The Fearfully and Wonderfully Made Diamond Blog Tour w/Chizellé T. Archie

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.

Several years ago, after noticing the alarming statistics of the HIV rate of African American women, Chizellé became fed up with the way her African American  brothers  and sisters (young alike), were beginning to settle for any and everything, in that having safe sex was not an option anymore. As far as the women, as long as he drove a nice car, lived in a fine home, of better yet if he was able to “make it rain,” that was satisfaction enough.  As far as the men, as long as she had a car, maybe a job, or had enough money to pay for her “own drink in the club,” then … everything was good. Furthermore, seeing how the women that have remained faithful to their UNFAITHFUL husbands/boyfriends were contracting this deadly disease, and yet only being guilty of loving someone they thought loved them back.

Lastly, what disturbed her most was that there are so many people sitting in the church pews every Sunday hurting, because of the stigma associated with this epidemic, and yet the one place they feel most comfortable is the one place that leaves them feeling so alone.

Chizellé lands on the literary scene with authority, and it is with great fortitude that she pens her debut novel, The Fearfully and Wonderfully Made Diamond, in which her life experiences have allowed her to grab hold and take nothing less, realizing she is a Diamond!

ABOUT THE BOOK

The posh, yet chic Victoria Cartiér, is an Investment Advisor for a prestigious firm in Manhattan. Residing in the affluent Hamilton Heights of Harlem, seemingly she has it all; success, money, VIP status on 5th Avenue, and a loving husband Malcolm, so she thinks…

Apparently, Victoria feels her marriage is quickly headed for trouble and the day she plans to deliver life changing news to Malcolm, she gets deathly news of her own. The uncovered trails of lies,deceit, and betrayal, changes their lives forever, causing her to loose trust in everyone she loves, even God!

After losing everything, except her new baby, will Victoria’s love for God, her family, her best friend (tell-it-like-it-is Lucy), and her new beau, the God-fearing, charismatic Marcel Bouviér, be enough to convince her exactly how much she is worth, and that if she can only trust God, then she’ll see life is truly worth living?

MORE FROM THE AUTHOR

Chizelle Archie talks about The Fearfully and Wonderfully Made Diamond –>

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

VIDEO EXCERPT

PURCHASE THE BOOK ONLINE AT:

• Amazon
• Barnes & Noble
• Borders
• Books A Million
• Indiebound

FOR MORE INFORMATION

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

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

*A Tywebbin/DeeGospel PR Blog Tour

What is your Ministry featuring Vanessa Miller

What is your ministry or special gifts? What has God called you to do and are you walking in this ministry?  Or, like so many of us, are you dragging your feet, not necessarily disobeying God’s direction, but hesitant for one reason or another?

Last week, we chatted briefly with author Vanessa Miller during her Celebrating Women in Ministry Blog Tour, but unfortunately our site went down several times.  So, my apologies to those who tried to join us, but were unable to do so.  We’re back today to wrap up with Vanessa.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Vanessa Miller of Dayton , Ohio is an Essence best-selling author, playwright, and motivational speaker. Her stage productions include: Get You Some Business, Don’t Turn Your Back on God, and Can’t You Hear Them Crying and Abundant Rain. To date, Vanessa has written the Rain Series and the Storm Series. The books in the Rain Series are: Former Rain , Abundant Rain, and Latter Rain. The books in the Storm Series are: Rain Storm and Through The Storm . These books have received rave reviews, winning Best Christian Fiction Awards and topping numerous Bestseller’s lists.

BOOK TRAILER (Yesterday’s Promise)

Yesterday’s Promise is the first book of a series entitled, Second Chance of Love. Whitaker House plans to release the next two books in October 2010 and January 2011. Visit her online at www.VanessaMiller.com.

Also read the excerpt of Yesterday’s Promise and answer the questions Vanessa brought posed last week:

What do you think about women preachers? Should they preach the gospel or do you believe God has designed another path for women in the ministry?

Celebrating Women in Ministry Blog Tour with Vanessa Miller

Yesterday’s Promise by Vanessa Miller

Melinda Johnson has always felt called to ministry. So, when her father, Bishop Langston Johnson, decides to step down after thirty years of leadership at Omega Christian Center, it seems only natural for her to take his place. But Bishop Johnson feels led by a God who has other things in mind, and to succeed him, he appoints Steven Marks-a man who is opposed to female pastors, not to mention the fact that he is Melinda’s ex-fiancé.

Feeling defeated, Melinda nevertheless maintains her position as the church’s Missions and Community Outreach Director. Frequent interaction with the new bishop incites bitter sparring-and rekindles long-suppressed attraction, which grows only stronger when Melinda develops a relationship with Steven’s precious daughter, Brianna, who’s still struggling with the death of her mother.

Can Steven and Melinda set aside past pains, forgive each other, and learn to love again? Or will their opposing positions regarding women preachers keep them forever at odds?

Read an Excerpt from Yesterday’s Promise

Anxious to see her father and make sure he was all right, Melinda rushed down the hospital corridor that led to his room. He had been admitted to the hospital three days prior, complaining of chest pains. After several tests, the doctor had confirmed that no sign of a heart attack had been detected. Melinda was thankful that her father was recuperating and doing well. She was also excited to tell him about some wonderful, unexpected news she had received that morning.

Her father’s eyes were closed when Melinda walked into his hospital room. As she approached his bed, she noticed for the first time that his hair was no longer salt-and-pepper but completely white. The wrinkles beneath his eyes, which had long made him look distinguished, were now more pronounced and distracting. When did all of this happen? Melinda wondered as she picked up her father’s frail hand and pressed it to her cheek.

Bishop Johnson’s eyes fluttered as he turned toward his daughter. “Hey, baby girl. When’d you get here?”

“Just a few minutes ago. I’m sorry I wasn’t able to get here earlier.”

“You had to handle my responsibilities at the church. Don’t worry about it. I had plenty of visitors this morning.”

Melinda sat down in the chair next to her father’s bed and hung her purse on the arm of the chair. “I have some good news, Daddy. I’ve been asked to speak at the Women on the Move for God conference in August!”

“That’s great, baby girl! But I have even better news.”

Melinda raised her eyebrows. “What, the doctor gave you a clean bill of health and said that you’ll live to be a hundred?”

Bishop Johnson shook his head and then blurted out, “I found you a husband.”

“Excuse me?” Melinda said in as even a tone as she could manage. After all, she was a thirty-seven-year-old woman living in the twenty-first century. Fathers didn’t go out and find husbands for their daughters in this day and age. “Please tell me you’re joking, Daddy.

“No joke to it,” Bishop Johnson said as he hoisted himself into an upright position. “I’m an old man, Melinda. I haven’t got many years left. I’d like to see at least one of my grandchildren before I die, you know?”

Melinda couldn’t deny that her father was showing signs of aging. But that didn’t mean death would sneak into his hospital room and suck out his last breath while she stood there and watched. “You talk as if you’ll die tomorrow.”

“I could. The next heart attack could be my last.”

Melinda rolled her eyes. “It was an anxiety attack, Daddy. Stop being such a baby. The doctor says you’re fine.”

Bishop Johnson shook a shaky finger at Melinda. “Now, you listen to me. I’m eighty-two years old. I know what’s best for you, and that’s why I called Steven Marks.”

Melinda bolted out of her chair and moved away from her father’s bed. She put a hand to her mouth and shut her eyes, trying to block out the same feeling of humiliation she’d experienced when Steven had dumped her ten years ago. This has to be some kind of horrible joke, Melinda thought. But her father was a serious man who rarely joked with anyone.

“Calm down. It’s not as bad as you think,” he said. “I didn’t come right out and tell Steven I wanted him to marry you. He’s a smart young man…he’ll come to that decision on his own.”

“Why are you even talking to me about Steven, Daddy? That man walked out on me and married someone else. Do you really think I’d want him back now, just because his wife is dead?”

“Pride goes before destruction, Melinda.”

She really hated it when her father tried to rein her in by quoting Scriptures. “What does being prideful have to do with not wanting to marry a man who rejected me?”

“I have more to tell you. Would you please sit back down?”

Melinda inched back to her seat and slowly settled into it. If this marrying Steven Marks thing was supposed to be a buffer for the rest of her father’s message, then she was truly petrified. She glanced at her father with a look of apprehension.

“This last hospital stay has convinced me that I need to retire.”

Melinda rolled her eyes. “I’ve been telling you for years now to retire. I can pastor Omega, and Pastor Lakes can take over as bishop.”

“Let me finish,” Bishop Johnson said, holding up a hand to silence Melinda. “I know the ministry goals that you have. I also believe that there is a way for you to do God’s will and also have a family. Plus, Steven’s church did not support him during his grieving process. They want him to leave, Melinda. So, after prayerful reflection, I’ve asked him to take over for me as bishop.”

Melinda must not have heard him right. He couldn’t have just said that Steven Marks—the man who’d called off their wedding because she’d refused to give up her dreams of preaching the gospel—was going to be the new bishop of Omega Christian Church. In Melinda’s mind, this could mean only one thing: her sin had finally caught up with her.

DISCUSSION & GIVEAWAY

What do you think about women preachers? Should they preach the gospel or do you believe God has designed another path for women in the ministry?

Participants will be placed in a drawing for an autographed copy of Yesterday’s Promise by Vanessa Miller and a $25 Gift Card.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Vanessa Miller of Dayton , Ohio is an Essence best-selling author, playwright, and motivational speaker. Her stage productions include: Get You Some Business, Don’t Turn Your Back on God, and Can’t You Hear Them Crying and Abundant Rain. To date, Vanessa has written the Rain Series and the Storm Series. The books in the Rain Series are: Former Rain , Abundant Rain, and Latter Rain. The books in the Storm Series are: Rain Storm and Through The Storm . These books have received rave reviews, winning Best Christian Fiction Awards and topping numerous Bestseller’s lists.

Yesterday’s Promise is the first book of a series entitled, Second Chance of Love. Whitaker House plans to release the next two books in October 2010 and January 2011. Visit her online at www.VanessaMiller.com.

View the blog tour schedule and read an excerpt at http://bit.ly/WomeninMinistry

*A Tywebbin Blog Tour

The Lovechild Blog Tour with Ashea Goldson

Ashea Goldson, originally born in Brooklyn, NewYork  is a wife of twenty three years, a mother of two daughters, a grandmother of one,a  graduate of Fordham University, a writer, a poet, a publisher,a reviewer, an internet radio host,an educator, and a co-founder of a Christian preparatory school. Active in the ministry, she is a dedicated member of World Changers Church International for many years. She has a lifetime of experience with writing which ranges from being published in local newspapers, magazines, and online  publications to full length books.

Her first Christian fiction novel  is The Lovechild, published by Urban Christian Publishers  in 2008.

For more information about Ashea and her books, visit her online at http://www.asheagoldson.com.

ABOUT THE BOOK

In The Lovechild, Makaeli Hunt, a successful fashion designer, has been driven far away from home by her family’s dysfunction. While living in Italy, trying to heal the wounds of yesterday, ambition becomes her comforter. When a family emergency forces her to return to her home, in seven life altering days, amidst  memories of a tumultuous past,will one revealed secret drive her away from her family and God forever? Or will she discover what it means to be God’s lovechild?

Dealing with issues of racism, depression, self-esteem, drug addiction, mental illness, verbal and physical abuse, The Lovechild is a story of redemption and re-dedication, confirming our victory in Jesus Christ.

RAWSISTAZ BOOK BLURB

THE LOVE CHILD is an interesting story of how families work with forgiveness and love. The characters were well-developed and it was easily understandable why they behaved the way they did. The entire family is keeping secrets and eventually, in order for there to be peace, those secrets must be told. But do they have the courage? It was an interesting story from start to finish. There was plenty of suspense and tension. I would recommend it.  READ THE FULL REVIEW
- Reviewed by alice Holman

The Last Woman Standing Blog Tour with Tia McCollors

Meet Tia McCollors, author of The Last Woman Standing

Tia, tell us about yourself.

Wow! That’s such a broad question. Besides being an author of Christian novels, my first love (and first priority as far as I’m concerned) is taking care of my family. This November my husband Wayne and I will celebrate five years of marriage. Since the day we said, “I do,” we’ve been blessed with two children. Evidently they were sent here to keep us young and spry because we have a very lively three year old son and a daughter who’s almost one.

In my (limited) free time, I love to read, browse through home decorating books (which means I’m a HGTV junkie), and enjoy scrapbooking – which by the way I’m about one hundred and twenty pictures behind on!

Would you say you are an extrovert or introvert?

Definitely an extrovert.

Do you like to cook? If so, what are your favorite dishes to cook?

Nope..I don’t like to cook, but a person’s gotta eat right? I’m the queen of casseroles because I’m all about mixing ingredients, throwing it in the oven, and setting the timer. But on another note – this isn’t a “cooked” dish –  but I make a slammin’ banana puddin’.

Do you like books being turned into a movie? If so, what is your favorite book-to-movie?

I don’t mind when books are turned into movies even though with a movie it’s hard to thoroughly depict every character and include every scene. If I think about recent movie releases, I’d say the producers did a good job with The Secret Life of Bees. And oh yeah, I don’t know how I forgot about The Color Purple.

If your book was turned into a movie who would you cast to play your characters?

For The Last Woman Standing I would cast Angela Bassett as Lynette Bowers (the ex-wife), Taraji P. Henson as Sheila Rushmore (the current girlfriend), and Blair Underwood as Ace Bowers (the man in the middle).

Which social networks do you enjoy the most?

You know what? I really need to get better about maximizing the capabilities of the social networks out there. Right now I tend to be on Facebook the most and have recently been getting tapped back into Shoutlife.

What’s next for you?

I know authors are supposed to think three books ahead, but I can’t say I have a solid idea in mind. I have a few I’ve been tossing around, but nothing concrete. Most of my faithful readers have been asking about a sequel to my first novel, A Heart of Devotion. We’ll see.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Lynette Bowers had no intention on falling in love with her ex-husband, “Ace” Bowers. After all, it has been ten years since their marriage ended, and two years since the beginning of his relationship with the younger and prettier, Sheila Rushmore. Besides Sheila, everyone knows that only a fool makes the same mistake twice, especially when it comes to marriage.

Ace seems stuck between his past and his future. With his conflicting emotions, he risks losing two women who hold a significant place in his heart. It’s going to take his faith and God’s love to handle the ensuing drama.

Sheila is starting to see Ace’s ex-wife as a threat to her lifelong dreams of achieving the happily-ever-after. Sheila is used to getting what she wants – except Ace’s commitment to marriage. When Sheila realizes Lynette may be the cause, she launches a plan to play the hand of God, instead of allowing Him to bring the love all three of them desire.

THE LAST WOMAN STANDING BLOG TOUR GIVEAWAY

Tia McCollors is the author of four Women’s Fiction books. Read the question below to see if you can answer it and provide the name of the book in which it was featured.

What is the name of Monet Sullivan’s long-time (but unequally yoked) love interest in Zora’s Cry?

Leave your answer in the comment section. All posts with correct answers posted to the blog comment sections will be entered in a random drawing for prizes. The more you post (with correct answers) the better your chances.  Winners will be contacted via email and also posted on Tia’s Blog, “From Tia’s Pen”.

Contest prizes include:

1. $5 gift card to Smoothie King or Panera Bread (Winner’s Choice)
2. $5 gift card to Chick-Fil-A
3. $10 gift card for Border’s
4. Autographed copy of The Last Woman Standing
5. Autographed copy of The Last Woman Standing

Follow the rest of The Last Woman Standing Blog Tour at:
http://bitly.com/TheLastWomanStanding

Tia’s Contact Info:

• www.TiaMcCollors.com
• Tia@TiaMcCollors.com
• www.myspace.com/TiaWrites
• http://www.shoutlife.com/TiaWrites
• Visit Tia’s blog: www.TiasPen.blogspot.com

One-On-One with Tanya Marie Lewis (Interview)

Tanya, thanks so much for this interview which will allow our readers to learn more about you.  I’ve known you for what? Almost 10 years?  I’m so proud of you!  It’s wonderful to see your growth and I’m excited to share you with our literary friends.  Let’s start off with an intro.  Who is Tanya Marie Lewis?

TML: I’m a child of God who loves people. I love being apart of this great Body of believers, called Christians and having a part in witnessing and ministering the Word of the Lord to the lost. In addition to that, I love my family and friends and the older I get, the more I realize how important they are to me. Outside of that I’m a writer for the Lord, a professional business woman, a student and teacher of the Word of God.

Why and how did you start writing?

TML: I was nine when I realized I was a writer, though I’d been scribbling stories long before then. I was sitting in math class watching a bird on the windowsill.  He looked how I must have felt…vulnerable. He eventually flew away and in that moment I penned a poem titled, “Unconditional Love” and I’ve not put my pen down since. Of course the school year was out before I realized I didn’t have to be in math class to write. Hence, that’s why I have to use a calculator to this day.  So, that’s where it all began for me, from poetry, songs, plays, short stories and finally novels.

LOL! I can definitely relate to wanting to do something other than math (and the calculator, too). Where did you get the inspiration to write The Carpenter’s Princess?

TML: I was on a three-day fast when I started working on the outline for (then titled Misdemeanor) The Carpenters Princess. During the course of the fast, God gave me the inspiration for the novel which was totally different from the original synopsis.  I have always had an extreme “soft” spot when it comes to love and marriage. I found myself reflecting back on the relationships of my grandparents. They had the type of love that endured; that long suffering kind of love the Bible talks about. If there were problems at home, we didn’t know about it.  I’m certain their love was based on something totally different than what society depicts as ’till death do us part’.

Nowadays, the word love is thrown around like a basketball to whomever/whenever the moment feels right. If they toss it back its love…if they don’t, well, umm let’s just say we begin to back peddle because many of us don’t know the true definition of love.  I just felt God showing me that He is love and without Him as our leading man; wheels are spinning, hearts are hurting and lives are being placed on hold, because we are out of line with the destiny that He created for us.

The character in The Carpenter’s Princess suffered unnecessary pain simply because she wouldn’t line up with God’s will for her life.  Which is why the story opens with the scripture, “Except the Lord builds the house, they labour in vain that build it. (Psalm 127:1 KJV)”

Can you share with us the meaning of the title and why you changed it for the re-release.

TML: Good question. The storyline deals with redemption. I was saved and had a fervent passion for Christ when the story was originally released in 2003. Although I was on a fast when it was written error still managed to seep through the ink of my pen. One thing that we have to remember as believers is that the enemy is subtle in his machinations and the Bible tells us we are not to be ignorant of them. In the months following the original release I transitioned from the church I had  grown up in to the ministry I’m apart of now. God really begin to deal with me concerning ministry and I shut everything down so I could hear Him. I couldn’t serve Him and be attached to the things/people that were coming between us. In that time frameHe began to rebuild, reconstruct, renew my passion. Jesus profession was that of a Carpenter and I felt that I had been made over, much like the character in TCP. I think I had begun to take the gift of writing for granted because I got caught up in the book deals, the best seller list and so on. I had to sacrifice some things and at the time it just happened to be a two-book deal with a major New York publisher. I knew when I let that deal go and the money involved that I was serious about being His writer.

So, when the season presented itself, the Carpenter (Jesus), redeemed the book with a new look, a new name and an opportunity to share the truth.  And the fact that Grant, the male character in the book, bares the name Carpenter  tied perfectly into the storyline. The only thing that you don’t know is does she surrender to her Carpenter. <wink>

I really loved The Carpenter’s Princess, which I first read when it was titled Misdemeanor. I also enjoyed your short story in Proverbs for the People, and other bits of your stories I’ve read over the years.  You have a very distinct voice in your books and stories.  If you had to define it, how would you?

TML: Thank you. I really didn’t understand my voice, until Bittersweet Chocolate was written.  If I had to describe it; intimate communication with someone you can trust.

What are you currently working on?

TML: I am finally prepared to release Bittersweet Chocolate which was my first full length novel. That’s my baby and it’s time I introduce her to the world.  Bittersweet Chocolate deals with love, regret, forgiveness and betrayal on a level that’s so disturbing only God can heal and restore the broken pieces. I’m also in the process of working on an anthology to20be released for the holiday season.

I am looking forward to Bittersweet Chocolate!  To this day, the portions I read of Bittersweet Chocolate are still with me, especially that line about the flower.  LOL. Is it “different” writing in the Christian Fiction Genre?

TML: Since I’ve been writing, God has been at the forefront of my work even when I was playing footsies with sin, He was there. I read things I wrote over twenty years ago and like breathing He entered into my work every time.  The Lord has always been there for me so it’s an honor to write for Him and glorify His name.

What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned about writing, especially as it relates to your ministry?

TML: Once I realized that a writing is a literary pulpit of sorts it changed my perspective on the seriousness of the call. God has granted many of us with the gift to function in the office of a creative scribe, but its not to be taken lightly. Your work should never be a place for revenge or an opportunity for self-exaltation. I’ve had people ask me if they’re going to be in my book, my initial thought is not if I can help it. I truly attempt to write what God gives me from the title to the character names. When He speaks I write…when He stops, so do I. Again, as a writer you have the power to influence through the power of a pen.

You were once very active and well known in the literary industry and sort of drifted off the scene. Where have you been and what steps lead you back?

TML: Wow, let’s see. I have been in a season of preparation, in the backfield, where I’ve had to fight for love to live a little longer. I’ve been beaten, broken, sliced, diced and spiritually maced so I would be in a place to not handle the word of God deceitfully, but with the compassion of a servant  clothed in a linen robe of righteousness, writing only what’s been given to me from the foot of the Father.

Your writing is just one part of your ministry.  Tell us about your other projects, including your publishing house and magazine. Also, let us know how we can find you on the web.

TML: Yes we have a publishing house with several divisions; a Christian magazine, Sufficient Grace that was launched in April of 2006. Due to personal things that took precedent at the time, it has been on hiatus since Nov/Dec 2007 but don’t fret because SGM makes a return this winter.  We also have a self-publishing division, as well as a graphic/media division. If you would like to contact me you can find my home on the web at www.tanyamarielewis.com or on twitter.com.

Thanks once again for the interview, Tanya.  Any closing words for us?

TML: Thank you Tee C. Royal and RAWSISTAZ for this opportunity. I appreciate the support from beginning of my journey (when I was reviewing books and a literary publicist for others) to now. My word for you is to continue forward, seek God for this next transition in your life and remember the only thing you should ever go back to is your first works.

Truly, I love you,

Tanya Marie Lewis.

Awwww…right back at’cha and I’m proud of you too!  Please keep us posted on Bittersweet Chocolate and your company’s upcoming releases.

Summer Reading with Anointed Authors (June 5)

Anointed Authors on Tour consists of seven award-winning, bestselling authors of Christian fiction and non-fiction publications with a commitment to write and/or publish integrity-based literature, touring as a testament to the power of using gifts and talents for God’s glory. Over the next two weeks, plan to meet Kendra Norman Bellamy, Tia McCollors, Vanessa Miller, Michelle Stimpson, Shewanda Riley, and Dr. Vivi Monroe Congress. Each of these authors have current and upcoming book releases that are must-reads for your summer reading list.

The ladies join us today on RAWSISTAZ to talk about the writing process.

Tell us anything about you as a writer that you think might be interesting or unusual.

KENDRA-NORMAN-BELLAMY: Hmmm…that’s a good question. The most unusual thing that immediately comes to mind is that I have a pack-a-day habit. No, not cigarettes….gum. when I’m writing, I think better when I’m chewing gum. It’s somewhat of a vice for me when I’m crafting stories. The thoughts just seem to flow easier and my fingers dance across the keys quicker when I have a stick of gum in my mouth. I know it may sound crazy, but it’s true. I chew five to ten sticks a day, based upon my workload. I probably should buy stock in Wrigley’s Extra sugarfree gum. LOL!  

TIA MCCOLLORS: Hmmm? That’s a good question and you stumped me on that one. If you asked me about Tia “as a person,” that might be one thing. But as “a writer,” I think I’m pretty normal (laughing). 

VANESSA MILLER: I can’t think of anything interesting or unusual about me. I don’t know, reader might find it interesting that I like for each of my novels to be more than entertainment. I want them to stay with the reader long after they turn the last page. So I pray over my novel – and believe that God allows my books to touch the hearts of my readers in just the way they need to be touched.

MICHELLE STIMPSON: I don’t really have a method to my madness of writing. Every book is different. The one I’m working on now (a follow-up to Boaz Brown) is really throwing me for a loop because the main character knows she’s doing the wrong thing but she’s still doing it. I just want to slap some sense into her, but I can’t because I do like her. Getting to know my characters is probably one of the most interesting things about writing fiction.

DR. VIVI MONROE CONGRESS: I love to write but hate to promote. That’s so sad…

SHEWANDA RILEY: I’m at best writing with sweet tea and microwave popcorn!   Being in the right frame of mind and having my writing space ready is important to me as  writer.

Writers are often encouraged to write what they know. Have you found that to be the case with your writing?

KENDRA-NORMAN-BELLAMY: Definitely. Nobody ever advised me to do that, but I know that when I began novel writing, I was writing what was familiar to me. I never set out to write Christian fiction. Both my parents are preachers, and I was brought up to know the will and ways of the Lord. Aside from home and school, I spent more time in church than anywhere else as a child. So, in essence, what was in me was what was coming out of me, and it just happened to be Christian fiction. Based upon personal experience, I’m inclined to believe that the task of writing is less stressful and takes less effort when a person writes what they know.

TIA MCCOLLORS:  Somewhat. I think there’s a small part of “me” in each of my books, but unless you’re a close friend of mine, you wouldn’t know what that particular thing was.

VANESSA MILLER: I write restoration novels. In other words, I like to deal with imperfect characters and then show how God can turn their lives around. So, yeah, I guess I do write what I know, because I have definitely been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb.

MICHELLE STIMPSON: Yes. Either write what you know or research your subject well!

DR. VIVI MONROE CONGRESS: That has been my case as well, but I’m trying to stretch by writing about things I know little to nothing about directly; things that I have to research and learn without the experience.

SHEWANDA RILEY: Since I write newspaper columns and non fiction, it’s definitely true in my case.   If you write what you know, you can build up confidence as a writer.

What advice do you have for aspiring writers?

KENDRA-NORMAN-BELLAMY: Prayer, Patience, and Perseverance! Those are the three words that I like to use as a response whenever I’m asked this question because I believe that any aspiring writing will need those three key ingredients in order to break into the world of writing and survive the disappointments that sometimes comes along with it. Nothing happens overnight, so aspiring writers will have to have the PATIENCE to wait without getting frustrated or discouraged in the interim. PERSEVERENCE is needed in order to endure all the negativity with which a writer is sure to be confronted in different stages of the process. And PRAYER….well, it’s not an option. As I’m writing this response, I’m listening to Marvin Sapp’s “Never Would Have Made It,” and I truly believe that whether we think so or not, any of us who have found a level of success in this industry have done so only by the grace of God. If we didn’t have the sense enough to pray for ourselves, I sincerely believe that somebody was praying on our behalf. Any one of us who thinks we’ve gotten where we are (where ever ‘where we are’ is) on our own, we’re sorely mistaken.

TIA MCCOLLORS: My advice to aspiring writers it to keep writing until you get to the end of the book. Don’t look back. Don’t go back and edit. Finish a complete manuscript first, and then work on making it your best. I’ve seen so many get stalled with “analysis paralysis,” meaning they spend so much time trying to perfect the only five pages that they’ve written, that they never write past that point.

VANESSA MILLER: Never give up. Even when it looks like things are moving slower than you thought it would. If your hearts desire is to write, than keep on writing and promoting your work. You never know what’s right around the corner. 

MICHELLE STIMPSON: Write. Nothing except writing is writing – talking about writing isn’t writing, thinking about writing isn’t writing, going to workshops and reading blogs about writing is NOT writing. Only writing is writing. (Adapted from quote by E. Doctorow).

DR. VIVI MONROE CONGRESS: Go for it, but PLEASE employ a reputable EDITOR–I repeat … PLEASE!

SHEWANDA RILEY: Don’t be afraid to take risks with your writing.   Even if you are more comfortable writing fiction, try non-fiction and vice versa.   You might be surprised with the results.

RECENT AND CURRENT BOOK RELEASES

·       The Lyons Den by Kendra Norman-Bellamy

·       The Last Woman Standing by Tia McCollors

·       Through the Storm by Vanessa Miller

·       Trouble in My Way by Michelle Stimpson

·       Manna for Mamma: Wisdom for Women in the Wilderness by Dr. Vivi Monroe Congress

·       Love Hangover: Moving From Pain to Purpose After a Relationship Ends by Shewanda Riley

Follow the rest of the Summer Reading with Anointed Authors Blog Tour at http://bit.ly/SummerReadingwithAnointedAuthors.