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5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… Raishein, Believe

January 4, 2009 Joey Pinkney 2 Comments

JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Rashein, Believe
(Raishein Productions)

Raishein, gospel pop music’s new crowned Princess, is an anointed singer, songwriter, actress and recording artist. She relies on truth and writes from her own remarkable life experiences. Every musical testimony is a page torn from her diary. She composes songs that speak to the perseverance of the human spirit by transforming her wounds into a source of strength.

In 2002, Raishein became a covenant partner and music minister with Faith World in Orlando, Florida. Through God’s direction, she obediently relocated with her family to Houston, Texas in 2004 and joined Trinity Fellowship Church, where she is currently one of the praise and worship leaders.

Raishein feels that ministry by music is one of the most powerful tools that is used today to reach a generation that is looking for fulfillment in this world. She uses her talents prophetically to reach the world with God’s message of love, grace and hope in spite of trials and tribulations. She believes strongly in teaching this generation how to rid themselves of religious mindsets and develop a serious relationship with Jesus Christ. She uses her unique voice, love for people and heart after God to inspire others to realize that in spite of your past, you can make it with Jesus.

Bishop G. Emerson Scott, of Trinity Fellowship Church, says it best with his quote, “Every Season brings new faces, fresh sounds and key voices. Voices that communicate the soul and heart of the ages. With so many searching for directions and answers, the hour requires a sound and voice with clarity. Raishein, possesses such a voice. The lyrical content of her music will point the soul of man in the way of peace and tranquility. As every move of God begins with a sound, get ready. Raishein blows the trumpet!”

With the completion of the adroit album titled Believe, Raishein has delivered an impressive, powerful, and moving debut. As the album unfolds, Raishein leads audiences deeper into her world, walking them through a place of worship through her experiences and emotions. The CD reveals that if you believe in Jesus, He can make a way out of no way. Get ready for the CD Release of Believe on 2-10-2009.

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

Raishein: I asked God what I should name my album and he just laid it on my heart. Believe was the name that he gave me.

JP: What sets Believe apart from other CDs in the gospel pop genre?

R: Believe is an original sound with original material written by two songwriters: Arleen Dorn of Soul Cry Entertainment and myself for Raishein Productions. These tracks are written from a page torn from my personal diary. The views within the songs reach out to a generation of hurting people who need to believe in the God that saved them and in the future that God prepared for them here on earth before the beginning of time. (Jer 29:11)

JP: What are the keys to your success that lead to Believe getting out to the public?

R: The release of Believe is different because I am involving fans. I really value their input. I currently have a VOTE for my 1st single campaign out right now on the websites. Spiritually, God will open supernatural doors. Personally, my team will continue to be persistent through reaching out to press, media, radio, television and through national and international touring. I’ve also been successful to remember not to lose hope when closed doors seem to be present. You just have to keep moving and be focused on the real ministry at hand. I believe that Believe is going to touch the public in a massive way in spite of the obstacles.

JP: Name some artists that came before you that have directly influenced your sound?

R: There was a time in my younger years that I really listened to many secular artists such as Aretha Franklin, Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson, SWV (Sisters with Voices) and several other artists in that genre. As far as gospel music, back then I listened to Bebe and Cece Winans and Tramaine Hawkins. Each of these artists have touched my heart throughout those years. I’ve been told before that when some have heard my voice, they thought of Coko from SWV. The only thing I could think was, “Well I did listen to a lot of SWV.” It is truly an honor now that she sings for the King of Kings!

JP: What’s next for Raishein?

R: In 2010, I will release my sophomore album Make a Way. I will also be expanding my acting roles while being featured in movies, TV and more gospel musical opportunities. I am currently a lead actress in the gospel musical Confessions of a Preacher’s Wife. I play the preacher’s wife.

Ministry-wise, I will be getting involved in outreach programs for troubled teens and abused women to fulfill the vision of my ministry not only through my music. This is a major part of my God-given purpose to heal through my music and my testimony.

http://www.myspace.com/raishein
http://music.blackplanet.com/raisheinsings/
http://shoutlife.com/raishein

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5 minutes 5 questions with, african american author, african american authors, african american book, african american books, amazon.com, best seller, essence best seller, essence best sellers list, interview, keisha ervin, love, myspace, romance, romance novel, romance novels, street lit, torn, urban lit, urban/street lit

5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… Essence Best Seller Keisha Ervin, author of Finding Forever

December 30, 2008 Joey Pinkney

JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Keisha Ervin, author of Finding Forever
(Priority Books)

Once teenage sweethearts, Whitney and Koran are vastly different people now. Whitney’s working on her master’s degree and has a new lease on life, while Koran is a drug dealer riding around in expensive cars and living in a big house. Is it possible for Koran to change his lifestyle and for true love to return?

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

Keisha Ervin: I’ve always wanted to write a tragic love story. I’m a huge soap opera fan, so I think that is where my flair for the dramatic comes from, lol. Also I love the movie A Walk to Remember. That movie also inspired this story.

JP: How is Finding Forever different from the other love stories you have composed over the years?

KE: This one doesn’t end with my typical happily ever after ending. Although my characters come full circle they are forced to kind of do it own their own and without the love and support of their significant other. Also, this story focuses on an illness that is plaguing us as women.

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

KE: My process for writing a story is first coming up with an idea. I then figure out my outline in my head. I rarely ever write anything down. All of my stories scenes and ideas from start to finish are stored in my mind. Due to the fact I was under a deadline it took me almost three months to write Finding Forever. I’m not a quick writer. I like to take my time with my stories. With this one I still felt rushed. Some of my readers felt the same way.

JP: This is your sixth novel, but your first book on Priority Books. Why did your switch from Triple Crown Publications?

KE: I did this book with Priority Books because it is a home based publishing company. I have to help and support my city St. Louis. Also Rose, the owner, is such a sweet and genuine woman. I would work with her anytime. To make things clear, I am not signed to Priority Books or TCP.

JP: What’s next for Keisha Ervin?

KE: I am currently working on my seventh novel and a short story for an anthology. To all of my fans and supporters you can contact me at www.myspace.com/keishaervin or http://www.webjam.com/grayrosez

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5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… Barbara Grovner, author of We Belong Together

December 27, 2008 Joey Pinkney

JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Barbara Grovner, author of We Belong Together
(Third Eye Publishing)

Step into the mind boggling world of Mavis Rollins, a woman who wants her granddaughter to marry Makai Wilson, the grandson of the wealthy woman who stole her very own husband back in the day. While raising her granddaughter Sandy, she manages to brainwash her into believing she is destined to spend her life with Makai.

Sandy actually yearns for Makai but is disappointed when her best friend Kara meets him and falls in love with him. It seems Kara never knew about Sandy’s unnatural feelings for Makai., a perpetual charmer. After deceiving Kara with two beautiful women, she throws him out of their home. Kara is found dead in the parking garage near her job, and things begin to heat up. When the police begin digging around, the truth unfolds and secrets come tumbling out. Lives begin to unravel, revealing jealousy and raw rage, crazy relationships and most disturbing, pure insanity at its most dangerously evil depth and somehow, someway, justice must be served.

Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the idea and inspiration to write We Belong Together?

Barbara Grovner: The idea for We Belong Together simply popped into my head. I was actually trying to out-do my last novel Even Numbers. That novel is about child molestation, which is a very serious topic. I am still hoping to keep the subject of child molestation in the forefront of our minds particularly for single mothers who are dating. Please pick up a copy of Even Numbers as well.

With We Belong Together which by the way releases on December 27th 2008, my love for “who-done-it” types of stories emerged and my story became a sort of quirky, crazy murder mystery loaded with colorful characters and insane dialog.

JP: What sets We Belong Together apart from other novels in its genre?

BG: The differences from this murder mystery “who-done-it” and others is the fact that there are so many other things going on apart from the murder. Things like infidelity, plotting and scheming, a little same-sex encounter as well is coupled with the most raw rage ever. The emotion within the scenes will prompt you to check all of your own feelings and your own opinions as well.

JP: This novel has elements of mystery, romance and erotica. How were you able to mix these genres together and maintain the integrity at the same time?

BG: The mixture of romance, mystery and erotica is actually how many of our own lives are lived. LOL. You may even find a bit about yourself within the pages.

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

BG: I still write “old-school.” I use notebooks (paper ones) and hand write almost constantly. Then I transfer to the computer. This gives me a chance to add material as well as edit as I go along instead of backtracking. Sounds complicated, I’m sure, but it works for me.

JP: What’s next for Barbara Grovner?

BG: Currently I am working on the sequel to We Belong Together. The publishing company I am currently working with is not taking submissions of this type at this time. I would love to have both books published under the same company, but I am currently looking for another publisher. I have looked into a few promising possibilities, but…I’m open for invitations and points in the right direction. (WINK).

Also, I have been doing some editing, especially for young authors who are writing their first manuscripts. I offer extremely low prices and an especially lower rate if the author is enrolled in some sort of school. I’m all about promoting education. For authors I can be reached at bgrovner@hotmail.com for editing questions.

For inquired and for more info on my books, please check me out on my MySpace page at http://www.myspace.com/barbaragrovner.

Thanks so much for the chance to speak with readers and again thanks so much for your support.

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