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Joey Pinkney’s meeting with The Ladies of Flavor Book Club on 01-23-10 for The Soul of a Man Anthology

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Because of my day job (yes, I have a day job…lol) I don’t get to travel much to promote my literary efforts or attend book events. Recently I had the pleasure of traveling from Garner, NC, a suburb of Raleigh, to my beloved hometown of Memphis, TN, to participate in a book discussion with The Ladies of Flavor Book Club (http://ladiesofflavor.com/).

We met to discuss my short story “Like Father, Like Son” in specific and The Soul of a Man in general. (“Like Father, Like Son” is a featured short story in The Soul of a Man: The Triumph of My Soul Anthology, winner of 2009 Best Short Stories/Best Anthology at the African-American Literary Awards Show)

To say I was excited was an understatement. Here I was, about to go back home and meet up with a book club co-founded by a high school friend, Marchieta Taylor. (Shout out to Central High School aka “The High School”, Class of ’93!) My mother, her boyfriend and my little brother were going with me, and they were almost excited as was.

The book discussion was held at Firebirds Wood Fired Grill (http://www.firebirdsrockymountaingrill.com) My entourage and I were fashionably late. Just kidding, my flight got me in right around the time they started. When we got there, we were greeted by a beautiful group of women. No fake smiles, no fake attitudes…a real family and friends vibe. You can’t beat that.

Marchieta moderated the discussion based on the questions she prepared and shared with me and the book club beforehand. Let me tell you, I thoroughly enjoyed their realistic take on The Soul of a Man Anthology and my short story. I mean, it was no-holds-barred, yet far from rude. You know how we do…

We talked about a lot of things. We covered a lot from personal feelings and perspectives to the editing of The Soul of a Man. I was great. I really enjoyed their discussion of “Like Father, Like Son”, but not for the obvious reasons. Sure I wrote it, but I’m not egotistical like that.

I was intrigued by the things they got from my characters that I didn’t notice in writing the story. I didn’t agree with every single thing said, but I didn’t have to. To tell you the truth, I didn’t agree with everything my characters said and did. That’s real life…

In addition to being in the presence of a great group of women who take reading seriously, my family was there to experience that with me. If you could have seen my mother, you would know exactly what I’m saying. I mean, she was smiling from ear to ear the whole time. That’s precious. Anybody who loves their mother would understand that.

I was also happy to hear that being there with The Ladies of Flavor Book Club inspired my brother Anthony Pinkney and my mother’s boyfriend Michael Johnson to join a book club for the fellowship and discussion. They might not do it, but the spark was enough for me.

If you want to have your book get an honest appraisal and if you want to meet a fabulous group of women, please check out the Ladies of Flavor Book Club. Now, don’t just try to drop your books off and let that be it. Actually go out there and meet up with them, if you can, when they discuss the book. You will not be sorry.

http://ladiesofflavor.com

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african american author, african american authors, african american book, african american books, amazon.com, book reviews

Book Review: Go Into The House by Rodney A. Winters

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JoeyPinkney.com Book Review
Go In The House
by Rodney A. Winters
(Foghorn Publishers)
5 out of 5 Stars

Go Into The House is Rodney A. Winters’ first, and hopefully not last, gift to the literary world. The author journeyed through a daunting marriage only to emerge a divorced man with a powerful testimony. This book is not a book about deliverance. The author’s testimony is not hinged on God bringing him out of a horrible experience that he caused. Instead, the book shows the keeping power of God.

The duality of the title, the symbolism of the book’s cover and the message within impressed me with the overall cohesiveness. Winters breaks down the various meanings the phrase “go in the house”. One of most relevant meanings to his testimony is the author having the fortitude to live in the house regardless of the chaos his ex-wife caused for him and his children. The book cover directly ties into this. Taken from the ground level, you see  a man standing stiff in a rigid stance while his children are playing in the background.

The other, more spiritual meaning to “go into the house” centers around the parable of The Prodigal Son. Winters broadens the character of the older son. Most people portray the older son that stayed with the father as being selfish for questioning the lavish party enjoyed by the wayward son. Winters perfectly gives enough information and perspective to broaden the older son’s experience and possible next move in the name of the Lord.

Many times, we ask questions like, “Why me, God? What did I do so wrong to deserve this?” This book is a valuable asset to both men and women who can’t quite put their finger on how to exit a spiritually exhausting relationship and stay strong in spite of it all. Winters’ faith in the Lord’s Will and His Plan simply defied logic. The average man, and even above-average man, would have lashed out when faced with this blatant infidelity.

For those who love to read drama with seemingly impossible plot twists, Winters experience with his ex-wife is literally unbelievable. There are many moments he shares that will make you physically shake your head in amazement. Winters’ intention is not to villianize his ex-wife by detailing her indiscretions. Instead, the author’s openness gives him the room necessary to teach the reader a more fulfilling way to navigate the pain of being betrayed, misunderstood, disrespected and devastated by a person you love and thought loved you.

As an author, Winters is the master of the “give and take”. He gives you pieces of his life that are truly stressful to read, much less live through. Then he puts his literary arm around your neck, pulls you in close and takes you to a Christian way of letting go and letting God. Winter’s voice is crystal clear as he explains his situation and applies his understanding of biblical principles.

The lessons and perspectives present in this book can not be found in the churches’ Married Couples classes. There is a good reason for this. As pointed out in the book’s introduction, people who have gone through divorce are not usually deemed qualified to teach because of their failed marriages. Go Into The House is a valuable extension not only of Winters’ experience but also his teaching ability. What becomes easy to see is his ability to be open with the complexity of the adultery he went through and the simplicity of God’s solutions.

The back cover states that is “not just another book on marriage”. This is true. The perspectives Winters share in this book are broad but not vague. Winters states that his intention is to provide men with a means of better understanding their pain. As he shares his knowledge of the bible, his reflection on his life experiences and the lessons he learned, a reader can apply Go Into The House to any relationship. Whether it’s parent/child, husband/wife or employer/employee; Winters’ ability to teach and preach comes through brilliantly in written form. Go Into The House is not a self-help book; it is a conversation.

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5 minutes 5 questions with, interview

5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… Fallon Seabon, FEATHER Clothing

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JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Fallon Seaborn
(FEATHER Clothing)

Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the inspiration to be a part of the fashion industry?

Fallon Seaborn: My inspiration for wanting to be in the fashion industry honestly started at home. My grandmother was a seamstress. All the ladies in my family took dressing to another level.

My grandmother was extremely jazzy and just wore the best of the best. She hand made a lot of her own clothing from dresses and blouses to dress slacks. I always knew as a kid I would be into fashion and glamor.

JP: What sets your designs apart from other stylists? What do you provide that would make someone choose you over the others in your field of expertise?

FS: I feel I get picked for jobs over a lot of stylist because of my talent and personality. Some stylist feel they know everything, and that’s not true. I learn a lot from my clients and incorporate their personal style then add my twist to it.

I listen to my clients needs and not just what’s going to be hot. Yes, my client might look great. If they’re not comfortable, the look won’t come off as a winner.

As a stylist, you need to make sure you ease your client into HAUTENESS! Sometimes, fashion can be overwhelming to some. I’m not just a stylist. I’m a fashion therapist!

JP: Why did you decide to name your fashion line “Feather”, and what makes it unique?

FS: Believe it or not, my 10-year-old brother came up with the name for my clothing line. I was up all night thinking about a hot name that’s catchy, easy to pronounce, sexy, feminine and free. I was brainstorming out loud. Out of nowhere, my brother yells, “Feather!” I instantly fell in love with the name!

JP: Who are some of the people in the fashion industry that you look up to and emulate?

FS: I love Brea Stinson, June Ambrose, Misa, Patricia Fields and Phillip Bloch. I’m emulating June Ambrose and Patricia! I say these two because, like June, I have a fashion team that works with me. Plus, I’m writing my own book!

I emulate Patricia because I’m heading to movies for styling. I would love to wardrobe style a huge motion picture or a great sitcom. I study these women, and I learn what made them successful. Then I add my own twist, which many will see in the near future.

JP: What’s next for Fallon Seaborn?

FS: A lot is in the making for Moi’. I’m writing a motivational book for women. It will be a tool for skin care and great places to shop for less but still carry the designer labels. I’m also writing poetry that will be released inside the back of the book as well.

Currently I’m working on a independent film with Steven Bernheim. I will be styling the entire movie myself and showcasing pieces of my clothing line FEATHER for women.

I have a lot in the works. You may even see me on a Bravo show for styling soon! Keeping my fingers crossed on that one! Stay tuned because I always have something cooking and something ready to come from under my sleeves.

http://www.myspace.com/LIPSTICK83
http://www.modelmayhem.com/LIPSTICK83
http://www.twitter.com/FALLONSEABORN
http://www.facebook.com/FALLONSEABORN

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