Transforming Your Prayers Into Praise

Are you looking for a closer walk with God?  Need answers to your life questions. Then I invite you to join me for the Transforming Your Prayers Into Praise 90 Day Prayer Warrior Challenge. It takes at least 21 days for an activity to become a habit. Prayer should be a lifetime habit and something you practice every day.

Matthew 18:20 (NIV) For where 2 or 3 are gathered in my name there I am with them.”

God desires for us to come together in unity. Which is why I challenge each of you to join me with the challenge and to share it with others. God has a process set for how and when he will answer or prayers. It is important to remember that we must pray without ceasing even when we do not receive immediate results.

The challenge will include the following:

Thanking God: Began with thanking God for what you already have. By thanking him your heart remains open to hear from him and shows your appreciation for him and unlocks the fullness of life.

Prayer: Prayer is the simplest form of communication with God and it shows that we trust and have faith in his word.

Praise: Praise is the joyful thanking and adoring of God, the celebration of His goodness and grace.

Study the word: Working though the books of Psalms and Proverbs for wisdom and encouragement.

Final thought: This highlights one main idea or verse and will help tie your time back to your prayer life.

Go Deeper: This allows you to thank for your blessings. You should have at least 270 blessings listed after these 90 days.

Journal: Journal your prayer request and what you are experiencing through the challenge.

If you’re looking to jump start your prayer life or take it to the next level then I invite you to join the challenge. I desire for you to email me what you are looking to receive as you work through the challenge and when you have finished it to please send me an email and share your story of what you have learned.

I love hearing how prayer has blessed and changed someone’s life. With your permission I would like to share your prayer testimony on my site with others as inspiration on why it is important to prayer. If you have any questions please contact me at: prayerchallenge@latoyamurchison.com .

Day 16

Giveaway: A Praying Heart Audiobook

I am giving away 4 copies of my Audiobook A Praying Heart. Names will be randomly chosen for those entered in the contest form.
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Nigeria Lockley: How I Went From Author to CEO in a Year

I Went From Author to CEO in a Year

The greatest plans are the plans that you don’t make for yourself. The greatest plans are the ones inspired by the Lord. My own plans for my writing career were basically write, publish, write some more, and publish. When I say publish I mean have a publisher take care of each project for me and promote each project for me.

However, reality sunk in once I got my first deal—I’m the promoter, I’m have to find and work with the editor, I am my team.

That should have motivated me to do my own thing, but it didn’t really. My experience with my publisher was missing some things, but I still wanted someone to be in charge of the release of my future books. That is up until I was selected for Jury duty late February. Suddenly I felt very industrious and started setting up Inheritance Books.

After I received my logo I showed my logo to my sister. She liked it, but she asked me why I was creating a publishing company when I already had a publisher. My response was, “I don’t know, but I feel like there’s a hole and I want to fill it.” I genuinely didn’t know why I was doing what I doing until two days after that conversation with my sister when my publisher announced that they were cutting the Christian Fiction line. There was the hole that Inheritance Books was designed filled to fill and now I’m preparing to publish books that entertain and edify. Starting with our first release Tempted to Touch.

Inheritance Books is more than just books. We will be hosting webinars (for all kinds of dream chasers) starting in December with a full scale launch in 2016. As well as online workshops for authors because I want you to #GetyourInheritance too! At heart I’m a teacher. I can’t help but want to share the knowledge I have and encourage others to step out in faith to reach for their goals. It’s certainly a new approach to publishing, but God is doing a new thing. Since the publication of my first novel, Born at Dawn I have learned that while the door is open it’s best to walk through it.

For more information about Inheritance Books visit:

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Make sure you support Inheritance Books by Pre-ordering our first release Tempted to Touch

Pre-order Tempted to Touch:

Paperback: Pre-order for the Inheritance Books website at 20% off and receive an autographed copy

Ebook: Amazon, Smashwords

Bio

Nigeria Lockley possesses two master’s degrees, one in English secondary education, which she utilizes as an educator with the New York City Department of Education. Her second master’s degree is in creative writing. Nigeria’s debut novel, Born at Dawn received the 2015 Phillis Wheatley Award for First Fiction. Nigeria serves as the Vice President of Bridges Family Services, a not-for-profit organization that assists student parents interested in pursuing a degree in higher education. She is also the deaconess and clerk for her spiritual home, King of Kings and Lord of Lords Church of God. Nigeria is a New York native who resides in Harlem with her husband and two daughters.

Keep up with Nigeria

Website: http://ift.tt/1DpEiJv

Facebook: http://ift.tt/1Gb1uzv

Instagram: http://ift.tt/1icIFR9

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

To find out more about Inheritance Books sign up for our newsletter and receive 3 Keys to Getting Your Inheritance FREE http://ift.tt/1Mof9QI

BOOK REVIEW: A Gentleman’s Agreement by Joy Avery

A Gentleman’s Agreement by Joy Avery
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another great book by Author Joy Avery. I had to make myself take a short break from reading because I was just that into the book and several hours had passed. A Gentleman’s Agreement shows us that things don’t always go as we plan them. You can never plan for the unexpected especially when it comes to the matter of the heart. I highly recommend this book as a great read and looking forward to her next release.

LaToya Murchison Author of A Praying Heart: Learning How To Pray Your Way Through

View all my reviews

The post BOOK REVIEW: A Gentleman’s Agreement by Joy Avery appeared first on Author LaToya Murchison.

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Author Interview with D. Camille

LaToya: If you could choose a famous African American who has impacted your life who would it be and why?
Camille: Malcolm X. One of the most brilliant, strong and powerful men who has ever lived.

LaToya: Where are you from? Where do you live now?
Camille: Originally from Detroit (The “D”). Currently reside in Portland, Oregon.

LaToya: Did you always know you wanted to be a writer? 
Camille: No, I actually read more than I wrote.

LaToya: When did you first start writing and when did you finish your first book? 
Camille: I started writing in January of this year and finished my first book in February.

LaToya: How did you choose the genre you write in? 
Camille: I love mystery and romance so I combined them.

LaToya: Where do you get your ideas? 
Camille: Just in my head mostly. I have a very active imagination.

LaToya: Name one book that you would categorize as a life changing read. 
Camille: Stolen Legacy by George G. M. James

LaToya: Who is your favorite author? 
Camille: Beverly Jenkins

LaToya: Tell us about your latest book. 
Camille: Art of Deception is the last book (Book 4) in The Black Diamond Series. Identities are exposed, buried secrets come to life and relationships are tested. Life is not as it seems and deceptions abound until truth is revealed. The books should be read in sequence.

LaToya: How can readers connect with you?
Camille: FB, Twitter, Instagram, or my website.

LaToya: What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
Camille: When you give people the power to lift you up, you also give them the power to tear you down. Accept and acknowledge all praise with humility, weigh all criticisms with discern, and never compromise yourself for either.

LaToya: How can readers connect with you?

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

Twitter: www.twitter.com/dcamille_maat

Instagram: dcamillemaat

Email: dcamillemaat@gmail.com

Website: www.dcamille.com

Author Interview with Nigeria

LaToya: If you could choose a famous African American who has impacted your life who would it be and why?
Nigeria: There isn’t one. The African Americans who have impacted me are the ones who I could see and smell their sweat.

LaToya: Where are you from? Where do you live now?
Nigeria: I am from New York City and I currently reside in New York. I don’t really see myself anywhere else. 

LaToya: Did you always know you wanted to be a writer? 
Nigeria: From the moment I learned how to read I established in my mind and in my heart that I wanted to be a writer.

LaToya: When did you first start writing and when did you finish your first book?
Nigeria: My very first publication was actually a short story I wrote in high school. It was included in a college journal where I was participating in an enrichment program. For a long time I was committed purely to poetry. I don’t know where this novel writing came from. Maybe that’s why it took me almost seven years to get Born at Dawn done and published.

LaToya: How did you choose the genre you write in? 
Nigeria: The genre chose me. After giving my life to Christ I actually shut down and stopped writing. I didn’t know how to write and glorify God and if I wasn’t glorifying Him I didn’t want to do it. Then I found the novel Boaz Brown by Michelle Stimpson. After reading that novel I asked “God could I do this [write Christian Fiction]. His response seems to be a resounding yes.

LaToya: Where do you get your ideas? 
Nigeria: My ideas are combinations of things I’ve seen, heard, or personally experienced.

LaToya: Name one book that you would categorize as a life changing read. 
Nigeria: For Colored Girls Who Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf by Ntozake Shange. That book changed how I viewed womanhood, relationships, and writing. It is so rich that I pick up something different every time I read it.

LaToya: Who is your favorite author?
Nigeria: I don’t have just one favorite author. I have a cross section of favs. My favorite poet is June Jordan. My favorite playwright: August Wilson. Michelle Stimpson is my favorite Christian Fiction author.

LaToya: Name one book you wish you’d written. 
Nigeria: There’s no book I wish I’d written other than the one I’m working on right now. However, one book that I really admire in terms of artistry and how quickly it was completed is Their Eyes Were Watching God. Zora Neale Hurston churned that out in seven weeks. Thinking about that makes me wonder what I could churn out if I just had an uninterrupted chunk of time to devote to writing a novel.

LaToya: Tell us about your latest book. 
Nigeria: My latest offering Tempted to Touch deals with a married couple in trouble. The troubles in their marriage help make the protagonist, Kira a little more susceptible to temptation than she usually is.

LaToya: How can readers connect with you?
Nigeria: I’m all over the place. Readers can connect me at my own website: http://ift.tt/1DpEiJv; on Twitter and Instagram: @NewNigeria; on Facebook: http://ift.tt/1Gb1uzv and my publishers website: http://ift.tt/1NlIjTEm

LaToya: What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
Nigeria: Don’t write the story you someone else wants to hear or the story you think will sell. Write the story that you want to tell.

Author Interview with Rhovonda Brown

LaToya: If you could choose a famous African American who has impacted your life who would it be and why?
Rhovonda: I cannot chose a famous person who has impacted my life, because there hasn’t been any. However, my late grandmother, Mildred Harrell, has impacted my life. She saw the horrible state I was in, noticed my abuse and took me in. She loved me as if she gave birth to me and introduced me to Christ.

LaToya: Where are you from? Where do you live now?
Rhovonda: I’m a Houstonian. I live in Houston, Texas.

LaToya: Did you always know you wanted to be a writer? 
Rhovonda: No. When I was a little girl, I probably thought about writing poetry. Maybe even had a poetry notebook (don’t have a clue to where it is). I’m horrible with poetry. Being a writer didn’t become a reality and a passion for me until the Lord allowed me to birth a devotional ministry, Martha & Mary Ministries, Walking in Freedom!

LaToya: When did you first start writing and when did you finish your first book? 
Rhovonda: I first started writing seriously in 2010. Around 2003, I began journaling and realized I found my voice whenever I wrote. It became very comforting to me. My first book wasn’t completed until 2012 and wasn’t published and available to the public until November 2014.

LaToya: How did you choose the genre you write in? 
Rhovonda: Actually, the Lord chose this genre for me. If it’s His will and once I release all of my devotional books, I will write Christian romance novels (because I’m in love with LOVE).

LaToya: Where do you get your ideas? 
Rhovonda: I get my ideas from life. The Lord inspires me to write what’s going on around me, what I’m experiencing, the battles I’m facing. Sounds selfish, but the Lord allows my discomfort – my pain to be the channel to comfort others. He also tells me what to write after reading His Word.

LaToya: Name one book that you would categorize as a life changing read. 
Rhovonda: The only book that changes my life, daily, is the Holy Bible. Every time I read it and apply it, I’m changed for the better. The Bible shows me the real me.

LaToya: Who is your favorite author? 
Rhovonda: Judith McNaught (fiction-romance), Warren Wiersbe (Christian theologian) and Sophie Kinsella (comedy).

LaToya: Name one book you wish you’d written. 
Rhovonda: Right now, there isn’t a book I wished I’d written.

LaToya: Tell us about your latest book. 
Rhovonda: My latest book is entitled, At Least Say, “Thank You!” I’m excited to say, it’s a short book packed with 8 inspiring devotionals to motivate the reader to remember to tell God thank you. The title was inspired from conversations I often have with my children about being grateful. I’m honored and still blown away that God has allowed my first, Walking in Freedom!, and my second book to be an Amazon Kindle Bestsellers. And He has allowed my second book to become No. 1 on Amazon Kindle Bestseller List!

LaToya: How can readers connect with you?
Rhovonda: I love connecting with readers. I’m on Social Media: Twitter, Periscope, Instagram and Instapray using the handler @marthamary3. The rest of my links are below:
Pinterest: http://ift.tt/1GNPG1i
Google+ : http://ift.tt/1Gl5WvH
LinkedIn: http://ift.tt/1GNPG1k
Facebook http://ift.tt/1Gl5U6Y or http://ift.tt/1GNPG1m .
WordPress: http://ift.tt/1Gl5U70
They can also reach me on the web via my ministry (Martha & Mary Ministries, Walking in Freedom!) www.marthamary3.com and my personal website: http://ift.tt/1Gl5U72.
Look me up, I would love to connect with all of you!

LaToya: What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
Rhovonda: Believe in yourself when others don’t. Celebrate each milestone. Others may not understand, but celebrate anyway. Don’t listen to naysayers. Don’t listen to negativity. Don’t share your dreams with everyone because everyone cannot handle your dreams. Don’t give up on your dreams. It will be difficult, but it will be worth it. It may take a long time, but don’t quit. You deserve it! Most importantly, keep God first in all you do and trust His guidance. He wants the best for you and He will always make everything work out for your good.

Book Spotlight: King’s Suite the Rise of Pooch Smalls by Author Untamed

Excerpt: 

Pooch Smalls was no different than any other kid living in the hood. His lifelong dream was to get out by beating the odds through his dream of building race cars and being in the owner’s suite of Nascar. But where he’s from opportunities are few and even fewer for a family like his. After his father is killed and he faces the ultimate rejection, Pooch sets out on a dangerous path to prove himself worthy of the throne that was cast on him. With the blood of gangstas running through his veins, he quickly gets caught up in a lifestyle he never intended to have and reborn is one of the most notorious young gangstas the South has ever seen. As the prequel to the Never Again…No More series, this is the story of the rise of Pooch Smalls.

Purchase Links:

Author Bio:

Untamed’s writing journey began at thirteen years old with poetry, spoken word and short stories. Throughout her high school and college years, she received many accolades for her writing ability to include the Coca-Cola Young Writers Award and honorable mention in the Sandhills Writers’ Conference.

In 2012, Untamed released her debut novel entitled, Never Again…No More through One Karma Publishing to rave reviews. Untamed’s work has been featured in several print ads including SWAG Magazine CA and Kontrol Magazine. Untamed has also had several author features and interviews including noteworthy interviews with NTUNED Radio Show, the Poetic Soul Talk Show and PD Radio which generates thousands of listeners. Since that time, Untamed penned her second novel entitled, Never Again…No More II: Getting Back to Me in July 2013, which broke into the Amazon Top 100 for Literature- Fiction & Plays becoming an official Amazon Bestseller. Since that time, Untamed has re-released her first two books and the third installment of the Never Again…No More series, What Goes Around was released December 2014. This June, she released the final installment of the Never Again…No More series entitled Game Over and is currently working on other book projects to be released at later dates. She also released a poetry book entitled This Side of Heaven-a Poetic Journey of Strength and Survival which is dedicated to the memory of her family members and all proceeds goes to M.A.D.D.
Her diligent work led to a budding opportunity as a writer and interviewer with SWAG Magazine CA and SWAG Magazine Souf based out of the Bay Area in California. Her interviewees and write-ups include Hollywood Pompeii, DJ N-Fluence (a budding DJ from Australia) and Hazel E from VH1’s Love & Hip Hop Hollywood just to name a few.

Writing is truly a passion for Untamed and it is her hope that her writing will fulfill her purpose to touch lives, encourage growth and give a voice to the voiceless. Staying true to this goal, Untamed will continue to share her gift of writing for years to come as she delivers it to you real, raw and purely Untamed!

She currently resides in Georgia with her husband and children.

How can readers connect with you?

Website: http://ift.tt/1NLVFLY

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

Instagram: http://ift.tt/1jGZgO6

Facebook: http://ift.tt/1NLVFM0

YouTube: UntamedAries

Author Interview with Margaret Flack

LaToya: If you could choose a famous African American who has impacted your life who would it be and why?

Margaret: Sam Cooke because he was fearless about owning the rights to his own music. He didn’t settle for just anything and stood up for what he believed in. His legacy was was diminished due to the way he died by many but to me he was a hero.

LaToya: Where are you from? Where do you live now?
Margaret: I’m from Louisville, Kentucky (Derby City stand up) I live in a small town called Verbena, Alabama

LaToya: Did you always know you wanted to be a writer? 
Margaret: I always knew because I always wrote. As a child it got me through alot of things.

LaToya: When did you first start writing and when did you finish your first book? 
Margaret: I was first published in a poetry anthology called Friends of a Feather in 2012 I believe.

LaToya: How did you choose the genre you write in? 
Margaret: I love so many genres but urban fiction is my heart. There is more to it than the stereotypical things that people assume.

LaToya: Where do you get your ideas?
Margaret: Honey I have about 20 people in my head at any given time and none of them pay rent.

LaToya: Name one book that you would categorize as a life changing read. 
Margaret: I would say “The Friends” by Rosa Guy. A girl is so trapped in her sisters shadow that she seeks refuge in a friend she makes.

LaToya: Who is your favorite author? 
Margaret: E. Lynn Harris!!

LaToya: Name one book you wish you’d written. 
Margaret: Never thought much on that topic. I would say “The Coldest Winter Ever.”

LaToya: Tell us about your latest book. 
Margaret: My latest book is a BBW love saga for my plus sized divas. A woman loses her boyfriend tragically and loses her mind over it after she is blamed. Once she starts putting her life back together she meets a man with ex-girlfriend issues. She lands a modeling gig thinking everything is about to go up not having a clue what’s about to go down.

LaToya: How can readers connect with you?
Margaret: I am in Face Book, Twitter, Instagram, and Good Reads.

LaToya: What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
Margaret: No matter what you are told you should always keep writing. You have to keep reading as well because it helps you improve your work. Don’t take reviews so seriously because you cannot satisfy everybody.

Book Spotlight: Tempted to Touch by Nigeria Lockley

I just wanted to write this story that was in my head. A passion project. At least that was what I thought. About a month after I started writing Tempted… I kept hearing the protagonist’s voice directly—like she wanted to tell the story herself. But I didn’t want her to. I found myself fighting with the first person.

I share just about everything I do. I’m a reality t.v. star without a show. However, I do have a blog. When I found myself at a writing halt I voiced my struggle my blog, The Neophyte Author and tried to run away from the first person narrator even after my sister-author-friend, Unoma Nwankwor told me I could do it. The running stopped once I received a phone call from the one and only Michelle Stimpson—author, educator, and my unofficial mentor (I dubbed her my mentor in head, but that’s another story). She’s written over twenty books and more than half of them are in first person. Michelle was kind enough to walk me through her decision to write her first novel, Boaz Brown in first person. It was very natural and easy for her during that instance because she and the protagonist of Boaz Brown shared a lot of the same issues.

Instantly I knew why I no longer had a passion for my passion project. Kira was me and I was Kira. Married and in trouble. When I began Tempted to Touch my husband and I were in this awful and icky place that is usually filled with cussing and drink throwing on reality t.v. Since I’m Christian it was filled with a lot of “Satan I rebuke you” and “The devil is a liar”. I realized then that I would be writing my unhappiness. That wasn’t something I felt comfortable with at the same time I knew that Tempted to Touch was a story that needed to be told. Of course, to keep things on the up and up between my husband and I embellished a bit and gave the characters issues to fight about that were slightly different from ours. Regardless of the changes, I believe that I’ve found healing in certain areas of my marriage and I know that God will use this story to help other women find some healing in their marriage.

Pre-order Links:

Paperback: http://bit.ly/PaperbackTempted (Receive 20% off and a paperback copy)

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1NfXI94

Smashwords: http://bit.ly/TemptedSmashwords

Author Bio:

Nigeria Lockley possesses two master’s degrees, one in English secondary education, which she utilizes as an educator with the New York City Department of Education. Her second master’s degree is in creative writing. Nigeria’s debut novel, Born at Dawn received the 2015 Phillis Wheatley Award for First Fiction. Nigeria serves as the Vice President of Bridges Family Services, a not-for-profit organization that assists student parents interested in pursuing a degree in higher education. She is also the deaconess and clerk for her spiritual home, King of Kings and Lord of Lords Church of God. Nigeria is a New York native who resides in Harlem with her husband and two daughters.

Social Media Links and Connections:

Subscribe to the Inheritance Books Newsletter for a three chapter preview: http://ift.tt/1Mof9QI

Twitter and Instagram:@NewNigeria

Facebook: http://ift.tt/1Gb1uzv

Author Interview with T.P. Miller

LaToya: If you could choose a famous African American who has impacted your life who would it be and why?
T.P Miller: I can’t pinpoint just one. I’m influenced by the amazing works of people from Tyler Perry to Shonda Rhimes. Good storytelling be it by book or by show influences me to put out better.

LaToya: Where are you from? Where do you live now?
T.P Miller: I was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama.

LaToya: Did you always know you wanted to be a writer?
T.P Miller: Not at first but I knew young. My first thought was to be a veterinarian.

LaToya: When did you first start writing and when did you finish your first book?
T.P Miller: I started in middle school and early high school passing stories around with friends and eventually starting my own.

LaToya: How did you choose the genre you write in?
T.P Miller: I was always intrigued with paranormal fiction, mainly vampires, but never saw an all AA cast. So I created my first novel.

LaToya: Where do you get your ideas?
T.P Miller: Music mostly and people watching.

LaToya: Name one book that you would categorize as a life changing read.
T.P Miller: I have too many to pick from. I know that the vampire Huntress Legends changed me and gave me the confidence to really try to write.

LaToya: Who is your favorite author?
T.P Miller:  L.A. Banks, hands down.

LaToya: Name one book you wish you’d written.
T.P Miller: Not so the one book I wish I’d written but I hope that the books I have written will leave people feeling the same way their favorite books made them feel.

LaToya: Tell us about your latest book. 
T.P Miller:  Nef is plagued by nightmares from her past. With her family murdered and her daughter stolen from her crib in the middle of the night, she seeks revenge on the monster responsible. After more than a century, her world revolves around finding the individual that caused her so much pain.
With new information leading her closer to the answers she seeks and new revelations coming to light about her past and her rightful place in a dark society, she begins a journey where there’s no looking back.

An evil vampire has a plan for the one he left and is dead set on keeping her from taking her place as the Chosen One. She doesn’t know what powers she has and he’ll do anything to get her right where he wants her. With him.

Driven by vengeance and fighting until the end, she’s out for blood and taking no prisoners.

Amazon US

Amazon UK

LaToya: How can readers connect with you?
T.P Miller: I Love interacting with my readers and they can follow me at:

Facebook: http://ift.tt/1MciRgj
Twitter: @vampyrequeen14
Email: vampyrequeen14@yahoo.com  OR vampyrequeen14@gmail.com
Website: http://ift.tt/1FR8DFw
Facebook Fan Page: http://ift.tt/1MciRgl
Instagram: http://ift.tt/1FR8DFy
lShelfari: http://ift.tt/1MciTot
GoodReads: http://ift.tt/1FR8B0n
Tumblr: http://ift.tt/1MciTov

LaToya: What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
T.P Miller: Keep writing, keep reading, keep learning. Always be original.

Author Interview with Author Untamed

LaToya: If you could choose a famous African American who has impacted your life who would it be and why?
Untamed: There are so many to choose from, but I’d have to say Tyler Perry. Of course, Tyler Perry has an inspirational life story about coming from meager beginnings to where he is today. However, one of the reasons I decided to become a published author was because of a statement that Tyler Perry made while accepting an award. During a pivotal moment in my life when I was debating strongly whether to pursue becoming a published author, I heard Mr. Perry say in an acceptance speech, “you know when you’re meant to do something when you try to leave it alone, but it won’t leave you alone.” Instantly, my decision was made because that’s exactly what I was going through.

LaToya: Where are you from? Where do you live now?
Untamed: I am originally from Albany, GA, and I currently live in Augusta, GA.

LaToya: Did you always know you wanted to be a writer? 
Untamed: No, I actually wanted to keep writing as a hobby. The need to do more with my writing began to pull at me later in life and that’s when I decided to pursue writing as a career.

LaToya: When did you first start writing and when did you finish your first book? 
Untamed: I began writing poetry at the age of thirteen. Later, I began writing short stories and novels. My first novel was completed in 2010 and it was published in December 2012.

LaToya: How did you choose the genre you write in? 
Untamed: I didn’t actually choose a genre because I don’t limit myself as to what I can write. I’m very versatile. My first novel was based off of my life and other women’s lives that I’ve heard of. Since I wanted the novel to be true-to-life, raw and full of emotion, it falls into the urban category. However, I write erotica, poetry, contemporary fiction and street lit. I also want to delve into writing Christian fiction and suspense.

LaToya: Where do you get your ideas? 
Untamed: Usually my ideas come from life experiences, either my own or others. As a writer, the simplest things can trigger inspiration. Actually, I’m currently writing a novel which I’m co-writing with another author which was triggered simply from a picture.

LaToya: Name one book that you would categorize as a life changing read. 
Untamed: Coming of Age by Lorri Hewett. Just as Tyler Perry gave me the inspiration to become a published author, Ms. Hewett’s novel inspired me to begin writing stories. The novel delves deeply into dealing with the social stressors that teenagers face such as popularity, self-esteem, fear of acceptance and fears of the future. It also deals with prejudices and racism. It’s an awesome read and I encourage anyone thirteen and older to read it. I allowed my daughter to read it and she loved it. She was able to relate to it in many of the same ways that I was. It was very encouraging to her in dealing with some of the same pressures of today.

LaToya: Who is your favorite author? 
Untamed: That’s a loaded question! I have several favorite authors. My favorite authors are Carl Weber, Honey B, Sister Souljah and Ashley Antoinette as far as mainstream authors. I also have a few self-published authors who are my favorite, M. J. Kane and Vulyncia Poindexter.

LaToya: Name one book you wish you’d written. 
Untamed: I can’t say I wish I’d written a book because I truly appreciate the talent and craft of each author. Now, I will say there are some books which I wish I could continue with the author who wrote them because I loved the story and the characters just that much! In that regard, The Coldest Winter Ever and Prada Plan 4, I would love, love, love to write another novel either as a series or some type of continuation with the authors.

LaToya: Tell us about your latest book. 
Untamed: My latest book is called King’s Suite the Rise of Pooch Smalls. In my book series, the Never Again…No More series, one of the main characters was a man named Pooch. He was literally one of the most loved and hated characters. His character was even scary for me to write! The readers wanted to know about him and his character so King’s Suite is basically the story of his life from childhood and leads up to the series. It delves into how he’s born into the streets and how he wanted to live a different life but was sort of forced into this lifestyle and then the lifestyle opens up a sleeping beast within himself.

LaToya: How can readers connect with you?
Untamed: Readers can connect with me on through:
Website: http://ift.tt/1FjMEkf
Facebook: http://ift.tt/1FWh8Pu
Instagram: Author Untamed
Twitter @chazz_untamed
YouTube: UntamedAries.

LaToya: What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
Untamed: My advice would be to learn your craft. Never be afraid to learn more and accept good criticism. Practice it at any given chance. I think that if you take yourself seriously that comes with the territory, and you can’t expect anyone else to take your work seriously if you don’t care enough to better yourself. That’s why it’s important not to have “yes” people in your corner who will be afraid to tell you when something is not on point, not just with the story, but with the technical parts such as spelling, grammar, word usage, word play etc…

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Author Interview with DINA

LaToya: If you could choose a famous African American who has impacted your life who would it be and why?
DINA: This is probably one of the most difficult questions to answer. To narrow down the list of (famous) African Americans who have impacted my life to one, is nearly impossible! But the first to come to mind is Madam C.J. Walker. She had a scalp disease, which caused her to suffer from baldness. However, instead of allowing herself to become a victim, she became a hair guru, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and the first female self-made millionaire in the United States! Talk about facing challenges head on – pun intended.

LaToya: Where are you from? Where do you live now?
DINA: I was born and spent most of my childhood in Miami, Florida. My entire adulthood has been spent in Tampa, Florida.

LaToya: Did you always know you wanted to be a writer? 
DINA: No. For a long time, I wanted to be a secretary, an actress, and teacher.

LaToya: When did you first start writing and when did you finish your first book? 
DINA: In some way or another, I’ve always been a writer; however, I didn’t take it seriously until 2012 when I wanted to tell my story, hence my first published book, Rewriting My Story which was released on October of that year.

LaToya: How did you choose the genre you write in? 
DINA: I didn’t; it chose me.

LaToya: Where do you get your ideas? 
DINA: This may be a typical response…but EVERYTHING inspires me! From my family, friends, books, news, taking a stroll at park or beach…there’s a story everywhere! The problem is narrowing down my ideas.

LaToya: Name one book that you would categorize as a life changing read. 
DINA: That one is easy – Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf. What I find profound about the story of Clarissa Dalloway is that it doesn’t matter what your background is, some way every woman can relate to the main character. Note, that this book was initially published in May 1925, yet it addresses many social and internal issues women face today.

LaToya: Who is your favorite author? 
DINA: William Shakespeare.

LaToya: Name one book you wish you’d written. 
DINA: The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

LaToya: Tell us about your latest book. 
DINA: My latest book is actually a short story titled Lost & Found. It’s the story of My-Joy Avery Summer, a young lady who is seeking for one thing – love. But love must come with a hefty bank account. And the sexy business tycoon, Mr. Uri Beaulieu had exactly that – money. What she soon found was that a life filled with lavish shopping sprees, fancy car, a beautiful home, and exotic vacations weren’t enough. She wanted love… and so she left him. But she quickly discovered that her decision to leave Uri came with a price. And she soon uncovers a web of deception that lifts the veil on her past and changes her future forever. The result? Kidnapping. Betrayl. Human Trafficking. and Death… But will she ever find what she desires? Will she ever find… Love?
Lost and Found is currently available only via eBook and can be purchased on Amazon.com.

LaToya: How can readers connect with you?
DINA: Readers are welcomed to visit the following sites/pages:
Website
Amazon
Facebook
Twitter

LaToya: What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
DINA: Just write! It boggles my mind how many people want to become authors, yet have not written a word. There’s no point in focusing on publishing your book, if you don’t have a book to publish!

Book Spotlight: Out For Blood by T.P. Miller

Excerpt:

Nef is plagued by nightmares from her past. With her family murdered and her daughter stolen from her crib in the middle of the night, she seeks revenge on the monster responsible. After more than a century, her world revolves around finding the individual that caused her so much pain.  With new information leading her closer to the answers she seeks and new revelations coming to light about her past and her rightful place in a dark society, she begins a journey where there’s no looking back.  An evil vampire has a plan for the one he left and is dead set on keeping her from taking her place as the Chosen One. She doesn’t know what powers she has and he’ll do anything to get her right where he wants her. With him. Driven by vengeance and fighting until the end, she’s out for blood and taking no prisoners

Purchase Links:

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Author Bio:

T.P. Miller has been writing since she could remember and as a long time reader, she decided that she would start picking up her pen as just a hobby and soon decided that she wanted more. She sat down and penned her first novel, “Out for Blood: The Chosen One Has Come”. She is currently Co-CEO of Kemet Books and is working on more paranormal drama. She lives in a hole somewhere in Birmingham with her husband and two kids.

How can readers connect with you?

Facebook

Twitter

Email  OR Email

 Website

Facebook Fan Page

Instagram

 Shelfari

Goodreads

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Book Spotlight: Autumn Kisses by Te Russ

Excerpt:

When Rowan Hunter begins to suffer from a bout of the proverbial writer’s block, his editor offers up his beach cottage in Martha’s Vineyard. Prepared to relax, unwind and pray that the words begin to flow again, he gets an unexpected surprise one evening.

To the world she is known as the eccentric jazz singer Sapphire Woods. But to the small town of Oak Bluffs Massachusetts on The Vineyard, she is simply Laurel Asher, their best kept secret. In need of some time out of the spotlight to work on her next album, Laurel goes to the one place that’s always been home.

Thanks to a misunderstanding Laurel and Rowan end up under the same roof. As the house has more than enough room, they decide to share the place. But what neither of them expects is the sensual attraction that begins to build up.

As the color of the leaves begin to change and fall to the ground, these two find themselves falling as well–for each other.

Purchase Links:

Author Bio:

Té Russ found solace in reading at an early age and a vehicle which broadened her horizons. As an adolescent she used writing to express her unspoken words. Since then, she has gone from writing stories in diaries to attending college for journalism and falling in love, which has allowed those youthful words of love to blossom into a series of stories in her romance novels. This Texas wife and mother of three can be found reading, skydiving, cheering for her MMA fighting husband at, buzzing down the interstate on the back of motorcycles, or kayaking.

How can readers connect with you?

Facebook: http://ift.tt/1Kt63UJ

Facebook: http://ift.tt/1KWJhUW

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

Blog: http://ift.tt/1KWJgjJ

Email: terussnovels@gmail.com

Author Interview with Design of a Woman

In the photo, Lisa is on the left, LaTerra is in the middle, and Amanda is on the right.

LaToya: If you could choose a famous African American who has impacted your life who would it be and why?

LaTerra: Jill Scott because she is so open and honest in her art. She embodies power, grace and majesty. Her work makes me feel beautiful and helps me to embrace everything about me, flaws and all.
Lisa: Oprah Winfrey, because although she encountered obstacles in her childhood, she was not defined by them, rather she overcame them and went on to be successful.
Amanda: Gwendolyn Brooks; writing was always her passion and adversity never killed her vision.

LaToya: Where are you from?  Where do you live now?
LaTerra: I’m from Eden, MD and I now live right down the street in Salisbury, MD
Lisa: I am from Eden, Maryland and I live in Salisbury, Maryland
Amanda: I am from Snow Hill, MD and I now live in Salisbury, MD.

LaToya: Did you always know you wanted to be a writer? 
LaTerra: No, growing up I actually wanted to be a Pediatrician. I have always loved writing, but I wasn’t comfortable sharing my work with others.
Lisa: I always knew there were books within me; however, bringing life to them on paper was a different story.
Amanda: No, even though I loved to write, I always wanted to be a daycare provider or nurse.

LaToya: When did you first start writing and when did you finish your first book?
LaTerra:  I started writing as soon as I was able to put sentences together; my first poem was about owls. I finished my first book in June.
Lisa: I started writing as a child and finished my first book in 2015 as a collaborative effort with 2 others.
Amanda: I began writing somewhere around the mid eighties (mostly poetry/small writings). The first book was completed June 25, 2015.

LaToya: How did you choose the genre you write in? 
LaTerra: I have always loved to read and write poetry so it came naturally to me. This particular book was God saving me from myself. It was given to me at 13, the night I decided to take my life. It gave me purpose and made sense of my pain.
Lisa: For this particular book, I was a co-author, so it was decided by my daughter, who started this project.
Amanda: I never had a general genre, but poetry and journal form would be my choice. I enjoy reading poetry; I love how the words flow to give a picture and journaling was pouring the thoughts and emotional part of myself and my perception of others life events on paper.

LaToya: Where do you get your ideas? 
LaTerra: I get my ideas from everyday life. I am a very empathetic person, so I like to look at situations from different perspectives and write from that point of view.
Lisa: From within, from life experiences, from others
Amanda: My ideas come from life situations, viewing people, peers in society, and allowing myself and my writings to be led of God.

LaToya: Name one book that you would categorize as a life changing read. 
LaTerra: For me, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” because it showed me something beautiful and powerful can come from your pain and it pushed me further into my purpose.
Lisa: The Bible
Amanda: No book comes to mind but the Holy Bible. It always reveals a word that brings revelation for a particular season in my life.

LaToya: Who is your favorite author? 
LaTerra: My favorite fiction author is James Patterson. My favorite poetry authors are Maya Angelou and Gwendolyn Brooks; I actually have a poem in the book dedicated to them.
Lisa: James Patterson would rate as one of my favorite authors.
Amanda: I have no particular favorite but E.B. White, Maya Angelou and Emily Dickenson all come to mind.

LaToya: Name one book you wish you’d written. 
LaTerra: I don’t really think there is a book I wish I would have written simply because everyone’s story and imagination is different and I know the books I love wouldn’t be the same from my perspective and I enjoy the peek into the minds of others reading provides.
Lisa: Suzanne’s Diary for Nicholas (Alex Cross)
Amanda: Not one, if it was meant for me to writhe then it would have been given to me.

LaToya: Tell us about your latest book. 
LaTerra: Design of a Woman: Heart, Mind, Body, & Soul is a collection of poems and writings reflecting the shared experience of womanhood, the good and the bad.
Lisa: It is a collection of poems and writings inspired by women, for women to get them thinking and to uplift and speak life.
Amanda: The book deals with the heart, mind, body, and soul of women. It touches on embracing and loving the woman you are. It talks about the pain of abuse, suicide, depression, life decisions, and so much more that women silently try to deal with on their own. It gives hope to those who feel lost. It brings hope and healing.

LaToya: How can readers connect with you?
Blog: http://ift.tt/1Jrg1BU (Readers can subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content)
Facebook: http://ift.tt/1Jrg1BY
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DesignofaWoman
Instagram: @designofawoman

LaToya: What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
LaTerra: No matter what, never give up on your vision. It took almost 20 years for this book to come to fruition. Trust the timing of your life and maintain focus. Your words matter and your story needs to be told.
Lisa: If you can think it, dream it or live it, then you can write it! Just do it!! Procrastination is a terrible thing.
Amanda: Believe in yourself, write from the heart, never let the dream of writing go unfulfilled, accept criticism, and learn from your mistakes.

Book Blast: Captured by Terri Haynes

Author is giving away One (1) autograph copies of Captured, a magnet and a bookmark.

Book Title: Captured 

ASIN: B015DTKUX4 

Publication Date: September 22, 2015 

Genre: Christian Fiction/Romantic Suspense 

Author: Terri Haynes

 

FBI agent Will Anderson is working his last human trafficking case before he leaves his painful past. Social activist Savannah Elliott thinks she has escaped hers by helping human trafficking victims regain their freedom. When a case unites them, can they overcome their scars and find love.

 

 

 Terri J. Haynes, a native Baltimorean, is a homeschool mom, writer, prolific knitter, freelance graphic artist and former Army wife (left the Army, not the husband). She loves to read, so much that when she was in elementary school, she masterminded a plan to be locked in a public library armed with only a flashlight to read all the books and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. As she grew, her love for writing grew as she tried her hand at poetry, articles, speeches and fiction. She is storyteller at heart. Her passion is to draw readers in the story world she has created and to bring laughter and joy to their lives. Terri is a 2010 American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis contest finalist, and a 2012 semi-finalist. She is also a 2013 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Quarterfinalist. Her publishing credits include Cup of Comfort for Military Families, Crosswalk.com, the Secret Place Devotional, Urbanfaith.com, Vista Devotional, and Publisher’s Weekly. Terri holds a Bachelor's Degree in Theology, a Master's degree in Theological Studies and a certificate in creative writing and graphic design, meeting the minimal requirements of being a geek. She and her husband pastor a church where she serves as executive pastor and worship leader. Terri lives in Maryland with her three wonderful children and her husband, who often beg her not to kill of their favorite characters.

 

 

   

 

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Trailer

Tour hosted by Write Now Literary www.wnlbooktours.com

Contest ends: October 9, 2015 11:59 pm Open: Internationally Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author Terri J. Haynes and is hosted and managed by Paulette from Write Now Literary Book Tours. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send an email to Paulette @ pharperjohnson@gmail.com Contest code below a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Author Interview with Fatima Munore

LaToya: If you could choose a famous African American who has impacted your life who would it be and why?
Fatima: I love the fact that I come from such a diverse culture of men and women who have impacted the world as much as the African American race has. If I had to choose one that has impacted my life, it would have to be Ms. Sojourner Truth. Upon reading her autobiography, I discovered that this beautiful African American woman was a slave in rural New York, escaped her own captors, preached to former slaves and fought for women’s equality. As an African American former slave in the early 1800’s! How awesome is that! Truly a messenger sent from the Almighty.

LaToya: Where are you from? Where do you live now?
Fatima: Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, I’ve relocated a number of times, but I currently reside in the suburbs of Atlanta, Ga.

LaToya: Did you always know you wanted to be a writer? 
Fatima: Yes and no. I’ll explain: As a child I was the kid in class that the teachers always sent to the citywide competitions, whether it was composition, math decathlons, and spelling bees. I was always told with the multiple awards and achievements, mainly in English composition, I would be best suited in a journalism career. Once I hit high school, I discovered in my junior year I would be responsible for funding my own college education. My first thought was to join the military, but my parents shut that down real quick. Taking a job at a local retailer, I quickly moved up in the ranks from a part time cashier to full time, to supervisor and eventually into management.
Switching retailers as my career grew, I also made the decision to transition into the online learning community while completing management training. After obtaining my BA in HR Management from Capella University and settling into a surprisingly demanding career, I eventually found myself juggling a lot of responsibilities without enjoying the intrinsic rewards. I prayed, begging God for a sign to where He wanted me to go in my career. That led to me returning back to my first love of writing, and the rest is history.

LaToya: When did you first start writing and when did you finish your first book? 
Fatima: I first started writing last year, just mainly random scribbles to myself. There were so many stories going on in my head, I wanted to chronicle my childhood, what I’ve seen and heard as a teenager growing up in the city of Chicago. I sat down one day and decided to put my thoughts into a file. Initially everything was scattered, but as the idea took shape in my mind, the story began to congeal together and made sense. I emailed paragraphs to my friends and family first to get their thoughts before I sent it out to any publishing company. Getting a positive response, I decided to get an unbiased opinion from a couple of publishers.

LaToya: How did you choose the genre you write in? 
Fatima: I write about what I know. If I wrote about my life in management, the highlights of that book would be the customer experience during Black Friday and holiday sales for the most part. You can only tell the story about the customer who brought his goat in the store to shop with him for so long. The stories of things that I’ve seen and heard growing up Chicago are a lot more entertaining.

LaToya: Where do you get your ideas? 
Fatima: A little of everywhere. My own experiences, of course. I also have a colorful set of family and friends that are dying to lend me their stories. And some is just plain old fiction. For instance, the Chi Town’s Queen series is my take on the classic Cinderella tale, if Cinderella grew up on the west side of Chicago and actually liked her siblings.

LaToya: Name one book that you would categorize as a life changing read. 
Fatima: The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison. I love her work, and this particular book spotlights the perception of race in America prior to the Black Lives Matter movement. A real eye opener.

LaToya: Who is your favorite author? 
Fatima: If I absolutely HAD to pick someone, I’d say me. Just kidding. Truthfully, I’m friends with a lot of phenomenal authors and love a variety of genres, so it would be very difficult to pin down one.

LaToya: Name one book you wish you’d written. 
Fatima: Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton. I’ll happily take the credit for over a billion dollar box office gross!

LaToya: Tell us about your latest book. 
Fatima: Well, my latest book, M.T.A.K., is in the early editing stages, so I can’t really talk too much about it, other than it’s a departure from my previous books. To me, it’s gritty, urban and raw emotion from the characters themselves. As an urban fiction writer, my goal was to tell the other stories outside of drugs and the streets. I wanted to tell the other stories of what people go through just trying to make it out of the hood and Ain’t No Thug Like The One I Got is an example of those types of stories (one of the main characters wasn’t necessarily a ‘thug’ until life pushed him to do so).
If anyone has read the anthology book that I contributed to (Love, Betrayal and Dirty Money available on Amazon from Royalty Publishing House), I showcased a bit of the writing style that is prevalent in M.T.A.K. This story in particular, I drew off of real life experiences. Those that know me personally may not know this particular side of me and I’m curious to see how this book will go over with my current fan base.

LaToya: How can readers connect with you?
Fatima: I Love interacting with my readers and hey can follow me at:

Twitter: fatima_munroe
Facebook: Author Fatima Munroe
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Fatima-Munroe/e/B00XBKZOPM
Goodreads: Fatima Munroe
Instagram: author_fatima_munroe
Google Plus: Freida Kelley

LaToya: What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
Fatima: Writing isn’t easy, and everyone won’t fall in love with your work. Don’t use that as an excuse to defer your dream. Listen to the voices, they have a story to tell and it’s up to you to allow them to tell it. Pray, meditate and pray some more. Then log onto your laptop and crank out that novel.