Ariffa Bevin (Albany, NY)

From the age of 12, writing has always been a part of Ariffa Bevin’s life. At that age and through her teenage years, she became well known and frequently recognized for her poetic works. Since moving on from poetry, Ariffa continues to strive to change the world and inspire others with her words through her blog and story telling. She spends her free time with her husband, and they enjoy cooking, eating, playing golf, and watching sports. Kingdom of the Sun is her first book.

About Kingdom of the Sun

Truth. Hope. Honor. Happiness…In the modern-day Kingdom of Sooryan the meaning of these four words fade as light leaves the sky during sunset…But as reassuring and as promising that the sun will rise again each day, Helena will fight for something that most want, but are not brave enough to make: Change.

Kingdom of the Sun reflects the desire that most of us have to make a change, whether it be in the world or in our own lives, and how we may lack the strength or the courage to do it. The novella highlights the significance of what it truly means to be educated as well as the power that one can posses when they are. It questions what we may value as important and necessary, and challenges several societal conventions. In a kingdom facing political, economic, and educational turmoil, Kingdom of the Sun is reflective of today’s issues, giving its readers not only something to enjoy and relate to, but something they will never forget.

Purchase Link
http://www.amazon.com/Kingdom-Sun-Ariffa-Bevin-ebook/dp/B00FOLCWTM/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=8-1&qid=1389264279

Name 3 things about yourself readers may not know
1) When I was first introduced to poetry and story writing, I absolutely hated it. I was in elementary school at the time and I found it too hard to be creative, so I found myself crying a lot out of frustration.

2) I tried and failed at self-editing Kingdom of the Sun.

3) I wrote a memoir at the same time as I was writing Kingdom of the Sun. I would alternate back and forth between each manuscript every day. 

What is your biggest inspiration?
God is my biggest inspiration. I would not have my gift of writing or the experiences and challenges that have helped me to write without His guidance and many blessings.

What led up to you becoming an author?
My desire to help people and change the world through my words has definitely led me to becoming an author. I have always had this goal, and I once believed that healthcare was the right path for me. It took some time to realize that my passion for helping others would be best served in writing.

How would you describe your writing style?
I do not have a specific form per se, however, I was influenced by the French author Marguerite Duras’ writing style in her book, The Lover (which is my favorite movie, by the way). She uses simple sentence structure that is very powerful and emotional. A lot of her sentences are short, yet so descriptive. And I tried to do a lot of that in Kingdom of the Sun: I wanted to say a lot in very few sentences and also be strong and descriptive in very few words.

What would you say is the most important thing an author should do before publishing his/her book?
I believe that there are many things an author should do, but one thing that comes to mind is the significance of having an editor. Many self-published authors believe they can self-edit their book or that they do not have the money to afford a professional editor. I cannot stress enough the significance of taking the time and energy to find a professional editor for your book. It is just as important as the creation of the manuscript itself.

If you could go back and change one thing about your book, what would it be?
This is such a fitting question considering the recent JK Rowling reveal! So far, there is not one thing that I would change about Kingdom of the Sun.

When you’re not writing, what are you doing?
When I am not writing, I am working at my full-time job, spending time with my wonderful husband, cooking, playing sports, and watching anime.

How can readers and others in the literary community reach you?
Website/Blog: http://hopehonorandhappiness.com 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAriffaBevin 
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18679971-kingdom-of-the-sun

Dee Dee M. Scott (Columbia)

Author Dee Dee M. Scott is a Screenwriter, playwright, director and producer. She currently has eight authors signed to her publishing Company, Ahsyad Publications, and is producing two stage plays (Misery Loves Company, and All The Bad Man Can Do Is Keep The Good One From Coming To You). Scott also wrote, produced and directed, My Husband's Woman-The Stage Play, which played for two shows at: The Town Theater on November 27, 2011 and toured South Carolina.

Currently, Scott is producing and directing her first film: Lake House, which she also wrote. It will be
released to select theaters soon.

Dee Dee M. Scott was born and raised in Florence, South Carolina. Scott worked as a first grade teacher before becoming a full time writer and the publisher at Ahsyad Publications. She resides in Columbia with her family.

About Sent From Heaven

Best-selling romance author Maya Smith's life is far different from the characters she creates in her novels. Left to raise a baby without the assistance of the married father, she has given up on finding a prince on a white horse to rescue her.

Enter Cardiologist and single father, Ford Tucker. Dr. Tucker is all work and no play. He has dedicated his life to work and raising his daughter. When Ford becomes Maya’s Cardiologist, he is instantly smitten with her.

Sparks fly and the passion’s hot as ever between the two. But just when Ford thinks he has finally found Ms. Right, and Maya thinks she’s found her prince, a devastating secret is revealed that will rock the core of their relationship. Will their bond survive the terrible secret? Or will Ford end up alone and Maya prince less?

Purchase Link
http://www.amazon.com/Sent-Heaven-Ahsyad-Publication-Presents-ebook/dp/B00CHOIK0O/ref=la_B00AQL5UJY_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1389043938&sr=1-1

Name 3 things about yourself readers may not know
I love Yoga.
I am a very down to earth person.
I love to sing.

What is your biggest inspiration?
Jehovah God and Jesus

What led up to you becoming an author?
I have been writing since the age of six. I decided to finish my first book after a health scare. After the birth of my last son, I had anemia. By the grace of God I recovered. After I recovered, I decided that I would never put my gifts on the back burner again.

How would you describe your writing style?
I love to write stories with twists you may not see coming.

What would you say is the most important thing an author should do before publishing his/her book?
Believe in yourself because there will be many people who may not.

If you could go back and change one thing about your book, what would it be?
Nothing. I wrote the stories the way I saw them in my mind's eye.

When you’re not writing, what are you doing?
I love to spend time with my family. I am a mother of four and I homeschool my children.

How can readers and others in the literary community reach you?
www.ahsyadpublication.com
www.deedeemscott.com

Missy B. Salick (New Rochelle)

Missy B. Salick is a new author who has written her first novel, "Claiming Jeremiah." Her fictional memoir on Foster Adoption is drawing a hefty buzz around the sensitive topic. The novel is small in size, but contains a powerful message. "Children in foster care need a place to call home." Salick, a foster care advocate, wrote this book based on her personal journey of foster adopting her four-year-old son.

Before self-publishing "Claiming Jeremiah," Salick spent several years as a freelance business writer for Fortune 500 companies such as Shearman & Sterling, KPMG, Deloitte and many more. She also had a stint with song ghost writing. Salick's experience in the entertainment industry stems from working with entertainment companies and media including Violator, MBK, Village Voice, and more. As the founder of J.J. Autumn Publishing, her publishing company is geared towards highlighting urban fiction dedicated to special causes and community awareness projects. Salick also serves as a literary and start-up consultant for professionals interested in starting or growing their company or novel(s). 

Salick also created iJournalNow Project. iJournalNow Project is a program created to encourage and promote journal writing. Through iJournalNow Project, Salick hopes to give children and teens a creative outlet to express themselves.

When Salick is not promoting foster adoption, she can be found volunteering at Junior Achievement, being a Big Sister and counseling young girls through Journal Writing or helping to save the Polar Bears with WWF.

A portion of all book sales will be donated to Children's Rights Organization.


About Claiming Jeremiah

On the same night that twenty four-year-old Jordyn Sims has a miscarriage, her sister-in-law Tori Sims conceives a child. Nine months later, Tori, a long term heroin addict, abandons her two-hour-old drug addicted newborn Jeremiah, in a hospital stairwell. Jordyn receives the news and pursues foster adoption. However, Oscar, Tori's possessive drug-addicted boyfriend, is not about to give Jeremiah up so easily. While in confrontation with Tori and Oscar, Jordyn seeks help from the Administration of Children Services (ACS), only to discover she is faced with a maze of departments, regulations, legalities and overworked social workers. Jordyn, however, remains strong and continues to push through the uphill battle, even after she discovers she's pregnant.

With all odds against her adoption of Jeremiah, and her pregnancy at high risk from increasing stress, will Jordyn win this tough battle, or will her world crumble before her?


Purchase Link
http://www.amazon.com/Claiming-Jeremiah-ebook/dp/B00C8PKAIC

Name 3 things about yourself readers may not know
My favorite color is purple.
Coffee is my daily need. 
I love all things sparkly. 

What is your biggest inspiration?
My inspiration is myself and to see how far I can push myself to succeed and how much I can accomplish in this one life we are given. 

What led up to you becoming an author?
I have been writing since I was little. I never knew I would become an author though. After foster adopting my son I knew I had to tell the story of the process. Three years later, here we are with one book under my belt and it will not be the last. 

How would you describe your writing style?
I have no writing style. I am a prolific writer and everyday brings something different. 

What would you say is the most important thing an author should do before publishing his/her book?
The most important thing you should do before publishing your book, is scream to the top of your lungs that you have completed it and still have somewhat of your sanity, then hire an editor. 

If you could go back and change one thing about your book, what would it be?
I wouldn't change the book per say, however, I would change the project management on the book. I put a lot of pressure on myself by giving impossible deadlines to reach and because of this I know I overlooked a lot of small details that could have been avoided. But hey, you and live to learn. 

When you’re not writing, what are you doing?
When I'm not writing I can be found being a mother, wife, employee, running my publishing company, volunteering or providing journals and journal workshops through my outreach program iJournalNow. 

How can readers and others in the literary community reach you?
They can stay in touch with me by one of the following: 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/meetmissy24
Twitter: @meetmissy24
Instagram: @meetmissy24

James Alexander (Camden, Delaware)

James Alexander is a native of Philadelphia who now resides in Dover Delaware and is the CEO of the site http://inspiringminds7.com . He is also a poet, multimedia designer and self-published author of (2) books, "If words could talk what might they say? Poems to whom it may concern" and "H.A.T.E. - Honest And Truthful Experiences both available on amazon. James Alexander is an alumni of Temple University (BA Criminal Justice) and just completed his final class at Wilmington University looking to receive a Bachelors of Arts in Multimedia design the winter of 2014. Since returning to his God given gift to write roughly (2) years ago he has simply set out to inspire, motivate and uplift those in need of inspiration. For bookings, poetry readings or more information about James Alexander simply reach out to his official website or the social networking sites provided. 

About H.A.T.E. - Honest And Truthful Experiences

With a newfound appreciation for life, the poet James Alexander brings to us a collection of poems that epitomizes the power of love. This love through words stems from his honest and truthful experiences as a person of faith. This book will enlighten anyone who looks to be the light in the mist of a world filled with so much hate.

Purchase Link
http://www.amazon.com/H-AT-E-Honest-And-Truthful-Experiences/dp/1490928138/ref=pd_rhf_se_p_img_1

Name 3 things about yourself readers may not know
I was once an aspiring hip hop artist, served in the United States Air Force for (4) years and still create music. 

What is your biggest inspiration?
My biggest inspiration is life and everything in it. I'm inspired by the good the bad and the ugly.

What led up to you becoming an author?
Realizing that I had a God given gift of expressing myself through art and the use of words to create stories. In addition, my background in graphic design made the decision quite an easy one to follow.

How would you describe your writing style?
My writing style is one that is driven by honest and truthful emotions. It is a style that has at the core a spiritual tone with a word play that the masses can easily relate to.

What would you say is the most important thing an author should do before publishing his/her book?
Ensure that it is original and has your name written all over it.

If you could go back and change one thing about your book, what would it be?
It would be to add a poem entiltled, "Loaded with Potential" which I finished (2) weeks after the book was published. It is a piece that I look to perform in the near future and is just simply powerful. 

When you’re not writing, what are you doing?
I'm usually spending time with the family or doing some graphic design work.

How can readers and others in the literary community reach you?
http://inspiringminds7.com.
http://facebook.com/jamesalexander7
http://twitter.com/inspiremankind

Miles Perkins (Cary, NC)


Darryl Miles Perkins was born April 23, 1966 in Detroit, MI, at Sinai Hospital.
After high school he worked for a few years before joining the United States Marine Corps in May 1988. From '88 to '01, he traveled the world and saw many countries including: Okinawa Japan, Yokosuka Japan, Bali Indonesia, Philippines-Subicbay/Manila,Thailand, Brisbane Australia, Middle East, Doha, Bahrain, Oman, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi/Dubai, Bangladesh, Djibouti Africa, Hawaii, Korea, Singapore and Canada.

About Tears Behind My Eyes/My Life

Tears Behind My Eyes is an autobiography of Miles Perkins. Miles talks about his life’s experiences starting with his childhood. Many different experiences, interwoven together, set the stage, to produce the tears, character and strength behind the man who lives today. Many of us never know or understand why people are the way that they are today. We certainly don’t understand why the same events can happen to two people and affect them very differently.
 
Purchase Link
http://www.amazon.com/Tears-Behind-My-Eyes-LIfe/dp/1456406337/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1378235727&sr=8-1&keywords=tears+behind+my+eyes

Name 3 things about yourself readers may not know
I've been in three different branches of the military.
We were the first Rappers of Detroit
Even thought I can swim I don't go in beach water.

What is your biggest inspiration?
My Mother 85 yrs old raised her kids and some grand kids, lives alone and still going strong.

What led up to you becoming an author?
Someone mentioned that I should write a journal, I told that person a Journal would never happen, next thing you know I have twenty pages of my life.

How would you describe your writing style?
I write the way I talk, so what kind of style is that?

What would you say is the most important thing an author should do before publishing his/her book?
Read and RE-Read.

If you could go back and change one thing about your book, what would it be?
I would probably try to get more help because I was finding things out as i went along.

When you’re not writing, what are you doing?
Working out, Working, Socializing.

How can readers and others in the literary community reach you?
Twitter dmilesp44
FB TearsBehind MyEyes
FB Miles Perkins Author

Princess Dior (Brunswick Ga)

Princess Estella Dior Wright was born gifted with the ability to captivate people with her words. She is a dynamic inspirational motivationalist and author who has inspired her audiences by her own life’s challenges. Estella was born in Miami Fl, and now lives in Brunswick, GA 

Crowned

Roxie has been on a paper chase ever since her mother was incarcerated. Left to fend for herself she turns to the one place that doesn't judge her; the streets. When her life begins to spiral out of control she has to decide whether she is ready to own up to her mistakes and the people she has crossed or trade in her Gucci shoes and king sized bed for state issued slippers and a twin sized cot.



Purchase Link
http://www.amazon.com/Crowned-Princess-Dior/dp/0988861577/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1380040429&sr=8-1

Name 3 things about yourself readers may not know
I'm ambitious

Love dancing

And, love good singing

What is your biggest inspiration?
My family, 

What led up to you becoming an author?
Life experiences, and the inspiration of knowing I can

How would you describe your writing style?
Free, and creative yet different

What would you say is the most important thing an author should do before publishing his/her book?
Research, and believe 

If you could go back and change one thing about your book, what would it be?
To be done in chronological order

When you’re not writing, what are you doing?
Spending time with my family. And coaching women that have been through struggles

How can readers and others in the literary community reach you?
https://www.facebook.com/ThePrincessDior?ref=ts&fref=ts

Twitter is @theprincessdior

Instagram is @princessdior34

Also www.princessdior.com

Miss Trish (Vallejo, CA)

Miss Trish is a storyteller. That’s it. That’s all. From describing a trip to the grocery store, to detailing a trying day, she has always had the keen ability of capturing the attention of many and getting more than one outburst of, “Hurry up, Trish. This story is so good.” Born and raised in Richmond, California, she is currently pursuing her Bachelors of Science in Business Administration. While employed at a local Housing Authority, she was the co-editor of the Resident Services Newsletter and her articles were distributed every quarter. Her passion for writing started at a very early age and was an escape outlet from many peer-pressures throughout her adolescence. Even as an adult, the joy of writing has not faded. She currently lives in Vallejo, California with her teenage daughter. This is her first novel. 

About Cayenne Peppa: A Novel

Cayenne was spoiled rotten and used to getting her way; but, along the journey of life, things unexpectedly went awry? When every intuition inside of Cayenne screams for her to reverse her steps, she ignores the overwhelming uneasiness and falls weak to her addiction. In a blink of an eye, she regretfully advances forward. For over seventy-two hours, Cayenne endures the unthinkable by the repulsive hands and twisted mind of her boyfriend's brother. Cayenne heals from the assault with the assistance of those close to her. Papa Joe and Glo, however, are both old-school “G’s” with discrete old-school gangster mentalities. Battered and abused, Cayenne smiles inside at the mere fact that the rapist did not kill her. That was his mistake! This leaves plenty of room for revenge. Cayenne is consumed with it. When those close to Cayenne get word of the rape and torture, the hunt for the assailant begins...street justice style. The inner battle between good and evil consumes every character as they all secretly plot to get even. Cayenne Peppa is an urban “who-done-it?” at its finest! 

Name 3 things about yourself readers may not know
Though a city-girl, I love to fish. It is not uncommon for me to cast my pole in one of my many favorite fishing spots and on good days, load up on fresh cat fish and blue gill. 

Cooking is a favorite pastime. When I was a little girl, I used to follow my granny (Big Mama) around; including, in the kitchen. She would let me help her by allowing me to cut-up the seasonings, pick the greens, snap the beans, shuck the corn, and stir the simmering pots. Cooking has become second nature and not to sound too cocky; but, I'm pretty good at it.

Gardening and growing fresh produce has become a major part of my being. Mixing the earth with fertilized soil, planting seeds, and knowing that the end result of fresh & beautiful fruits and vegetables was because of my hard work is fascinating!! 

What is your biggest inspiration?
My biggest inspiration is my one and only daughter. We have been buddies, within reason of course, since the day she was born. It has not always been easy during the journey; but, I must be the example for her. She is fourteen years old now, I must show her that this life we live is full of opportunities, and that no matter how tough times may get, she can do and be anything she wants to be is she works hard. I am her example.


What led up to you becoming an author?
For as long as I can remember, I have always been a writer and I have the old journals to prove it. Becoming an official published author has always been in the back of my mind as a "maybe someday" type of thought. I decided to get serious and publish my first book because of an extremely vivid dream I had. It was a little over a year ago and shortly after my maternal grandmother (whom I was very close to) passed away. I was asleep one night and just like any other night I began to enter R.E.M. sleep and so the dream began:

I am twelve years old. I am at my Big Mama's house spending the summer. As usual, she needs a few items from the mom-and-pop store located several blocks away and she tells me to walk to the store and get them for her. It is hot outside. I do not feel like walking because of the heat; but, I know I can not refuse. I am not crazy! I'm wearing red short-shorts, a yellow spaghetti tank top, and yellow flip-flops. I am skinny. (Had to be a dream, right?) After returning from the long, hot, walk from the store, I put the items of the kitchen table. Big Mama carefully looks them over. She raises her head up and looks me directly in my eyes and says, "Trish, you forgot something." Puzzled, I respond in my childish voice. "Huh? I don't understand, Big Mama. I got everything you wanted me to get from the store." With a smile on her face, and a certain amount of certainty, she looks at me directly only this time, the glance is as if she is asking, "Understand?". "No, Trish." She says. "You can do it. Go get it. I know you can do it. Go get it. I have confidence in you and I know you can do it."

When I woke up the next morning my face was drenched in tears. I shared this dream with those close to me. I also shared the fact that I knew exactly what Big Mama was referring to. In the weeks following "the dream", I completed and polished-up my manuscript and today I am an official published author.

How would you describe your writing style?
I like to tell stories. I like to tell stories that draw the reader in. To me, what you write about is not as important as how you write. My goal is to make an ordinary walk in the park seem like the most interesting walk ever. When I communicate verbally, I talk with my hands, my facial expressions, and with my entire body and emotions. (It's really a sight to see.) I can't help that; but, I draw in the listener. It took years for me to come to the realization that I have a gift; so, I would describe my writing style as memorizing.

What would you say is the most important thing an author should do before publishing his/her book?
The most important thing an author should do before publishing his/her book is edit, edit, and then edit again. The slip of a key-stoke is not uncommon; however, it is up to us as writers to showcase the very best in all of us.

If you could go back and change one thing about your book, what would it be?
If I could go back and change one thing about my book it would be to give more of a background history on one of the main characters. Since becoming published, I have gotten many questions regarding Glo. I can't go back and change what I've already published; but, this leaves plenty of wiggle-room for a sequel.

When you’re not writing, what are you doing?
Well recently, when I am not writing, I am marketing for Cayenne Peppa: A Novel. When I am not marketing, I love to spend quality time with my daughter. She and I are very close. Because writing and marketing takes much of my time these days, I am always finding fun and interesting things for us to do together. She has a birthday coming up soon and I have planned to take us both on a five-day cruise. I think it’s good to step away from the writing from time-to-time so that upon my return, I can approach my writing completely refreshed and full of new ideas.

How can readers and others in the literary community reach you?
I am on all of the social networks like FaceBook and Twitter (@authormisstrish.com); however, the best way to reach me is my email:[email protected] or I can be reached via my website:authormisstrish.com

Tonia (Houston, TX)

Even though Tonia was born and raised in Houston, it was during her college years in Baton Rouge at Louisiana State University that Fashionably Deceptive began to manifest. Always an avid writer and reader, Tonia decided to try her hand at writing a novel based loosely around the lives, fantasies, and experiences of her college roommates. That idea would manifest itself into a masterpiece of a novel that will have readers hooked from start to finish.

Tonia moved back to Houston after graduation and is currently working on finishing the series and releasing other novels in the near future.

About Fashionably Deceptive

From the outside looking in, Kayla has everything a girl could desire. She’s a semester away from graduating at the top of her class, dresses to kill, and is dating Dareon Anderson: All-American, wide receiver, destined to go pro. However, the façade quickly fades away when Dareon commits an act of unforgivable callousness. Dareon’s deception pushes Kayla into unfamiliar territory and into the arms of a man that will set off a series of unfortunate events. All is fair in love and war, and Kayla just hopes that she walks away with her sanity and her life in a world that is just so Fashionably Deceptive.


Purchase Link
http://www.amazon.com/Fashionably-Deceptive-ebook/dp/B00D6XUGK2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1382918012&sr=8-1&keywords=Fashionably+Deceptive

Name 3 things about yourself readers may not know
I have a Masters in Counseling and am currently working towards opening my own therapy clinic that works specifically with urban youth.

I would like to one day turn Osborne Publishing Co into a publishing powerhouse geared towards helping new authors.

I am an educator and youth activist that spends most of my time cultivating the minds of adolescents. 

What is your biggest inspiration?
"History will be kind to me for I intend to write it." - Winston Churchill

My biggest inspiration comes from anyone that has believed in me, even when I did not believed in myself. My successes are not just for me, but for anyone that has had to face adversity and criticism in their quest to accomplish their goals. Sometimes I am so afraid of failure that I don't seek success, and it is only because of my support system that I am starting to embrace my destiny for greatness. I want to be remembered as not only a great author, but someone that helped others and made a difference in their community.

What led up to you becoming an author?
As a child, I was always an avid reader and writer. Instead of playing outside, you could either find me with a pen in my hand or my nose in a book. However, I never thought that I would be a published author. 

The Fashionably Deceptive manuscript started off as a challenge from my college roommates to write a novel, and I never dreamed that it would manifest into something so magnificent. Ironically, I finished Fashionably Deceptive in 2007, and it took almost six years to be convinced that it was something that needed to be published. 

How would you describe your writing style?
My writing style is very representative of my personality: witty, cynical, and with a flare for drama. I am very descriptive and want my readers to be able to actually envision the characters, scenes, and drama while reading my novels. My goal is for my readers to be able to relate to my characters, either through their own personal experiences or the experiences of others, and to get in a good laugh from time to time too.

What would you say is the most important thing an author should do before publishing his/her book?
Novel editing is one of the most important things for any author. A lack of good editing can completely kill a plot and turn readers off from any future novels. Fashionably Deceptive went through the editing process for almost 4 months, and even though editing can be expensive, it was well worth it. As the writer of a novel, authors are often biased and can miss key mistakes that can be caught with a fresh set of eyes. It is also through third party editing that gaps or holes in your story can be caught, and you can be given a chance to make necessary revisions.

If you could go back and change one thing about your book, what would it be?
After taking six years to release Fashionably Deceptive, I can honestly say that I would not make any additional changes. The novel has transformed so much since its original creation, and I am thankful that I had the time to grow and mature as an individual and adult before its release. 

When you’re not writing, what are you doing?
I wear many hats other than being a writer. When I am not writing, I am teaching, coaching basketball, mentoring other new authors, doing community service, sponsoring my girl's club, or working on establishing my Tonia theAuthor brand.

Just Jewel (El Cajon, CA)

Just Jewel is an author, poet, blogger, and freelance writer born and raised in New Jersey. 

She is positively passionate about writing. Just Jewel discovered her love for writing at the age of seven and since has written stacks of poems and short stories. She has taken on several freelance writing opportunities, including writing articles for magazines and small businesses. Some of Just Jewel's work can also be viewed at her blog site, A Drop of Jewel. The Mini Poetry Project is Just Jewel's first published work, followed by her first novel, Two Way Mirrors.

About Two Way Mirrors

Lashanta Charles (Killeen, TX)

Lashanta lives in Killeen, TX, with her husband and two children. She is pursuing a Bachelor s Degree in English at Drury University and also serving on active duty in the US Army. Her hobbies include spending time with family, traveling, eating, and of course, writing. Her motto is strive to excel, not to equal. Lovely Lies is her debut novel.

About Lovely Lies

Makynzee has spent all of her life being dependent on people who've always disappointed her, especially her abusive mother. Everyone lies to her - her sister, her uncle, even her beloved father. When her mom strips her of her one true love, gymnastics, she's determined to find and maintain her independence. There's only one little problem...money. She sets out to find a job as a dancer at a gentlemen's club, but finds Kalil instead. With his looks, money, and charisma any woman would be crazy not to want him and Makynzee's no different. Falling for him fast she soon discovers some things just aren't adding up and Kalil may not be the man she thought he was. He wants to be with her and provide for her, but can he protect her? When a love-struck fan becomes obsessed and begins attacking and stalking Makynzee she questions Kalil's ability to be her protector. Makynzee has no idea who he is, where he came from, or why he's here, but he's determined to have her even if that means eliminating everyone she knows and loves. By any means necessary, right? She belongs to him and he's claiming what's rightfully his, no matter the circumstances. When truths are revealed, they threaten to tear Makynzee's soul apart and chaos becomes her life. Will she be able to escape this temporary insanity or will she become a permanent victim?

Purchase Link
http://www.amazon.com/Lovely-Lies-Delphine-Publications-Presents/dp/0988709376/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1370228883&sr=1-1

Name 3 things about yourself readers may not know
~ I love to sleep; I'm a grouch when I don't get as much sleep as I want.

~ I'm a big bag of water! I cry over the smallest things.

~ I'll eat almost anything...almost. I love food.

What is your biggest inspiration?
My family inspires me most. My husband's support means the world to me and my kids' innocence keeps me going.

What led up to you becoming an author?
I've always enjoyed writing. Being an author is something something that I never thought I'd do, but I knew was in me. I told a friend I would do it, she told me I wouldn't and here we are.

How would you describe your writing style?
I don't think I have a particular style, I just write what's on my mind...my imagination tends to go overboard sometimes.

What would you say is the most important thing an author should do before publishing his/her book?
Definitely research those that are where they are trying to be. If aspiring authors research successful authors they'll know that they need an editor, they'll know about scams within the literary community, etc.

If you could go back and change one thing about your book, what would it be?
Everything, LOL! I changed Lovely Lies a million times. Even after I sent it in to my publisher for editing, I was still making changes. I love the finished product, but hindsight is 20/20, so I'm sure if I had more time I would continue to make changes.

When you’re not writing, what are you doing?
Reading, sleeping, eating, or hanging out with my family. Lately, promoting has taken over as well. My hubby bans my phone, laptop, and iPad after a certain time, LOL.

How can readers and others in the literary community reach you?
Personal Site: www.lashantacharles.com
Publisher Site: www.delphinepublications.com
Facebook: Author Lashanta
Twitter: @twiety01