Quotes for New Years

originally posted by rewyman

Below you will find quite a few quotes to think about as you bring in the New Year. These quotes were found at The Quote Garden. If you want to read more of these lovely quotes, head over to the site.

Youth is when you're allowed to stay up late on New Year's Eve. Middle age is when you're forced to. ~Bill Vaughn


An optimist stays up until midnight to see the new year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves. ~Bill Vaughan


Many people look forward to the new year for a new start on old habits. ~Author Unknown


A New Year's resolution is something that goes in one year and out the other. ~Author Unknown


Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. ~Benjamin Franklin


No one ever regarded the First of January with indifference. It is that from which all date their time, and count upon what is left. It is the nativity of our common Adam. ~Charles Lamb


New Year's Day is every man's birthday. ~Charles Lamb


Never tell your resolution beforehand, or it's twice as onerous a duty. ~John Selden


Year's end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us. ~Hal Borland


The merry year is born
Like the bright berry from the naked thorn.
~Hartley Coleridge


New Year's eve is like every other night; there is no pause in the march of the universe, no breathless moment of silence among created things that the passage of another twelve months may be noted; and yet no man has quite the same thoughts this evening that come with the coming of darkness on other nights. ~Hamilton Wright Mabie


The Old Year has gone. Let the dead past bury its own dead. The New Year has taken possession of the clock of time. All hail the duties and possibilities of the coming twelve months! ~Edward Payson Powell


Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right. ~Oprah Winfrey


Ring out the old, ring in the new,
Ring, happy bells, across the snow:
The year is going, let him go;
Ring out the false, ring in the true.
~Alfred, Lord Tennyson, 1850


The proper behavior all through the holiday season is to be drunk. This drunkenness culminates on New Year's Eve, when you get so drunk you kiss the person you're married to. ~P.J. O'Rourke


Every man should be born again on the first day of January. Start with a fresh page. Take up one hole more in the buckle if necessary, or let down one, according to circumstances; but on the first of January let every man gird himself once more, with his face to the front, and take no interest in the things that were and are past. ~Henry Ward Beecher


New Year's Day: Now is the accepted time to make your regular annual good resolutions. Next week you can begin paving hell with them as usual. ~Mark Twain


The new year begins in a snow-storm of white vows. ~George William Curtis


For last year's words belong to last year's language
And next year's words await another voice.
And to make an end is to make a beginning.
~T.S. Eliot, "Little Gidding"


We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day. ~Edith Lovejoy Pierce


Yesterday, everybody smoked his last cigar, took his last drink and swore his last oath. Today, we are a pious and exemplary community. Thirty days from now, we shall have cast our reformation to the winds and gone to cutting our ancient shortcomings considerably shorter than ever. ~Mark Twain

Christmas Story

A Visit from St. Nicholas

originally posted by grandmayoall

Attributed to Clement Clarke Moore

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;
And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap,
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;
"Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! on, Cupid! on, Donder and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky;
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of Toys, and St. Nicholas too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.
His eyes -- how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly.
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle,
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night."

originally posted on: http://urbanlegends.about.com/library/bl_visit_from_st_nicholas.htm

Ready To Publish Friday - Courage

Welcome to Ready To Publish Fridays!

Last week we showcased an article about inspiration and we hope you found it helpful in someway. This week we're presenting an article about courage. How does being courageous relate to being ready to publish and writing in general? Here's a little teaser, but for a complete answer click the link.

Developing a Thick Skin: How To Accept Criticism
by Betty L. Meshack

I'm sure your mom, like mine, taught you, "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all." Unfortunately, during childhood, other children did not have the benefit of my mother's advice, or of her trusty and quicker-than-lightning index finger and thumb which, painfully and with regularity, enforced her edicts on the fleshy part of my upper arms.

So when the inevitable evaluations by other children of, inter alia, my hair, my clothes, my size, my speech patterns, and my grades were "thumbs down," and I came running to her for solace, her advice was, "Stick and stones may break your bones, but words will never hurt you. Let it roll down your back as if you never heard it. You are all right. You're my baby." Great advice to instill a modicum of self-esteem in a little girl from South Central, right? Sure it was, although the scar tissue from the barbs exists to this day; echoes and reverberations from the teasing and rejection are often replayed mentally at the most inopportune times.

Click here ===>> Developing Thick Skin

Author Francis Ray

Author Francis Ray

Francis Ray is a native Texan and lives in Dallas. A graduate of Texas Woman's University, she is a School Nurse Practitioner with the Dallas Independent School District. In 1999 and 2000 she was nominated for Texas Woman's University Distinguished Alumni Award.

To check out the rest of Francis' bio, watch trailers, and enter contests head over to her website. You can find her web address at the end of the interview.

Tell us a little bit about you outside of being an author.

I'm a School Nurse Practitioner with a large independent school district in Texas. I have great satisfaction in what I do, but there are also times when situations occur that I wish I could do more in helping children. However, when I write I am the mistress of my universe and can punish evil and protect those unable to protect themselves. The good guys will always win and love will always triumph.

What is your earliest writing memory?

My earliest writing memory was a freshman paper. The teacher and my classmates couldn't say enough good things about my love story. Even then I always wanted happy endings. I guess because one of the books I read over and over was Grimm's Fairy Tales.

What feelings do you experience once you are satisfied with your completed

manuscript(s)?

My feelings once finished with the completed manuscript run the gamut from being thankful to God, grateful that I was able to do it again, to scared that readers will hate the book. Somehow I don't think my reactions will ever change.

In your upcoming release or newly released book, how did you come up with the idea of your main character(s)?

I write series in romance and mainstream so the characters are often taken from past books. In the romance series, Grayson Friends, Book One is THE WAY YOU LOVE ME. I wanted to explore what happens when a hard-edged man meets a vulnerable woman. In The Invincible Women series, my mainstreams, I wanted an older heroine. There has been so much on menopause and older women dating younger men that I knew I wanted to incorporate that in NOT EVEN IF YOU BEGGED.

Tell us a little bit about your work in progress and/or your upcoming release.

I recently finished AND MISTRESS MAKES THREE, my 5th book for the Invincible Women series. I'm taking a week off to get my office in order, read, and then its back to writing the next mainstream. August 2008 saw the release of THE WAY YOU LOVE ME, Book One of the new Grayson Friends series. November 4, 2008 is the reissue of UNTIL THERE WAS YOU, Book One of the Graysons of New Mexico series. Book Two of the Grayson Friends series, NOBODY BUT YOU, is due out March 2009.

I'm a big believer that word of mouth creates more sales than advertisements. Let's say I've never read any of your books before, how would you pitch the idea of your latest release to me?

A sexy, page turning romance. Shane Elliott, gorgeous and dangerous, has never met a woman he couldn't forget - until Paige Albright. Passion collides with duty when Shane is hired to protect the beautiful socialite in THE WAY YOU LOVE ME.

I consider myself a tough critic when reviewing books. What do or would you do when you receive a mediocre or less than average rating from a reviewer or reader?

Frankly, I'm not very good at shrugging off criticism, which is one reason I usually let my daughter read the reviews first. However, if it's constructive, I try to learn from it. Despite having written over 36 books I'm still learning and not ashamed to admit I can miss the mark. Good, caring readers and fans want you to write the stories that will entertain and enlighten. They want you to succeed. So, when it's constructive, I really look at the book again and try to see if the point was valid.

What authors influence your writing dreams, goals and aspirations?

Katherine Woodiwiss introduced me to romance and made me want to write romance. But it was Elizabeth Lowell and Nora Roberts who challenged me to write with passion and purpose. E. Lowell wrote fantastic hurting-healing romance books. N. Roberts has superb characters. They're two totally different writers, both successful, both caring and giving women. They taught me there is no one way to write a good book. The key is writing what you love. Don't compare yourself to anyone. A writer's life is a journey, some of us will reach our goals before others. The thing is to enjoy the journey.

What books would you recommend on writing?

Techniques of the Selling Writer by Dwight Swain, The Synonym Finder by J.I. Rodale, and What's What edited by Reginald Bragonier, Jr. and David Fisher.

If you could change one thing you did during your road to publication, what would it be and what would you have done different?

If I could change one thing it would be that I wouldn't have let rejections stop me from writing. I wasted so much time. Instead of it taking 5 years to publish that first short story, perhaps it would have taken only 3 or perhaps the 5 years is the way it was supposed to be.

What advice would you give an aspiring author?

Study the market, read in cross-genres, don't compare yourself to other writers, and always be gracious.

Where can readers learn more about you and your books?

Readers can visit my web site at www.francisray.com. To read the online only FREE story, DARE TO LOVE, that bridges the Graysons of New Mexico to Grayson Friends they can visit http://www.the-blackbox.com/authors/francis_ray.htm .

readersoffrancisray@yahoogroups.com

www.myspace.com/francisray

NOT EVEN IF YOU BEGGED - Jan 22, 2008 - Mainstream

THE WAY YOU LOVE ME - Shane's story - Grayson Friends -September 2008

UNTIL THERE WAS YOU - Book 1 - Reissue - A Grayson Romance - December 2008

NOBODY BUT YOU - Cameron's story - Grayson Friends - April 2009

Thank you Francis for taking the time out of your busy schedule to share with us.

New to Ready to Publish Fridays

Wednesdays & Fridays Blog would like to take Ready to Publish Fridays in a new direction. Thanks to all the authors who have thus far graced our pages and thanks to the many readers who continue to stop by to enjoy the conversations.

Ready to Publish Fridays will be featuring articles, essays, and resources pertaining to writing.

Our first selection hits on a very important element in writing.


When we think of the process of writing, many times we neglect to think about the inspiration that most must have to begin creating something. Some of us are lucky enough to be able to find inspiration in anything. Then there are those of us that seem to lose the ability to feel inspired. And we lose it for a lengthy period of time.

Touching Ones Soul: The Ultimate Inspiration For a Writer by Edward B. Toupin talks about why people write and I'm sure there is something in it that every writer can benefit from.

Here's an excerpt:

From smoke and dirt to pollution and oil, it is amazing how much gunk
can collect on a window over time. I sit here in my office looking out
the window that appears to look the same as it did when it was new, but
wondering why it was always a gray overcast outside. I was just used to
the slow collection of crud so I never really noticed how opaque the
window was becoming. It took a lot of cleaner, four rags, and a lot of
elbow grease to make the window acceptably transparent again, but it'll
never be the same as it was when it was new.

Just as with the window, from birth, we all collect some level of gunk
on our souls. This gunk consists of misinformation, prejudices,
conflict, trauma, and myriad other experiences that layer over our
creative insides. These layers slowly change the way we see our world
by creating an opaque film over our soul's eye. With that we begin to
see the world in a way that we assume that it is and not necessarily in
a way that it truly exists. Our reality becomes tainted preventing us
from perusing and becoming everything that we could possibly become.
However, somehow we need to clean off that gunk to obtain a clear view
of life.


To read the entire article, click HERE

Enjoy!

Author Linda R. Herman

Author Linda R. Herman

About the author in her own words: "Who am I? I am a native of South Georgia. My grandparents raised me and from them as well as my parents, aunts and uncles, I learned the value of hard work. Nothing in life is given; you must earn everything-respect first and foremost. I spent most of my childhood working in watermelons with my grandfather during the summer, and in the pecan orchard alongside my grandmother in the fall and winter months. I hated it but as an adult, that hard work has made me appreciate my blessings today. Now I sit at a console in a building with air conditioning, answering phone lines and dispatching public safety units to citizens in distress. Yes, I am a 911 dispatcher-one of many unsung heroes who strive for excellence day in and day out. But me, I don't want to be praised for doing my job-I just want to do my job well."
To read the rest of Linda's bio and many other interesting things regarding her, go to her website. The address can be found at the end of the interview.

Tell us a little bit about you outside of being an author.

Before I'm an author, I'm an ordinary person. I'm a mother, a wife, a daughter, and a friend. I've been married for almost 10 years now and together my husband and I are raising two teens and a 3 year old. Life is definitely interesting! I also work full time as an emergency 911 dispatcher. Hard work is a value passed down to me from the grandparents who raised me. My grandmother died in 2006 and my life has surely been different to say the least. I miss her more than even I as a writer, can say.

What is your earliest writing memory?

My earliest memories are writing are from fourth grade. I remember writing stories about then President Regan. Every story was about him being hurt in an auto accident (go figure) but I remember my teacher saying how good the stories were.

What feelings do you experience once you are satisfied with your completed manuscript(s)?

Whitney Houston comes to mind-I, too, EXHALED! To journey from the first word to the very last punctuation mark is like nine months of pregnancy and an agonizing labor. For anyone who has experienced the joy of childbirth, you know what I mean.

In your upcoming release or newly released book, how did you come up with the idea of your main character(s)?

In Consequences When Love Is Blind, released February 2008, I knew I wanted to create an African American female that readers would bond with. They sympathize with Sade but she's also a character you respect but even though she was blind to what was really going on in her marriage, you know she's a good person. Her heart is good and she's the kind of character you want to pull out of the book and just embrace. Sade is your best girl friend, your sister, that cousin you grew up with-she's a phenomenal woman.

Tell us a little bit about your work in progress and/or your upcoming release.

My next release is an anthology that I co-authored with Tinisha Nicole Johnson (Searchable Whereabouts) and Allyson M. Deese (Discovering the Joy Within), my sisters of the pen. These ladies are very talented and together we compiled a book of short stories and inspiring poems that will remind readers just how powerful prayer is, no matter your situation.

Somebody Prayed for Me releases December 2, 2008, from Xpress Yourself Publishing.

I’m a big believer that word of mouth creates more sales than advertisements. Let’s say I’ve never read any of your books before, how would you pitch the idea of your latest release to me?

I'm a passionate author and my fictional stories parallel reality. Every one of us know a woman who has been abused; a child who has been neglected, molested, abandoned, and abused; a woman who's been mistreated by her husband; a daughter who has craved attention that never came from her father; and a young mother who struggles to keep a roof over her children's head. Somebody Prayed for Me has a story for every social issue mentioned above; surely stories that everyone will relate to.

I consider myself a tough critic when reviewing books. What do or would you do when you receive a mediocre or less than average rating from a reviewer or reader?

I read and re-read the review and see how valid the points are that they make. I am not afraid of constructive criticism because I can grow from it, not only as a writer, but as a person.

What authors influence your writing dreams, goals and aspirations?

I am a huge fan of Kimberla Lawson Roby. She is my all-time favorit, but the authors I've most-connected with are Jessica Tilles and Elissa Gabrielle. They're a phone call away and I have learned so much from them. I love them so much.

What books would you recommend on writing?

The book I want to recommend hasn't been published just yet, LOL. Jessica Tilles, bestselling author and CEO of Xpress Yourself Publishing, is working on a book about publishing and I know it is going to guide many apsiring authors.

What advice would you give an aspiring author?

No one can take your dreams away, but study the industry before you jump into it head first. It doesn't matter if you self publish or seek a traditional publisher, you still need to learn as much as you can about this industry. And if I may add, ASA, Authors Supporting Authors will have a blog talk radio show on Saturday, September 13, 2008, 8pm EST, where aspiring authors and readers can call in to ask questions about writing and publishing. Our guests for the panel are Jessica Tilles, Marie Antionette, and Shani Greene-Dowdell! www.blogtalkradio.com/asa-blog-talk. This is a show you don't want to miss.

Where can readers learn more about you and your books?

My website is www.lindarherman.com. You can read the first chapter of Consequences When Love Is Blind and order your autograph copy from the website as well if you're moved to do so. My ebook, "A Time for Love" is also available through www.lindarherman.webs.com.

Consequences: When Love is Blind

by author Linda R. Herman

Click image to view book trailer

www.lindarherman.com I Stand With Magic

www.istandwithmagic.com

Proud Member of ASA

Linda, thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to share with us.

Sherri's Song by Tonie Short

First I want to take this moment to say thank you to Tonie Short for taking the time out of his busy schedule to answer a few questions; giving us more insight into the characters in his novel Sherri’s Song.



Women are complicated beings; what techniques did you used to become in tune with a woman’s emotions enough to write from Sherri’s point-of-view?

I come from a large family. I grew up with seven sisters and a large extended family of mostly women. I have seen the good and bad in their relationships. And as I was developing Sherri, adding controversy in her life, I found myself pulling from some of their relationship experiences and interviews I conducted with other women. And as an author, I became so engrossed in the character I was developing.


Did you feel you were taking a risk writing Sherri’s Song in first person verses third person omnipresent?

Yes. Even though first person allows you to be more in tune with the protagonist, it also limits your latitude as to what you can include in the story. Hence, there are scenes that I wanted in the book, but couldn’t be added because I wrote in first person.


Where did you get your muse to write this dramatic story?

I started talking with women about domestic violence. And as I did, I bumped into some that wanted to let it all out. What he did and what they did. Out of their testimony, I had an idea of what I wanted the character to be and I started to write, using my God-given ability.


I noticed you did something only one other author that I know of have done. That’s including the title of your first novel inside the second. Where and why did you come up with this idea?

I was working on two books simultaneously. One of them happened to be the sequel to the first book. And thinking outside the box, I did it as an advertising ploy for my first novel.


Which one of your characters was the hardest to develop? Why?

Sherri. The book came through her eyes. And writing as a woman, being that I’m a man, I had to get all the little intricate things about women inside the story so that I would not looked forced. Also, maintain her drive to be a lady wrestling with the specter of her mother looming over her life and the desire to grow and be her own person. She is a fickled character.


Which character was your favorite? Why?

Tony; his character shows the vulnerable side of a man that wants to do right. Tony was on the fence, like many men are today. And when they invest so much in a relationship and it ends on a bad note, it tends to change them.


Let’s dream big for a minute. If you got the call saying someone wanted to turn Sherri’s Song into a movie who do you envision playing Sherri, Paul, Tony, Aaron, and Edwina?

This is a tough one. Sherri’s character is very complicated and dealing with a lot of issues. If I had a say in the matter, it would be:

Sherri: Kerry Washington; A beautiful woman that could pull this complicated character off.
Paul: Pretty Paul. I think Brian White would fill the bill.
Tony: Lamman Rucker
Aaron: Morris Chestnut
Edwina: Jennifer Hudson I think JHud could really make this character go.


Where can readers purchase Sherri’s Song?

For now:
www.meroepublishing.com

I hope for a release date to coincide with my hopes of a national distribution contract.

What is up next in your writing portfolio?

The long awaited sequel to The Gifted Child, John’s Saga. I’ve given readers a sneak peak in the back of Sherri’s Song.


We wish you good luck and success in all your endeavors.

AUTHOR NICHOLE PAYTON

AUTHOR NICHOLE PAYTON

Let’s start getting your shine on. Tell us who you are beyond an author.

I am a mother of two boys, full-time government employee, a loyal friend and a blessed woman.

Show us when you realized you had a passion for writing.

I realized I had a passion for writing when I was younger. I use to write down every thing, I wrote detailed long letters to my friends at school, I kept journals. Every time I had a pen in my hand something always went down on paper, from writing poems to writing down lyrics from my favorite songs. I can remember when I was younger when the cassettes and boom boxes were out. I use to stop and rewind my favorite songs just to write down the lyrics...I always had a fascinations for how words were put together into something so amazing.

We understand that uniqueness counts in the literary world, but we equally understand there must be relatability. tell us an author with whom you share similar writing styles.

At this time, I cannot say that I do share a similar style with any authors. As I am still finding my voice as a writer, I don't believe that I could actually say that my writing relates to their work other than most of my main characters has faith, puts God first and have a strong belief in them. If I had to choose, I would say maybe Christian writers but on the other hand there are Fiction writers who also have these characteristics in their characters also.

Show us how your styles are similar.

They would be similar as I stated previously with the characteristics. What I love about being a writer is that you have total control of your characters. So even though there are the antagonist in my novels that I am working on now that you may not like due to the way they handled certain situations, somehow you still end up liking the character itself for who they are deep inside their heart.

Tell us your preferred writing genre and the genre you prefer to read.

My preferred writing genre is fiction. I prefer to read self-help books, but I read what interest me.

Show us what your audience looks like.

My audience looks like single mothers, married couples, older, younger men and women who have been in certain trails and tribulations in their life, but still manage to come out on top. My audience comes from all different cultures. I would like my audience to be anyone with whom I can inspire.

Tell us an important lesson, on the business side of publishing, that you've learned on your journey.

I've learned that you have to do a lot of research on the writing side and business side and most importantly, I’ve learned to be patient.

Going back to the beginning, show us the day you received your publication offer or the first time you saw your bound book.

I was excited and proud of myself. The first publication offer I received was for the Triumph of My Soul Anthology series book # 3, published by Peace in the Storm Publishing/Elissa Gabrielle. I wrote a short story titled My Soul Says Yes, which is anticipated to be released in Christmas 2009.

However, I was asked to be a participant in an Erotic Anthology titled Tasty Temptations, published by My Time Publications/Leila Jefferson, which will be released February or March of 2009.

Tell us your expectations of an aspiring author approaching you for information about writing/publishing?

You really don't know what to expect, but in general, I would offer my advice as to keep writing. If writing is your passion then stick with it, don't give up. Maybe your manuscripts will be rejected the first time around and maybe not, every situation is different but in any case does your research on writing to hone your skills and research the business aspect of it as well.

Ready to shine? Tell us the name of your book.

My first publication is for the Erotic Anthology that I was asked to participate in titled Tasty Temptations. The title of my erotic short story (which could change by its release date) is "Double Shot of Mocha, Please", the release date is February/March 2009.

My first publication offer anticipated release date is Christmas 2009 for The Triumph of My Soul series, book # 3. My story is titled My Soul Says Yes.

From one of your character's point of view, show us why we should buy it.

Both main characters play an important role in the story. Although it’s erotic, my short story has a strong storyline, which shows how two people find true love with sharing the interest of writing and reading. Sometimes it's difficult for writers to find that person who can actually share your views on writing and have the same passion and on top of that...the support. However in my short story both Trent and Angela's point of views will show the interest of the literary world. The love, the strength of one another and the support, along with some hot steamy scenes included will make it even more enjoyable.

The Triumph of My Soul Anthology series, my short story inspirational, My Soul Says Yes, the character Destiny shows her faith in God. She felt as though she loss her faith when she loss herself due to difficult obstacles she had experienced in her life. Destiny shows her strength to move forward and always put God first.
Without telling too much of the story, in My Soul Says Yes, Destiny reaches out to individuals who are believers, one who has the strength to move on when the battles get tough and still prayed all at the same time.

Tell us where we can find you on the internet.

You can find me at the following website and email:

www.myspace.com/shy320 or email me at nichole320@yahoo.com

Thank you for spending time with us on the Wednesdays & Fridays Blog. We wish you much success!


Thank you for gracing our space! Wishing you even more success!

AUTHOR CHERYL LACEY DONOVAN

AUTHOR CHERYL LACEY DONOVAN

Coming from a legacy of preachers, Cheryl Lacey Donovan is walking in her destiny. An anointed woman of God, her mission is to challenge you to look inside yourself for change, to identify the strongholds in your life, and to tear them down with the help of the creator. Once you have crossed her path, your life will never be the same.

Cheryl Lacey-Donovan is an acclaimed author, educator, and inspirational speaker and a compelling advocate for personal empowerment. Her first book "Women What the Hell are You Thinking: An Inspirational Guide to Becoming a Virtuous Woman of God was released on May 1, 2007 to rave reviews. "Women What the Hell are you Thinking" remained in Amazon's top 10 hot new releases during the entire first two months of its release.

Her new work The Ministry of Motherhood is destined for the bestseller list as it ministers to mothers who are living through what Cheryl has already overcome.

Tell us a little about you outside of being an author.

Outside of being an author, Cheryl Donovan is an inspirational speaker, talk show host, and entrepreneur. I have three adult children, a grandson, and a wonderful husband of 15 years. Most importantly however, I am a daughter of the king who believes in walking out God's destiny for her life.

What is your earliest writing memory?

My earliest writing memory is that of composing poems for my parents during special occasions. You know, the whole roses are red and violets are blue thing.

What feelings do you experience once you are satisfied with your completed manuscript?

Euphoria, accomplishment, amazement, you name it I've felt it. There is just something special about putitng pen to paper and getting your thoughts in black and white.

In your upcoming release or newly released book, how did you come up with the idea of your main character(s)?

Each of my books is non-fiction. The topics discussed are either my own personal experiences or those of persons I have discussed issues with along the way.

Tell us a little bit about your work in progress and/or your upcoming release.

Well, my work in progress is a book that my husband and I are writing together. This book will address the ups and downs of maintaining "Happily Ever After" My upcoming release is the Ministry of Motherhood. This book discusses the valley to mountaintop experiences that I had being a teenage mother who was abused by my first husband.

I am a big believer that word of mouth creates more sales than advertisements. Let's say I've never read any of your books before, how would you pitch the idea of your latest release to me.

The Ministry of Motherhood is my journey from an abused teenage mother to an award winning author, talk show host, and inspirational speaker.

Ultimately being responsible for life's circumstances, the book seeks to encourage mothers to become accountable to themselves and their children as they look inside themselves for change.

I consider myeslf a tough critic when reviewing books. What do or would yuo do when you receive mediocre or less than average rating from a reviewer or reader?

Receiving a mediocre review would only cause me to strive harder for excellence. While I don't expect everyone to like my books and will probably not jump at every bad review, if the there are valid points, I would consider it an opportunity to improve upon my craft.

What authors influence your writing dreams and aspirations.

I really love Maya Angelou and Alice Walker. I also like Stormie Omartian and Beth Moore. We seem to speak the same language.

What books would you recommend on writing?

101 Ways to Generate Top Book Sales. Antonio L. Crawford

The Self-Publishing Process: The Beginners Guide To Book Publishing Success. Renee Bobb

If you could change one thing you did during your road to publication, what would it be and what would you have done different?

I would have researched "Book Fairs" better. Some of them are good to go to, others are not; with regard to book sales that is.

What advice would you give an aspiring author?

Research is the key to a relatively smooth ride in the publishing industry. The more adept you are the better off you'll be in the long run.

Where can readers learn more about you and your books?

Readers can visit my blog at www.virtuouswoman-31.blogspot.com , www.blogtalkradio.com/worthmorethanrubies, www.cheryllaceydonovan.com

Writer George Taylor

Writer and Poet George Taylor

Let’s start getting your shine on. Who are you?

University of Detroit High ’66. Irish American third generation native Detroiter. Had one job my whole adult life: poet laureate of nowhere. Michigan Wolverine ’70;

When did you realize you had a passion for writing?

When I walked into my principal’s office in high school and told him that I needed to take the classics curriculum. Something embedded in languages and ancient stories had a hold of me and wouldn’t let go.

All writers adore words. Describe your love affair with writing.

I write every day. To do so, I give up paid employment, concerts, trips to museums and art galleries, seeing my family and friends, and travel. I don’t regret a moment of the huge swatches of unpaid time I spend to do the thing I most love.

Name two authors with whom you share similar writing styles.

Walt Whitman, Jack Kerouac.

What makes them similar?

A free uninhibited search for a language and rhythm that is truly American, which hints at the depths of love and suffering inherent in the American soul.

Name and thank one author that has been instrumental in inspiring you to write.

I thank Pablo Neruda for his artistic genius and his enormous dedication to the people of Chile. He was an artist who cared for more than himself and his publishing track record.

What does your audience look like?

Proposed Market for book:

(Magnitude of Audience Gets bigger as we go down the list.)

1. Detroiters who are fascinated by stories of their own era and of the historical changes they have seen.

2. Midwestern Rust Belt Residents who want a fresh look at the history of Detroit and other manufacturing centers.

3.‘Green’, ecology loving readers who want to redeem their own vision of American industry and see a new breath of creativity and hope

4 Anyone looking for a new inspiring vision of America

5. Poetry lovers in the US and other countries.

What genre does your story fall under?

Poetic Memoir

What distinguishes you from others seeking to be published authors?

I know how the business of publishing works, and I am methodically pursing a marketing program for my manuscript. Also, Detroiters and other Americans need to read my story.

New authors usually lack the business knowledge of writing. What has been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned about things beyond the page?

(I think your question is about the business side of writing.) Having self-published two books and started an on-line bookstore, I know that the main thing I have learned is ‘don’t undercapitalize.’

You need a lot of money to make a business work here in America. Whatever you think you need to publish a book, ou need to double or triple that figure. particularly for marketing costs.

What are your thoughts on rejection letters?

I wallpaper my office with them, to remind me of what bad taste most people have.

And I keep a list of people I intend to write to after I get published.

If you approached an author with questions about writing, how would you expect them to respond?

I’d expect them to be too busy writing to bother with me. Or to generously remind me of the one thing that writers need to hear: Strap yourself to your desk and keep writing.

Are you ready to really shine? In 100 words or less, tell the Wednesdays & Fridays Blog readers why your manuscript should be published.

Detroiters hunger for an updated new vision of our hometown, as the seedbed of the new America: community based, appreciate of art, and supportive and protective of its citizens. My manuscript inspires confidence that the American vision, when it is compassionate and inclusive, is still great. It carries the message that Art is the healer for a confused, hurting culture. Plus my stories are funny, heartbreaking, scary, and above all, the ‘troof’.