THE CERTAIN ONES TALK SHOW: ASPIRING TO INSPIRE!

The Certain Ones Talk Show with YOUR host Vanessa Richardson! Thursday, August 6th, 2015|6:00pm EST. Free To Be Me! Evangelist, Mary A. Newman "I'm Free to Be Me?, Author LaTarsha Holden. Actor/Comedian. Michael Colyar. Call-in (917) 932-1607 or join us live in our chat room at www.BlogTalkRadio.com/TheCertainOnes.

 SPECIAL GUESTS:

Actor/Comedian Michael Colyar 

A native of Chicago, Michael Colyar made his mark as "The King of Venice Beach." For nine years, he performed five shows a day, leaving a positive imprint on the crowd with his thought-provoking humor. As his hard work begun paying off and with his comedic star on the rise, he was honored by the city of Venice by placing his shoe and hand prints as well as his money grabber in cement of the new Venice Boardwalk.

Colyar gained national attention after capturing the Grand Prize Comedy championship and $100,000 on the popular television show "Star Search." He donated half of his winnings to homeless charities in the Los Angeles area. And continues to give back to this day.

As "The Original Host" of "BET Live From LA", his point blank delivery and razor-sharp insight deeply connected to its over 55 million viewers coast to coast.

Over the past 15 years, he has built his television & film career working with such luminaries as John Singleton, Eddie Murphy, Bernie Mac & Oprah Winfrey.

In 2011, he was the voice of Buford the frog in Disney's 1st Black animated film "The Princess and the Frog." He is also a voice on the "Cleveland Show."

• Evangelist Mary Ann Newman
• The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those that are bruised. Luke 4:18
• Breaking the chains of bondage through deliverance! Equipping and Empowering the People of God through love, faith and The Word of God!!!

Author LaTarsha Holden 

Native of Atlanta, Ga. seeks to stir-up,inspire,motivate and encourage

others to keep going in-spite of difficult situations.Former homeless woman and mother of six 

children goes from a GED to a MBA. She overcame many obstacles:high-school drop out,

 divorce, homelessness,rejection,depression and health issues; she is now a pastor,speaker,

community advocate and author.astor, community advocate, speaker, activist.

Secrets and Lies Author Rhonda McKnight

Secret and Lies Author Rhonda McKnight

Richardson: Hello Rhonda! I am excited to chat with you, welcome.

McKnight: I’m excited about the release of my novel. Thanks so much for having me and taking the time to share it with your readers.

Richardson: My Pleasure. Your Christian fiction, Secrets and Lies, is slated to be released in December 1st. of this year. What is the synopsis of Secret and Lies?

McKnight: Faith Morgan is struggling with her faith. Years of neglect leave her doubting that God will ever fix her marriage. When a coworker accuses her husband, Jonah, of the unthinkable, Faith begins to wonder if she really knows him at all, and if it’s truly in God’s will for them to stay married.

Pediatric cardiologist Jonah Morgan is obsessed with one thing: his work. A childhood incident cemented his desire to heal children at any cost, even his family, but now he finds himself at a crossroads in his life. Will he continue to allow the past to haunt him, or find healing and peace in a God he shut out long ago?

Richardson: What do you want readers to take away from Secrets and Lies?

McKnight: Secrets and Lies is a story about faith, forgiveness and reconciliation. I believe it will resonate differently with each individual, but if I had to name one thing, I'd say I’d like readers to understand that forgiveness is a decision. Once a person decides that peace is more important than bitterness and pain, they will have a fuller, more complete life.

Richardson: Have you always known that you would write Christian Fiction?

McKnight: No, I’ve been writing since I was a teenager, and I didn’t even know Christian Fiction existed until 1998 when Victoria Christopher Murray introduced me to her novel, Temptation. That was when that I started to think about the kind of stories I wanted to tell. But even then I wasn’t sure I was the right person to tell a “Christian” story, but as I’ve grown spiritually, I’ve realized that it’s really the only kind I can tell. I write who I am and I love the Lord.

Richardson: You deal with Depression, suicide, and faith, in Secret and Lies. Did this require a great deal of research?

McKnight: Jonah Morgan is a pediatric cardiologist, and what he does for a living is central to the story. I had to do tons of research about pediatric heart disease. I enjoyed every minute of it. I love doing research. I’m personally acquainted with faith struggles and it just organically comes out as I write. I think we all know people who have or are dealing with depression, and I struggled with that for a short period of time when I first moved from New Jersey to Atlanta. I did do some research about suicide and I had to research the incident in the novel that led up to one of the characters considering suicide. So, yes, I guess I can say it did require a lot of research.

Richardson: What have you discovered about yourself on your journey to publication?

McKnight: Other than how to write a book, (LOL), I learned that this (writing) is what I was really born to do. (That is other than be a mother).

Richardson: Being a mommy, is one of the best jobs in the world! There is always a story behind the glory. How do/did you handle rejection (s)?

Ha! I never got rejected. I sold my book to the first publisher I sent it to. I did get a rejection letter two weeks later from another publisher, but I didn’t care. I had already sold. I must say I believe that was more about God’s timing than my writing.

Richardson: That is both wonderful and encouraging to hear! God timing is perfect and true. I have a book titled, The Certain Ones. Sometime, certain ones have to dig a little deeper and stretch a little wider. Delayed but not denied. God's timing, presents awesome testimonies; of how I made it over. :) What advice would you offer aspiring authors, Rhonda?

McKnight: Read, write and then read and write some more. Study the craft of writing. Buy craft books or take writing classes. Attend a writers conference. You’ll learn so much about writing and the publishing business. The more you know, the less mistakes you’ll make and the less painful the journey will be.

Richardson: Wonderful advice. How can readers contact you?

McKnight: The best way to reach me is by email at rhonda@rhondamcknight.net . I love having people stop by my website and sign my guestbook www.rhondamcknight.net and I am a total and complete Facebook addict. You can catch me every day that the sun rises at www.facebook.com/rhondamcknight

Richardson: Rhonda, it was wonderful chatting and discovering with you. As always in closing, continue to inspire as you aspire.

McKnight: Thanks so much for having me Vanessa and all the best with your writing and ministry work.





http://www.rhondamcknight.net/
www.facebook.com/rhondamcknight
http://www.urbanchristianfictiontoday.com/

Vanessa Richardson's Interview With
Author Lori Johnson

Lori Johnson has a master's degree in Urban Anthropology from the University of Memphis. Her stories and essays have appeared in Upscale Magazine, Memphis Magazine, The Commercial Appeal, The Tri-State Defender, The Emrys Journal, The Best of Memphis Anthology 2003 and Obsidian II: Black Literature in Review. She lives in Charlotte, North Carolina with her husband and their young son.
For additional information about Lori, visit the profile page of her blog "Lori's Old School Mix" at http://www.loridjohnson.blogspot.com/.

V. Richardson: Hi Lori! Thank you for chatting with me today!

Lori Johnson: Thank you for extending the invitation Vanessa.

V. Richardson: You have just released your latest book, A Natural Woman. What is the synopsis of A Natural Woman?

Lori Johnson: A Natural Woman revolves around Dr. Aliesha Eaton, a young anthropology professor who seemingly has it all--a nice teaching gig, a respected role in her church and an adoring boyfriend. However, while searching for the right someone to cut and style her natural hair, she finds herself drawn to a dark, handsome, mysterious barber named Dante. Unfortunately, Dante's complete disappearance within hours of their first night together leaves Aliesha wondering if he'd been out to play her from the start, or if he's become a victim of foul play at the hands of either her spurned boyfriend, or . . . yet another man from her recent past.

V. Richardson: What do you want readers to take away from this book?

Lori Johnson: Among other things, I'd like readers to be open to questioning some of the commonly held concepts and standards of beauty, particularly as they pertain to African American women. I think it's important to point out that in A Natural Woman, the focus isn’t solely on hair, it’s also on skin tone. For the record, the female protagonist in A Natural Woman, Dr. Aliesha Eaton, is a dark-skinned woman who sports a natural hairstyle. I'd also like readers to reflect on how the past influences the present and how the actions of our ancestors quite often exert a measurable impact on the choices we make in our everyday lives.

V. Richardson: What have you discovered about yourself on your journey to publication?

Lori Johnson: I've discovered that I'm wiser, stronger and much more resilient than I would have ever imagined. Through the course of this journey, I’ve also been able to confirm what I've long suspected to be true-- that neither my integrity as an African American woman nor my vision as an artist is not something I'm interested in compromising.

V. Richardson: What strong convictions to live by Lori! I love it! There is always a story behind the glory. How do/did you handle rejection (s)?

Lori Johnson: As a writer, you soon learn that rejection awaits you at nearly every turn. During the submission process, there will always be agents and editors primed to tell you, "no." Even after you finally achieve publication, there will always be readers and critics who diss and outright pan your work. So in some respects, rejection really is an essential part of the process. It can either help you grow or else lend you an excuse to quit and/or give up. What I've learned to do is absorb the knocks and move on. I refuse to let any of it keep me down for long. I think it helps to bear in mind that not every "no" means "never." Sometimes it just means "wait" or "not now . . . but come back again when you're ready."

V. Richardson: I was delighted to be a subject of interview in your series, “Natural Women: Our Hair, Our Stories.” Tell us readers about this series and why you formed it?

Lori Johnson: The hair series is an on-going feature of my blog, Lori's Old School Mix. (www.loridjohnson.blogspot.com). It's not a new concept. A number of bloggers are profiling African American women who sport natural hair styles. I think what makes my series a bit different is the focus. My interest in natural hair goes beyond the visual or the stylistic, My aim is to shine a spotlight on attitudes and emotions. How do we feel about our hair? How do we respond to negative comments about our natural hair? Those sorts of things interest me. I also wanted to illustrate that not all "natural women" think alike or define their state of "naturalness" in quite the same way.

V. Richardson: What advice would you offer to aspiring authors?

Lori Johnson: 1) Read--and not just anything, read and study the work of those who write better than you 2) Write--everyday, when possible.
3) Learn to take criticism and accept rejection because it comes with the territory and 4) Make a librarian your friend--they can introduce you to a number of valuable resources, networks and connections.

V. Richardson: How can readers contact you?

Lori Johnson: I love hearing from readers and they are welcome to reach me via my website (www.lorijohnsonbooks.com). My email address there is lori@lorijohnsonbooks.com. They can also reach me via the profile page of my blog, Lori's Old School Mix (www.loridjohnson.blogspot.com).

V. Richardson: Lori, thank you so very much for chatting with me. It is always delightful when connecting with you. As always in closing, continue to inspire as you aspire.

Lori Johnson: It was my privilege and pleasure, Vanessa. And what a truly wonderful closing statement, "continue to inspire as you aspire. I want you to know that I intend to embrace that as both a challenge and a mandate. Thank you.

Communions with Christ Author Sharon Ellis

Communions with Christ

Author Sharon Ellis

Richardson: Sharon, you've just released your freshman novel, Communions with Christ. Please tell readers what is it about?

Sharon Ellis: Thank you Vanessa for believing in my work and inviting me. Hi everyone! I am so happy to be here chatting with all of you reading this! Communions with Christ is my true Testimony and a fascinating accounting of Redemption. I don't call it a novel because by definition a 'novel' is 'fiction'. My story is all true. Miraculously, unbelievably true. From the moment that God allowed his heavenly angel Raphael to appear to me with his harrowing knee dropping message that took me into higher holy places ... from then on I've just been going up to heaven, higher and higher! This angel had the audacity to ask me to put on a monk's robe and become one with his God and begin the journey of being in the habit of being holy! What? It scared the bee jeebies out of me because I knew nothing at all about God! From that point on the miracles just began to flow into my life!


Richardson: What do you want readers to take away from Communions with Christ?

Sharon Ellis: I think I realized that Jesus is REAL. It is apparent to me totally now that Holy Spirit takes us and ingests the Word of God into us, and we can speak with Him personally. However it happens, I'm not sure, but the miraculous is a totally natural way to live, to experience and to understand. I think I realize now that Christ takes us, here on earth, and He brings heaven to earth to us, and His power totally enables us to live within the realm of incredibly harrowing experiences all the time. I mean, the Lord just plows us up and plants in us, and fields grow there, where we can grow up to heaven and be there in upper rooms. I mean, He drops me to me knees daily. I spend my years now in figurative on my knees prayer to Him who is my Creator all the time. You can too! It is the right of the righteous to be In Him Christ at all times, hearing, knowing, and understanding ... heavenly style, naturally.

Richardson: What has the reception been like for you releasing Communions with Christ?

Sharon Ellis: On one level, God has been hiding me away from evil, protecting me and sending His Angels out before me. I thank God for that. On another level, I have seen the incredible Heart of Christ take the time to minister one on one with thousands of people - I've noticed that God is a very personal Holy Creator. I thought I was going to do "ego boosting masses of people." God quickly showed me that "we were going to do one on one", and when ever the time was right, it would just be that one who needed Jesus then.

Richardson: You have a wonderful Group here on Goodreads called PEACE. Tell us about that?


Sharon Ellis: Yes and thank you Vanessa for being the Vessel that really inspired me to start an online group. PEACE is an assembly of Christian women who wish to find PEACE and rest and friendship. Please go to link to join: http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/22968.PEACEI also have a Q. &A. with Sharon Ellis group that is open to everyone. Here we talk and I sometimes give prophetic words as Holy Spirit tells me them. Sometimes from the other side of the world a man will respond with his prophetic word form the Lord. It is awesome and the Holy Spirit guides us. Please go to this link to join: http://goodreads.com/group/show/23384.Q_...

Richardson: I was delighted to hear of a wonderful ministry you are a part of: Cowboy ministry. You used the book of Esther from the Bible. Share that story with us.


Sharon Ellis: I was battling cancer and I asked God to please let me ride a horse just one more time before I die! A flyer came to my door advertising a country Cowboy Church - so we went. To my amazement, they had and arena and horses and bulls there. After Sunday church they barrel raced and did bull riding! I was in heaven when the Youth Pastor let me ride his horse named 'Matthew' and God gave me the desire of my heart to ride a horse one more time! I started going to this church, became church secretary and had a camera so I took pictures of all the cowboys and girls who showed up with muddy boots and old clothes and sun weathered faces on Sunday and stood with one muddy boot out the door while the Preacher preached. The owner of this land wanted Cowboy church off his property. There was a feud going on. I heard God say to me "Take the land owner a bouquets of flowers and be like Esther."


I took all the photographs for my bouquet and I met with the Landowner gave him the book of photos for his bouquet gift. I showed him all the faces of the cowboys who had been baptized in the horse trough and the children who had been saved and were holding up their new Bible smiling because they gave their lives to Jesus. The Landowner changed his mind and let Cowboy Church stay. It was an Esther moment, to be there doing Kingdom Work "For Such a Time as This." Interview continued: An "Esther moment" is the time in your life which you were created for, when God places you in some circumstance and asks you to do some thing for Him that you know He asks you to do for Him and for the good of the people in His Kingdom. And how fully it is true that you can either turn the tide of an entire community towards God and salvation, or you can turn away from this place, by your simple choice to obey and "Go before the King, or not."


Richardson: What an powerful experience; your calling is just as powerful. God equips us with power and knowledge and at the same time He doesn't put too much on us than we can bare. What are the next projects you are working on?

Sharon Ellis: I have a book underway that is again a total Holy Spirit led work. I am not writing the book I wanted to be writing. That one is on hold till next time. I am writing the book God told me to write. This time the Lord has asked me to write the story of my life, the situations and events as I grew up that He put there supernaturally. I came to understand by His Grace that the entire prophetic pathway of my entire maturing process is what He chose to gift my life with - because He was placing a calling of a Mystic and a Prophet on me.

I have been very reluctant to admit this to anyone until my ending years of life because I am a very shy and private person. And even now I write this with great reservation, and not because I want to. But the truth is I think God wants this testimony recorded before I die, for the generations to learn from. So, I am full out tearing my robes of privacy off and bearing the whole supernatural trail of my life, God experience after God experience as I walk into His calling of me to His work. This book will be released after the New Year 2010. (Not ready to tell the title yet). I hope that I do His will justice. I know I have drained my very DNA into this testimony and gut wrenching truth unveiling.

Richardson: What advice do you have for aspiring authors?



Sharon Ellis: (1) Work. Show up everyday to work, and work at your craft. I heard Thomas Kincade, the painter of Light, say once that he showed up to his art studio every day and stood before his blank canvas ready to paint. He didn't go lolly-gagging in a field of clover. ha ha. I took that advice. I show up to work, and I produce. God is my Boss. (2) Never expect anyone to read your work, it doesn't matter. In the end of life, it's really only about the relationship between you and God. Stop expecting to be the next world wide best seller, stop wanting to get rich. (3) Know that someone will read your work, and God will make sure it is the very person who should. And remember as Vanessa Richardson said to me recently, "Be encouraged. Someone out there needs your story!"

Richardson: Awesome! How can readers reach you?

Sharon Ellis: I am on Goodreads.com and you can "friend me" or join one of my groups! My email box is always so full and bumping off my mail, that it really is best to talk to me through Goodreads.com because I always get those messages and love to hear from you! When I get a Goodreads.com message, I know you are a book reader, and I always read those messages!


Richardson: Thank you for taking the time to chat with me. It was a joy and delight. As always please continue to inspire as you aspire. Joy and Peace. :)


Sharon Ellis: I've enjoyed this very much and I really hope that the readers will buy and read Communions with Christ. We are one world and one in Christ. I know God has much Joy in store for us who love Him!


Readers can purchase their copies of Sharon's awesome testimony at Amazon.com.

http://www.amazon.com/communions-christ-...

Author J.K. Muta

J.K. Muta, was born in Tanzania where she received her education through high school. She then moved to United States, where she got her degree in Business from NIACC and her degree in Finance from Upper Iowa University. J.K. Muta also attended Hamilton College in Mason City, Iowa. She is currently residing in the state of North Carolina with her family where, among other things, she is pursuing her writing career. J.K. Muta is author of two books, "Among Us", which was her first published book and her new book, "Under Man's Spell".

Richardson: Hello J.K., thank you for chatting with me! Please introduce your self to our readers.

Muta: I’m J.K. Mute author of Among Us and Under Man’s Spell. I was born in Tanzania where I received my education through high school. I then moved to the United States, where I got my College education. I graduated from Upper Iowa University with a degree in Finance. I also attended NIACC and Hamilton College, both in Iowa. I’m currently residing in the state of North Carolina with my family where, among other things, I’m pursuing my writing career.

Richardson: “Under Man's Spell" is second release. What is it about? How long did it take for you to write it?

Muta: Under Man’s Spell is my second book. My first book was Among Us which was published in 2008 by the same publisher as Under Man’s Spell. Different from my first book which mostly was based on my imagination, this new book has been inspired by the true events in my country of origin; Tanzania. It shows the disturbing impact of dogmatic tradition and superstition on individuals and communities. The book talks about abuse on children, women, and undesirables.

There are children who are forced to marry older men so that their fathers can get the dowry. Both children and women are raped and there are no effective laws to protect them. Some people decided that old women with red eyes are witches and so they burn them to death.

Traditional healers and witch doctors tells people that they can make them rich if they will kill an albino and bring to them their body parts, which make people go hunting for albinos and kill them for their body parts. It is unbelievable that these things take place in the real world. It took me about one year and a half to write this book. I believe I was able to finish it quicker because I am very familiar with the issues and I wanted to bring awareness around the world and find some possible permanent solutions, as these issues are not only in Tanzania but also in other countries like Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi and Mozambique, just to name some.

Richardson: What do you want readers to take away from this book?

Muta: What I would like readers to take from this book is involvement in their communities. To stand for those who seem to have no voice and speak up for them. To make differences in their own lives and their own societies. You don’t need to travel to Tanzania to make a difference; we all know there are people abused all around the world, so start in your own house, in your own neighborhood.

Richardson: Share with us your journey to becoming a published author- what are some of the lessons you've learned?

Muta: My publishing experience as a new author was not bad, and it was not bad because I had some realistic expectations. As much as I wanted to get published by Big Traditional Publishers, I realized how slim the chances were and so I made sure I had a backup plan which was Self Publishing and that’s what I did.

Richardson: What best form of advertisement works for you, in reaching your reading audience?

Muta: Advertising can be very expensive for the author especially when you are a self published author like me, but thanks to all the social networks which are mostly free, I have been able to reach readers around the world through different social networks such as twitter, Myspace, Facebook and Goodreads. This kind of advertisement works for me because it reaches many people in many places without breaking the bank.

Richardson: What authors influenced you?

Muta: I have been influenced by so many authors through my lifetime, every book I have ever read, has influenced me in one way or the other.

Richardson: Do you have any future projects readers should be aware of?

Muta: I am slowly working on my next book, this one will mostly take longer to come out than Under Man’s Spell, because of all the effort I have to put to promoting Under Man’s Spell so that it can get the attention it needs, to get the intended message to the people. I’m also planning to put together a children’s version of my first book, Among Us.

Richardson: Where can readers reach you?

Muta: I can be contacted through my website: http://www.jkmutabooks.com/

Richardson: Thank you for writing your vision, J.K. I am looking forward to reading more of your literary creation in the future, As always please continue to inspire as you aspire!

Murder on the Down Low Blog Tour and Book Giveaway!

Murder on the Down Low

Meet Author

Pamela Samuels Young

I am a very happy woman right now. I have finally got my own copy of Muder on the Down Low by Pamela Samuels Young. I love an intrigue and I think I've found in in Pamela's lastest book. Thank God It's Friday! I've got plans for a weekend of intrigued and mystery with Murder on the Down Low.

Meet Pamela Samuels Young, author of Murder on the Down Low

Pamela Samuels Young is a practicing attorney and author of the legal thrillers, Murder on the Down Low, In Firm Pursuit, Every Reasonable Doubt, and the forthcoming, Buying Time. A desire to see women and people of color represented in today’s legal fiction prompted Pamela to start writing despite a busy career as an attorney. The former journalist and Compton native is a graduate of USC, Northwestern University and UC Berkeley’s Boalt Hall School of Law. Pamela is the fiction writing expert for BizyMoms.com and is on the Board of Directors of the Southern California Chapter of Mystery Writers of America.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Educated and prominent African –American males in Los Angeles are being murdered. The suspense filled book keeps Educated and prominent African –American males in Los Angeles are being murdered. The suspense filled book keeps you on the edge to figure out who did it. This legal thriller is a well-written page turner that realistically portrays the legal system. Significantly, this mystery educates the reader concerning the diverse viewpoints about a provocative social issue causing havoc in the black community, through the lives of its female characters’ struggles and mistakes. There is Vernetta Henderson, a savvy attorney at a big law firm trying to make partner. The others are Vernetta’s best friend “Special”, J.C., a detective for the Los Angeles Police Department, and Nichelle , a former prosecutor now a partner at her own law firm. You find a story of a “sisterly bond” among these women in this tale of lies, lust, deceit, betrayal, and vengeance.

Murder on the Blog Tour Autographed book and $25.00 gift card Giveaway.

Psst! Here is an opportunity to win some delicious gifts. Please leave a comment to be eligible to win an autographed book and a $25 dollar gift card from Pamela Samuels Young. One winner will be chosen each day for a total of FIVE winners. Best to you!

Follow the rest of Murder on the Down LowBlog Tour at http://bit.ly/MurderOnTheDownLow

Patricia Neely Dorsey's Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia-A Life in Poems

I am excited to have had the opportunity to chat with another poet and and fellow Author Patricia Neely-Dorsey. Please enjoy our engaging conversation below.

Richardson: Hi Patricia! Thank you for talking with me. Please tell readers about yourself.

Dorsey:I am a 1982 graduate of Tupelo High School in Tupelo, Mississippi. I received a Bachelor Arts degree in Psychology from Boston University in Boston, Massachusetts. I currently live in Tupelo with my husband, James: son, Henry, age 10 and Miniature Schnauzer, Happy. Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia is my first book. I consider myself a late bloomer, as far as this literary thing goes. (smile) I wrote my very first poem February 14, 2007 at the age of 43!

Richardson: Wow, what an inspiration you are! Patricia, could you please tell readers about your inspirational book of poetry Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia?

Dorsey: Reflections is "a celebration of the south and things southern. "There are so many negative connotations associated with Mississippi and the south in general. In my book, using childhood memories, personal thoughts and dreams, I attempt to give a positive glimpse into the southern way of life.

Richardson: Writing is not for the faint at heart. I tell that every where I go. Not to discourage but to encourage. I believed that to be forewarned is to be forearmed. How did you/do deal with rejection?

Dorsey: I have been really blessed to have received overwhelmingly positive responses of the book ,overall. Fortunately,I don't have too many rejection stories to share (smile) However, poetry is a very "hard-sell " in the industry and you do have to have a tough skin to deal with all of the brick walls that are often put up before you can even get in the door. It's amazing how hard it is ,in many cases ,to get reviewers to even consider reviewing a book of poetry...What's the deal??(LOL)

Richardson: I am an avid fan of poetry. It was poetry that help galvanize me into my destiny of writing. Poetry greats such as Maya Angelou, Nikki Giovanni, Langston Hughes,and Paul Laurence Dunbar only to name a few. All had to over come rejections and set backs in their lives as writers and authors. Their lives and written works are great inspiration to many. Patricia, do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

Dorsey: In general, I always give advice to writers, artists and anyone who has anything to share with the world. ..Believe in your work..Believe in what you are doing..Don't take no as a final answer..Keep Knocking...Never Give up!!
If you can't get in through the door..go through the window.
Patricia's P-Attitudes are:
Patience.... Persistence ....Perseverance ....Positivity (Is that a word??) (LOL)

Richardson: Yes, it is certainly a word of ACTION. I love the P-Attitudes, and I am going to avail myself to them from time to time. lol. Do have any forthcoming projects readers should be made aware of?

Dorsey: My publisher is encouraging me to do an illustrated children's version of Reflections with the age appropriate poems . So, that is in the works.
I also plan to publish a book of some of my love poems entitled The Secret Garden of Love


Richardson: Patricia, thank you so very much for taking the time out to chat with me. Please continue to inspire as you aspire!

Dorsey: Thank you so much for letting me share with you and your readers about my "little book of southern poems." More information about me and the book can be found on my website at :www.patricianeelydorsey.webs.com


PATRICIA NEELY-DORSEY
Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia-A Life in Poems " a celebration of the south and things southern" "Meet Mississippi Through Poetry, Prose and The Written Word" http://www.patricianeelydorsey.webs.com/



SOUTHERN LIFE
If you want a glimpse of Southern life,
Come close and walk with me;
I'll tell you all the simple things,
That you are sure to see.
You'll see mockingbirds and bumblebees,
Magnolia blossoms and dogwood trees,
Caterpillars on the step,
Wooden porches cleanly swept;
Watermelons on the vine,
Strong majestic Georgia pines;
Rocking chairs and front yard swings,
Junebugs flying on a string;
Turnip greens and hot cornbread,
Coleslaw and barbecue;
Fried okra, fried corn, fried green tomatoes,
Fried pies and pickles too.
There's ice cold tea that's syrupy sweet,
And cool, green grass beneath your feet;
Catfish nipping in the lake,
And fresh young boys on the make.
You'll see all these things
And much, much more,
In a way of life that I adore.
Copyright 2008 Patricia Neely-Dorsey
from Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia-A Life In Poems


BOOK AVAILABLE: www.reeds.ms/book.asp
or www.Amazon.com