Book Spotlight: Larry the Alligator Makes Friends by LaDonna Marie

Meet LaDonna Marie

LaDonna Marie is an International Multi -Award winning Bestselling Author, Writer, Poet, and Motivational Speaker. She published her first poem in an anthology: Whispers with The League of American Poets in 2007. In 2010 she self-published her first book Expressions of the Mind, Body & Soul. She received a Certificate of Congratulation from Congressman Bennie Thompson 2nd district of MS. She was inducted Who's Who in Black Mississippi in 2012.

Poetry is the way the stories that flow to me are voiced. Back when I was in High school, I had a chance to meet the late Dr. Maya Angelou, and I expressed to her I wanted to write amazing words like she did in her books that impacted the world, and through my poetry since 1998 to date, I have done just that.  At first, I only thought of myself as a poetry writer, I have since then gone on to write devotionals, children’s books, plays, and novellas.

Connect with LaDonna

About the Book

Making friends for some children can be difficult. Friendship building is an important part of connecting with others. Join Larry the Alligator as he learns assertiveness, persistence, and confidence while making new friends.

Book Spotlight: The Reflections of Me by Tivona Elliott-Clark

My Life- “ The Reflections of Me…Livin’ my life through poetry”

When you look into my life what do you see?
Eyes full of mystery
A life of luxury
I hate to disappoint you...
My life I can hardly bare
What you think you see...is not there
I'm just being me
Smiling through the pain
Loving through the hurt
My life isn't what you think
I'm just being tough
Skin so thick... you can't cut it with a knife
Mind so sharp... like a thief in the night
My life is like glass... you can see straight through it
And you wonder how I do it
Giving all grace to God
I will continue the path I'm on
Living right... standing tall... and putting up with it all
If God meant for me to break
He wouldn't have built me this way
My life is not grand... but here is where I stand
Pushing through each day
Pushing through the pain
Trying to figure out how to live a better way
Striving to live life abundantly, as God said we could
Striving down this path of life
Keeping my head held high
My life isn't all glitter and gold
It's what I'm living for
I'm determined to live a better way
Life is too short, to worry about the next
When you can live your life like the best
Don't worry about how I live my life
I can only live life for me
For I only have one life to live

Meet Tivona Elliot-Clark

Tivona Elliott-Clark, which many also know her as Lady V, is an author, poet, motivational speaker, author consultant, Event coordinator, travel agent, Co-Owner of Elliott Night Professionals, and CEO of Fast Life On the Move Radio Network.  Although she wears many hats, her goal is to empower, enrich, and encourage others to do great things.  Being diagnosed with Lupus in 2010, she was determined to not allow her sickness to stop her from doing what she loved to do.  Tivona published her first book “Livin’ the Fast Life” in 2010 and although she sold plenty of books, she was not satisfied.  Being ripped off by the publishing company, she was determined to make her presence known in the industry and not allow other authors to be taken advantage of.  In 2013 she republished her first book, and continued to grow in her craft.  Not stopping there, she went on to publish her poetry book “The Reflections of Me…Livin’ my life through poetry” where she took what she was going through and put them into poetry.  Between editing, and helping others produce their masterpieces she found a way to add another masterpiece to her list “The Un-Marritable”.  No matter what she goes through, she is determined to keep fighting and holding on to her faith.  She will never stop P.U.S.H.ing, and will continue to empower, enrich, and encourage others to keep P.U.S.H.ing, as well.

Whenever Tivona has the opportunity to read, she loves to read Danielle Steele, Maya Angelou, Terry McMillan, Zane, and James Patterson; just to name a few.  However, she has some of her favorite Indie Writers as well.  Although she loves to read, she loves to write even more.  At the age of ten, she found out how therapeutic writing could be.  Now it’s hard for her to put her pen down, and stop her mind from coming up with great stories that will keep the reader on the edge of their seat, but also give them hope.

Website

Facebook

Blog Talk Radio

Amazon

Book Spotlight: Oh My Gosh! There's a Mouse in My Mouse by Regina Hennegan

About the Author

My name is Regina Hennegan. An up and coming Author, Educator, Director and owner of my own Daycare for 20 years. Born and raised in Buffalo New York. A wife and a mother of 5 beautiful children and a grandmother of a beautiful granddaughter and a handsome grandson. I’ve always had a love for reading, my favorite books was a Tea Party For Frances and Curious George.

Now today, fifteen years later, I have published my first Children’s Book titled, Oh My Gosh! There’s A Mouse In My House. All praises to God For blessing me With the gift of writing and allowing me to share it with so many children. I pray each book will be a blessing to each person/child that reads it.

About the Book

Bobby is an Adventurous 10-year-old little boy who enjoys playing in his bedroom until an uninvited guest interrupts his day! Find out how Bobby's acts of kindness ends up helping everyone involved including the little-uninvited guest.

Purchase a copy

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17098466.Regina_Hennegan

https://twitter.com/reginah07091

https://www.facebook.com/gigibooks/

https://www.instagram.com/reginahennegan/

Book Spotlight: Are You Still Down by Paulette Jones

The me I am is the me I was born to be. It's my thing it's also how I live if I wasn't born to be this person then I wouldn't be here. It's that simple and it makes life so much more fun to live. It even drives my writing and the things I develop and released. My personal specifics are simple really, graduated high school, got my degree, found a job and started figuring out life. The realization that thirty-five was knocking on my door led me to sit down with my laptop and get out all the thoughts running through my head. For years like many others, I'm sure I found every reason not to write and now I can't seem to find a reason to stop. I'm a positive mind even when life isn't headed down a positive road anyone that knows me would agree with that. I genuinely love escaping into the world of words. May they be the ones of a new or favorite author or my very own I love the entire process.

I’m the one people would roll their eyes at for sure I love everything from Harry Potter to Fifty Shades. Maya Angelou made me read, but Authors and writers like Terry McMillian, Rochelle Alers and Brenda Barrett made me love the art of putting a story together. I’m pretty sure it’s been said but there is a beautiful art behind the written word in all forms and it captured me around ten years old and hasn’t let go yet. No matter what is going on in my life a good book can make everything better and that for sure is why I love to read, even more why I love creating with the hope that my words can be an escape for someone.

Connect with Paulette Jones

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/pjjones618

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Paulette-Jones/e/B00TH2TPY4

Website: www.wordsbyladyp.weebly.com

 “Taylor where have you been I have been calling you all day…are you working on your birthday you better not be I will come right to that hospital you know?”

“Case, calm down that is not good for you at all, I’m not working I didn’t work at all today does that make you happy.

Oh, well sorta well what are you doing then you didn’t sleep the day away did you?”

“No, actually I’m in East Linden I’ve been here all day actually since last night.”

“Wait…are you with a guy did you…are you sleeping with someone and not telling me.” She actually seemed shocked by the notation as if it was no possibility of me being with a guy which made me laugh.

“You know one of the best ways to go into labor is sex maybe you should get your husband to help you with those hormones of yours…and no I’m not sleeping with anyone…. I’m actually with Brandon.” She was quiet so long I had to check to make sure she was still there. Once she was responsive again I explained how I ended up with him and how he had made my day so relaxing and special without a lot of fuss or headaches.

“Taye I have to say this and you can’t get mad at me because it's true…. you and Brandon well can’t you see that you just keep ending up in this same place…stop fighting it Taye just let your heart do what it wants. You two belong together and if you keep tip-toeing around one another because of what happened in the past then you will never truly be happy you always fussed and fussed about me and Justin and until the day I said I do I didn’t really believe it. Taye you have to know that is where your heart belongs...Don’t make any hard decisions but just try Taye.”

Book Spotlight: Dream the Impossible Tristan Jackson

Author Tristan Jackson was born and raised in a section of Houston, Texas called 4th ward. She by having faith, hope, and perseverance obtained a Bachelors of Business Administration in Human Resource Management (2009) and Masters of Public Administration (2013) from Lamar University. Raised by a single parent, she determined to break the generational curses in her family. 

For the last 7 years, she has worked in Higher education as an Academic Advisor. Making sure that every student she comes in contact is aware of every opportunity available to them in college. 

God has allowed her the gift of writing. Though the path of Tristan Jackson life remains clouded by the mysterious mist of the future, of one thing she is sure:  no matter what her priorities in life may become, she will always keep God first.

She prays through her books, academic advising, speaking and helping, I want to inspire everyone to reach their dreams. I want to reach the silent voices in the world that are searching for hope. I am a witness to God’s favor and how you can rise above your situation.     

In addition to serving as a mentor and coach in her role as an academic advisor, Ms. Jackson is active in her community through her participation in hosting events like, Back to School Prayer Care of Love (toiletry drive for seniors), Pre-Mother’s Day Dinner and College 101 prep event.

  

All of my books are inspirational and motivational. My favorite authors are Maya Angelou, Joel Osteen, Oprah Winfrey, and Carl Weber. Why I love to write. Everyone is different so obviously my reasons are going to be different from others.Writing isn’t just putting words on a page or screen, it’s all of my thoughts, feelings and ideas displayed in a coherent way; I do this not only for others, but for myself. I write because it’s the best, and sometimes only way, to fully understand what I’m feeling and why. I write to make the things that don’t make sense a little more comprehensible. I write to help make myself feel better. I write to inspire and motivate dreamers. I write to leave a legacy for my future children and next generation.  I write to motivate people and to help make them feel better about themselves. I write in hopes that others will realize that they really are not as alone as they may feel. I write because the thought of making just one person feel better, or happier or simply just smile, makes me happy.

Connect with Tristan Jackson

Website: www.tjinspires.com

Facebook: TJInspires

Instagram: TJInspires

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Tristan-L-Jackson/e/B015ME11LK

Dream the Impossible released August 2015. Tristan Jackson is using the Dream the Impossible as a platform to help shape the lives of  youth and young adults in Texas and across the globe. Many people doubted Tristan Jackson would ever succeed in life, but she has proven them wrong on so many levels. Some said she wouldn’t graduate high school, but she did. Her educational pursuits went even further with her receiving a Bachelor’s degree, soon to be followed by a Master’s degree in Public Administration, which she received in August.2013. Others tried to destroy her self-esteem, not knowing that her personal pride and strong self-worth would one day help her overcome the many obstacles she faced throughout her childhood and most of her adult life.

Dream the Impossible, chronicles key life-changing moments in the life of main character, Tristan Jackson. Tristan Jackson overcomes a life of shame, single parent home, self-esteem issues, verbal abuse, test anxiety and even a kidnapping – all while keeping her dreams of becoming more than her situation alive.

Book Spotlight: The Make-Believe Wives by Darliss Batchelor

Meet Darliss Batchelor

Darliss Batchelor is a wife, mother and grandmother. I am a former Computer Lead Analyst/Programmer with a degree in Computer Science. I have authored four books so far: Secrets, Hell is a Skyscraper: A Trio of Novelettes, Something Else to Want and my most recent release, The Make-Believe Wives. Additionally, I help authors bring their book publishing dreams to reality through my publishing business Word in Due Season Publishing, LLC.

What I like to read/write: My reading preferences are simple. I love fiction. There are numerous authors I love but some my favorites are: Victoria Christopher-Murray, ReShonda Tate-Billingsley, Frank Peretti, Melinda Michelle, Chicki Brown, Terri Blackstock, Angela Hunt and Terry McMillan. Two of my favorite books are Temptation and The Deal, The Dance and The Devil. Temptation was the first faith-based book I ever read. The Deal, The Dance and The Devil is a book I wish I had written. It was awesome on too many levels to describe.

Connect with Darliss
               Website: www.DarlissBatchelor.com
               Facebook: www.Facebook.com/BooksbyDarliss
               Amazon Author Page: www.amazon.com/author/DarlissBatchelor

The Make-Believe Wives

Chapter 1 Excerpt:

Janay slammed the glass into the bottom of the sink and watched it break into a million pieces. She chased it with two plates and a bowl that were within reach. No need to worry about washing those. Frightened by the noise, her baby girl screamed and she joined her. Unlike Naomi, Janay’s scream was from sheer frustration. She pulled herself together and went to gather her daughter from the adjoining family room. Naomi raised her arms as her mother approached and Janay picked her up. Once comforted, the toddler wiggled to get back to her playtime. Janay returned her to the center of the toys she had spread out over the family room floor and exhaled.
Her husband, Evan, had taken Nahla and Nia out for a daddy-daughter day. Naomi was too young for today’s activity. Janay returned to the kitchen and stared at the glass and ceramic gumbo in the sink. She picked up a few of the larger pieces of glass and sat them on the granite countertop, mentally adding resealing it to her already overloaded to-do list. She remembered literally vibrating with excitement when they bought this stone. Now, it brought tears.

Janay went to the bathroom to wash her face, hoping it would make her feel better. She pulled the plush fire engine red face towel from the bar and ran cold water over it. Looking in the mirror, she noticed the frustration etched in her face and the tent city that had formed below her eyes. These had become her constant companions. She patted the area with the cold towel and went back to the family room to check on Naomi. Her routine had gotten old.

Purchase Links
Nook

Print: http://bit.ly/2syQE5p

Ebook: http://amzn.to/2uvChi2

Book Spotlight: Emotions of the Tazz-Manian Devil by Tazz

Lisa D. Williams a.k.a Tazz was born February 17 in East Meadow NY. Raised in Roosevelt Long Island NY she is the youngest of 4 kids. Writing in my early teens as a hobby, life threw her a curb ball and she stopped writing for 14 years. Finding her passion again for writing, she started back writing again in August 2016. Being able to put her feelings on paper and a special someone seeing something in her; she chose to pursue her hand in writing. Continuing to write, her goal is to progress in her writing. Where she plans to go from here, is to continue to write and let her inner me be heard. Whenever she feels down and out and ready to give up, she remembers Philippians 4:19; I can do all things, through Christ which strengthens me. Determined to be someone great, she continues to press until she reaches her highest peak. She presents to you: Emotions of the Tazz-Manian Devil.

Tazz loves to read Elan Harris, Maya Angelou, and Terry woods; just to name a few.  These authors continue to inspire her to express her inner emotions.  She loves to read for relaxation.  Growing up, all she could think about was being a writer, so she could one day inspire others with her word play.  Although writing allows her to relieve her emotions, she will not stop encouraging others to step outside their comfort zone.

I’m So Addicted To You

I’m so addicted to you

These feelings…I’ve never been through

I’ve never touched…seen…felt…made love…or even kissed you

Your mental conversation…has me addicted

The way you make me feel inside…it’s a feeling…I can’t hide

Your love captivates me…has me on cloud 9

Asking me over and over again…why I can’t let you go…can’t we just be friends

To be honest…without you in my life…it’s like having no air to breathe…I would rather die

I’m not talking about a physical death…but the death of my heart

Every time I hear you name or think of you…it still beats the same

I know God will give you everything you pray for

It’s just so hard to prove to you…God made no mistakes…when he created you

Creating you just for me…with no regrets

So you ask…is what I feel for you real

Yes…it is

He has opened my eyes to see…what is for me…won’t come easily

And that’s why I will continue to show you day by day…I’m yours…and I’m here to stay

These are the many reasons…I’m so addicted to you

http://www.elliottnightprofessionals.com/copy-of-master-page-2

https://www.facebook.com/TazzIncENP/

Book Spotlight:The Allurement of Apollo by Apollo The Dreamer

Robert C. Sua a.k.a. Apollo The Dreamer is a poet, author, performer, and urban clothes designer. Performing in various venues in his home state of North Carolina, he continues to venture out as he takes his writing and apparel on the road with him.  He is the author of Apollo’s Abyss, The Allurement of Apollo, and now releasing his third book Summer Nights.  He plans on continuously adding to his Allurement Collection.  When he is not with his family, friends, writing, or working on new ideas for his brand, he travels the country; gaining new inspiration, from life experiences.  No matter what he goes through in life, he will continue to find ways to incorporate lessons into his life.

The things Apollo enjoys reading is nothing similar to his writing.  He enjoys articles relating to politics, social issues, and spiritual awareness.  He also enjoys African history and stories of Kings.  He’s a conspiracy theorist; so most of his time reading is spent finding fact or fiction about world events.  Apollo writes to self-express, and reflect on himself.  Although he’s not perfect, his writing gives him a chance to get a glance at the man in the mirror.  Having the ability to transpose his thoughts and ideas into poems, allow his readers to compare and contrast; giving his readers a different spin to a situation, and taking words, as he puts them in motion.  For Apollo, reading is fundamental.  

Frustration

What happens when your patience turns into frustration...from that frustration grows anger... unsettled anger…you begin to feel the rage...starting to feel your dreams have been caged…the goals you set for yourself…seem too far way to be obtained…all the things you told yourself…you try to obtain…telling yourself…you will try to find better ways…when all you want are results…but things are no longer in your hands…but things are no longer in your hands…the idea of starting over again…when you don’t have much to your name…liquor no longer affects your liver…the taste of beer is no longer bitter…you question if revenge would be a lil sweeter…am I wrong to allow these thoughts to linger…everyone around me is moving along…and life seems to continue…all you’re left with are views of the things you desire…as you stare out this window…quiets nights praying to God…telling yourself…all you have to do is…continue to push through…constantly rubbing these dimes and nickels…questioning yourself…what more can you do…encouraging words…no longer seem to seep through…knowing you’re only human…knowing the difference between right and wrong…but the lines get blurred…you feel they need to feel you…an eye for an eye…we’re losing our sight…due to your lack of awareness…you don’t know how you've changed my life…never been here before…forced to see things in the darkest of nights…standing alone under the moon…there were no stars…only the moonlight…a few dreams I’ve never dreamt…ensuring you…they’ve caused fright…moments left to decipher…exactly what they’ve meant…posed questions with no answers…left with thoughts like these.

http://www.elliottnightprofessionals.com/apollo-the-dreamer

https://www.facebook.com/apollotd/

 

Book Spotlight: From The Ashes- “A Phoenix Never Dies by Makala Taylor

From The Ashes- “A Phoenix Never Dies

I’ve been beaten

I’ve been abused

I’ve been molested

I’ve been told I would never be loved

Told I was too fat to have value

Told I’m too masculine looking

Too girlie to be aggressive

Too dominant to be submissive

Unlovable

Not a good friend

Not a good mate

Confused

Flirtatious…but why

I receive love…but why

I always get what I want…but why

Compliments left and right…but why

You want to know why?

Just like a phoenix…

Engulfed in flames

Unattractive

Crumbling…for the time being

Running into ashes under the pressure

Rising from the ashes…

You can behold the beauty…that is the phoenix

Behold the beauty…that is me

Though my past has made me emotionally and mentally unattractive

I’ve set a blaze

All negative moments that comes to mind

In hopes my positive attributes arise from the ashes

It will not only rejuvenate me…but allow others to see

For a rebirth to happen…you need to die to yourself

I have done this

Now…I can come forth rising from the ashes of my circumstances and past

Makala Taylor is an Authoress, born and raised in Louisiana. She was determined to fulfill her dreams of becoming a published Author; determined to show others, it's never too late to pursue your dream. Although it wasn’t easy, her perseverance and determination made that dream come true.  She is a mother to a beautiful daughter who she instilled “the go get it” mentality; teaching her, things in life isn’t given but earned, and the only way to earn it is to work hard for it. Nervous about her next move, she became a Radio Personality “Luscious Lips” for Fast Life on the Move; a platform, which has afforded her many opportunities, to interact with diverse individuals.   

In her book collection, you will find a magnitude of different genres of books. However, first on that list will always be Edgar Allen Poe. His way with words inspired me to write. Although he was considered dark and morbid, I think he was a writer who was misunderstood. Next on my list is Maya Angelou. Her ability to write about significant issues with the raw emotion, she inspired me to keep my poetry open, raw, and full of detail. Last on my list is Zane. She feeds my erotic imagination; always making it a point to give out story lines, that make you wish you were there. This is where she also got her determination, to write erotic short stories.

When Makala started writing poetry, it was the therapy she needed; considering, she wasn’t encouraged to express her emotions, but suppress it.  Once she started writing, she felt the weight of life immediately leave her body. No one should ever have to suppress their thoughts and emotions; in fear of it not being relatable, or accepted. Although she writes for herself, she feels like the voice of those who can’t, and won’t speak up; in fear of not being heard.

Makala loves to read because it keeps her mind sharp and alert.  She never quite understood what her teacher meant, when she would say “Reading is fundamental,” but as an adult she understands now. If she didn’t like to read, it would be a lot of missed opportunities and her poetry would be a jigsaw puzzle. For her, reading is for mental pleasure and enlightening her mind more than it already is.

http://www.elliottnightprofessionals.com/makala-taylor

https://www.facebook.com/AuthoressMakalaTaylor 

                               

Book Spotlight: The Reflections of Me by Tivona Elliott-Clark

Tivona Elliott-Clark, which many also know her as Lady V, is an author, poet, motivational speaker, author consultant, Event coordinator, travel agent, Co-Owner of Elliott Night Professionals, and CEO of Fast Life On the Move Radio Network.  Although she wears many hats, her goal is to empower, enrich, and encourage others to do great things.  Being diagnosed with Lupus in 2010, she was determined to not allow her sickness to stop her from doing what she loved to do.  Tivona published her first book “Livin’ the Fast Life” in 2010 and although she sold plenty of books, she was not satisfied.  Being ripped off by the publishing company, she was determined to make her presence known in the industry and not allow other authors to be taken advantage of.  In 2013 she republished her first book, and continued to grow in her craft.  Not stopping there, she went on to publish her poetry book “The Reflections of Me…Livin’ my life through poetry” where she took what she was going through and put them into poetry.  Between editing, and helping others produce their masterpieces she found a way to add another masterpiece to her list “The Un-Marritable”.  No matter what she goes through, she is determined to keep fighting and holding on to her faith.  She will never stop P.U.S.H.ing, and will continue to empower, enrich, and encourage others to keep P.U.S.H.ing, as well.

Whenever Tivona has the opportunity to read, she loves to read Danielle Steele, Maya Angelou, Terry McMillan, Zane, and James Patterson; just to name a few.  However, she has some of her favorite Indie Writers as well.  Although she loves to read, she loves to write even more.  At the age of ten, she found out how therapeutic writing could be.  Now it’s hard for her to put her pen down, and stop her mind from coming up with great stories that will keep the reader on the edge of their seat, but also give them hope.

My Life- “ The Reflections of Me…Livin’ my life through poetry”

When you look into my life what do you see?
Eyes full of mystery
A life of luxury
I hate to disappoint you...
My life I can hardly bare
What you think you see...is not there
I'm just being me
Smiling through the pain
Loving through the hurt
My life isn't what you think
I'm just being tough
Skin so thick... you can't cut it with a knife
Mind so sharp... like a thief in the night
My life is like glass... you can see straight through it
And you wonder how I do it
Giving all grace to God
I will continue the path I'm on
Living right... standing tall... and putting up with it all
If God meant for me to break
He wouldn't have built me this way
My life is not grand... but here is where I stand
Pushing through each day
Pushing through the pain
Trying to figure out how to live a better way
Striving to live life abundantly, as God said we could
Striving down this path of life
Keeping my head held high
My life isn't all glitter and gold
It's what I'm living for
I'm determined to live a better way
Life is too short, to worry about the next
When you can live your life like the best
Don't worry about how I live my life
I can only live life for me
For I only have one life to live

http://www.elliottnightprofessionals.com/tivona-elliott

https://www.facebook.com/madampresidentladyv/

www.blogtalkradio.com/fastlifeonthemove