Showing posts with label motivational. Show all posts
Showing posts with label motivational. Show all posts

Monday, February 29, 2016

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

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#newrelease #inspirational #selfhelp #motivational @amreading

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

by Tanya J. Miller

This book blast will run February 29, 2016

About the book
FRONT MindMatters (1)

Do you ever get lost in the maze of your mind? When your thoughts start spiraling in a continuous loop—positive or negative—it can seem impossible to consider a different idea or even catch your breath. If the way you think greatly influences the way you live, then it’s important to know how to manage your thoughts and channel their power to improve your life, rather than hinder it. Mind Matters explores practical ways you can bring balance to your thought life, from replacing anxious thoughts with hopeful ones to curbing unnecessary thinking altogether. It also points out traps that keep you stuck, like “clearing your mind” by airing your thoughts to anyone that will listen via Facebook or the occasional tantrum and outburst. As you learn the art of controlling your thoughts, you will be able to focus on what you can do in the present to experience the life you want in the future. Whether you struggle with anxious thoughts or just need a few tips to better manage your mind, this easy-to-read guide provides you with simple instructions you can immediately put into practice.
About the Author
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Tanya J. Miller is a certified life coach with over eighteen years’ experience working with youth, young adults, and women throughout the community and in ministry to pursue purpose, passion and destiny. Tanya holds a BBA in finance and business management from Northwood University and an MBA from Regent University and is also certified as a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and Scrum Master. Her lifelong passion for writing eventually led her to start the blog Talking with Tanya in 2005. Mind Matters is her debut book. Tanya is married and currently lives in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.
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Friday, January 8, 2016

Book Review: There is Purpose in Your Valley: Understanding Life's Struggles

There is Purpose in Your Valley: Understanding Life's Struggles There is Purpose in Your Valley: Understanding Life's Struggles by Dr. Arlene Kearns Dowdy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

There is Purpose in Your Valley: Understanding Life's Struggles I can't say enough great things about the book. After only reading the first few page it had me in tear because I am dealing with some things. This amazing book truly ministers to your heart and soul. Dr Dowdy breaks down the word of God so that it is easy for every one to understand. All of lessons in There is Purpose in Your Valley: Understanding Life's Struggles are backed up by scripture from God's word. This is not a book that you read in sitting because if you try you will miss the true blessing of its message. I high recommend this book and know I will be reading it again very soon.

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

View all my reviews

BOOK SPOTLIGHT: Building Online Relationships – One Reader At A Time by LaShaunda C. Hoffman


Hello I’m LaShaunda C. Hoffman.  I turned my love of books into a magazine, SORMAG Digital.  We celebrated 15 years online last year.  My love of books started at an early age and it grew into wanting to write my own books when I turned 16.  I asked for a typewriter and my mom got me one for my birthday.  I wrote my first masterpiece and was in love with writing.  Fast forward 30+ years later and my dream of being a published author came true, with my book Building Online Relationships – One Reader At A Time.

I fell in love with romances and moved on to other literatures.  Now I try to read a new genre each year.  My mission in life is to introduce as many people to books as I can.  Some of my favorite authors are Beverly Jenkins, Rochelle Alers, Sheryl Lister, Piper Hughley, Lutishia Lovely and Shonda Rhimes.

You can find me online –

Website: http://lashaundahoffman.com



Twitter - @sormag

Linked In - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lashaundahoffman

Instagram – sormagpics


If you would like more free promotion tip, sign up for my 31 Days Of Promotion


If you would like to work with me – Virtual Tea With LaShaunda - http://conta.cc/1NbAcLB

If you would like for me to promote for you – http://sormag.com/advertise.htm




I would like to offer a few tips for your book promotion – Start your mailing list if you don’t have one.  It is your #1 tool for promoting your book.  If you have one, make sure you are asking every reader you meet to join it.  You want to build your own community and start building relationships with your readers.

5 Mistakes New Writers Make With Promotion

  1. Not having a website – You need a home base for your readers to connect with you.
  2. Not creating a promotion plan – Don’t wing it, create a plan and work it.
  3. Waiting to the last minute to promote – Again having a plan will eliminate this mistake
  4. Not having a promotion budget -  You need a budget to promote even a small one will get you in front of new readers
  5. Not know who your audience is and where to find them.  Not all readers are online, so you need to know who you readers are and how to find them.

My book address these mistakes and offers you suggestion on how to jumpstart your promotion today.
  

Building Online Relationships – One Reader At A Time is available for print or as an ebook. http://amzn.to/1KYe5TB 

Thursday, December 10, 2015

Author Interview with Jamesina Greene

Today I’m very lucky to be interviewing Jamesina Greene Author of A Mother's Cry


My name is Jamesina Greene. I'm named after my father, James (smile.)  I was raised in a very strict Christian home and often writing was my only was to express myself.

LaToya: What are your ambitions for your writing career?
Jamesina: My ambitions for my writing is not so much to make it my whole career. I know that writing plays an intricate part in what I do, but I believe that speaking engagements and personal interaction with others is just as important as my writing.

LaToya: Which writers inspire you?
Jamesina: I am inspired by a variety of Writers. I have loved to read books since I learned the power of the written word. I just finished a book about a Russian mother who lived most of her adult life without her family knowing her true identity. That book touched my soul. Diversity in writing is what inspires me.

LaToya: What are you working on at the minute?
Jamesina: Currently, I am working on three Literary projects. I am writing my first Children's Book; my first Novel and my first Daily Devotional Book.

LaToya: What genre are your books and why?
Jamesina: The books that I have published at this time are Non-Fiction. I used these to give readers brief insights into my heart and spirit.

LaToya: In 10 words or less can you create a quote that describes you and your writing?
Jamesina: In 10 words or less, the quote that describes me and. my writing is: "Live it. Feel it.  Write it."

LaToya: Which actor/actress would you like to see playing the lead character from your most recent book?
Jamesina: As none of my currently published are Fiction, I can't picture an Actress in them. However, the Novel that I'm working on, I can envision Debbi Morgan as my main character.

LaToya: When did you decide to become a writer?
Jamesina: I don't know if there is a distinct time when I decided to become a Writer. As far back as I can remember, I have written. I've written songs, plays, manuals and books. Writing is what I do most days.

LaToya: Do you write full-time or part-time?
Jamesina: Due to medical complications, I am currently writing part-time. As much as I feel up to, I'm always writing something.

LaToya: Do you have a special time to write or how is your day structured?
Jamesina: As far as a writing routine, I don't really have one. I generally write as I am inspired to do so. When an idea comes to me, I begin an Outline and proceed from there.

LaToya: Do you aim for a set amount of words/pages per day?
Jamesina: No, I don't aim for a daily word count. I write until I do not feel like writing anymore that day.

LaToya: Where do your ideas come from?
Jamesina: The ideas for my books come from my life experiences. I also get ideas from observing the experiences of others. I have always been known for studying people and human behavior. That makes for great book material (smile).

LaToya: Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer just see where an idea takes you?
Jamesina: I definitely use an Outline when I write. My thoughts jump all over the place if I don't. An Outline helps me to maintain a degree of focus.

LaToya: How do you think you’ve evolved creatively?
Jamesina: I think that I have evolved creatively in that I'm much more open to the reality of life. Earlier in my writing, I felt I needed to limit my writing to what people in my circle would accept from me. I don't feel that way anymore. Some of the story ideas I'm working on, are going to be shockers.

LaToya: What is the hardest thing about writing?
Jamesina: The hardest thing about writing, for me, is staying focused on one story. As I've said before, my brain seems to stay in overload.  I even wake up during the night and jot down story ideas. Seriously.

LaToya: How long on average does it take you to write a book?
Jamesina: I don't really have an average length of time to write a book. Maybe as I continue with my healing and recovery, that will change.

LaToya: Where can you see yourself in 5 years’ time?
Jamesina: In five years, I see myself operating my organization, "A Mother's Cry", nationwide; operating my other organization, "Destne Enterprises", through which all of my literary works will be published.

LaToya: What advice would you give to your younger self?
Jamesina: The advice that I would give my younger self is to not allow other people's hatred for you to cause you to hate yourself.

LaToya: Which famous person, living or dead would you like to meet and why?
Jamesina: The famous person that I would like to meet, is Debbi Morgan.  My ninth grade Math teacher used to tell me that I looked like her and that made me feel pretty.  After reading her Memoir, I would absolutely love to meet her. I feel a spiritual connection with her.

LaToya: If you could have been the original author of any book, what would it have been and why?
Jamesina: If I could have been the original Author of a book, it would have been, "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings", by Maya Angelou.  I relate to many of the experiences shared in that book and even, for a period of time, I wouldn't speak because I felt my voice was unimportant and useless.

LaToya: What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Jamesina: The main piece of advice I could give to aspiring Writers, is to maintain their individuality in their writing. Learn from others, but always show the uniqueness of you.

Connect with Jamesina


Thank you very much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to take part in this interview.

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Passion To Empower Others: Imani Wisdom

Today I have the honor of sitting down and talking with my sister and mentor Imani Wisdom.  Imani is the founder of Pink Noire Publications.  Based in Indianapolis, IN, Pink Noire is a groundbreaking company with an unpredictable brand of literary storytelling.   Imani is also the creator of Pink Noire Blog.  

When l hear the name Imani Wisdom  I think of strength, compassion, mentor,and encourager. It is an honor to have her back to talk about the upcoming Urban Ebook Fair Facebook Event that’s coming up this week.


Ideas are often misunderstood and confusing to those who can’t see what you see. To them, you’re a dreamer. But in truth, like many great thinkers, it’s called a visionary.

The difference between the two is simply this: Dreamers will come up ideas, and yet they think about their limitations, while visionaries pursue what they see despite the limitations.

A year ago, I was in an abysmal mess. My dream as an author was waning and my blog had come close to crumbling. I couldn’t even strum the tiniest bit of inspiration since I hadn’t written a word in months. At the time I felt I needed to throw in the towel and move on.

Worse, my attitude toward my colleagues was plummeting. Every time I would read someone’s post of accomplishing a goal or dream, or enjoying the fruits of their labor, I would roll my eyes and suck my teeth. “How dare they” I would huff.

Yes, I know; what a horrible way to support other artists.

Then one day, I had this revelation. It didn’t come in dramatic fashion like you’ll see on TV with a voice rolling above the clouds like thunder, or seeing a mysterious shadow appearing from nowhere warning me to behave. Rather, it was my conscience reminding me of this Maya Angelou quote: “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude. Don’t complain.”
And so after little reluctance of listening to my own truth, I began to brainstorm ideas for anything! Then after weeks of thinking and sorting, and sorting and thinking, my blogzine “The Pink Noire Lounge” had opened its doors to the hottest and talented artists.

Was I satisfied? Absolutely not!

The Lounge had become a welcoming place for artists to have their platforms for a day. But I wanted more. I felt these artists deserved bigger; I mean bigger than just words and eye-catching graphics. And so, after being inspired by other virtual book fairs, I began the Urban Ebook Fair.
The #UEBFair (twitter hastag) is an event celebrating artists of all facets, whether they are a novice or seasoned in their field, this three-day, get-together showcases imperial talent for art lovers everywhere. The great thing about this fair, you can enjoy it from the comforts of your home.
This week the fair returns with a new feature called, The Honorees. There will be six individuals being recognized for their talent, along with a Q&A given by the fair’s co-host LaToya Murchison, hundreds of patrons in attendance, and me.


I hope you’ll join us on October 30 thru November 1 on Facebook. If you would like more information follow me on Twitter: @imani_wisdom and Facebook under imaniwisdom.

Now, see, what I did tell you about visions? No limitations.

Thursday, July 23, 2015

Book Spotlight: Quiet Moments with God by LaDonna Marie


Book Blurb

The author wants to express that life brings joyful, happy moments along with trials and tribulations. As you progress along your journey, it is important to stay present in the moment and understand that each day is a new blessing and a gift from God that should be cherished. When you are faced with trials and tribulations, give it to God and simply release it into the universe. The author would like to you to learn and grow as you enter into Quiet Moments with God. You will find comfort knowing in stillness there is a peacefulness and calmness that enables you to hear God speak. The author would like you to clear your mind and fully be present as you embark upon your journey into the 31 Day Devotional of Life Lessons.

Excerpt:
Ecclesiastes 9:11
“I have observed something new under the sun. The faster runner doesn’t always win the race, and the strongest warrior doesn’t always win the battle. The wise sometime go hungry and the skillful are not necessarily wealthy.

No matter what you are going through, God will be with you through it. We have to push pass the pain and learn to endure through our testing and trials.



Author Bio:


LaDonna M. Cook is an Author, Writer, Poet, and Motivational Speaker. Born in Mississippi and now lives in GA. She published her first poem in 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.

 In 2013 she released her 2nd book Until Tomorrow Comes. She is a part of the Sibella Poetry Magazine for 2014, and also she is in Anthology: The Gospel According to Poetry. UTC was awarded Honorable Mention in the 2014 Paris Book Festival and 2014 DJ Gatsby Book Club Literary Award in Poetry. She is also a Finalist in 2015 Diva Author / Writer for Divas of Colour International Award. She is a 2015 Finalist for National Indie Excellence Awards and New York Book Festival Honorable Mention for Book Lessons: Shattered Pieces Being Restored.

You may connect with LaDonna at:



Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Author Interview with LaDonna Marie

Today I have the honor of interviewing an amazing and talented Author, Writer, Motivational Speaker, and Poet Ladonna Marie.


LaToya: When did you begin your writing career?
LaDonna: I begin my writing career when I was 12 years old. I found my love for writing when I was in high school. I was a co- author of the poetry book Whispers with the League of American Poets in 2007 and then 2010 published my first full self-published poetry book.

LaToya: What’s your inspiration for writing?
LaDonna: The inspiration for my writing is to empower others and to help to build them up. My life’s mission is to always help people to know that they can make it no matter what they have gone through.

LaToya: What kind of legacy do you expect your writing to leave?
LaDonna: I want to people to look back at my legacy and see the resiliency and perseverance in my writing. I seek to motivate others and always give them hope.

LaToya: What are you currently working on?
LaDonna: I am working on a children’s book and also another poetry book.

LaToya:  Name one book that you would categorize as a life changing read.
LaDonna: The Battle Field of the Mind- by Joyce Myers

LaToya: Tell us about your latest book.
LaDonna: My latest book is Quiet Moments with God: 31 Day Devotional of Life Lessons is a powerful devotional that takes the reader on a journey though different life experiences. It is was amazing book to write, because God downloaded so many lessons.


LaToya:  Name a book you wish you’d written.
LaDonna: None comes to mind….

LaToya: Give readers 3 reasons to buy your book.
LaDonna: It is empowering, it will help to bring clarity, and it will help to others to be encouraged about their individual journey.

LaToya: Who is your favorite author?
LaDonna: Dr. Maya Angelou

LaToya:  Is your book based on real life events?
LaDonna: Yes God, asked me to take 31 one days to be still and listen to the messages that he gave me in those 31 days.

LaToya:  Will you consider being a mentor to a young up and coming author?
LaDonna: Sure, I think everyone has a voice and a story to tell.

LaToya:  Are you currently working on anything you want to share with us?
LaDonna: I have recently release my first poetry spoken word CD entitled Conversations With God. It is now available on Amazon, CD baby, iTunes and my website.  

LaToya: How can readers connect with you: (Please include social media, website link, and link to your amazon author age, etc.
LaDonna: I love hearing from my readers. Connect with me via any of the channels below:

LaToya:  What advice would you give to an inspiring authors?

LaDonna: For all aspiring authors, I would tell them to start to write their story if they hadn’t started and research companies to work with. I would also leave them, to never give up on their dream. 

Thursday, July 9, 2015

Author Interview with Tre L. Bryant

Today I have the honor of interviewing new Author Tre L. Bryant 


" To know my journey is to understand my struggle"

LaToya: When did you begin your writing career?
Bryant: I am a newbie and my literary journey began just a little over a year ago.

LaToya: What’s your inspiration for writing?
Bryant: My life and the continued journey I have been on to become the person that I am now.

LaToya: What kind of legacy do you expect your writing to leave?
Bryant: One of great strength, determination and hard work.

LaToya: What are you currently working on?
Bryant: Right now promoting and enjoying the release of my debut novel but also thinking of ideas for the second book. I am also currently co-hosting Word Sexy radio with another author by the name of Red Snapper.

LaToya: Name one book that you would categorize as a life changing read.
Bryant: There are several and honestly there are too many to name.

LaToya: Tell us about your latest book.
Bryant: Where There’s A Will There’s A Way is about my own personal experiences with molestation, rape, and as a domestic violence victim now turned survivor. I write about my highs and my lows but most of all the strength to take my life back and move forward away from the things that haunted me in my past.

LaToya: Name a book you wish you’d written.
Bryant: Forgiveness and Acts of Faith both by Iyanla Vanzant

LaToya: Give readers 3 reasons to buy your book.
Bryant: For one because everyone wants to read about real life whether it is good or bad,  two Domestic violence is real and I speak of my personal experience with it and so many people experience it and are afraid to talk about it. And three there is a wonderful outcome after all the heartache and misery. The book is a roller coaster full of ups and downs but over all a great read and everyone can relate.

LaToya: Who is your favorite author?
Bryant: Iyanla Vanzant

LaToya: Is your book based on real life events?
Bryant: Absolutely!

LaToya: Will you consider being a mentor to a young up and coming author?
Bryant: I would love to if given the opportunity to do so.

LaToya: Are you currently working on anything you want to share with us?
Bryant: I am working on  launching my own professional makeup artistry business, personal styling business, a possible reality show, and of course another book just to name a few.

LaToya: How can readers connect with you: (Please include social media, website link, and link to your amazon author age, etc.
Bryant: I can be contacted at:

                  https://www.facebook.com/Trelbryant74
Website:     www.trebryant.com

LaToya: What advice would you give to an inspiring authors?

Bryant: Don’t be afraid and follow your dreams because hard work pays off and you have a voice in this world.

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Author Interview - Imani Wisdom

Today I have the honor of interviewing the amazing Author, Blogger, and Entrepreneur Imani Wisdom. She has a beautiful spirit and I hope you'll enjoy learning about her and her book!!


LaToya: When did you begin your writing career?
Imani: I began my writing career at the tender age of eight. I had an active imagination, but didn’t quite understand how to transfer my imaginative prowess to paper. Years later, I dabbled into short stories and poetry, but it wasn’t until my late thirties I took writing seriously. Hence, I began a three-day journey of writing Zion’s Road. And the rest is history.

LaToya: What’s your inspiration for writing?
Imani: As long as it’s living and breathing, it’s inspiration. Society is a perfect example. It’s a melting pot for the development of characters and plots. Most of my stories are based from hard issues; such as, sexual abuse and domestic violence, mental illness, and racism. These controversial topics have endless opportunities. 

LaToya: What kind of legacy do you expect your writing to leave?
Imani: I want my legacy to be remembered as the writer who writes beyond “stepping-out-of-the-box” but rather sees no boxes. Limitations on any craft hurt the creative process. And I want that to come through my writing, conveying the fearlessness of an honest perception of reality.

LaToya: What are you currently working on?
Imani: I’m currently working on several projects, including a new manuscript from the Zion’s Road series. I can’t say too much on the storyline, but I will say the main character is full of surprises. He transforms from a life of hustling and running the streets to opening the hearts and minds of hurt souls. Also, one of the characters is screaming at me to write their story. And this person is the epitome of “monster are not born, they’re made”.

LaToya: Name one book that you would categorize as a life changing read.
Imani: The Color Purple because Alice Walker had proven strong women could evolve from any background and at any time.

LaToya: Tell us about your latest book.
Imani: Zion’s Road: A Love Story about Love and Redemption tells about a former Klansman, Harold Smith’s unique encounter with a strange boy, as the two delve in his past to discover many hidden truths and a sixty-five year old secret he’d kept in his heart. Now, though, it’s a fifty page novelette, this suspenseful love story packs a punch with a surprise ending.




LaToya: Name a book you wish you’d written.
Imani: Honestly, I never looked at anyone’s creative works and wished I’d written it. I respect the author’s hard work and imaginative skill to be inspired, but never wished for their work to be mine.

LaToya: Give readers 3 reasons to buy your book.
Imani: The character is the perfect, non-perfect character of hope and transformation, something as we, humans, live with everyday. Also, we asked ourselves the question about where racism comes from. Harold Smith’s point-of view could shed some light on the subject. And finally, it’s a love story – a good old-fashioned love story with differing families. So, when a person or a group of people keep you from the one you love, what would you do?

LaToya: Who is your favorite author?
Imani: I have many, but Alice Walker is favorite author because her book, The Color Purple transformed my life.

LaToya: Is your book based on real life events?
Imani: Of course, racism is alive and well and Charleston, South Carolina only proves it. It’s sad we have to still endure the same society ills as our forefathers and mothers; it shouldn’t be way. Generational struggles are supposed to get better, not worse.

LaToya: Will you consider being a mentor to a young up and coming author?
Imani: Absolutely! I’m already mentoring up and coming authors, which is truly an honor. Their interest in the industry keeps me motivated with my dream.

LaToya: Are you currently working on anything you want to share with us?
Imani: Besides what I’d mentioned above with the Zion’s Road series, I’m also the host of the Urban Ebook Fair and Twitter Affair. Both gives light to new and seasoned authors alike. The road to our dreams should be a collective effort, because success is not driven alone.

LaToya: How can readers connect with you: (Please include social media, website link, and link to your amazon author age, etc.
Imani: I love hearing from readers! Connect with me via any of the channels below.


LaToya: What advice would you give to an inspiring authors?
Imani: Research, research, research!!!! You will have many authors advising you on how to be a better writer, publisher, or marketer. But the number one person you should rely on is YOU! Listen to your instinct, because nine times out of ten is never wrong. 

Thursday, May 28, 2015

God I Say Thank You


Another one of those sleepless nights but all I can do is thank God because I know he is still in control. For so long I ran from the plan and purpose that God predestined for my life for several reasons:
  1. Because I could not understand why he chose me.
  2. Wasn't sure I could measure up to the task.
  3. Afraid of what others may think of me. 
God continues to show me daily that it doesn't matter what others may say it's just important to stay focus on him. In writing my first book: A Praying Heart my purpose was to inspire others to understand the different aspects of prayer while developing a deeper connection with him. Through the whole process God has always walked with me. I haven't been feeling the best lately but my love for God continue to grow my spiritual life and that's why I continue to push myself to keep gong no matter. 

In the past few weeks God has really showed me why I can never stop writing because:
  1. I have a testimony that he will allow me to share with the world when the time is right.
  2. In order to be one a servant I must remain humbled in all that I do.
  3. Speak words of hope and encouragement to those that are struggling or just looking to grow closer to him.
There have been so many that ask how in the world to you keep going with all you go though. My only response is: because God has not given up on me and he has allowed me to live far longer than the doctors quoted to me. Don't feel bad for me just take and thank God with me because I am healed and delivered because of his love, daily grace and mercy. 




Sunday, May 10, 2015

Sample Sunday # 2 Poetic Expressions: Unconditional

Poetic Expressions is a book of poetry that contain words of love, hope, and inspiration. Author LaToya Murchison used her love of writing poetry as her source of therapy and healing. She takes you on a journey of renewed spirituality, the pain of lost love ones and the joy of finding true love.
Release Date: May 30, 2015