Book Spotlight: Fat Girl Vigilante by Author Tamyara Brown

Michelle Sargent is haunted by a dark family secret she was forced to conceal from the time she was eleven years old. She lives in fear of what might happen to her if she reveals the identity of the woman known as The Fat Girl Vigilante.  A woman who brutally and callously murders men and women throughout Buffalo, New York. The same woman who heartlessly killed Michelle's father.

Patricia Sargent will stop at nothing to seek revenge on those who robbed her of the father she loved dearly.  Recognizing that revenge is dish best served warm, she sets out on a personal quest for justice.

Detective Bishop Jones and Detective Ricardo Hernandez are assigned to investigate a string of murders linked to what appears to be a serial killer named The Fat Girl Vigilante.  With little to go on besides a general description, they work tirelessly to arrest the killer before the next body turns up.

The Detectives are shocked when they discover the deception, and corruption in that ascend to the top offices of Buffalo's dignitaries.  However, they realize they must go above and beyond the call of duty to save the men and women of Buffalo from the woman who is hell bent on destroying them. 

Meet Author Tamyara Brown

Tamyara is no stranger to obstacles while raising six beautiful children. She has been homeless, battled breast cancer as well caring for her son who has a rare kidney condition called Focal Segmental Glomersclersois and Nephrotic Syndrome. With all the odds against her, she continues to persevere and see the light at the end of the tunnel. Born and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y. She now resides in Buffalo, N.Y. She enjoys playing with her grandchildren, hanging out with friends and a good comedy. She loves to laugh.

She has risen against the odds by completing three full-length novels, Blue’s Treasure, Gatekeepers of Secrets and Fat Girl Vigilante. Also, she has been published in four Anthologies, Voices Behind The Tears, A Homeless Cry, American Cancer Society: The Live Life The Day Dreamer’s Journal and No Face (February 2016).

Some of her accomplishments are recently winning Literary Jewels award for Best Poet. She placed 2nd in UBAWA First Annual Poetry. Her Blog, Tamluvstowrite Blog of the Month for November 2011, the Writer's POV Magazine. She was Artist of the Week in Pink Noire’s Lounge.

She continues to contribute to several other blogs. You can follow her on Medium as she has several publications, Life, Love & Motherhood Oh My! Her favorite blog celebrating Unsung Sheroes. Her article was chosen by Life Hack: Your Story, your Experience, etc.  She has been a contributing writer for B.L.O.G Magazine. You can find feature articles about her in Imani Wisdom’s Blog Pink Noire Lounge. As well as being featured on Jeane’ Elliot Bennett’s At Home Biz. Priscilla’s Bookshelf, Kisha Green’s Literary Jewels, Hanifa Writes.

I first fell in love with romance when I read a novel by Beverly Jenkins and Suspense Thrillers didn't happen until later when I read a James Patterson book, The Alex Cross series. I became hooked and knew I wanted to write in both genres.  I decided that life is full of plot twists and obstacles but with all the drama and hiccups there is one thing that remains and the desire to be loved.

Some of my favorite authors are Imani Wisdom, Treasure E. Blue, Terry Mcmillian, T, Styles, Barbara Berry, and a host of others.

Purchase Link

Fat Girl Vigilante: Insanity At Its Finest!

Connect with Author Tamyara Brown

Twitter: @tamluvstowrite

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Beautymeundefin

Facebook: www.facebook.com/tamluvstowrite               

             

Facebook: www.facebook.com/beautifullymeundefined

Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/tamyara-brown/36/830/a7b

Google: https://plus.google.com/110148527626968911093/posts

Website: http://www.beautifullymeundefined.com 

Email: tamluvstowrite@gmail.com

Book Blast: Mind Matters: Get Out Of Your Head, and Jump Into Life by Tanya J. Miller

#newrelease #inspirational #selfhelp #motivational @amreading

Mind Matters: Get Out Of Your Head, and Jump Into Life

by Tanya J. Miller

This book blast will run February 29, 2016

Do you ever get lost in the maze of your mind? When your thoughts start spiraling in a continuous loop—positive or negative—it can seem impossible to consider a different idea or even catch your breath. If the way you think greatly influences the way you live, then it’s important to know how to manage your thoughts and channel their power to improve your life, rather than hinder it. Mind Matters explores practical ways you can bring balance to your thought life, from replacing anxious thoughts with hopeful ones to curbing unnecessary thinking altogether. It also points out traps that keep you stuck, like “clearing your mind” by airing your thoughts to anyone that will listen via Facebook or the occasional tantrum and outburst. As you learn the art of controlling your thoughts, you will be able to focus on what you can do in the present to experience the life you want in the future. Whether you struggle with anxious thoughts or just need a few tips to better manage your mind, this easy-to-read guide provides you with simple instructions you can immediately put into practice.

Tanya J. Miller is a certified life coach with over eighteen years’ experience working with youth, young adults, and women throughout the community and in ministry to pursue purpose, passion and destiny. Tanya holds a BBA in finance and business management from Northwood University and an MBA from Regent University and is also certified as a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and Scrum Master. Her lifelong passion for writing eventually led her to start the blog Talking with Tanya in 2005. Mind Matters is her debut book. Tanya is married and currently lives in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.

Author Interview with Koko

LaToya: Hi Koko, thank you for agreeing to this interview. Tell us a little about yourself and your background?

Koko:  Hi Latoya! I’m glad to be here. Thank you so much for having me. Let’s see, I am originally from Northern IL and currently live in Atlanta GA. I love to read and write. But reading is definitely my first passion.

LaToya: What are your ambitions for your writing career?

Koko:  I would love to make the bestsellers list. Followed by selling a screenplay or maybe having my books turned into a television series.

LaToya: Which writers inspire you?

Koko: Oh my, there are too many to name. I’ll choose different ones for this question. Zora Neale Hurston, Langston Hughes, Brenda Jackson, Rochelle Alers and the list goes on and on and on…

LaToya: What are you working on at the minute?

Koko: I am currently working on my latest release Devoured Inhibitions. It’s the latest release in the Flesh is Weak Chronicles. Part 1 was released 2/16/16 and the complete novella is out 2/23/16! I must admit, I really enjoyed writing and reading this one!

LaToya: What genre are your books and why?

Koko:  My books are erotica. The reason being is that KoKo is an anonymous pen name. I have other names I write under for my strictly romance and etc genres, but KoKo allows me the anonymity to write down and dirty without having family and friends giving me “the look”.

LaToya: In 10 words or less can you create a quote that describes you and your writing?

Koko: Refreshing, raw, yet smooth and passionate. Arousing.

LaToya: Which actor/actress would you like to see playing the lead character from your most recent book?

Koko: Tika Sumpter

LaToya: When did you decide to become a writer?

Koko: I’ve always loved to write. I decided to become a published author in 2012.

LaToya: Do you write full-time or part-time?

Koko: I would love to write fulltime, but at the moment, it’s just part time.

LaToya: Do you have a special time to write or how is your day structured?

Koko:  I try to wake up no later than 4:30 every weekday morning to get in an hour or two of writing. I also use my lunch breaks and if I have the energy, I go for it when I get home as well.

LaToya: Do you aim for a set amount of words/pages per day?

Koko:  Yes and no. I aim to write everyday. I don’t have a minimum page or word count for the day, but I do set a word count target for the project I’m working on.

LaToya: Where do your ideas come from?

Koko:  They all come from my head. I am a daydreamer through and through. There is no shortage of characters living inside my head…I’m not crazy, I promise.

LaToya: Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer just see where an idea takes you?

Koko:  Great question! When I first began it was from the top of my head and I just let the story lead me wherever it wanted to go. I have since learned it can be hard to tie up the story that way. I now write from a loose outline.

LaToya: How do you think you’ve evolved creatively?

Koko: I can’t pinpoint exactly how or where my writing has evolved, but it has evolved. Does that make sense? I guess I would say I am becoming more confident in my talent and am open to suggestions.

LaToya: What is the hardest thing about writing?

Koko: Writing. Taking the time to actually sit down and put your thoughts and words on screen or paper. It seems so easy and simple when the story is living in your brain, but to put it down…a completely different story.

LaToya: What was the hardest thing about writing your latest book?

Koko:   Not making it a full-length novel. The series was started and is intended to be short stories. With the subject matter of Devoured Inhibitions, I had so many things I wanted to do with it, but I had to stop somewhere.

LaToya: What is the easiest thing about writing?

Koko:  Writing. LOL. Writing is the “easiest” part of the process. Editing, proof reading and all the things that comes along with marketing your work, not so much. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

LaToya: How long on average does it take you to write a book?

Koko:  Devoured Inhibitions Novella was written in a months’ time. It’s the first time I have written at this speed and I loved it.

LaToya: Where can you see yourself in 5 years’ time?

Koko:  Writing full time and perhaps writing for a television series.

LaToya: What advice would you give to your younger self?

Koko:   Don’t stop writing. Regardless of what others’ thoughts or opinions are on your work, continue to do you and keep it to yourself.

LaToya: Which famous person, living or dead would you like to meet and why?

Koko:  George R. R. Martin. I would just love to pick his brain on where Game of Thrones came from and the journey he took for it to evolve to where it is today.

LaToya: If you could have been the original author of any book, what would it have been and why?

Koko:  Argh! Sadly that’s one question I can’t answer LaToya. There really are too many for me to choose from.

LaToya: What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Koko: Don’t stop. Continue to persevere. Know that where there is a will, there truly is a way. If you want it, you can have it.

Connect with Koko:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/koko.strokes

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KoKo_Strokes

Amazon Author Page: http://Author.to/KoKoStrokes

Purchase Links

http://mybook.to/Allure

http://mybook.to/DebInP1

http://mybook.to/Hard_Worker

http://mybook.to/FIW_Healthy_Eating

Motivational Monday

Author Interview with Kandii Caine

LaToya: Hi Kandii, thank you for agreeing to this interview. Tell us a little about yourself and your background?

Kandii:  Hello LaToya, Thank you for having me.  I’ve become a fan.

LaToya: What are your ambitions for your writing career?

Kandii: I want to write what I enjoy reading.  I’m grateful just to be able to live and experience my passion. I love literature.

LaToya: Which writers inspire you?

Kandii: I’ve only written four novellas. I read everything. Walter Mosely, Zane, Anne Rice, Tananarive Due, Octavia Butler, Steven King, Jasper Fforde.  I read everything.

LaToya: What are you working on at the minute?

Kandii: I have just released a sample portion of my erotic novella The Parting Gift.  It’s a novella in ‘The Flesh Is Weak Chronicles’ I am co-creator for that erotic series with KoKo Strokes.

LaToya: What genre are your books and why?

Kandii: Erotica so far but I definitely see some sci-fi/paranormal erotic novels coming in the future.

LaToya: In 10 words or less can you create a quote that describes you and your writing?

Kandii: Kandii enjoys fiction about aliens, shifters, and well chiseled human males.

LaToya: Which actor/actress would you like to see playing the lead character from your most recent book?

Kandii: Possible could be my latest but I’d like Angela Basset or Sanaa Lathan to portray Nora Hastings in “The Younger Man.”

LaToya: When did you decide to become a writer?

Kandii: I’ve been writing since I was in high school.

LaToya: Do you write full-time or part-time?

Kandii: Part-time, I have a full-time job, a family but I write whenever I can.

LaToya: Do you have a special time to write or how is your day structured?

Kandii:  I usually write after work into the night.

LaToya: Do you aim for a set amount of words/pages per day?

Kandii:  No, I wish I was that structured. I see the story in my head like a movie and I just put it down on paper…that could mean writing until I literally fall asleep.

LaToya: Where do your ideas come from?

Kandii:  I daydream constantly. I get ideas from any situation that I’m in. I’m thinking of an alien abduction novella about a blogger who leaves a hotel after an interview with a reclusive writer…

LaToya: Do you work with an outline or plot or do you prefer just to see where an idea takes you?

Kandii:  I have just started using a scaled down outline because of the number of characters that inhabit my brain. Putting them down on paper really helps. I generally just start typing and run with my original idea.

LaToya: How do you think you’ve evolved creatively?

Kandii: I’ve been published since 2013…I’m still evolving.  I’m learning about the business and I’ve learned that there is so much for me to learn. I try to be a sponge.  I have no pride and I am grateful for any advice or criticism I receive.

LaToya: What is the hardest thing about writing?

Kandii: I struggle with names.  I have scoured the internet and thrifts for books with the best baby name of 1986… but names for characters are difficult for me.

LaToya: What was the hardest thing about writing your latest book?

Kandii:  Meeting my deadline.  This year has been super busy for me. I’m trying to embrace an ideology of the deadline…but I’m such a free spirit it's hard. Also just in general writing, the novel, novella putting it down on paper just completing is always hard.

LaToya: What is the easiest thing about writing?

Kandii:  The ideas… the stories come to me so easily…I really find it hard the write all the ideas down.

LaToya: How long on average does it take you to write a book?

Kandii:  With all that’s going one in my life full-time job, family, …a short novella can be done in three months.

LaToya: Where can you see yourself in 5 years’ time?

Kandii:  Still Writing with pages of novels to my credit.  I’d also like to get my short stories on audio book.  I love audio books.  LaToya I’d like to be just as well read and received as Zane in five years…that’s a goal I can focus on.

LaToya: What advice would you give to your younger self?

Kandii:  I wish I could have started publishing my writings sooner. I would tell myself to believe in my gift and share it.

LaToya: Which famous person, living or dead would you like to meet and why?

Kandii:  I wanted to meet Maya Angelou…because her writing moved me.

LaToya: If you could have been the original author of any book, what would it have been and why?

Kandii: Hmmm, any book … The Temple of my Familiar by Alice Walker.  It is an empowering novel about women’s strength/wisdom and how we’ve been seduced and tricked into giving it up.  Also, it’s about Celie’s ancestors.  It’s a wonderful read.

LaToya: What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Kandii: Write…find time to write and finish the novel. Do the work, then repeat with the next story…over and over again.

Connect with Kandii:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kandiicaine.7

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/KandiiCaine

Amazon Author Page: http://author.to/kandii.caine

Purchase Links

The Back Breaker http://mybook.to/TBB

Emba’s Tale http://mybook.to/ET

The Younger Man http://mybook.to/TYM

The Parting Gift Part 1 Http://myBook.to/TPGPone 

Book Spotlight: He Changed My Name by Unoma Nwankwor

He Changed My Name

Book Title: He Changed My Name

Publisher: KevStel Group February 12, 2016

ASIN: B01B786XFE

Genre: Christian Fiction Romance

Author: Unoma Nwankwor

About the Book: 

Eager to escape the hypocrisy of the church and build her singing career, pop sensation, Ayanti “Yanni” Effiong enters and wins The Next World Star. Apart from fulfilling her dream, her move to America offers the perfect opportunity to help young female immigrants. A cause she pursues with a passion until fame takes over. Fifteen years later, broke, dumped and fresh out of jail, she begins to regret the lifestyle and name she created for herself.

Mensah Afortey is on the brink of losing the church he put his heart and soul into for the past seven years. This years’ Valentine Day gala is his last attempt to raise money for the church. Everything is set but they need a big name to pull in donations. Just as he is about to give up, in walks “Yanni.” When he agreed for Ayanti to serve community service under his church he didn’t know she was the same person as the embattled star.

While she pays her debt to society, the last thing she wants to do is perform on a day that left a bitter taste in her mouth. But there is no denying the instant attraction between them. Before he wins her heart, Mensah must win her soul. Over time and in fellowship with the church, Ayanti comes to realize that despite what man calls her, God has the ability to change her name.

Excerpt:

The shrill ring of her phone brought her back to the present. She sat up against the headboard. Her heartbeat accelerated as she answered the phone. It was Debby.

“Please give me good news.”

“Hey, chica,” Debby responded. “I hope you’re doing better.”

Earlier, Ayanti had a breakdown. She had screamed and bawled her eyes out, wishing she was back in Calabar, the capital city of her home, Cross Rivers in Nigeria. It seemed like a lifetime ago she won that competition and left the country.

“Yes, I’m fine, but tell me I can be better.”

“Okay, here’s the deal. Charity for Homes had filled up with court ordered volunteers until next month…”

“I can’t wait that long!”

“Lemme finish, girlie. We were able to get you to volunteer with them not as an individual, but under a church group.”

“A church!” Ayanti wiped her hands across her face. She hadn’t been in one of those in years. Did Debby have any idea the kind of judgment that went on in that place? She’d take her chances with the mean police officer until next month.

“Hear me out. The church volunteers with Homes for Charity as a non-sponsor group. You can be part of those volunteers and when they are not volunteering, you can still make up some hours by working in the church. That way, you can get this thing over with faster. Now tell me that doesn’t beat picking up trash in the streets,” Debby finished.

“But those people would have known what I did. Why I’m there...”

“And? Which one of them there hasn’t done anything bad?” Debby asked. “Girl, think about it. Besides, you have nothing else to lose at this point.”

“I guess you’re right.” Ayanti contemplated the whole arrangement.

“Of course I am.” A beat of silence passed between them. “Now get some rest and I’ll see you tomorrow. Think about it and let me know what you want to do. You have until the end of the week.”

“What’s the name of the church?”

“Ummm...hold on.”  The shuffling noise of paper could be heard in the background. “It’s called Calvary Is the Way. It’s on Auburn.”

Ayanti remained silent for a few minutes. After a while they disconnected. Ayanti switched off the television and turned to her side. Calvary Is the Way? She rolled her eyes. These new age churches and their names. What ever happened to churches with sensible names? Like Mount something...

© 2016 Unoma Nwankwor

Purchase Links

 Amazon: http://amzn.to/23xHqjD

About the Author: 

Born in Akron, Ohio to Nigerian parents, Unoma Nwankwor spent her childhood and early adulthood years in Port-Harcourt, Nigeria. She possesses a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and a Master’s degree in Global Management. Her publishing credits include An Unexpected Blessing (2013), The Christmas Ultimatum (2013), When You Let Go (May, 2014), A Scoop of Love (Jan, 2015) and Anchored By Love (Dec 2015). Her work has appeared in Africa Book Club, USA Today HEA blog and The Kenyan E-zine; Wamathai.  Her stories are described as a fusion of faith, romance and African spice. Unoma is also the co-owner of KevStel Group LLC and resides in Atlanta Georgia with her husband and two children.

Social Links

Website: http://www.unwankwor.com

Blog: http://www.unomanwankwor.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/unwankworauthor

Twitter:  www.twitter.com/unwankwor

Author Interview with Dominique

LaToya: Hi Dominique, thank you for agreeing to this interview. Tell us a little about yourself and your background?

Dominique:  I am a published author of 15 books. I write in the genres of poetry, inspiration, mystery and suspense and Urban/Christian Fiction. I am the founder of PEN’Ashe Magazine and Diamond M’Press Publications.

LaToya: What are your ambitions for your writing career?

Dominique:  Writing everyday...continuing to put out great work.

LaToya: Which writers inspire you?

Dominique: James Patterson, Joy Deja King and Michael Connelly.

LaToya: What are you working on at the minute?

Dominique: I am finishing up the second book in my Scarlett Fry Series. I will be releasing the final installment in my Concealed Betrayal Series and working on a movie script

LaToya: What genre are your books and why?

Dominique: My books are in inspiration, poetry, mystery suspense and Urban/Christian Fiction. These are all genres I enjoy reading in and poetry is just personal for me.

LaToya: In 10 words or less can you create a quote that describes you and your writing?

Dominique: Relatable stories that leave you wanting more

LaToya: Which actor/actress would you like to see playing the lead character from your most recent book?

Dominique: Probably Olivia Benson from SVU

LaToya: When did you decide to become a writer?

Dominique: I’ve been writing all of my life. I decided to publish in 2004

LaToya: Do you write full-time or part-time?

Dominique: I write full time

LaToya: Do you have a special time to write or how is your day structured?

Dominique:  My publicist places my writing time on my schedule. With everything I have going on, I have to schedule my write time. But if I plan to write, I go into my office uninterrupted and grind it out.

LaToya: Do you aim for a set amount of words/pages per day?

Dominique:  Probably a set word count for the day or to reach a certain chapter

LaToya: Where do your ideas come from?

Dominique:  LOL Everywhere and anywhere

LaToya: Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer just see where an idea takes you?

Dominique:  I love outlines. So yes I do use an outline. I do not write a book without an outline.

LaToya: How do you think you’ve evolved creatively?

Dominique:   I really think my stories through. I take my time and make sure that I develop my characters into real people.

LaToya: What is the hardest thing about writing?

Dominique: Sitting down and writing. Actually putting in the hard work. I have stories in my head from start to finish but I gotta get them out of my head and onto a screen.

LaToya: What was the hardest thing about writing your latest book?

Dominique:   Research. I had to literally go back to school to write this book. There was so much detail. And detail is important in this genre.

LaToya: What is the easiest thing about writing?

Dominique:  Coming up with great stories

LaToya: How long on average does it take you to write a book?

Dominique:  It depends on my motivation and what else I have going on. It could be 3 months to a year.

LaToya: Where can you see yourself in 5 years’ time?

Dominique:  Best seller, popular magazine on newsstands and mentor more authors and writesr.

LaToya: What advice would you give to your younger self?

Dominique:  Slow down, enjoy the moment and stay committed.

LaToya: Which famous person, living or dead would you like to meet and why?

Dominique:  Joy Deja King. I love her as an author and publisher. I admire her work and business mind. I’d love to pick her brain.

LaToya: If you could have been the original author of any book, what would it have been and why?

Dominique: Maybe the Coldest Winter Ever simply because that book was so amazing!

LaToya: What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Dominique: Learn every area of the business. Read in your genre and never allow someone’s no to be YOUR no.

Connect with Dominique:

Website: www.author-dominiquelwatson.com

Blog: https://authordominiquelwatsonblog.wordpress.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authordominiquelwatson/

Twitter: www.twitter.com/almondeyesdiva

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominiquewatson

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/authordominique

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Dominique-Watson/e/B00ANQUD1C/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/authordominiquelwatson