All the Buzz

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Thank you for allowing me to spotlight you on All the Buzz! It is truly a pleasure.

First, tell me about your new release, Through the Storm?

Through the Storm is a suspense Thriller which deals with the power of prayer and God’s ability to help us through the storms of life. It is a fast paced book that will have readers in suspense until the last few pages of the book.

Is there a story about the writing of this book that just begs to be told?

Yes there is. When I first started Through The Storm I new I wanted the book to be a suspense Thriller and fast paced. However, while writing the book I attended a Prayer Journey at my church. The experience was so powerful that I knew I had to share it with my readers. So, Through The Storm became much more than a suspenseful novel – it became a novel that will truly speak to the reader’s heart.

Where do you get the ideas for your books?

I get ideas for my books many different ways: A sermon at church, a movie, a conversation, a newspaper article. I have no shortage of ideas for books, which is a good thing since I plan to write at least a hundred books.

What is your writing process like?

I normally write from about 9 in the morning until about 4 in the afternoon. However, if I am really engrossed in a story, I will write from sun up to sun down. I need complete quiet when I am at the beginning stages of creating my novel. I also write best at home. If I tried to write at Starbucks, like some authors do, I wouldn’t even get a page done.

When you write, what lessons do you take away from your stories?

My novels deal with issues such as forgiveness, unconditional love, God’s grace, the power of prayer and so on… needless to say, I am always learning something about myself when I write my books. For instance, when I wrote Latter Rain which deals with forgiveness I dealt with this very same issue and had to let God mend my heart and help me to forgive --- even when I felt as if I had been done wrong.

What is the motivation behind your writing?

I think about God’s people as I write my books. I want each of my books to touch the hearts of God’s people in such a way that they begin to draw ever closer to Him.

What is the best thing that has happened to you during, or because of, your writing career?

I would have to say that the best thing that has happened to me because of my writing career is the knowledge that I am in God’s will. Every time someone tells me that their relationship with God has grown stronger after reading one of my novels, I hear God saying to me, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

When you’re not writing, what authors do you enjoy reading? What are you currently reading?

I read a lot, but I wouldn’t say that I have a favorite author right now. I like Christian fiction and suspense Thrillers. Currently, I am reading Million Dollar Dilemma by Judy Baer and Battle of Jericho by Kendra Norman-Bellamy.

What can readers expect next from you?

The new book I’m working on is FORSAKEN. It is a story of a pastor who lost his way and longs for redemption. I’m excited about this book, I think my readers will truly enjoy it. Forsaken is due out in October 2009.

Thank you again for chatting with me on All the Buzz. I wish you continued success!

And thank you. I appreciate the fact that you would take the time to interview me. Much success and God’s blessings to you.

Vanessa-

To find out more about Vanessa and her books, visit her online at www.vanessamiller.com

Hello everyone and welcome to my In Love Virtual Book & Podcast Tour celebrating the release of my new novel, Heavenly Places! I’m Kimberly Cash Tate and I am so honored to have my third virtual tour stop here at All the Buzz and The Master’s Vessel!

In Heavenly Places my main character, Treva, believed the lie that she was inferior. Because of her mother, she felt there was nothing about her that was significant or important; so she had to manufacture it through a career. Once she saw herself through the eyes of God, however, her life and her perspective were gloriously changed.

Have you ever asked, do I really matter?
Have you ever wondered does God really care what’s going on with you?”
To anyone who has ever doubted they matter, my podcast tour message today is for you - You are Significant and Important!

Listen to my podcast and the first 2 bloggers who comment and share their thoughts with me, will each receive an autograph copy of Heavenly Places!

About the Author

Kimberly Cash Tate is a vibrant new voice to the genre of Christian Fiction. She is the founder and president of Colored in Christ International, Inc., a nonprofit ministry dedicated to equipping and encouraging believers to walk with a true perspective in Christ. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology from the University of Maryland in College Park and is a graduate of the George Washington University School of Law. Kimberly resides in Missouri with her family. Heavenly Places is her first novel. For more information about Kimberly, visit her online at www.kimberlycashtate.com, www.myspace.com/kimberlycashtate, and www.kimberlycashtate.blogspot.com

About the Book

Heavenly Places
Kimberly Cash Tate
Walk Worthy Press, March 2008
$13.95 US; ISBN:

Treva Langston has always been plagued with self-doubt, thanks to her mother. She found her worth in a career, with success…until it was gone. Now her life has suddenly been turned upside down. Without her high-powered job, she has returned with her family to her hometown and all the memories of heartache she fought to escape. Worse, she’s near her mother again, who hasn’t changed a bit. Beset with feelings of unworthiness, she’s filled with despair, until her sister coaxes her into a women’s home Bible study. Though Treva resists, and quits a couple of times, she comes to learn the importance of family, the blessing of friendship, and the powerful truth that conquers a lifetime of lies. To every woman who has ever doubted she is fearfully and wonderfully made, Heavenly Places by Kimberly Cash Tate is a novel for you!

Stung by a ten hour delay and a €300 fare to Spain on his native ‘low fares’ airline, Dubliner Paul Kilduff plots revenge - to fly to every country in Europe for the same total outlay, suffering every low fares airline indignity. Armed with no more than 10kg of carry-on baggage, he endures 6 am departures, Six Nations boarding scrums, lengthy bus excursions, terminal anxiety and cabin crew who deliver infamous customer service. Kilduff travels to places he never knew he wanted to go that are probably not quite where he thinks they are and he is not sure what he will do once he gets there, including beautiful Beauvais, cosmopolitan Charleroi, electric Eindhoven, heavenly Haugesund and tropical Tampere. And all this on a cheap Irish airline led by a self-proclaimed ‘obnoxious little bollocks‘, which flies from A to somewhere remotely near B, weighs baggage like gold, charges its passengers to check-in or for wheelchairs, sells them hangover cures and scratch cards, lands its aircraft at the wrong airport, takes court cases against its own pilots and doesn’t even care if Kilduff shows up. On his miserly pan-European exploration he reveals the secrets of the new travel phenomenon favoured by one hundred million plus passengers annually. And his advice to fellow travellers in the ultimate airport holiday book? - "Don’t get mad, get even - Get a one cent airline ticket."

Interested buyers - click here!

Paul Kilduff was born in Dublin, Ireland, graduated from University College Dublin with a Bachelor of Commerce degree in 1985 and later qualified as a Chartered Accountant. He moved to London in 1989 and spent six years working in the City of London.

He returned to live in Dublin in 1995. He began writing fiction in 1996 and finished his first novel in 1998. Square Mile was published in 1999, The Dealer in 2000, The Frontrunner in 2001 and The Headhunter in 2003, which were published by Hodder & Stoughton in London and by Muelenhoff in The Netherlands.

He decided to write a travel book a couple of years ago and was extremely fortunate shortly afterwards to be abandoned in Malaga airport for ten hours, where he had the germ of an idea for Ruinair - an epic tale of human endurance on Europe's low fares airlines. Ruinair was published in February 2008 by Gill & Macmillan Ireland and entered the Irish non fiction bestseller list at no 1 where it has spent 6 weeks to date.

“Paul Kilduff is excited to bring his first nonfiction work, entitled Ruinair, on a virtual book tour. Paul’s book is a witty travelogue which sees him get his own back on the airline that overcharged him and significantly delayed him on a flight from Malaga to Dublin :

‘Stung by a ten hour delay and a E300 fare to Spain on his native “low-fares” airline, Dubliner Paul Kilduff plots revenge – to fly to every country in Europe for the same total outlay, suffering every low-fares airline indignity. Armed with no more than 10kg of carry-on baggage, he endures 6.00am departures, Six Nations-style boarding scrums, lengthy bus excursions, terminal anxiety and cabin crew who deliver famed customer service.’

This book will have you laughing out loud at Kilduff’s sharp wit and the hilarious accounts of his misadventures. Anyone who has ever flown with a low-budget airline and has lived to tell the tale will identify with Paul’s experiences.

Ruinair has enjoyed the position of bestselling nonfiction title in Ireland during its first seven weeks of publication and has received wide critical acclaim. Paul is also the author of four fiction novels, the most recent of which is The Headhunter. He will be happy to discuss all aspects of his work, both past and present, on the day – in particular, the transition from fiction to nonfiction writing. He is also happy to talk about his travel writing or to lend writing tips and inspiration to any aspiring authors out there.”

Hello Ti! Thank you for allowing me to spotlight you on All the Buzz! It is truly a pleasure.

Tell me about psalms in L major.

I’m really proud of this work. psalms in L major is my second collection of poetry and is the first of mine that focuses exclusively on “love” in it’s various stages of development. It chronicles a relationship from the point of friendship on through “we’ve been at this for a while and it sure does get hard sometimes…”

What really excites me about this project is that I was able to be completely transparent for ALL to see. 90% of these poems were poems written for one particular person during our relationship. My feelings for him (at that time) shout out through the pages and even though we are no longer together, it was poetry that I knew that others could relate to.

The title takes on a biblical tone and is meant to reference the poetry/songs of worship and praise that David wrote for the Lord that sprang out of his earnest love for Him. In relationships, we take on that “worshipful” motif and I’m pleased that I could relay that to the readers.

How long have you been writing poetry?

I’m told that my first poem was “written” when I was three years old. My mother would write down the words that I would dictate. The first poem that I remember writing was published in the school newsletter when I was five. It was about Cherry Jello. Ha!

Poetry became a passion of mine in High School and has continued as my first love until today.

Do you plan to try your hand at writing a novel?

Absolutely! I actually have two in the works. I have so many stories to tell that they can’t all be contained in one or two forms. Poetry is special to me, so is playwriting; however, some stories just beg to be novels. I will definitely come back and share with All the Buzz when I can let those kittens out of the bag.

What message do you hope to convey through your poetry?

Each poem speaks for itself. I’m not the writer that does “love poems” or “political poems”, etc. I write what is on my heart and mind at that moment. I’ve written about domestic violence, child abuse, love and romance, being a mother to my child, hard days at work; the list goes on. My main focus with a piece is that the message (whatever it may be) is something that others can relate to and have an emotional reaction to. I want the readers to FEEL something when they read my poetry.

Who are some of your favorite poets, and how do they influence your work?

There are famed poets like Nikki Giovanni and Sonia Sanchez that I admire greatly. They influenced me to find my own unique voice through my words. Lately, more of my influences come from my immediate peers. Those I can share with and learn from on a regular basis through blogs, groups, venues, etc. I appreciate the immediacy of our exchanges and the way we interact with and encourage each other. I love reading new works and becoming inspired by them to stretch a style or try something new. As poets, we make a mistake when we write in a bubble. We need outside communication to continue to grow.

When you are not writing poetry, what keeps you busy?

When I am not writing poetry, I’m writing something else. Under the umbrella of my companies dot-K Consulting and dot-K Ministries, there are several segments that occupy my time. I write novels and play; I’m also a freelance journalist. In addition to that, I perform quite a bit of editing for other writers (fiction and non-fiction). I also do graphic design and layout for those who need assistance putting the finishing touches on their book projects. Outside of writing projects in general, I am a mother to a wonderful child and I serve in ministry as a workshop presenter and conference speaker.

Does your faith play a role in what you write, and if so, how?

Certainly. My faith is a part of who I am as a person. I would find it difficult to not be “me” in writing. That is not to say that everything I write is “spiritual”, it isn’t. , I most definitely utilize the work that is to the fullest whenever the time and space exists – and sometimes that is pretty often.

What I love about God is that He has given us diversity in our gifts and diversity in our purpose for those gifts. I’m excited to share any and everything that He has given me (whether considered “spiritual” or not) to all who will hear.

What has your literary experience been like so far?

I have received an outpouring of love and support for both of my books. When ph balanced: poetry and haiku was released, I was new to self-publishing but still managed to garner this groundswell of encouragement that was completely unexpected. I capitalized on that positive experience and seek to do even more with psalms in L major. My book tour is still forming and I have completed several cities across the country thus far. If any book club would like me to come to their city, I’m happy to go. The amount of support that exists for African-American novelists and poets is amazing. I’m thankful for everyone who has lent a hand to me along the way.

What is the one thing that you know now that you wish you had known when you first started out?

I wish I hadn’t backed into the educational opportunities for those who aspire to be writers. I’m only now, in my mid-30’s, formally studying creative writing at the college level. The importance of that background for someone who wishes to be a working artist, is something that I began to realize and learn in the last couple of years. I would encourage anyone who desires a professional career in the arts to seek formal training. It opens doors.

If you had to write your life story, what would the title be? How does that title portray your story?

That’s a great question. At this stage in my life, I would have to title that story “Higher.” I have seen myself grow and achieve from one level to the next continuously and constantly. I don’t believe in complacency. I need to move, grow, learn, develop in all aspects of my life. I see myself doing that and it’s a wonderful feeling to notice progress. I hope that always continues.

Thank you again for chatting with me on All the Buzz! I wish you success in all that you do!

Thank YOU so much and great success to All the Buzz! I appreciate the time you have given me. READERS: Please reach out to me on MySpace at www.myspace.com/dot-K and if interested in my books, they may be purchased at www.lulu.com/dotkministries.

Hello Brenda! Thank you for the opportunity to spotlight you on All the Buzz.

First, tell me more about The Family In the Car.

The Family In The Car is a documentary about my family’s experiences while we were homeless. The documentary time-lines that period in our lives. It describes our experiences from living in our car, to finding a permanent home.

What is the message that you hope to convey to your readers?

The message I hope to convey to others is that even when life seems to be at its toughest point, that it’s not the end of life. Even if things are unbearable, don’t give up, or give in. You will look back and wonder, “How you got over”. Another important message I wish to convey is that the face of the homeless is changing. The message is that the homeless is not only criminals and mentally ill. Homeless can involve the middle class, as well.

What was the hardest part about writing this story?

The hardest part about writing this story was putting our names in it. When I first started writing it, I was writing it as a novel. Then in 2004, I was prompted to go ahead and put our names in it. Before that, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to disclose that part of my life.

What has been the response so far to The Family In The Car?

The response has been encouraging. People have written to me explaining how they have gone through the same or similar experiences, and that they were happy about the book being published.

What obstacles have you faced in your literary journey, and how have they affected you?

I think the hardest obstacle I’ve faced is financing the promotion of the documentary. Although I know this topic is relevant and timely for this point in time, it has been costly to get the information out the way that I would like to.

Why do you write?

First, I write because it’s my purpose. It’s why I am here on this earth. Also, I write because I can say whatever I feel to say. When I write, I feel free. I can vent about the things that I’m going through that I don’t like. No one can dictate to me what I can or cannot write. I love the freedom it gives me.

When you’re not writing, what keeps you busy?

When I’m not writing I’m promoting the book. I am also a board member of the United Black Writers Association. I’m the Training Director, so I’m always going to meetings and conducting trainings. I’m also invited a lot to speak at conferences. On top of all of that I teach school. Oh, I can’t leave out that I love to travel.

What is the one book that has most influenced your life, and how did it impact you?

The one book that I can think of at this moment is, Rich Dad, Poor Dad. It has taught me the basic skills about money management. It has influenced me to take charge of my financial health.

Who are some of your favorite authors?

Amiri Baraka and James Baldwin are a few of my favorite author.

What’s next from Brenda Farrar-Ejemai?

My next project is to put together a compilation of stories about people’s experiences in the foreclosure epidemic.

Thank you again for allowing me to spotlight you on All the Buzz! It has been a pleasure, and I wish you continued success in all that you do.

Hello Deborah! Thank you for allowing me to spotlight you on All the Buzz!

Please tell me about Shadow Living.

Shadow Living…Paintings of Grief is a heart-warming story about learning to live and survive during the first year after my husband’s death. It’s the sequel to my first book I Feel Okay, where I describe my husband’s journey around the country to find a physician to help him find a cure to the menacing disease of primary amyloidosisis.

As I dealt with grief and grieving, I intimately describe and examine the stages of the grieving process of shock, denial, anger, fear, bargaining, depression and acknowledgement—telling my story through the eyes of my pain and sorrow. I decided to tell my story because I didn’t find any accounts that discussed grieving in the context I wanted it discussed in the marketplace and I felt my story would be helpful to others to hear about my path to healing and peace.

In Shadow Living…Paintings of Grief the reader lives my pain, feel my anxiety, and walks with me through my sorrow as I learn to live without Clyde’s physical presence in my life. With God as my refuge and strength, I emerge from the shadows of grief to a life of renewed hope with a mission to help others find their pathway to healing and peace.

How painful was it for you to write this story?

My first book, I Feel Okay was the most painful to write. Without a doubt, the first few pages of writing were heart-wrenching. I could barely see the screen and type the words as the tears streamed from my eyes. But I suffered through the pain and sorrow and continued to write my husband’s painful story so others could learn and grow from our tragedy to healing and hope.

How long did it take for you to actually sit down and write this story, after the death of your husband?

It took about three months to write the first draft of I Feel Okay, but about six months to write Shadow Living…Paintings of Grief. In I Feel Okay, I spoke about Clyde and his disease and the family’s reaction and support of him, but in Shadow Living…Paintings of Grief I faced my own incredible sorrow, and there were times I hesitated in writing my story. In the end though, I pressed on and faced my anguish and sorrow, and when I finished the first draft, I knew I had grown enormously—emotionally and spiritually in my determination to help others through my inspirational writings.

Do you feel the writing of this story, as well as I Feel Okay, helped you in your grieving/healing?

I wasn’t aware of it at the time, but my heart healed as I wrote the words in both books as I described the pain and sorrow of losing someone to death. In the beginning my mission was to write our story in order to help others along their journey of pain and despair, but by the end of my journey of sharing our family’s pain and triumphs to the world, I was facing my grief at a much deeper level and had a greater appreciation for God and His Son, Jesus Christ for helping me to heal and help others through my testimony.

What message do you have for those who are dealing with the loss of a loved one? What about for those who may not be grieving now, but will in the future since death affects us all?

Grief is very personal and it affects people differently. It’s very important that the person understands that it’s okay to grieve. Grieving is a natural part of living and death and disappointments will affects us all. Don’t hide from grief—face and deal with your pain and learn about your situation by understanding the various stages of grieving to include shock, denial, anger, fear, bargaining, depression, and acknowledgment. Many folks have given Shadow Living…Paintings of Grief as a gift to others in hope that my words will help their loved ones be better able to cope with the tragedy of death, loss of a job, divorce, or other life situations

If a person feels so inclined, I would suggest they join a grief therapy group and talk and share with others about their pain. Believe me, talking about your inner feelings will help you put a face to grief. Grief is real and it should be treated as so.

Who or what do you give the most credit to for helping you through your grieving and healing process?

I give all the credit to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for healing my pain of grief. Life is hard and many situations will befall us all, but God will wipe away all tears and He will give us the strength to carry on—even in the midst of losing a loved one, losing a job, going through a divorce, or other tragic moments in our lives. God also gives us physicians, therapists, and others support to help us heal physiologically and psychologically. I still hurt and miss my husband. Clyde will always be part of me and my family, but with God as my strength and shield, he has carried me through my valley of sorrow to a place of healing and peace where my family and I can go on with our lives, and for this peace, I’m very thankful.

I know that we all deal with grief in different ways. What do you believe is the most crucial step to take to begin the healing process?

I believe the most crucial step in the healing process is acknowledging that you are grieving. I have talked with many people along this journey and one of the things that I hear time after time is that they didn’t understand what was happening to them, but once they acknowledged that they were grieving they were able to work through their grief much better—having a far better understanding of the grieving process.

Once acknowledged they could pinpoint to a greater degree where they were in their grieving process and to work through it with a more global understanding that grief is truly work with no magical number of days or years in which to end.

Do you have a motto or Bible verse that you repeat to yourself daily that helps you in your journey?

I have several favorite Bible scriptures, but the one that has helped me through my good and bad days is Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him and He shall direct thy path.” I quoted this scripture throughout Shadow Living…Paintings of Grief and held onto God’s assurance that he would see me through my sorrow of losing my husband at the age of 40 years old. I placed my trust in him and he has sustained me. God’s words are sure.

When readers read the last page of Shadow Living, what do you hope they take away from it?

The message I tried to convey was that grief is universal and it affects everyone differently. Though grief might not be an easy journey—it’s a necessary journey of life that one must travel and through the grieving process, one can find the strength and the courage to face life once again with renewed hope and in abundant peace and love.

It’s important to surround yourself with family and friend and lean absolutely on God’s unchanging hand to help you with this transitional phase of life. With God as your refuge and strength He will lead you to the other side where you can experience hope, love, and sunshine on your face again.

Do you plan to write more motivational/inspirational stories, either fiction or non-fiction?

Yes, I have created a collection of soul-stirring short stories that capture signature moments of my family while growing up in the 1950s and 1960s. The stories will make you smile, some will make you cry, and some of them will evoke a genuine appreciation and love for family, home, and honest work. I do have plans to write a couple of inspirational fiction stories to be released sometime after 2010, but in the meantime, I’m enjoy writing inspirational nonfiction about stories that uplift and edify the spirit of life.

Thank you again for chatting with me on All the Buzz! It was truly a pleasure and I wish you much success in all that you do.

The Enemy Between My Legs
Stephanie L. Jones
Stephanie L. Jones, LLC., November 2007
$12.99 US, ISBN 097945560X

Rating: 4

Innocence lost…

The sexual assault of a child, once a taboo subject for public appeal, is no longer taboo. In fact, not only is it now commonplace to see and/or hear daily news reports of heinous crimes done to innocent victims, but mainstream media seems to have taken sexual assault cases and turned them into a popular, however disturbing, headline of our day.

Stephanie L. Jones knows firsthand what it is like to be a victim of child sexual assault. The Enemy Between My Legs is Jones’ recount of the horrific atrocities forced upon her for a number of years by members of her own family. In a brief, but succinct manner, Jones manages to effectively tell her story without bogging the reader down with a lot of trivial information. Instead, she tells just enough information about what happened to her to evoke sympathy, as well as make readers stop and wonder if they may have missed the signs of abuse in the lives of someone they know. The briefness of her recap in no way diminishes the terrible happenings of her life.

I am sure this was a hard story to tell, but I applaud Ms. Jones for pushing through the painful memories and doing her part to educate readers about this appalling aspect of her life.

~~Renee Williams, All the Buzz

Somewhat Saved
Pat G’Orge Walker
Kensington, April 2008
$22.00 US, ISBN 0758218893

Rating: 4

Drama here, drama there, drama everywhere…

With all the drama going on in the world today, you would think church would be the one place you would expect to find peace and solitude, right?

Well this is definitely not the case in the small town of Pelzer, South Carolina. In fact, if you know what’s good for you, you’ll run the other direction as fast as you can when you see Crossing Over Sanctuary Temple. Why you ask? Because the colorful characters – Sasha Pray Onn and Bea Blister, members of the Mother’s Board – are not exactly the epitome of saintly church mothers. They are troublemakers, rabble rousers, and yes, they revel in it. And if hell-raising in Pelzer ain’t enough, Mothers Pray Onn and Blister take their shenanigans on the road to Las Vegas, better known as Sin City, and they fit right in.

They’ve traveled to Las Vegas to the annual Mother’s Board conference, hoping to oust Sister Betty, their arch rival, out of the nomination for president of the Mother’s Board. In the midst of all their chaotic, comedic capers, secrets from the past come back to haunt them in the form of Zipporah Moses, an aspiring songstress, who unwittingly shakes up the family tree, causing even more drama.

Although Somewhat Saved is the latest novel in the “Sister Betty” series, this was my first “Sister Betty” read ever! I’ve heard that Walker’s stories are laugh out loud and uproariously funny; so I went into this read with those expectations. Though the antics of the characters were indeed laughable, but the seriousness of the underlying message of salvation, redemption, forgiveness and honesty quietly, but effectively, shines through.

~~Renee Williams, All the Buzz

Hello Dwan! Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to chat with me on All the Buzz.

Please tell me more about Divorcing the Devil.

Divorcing the Devil involves psychoanalyst, Skyler Little. For Skyler, it’s not easy being a psychoanalyst and a Christian. Sometimes it’s hard not getting drawn into her patients’ personal lives filled with adultery, abuse and turmoil. Yet, she remains steadfast in providing them with the best in Christian counseling. She even counsels her friend, Gabriella, who has just learned that her husband is cheating on her.

But when Skyler learns the identity of the other woman, things spiral out of control and she is now caught in the middle. Can Skyler get herself out of this situation? Can anyone be spared when you try to divorce the devil?

Is that title, Divorcing the Devil, symbolic in nature? If so, how does it apply to you personally?

The title is symbolic in nature. I believe that we all have a “devil” in our life that we need to get rid of.

Your previous novel, Only True Love Waits, was not Christian Fiction. What prompted the change to writing in the Christian Fiction genre?

Actually, Only True Love Waits was inspirational fiction. My first novel, The Scream Within, was not Christian/Inspirational. After writing that novel, I met a bestselling Christian fiction author and read my first Christian fiction novel. I loved it! That’s when I truly discovered my calling. I no longer had the desire to write secular works.

In addition to being a published author, you are also in the publishing industry. How do you successfully manage both careers?

Writing is a part of who I am. I would write whether I got paid for it or not, and I have. So for me, writing is my passion, as well as my purpose. I honestly don’t consider it work. In regards to my publishing company, Nevaeh Publishing, I believe that to whom much is given, much is required. I know what it’s like to be self-published and traditionally published. Because of that, I have a good understanding of the industry. I use my experience to help other authors realize their dreams. Since I love what I do, it’s not difficult to manage.

Which venture came first, writing or publishing?

Writing. I didn’t know a thing about publishing when I published my first book. Which do you enjoy more? Writing for sure. I like any opportunity that gives me creative freedom. I refer to writing as a pound cake. It tastes good all by itself. Publishing is more like icing. It’s sweet, but not required.

Since you have experience on both sides of the literary industry, what advice would you give to aspiring authors?

For aspiring authors, I would tell them to hone the craft. Don’t submit a draft or improperly formatted manuscript to a publisher. Also, I would encourage them to work with a professional editor. Established authors know the value of a good editor.

Who are some of your favorite authors and how do they influence your works?

I read a lot of books, so it’s difficult to narrow down a few as favorites. However, the authors that have several of their titles on my bookshelf are: Eric Jerome Dickey, E. Lynn Harris, Kendra Norman-Bellamy, Tia McCollors, Sherri Lewis, Mary Monroe and Marissa Monteilh. I don’t think they necessarily influence my works. However, I think that the more you read, the more you learn.

Do you have a story inside of you that is just dying to be written, but you have yet to write it? If so, why haven’t you written it?

I do have a story just like that. I even have the title and the main character. I haven’t written it because I’m currently working on part one of a trilogy. After I finish that book, I have a third book option with my publisher for a 2010 release. Long story short, I have two manuscripts ahead of that project. Maybe even four, depending on when part two and three of the trilogy become due.

What has been the most rewarding, and the most painful, experience about your literary journey thus far?

The most rewarding part of my literary journey thus far would have to be receiving emails or phone calls from people in different states telling me that they saw my book somewhere. I also loved the first time I saw my books on display in Borders. That was exciting. I don’t know if I would say I’ve had painful literary experiences; more like disappointing. A less than favorable review could be disappointing.

What are three things your fans don’t know about you?

I really like vanilla ice cream with rainbow sprinkles. I don’t maintain a traditional work schedule. I used to schedule my college classes around the Young and the Restless.

Thank you again for chatting with me on All the Buzz! It has truly been a pleasure and I wish you continued success in your every endeavor.

Thank you for having me.

LaConnie Taylor Jones is back with her latest release, When A Man Loves a Woman. Click here to check out the trailer!


Also, check out the Affair de Coeur:

The Baptiste clan is back, and this time A.J. Baptiste is center stage. A.J. is a single father and pediatrician with eyes for Victoria (Vic) Bennett. However, Vic has sworn off men and promises to keep her heart closed to the option of love. Her feelings are so intense for A.J., but is it love or sheer hatred? In a moment of frustration, Vic speeds away from the Baptiste estate daring death to take her.

The accident that ensued would change all of their lives forever. A.J. is seriously injured and Vic decides to nurse him back to health. She also vows to care of A.J.’s twins during his extended recovery. Will this be too much? Will A.J. break down the tough exterior Vic has built up?

When A Man Loves A Woman is a powerful testament of perseverance. The character development flows intimately with the story line, making you part of the Baptiste family. The romance, while believable, instills hope in the love that is available in the world. Taylor-Jones’ sophomore project definitely proves she has the gift of writing page-turning romance. Can’t wait to see what she has coming out next.

Hello Kim! Thank you for the opportunity to spotlight you on All the Buzz!

First, tell me about your current release, The Foreigner’s Caress.

The Foreigner’s Caress is the “sister” story to my September, 2007 release, Soul Caress. In The foreigner’s Caress, the heroine, Madison Daniels, who is the younger sister to Soul’s Kennedy Daniels, is attempting to move past her wild, party girl reputation and find a more meaningful purpose in her life. She settles down in New York City and is comfortably getting herself together when she meets Stevenson Elliott. Stevenson is the son of a British billionaire. The Jamaican born Stevenson is immediately drawn to Madison and it doesn’t take long for the passion to ignite. Unfortunately, both of them have pasts that threaten to derail the romance and both will have to do some growing up in order to make it work.

How do you choose the titles for your novels?

Each title comes about in a different manner. Sometimes, I have the title early on either from a song, or a phrase I’ve heard somewhere and have to consciously work it into the story. More frequently, I finish the book operating under either a working title or no title at all. Afterward, I read through the manuscript from start to finish and find a thread that sort of stands out.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Write as much as you can and read as much as you can. Learn your craft by doing it and studying others who do it. Surround yourself with writers by attending conferences and participating in workshops, neither of which have to be costly. Finally, do not try to control the story – let it come through you however it chooses to.

Do you ever suffer from writers block? If so, how do you get past it?

Because I, like most people, juggle life’s various obligations, I find that when I’m most fatigued or stressed, the first thing to suffer is my writing. At those times (and unless I’m under deadline) I don’t stress about not being able to write. I take those moments to read more – magazines, novels, etc. It helps tremendously because first, it relaxes me and second, it clears my mind of the road blocks, both real and imagined.

What dreams of yours have been realized thanks to your writing career?

The biggest dream to be realized is just seeing my name on books on the shelves of bookstores. It is also pretty amazing to have readers write to me or come up to me to say that my work has impacted them in some way.

When you’re not writing, what keeps you busy? What are some of your favorite things to do?

As a teacher, wife, mother and graduate student, I’m busy from the moment I open my eyes every morning. I have to admit, though, that I enjoy the crazy schedule I keep. However, when I have down time, everyone who knows me would say I love nothing more than lying in the middle of my king size bed, remote in hand, snacks on the headboard watching a movie with one or more of my family members!

What are you currently working on?

I’m working on two things. One is a romance between an East Coast entertainment lawyer and an actress, written from the male’s perspective. The other is a collection of short stories that I will submit as my thesis for grad. school next spring and hopefully get published later on.

What was the one book that most influenced your life and why?

I don’t know that I can narrow it down to one. I will say that in my late teens/early twenties Toni Morrison’s work influenced me greatly because of the sheer lyricism of her prose. I think I became aware of my love of language as a result of Ms. Morrison. Later on, the work of Terry McMillan and other African-American novelists in the 1980’s and early 1990’s helped me realize that I could actually pursue a career in writing.

What are three little known facts about Kim Shaw?

One -- I’m a foody. I L-O-V-E food (especially sweets).

Two – I was very very shy growing up, and still am to a certain degree today. People who know me vehemently reject that testament.

Three – Though I act like I can do it all, I don’t really have an ‘S’ on my chest.

Growing up, what were some of your favorite books?

Go Ask Alice, Sula, The Bluest Eye, all of the Judy Blume books, . . . the list goes on.

Thank you again for chatting with me on All the Buzz! Many blessings to you and yours!

Thank you and same to you.

Lovers’ Hollow is historical fiction but told through a contemporary lens and it weaves backwards and forwards in time.

When the novel opens the narrator , Jo Devereux, is hungover, lonely and in mourning. Her mother has died and so Jo journeys back from San Francisco to Mucknamore, the seaside Irish village that she left twenty years before. There she is thrown straight back into the path of her old flame – Rory O'Donovan - and into the heart of ancient family tensions and secrets.

Her mother has left her a suitcase full of diaries, letters and newspaper cuttings, with a request in her will that Jo should write a family history, focusing on the Devereux’s contribution to Ireland's independence war against Great Britain in the early 1920s.

Never one to do what her mother wanted, what Jo finds herself writing about instead is a chain of family secrets that lead her back to a mysterious murder. During the civil war that followed the independence struggle, Dan O’Donovan, Rory’s great-uncle was lured to his death on the sinking sands that are notorious in Mucknamore.

Jo cuts herself off from the world to pursue her investigations and spends the summer in a shed, watching the house she grew up in being demolished, avoiding her sister, Maeve, as she pores over the old papers and pieces together her family's complicated history.

Rory, now unhappily married, is the only person she allows into her life during this long hot summer. What are her feelings for him, so many years after their relationship was suddenly sundered? Can what they lost be regained or at least redeemed? Answering these questions forces Jo to confront her past and present struggles for independence.

She also retraces the steps of her childhood – the events that caused her to leave so dramatically and never return and comes to understand how those long-ago events, and the secrecy around them, poisoned her young hopes of love and fulfillment.

Effortlessly interweaving past and present, and building towards a compelling and surprising conclusion, Lovers' Hollow ranges across three generations and two continents to deliver a page-turning exploration of love, revenge and the true nature of freedom.

Orna Ross is my writing name (real name Áine McCarthy, which my publishers thought too difficult for non-Irish readers to pronounce). I’m married to Philip and have two children, Ornagh and Ross, who allowed me to borrow their names for my pseudonym.

I was born in Ireland in Co Waterford and moved to Murrintown, a small village in Co Wexford at the age of four. Primary school was a two-roomed building down the road and secondary was a convent boarding school. I left Wexford for college in Dublin at the age of 17 and I have lived in Dublin, London and in the North of England.

I spent my early twenties doing a variety of jobs, from waitressing to managing a gym to secondary school teaching before becoming a freelance features journalist, working for most of the major newspapers and magazines in Dublin and London. My real goal, though, was to write fiction and as my 40^th birthday loomed, I realized if I was going to write a novel, it was time I settled to it.

I thought it would take me about two years to write but I underestimated the challenges of writing fiction with two small children at home -- and also didn’t realize when I set out that I was going to write what was effectively three stories in one. It was a full five years before the 668-pages of Lovers’ Hollow were completed.

Then began the almost equally drawn-out task of finding the right publisher. After a London literary agent held onto the manuscript for a couple years while failing to win interest, I reluctantly took the task upon myself. I was soon fascinated by the business of publishing and interested in the struggles of other writers to write and publish well. From that interest I founded Font Literary Agency & Writing Centre.

In a short life I'm only going to produce so many books. I get as much kick from supporting other writers along their creative and publishing pathways as I do from nudging myself along my own.

Lovers’ Hollow was published by Penguin as part of a two-book deal. It managed to reach No 2 in the Irish bestseller lists and to keep the reviewers happy too. The second book, A Dance in Time, is due in September next and I’m at work on a third.

My interests include reading (of course), movies, jogging, yoga, dance and I’m getting into blogging and photography. And travel. Now that the kids are older, I am free to up and off again more often. I am currently investigating the possibility of buying a bolthole abroad. Where? Anywhere from Portugal to the US – but it’s got to be sunny. I love Ireland but I do not love its climate and intend to spend some of every winter abroad from now on.

Hello Nathasha! Thank you for the opportunity to spotlight you on All the Buzz!

Hello to you. Thanks for having me on All The Buzz. It is my pleasure and honor to be here.

First, tell me about the literary offerings of Nathasha Brooks-Harris.

My first romance novel was a full-length called Panache. It was set in Texas and featured my favorite hero yet, Chase Thomas—a sexy, wealthy cowboy/executive type. My next couple of books were my Can I Get An Amen anthologies. There were two: Can I Get An Amen and Can I Get An Amen Again. They each had four novellas written by 3 other authors I invited to write with me. Together, we crafted tales that took place in the fictional Red Oaks Christian Fellowship in Red Oaks, GA. There, men and women found love and God—with the help of Mother Maybelle, the feisty and nosey matchmaking church matriarch. She’s like a mix of Madea, Sister Betty, and any wise old elder who’s fun-loving an wisecracking. Our anthologies were contemporary romance with Christian themes in them. I also contributed an erotica story to an anthology called Erogenous Zone. That was a departure for me, but it was a fun change from what I usually write. I also have an essay about literacy in a book called Gumbo For The Soul.

How long have you been writing?

I’ve been writing since I was a little girl, but professionally since 1987.

Have you always wanted to be a writer?

Yes, as far back as I can remember. It seems that everything in my life has prepared me for writing.

What is the hardest part of writing for you?

The hardest part of writing is selling it! There are so many writers, so many books, and people with too little money for luxuries. All of us are competing for the same readership. My challenge is how to get readers interested in my work and keep them that way.

How do you come up with ideas for your novels?

My ideas come from everywhere: the news, gossip I hear inspires ideas, artwork I see, and plots often come to me naturally.

Do you write for a particular audience, or is your first priority to satisfy your own creativity?

A bit of both, I’d say. I write what I think readers would enjoy and what I enjoy writing because I have to live with it for many months.

What challenges have you faced in your literary journey? How did you overcome them?

My biggest challenge so far has been getting back on track after losing my mother. I didn’t write or promote for a full year in 2007. She was very ill and later died. I was her caretaker. It was hard to even think about writing—much less do it. After she died, it was even worse because I felt as if I was on autopilot. Many times, I didn’t know if I was coming or going. I was just plain lost! I didn’t care about writing or traveling to promote. I couldn’t. Two weeks later, I lost my dear friend, Katherine D. Jones—also an author. This year’s Romance Slam Jam will be my first time in public doing “author business.” It’s bittersweet and scary because it has been so long. I overcame that with the support of my friends and allowing myself the time and right to grieve.

What is the best piece of advice you have received, from either a fan or a fellow author?

The best piece of advice I’ve received was from author Grace Edwards. She told me something a long time ago that still holds true today. She told me that when it comes to critiques, don’t take them personally. She said to take from it what I can use and discard the rest. That was the greatest advice and it has transcended time!

If you could create a perfect day, what would it consist of?

My perfect day would be to write full-time, create my dolls, have meditation with God, and come home to a good loving husband and children.

What’s next from Nathasha Brooks-Harris?

Wow, I’m hoping many more novels are next, some stage plays, and a gig writing for a soap opera. My choices would be As The World Turns, Guiding Light, or Young & The Restless.

Thank you again for chatting with me on All the Buzz! Many blessings to you and yours!

Thanks for inviting me. It was good fun. May all of God’s richest blessings be yours!

Guilty of Love
Pat Simmons
Urban Christian, September 2007
$14.95 US, ISBN 1893196992

Rating: 2

Letting go of the past…

As a college student, young and in love, Cheney Reynolds made the ultimate sacrifice for love; she aborted her baby because a baby wasn’t in her boyfriend’s best interest and plans.

The overwhelming guilt of this abortion weighs heavily upon Cheney’s spirit causing her to withdraw into herself, and away from her family. And as for ever loving or trusting another man again, it’s safe to say her ex-boyfriend effectively killed that emotion.

When Parke Jamieson VI comes along, he takes one look at Cheney and wants her for his own. But he soon discovers that getting close to Cheney will require help from a Higher power. Even though Parke and Cheney are at different stages in their lives, trusting and believing in God is not at the top of their list. But they soon realize that faith in God is the answer to every situation they face.

The overall premise of this book is good, but the lack of substantive editing made it difficult for me to read. The prologue of the story drew me in right away. But beyond the prologue, the pace of the story was extremely slow and the numerous grammatical errors I encountered did not help with my overall reading experience.

Also, I felt I was reading a contemporary romance more so than a Christian fiction novel. Generally, Christian fiction works contain some of the following elements – celebration of God’s presence in our lives, the characters relationship to God is the primary focus, and God plays a significant role in the plot and the outcome. While Guilty of Love did have some of these characteristics, they were not prevalent. I have no problems with reading romance novels because I’m a romance junkie to the bone, I do have a problem with novels that are classified as one genre, but takes on the traits of another totally different genre.

Pat Simmons’ underlying message of love and forgiveness shines through and I applaud her efforts on tackling the very sensitive subject of abortion and all of the emotions that go along with the life altering decision.

~~Renee Williams, All the Buzz