In 140 words or less, tell us a little about yourself? I’m two multi-published, award winnings authors who came together to write the dangerously-sexy Black Widow and the Sandman suspense series. Readers know us as women’s fiction and romance author Deatri King-Bey and erotic fiction author Curtis L. Alcutt. We chose to write under a pseudonym since this series is under a genre neither of us is known for. 

In 140 words or less, tell us why  Black Widow and the Sandman, would make a great addition to our personal library. We’ve heard from several readers that they love the strong, black, imperfect anti-heroes. The balance between suspense and sensuality is also a twist I’m told we pulled off nicely. We also hear, “This should be a movie,” quite a bit and “When is the next one coming out.” 

Why did you decide to write Black Widow and the Sandman–how did you come up with the theme/subject matter? Curtis and I were IMing each other one evening when we began creating the characters organically. We both loved Jeanette (Black Widow) and Roman (Sandman) so much that we decided to team up to write a series.

 What do you think makes Black Widow and the Sandman Reaper different from other books on the same topic in the marketplace? Black Widow and the Sandman isn’t your everyday suspense. Yes there is the usual intrigue and danger, but we also go much deeper than the Sandman being a former military sniper and the Black Widow being a scientific nerd. You get to see these imperfect people fight their demons as they fight against the clock—and attraction to each other—to save us from nuclear war.

 Have many other books have you written? Please share with us all titles and let us know which books readers continue to send you comments regarding.

Between Curtis and myself, we’ve written quite a few books.

Curtis Alcutt has some great erotic tales: Eyes of a Player, Bullets and Ballads, and his newest Zane Presents book that just dropped, Sins of a Siren. One of his short stories was also included in the Zane Presents anthology Caramel Flava. If you haven’t read his books, I highly suggest you check them out. He is good and I am not saying that because he’s my writing partner. Shoot, I wouldn’t have partnered with him if he couldn’t write.

 Deatri King-Bey: Caught Up, Beauty and the Beast, Ebony Angel, Whisper Something Sweet (winner of the 2008 Emma for Best Steamy Romance of the year), The Other Realm, Love’s Desire, Trapped In Paradise, Broken Promises, Diamond in the Rough, Picture Perfect, Tell Her How You Feel, and my only nonfiction title, Become A Successful Author. 

Readers continually contact me regarding Beauty and the Beast and Whisper Something Sweet. With Beauty and the Beast, the heroine is severely scared because of a brutal attack and the hero has bipolar disorder. Needless to say, they don’t fit the typical mold for romance (no matter what genre I write, my characters don’t fit the typical mold). I’ve been thanked numerous times for writing that book.

 Whisper Something Sweet deals with domestic violence, but I wrap it in a HOT romance. Don’t think it can be done? Read the book and tell me what you think.

 So many independent bookstores have gone out-of-business and even chains are no longer immune from bankruptcy as we recently witnessed with the closing of Borders. What impact do you believe this will have on your books? Finding venues to do signings is more difficult. There is only one bookstore near me (about 15 minutes away). Otherwise, I have to go on the other side of town (Phoenix). With the closing of bookstores, you have to get out there in other ways. Find other reader venues. Market differently. 

I noticed that Black Widow and the Sandman Reaper is self-published–what are some lessons you learned or experienced during the process? I started out in the publishing industry a decade ago as an editor at Third World Press Inc. The oldest African-American owned publishing house in the country. When I left there I freelanced for several fiction imprints for various publishing companies. I was also a marketing manager for a publishing company, so I know the business. We produced Black Widow and the Sandman just like any of the big six traditional publishers would. I hate to say there were no lessons learned, but we just followed a process I’d been using for years and applied it to our own book. 

Black Widow and the Sandman Reaper is also available for Kindle, an e-book reader. Why did you decide to pursue e-reader format? Would you use this format for future books? I believe all books should be in eBook formats and if they are long enough, print also. We are in an electronic age and to ignore that market will put you behind. Waaaay behind. 

Name three things that an author must do in order to stay competitive.

Produce a high-quality brand.

Know and understand the business.

Invest in your business. 

Share with us your next project? Curtis’s Sins of a Siren just dropped Oct. 18 and he is busy writing the sequel. We are also writing the second installment of Black Widow and the Sandman. And I am finishing up Santa’s Helper, a traditional romance I hope to have out by Christmas.

 If readers would like to learn more about you and your books, how can they reach you?

http://www.LLReaper.net

http://DeatriKingbey.com

http://www.BecomeASuccessfulAuthor.com

http://www.CurtisAlcutt.com

 Deatri/Curtis, thank you for spending time with APOOO and as always I wish both of you  many blessings with your literary endeavors. 

Thank you for allowing us to share a little of ourselves with you.

Black Widow and the Sandman by LL Reaper is a post from: APOOO

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In 140 words or less, tell us a little about yourself.

I’m a 29 year-old native of Huntsville, AL, currently residing in Norristown, PA (outside of Philly) with my wife Nneka.  I graduated from Howard University in 2003 with a Bachelors of Science in Chemical Engineering and obtained my Masters in Business Administration in May of 2010 from Temple University.  Professionally, I work for a consulting firm assisting companies in their strategic procurement needs.  My passion is helping people live the lives that God desires for them.  In order to fulfill this, I started Kingdom Workshops (www.kingdomworkshops.com) in 2008 and have been speaking at various churches and schools over the past three years.  In May, I published my first book entitled, “Rededication:  A Story of Sex, Repentance and Restoration.”  I love God and I love family.  At the end of the day, I pray that my existence on this Earth makes an impact on at least one person.

In 140 words or less, tell us why Rededication would make a great addition to our personal library.

Rededication is an honest account of one man’s struggle with faith and sexuality.  Most who’ve grown up in the church have been in positions where what the Bible says and what the world says contradict one another.  This reality has the potential to cause much anxiety and strife for a Christian seeking to live God’s way.  If we’re honest about it, the church typically avoids the issue of fornication aside from admonishing it when evidenced by pregnancy or shacking up.  It’s easy to deal with the outcomes or consequences of sexual impurity, but rarely do we deal with the origins in a preventative manner.  Rededication takes an introspective look into my past and delves into the deeper motivations behind my desire to turn away from God and do things my way.

How did you come up with the premise for Rededication?

The premise was simple because Rededication is my story.  As I traveled through my mid-twenties, God began to press upon my spirit a journey that was foreign to me.  Celibacy until marriage. I was never the “spooky Christian” and the thought of God “speaking” to me was just as foreign as the call to celibacy.  Nevertheless, I fought Him for a bit because I didn’t want to do it, but over time, I found myself in a state of submission to His will.   And once I did, that’s where the real journey began.  A 25-year old, celibate, black man…in America.  How in the world would this play out?

What are some of the main themes portrayed in Rededication?

I’d say there are probably four major themes within Rededication.  The first would be Rebellion.  Much of the first few chapters depict my adolescent and early adult years where I fought to find a sense of self.  In this fight, I subconsciously (or consciously) bucked all teachings instilled by my parents and upbringing in church.  The second theme is that of Repentance.  I knew what I was supposed to do for much of my adult life and yet, I didn’t do it.  And it wasn’t until I arrived in a most humbled state that I was able to see the “error in my ways.”  As I recognized where I had erred, I realized that I needed to repent because the life I was living was not the life that God intended for me.  The third theme would be that of Forgiveness.  Regardless of all the “bad” things I did, God still forgave me.  No matter how hard I tried to ignore Him or be mad at Him at times for not giving me what I wanted, God still remained God and in the end welcomed me with open arms as I sought His forgiveness.  The fourth theme would be Restoration.  In the end, God restored me to a better place than that which I had begun.  The process of becoming celibate and wholly submitted to God caused me to lose some people and things.  And because of that, there was some grieving that I experienced for their loss.  But, at the conclusion of the journey, God filled ALL the vacancies left behind.

What makes Rededication different from other books in the marketplace?

When I began my journey of celibacy, I sought out the male (especially black) voice in the marketplace.  I noticed very quickly that though there are a ton of books on celibacy/sexual purity, etc., there are few, if any, coming from a male perspective and even fewer that are told from the black male perspective.  Furthermore, those that do exist are often told from an existential viewpoint and seem to shield the author’s own indiscretions along the way.  Rededication is transparent, authentic and personal.  No punches are pulled and no stone is left unturned.  Why?  Because it wasn’t my story to keep to myself.  God made it clear to me that I had to tell the WHOLE story…not just the parts that I was comfortable with.  And so, I believe what you get with Rededication is a real account of an issue that many face everyday.

What genre is Rededication and who’s the target audience?

Religious, non-fiction.  Young Adult and/or Single Christians who are struggling to reconcile their faith with their sexuality.

What’s the best advice that someone has given you about the publishing industry?

“Be patient.”  How fast your book is picked up or noticed can be a frustrating process.  As such, this industry requires patience.  The good thing for me is that I didn’t write Rededication for any reason other than obedience to God.  As a result, patience is a much easier process for me because I don’t have any expectations other than “His will be done.”

What’s the most favorable review you’ve received to date regarding Rededication?

From Amazon.com:

“After I put this book down, the levees broke…the flood gates opened and all the issues of my past paraded through. I finally began to understand the sinful appetite I myself had conjured up as a result of my own struggles with carnality. Fortunately, there’s one thing that this book ultimately helped me realize…that God is and always will be in control. In the book Rededication, Mr. Mosley vividly recounts his struggles with sexual immorality as it relates to premarital sex. Even as he took the road less traveled (celibacy), he pulls the veil that so many Christians dare not to reveal as they take the “walk”: that you slip up, you have doubts, you may even become disappointed in God, and you can start all over again. I appreciated his rawness, his desire to tell it like it is and through his faithfulness, demonstrate how God orders our steps. I hope that this isn’t the end for Mr. Mosley’s writing career…that there are more books to come and guide us on a journey towards rededication! FYI – I took the pledge and rededicated my life to Christ. Thanks Armond Mosley.”

What can readers expect from you in the future?

I have a few more books in mind.  I just got married in 2009, so I’m sure this phase of my life will prompt additional stories to be told.  Ultimately, I want to use my life’s lessons and journeys to be an inspiration and encouragement to others.  So, stay tuned for more books in the coming years!

Is there anything else you would like to share with APOOO readers?

The last thing I’d like to share with APOOO readers is this…I’m not perfect.  I’m just as flawed as the next man/woman.  Rededication clearly shows that and I want the readers to know that just because you aren’t perfect does not mean that you are unworthy of God’s love.  If that were the condition of His love, none of us would ever receive it.  At the end of the day, though we’ll never be perfect, our goal in life is to strive for perfection as taught through the Word of God.  Thank you for taking the time to read and may God bless and keep you is my prayer.

Rededication is available via all online retailers (Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Borders, eBay).  In addition, the ebook version is available for the Kindle, Nook and iPad as well.   For a FREE download of Rededication visit www.kingdomworkshops.com. When you click on Books you’ll see Download Free Sample Copy.  Happy Reading!

Thanks so much for your support!

Armond thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to hang out with APOOO and we wish you many blessings with your literary endeavors.

Rededication by Armond Mosley is a post from: APOOO

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I’m thrilled to be hosting a week long contest. Each day a question will be posted about me or my books. The first person to email me the correct answer at: author@victoria-wells.com will win a gift certificate to purchase my newest release, Caliente Nights, a short story e-book, with Red Rose Publishing. All answers may be found on my website – www.victoria-wells.com.

Good Luck!

Victoria

Question–Day 1

Who are the main characters in Caliente Nights? And what is the heroine’s profession?

Day 2

What is the title of Victoria’s first book? And what is Summer Jackson’s dilemma?

Day3

Who or what is Victoria’s first love?

Day 4
 
In When Love Comes Around, what is the name of the character that had Starr feeling as if she was in the Twilight Zone?

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Nursery school teacher Jeanette Adams is struggling financially to help her elderly aunt keep their family owned nursery school’s doors open. Working days at the school and evenings as a department store clerk to make ends meet is taking its toll on Jeanette. Just when things couldn’t get any worse she finds herself in a situation that will further burden her financially when she crashes into a luxury vehicle.

Caliente Nights by Victoria Wells is a post from: APOOO

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In 140 words or less, tell us a little about yourself.

P. Dotson was born and raised on Maryland’s lower eastern shore. At a very young age, she picked up a love for writing. She has successfully completed her first book “Twisted Obsession” which she hopes you will enjoy with many more to follow.

In 140 words or less, tell us why Twisted Addition would make a great addition to our personal library.

Allexis escapes the hands of one abusive man only to run into the arms of another. After months of humiliating abuse at the hands of her father, Allexis flees to Virginia to live with her sister. There she meets and is instantly swept off her feet by the ruthless Kane with his mysterious charm. When Kane’s eyes landed on Allexis it was instant connection to his troubled past. It didn’t take Kane long to woo the naive Allexis in under his seemingly charming spell. With Allexis by his side he is determined to amend his past mistakes through her, at what cost. Unfortunately for Kane Allexis should be the least of his worries. Take a ride into this sorted tale of sex and abuse. Will Allexis free herself from Kane’s grasp, or will she find herself entrapped in his “Twisted Obsession.”

How did you come up with the premise for Twisted Obsession?

 I came up with the premise for “Twisted Obsession” because of past experiences of my own as well as other women. Abuse among black women continues to grow and I want to be a voice to get that out there. A lot of young girls are so captivated by floss but like the old adage goes’ everything that glitters ain’t gold.’

Tell us about the main character(s) in Twisted Obsession.

 Allexis, one of the main characters, is a very beautiful and intelligent young lady, but also naive. She escapes one emotional,  damaging situation only to find herself in another.   Kane is Allexis love interest who is very dominating and controlling,  not only in his personal relationship but business as well.

 Both of the main characters do come from troubled pasts and that really is the main attraction for them both.

What are some of the main themes you portray in Twisted Obsession?

 Themes for “Twisted Obsession” you will find plenty.  Drama, comedy, a little mystery. It has a little of everything.

What makes Twisted Obsession different from other books in the marketplace?

 It’s very unique–it’s similar in other storylines but a very different plot, which I think the readers will find very entertaining to read.

What genre is Twisted Obsession and who is the target audience?

 ”Twisted Obsession” is urban life/ street fiction. I can’t pin point a targeted audience but whoever is into street lit and urban lit will definitely find this book an interesting read.

What lessons have you learned about the publishing industry?

 I’ve learned that it is very hard to get your book noticed and out there if you aren’t with one of the top publishing companies. For my direction of genre, it would be for whoever reads novels from Triple Crown Publications, The Cartel, or Life Changing Books. When you self-publish you are basically on your own. But I don’t mind because I want others to see that if you have a story to tell grind until the world hears it.

What can readers expect from you in the future?

 Readers can expect a lot more from me in the future. I have another self-published title out ‘Pure Sins’ that can be purchased on amazon and lulu.com. Also I’m currently working on another title “Fun Dummies” and after that I plan to work on the sequel to “Twisted Obsession.” But readers can expect nothing but hot and raw literature from me.

Is there anything else you would like to share with APOOO readers?

 I would just like to thank everyone that has purchased a copy of my book, and continue to strive towards your dreams and goals. There is only one person that can stop you from accomplishing what you want out of life and that is you.

To order a copy of Twisted Obsession, visit amazon.com.

Purity thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to hang out with APOOO and we wish you many blessings with your literary endeavors.

Twisted Obsession by Purity Dotson is a post from: APOOO

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To the outside world, the Reynolds family is picture perfect. In the Reynolds’ home, Jacob Reynolds, CFO of a major corporation, is experiencing a midlife crisis; Anna Lee Reynolds, happy home maker who isn’t too happy with her life choices, is slipping into menopause; and Junior, the sixteen-year-old son, is proving the terrible twos have nothing on the terrible teens.

When Anna Lee decides to return to college, the family portrait is torn to shreds. Jacob wants a new and improved portrait with his entire family. Anna Lee insists it is time to take separate portraits. Junior begs for the old portrait to be refurbished. All three are hurting and unsure, and the changes in their lives have just begun.

Order Picture Perfect: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/24699 (eBook $6.99)

Picture Perfect by Deatri King-Bey is a post from: APOOO

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In 140 words or less, tell us a little about yourself.
I currently live in North Carolina with my three sons. I am dedicated to my writing full time and I am working hard on my second book. It is my hope that all my work is a reflection of God’s abundant love for me. In my spare time, I enjoy singing and I am apart of the praise team at my local church.

In 140 words or less, tell us why The Job Experience would make a great addition to our personal library.
The Job Experience is a book about turning tragedy into triumph. It shows the power of faith of work. I believe everyone will be encouraged by my story and it will compel them to appreciate life and the gifts that it brings.

What prompted you to write this book?
I was in the midst of one of the most trying times in my life when I was faced with a debilitating illness. I began to write through God’s divine inspiration. At first it was used as a coping mechanism to deal with what I was going through. From there it has evolved into a book that I know will be a blessing to many.

What are some of the main themes you portray in The Job Experience?
The main theme is to keep pressing forward no matter what obstacles you may face. I talk alot about the adversity I faced and through prayer and reading God’s word I realized that I didn’t have to let my circumstance define me. I could look past what I saw in front of me and envision my life the way God designed it to be.

What makes The Job Experience different from other books in the marketplace?
This book was divinely inspired by God. I was writing in the midst of what I was going through. I didn’t know what the end would be so I had to have faith that God would lead me and that’s exactly what he did. Readers get to see real emotion in this book. They get to see how I handled the situations I was faced with and they will discover that God is always working even when it looks like He is no where to be found.

What lessons have you learned about the publishing industry?
There are alot of great authors out there. Everyone has their own point of view. What I’ve learned is that I shouldn’t try to compare myself to anyone else. All of us have a unique voice and if we are confident in our message, we can promote it and it will get to those who need it the most.

Who would The Job Experience benefit the most?
The Job Experience is for anyone who has ever faced a difficult time in their life and it felt like there was no hope in sight. This book is a reminder that God can show up in the midst of any situation and give you the strength to endure.

Finish this sentence:  In order to hone my writing skills, I would be honored to sit under God’s tutelage.

What can readers expect from you in the future?
I am currently working on my second book which I hope to be released during the early part of 2011. In the future I want to keep perfecting my craft and try my best to be a blessing and source of encouragement to others.

Is there anything else you would like to share with APOOO readers?
I just want to thank everyone in advance for their support. Please check out my website www.mhwesley.com for more details about me and my projects. I have recently started a blog www.evolvingtestimony.blogspot.com in which I will share inspirational messages and also give readers an inside scoop in my writing process. Thanks again APOOO for having me and I wish you continued success.

The Job Experience by Margaret Wesley is a post from: APOOO

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In 140 words or less, tell us a little about yourself.

Hello APOOO and everyone out there. I’m just a humble, modest single girl hoping women can relate to my work.

In 140 words or less, tell us why The Diva of Peddler’s Creek would make a great addition to our personal library.

This book is a great addition to anyone’s library because it’s fun and romantic. But, in addition, it touches on issues of cultural differences, family/peer pressure, and general acceptance of other people. And then there is the food… don’t come to this book hungry.

How did you come up with the title…The Diva of Peddler’s Creek?

The main character, Taylor Beir, is labeled a “diva” by the people in the small town of Peddler’s Creek as a put-down. Basically, Taylor is labeled a snob before anyone has the chance to even know her; not quite a fair assessment.

The cover is intriguing–did you have any input regarding the cover and how did you come up with it?

I gave my publisher, The Wild Rose Press, some general information about Taylor’s character and personality and artist Angela Anderson created the cover. I think I did mention the sunglasses and the car but everything else is the artist’s interpretation.

Tell us about the main character(s) in The Diva of Peddler’s Creek.

Taylor is the toughest push-over you’ll ever meet. She has a bit of a smart mouth and can be abrasive at first, but she’s a good person at heart.

How did you come up with the characters for The Diva of Peddler’s Creek?

One character in this book is based upon someone I know. That person has no idea and I don’t plan to tell them, ever  lol. The good thing about writing is once you have a character you can kind of use that person and ask, “what kind of person would be the wife/husband/son/daughter/friend” of this type of personality?” The others spring naturally after that.

What are some of the main themes you portray in The Diva of Peddler’s Creek?

Acceptance is important and people-pleasing is fruitless.

What makes The Diva of Peddler’s Creek different from other books in the marketplace?

I have a hard time finding contemporary romances with African Americans in a rural setting. Black people don’t just live in urban areas, I think it’s important for people to remember that we come with different experiences and live in different environments.

If you had to put The Diva of Peddler’s Creek in a box, what genre would it be included in and who would be the target audience?

It’s a romantic comedy through and through. I think any woman over 21 can relate to this story, that’s one of the reasons why I love it.

What advice can you give to writers who are looking to be published authors (one day)?

Don’t stop writing. You will get lots of rejections and will want to quit but when you think you are at your lowest get to your keyboard and remind yourself of exactly why you think you have what it takes. Convince yourself first and that will be all the motivation you need to keep going.

What lessons have you learned about the publishing industry?

It’s fickle.

What can readers expect from you in the future?

More romance for everyday women. I just truly believe that love is not a luxury for women. Love is as important as food and water. Women can be as logical and practical as any man but we also have this incredible capacity to love that is unique to our gender. We should accept that fact make a place in our lives for the love we deserve.

Is there anything else you would like to share with APOOO readers?

I’m so grateful to APOOO for interviewing me. All the best to you and your readers. I truly hope you like The Diva of Peddler’s Creek and welcome any feedback or comments you feel compelled to share. Visit me at www.BooksbyAva.com.

Much love,

Ava

Ava thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to hang out with APOOO and we wish you many blessings with your literary endeavors.

Hang Out at APOOO with Author Ava Bleu is a post from: APOOO

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In the excerpt below the reader finds Naya Monà married and finding that her voice can move the bones of those who listen to her but she is still looking for love. She is at this point, hurt, angry and ready to lose the haze of young and naive that she had been caught up in. Or is she?

The Excerpt from Chapter 11 

What Is Love?

Another year had gone by and another night at the Skinny was upon me. I was standing on the stage like a pro by now, and it was getting tiring. Night after night, I’d find myself looking at so many eager eyes upon me. Looking at that man of mine, hoping that he’d give me a smile or some sense that he too, was listening. Every time I walked into the spotlight; it was like waking up and finding myself still in the nightmare from my sleep. I needed something from him, since love was obviously missing. So I closed my eyes and began to ask.

“What is love? Is it the simple touch of his caress or the breathe he breathes upon your neck? Is it the way he reaches inside your soul, digs deep inside your very essence? Does he bring out the sound of your heart? Just to make sure it’s still in tune? Does he tell you about his dreams? Does he make it seem that they can’t exist, without you? Does he refine your existence? Define your existence? Breathe life into your kidneys?

Do his words massage your throat, soothe your lungs and bring back the moments when love was all that existed? Do they slide down into your veins, each and every day? What is love? Some say if you have to ask then you’ve never felt it. I say asking helps you to express it. Helps you to define it not just in your mind but to the point that it blends in with your core and mixes with your insides and says to him, to this man…take my heart, it’s yours.

Well, whatever love is, I needed it. I needed emotions, touches, caresses and feelings that go beyond the obvious. I needed him right at that moment to whisper something in my ear that would soak down to the pit of my stomach and slide out to through the tip of my toes and make me beg for more.

It had to be real; it had to be smooth. It had to be a love that would never make me ask that question from the past: what is love?

As usual, by the time I stepped off the stage, I couldn’t even look at him. I didn’t care about the applause or the fans that came up to me to thank me or tell me how much they liked the show. Something inside me at that point in my life had slowly begun to snap, and not only did I not know how to turn it off; I wasn’t sure I wanted to.

 Find out what happens next….. get your own copy today!!! 

Meet the Author:

Originally from Chicago, but currently resides in Atlanta with her biggest supporter-her husband and their spoiled but playful dog-Winston. Marian received her Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in Business Communication, graduating Magna Cum Laude.  

Her journey to publication however, would take hold almost 20 years later when Marian held her first debut title, Color Me Jazzmyne.  

Her passion for writing first became evident when she began to pen her thoughts into spoken words of poetry, an inheritance from her mother. She has fond memories of watching her father play in live bands as a multi-percussionist but contributes the melodious tones of  Naya Monà-the main character, to her husband whom can often be heard snapping his fingers to the smooth rhythm of Jazz playing off the radio. For Marian, her journey continues. Look for her next release, “My Father’s Colors.”

Color Me Jazzmyne by Marian L. Thomas is a post from: APOOO

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Sometimes life is stranger than fiction; take the lives of mystery novelists and twins, Jovan Parham-Anderson and Cheyenne Parham. They are young, beautiful, talented, and on their way to their sixth best-selling novel; that is, until Jo learns her husband, Cordell Anderson, founder of Anderson Technologies, is having an affair with Alisha Stewart, his right hand at Anderson. Before she can confront him, tragedy strikes her home, and Jovan must deal with the fact that the careful, safe life she had with Cordell was merely smoke and mirrors.

BOOK EXCERPT

Like most Monday nights, Sarah Brockman found herself in bed alone.  She stretched, twisted and turned, trying to find the right spot to sleep in since she didn’t have her husband as her buffer.

After ten minutes of wriggling, Sarah sat up.

Her husband was off, as usual, in Cleveland or Chicago, New York or L.A.  Some place other than home.  Attending to business, he always said.

Probably to get back at me, she thought.  Since her own stepping out, Sarah had long wondered if Mark’s business came in the short/petite or Amazonian/statuesque variety.

She hated him for leaving her in this big house alone though her pushing him away didn’t help matters.  She hated the weird creaks and moans of the settling house.  At least once a night, she reached over to her nightstand for the mace or the steak knife she kept there.  Her husband called her paranoid.  She preferred the term cautious.

Sarah ran her fingers through her pale, golden hair before finally falling back onto the mattress and closing her eyes.

“Just fall asleep,” she whispered.  She grabbed her husband’s pillows from his side of the bed and pressed them close to her, digging her slender fingers into the pillowcase.

The shattering of glass startled her.  She leapt from the bed and grabbed her knife, the mace, and the phone on the nightstand.  She raced into the walk-in closet and sat on the floor.  Her fingers shook, but she managed to hit ‘Talk’ on the phone.  No dial tone.  Tears streamed down her sun-kissed cheeks.  Clothes, swaying on their hangers, brushed her shoulders.  Through the thin slats on the bottom half of the door, Sarah saw the grayness of the room.

“God, please, don’t let this person hurt me,” she whispered up through her clothes, hoping her message reached heaven.

Even from the closet, Sarah heard the soft whoosh of the bedroom door opening.  She rubbed her stomach and swallowed down a lump of vomit and a scream.

She breathed into the phone, wishing there was someone on the other end to help her.

Through the slats, Sarah saw the shades of darkness change in the bedroom from a dark gray to black.  The intruder stood just inches from her.

Her fingers itched to hold onto her rosary and pray.  She needed some thing or some higher being to tell her that she would be okay because she didn’t believe it.

Amidst the silence and the fear, Sarah couldn’t help but wonder why the alarm didn’t go off.

The door opened.

Sarah screamed as she stared into the barrel of a gun.

The mace, the knife, and the phone slid from her hand, thudding onto the carpeted floor.

Seconds ticked by as they stared each other down.  Sarah saw nothing but black—the intruder’s black clothing, gloves, mask, scully cap, gun.

But it was the eyes, all big and brown and full of menace.  She could have sworn she had seen them before, but she’d never known anyone in her life so full of hate.

“Please,” she said, “you can have anything you want, just please don’t hurt me.  “I’m…”

The intruder grunted.  “This ain’t even about you, bitch,” he interrupted.  He then laughed, the sound so chilling Sarah closed her eyes tight to keep from seeing one who could be so evil.

“My sweet Sarah,” the intruder said.

Her face slackened.  She recognized the voice.

She never opened her eyes again.

Visit amazon to pre-order a copy of Death at the Double Inkwell.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A true wordsmith, Shonell Bacon works hard at writing stories that tap into the universal and helping writers become better at their craft. Currently, Shonell is busy pursuing her Ph.D. in Technical Communication and Rhetoric at Texas Tech University. You can visit her at http://shonbacon.com.

Death at the Double Inkwell by Shonell Bacon is a post from: APOOO

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I’m finishing up I Do Not Come to You By Chance by Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani. I am so enjoying this book set in Nigerian. I love her writing which is full of detail of culture, language and infused with humor. It is also a social and political commentary on the country. How so many Nigerians aspire to higher education, struggle and sacrifice for it, only to be disappointed because of the economy. There are several Nigerians in my school district that I am getting to know better and this book is helping me to understand one of our vice chancellors.  The Nigerian email scams figure prominently in this book also.

To order a copy visit amazon.

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