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Intimate Conversation with author Tash Hawthorne

Intimate Conversation with author Tash Hawthorne

Tash Hawthorne comes out strong and does her thing with her freshman novel... Showing that Karma is definitely a mutha!  --  J.M. Benjamin, Essence Bestselling author of Ride or Die Chick and On The Run With Love




Tash Hawthorne, born in  Summit,  NJ and raised in the Valley section of  Orange,  NJ,  cannot be viewed as the typical Jersey Girl. For the first 18 years of her life, Tash had the rare privilege of being raised by three generations of strong Black women; all who lived under the same roof. Having received such ingredients like fearlessness from her mother, compassion from her grandmother, and resilience from her great grandmother, Tash grew to be a product of her environment. One of pure love and unadulterated passion for the human condition. 

As a child, Tash dreamed of becoming an Olympic gold-medalist in track & field and an Alvin Ailey dancer, but her hopes to run and dance were soon deferred due to medical reasons. Writing evolved from that of her mother. Tash showed early signs of her gift of script at the age of 9; winning second place in a state-wide essay contest for students in grades 4-6. At age 14, she placed first in another essay contest which consisted of 1300 junior high school candidates along the East Coast.

Despite her early accolades, Tash did not seriously begin writing until the age of 17, three months after the untimely passing of her best friend. Writing became a therapeutic way to escape the unpleasant realities of her surroundings. And it was in that time of salutary that her first screenplay, "The Jaded Edge" was born.

After graduating from high school, Tash went on to attend the first college of her choice,  Hampton University, where she furthered her love for the arts, pursuing a degree in theatre. She would soon be faced with another tragedy. Just seven days into her studies at the university, Tash received a phone call from her mother stating that her great-grandmother had unexpectedly passed away. Tash's entire academic world came to a standstill. The woman she used to secretly meet in the middle of the night to eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with had been taken away from her. It would take Tash the rest of her tenure at Hampton  to fully recover from the sudden loss. 

Having regrouped and accepted God's will, Tash turned her focus back to her studies. With the help of some of her professors and staff at Hampton, she went from being on academic probation to graduating on time with Honors. During her term, she was able to write a second screenplay entitled "Nu JeruSlum" and a stage play entitled "Mourning Glory."  After returning home to Orange, Tash began to write a third screenplay entitled "Karma." Throughout that year, she experienced unsettling thoughts about the format of the piece. It was not until a year later when she decided to turn it into a novel. “Karma,” like all of Tash's works, encompasses the reality of life as she sees it and knows it.

Ella: Tash, you've had a full life for one so young! Please tell us about your passion for writing. (A)  My passion for writing stems from life experiences (mine and others) and my love for the arts. I write because I believe the genre of urban literature is missing something…and that something is substance. My goal is to give readers an alternate view of the urban world. This goal is what drives me. 

Ella: What legacy do you want your writing to leave future readers?(A)  My writing offers the following legacy to future readers…a legacy of integrity. When I say that, I mean to say that I stood my ground in telling my characters’ stories. It was important to always tell the truth…their truths.

Ella: Introduce us to your new book, Karma with a Vengeance. (ISBN-10: 0981854508)
(A)  There is a time in a young woman’s life where the choices she makes will determine the outcome of her existence in the years (of uncertainty) to come. Those choices will lead to mistakes. The mistakes will lead to hard times. The hard times will lead to answers, searched for by that lost soul. In the urban setting of   Newark,  NJ, we accompany Karma Alonso-Walker, who, on this journey, gains support from an unwanted, unlikely source through life's greatest troubles.

At the age of 17, Karma becomes caught in the middle of her parents' deteriorating marriage. Due to the unexpected appearance of her father's one night-stand at the family's church on Easter Sunday, Karma's perception of men changes for the worst. With an opportunity to join the US Women's Track and Field team for the 2000 Summer Olympics in Australia, Karma is driven to achieve her dream of winning Olympic gold. But to her dismay, her mother is stricken with Ovarian Cancer. Karma is forced to choose between running professionally at her mother's request or running home to be at her mother's side.

Ten years later, we follow Karma to her mother's home on her fifty-second birthday. Her parents have separated and found comfort in new partners. All the while, unbeknownst to Karma, her mother's boyfriend has made himself a permanent fixture in their life. While trying to protect her mother from her abusive lover, Karma finds herself distracted by the presence of her cousin's new police partner. As distraction and attraction become intertwined, Karma loses focus of her mother's safety. And on the very same celebratory day of her birth, Karma is forced to mourn her mother's death.

Driven by hatred and fury, Karma sets out to find her mother's boyfriend and avenge her death. Having severed her ties with God, been dismissed by her family and the Newark Police Department, Karma becomes a menace to society--and to herself.  This timeless chronicle about a young woman's unyielding loyalty to her mother will open your eyes to the way life can be, even when the glass looks half empty. As Karma’s life spirals out of control, her exploration leads her to self-preservation and true happiness…or does it?


Ella: Who are your two main characters? And what do you like most about them?(A)  My two main characters are Karma Alonso-Walker and Money  Parks. What I like most about Karma is that she is a strong, independent woman who can adapt to any environment. I also admire Karma’s ability to be dependent on someone else when her burdens are too much for her to bear. What I like most about Money is that although he makes many mistakes (terrible ones at that) his intentions are good. 

Ella: Ultimately, what do you want readers to gain from your book?(A)  I want readers to know that there are successful people of color in the inner city. Every woman is not materialistic or abusing the system or bedding multiple men for financial gain. Every man is not a drug dealer or a gangster or a male gigolo. For the most part, people are living their lives trying to do the right thing.


Ella: What advice would you give a new writer?(A)  I would advise a new writer to not write pieces for the sole purpose of sales or what he/she thinks other people would want to read. I would encourage the writer to write what he/she feels people NEED to know. It is imperative to ALWAYS tell the truth. 

Ella: Name three things that it takes to make a successful author in your opinion. (A)  A writer must have discipline. For instance, they must have the strength of mind and will to be able to shut the world out so they can immerse themselves in their work.

A writer must be able to deal with adversity.  They must have tough skin and be able to take criticism, be it constructive or destructive.  They must have an open mind and be flexible in their approach to the art and craft of writing. 

A writer must be a consummate student. A successful author reads works written by other authors, not only for pleasure, but also to learn new ways to invent and deliver their own stories.

Ella: What can we expect from you in the future?(A)  You can expect the sequel to Karma: With A Vengeance (wink). Seriously, you can expect a continuation of my works in film and theatre in the future. I believe writers should be multi-dimensional. They should never cripple themselves by writing in only one facet of scribe.

Ella: How may our readers connect with you online?E-Mail Addresses: TJade424@aol.com  or   karmawithavengeance@gmail.com
Web Links:  www.twitter.com/tashhawthorne   or   www.facebook.com/people/Tash-Hawthorne/41003060


Karma with a Vengeance  by  Tash Hawthorne
Genre: Urban Fiction, Women, African-American, Cuban-American

Purchase the book from Wahida Clark Publishing
http://www.wclarkpublishing.com/wcp-books-karma.htm


Book Reviews for Karma with a Vengeance by Tash Hawthorne

Karma Alonso-Walker loves her family fiercely, particularly her mother Soleil. She would do anything for her mother. So when the beloved matron is killed by her abusive boyfriend, Jimmy, Karma sets out deep into the dark corners of the underworld to take revenge on the man who took away her world. Karma with a Vengeance unfolds through flashbacks and the present day, slowly revealing the real story behind Karma's family and the people she loves.

Author Tash Hawthorne does a great job through most of the twists and turns throughout the story. The characters are not one-dimensional caricatures of good and evil; good people do bad things and bad people have charm. Hawthorne does a nice job in giving them enough depth so that they become human.  All the names are symbolic and Karma's beauty, so essential to the plot, seems a bit beyond belief.

Karma with a Vengeance is entertaining and contains a better storyline than most books of its genre. It is written well enough to keep readers interested.
--- Reviewed by Inda Lauryn "Inda", excerpt from Amazon review



As an only child, 27 year-old Karma Alfonzo-Walker is very close to her parents especially her mother Soleil. Her parents have been separated for some years now since her father Lorenzo keeps his family second to his Military career. Soleil has had enough. And until Lorenzo decides to make her first priority, they will stay apart. Until then Soleil, a beauty in her own right has been keeping company with Jimmy, much to her daughter's Karma disgust. To say Karma didn't like Jimmy would be an understatement...she can't stand him! But with respect to her mother she tolerates him hoping one day Soleil would come to her senses and leave Jimmy behind. Karma is upset with her dad and wishes he would retire from the Military and come back home. She knows deep in their hearts her parents still loved each other and that Jimmy would not be apart of her mother's life if her dad was around.

But tragedy strikes leaving Soleil dead and Karma feeling like the police aren't doing enough to find her mother's killer. Indigo, Karma's cousin and a police officer is none to happy when Karma expresses her need to avenge her mother's murder and take things into her own hands. While Karma maybe putting herself in danger to find her mother killer; she also finds love with police officer Money, Indigo's partner. As her plans for revenge start to take shape and her relationship with Money becomes intense, revelations from the past begin to surface throwing a disturbing light on Karma's new relationship.

I predicted one event prior to it happening, but it didn't take away from my enjoyment of this story. As I kept reading nothing prepared me for the in depth back ground information on Soleil and Karma told by the author's timely steps back into their past. I was astonished, at the repercussions of Soleil's abuse that trickled down to Karma paying the price, and I felt the author did a good job developing the love between mother and daughter.

Yes, Karma with a Vengeance is an excellent title for this recommended read. I like the characters enough to want to read the sequel, so I'll wait and see what author Tash Hawthorne has in store for us. Star Rating 4.0- This star rating is based on the story alone, as I read an uncorrected proof copy of the book. --- Reviewed by Locksie, ARC Book Club Inc.




Karma with a Vengeance  by  Tash HawthorneGenre: Urban Fiction, Women, African-American, Cuban-American
Purchase the book from Wahida Clark Publishing
http://www.wclarkpublishing.com/wcp-books-karma.htm

Book Reviews Wretched Saints by Marc Lacy

Book Title: Wretched Saints - When the Righteous Path Leads to Hell's Doorstep
by Assuanta Fay Howard and Marc Lacy


Between these covers may be your spark to eternal life or a ticket to everlasting confusion...depending on how you look at it. For we all have the greatest intentions at heart regardless of whatever we may desire to accomplish. Our faith provides energy and focus during the lifelong scamper down the path of righteousness. However, one thing that poses the greatest challenge is the fact that no human being can escape being human...’til death do us part. Temptation lies behind each exit off of Heaven’s highways. Detours become more alluring as construction takes place within the most crucial times of our lives - in turn, potentially providing a next day delivery service to hell’s doorstep.

Wretched Saints provides a literary window through which we may possibly see traits of ourselves within one or more of the characters as they learn the hard way to listen when God is talking. Thus His signal, when digested properly allows suppression of sinful urges opening up the door, for spiritual growth.

Are you a Wretched Saint? Open the covers...and see.

Of course our desire is to walk within The Kingdom’s Neighborhood, but it can be very difficult leaving the alluring amenities of home. We have the protocol down pat; especially when others can witness us “witnessing.” However, when backs are turned and the sun has set, the righteous hotness of the self-proclaimed saint can suddenly turn lukewarm. Although the tongue can no longer house rationalizations, we still find a way to verbally cover spiritual deficits...thus casting us further into a pit of unrighteous debt surrounded by several unused shovels.

Wretched Saints Excerpt by Marc Lacy and Assuanta Fay Howard



Book Club or Peer Reviews:

“Wretched Saints illustrates how we all fall short of God’s glory, yet by His mercy, we can get back up.”
- Elissa Gabrielle, Point of No Return


“Wretched Saints is a reminder that we are not always in control. It is torment served on the door mats of Christians, who carry bibles as body armor. It is a revelation to your third-eye.”
- Dionne Character, 2004 Essence Music Festival Best Selling Author/Poet, 7 Pairs of Black Shoes, Street Diva, Twisted Straps and A Sapphire Moon, and WildFlower


“Powerful, gripping, and eye-opening! Walk into the pages of the Wretches Saints and immerse yourself in the captivating stories that lie within. A well-written, thought provoking work of engaging stories.”
- Trice Hickman, National Bestselling Author


“In Wretched Saints, you will be treated to tales of everyday life, learning lessons through the eyes of both saint and sinner alike, some of whom will never learn...until it’s too late. For what is life, but a test of Faith and the Spirit? I hope you will enjoy the trials and tribulations served up by some of the hottest authors in the business, Marc Lacy, and Assuanta Fay Howard.”
- Eric Pete, National Bestselling Author


Wretched Saints
ISBN-10: 0974971235
ISBN-13: 978-0974971230
Categories/genre: Fiction/Drama
List distributors of the book: Baker & Taylor; Lushena


Contact Marc Lacy Online:
http://www.marclacy.com
http://www.facebook.com/marclacy


Purchase the book from Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Wretched-Saints-Marc-Lacy/dp/0974971235

Books by Author Nanette M. Buchanan

LOVE- DECEIT- BETRAYAL- AND MURDER....THREE BOOKS PLENTY OF DRAMA

• Latest Release: Bruised Love –
“When love leaves a bruise, does it ever heal?” The answer is shown in the lives of the characters introduced in this dramatic novel. Cassandra Smith, who left home for love, finds herself accepting abuse. She has returned home to find her internal strength.


Mary Smith realizes her love for her daughter, Cassandra, has been smothered by her hatred for Trevor Black, the lover her daughter chose. She must rekindle their severed relationship before it’s too late.

Lamont Dearling has been warned, “A woman who has been abused, can never understand real love,” but nothing including Trevor Black will keep him from pursuing his childhood sweetheart, Cassandra Smith. Trevor Black, the abusive lover and part time father of Cassandra’s four children, has found he is no longer on top of his “game”. His abusive dealings on the street, other women and now Cassandra has caused problems that bring deadly consequences.

Cassandra Smith, Mary Smith, Trevor Black, Lamont Dearling and the others, take the reader through pages of a riveting story of love, betrayal and murder.

Bruised Love by Nanette M. Buchanan--Book Introduction


Debut: "Family Secrets....Lies & Alibis" tells the story of D.Q. Mince after his burial. The haunting truths of his life uncover the secrets of his remaining family members. His wife Tonya must face his mistress of thirty years only to find that as his wife she has not been left any of his estate. Tonya Mince will stop at nothing to prevent Nikki Robbins, D.Q.'s lover, and their son Darrell Mince from inheriting D.Q. Enterprises. The haunting truth of D.Q.'s love for Nikki surfaces as his will is read with a confession of his undying love. Nikki is now the new target for Tonya's anger. Darrell and Dershai find they are not just lovers who didn't want to reveal their relationship or what they knew about the deceased. The haunting truth of their love must now become their secret. The chaos uncovered the secrets and the lies but the excuses, the alibi's are in the sequel........

Sequel: "A Different Kind of Love"- Tonya Mince is keeping her own secrets but when the haunting truth uncovers her past she must confess her indiscretions, the blackmail and drama that led her husband to be unfaithful. Darryl and Derek Mince claim their inheritance from their brother and father only to find that their business deals are leading to death threats and promises of revenge. Darrell and Dershai must confront the family with the truth; the secrets that may rattle the roots of the family tree.


About the Author
Nanette M. Buchanan was born, raised and educated in Newark, New Jersey. After graduating from Arts High School in Newark she attended Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. It was then that she first set her pen to pad, written expressions of her love for poetry. She is a proud mother, wife and grandmother, now residing in Somerset, New Jersey.

Her pad to pen accomplishments include three volumes of poetry; Thoughts, Thoughts & Reflections, and Quiet Times; five children stories and seven novels. Nanette’s first published work and debut novel was “Family Secrets….Lies & Alibis”.

Since then the publication of the sequel, “A Different Kind of Love” and the release of her first volume of poetry, “Thoughts” an e-book hit the market. In October of 2009, Nanette’s murder mystery, “Bruised Love” was released. It is her goal to become a successful author without limits. The author is available for personal appearances, chats and signings.

Books by Author Nanette M. Buchanan
• Bruised Love
• Family Secrets, Lies & Alibis
• A Different Kind of Love

Books are available wherever books are sold and online:
http://www.ipendesigns.net/
http://www.amazon.com/
http://www.bordersbooks.com/

Contact Information
• Website: http://www.ipendesigns.net/
• Share the Video Postcard: http://www.audioacrobat.com/note/CR5Q90VQ


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