Dreams That Won't Let Go - Day One

Dreams That Won’t Let Go Blog Tour & Giveaway

Learn about the Jubilant Soul Series

How did you choose the name for this book series?

The Jubilant Soul series is named for the fictional setting for the three novels in the series – Jubilant, Texas. Jubilant is a metaphor for happiness, and for the reality that many of us routinely search for happiness and contentment “somewhere” else, rather than looking within. That’s what each of the main characters in this series finds themselves doing.

Tell us briefly about each book in the Jubilant Soul series.

The first book in the series is “The Someday List.” This novel features Rachelle Covington, a stay-at-home mother of two and wife of a prominent surgeon. On the surface, life looks picture perfect; but Rachelle finds the courage to accept that she’s simply been going through the motions. A friend challenges her to make a list of goals or dreams that she’d like to someday accomplish, and when Rachelle can’t get past No. 1 on the list, she knows she needs to reclaim her life. A summer visit to her aunt and uncle’s place in Jubilant, Texas helps.

Book Two in the series is “Worth a Thousand Words.” This novel focuses on Indigo Burns, the younger cousin of Rachelle, whom readers meet a few days after her college graduation. Indigo is pretty and smart and has a promising future. She has her life mapped out to the T, but the summer she spends at home before heading off to grad school throws her for a loop. She’s faced with tough choices that will determine the kind of woman she’ll mature into and whether she’ll live to please others or honor the truths in her heart.

Book Three is titled “Dreams That Won’t Let Go.” The novel opens with Indigo expressing frustration over her brother Reuben’s return to the family (similar to the Prodigal Son story); however, the book is mostly about Reuben’s return Jubilant in an effort to smother demons from his past. While he and Indigo dance around their hopes and dreams, their younger sister Yasmin decides to realize hers, regardless of the cost. This book shows the bonds between members of a family and how secrets can often hurt more than they heal.

Quite a few of your characters are in all three books. Do you have a process for remembering details for each character?

Yes, I wrote what I call character sketches about each pivotal character, and referred to it while writing each novel in the series. It might contain the character’s full name, birth order, month and year of birth, likes and dislikes, etc. I can do my best to make those facts line up in each of the books in the series.

Can readers read a book in this series out of order? For example, if they desire to read Dreams That Won’t Let Go, would you recommend they read the first two books first?

Although the books are part of a series, each of the novels, features a different main character, and a different plot; so readers are free to start in whatever order they prefer. They won’t be lost or feel like there are gaps in the story.

Do you have a favorite character from the series?

Yes – like many readers of the series, I love Aunt Melba! She’s the single, older aunt of Rachelle, and great aunt of Indigo, Reuben and Yasmin. She owns Hair Pizzazz, a salon in Jubilant, that serves as a sanctuary of sorts, a place where Aunt Melba’s clients and her family can come for no-nonsense, loving advice. I love this character so much that I’m doing a hair salon book tour in “honor” of what she represents.

What were some lessons you personally learned from developing the characters in this series?

This is a great question, but a tough one! As a writer yourself, Rhonda, you know how the characters often “take over” and begin to tell their story through you. That happened often with this book, and in the process, I learned, or more accurately I was reminded, that God gives us our dreams for His own purposes – sometimes to grow us up, sometimes to bless us so we can bless others, and sometimes to help others pursue their purpose.

What lessons do you want readers to come away with after reading the last book in the series, Dreams That Won’t Let Go?

I’d like readers to come away with several messages: 1) If God gives us a dream, He will bless it in His own way and in his own time; 2) God doesn’t call us to control each other, but to learn how to love unconditionally; and 3) Sometimes the independent perspective of a third party (a minister, a counselor, a trusted friend) can help us heal and grow.

Dreams That Won’t Let Go GIVEAWAY!

WIN a set of signed books from the Jubilant Soul Series AND a free one-hour session with Helena Nyman, an executive coach.  

Answer one or more of the following questions in the comment section to be eligible for the giveaway.

1. Share one or two paragraphs about the state of your dreams.
2. Have you read Dreams That Won’t Let Go? How did this novel inspire you to reclaim or pursue your dreams?
3. What was your favorite book in the Jubilant Soul Series?

About the Author

Stacy Hawkins Adams is a nationally-published, award-winning author and speaker. Her contemporary women’s fiction novels are filled with social themes and spiritual quests that take readers on journeys into their own souls.

She holds a degree in journalism and served as a newspaper reporter for more than a decade before turning her full attention to penning books, speaking professionally and writing freelance articles.

Stacy lives in a suburb of Richmond, Virginia with her husband and two young children. Visit Stacy online at stacyhawkinsadams.com.

Visit the full blog tour schedule at http://bit.ly/DreamsThatWontLetGo.

Happy Valentines Day

In honor of Valentine's Day I thought I'd share some upcoming stories with lots of romance or romantic tension:

Tiffany Warren's In The Midst of It All - All her life, Zenovia has struggled with the burden of caring for her schizophrenic mother, Audrey, alone. Until one day, God seems to offer support in the form of two members of a church called the Brethren of the Sacrifice, who knock at the women's door preaching an unconventional version of the Gospel. Despite having questions, Zenovia agrees to join the church along with her mother. Soon afterward, Audrey stops taking her medication when fellow churchgoers deem her illness a demonic possession. Unable to watch her mother's mental deterioration, Zenovia flees town, only to receive a fateful phone call several years later telling her of her mother's suicide. Heartbroken, Zenovia must now make a soul-altering choice: accept "God's will," or return home to confront the demons she's worked so hard to leave behind....   www.tiffanylwarren.com

Sherri Lewis' Selling My Soul - When Trina Michaels steps off the plane after her two-year missions trip in Africa, she realizes that other than longing to see her mother and her best friend, her heart aches to fly back to the place that now feels more like home than anywhere she’s... ever lived. And to the man who’s stolen her heart.

Her dream of a quick return to Mozambique fades within hours when Trina discovers that her mother has been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. Trina is forced to go back to her job as a publicist to cover her mother’s health costs.

She’s assigned a damage control client, Bishop Walker, a megachurch pastor accused of covering up a church sex scandal within his church involving the molestation of young boys. Representing him could cost Trina her most valued friendship, the love of her life, and her soul.

www.sherrilewis.com 

Nikita Nichol's A Woman's Worth -Monique Morrison had made a huge mistake when she moved into a home to play house with Boris Cortland. With on again then off again wedding plans and a woman who had already signed on to play the role of his wife, Boris was in no hurry to seal the deal. In his mind, Monique wasn't going anywhere, so why not continue to play the field? Though she was in church Sunday after Sunday, praying for God to touch Boris' heart and turn him from his wicked ways, it seemed Monique's pleas were constantly unanswered. Suffering from neglect, rejection and verbal abuse, Monique had all but given up on her dream of having a relationship that represented true unconditional love until Adonis Cortland moves in and does for Monique all of the things that Boris wouldn't do. Could Boris' cousin be the man that Monique had been praying for?   www.nikitalnichols.com

Monique Miller's Redemption Lake -During an exclusive seven day marriage retreat, secluded in the mountains of North Carolina, three couples gather in last ditch attempts to save their troubled marriages.  

Can these couples pick up the pieces and move on?  Will all be forgiven and forgotten?  See what happens when marital secrets are exposed and all hits the fan. 

Will seven days be long enough to change lives, save marriages and redeem souls? www.authormoniquemiller.com

Pat Simmons' Not Guilty of Love - One man, one woman, one God, and one big problem. Malcolm Jamieson wasn't the man who got away, but the man God instructed Hallison Dinkins to set free. Instead of their explosive love affair leading them to the wedding altar, God diverted Hallison to the prayer altar during her first visit back to church in years. Malcolm was convinced that his woman had loss her mind to break off their engagement. Once Malcolm concedes that their relationship can't be savaged, he issues Hallison his own edict, "If we're meant to be with each other, we'll find our way back. If not, that means that there's a love stronger than what we had." His words begin to haunt Hallison until she begins to regret their break up, and that's where their story begins. Someone has to retreat, and God never loses a battle.  www.patsimmons.net

Tiffany Warren's In The Midst of It All

About the Book

All her life, Zenovia has struggled with the burden of caring for her schizophrenic mother, Audrey, alone. Until one day, God seems to offer support in the form of two members of a church called the Brethren of the Sacrifice, who knock at the women's door preaching an unconventional version of the Gospel. Despite having questions, Zenovia agrees to join the church along with her mother. Soon afterward, Audrey stops taking her medication when fellow churchgoers deem her illness a demonic possession. Unable to watch her mother's mental deterioration, Zenovia flees town, only to receive a fateful phone call several years later telling her of her mother's suicide. Heartbroken, Zenovia must now make a soul-altering choice: accept "God's will," or return home to confront the demons she's worked so hard to leave behind....

My Review: 5 of 5 Stars

Tiffany Warren’s expertly drawn characters climb into your heart and take hold of your spirit.

We meet Zenovia Batiste, a fifteen year old whose life has been burdened with the load of caring for her schizophrenic mother, and whose spirit has been pillaged by a church that has distorted the essential doctrines of Christianity. Readers follow Zenovia from high school, to college and into her late twenties as she finds and loses love and faith over and over again in her quest for a little happiness and a lot of peace.

Warren does not handle the problem of false teaching with kid's gloves in this novel, or the complex issues around mental illness. Zenovia’s life is no cakewalk. She’s forced to deal with a lot of bad stuff, thus her very cynical outlook on life and the church. The beauty of the book is that through various subplots the reader watches the underworld of a cult-nous religion unfold in front of them. The story is filled with page after page of the poison that infects the minds of those who earnestly want to serve in the Christian church, but are enslaved by a gospel twisted by men. There was also a healthy dose of romance, which had me on the edge of my seat. I found myself dying to know will they, or won't they; I really didn't know which way it would go. Great writing.

In the Midst of It All is a timely novel, a worthwhile journey and an amorous read. Warren touches the reader’s emotions on all levels and had me thinking about the characters way past the ending. It will easily be one of my favorites for 2010.

More about Tiffany at her website www.tiffanylwarren.com

Black History Month: Celebrate with a great children's book

My Review: 5 of 5 Stars

I'll Fly My Own Plane

by Jean Alicia Elster

Beautifully illustrated and  wonderfully narrated, I'll Fly My Own Plane is a timely addition to the literature available for urban youth. The last of a three books in the Joe Joe in the City series, I'll Fly My Own Plane is the story where young Joe Joe values are tested. He's offered a dishonest opportunity to earn money to buy a fancy model plane. In the end Joe Joe decides it's better to fly the less expensive plane his father gave to him. 

Elster is to be commended for addressing tough issues youth face in low income, urban areas. The story had well drawn characters and the growth of young Joe Joe grew organically out of the plot in a way that was subtle for the reader.  I look forward to sharing this series with my own four year old.

An Interview With The Author

Please tell us about yourself. Formerly an attorney, I am a professional writer with a focus on writing for children, middle graders, and young adults. I am also an editor, essayist, writing instructor, and grant writer. While wearing each of these hats is fulfilling in its own way, I find my greatest joy in writing for youth and young adults.

Tell us something about your books. My most recent book—Who’s Jim Hines?—is based upon real events in my family’s history. It is a coming of age story where twelve-year-old Douglas Ford, Jr. comes to terms with the racial realities of Depression-era Detroit. However, my current books also include the Joe Joe in the City series. In each volume of this series, ten-year-old Joe Joe Rawlings learns life lessons when he reads about heroes from African American history. In Just Call Me Joe Joe, he reads the history of the Negro Baseball Leagues; in I Have a Dream, Too! Joe Joe reads about Mary McLeod Bethune; in I’ll Fly My Own Plane he learns about the Tuskegee Airmen; and in I’ll Do the Right Thing, he discovers the legacy of  Ralph Bunche.                                                                                             

What influenced you to write the Joe Joe in the City series? My husband and I faced real concerns as Christian parents raising two children in an urban environment. It was incumbent upon us to prepare our children to respond appropriately to negative peer pressure, racial stereotypes, and the pervasive drug and gang cultures. I wanted to address those concerns in a set of books for young readers that would be entertaining and edifying for the youngsters and a source of support and reinforcement for parents and other caregivers.

What lessons, in particular, do you want readers to learn from the Joe Joe in the City series? Each volume in the Joe Joe in the City series offers a crucial lesson for youth, particularly urban youth. Joe Joe summons up the courage to return and face a local shopkeeper who accuses him of being a part of a gang that has just trashed his store in Just Call Me Joe Joe. In I Have a Dream, Too!, Joe Joe realizes that with hard work, dreams can come true. I’ll Fly My Own Plane finds Joe Joe turning away from an opportunity to make “quick, easy money.” And, Joe Joe learns the value of being a peacemaker in I’ll Do the Right Thing.

Where can readers find out about your pubic appearances? I have a full schedule of appearances planned at libraries, schools, conferences, and museums continuing throughout the spring and into the summer months. At these events, I look forward to connecting with readers of my books and the public at large.  Readers can contact me and see updates about my books and appearances via my website http://www.jeanaliciaelster.com/. They can also find information at my publishers’ websites http://www.judsonpress.com/ and wsupress.wayne.edu/.

SistahFaith Blog Tour - Day One

SistahFaith – A Revolution of Restoration


Running

by Claudia Mair Burney

I woke up this morning after dreaming about my mama. Not the one who birthed me, but the one who raised me from the time I was fifteen-months-old. She’s the one I conjure every Thanksgiving when the celery and onions simmer on the stove. Her memory brings with it my little girl self, chopping onions at the kitchen table, and wiping tears away.

I was the one mama chose for that important task, and every year I see this scene in my mind while the vegetables cook. I still chop the celery and onions, even though I have capable children I can assign the work to. But I like doing it; in a way, it’s still for her.

Sometimes out of nowhere, I’ll hear a snatch of Mama singing Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” She didn’t know the lyrics, and I smile to remember how she flubbed it every time. She and Michael both are gone now. Lord, have mercy.

And there she was in my dreams today, along with a never-quite-healed sense of loss. I only saw her flicker on the strange and vivid screen of my sub-conscious mind, but it was enough to stir an ache for her upon waking I couldn’t get away from. And here I thought I’d put that particular hurt away.

She died at a time right after many things had perished in my life. I stored her death in it’s own pretty jar, and placed it on the dusty shelf that held the rest of my persistent sorrows: babies born too soon, loveless shame-filled liaisons, harrowing abuse. My grief shelf was full. I thought my sorrows sat there quietly, disturbing no one, certainly not me! Until a dream shook mama’s jar from its high, hidden place, and it tumbled down and shattered on the floor.

I’m learning not to be so quick to pick up the pieces. Hasty clean-ups always leave me with bloody hands. So I lie in bed this morning, feeling the weight of my sadness, the surprising rage, and the awful helplessness. I’m learning that feeling is so much better than hiding grief out of sight, and hoping if I don’t see it it’ll just go away.
In many ways, I’m in the greatest journey toward healing I have ever experienced. It’s a pilgrimage that leads me straight into the arms of God. But all along the way I have to feel. I don’t get to stuff the emotions back down with food anymore. That kind of behavior will forfeit the crown I’m after. I can’t sleep my feelings away, sex them away, or drink or drug them away, or even write them away. If I’m to see God, I must be fully alive, and living women feel.

But I am not left alone with these overwhelming emotions. God is not only at the end of my journey; he’s in every step I take. He will not leave me to blunder along directionless. By his grace I have allies bearing maps, band-aids, and cups of living water. They hug me, and offer robust cheers to keep me moving when I think I’m too weary to run on. With this cloud of witnesses surrounding me, I believe I’ll see this journey to the end. For that I’m thankful, and as I go I’m humming that praise song the old Pentecostal folks sing: “I’m runnin’ for my life. I’m running for my life.”

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Hebrew 12:1

ABOUT CLAUDIA MAIR BURNEY: Claudia Mair Burney is a novelist and new non-fiction book author living in Lexington, KY with her tattoo artist husband, four of their seven children, and a dwarf rabbit. She is kicking pre-diabetes butt in the run for her life, while encouraging others to live their best, most fully alive life, on earth as they will in heaven.

ABOUT SISTAHFAITH, INC.
SistahFaith™ is a revolution of restoration, bringing hope and healing to the brokenhearted and those who love them. Our goal is to communicate Christ personally, practically and powerfully, bringing women full circle in faith, arts and life. Each of our books, conferences, events and multimedia projects address the problems facing today’s women in a raw and relevant way.

Join the network of sistahs at http://sistahfaith.ning.com/.

ABOUT THE BOOK
Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then is there no healing for the wound of my people? (Jeremiah 8:22, NIV)

Twenty-five women, including Bunny Debarge, Sharon Ewell Foster, Stanice Anderson, Claudia Mair Burney and Marilynn Griffith, tell their stories of coming full circle from tragedy to triumph. Each contributor keeps it holy, keeping it real in these raw, relevant tales of redemption and restoration. Think of it as Prozac for the Christian Woman’s Soul!

A twelve week study is included for churches and book clubs. Instructions provided on gathering your own SistahFaith circle.

Check the tour schedule at http://bit.ly/SistahFaith

SISTAHFAITH CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
• MARILYNN GRIFFITH (Editor)
• STANICE ANDERSON
• TANYA R. BATES
• CLAUDIA MAIR BURNEY
• WANDA J. BURNSIDE
• ROBIN CALDWELL
• SHELETTE CARLISLE
• LADY CATHERINE
• ETTERLENE “BUNNY” DEBARGE”
• DEE EAST
• SHARON EWELL FOSTER
• DORIEN HAGE
• GAIL M. HAYES
• DR. NAIMA JOHNSTON
• DELORES M. JONES, MSW, LMSW
• STEPHANIE L. JONES
• CARMITA MCCALL
• LAVONN NEIL
• CARLEAN SMITH
• DAVIDAE “DEE” STEWART
• SONYA VISOR
• LITTLE SALLY WALKER
• ROSALYN “ROS” WEBB
• ROBIN R. WISE
• KISHA WOODS

Marketing Tips for New Authors

I was on the From Cover to Cover Radio Show in Houston, Texas today. Reshonda Tate Billingsley and Pat Tucker are the hosts for the show.  You can listen to the show in archives, but here's the gist of what I had to say. 

I was asked to give tips about marketing and promoting a book as a new author. I was surprised that I had caught the producer's eye as a potential guest, because who knew I was a subject matter expert. LOL. Anway if you've signed a contract or have a new book coming out real soon, or maybe your book is here, these are some of the tips I recommend to help you to be successful at promoting it:

1.       Write a strong book. (I hope you've already done that.)

2.       Know that writing and selling books is a business. I appreciated being offered a book deal, but I knew from the word on the street amongst authors, that as a new author, I would get very little help with marketing, so marketing and selling the book was going to be my job.

3.       Begin building your brand and promoting your book early – as early as the day you sell the book.

a.       Develop a marketing plan –

                                                               i.      How are you going to market and promote yourself (can you travel, and if so where and do you have the money).

                                                             ii.      What’s the budget? Critical item. Do not spend in a vaccum unless you're already loaded. :o)

                                                            iii.      What are your strengths and weakness and what can you do to work around those?

b.      Network - Find out where readers are? In your community, on the Internet and insert yourself. Begin building relationships. It’s all about relationships. Keep in touch with potential readers – try to get a street mailing address and email address  to contact people that are interested.

c.       Seek advance reviews – Make sure you have a professional advance review copy

                                                               i.      I developed relationships with reviewers. I mean they’re book lovers just like me, so I introduced myself to them on their blogs and in chat rooms and message boards. When I put out the call for reviews, people were interested. I’m naturally out going, and I love to meet people, so that was easy for me. It might not be as easy for an introverted author. Suggestions for them would be to make sure they have a professionally developed press kit. Also make an effort to publicize some samples of your writing. I introduced some short stories on a blog way back in February and posted it everywhere. People knew ahead of time that I could tell a story, and they were probably fairly certain they wouldn’t want to throw the book against a wall. LOL.

d.      Book Clubs – These readers are always looking for books, but again this goes back to networking.

e.      Invest in a good press kit

                                                               i.      I can’t emphasize how important a professional press kit can be. I have a blog and the number of people that contact me with no presskit or a poorly designed one is a complete turnoff.

                                                             ii.      You need a press kit for media.

4.       Use Social Media. It’s not your enemy and it’s not going away. Choose one or two sites and spend time there. Be genuine. People are your friends, make personal connections with them. They want to read your book, you just have to tell them why? 

Remember, it's never too late to get on board and do the dogone thing. Sell that book!

Interview with T.S. Jones, author of Everything But The Ring

Hello T.S. Introduce yourself to my readers?

Hello Everyone! I am T.S. Jones, debut author of Everything But The Ring.  I am a Georgia native and have been residing in the Atlanta area for the past six years, where I work as an Educator.  My passion is being an inspiration through a lifestyle of service, and using my gifts of writing, speaking, and mentoring. I am so grateful for the connection that I made back in 2008 with my publisher Dwan Abrams of Nevaeh Publishing, who enabled me to make my dreams of publication a reality with the publication of my first novel Everything But The Ring.  Writing is near and dear to my heart and has been apart of who I am it seems since I learned how to put pen to paper. I am a faithful journal writer, with entries dating back to when I was ten years old. For most of my life writing has proven to be therapeutic and an opportunity for me to create my own world through my characters. I am thankful that God answered my prayer of revealing my life’s purpose to me after many years of seeking direction. As an Educator and writer, everyday presents new opportunities for me to serve as a source of encouragement and inspiration.

Your novel has a great title. Tell us about Everything But the Ring.

Thanks Rhonda! Everything But The Ring is the journey of three women who seem to have Everything But the Ring! They are talented, career-oriented, attractive women living in Atlanta who have yet to secure the title of “Mrs.”  As they come to terms with turning thirty, these long-time friends devise their own unique approaches for how they plan to achieve their goal of gaining a marriage proposal and taking the walk down the aisle that their hearts desire.  One of the main themes is which would you choose, love or financial security? Cynthia’s main priority is having financial security, while maintaining a life jacket philosophy which deems keeping something extra on the side as the only way to protect herself against heartbreak.  Her friends Sheila and Patrice hold fast to their beliefs in true love and are not supporters of Cynthia’s philosophy until they find themselves in relationships that challenge their faith in love.

Very interesting. What inspired this novel?

I was inspired to write this story as a result of my own personal experiences during the time I have spent as a single woman living in Atlanta. In addition, I have heard countless stories shared by friends and acquaintances about the struggles and triumphs they have had within relationships. I wanted to create a story that addressed the obstacles many individuals face within the dating scene during their search for true love. I particularly wanted to give focus to the challenges Christians experience with balancing their spiritual beliefs with their desires for companionship.

What has the feedback been like; from men and women?

The feedback from both men and women has been extremely positive. My desire was that both male and female readers would find the story engaging and be inspired to search within to resolve the issues that may serve as barriers to developing healthy relationships. Several male readers have given me kudos for showing both perspectives of dating and providing positive male characters within my novel. Many women have expressed that they were able to relate to the characters and scenarios presented within the novel and were encouraged to re-examine some of the decisions they were making within their relationships. 

What advice do you have for singles who desire to get married?

As a single woman, one of the most important lessons that I’ve learned is the necessity of seeking God’s direction in every area of my life.  I would suggest that singles who desire to get married first strive to heal from past wounds, and truly identify their wants and needs within a relationship. I would also recommend using this season of singleness as an opportunity to identify and live a life of purpose. Being single can be a wonderful journey, and in the process it can develop the internal wholeness that provides singles with the capacity to someday serve as a compliment to their future mates. 

T.S. I see you are beating the bushes for marketing and promotion opportunities. I think it’s wonderful that you’re working so hard to get your  work in front of readers. Tell us what you’ve found to be most effective in getting your book out.

I have developed quite a following through serving as a guest on multiple Blog Talk Online Radio Broadcasts. These interviews have enabled me to reach audiences across the country that I may have otherwise failed to connect with. In addition to these broadcasts, I have found that connecting with other authors such as you, has opened the doors to me learning about print, media, and other opportunities for marketing and promoting. There’s also nothing like good ole word of mouth, and my wonderful Grandmother who has been my number one promoter!

You’re an educator, an author and an active member of your church. How do you balance it all? What tips do you have for aspiring writers?

Honestly, some days maintaining balance is a challenge. I have found that setting quiet time aside for prayer and meditation, as well as spending quality time with family and friends are a necessity for achieving balance. I am also encouraged by the multitude of people who are trying to balance the load that I carry with having children, a spouse, and multiple other obligations. When I look at my life in comparison, I am left with very few excuses for not fulfilling the demands of my day to day life.

What would you like readers to take away from Everything But the Ring?

I would like each reader to understand the importance of developing wholeness individually as a means to building a successful relationship. I hope that through the characters presented that readers will see the importance of having a heart of giving within relationships versus focusing on having superficial desires, or emotional needs met that should never be another person’s responsibility to fulfill.

Tell us about your next project.

I am currently working on the sequel to Everything But The Ring, and plan to have it completed within the coming months.

What upcoming events would you like to share.

On February 17^th at 10:00pm (est) I will be serving as a guest on The Relationship Playbook, to discuss Everything But The Ring, and to address many topics relating to love and relationships. Anyone who is interested in tuning into this broadcast can do see by clicking the following link.  www.blogtalkradio.com/theplaybook/2010/02/04/everything-but-the-ring-1  

I am also looking forward to having a book signing at Berean Christian Bookstore here in Atlanta on April 3^rd from 3-6. I would like to personally invite everyone who is in the Atlanta area during this time to come out to show your support!

Where can readers find you on the Internet?

I can be found online at www.tsjonesinspires.com, www.twitter.com/TSJonesInspires, and www.facebook.com/tsjonesinspires . I have also created a blog dedicated to a twelve month focus to self-discovery and personal development. Those who are interested in joining me can do so by following me at www.tsjonesinspires.blogspot.com. Everything But The Ring is available online at www.tsjonesinspires.com, www.nevaehpublishing.com , www.amazon.com, as well as www.barnesandnoble.com

Does the Beloved Community Exist in Christian Publishing?

Reposted from The Master's Artist, Jan 11, 2010

By Dee Stewart

"Too much is given, much is required." Luke 12:48

I want to believe that Christian Publishing is better than mainstream publishing, but it's getting harder to believe by the year, which is sort of sad since this year has just begun. Yet within eleven days into 2010 I have heard some heart-breaking stories from published Christian authors that blow my mind. And what I read from literary agents blogs, Christian publishing event planners emails, and what Christian readers are buzzing about on Facebook it gets worse. The distance between Christian Publishing and mainstream has gotten shorter, not regarding content, but on what it deems is worthy.

One constant in particular...placing African American authors in the Publishing Ghetto. Huffington Post Leonce Gaiter describes this ghetto as black imprints when he rips into Publishing Weekly article "African-American Books in Today's Marketplace" with his counter "Rejecting the Publishing Ghetto."

However, the PG goes deeper than that. It's not just the creation of separate, but not equal imprints, but it is also a mindset that African-American's letters aren't universal, marketable, noteworthy to Americans, all of them. So from the onset--even before we query an agent or editor, even before we write a word--there is an understood that our works are of little value.

For Christian Writers this Ghetto mentality also means that our works are no value to The Kingdom.

And I refuse to believe that, although I continue to receive more evidence to the contrary.

Click here to read more.

Do You Wanna Be Made Whole Blog Tour - Day One

The Savior of One

Jesus approached the man at the pool. Jesus saw one man. The Savior was aware of his brokenness. He saw the man’s despair. He saw what the man had been through. He saw the man’s history. He saw how the man struggled with his issues. What makes this account so personal is that you may be one among many who are going through the same thing that you are dealing with but Jesus sees you and you only. There may be many who surrounds you but Jesus sees only you.

The Savior of One not only sees you but He knows you. He knows your heart He knows your dreams. He knows your desires. He knows your fears. He knows your pain. He comes to you because you are important to him. Let that truth sink in your heart, YOU are important to him. YOU matter to Him. You are valuable to Him. His care and concern for you has nothing to do with others in your life or in your family or on your job it has everything to do with you.

The man who laid at the pool was in a multitude but for that brief moment, for that life changing moment it was just him and the Savior of One. And the Savior asked him, “Do You Want to be made Whole?” That question changed everything in one man’s life.

Do You Wanna Be Made Whole?
Pastor James Maxwell knows the pain of making poor choices that damages families. He has dedicated his life to helping men avoid the mistakes that he has made in his life. Now he walks through the valley with three of his spiritual sons as they try to find their way to wholeness.
Will Pastor Maxwell be able to help Theo find forgiveness for the one who betrayed him? Can he help Michael who suffered a great tragedy in his life? Will he be able to help Adam face his past and discover a new future?

About the Author
Bernard Boulton has written a story about three men who seek to be whole in God through the spiritual leadership of a pastor. This gripping story is titled DO YOU WANNA BE MADE WHOLE?. Bernard is the pastor of New Mine Creek Church in southern Virginia. He is married to his wife of eighteen years, Vantoria and they are the parents of their son, Bernard Quincy. Bernard’s hobbies include reading, traveling and supporting his hometown team the Cleveland Cavaliers and Lebron James.
For more information, visit www.bernardboulton.com.
Read an excerpt and check the tour schedule at http://bit.ly/DoYouWannaBeMadeWhole

Healthy Heart: Physical and Spiritual

February is NATIONAL HEART AWARENESS MONTH. Join Rhonda McKnight, author of Secrets and Lies, on the five day Healthy Heart: Physical and Spiritual Blog Tour.

10% of proceeds from book purchases from the Online Book Store will go to the American Heart Association.  


ABOUT THE BOOK

Faith Morgan is struggling with her faith. Years of poor communication and neglect leave her doubting that God will ever fix her marriage. When a coworker accuses her husband, Jonah, of the unthinkable, Faith begins to wonder if she really knows him at all, and if it’s truly in God’s will for them to stay married.
Pediatric cardiologist Jonah Morgan is obsessed with one thing: his work. A childhood incident cemented his desire to heal children at any cost, even his family, but now he finds himself at a crossroads in his life. Will he continue to allow the past to haunt him, or find healing and peace in a God he shut out long ago?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rhonda McKnight is the owner of Legacy Editing, a free-lance editing service for fiction writers and Urban Christian Fiction Today, a popular Internet site that highlights African-American Christian fiction. She’s the vice-president of Faith Based Fiction Writers of Atlanta. When she’s not editing projects, teaching workshops about writing or penning her next novel, she spends time with her family. Originally from a small, coastal town in New Jersey, she’s called Atlanta, Georgia home for twelve years. She may be reached at her website at www.rhondamcknight.net

Click here to learn more about the tour or follow at
www.tywebbin.com/blog-tours/2009/12/healthy-heart-blog-tour-february-1-5-2010/

New Year's Resolution - Dirty words???

by 

Rhonda McKnight

“Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.” Psalm 37: 5

Happy New Year to you! I know I’m a little late with that, but it’s still a new year and I still wish you well.

I’ve been thinking about the direction this blog will take this year. In light of my own novel releasing and the busy turn my lift has taken as a result, I’ve decided to cut back to author interviews once a week on Sunday beginning in February. Why so little? Because I may not be able to do more. I’m a person who becomes riddled with guilt when I don’t do the thing I said I would do. Hence, I try very hard not to over commit myself. My family comes first. All the writing things and book marketing things in my world have to filter in around them.

Speaking of commitments, have you made a resolution for the New Year? I’ve noticed of late that resolution has become a dirty word. People talk about not making them because they don’t keep them. They snarl when you ask about them, as if not keeping a resolution makes the idea of a resolution wrong.  I don’t care what you call it; resolution, declaration, life plan, goal, etc, etc. it’s all the same, it’s not our enemy.  A resolution is a “thing” you say you’re going to do.  There’s nothing wrong with self-improvement. How will you ever get there if you don’t at least want it or speak it? Words have power, the bible tells us in Proverbs 18:21 that “life and death is in the power of the tongue.” It also says

I am a living testimony that a resolution can work. I make them every year and keep them. I wouldn’t be published if I hadn’t made a resolution.  We can all achieve them. We just have to put commitment behind it. To resolve is to decide to do a thing. To commit is to devote oneself unreservedly to doing something.  There’s a difference. I say commit to your resolution and in the end what you’ve resolved to do shall be done. How’s that? To not commit to something or not make a plan is a cop-out. I mean if you haven't said you'd do anything then I guess you don't have to right? Fail to plan, plan to fail I always say.

Here's mine:

I’m committed to making sure I take better care of Rhonda. I have to manage my stress better. That means more exercise, dare I say a little more sleep, a massage a few times a year, an occasional bubble bath, and more reading for absolute pleasure of it. 

Do I have a writing resolution? Sure, I resolve not let the summer catch me without having the first draft completed for my fall 2011 book. It's due to my editor on September 1. That's it on the writing front. Improvements in craft commeth as I continue to read well written books.  

So what have you committed to do or change in 2010?