Author Biographies
STEVEN JAMES DIXON is a Husband, Relationship Expert and Author of the hot new book Men Don’t Heal, We Ho – A Book About the Emotional Instability of Men. The book is a surefire conversation starter. Since the release of Steven’s book he has toured the country spreading his positive message and challenging men to heal from broken relationships. When asked what sets him apart from other relationship experts Steven had this to say, “I have developed a principle that will save all marriages. That principle is that the success or failure of all marriages is based solely upon the leadership of men.” While some say that Steven’s message and principle are controversial, media outlets across the country have not been shy about sharing it with viewers and listeners. Steven has answered relationship questions live on television with CNN (National), WGN (Chicago/National), Fox News (Houston), UPN (Chicago) and CW (Atlanta). Steven has Co-Hosted Nationally Syndicated Radio with The Doug Banks Show in addition to radio interviews all across the country including Tom Joyner (National), Rickey Smiley (National), Sirius Satellite Radio (Shade 45 – National), HOT 97 (NY), KJLH (LA), WGCI (Chicago), V103 (Atlanta), 97.9 (Houston), K104 (Dallas) and on and on. Steven has also found an audience with readers as he has been in at least one newspaper in every state in the country! You can catch Steven on his blog for Essence.com called “The Relationship Report.” Steven is all over the relationship landscape, but if you were to ask him what his favorite thing to do is, his response would be “Sitting in a room with a man and woman saving their marriage.”
Sharon Egiebor , MBA, owner of Egiebor Expressions, a public relations/media relations firm, believes education is not limited to a classroom. As a life-long learner, she gains new knowledge daily and then shares the information. Egiebor, an award-winning journalist, teaches others to adapt and adjust to change. She is the creator of “Flying Solo,” a motivational calendar for single mothers and other women raising children. To learn more, visit her Web site at www.egieborexpressions.com.
Dorothy Ferrel was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. She is a recognized author, and renowned speaker, who is the Founder / President of "The Run to the Water Ministries", a non-profit Christian organization; it was formed in 2001, to help the hurting and those in need. Currently, she works full time for one of the top global auditing companies in the U.S., however, the year 2006 was a year of “transitioning / repositioning". Within the same year, she relocated to the Dallas/Ft. Worth area and now resides in Irving, TX. Currently, she is completing book number three which should be out in the near future. She has been writing for several years, but made a decision to publish her first book in 2007.
Vivian L. Fullerlove founder of VLF Media and Promotions, has represented a variety of sports and entertainment clients including authors Michael J. Lockwood Women Have All the Power: Too Bad They Don't Know It!, Alexus Rhone Secret Shame, Premature Pleasures, Backseats and Bleachers and Leuretha Booker Family Reunion, Clear Channel Theatrical Dora the Explorer, Tellem Worldwide, Nokia Theatre Riverdance Dallas Cowboys Quarterback, Tony Romo and Fireside Entertainment A Killer Within. Vivian has also handled local and regional marketing and publicity for a number of international productions including the world famous Harlem Globetrotters, Sesame Street Live and John Hancock's Stars on Ice!
After coordinating a national tour for one of her author clients, she was moved to write the step-by-step instructional guide, "How to Book, Promote and Publicize Your Own Book Tour!" to help the thousands of self published authors who are not at a point in their career to either cover the expense of a book tour or who do not yet have a large publishing house behind them to handle the costs associated with a tour.
This guide will teach authors how to work with book stores directly to set up local, regional or national book signings, how to write their own media grabbing press releases, how to distribute their releases to news outlets and how to market their books using online resources!
Patricia Ann Griffin is a poet, writer and author. Patricia resides in Dallas, Texas. Her education includes Multidisciplinary Studies and Human Services. Her employment interest is social services. Patricia enjoys giving time to the literary arena--book clubs, author panels and book festivals.
Latifah A. Hameen, founder of Healthy Positive Choices, a non-profit corporation. She has published Suffering In Silence: Breaking the Cycle of Abuse, Suffering in Healing: Creating a New Cycle, The Awakening of Your Soul, (a collection of poems) and her latest book, Teens/Young Adults How-To Not-To Relationship Abuse Workbook. In her lecture, Hameen explains the role she has played in the reoccurring cycles of abuse and how she continues to create a healthier cycle of behavior for her life. Her passion is to educate all, especially teens and young adults about the detrimental effects of relationship abuse. Hameen has an AA Degree from Milwaukee Area Technical College, a BS from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee and a Masters of Arts Degree from Amber University, Garland, TX. A Licensed Massage Therapist and Instructor in Texas, she has been an educator for the past 20 years.
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
Terri D. Jackson-Tyler, author of “CheckMate”, A Woman’s Place: The Ultimate Challenge is a Dallas-based legal professional who is currently pursuing an instructional psychology position with UNT in Ft. Worth, Texas. Along with her extensive legal background, she has recently completed a Doctorate of Philosophy in Clinical Christian Counseling. She is a Certified Temperament Counselor. Terri D. Jackson-Tyler education includes: 2004, Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Christian Counseling, Licensed Clinical Pastoral Counselor, National Christian Counselors Association, American Association of Christian Counselors, 1998, Master of Arts, Professional Studies, Amber University; 1995, B.A., Criminal Studies, Paul Quinn University; 1986 AA Paralegal Studies, EI Centro College, 1983, Bryan Adams High School.
King James is the pen name of Frederick Williams. He became interested in writing during his service as a Navy Corpsman during the Iraqi War. Maintaining a journal during the war inspired him to start writing short stories. His first book, Urban World, is a collection of those short stories. Williams' second book is Freedom is Not Free. Frederick Williams is originally from Montgomery, Alabama. After returning from the war he attended Alabama State University where he graduated in 2008. He currently resides in Houston, Texas.
Kijana Martin, CPC, a Chicago native, is the author of Real Life, Real Choices, a young adult life reference book. Kijana is a Certified Professional Coach dedicated to helping people break negative life cycles and create sustainable life changes. She has developed proprietary workshops for adults and youth which address the whole person, believing true healing happens when you address all aspects of your life.
Johnny A. McDowell was born in Waco, Texas. At the age of two, his family relocated to El Paso, Texas, which allowed him the privilege of not only learning two languages but also understanding two cultures. For the most part, he led a normal life. Through the years, however, things changed...and not always for the best.
“I woke up one day and realized that my life was completely out of control. I went from the school’s best-dressed runner-up and most likely to succeed, to having an addiction for fast money, cocaine, and alcohol.”
It would be years before Johnny would humble himself and ask God to deliver him from the bondage brought on by his error.
“I often tell people to be very careful about what they ask God for, and always be prepared to receive it. I received a prison sentence that lasted eleven years, eight months, twenty-eight days, twelve hours, and forty-seven minutes.”
It was during his time of incarceration that Johnny began to discover his talents. He spent most of his free time designing layouts for a clothing line and used his remaining free time being an avid reader. In a week’s time, he would read up to three and sometimes four books.
Reading opened up a whole new world for him, and in May of 2007, he picked up a pen and pad to write his first story. Within two months, Johnny had written two books and, by then, realized that God had replaced the clothing ideas with a creative writing ability.
Friends and family tell him that he is a success story by all rights because of his ability, but Johnny believes differently. “Any success that I experience today or in the future lies only in the fact that God gave me my life back!”
Johnny resides in the Dallas area but says Waco will always be his home.
Dana Mobley-Hammett is a native of Oklahoma, she is a member and faithful servant of Mesquite Friendship Baptist Church since 1993, and served in the couples ministry. She established her career in the health industry since 1990, she is an information and communication training specialist. Dana is the founder of Divorce Hurts, the organization is faith-based which provides compassionate consulting. Dana is a graduate of Amberton University with a Master of Science in Human Relations and Business. She is married, they have six children, and one grandchild. Dana’s prayer is to keep marriages together based on the foundation of God’s word.
Stephanie Morris is a native of the Dallas, TX area and currently resides in Fort Worth. In her free time, Stephanie loves to write, read, travel, cook, and spend time with her family. She specializes in full-length novels but has a few short stories as well. “Sometimes my heroines have an edgier persona to them and sometimes they are of a softer essence. But all the time, my heroines are like real women, just trying to make a living and keep on going no matter what challenges life brings”.
Monisha Randolph is stepping out on yet another journey by publishing her first book Runner's Revelations: How Running Changed My Walk. A South Dallas native, Monisha attended the Humanities/Communications Magnet at Lincoln High School. She received her a bachelor’s degree in mass communications from the University of New Orleans and an MBA with a concentration in non profit management from the University of Dallas Graduate School of Management. During undergrad she also studied abroad at the Universidad de Costa Rica. All of Monisha’s work post undergrad has been with youth and young adults with a focus on college readiness, career investigation, personal leadership development and entrepreneurship. Monisha has travelled the country working and speaking to youth of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds about aiming higher and digging deeper in order to be the best person they were designed to be. She is a member of St. Matthew Baptist Church where she serves in the Youth Ministry, Music Ministry, and on the Finance Committee. She is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and serves on the Health Justice Committee on the local and regional level. Among these things Monisha has discovered a renewed passion for learning more about health & wellness and how it relates to developing one’s body to be a vessel for God’s work until Jesus’ return. www.runnersrevelations.com
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 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 works include the highly acclaimed Boaz Brown, Divas of Damascus Road (National Bestseller), and Last Temptation. She has published several short stories for high school students through her educational publishing company, Right Track Academic Support Services, at www.wegottaread.com. Michelle serves in the Discerning Hearts women's ministry at her home church, Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship, and she is also currently pursing her ministerial certifications. She ministers to women through her online newsletter: www.womengrowinginchrist.com. Michelle tours annually with the Anointed Authors on Tour. She regularly speaks at special events and writing workshops sponsored churches, schools, book clubs and other positive organizations. Michelle lives near Dallas with her husband, their two teenage children, and one crazy dog.
Arquila Todd, author of My Testimony documents Todd'sremarkable 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
Lynette Norris Wilkinson is an award-winning author of UNTOLD: The New Orleans 9th Ward You Never Knew, the riveting true stories of 16 Hurricane Katrina survivors from the New Orleans Lower 9th Ward, an area still devastated and the community where she grew up. A writer since the age of 11, Wilkinson chooses to express herself through writing that inspires, influences, and informs. UNTOLD has been named Book of the Year by the Sankofa Literary Society, and a Finalist in the African American category of the 2011 Next Generation Indie Book Awards. The book is a must-read for anyone who wants to know the true story behind the faces and images shown during news coverage of Hurricane Katrina. Meet the author online at www.HurricaneKatrinaStories.com.