Sankofa Literary Society Bookclub

Author Interview: Color Me Jazzmyne by Marian L. Thomas

nobody@vox.com(CEO of EDC Creations) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 07:25:25 -0800

I would like to introduce you to a fantastic new book, Color Me Jazzmyne. Readers of Color Me Jazzmyne have been captivated by the depth of the emotional journey that the book takes them on. It digs deep into what it takes for women to embrace who they are no matter what size, color, educational background or social status. Sisters will learn to love themselves despite what society says or the voices that surround them!

Marian L. Thomas is native of Chicago but currently resides in Atlanta.She first awakened her desire to write while in her second year of high school. She majored in Journalism but received her Bachelor of Art degree in Business Communication, graduating Magna Cum Laude. 2009 the dream of becoming a published author was realized when she was able to debut her first title Color Me Jazzmyne. She is a wife and supporter of victims of abuse and was recently featured in the Atlanta Skirt! Magazine as one of Atlanta's 9to5 Women in the Media Industry.

Motivation Behind Color Me Jazzmyne
Color Me Jazzmyne addresses a major issue in our society today..."Rape is often the "hush" word in our lives. It's the thing that we prefer to put into the closet of other skeltons that we pray no one has the key to.

Child abuse often occurs at a young age and more than often it is done by someone that is very close---a family member or friend of the family. It's a difficult thing to get over, it's even more difficult to explain.

According to one statistic.... one out of every six women will be raped over their lifetime and 73% of all rape victims know their assailants. In fact, studies have shown that 60% of all sexual assaults are not reported. I hope that women who read this book and have gone through something similar will find the courage to reach out and talk to someone about it."

Color Me Jazzmyne Book Excerpt
Read Chapters 1-3 and give us your opinion.
http://www.freado.com/book/4169/Color-Me-Jazzmyne

Intimate Conversation with author Marian L. Thomas

Ella: What impact do you want your book, Color Me Jazzmyne, to make on readers?
Marian: "I hope that women who read this book and have lived the life of Naya Mona in some form or fashion will find the voice, strength and motivation to push past the pain and live."

Ella: Why do you write?
Marian: For me, writing is more of a release from the reflection of the world around us. It is a way to express the obvious using tones that soothe,excite, uplift and allow the reader to step out of their comfort level. That is my goal when writing. That is what drives me to create characters such as Naya Mona.

Ella: Are your characters, in Color Me Jazzmyne, a portrayal of real people?
Marian: Reality is always a part of us and as such what we read must adhere to some form of it in order to make it so that one can relate to the story that is being told. Naya is clearly a reflection of the many women that I have met over the years and the struggles that they have gone through. I do not remove myself from that reflection. Misty represents all the so-called friends that revolve in and out of our lives and Chris is what I term the 'life-time' type of husband. He represents the compassion and love that we as women need, want and deserve.

Contact Marian Online
Email: larrita@lbpublishingco.com
Website: http://www.marianlthomas.com
Author's Blog: http://findingmycolorwithmlt.blogspot.com

Pickup Your Copy Today!
ISBN-10: 0615270670; ISBN-13: 978-0615270678

Amazon.com
Kindle Download
Barnes & Noble.com

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Interview with Author Monique Mensah

nobody@vox.com(CEO of EDC Creations) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 09:13:01 -0700

Meet Author Monique Mensah
Monique D. Mensah is a native Detroiter. She declared her dream of becoming an author at eight years old. After earning a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Michigan, she completed her first manuscript. Shortly after, she launched Kisa Publishing, and published her first novel, Who Is He To You. Monique now resides in Southfield, MI where she is raising her daughter and working on her second novel.

Readers will be intrigued by the intelligent exploration of sensitive issues such as cutting, emotional abuse, depression, and drug-addiction.The first page which is filled with intense emotion and a descriptive setting that pulls the reader right into the scene.

WHO IS HE TO YOU Trailer

Who Is He To You
by Monique D. Mensah
Kisa Publishing

When love involves incest, self-mutilation, drug-addiction, and murder, will Simone, Jessica and Ryan fight to hold on or will they escape before it's too late?

Simone, a shockingly beautiful teen, is on the downward spiral of destruction as she battles incest and self-hatred. She finds cutting to be the only way to relieve her pain. She must do something to regain control of her life and restore her family back to normalcy. But Simone may be too late as unexpected events threaten to throw her dream of contentment far out of reach.

Jessica lives the upscale lifestyle of a refined society matron. She strives to be the perfect wife, but without her husband, Ross, she would be nothing more than the abused stripper he rescued 16 years ago. When their marriage is threatened and it forces her to face her past, Jessica vows to do whatever it takes to protect what she has rightfully earned, even if it means murder.

Ryan, a fiery thirty-something, is quickly slipping into depression and prescription drug addiction. As her boyfriend, Anthony, artfully dangles the empty promise of marriage, she watches helplessly as their relationship dissolves. In an attempt to regain her sanity and self-esteem, she finds herself on a mission of self-restoration while trying to save the life of someone she doesn't even know.

As the shattered lives of three very different women collide, they find that they have one thing in common: They're all in a desperate fight to hold on to love. Experience their emotional journey through to the shocking end where these women will experience injury, imprisonment, and even death while crafting new lives from the ashes of their ruination.
Book info: ISBN-10: 0578023482; ISBN-13: 978-0578023489. Visit Monique's site: www.MoniqueDMensah.com

Tell us about your passion for writing. Why do you write? What drives you?
I write because it is my God-given talent. I believe that everyone is blessed with a talent and writing is mine. Writing gives me a great sense of satisfaction and value. I am fulfilling my purpose. When I am writing I can be whomever my imagination guides me to be, go anywhere I desire, and I can express myself in ways I could never do otherwise. It is an outlet for emotions I may have been holding inside. I found my identity in writing. I am an author.

Finish this sentence – My writing offers the following legacy to future readers
I have coined the term “Dramatic Fiction” to describe my style of writing. In creating this genre, I will offer a legacy of literature that is bold and uninhibited. I will write about issues that are infrequently discussed in the African-American community and offer a realistic portrayal of characters and plots. Although my characters are African-American, the themes and underlying messages in my novels are universal which means that readers of all races will be able to identify and relate. I will leave the legacy of a writer that is not afraid to explore the unexplored and bring fresh, alternative perspectives to those issues that may be more familiar to us.

How did you start your writing journey?
I was born in Detroit, but I was raised most of my life in the nearby suburb of Southfield, MI. I began my writing journey at the age of eight when my third grade teacher first recognized my talent. She would have me read my short stories to the class and during PTA meetings and assemblies. My mother always loved art and literature; consequently she prompted me to begin reading African-American novels at an early age. My passions for reading and writing are almost parallel and they sparked my desire to become an author. As time progressed, however, I put my dreams on the back burner, thinking I needed to be more practical. So after graduating from college, I entered the corporate world. Although I made a decent living, I was never satisfied and I felt unfulfilled. Then, in 2007 a close friend reminded me of my purpose and urged me to get started on making my dream a reality. I started writing Who Is She To You that same week. Two years later, I started Kisa publishing and published my novel. Now I am doing everything I can to spread the word and make my mark in the literary world. I write as much as I can and although it is hard work, I enjoy being an author.

Share with us the story behind Who Is He To You.
Simone, a shockingly beautiful teen is on the downward spiral of destruction as she battles incest and self-hatred. Rapidly losing faith in a seemingly unresponsive God, she has no hope or refuge. She finds cutting to be the only way to heal her wounds. As she loses herself in uncertainty and mixed emotions, she realizes that she must do something to restore her family back to normalcy and happiness. But Simone may be too late as unexpected events threaten to throw her dreams of contentment far out of reach.

Due to her husband, Ross’, business acumen and affluence, Jessica lives the upscale lifestyle of a refined society matron. She strives to be the perfect wife, but without her husband, she would be nothing more than the abused stripper he rescued 16 years ago – and he never lets her forget it. When their marriage is threatened and it forces her to face her detestable past, Jessica vows to do whatever it takes to protect what she has rightfully earned – even if it means murder.

Ryan, a fiery and fashionable thirty-something, is quickly slipping into depression and prescription drug addiction. The only thing that keeps her dangling on to hope is the faint sound of wedding bells as her boyfriend, Anthony, artfully dangles the empty promise of marriage. As she watches their relationship dissolve, she finds that she must dig deep within herself for love and self-esteem. But when she digs, she uncovers much more than she bargained for. She finds herself on a mission of self-restoration while trying to save the life of someone she doesn’t even know.

As the shattered lives of three very different women collide, they find they have one thing in common: they are all in a desperate fight to hang on to love. But when love involves incest, self-injury, drug addiction and murder will they fight to hold on? Or will they find out who he is to you and escape before it’s too late? Follow Simone, Jessica, and Ryan’s emotional journeys through to the shocking end when these women will experience injury, imprisonment, and even death while crafting new lives from the ashes of their ruination.

Who are your two main characters and what do you like most about them?
I actually have three main characters – Simone, Jessica and Ryan. Although they have their own identity and lives, separate from my own, I can see pieces of me in each one of them. Often after reading the synopsis, people will turn to me and ask, “Now which one of these women is you”. None of them are me, but I identify with Ryan the most. I like Ryan because she’s real. Although she is a successful accountant, with a nice car and closet full of clothes and shoes that most women would envy, she’s undergoing an internal battle in search of self-satisfaction and validation. She’s sexy and outwardly confident, with a walk to kill and a fierce attitude to match, but the tough exterior is just a smokescreen, subconsciously created to hide her insecurities and lack of self-worth. That’s real. So many women, including myself, struggle with these issues. Ryan brings them out in the open and offers insight to a possible solution.

Jessica is so desperate to leave her past behind and forget that it ever existed, that she is willing to become someone that she’s not and ultimately hates. But Jessica is not to be underestimated. She may have allowed herself to be misguided for the past 16 years, but she’s still the fighter that her hardcore upbringing has bred. She plays the role of a refined woman of society, but Jessica isn’t a punk and I love that about her. She represents that side of me that wishes I was a little more bold and uninhibited. If Jessica is pushed far enough, her past resurfaces within her and it’s on. There is no escaping her wrath. She fights for what is hers and she’ll do whatever it takes to protect her own.

My heart goes out to Simone. Although I have never suffered sexual abuse, I empathize with her the most. She is an unbelievably beautiful girl, but she is unable to look herself in the mirror because she believes her beauty to be a curse. She’s lost and she doesn’t understand the conflicting emotions that she is experiencing and cutting is the only thing that provides the comfort she seeks. I admire Simone because of her loyalty and devotion, although misplaced. She is a beautiful person, inside and out. She seeks harmony and sees the good in people when others don’t. I love that about her.

What makes your book stand out and would entice a reader to pick it up.
I believe the cover of Who Is He To You is a bold, striking image that will entice readers and have them wondering what this book is all about. In reading the synopsis, I believe readers will be intrigued by the intelligent exploration of sensitive issues such as cutting, emotional abuse, depression, and drug-addiction. After scanning the synopsis, the potential buyers may opt to read the first page which is filled with intense emotion and a descriptive setting that pulls the reader right into the scene. I believe the combination of the cover, synopsis, and the first page will grab a hold of readers’ attention and compel them to give Who Is He To You a try.

Ultimately, what do you want readers to gain from your book?
When I started writing Who Is He To You, I did so with the sole purpose of entertaining. It wasn’t until after I completed the manuscript and read the story in its entirety, did I recognize the underlying messages weaved throughout the plot. Women too often count on the men in their lives to make them happy, to validate them, or complete them. For Simone, it was her father, Jessica’s husband, and Ryan’s boyfriend. Women must learn to love themselves more than anyone else and more than anyone else loves them, recognize their self-worth, and learn to be happy instead of expecting a man to fill in the gaps in their lives. If you’re not happy and satisfied with yourself, independent of anyone else, you may never have a successful relationship. Simone, Jessica, and Ryan had to learn this the hard way and so did I. I want my readers to identify with my characters and their struggles and hopefully they will learn something from their journeys.

What advice would you give a new writer?
I would advise aspiring authors to find their own writing style, perfect it, and stick to it. Don’t compare yourself to other established authors. Don’t try to write like your favorite author. Write In a way that identifies you as an individual and differentiates you from everyone else. While I was writing my manuscript, I read a lot of novels. Often after reading a book by one of my favorite authors, I would immediately begin to feel insecure about my own writing because I did not write like him or her. I had to learn to be confident in my writing and secure in my talent. Even though I don’t write like Eric Jerome Dickey or the late BeBe Moore Campbell, I am still a great writer with my own unique voice. You don’t want to be just like someone else. You want to stand out and be different. That’s how you build a reputation and make a name for yourself.

Name three things that it takes to make a successful writer.
1. The number one requirement of all successful authors is to read. You must read frequently in order to enhance your writing skills, vocabulary and overall knowledge of what readers are looking for. Reading will make you a better writer.

2. Create a polished work of art. Professional editing is such an important key to an author’s success. If your writing is riddled with typos grammatical errors, and an overall bad structure, it will have a negative impact on your success. Hire a professional who will comb through your work with an unbiased eye and help to turn your writing into a polished work of art.

3. Get out and promote your book and spread the word. A lot of authors (especially self-published) find that they didn’t gain the success they were hoping for and most of the time it’s because they didn’t give enough energy and effort into promoting their work. You can have the greatest novel in the world, but it doesn’t matter if no one knows about it. Network, do online marketing, get reviews, and get on the scene.

What can we expect from you in the future?
My readers can expect more dramatic, intense novels filled with literary adrenaline. I will always provide original plots, real dialogue and compelling, believable characters. I like to read the type of books that make me want to flip back to the beginning once I’ve finished. I hope to provide that same type of experience for my readers. My novels will evoke strong emotion and audible reactions. Overall, my readers can expect a unique experience.

Just about every author has dreams of topping a bestseller list and I am no different. I want to be able to reach a wide range of readers and make my mark on the literary world. I am currently working on my second novel and I plan to keep going from there, making a successful career for myself as an author. My ultimate goal is to earn the privilege of being a full-time author. I look forward to the days when I will make a living from my passion.

Book: Who Is He To You by Monique Mensah
Website: http://www.moniquedmensah.com

Buy the book from Barnes and Noble
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Looking for a Good Book?

nobody@vox.com(CEO of EDC Creations) — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 04:40:05 -0700

EDC Creations Bookclub Reading Room
Offering readers great book selections and ideas. Visit Black Pearls Magazine to read author and bookclub interviews.
http://www.blackpearlsmagazine.com/readingroom.html

View the New EDC Literary Catalog
This is our featured book catalog. You may order all of the books from your online retailers. Or you can visit the Reading Room above for links to the author's sites. Once opened, adjust for your viewing pleasure.
http://www.blackpearlsmagazine.com/EDCCreationsCatalog0709.pdf

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Book: Who Is He To You

nobody@vox.com(CEO of EDC Creations) — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 04:32:00 -0700

Book: Who Is He To You

http://paradigmshiftaap.vox.com/libra...

Who Is He To You by Monique D. Mensah www.MoniqueDMensah.com Simone, Jessica, and Ryan are all fighting for love. As the shattered lives of three very different women collide, they find they have one thing in common: they are all in a desperate fight to hang on to love. But when love involves...

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Book: Who Is He To You by Monique D. Mensah

nobody@vox.com(CEO of EDC Creations) — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 04:31:20 -0700

Who Is He To You by Monique D. Mensah
www.MoniqueDMensah.com

Whoishetoyou

Simone, Jessica, and Ryan are all fighting for love. As the shattered lives of three very different women collide, they find they have one thing in common: they are all in a desperate fight to hang on to love. But when love involves incest, self-injury, drug addiction and murder will they fight to hold on? Or will they find out who he is to you and escape before it’s too late?

Follow Simone, Jessica, and Ryan’s emotional journeys through to the shocking end when these women will experience injury, imprisonment, and even death while crafting new lives from the ashes of their ruination.

ISBN: 978-0578023489.

Order your copy today at: http://www.MoniqueDMensah.com

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New Release: Carbon Copy by Azarel

nobody@vox.com(CEO of EDC Creations) — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 04:24:25 -0700

New Release: Carbon Copy by Azarel

http://paradigmshiftaap.vox.com/libra...

Carbon Copy by Azarel Life Changing Books: http://www.lifechangingbooks.net Have you ever craved someone so bad that you'd be willing to do anything? Meet Dominique Lewis, a foul, hard-boiled, go-getter who spends most of her days yearning to be just like her sister, and plotting on taking her man....

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Book: Carbon Copy by Azarel

nobody@vox.com(CEO of EDC Creations) — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 04:23:13 -0700

Carbon Copy by Azarel

Life Changing Books: http://www.lifechangingbooks.net

Carbon Copy trailer

Carbon-copylg

Have you ever craved someone so bad that you'd be willing to do anything?

Meet Dominique Lewis, a foul, hard-boiled, go-getter who spends most of her days yearning to be just like her sister, and plotting on taking her man. For her, its all about money, sex, and power. Although she possesses the perfect physique and sexy features, her life-long dream is to become wealthy and a house-hold name. By any means necessary, she vows to get what she wants...

Watch the new Carbon Copy Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YofleqmSMOA

What happens when "swagger jackin" becomes deadly? Dominique Lewis spent most of her days as a high maintenance wanna-be. Although she had the perfect physique and facial features, she studied the charming behaviors of women who successfully landed pro-athletes, and mimicked the money-hungry ladies who were able to get into the pockets of hustlers. Her life-long dream was to become wealthy, and a house-hold name.

By any means necessary, she vowed to get what she wanted. As Dominique's mission unfolds, she manages to only rub elbows with the elite, and those who could get her to the top. Soon, after the tragic murder of her sister, all hell breaks loose, and Dominique's cover is blown. Armed with revenge on the brain, and a status goal in mind, she lands a position as Rapheal's woman, the most sought after millionaire Atlanta has to offer.
Raphael's lavish status in town puts her on a new level, right where she always dreamed. It was all about money, sex, and power. There was only one problem; Rapheal had always been faithful to his former girlfriend, and had especially been off limits to Dominique. Unfortunately for, Dominique all rules remained the same. In an effort, to hold on to Rapheal, and all the elaborate material possessions, Dominique sets out on a deadly mission to remove anything that stands in her way. Order your copy today at: http://www.lifechangingbooks.net

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Author Spotlight: Danette Majette

nobody@vox.com(CEO of EDC Creations) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 16:04:09 -0700

Author Spotlight: Danette Majette

http://paradigmshiftaap.vox.com/libra...

Black Pearls Featured author Danette Majette View the Black Pearls Magazine here: http://www.blackpearlsmagazine.com Meet author Danette Majette on BAN Radio to discuss her new book, "Good Girl Gone Bad". Her BP page: http://www.blackpearlsmagazine.com/danettemajette.htm Showtime: Monday, April 6,...

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Author Spotlight: Danette Majette

nobody@vox.com(CEO of EDC Creations) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 16:03:10 -0700

Black Pearls Featured author Danette Majette
View the Black Pearls Magazine here: http://www.blackpearlsmagazine.com

Danettebanner0409

Meet author Danette Majette on BAN Radio to discuss her new book, "Good Girl Gone Bad".
Her BP page: http://www.blackpearlsmagazine.com/danettemajette.htm

Showtime: Monday, April 6, 2009 at 8:00pm EST
Call in to Speak to Danette and host Ella Curry: 646-200-0402
Chat room: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/black-author-network

Good Girl Gone Bad (Contemporary Fiction)
by Danette Majette
Release date- April 8, 2009
ISBN 10 – 1934230669
ISBN 13 - 9781934230664

Most people think when you say, “I do,” all problems come to an end. When happily ever after seems impossible, three women transform from good girls to bad women. Just when they think they’ve made it out of the grimy streets to a more ideal lifestyle in the suburbs, their lavish lives turn sour. Unfortunately, for the sexy threesome they are all suddenly faced with financial hardships that land them between a rock and a hard place.

Danette Majette
District Heights, MD 20753
Email: dcmajette@gmail.com
Buy Books at: www.lifechangingbooks.net

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Spring 2009 Book Tour

nobody@vox.com(CEO of EDC Creations) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 14:35:11 -0800

Spring 2009 Book Tour

http://paradigmshiftaap.vox.com/libra...

Give the Gift of Knowledge Spring 2009 Literary Tour Feb. 15-April 1, 2009 Book Previews, Author Chats, Writer's Workshops and Giveaways EDC Creations Virtual Promotions Page http://edccreationsbooktours.ning.com/page/author-on-tour-spring-2009 Patricia A. Bridewell-Electronic Press-kit for the...

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