The Interracial Duo of Interracial Romance - J. M. Jeffries

For the month of May, All the Blog's a Page (AtBaP) proves that love IS color blind as we feature authors of interracial romance!

We conclude the month with the dynamic duo of interracial romance, J. M. Jeffries!

When a girl wants Hot and Spicy, she finds herself a Latin Lover.



In J.M. Jeffries’s "Partners in Crime," Vincent Mendoza is a CIA agent in charge of his first mission. He must liberate some top secret documents and he turns to jailed cat burglar Cleo Harris to help him. To gain her freedom, she must help the sexy agent. Little does Vincent know that the beautiful thief will steal his heart in the process?







Brash, bold, lingerie designer, Honey Harlow, doesn’t believe in love, but she does worship at the altar of lust. In Paris for her new lingerie line, Sweet Nothings, she meets the sophisticated, suave French vintner, Ettiene Marais. Etienne has come to Fashion Week for one goal--to woo the beautiful Honey and add her as the new crown jewel to his business empire.



Honey's her own woman who plays her by her own rules. She's not interested in going upscale. She like the Frenchman just fine and she's happy enough to play with him, but not be owned by him. But Etienne wants what he wants and he wants Honey.

Want to know what J. M. Jeffries' take on interracial relationships and romance is? Head to All the Blog's a Page!



And while there, check out this month's features with authors Tressie Lockwood, Marie Rochelle, and J.J. Murray!




ALL THE BLOG'S A PAGE (AtBaP) - Where everything relates to writing


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The Importance of Being SASSY

ARE YOU....SASSY? Come by CLG today to check out my interview with Eva, owner of the site SASSY WOMEN, a place dedicated to creating a community for women of color in their twenties!









When asked, How would you define the typical SASSY young women of color, Eva replied, "Well SASSY Women means Smart, Ambitious, Sexy and Sophisticated Young Women. That's the typical woman. Most of us at least have a BA, but most have some sort of graduate degree or are on the way. A lot of the writers (and readers I imagine) have some sort of hustle, usually in the form of their own business. They do more than just the 9 to 5 and then sit at home. They are of course sexy, beautiful inside and out, and confident. And sophisticated - we are not the stereotypical crazy or angry women. We carry ourselves with grace. (I can't forget that there are SASSY men out there. They are simply amazing too!)."




Check out the rest of my feature on SASSY @ ChickLitGurrl: high on LATTES & WRITING!




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"Really Real" Love with Author J. J. Murray

For the month of May, All the Blog's a Page (AtBaP) proves that love IS color blind as we feature authors of interracial romance!

This week, we spotlight acclaimed author J. J. Murray!

The first time I saw J. J.'s picture, I have to admit I was shocked. I was used to African American female writers telling the stories of multicultural love. But then I read Renee and Jay. And then I read Renee and Jay 2. And then I read Something Real. And then I read the other books, and I realized two things: Murray's a good storyteller, and what I enjoy the most from his writing is my ability to see he wants to tell a good love story (no matter the color).

J. J.'s Latest

J.J. is a rare breed. He might actually be the only white male author who exclusively writes IR novels, and of course, because of this, I had to pose the following question: "How have readers taken to your work and to you as a white male author of IR?"

Murray replied, "I may be the only one! People generally squint at me a lot at readings for some reason, as if I'm not quite in focus. I sometimes open readings with, "You were expecting someone else?" I have been told that I couldn't possibly be J. J. Murray at writer's conferences--I even had to show ID. I once stood up from a signing in North Carolina to stretch my legs, and my wife signed books for me as J. J. Murray without anyone being the wiser. (I'm such a ghost sometimes). So many readers write to me after reading my books to tell me they didn't know I was a white man, some (not all) of them adding that it didn't matter a bit. I just hope and pray that I can touch a few hearts, pull a few heartstrings, release a few tears, and unleash some laughter in reader's lives. I hope readers smile when they've read the last word."


To read the rest of J. J. Murray's comments on interracial romance and to read an excerpt of Too Much of a Good Thing, head to All the Blog's a Page!

And while there, check out this month's features with authors Tressie Lockwood and Marie Rochelle!


ALL THE BLOG'S A PAGE (AtBaP) - Where everything relates to writing
[http://alltheblogsapage.blogspot.com]

Author Marie Rochelle Talks Interracial Romance @ AtBaP

For the month of May, All the Blog's a Page (AtBaP) proves that love IS color blind as we feature authors of interracial romance!

This week, we spotlight "The Queen of Tease," author Marie Rochelle!

The Perfect Temptation:

The moment he spotted her he knew that he had to have her. Dave Turner couldn’t get the stunning image of the creamy mocha beauty Charisma Miles out of his mind. He wasn’t going to stop pursing her until she was completely his.

Tall, Handsome and Oh so Yummy!

Muscles and tattoos are her ultimate weakness that’s why Charisma Miles stays as far away from Dave Turner as she can. His rock hard body is constantly the featured attraction in her dreams. He’s her ultimate fantasy, but is she ready for her dreams to become a reality?




For the month of May, I asked SEVERAL questions regarding interracial romance, and ultimately, Marie Rochelle is happy to see the positive climate in interracial romance; she states, "I do believe that writers of interracial romances have come a very long way in the last couple of years. I’m noticing a lot more interracial romance books in bookstores like Kmart, Books a Million, Barnes and Nobles, and Wal-Mart in my hometown. I think it’s wonderful. When I was a teenager and used to buy books, I seldom saw a black woman on the cover with a white man and now I do. It’s truly a wonderful sight."




To read the rest of Marie Rochelle's comments on interracial romance and to read the juicy excerpt to her novel, Tempting Turner, head to All the Blog's a Page!


And while there, check out the features with all of our talented writers on topics such as memoirs, urban fiction, homosexuality, faith, screenwriting, and MORE!




ALL THE BLOG'S A PAGE (AtBaP) - Where everything relates to writing[http://alltheblogsapage.blogspot.com]

Spring-Summer 2009 Issue of SisterDivas is LIVE!

SisterDivas Magazine - Where REAL Women Congregate

http://www.sisterdivasmagazine.net

Why should you check out the Spring-Summer 2009 Issue of SISTERDIVAS?

Because @ MEDIA, we feature five individuals whose talents move through words, through song, and through celebrity entertainment: authors Brooke Green, Janete Scobie, and Leah Mullen; musician Roselyn Brown; and entertainment blogger Shari Weiss.

Because this issue of TOTAL BODY, we welcome Yolanda Shoshana as THE LUSCIOUS LIFESTYLE columnist; in her premiere column, she talks about a popular four-letter word.

Because in EPISODE EIGHT of LOVE BYTES, Destiny runs into her ex-fiancé and his new wife and learns news that could send her reeling.

Because over @ LIFE this issue, All That Glitters columnist Melodye Shore poignantly writes about hellos and goodbyes while SD interviews "The Relaxed Writer" Marla Beck, who talks about her career as a life coach for writers.

Because relationships of all kinds are explored this issue @ Relationships as Simone Grant AKA SINgleGIRL talks about being single in the city; Katie Stanton and Gloria Pan of Fem 2.0 discuss the importance of building relationships among women; and Yolanda Shoshana talks about the "luscious lifestyle."

Because over @ BUZZWORTHY, we show you our top pics for hot TV shows, CDs, movies, and books for spring-summer '09.



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

Spring-Summer 2009 Issue of TNC Magazine is LIVE

http://www.tnc-magazine.net

Why should you check out the Spring-Summer 2009 Issue of THE NUBIAN CHRONICLES?

With our reader-favorite column this issue, we interview authors King Dhakir (I Hate My Job) and Miki Starr Martin (Zella Dora)!

@ DCC, we bring episode 17 of our online serial, EVERYTHING'S GONNA BE ALRIGHT: Randi has to deal with Dru as a fellow employee, and Cassie goes to another man to receive advice on her life.

Excerpt

“Deep in thought?” Randi knew it was Dru and didn’t turn around.

“Just thinking about Clem.”

“You hear anything more since this morning?”

“No,” Randi said, leaning her forehead against the desk. “Cadu mentioned that Clem may stop by to see me, but so far, no Clem.”

Randi heard Dru walk up behind her, placing his hands on her shoulders. Her first instinct was to flinch and tell Dru to back off; she couldn’t think straight with him touching her. But she didn’t. She felt every cell inside of her breathe deeply as she relaxed.

“She’s going to be okay you know,” Dru said, massaging Randi’s shoulders.

“I can’t be sure this time,” Randi said. “This is major. I just wish she would come here. I can’t concentrate on work. I can’t concentrate on anything. I need to see her and see for myself that she’s okay.”

“I understand that, Ran. She’s your best friend.” Randi nodded, feeling a knot in her throat, the pain of her best friend seeping into herself.

“Yeah,” Randi whispered, as emotions began to take her voice. “My best friend.” Randi closed her eyes, feeling Dru’s fingers knead her shoulders, her neck.

Dru’s warm breath made the hairs on the back of Randi’s neck stand. “Feel good?” he whispered.

Randi shivered, moaning softly. She should be fighting this. Fighting the feelings she was feeling. Fighting the tingling sensation that was moving up and down her spine.

Dru pressed his lips against the back of Randi’s neck, kissing her, as she moaned.

“Dru,” she said. “We shouldn’t be doing this.” Randi’s eyes fluttered opened, snapping her back into reality. She saw Clemson down on the floor and jolted.

NUBIAN belles-lettres has four eclectic reads this issue, bring your short stories, novel excerpts, and commentaries on love, relationships, and black literature!

Shadow - Rendezvous at the Lake - (short story) - lovely, head-strong Alison Jamison has vowed to leave the dating scene alone, but when she meets Giovanni Quincy, a handsome, articulate man from New Orleans, she might learn it's better to take a chance in love and life than not to take a chance at all.



Sharon Griffith - The Black Voices - (commentary) - Griffith talks about the journey and the promise for the future of black literature.



Jennifer Coissiere - Pink Ribbon - (excerpt from short story collection) - Coissiere shares with us "Pink Ribbon," part of her Ribbons Pinned series in which varied characters come forward at an annual motivational connection weekend and share a different life altering times represented by causes that different colored ribbon represents.



Erica-Faye Nicole Williams - Divas of Dutchess - (novel excerpt) - true to life story of a family-oriented, African-American young woman coming to terms with life and love and realizing that things and people aren't always what they seem to be.

@ The Poetry Corner, we spotlight the hot poetical prowess of DAMNYO, who when asked what inspires you to write, replied, "What inspires me to write is pain, in my life and in other's lives. My little brother's smile. Indignation in the world, so many things move me. It's hard to capture every single inspiration. I love moving the world with my words. I live poetry. It's my life."

@ IN DA CLUB, mega-reader and book reviewer Sharon Lewis talks about her reading habits, what makes a good book, and more!

@ ASK DEDAN, Dedan Tolbert offers men advice on how to keep their women happy.

In this issue of The Living Room, Anastacia Tolbert gives us the short drama, Let Go and Let Them, about a daughter stuck between a mother and grandmother who can't communicate and the disease that connects them painfully together.

Can't have a story without a plot, and in her latest THE WRITE LIFE article, Shon Bacon discusses how important plot really is to all stories.

To contact The Nubian Chronicles regarding submissions or other inquiries, please e-mail us at info@tnc-magazine.net.

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

The Nubian Chronicles - http://www.tnc-magazine.net!

BOOK BYTES: Some Like It Hot (review)

4 out of 5 Rating

I Like It Hot, Too

In the romance world, Brenda Jackson is practically a household name; she is known for her bestselling sexy stories that turn up the heat between flawed but real men and women. In her first ever short story collection, Jackson continues to add the sizzle she's known and loved for. In a book titled SOME LIKE IT HOT, a reader wants the HOT, and I got it here. The sexual tension between the main characters is palpable, especially in my favorite of the five stories, "Strictly Business." Almost more so than Jackson's way with the sexy word, I enjoyed the main characters Jackson developed. Out of the five stories, no two characters are alike, and their yearnings, that "something" that pulled them through the story, felt real and authentic. My only issue, and it's a "me thing" is length of stories. At times, I felt like I was reading either really long short stories or short novellas, but Jackson's talent as a writer keeps you from feeling the stories trudge along. Hopefully, Jackson will grace us with more shorter works in the futures - "quickies" to whet our "need to have it now" appetites!

You can get your HOT ON today by clicking the cover above and ordering Brenda Jackson's Some Like It Hot!

BOOK BYTES: The Seeds of Green Mangoes (review)

4.5 out of 5 Rating


A lush, no-holds barred story


I am a big fan of stories that make you think, that make you want to talk about the story with others. Janete Scobie's debut novel, The Seeds of Green Mangoes is definitely one of those books. On the surface, it's a coming of age story, one young woman's journey to find herself and her place in the world. Beneath the surface is a lushly described story that vividly portrays locales, characters, and the yearning embedded in main character, Creola Philogène. There are two things I enjoy most about this story. One, I love the weaving of deep, serious issues in the story: the taboo of sex, culture, gender, and class, for example, blend well to layer the story and give book clubs something to talk about. Two, knowing a bit about Scobie's background - her education, travels, experiences - this book feels like a culmination of everything she's learned and felt thus far in her life. I look forward to seeing what she gleans from life next.

You can order a copy of The Seeds of Green Mangoes by clicking the cover above.

BOOK BYTES: Sweet Deception (review)

4.5 out of 5 Rating

No Deception - This Is a Sexy Sweet Book!


I've been a fan of Patricia Sargeant's since I interviewed her in 2007 on ChickLitGurrl: high on LATTES & WRITING; back then, I was digging her novel On Fire. For 2009, I am telling all romance fans to check out her June 2009 release, Sweet Deception.

You want a book description, you can head to Patricia's website and read one; you want to know why you should pre-order this book TODAY, keep reading!

I have read a lot of romance novels, and oftentimes, I get irritated at how "damsel-in-distress" the woman is or how - even when strong - she always manages to loosen her backbone when the man comes with his demanding, "I want you now" ways. I like both my male and female leads to be strong, yet vulnerable, and Sargeant handles this wonderfully in Sweet Deception. We have two strong, sexy characters, both struggling to deal with familial issues while trying to find and reconnect with themselves and ultimately with each other. We have humor - not your typical man-made comedy, but life comedy - those things that happen just from living and breathing and dealing with the world. We have yearning because each of these characters desperately want love and affection in their lives and as readers, we want them to receive it. And no sexy romance novel could be complete without sex, and Sargeant laces the novel with sensual scenes that will warm you and make you enjoy the novel all the more.

Those of you who are hard core romance fans and believe that romance novels have merit within the publishing industry, you'll have an added reason to buy the book, too; I won't tell you why - just to say that very early on in the novel, Sargeant places the characters in a situation that will hearken many a YAY FOR ROMANCE cry!

Sweet Deception hits shelves in June; however, you can pre-order your copy TODAY by clicking the cover above!

Keepin' It Real with Screenwriter Cynthia Dagnal-Myron

For the month of March, All the Blog's a Page (AtBaP) has gone to the big screen as we talk to screenwriters!

This week, we wrap up our March series with a woman who offers GREAT advice to any writer: screenwriter Cynthia Dagnal-Myron!








For the month of March, I asked SEVERAL questions regarding fave sites for writers, advice, differences and similarities between the different media platforms in regards to writing, etc. When I asked, For those of you who write for different arenas - big screen, boob tube, stage, page, web - what are elements that differ for you as the writer in regards to how you SEE the story unfolding in each arena, Dagnal-Myron replied, "I only write for the big screen and the "page," so I can only speak for those two. But the difference is that when writing a novel or an article, I can offer both action and the "motivation" for what the character is doing in words on that page. A script is all "action." You're showing, not telling. What a character does has to carry that story, and the power is in what the character does even more than what he says. In fact, if you write about what a character is thinking in a script it will receive a quick "pass." When writing a "story," you can have the character ruminate, think aloud, discuss.

"You can also spend a whole page on description, to set a mood or make a point, when writing fiction. You create a whole world with words. Script writing has to be very economical, and exposition is to be avoided like the plague. In other fiction I can tell you what music is playing, what the character looks like, what perfume she wears. In a script, they frown upon this, because in the end, none of that will be decided by the screenwriter. So there are remarkable differences--glad you asked! I hadn't really thought about it this seriously before, though it's something I work with everyday."




To read the rest of Cynthia Dagnal-Myron's comments on screenwriting, head to All the Blog's a Page!


And while there, check out the screenwriting features from Stephen Kogon, Brian Spaeth, Kristin Johnson, and John W. Bosley!



ALL THE BLOG'S A PAGE (AtBaP) - Where everything relates to writing
[http://alltheblogsapage.blogspot.com]

Support Women, Support Fem 2.0!

Women and Work: Why Employers’ Work/Life Policies Can—and Should—Survive the Recession

Over at Fem 2.0, Joan Williams, Distinguished Professor of Law at U.C. Hastings College of the Law and Director of the Center for WorkLife Law and the Co-Director of the Project for Attorney Retention, discusses the importance of maintaining work policies that benefit and support women in the workplace. Definitely take the time to check it out and leave YOUR thoughts!

Here's the [LINK]!

And if you're a part of the Twitter Nation, check out Sunday night's Fem2.0 twittercast at 10 p.m. EST, hashtag #fem2. The conversations are always lively and full of people who are dedicated toward the empowerment of women.

March 29 - Screenwriters Go Wild on Tale It Like It Is

JOIN TILII HOST SAMARA KING AS SHE GETS THE INSIDE SCOOP FROM SEVERAL TALENTED WRITERS AND THE WORLD OF SCREENWRITING.




WWW.BLOGTALKRADIO.COM/SAMARAKING


Time: 4:30pm EST


Call-in # (347) 215-9311

Unlocking the Diary of Author Nikki Urban: The Interview

Unlocking the Diary of Author Nikki Urban







About Jade's Diary:


Jade's Diary is a tale of a dead woman's diary that is left to her daughter Mikleah. As Mikleah reads her mother's diary, she turns the pages of her mother's secret life that includes sex, lust, lies, betrayal, and vengeance.

Mikleah learns from her mother's diary of the father she never knew and of a long lost sibling. Jade's daughter also learns she has been having an incestuous relationship with the sister that she never knew and learns to what extent her mother would go through to get what she wanted-her lover's wife.

The diary exposes the many secrets of Jade's lovers, which leads to death and imprisonment.




INTERVIEW EXCERPT



CLG: You walk into a movie theater and there's a movie poster for JADE'S DIARY: SEX, LIES, LUST, BETRAYAL, VENGEANCE. What's the logline?
NU: Unlock the Diary! What are your secrets? Remember, all secrets have consequences…

CLG: NIKKI URBAN: THE SOUNDTRACK. What are three tracks that would HAVE to make it onto the soundtrack of your life?
NU: There are so many songs that I could name to describe my life and who I am. But, if I had to have the ultimate soundtrack of my life the three tracks that I would choose would be: 1) I’m Every Woman by Chaka Khan because I am that every woman. I can do all things. 2) Tender Roni by Bobby Brown because once you meet me, you will never forget me, and I always make my father feel proud. 3) Hustlin' by Rick Ross because I’m always hustling until I make it to where I want to be.

CLG: You are publishing JADE'S DIARY through Diamond Stone Productions. Talk to us about your role as a publisher; what have been some major things you've learned?
NU: My husband and I started DiamondStone Productions because I was not getting picked up by any traditional black publishers. In the process of starting Diamondstone Productions, I have learned that as publisher you must be a good negotiator and you must be involved in every aspect of the book process(writing, editing, book design, etc.). In addition, you should always have an abundance of books on hand and various outlets where your book can be sold at. Lastly, have a good accounting program on your computer and have a good marketing strategy. A good marketing strategy is key to the success of your book and publishing company. Once your publishing company is out there, vendors, readers, and other wholesalers will be more willing to take a chance with you. Reputation is key!




Check out the rest of Nikki Urban's interview @ ChickLitGurrl: high on LATTES & WRITING!




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Chocolate-caramel lattes + Women writers = ONE GREAT TIME!
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What's the Haps @ SisterDivas Magazine?

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

Because our MEDIA column is jammed full of great features with individuals whose talents move through words, through song, through acting, and through faith: authors Laurie Viera Rigler, Marilynn Griffith, and Paulette Harper; musician Brent Ellis of The Brent Ellis Group; singer/actress Alexis Grenier; and R&B star Shanice.

Because in our TOTAL BODY column, Dr. Cherry talks about why being "high maintenance" may not be such a bad thing, and entrepreneur Beverly Davis talks to SD about her business SundayCosmetics.

Because in our feature, LOVE BYTES, we bring you episode seven, where Destiny must decide if she's going to move forward in her feelings for Devon or let her past dictate her life.

Because in our LIFE column -- no matter the celebration - new year, Inauguration, Valentine's Day, The Sipping Sommelier L. Denise Jackson has the perfect wine for you, and Lindsay Price - playwright for Theatrefolk - stops by to talk to us about her company.

Because in our RELATIONSHIPS column, authors Eternity Philops and Portia Rainey show you the importance of friendship and self-love and faith.

Because over @ BUZZWORTHY, we show you our top pics for hot TV shows, CDs, movies, and books for the first quarter of '09.

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

What's happening at The Nubian Chronicles?

http://www.tnc-magazine.net

Why should you check out the Winter 2009 Issue of THE NUBIAN CHRONICLES?

With our reader-favorite column this issue, we interview authors Carleen Brice and Cassandra Washington!

@ DCC, we bring episode 16 of our online serial, EVERYTHING'S GONNA BE ALRIGHT: The day after suffering public abuse at the hands of her father, an embarrassed Clemson must face not only the man she loves, but her arch nemesis Kat and her mother.

Want sex? Want the changing of sex? Want the change that came to America? Want the change you can make to get whatever you like? Then you need to head over to NUBIAN belles-lettres to read our stories and articles!

@ The Poetry Corner, we spotlight lyrical wordsmith, CHAMSIL!

@ IN DA CLUB, we talk public relations and marketing with Raven Literary PR!

In his latest Matthew's Musings, columnist Matthew Lynch defines and discusses the importance of the Black Public Intellectual.

@ ASK DEDAN, Dedan Tolbert offers advice to a reader who wants to know how soon is too soon to start dating after a break up...

Want to read a most unordinary love story? In this issue of THE LIVING ROOM, columnist Stacey Tolbert offers the first of six installments to her story IRON.

Thinking about writing a screenplay? Already wrote one? In her latest THE WRITE LIFE article, Shon Bacon offers tips to editing a screenplay.

To contact The Nubian Chronicles regarding submissions or other inquiries, please e-mail us at info@tnc-magazine.net.

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


The Nubian Chronicles - http://www.tnc-magazine.net!