Poetic Elixir For Your Soul! Poet and Author Acholam Birago, DuEwa Frazier, and Muyiwa Babalola

Saturday, February 5th, 2011|6:00pm on The Certain Ones Blog Talk Show: Poetic Elixir For Your Soul!

Poet and Author Acholam Birago:Truths lie dormant at the core of our character, suppressed by life's daily journey, repressed by fear's false declaration of power. Their dormancy causes our spirit to sleep in the bed of deception with restlessness as a detriment to the heart. Awakened by God through trial and admonition, Acholam Birago travels through the tunnels of the soul unearthing the purpose planted by the Husbandman in the hearts of His people.

Acholam Birago, a name of stability, humility, and victory. A name derived from the lands of Africa, kissed by the Nigerian sun, defined by the tribe of Ibo. A name tagged with a charge to deliver a message to love's vacant territory.

Wisconsin-born, Birago spent the first twelve years of his life in the projects of Milwaukee with his mother and siblings. Chicago became a second home as frequent visits to his grandmother, “Ma” warmed his heart with aged wisdom and meals that could only be cooked by the ol' school. Relocation to his father‟s house gave parental rights to the streets of Los Angeles which instilled its own wisdom into his thirteen year old mind. With the Word as his guide, love as his landscape, and poetry as his vehicle, Birago delivers a message of restoration. His poetry motivates men to move in God, inspires them to proceed in purpose, and empowers them to enrich the lives of others. Inspired by the blossom of character in children, motivated by their struggle under the roofs of conflicted custodians, he strives to restore the love into the hearts of others as God intended. Reaching men and women within their respective roles, Birago pierces the heart, exposing the wounds, so that God may heal.

poeticsoulprovider.blogspot.com


DuEwa Frazier: Her first two names, mean Black Beauty-The One In Whom the Sun Rises in the African, Swahili language. Although raised in St. Louis, Missouri, her life didn't begin there! Born in Brooklyn, New York on a hot, August morning, to educator/artist/activist parents, in the same year poet and playwright Ntozake Shange launched the acclaimed "For Colored Girls" play- DuEwa seemed destined to take part in the rich tradition of arts and pride from her community and share her creative spirit with others.
Poetry, dramatic performance, dance, playwriting and teaching is a part of the creative world DuEwa lives in. At age 5, this ,'Lady of Words', first stepped on stage, playing activist Rosa Parks in a play called "We Shall Overcome." In grade school DuEwa began keeping journals and writing creatively.

DuEwa took dance training in jazz, modern and African forms as a child and adult. Her most memorable dance performance and training experiences were at: The Katherine Dunham School of Dance, Elegba Folklore Society, Dance St. Louis and as a dancer in high school in Kinesis Dance Company.

Book Description: "Ten Marbles and a Bag to Put Them In: Poems for Children." By DuEwa Frazier.

Ten Marbles is a collection of poems for children. The poems cover themes ranging from love for nature and animals to summertime fun and more! The book features writing and drawing activities, in addition to comprehension questions after selected poems. This collection is perfect for bedtime storytelling, classroom literacy activities, and inspiring children to write creatively.

Other Books: Check the Rhyme and Stardust Tracks on the Road / duewa_frazier@litnoirepublishing.com




Poet Muyiwa Babalola
Muyiwa Babalola was born and raised in Ibadan, Nigeria. He was the President of the Debate Club in High School. He won the best speaker honors during the Jaycees organized school debate competition at the University of Ibadan.

In addition. while he studied law at the University of Ife, he developed a natural interest in public speaking which was well received. To mention a few, he hosted the Tudmont Show, and was the public relations officer of Primus Inter-pares Club at the Faculty of law.

He was also the editors of Rockshock and Pebbles Magazines, where he developed the passion for writing and publishing. He proceeded to the Nigerian Law School at Victoria Island in Lagos, where he obtained his B.L and was called to the Bar as an attorney licensed to practice at the Supreme Court in Nigeria.

Due to convergence of computers and the practice of law, he shifted his focus to Computer science and qualified as a Microsoft certified systems Engineer (M.C.S.E), Cisco certified Network associate (C.C.N.A), Cisco Certified Design Associate (C.C.D.A) and Video Conferencing Engineer and certified instructor.

While working at I.S.S (International Systems Strategies) as a Network Engineer, he facilitated several networking courses as an instructor for organizations, such as A.T & T, Bell south, and Scientific Atlanta. He also participated in the Work force development program at the Albany State University in Georgia in conjunction with the Department of Labor.

His gifting and love of Poetry was developed and encouraged by his Mother Rachel Olabisi Babalola at an early age. She enrolled him in acting classes, piano and art, which culminated in his abiding love for poetry. He has published several poems and uses a concept called "Poeteducation" to act as a teaching aid for several educational projects.

Muyiwa Babalola served as the Youth minister at a local branch of the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Atlanta for 6 years and contributed to the growth and development of the Children’s Department. He published several poems in the church bulletin and organized several Vacation Bible Schools for the Kids.

He presently works in the hospitality industry as Director of Parking Operations at the Sheraton Hotel in Downtown Atlanta. He also conducts service excellence training classes at various sites and locations in the United States. He is blissfully married and blessed with children.

http://bablofest.com

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Author Valerie J. Lewis Coleman | Author of “The Forbidden Secrets of the Goody Box”.

V. Richardson: Hello, Valerie! I am delighted to chat with you about your novel “The Forbidden Secrets of the Goody Box”.

V. Coleman: Hi, Vanessa. And thanks for the opportunity.

V. Richardson: Interesting title! How did the concept and name come about?

V. Coleman: The concept for “The Goody Box” book was twofold. At this phase in my life (about midlife-ish), I have experienced significant changes—relationally, emotionally, physically and mentally. Almost without warning, my marriage was in chaos, my body was transitioning. (My goody box took on a mind and voice of its own. I still say that I could audibly hear her crying out for attention) and my twenty-six-year career as an engineer ended. (People often said, “I’m so sorry that you lost your job.” With my hands on my hips, I said, “I didn’t lose it. I know exactly where it is: Mexico!”)

So about three years ago, I spoke into the atmosphere that I wanted to write a book to help prepare women for this collage of life transitions. My philosophy is best described by Lao Tzu who said, “Give a man a fish, feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, feed him for a lifetime.” (No sense watching a sister go through the same mess that I went through, if I can do something to prevent it.) The second part of the concept came from my cousin, confidante and co-author, Christopher “Doc” Reid. Every morning, as I tried to walk off the stress, we talked. He counseled, encouraged and enlightened me about marriage dynamics and re-engineering my career. He gave me sound, unbiased advice without a hidden agenda or motive. With his guidance and inside knowledge of men (in case I didn’t mention it, Christopher is a man), he helped—and continues to help—me navigate through the storms of marriage and life in general. One October morning, he said that he had talked to many women who just didn’t understand men.

“We’re quite simple actually,” he said. Yeah, right. Men are the most complicated, confusing—Sorry, I digressed. Anyway, he said that relationships are his passion and he wanted to write a book to help women understand men, avoid broken hearts and maintain some semblance of sanity. Ding! Ding! Ding! We combined our passions to create a solidified purpose: help women understand men to master the forbidden secrets of the goody box.
Sidebar: I assume that you know what I mean by “goody box.” You know, she’s been with me all my life. I never leave home without her. I can put up the pictures, if necessary.
Together, we developed the objectives and scenarios. I did all of the writing and publishing. Doc Reid provided the content that pertained to how and why men do what they do.

Creating the title was as challenging as writing. We tossed around several titles, disagreed, separated to our respective corners, came back for a truce, surveyed friends and fans for feedback and then settled on the one that had the most kick: “The Forbidden Secrets of the Goody Box”. It speaks volumes to the content of the book and serves as a great marketing tool. The catchy title attracts both men and women. Who doesn’t want to know the forbidden? What person wants to be left out of a great secret? And can you name one person who doesn’t have some connection to the goody box?

From the cradle to the grave, the goody box affects every living soul and comes equipped with an unlimited supply of power. As if the title wasn’t enough, we use the catch phrase “What your father didn’t tell you and your mother didn’t know” to emphasize the magnitude of this well-kept secret.

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

V. Coleman: The overall theme is to empower women to recognize the men who only want to play games and identify the men who are relationship-ready. However, the book is full of so much wit and wisdom that we actually have multiple demographics:
For women,
· Three things that lead you to make terrible relationship decisions
· Every man’s private marriage checklist
· A simple two-letter word that makes him want to pop the question
· How to break a toxic love pattern
· Why he just won’t propose
· Little signs that tell you he’s the one
· Advice from men you’d be crazy not to take
For young ladies (teens and tweens),
· Your beauty shines from the inside and radiates outwardly despite what he says or does
· Love yourself more than you “love” him
· If he really “loves” you, he’ll wait until he marries you
For fathers,
· You are the first protector of your daughter’s goody box
· Learn what makes your daughter feel loved and then fill her heart until it overflows
· What she doesn’t get from you, she’ll spend the rest of her life trying to find in another man, or worse yet, men

V. Richardson: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

V. Coleman: I enjoyed writing this book and watching the characters come alive. Of the three books I’ve written, it’s my favorite by far; however, the readers want more. I have received phone calls, emails, texts and death threats from ladies wanting to know when the second book in “The Goody Series” releases.

V. Richardson: How has “The Forbidden Secrets of the Goody Box” been received so far?

V. Coleman: The response has been overwhelming. Women have told me that the book is life-changing because they are no longer the wounded doe standing in the crosshairs of the hunter’s bow. Averting the snares and traps is easy because they can spot the hunter and his tactics from a distance. Time out for settling for he’ll-do-because-some-man-is-better-than-no-man. These women are now empowered, in control and finding relational fulfillment.
We anticipated a favorable response, but we didn’t expect colleges, high schools and even elementary schools to contact us to conduct workshops for girls and women. So we’re taking the message to the masses with “Why He Married Her Instead of You”, “Why He Left You for Her” and “Daddy, Look at Me” workshops.

V. Richardson: Who are/were your literary influences? And what books have most influenced your life?

V. Coleman: After the Bible and my own titles (Get ready for a shameless plug… “Blended Families An Anthology” is an Amazon.com Top 100 Bestseller in Stepfamily category, a Black Christian Book Distributors Top 50 Bestselling Nonfiction and the Christian Small Publishers Association’s 2008 Nonfiction of the Year. “Tainted Mirror An Anthology” has inspired readers to stop making excuses and walk in destiny. And of course, “The Goody Box” book), my favorite book is “The Old Man and the Sea” by Ernest Hemingway. The read was a requirement for high-school English. I fell in love with his vivid description of the emerging marlin. I read that passage multiple times. He made me feel like I was in the boat. I also love “The Outsiders” by S. E. Hinton which my sixth-grade teacher read to the class over several months. The plot and characters intrigued me so that I couldn’t wait to get to class. Now that I think about it, after she finished reading the book, I jotted my first notes for a book (I didn’t follow through with it because it was a slight variation of Hinton’s book). I also like the work of Christian-fiction author, Vanessa Miller. I helped her self-publish her first four books—“The Rain Series”—and now she’s an Essence-bestselling author writing for three different publishing houses.
By far, the Bible most influences my life.

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

V. Coleman: Specific to “The Goody Box” book, I learned that I’m not in this thing alone. Other women have experienced and are experiencing many of the same challenges and struggles; however, out of shame, embarrassment or pride, we suffer in silence. In addition, I knew that I didn’t have an in-depth understanding of men; however, I discovered that I didn’t know much of anything about men and how they think about women. Regarding publication; I have learned that I am tenacious, resilient, skilled and teachable.

V. Richardson: There is always a story behind the author’s works. How do/did you handle rejection?

V. Coleman: As a self-published author content with putting in hard work and keeping all the money, I don’t submit proposals to traditional publishing houses. As a result, I don’t get rejection letters. I once had a distributor reject me—well, not me, but my title. Instead of quitting, I used the denial to fuel my fervor. I researched more distributors and now my books are available through Ingram and Baker and Taylor. Readers can go into any bookstore or library and request my titles.

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

V. Coleman: I’ve been in the publishing business for almost ten years. As an author and publisher (in addition to my three titles, I have published about fifteen books for other authors through www.QueenVPublishing.net), I travel the nation presenting “Self-Publishing Made Easy Cash Machine” workshops (I love to teach. Remember “teach a man to fish”?) and find that most authors do not have a good understanding of the publishing process or marketing. Although it may have taken years to complete the manuscript, writing is still the easiest part of the process. My advice:
· Research the industry. Attend workshops and conferences. Know the true cost of publishing. Figure out how to price your book to make a profit. Find reputable printers. Study the components of a quality book. Establish your marketing strategy. Interview authors.
· Understand the different types of publishers (many of them prey on unlearned writers like vultures circling a weary desert nomad). They steal your dreams, invade your peace of mind and deplete your bank account. Several of my Queen V Publishing clients have been duped by publishers and came to me to make things right.
· Build a team. You cannot do it alone. Invest in a publicist, attorney, accountant and a sales team of devoted fans, friends and family.
The demands of publishing can be overwhelming especially for a neophyte. Over the years, I have saved clients thousands of dollars, tons of frustration and a plethora of disappointment. They begged me to clone myself, but since I’m not a biological engineer, I did the next best thing. I packed my knowledge and experience into a multi-DVD set to steer writers in the right direction. And if that’s not enough, I coach and publish.

V. Richardson: Are there any upcoming and/or future projects readers should be made aware of?

V. Coleman: On March 26, 2011, I’m conducting the sixth annual Write On! Workshop in Dayton, Ohio. The event includes sessions on writing, publishing and marketing. On April 30, 2011, we’re hosting the second annual Dayton Book Expo (www.DaytonBookExpo.com). Our inaugural event drew fifty authors and almost 500 book lovers. I have signing and speaking engagements in numerous cities. A complete calendar of events is available at www.PenOfTheWriter.com.

My friend and Queen V Publishing client, Dr. Karen M.R. Townsend, releases her first book: “It All Started When I Stopped Using Lotion – One Woman’s Journey from Chaos to Calm” (www.AboutMySisters.com) As for “The Goody Box” book, we’re developing additional workshops to fulfill the influx of requests. Several churches have contracted with us to conduct a series of workshops geared toward unmarried, youth and now married couples. I finished the e-book last year (2010) and the audio book will be ready later this year (2011). Doc Reid and I have talked about hosting a conference for the women of the Goody Box Club at an exotic location. We’ll be in negotiations soon for a stage play and eventually a movie. Woo hoo!

V. Richardson: How can readers contact you?

V. Coleman: Doc Reid is at www.ChristopherReid.org.
Everything I do is associated to my publishing company, Pen of the Writer.
www.PenOfTheWriter.com
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Email: Info@PenOfTheWriter.com
Phone: 937.307.0760

Bonus Question
From The Heart:

V. Richardson: When life gets a little hectic and you are feeling a little dismayed, how do you find peace in the storm?

V. Coleman: Does life ever have a time when it’s not hectic? Prayer is first on the list. I may not break into a full sermon, but I can holler, “HELP!” with the best of them. And while I’m waiting on the reinforcements, I may take a long walk, eat some chocolate, call a friend, cry or take a nap. My action depends upon the magnitude of the “disruption.”

V. Richardson: Valerie, thank you for an awesome chat! Thank you for sharing yourself and your works with our viewing audience. Much success to you! As always in closing, continue to inspire as you aspire!

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/

Author Dolapo Babalola | Author of "My God: Even in the Last Minute."

V.Richardson: Hello Dolapo! I am happy to chat with you.

Dolapo Babalola:I’m delighted to chat with you. Thanks for this opportunity to reach your readers.

V.Richardson: It's indeed my pleasure! When did you first consider yourself a writer? And Why the impress to write this particular story?

Dolapo Babalola:I guess “a writer is one who writes” in which case I considered myself a writer when I realized that my writing was making a difference first and foremost in my life, and subsequently in the lives of others. I recall way back in my formative years, I enjoyed writing in my diary, most importantly while I was in a foreign country studying medicine. It was always comforting to express my thoughts down on paper; such clarity I experienced while doing so.

To answer the second question, I originally wrote my book to keep my mind focused on other activities in spite of my current challenges. I gradually matured through the process and had a keen appreciation of the omnipotence of God. Life is a journey; my experiences have shown me that it is a continuous learning curve. How we react to the situation is what makes the difference; this is when I decided to share my story with the world.

V. Richardson: My God: Even in the Last Minute is your new release. What is it about and how did the title come about?

Dolapo Babalola:My God: Even in the Last Minute (MyGelm) is an inspirational book that narrates my journey as a young aspiring physician who, in the pursuit of a permanent residency in the United States, faced multiple obstacles and challenges. Each day through this ongoing ordeal, I experienced God in a way that I never would have imagined. God showed up in the most unexpected places, in the last minute, and always with a life-changing lesson. It speaks on how the greatest lesson in our darkest hours of uncertainty is that God is close by, quietly working behind the scenes, bolstering our faith for a miracle.

The title of my book came about as I experienced my “Ah-Ha moment.” While writing my text, it dawned on me that every bit of my journey was like a road race, some situation was always approaching its deadline or I was hitting rock bottom. I would try to figure out how and when a problem would be solved, and in the process I would doubt God’s ability to handle the problem. God kept showing up in the most unexpected places to make a way for me, even when it seemed naturally impossible, even if it was in the last minute.

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

Dolapo Babalola: I am excited to say that the kind of influence I was hoping for with my book started with me. While writing, I realized I can have peace of mind in my current position or any storm. I am assured that God can show up in the most unexpected place. This is the same influence, I hope to achieve with my readers through my book. The propagation of my message is to serve as a reminder that God’s plans, purposes, and pursuits can be expressed through our lives if we lay down our plans, purposes, and pursuits to Him. I learnt various life-changing lessons, which I discussed in each chapter, with the hope it would make a positive impact on someone’s life.

V. Richardson: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

Dolapo Babalola:You know, I haven’t thought about what I would like to change in my book at its current state. Though, I did think of changes on multiple occasions, even after the release of “MyGelm” to the market world, which led to me withdrawing my book to make further corrections. I must confess; it was exhausting! But I trusted God to guide me and He did. So, at this point, I can now say “To God be the Glory, I am pleased.”

V. Richardson: Who are/were your literary influences? And what books have most influenced your life most?

Dolapo Babalola:So many but to mention a few; Rev Tai Ikomi has influenced my life especially in her book titled “The Art of Inspirational writing. It is an amazing book! It teaches readers to release themselves and deliver the message indoctrinated. I can say that my life never remained the same after I read Mike Murdock’s book “The Uncommon Leader.” I could read it over and over again. I just love the part that says we should focus on possibilities instead of problems. And lastly; Gifted Hands by Dr. Ben Carson. I remember reading this book in college with tears in my eyes, knowing that I can overcome any obstacle if I can only believe in myself. The message is clearly that “Champions keep playing until they get it right” words from Billie Jean King.

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

Dolapo Babalola: So much, it’s unbelievable. I love the fact that I have discovered myself to be more God-fearing, Adventurous, Seizing every opportunity and a Constant learner.

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

Dolapo Babalola: I would like to leave these words with aspiring authors. First and foremost, please at this junction, tell yourself you can do it, you have what it takes to achieve you goals, and by the grace and wisdom of God, you will attain your goals. In addition to this, I recently heard of the key for success in an acronym called “REFS,” which stands for Respect, Effort, Focus, and Self-control.” Making it in life and scaling through challenges is by trusting God and seeking his guidance, but also having respect for self and others, making an effort, staying focused on the ultimate goal and maintaining self-control. So get to it; don’t waste the talents and gifts, because someone out there needs to hear and read about it.

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

Dolapo Babalola: My husband and I recently started MyGelm blog; we love to aspire to our maximum potential by using the talents that God has blessed us with. The goal is to inspire others positively by having monthly inspirational poems on my blog, which would be opened for discussion. We invite your readers to join us and contribute to these inspirational nuggets.
Readers can stay abreast of my ongoing efforts by visiting my website and blog; http://www.mygelm.com/ and http://www.mygelm.wordpress.com/. I welcome your comments, discussion or your 2 cents on different topics.

V. Richardson: Sounds delicious! How can readers contact you?

Dolapo Babalola: I would love to hear from your readers. The best way to contact me will be via email; mygelm@gmail.com or facebook; www.facebook.com/584879119

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?

Dolapo Babalola: Wow, when my life gets hectic, I simply go on a “self-retreat.” This is a retreat away from everyone, including my husband, children, family, etc. I spend this time re-evaluating my steps, watching movies, DANCING, just being quiet in my own world. When I am confident that I have grabbed my peace again, I come out ready to cope with life.

V. Richardson: Dolapo, thank you for an awesome chat! Thank you for sharing yourself and your works with our viewing audience. Much success to you! As always in closing, continue to inspire as you aspire!

Dolapo Babalola:Thank you! The pleasure is mine. I love the remarkable mission on “The Certain One,” which is “To Inspire as you Aspire.” Keep up the great work!

Video for My God: Even in the Last Minute.

COMING SOON! Love Found Me Stage Production

LOVE FOUND ME
The Stage Production

Mark your calendars! Saturday, January 8th, 2011|6:00pm. The Stage Production of Love Found Me comes to life! Our special guest artist is the sensational Mr. Tony Grant from Tyler Perry's stage productions "Why Did I Get Married?", and The Marriage Counselor." You don't want to miss this one showing only performance. Purchase tickets today! Hurry as tickets are going fast!






About Tony Grant
Tony Grant, a native of North Carolina, is an American R&B singer, writer, producer and stage play actor. Grant replaced Marc Nelson as lead singer for R&B group Az Yet following Marc's departure in 1997 to pursue his solo career. Included in Grant's brief tenure with Az Yet is the popular remake of "You're The Inspiration" with Chicago's Peter Cetera.

Grant had star billing in the stage play and DVDs Tell Hell I Ain't Comin', Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married and Love Ain't Supposed To Hurt. In the earlier part his entertainment career, Tony was cast for the lead role in the stage play "A Good Man is Hard to Find" in 1991. From there he has become one of the most popular leading men in the stage play industry. In January 2008, Grant began touring with the Tyler Perry stage production The Marriage Counselor.

Tony Grant in Love Ain't Supposed To Hurt

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.

Inspirational Poetry by Dee Artis

You Were There
You were there through all of the ridicule.
You were there when I told you about him.
You were there when I lost my love ones.
And I am so thankful, and blessed to know that you are still there.

I Feel Blessed

I feel blessed to have had you in my life.
I feel blessed to know your family, you will always hold a special place in my heart. I feel blessed.


Author Bio:
Dee Artis is an English lover who loves writing and reading. Dee wrote first poem in 9th/10th grade. She wrote her first story titled, "Where is mine?".

Contact Dee Artis:
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=514303948#!/profile.php?id=100000356496028


Disclaimer
Art Work by Fred Mathews