Virtual Book Tour: Breathe for Me by Terri Whitmire

Please join author Terri Whitmire as she tours the blogosphere with Write Now Literary Book Tours and his new release Breathe For Me November 7-18, 2016.

ISBN-10: 146633858X

ISBN-13: 978-1466338586

Book Title: Breathe for Me

Genre: Christian Romance

Book Release Date: October 1, 2016

About The Author

Terri Whitmire loves crafting inspirational, romance novels that reflect real life. She enjoys keeping her readers on the edge of their seats with her memorable characters and suspenseful plot. An accomplished author, instructor, and writing consultant, Whitmire earned her writing certification in 1999 from the Institute of Children's Literature. After writing several children’s stories, she wrote a series of compelling, fictional books that won the hearts of her young adult and mature readers.

In 2012, Terri was recognized as one of the top 50 emerging authors in Georgia. Her story, The Crooked Path, was published in Trillium Literary Journal. As the owner of Fun Creative Writing, Whitmire facilitates innovative after-school and national online enrichment programs for young writers. Terri's premiere online writing program was launched in 2016, bringing invaluable tools to students across the country. Additionally, she consults fellow aspiring and seasoned authors on the Road to Publication. Terri and her wonderful husband, Will, have three beautiful children and live in Marietta, Georgia.

Interview Questions

Tell us about your book?  This is the story of Tara Fowler who never really received the love she so desired, especially from her alcoholic mother.  Her deepest desire is to break free from the insanity she calls life. But with each step she takes, her demons are right there. Even with the man of her dreams and a new life on horizon, something is still missing.  

How did you come up with idea for this book? I wanted to write a story about a child who grew up in an alcoholic home.  One of my favorite uncles became an alcoholic. My bedroom window was up front, and he used to show up at our house yelling in the driveway. One late evening I peeked out and saw him stumbling drunk and arguing. I felt so sad for him and wondered how he became that way.  Also, my husband’s mom was an alcoholic and she lost her kids because of her inability to care for them.  I wanted to explore this further and also to help kids realize it is not their fault. God will place the perfect people in your life to help restore you. 

What was the most difficult aspect of writing this book?  The most difficult part was when I had to go into the deranged head of Maggie Fowler, the abusive mother. My readers tell me they wished she would get run over by a car and die in chapter two.  They hated her so much, that I decided to write book two that explained her backstory.

Why do you write? I write because I have a pressing story to tell. I’m not one of those people that has to write every day, although I do for my professional clients.  However, a story has to really way heavy on my heart for me to commit that much emotional and physical energy to write a novel. So far I’ve done it five times.  

What valuable lessons do you want readers to learn from your book? I want my readers to know that the sun will shine again. There is always a way to turn a bad situation around and God is always working on our behalf.

Who are your favorite authors?  Alice Walker, Terri Blackstock, Barabara Kingsolver, Maya Angelou.

What book(s) are you reading now? I’m actually reading a client’s manuscript.  Her name is Marsha Malcolm. I worked with her on her first book His Last Hope, which won best African American Christian Fiction. I’m working on book three now. The last book I read before that was Queen Sugar. It’s a really smart family drama that is now a television series on Oprah Winfreys’ OWN network

What books have most influenced your life?  The Poisonwood Bible made me want to become a writer.  It is the story of a white Christian family who become missionaries in the African Congo.  It was colorful, plot driven, and brilliantly written. I also really enjoyed the Left Behind Series. This was written with drama and suspense. 

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?   Terry Blackstock has been remarkably successful.  We have similar writing styles.  I love how she interacts with her readers and consistently keeps her books to the forefront of their mind with giveaways and contests.

10. Any advice to give to aspiring writers? Find a consultant/mentor, study the craft of writing, and don’t be afraid to put your work out there.  Always be ready to receive feedback and always keep your emotions neutral. Not too high, not too low.

About The Book

Abandoned by her father and neglected by her mother, will Tara ever find someone to love? What she desires most is what her heart chases away. Breathe for Me, an inspirational novel that shares one young girls path to love.

Social link

Website:  http://www.TerriWhitmire.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/tnwhitmire

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/terri.whitmire

  

Purchase links

Barnes & Noble: http://tinyurl.com/hr52ymh

Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/jf8mc87

Tour hosted by Write Now Literary Book Tours

Follow Terri on tour http://wnlbooktours.com/terri-whitmire/

New Release: The Final Ultimatum by Unoma Nwankwor

Please join author Unoma Nwankwor as she tours the blogosphere with Write Now Literary Book Tours and her new release The Final Ultimatum, October 21, 2016.

Book Title: The Final Ultimatum

ASIN: B01LQO2F60

Author: Unoma Nwankwor

Publication Date:  Oct 21, 2016

Genre: Christian Romance

About The Book

For the second time in Olanma Obinze-Rice’s life love hasn’t been good to her. Five years ago, a repossessed car and the looming threat of eviction, left Olanma Obinze-Rice in dire need of cash. Then out of the blue, she landed an interview of a lifetime that would solve all her problems. But she had to go through former bad boy and heir of Rice Holdings, Abayomi Rice. One ultimatum, a whirlwind romance and a life scare later, Olanma and Abayomi were married.

Now all Olanma wants is to be free. Free from her rocky marriage, manipulative husband and overbearing father. If everything goes according to plan, she’ll be divorced and free from her father’s clutches by her thirtieth birthday. All she has to do is wrap up one last business deal. Once he gets divorce papers, Abayomi Rice knows his wife has called his bluff. He didn’t mean to manipulate her but her broken promises and inability to stand up to her father tore them apart.

Despite their present state, the finality of a divorce is not an option. He wants his wife back. With his sister’s wedding coming up, he sets his plan in motion and issues one final ultimatum- pretend to be a happy couple one last time. Their farce leads to unexpected healing of their hearts, but then life throws another wrench in the plan. An ultimatum brought them together will this final one tear them apart?

About The Author

Born in Akron, Ohio to Nigerian parents, Unoma Nwankwor is a multi-published author and 2015 winner of the Nigerian Writers’ Award for Best Faith Based Fiction. Her readers are in love with her unique story telling that fuses faith, romance and African spice, capturing the essence of her present home base; Atlanta and her Nigerian culture. She is also the COO ofKevStel Group LLC and resides in Atlanta with her husband and two kids.

Excerpt

“Nma, so where’s this husband you keep saying you have?” Abayomi heard the man say as he approached.

Olanma giggled and then abruptly stopped. Abayomi knew that in that moment she sensed his presence. She turned sideways, but the man she was with was so busy checking her out that he didn’t see Abayomi walk up.

“If he’s not taking care of…”

“I hear you’re looking for me and I take care of my wife just fine.” Abayomi came to a halt between Olanma and the man.

The look of shock on both their faces was satisfying. Nma? He couldn’t believe she allowed another man to call her that. Not even her father called her “beauty.” Only two people had that privilege – he and her grandmother. Or so he thought.

Abayomi snaked his arm around his wife’s waist and kissed her hair. He then stretched out his other hand to the man. “Abayomi Rice, said husband.”

The expression on the man’s face switched from shock to embarrassment. At least he had some shame.

After a few moments, he heard his wife say, “Yomi, this is Emeka Maduka, an old friend.”

Old friend? That’s what she thought. The man wanted her. Abayomi wasn’t fooled. He wrote the book on old friends. It was time to cut this little reunion short. “It was nice meeting you. I’ll take my wife now.”

Abayomi didn’t wait for a response before he ushered Olanma out of the ballroom. He found a secluded area where they could talk. He stared at her and began to pace. He had never been good at hiding his possessive nature.

“Yomi, that was rude and what are you doing here?” Olanma asked in a hushed whisper.

“Apparently, reminding you that you’re still my wife.”

She stared at him in disbelief. “No, I’m not doing this with you.”

“Really? Nma,” Abayomi said, his tone laced with irritation and sarcasm.

“You’ve got some nerve. You pop into Lagos two days ago, and then you don’t come home…” Her voice was shaky with rage. “I’m not doing this with you. Not here.” She began to walk away.

Abayomi exhaled. He was messing this up. “Olanma, wait.”

She stopped, but didn’t turn around.

“I’m sorry. I saw him touch you and then you laughed with him. I haven’t heard that sound in ages and I saw red.”

He hadn’t meant to reveal all that, but masked feelings were what had brought them to this point. If there was going to be a chance for them, they would have to lay down the masks. And since he was the one that was served with divorce papers, he had to take the first step. His prayer was that his vulnerability would lead them back to the intimacy they once shared. Where their souls were tied as one and hopefully rebuild their trust. He hoped she would see that.

Olanma walked back to him and stared at him intently. “It’s been a year. What did you expect? That I’d curl up and die?” She turned and walked away.

Her heated eyes showed him her soul. She was hurt, but so was he. This wasn’t what he imagined for them. Past the pain and anger he saw in her eyes, he also saw longing and love. It was clearer to him that restoring his marriage would be an uphill battle. Losing, however, wasn’t an option.

Connect Socially

Website        Facebook      Twitter   

Amazon  (Kindle)       ITunes, Nook, Kobo 

Tour hosted by Write Now Literary Book Tours

Follow the Tour 

Author Interview with Pat Simmons

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

Pat: I’m multi-published with 30 Christian titles. I’m a two-time recipient of the Emma Rodgers Award for Best Inspirational Romance and have been a featured speaker and workshop presenter at various venues across the country.

As a self-proclaimed genealogy sleuth, I’m passionate about researching my ancestors and then casting them in starring roles in my novels. As a Christian, I describe the evidence of the gift of the Holy Ghost as an amazing, unforgettable, life-altering experience. God is the Author who advances my stories.

Currently, I oversee the media publicity for the annual RT Booklovers Conventions. I hold a bachelor’s of science in mass communications from Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts.

Here’s the fun part about me. I’ve converted my sofa-strapped, sports fanatic husband into an amateur travel agent, untrained bodyguard, GPS-guided chauffeur, and administrative assistant who is constantly on probation. We have a son and a daughter.

LaToya: What are your ambitions for your writing career?

Pat: I want each book to be better than the last.

LaToya: Which writers inspire you?

Pat: For fiction, Brenda Jackson and Beverly Jenkins. These two women have worked hard to reach the success they have today. I’m proud to personally know them. Non-fiction, Isabel Wilkerson, the first African American woman to win a Pulitzer Prize.

LaToya: What are you working on at the minute?

Pat: JET The Back Story to Love Led By the Spirit. It’s an emotional short story.

LaToya: What genre are your books and why?

Pat: Christian romance, because Christ inspires me in this genre.

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

Pat:  Inspiring stories about redemption, love, hope and happy endings

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

Pat: I would like to see some fresh African American faces. There are so many talented actors/actresses that only need a break.

LaToya: When did you decide to become a writer?

Pat: Two answers. I gave it some thought when I worked in radio as talk host. I had the opportunity to interview some great authors like Brenda Jackson, Travis Hunter and the late Francis Ray. I also wanted to read romance stories that were about romance and not the sex. Since those stories were hard to find, I decided to write them myself, and I learned I wasn’t the only one looking for authentic Christian romance.

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

Pat: Full-time

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

Pat: I prefer to write in the morning and start by ten o’clock. Before I do anything else, I read and study my Bible, then I eat or go for a short walk with my husband. I try to answer emails and post an inspiration quote on FB. Once I’m writing, I try to stay off social media and not answer emails until I’ve finished a chapter or scene.

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

Pat: I’m a scene-by-scene writer. Sometimes, that could be five pages or two chapters. It depends on how draining the scene.

LaToya: Where do your ideas come from?

Pat: People, the news, conversations, anywhere

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

Pat: Because I have multiple releases throughout the year, I leaned on outlines more. I usually follow the outline until about chapter seven. By then, usually the story takes over.

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

Pat: I’ve learned the craft through content, copy, and line editors through my publishers and free-lance. Plus, proofreaders.

LaToya: What is the hardest thing about writing?

Pat: When the scenes and dialogues are flowing, but I can’t get to my laptop, either because I’m trying to sleep (for real), or I’m doing other things.

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

Pat: EVERY WOMAN NEEDS A PRAYING MAN was six weeks late because of my lazy writing. I had skipped crucial scenes in the story and didn’t realize it until my editor pointed it out. I can’t believe I have the couple getting married without officially going on a date. I rectified that!

LaToya: What is the easiest thing about writing?

Pat: Knowing I can inspire a reader’s relationship with the Lord and give readers a happy ending no matter how complex the story line.

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

Pat: It depends on the deadline set by the publisher or me. Usually 3-4 months for a novel. Two months for a novella.

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

Pat: Honest answer: wherever God leads me. That could mean I’m still writing, or He has touched me to do something different.

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

Pat: Don’t quit your day job, because it takes money to invest in yourself to be successful.

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

Pat: My second-great grandmother Charlotte Jamison Wilkerson. She was born into slavery, but died a free woman living in the background of a former slaveholder. I would love to hear her story.

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

Pat: I never thought about it.

LaToya: What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Pat: read other authors’ work and learn from great and bad writing; attend workshops/conferences; and don’t release anything without professional editing. I have more writer tips on my website.

Connect with me:

Website: www.patsimmons.net

Blog: http://www.patsimmons.net/#!conventionnotesblogspotcom/clw6

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/patsimmonsauthor

https://www.facebook.com/theguiltyseries

https://www.facebook.com/LoveattheCrossroads?ref=hl

https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Carmen-Series/842963302426493?ref=hl

Twitter: https://twitter.com/patsimmons

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/profile/public-profile-settings?trk=prof-edit-edit-public_profile

Pinterest: pinterest.com/patsimmonsbooks/

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Pat-Simmons/e/B002BOI01O/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/patsimmonsauthor

Purchase Links for EVERY WOMAN NEEDS A PRAYING MAN:

Amazon: http://goo.gl/lz7Znv

Nook: http://goo.gl/byv7kX

iTunes:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1095068139

Author Interview with Rose Beavers

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

Rose: I am the Chief Executive Officer of Priority Books Publications. I grew up in East St.

Louis, Illinois and received my Bachelor and Master degrees from Illinois State and Southern

Illinois Universities. I love working with teens and have received many awards and recognition

for my work with youth empowerment and publishing. I love writing and worked as a freelance

writer for A-Magazine, a St. Louis Publication, The Spanish Lake Word Newspaper, and as an

Opinion Shaper for the North County Journal Newspaper. I have been married for 32 years to Cedric, and we have one daughter, Adeesha. I have authored nine books and published over 100 books for 30 authors.

LaToya: What are your ambitions for your writing career?

Rose: I would like to spend my life writing solely as a living. I would love to travel across the country, meeting many readers who enjoy my books.

LaToya: Which writers inspire you?

Rose: I am inspired by writers who are not afraid to share their experiences and are transparent; writers such as (name a few known writers and their books. I am also inspired by first-time authors who are determined to complete their book, become published, and are successful.

LaToya: What are you working on at the minute?

Rose: I’m in the process of completing two Christian Romance fiction books entitled Broken Spirit and Waiting on Love. In addition, I plan to release a self-help book entitled, Finding the Right Man based on what I learned from my dad.

LaToya: What genre are your books and why?

Rose: I’m proud to say I write in all genres. I love writing Teen fiction because I

encourage them through stories of situations they are facing. I love Christian Romance.

It’s something beautiful about writing love stories. I enjoy writing inspirational content because readers are searching for a higher spiritual connection.

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

Rose: “Rose represents sweet smelling savor.”

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

most recent book?

Rose: I would love for Angela Basset to play the lead character of my book entitled A Sinner’s Cry.

LaToya: When did you decide to become a writer?

Rose: I decided to become a writer at the age of nine. I was telling stories and writing letters

to everyone.

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

Rose: I wrote full-time for two years then decided to return to the work force.

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

Rose: No, I do not have a special writing hour. I write throughout each day. I may write 3,000 words over lunch. Then after dinner, I spend time with my family and write another 3,000 words before retiring for the evening.

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

Rose: No, I do not aim for a set amount of words. I write when the characters enter my head and began speaking.

LaToya: Where do your ideas come from?

Rose: My ideas come from my occupation, my family, and stories I hear from the news.

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

you?

Rose: No, I feel restricted if I tried to write to an outline. I flow better letting the words come

out naturally.

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

Rose: I write better. I also have learned what my readers like and I try to give them stories I

feel they will enjoy and find strength in resolving similar issues in their own lives.

LaToya: What is the hardest thing about writing?

Rose: The hardest thing about writing is editing your work and finishing the story because it is

easy to keep going on, but at some point you have to close it out.

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

Rose: The hardest thing about writing my latest book was writing in third person. I loved the flow I had in first person better so I changed it back to first person.

LaToya: What is the easiest thing about writing?

Rose: The easiest thing about writing is creating stories. My family is large and there’s much to write about.

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

Rose: It takes me about a month to write a novella. It takes about three months to write a full story.

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

Rose: I see myself as a successful well-known writer in 5 years’ time.

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

Rose: Though I’ve done much of what I had planned to do as a child, I would advise the younger me to journal daily about what I’ve done, why it was done, how I felt about what was done and the time of day it was done rather than journaling the months and days only.

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

Rose: I would like to meet President Obama and Oprah. I think the president handled himself

very well given the hate that surrounded him. He spent eight years fighting a battle of  White men who hated that a black man was running the country and doing a good job. Also, he

implemented the Affordable Care Act, known as Obamacare for everyone to receive healthcare. 

As far as Oprah, she suffered much adversity and still is one of the most

successful women in the world.

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

and why?

Rose: If I could have authored any book, it would have been the Bible. It is one of the most interesting stories ever and everything from love to drama resides in the pages. Almost every home has a Bible or know about it. The words heal, help, and encourage, I want my stories to do the same.

LaToya: What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Rose: I would advise an aspiring author to just do it. We all have stories to tell, but the author did the one thing most folk don’t do; they finished writing it.

Connect with Rose:

Website: www.rosejacksonbeavers.com

Blog: www.prioritybooks.blogspot.com and www.rosebooks.blogspot.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/rose.jacksonbeavers

Twitter: @ROSBEAV

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rose-jackson-beavers-968b342?

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/rosbeav03/

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Rose-Jackson-Beavers/e/B002GBCFVI/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/868311.Rose_Jackson_Beavers

Purchase Links:

http://www.amazon.com/Sinners-Cry-Rose-Jackson-Beavers-ebook/dp/B006PIMPTA/