Amani Publishing Announces Winners for Sweetheart Writing Contest

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


August 19, 2006


Amani Publishing
P. O. Box 12045
Tallahassee, Florida
850-264-3341 phone
850-878-1006 fax

Amani Publishing Announces Winners for Sweetheart Writing Contest

Barbara Joe-Williams, owner of Amani Publishing is proud to announce that the "How I Met My Sweetheart" writing contest is officially over and there are sixteen (16) winners from six (6) states. I appreciate all of the entries that were submitted on behalf of your sweethearts. However, here is the list of finals:

1-H. Renay Anderson, TX
2-Shauna Stephens-Batts, FL
3-Aleigha Butler, GA
4-Francine Roberts Cargile, FL
5-Sherille Fisher, TX
6-LaShaunda Hoffman, MO
7-Vien Jernigan, FL
8-April McDermid, FL
9-Deborha Parham, GA
10-Kim Robinson, TX
11-Alesica Smith, OH
12-Juanita Thomas, FL
13-Sylvia Thomas, FL
14-Lance Washington, LA
15-Anne Holt-Webb, FL
16-Patricia Woodside, FL

Of course, my story will also be included in the book to be released on February 1, 2007. The book will be approximately 112 pages and retail for $10.00

Stay tuned for more great books from Amani Publishing.

Please visit my blogspot and website for more details...



Barbara Joe Williams, Amani Publishing
www.Barbarajoe.blogspot.com
How I Met My Sweetheart Anthology, coming February 2007
Falling for Lies, coming October 2006
Dancing with Temptation, November 2005
One Sister's Guide to Self-Publishing, July 2005
Forgive Us This Day, November 2004
www.AmaniPublishing.net

New Release from Author Bettye Griffin!

Greetings from Chicagoland!

Announcing the publication of my eleventh novel, One on One (Kimani Press, paper, $6.99), a September release (in stores around the last week of August; available now for pre-order through Amazon.com.)

RT Book Review calls One on One "a wonderful reading experience." Here's the entirety of what they said:

"Griffin constructs a stirring love story, using the 9/11 tragedy as a backdrop, and tackles the subject of romance between former in-laws and/or step-relatives. She reveals the main characters' emotional cores through dialogue and their vivid inner thoughts, making the reader feel for them and not judge them. A wonderful reading experience, this novel portrays the enduring bonds among three generations of two families who are one by blood, marriage and love.

"SUMMARY: When Natasha Lawrence's husband is killed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks, she's left to fend for herself and her two boys. Since she was raised in a children's home, the Lawrence/­Langston clan is all the family her two small sons know. Soon, however, her brother-in-law, [technically her late husband's step-brother, a part of his family since college; they did not grow up together as brothers - BG] Jared, steps up and offers to do what's right, helping her raise his nephews. There's a fine line, however, between helping out and taking advantage of the situation, and Jared fears he's crossed it.

"But after months of denying themselves a chance since an impromptu kiss during Christmas, Jared and Natasha succumb. All eyes are upon them as their secret is unintentionally revealed and their lives are changed forever."

(KIMANI/ARABESQUE, Sep., 320 pp., $6.99)

For more information, please visit www.bettyegriffin.com.

Thanks!

Bettye Griffin

Introducing Debut Author, Pamela Ridley

Title of your latest book: BETWEEN TEARS


Pitch BETWEEN TEARS to potential readers in 50 words or less.

Andrea Young’s sister is murdered, and she thinks there’s more to the crime than what meets the eye. Can it be a good thing when she falls in love with her sister’s ex, a possible suspect? When Andrea’s disturbed former boyfriend turns up dead as well, she must figure out the truth.


What was the initial spark that brought BETWEEN TEARS to you?

Toying with the idea of what lengths people will go through to justify actions based on what they think is the truth.


What was your favorite thing about writing this book?

I liked writing about Benjamin’s family and exploring his relationship with his son, mother, stepfather, and sister.

I also liked touching on the often frowned upon notion of one sibling falling in love with someone who had previously “belonged” to another sibling. One of my critique partners had a hard time getting past this, but it never fazed me. So, what I did was incorporate her concern into the novel and let Andrea address it. Since I believe in romance, when people are meant to be together, they work it out.

I was also intrigued with dealing with the idea that even when you’ve changed your life and shifted your values to reflect Christian beliefs, sometimes there’s still a past that can come back to bite you at any moment. What do you do then?


What do you hope readers get out of reading BETWEEN TEARS besides an entertaining read?

There are lots of layers in BETWEEN TEARS. Among them, the main characters must hold a romance together when it seems the world is against them. There’s the question of how faith plays out in a person’s life. The value of friendship is highlighted. Many characters have to dig deep to find the strength to forgive. There’s humor. My hope would be that the reader identifies with something on a personal level and takes heart.


What is your writing philosophy?

Write stories you would like to read. It keeps it fun and makes the work uniquely yours.


Being a debut author, what pieces of advice would you give writers who are trying to get published?

I’d suggest networking in whatever way works for you. It’s important to touch base somehow with other writers and others in the publishing industry. Ask questions, take writing classes, and read books on the writing craft. Write because writing is a passion. Persevere.


What can we see next from you?

I don’t have a signed contract for anything new yet, but all of my stories have three elements: faith, romance, and usually murder.


Dream-on: You've been greenlighted to do any creative project you want. What project would that be?

Just one? I’d find a few good African American books and make them into movies.

To learn more about Pamela and her works to order your copy of BETWEEN TEARS, check out her website: http://www.p-ridley.com/!