Tony and Trisha L. Mann-Grant joins the cast of Who's Loving You?

 

Actor Tony Grant from "The Marriage Counselor" and Trisha L. Mann-Grant, joins the cast of Who's Loving You? We are taking it to another level. God always makes provisions for His visions. In my climbs, hits and misses, ups and downs, (many

No's and ignores. <------- Yep.) I am STILL encouraged, by that fact always. This is an inspirational stage production, with strong resonating messages. If you love soul-stirring singing, fierce poetry readings, and love to love, *smile*, this is the production for you! COMING SOON! Who's Loving You? Actors Tony Grant from "The Marriage Counselor" and Trisha L. Mann-Grant, joins the cast of Who's Loving You? We are taking it to another level. God always makes provisions for His visions. In my climbs, hits and misses, ups and downs, (many

 Don't forget to check out my KickStarter Campaign. I need your help. Click on link to join my causes: Endometriosis and Donating to those experiencing economic hardship at Christmas time. Check out your rewards:

Free Tickets to attend Who's Loving You Tony and Trisha L. Mann-Grant

Dinner with myself, cast, and Tony and Trisha L. Mann-Grant

A DVD Copy of Who's Loving You? 

Many more!

   http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1593585232/whos-loving-you-the-stage-production-by-vanessa-ri

My Life. One Story at a Time.

I was honored to share my project with  Donna McBroom-Theriot, blogger extraordinaire on

My Life. One Story at a Time.   Cick on link to read my in depth causes.

http://mylife-in-stories.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-endometriosis-foundation-of-america.ht

Thank you for dropping in!

 

Let's go get it!

 

Vanessa 

After This...

After the storm, I lingered at the door, not wanting to see the damages it had wrought upon us. It was unbelievable. One minute the sun was shinning, the next minute dark and foreboding clouds had come out of no where. The wind had picked up unexpectedly. The rain had begun to fall in abundance. Sighing, I finally forcing myself to move; I entered the building. I was not prepared for the damages, I was witnessing. Everything was one horrific mess! Water was everywhere, it was overwhelming. I knew that it needed to be cleaned up yet—it ‘seemed’ too much for me. I didn’t know where to begin, the situation felt overwhelming. After the storm; I couldn’t help feeling powerless, helpless, and lost.

I didn’t want to be there. I am not an avoider at all. But, right then I wanted to run somewhere safe and happy. I wanted to go somewhere and just release my feelings for a moment. To scream out the angst I was feeling. Later I thought. Right now it was time to deal with this present issue. I forced myself to walk further into the room, when I really wanted to run the other way. It took brute strength to hold myself together. I could feel the others watching me, awaiting my reaction from the unexpected storm. They’ve already had the opportunity to assess the damage done. It was my turn. My predilection for order was sorely being tested. I absolutely detest when things are out of order.

It was the quiet after the storm. Everything was different--never again will things be the same. Around me there was a movement taking place. God’s people had a mind to work! I looked their faces trying to discern their mind states. I saw a fierce determination. It was in their movements. I was pleasantly surprised and galvanized.

Though progression was taking place, I was becoming restless with the pace things were going. Why do bad things happen to good people? This question immediately popped in my head. I walked further into the room immediately raw emotions flooded me. My Pastor walked past me, as if oblivious to the damages done. She smiled, looking around and said. “It is looking good.” Her words made me speechless. She has a way of always rendering me so. I was immediately humbled. I confess that I couldn’t see past the mess.

My teacher was still smiling. I looked again wanting to see what she was seeing. I needed to look beyond the mess to see the good. Looking past the hurts and disappointments, I was finally able to see it! The good. The storm had bought a people together. The flood had caused a determination that wasn’t there before. The rain removed old layers to reveal a hidden danger. These walls were new. My teacher walked past me. I could hear her words in passing. “Baby, you got to see the vision. Then work it.”

The Unexpexted!

Suddenly, she was hit hard. The unexpected impact sent her sprawling to her knees. She could hear the sound of the rain pelting against the large window. It was all a strange phenomenon, to her. Dark billowy clouds had gathered hovering and intimidating. It was a remarkable sight. The howling winds were a frightening thing to hear, the ominous sound causing chills to dance over the lone woman's slight frame.

The forcefulness of the blow was numbing. There on her knees, stunned with disbelief, she watched the hands of time move. The clock on the mantle revealed that only minutes had passed. To her the moments seemed an eternity; hurt can make you feel that way. Hurt painful claws were fiercely embedded in her, refusing her release. The pain was enough to cause a normal person to lose their sanity.

A glance around the room revealed nothing had changes. Her bed nicely made up, her mass of pillows was still in order. Her Bible was on the right side of her nightstand. Her slippers were by her armoire. Nothing had changed. Yet, for her everything had changed in a moment's time. She could not breathe. She felt as though she were in a movie; cast in the wrong role. Enough! Deciding that she would no longer play the role of the helpless victim, she raised her chin. It was time for a change, yet she needed answers. What was the right answers? What to do? How could this had happen?

Her kneeled position would be the beginning of her transition. For it was there on her knees, she began to pray. Normally words would fail her, (hurt can do that to a person) today was different. She encompassed with words begging for release and she obliged them with out restriction. With the winds howling ferociously and the rain continuing to fall, still on her knees, her words flowed, as did her tears. It was ugly but necessary. She was in the right position, there on her knees. However, the unction to get lower was strong. You see, some people have to dig a little deeper and stretch a little wider than others do.

Stretching out on her stomach, the words continued to flow. Startled, she looked around the room in question; for a brief moment, she thought she heard the faint call of her name. There in her humbled prayer position, she made a self-conscious decision (and it was a decision) to be free.

Praying not out of defeat but belief, she fought past the pain and called God's name. Time lapsed, how much she may never know, but what she did know is this--prayer works.

She prayed in the storm and God guided her through it. She prayed the necessary prayer of the ugly and God made her feel like new. This was the process: she prayed, believed, and received. Then she got up! Smiling, she dried her eyes assured that everything was going to be all right. As if consenting, in agreement, the rain had suddenly stopped and the wind had calmed. What a phenomenal display of authority! At this, she was reassured; that she is never forgotten nor forsaken. God knows her name and he knows yours, too!





Picture courtesy of WAK

Life is What You Make It Blog Tour with Carl Mathis

Christian author, preacher and motivational speaker Carl Mathis began his work for the ministry in 2005 after a life-altering experience. At that time, the death of Mathis’ wife was the reason behind the dramatic turn of events that soon led him to his life’s purpose and calling.

Dealing with the loss of his wife and raising three children as a single father while struggling to make ends meet, Mathis had to contend with unbearable feelings of hopelessness and despair. It was during those moments that Mathis cried out for a strategy to overcome his situation. This experience soon pushed him to channel is grief and use its transforming power to change his own life and others as well.

Immediately after getting back on track, Mathis was moved to act on his burning desire to encourage and motivate people, especially those who have shared the same fate as him. It was then Mathis saw the need to reach out to the distressed and the depressed.

In 2010, he came out with his debut work entitled Life is What You Make It – seven steps to moving forward, a 104 page inspirational book drawn from his own personal life experiences and challenges. Filled with messages on how to deal with sorrow and ultimately survive the process of moving on, the book provides readers with the much-needed encouragement and motivation in order to strive better.

A man after God’s own heart, Mathis continues his passion today of reaching out to people using his God-given abilities, particularly speaking and writing, and becoming a blessing to others in return.


About the Book
Carl Mathis wasn’t prepared for the devastation the loss of his wife would bring to his life. He soon found himself grieving, struggling to make ends meet, and trying to raise his sons, who were also dealing with personal turmoil from the loss of their mother. After months of waiting for someone to rescue him, Carl had to face the inevitable truth–no one was coming. He realized that if he wanted out of the mess his life was becoming, he was going to have to do it himself.

Join new author Carl Mathis in this motivational story about one man’s struggle to put his life back together. Life Is What You Make It will teach you how to overcome any crippling situation you find yourself in and stimulate personal and spiritual growth by accepting the situation, taking responsibility, conditioning your mind, choosing to make right decisions, building a team, believing, and defining the new normal.

Book Trailer

PODCAST 1 - About Life is What You Make It



PODCAST 2 – Carl talks about what he wants readers to learn from Life is What You Make It



Purchase the Book Online at:
Amazon.com
BarnesandNoble.com
BooksaMillion.com

Visit the author at CarlMathis.com
Visit the blog tour schedule at http://bit.ly/LifeisWhatYouMakeIt

Round Table Discussions

She moved deftly around her spacious kitchen like a graceful dancer. A small smile gracing her seasoned face. She was preparing tonight’s dinner. Although she lived alone she always cooked healthy servings. She never lacked company. Her children or grandchildren never failed to put in an attendance to her home. Some would stay over for several nights. She didn’t mind this; in fact she utterly adored it. It gave her a sense of purpose. It was rewarding to be able to feed and catch up on current events in the lives of her babies’.

She called them her round table discussions. There is something to be said about healthy food and good conversation; it’s rejuvenates the soul. She loved all her babies including their pet dogs and cats. They were a family. Family and faith was the foundation is stood on. Material things were fleeting.

“Hey Grandma,” The sound of her granddaughters’ voice made her pause. So begins the first round table discussion. She offered up a small prayer of guidance and continued to mead her sourdough home made bread. Behind her she heard her refrigerator door open and closing softly. But remained silence. When you lived as long as she had; you’re able to discern a person’s mood. Right now her grand was in a dour mood.

The octogenarian smiled knowingling; she began humming an old time tune under her breath, all the while kneading her dough. Veronica kissed her grandmother on the cheek. She snagged an apple from the fruit tray; and stood watching her grandmother perform her culinary magic in the kitchen.

“You’re making sourdough bread. Yummy, yummy my favorite.” Grandma looked up and smiled, still humming. Veronica watched her grandmother knead the dough into formation. Grandma made three short thick loaves; turning she placed them in the oven. She moved on to her next assignment of peeling white potatoes. She sat down with a heavy sigh. Veronica could hear the sound of her grandmother's bones popping in the spatial kitchen.

“I have got to lose me some weight. My knees aren’t like they use to be. I use to stand for hours on end with out feeling any type of aches.” Veronica silently seated herself next to her petite grandmother. Her granny was 125 pounds soaking and weight.

“You don’t need to lose any weight, granny. You’re perfect the way you are.” Granny eyed Veronica and smiled. Veronica silently joined her granny in peeling the white potatoes. The two working in comfortable silence. Veronica tilted her head, sighing loudly. Grandma lifted one eye brow but remained silent. It wasn’t long before Veronica finally spoke.

Swallowing hard Veronica raked a hand through her hair in frustration. “Grandma, I have been feeling funny lately. I can not describe how I feel exactly.” She said absently. “I wake up in the morning with this feeling and lie down at night with this feeling.” Her large doe eyes filled with tears. “I feel nasty on the inside.”

Grandma’s heart stilled for several seconds. Veronica’s choice words were forming many scenarios in her mind. Experience taught her to never jump to conclusions. Patience was not born or inherited. It was a disciplined act, one must work at it. So she waited and was soon rewarded for her patience.

Veronica stirred, pushing at the many micro braids. She closed her eyes trying to formulate the words in her heart. Tears began coursing down her cheeks.

“I need help. I can not think straight. It is a chore for me to get up in the morning. Of late I have been asking why I am here. What is the purpose of my existence? I feel nasty on the inside.” Veronica shook her head pointing at her heart.

Grandma continued to hum softly. “Something is out of order, little angel of the field,” Grandma never looked up. She continued peeling the layers off the potatoes.

Veronica rested her forehead on the table. “I know. I feel there is something I should be doing, but I don’t know what. It is as if life is passing me by.” She closed her eyes and swallowed. She felt lost and confused. “Grandma, I am 29 years old. I had--have so many goals and it seems that none of them has come to fruition. The more I try the more, I get knocked down. It is too much.”

“You see human beings are design rather uniquely and if something on the inside is out of order it throws us all off track.” Grandma arrested Veronica’s eyes. “You got to get to root cause of the matter. That requires dealing with our situations.” Grandma paused. “The good and the bad ones,” The potatoes were now peeled. Grandma began to cut them up into small chunks.

“I don’t feel like I am good enough, granny. I want this nasty feeling to go away. It clings to me like a spiders clings to its web. What do I do?”

Veronica leaned in close anxious to hear her granny’s sage advice. Her grandmother flashed a smile at her. “We have layers in our lives that need peeling away. Hurt, rejections fear and doubts make for a nasty recipe. Nasty. There is a root to everything. We need to get to it. The good water it. The bad. Get rid of it.” Veronica averted her eyes some how feeling chastised. She wasn’t ready to deal with her issue. It was too painful. She was tired of the nastiness. She wanted to feel like she belonged. She wanted to live not exist. In her mind she knew her granny was right. It was her heart that was rebelling as she’d been hurt too many times.

“It is a nasty feeling being weighted down by negative things. You know what the sad thing about it is?” Grandma scoffed, hitting the table hard with one hand. “We don’t have to keep that nasty feeling. Baby, happiness is a choice we make. You just have to make hot pursuit. Go after it.” Grandma began to pick up speed as peeled the potatoes. “If you want something bad enough you go after it. No pain no gain. Failure is nasty. Doubt is nasty. Confusion is nasty. All those layers must be peeled away. No one and nothing has the power to make you feel…nasty.” Her grandmother smiled stood up placing the potato chunks into the boiling water.

“I have been making meals for many years now. I know the process each meal goes through. If I deviate from the ingredients, I know the outcome will be different. Creation takes a plan and processing. The process is well worth the end results.” She went to the oven and pulled out the sourdough bread.” The three loaves where perfectly golden brown, the smell aromatic.

“You’re feeling the heat now Veronica. You have the ingredients to be successful. Faith and family. Prepare your master piece. If it is ruined try it again, until it comes out just right.”

Veronica stood up and hugged her granny. “Thank you, grandma. I know what you’re telling me. I am sorry, I can’t stay for dinner I have something-- I need to get started on.” She broke off a huge chunk of sourdough bread, smiling at her granny she turned and left.”

“I have a feeling everything is going to be all right.” Granny started humming again. “Hey, grandma.” The voice sounded weak. She didn’t turn around. It was her grandson Oscar. From the sound of things, he was in a bad way. She smiled offering up a prayer of thanksgiving. It was good to be needed.

Copyright © 2004
The information on this page may not be reproduced or republished on another webpage or website.

Art work is courtesy of WAK

http://www.wak-art.com

God knows my name and He knows yours, too!

Suddenly, she was hit hard. The unexpected impact sent her sprawling to her knees. She could hear the sound of the rain pelting against the large window. It was all a strange phenomenon, to her. Dark billowy clouds had gathered hovering and intimidating. It was a remarkable sight. The howling winds were a frightening thing to hear, the ominous sound causing chills to dance over the lone woman’s slight frame.

The forcefulness of the blow was numbing. There on her knees, stunned with disbelief, she watched the hands of time move. The clock on the mantle revealed that only minutes had passed. To her the moments seemed an eternity; hurt can make you feel that way. Hurt painful claws were fiercely embe dded in her, refusing her release. The pain was enough to cause a normal person to lose their insanity.

A glance around the room revealed nothing had changes. Her bed nicely made up, her mass of pillows was still in order. Her Bible was on the right side of her nightstand. Her slippers were by her armoire. Nothing had changed. Yet, for her everything had changed in a moment’s time. She could not breathe. She felt as though she were in a movie; cast in the wrong role. Enough! Deciding that she would no longer play role of the helpless victim, she raised her chin. It was time for a change, yet she needed answers. What was the right answer? What do I do? How could this happen?

Her kneeled position would be the beginning of her transition. For it was there on her knees, she began to pray. Normally words would fail her, (hurt can do that to a person) today was different. She encompassed with words begging for release and she obliged them with out restriction. With the winds howling ferociously and the rain continuing to fall, still on her knees, her words flowed, as did her tears. It was ugly but necessary. She was in the right position, there on my knees. However, the unction to get lower was strong. You see, some people have to dig a little deeper, stretch a little wider than others do.

Stretching out on her stomach, the words continued to flow. Startled, she looked around the room in question; for a brief moment, she thought she heard the faint call of her name. There in her humbled prayer position, she made a self-conscious decision (and it was a decision) to be free.

Praying not out of defeat but belief, she fought past the pain and called God’s name. Time lapsed, how much she may never know, but what she did know is this--prayer works.

She prayed in the storm and God guided her through it. She prayed the necessary prayer of the ugly and God made her feel like new. This was the process: I prayed, believed, and received. Then she got up! Smiling, she dried her eyes assured that everything was going to be all right. As if consenting, in agreement, the rain had suddenly stopped and the wind had calmed. What a phenomenal display of authority! At this, she was reassured; that she is never forgotten nor forsaken. God knows her name and he knows yours, too!



Picture by WAK
http://www.wak-art.com/

Folake Taylor chats The Only Way is Up!

Dr. Folake Taylor was born in the United Kingdom to Nigerian–born parents in the early 70s and was raised in both countries before settling in the United States to live the American dream.

Taylor obtained her medical degree (MB ChB–Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) in 1998 from the Obafemi Awolowo University College of Health Sciences in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. After medical school, she underwent a year of rotational internship in Nigeria after which she relocated to the United States. She is a 2006 graduate of the Internal Medicine Residency Program of the Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, GA.



V.Richardson: Hi Folake! I am delighted to chat with you!

FT: I am honored you picked "The Only Way is Up" for the The Write Vision book club.

V. Richardson: It's truly my delight, as I absolutely adored, "The Only Way is Up." Please share with readers the synopsis?

FT: This book features my experiences and views on pertinent life issues as an immigrant to the United States of America. The objective is to empower women. However, the greater part of the message is of relevance to a general audience. Some of the issues that are the focus of this book are:

* Identity
* Health & Preventive medicine
* Finding a mate
* Relationships & Family
* Single parenthood
* Teenage pregnancies
* Gender roles
* Diet & Nutrition
* Global exposure
* Positivity & Loving yourself
* Spirituality
* Life outside the United States
* And much more…


V. Richardson: I am an advocate for healthy living, especially female health issues. You offer wonder information on living healthier lifestyles. What do you want readers to take away from "The Only Way is Up?"

FT: I want readers to feel empowered. I want them to have a better understanding of family values and the dynamics of relationships. I want people to be energized to do better and improve on themselves. And I want them to go after their dream and live it.

V. Richardson: Who are/were your literary influences?

FT: This is a weird choice but the first person that always comes to mind when I get asked this question is Barack Obama. I absolutely loved "Dreams From My Father" and it gave me a whole new outlook on life and what I make of it; what I can achieve.

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

FT: I have discovered that I am unstoppable!

V. Richardson: "Unstoppable", I love that! There is always a story behind the author’s works. How do/did you handle rejection (s)?

FT: Like everyone else, I have the momentary "Oh no she didn't" (note I used a she because it's mostly women...funny). But then I talk to myself, I encourage myself, I look for a learning point or ways I can improve based on the criticism and I move on to the next rainbow. It's always right around the corner. Just a few days ago, my days started off with one of the most explosive mixed reviews so far and even an act I found insulting from the blogger in question.

But I talked myself out of it, responded to her like a lady and that same evening, had a blast on the radio with an interviewer. Even true valleys do not have to last forever unless we decide to stay there. Just head to the next mountain top!

V. Richardson: The mountain top, The only way there is up! Folake, what advice would you offer to aspiring authors?

FT: Read a lot. Read what you want to sound like. Write a lot. Write daily. Research the industry. Make contacts and connections in the industry. Read books about the craft. Put it in God's hands and ask for his blessings. If you don't start to write, your dream will never be realized.

V. Richardson: Sound advice, indeed! Are there any up coming and/or future projects readers should be made aware of?

FT: I am working on my first work of fiction, "Anonymous Gift Giver," and it is tending towards Ethnic Chick Lit. The protagonist will be an immigrant like me and she will have a lot of dating woes she will subsequently learn to rise above; and so much more. Look out for it.

V. Richardson: Sounds delicious, can't wait for its release. How can readers contact you?

FT: My email address is ft@theonlywayisup.net
Website http://www.theonlywayisup.net
F. Taylor on facebook
@folaketaylor on twitter
Blogs are http://theonlywayisupblog.blogpot.com and http://folaketaylor@blogspot.com

Bonus Question

From The Heart:

V. Richardson: When life can get a little hectic and you are feeling a little dismayed. How do you find peace in the storm?

FT: I stop and shut out all the noise, both from outside and within my head and I talk to God. I ask him for help. If my schedule is too hectic, I cut out some things. I started to have some health problems earlier this year which I felt were not unrelated to the stress of the book tour in addition to my professional and domestic duties. I scaled back on the marketing and touring. I find peace in my heart with God. If I have to spend a whole weekend in the house and not see the outside world, that's what I do.

V. Richardson: Thank you Folake for sharing both your work and a part of who you are! As always in closing, continue to inspire as you aspire!

FT: Thank you so much for having me Vanessa. It is such an honor to be recognized by someone like you. Blessings.

Jazz. Java, and Jesus Author Aleysha R. Proctor

About the Book

Twenty-four Christian devotions and puzzles about jazz, java and Jesus. The perfect book to take to a coffee or tea house, or anywhere, and meditate on the promises of God.

Jazz, Java & Jesus:
Christian Devotions to Soothe Your Soul
Author: Aleysha R. Proctor
Publisher: Xlibris
ISBN: 9781441574350
Genre: Christian, nonfiction, devotional, studies

About the Author:

Aleysha Proctor is an award winning Christian inspirational author & entrepreneur. She’s the author of three books; “With Style & Amazing Grace”, “He’s the Keeper of My Soul” and “Jazz, Java & Jesus”. Her passion in life is helping to inspire people to use their potential now. To learn more about Aleysha, you can visit her online at http://www.aleyshaproctor.com/.

Purchase the Book Online at:

• Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Jazz-Java-Jesus-Aleysha-Proctor/dp/1441574352/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1281223302&sr=8-2

• BarnesandNoble – http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Jazz-Java-Jesus/Aleysha-R-Proctor/e/9781441574350/?itm=2&USRI=aleysha+proctor

• Books A Million – http://www.booksamillion.com/product/9781441574350?id=4715246323067

For More Information

View the blog tour schedule at http://bit.ly/JazzJavaandJesusTour

Book Trailer for Jazz Java and Jesus Tour

Vanessa Richardson’s review of Jazz, Java, and Jesus

Jazz, Java, Jesus:Christian Devotions to Soothe Your Soul
Author: Aleysha R. Proctor has certainly made my sharing is caring list. It is a wonderful read, which makes you want to do as the title claims. Listen to some comfy (for my soothing Christian jazz) as I sip my cappuccino; as I read this devotional. Ahh, my soul is soothed. Jazz, Java, and Jesus is an inspirational read; reminding of God’s promises to YOU, ME, and US….God’s people. I was truly impressed and delighted by the cross word puzzles that Aleysha added in the back of the book. 4 stars read for me! Enjoy!

Who wants to be weak?

Catamenial pneumothorax is an extremely rare condition that affects women. Pneumothorax is the medical term for a collapsed lung, a condition in which air or gas is trapped in the space surrounding the lungs causing the lungs to collapse. Women with catamenial pneumothorax have recurrent episodes of pneumothorax that occur within 72 hours before or after the start of menstruation.

The exact cause of catamenial pneumothorax is unknown and several theories have been proposed. Some cases are associated with the abnormal develop of endometrial tissue outside of the uterus (endometriosis), although the exact nature of this relationship in these cases is unknown.

I am happy to know that this health issue is no longer as silent as it once was. Doctors and women who have or have suffered from these ailments are speaking out and I am glad about it! To date, I have had a total of seven chest tubes. Chest insertion procedure-- or procedures in my case are memorable experiences. Indeed it shall forever be embedded in my mind, as it is quite painful. Er,did I mention quite PAINFUL. I have added a clip below to prove my point. It is funny. I was quite embarrassed to admit that I suffered from this ailment. Why? I thought it was a sign of weakness…and I don’t do weakness well. Lol.

Don’t get upset with me over my proclamation. Who wants to be weak? Sure we all have our Achilles' heels; it’s what makes us human. Never the less…it was an awkward feeling for me. Until I needed answers. I thought of the biblical passage “For when I am weak, then am I strong." I like that…that is a voluptuous expression. I hope this blog post be of help to someone. Who may not be struggling with a health issue; maybe it's financial, emotional, and possibly spiritual struggles. In spite of life contending forces, there is still a choice. YES! you still have a choice to be and live a happy life. Trust me you do. Smile. Go ahead smile…it looks good on you! It’s going to be alright. Go for your goals. Aim high and don’t look low. The world is your oyster, you can have it steamed, boiled, and fried--any way you want it. Just do it! YOU must decide.


Chest tube insertion procedure: WARNING VIEWING DISCRETION ADVISED.

http://www.experienceproject.com/group_stories.php?g=89797
http://cigna.com.pe/healthinfo/nord1227.html

ReShonda Tate Billingsley is a national bestselling author of 19 books, all published by Simon and Schuster/Pocket Books. In 2000, after numerous rejections from publishers, ReShonda stepped out on faith, established her own publishing company, and self published her debut novel, My Brother’s Keeper. The book caught the attention of one of the country’s top literary agents, who secured a deal for ReShonda with megahouse publisher, Simon & Schuster/Pocket Books.

The rest, as they say, is history.

ReShonda went on to sign one deal after another with Simon & Schuster and to date, is considered one of the country’s top inspirational authors. Her sophomore novel, Let the Church Say Amen, is being made into a movie of which she is Executive Producer and actress Regina King is the director. ReShonda’s literary career is such a success that in 2007, she was able to leave her job as a reporter with Fox 26 News in Houston to write full time.

ReShonda has appeared on the Essence Bestseller’s list more than 20 times, as well as The Washington Post, Dallas Morning News and Ebony Magazine Bestseller’s lists. Her books include The Devil is a Lie, Can I Get a Witness, The Pastor’s Wife, Let the Church Say Amen, Everybody Say Amen, I Know I’ve Been Changed and My Brother’s Keeper. Her inspirational teen novels include Nothing But Drama, Blessings in Disguise,With Friends Like These, Getting Even, Fairweather Friends, Friends ‘Til the End, and Caught up in the Drama. She has one non-fiction title, Help! I’ve Turned into my Mother. ReShonda has won numerous awards for her journalism, fiction and poetry writing skills. She is a five-time winner of the National Association of Black Journalists Spirit in the Words competition, one of Rolling Out Magazine’s Top 25 Women in Houston and H-Texas Magazine’s Top Professional.

ReShonda’s upcoming projects include Holy Rollers (July 2010), Say Amen, Again (July, 2011), the teen novel Drama Queens (Fall 2010), and two travel suspense novels. The Houston native also serves as a freelance editorial and marketing consultant. She has ghostwritten four fiction projects and five non-fiction projects. She is married with three small children and does not hide her addiction to Reality TV and Facebook.

She welcomes readers to her websites at www.reshondatatebillingsley.com.

About the Book

Looking for Love...

Lifelong friends Coco, Nita, and Audra have spent years looking for love in the arms of flashy pro athletes, hoping to land a baller but ending up with a stream of failed relationships. The beautiful and demure Coco has endured years of physical abuse from her boyfriend, Sonny, while Audra, a single mother, has dated her fair share of cheaters and yearns for a stable companion who will be a father figure to her son. And feisty, seductive Nita is tired of being the million-dollar mistress and wants to settle down—if she can find someone worth coming home to.

Changing the Game . . .

Now that the women are approaching thirty, they’re finding it harder than ever to compete with the pro groupies. Determined to change the game and find some worthwhile men, Audra hatches an outrageous plan. Soon the trio is “holy rolling,” masquerading as God-fearing churchgoers at a local conference for young ministers in the hopes of snagging a prominent pastor. But will their big gamble pay off? Men of the cloth are still just men, after all. As the three friends meet their potential life partners, they will have to decide how far they want to take their holy rollers scheme—each risking heartbreak while taking a chance on finding a reliable, responsible man to love and cherish, flaws and all.

View the blog tour schedule at http://bit.ly/HolyRollersBlogTour

My Mother's Child Blog Tour Dawn Abrams

Dwan Abrams is a full-time novelist, freelance editor, and publisher. She’s the best-selling author of My Mother’s Child (the sequel to Divorcing the Devil), Married Strangers, Divorcing the Devil, Only True Love Waits, and The Scream Within. She’s the founder, publisher, and editorial director of Nevaeh Publishing, LLC a small press independent publishing house. She’s currently signed to Urban Christian, an imprint of Urban Books/Kensington. Her sixth novel, the second book in the Married Series, is set to hit national bookshelves in 2011.

About the Book
Lyric Stokes lives, by most standards, a charmed life. Married to Michael Stokes, a prominent heart surgeon, she has financial security and lives in the lap of luxury. All is not perfect, though. Lyric feels inadequate because she gave birth to a daughter, rather than the son that her husband so desperately wanted.

After an unexpected turn of events, Lyric discovers that she’s pregnant again, but now she has to decide whether she even wants to keep the child she has longed for. She seeks solace in her church, where her daughter also feels at home; but they can’t get Michael to join them. Disagreeing with organized religion, he has put his job before all else, including God. The distance between the couple grows further every day.
Nigel Fredericks has a history of stalking women. He’s been accused, but never convicted. Now he’s set his sights on Lyric. She’s at a low point in her life, and Nigel knows just how to take advantage of that vulnerability. Lyric’s life is turned upside down; Nigel is like a cancer eating away at her mental stability, her marriage, and ultimately, her life. Will Michael reevaluate his priorities and his faith in time to save his family?

Listen to an excerpt from My Mother’s Child by Dwan Abrams




Visit Dwan online at http://dwanabrams.com.

View the blog tour schedule and read an excerpt at http://bit.ly/MyMothersChild

Author of Prodigal Zaria Garrison

Christian Author Zaria Garrison

Zaria Garrison was born and raised in Greenville County, SC. She began writing as a teen-ager. In 2005 her first novel Baring it All was published by Publish America under her birth name Gena L. Garrison.

However as she continued writing she felt she could no longer write stories that involved explicit sex and violence. She could only write what God told her to write. God gave her stories of everyday people who have faults, struggles, and sometimes pain but they continue to trust in God to get them through. With God’s guidance a new author was born.

Following her transformation as he did with Saul, God gave her a new name Zaria, which means new beginnings. Zaria is also part owner and staff writer for EKG Literary magazine. An online magazine dedicated to being the pulse of the literary community. It can be read online at www.ekgliterarymag.com


V. Richardson: You have released your latest book, Prodigal. How did this story come about and how long did it take for you to write it?

Z. Garrison: Prodigal is a modern day tale of the Prodigal son. I decided it would be interesting to explore this story and to examine the other sibling. From beginning to end it took approximate three months. Of course after that I spent time editing, and re-writing before the final product was completed.

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

Z. Garrison: The theme is forgiveness. I would like for readers to walk away feeling entertained by this story, but also understanding the importance of forgiveness in all of our relationships.

V. Richardson: I love connecting with author’s who have interesting and inspirational messages to share both in their books and about their lives. You are now writing under a different genre. There is an interesting reason for this. Please share that reason with us.

Z. Garrison: My writing career began with secular writing with my first novel Baring it all. It was an erotic murder mystery. It won some awards and was well reviewed and received. However God let me know that he needed me to use my talent for writing to glorify him. As I grew as a writer I was also growing as a Christian and the graphic sex and violence could not longer be a part of what I was writing. I feel my writing is still interesting and exciting, but now it's glorifies God, and he is pleased.

V. Richardson: Life is a journey and on its path we encounter many experiences, good and bad. With each experience there are lessons of self-discovery. What have you discovered about yourself on your journey to publication?

Z. Garrison: I discovered that I with God's help, all things are possible. There were people who said I'd lose fans by switching genres, but God took care of that. Others said it was impossible to sign with a publisher unless I found an agent; God took care of that also. While waiting for Prodigal to be released I lost my job and I honestly felt there was no way I could promote Prodigal without money. God has taken care of that as well. So I truly believe and know that with him, all things are possible.

V. Richardson: There is always a story behind the glory. How do/did you handle rejection (s)?
Z. Garrison: I am one of those few authors who have been blessed not to have a stack of rejection letters. I queried 1 publisher and did not receive a response. I later learned it was because the company went under. Then I queried my current publisher, and was accepted. So at this point I have not had to handle too much rejection.

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

Z.Garrison: I think in order to become a great writer you must first be an avid reader. So my advice to aspiring writers is to read. Read books, magazines, and newspapers. Read in different genres and read things that you may not normally pick up.

Z. Garrison: My pet peeve is authors who say they don't read. I find that absolutely ridiculous. The arrogance of a person who expects readers to pick up their books, but they will not pick up and read anyone's book is amazing to me. I've never met a singer who said they never listened to music, so anyone who wants to be a writer needs to be a reader as well.

V.Richardson: Great point and advice. A skill or talent must be sharpened consistently and continually. How can readers contact you?

Z. Garrison: They can reach me online at zariagarrison.com, or by email at zaria@zariagarrison.com. I also am co-owner and staff writer of EKG Literary magazine. They can read my articles and thoughts there as well.

V. Richardson: Zaria, thank you so very much
for chatting and sharing with me! As always in closing, continue to inspire as you
aspire.

Z. Garrison: Thank you so much for the opportunity. Please be sure to contact me if there is anything I or EKG magazine can do to assist you in the future.

V. Richardson: You bet!

Prodigal Book Trailer

Beautiful Ugly Blog Tour

Win an autographed copy of
Beautiful Ugly by Shelia Lipsey
See contest details below.

About Beautiful Ugly: Three friends with different struggles rely on God and each other to get by. Layla Hobbs has so much to offer, including a beautiful singing voice, but obesity and low self-esteem hold her back from life and finding true love. Envy Wilson has always been Layla’s backbone. But what about her own dark secrets? She won’t share them with anyone, and it’s starting to eat away at her from the inside. And then there’s Kacie Mayweather. Stricken with cerebral palsy, she’s had her share of men—five baby daddies for six children, in fact. But she’s never had one man to call her own. They’ll need plenty of faith and support from each other to see the real beauty that lies within each one of them and fulfill their deepest desires at last.

My Book Review
In Beautiful Ugly, Sheila Lipsey delivers a soul searching, thought provoking, and inspirational story.

Kacie Mayweather is a single mother of six who finds herself pregnant again. Kacie’s desire to find love and be loved leads her to doing less than savory things. Hurt can make a person do things that they normally would not do.

Envy Wilson is beautiful and successful. Yet a secret from her past makes her feel anything but beautiful. It is hard to feel beautiful; and be accepting of true love, when one feels ugly on the inside.

Layla Hobbs has an issue with her weight. She struggles to find strength to mentally change her negative way of thinking, that she could never lose weight, nor be beautiful. An unexpected tragedy will cause a change both in Layla’s body, mind, and soul.

Sheila Lipsey captured the essence of true friendship in Beautiful Ugly; true friendship endures the testing of time, trials, and truths! A true friend with decorum and affection--- tells it like it is. The ladies will deal with their insecurities-- and each other; while keeping God in the midst of them. This was a heartfelt and inspirational read; the ending had me wanting more. This was a delightful read!

Win an autographed copy of Beautiful Ugly by Shelia Lipsey!

Shelia Lipsey is the author of three other Christian Fiction novels. The trivia question below is from one of those novels. Leave your response to the trivia question below in the comment section.

What kind of job did Chandler Larson pretend to have? Tell us the title of the book.

About the Author : Author Shelia E. Lipsey is a multi-award winning author. Her novels are available at most bookstores nationwide as well as online. Lipsey’s books have been called gripping, life-altering, memorable and realistic. Lipsey was recently awarded the 2009 Top Shelf Award for Beautiful Ugly by Black Pearls Magazine. She also won 2009 Shades of Romance Readers’ Choice Awards for My Son’s Wife in the following categories: Author of the Year, Christian fiction Book of the Year, Christian Romance of the Year, Best Book Cover of the Year, Best Fiction Book of the Year, among several other awards for her novels, Into Each Life and Sinsatiable. Lipsey is the proud mother of two sons and the grandmother of three blessed young men. She is president of UCHisGloryBookClub.net, founder of Living Your Dreams Now a non-profit organization and MAAW (Memphis African American Writers).

Read an excerpt and check the tour schedule at http://bit.ly/BeautifulUgly

For more information, visit www.shelialipsey.com.

=========================================================
Watch the Book Trailer

Have A Little Faith (Short Story)

Have A Little Faith by Vanessa Richardson © Copyright 2008. All rights reserved. No portion of this work may be duplicated or copied without the expressed written consent of the author.


It was one of the darkest times for her. Try as she might visibility was next to nil. She just could not understand how she came to be in this situation. Reminiscing over her life wondering if somewhere down in her past she had inadvertently done wrong to someone and God was punishing her for it. She readily admitted that she was not perfect. She believed and lived by her motto of treating others the way you would want to be treated. Growing up she was a volunteer at her local hospital. She was active in her community and attended church faithfully. She was always faithful in her relationships. She had no answers. Why was this happening to her? Feeling the familiar sting of tears forming, she swallowed hard willing them away.

A sob broke forth. A single tear fell followed by another and another until a full out tsunami erupted. She came out of nowhere smelling like fresh flowers. Mama wrapped her arms around her only child. This loving move caused Mercy’s tears to fall fast and furious. It seemed her mother always knew she needed her the most. Mercy turned into her mothers comforting embrace, clinging tightly to her, she released her deep sorrow. Mercy felt like a drowning victim, of late, it seemed as though her mother was the lifeline keeping her a float. So the tears of not understanding continued there flow.

The combination of denial and hurt caused her soulful cries to escalate. Through this mama remained unflappable. Steadily, she continued to rock her only child, soothingly brushing back her long dark tresses, all the while singing an old familiar gospel song. Precious Lord, take my hand Lead me on, let me stand I’m tired, I am weak I am worn through the storm, through the night Lead me on to the light Take my hand precious Lord Precious Lord, take my hand, Lead me on, let me stand, I am tired, I am weak, I am worn; Through the storm, through the night, Lead me on to the light: Mercy normally would have been embarrassed by such display of weakness. Not today.

She needed this cry. Mercy could not help but to wonder if crying had categories. She only knew that this would be the last cry over this particular situation. The famous quote from civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer came to mind. She was “sick and tired of being sick and tired,” reluctantly removing herself from her mothers comforting embrace. Mama nodded her head and smiled. Standing mama gave her privacy to recollect herself. Mercy was grateful to her. Mercy sat staring into her glass of lemonade. “Mercy, baby, not every dark cloud mean its going to rain. Have a little faith,” Mama sipped her lemon lime lemonade smiling. They had adjourned to the kitchen both drinking a tall cold glass of lemonade. After her gut-wrenching cry, mama had suggested that she take a long bath and to later join her in the kitchen.

Food always cheered Mercy up. Mama could make a meal like no body’s business. In her late fifties mama was often mistaken for being in her mid forties. Her cinnamon skin was wrinkled free and her onyx eyes still sparkled with youthful gaiety. Mercy looked at her mother in askance. Her mother has taken this journey with her from the beginning. She saw the hurt and pain she was enduring this latest episode was testimony of her hurt. There was no it looks like. It is what it is. Chuckling softly mama put her cup down and clasped her daughter’s hand.

Mercy was her only child and was a gift from God. She was her miracle child. Doctors told her she would never be able to conceive. The news was devastating to her. However, God had mercy upon her. Some women get married only to have kids because they think it is the next thing to do. Mama knew from a small child that she would be a mother. She wanted to have a house full of children. God’s plans were different. She and Almer her husband of thirty-five years never gave up faith that they would one day be parents. Their Mercy was their gift from God. That was a dark looming cloud, but no rain had followed. “You know the story of how you were born. I know you hurting but I want you to really listen to me,” Mama held up her hand stopping Mercy’s denial. “Listen to me with your heart. If this door closes, God can open up another.

You can still be happy, baby. It is your choice.” Mama leaned forward capturing her loved child’s eyes. “You can be happy.” Looking into her mothers warm eyes, Mercy did indeed feel she could be happy. Looking at the phone, she sighed. In ten minutes, her Doctor would be calling her to confirm if she was pregnant. She smiled wistfully. History had a way of repeating itself. She had inherited the gene that her mother has that made conceiving almost impossible. She and her husband Stanley had been trying unsuccessfully for five years to have a baby. The sudden a strange phenomenon occurred. She was craving weird foods and she was nauseated every morning. She kept these changes to herself for almost a month. Finally telling her husband of her suspicions together, they schedule an appointment to see her family doctor. Due to her rare condition, several types of blood tests had to be run. The result would be back in two days. Today was day two. A tremor began to course through her body. Just then, Stanley and her father came in. Stanley said not a word he just held her. Mercy embraced her husband of seven years entrance. He was still able to make her heart soar just by entering a room. At six feet three, he made her feel safe and secure. His skin was the color of mocha, his newly grown goat tee made him appear ruggedly handsome.

Mercy rested her head on his broad shoulders. He tightened his embrace. Mercy sighed tightening her hold She silently offered up a pray of thanks to God. Family meant every thing to her. Hazarding another glance at the clock, Mercy realized she had only two minutes left until “the call.” Her father a big burly man with skin the color of molasses kissed her forehead taking a seat next to mama. Although expected the call, the shrilling noise of the phone caused all four occupants to jump. No one moved. They were afraid to. What was the answer behind the call?

Finally, Mercy forced herself to answer the shrilling phone. “Hello.” Mercy barely recognized her own voice. “This is she. Ok. Thank you for all you have done for us. Good bye.” Mercy looked at her loved ones grateful for their presence, their combined strength made this journey bearable. Finally replacing the phone Mercy numbly went into her husband-awaiting embrace. Her silent pillow of strength. True to character he said not a word, he just held her.

Mama bowed her head as papa wrapped his arms around her in comfort. “We’re going to be the proud parents to twins,” Mercy finally revealed. The room remained silent at her announcement. Mercy lean back to look into her husbands eyes. They were wide with shock. His mouth moved but no words came forth. He laughed spinning her around in a circle. Mercy laughed aloud at his joyful display. My but how good it felt to laugh. She thought. She could not stop herself, did not want to stop really, laughing felt good. “Did I hear you right, Baby? We’re having twins?” His voice cracked. Her husband’s tears were falling free and fast. Mercy nodded her head wildly sending her tresses everywhere. Her joyful tears matching that of her beloved. Stanley lifted her spinning her around. “Praise the Lord!” Mama shouted spinning around in her own little circle. Papa leaped up and began doing an off beat jig. “This is cause for a celebration. We are going out to celebrate. Yee haw! I am going to be a grandpa twice in one day. My baby is having babies,” Papa continued his offbeat jig. “We are doing no such a thing, Papa,” Mama cried. “I have already prepared a feast for the heavens. We will eat right here and celebrate in the privacy of our home, not in a restaurant filled with strangers.”

Mercy and her husband were oblivious to her parents bantering. They young couple continued to hold each other, tears of joy steadily flowing. It was contagious as Mama and papa’s own tears began to fall. Silently they watched the young couple. They had endured much and were deserving of great happiness. Papa nodded at mama, gently guided her out of the kitchen affording the young ones some privacy. The table could wait they had time.


Disclaimer: artwork by J. Mayers

THE Dream Experience

I am delighted to announce what I hail as a inspirational, motivationational and soulfest teleclass!

Dream Explosion Coming Near You!:

Dream Experience Series has faith-based concepts to give you a future of hope and promise. It also can include business, ministry, adult-youth based programs/organizations, and author-publisher insight, information, and knowledge-based methods to keep your dreams alive and pursing your dreams to a reality.

Topics: Series 1--Dreaming Again and Invest in You!

• Dream Phases: dream, dream 4 more, and dream inclusively
• Define your purpose and dreams with your talents, abilities, and skills
• Steps to unlock the keys to your destiny
• Steps to defeat rejection, barriers, and circumstances
• Invest in You: budgets
• Write the Vision, make it plain, and make it happen

Dream Speakers: James A. Jimason, Vanessa Richardson, and Adrienna Turner.

Fee for Workshop: $20.00 for up to 2 hours of Dream Explosion. Note: First 10 registrants will have the opportunity to win a free copy of guest author's books!!

Date and Time: January 31, Sunday, 6:00-8:00 p.m. CST.

Payments received by: January 30th, 11:59 p.m. (ends)* normally 5 business days in advance. First show, we will allow 24 hour or more before show.

Email will be sent with call in number and pin number to listen in or listen to webcast (online) with chat. Will be recorded for playback feature to our fellow listeners. We will require email and call in number before session after payment rendered.

Author and Motivational Speaker
James A. Jimason

Author and Playwright
Vanessa Richardson

EVENT ORGANIZER and SPEAKER


Adrienna Turner is an accomplished author of several nonfiction and poetry books. Her latest book is "Desire at Will"--nonfiction spiritual book. She also writes under pseudonym names for her fiction projects such as science-fiction/horror; romance draspensedy (drama, romance, suspense); fantasy/supernatural fiction; and suspense thrillers genres.

Her other writing abilities as a contributing writer for Heavenly Magazine (http://www.heavenlymag.com/) and Celebrity Report Magazine (www.celebrityreportmagazine.com), and Associated Content Press with featured articles. She is available for literary and proofreading projects on LivePerson.com to chat live or email. She is the founder of Dream 4 More Literary Consulting Firm.

Her passion is encouraging and edifying other aspiring writers to believe in their work, to polish it, and make it marketable. Therefore, she started a literary firm called Dream 4 More Literary Consulting Firm to help new and aspiring authors to showcase their books and enhance their writing projects to become a masterpiece. Other passions are youth involvement, community, and legal field.


Contact Author and Blogtalk Radio Host Adrienna Turner
http://www.dreams4more.com/dreameventsbusiness.htm
www.adriennaturner.webs.com
www.blogtalkradio.com/adrienna-turner

Love Found Me

I am excited about my new inspirational suspense, Love Found Me! If you have not ordered your copies, please do so, and then drop me a line. Best to you and Happy New Years!


Mike Montgomery once lived the American dream. Gainfully employed, beautiful home, and a wonderful loving wife. Growing up in a loving family whose faith was unbreakable was his source of strength. Mike's faith would one day be shaken after losing the love of his life in an unexpected tragedy. Mike thought he would never love again until he meets Sheila Lawson. Everything about Sheila made him want to love again. Could he risk his heart again?


Sheila Lawson, a woman’s health advocate was strong and independent, yet something was missing in her life. Immersing herself in her work, she vowed off any relationships. Sheila would find her self-made decree shaken when she meets tall, dark, and handsome Mike Montgomery. There is an evil lurking in the shadows. Mike and Sheila will have to unite to overcome evil forces trying to keep them apart. Will their love be enough to see them through the testing of their faith?


REVIEWS:

Nov 20, 2009 Dream 4 More Book Reviews rated it:


Read in December, 2009
Vanessa Richardson delivers an electrifying, undeniable love story between two people who do not believe it is happening immediately before their very eyes and their hearts beating at a rapid rate. Their first encounter speaks for itself.

We first meet Michael and his twin brother, Bryan, and see their agape love for one another regardless of their different lifestyles, paths, and personalities. Then, we see Shelia Lawton, who does not want to go back in the house of God with her bes...more Vanessa Richardson delivers an electrifying, undeniable love story between two people who do not believe it is happening immediately before their very eyes and their hearts beating at a rapid rate. Their first encounter speaks for itself.

We first meet Michael and his twin brother, Bryan, and see their agape love for one another regardless of their different lifestyles, paths, and personalities. Then, we see Shelia Lawton, who does not want to go back in the house of God with her best friend and colleague Rayna Peterson. These ladies met at college and remained friends since. We see Rayna go from graduating in Political Science/Pre-law major to wanting to become partner at Hudson, Fist, and Hudson law firm. Shelia majored in Sociology is now working as a Domestic Violence Counselor.

Vanessa captures the readers attention from the Prologue, where you do not want to stop reading in one-sitting. I enjoyed reading every character in the book, also seeing love electrifying over the emotions and souls of the characters--where I can picture them in my mind as if it is a TV series on Lifetime. I cannot wait for the sequel. This is a must-read, especially if you love inspirational-suspense (or Christian Fiction, Contemporary Romance).

Dream 4 More Reviews,
Adrienna Turner
5 stars--Wooed Us!

Inspirational Author Adrienna Turner

Adrienna Turner writes inspirational non-fiction and fiction books. Under pseudonym names, she writes also science-fiction, fantasy, Young Adult (YA) inspirational drama, suspense thrillers, and new genre created by author called romance draspensedy (drama, suspense, and comedy). Her latest works are "The Day Begins with Christ," "Half of the Battle is to Surrender all I Have," and "From the Depths of my Soul: Collection of Poetry and Songs." Adrienna other titles for upcoming spiritual books: Unleashing the Spirit; Counsel Me Lord to be a Vessel for Christ; Miss the Mark Series (inspirational drama-suspense); and Desire at Will: Giving all the Glory to God through Prayer, Praise, and Worship -- Let it Overflow!


Richardson: Hello Adrienna! Thank you for talking with me. Please share yourself with our readers.

Turner: Thank you for this opportunity to share my books with you and your audience.

Richardson: It is my pleasure. The Write Vision has selected you as their featured author. Day Begins with Christ was a vision you had to write. Give us a synopsis as to what it is about it. And what has your journey been like bring it to life?

Turner: The Day Begins with Christ is an inspirational non-fiction book. It focuses on Christian men and women who want to walk with Jesus Christ. What makes my book more unique than the typical inspirational book is the journey that it takes you on to become one with Christ. It is a 50 day to day journey that helps strengthen the Christian faith.

Additionally, the main purpose of writing my book is to build godly character by taking a journey on their godly path with the true intentions to dedicate their lives to God, while it also encourages them to become a better man or woman.

The journey to bring this book to life had taken roughly a year to write, research, and edit. After first print, I wanted to make changes to the book and paid another editor to assist with the reconstruction process that took 2 months. I am undergoing other revisions for last reprint of the book. I am trying to find the market for this book and following audience.

Richardson: Where ever I go when asked for advice I tell aspiring people, (not just literary hopefuls) to develop a thick skin. I say this to encourage and not discourage aspiring authors. Adrienna, what advice do have for aspiring authors?

Turner: We have to be open to networking with other authors, literary agents/publicists, and readers. As authors, we are not to only focus on becoming the next best-seller, but to have readers who are following and admiring our work. We are also to research the literary market and other resources that can benefit us as authors.

I constantly research the market and speak about it on my blogs or blogtalkradio show. You can find me at www.adriennaturner.webs.com and www.dreams4more.com, www.blogtalkradio.com/adrienna-turner.

More importantly, God created you to write and gives you a story to write, do it! Trust God and He will provide what you need to do it. If He called you to write, do not doubt, trust that He choose you since He sees the Gift in you. He sees the 'end' and you are afraid to 'begin'. It is not always about your degrees and credentials, even though they are resourceful for the haters/criticism, but believe in you and your work...and the rest will come to pass.

Richardson: How do/did you deal with rejections?

Turner: I learn from them. I re-evaluate the rejection and find new ways or resolutions to improve my craft, artistry, and myself as a person. We are branding You and second your gift or talents. As believers, we are representing Christ, there is always room for improvement. Understand that things will not always happen the way you anticipate or expect, but there is a reason for everything and to pick up the pieces and learn from it. How can I make it better? What can I change? What did I learn from it?

Richardson: Do you have any forthcoming projects readers should be made aware of? I know also your a reviewer and you've started your own business.

Turner: Forthcoming projects are listed on my website: adriennaturner.webs.com. I am looking forward to writing a YA version of Day Begins with Christ that God laid on my heart after the previous release. Unleashing the Spirit Volume 1 and 2 will be out the end of 2009 or 2010, accepting pre-orders now! Miss the Mark Series (5-7), inspirational suspense-drama fiction and The Guardian Watch, supernatural fiction. I am also writing under pseudonym names for other fictional writing projects.

Stage play: Are you Ready? www.areyoureadyplay.com as one of the 6 characters in the play.

Business: Dream 4 More Literary Consulting Firm (www.dreams4more.com) (new and aspiring authors to learn more about the literary market and other services) and working on a future Publishing company: Dream Your Reality Publications. I am also looking at partnering or working for a publishing company that will be coming out soon--Heavenly Publishing and write articles for Heavenly Magazine (www.heavenlymag.com).

Three divine connections are contemplating on creating a virtual bookstore called Divine (Devine) Connectionz (or Connections). We will see what God has in store for me and those divine connections I met along the way.

Richardson: Adrienna, thank you for taking the time out to chat with me and sharing your goals and aspiration with us here on The Certain Ones Blog. Please continue to inspire as you aspire!