I’m trying my hardest to recall one of those messages that have to do with temptation-a scripture or something- because to tell the truth and shame the devil, I am beyond tempted to take Damon up on his offer.

“A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches…” That isn’t exactly the scripture I’m grappling for, but it still seems fitting.

My name; Helen Lannden. How much is it worth today? Twenty-five year old Helen Lannden. How much will my name be worth tomorrow, especially if I trick for this money today?

( Continues... )


Copyright © 2013 by E. N. Joy. All rights reserved. Book excerpt reprinted by permission of the author, E. N. Joy. This excerpt is used for promotional purposes only. Do not reproduce, copy or use without the publisher's written permission. Copyright infringement is a serious offense. Share a link to this page or the author's website if you really like this promotional excerpt.

Intimate Conversation with E. N. Joy

BLESSED selling Author E. N. Joy is the writer behind the five book series, “New Day Divas,” the “Still Divas” three book series and the “Always Divas” three book series, which have been coined the “Soap Opera In Print.”

The “New Day Divas” series includes the titles: She Who Finds A Husband, Been There Prayed That, Love Honor or Stray, Trying to Stay Saved and I Can Do Better All By Myself.
The “Still Divas” series includes the titles: And You Call Yourself a Christian, The Perfect Christian and The Sunday Only Christian. The “Always Divas” series includes the titles I Ain’t Me No More, More Than I Can Bear and You Get What You Pray For.

Joy writes children’s and young adult titles under the name N. Joy. Her children’s story, The Secret Olivia Told Me, received the American Library Association Coretta Scott King Honor. Book club rights were acquired by Scholastic Books and the book has sold almost 100,000 copies. Elementary and middle school children have fallen in love with reading and creative writing as a result of the readings and workshops Joy performs in schools nationwide.

Currently, Joy is the executive editor for Urban Christian, an imprint of Urban Books in which the titles are distributed by Kensington Publishing Corporation. In addition, Joy is the artistic developer for a young girl group named DJHK Gurls. Joy pens original songs for the group that deal with messages that affect today’s youth, such as bullying. You can visit Joy at www.enjoywrites.com.

BPM: What is the one thing you would like all of your readers to know about you? 
That I live breathe, eat and sleep (well, not much sleep) this literary thing. It’s real. It’s not a hobby. It’s not something I do on the side. It’s my life. I take it serious. It’s my craft, my career, my first love and now it’s my ministry. With that being said, readers need to know that when I put something out for them, I’m truly giving them my all. And if I fall short of their expectations, I’ll do everything I can to try to do a better job next time in order to earn and keep their readership.

BPM: Does your faith or education inspire your writing? 
I went to school for legal assisting and was a paralegal for thirteen years. Not many of my books deal with the legal system, but as far as my faith, my being a Christian, it inspires every word I write. Because I am a Christian who writes Christian fiction for a Christian fiction imprint (Urban Christian), my books absolutely must have Christ in them.

My walk with Christ has not been easy. I did not dedicate my life to Christ one Sunday morning and then all my problems went away. It just so happens that I was my biggest problem, and since I wasn't going anywhere, I had to begin to deal with myself. This goes for most of my characters I write about as well. Some of them just can't seem to get out of their own way, let go of their issues and past and let God. And just like in real life, some of the characters get it after getting it wrong so many times. Then there are those who just never seem to get it. The latter characters, like some real folks, end up going through life thinking it's a battle of them against the world, never realizing that they are their own worse enemy...and sometimes their only enemy.

BPM: What does “growth” mean to you? 
For me personally, growth is when my best book was my last (latest) book. If you ask an author what was the best book they have written, if they don't call off the last book of theirs that was published, then, Houston, we have a problem. As a writer, you are always learning, progressing, growing and developing more within the craft. If the best book you ever wrote is three books back down the line, then you might want to consider sharpening your tools. It's okay for your favorite book to be somewhere back down the line, but your best book should always be the one that just came off the press.

BPM: Introduce us to your latest book and the main characters. What makes each one special? Do you have any favorites? 
I Ain't Me No More is book one of my three book "Always Divas" series. The main character, Helen, is not only the newest member of the New Day Temple of Faith Singles Ministry, but she quickly becomes the vixen with all her evil ways and tactics. Helen is not one of those church folk the members love to hate. They just out right hate her!
But is there something more to Helen than the hard, nasty exterior she puts up? Lord knows she hasn't been saved all her life, but was she born evil? Why else would someone set out to intentionally inject turmoil into the lives around her? Well, the women at New Day don't know and most don't care. They believe the antidote to this snake's venom is to throw her out the church on her behind. But when Helen decides to let these New Day divas in on her past skeletons, will that change their minds?

With the compassion and wisdom of church mother, Mother Doreen, indeed one of my favorite New Day characters, the women just might find that Helen is worth saving. Question is, though; Does Helen want to be saved? Helen is special because she is flawed to the point where you want to close your eyes and say a prayer for her your own self. That's just how realistic this character and her life situations are. Either you know Helen or, which might be even scarier, you are Helen. More power to you if you were Helen but overcame your own self and ways and aren't you any more (the old you ;-).
While readers are raising eyebrows and shedding tears for some of Helen's choices in life, they are at the same time yearning for her to just get it.

Readers will ultimately want Helen to win at this challenge called life. Mother Doreen is a character from my book, The Perfect Christian, who I allow to make a cameo in Helen's story. Mother Doreen is just that, the elder-the church mother-who always seems to say the perfect thing or do the perfect thing to get and keep things in order. Of course once you read The Perfect Christian you realize that with Mother Doreen, in her older years you see all her glory, but go back a few chapters in her life and my God does she have a story!

BPM: What drew you to tackle the questions or topics in I Ain't Me No More? 
When I started this book five years ago, at the time, I was so displeased with who I was. The problem was, I didn't want to admit who I was, which was an angry, hurt and bitter person who had internalized and held onto those things, circumstances and situations that had made me that way. Doing so gave me an excuse to be mad. If I held onto what so and so did to me umpteen years ago, it justified the way I could treat so and so today. You can't quit it if you can't admit it.

So I had to take a for real-for real look at myself in the mirror, tell that reflection staring back at me just what I thought about her, and once I turned away from that mirror, make a conscious decision to leave her behind. I declared that I would do everything in my power to not be that person anymore...because she was disgusting and I hated her. If you go through life hating who you are, displaying love to others (heck, even like for that matter) is next to impossible. I had dealt with so much hurt and pain in my life that it ultimately became my normal. So if you wanted to fit into my normal world, you had to bring the hurt, bring the pain. When I got into church and got saved, I thought I was fixed. I was still broken though. It takes more work than just showing up at church every week and running down to the altar for someone to touch and agree with you or lay hands on you to get fixed.

The main character in I Ain't Me No More, Helen, is mad, bitter and angry at the hand she was dealt in life. Her problem; does she want to be fixed or is she so comfortable with pain that she wouldn't know how to live without it? Plain and simple: Helen is not that likeable. As a matter of fact, the last book I wrote, The Sunday Only Christian, the main character in that one wasn't so likeable either. So as God kept giving me these unlikable people as main characters, I got scared. As an author there was a fear that if readers didn't like my main character, then they wouldn't like my book. So during prayer I expressed to God my concerns. His reply: "This book is not for people to like the main character. This book is for people like the main character."

BPM: Do you think book sales are the only indicator of your success as a writer? 
Book sales are not the only indicator of my success as a writer. Once upon a time I used to desire to be a New York Times bestselling author. That motivated me to no end. But then I watched Spike Lee do an interview in which he stated that you can not allow an award or organization to validate who you are in your craft. Talk about a revelation! I heard his words. I got it. Plain and simple I got it. It was at that moment I knew that my success was not based on sells, awards, titles or anything else. Success is personal. Success is your own criteria and goals that you set for yourself. Have I reached the level of success I desire for myself? Absolutely not. I don't even feel close. Can I take out a pad and pencil and write down what those indicators are. Absolutely not.

Call me crazy but success for me is going to be that feeling I get when I know "It is finished." When I know that I have not done just the best that I can do, but that I have done ALL that I can do and feel it in the depths of my soul that God is pleased and that I am pleased with myself. I always say that the greatest "Ah Ha" moment a person can have is when their life begins to make sense. Well none of this makes sense to me yet.
I went from writing secular works where the royalty checks kept my head above water and the lights on, to writing Christian fiction to where-let's keep it all the way one hunid- it's a challenge to get Christian folks to even buy Christian fiction.

It's been such a challenge that on some days I entertain the thought of going back to writing my trashy novels that would allow me to at least buy a named brand hand bag every now and then. Obedience is better than sacrifice though. So I continue to trust God, which means, I continue to write what He instructs me to. Even though those royalty checks aren't what I'd like them to be, somehow the lights are still on!

BPM: Share with us your latest news. 
I'm most excited about my October 2013 release, I Ain't Me No More, which is book one of the "Always Divas" series. I'm already putting the finishing touches on book two of the series, which is titled More Than I Can Bear, and that releases May 2014.

Connect with the author online: 
Website: www.enjoywrites.com
Instagram: blessedselling_author_enjoy
Twitter Page: www.twitter.com/enjoywrites 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorENJOY 

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Sister Betty Says I Do

Sister Betty Says I Do

BY PAT G'ORGE-WALKER

Sister Betty Says I Do -- Now Available!

An inspiring, devilishly funny tale of hope, secrets—and hard-knock faith that can make the most impossible situations right…

For Sister Betty, the marriage proposal from trustee Freddie Noel is a once-in-a-lifetime surprise blessing. Unfortunately, she knows the chances of having a peaceful ceremony in their beloved Crossing Over Sanctuary Church are slim to none. But she’s armed with enough sense and scripture to keep contentious church busybodies Bea Blister and Sasha Pray Onn from sowing even more chaos amid the congregation—until a rehearsal disaster and an unexpected secret causes Freddie to break off the engagement without explanation…

While this no-nonsense prayer warrior needs all the holy backup she can get, her pastor,Reverend Leotis Tom, is desperately dodging temptation as Mother Pray Onn’s wild-child niece and Betty’s young cousin compete to become his First Lady. With her happiness, the church’s future, and Tom’s sanity on the line, Sister Betty will need to kick some spiritual butt, take names—and fight for some major soul-saving miracles.


What the Reviewers Are Saying 


Sister Betty Sarah Becton and Trustee Freddie Noel (skinny and yellow as a number two pencil) are both on the far side of 60 but decide to jump the broom.

But there ain’t no drama like wedding-planning drama, especially in the small South Carolina town of Pelzer. Sweating in the Southern heat like “Friday night strippers sitting on Sunday morning church’s second pew,” church mothers Sasha Pray Onn and Bea Blister worry over Sister Betty’s plans.

But Freddie’s off-and-on health issues may delay the big event. A wild bunch of extended family and church folk meddle in the plans lending the story a hilarious reality show vibe.

Stealing scenes are Sweet Betty’s cousin Sharvon and sexy hot Ima, each batting their eyelashes at muscled and sexy Rev. Leotis Tom.

Down-home humor, scripture readings, and outrageous trash talk. Priceless. Sister Betty Says I Do is a wonderful romp that will have wide appeal to both sinners and saints.


Purchase your copy today!
Available on Nook and Kindle

ISBN-10: 0758289855
ISBN-13: 978-0758289858
http://amzn.com/0758289855


Meet the Author

Pat G'Orge-Walker is a former record industry veteran who has worked for several major labels including Epic, Def Jam, and Columbia. She also performed with the legendary 60's girl group, Arlene Smith and the Chantels ("Maybe") as well as with gospel groups.

Pat G’Orge-Walker aka Sister Betty is the Essence® bestselling author of Holy Mayhem, No Ordinary Noel, Somebody’s Sinning in My Bed; Somewhat Saved; Cruisin’ on Desperation; Mother Eternal Ann Everlastin’s Dead; Sister Betty, God’s Calling You, Again!; and contributed a short story to the anthology Proverbs for the People.

Growing up a preacher’s kid gave G’Orge-Walker a quirky perspective on the church community and inspired her to create a one-woman comedy show centering on Sister Betty, an elderly super saint whose un-Christian-like behavior blocks her blessings. With the success of the Sister Betty comedy show, G’Orge-Walker turned her humor and imagination to writing.

She resides in Long Island, New York. Look for her on Twitter and Facebook.

More Books by this Author

* Holy Mayhem
* No Ordinary Noel
* Somewhat Saved
* Don't Blame the Devil
* Somebody's Sinning in My Bed


Join the Sister Betty Facebook Fanpage

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pat-Sister-Betty-Gorge-Walker-Fan-Page/168249483187573

Excerpt from Sister Betty Says I Do


“Oh, man, please,” Thurgood said as he placed his hands on his hips. “You need to calm down. You already taking medicine for that high blood pressure.” Thurgood suddenly smiled. “Although, I got to tell you that you really surprised me back at Betty’s.”

Freddie stopped and spun around. “What are you talking about now?”

“I’m talking about the way you was reacting when my Dee Dee was reading that piece from the Song of Solomon. A man knows what another man is thinking.”

“You’re crazy.”

“Uh-huh.” Thurgood smiled. “I’m crazy enough to know that whatever you taking for your high blood pressure ain’t stopping Freddie Junior from trying to strike out on its own.”

A shade of red Thurgood had never seen before suddenly spread across Freddie’s face.

“Don’t be embarrassed,” Thurgood told him. “Dee Dee can cause a stir in a graveyard.”

Freddie hung his head. “I guess now I’m being a bit hypocritical. I’m sorry,” he told Thurgood. “I’m not lusting after your wife. It’s Betty I want.”

Thurgood laughed. “Man, please. I ain’t hardly mad at you. Me and the whole world know that Dee Dee is a fine woman, and a gorgeous one at that.”

“She’s very pretty,” Freddie remarked. “But she’s not my Honey Bee.”

“Lord, no!” Thurgood blurted. “But I am glad to hear you say that. I mean, there’s a lot of playas out here and inside the church that would’ve had such ideas.”

“I’m no playa.”

“Of course you are,” Thurgood told him. “You’ve probably been running away and escaping the marriage claws by inches.”

“No, I haven’t,” Freddie admitted. “I’ve never been within reach of a marriage claw.”

“Really?” Thurgood said. He then folded his arms across his chest and leaned against the living room wall. “I betcha when you rode a horse, you tamed that filly, didn’t you?”

“I did ride a couple of horses back in the day, but as soon as I’d feel them bucking, I’d fall off too soon. . . . Word got around quick that I was no cowboy.”

What Freddie had confessed weakened Thurgood, and it showed as he slowly pushed away from the wall. Although he no longer wore his hair conked, the little gray fuzz he did have stood on edge. “Not even one that you could pay to ride?”

“Nope, I’ve never had a professional trainer in the art of sex.”

“And yet Betty still wants to marry you?” Thurgood shook his head and whistled as he looked Freddie in the eyes. “Man, whatever you need to do to get back on the good foot with my cousin, you need to do it. You can’t let nothing, not even high blood pressure, mess up your marriage plans.”

Thurgood began thumbing the side of his cheek, as though to conjure up more advice. “If you telling the truth and every woman you ever slept with has stamped your lovemaking skills ‘return to sender,’ then there’s all kinds of things you can use to get your manhood off the trade-in block. If you and Betty think y’all wanna consummate and make things legal, there are ways. I mean, you have the pump. It’s a hand pump, so I’m just assuming you ain’t been completely idle all these years, so you probably won’t have too much trouble with it. And then there’s Viagra and Cialis. I’m telling you there’s a pill or a cure for just about everything that ails you. We can even come up with something romantic to square away Betty’s misunderstanding of where you stand about marrying her.”

Thurgood held out his hand to Freddie. “I normally look for a check when I counsel, but since you gonna be family soon, a handshake will do.”

“Sure. Why not?” Freddie gave Thurgood a limp handshake.

“Why the soft handshake, Freddie? Didn’t I help you?”

“You helped with everything but my cancer.”

The two men stood opposite one another, watching smiles fade and concern take their place.


( Continues... )

© 2013 All rights reserved. Book excerpt reprinted by permission of the author. This excerpt is used for promotional purposes only. Do not reproduce, copy or use without the publisher's written permission. Copyright infringement is a serious offense. Share a link to this page or the author's website if you really like this promotional excerpt.


Available on Nook and Kindle

ISBN-10: 0758289855
ISBN-13: 978-0758289858
http://amzn.com/0758289855


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