Author of the Week: Shelia Goss

A&RBC: How did you become a writer?

Shelia: My desire to be a writer was sparked after meeting Maya Angelou my freshman year in high school. I decided to do it professionally after my Dad died and Princess Diana died. I took workshops, read a lot of books and practiced until I think I got it right (smile).

A&RBC: What are you hoping readers take from your book?

Shelia: After reading Delilah, I want people to reflect and think about the choices they make. I wrote Delilah because I kept hearing people trying to blame others for their transgressions instead of taking responsibilities for their own actions. We have choices in our life. It's up to each individual to weigh their options before acting or reacting. Our decisions can lead to life or death.

A&RBC: Who is the hero in your life? How does your hero inspire you?

Shelia: My mom is my hero. Her unwavering faith and the ability to have internal peace regardless of what's happening around her,  inspires me.

A&RBC: How do you relax after a long day of writing?

Shelia: I usually kick back with a good book or movie. I also like bouncing ideas off my boyfriend since he's a good listener.

A&RBC: What are your favorite marketing and/or promotional tools?

Shelia: The internet is my favorite marketing/promotional tool.

A&RBC: What is one thing you have learned about he publishing industry?

Shelia: I wish I knew that I didn't have to limit myself. I can write in multiple genres; like I'm now doing.

A&RBC: What advice would you give to an aspiring author?

Shelia: If you want to be a writer, don't talk about being a writer, do it. Write. Don't try to find time to write. Make time to write.

A&RBC: Who was the first author you read?

Shelia: That was so long ago that I can't remember. I've either been reading or have had books read to me since I was a few months old. I started reading for myself at 4 years old from what I was told.

A&RBC: Tell us what new projects you are working on.

Shelia: My next book will be Savannah's Curse. It's suspenseful and will be out at the end of February. I'm also in the process of writing the follow up to my current book Delilah.

A&RBC: Where can your readers find you?

Shelia: My website is www.sheliagoss.com or they can find me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/sheliamgoss

A&RBC: We appreciate your time and thanks for visiting with us.

Shelia: Thank you for the interview.

Book Spotlight: SistahFaith

 About The Book 

Ashamed No More

 Every woman needs a safe place to bleed...a quiet place to scream, and friends to dress her wounds. She needs the support of sistahs who won't cringe at the honest truth, who are willing to walk by her side, who will listen to her stories, and who will offer balm to heal her wounds.
 

This collection of poignant, true stories honestly reflects the humiliation that countless women experience every day at the hands of people who are supposed to love them. Drawing from the biblical story of Tamar, who was raped and disgraced by her own brother, spiritual truths of hope, healing, and new beginnings are highlighted in every story.

 

Among the women who have shared their stories of truth and triumph are Bonnie DeBarge of the famed Motown group the DeBarges, award-winning novelist Sharon Ewell Foster, and author Claudia Mair Burney.
 
Most women endure in silence -- afraid to tell the truth, held captive by their disgrace. But here, in these pages, they have told the truth, they have lifted their skirts to show their scars, and most important of all -- they have found redemption, hope, and new life.
 

Your Own SistahFaith Circle: In addition to sharing beautifully written stories and poems, this book shows you how to gather your own group of sistahs, and each chapter includes discussion questions that will help your gathering of sistahs journey past the shame, beyond rejection, and straight to the heart of God.



Purchase at Amazon.com



Book Review

Livin' Ain't Easy

Peron Long

4 Stars

In Livin Ain’t Easy, readers meet Devlin Carter; a former teacher turned businessperson whose love life is undesirable.  Leslie, his ex-girlfriend marries another man but cannot stop coming back for extra curriculum activities. Will Devlin break the tie that binds them?

Simone Jackson is a well-known television talk show host who is struggling with her life and sexuality. She is also stubborn and hard of hearing especially when told the truth. Simone’s past will soon affect her future, will see be able to make things right?

Devlin and Simone happen to meet under unusual circumstances, which spark a love they both cannot deny. The couple will face some unexpected obstacles and will be able to conquer them as long as they fight them together.

Livin Ain’t Easy is a well-developed novel of suspense. It is a page-turner with a hidden meaning and fulfilling characters. I look forward to reading another installment from this author. I recommend this book to readers who believe in second chances.

Reviewed by Teresa Beasley

Publisher of the Week

Who is Priority Books Publications?

Prioritybooks Publications LLC is a :limited liability company" and is dedicated to providing the best service available to its authors. We are serious about providing quality books and increasing the interest of reading to all generations through our many literary pursuits. Founded in 2004, our interests are in publishing materials regarding inspiration, teen and young adult fiction, Christianity, women, general interest fiction, and poetry. We are a small company with big aspirations.

What services do you provide?

We provide a cornucopia of literary services from publishing, marketing, scheduling local book signings, speech writing and developing curriculums, conducting workshops and seminars, writing press releases, developing flyers and professional resumes.

Why should authors or readers choose your company?

They should choose us because of our personal and professional customer service. Authors have an opportunity to walk through each step with us and participate in the process. We encourage our authors to support each other, share information, and we meet at least three times per year to discuss literary issues affecting writers. We also invite industry professionals to discuss interest from e-books, marketing, the importance of web development, and anything or anyone who are able to help our authors get exposure, or any information to help our writing and that will help us to become good at what we are doing.

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

To make sure whatever they write and make sure what they put out in the universe is well written and something they can be proud of. To do this your work must be edited, not by a relative who will not hurt your feelings by saying your writing needs help, or by a friend who has never edited anything. But by a professional who edits for a living and understands how to edit books.

What is your contact and location information?

You can contact us at 314-306-2972 or email us at info@prioritybooks.com or rosbeav03@yahoo.com. Also please visit our website and sign up for our newsletters, they are very informative.

Who is your direct contact representative?

Our publicist's name is Kendra Koger and she can be reached at prioritypublicity@yahoo.com or at 314-306-2972.

Author of the Week: Karyn Grice

How did you become a writer?

While watching television I said out loud, I'm going to write a book. Six days later my first novel, Single Black Female was complete.

What are you hoping readers take from your book?

That women are smart and strong and can manage a relationship and a business.

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

My husband is my hero. He is very generous and is always helping others. I call him my knight in shining armor.

How do you relax after a long day of writing?

I listen to music while I read and I also listen to music while I write. It's very relaxing.

What are your favorite marketing and/or promotional tools?

I like attending book club meetings. I enjoy talking with a group of people and hearing their opinions about my characters. I'm also on Facebook.

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

Determination and patience is paramount.

What advice would you give to an aspiring author?

To do their research and due diligence. There are numerous publishing and self-publishing articles on the internet. Join online writing groups to find out what other authors are doing.

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

Kathleen Woodiwiss, Shanna. I read it when I was a teenager.

Tell us what new projects you are working on.
I'm still learning how to write. I read a lot and since I've already written my next novel, I've been working on perfecting it.

Where can your readers find you?
I'm on Facebook. I also have a website at http://www.karyngrice.com/ and my author page at http://authors.simonandschuster.com/Karyn-Grice/62809376

FYI Friday: Reading Method

Reading Method

by

Teresa Beasley

I tell everyone that reading can be a form of relaxation as well as a useful hobby. It is exciting to read stories that are filled with drama, suspense, and mystery. The different genres that are available and even the non-fiction titles can give readers a smorgasbord full of helpful material. I am an avid reader who reads more than one book at a time. I have often been asked, “How do you do it?” Therefore, I wanted to share with readers my reading method. The reading method is a reading process that avid and non-avid readers can use to help them read at a quicker pace.

Step One: List the books you want to read for the week. This list should consist of two-four or four-six books. However, it can be done with two books.

Step Two: Place books in order of importance to you.

Step Three: Obtain a pen or pencil, a notebook, and bookmarks. The notebook is for you to take notes along your reading journey. The bookmarks are to help remember where you are in the books.

Step Four: Now it is time to bookmark your chapters in fives or sixes.

Step Five: Take your first book and go to chapter five or six and place a bookmark. Do this with every book on your list.

Step Six: Once step five is completed, it is time to start read, but first….

Step Seven: Find a comfortable location before you start reading.

Step Eight: After you have reached chapter five or six in each book stop and write your notes.

Step Nine: Start the rotation again by placing your bookmarks after the next five or six chapters in each book. Start reading again and don’t forget to take your notes.

Step Ten: Do steps 8-9 until each book is finished.

Note: Taking notes after reading every fifth or sixth chapter helps you remember what each book is about and what is happening within the story. Take breaks in between rotations (I know I do). This method works well for me and I hope it works for you as well. Happy Reading!

Business of the Week: Full Circle Designs

A&RBC: Who is Full Circle Design?

FCD: We are the engine that is driving new growth for a lot of small to mid-sized businesses in Indianapolis. We're nimble, creative, dependable, and most of all affordable. We're more interested in simple communications, fresh ideas, and good business sense. We love what we do and we're good at it.

A&RBC: What services do you provide?
FCD: We offer the followign services: website design, custom designed business cards, flyers and e-flyers, logos, posters, book covers, magazine layouts, and so much more.

A&RBC: Why should authors or readers choose your company?
FCD: You should choose our company because you won't hear us using a lot of business jargon. We translate design-babble into simple terms that will make it clear to what is going on, what your options are, and the cosst of your service.

A&RBC: What advice (relative to your are of business) can you give to aspiring authors?
FCD: Relative to our business, we inspire authors to make sure that when they are presenting their book to the consumer that the graphics are up to par and is professionally done. A potential buyer of your book looks at the cover first to see if they are even interested in the book. So you have to make sure within the first few seconds that you grab the potential buyers attention right off the bat with a professionally designed book cover.

A&RBC: What is your contact and location information?
FCD: Full Circle Designs
          P.O. Box 88495
          Indianapolis, IN 46208
          317-721-4142
          www.designsbyfc.com

A&RBC: Who is your direct contact representative?

FCD: Shaletta Fuqua, Project Manager

A&RBC: Authors & Readers Book Corner appreciates your time!

FCD: Thanks for the opportunity.

Book Review: Keeper of My Soul

Purchase at Amazon.com

About the Book

Keithe, a forty-year-old lawyer out of Houston, constantly feels neglected by a wife who has stepped out on him more than once during their fifteen-year marriage. Playing with the possibility of seeking new love, Keithe never expected his wife to be in the midst of his secret, one he doesn’t even know about.

Michelle is ready to fight for what is hers when her own cheating instincts make her suspicious of Keithe’s intentions. Finding her way into her husband’s affairs, Michelle is left to realize that her own betrayals are much deeper than she would care to believe. Keeper of My Soul is a powerful story about righting wrongs and finding peace in the soul.



Review

We have all heard the saying, "A person is a product of their environment." The meaning of this saying goes over and beyond in this new installment by Keisha Dawn. Keeper of My Soul is an intriguing story of a woman running from her past and being hit head on by her future. Michelle Morgan is a state judge with a doting husband and an attitude that needs a lot of work. Keithe Morgan is trying his best to stay in his marriage even though it is one-sided. Keithe meets Stoney through Mike, a mutual friend and soon finds out information about his wife that will force him to either stay or jump off the bandwagon.

Stoney Hart is a young woman trying to rid herself of experiences, while fighting to find the mother she never knew. Her goals, festered by unhealthy habits, just might destroy everything she has ever wanted. After starting her investigation to find her long-lost mother, Stoney will find that her emotions and expectations of her future will be more than she could have hoped for.

Keisha Dawn has once again written a story that needed to be told. Her ability to capture readers into the hearts and minds of her characters is unbelievable. The emotions, experiences, and passion within the story are those that readers can relate to in their own lives. Keeper of my Soul touches base on mental instability in a way that will allow readers to have a clear understanding that this could happen to them or someone they love. The book did contain several editing issues, which caused the lower rating. However, I still recommend this book to others.


Reviewed by Teresa Beasley
A&RBC Rating: 3.5

Author of the Week: Keshia Dawn

A&RBC: How did you become a writer?

Keshia: With determination is how I became a writer. In my youth I was always writing something. Whether a letter, a poem, a song or a short story, I wrote because I had to get was in me, out!

A&RBC: What are you hoping readers take from your book?

Keshia: In all things, I hope my readers take away from, Keeper Of My Soul, the knowledge of how important it is to love even the hardest of people. We may not understand people and their actions, but there is always a reason. Love covers a multitude.

A&RBC: Who is the hero in your life? How does your hero inspire you?

Keshia: My hero is my daughter, Chayse. Her birth five years ago pushed me to pick up my dream and try again. I had previously went through the print-on-demand route when it came to releasing my first novel, By the Grace of God in 2003. Wanting her to ALWAYS follow her dream, I realized I had to lead by example.

Chayse inspires me with her smile alone. Seeing her, knowing that I am her everything, her covering, inspires me to do all that I can.

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

Keshia: In four years I would love to have added a short story or book, or both to my resume yearly. Not only releasing them but having great feedback follow. I aIso hope to have made a reputable name for myself in the non-fiction realm of writing. As a freelance journalist, I hope to have the best of both worlds.

A&RBC: What are your favorite marketing and/or promotional tools?

Keshia: Because of Facebook, Twitter, Blogs and other venues, promoting has become easier. Even effective at that! Yet and still, there is only so much I can do. That is when I reach out to those in the literary arena who know how to push even more than I can.

A&RBC: What is one thing you have learned about the publishing industry?

Keshia: One thing I've learned would be that the promoting never stops. Though I'm traditionally published, that doesn't mean there is no work for me. The work never stops for the author.

A&RBC: What advice would you give an aspiring author?

Keshia: For an aspiring author, I would ask what is your purpose? Do you have an audience? Do you have the skills? Even if you feel writing is your destiny, learning how perfect your writing is a wise investment.

A&RBC: Who was the first author you read? What was the title of the book?
Keshia: Terry McMillan. When I read, Mama, the desire to do the same was embedded deep within.

A&RBC: Tell readers what new projects you are working on?

Keshia: I am currently working on book number four. No title as of yet, but it is definitely in the works, as well as a few short stories I hope to have out this year as well. As with my other novels, using real life instances with God being in the midst, will be my focus.

A&RBC: Where can your readers find you?

Keshia: Readers can find me at www.KeshiaDawnWrites.com , Twitter.com/THEKeshiaDawn and on Facebook under Keshia Dawn -Where Fiction Meets Non-fiction. They can also follow my blog at THEKeshiaDawn.blogspot.com

A&RBC: It was a pleasure having you stop by Keshia. Authors & Readers Book Corner appreciates your time.

Keshia: Thanks for having me.

Book Spotlight: Crossing Over

About The Book

Rachelle Martin’s mother died on Mother’s Day when she was only 15. To make matters worse, Rachelle was in church singing her mother’s favorite song at the time. Now, at age 30, she still has not gotten over the loss of her mother. She feels it is her job to mother and protect her twin brother, Raheem. However, when Rachelle’s dad asks her to sing as a Christmas gift to him, she is transformed. She becomes the focus of many as she focuses on the here and now, instead of the pain of so long ago. She goes from a perceived ugly duckling to a beautiful swan. Her transformation changes the lives of others, making them realize what they want in life. Slowly but surely, they will all begin Crossing Over.

Review

Crossing over by Jennifer Coissiere is a story of true family, friendship, guidance, and the strength to move on. Rachel Martin looses her ability to sing after the loss of her mother. Raheem Martin is use to being his sister's protector but when it seems as if she doesn't need him anymore his behavior changes and not in a good way.

Dawn and Kenyon are roommates with blinders on. The two cannot see what is right in front of them but when both reveal secrets things start to become clear.

Leigh is the misguided newcomer to the group by way of Raheem. Leigh has wicked ways, which start to change once she surrounds herself with positive influences and her heart starts to mend.

Pastor Zachary and Mrs. Zinnia Brown prove to be a sounding board for all of these friends including Leigh. In Rachel's journey of healing it soon becomes clear that those close to her are in need of healing to. After past issues and secrets are revealed, hearts start to mend, and a talent once thought to be lost for good will be used once again.

This novel will take you on an emotional and compassionate ride with its memorable and enriching characters and creative storyline that is carried throughout the book. I can say beside some misusage of words it is an excellent read and I am hoping this debut novel will not be the author's last. I recommend this book to those who need encouraging and who love a good story.

Teresa Beasley
A&RBC Reviews
A&RBC & Amazon Rating: 5 Stars

Book Review: Raised by the Mistress

Raised by the Mistress

Jamilah Creekmur

4.5 Stars

 

What do you say to a mother, who you love, that she is doing wrong? How do you tell your daughter that you know your actions are wrong, but they seem so right? In Raised by the Mistress, author Jamilah Creekmur invites readers into her world of trials, tribulations, and the after effects of alcoholism. Readers are exposed to a family that cannot manage to stay together because of a parent’s demons taking control and eliminating all that is around her.

Valli Barnes and Wayne Lampkins rocky road of romance, alcohol, and hidden secrets start taking a toll on young Jamilah. She does not like the person her mother becomes when her boyfriend, Wayne, makes a visit. Jamilah tried to stay out of the way but she witnessed her mother going down a long road of despair and it was hurting their relationship. One night, she wakes up to her mother choking her because of Wayne. Jamilah knew it was time for her to leave; she could no longer live in an unhealthy environment.

Valli’s depression and her love for Wayne continued to rule her life until she decided that she was toxic for everyone around her and she needed to get help. Yes, Valli had hit bottom and she knew the only one that could repair her and the relationship with her family was her. After time passed, the relationship with Wayne ended, Valli started to live again. Would she be able to repair the damaged relationship with her daughter?

Raised by the Mistress is an emotional story of a mother looking for love in the wrong places. It is a story of acknowledgement and forgiveness. I applaud this author for allowing readers to receive her life story and from the viewpoints of the individuals involved. The book provides a clear look into alcoholism at its worst and how it can destroy the love of a family. I experienced the frustration, hurt, and anger that Jamilah felt as she witnessed her mother fall apart. I did find some minor grammatical errors but these did not take away from the book’s message. In fact, I could not put it down, reading it in one day’s time. I definitely recommend this book to others.

Reviewed Teresa Beasley

Business of the Week

From A Writer's POV Magazine

Who is From A Writer's POV Magazine?

From A Writer's POV is an online and print magazine that caters to authors, writers, and business owners. We have several features we publish a month to spotlight those in the literary world. We've been in business for almost four years. We are named AAMBC Magazine of the Year in 2010.

What services do you provide?

We interview authors and writers and place their spotlights in articles, blogs etc. We also do author campaigns for more exposure to the author as well as writing contests and small groups for networking. We conduct workshops, weekly meeetings etc to help all authors and writers get the best knowledge possible.

What is the mission of From A Writer's POV Magazine?

Our mission is to help every author get their books and work in the hands of others.

Why should Authors & Readers choose your company?

From A Writer's POV is a place for authors and writers. It is the place for new; up and coming authors to use for their resources in getting their name to the public. Everything that we do caters to authors and writers.

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

Network as much as you can. Use the resources you ah ve and crawl before you walk.

What is your contact and location information?

We can be reached via email at fromawriterspov@gmail.com, by phone at 619-228-5239. We can also be reached via our website at www.fromawriterspovmagazine.com. We are online and in print.

Who is your direct contact representative?

Dominique Watson, Owner

publisher.ceo.povmagazine@gmail.com

To learn more about From A Writer's POV Magazine visit their website at www.fromawriterspovmagazine.com

Author of the Week: Marilynn Griffith

A&RBC: How did you become a writer?
Marilynn: I think I've always been a writer, I just didn't realize it. I started seriously pursuing publication in 2001.

A&RBC: What are you hoping readers take from your book?
Marilynn: When people read SistahFaith, I pray that they take away courage, hope, and healing.

A&RBC: Who is the hero in your life? How does your hero inspire you?
Marilynn: Jesus in my hero, of course, but I would have to say my husband. He inspires me by his determination and steadfastness.

A&RBC: Name three goals you want to accomplish as a writer within the next 4 years.
Marilynn: In the next 4 years, I'd like to try a new genre, collaborate with my writer friends and grow as a writer and reader.

A&RBC: What are your favorite marketing and/or promotional tools?
Marilynn: My favorite marketing tools these days are Facebook, Twitter, and other online social tools like Ning. I did a lot of blogging in the beginning as well.

A&RBC: What is one thing you have learned about the publishing industry?
Marilynn: The one thing I've learned about the publishing industry is that it is a slow business that requires a lot of patience.

A&RBC: What advice would you give to an aspiring author?
Marilynn: Read and write as much as you can. Get feedback (from someone besides your friends and relatives). Read books. Go to conferences. Enter contests. Mainly, be developing a unique voice and tell your tales.

A&RBC: Who was the first author you read? What was the title of the book?
Marilynn: The first book I read was To Tink that I saw it on Mulberry Street (I think that is right) by Dr. Suess.

A&RBC: Tell us what new projects you are working on?
Marilynn: I have a few new projects that I'm working on. One of them is a follow up to Rhythms of Grace and Songs of Deliverance.

A&RBC: Where can your readers find you?
Marilynn: Readers can find me on Facebook or at SistahFaith.com

A&RBC: Thank you for taking the time out for this interview. Authors & Readers Book Corner appreciates your time!

Marilynn: I appreciate your time as well. Thanks for having me!

For Your Information Friday

Writing Method

It is helpful to have a organized plan in the development of a story. There is seven steps that can help in starting the writing process. 

Step One-Developing Ideas
Step Two-Planning
Step Three- Researching
Step Four- Organizing
Step Five-Drafting
Step Six-Editing
Step Seven-Evaluating

The above steps are important in writing. Once the writer has mastered these seven steps he or she will produce original work that is clear, dramatic, and accurate. This writing method will challenge the writer while encouraging decision-making that will ultimately shape the creativity and writing style of the writer.

Book Spotlight: We Ain't The Brontes

Purchase at Amazon.com

About The Book

The relationship between Charity Evans and her sister Lynzee Lavender brings new meaning to the term “sibling rivalry.” Lynzee writes science fiction, and her New York Times bestseller status gets her into A-list parties and fattens her bank account. She can’t stand the fact that Charity is a published author too, though she swears that Charity is nowhere near as good.

It seems like the publishing industry might agree, because Charity is having trouble getting her contract renewed. Is it possible that Lynzee has had her blacklisted? With her savings dwindling, Charity struggles to pay her bills, and the pressure is putting incredible strain on her marriage. Things only get worse when Lynzee drops a bomb: she reveals that Charity’s husband is the father of a child she gave up for adoption years ago.

Charity’s life goes into a tailspin as she struggles with the shocking news. Should she tell her husband about the child he never knew he had, or would that be more drama than their already fragile marriage can handle? Charity chooses to fight back against her sister in a very creative way, but the fallout from all this drama might leave plenty of casualties in its wake.

About the Author

Rosalyn McMillan is the well-known author of Knowing, The Flip Side of Sin, Blue Collar Blues, One Better, and This Side of Eternity. Rosalyn is a devoted wife and mother.  Rosalyn is so passionate about her career that her ideas flow freely and naturally. She is also lives by the motto " I Fly with My Own Wings. To learn more about her please visit her website at rosalynmcmillan.com

Business of the Week

A&RBC: Who is The YP Publishing (Yvonne Wu)?

YP: The YP Publishing is a certified virtual author assistant offering consumer-targeted internet marketing campaigns.

A&RBC: What services do you provide?
YP: My services consist of providing support to authors, online book promotional, virtual book tours, Amazon best seller campaigns, website media kits, videos, as well as video and audio editing.

A&RBC: Why should authors and readers choose your company?

YP: They should choose my company because I am trained to meet the needs of authors. I have technical knowledge (eg. web maintenance, newsletter set-up, shopping cart integration, blog set-up, podcasting, and so forth). I am able to assist authors through  various stages of the publishing process and once their book is published, I can offer online promotional services. Many of my services are offered in one place. I would be a personal assistant to authors yet so much more.

A&RBC: What advice (relative to your area of business) can you give to aspiring authors?
YP: If you are self-publishing spend the money on the look of your book. The quality is important. Your website is your store front make sure it has everything to attract media attention and your target market.

A&RBC: What is your contact and location information?
YP: I am virtual. I live in Niagara Falls, Canada and I am the direct contact representative for The YP Puiblishing.

A&RBC: Thank you for stopping by. Authors & Readers Book Corner appreciates your time!
YP: Thanks for having me and thanks for the support.

To learn more about The YP Publishing company visit the website at www.theyppublishing.com.

Book Review: Both Sides of the Fence 2

Both Sides of the Fence 2

M. T. Pope

4.5 Stars

In Both Sides of the Fence 2 by M. T. Pope, we revisit Mona and Shawn Black, a married couple trying to get back to normal after ten years of turmoil. After all they have been through both are still harboring secrets that could ultimately destroy their family. Will the Blacks finally overcome all of their pain?

James Parks, every couple’s nightmare, is still his normal conniving and manipulative self. James has an agenda to make others pay until he meets someone that just might change his mind.

Both Sides of the Fence 2 is about secrets, deception, and lies being told. This mischievous and suspenseful book will keep you turning pages until the end. It is true to its title and the gates do swing wide open giving readers plenty of entertainment. The author has done it again by providing another book that readers will talk about for weeks to come.

Reviewed by Teresa Beasley

Author: Jennifer Coissiere

How did you become a writer?
I wouldn't say I became a writer, I believe writing is a part of who I am as a person. I began writing as a child, because my home life was really unpleasant. It was my way of getting away from the pain.

What are you hoping readers take from your book?
There are several messages in my book. And everyone will find the appropriate message for them. However, the message of overcoming grief is the one I want people to focus on most. Many people lose a love one and stop living. It shouldn't be that way at all.

Whos is the hero in your life? How does your hero inspire you?
I don't have a hero, unless God counts. He reminds me to give unselfishly and expect nothing in return.

Name three goals you want to accomplish as a writer within the next four years.
I have three goals:
1. Have at least a book out a year
2. Start publishing works of upcoming authors
3. Be on a best seller's list

What are your favorite marketing and/or promotional tools?
Social networking and giving away books. I give away books without any expectations (remember my answer to question three) and each time I do that I get a sale.

What is one thing you have learned about the publishing industry?
It is hard. It does not matter if you are well known or new on the scene... it is hard.

What advice would you give to an aspiring author?
Find a routine that best suits your lifestyle and stick with it if you intend to write a book. Don't give up!

Who was the first author you read? What was the title of the book?
This is funny. I have read well-over 1,000 books since I've been alive. I cannot and will not even try to remember the first author or book I've read. Over the years, I have read Flowers in the Attic by V.C. Andrews, Hollywood Wives by Jackie Collins, If Beale Street Could Talk by James Baldwin, The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison, The Women of Brewster Place by Gloria Naylor, works by O. Henry, Langston Hughes, Edgar Allen Poe, etc.

Tell us what new projects you are working on?
I'm currently working on four books. The main one is the sequel to my debut novel, Crossing Over. The title is Beyond New Beginnings (Christian Fiction). Two contemporary fiction: Hiding Under the Umbrella and The Last Tear. The last book, Feelings Redirected, ahs been done for some years now. I am currently working on the edits. That one will be in ebook form first and I will consider if I want to put it out in print.

Where can your readers find you?
My website: http://wordmosiac.com/; www.twitter.com/bizarrejc; www.facebook.com/bizarrejc