Camille Blackwell, an undercover FBI agent, poses as a jewelry purchaser in an international diamond trading company in hopes of identifying the domestic players in a vicious rebel group suspected of trafficking conflict diamonds. The Bureau requests CIA renegade Marc Fulton’s assistance with sweeping international intelligence to identify the major rebel organizations with the finances and stateside connections strong enough to evade criminal prosecution, despite Camille’s objections.

Their attraction is instant and tense; both resolve to focus on the case. When Camille receives an encrypted memory stick from a murdered co-worker, Marc may be the only person she can trust. Black Diamond is the eagerly anticipated debut novel by Ja’Nese Dixon. True love, like black diamonds, is rare and precious but when murder and a persistent criminal threaten a frail relationship, will love triumph?

Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the idea and inspiration to write Black Diamonds?

Ja’Nese Dixon: I found myself fascinated with a black diamond jewelry set. At that time, I didn’t know that black diamonds existed. I knew that I intended to participate in the Nanowrimo writing challenge. I wanted to write about a strong black woman trying to make in a predominately-male industry, hence the FBI. I used several months before the competition to research and outline.

JP: Why did you decide to use Black Diamonds to explore the treacherous world of conflict diamonds, also known as “blood diamonds”?

JD: I wanted to write a book that entertained and educated readers. I recalled researching conflict diamonds and decided to do some extensive research. I came across a figure that stopped me in my tracks. The article estimated that only 85 percent of diamonds are accounted for. I thought…BINGO! From there is making my content appropriate and embedded in my story.

JP: With the FBI and conflict diamonds being the backdrop of this novel, how did go about researching information to make this novel more believable?

JD: I researched the CIA, FBI, NSA, international rebel groups, precious stones trading, diamond industry, just to name a few important threads. I used books, documentaries, the internet, and I conducted a few interviews.

JP: As an author, what is your writing process? How long did it take for you to start and finish Black Diamonds?

JD: I put a lot of time on the front in with my research, outlining, etc. I did this for about two months. I started writing and completed the first draft in about a month. I then spent a couple of months with re-writes. Thus, from start to finish about four or five months.

JP: What’s next for Ja’Nese Dixon?

JD: I am currently on the virtual book tour for Black Diamond. You can read about prior stops on my website. I am also a contributing author in Coffee Confessions. Please visit my blog for my appearances, events, and books. Readers can look for my next book, Intoxicated, a little after the new year.

http://www.janesedixon.com/
http://www.facebook.com/janesedixon
http://www.facebook.com/authorjanesedixon
http://www.twitter.com/janesedixon
http://www.goodreads.com/janese_dixon

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High Stakes is a gripping and fast paced drama guaranteed to expose the cunning and slick nature of the real “Sin City”, giving you a peek inside the shrewd world, exposing the myth: What happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas.

Shauna, Dawn, and Felicia are best friends who are bonded as “partners in crime” while trying to survive in Las Vegas. Their friendship quickly begins to unravel when Dawn’s fiance, enters the picture. Although happy for their friend, Shauna and Felicia quickly begin to question the validity of their friendship when they aren’t allowed into Dawn’s new picture perfect life.

Desperate to keep her old lifestyle a secret from her fiance, Dawn comes up with an elaborate scheme to make sure she weds at any cost. When her fiance’ attends a bachelor party where he meets, and instantly falls for, Shauna; Dawn’s relationship is compromised.

When dealing with matters of the heart, all bets are off. Felicia is caught in the middle. When it proves too much, she goes against her better judgment and becomes lost in her own world where promiscuity and drug abuse become the major players in her life.

Each girl is dancing on the stage of uncertainty. When the curtains are drawn and the neon lights go dim, who will wind up with the standing ovation? High Stakes, sometimes when you gamble a little, you wind up losing it all.

Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the idea and inspiration to write High Stakes?

Toshia Shaw: I got the idea to write the novel High Stakes after having experiences and friends in the exotic dancing industry. I also interned at a runaway shelter where I saw young girls night after night who were caught up in the nightlife in Vegas.

Las Vegas, is unlike any other city in the world, with its own unique culture, and adult entertainment is at the center of it.

JP: Men and women alike generally feel like they understand the whole world of stripping, strip clubs and women who are available for bachelor parties. What are some of the things that High Stakes do to shatter those shallow believes and enlighten readers within its pages.

TS: Las Vegas has built its whole image on “What happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas” with an abundance of cable network television shows and movies based on the nightlife here. Therefore, people have this whole preconceived notion of what Vegas is. However, they have no idea of what really goes on here, the vulnerability of the women and men who put themselves out here for the sake of keeping up with this image and to pay the bills.

They have no idea of the racism in the stripping clubs and the whole ‘normalcy’ of the adult industry in Las Vegas. Nothing is taboo in this city and around the famous strip. Then there is the a whole other culture, the suburbs where if you can go for months without even being affected by the strip or its entertainment!

It’s like two very different worlds! High Stakes gives you a view of the two very different cultures, without apology. The book will take you through a full range of emotions with its brutal honesty. It won’t be the same story that is being told over and over again about strippers and those women.

JP: As an author, what are the keys to your success that lead to High Stakes getting out to the public?

TS: As an author, the keys to my success for getting High Stakes out to the public is the power of social networking and the Internet! Without the Internet, High Stakes would be just another drop in the bucket. However, utilizing social networking has been my 1 main key to success!

JP: As an author, what is your writing process? How long did it take for you to start and finish High Stakes?

TS: My writing process has been altered significantly, High Stakes was written in the early 2000s when I had a lot more time! Now my writing process comes in shifts. There will be those times when I have to grab my recorder to record notes.

Overall, I either rise very early (4:30 am) or wait late (9:30 pm). I have to have solitude to allow my thoughts to flow. High Stakes took me approximately 9 months to birth.

JP: What’s next for Toshia Shaw?

TS: Well the fans are demanding a sequel to High Stakes, which I have been writing for sometime now. It’s called Roulette. Then there will be another book in a completely different genre. I plan to finally get my short film into the Las Vegas film festival next year.

I want to focus on helping others bring their dream of becoming an author come into fruition. I have a lot of projects on my plate, so I don’t plan on slowing down any time soon! The book is distributed through Ingram, Baker & Taylor and can be purchased everywhere! Thank you Joey for this opportunity! I appreciate you!

http://www.toshiashaw.com/
http://www.compulsivewritingdisorder.com/
http://twitter.com/WritingAddict
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Toshia-Shaw/136742486345314

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Spooney was old enough to be her father, but he didn‘t care. It made him feel like he still had it, and that made him feel good. It‘s not all about how you do what you do because Binx was young and didn‘t know any better. She had fallen head over heels for him because he was different.

As Binx applied the finishing touches to her face, her mother walked in and stood next to her, a questioning look in her eyes. She glared from the mirror and said something Binx would never forget: “You too pretty of a girl to be with such a old man. You‘re young and smart… He‘s just taking away all of your youth.” She was quite solemn in the way she spoke.

What her mother didn‘t understand at that time was the damage had already been done. She stayed not because she wanted to but because she had to. She suffered Spooney‘s abuse both physically and mentally, and walking away wasn‘t easy because she was afraid.

Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the idea and inspiration to write Black Beans ‘N Rice?

Dena Tyson: It’s actually my story. I suffered an abusive relationship both physically and mentally for a very long time in my life, so I know first-hand the type of impact that has on a person. I wanted to share my story because I survived… I found the strength to walk away and the courage to let go because I am worthy and so is anyone else that’s out there having to go through something like that. “We are worthy!”

JP: What sets Black Beans ‘N Rice apart from other novels in its genre?

DT: The story is fresh, new, captivating and most entertaining. The characters are real. You walk away from this story feeling like you know each and every one of them because of the strong connection that’s made from the very first page.

It’s Old Skool… Chi-town… West Side, taking you back to Gloria Vanderbilt jeans, Candies, Afros and freedom, a saucy sultry seductive story about escaping an abusive relationship and finding real love for the very first time. It takes place in 1980s Chicago West Side, Oak Park, and the Hyde Park area of Illinois.

JP: As an author, what are the keys to your success that lead to Black Beans ‘N Rice getting out to the public?

DT: I write both fiction and non-fiction, but all of my stories are real. I’m interested in writing material that everyone can connect to in some way, baring an impact on our lives. Currently I have completed four novels in a little less than a year now. The first book Give Me the Strength was released last May 08, and the second Xceptance was released in July 08.

I started to build a fan base via my website and book signing events as well as the Chicago Black Womens Expo at McCormick Place in Chicago. It took off even more after that, and I was contacted by libraries and schools to come out and speak/encourage students and adults as well.

JP: As an author, what is your writing process? How long did it take for you to start and finish Black Beans ‘N Rice?

DT: The goal I had in mind was to write two novels a year. It turned out I had actually written four. I’d like to stick with two, so I can take more time to do book signings and lectures, etc.. I started to write Black Beans ‘N Rice in late February 09, and I finished by the end of March 09.

JP: What’s next for Dena Tyson?

DT: In January 2010, I released my fourth title So Said To Be. Emotions run deeply in this suspense thriller taking place in Memphis, Tennessee. Two people finding each other for the first time in the death of their father. The difference was she never knew the man standing next to her was her brother…only he did. I’m also working in future developments bringing my novels to film.

In addition to writing books, I am also an Advocate for Stroke survivors and the creator of the Kuckabug Collection of African Dolls. Right now I live in Illinois with my husband and family.

http://www.denatyson.com/
http://blog.denatyson.com/
http://denatyson-takingbackcontrol.blogspot.com/
http://www.myspace.com/389952414

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If Shar Reid is guilty of anything, it’s of leading her life with her heart instead of her mind. A preacher’s daughter, she disobeys her father’s commandment never to fraternize with “thugs” and falls head over heels for big-time hustler Slay.

Young, beautiful and smart, Shar never sets out to ruin her future—definitely not for the unfaithful and abusive man Slay turns out to be. But, that’s exactly what she does—all in the name of love. She goes from being college bound to being swept up into a world of grit, grime and crime where a chain of events conspire in her life that can’t be undone and lands her where she never expected to be…behind bars.

Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the idea and inspiration to write The Preacher’s Daughter?

Kendra Dunn: As I’ve mentioned in previous interviews, a lot of people have made the assumption that the book was inspired because of my life as a preacher’s kid. I’m not a PK, but Shar—the protagonist in the book—is the daughter of a stern Baptist minister. And interestingly enough, the book was originally titled Babygirl; however, there were already several books on the shelf with the same title. So, after a few brainstorming sessions, we agreed upon The Preacher’s Daughter.

The story itself was inspired by some of my teenage experiences—fiction, of course, is only reality embellished to the utmost. I briefly dated a guy who was involved in the “game.” His nickname for me was “Babygirl”; hence, the original title of the book.

If I hadn’t made the right decisions in life Shar’s story could have easily been my reality, which is why I wanted to pen an urban fiction tale that wasn’t just an entertaining street read but one that acted as a wake up call for young girls everywhere—diving into the loss of innocence, abuse and the self degradation that lies beneath the glitz and glamour associated with being a hustler’s girl. The title does come with its’ share of consequences and repercussions.

JP: What sets The Preacher’s Daughter apart from other novels in its genre?

KD: In a lot urban fiction novels being released there’s no sense of redemption amongst the sex, drugs, violence and hood rich lifestyles of the characters being created. The Preacher’s Daughter has its fair share of the essentials that make an entertaining street read; however, my goal was to intertwine some positive messages and learning lessons throughout the story and to create a character that realized and eventually regretted the bad decisions that she had made.

Also, coming out of the gate, I wanted to establish myself as a writer that not only writes to entertain but also to enlighten. I believe that’s what sets me apart as an urban fiction author and what distinguishes The Preacher’s Daughter from the abundance of urban books hitting the shelves. I believe urban fiction fans are growing tired of mindless street stories. They’re coming to the point, in which, they want both—to be entertained and enlightened.

In addition, The Preacher’s Daughter isn’t your ordinary story of a girl being led astray by a drug dealer. Shar and the cast of characters are candid, witty and smart. There are also several twists and turns in the book and of course, a shocking ending that readers won’t see coming!

JP: As an author, what are the keys to your success that lead to The Preacher’s Daughter getting out to the public?

KD: Authors—especially new authors under smaller publishing houses—have to be the driving force behind marketing and advertising their work. Along with doing book signings to push The Preacher’s Daughter, I’ve tried to make contact and build relationships with people in the media, book reviewers, book clubs, bookstore owners, etc. Also, social networking (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) has played a huge role in my spreading the word about The Preacher’s Daughter.

JP: As an author, what is your writing process? How long did it take for you to start and finish The Preacher’s Daughter?

KD: My writing process consists of me going wherever my thoughts take me. Rarely do I create an outline for a book because I never know the direction of the story or the characters until the end is near. Each day I make an effort to devote time to any project that I’m working on to bring it to completion before jumping on the next idea. However, I never force myself to write when I’m not in the mood; it only leads to a failed attempt. And, I usually write with music playing in the background…music is my muse—from gospel to R & B to rap and sometimes jazz. Music stimulates the mind.

When writing The Preacher’s Daughter, as I stated above, each day I devoted time to hammering out the story. In my eyes, I wasn’t writing a book but on my way to making one of my dreams come true—that thought pushed me to finish the manuscript in four months.

JP: What’s next for Kendra Dunn?

Currently, I’m finishing up my second novel. To the chagrin of those who’ve read The Preacher’s Daughter, it’s not the sequel. I haven’t nailed down a title for my second release as of yet, but here’s a quick blurb:

Ramada, Toi and MissyLynn all live in the same housing project—The Bottoms—where everyone has a hustle, including the three of them. Instead of treasuring what’s between their thighs, they use what they got to get what they think they need only to lose what’s most important—their self-respect and for two of them…their lives.

I’ll keep you posted on the release date. In the meantime, I’m launching a new blog! Readers can check me out at http://sistahgurlfriend.wordpress.com/, where I’ll be blogging about life, love, lessons learned and everything in between! Thanks. It’s been a blast.

http://lafemmefataleproductions.com/
http://facebook.com/kendradunn
http://twitter.com/kendradunnlffp
http://sistahgurlfriend.wordpress.com/

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The Only One That Can Stop Me Is Me is a self-help memoir set to offer advice with any aspect of life. Within the pages of this book, you’ll learn you’re dealing with a special young man who is truly gifted at motivating others.

JoVan is a modern day social powerhouse. He is cut from the same cloth as many of the great men of the past. The changes he has made in his life and the ability to motivate people, who many look past, gives him a quality comparable to Malcolm X. His faith in God and compassion for other has glimpses of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

JoVan reached out even farther into the lives of many by showing his personal resolve by walking over 400 miles in twenty-five days to prove there is more people could be doing for others.

Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the idea and inspiration to write The Only One That Can Stop Me Is Me?

JoVan Roseboro: I had a friend who was struggling with some personal issues at work. I was working at a car dealership in Lumberton, NC, at the time, and he asked me for a ride home one day. I decided to stop by the book store before I took him home.

I told him about a few self help books that I had read and suggested that he take a look at them. He wasn’t a big reader, so I suggested that he listen to the audio versions. The book store didn’t have the books that I wanted him to check out, and it hit me.

There weren’t many self help books that appealed to young people like ourselves. There were a lot of self help books available there, but none that really catered to the needs of the young people of today. That’s the night I started writing.

JP: What sets The Only One That Can Stop Me Is Me apart from other books in its genre?

JR: Self-help is a genre that caters to a lot of different types of people. A lot of self-help books can be a little complicated and even boring. The Only One That Can Stop Me Is Me offers readers an opportunity to enjoy a simple methodology of improving their lives.

It explains in simple terms, a very effective way of thinking that can help you improve your situation, no matter what that situation may be. You don’t have to have a doctorate degree or be an astute business mind to grasp the information. It’s a great tool for anyone who picks it up. It doesn’t matter what your background is; you will surely enjoy the effective information within its pages.

JP: As an author, what are the keys to your success that lead to The Only One That Can Stop Me Is Me getting out to the public?

JR: I’m a 29 year old ex-drug dealer and high school drop out. I feel like my passion for helping people and my drive pushes my book. I’ve sold thousands of copies of the audio version out of the trunk of my car and have grown along this journey.

My book is another tool that I use to help people, but it’s just a branch of the spirit of me. I pursue helping others on a daily basis. From feeding the homeless to performing selfless acts like a 400-mile journey on foot from Fayetteville, NC, to the White House to inspire people to help others in their own communities to filming a documentary on the streets of Skid Row L.A. in order to create awareness about the homeless community across America.

I do what I can to promote serious change. It’s a lifestyle, not an occupation. I pray that my passion, ambition and determination continue to spread a timeless message of love that we need right now. I’ll continue to spread love until the day I die. Its a calling.

JP: As an author, what is your writing process? How long did it take for you to start and finish The Only One That Can Stop Me Is Me?

JR: The writing process was difficult, yet beautiful. I saw that there was a need for a self-help piece in the community. I focused on the needs that most needed to be met. I focused on issues that most people like myself face – issues that even myself struggled with from time to time.

It became easier as I realized that if I spoke to my own heart, it would reach the hearts of people in my community like me. That message is a powerful message for everyone. It took a couple weeks to write the first portion and another couple months to write the details of my walk from Fayetteville, NC, to the White House. The entire process was beautiful.

JP: What’s next for JoVan Roseboro?

JR: Right now, I’m working on completing a documentary. I’m filming to create awareness about the homeless community in America; I’m filming on Skid Row (Downtown Los Angeles). I have a curriculum focused on at-risk youth that I created and developed with a child psychologist in Atlanta that has been placed in the North Carolina School System.

It’s currently being used in the 21st Century program in Columbus County, NC. I’m working hard to place the curriculum in different programs that work with youth across the country. I am also in the process of creating and developing a curriculum for The Only One That Can Stop Me Is Me with my publisher K.L Belvin that will be released in the month of August.

Developing and marketing these products is a full-time job. The speaking circuit is also a full-time marketing venture. The future holds a lot. I’m dedicated and hard-working, and I am on a mission to touch the lives of people across international lines.

Wherever God leads me, I will go. I don’t see myself slowing down anytime soon. A Nobel Peace Prize would mean a lot to a a lot of people; I am striving to make an impact in this world.

http://www.wix.com/roseboroinc/JOVAN-ROSEBORO-2
http://www.bravinpublishing.com/multimedia.html
http://myspace.com/jovanroseboro
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Strawberries, Stilettos, and Steam is collection of hot erotic stories. These stories are for the grown and sexy – a little something for the people who are willing to explore their fantasies or at last peak through the cracked door. Just understand, a quick peak may not be enough.

If you’re bold enough to step inside, you’ll watch as Leilani gives the private dance of her life. You’re cheer for Nika as she gets her candle blown out on her birthday. You’ll find out the consequences of disturbing the peace. And You’ll satisfy your craving for “Chocolate”.

This is just a taste of what’s on the other side of the door. So, go hard, dive in and get yourself wet with Dreama Skye and Imani True!

Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the idea and inspiration to write Strawberries, Stilettos, and Steam?

Dreama Skye: I was writing erotic themed poetry and Imani was writing erotic themed blogs. It was kind of like Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups…Chocolate meets Peanut Butter. It just fit. We decided to combine our different writing styles together. Inspiration came from books I’ve read with same type of themed stories. We wanted our book to be different.

Imani True: I was writing erotic blogs and Dreama was writing erotic-themed poetry. We decided to mix our styles, and the result was Strawberries, Stilettos, and Steam. It turned out to be the perfect combination. My inspiration came from reading erotic novels and realizing there was so much room for different themes, stories, characters and scenarios. I wanted our stories to fill some of that void.

JP: Are all of the stories in Strawberries, Stilettos, and Steam collaborations, or are there some that are solo efforts? How did you go about deciding which way to go with the different stories?

IT: Most of the stories are collaborations. My solo stories are “In the Judge’s Chambers” and “Turned On, Turned Out”. I think the collaborations are our best work. Sometimes, we knew going in how we wanted the story to go. But most of the time, the characters, their personalities and the situations determined where the stories went. Other times, we decided the direction of the story as we were writing it.

DS: Most of the stories are collaborations, there a few that are solo projects. My solo story is “The Best Chocolate I’ve Ever Tasted”. Sometimes, we have an idea how we intend for the story to go. Other times, the characters lead us in the direction they want to go. There are times, that we have no clue until we’re half way done writing the story.

JP: As a newly published author, what are the keys to your success that lead to Strawberries, Stilettos, and Steam getting out to the public?

DS: My story “The Closer” is going to be featured in the erotic collection Between The Sheets published by Delphine Publications. The book release date is a week before ours. The keys to our success so far would be networking, determination, timing and having an awesome publishing company. Shout out to NCM Publishing.

IT: My story ‘Just a F–k’ will be included in Between the Sheets published by Delphine Publications. This book is set for release about a week before our book hits stores. The keys to our success so far have been networking, confidence, being in the right place at the right time and having an experienced publisher, Ms. Ni’cola Mitchell, who believes in our work as much as we do.

JP: As an author, what is your writing process? How long did it take for you to start and finish Strawberries, Stilettos, and Steam?

IT: Generally when I write, I can start with an idea, a character name or a title. Then I brainstorm about it, maybe even actually start writing it. For this book, I would run it past Dreama, who jumped right in. The Internet played a big part in how we wrote this book. We used Skype, Yahoo, text messages and phone conversations to work on the stories. On most of the collaborations, we worked line-by-line until the story was done. For the rest, we sent the story back and forth via e-mail until it was finished. I don’t have a certain routine, time or place to write as part of my “process”; I write in the car, in bed, by the pool, wherever. I’m always jotting something down that could eventually be my next book.

DS: I lock the door to my bedroom, lay in my bed and listen to some old school slow jams. Sometimes I write in my car, at the park or on my lunch break. Basically, any spare time that I have available. I really don’t have a set writing step-by-step process. Everything starts as just an idea. At some point, the plot kicks in. My characters get their personalities, and I work on the twist in no particular order. With the collaborations, the writing process was basically the same. Once we had the idea, we used Yahoo, Skype, e-mail, and texting to work and complete it. It took us about a year to finish this collaboration.

JP: What’s next for you?

DS: I’m currently working on a book of erotic poetry and a novel called Caught Up. It is a story of a threesome gone bad. Imani and I are also working on another collection of steamy stories. We don’t have a title yet.

IT: I’m working on a novel entitled A Little Sumthin’ Sumthin’, which should be done in early 2011, and a crime mystery series, which is still untitled. I’m also working on several screenplays and webisodes with my son, who is studying Film/Film Production in college. And of course, Dreama and I are gearing up for a second collaboration. We want to have that ready sometime late next year.

www.ncmpublishing.com
www.trueskyemedia.com

truerotica.blogspot.com
http://skyeserotichaven.blogspot.com

www.facebook.com/ImaniTrue
www.facebook.com/dreamaskye

www.twitter.com/dreamaskye1
www.twitter.com/ImaniTrue
www.twitter.com/trueskyemedia

www.myspace.com/whoistrue
www.myspace.com/trueskyemedia

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How do you say goodbye to the one you love? Is this even an option when you’ve invested your body, mind, and soul into your relationship?

Charisse Farrell is a successful, beautiful corporate attorney who has it all, but when the love of her life, David Richards, betrays her, she has to reevaluate her future. Tempted by the desire to love again and her need for revenge, Charisse is haunted by a demon from her past that turns her life upside down. When love knocks her down, Charisse has to get back up fighting – fighting for love.

Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the idea and inspiration to write Chocolate High?

Mika: I find inspiration in everyday life. The idea for Chocolate High came about through a conversation with friends. The question was posed can two friends stay friends after being in a long term or serious relationship with each other. It became a heated debate and we had supporters on both sides of the issue. I decided if a simple question could get grown folk so worked up, it was worth exploring this notion a little further in the form of a novel.

JP: What sets Chocolate High apart from other novels that deal with a woman being emotionally hurt by her lover?

Mika: Chocolate High deals with love from the standpoint of a profession couple who financially could handle anything. With this book, I wanted to explore the notion of just because your finances are in order doesn’t mean your love life is.

The main character, Charisse Farrell, has it all as a corporate attorney but being in control in the courtroom and out of control in her relationship is a unique dynamic to explore for me. Ultimately, it becomes more about her self-worth than about being emotionally hurt by her lover. From that, the reader can take away a learning experience they can apply to their own life.

JP: As an author, what are the keys to your success that lead to Chocolate High getting out to the public?

Mika: The keys to success that lead to Chocolate High getting out to the public were focus, determination, patience, teamwork, and discipline. After completing this project from inception to publication, I came to realize writing the story was the easy part. The real work began with editing and has been non-stop from that point forward. You have to be consistent in your efforts to get the attention of readers and the industry as it’s not an overnight process.

JP: As an author, what is your writing process? How long did it take for you to start and finish Chocolate High?

Mika: My writing process is a little like gumbo: it’s one part outline, a pinch of fleshing it out, a tablespoon of flow and a whole lot of soul. When it flows, my characters take on a life of their own. I love it when the characters tell their story; it makes my job easier as the writer because when you get in deep enough, despite what the outline says, the characters will tell their story and it’s like you are there watching it all go down.

I use to rhyme so my writing process is still very similar, come up with the concept and ride with it. From start to finish it probably took about a year to write Chocolate High when factoring in rewrites and editing. Everything had to be right, and I didn’t want to rush it.

JP: What’s next for Mika?

Mika: Well, I’m currently working on my next novel which remains untitled at the current time but tentatively slated for release late fall. A lot of promotion for Chocolate High, I’ve learned the importance of getting in front of your promotions, and fleshing out my itinerary to enhance my presence amongst the industry and readers alike.

http://www.mikabarnes.com/
http://facebook-www.facebook.com/tamikabarnes
http://www.twitter.com/mikabarnes
http://www.authorsden.com/mika
mika@mikabarnes.com

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Lifelong friends Coco, Nita, and Audra have spent years looking for love in the arms of flashy pro athletes, hoping to land a baller but ending up with a stream of failed relationships. Now that the women are approaching thirty, they’re finding it harder than ever to compete with the pro groupies.

Determined to change the game and find some worthwhile men, Audra hatches an outrageous plan. Soon the trio is “holy rolling,” masquerading as God-fearing churchgoers at a local conference for young ministers in the hopes of snagging a prominent pastor.

But will their big gamble pay off? Men of the cloth are still just men, after all. As the three friends meet their potential life partners, they will have to decide how far they want to take their holy rollers scheme—each risking heartbreak while taking a chance on finding a reliable, responsible man to love and cherish, flaws and all.

Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the idea and inspiration to write Holy Rollers?

Reshonda Tate Billingsley: A friend actually called me and said she was somewhere and it was a bunch of women hanging out trying to catch ministers. Then, a few weeks later, I was in a hotel on a book tour and there were women hanging out like it was happy hour. Turns out it was a young ministers conference. And my mind just started churning.

JP: What sets Holy Rollers apart from other novels in its genre?

RB: Although a lot of people think I write Christian Fiction, I don’t. My books, while faith-based, deal with reality, so you’ll see some ugly truths.

JP: As an author, what are the keys to your success that lead to Holy Rollers getting out to the public?

RB: Aside from telling a good story, I am a tireless promoter. I don’t sit back and complain about what my publisher isn’t doing. If they tour me, great. If not, I’ll tour myself.

JP: As an author, what is your writing process? How long did it take for you to start and finish Holy Rollers?

RB: It takes me about three months from start to finish. I don’t have a process, although I just make sure I write every single day.

JP: What’s next for Reshonda Tate Billingsley?

RB: I have a teen book coming out in November called Drama Queens. Then my first romantic suspense novel, A Good Man is Hard to Find, comes out in Dec. In April 2011, I have a collaboration with Victoria Christopher Murray coming out called Saints and Sinners.

Then, in July, the sequel to Everybody Say Amen, Say Amen, Again comes out. Followed by another book in Dec. 2011. In the midst of all that, working on my movies. Let the Church Say Amen is coming to the big screen, and we just sold the rights to my teen series.

http://www.reshondatatebillingsley.com
http://www.facebook.com/reshondatatebillingsleyreaders

A much sought-after public speaker, ReShonda Tate Billingsley has won numerous awards for her journalism, fiction and poetry writing skills. She is a five-time winner of the National Association of Black Journalists Spirit in the Words competition.

Considered one of the top Inspirational Fiction authors in the country, her books have appeared on the Essence Bestseller’s list more than 20 times, as well as The Washington Post and Dallas Morning News Bestseller’s lists. Her books have also been featured in USA Today and Ebony Magazine as Summer Sizzlers.

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Chosen started the war. Destined continues the feud. The Mitchell brothers, pushed by their mothers, are poised to battle for ultimate control of their father’s multimillion-dollar ministry in the captivating second novel from Patricia Haley’s provocative new series.

Inspired by the biblical kings David and Solomon, the drama picks up in the lobby of the family’s business. The oldest brother, Don, has returned from exile in South Africa at the pleading of his mother and former love interest because they can no longer idly watch baby boy, Joel, careen down the path of personal, professional and spiritual demise, as he drags the ministry with him.

The only hope to save the family’s legacy is Don’s intervention. However, he’s torn between maintaining his livelihood on another shore or coming back to Detroit and wholeheartedly battling his out-of-control half-brother for a company that his father didn’t deem Don worthy to run in the first place. His estranged sister shows up too, spurring confusion.

The bitter family war between the brothers and their mothers kicks into high gear, forcing Don to realize that some challenges are destined if he is to fulfill his purpose. Their ability to forgive and to let go of the past may be their only saving grace.

Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the idea and inspiration to write Destined?

Patricia Haley: The inspiration behind my Chosen series came from one of my all time favorite characters in the Bible, King David. He is an imperfect man plagued with family tragedy, personal failures and constant battles. Yet, he is regarded as someone highly favored by God.

What I love about David is that no matter how many mistakes he made, particularly in his younger days, he learned the great tools of forgiving and forgetting. Once he repented and God forgave him for his shortcomings and poor decisions, David forgave himself and moved on determined to fulfill God’s purpose in his life, guilt free and not caring about what others thought.

That’s not always easy to do, but he became a master at it. In writing Chosen and Destined, I wanted to bring the stories of Kings David and his son King Solomon into modern day with the same kind of dysfunction and drama balanced with triumphs.

First, there was Chosen (2009) which pits David’s two sets of children against one another for control of the family business. Both of his sons and their mothers are ready to fight to the bitter end. At the conclusion of Chosen , readers weren’t satisfied with only an epilogue ending. They wanted more, so Destined was born. The story picks up where Chosen left off, in the lobby of the family’s business.

JP: What sets Destined apart from other novels in its genre?

PH: In my new series, Chosen and Destined infuses more corporate intrigue than is typically found in the faith-based novels. Adding spiritual themes, family tension and romance hopefully makes the novels a nice addition to anyone’s personal library who is seeking a blend of drama, sprinkles of comedy, relationship woes and an inspirational faith-based message subtly woven into the fibers of the story. Ideally the modern-day interpretation will keep readers riveted until the stunning conclusion, when the entire fate of a family rests on their ability to forgive and willingness to let go of the past.

JP: As an author, what are the keys to your success that lead to Destined getting out to the public?

PH: Recognizing that God has given me the talent of writing/storytelling is the first key to successfully getting my book to the public. Then there comes the discipline of getting the book written, going through the effort of editing, packaging and putting together a promotional plan.

Whether you’re published through a major house or self-published, the same level of work and commitment is required to achieve what you deem to be ‘your desired’ success. At the end of the day it comes down to a willingness to work hard at getting your book into the hands of those God intended to read it, despite the ups and downs.

JP: As an author, what is your writing process? How long did it take for you to start and finish Destined?

PH: Typically it takes me about six weeks to draft a 320 page manuscript, that is after I spend 2-4 weeks finalizing the story line, getting to know the main characters, laying out the outline and deciding on who’s point of view is going to tell the story.

Throughout the year, I do not write daily, except during the time when I’m working towards a manuscript submission. Starting my day of writing begins somewhere between 4 am and 6 am, when the house is quiet, works best for me. I’ll write for three to four hours and call it a day. Thank goodness I’ve never had to stay up all night or work around the clock to finish a novel. I think my mind would overload if I did.

JP: What’s next for Patricia Haley?

PH: There is a long list of fiction and non-fiction projects that I want to complete. The next book slotted for 2011 is Broken, the third installment in the Chosen series. The family battle takes a twist when the estranged daughter returns to stake her claim, disrupting any short lived peace the family has managed to find. I expect 2011 to be busy as I will also be carving out more time for motivational speaking and inspiring others to discover and fulfill their purposes.

Patricia Haley is the trailblazing, Essence bestselling author of seven faith-based novels, including her latest titles Destined and Chosen . She’s a project manager with an engineering degree from Stanford University and an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago . She is a born again believer and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Patricia lives with her husband and daughter.

http://www.patriciahaley.com/
info@patriciahaley.com

Facebook: Become a Facebook friend of Patricia Haley-Glass or Join Fan Page of Author Patricia Haley
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Patricia-Haley-Fan-Page/113087875385064

http://www.patriciahaley.com/biography/awards.php

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The infamous queen-pin Chyna is back, and this time she’s bringing the entourage. While still on a murder mission hunt for the crooked lawyer that double-crossed her uncle, the latest addition to the family brings her one step closer to that sweet revenge.

This ruthless vixen owns the day and the night. Mother Nature herself can’t interrupt her cash flow. When bad calls are made and her chief female “escort” goes missing, it’s time to set things off.

Sand and Rene can admit that they haven’t always been honest with one another. With all the secrets and lies, it’s hard to say if they can ever trust each other again. But are they ready to forgive and forget when their lives are on the line?

An unrelenting thirst for notorious revenge has Chyna, Sand and Rene, riding out and staking out their highest claims yet.

Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the idea and inspiration to write Stud Princess?

N’Tyse: Stud Princess is the aftermath and final installment of all the drama that went down in My Secrets Your Lies, my debut novel.

JP: What sets Stud Princess apart from other novels in its genre?

N’Tyse: Stud Princess explores sexuality, self-identity, and taboo interests through an in-your-face urban setting. It’s also one of the few urban titles out there that actually include same-sex relationships and female pimps.

My ultimate goal with every book I write is to push my pen past the typical and give my readers a new experience. Hopefully one that’s informative, memorable, and entertaining.

JP: As an author, what are the keys to your success that lead to Stud Princess getting out to the public?

N’Tyse: Exposure and more exposure. I try to utilize book clubs, reviewers and networking communities to my advantage. These core group of people are the wings on my plane. They assist me in sharing my work with the world. My marketing plan also consist of online and offline advertising.

JP: As an author, what is your writing process? How long did it take for you to start and finish Stud Princess?

N’Tyse: I write early in the morning or late at night, and it has to be dead silence. I generally don’t write using an outline so whatever’s in my head is what goes down on paper. I organize the details later.

It took me about six months on and off to complete Stud Princess in its entirety, but under a more disciplined schedule I could have finished in three. Thank goodness I’m independently published.

JP: What’s next for N’Tyse?

N’Tyse: I recently completed my third novel titled Cougar Suites. It’s a collaboration project with Lesley E. Hal. It will be releasing late this year. I am also working on the stageplay script for My Secrets Your Lies and Stud Princess.

http://www.ntyse.com/
http://www.facebook.com/people/Shawanda-Williams/1661997457
http://twitter.com/NTyse
http://www.myspace.com/ntyse

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