Monday Motivation #video

Monday Motivation - #quote

“A professional writer is an amateur who didn’t quit.”
—Richard Bach

#MondayMotivation - #quote

“You can always edit a bad page. You can’t edit a blank page.”
― Jodi Picoult

#MondayMotivation - UNLEASH Your CREATIVE Energy!

#MondayMotivation - #Quote

"Think big and don't listen to people who tell you it can't be done. Life's too short to think small."
-Tim Ferriss

#MondayMotivation #Quote

 "The woman who follows the crowd will usually go no further than the crowd. The woman who walks alone is likely to find herself in places no one has been before."
—Albert Einstein

#MondayMotivation - #quote

"I believe that the only courage anybody ever needs is the courage to follow your own dreams." --Oprah Winfrey

#MondayMotivation - #quote

“Failure? I never encountered it. All I ever met were temporary setbacks.”
~ Dottie Walters

#WriterWednesday with Author Chelle Ramsey

Today's #WriterWednesday interview is with the immensely talented, Chelle Ramsey!! Get to know her!

AT: Where do you live? What’s your town’s claim to fame?
CR: I live in the ATL, home of the 2000 Olympics, or as JD says “Where the players play.” So, yes, we’re famous for our juicy peaches, Coca-Cola, and of course hip-hop and our rappers, T.I., Ludacris, Gucci Mane, Lil Jon, Andre 3000, Big Boi, J.D., and so many others who have made a mark in the industry.

AT: Okay!! Come through, ATL! What genre do you write?
CR: I write women’s fiction, because it allows me to use daily women’s issues in a dramatic way to drive home an empowering, impactful, and inspirational message. 

AT: And you do it well!! I already know the answer to this one, but for my blog readers, are you a published author or aspiring to be published? If published, how many books are out there with your name on them?
CR: I have six published novels, including The House of BeJeweled series. I have three waiting to be published, and two waiting to be re-released.

AT: Love your books! What inspires you to write?
CR: Life inspires me to write. I see love, hope, joy, and peace all around me. However, I also see hurt, pain, suffering, and fear, and I want to uplift those who struggle with it so that they can be empowered to rise above their limitations.

AT: Beautiful! Name one book you wish you’d written.
CR: There isn’t a book that I wish I’d written. I’ve already written the ones that I wish were written.

AT: I ain't mad at you! What was the last book you read? Did you enjoy it?
CR: In all honesty, it was your book, Breathe Again. I thoroughly enjoyed it, especially how Maria was able to move to healing after the devastating event that occurred in her life. I loved how patient Malachi was with her and loved on her until she gained self-confidence and strength. I have been blessed to have a man like Malachi in my life, and I thank Almighty God for him daily. 

AT: Wow! Thanks so much!! Who is your favorite author? Why?
CR: I have so many from Terri McMillan to James Patterson, Chicki Brown to you, Adrienne. There are some wonderful writers out there, but I love you all because you write relatable stories that deal with issues that people struggle with daily. I love James Patterson for the mysterious element that he brings into my life. 

AT: Those are some of my favs, too! Including me! LOL. Now for the fun questions! You’re a new addition to the crayon box. What color would you be and why?
CR: Phoenix Blue because I bring the fiyah in my art! The hotter the fire the deeper the blue. My writing skills are undeniable like a phoenix rising. Like the deepest blue, there’s something in my eyes that lets you know there’s always something hidden deep within me that you will never know. 

AT: Yes, honey!! What would your autobiography be called?
CR: “And Still I Rise…”

AT: Nice! Do you believe in love at first sight?
CR: No. I believe you can fall in lust and deep desire, but you really don’t know that person. Love is about sacrifice, commitment, and getting to know yourself and what you will and won’t go through for someone else, and getting to know the other person on that journey. It’s about going through the fire together. You have no idea that you would do that for someone you don’t know.

AT: Great points! If a genie granted you three wishes, what would they be? (can't ask for more wishes)
CR: Financial prosperity, healed relationships that are broken in my family, and deliverance for those who are bound and broken.

AT: I love those! Are you spring, summer, fall, or winter? Please share why.
CR: I’m fall all day, all night, all season, and all year long. Like fall, I’m a little bit chill and laid back. I’m not overly bright, but I love comfort, easygoing, laid back days, and my personality is pretty much the same.

AT: Great description! Tea or coffee?
CR: Tea! Especially sweet southern and chai.

AT: Yum! Tell us about your most recent/current project.
CR: My most recent release has been A Woman’s Design: Afflictions. 

Blurb: 
Ambiance – Loving her husband, building her brand, and being there for her girls are the only things that matter to her. But she’s quickly learning that her love is not enough to build a strong, stable marriage. Surrounded by family, friends and business constituents should be enough; yet, she’s all alone. When her love isn’t enough to suffice her husband’s needs, Ambiance considers stepping beyond the vows and taking matters into her own hands. When the results are tragic she finds herself questioning her marriage, her life, and running to the Lord.

Naomi – As a teen she made the decision to be a single mother. Choosing to build her life around her daughter has molded and shaped all the decisions she has made until now. Her relationship with her daughter is highly valued and nothing can shake it, not even her daughter’s attempts to grow up. But when her daughter’s so-called “deceased” father comes back, Naomi’s carefully constructed world may begin to crumble. Her efforts to protect her child may be the one thing that pushes her away, and she must decide if she will open herself up to love again.

Paige- running from her inner demons she struggles to build a life vastly different than her mother and aunt’s. With a mindset of use or be used, she takes the concept of “love ‘em and leave ‘em” to a new level, and her promiscuous lifestyle is a cause of concern for all those who love her. She doesn’t care whose heart she’s breaking or whose life she’s ruining, it’s all about her. Until it no longer is. Paige finds herself engaged in a deadly attraction that will cost someone their very life.

Three women are on a journey of self-discovery, as they deal with the fallout from choices made from emotion rather than self-awareness. 

Excerpt:
We dug into our food after saying our grace. Food was a common denominator among most people, which induced a peaceful atmosphere. And my daughter and I were both enjoying one now. But that peace only lasted so long.

As we finished our meal, I heard a distantly familiar voice behind me. I hadn’t heard that voice in a while and thought maybe I was mistaken. Something told me not to turn around in my seat, but I ignored that natural instinct and turned.
My heart dropped to the pit of my stomach as I watched a very familiar face making its way in our direction. When he passed our table, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. But it lasted only for a moment. I set my napkin on the table and looked up at my daughter.

“Mom, are you okay? You look like you just saw a ghost.”

“I’m fine, Sashaberry. I’m not feeling so well. I don’t know if it was something I ate or what. Come on, I’m ready to leave.”

“Just like that, Mom? What about dessert? We always have dessert.”

“Not tonight, Sasha. Come on, let’s leave.”

“But Mom, you haven’t even paid your bill, yet. Can we at least order it to go?” she pleaded.

“Sure,” I replied. “Look, I’m really not feeling well. Baby, let’s just pay it at the bar and order your dessert from there.”

“Okay, Mom,” she stated. “But you sure are acting strange.”

We left our table and headed to the bar. I paid for our food after ordering the dessert. It seemed as if that dessert couldn’t get there soon enough.  It arrived ten minutes later, and I was relieved we could finally leave.

“Come on, baby, let’s go. I just need to lie down for a while. I’m sure once we’re home and I get some rest, I’ll feel better.”

“I hope so,” Sasha replied. “What came over you anyway?”

“Oh, nothing, baby. I think just the taking you back and forth to school and the altered schedule is taking its toll on my body.”

“Do you want me to drive home?” Sasha had had her license for six months. I quite often allowed her to drive for small errands in our community or drive to her friends’ homes. But I wasn’t about to let her drive that far at night in my baby. It didn’t matter if I would be sitting in the passenger seat.

We had discussed getting her a little vehicle, because I wasn’t comfortable with allowing her to drive my baby. I had recently purchased that Mustang as a rare gift for myself. But I knew with all the hard work I put in, I deserved something special. So on my thirty-third birthday, I had gone out and paid cash for her. No car notes, no strings attached.

“Uh-uh I’ll be just fine, baby. I can make the drive, come on.”

I headed towards the door as we passed the restrooms, and my heart stopped once again. “Naomi.” My heart plummeted to the floor. That smooth smile carved that honey-colored face into a familiar grin. And those smoke-grey eyes shined brightly at me. I had been looking at that smile and those grey eyes for the last sixteen years. And now they were back in the flesh to haunt me.

“How’ve you been?” Jaime asked.

Purchase Links:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XRQMHXM
bit.ly/AWD_A

AT: You know I love it!! How can readers connect with you?
CR: a. WEB: www.chelleramsey.com
b. EMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.com
c. FACEBOOK: ChelleWrites
d. TWITTER: @UndeniablyChell
e. PINTEREST: ChellesBooks
f. INSTAGRAM: UndeniablyChelle

AT: Any final words?
CR: Believe in yourself, have faith in God, and live your dreams out loud and on purpose!

AT: Amen!

#MondayMotivation - #Quote

“A professional writer is an amateur who didn’t quit.”

—Richard Bach

#MondayMotivation #Quote

To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream, not only plan, but also believe. ~ Anatole France

#MondayMotivation #quote

#MondayMotivation #Quote

“Start writing, no matter what. The water does not flow until the faucet is turned on.”

~ Louis L’amour

#MondayMotivation - #quote

"Few things are impossible to diligence and skill. Great works are performed not by strength, but perseverance." 
~ Samuel Johnson

#MondayMotivation - #Quote

“If you want to change the world, pick up your pen and write.” 
― Martin Luther

#MondayMotivation - #Quote

It is perfectly okay to write garbage—as long as you edit brilliantly.
– C. J. Cherryh

#SampleSunday #2 from Breathe Again

Here's another excerpt from Breathe Again. Enjoy!!

I turned my attention to the plate, which held a pig’s foot drenched in hot sauce, pinto beans virtually swimming in grease, mustard greens intermingled with ham hock meat, and a thick slice of cornbread. I’d never seen anything that looked so appetizing and unhealthy before in all my life! Okay, that’s a lie. My mother, Rhonda, used to throw down like that nearly every Saturday. Saturdays were for my mama’s soul food. Sundays were for Brown Boy’s.  

A faint smile appeared on my face at the memory. It was one of the few good memories of my mother that remained. “Wow, this looks good!” I said, as I forked up a heap of greens.

Malachi nodded, chewed for a few seconds, and said, “It tastes even better.”

I dug in, and by the time we were both finished, I was so stuffed I felt a little uncomfortable.

Malachi chuckled. “You look like I feel.”

I sighed and readjusted my butt on the seat. “Then you must feel like you’re about to pop.”

He nodded. “Yep.” Hopping up, he reached for my hand. “Come on. Let’s dance this food off. I think I just gained twenty pounds.”

I took his hand, stood with a soft grunt. “I gained forty.”

The dancefloor was a scuffed-up piece of black and white, checkered linoleum no more than ten feet by ten feet. We barely fit with the other three or four couples already on the floor moving to a mid-tempo song.

I was poised and ready to do my signature dainty two-step when the song ended and a slow jam I slightly recognized began to play. Like all of the other music that had been playing in the background the entire time we’d been there, it was old and bluesy, made many years before my time. I knew the melody, but the lyrics and title escaped me. Malachi, the old soul, hummed along with the song as he pulled my body close to his and began rocking both of us back and forth, rubbing his hands up and down my back. I leaned into him a bit, but didn’t totally relax in his arms. Yes, he was handsome and kind and had basically shared his life story with me, but I still found it hard to totally let my guard down. I still didn’t know him. Not really. And he definitely didn’t know me. I wasn’t sure if I wanted him to know me.

So I placed my hands on his shoulders and backed away a little, gazing up at his face. If I looked into his eyes, maybe he’d see what I couldn’t tell him—that I was petrified of what he represented and what he could offer me, even more afraid of him disappointing me.

Coming 6.20.17

#MondayMotivation - #Quote

"If you wish to be a writer, write." 
– Epictetus

Activating Your Gifts, by Shaniece M. Wise Virtual #Book Tour,

Write Now Literary Book Tours is pleased to announce Activating Your Gifts, by Shaniece M. Wise Virtual Book Tour, May 1-12, 2017.

Genre: Business Owners, Aspiring Business Owners, Professionals, Inspiration, Growth, Development.

ISBN-10: 0997576006

ISBN-13: 978-0997576009

ASIN: B01K6PELIA

Speaker | Personal and Business Development Coach | Executive Trainer | Author

Shaniece M. Wise is a Speaker, Personal and Business Development Coach, Executive Trainer and Author who helps others identify, activate, and maximize their gifts. As a coach, she considers herself an “Activation Specialists,” who empowers people in discovering and activating their interest, developing a career around their interest, and turning that passion into income. She brings these strategies to life through fifteen years of success in direct selling, coaching, and mentoring. Her successful experiences have provided her with both the confidence and knowledge to teach audiences across the United States how to move from a place of survival, to a place of thriving by turning thoughts into actions. Shaniece is also the founder of the Unstoppable Community TN. Unstoppable Community is a community for Entrepreneurs, Aspiring Entrepreneurs and Professionals that are looking to grow personally and professionally in order to serve others with their gifts. Over the last fifteen years Shaniece has traveled around the United States teaching and coaching on self-motivation, growth and development, and how to live life with expectation. After years of experience, she transitioned from career to purpose, and that is when her Coaching Practice was brought to life.

“Activating Your Gifts Workbook”

What Is This Workbook Designed To Do?

This is the first workbook in the “Awakening Series: Activating Your Gift.” It is designed to aid you in identifying your gift that God has put inside of you. The goal of this workbook is to make you feel uncomfortable in operating in the same place. My prayer is that it causes you to want to shift from a place of being complacent, and challenge you to be exactly what you are supposed to be; no longer just existing, but thriving and living an abundant life. It is designed to make you look at yourself, identify what you enjoy, and allow you to dream again. It is designed to assist you with letting some things go that may be blocking you from your successful future and a life of abundance. The Activation Process is about development and growth. It is about getting to know your gifts and strengths. Realizing that you already have exactly what you need to be successful, you must learn how to activate it. The ultimate goal is to operate in a career that you absolutely love, create an organization that changes the world, and become the person that you are destined to be. When you break down the Activation Process, the first step is to identify what your gifts and strengths are. That is the focus of this workbook. You must identify what makes you happy and what brings you joy. The definition of “Identify” means to establish or indicate who or what (someone or something) is. This is the first step to beginning your journey. Once you identify what your gift is, you use the tools provided to get into action and activate it. This is where you research, develop, figure out your target markets, build your customer base, and execute. This definition of “Activation” is to make (something) active or operative; to convert (a substance, molecule, etc.) into a reactive form. The last piece of the Activation Process is where you maximize your gifts and strengths in a way that allows you to earn an income. This is where the sky is the limit for you. The definition of “Maximize” is to make as large or great as possible; to make the best use of.

Excerpt

Transformation . . .

I want to challenge you to take a look at yourself and identify what is keeping you from reaching your highest destination. What is hindering the gift that is inside of you from being ignited and birthed? I want to see you transform from the inner to the outer. The definition of “transform” is to make a thorough or dramatic change in form, appearance, or character. Let’s choose today to begin transforming your thoughts, views, and actions, so that you can begin to identify, activate, and maximize the gifts that have been lying dormant. I have observed many entrepreneurs who start businesses and have great success . . . until life throws them a curveball. When entrepreneurs fail to deal with the personal issues that seem to be holding them down, it is possible that they will fall and never get up. These issues, situations, and relationships are like road blocks hindering them from truly activating the gifts that are stored inside of them. We must learn how to personally develop, declutter, and grow to change our situation and create a life of abundance. My goal is for you to activate your gift and become the 360 degree person that I know you can be. Your gift is waiting patiently to be ignited, birthed, and developed.

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#MondayMotivation #quote

"If you can tell stories, create characters, devise incidents, and have sincerity and passion, it doesn’t matter a damn how you write."
– Somerset Maugham