SisterDivas Magazine - Spring 2008 Issue - is LIVE!

SisterDivas Magazine - Where REAL Women Congregate
http://www.sisterdivasmagazine.net


QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER
SPRING 2008 (April - July)
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

TO SUBSCRIBE TO SD Quarterly Newsletter/Magazine and
discussion, send an e-mail to
sisterdivas-subscribe@yahoogroups.com !


Copyright 1999 - 2008
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

CONTENTS

**Check out the new SD BOUTIQUE!**
1) MEDIA
2) TOTAL BODY
3) FEATURE
4) LIFE
5) RELATIONSHIPS
6) BUZZWORTHY
7) CONTACT INFORMATION!


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**Check out the new SD BOUTIQUE!**

SD now has a spot on the net where we are showcasing products
that you, the ultimate SISTERDIVA, might be interested in! Check
out our SD Boutique today!

SD Boutique @ http://astore.amazon.com/sistemagaz-20 !


*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
1) MEDIA

::This issue, SD talks with author JENNY GARDINER, whose debut
novel, SLEEPING WITH WARD CLEAVER has received RAVE
REVIEWS -- one from Meg Cabot reads: A fun, sassy read! A cross
between Erma Bombeck and Candace Bushnell, reading Jenny Gardiner
is like sinking your teeth into a big frosted chocolate cupcake...you
just want more.

::Sensual, real, jazzy, neo soul, eclectic music your thing? According
to SD founder Tonya yt Howard, it should be, and this issue, she
introduces us to the wonderful artist, SHARON MUSGRAVE!

::Being HOT and BOTHERED takes on a whole new meaning when
SisterDivas talks with poet (and SD deems "life commentator")
PHYLLIS JOHNSON, who talks candidly about that time in women's
live when temperatures rise...and not in the "good" way!

::SD editor Shon Bacon knows a thing or two about being a
renaissance woman, and in this issue of SD, she meets her match
with poet, radio host, editor, and (more) NICOLE STEVENSON,
a woman with her hands in everything!


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2) TOTAL BODY

::In Letters to My Sisters, Dr. Ngozi Osuagwu, through thirty intensely
personalized letters to her patients, addresses various questions that
focus on women’s medical issues. These include routine and complex
questions that every patient would want to ask and expect their doctor
to answer. Read Sharon Haynes' review on this insightful book!

::Everyday, people suffer with failure - of relationships, of jobs, of
finances...the list goes on ad nauseam. Many times, these same people
can't see the nugget of truth that hides within the failure, the truth
that can enable them to grow and prosper in the future. In her latest
commentary, There is No Failure, Only Feedback, Dr. Cherry examines
how we can find the purpose behind failure in order to move from the
failure in a positive way.

::Black Pain: It Just Looks Like We're Not Hurting, by Terrie Williams,
identifies emotional pain—which uniquely and profoundly affects the
Black experience—as the root of lashing out through desperate acts of
crime, violence, drug and alcohol abuse, eating and shopping, gambling,
and sex. Few realize these destructive acts are symptoms of our inner
sorrow. Reviewer Sharon Haynes shares her thoughts on this provocative
book, a book desperately needed in the African American community.


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3) FEATURE

In EPISODE Three of LOVE BYTES, SD's new online serial, Destiny
couldn't get Devon's sexy dance out of her head, and she couldn't
get him out of her home as he paid her a surprise visit full of food,
talk, and kisses!


NOW, in EPISODE FOUR, Destiny's cyberfriend suggests she finally
accept a date with Devon. She takes his advice, and although she's
beyond giddy to spend time with him, she can't help but to let her
past creep into her mind, dampening her excitement...


::Excerpt::

Destiny nodded her head, remembering the question and sighed.
"He does have a point."

"Who does?"

Destiny swiveled in her chair, her eyes falling upon Devon , looking
just as good as he had yesterday, except for today he was stylishly
dressed in a black suit, crisp white shirt, and black and gold designer
tie.

Damn, Destiny thought, he would have to look all fine and
everything today.

She cleared her throat and responded, "No one. Was just talking
out loud, thinking. So, what's up?"

Devon smiled his big, bright, come hither smile and sauntered
across Destiny's office, sitting down in the stiff back, burgundy
leather chair in front of Destiny's desk.

"I wanted to say hi," he said, placing his large hands upon her
desk. "Wanted to see how things were with you."

Destiny laughed. "Didn't you see me yesterday?"

"Yeah, but we were interrupted..." Devon 's eyes linked with
Destiny's and for a brief moment, she felt as if she would
spontaneously combust. The heat that shot from Devon 's eyes
was lethal. "I was wondering if we could pick up where we left
off." Devon reached out and touched Destiny's hands. She jumped
from her chair.


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4) LIFE

::No one wants to say the "R" word these days: RECESSION, but
let's face it, money is TIGHT for EVERYBODY! And those women
who want to be fabulous are finding it devastatingly hard to budget
fabulousness into their spending habits. All That Glitters columnist
Melodye Shore feels women's plights, and in her article, OF
LIPSTICK AND OTHER LOW-COST LUXURIES, she reveals how
women can still pamper themselves and be glam...and not go broke
doing it!

::L. Denise Jackson, better known as The Sipping Sommelier here
@ SisterDivas, is beyond giddy this issue! During one of her
"Sipping Saturdays", she tasted several wines that are PERFECT
for Spring, and in this issue, she dishes on all of them while taking
you on a journey to Chile, Oregon, Australia, Spain, and Italy!

::Microsoft or Apple? iPod or Zune? Which side of the fence do
you dwell? SD founder Tonya Howard jumps in and shares her
thoughts on the battle of the MP3s and wants to know YOUR
THOUGHTS, too!

::This issue of SisterDivas, we talk with author Keshia Dawn about
her novel BY THE GRACE OF GOD and one of the most important
facets of life: FAITH.


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5) RELATIONSHIPS

::Do you want grace and miracles in your life? If so, then you
definitely want to read Alicia M. H. Latimer's review for Everyday
Grace, Everyday Miracle, by Lorna Owens!

::Author Kwyatt Storhm comes to SD to talk to us about relationships
and her novel, BITTERLY!


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6) BUZZWORTHY

Every issue of SD, we give you our BUZZWORTHY picks in books,
movies, TV, and music! Come see what WE think is HOT for SPRING
2008!

Do you have a book, CD, TV show, DVD, anything media worthy that
you would like us to consider for BUZZWORTHINESS?

If so, e-mail us at info@sisterdivasmagazine.net and tell us about
your product!


*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
7) CONTACT INFORMATION

To contact SisterDivas regarding submissions or other inquiries,
please e-mail us at info@sisterdivasmagazine.net .

We work hard to answer ANY and ALL e-mails as quickly as possible.




SisterDivas: Where ALL Women Congregate!
http://www.sisterdivasmagazine.net

Need YOUR Literary Baby Edited: Special Edition

First-time writers – and not-so-first-time writers – often have great ideas for stories and jump right into them, pouring out pages upon pages. Once they come to the end, they look at the screen or the page and say, "Now what?"

They know that they love words and that they love to tell stories, but the writers may not be able to analyze their work to check for:

o sentimental writing
o overwriting
o clichéd writing
o powerful, first chapter punch
o tightly woven story arc
o holes in storyline
o camping and marching in a story
o developed characters


I am now offering manuscript evaluation services to help in developing your story as A STORY, one that is strong from beginning to end.


A manuscript evaluation includes the following:

o an edit of your work (electronic or hard copy), looking at the above bulleted issues to analyze your submission as a literary work; if you submit electronically, I will use the TRACK CHANGES and COMMENTS features in Microsoft Word; if you submit a hard copy, I will mark the manuscript.

o assessing glaring grammatical, sentence-level, and story-level errors that hinder the work

o a written manuscript evaluation that summarizes and discusses the strengths and weaknesses of the work


Types of Works Evaluated*
o Submission Package Evaluation – (one- to two-week turnaround, depending on size) – if you have the first three chapters of your book, a query letter, and a synopsis, and you believe you're ready to send it out to potential agents and editors, this evaluation will check for story structure and also offer copy editing and proofreading of material.

o Query Letter Evaluation – (three- to five-day turnaround) – there are key components needed in a query letter. The letter will be read for format, structure, "punch," and grammatical/mechanical issues.

o Synopsis Evaluation – (week turnaround) – the synopsis evaluation will analyze the synopsis' structure, development, and grammatical/mechanical issues.

o Completed Manuscripts up to 80k – (three- to five-week turnaround)

o Completed Manuscripts from 80k to 100k – (four- to six-week turnaround)


***SPECIAL ALERT****SPECIAL ALERT***
If you hire me to edit your completed manuscript (up to 100k) during the month of April, you will receive a 40% discount* for the project!
***SPECIAL ALERT****SPECIAL ALERT***



*If you wish to receive quotes for your project, please e-mail me, and in the e-mail, tell me a bit about your project.


Want to learn more about me? Check out my (VITA)!

Realize Your Literary Dreams TODAY!

Do you have an idea for a story? Have you been visualizing the story and can literally see and hear your characters? Are you unsure where to go now that you have this idea?

Many new writers often feel lost when they sit to begin writing a story. It seems like such a daunting task to look at a blank screen or an empty page and realize that you not only have to fill that screen/page, but you have to do it several hundred times.

Because of this seemingly Herculean tasks, would-be writers put their literary dreams on the backburner, promising to return to them once they have time.

Well, guess what? Things will always arise that will keep you from pursuing your dreams.

Because of this, the time is NOW, and the literary dream you hold onto can be envisioned within four weeks with WRITERS BOOT CAMP.



What IS Writers Boot Camp? Learn more (HERE) and get started on realizing your literary dreams!

ChickLitGurrl Interviews SOMETHING HE CAN FEEL Author, Marissa Monteilh

Come on over to ChickLitGurrl: High on LATTES & WRITING where my latest interview is with author Marissa Monteilh. Marissa comes with a spicy, adventurous tale with Something He Can Feel...a novel about the past, relationships, love, abuse, and so much more.


Here's an Interview Excerpt:

CLG: What was the initial spark that brought SOMETHING HE CAN FEEL into being?

MM: A couple of years ago I heard that Jason Kidd accused his wife of physical abuse, and within days, there was a news story here in Atlanta about another woman who was accused of the same thing. A friend of mine referred to that woman as a husband beater and that’s when the light bulb went off. From that moment on, I had to write about it. Actually, the original title was Husband Beater, but my agent talked me out of it – I’m so glad she did.


CLG: What three tracks would make it onto a soundtrack of your life, and why?

MM: I like it slow – let’s see:
1) Hey Mama by Kanye West (my son dedicated Hey Mama to me for my birthday – the lyrics do sound like the type of mother I was when raising my kids)
2) Home by Stephanie Mills (this song makes me cry every time – life is so short)
3) Greatest Love of All and One Moment in Time, both by Whitney (these represent my journey in life as far as being a strong, determined woman, and as far as my deep level of love of self)


CLG: What is one big thing you've learned about the industry since you became published?

MM: I’ve learned that as a writer, you have to love what you do to stay in the business, even if you don’t have a book deal. If you love it enough, you’ll self-publish and keep writing because it’s your passion. This is a business of numbers - units sold. Period. Talented or not, if your book is not selling, those offers could go away. You have to be creative, positive, resilient, and bitten!



Head over to ChickLitGurrl NOW (LINK) to read the rest of the interview -- LEAVE COMMENTS!

What's Shaking @ SisterDivas Magazine?

SisterDivas Magazine has a lot of great features for you in its WINTER 2008 issue!

Here are some of the highlights:






If you love movies, you'll definitely want to check out our interview with MissMovieFan - she spills the beans on the movies of 2008 that she's anxiously awaiting to see...and more!



If you don't know Abiola Abrams, you should - this indie filmmaker, actress, author, everywoman comes to SD to talk about her debut novel, DARE and to share with us an excerpt!



Self-described as "chaotic, messy, and late", the wonderful novelist Kelly Braffet stops by SD to talk about her latest novel, LAST SEEN LEAVING, writing, and other cool things!






Do you blog? If so, why? This issue, LIFE columnist Melodye Shore talks with Sister Divas Susan and Tori Winning about The Beauty of Blogging!



At The Sipping Sommelier this issue, L. Denise Jackson gets wintry, cozy, and romantic with us as she discusses wine fit for the winter season...and the season of love!






As good as it is for you to become physically fit, it is equally important for you to know who your trainer is and see if he/she is qualified to help you be the best you can be; how can you check up on your trainer? First, check out Madison Chase's latest article, "Who Trains Your Personal Trainer?"



What does eating an elephant and starting a difficult task have to do with one another? Find out in Dr. Cherry's latest piece, "How to Eat an Elephant"!



Take time to check out SisterDivas (link) - and if you're interesting in submitting, check out the CONTACT US page on the magazine!

Lady Leo Publishing Seeks Submissions

Are We Looking For You?

Lady Leo Publishing is looking for your best stories. We are looking for authors who possess and have strong character development, an unique voice, and solid plots story ability. Is that you? If so we'd love to be your publishing house.


LLP is actively looking for stories to publish in Romance, Inspirational, Time Travel, Multi-Cultural, Horror, Erotic, and many other genres. Advances are offered.


For further information visit our submission guidelines. We hope to hear from you. So submit today!

Visit us at www.ladyleopublishing.org

CLASS OFFERED: SCEENWRITING TECHNIQUES FOR NOVELISTS

SCREENWRITING TECHNIQUES FOR NOVELISTS:
HOW THE SEVENTH ART CAN RAMP UP YOUR PROSE

INSTRUCTOR: Deanna Carlyle
WHEN: Feb 4 to Feb 15, 2008 (6 lessons posted over 2 weeks)
WHERE: Online

WORKSHOP:

Do you want to write more visually? Want to make sure your novels lend themselves to screenplay adaptation? Are you curious about how cinematic techniques can improve your fiction's point of view and pacing? Screenplay techniques are easy and fun to apply to narrative prose, and the results will make your work more marketable. Each lesson in the workshop includes a homework assignment, so you can practice on your own story ideas.

COURSE SYLLABUS:

1. Story development. Learn how to pre-plot your story like a
screenwriting pro does with a development executive.

2. Teamwork. Even if you write alone, you can benefit from the way
screenwriting teams divide and conquer tasks.

3. The show-don't-tell rule writ large. Learn how screenwriters have
perfected the art of choosing the most "telling" image and story
situation.

4. Transitions. Learn practical tips on how to move smoothly from scene to scene with techniques such as match cuts, aural transitions and montage
sequences.

5. Storyboarding and scene beats. Learn practical tips on how physical and psychological distance can be manipulated to affect your readers.

6. Dialogue. Learn how and why dialogue and subtext often come last
in the screenwriting process.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:

Deanna Carlyle began her full-time writing career several years ago
and hasn't looked back since. She has a master's degree in applied
linguistics and certification in screenwriting from the year-long
program at Interspherial Drehbuchschule in Germany, where she also writes for the comic TV series, "Abgedreht in Stuttgart" (http://www.abgedrehtinstuttgart.de).

Deanna's young adult fantasy novel, The Last Virgin at St. Gilles Charm School, recently garnered American agent representation and an extra ten pounds on her hips. Her teaching experience includes freshman English at San Jose State University and English as a Second Language at Berlitz, but nowadays she prefers teaching online from the comfort of her own pajamas.

Check out Deanna's website at http://www.deannacarlyle.com to find
out more about her writing!

REGISTRATION INFORMATION:

Cost for the workshop is $15 for NEORWA members, $20 for all others.
You do not have to be an RWA member to take our workshops!

Please email Rhonda Stapleton at giftedrhonda@yahoo.com or rhonda.stapleton@sbcglobal.net with any questions. List the title of the workshop in the subject line.

Visit http://www.neorwa.com/workshops.htm for more information.

SisterDivas Magazine's Winter 2008 Issue is LIVE!

SisterDivas Magazine - Where REAL Women Congregate
NEW WEB ADDRESS: http://www.sisterdivasmagazine.net


QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER
WINTER 2008 (January - April)

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

TO SUBSCRIBE TO SD Quarterly Newsletter/Magazine and discussion,
send an e-mail to sisterdivas-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Copyright 1999 - 2008

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

CONTENTS

***CLASS OFFERED: SCREENWRITING TECHNIQUES FOR NOVELISTS: HOW
THE SEVENTH ART CAN RAMP UP YOUR PROSE***

**SDgirl Interviews Frances O'Brien!**

1) MEDIA
2) TOTAL BODY
3) FEATURE
4) LIFE
5) BUZZWORTHY
6) CONTACT INFORMATION!


*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
***SCREENWRITING TECHNIQUES FOR NOVELISTS: HOW THE SEVENTH ART CAN
RAMP UP YOUR PROSE***

INSTRUCTOR: Deanna Carlyle
WHEN: Feb 4 to Feb 15, 2008 (6 lessons posted over 2 weeks)
WHERE: Online

WORKSHOP:

Do you want to write more visually? Want to make sure your novels
lend themselves to screenplay adaptation? Are you curious about
how cinematic techniques can improve your fiction's point of view
and pacing? Screenplay techniques are easy and fun to apply to
narrative prose, and the results will make your work more marketable.
Each lesson in the workshop includes a homework assignment, so you
can practice on your own story ideas.

COURSE SYLLABUS:

1. Story development. Learn how to pre-plot your story like a
screenwriting pro does with a development executive.

2. Teamwork. Even if you write alone, you can benefit from the way
screenwriting teams divide and conquer tasks.

3. The show-don't-tell rule writ large. Learn how screenwriters have
perfected the art of choosing the most "telling" image and story
situation.

4. Transitions. Learn practical tips on how to move smoothly from
scene to scene with techniques such as match cuts, aural transitions
and montage sequences.

5. Storyboarding and scene beats. Learn practical tips on how physical
and psychological distance can be manipulated to affect your readers.

6. Dialogue. Learn how and why dialogue and subtext often come last
in the screenwriting process.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:

Deanna Carlyle began her full-time writing career several years ago
and hasn't looked back since. She has a master's degree in applied
linguistics and certification in screenwriting from the year-long
program at Interspherial Drehbuchschule in Germany, where she also
writes for the comic TV series, "Abgedreht in Stuttgart"
(http://www.abgedrehtinstuttgart.de).

Deanna's young adult fantasy novel, The Last Virgin at St. Gilles
Charm School, recently garnered American agent representation and
an extra ten pounds on her hips. Her teaching experience includes
freshman English at San Jose State University and English as a
Second Language at Berlitz, but nowadays she prefers teaching online
from the comfort of her own pajamas.

Check out Deanna's website at http://www.deannacarlyle.com to find
out more about her writing!

REGISTRATION INFORMATION:

Cost for the workshop is $15 for NEORWA members, $20 for all others.
You do not have to be an RWA member to take our workshops!

Please email Rhonda Stapleton at giftedrhonda@yahoo.com or
rhonda.stapleton@sbcglobal.net with any questions. List the title
of the workshop in the subject line.

Visit http://www.neorwa.com/workshops.htm for more information.


*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
**SDgirl Interviews Frances O'Brien!**

YA author Frances O'Brien is doing something a bit unorthodox!
After her first book SHEER BLISS was published, she decided to
offer its sequel online! Learn why...and so much more...
over at SDgirl on MySpace @

http://www.myspace.com/sdgirl_club!


*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
1) MEDIA

::If you love movies, you'll definitely want to check out our
interview with Miss Movie Fan - she spills the beans on the movies
of 2008 that she's anxiously awaiting to see...and more!

::If you don't know Abiola Abrams, you should - this indie filmmaker,
actress, author, everywoman comes to SD to talk about her debut novel,
DARE and to share with us an excerpt!

::Self-described as "chaotic, messy, and late", the wonderful novelist
Kelly Braffet stops by SD to talk about her latest novel, LAST SEEN
LEAVING, writing, and other cool things!


*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
2) TOTAL BODY

::As good as it is for you to become physically fit, it is equally
important for you to know who your trainer is and see if he/she is
qualified to help you be the best you can be; how can you check up
on your trainer? First, check out Madison Chase's latest article,
"Who Trains Your Personal Trainer?"

::What does eating an elephant and starting a difficult task have
to do with one another? Find out in Dr. Cherry's latest piece,
"How to Eat an Elephant"!


*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
3) FEATURE

Here @ SD Features, we are premiering a new online saga: LOVE
BYTES. For those of you who enjoyed THE MISADVENTURES OF A SBF,
we have all nine episodes online for your perusal @ SD Features.

NOW - What is Love Bytes, you ask. Here's the skinny: Meet
Destiny, a twenty something love columnist - who knows absolutely
nothing about love. Her last boyfriend, well he was actually
the fiancé, broke up with Destiny while in the middle of planning
their wedding, and since then, Destiny has been battling depression.
Meet Devon, the sports editor at the paper Destiny works at. He has
been hot on Destiny's trail since the first time they met, but she's
always rebuffed his advances. Mainly because she knows he's a playa
and likes "conquering women" as she hears around the water cooler.
Destiny's tough veneer melts when she meets a guy online who seems
to make her think - on all levels, including sexually. When Destiny
starts to also feel something for Devon, will she have to choose
between what's real and what's cyberreality?


In Episode One, we met Destiny and caught a glimpse into her life
as a love columnist, her want of a new love, and the issues that
keep her from getting that new love.

In Episode Two, Destiny and her cousin Sharay head out to a club to
see some strippers...and for Destiny to meet her cyber man, but what
she gets in return is beyond her imagination!


NOW, in EPISODE THREE, Destiny can't get Devon's sexy dance out of
her head, and now, she can't get him out of her home as he pays her
a surprise visit full of food, talk, and kisses!


::Excerpt::
Destiny smiled in her sleep. In her dream she was happy. Totally
happy. She didn't know what she would need to be that way, but she
defined HAPPINESS as freedom, lightness. In her dream, she was
working, doing what she loved -- the column, and she had a man, a
man who loved her and awakened things in her that she had thought
was lost. The ironic thing about it was that the man in her dream
was Devon. She didn't toss and turn over this; she actually smiled
more and whispered his name over and over.

She jolted when she heard a loud continuous knock at the front door.
Jumping out the bed, Destiny stumbled to the front door, wiping her
eyes and opening it with her free hand. "Ray, what the hell are you
doing..." Her voice caught in her throat. It wasn't Sharay unless
she was a tall, dark, handsome, sexy man, holding a white paper bag,
and a smile as wide as a canyon. His eyes appeared to careen over
every crevice of her body.

Destiny was so shocked to see him that she forgot that she was only
wearing a short tee and a pair of thongs. "Good morning," Devon
crooned, holding out the bag, his eyes still pierced against
Destiny's body. "I thought I would bring you some breakfast, maybe
we could talk."

"Uhhhh," Destiny stuttered, shaking her head, bringing her back to
the here and now, and how now her butt was hanging all out for Devon
to see. She stepped back, opening the door, and allowing Devon to
enter. She reached up and grabbed her trench coat from the hook on
the back of the door. Tossing it on, she continued to shake her
head, and moaned, "Be back."

Destiny ran into her bathroom, running the shower, and quickly
stripping and showering. "What is he doing here?" she cried out.
"And my butt all hanging out, and him drooling all over the place,
and..."


*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
4) LIFE

::Do you blog? If so, why? This issue, LIFE columnist Melodye
Shore talks with Sister Divas Susan and Tori Winning about
The Beauty of Blogging!

::At The Sipping Sommelier this issue, L. Denise Jackson gets
wintry, cozy, and romantic with us as she discusses wine fit for
the winter season...and the season of love, Valentine's day!


*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
5) BUZZWORTHY

Every issue of SD, we give you our BUZZWORTHY picks in books,
movies, TV, and music! Come see what WE think is HOT for Winter
2008!

Do you have a book, CD, TV show, DVD, anything media worthy that
you would like us to consider for BUZZWORTHINESS?

If so, e-mail us at sisterdivas@intothespotlight-inc.com and
tell us about your product!


*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
6) CONTACT INFORMATION

To contact SisterDivas regarding submissions or other inquiries,
please e-mail us at sisterdivas@intothespotlight-inc.com.

We work hard to answer ANY and ALL e-mails as quickly as possible.

Ladies, What do YOU have to say about the RELATIONSHIPS in Your Life?

**PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CIRCULATE THIS TO ALL GROUPS YOU MAY BELONG TO**


How do you say I LOVE YOU to your mate? What is the best way to talk about sex with your teenagers? How do you and your sisterdivas get together to have a good time? What's the most tactful way of telling your mother-in-law that her advice is no longer needed? Why is it important to replenish and rejuvenate your relationship with yourself? How important is it to have strong networking relationships?

As you can probably tell, all of the above questions connect in one major way: they deal with RELATIONSHIPS.


SisterDivas Magazine (http://www.sisterdivasmagazine.net) is a quarterly multicultural women's magazine that is currently looking for submissions for its RELATIONSHIPS column to appear in SD's WINTER 2008 issue, slated to go LIVE on Monday, January 21, 2008.

DEADLINE for submissions is Monday, January 7, 2008.


We, as women, deal with many relationships. Relationship with self. With parents. With siblings. With mate. With children. With friends.

How do we manage it? Or do we? If you have articles or commentaries or short stories or poetry that tap into the world of women and relationships, we would love for you to submit to us.

Do you have a book or a product that deals specifically with women and relationships? Tell us about it.


If you are submitting short fiction, essays, articles, and/or commentaries, please submit the following (works should be no longer than 2500 words):
1) work to be published (within the e-mail)
2) a brief description of the work, making sure to illustrate how it ties to women and relationships
3) contact information (e-mail, website, myspace)
4) picture of you (if you would like)
5) bio of no more than 200 words

If you are submitting information regarding a product - cd, movie, book, etc. - that deals with women and relationships, please submit the following:
1) contact information (e-mail, website, myspace)
2) image of product
3) description of product, no more than 500 words, that discusses the product and ties to women and relationships
4) picture of you (if you would like)
5) bio of no more than 200 words
6) purchase link of product


Send all submissions to sisterdivas@intothespotlight-inc.com or sdb6812@hotmail.com with the subject line SD + RELATIONSHIPS!


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AGAIN, the WINTER 2008 issue of SisterDivas will go LIVE on Monday, January 21, 2008.


If you wish to submit to SisterDivas's WINTER 2008 issue, the deadline to do so is Monday, January 7, 2008.



Thanks!


Da SD Mgm't
http://www.sisterdivasmagazine.net

NEW to SisterDivas Magazine: The Sipping Sommelier

Introduction

SisterDivas, who love or are interested in wine, let me introduce myself to you. L. Denise Jackson, The Sipping Sommelier and your personal wine consultant. You may drink a glass at dinner, socially, or as a connoisseur. My hope is that whatever level of sipper you may be you will be stimulated and increase your sipping level. Ultimately, I would be delighted if you enjoyed sipping to learn and learning to sip.

To learn more about L. Denise AND wine, be sure to check out her column @ SisterDivas; you can check out her premiere column by clicking HERE!

Want Something Different from the Standard African American Lit Fare??

Description:

A fourth tribe has come to the land of the three tribes; the light-skinned newcomers are fated to change the tribes' way of life and religion. Satha, a dark-skinned woman from a poor Theseni clan, and Loic, her wealthy young Doreni husband, are too busy forging their new life together to pay much heed. But when Satha is dishonored and Loic must avenge her, they find themselves drawn into a cultural battle.

Publishers Weekly gives WIND FOLLOWER a more than favorably review:
McDonnell's promising fantasy debut portrays a land inhabited by the black-skinned Theseni, brown Ibeni and tan Doreni. Peace among the three tribes is disrupted by the paler-skinned, domineering Angleni as well as inner clan conflicts. Loic tyu Taer, the son of the wealthy headman of the Doreni Pagatsu clan, falls in love at first sight with Satha tya Monua, the impoverished but proud daughter of his father's old Theseni friend. Loic requests an immediate marriage and Satha's parents agree, but for Satha, passion takes longer to ignite, and Loic's father's jealous third wife plots to destroy their happiness. The two must reaffirm their faith in each other and the Creator God to find their way through their troubles. McDonnell's language is delicate almost to a fault, even as she describes betrayal, rape and slavery, while her elegant, meticulous world-building shimmers with the ambience of an old-world folktale. (Oct.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Windfollower by Carole McDonnell

Fantasy/Spiritual
ISBN-10: 0809557797
ISBN-13: 978-0809557790
348 pages, $12.95

Purchase your copy of WIND FOLLOWER today at AMAZON.COM!

To learn more about the author, Carole McDonnell, check out her WEBSITE!

Attention Novelists of Young Adult Fiction (targeted to females)!!!

What was the ONE GIFT you had to have for Xmas as a teen?

This is what SDgirl is asking writers of young adult fiction!

@ SDgirl on MySpace (http://www.myspace.com/sdgirl_club), during the month of December, we will be posting responses to this question from all ya authors who respond.

What WAS the one gift you had to have? Did you get it? If so, how much did you relish the gift? If not, how did you feel about that?

In addition to your responses, why not promote your latest project, too?

Send us the title of your latest book, an image of the book cover (.jpeg or .gif), a short paragraph description of the book, and a purchase link to the book, and we'll post it along with your response!

Send ALL material - answer to question and promo material - to ME @ sdb6812@hotmail.com under the subject SDGIRL XMAS!

Looking forward to receiving your responses and learning more about your projects!

Keep writing ~ shon bacon :: chicklitgurrl (http://www.myspace.com/chicklitgurrl)

Fall 2007 Issue of SisterDivas is LIVE

SisterDivas Magazine - Where REAL Women Congregate
NEW WEB ADDRESS: http://www.sisterdivasmagazine.net


QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER
FALL 2007 (November - January)
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TO SUBSCRIBE TO SD Quarterly Newsletter/Magazine and discussion,
send an e-mail to sisterdivas-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Copyright 1999 - 2007

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CONTENTS

**SDgirl Interviews Laura Wiess!**
***NEW COLUMN: LIFE!***
1) MEDIA
2) TOTAL BODY
3) FEATURE
4) BUZZWORTHY
5) CONTACT INFORMATION!

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**SDgirl Interviews Laura Wiess!**

If you do not know author Laura Wiess, you should. Her novel
SUCH A PRETTY GIRL was gut-wrenching and phenomenal, and her
latest novel - due out in January - LEFTOVERS, promises to be
just as dramatic and moving. Check out SDgirl's interview with
Wiess as she talks about her books, her life, and more!

Check out SDgirl NOW at http://www.myspace.com/sdgirl_club!


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***NEW COLUMN: LIFE!***

SisterDivas has added a new column: LIFE. @ Life, we will
feature articles, essays, commentaries, reviews, interviews, and
more on subjects that examine various aspects of life: whether
that aspect is fashion, grief, designers, or home development.

This issue, welcome LIFE to SD by checking out the following
works:

::ALL THAT GLITTERS columnist Melodye Shore is now on LIFE, and
in this issue, she's giving us the inside expensive skinny on
designer truck shows in her article WHAT PRICE FASHION?

::Entrepreneur Gina Alexander has designed handbags for thousands
of people, to include Elizabeth Taylor, Fergie from the Black Eyed
Peas, Jennifer Lopez, Sheryl Crow, and Oprah. Check out Nicole M.
Stevenson's interview with this in demand designer!

::The holiday season is upon us and unfortunately, many people
suffer through grief or find themselves remembering those who have
passed on during this time. In the article GOOD GRIEF, Swaggie
Coleman addresses grieving as a necessary part of healing. With
the holidays being the major season of depression, Coleman wanted
to write and share about this natural process following the death
of a loved one.

::PLEASE WELCOME OUR NEWEST COLUMNIST TO SD: L. Denise Jackson,
The Sipping Sommelier! Her column is for any and everyone who has
ever been interested in learning about the nuances of wine! Check
out her premiere article!


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1) MEDIA

::If you don't know author MJ Rose, you should. She's the author
of great psychological thrillers, and her latest - THE
REINCARNATIONIST is her best yet. In her piece, "Winka's World,"
Rose explains a day in her...and Winka's (her beloved pup) lives.

::This season, TV is flooded with new shows! What should YOU be
watching? Check out our TOP THREE PICKS for the new season!

::Talented writer Liz DeJesus stops by SisterDivas to talk to us
about her wonderful novel, NINA!

::If anyone knows about overcoming adversities and making a
wonderful life for herself, it's blues artist Janiva Magness.
Read Tonya Howard's article on the songstress, get inspired, and
pick up your copy of Magness' latest CD!

::Remember the TV shows Punky Brewster and Family Matters? If
you do, you no doubt remember actress Cherie Johnson. Today,
Cherie is grown and ready to show the world just how talented and
versatile she really is! Check out our interview with Cherie,
directed by Nicole M. Stevenson!


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2) TOTAL BODY

::Many of us want to be healthy eaters; however, we let the things
that go on in our lives and our reactions and emotions to those
things influence what we eat and how we eat. In her latest article,
"Emotional Eating: How Do You Deal with Food", Madison Chase offers
solutions to help us better handle - food wise - some of the issues
that afflict us.

::Do you have obstacles in your life and allow those obstacles to
keep you from achieving your goals? At some point in all of our
lives, we let setbacks influence our forward progress. Dr. Cherry,
in her latest piece - "OBSTACLES" discuss how we can move through
those obstacles and obtain our goals.


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3) FEATURE

Here @ SD Features, we are premiering a new online saga: LOVE
BYTES. For those of you who enjoyed THE MISADVENTURES OF A SBF,
we have all nine episodes online for your perusal @ SD Features.

NOW - What is Love Bytes, you ask. Here's the skinny: Meet
Destiny, a twenty something love columnist - who knows absolutely
nothing about love. Her last boyfriend, well he was actually
the fiancé, broke up with Destiny while in the middle of planning
their wedding, and since then, Destiny has been battling depression.
Meet Devon, the sports editor at the paper Destiny works at. He has
been hot on Destiny's trail since the first time they met, but she's
always rebuffed his advances. Mainly because she knows he's a playa
and likes "conquering women" as she hears around the water cooler.
Destiny's tough veneer melts when she meets a guy online who seems
to make her think - on all levels, including sexually. When Destiny
starts to also feel something for Devon, will she have to choose
between what's real and what's cyberreality?


In Episode One, we met Destiny and caught a glimpse into her life
as a love columnist, her want of a new love, and the issues that
keep her from getting that new love. You can check out Episode
One here!


In EPISODE TWO, Destiny and her cousin Sharay head out to a club
to see some strippers...and for Destiny to meet her cyber man,
but what she gets in return is beyond her imagination!


::Excerpt::
Destiny and Sharay danced for about 15 minutes, both doing their
own thang and jiving with the music being played. As Destiny
pivoted on the floor, she knocked into somebody and began to
tumble to the floor. She felt large hands firmly catch her around
her back and her ass, holding her towards him. She didn't even
notice the hand on her ass as she began to speak, "I am so sorry,
I didn't see..." She stopped in mid sentence. Destiny had looked
up at who caught her and out of all the people in the world, WHY
would it be Devon ?

He just smiled down at her, his hand still firmly holding Destiny's
rump.

"What are you doing here?" they asked in unison.

"What are you doing here?" Destiny repeated. Devon leaned in close,
his lips next to Destiny's ear, causing her to shiver.

"I'm looking for someone," he responded.

"Who?" Destiny asked. "I didn't know you came out to D.C."

"Every once in a while," Devon said. "What are you doing here?"

"Sharay and I are here...girls night out." Destiny peeped around
Devon, looking to make sure Sharay was near and to check for the
mystery man again.

"You looking for someone?" Devon asked, a smile on his face.
Before Destiny spoke, she closed her eyes for a moment and
realized WHOSE arms she was in and WHERE one of them hands was.


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4) BUZZWORTHY

Every issue of SD, we give you our BUZZWORTHY pics in books, movies,
TV, and music! Come see what WE think is HOT!

Do you have a book, CD, TV show, DVD, anything media worthy that
you would like us to consider for BUZZWORTHINESS?

If so, e-mail us at sisterdivas@intothespotlight-inc.com and
tell us about your product!


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5) CONTACT INFORMATION

To contact SisterDivas regarding submissions or other inquiries,
please e-mail us at sisterdivas@intothespotlight-inc.com.

We work hard to answer ANY and ALL e-mails as quickly as possible.

New Issue of SisterDivas Magazine to go LIVE on November 2!

Just wanted to give a heads up to those who were wondering:

The FALL ISSUE of SisterDivas will go live on Friday, November 2, 2007.

I had to push back the date for school/personal reasons. While you're waiting for NEW STUFF, why not check out the current issue of the magazine? Let us know what you think:


SisterDivas Magazine

CHINA DOLLS: The Tour!

Want to Michelle and Blossom? Then click HERE to see where they are headed on their tour!

Call for Submissions for SisterDivas Magazine's Winter 2007 Issue

**PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CIRCULATE THIS TO ALL GROUPS YOU MAY BELONG
TO**


SisterDivas Magazine (http://www.sisterdivasmagazine.com)
is a quarterly multicultural women's magazine that is
currently looking for submissions for its WINTER 2006 issue,
slated to be released on Monday, January 22, 2007.

DEADLINE for submissions is Monday, January 8, 2007.


Below are the columns SD currently needs submissions for:
*NOTE: When e-mailing submissions, please let us know
which COLUMN your submitting to within your SUBJECT
line. Thanks!


||||||||||
Media

We are looking for articles regarding movies, TV, and art.
Perhaps you want to write an article about the must-have
movies for today's women. Maybe an article on TV shows
that are showing women in a positive light. Perhaps there is
a concern of how women are portrayed in entertainment or
how much control women have in the entertainment industry.

If you have an interesting angle for women in the media, e-mail
us at sisterdivas@intothespotlight-inc.com. All submissions
must be within the e-mail message.

All articles must be no longer than 2,000 words. All
submissions must be within the e-mail message.



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Total Body

Do you write articles on topics relevant to women's health?
Fashion? Beauty? Do you have a product that women just HAVE to
have? Are you an up-and-coming designer? Then you should
consider submitting to our column, TOTAL BODY!

All articles must be no longer than 2,000 words. All submissions
must be within the e-mail message. If you would like to be
considered for an interview, you can contact us, too!

Send all submissions and requests for more information to us at
sisterdivas@intothespotlight-inc.com.



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J-O-B

Do you work from home? Do you own your own business? Is your job
FASCINATING? Are you head of a company? We're looking from
articles for the J-O-B column that spotlight interesting careers,
that offer advice into how to get into a particular career, that
discusses the ups and downs to owning your own company or working
out in the workforce while you take care of your children.

If you have an article related to women in the work force, please
contact us at sisterdivas@intothespotlight-inc.com today!

All articles must be no longer than 2,000 words. All
submissions must be within the e-mail message.



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Relationships

We, as women, deal with many relationships. Relationship with self.
With parents. With siblings. With mate. With children. With
friends.

How do we manage it? Or do we? If you have articles that tap into
the world of women and relationships, we would love for you to submit
to us. Do you have a book or a product that deals specifically with
women and relationships? Tell us about it.

Send all submissions to sisterdivas@intothespotlight-inc.com! All
articles must be no longer than 2,000 words. All submissions must
be within the e-mail message.



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AGAIN, the WINTER 2007 issue of SisterDivas will be published on Monday,
January 22, 2007.


If you wish to submit to SisterDivas's WINTER 2007 issue, the deadline
to do so is Monday, January 8, 2007.

The Star for a Day Contest - Enter Today

A P in A Pod Productions in association with Jaguar Productions, Inc. are looking to make YOU a star, and bring more awareness to cancer.

Enter The Star For A Day Contest to win a speaking part in the upcoming movie The Champion Inside.

How To Enter: If you are a cancer survivor, have survived the loss of a family member, best friend or loved one, write a 250 word essay on how and why the champion lives inside of you. What has changed in your life now that you are a survivor? How do you help others who have been stricken with this devastating disease?

The winner of the contest will receive the following:

• A one line speaking role in the upcoming film The Champion Inside


• Round trip airfare to Philadelphia, PA


• Hotel and meals accommodations for two days


• A limo to and from the airport (or to and from your home if you live within two hours from Philadelphia, PA)


• The Champion Inside gift basket (valued at $250.00)


• A photo shoot with the stars of the film


• Your name in the end credits of the film


• Media interview

The deadline is January 30, 2007.

For more information log on to - www.thechampioninsidemovie.com.

Call for Submissions :: InnerVision Books

Donna Hill & Pittershawn Palmer are proud to announce the birth of InnerVision Books. InnerVision Books is an e-book publisher, offering published and unpublished authors as well as poets the opportunity to tap into yet another reading market by making full use of today’s technology. Electronic books are the next leap in the literary world and InnerVision Books wants to be the bridge that takes you there. Currently InnerVision Books is seeking manuscripts in the following genres: romance, thrillers, erotica, horror, literary and mainstream fiction. We are also interested in seeking non-fiction work (self-help & how to’s).


Guidelines

Full length novels must be at least 225 manuscript pages, double spaced in 12 pt. Courier type. Submissions are only accepted electronically and should be sent via Word.

Our vision for our fiction both literary and contemporary fiction is to create a new genre which we call "Reality Fiction." These stories encompass cross-cultural topics such as societal, familial, religious, political concepts, no matter the genre. Main character: one must be African American the other must be of a different ethnic group. Characters must be taken out of their comfort zones, i.e., an African America who finds themselves involved with an Amish character… how the two lifestyles clash but evolve making them evolve as well. (ex. "Witness" featuring Harrison Ford), i.e., and African American character who finds themselves forced to confront someone with HIV when their mindset has been pure homophobic ex., "Philadelphia." An African American who has moved from their day to day setting to live in another country or community.

Stories should reflect the slow but steady homogenization of the races. They must reflect the current times and how people of different cultures, beliefs and religious affiliations affect their behavior and decisions.

The themes running beneath the storylines should be global in its approach. They can be funny, sexy, serious, entertaining but in all cases enlightening. The reader should close the book and be able to look at life and people differently. Stories can include the "new family" makeup. i.e., Children born from test tubes, adoption of children by those outside of their race and the impact it has on the child as an adult.

Ideally there must be a combination of ethnic characters within each story, making the stories truly multicultural, i.e., AA in Japan, AA in England, and AA homosexual relationship, stories about gentrification of neighborhoods etc. However, an outstanding novel that falls outside of these parameters will be considered.

Novellas: Must be at least 100 pages in length.

Erotica: Stories must be highly sensual but done with taste. There must be a viable storyline with fully developed characters. They can be fantasy stories as well. The characters sexual exploits must come with some realization on the part of the main characters. No stories in which women are abused or victimized, no animals, golden showers or bondage.

Poetry: Coming soon.

Non-fiction: Varies in length from 65-100 pages. Self-help and How To's

Between the Books: This category is for published authors only who are interested in writing short stories about their characters between the books. So often your readers want to know "what happened next" even if you have no plans for a sequel. Here is your opportunity to tell them what they want to know without writing an entire novel. It is also great for those who write series characters. Length varies from 25 -60 pages.


If you have a story that you think would interest us and readers please send your submission to: info@innervisionbooks.com.

Your submission should include:

• Your full name
• E-mail address and phone number
• Mailing address
• Title of your work
• Genre
• A detailed synopsis (as an attachment)
• The first three chapters (as an attachment)
  

If we are interested in publishing your story, we will request to see the entire manuscript. If your manuscript is accepted, you will receive a letter detailing the agreement with InnerVision Books along with the royalty rate and payment schedule. Your manuscript should be as clean as possible with a minimal amount of editorial corrections needed.

Please allow at least six weeks for a response. We look forward to sharing your stories!

Sincerely,

The Team @ InnerVision Books

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/!

The Quintessential Writer: Donna Hill

Everywhere I turn, I see info about a book of yours being released, lol! Tell us about your latest work.

Very funny! Latest work---hmmm that would actually be several works to be honest. I just released my first romance for this year--Long Distance Lover which launched the Arabesque summer series. The theme this year was on athletes. My heroine Kelly Maxwell is a star sprinter, destined for Gold--until her secrets and a murder get in the way. As always with my romances, I've inserted some very topical issues that my character is faced with and I hope it will shed some light on very real problems. Of course there are those hot sex scenes! My upcoming romance LOVE BECOMES HER is scheduled to hit bookstores in August (but hint, hint, you can always pre-order!). Love Becomes Her, is the first in a four-book series that features four forty-something divas who have decided that they are much too young and fly to turn in their pumps! So they embark upon a joint venture and open an exclusive day spa for men! The spa is called "Pause for Men" and it's also the name of the series. Book 1, Love Becomes Her, features Barbara Allen who is being hotly pursued by a man almost young enough to be her son. Her girlz say go for it! And she does with some very surprising results. Readers will also get to meet her girlz, Ann Marie, Stephanie and Elizabeth and get a glimpse into their lives and loves. Book 2, Saving All My Lovin' hits stores in November. My big book GUILTY PLEASURES, will be released in October from St. Martins Press, and features Jake and Eva Kelly, who are just as insatiable for each other as they are to the con game. Jake wants 'one last job,' and that one job sets a series of crosses and double-crosses into play,forcing them to come up with a plan for the biggest sting of their career. It's fast, hot, sexy and plenty of fun. I'm also part of a great anthology TAKIN' CHANCES FOR THE HOLIDAYS. My character in the anthology is working on a PR campaign for the ladies at Pause for Men, while working on a personal PR plan to get her man in time for the holidays. At the moment, I'm working on MURDER IN THE AISLES, about a sexy sleuth, Felicia Swift, who happens to not only be a certified genius but also a librarian. This one I hope to turn into a series character. And I'm working on another anthology Creepin' an erotic paranormal collection that is going to be off the chain!


You have written romance novels and have ventured into mainstream, chick lit, and thrillers. What other genres are you interested in going into with your writing?

Well, I really love doing the thrillers like Getting Hers, Guilty Pleasures and then Murder in the Aisles. I grew up on crime drama and gobble up those kinds of stories. I like erotica, but I know I couldn't do it on a regular basis. I suppose, as long as I can move back and forth between genres and offer up good stories that readers truly like, that's all I can ask for.


I know novels are like children--everyone in the author's eyes is beautiful, but if you could pick, what three books were the most fun to write and why?

Hmmm, most fun. The top of this list in terms of fun would have to be Divas Inc. I was literally cracking myself up as I was writing. On the manuscript pages, I even inserted smiley faces! But of course my editor reigned me in and took them out. That was fun. Guilty Pleasures was also fun to write. I enjoyed the double-dealing as well as the raunchy language that I could use! And Rhythms was a joy to write for other reasons. It was actually the first book I ever wanted to write, waaaay back in the early 90's but didn't really know how. I poured my heart and soul into that book to make it sing and to recreate that time period. So to see it come to fruition and hear the response from readers who enjoyed it, makes it so very worthwhile.


On average, how long does it take you to pen the first draft of a novel?

I don't actually do more than one draft. As I write, I edit and clean up as I go. I reread what I've written before I start the next chapter, make insertions, take things out etc. So that when I'm finished, the manuscript is clean and says what I want it to say. From concept to finished product it takes about 3 months.


After all the characters you have created and all the books you have written, what keeps you writing and penning new stories?

Wow, the ideas just never stop. As fast as I get one idea out of my head in pops another one. Writing the books are a different story of course (LOL). But I always tell my editors if someone would just pay me for all the ideas I have, I'd be rich!!


As if penning great fiction wasn't enough, you have moved onto the promotion side of the publishing business with your company, Donna Hill Promotions. Tell us about the company. What types of services do you offer?

Donna Hill Promotions is really an outgrowth of ImageNouveau, a business that I had for a very long time. In its early stages, I did events, put together author-centered programs, and did some editing. Last year, ImageNouveau stepped out from behind the scenes and took on clients. I'd worked as a publicist for over ten years and was always doing "little things" for folks, so I figured I may as well step out on faith and do it for real. With the advent of Donna Hill Promotions, I want to expand what I'd already been doing, revamp the services and make it much more name-recognizable to the consumer. DH Promotions offers promotional services to authors from eblasts, monthly newsletters, webcards, book signings, podcasts, providing marketing materials, setting up interviews, mailings, and essentially using the connections and resources that I've acquired over the years to bring our clients' books to the attention of readers and booksellers.


What clients of yours have current books out in the market?

All of them! So it is truly a juggling act. Currently we have Michelle Monkou (Sweet Surrender), Angie Daniels (When I First Saw You), Suzetta Perkins (Behind the Veil), A.C. Arthur (Love Me Carefully), Maureen Smith (Weapon of Seduction), and Toni Staton Harris (Nothing Special, Just Friends). I'm preparing to also do some work for Robert Fleming. And we are hoping that Linda Hudson Smith will soon join our family as well. And of course no one can do anything alone. Missy Brown has been a great help, along with Pittershawn Palmer, and Tina McCray was there at the beginning. And the new, very dynamic site would not have been possible without the talents of Monica Jackson.


What made you decide to move into promotions?

Well, as I said, in my other life, the one that paid all the bills, I was a publicist for the Queens Library in New York for a little more than ten years. So it was something that I always did and understood the business and how difficult it was for authors to promote themselves.


How might an interested author get in contact with you for DHP's services?

Please visit our website at http://donnahillpromotions.com and feel free to send an email of inquiry to imagenouveau@aol.com. ImageNouveau is still the media arm of the business.


Writer. Promoter. Are there other avenues within the publishing arena that you think you might tap into some day?

Well, I have been working with a very good friend to move into publishing. So that is something that is in the works. Once we work out all the kinks, we'll be calling for submissions.

REVISED: Ideas Needed for New Book on Marriage

Hello Readers,

After 25 years of marriage, I'm working on a new book idea titled, Moving the Furniture: 52 Ways to Keep Your Marriage Fresh, and I'm seeking your participation. Please send in your ideas related to this topic for inclusion in the book to be tentatively released in 2008. You may send in one sentence, one paragraph, or one page. If your idea or suggestion is used in the book, you'll be mentioned and given full credit.

I'm on a mission to keep marriages alive and thriving. If you're in a committed relationship, please participate in the book writing adventure by sending in your ideas for keeping a marriage fresh. I'll be on the look out for your comments. Have a great week!

YOU MAY SEND ALL IDEAS to the following e-mail address: amanipublishing@aol.com!

Barbara Joe Williams, Author/Publisher
www.Barbarajoe.blogspot.com
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

WoMentoring Program Honors Women in the Workplace

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Christina Lemon
Office: 818.986.7733 Cell: 818.438.8184

JVS' WOMENTORING PROGRAM HONORS WOMEN IN THE WORKPLACE AT JUNE 7 LUNCHEON


From manicurists to Mayoral aides, women have one thing in common

(Los Angeles) What do a single mother, an aide to Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and a manicurist have in common? They were all helped by JVS' innovative WoMentoring program. Since its inception eight years ago, WoMentoring has assisted more than 150 women in finding fulfilling careers with the help of professional mentors. On June 7, JVS will celebrate the accomplishments of this year's participants with a special luncheon beginning at noon.

Both Debbie Phillips and LaShauna Earl were single mothers, working as manicurists at a local salon, and feeling like they were going nowhere with no way to support their young children. With help from mentor Frances Greenberg, they got an insider's view of the real estate industry, learned how to network, and have launched their own real estate business.

After many years of devoting herself to being a wife and mother, Allyn Levine wanted to rejoin the career world. Although she had participated in numerous volunteer activities, she felt very unsure of herself and her skills. With the encouragement of her mentor Jan, she completed classes in computers and office procedures, and even interned at the Los Angeles Daily News. Today, she is happily employed as an executive assistant/events coordinator with the United States Container Corporation in Vernon.

JVS COO Claudia Finkel founded the WoMentoring program to help women like Phillips and Levine. “Most successful business leaders credit a mentor for helping them get where they are. We wanted to give that experience to women who might not have access to that kind of support, women who are just returning to the workplace after years at home, women who are new to the job market, or women who are looking to change careers,” said Finkel.

Funded by Union Bank and the Powell Family, WoMentoring aims to help participants achieve at least one career milestone -- such as a promotion, completion of a training program, obtaining a key interview or landing a job in their field of choice.

Continuing a trend from previous years, JVS' WoMentoring program is also seeing more and more participants who are leaving high-pressure industries for careers in the service or non-profit arenas. Women like Lori Waldmen, who is pursuing a new career in the field of Educational Therapy, or Elannah Cramer.

Nearly a year ago, Elannah was in a devastating car accident that left her with severe nerve damage and brain trauma. But Elannah regards the accident as a blessing in disguise, giving her an opportunity to rethink her career choices. Paired with Dr. Morgan Hakimi, who has a Ph.D. in Organization Psychology, Elannah is pursuing her options in that field.

"This program really is a lifeline for women no matter what stage of their career, from those just starting out to those who are seeking a career transition or an entirely new direction," said Finkel.

It definitely proved a lifeline for Fortuna Ippoliti, a former WoMentoring client who re-entered the workforce after staying at home to raise her two daughters. Fortuna, recently honored as an Employee of the Year at JVS' Strictly Business Luncheon in May, currently works for Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa as his West Valley Area Representative.

If you are interested in becoming a mentor or mentee, please contact Bobbi Yanke at 818-464-3222 or Rachelle Cohn at 323-761-8888, x8876.

For more than 75 years, JVS has enhanced hundreds of thousands of lives with vital employment and career services. Each year, JVS helps more than 24,000 people through 15 locations around the Southland. A non-profit, non-sectarian organization, JVS works with city, state and county agencies to ensure everyone has access to the help they need, including career professionals, at-risk students, people with disabilities and newly arrived immigrants.

XXX

Submit to the "How I Met My Sweetheart" Anthology

Here's an opportunity for authors and aspiring authors to receive a FREE publishing credit...

Amani Publishing is sponsoring an essay contest for the "How I Met My Sweetheart Anthology." Nine writers will be selected to have their stories included in the book to be published in February 2007. If you're interested, please submit your essay via e-mail by Tuesday, June 27th (my 25th wedding anniversary) in accordance with the following guidelines:

1. Set top margin at 1.85; bottom margin at 1.65, left margin at .1.75; right margin at 1.75 and gutter at .5 (use Word or WordPerfect)
2. Type 8-10 single space pages
3. Tell how you met your sweetheart, something about the first date, how long you've been together, and anything else that you'd like to include (but keep it clean)
4. And submit a one page biography.


In return,

1. Winners will be given one complimentary copy of the published book
2. Winners will be able to order additional copies at a 50% discount for their personal use or resell for a profit
3. Winners will not be paid for their submissions or receive royalties
4. However, all winners will retain the copyright to their original stories.


If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at amanipublishing@aol.com. I'm hoping that this will be a fun project for everyone involved! Happy writing...


Barbara Joe Williams, Author/Publisher
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.Barbarajoewilliams.com

Essay: Good-bye Heartache and Drama

Good-bye Heartache and Drama

By Vanessa Clark, brande_chantell@yahoo.com

Billie Holiday sang “Good Morning Heartache.” I thank The Lord for giving me the courage, boldness, and strength to say good-bye to my heartache and drama.

In the 70’s they had a saying, “A piece of man is better than no man.” I have a saying too, “If you have a piece of man, then you have no peace of mind.” I will take a peace of mind over a piece of man any day. One of my weaknesses is attractive men. My ex-husband is attractive; he has hazel eyes, brown skin, and he’s tall and slender. There’s a price you sometimes pay for an attractive brother; mine was high maintenance. I finally used the good sense that The Lord gave me and sent the brother packing. I can do bad all by myself.

January 4, 2006, my ex-husband divorced me because I had refused to allow him to come back home when he wanted to return. At first I was hurt and felt rejected. When my sanity returned, I stopped crying and realized the brother had actually done me a favor. I did not have to spend a dime for my divorce, and peace was restored to my home. Believe it or not, my ex-husband asked me to remarry him one week after our divorce. He told me that he had been a stupid fool to divorce me. I of course, being the person that I am, agreed with him. However, I was not about to be stupid and foolish enough to make the same mistake twice. Yes, I did say twice. What can I say? I thought I loved him, and I wanted to build a life with him. To my dismay, I had competition that I was no match for, crack cocaine.

Being married to an addict was my worst nightmare. I discovered that nightmares also occur in the daylight hours. I was on a neverending roller coaster ride. There were times when I was also on a merry go round; one day merry got up and left and I realized that all I was doing was going in circles; six years of dealing with him going in and out of rehab centers. It became a revolving door for him. He would return home from rehab and sometimes relapse on his first day home. I continued to tell him that he could not have me and the drugs; he had to choose one or the other. When he chose the drugs, I insisted that he leave after going through this more than a dozen times.

Common sense finally kicked in and I decided I was tired of being sick and tired. No more drama or heartaches. Life is a challenge, but you can pick your battles. Some battles are not for you to fight; they belong to The Lord.

His drug addiction was not my battle. As much as I wanted to help him, all I was doing was enabling him and being his crutch. Enough was enough; he took my kindness for weakness and thought that I would always be there no matter what he did to me. What I did not realize was I had allowed him to control and manipulate me into doing whatever he wanted.

March 7, 2003, his birthday, he went out and used drugs. When he came home, we got into an argument. The Lord told me to stop arguing and listen to him. He told me that he had the power to control me and could do it for as long as he lived if he chose to. Over the next three years, we lived together for a total of three months spread out over the three years. The turning point was in July 2005; he returned home for what would be the last time. He relapsed after being home five days. This was the last straw; I put a fork in the steak and called it done. I told him that I was tired of making up just to break up. He was totally on his own. If somewhere down the road, he became drug free, responsible, and working, then we could possibly start over. To make a long story short, he went into rehab in November 2005. Ninety days later he wanted to return home. I stuck to my decision and said, “No.” I was no longer listening to what he told me, but I was looking for evidence that he had changed. He decided that he did not have to prove anything to me and divorced me.

I’m eternally grateful to have moved on with my life, and I love the peace and quiet. I’m drama and heartache free thanks to my Lord and Savior who took me out of the madness.

PURSUIT OF GREATNESS: Our Youth. Our World. Our Future.

PURSUIT OF GREATNESS: Our Youth. Our World. Our Future.

By Sharon Gray

Saturday School. Suspension. Referrals. Expulsion.

What do these entities have in common? They coexist in our public school systems. They are ultimately defined and denoted as consequences, absent of counter incentives, for our youth and in particular our young urban African American youth, distributed by public school administrations across the United States of America.

This is an epidemic in one of the most basic forms. Locally. Socially. Worldwide.

Knowledge is power. Our youth is our future—these statements are without a doubt the essence and underlying foundation of our society as it relates to the future—our future, people of color. Our examination, from an educator’s point of view, proves there is a necessity, more so an urgency for intervention—from our communities, our parental figures, parents, our churches, our social workers, our social groups, sororities, fraternities and general public.

Education should exemplify our youths’ accomplishments, their rich achievements; embrace their unique and alluring creativity versus using a figurative tourniquet for replacement with deadly, exaggerated, consequences from public school’s administration. By no means, public schools are purposely or maliciously given a negative review via this article; instead, the examination of policy and consequential methods for behavior modification is inspected for the sole purpose of positive elucidation from our community.

Positive reinforcement, as theorists confirms, is a powerful tool for our youth. On the flip side, studious students or students whom are mainstreamed for various special education needs should not be subjected to class disruptions and other deviant and unacceptable behavior. This, by all means, should constitute a consequence. The education process shall not be interrupted. Penalties are of a necessity when extreme cases arises, but, as educators have examined and statistics continually prove, these penalties are less likely to reoccur when they are combated and supplemented with incentives and positive reinforcement. There are solutions. We are the solutions.

All kids have a right to learn. Let us embrace and stronghold this right and give the highest and provide the most viable resources available for them—our kids, our youth, our future. There are solutions. There are interventions. We stand as a community, iron-gripped and build vigorously from the ground up to make our world a better place for our future.

Our youth, our seeds shall be watered in order for them to flourish and blossom, most beautifully and uniquely. We shall groom, enhance and promote their greatness as we, the community, the adults, the educators, the learners, the parents, the churches, the providers, will continue energetically and enthusiastically to push forward relentlessly in the pursuit of greatness. It starts with education. It starts with caring.

Some Intervention Suggestions and other resources:

* After school tutoring
* Sylvan Learning Centers
* Homework Hotline Educational Services, LLC
* School Notes
* Family Involvement with School Education



Sharon Stinson Gray has a Bachelor's of Art degree in English from Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach, Florida and a Master's degree (M.P.A.) from Nova Southeastern University. With her passion for words and love of children, she entered the teaching profession in 1998. She currently teaches high school English and reading and adult education courses. Sharon is also a corresponding editor of Gumbo for the Soul, as well as senior editor of Bahiyah Woman Magazine, the premier lifestyle magazine for today's spiritually conscious professional Black man and woman!

Great, Inexpensive Read by Lauren Baratz-Logsted

Author Lauren Baratz-Logsted's second Amazon Short, "Stan & His Sisters," featuring a character from her THE THIN PINK LINE/CROSSING THE LINE books, is NOW available for only 49 cents. If you need a quick, enjoyable read, check it out TODAY at Amazon.com!

Also available for pre-order at Amazon is Lauren's novel, HOW NANCY DREW SAVED MY LIFE!