Feature

MotownWriters Author Feature: Beverly Jenkins, Nat’l Award Winner w/new book: Destiny’s Embrace [PODCAST] #interview

Ms. Jenkins is the nation’s premier writer of African-American historical romance fiction and specializes in 19th century African American life. She has 30 published novels to date.

 Website | Facebook | Amazon

Author bio: Beverly Jenkins has received numerous awards, including: five Waldenbooks/Borders Group Best Sellers Awards; two Career Achievement Awards from Romantic Times Magazine; a Golden Pen Award from the Black Writer’s Guild, and in 1999 was named one of the Top Fifty Favorite African-American writers of the 20th Century by AABLC, the nation’s largest on-line African-American book club.

She has also been featured in many national publications, including the Wall Street Journal, People Magazine, Dallas Morning News and Vibe Magazine. She has lectured and given talks at such prestigious universities as Oberlin University, the University of Illinois, and Princeton. She speaks widely on both romance and 19th century African-American history.

 Website | Facebook | Amazon

In 2004 Ms. Jenkins branched out into romantic suspense with the publication of Edge of Midnight.Bring on the Blessings, her first faith based, women’s fiction work, was published in Jan 09.

Her newest historical, Night Hawk has been released in October 2011.

In 2012, look for the fourth book in the Blessings series: A Wish and A Prayer, plus a new book series to come that she reveals exclusively in our podcast!

Listen to the #MichLit Network Radio Show w/Beverly Jenkins at http://tobtr.com/s/4098439. #BlogTalkRadio

Product Details

Destiny’s Embrace by Beverly Jenkins (Jan 29, 2013)

Formats Price New Used
Mass Market Paperback Available for Pre-order. This item will be released on January 29, 2013.

Pre-order Price Guarantee. See Details
$7.99
Kindle Edition Available for Pre-order. This item will be released on January 29, 2013.

 Website | Facebook | Amazon

On Jan 19th, Join Beverly Jenkins & Founder of Motown Writers Network, Sylvia Hubbard for Writing 101, Publishing and Marketing in the 21st Century at the Belleville Public Library. Click here to download your form and find out more information.

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Detroit Poet, Leigh A. Mosley reading at Musing Poetry & Music Gathering #michlit

Leigh A. Mosley reading at Musings a poetry series by Ann Holdreith
Place:
Scarab Club, 217 Farnsworth, Detroit 48202
(Just behind the DIA, east of John R.)
Date: January 20th, 2013
Time: 2:30 – 4:30pm
Website: http://annholdreith.com/poetry.html

Categories: Feature, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Check out Detroit Author, J-Real #urban #books #read #amreading #motownlit #mwn #michlit @realinkbooks

www.realinkpublishing.com

Experience the REAL in Literary Art

Experience the REAL in Literary Art

 

Categories: Feature, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Meet @CharlieCurve, #MotownLit’s Keynote Lunch Speaker! Get yr tickets now!

Note from Essence of Motown Literary Conference Chairperson, Sylvia Hubbard:

You ever get to a point in life where you think you’ve reached the ceiling and can’t go any farther. You think that you’ve accomplished enough and those other things you want to accomplish you aren’t as passionate about anymore because you feel you’ve used up enough energy trying to get to your other goals.

I think when I first met “Charlie Curve” I was at that point in my life. I was a good author, I had a great fan base and MWN was just going. Everything was chugging along a little at a time and I was becoming … complacent.

I got invited to an event by a friend about four years ago and I wasn’t really interested in going, but for some reason I was like Jonah and the whale. No matter how far I ran, that whale kept coming to drag me back where I needed to be.

At this event was this guy and he turned on a light switch inside of me.

The first time I heard Charlie Wollborg aka @CharlieCurve, I couldn’t help but smile and know that things can get better. Not just for myself, but my world around me. I’ve never wanted to really make an effort to introduce myself to someone. I’m a writer and I’m shy, but for some reason I just told myself Charlie had to know my name.

Since meeting him, he’s truly made an impact in my life and has helped me target myself, re-energize my work and organization and made me grow in the direction I need to go.

He’s one of those people placed on Earth that you just have to meet!

Meet Charlie Wollborg

Charlie is a purveyor of attention. He helps growing brands stand out from the clutter.

He opened the doors at Curve Detroit Marketing Strategy & Creative Design after being thrown out of several well respected ad agencies. As a marketing strategist and creative director, he has delivered blue sky ideas and bottom line results for blue chip national clients and budding local brands.

When he’s not building brands, you’ll find Charlie inspiring, educating and entertaining business audiences with his lively keynote presentations on social media, branding, marketing and motivation. He helps smart companies stay on top of what’s new, what’s now and what’s next in the world of marketing and technology. He’s earned applause and laughter at several Ignite events and recently took the second place prize at the PowerPoint Karaoke World Finals.

Along with a few cool friends, Charlie helped bring the acclaimed TED conference to Michigan in the form of TEDxDetroit. He also carves out a little time for Motor City Connect, a Detroit-based social network and professional development organization he helped create.

Connect with Charlie :

TwitterLinkedInFacebookYouTube

READ MORE ABOUT CHARLIE BY VISITING HIS WEBSITE.

On November 10th, “Charlie Curve” will be joining the Essence of Motown Literary Jam and Conference as the lunch keynote speaker at 12:30pm at the Northwest Activity Center.

We’re excited and deeply honored to to have him be apart of our event.

Register now and use the share buttons below to invite other readers and writers in Metro Detroit!

click here to see the back of the flyer.

I hope you join us all weekend long and help strengthen the Metro Detroit’s Literary and Literacy Community!

REGISTER NOW!

 

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Celebrate Nat’l Author’s Day w/#MWN’s featured Author, Melissa Love (@lisasecrets29) #mwn #motownlit #michlit

For the second year in a row, Motown Writers Network celebrates National Author’s Day “Detroit Style” by featuring a local author who’s working hard to make Detroit Literary Community Better.

This year is Ms. Melissa Love whose new book out is called Holy Suspicion.

Her book was featured earlier this year as a Wednesday book candy, but today we celebrate Melissa as an author, who’s doing wonderful things and creating wonderful literary for generations to come.

Who Is Melissa Love?

A blogger, reader and candle and soap creator. A writer working on many up and coming mainstream novels.

Melissa Love published her first debut novel “Sinful Traits” in 2001. Three years later, she decided to get back into writing and published two more books; “Secret Affair” released in February 2012 and the re-edit version in September 2012. Also in that same month, Holy Suspicion was released.​

She is very active in the Motown Writer Network, and Mocha Sister Book clubs.

She continues to write stories filled with secrets and drama.

She currently lives in Detroit, Michigan working on her fourth novel.

Visit her website by clicking here.

THE BOOKS

Secret Affair is the first book in the Scandalous Secrets series. Each book has their own secrets, twist and turns along the way. Pick up a book and reach each story as you uncover their scandalous secrets.

ISBN-56-123456789101

Victoria Winter has her own selfish scheme and that is becoming the Second Mother of One True Worship, the third largest multi-billion church in Detroit. In order for this to happen, she convince her daughter to get the pastor to fall in love and married the famous and wealthy Pastor Kyle Smith. God-fearing Naomi does everything a Christian woman is suppose to do in her strict Christian’s household. She attends all the church services, events and groups meeting.

But Naomi has a secret that could ruin her mother plans of becoming Second Mother and her family’s reputation.

Product Details

​love On Death Row

ISBN-68-123456789101

Love on Death row is the story of De’Nesha Cole who was raised into the good life. She never knew hard times or living below ones needs. It took everything she had to hide her abuse she suffer from Terence Jones, her husband and co-partner at one of the top publishing company in Florida. Instead of reporting her abuse at the advice of her two best friends, she takes matters into her own hands and find herself on death row…. Coming Soon

Connect with Melissa Love

Amazon Page | Website | Google +

Look for more of this author to come and please subscribe to our updates to receive more news about Michigan’s Literary Community!

In case you’re unfamiliar with National Author’s Day, here’s a detail description:

Nov 1. This observance was adopted by the General Federation of Women’s Clubs in 1929 and in 1949 was given a place on the list of special days, weeks and months prepared by the US Department of Commerce. The resolution states in part: “By celebrating an Authors’ Day as a nation, we would not only show patriotism, loyalty, and appreciation of the men and women who have made American literature possible, but would also encourage and inspire others to give of themselves in making a better America.” It was also resolved “that we commemorate an Authors’ Day to be observed on November First each year.”

Read more:

http://www.answers.com/topic/national-authors-day#ixzz1cQtC1mPE

See our last year’s selection, Author, Monica Marie Jones! Click Here!

Author’s are you interested in being featured? Click here
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MWN’s 1st Blog Tour w/author,Chris Lee @LifePathLLC!! From Frustration to Fulfillment #FF2F‬ #michlit #blogtour #mwn

Yes! Starting from July, Motown Writers Network is hosting authors for book tours.  Detroiter, Chris Lee is our first author to join us and support our Michigan Literary Network endeavor!

Each Day until the end of the tour, Chris Lee will be featured on one of our blogs, posted in our facebook group, facebook pages and facebook book club, along with being tweeted by founder of Motown Writers Network, Sylvia Hubbard on his blog journey.

Now this is no small feat because we have specific blogs as you can see below and Chris had to write around the criteria’s of each blog and be able to showcase his book and story around those criteria’s at the same time!

It was wonderful to read each post and I  hope you enjoy them! At the end of the blog tour, join us back here after you’ve commented on each blog to enter a chance to win an amazon kindle copy of From Frustration to Fulfillment. 

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Read more »

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Beverly Jenkins’s New Book: A Wish and a Prayer, Releasing April 10th #motownlit #michlit #mwn

Amazon.com
Beverly Jenkins’s New Book
Releasing on April 10, 2012
A Wish and a Prayer: A Blessings Novel
A Wish and a Prayer: A Blessings Novel
Beverly Jenkins
Kindle Edition: $9.99     Paperback: $10.98
Learn More
Anyone worried that living in a small town could be boring certainly hasn’t lived in Henry Adams, Kansas. From the wealthy divorcÉe who saved this historic town founded by freed slaves to the romantic entanglements that have set tongues wagging and hearts fluttering (and everything in between), … Read More
More by Beverly Jenkins
A Second Helping: A Blessings Novel
A Second Helping: A Blessings Novel
4.7 out of 5 stars  (39 reviews)
Something Old, Something New: A Blessings Novel
Something Old, Something New: A…
4.8 out of 5 stars  (39 reviews)
Midnight (Avon)
Midnight (Avon)
4.2 out of 5 stars  (32 reviews)
Indigo
Indigo
5.0 out of 5 stars  (21 reviews)
Categories: Author Insights, Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

February’s MBC Feature: IT CAN HAPPEN TO YOU by Phette Ogburn @phephi #MWN Submit Yr Review!

Phette Ogburn

It Can Happen To You: Volume 1 contains three short stories:
S&M (Sexts & Messaging) – a cautionary tale of what happens when an online friendship turns into obsession. IT CAN HAPPEN TO YOU--COVER

THE ID – After meeting Chazz, Nya thinks she has found the love of her life until he vanishes with no trace. When she uncovers the truth of his disappearance, she realizes her life will never be the same.

ORGANIZED KARMA – Destinee and Tracy have been friends for years, but as they get older their lives take them on two different paths.

About Phette:
While taking college courses at Henry Ford Community College, she was urged by two instructors to go into writing in some capacity. Not believing enough in herself, she shelved the idea and sat on it for many years.

She started actively pursuing her passion in 2004 and vividly remembers seeing Tyler Perry on the Oprah Winfrey show when she had an “AHA” moment and said to herself that she, too, can write stories for the world to read and see. Learn more about Phette at www.phetteogburn.com.
PURCHASE IT CAN HAPPEN TO YOU!

We’d love to hear what you thought of this book and/or what do you think of the romance erotic genre?! Your thoughts?!

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Eblast: Bradley Fowler, Author of 3 Books to help his plight to ban inequality

Equality Belongs To All Regardless of Religious Beliefs

A detailed look at religious lore

 

         A riveting novel 

   An LGBT Empowerment Guide            

 

 

(Accord, Hernandez-Montiel v. I.N.S. (9th Cir. 2000) 225 F. 3d 1084, 1093 ["Sexual orientation and sexual identity...are so fundamental to one's identity that a person should not be required to abandon them."];Egan v. Canada, supra, 2 S.C.R. 513, 528 ["whether or not sexual orientation is based on biological or physiological factors, which may be a matter of some controversy, it is a deeply personal characteristic that is either unchangeable or changeable only at unacceptable personal costs"].)

     Even more, many religious followers neglect to understand the power the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches have over their individual religious beliefs; and because of this, America continues to grow divided on such issues as equality for same-sex couples. However, 2 Corinthians 8:14 instructs: ...but by equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want; that there may be equality… 

     As a result, author B.L. Fowler has not only compiled some thought-provoking evidence that deserves analyzing. But this Universal Life Church Monastery ordained minister  and certified paralegal has spent the last five years, feverishly developing an astounding journey, which proves the Scriptures still have purpose in today’s society.

After all, Matthew 22:29 instructs: Ye err not knowing the Scriptures or the power of God. 

# # #

Also, author B. L. Fowler has written Why Homosexuals Deserve Equality Rights-An Empowerment Guide. This enthralling guide is packed with case law from the Supreme Court, Constitutional law, Christian scripture that supports equality for all, regardless of sexual orientation; and, personal testimony from “Survivor” Series winner- Richard Hatch,and Penn State College Professor Mel See Sholtz.        

We Err Not Knowing Or Studying The Scriptures Matthew 22:29 by B.L. Fowler (Kindle Edition - Nov 16, 2011) - Kindle eBook
Buy: $9.99
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Excerpt – Front Cover: “Why Homosexuals Deserve Equality Rights An Empowerment Guide B.” See a random page in this book.

To Find out more about this author, please visit his site at: http://www.matthew2229.webs.com/

To hear his radio interview on The Michigan Literary Network, click here : http://tobtr.com/s/2770099

If you’re interested in one of our spotlights, please go to: http://e-junkie.com/hubbooks

Categories: Author Insights | Tags: , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Michigan Author, Cheryl Robinson new book, by @aalbc.com Recomends Read

AALBC.com Recommends spacer

The One: A NovelThe One by Cheryl Robinson – On sale today – enter The 14 Days of Valentines Contest
http://bit.ly/theonebook

A fateful encounter with a savvy young producer lands aspiring writer Olena Day the role of America’s bachelorette on the new reality show The One. There are just two problems: Olena despises reality TV, and technically she’s not single. What could she possibly hope to gain? A book deal? But Olena’s made it clear; she won’t resort to the stereotypical antics often portrayed by women on reality TV. But ratings rule and the producers have plans of their own to assure the show’s success—even if it means exposing some of Olena’s long-held and most embarrassing secrets.

Step behind the scenes of the highly competitive and unique world of reality dating shows, in this relationship-driven page-turner that keeps delivering surprises.  To learn more and to enter the 14 Days of Valentines Contest, visit the author’s website: www.cherylrobinson.com

 

Purchase:

Amazon.com
Barnes and Noble.com

Prologue &
Chapter One

Happy Valentine's DayHappy Valentine’s Day,

Troy Johnson
President, AALBC.com, LLC
Toll Free: 866-603-8394
Email: troy@aalbc.com

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Motown Book Club: 1st Chap Free Friday – IT CAN HAPPEN TO YOU! #MWN @phephi

“Hey,” from diesel2010.

This is the message that popped up in my Yahoo chat. I did not recognize the sender so I typed “Hey. Who is this?” then hit enter.

“This is Kenzu. I met you, unofficially, thru FB a couple of weeks ago.”

I dug back in my memory bank trying to figure out who the hell this person was and how they got my information. I guess I was taking too long to respond because another message chimed in.

“We were commenting on a friend’s post and I mentioned how beautiful your name is.”

Ooooh! I thought.

“Yeah. Yeah. I remember. Urs is just as beautiful.”

“Thanks”

Not wanting to chat too freely because I was still leery about how and, more importantly, why he sought me out, I left the ball in his court.

“I snagged your IM off Facebook. I hope you don’t mind.”

We chatted for a few minutes, making small talk. We attended the same high school, but he graduated three years after I did. We had several mutual friends. He played football, both in high school then in college, before, of course, he was injured. His photo albums on FB were full of pics of him…and his wife.

He was recently married. The wedding photos were beautiful. His dark mocha skin contrasted against his crisp, white tux. She was wearing an off-white strapless gown. Her full breasts were a sneeze away from spilling up and out the dress. Her weave was long, with lots of ringlets. She was happy. Her thick lips stretched across her face in almost every pic.

A few days passed. My Facebook alert chirped on my Blackberry. “Friend Request – Kenzu Brantley.” I accepted the request, which I normally did if the person “appeared” to be decent. I was heavy into networking and always looking for more people to share and learn with.

Minutes later I received a message in my inbox.

Hey. I enjoyed chatting with you the other day. Let’s do that again soon.
Kenzu

I carried on with my day – work, school, kids’ homework, cooking dinner, watching television. Yep! Had the regimen down to a science. Since I purchased a Blackberry I no longer needed to spend countless hours on the computer. I mean, I did get on it occasionally, but most all my needs were at my fingertips via Crackberry.

“Cricket – Cricket” is the sound of my Yahoo messenger alert. My best friend Lana knew this was the best way to reach me. I’d long since given up on talking on the phone. Text, chat and email were the most effective ways to get my attention.

“Hey S. How r u?” she typed.

“I’m good girl. How r u and the baby doing?”

“We good. I’m rubbing my belly right now. LOL.”

“Tell her auntie luvs her & I’ll b 2 c y’all soon as she get here ”

“I will. Ttyl. Luv u.”

“Luv u 2.”

As soon as I ended our conversation, I got another message. This time from him.

“Good evening Queen”

“Look at this brother trying to have game,” I said aloud to myself.

“Hello there”

“How was ur day”

“Busy. Urs?”

“Same here”

I sat the phone down as I prepared the next day clothes for me and the kids. When I heard the cricket chime more than two times, I made sure to quickly plug in a response so it could look like I was fully attentive. We chatted about things from movies, sports, love and marriage, food and Facebook.

“Well, it’s that time. Gotta get the girls to bed.”

“Oh ok. Enjoy the rest of the night.”

To read more, Buy/Download HERE!!

Categories: First Chapter Friday, Motown Book Club | Tags: , , , , , , | 1 Comment

MIND ON MONEY: Who Moved My Cheese? via @holla_KGreene #mwn

        Greetings Readers!  My name is Kelly Greene.  I am a former autoworker from Detroit Michigan.  Why former? I look too young to retire.  Did I hit the Lottery?  Did I find the key to financial bliss?  The answer to both questions is no.  The truth is I lost my job due the economy as well as thousands of others in America.  The funny thing about it, I should have been prepared.  Had I took one book seriously, I just might have been.

      About 12 years ago, I was given a book by my girlfriend.  The book was called “Who Moved My Cheese?” by Spencer Johnson.  I read it and cast it to the side as a decent read.  I couldn’t take it seriously.  I was working at American Axle and making good money or “Getting that Cheese” as we say in the hood.  “Cheese” was plentiful then.  I worked 50-60 hrs a week for an automobile company and automobiles are  one of the top 5 inventions of all time.  The world was not going to replace the automobile anytime soon. I was certain that I would have a job for life or at least 30 yrs. I was wrong.  I didn’t factor in that where they made the parts or the automobiles themselves were subject to change.  American Axle moved my Cheese to Mexico 10 yrs after I read that book!  Spencer Johnson was right!  We have to be ready and expect change in both our professional and private lives. Read more »

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January’s MBC feature: 30 Day Notice by Kai Mann @kaiology

About Kai:
Kai Kai Mann, Author of “30 Day Notice“. She is also an independent contract writer for Examiner.com where she holds the title of Detroit’s Friendship Examiner. As a contributor to the poetry community, Kai has an online Blog called “Kai’ology, Wet Your Intellectual Taste Buds” where she inspires thought for profound change.

About 30 Day Notice:
30day

Can Kori find who she is without losing herself along the way?

READ EXCERPT

MY FEEDBACK:
What a good and thought-provoking story. I found that I was questioning myself throughout the book: Am I living a lie? Am I living the life that I think I should? I love books that spark something in me causing me to dig deep. Like you, I too believe that EVERYTHING happens for a reason. A lesson is a lesson is a lesson. It’s all about what one does w/that lesson that matters. Kori just needed to sit herself still and be by her dang on self for a minute. & stop falling for them damn red bones…(I’m not bitter, really. I love being brown…LOL). After reading that, the nuggets I’m walking away with are: be grateful, be thankful, my situation may not be as bad as someone else’s, but it’s mine, confront your issues head-on – no matter how painful, trust yourself and have faith because GOD has a plan for you and it will manifest itself when you allow him to do so.
********************
Please, show your support for author –Kai Mann!! Order 30 Day Notice HERE!!

View: Author’s Website | Publisher | Twitter | Facebook |Amazon Store

January Feature: 30 Day Notice by

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December’s #MBC BOM features E.CON the ICON by Eddie Connor @EddieConnorJr

ABOUT E.CON:EDDIE CONNOR

Eddie Connor was born in Southfield, Michigan but grew up in Kingston, Jamaica. The British Education that Eddie received, during his formative years in Jamaica, can be attributed to his thirst for knowledge. As a product of a divorced family, Eddie realizes that he was not born with a “silver spoon” in his mouth, but was raised by a strong mother, who instilled in him life long values and the importance of governing himself as a positive individual.

Eddie Connor preached his first message, after being diagnosed with cancer, at the age of fifteen in Kingston, Jamaica proclaiming from Psalm 118:17, “I shall not die, but live and declare the works of the Lord.” Eddie affirms that he was “Destined to Overcome the Odds.” Eddie Connor is declaring the works of the Lord. The healing power of God has touched this young man’s life, as he has miraculously been healed from cancer. CLICK to read more about Eddie.

E.CON the ICON is an insightful and candid commentary. Eddie provides literary detail, through vivid riffs and rhymes, as he perceptively muses on issues, from Pop Culture to President Barack Obama. Isn’t it ironic that everything regarded as iconic, is really not iconic? Take a journey with Eddie Connor, in his most controversial declaration yet. E.CON the ICON, redefines what it means to be an icon.

You can buy the book HERE!ECON

Categories: Feature, Motown Book Club, Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , , | 2 Comments

[video] An Interview w/@MonicaMJones by Kai Mann @kaiology #motownlit #motownbookclub

Back in August, Kai Mann had the pleasure of interviewing Monica Marie Jones, who is the author of SWAG, FLOSS, THE UPS AND DOWNS OF BEING ROUND, SWEET SOLILOQUY and her latest MONDAY MORNING MOTIVATION. She’s also November’s Motown Book Club feature. Check out the video below.

Monday Morning Motivation: Inspirational Messages That Motivate You To Start Your Week Off Right

by Monica Marie Jones by Literary Loft, The
Paperback

List Price: $9.99
Our Price: $9.99

Buy Now

Monday Morning Motivation

by Monica Marie Jones by The Literary Loft
Kindle Edition ~ Release Date: 2011-10-08

List Price: $3.99
For more information about Monica Marie Jones
go to her website at: www.monicamariejones.com and also find out more about her new venture, The Literary Loft, go to: www.literaryloft.com
If you’d like to have your book featured,
please contact Phette Ogburn or click the button below
Categories: Feature, Motown Book Club, Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment
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