The Lovechild Blog Tour with Ashea Goldson

Meet Ashea Goldson, author of The Lovechild

Ashea Goldson, originally born in Brooklyn, NewYork is a wife of twenty three years, a mother of two daughters, a grandmother of one, a graduate of Fordham University, a writer, a poet, a publisher, a reviewer, an internet radio host, an educator, and a co-founder of a Christian preparatory school. Active in the ministry, she is a dedicated member of World Changers Church International for many years. She has a lifetime of experience with writing which ranges from being published in local newspapers, magazines, and online publications to full length books.
Her first Christian fiction novel is The Lovechild, published by Urban Christian Publishers in 2008.

Ashea’s short story entitled “The Kit Cat Trial” will be released in an anthology named Pets Across America in September 2009. Her second Christian fiction novel, Joy Comes In The Morning, will be released in July 2010, also by Urban Christian Publishers. She has recently released a non-fiction title, Resurrecting Vision: 45 steps To Digging Up Your Destiny And Seeing It Through God’s Eyes through her own publishing company. Calling herself a kingdom writer, and passionate about this calling, she is currently working on her third novel, random poems, several short stories, a children’s book, and is organizing a literacy group for youth in her community. During her relaxation time she can be found hanging out with her family, snuggled up to a good book, or listening to gospel music.

ABOUT THE BOOK

In The Lovechild, Makaeli Hunt, a successful fashion designer, has been driven far away from home by her family’s dysfunction. While living in Italy, trying to heal the wounds of yesterday, ambition becomes her comforter. When a family emergency forces her to return to her home, in seven life altering days, amidst memories of a tumultuous past,will one revealed secret drive her away from her family and God forever? Or will she discover what it means to be God’s lovechild? Dealing with issues of racism, depression, self-esteem, drug addiction, mental illness, verbal and physical abuse,The Lovechild is a story of redemption and re-dedication, confirming our victory in Jesus Christ.

READ EXCERPT


The Lovechild by Ashea Goldson (excerpt) -

Follow the blog tour at http://bit.ly/TheLovechild

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.

Just Thinking Aloud

Just Thinking Aloud

I can not believe that Thanksgiving and Christmas is only day away! It is tradition that we start our Christmas shopping two months in advance. With the economy in the shape that it's in---it is best to shop early.

Humm, I am going to contribute to cooking Thanksgiving dinner this years. I am the one who is banned from the kitchen at my house. It is a unspoken rule that I was the dishes and put away the food. Well this year, I am determined to break that rule! I am going to make the best foods the microwave has to offer! huh, no can do? Kidding. I am going to purchase a vegetarian cook book, and make it do what it do. It shouldn't be too difficult. All I need is some water and several pots to cook out of. The rest should be easy. Yes, I got this. I will even bake some sweet potato pies. Oh, and some of those circle thingy I seen on a television show I watched recently. Humm, what was that dish called? I will find it and keep you posted on my Thanksgiving dinner.

I was privileged to discuss my journey with wearing my hair natural in an on-going series, created by Lori Johnson that focuses on African American women who wear their hair au naturel. Please click on link below to read my contribution to the series. Feel free to leave a comment or two. :)http://loridjohnson.blogspot.com/Look out for Lori's latest release: A Natural Woman.

Too please check out my Singles Column: You Are Something Strange! in Faithwebbin Online Magazine. The founder is Tyora Moody. Feel free to leave a comment or two. :) http://faithwebbin.net/2009/10/you-are-s

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-...

Jacquelin Thomas The Ideal Wife Blog Tour

Inspirational Author Jacquelin Thomas has just released her latest literary master piece, The Ideal Wife. And I am so happy when I discovered her writings sveral years ago. She is one of the many authors that inspired me to pursue one of my many of my goals and that was becoming an author. Recently Mrs. Thomas held a contest on what would make an Ideal wife. I chimed in although my experience as a wife is limited--not married yet! I was galvanized to read; The Ideal Wife. Ladies and Gents, what do you think The Ideal Wife is?

Allow me to introduce you to Jacquelin Thomas, she is an award winning, bestselling author with twenty-nine titles in print. Her books have garnered several awards, including two EMMA awards, the Romance In Color Reviewers Award, Readers Choice Award and the Atlanta Choice Award in the Religious & Spiritual category. Jacquelin was a 2005 honoree at the Houston Black Film Festival for the movie adaptation of her novel, Hidden Blessings.

She was the first recipient to receive the Writers Achievement Award at the North Carolina Book Festival in Winston-Salem.

Although Jacquelin initially published in the romance genre, she decided to follow the call on her heart to write Christian fiction because she seeks to write books that will touch your heart and uplift your spirits with tales of characters who yearn to have an intimate relationship with God. Committed to writing books that glorify God and her growing teen audience, Jacquelin published the first of her Young Adult Inspirational Fiction series titled Simply Divine in October 2006. Her second book in the series, Divine Confidential was nominated for a 2008 NAACP Image Award. She has since gone on to publish two more books in the series. When asked why she is so passionate about writing teen novels, Thomas shares that teens are confronted with so much—sex, drugs, violence and abuse, physically and mentally. They need to not only listen to what the world says about these things but also to what the Bible says.Jacquelin is a member of the National Writers Union, Romance Writers of America and the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. She is happily married to her best friend and is the proud mother of three children. Jacquelin and her family live in North Carolina.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Jana Collins loves her husband with all her heart. But what if love isn’t enough? Marrying a handsome, wealthy lawyer and living in a Hollywood Hills mansion . . . it’s a dream come true for twenty-four-year-old Jana, from the moment Lawrence Collins swept her off her feet and into his luxurious world. True, she put her studies at a local Bible college on hold in order to wed after a six-month whirlwind romance. Beautiful and vivacious, with a stunning body, Jana knows men like Lawrence don’t come along every day, and she vows to be a perfect companion—the ideal wife—to this sexy, powerful man.

But at what price?From her wardrobe and hairstyle to her friends and her choice of church, Lawrence seems to want to change Jana into someone she’s not . . . and soon, the man Jana thought she knew will test her values and her faith with a shocking revelation that goes against everything she believes—how far will Jana be willing to go to keep the man she loves? With her “ideal” marriage falling apart, Jana—the real, modest, smart, and strong girl who knows what she stands for—must put her trust in God, and follow His guiding light out of the darkness of a broken relationship.Drawing from a moving scripture tale with an insightful message for women today, Jacquelin Thomas delivers a provocative and enlightening new novel.

Visit Jacquelin Thomas at: http://www.jacquelinthomas.com/

Follow The Ideal Wife Blog Tour

http://bit.ly/TheIdealWife (October 5-9)

God Knows My Heart!

Vanessa Richardson

Presents the Stage Production:

God Knows My Heart!

I am delighted to announce back by prayerful and popular demand (I heard your cry) our up and coming stage production: God Knows My Heart! This drama will surely enlighten you and inspire you ! Don't take my word for it see it for yourselves. If you can not make Broadway let us bring Broadway to you!

Synopsis

Things are not always what they seem. Harmony Stillwater appears to have the picture perfect life. She has a wonderful husband and is owner of a successful Women's Health Advocate Facility. Harmony has held a secret in her heart for years. To cope with the sins of the past, she buries herself into her work. Although becoming quite successful; Harmony cant shake the feeling that something is missing in her life. Just when Harmony thought she had put the past behind her, someone from her past knows of her secret and is on a revengeful mission to ruin Harmony's happiness and home. Harmony will be forced to deal with her past or lose everything she loves dearly.

Upcoming Performance Date: December 19th, 20096:00pm. Also I will be signing autographed copies of my Nonfiction inspirational novel: "The Certain Ones" so please be sure to acquire your copy or copies, after all sharing is caring. :) I would love to see you there! More detail forthcoming. For further inquires contact me at: vanessajackso90@hotmail.com

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!