Author Biographies
Vivian Fullerlove, founder of VLF Media & Promotions, has represented a variety of sports and entertainment clients including Clear Channel Theatrical (Dora the Explorer), Tellem Worldwide, Nokia Theatre (Riverdance), Dallas Cowboys Quarterback Tony Romo, Fireside Entertainment (A Killer Within) and authors Michael J. Lockwood Women Have All the Power: Too Bad They Don't Know It!) and Alexus Rhone (Premature Pleasures, Secret Shame). Vivian has also handled local and regional marketing and publicity for a number of international productions including the world famous Harlem Globetrotters, John Hancock's Stars on Ice, Sesame Street Live , and Scooby Doo: Stage Fright Live on Stage!
Henry O from Plano is an author, inspirational speaker, musician, artist, college professor, and public administrator, who for the last thirty years has worked with the community in Human Services. Henry O. from Plano believes that his greatest job has been raising the children God entrusted to him.
Susan Adkins is an author of children's books with music, a playwright and actress. She is a graduate of Texas Women's University and Southern Methodist University Graduate School. Henry O. was born in Terrell, Texas and Sue is from Dallas. They have three children and live in Plano, Texas.
Mary Blue has lived in the Dallas Metroplex for the last 10 years. She has been married for 29 years and the mother of three accomplished adult children. She completed the book entitled So You Want to be Mentored . . . . But Can You Handle It??? published by Xulon Press in 2006 while recovering from thyroidn cancer.
This book is a quick and easy read, and is a spiritually-based look at mentoring. It is an awesome book that crosses boundaries of gender, race, and religion. Conceptually built around the relationship between Ruth and Naomi, it is a book that anyone who is either looking for a mentor or examining their role as a mentor, can relate to. Unlike other books, it also has the added benefit of being a wordbook, allowing the reader to reflect on, and journal about, what they are reading.
CJ Domino is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The 40 year old, single mother of two is a graduate of Southern and Tulane Universities, where she majored in psychology and social work respectively. A proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Domino is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Psychology.
With a lot of faith and little funds, CJ self published her first manuscript, Sideline Ho, which went on to become a best seller. Set in Baton Rouge, this shocking, in your face novel, takes a look at domestic violence and infidelity in the African-American community. Taking a different approach for her second book, but still covering a major social concern, emotional abuse, her newest release, Who Does She Think She Is? A Girlfriend's Guide to Surviving a Breakup Before She Has a Breakdown hit book shelves this past June.
Domino is also the feature writer for FemmeVip, an online magazine for women and she is the host of her own blog, which is dedicated to single mothers. In addition to writing, CJ is the proud owner of Shero Productions, LLC, a service oriented business designed to help women make positive life changes through inspirational apparel, multimedia outlets and educational workshops. With a bestselling novel under her belt and a booming career, this amazing sister is truly one to watch! www.cjdomino.com
Barbara L. Eikner debuts her first published collection of poetry with Dirt and Hardwood Floors. A graduate of the University of South Carolina, and Vanderbilt University she is the ower of Trabar & Associates and Trabar Communications LLC. Barbara supports, volunteers and has served on a number of arts, professional and community service boards and organizations. Honors and awards include, Outstanding Tulsa Woman in 1997 by Tulsa Woman News, 2006 Southwestern Regional Soror of the Year by the National Pan Hellenic Council and received the 2009 Oklahoma Bankers Association Heart of the Community Award with Alpha Xi Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. She is a contributor to Art Focus Oklahoma magazine, and serves as editor of The Voice of Zion, the bi-monthly newsletter of the Historic Mount Zion Baptist Church, Tulsa. She provides motivational talks and lectures to social and professional groups and associations.
Eliane Flowers A retired salon owner and hair stylist of more than 20 years, Elaine Flowers is a native of Wichita, Kansas, but now resides in Dallas, Texas. It was always her dream to become a published author, creating stories with interesting characters, and in 2002 it was realized when she became a fulltime writer, releasing her first novel, Black Beauty in 2004. In 2007, after weeks of negotiations, this bestselling author came out of her self-imposed exile, and signed with Hollygrove Publishing joining the literary team headed by national Best Selling Author, Brian W. Smith.
Because her readers had been clamoring for her next work, Elaine decided to give them more than they expected. It's Morning: Torn Lovers and Their Stories (2008) is her second book, comprised of two novellas and one short story where each one has a love triangle with two men and one woman. This book is designed to make those who have followed her writing, rejoice that she has come back and those who had never heard of her, never forget her name.
The long-awaited Broken Appointments will be Ms. Flowers' third work of fiction. Expected to be released at the end of 2010, this novel will be a spin-off of sorts with two of the characters from Black Beauty. Yes, more beauty salon drama. In the interim, this gifted writer is having great success with her first try at non fiction. I Wouldn't Mind Having a Husband, I Just Don't Want to Be Somebody's Wife: The Single Woman's Guide to Self-fulfillment is a self help e-book designed for single-never-been married women who are egregiously seeking a husband. During her days behind the hydraulic chair, Ms. Flowers encountered many single women desperate to get married as well as many married women desperate to be single again. She wondered if single women knew what married women knew, would they still be so anxious to go down that road? Maybe, maybe not; but if they were equipped with the information of what it meant to be a wife they could have a new appreciation for their singleness while waiting for Mister to come along.
Elaine Flowers is a divorcee of 20 years with 2 adult children, daughter Erin (23) and son, Lexington (21). She is a full time writer, discussion leader and freelance editor and typesetter. It is her desire to create a dense body of work for those who enjoy her writings.
Dorothy Ferrell was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. She is a motivational speaker, author, and founder/president of the Run to the Water Ministries, a non-profit Christian organization formed in 2001 to help the hurting and those in need. She also works full time in the corporate offices of a major oil company. She lost her former husband in 2004 and is a mother of three adult children and grandmother of six. The year 2006 was a year transitioning/repositioning. That year, she relocated to the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, where she now resides in Irving, TX. She is currently completing book number three which should be out in late 2010 or early 2011. Dorothy is a member of The Potter's House Pastoral Alliance (PHIPA) based in Dallas, TX under the leadership of Bishop T.D. Jakes. She has been writing several years, but made the decision to publish her first book in 2007 and book number two recently.
Louise Hicks was born in Shreveport, Louisiana, and migrated to Long Beach, California, in 1969, where she attended Long Beach City College and California State University, Long Beach. Shortly after graduating from college in 1973, she began her career with the County of Los Angeles. Since her retirement as a management information systems consultant in 2006, she has devoted much of her time to community activities by volunteering in the public school system and other community organizations. Louise enjoys spending time with her family and friends in Downey, California, and Eureka, Texas.
Her book, A Hill to Climb, author Louise Hicks shares the struggles she and her son Davy faced together as they challenged death, questioned God, and fought to find the will to live. A Hill to Climb is the incredible journey of agony, defeat, and hard-won triumph that will resonate strongly in the heart of each reader.
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.(her college sweetheart), the mother of Juliet, Patricia and Ed III and the grandmother of ten. (Dominique, Descartes, Brittain, Patrick, Malik, Terrill, Ed IV, Emilee, Evan and Eian). 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. More information is available on her website: www.thesimplywrittenword.com.
Rhonda Jackson Joseph was born in Richmond, Texas in 1971. Her earliest foray into writing was witing plays for a production by her younger brother and sister at home. She later ventured into writing romance during junior high school when she produced numerous short stories in which she and her best girlfriends were the heroines and the popular eighties boy band music superstarswere the heroes. The stories were circulated and garnered quite a following among her peer group.
Rhonda has always
loved everything about words–writing them, reading them, speaking them, etc. She has
had several shot stories and articles published in online and print publications. Her
first novel, a comtemporary romance entitiled Call It What You Want, was
released by Tea and Tome Publishing in March 2007. She is currently working on several
other novels and screenplays. Rhonda currently lives in Houston, TX with her husband
and four children. There is never an unwritable moment in her life . . . Rhonda is
avaliable for speaking engagements, workshops, and interviews, and book signings.
Please contact her at:
www.rhondajacksonjoesph.com
rhonda@rhondajacksonjoesph.com
Shandra Love grew up in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in a family of nine children, five boys and four girls, is what catapulted Shandra into the wonderful world of writing. There was never a dull moment, and there was an overabundance of subject matter. Her imagination sprouted wings and opened the doors of her creative mind. It has not slowed down since. Short Stories, Poetry, Romance, you name it and Shandra has tried her hand at it, and her younger sister ("Angel") was a devoted critic. Unfortunately, it took the death of Angel to give Shandra the unrestricted confidence to step out on faith and have her first literary work (Pieces, Parts of Me) published.
As a result of overwhelming grief and a subsequent bout with Clinical Depression, Shandra abandoned this effort. The success of My Journey Back, My One Mile: A Sister's Grief helped Shandra to regain her emotional footing, and the ever-changing opportunities of the literary world were opened to her. Although these books are currently out of print, Shandra will re-release them in the fall of this year (2010). Once asked what she likes most about writing, Shandra responded "Being able to make the reader believe what I have written; even though it may be a work of fiction."
Shandra is also a photographer. Through her eyes she can introduce the beholder to her perception of beauty, and convince them to accept it as such. Shandra is an actress, and develops a character that is so believable that the audience either loves or hates her, based on the role she portrays. Shandra is still developing. Shandra is still growing. Shandra is still looking for that next star to latch on to and take a swing on.
Francile Curry McCottry is the author of several fiction books and children books. She has written several stage plays, and song lyrics. She was born in Magnolia, Arkansas and has lived in the Dallas metroplexfor over thrity eight years. She is a student at Dallas Baptist University, and will receive her Dachelor of Arts and Sciences in Communication in 2010. She is a mother, wife, and grandmother.
Kimberly Burgess-Taylor, author of Babes in Christ: a Handbook for Motivational Enlightenment (non-fiction) and Lies, Art, and Chocolate: Texas Style (fiction) is a proud Texas native who has been writing since she could hold a pen. The daughter of a military father, she grew up in Germany and eventually made her way back to Texas. She attended Texas State University and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1994. She also holds a Master of Arts degree in Organizational Management. Due her constant need to help others and stay active, she became the first African-American Mrs. Manor United States in 2007. During her reign she formed the Manor Cultural and Literacy Initiative (MLCI), which sponsored the first Annual Manor Cultural Festival in Manor, Texas in October of 2007. As a result of the festival, the MLCI was able to donate art and books to local area schools, libraries, and the Manor Town Hall. Currently, Mrs. Burgess-Taylor is a professional within the health and human services industry as well as an adjunct instructor with the University of Phoenix.
Don Thompson débuted his first published work, Hush Somebody's Callin' My Name, a photographic essay of survival, resilience and perseverance in November 2009 at Oklahoma State University, Tulsa. The collection of over 52 photographs with an introduction by Andy Zaller, EdD and Afterword by the noted historian and Tulsan, Eddie Faye Gates, takes the reader through Greenwood, Survivors and Main Street. Of the many faces captured is the one of Dr. John Hope Franklin in the Survivors section.
Don Thompson has over 35 years of Photographic experience which began as a writer and photographer in the U. S. Army in the 1960's. He is a Certified Commercial Photographer. He has had many solo exhibits to include the traveling show, Tulsa in a Parade of Color at the Tulsa Artists Coalition, Broken Arrow South Library and the Tulsa Historic Society. One Man shows include The Photographic Art of Don Thompson at the Oklahoma Capitol Building in 2001, New Medium at Devena's Gallery in 1997 and others. In his artist statement, Thompson discusses both the process and theme of his work: "In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the state of Oklahoma, I have created over the last ten years a series of Polaroid color manipulated images. This is a two-stage process in which I manipulate the emulsion as the print is developing which gives it a painterly result."
Don Thompson has a permanent exhibit entitled, Black Settlers in Tulsa at the Oklahoma State University, Tulsa Campus. He has participated in other exhibits to include Portraying Our People at the University of Nebraska, Oklahoma Photographers; Don Thompson and Doyle Sanders at the Capitol Building and North Tulsa Documentary Project a touring exhibit at the Greenwood Cultural Center. He has works currently on exhibit at Pearl Gallery in Tulsa. Don Thompson received the 2005 Eminent Education Award of Phi Delta Kappa, 2001 Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition Award of Excellence for photographic art and the 1993 Mid-America Arts Alliance Regional Visual Arts Fellowship in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. Mr. Thompson is a current member of Tulsa Artists Coalition, Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition and a past member of Tulsa Photo Collective.
Damon “Dame” DaVohn Hopkins Hopkins is an author, poet, novelist, motivational speaker, and overall lover of words. He’s a native of Flint, MI, but now resides in the Dallas, TX area with his family. In addition to a love of writing, Dame carries a passion for the urban community and it shows in his work. Having been born and raised at ground-zero of the American auto industry’s fall, he’s intimate with the hobbling challenges faced by inner-city America. That said, his words share an honesty that crosses race, gender, and social lines, appealing to the hearts of readers from all walks of life. His debut novel, “The Sons of Shea”, a captivating story of a group of young men and women who wage war on the drugs, crime, and despair that has overtaken their community, was published in 2008. It has received excellent ratings from reviewers and emphatic acclaim from readers. Dame is also a coveted poet known for thrilling spoken word audiences with his delightful wordplay. In addition to his book promotion and speaking engagements, he’s currently working on several projects that will surely inspire and compel readers to higher planes of thought and action. You can visit his personal website at: http://www.DameDavohn.com.
N'Tyse is a Dallas, Texas native and best selling author of My Secrets Your Lies. While N'Tyse, pronounced entice, spells out exotic seduction, the true significance behind her name takes on an entire new meaning. Never Tell Your Secrets is the hidden message N'Tyse envelops within her stimulating taboo tales. Go beyond the pages and satisfy your curiosity. http://www.ntyse.com or http://www.myspace.com/ntyse
Barbra Porter – Coleman is author of "A Ram In The Bush" an electrifying drama about jealousy and abuse in a relationship. Read how two stranger’s paths ironically cross and how a medallion passed down through three generations helps save innocent lives. This novel will keep you eagerly turning pages as lies, intrigue, and infidelity unfurl. The first three months of marriage were great. Then jealousy reared its ugly green head. Shay’S obsessive jealousy leads her to purchase a GPS car tracking device to keep track of the whereabouts of her newlywed husband. Her obsessive jealousy and outrageous accusations rapidly begin to destroy what had been shaping up to be a wonderful marriage. When her sleeping husband, Winston, awakens and almost catches Shay snooping through his wallet, she drops to the floor. But when she accuses Winston of messing around with a leggy store clerk, Winston gets fed up, and packs his bags. Shay finds herself in the midst of a divorce, but an unexpected "Ram in the Bush" shows up. Maya surprisingly enters Shay’s life to help; but not before Maya goes through a staggering amount of abuse and danger at the hands of her own husband, Reggie. With Shay’s help, find out if Maya finds a way to get rid of her smooth-talking husband for good. Or does she? Barbra Porter Coleman works for a major airline in Reservations, she is a native of Muskogee, Oklahoma and now resides in Dallas, Texas. Barbra graduated from Dallas Baptist University with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Management. She is president of the Writer’s Block Incorporated. "The Reservationist" was Barbra’s first publication; however, she has another novel that she’s working on, "Glimpse of Heaven". Barbra attributes her writing to renowned author Francis Ray. After meeting her at a black book store, she was inspired to put her imagination on paper. Francis told Barbra to quit talking about it and write about it. Barbra hasn’t put the pen down since.
Nia Soul Words have always had a sweet taste for Nia Soul. While other children wasted them on teasing and joking, she savored hers by using them instead to create poetry and telling stories. She says, she knew early on, that writing would be her destiny. And from the age 7, when she wrote her first poem, until now, her love for words, has not stopped. However, a poignant moment in her childhood, changed the tone of her writing and the message for years to come. At the tender age of 10, Nia's innocence's was interrupted when she was fondled by her biological father. The event devastated her and split the family. "I know all too well the guilt and shame that accompanies abuse," she says. I was forced to grow up fast." She moved away from her family in Chicago and relocated with her aunt to Gary, Indiana. She thought the move from her father would be a fresh start, but she was wrong. A pattern had already been set in motion equally as strong as her destiny. Once again, she was molested by a family member. This event as well as the other one, sent her spiraling into a depression and planted the seeds of chronic insecurity. She began to feel as if her only purpose in life was for men to use her for her body. So, early on, she made the decision to be in control of all or any encounters with men. But, her determination crumbled, when she was raped during her freshman year of college. "I thought I wasn't going to make it," she said. The experience, led her into the arms of God. "God heard my silent cry and saved me. It took me years to learn to trust and to forgive myself and some days, I still struggle with the lingering effects," she said. But she has learned. "The stains of our past don't have the right to dictate our future unless we allow them to." Then and now, Nia uses words to promote healing, and transformation. After being a victim of incest and going through a bitter divorce, Nia realized that there was one or two ways of deal with her misfortune - she could wallow in her pain and wait to see where that took her, or she could write about it. She chose the latter. She later found that her poetry and prayer had immense healing powers to help herself as well as others who have been victimized by sexual abuse. Her writings, often blatantly transparent, forces her listener to take inventory. She doesn't shy away for hot button issues, nor does she hide in the emotional dark places that women sometimes run when they are hurting. She invites her readers out into the light and offers them a message of hope and healing. In her revealing poems and short stories, she uncovers her secrets and insecurity with the hopes that her transparency will create a platform for understanding and open dialogue for other women who have been victimized, let down, or simply out of hope. Nia, an evangelical Christian, and single mother of two, says that it is her relationship with Jesus Christ that empowers her and fuels her creativity. Currently, she lives in Frisco, Texas, north of Dallas and works for a fortune 500 company. She spends her time raising her children, writing, and performing spoken word. She has a Master's in Business Administration from Keller Graduate School of Management.
Vickie Stringer Founded in 2001 by Vickie Stringer, Triple Crown Publications publishes what is often termed "hip-hop lit," which features strong African American characters and a gritty, urban environment. Stringer, who dropped out of college and sold drugs to support herself and her young son. Imprisoned, Stringer found redemption afterward as a writer and publisher. Launched with Stringer's debut novel, "Let That Be The Reason" (2001). Triple Crown Publications has grown to a $2 million business, publishing books by Darrell King, Lisa Lennox, and many others. Stringer continues to publish her own work, including "How to Succeed in the Publishing Game" (2005), "Dirty Red" (2006), and her latest novel, "Dirtier Than Ever" (2010). Stringer has been featured in "The New York Times", "Newsweek", "Publisher's Weekly", "The Boston Globe", "Vibe", "Essence", "Entrepreneur", and "Inc. Magazine"
Edward Harris Author and Publisher of contemporary writings that are informative, challenging on politically charged topics, humor, local and national issues. Experienced housing development professional, I bring leadership skills, a track record and project completions to my customers. Work background in Urban Affairs, Economic Development, Administration and Planning, Housing and/or Community Development
Kimberly D. Jenkins, a native of Tyler, Texas, is an author, teacher and conference speaker who demonstrates God's love to others. As the wife of Pastor Keith D. Jenkins, she co-pastors Redeeming Love Worship Center(RLWC) in Lewisville Texas. Kimberly is the author of several books, "Raising Godly Children", "Growing Up Spirititually," "Women in Ministry:Breaking Tradition" and "Purpose, Power and Passion" co-written by her sister Elder Sherian McCoy. Kimberly Jenkins frequently hosts prayer and Bible Study meetings, retreats, workshops and other events to encourage women to develop in the love of God. She is the founder of Women of Wealth and Naomi's Daughters - non profit organizations geared at empowering and educating women and teens with the tools necessary to live successfully financially, relationally, socially, and emotionally. Both programs focus on building self-esteem, self-empowerment and self-sufficiency. The ultimate goal is to ensure that each woman is positioned to achieve a life of wholeness and great success. With a bachelor's degree in Emergency Administration and Psychology, Kimberly Jenkins has a heart for helping and reaching out to people in trying times. Above all her accomplishments, she considers her husband and her children to be her primary purpose. As a mother of two girls, Kennedy and Kaley, she firmly believes that the best way to raise successful children is to be an active role model in demonstrating the love of God. You may contact Kimberly Jenkins via email at : kim@kimberlyjenkins.org
Tamkika 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. 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. As well as the African American Literary Awards awarded her as Self Published Author of the Year in less then a year after the release of her first novel.
She is currently the CEO of Delphine Publications and has the vision of building a powerful company. She 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 Literary Sistah's, where she and authors tour all over the nation. She is currently living in San Antonio with her husband son, and daughter. She released her second book The Ultimate Moment No Regrets in September 2009 and is currently working on her third novel Cookie: A Fort Worth Story. She plans to release her fourth novel Will Love Ever Know Me next Spring. www.tamikanewhouse.com
E. W. Martin Sr. grew up in Richmond, CA he is CEO of E. W. M. Enterprise inc. a company specializing in business and finance. While traveling throughout the country he makes time for helping disadvantaged youth and has a series of life skills books and workshops in the works. A loving husband and father his life serves as a role modle for his three children and the youth of america!
Arquila Todd Author of My Testimony documents Todd's remarkable journey from dating drama and distress to dating experiences with knowledge and revelation. This highly personal yet universally relatable book outlines how Todd rose from the depths of despair after finding the true love of her life, God. Through her inspiring story readers will learn:
- What the Bible really says about relationships - key Scripture to uplift, enlighten and heal.
- How to learn, grow, and mature from your past boyfriends or partners no matter how painful or dysfunctional, with the help from Jesus Christ. She sat at His feet and was transformed.
- Why simply going to church and tithing isn't enough to being a mature Christian. Discover the truly important steps to connect with God.
- The secrets to living a happy, fulfilled single life, whether dating or not. Discover the inner strength you didn't know you had by relying on God's glorious Word.
Through Todd's honest frank and always engaging personal history, readers will gain life-changing insights into the way God really commands us to live and the peace and fullness of life that follows. This book is for all women who have ever struggled with the answers that solve their dating frustrations.
Arquila Todd turned to her spiritual foundation for help because her dating relationships were in chaos. She affirms there is not help like Holy Ghost help!
She lives in Arlington, TX.