Meet Kennedee Devoe

Today, I introduce you to Kennedee Devoe. Kennedee is a very humble and down to earth person. I hope after learning more about Kennedee you’ll run over to Amazon or her website and purchase her book.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? I hold an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Studies, a Bachelors Degree in Business Management, and a Masters Degree in Human Services. I have worked for a variety of Parks and Recreations Departments, for-profits, and non-profits agencies. I currently work in the nonprofit sector as a Program Director.

Tell us about your current book. Two Wrongs Don’t Make a Right…It Makes Us Even is about a true life story. The title identifies how I was living my life at the time. I was trying to even the score with the men who had wronged me in relationships. In the midst of all the drama I learn a lot of life lessons.  

What do you do when you are not writing? I’ve been bowling since I was 7 years old. I would say I’m pretty good my average is 220. I’m also a mentor, and a party planner. I keep myself pretty busy.

When did you first start writing and when did you finish your first book? I started writing poetry in high school. I also was the editor for my high school newspaper. It took me 4 years to write the book, because I was going to school for my master’s program while working a full time job.

How did you choose the genre you write in and what’s the genre? I decided on fiction even though it is an autobiography/memoir. I labeled the book as fiction to target a larger audience because the average Joe is totally clueless about Kennedee Devoe.

What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why? Chapter 12 and 15 are my favorite chapters, because those signify turning points in my life.

Do you write with an outline, or do you just write? No, I just write when my thoughts start coming. I go back in later to make changes in order for everything to flow together.

What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? The most criticism that I have received is that people dumbfounded that I put my life out there for other to people to judge. Some people just can’t understand why I would do that. What has been the best compliment? That people see themselves in the book and the stories are relatable.

Are there certain characters you would like to go back to, or is there a theme or idea you’d love to work with? Not at this time. I’m on to my next project writing about my friendships I've acquired over the years the last 25 years. 

Do you have any upcoming events that you’ll like your readers to know? I will be coming to Newport News, Virginia on March 16, 2013 to discuss The Balance Between Men & Women at the Mulberry Inn. I have a book signing in my hometown of Carson, CA on March 23. I will be at the Las Vegas Jazz festival in April, and I have a lot more things coming up. I am very excited about all these new opportunities.

How can readers contact you?

My personal website www.kdevoe.com
www.facebook.com/kennedeedevoe
www.twitter.com./kennedeedevoe
www.amazon.com

I like to throw in one wacky question. J

Do you get road rage? Oh yes!!! My hand stays on the horn several times during the day. What pisses you off the most about other drivers? Letting everyone in front of them.

Meet AlTonya Washington

Today, I introduce you to AlTonya Washington. AlTonya is the author of twelve novels, three ebooks and one nonfiction ebook. After you read more about AlTonya, I hope you’ll support her and purchase her novels.

 Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? I wear many hats, daughter, sister, friend, significant other, librarian, author and most importantly MOM!!! Reading, writing, movie watching are a few of my favorite things- I love to cook- but rarely have the time to really get down with it anymore.

What do you do when you are not writing? Reading!! Going to the movies when I can. I spend a lot of time with my son-who I think will be a big movie buff. We adore the superhero genre (is that a genre?) At any rate, I love spending time with him and I just generally try anything that will help me relax my brain-these characters are always talking to me J

Do you ever experience writer’s block? (Thanking God and knocking on wood) No.

How did you choose the genre you write in and what’s the genre? I write in the romance genre (contemporary, historical and erotica). My reading tastes are expansive, but when I discovered the romance genre at age 13, I was hooked. After college, I realized I wanted more out of the romances I adored. I wanted more characters that looked like me. I couldn’t find them, so I decided to write my own.

Where do you get your ideas? From all over the place. I can hear a phrase that generates an entire idea. I was taking a drive last month and passed a row of trees planted in such a way they made this beautiful path along the interstate- I wondered about people who work in the logging and milling businesses and wondered what sort of family they’d be…got an idea for a possible saga later down the line…

Is anything in your books based on real life experiences or purely all imagination? No- so far it’s all imagination. Bits and pieces of characters mind sets and such may be based faintly on someone I know but that’s about as far as it has gone.

Which book did you enjoy the most writing and why? Wild Ravens. My first historical- until then, I had never read an historical featuring AA characters although I adore the historical romance genre. I had the best time researching and finding basis for the story I wanted to create. Setting the story in Haiti, Dominica, Cuba…it was wonderful discovering those places and crafting the characters there.

Did you have any challenges getting your first book published? Well I had no idea what I was doing. I sort of taught myself, researching for the best house to send it and then teaching myself the proper way to prepare a submission package. The waiting was a beast so that in itself was a major challenge. I wouldn’t trade that time for anything-I learned so much.

Tell us about your current novel? My most recent release is with my traditional publishing house Harlequin. I write for the Kimani Romance line and I’ve just released Provocative Territory which features Elias Joss and Clarissa David. Elias comes from a long line of playboys and Clarissa is the image of his father’s former mistress. Turns out that Clarissa is the woman’s niece. Elias is determined to fight his attraction for Clarissa, impossible when Elias’s construction company is handling the redesign the gentleman’s clubs owned by Clarissa’s aunt. Equally impossible when Elias can’t fight Clarissa’s alluring disposition and her effortless ability to intrigue him.

How can readers contact you? They can find me all over the place. Here are my Twitter, Facebook, GoodReads links and website address.

https://twitter.com/Ramseysgirl

https://www.facebook.com/altonyaw

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/337210.AlTonya_Washington

www.lovealtonya.com

I like to throw in one wacky question. J

Be honest how often do you wash your hair? Once a week. (I may skip a week if going to see my stylist!)

Meet Iris Bolling

 

Today, I introduce you to Iris Bolling. Iris is the author of nine novels. Iris was born in Richmond, Virginia, has a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Management. For 25 years she has worked for the State of Virginia providing management, training, and professional development consultation for the state workforce.
In April of 2010 Iris was named Debut Author the Year, at the Romance Slam Jam conference. Her first novel, Once You've Touched the Heart has been nominated for the Readers Choice Award with Shades of Romance Magazine for, Romance Book of the Year and Self-Published Fiction Book of the Year. Iris Bolling had been nominated for New Author of The Year, Self-Published Author of the Year, Romance Author of the Year and Author of the Year. I hope after learning more about Iris, you'll add her to your bookshelf, Kindle, Nook, iPad or any other e-reader.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Professionally I’m a trainer. I teach and develop the employee workforce for an agency. I’m also an author (I love saying that). Personally, I’m a happy woman with a man I love very much. A son who makes me proud to be a mother and several nieces and nephews I play mother too. I will tell anyone that asks, I’m not perfect but I’m the best me I can be. I love to smile and make others smile. Oh, I can’t dance.

Tell us about your current book.

My current novel The Pendleton Rule, is about an entertainment Agent who lost the love of his life due to fear of commitment issues. When her life is threatened, he becomes involved in a chase for an assassin. He then becomes the target. To protect both of them he elicits an intriguing group of friends, who bring a lot of action to add to the drama between him and his lady love.

What do you do when you are not writing?

Spend time with my family who patiently listen to my story ideas, cook, clean and feed me when I’m in my writing zone. I love watching sports, baseball, football, and basketball. My favorite pastime is reading.

When did you first start writing and when did you finish your first book?

I began writing in 2007 and published my first novel, Once You've Touched The Heart, in 2008.

How did you choose the genre you write in and what’s the genre?

That was easy, Romance - Suspenseful Romance. I love being in love and seeing others in love.

Where do you get your ideas?

Most of my novels touch on community or social issues, such as politics, education, and most of all family. Ideas come from music, a news article or a family story told by my elders.

When you wrote Once You've Touched The Heart, did you have any intentions of turning it into a series?

No, Once You've Touched The Heart was originally one book. It was over eight hundred pages long. I still laugh about that original document. I took the story, added a few more characters and it ended up being a six book series.

Do you write with an outline, or do you just write?

I just write. Outlines limit me to that idea. When I’m writing, I want an open slate.It gives even me, the write the element of surprise because I never know where the characters might lead me.

Have you ever gone out in public with your shirt on backwards or your slippers on and when realizing it, said forget it?

LOL! No, however, I did go out once when socks fell out of my pants. I was at an event, when one of my friends called out, “Hey Iris, you dropped something.” I looked back and my girlfriends was standing there with one of my socks in her hand, laughing. Thank goodness it was clean and not underwear.

How can readers contact you?

Reader can reach me at:

Email: irisb@sirient.com

Website: www.irisbolling.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Iris-Bolling

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Siriaustin

Meet Faynetta Lavergne Burrle

Inside Deception

Published by Aloema Publishing- January 2012

Kindle edition- December 2012

(Both editions can be purchased on Amazon)

Synopsis

After suffering from a traumatic childhood, including sexual abuse at the hands of her biological father, Andrea Ranch thought that her life would never be the same. That was, until she laid eyes on Keith Griffin while on the campus of University of Louisiana. And from that moment on, he became her prized possession. Years later, Andrea is still determined to become one with Keith Griffin. But there is one thing standing in her way—Eva English, Keith’s fiancée. In her quest to destroy the couple’s happily ever after ending, Andrea gets entangled in a twisted web of lies, sinister deception, and erotomanic delusions. Left in a psychosomatic state with nowhere to turn, Andrea finds herself in a psychiatric hospital. Yes, the same one where Eva, her number one nemesis, just so happens to be employed. The wheels to this tale ultimately spin out of control when Dr. Stacy Reynolds, Eva’s best friend, is faced with the professional duty to help restore Andrea’s mental stability and the moral dilemma to defend her friend. Will she fulfill her professional obligation or will vengeance be hers? Readers can contact Faynette via the following: www.faynettalavergneburrle.com Facebook-Faynetta Lavergne Burrle Twitter-@FaynettaLBurrle

Chatting it up with Alexis J

I’m very excited about this interview. I don’t know who’s more excited, Alexis J or me. I’m very proud of her. How many ten year olds do you know who has written a book and had it published? Not many at all.

About the book

Eleven-year-old Bailey Baxter and her friends, Camilla and Aaliyah, are best friends who have formed the ABC Club, ABC being the first letters of their names. Bailey has always been known as the nice girl in school . . . that is until she develops a crush on schoolmate Josh Leroy. While trying to impress him, she takes on undesirable behaviors that disappoint her family, and could threaten her cherished friendships. Will Bailey come to her senses before it's too late, or will the pressure of being accepted cost her all that really matters, and damage the life of a fellow classmate in the process?

Release date: Today…12/12/12

Hi Alexis J, will you tell us a little about yourself? Well, I’m 10 years old and in the 5^th grade. I LOVE to write, dance, sing, read, play soccer and hang out with my friends. Bailey and the Bully is my first book.

Yolanda: You’re very active and busy.

What or who inspired you to write Bailey and the Bully? My school always has assemblies about bullying and they raised my awareness about what a big problem it is. I’ve also seen some of my friends being bullied and I’m interested in the subject because I don’t like to see people sad. I want everyone to be nice to each other.

Yolanda: I love how you’re trying to raise awareness through Bailey and the Bully.

At 10 years old, how do you stay motivated to write? Since I read a lot, my imagination works really well. I think kids have an easier time using their imaginations than adults because they watch a lot of cartoons and things that are make-believe. It’s pretty easy for me to think of new ideas to write about. I also feel better when I write all of my ideas down. I’m always writing!

Yolanda: This is wonderful. You’re such a pro.

How does it feel to not only write but, have it published? It feels awesome! I’m proud of myself and when I first saw my printed book, I almost fainted!

Yolanda: I’m very proud of you as well. I know your family is extremely proud of you.

What are you currently reading? I’m currently reading the Tiger’s Curse book series.

Yolanda: I’m going to check out that series.

Who is your favorite author and why? My favorite author is Jeff Kinney. He wrote the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. He’s really funny and I relate to his characters a lot.

Yolanda: I have a few students who love that series as well.

What advice do you have for other kids who want to become an author? I would first of all say to them that they can do it! Just write all of your ideas down and take your time. Try not to get frustrated if you get writer’s block. If you have a goal to write a book, believe in yourself. And also get to know your characters really, really well.

Yolanda: Great advise, not only for kids but adults as well.

How can readers contact with you? Readers can go to my blog www.authoralexisj.blogspot.com to see what I’m doing and to purchase an autographed copy of Bailey and the Bully!

Yolanda: Great! Alexis J, thank you for taking time to sit down with me and chat a little. I wish you nothing but blessings after blessings. I know this is the beginning of many more books to come. Please visit Alexis’ blog page to purchase signed autographed copies of Bailey and The Bully. They make great Christmas gifts.

I’m giving away 2 copies of Bailey and the Bully. To qualify, children between the ages of 9-12 needs to email me at ylgore74@gmail.com (the can have their parents email me) and tell me why they would like a copy. Kids, you need to write at least a paragraph. Alexis J will help me pick the winners.

Chatting it up with Pynk

This was Pynk’s 1^st stop of her blog tour. We had a great discussion about her writing, characters and possibly collaborating with other authors, while eating chips and dip and sipping Moscato.

1    Do you have an unusual writing rituals? It would be sexy cool if I did, but my writing rituals are pretty boring. I prefer to write from an outline so that I at least think I know where I'm going, I write early in the morning, I write best when I have complete silence without the sound of a TV or music (or another human being if possible), I turn off the ringers on my phones, and I write best on my desktop in my office, not on a laptop or iPad.

Yolanda: Lol, not on your iPad. But, I have a crazy style as well. I write long hand first.

In Politics. Escorts .Blackmail. who was your most complex character to write and why? My most complex character is Madam Money Watts. Her parents, especially her father, are a different breed, and they set the tone for her greedy and ruthless ways. Her father named her Money for a reason. She has a heart, but so much is at stake if she exposes her softer side so she tucks it away. She is a shrewd businesswoman who trusts no one, and when it comes to love, the same applies. I found her to be the perfectly flawed character. Yes, she's a pimptress, but I also wanted the readers to see her other dimensions. I hope I accomplished that. 

Yolanda: You definitely did. When I first started reading PES, I was scared of Madem Money. But, by the end of the story, my heart broke a little for her. I didn’t expect some of the event that took place. WOW!

How do you juggle writing two different genres? I juggle the two, women's fiction and erotica, by not writing them at the same time.  For me, writing women's fiction is easier than writing erotica. With erotica, you not only have the character arcs and storyline, but you also have license to show their sexual choices on another level, in living color, so to speak. Depending upon their personalities, you must create and direct sex scenes. You must use a great deal of erotic creativity, yet stay true to the characters. I prefer to not overlap when writing the two genres. I write more than one title at a time, but only when it comes to women's fiction, not erotica.

Yolanda: I must say you do a great job writing from both genres.

What is one tip you would give aspiring authors? The one tip I would give aspiring authors is to honor the fact that writing is like architecture - you must build a story, and it takes time and talent. Can you see it and feel it? Create a blueprint (if not a complete outline, then perhaps a brief story map). Is there a foundation? Build the walls, chapter by chapter, the roof, draft by draft, etc. Be an architect with words and take it very seriously. It's more than a notion.

Yolanda: Great, great advice. Thank you for always being willing to help aspiring authors.

I would love for you and Mary Honey B Morrison to collaborate together. Will my wish ever come true? Mary is an extremely gifted and successful author, and a very dear and supportive friend. I would love it as well. We have discussed this in the past with an idea in mind, but our schedules have not allowed this to happen. Never say never. If we do, I know it will be double fire - HoneyB and Pynk style!

Yolanda: I’ll continue to say a prayer that my wish comes true.

3.    

 About the author

Pynk is the best-selling author of four erotica titles and one anthology. Pynk won the 2008 YOUnity award for Fastest Rising Literary Star and Disilgold.com’s Most Outstanding Author of the Year award for 2009.
Grand Central released the first Pynk novel, Erotic City, in November 2008. Erotic City was voted one of the Best Reads for 2008 by lack Expressions and was a finalist for a 2009 African American Literary Award in the category of erotica. The second title, Sexaholics, about four women addicted to sex, hit the shelves on March 23, 2010, and was released to critical acclaim, particularly for the tragic and gritty depictions of sexual addiction, and was voted among the 2010 Best Books by the Sankofa Literary Society. The third book, Sixty-Nine, is about three sexually repressed women born in 1969 who vow to go beyond their own self-imposed limits at the age of 40. Sixty-Nine was nominated for a 2011 African American Literary Award and was a Top 20 Black Expressions Bestseller.
Pynk joined together with five bestselling authors, contributing to the hot anthology, The Heat of the Night, which was released on February 14, 2012 under Peace in the Storm Publishing. The December 2012 novel by Pynk tackles the topic of politics and the call-girl industry in New York City. It’s called POLITICS.ESCORTS.BLACKMAIL.
Each steamy Pynk title is set in a different city: Atlanta, Los Angeles, Miami, New York and the 2014 title, Sin in the City, is set in Las Vegas.
Allow yourself to live your sexy dreams responsibly through the words of Pynk, whose characters are sure to make a fictional appearance in your city soon.

About the book

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

Publication Date: December 11, 2012

ISBN-10: 044656334X

ISBN-13: 978-0446563345

This erotic tale from national bestselling author Pynk explores the call girl industry as it spills over into the world of politics in New York City.

POLITICS.ESCORTS.BLACKMAIL.

Madam Money Watts’ exclusive top escort services operates under the name Lip Service, and Midori Moody, Leilani Sutton, and male escort Kemba Price are her high-end contractors who make a hefty living having sex for money.

Among her clients are two New York senators who are the very officials voters have elected to make decisions for others to abide by, yet these politicians play a different set of rules, secretly paying top dollar for the forbidden girlfriend experience. But when a freaky client takes it too far, a pimp wants in on some of the action, and an escort gets greedy, the world of Money Watts is brought to a head.

To read my review, please visit yolandalgore.blogspot.com.

Thank you Pynk for your time. I know how busy you are right now. 

Blog Tour for Paulette Harper

Paulette Harper stopped by my spot during her blog tour. I was very happy to have her visit. Please take the time to check out this fabulous inspirational non-fiction author.

About the Author

Paulette Harper Johnson, an award winning author, writing coach, and speaker, seeks to inspire women from all walks of life.  As an inspirational and motivational speaker, Paulette’s desire is to empower, influence and cultivate women to move forward while dealing with issues that hinder women from becoming all they are created to be. Her topics are biblically sound and pertinent to the needs of today’s women.

Paulette is a wife, mother, grandmother, Bible teacher, radio host, writer and the owner of WNL Virtual Blog Tours. Her years of marketing her own self-published books have created a special talent in her—her ability to sell a product well. Not only does she specialize in marketing strategies, but also serves as the publicist for P.F.L. Publishing.

She has been mentoring and teaching women for years though seminars, workshops and conferences. Paulette Harper Johnson serves in ministry as an Elder with her husband Sr. Pastor Tony E. Johnson at Word of Faith Worship Center in Bradenton and North Port FL.

Ministry Book website: www.pauletteharper.com

Author Interview

Why the title Completely Whole?

 

Actually, in the middle of completing my first book, this book came to mind. I had gone through a bad ordeal, which left me broken and scared.  In order for me to write about becoming whole, I had to experience it myself.  There were areas in my own life that I needed to confront and deal with. Those areas that hindered me from moving forward needed to be addressed. Once God began to point out those areas and I accepted where I was spiritually, the healing and restoration began.  The process of becoming Completely Whole is continual for any believer desiring to live, walks, and pursue a life on purpose.

Why did you feel this book needed to be written?

I believe every reader might have something in their lives that continues to either be a reoccurring issue or an area in their lives that they are lacking or feel they have not conquered.  To be whole according to Webster is to be “free from injury or wound; to be healed and to be physically sound and healthy.”  Because we live in a world in which we experience the ups and downs of life, we deal with heartache and pain; sometimes these experiences leave residue that we have not been able to deal with.

What is your main message in Completely Whole?

Completely Whole is one of those books that will challenge the reader to do a self-examination of where they are as it relates to their own spirituality. This life-changing book will help readers to transform their spirit, soul, and body through Jesus Christ, so they can live a life of peace, joy, and fulfillment. In Completely Whole, I offer keys to help those who are searching for answers that can lead to a life of complete wholeness: Spirit, Soul and Body. My focus in writing is to enrich the lives of my readers. I had a reader make this comment about Completely Whole “It speaks” and that’s what I want it to do. I want readers to come away knowing that they have the ability to live a full enriched life.

What has the reaction been like to your book?  

The reviews have been great. Those that have read Completely Whole find it to be a book which speaks to the heart.

 How can this book contribute to transforming someone’s life?

A person is transformed when they chose to apply the spiritual principles that are outlined in Completely Whole. Once a person identifies those self-destructive mind-sets then they are able to deal with those issues that have kept them from walking in victory.

How do you prepare yourself when writing a book? Is there a process you follow?

Before doing anything, I make sure I’m in a quiet area, free from distractions. When I’m ready to write, I sit at my laptop and begin writing. Depending on the chapter I’m working on, that determines the direction I’ll go. I am able to write as long as there is a constant flow

Were there any challenges you faced in the writing process?

I think with all authors there are some types of challenges when trying to finish a book. I’m no exception. There are many distractions that will continue to pull for my attention be it, home, ministry, family and/or job. I try to bring balance in my life so I can prioritize those things that are important. I must set deadlines for myself and stick with those deadlines.

What can someone take away from this book?

Becoming Completely Whole is an internal inventory and focuses on making necessary changes of the heart. I write non-fiction, inspirational books; so this means my books should have a lasting effect on a person’s spirit, inspiring and encouraging them to pursue passionately a more fulfilled life. I want my writings to give strength and encouragement in the time of need. As they read Completely Whole, I want my writings to engage, stimulate, and edify them spiritually.

Any words of wisdom for young writers or writers who want to pursue a career in writing?

Promote, promote and promote some more.  Learn how to brand and market yourself so that you are known in the industry.  Don’t think someone else is going to promote you better than yourself.  Create a marketing plan that will expand your territory in reaching readers.

Purchase book: Amazon

Paper back: http://tinyurl.com/425euh7

Kindle:   http://tinyurl.com/3novrjg

About the Book 

Completely Whole is resource filled- guide full of practical and Biblically-based principles, real-life application strategies and prayers to give the readers a holistic approach to living a life of wholeness through Jesus. Christ. This book is inspiring, optimistic, hopeful and encouraging while providing a clear-cut, scriptural blueprint for each reader to follow as they allow the Word and the power of God to transform their pain and restore their lives on their road to becoming Completely Whole.

Harper plainly states that “words have the power and ability to create (76)” which can place you in a position to be completely whole. The purpose of her book Completely Whole is to “bring the reader to the place of wholeness—spirit, soul and body.”  She provides a biblical foundation, personal experiences, prayer and a confession in each chapter to give a voice of reason to the women who cry out to learn more about who they are, where they are to go and why it is so important to know God’s word.  Her personal walk is the example within the text.