JoeyPinkney.com Book Review
The Confessional Heart of a Man
by The Greatest Poet Alive
(iUniverse)
3 out of 5 Stars

The Confessional Heart of a Man is the debut poetry collection from The Greatest Poet Alive (GPA). Leading this collection of lyrical introspection is an intensely lusty poem cryptically entitled “A Thousand Times”. The mixture of word forms an enchanting imagery of an infinite desire. With the second poem, “Even In Death”, I was reeled into the power of GPA as a wordsmith. I could visualize his view on love with a bone-chilling clarity. Instead of keeping that momentum rolling with something like “Love Letter” or “Death of a Love”, GPA caught me totally off guard with a crack high in black-and-white entitled “Anticipation of My Love”.

There are many subjects covered in The Confessional Heart of a Man. GPA touches on “baby momma drama”, serving time in the penitentiary, the “n-word” and many others. But GPA is at his best when he expands the possibilities of love and lust with his vivid imagination and control over a vast vocabulary. Even poems like “Stolen Moments” and “Metaphor” are intriguing in their approach to the otherwise mundane or socially wrong. In “Stolen Moments”, the way GPA phrases the adulterous sentiments of a man speaking to his mistress is a lyrically beautiful as any marital bliss. “Metaphor” meanders through metaphors to express uninhibited lust taken out of a female suitor.

Throughout The Confessional Heart of a Man, GPA proves that he is much more than an erotic hustler of prose. The book has four main themes: love/lust, relationship problems, incarceration and black power. He covers each easily. Poems like “Dedication” and “My Thoughts as a Woman” stood out in the crowd because they showed the depth of GPA’s intellectual muscle. His openly discusses the difficulties of relationships gone awry. His love/hate relationship with the “n-word” is just as expressive as his thoughts on black nationalism. He even sheds an unapologetic light on Black genocide at the hands of the police.

It is easy to tell that GPA is a spoken-word poet. The words are there, but I knew that there is a unique way that the poems are supposed to flow. It was like reading a rapper’s lyrics without hearing the song. I’ve had the opportunity of hearing him perform, so I knew reading and witnessing were two different things.

The Confessional Heart of a Man was hard to read because the word order he chose is easier to hear and understand during a performance, but that same word order is hard to read. All in all it is a good book of poetry by an established and intelligent poet that any poetry lover will find something to love.

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Scattered Lies
by Madison
(Influential Writers Publishing)
3.5 out of 5 Stars

Scattered Lies, the debut novel from Madison, gives the reader everything that makes Urban Fiction delicious. On the surface, this novel is full of high-priced cars, upscale backdrops and inner-city squalor. The entertainment factor is high, but the psychology of and interaction between the characters of Scattered Lies is what will make this a great read. Madison created characters with deep, dark layers giving the reader plenty to digest.

Scattered Lies starts in the middle and works its way to the beginning and the end simultaneously. This is one of the things that makes the novel such an interesting read. Most of the characters are related to each other in multiple ways. As the characters reveal bits and pieces through strong dialogue, the plot twists unravel and will make the gears turn inside of the critical readers’ minds. If you have to go back and re-read parts of Scattered Lies, rest assured that it is not due to poor editing. The complex plot twists keeps the reader engaged.

Although Greg is not the central character in terms of the amount of pages dedicated to him, he can be directly or indirectly attributed to the tangled web of events the author Madison has put together. Greg is a locked up master-mind of a criminal enterprise. More than just a common street thug, Greg’s vision for what was possible for his Melrose Projects crew is infinite. Greg attempts to set his people up for legal success gained mixed results. The intricate mix of personalities, abilities and sense of loyalty is what will separate Scattered Lies from the average Urban Fiction book.

Gabrielle is Greg’s loyal wife and a successful lawyer. Her parents are ashamed of her decision to marry a convicted criminal. Her love for Greg is as genuine as his love for her. The bond gives her the strength to be married at a distance. The monthly conjugal visits are great sexually but not enough to convince her to have children. Gabrielle met Greg while hanging out with her cousin, Denise. The bond with Greg was instant but is later strained when Gabrielle starts to figure out exactly how Greg landed in prison.

Denise, Greg’s protege, shows the most promise out of Greg’s associates. Instead of becoming a statistic, Denise became the exception to the rule. From teenage “good girl gone bad” to ruthless killer to a mature business executive, Denise is a testament to the fact that bad people can come from good families and good things can come from bad people. In the hood, she is known for making people who cross her disappear. At her day job, she is known for keeping everything under control and getting things done no matter what. However, she can’t stay away from street thugs with nothing to offer besides mind-blowing sex. She’s seen it all from being pimped to contract killings to multi-million dollar real-estate deals, and Denise still manages to keep a job strictly for the health benefits.

Tony is a nobody in the hood who is at the helm of a platinum-selling music career with the help of Greg’s direction and connections. With average looks and an overboard ego, Tony lives a life that most wanna-be rappers would die for. He is able to obtain a beautiful girlfriend who is equally successful in her R&B career. His sexual addiction makes it hard to enjoy his girlfriend. Unlike Denise, he has a rep for being a pushover in the streets.

In her debut novel, Madison shows her mastery of melding together name brand items with high level psychology. The characters in Scattered Lies know enough about each other to know that there is more to know. It is that surface tension that keeps the reader afloat amid infinitely deep plot twists. The realistic dialogue is matched with issues that will hit home with many readers: family favoritism, being in love with old flames, skeletons in the closet coming back to destroy stability, among others.

The additional characters and scenarios perfectly accommodate the flavor and complexity of Scattered Lies. Denise’s niece Morgan deals with issues that most teenagers struggle with such as teenage sex, being a critical thinker at a young age and being treated differently because of beauty. Gabrielle’s clientele also engages issues like money laundering practices by wealthy people and rich women who are sexually addicted to boy toys from the hood.

There were two things that did not sit comfortably with me: the book’s cover and the book’s ending. Past the fact that “shattered” rhymes with “scattered”, the only connection I could see between the book cover and its story was that two shards of the broken glass had an image of a microphone (Tony, the rapper) and a woman wearing an unbuttoned shirt with a pearl necklace (presumably Denise, but possibly Gabrielle). However, this cover is much more welcomed and classier than just posting up a pin up model. Scattered Lies’ ending was shocking, but not satisfying. Given the lives of the characters up to that point, I struggle to see how ending the story that way brings closure to the various plot twists or opens the opportunity for sequels.

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Her Little Secret
by T. Freeman, Jr.
(Sleepy Eye Publishing)
5 out of 5 Stars

T. Freeman, Jr’s Her Little Secret is a masterpiece which encompasses gritty situations, the perfect use of slang and picturesque scenes from the roughest hoods to the absolutely luxurious locales from the East and West Coasts. Freeman invades the mind of his readers with the sometimes harsh but thoroughly adventurous life of Lerrez Crawford. Born in complete squalor to two drug-addicted parents, life deals Lerrez a bad hand from the very beginning. Dark-skinned, thick and undeniably beautiful, her life would be anything but sweet as she struggles to escape the grips of the cold streets of inner-city Camden, NJ.

Lerrez’s attempt at elusiveness is met with the domino effect of tragedy after tragedy. Before she can reach 18-years-old, she gets shuffled off to a foster home, thrust onto the streets, housed in juvenile detention and taken by her long-lost grand mother. During this whole ordeal, she experience sexual and drug abuse, murders and misadventures that are not too uncommon for people surviving in inner-cities across the nation. A chance meeting with a big-time producer from L.A. proves to be the ticket to stability. Just when she finds solace with the love of her life, all of the dirt she did in Camden threatens to snatch away her fairytale ending.

What really makes this novel pop is T. Freeman’s effortless use of slang and location. Being the perfect guide, he puts foreign slang words in context. He also gives you a street-level view wherever his characters are. Her Little Secret takes you from the crowded projects of Camden to the city blocks of New York City to the socio-economic extremes of L.A. Freeman doesn’t just reference a location. He gives you street names and landmarks in a way that perfectly complements the wicked plot twists.

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JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Marlon McCaulsky and Jarold Imes, authors of Love & Life
(Abednego’s Free)

Popular Street Lit Author Marlon McCaulsky teams up with OurTeenVoices.com Editor Jarold Imes to bring two novellas that focus on two of the most things most teens are concerned with… love and life.

“Real Love” by Marlon McCaulsky

When Raina’s family is uprooted from Cleveland to St. Petersburg, FL, she immediately becomes the new “it girl” at Lakewood High School aka “Hollywood High” that every guy wants. She becomes the envy of the snobbish and popular Lissa while catching the eye of her boyfriend Dan.

With friends like Sheena (the self confessed shopaholic), Marcus (the smart-ass jock) and Cory (the wannabe playa), Raina firmly establishes her place at Hollywood High. Can Raina compete with Lissa who is willing to use sex, lies and manipulation to get what she wants. Is real love enough to keep the boy she loves?

“Love No Limit” by Jarold Imes

Dre Lawson has to be everything to everyone: the apple in his father’s eye, whom happens to be the leader of one of the notorious gangs in North Carolina; father to his trifling sister’s son; and leader of his own gang set. Never mind the fact that he still has to do chores and make good grades while running the streets.

When the woman of his dreams finally stakes her claim, what lengths will Dre go to find that love has no limit?

Joey Pinkney: Both of you are well known for your previous releases. How did you go about teaming up with each other for Love & Life?

Marlon McCaulsky: Well, it was Jarold that reached out to me about doing a project together. I was between books, and he came to me with the idea of doing an anthology type book together based on romance. I immediately jumped on it.

Jarold Imes: We met via the Triple Crown Publication forums. I approached Marlon to help me grow and expand the company Abednego’s Free. I had originally approached Marlon about doing a different anthology. When he sent “Real Love”, I told him it wouldn’t fit the concept. However, I felt the story was strong enough to complement another story I had written some years ago. I felt we could do this as a two author anthology instead.

JP: What are the things that differentiate Love & Life from others in its genre?

JI: As far as I know, Love & Life is the first, modern two author anthology for teens. I don’t think there has ever been a two author anthology like ours, especially a street lit anthology that is age appropriate for teens. My teen books have always been strong enough for adults and made for teens and I think we have a project that all can enjoy.

MM: This is my first venture into the teen book market. I didn’t originally write this story with the mind set this is a “teen book”. I just had a story in my head to get out, and it happens to be teenagers in high school that made it work. What differentiate “Real Love” from others in its genre is that I set this story in 1994 to 1995, so it’s kind of a throw back-story. This was the time period I was in high school. I see this story as being a “Teenage Love Affair” written for adults LOL…

JP: As an author, what is your writing process? How long did it take for you to start and finish “Real Love” and “Love No Limit” for Love & Life?

MM: I wrote “Real Love” back in 2003 as a screenplay for a movie I wanted to do. The movie thing never happened, but I loved the story. I kept writing on it over the years, and it became a novella. When Jarold came to me about this project, it was really already done. I just needed to clean it up a bit.

“Real Love” was based on some real life events. Some names have been changed to protect the people involved, and some names weren’t! It was funny to write because of the truth in some of the scenes, although the story itself is fiction.

JI: I write whatever I feel, be it a short story, an article/commentary, participating in different message boards where I try to spread knowledge or just working on my own novels. I always try to write something so I can keep my voice new and fresh.

“Love No Limit” is based on a short story I wrote twelve years ago about a gang member. I wrote it while I was writing what would become Never Too Much – The Remix and U Can’t Break Me. It only took me six weeks to add to the story for what would become Love & Life.

JP: Are you both Mary J. Blige fans? Is it a coincidence that both of the titles are also the title of Mary J. Blige songs?

JI: I’ve liked Mary since she first came out in 1990 when she sang the hook “I’ll Do 4 U” for Father MC. Also, What’s the 411? is the soundtrack to my life in Denver, Colorado.

Marlon’s story was already called “Real Love” when he sent it to me. Mary’s first album was what I thought of when I read his story. I named my story “Love No Limit”, so it could tie into the Love & Life theme we felt both of our stories had.

MM: I am definitely a Mary J fan. I wanted the reader to know that real love was what was really happening between Raina and Dan’s character. Plus, my story is set in that 90s era. It made sense to call my story that. Jarold decided to run with the idea of using Mary’s song titles as a theme of the book.

JP: What’s next for Abednego’s Free?

MM: All I can say is big things are on the way. Jarold is the mastermind behind Abednego’s Free, so he knows more than I do. As for myself, I just hope to continue to give my fans more good books to read. Thank you, Joey!

JI: I will finally get to live my dream and publish a few anthologies. Lord knows I’ve been trying to create one since 1999 when I first came on the scene. Now it’s coming true. Broken But I’m Healed, my inspirational anthology that I’m still collecting submissions for, will come out in October. Love & Life drops on Black Friday.

The Boy is Mine is an anthology featuring my first author, Victoria Vanee Anderson, and a few other friends of mine. That comes out the end of January. Victoria’s first book, Just Me & You, comes out in March. My next teen book, Case of the Fake People, will come out in April. I’m still working on my book now and another anthology project that I can’t talk about just yet.

I hope to begin work on my next Street Christian Lit title next month so I can drop it in 2010 too. Plus, I’m still taking submission for young adult books as well.

http://www.abednegosfree.com/
http://www.ourteenvoices.com/
http://www.myspace.com/jaroldimes
http://www.myspace.com/marlon29

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The question has already been asked: Isn’t your mother your “First Lady”. And the answer is simply, “No…” My mother is my mother. No one can take that job description and role from her. She did too much me not to recognize that. Now that we got that out of the way, let’s move on…

My First Lady is a poem dedicated solely to my wife L. Renee Pinkney. Without further ado, click the link:

http://iluvblackwomen.blogspot.com/2009/04/my-first-lady.html

Please leave a comment there to let us know what you think.

P.S. I also have another poem there entitled From the Child of a Strong Black Mother

http://iluvblackwomen.blogspot.com/2009/01/from-child-of-strong-black-mother.html

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JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Loretta Walls, author of A Fantasy of Love
(Nu Cherte Publishing)

Tiffany Me’ Lisa Rivera: A Name One Shouldn’t Forget. One of the most popular teens in Belle Aires, California, Tiffany has it all. She’s the daughter of wealthy furrier, William Rivera, with a powerhouse singing voice and handsome playboy, Trenton English, as her boyfriend. Her friends are the members of the exclusive group, the Maxwell Posse, and they are the level of standard in their world.

What more could a girl possibly want? If you have it all, you should be satisfied, right? Trenton, the eldest son of billionaire oil tycoon Clinton English has a few desires of his own, outside of his precious Tiffany who can do no wrong in his eyes. He has the world at his feet, until a platter of temptation is served. But will his desires cost him more than his heart can afford?

Stroll into Belle Aires and mingle with the area’s finest to find out if it’s real or just A Fantasy of Love.

Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the idea and inspiration to write A Fantasy of Love?

Loretta Walls: The concept to write A Fantasy of Love came from my love of reading. I was reading books my mom read and two novels sealed the deal for me: Hollywood Wives by Jackie Collins and Secrets by Danielle Steel.

JP: What sets A Fantasy of Love apart from other novels in its genre?

LW: A Fantasy of Love sets itself apart from a standard novel with wealthy characters by having the characters interact with real, everyday life things we all endure.  Hatred, jealousy, deceit and on a personal level, not just using others to do their dirty deeds for them. These characters handle their own business! I call my work Original Urban Romance for that very reason.

JP: As an author, what are the keys to your success that lead to A Fantasy of Love getting out to the public?

LW: From an author’s standpoint, one must always promote themselves and their work. You never know who you’re going to meet. I talk to strangers in the street all the way up to those carrying a novel in their hands. If they don’t read what I write, they might know someone who would. I’m not missing that opportunity!

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

LW: My writing process might be a bit shorter than usual since my novels were written years ago. I usually allow a full year to re-write and ‘grow’ my characters into their current day status. A Fantasy of Love took about a year to re-write and culture the characters the way I wanted them showcased.

JP: What’s next for Loretta Walls?

LW: Up next is my fourth novel titled, The Office which is based around a perfume company and the employees that work for it. From the CEO to the plant floor, drama is etched into this novel! I am also preparing my authors for their debut releases under the Nu Cherte Publishing logo.

www.nuchertepublishing.com
www.myspace.com/nu_chertepublishing.com
www.myspace.com/lodaprincess
www.shelfari.com/lodaprincess
www.iseecolor.com/lodaprincess
www.facebook.com (Loretta Walls in search box)

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JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Precious Love aka Quiet Storm, author of Jailed By Blood: Inmate 798175
(AuthorHouse)

Obtaining the establishment of being an author, Precious Love (a.k.a. Quiet Storm) has ventured out into the world of writing autobiographies about herself as well as others. These autobiographies can range from battered men/women, prison stories, relationships and the list goes on.

A Mid-Eastern native now settled along the sandy shores of Florida, Precious Love has gained inspiration from a variety of resources. As writing is her passion, she has vowed to continue to “tell the story” rather it be her own or for someone else.

Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the idea and inspiration to write Jailed By Blood: Inmate 798175?

Precious Love: I actually obtained the idea and inspiration to write this book when I was sitting behind bars. This book is about me.

JP: What sets Jailed By Blood: Inmate 798175 apart from other novels in its genre?

PL: The reader will get a chance to experience what I have endured in being in a disruptive family. They really get to see what led to my incarceration. They will also be able to take the journey with me and read about other female inmates and partake in their life experiences as well.

JP: As an author, what are the keys to your success that lead to Jailed By Blood: Inmate 798175 getting out to the public?

PL: Putting God first, being able to tell the truth of what really happened that led to my incarceration and keeping the faith.

JP: As an author, what is your writing process? How long did it take for you to start and finish Jailed By Blood: Inmate 798175?

PL: Research and keeping it real is my process. It took me approximately 1 year to complete this book.

JP: What’s next for Precious Love?

PL: Continue success as a published author and establish my company, Georgia Editing Service, LLC not only as an editorial service but also venture into the publishing world.

http://www.georgiaeditingservice.com
http://www.myspace.com/preciouslove

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JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Starr Sanders, author of BloodLust: The Beginning
(Infinity Publishing)

Fifteen years ago, Iancu hung up his sword and turned his back on his own kind. A Native American slayer picks up where he left off, although she’s haunted by memories of the night her family was slain by evil incarnates. She has fought and killed every vampire that she has come across.

She’s never made an exception-until now, when she realizes that the man who saved her life fifteen years ago is a vampire. Vampires are growing restless. They want to wage war against humans, but first they must go through Iancu and Charlie.

Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the idea/inspiration for BloodLust: The Beginning?

Starr Sanders: I have been interested in vampire fiction since I was a teenager. What inspired me to write this particular story is the fact that there wasn’t enough vampire fiction around at the time. I enjoy a story with a fast-paced story, and not many novels fit the bill when it came to that criteria. More than anything, I wrote this story for myself, so I would have a vampire story to read.

JP: What sets BloodLust: The Beginning apart from other novels in the same genre?

SS: As mentioned before, this story has a faster pace than many other vampire fiction novels. This is, in part, because of the amount of action that was infused into the story. This novel is a lot more action-packed than most. I live for well-written action scenes and fight scenes. This novel definitely delivers.

Another factor that contributes to the fast pacing of the story is the interesting cast of characters that I have put together. It is my every intention to immerse the reader in the intricacies of this story. I want the readers to lose themselves in it.

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

SS: One of the keys to my success has been the fact that I’m not afraid to try out new avenues of marketing. I make myself as accessible to the reader as possible. I like to get their input on the story. I like to hear their ideas on where the story should go from here… I am in constant contact with my readers.

Another key to my success has been persistence. In this business, persistence is key because not much comes easy in the literary world. There is a lot of competition out there. There are also those consumers who would rather go out and watch a movie than stay in for the night and get lost in a book. It has been and always will be my goal to persuade the non-reader to love reading.

There are many goals that I have for myself, and those goals – along with persistence and innovation – are two major elements of my success.

JP: As a Black author, how did you come to write in the horror paranormal genre?

SS: When it comes to reading, one of my pet peeves is when I am able to predict the ending of a book. When it comes to romance novels, there is a certain formula that many writers use to create a story. Hero and heroine meet; hero and heroine despise each other at first; event happens that bring hero and heroine closer together; an event or secret tears hero and heroine apart; hero and heroine overcome this event or secret and live happily ever after.

There are exceptions to this rule, of course, but for the most part that is a romance novel in a nutshell. Writing paranormal romance fiction, horror fiction, suspense/thrillers, and mystery novels are a way for me to break away from the formulated structure of the romance genre without losing the romantic element. These genres always keep the reader guessing.

JP: What’s next for Starr Sanders?

SS: In the Spring of 2009, I do have a new novel that will be released. The novel is called Open Book and will be released under the pseudonym Skye Sanders. The story follows a romance novelist named Paige Turner who accidentally submits her diary to be published instead of her latest book.

This is my first romance comedy novel, but many of the people who have had the opportunity to read it have loved it. I, myself, love it. In addition to the release of that project, BloodLust: Resurrection will be released in the Fall of 2009. I will be a busy, busy lady this year!

www.starrsanders.com
www.myspace.com/starrsanders

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JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Mikki Starr Martin, author of Zella Dora
(ReignStorm Publishing)

Zella Dora’s progression in life has been on hiatus for the better part of the past six years. Since losing her mother tragically and unexpectedly to a rare disease, she has inherited the duty of caring for her father who has vehemently refused to accept that his wife is forever gone. Added to that is the burden of being there for a suicidal friend who, in a quest for love, is determined to pull everyone around down with her. Not to mention her own dependence on her closest friend Darwin who, unbeknownst to Zella, is suffering from the quiet despair of unrequited love.

An instance of unintentional eavesdropping on her neighbor’s lovemaking oddly becomes the catalyst that creates the desire for Zella to break away and come into her own again. A decision she soon discovers is easier to commit to in theory than reality. When Zella becomes intimately involved with her married neighbor, her world quickly spins out of control begging the question of whether she’ll ever be able to live for herself again.

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

Mikki Starr Martin: Zella Dora came about approximately a year and a half before I really got into writing the story. I had some insane idea to write some twisted tale in the genre of erotica…got as far as a prelude and put it down, never thinking about it again. When I moved out to Cali and was unpacking some things, I happened across the legal pad that I’d written that prelude on. When I read it, I thought it was rather dope and very well written… I impressed myself. Immediately, I decided that something should be done with and I began outlining.

JP: You have a knack to making your novels simply complex. What was your writing process for Zella Dora?

MSM: With Zella Dora, I didn’t want to lead the story too much. I wanted to see what would happen if I gave myself minimal direction in writing. So I’d vaguely outline a few chapters at a time and fill in the blanks as I’d write. I was amazed at the things that poured out that way but scared at the same time because I didn’t know where this story was going and I wasn’t used to that lack of control.

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

MSM: I actually have yet to really push Zella Dora to the public. I’ve dropped a few breadcrumbs so her existence is known by a few but I wanted to wait until 2009 to really make her presence known.

JP: I am totally mesmerized by the book cover. Who is the model? Where did you find her? Who designed your cover?

MSM: Wow… I’m happy that you’re digging the cover. The model, I don’t know. I design all my own cover art. The image of the woman on the cover of Zella Dora is a stock photography image that I was thrilled to find. She fit my mental image of what Zella would look like and I was just so happy that the photographer granted me permission to use the image.

JP: What’s next for Miki Starr Martin?

MSM: I’ve started a couple of projects, but I’ve yet to put my heart into any of them. For now, I intend to focus on making my presence known…something that I’ve neglected doing for fear of being rejected by the masses, and finishing editing my first novel Well Runs Dry, so that I may re-release it later this month.

The biggest writing project that I am taking on right now is a 12-week short story series titled Psycho about psychotherapist Dr. Nicollet Madison Fairway who runs a lucrative business counseling fictional characters. It’s part marketing being that the fictitious characters she’s offering therapy to are my own and part writing challenge for myself as I’m allowing myself no guidance with this. I’ve got to find a way to keep it interesting, without giving away too much info about my books. I’ve gotten some love for the teaser, and even I am excited and curious to see where it goes.

www.mikistarr.com
www.myspace.com/mikstarr

Author Miki Starr Martin can be reached at starr_martin@mikistarr.com

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JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Deaubrey Devine, author of Destiny Hope Faith Divine
(Vision 7 Publishing)

Enter into the lives of four characters walking through the storms of relationships to their Destiny by Hope, with Faith, and Divine intervention.

Divine is a single brother who live life as it comes. He gets in with a successful businesswoman named Faith who has some deep-rooted psychotic traits. He tries to shake the master manipulator by getting off the market and marrying Destiny, only to find out her confliction and unstableness is more than he can bear. After connecting again with his high school sweetheart, Hope, he finds out she is experiencing the same tribulations with her man.

The two find themselves offering encouragement, helping hands and listening ears as they hurdle their relationship obstacles. Soon, Divine finds himself caught in a love triangle that is anything but simple. This tantalizing novel filled with passionate love, electrifying drama, and climatic triumph makes this read a must-have for every reader’s bookshelf.

Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the idea and inspiration to write Destiny Hope Faith Divine?

Deaubrey Devine: I’ve always desired to have a little girl named Destiny Hope Faith with my last name Devine. I have always had a special affection for those words because they all are very powerful. Alone, they are powerful. Combined, they are life-giving. As an author, the intrigue of the names sparked me to create a novel using characters with the names I adore.

JP: What sets Destiny Hope Faith Divine apart from other novels in its genre?

DD: Destiny Hope Faith Divine is set apart from other novels in its genre because it has it all. It is a smooth read that allows readers to become one with the characters and scenes in the book. Everyone can relate to the relationships plus the religious and sexual plots that entertains on this emotional roller coaster.

JP: As an author, what are the keys to your success that lead to Destiny Hope Faith Divine getting out to the public?

DD: As an author, the real work begins when the promoting of the book starts. The keys to getting Destiny Hope Faith Divine onto the shelves and into hands of my readers is sheer drive and determination. I have been out and about in the public attending conferences and networking events and interviews. I have also visited book festivals and book club meetings. Some of my ventures also include hiring promotional marketing professionals along with text messaging alerts and blogs.

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

DD: As a new author, my writing process is still being defined. I do have the attitude of staying focused until completion. My daily motto is “Faith without works is dead”. I push myself and avoid procrastination at all cost.  Completing this novel was like completing a life long dream. From start to finish, I am going to say roughly around 7months.

JP: What’s next for Deaubrey Devine?

DD: My journey continues with my next novel My Purpose. Allow me to give you a little insight into my next book: It is the story of a young kid growing up through the mist of trials and tribulations. This book is a good read for parents, students, coaches, athletes, and young adults. All will be touched and inspired by this novel that’s due to be released in March.

www.deaubreydevine.com
www.myspace.com/deaubrey

Hello! My name is Deaubrey Devine (pronounced Dee-au-bray…De-vine). I am from Lakeland, FL, and I’m the author of Destiny Hope Faith Divine.  I graduated from the University of Central Florida in Orlando where I received my bachelor’s degree, majoring in Health with two minors in Criminal Justice and Education.  My multiple areas of study have allowed me to teach and reach lives in different ways.

My talent for writing was exposed and connected when I decided to pick up a pen to pursue a career as a novelist after my professional football career ended in 2007.  I asked God to use me as an open vessel and allow my passion for writing to encourage and inspire others.

I enjoy spending quality time with my family when I’m not writing, reading, plotting or planning. I also enjoy exploring new adventures, a nice cookout, times of fellowship, meeting other writers and readers in the publishing and book industry.

Other things I like to do in my spare time include: playing chess, poker, traveling, basketball, a good ole Spades game, movies, bowling, skating, Scrabble, attending conferences and learning new things. I just enjoy living life abundantly while looking for peace, joy and happiness. That’s me, all me, all the time, I am…

Deaubrey Devine

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