Tell us a little bit about you outside of being an author.
I’m a wandering spirit, looking for adventure, in search of the true meaning of life.
What is your earliest writing memory?
I used to write poetry as a child then I got into songwriting, then got to high school and started writing plays. But my earliest memory of writing is when I was about 10 or 11, and I would write poetry about my father who had died when I was seven. My first serious poem was about a childhood sweetheart (she is also characterized in my book).
What feelings do you experience once you are satisfied with your completed manuscript(s)?
I’m very proud and elated when I finally complete a manuscript. It’s time to go to the club and get my funky on! Really.
In your upcoming release or newly released book, how did you come up with the idea of your main character(s)?
All of the characters are based on real-life people. You can go to my website – www.pushnevahda.com – and meet them!
Tell us a little bit about your work in progress and/or your upcoming release.
I am currently working on two books. A Tunica Sunset is situated in between WW I and WW II and is about a black sharecroppers struggle with a decision of whether or not to bring his family to the north (where the booming war industries offer black migrants good economic opportunities), or stay in the south where he feels secure in the only way of life he has ever known. So, the story is about faith and belief in oneself. The Rise and Fall of Black Bottom is a story about a little known African American community in Detroit the flourished during WW II. Eventually it was destroyed to make way for the I-75 freeway.
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?
My website!
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?
Hope that the reviewer or reader is a serious and constructive critic, rather than someone who really has no understanding or real appreciation for the art of writing. With my book, I’ve received criticism from people from all walks of life, including professors (one has considered using my book as a supplemental reading in an English writing course she teaches), housewives, young folk, and men. Particularly white folks, who are rarely interested in black books, are reading mine. One white guy told me that, although he never before considered reading anything by black authors, purchased my book and thought it to be one of the best books he’d read. He appreciated being able to read perspectives on life, love, political, society, and culture from a black male point-of-view. And I appreciated that kind of honest feedback. One white woman told me that my book inspired her to return to college; another told me she was inspired to pursue her passion to write a novel.
What authors influence your writing dreams, goals and aspirations?
The works of James Baldwin (The Fire Next Time), Cornel West (“Black Strivings in A Twilight Civilization”), Arthur Miller (“Death of A Salesman”) and Lorraine Hansberry (Raisin in A Sun) were most influential to me, and changed the course of my life as a writer. Samuel Beckett’s Waiting For Godot in addition to Dubois’s Soul’s of Black Folks, were seminal readings that shaped and informed the moral, philosophic, and spiritual direction of my writing. Also, Truman Capote’s work is very influential to my own work. Mailer is correct in noting that Capote writes the most beautifully crafted sentences, he is the master (and self-proclaimed inventor) of creative non-fiction. Robert Goolrick’s book, The End of the World as We Know It, is perhaps the most beautifully written memoir I’ve ever read, and is the most important book I own. Also, Nina Simone’s biography influenced me a great deal, and I liked Jeffrey Meyer’s work up until I read his book, Married to Genius.
What books would you recommend on writing?
Well, that’s a tough question because of the various dimensions of writing (i.e. creative, technical, academic, fiction, etc.), but I think that the best way to learn about writing is to read.
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’ve sought more critical advice from proofreaders and editors. But, at the same time, it’s also important not to let people change or obstruct the artistic direction of your work. Not everyone – especially editors – will understand the artistic expression, and sometimes they can ruin it.
What advice would you give an aspiring author?
Read, read, read.
Where can readers learn more about you and your books?
Tell us a little bit about you outside of being an author.
I’m enjoying motherhood at my late age --- my husband and I have a new baby.So I enjoy my family time, watching movies on the lifetime movie channel and crime shows, and relaxing and reading a good book.I also manage two online groups that are called the African-American Authors & Writers group.One group is on Blackplanet.com and the other is a newly created group that I just starting on Yahoo groups.I am hoping to grow the group that is on Yahoo to surpass the one that I have on Blackplanet.com (currently has over 200 members and growing).I’m trying to make a place that has a creative atmosphere for writers, aspiring and published authors and enthusiastic readers; a place where its’ members can feel free to discuss and share their ideas about books, writing (books, articles & poetry), book marketing and promotion, and any literary topics of their choice.I wanted to create a place where like-minded people can meet and participate in forum discussions about any literary topic.
What is your earliest writing memory?
I realized that I wanted to be a writer when I was in grade school.I used to write short stories and let my classmates read them.I simply just enjoyed creating stories.
What feelings do you experience once you are satisfied with your completed manuscript(s)?
Producing a manuscript represents a significant investment on the part of the author.The two most satisfying words for a writer to type are: The End. That sweet phrase means that at last you’ve finished your manuscript and have finally achieved your goal of writing a novel.An odd mix of emotions overcome me after the winding down after such a monumental task. Crazed joy. A rush of exhilaration. Relief. A dazed, empty sort of numbness. Dizzy, shaky exhaustion. When I finish a new book, I always feel as if I had been sprinting as hard as I could at the end of a marathon, only to crash into a brick wall—full stop. The sadness I felt was like a literary form of post-partum blues.
It was as if my very best friend had moved out of town. This reaction to such an achievement might sound a little crazy, but this was how I felt.
In your upcoming release or newly released book, how did you come up with the idea of your main character(s)?
For my first book, Two Loves, One Heart, I had personally gone through heartbreak and abuse in a past relationship.I realized that I wanted to share some of my experiences with others who have been victims of abuse.I felt that anyone who has ever felt the heartbreak and trials that love can bring, especially those who have experienced abusive or controlling relationships, would be able to relate to my character Lynnette’s journey to find true love within herself. I wanted to try to give others hope that they can bring their lives around from the brink of devastation and despair if they have the desire to want to help themselves.
I also wanted to express that fact that everyone is worthy of being helped and loved.This help can come from family and friends or professionally if the need be.I am speaking from experience and I am a SURVIVOR.My strong faith in God and my family helped me to find my way back from that dark and lonely place.I am thankful and truly blessed.From my ordeal and the bad experiences I learned that, “LOVE SHOULDN’T HURT”.
Tell us a little bit about your work in progress and/or your upcoming release.
My next novel is another romance novel also titled, Always in my Heart.Here is a little information about the book:
How can two people be such close friends and not be able to see that they are meant for each other?
True love often triumphs through the most complex of circumstances. Rachael Pendleton and Roman Sinclair are two people who connected with each other and have been the best of friends since childhood.This special connection they share has triumphed over all else that has gone amiss in their lives.They each always knew that they would always be there for each other no matter what.
But Rachael and Roman share something else ---- a deep love for each other that neither will acknowledge.Both have had relationships with other people, but they never lasted because some very important elements were missing.... true friendship, honesty, and love. When Roman ends up marrying the wrong woman, Rachael must find a way to let her inhibitions go or lose the man she truly loves forever.
I hope to have this book complete by the end of 2008 or the first part of 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?
My name is Carrie J. Keaton, author of a romance novel -
Two Loves, One Heart published by Authorhouse
A Fiction Novel Based on True Events and Experiences with True-to-Life Characters.
What would you do if your first love tried to come back into your life after he walked out of your life for over 10 years with no explanation? In this new romance novel, TWO LOVES, ONE HEART, Lynnette Thomas is forced to choose between her first love turned abusive and an old friendship that develops into a passionate romance.
At one of the loneliest points in her lifeLynnette reconnects with a friend from her childhood and their friendship blossoms into much more.
Will two old friends allow their chance at happiness to slip away? Not if they reach out to each other, give in to their desires, and let love bind their hearts and join their souls. Their lives could be changed forever…. BY A THING CALLED LOVE.
Two Loves, One Heart is available through Authorhouse, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, etc.
I consider myself a tough critic when reviewing books. What do or would you do if you receive a mediocre or less than average rating from a reviewer or reader?
I would try not tobecome so attached to my work that you won’t change it for God or country. The biggest mistake a writer could make is by being unwilling to change because they think everything is A-okay as is. You’re not only doing the work a disservice, you’re doing yourself a disservice.
I wouldn’t get defensive when some people don’t respond well to my book. I would just roll my shoulders in a shrug and say “so what?” All that matters is that I enjoyed writing it.
I would be open-minded with constructive criticism—listen to what my critics have to say and either take some or none of their advice. It’s up to me. Chances are there will be something useful you can take away from it.
As I had said earlier, I’m still learning. So I would try to surround myself with writers who are better than me. Listen when they talk. They could inspire me to challenge myself and to be the best I can be. If I surround myself with mediocre writers, then I’ll be settling for being a mediocre writer myself.
I will try to train my eye to see abnormalities by offering to critic the work of others and by being generous with both my criticism and my praise and give compliments where compliments are due. In the process, I’ll become a much better critic of my own work as well as of other people’s.
I would never be spiteful with criticism just because someone didn’t like something I wrote. I would be kind, courteous, and above all, truthful.
I would ask for examples during a critique. If critics can’t back up what they are saying with evidence drawn from your work, then it’s not a piece of criticism worth listening to.
Last but not least, I must always be mindful that not every reader will be as responsive to my material as I am. There are many opinions and tastes, and not all of them will compare with mine.
What authors influence your writing dreams, goals and aspirations?
There are several authors who have influenced my writing dreams, goals and aspirations. Just to name a few are: Francis Ray, Brenda Jackson, Zane, Eric Jerome Dickey, Gloria Mallette, Michael Baisden, Sandra Kitt, Omar Tyree, Angela Nissel, and Bette Ford.All of these are wonderful authors and I admire them greatly.
What books would you recommend on writing?
I’m still finding my way with my writing and still learning, so I’m in no way an expert but will willingly share what I have experienced since I’ve been writing.Assuming that the person who is writing knows the essential mechanics of writing, know how to form cohesive sentences, blah, blah, blah., I think that these books will give them the shot of adrenaline they may be in desperate need of to keep going, keep pursuing, and keep following your writing dreams!
1.On Writing by Stephen King - This has got to be my number one book on writing. The first half is an autobiography. I found his writing to be very real and from the heart. I laughed and even felt a bit saddened at times. You read about his childhood, his first attempts at publishing when he was in grade school, and all of the hard work, long hours and dedication he put into his writing career. This in itself gave me hope that I could someday be a successful author as well!
The second half of the book is a no bull, no fluff guide to writing. What I like most about it is that he doesn't bog you down with rule after rule, and strict organization. Forget outlines and note cards and character sketches. He recommends that you just sit down at your computer, go with your muse and see where he/she takes you. He tells you what you need to know from idea to sale, as well as a few simple considerations and rules. He uses examples of his own work and that of others to show what good writing style is and what's not.
My writing has begun to flourish because of this book. It's spontaneous and real. When I sit down at the computer I don't even know what the next scene will entail, but I'm always amazed to see what my inner self can come up with once I get out of my own way.
Zen in the Art of Writing by Ray Bradbury - Be prepared! Ray Bradbury will take you by the hand and leave you breathless in this little book. I can honestly say that I've never felt more exhilarated or had more ideas popping into my mind than after reading this book. He advises you to stay drunk on writing because it saves us from reality, to write at least a thousand words a day every day, to write from real life, and much more. What I liked most about this book is the way I felt after reading it. Zen in the Art of Writing is like having Ray Bradbury right there with you, guiding you, cheering you on, urging you to stop creeping and start flying!
Much in the same vein as Stephen King's book, this gem is not about rules that fence you in and leave you no room to breathe, but in letting loose the inner writer. It draws that fine line between genius and insanity. I loved it!
My creativity has greatly improved because of this book. I highly recommend it.
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 I did during my road to publication, it would be ignore the negative people who made me feel down about my writing and my ability to create a something that others would want to read.I would ignore the negativity and continue on to complete by manuscript and become a published author.I would maintain my courage and confidence and follow my heart and my inner voice.If I had believed in myself more back then instead of allowing negative people to coward me down, I would have been a published author many years sooner.
What advice would you give an aspiring author?
My advice to up and coming authors ---Follow your dreams and your heart.In the beginning, I allowed negative people to convince me that I could not write anything that people would want to read.Separate yourself from individuals who only offer you negative, non-constructive criticism.Know your heart and your inner voice.Without that inner sense of who you are, you'll never have the courage to make the necessary investment and sacrifice for your art and craft. You need that to create the kind of writing to benefit both yourself and the world.
Read samples of as many of the top titles as you can get your hands on. The library is good for this--no cost. Now, you don't have to read every page of every book. Just scan them for characters and descriptive material, and then put YOURSELF into a storyline. For example, what would YOU do if you were trapped in a cave with a giant 'whatever' blocking the entrance?
In most of my books, the characters do all the writing--I just sit back and type the words onto the computer screen. In other words, let your mind wander over ideas of how YOU would handle a situation and then allow your characters to react.
As long as you stay away from the central storyline of the other major published books, you should do fine, but try to think out of the box.
Write every day, whether you want to or not. That's how you become a true writer. Study your grammar and spelling! Most computer spell-checkers will NOT catch mistakes like using "affect" instead of "effect" or "you're" instead of "your". I had to learn about this the hard way.It would be best to have your work professionally edited for errors to avoid this embarrassment.
Where can readers learn more about you and your books?
Tell us a little bit about you outside of being an author.
I am a single mother with two boys ages 10 & 15. I'm a bit of a sports nuts or I should say Chicago BEARS nut. I was born in Manhattan NY, raised in the western suburbs of Chicago and currently live in the Dallas area. What is your earliest writing memory?
I used to write really bad poetry in high school. lol Then went on to write my own standup comedy routines and then skits and scripts for intustrials.
What feelings do you experience once you are satisfied with your completed manuscript(s)?
I don't know that I am ever completely satisfied with something I write.
In your upcoming release or newly released book, how did you come up with the idea of your main character(s)?
It's a memoir so I just wrote about what was happening at the time in my life.
Tell us a little bit about your work in progress and/or your upcoming release.
Think "Tuesday's with Morrie" with a twist. My book is a memoir, written in the spirit of Julia Sweeney's "God Said Ha,” Geralyn Lucas’s "Why I wore Lipstick: To My Mastectomy,” and Margaret Edson’s “Wit” which all use unconventional humor to tell the story of their serious medical issues.
It chronicles how one week after September 11, 2001, while the rest of the nation struggled with the attacks on our country, I realized during a phone conversation that my 63 year old father was suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. In the midst of a midlife crisis trying to balance my life as a wife, mother and struggling standup comedian, that phone call added caregiver of my father and his 89 year old mother, to my already over loaded plate. (The book also contains a history of family abuses, the redemption of a family’s black sheep, porn talk with a parent and the fact that I perfected the art of going nutty-buckets and shaving my head long before Britney made it chic.)
It is the story of the insanity, bureaucratic nightmare, inner, reverse, and stereotypical racism, along with the headaches and heart breaks which became part of my family’s daily lives. The story is told through my shocked, newly opened and sometimes inappropriately twisted eyes.
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?
It's a hard subject but one of the craziest books you'll ever read. It can make you laugh and cry in the same sentence. Even if you don't have any family members with Alzheimer's you can still appreciate the dynamics of the "Black Sheep" of the family dealing with being the only who can help those who have labeled her so. Plus, I guarantee you have never read a book with an ending like this.
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 try and take it with a grain of salt. Everyone has an opinion and not everyone shares mine.
What authors influence your writing dreams, goals and aspirations?
None really. Writing this book was something that happened out of a habit of writing things in my daily life down for standup comedy.
What books would you recommend on writing?
I haven't read any so I can't answer that. Writing is just something I do for myself and hope others appreciate it. If you could change one thing you did during your road to publication, what would it be and what would you have done different?
Probably paid more attention to editing. I am "the queen of typos". lol What advice would you give an aspiring author?
Never give up. Where can readers learn more about you and your books?
Author's Bio: As a mother and a stepmother, Anjalon Edwards found writing to be therapeutic and relaxing. She began her interest in writing in 2005 after curiously taking a writing aptitude test which led her to complete a course with the Institute of Children’s Literature.
To read more of Anjalon's bio check out her website.
Let’s start getting your shine on. Tell us who you are beyond an author.
I’m an author, a mother of 2 (and stepmother of 1), a wife, a daughter, a sister (and sister-in-law), a social worker, and a field instructor. I am also the co-founder of a women’s social group called Ladies of Mahoghany.
Show us when you realized you had a passion for writing?
Well, since high school I always knew that writing was a relaxing and fun outlet for me. When other people were passing notes back and forth between classes, my best friend and I were passing a notebook of stories.
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.
I’m not sure, I have read a variety of authors but if I must pick one it might by Terri McMillan.
Show us how your styles are similar.
Simply because I like to write in first person. It was easy to accomplish my goal of drawing the reader into the main character’s world. Also, I think “we” write reality-based fiction because our stories are real and based off truth.
Tell us your preferred writing genre and the genre you prefer to read.
I prefer contemporary fiction. I would like to consider my current novel as a crossover between contemporary Christian and urban contemporary fiction. I want to break into non-fiction using my personal experience and studies as a social worker.
Show us what your audience looks like.
Mostly female. But I have had some male fans, mostly my friends. I welcome everyone because my current novel explores familial relationships so everyone can relate.
Tell us an important lesson, on the business side of publishing that you've learned on your journey.
Marketing is very difficult and if you don’t do enough of it, you won’t sell. Also, it takes money to make money so if you are a self-published author then be ready to invest and price your book at a price where you can make a decent profit. Lastly, just like any other job, it’s who you now. I have received some great opportunities but it was timing and some name dropping that got me that far. I’m still working on it.
Going back to the beginning, show us the day you received your publication offer or the first time you saw your bound book.
Wow, I was ecstatic! I showed my husband and my ladies group first. I was so proud to invest in myself and see the end product in front of me.
Tell us your expectations of an aspiring author approaching you for information about writing/publishing?
Come with a well edited galley. Be ready to press pass any introvertness you may have so you can advertise and sell.
Ready to shine? Tell us the name of your book.
My fiction novel is called Reality Check: Stepmother Chronicles. Carmen Fuller is getting fed up with the baby mama drama, her meddling in-laws and her guilt-driven husband. Stress levels run high for this thirty-two year old mother of two. She struggles with her feelings as a stepmother to nine year old Junior and discovers that she is not alone. Her situation intensifies when she suspects her husband, Tyrell, of unfaithfulness. The couple struggles with moving forward. As she figures things out, she makes some astonishing discoveries about Junior that have been happening all along. Carmen decides to choose her battles carefully and accept things for what they are.
From one of your character's point of view, show us why we should buy it.
I believe that almost every parent can attest to being so caught up in your child that you neglect the relationship between you and your spouse. I for one did and I paid for it. I didn’t realize how much my desire to be that cool and fun parent would affect my intimate relationship with my wife. I found out the hard way that I’ve got a lot to learn about being the head of my household. It’s high time I pull out the Keith Sweat and keep my other half happy. (Tyrell Fuller)
Tell us where we can find you on the internet.
Reality Check: Stepmother Chronicles is available at major online bookstores Amazon, Borders, and Barnes&Noble.
Local Cleveland Area Resident. Graduate of Jane Addams Vocational High School, Banking/Finance Major. Attended the Cleveland Institute of Computer Mgmt. Ambassador of the World’s Largest Poetry Society http://www.poetry.com Married mother of two.
Tell us a little bit about you outside of being an author.
Institute of Computer Mgmt, Student of the Long Ridge Writers Group, Ambassador of the World’s Largest Poetry Society, Freelance Writer, Mother of two
What is your earliest writing memory?
Around seven years old, I remember putting together cute little poems that grew into stories, which I still do today.
What feelings do you experience once you are satisfied with your completed manuscript(s)?
I am never 100% satisfied with my manuscripts.If I write a chapter that I think is excellent I get a feeling of satisfaction that is un-describable.Then I go back and read it again and continue to improve upon us.
In your upcoming release or newly released book, how did you come up with the idea of your main character(s)?
With my first book Broken Family Ties; I sat down at my computer depressed and just started typing.It started out being about a 5 year old who was accused of being the seventh child born and evil.Before long I found myself going in a totally different direction about parental superstitions, lies and deceit.
Part II Severed Family Ties was written more traditionally.I used a scene builder script, narrated the story. I also studied Broken Family Ties to clean up all loose ends and such.
Tell us a little bit about your work in progress and/or your upcoming release.
Broken Family Ties was released 12/2006.The follow up Severed Family Ties is soon to be released and will answer all the cliffhangers.It will start out with Carl, the oldest sibling being homeless, answer Caroline’s child situation, explain Charles’ idiosyncrasies and delve more into the relationships of their parents’ Kevin and Ann Grover.
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?
Headline Suggestion:Family Ties, Family Lies
Word Count: 185
Broken Family Ties is an introduction into the lives of the Grover children and their extended family. Caroline, Charles and Carl Grover are born to Kevin and Ann Grover. Caroline is taken in as an infant for a hearing test, the doctor makes an observation that her soul is in trouble. Caroline is described as evil, with a disconcerting look and precocious in her mannerisms. When Caroline, the middle child, is five years-old the children lose their parents and their grandparents, Henry and Alicia
Brooks move in to care for them. Immediately it is clear that Alicia is harboring secrets and resentments where the kids are concerned.
Grandma Alicia is a woman only concerned with her God and living in her dead daughter’s beautiful home. She has no use for anyone else and is honest about it. She is the true power in the home and makes the decisions. Grandpa Henry is an inactive participant.
Broken Family Ties is available @ www.lulu.com and
Part II-Severed Family Ties unofficial release date, late 2008
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 take their suggestions into account and build upon them.Since I am self published and there is very little budget for my craft, I consider this free editing and welcome it with open arms.
What authors influence your writing dreams, goals and aspirations?
Not only do I have a natural love for writing, I also love to read.I make a point of not letting other writers influence my style.I want to find my own voice.That being said, some of the authors I find myself drawn to in distant past and present are VC Andrews and Carl Weber.I’ve read Eric Jerome Dickey’s latest and was unimpressed.Below is a list of books I read in July.I always review them after completion.
Jul-08
Back Roads
Tawni O'Dell
Excellent!Definite good read.Flowed nicely and kept me guessing.
I thought for sure the killer deserved her just due.
Some of the areas took me where I wasn't ready to go.
But once I got there I was in awe of this writer.
Jul-08
Bad Boy, A Memoir
Walter Dean Myers
Boring as hell!This story was so long and drawn out, I got half way
through the short memoir and didn’t care what made Walter a bad boy.
I forced myself to finish it and liked the ending.
His writing style was excellent, even though drawn out at times.
He wasn’t a bad boy; I felt he was more so lost.
Jul-08
Better Than I Know Myself
Virginia DeBerry & Donna Grant
Excellent!Three unlikely girls cross paths and develop life long
friendships helping each other through searching for a child,
drug addiction, weddings, cancer and death-awesome!
Just when I thought I had it figured out
Deberry & Grant took a new route!
What books would you recommend on writing?
I would recommend that every aspiring writer who believes that they have a raw talent/love for it should take at least one professional writing course.I highly recommend Long Ridge Writing Group, it is affordable and honest critiques are given of your home work assignments. And the course can be completed at your leisure.
If you could change one thing you did during your road to publication, what would it be and what would you have done different?
There is more than one thing I would change.I would heed to the advice of getting my work copyedited.I would not rely on friends, family, and co-workers.And my best friend would be the last to read it, not the first as she was only trying to protect my feeling, when in fact she allowed me to embarrass myself.
What advice would you give an aspiring author?
If you love to write then write!No matter what anyone says, chase your dreams, hone your craft and go for it with a vengeance!If you fall on your face get back up and start writing.For every bad review you receive, change your way of thinking.It’s not a bad review.It’s constructive criticism to help you improve your craft.
Where can readers learn more about you and your books?
JC Martinis an aspiring author, a mother, and a wife. She has been reading books as far back as her memory will allow her to remember. She has always used books as an escape from her everyday life. Her passion for words became evident to her English teacher in the eighth grade. Since then Jennifer has been writing non-stop, but it was not until 2006 when she finally realized her passion. She reviews books because she truly loves reading, and wants to spread the word to more than just the people she knows.
DJ Frazieris an Ohio-born, spoken-word poet who has composed poetry since she was able to hold a laddie pencil. As reviewer for A Place Of Our Own (APOOO) and aspiring novelist, she dabbles in the literary scene from all perspectives. She has been published on www.thebacklist.net, interviewed on www.blogginginblack.com, and is currently submitting fiction manuscripts to publishers while juggling daughterhood, sisterhood, wifedom, parenthood, and of course, writing. Outside of family and all things literary, Darnetta overindulges in Hip-Hop, dabbles in computer graphic design, and creates handcrafted cards, candles, and jewelry.
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