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!

Book Tour-How I Made The Angels Cry



Book: How I Made The Angels Cry by Meleisa Betts

Website: www.myspace.com/433250625
Email: molly.betts@yahoo.com
Publisher: Neighborhood Publishing
Pub. Date: April 2009
ISBN-13: 9780615290508

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

Week 1

EDC Creations' Social Networks

http://blackhistory365.ning.com/
http://slsbookclubcenter.ning.com/
http://paradigmshiftaap.vox.com/
http://www.facebook.com/EDC.Creations
http://www.myspace.com/edc1creations
http://edcvirtualtours.spaces.live.com/


EDC Creations Sunday News Email Newsletters
18,000 Members: http://www.feedblitz.com/f/f.fbz?html=352823
2, 654 Members: http://www.feedblitz.com/f/f.fbz?html=301498


EDC Creations Facebook Features

Black Pearls Audio Book Preview




Week 2

The Thinking Woman

The Vox Book Club

Social Media Group

Book Reviews

The Inklings

The Beautiful People

Verbal Penetrations

African American by Association

Monthly Book Club

Girl Talk

BeYourOwn.Personal.Library

Mahogany Book Club

Young, Black, and Gifted Journalists!




Week 3

Mothers of Wisdom

MyBrothersKeeper.com

Crucial Diva

WeAreOne

Each-One-Teach-One

AfricanAmericans.NET

Chocolate Pages Network

Black Internet Marketers

BlackInAmerica.com

BlackJourneys.com

BlackHistory.com

BlackAuthorsConnect.com

BlackWomenConnect.com

DMV Black





Week 4

The Writers & Readers Lounge
183 Members

Reading is Sexy
78,198 Members

Passion for Books
10,689 Members

Girls Gone God!
6,425 Members

Urban Reviews Facebook Group
666 Members

African American Authors
397 Members

FB Book club
1,713 Members

African American Fiction
121 Members:

AA Facebook Bookclub
481 Members

Black Author Showcase
106 Members

African American Authors (Book Club)
146 Members

Aspiring Black Authors
354 Members

African American Opinions
318 Members


How I Made the Angels Cry Book Video




Meet Author Meleisa Betts
I am Meleisa Betts, an author and owner of my own publishing company "Neighborhood Publishing". I am single, currently living in New Orleans La., however, I was born in a small town in the state of Alabama called Monroeville. My only child is my darling dog, my peekapoo, MaryBell.

I have always had a need to share and communicate my thoughts to others. I am an accomplished member of "Toastmasters" which filled a need to convey my thoughts somewhat, yet it did not allow the opportunity for me to reach a broad audience. I felt as though I had an important message that could help people.

We all have stories and a belief that ours are capable of sustaining book and movies yet how many lives actually are living morals; examples of what NOT to do and the consequences of those actions? I felt and still feel that there are many people living secret lives with things that they dare not share for a fear of being judged. My mission is to prove to the reader that the best therapy for the soul is not a psychiatrist (although counseling is a necessary process in many cases) but rather blunt force honesty; a raw openness and truth.

Fundamentally a psychiatrist makes the patient talk about his or herself, and in revealing those intimate truths the patient feels better. Why must we wait until the psychiatrist asks us to before we can be honest with ourselves? We give ourselves aspirin for a headache or an antacid when our stomach is upset; then why can't we give ourselves a little "self-revelation" therapy?

That is my approach to "How I Made The Angels Cry". It is 100% truthful but I chose to use a principle of "shock and raw". What this means is, I wanted to leave my life exposed and threadbare, not filter or edit the book for an audience but to tell the honest truth.

Before I decided to always be forthcoming, I was living a shell of a life, frustrated, confused and basically a farce. However since changing my perspective to one of complete honesty and openness it has been an altogether different life for me, one which is free of pretense and pressure to be SOMETHING. I now simply am.

I want the book to stand as testimony to future readers that LIES only escalate, and have to be escaped, yet the truth has to be told only once, and it stands on its own. The best therapy for a troubled conscience is for one to be completely honest with the one person who matters most on planet Earth: Yourself.

"How I Made The Angels Cry" is a memoir based upon my actual experiences in an improbable life, and only the names have been changed to protect the anonymity of the persons involved in the book. It is indeed graphic and discusses sexuality and manipulation of people and circumstances in an open forum that many dare not to attempt. In fact few authors have written in such open and graphic detail, as I have left my life completely open to the judgment of others. I accept this wholeheartedly and if this method helps others to escape their own demons and unlocks the door of emotional imprisonment, then I have succeeded.

I hope that by writing such an open discourse that I can encourage others to be as open in discussing their own fears and desires rather than keeping them simmering below the surface like a pot ready to boil over. HONESTLY is liberating, LIES are condemning and things that are kept within are potentially maddening; Again, that IS why we have psychiatrists, is it not? Through my book "How I Made The Angels Cry" I hope to offer an example of how being honest can save a soul.

Meleisa Betts
Email: molly.betts@yahoo.com

Publisher: Neighborhood Publishing (April 1, 2009)
ISBN-10: 0615290507; ISBN-13: 978-0615290508

Capital BookFest 5th Anniversary

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.

Book Celebraton: Who Is He To You



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!

EDC Creations- Book Stores
http://astore.amazon.com/edcmagazine-20
http://astore.amazon.com/sanklitesoci-20

Ella Curry, president of EDC Creations
Website: http://www.edc-creations.com/


WHO IS HE TO YOU
BOOK TOUR CELEBRATION


WEEK 1
Who Is He To You Book Launch Party
Listen to the exciting book release party with fans
Author: Monique Mensah
Book: Who Is He To You
Genre: Dramatic Fiction
ISBN-13: 9780578023489

Download a copy of the Who Is He To You Book Launch Party
Click here and save to your computer


Urban Literary Review Radio Show
Sept 11, 2009 @ 9p EST
Website: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/urbanliteraryreview

Black Pearls Magzine Sistas Corner
http://www.blackpearlsmagazine.com/sistacorner.htm

EDC Creations Media Launch
http://www.blackpearlsmagazine.com/moniquemensah.htm

EDC Authors on Tour in Reading Room
Profiles listed for media and bookclubs
http://www.blackpearlsmagazine.com/readingroom.html

EDC Creations 2009 Fall Authors on Tour
Eblast: http://tinyurl.com/fallauthorspart1

Sylvia Hubbard and Motown Writers- Each Monday in Sept.
http://motownwriters.blogspot.com/
http://michiganliterarynetwork.com/

Unika Molden The Unique Reviewer
http://www.theuniquereviewer.blogspot.com/

AAMBC Book Tours Spotlight
http://www.aambcbooktours.blogspot.com/

Create A Unique Xperience with Unika
http://createauniquexperience.blogspot.com/




WEEK 2

Intimate Evenings Reading Series

Audio Introduction Who Is He To You by Monique D. Mensah

Audio Excerpt Who Is He To You by Monique D. Mensah


Read an Excerpt of Who Is He to You by Monique D. Mensah

Read the excerpt

Monique D. Mensah - Book Tour Media Sheet
Read the media sheet here

EDC Creations Best Books Summer 2009
Check out the Top Books List

Simply Said Reading Accessories
Read the feature

Erotic Expressions Blog
Read the feature

Intimate Conversation with Monique D. Mensah

http://edcmagazine.blogspot.com/

ASA - Authors Supporting Authors
http://asanetwork.blogspot.com

Author Arlinda McGlothin Spotlights Authors on Tour
http://www.lindarinsights.blogspot.com



WEEK 3
Party with MySpace Fans
The Making of Who Is He To You by Monique D. Mensah


EDC Creations at MySpace
Read the feature

Sankofa Literary Society Authors Spotlight
Monique D. Mensah Journey to Publication

Black Authors Network at MySpace
Read the feature

Black Pearls eSpot Live Reading
Read the feature

BAN Community Blog
Read the feature

African American Book Club!
Read the feature

Readers of African American Books
Read the feature

Myspace Book Club
Read the feature

Black Fiction Writers Community
Read the feature

Book Lovers Book Club
Read the feature

The Readers Circle at Myspace
Read the feature

African American Fiction
Read the feature

Everything in Between Reading Group
Read the feature

Black People World Wide
Read the feature

SPEAK SISTER
Read the feature





WEEK 4
Party with Vox Fans
Articles by Monique D. Mensah

SLS Literary Society
Read the feature

The Inklings
Read the feature

The Thinking Woman
Read the feature

The Book Club at Vox
Read the feature

The Beautiful People
Read the feature

Verbal Penetrations
Read the feature

African American by Association
Read the feature

Monthly Book Club
Read the feature

Girl Talk
Read the feature

Be Your Own.Personal.Library
Read the feature

Mahogany Book Club
Read the feature

Moms Who Shop
Read the feature




WEEK 5
Party with the Connect Platform Fans
Inside Who Is He To You by Monique D. Mensah


Young, Black, and Gifted Journalists!
Read the feature

Mothers of Wisdom
Read the feature

My Brothers Keeper.com
Read the feature

Crucial Diva
Read the feature

We Are One
Read the feature

Each-One-Teach-One
Read the feature

African Americans.NET
Read the feature

Chocolate Pages Network
Read the feature

Black Internet Marketers
Read the feature

Black In America.com
Read the feature

Black Journeys.com
Read the feature

Black History.com
Read the feature

Black Authors Connect
Read the feature

Black Women Connect
Read the feature





WEEK 6
Entertainment for the Party Goers


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
Black Authors Network Blog
http://profilesinblack.blogspot.com/

SLS Paradigm Shift
Read the feature

Sankofa's Literary Review
Read the feature

Shortbook Showcase
Read the feature

EDC Creations Tours
Read the feature





WEEK 7
Party with Black Planet Fans
Excerpt Presentations

Amazon Readers 5-Star Reviews
Read the rave reviews

EDC Creations at BlackPlanet
http://www.blackplanet.com/EDC1Creations

BOOKS LOVERS
http://groups.blackplanet.com/BOOKSLOVER

Black Planet Book of the Month
http://groups.blackplanet.com/BookoftheMonth






Connect with Monique D. Mensah Online

Who Is He To You by Monique Mensah
Website: http://www.moniquedmensah.com/
Email: monique@moniquedmensah.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/mdmensah
Fanclub: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=84945652309
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/monique-d-mensah/14/33/220
Blog at: http://moniquedmensah.wordpress.com/


Purchase Who Is He to You by Monique D. Mensah

Barnes and Noble or at Amazon

Murder, Incest and Depression discussed in Who Is He to You

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

Author Monique Mensah Media Sheet -



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.

Book: Who Is He To You by Monique Mensah
Website: http://www.moniquedmensah.com
Buy the book from Barnes and Noble
Buy the book from Amazon.com


Shop for great books at EDC Creations Bookstores:
> http://astore.amazon.com/edcmagazine-20
> http://astore.amazon.com/sanklitesoci-20

Murder on the Down Low Tour

Join Pamela Samuels Young on a virtual tour…

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!

Ella Curry, president of EDC Creations


EDC Creations- Book Stores
http://astore.amazon.com/edcmagazine-20
http://astore.amazon.com/sanklitesoci-20



Pamela Samuels Young's Schedule

Audio Presentations

Radio Interviews

Murder on the Down Low Book Launch Party
Author: Pamela Samuels Young
Black Authors Network Radio Show

Urban Literary Review Radio Show
Sept. 11, 2009 at 9:00pm EST
Call in number is (347) 215-8932
Host Martin Pratt

AAMBC Showcase Radio Show
Sept. 17, 2009 at 7:00pm CST
Call in number: (646) 716-4093
Host: Tamika Newhouse


Off the Pages podcast at TalkShoe
Oct. 7, 2009 at 9:00 pm EST
Call in number: (724)444-7444- Call ID:60248
Host: LaTricia Smith


Intimate Evening Reading Series

Murder on the Down Low Introduction
Pamela shares the plot of MODL

Pamela Samuels Young, Chapter 8, Murder on the Down Low
"Meet Auntie Pearl Washington from Murder on the Down Low"

Pamela Samuels Young, Chapter 2, Murder on the Down Low
"Meet Special from Murder on the Down Low"





Week 1 Meet the Author

EDC Creations Media Launch
Announcing Murder on the Down Low to Bookclubs

EDC Creations Best Books Summer 2009
Top books reviewed by EDC Creations review team

Black Pearls Magazine Online
September Issue-Legends and Leaders

Black Pearls Magazine Blog
Audio Preview and Reading of Murder on the Down Low

Authors on Tour Reading Room
Bookclub suggested reading material

Sweet Soul Sisters Bookclub
Facebook Notes and Links

Author Arlinda McGlothin Spotlights
http://www.lindarinsights.blogspot.com

Unika Molden The Unique Reviewer
http://www.theuniquereviewer.blogspot.com

AAMBC Book Tours Spotlight
http://www.aambcbooktours.blogspot.com

Create A Unique Xperience with Unika
http://createauniquexperience.blogspot.com

Motown Writers Network
http://motownwriters.com

Michigan Murder and Mayhem
http://michiganmurderandmayhem.com

Black Authors Network Community
Book Launch Party on BAN Radio

The International Book Club Guild
http://slsbookclubcenter.ning.com

Black History 365 Network
http://blackhistory365.ning.com

EDC Creations 2009 Fall Authors on Tour
Eblast: http://tinyurl.com/fallauthorspart1
Purchase books: http://tinyurl.com/supportfalltour






Week 2 Live Your Dreams

EDC Creations Facebook Notes
Murder on Down Low Intro

Black Authors Network at Facebook
Murder on Down Low Interview

Black Business Women Online
Meet the community

Momlogic Community
Meet the community

"Write It Down"-A Website for Writers
Meet the community

Published Authors Network
Meet the community

Reader's Entertainment
Meet the community

The Write Group
Meet the community

Chocolate Pages Network
Meet the community

Suspense and Thrillers at Shelfari
Meet the community




Week 3 Community AIDS/HIV Awareness

Sankofa Literary Society
Meet the community

Black Enterprise at LinkedIn
Meet the community

Black Authors Network at LinkedIn
Meet the community

African American Female Leaders
Meet the community

WomenSuite at LinkedIn
Meet the community

Authors of Fiction at LinkedIn
Meet the community

Black Enterprise Networked
Meet the community

The Inklings
http://theinklings.groups.vox.com

The Beautiful People
http://hot.groups.vox.com

Verbal Penetrations
http://verbalpenetrations.groups.vox.com

African American by Association
http://africanamerican.groups.vox.com

Monthly Book Club at Vox
http://monthlybookclub.groups.vox.com

Girl Talk at Vox
http://chic.groups.vox.com

BeYourOwn.Personal.Library
http://byopl.groups.vox.com

Mahogany Book Club at Vox
http://mahoganybookclub.groups.vox.com

Moms Who Shop at Vox
http://shoppingmoms.groups.vox.com





Week 4 Make Your Dreams Happen

Book Blogs
Meet the community

Tyra Show Community
Meet the community

ESSENCE.com
Meet the community

Black Book Clubs
Meet the community

Suspense/Thriller Writers on FB
Meet the community

Writers and Readers Unite
Meet the community

The Professional Black Woman
Meet the community

Working Mother Magazine
Meet the community

The Thinking Woman
http://thinkingwoman.groups.vox.com

The Book Club at Vox
http://bookclub.groups.vox.com

Social Media Group at Vox
http://socialmedia.groups.vox.com





Week 5 The Making of Murder on the Down Low

EDC Creations Bulletin for Murder on the Down Low
Meet the Myspace community

EDC Creations Myspace
Read the blog

Writing and Poetry Exposed
Meet the community
http://groups.myspace.com/writingandpoetry

Myspace Book Club
Meet the community
http://groups.myspace.com/MyspaceBookClub

African American Intellectuals
Meet the community
http://groups.myspace.com/AfricanAmericansIntellectuals

Book Lovers Book Club
Meet the community
http://groups.myspace.com/ddouglasbookclub

Black Book Love
Meet the community
http://groups.myspace.com/Blackbooklove






Week 6 Celebrating with Facebook Groups

Reading is Sexy
Meet the community

Beautiful Black Women
Meet the community

Passion for Books
Meet the community

African American Fiction Book Club
Meet the community

Books by Black Authors
Meet the community

Support Black Writers in the World
Meet the community

African American Books
Meet the community

African American Literture Society (AALS)
Meet the community






Week 7 Celebrating with Shelfari Groups

Sankofa Literary Society Book Club
Meet the community

Readers Of African-American Authors
Meet the community

Real Divas of Literature
Meet the community

Mahogany Book Club
Meet the community

African American Books
Meet the community

Suspense and Thrillers at Shelfari
Meet the community

SistahFriend Book Club
Meet the community

Book Chat at Shelfari
Meet the community






Week 8 Celebrating with Book Lovers and Authors

Genre Book Club
Meet the community

African Americans on the Move Book Club
Meet the community

Lovers of Books by Black Authors
Meet the community

Aspiring Black Authors
Meet the community

African American Authors (Book Club)
Meet the community

FB AA BOOK CLUB
Meet the community

African American Relationships
Meet the community

Black Sistah's Connect
Meet the community

African American Authors
Meet the community

Reading Divas at FB
Meet the community



Contact Pamela

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.

Submit all requests at: http://www.pamelasamuelsyoung.com
Author Website: http://www.pamelasamuelsyoung.com
Author Email address: author@pamelasamuelsyoung.com


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

EDC Creations Event Showcase

EDC Creations Event Showcase




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Join the Conversation, leave questions or comments below. Thank you!

Use Social Media to Reach New Customers


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

Part 1—Click here to listen and learn http://www.audioacrobat.com/play/WHDVZ1Ns

• 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

Part 2—Click here to listen and learn http://www.audioacrobat.com/play/W2rhPhCs

• 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

Resource links for Business Owners

50 Ways to Use Social Media

www.web-strategist.com/blog/2008/07/15/50-ways-to-use-social-media-listed-by-objective

How to Use Social Media to Reach New Customers
www.flyte.biz/resources/newsletters/07/11-social-media.php

List of Top Social Media Network Sites
www.instantshift.com/2008/10/19/list-of-top-social-media-network-sites


Ella Curry, president of EDC Creations Media Group
Website: http://www.edc-creations.com/
Email: elladcurry@edc-creations.com

2009 Give the Gift of Knowledge Campaign

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



Meet the EDC Creations 2009 Fall Authors on Tour
Eblast:
http://tinyurl.com/fallauthorspart1
Eblast: http://tinyurl.com/fallauthorspart2

Power Hour Events: http://tinyurl.com/powerhour1

Purchase books by the authors on the 2009 Fall Holiday Book Tour
http://tinyurl.com/givethegiftbooks

Pamela Samuels Young
http://www.blackpearlsmagazine.com/pamelasyoung.htm

Pat G'Orge Walker
http://www.blackpearlsmagazine.com/patwalker.htm

Azarel
http://www.blackpearlsmagazine.com/azarellcb.htm

Monique Mensah
http://www.blackpearlsmagazine.com/moniquemensah.htm

Martha A. Taylor
http://www.blackpearlsmagazine.com/marthataylor.htm

Sherryle K. Jackson
http://www.blackpearlsmagazine.com/sherrylejackson.htm

Melesia Betts
http://www.blackpearlsmagazine.com/meleisabetts.htm

Lynne Forde
http://www.blackpearlsmagazine.com/lynneforde.htm

Patricia Bridewell
http://www.blackpearlsmagazine.com/patriciabridewell.htm

Keya Franklin
http://www.blackpearlsmagazine.com/keya.htm

Electa Rome Parks
http://www.blackpearlsmagazine.com/electarparks.htm


Loretta Faith Harris
http://www.blackpearlsmagazine.com/lorettaharris.htm

Electa Rome Parks
http://www.blackpearlsmagazine.com/electarparks.htm

The Journey Less Traveled by Loretta Faith Harris


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


Loretta Faith Harris Online Media Kit
http://www.blackpearlsmagazine.com/lorettaharris.htm
ISBN-10: 0978668154
ISBN-13: 978-0978668150
Purchase the book


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.



Diary of a Stalker by Electa Rome Parks


Diary of a Stalker by Electa Rome Parks

Never judge a book by its cover. . .


Listen to her live reading from the book.

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!

Electa Rome Parks Online Media Kit
http://www.blackpearlsmagazine.com/electarparks.htm

ISBN-10: 160162199X
ISBN-13: 978-1601621993

Pre-order the book today!