Sunday, November 03, 2013

DAY 3 - MEET THE PANEL



AlTonya Washington has been a published romance novelist for 10 years. In 2013, her Harlequin Kimani novel His Texas Touch won the Romantic Times Magazine Reviewer’s Choice Award for Best Series Romance of 2012. In addition to being an author, AlTonya also works as a college Reference Librarian. Writing as T. Onyx, AlTonya released her latest erotica Ravenous: Ruler of Perfection II in 2013. Her newest title with Harlequin Kimani is Provocative Passion nominated for an AMB Ovation Award for Outstanding Interracial Romance and the sequel to the January 2013 release Provocative Territory. Her upcoming novel, A Lover’s Debt is the 17th title in the Ramsey Tesano saga.

Website: http://www.lovealtonya.com

Angel de`Amor is a Chicago native. She has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. As a Senior Accountant for real-estate companies for the past eleven years, in her day job she focuses on budgets, reports, and financial statements, and in her free time she continued to be an avid reader.

Angel’s love of reading began in her early teens, she started with magazines and short stories, and soon moved into romance novels. A hopeless romantic, Angel reads at least thirty books a year and when she finally started to write her own stories, Angel stayed true to her passion.

Filled with temptation and forbidden love affairs, His Betrayal Her Lies chronicles the journey of a young woman trying to live up to everyone’s expectations--her family, friends and companion—but neglecting to follow her own heart.

Angel prides herself on writing about everyday issues that face real people. She is currently hard at work on Kept Secrets, the sequel to His Betrayal Her Lies.

Barbara Joe Williams is currently a freelance writer, independent publisher, and motivational speaker living in Tallahassee, Florida. She is a Navy veteran, a graduate of Tallahassee Community College, and Florida A & M University. Barbara is also the founder of Amani Publishing, LLC (2004), and the co-founder of the Tallahassee Authors Network since September 2008.

She has published books for over twenty authors and nine for herself including: The 21 Lives of Lisette Donavan (Anthology, 2012), A Man of My Own (2012), A Writer’s Guide to Publishing & Marketing (2010), Moving the Furniture: 52 Ways to Keep Your Marriage Fresh (2009), Courtney’s Collage (with Sherille Fisher, 2007), How I Met My Sweetheart (Anthology, 2007), Falling for Lies (2006), Dancing with Temptation (2005) and Forgive Us This Day (2004).

All her books are available now at Amazon.com, Amen-Ra’s Bookshop, BN.com, Booksamillion.com, FAMU bookstore, and all other retail bookstores upon request.

Cheryl Lacey Donovan draws on her experience and passion as an educator to motivate and encourage others to live their lives on purpose. She is particularly passionate about helping others create the lives they deserve and desire. Articulate and compassionate, Cheryl is a speaker with a gift for teaching. She says, "My desire is to help people see the world from God's perspective, and to move them to do something about what they see." Cheryl has spent a lifetime acquiring experience around educating and advising others on living a more meaningful life. After more than 20 years of educating and advising allied health care professionals Cheryl followed her passion for bringing out the best in other people by choosing to be more involved in the vision and direction their lives were taking. This culminated in the launch of Worth More than Rubies. Since then Cheryl has spoken to hundreds of groups across the country and written articles as well as Bible study curricula. Cheryl is uniquely positioned to impact the lives of individuals she comes in contact with for long term success with her powerful vision of bringing purpose into the people equation to promote happier, healthier more meaningful life experiences. Cheryl presents a powerful message with a conversational style that's just like sitting around chatting with one of your sisters - one who is filled with pearls of wisdom and whose heart is filled with giving. Some of us long for that kind of sister or friend who will just sit you down, tell you the truth about life, share her experiences, and then give you access to a greater more meaningful purpose in life. You will want to sip a warm cup of your favorite drink, bring a note pad and enjoy a candid and educational presentation with Cheryl Lacey Donovan.

Ella D. Curry is the president and CEO of EDC Creations Media Group. She brings more than 20 years of PR and marketing experience to clients in film, music, publishing and corporate event planning. Her expertise as well as her love for all things literary, and collaborative approach with clients have earned her a reputation as a respected leader in the publishing industry. Ella has enjoyed an extensive tenure in media promotions and book publicity. She started out as a corporate event planner and website developer; later becoming a buyer for the legendary Karibu Book Store chain. Her career now includes services such as blog tour coordinator, book coach, video journalist and literary publicist.

Ms. Curry lives in Maryland with daughter and partner. When she's not working, she loves to travel, write short stories, and chatting in Internet groups with her international group of friends. As her entrepreneurial spirit guides the way upward, she continues to involve herself in challenging, life enhancing projects. If you would like more information, you may reach her via email at: elladcurry@edc-creations.com or visit the parent website at: www.edc-creations.com

Frances Frost has been making up her own stories ever since convincing her younger brother that she could make butter from those little teeny cups of coffee creamer. She chronicles her thoughts on motherhood, books, and crafts on her blog, Just Piddlin’ (www.slackermomof4.blogspot.com), a Circle of Moms “Top 25 Family Blog by Moms”, and is a contributing blogger on Skirt.com and CircleofMoms.com. She lives just outside of Washington, DC in Silver Spring, Maryland with her husband, four children, and rescued pup. Life in Spades is her first novel.

 Website: www.francesfrost.com

Jacqueline J. Holness is a seasoned journalist with 15 years of professional experience writing and working for an assortment of newspapers, magazines, websites and other publications. Currently, she is a correspondent for Courthouse News Service, an online, national news service for attorneys. She is responsible for writing about new litigation filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia as well as four metro Atlanta court systems. Prior to working for Courthouse News Service, Jacqueline worked primarily as an education reporter for the News Daily newspaper covering the Clayton County Public School System, the fifth largest school system in Georgia. Aside from covering the education beat, she frequently wrote in-depth feature pieces and columns in which she explored her faith and other issues. She also worked as a reporter for the Clayton Neighbor newspaper where she covered several beats including education and county and city governments.

Through her business, Selah Communications, Jacqueline has also written for several publications, websites and organizations. Her articles have appeared in UPSCALE magazine, the Atlanta Business Chronicle newspaper, Atlanta Tribune: The Magazine and Atlanta Home Improvement magazine. Her work has also appeared on Citysearch.comand the New Georgia Encyclopedia website. In addition, she has written for the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau. After the Altar Call: The Sisters' Guide to Developing a Personal Relationship With God, published by Nevaeh Publishing, is her first book.

http://afterthealtarcall.com

Dr. Linda F. Beed's works are those that seek to inform and remind the reader that their past does not change the plans that God has for their lives.

A life-long reader and storyteller, Dr. Linda took a step of faith and entered a short story contest. Encouraged by family to continue, she extended the story into a full novel—Business Unusual. That book was released by her publishing company, On Assignment Publications. The sequel Through The Fire will release in 2014. She is a contributor to Home Again: Stories of Restored Relationships. That work was nominated in the best anthology of the year category at the African American Literary Awards show.

As a conference coordinator and facilitator, Dr. Linda has shared in the success of local and national literary events. She currently serves on the faculty of the Black Writers and Reunion Conference. Her column on literary tips and the business side of writing can be found in the bi-monthly issues of SORMAG DIGITAL MAGAZINE.

A children’s minister with thirty plus years of experience Dr. Linda is a living example of using words to bear good fruit.

In her quest to continue telling the stories of African Americans she has developed the 'Life Enrichment' series. These spoken word performances showcase known and little known persons and events of the African American people. Tell Them, that depicts the last day of Denise McNair and the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church bombing is the first in this ongoing production.

Dr. Linda is a member of the Seattle Chapter of Professional Women of Color and the National Council of Negro Women. She is also a Board member for the T&T Foundation.

http://www.lindabeed.com/


Lyn Cote

I am Lyn Cote. My first book came out in 1998, Never Alone, #36 in the first year of the Love Inspired line of romances. I always wanted to be a writer and a teacher--and guess what I was a teacher and then a writer and a mom of a son and daughter.

I am a happy person. I am grateful to God for all his blessings. And I try to share my joy with others.

I write both contemporary and historical romance, some with a bit of suspense. And I host a blog, titled: “Strong Women, Brave Stories.” I invite authors and readers to submit stories about women they have known and admired. If you’d like to drop by and join in, its on my homepage http://www.BooksbyLynCote.com And that’s Lyn Cote!

Makenzi is a fiction author with several books under her name since 2006 including, "Unexpected Truth", "Dangerously", "That's How I Like It!" a short story "Blood Brothers" and October 2013 she released her newest novel "Wicked Attraction." Before becoming a self published author in 2013, from 2008-09, Makenzi not only was an author on the roster but she also served as the in-house event planner for the publishing company she was previously signed with. Her duties included scheduling all the book signings, speaking events, interviews and book club events. Makenzi is originally from Cleveland, Ohio but currently resides in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

M.J. Kane stumbled into writing. An avid reader, this stay at home mom never lost the overactive imagination of an only child. As an adult she made up stories, though never shared them, to keep herself entertained. It wasn’t until surviving a traumatic medical incident in 2006 that she found a reason to let the characters inhabiting her imagination free. Upon the suggestion of her husband, she commandeered his laptop and allowed the characters to take life. It was that, or look over her shoulder for men caring a purple strait jacket. No longer a television addict, if M.J. isn’t reading a book by one of her favorite authors, she’s battling with her creative muse to balance writing and being a wife and mother. She resides in the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia with her high school sweetheart, four wonderful children, and two pit bulls. MJ can often be found hanging out at the local library where she is director of a local writer’s group, or online connecting with readers and other authors. Other activities she enjoys include: creating custom floral arrangements, assisting her children in their creative pursuits of music and art, and supporting her husband’s music production business, 3D Sounds.

Blog/Website: http://authormjkanebooks.wordpress.com/

Rita Karnopp

Having just finished her fifteenth book, Rita Karnopp isn’t a stranger to bringing stories alive between the pages of her books.

This multi-published author has just begun. Whether a 1800s Montana story or nail biting suspense, Rita draws on her love for the rich history of the Native American.

Her thrillers have delighted the edgy reader and her recent Holocaust Tango of Death series is hitting the market by storm. It’s gutsy, real, and turning heads.

Rita currently resides in Montana with her husband and their loveable Cockapoo, Gema.

Reading, research, writing, and making dream catchers, consume most of Rita’s spare time during the long Montana winters. When summer arrives she enjoys gold panning, crystal or sapphire digging, rafting, fishing, canoeing, and spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Also find Rita at:

Website: http://ritakarnopp.com

Facebook: rita.karnopp@facebook.com

Blog: http://mizging.blogspot.com/

Contact her at ritakarnopp@bresnan.net

Rose Jackson-Beavers, Chief Executive Officer of Prioritybooks Publications grew up in East St. Louis, Illinois and received her Bachelor and Master degrees from Illinois State and Southern Illinois Universities. Rose is a motivational speaker who is frequently asked to talk to youths and young adults about life issues. She has worked with many youths throughout her community and has received numerous awards and recognition for her work in youth empowerment and publishing. She has 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. Married for twenty-nine years to Cedric, they have one daughter, Adeesha. Rose is the author of seven books. Her 2012 book, A Sinner's Cry was a finalist in the Religious Fiction category in, The Next Generation Indie Book Awards 2012. Her newest release through Urban Books is Full Figured 5 with Brenda Hampton. In 2013, she released Inhibitions; an anthology which included her story, Can’t Get Enough of Your Love. Rose’s books can be purchased directly from her website at http://www.prioritybooks.com/ or from http://www.amazon.com/ or http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. She can be reached at rosbeav03@yahoo.com, or at 314-306-2972.

Savannah Jackson or Savannah J as she is affectionately called has been surrounded by diverse culture and the Arts her entire life. She was born into a family of artists and raised in Wilmington, Delaware in an Italian neighborhood affectionately referred to as "Little Italy". The unconditional love and support of her family and influence of her environment fostered her love and talents in the Arts.

Savannah began singing at the age of three, subsequently, during her college years, she studied music and literature, which fed her passion for writing. Her first novels revealed her romantic side until at the urging of two friends, she decided to stretch herself and penned her first suspense.

She is the author of “Toward the Light” and the sequel “The Prodigal Son,” “Behind Closed Doors,” “Raising Tristan,” and the suspense thriller, “The Prey,” She is also the founder and organizer and host of The Biennial Authors Literary Festival, which is held every other year in the Richmond Virginia Metro Area. Savannah J. at present resides in Virginia with her son and family. For more information see her website at www.thesavannahjpublications.com or email her at savnhj@aol.com . For more information on The Biennial Authors Literary Festival visit the website at www.theannualauthlitfestival.com. “Toward the Light” is available at www.authorhouse.com. “The Prey,” and “Raising Tristan” are available on Amazon and through Savannah’s website. “Raising Tristan” is now available in eBook on Kindle. “The Prodigal Son,” and “Behind Closed Doors” are being re-edited and unavailable. Savannah is currently hard at work on the second book in “The Prey” series titled “The Prey: Twins, and then there were two”.

My website is www.thesavannahjpublications.com


Shelly Ellis As long as she could remember, Shelly Ellis (who also writes under the name, L.S. Childers) has wanted to be a writer. In college, she studied journalism and started out as a crime reporter for a small local newspaper. Now she is an editor at a trade journal in Virginia.

Her fiction writing career began when she became one of four finalists in the BET Books First-Time Writers Contest when she was 19 years old. The prize was having her first short-story romance published in the book, All That and Then Some! She has since been chosen as a finalist for 2012 African American Literary Award in the romance category and one of her books earned a coveted starred review from Publishers Weekly. Shelly started her new women’s fiction series with Kensington Publishing, the Gibbons Gold Digger Series in 2013, starring the gold-digging Gibbons sisters. She also does podcasts and is a blog contributor for Black Girl Nerds.

She is married and lives in Prince George’s County, Maryland with her husband, their daughter, and their tabbie cat, Barty. She loves to paint, read, and watch movies.

Website address:www.shellyellisbooks.com

STEPHANIE CASHER is a freelance editor and author of multicultural women’s fiction. Her debut novel, When Love Isn’t Enough, has received 4- and 5- star reviews on amazon.com, and was a finalist in the 2011 Global eBook Awards for Multicultural Fiction. The sequel, The Space Between, will be released in 2014.

Stephanie is also co-owner of The Pantheon Collective (TPC), LLC, an independent publishing company that has published four award-winning novels (Sellout by James W. Lewis; A Hard Man is Good to Find by James W. Lewis; One Blood by Qwantu Amaru; and When Love Isn’t Enough).

Currently living in Santa Cruz, California with her partner and two cats, Stephanie tries to spend as much time as possible in nature. To placate her inner gypsy, she travels extensively in search of inspiration.

Website address http://www.stephaniecasher.com

TaNisha Webb is a well known book club consultant and author of the highly anticipated book club guideThe Ultimate Book Club Experience: How to Create & Maintain a Successful Book Club. She is the Publisher and Editor in Chief for Book Club 101 Magazine and the founder of Book Club 101 University, The Black Book Club Experience, and The Ultimate Book Club Experience. TaNisha is also a literary event planner and consultant. She is the founder and coordinator of Fall Into Books Literary Conference and Book Club University Online Conference. She is the owner of Literary-ly Speaking Events & Services and Bookmark It! Handcrafted Bookmarks.

TaNisha Webb is the president of the award-winning KC Girlfriends Book Club and moderator for the “Maximizing Your Book Club Experience” panel discussion for the National Book Club Conference in Atlanta, GA. In 2002, TaNisha earned an Associates of Health Science in Respiratory Care at Newman University in Wichita, KS. TaNisha lives in Kansas City, MO and works as an Environmental Health Coordinator for a children’s hospital. Please visit TaNisha Webb online at: www.tanishawebbonline.com, www.bookclub101mag.com or www.bookclubuniversity101.net --

TaNisha Webb - Founder Literary-ly Speaking Events & Services

Terri J. Haynes holds a certificate in Creative Writing, an Associate's Degree in Religious Studies and a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Theology. She is a columnist for UrbanFaith.com and has been published in Cup of Comfort for Military Families and Crosswalk.com. She is a ACFW 2010 Genesis Finalist and a 2012 Genesis Semi-Finalist. Terri's novel, Love Simplified, was a quarterfinalist in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Awards. Terri is a graphic designer and avid knitter. She lives in Maryland with her husband (Army RET) and her three children.

TL James graduated with an MBA from LeTourneau University. At LETU, she cultivated an interest in biblical studies, which became the integral thread in her writing style. Given birth her first speculative fictional trilogy. As she developed the family drama storyline, her newly born son was constantly tucked around her waist. After eight months of sleepless nights, The MPire trilogy was completed.

During her publishing experience, James discovered a numbers of gaps in the system. The primary gap was there were many publishing houses and promotions companies but not one company that provided both services and was affordable. Furthermore, the author often times was shutout of the important decisions because both companies possessed different agendas.

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