Don’t miss Monica Marie Jones today on the Michigan Literary Network Blog Talk Radio show. Sylvia Hubbard will talk with Monica for the entire thirty minutes about her new book Momentum.
Who is Monica?
Monica Marie Jones is an author whose published works include The Ups and Downs of Being Round (Fiction/Self-Help), Taste My Soul (Poetry), FLOSS (Fiction), Swag (Urban Fiction), Sweet Soliloquy (Poetry) and Monday Morning Motivation (Inspiration). She is a contributing author in Chicken Soup for the Girls Soul, New Directions for Youth Development, 44th (A full color coffee table book about President Barack Obama) and Souls of Our Young Sisters: The Next Generation of Women Tell Their Stories, Overcome Their Challenges, and Heal Their Spirits. She has also contributed to several publications and youth development training materials for the High/Scope Educational Research Foundation and the David P. Weikart Center for Youth Program Quality.
She has worked as a columnist and freelance writer for various publications and websites including the Michigan Front Page Newspaper and is an active member of the Motown Writer’s Network where she hosted her own radio show, “Marketing and Motivation Mondays with Monica Marie Jones” on the Michigan Literary Network Radio.
Monica received her Bachelor’s Degree and teaching certificate in Elementary Education from Eastern Michigan University. She also received her Masters of Social Work from the University of Michigan.
Monica is a youth development expert that does training and consultation for the David P. Weikart Center for Youth Program Quality.
She is a professionally trained dancer and dance instructor that has danced with Gospel recording artists such as Dorinda Clark-Cole, in several venues around the United States, and a three-city tour in Japan with Kierra ‘Ki-Ki’ Sheard.
Monica uses her gifts, talents and expertise to inform her work as a motivational speaker with a focus on topics including but not limited to self-esteem, empowering women and girls, fitness and wellness, and youth development.
She is the owner of the publishing and literary consulting company, The Literary Loft; the motivational speaking, training and consulting company, Inspirationista Ink; and a partner in ownership of the real estate investment company, Team JP Enterprises LLC.
Greater Grace Temple – Room 200 E
23500 W. 7 Mile Road
Detroit, MI 48219
Visitors and guests are welcome
$5.00 donation
Education, inspiration and fellowship for emerging authors
Inspirationista, Monica Marie Jones
Monica Marie Jones is an author whose published works include
The Ups and Downs of Being Round (Fiction/Self-Help),
Taste My Soul (Poetry), FLOSS (Fiction),
Swag (Urban Fiction) and Sweet Soliloquy (Poetry).
Having written in several genres, Ms. Jones will conduct a workshop that covers many of the bare boned basics of writing. She will also provide answers to the top four questions
emerging writers often have:
*How to I avoid distractions?
*Is it better to outline or write freestyle?
*How do I overcome writer’s block?
*What tools are available to help maximize my productivity?
Monday morning is a new beginning…a fresh start! It’s a time to start over and get it right this time. Sadly, for many it is a time of dread and despair at the mere thought of having to embark upon another week in a situation where they don’t want to be. Monday mornings are an amazing opportunity to re-energize, refresh and refocus so it’s time to change the way that we think about them.
Just like a good cup of coffee or a warm ray of sunshine, the motivational messages in this book give you that boost that you need to start your week off right. Each chapter will leave you encouraged, inspired and excited about the new week that lies ahead.
About the Author
MONICA MARIE JONES is an author, motivator and entrepreneur. Her published works include The Ups and Downs of Being Round (Fiction/Self-help), Taste My Soul (Poetry), Floss (Urban Fiction), Swag (Fiction) and Sweet Soliloquy (Poetry). She has contributed to Chicken Soup for the Girls Soul, New Directions for Youth Development, 44th and Souls of My Young Sisters. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Eastern Michigan University and her Masters of Social Work from the University of Michigan. Currently she resides in Detroit, Michigan where she operates her motivational speaking, training and consulting company, Inspirationista Ink LLC; her publishing and literary promotions company, The Literary Loft LLC; and her real estate investing company, Team JP Enterprises LLC, along with a partner. Visit her website at http://www.monicamariejones.com
JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview 5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… Dr. Carol Clark, author of Addict America: The Lost Connection (Dr. Carol Clark)Addict America: The Lost Connection helps readers be…
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
Monica Marie Jones is an author whose published works include The Ups and Downs of Being Round (Fiction/Self-Help), Taste My Soul (Poetry), FLOSS(Fiction), Swag (Urban Fiction) and Sweet Soliloquy (Poetry). She is a contributing author in Chicken Soup for the Girls Soul, New Directions for Youth Development, 44th (A full color coffee table book about President Barack Obama)and Souls of Our Young Sisters: The Next Generation of Women Tell Their Stories, Overcome Their Challenges, and Heal Their Spirits. She has also contributed to several publications and youth development training materials for the High/Scope Educational Research Foundation.
She has worked as a columnist and freelance writer for various publications and websites including the Michigan Front Page Newspaper and is an active member of the Motown Writer’s Network where she is the host of her own show, “Marketing and Motivation Mondays with Monica Marie Jones” on the Michigan Literary Network Radio.
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
On August 19th I had the pleasure of interviewing Monica Marie Jones. Monica has authored books such as Floss, Swag, Taste of My Soul, The Ups & Downs of Being round, and Sweet Soliloquy. I invite you to come with me on a journey as we enter the life of one of Detroit’s most gifted Authors.
Kai: “Sweet Soliloquy” that’s your latest right? What’s the difference between Sweet Soliloquy and Taste of my Soul?
Monica: Taste of my Soul is like all over the place but I somehow squeezed it all into the concept of a full course meal. You have your grace, your appetizer, and your main course. I placed poems to fit into each of those areas. For example, the main course is the meatier poems; the appetizer is the more spiritual poems, and so on and so forth. Sweet Soliloquy, they all revolve around the theme in my mind of passion; whether that’s passion about your career, passion about your relationships, or passion about your family. They all kind of include that theme, so that’s the difference between the two; all over the place “Taste of my Soul” and more zeroed in on one theme “Sweet Soliloquy”.
Kai: I loved Sweet Soliloquy. My favorite three, now I loved them all but my favorite three were “One Breath”, “Ms. Jones got a love Jones” both laughing at that one, and “The Mask”. Tell us how you became Monica Marie Jones the Author.
Monica: Well I have always been extra. So I’ll say so emotional and creative. What I’ve found even since I was a little girl, the best way to capture all of my emotions or capture all of the madness that is myself is through writing. So when I was younger I had a journal. Like I had a journal in elementary school and as I got older I wanted to be a writer but I felt intimidated by the thought of writing a book. So I found that I could capture an entire story in a poem, on one page. So that’s when I started writing poetry in my 20’s. When I graduated College I said “If I can write a 30 page paper, I could write a book. So that’s what kind of gave me the confidence to say okay, let me push it farther or let me take all of my poems and put them together to create one book. So that was kind of my journey to being a writer. It’s always been in me but, you know, having the confidence, and taking all the raw materials that were created by emotions and making it into something that other people could relate
to as well.
Kai: So let’s say from the start up until now, what have been the challenges that you more or less face now that you didn’t face when you first started writing?
Monica: The biggest challenge. I’m so glad that you asked me that. I had an “Aha” moment yesterday. It’s like the more visibility that you get the more you want to build your brand. Sometimes we fall into a space of censoring ourselves and conforming to what we think people
want to hear, trying to live up to this image that we think people want to see. And in that you lose that raw creativity. You lose that authenticity, that realness about yourself. So now I’m struggling to make sure that I am writing just from my heart not censoring myself not worrying about what people will think. I feel like when people are that open and that real that’s what people are accepting to not some cook cutter, I’m not going to say bad words, I’m not going to try to ruffle feathers. That’s how people know that’s fake so I’m trying to get back to my real when I was writing when I didn’t worry about what everybody thought.
Kai: So in all the aspects of writing how important is networking?
Monica: Networking is so important; just this morning I had a meeting with someone. It’s very important because you share resources, you get new energy, and you get new ideas, you kind of shake up the patterns that are in your life. Alot of times people sometimes feel like “Oh, I need to hide my ideas, I shouldn’t share” but it’s by giving that we get. And so it’s you know the whole point of networking with like minded people or even people that are different from you because a lot of times that is what give you the inspiration to write and the ideas to promote that work and fulfill that work as you go.
Kai: So tell me three things that you want your readers to know about you.
Monica: The first one I guess is that most of my writings come from my experiences, that’s not to say that everything is a true story that happened for me but it comes from some emotion or experience and a lot of times it comes from the past. So hopefully, people can know that this stuff while it may be fiction, it’s real and if you’re going through it you’re not alone. So, I don’t know if that answers your question, that’s one thing about me is that a lot of my stuff comes from real experiences. The second thing that I really want people to know is that I am very down to earth, silly. Somebody who’s been a friend now for awhile said that initially when they saw my image they thought that I might be stuffy or stuck up or whatever. As they got to know me they’re like “Oh gosh, you’re really down to earth.” so I want people to know that while I try to create this brand and this image and that goes back to what we talked about earlier; I am very much a human that likes to have fun, that makes mistakes,
that goes through moments. Even though I try to always keep it positively going that I’m very down to earth. The third thing that I want people to know about me is that I am all about relationships so send me an email; talk to me. I love to help people, that’s what kind of feeds me, I feel like that’s my mission. Very emotional, I remember being so intimidated by famous Authors because I love to read, I could never send them an email. If I send it to them, they’ll never respond. I might take awhile but always send me a tweet, an email, or whatever the case may be.
Kai: Cool! So for up and coming writers, such as myself; you know Aspiring Authors what would you tell us? What nugget would you give someone like me?
Monica: Never stop. That’s something I told myself whether I’m trying to lose weight or trying to go to school. I had to apply that to my writing because there will be things along the way that will discourage you. You might get a bad review or just when you’re doing wonderful somebody has something to say but it’s like remember your passion, remember your purpose, and never stop. Keep going and do what you know is true to your heart. It’s not always about people liking you but about you being true to what your purpose is. If it’s that one life that you change or that one person that can get what you wrote then you are doing your job.
I had the privilege of watching Ramona Prater bring the words of her book to life when I saw her speak at an event a few months ago. What stood out to me was that she had a very different view point than that which we are used to hearing when it comes to women. The common message is usually that women should be strong and independent. While her book doesn’t necessarily say that this way of thinking is wrong, it definitely shakes up the idea by addressing some very powerful truths.
It all boils down to us being honest with ourselves. Many of us say we don’t need a man, and technically this may be true, but at the end of the day, most of us want a man, want a healthy relationship and want a marriage that works.
Throughout the book there are several instances where she forces us to be honest with ourselves by making bold statements and observations about our behaviors and choices as women. The first statement that caught my attention in her speech and then again in her book was when she said, quite simply, “…No man wants…another man.” This statement was in reference to the idea that feminine freedom means that we are so strong and powerful that we don’t need a man, yet we continue to date men while simultaneously asserting these beliefs. A partnership is all about balance and while two people in a relationship may not necessarily need one another to survive, it’s definitely nice to share your life with someone that adds value to it.
In her chapter entitled, “Damsels in Distress” she makes mention of something that several people think, but rarely say, “There are women who have decided on their own that they will take on ‘Motherhood’ without the consent of a man, you know who you are…and you should be ashamed of yourself.” This bold statement brings light to a situation where women often take on the role of victim. Her words almost dare them instead to take responsibility for their choices. This is just one of several examples where she calls us out on our stuff.
The two quotes that I’ve shared with you are merely a taste of how “In the Pink” is a feisty, daring and powerful read. Ramona Prater is not afraid to make bold and powerful statements of truth that make us really take inventory of what it means to be a woman. It makes me think of something that I heard someone say in a relationship workshop that I’ll never forget. The instructor said something like, “All men aren’t dogs. If we’ve been in several relationships that have failed, we are the only common denominator in all of those relationships. So maybe it’s time to take a look at ourselves.”
This is exactly what Ms. Prater’s book does…she forces us to take an honest look at ourselves as women. As you read her book you will be challenged to think about what you really want, what you really need and what you really need to do to get those things. She explores the power of practicing silence, our tendency to enable our sons to the point where they can’t reach their full potential as men, submission and self-care.
This is a quick yet powerful book that I think all women should read. Whether you agree or disagree with her way of thinking, this work is thought provoking and would make for a great catalyst for discussion among women, as well as between men and women thus making it an excellent book club selection.
The Literary Loft LLC is a publishing and promotions company that supports and celebrates the literary arts by providing resources, education and entertainment that connects readers and writers with the community.
Marketing and Motivation Mondays with Monica Marie Jones
Listener Appreciation Episode on Michigan Literary
network Radio
Tune into Marketing and
Motivation Mondays with Monica Marie Jones TONIGHT,
Monday August 10, 2009 at 8pm Eastern Standard Time. On
tonight’s show YOU are the featured guest. Call in with
questions, suggestions, marketing tips and your 30 second
marketing pitch for your book or service. Listen live on
Michigan Literary Network Radio and call in at (646)
915-9177
Author, Radio Show Host, Inspirationista,
Monica Marie Jones
at the Essence of Motown Literary Meet and Greet 2009
SWAG eBOOK NOW Available!
The Official “SWAG” Book Release Experience is set for
Friday, September 25, 2009 but if you cannot wait until then
you can
Pre-Order the paperback copy and get it before everyone
else, or you can
download the eBook right NOW!
For Immediate Release Contact: Sylvia Hubbard (313)289-8614
Popular Writers Group Hosts Annual Celebration of Literacy Detroit, MI (July 31, 2009)—Motown Writers Network presents its sixth annual Essence of Motown Literary Meet and Greet showcasing local and national authors on Saturday, August 8 from 11am-2pm at Barnes and Noble (WSU Campus) 82 W. Warren, Detroit. Panelists will discuss areas such as marketing and promoting before and after publishing, finding readers and working together to create a stronger reading community.
More than 50 popular authors are scheduled to attend the event that has grown into one of Michigan’s premier literacy and literary events. Dozens of book lovers of all ages will experience the joys of purchasing autographed books, hearing passages from their favorite authors and and celebrating the written word. Some of the featured authors include:
jessica Care moore, poet and recording artist
Karen White Owens, best-selling romance author
Jacqueline D. Moore, African AmericanLiterary Award Nominee
Sandra Epps, author and artist
Monique Mensah, new author of dramatic fiction
“In a city that plays host to a multitude of writing talent, there are, surprisingly, very few outlets for networking within the Detroit literary community,” admits Motown Writers Network founder Sylvia Hubbard. “Aspiring Metro Detroit writers and authors will be happy to forego their otherwise national travels to attend this wondrous local event.”
Motown Writers Network,which began in 2004, brings together literary groups, readers, poets, illustrators and publishing professionals in order to strengthen the literary community.
For more information or to register call (313)289-8614
“Book Marketing
on a Budget with a hearty dose of Motivation to keep you going!”
You’ve
written the book, so now what?
Have you found marketing to be
intimidating and costly?
Are you thinking about stepping out on faith to pursue your dream but you need a little extra motivation to help you take that next step?
If you’ve found yourself contemplating
these questions, then this is the show for you!
Marketing and Motivation Monday’s with Monica Marie will teach you how to market your books, services and products on a tight budget or for FREE!
Listen in for Book Marketing on a Budget tips, resources and interviews with authors, poets, journalists and marketing professionals who are making it happen.With any labor of love you definitely need some motivation to keep you going so tune in for this power packed half hour every second and fourth Monday!
As a young child, I began writing in a journal to process my emotions about
boys, teasing, and all of the other major issues in the life of a 7 year old.
I continued that throughout my teen years and young adulthood. I also
added writing short stories, and poetry. After graduation from Graduate
School in 2003 I began writing my first novel, the Ups
and Downs of Being Round. During the process of writing that, I
sent an excerpt to Chicken Soup
for the Girl’s Soul and they published it in the book in 2005. I have
been writing and publishing ever since!
Where does your inspiration and/or
passion come from to stay in the business of writing?
As strange as it may seem, much of my inspiration comes from painful
experiences. My passion comes from my ability to use my experiences and words
to inspire, motivate, educate, entertain and add value to the lives of others
who read my work.
What is your latest book?
My Latest Book is called FLOSS which is about six socialites who use money,
cars, jewelry, good looks and other material and external things to measure
their worth. They soon learn that these things came at a far higher cost
than they bargained for. FLOSS is the first of a series of books that
explore the things that Urban America equates with the pursuit
of happiness. The next release, and second installment of the
series is called SWAG which is about a talented singer who goes on a reality
show to learn how to take her talents to the next level.
List any literary endeavors or events
forthcoming?
My literary endeavors include using the issues addressed in my books as a
platform for motivational speaking and fitness coaching. I also plan to
release my second poetry book this year. I teach kickboxing at Northwest
Activities Center and I can also come to you to do a class with your group or
personal training in kickboxing, aerobics or dance.
The
Ups and Downs of Being Round (Inspirational Fiction) – Author
Taste My Soul (Poetry) – Author
FLOSS (Urban Contemporary Fiction) – Author
Chicken Soup for The Girls Soul -Contributing Author New Directions in Youth
Development – Contributing Author
44th – Contributing Poet
Tenita Bestseller Johnson posted a link to Motown Writers Network's wall: Need editing for your manuscript? Look no further! Visit www.soitiswritten.net today! Offering FREE sample edits!!
Tenita Bestseller Johnson wrote on Motown Writers Network's wall: EDITOR'S NOTE: Authors, be open to feedback from the editor. They serve as your audience before the audience. If you can't receive constructive criticism and apply the principles, you're not a writer; you're just journaling. Your writing should grow with you! (1 like)
You are viewing content through a demonstration-version of the Wallflux of the Motown Writers Network-Facebook group. To remove this notice, and get access to the live Wallflux-feed, register it at http://www.wallflux.com/ To display images and comments in your Wallflux, use the Wallflux Atom: http://wallflux.com/atom/68379811096 If you are interested in a c […]
Naomi Daniel posted a video on Motown Writers Network's wall: It's MICHIGAN LITERARY NETWORK RADIO DAY! And Sylvia Hubbard's one and only guest is author, motivational speaker, poet and entrepreneur Monica Marie Jones. She's gonna catch us up on what's been going on in HER literary world, and talk about her upcoming "Inspiration […]
Torreano Resean Harrison posted a photo on Motown Writers Network's wall: Its going down every Thursday at Nandi's Knowledge Cafe from 9pm to 12am. We are located at 12511 Woodward off of Glendale, in Highland Park. Our feature poet for this week is The Lovely Violet This dope poetress will be blazing our stage with her dope poetry. Come on out to […]
Vendoring Spaces Avail. in Metro Det.
Vending space available Oct 11th 4th The Taste of Southfield event from 5p.m.-8p.m. http://ping.fm/VAwQv
Looking for Vendors in Michigan, Health & Wellness Events -Networking Connection - Oct 19th- Farmington Hills,... http://fb.me/1ciO9QlDM
Do you have vendoring available at yr events?
Don’t miss Monica Marie Jones today on the Michigan Literary Network Blog Talk Radio show. Sylvia Hubbard will talk with Monica for the entire thirty minutes about her new book Momentum.
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