Hot New Release: Walk A Straight Line

Questions for  Michelle Lindo-Rice

Tell us a little about yourself – Where you grew up, your spiritual background, family.

I am originally from the island of Jamaica, and I migrated to America at eleven years of age. I lived in New York City most of my life before relocating to Florida about 10 years ago. My family is close-knit and most of my siblings live in the same town. My father is a minister, so I am highly involved in ministry from a child.

Are you single, married or engaged? Children?

 I am a single mother of two teenaged boys.

What inspired you to become a writer?

I have always enjoyed writing, and began writing songs from a teen. I love words, and telling stories. I was inspired to become a writer because I love to read. I also know that this is a ministry that God has given me to draw others to HIm and His word.

What hurdles did you have to overcome through this process?

I have overcome 12 years of rejections to get here, but God sent me on a trip to a Faith & Fiction retreat in Florida where I learned, pitched my work and was offered a book deal.

 I also had low self-confidence, though I was capable. Because I realized that I needed to write, and that writing was my passion, I have begun learning to self-promote, to believe in myself and to am learning how to market myself.

Who are your favorite authors and why?

Michelle Lindo-Rice: I have so many, and the lists are growing LOL. I have read every single Victoria Christopher Murray book because her books were the first I read that showed characters I could relate to. She has amazing writing skills. I also love work by Shana Johnson Burton, and Rhonda McKnight because their characters never fail to make me laugh and root for them.

Tell us a little about your upcoming novel. Who is the protagonist and what is the premise?

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WALK A STRAIGHT LINE looks at the lives of two best friends and how the dynamic of their friendship changes in the course of a year. Colleen, a newlywed, is the protagonist who has rededicated her life to the Lord and learns how much God is needed to sustain her marriage. She has to fight some serious battles, including an interfering mother-in-law. It also has a juicy storyline, of her best friend, Gina who is dating one brother while falling for another, which makes for a delicious, entertaining read.


You can read a sample chapter at www.michellelindorice.com

What do you believe is the take away message?

I believe the take-away message is that friendships are to be valued and treasured and a good friend will stand in your corner. I want readers to see God as the main ingredient for a successful marriage. Colleen and Terence are flawed, human, but they have a perfect God who will help them overcome even the most trying circumstances.

What advice would you give to those who have a desire to write a book?

My advice is one I am taking now, which is to continuously work on improving your craft. If you want to write, it requires learning from the best. I also urge someone who wants to write a book to believe in yourself and work consistently everyday on writing, and developing your writing. I also strongly recommend working with an editor - one who has been working with authors in the genre you desire to write.

What is your greatest challenge as a writer?

Michelle Lindo-Rice: So far, my greatest challenge as a writer is time management. Making the time to write and juggling that with other commitments - having a full-time job and being a mother. So balancing priorities

What was the best advice you ever received?

My best advice was to attend writer’s retreats and workshops. My second best was to hire an editor.

 What is the greatest lesson you’re learning from your experience as a new author?

The greatest lesson I am learning is the importance of promoting your work and having a sharp, quick answer to “What is your book about?” That is a work in progress. Someone once said that if no one knows you, they won’t purchase your book. I am learning marketing skills. 
From my actual book, I have learned that my words do impact others. I have had people cry and share their stories with me because of my book.

Are you working on any other books? If so, can you share any details?

I am working on third novel, MY STEPS ARE ORDERED which is the second installment of what I call the On the Right Path series. It is in the revision process and is scheduled to publish next August 2014. It continues with the lives of Keith, Gina and Michael over several years chronicling Keith’s and Gina’s path to salvation.

 Tell our audience how to purchase your book and share any upcoming information.

Michelle Lindo-Rice: WALK A STRAIGHT LINE  is available THIS Tuesday, Dec. 31st online through Amazon as a paperback, Kindle. It is also on Nook, Kobo, Google + and ebooks. Barnes and Noble and Books-A-Million as well as many local bookstores have it in stock.

 CLICK TO ORDER

A time for reflection

I use this time to reflect on my year. Then I set new goals and develop a plan of action for how I will accomplish them.

 http://crossreads.com/downloads/MerryChristmas.txt

Listen As I Read An Excerpt from Walk A Straight Line

Walk A Straight Line releases December 31st. Listen in as I Read an Excerpt from Walk A Straight Line. Click the Link Below :)

http://www.audioacrobat.com/note/C7MZJqp4

Walk a Straight Line 
by Michelle Lindo-Rice

Two friends. Two brothers. Two weddings. Too many secrets. 

Colleen MacGregor rededicated her life to God when she met and married Terence Hayworth. However, her happily-ever-after will have to wait, because she has some serious dragons to slay to sustain her marriage and keep her friendship with Gina Price intact. After fifteen years of friendship, Colleen must now draw the line and stop telling Gina everything.

What did God do to her friend? Gina finds it hard to deal with Colleen's newfound faith. She thinks Colleen has become self-righteous, subjecting Gina to her holy tirades whenever the mood strikes. When Gina begins dating one brother, while simultaneously falling in love with another, boy, does she get an earful! Gina, however, is way too busy trying to sort her way through her own murky feelings to worry about her soul. Her heart wants what it wants.

Michelle Lindo-Rice explores the complicated world of female friendships. Can a friendship survive when one friend becomes saved?


Excerpt from Walk a Straight Line


Next to Gina, Colleen felt gauche, and lingered in her friend’s shadow—or so it seemed to her. She placed the blame on her height of five-ten—from that vantage point, pickings were slim.

Until Terence. He was six-four, and drawn to her. Best of all, she could wear heels without worry.

She dried herself and reached for one of her scented oils.

Once she finished oiling herself down, Colleen chose a pink and white teddy with ruffles and a delicate trim. Slipping into it, she thought about Terence and sizzled. She eased onto the bed and practiced several seductive poses.

She heard the lock click.

Finally.

Quick, she struck her most tantalizing pose. Her chest heaved with anticipation as she waited. He stopped at the sight of her.

“Wow.”

“Come and get it, Big boy.”

Terence hesitated for a split second before beginning to undress.

Not fast enough. Colleen flipped her long, curly hair and beckoned him to her bedside. Terence complied. She held her hands out for him to embrace her, but he paused.

Curious, Colleen asked. “What is it?”

“I feel grungy, you know, from all that sand,” Terence explained.

“Oh.” Embarrassed by her brazenness, she un-posed her body and stretched her legs as they had fallen asleep in that awkward position.

“Let me take a shower. Wash all this grime from me.” He was in the bathroom in seconds.

“Okay, what just happened here?”

Somehow that is not how that scene always played out on the soap operas. However, she clamped her disappointment because she knew how fastidious Terence was. Chilled, Colleen went under the covers and closed her eyes. She’d rest because when he came back, she was going to show him a thing or two. She had a creative mind, and now had the right to use it.

She felt something buzz against her leg, and jumped. It was Terence’s cell phone vibrating. She curved her leg to move it upwards, and grabbed it. She peeked at the number.

Why was Francine calling Terence on their honeymoon? Colleen debated for a second before she pressed the redial button. “Hi, Francine, is everything all right?”

“Isn’t this Terence’s phone?”

Wasn’t she Terence’s wife? “I—uhm—he’s in the shower—and I saw your number, so...” She rushed to explain.

“That doesn’t give you the right—just have him call me.”

With that, Colleen heard the dial tone. Her brow furrowed.

Terence came into the bedroom. He wore only a robe and used a hand-towel to vigorously dry his hair.

“Why is your mother calling you on your honeymoon?”

Terence tensed. “My mother called?”

“Yes, just now. What’s going on?”

“Why didn’t you let it go to voicemail?” he asked instead. Without waiting for an answer, Terence seized the phone from her hand. “Don’t answer my phone.”

Colleen shivered at his harsh tone. “In my defense, I didn’t think it would be a problem if I answered your phone. It could’ve been an emergency.”

Terence repeated with emphasis, “Don’t touch my phone.”

Colleen didn’t understand but she nodded her head. She turned away from him and moved to the edge of the bed. She felt the bed sink under his weight. Hurt, Colleen squeezed her eyes shut to hold the tears at bay. Who was this man?


( Continued... )

© 2014 All rights reserved. Book excerpt reprinted by permission of the author, Michelle Lindo-Rice. Do not reproduce, copy or use without the author's written permission. Copyright infringement is a serious offense. This excerpt is used for promotional purposes only. Share a link to this page or the author's website if you really like this sneak peek.

Walk a Straight Line by Michelle Lindo-Rice
http://amzn.com/1601627777
 

Her published works are:
Sing a New Song (Feb. 2013)
Walk a Straight Line (Jan. 2014)
My Steps are Ordered (Aug. 2014)

COVER REVEAL: My Steps Are Ordered

What happens when your husband finds out you’re in love with his brother?

Team Keith? Or team Michael? God's side? Or, is there really any other choice?

Gina Ward has it all. A husband, a child, and all the finer things life have to offer. She doesn't see herself as one of the less fortunate who needs God. But, what happens when her only son, Trey, falls ill? Will she rely on the Only one who holds the world in His hands? 

Keith Ward is a respected minister. But he cannot shake his inappropriate feelings for his brother's wife. When his nephew falls ill, Keith knows he has to drop everything to be by her side. Will he finally find healing for his broken heart? 

Michael Ward is living the dream life. But, life as he knows it changes drastically when his son falls ill. Everything he thought to be truth will be brought into question. What will he do when he realizes he is living one big lie?

The Second Installment of the "On the Right Path" series promises to keep you turning the pages until the stunning end.

Avallable for Pre-Order

Read A Sample Chapter at http://michellelindorice.com/my-steps-are-ordered/

QUICK QUESTION:

Someone gave a fellow Christian fiction author a bad review because she felt that she was reading a sermon. What say you?

Excuse Me: A Short Story

I wrote this short story for a writing workshop. It rekindled the fire within me to get back to writing. Now, as we close out this year, I'll be the proud author of two novels.

Excuse Me

By Michelle Lindo-Rice

“Excuse me, miss,” a young man, who appeared to be slightly older than me, called out. He attempted to seek me out again, but I decided to ignore his desperate, frantic call. I rolled my eyes, barely glancing his way, feeling supercilious and highly insulted that this man would even deign to try to hit on me. After all, he was not what I considered highly attractive. He should have known better to try to talk to me, I told myself. I was way out of his league. So, I tilted my chin in the air, deciding to ignore him, sped up and kept walking. It was a beautiful spring day in New York City and I was feeling pretty. Real pretty.

I was twenty one years old and had finally shed those pounds packed on by puberty so I was no longer the chubby-cheeked, chunky teenager. Instead, my sleek young body welcomed the feel and sway of a size-two fuchsia shirt tucked neatly into an extra small black skirt. I had gotten up early to flat iron my new short do. I had cut my hair three days ago and felt grown up and sophisticated. I always had a young face, so I thought the style made me look my age.

Just thinking about my hair cut gave me an extra bounce in my step. I had taken the train from Queens into Manhattan, where I would walk the eight blocks to the musty little room that I had spent my last semester of school. I was about to take my last final exam to complete my bachelor’s degree.

I sipped on the Mistic fruit punch I had purchased as soon as I came out the station. It had been packed in ice and was refreshingly cool on what promised to be a hot day. My ego suffered another boost when yet another young man beckoned to me. He had dread locks and judging by the b-ball in his hands and the sweat pouring down his body, had followed me from the nearby basketball court. I merely sucked my teeth. Dread locks gestured profusely with his hands to get my attention, but I refused to acknowledge his very existence. I felt relieved when in my peripheral vision, I saw him give up with a slight wave of exasperation.

However, I was secretly enthralled by all the interest I was receiving. Grinning from ear to ear, I pulled out the chocolate lipstick I had purchased the day before and gave my lips a quick touch up. Spotting my headphones, I pulled them out and hung them underneath my chin so I wouldn’t ruin my hairdo. I was not listening to anything, but knew that would keep the predators at bay if they saw I was otherwise occupied. But, that didn’t stop me from putting an extra sway in my hips and sashaying until I got to the campus.

Just as I was about to open the door to enter the building, a lady in a navy blue pin-striped suit tapped on my shoulder. I almost jumped out of my socks because the headphones had somewhat muffled my hearing. I tugged the headset from my ears and smiled at her, thinking she may be a professor or dean at the university.

She reached over, patted my on the back, and whispered something in my ear before going her way. I stood frozen. It took a moment for me to fully register the impact of her words. My heart thundered and the confident grin slipped off my face. My eyes widened and I instinctively covered my mouth with one of my hands, even while knowing that would do nothing to diminish my mortification. Her words had hit my core like a whirlwind and my stomach churned in consternation.

In slow motion, I reached around to feel my backside. Instead of feeling the smooth feel of spandex, my hands encountered the unmistakable feel of nylon pantyhose. My skirt was bunched up inside. Quickly, I pulled it out and felt my skirt hit the back of my knee in freedom. Perplexed, I wondered how I could not have known, how I had not felt the wind, so to speak.

I slowly trudged into the classroom hoping that the fire on my cheeks would cool. As I sat down to take my final test, all I could think about was that I had paraded my butt cheek for eight long city blocks for all to see. I thought of the men who had tried to get my attention! They had been trying to rescue me but I had spurned their chivalrous attempts. That day, I learned a lesson in humility for because I had thought I was all that, I had really showed my butt for all New York City to see. Pun intended.

Copyright (2009) by Michelle Lindo-Rice. Please do not copy or redistribute without expressed permission.

Walk A Straight Line BOOK TRAILER

What a cover!

COLOR BLIND

God had to blind him for him to truly see.

An accident has robbed Saul Sweeterman of his sight. Angry at the world, Aniyah 'Annie' Hays is the only person who can reach him. Her voice draws him like a siren. Saul falls for Annie hard and fast, not knowing that she’s of a different race. 

As a physical therapist, Annie prides herself on her professionalism. But one glance into Saul’s deep blue eyes and she’s a goner. She’s falling in love and loving it, until she learns Saul opposes interracial relationships.

Since her heart refuses to cooperate, Annie wonders, Will Saul reject her because of the color of her skin? Loosely based on the story of Saul and the prophet Ananias, Color Blind promises to answer the question, Can you tell your heart who to love?

Coming Soon: COLOR BLIND

 I anticipate the release of my sophomore novel: Walk A Straight Line, coming Dec. 31, 2013 from Urban Books. 
It's the First installment of the "On the Right Path" series.

Though I'm fortunate to have a traditional publisher, I'm also considering self-publishing. The reason is because I aim to build readership. Thus the novella.  If they don't know your work, readers are less likely to buy your book. 

Self-publishing at a reasonable price gives them a taste of your work and if you've gained a fan, they won't hesitate to buy your other work.

So, minus the fanfare, I intend to release an interracial Christian Fiction novella really soon. For those who read and enjoy, Walk A Straight LIne, Color Blind will give them a sample while they wait for the Jul. 29, 2014 release of the Second installment of the "On the Right Path" series, My Steps Are Ordered.

Coming Soon......

COLOR BLIND

God had to blind him for him to truly see.

An accident has robbed Saul Sweeterman of his sight. Angry at the world, Aniyah 'Annie' Hays is the only person who can reach him. Her voice draws him like a siren. Saul falls for Annie hard and fast, not knowing that she’s of a different race. 

As a physical therapist, Annie prides herself on her professionalism. But one glance into Saul’s deep blue eyes and she’s a goner. She’s falling in love and loving it, until she learns Saul opposes interracial relationships.

Since her heart refuses to cooperate, Annie wonders, Will Saul reject her because of the color of her skin? Loosely based on the story of Saul and the prophet Ananias, Color Blind promises to answer the question, Can you tell your heart who to love?

Virtual Tour: Living Separate Lives

Living Separate Lives Virtual Book Tour

With Paulette Harper

December 2-13, 2013

Genre: Christian Fiction, Novella

ASIN: B00GLF5BW0

ISBN: 978-0989969109

Publisher: Thy Word Publishing (November 10, 2013)

Four Friends, One Secret and The Weekend That Changed Their Destiny

Candace Walker, Kaylan Smith, Jordan Tate, and Tiffany Thomas have their share of sorrows, but neither of them realizes how deep the sorrow goes.  What happens when they agree to meet for a weekend of relaxation in beautiful Napa County? Which one will leave the same or worse?

For Candace Walker, life has left her battered and bruised.  Kaylan Smith has struggled with prejudice from her in-laws. After fifteen years of marriage, bitterness is trying to raise its ugly head for Jordan Tate, whose husband wants to call it quits. And for Tiffany Thomas, dealing with rejection has never been one of her greatest feats.

Although they have been friends for years, they thought they knew each other well. But will a secret destroy their relationship and bring the sisterhood to a complete halt? Will they be able to forgive and allow God to mend that which might be torn?

Getting to know the Author: Paulette shared with us from A-Z something about herself.

A= Ambitious

B= Business Minded

C= Caring

D= Doer of God’s Word

E= Entrepreneur

F= Friendly

G= Gifted

H= High Spirited

I= Intelligent

J= Joyful

K= Kind

L= Loving

M= Motivated

N= Nice

O= Optimistic

P= Passionate

Q= Qualified

R= Responsible

S= Spiritual

T= Trust Worthy

U= Understanding

V= Virtuous

W= Winner

X= Xenodochial

Y= Youthful

Z= Zealous

About The Author

Paulette Harper is an award-winning and best-selling author. She is the owner of Write Now Literary Virtual Book Tours and is passionate about helping authors succeed in publishing and marketing their books. Paulette has been writing and publishing books since 2008.  Paulette is the author of That Was Then, This is Now, Completely Whole and The Sanctuary. Her articles have appeared on-line and in print.

Buy Links

Amazon e-book: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GLF5BW0

Amazon paperback:  http://www.amazon.com/Living-Separate-Lives-Paulette-Harper/dp/098996910X/ref=sr_1_4_title_0_main?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1384373404&sr=1-4&keywords=paulette+harper

Barnes & Noble paperback: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/living-separate-lives-paulette-harper/1117391317?ean=9780989969109

Barnes & Noble e-book: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/living-separate-lives-paulette-harper/1117391317?ean=2940148971788

Social Links

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/PauletteHarperAuthor

Facebook readers group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/52554599435/

Amazon Author Profile: http://tinyurl.com/mvzj65j

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/pauletteharper

Trailer: http://youtu.be/Y2YWSYkfxAM

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Y2YWSYkfxAM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

LinkedIn:  http://www.linkedin.com/pub/paulette-harper-johnson/7/a29/8a7

Pinterest : http://pinterest.com/pauletteharper/

Website: www.pauletteharper.com

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18524878-living-separate-lives

Tour Schedule: http://wnlbooktours.com/paulette-harper-johnson-2/