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Congratulations The Cubicle Chick, winner of the UPrinting.com’s 250 Business Card Giveaway hosted by JoeyPinkney.com!

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From January 6th through January 13th, UPrinting.com and JoeyPinkney.com partnered up to offer readers of this website to win 250 Business Cards. People were asked to leave comments detailing the most creative way a person could use a business card.

Congratulations The Cubicle Chick.

Here is The Cubicle Chick’s comment:

“The most interesting way to use your business card? Giving it to all the people who said you could never do it as proof that you are succeeding!”

On behalf of UPrinting.com and JoeyPinkney.com, enjoy.

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5 minutes 5 questions with, african american author, african american authors, african american book, african american books, amazon.com, interview

5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… Julia Press Simmons, author of Begonia Brown: A Philadelphia Story

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JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Julia Press Simmons, author of Begonia Brown: A Philadelphia Story
(Queen Midas Books)

(One of the first ten people to comment on Julia Press Simmons’ author interview will win a FREE copy of Begonia Brown: A Philadelphia Story from JoeyPinkney.com)

Begonia’s carefree world has been turned upside down. Forced to become the head of her household, she has to trade her paintbrush in for a switchblade and her love of art into a love affair with the hood. Lying, stealing and turning tricks, Begonia will do any and everything she can to protect her sisters from the ugliness of the world. However, it just isn’t enough…

When her younger sister Violet, desperate to escape the hell her life, is seduced by an up-and-coming corner boy. Their baby sister Daisy is riddled with disease that could be fatal if not cared for, Begonia is caught between the hard knocks of the streets and the nightmare of her home life.

Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the idea and inspiration to write “Begonia Brown”?

Julia Press Simmons: There was an abandoned house next door to my childhood home. One day coming home from school, I noticed that a family moved in. The mom was on crack. The kids were self-sufficient. There was no father around.

They only squatted in the house for a month or two. But the look of them, the strength of them, burned into my memory. Although “Begonia Brown” isn’t about that family, it is a representation of them and many other homeless, faceless, nameless families in the hood scratching out a living.

JP: “Begonia Brown” brings to light a story seldom given a time for true reflection. Years from now, what effect do you think this book will have on your readers in terms of the plight it covers?

JPS: I would hope “Begonia Brown” sparks action and gives a voice to the timid. I hope that it finds its way into the hands of people living that life and in turn offers some small comfort. “Begonia Brown” speaks to their souls and lets them know that they are not invisible.

JP: As an author, what are the keys to your success that lead to “Begonia Brown” getting out to the public?

JPS: I have this corny quote from the movie Galaxy Quest on my wall. “NEVER GIVE UP! NEVER SURRENDER!” That’s my mantra.

I learned a lot with my first book, “Strawberry Mansion”. I made more mistakes than I care to admit. I will say what everyone says at the risk of sounding redundant: do your research!

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

JPS: I finished “Begonia Brown” in six months. I have to start with an outline. Then I give myself chapter deadlines. I can crank out five thousand words in one sitting at a book store or library. Then I won’t write a page in weeks. I go with the flow!

JP: What’s next for Julia Press Simmons?

JPS: I have a Blog Talk Radio show which premiered 12-10-09. I will be in the studio during January to record my new poetry CD, and my third book drops in February! Iz buzy…lol

http://queenmidasbooks.com/
http://www.myspace.com/ragewriter
http://www.myspace.com/poetress411
http://www.facebook.com/julia.m.press
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Julia-Press-Simmons/178562400867

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5 minutes 5 questions with, african american author, african american authors, african american book, african american books

5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… Vanessa Richardson, author of Love Found Me

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JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Vanessa Richardson, author of Love Found Me
(GSH Publishing)

(One of the first ten people to comment on Vanessa Richardson’s author interview will win a FREE copy of Love Found Me from JoeyPinkney.com)

Mike Montgomery once lived the American dream: gainfully employed, beautiful home and a wonderful loving wife. His source of strength was the fact he grew up in a loving family with unbreakable faith. Mike’s faith would one day be shaken after losing the love of his life in an unexpected tragedy. Mike thought he would never love again until he meets Sheila Lawson. Everything about Sheila made him want to love again. Could he risk his heart again?

Sheila Lawson, a woman’s health advocate, was strong and independent. Yet something was missing in her life. Immersing herself in her work, she vowed off any relationships. Sheila would find her self-made decree shaken when she meets tall, dark and handsome Mike Montgomery. There is an evil lurking in the shadows. Mike and Sheila will have to unite to overcome evil forces trying to keep them apart. Will their love be enough to see them through the testing of their faith?

Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the idea and inspiration to wrote Love Found Me?

Vanessa Richardson: The idea to write Love Found Me came when I was writing one of my many short stories. The concept of “The New World Order” came to my mind, and the characters develop from that. I found they would not leave me alone. They wanted their stories told, and I obliged them. The story of how these wonderful characters are affected in some way by this phenomenal theory—and them overcoming their own personal turmoil was born.

JP: What sets Love Found Me apart from other novels in its genre?

VR: Love Found Me is filled with many ingredients that will lead to a zesty taste into the hearts and mind of readers. This is an inspirational suspense with elements of love lost, found, and redemption–with some mystical elements to it.

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

VR: God and faith. Faith to write it. Faith to promote it. Faith readers will love it. It is s given that word of mouth is the best of advertisements. Also, having a Plan B is a phenomenal plan to have! Many times our Plan As can go awry. Plan B is simply being prepared for the unexpected.

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

VR: I am an early bird. It is in the early morning, I find that I am able to write clearly and freely. It took me a year and a half to complete, Love Found Me. Due to my busy schedule and life unexpected interruptions. Hopefully, Love Lifted Me, the second in the series, will not take as long.

JP: What’s next for Vanessa Richardson?

VR: In addition to my being an author, I am also an inspirational playwright. I am currently working on the stage production version of Love Found Me tentatively set to be performed in December 2010. We are currently in production with God Knows My Heart! Please, check out the Youtube clip on my website http://www.vanessarichardson.net/. In addition, I am also frantically working on the next installment of my “Love” series titled Love Lifted Me to be released in 2010. This time, the wait won’t be as long.

http://www.vanessarichardson.net/
http://thecertainones.blogspot.com/
http://www.myspace.com/soulful_words

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