Derrick Barnes Where I come from, no one dreams of becoming an author.
I didn’t know any famous African American male authors. I didn’t actually meet one until I attended college. I wanted to be a football player, the next Sean Combs, or a rapper; anything that would instantly provide me with the riches I would need to “move my mama off of the block”. I was raised in a single parent household by my mother, the lovely Miss Catherine Barnes, along with my big brother, Anthony, in Kansas City, MO. My first attempt at writing a real story was in the fifth grade. I think it was about a group of stray dogs trekking across the country to find a magic bone or something. I can’t remember. But I do remember what it felt like when I finished and read it. It felt powerful to create characters, places, and stories that began and ended the way I wanted them to. After that I wrote songs, poems, plays, and short stories. I also read like crazy. I remember tying a shoestring around a flashlight, hanging it on the bar in my closet, and sitting in there reading encyclopedias. My brother thought I was the weirdest kid ever, but that was my way of traveling, of flying, and dreaming.
When I graduated from high school, I worked a couple of part time jobs and attended a local community college. I received an Associate of Arts degree in Business Administration. I went on to Jackson State University, a historically black college in Jackson, Mississippi, where I obtained Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing. It was there that I experienced life altering events and met people that changed me forever. I met my then college sweetheart and now beautiful wife, Dr. Tinka Barnes. I met life long friends (big up to my brothers JG, Killa Don, and Noir). I also became a campus newspaper advice columnist. All three of those occurrences and acquaintances changed my life vividly, but the column, entitled Brown Sugar, gave me the confidence to write with purpose. I also felt like, for the first time, that I had something to say and that people would listen. Who wouldn't listen to a guy with the pen name "Hershey Brown"?
Upon graduation, I moved back to Kansas City with no intentions of using my brand new, shiny Marketing degree in a drab, corporate environment. With the urging of my wife, I sent a writing portfolio to Hallmark Cards, and was hired as the first African-American man in the history of the company as a staff copywriter in 1999. I worked there for three years. I learned so much about crafting my words, about editing, and about constructive criticism. While at Hallmark, I met so many talented artists and was introduced to my now literary agent, Ms. Regina Brooks of Serendipity Literary Agency. Within a month, we had a two-book deal signed with Scholastic. My wife and I also welcomed our first son into the world, Ezra.
My family and I moved to New Orleans, LA so that my wife could complete her medical residency in 2003. While there we had our second son, Solomon, and I landed a deal with Simon Pulse for my first novel, “The Making of Dr. Truelove”. We lived there for two and a half years until we were chased back to Kansas City by the most disastrous force of nature in US history, Hurricane Katrina.
We returned to KC safe and sound. My wife officially finished medical residency and became a full fledged doctor. We had our third son, Silas, and I landed a four-book deal with Scholastic for the ultra popular hit series, “Ruby and the Booker Boys”.
Some days, when I read to my sons or go to schools and read to kids, I can still see that little boy reading encyclopedias by flashlight. Hopefully, a child will meet me and say to themselves, “You know what, it’s possible. I can become an author! I’ve met, and have seen with my very own eyes, a living, breathing author. It’s definitely possible for me.”
It most certainly is.
Eugene Brooks grew up in San Bernardino, Ca. He passed the California High School Proficiency exam at the age of 15 and received his high school diploma. After which his father enlisted him in the Air Force. He received his Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from Florida Memorial University in Miami. He remained in Miami several years after graduation where he worked two jobs while taking the LSAT Exam in order to gain access to law school. He attend Law School Thurgood Marshall School of Law in Houston, TX.
After graduation Eugene worked as Executive Director for Houtex LLC which is a non-profit corporation dedicated to developing housing for low income families in and around the Third Ward section of Houston. Several years later Eugene opened a MEDRX LLC a pharmaceutical distribution company. His clients included local and national drug stores, hospitals, and nursing care facilities. He sold the business 7 years later and started KMJ Records. KMJ Records is an independent record label. He has released 17 albums to date and KMJ Records has had four Cd’s on the Billboard top 20 Rap Albums. He still owns and runs KMJ Records. During his tenure as President and CEO of KMJ Records he also presented at several Continuing Legal Education Seminars in the area of Electronic Data Discovery.
His first publication, Small Independent Record Labels are Facing a Different Fight Today, (PRWEB Newswire July 2005) dealt with the issues small record labels will face during this new electronic age. He has just completed an autobiography entitled Half Black Half White - Trying to Find My Place In America. He has chronicled his life and the road he traveled while finding his place in America. He candidly discuss the ultitude of issues involved with growing up bi-racial and the confusion that was present during his life due to his nebulous of identity. This "identity crisis," coupled with physical and sexual abuse as a child, led to several addictions. After years of drug and alcohol abuse, brushes with the criminal justice system, and homelessness, he met a man who inspired him and taught him how to be a man. This life-altering event eventually led him to graduating from law school and financial success. In addition to teaching him how to navigate life as a black man , this man also taught him how to be a caring and loving human being. Eugene's mentor answered a question that he had been in search of all my life. Who he was and where to find His Place in America? Because of the rapidly growing interest in this issue due to the election of President-Elect Barack Obama, and his admitted struggles with his identity, and the over 7 million bi-racial Americans I felt compelled to share how I found my place in America and the tools I used to catapult me from living under a bridge that I called home in Miami, to an acceptance and appreciation of my identity. This identity struggle is a common thread shared by bi-racial people irrespective of gender, education, and status in life. When reading President Elect Obama’s book, Dreams from my Father, it is apparent that Obama struggled with his identity and acknowledged that he drank at an early age and experimented with drugs trying to fill this void.
Although his journey is unique, the feelings and confusion are common for all "half breads." Bi-racial individuals have a problem identifying "normally" with either race. We are caught in the middle and find ourselves grappling with who we are and with what race offers us acceptance. It has been over 10 years since the last book was published that dealt directly with the struggles facing bi-racial children and adults. His book also gives parents an honest prism through which to view their children and tools that will assist them in raising bi-racial kids.I received my Bachelor’s Degree from Florida Memorial University and Law Degree from Thurgood Marshall School of Law in Houston, Texas. I have written several articles, which address the issues related to being bi-racial in America. (See Published Articles Section on the Site) He had been interviewed by CNN during the presidential election the day Presidential Elect Obama gave his infamous speech on Race in America Eugene enjoys a variety of music from rap to jazz. He enjoys meditation and spiritual cultivation. He realizes the journey for his purpose will not end until his last days here on earth. Eugene’s purpose will always change and evolve. One journey begins as the current one ends for this inspiring spiritual being.
Mesha Coleman is originally from Oklahoma City, OK. She credits her creativity to God and her strong matriarchic linage. Each woman in her family has both a creative spirit and the tenacity to withstand any obstacle they face. Some authors are born to write while others acquire a love for writing along life’s journey. Author Mesha Coleman has always loved to write poetry but not until attending a spoken word event was she inspired to write a play which turned into her first novel "A Big Girls Blues". After creating the first novel the flood gates opened and the creative spirit of writing came rushing in. Her works will support both original writings under her given name as well as writings under her alias or what she calls her alter ego: Zephyr Rose. As a new author Mesha is excited about the opportunity to share her fictional creations with you and looks forward to an adventure filled ride.
An exciting communicator, Robert E. Criner has been empowering audiences since 1990. What Robert shares with people is not just theory—it is his own personal experience of growing through and overcoming obstacles and challenges. His life has changed and progressed through the same positive motivational techniques, strategies and principles he shares with people from all walks of life.
Robert Criner obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in 1979 at Angelo State University in San Angelo , Texas. His leadership ability and marketing skills have been sharpened through association with 3M National Advertising as well as retail sales and sales promotions. Before reaching the age of 30, Robert successfully operated his own outdoor advertising firm, selling the company in 1991 to pursue a full-time career in Motivational Speaking and Personal Development Training.
As a professional speaker/trainer/consultant, Robert’s clients consist of the United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Division, the United States Postal Service, Rutgers State University, a host of corporations, retail companies, community service organizations and educational services.
Robert’s mission is to help people discover the greatness within themselves and to become the best they can be.
Coming from a legacy of preachers, Cheryl Lacey Donovan is walking in her destiny. An anointed woman of God, her mission is to challenge you to look inside yourself for change, to identify the strongholds in your life, and to tear them down with the help of the creator. Once you have crossed her path, your life will never be the same.
Cheryl Lacey-Donovan is an acclaimed author, educator, and inspirational speaker and a compelling advocate for personal empowerment. Her first book Women What the Hell are You Thinking: An Inspirational Guide to Becoming a Virtuous Woman of God was released on May 1, 2007 to rave reviews. Women What the Hell are you Thinking remained in Amazon's top 10 hot new releases during the entire first two months of its release. Her new work The Ministry of Motherhood is destined for the bestseller list as it ministers to mothers who are living through what Cheryl has already overcome. Her captivating messages are presented with passion and conviction as she connects with her audience through her conversational style. For more information about Author and Inspirational speaker Cheryl Lacey Donovan please visit www.cheryllaceydonovan.com.
Lorraine Elzia is an Editor, Author, Ghostwriter and Literary Artist. Mistress Memoirs is the debut novel for Lorraine, who has espoused the name A Deeva, and often writes under that pseudonym. She has always had an admiration for both the spoken and written word and has exercised that gregarious gift in various venues. That love affair of words, coupled with an addictive need to express herself, gave birth to a compulsion to write, which is a gift she is constantly nurturing. In 2005, she added the title "Author" to her lists of accomplishments with the publication of her first short story "Mommy and Santa" which was published in "Chicken Soup for the Single Parent’s Soul" and her poem, "I am a Woman" was a Letstalkhonestly.com contest winner. Those literary achievements were proceeded by a second publication in the Chicken Soup series in 2006 with the inclusion of her story, “Letters of Love” in the Chicken Soup for the African American Woman’s Soul Anthology; inclusion in the Katrina Anthology, Surfacing...Phenomenal Women on Passion, Politics & Purpose, and a poem, “Levitate” in the Gumbo for the Soul Anthology. In 2007, Lorraine continued to strike while the literary fire was still hot with “A Test of Faith” in the Triumph of My Soul Anthology and she is a contributing author in the upcoming second Gumbo for the Soul Anthology, with inclusion of her poem “Am I My Brother’s Keeper.” Lorraine is Co-Owner of Eve’s Literary Services, contributing Editor of the “Gumbo for the Soul” series; and Co-Moderator of Essentially Women, a writing group for African American women. She is from Austin, Texas, by way of Motown (Detroit, Michigan) and it is her desire that through the written word delivered in different genres, she will be able to inspire and motivate others to see the beauty that resides within all people. www.lorraineelzia.com; www.peaceinthestormpublishing.com
Lesley Hal is a six-time New York Times bestselling contributing author to Succulent Chocolate Flava II. Her short story Riding the Friendly Skies was penned as one of the crème de la crème by non other than the queen of erotica herself, Zane. Lesley Hal is also the author of the highly acclaimed Blind Temptations the Seduction of Sex, Lies & Betrayal. This book was received with such an overwhelming response that it has an anticipated sequel in the works due out January 2010. Pleasure Principles is scheduled for release fall of 2009 under her pen name Ms. LeDiva. Pleasure Principles is an electrifying erotic thrill ride featuring Bianca Brooks from the anthology Succulent Chocolate Flava II and the short story that started it all Stormy Weather. To see more from this talented author visit her at www.lesleyhall.com to read short stories like Stormy Weather and see what’s going on in her world. To purchase released titles go to www.amazon.com or wherever fine books are sold.
Emma jones is an educator, author, poet, evangelist and community servant. She loves and is devoted god, her family and the welfare of others.
She is using her spiritual gifts to clarify and show practical application of god’s word in the lives of his people. It is her deepest desire to reach new believers as well as unbelievers with the clear, unadulterated word of god.
There is urgency to share with others what god has revealed to her through her relationship with him. Her book, when you know god you believe and poetry for your spirit on her website www.thesimplywrittenword.com, have been written as a result of that relationship. (Visit the site, you will not be disappointed)
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.
Cedric S. McKenzie
She Never Answered a riveting story of how a child left behind at only six days old, grows up and survives the Arkansas Foster Care System. Cedric S. McKenzie’s story is one of drama, comedy, and tragedy, along with redemption and triumph. His struggle to succeed against all odds is chronicled by his experiences of ups and downs-being touched along the way by the likes of former President Bill Clinton, who was then the governor of Arkansas and his foster mother, Ozie Lampkin. Cedric’s narrative is a real life roadmap for both young people and adults tied to the foster care system. He has dedicated his life to inspire foster children and to provide a window of opportunity and hope.
Cedric S. McKenzie was born in Little Rock Arkansas. He is a graduate of University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff with a degree in Social Work. He received his Master’s in Business at Amberton University in Garland Texas. He has worked for the United States Government for the past twenty years, currently employee with Social Security Administration, Dallas Regional Office. Cedric is a life Member of Kappa Alpha PSI Fraternity Inc. He has served on the Board of Directors for the Dallas Alumni of Kappa Alpha PSI Fraternity Inc and numerous work groups; which includes mentoring to the young men of the Kappa Leaguers. Cedric has been a longtime advocate for foster children, speaking at conferences and seminars throughout the country.
Cedric’s hobbies include cooking, coin collecting and working with support groups for foster children.
She Never Answered can be ordered by retailers (Amazon.com) or wholesalers (Baker & Taylor) for the maximum trade discount price set by the author in quantities of ten or more by visiting the author’s website at: www.cedricmckenzie.com.
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.
Greta Moore became a Christian in 1992. After years of being discipled in the Word of God, she answered God's call to share the gospel with other women. Greta serves as a women's Sunday school teacher. She has served as one of many small group women's discussion leaders of an international Bible study. In addition to sharing the word, power, and love of Jesus Christ with her family, Greta's passion is to share the word, power, and love of Jesus Christ with women. Her desire is that women love the Lord, know who they are in Christ, live in the fullness of their Christlike identity, and walk contently in God's will for their individual lives
Tamika Newhouse Tamika Newhouse is the Best Selling author of The Ultimate No No. She is also known as the creator and President of African Americans on the Move Book Club, which is an online book club catering to avid readers across the nation.She is currently the Editor of Step Up Sista Magazine and literary consultant. In March 2009 Tamika was announced the Women of the Year by Alive Magazine and nominated as Best Radio Personality by the Black Book Clubs Rock Awards. Tamika made her publishing debut under the AAMBC Publications, which will publish anthologies showcasing variousz authors’ talents. She wanted to bring a new genre of writing and allow each author to express themselves to the fullest. Tamika can be heard on the syndicated AAMBC Radio, where she interviews new and seasoned authors. The show showcases many of the author’s talents and their current projects. Tamika created the national tour group called Authors With a Passion Book Tours, where she and authors tour all over the nation. She is currently living in San Antonio with her husband, son, and daughter. She plans to release her second book The Ultimate Moment No Regrets in September 2009.
N'Tyse, is the pseudonym for Dallas, Texas native Shawanda Williams. While N'Tyse, pronounced entice, spells out exotic temptatious seduction, the true and defined significance behind her name takes on an entire new meaning. Never Tell Your Secrets personifies the hidden message N'Tyse envelopes within her stimulating fiction tales.
Now 26, N'Tyse's writing career began at a very young age where she found poetry, songwriting, and journaling as an outlet of escape from her everyday realities. It wasn't until later that N'Tyse decided to venture into the literary likes of short-stories, novellas, and graduating to novels where she ambitiously penned her freshmen title, 'My Secrets Your Lies'. In 2007, upon the release of her first book, N'Tyse discovered that her hobby-writing was no longer just a niche to satisfy that writing crave, but a true talent where her underlying passion awaited. N'Tyse currently juggles her writing career as a full time personal banker and while there's no denying that her ultimate goal is to write full-time, she continues wholeheartedly to boost out these steamy entertaining reads for the mature adult's, reading pleasure. N'Tyse's latest works include her sophomore release 'Stud Princess (Notorious Vendettas)', Dirty Whispers (an anthology), and featured shorts Caramel Latte (Purple Panties II Missionary No More) with National Bestselling author Zane, and Sinful Essence (Dialing For Pain) with National Bestselling author Kashamba Williams, and Illicit Fantasy (Bedtime Stories) with Bestselling author Brian Smith. N'Tyse currently resides in Texas with her loving husband and is currently hard at work on her next bestseller.
Recha Peay. At the age of five, the gift of a Barbie Doll typewriter from a family friend sparked Recha’s interest in the written word. For hours she’d sit in front of her toy typewriter and peck away occasionally stopping to greet the public and sign autographs. Throughout her childhood and early adulthood she held on to her dream even though career choices lead her in a different direction. In 1996, The Mystery of a Woman was born and manifested as a small collection of poetry. To no avail, and many rejection letters later they were never published. Recha didn’t stop there and asked herself what would make her poetry unique. During a moment of meditation the answer was clear, a novel. In 1997, the collection of poetry became the premise of her first novel. Just like so many aspiring authors she worked tirelessly then packed it all away. In 2003, the unfortunate news of a job closing inspired Recha to 'think outside of the box.' So she did just that. With the encouragement and support of two children she unpacked her storage box and breathed new life into her project. Her steps were ordered as God allowed her to make contact with Kimberly Matthews of Kissed Publications, who tirelessly assisted her through several edits finally seeing it through to completion. The rest is a ‘Mystery’. In addition to being a novelist, her talents include playwriting, spoken word artist, editor, and motivational speaker. She has since then been featured on several radio, television and written media outlets as well as speaking engagements. Her smooth and melodic yet at times thunderous voice captivates the listener and creates a desire for more. Her gift for the written word is altogether mesmerizing as she allures the reader and places them in the center of the plot. In October 2009, Recha will release her unprecedented women’s fiction novel Table For Three. Recha G. Peay wants all of her readers to know with God’s divine guidance dreams do come true. So remember the three P’s….prayer, persistence and patience.
Ray Schufford is a 14-year employee with the celebrated and decorated Dallas Fire and Rescue Dept. He is also the co-founder and Vice-President of the reknown, non-profit mentoring organization Mentoring Brother 2 Brother where he is the fitness and sports coordinator. MB2B successfully equips young men, ages 6 to 18, to become productive citizens, in a tough society.
Schufford’s sole purpose in life is to be an impacting factor in changing the lives through his personal testimony and spiritual journey with Jesus Christ. He thrives best in the areas of family restoration, community elevation, and friendship motivation and relationship cultivation. He and his wife, Terri, of 10 years, reside in the great state of Texas and have one son, Tommy, and two daughters, Asia and Jade.
T.R. Star Creative writer, T.R. Star has enjoyed sharing poetic words with listening audiences for tens years. She became a self-published poetry author in April 1999. (Inside My Spirit, Outside My Soul by T’wanna B.)
With a love for the arts, she enjoys participating in an assortment of stage productions—both on stage and behind the scenes. She has spent much of her time performing for various audiences and exposing young people to theater arts and creative expression. In addition to being a writer, a poet, an actress, she is also an entrepreneur with aspirations of opening her own business.
Ms. Star has recently completed her second book entitled, Spokenwords Written, A Poetic Journey Through Life, Love, and Lessons and its currently available for purchase. She believes that her overall success comes from spiritual encouragement and guidance along with a tremendous faith in God.
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.
Jeannine Stokes began her professional writing career in 2002 when she set aside her career in higher education to pursue a career as an inspirational writer. Her work has been published in Cross and Quill, The Christian Communicator, Hearts at home, Christian Woman Today Online and Harmony on the Go. She also offers an online monthly devotional called Sharing the Word. In February 2009, she launched J Stokes Writing Ministries with the mission to "offer devotionals, books and other inspirational products that teach people about the Word of God and inspire them to live the Christian faith." She holds a Bachelors degree in Business Administration from the University the North Texas and a Masters degree in Education from Texas Christian University. She is married, has two children and resides in Arlington, Texas. www.JStokesMinistries.com
Svelte LLC is located in the Dallas/Fort Worth metropolitan area. The company has two active divisions, Svelte Books and Svelte Entertainment Group (SEG); with one Imprint Company, Like Warm Honey, which is a literature division, devoted to our beloved poetry writers.
Svelte Books is a minority owned company which seeks to publish works created by all genders and races. The company’s mission is to become a diversified driving force in the independent publishing world by offering undiscovered authors the opportunity to convert their raw manuscripts into perfectly edited and published novels and novellas. Since the independent publishing company launch in August 2007, Svelte Books has signed 7 authors and 19 titles. The first two novels were released before the end of 2008, Shattered Dreams in July followed by What If? in November. Forbidden Fruit, the company’s third published title, was released in May 2009.
Teardrops Publishing
Where Your Dreams Become Perfectly Bound www.TearDropsPublishing.net
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.
LaToya Watkins lives in the Dallas/Ft.Worth metroplex with her husband and three children. She works as a writer and an editor for various publications. She is a literary studies graduate from the University of Texas at Dallas, where she currently attends graduate school as well. Visit LaToya at www.latoyaswatkins.com, www.peaceinthestormpublishing.com or latoyaswatkins.wordpress.com. LaToya S. Watkins is the author of the novel, In Love with Losers, available October 1, 2009.
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