Phoenix Williams, Where Have You Been All of My Life?

No, seriously! 

Where in the heck has this author been?


Phoenix Williams has tapped everything weird thing I read and write: the paranormal, fantasy, romance, anime, and my personal favorite, nail-biting endings.

This novella was so good, that I had to take small breaks to compose myself because of the story's intensity.

But what I loved most about this book, besides purr-fect Alonzo, fearful Daniel, the wise women, or the adoring main character 's teacher, was Adara herself. I love any story featuring a strong woman that actually bends. It's realistic and rings true for millions of women.

Also, if seven stars could exist, I would give it to Williams because it's well-written, well-paced, and the development of her characters are phenomenal!

Ms. Williams, you have a new reader. Anything she writes, I will buy from now on!

Now on Amazon

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Brace Yourself: Mz. Demeanor Does Not Disappoint!

I'll confess: even though I will read any genre as long as it's well-written, I don't often read a lot of Street-Lit. Yet this book by Mz. Demeanor had made me rethink I need to read more books like hers.

This story defines what love is and what love could do when lies are involved. You have an ultimate, urban love story seen through the eyes of Moody and Tell, along with the other cast of characters, Tia and Kirk.

There were times in the book I wanted to smack some sense in every character because "doing the most" clearly was an understatement. But, of course, I won't dwell too much on it because you need to purchase this book and find out for yourself!

Besides the well-written content, I feel, overall, the author's character development was excellent, leaving the reader's, potentially, wanting more of Moody and Tell.

So, if you love intense romance, drama, and lots of backstabbing, this book is for you. Now, you will be forewarned, the ending is jaw-dropping and may be controversial. Still, Mz. Demeanor does not disappoint.

Now on Amazon

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When I Grow Up I Want to Write Like James Baldwin!

Okay, maybe not write like this gifted writer and author, but having the ability to write with such sensitivity, poetic prowess, and a tenderness from the soul.

This book "Go Tell It on the Mountain" as of now, is one of my favorites by James Baldwin. The story depicts a family from Harlem with unwavering, Christian values, and yet bears the inner- demons of their past. Seeking redemption is never easy, and especially for the patriarch, Reverend Gabriel Grimes.

Yet the main character, a boy named John from the same family, shakes and fights for redemption. Even though his temptations were benign compared to other characters as told brilliantly by Baldwin.

And speaking of "brilliance", Baldwin's dialogue is superb! The utterance of their words through the book with the vernacular tone that reminds me of my Grandmother and her Southern upbringing. The writing overall, however, is purely exceptional.

I give this book 4.7 stars, rounding to a deserving five stars, not because of James Baldwin, or his gritty prose, or the timeless content, but it's one hell of a book!

Now on Amazon

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This Book Has a New Definition of "You Reap what you Sow!"

Jamaica's own, J.L. Campbell, brings the island in a collection of masterfully-written short stories. Call it karma or whatever faith that defines "when wrong comes back on the person" is brilliantly told.

From the first story to the last, the author paints vivid tales of abuse and revenge through her poetic prose. Within each word, I could hear the oceanic waves, along with the sweet subtle scents of jasmine.

But what I also enjoy is how Campbell shares the island's beautiful language. As I'm reading most of the dialogue, I'm slowly repeating the words, feeling as if I'm a part of the story.

If you're a fan of suspense and thrills, and chills, you need to buy or download this book!

There are talented writers and then there are gifted storytellers, and Campbell has an amazing gift for prolific storytelling.

Now on Amazon

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A Brand New Courtney- A Shero's Journey From Being Broken to Being Blessed!

“The “make up” of Courtney M. Hawkins is that of one, who through sheer strength of will, finds a way to live through it all! From brokenness to blessedness, Courtney’s testimony is nothing short of a miracle. She has reached a place in her  healing process to be a blessing to someone else.” -Pastor Darrell L. Fairer Faith Bible Tabernacle, Buffalo, NY

Courtney Hawkins

We all are on a life journey, and Courtney takes us on one of healing, redemption and growing from being Broken to Being Blessed. “Dr. Courtney" new memoir, The Make-up of Me: Embrace Your Natural Beauty is one every woman going through the journey of rebirthing and unmasking oneself should read. She shares how she healed with the grace of God and his mercy. She broke from the the bondage of self-hatred, guilt, self-hatred, guilt, shame, incompetence, depression, anxiety and thoughts about suicide. Her words will inspire you, encourage and motivate you to love yourself.

1.      Courtney, I would first like to thank you for allowing me to the opportunity to write an article about you. Could you give the readers the make-up of Courtney?

“Dr. Courtney” is a woman of passion, perseverance and vision. Her purpose is to coach and assist the broken hearted through their delivery and healing process. She is a Minister, Author, Certified Grief Recovery Specialist, Mental Health First Aid Trainer, Life Coach and Public Speaker.

“Dr. Courtney” is admired for her strength, courage and willingness to be very transparent about her flaws with hopes others may feel freed to embrace their own.  Her very straight forward and straightforward approach has her dubbed as the Dr. who’s “A tough pill to swallow”.

1.      What spark the idea to write a memoir and share your life story?

As an overcomer who has endured same-sex molestation, rape and a survivor of a fatal car accident that claimed another’s life, I understand how it feels to be broken. As a result, of these events, I was filled with self-hatred, guilt, shame, incompetence, depression, anxiety and thoughts about suicide.

Tired of hiding and determined to break free of mental and emotional bondage, I chose to surrender my fears and do the work necessary to live an abundant life. I selected to accept the transformational power of forgiveness, grace and mercy for my life which is legally bestowed to me as a child of God, and now I continually practice self-love while embracing my flaws and all.

This book is an eye into my diary of healing. I wanted to chronicle my life through my memoir while being optimistic that others would read it and uncover vital insights that will guide the reader into embracing their natural beauty. Also, with hopes that the reader will discover within the pages the written keys that will unlock their truth that can support them in setting themselves free.

2.      Share a little about The Make-up of Me: Embrace Your Natural Beauty and why you chose that title?

Generally speaking “Makeup” has been used for countless generations to make oneself more attractive by masking their imperfections and flaws.  Flaws and blemishes can be an embarrassment to many people.  Because many of us lack the courage and confidence needed to accept and embrace our flaws we misrepresent ourselves by covering them with masks.

I chose to name the book “The Makeup of Me: Embrace Your Natural Beauty” because I wanted to remove my mask and expose myself so that others who witnessed my trials and tribulations would also know of God’s healing power.  I wanted to share my story so that others would be freed to embrace their flaws and share their own stories. 

3.       4. What words of encouragement would you like to share with women who are in the rut of life and feel like they will never recover?”

Here’s an excerpt from her Memoir The Make-up of Me: Embrace Your Natural Beauty and why you chose that title and Chapter “EMBRACELET.”

“Embracing the truth and letting go of the lies that I told myself was a process for me and remains a practice that I continue on a daily basis.  Just as I accept brand new mercies and grace for myself daily, I also make a conscious effort to embrace something positive and let go of something negative.   What lies are you telling yourself that you should let go of?  What truths do you need to embrace?”- Courtney M. Hawkins

Here are a few to consider…

Embrace                                                                Let go of

I’m fearfully and wonderfully made                  I’m flawed and imperfect 

I’m more than a conqueror                                I’m not enough

I’m unconditionally loved by the King                No one loves me

4.      What have you learned (or still learning) since being in the business of self-publishing?

 I’ve learned to trust myself and believe in my abilities. That with God’s guidance I can accomplish things that I didn’t know I was capable of doing on my own.

5.       Tell me a little about your company Broken Branches, Inc.?

 Broken Branches Inc. Provides a wide range of programming that pertain to an individual’s mental health.  Our Mission is to comfort those who mourn, restore healthy relationships, and increase mental health awareness in our communities with the hope that individuals live a more healthy, abundant and productive life.  Our Motto: Lean on us for your Life, Health, and Strength!

6.      Lastly, if you had to choose one person living or dead who would you like to have a dinner with?

I would love to have dinner with Karyn Washington. Karyn was the beautiful visionary behind the encouraging and uplifting website, Forbrowngirls.com.   She created the forum to celebrate the beauty of darker shades of brown skin, to encourage women to embrace the skin they’re in. At just the age of 22, while finding it difficult to grieve the loss of her mother Karyn committed suicide.

I wish I were able to comfort her during her time of grieving.  I wish I could’ve told her that she can lean on me for her Life, Health and Strength. 

 You can follow her on FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/Voniquedesigns

Thank you for allowing me as well as so many women share in your journey tragedy but teaching us to see that each struggle, each life changing journey is God's road map to your true purpose.  

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BIG CHANGES ARE COMING TO PINK NOIRE

Starting in January 2016, the Pink Noire Lounge will go into hiatus – well, kind of. Authors, Jamesina Green and Tamyara Brown, will continue to feature talented people every month, and on occasion, I will throw in a few posts on healthy living and empowerment, and updates on my debut novel, THE JOURNEY OF RUTHIE BELLE.

Why the change?

As visionaries, we all have to grow; and sometimes, growth means taking on endeavors to help expand our ideas and dreams. So the Lounge will not stop bringing you great stories on gifted people, just not as many in one month.  

What about the Urban Ebook Fair?

In the final weekend of January is the fair’s first anniversary, and after that it will go from a monthly event to every quarter. This means the #UEBFair will be held every three months. Also, there will be major changes as far as the length of the fair. PN wants to be more inclusive when it comes to International authors and readers, and certain genres; so expanding the time is a must.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to write to us: imani@imaniwisdom.com

Merry Christmas,

Imani Wisdom and the Pink Noire family

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LE'ANDRIA JOHNSON: THIS IS WHAT PERSEVERANCE AND FAITH CAN DO!

By Jami Greene

Pink Noire contributor, Jami Greene, was gracious to share an interview she did with Gospel singer and winner of season three,  BET's Sunday's Best, Le'Andria Johnson. 

Wow!

So, it's my privilege and honor to also announce, Ms. Johnson, is Pink Noire's Artist of the Month. 

I couldn't let this one slip by and not award her with PN's honor. 

"On September 25, 2013, I was honored to be among a select group of Bloggers who were privileged to speak with Grammy and Stellar Award Winner, Le’Andria Johnson.  As most of the world knows, Le’Andria Johnson was the Season 3 Winner of the Sunday’s Best.  Since achieving that life changing milestone, Le’Andria continues to show us exactly what perseverance and faith can do.  Below are some of the questions and answers that were shared during this call.  Take a moment to receive insight into the heart and soul of this phenomenal woman.  Be blessed!"

Jami:  After all of the adversity you have faced in life, why do you think that you are still here?  How are you still standing?

LE’ANDRIA JOHNSON:  I am still here because I want to be.  I am still here because I want to see change for myself and for others.

What was the toughest part for you of ministering while you were pregnant with a child out of wedlock?

The toughest part for me was trying to reach women who were in a similar situation.  I wanted to encourage them that their life was not over because of this particular situation.  Please understand that the toughest part was NOT be concerned about what the Bishops, or Pastors, even my record label thought of me.  We are all human and we all make mistakes or make bad choices.  That’s life.

What advice would you give to other young woman who find themselves single and pregnant in the Church?

To have that baby and find a place where they are not judged and condemned.  To have that baby and find a place where they will be loved and supported as they continue to strengthen their personal relationship with God.

How do you keep from falling apart during your trials?

I keep from falling apart by appreciating the process.  I know that everything I go through has a purpose and it’s not just about me.  I also remember that He’s the same God in every situation.  Just like He brought me through before, He will do it again.

At what age did you become aware of your calling to ministry?

I have always known that I would minister in some way.  I also knew that elevations in ministry would come and that I just needed to be ready and willing to follow His lead.

As a PK (Preacher’s Kid), did you ever resent the requirements of ministry on your parents?

Heck yeah.  There was always something going on the required their time and attention.  Whether it was a 50 night revival, shut-in or something else.  There was no balance and I definitely grew to resent that.  Church was our WHOLE life.  I believe that growing up that way both protected and crippled me.  It crippled me regarding “life.”  That is one reason why I have done some of the things that I have done such as my relationships with men, my style of dress, etc.  I couldn’t wait to do the things that I had not been allowed to do.  However, in my process, I found God for myself!

What is the greatest life lesson you have learned since winning Sunday’s Best?

To trust God and NOT man!

What encouraged you to begin Pastoring?

I followed the leading of God.  I also followed my desire to look in the face of a Le’Andria Johnson and them them hope.  I want to speak life into them.  I want them to understand that they are so much more than their current situation.

Why do you sing Gospel Music?        

I sing Gospel Music because it provides a stream of life to people.  Gospel Music has historically inspired other types of music and continues to provide people with a connection to God.  Gospel Music changes lives.

Pastor Le’Andria Johnson unselfishly allowed us to look into her heart and hear her love for people.  She was very “real” and did not leave me feeling that I was speaking with an untouchable “celebrity.”  She is a woman who is secure in who God made her to be.  A wife, mother, daughter, sister, singer and pastor, she is one of a kind.  I was truly blessed by this opportunity and pray for continual manifested favor in her life.

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5 WAYS TO GET YOUR HAPPY BACK!

By Imani Wisdom

Have you ever felt you were running on empty by the constant barrage of daily life: work, family, and for some, school?

Whether you’re a single parent or a parent with special responsibilities, such as, caring for a physically or mentally impaired relative or a parent who has to juggle with everyday life, we all fall into the trap of guilt and shame because we feel we’re underperforming our parental duties—or like me—doubting my duties as a daughter to aid my disabled mother. Thus, we push ourselves to the point of mental exhaustion—and when that breaks down—so does our bodies.

I speak from experience because I had been a caregiver to my mother, and then later for my aunt and grandparents and that was not including raising three small children at the time. However, during that journey I suffered health ailments: hypertension, obesity, and depression. There were times I didn’t know how I was going to get out of bed, not along to care for someone else. But by the grace God—I prevailed.

Still, I learned the mind can be a powerful thing. This amazing anatomy that weighs around three pounds can train the body and soul like a battery to an electronic device—powering it up and programming it where you want it to go. For me, I had to learn to shift my thoughts from the negative to the positive and believed all things were possible.

So, on Lent 2010, I made a committed effort for a lifestyle change. I also devised a plan to make my journey easier. If it worked for me, it could for you:

1. Exercise the Mind: Read a book by your favorite author; challenge yourself to a crossword or word search puzzle; get up early while the house is quiet for prayer and meditation, or take spiritual walks. A simple five to ten minute mind vacation does work wonders. When you find something that relaxes you, your mind smiles.

2. Eat Well: Maintaining a well-balanced diet by adding lean meats, like chicken or turkey. Do eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. Eliminate or sparingly eat sugary foods and drinks, such as, cakes, cookies, and sodas. Do eat Omega-3 fatty foods (salmon is an excellent example). More importantly, water, water, water! It is a known fact that drinking eight to ten glasses of water a day cleanse unwanted toxins from the body and avoids you from overeating. As I say all the time: Treat the body well, and it’ll love you in return.

3. Stay Connected: Make a phone call to an old friend and share laughs. If you have a church home, seek comfort and guidance with the pastor and/or parishioners. Join a book club. Take a class to learn something new, like pottery, cooking, or back to the first plan to help relax the mind and body—yoga.

4. Seek Support: This may be a repeat with number three but this goes deeper if you’re suffering from burnout or depression—especially caring for a loved one. Most will seek comfort and advice from their pastor, which is great but if you’re having signs of feeling worthlessness, oversleeping, a change in your eating habits, irritability, or worse, suicidal thoughts, it’s imperative you seek mental health counseling. Also, just because you speak to a mental health professional doesn’t mean they’ll prescribe anti-depressants. Mental Health Professionals are not the boogeyman. They’re to help sort out problems and give their professional advice on which way to go.

5. Loving the Body: Have you ever heard the cliché, your body is your temple. I also consider it as a gift from God. Like any precious gift you’ve received, shouldn’t your body be treated as such? Whether you’re out of shape or need to lose a few pounds, there are simple and common sense ways of getting fit, such as, take brisk thirty minute walks; participate in a physical activity with your children, like kickball; use the stairs at work instead of taking the elevator, and game consoles like Wii or Xbox have interactive games to fight against the bulge. Be creative with any physical activity you chose and make it fun.

These five tips aren’t a magic pill but it’s a start to alleviating the stress. If you don’t try all five, just try one of them. Better yet, devise your plan and share the results in the comment section or on Twitter under @imani_wisdom. I would love to hear from you. And who knows, whatever you share could benefit me.

Imani Wisdom is the founder of Pink Noire Publications.  Based in Indianapolis, IN, Pink Noire is a groundbreaking company with an unpredictable brand of literary storytelling.   Wisdom is also the creator of Pink Noire Blog, which hosts inspirational posts for the soul, along with social commentary.  Born and raised in “Indy,” Wisdom spends her days overseeing a family of five, writing short stories and books, cooking vegan dishes, running 5Ks and mini-marathons, and enjoying quality time with her friends and family.

                                           

Wisdom is a graduate of Ivy Tech Community College, earning a degree in Paralegal Studies. She is a prolific storyteller whose works depict an honest portrayal of societal issues. As a blogger and author, she has received numerous honors including 2012 nominee for Poet of the Year (AAMBC Book Club), March 2012 Up and Coming Author (The Writer’s POV Magazine), September 2011 Blog of the Month (The Writer’s POV Magazine), and February 2011 Editor’s Pick (BlackShortStories.com) for her short story, The Shattered Mogul. Her works include Zion’s Road: A Love Story about Faith and Redemption, and her upcoming debut novel, The Journey of Ruthie Belle.

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POET: MEET G.P.A. (GREATEST POET ALIVE)

He has been writing poetry since 2007 and published his first book of poetry, “The Confessional Heart of a Man” recently he has also written and self-published the scintillating book of sensual poetry, “The Book of 24 Orgasms”.Besides his own works, G.P.A. was the main poetic contributor to both “Chocolate Rose” and “Chocolate Rose 2” also man who support causes that don't get enough exposure, During Domestic Violence month, he contributed poems to the anthology, Voices Behind the Tears. G.P.A .is the founding member of The League of Extraordinary Poets an organization of poets who take the art of storytelling to another level, G.P.A. is also a member of the Waiting for the Bus collective.A man who takes pride in his work, definitely a voice that one could not easily forget he recently received the 2011 Black Essence Award for Poetry and Charity. G.P.A .has been twice nominated for Poet of the Year in 2011 and “The Book of 24 Orgasms” was nominated for Book of the Year. This poet is one who is not afraid to step outside the box from taboo topics to social awareness, G.P.A is indeed a name poetry and spoken lovers should get familiar with as he prepares to release his first cd of poetry, "The G.P.A. Experience" and the follow-up to his first book, “The Mind of A Poetic UnSub” keep your eyes and ears open because this artist is destined for greatness.  

Courtesy of iblowyourmind.net 

Imani: Welcome to The Lounge. Let's start off with a simple icebreaker and begin with your story, just who is James Gordon?

James: James Gordon is the alter ego of G.P.A.(Greatest Poet Alive), the embodiment of talent, hustle, ambition, and gorgeousness.

What inspire you to write, and how long have you been taking up the craft?

G.P.A. started writing in 2007. Poetry allowed him to escape and seek higher grounds. He is inspired by the idiosyncrasies of beautiful women and the reality o everyday life.

What's your favorite part of the poetry process: writing words into art, or reciting the passion behind the words?

Writing words into art is the G.P.A.’s favorite part of the process. Performing is fun, but there has to be more added to the purity of the respective poem.

What’s your favorite artistic creation you’ve written, and would you mind sharing it with us below? (Brief excerpt if it’s a novel or a short story or a full poem):

15 Minutes 

one minute to say hello and good to see you two minutes to embrace you two minutes to allow my eyes to travel your landscape, my nose to inhale your scent, touch your face and hair one minute to compliment you, tell you how much I miss you and am glad to see you. a minute to kiss your lips lightly a minute to kiss your lips fully a minute to kiss you and inhale your breath a minute to kiss you and give you breath back thirty seconds to pause thirty seconds of looking into your soul and you mine. two minutes to kiss you, exchange breaths, and let tongues salsa a minute to hold your hand after kissing again a minute to say I cannot wait to see you again, embrace and kiss you again. 

Just give me fifteen minutes Then, you can go back to work Then, you can go back inside. If you must, you can go back to him. 

15 minutes

Nice! Now what’s your next project(s)?

G.P.A. has finished and will release his first novel, The Warmest Winter.

What is your dream collaboration? With whom, and why?

Imagine if G.P.A. and Nikki Giovanni collaborated on a project. Their styles are similar in the narrative form that they deliver Poetry. And besides, it would be epic.

Finally, share with us something you've never mentioned publicly since being an author; such as, a quirk or a hidden talent. I'm sure readers would like to know.

G.P.A. is a huge fan of Batman.

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MS. BARBARA KNOWS BEST!

Barbara Joe Williams is an Amazon bestselling author, indie publisher, and a motivational speaker living in Tallahassee, Florida. She is a Navy veteran, a graduate of Tallahassee Community College, and Florida A & M University. She is the owner of Amani Publishing, LLC, and the co-founder of the Tallahassee Authors Network (TAN).

She has published a variety of books for other authors and the following titles for herself: A Cup of Barbara Joe, Holiday Hotel: A sexy short story, Forgive Us This Day (Anniversary Edition) featured in USA Today, First Class Love, You Don't Even Know My Name (novella), A Writer's Guide to Publishing & Marketing (Volume 2), Double Proposal, Losing My Soul, A Man of My Own, The 21 Lives of Lisette Donavan (Anthology), Moving the Furniture: 52 Ways to Keep Your Marriage Fresh, How I Met My Sweetheart (Anthology), Courtney's Collage, Falling for Lies, Dancing with Temptation, and Forgive Us This Day.

Forgive Us This Day (Anniversary Edition) is a rewritten version of the original title released in November 2004. She has added more background on the main character and more drama for your reading pleasure. 

Imani: Pink Noire is please to welcome bestselling author, Barbara Joe Williams to The Lounge. First off, I'm honored you've taken the time to join me. So, Ms. Barbara, I've read somewhere you began your writing career in your forties. What made you decide to finally pursue this dream?

Barbara: At the age of 42, I experienced a mid-life crisis which caused me to re-examine my life. Basically, I had accomplished all my adult goals except for writing a book. Notice that I said write, not publish. Anyway, I prayed about it that night and the next morning when I woke up, I started typing out all the ideas I had for this story centered around a married couple. Two months later, I had over 200 pages which I shared with only ten close friends. To my amazement, they all read the manuscript in less than two weeks and wanted to buy it...

Prior to your writing career, you've achieved a lot of life experiences through the military and a teaching career, and family. Have that part of your journey inspired you to create story ideas?

Yes, everything that I have experienced in life, military, teaching, and family has prepared me for my writing career. I have used all the things I've learned to bring a heavy dose of reality to my fictional characters. I even set my novel, First Class Love, in the eighties during the time that I was enlisted in the U. S. Navy to keep it authentic. 

Are you more character or plot-driven, and why?

I think my romances are more plot driven because as much as I profile the characters, it's the plot that keeps me writing. The characters can be fully developed, but there has to be an interesting plot to keep the story moving.

What's your writing process? Do you outline by chapter, or go with the flow?

When I wrote my first two novels, I went by a strict outline. But now, I usually come up with a story idea and just start writing. At some point, I might stop and jot down some details or key elements, but it's not the same as outlining. 

You have two new releases, one is titled "A Cup of Barbara Joe", and the second one is a great resource for entrepreneurs titled, "A-Z Marketing Tips: A Motivational Guide to Selling Your Products". Tell us more about these books.

A Cup of Barbara Joe is a collection of things I've learned about life, marriage, motherhood, and people from over fifty years of living. It's basically my take on quotes I've heard in the past and some I've created on my own. The A-Z Marketing Tips was written as a guide to help motivate entrepreneurs to implement a marketing plan. I think a lot of business people have great marketing ideas, but they lack the motivation it takes to get them done. So this book looks at the psychology behind selling your products, it gets you motivated to get up and do something.

Were there any challenges writing both books?

My biggest challenge with writing a book is always time. With my busy family life, I'm constantly on the run. And with my extensive literary catalog, I'm constantly in marketing mode which makes it a challenge to find time to write new material.

We all have started as a novice, feeling that anticipation of our work being seen by the world but to discover the other responsibilities that comes with it. Why wearing an "author hat" isn't enough to be successful in this business?

This is my philosophy: Writing is a hobby, but publishing is a business. Once you're published, you're a literary entrepreneur, and you need to learn the business side to be successful. That means you have to do some research. Whether you read my publishing guidebook or not, you need to research what's happening in the publishing industry.

I've noticed for quite sometime your interaction with readers are amazing. I can tell this is your favorite part being an author. Do you agree?

Yes, it is. Writing is a solitary sport. Publishing is a solitary event. But marketing is a public celebration of your accomplishments! 

What words of advice do you have for up and coming authors?

I would advise new authors to keep promoting their work. A good book today will be a good book ten years from today, but it has to be promoted properly to stay alive.

Finally, I love asking this question to my guests because it conveys a story within a story. So who's your inspiration that help shaped your craft, and if they were here right now, what would you say them?

I love Maya Angelou and applaud all the books that she has published. But Terry McMillan is really the one who inspired me to become a fiction writer. Waiting to Exhale is the first novel that I can remember reading by an African-American female. Terry showed me that we could be authors and make money from our stories. If she was here right now, I would say, "Thank you for paving the way for so many AA authors."

Thank you, Ms. Barbara! This has been an awesome interview. If anyone would like to purchase your work or to find you online, where should they go?

On Sale Now

Email:

amanipublishing@aol.com

 Website:

www.barbarajoe.webs.com

 Amazon page:

http://goo.gl/hCOkBb

 Barnes & Noble page:

http://goo.gl/iyto8l

 Facebook page:

http://ow.ly/I7AAj

 Twitter:

https://twitter.com/BarbaraJoe22

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TRAPPED WITH MY EYES WIDE OPEN

Trapped in darkness with my eyes wide open
Feeling around like a lost little girl
in the vast, emptiness of this cruel world

Sadness is not defined by my blank stare
or the tears streaming down my face
staining my curly black hair
or the anxiety I feel in my heart
numbing paralysis
feeling like my soul is drifting apart

It’s an indescribable emotion
that some may not understand
They tell you to snap out of it
or just to bow your head with
praying hands

Unrealistic effortless emotion
is surreal is like a purple sun
Metastasize like a tumor
from your mind to your tongue

A whirlwind spinning out of control
falling rapidly in a deep black hole
You fight for every breath
even though your soul is alive
Suffocating intently
as you began to panic and cry

Wanting break free from this
Spiritual cancer
Shackling me down
where I can’t see the answer
Fearing of what lies ahead
through the darkness of
uncertainty
Needing to move on,
Needing to break free
Needing to once again to be
me

Trapped with my eyes wide open
Squirming away from the spiritual
adversary hold
Lingering for a new day
for this bruised and
tattered soul

Speculation is an old innovation
of trapped minds
Desolation is mere dust
envelop by the cruel hand
of time

My steps are as valiant
as lavender spring flowers
Revitalization is my essential
superpower

Sometimes the somberness
will always be a part me
Yet, the darkness….
will never, ever, defeat
me!

© 2009, Imani Wisdom

Pink Noire Publications, LLC

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How This Little Girl Coped With Awkwardness

I remembered being the shy and quiet kid in grade school that stayed to herself because being around people was an uncomfortable experience. My big, round head, skinny, iddy-biddy legs, and glasses with bifocals (yes, bifocals at five year old), didn't help my awkwardness. I got teased, horribly. And to add insult to injury, I had a speech impediment.

Yes, I was one of those students you would see in the movies who gets thrown in their locker; or get tripped by the class jocky-jerk in the cafeteria while carrying a tray of food; or become a victim of innovative name-calling (or joning, in my later academic years); or find herself isolated not because she wanted to, but because no one could connect with her. I mean, I even thought being left-handed was strange.

My escape from the cruel and unforgiving world at that time was my vivid imagination. Those very images of whatever or whoever was my solace, and safe to say, still is. But I’d often wondered the disconnect I had with others. Of course I had a friend or two, and then later in high school I hung with a small group of quiet and reserved students like me but not with the popular cliques. Looking back on it, I find myself in the midst of quiet company today. Perhaps I haven’t outgrown the awkwardness, just find it comforting.

This trend, if you want to call it that, frenzied through my adult years. The unforgettable twenties – a time period we thought we knew it all, and most likely tried to do it all. The unimaginable thirties, when life reminds you aren't twenty anymore. And of course, the forties, when you look back the last twenty years and ask yourself: “Did I really do that?”

For me when I look back and remembered the years of awkwardness, being uncomfortable in large crowds, or having me time like an event for the ages, I thought they were antisocial tendencies, a desire of not wanting to be around people. Then one day I read an interesting article about the traits of introversion and career choices.

Introversion, according to the Free Online Dictionary, is the directing interesting inwards towards one thought and feelings rather than towards the external world or making social contacts, or the act of directing one’s interests or to things within self. However in Imani’s world: I don’t see people or conversations in black and white; I see everything as an in-between, straight-forward without small-talk, and yet sit back and quietly observe the minute details of living things: The way people carrying themselves; such as, speaking, their body language, and even how they blink.

23 Signs You’re Secretly An Introvert

Are You An Introvert Or AnExtrovert? What It Means For Your Career?

In retrospect, I've done all of those things, including daydream my way through twelve years of grade, middle, and high school. My introverted personality became an open door to many opportunities. Sounds crazy, but it has.

Another thing I've learned is the difference between shyness and introversion. Shyness, according to Susan Cain of Psychology Today, wrote, “Shyness is the fear of negative judgment, and introversion is a preference for quiet, minimally stimulating environments”. The vast misconception of these traits isn't unusual. I didn't comprehend the definitions until later in my adult years, and even then I had the notion of introverted-souls were creepy for the outlandish.

Quiet: The Power of Introverts

Now that I've reached the fabulous age of forty-two, I've come to terms of who I am. I’m a lot more than just a writer and storyteller, but been blessed with a unique personality. I used to ask God what was wrong with me: Am I a defect. Why do I feel ill at ease around people?

But you know, I had to stop questioning His intention and live life. My introverted personality was by far no accident whatsoever! And it also don’t matter what others think, but how I respond.

Wouldn't it be something else if I go back in time to that bighead kid with skinny iddy-biddy legs, and look into her heavily-lined bifocals to tell her she isn't strange or awkward. Then I will also add: Continue to daydream and act out those daydreams into stories with your dolls. Because you just never know, your imagination could just payoff. 

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