Tia McCollors - A Tribute to the Godmother

Today we welcome guest blogger, Tia McCollors with her tribute to Victoria Christopher Murray. Don't miss the book giveaway at the end.

From Tia's Pen:

I had the privilege of meeting Victoria, aka "The Godmother"for the first time in the summer of 2002 when I left my job early and rushed to a nearby mall where she was doing a book signing along with other literary greats Jacquelin Thomas and Patricia Haley.

Anyone who has ever met Victoria knows that they get the REAL Victoria from the very beginning -- funny, energetic, knowledgeable, and a master wordsmith all wrapped into one huge personality.

Victoria has personally influenced me by the words of encouragement she drops me that appear in my email box at just the right time or via voice mail. When the "person" doesn't speak to me, her "books" do. Victoria's mastery of the craft has grown tremendously from the first novel I read (Temptation) to this upcoming release that I can't WAIT to get my hands on.

She not only blazed the trail for other Christian authors, she went back and layed down the "gold" so that we could walk boldly as scribes in God's kingdom.

Thank you "Godmother."

From your FAVORITE godchild (SMILE),

Tia McCollors
A Heart of Devotion, Zora’s Cry and The Truth About Love

Visit Tia at http://www.tiamccollors.com/

A copy of Too Little, Too Late will be given to a lucky poster. Please post a statement about why you read Christian Fiction and tell me about an issue you'd like to see addressed in an upcoming novel by a Christian Fiction author. Also tell me what you think has been over done by Christian Fiction authors. Remember to post your email address to be notified if you win. I'll contact the winner on 6/30.

Thanks for your support and good luck!

Victoria Christopher Murray Book Giveaway #2

Okay, it's time for another Victoria Christopher Murray book giveaway. I've got a copy of Joy and Truth Be Told for the two winners. You'll have to have read my feature on Victoria and answer these questions:

1. Which of Victoria's books is being optioned for a movie?

2. Who are the people Victoria would most like to meet?

3. Too Little, Too Late is her ____ th novel?

4. What is the name of Victoria's first young adult fiction book?

5. What year was Tempation published?

Post your answers and make sure to share your email address in your post or by email to rhondareads@yahoo.com. You've got to post on the blog to enter the contest. Also, tell me which book you want.

My feature on the African American Christian Fiction icon is winding down, but here's another comment from a fan. Avid reader, reviewer and aspiring author, Tyora Moody had this to say about Victoria:

While designing the GoodGirlBookClubOnline.com website in 2000, I learned about “Temptations” by Victoria Christopher Murray. For a few years, I had struggled with finding books to read as I grew into my Christian faith. This novel truly ignited my passion for reading again. One of the things I really enjoy about Victoria’s novels since “Temptations” is how she continues to raise the bar with her characters and storylines. She’s a class act and inspiration for authors and readers of AA Christian Fiction.

Good luck winning the books and make sure to check back for a chance to win Too Little, Too Late.

Victoria Christopher Murray - More About Mama

Welcome to my first guest blogger, Essence Bestselling author, Sherri Lewis. Sherri is the author of My Soul Cries Out and Dance Into Destiny. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers and the first president of the Visions in Print Writer's Group in Atlanta, GA.

From the pen of Author, Sherri Lewis:

As the last of my sistahwriterfriends left after a Sunday evening plotting meeting, I held the blessed gift Rhonda McKnight had brought me. An advanced review copy of Victoria Christopher Murray’s latest release, Too Little, Too Late. I looked at the time – 8:30 pm. Could I chance it? I was exhausted from a busy weekend and had a long Monday ahead. I went upstairs, leaving the book behind – knowing that if I started it, I wouldn’t put it down until I finished it. A few minutes later, I came back down to get it, promising myself I would only read the first chapter. At 12:38 am, I closed it after reading the last sentence.

Victoria Christopher Murray has done it again. Too Little, Too Late delivers as a fast moving page-turner – a reader’s dream, full of twists and turns, lies and deceit, pure drama. It’s a writer’s manual – perfectly woven with conflict and tension, foreshadowing, great dialogue, and description. I am ever amazed that Victoria’s writing improves with each novel. She perpetually perfects her craft and challenges me to do the same. Now that I’ve enjoyed it as a reader, I’ll go back and dissect it as a writer, trying to discover how she creates the magical world she sucks me into.

When Rhonda asked me for a blurb on Victoria, I told her there was no way I could do that in 80 words or less (which was her orignial request). Like most black Christian fiction writers, picking up Victoria’s self-published copy of Temptation let me know there was a place in the world for my writing. Since meeting her for the first time, Victoria has proven to be much more than the pioneer leading the way. She’s become a mentor and friend. I’m sure much of the reason God has blessed Victoria with favor and success is because of her willingness to share with new and aspiring writers her wisdom about the craft, the industry, marketing, and career building. I’m not talking a few minutes at a book signing table. She makes time for long dinners, emails and phone conversations. She encouraged me over the four years I waited to land a book deal, protecting me from bad career decisions and encouraging me to persevere when I wanted to give up.

When my debut novel, My Soul Cries Out was released, on of the greatest rewards was a personal phone call from Victoria telling me how much she loved the book. But she didn’t stop there. Victoria set up my first real book signing with her, Reshonda Tate Billingsley, and S. James Guitard. I sold out that day. Pure bliss for a newbie. She helped me schedule other dates for my first tour. At a book signing in Little Rock, Arkansas, two carloads of women flooded my table at once. They told me they had been waiting for me to come because Victoria had told them about me on her recent visit there. I’ve gotten numerous emails from new readers from Victoria’s recommendation. Who does that? I mean, really. While on tour for her release, she promotes my novel? Unheard of. But classic Victoria.

Now I greatly anticipate August – the Faith and Fiction retreat where I’ll get to spend some quality time with my Christian fiction shero and godmother. Glean wisdom about the craft and maneuvering the industry. I look forward to one-on-one time to discuss where I am right now and what’s next.

I’m with Rhonda on wanting Victoria on the New York Times Bestsellers List. Tomorrow, I’m going to buy copies of Too Little, Too Late for gifts and give-aways. I’ll be that one-minute publicist and email everyone I know. It’s the very least I can do to celebrate one who has meant so much to me and so many others in our Christian Fiction writing careers.

More about our guest can be found at her online home http://www.sherrilewis.com/

Thanks for stopping by Sherri!

Victoria Christopher Murray - Book Giveway!!!

Okay, it's time for a Victoria Christopher Murray book giveaway. I'll have several over the next week or so, and we'll start with Temptation. The book that began it all. (By the way, it's a brand new book.) Here's the synopsis:

"Kyla and Jefferson Blake count their sixteen years together as a wonderful blessing from God. Their marriage is passionate, their daughter is a joy, Jefferson's medical career is prospering, and they have loyal friends. Kyla knows her newly divorced and lifelong friend, Jasmine, is desperately unhappy and no amount of prayer or encouragement seems to help. Yet what Kyla doesn't know is that Jasmine has a plan to move her life forward with the type of man she feels she should have married in the first place. A man like Jefferson. Alexis Ward, Kyla's best friend, is single and successful and willing to wait for the right man for all the right reasons. But when "Mr. Right," Dr. Brian Lewis, finally appears, she finds herself facing a new challenge.Does she really have to walk away from what she believes in order to have a man in her life?As people who love God, Kyla, Jefferson, and Alexis discover, each in their own ways, what happens when they truly allow God to be first in their relationship.

Sound tempting? Post a comment answering the following:

You find yourself shipwrecked and stranded on a deserted island. You're wishing you had your favorite fiction book. What's the title? Who's the author? Why is it your favorite?

Make sure to sign your post and either leave your email address in the post or email me at rhondareads@yahoo.com with the subject VECM Book Giveway. Make sure I can match your email to the post. That means sign your name. You can't just email. You have to post.

Good Luck!

Welcome to Author - Victoria Christopher Murray

Today I welcome national bestselling author, Victoria Christopher Murray. Victoria is author of seven Essence bestselling novels including Truth Be Told, Grownfolks Business, A Sin and Shame and The Ex-Files. Victoria has received numerous awards including an NAACP Image Award Nomination, the Golden Pen Award for Best Inspirational Fiction and in 2006, she was awarded the Phyllis Wheatley Trailblazer Award for being a pioneer in African American Christian Fiction. Her latest novel, Too Little, Too Late will hit the shelves on Tuesday, June 3rd.

Welcome Victoria! Congratulations on the release of your latest novel. Tell us a little about Too Little, Too Late.

Too Little, Too Late is the story of Jasmine Cox Larson Bush who returns to find herself in the fight of her life – to keep her husband from another woman. It doesn’t help that she is still hiding so many secrets and she’s told so many lies. TLTL also reintroduces Jasmine’s baby’s daddy and his drama.

Jasmine has become a phenomenon. Why do you think readers are so attracted to this character?

I. Don’t. Know! I’m telling you, when I wrote about Jasmine in my first novel, Temptation, I never had any plans of bringing her back. After all, who would want to read again about that scheming, conniving, low-down man-stealer? Then, I received so many e-mails saying that readers wanted to know more about that wicked woman. I think Jasmine is just a character we love to hate, not to mention that many see a little bit of themselves in that vixen. Ouch!

You have an awesome new teen series, Divas, tell us about it and what prompted you to write a young adult novel?

I decided to write the Divine Divas series because I saw so many teen readers reading the erotica books on the market. Now, none of that is the author’s fault – the authors who write erotica didn’t write those books for teens. But what I discovered is that our young girls wanted to read good books – filled with drama, without perfect people, and no preaching. I figured I could give them all of that – and still have a message.

What has been the response from teen readers?

Excellent! I’ve been so blessed. The best response though has come from my adult readers who enjoyed the teen book as much as they enjoyed my adult novels. To me, that was the ultimate compliment.

You were pegged the “Mother of African American Christian Fiction” long before you won the Phyllis Wheatley Award. It’s an awesome legacy. Tell us how you feel when you hear those words identified with yourself.

You know, those words make me smile, although I’m not sure it’s rightly deserved. When I wrote my first novel, I wasn’t writing to create a genre. I had never read a Christian fiction book and honestly, I thought my book was just like the other books on the market. I didn’t see a big difference because I wasn’t just putting God in the book; He was already there...just like He would have been in anything I did in life. The Lord is the center of my life. So, I get a lot of credit for starting something that I didn’t mean to start. What I am proud of, however, are the authors (like you) who have followed me. All of you have remained steadfast, understanding that we are fighting a different battle than other authors. And no matter what is popular and selling, you have all stood your ground. That is what makes me proud.

Do you consider your writing to be a ministry? Why or why not?

I know my writing is a ministry because others have told me that, but when I sit down, I’m not thinking about that. The messages in my books just come out – they’re not planned. That’s why I know that God has His hand in everything I do. I don’t plan the Christian message. I just plan the story, tell the story and then Jesus’s story just finds its way into my books because that is who I am.

I asked Victoria a few person questions so that readers could get to know her a little better. Here are her responses:

What is your favorite color? Blue

Which do you prefer, the beach or mountains? Beach for sure! Wearing a bathing suit and all!

If you had a 25 hour day, what would you do with the extra hour? I would probably use that time to catch up with family and friends because I just don’t do enough of that now! I would love to have an hour a day to call at least one person to let them know I’m thinking of them.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be? South Africa.

If you could have an hour with one person (living or deceased) who would it be and why? Of course, I’d want time with Jesus – just to ask Him if I’m getting this thing right and what can I be doing better. But, I ask Him that question everyday, anyway, so I’ll give you someone else. I know you said one person, but I’m a fiction writer – I don’t follow rules. The first person would be Barack Obama and I would spend the entire hour telling him how proud I am of him and if he didn’t do anything else, I would tell him that he has inspired a generation of young people who now know that it is possible! I would thank him for having the nerve! And I would tell him that I plan on knocking on as many doors, and making as many calls and sending as much money as I can to do my part to make sure he’s the president of the United States of America! And then, there’s Oprah. I’d like to know what makes a dynasty tick.

What’s next for Victoria Christopher Murray?

Blessedly, lots of things. Of course, more books. I just signed a new two-book deal with Simon and Schuster. My first two-book deal because my agent only believes in singular deals. But, they made us that proverbial offer – we couldn’t refuse. I’m getting ready to write my fourth book in my four book teen series and I hope to continue that series since it has already been optioned for television. And, we’re in negotiations now for my second book, JOY, to become a movie. So, lots and lots of good stuff. Can you spell b-l-e-s-s-e-d?

Victoria has an extensive tour planned this year. Readers can connect with her and see tour sites at http://www.victoriachristophermurray.com/.

Victoria Christopher Murray - Mother of African American Christian Fiction

Next week my most favoritest author in the whole world will have a new book on shelves. My favorite because not only do I enjoy every sentence and every word of her excellent writing, but I’ve been blessed by her mentorship.

In 1997 I began writing my first novel. I met Victoria Christopher Murray in an online chat room. She had just self-published her first book, Temptation. Excited about her description of the project, I tried to order the book from a local bookstore, but was told they wouldn’t be able to get it. I remember telling her I was on my way to Atlanta for vacation and wished I could have it for the trip. Victoria wanted me to have her book so badly that she mailed it overnight to my cousin’s house and when I arrived in Atlanta it was waiting for me. Before I left Atlanta I purchased two more copies and went on to buy at least ten copies of the original version of Temptation to share as gifts. Talk about planting a seed. Now more than ten years later I’m still telling people about her work.

I have to admit, although it’s superb, it’s not just Victoria’s writing that makes me her cheerleader. It’s her spirit and her heart to always help new authors. In an industry that’s as competitive as a beauty pageant, Victoria Christopher Murray is a rare gem. She shares advice, encouragement and industry information at the click of a keyboard. She's always willing to go that extra mile to teach and help struggling writers understand the journey to being published is a process, but with God all things are possible. She has a never quit spirit.

In honor of her contributions to African American Christian authorship I solicited some warm fuzzies from author friends who feel the same way about our “Mama Victoria”. Here are there kind words. I'll share others over the next few weeks:

To me, Victoria is an outstanding and inspirational woman. When my first book was published I met her at one of her book signings and told her about my book. She then introduced me to her readers as an up-and-coming author! That was probably such a little thing to her, but it was huge to me because I was in Atlanta for Mega Fest trying to promote my book without two nickels to my name. Anyway, her success has paved the way for so many like me! I greatly appreciate her example.

Author, Tiffany L. Warren
What A Sista Should Do and Farther Than I Meant To Go, Longer Than I Meant to Stay

and

As a life-long writer who had yearned to pen novels since childhood, I was finally getting serious about achieving this goal, but couldn't figure out which genre would best fit the stories I wanted to tell.

Then I picked up Temptation, Victoria's page-turning first book. When I reached the end, all I could say was, 'Wow.'

I have since had the pleasure of meeting Victoria and learning about her journey of faith as a writer. That, in and of itself, has been an inspiration. But long before I knew I'd be blessed to cross her path, I was grateful that she helped open the door to my dreams. Her book was proof that if God placed the desire in my heart, all I had to do was begin.
Stacy Hawkins Adams, author of Watercolored Pearls, Nothing But the Right Thing, and Speak To My Heart

Join me over the next couple weeks as I highlight her work and chronicle her contribution to African American Christian fiction.

Also, make sure you pick up your copy of Too Little, Too Late and visit her website at http://www.victoriachristophermurray.com/

Blessings,

Rhonda

Jasmine is determined to keep all her secrets and hold onto her man, Hosea, for good—by any means necessary. But with Hosea’s ex-fiancée back in town, has the crafty and conniving Jasmine finally met her match?

One Minute Publicist

Having a best-seller can really make an author's success and increase future book sales, so it's important. Without question making the New York Times bestseller list is the "Oscar" of list for authors. Recently three African American fiction authors made the extended list. Romance author, Brenda Jackson was among the group. I'm along time Brenda Jackson fan and although I haven't read her work in recent years, I have received some encouraging emails from her when I wrote asking questions about her writing journey. I'm thrilled for her, but I have to admit, I'd be more thrilled to see an African American Christian fiction author make the list. So, I'm on a campaign to make it happen and I invite you to join me. It'll only take a minute of your time.

Be a One Minute Book Publicist
It's an easy thing to do. It means you agree to do one thing--just one thing that takes less than a minute--to help spread the word about an author's book. Maybe write a post in your blog. Or call or e-mail your local library and request they order the book. Or recommend it to a book club. Forward the author's eblast to your circle of friends or even just telling a friend who you know reads can help.

Let's start with Victoria's new release "Too Little Too Late". She's an awesome writer and she's been on the brink of making it for the last couple of years.

Jasmine is determined to keep all her secrets and hold onto her man, Hosea, for good—by any means necessary. But with Hosea’s ex-fiancée back in town, has the crafty and conniving Jasmine finally met her match?

Click the link to Preorder today

Too Little, Too Late: A Novel

http://www.victoriachristophermurry.com/

Thanks and many blessings,

Rhonda