Friday, January 30, 2015

Forty Days of Grace Book Blast and #Giveaway

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  Author is giveaway one copy of Forty Days of Grace and Journal. Enter contest below. Paperback: 140 pages 
Publisher: God's Glory (December 18, 2014) 
ISBN-10: 0974374938 
ISBN-13: 978-0974374932


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Forty Days of Grace is a prayer devotional full of wisdom orchestrated by God to manifest His purpose through a chosen nation. As you read Forty Days of Grace, God will daily impart into you revelation and knowledge for strength and encouragement. On each page God depicts His grace given for you to complete the work He has chosen for you to do. Everyone who takes the journey through Forty Days of Grace can anticipate receiving God’s triumphant Victory. As you travel within the pages of Forty Days of Grace - A Prayer Devotional, the power of God is unveiled for you to know that His Grace is Sufficient and for you to daily experience His Abundant Grace.



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Kim Jackson 

 Elder Kim Y. Jackson, M. Divinity is a licensed Elder at Greater Bethlehem Church (Bishop Jason Nelson). An anointed writer, conference speaker, teacher, oracle and psalmist for the Lord, Elder Jackson is called to write the plans of God for His people. Her self-published non-fiction Christian books include In the Garden: A Woman's Journey Orchestrated by God for Deliverance and Spiritual Maturity, Forty Days of Grace: A Prayer Devotional and True Worship: Understanding the Command of God for a Chosen People. She has also contributed to the anthologies This Far By Faith, Have A Little Faith and Keeping the Faith. Her written works have also been featured in numerous print and online publications. Elder Kim Jackson is also the founder of the Women Writers of God’s Word Author’s Tour. Through the power of the Holy Spirit Elder Jackson imparts revelation knowledge to empower believers of Christ. As an oracle and scribe for the Lord, God has released her to effectively minister in the areas of healing and deliverance. Elder Jackson ministers at several recovery houses, transitional homes and support groups. Elder Jackson has fully accepted her calling to preach, write for the Lord, teach God's word and spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She stands on God's word and encourages other believers to "Write the Vision" (Habakkuk 2:2) that God has given to them.



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tour hosted by WNL banner follow the tour





Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author Kim Y. Jackson and is hosted and managed by Paulette from Write Now Literary Book Tours. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send an email to Paulette @ pharperjohnson@gmail.com

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Book Blast and Giveaway: The Fall of the Prodigal



Author is giving away two $10.00 Amazon Gift Cards.  Two winners will be randomly chosen via rafflecopter. 
Enter contest below.

Book Title: The Fall of the Prodigal
Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Urban Books (January 27, 2015)
ISBN-10: 1601626983
ISBN-13: 978-1601626981
Genre: Christian Fiction




Michelle Lindo-Rice enjoys crafting women's fiction with themes centered around the four "F" words: Faith, Friendship, Family and Forgiveness. Her first published work, Sing A New Song, was a Black Expressions featured selection. Originally from Jamaica West Indies, Michelle Lindo-Rice calls herself a lifelong learner. She has earned degrees from New York University, SUNY at Stony Brook, and Teachers College, Columbia University. When she moved to Florida, she enrolled in Argosy University where she completed her Education Specialist degree in Education Leadership. A pastor's kid, Michelle upholds the faith, preaching, teaching and ministering through praise and worship. Feel free to connect with her at michellelindorice.com You can read her testimony, learn about her books, PLEASE join her mailing list, or read a sample chapter at michellelindorice.com





A condemned man, his two brides, and one untimely death. Michael Ward is at the top of his game and he doesn't need anyone or anything. Money is his new best friend--until he's arrested for a heinous crime. As much as he hates to admit it, Michael needs his brother, Keith Ward, the man who stole his wife and children. Will Michael open his heart to forgive his brother? Verona "Tiger" Stachs has been Michaels' attorney for years. She's in love with him, but is tired of being treated as his guinea pig. A lapsed Christian, Verona finds herself being drawn closer to God. She thought she was through with God, but soon discovers He's nowhere through with her. Which relationship will she choose? Keith Ward's a prominent minister and family man, yet he yearns to rekindle his relationship with his brother. When Michael calls him explaining that he desperately needs his help, Keith jumps at the chance to set things right with Michael. Will Keith be able to lead Michael into the light?

 






        Amazon        Barnes & Noble


Tour Hosted by Write Now Literary 




Sunday, January 25, 2015

Sample Sunday #3 - Ain't Nobody

Here's the third and final sample from Ain't Nobody! Enjoy and don't forget that it's still available for pre-order. Price increases after its release.





I was in no mental state to be writing, and I knew it. But writing was my passion and my refuge and when all else failed, only it could lift my mood. But somehow, the depression I’d slid back into as soon as my plane hit US soil had superseded the healing effects of writing. Sitting on my computer screen was not the elegant string of words I was known for, but a string of obscenities. Nothing but angry words lined the page. 

I sighed, closed my eyes, and prayed for a brief moment. Then I clicked on the iTunes icon and began to scroll through my music, hoping that a soothing tune would inspire me. Why the hell did I own so many stupid love songs? I scrolled and scrolled until my only option for music was a Lil’ Wayne album that Quincy had downloaded to my computer, and I couldn’t even stand to listen to that because it reminded me of him.

I stared at the songs listed on the computer: “What You Won’t Do For Love,” “Can’t Hide Love,” “Love And Happiness,” “Sweet Love,”  “When We Get Married,” and the one that really sent me over the edge: “All True Man.” That did it. Next thing I knew, I was deleting my entire iTunes library. Then I deleted the page of obscenities. 

Then I unplugged the laptop and threw it across the room. Somehow it landed on the couch and just as I was walking over to it with intentions of thrusting it against the wall, my doorbell rang. At first I stood there as if I didn’t know what to do. Then I slowly made my way to the door, smoothing my hand over the raggedy braids on my head. I peered through the peep hole and felt my blood instantly begin to boil. I snatched the door open and shrieked, “What the hell do you want?!”

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CLICK HERE to preorder your Kindle copy today!!

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Friday, January 23, 2015

Quote of the Week

"Everybody walks past a thousand story ideas every day. The good writers are the ones who see five or six of them. Most people don't see any."
- Orson Scott Card

Thursday, January 22, 2015

#TBT - Been So Long

For Throwback Thursday, I thought I'd share an excerpt from what has been, and still is, my top selling book--Been So Long. Enjoy and feel free to grab a copy!





In Little Rock, I slowed as I passed the office of Cardiothoracic Associates of Central Arkansas. It was the office that Dr. Wasif Masood shared with Dr. Fahad Masood, his father. Both were successful cardiothoracic surgeons, well respected in Arkansas. I slowed even more when I saw Wasif’s shiny, midnight blue Range Rover. I ached a little. I wished I could walk in there and surprise him. I wished I was his wife. But I wasn’t his wife and wishing was a waste of time.
The blaring of car horns behind me snapped me out of my thoughts and made me realize that I’d come to a complete stop and was blocking traffic. I don’t know why, but I hit my turn signal and pulled into the parking lot at Wasif’s office. Maybe I just felt bold or maybe I’d lost my mind, but for whatever reason, I found myself parking in front of the office. I pulled on a pair of Fendi sunglasses, grabbed my Gucci purse, and headed into the office.
I smiled as I walked through the nearly packed waiting area and approached the receptionist’s window. A blond-headed young lady returned my smile and said, “Can I help you?” Her southern accent was thick, almost comical.
I nodded. “Yes, I don’t have an appointment or anything, but I was wondering if I could see Dr. Wasif Masood. He was my mother’s surgeon, and I need to ask him some questions.” It was a believable lie.
“Oh, well, what’s your mother’s name?”
“Just tell him that Mo Dandridge needs to speak with him. He’ll remember me.”
She shrugged and gave me a skeptical look. “Ok, but even if he agrees to see you, it may take awhile. He has a lot of appointments this morning.” Wanna bet?
I nodded. “I understand.”
I took the only vacant seat, which was right underneath the flat-screen TV that hung on the wall, and smiled at the rainbow of patients in the waiting area. I’d only been sitting and waiting for two minutes when she told me that he was ready to see me. I hadn’t even had time to flip through the magazine I’d picked up. I thanked her as she led me to his office.
“Thanks, Paula,” Wasif said to the receptionist. “Ms. Dandridge, how can I help you?”
The room smelled of the familiar scent of his cologne. I waited for him to close and lock the door, and then I smiled and whispered, “I really need your help, doctor. I missed you.”
With wide eyes, he said, “Mo, what in the world are you doing here? What if my father sees you here? I’ll never hear the end of it.”
I pointed to the huge window behind his cluttered desk. “Then you’d better close the blinds.”
He nodded. “You’re right.” As he turned and walked to the window, he said, “Mo, you’ve got to go. I’ll call you later.”
I looked around the office as I stepped out of my heels. Behind his huge mahogany desk sat an empty executive chair. There were framed diplomas on the ecru wall from The University of Arkansas and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. I could see a picture frame lying flat on the bookcase beside me. Probably a picture of his wife and daughters. I laid my purse in the burgundy leather chair in front of his desk, and when he turned back around, I’d stripped out of my skinny jeans and blouse and was wearing nothing but my matching pink underwear. I tilted my head to the side and gave him an innocent look. “I should go?”
He bucked his eyes as I slowly walked towards him. “Um…Mo…”
I sat on top of the desk without bothering to move any of the papers. I grabbed his hand and pulled him closer to me. He smiled. “W…what are you doing, babe?”
I kissed him softly. “I told you. I missed you, doctor,” I whined.
He nodded as I loosened his tie, unbuttoned his collar, and kissed his neck. “Uh…I missed you, too, but y…you can’t just show up like this, babe.”
I shrugged. “Ok, doctor. I’ll go then.” I tried to slide off of his desk, but he blocked me.
He leaned over and kissed me as he pulled his dress shirt out of his pants. “No, Ms. Dandridge. First, you’ve got to finish what you’ve started.”
“What about your patients, Dr. Masood?”
He smiled as he laid me back on his desk. “They can wait. This is an emergency.”


Kindle and paperback: http://ow.ly/dmcbB
Amazon UK: http://ow.ly/miF6M


Sunday, January 18, 2015

Sample Sunday #2 - Ain't Nobody

Here's another sample from Ain't Nobody. Now available for pre-order at amazon.com. Price increases after January 27, 2015.
Enjoy!!






I was sitting in my mother’s living room enjoying our weekly visit when she decided to ruin it for me.

“He calls me every day. Sounds like he’s crying half the time,” she said out of the blue.

“Who?” I asked as I picked up a People magazine from the coffee table and studied the cover like I was going to be quizzed on it later.

“You know who. When you gon’ make up with him?”

“I’m not. We’re over.” 

Mama leaned forward in her recliner and shook her finger at me. “A man is hard to come by—especially one with a job. He ain’t got no kids and he’s got his own place. I don’t know what else you could want, Alex.”

I turned my head towards the TV, which was playing a Tyler Perry DVD with the volume muted. “Commitment.”  

“Ain’t y’all engaged?”

“Yes, but if I leave it up to Quincy, we’ll be engaged forever. I mean, by the time you were my age, you’d already been married twice. Farrah’s younger than me and she’s already been married and divorced. And look at Gwin. She’s been married forever. I just want my chance to have a family.”

Mama frowned. “Well, hell, ain’t none of that worth bragging about. Farrah’s divorced, I’ve been married twice, and Gwin’s husband won’t even go to church with her. What kind of marriage is that? I don’t know what you think marriage is, but let me be the first to tell you, it ain’t no fairy tale. It’s a bunch of work. Sometimes it’s worth the trouble and sometimes it’s not. But one thing’s for sure, you ain’t gon' get no closer to marrying the man by quitting him. That just don’t make no sense to me.”

I sighed. “Mama, I really don’t want to discuss this.” I pointed to the TV. “Which one is this? I Can Do Bad All By Myself?”

“Naw, Diary of a Mad Black Woman. Alex, you’re making a mistake.”

Before I could answer, I heard the front door open and close, and seconds later, my younger sister, Farrah, walked in wearing tight jeans and a tank top. She was six years my junior and she was gorgeous. She was petite with the smoothest brown skin and I’d literally kill for her body. She’d already had one husband, two kids, and two baby daddies, but she looked like she was still in high school.

“Hey, y’all,” she said as she plopped down on the sofa next to me. “Where the kids?”

“They in the family room playing one of those video games,” Mama said.

“Well, can they stay here tonight? I got some stuff I need to do,” Farrah asked.

Someone you need to do,” I said under my breath.

“I heard that, Alex. Don’t hate on me just because you ain’t got no man. Oh, that’s right, you had one but you threw him away,” Farrah countered.

“You have no idea what you’re talking about. Why don’t you worry about raising your kids and stop leaving them on Mama all the time?” I said through my teeth.

“That’s enough!” Mama shouted. 

We were all startled by the ringing of the doorbell.

“I’ll get it,” I said. I cut my eyes at Farrah as I headed to the front door. Mama shook her head as I passed by her. I opened the door and wanted to scream. Mama had planned this and I knew it. Standing on the other side of the door was Quincy.

“Mama! I think you have company!” I yelled as Quincy stood there and stared at me.

“No, I don’t. That’s your company,” she called back.

I rolled my eyes and let out an exasperated sigh. “I don’t know why Mama did this. What is it, Q?”

He smiled. “You’re the only person that calls me that, you know?”

“Then I’ll stop.”

He dropped the smile and his shoulders. Quincy Wright was a nice-looking man. He was tall and husky with pale brown skin. His mustache and goatee were always neatly trimmed as was his thick hair, and he always smelled like Armani Code. He looked so good standing there in his business suit that I had to fight to stay in character. Oh, yeah. Did I mention he’s a lawyer and a successful one, at that? Yeah, I know.

“Alex, why won’t you talk to me?” he asked.

“Because I’m done, Quincy.”

“Can you tell me exactly what I’ve done to deserve this?”

I glanced behind me. I really didn’t want Farrah and Mama any deeper in my business than they already were. “Let’s step outside.” I closed the door and sat down on one of the resin chairs on Mama’s porch. Quincy sat down beside me. “Quincy, do you love me, I mean really love me?”

“Of course I do. You know that.”

“And you like being with me?”

He nodded. “Yes.”

“Then why won’t you marry me?”

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CLICK HERE to preorder your Kindle copy today!

Friday, January 16, 2015

Thursday, January 15, 2015

Book Blast & Book Giveaway: Seven Days of Redemption


Enter to Win! 
Author is giving away one autograph copy of Seven Days of Redemption
a Rafflecopter giveaway


Genre: Devotional





Instead of giving you a formal third person description of myself, I’m going to be transparent. The same way I present myself in ministry, my book, my blog, the way I am in real life. I’m passionate, enlightening and formalities may dilute the true message of what I want to deliver. I grew up a small town girl who involuntarily learned a lot of things the hard way. My childhood was stolen at the tender age of four and after years of abuse I decided to liberate myself through accomplishments. My trophies and awards shined brightly but my soul grew darker as I started to adopt and carry out self-inflicted abuse. Fearing a return to my impoverished beginnings I became a serial perfectionist. If things weren’t flawless, I would perpetually beat myself up until I fixed it. As I was bringing down the hammer on myself for the umpteenth time, God grabbed my hand and I looked up to behold the Son of Glory. He showed me a new way. I learned that acceptance, forgiveness and grace is more effective in change than punishment. I would continue to fall, but instead of the whip, I used something a lot fiercer: the double-edged Word of God.






Having her innocence stolen at the age of four, she would grow up relentlessly betrayed, oppressed, and longing for unconditional love. In Seven Days of Redemption, the companion devotional to the inspirational memoir, “Cinderella’s Still Going to the Ball”, Dr. Shaunte’ McFarland gives an exclusive glimpse inside her process of healing and restoration. This devotional is a seven-day journey of strength, acceptance and grace. Endowing you with the irresistible unction to shout, I Am Redeemed!!





Tour Hosted by WNL 

Sunday, January 11, 2015

Sample Sunday #1 - Ain't Nobody

Please enjoy this short sample from Ain't Nobody. Now available for preorder at amazon.com. Price increases after Jan. 27, 2015.






Prologue


Sometimes a woman’s just had enough. No matter how she may feel about a man. No matter how much she loves him and wants to be with him, there’s always that one, teeny tiny little straw—the last straw.  It usually pops up after she’s done all she can humanly possibly do to make things work. She’s cooked for him, cleaned for him, praised him, had sex with him, ignored his annoying ways, and yet, she still finds herself holding the short end of the stick. 

As I sat there on the side of Quincy’s bed, the last straw flew in through the bedroom window and landed right on my camel’s back. Quincy, my fiancé and the love of my life, was in the shower whistling. He was whistling like he didn’t have a care in the world. He was whistling like I wasn’t thirty-seven and kicking the hell out of forty. He was whistling like I wasn’t unmarried and childless. Like we hadn’t been engaged for five years.  Five years. He was whistling like he hadn’t refused to set a wedding date. Like my biological clock wasn’t ticking as loud as a time bomb.

I’d been with Quincy Wright for eight years. I’d been his lover and friend. I’d bent over backwards, neglected my own needs, and done all I could do to be a good woman. I wanted a husband and I wanted children and he knew it. We’d discussed it at length. And what was his response? His black behind was in the shower whistling. That was it and whether he knew it or not, it was over. O-V-E-R.

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CLICK HERE to preorder your Kindle copy today!!


Friday, January 9, 2015

10 #Writing, #Reading, and #Publishing Goals for 2015

We're a few days into 2015, and I was thinking about what I want to accomplish this year. I have a few goals in mind, and I plan to work hard to reach them. Here they are:


© Oscar1319 | Dreamstime Stock Photos


1. To read 52 books (half fiction and half nonfiction).
2. To explore a few new genres to expand my reading experience.
3. To publish at least four books.
4. To complete the Young Adult book I began writing in 2014.
5. To write a book with a holiday theme. 
6. To write a screenplay.
7. To publish a box set (electronic).
8. To interact with readers more.
9. To discover new authors whose work I've never read before.
10. To write more and spend less time playing hooky :).


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What are your goals for this year? Leave a comment and let me know!!

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Book Tour - The Dunes (Christian Self-Help) #WW


THE DUNES
Release Your Fears, Restore Your Soul
Renew Your Life 

Genre: Christian- Mind-Body-Spirit-Self Help
Paperback: 230 pages
Published: May  22, 2014
ISBN-10: 0615982948
ISBN-13: 978-0615982946


About The Author


Born in Cincinnati, Ohio and raised in the Bay Area of Northern California, Erin grew up with an innate love for dance, theatre and the written word. A graduate of Loyola Marymount University, Erin began her career in the arts as an actress and choreographer. After booking several notable roles in television and film, Erin began to use her gift of writing in Blogs featuring political and social commentary as well as developing content for theatrical use. Although The Dunes, is a divine departure from Erin’s previous writings it is by far her most cherished work to date. “When I saw people read The Dunes and be released from fears that had held them back for years…when I saw that The Dunes was helping people to forgive and to walk in the freedom forgiveness brings…when I saw The Dunes help people commit and serve and how those things opened up new opportunities in their life, I was just humbled. Humbled by the awesome power of God and humbled that I had been allowed to go along for the ride”.


About The Book


If there was a journey that could masterfully change your life in seven revelations…would you take it? In life, sometimes the kernels of wisdom and the richness of revelation can be found in the most innocent of stories; and so it is with The Dunes. Join one man and one woman in an exquisitely simple yet remarkably profound journey as you discover with them that the mountain you must climb in order to live the abundant life of your dreams is located squarely within your heart. Illuminated in seven revelations; The Dunes carries the reader on a journey to not only examine the obstacles that are holding them back in life but to conquer and overcome them as well. With each revelation The Dunes intimately calls on the reader as the journey companion to face a challenge…a dare if you will that requires an uncompromising commitment to change. In the family of faith-based self help books The Dunes stands alone, simultaneously taking the reader from fiction to life and back again, equipped with a tailor made journal for the readers inner most secrets and reflections. The Dunes is part allegory, part testimony and part journal but the best part is the healing it offers your heart. When you're ready to step out of your comfort zone and step into the miracle of your life…The Dunes awaits. Caution: Readers of this book are subject to significant changes for the better. Side effects include frequent smiling and enjoying life in every season.




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Sunday, January 4, 2015

Cover Reveal - Ain't Nobody

Happy 2015!! I'm starting the year off working hard to prepare my 16th book for release later this month. My daughter was gracious enough to create the cover art for me, and I wanted to share it with you all. So here it is along with the blurb and some other pertinent information. Thanks to all of my Facebook friends who helped me decide on this cover (with a few tweaks).





Genre: Women's Fiction

Release Date: January 27, 2015

Tagline: "She wanted a family, but at what cost?"

Blurb: 

With her biological clock ticking like a time bomb, Alex Weaver issues her long-time commitment-phobic boyfriend an ultimatum. Soon, things are back on track, and Alex is well on her way to her “happily ever after.” That is, until she makes a discovery that rocks her to her core. When Alex decides to take control of her future, she begins to make some life-altering decisions that set her on the path of fulfilling her goal of having a family. But will she be able to deal with the consequences?


Soundtrack:


“When A Woman’s Fed Up” R. Kelly
“In My Bed” Dru Hill
“Me, Myself, And I” Beyonce
“I’m Doin Me” Fantasia
“All Night Long” Faith Evans
“Ain’t Nobody” Chaka Khan
“Don’t Take It Personal” Jermaine Jackson
“Something In The Past” Jesse Powell
“Another Way” Tevin Campbell
“Say Yeah” Kerry Thomas
“Sumthin’ Sumthin’” Maxwell
“Nobody’s Business” Rihanna featuring Chris Brown
“Family Affair” Mary J. Blige
“Can’t Let Go” Mariah Carey
“I Think I Love U” Dwele
“I Wish I Wasn’t” Heather Headley
“Love Is A Losing Game” Amy Winehouse
“On And On” Erykah Badu
“I’m For Real” Howard Hewett
“I Wanna Know” Joe
“Me And Mr. Jones” Amy Winehouse
“The First Night” Monica
“Get It Together” 702
“Gettin’ In the Way” Jill Scott
“I Can’t Help The Way I Feel” Repunza
 “Remember The Time” Michael Jackson
“Tha Crossroads” Bone Thugs n Harmony 
“Can We Talk” Tevin Campbell
“Stop The World” Maxwell




The book's title is from one of my favorite Chaka Khan songs:





Be on the lookout for the book's release and thanks for dropping by!! Until later... be blessed!!