Category: book club

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Cavalcade of Authors Conference – Coming Soon

I AM A NK TRIBE CALLED SUCCESS MEMBER AND I APPROVE THIS MESSAGE . . .

“Let me tell you how God works. Fifteen years, y’all. Fifteen years I have embraced a vision, toiled with it, failed with it, succeeded with it, grown with it, and finally—loved everything about it. This year, with the help of a dymanic team of authors, we have taken things to a whole new level. The Cavalcade of Authors is going national in 2020, will host three to five events to start, and have partnered with major events and sponsors to broaden, not only the reach of the Cavalcade of Authors, but to make it a uniquely exciting event to readers, and even more profitable for authors. The Cavalcade Chicago and Cavalcade Atlantis Resorts was the catalyst for realizing that there are places where people are clamoring for authors to visit.

My mentor has been Pam Nelson, the woman who put together one of the most successful Black literary events to date—The WalMart Soul Expressions tour. She, along with several private sponsors, have given me the encouragement to embrace a two-level event process—intimate for those who love that one-on-one with the authors, and major signings for crowds of 15,000+ and one at 45,000+ each event night. Readers will have more than one reason to come to the Cavalcade. Yes, they’ll meet new authors and greet old literary ones, but then they’ll rock it out at concerts, art festivals, celebrity seminars with those same authors, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Next year, we’ll be doing Chicago in April, Cincinnati in July, North Carolina in early August, the Atlantis Resorts in Paradise Island, Bahamas for our October experience. That’s just for starters. Tribe Inner Circle/NK Tribe Called Success members are taking a leading role in hosting events held in their regions. This isn’t a “ME” thing, this is an “US” thing. Over the years, I have fostered relationships with authors and readers who now have a vested interest in the Cavalcade’s success. This year alone, I’m treating several sponsors to VIP tickets to a major concert event—just as a thank you for having faith in me, and to give back to those who give of their time and finances without expecting anything in return.

Today, I also took another major step regarding the business–a legal one, but that’s another post for a different time. I believe in treating visions and aspirations like pregnancy—you don’t start telling until you start showing I’ll be nine months fairly soon. 🙂 What I’m sharing today, is set in stone and I am so grateful for the support of a good team, avid readers who are a loyal fan base, and those who have spread the word to others. Don’t just sit around and watch us work, make sure to join in on the fun.–NALEIGHNA KAI, founders of The Cavalcade of Authors.

Visit the website at www.thecavalcadeofauthors.com, email lissawoodson@aol.com or inbox Naleighna Kai to be added to the mailing list.

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Not That Nice – Michelle D Rayford

Not That Nice -A tragic accident took the life of Kelsee’s mother whose dying words were, “Always save yourself first”. She kept that in mind until she met a real-life hero, Officer Alex Williams. Their marriage wasn’t a fairytale but Kelsee holds out hope that a child can save their union. But can the ultimate betrayal cause her to lose everything?

Alex regrets being unable to save his mother from an abusive relationship. He dives into a career that puts him in harm’s way on a daily basis. Then he lays eyes on Kelsee and falls hard. Despite his family’s disapproval, he sets out to make her his own. Can he live up to his “nice guy” persona or give in to the demons in his DNA?

The couple struggles to conceive, and when Kelsee really needs Alex, will he rescue her again or will she learn that he is not that nice?

Story Note: Not That Nice

My writing process starts with a “What if?” question. What if a woman realizes she married the wrong man? The character or idea plays in my head like a movie and I try to capture their actions and emotions on the page. In a way, I reenact the story for that character. Writing this anthology presented a unique challenge for me as this is the first time I wrote a story in third person. It required me to view the story through a different lens. I hope readers enjoy the journey.

Michelle D. Rayford won a literacy contest in the fifth grade and the writing seed was planted. It only took a couple of decades for that seed to bear fruit. Even pursuing a degree in Business Administration, working a government job, getting married and having two daughters, didn’t stop the stories from churning in her head and finally making it into print. She recently released her first novel, Moment of Truth.
www.michelledrayford.com, Facebook: @MichelleDRayford, Twitter: @M_Rayford, Instagram: mdrayfordwrites, Pinterest: micheller231

In the anthology, SPICE readers get a taste of the most anticipated fiction offerings of the year. Readers will enjoy this eclectic blend that will stay with you long after the pages have been turned.
http://ow.ly/UhDt30lLxSI
#Fiction #Thriller #Erotica #Goodreads #BookAddict

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Ten Best Books I’ve Read This Year – 2018

Here is a list of the ten books you should read (in no particular order):

 

#1 Whiskey & Ribbons – Leesea Cross-Smith

A story of loss and love. This book is so good, I wish I had written it. I’ve read this book twice. Once for the story and again to study the techniques. Excellent!

2. Pieces of Her – Karin Slaughter

It asks the question: How well do you really know someone?

3. Envy – Victoria Christopher Murray

The second installment in the author’s Seven Deadly Sins Series. What’s the difference between jealousy and envy? Read to find out.

4. We’re Going to Need More Wine – Gabrielle Union

A straight, no chaser tale of the life of the Hollywood girl next girl door.

5. The Wife Between Us – Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen

A riveting tale with an unexpected twist.

6. allegedly – tiffany d. jackson

This book was disturbing in a good way. An original story with a surprise ending.

7. An American Marriage – Tayari Jones

One of my favorite authors. She never disappoints.

8. A Conspiracy of Stars – Olivia A. Cole

 

Another one of my favorites. I don’t usually read science fiction but I love everything Olivia writes. And she is hilarious on Twitter.

9. Seducing Abby Rhodes – J. D. Mason

A love story with a dash of the supernatural.

10. The Last Black Unicorn – Tiffany Haddish

You know she’s hilarious. Find out how she became everyone’s favorite homegirl.

 

 

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Inspiration

Kimberla Lawson Roby and me

Back in 2008, my book club won a contest to have dinner with Kimberla Lawson Roby.  I volunteered to pick her up from the airport and drive her to the restaurant.  I had just started seriously thinking about writing a novel and I jumped at the chance to have some one on one time with a New York Times Bestseller.  We chatted during the drive from the airport and she asked me what I did for a living.  I told her and added that I really wanted to do what she was doing.   She didn’t laugh.  She didn’t roll her eyes.  She was encouraging and offered to read my first chapter.  When she signed my book she wrote, “Thank you for everything.  Please finish your novel.”  Words that have motivated me to this day.  Needless to say, I’ve been a bit of a groupie ever since.

Our book club went to see her in Augusta, GA the next year.

Tomorrow Kimberla will be in my town for a signing at Books-a-Million.  Her new book, “Secret Obsession” came out this week.  I will be there.  Stay tuned for an updated picture.

Journey Beyond Book Club

What I’m reading now:  “My Soul to Take” – Tananarive Due

What I’m listening to: “All Woman” – Lisa Stansfield

 

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>We WON!!

>What’s Playing on the iPod right now: “Father Figure” – George Michael

I know I’ve been gone for a minute but I have been busy. I have been working on my novel almost on a daily basis which is huge for me. Other then work and family, that’s pretty much been my life since the last time I blogged. But something out of the ordinary did take place.

I think I mentioned that I am a member of a book club, Journee, that meets once a month. I am the recorder for the group. Well, in February, the hostess that month chose the book “Sin No More” by Kimberla Lawson Roby. At the same time, I received an email blast about a contest sponsored by the author. Book clubs could enter the random drawing by purchasing the book and sending in the receipt. We did and I got an email last week saying that we WON!!! Kimberla will fly into Columbia, SC and take our entire book club to dinner. We are waiting for her to let us know an exact date.

We get to dine with an author, we get to dine with an author………(doing a happy dance!)

On another note, I do plan to update the Word-o-Meter this weekend. I have finished making edits to the first part of the book. I changed the focus of my main character so I had to go back and make sure that everything flowed. I do edits in long hand so I have to type the corrections.
Updates coming soon.

Peace!