Blog Tours with Victoria Christopher Murray

 

Biography

Victoria Christopher Murray always knew she would become an author, even as she was taking an unlikely path to that destination. A native of Queens, Victoria first left New York to attend Hampton University where she majored in Communication Disorders. After graduating, Victoria attended New York University where she received her MBA.

Victoria originally self published her first novel, Temptation and in 2000, Time Warner published that novel. Temptation made numerous best sellers list and remained on the Essence bestsellers list for nine consecutive months. In 2001, Temptation was nominated for an NAACP Image Award in Outstanding Literature.

Since Temptation, Victoria has written fifteen other adult novels, including: JOY, Grown Folks Business, The Ex Files, The Deal, the Dance and the Devil, her newest novel, Never Say Never and the popular Jasmine Cox Larson Bush series.  In 2012, Victoria joined ReShonda Tate Billingsley to write two collaborations, Sinners and Saints, and Friends and Foes which pits Victoria’s Jasmine character against Rachel Adams, a first lady created by ReShonda.

Victoria has received numerous awards including the Golden Pen Award for Best Inspirational Fiction and the Phyllis Wheatley Trailblazer Award for being a pioneer in African American Fiction.  Since 2007, Victoria has won six African American Literary Awards for best novel, best Christian fiction and Author of the Year – Female.  Her 2013 NAACP Image Award nomination for Destiny’s Divas was her second Image Award nomination.

In 2008, Victoria’s first novels in her Christian fiction teen series – The Divine Divas – were published and were optioned to become a television series.  She is currently in negotiations for her novel, The Ex Files, to become a movie.

With over one million books in print, Victoria is one of the country’s top African American contemporary authors.

Along with Best Selling Author, ReShonda Tate Billingsley, Victoria is also  the cofounder of Brown Girl Publishing.

 

Excerpt

Three Los Angeles women who’ve helped each other overcome heartbreak are reunited eight years later when their troublesome exes come back into the picture in this follow up to Victoria Christopher Murray’s bestselling novel The Ex Files.

Sheridan, Kendall, and Asia first bonded when they met seven years ago at a church prayer support group and now, their friendship has blossomed into a strong sisterhood. They’ve helped each other through the tragedies of their breakups and together, they’ve celebrated their triumphs. But now, their exes are back, wreaking havoc on lives they’ve work so hard to rebuild.

Sheridan has found love again after her ex-husband left her for a man. But old wounds are reopened when her ex-husband appears with his fiancée—a woman! And all of Sheridan’s insecurities and doubts come rushing back. Kendall’s former husband is now married to Kendall’s sister, Sabrina. And though Kendall has refused to interact with either one in the last seven years, she’s forced to reunite with Sabrina when their father is diagnosed with cancer. Asia has done her best to move away from her married boyfriend, a former star with the LA Lakers. But when they share a kiss, old desires are rekindled and Asia decides that it’s time for her and Bobby Johnson to get back together again.

With her trademark writing that “has the kind of momentum that prompts you to elbow disbelief aside and flip the pages in horrified enjoyment” (The Washington Post), Forever an Ex is Murray’s best novel yet.

 

 

 

 

Getting To KNow

Author and Publisher

Victoria Christopher murray

 

Q. WHAT 3 PERSONAL QUALITIES ARE MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU?

1.  Honesty, integrity, loyalty.
2.  When someone shows you who they are – believe them!

Q. WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO OR MAXIM?

 

 

Book Links

http://authors.simonandschuster.co.uk/Victoria-Christopher-Murray/28279517

http://www.amazon.com/Victoria-Christopher-Murray/e/B001IO9LP2

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/forever-an-ex-victoria-christopher-murray/1117313601?ean=9781476748856

 

Contact

http://www.victoriachristophermurray.com/

browngirlspublishing.com

@VictoriaECM

https://www.facebook.com/…Victoria-Christopher-Murray…/261094908…‎

AAMBC Blog Tours with Tahnee

Not quite a memoir, but including personal internal issues, the writer chooses to use several animated short stories to describe the different phases of the Black Woman’s life. Thoughts of a Twenty Something Year Old “The Very Essence of Me” is the first book included in a series written from the perspective of well…a twenty something year old black woman. From toxic relationships with both insignificant others and parents, to identity crisis’ and motherhood, each fictional story is written to provoke thoughts of careful self evaluation within each reader. Like life in general, some of the stories and commentary are given remedies from both spiritual and practical aspects, and some are simply left opened ended thus creating a shock effect; but all are tied together with a single touch of advice in between each passage from an anonymous “Wise Woman” as titled who possesses a motherly (or grandmother to younger ladies) type of spirit.

Excerpt from Book:

A Wise Woman one told me, “Baby, don’t be a fool. One decision can lead to a lifetime of pain”

He Said He Would Change

A cold rainy night engulfs a beautiful glowing woman whose belly is swollen full of a little boy and right eye closed with pain. She frantically limps towards a small cozy looking house with its porch light on in hopes of finding a safe haven from the man who helped create the child she now carries. Her knocking is not in vain resulting in a wrinkled chestnut brown womananswering the door and ushering her into the safety of her living room.  The nurturing widow of many years wraps the young woman’s wet bare feet in an electric blanket and tries to calm her in order to find out her circumstance but tears and wailing is all that could be produced. While shivers and shakes control the movement of her body, the battered woman recites over and over, “He said he would change.” Ten months prior to this devastating night, the sweet natured receptionist had made a decision to let her one weakness filter back into her life. Instead of heading to her sister’s advice and ignoring every love letter that her then imprisoned ex boyfriend sent, she chose to embrace and believe the never ending poetry and promises. Thoughts of their prior experiences, the nights of beatings and days of stalking, were simply just pushed to the back of her memory. The seductive yet sweet lines of his handwriting were too good to let pass. Convincing and deceiving all in the same, each letter led a trail to her tender heart which was ready to receive her changed lover. Within the next few weeks her newly changed beau was released from prison and instantly set up a home within her one bedroom apartment. He said he would change, and for the first month he did just that. The once abusive thug became a sensitive romantic man ready to build a life and family with his eye on the prize of fulfillment. Life for the couple was lived in perfect harmony and a month thereafter the news of a new addition was discovered via a home pregnancy test. He was ecstatic; she was overjoyed, they were together in bliss and wedding plans immediately followed. Things suddenly took a sharp turn as soon as morning sickness set in for the newly impregnated bride-to be. Her fiancé’ began to express his dislikes in everything from how she cooked to the way she made the bed. Character assassination from his end to hers soon then transformed into outright blows to her face and swift kicks to her growing tummy. Weeks grew into months with night after night of alcohol driven abuse until one stormy evening when she began to scheme her escape route. As soon as his fist met the side of her face for the second time that night, she swiftly withdrew her grandfather’s switchblade which he had taught her to maneuver with precision as a teenager, from her bra and connected the sharpest end to his neck. Leaving him bleeding on the bedroom floor, she fled without shoes, a purse, or even a jacket to protect her from the bitter winter temperature. The faster she ran the faster the thoughts and regrets raced through her head. Never did she ever suspect that her honest life would turn out in this mess, she was a preachers kid. Why didn’t she listen to her sister and do what her heart knew was right? How could she be so foolish? Would her child have to be raised without her do to a possible capital murder charge? The pain numbs her mind as the unfamiliar but kind old woman escorts her into her home out of the rain as she whispers, “He said he would change.”

Tahnee Jones was born and raised in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma until the age of eleven when her family relocated to Dallas, TX. Her passion for writing has lingered since the tender age of seven years old when she first decided to write poetry and songs, following in the footsteps of her father. Throughout her childhood she was praised by teachers for her literary work but never entered an actually contest until her sophomore year in high school where she won a bronze medal for her poetry in the NAACP ACT-SO competition. In the same competition the next school year, she again was rewarded a bronze medal for her poetry. After encountering some life altering experiences for the worse at the age of seventeen, writing was put on the backburner until she decided to pursue a rap career two years later. The harsh lyrics she wrote from her heart began to take negative effects on her personality as she transformed into someone even her own mother could no longer recognize. Just a few months into her new career, upon finding out she was with child, Ms. Jones knew a decision had to be made between being a stable mother for her child, or continuing in a reckless lifestyle. She chose her child, then shortly after chose to live completely for God leaving everything in her past behind. Just a year after being committed to salvation she was recruited to be a columnist for an internet magazine geared towards Christian teens and continued to contribute until the magazine discontinued. She also worked as a monthly columnist for B.L.O.G. (Beautiful Ladies of Grace) Magazine, her column “Dating for the Cause” focused on being able to maintain integrity while courting in a Christian relationship. Currently Ms. Jones is a contributing writer for Beautifully Said Magazine as well as a monthly columnist for Mane Dame Magazine which is based out of Dallas, TX.  She also serves as Chief of Editorials over the Agape World Harvest International organization as well as organizes several women’s events under the umbrella of Greater Victory Love Outreach Ministries also known as VLOM.  Her time now is devoted being on her post as a youth minister, public speaking, writing novels, and remaining the best mother she can be to her daughter. Inspired by first and foremost the Holy Spirit, she also attributes her inspiration to being a young single mother coming out of the secular world having to stand flat footed for righteousness.

Get to know Tahnee:

1. What are your favorite topics to write about? My favorite topics to write about would be dealing with emotional issues as a woman because I went through so much in my late teens and early twenties mentally. I always aim to impact women by sharing the wisdom that was given to me by my spiritual leader and God Himself so that they may be able to overcome as well!
2. So you freelance; why do you enjoy writing for different magazines? I absolutely LOVE writing for different magazine because it gives me the opportunity to impart what I stand for to different audiences. I have been told that I have a gift of being very personable and relatable with my articles and that’s my goal.
3. How did Thoughts of a 20 Something Year Old come about? Thoughts of a 20 Something Year Old basically started as a blog called “The Essence of Me” in which I developed short stories and posted thoughts in the form of narratives. The purpose of the blog was to provoke black women in thought concerning decisions they may be facing as well as developing an appreciation for being a black woman. One day after a few months I just decided to take it all the way and develop sequels, prequels, and some even “three-quels” as I call them along with extra commentary to help give remedies to the problems in question.
4. What can we look forward to in terms of the sequel and other projects connected with this book? I’m actually working on the sequel to my book as of right now and aim to have it released by early 2015. Basically, this next book will be from a more mature perspective because I’m older and know how to better handling things. The things I basically whined about in this book with be conquered with a positive mindset in the next. Also, I plan on doing spin-offs of a few stories in “The Essence of Me” which would give the reader the WHOLE background leading up to the dramatic event that takes place in the short story.
5. So who exactly is the “Wise Woman” as stated so many times throughout the book? The “ Wise Woman” in the book is designed to relate to the reader as any older grand-motherly type figure they might have had in their lives no matter if she was blood related or not. Personally mine is my godmother who is an old church mother (but young in spirit!) who has walked a life of faith and has an unbelievable testimony herself. Most of the quotes are actually the quotes which came from her mouth to my ears many days throughout my twenty-something life. I truly thank God for her!
6. What is your expectation for the reader’s behalf? The one expectancy that I have for my readers is that they be able to personally relate to at least a few of the characters in one way or another. I desire that many root issues that cause us to stumble in our minds as young women be exposed and dealt with so that we be free!
7. Can we get a sneak peek of a few topics we will reading about specifically? A few topics featured are of course broken relationships with a man, eating disorders, premature sex, depression as a young mother, and much more!

Find the author:

Facebook: Author Tahnee Jones

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Tahnee-Jones/263985473769974    

Twitter: InquisitiveRite

https://twitter.com/InquisitiveRite      

Author Site:

http://inquisitivewritings.wix.com/author-tahnee-jones

Linkedin: Author Tahnee Jones

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/author-tahnee-jones/59/303/b27

Email Address:

inquisitivewritings@yahoo.com

Buy the Book:

Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Thoughts-Something-Year-Very-Essence/dp/0991576039

NCM Publishing Website:

http://www.ncmpublishing.com/store/c1/Featured_Products.html

Barnes and Noble:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/u/books-bestselling-books/379003057/

Blog Tours with Altonya Washington

AlTonya Washington has been a published romance novelist for 10 years. In 2013, her Harlequin Kimani novel “His Texas Touch” won the Romantic Times Magazine Reviewer’s Choice Award for Best Series Romance of 2012. In addition to being an author, AlTonya also works as a college Reference Librarian. Writing as T. Onyx, AlTonya released her latest erotica “Ravenous: Ruler of Perfection II” in 2013.
Her newest title with Harlequin Kimani is “Provocative Passion” nominated for an AMB Ovation Award for Outstanding Interracial Romance and the sequel to the January 2013 release “Provocative Territory”. In November she will release “A Lover’s Debt”, the 17th title in the Ramsey Tesano saga.

 

Blurb

Icia Graham’s love affair with Rakim Transou had the makings of a fairy tale romance with the happily ever after ending, until the night of Rakim’s college graduation party. For Icia, it was the night her life was forever changed. So desperate to escape the horrific memories she’d suddenly been saddled with, Icia left school and the man she loved. The years passed and; in that time, both Rakim and Icia reached goals that carried them to the heights of success. For Rakim it was a powerful advertising agency that brought him a respected and revered name in the business. Icia’s accomplishment was a bit darker, but no less revered and she had no desire to revisit the past and be tortured by thoughts of love lost with the only man she’d ever wanted. A series of events however, would bring Icia right back to where she swore she’d never return. Once more Rakim Transou was back in her life and she was simultaneously overjoyed and distraught. How could she start anew with the man who still meant everything to her, when there were so many secrets between them? When the need for vengeance on those; who were still very much a part of Rakim’s life, still raged so viciously inside her?

 

 

 

AlTonya Washington

1. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? I wear many hats, daughter, sister, friend, significant other, librarian, Faculty member author and most importantly MOM!!! Reading, writing, movie watching are a few of my favorite things- I love to cook- but rarely have the time to really get down with it anymore. I also like to read.
2. What do you do when you are not writing? Reading!! And going to the movies when I can. I spend a lot of time with my son-who I think will be a big movie buff. We adore the superhero genre (is that a genre?) At any rate, I love spending time with him and I just generally try anything that will help me relax my brain-these characters are always talking to me

 

 

 

Contacts

https://twitter.com/Ramseysgirl

https://www.facebook.com/altonyaw

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/337210.AlTonya_Washington

www.lovealtonya.com

 

Blog Tours with Nina Fitzhugh

One winner will be chosen to win a paperback copy of The Christian Writer 101

 

 

 

Book Title The Christian Writer 101 (Fourth Edition)

Genre: Instructional

About The Book

The Christian Writer 101 (Fourth Edition) is author, Nina Fitzhugh Wells’ updated version of this concise guide to Christian Self-Publishing. Within the pages are step-by-step instructions for writing, publishing and promoting your Christian book. This educational manual offers all you need to make informed choices concerning your publishing focus.

As an update the third edition, it not only boasts the technical and practical pieces, it also extensively covers such topics as: 1) A Complete social media chapter, and 2) Proven marketing and promotions strategies. As well, there are foundational scriptures, wisdom winks, and motivational quotes from literary professionals to further educate and inspire you. This Concise, Precise, Advice Guide is for ALL writers, authors, and self-publishers.

About The Author

Nina Fitzhugh Wells has served in education for more than 25 years; in the book publishing business for nearly 15 years; and in the Christian counseling for 10 years. Her calling and passion is for teaching, counseling, and evangelistic outreach. “God has commissioned me to educate and inspire all people; and to offer hope and healing to the lost and hurting,” proclaims Wells, who serve diligently to help others discover, develop, and use their gifts to their highest potential.

A native of Philadelphia, PA, Nina Fitzhugh Wells is a Doctor of Education (Ed.D) student at Walden University in Baltimore, Maryland where her focus is Higher Education and Adult Learning. She earned her Master of Arts Degree in Christian Education from the Union Theological Seminary (Now Union Presbytery Seminary) in Richmond, Virginia; and did her undergraduate studies at the Pennsylvania State University in State College, Pennsylvania. She is the author of seven books, including her profound autobiography: “Lost FOUNDation: From Foster Care to God’s Heir” (2009), a highly acclaimed top seller. Currently, she is penning her eighth book – a research-based study – entitled: “Emancipation Revelation: An Exploratory View at Resources and Supports for First Year College Students Who Age-Out of Foster Care,” to be published in 2014.

Wells is an ordained evangelist and adult educator who serves as Education Director at Kingdom Publishing Group (KPG), a Christian book publishing and promotions company in Richmond, VA. She is credited with helping a diverse group of authors to birth nearly 300 God-inspired books out to the world. Her ministry, books, and education have afforded her many opportunities to reach and teach multitudes of people from diverse communities. She continues to be in high demand as a keynote speaker, workshop facilitator, educator and Christian counselor.

In addition to publishing, teaching, and motivational speaking, Nina Fitzhugh Wells dedicates much of her time to advocating for youth who age-out of the foster care system. She is the Founder and Executive Director at “Excel HIGHER, Inc.” Through this non-profit organization, Nina works closely with local, state and federal agencies, and colleges and universities by offering resources, programming, and finishing workshops to prepare foster youth as they transition from state support to self-sufficiency. In August 2013, she began hosting a radio show entitled: Revelation For Elevation, which serves to bring awareness to the plight of youth who age-out of foster care; as well as promote advocacy.

In July 2010, Nina was inducted into the Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society for Education. As well, she is a member of the Foster Care Alumni of America (FCAA), the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC), and the Independent Book Publishers’ Association (IBPA). As well, she is a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (AKA).

Nina currently resides in Virginia; and is married to her best friend, Minister Leon Wells, Jr. She purposes to live each day based on the Philippians 4:8 scripture: “Finally Brethren, whatever is things are true, noble, just, pure, lovely and of a good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things.”

 

Social Links

Email:nwells@kingdompublishing.org

Website: http://www.kingdompublishing.org

Facebook page: kpgbooks

Twitter handle: @kingdomp

Tour Hosted by WNL Book Tour www.wnlbooktours.com

Follow the Tour: http://wnlbooktours.com/nina-fitzhugh-wells-christian-writer-101/

AAMBC Blog Tours with Tanya Harris

The Turner cousins were damaged by tragic childhood experiences that no amount of time or therapy could erase. Zakia would always remember the feel of her stepfather’s breath against her skin, Marisa would remember the images of her mother’s bruised face that seemed to never heal and Randi will forever hear the sound of her parent’s rejection.  These embedded memories of pain became the foundation of the protective barriers that framed their adult lives.  It’s not until an unexpected death occurs that they realize that those barriers that were built to protect them from pain, also shielded them from happiness.  As you get to know them, you will sympathize and empathize with their pain, ignite your anger at its source and fall in love with the end results.

Excerpt  

“Hey, Sweetie . . . Kyle.” They are both crazy if they think I’m leaving. Kyla needs to stop tripping. She knows that if I leave now, she’s going to call me right back tonight, crying and begging me to take her back. Been there, done that and not doing it again. I’m just going to sit right here on her steps and finish eating my grapes.

“Keep your hands off of my sister, Marcus!”

“What? Was that supposed to scare me, Kyle? I’m supposed to be scared of you?”

“You don’t have to be scared, but you better not touch her!”

“Kyle, wait. This wasn’t a good idea. Let’s just go.”

What did I say? She doesn’t want me to go.

“You better listen to your sister, Kyle.”

“No, you better listen to me!”

“Or wha—” I KNOW this fool didn’t just sucker punch me.

“The next time you want to fight, pick a man, punk!”

Oh, I got your punk.

“The next time you want to call somebody a punk, make sure he’s not holding a gun.” Uh-huh. He ain’t got nothing to say now. “Yeah . . . big brother ain’t so big now.”

“MARCUS . . . What are you doing?”

Kyla’s scared. Good. Maybe she’ll stop putting other people in our business.

“What was it that I ‘better’ do, Big Brother?”

“You think that gun scares me?”

“SHUT UP, KYLE! Let him go, Marcus!”

“You don’t have to be scared, but you better not hit me again.”

“PLEASE, let him go. Kyle, go home!”

“I’m not leaving you here!”

“Then I guess you’re not leaving.”

“MARCUS, WAIT!”

Tanya Harris is a native of Memphis, Tennessee who currently resides in Snellville, Georgia. She has spent years writing poems and short stories for personal enjoyment and as a therapeutic means of ending her day.  She has a positive outlook on life and believes that life happens to us but we choose how we react to it.  It is this belief that gave birth to Supposedly Broken and allowed it to take on a life of its own.  Tanya is confident that her writing talent is a gift from God and that within this talent lies an opportunity for ministry. Her goal as an Author is to provide a creative means of entertainment that will have a positive impact on the lives of her readers.  The satisfaction felt from knowing that organized words on a page can influence the thoughts and/or actions of others is immeasurable. She loves writing period whether it is poetry, short stories, novels, etc. She has emotional ties to her work not because she can relate to the experiences expressed, but because of the emotions she hears from those who can.

Get to know Tanya:

1.         Why do you write?

I write because I love to do it. It’s where my passion lies.  The ability to write is a seed planted in me by God that I’m obligated to cultivate it and help it grow.

2.         At what age did you discover this passion?

I wrote my first two page short story at age 9 as the result of a fourth grade writing assignment.

3.         If writing is your passion, what prevented you from pursuing it as a career?

Fear. Writing comes from a personal place.  It’s an honest expression of the emotions I feel when I hear about, read about or otherwise become aware of certain situations.  I put my heart into what I write and it’s a challenge for me to put my heart into the hands of my critic.

4.         So now that you seemingly have conquered your fear, what can we expect to see from you in the future?

Currently, I am working on my second novel and I’ve begun an outline for a screenplay.  My third or fourth novel will be a book of poetry. . . Basically, I want to create anything that can be produced as a result of my pen hitting the pad.

5.         What inspires you to write?

I’m inspired by people, music, art, nature . . . pretty much anything that can tell me a story.

6.         Where is your favorite place to write?

I love to write in any place where I can plug in my ear buds and get lost into my music

7.         Is Supposedly Broken a standalone novel or is it a part of a series?

I haven’t decided yet.

Find the author:

https://www.facebook.com/authortanya.harris

https://twitter.com/AuthorTanya

https://about.me/TanyaHarris

authortanya@gmail.com

Purchase link:

http://www.amazon.com/Supposedly-Broken-Delphine-Publications-Presents/dp/0991022858/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1398696270&sr=1-1&keywords=supposedly+broken

Jedah Mayberry

He began writing as a diversion on those late nights after his eldest daughter was born. He’s had his head down ever since, writing anytime he found a spare moment, steadily progressing.

Jedah explains his struggles as a writer and how he feels about feedback, “I find operating in a vacuum completely miserable. So few opportunities exist for critical feedback. It’s difficult to know whether you’re on the right track. Eventually, a rejection letter will include a bit of encouragement, some mention of something that resonated with the reviewer. An acquisition editor returned an early copy of a manuscript I submitted completely marked in red. It showed that she thought enough of my work to take the time to give the piece a thorough read. Ultimately, she passed on the project. But that encouragement lit a fire under me to work in greater earnest on improving my writing.”

His latest book is a story about brothers. “I have an older sister. Growing up, we pursued individual interests, maintained separate groups of friends. I was interested to see how boys relate, how they come to depend on one another, what might happen to one if he were left without the other. I read “I Know this Much is True” by Wally Lamb. The book is set in southeastern CT, near to where I grew up. It also tells a story of brothers. Lamb introduces “a person of color”, uses his circumstance to establish bounds across which his main characters would be best served to not venture. My story picks up where his left off, my protagonists falling in age some years behind this ancillary character of Lamb’s. I visit some of the same places that appeared in his book, explore similar themes only told from the perspective of the person of color, the persons left on the fringe in his story taking center stage in The King of PPM.”

With publishing and writing being new to the writer, I asked how he got into publishing this book. “The book is based on my second completed manuscript. After years shopping another piece I’d been working, I took an extended writing workshop, again in the interest of continuous improvement. I had the kernel of an idea for a new story in my head, but wasn’t sure where it might lead. The first couple chapters of the book grew out of weekly workshop exercises. Shortly after completing the workshop, I attended a local book festival. I sat in on a panel discussion on pitching to prospective agents and editors. One of the panel members seemed to take an individualized approach to each person’s query. Soon after, I submitted my newly completed manuscript to the book group he represented (along with the flood of other places to which I had been submitting) and things took hold from there.

Jedah explains his writing method, “I’m constantly writing. I keep a folder of potential titles, story fragments, passing thoughts. The folder is linked to my phone, tablet, computer. Whatever’s close at hand. Once a story reaches critical mass, I transfer it to a more structured document. As far as content goes, I use place to a large degree to frame a piece I’m developing. Like a main character, I believe the region in which a story takes place sets the tone for the direction the narrative can take. I set out to create a world in this place, fill it with people then dig into the intricacies of their lives. I generally have some idea where I want to take the story. I create little story islands working a scene at a time to propel the storyline, quite often surprised myself by the twists and turns that work themselves in. From there, I go back and fill in the gaps between islands, layering in detail. I repeat this process several times before I deem the story ready to share, with an editor or beta reader, even a close friend.”

With the literary field being so wide and the goals endless, I asked Jedah about his personal goals for his literary career. “To establish a literary voice grounded in the world I know. I include elements, hip hop, jazz, blues, fishing, baseball, martial arts to anchor the story to a place I find relatable while staying mindful of literary intent, of quality storytelling.”

Jedah was a top ten finalist for Best New Author by the National Book Festival. I asked him about this accomplishment. “Though I didn’t win, the experience gave me a tremendous boost of confidence. Awarded based on something I’d written, it meant somebody dug my work, that my voice connected with someone.” He went on to say, “It prompted me to write more, to focus on refining my technique. Even with a published book in hand, the feeling of operating in a vacuum persists. This validated that an audience exists for my work. Those little boosts fuel the tank, give me energy to press on, to keep going.”

Jedah explains his plans for his next book and what his readers can expect in 2014. “I used the experience of getting a book through the editing process to resume work on the manuscript I started with originally. It’s also a coming of age story. Set in the south, it has a different vibe than KoPPM, but holds promise to be relatable in a similar way. It has undergone significant revision. I’m currently proofreading before resubmitting. I’ve begun pursuing online publishing opportunities (EtherBooks, The Snippet App) to raise visibility for my work. I’ve used them to give things I’d shelved new life as well as a venue to work out new content. I recently released a two part series, Would Be Twins and Iron Bones (http://www.thesnippetapp.com/writers/jedahmayberry/ ), taken from what promises to be the next book.”

PEN’Ashe Magazine wishes Jedah much success with his literary career.

About the Author

JEDAH MAYBERRY is an emerging fiction writer, born in New York, raised in southeastern CT, the backdrop for his fiction debut. He was a top ten finalist for the 2013 Best New Author Award sponsored by the National Black Book Festival. He also garnered honorable mention in Glimmer Train’s April 2012 Family Matters Short Story Contest. He currently resides with his wife and teenage daughters in Austin, TX.

Follow the Author

Author on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6965080.Jedah_Mayberry

Facebook: http://facebook.com/JMberryFictionWriter

Twitter: @JedahMayberry

Getting to Know your Blog

When selling your product, a great way to do so is by creating a blog. If you are a new author or newly creating your own business, then this is the number one key to letting your audience know who you are and what product you are trying to sell. Let’s check out some of these great tips for blogging so you may understand the importance as an author, writer or literary business owner.

1)      Who are you targeting?

When beginning a blog, whether for the books you have written or companies you own, make sure you are very specific on your audience and who they should be. For instance, if you write romance novels, find an audience that’s interested in reading novels about romance or, better yet, ones who do book reviews about romance novels. You want to make sure you brand yourself, put yourself out there, and find a suitable audience.

2) Visual is Key

Blogging tells the story of oneself. Not only words, a “rainbow effect ” to back up the words means more. YouTube videos of your book trailer is highly recommended and if you have interviews from your books, you can post those as well. For literary business owners, visuals of commercials, links to connect with you on Facebook and other social media outlets are just as important. Think of it as selling all of what you offer.

3) Include Excerpts in your Blog (Mainly Authors)

Blog on topics that the readers will enjoy and understand. Make sure you include book excerpts so that the readers can get a taste of your writing style. Book readers and book lovers are always looking for books that “pop.” If the excerpts aren’t interesting, chances are they will bypass them and move on to the next book. Keep it tasty and keep it classy!

4) Let your personality shine!

There’s no other way to show your readers and your audience your blogging skills than to allow your personality to shine. Allow people to “feel you” through your blog – meaning let them know that you blog positively and that you are positive! For literary business owners, you can inspire your fans by putting up inspirational quotes. Something for authors and writers as well, make your readers smile within each post of your blog.

5) Blog/post often as you can!

This is a VERY IMPORTANT tip for ALL bloggers. If you decide to create a blog for your business, be mindful that when you promote your blog to everyone, they are going to expect to see more of your work. Create an editorial calendar that has a listing of your topics and themes that readers will enjoy reading. Create days that you are willing to dedicate your time to building up your blog to make it look presentable.