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There is a lot of talk these days about work-life balance, and no wonder. Cultural and technological shifts – not to mention economic need – has us running around like proverbial hamsters on the wheel.
Humanity seems more stressed than ever before, and the marketplace has responded with a plethora of books, lectures and modalities on how we can balance our obligations with fun in order to maintain our mental, physical and spiritual well-being.
Dr. Sylvia Jordan’s The Art of Juggling: The Successful Women’s Guide to Balancing Life is a refreshing, no-holds-barred take on life balance. She does not rely on the popular lingo of the day, but uses plain language – and a healthy dose of tough love – to demonstrate how we can lead very full but efficient, purposeful and joyous lives.
What sets Jordan apart from other experts is her willingness to tell the unvarnished the truth – juggling takes mental discipline, not only when our pins are in the air, but when we are choosing those pins. It begins with an honest assessment of our lives as they currently are.
Do we lack the time to go back to school, volunteer at a charity or fulfill some other goal we have? While this many seem to be the case, an examination of our routine will likely reveal that a portion of each day is spent on burdens that are not ours to carry.
Chock full of practical advice and a-ha! moments, The Art of Juggling encourages us to get clear on what matters most. Becoming an expert juggler is not about that “superwoman” label often bandied about, but about understanding that we have the capability and the right to achieve and maintain everything life has to offer.
What I found most compelling with Jordan’s telling of her own mother’s story. What greater juggling act can there be than raising nine children?
Her book is a must-read! Get the book on Amazon or at www.SylviaJordan.com
—
Pam Perry, PR Coach
www.pamperrypr.com
Office: (248) 426-2300
Mobile: (248) 690-6810
SOCIAL links on website
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Today, the Motown Writers Network is putting author Eric B. Willis in the spotlight.
Where are you from?
I was born and raised in Detroit. I now live in Waterford, Michigan.
Tell us your latest news?
I’m currently involved with two family history writing book projects and a third one that’s waiting in the wings. My goal is to publish my second book towards the end of the year. Also in July, I will be attending a Willis family reunion in Hampton, Virginia and looking forward to sharing and receiving feedback about my current book.
When and why did you begin writing?
I began writing as a child. However, around 1997, it was reignited shortly after I began researching my family history. It was my desire to leave a legacy–to share the information that I’ve discovered about my family history–about their triumphs and tragedies, and how their survival in America continued to exist despite their tremendous odds as a black race of people with African, European, Indian and Asian ancestry.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
After I began writing about my family history and black history.
What inspired you to write your first book?
I didn’t know much about my Mississippi paternal lineage–my heritage. Also, there was an oral family historical account that was passed down about two brothers from France who traveled to this country, but I wanted to know more.
Do you have a specific writing style?
I used all four writing styles in my book–primarily expository, narrative, descriptive, and persuasive to a smaller extent.
How did you come up with the title?
The first part of the name The Willis Handbook came about over twenty years ago during a non-related discussion at a Willis family function–which was before I became a genealogist and began writing the book. The second part of the name relates to intersecting related memoirs and historical events into a family’s genealogy or a person’s biography in order to assist with reconstructing their lives and to produce more of a connection with my readers. Also, adding photographs, historical records, pedigree charts, and maps helps me to achieve this goal as well.
Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
I want to encourage people of all ethnicities to become family historians and writers. Afterward, they would be able to reach out and teach their current and future generations that many of their ancestors and relatives–being aware or unaware of God’s presence and guidance–did experience many successes in the midst of their sacrifices and failures.
How much of the book is realistic?
The non-fiction book not only chronicles 168 years of my family history, but it also includes related and extensive information about African American and American History–covering such events as the American Civil War, early Black communities and educational institutions, medical histories and epidemics, the Civil Rights Movement, etc. Its use is also a genealogical and scholarly reference source. It’s like a treasured heirloom meets an encyclopedia.
Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
Yes to both. The work details many experiences in my life, my family and other black family lives, and the lives of those who have had major influences–directly or indirectly–and from a local, state or national perspective.
What books have most influenced your life most?
Besides the Bible which also includes an extensive genealogical record, books that are inspirational and history-related.
If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
It would be a challenge to just narrow it down to one writer. So, I would have to choose Alex Haley, John Hope Franklin, Henry Louis Gates, Jr. and Darlene C. Dickson–my first writer’s group instructor.
What book are you reading now?
Grace of Silence: A Memoir by the National Public Radio (NPR) journalist Michelle Norris. It’s about her family’s complex legacy and understanding those who reared us.
Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
I’m interested in reading Allyson Hobb’s book A Chosen Exile: A History of Racial Passing in American Life as a part of my research for my current writing project.
What are your current projects?
I have two active writing projects– a book about my maternal cousin who was involved with racial passing–living his life as a white Jewish man and a family history about my maternal lineage. I’m also assisting a client with writing and publishing his family history.
Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.
The Detroit Public Library’s Burton Historical Collection staff was very helpful to me early on in my research.
Do you see writing as a career?
Yes, I do–in addition to being a genealogist, an artist, and an occasional actor.
If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
That’s a good question, but I would not change anything.
Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
As a child in elementary school, around the forth grade, I was given an assignment to create a hardcover children’s story book with illustrations. It was about a boy’s involvement with various sports. I remembered the covers being made of cardboard and wrapped in a vinyl sheet material with a sport-like pattern.
Can you share a little of your current work with us?
My second non-fiction book begins with my genealogical quest to uncover the truth behind my maternal great grandfather’s birth in the segregated town of Huntsville, Alabama during the late-19th century. His mother is black but his father is white. However, along the way, I discovered a cousin who was involved in racial passing. As a result, my goal is to take the reader on a journey through an array of notable jazz musicians, the religion of Judaism, American union leader Jimmy Hoffa, renowned entertainer Sammy Davis, Jr., and a discussion of race.
Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
I really love the research phase of the writing process, but it can be very time consuming–reviewing documentation and artifacts, reading, interviewing and traveling.
Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
I actually have two favorite authors–John Hope Franklin and Henry Louis Gates, Jr. Being a descendant from families with deep southern roots and my interest in history, I enjoy reading the works of these noted American historians, educators, and authors of southern history and racial politics.
Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?
As a genealogist and writer, I have to travel to various locations to research and obtain non-digitized information that’s not available via the Internet. I enjoy pouring through old photo albums, records at court houses, libraries, etc. If possible, I prefer to travel and conduct face-to-face interviews for gathering information for the book.
Who designed the covers?
I’m an artist as well, so I designed my book’s covers.
What was the hardest part of writing your book?
From a sentimental perspective, having to remove the last chapter because the size of the book had surpassed 900 pages. The chapter consists of information I’ve accumulated over the years during my genealogical research of my Willis family and during the time of the book’s completion, I was not able to establish to my satisfaction the people represented therein were related to my family. However, there is a possibility that there may be some Willis familial connections, but additional evidence is required.
Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
Besides the wealth of information about my family history and my culture’s history, I’ve learned about the existence of so many other family members across the country–what a blessing.
Also, consistently dedicating some time each day towards the project kept me engaged which eventually led to its completion after ten years. Some of the days consisted of one to several hours of researching (which took on various forms), writing or both. A mixture of researching, writing and sharing contributed to my excitement level.
Do you have any advice for other writers?
My advice is to devote at least a half an hour to the writing process even if it’s involving researching for material. Research other successful authors within your genre to determine what contributed to their success while also maintaining your own sense of writing style. Connect (in person or online) with informative writer workshops in your region. In reference to researching and writing your family history, begin with interviewing your older relatives first because once they make that transition–that valuable information may be forever lost.
Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers? I truly appreciate your support. Also, I believe it’s important for us to know and share our family histories–to maintain that connection with our past, present, and future generations–and to learn from the past, live in the present, and build for the future. To know our heritage is like a tree with roots.
This week’s MWN author spotlight is on Jennifer Fisch-Ferguson!
Jennifer Fisch- Ferguson has been writing and publishing fantasy stories since 2003. Publishing credits include short fiction, writing contests and novels.
She attended the Eastern Michigan University and graduated with a B.A in African American History and promptly went to work with AmeriCorps on a literary initiative.
She went to the University of Michigan and got her Master’s degree in Public Administration in 2008 and while she finished writing her thesis, also got a Masters in English – Composition and Rhetoric in 2009. She recently is working on her PhD at Michigan State University in the field of Writing and Rhetoric. She has been teaching collegiate and community writing classes since 2003 and loves the variety and inspiration her students bring.
She currently is finishing her trilogy and dutiful writes on her blog space about her journey.
She lives in the Midwest with two amazing sons, one coffee supplying mate and acts as staff-in-residence to one cranky cat.
Where are you from?
Born in Detroit, but currently just south of Flint, MI
Tell us your latest news?
Book 3 will launch in November of 2015 and complete the story.
When and why did you begin writing?
I have always loved writing. In fact I used to sell short stories in high school to my friends- with them starring in romantic escapades.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I always been a writer- an author… the moment I hit publish in 2013.
What inspired you to write your first book?
I love werewolves but I think they have been misrepresented- so I strove to tell my view.
Do you have a specific writing style?
I think it depends on the project- my urban fantasy tends to be much more packed and cerebral. My paranormal romances tend to be lighter.
How did you come up with the title?
laboriously – I hate coming up with titles. However it is an urban fantasy about werewolves- so I figured something with moon would be good.
Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
There is no such thing as normal… life is what you make of it.
How much of the book is realistic?
The locations are very accurate and some of the situations have been formed from experiences.
Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
Not really and I certainly do not sing opera
What books have most influenced your life most?
Octavia Butler for sure.
If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
Nisi Shawl- I had the fortune of speaking to her and interviewing her and she is just amazing.
What book are you reading now?
The Psychology of Batman 😀
Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
I am a part of an indie group online, so I have read many of them.
What are your current projects?
Book 3 in the series and my new paranormal romance series – oh yea finishing this dissertation too.
Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.
My editor Artie is amazing! Despite the middle of the night texts when we are working on a project questioning why I do such things to my characters – he is more supportive than I could have hoped for.
Do you see writing as a career?
Yes! Between teaching and writing and book coaching- writing is my life.
If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
No, but in the first book I had a two week time frame right in the beginning that I would shorten.
Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
I always had stories to tell. They just all happened to be fantasy in nature.
Can you share a little of your current work with us?
In Follow the Moon (book 3) Kama has some choices to make. She learns new truths about herself and the people she knows. And as she finally feels secure with herself- an old encounter comes back to haunt her.
Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Finding the time to get it all down. I have so many stories in my head that I want to tell.
Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
Octavia Butler, not only did she buck convention and wrote in a genre that didn’t really want her. Her stories sucked me in at age 8 and even still I find new and great things when I reread them.
Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?
I try to do book signings and shows when possible. I would love to do more, but what I have now is good.
Who designed the covers?
I did the layout. Bryan Syme did the art.
What was the hardest part of writing your book?
Not so much in the writing- I brainstorm all my works with my husband exhaustively. The hard part is introducing people to urban fantasy that have no idea what is it.
Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
Get on a schedule! I write every day for good or bad, but knowing that I have to write each day gets the work done.
Do you have any advice for other writers?
Don’t worry about word count- get into the habit of writing daily for a specific amount of time. Also- treat it like a job not a hobby. And invest in a good editor- a good developmental editor.
Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers? Authors love feedback and interaction. I am active with my blog and facebook/twitter and yes- I do answer.
This week’s MWN Spotlight is on Linda C. Anger!
Linda C. Anger has lived and worked in metro Detroit, Michigan all her life. Her poetry and fiction has been published nationally in venues such as “Mused: The Bella Online Journal,” “Still Crazy Literary Magazine,” and “Almost Touching: A reader for women and men.”
Linda is the president and owner of The Write Concept, Inc., a marketing communications company founded in 2000. Her corporate clients have included DaimlerChrysler Corporation, HAVEN, The Royal Park Hotel, The Community Foundation of Greater Rochester, and Demp Coaching. Business articles have been published in Black Engineer Magazine, Profiles in Diversity Journal, and MultiCultural Law Journal. Visit http://www.thewriteconcept.com
Learn more about her creative work and publications at www.fullcrumbcafe.com
Where are you from?
I was born at Mt. Carmel Mercy Hospital in Detroit, grew up in Orchard Lake, and have lived in the Rochester area most of my adult life.
Tell us your latest news?
My book “Sweeping the Floors in the Full Crumb Cafe,” which is a collection of poems, stories, and essays, has a modest following. I am working on a self-help book based on a blog I kept over the course of a year of chemotherapy. I am just completing two years as president of Detroit Working Writers, and will step into the presidency of Toastmasters Walsh College Troy in July.
When and why did you begin writing?
I was nine years old, was taunted by the other kids because of a physical issue, withdrew, and turned to books and notebooks as an escape.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
When I was nine, I realized how much I loved to read and tell stories. That’s when I decided to be a writer, and once I made that decision, I was one.
What inspired you to write your first book?
Poetry was my initial genre, and was my focus until about five years ago, when I began to write short fiction pieces. Poetry came from daily existence. Stories came when I was mature enough to understand different aspects of life.
Do you have a specific writing style?
People tell me I have a strong voice. I only know that I speak / write my mind.
How did you come up with the title?
“Sweeping the Floors in the Full Crumb Cafe” – in what became the introduction to this volume, I wrote about the “teeter-totter” of life, and fulcrum on which it totters or rests. This brain of mine turned it into a metaphorical place, which became the Full Crumb Cafe. “Sweeping the Floors” is the first in what I intend to be a series of Full Crumb Cafe books.
Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Every poem or story I write has a message.
How much of the book is realistic?
The poems are based on my life or my realizations about life. The stories sometimes are based on a real person or experience.
Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
See question above.
What books have most influenced your life most?
Too many to list here! Anything by Anaȉs Nin, Hermann Hesse, Napoleon Hill
If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
Hermann Hesse and Anaȉs Nin
What book are you reading now?
“The Night Circus” by Erin Morgenstern – for the 4th time
“White House Ghosts” – about the relationships between the US Presidents and their speech writers
“Mrs. Poe” – a novel based on the story of Edgar Allen Poe & his mistress
What are your current projects?
The self-help book is my focus as I wish it to be completed and published by spring 2016, but I continue to write poetry and personal essays.
Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.
Detroit Working Writers
Do you see writing as a career?
Yes. I have made a living as a copy writer for over 15 years.
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?
See question #3
Can you share a little of your current work with us?
I can, yes.
Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Time is always an issue. Because I spend my workdays writing for other people, it is sometimes difficult to switch off my business brain and give my creative brain free rein.
Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
I have many favorites, as noted in the earlier question. What I love about Nin is the sensuality of her work. The woman can describe a leaf in such a way that it becomes erotic. Hesse’s work is heavily spiritual, and Hill’s work is serious and practical. Morgenstern (The Night Circus) has an ebb and flow that is remarkable – this is the book I wish I had written!
Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?
No
Who designed the covers?
I did. My business is marketing communications; I am trained as a book compositor (layout and typography), and graphic design.
What was the hardest part of writing your book?
See the question above about challenges
Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
In addition to producing my own book, I have ghostwritten or edited quite a few others. I learn something about content development, layout, and production from each project.
Do you have any advice for other writers?
Don’t give up, and don’t ever think your first draft is your finished draft. Write each scene from at least three different perspectives and find the one that drives the story forward.
Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
One of my writing champions, Margo Lagatutta, used to say, “How can I know what I think until I see what I say?” I write, partially, to understand what goes on at the depths of me. If the things I learn or struggle with have meaning to you, I am honored.
Where are you from?
Available on B&N, Kobo, Smashwords, GooglePlay, Lulu
Synopsis 1:
Today, I want to know…
Have you ever wanted someone to simply love you for WHO you are? Have you ever made a mistake that the “church folks” trampled you under the pew for? Have you ever loved the wrong person for the right reasons? If so, I invite you to take a short ride in the pages of, Love Me for Who I Am, my new novella.
Synopsis:
Her sins traveled well beyond the sheets. Rainey Thomas wasn’t looking for a soul mate to avoid triggering her “sexual appetite” as she walked before the Lord. She is what one would call a good, hardworking church girl who always did the right thing. Rainey and her two sisters live life drowning in the desires and practices of their strict mother, commonly known as “Mother Thomas”, a recognized walking Bible—even from the grave. That was until she found herself caught up in the web triangle of Malik Johnson, a high ranking, hands-off trafficking drug dealer. He not only pushed Rainey’s sex button, he enraptured her mind and soul. Malik made her come alive where she then was able to see herself for who she really was well beyond the bed. For Rainey, will finding herself cause her to lose her God as she fans another flame?
Always Be Your TruU!
Sonya Visor
Author of Who I’ve Become
Available at: Amazon and Barnes & Noble
New Release! Love Me for Who I Am
Available at: Amazon and Barnes & Noble
Social Media Links:
https://www.facebook.com/sonya.visor
https://twitter.com/@sonyavisor/
https://www.pinterest.com/unmask1/
To purchase:
Empowering people to overcome obstacles and walk in their unique purpose is the real life message shared by Dr. Eddie M. Connor, Jr. who is a survivor of stage 4 cancer.
Dr. Connor is a resident of Detroit, Michigan and grew up in Kingston, Jamaica. As a product of a divorced family, Dr. Connor realizes that he was not born with a silver spoon, but discovered strength in the midst of struggle.
Dr. Connor empowers people as an Author, International Speaker, College Professor, Mentor, Political Advisor, Teacher, and Radio/TV Correspondent on CBS/CW 50. He shares his story of overcoming cancer in his 5 books:Purposefully Prepared to Persevere, Collections of Reflections: Symphonies of Strength – Volumes 1-3, E.CON the ICON: from Pop Culture to President Barack Obama, Unwrap The Gift In YOU, and Heal Your Heart.
Author: Dr. Eddie Connor Jr.
Facebook Page: EddieConnorJr
Twitter: @EddieConnorJr
Amazon: Heal Your Heart
Where are you from?
West Branch, Michigan
Tell us your latest news?
The third book in the Macy McVannel series, Sanctuary, is being released Aug.22, 2014
When and why did you begin writing?
I began writing at age ten. A teacher told me with my imaginations I would end up in books. I believed him.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
In high school, some of my poems were in the school paper, but one of my poems was used by a minister in a sermon.
What inspired you to write your first book?
I had always wanted to write a novel. I became involved with National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). I wrote my first novel in 21 days.
Do you have a specific writing style?
I write easy to read books. Something you can pick up and knock out in about four hours. But, I have no name for my style other than they are mysteries.
How did you come up with the title?
For my first novel, it was set in a small town and in order to arrest the right person, you had to dig through all the secrets in a small town so Secrets was it. For the novel releasing in August, I had to really think about what the book was offering. Sanctuary is ultimately the goal, so hence, the title.
Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
In the current novel I am dealing with spousal abuse and how to escape it. There is always a way out, you have to be willing to go for it.
How much of the book is realistic?
I write realistic fiction with a twist. So, this book could happen any place, in any town, in any neighborhood.
Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
Not it this book.
What books have most influenced your life most?
Mysteries. I love trying to figure out who did it before the author reveals it. Agatha Christie, Patricia Cornwell, Phyllis A. Whitney, Mary Higgins Clark, Lee Child, David Baldacci, there are many who keep me fascinated.
If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
William Kent Krueger, I had a chance to do a one day intensive writing session with him.
What book are you reading now?
Stolen, by Daniel Palmer
Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
C Hope Clark. I have read her book The Shy Writer Reborn and her mystery Palmetto Poison. I just received her first novel, Low Country Bribe to read.
What are your current projects?
I am working on a children’s anthology titled Of Moonbeams and Fairy Dust due out the end of November, 2014. I’m also working on the fourth Macy book, Something Borrowed, Something Blue due out in early 2015.
Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.
Blue Harvest Creative are my design team for my books.
Do you see writing as a career?
Yes. It has been my goal for fifty years. I am finding I am growing a fan base.
If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
Absolutely not.
Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
I remember writing non-sense poetry to start, but I have no one defining moment.
Can you share a little of your current work with us?
Macy McVannel is a police detective who teams up with her college roommate to rescue abused women from their spouses and set them on the path to a new life. This is the third book in the series. The first two were written from Macy’s point-of-view. This one was not written first person, so you get other’s views of Macy.
Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Making each new book as exciting as or better than the last.
Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
My current favorite is William Kent Krueger. I love his Corcoran O’Connor character. I love how he submerges you in the landscape of his stories.
Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?
Not as much as I’d like to. I prefer to do live signings and book talks. I like getting questions from those who want to write or those who’ve read my books. I want to share my love of writing.
Who designed the covers?
Blue Harvest Creative are my design team. They do internal and external design and set up.
What was the hardest part of writing your book? For me the hardest part is knowing how and where to end it.
Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
I learned even in law the lines are blurred.
Do you have any advice for other writers?
Keep writing. Read all you can about writing, attend a writer’s workshop or conference, but keep writing.
Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
Please when you’ve read my books, write a review. Reviews sell books. If you didn’t like it, others want to know. If you did they want to know why.
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