Author interviews — All the Buzz Reviews

Soon After Blog Tour with Sherryle Kiser Jackson

September 6, 2010 By Renee Williams 1 Comment

Multi-published author, teacher, wife and mother, Sherryle seeks to be a fresh voice in Christian Fiction. Her triumphant debut novel, Soon and Very Soon (2007) was followed up by her sophomore release, The Manual (2009). Soon After marks the return of her franchise characters, Pastors WIllie and Vanessa Green and the Harvest Baptist church saga. Sherrryle is currently working on her fourth novel for Urban Christian (Urban/Kensington) titled Taylor-Made. She currently lives in Maryland with her husband and two children.

Tell us about yourself.

I am a wife, mother, educator, and I am proud to say multi-published author. I am an old-soul that loves to dibble and dabble in a lot of things. I am a self-taught quilter who likes the idea of preserving the past for future generations.

What type of jobs or careers have you worked in the past?

I have always been an educator. I trained for it – I guess I was called to it. I am a teacher by trade, but a storyteller by passion.

Who are your favorite authors?

I love Ernest Gaines and Pearl Cleage. They are expert storytellers whose style is simplistic and clean. Now for action, I got to read Eric Jerome Dickey. His Gideon series – hot, it’s just pure adrenaline. I credit Victoria Christopher Murray with helping me define which genre I wanted to write for. Her stories are edifying entertainment without being preachy.

What are your favorite books?

A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest Gaines
The Shack by William P. Young
The Hand I Fan With by Tina McElroy Ansa

When did you begin to realize you wanted to write?

I can say I have been preparing to be a writer my whole life. I have an early memory of a typewriter I used to carry up and down the stairs with me. I remember falling down the stairs with it and being extremely sad when it didn’t work anymore. I wrote articles and copy for both my Junior and Sr. High School newspaper and yearbook. By my senior year, I was editor and chief of both.

Tell us about your journey to publication.

My first book, Soon and Very Soon had been over ten years in the making. The actual writing of this manuscript took no more than 2 years. At that time I had a skeleton of what the book is now and was naïve enough to think it was ready for publication when I began shopping around to Literary Agents. I was blessed to receive some of the best rejection letters. I say that because most were encouraging and offered insight which is rare for an agent inundated with manuscripts not to just send a form-letter and be done with it. One of them, in particular, that I still have said, “Given the widely successful track record of many gospel musicals touring the nation and the general scarcity of novels that reflect contemporary Black Christian life, I do think your topic is quite promising.” That gave me hope.

This was dated 1999, and it let me know that because I had chosen to write for a Christian audience it would be a challenge publishing it for the mainstream, but I could possibly be on the verge of a new market. One common strand that ran through them all was that the writing wasn’t strong enough. I needed to hone my skill and strengthen my narrative. I joined a corporation of writers in DC to workshop my writing in a supportive atmosphere.

I believe my work was God inspired and it was never more evident when I got two, not one book contracts without the aid of an agent. One book deal with another major house went sour and held up my book for two years (2003-2005), but the Lord sent me to Urban Christian where I was given a two-book contract. I have since completed that obligation with my second novel, The Manual and was given another contract to write the sequel and another book.

Are you a full-time writer? If so, describe your day?

I wish.

About the Book

The Ministry birthed by one will be exploited by another. Can Willie Green stand idly by and let that happen?

When Pastors Willie Green and Vanessa Morton got married and moved to merge their churches, they never expected so much resistance. Now it seems someone is sending a strong message by setting fire to the Harvest Baptist Church building.

The newly unified Pleasant Harvest Baptist Church is no more than four months into business as usual before Co-Pastor Willie Green is drawn into the middle of an arson investigation. Alexis Montgomery, an overzealous reporter, sees the experienced pastor as a great source to latch onto as she tries to unearth the stories that might solve the crime. Instead of being bothered by the presence of this woman, Co-Pastor Vanessa uses it as a distraction to help conceal her own secrets.

Orchestrating the unification rift makes Deacon Charley Thompson a prime suspect. His unexpected silence only fuels the accusations of guilt, and his meek wife becomes his unlikely spokesperson. Meanwhile, his nephew, Abe Townsend, couldn’t care less about family allegiances. Led by an anonymous publicist, Abe and the remaining displaced members of Harvest Baptist Church gain notoriety when news reports garner an outcry of sympathy and support.

What should have been a simple unification of two churches has turned into something much more complicated, and it will take plenty of faith to hold it all.

Podcasts

PODCAST 1 – About the Book

PODCAST 2 – For Readers

PODCAST 3 – Excerpt

Purchase the Book Online at:

• Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/Soon-After-Sherryle-Kiser-Jackson/dp/1601628676/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1281221062&sr=8-1

• BarnesandNoble – http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Soon-After/Sherryle-Kiser-Jackson/e/9781601628671/?itm=1&USRI=soon+after

• Borders – http://www.borders.com/online/store/TitleDetail?sku=1601628676

• Books A Million – http://www.booksamillion.com/product/9781601628671?id=4715246323067

• Indiebound – http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781601628671

For More Information

• Visit the author online at http://www.sherrylejackson.com/
• View the blog tour schedule at http://bit.ly/SoonAfterTour.

Filed Under: Author interviews, Virtual tour stops Tagged With: author, christian-fiction, novel, podcast, Sherryle-Kiser-Jackson, Soon-After, virtual-book-tour

Jazz, Java & Jesus Blog Tour with Aleysha Proctor

September 2, 2010 By Renee Williams 5 Comments

Aleysha Proctor is an award winning Christian inspirational author & entrepreneur. She’s the author of three books; “With Style & Amazing Grace”, “He’s the Keeper of My Soul” and “Jazz, Java & Jesus”. Her passion in life is helping to inspire people to use their potential now.

Aleysha, tell us about yourself.

I am a devoted Christian, a lover of “all things beautiful” and I enjoy reading, shopping and going to live events (such as concerts, plays and fashion shows). I also enjoy encouraging people and trying to get them to see that nothing is as bad as it seems.

I have a full time career on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC and run my own business the other half of the day. My schedule stays packed months in advance, and when I’m not busy trying to change my world and others, for the better, I enjoy resting and spending time with family and friends.

What type of jobs or careers have you worked in the past?

I’m a veteran Congressional staffer.

Who are your favorite authors?

I like Michelle McKinney Hammond and John C. Maxwell.

What are your favorite books?

“Secrets of an Irresistible Woman” by M. Hammond and “Developing the Leader within You” by J. Maxwell.

When did you begin to realize you wanted to write?

I’ve practically been writing all of my life. I loved all of my English and Writing courses throughout school and it just seemed to come natural to me.

Tell us about your journey to publication.

I’ve self-published all three of my books. I didn’t want to wait around for the rejection letters from publishers, nor did I want a publisher to publish my work, yet, chop it up. So, I found a self publishing company that I liked and kept going.

Are you a full-time writer? If so, describe your day?

Yes and No. In addition to my books, I tweet & blog throughout the day to keep my networks engaged in my activities and to send out words of encouragement throughout the day.

About the Book
Twenty-four Christian devotions and puzzles about jazz, java and Jesus. The perfect book to take to a coffee or tea house, or anywhere, and meditate on the promises of God.

Jazz, Java and Jesus Twitter Party

Chat with Aleysha LIVE on Twitter on September 20, 2010 at 8:00 pm EST

Follow Aleysha at http://twitter.com/AleyshaProctor

Follow the moderator Tywebbin Blog Tours at http://twitter.com/tcblogtours

GIVEAWAYS INCLUDE:

(4) signed copies of “Jazz, Java & Jesus” by Aleysha Proctor
(4) copies of “Everyday With Jesus: Daily Devotional” by TBN (Trinity Broadcast Network)
$25 Target gift card
$25 Starbucks gift card courtesy of Tywebbin.com

Use the following Twitter Hashtags to be eligible for winning a prize.

#AleyshaProctor #JazzJavaJesus #Aleyshasbooktour

Book Trailer

Podcast

PODCAST 1 – About the Book

PODCAST 2 – For Readers

PODCAST 3 – Excerpt

Purchase the Book Online at:

Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/Jazz-Java-Jesus-Aleysha-Proctor/dp/1441574352/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1281223302&sr=8-2

BarnesandNoble – http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Jazz-Java-Jesus/Aleysha-R-Proctor/e/9781441574350/?itm=2&USRI=aleysha+proctor

Books A Million – http://www.booksamillion.com/product/9781441574350?id=4715246323067

For More Information

Visit Aleysha online at http://www.aleyshaproctor.com/.

View the blog tour schedule at http://bit.ly/JazzJavaandJesusTour

Filed Under: Author interviews, Virtual tour stops Tagged With: aleysha-proctor, author, christian, jazz-java-and-jesus, podcast, virtual-book-tour

The Fearfully and Wonderfully Made Diamond Blog Tour

August 23, 2010 By Renee Williams 7 Comments

About the Author

Chizellé T. Archie is an author, registered school nurse, mother and wife for thirteen years to her husband John Archie. She works for a private school and lives in Atlanta, GA with her family.

About the Book

Posh Manhattan investment banker Victoria Diamond Cartiér lives a life of ultimate success: owning an affluent estate in Harlem’s Hamilton Heights district, working on 5th Avenue, and having the love of her devoted husband Malcolm. But when Victoria discovers that her marriage is a lie, she uncovers a deadly horror that may threaten her belief in healing, second chances at love with Marcel and God’s providence over her diamond life.

Interview

Chizelle, tell us about yourself.

First and foremost, I’m a Christian; I’m a mother, and a wife. From what I have been told I would consider myself to be a very fun, loving, and outgoing person, I’ve even been called witty at times. Currently, I’m employed at a local Christian school as the School Nurse.

What type of jobs or careers have you worked in the past?

For the past ten years or greater I’ve been in the medical field. I began my career as a Medical Assistant and after so many years of feeling as though there had to be more, I decided to pursue a career in nursing, and the rest is history.

Who are your favorite authors?

My favorite authors, well if you don’t mind, at this point I would have to say Chizellé T. Archie is my all time favorite, because wow, it’s me! Never in a million years would I have thought I would have the title author behind my name, and there is nothing like seeing your voice in print. Next, I would have to say Kimberla Lawson- Roby, (my literary boo!), also I really have a love for Sistah Souljah, then there is Eric Jerome Dickey, and Omar Tyree.

What are your favorite books?

I’m going to have to say, “The Fearfully and Wonderfully Made Diamond” is my favorite book, because again, it’s my baby. Also there is “The Coldest Winter Ever”, “Casting the First Stone”, ‘The Other Woman, and Flyy Girl. When I first read these books, I had just begun to enjoy reading. These are the ones that have remained with me over time.

When did you begin to realize you wanted to write?

Believe it or not, this was not my plan. About five years ago God spoke to me one night after hearing a sermon that my Pastor had preached, “Walking in the FOG. “The Favour of God,” and I clearly recall God’s voice saying to me, “I need you to write it down.” I didn’t know when, I didn’t even know about what, all I knew is that I had a charge, and that night is where it began.

Tell us about your journey to publication.

Whew! Well from the beginning I knew I wanted to self-publish. Not knowing the ends and outs of it, all I knew is what I had been told by other authors who had traveled this road. I knew that because God had given me this assignment I needed to get it out to the world, and I could not deal with the countless rejection horrors that I also heard about trying to secure a deal with a traditional house. The hardest part was making the decision between total self publishing, and self “assisted” publishing; but after researching, I ultimately decided SAP was the best way for me. Then it was just a matter of which company to publish through. So I kept writing, gathering my research for the book, and finally at the last minute chose to publish with Author House. I know there are several people who have said they did not care much for them, but I have been pleased thus far. Although I will say it wasn’t much they had to do for me, because I was blessed to have outside people help me, such as Nathaniel Dyer, one of the best graphic artist in the game, who in turn formatted the book, as well as designed my cover, sketched the images, and created the website to establish my brand, amongst the many others that blessed me on this journey. Needless to say after all of that I really could have truly “self-published”, (minus the middle factor). So on July 7^th it was official, after more than five years I had become a published author.

Are you a full-time writer? If so, describe your day?

No, I’m not. It’s a 7:30-4 for me.

Podcasts

PODCAST 1

Chizelle Archie talks about The Fearfully and Wonderfully Made Diamond

PODCAST 2

Chizelle Archie talks about what she hopes the readers will learn from reading
The Fearfully and Wonderfully Made Diamond.

PODCAST 3

Chizelle Archie reads an excerpt from The Fearfully and Wonderfully Made Diamond.

Purchase the Book Online at:

Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/Fearfully-Wonderfully-Made-Diamond/dp/1449089615/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1281326859&sr=8-1
BarnesandNoble – http://search.barnesandnoble.com/books/e/9781449089610/?itm=2
Borders – http://www.borders.com/online/store/TitleDetail?sku=1449089615

Books A Million –http://www.booksamillion.com/product/9781449089610?id=4715246323067

Indiebound – http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781449089610

For More Information

Visit the author at http://chizellearchie.com/

View the blog tour schedule at http://bit.ly/DiamondBlogTour.

Filed Under: Author interviews, Virtual tour stops Tagged With: author, chizelle-archie, christian-fiction, novel, the-fearfully-and-wonderfully-made-diamond, virtual-book-tour

Flaws and All Blog Tour with Shana Burton

August 16, 2010 By Renee Williams 10 Comments

Flaws and All Blog Tour

Shana Johnson Burton is the best-selling author of Suddenly Single, First Comes Love, and Flaws and All. She lives in Georgia with her family and is currently a high school English and Journalism teacher and the co-host of “The Lovely Magazine” radio show . She was a 2009 Georgia Author of the Year nominee for Best Fiction (First Comes Love). Her next novel, Catt Chasin’, will be released in 2011.

About the Book

Faith, family, and friendship have always been top priority to lifelong friends Lawson, Reginell, Sullivan, Angel, and Kina, but each one is about to be put to the test during one turbulent year.

Lawson Kerry is a struggling single mother who has finally gotten her life together. Now, a fierce custody battle with her ex threatens to the tear apart everything she’s built.

Reginell Kerry is a starry-eyed singer determined to make it to the top of the charts, but will she change her tune when a chance at fame means shedding her clothes and her self-respect?

Sullivan Webb is the pampered wife of a charismatic pastor with political aspirations, but she just might destroy her husband’s campaign and their marriage if she can’t control her wandering eye.

Angel King has dedicated her life to nursing following the destruction of her marriage. Can she maintain her professionalism when she discovers that her newest patient is the woman who stole her husband?

Kina Battle has had enough of her husband’s verbal and physical abuse. When she’s pushed to the edge, the situation heads in a deadly direction, and there’s no turning back.

Nothing is sacred, all bets are off, and the lives of these ladies will never be the same. Will they have the strength to hold on to their friendships and put their trust in God?

Q&A

Tell us about yourself.

I’m a Christian, a mother, a sister, a girlfriend, and an auntie. I’m also an author trapped in a teacher’s body. It’s a fabulous body, mind you, but I still feel trapped. I love writing. If I could just do that all day, I would. I have so many stories and characters in my head. Maybe I just have a hint of ADD or schizophrenia.

What type of jobs or careers have you worked in the past?

I wouldn’t really call them “careers,” but I’ve had my fair share of jobs. I’ve worked at McDonald’s, White Candle, and Huddle House. In college, I was a reader for the blind, an athletic tutor, a newspaper staff writer, a cook, and an administrative assistant. My only real careers have been teaching, which I’ve been doing for 12 years, and writing.

Who are your favorite authors?

Too many to name—honestly! My favorite author is whoever’s book I read last and loved. Today, that’s Victoria Rowell because I finally got around to reading The Women Who Raised Me. But I’m also going to the bookstore today to buy something else, so I’ll have a new favorite author this time next week.

What are your favorite books?

My favorite books are Native Son and Their Eyes Were Watching God. I can read those two books again and again—my students can testify to that!

When did you begin to realize you wanted to write?

I can’t recall a time when I didn’t want to write. I remember writing my first book when I was around five. I’ve been writing ever since.

Tell us about your journey to publication.

The first time I wrote a book for actual publication was in 2005 when I wrote Suddenly Single. I tried shopping the book on my own for about a year. I got some interest but no actual contract. Then in September 2006, I contracted with an agent. She had my book deal secured within a week or two. When she told me that Urban Christian was interested in signing me, my first reaction was, “Did they read the book?” because it was not written with the Christian reader in mind. I didn’t even know that this genre existed. Apparently, they saw something in my writing that they liked because I got a book deal, and Suddenly Single came out December 2007. Of course, this is the short version. I’m leaving out the dozens of rejection letters I received, the sleepless nights, the cries to God for direction, blaming my mother for making me go into education when I should’ve been writing, and giving up a few thousand times.

Are you a full-time writer? If so, describe your day?

I would love to be a full-time author, but I’m not. Please tell me how to be one!!

Podcast

Purchase the Book Online at:

Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/Flaws-All-Shana-Burton/dp/1601628528/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1281193452&sr=8-1
BarnesandNoble– http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Flaws-and-All/Shana-Burton/e/9781601628527/?itm=1&USRI=flaws+and+all+shana+burton
Borders – http://www.borders.com/online/store/TitleDetail?sku=1601628528
Books A Million – http://www.booksamillion.com/product/9781601628527?id=4715246323067
Indiebound – http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781601628527

For More Information

Visit the author at http://www.shanaburton.com/

View the blog tour schedule at http://bit.ly/FlawsandAll

Filed Under: Author interviews, Virtual tour stops Tagged With: author, christian-fiction, flaws-and-all, novel, podcast, shana-burton, virtual-book-tour

Dying on the Edge Blog Tour with Francine Craft – Final day

August 12, 2010 By Renee Williams 14 Comments

Getting to know Francine Craft…

When you’re not writing, what keeps you busy? What are some of your favorite things to do?

Writing and reading poetry, listening mostly to classical music, positive conversations with friends. I can really growl when someone comes up with negative foolishness then. I’m fairly tolerant of it otherwise. And yes, I pray even more when I write.

What book(s) are on your nightstand right now?

Edge, of course, Steig Larsson four bestselling titled, Maureen Smith’s latest. I keep not too many books on the stand at any time. I have this to say about Dying on the Edge: It is written in blood – mine! Writing it helped me to exorcise many demons in my life and hopefully lets many ghosts from my past rest in peace.

What are you currently working on?

Solomon and Sheba, again multicultural, multi-layered. It’s about several couples of the same race and of different races. The lead couple is a 30 something widowed idealistic white minister of a large and growing congregation. He marries a 41-year-old black widow who is psychic and musically gifted and is minister in music of his church. Their families have always been friends. His wife and daughter and her brother and son were all killed in a horrible accident deliberately caused by a drunken, psychotic white ne-er –do-well from a prominent family. He was never charged. The minister is from a wealthy family and his brother is an arch bigot. The story begins with the murderer getting out of the mental hospital he has been confined to since the murder.

If you could create a perfect day, what would it consist of?

I’d wake and pray, do a bit of exercise, take my blood sugar, and get a cup of my beloved instant Folger’s coffee with extra dry milk. Then I’d write or listen to music for a while, eating an apple and a handful of nuts for a few hours. I have many good, if not perfect days and I don’t even think of a perfect day. Maybe this comes with age, but I say now, “If I’m breathing, I’m fine.”

What are three things your fans don’t know about you?

Probably that I’m an older writer. I don’t advertise it because so many of my books have youthful characters, but you can always look it up. When age comes up, I remind those mentioning it that once writer who wanted to sell had to “pass” whether they wanted to or not. Also that I’m terribly bashful and don’t particularly like public appearances. I come thru much better on internet interviews. The Internet is a blessing to me.

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About the Book

DYING ON THE EDGE

A Multicultural, Multi-layered Romantic Voodoo Mystery) – Click here to view the book trailer

SHE WAS LOOKING FOR A WAY BACK INTO HIS HEART!

Film star Maggi French is on top of her game, and she wants billionaire real estate mogul Kurt Wilder for herself, even though he’s married and has a child. He owns Wilder Film Studios, and Maggi’s drive for power demands she have him as her husband. She’ll go to any lengths to get him, including voodoo. Maggi lives on the edge of an emotional precipice. Will her hunger for Kurt provide the thrust that pushes her over?

WAS HE LOOKING FOR A DEADLY WAY OUT?

Kurt Wilder has romanced many women and his wife knows all about them. Once he thought he’d divorce his wife and marry Maggi. Now he’s drifting and she’s clinging. Has he figured out a way to be free of her forever?

*********************************************************************************************************************

About the author

Francine is a long-time, prolific, bestselling multicultural romance and romantic suspense writer for publishers such as Harlequin, BET and Kensington. Her slogan is: Books that Warm the Heart the and Enrich the Soul. She is also popular on the international front, especially in the UK, and gets treasured fan mail from readers in the United States and worldwide. Several of her books have been translated and Harlequin distributed five as Introductory Books. She feels that nobody values their fellow humans more than she does, but adds that they can be trying sometimes which doesn’t keep her from loving them.

With DYING ON THE EDGE, Francine has written and self-published a romantic voodoo mystery with Wheatmark Publishing and her own imprint of Craft’s New America Press. Edge is well researched, written, edited and proofed. A lot of people who’ve read advance copies have loved it and she hopes you will too.

Leave a comment and be entered to win a wonderful Harry & David tower of treats courtesy of Francine! Winner will be randomly chosen by the author and announced on the last day of the tour.

Filed Under: Author interviews, Virtual tour stops Tagged With: author, Dying-on-the-Edge, Francine-Craft, novel, virtual-book-tour

Buzzin’ about with Tiffany Flowers

August 5, 2010 By Renee Williams Leave a Comment

Would you rather find true love or be filthy rich?

I would rather find true love. We can become rich together.

Would you rather sing in the rain or dance in the streets?

I would rather dance in the streets. I used to love to breakdance as a kid.

Complete this sentence – If you were stranded on an island I would want a million books to read, some chocolate, and my husband.

Out of all your college experiences, what was the most fun?

In college, I used to love to take road trips with my sorority sisters all over the East Coast.

If I came to your home and looked in your refrigerator, what would I find?

You would find leftover Thai or Chinese food, strawberries, and mangoes.

What did you want to be when you were 12 years old?

I wanted to be an interpreter for the U.N.

What is your worst quality?

When someone treats me in a disrespectful way I will always remember and remind them constantly. I will never let it go.

Where do you go to get away?

I travel to Atlanta , GA.

What makes you laugh?

I love to watch silly B movies.

Mention an incident when you laughed at yourself?

I am always doing silly things. I dialed the wrong number once and had a three minute conversation before I realized I dialed the wrong number.

If you were given you one million dollars how would you spend it?

I would buy my mother a home, pay off all of my bills, and make a charitable donation each year.

If you were granted one wish to change the world what would it be and why?

I would end homelessness, and hunger. It is nothing worse in this world than watching someone suffer from not eating or having a roof over their head.

If you are given a chance to travel into the past where would you go and why?

I would travel back to when I was a little girl to hug my grandmother one last time.

What is one of the most embarrassing situations you have had?

I tore my stocking once at an important event. I did not know until I went to the ladies room, and looked at myself in the full length mirror.

What is one thing you’ve always wanted to do, but have yet to do?

I want to travel to Mexico.

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About the author

Tiffany A. Flowers is a native of Chicago, Illinois, and the author of two children’s books. Born the child of an artist, she spent the majority of her childhood attending poetry readings, festivals, and art shows with her mother. The majority of her stories reflect a culmination of all of her
experiences from childhood to adult. However, the ultimate goal of her
work is to promote hope and creativity, and to bring joy into the lives of children.

Tiffany lives in the south and spends her time teaching, writing, reading, and spending time with her family.

About the book

This book is about a little girl that transports herself to the moon and back with a flick of her imagination. A portion of the proceeds from this book will be donated to New Orleans Public Library Foundation. The purpose of this donation is to aid the Youth Services Department to rebuild the children’s literature collection after the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina.

Filed Under: Author interviews Tagged With: author, children's-book, for-those-who-stare-at-the-moon, golden-butterfly-publishing, Tiffany-Flowers

Dying on the Edge Blog Tour with Francine Craft

August 4, 2010 By Renee Williams 12 Comments

Getting to know Francine Craft…

When you first started writing, did you think you would ever write as many books as you have?

More. I so admire these writers who write over a hundred books, but I never could. My books tend to linger in my creative womb until finally they’re pushing me. They refuse to be rushed.

What is the hardest part of writing for you?

Proofing what I’ve written is all. Everything else is a perfect job. And, oh yes, interruptions. I just yelled at someone on the phone who interrupted me as I was writing this. She called to tell me she’d done something I asked her to do. Imagine how I felt. I can snarl when I’m interrupted; but sometimes I don’t.

What is your favorite part of the writing process?

I actually don’t have any, unless it’s when the novel is still in my creative womb and I’m dreaming. Of course, then everybody buys, reads and loves it. Ah dreams. What would we do without them. As I’ve said, the rest is pure joy.

About the Book

DYING ON THE EDGE

A Multicultural, Multilayered Romantic Voodoo Mystery) – Click here to view the book trailer

SHE WAS LOOKING FOR A WAY BACK INTO HIS HEART!

WAS HE LOOKING FOR A DEADLY WAY OUT?

About the author

Leave a comment and be entered to win a wonderful Harry & David tower of treats courtesy of Francine! Winner will be randomly chosen by the author and announced on the last day of the tour.

Filed Under: Author interviews, Virtual tour stops Tagged With: author, Dying-on-the-Edge, Francine-Craft, novel, virtual-book-tour

Buzzin’ about with Chanta Rand

August 3, 2010 By Renee Williams 8 Comments

Would you rather find true love or be filthy rich?

Oh my goodness. Decisions, decisions. There is something to be said for living in the lap of luxury, but I’d rather be held in the arms of a man who adores me, makes breakfast for me on Sunday mornings, and wants to grow old with me. When you look at it that way, the choice is easy!

Would you rather sing in the rain or dance in the streets?

Once again, that’s a hard decision. Like a woman stuck choosing between two pairs of shoes she really wants – I’m going to take both. I love singing AND dancing equally.

Complete this sentence – If you were stranded on an island

…I would want Andrew Zimmerman around to keep me from starving. I know he could find plenty to eat.

Out of all your college experiences, what was the most fun?

Graduating and finally being done! I hate structured learning. I’m a free spirit and I like to do my own thang!

If I came to your home and looked in your refrigerator, what would I find?

Too many bottles of Moscato. After a long day, it’s the perfect way to unwind – with some hard salami and Baby Gouda cheese. Yum yum!

What did you want to be when you were 12 years old?

Okay, don’t laugh. I wanted to be Michael Jackson’s wife. Yeah, I loved me some Thriller!

What is your worst quality?

Complaining. Although my husband tells me it’s the thing I do best. So, could that actually be my worst quality? Hmm….

Where do you go to get away?

I travel a lot. I just came back from Egypt in March. It was the trip of a lifetime. When I travel closer to home, it’s usually anything involving the Four Corners (Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico). I love collecting Native American pottery.

What makes you laugh?

Corny stuff, like old episodes of Martin, Frasier, Cheers, Sanford & Son, and the Jeffersons.

Mention some incidents when you laughed at yourself?

Every day. If you can’t laugh at yourself, you’re taking life too dang seriously!

If you were given you one million dollars how would you spend it?

Pay off my house, hook some of my relatives up, then I would set up a foundation for victims of domestic abuse to be able to get back on their feet. It’s an epidemic, and I don’t think a lot of people realize how much women and children are brutalized here and around the world.

If you were granted one wish to change the world what would it be and why?

Honey, one wish wouldn’t do it. It’s gonna take a whole lot of wishing to get this world straight. I guess if I could want anything for this world, it would be for folks to stop hating so much on each other. I think if people put themselves in other people’s shoes, there would be a lot more love and understanding – and a lot less fear, hatred and war.

If you are given a chance to travel into the past where would you go and why?

Black folks have a rich history that many of us aren’t even aware of. Most people think our legacy began with the Transatlantic Slave Trade, but that’s just drop in the bucket compared to our glorious pasts. I’m working on a novel called the Price of Passion, about a wealthy Moor in medieval Spain who falls in love with a thief. So, I think I would definitely love to travel back to Ancient Spain, a time when the Moors ruled for over 800 years. For me, that would be comparable to going to Egypt.

What is one of the most embarrassing situations you have had?

Accidentally using the men’s restroom in Walmart! After I finished, two boys came in and I yelled at them to get out. Then, after they looked at me crazy, I realized I was the one in the wrong restroom. I had no idea. The bathroom was decorated with plants and paintings too! Just like the women’s restroom. Geez, that was so embarrassing!

What is one thing you’ve always wanted to do, but have yet to do?

Sky dive. I’ve wanted to do it for years. A good friend of mine just did it, and her boldness encouraged me to want to do it even more. Who knows? I might just take the plunge very soon.

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About the book

He’s the most powerful man in Egypt…She’s determined to resist him.

For hundreds of years, Egypt and Nubia have been fighting for control
of each other’s borders. Pharaoh Amonmose, known for his ruthlessness in battle and his cunning wit in politics, takes what he wants and he is denied nothing, until he lays eyes on Kama. He regards her as one of the spoils of war, burning her village and taking her as his captive. Mesmerized by her, he’s determined to conquer her, no matter what the cost.

Kama is independent and spirited. With her exotic looks and full curves, she’s a prize worthy of a mighty pharaoh. But she vows never be dominated by any male, mortal or divine. She’s unprepared for the Pharaoh’s attempts to seduce her, and it takes all her strength to resist her attraction to him. The two embark on their own power struggle as Kama fights to keep him from possessing not only her body, but her heart as well.

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About the author

Chanta lives in Dallas, TX with her husband and a tankful of tropical fish that mysteriously keep multiplying. When she’s not writing, she enjoys making jewelry, shopping, traveling, and collecting Native American pottery. She’s currently hard at work on her second novel, The Highest Bidder.

If you’d like to contact Chanta, send an email to Chanta@ChantaRand.com. She’d love to hear from you.

Filed Under: Author interviews Tagged With: author, chanta-rand, novel, pharaoh's-desire, romance

Buzzin’ about with Shana Johnson-Burton

July 14, 2010 By Renee Williams 2 Comments

Would you rather find true love or be filthy rich? I’d rather find true love. I’m a ridiculously hopeless romantic!

Would you rather sing in the rain or dance in the streets? Dance in the streets, baby! I’m from the “Dirty South.” If we can do nothing else, we can drop it like it’s hot!

Complete this sentence – If you were stranded on an island… I’d have to have my Bible… and a hot guy to break commandments with, who was also extremely resourceful!

Out of all your college experiences, what was the most fun? The most fun was Player’s Ball at Georgia Southern University (at least I think it was. Most Player’s Ball weekends are an alcohol-induced blur…)

If I came to your home and looked in your refrigerator, what would I find? Way too many of my son’s toys!

What did you want to be when you were 12 years old? I wanted to be the black chick from the “Jem” series. Her name was Shana, too. I saved my allowance for three months so I could buy that doll. Best $17 I ever spent!

What is your worst quality? I’m unapologetically lazy.

Where do you go to get away? My room. I’ve made it the perfect sanctuary.

What makes you laugh? It’s a who: Dwarka Michael Jackson. His name alone usually does it for me, but he is so funny. I laugh 90% of the time we’re together.

Mention some incidents when you laughed at yourself? I’m notorious for giving wrong directions. My friends and I usually end up at least 10 miles away from our destination when they listen to me. It’s always funny. I have no idea why they continue to take my directions seriously. The same thing happens when I try to match-make. I’m 0-100 to getting couples down the aisle or past the first date.

If you were given you one million dollars how would you spend it? My goal would be to not work for as long as possible, so I wouldn’t splurge on anything. I’d just try to make the money last and stretch. But I do have a nasty caramel habit, so no doubt at least $1000 would be invested in Sugar Daddies.

If you were granted one wish to change the world what would it be and why? I would wish that everyone would walk in love. It’s our command from God and prevents a host of other problems.

If you are given a chance to travel into the past where would you go and why? Probably to biblical days. I would have liked to meet Jesus. Perhaps He could make some sense of my life.

What is one of the most embarrassing situations you have had? Going through a divorce. It’s a public declaration that you’ve failed at marriage. I hate to fail at anything, especially publicly.

What is one thing you’ve always wanted to do, but have yet to do? I’ve always wanted to model. However, I was one of the back-to-school models for Fashion Bug one year, but I had to purchase my own outfit in order to participate, so I don’t think that counts…

About the author

Shana Johnson Burton is the author of best-selling novel, Suddenly Single, and Georgia Author of the Year for Best Fiction Nominated novel, First Comes Love. She resides in Georgia with her two children. She teaches English and Journal at her high school alma mater. She enjoys writing, reading, and decorating.

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About the book

Do you remember the day when it felt like your whole world was falling apart? For Lawson Kerry, that day came when she had to make a choice between marrying a man she didn’t love and losing custody of her only child. For Sullivan Webb, it was when her affair was exposed online for her husband and the world to see. For nurse Angel King, it was when her newest patient turned out to be the woman who seduced and stole her husband. For Kina Battle, that day occurred when she reached the breaking point of her husband’s abuse and decided to take matters– and their lives– into her own hands. Over the course of one turbulent year, these lifelong friends face challenges that test the bonds of their friendship, their ability to forgive, and their faith in God.

Described as “Sex and the City meets Waiting to Exhale meets Christ,” Flaws and All is a saga of redemption, sisterhood, and unconditional love.

Filed Under: Author interviews Tagged With: author, christian-fiction, flaws-and-all, novel, shana-burton

Buzzin’ about with Sheila Jackson

July 13, 2010 By Renee Williams 5 Comments

Would you rather find true love or be filthy rich? I would like to find true love; why be rich and lonely.

Would you rather sing in the rain or dance in the streets? Sing in the rain, because the noise from it will drown me out, but everyone can see me make a fool out of myself dancing in the streets.

Complete this sentence – If you were stranded on an island… I would love for Kyle Chatman, one of Rochelle Alers fictional characters, to be stranded there with me. Oh Lord, forgive my thoughts.

Out of all your college experiences, what was the most fun? When my girlfriends and I were trying to bust into Al B. Sure and New Edition’s room after their concert.

If I came to your home and looked in your refrigerator, what would I find? A mess, because I have kids that spills everything.

What did you want to be when you were 12 years old? I wanted to be the next Tina Turner

What is your worst quality? I get irritated easily.

Where do you go to get away? Sad to say, the bathroom

What makes you laugh? Stupid Reality shows and watching my family clown around the house.

Mention some incidents when you laughed at yourself? When I mistakenly put meat in the kitchen cabinet, instead of the refrigerator. I had to laugh when I was fixing my clothes in a store window, only to find out when I walked inside that people were eating facing that window.

If you were given one million dollars how would you spend it? Pay my Tithes first, I must give God His. Put some in a college fund for my kids, give to a women/child group home, go on a cruise, buy a new car, and re-decorate my entire home.

If you were granted one wish to change the world what would it be and why? To cure all diseases. I hate to see people suffer, especially kids.

If you are given a chance to travel into the past where would you go and why? To the Garden of Eden to stop Eve from eating the forbidden fruit. Mankind have suffered greatly because of that incident .

What is one of the most embarrassing situations you have had? When the daycare worker found a pair of my underwear stuck to the inside of my daughter’s coat. And in front of everyone she held them up and asked if they were mine.

What is one thing you’ve always wanted to do, but have yet to do? Travel to an exotic Island

About the Author

Sheila L. Jackson is the author of The Enemy Within and Through the Eyes of God. Sheila has penned many articles, such as Only the Strong Survive, Count it all Joy, and Suffering in Silence.

She lives in Shreveport, Louisiana with her husband, Timothy and two
daughters, Brittany and Amber. Mrs. Jackson is an anointed speaker,
teacher, and writer that utilize her gifts to meet the need of others.
She serves as a Missionary in her church and community, carrying the
Word of God to those in need of spiritual soul food.

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About the book

Through The Eyes of God, exposes the people and places, community, family, friends, and workplace that are responsible for causing feelings of unworthiness, self-hatred, and an identity crisis in those that are seeking acceptance and love. It gives healing to the overall person’s mind, body, and soul. It is universal, in that it crosses all socioeconomic backgrounds, races, classes and genders; because we all have struggled at some point in our lives with the need to be validated by others.

Filed Under: Author interviews Tagged With: sheila-jackson, through-the-eyes-of-God