Book Zone

Connections by Shonell Bacon

2008-07-15T16:21:00.002-04:00

Connections – Date of Publication: July 2008

(Romantic Comedy)

Connections is a romantic comedy that’s perfect for today’s world where love is often found in Cyberspace.

Monday through Friday, for one hour a day, newspaper reporter Christianna Dayne’s life is wonderful. Despite her hectic life, she always manages to spend her lunch hour at Cyber Town where she can catch up with her best friend Samantha, grab a bite to eat, and most importantly, hook up with her cyber boo online. Christianna is definitely feeling LitGuy66, but she’s too afraid to meet him because she doesn’t want reality to come crashing down around her. What Christianna doesn’t know is she’s not in control; fate is, and when fate puts a flesh and blood man before her – a man who just happens to not only be her possible Mr. Wonderful but also her ultimate scoop – Christianna must decide whether to flee or stick around and pursue the endless possibilities.

Excerpt

I smiled when I noticed my girlfriend, Samantha, working. I waved, skipping over to her.

“You’re awfully giddy today,” she said as she handed a customer his change.

Approaching the counter, I leaned over, widening my smile.

“Actually, no,” I replied. “I’m tired, pissed, and cold as hell, but you know I couldn’t miss my lunch date.”

“What did Dave do this time?”

Samantha and I laughed. Dave was brothers with Samantha’s stepfather, so she knew all the dirt on him—even what wasn’t fit to print.

“Sam, he has me doing yet another mission impossible which means I won’t be able to hang with you this week.”

Sam’s icy blue eyes widened before she slapped the counter and chuckled. “Um, excuse me,” she said in her hard born-in-New-York accent, which so contrasted with her epitome-of-American-beauty blond hair, blue eyes, and model figure. “When was the last time we went out? You never go out.” She wiped the counter and nodded, her long blond hair dipping over her shoulders. “Which explains why you haven’t dated in how long?”

I raised my eyebrow. “Sam, I didn’t come here to be reprimanded for being a spinster.” I sighed. “Besides, dear old Mom already beat you to this convo over the weekend.”

Sam reached across the counter and patted my hand.

“I’m sorry, chica,” she said. She brightened and added, “But you do have your date today. How long has this been going on, two months now, right?”

I broke into a jaw-hurting smile. “Yeah,” I said as if shy.

“Why don’t you two just get over it and meet? It’s not like it’s a crime to meet someone on the Internet these days or anything.”

I pushed my thick, wiry hair back from off my face and blew into my hands. “I never really thought about it. I mean, he sounds too good to be true, and this one hour of my day makes me so happy. I would hate us to meet and negative vibes pop off. Then, I wouldn’t have this…” I lifted my arms and spun in a circle before I pointed to my favorite spot in the café.

Sam’s eyes moved toward my PC in the corner and then back to me. “Chris, you need to stop playing what if. I mean this could be the guy for you.”

“What’s gotten into you, Sam?” I asked, laughing. “You’re hardly the advocate for Internet romance. I often wonder why you even work here because I can bet you that a lot of these people come here to talk to people they are interested in romantically.”

“I guess I just see you in here, every Monday through Friday, talking for your hour, and floating out of the door because you’re so happy. Maybe I’d like to see you happy for more than one hour a day, five days a week.”

I smiled at my girl, taking her hands in mine and giving them a squeeze. I glanced at the contrast of our hands—hers being alabaster and mine the color of cinnamon. I chuckled, thinking of how people often looked at our color; raised brows at our loud, usually not politically correct discussions; and refused to see that we were sisters beyond our hues. Since we hooked up and lucked out as roommates our first year of college, Sam and I had been joined at the hip. Not even full-time jobs or the daily grind of life could keep us from staying connected.

“Thanks, Sis,” I said. “I know you’re just worried about my so-called love life. Not all of us can be graced to have a love like you and Jake.”

“True, but you know Jake and I have our problems…”

I gave Sam a serious look, before asking, “So how are things, between you, Jake, Jax, and Jamaica?”

“It’s going,” Sam said, sighing. “Jake and I can do nothing but continue loving each other and watching out for Jax. Jax is so young. I don’t want to hurt her with her mother’s crazy issues. If Jamaica is going to act up, then we’ll just have to deal with it then. She’s been okay since we talked to her, but you never know.”

I nodded. Our conversation was halted as a guy approached the counter. Wow, I thought, he’s cute. I knew Sam was thinking the same thing because she offered me a smirk before helping him.

“What can I do for you?” she asked.

“Uh, yeah,” he said, looking rushed, “can I get a cup of coffee and a turkey Swiss croissant?”

“Sure thing.”

“Ditto on that order, Sam, but make my coffee a caramel latte, please.” She nodded and turned away. I drummed my fingertips along the counter, catching glimpses of the guy out of the corner of my eye.

“Hi,” he said, catching me glancing. I turned toward him, a blush rising in my cheeks.

“Hi,” I replied, embarrassed. Now looking directly at him, I was like Elvis, all shook up.

He was gorgeous, in that artsy kind of way, and his Hispanic heritage just added to his machismo factor. He had the most beautiful pair of brown eyes—after my own—and a nice full mouth. He ran his hand over his slightly spiky brown hair and offered the other to me.

Want to know what happens to Christianna and her cyber boo? Pick up a copy of CONNECTIONS today – it’s only $1.95 – and enjoy it over a sweet latte.

The e-story by Shonell Bacon can be purchased via (Lady Leo Publishing)!

Once you read it, go check her out and let her know what you think! She'll post your comments!

Meet Allison Bottke!

2008-06-09T08:12:00.002-04:00

A special opening message from Allison Bottke: The interview that follows has been personalized for this particular blog. I want to thank our Blog Host for taking the time to read my newest non-fiction book and for sharing it here today on the Setting Boundaries Blog Tour. You are helping to spread the word about a topic that desperately needs to be addressed—with a message already striking a chord in hearts around the nation.

Our country is in a crisis of epidemic proportion concerning adult children whose lives are spinning out of control—leaving parents and grandparents broken-hearted and confused. This painful issue is destroying individuals, families, marriages, churches, and communities. I believe in my heart that you are reading this message today for a very specific reason. Do you know someone who has an adult child who is always in crisis? An adult child who brings chaos to virtually every situation? Could this painful issue be touching your life today?

If so, there’s a truth I’ve come to embrace that has changed my life—it can change yours, too. It’s taken me more years than I care to admit, but I no longer believe in “coincidences.” The truth I’ve come to embrace is that God is the Master of orchestrating “God-cidences.” He has a plan for who he wants us to meet, what lessons he wants us to learn, even what books he wants us to read. He even has a plan for the trials and tribulations of life.

When we begin to look at everything that happens to us throughout the day as “God-cidences” (and not accidental coincidences) it changes the way we view our world.

That said, my prayer is that you will see the following message and the book; Setting Boundaries with Your Adult Children: Six Steps to Hope and Healing as a “God-cidence” placed into your life today for a powerful purpose. Perhaps it’s to help heal your family or the family of a loved one. Perhaps you are here to help us introduce this resource to a broader audience via additional media contacts you may have. Whatever the “God-cidence” may be, please know our primary goal is to bring hope and healing to families around the nation—thank you for helping us do that.

I pray you will view what you are about to read as a “God-cidence” meant just for you.

God Bless and KeepYou,
Allison Bottke

BOOK ZONE: The book comes out of your own personal experience with your son. Please tell us about that.

ALLISON: For years I really thought I was helping my son. I wanted him to have the things I never had growing up. I love my son, and I didn’t want him to hurt—but sometimes pain is a natural result of the choices we make. For a long time I didn’t understand the part I was playing in the ongoing drama that had become my son’s life—I didn’t understand that I didn’t have to live in constant chaos and crisis because of his choices. When I chose to stop the insanity and start living a life of hope and healing my life changed. It’s a feeling I want other struggling parents and grandparents to experience. I want other parents to know that change is possible when we choose to stop the destructive cycle of enabling. And we can stop it. I know, because I’ve done it.

BOOK ZONE: Why do you think so many parents struggle with enabling their adult children?

ALLISON: We don’t understand the difference between helping and enabling, that one heals and the other hurts. We don’t realize that we handicap our adult children when we don’t allow them to experience the consequences of their actions.

BOOK ZONE: How can we determine whether we are helping versus enabling our children?

ALLISON: Helping is doing something for someone that he is not capable of doing himself.

Enabling is doing for someone things that he could and should be doing himself.

An enabler is a person who recognizes that a negative circumstance is occurring on a regular basis and yet continues to enable the person with the problem to persist with his detrimental behaviors. Simply, enabling creates an atmosphere in which our adult children can comfortably continue their unacceptable behavior.

On Enabling…

As long as we continue to keep enabling our adult children, they will continue to deny They have any problems, since most of their problems are being “solved” by those around him. Only when our adult children are forced to face the consequences of their own actions—their own choices—will it finally begin to sink in how deep their patterns of dependence and avoidance have become. And only then will we as parents be able to take the next step to real healing, forever ending our enabling habits and behaviors. (pg. 33)

BOOK ZONE: Where can my readers go for more information on your book and on the S.A.N.I.T.Y. ministry?

ALLISON: Everything you could possibly need is contained on our web site at: http://www.sanitysupport.com/blogtourguests.htm.

ALLISON: I encourage your readers to tell me what they think about Setting Boundaries with Your Adult Children. I really do want to hear reader feedback. They can reach me at: SettingBoundaries@SanitySupport.com. Please be sure to visit our web site at http://www.sanitysupport.com/blogtourguests.htm where they will find additional resources for helping them on their road to S.A.N.I.T.Y. Remember to tell a friend in need and help save a life!

Upcoming Blog Tour!

2008-06-07T23:22:00.004-04:00

Starting on Monday, June 9, 2008 thru Saturday, June 14, 2008… Read Zone Book Reviews will be hosting a Blog Tour for Allison Bottke and her latest book, Setting Boundaries With Your Adult Children!

Travel with us as we find out something new about Allison at each stop:

Stop #1 - Monday, June 9, 2008 - Book Zone

Stop #2 - Tuesday, June 10, 2008 - Shoutlife & Read Zone Book Reviews & Announcements

Stop #3 - Wednesday, June 11, 2008 - Dee411: Cast Down, But Not Destroyed!

Stop #4 - Thursday, June 12, 2008 - Gather

Stop #5 - Friday, June 13, 2008 - Myspace & More Myspace

Stop #6 - Saturday, June 14, 2008 - Divine Perspective

SANITY MAKES A COMEBACK!

“Setting Boundaries With Your Adult Children: Six Steps to Hope and Healing for Struggling Parents” and the SANITY Support Group Network are powerful resources to help parents and grandparents who have challenging adult children gain SANITY in a world spinning out of control. Tell a friend in need…help change a life. Visit http://www.sanitysupport.com/

Total Recall... Takin' it Back!

2008-02-02T18:10:00.001-05:00

Total Recall

1990 - The movie - They stole his mind, now he wants it back.

What is reality when you can't trust your memory? An Earthbound construction worker keeps having dreams about Mars. A trip to a false memory transplant service for an imaginary trip to Mars goes terribly wrong and another personality surfaces. When his old self returns, he finds groups of his friends and several strangers seem to have orders to kill him. He finds records his other self left him that tell him to get to Mars to join up with the underground. The reality of the situation is constantly in question. Who is he? Which personality is correct? Which version of reality is true?

Total Recall

2008 - The rally - They stole our voice, now we're takin' it back!

What is reality when you can't trust anyone? When you're expected to perform to the standards of parents, teachers, coaches, police officers, and everyone else in the world seems to have a say in your life... but you? Seems as if your life is out of control, operating on automatic pilot, like a robot or a toy. What if that reality is not all that your reality can be? What if the person you are now... is not the person God intended you to be?

Joyless, angry, disconnected, purposeless, bored, depressed, abused, confused, suicidal...

On February 23, 2007 at 7:00 PM at Trexler Middle School in Allentown, PA... with the use of artistic expression Hip Hop, Step, Skits, Rap and more, we're using what the world distorted to show you the possibilities in Christ. Reject your current programming and the programmer. Reclaim your voice! In order to do so you must be there for it: Total Recall... Takin' it back!

For more information, check out our myspace page:

http://www.myspace.com/gen_y_totalrecall

Introducing: The Afterthought

2008-01-25T11:17:00.000-05:00

Title: The Afterthought
Author: Reed Houston
Publisher: AuthorHouse
Release Date: November 9, 2007
ISBN-10: 1434336190
ISBN-13: 978-1434336194
Paperback: 132 pages
List Price: $16.49

Description:

The Afterthought—The title speaks for itself…that moment just after the act has been committed where we find ourselves reflecting upon what has just taken place. The attempt to grasp the magnitude of past events…What did it mean? What is the next step? That moment where we define or redefine ourselves into what we are about to become. That moment just before we exhale and reality sets in...that moment is… The Afterthought.

About the Author:

With a flare of versatility and directness, Reed, utilizes this combination to "tell it like it is." It is his goal to be heard by capturing the attention of a worldwide audience through his work as a writer. Although he considers himself an amateur, he has been persuaded by admirers of his poetry to pursue his talents, thus giving birth to this book. With self-expression as the main focus, he hopes to generate self evaluation for those who try to understand his depth as a writer. Just as he was inspired by others, Reed, hopes to one day become the inspiration for someone else, as well, through the words of his poetry.

Read an excerpt

Purchase a copy of The Afterthought

Introducing: Jezebel's Wings

2007-09-22T08:41:00.000-04:00

Title: Jezebel's Wings
Author: Joan Crossing
Publisher: Publish America
Release Date: August 20, 2007
ISBN-10: 1424188466
ISBN-13: 978-1424188468
Paperback: 56 pages
List Price: $12.95

Description:

Jezebel's Wings is about a 10-year old going to bed only to awake to a different mom same face-but different soul. From this point on her life changes; her mother has gone completely mad. This day marks the change and challenges from child to woman. She embarks on desperate journey to be something other than what the street has in store.

First, she takes the path through adultery, drugs, and brushes with the law, and every bad element imaginable. Along the way God sends her different lifelines. A few lead her to respectable careers and success. She is a survivor; even Hurricaine Katrina couldn't blow her away.

After all the page turning events and things she has done to change, "Will God give Jezebel her wings?"

About the Author:

Who is Joan Crossing? A Mother, friend, entrepreneur ,medic, radiology tech, former real estate broker, pet groomer, survivor of a horrid childhood from the inner-city, to a can-do and go-getter achiever, and now an author who's setting goals for great peace and wealth.

Read an excerpt
Purchase a copy of Jezebel's Wings

Introducing: 99

2007-09-09T07:56:00.000-04:00

Title: 99
Author: Reed Houston
Publisher: AuthorHouse
Release Date: February 7, 2005
ISBN-10: 1420819240
ISBN-13: 978-1420819243
Paperback: 140 pages
List Price: $15.50

Description:

This book is just a reflection of my thoughts, feelings, and experiences as I walk through the complexity of life. Addressing everything from love to frustration, spirituality to sexuality, friendship and family to loneliness, this is an attempt to make a connection between myself and my readers. Through verses and metaphors, I create a voice for hidden emotions, frustrating circumstances or just simple unspoken thoughts. Although, all the poems in this book are not my personal experiences, most were inspired by some event, emotion, or thought and in some cases my imagination. So, I challenge you, take a moment, open the pages of this book, and open the pages to your own self conscious.

About the Author:

With a flare of versatility and directness, Reed, utilizes this combination to "tell it like it is." It is his goal to be heard by capturing the attention of a worldwide audience through his work as a writer. Although he considers himself an amateur, he has been persuaded by admirers of his poetry to pursue his talents, thus giving birth to this book. With self-expression as the main focus, he hopes to generate self evaluation for those who try to understand his depth as a writer. Just as he was inspired by others, Reed, hopes to one day become the inspiration for someone else, as well, through the words of his poetry.

Read an excerpt
Purchase a copy of 99

Book Chat on Thursday Night!

2007-06-19T14:19:00.000-04:00

Read Zone host chats on Thursday nights from 8 - 9 pm. They are informal and fun.

We've no set formula ... for that brief time span we join forces with the author to promote him/her and his/her book(s)/project(s).

As a result we do ask the following:

that the author be prepared to mail out an autographed copy of his/her
book to one of the participants in the chat
that the author promotes the chat as well (email blast will be sent to author for forwarding to subscribers/friends)
that the author links back to our site or refers someone to us. (desired
but not mandatory)

Requirements for email blast:

book cover image (bmp, jpg, gif or png)
description of the book
an author picture (bmp, jpg, gif or png)
a juicy sized excerpt (link, MSW or PDF)
ISBN
author website

June's Schedule:

June 21st - Michael J. Burt, Author of Love Changes.

View Chat Transcripts / View Sample Email Blast / Book Your Chat

Backlist Presents: Get Your Book Published!

2007-06-18T16:30:00.000-04:00

A Note from Felicia at Backlist.com

Get Your Book Published! I'm Hosting Another Seminar

For DC-area folks, I'm hosting another book publishing seminar for Mediabistro. Details below.

To sign up visit, http://www.mediabistro.com/courses/cache/crs2744.asp.

Get Your Book Published
How to navigate the publishing industry

WHEN: Thursday, June 28, 6:30-9:30 pm

WHERE: The New York Avenue Presbyterian Church, 1313 New York Avenue, N.W., Park Level, Washington, D.C. 20005, 212-929-2588

PRICE: $65 ($50 for )more info

Course Details:

If you are a writer, you are not only in the business of writing, you are in the business of publishing. The most successful writers understand how the book publishing industry works and know how to navigate the complex waters of the industry. Knowledge is power. By understanding the realities of publishing (not everyone receives a six-figure advance) you'll be able to find ways to maintain a successful writing career.

In this seminar, you will learn:

* Publishing basics- how the industry works
* The structure of publishing houses
* How to get to know the major players - literary agents, editors, and publishers
* The realities of advances and book sales
* What really goes on in an editorial meeting and how decisions are made about what books are published
* What happens once your book is published
* How to develop a marketing plan for yourself and your book

Introducing: The Dark River

2007-06-12T17:34:00.000-04:00

Title: The Dark River
Author: John Twelve Hawks
Publisher: Doubleday
Release Date: July 10, 2007
ISBN-10: 0385514298
ISBN-13: 978-0385514293
Hardcover: 384 pages
List Price: $24.95

Description:

A frantic race to save a long-lost Traveler.
An epic battle for freedom.
Two brothers whose power puts them on a collision course . . .with each other.

In The Traveler, John Twelve Hawks introduced readers to a dangerous world inspired by the modern technology that monitors our lives. Under constant surveillance of the ‘Vast Machine,’ a sophisticated computer network run by a ruthless group, society is mostly unaware of its own imprisonment. Gabriel and Michael Corrigan, brothers who were raised “off the grid,” have recently learned they are Travelers like their long-lost father— part of a centuries-old line of prophets able to journey to different realms of consciousness and enlighten the world to resist being controlled. But power affects the brothers differently. As The Traveler ends, Gabriel hesitates under the weight of responsibility. Michael seizes the opportunity—and joins the enemy.

THE DARK RIVER opens in New York City with a stunning piece of news. Gabriel’s father, who has been missing for nearly twenty years, may still be alive and trapped somewhere in Europe . Gabriel and his Harlequin protector, Maya, immediately mobilize to escape New York and find the long-lost Traveler. Simultaneously, Michael orders the Brethren—the ruthless group that has been hunting Gabriel—into a full-scale search. Gabriel yearns to find his father to protect him; Michael aims to destroy the man whose existence threatens his newfound power. The race moves from the underground tunnels of New York and London to ruins hidden beneath Rome and Berlin , to a remote region of Africa that is rumored to harbor one of history’s greatest treasures. And as the story moves toward its chilling conclusion, Maya must decide if she will trade everything to rescue Gabriel.

A mesmerizing return to the places and people so richly portrayed in The Traveler, THE DARK RIVER is propelled by edge-of-the-seat suspense and haunted by a vision of a world where both hope and freedom are about to disappear.

About the Author:

John Twelve Hawks lives off the grid. He is the author of the New York Times bestseller The Traveler. THE DARK RIVER is his second novel. To learn more about him and his ideas, visit his new website, johntwelvehawks.com.

Pre-Order a copy of The Dark River

Introducing: Monogamous Intentions

2007-06-07T09:52:00.000-04:00

Title: Monogamous Intentions
Author: Shannon N. Davis
Publisher: DeLoach-Davis Publishing
Release Date: May 24, 2006
ISBN-10: 0976981319
ISBN-13: 978-0976981312
Paperback: 240 pages
List Price: $15.00

Description:

Monogamous Intentions is a work of fiction. Each character in this story deals with issues confronting our society today. Issues of adultery, jealousy, envy, violence, incarceration, AIDS, attempted murder and yes, Love. The main character is Sedonia Lacey. She goes to hell and back before she finally finds out who she really is. Her early childhood starts out as a normal middle class little Black girl ... blissfully happy with her parents, but then she over hears her parents many fights --and life for her becomes uncertain.

She learns that something is not quite right, but is just too young to absorb it all. Her mother then meets with a violent attack and is almost killed! But who really did it? Sedonia ends up living with her Aunt Grace after her mothers violent attack-- that left her in a coma. As Sedonia becomes a young lady, she escapes home by marrying her ideal man. It was a whirlwind romance at first ... but it lost its fizzle after a while and she becomes lonely in her marriage.

Out of nowhere, one day the most handsome man unsuspectingly enters her world. She begins a steamy love affair. Caught up in a love triangle--she becomes pregnant and finds herself asking "Who's the Dad? Now, she also has to be tested for HIV--which one tested positive?

About the Author:

Shannon Davis is one of the Hottest New Authors on the Horizon! Shannon won her readers over from her first release last year (2005) with "Nothing Like friends." And they applauded….More! More! More! And she does just that with "Monogamous Intentions." Before becoming an author, she worked as a Registered Nurse in New Jersey. Since as early as Shannon can remember, she has enjoyed writing. She invites her readers and fans to share their responses from her books with her.

Purchase a copy of Monogamous Intentions

Upcoming Release: Straight to the Heart

2007-06-05T11:59:00.000-04:00

Title: Straight to the Heart
Author: Michelle Monkou
Publisher: Kimani
Release Date: September 1, 2007
ISBN-10: 037386034X
ISBN-13: 978-0373860340
Mass Market Paperback: 288 pages
List Price: $5.99

Description:

Meet Omar Masterson, the youngest in the family, who takes some bold steps toward independence. As a TV Video and Talk Host, his first assignment lands him in the spotlight of Stacy Watts, hip-hop singer/actress. Together the two must battle and make amends with their past or be destroyed, canceling any hope of a life together. Their fierce love for each other is swift and direct, like an arrow – straight to the heart.

About the Author:

Michelle Monkou enjoys reading! Reading books of all genres developed an imagination powerful enough to set lofty goals, like being a published writer. Writing romances proved to be the natural choice after devouring well-crafted stories with historical backdrops from the genre greats like Barbara Cartland, Kathleen Woodiweiss, and Edith Layton, and the contemporary romantic suspense tales from Nora Roberts.

However, representation from the African-American community as romance writers or as main characters in romances was rare. With the pioneering launch of several multi-cultural romance lines and their continued success, there is now an outlet for diversity. Michelle’s dream came true in January, 2002 when she received a two-book contract from BET Books. OPEN YOUR HEART debuted in November 2002, for which she earned the prestigious Emma Award nomination for Favorite New Author of Multicultural Romance. FINDERS KEEPERS hit bookshelves in June 2003 and received an advance review from Romantic Times Book Club with a Top Pick and 4 1/2 stars. GIVE LOVE, a holiday anthology with Linda Hudson-Smith and Francine Craft, was released October 2003. MAKING PROMISES arrived in bookstores October 2004 and was featured in The Baltimore Sun.

Born in England and growing up in Guyana, Michelle enjoyed the rich history and culture of the Caribbean experience. Now living in the United States, she blends all of her influences with her American experience to spin romantic stories about real people with real conflicts who fall in love.

Michelle earned a Bachelor’s in English to hone her skills as a writer and a Master’s in International Business to earn a living while pursuing her dream. She is a member of several chapters of the Romance Writers of America. Michelle resides in the Washington, DC metropolitan area with her husband and two children.

Pre-Order a copy of Straight to the Heart

Introducing: Love Changes

2007-06-05T07:30:00.000-04:00

Title: Love Changes
Author: Michael J. Burt
Publisher: Xpress Yourself Publishing, LLC
Release Date: February 5, 2007
ISBN-10: 0972299068
ISBN-13: 978-0972299060
Paperback: 84 pages
List Price: $10.95

Description:

Love Changes, Michael J. Burt’s sophomore release, is a compilation of his most personal works. Burt describes this compilation as being a diary revealing his most personal thoughts. This poetry collection takes you on a journey through love, which is subject to change.

About the Author:

ESSENCE Magazine featured Poet and author Michael J. Burt was born July 1, 1985 in Washington , DC . He was raised in Prince George 's County, Maryland , where he currently resides. Burt studies psychology at Frostburg State University in Western Maryland. Marsha Ambrosius of the Grammy-nominated group Floetry said that Burt's poetry has "...the ability to reach the Soul with honest words of emotional optimism...Lovely."

In 2005, Burt’s first volume of poetry entitled “Experience Is Impossible Without a Chance: A Collection of Poems” was published. Lovers of the written and spoken word have seen Burt perform at Christopher Newport University, Frostburg State University, Johns Hopkins University, and heard his poetry on Howard University’s historic WHUR-FM 96.3 radio station.

Burt fulfilled a dream by opening for poet Nikki Giovanni and also had the privilege of being booked to open for Def Poet J. Ivy. He is a contributor to multiple thought provoking African American-experience books including "Journey into My Brother's Soul" and “Not In My Family: AIDS in the African American Community” which features writings from Patti LaBelle, Mo’Nique, Hill Harper, Al Sharpton, and many more. Burt’s poem “The Legacy” was featured in the March 2007 issue of ESSENCE Magazine. He has also been featured in the literary magazine "The Nubian Chronicles."

“Love Changes: Poems,” Michael J. Burt’s sophomore effort was released officially February 5, 2007 by Xpress Yourself Publishing.

Burt is the Managining Editor of Poetic Press (Coming April 2007) an imprint of XYP.

Upon the completion of college, Michael J. Burt plans to continue writing and pursue a career in therapy. Burt is currently an online columnist for NewsBlaze.com and a contributing writer for J.T.'s Book Corner at Black Men In America.com doing celebrity and author interviews!

For more info please visit him online at http://www.mjburtpoetry.com/ or www.myspace.com/poetmjb!

Read an excerpt

Purchase a copy of Love Changes

Introducing: Black People: For Entertainment Purposes Only

2007-06-04T23:20:00.000-04:00

Title: Black People: For Entertainment Purposes Only
Author: W. Ivan Wright
Publisher: Able Journey Press
Release Date: April 1, 2007
ISBN-10: 1934249467
ISBN-13: 978-1934249468
Paperback: 210 pages
List Price: $15.95

Description:

Black People: For Entertainment Purposes Only, is a suspenseful fiction thriller that introduces seasoned characters and humorous dialogues to the reader. The main character, Jurney Swiftwood, has written a book whose title infers that the purpose of black people, is for America's entertainment. Jurney's book has placed him in the cross hairs of community dissension, media scrutiny and family angst. The outcry from an offended public has also placed an unsuspecting Jurney on the hit list of a politically controlled assassin. In the midst of his troubles, Jurney discovers that he is the father of a precious, yet abused nine-year-old girl! Situations and conversations present an entertaining vehicle that serves to remind all communities of the importance, and awesome power of perception.

About the Author:

W. Ivan Wright was born and raised in Trenton, NJ where he attended Trenton’s public school system. His affinity for the sciences led him to Indiana University of PA where he received his Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy. Writing began for Ivan while in college and continued as a “serious hobby” for many years. His formalized literary work and fiction novel development began several years ago and has resulted in two novels: Black People: For Entertainment Purposes Only (publication release April 2007) and Indentured Scholars: The Inner City Scandal (publication release September 2007).

Purchase a copy of Black People: For Entertainment Purposes Only

Introducing: The Passion Runs Through It

2007-06-03T19:52:00.000-04:00

Title: The Passion Runs Through It
Author: Deb Dietz
Publisher: PublishAmerica.com
Release Date: May 22, 2006
ISBN-10: 1424136210
ISBN-13: 978-1424136216
Paperback: 81 pages
List Price: $14.95

Description:

“The Passion Runs Through It” is a collection of freestyle, contemporary poetry spoken from the heart ... a creative outpouring of the ordinary moments seen and felt, breathed in and out, by an author who learned the hard way what it means to truly live.

Come experience “The Passion…”

About the Author:

Deb Dietz is originally from Peoria, IL but has lived most of her life in the Rockford, IL area. She has two terrific sons, a loving family and a terrific guy in her life.

In 1996/97, Deb went through a very difficult time in her life that forced her to confront the fact that she had sacrificed all the parts of her life that were "Deb." It was then that she began to rebuild who she was and what she was all about, literally starting from scratch. This is when Deb discovered her love for writing.

After writing some 700+ poems, Deb decided to pursue a publishing contract and was fortunate enough to realize that dream. “The Passion Runs Through It” was released in May, 2006, and Deb hopes to publish a second collection soon.

One thing Deb says she learned (the hard way) and what she hopes readers will gain from reading "The Passion Runs Through It" is that life is too short to let those ever-present moments of passion pass by…not just love’s passion but the passion of life and all it entails. Anything that speaks strongly from your heart and soul can be your passion. Recognize it, believe in it, and give it room to grow! Seek your passion…

http://press.arrivenet.com/entertainment/article.php/961791.html

Purchase a copy of The Passion Runs Through It

Introducing: Who I’ve become is Not who I Am

2007-06-02T13:06:00.000-04:00

Title: Who I’ve become is Not who I Am
Author: Sonya Visor
Publisher: Covenant House Press
Release Date: 2006
List Price: $11.00

Description:

How does someone reach the conclusion of taking their own life?

We focus too much effort trying to be someone that God never intended only to find ourselves overwhelmed, defeated and depressed. Sonya teetered on the threshold of death after she tried to construct a person that she was not commissioned to be.

Who I’ve Become, Is Not Who I Am explains how our actions and reactions to situations create the illusion of fulfilled life. No longer will you wrestle with the hopelessness of bad decisions, but you’ll walk away renewed, refreshed and restored.

About the Author:

Sonya Visor, co-pastor, author and playwright lives in Racine, Wisconsin with her husband, Pastor Tony Visor, and two sons, Jason and Tony, Jr.

Sonya has always enjoyed reading a good book. She first started writing in high school, but didn’t get serious about writing until the youth needed a fundraiser at her church. Sonya’s passion for writing got stirred up and she wrote her first play Left Behind. The latest DVD of her stage production, Say Amen at the Club, is available for purchase at sonyavisor.com and amazon.com.

Over the past couple of years Sonya has written five plays, four books and she is currently working on her first novel. Her first published work, The Check For $3.96, is included in an anthology entitled Blended Families, published by Pen Of the Writer and edited by Valerie Coleman.

Sonya has also been blessed to have her story Love me for Who I am included in the anthology The Midnight Clear, published by KNB publication. The anthology is of several short stories, including contributions written by nationally acclaimed authors: Patricia Haley, Kendra Norman-Bellamy, Tia McCollors, and Stacy Hawkins Adams.

Who I’ve become is Not who I Am is her first book published by Covenant House Press, a Christian publishing company owned by the author and her husband Tony Visor. This book was birthed from Sonya’s struggle to be free from the opinions of others.

Sonya has ministered along with her husband Pastor Tony since March, 1999 as co-pastor and co-founder of New Covenant Church in Racine, Wisconsin www.newcovrac.org. For over sixteen years she has been an active teacher, preacher and inspirational speaker of the gospel.

Sonya’s calling is for women who are broken, knowing that God is the only one who made her whole.God spared Sonya’s life from her own hand as her eyes were open to the fact that she couldn’t live out of what she had become. God now uses her voice and writing to minister to the needs of others.

Purchase a copy of Who I’ve become is Not who I Am

Introducing: WHATEVER!

2007-05-18T20:18:00.000-04:00

Title: WHATEVER! A Baby Boomer's Journey Into Middle Age
Author: Beverly Mahone
Publisher: Benoham Publishing
Release Date: May 22, 2006
ISBN-10: 0977887693
ISBN-13: 978-0977887699
Paperback: 112 pages
List Price: $12.95

Description:

WHATEVER! A Baby Boomer's Journey Into Middle Age is an inspirational and humorous look at growing older through the eys of self-proclaimed diva Beverly Mahone. Discover how the author copes with "the change" and the challenges that come with it.

Beverly keeps her story real as she addresses issues including weight gain, menopause, and middle-age dating. You'll laugh as you reflect on your own experiences, and it's sure to stimulate conversation among your girlfriends.

About the Author:

Beverly Mahone is a journalist with more than 25 years of experience in radio and television. As a motivational speaker, she has uplifted thousands with her powerful messages. Although WHATEVER! A Baby Boomer's Journey Into Middle Age is her first solo project, she is also a published writer in How We Got Over: Testimonies of Faith, Hope and Courage and The Women of Color Devotional Bible. Beverly currently resides in North carolina with her teenage daughter.

Purchase a copy of WHATEVER! A Baby Boomer's Journey Into Middle Age

Introducing: Here and Now

2007-05-11T10:29:00.000-04:00

Title: Here and Now
Author: Michelle Monkou
Publisher: Kimani
Release Date: January 1, 2007
ISBN-10: 0373860021
ISBN-13: 978-0373860029
Mass Market Paperback: 288 pages
List Price: $5.99

Description:

Laura Masterson is determined not to let her handsome boss, Chase Dillard, distract her from attaining her personal best as a physical therapist. Especially because her new employer is the same world-class athlete who broke her heart back in the day. He put their relationship on hold to fulfill his Olympic potential, but soon realized that his victories were hollow without the woman he loved by his side. Chase definitely has some ground to make up if he wants to win Laura back.

About the Author:

Introducing: Sweet Surrender

2007-05-10T09:20:00.000-04:00

Title: Sweet Surrender
Author: Michelle Monkou
Publisher: Kimani
Release Date: September 1, 2006
ISBN-10: 1583147802
ISBN-13: 978-1583147801
Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
List Price: $5.99

Description:

After her marriage ended in bitter divorce, Haley Sanders was carving out a new life in a new town with her thirteen-year-old daughter. Dr. Pierce Masterson was not part of the single mother's blueprint for the future--even if her new landlord was much too attractive for anyone's good.

With his three younger siblings looking to him for guidance, Pierce was a man who took family seriously.

He knew he could help Haley and her daughter adjust to life here--if only his alluring tenant would let down her guard. But once she did, was this Masterson male ready to take a chance on love and share with Haley the joy of a promise fulfilled?

About the Author:

Introducing: One Love

2007-05-09T20:04:00.000-04:00

Title: One Love
Author: Bill Holmes
Publisher: XPress Yourself Publishing, LLC
Release Date: April 1, 2006
Genre: Fiction
ISBN-10: 0972299041
ISBN-13: 978-0972299046
Paperback: 272 pages
List Price: $15.00

Description:

Chris, a handsome and talented poet, is struggling to find inspiration to write while wrestling with corporate politics and the drama of an unfulfilling relationship. Regina, a beautiful accountant, feels frustrated with her career and the dating scene and secretly yearns to re-embrace her heart's desire: singing. A chance encounter between these thirty-something commuters one summer morning reveals this is a small world where poetry, family, friendship and love unite in Philadelphia.

About the Author:

Bill Holmes is an artist who has dared to dream in the face of adversity while recognizing the divine nature of life and its infinite possibilities. As a respected poet, writer and author on the Philadelphia spoken word scene, Bill has touched many souls through his creative endeavors by striving towards excellence in everything he does. His performances have captivated many audiences through his unique style of humor, insight, spirituality, pride, and most importantly, love and appreciation of a woman. By no means is Bill afraid "to keep it real when expressing the importance of self-love."

Bill is the founder, the publisher and the CEO of Universal Expressions, LLC, a publishing company that allows artists the opportunity to achieve their aesthetic dreams. He is also the author of the chapbook Illuminations, the spoken word EP Asphyxiation, the full-length poetry book Straight From My Heart, and the spoken word CD, The Air I Breathe, and the fiction novel One Love.

Bill has been featured and has performed at various poetry venues in Philadelphia, New Jersey, New York, and surrounding areas. Bill was the co-host of the monthly poetry series Poetic Ventures Writers Collective and has opened for artists such as the Last Poets and award-winning jazz musician Roy Ayers. His work has been published and featured in the Philadelphia Tribune, ESSENCE, and the anthology Journey Into My Brother's Soul.

Read an excerpt
Purchase a copy of One Love

Introducing: The Familiar

2007-05-08T22:20:00.000-04:00

Title: The Familiar
Author: H.J. Courtright
Publisher: Literary Art Publishers
Release Date: May 28, 2006
ISBN-10: 0974486620
ISBN-13: 978-0974486628
Paperback: 87 pages
List Price: $8.95

Description:

Frederick, an artist, attempts to escape the memory of his wife's tragic death by moving to the mountain village of Halo. There he transforms a century old barn into a gallery and studio. He resumes painting, only now, all of the female images he creates are in the likeness of his departed wife. One rendering having an overwhelming resemblance to her is of a half-human lioness.

He pays little attention to stories of slaughtered animals and livestock, until on a hot summer night, while sleeping outside on the front stoop, he awakens to find himself face to face with the beast of his painting, and he soon discovers the tie binding them together is far stronger than mere paint and canvas.

The Familiar, a variation of the beauty and the beast theme, is also an experiment in role reversal, for in this story, beauty is the beast.

About the Author:

Harold was raised as far into the country as one could get in New Jersey in the 1950’s. Some of his favorite memories involve walking or fishing by himself or with his father at a nearby brook. Even though Harold’s father passed away when he was eleven, he never felt alone during his continued explorations, and the woods remained his closest friend. His experiences in nature soon led to an affinity with earth-based pagan religions.

Harold met his wife Rita in 1978 during the course of a previous field service job. Rita introduced Harold to the earth-based Celtic ceremonial religions of Wicca. Harold found that Wicca validated his deeply felt spiritual beliefs. After studying Wicca, Harold felt that there was something missing. He felt the need to reach back further than the early Celtic era and identify with something from our most ancient history. As he searched further, he came across Native American Shamanism. Harold believes, “…shamanic practices are the reason we believe in an after-life at all.”

After years of study, Harold now performs shamanic healings and divinations for individuals. He has also led souls who have passed on to the brink of heaven to be received by the Great Mother. He believes a critical aspect of shamanism, before and during his journeys, is self-study. During the course of a journey, a shaman can see him or her self as no one else can, thus gaining important self-knowledge and confidence. Harold explains, “Shamanic practices require courage to accept what you see.”

The style of Harold’s writing is what separates Soaring Eagle from other books on Shamanism. The lyrical and rhythmic prose of the novel allows the reader to be an intrinsic part of the unfolding story. In contrast to Harold’s left-brain day job as a maintenance supervisor scheduling technicians who repair trains, he delivers ecstatic and poetic prose that soars like an eagle.

His current novel is titled The Familiar and is a recasting of the timeless beauty and the beast theme. Once more his vivid imagery draws the reader into the character's world of loneliness and emotional pain, and once more his unique view of the human experience bonds with his ability to weave a stunning tale in which love lasts forever, and beauty is the beast.

Harold’s wife Rita fully supports his writing and publishing career. Today Harold enjoys his solitude while doing woodworking and taking long walks and country drives with his wife. Harold’s next novel will be released in the spring of 2007 and is titled The Horn of Unyk.

Purchase a copy of The Familiar

Introducing: Soaring Eagle, Spirit of the Wind

2007-05-07T21:28:00.000-04:00

Title: Soaring Eagle, Spirit of the Wind
Author: H.J. Courtright
Publisher: Literary Art Publishers
Release Date: December 2003
ISBN-10: 0974486612
ISBN-13: 978-0974486611
Paperback: 78 pages
List Price: $8.95

Description:

Shamanism, for those unfamiliar, is the method developed by early humans to communicate with the spirit world to further understand the link between themselves and their creator. It is the basis upon which religions are formed and is as valid now as in ancient times. We are descendants of those who first set foot upon the path of discovery, a seemingly endless quest in determining who we are, where we have come from, and why we are here.

Soaring Eagle, Spirit of the Wind is the telling of two quests.

Rosalie, a self-destructive woman, is summoned into the spirit world and persuaded to embark upon her own quest of discovery. Along the way she must develop the will to battle the greatest of all foes; herself, a battle she is destined to lose if not for the aid of the shaman, Soaring Eagle.

Soaring Eagle, engaged in an endless quest to serve his people, sees Rosalie’s plight in a vision, and propels himself into the spirit world to retrieve her soul.

The plot is designed around three shamanic journeys that have been adapted from the author's personal experiences. Written in a style devised to keep pace with the shaman’s drum, the story is composed at a conceptual level difficult to achieve and is destined to become a cult classic.

About the Author:

Harold was raised as far into the country as one could get in New Jersey in the 1950’s. Some of his favorite memories involve walking or fishing by himself or with his father at a nearby brook. Even though Harold’s father passed away when he was eleven, he never felt alone during his continued explorations, and the woods remained his closest friend. His experiences in nature soon led to an affinity with earth-based pagan religions.

Harold met his wife Rita in 1978 during the course of a previous field service job. Rita introduced Harold to the earth-based Celtic ceremonial religions of Wicca. Harold found that Wicca validated his deeply felt spiritual beliefs. After studying Wicca, Harold felt that there was something missing. He felt the need to reach back further than the early Celtic era and identify with something from our most ancient history. As he searched further, he came across Native American Shamanism. Harold believes, “…shamanic practices are the reason we believe in an after-life at all.”

After years of study, Harold now performs shamanic healings and divinations for individuals. He has also led souls who have passed on to the brink of heaven to be received by the Great Mother. He believes a critical aspect of shamanism, before and during his journeys, is self-study. During the course of a journey, a shaman can see him or her self as no one else can, thus gaining important self-knowledge and confidence. Harold explains, “Shamanic practices require courage to accept what you see.”

The style of Harold’s writing is what separates Soaring Eagle from other books on Shamanism. The lyrical and rhythmic prose of the novel allows the reader to be an intrinsic part of the unfolding story. In contrast to Harold’s left-brain day job as a maintenance supervisor scheduling technicians who repair trains, he delivers ecstatic and poetic prose that soars like an eagle.

His current novel is titled The Familiar and is a recasting of the timeless beauty and the beast theme. Once more his vivid imagery draws the reader into the character's world of loneliness and emotional pain, and once more his unique view of the human experience bonds with his ability to weave a stunning tale in which love lasts forever, and beauty is the beast.

Harold’s wife Rita fully supports his writing and publishing career. Today Harold enjoys his solitude while doing woodworking and taking long walks and country drives with his wife. Harold’s next novel will be released in the spring of 2007 and is titled The Horn of Unyk.

Purchase a copy of Soaring Eagle, Spirit of the Wind

Love Quest's Cover Quest

2007-05-06T01:07:00.000-04:00

Hi Folks,

In true do-it-herselfer mode, I stumbled upon ways and means to create my own book covers two days ago and have been madly designing ever since. Love Quest is due for release as of June 21st (right in time to get your summer love jones on).

Naturally I think they’re all fab! So I could really use your help. Please read the description below and/or excerpt of Love Quest then tell me which cover matches, why, why not and/or if I should go back to the drawing board.

Thanks in advance for your assistance.

Peace,
Dee

Cover No. 1
Vot for this cover

Cover No. 2

Cover No. 3

Cover No. 4

Cover No. 5

Description:

Can Love Really Be Found in Cyber Space?

A look at cyber dating from the viewpoint of a 30-something,
West Indian, Christian female.

D.S. White introduces a world outside the parameters of day-to-day life that exists unbeknownst to most. It has its own language, rules and atmosphere. It offers a freedom that can be addictive, exhilarating or dangerous for the uninitiated. Packed with information in the author’s humorous style, it:

Introduces Internet lingo
Points out common and not-so-common pitfalls
Reviews several sites
Provides a comprehensive list of current dating sites
Includes interviews from real cyber daters

Offers bonus introductory chapters of Age is Just a Number: Adventures in Online Dating - Volume I

Contains a resource section for sufferers of abuse, rape and mental disorders. (They, too, inhabit the cyber world).

Introducing: 28 Days of Poetry

2007-03-28T18:31:00.000-04:00

Title: 28 Days of Poetry Celebrating Black History
Author: Latorial Faison
Publisher: Cross Keys Press
Release Date: October 2006
Reprinted and released: February 7, 2007
ISBN-10: 1598727737
ISBN-13: 978-1598727739
Paperback: 60 pages
List Price: $8.99

Description:

28 Days of Poetry is an eclectic collection of poems celebrating the history and legacy of African-Americans. The book reflects on slavery, the civil rights movement and paints poetic pictures of the south during a time when America was a divided nation. Young readers will enjoy biographical poems that tell the history of black inventors and other civil rights leaders in history.

About the Author:

Latorial Faison is a poet, author and publisher from Virginia. Faison's work has been published both nationally and internationally in various literary journals and magazines. She has also been published in the NAACP Image Award Winning essay collection by Tavis Smiley, Keeping the Faith. Faison teaches college English, is married, and has two sons. Latorial Faison is also the author of Secrets of My Soul (2001) and Immaculate Perceptions (2003)

http://latorial.faithweb.com/28DaysPressRelease2006.pdf

Upcoming Release: Help Wanted

2007-03-06T21:38:00.000-05:00

Title: Help Wanted: A Woman's Guide To Strategically Position Men In Her Life
Author: Alethea Pascascio
Publisher: Queen Publications
Release Date: April 17, 2007
ISBN-10: 097783770X
ISBN-13: 978-0977837700
Paperback: 116 pages
List Price: $12.95

Description:

Alethea Pascascio's practical no-nonsense guide, Help Wanted, is full of eye-opening revelations. You will come to understand how women can benefit from structuring their relationships like a major corporation. Delivering a new perspective on relationships, Help Wanted, reveals why women will improve their odds of finding the right man/men with preparation and having self-confidence.

This book places women behind the hiring desk with the right to add to and/or eliminate from her outer, inner, and innermost circles as they deem necessary. An early exercise suggests that women make detailed lists of the qualities they're looking for in a relationship. This will help them determine if they are seeking to hire a friend (Entry level), boyfriend (Mid level), or husband (Executive level/CEO).

There are also lists of interview questions to help pre-qualify and position candidates correctly because some friends should not become boyfriends and some boyfriends should not become husbands. If a successful company does not allow just anyone sitting at their helm... why should not you have the same, if not higher, standard for your most valuable empire... your life? Relate to men on a whole new level!

About the Author:

Alethea Pascascio is also the author of the critically acclaimed novel, Bag Lady, which has been made required reading at some major universities. She spends her spare time giving inspirational talks at women's correctional facilities. Write her at: P.O. Box 496 Antioch, IL 60002

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