Give the Gift of Knowledge

We have selected amazing books to give as gifts all year long, to populate your home library shelves and to fill those special gift bags. Give the Gift of Knowledge, give a book! You can also read more detailed author interviews at: www.blackpearlsmagazine.com. Share this page on Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter!

Movie Coming April 17, 2009 AMERICAN VIOLET



Based on true events in the midst of the 2000 election, AMERICAN VIOLET tells the astonishing story of Dee Roberts (critically hailed newcomer Nicole Beharie), a 24 year-old African American single mother of four young girls living in a small Texas town who is barely making ends meet on a waitress salary and government subsidies.

On an early November morning while Dee works a shift at the local diner, the powerful local district attorney (Academy Award® nominee Michael OKeefe) leads an extensive drug bust, sweeping her Arlington Springs housing project with military precision. Police drag Dee from work in handcuffs, dumping her in the squalor of the womens county prison. Indicted based on the uncorroborated word of a single and dubious police informant facing his own drug charges, Dee soon discovers she has been charged as a drug dealer.

Even though Dee has no prior drug record and no drugs were found on her in the raid or any subsequent searches, she is offered a hellish choice: plead guilty and go home as a convicted felon or remain in prison and fight the charges thus, jeopardizing her custody and risking a long prison sentence.

Despite the urgings of her mother (Academy Award® nominee Alfre Woodard), and with her freedom and the custody of her children at stake, she chooses to fight the district attorney and the unyielding criminal justice system he represents. Joined in an unlikely alliance with an ACLU attorney (Tim Blake Nelson) and former local narcotics officer (Will Patton), Dee risks everything in a battle that forever changes her life and the Texas justice system. AMERICAN VIOLET also stars Emmy Award® winner Charles S. Dutton and Xzibit.

For more information - http://www.americanviolet.com

-----------------------------------------------------
Join the Conversation, leave questions or comments below. Each day active bloggers are selected to win free books and prizes, so leave your email address with each post. Thank you!

Faith and Fiction Retreat 2009


Faith and Fiction Retreat 2009

Faith and Fiction Retreat in Orlando, FL on July 16-19, 2009. This conference, founded by author, Tiffany Warren was an excellent getaway last year and is sure to be even better this year. The retreat allows readers and bookclubs to come together in a spirit of sisterhood and to get up-close-and- personal with their favorite Christian Fiction Authors.

This year featured authors include Angela Benson, Reshonda Tate Billingsley, Tia McCollors and Tiffany Warren. Conference events include everything from late night book discussions to book signings to panel discussions with 14 of your favorite inspirational writers, a special session for teens and a session about building a bookclub.

The hotel is a five star resort with a lots of amenities right in the heart of Orlando's theme parks. For details on registration, click here for more details.

For more details visit: http://www.faithandfictionretreat.com
-----------------------------------------------------
Join the Conversation, leave questions or comments below. Each day active bloggers are selected to win free books and prizes, so leave your email address with each post. Thank you!

That Devil's No Friend of Mine by J. D. Mason

When Bishop Fontaine passed away, he left behind more than a list of good deeds. He was known as a caring friend and doting father...but he was also manipulative and controlling, especially to those he loved.

His death begins to unravel deep secrets and shocking desires among the people he cared most about. Five very different people whose lives are only connected by Bishop suddenly find themselves up close and personal as desires, dreams and passions collide.

Reviews:
"Mason has become a major name in African American fiction. Her stark portrayals of her characters and their innermost thoughts bring the readers right into the emotional center of the story. Those who enjoy Carl Weber and Eric Jerome Dickey will add Mason to their list of favorites." --Booklist

"Bishop Fontaine is a huge presence in the lives of his friends and family, and Mason adeptly shows how his death has an equally powerful impack on them. Diverse emotions flow across the pages, and readers will savor the intimacies and storylines that make this novel an exceptional offering." --Romantic Times BOOKreviews

Listen to the virtual book release party below to get a insider peek at this 5 star book, That Devil's No Friend of Mine:



Biography

J.D. MASON is the author of YOU GOTTA SIN TO GET SAVED, THIS FIRE DOWN IN MY SOUL, DON'T WANT NO SUGAR, AND ON THE EIGTH DAY SHE RESTED, and ONE DAY I SAW A BLACK KING. She lives in Denver, Colorado with her two children.
Buy the book today!


-----------------------------------------------------
Join the Conversation, leave questions or comments below. Each day active bloggers are selected to win free books and prizes, so leave your email address with each post. Thank you!

April is World Poetry Month


April is World Poetry Month
Poets from Around the World Unite on Blog Talk Radio


Poets around the world call for a World Poetry Month. Fifteen poets from such places as Saint Paul, Minnesota; Rye, England; and South Africa, Johannesburg will unite and discuss the need for a World Poetry Month.

Fifteen talented poets from the Gaia.com E-community - Empowered by Poetry - will be interviewed on April 13th and 20th from 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. EST (Eastern Standard Time). Ella Curry of EDC Creations, John D. Evans, Dominant Muse of the Gaia.com E-community and founder of The Evans Poetry Collection, and select poets from around the world will unite and call for a World Poetry Month designation for the month of April.

The poets will engage in educational, inspiring, and meaningful discussions on poetry and they will explain how poetry empowers. All visitors can chat live in the chat-room during the show live at: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Black-Author-Network . Let's make this epic event an exciting and unforgettable one.

“When we take a stand for poetry, we take a stand for beauty. When we take a stand for beauty, we take a stand for peace. Celebrate World Poetry Month and get one step closer to World Peace…” says John D. Evans, Empowered by Poetry group leader.

The theme for the show is a statement of declaration: April is World Poetry Month - A Discussion of Poetry with Poets from Around the World.

If you should have questions about the guests or about the World Poetry Month effort, contact John D. Evans at 877-4MY-TEPC (877-469-8372).

If anyone is interested in calling with questions for the guests during the show, please call (646) 200-0402. Continue to shine my talented friends.

John D. Evans, Group Manager
Empowered by Poetry
Gaia.com


Please join in the discussion by leaving comments or congrats below.
Black Authors Culture Center-- Twitter with Ella--Black Pearls Mag

Premiere Issue of SISTAH Talk Magazine



The S.I.S.T.A.H.S. Ministry International
Premiere Issue of SISTAH Talk Magazine


SISTAH Talk E-Magazine is committed to empowering, informing and inspiring women and teenage girls toward a closer walk with Christ, and to providing resources to assist in daily living and personal growth.

SISTAH Talk understands that women and teenage girls have interests outside their faith and there are women and teens yet working to build their faith. It is our goal that readers connect with the articles and grow in spirit and in truth.

SISTAH Talk is committed to the content being biblically sound and practical, and an avenue for readers to apply the Word to their lives, how to grow in the Word and stimulate their intellect.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD YOUR ISSUE
www.TheSISTAHSMinistry.com/SistahTalkMagazine.htm

-----------------------------------------------------
Join the Conversation, leave questions or comments below. Each day active bloggers are selected to win free books and prizes, so leave your email address with each post. Thank you!

Business Spotlight: Upstage Comedians

Intimate Conversation with Darryl Hutchins founder of Upstage Comedians

Darryl Hutchins is a Christian comedian known as D'Lo (The Bernie Mac of Christian Comedy). He has been doing comedy for over 15 years. His comic style puts you in the mind of the late Bernie Mac. He has been featured on TV shows, Radio Talk Shows and various newspapers. As owner of Upstage Comedians, a booking agency for clean and Christian comedians, he is providing a service to connect customers with comedians across the country. His company is one of the fastest growing agencies for booking comedians.

View Videos of Darryl Hutchins here

About Upstage Comedians: Upstage Comedians is an agency where people can book clean & Christian comedians for any venue. They have booked comedians for corporate events, church events, anniversaries, birthday parties, cruises, comedy shows, and family reunions. The comedy they provide is safe for all ages. Ask about their comedy tours and all inclusive packages. They have packages to fit just about any budget.


Intimate Discussion:
ELLA: Did your company change the way consumers were previously taught to think?
Oh yes, definitely! We have been taught that laughter and the church doesn't mix. I have had people tell me it's not polite to play with God. We are not making fun of Christianity at all. We are taking life events or funny things that have happened in church and present them to the audience in a way that's non-offensive. In Luke 6:22 the Bible states " ... blessed are ye that weep now, for ye shall laugh." We all know the scripture that "A merry heart does the soul good like a medicine." This is a ministry as well as a service. Our mission it to throw out old tradition and bring in new fresh laughter.

ELLA: Where did you get your start in this business/industry?
I would say it really started in high school when I would get beat up for joking on people. I knew I was funny, so I would perform comedy wherever I could. When I turned my life over to Christ, I decided to start doing Christian comedy. I didn't know where to begin, so I rented school auditoriums and started hosting my own comedy shows. I hooked up with Pat G'Orge-Walker (Sister Betty) and we started doing shows together. Soon thereafter, I started Upstage Comedians and the list of comedians kept growing.


ELLA: What separates you and your firm from the competition?
A lot of agencies have limited access to comedians. They may have one, two, or three comedians. We have a list of comedians all over the United States. We get a lot of calls from people that have booked a comedian elsewhere and for some reason, the comedian had to cancel. If that happens with Upstage Comedians, we are able to book a replacement comedian, sometimes at short notice. Plus, we have a relationship with our comedians. In some cases, we are able to negotiate prices for our clients. We have been able to get in contact with comedians that others have failed to contact. Plus, we make sure the comedians on our website are truly funny. You won't have to worry about having a "boring" comedian at your event.

ELLA: What is your biggest challenge in business? How did you overcome it?
My biggest challenge was family. They told me to stop doing comedy because I can't get anywhere in life telling jokes. They said go to college, get a good paying job with benefits and stop living in a fantasy world. They even went so far as to have a comedian call me, who was struggling with finances, and tell me how hard it is to make it as a comedian. I stopped doing comedy for about 8 years. I started working at Embarq and I would keep people laughing at work. People encouraged me to do comedy. That's when I decided to rent school auditoriums and host comedy shows. My supervisor told me my shows are too good for a small town and I should move to a bigger city. I have strong faith in God, so I moved from New Bern, NC to Raleigh, NC. That's when the ministry really took off. I remembered a sermon where a pastor said, "The opposite of fear is faith." So, when you get scared, use faith to overcome your fear.


ELLA: What are 3 things all leaders possess?
Faith, Vision & Courage. You MUST have faith and put that faith into action. Next you have vision, and write it down-make it plain. Then the courage to do it.


ELLA: What's new in your company for 2009?
Right now we are planning an online talk show, a reality TV show and setting up a comedy store where people can order DVD's and other products. We are always looking for ways to improve.

To book a comedian or a comedy tour contact:
Darryl Hutchins
Founder/Comedian
Upstage Comedians
P.O. Box 1424
Cary, NC 27512-1424
www.upstagecomedians.com
Phone: 866-988-7987 ext. 2

-----------------------------------------------------
Join the Conversation, leave questions or comments below. Each day active bloggers are selected to win free books and prizes, so leave your email address with each post. Thank you!

Raising Him Alone Campaign on BAN Radio


Listen to the encouraging interview with authors Matthew Stevens and David Miller. Special guest Sheron Smith (mother of Grammy nominated actor and rapper Mos Def) Hosted by Ella Curry, president of EDC Creations.



Raising Him Alone Campaign features thought-provoking workshops, series of community forums addressing a variety of diverse topics (legal resources, financial literacy, mental health support, health & nutrition & educational advocacy). The Kick Off also features workshops, resource fair and an intimate panel discussion featuring several celebrity mothers who have raised boys become men. The mothers include the following: Dr. Mahalia Hines (mother of rapper Common), Dr. Brenda Greene (mother of rapper and activist Talib Kweli) and Sheron Smith (mother of Grammy nominated actor and rapper Mos Def). Other featured speakers include: Meshelle, Cassandra Mack, Richard Rowe, Adeyemi Bandale, Kenneth Braswell and Joel Austin.

The campaign focuses on four areas identified as key benchmarks in addressing positive outcomes for single mothers and their sons. The campaign's approach to provide greater advocacy and supporting parents gaining access to community based services. The following are the four key campaign areas:

Health & Well Being (Mental Health)
Black males have the worst health status of any other race-sex group.
Black males have the second lowest life expectancy at birth second only to Native American men. Black males have the highest death rate from all causes and the highest death rates from cancer, cardiovascular disease & homicides.
Black male have the highest rates of sexually transmitted infections.

Educational Support & Advocacy
Black males account for 8.62% of total enrollment in the nation's elementary and secondary schools, but account for 21.69% of total expulsions.
Forty-two percent of all Black boys have failed an entire grade at least once.
The national average high school graduation rate for Black boys is 47%.

Financial Literacy (African American Community)
Nearly six of 10 children living with only their mother were near (or below) the poverty line.
Of the 19 million children of single parents, two thirds live in rented homes.

Reconnecting Fathers & Sons
Children From Fatherless Homes More Likely To:
Commit Suicide (5 Times)
Have behavioral disorder (20 Times)
Drop out of school (9 Times)
Abuse drugs (10 Times)
Go to prison (20Times


Visit the main website to purchase the book and for more information:
http://www.raisinghimalone.com/index.htm


The Renaissance Group, LLC
Marketing Consulting · Extraordinary Events
therenaissancegrouplm@gmail.com


-----------------------------------------------------
Join the Conversation, leave questions or comments below. Each day active bloggers are selected to win free books and prizes, so leave your email address with each post. Thank you!

EDC Reader Review: Nichelle Walker and Wahida Clark

EDC Creations Reader Review: Nichelle Walker and Wahida Clark



Money Over Men by Nichelle Walker
ISBN-10: 0979402824 | ISBN-13: 978-0979402821

She was left to die in jail, her jewels, clothes and cars where stripped away from her. She was betrayed and set up by the only family she had. When the world turned their back on her she became Shiesty. Emerald is coming home sooner than everyone thinks and the only thing on her mind is payback. Emerald killed the good girl she had in her and quickly became cold hearted and ruthless. Her new personality Shiesty wasn't letting anyone run over her or hurt her again.

But when tragedy strikes and a promise to her grandmother sets Shiesty plans back. Emerald tries to forgive and forget her past and move on with her life. But sometimes forgiving isn't always that easy. With Emerald battling her alter ego Shiesty, she takes everyone on a emotional roller coaster that they will never forget. Who will win the fight between doing what's right or getting even?

Author Nichelle Walker is also the author of Doing His Time. Nichelle can be found on her entertainment blog at: www.nwmasssmedia.com. You can also check Nichelle out at her site Girls Do Rock (www.girlsdorock.org) which is her non-profit organization, started to encourage young women to get out and get an education and respect their bodies.

-----------------------------------------------------
Join the Conversation, leave questions or comments below. Each day active bloggers are selected to win free books and prizes, so leave your email address with each post. Thank you!

The Precious Life by Che Parker

The Precious Life by Che Parker



Vivid and raw, full of the consequences of terrible actions done in the name of love, The Precious Life documents the unraveling of a marriage that, on the outside, appeared to have everything it needed to remain stable.

Joshua and Kathryn have settled for underachieving careers and a comfortable suburban lifestyle, coasting through life without any risk or adventure. But when secrets emerge about Kathryn's past, and a tragic accident sends the couple wheeling into grief, Joshua breaks away from their sheltered home and begins to fashion a second life for himself, brewing with anger, resentment, and, eventually, hatred for his wife that culminates in a murderous desire.

In its unflinching examination of the human condition, The Precious Life takes readers on a bumpy ride through the life of a couple on the verge of collapse.

-----------------------------------------------------
Join the Conversation, leave questions or comments below. Each day active bloggers are selected to win free books and prizes, so leave your email address with each post. Thank you!

Go Home and Love Your Family by Delores Washington

Go Home and Love Your Family by Delores Ann Washington



-----------------------------------------------------
Join the Conversation, leave questions or comments below. Each day active bloggers are selected to win free books and prizes, so leave your email address with each post. Thank you!

The Day I Stopped Being Pretty by Rodney Lofton

The Day I Stopped Being Pretty by Rodney Lofton



The Day I Stopped Being Pretty, chronicles the life of a young, black gay male who awakes and finds himself in the emergency room after a failed suicide attempt. After regaining consciousness, he begins to reflect on the events of his life that led him to attempting to take his life. His story is told in gritty and raw flashback, focusing on the men who shaped him into the man he has become, beginning with the first man he ever loved, his father.

His story addresses, the discovery of his burgeoning sexuality, his life filled with low-self esteem, which leads him to seek love in the arms of many to compensate for the love he never received from his father. During the course of his life, we see his battle with substance abuse, physical abuse and sexual activities that lead to his eventual HIV diagnosis.

After he shares the path that led him to his own self-destruction, he realizes in the face of death, the love that he has sought in many others, has always been in the one place he never looked, within himself.

This raw and gritty story spans twenty-seven years of the lead character, as he faces racism, homophobia, rape and coping with being HIV positive. It is a story that shows the face of growing up black, living gay and loving positive. The Day I Stopped Being Pretty is one that shows triumph over adversity and the ability to find the love we all search for, self love.

-----------------------------------------------------
Join the Conversation, leave questions or comments below. Each day active bloggers are selected to win free books and prizes, so leave your email address with each post. Thank you!

Unexpected Interruptions by Trice Hickman

Unexpected Interruptions by Trice Hickman (Author)



What happens when a young woman falls for two men--one black, one white, both determined in their pursuit for her affections?....Unexpected Interruptions follows the journey of Victoria Small, a smart, savvy sister who's fresh off a year-long, self-imposed hiatus--from men! Now that she's ready to start dating again, she gets more than she bargained for when Ted Thornton and Parker Brightwood enter her life.

Ted, a powerful blue-eyed CEO, is drawn to Victoria, igniting a friendship that both delights and shocks her out of her comfort zone. Then she meets Parker, a talented surgeon who showers her with tenderness, helping to mend her once-broken heart.

In her struggle to rationalize her growing feelings for the white man who loves her, and forge ahead in her relationship with the ebony prince who fulfills her, she resurrects a painful secret she thought she'd buried long ago, and finds herself doing things she never thought she'd do. Along the way she's joined by a colorful cast of friends and foes as she tests the boundaries of love, race, class and where she fits in.

About the Author
Prior to writing, Trice Hickman's diverse professional career included work in both corporate and non-profit organizations. Unexpected Interruptions, was the recipient of the Southeastern Virginia Arts Association's 2008 Afr' Am Literary Award for Best New African American Voice, and the Best Romance Novel Award at the 2008 African American Literary Awards Show. Her second novel, Keeping Secrets & Telling Lies, will be released June 2009.

-----------------------------------------------------

Join the Conversation, leave questions or comments below. Each day active bloggers are selected to win free books and prizes, so leave your email address with each post. Thank you!

Lies of Blue by Lynne Forde Book Tour Intro.

Lies of Blue is the story about Lynne Forde, a young woman who tries to reach her dream by making sacrifices. Somewhere along the line, the wrong sacrifices get made. It's Training Day meets OZ with a twist of Set It Off.

When Forde gets tired of her dead end job in the City Courts, she embarks on a career in the belly of the beast. With a degree in hand and a little bit of street sense, she decides to try her hand working in Rivers Edge Jail Complex. From day one at the Academy to her last day at Prison, Forde evolves from your average rookie into something other than just a woman. To make matters worse, if you put a sexual being in the midst of some of the citys most conniving men and women, you are bound to come up with something a little kinky and very destructive. The more dangerous the game became, the more erotic the encounters became.



She goes from Officer, to Hustler, to Vic, to CEO in a matter of 8 years.
Lies of Blue is an expose of what goes on in the belly of the beast, through the eyes of one woman. Lies of Blue teaches you that there are so many people you may come across in life, you never know who is real and who is fake, but that the journey can become a battle of life or death. Choose wisely. What is the price for fulfilling your dream? Brought to you by EDC Creations Media Group www.edc-creations.com

You can reach Lynne Forde at:www.liesofblue.com or www.saffyre.us

-----------------------------------------------------
Join the Conversation, leave questions or comments below. Each day active bloggers are selected to win free books and prizes, so leave your email address with each post. Thank you!

Patricia A. Bridewell Book Release Party

As I sit here thinking about my book release party, I'm astounded that at first I had made up my mind not to have one. Too much of a hassle, nobody will show up, I don't want to seem vain. These thoughts constantly flowed through my mind. As a new author, I felt as if I was trying to squeeze my way into a business where literally no one is guaranteed a large slice of the pie. I wanted a graceful, yet grand slam introduction of my Christian Fiction book, Reflections of a Quiet Storm. The graceful side would introduce readers to the protagonist, Pauline Bridges, and allow them to peek inside the world of a person who lived to serve God and help other people. The other end of the spectrum was the grand slam side. That part would lead the readers into the deep, dark side of her life experiences as the story unfolded.



I've always believed in prayer, and my faith in God has led me through miraculous obstacles in my life. The moment of prayer regarding the book release party was worthwhile. After my prayer, I received peace and tranquility. All of the doubts, questions, and negative thoughts vanished. I knew I had to have the event, and I sent out announcements and made phone calls. I had a wonderful book release party!

Thank you so much to all of my friends, family, colleagues, students, and most of all to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Peace and Blessings,
Patricia A. Bridewell, Author
Reflections of a Quiet Storm
www.patriciabridewell.com
www.edccreationsbooktours.ning.com

-----------
Patricia A. Bridewell is a native of Los Angeles, California. Reading has always had a certain magnetism in her life since childhood. Journaling life experiences as therapy led to her passion for writing. Her notes transcended into the novel, Reflections of a Quiet Storm, to be released by Xpress Yourself Publishing LLC on March 10, 2009. Patricia has multifaceted careers as a registered nurse, adjunct college professor, and CEO of her own company, Bri-John Nursing Services, Inc. She is currently working on her second novel and is a guest writer for two new online magazines-Step Up Sista and Hotlantabuzzonline.com.

-----------
Join the Conversation, leave questions or comments below. Each day active bloggers are selected to win free books and prizes, so leave your email address with each post. Thank you!

Devon Scott author of Unfaithful meets Sweet Soul Sisters

Unfaithful by Devon Scott (5 star review)
ISBN-10: 0758226985 ---- ISBN-13: 978-0758226983

Devon Scott author of Unfaithful book discussion with the Sweet Soul Sisters Bookclub, Maryland.. Readers, the bookclub and Devon are discussing only ONE of the series of life-altering scenes in the book. This interview will discuss the acts that lead the reader on a fast paced, page-turning read from page one. View more hot book reviews at EDC Creations. www.edc-creations.com

Your Wildest Fantasies...
He's smart, successful, happily-married--and has the best of everything. But ambitious business executive Ryan can't stop thinking about the woman he can't have: Olivia. She's his friend, his co-worker...and his best friend Miles's wife. It only takes one irresistible moment, one luscious taste, to ignite their relationship into an insatiable fire...



Can Become Your Worst Nightmares...
But Ryan's erotic fantasies are slowly unraveling his career, marriage, and friendships as he discovers his mind-blowing tryst was nothing more than a treacherous charade. Now his obsession and sexual escapades threaten to ruin all he's worked so hard for, trapping him deeper into a web of illicit desire, deceit, and danger...



“Scott is an author to notice . . . Seduction, deceit, anguish and obsession flow in this page-turner.” —Romantic Times Book Reviews, 4 stars

-----------------------------------------------------
Join the Conversation, leave questions or comments below. Each day active bloggers are selected to win free books and prizes, so leave your email address with each post. Thank you!

What does the Black Authors Network Mean to YOU?













This is what the Black Authors Network means to me! Share with us 3 words that describes the BAN Radio and its dedication to literature, from your view. [created with Wordle]

Sweet Soul Sisters Book Club Literary Events


Sweet Soul Sisters Book Club Literary Events at Andrews Air Force Base

-----------------------------------------------------
Join the Conversation, leave questions or comments below. Each day active bloggers are selected to win free books and prizes, so leave your email address with each post. Thank you!