Author of the Week: Pamela Rice

A&RBC: How did you become a writer?
Pamela: I've always desired to become a writer, even when I was younger. It was only after witnessing an ugly incident that I decided to follow my dream and put it on paper.

A&RBC: Where does your inspiration for your characters come from?
Pamela: I was inspired to write "The Sunday Morning Wife" after witnessing a horrific act of domestic violence on my way to church one Sunday morning. I tried to imagine what the batterer's and victim's personalities would be like and I went from there.

A&RBC: What are you hoping readers take from your book?
Pamela: I want readers to know that they can overcome any situation in life, with prayer, a positive outlook, and planning.


A&RBC: If you were to write a book about a controversial topic, what would it be?
Pamela: I think Domestic Violence is a very controversial topic, especially when it involves a Pastor who is abusive. My next book, The Monday Night Mistress, will be controversial as well. It will deal with social injustice and a subjectt that is shied away from.


A&RBC: Most writers have a process or method for writing their books, what is yours?
Pamela: I don't have a tried and true process or method. Sometimes a conversation or a mannerism can spark an idea for the plot. Sometimes I "see" the plot happening and I just write it down. I just need a quiet corner and I'm on my way.


A&RBC: What is your favorite genre of books?
Pamela: Wow... I can't pick one. I love Christian Fiction, Women's Fiction, General Fiction, and Non-Fiction. I love the classics...Native Son, The Grapes of Wrath, etc.


A&RBC: Are you an avid or occasional reader?
Pamela: I am an avid reader. (This is why I have a hard time meeting my deadlines) Terri and Rosalyn, Lutishia, Kendra, Ntozke, and others will have to wait.


A&RBC: What are two things you want your readers to know about you?
Pamela: I want them to know that I plan on discussing every controversial topic that I am prompted to write about. There is healing in creating dialogue about secrets that threaten to destory the human psyche. Also, I am a fun loving down to earth peron that would laugh all day all possible. If you are not a morning person, you probably would not want to be around me. I wake up singing and smiling.


A&RBC: If you could interview one of your favorite authors, who would it be? Why?
Pamela: Eric Jerome Dickey. I want to know how "Driver " in "Drive Me Crazy" and all of his characters were created.


A&RBC: What is or was your dream job?
Pamela: I look forward to writing full time, directing movies, and directing my own sitcom (s).


A&RBC: What new projects are you working on?
Pamela: My next book, "The Monday Night Mistress", will be released in the Fall/Winter. I am also doing research to bring "The Sunday Morning Wife" to the big screen.


A&RBC: Where can readers find you?
Pamela: Please visit my website at www.pameladrice.com links to social media my be found there as well.

Authors & Readers Book Corner appreciates your time!

Book Spotlight: The Next Phase of Life

Purchase at Amazon.com

The Next Phase of Life
Charmaine R. Parker
3.5 Stars

About the Book
Tai Wilson has hit forty and finally is ready to settle down with the man of her dreams—now she just has to find him. An executive who has success, her dream home, and a flourishing employment agency, she wants a partner to make her world complete.

Her attempts to focus on the right guy get pushed aside as her long-lost sister returns, and she balances the time between the two. Tai and her only sibling, Trista, were separated as children when their parents passed away. Trista's past is completely unlike Tai's upscale world. Tai introduces her to fine restaurants and treats her to spas, but Trista has trouble trying to fit into her sister's world.

Tai treasures female networking as she celebrates friendship with her sidekicks, Candace, a fashionista; and Nevada, a journalist turned private detective. Each has their own lifestyle but when they unite for ongoing adventures, they are as one.

Will Tai and Trista finally create the sisterly bond they both crave, or will their attempt to establish a strong union crumble before their very eyes? Will Tai find the man of her dreams? Add in some friends with issues of their own, and Tai is definitely ready for The Next Phase of Life.

Review
In the Next Phase of Life by Charmaine R. Parker, readers are introduced to Tia Wilson, the owner of an employment agency, who is ready to settle down. Tia has tried everything to find Mr. Right without any success. Tia must be patience and she just might get her Mr. Right.

Tia’s sister, Trista surfaces and both will soon have changes in their lives. Tia realizes that her sister needs encouragement and a boost of confidence so she enlists the help of her friends, Nevada and Candace along with their mandatory Girl’s Night Out event.

Trista is having problems fitting into an unfamiliar world along with dealing with issues from her past. She does not understand the different upbringing that Tia had over her own but she does realizes that with time she may have a secure relationship with her sister. When Trista starts working things seems to brighten up for her and she starts to agree with her new life or does she…

The Next Phase of Life is about family, friendship, and love. The author shares the development of a friendship between sisters with the bad and the good. The secondary characters in the book seem to take over, which may take readers focus away from the main characters. It was hard to stay focused on Tia and Trista when Nevada’s investigating skills and Candace’s styles seemed to entertain me more. I found myself wanting more from Nevada and Candace then Tia and Trista. I do recommend this book to others.

This advanced uncorrected proof was provided by the author for review purposes.

Teresa Beasley

A&RBC Reviews

About the Author
Charmaine R. Parker is a former journalist who has worked as a reporter, copy editor, and managing editor. The publishing director for Strebor Books, she is the sister of national bestselling author Zane. She has a bachelor’s of fine arts from Howard University and a master’s in print journalism from the University of Southern California. Charmaine lives in Maryland with her husband and daughter. Visit the author at www.facebook.com/CharmaineRobertsParker or email her at charmainerparker@gmail.com.

Book Giveaway!!

Hello Readers,

Win a copy of  James W. Lewis' Sellout!

Whomever answers the five questions below correctly will win a copy of Sellout by James W. Lewis. Two copies are available so there can only be two winners. Good Luck!!!

About the Book

People who date interracially are often called traitors to their own kind. Self-haters. Sellouts.

Loan Officer Tammy McDonald has just come out of another failed relationship with a wannabe thug. To break this destructive pattern, she leaves her home city of Dallas for San Diego. As she settles in rainbow California, fantasies of meeting an ebony prince fade, so she eyes Dale Bristol as a potential ivory replacement.

Terrell Jackson is San Diego's only black optometrist. Women regularly drop in for more than just eye exams, but he stays true to his girl Tasha until a wet dream unleashes a ridiculous outburst. Fed up with her jealous fits, he denounces the common "dedramanators" in his life-black women.

Even though Penelope Miller was raised in the South by a racist father once affiliated with the KKK, she can't ignore her attraction to black men. But she never expected to fall in love with one...nor did she expect her "interracial felony" to threaten their lives.

SELLOUT follows these three individuals and the consequences of dating outside their race. In the quest to find what they think is missing in their lives, they encounter guilt, fear and mess they never anticipated...including murder.

About the Author

James W. Lewis is a novelist and freelance writer published in several books. After spending twenty years in the Navy, James retired from active duty and now moonlights as an assistant personal trainer at a local university while completing his studies in Kinesiology.

Questions:

1. James served twenty years in the military, which form did he serve in?

 A. Army-Combat

 B. Navy

 C. Airforce

2. Which major is James W. Lewis studying?

3. Terrell Jackson the only black _____________ in San Diego.

4. Which organization is Penelope Miller's father associated with?

5. What is Tammy MacDonald's profession?

Send answers to tabeasley36@yahoo.com.
Winners will be announced on Sept 5th.


Stay tuned for A&RBC review of Sellout!

Author of the Week: Charmaine R. Parker

A&RBC: How did you become a writer?
Charmaine: I started writing fiction when I was a child and had a love for reading. Years later I became a journalist and honed my skills to conduct an interview or cover an event, then put it all in words. Now I’ve come full circle and back to writing fiction with my debut novel.

A&RBC: Where does your inspiration for your characters come from?
Charmaine: Many of my friends and experiences inspired the characters and their personalities.

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

Charmaine: There are various messages throughout the book. Appreciate your friendships and cherish sisterhood—among friends and siblings. My lead character has turned 40 and this does not mean her life is “over.” Forty is the new twenty. Live your life to the fullest and focus on the positive.  

A&RBC: If you were to write a book about a controversial topic, what would it be?
Charmaine: Parenthood

A&RBC: Most writers have a process or method for writing their books, what is yours?

Charmaine: Originally, I thought that I was going to use an outline. It turned out that I developed the order of the chapters during the writing process. I thought about what scene would be next and sat down to write it. It was more spontaneous than I expected. I found that the late-night hours was when I was the most creative and had fewer distractions.

A&RBC: What is your favorite genre of books?

Charmaine: Romance and suspense

A&RBC: Are you an avid or occasional reader?

Charmaine: I read constantly due to my role as publishing director. I edit manuscripts and read submissions from prospective authors. I have a huge library of books, many autographed, and I am an occasional reader for pleasure.

A&RBC: What are two things you want your readers to know about you?

Charmaine: I thrive on friendships and I’m told I “never meet a stranger.” I’m a networker and believe that one should cultivate relationships with people from all walks of life. When I was a journalist, I met the guy on the street corner who was hoping to be picked up for a day’s work (this was my first enterprise story as a reporter) to meeting the local businesswoman or politician to interviewing celebrity recording artists. Each interview was different and I came away with some type of mental benefit.  I was raised to believe that education and travel are key ingredients to a fulfilling life. They do help to establish a solid foundation.

A&RBC: If you could interview one of your favorite authors, who would it be? Why?

Charmaine: My younger sister Zane. She has been the subject of numerous interviews, however, there are aspects of her life that readers may want to discover.

A&RBC: What is or was your dream job?

Charmaine: Owner of a magazine or a travel writer

A&RBC: What new projects are you working on?

Charmaine: I’ve started creating characters in my mind for a second novel.

A&RBC: Where can readers find you?

Charmaine: On Facebook/Charmaine Roberts Parker

                      Authors & Readers Book Corner appreciates your time!

Book Review: Quiet As It's Kept

Purchase at Amazon.com

Quiet As It's Kept
Monique Miller
5 Stars

About The Book

Will Tracy is a good, God-fearing man who had a shaky childhood as he watched his father abuse his mother. But now he’s grown and feeling confident and secure that he has finally met the woman he’s been praying God would send him to be able feel the security he’s always craved. Morgan is beautiful and appears to be the perfect Christian woman. But once Will pledges his life to her, he nearly loses his.... After a series of strange, inexplicable “accidents” plague him, he starts to wonder if the woman he married is all that she outwardly appears to be—or if he’s indeed sleeping with the enemy. He continues to honor the vows he made to God and to Morgan. But is this wife of his really a gift from God? Or is she the devil in disguise?

 

Review

Do you really know your spouse? Do you really know what he or she is capable of? Monique Miller answers these questions in the pages of Quiet As It’s Kept. Will Tracy believes he has married the perfect woman in Morgan Tracy. Will has a beautiful wife, a healthy son, and wonderful home but all is not as it seems. The Tracy home is plagued with stress and its taking its toll on Will and Morgan.

Morgan Tracy is living the high life with the security she has always wanted until… When her husband is laid off from his job and Morgan has to pick up the slack, her behaviors take a drastic change. Morgan soon finds out that she has a solution to their financial problems and sets out to eliminate the stress that has her family on hold. When Morgan’s solutions help the family or hinder them?

Quiet As It’s Kept is domestic violence at its worst. It can be unsuspected and can even go unnoticed. After reading this book it has now became my favorite book by this author because it kept my attention, had me on the edge of my sit to the point that I could not put it down. Readers will be frustrated and will be anticipating the main characters next moves. Quiet As It’s Kept is entertaining, suspenseful, and worth reading. I look forward to the author’s next installment and I definitely recommend this book to others.

Teresa Beasley

A&RBC Reviews

Book Spotlight: Yesterday's Lies

Purchase at Amazon.com

Yesterday's Lies

Terri D.

3.5 Stars

About The Book

What Secrets Do You Keep From The One You Share Everything With? Secrets. Lies. Half-Truths. A poignant tale of a circle of close knit friends whose lives are more intertwined than they realize. That is until the blurred lines of Love, Lust and Friendship begins to reveal the half-truths and lies that exist. Will the secrets they all hold from the past ruin their friendship and lives forever?

Review

In Yesterday’s Lies by Terri D, readers are introduced to two sets of close friends. Jada and David Jr are high school sweethearts who become pregnant and decide to get married. Benjamin and Toni were in a committed relationship until Benjamin disappears. Toni was left to deal with his absence and to hold on to information that could have changed both of their lives. Toni decides to move on and starts dating Darien with the intentions of building a committed relationship. Toni’s life changes when she realizes that Benjamin has other plans for her.

Vince and Gina have been dating for a while with Vince’s best friend Darien in tow. When Gina decides to tell Vince her good news, she hopes it will score her the engagement she has been dying for.  Darien is used to being called the player but once he meets Toni, Darien starts to truly have feelings for her. Is it time for him to turn in the player card?

When these two sets of friends start learning about the secrets and lies they have kept, will their friendships last? Yesterday’s Lies is about past lies coming to the forefront. It is about not really knowing the people you believe are your friends. The author provides readers with an entertaining storyline that weaves seven people’s lives together unbeknownst to them. I was expecting a different ending but the author pulled it together without leaving readers hanging. It did have some grammatical errors but they did not take away from the storyline. I recommend this book to others and look forward to reading more from this author.

This book was provided by the author for review purposes.

Teresa Beasley

A&RBC Reviews

About The Author

Terri D is a long term resident of Harrisburg, PA. She is a single mother of three who has written poetry and short stories all her life. Yesterday's Lies is her debut novel. Terri D would love your feedback. Please send comments to authorterrid@gmail.com.

 

Book Review: Failure Ain't Final

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Failure Ain't Final

Brian Anderson-Payne

4 Stars

When I started reading Failure Ain’t Final by Brian Anderson-Payne, I was expecting another typical self-help book. After reading Failure Ain’t Final, I have received more than a self-help book. Failure Ain’t Final is an inspirational as well as a motivational book for the reader who is stuck in a situation and does not know how to move forward.

This seven chaptered book of guidance provides readers with the information to take the first step to changing their life. I found myself drawn to the second chapter titled, “Don’t Blame Delilah” because this is often what we as individual’s do. We blame the other person so that we do not look at fault due to not wanting to take ownership for what we have done. I also found myself rereading the seventh chapter titled, “Restoration-God’s Idea, God’s Example” because a person can fix what is broken in their life if they learn from examples placed before them. Give the problem over to Him and he will restore your faith, strength, and self-esteem. Restoration can begin with faith and having God in the equation.

Failure Ain’t Final is about making needed changes in your life. The author provides a clear message for readers to not except failure as the answer. I appreciated the author statement, “Don’t complain about a world you won’t attempt to change.” This book explains that statement to the fullest and after reading this book readers will be motivated to move forward. I recommend Failure Ain’t Final to others.

Teresa Beasley

A&RBC Reviews

About The Author
Brian Anderson-Payne is a pastor, author, recording artist, entrepreneur, and speaker. He is the CEO of BAP Ministries, Inc, which is an umbrella organization for the Body of Christ Family Reunion, Out Tha' Box, Hagar's Heart Single Mothers Program and A Shepherds Song. Brian Anderson-Payne would love to hear your feedback email comments to TheBAPProject@yahoo.com

FYI Friday: Editing for Self-Publishers

Self-Publishers Want To Be Taken Serious!

How do self-publishers make their mark in the literary and publishing industry?

Self-Publishers have to think as traditional publishers do by producing work that a traditional publisher would  publish. The key is to research, gain knowledge about the industry, have self-confidence, be ready to work hard, and be willing to put in the time and effort. One of the main things a self-publisher must do is write a entertaining book with a clear message and make sure that you have it professionally edited and then have your professional editor edit it.

News Flash!!!!!!

Book Expos, Book Festivals, Trade Shows, Conferences and Book Reviewers are starting to not accept self-published books . I recently found that there are three reasons that self-published titles are not being accepted and those are:

1. Is Not Professionally Edited or Proofread
2. Does Not have a Professional Book Cover
3. Poor writing skills which could be a result of poor editing.

If self-publishers want to be taken seriously then they must produce quality material with professional editing and create book cover designs that will capture the readers attention and wrap them into the story. Readers love to be entertained while anticipating the character's next moves, so why not give them what they want? Traditional publishers make this happen for readers and so can self-publishers.

Self-publishers can improve their skills by attending workshops, asking seasoned authors questions, or hiring a book coach or consultant. If traditional publishers can give readers the illusion of the perfect book than so can self-publishers. I am not saying every writer or publisher is perfect because we all know that there is no one perfect person or craft. All I am bringing to you is that we have to hone our craft if we are going to be considered just as good as traditional publishers.

Teresa Beasley is an author, publisher, and publicist who works toward acquiring exposure for self-publishing authors and motivational speakers.