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Book Spam is for Losers—Don’t Advertise, PADvertise! #motownwriters

Any of you who regularly follow my blog know that I am totally out of my mind a bit eccentric.|

The seed for this brilliant idea was actually planted a couple years ago when I was speaking in Idaho. I have a doctor’s appointment this morning, so I’m taking this opportunity to rerun my all-time favorite post.Anyway, where was I? Oh yes. Idaho. After lunch, I had to dash to the Ladies’ Room. As I closed the door to the stall, I noticed all the advertising on the back of the bathroom door. This cluttered wall of ads made me think about all the authors spamming non-stop about their books on Facebook and Twitter.

Writers were becoming worse than an Amway rep crossed with a Jehovah’s Witness. I mean, could the author book promotion get any more invasive?

Wait…

Maybe it could *evil laugh*.

I’ve blogged so many times about the dangers of automation and how spamming people is counterproductive. I’ve talked until I am blue about how advertising our books has a terrible ROI (return on investment) and how most people don’t pay attention to it. Ah, but then it hit me. The main reason spam doesn’t work is because people ignore it and no longer “see” it, but what would they see?

Panty Prose—Not Advertising, PADvertising (TM)

read more ; http://authorkristenlamb.com/2017/04/book-spam-is-for-losers-dont-advertise-padvertise/

Meet&greet other mystery/suspense/crime writers @ the 1st Michigan Sisters/Misters in Crime Event on July29, 2pmAunt Agatha’s #AnnArbor via @MI_SinC

SAVE THE DATE

 

Meet-and-greet other mystery/suspense/crime writers at the first Michigan Sisters/Misters in Crime event on July 29, 2:00-4:00, at Aunt Agatha’s mystery bookstore in Ann Arbor.

 

A panel, consisting of a mystery author, an investigator, and a district court judge, will discuss “Bad Guys/Gals.”

 

Open to everyone interested in the genre. Space is limited. The opportunity to sign up for this free event, coming soon!

 

Email us at:Michigansinc@gmail.com for more information. Find us on Facebook and Twitter; @MI_SinC.

See more information and subscribe to more events at:

http://buff.ly/2qyo7Y0 

#MotownWriters @Meetup July8th @DetroitLibrary (Main) 10am! #Writers #Authors #Books #Michigan #Detroit wsg @TMarieMedia

7 Steps to KickStart Yr PR effort!

RSVP https://www.meetup.com/michiganliterarynetwork/events/240616281/

#MotownWriters: The Pros & Cons of Self-Publishing Your Fiction via Kristen Kieffer

As with much of anything, there are both advantages and disadvantages to self-publishing your fiction.

A few weeks back, we covered the pros and cons of pursuing a traditional book dealas a means of publishing your fiction and building a career in writing. Today, we’re flipping the tables and discussing the very same for self-publishing!

Do you think self-publishing might be the right choice for your fiction?

If you haven’t already, I recommend first checking out the other self-publishing articles in our publishing series before getting started with today’s breakdown. You can find these articles here and here.

All caught up? Fantastic. Let’s jump straight into the pros & cons of self-publishing today!

Read the full article: https://www.well-storied.com/blog/the-pros-and-con…

ALERT: AUTHORS!! Don’t break the bank on editing. @AuthorCKBrooke #amediting

Get affordable, professional, quality flat-rate editing, just $175 for 20,000 words. That’s it.

Plus, I don’t just copy-edit for grammar and spelling, but analyze content (POV, plot holes, inconsistencies, etc.) to bring your manuscript to publication/submission-ready quality. Visit http://ckbrooke.com/editing/ to learn more.

July 2017 Michigan Writers Newsletter

News, Events, & Resources for Michigan Writers View this email in your browser July 2017 Newsletter Michigan Writers News, Events, & Opportunities On Sunday, June 11, the Michigan Writers Cooperative Press celebrated this year’s Chapbook Contest winners at a reading and reception held at the Interlochen Center for the Arts. The event was a huge success and a lot of fun. The crowd was standing-room-only and overflowed into the balcony of the Writer’s House. Readings from the new books by Christina Campbell, Kevin Griffin, and Nancy Parshall were received enthusiastically. Thank you to all who attended and helped to make the evening memorable. If you missed it, make plans to attend next year–and don’t forget to check out all three books, which are for sale at the links below. Christina Campbell, And Sarah His Wife (nonfiction) Kevin Griffin, Line and Hook (poetry) Nancy Parshall, Proud Flesh (fiction/stories) Dunes Review Submissions Update Michigan Writers members have one more month to submit poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction for consideration for the Summer / Fall issue of Dunes Review! The deadline is August 1. Contributors will receive 2 copies of the journal and an invitation to our launch celebration at Brilliant Books in Traverse City on October 21. We look forward to reading your work! Click here for submission info. Enjoy our newsletter? Not a member? Join Michigan Writers and support our community! Visit Our Website July Reading List Poetry: Tony Hoagland: "America" Fiction: Courtney Santo: "Society of Jumpers" Essay on Craft: Dinty Moore: "How to Bring Your Voice to Life in Personal Essays" Events National Writers Series Presents W. Bruce Cameron Friday, July 7 @ 7 PM City Opera House, Traverse City Doors open at 6pm, with live music, cash bar and Morsels sweet treats. Q & A and book signing post event. About W. Bruce Cameron: Nationally syndicated humor columnist and New York Times best-selling author, W. Bruce Cameron is perhaps best known for A Dog’s Purpose, his heartwarming—and at times, heart-wrenching—novel of the lessons our canine companions teach us about life and love. A Dog’s Purpose, which Cameron followed up with a sequel, A Dog’s Journey, and several spinoffs. His newest book, A Dog’s Way Home is a more edgy novel than his past dog novels, with a plot line inspired by a Denver law that bans pit bulls. Cameron’s work cuts to the truth of the American experience. Books like 8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter, which spawned an ABC sitcom; its successor,8 Simple Rules for Marrying My Daughter and the Oprah-approved How to Remodel a Man are insightful, relatable, and uproariously funny. Here:Say Storytelling Pack a picnic dinner and join us at 6:30pm on Sunday, July 16, for an outdoor evening of live storytelling. “Summer Reruns” features some of our favorite stories from past Here:Say shows, presented by Interlochen Public Radio at the Upton-Morley Pavilion at the Interlochen Center for the Arts. Michigan Sisters in Crime Date: Saturday, July 29, 2017 @ 2-4 PM Michigan Sisters in Crime is a new chapter of Sisters in Crime, a national organization of mystery, suspense, thriller, and real crime writers. Join us for our inaugural membership-building kickoff event! Cost: FREE Time: 2:00-4:00 (an informal get together at a local pub follows) Location: Aunt Agatha’s Mystery Book Store 213 South Fourth Ave. Ann Arbor, MI 48104 The event features a panel of four crime experts who will discuss "Bad Guys." Find more information and signup instructions, visit Michigan Sisters in Crime on Facebook. Contact us at michigansinc with questions. Poets Meet Musicians Monday, July 31 @ 7-9 PM Poets Meet Musicians is a free, monthly event where the public is invited to share both poetry and music. Bring some poetry or some songs to perform. Mingle with other poets, musicians, and local performers. All levels of experience are welcome! Join us for poetry, music, and good company. Acoustic Mead Tap Room 119 N. Maple, TC 49684 Details? Tom 231-392-6121 or Robb robb.astor Off The Page Writers Series July, 11: Travis Mulhauser July 18: Tom Stanton July 25: Viola Shipman August 1: Aaron Stander Benzonia and Darcy of Beulah Libraries in Benzie County have a roster of award-winning authors scheduled for this year’s “Off the Page” series. Now in its fifth year, the series brings writers and readers together. All programs begin at 7 pm, and seating opens 30 minutes prior to presentations. A hospitality and book-signing period concludes each program. Facilities are handicap accessible with hearing assistive technology available. Travis Mulhauser,author of Sweetwater Girl, will speak on Tuesday, July 11, 7 pm, at Darcy Library. Mulhauser is a 2017 Michigan Notable Book Award winner and has received national attention with his debut novel that tells the story of 16-year-old Percy who rescues a neglected infant during a Northern Michigan blizzard. Mulhauser is originally from Petoskey and now lives in Durham, North Carolina. Tom Stanton is an author of several nonfiction books and teaches journalism at University of Detroit. His most recent book, Terror in the City of Champions, tells the stories of the Black Legion terrorist group and the mid-1930s success of boxer Joe Louis and the Detroit Tigers, Lions and Red Wings. Stanton is a 2017 Michigan Notable Book winner and received the Michigan Author Award for Ty and the Babe. Stanton speaks on Tuesday, July 18, at the Mills Community House. On Tuesday, July 25, at 7pm at Darcy Library, author Viola Shipman speaks. A Michigan resident for 10 years and award-winning memoirist, Wade Rouse, created the pen name Viola Shipman in honor of his two grandmothers. The Charm Bracelet is set in a fictional Lake Michigan shore town and tells the story of three generations of women. The next book in the Viola Shipman series inspired by family heirlooms, The Hope Chest, was recently published. Aaron Stander concludes the 2017 programs on Tuesday, August 1, 7 pm, at Darcy Library. He is author of the Ray Elkins mystery series, starting withSummer People. The most recent story in the series, Gales of November, brings together former classmates near their old school on Lake Michigan. Stander is familiar as the host of Michigan Writers on the Air at Interlochen Public Radio. For more information, contact Benzonia Library at (231)882-4111 or Darcy Library at (231)882-4037. Member News / Celebrations No member news this month. Please share your celebrations with us! (Note: we often hear great news from newsletter readers, but we reserve this space to promote the news, publications, and other writing-related celebrations ofcurrent members.) Workshops / Conferences Glen Arbor Art Association Presents A Poetry Workshop w/ Holly Wren Spaulding Monday, August 14, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Thoreson Farm in Glen Arbor Poet Holly Wren Spaulding will teach a day-long poetry writing workshop focused on the natural world and humans’ place within it. The workshop is open to writers of all skill levels. Cost is $85 for GAAA members, $95 for non-members. Pre-registration is required. Go to: http://www.glenarborart.org/all-programs/classes/adult-classes/ Bring a notebook, and join the conversation about how to respond as writers and nature lovers, to the beautiful, changing natural environment. Lost Lake Writers Retreat The 2017 Lost Lake Writers Retreat, Oct. 5-8, will feature poets Wyn Cooper, Jack Ridl and Whit Hill, as well as novelist Craig Holden, nonfiction writer Maureen Dunphy and memoirist Anne-Marie Oomen. The retreat, held in a lodge overlooking a lake in rural Alcona County, is co-sponsored by Inspiration Alcona and Springfed Arts. Visit InspirationAlcona.org orSpringfed.org for details. Contests / Publishing Opportunities Vallum Award for Poetry 2017 Vallum is accepting original and previously unpublished poetry submissions! CONTEST RULES: Submit up to 1-3 poems of maximum 60 lines each. The $25 entry fee covers 3 poems. You may submit more than once. Poems may be on any theme or subject, but must be original and not previously published. Begin each poem on a new page, use 12-point font and single spacing. 1st prize is $750, 2nd $250. Both 1st and 2nd prize-winning poems will be published in Vallum Magazine and on Vallum’s website. Honourable Mentions may be selected and published but are not eligible for cash prizes. Send us your best work! DEADLINE: July 15th, 2017 http://www.vallummag.com/contestrules.html Wayne State University Press Made in Michigan Writers Series The Made in Michigan Writers Series is devoted to highlighting the works of distinguished statewide writers to showcase Michigan’s diverse voices. Since 2006, the series has published poetry, creative nonfiction, short fiction, and essays by Michigan writers with the aim of encouraging the recognition of the state’s artistic and cultural heritage throughout Michigan, the Midwest, and the nation. Click here for more details on this series. Mission Point Press Mission Point Press, a Traverse City partnership of professionals, provides inspired editing, design and marketing services to authors across the country. As proof, three MPP books have been nominated for a Michigan Notable Book award this year. For Michigan-based authors, MPP now offers state-wide distribution. For more information, visit www.missionpointpress.com. Writing Groups Alcona Authors The Alcona Authors writers group is taking July and August off so we can go on vacation. The series will resume Sept. 9 and 23, then the first and third Saturdays of each month. Meetings are at 10 a.m. at the Harrisville branch of the Alcona County Library. See InspirationAlcona.org for more information. Brush Creek Writers Brush Creek Writers meets the second and fourth Thursdays of each month at 2:00pm at Brush Creek Mill, 121 South State Street, in Hillman, Michigan. The group’s founder and facilitator is Katherine Stevens, a retired English Teacher, MA English, Bread Loaf School of English, Middlebury College, Vermont. Although Brush Creek Writers has been established for seven years, the group welcomes all writers, both beginning and accomplished. The second Thursday of the month has a focus of prose and has a prompt for everyone to try. The fourth Thursday of the month has a focus of poetry. We are currently studying Bob Dylan’s poetic style. For more information, please contact Kathy Stevens at kathyvstevens , or on facebook at brushcreekwriters. Future Author Syndicate Local writers gather at the Petoskey District Library for readings and critique of their writing every Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. Sometimes writing prompts will be provided. Group led by Thomas Johnson. Free and open to the public. Call 231.758.3100 for more information. The Syndicate’s goal is to encourage all writers, regardless of age or genre, to improve their skills through practice, critique, and, ultimately, publication. For many writers, a support network motivates and encourages them. The group will be informal, but stay within a structured meeting format. Attendees will have a chance to read their work (if so desired) and then get feedback from the other participants. Everyone is welcome to attend, new and veteran writers alike. Michigan Writers Newsletter Submissions Next Deadline: July 27, 2017 Want something to be featured in the Michigan Writers Newsletter? Please submit your news submission to: newsletter. Please compile your information into a succinct email of 200 words or less. Be sure to include date, time, place, and how to get more information, if necessary. Please do not direct the editor to other websites to find information. If you would like the information featured in the newsletter, include it in your email. Are you a member of Michigan Writers? Be sure to let us know. Email Newsletter Editor Michigan Writers Michigan Writers is a vibrant community of people who appreciate the written word. As a non-profit, we seek to actively foster a vital literary community by encouraging, supporting, and connecting writers of all ages with opportunities for professional development, education, networking, and publication. Copyright © 2017 Michigan Writers, All rights reserved.

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The Literary World of Sylvia Hubbard

Would you like to be a Beautiful Book Blogger (host author, feature book or review book on your website) or host the author in an offline appearance (speaking engagement, keynote appearance, author book signing, book club appearance and/or media appearance)?

Want to know more about Beautiful? Click here

To qualify as a tour host for #Beautiful Blog Tours you must meet the following requirements:

• Have good communication and respond to emails.
• Be honest, but tactful in your reviews.
• Maintain an active blog or website with quality content – I am more concerned with the quality of writing you put out over how many followers you have. 
• Have active social media accounts.

I expect the following from hosts:

• Have good communication and respond to emails.
• Post by 10am online EST. If something should come up, please email asap.
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MotownWriters Author Feature: Beth Anne Niemela #Michlit #MotownLit

Beth Anne Niemela

Where are you from? Originally from Detroit, I now live in Dearborn

Tell us your latest news.

My book is now on a store shelf- Dearborn Novelty Art in Dearborn, and I will have a book reading/reception

there on July 22nd at 7:00 pm. I will also be at Detroit BookFest in Eastern Market on July 16th (Shed 5, table 40), and the Local Author

Book Sale at Sterling Heights Public Library on July 29th.

When and why did you begin writing?

I’ve written poetry since I was a child. I began writing fiction in 2011.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

When I completed my first novel. At that point, I told my daughter that if her friends ask her

what her mother does, tell them she’s a novelist.

What inspired you to write your first book?

I had expressed a desire to write a novel I had in my head to a friend, he encouraged me

to stop making excuses and do it.

Do you have a specific writing style?

Yes. My own.

How did you come up with the title?

That was the hardest part. I didn’t want something that sounded like a romance novel, or something trite. Halfway through the story, I had an image of the reader listening in on Lissy Porter’s story-her conversations. The title implies that rather than reading a book, you’re privy to a woman’s private story.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

I leave it to the reader to find their own message.

How much of the book is realistic?

All of it.

Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

Lissy Porter and I share similar life experiences, but I am not her and she is not me.

The character of Tom is based loosely on a person I know and love. Lissy’s husband

Jack is an amalgam of two old loves.

The story is completely fictional, except for the chapter when Lissy is in ninth grade. 

That happened to me exactly as written, and it was devastating. I can laugh about it now though.

What books have most influenced your life most?

Tess of the D’Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy, Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh, Beloved by Toni Morrison, One Day by David Nicholls, The Last Letter from Your Lover by Jojo Moyes, and A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith are some of them. There have been many.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

I don’t feel like I’ve ever had a personal mentor, but I admire Jojo Moyes a great deal and try to follow her example.

What book are you reading now?

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman. I am usually not a fan of fantasy stories, but his writing is an exception.

Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?

Not recently, no.

What are your current projects?

I have two actually. The first one has the working title The Happy Shelf. It’s a sequel to Overheard in Suki’s Diner. I won’t go into any detail for now, I don’t want to give spoilers to anyone who hasn’t read the first one. The other is a complete departure, a much darker story which I am calling Our Lady of Woodlawn, It’s about a girl whose life becomes inextricably entwined with a couple of delinquent brothers. In their neighborhood in The Bronx, they grow up together, separate, then reunite with tragic results.

Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.

My friend Keith.

Do you see writing as a career?

Absolutely. It’s who I am. I am committed to making it a successful career, too.

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

No.

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

From reading I suppose. My mother read me bedtime stories when I was a child. We

always had lots of books around the house, and I made frequent trips to the library.

I loved the Little House books as a child. I loved poetry too, and that’s what I first wrote.

I identify as a poet.

Can you share a little of your current work with us?

{It wasn’t until Sean O’Connell was standing next to her, saying her name, that she realized—despite her much professed certainty that he would return— she didn’t really believe she would see him again.

But she was seeing him now.

In a coffee shop.

The mythical Sean O’Connell was no more than an arm’s length from her.

“It is you, isn’t it,angel?”

The words Neely were trying to form couldn’t quite make the trip from her head to her mouth.

“Can you talk?” Sean asked with a wink.

She managed a soft, “Yes.”

Without waiting to be asked, he pulled out the chair across the table from her and sat.

Neely set her toast on its plate and stared.

Finally, she said his name. 

“Sean.”

“Neely.” As if they were playing a game and it was his turn. 

Sean smiled at her and his eyes twinkled, challenging her to react to his miraculous-and unheralded- presence.

His eyes said— I’ve possessed you. I’ve touched every part of your body. You lay underneath me and quivered. I’ll sit here and pretend that we’re old friends. But I know and you know that there was much more between us. You can never get back what you gave to me. And no other man can ever have it. 

“I was afraid for a moment that you’d forgotten me.”

Neely coughed 

“Not if I tried.”

“Have you tried?”

“No.”

“I’m glad to hear that.”

He was teasing her and she knew it. Just as she knew that no matter how much she would like him to believe she wasn’t affected by his startling appearance,she was every bit as elated as he expected her to be.As difficult as it was, she did herself the favor of masking her excitement.

Except with her eyes. And the little grin that she couldn’t quite supress.}

 From Our Lady of Woodlawn by Beth Anne Niemela

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

Remembering to trust that the what I want to read is what I should write. I spend a lot of

time wondering how the sentence I just wrote will be judged by others, when I should be

saying, “I like it, and that’s what matters.”

Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?

I have two favorite contemporary authors. Dennis Lehane and Jojo Moyes. They write

very different kinds of books, but they both create characters who are easy to like. I want

to hang out with them. If I don’t like the characters, or care about them, I can’t enjoy the book.

Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?

Not yet. For my project, Our Lady of Woodlawn, my daughter did some recon work for me in the Woodlawn neighborhood in The Bronx. She took pictures and talked to locals. I would like to spend some time there before I finish the story. If not, I’ll rely on my daughter’s research.

Who designed the covers?

On my first book, I did, with the help of CreateSpace Cover Creator. The photo was mine.

What was the hardest part of writing your book?

Making the time for it.

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

I learned not to dwell on errors in continuity or other mistakes in movies or books.

It’s humbling how easily a mistake can slip through.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Write. Just write.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

My characters are my children, be kind to them. 

More From The Author: bethanneniemela.com

Connect With The Author:  

facebook.com/baniemela

Twitter: @beth_on_paper

Purchase Overheard in Suki’s Diner  amazon.com/author/baniemela

 

Authors: Should You Set Up Your Own Business? An Attorney Answers

Hi Sylvia, You’re an author. But should you also be a business? Some of you may be asking yourselves, “Hey, I’m a writer, why should I set up a business?” I’m here to tell you that setting up a business is a good idea, and that’s exactly what I did when I first became a self-publisher back in the 1980s. There are many advantages to adopting good business practices, especially if you are self-publishing. You’ll have more time for writing—You’ll save yourself hours of frustration digging through piles of stuff trying to find information. You’ll be ready for success—As your sales increase, you will be prepared to measure and manage that growth. You’ll avoid losses—If you have a better handle on cash flow, you’ll know when your expenses are getting too far ahead of your income. You’ll know what works—If you have a method of tracking sales, you’ll know which marketing efforts paid off and which were a bust. You’ll avoid mistakes—Like forgetting to collect and pay sales tax or to deliver 1099s to freelancers. You’ll save on taxes—And who doesn’t want to pay less in taxes? You’ll feel more legit—If you don’t treat your writing as a legitimate business, then no one else will, particularly the IRS. Your heirs will thank you—If you are hit by the proverbial bus, your heirs will appreciate your organization. But if you’ve never been in business before, the steps you need to take can be very confusing. That’s why we teamed up with self-published author and attorney Helen Sedwick to create Publishing Business in a Box, a guide with detailed, step-by-step instructions on the best practices for setting up your self-publishing company. For instance, in this groundbreaking product, Helen will guide you through: The steps needed to enter the business of self-publishing, How to develop a realistic budget, a business plan, and your tax options, Learning to work with vendors, editors and freelancers, Purchasing your own ISBNs, Setting up bank, PayPal and other business accounts, Accepting credit cards, and Keeping track of income and expenses. If you’re serious about making a career out of publishing, you’ll definitely want to check out Publishing Business in a Box right now, while we’re offering a $50 discount for the next 5 days, dropping the price from $147 to only $97. Compare that to even 1 appointment with a lawyer, in which you would never have the time to cover all the topics in this guide. So don’t miss this great opportunity to get yourself setup properly. Please do yourself a favor and check out Publishing Business in a Box today. Thanks,

Joel P.S. Note that the information presented in Publishing Business in a Box is relevant only for authors operating in the United States. However, it is the best deal on practical legal advice for authors that I’ve ever seen.

MotownWriters Author Feature: Jaia Amoré #Michlit #MotownLit

Where are you from?
I am originally from New York but I have lived in the Metro Detroit since I was a toddler.

Tell us your latest news?
I recently published my first novel.  Right My Life:  A Quest to Find My True Self.

 

When and why did you begin writing?

In 2003, the spirit placed into my soul to begin writing which I did but after a few months I stopped writing due lack of motivation.

 

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
When I was laid-off from my job in 2009 I decided to return to school to obtain a second masters degree it was then when I realized I not only enjoyed writing but I was also pretty good at it.

What inspired you to write your first book?
With the motivation to heal my life and the hope to inspire others to heal their lives was the inspiration to write my first book.

 

Do you have a specific writing style?
No I don’t but for this particular novel I would say my writing style was more descriptive writing.   I wanted to extend to the reader the same or similar emotions as I felt as the writer.

How did you come up with the title?
I have always liked the play on words, so I decided to use the Right as in correct than to use the word Write, so while I was writing about my life I was in essence correcting it.

 

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Yes absolutely, despite one’s challenges there are always opportunities to move beyond those challenges to manifest happiness and self-love.

How much of the book is realistic?

I would say a good portion of the book is based on true life events.

 

Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
Some of the experiences in the book are my own.

What books have most influenced your life most?
Such books like “Value in the Valley:  A Black Woman’s Guide Through Life’s Dilemmas” and “Yesterday I Cried” by Iyanla Vanzant and most certainly “Know Thy Self “ By Dr. Venice Bloodworth.

 

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

It would be most definitely Iyanla Vanzant.  Through her readings I was able to grasp the concepts of what it meant to be my true authentic self.

 

What book are you reading now?

I am not currently reading any books but I plan to purchase a few of Tumika Patrice’s books.

Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
Yes, a close friend of mine wrote a book called “Somewhere Over the Rainbow:  A Quest to Find Love.

 

What are your current projects?
I haven’t started any new projects yet but I look forward to writing a spin-off novel based on a couple character from Right My Life: A Quest to Find My True Self.

 

Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.
Besides my two good friends Demetria Hoskins and Starr Burton, I would say the Motown Writer’s Network has been a good support group.

Do you see writing as a career?
Yes, I want to be a career writer with many writing facets from writing children books to screenplays.

 

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
I would choose a different printing company, the firm wasn’t able to provide me with the interior layout that I wanted nor did the front cover look the same as the digital image.

 

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
According to my mother I was praised by my elementary school teachers for my creative readings but I never really considered writing until a few years ago.

Can you share a little of your current work with us?
The story is based on the character Noel, she’s a world renowned author/publisher living her dream life, she reflects on her childhood pain, the impact it had on her life and how she managed to heal her life to become whole again.

 

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

Writing my thoughts in a way the reader can understand can be challenging.  

 

Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
I have few favorite authors one of them is Beverly Jenkins I like how she incorporates historical Detroit facts in her writings.

Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?
No not yet.

 

Who designed the covers?
Tai Bollen of Unique Designs

What was the hardest part of writing your book?
Finding the time to write was one of my major challenges. 

 

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
I learned the true concept of perseverance, I was able to muster up enough of it to go beyond my comfort zone to write about a subject matter that is not easy to have with others.

Do you have any advice for other writers?
I would like to advise other writers to stay encouraged and not be swayed by others to abandon their passion for writing.

 

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

We all have moments or events that shape our lives; they, in essence, create the people we become some of those events however may have damaged us in some way and if that is the case than I press upon you not allow those events to continue to destroy and/or control your life.  It is my hope that along your journey you find your own path to your true self for it the pathway to emotional healing and self-love.  be illumined, be victorious, be love!

 

More From The Author:  Jaiaamore.com

Connect With The Author:  facebook.com/illuminedeagle

 

Purchase Right My Life:  A Quest to Find My True Self 

Authors & Answers Detroit, Michigan: @iamdonovanboyd #Motownwriters July6th

 

DESCRIPTION

The Brand Playbook tour continues with Authors and Answers presented by The Boyd Group, July 6th at the House of Pure Vin doors open at 6pm. This event is for my aspiring entrepreneurs and authors that want to know what it takes to knock your goals out for 2017. We will feature a HOT SEAT Discussion FEATURING dynamic authors from around the country: Donovan Boyd author of The Brand Playbook, Shawn Blanchard author of How Bout That for a Crack Baby, Author and College Sucess Coach Jahquan Hawkins, author Quentin Love and Moderated Detroits’s own Randi Rossario owner of Oh So Radio. If you ever thought about writing a book this is where you need to be. We have added a small twist there will be a Free Wine tasting as well provided by the House of Pure Vin. For tickets register at AuthorsandAnswersDET.eventbrite.com #thebrandplaybook#authorsandanswers

Register:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/authors-answers-detroit-tickets-35103386173?aff=es2

MotownWriters Author Feature: Francine L.Houston #Michlit #MotownLit

Francine L.Houston

Where are you from? I was born in Flint, MI, but I was raised in Mount Morris, MI.

Tell us your latest news?  I am doing a radio interview  Sunday, August 13, 2017 at 3pm.

When and why did you begin writing? I’ve  written most of my life, even in school. My first poem was called Funny How Things Changed. I wanted to express how I feel especially dealing with tough times.

What inspired you to write your first book? I wanted to write about my experience with Lupus because I could not find one to read at the time I was diagnosed.

Do you have a specific writing style? I do freestyle writing, journal writing, poetry, non-fiction and fictional.

How did you come up with the title? I wanted the title to say “Lupus” so readers would know what I was talking about. I included “journey ” so readers would know that life is a journey.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp? That your heath is important. Taking care of yourself is important.

How much of the book is realistic? It’s non-fiction, fictional books will be published later.

Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life? Events in my own life

What books have most influenced your life most? I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou.

Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest? Eva Demson, Dr. Norman Booker, Craig Samuels,  Dr. Eddie Connor, James Williams, Esoa and Shereena Osai, Denisha Shelene, Felicia McGee.

What are your current projects? Life After Lupus, Everyday Heros (learning to cope), poetry and short story book.

Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members. Lupus Detroit, Michigan Lupus Foundation

Do you see writing as a career? Yes, also as an outlet.

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book? I would have made it longer.

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated? Freshman year in college to express myself.

Can you share a little of your current work with us? My second book talks about my life after dealing with my first flare-up.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing? Time management.

Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work? Maya Angelou. She is one of the best poets I know. She is realistic,personal, and really good with words.

Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)? I have traveled to a few cities but want to travel more.

Who designed the covers? I designed my book cover.

What was the hardest part of writing your book? With writing memoirs it is remembering everything. All of the other types of books making sure I grasp the reader’s attention.

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

Writing is therapy; it’s healing.

Do you have any advice for other writers? Don’t give up, let your voice be heard and be yourself.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers? I wrote this book for readers to see what it is like dealing with an auto-immune disease, first hand.

More From The Author: www.francinelhouston.com

Connect With The Author:

Facebook: Lupus Journey by Francine Houston

Purchase Lupus Journey

 

#MotownWriters Author Feature: Jean Davis #Michlit #MotownLit

Jean Davis

Jean Davis lives in West Michigan. When not ruining lives from the comfort of her writing chair, she can be found playing in her garden, enjoying a glass of wine, or lost a good book. Her novels include The Last God, Sahmara, and A Broken Race. Her short fiction has appeared in Theian Journal, Bards and Sages Quarterly, Acidic Fiction, Tales of The Talisman, The First Line, Allegory, Isotropic Fiction, Liquid Imagination, Brewed Awakenings II Anthology, and The 3288 Review.

 About the book

The General of the Unlata Kai has decreed that the time of her people is over. Jane’s race of god-like beings has caused enough chaos, leaving floundering hybrid races and war-ravaged planets throughout the universe. Kaldara, their home, is about to fulfill her wishes. When the planet goes, it will take her and the last of the Unlata Kai with it.

Logan Klevo sets out with the crew of the Maxim on a mission to warn the leaders of Kaldara of their imminent demise. Their announcement triggers a violent battle between gods. One of them holds knowledge that could restore the Maxim to its full strength. The possibility of a defense against the ruthless army of Matouk that destroyed Logan’s homeworld fills him with something he’s been missing, hope.

Abducting an angry and suicidal god might not be a wise choice, but if the god of war can learn to love

they both might discover a future worth living for.

 Upcoming Authors Appearances:

June 24 – Blue Water Author Event
Port Huron, MI
July 7 & 8 Michigan Authors at the Lakeshore
Muskegon, MI
July 16 – Detroit Eastern Book Market
Detroit, MI
Sept. 10 – Kerrytown Book Fest
Ann Arbor, MI
Sept. 23 – Alpena Book Festival
Alpena, MI

 

More From The Author: http://jeanddavis.blogspot.com/

Connect With The Author:

Twitter: @JeanDDavis        

Facebook: Jean Davis Author

Purchase The Last God 

Meet&greet other mystery/suspense/crime writers @ the 1st Michigan Sisters/Misters in Crime Event on July29, 2pmAunt Agatha’s #AnnArbor via @MI_SinC

SAVE THE DATE

 

Meet-and-greet other mystery/suspense/crime writers at the first Michigan Sisters/Misters in Crime event on July 29, 2:00-4:00, at Aunt Agatha’s mystery bookstore in Ann Arbor.

 

A panel, consisting of a mystery author, an investigator, and a district court judge, will discuss “Bad Guys/Gals.”

 

Open to everyone interested in the genre. Space is limited. The opportunity to sign up for this free event, coming soon!

 

Email us at:Michigansinc@gmail.com for more information. Find us on Facebook and Twitter; @MI_SinC.

See more information and subscribe to more events at:

http://buff.ly/2qyo7Y0