Intimate Conversation with Mary Monroe

Intimate Conversation with Mary Monroe

Mary Monroe is the third child of Alabama sharecroppers and the first and only member of her family to finish high school. She did not attend college or any writing classes, but taught herself how to write and started writing short stories around the age of four. She spent the first part of her life in Alabama and Ohio, and moved to Richmond, California, in 1973. She has lived in Oakland since 1984.

Her first novel, The Upper Room, was published by St. Martin’s Press in 1985, and was widely reviewed throughout the U.S. and in Great Britain. She endured fifteen years and hundreds of rejection letters before she landed a contract for her second novel, God Don’t Like Ugly. It was published in October 2000, by Kensington Books. God Don’t Play was her seventh novel to be published, and it landed her a spot on the prestigious New York Times bestsellers list for the first time!

Mary is divorced, loves to travel, loves to mingle with other authors. She still writes seven days a week and gets most of her ideas from current events, and the people around her, but most of her material is autobiographical. New York Times Bestselling author Mary Monroe created fabulous books such as: Mama Ruby, The Upper Room and the God Don't Like Ugly series for readers with a sense of humor and adventure.  

When The Upper Room was published, Monroe had this to say: "This is my story -- these characters are people I know, it's my life," Mary Monroe laughs when asked what her inspiration was for her first novels. Meet author Mary Monroe as she travels across the nation discussing her books and her literary journey.


BPM: How long have you been writing and where do you see yourself within the next several years?
I started making up stories before I even started elementary school. In junior and high school I wrote stories for some confession magazines. Since then I’ve written novels and a few non-fiction pieces. Within the next few years I hope to do at least ten more novels, my autobiography, a few screenplays.

BPM:  How do you relax?  What do you do with your free time after writing another bestselling?
I love to travel, I love to mingle with other authors, and I love to read anything by Ernest Gaines, Stephen King, Alice Walker, and James Patterson. I still write seven days a week and I get most of my ideas from current events, the people around me, but most of my material is autobiographical.

BPM: Are your characters from the portrayal of real people or experiences?
Of course. Almost every story I write is based on something that happened to me or someone I know. And all of my characters are composites of people I know...

BPM: What inspires you to write your books? What are some of the unique issues or topics addressed in this book?
I was inspired to write this book because I grew up around some "colorful" characters. Most of them did a lot of wicked, funny, sad, and intriguing things and I thought their stories needed to be told. Mama Ruby takes place in southern locations. It is set in a time period during the thirties and forties when there was a totally different outlook than there is now on racism, sex, poverty, and other social issues that impact African American women.

BPM: How did you come to create such strong main characters? Did you know that they would be so complex and exciting from the start?
I was raised by strong females. As a matter of fact, the main character, Mama Ruby, is a combination of my mother and two other females relatives. The more I worked on this story, the more complex and exciting the characters became. They have a lot of strong characteristics but they also have just as many weaknesses.

BPM: Can you see any of your books being optioned for movies?
Yes! I watch TV for several hours a day and I go to a lot of movies so I know what the viewing public likes to watch. I feel that any one of my books would make a good big screen movie or TV mini-series. I write each book with specific actors and actresses in mind to play the roles. I’ve already written movie treatments for some of my books.

BPM: Who are some of the authors you admire and why?
I love Toni Morrison, James Patterson, Stephen King, and Ernest Gaines. I was in my twenties when I discovered Toni Morrison and Ernest Gaines and that's when I knew for sure that writing books was my destiny. Their books are so insightful and thought-provoking that I re-read them at least once a year. I also love stories with a paranormal theme so when I discovered Stephen King I became a fan of his for life. James Patterson's books are more for light-weight entertainment and sometimes that is all I want in a story.

BPM: How may our readers follow you online?
Readers can follow me on Facebook and Twitter and they can visit my website at: www.Marymonroe.org. I also LOVE hearing from my fans by email at: Authorauthor5409@aol.com. I answer my email personally.


Mary Monroe's 2014 Event Schedule
http://www.marymonroe.org/tour.html

Mary Monroe Official Fan Page
FB: https://www.facebook.com/marymonroefanpage


Purchase Family of Lies by Mary Monroe
Link: http://amzn.com/0758274742 


Lost Daughters: A Mama Ruby Novel - Paperback
by Mary Monroe (Author)
Link: http://amzn.com/0758294670

 

 

Mothers: Living With the Right Mother Model

Mothers: Living With the Right Mother Model

With the media bombarding women with unrealistic expectations for mothers, it is any wonder that today’s mothers feel under huge pressures to be perfect. Stay-at-home mothers feel guilt for not providing financially as it takes two people to make ends meet. Working mothers feel the guilt of attempting to balance a career and a family at the same time. Any person worth salt would recognize that mothers are often the glue that holds families together. People do not like other people talking poorly about their mother, even if she has many flaws. 

In fact, no matter how unfit or imperfect your mother may be, she was still your mother. Your mother might have been a bad cook. She might have been a drug abuser. She might have been a terrible person. However, her imperfections are not open to public scrutiny. This article examines a 21st century motherhood model in contemporary society.

Good mothers are difficult to model. According to the US Census in 2008, there are over 82 million mothers in America. Many mothers go about their business with little regard for their impact on society. As a matter of fact, the value of a good mother is often forgotten, except for the customary card on Mother’s Day. Not all mothers are built the same when it comes to character. Some women are openly unfit or unprepared to be mothers. The notion of an unfit mother is a legal definition which may vary from state to state. However, an unfit mother may be defined as a mother who fails to take care of the basic needs related to the physical, mental, and spiritual state of a child.

For example, Susan Smith, who was from South Carolina, became the poster child for a bad mother. She had appeared on national television proclaiming that her two children had been kidnapped. In reality, Smith had driven her car into a lake, drowning her children. She had done this act in pursuit of her own adulterous relationship. Smith was later convicted in 1995 and sentenced to life in prison for murdering her two sons, Michael Daniel Smith, 3, and 14-month-old Alexander Tyler Smith. Many individuals would point to her as an abusive or neglecting mother. Furthermore, there are so many famous women who are esteemed as the modern day feminist model, but these women often do not represent the ideal mother figure.

The Right Model
Good mothers distinguish themselves with an unselfish behavior. They are the ones who go the extra mile so that everyone’s mental or physical condition is properly cared for. In fact, true mothers put their families’ needs ahead of their own. Of course, this selfless image runs counter to the “ME” only culture. King Lemuel must have realized this fact when he outlined his motherhood model in Proverbs 31. The mother described in this passage is a loving wife, kindhearted mother, a champion of the oppressed, a business woman, a godly figure, and insightful advisor. The author notes about this woman, “Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.’” Therefore, character does count if an individual wants to use the right model for good motherhood.

Conclusion
Today, many people take a good mother model for granted. Some people complain about their mothers and how they do not fit today’s media model of an ideal mother figure. These unrealistic expectations cause some women to despair because they do not fit this unrealistic expectation. When there is a mother of unique character in society, she should be celebrated and cherished. In the daily grind of living, many folks lose sight of the positive influence of the right kind of mother. A good mother creates a legacy for future generations. Let’s hope that the positive model will never be forgotten.


About the Author
Dr. Daryl D. Green writes on contemporary issues impacting businesses, society, and across the globe. This article is an excerpt from his new book, Don’t Be An Old Fool, 2nd edition. For more information, you can go to nuleadership.com or http://www.darylgreen.org  

HEALING MEN-REBUILDING THE VILLAGE by Diane A. Sears

HEALING MEN . . . REBUILDING THE VILLAGE
by Diane A. Sears

Every day – through deeds – Men teach us valuable life lessons about selflessness, courage, loyalty, compassion, unconditional love, and the importance of “doing what is best for the tribe” as opposed to “doing what is best for self”.

Yet, in some circles, the question of whether Men are really necessary is being discussed. Subliminal mixed messages about masculinity, parental roles and responsibilities, and the rules of engagement for courtship and marriage are being conveyed to Men through mainstream media, films, television situation comedies and literature.

Many Men live a “thankless” existence. They struggle to provide for their families, positively shape the minds and souls of their children, and empower the communities in which they live and work. No one – or hardly anyone – is telling a Man: “Thank you! Job well done! Hey, I appreciate you!” Conversely – implicitly and explicitly -- Men are being told consistently: “A real man does this! A real man does that!” Society tells boys and Men to be strong and that it is not “manly” to show their emotions. And when boys and Men seem not to show any emotion, we accuse them of being insensitive and uncaring. While society tells boys and men how to be a man, society is not telling girls and women how to be a woman. No one is telling girls and women: “A real women does this! A real woman does that!”

We seem to be so obsessed with telling men what they ought to do and what they are not doing. Hardly anyone is telling Men, “Your presence completes me as a person. Your presence completes our family – our community. You have value. You are loved. You are needed.” We seem so consumed about what a Man is supposed to give. The conversation always seems to be about: “A man is supposed to give this. A man is supposed to give that.” When it comes to Men, the conversation seems to be about “taking” – what we can and should take from him. Men are expected to provide safety and support. But when is the last time a man heard someone tell him: “Hey, I’ve got your back! You can count on me to protect and support you.” Men need to feel safe and supported, too!

What happens to a Man who is constantly bombarded with mixed signals about his role as a Man and a Father; badgered about what he ought to be doing and what he is not doing; and not expected to show any emotions even though he may be drowning in grief and pain? His spirit breaks and his soul shatters. Self-doubt, low self-esteem, and stress overtake him. He feels empty . . . isolated . . . powerless.

He may plunge into the deep abyss of depression. Or become emotionally detached. He may self-medicate his emotional pain with food, alcohol or drugs. His physical and mental health suffers. Is it any wonder that there is an alarmingly rising incidence of strokes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s Disease, prostate cancer, colon cancer, and diabetes? Should we find it surprising that some Men who have “given their all” only to discover that “giving their all” is just not enough, commit suicide as a means of escaping the abuse and madness that surrounds them?

Why should we care about what happens to Men? Men are the glue that holds our families, communities, and our village – the global village we know as Planet Earth -- together. We are all connected to one another. And what affects Men impacts all of us. The village has become a chaotic and dangerous place for its most vulnerable members – our children – our babies and the bridge to the future – and our Elders.

It is glaringly apparent that the weight of the plethora of daunting challenges that our village finds itself immersed in is causing it to break apart. This “breaking apart” of the village is creating an opportunity for all of us to rebuild the village. Strong, empowered, clear thinking, and fully emotionally engaged Men and Women working together can create and sustain nurturing and efficiently functioning family units and transform chaotic, toxic, and violent communities into a nurturing, peaceful, and economically and environmentally vibrant village.

We must create a space and place for Men where can they cry, shout, laugh, and articulate their emotional pain without fear of having their manhood called into question. We must create an environment that is conducive to Men shedding their emotional baggage. Healing Men is the first step to rebuilding the village.


About the Columnist
Diane A. Sears, International Men's Day - United States Coordinator
Director, IN SEARCH OF FATHERHOOD® INTERNATIONAL FATHERHOOD PROGRAM
Member, University Council for Fatherhood and Men's Studies Program at Akamai University
Managing Editor - IN SEARCH OF FATHERHOOD® ( http://globalfatherhooddialogue.blogspot.com )

Growing Up in Fatherless Homes by Dr. Daryl Green

Growing Up in Fatherless Homes
by Dr. Daryl Green

With millions of fathers missing from homes, there are unintended consequences to this epidemic in America. Despite all of the government and social support available, today’s children still need a strong male role model in their homes. A noted expert shares some helpful information with Black Pearls readers.

Recently, Desmond Hatchett made an impression with many people in the news. The 33 year old man from Tennessee was requesting relief from the court on his child support. It was reported that he had 30 children with 11 women. With a minimum wage job, Hatchett was struggling to meet his financial comments to his children. The court required him to turn over 50% of his wages for child support, which was based primarily on the children ages and their needs. Sadly, some mothers were only getting $1.49 a month for their children. Consequently, Hatchett could not meet his financial responsibilities as a father. However, not meeting the mental and spiritual needs may have longer ramifications on his children.

Fatherless homes aren't a pleasant experience for many folks in society. Some individuals are fortunate to have a caring, supportive father. Unfortunately, numerous people live without one. Across the social spectrum, many individuals are living with deep wounds left by their fathers.

Some people maintain that today’s men are not simply sperm donors. According to the 2005 Census Report, there are 66.3 million fathers in the United States. There are 26.5 million fathers in a traditional family environment (married couples with children under the age of 18). Sadly, everything is not a pleasant story. There are 4.6 million fathers who pay child support, representing 84% of child support providers.

Dr. Daryl Green, nationally recognized lecturer on cultural issues, has done extensive research on cultural issues impacting today and future leaders. His last book, Job Strategies for the 21st Century: How to Assist Today’s College Students during Economic Turbulence, has been rated number one on Amazon.com. Dr. Green sees how popular culture has demonized traditional fathers: “Clearly, we are being bombarded with negative stories about fathers. Most people today view fathers in destructive stereotypes. However, most educators and researchers would argue the importance of a strong male role model in the home.” Missing fathers have become a national crisis with unintended consequences.

Due to the increase in ‘out-of-wedlock’ births and the high number of divorces, children living away from their biological fathers have become commonplace. Numerous stories paint a terrible picture for these fatherless children. Some facts that bear out this reality: (a) 85% of children with behavioral problems come from fatherless homes, according to the Center for Disease Control, (b) 71% of all high school dropouts come from fatherless homes, (c) 85% of all youth in prison come from fatherless homes, and (d) 75% of all youth in chemical abuse centers come from fatherless homes.

Dr. Green notes that single parents and other families without strong fathers need to find opportunities where they can showcase positive male figures. “Fathers are necessary to achieve a healthy family balance even though they are not celebrated as such.” He further suggests that citizens should showcase the positive things fathers are doing in their communities while counseling the misguided ones. America cannot survive without real fathers and real men.

Don’t Be An Old Fool is available online at Amazon.com and other book retailers. You can also view the book trailer on Youtube.com at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_LKEMrIweA. Dr. Green is available for media interviews. For more information about the book or the authors, please contact Donna Gilliard at 865-216-9209 or visit Dr. Green on his website, www.darylgreen.org.

About the Author
Dr. Daryl Green is a management strategist and nationally-recognized author who has been noted and quoted in major media outlets, including USA Today, Associated Press, and Ebony Magazine. He is an adjunct professor at Lincoln Memorial University, and a former faculty member at Knoxville College. Green has spent more than 20 years assisting organizations and individuals with making good decisions.

When Perfection Fails by Tyora Moody

When Perfection Fails

Victory Gospel Series by Tyora Moody

Reverend Jonathan Freeman and his wife Lenora are quickly becoming Charlotte’s “it” couple. All eyes are on them as Jonathan is named pastor of a church following the death of his father and Lenora has become a sought-after wedding planner. The Freemans are media darlings and a model couple; the picture of perfection. Or are they?

Behind the scenes, Jonathan struggles with his role as pastor of a megachurch while Lenora grows increasingly and uncharacteristically distant. A number of odd and tragic incidents push her further away from the love of her life and the façade of perfection begins to crack.

A carefully guarded secret catches up with Lenora and it threatens her security as well as that of her family. Has an imperfect past finally caught up with her? Will the ghost of someone she thought long dead rise like Lazarus from the grave and destroy all she has worked to preserve? Or will Lenora fight to protect the man she loves and the beautiful life God has blessed her to have?
 

Purchase When Perfection Fails, Victory Gospel Series, Book 3
Romantic Suspense/Christian Fiction
Chec it out here:   http://www.amazon.com/When-Perfection-Fails-Victory-Gospel/dp/1601627157


 

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Excerpt from When Perfection Fails by Tyora Moody

PROLOGUE

Charlotte, North Carolina, 1989

Lenora clutched the car dashboard and shouted as her friend almost rammed the Honda Civic into the car in front of them. The brakes squealed in protest as the car came to a stop inches away from the back of the Buick LaSabre. Charmayne smacked the steering wheel. “Woo, that was a close one.” Then, she started to laugh.

 

Lenora stretched her eyes wide as she watched her friend appear as if she was having a mental breakdown. “That wasn’t funny. You need to get yourself together.”

 

The light changed from red to green. The unscathed Buick took off and the driver behind them was blowing his horn. Charmayne stopped giggling. She grabbed the rearview mirror and made an obscene gesture with her hand. “I know you ain’t blowing your horn at me.”

 

Lenora pointed towards the light. “Charmayne, the light is green. Go!”

 

“Whatever!” Charmayne placed her hands on the steering wheel. The car lurched forward as she pressed the accelerator. After they had driven half-way down the block,

 

Lenora asked, “How much did you drink? Maybe I should drive.”

 

Charmayne shook her head. “Girl, you can’t drive. Besides I’m fine.”

 

Her friend held up her fingers and counted. “I only had like two, three beers. I think.”

 

Lenora held her hand to her forehead. “If I had known...”

 

Charmayne held her hand towards Lenora’s face. “Girl, would you stop tripping? I can tell your momma don’t let you go nowhere. This might have been your first time to a party, not mine. Just sit tight. I will have you home in a second, okay.” She reached over and turned the radio’s volume dial up high.

 

As Charmayne proceeded to sing loudly to Bobby Brown’s “My Prerogative,” Lenora sucked her teeth and crossed her arms. Why did I let Charmayne convince me to go to this party? She felt bad lying to her mother knowing how hard she worked and expected

 

Lenora to keep up her grades. Tonight was definitely not a study group session at Charmayne’s house. As Lenora glanced out the window, something whizzed by the passenger side. Before Lenora could register what she was seeing the car slid to the right crashing into the flying object. The sounds of screeching metal over the loud thumping music terrified Lenora.

 

“What was that?” Lenora yelled. She turned her body to see what had just scraped the side of the car. “Charmayne, you have to stop the car.”

 

Charmayne slowed the car down and turned the blaring music down. She grabbed the rearview mirror and whined, 

“Oh no!”

 

“What?” Lenora spun around to peer out the back window. They had turned down the road leading to her home and there weren’t any other cars behind them. Lenora squinted into the darkness. A streetlight illuminated cars parked along the streets. Her eyes locked in on what appeared to be a body on the road. Panic rose in her gut. She looked at Charmayne. “What did you do? Is that a person?” Lenora spun around and reached for the door handle.

 
 

READ THE ENTIRE EXCERPT HERE


Purchase When Perfection Fails, Victory Gospel Series, Book 3
Romantic Suspense/Christian Fiction
http://www.amazon.com/When-Perfection-Fails-Victory-Gospel/dp/1601627157

 
 


 

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MEET THE AUTHOR

Tyora Moody is an author and literary entrepreneur. Tyora has coined her fiction books as Soul-Searching Suspense. Her debut novel, When Rain Falls, was released March 2012 (Urban Christian). This is the first book in the Victory Gospel series. The second book in the Victory Gospel Series, When Memories Fade, was released in April 2013 (Urban Christian). The final book in the series, When Perfection Fails (Urban Christian) was released March 2014.

Deep Fried Trouble, the first book in the Eugeena Patterson Mystery series was released June 2013 (Tymm Publishing LLC). She is currently working on the second book in the Eugeena Patterson Mysteries, Oven Baked Secrets (October 2014) and the first book in a new romantic suspense series (April 2015).

She is the 2013 Urban Literary Awards Debut Author Winner and 2013 Urban Literary Awards Mystery/Thriller/Suspense Winner. Tyora is a member of Sisters in Crime and American Christian Fiction Writers.

As a literary-focused entrepreneur, she has assisted countless authors with developing an online presence via her company, TywebbinCreations.com. Popular services include online publicity, social media management, book trailers and book covers. DIYwithTy is an instructional platform that grew from her 13+ years of working with authors. The Literary Entrepreneur’s Toolkit was released January 2014.

When Tyora isn’t working for a client or doing something literary, she enjoys spending time with family, catching a movie on the big screen, and traveling. For more information about her literary endeavors, visit her online at TyoraMoody.com.

Connect with Tyora "Ty" Moody | TyoraMoody.com
Author and Literary Entrepreneur


FIND TY ON SOCIAL MEDIA http://www.tyoramoody.com
http://www.facebook.com/AuthorTyoraMoody
http://www.twitter.com/TyoraMoody
 

VICTORY GOSPEL SERIES | SteppingIntoVictory.com

• When Perfection Fails, Book 3 (March 2014)
• When Memories Fade, Book 2
• When Rain Falls, Book 1

 

EUGEENA PATTERSON MYSTERIES | EugeenaPatterson.com

• Oven Baked Secrets, Book 2 (October 2014)
• Deep Fried Trouble, Book 1
• Shattered Dreams: A Short Story

DIYwithTy SERIES | DIYwithTy.com

• The Literary Entrepreneur's Toolkit (January 2014)

 
 
 

Mafietta 2 by E.W. Brooks

If you're looking for a love story where your typical heroine wins the hot heartthrob's heart by flaunting her beauty to win him over, you're in the wrong place. —Minolta White, Author and Blogger

Mafietta, part 1, follows Clarke, a woman tired of bankrolling her suitors, entertaining a man she normally wouldn't consider - a man from the underworld.

Errol, the head of the Bellow Brothers, is tired of the opportunistic women that find their way into his path. He was done with love, but meeting Clarke changed all of that.

Their perfect love story falls apart when a tragic turn of events sends Errol behind bars and forces Clarke to run the family business. When a good girl turns mafia queen, she is forced to choose between the love she's always wanted and a lifestyle she's grown to hate

A non-stop action thriller, Mafietta is a cacophony of action that expresses the deep passion and unique skill that E.W. Brooks possesses.


Mafietta 2: A House Divided instantly draws you into the Port City’s chaotic underworld as Clarke is left to choose between the man she loves and the lifestyle she has grown to hate.


Purchase Mafietta 2: A House Divided
Link: http://amzn.com/1499178956
Contemporary Romance Suspense/Thriller



THE CHARACTERS SPEAK TO YOUR SOUL!
Watch thrilling videos here: http://mafietta.com/the-mafietta-novella-series/

“I want to go back to the days when I was blind to the things you do. I want my innocence back.”
— Clarke
“These are not the type of people you just walk away from. Do you know how much money you made for them while I was gone?”
— Errol

"Money doesn't make a man a monster. The person within does. Money merely magnifies the mirror; if you are a good man, you become a better one."
— Admiral


Book Review: Mafietta by E.W. Brooks
“Buckle your seat belts and hide your kids because Mafietta is one relentless thrill ride from beginning to end. Female empowerment is boasted proudly in this fast paced novel. Brooks doesn't hold back as she challenges the characters’ mental and spiritual development throughout the book. Mafietta is a highly recommended book club favorite and avid reader’s joy ride.” —Minolta White, Author




Intimate Conversation with E.W. Brooks

Growing up in a small town fueled E.W.’s desire to see more and led her to larger cities where she always kept abreast of events via the nightly news and local newspapers. E.W. Brooks was intrigued by the stories of those who made an effort at a better life; on the wrong side of the law. Her curiosities led to much research and her writing, Mafietta.

E.W. Brooks is an Army wife, big sister and mentor with a big imagination. She is the founder of the Campbell Sisterhood, a group of women who support and empower each other as well as other Army Wives. Brooks also donates 10% of book proceeds to the Military Matters Project. However, she says her greatest joy comes from spending time with her family and seeing the smiling faces of those she’s helped to find a bit of light along their journey.


BPM: Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I was born in a small North Carolina town with only two stop lights. My desire to see more led me to larger cities where I always kept abreast of events via the nightly news and local newspapers. I was intrigued by the stories of those who made an effort at a better life; on the wrong side of the law. My curiosities led to much research and my writing, “Mafietta” in hopes of shining a light on what the women who aspired to date these types of men would face when they were shipped away.

BPM: When did you first start writing?
I’ve always written. My grandmother communicated with me in letters for as long as I can remember and it ultimately helped me to express myself through writing. Then, after living a bit of life, it was important to me to share the struggle of the single woman and urban community, so writing a novel seemed to be the natural next step.

BPM: Who are your favorite authors?
My favorite book is East of Eden by John Steinbeck because it explains that you may overcome evil. I also enjoy anything written by Maya Angelou.

BPM: What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
I spend a lot of time volunteering. There is nothing like the feeling you feel when someone finally gets it!! I am just honored and humbled that I can sometimes be used as the tool that brings enlightenment Writing gives me a larger platform to do just that.

BPM: Do you ever let the book stew – leave it for months and then come back to it?
I always let my books stew. I usually write the first few chapters to establish the characters’ position at the beginning of the story. After that I may wait months before coming back to write anything. Doing this gives me time to sort of work out a starting point for the next chapter in my head. Once I get to that point and the writing takes over – I have story lines that came out completely different than I’d imagined, but this is one of the things I love about writing.

BPM: Where do your book ideas come from? For the Mafietta Series, what came first the characters or the idea?
The idea definitely came first. Then it was up to me to create characters that were consistent with it.

I am intrigued by those who choose to get ahead on the wrong side of the law. I love movies like The Godfather, In Too Deep, American Gangster, and Belly. However, none of these movies really delve into the effects this type of lifestyle has on women.

Consequently, I decided to present a situation where a woman would head this illegal enterprise; so for me the story line is character driven. It is important that Clarke and Errol begin with a pure and innocent love. Creating plots that coincide with that are significant to me.


BPM: Where do you find your daily inspiration or muse?
My favorite positive saying is, “Everyone wants to be loved.” This is somewhat of a prevailing them throughout both novellas. Believe it or not, Jay-Z and Beyoncé were mere my muses in developing the love between Errol and Clarke. For example, both couples share a visible connection and genuine love while being beasts in business.

Clarke and Errol are just going about it a bit differently. In other words, let's tilt the thought and have The Carters be the same powerhouse couple on the other side of the law - Now, that couple is the one in my book. That couple is Errol and Clarke.

BPM: What are your expectations for this book? What would you like to accomplish after the book is released?
I expect Mafietta 2 to generate interest in the series as a whole. I expect this quick read to please readers from everywhere and leave them wondering what’s going to happen next and how long it will take me to come out with the next one. After the book is released, I would love to see Mafietta as a television show.

BPM: What are your goals as a writer? Do you set out to educate or inspire? Entertain? Illuminate a particular subject?
As I writer, I want to always write content my audience will enjoy. I want my work to, of course entertain, but it is important to me that it also educate and inspire. Each of my characters offer a life lesson. I want the reader to understand the lesson.

BPM: I love the opening for your previous interview on BAN Radio. Readers, here it is: “I hope to continue to put out content that people want to read. If something I write can take someone away from the stresses of their day, I've accomplished my goal. I don't seek to change the world with my books, I have a blog for that, but I do hope to entertain it.”

BPM: What is the most important message you want the reader to learn?
I would love for the readers to look at these characters and take a self-inventory of sorts. Many times, we change who we are and become someone we don’t even recognize for the sake of a relationship. This could be good or bad, but either way, I wanted readers to use these characters to examine their own lives.

BPM: What defines success for you, as a published author? What are your ambitions for your writing career?
As a published author, success for me, would be defined by the number of people interested in reading my stories or appreciating some other derivative of it. Becoming a published author allowed me to see if I was really any good at my long time hobby. I read each book review as it came in and overall I was pleased. That was one of the greatest feelings in the world for me because ultimately; my goal is to take my writing to the next level and become the female Tyler Perry that Chris Rock wants to work with. I want to get my Streisand on.

BPM: What websites can readers visit in order to discover more about you and your work?
http://www.mafietta.com
https://twitter.com/Mafiettaishere
https://www.facebook.com/EWBrooks
http://instagram.com/ewbrooksbooks
https://plus.google.com/u/0/+EWBrooks/posts



Books by This Author

Mafietta 2: A House Divided By E.W. Brooks

“I want to go back to the days when I was blind to the things you do. I want my innocence back.” — Clarke “These are not the type of people you just walk away from. Do you know how much money you made for them while I was gone?” — Errol

"Money doesn't make a man a monster. The person within does. Money merely magnifies the mirror; if you are a good man, you become a better one." -Admiral


Mafietta By E.W. Brooks
Who wants to date a gangster? Who would deal with such a headache? Well . . . Mafietta follows Clarke, a woman tired of bankrolling all of her suitors, entertaining a man she normally wouldn’t consider, a man from the underworld.  Purchase: http://amzn.com/1499178956

Personal Philanthropy: The Power of Giving to Others

Personal Philanthropy: The Power of Giving to Others 

 

In most cases, individuals are not hurt by giving to others. My co-author, Noriko Chapman, emailed me last week about royalties on our book, Second Chance, and how the funds would go to charity. While I looked at this book as an opportunity to provide assistance for nonprofit organizations, it was her idea to leverage our written work over the long-term. Noriko, who is an automobile production manager, selected the Tennessee Rehabilitation Center in Maryville as part of her MBA project. We pledged 30 percent of the book proceeds to this organization. Noriko's giving attitude helped the Center's financial needs. With the current economic crisis and the holiday season before us, citizens should use personal philanthropy as an option to improve society.

According to Merriman-Webster.com, philanthropy is defined as an act or gift done or made for humanitarian purposes. When most people think about philanthropy, they think about the wealthy among us such as Bill Gates or Warren Buffet. Personal philanthropy can be so much more than that. In fact, individuals can have the same philanthropist mindset when giving to organizations or people. Social responsibility is a buzzword in a society demanding more accountability from its corporate citizens.

Social responsibility speaks to a company's stance on the way its managers and employees view their duty or obligation to make decisions that protect, enhance, and promote the well-being of stakeholders and society as a whole. Gareth Jones and Jennifer George, authors of Contemporary Management, argue about the importance of social responsibility: "The way a company announces business problems or admits its mistakes provides strong clues about its stance on social responsibility." With the economic crisis, there are many institutions in trouble.  

However, philanthropy must start with a mindset and an attitude for giving regardless of where a person stands on the economic ladder. Marc Benioff, Chairman & CEO of Salesforce.com, built his organization with a philanthropyfocus. Salesforce.com is a cloud computing company with a mission of 'The End of Software." Benioff has had a history of successful business ventures, including The Oracle Corporation and the Macintosh Division. However, he is noted for the achievement of designing a new philanthropy model.

The Salesforce.com Foundation aims to inspire companies across the globe to give 1% of their resources to support charities and social causes. This 1%; 1%; 1% philanthropy model includes 1% of its company's time, 1% of its equity, and 1% of its products be donated to charity. For Salesforce.com, this model means giving employees 6 paid days of volunteer time to use over the course of the year. To date, Salesforce.com employees have donated over 178,000 hours. Other companies like Google have embraced this model.

The Salesforce.com Foundation has supported the giving of products to 8,000 nonprofits in 70 countries. On the equity front, 1% of its founding stock is used to offer grants focused on technology innovation for nonprofits and youth development programs. The company has given over $20 million in grants to qualified nonprofit organizations. Therefore, a philanthropist mindset can carry great rewards in sustaining meaningful programs in society. It is not exclusive only to the wealthiest people.  

© 2013 by Daryl D. Green  

 

About Daryl Green:Dr. Daryl Green has done extensive research on cultural issues impacting today and future leaders. His last book, Job Strategies for the 21^st Century: How to Assist Today's College Students during Economic Turbulence, has been rated number one on Amazon.com. For more information, you can contact him at www.darylgreen.org or www.nuleadership.com.

Bonding Thru Books Literary Festival

Bonding Thru Books Literary Festival
Nov. 22 - Nov. 26, 2013

Authors Register Here!



Hosted by BAN Radio Show
Join the Party Nightly 646.200.0402 


WE WILL LEAVE LEGACY!  WHAT WILL THAT LEGACY BE?


“The things you do for yourself are gone when you are gone,
 but the things you do for others remain as your legacy.”
— Kalu Ndukwe Kalu

Bonding Thru Books Festival, a totally online literary event, was created to start a national conversation about what we want our literary legacy to be. Each night we will discuss how we can use the leaders, icons and storytellers of today, to create body of works that will assist emerging writers and authors in being more responsible with their work and positions.

Everyone has a story! But, does that story have a purpose? What will the people in your life say about you after you are gone? What does your story hold for future generations? Let's create a life, a story, a journey that others will want to emulate! You are important to this community and we want to hear from you too.

Bonding Thru Books Nightly Themes
http://www.blackpearlsmagazine.com/bondingthrubooks13.html


PURPOSE OF BONDING THRU BOOKS
We're hosting this online book festival to connect avid readers with the authors of quality books, written with a purpose. Each year thousands of people - educators, concerned parents, community leaders, authors, poets and publishers - devote their time and resources to presenting the reader with great books! However, too many outstanding books do not get the attention and reader support that they deserve. We want to help with this state of affairs, so we encourage readers to purchase books to give as gifts 365 days a year.


FEATURED PANEL DISCUSSIONS
11/20/2013  - Bridging the Literary Divide Panel
11/21/2013  - All Booked UP! Panel Discussion 
11/22/2013  - Reclaiming the Dream: 50 Years After the March
11/23/2013  - Beacons of the Future Author Showcase
11/24/2013  - Black Writers on a Mission (New Releases)
11/25/2013  - A Thousand Steps to Health and Healing
  
STAY CONNECTED!  DON’T FORGET TO SHARE WITH FRIENDS.

Bonding Thru Books Literary Festival
Share this Hashtag:   #BondingThruBooks
Hosted  Ella Curry, EDC Creations Media Group
Chatroom for readers:  http://www.blogtalkradio.com/black-author-network


Tweet this event!    Share on Facebook! 
#BondingThruBooks

Tell at least 10 people about this online event, please. Post this show on your blogs too. Remember, Give the Gift of Knowledge! 

A Thousand Steps to Healing and Forgiveness

Igniting the Power Within

Listen Here:  http://bit.ly/1aIdCaA 

Bonding Thru Books Nightly Themes
http://www.blackpearlsmagazine.com/bondingthrubooks13.html

11/25/2013 - 8:00 PM  A Thousand Steps to Healing and Forgiveness 

“One thing: you have to walk, and create the way by your walking; you will not find a ready-made path. It is not so cheap, to reach to the ultimate realization of truth. You will have to create the path by walking yourself; the path is not ready-made, lying there and waiting for you. It is just like the sky: the birds fly, but they don't leave any footprints. You cannot follow them; there are no footprints left behind.” — Osho

Healed People Heal!  We are here to showcase the people who have conquered insurmountable odds to succeed in life. This panel discusses surviving our economy, broken homes, domestic violence, drug abuse, teen dating woes and life threatening health issues in our community. This panel offers hope!

We see so many broken people in our community; people who had so much potential, but lost their way for one reason or another. Was it learning disabilities, lack of parental guidance, mental illness, financial ruin, drug abuse, sexual abuse, abandonment, discrimination...what?

We are sharing vital information and books to help guide our community on to forgiveness, peace of mind and healing. You will meet doctors, life coaches, survivors, social workers and community leaders.

Authors can register to be a part of the shows
http://www.edc-creations.com/payments.htm


11/25/2013 - 9:00 PM  Survivor Stories: Leap of Faith Roundtable

Our guest speakers represent greatness and courage as they share their moving testimonies. We invite you to join the discussion to share your stories of triumph and survival too! Call into the radio programs to speak up and out. You may not feel that you are one to mentor or minister to others, but you never know. Your testimony might heal a hurting person. Your struggle might eliminate the pain in someone else’s future.

“The willingness to forgive is a sign of spiritual and emotional maturity.   It is one of the great virtues to which we all should aspire. Imagine a world filled with individuals willing both to apologize and to accept an apology.   Is there any problem that could not be solved among people who possessed the humility and largeness of spirit and soul to do either -- or both -- when needed?”    —Gordon B. Hinckley, Standing for Something: 10 Neglected Virtues That Will Heal Our Hearts and Homes

Bonding Thru Books Nightly Themes

http://www.blackpearlsmagazine.com/bondingthrubooks13.html

FEATURED PANEL DISCUSSIONS
11/20/2013  - Bridging the Literary Divide Panel
11/21/2013  - All Booked UP! Panel Discussion 
11/22/2013  - Reclaiming the Dream: 50 Years After the March
11/23/2013  - Beacons of the Future Author Showcase
11/24/2013  - Black Writers on a Mission (New Releases)
11/25/2013  - A Thousand Steps to Health and Healing
   

How We Love: Health, Marriage & Relationships

How We Love: Health, Marriage & Relationships
11/25/2013 at  9:30 PM 

“When we love, we always strive to become better than we are. When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.” —Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

Life coaches, ministers and authors will talk about their motivation for writing books that teach, guide and empower our community on how to achieve overall health and wellness. This unique opportunity will provide valuable information on how to achieve balance between mind, body and spirit.

Authors can register to be a part of the shows here:  http://www.edc-creations.com/payments.htm

TOPICS DISCUSSED BY THE AUTHORS
* Owning Our Mental Health with Forgiveness
* Surviving and Thriving After Adversity
* Combating Mental Abuse
* What is Intimate Partner Violence?
* Enjoying Real Success without Losing Your Authentic Self
* Has Reality TV shaped how men view women and our relationships?
* Have women started settling for 2nd best in life, the workplace and relationships?
* What's the best advice we have to offer young women in our communities?

We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love. There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies.  —Martin Luther King, Jr.


Iyanla Vanzant said:   In a spiritual context, surrender is not synonymous with being defeated. It is an act of faith. Surrender is the process of giving up your will to the will of God. It is an admission that you are willing to try a new way, do a new thing. Surrender sets your faith in action. It shifts the focus from doing to being.

Iyanla Vanzant said:   Speak with a conscious tongue. Words are things that create conditions. Every time you open your mouth to speak, you release the energy force of your soul. Say only those things you truly wish to experience. Do not speak about what you do not want. When you speak, you must be fully conscious of what you are saying.

Bonding Thru Books Nightly Themes

http://www.blackpearlsmagazine.com/bondingthrubooks13.html

FEATURED PANEL DISCUSSIONS
11/20/2013  - Bridging the Literary Divide Panel
11/21/2013  - All Booked UP! Panel Discussion 
11/22/2013  - Reclaiming the Dream: 50 Years After the March
11/23/2013  - Beacons of the Future Author Showcase
11/24/2013  - Black Writers on a Mission (New Releases)
11/25/2013  - A Thousand Steps to Health and Healing
   

Explore the Bonding Thru Books Official Bookstore

Bonding Thru Books Official Bookstore

Shop Here:  http://astore.amazon.com/edcmagazine-20

In honor of November being  National Family Stories Month, let's use it to share a little history too, here are several books to read and share with young readers.  Visit our bookstore today, go here.

PURPOSE OF BONDING THRU BOOKS FESTIVAL
We're hosting this online book festival to connect avid readers with the authors of quality books, written with a purpose. Each year thousands of people - educators, concerned parents, community leaders, authors, poets and publishers - devote their time and resources to presenting the reader with great books! However, too many outstanding books do not get the attention and reader support that they deserve. We want to help with this state of affairs, so we encourage readers to purchase books to give as gifts 365 days a year.
 
STAY CONNECTED!  DON’T FORGET TO SHARE WITH FRIENDS.

Bonding Thru Books Literary Festival
Share this Hashtag:   #BondingThruBooks
Hosted  Ella Curry, EDC Creations Media Group
Chatroom for readers:  http://www.blogtalkradio.com/black-author-network

Bonding Thru Books Nightly Themes

http://www.blackpearlsmagazine.com/bondingthrubooks13.html

FEATURED PANEL DISCUSSIONS
11/20/2013  - Bridging the Literary Divide Panel
11/21/2013  - All Booked UP! Panel Discussion 
11/22/2013  - Reclaiming the Dream: 50 Years After the March
11/23/2013  - Beacons of the Future Author Showcase
11/24/2013  - Black Writers on a Mission (New Releases)
11/25/2013  - A Thousand Steps to Health and Healing
   
Tweet this event!       Share on Facebook!     #BondingThruBooks.    Tell at least 10 people about this online event, please. Post this show on your blogs too. Remember, Give the Gift of Knowledge!

 

2013 Bonding Thru Books Festival

2013 Bonding Thru Books Weekend

Nov. 22 - Nov. 26, 2013
WE WILL LEAVE LEGACY!  WHAT WILL THAT LEGACY BE?

BAN Radio Show: 646.200.0402 

Authors Register for the BTB Festival here.

You are invited to Bonding Thru Books Weekend, a totally ONLINE book festival hosted by EDC Creations Media Group.  Every year we present a very diverse author showcase with live readings, writer's workshops, book club panel discussions, and several awesome book giveaways. Join BAN Radio Show host Ella D. Curry, avid readers, book bloggers and publishing industry insiders  Friday, Nov. 22 - Tuesday, Nov. 26, every night at 8-10pm EST.  

We are celebrating our heritage, culture and incredible talents for the holiday season!  We invite all readers to call into the show and share their thoughts each of the four nights. We will give away more than 200 books to chatters in the four days. We want readers to meet new authors and to find amazing books to give as gifts!  You are important to this community and we want to hear from you too.

We are proud to announce the launch of the "Give the Gift of Knowledge Campaign," bringing readers and authors together to help improve literacy. Each year thousands of people - educators, concerned parents, community leaders, authors, poets and publishers - devote their time and resources to presenting the reader with great books!   However, too many outstanding books do not get the attention and reader support that they deserve.  We want to help with this issue, as we encourage readers to purchase books to give as gifts 365 days a year. 

It is our mission to connect readers with the authors of quality books, written with a purpose. We offer  books that will change their lives!  Instead of giving expensive gifts that don't shape lives, let's Give the Gift of Knowledge, pay it forward and help to strengthen our future generations by sharing our wonderful literary legacy!  

Nightly Themes and Featured Books

 Host Website: http://profilesinblack.blogspot.com

FEATURED PANEL DISCUSSIONS
11/20/2013  - Bridging the Literary Divide Panel
11/21/2013  - All Booked UP! Panel Discussion 
11/22/2013  - Reclaiming the Dream: 50 Years After the March
11/23/2013  - Beacons of the Future Author Showcase
11/24/2013  - Black Writers on a Mission (New Releases)
11/25/2013  - A Thousand Steps to Health and Healing    


Tweet this event!  Share on Facebook!  Tell at least 10 people about this online event, please.  Post this show on your blogs too.  Remember, Give the Gift of Knowledge!  Visit Black Pearls Magazine for more author interviews and 100 book club interviews : www.blackpearlsmagazine.com    #BondingThruBooks

Bonding Thru Books Literary Festival
Nov. 22 - Nov.