Category: Books

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Don’t Let Fear Stop You

I got my first 5 star review for my book, Moment of Truth, and I am pumped!  And even though I’m still nervous about this publishing thing, this is confirmation from the universe that no one should ever let fear stop them.

I have followed Luvvie Ajayi’s blog for several years. (If you haven’t, you should definitely check her out.) She started with a blog doing Scandal recaps, to publishing a book and now she is doing TED talks. I feel like I watched my first cousin come up.

Anyway, I watched her TED talk and it reminded me of the Marianne Williamson quote, “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.”

I’m trying to walk in the light. Check out Luvvie’s TED talk below:

 

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Publishing Day – 11/28/2017

Today is the day. Pub day. It’s surreal to say it out loud. I’m going to walk around with a case of the nerves all day but I took the first leap. Might as well keep on walking.

For everyone that pre-ordered a copy of my debut novel, Moment of Truth, a big “Thank You”. You are appreciated. Your copies should download today.

If you were waiting to get your copy, here is the link again. Moment of Truth

Available November 28, 2017

First chapter below:

MOMENT OF TRUTH - Sample Chapter

 

I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the story. Please feel free to leave a review. Thanks.

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Taking the Leap

I did it.

I can finally say, I did it.

My dream is playing out before my eyes. I have a published book. Look at it. Isn’t it beautiful?

After many aborted starts, taking classes, seeking knowledge, soaking up advice, and overcoming obstacles (mental and monetary), I put it out there. Continue reading “Taking the Leap”

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I Dream in Books

Books
Photo credit: Patrick Goethe

I had a weird dream that I was trapped in a library. I wasn’t trying to escape though.

Maybe I should go to bed earlier instead of staying up late reading.

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Cover Feedback

 

I’m working on a new short story.

Synopsis:  What happens when your greatest achievement occurred in high school?  Twenty something Rodney Aces faces a cross-road when someone from his past makes him question the choices he has made.  Will he continue to drift through life or make a change?

What do you think of this cover?

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Got A Right to Be Wrong – A Book Review

The heroine from K. L. Brady’s “The Bum Magnet” is back bringing her trademark sass and drama to another relationship. This time Charisse is engaged to Kevin, federal agent and all around good guy.  But he has a few skeletons in his own closet that are about to be revealed.

Charisse’s lack of trust leads her to jump to one wrong conclusion after another and paves the way for some hilarious mishaps.  Wayward friends, deceitful family members and a conniving baby mama make for obstacles that the couple will need to overcome if they plan to make it to the wedding on time.

“Got a Right to Be Wrong” is the story of letting go of the past, trusting your heart and allowing good things to come into your life.  This book is an excellent read with a character that is easy to like.  I look forward to reading more from Ms. Brady.

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New Cover Design

Lie to Me

 

I got a professional to design an ebook cover for my upcoming short story, Lie to Me.  What do you think?

I love it.  It’s much better than my feeble attempts.

Lesson learned:  Hire professionals.

Enjoy!

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White Until Proven Black: Imagining Race in Hunger Games : The New Yorker

I must admit I recently downloaded “The Hunger Games” based on the popularity and discussion of the movie.  However, I was disturbed by the back lash against the movie because of some Black characters.

If you  have read the book, it is clear that the characters in question were people of color.  My question is, why is that a bad thing?

As a writer, an African-American writer, I often wonder if my work will be read by people of all races.  I understand that people easily relate to others that are most like them.  But is race the defining factor.  I enjoy Jodi Picoult’s books.  The main characters are White and yet I empathize with their plights and root for them the same way I do with a book by Bernice McFadden or Kimberla Lawson Roby.  Why does it matter?  A good book is a good book.  Period.

Most of the time, I don’t enjoy the movie adaptation of books because the visual element limits the experience.  I do enjoy it when the character on screen mimics the picture I had in my head.    Of course, reading comprehension is  a learned skill.  Maybe those fans of “The Hunger Games” that were surprised about a character’s ethnicity should go back to school.

Please click  the link below:

The Book Bench: White Until Proven Black: Imagining Race in Hunger Games : The New Yorker.

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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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>Book Blurb

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What’s Playing on the iPod right now: “Real Love” – Mary J Blige

I was over at Tayari’s blog when I saw a link to another blog called Practicing Writing. After strolling through the entries, I saw one entitled Page 123. The basic premise is that you are to pick up a piece of fiction that is nearest you, turn to page 123, find the fifth sentence and post it along with the next three sentences. I thought it would be interesting to try so here it goes:
I have just finished reading “Song Yet Sung” by James McBride. (Excellent read.) Here is page 123 from the this novel.

It was Wiley who held him up. The boy had pined for freedom from the time he became aware of himself. Amber had waited for Wiley to grow big enough to bear the hardship of the gospel train because, his contact had told him, the gospel train is a hard ride. Once you’re on, he said, you can’t get off.

Doesn’t that make you want to read the whole story? I recommend it. “Song Yet Sung” is set in the days before the Civil War, when some slaves have escaped from a notorious female slave-trader. One slave, Liz, is called the Dreamer, because she has visions or dreams of the future. In the Maryland’s swamp on the eastern shore, she learns of the Code and its significance to modern times. This story is drawn from historical events and told in McBride’s signature lyrical style.
I give this book the coveted 3 bookmark seal of approval.
Peace.