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!
Molly is a woman who has lived the equivalent of two lifetimes, a life filled with at times hardship, struggle, triumphs but many challenges, sometimes of near epic proportions. In spite of this, she has never backed away from a situation or conflict despite the consequences, many of which have been enormous and there were great prices to be paid. This memoir, "How I Made the Angels Cry" is her struggle with spirituality, sexuality, corruption, injustice, and murder.
"It will take you from desperation to inspiration. What a liberating ride!"
Buy the book at: Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com or order from your local bookstore, distributed by Ingram Book Group.
Follow Author Meleisa Betts on her Internet Book Tour
5th Anniversary Capital BookFest Saturday, October 3, 2009 Time: 10am-7pm EST
Location: Boulevard at the Capital Centre 900 Capital Centre Boulevard, Largo 20774
Meet Ella Curry of EDC Creations for live reader interviews!
Celebrating 5 Years of Strengthening Families through Reading
Event Description: Presented in partnership with the Department of Parks and Recreation, the Bookfest features author readings, publishing workshops, poetry performances, children's storytelling, teen programs, and over 75 vendors. Free books to the first 1,000 people.
The authors talks include discussions with Nelson George, Tim Reid, Liza Mundy (Michelle Obama: Biography), Sonya Sones, Marita Golden, Lori Nelson, Ronald Cotton (Picking Cotton), Chef Gillian Clark, Sahar Simmons, Le Hinton, Victoria Christopher Murray, W. Ralph Eubanks, Lucille Clifton, Omar Tyree, Kimberly Seals Allers (The Mocha Moms Manual), Charisse Nunes (I am Barack Obama children’s book), and several teen authors.
This year, in response to President Barack Obama’s call to service, the Capital BookFest and the Prince George’s County Department of Social Services will team up to promote healthy homes for children in foster care. Visit www.capitalbookfest.org for a schedule of events. All ages welcome. Cost: FREE admission
Capital BookFest Founder
Kwame Alexander, a poet, publisher, playwright, producer, dynamic speaker, and performer, is the author of eight books -including the best-selling Do The Write Thing: 7 Steps to Publishing Success, Kupenda: Love Poems, Dancing Naked on the Floor: poems and essays, and The Way I Walk, a collection of young adult short stories.
He has conducted standing-room only publishing workshops, delivered awe-inspiring keynote speeches, and performed his cutting-edge brand of poetry to audiences at numerous conferences, colleges and venues throughout the world, including: Stratford-on-Avon, Brixton Town Hall, Oberlin College, UC Berkeley, Hampton University, Duke University, University of Maryland, America's Choice National Conference, Baltimore Writers Alliance, and the Gwendolyn Brooks Writers Conference.
Alexander has produced over two-hundred literary related special events, the most recent being the First Annual Capital BookFest, a major literary arts festival sponsored by The Washington Post, Chick-fil-A, and The Literacy Council of Prince George's County. Dubbed a "phenom" in the poetry world by The Charleston (SC) City Paper, Alexander has wowed audiences with his electric readings and performances at coffeehouses, theatres, and universities across the country and abroad. In 2002, 2004, and 2005 Alexander was selected as a special guest author for the Library of Congress Poets at Noon Series, and The Washington Post-Maryland Center for the Book Evening in The Stacks Gala.
The founder of two book publishing companies, BlackWords Press and Do The Write Thing , this publishing veteran of over fifteen years is responsible for some of the most progressive, original and exciting fiction and non-fiction on the shelves today. He has published over forty authors in different genres, including: M. Dion Thompson, former Baltimore Sun reporter and author of the critically-acclaimed historical novel Walk Like A Natural Man; Lalita Noronha, author of the short story collection, Where Monsoons Cry; and Michael Datcher, Today Show Book Club Awardee and editor of Tough Love: The Life and Death of Tupac Shakur . Kwame Alexander has served as a judge for several local and national literary awards, including the Georgia Writer's Awards, and the Washington, DC Parkmont Poetry Awards. Among his many board appointments are The CityLit Project, Baltimore's Artscape Festival, and the Hippodrome Arts & Education Committee. Alexander is a graduate of Virginia Tech, where he studied under renowned poet Nikki Giovanni.
He lives in Northern Virginia with his wife and daughter, where he hosts a weekly radio program, Word of Mouth, and serves as poet-in-the-schools for Crossland High School/Prince George's County Schools. When not working on several new and exciting book and TV/film projects, he enjoys reading, writing, and a good game of chess.
Join the Party with Ella Curry and Author Monique D. Mensah as we celebrate the release of Who Is He To You!
EDC Creations and the Sankofa Literary Society announces the official virtual book tour of Monique D. Mensah, the award-winning author of the dramatic fiction, Who Is He To You. Come party with us September 1 to October 30, 2009.
Follow Monique D. Mensah on an interesting journey all over the Internet from the comfort of your home. Readers will be intrigued by the intelligent exploration of sensitive issues such as cutting, emotional abuse, depression, and drug-addiction. The first page is filled with intense emotion and a descriptive setting that pulls the reader right into the scene. This virtual book tour is brought to you by EDC Creations Media Group.
Give the Gift of Knowledge Campaign EDC Creations announces the launch of the 2009-2010 Give the Gift of Knowledge Campaign, bringing readers and authors together to help improve literacy and change lives through the gift of books. A sincere thank you to all of our tour hosts, wonderful readers and book club members who continue to support us and our authors and business owners. During our travels, we meet so many wonderful people and we look forward to meeting more of you, and getting to know you and providing what you need to satisfy your literary appetite. If you have not done so already, please sign up for our newsletter to stay abreast of new literary events and the latest book news, reviews and author tours. We select 4 newsletter subscribers each week to review newly released books for us. Sign up for our Sunday News Literary Email Newsletter here.
Prizes for Bloggers and Reviewers We offer special gifts for those who support the authors during our Intimate Evening reading series on BAN Radio and to those who respond to the posts! To become eligible to win 1 of 5 copies of Who Is He To You by Monique Mensah, follow author Monique Mensah on her virtual tour and leave comments at the blog stops and interviews. The lucky winners will be announced on EDC Creations' Black Pearls magazine blog on November 7, 2009!
Join the Who Is He To You Book Release Celebration
If you would like to follow the Who Is He To You virtual book tour, visit the online media center frequently at http://www.blackpearlsmagazine.com/moniquemensah.htm for the tour schedule. Meet Monique on the sites listed and add your comments or reviews. If you would like to host author Monique Mensah on your site, blog, radio show or magazine, please visit the online media center and select promotional material that will Give the Gift of Knowledge to your network.
Thank you all for Giving the Gift of Knowledge! Make sure to check out our bookshelves for gifts and books that change lives. Let's get this party started!
Off the Pages Podcast Website: http://www.offthepagespodcast.com/ Call in number is (724) 444-7444-- Call ID: 60248 Wednesday, November 4, 2009 at 9:00 pm EST
Sankofa Literary Society Authors Spotlight Monique D. Mensah Journey to Publication
Ella: Monique, tell us those Intimate Details about your book and the people within, Who Is He to You. MDM: As the shattered lives of Simone, Ryan and Jessica collide, they find that they have one thing in common: they are all in a desperate fight to hang on to love that doesn’t love them back.
Simone, a beautiful 14-year-old girl, lies in her bed begging God to take her life. She says the same prayer every night, but mercilessly, He ignores her pleas. She believes that God left her on this earth to cope with incestuous rape the best way she knows how—through self-mutilation. Simone’s father loves her; he always has. But realizing that Simone processes something that no other woman has, he allows himself to fall in love with his own daughter. Simone’s family is one of affluence and prestige and she couldn’t live with herself if she tarnished that reputation and disappointed her mother’s high expectations. She doesn’t want her father to go to prison and she can’t tell her mother. Her father just needs help. Once he gets the help he needs, they can return to the happy and normal family they once were.
Ryan is falling fast into the cold and isolated world of depression. The only thing that keeps her dangling on to hope is her boyfriend, Anthony’s, empty promises of marriage. After two years, their relationship suddenly begins to unravel at an alarming rate. Ryan is clueless as to why their relationship has taken such a dramatic change for the worst, but refusing to be single and childless at mid-life, she is determined to make it work.
Jessica is a polished and refined wife of a high-powered attorney, but she has a hardcore interior. She grew up in a dilapidated trailer with an alcoholic and abusive mother who hated her because she was half-black. When she met her husband, Ross Anthony Pembroke, while dancing as a stripper at a bachelor party, she was convinced that he was her savior. He trained and molded her into a well-groomed trophy wife. But Jessica will never be good enough for him. Ross will never accept her as long as she doesn’t accept herself.
You and the readers will have to read the book to see how these storylines turn out!
Spread the word about Who Is He to You by Monique D. Mensah Click on full screen button to preview and download
Ella: What inspired you to write this novel? MDM: I constantly have story ideas and characters flowing through my mind. A conversation I’ve overheard, a television show, or a news story may spark some ideas. Sometimes I pull from my own experiences or those of my friends. However, the concept of Who Is He To You emerged purely from my imagination.
I was prompted by a close friend to get started on my first novel and shortly after I came up with a broad, general idea. I knew that I wanted to defuse some stereotypes and keep the readers shocked and guessing. I wanted to write about things, other authors have yet to explore. The rest unfolded throughout the writing process.
Ella: What message(s) are you trying to convey to the readers? MDM: When I started writing Who Is He To You, I did it with the sole intention to entertain. It wasn’t until after I completed the manuscript and read the story in its entirety did I recognize the underlying messages weaved throughout the plot. Women too often count on the men in their lives to validate or complete them. For Simone it was her father, Ryan’s boyfriend, and Jessica’s husband. Women have to learn to love themselves, recognize their self-worth and learn to be happy instead of expecting a man to fill the gaps in their lives.
Ella: What do you want the readers to feel when reading about the struggles of the three main characters? MDM: It is my responsibility as the author to create a unique experience for my readers. When reading Who Is He To You, my readers should feel as if they are in the room with these characters, experiencing their stories first hand. I want the readers to feel Simone’s pain, desperation and uncertainty. They should empathize with Ryan’s frustration, and root for Jessica’s emergence into her identity. My goal is to have my readers identify a piece of themselves in one of the three main characters. That makes the story realistic and relatable.
Ella: Do you identify with any of the main characters? How so? MDM: I definitely identify with Ryan the most. I have never had a drug-addiction, but I have experienced depression and the frustrations of dealing with an emotionally unhealthy relationship. Some of the situations Ryan endures in the novel were inspired by my own experiences. I tried to exert feelings I had at those times into Ryan’s character in order to make her more real and relatable.
Ella: How would you describe your writing style? MDM: My writing style is very descriptive. I like to set the scene and vividly illustrate the emotions and feelings of the characters as they experience each situation. I am also a bold writer; writing about real situations and making my characters come to life with thoughts and actions that depict real life. I am not afraid to write about the ugly truths of reality like the mixed emotions Simone had about her relationship with her father. I stay away from the simplicity of stating the obvious in my writing. I want to broaden my readers’ minds and give them insight into some things they have not otherwise thought about.
Ella: What differentiates you and your novel from other novels in your genre? MDM: Who Is He To You is edgy and unpredictable. The characters are flawed, complicated, and multi-dimensional. Each chapter is filled with dramatic, descriptive scenes that pull the reader right into the story. Who Is He To You is an intense experience with real depictions of character reactions, emotions, and life situations. The novel gives an intelligent exploration of the infrequently discussed issues of incest, self-injury, and depression in the African-American community. It also breaks down and dispels some stereotypes and opens the readers eyes to fresh, new perspectives.
Ella: What is your writing process? MDM: I have a freestyle method of writing. I don’t create outlines for the story or characters. I start with a general idea, and then I begin to type. I allow the characters to take on lives of their own and guide me through to the end. Although I find it difficult to stick to structure, I try to commit to writing at least an hour a day. If during that time, I am unable to come up with actual material, I will spend that time thinking of how to further the story or alter what I’ve already written. I need complete silence when writing because I tend to be distracted easily. I usually write at home, in the evenings after my daughter has fallen asleep. I completed Who Is He To You in nine months by committing to that schedule.
Ella: What can readers expect from you in the future? MDM: My readers can expect more dramatic, intense novels filled with literary adrenaline. I will always provide original plots, real dialogue, and believable characters. I like to read the kind of books that make me want to flip back to the beginning after reaching the end. I hope to provide that same type of experience for my readers. My novels will evoke strong emotion and audible reactions. Overall, my readers can expect a unique experience.
Ella: What advice would you give aspiring authors following in your footsteps? MDM: I would advise aspiring authors to find your own writing style, perfect it, and stick to it. Don’t compare yourself to other established authors. Don’t try to write like your favorite author. Write in a way that identifies you as an individual and differentiates you from everyone else. In addition to writing, I read a lot of novels. Often after reading a book by one of my favorite authors, I would immediately begin to feel insecure about my own writing because I did not write like him or her. I had to learn to be confident in my writing and secure in my talent. You don’t want to be just like someone else. You want to stand out and be different.
Ella: What are your long-term writing plans and goals? MDM: Just about every writer wants to make it to the bestseller list and I am no different. I want to be able to reach a wide range of readers and make my mark on the literary world. I am currently working on my second novel and I plan to keep going from there, making a successful career for myself as an author. My ultimate goal is to earn the privilege of being a full-time author. I look forward to the days when I will make a living from my passion.
EDC Creations and the Sankofa Literary Society announces the official virtual book tour of Pamela Samuels Young, the critically-acclaimed author of In Firm Pursuit, Every Reasonable Doubt, Murder on the Down Low and the upcoming anticipated thriller, Buying Time. From September 1 to October 30, 2009, follow Pamela on an interesting journey all over the Internet from the comfort of your home. This virtual book tour is brought to you by EDC Creations Media Group. To learn more about Pamela’s virtual tour, visit her online media center.
Give the Gift of Knowledge Campaign
EDC Creations announces the launch of the 2009-2010 Give the Gift of Knowledge Campaign, bringing readers and authors together to help improve literacy and change lives through the gift of books. Explore our tour to meet authors on book tours and our virtual tour partners as well. Share with us all of your favorite books, poetry, plays and offer the authors some insider information. If you would like to become one of our virtual tour partners, feel free to mail the founder, Ella Curry, with your request. Email Ella at: elladcurry@edc-creations.com
A sincere thank you to all of our wonderful tour hosts, readers and book club members who continue to support us and our authors and business owners. During our travels, we meet so many wonderful people and we look forward to meeting more of you, getting to know you and providing what you need to satisfy your literary appetite.
If you have not done so already, please sign up for our newsletter to stay abreast of new literary events and the latest book news, reviews and author tours. We select 4 newsletter subscribers each week to review newly released books for us. Register here for the Sunday News from EDC Creations Media Group.
Prizes for Bloggers and Reviewers We offer special gifts for those who support the authors during our Intimate Evening reading series and to those who respond to the posts! To become eligible to win 1 of 5 copies of Murder on the Down Low by Pamela Samuels Young, follow Pamela on her virtual tour and leave comments at the blog stops and interviews. The lucky winners will be announced on EDC Creations' Black Pearls Magazine blog on November 7, 2009!
How to join the Murder on the Down Low Tour If you would like to follow Pamela Samuels Young's, Murder on the Down Low virtual book tour, visit her online media center frequently at for the tour schedule. Meet her on the sites listed and add your comments or reviews.
If you would like to host author Pamela Samuels Young on your site, blog, radio show or magazine, please visit her online media center and select promotional material that will Give the Gift of Knowledge to your network.
Thank you all for Giving the Gift of Knowledge! Make sure to check out our bookshelves for gifts and books that change lives!
Pamela Samuels Young is a practicing attorney and author of the legal thrillers, Murder on the Down Low, Every Reasonable Doubt, In Firm Pursuit and Buying Time. You can find Pamela’s articles on writing at BizyMoms.com, where she is a featured fiction writing expert. Author Pamela Samuels Young is available for literary events, speaking engagements, tele-conferences, bookclub chats and interviews.
To host author Pamela Samuels Young on your site, blog, radio show or magazine, please visit her online media center and select promotional material to that will Give the Gift of Knowledge to your network. After posting, please email Pamela with the links. Enter here: http://www.blackpearlsmagazine.com/pamelasyoung.htm
----------------------------------------------------- Join the Conversation, leave questions or comments below. Thank you!EDC Creations Book Promotions
Social Networking for the Author or new Business Owner
Social networking has created new paths to communicate and share information with people around the world. With the economy being what it is, authors and business owners need to use social media network to reach new customer. You can now reach millions with just a few hours of hard work! All business owners and authors need a strong Internet presence to spread their message to their target audience and potentially new consumers.
This audio seminar will help authors and entrepreneurs understand how to use social networks to gain new customers and how to retain old ones. Social media marketing is the process of using online communities to generate popularity, product exposure, speaking opportunities and ultimately increase sales. I will give the listener insight into how to achieve strong branding and marketing communication skills through the participation in various social media platforms. This is a 2 part audio seminar that will share tips, information, resources and a few suggested networks to utilize.
Up for Discussion
What is an author’s control center and what should be included? The author’s website is their control center. This should be your primary location to direct all readers. All of your vital information should be in one place and readers should only be directed to your most important links. Here are a few items that should be included: written excerpts, audio readings, reader’s guides, event photos, shout-outs to supporters, reviews and recent interviews, downloadable files, talking points, video media center and at least one page that has material in a copy/paste form. Readers should use all their senses except actual touch when visiting the site.
What is a hook? A "hook" is the one thing that captures the reader's attention. A hook might consist of a compelling statement, a soulful quote, a thought provoking question, a call to action, a bit of drama or controversy shared, or the resolution to a problem. The hook is the entire reason you produced the book, product or service! Your hook explains why your product or book is relevant.
What is a byline? Byline articles are an excellent way to establish ownership of articles and position you as a thought leader. The primary reason for including a byline with all written material is to gain exposure for a product or service with out blatantly pitching it to readers. Bylines should be a link back to you and your control center and not an advertisement.
Here are a few of the topics covered in the 2 seminars
• Creating your control center • Creating your pitch, hook and bylines • Importance of building relationships • How to add value to social networks • How to stimulate conversation with article writing • How to use audio and video to increase followers • The 4 main rules for success in social media marketing
• How to use Facebook, Twitter, Myspace and LinkedIn for business • Internet tools to promote your message • How to use the Internet to find target audiences • How to develop your social media strategy
EDC Creations, The Sankofa Literary Society and The Black Authors Network announced the launch of their 2009-2010 "Give the Gift of Knowledge Campaign," bringing readers and authors together to help improve literacy. In 2004, during the Christmas holidays, Ella Curry, the founder of EDC Creations, reached out to women's groups and literary organizations to help promote early literacy by giving new books to children from low income homes. Today, the "Give the Gift of Knowledge Campaign," seeks to expand even further!
“Based on the “each one teach one,” model, our goal is to help people introduce reading and new books to their family and friends,” says CEO and founder of EDC creations, Ella Curry. “Instead of giving expensive gifts that don't shape lives----let's “Give the Gift of Knowledge” and help to strengthen our future generations!”
Please join the campaign by becoming a blog tour host, radio interviewer, chat host or by purchasing one of the books featured here and giving it to a friend. We welcome the community into the program and will support any of our partners with promotion in return. Spread the word.... we want to bring more entertainment, education and enlightenment to the community!
Review the books below and invite the author to meet your family and friends in person or via the phone. Listed below are the author's online profiles. Check out the links for each author and consider spotlighting them in your network. We have set up a bookstore for your shopping and gift purchases. If you need help organizing a meeting with authors, please email Ella Curry to help you set up a meet and greet in person or over the telephone. Email: edc_dg@yahoo.com
The Journey Less Traveled: Choose to Turn Your Tragedy into Triumph; highlights Loretta s bout with death, grief, depression, anger and countless experiences, which she encountered after her tragic car accident on May 24, 2006.
At some point in this life s journey, you will come face to face with tragedy. Enduring the hardship, while holding true to your faith and the promises of God are key components in your victory over any adverse situation.
Readers of all ages, cultures, and experiences will relate to one woman s choice to triumph over her tragedy. This book has the potential to transform lives!
BookReview I believe that millions of lives will be impacted after coming in contact with this book. Millions will give their heart to the Lord in confidence, knowing that if He did it for this Woman of God; He can do it for them. --Bishop Edward A. Harris/Overseer First Apostolic Assembly of Pahokee
About the Author Born with a passion for knowledge, Loretta Harris was predestined to become a self-publisher. As an adolescent, she embraced literature and discovered her fervor for reading and writing. Loretta would indulge countless hours in her public library reading and writing miniature plays, poems and short stories. Since that time, Loretta vowed that she would one day write children s novels. Growing up in the small town of Pahokee, Florida Loretta realized that there were limited opportunities to fulfill her dreams. Loretta graduated from Pahokee High School in 1998 and enrolled at the University of Central Florida located in Orlando, Florida.
Loretta graduated from the University of Central Florida in the spring of 2003 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. In addition, this determined educator received a Master s degree in Educational Leadership, which she earned from Stetson University in 2007. Loretta is Reading Endorsed and qualified to teach reading grades K-12. Throughout her teaching career, Loretta endeavored to ignite the same passion for reading in the hearts of her students. Loretta is a recipient of various accolades in the field of education, including Teacher of the Month.
Loretta s most recent endeavor is the launching of Children's Heart Publishing Company in 2006 where she serves as CEO and President. Publications include, The Rise of Death Valley, Who Did It and Why, Hard Life, The Inside Struggle and A Gangsta s Life, and Through the Eyes of a Poet, which she coauthored with her students. Children s Heart aphorism is capturing the heart of the writer.
This accomplished entrepreneur was featured as, Florida's Finest and The Network Orlando's Woman of the Month. Moreover, Loretta was a guest on the talk show, Against All Odds where she provided key strategies for overcoming adversity in any situation.
Loretta is an affiliate of Small Publishers Association of North America, Florida Publishers Association, and International Reading Association. Loretta currently resides in Orlando, Florida where she is dedicated to the completion of her doctorate degree in Education at Nova Southeastern University.
Xavier Preston is tall, dark, and handsome, and the problem is that he knows it. He's a bestselling author who is accustomed to adoring female fans, both young and old, flirting with him, throwing themselves shamelessly at him, and trying to get between more than the covers of his novels. He has always been more than willing to accommodate their needs and desires; however, his womanizing days have finally ended. He's engaged to a beautiful woman, Kendall, and he's decided to walk the straight and narrow. Or has he?
From outside appearances, the very stunning Pilar has it all: a great career, a beautiful home, and a trust fund that keeps her financially secure; however, looks can be deceiving. All that glitters isn't necessarily gold. Pilar is searching for her perfect soulmate, and she thinks she has found him in Xavier. She believes in going after what she wants with a vengeance . . . and she wants Xavier. That is not negotiable. She will have him, even if it kills him.
When Xavier meets his fanatical fan, Pilar, he gets much more than he bargained for. What starts out as an erotic one-night stand quickly spirals out of control into a dangerous game of obsession and pain with both parties playing to win.
Think you know what goes on behind the literary scene? Think again!
EDC Creations Book Promotions
