Stephanie
Allen-Adams, M.Ed., hails from Chicago, but the past 6
years has called Plano, TX home. She is an experienced teacher,
gifted orator and founder of Cultural Moves, an educational consulting
firm that provides training and support to schools and corporations
around cultural, gender, generational, and ethnic differences in
the workplace.
Stephanie is an adjunct lecturer in the School of Behavioral and Brain Science at the University of Texas at Dallas where she teaches a course entitled "Families & Culture."
She is the author of Magnificent Exchange: Two Years in the Life of an American Family in Japan, a powerful and rather incredible story of promise and hope that richly portrays her life with a young son in a foreign country. Visit her website at: www.culturalmoves.com
M
Bridges grew up on the southern end of California, moving
with her parents and siblings to Texas in her early teen years.
Always an avid reader and writer, the author recalls writing her
first stories for her most enthusiastic and encouraging fan at the
time, Ms. Horton, her teacher from the first through third grades
at Ralph Waldo Emerson in Compton, California. She attended the
University of Houston-Downtown for several years where she attempted
to become the first student to ever receive tenure—unfortunately
the quest was denied, but she still has hope. Her disciplines include
English, Speech Communications and Technical Writing. She wrote
her first manuscript, a romantic-fantasy, at twenty and is currently
the author of eleven manuscripts not including her award-winning
debut novel, Are you satisfied, yet? She writes anything from poetry,
to short stories, fiction to non-fiction and has a desire to see
all fifty-plus of her stories completed and on book shelves one
day. Though she left the Pacific coast years ago, her heart remains
there, but hopes to see exotic beaches and distant shores, which
beckon almost as incessantly as the stories and characters in her
head.
Latoya Brown knows what it’s like to make bad choices. But she also knows what it’s like to reach her goals. She believes you can be of no value to others unless you truly value yourself. Sexually abused as a child, raped as a teen and raveled with rejection and hate, LaToya spent many years searching for love, purpose and acceptance. In her search for these things and more, at the age of seventeen LaToya found herself the mother of three children.
Though desperate and despondent, LaToya was determined to make a better life for her and her children. In spite of the odds stacked against her, she knew that getting an education was her key to being free from the life that she lived as a child and was living as a teen parent. Ultimately through God’s grace, hard work and education LaToya was able to provide the stability that she and her three sons deserved. Today, she is a social worker in her middle school alma mater, where she ministers to youth who live the life that she once overcame. She is emerging as a leader in the social work field and in the community, where she volunteers countless hours ministering to youth.
LaToya Brown is the founder and CEO of Soul Water Ministries. She holds a Master's and a Bachelor's Degree from The University of Texas at Arlington and an Associates of Liberal Arts from Mountain View College in Dallas, Texas. LaToya Brown is a sought after inspirational speaker at conferences, seminars, church retreats, youth rallies and schools. She considers herself to be an inspirational speaker over a motivational speaker as she says that her mission in life is to inspire others to live past their yesterdays and believe towards their inspired tomorrows. LaToya Brown’s work encourages young women to make positive investments in their self-worth. She loves spending time with her family and friends, reading a good book, watching the sunset. She honors the way that God allows his vision of life and love to flow from her soul into the lives of others. LaToya lives in Grand Prairie, Texas, with her three children: Tristan, Ashton and JaRicky.
Margaret Burroughs is the author of Life Lessons
for the Christian Journey, Still I Wait, a book of inspirational
poetry, and her most recent release, Reflections of a Queen. She
is also a playwright, life coach and aspiring screenwriter. Her
passion and calling in life is to use the gift to write that God
has given her, to inspire and encourage others, especially women.
She is a member of the Chosen Vessel Cathedral in Ft. Worth, Texas.
Alicia began her earthly destiny on September 3, 1969 in Washington,
DC. She has resided in Winston-Salem, NC most of her life. She is
married to the love of her life, Michael Sr. They have 3 wonderful
children. She is a faithful active member/leader at St. Peter's
World Outreach Center. Her favorite hobbies are reading and writing.
Her passion is developing people to reach their God-given potential
through mentoring and motivating. Alicia is the president of a non-profit
organization, Destined for Success, Inc., community volunteer, Motivational
Coach and entrepreneur. Some of her community involvement includes:
service on the Mayor's Task Force, National & Local PTA Board, Stop
the Violence Advisory Board, & Crosby Scholars Grade advisor, and
a 1999 Black Achiever in Business Award Recipient. She established
the Destined for Success Creative Writing Club for young people
in 2005. She formerly served as the Vice President of Public Relations
for the Charter 37 Toastmasters GMAC Insurance Club-Insuring Success
and is a 2007 graduate of Leadership Winston-Salem. Her book, Destined
for Success, captures the passion, desire, and importance of fulfilling
destiny. The book educates, empowers and challenges the reader to
maximize their potential. Many biblical facts are included concerning
destiny such as God created each of us for a specific assignment
and purpose according to Jeremiah 1:5. Alicia includes some of her
personal triumphs and failures to encourage the reader to persevere
beyond their own fears and limitations. This is a Christian motivational
book with an easy-to-read format and content that appeals to a diverse
audience.
Na'Kisha
Crawford is an accomplished and best-selling author,
professional Life Coach and Inspirational Speaker and Entrepreneur
whose goal is to inspire others to experience the journey. She has
spoken to thousands of people from various backgrounds on topics
that range from personal and professional growth to the development
of healthy love and interpersonal relationships. Na'Kisha earned
a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology as well as a Master's Degree
in Education, Counseling from San Jose State University.
Na'Kisha has taken on a variety of roles including being a panelist for principles that emphasized women in higher education and non-traditional professions as well as an expert life coach and national spokesperson for Downy Simple Pleasures on a campaign designed to improve the daily lives of working women. She has facilitated individual and group counseling sessions in addition to workshops on developing effective counseling techniques and she has conducted open forums for men and women on topics related to love and relationships. Na'Kisha has lectured for collegiate-level courses as well as written and implemented lesson plans for high-school students on various subjects. These experiences have provided her with critical knowledge about the possibility of overall success in relationships and in life.
Na'Kisha is a licensed Real Estate Broker and she is also co-founder of a real estate investment and appraisal firm, serving as a corporate officer and CEO. She has consulted for small businesses and she, along with her husband, has started and operated several businesses of their own. Na'Kisha's creative energy and passion drive her to keep pushing forward to a healthy and balanced transition toward success.
Na'Kisha's debut book, I Want It Now! made critical acclaim and her sophomore project, So Good It Hurts, is sure to take the literary, nonfiction world by storm with her new dose of "Real Talk" on love. She is confident that her professional, educational and real life experiences support her qualification. She was born a life coach and she has a strong interest in the personal development of her peers. Na'Kisha has a genuine desire to help people achieve success in life. She is a natural leader, she is experienced and she is passionate.
Just a few short years ago at age 27, Na'Kisha was diagnosed with breast cancer. She embraced this as one of the most challenging processes she would encounter but she was faithful that wonderful things were to come for her. She held her head up gracefully and accepted this challenge. Na'Kisha is now cancer-free, wife and mother of 2 beautiful babies and she is sharing her passion with the world. She has an energy and an excitement that we cannot afford to miss.
Terrienna Cullins
is the director of a private school in Texas. She has a Master's
degree in psychology from Abilene Christian University. She had
her first literary work published in Treasures of the Wind at the
age of sixteen. Terrienna has been writing since she was a young
child. She had several poems featured in literary anthologies and
received a Sokoyah Poet Award in 1995. She has several articles
on early child education published on preschool websites, and she
resides in Texas with her husband and son.
Keshia
Dawn, a 1995 graduate from Woodrow Wilson high school,
in East Dallas, started writing at the tender age of nine. Though
it took her graduating from high school, obtaining a degree in the
computer field, her love for writing never ceased.
In 2003, Keshia Dawn self-published, By the Grace of God, a christian fiction novel that shares the same title as the 2008 release, published under Kensington/Urban Christian. Contributing to the literary field with writing poems and short stories, in November 2007, Keshia's short story, A Stroke of Purpose was featured in anthology, The Triumph of My Soul. The sequel to her July 2008 release, His Grace His Mercy, will release September 2009 (Kensington/Urban Christian). Keshia is hard at work on her third novel, as well as a collaboration.
Keshia Dawn currently resides near Austin, with her two year old daughter, Chayse, as she completes her studies in Mass Communications/Journalism.
Tasha
Douglas is a daughter of the King. Through her storytelling
she provokes people to experience love and liberty through intimacy
with God and the right people. She is the author of the book SisterSHOUT!
The Truth About Our Reality, Our Relationships and Our Release, and
founder of State of Grace Communications, an emerging multi-media publisher
of Christian content.
Tasha is the wife of Winston Douglas, and mother to their four children. The family currently serves at St. James Church in McKinney, Texas, where Tasha provides spiritual oversight for the women and children. She teaches a monthly Bible study, hosts an annual SisterSHOUT! worship experience, and leads prayer meetings, convinced that God has made mothering and prophetic intercession the cornerstone of her life's work.
A native Texan, Tasha is a graduate of the University of Texas (Arlington), where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication. She committed to vocational ministry in 1999, abruptly ending her promising career as a marketing communications professional in the healthcare industry. Tasha is licensed to preach the gospel by the Christian Methodist Episcopal denomination.
Tasha continues to faithfully serve within her local assembly and at meetings throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. She passionately declares messages from the heart of God during this unprecedented historical moment in which God is poising women to fully engage as equal heirs of His Kingdom. Affectionately known as "Sister Tasha," she is fast becoming sisterfriend to women across the country who are receiving God's message of liberty in the Spirit. Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty!
Visit www.sistershout.com and join the movement!
Stacey L. Ford became a novelist by chance. After numerous
talks with her girlfriends about the lack of available, single, quality
men, Stacey and her friends jokingly had conversations about their perceived
options as single Black women between the ages of thirty-five and forty-five:
lesbianism, celibacy or polyamory (multiple partner relationships).
"None of these were viable options for me and my girlfriends, but the
idea of man-sharing sure did stimulate a hot topic of discussion," she
says. The result was a manuscript titled Selling the Fantasy. Stacey
created to start a buzz about another alternative lifestyle starting
to surface in African American communities.
"Black people are testing out so many different lifestyles that five or ten years ago would have been considered taboo, such as bisexuality, swinging and polyamory. The idea of two women sharing one man, unfortunately, is not a new concept, but with poly relationships at least women can make the conscious decision if they want to participate, rather than finding out about the other woman across town," she says.
Selling the Fantasy allows readers to peer into the life of a typical, single, Black woman and the tough decisions she must make if she wants to have the man of her dreams. It also compels women to contemplate the question, "Could I live this lifestyle if done correctly?" Stacey describes the novel as a compelling mixture of humor, romance, erotica and betrayal.
Stacey is a native of Oakland, California. She received her bachelor's degree in sociology from UCLA and an MBA in marketing from California State University, East Bay. She currently lives with her son in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area and is a member of the National Black MBA Association. She is presently hard at work on her next novel.
Lesley
Hal graduated from F.D. Roosevelt class of 1992. After which
she went on to El Centro Community College to pursue a career in nursing.
When she decided nursing wasn't for her she decided to become a systems
analyst, a teacher, then finally a lawyer before realizing neither of
these careers seemed to make her happy. After losing a close friend
Lesley started writing. Lesley has always won writing contests in school
and received high praises for her college creative writing papers. Lesley
never entertained the thought of taking writing as a career seriously.
Once Lesley started on her fiction novel it remained untitled until
near completion. She knew this was her niche. This is what she was born
to do. Lesley loves reading anything from E. Lynn Harris to John Grisham
books.
Lesley is currently working on her second novel Pleasure and Pain seducing the seductress, slated for release in late 2006. This book will be released under her pseudonym Ms. Le Diva. It's an erotic tale that will focus on Bianca Taylor. You can get a glimpse into Bianca's world by reading the short story Stormy Weather.
Paulette Harper is in a league of her own. This motivational
speaker and accomplished Christian author has an amazing gift to bring
hope and encouragement through her delivery of God's Word. She is a
sought-out speaker who has a desire to motivate, stimulate and inspire
all those who come into her presence.
That Was Then, This is Now, This Broken Vessel Restored is a non-fiction story and a must-read book for all genre. Her book released this year by Tate Publishing, is her own personal testimony of God's ability to bring restoration and healing in the midst of the storm. She has been featured on Comcast Channel 26, Gospel Search TV, San Francisco Radio Station KPOO, Artistfirst Radio Station and Access TV Channel 29 San Francisco. Paulette resides in California. Website: www.bvministry.org
Beatrice "Bea" I. (Toliver) Hazley is the chief executive officer
of two for-profit businesses—the Simply Me. Foundation and Simply
Me. Publications. The "period" punctuation mark after the word "Me"
is no typographical error, but it is purposeful and demonstrating that
what you see is what you get with Bea. The foundation is a tool in which
Bea has pledged to mentor 300 black men, 300 black women and 100 under-served
individuals. At 69 years young, Bea has dedicated the rest of her life
to becoming more intimate with God as she serves her community. She
desires to see individuals become cash millionaires through Godly stewardship
and practical money-management practices.
Through the publishing company, Bea has written her autobiography, Simply Me. Continued, and she mentored author Lucinda Marie Thierry through the publication of her first book entitled Salutations, Christian Poems for Various Occasions. Through Bea's mentorship, knowledge truly becomes power. Like Bea always says, "If it is to be, it's up to me." Bea has been happily married for over 50 years to Orville C. Hazley, Sr. She is the mother of two, grandmother of five and great grandmother of five more.
Bea has also adopted Lucinda and community activist Nawassa Hooks as her children, and the three of them meet monthly to do what they can to change the world. They are currently developing the courseware to instruct families on financial freedom, and the course pilot was successfully completed with children and adults from all ages and socio-economic backgrounds. Contact Bea at 13 Allenhurst, Oklahoma City, OK 73114 or beahazley@att.net.
Deborah
Lintz-Hill. The Proper Care and Feeding of Your Soul. Description: This book is for those who are seriously searching for meaning and spirituality in their lives (especially those who have found worldly success without peace). It would be most relevant to teen-to-fifty-something men and women who are dealing with lingering childhood or familial issues which inhibit spiritual growth, such as sexual or physical abuse. My secondary audience would be those searching for an entertaining, spiritually-based and challenging read. It touches on many different subjects that pull together many different spiritual perspectives. It also lends a spiritual perspective to everyday decisions for success.
Why I wrote this book: The process of writing The Proper Care & Feeding of Your Soul was supernatural. Before knowing Christ, I was so unfulfilled although I had everything a woman could want. It began with a burning desire to just write. I wasn't trying to write a book, just trying to make sense of my existence. I began by trying to record and purge my early life. I was angry and felt superior to those who violated my innocence as a child. I was jaded in my faith in people and their intentions. It just began as a cathartic tool to move forward and find peace. My writing evolved into a temptation of sorts. I began to see the world as conquerable through anger and wanted to plot out revenge through thought and execution. As revisiting the writing the worst of me became apparent and how I had manipulated all my life. It was a record of survival through ' martyrdom' and self-righteousness. Ultimately, I was saved by truly seeing myself in the writing and finding redemption through faith. I found faith in the fact that even if I harbored all the negative feelings and attitudes experienced, love was abundant in my life. So this book is a record of living and dealing with anger and finally finding redemption. It is also the culmination of great general philosophies about what the Holy Spirit revealed to me during my spiritual baptism.
Deborah Lintz-Hill grew up in Dallas, Texas. She attended the University of North Texas earning a BA in Sociology. She currently resides in Plano, TX with her husband and three lovely daughters.
Tanisha
Grayson-Hooks was born in Muskogee. She currently lives in
Central TX with her husband, Mark Hooks, and son Christopher. Her husband
is serving our country, again, this time in Iraq. He was previously
in Afghanistan. He was also a part of Desert Storm. Christopher, her
son, is a 15-year-old high-school sophomore and sports fanatic. He is
also my pride and joy. Every parent's dream child. Crave is my first
novel and I am currently working on the sequel. I decided to write this
novel because I'm addicted to reading—love stories are my favorite.
I guess you can say I am a true romantic at heart. I enjoy writing—using my imagination and real-life situations to create stories. Hopefully
my writing will put a smile on the faces of my readers and make them
think about life and love. I hope you will enjoy reading Crave as much
I enjoyed writing Crave—God Bless.
Rhonda
Jackson Joseph was born in Richmond, Texas in 1971. Her earliest
foray into writing was during junior high school when she produced numerous
romance short stories in which she and her best girlfriends were the
heroines. The stories were circulated and garnered quite a following.
Thus, she found that romance writing came rather naturally to her. Her
focus shifted toward horror writing when the elevated hormone levels
in her body during pregnancy brought on terrifying nightmares during
the scant hours she could find sleep. The dreams demanded to be placed
on paper, and she hoped they would then be exorcised. To no avail, as
they never completely disappeared. In fact, they multiplied. Rhonda
currently lives in Houston, Texas with her husband and four children.
Her first novel, a contemporary romance entitled Call It What You Want,
was released by Tea and a Tome Publishing in March 2007. She is currently
working on several other novels and a screenplay.
Elaine
Evans Johnson. Born and raised in Texas, Elaine Evans Johnson
grew up in Hamilton Park, an African-American neighborhood in North
Dallas. In school, she always liked to use her analytical mind. At a
young age, she knew she wanted to pursue a mathematical career in the
professional world.
Elaine graduated from East Texas State University in 1977 with a bachelor of science degree in business administration/computer science.
Since graduating from college, Elaine always wanted to write a book about her life. Beyond Reason started out as a simple love story. However, she says writing the book was therapeutic and provided personal satisfaction.
Family-oriented, logical, and optimistic, Elaine takes an active role in her church. She has a passion for helping people, especially high-school students applying for college and scholarships. She has spent 28 years as a systems analyst in the information technology industry. Elaine lives in Dallas with her husband, Frank. She has two children, Erin and James.
Emma
Daniel-Jones. Emma L. W. Jones is a native of New Orleans,
Louisiana, however, she has been a resident of the Dallas/FW Metroplex
area since 1979. She is the wife of Edward Louis Jones Jr., the mother
of Juliet, Patricia and Ed III and the grandmother of ten. (Dominique,
Descartes, Britton, Patrick, Malik, Terrill, Ed IV, Emilee, Evan and
Eian) She has operated in her passion as an educator since graduating
from GSU and USC, where she received her Masters Degree. She is currently
a Retired/Rehired Resource Math Teacher in the Arlington ISD at Bowie
High School. She is a life member of NAACP; member of the Arlington
Special Transit Board 2004; campus contact for the United Educators
Association; charter member, Arlington Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma
Theta Sorority, Inc., charter member, Epsilon Pi Chapter, National Sorority
of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc., and Youth Leader at Cornerstone Baptist Church
in Arlington, TX.Book Summary
All of my life as an educator, i have attempted to make things plain
and more understandable for my students. Remediation is what i do. The
lord has given me a high degree of success in my efforts over the years.
I am now trying to use those same gifts to clarify and show practical
application of his word in the lives of his people. It is my deepest
desire to reach "new believers" as well as "unbelievers" with the clear,
unadulterated word of god. As a late-blooming child of god, i feel i
have been given a second chance to truly enjoy my life. There is urgency
to share with others what god has revealed to me through my relationship
with him. The book is the result of studying his word and partnering
with him to "make it plain". Keep it simple saints kiss with love.
Norma
Daniel-Jones. Norma Jestine Daniel-Jones began writing poetry
full-time after receiving a Bachelor of Science degree from Howard University
and completing a 30-year career at IBM Corporation. Founder of Stairway
To Destiny Ministries, she is a member of The International Society
of Poets and has received several awards for poetic achievement in poetry
contests and creative writing. Ms. Daniel-Jones' work was included in
The International Who's Who in Poetry (2004) and Tracing The Infinite,
a literary collection (2004). Her award-winning poem Stairway To Destiny
has been recorded on a background classical music CD entitled The Sounds
of Poetry (2004). Her work has appeared in newsletters for various ministries
of The Potter's House of Dallas, Texas where she is an active member.
Ms. Daniel-Jones was born in Toronto, Canada, raised in Detroit, Michigan and currently resides with her husband in Arlington, Texas.
Rashun
Jones, RN, MHR, is a psychiatric and mental health nurse, who
currently works as a registered nurse in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She
has an arsenal of tools for dealing with difficult people and communicating
more effectively using verbal, nonverbal and good listening skills.
Her work has included working with groups in anger management, conflict
resolution and managing violence in the workplace. She provided training
to employees of the Veterans Health Administration for six years in
Prevention and Management of Violent Behavior. Rashun graduated from
the University of Central Oklahoma with a BSN and Oklahoma University
with a Masters in Human Relations Degree. Rashun has served as an adjunct
faculty member for Langston University and Rose State College in Oklahoma.
She is a member of Blacks in Government, National Association of Women
Writers, Publishers Marketing Association, Capital Chamber of Commerce
and Toastmasters.
Rashun is the founder of the Nushape News, an online report committed to helping people achieve a happier and healthier life. She is the author of Healthy Attitudes Smart Choices: Living the Life You Choose, Power of Life: Use It or Lose It You Decide and Blueprints: A Way of Life and soon-to-be-released Girl You Can Have a Breakdown or Breakthrough. She is also a contributing writer for the AA Culture Zone, Blackliving.com and Self Growth.com.
Sophie
Jones. With novels like Twisted Lies, A Mother's Love, and
Twisted Lies 2: The Lies Untwisted, one can't help but wonder who Miss
Sophie Jones is? The Sophie Jones Experience created in her novels has
roots in her very own experiences as well as the experiences of those
who have impacted her life and those she has invited or others who may
have breached the perimeters of her living.
Her very humble beginnings as the oldest of four children in a single-parent household cast her into the role of leader and caregiver to her younger brother and sister early in her life. This would be a characteristic that would later fuel her occupational passion. Sophie Jones' educational experience was stellar as she graduated from Austin's Travis High School at the top of her class and was a standout athlete in track. Travis High School's diverse population, moderate curriculum, and aggressive track program offered the basics in life preparation for living in a world beyond her current boundaries, but offered little in the next stage of her life after commencement.
Transition from high school learning to university living was a time of social and academic challenge for Sophie Jones. Under the influence of her uncle, a University of Texas graduate and pharmacist, she also chose the capital city's longhorn institution aligning herself for the same academic outcome and corresponding career path. A full academic scholarship to the burnt-orange-and-white university made the decision effortless.
Setbacks and challenges are nothing new to the life of Sophie Jones. Travis High School's lack of university preparation showed early as she faltered academically and flourished socially. Like many students, she lacked the skill of time management. It finally hit her in a moment when she realized she was not prepared fully prepared for college life at the massive university. She departed from the University of Texas to attend Huston-Tillotson. It was a logical choice. She had memories of Huston-Tillotson imprinted in her mind from her mother's days at the College as she and her younger brother entertained themselves in HT's hallways and stairwells.
With a renewed spirit and a clear vision of where she was to be, she chose the major of education and never looked back. She aligned herself with a sorority that took education of future generations to heart, and she allowed those caregiving passions imputed into her DNA at an early age to come to fruition. She has gone on to acquire her Master's degree in education from Prairie View, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in education from the University of Houston. She writes not out of passion, but as an outlet. It is this outlet of her own personal struggles, trials, and triumphs that she has founded characters that speak to the lives of all who read her novels. She relates to all readers: the young married reader, the single dating reader, the high-school and college-student reader, the new reader, and the seasoned reader.
She calls her writing "Neo Metro Romance". It is romance written for those who love and live life on the go. It's truly life coupled with love not limited to just sex. She is educator, leader, and writer. She is a phenomenal woman, romantic at heart, and sucker for love. She is a caregiver, teacher, and passion pursuer
Joseph
D. Matthew's life has never been normal. It has consisted of many
twists and turns which is a commonality that is shared with many of
today's youth. Joseph has suffered losses of friends to street gangs,
suicide, drugs, and incarceration. For these reasons he has dedicated
his life to reaching youth through the spoken word. Joseph's messages
of finding hope in what seem to be hopeless situations have been very
instrumental in the lives of youth. His messages have inspired young
people to make positive changes, work harder in school, and in life.
Joseph's life reads like a television series. When he was in the 2nd Grade he was the top student in his class. After transferring to another school he was incorrectly labeled as having a learning disability, lost confidence in himself, and was held back. In high school, Joseph went from being a star athlete in to being a high school drop out and spending a weekend in jail. However, Joseph returned to school, working hard in night school in order to graduate. He graduated 3rd to last in his high school graduating class. This may seem like a hopeless situation, but he went on to be the first college graduate in his family! Joseph's past failures in school, the disappointments, and the pain of losing friends inspired him to become a teacher. One of his greatest accomplishments was when he went on to become a high school teacher at South Oak Cliff High School in Dallas, Texas. He has also taught high school and elementary school in Chicago, and Oklahoma, and has participated in teaching workshops in West Africa. From being an expected football draft pick to not being drafted to playing professional football in Europe; from high school drop out to college graduate and high school teacher, Joseph knows the meaning of hope and redemption.
Joseph is the author of two books, The Neighbor "Hood" Kids which
explores the role of the church and people of faith in redeeming and
restoring youth to wholeness through Christ, and The Dropout, a book
about Joseph's personal experiences with poverty, dropping out of High
School, and his road to redemption and success.
Website: http://josephdmathews.tripod.com, e-mail: josephmathews40@yahoo.com
Ronneal
Mathews is a Christian and a public health professional. She is
an expert in the field of health education, community mobilizing, and
health ministry. She is the author of , a book dedicated to helping
African American mothers and daughters grow closer utilizing stories
about women of the Bible to encourage discussion and bonding around
critical issues that teen girls face.
Ronneal has faced many of the same issues that girls face today. From low self-esteem, self doubt, and questions about her faith—Ronneal truly has a testimony to share. The message of strength and courage which she delivers through her interactive workshops will motivate African American girls to recognized their unique strength and learn life lessons that will change the way they think about their place in the world.
A devoted wife, mother, and advocate for the uplift and empowerment of African American women and girls, Ronneal has a unique perspective of how women of Bible can provide insight about contemporary issues like developing self-esteem, learning self-respect, anger management, making wise choices, and moving on from a painful past. These women are strong, anointed, and, yes, flawed, which teaches young girls that the Bible is relevant to them and that through applying biblical principles, they can truly change their lives!
Ronneal is has been in the public health field for 10 years. She is an experienced speaker, presenter, and trainer. She has been a volunteer with Young Life working primarily with girls ages 12-18 and has served as a mentor and role model for many young women and girls. She has conducted workshops for girls and adults on many topics.
Website: http://girlstrong.tripod.com
e-mail: girlstrong@yahoo.com
Bertha
Lavinia Masters is a loving wife and mother, entrepreneur,
author, sexual-assault survivor turned victim's advocate. Bertha Lavinia
Masters is also national speaker for Rape Abuse and Incest National
Network (RAINN), speaker and volunteer for Friends of the Family Denton
County, a Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) member and a spokesperson
for the Dallas Police Department Sexual Assault Cold Case Program (SECAP)
initiative.
As a victim of sexual assault at the age of 13, Bertha's life went through a lot of psychological, emotional, and physical changes. Her world was shattered and her trust in man was gone. However, her healing and survival from sexual-assault trauma has come full circle by the grace of God. For more than 20 years she held her breath as she thought she would never find total closure after sexual assault. Now thanks to her faith and the Dallas Police Department and the use of DNA technology her case has been solved and she has gained a new lease on life that has allowed her to "breathe again".
Bertha shares her message of healing by giving of herself through volunteering, speaking at conferences and workshops, churches, television and any other outlet that desires a message of hope for the hopeless.
Shbrone
Mims is a 28-year veteran of the Dallas Fire Department, a
husband, and the father of two sons. A graduate of East Texas State
University (currently Texas A&M Commerce) receiving a Bachelor of Science
degree in Criminal Justice. His childhood days in Terrell, TX, and stories
shared by his mother, father, and grandmother, crafted his writing skills
to enrapture the mind much like an artist wields a brush. The pages
are blank canvases on which to draw from a talent heralded by many and
matched only by an imagination that rises to the task. A Dream So Far
Away is the first in a series of recent pursuits, with work progressing
quickly on the follow-up.
Celeta
B. McCall -- Served in the United States Army Desert Storm veteran.
First African American female 1st Vice Commander of American Legion
Post 50 Camp Stafford. Conduct open forums for soldiers and other veterans.
Graduate of Miller-Motte Business College , Clarksville, TN and Wright Business School Lenexa, KS. Former member of the Kansas City Players.
Celeta wrote her first play in the sixth grade and never stopped writing. First book self -published " Spirit of Being" of book of poetry, then the following seem to come easy. "Pen names can be Hell", Why are you reading my Journal?", The most recent books that she has self-published is the Handlin' Yo Bizness Series -which caters to entrepreneur women who need a little organization, " Handlin' Yo Bizness Yearly Planner" and "Handlin Yo' Bizness Personal Journal". Co-wrote the play - " The Unshed Tears". Newly writer for " From a Writers Point of View" an online magazine. Created short instructional videos from " Head Full of Hair Productions" for women who are on a budget but like to look good. "How to make a wig on a Shoestring Budget" " How to Perm your Hair on a Shoestring Budget" just to name a few, you can find them on Youtube.
She now spends most of her personal time perfecting her Handlin Yo Bizness Series which would like to turn into a motivational training program for women who want to start their own business but need a little push. Celeta sees herself as a personal cheerleader for women who don't know how to get started.
Frankie
Nicole is an aspiring self-published author, who has intentions
of creating a short film. Her first book "Scratches" teaches us that
although life's bumps and bruises can often be devastating, there is
power in faith and knowing that you are not alone because it is never
too late to make a fantastic recovery.
Raised in New York City and a small town in Rose Hill, North Carolina, Frankie Nicole believes in cultivating your spiritual gifts to live a full and rewarding life. She is an alumni of the Maryland University, College Park and holds a MBA and MHA degree. As a healthcare and marketing professional, she has served in roles of an analyst and manager. She is a volunteer for the Washington Literary Council and resides in Washington, D.C. with her husband and son.
About this book
Scratches is a fictional book for ALL—young, old, male, female, rich, poor. The storyline is a series of exciting, interesting, dramatic episodes that are real to everyday people. Charlie, the protagonist, befriends the characters in the book to help them unexpectedly deal with their emotional scars of a failed professional ball career, abandonment, incest, cheating, job termination and so much more.
The inspiring message is to empower others to have healthier lives by overcoming pain or "scratches" that occur in life. We do this by forgiving others, loving unconditionally, becoming responsible, facing the adversary, learning life lessons and understanding your purpose to realize that "this too shall pass".
You may forward a message to inquiries@frankienicole.com or visit the website www.frankienicole.com (Summer 08) to order a book or for upcoming book signings, club requests, speaking engagements and dialogue.
D.
T. Pollard was born in Henderson, Texas, and currently lives in
the Dallas/Fort Worth area. He is married and has one son. Drawn to
writing at an early age, he wrote short stories and attempted his first
novel while attending West Rusk High School in New London, Texas. Going
as far as to purchase a portable electric typewriter he wrote stories
but didn't understand the world of publishing and never sought that
avenue. He earned an academic scholarship to the School of Business
and Industry at Florida A & M University in Tallahassee, Florida.
He stopped writing during his second year in college. Concentrating on his academic pursuits he was at the top of his class in Marketing and graduated Summa Cum Laude. He was recognized with the Most Outstanding Performance In Marketing award for his graduating class of 1981. In addition to his academic pursuits he was president of The Orator's Club which was a public-speaking organization and won the competition during his freshman year. After working in sales for some of the giants of the technology world for over twenty-five years his desire to write returned after losing several siblings from various causes. His first novel, The Trophy Wife Network, was published in April 2006 followed by Rooftop Diva-A Novel of Triumph After Katrina in September 2006.
J.
Rock is a Spirit-filled daughter of God whose mission is to
pull children out of the snare of the enemy, and bring them into the
Kingdom of God.
J. Rock was a substitute teacher in the public school system for ten years, and witnessed first-hand how today's youth are desperate to know the truth about who they really are. Children, she says, try to find acceptance with their peers, and sadly, this often means compromising their values and morals. They enter into ungodly relationships, and allow the world to influence their behavior. But J knows that what today's youth are really yearning for is not another party...not another fashion trend...not another music sensation to idolize...but their souls are crying out after their Maker.
J. Rock has determined to set her face like flint as she answers God's call to be one of the people He is using to raise up His standard. She is ready to let today's youth know that the are not pimps, playas, tricks,or dime-pieces. Rather, they ARE a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that [they] should show forth the praises of Him who has called [them] out of darkness into His marvellous light. (1 Peter 2:9, KJV).
J. Rock currently works with the children at her local church. She also wrote and illustrated a non-fiction children's book entitled We Are Royalty, which was released in April. More information can be found at her website www.jrockdraws.com.
Olynthia
Stewart, born February 24, 1959, she is the baby of the family.
Author of One Sista's Pain and Glory, which is a true story about a
woman whose life went from being a child to having a child in a short
period of time. She is originally from Ft. Worth, Texas.
N'Tyse.
My Secrets Your Lies is N'Tyse's freshmen novel. This literary debut
has already penned her an official local best-seller in Dallas Morning
News and Jokae's African American Bookstore. You may also find N'Tyse
in future works with bestselling authors Zane, Kashamba Williams, and
Brian Smith. While N'Tyse finds the time to boost out these steamy reads,
she spends the majority of her day as a personal banker. N'Tyse resides
in the Dallas metroplex with her loving husband, and is currently hard
at work on her next bestseller.
D.T. Pollard was born in Henderson, Texas, and currently lives in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. He is married and has one son. Drawn to writing at an early age, he wrote short stories and attempted his first novel while attending West Rusk High School in New London, Texas. Going as far as to purchase a portable electric typewriter he wrote stories but didn't understand the world of publishing and never sought that avenue. He earned an academic scholarship to the School of Business and Industry at Florida A & M University in Tallahassee, Florida.
He stopped writing during his second year in college. Concentrating on his academic pursuits he was at the top of his class in Marketing and graduated Summa Cum Laude. He was recognized with the Most Outstanding Performance In Marketing award for his graduating class of 1981. In addition to his academic pursuits he was president of The Orator's Club which was a public-speaking organization and won the competition during his freshman year. After working in sales for some of the giants of the technology world for over twenty-five years his desire to write returned after losing several siblings from various causes. His first novel, The Trophy Wife Network, was published in April 2006 followed by Rooftop Diva-A Novel of Triumph After Katrina in September 2006.
Michelle
Stimpson is an author, a speaker, and an educator who received
her Bachelor of Science degree from Jarvis Christian College in 1994.
She earned a master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the
University of Texas at Arlington in 2002. She has had the pleasure of
teaching elementary, middle, and high school as well as training adults.
In addition to her work in the field of education, Michelle ministers
through writing and public speaking. Her highly acclaimed Christian
debut novel, Boaz Brown, (published by TimeWarner/AOL) hit the stands
in 2004; her second novel, Divas of Damascus Road, released in July
of 2006, was an Essence® Bestseller.
She is in the final steps of completing her third novel, The Good Stuff, (to be released by Harrison House Publishers in 2008), and recently sold her first young adult novel to Pocket Books, a division of Simon & Schuster.
Michelle is a member of Delta Sigma Theta sorority and the Ft. Worth Metropolitan Alumni Chapter of Jarvis Christian College. Her home church is Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship (Pastor Dr. Tony Evans), where she serves in women's ministry. She lives near Dallas with her husband, their two children, and one crazy dog.
I, 
Wanda
Jo Taylor, was born in Dallas Texas; still single, never married
and no children. "It's just Jesus and me in my house." I finished High
School at David W. Carter, the class of '77. I went to Texas Institute
to get a Degree in Computer Programming. I finished trade school and
worked for three different companies over twenty year span, as a Computer
Operator. The money was real good but the job was stressful; and life
is too short to be stressed. I decided to change fields to be a Security
Officer. Now I'm working for a Security and Trucking Company. Now I'm
stress free, ready to enjoy my life and work for Jesus. He gave me this
job so I could sit back, be watchful and write my life story: For 17
years I was a tomboy, for 30 years I lived my life as a man and I programmed
my mind, thinking like a man. On May 27, 2007 I was Born Again as a
woman. "But God said "not so, I created you to be a woman not a man."
I found Jesus and this is my story. "A Gay Woman, Ex-Player, Ex-Pimp".
Now Jesus wants me to give my testimonies of my life experience to the
world. To let people see all His Mercy and Grace that He gave me and
He's doing the same for you. He gives us all Mercy and Grace daily.
I thank God the Father and I'd like to dedicate my book to Jesus and
the world. I bless His Holy Name. To everyone in the world, especially
my Family, Church Family at St. Mark Believers Temple FGBC, and friends,
for your support. (Read Acts KJV 6: 5,) I have so much faith in Jesus
Christ I know He will touch someone while they're reading my book, I
hope you're the chosen one and I hope you have as much faith and trust
in the LORD JESUS as I do. I hope my book can help the Born Again Christians
and anybody that's lost in the wilderness and darkness with no faith.
About
Teardrops Publishing. What I would like to do for
you...My company would like to help you get started with your longtime
dream of being published. My advice explaining the services are free
of charge until we reach a mutual agreement that will be explained in
your personal contract from Teardrops Publishing. Teardrops service
will be to copy edit, formatting style editing, assist with cover design
send to printers.
Lucinda Marie Thierry owns Made By Me Publications, and she is the author of Salutations, Christian Poems for Various Occasions. Her next book, Quick Reference Guide to Self-publishing, will be out August of 2008.
Lucinda is a graduate of Oklahoma State University with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism & Broadcasting (Public Relations emphasis) and a minor in Spanish. As a college student, she wrote for the campus newspaper and received a Third Place Award for a Newspaper Series from the Southwest Journalism Congress. She also served on the university's Board of Student Publications, and she completed her internship with the Tulsa World newspaper.
After college, Lucinda went on to work as a freelance public relations representative before working in broadcast transmission. She later joined the Navy Reserve as a journalist and began working as a civilian program management analyst for the Air Force. Lucinda currently works as a civilian courseware program manager for the Air Force, and she serves as an enlisted mass communication specialist for the Navy Reserve. She is also an Air University graduate of Air Command & Staff College. Lucinda has been published in many civilian and military newspapers, magazines and online publications as a respected journalist. Just Google Lucinda Thierry, and you can read some of her work.
Additionally, Lucinda is a lyricist and has performed her songs for many audiences across the country. Some of these songs will be published in her third book, which will be a poetic autobiography. You won't want to miss it.
For more information on Lucinda and all of her business ventures, visit www.madebymepublications.com.
Tolu
has spoken to various women's groups and has authored a book that covers
complete chapters on the topics listed below. Tolu has traveled the
world speaking on gender bias of women everywhere. Tolu honed her first-hand
knowledge of gender bias through years of interaction and travel. Tolu
is well-versed in the complexities of cultural and inter-personal ties
and relationships. Both world traveled and self-taught, Tolu can effectively
assess individual and group conditions then provide some practical and
basic advice. An avid traveler and dedicated to a multicultural society,
Tolu has a focused concern for females' overall status, health and well-being,
and an unwavering commitment to the upgraded treatment of females worldwide.
Ms. Tolu holds a Bachelor's degree in business management, has background
in financial planning, taxes and is a Real Estate Broker. Tolu has taken
an active and sustained interest in producing the documentary in progress
on Probate Court Abuses Nationwide.
Tolu is the author of Why And How Women Are Exploited By Men Worldwide. This clever book is a personal life guide for females worldwide from 9 years old to 109 years old.
Velisse
Ammons Williams hails from Joliet, Illinois, a growing
suburb south of Chicago. From early childhood, Velisse always expressed
an interest in art and creative writing. Her love for illustrations
lead her to create several personal collections of her own drawings
which she carried into adulthood. Upon graduating from Eastern Illinois
University, with a bachelors in Communications, Velisse entered the
corporate world, working with two major fast food chains. It was not
until seven years ago that Velisse took a hiatus from her corporate
career to become a stay at home mom. Consequently, she resumed her passion
for creative writing. Now, a married mother of three, Velisse resides
in Dallas, Texas where she is currently working on a follow-up series
of her recently published work, Candy-Colored Friends. Her writings
are inspired by her children in a pursuit to enlighten them about diversity,
self-esteem and other relevant topics facing young people today.
Toni
"toniwo" Womack is a mother, author and spoken word
performer who began sharing her love for writing and expressive thought
a few years ago. With a mix of modesty and flamboyance, as well as utilizing
colorful, thought-provoking rhymes, toniwo enables to convey her thoughts
and feelings to her audience. As she continued to grow as a performance
poet, she found that much of what she was saying was beginning to help
some people come to some realization about themselves and their relationships
with other people. Through her poetry, toniwo made people look at their
situations and laugh at them no matter how bad. However, that wasn't
enough. THAT'S WHAT YOU GET FOR RUNNING WITH SCISSORS came from toniwo's
inability to contain her observations to a few verses. What went from
poetic verse turned into short stories that she was willing to share
with her friends and now with the world. Some of her creative work has
been featured in Black & Single Magazine,
Houston Style Magazine, Minority Business Journal, Honey Magazine and coming soon a poem to be featured in Essence Magazine as well and several national anthologies. She has completed her first novel, DISCORDIA, which follows the insanity of an African American female serial killer due out in March 2008. toniwo is also the co-founder of Blacklight Productions, a company that focuses on synthesizing cutting edge music production with consistently imaginative performance poetry. She is also a member of Ladies of Literary Means, an organization that empowers self published authors through sisterhood. For more information please visit www.toniwo.com