Featured Author: Harriet Wilson

How did you become a writer?
Well actually me becoming a writer happened by accident. I was sitting around the house after listening to a few of my friends complain about their problems and wrote a short story. But after it was completed, I had so much more to fill in that it turned into a full novel. I've alwyas been a lover of books so it came naturally to me.

What are you hoping readers take from your book?
I hope readers learn that all things that happen in the dark will come to the light and really, I just intend for them to have a good read. I mean Secret Betrayal is an awesome story and I think that  many women find themselves or someone they know in one of the characters.

Who is the hero in your life? How does your hero inspire you?
My inspiration in life is my mother and sister. They have made so many sacrifices for me and I feel like I have to fulfill my fullest potential because of it. Although my mother is no longer with us on this earth, I know she is smiling down from heaven now.

How do you relax after a long day of writing?
Oh gosh, when I am writing I usually drink a nice glass of wine. It seems to keep my creative juices flowing but after I am finished, I really don't have a ritual or anything like that.

What are your favorite marketing and/or promotional tools?
Actually my favorite marketing/promoting tool with Secret Betrayals is letting people read the first page of it. It is an eye catcher for sure and once people read the first page, it is hard for them to put it down.

What is one thing you have learned about the publishing industry?
That it is a dog eat dog world out there. Many authors don't join together to help each other. Instead, they try to get to the top but don't realize that one hand washes the other and sometimes helping others will help yourself.

What advice would you give to an anspiring author?
My advice to any aspiring writer is that writing the novel is the easy part. After it is done, don't think you're just gonna jump to the New York Times Bestseller's List. Its not gonna happen. There is a lot of hard work and dedication that goes into publishing so be on you're A-game.

Who was the first author you read? What was the title of the book?
Of course, Flyy Girl by Omar Tyree. I remember because it was getting passed around my junior high school and everyone was talking about it. Before this book, you couldn't have paid me to read anything but after it, I was hooked. Thanks Mr. Tyree. I feel like I owe my whole career to him in a way.

Tell us what new projects you are working on?
Gosh, I have so many started that I really don't know where to begin. Well, after talking to several readers of Secret Betrayals, I'm going to go on and start the sequel to it. I plan to have it completed by December 2011. Other than that, I have about four or five projects but I can't give them away just yet.

                                                                         Where can your readers find you?

   I can be reached on my website at  http://harrietwilson.webstarts.com or Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=181100979

Book Spotlight

On the brink of a major promotion, Tamia Luke is within reach of the glitzy life she’s always dreamed of—until her client, Dominic Archer, blackmails her into becoming his mistress, threatening to reveal her scandalous past. Tamia has no choice but to submit to his demands. But the tables turn when her hostility toward Dominic is replaced with insatiable lust. No man—including her boyfriend—has ever satisfied her the way Dominic does. And as her infatuation grows, the closer she comes to losing everything—including her life. 

Order your copy at Amazon.com!

Business of the Week

Who is Books2Mention Magazine?

Books2Mention Magazine is a place where best-selling authors and up-and-coming authors are featured collectively showcasing their literary works to readers encompassing a diverse genre of literature.

We feature exclusive interviews with authors and highlight literature's finest In The Spolitght with B2M. We also conduct book reviews and provide our readers with the opportunity to share with us exciting news about book releases or recommendations for noteworthy books to read.

What services do you provide?

Books2Mention provides the following services:

Author Interviews (Free of Charge)

Book Reviews (Free of Charge)

Book Promotion Advertisement Packages

Book Video Trailers

Why should authors or readers choose your company?

Books2Mention provides a venue that bridges all authors together, so avid readers and the occasional reader, can experience the best of both worlds. We offer the tools to locate and explore what is now available in literature.

Our team of editors at B2M works closely with authors to ensure that their book projects receive impeccable service for their book promotional needs at an affordable rate.

Why advice (relative to your area of business) can you give to aspiring authors?

Devise a strategic action plan to garner maximum exposure for your book. Thoroughly examine your promotional needs and customize services to assist you with achieving your bottom line.

What is your contact and location information?

You can contact Books2Mention Magazine at http://www.Books2Mention.com/ or email info@Books2Mention.com. You can also follow us on Twitter: @Books2Mention. 

Who is your direct contact representative?

 Patricia D. Woods is Books2Mention Magazine's Founder/Editor-In-Chief. You can contact her directly at PatriciaDWoods@Books2Mention.com

Book Spotlight

How do you tell your son that your father is his? That is the question that Naya Moná must answer as she confronts a son she hasn't seen since birth. Filled with a jazz singers heart, a flair for Rhythm and a ear for Blues, the drama in her life unveils as she is forced to go back into her past. Back to the time when her fathers touch is no longer innocent, her friends aren't whom they appear to be and the love of her life is nothing more than a pair of perfectly polished  black leather shoes. A true must read!

                                                              Purchase at Amazon.com

Featured Book Review: Drama With a Capital D

Drama With a Capital D

Denise Coleman

4 Stars

Baby Mamma drama takes on a new meaning in Drama With A Capital D by Denise Coleman. Lonnie is business-minded and a strong woman who takes no stuff from anyone. She is in a loving relationship, or so she thought, until all hell breaks loose. Lonnie finds out that the love of her life, John, has a child with another woman who loves to create problems.

After dealing with the nonsense, Lonnie calls it quits so that she can move on to take care of herself and her career. Whew! Lonnie thinks it is all over but she gets a new surprise at work and hell starts all over again. Will Lonnie see light at the end of her turmoil of terror?

Lonnie then meets Malik and believes things are looking up for her. Malik is everything she wants in a man. However, Lonnie’s experiences filtered unwanted emotions that make her believe he is too good to be true. Could her fears be justified?

Drama With A Capital D is an entertaining story of women and their drama. The patience of the main character is tested repeatedly in ways that are not necessary. The book will keep those readers interested in high levels of drama happy. The twist in the story was not expected bringing more flare to the rest of the book. Even though there were some grammatical errors, the author’s message came through loud and clear. I would recommend this book to others.

Reviewed by Teresa Beasley

Featured Author: Naomi Chase

How did you become a writer?
I don't know whether I chose writing, or writing chose me. I've always been an avid reader, so it seemed a natural progression for me to someday try my hand at penning a book. I completed my first "novel" at age 17, then went on to minor in creative writing in college. I have been writing ever since!

What are you hoping readers take from your book?
Exposed is a story about a woman who will do anything to keep a secret hidden. I want the book to make readers think about the choices we make in life, and how those choices impact not only our lives, but those of our family and friends. And, of course, I also want readers to be thoroughly entertained by the story.

Who is the hero in you life? How does your hero inspire you?
One of my biggest heroes is my husband. He's a man of character, strength, conviction, and deep faith. Even when I suffer from self doubt, he always believes in me and encourages me not to give up. I'm grateful to have such a loving, supportive man in my corner.

Name three goals you want to accomplish as a writer within the next 4 years.

• Reach a major bestseller list (New Yor Times, USA, Today, Essence)
• Have one of my books optioned for a movie
• Command a higher print run

What are your favorite marketing and/or promotional tools?
Honestly, I'm still getting the hang of effective marketing and promotion. I know I definitely need to take better advantage of social networking (i.e., Facebook, Twitter). For me, the most important thing is having an updated web site that lets readers know about upcoming releases, book signings, contests, etc. Another thing I've found very rewarding is having a Yahoo group, which enables me to interact with my readers and get to know them better, and vice versa.

What is one thing you have learned about the publishing industry?
First and foremost, I've learned that success doesn't come overnight. There are many talented writers out there who may never land a publishing contract, or who may never "make it big." It takes hard work, determination, and a true love for writing to perserve through all the ups and downs of the publishing industry.

What advice would you give to an aspiring author?
Believe in yourself. If you're doing everything you can to hone your craft as a writer and you honestly believe that you have a gift to share with the world, don't let anything stand in your way of becoming an author. And stop making excuses for why you haven't completed that manuscript you've been working on for years. You owe it to yourself to finish the book and get it out there. You never know what doors God may open for you!

Who was the first author you read? What was the the title of the book?
Oh, man, that was such a long time ago! LOL. The first book that really impacted me was Judy Blume's Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. It was a humorous coming-of-age story that I could relate to as a shy, angst-ridden preteen.

Tell us what new projects you are working on?
I'm currently working on Deception, the sequel to Exposed. The story picks up right where the previous book ended. I hope readers will enjoy this new tale of lust, deception, and betrayal.

Where can readers find you?
I love to hear from readers! I can be reached via email at chaseme@naomichase.com, and readers can also visit my website at http://www.naomichase.com/ and check me out on Facebook.

Publisher of the Week

A&RBC: Who is Passionate Writers Publishing?
PWP: Passionate Writer Publishing is an independent trade publisher located in Central Indiana. Our focus is to provide quality books into the hands of readers.

A&RBC: What services do you provide?
PWP: We provide publishing, marketing, and promoting. We are a traditional publisher but we do have a self-publishing imprint as well for authors who would like more control of their book.

A&RBC: Why should authors and readers choose your company?
PWP: Our goal is to make sure our books stand out in a crowd. The quality of our covers draw readers in to find the interior is of the highest standard as well. Each title is provided the same care as if t hey are already a best seller. We are not a niche company, our titles span all genres.

A&RBC: What advice (relative to your area of business) can you give to aspiring authors?
PWP: When submitting a manuscript make sure it is the best that it can be to make a publisher want to choose your manuscript. If you send a publisher a manuscript that has just been thrown together it sends the message that you really don't care about it, therefore why should the publisher.

A&RBC: What is you contact and location information?
PWP: We can be reached online at www.passionatewriterpublishing.com via the contact us page.

A&RBC: Who is your direct contact representative?
PWP: For sales only please contact Kelly Aldridge at admin@passionatewriterpublishing.com for all other questions or submissions please refer to the PWP website at www.passionatewriterpublishing.com.

A&RBC: Authors & Readers Book Corner appreciates your time!
PWP: Thank you for the invite.

To learn more about PWP's titles and upcoming new releases, please visit their website.

Business of the Week: SG Creations

Who is SG Creations?

SG Creations is the name of Shelia Goss' freelance business, which entails everything from ghostwriting to graphic design work.

What services do you provide?

SG Creations provides the following services:

Ghostwriting: fiction and non-fiction

Website Design

Banners (animated and non-animated) for advertising product (s)

eBook Cover Design

eBook Manuscript Formatting

Book Trailers

Logo Design

Why should Authors and Readers choose your company?

My graphic work is customized based on the customers wants. I complete the work within a reasonable amount of time. My prices are affordable and fit most budgets.

What advice (relative to your area of business) can you give to aspiring authors?

The best advice I can give to an aspiring author is to make sure they have an online presence with their own website.


What is your contact and location information?

I can be contacted via my author website at www.sheliagoss.com. To see samples of Shelia's previous work, visit her author website and click on SG Creations tab. I can also provide samples via email.

Who is your direct contact representative?

I, Shelia Goss, am the contact person for all projects. I can be reached directly at sheliagoss@aol.com or click on the contact tab from my main website at www.sheliagoss.com

Featured Book Review: Can You Keep A Secret?

Can You Keep A Secret?

Omegia Keeys

4 Stars

A new style of erotica is here with this new installment, Can You Keep a Secret? by Omegia Keeys. The story is about letting your hair down and setting your sexuality free. Monica is a human resource manager growing into her position at an insurance company. Monica is married to Jamal and assumes that she has a good marriage until she returns from a business trip to find out that her marriage is not as great as it seemed. Monica is frustrated and makes a decision about her marriage that will change both her and Jamal’s life.

Monica embarks on a thrill-seeking lifestyle that is refreshing and just what she needs. Monica starts taking of Monica and lets no one get in her way. After some time passes, Monica realizes that she has become two different people and living two different lives. What will Monica do if her two lives collide?

Can You Keep a Secret? is an entertaining book to read. The characters are engaging and believable. The sexuality in the book was quite visual and not over-the-top, which makes the book more inviting for readers. Even though this was my first time reading this author’s work, I can definitely say that I will pick up more of her titles. I definitely recommend this book to others.

Reviewed by Teresa Beasley

Featured Author: Marian L. Thomas

Marian L. Thomas, Author

How did you become a writer?



I started in high school. I wrote a version of Color Me Jazzmyne back then but changed it constantly over the years, until one day I threw the original version out and just started from the beginning. I also wrote in college as a sports editor and a news editor. Writing it seems, was always there. I just needed to see it clearly.

What are you hoping readers take from your book?

Most people say that I am a very emotional writer. For me, my goal is to make a reader connection. To reach the reader emotionally. If after reading my book, the reader puts it down and is still trying to gather their emotions together after having been on an enjoyable emotional rollercoaster, I feel that my goal was accomplished.

Who is the hero in your life? How does your hero inspire you?

My mother. Growing up there are so many things we never know about our parents and then one day over a cup of something, (whatever it happens to be at the moment) you discover something incredible about them and it inspires you. That is what my mother did for me and I am so grateful for it.

 How do you relax after a long day of writing?

I like to watch a movie. Something that will make me laugh and then again sometimes I want something that will stir my emotions. It depends I guess, on where I was in my story.

What are your favorite marketing and/or promotional tools?

Social media has had an amazing affect on my promotion of Color Me Jazzmyne. It has allowed me to connect to readers, reviewers, book clubs  and other authors.

 What is one thing you have learned about the publishing industry?

Don't take the 'no' personally. Not everyone will love your work. That's okay. Once you get the 'no' out, you can move on.

What advice would you give to an aspiring author?

Don't start 'publishing yourself' when you see your work in print. Get out there and start building a name for yourself through blogs, forums or anything else you can find that gets your name out there, well before your book hits the .com world.

Who was the first author you read? What was the title of the book?

I wish I could remember back there far. Getting older, mind ten years ahead of me already. A friend gave me a book one day by Christina Schwarz called, Drowning Ruth. I read it in a couple of days and it still sits on my bookshelf.

 Tell us what new projects you are working on?

I am currently wrapped up in the pages of my second release, My Father's Colors. I hope to see it released by the Spring. I hope readers will find it to be a mind-throbbing, heart-racing, emotional rollercoaster ride that doesn't allow them to put it down. In fact, there is already an event planned for it called the: 'Get Your Red Shoes On'. It's going to go down on February 17, 2010 at the Atlanta Marriott Norcross. For $35 you get a 3-course seated dinner, live musical entertainment, a signed copy of My Father's Colors, a fully interactive book reading and lots of red shoes on the floor, type of fun! I have so gotta get my red shoes before then!

Where can your readers find you?

My calendar is always posted on my website. I would welcome readers to come out to any of my events, so that we can chat up a storm.  

http://www.marianlthomas.com

Book Spotlight

Purchase at Amazon.com

With money, status, and a multi-billion dollar fashion powerhouse, the Langs are Atlanta royalty. Lena Lang, the family matriarch, is the quintessential  southern socialite, flawless, from her carefully coiffed hair to her designer five-inch stilettos.

But in Lena’s ugly past lurks secrets that she’ll protect at all  costs. When her daughter conjures up old ghosts, Lena fiercely defends her family’s name and status. There’s no limit to what she’ll do to keep the life she worked so hard to attain - even if it means the ultimate sacrifice. The handsome and highly sought after Reynolds Lang and his wife, Blair, appear to be the picture perfect couple. But when, after months of trying, Blair fails to conceive, her obsession becomes more than Reynolds can take. The added pressure from his family to make good on a twenty million dollar offer he can’t refuse may be just enough to send Reynolds over the edge. But someone is there to catch him before he falls. She’s sexy, single, and more than willing to fill the holes in Reynolds’s tumultuous life. But the comfort of a much neededrelief comes at a steep price- one that may be higher thaneven this fashion mogul can afford. Though Lena and Reynolds try to hide  their lies, the truth is undeniable. The past, present, hidden, and revealed come to an explosive collision, threatening the collapse of an empire and leaving the Langs forever changed.

*Snyposis from author website www.dasayacates.com

Book Spotlight

Purchase book at Amazon.com

This story introduces readers to Alicia Tate, a woman who always seem to have her life in order. She is a Christian with a strong relationship with God and believes in the power of prayer. With a great husband, a promising marriage for eighteen years, two wonderful kids, a good career, good friends, and a good education, she couldn’t ask for anything better. But her life is turned upside down as she reconnects with Rick, her first love after over twenty years, and discovers some shocking news from her husband. Alicia is faced with decisions that compromise her relationship with God, her husband, family, friends, and her integrity. As she faces this new trial, she will learn and realize some things that will renew her relationship with God. But will she able to save everything good in her life?


Readers will find A Lover’s Prayer eye-opening and life-changing. Through this release, they will learn about forgiveness, repentance, and God’s unconditional love and enduring presence.


*Synopsis from author's website http://tawandarichardson.com/

Featured Book Review

Straight From Your Gay Best Friend

Terrence Dean

5 Stars

I have never laughed so hard while reading a book. I do believe that every woman needs a gay best friend. Straight From Your Gay Best Friend by Terrence Dean is a guidebook for teaching women all they need to know about relationships, careers, and being fabulous. This 19 chapter book has everything a woman needs to know about letting out the diva inside. It also lets women know how to properly guard their hearts and be selective of the company they choose to keep.

The author informs readers on the do’s and the don’ts of dressing, having and keeping a man, career choices, and friendships. It also informs readers on what it means to take time for you. This fulfilling book is just what every woman, who has ever doubted herself needs to get back on track.

Straight From Your Gay Best Friend was an engaging book of information, resources, and pure fun facts. The author does a wonderful job explaining issues, problems, and solutions throughout the book. The author also provides cases that will help readers understand the message the book is providing. I enjoyed the worksheets and scenarios, which provided examples of what to look for when approaching relationships. After reading this book, I will definitely get me a gay best friend so that I can stay in the know how. I definitely recommend this book to others.

Reviewed by Teresa Beasley

Featured Author: Dasaya Cates

Dasaya Cates, Author

How did you become a writer?

I’ve wanted to write since grade school. I’ll never forget an English teacher, Jean Schulte, who helped me recognize and improve my writing early on. From then on, I knew I’d be writing someday.

What are you hoping readers take from your book?

As they read Bloodlines, my hope is that readers see something of themselves in all of the characters. In many ways, Blair, Lena, Reynolds and the others are all of us. They deal with some very common emotional, family and personal issues that I think we can all identify with. And if we can’t, we can think of someone who has. I hope that people realize that it’s so important to be honest with the people who are in our lives, even when that truth hurts. It’s much easier to deal with a damaging truth than betrayal. Finally, I want readers to see that even though this family went through a lot their familial bond remained intact, even if from a distance.

Who is the hero in your life? How does your hero inspire you?

My parents have been great and I have so many people who have been there for me—and I admire them all. I don’t think I can pick one human as my hero. My maternal grandmother was one of the best people I’d ever met and my brother keeps me pretty inspired too.

Name three goals you want to accomplish as a writer within the next 4 years.

I’d like to have at least one of my books hit a major national or major regional best seller list like USA Today or (gasp) the elusive NY Times. I want to be noticed as a serious blogger and gain more readership—I’d have a national following by then, I hope.

What is your favorite marketing and promotional tool?

Honestly, the Internet. The power of the whole thing still cracks me up at times. It’s amazing! Case in point: I’ve made a friend who’s halfway around the globe and who has become a fan of my work. I don’t think that would have happened any other way.

What is one thing you have learned about the publishing industry?

The one thing I’ve learned about the publishing industry is that like every other industry, it’s changing. I think the future is wide open for independent authors, whereas the doors had pretty much been kicked shut years ago. Self-publishing was a scandal. As serious authors put out serious, quality work, I believe that will continue to change.

What advice would you give to an aspiring author?

There is so much room for your talent! I would encourage aspiring authors not to be discouraged by rejections or initial lack of interest. Your audience awaits you—you just have to find a way to get to them. Having said that, make sure you do your best to produce a quality product and a well-written book at all times. Hire professional editors and designers.

Who was the first author you read? What was the title of the book?

Wow! I don’t really don’t remember the very first book I read because I’ve been reading for about as long as I’ve been alive. My mom had me reading children’s books at three. The first author to really get me engrossed with the craft of writing was Toni Morrison. I read and analyzed Song of Solomon in a college-level English course and that really encouraged me to be a better writer.

Tell us what new projects you are working on?

I’m currently working on two new suspense projects. One is planned as the first book of a series which follows an investigative journalist. I can’t wait for readers to meet her!

How can your readers get in contact with you?

Readers can contact me at d@dasayacates.com, through Twitter @dc8s and on Facebook. On http://www.dasayacates.com/ readers can check out an excerpt of Bloodlines, get book club discussion questions, read what’s on my mind in my latest blog and keep up to date on my work.

 

About the Author

Dasaya Cates is a fresh voice in the world of contemporary fiction. She primarily writes dramatic fiction and suspense; however Dasaya has a flair for sharp humor, as evidenced by her first novel, The Shark Pool. She is engaged in marketing her work to a variety of audiences and is herself an avid reader.

Dasaya is also a blogger and freelance writer. In addition, she frequently takes on technical writing projects, since she has more than ten years of experience in this area. Dasaya works as an instructional designer for a large company, so she  is always writing. She is an Ohio native and alumna of The Ohio State University.

In her spare time, you can find Dasaya cooking and baking, traveling and working out. She is a member of the She Writes community online.