Holy Rollers Blog Tour with ReShonda Tate Billingsley
By APOOO • Jul 9th, 2010 • Category: Virtual Book Tours •
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Holy Rollers Blog Tour with ReShonda Tate Billingsley
Would you say you are an extrovert or introvert?
Definitely extrovert. If you see me quietly sitting back, its not because I’m an introvert, it’s because I’m a big observer. I’m always looking for stuff to spark my creativity.
Do you like to cook? If so, what are your favorite dishes to cook?
I do like to cook. I especially like going to the grocery store, watching the chefs, then trying to copy what they do. My favorite dish is shrimp and grits.
Are you a sports fan? If so, tell us about your favorite sports and/or sports team.
No. No. No. I am a reality TV fan though!
Are there any other hobbies you wish to share?
Reading and watching reality TV
What movie(s) have you watched recently that you would recommend?
The Book of Eli, The Karate Kid, and on video, an absolute must-see The Lena Baker Story, starring Tichina Arnold.
Do you like books being turned into a movie? If so, what is your favorite book-to-movie?
I used to not like them because they’d be so different, but now, after having my book turned into a movie, I understand the process so it doesn’t bother me as much.
If Holy Rollers was turned into a movie who would you cast to play your characters?
Well, Im happy to say two of my books ARE being turned into a movie and while Regina King is directing, I’d love to see her star in it. It’s my dream to see I Know Ive Been Changed on the big screen and I would love for Kerry Washington to play Raedella, the main character. Not sure who I’d like to see star in my latest book, Holy Rollers.
Which social networks do you enjoy the most?
Facebook. I’m addicted to FB!
What’s next for you?
I am blessed to be under contract for five more books.
HOLY ROLLER BOOK GIVEAWAY
When you think of the holy roller what comes to mind? Leave a comment below and be entered to win a copy of the book. Book giveaway open until noon, Saturday, July 10th, 2010.
About ReShonda Tate Billingsley
ReShonda Tate Billingsley is a national bestselling author of 19 books, all published by Simon and Schuster/Pocket Books. In 2000, after numerous rejections from publishers, ReShonda stepped out on faith, established her own publishing company, and self published her debut novel, My Brother’s Keeper. The book caught the attention of one of the country’s top literary agents, who secured a deal for ReShonda with megahouse publisher, Simon & Schuster/Pocket Books.
The rest, as they say, is history.
ReShonda went on to sign one deal after another with Simon & Schuster and to date, is considered one of the country’s top inspirational authors. Her sophomore novel, Let the Church Say Amen, is being made into a movie of which she is Executive Producer and actress Regina King is the director. ReShonda’s literary career is such a success that in 2007, she was able to leave her job as a reporter with Fox 26 News in Houston to write full time.
ReShonda has appeared on the Essence Bestseller’s list more than 20 times, as well as The Washington Post, Dallas Morning News and Ebony Magazine Bestseller’s lists. Her books include The Devil is a Lie, Can I Get a Witness, The Pastor’s Wife, Let the Church Say Amen, Everybody Say Amen, I Know I’ve Been Changed and My Brother’s Keeper. Her inspirational teen novels include Nothing But Drama, Blessings in Disguise,With Friends Like These, Getting Even, Fairweather Friends, Friends ‘Til the End, and Caught up in the Drama. She has one non-fiction title, Help! I’ve Turned into my Mother. ReShonda has won numerous awards for her journalism, fiction and poetry writing skills. She is a five-time winner of the National Association of Black Journalists Spirit in the Words competition, one of Rolling Out Magazine’s Top 25 Women in Houston and H-Texas Magazine’s Top Professional.
ReShonda’s upcoming projects include Holy Rollers (July 2010), Say Amen, Again (July, 2011), the teen novel Drama Queens (Fall 2010), and two travel suspense novels. The Houston native also serves as a freelance editorial and marketing consultant. She has ghostwritten four fiction projects and five non-fiction projects. She is married with three small children and does not hide her addiction to Reality TV and Facebook.
She welcomes readers to her websites at www.reshondatatebillingsley.com.
About the Book
Looking for Love . . .
Lifelong friends Coco, Nita, and Audra have spent years looking for love in the arms of flashy pro athletes, hoping to land a baller but ending up with a stream of failed relationships. The beautiful and demure Coco has endured years of physical abuse from her boyfriend, Sonny, while Audra, a single mother, has dated her fair share of cheaters and yearns for a stable companion who will be a father figure to her son. And feisty, seductive Nita is tired of being the million-dollar mistress and wants to settle down—if she can find someone worth coming home to.
Changing the Game . . .
Now that the women are approaching thirty, they’re finding it harder than ever to compete with the pro groupies. Determined to change the game and find some worthwhile men, Audra hatches an outrageous plan. Soon the trio is “holy rolling,” masquerading as God-fearing churchgoers at a local conference for young ministers in the hopes of snagging a prominent pastor. But will their big gamble pay off? Men of the cloth are still just men, after all. As the three friends meet their potential life partners, they will have to decide how far they want to take their holy rollers scheme—each risking heartbreak while taking a chance on finding a reliable, responsible man to love and cherish, flaws and all.
View the blog tour schedule at http://bit.ly/HolyRollersBlogTour.
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APOOO is a book club and an online author and reader community dedicated to advancing African American literature. Our mission is to expose readers of all ages to a good book in any genre; to support African American authors, books, literary events and bookclubs; to provide marketing resources, tools and tips to authors; and, to promote literacy within the African American community.
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I am reading and loving this book, laughing out loud, started last night and ‘rolling through’…the phrase ho-rolling is so funnneeeee to me…
angelia´s last [type] ..NEW REVIEW FOR RE-RAMBLED
@ Angelia…hello and how are you…yes ‘ho rolling’ is so funneee and Holy Roller is a very entertaining read. Glad you’re enjoying it.
I just picked up a copy of this book and can’t wait to read it. I have read all of the authors previous titles and I just know I am in for a treat with this new installment. When I think of a holy roller, I think of an individual who promotes their religion to the highest, with much enthusiasm, and faith.
This sounds like a very interesting read. When I heard the title – the meaning that came to mind is someone who claims to be very deep in their faith yet will use any means necessary to get what they want – no matter how unethical or if it adheres to Christian principles or not.
Congrats on your contract for 5 more books.
I’m reading this now!! It’s good! Can’t wait to see what’s going to happen with these ladies!
Donnica´s last [type] ..Dan Gilbert Should Be FINED-
@ Teresa thanks for stopping by.
@ Beverly yeah when I think of holy roller it’s a negative connotation for me as well…I think of those folks who appear to be holier than thou but are some of the biggest hell raisers in the church. They can quote scriptures to you verbatim and tell you what thus saith the Lord…but they lack compassion and love for their fellow man…they have very judgmental spirits…
@ Donnica glad you’re enjoying it can’t wait to see your review!
Reshonda has had much success being under the Simon and Schuster/Pocket Books publishing label. Congrats on your contract for the 5 more books, my question is, if another well known publisher wanted to sign Reshonda that could promise just as much or even more success, would she be willing or able to move to a new publisher?
When I think of Holy Rollers, I envision women (sometimes men) who act all holier than thou in the church or even in the company of the pastor, but when they out with their girlfriends they are letting loose and acting like a royal fool. They will/would lie and cheat just to get what they want.
Congrats on the contract. That’s awesome.
Jennifer C.´s last [type] ..Hat Pins
{{{Yas & APOOO}}}
Getting off da bus on Apooo road waving at Yas and all the members here and doing my cutsey curtsey to Ms ReShonda.
Thanks so much for hosting this segment of the blog tour you have been so instrumental in the literary dynamic for quite some time and I thank you.
ReShonda we meet again just on another block, thanks so much for your ministry. I will be reading Holy Rollers real soon.
God bless and take care….
(((Hi Apu)
Hey Missy good seeing you and thanks for stopping by.
Hi ReShonda,
I hear you have another hit on your hands. Congratulations!
Dera from Help! I’ve Turned into My Mother
P.S. I wrote you a few months ago about donating some books for a program I work with. I guess you don’t have AOL anymore.
Oh yes, I forgot to say. Yasmin nailed it on my definition of holy roller.
First of all, APOO thank you so much for hosting me! I am enjoying reading your comments and many of them are right on point. Sorry, I’m just dropping in, I’m on the road on tour so I’ve been running like crazy.
Teresa, to your question about moving, I never say never, but I am one of those lucky authors who has been with a house since the beginning and has had tremendous support so I’d be hard pressed to leave. Even if someone offered me more money, it would have to be a WHOLE lot more because I look at the big picture with Simon & Schuster (backlist, support, an editor and publisher who believes in me, etc.).
Dera, I am so sorry! I try to answer all my emails but Im so behind. Just finishing up January emails. I will go back and if its not too late, I’d love to donate some books.
Thank you all for weighing in!
I think you ladies have the definition of Holy Rollers covered. I’ll cast the movie since ReShonda is not being visual about it. LOL.
Coco – Zoe Saldana or even Beyonce (both do a good job at playing a vulnerable damsels in distress. Audra – Hmmm, I’d say Megan Good. She does that sexy airhead thing well.
As for the craziest character, Nita – Regina Hall. She’d do a good job in some of those latter chapters. If you don’t know who Regina Hall is, she played “Candy” the stripper in The Best Man. Regina and Megan kind of have a similar look. That might not work for casting, but that’s who I’d pick.
No need to enter me in the drawing. I have the book!
ReShonda, no it is not too late. Hit me off line at dwilliamsfrequent@gmail.com or dwillautho@aol.com when you get a chance.
Rhonda, I like your casting. I have been hearing good things about your books.
@ ReShonda–Soror thanks for stopping by it’s been a pleasure hosting your tour and much success with your current book.
@ Rhonda–I would like Zoe or Megan Goode for Coco; and yes Regina Hall would work for Nita.
What an inspiring interview and background. CONGRATS. I have not read any of your novels YET.. I type YET because I do plan to read the newest one. I am intrigued plus I’ve heard good things about your books. Thanks for sharing your world
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Yasmin,
Thank you for being a host for the Holy Rollers Blog Tour with ReShonda Tate Billingsley.