Please join me in welcoming Lynda Brown who is on Tour with Write Now Literary Virtual Book Tours to showcase her second book, Invisible Enemies, a supernatural thriller. So grab yourself a cup of your favorite relaxant and come on back to learn more about Lynda and her creation:

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Title: Invisible Enemies
Author: Lynda D. Brown
Publisher: Spoken Word Press
Release Date: May 10, 2010
Genre: Speculative Fiction / Supernatural Thriller
Paperback: 274 pages
ISBN-10: 0615371698
ISBN-13: 978-0615371696
Reviewed by: D.S. White

SYNOPSIS:

Inspired by the Book of Job, Invisible Enemies reminds us that no matter what life throws our way, God is still in control! When God chooses Abby Harris as a pawn in his wager against Satan, poor Abby’s life is turned upside down. Banned from her beloved church, Abby’s hanging out with a new crew, drinking and getting high. When she runs into her sister’s ex-boyfriend, they begin dating and soon she’s pregnant and marries Randy Nelson. When the marriage turns sour, due to Randy’s infidelities, Abby’s heart grows cold. By chance, she runs into a music producer who hears her singing, and overnight she becomes an R&B sensation. Abby plots to take her twins and leave her husband. When Randy finds out, he teams up with his ex, Candace, Abby’s vengeful sister, to destroy her.

VIEW THE BOOK TRAILER:

MY THOUGHTS:

This book was no joke! Invisible Enemies, brings the story of Job forward to our timeline with some extra twists and turns. It serves to remind those of us who might have forgotten and informs those who never knew that as we blithely go about our day to day lives, there is an ongoing battle happening in the spiritual realm for our souls. God is ultimately in control, however trouble will come our way and it may be from the ones closest to us. Just when it looks darkest, we are reminded that He has overcome the world and so can we!

MY RATING:

MY RECOMMENDATION:

Great reading for anyone fond of paranormal novels…you get all that drama…with a Biblical basis.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lynda D. Brown lives in St. Louis MO. She has one married son and a beautiful grandson. This is her second book, her first book, Once I Was Lost, was released in April of 2006, and she immediately began working on Invisible Enemies, which took four years to complete. Lynda has been researching Spiritual Warfare for the last six years, and in these last days, she wants to make sure that God’s people do not perish due to lack of knowledge. (Hosea 4:6)

As an avid science fiction fan and a lover of all things supernatural, author Lynda D. Brown’s supernatural thriller series, Invisible Enemies is creating quite a buzz in the independent publishing field. Book one, Invisible Enemies was published in 2010 and became an immediate hit in the authors local library, and when Seed of Satan: Leah’s Story, Book Two of the Invisible Enemies Series, arrived in January 2012, all copies were immediately checked out by fans that eagerly waited over a year for the sequel.

Connect with Lynda:  Website, Blog,  Facebook, Twitter, Linked In.com

Today DeeSWhite welcomes Pandora “Dora” Poikilos author and entrepreneur who is touring with Orangeberry Book Tours promoting her latest title, Frequent Traveller. Dora was most graciously supplied us with a guest post enlightening us about the changing world of independent publishing.

The Changing World of Indie Publishing

By Pandora Poikilos

Indie publishing has been in the news quite a bit lately. With authors like John Locke and Amanda Hocking seizing headlines and Amazon charging for the bigger slice of the pie, there have been numerous debates as to how this will play out.

Should indie publishing be dismissed? There is a scene from Charlie Wilson’s War which best describes this. The Americans have powered the Afghanistan people with weapons, they have beat the Russians and Congressman Charlie Wilson (played by Tom Hanks) is the man of the hour. As he celebrates and gloats, Afghan Task Force chief, Gust Avrakotos who assisted him with the cause tells him this story.

“There’s a little boy and on his 14th birthday he gets a horse… and everybody in the village says, “how wonderful. The boy got a horse” The Zen master says, “we’ll see.” Two years later, the boy falls off the horse, breaks his leg, and everyone in the village says, “How terrible.”

The Zen master says, “We’ll see.” Then, a war breaks out and all the young men have to go off and fight… except the boy can’t cause his legs all messed up. and everybody in the village says, “How wonderful.” And the Zen master says, “We’ll see.” 

Obviously, indie publishing is no war of any kind. But the game is changing. New players are being added, rules are being changed faster than they are being enforced.

I would say don’t dismiss something when you can’t see the end of it. Yes, some writers are in it for the money and couldn’t give a rat’s behind about language, formatting or appearance. But for some of us, indie publishing isn’t how we earn our living, it’s how we live and guess what, we’re here to stay.

Indie authors will have one consistent thing to deal with in the years to come and this is change, a bit more change and then some more change.

You will have those who have given up because indie publishing failed to make them a few quick bucks and then you will have those who have persevered. Irrelevant of which party you belong to, I doubt the route will get any easier.

But then again, anything worth having isn’t always easy.

To any writer wondering if indie publishing is the way to go, here’s the best advice I can give you from my personal experience – don’t expect overnight success. Rome wasn’t built in a day and people who tell you overnight success is achievable are lying because it just doesn’t exist.

Set your own trail. Be consistent. Keep away from negativity. And then work even harder.

International best-selling author, Pandora Poikilos has been writing for more than 10 years for various media which include newspapers, radio, television and various websites.

A social media enthusiast who is passionate about blogging and finding her way around the virtual world, she wills away time in the real world by reading, writing and people watching.

ABOUT HER BOOK:

Title: Frequent Traveller
Author: Pandora Poikilos
Publisher: CreateSpace
Release Date: November 13, 2011
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Rating: PG
ISBN-10: 1467921653
ISBN-13: 978-1467921657
Paperback: 202 pages
Paperback: $14.95
Kindle Edition: $0.99

DESCRIPTION:

Catherine Dixon is everyone’s dreamgirl. Girls want to be her. Men want to be with her. From her charming smile to her gentle voice, one always turns to take a second look at Cathy. Wherever she goes there isn’t an ill word spoken about her. Her job as Vice President of Communications at MoonStar, one of the world’s top hotel chains is to make sure guests are happy to the point of perfection.

From the blue oceans of Antigua to the bustling streets of Vietnam, the racing adrenaline at the Green Hell, the devastating natural disaster in Japan and the stunning architecture in Germany, Cathy finds herself in a whirlwind of fine dining, plush clothes and sheer extravagance. But is perfection only a mask for untold disaster? In a job that deals so much with people, Cathy goes home to an empty bed. There are no pictures on her wall, no doting phone calls from a tongue tied lover and no family holidays to boast about.

What is Cathy’s secret and how will her world change when the world knows? What is the significance of the blue pendant round her neck? Who is the mysterious man she is seen with every three months? What are the contents of the brown envelope delivered to her on the fifteenth of every month? Will her secrets ever catch up with her or will Cathy continue to sail alongside perfection in the world she has created for herself as a Frequent Traveller?

Mia Bella’s Gourmet Products have an amazing scent and quality that is hard to find elsewhere. You can smell these candles even before you open the box!

An entry into this giveaway gives you a chance to win 6 Mia Bella Snowberry Pine votive candles.

How big are the votives? Each votive is 2.5oz.

What are the votives made of? All votives are made of a proprietary natural wax blend with a lead and zinc free wick (made of 100% cotton).

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To learn more about Mia Bella’s Gourmet Products please visit Scent-Sations, Inc.

This giveaway is taking place on Facebook because Home Jobs by MOM does not offer liking a Facebook Page as an extra entry into their giveaways due the research I have done on their promotion rules.

Who Can Enter: Anyone 18 years old or older that lives in the 50 United States

Timing: Starts May 1st, 2012 and ends May 11th, 2012 at 12:01AM

How to Enter:

1. Mandatory: Easy entry. Just click enter. 1 Entry
2. Follow on Twitter #1. 25 Entries
3. Follow on Twitter #2. 25 Entries
4. Follow on Twitter #3. 25 Entries
5. Tweet about Giveaway. @homejobsbymom Mia Bella #giveaway! #Win 6 Mia Bella Gourmet Votive Candles! 10 Entries per day
6. Twitter Bonus. 25 Entries
7. Subscribe by Email. 25 Entries
8. Follow on Pinterest. 25 Entries
9. Follow via RSS. 5 Entries
10. Follow GFC. 5 Entries
11. Follow Networked Blogs. 5 Entries
12. Daily Comment. Comment on the giveaway blog post that lead you to the Rafflecopter on FB (or on http://www.homejobsbymom.com/ if you didn’t find this on a blog) and answer the question: What is the funniest or most memorable thing that happened today? 10 Entries per day

To enter this giveaway

CLICK HERE

To get as many entries as possible follow all of the instructions on the Rafflecopter widget. Happy entering!

]]> http://deeswhite.com/blog/mia-bella-giveaway/feed/ 0 http://deeswhite.com/blog/press-release-praises-continue-to-be-sung-for-christy-nockels/ http://deeswhite.com/blog/press-release-praises-continue-to-be-sung-for-christy-nockels/#comments Mon, 23 Apr 2012 03:14:02 +0000 Dee http://deeswhite.com/?p=2740

In support of the new album’s release, Nockels performed to a crowd of over 2000 fans at KSBJ’s “Enter His Gates Brown Bag at Chick-Fil-A” in Houston on April 5, and the next day, Good Friday, joined her pastor, Louie Giglio and fellow sixstepsrecords artists and worship leaders Chris Tomlin, Kristian Stanfill and David Crowder at Passion City Church’s “Good Friday: A Contemplation and Celebration of the Cross.” The sold out event, presented by sixstepsrecords and Passion City Church, was held at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park. Christy also recently hosted a special night at Passion City Church, where she shared songs and stories from Into the Glorious. The event was broadcast live via stream to stations around the country, including Las Vegas, Indianapolis and others.

Critics praised Into the Glorious upon its release and continue to do so:

“It will be hard for the unobtrusive passerby to not be captivated by Christy Nockels’ voice. Once you hear her sing, you are a fan for life. Into the Glorious beautifully captures the purity of her gift.”- Crosswalk

“This is a great collection of 12 heartfelt stories and as Christy continues to amaze me with her songwriting, creating moments in songs full of awe and wonder, I cannot wait to hear her third album.”- Indie Vision Music

“…if you’re looking for from-the-heart worship, no matter if you’re male or female, young or old, then this new album from Christy is one of the most beautiful twelve track albums that you will find this year.”- Louder Than the Music

About sixstepsrecords:
Founded in 2000 by Louie Giglio, sixstepsrecords is a worship label and a division of Passion Conferences. sixsteprecords’ artists include Chris Tomlin (How Great Is Our God: The Essential Collection) David Crowder*Band (Give Us Rest), Charlie Hall (The Rising), Matt Redman (10,000 Reasons), Christy Nockels (Into the Glorious), Kristian Stanfill (Mountains Move), and Passion (Passion: White Flag). The label partners with Sparrow Records/EMI CMG Label Group for A&R, marketing, sales and distribution operations.

Media Contact:
Velvet Kelm, Jess Draper or Fain Spray
the media collective
615.591.7989

Title: Lemon Curd
Author: Homa Pourasgori
Publisher: Linbrook Press
Release Date: July 14, 2006
Genre: Romantic Fiction / Love Stories
Paperback: 356 Pages
ISBN-10: 0977978001
ISBN-13: 978-0977978007
List Price: $14.95
Kindle Edition: $9.95

DESCRIPTION: (From Back Cover)

The independent Anna Lisa Gibson is an account executive at a prestigious marketing firm and is used to having her own way. When she’s forced to share her office and her client with a Brit from their London office, she’s more than displeased. Unlike her boyfriend, she finds him rude, disagreeable and not at all attractive. But as she gets to know him, she regrets judging him so quickly and gradually becomes his friend.

The handsome and engaged Neil Scott Whittaker has a lot more than friendship in mind. Although he and Anna Lisa had a bad start, he can’t control his attraction toward her. As their friendship deepens, he wonders what it would feel like to spend one night with his officemate.

Yet romance is only a part of this story. From the streets of Los Angeles to the streets of London, Lemon Curd depicts the millennium lifestyle–Women’s position in the business world, the workaholic and multitasking attitude of our society the unscrupulous act of taking what we want without thinking about the consequences of our actions, the sociopolitical atmosphere of the 21st century and the difficulty of balancing family and work life while trying to make a difference in the lives of the people around us.

VIEW THE TRAILER:

MY THOUGHTS:

None as yet, although I will say that I chose this book because I was intrigued by the description and curious to learn how the author would deal with the moral dilemma presented.  So stay tuned for the review/giveaway in two weeks.  If you don’t want to miss it. Subscribe to the blog posts to read the review and have an opportunity to win a copy of the book graciously offered by the author!

If you’re one of those people who just can’t wait. Here are some purchase locations:

• Amazon.com
• Barnes and Noble
• Book Depository (FREE Shipping worldwide* and an extra 10% off their discounted prices until 5/14. *Check to see if they ship to your location before ordering.)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

HOMA POURASGARI resides in Los Angeles, California. She received a degree in Business from Loyola Marymount University, after which she left to live in Paris for one year and attended the University of Sorbonne, focusing on literature. Multilingual, she has been traveling since the age of 5 and has experienced many different cultures. Homa has worked in various industries such as marketing, retail, banking, accounting and fitness but has always returned to her true love – writing. She is currently working on a new book. Lemon Curd is her first novel.

To find out more about Homa and her subsequent works, she may be found as follows:

• Website: http://homapourasgari.com
• Website: http://lemoncurdbook.com
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/HomaPourasgari

Title: How to Interview Like a Pro: 43 Rules for Getting Your Next Job
Author: Mary Greenwood
Publisher: iUniverse.com
Release Date: December 2, 2010
Genre: Non-Fiction
Source: Author
Reviewed by: D.S. White

DESCRIPTION:

If you can’t seem to get the interviews and job offers you want, it’s time to learn How to Interview Like a Pro.

Written by longtime human resources director Mary Greenwood, the author of How to Negotiate Like a Pro and How to Mediate Like a Pro, this guidebook offers strategies and practical tips about the interview process. Learn how to prepare for your next interview and how to answer the difficult questions that leave other candidates stuttering.

You will learn forty-three rules that will help you get your next job. Here’s a sample of the types of tips you’ll get:

• PREPARING AND DELIVERING A GOOD ELEVATOR SPEECH IS ESSENTIAL FOR SUCCESS.
• BEING NOSEY ABOUT THE INTERVIEW PROCESS CAN WORK IN YOUR FAVOR.
• THE RIGHT OUTFIT, THE RIGHT HANDSHAKE AND THE RIGHT DEMEANOR ARE ESSENTIAL.
• ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS AT THE INTERVIEW.

This guidebook is the perfect mix of reference materials, case studies, state and federal resources, and checklists. Discover the edge you need to produce results and learn How to Interview Like a Pro.

MY THOUGHTS:

“Rule 8. Be in interview mode all the time.

…An employer told me about an applicant who wore bedroom slippers and short shorts while picking up an application. Often the person you get the application from is the same person who will interview you. If you are wearing bedroom slippers and shorts, the employer does not need to read the application to decide you are not employee material.”

For such a slender volume, this book is chocked full of fabulously pertinent advice for the job seeker. It is delivered in a common sense manner and each rule is demonstrated by a concise example as it takes you through all the stages before, during and after the job interview.

Even after having worked a short stint in Human Resources myself, I still learned a thing or three. I wasn’t even half-way through the protected classes section when I realized that I had been hoodwinked and bamboozled for most of my working career; but I must admit that I had no one to blame for that but myself.  A wise person once said that we perish from a lack of knowledge.

So what’s my point? You’ve got to have a plan. Studies show that those who end up achieving their goals are those who have a written plan. If you’re looking for a job, your plan should be to ensure that you are as qualified as possible before you arrive for the interview. Your plan should entail How to Interview Like a Pro–an advice, workbook and reference toolkit all-in-one.

MY RATING:

MY RECOMMENDATION

This award winning book is suitable to thoroughly equip and empower the beginner as well as the seasoned job seeker with the legal knowledge, negotiating strategies, and basic interview etiquette necessary to shine.

GIVEAWAY:

Since I refuse to part with my copy…lol, Mary has graciously offered up another for grabs to a follower of this blog. Starting today until 11:59 PM on April 17th.  To enter the giveaway.

1. Tweet this post
2. Follow Mary’s blog on GFC or via Twitter (below)
3. Post a comment below with your name, email address and the name with which you followed Mary.

Follow @marygreenwood 

The winner  (hopefully you) will be announced by April 19th and he/she will have 48 hours in which to respond or another winner will be chosen.

PURCHASE:

If you just can’t stand the thought of waiting until April 19th and wish to have your very own copy now, How to Interview Like a Pro is available as follows:

• Amazon.com
• Barnes & Noble
• Book Depository (Free Shipping Worldwide. *Check to see if they ship to your country before ordering. They are also offering an extra 10% off until May 14th! Click on the coupon below to order.)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Mary Greenwood is an Attorney, Mediator, and Author of three award-winning books. Her latest book, How to Interview Like a Pro is based on Greenwood’s experience as a Human Resources Director and Attorney as well as her own experience as a head hunter and an applicant. It has already won eleven book awards including the Best How To Book category in the Reader View Book Awards, a Pinnacle Book Award, Honorable Mention in the DIY Book Festival and a silver winner in the ForeWord Magazine Book Awards. She has a BA and MA in English, a Law Degree and an LL.M. in Labor Law. Greenwood lives in Orlando, Florida with her Boston terrier Annabelle.

To learn more about Mary and her books please visit her site: http://marygreenwood.org.

DISCLOSURE: A copy of the book was received from the author, and payment for Front Page Ad Placement was also received which has in no way influenced my opinion of the book. The above review is my honest opinion of the book.

I’m so glad you were able to stop by to join me in this author hop. It’s unique in that it’s all authors and we’re all sharing gardening and/or recipe tips and entrants have to collect phrases of a traveling story from each author stop and submit the completed story HERE to be eligible to win the grand prize (Nook or Kindle and $25 gift card)! Doesn’t that sound like the cool virtual version of a jigsaw puzzle?  I’m also offering a prize of my own (copy of my eBook, PDF or EPUB) so you have two opportunities to win something so without further ado let’s get to how you get to win!

____________

Tip #1: Now I stink at gardening so my tip is a cream cheese glaze recipe for a carrot cake originally taken from Home Cooking cook book by Women’s Circle and modified with additional ingredients by yours truly:

Glaze:

3-ounce package cream cheese
1-2/3 cups confectioners sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 teaspon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon rum extract
1 egg white

Beat egg white separately.  Beat cream cheese, confectioners sugar, salt and vanilla together until creamy.  Fold in egg white.  Add rum extract.  Spread on cooled cake.

_______________

Tip #2: Traveling Phrase – Line 61: Embrace the length of your stems, the breadth of your petals.  You must collect all the phrases and submit them correctly to be eligible to win the grand prize.  They do not have to be in order but they do have to be all accounted for and submitted. For more information on how this works Click HERE.

_______________

My Prize: Enter to win an eBook copy of Age is Just a Number: Adventures in Online Dating.  Open to (US/CANADA/INTERNATIONAL)

MEET DIVINE: female, thirty-seven, slaphappy, young at heart, self-employed; an online newbie, living in New York. She is fresh out of a long-term relationship and has completed the two-year mandatory wound-licking I-hate-men mourning period. Unfortunately for Divine, someone neglected to inform her that dating has been upgraded to new millennium level. But maybe she shouldn’t worry…hemlines aren’t the only things that have gone up.Thirty-somethings are premium dating material now…at least for the twenty-year-olds…Divine’s experiences are the basis for the serial memoir I call “Age Is Just a Number,” a lens through which to view the world of online dating.

Requirements for Entry: Subscribe to DeeSWhite.com by Email via, Feedburner or WordPress. (See sidebar or *check box below that states “notify me of new posts by email”. *This can be done simultaneously with your comment.).  Once that is done, place a comment below.

Duration of Hop: Start Date: April 9th  End Date: April 18th @ 11:59 PM EST.  The winner will be announced by April 20th.

Don’t forget to visit the other authors involved in the hop, conveniently located on the linky below to win more prizes and collect more phrases:

This year’s Event features 3 Prizes!

1) The First Place Prize will feature will be $550 Paypal CASH Prize for you splurge on your mom.

2) The Second Place Prize will be a Spa Perfect Relax & Rejuvinate Tote worth over $100 from Bea’s Gift Baskets and Gifts

3) The Third Place Prize will be a 3D Family Portrait on Canvas made by Emsheldesigns.

Spilled Milkshake | Cute-Ecakes | Insights By April | Mommy’s Memorandum | Military Wives Saving | Sister’s Saving Cents | Couponing From Florida to Michigan | This Mama Loves Her Bargains | Angela Calavicci | Crazy Life of a Writing Mom | Mom Blogger Buzz | Frugal Fanatic | Mommy LaDy Club | Powered by Mom | Peanut Butter and Whine | Racing and Saving Mama | Mark Your Savings | The Kid’s Fun Reviewed | Mommy Writes | Frugal Friends Network | Baxtron{Life} | November Sunflower | The Mommy Bunch | Mommy Blog Designs | Giveaway Promote | A Living Homeschool | From City Corporate to Suburb Mama | Sweeping The USA | The Frugal Freeloader | Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks | The Epic Adventures of a Modern Mom | Simple-Homemaking | Like a Bump on a Blog | the Crazy Nuts Mom | Debbie Does Coupons | JadeLouise Designs | Diary of a Working Mom | Giveaway Bandit | Clipping Money | D.S. White | Connecting Piece by Piece | Shootie Girl™ Custom Rhinestone Apparel & Blog | Super Blake Books | Work, Interrupted | Coupons For Wisconsin | Adventures of a Maui Mompreneur | The Penny Hoarder | A Thrifty Diva Surviving Mommy Hood | Cyns Coupons 4U | GiaVanne’s Gems | Roscoe Ramblings | Its the Simple Things | Grandma Bonnie’s Closet | The Frugal Free Gal | Spinning Meals | Dawns Delights Art | CountryLife4Me | Latina Reddick (NaturalHairLatina) | A Happy Hippy Mom | Savior Cents | Our Full House | Wrinkled Mommy | Great Beauty Buys | Gay NYC Dad | Single Mom Saving Money | My Side Of Life | Cocoons 2 Butterflies

DeeSWhite.com welcomes author and entrepreneur Tyora Moody.  Tyora, a woman of faith, skill and conviction has been using her skills to help others for over ten years to promote their books via Virtual Book Tours, website designs and other promotional products. She has graciously taken a moment to converse with us about her debut novel, When Rain Falls which is the first in the Victory Gospel Series:
ABOUT THE BOOK:

Title: When Rain Falls
Author: Tyora Moody
Publisher: Urban Christian/Kensington
Release Date: March 1, 2012
ISBN-10: 1601628226
ISBN-13: 978-1601628220
Paperback: 288 pages
List Price: $14.95
Kindle Edition: $8.49

DESCRIPTION:

“Why does God keep taking away the people I love?”

This is the lamentation of widow CANDACE JOHNSON when her best friend is brutally murdered. Ensnared by a deep-rooted bitterness, seeping her faith day by day, Candace is determined to seek justice.

Detective Darnell Jackson is in need of clues fast. The police captain is coming down hard on him and his partner to find out who murdered Pamela Coleman, the daughter of a high profile judge. Darnell confers with Candace to get the inside track on events leading up to the murder. As the investigation heats up, his growing attraction for Candace plays havoc on Darnell’s judgment.

Little does she know, Candace’s quest to find the truth has led her straight to the killer. She’s already lost loved ones. Now Candace must choose to completely trust God with her own life.

DSW: So Ty, why this subject matter…why now?

In 2006, these characters popped into my head at a time in my life when I was seeking new direction.  I didn’t set out to write a novel with a particular theme. Over time it grew and evolved as I continued to develop the story.  Once I got a small glimpse into their background, I wanted to know more.

DSW: How much of you went into this storyline and how much was cut out?

When Rain Falls is not autobiographical at all. I think the characters were created from the internal turmoil that I was going through at the time. Writing has always been a way for me to express myself, so I definitely wrapped my questions and pain into these characters and worked hard to develop the story.  Grief and loss is something that all of us experience in varying degrees and different times in our life.

DSW: So true. What did you learn about yourself while writing this book?

That I could do it! Write a book.  There were many drafts, cut scenes and characters that didn’t work during the two years working on the manuscript.  At the end of 2008, I felt I had told the story. It was another whole level of confidence to pitch the manuscript to editors. Writing like any art form is really about being willing to learn the craft and grow. You never really reach a place (and you shouldn’t) where you feel like you learned it all. With this next manuscript, I feel like I’m treading into new waters as I explore a new story.

DSW: If readers get nothing else from the book, what is the one takeaway that you hope they don’t miss?

When Rain Fall is the first book in the Victory Gospel Series. The series  introduces women whose pasts insist on walking beside them like a maddening visitor, unwilling to depart. Through a series of twists and life-altering experiences, these women learn victory over pain truly only comes in developing a deep trust in God. I pray that for any readers who are currently experiencing the same struggle.

DSW: I’ll touch and agree on that prayer request. What would equate success for you, with regards to this virtual tour?

• Book  sales
• Great  reviews (kudos on your writing skills)
• Message received by intended audience
• All  of the above?
• Other. Explain:

Would be nice to cover all of the above. LOL! I do want to emphasize a virtual book tour is about exposure. It’s about letting potential readers know about your book who may not even be aware that it exists. The goal is after a reader sees your book a number of times it will draw their curiosity to add to their shopping cart or download on their ebook.

Reviews are very important to me as far as feedback. Now that I’m working on the second book in the Victory Gospel Series, my goal is to write a better, more mature story. Of course, I want the message to reach a wide audience.

DSW: As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up…was author on the list? If not, when was it added?

I really didn’t give much thought about writing a fiction book until I started When Rain Falls. In 2006, I was trying to work outlines for a nonfiction book, but kept being pulled to write about characters. My curiosity about the characters grew into wanting to write a complete story, which became a novel.  

Growing up I wanted to be a teacher, nurse, fashion designer, architect, never an author. I actually have a Bachelors of Science in Industrial Engineering. I was more attracted to and encouraged to go into a career that focuses on Math and Science. I’ve come a long way from those days, but I still think I approach everything I do with technical details.

DSW: Which is A…ok for those of us who see big picture without details..lol. What piece of advice would you give to a first time author?

Often writers say write what you know. That’s a start. In my case, I wrote what I wanted to see more of on the bookshelves. I wanted a Christian Fiction mystery with characters of color and that’s what I set out to write.

You have to be willing to edit your manuscript numerous times so that the story really stands-out. I believe a polished manuscript will attract agents and editors if you intend to go the traditional publishing route or if you decide to self-publish. There is no excuse for not taking the time to release a quality read.

Also, invest in your writing. Join a writer’s organization, attend a writer’s conference and/or purchase books.

DSW: Is there any piece of advice you would like to ask from any of our veteran authors who stop by?

How do they keep it going? I’m working on my second book and while the story is flowing in bits and pieces, it really is a major undertaking to tell a story that you want readers to enjoy. The process can be exhilarating and discouraging at the same time. How do they stay encouraged and keep the creativity flowing.

DSW: Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Yes, be on the look out for When Memories Fade, the second book in the Victory Gospel Series in March 2013.

Readers may contact me at:

• http://www.tyoramoody.com
• http://facebook.com/AuthorTyoraMoody
• http://www.twitter.com/tyoramoody

DSW: Thanks for sharing Ty and I pray that the message is received! Stay tuned for the review folks!

Dee, thank you for the interview opportunity!

DSW: It was my pleasure!

If you’ve just found this tour, catch up with the rest of the stops here:

Also check out the Books Galore Giveaway which runs until Friday the 3oth!

Title: 360 Degrees
Author: Regina Neequaye
Publisher: RNeequaye Publishing
Release Date: December 25, 2011
ASIN: B006QCLWJ4
Kindle Edition: $2.99

Description:

What would you do if the father you adored killed the mother you loved? Before you judge Thandisha, walk a mile in her shoes.

Read an Excerpt | Buy the Book

About the Author:

Regina Neequaye’s first novel is 360 Degrees.  She writes in a self penned genre she calls True Life Fiction because the characters are so multidimensional they are almost real.  Her second novel, Choices, is scheduled to be released in June 2012.

My Thoughts:

None as yet.  Come on back in April to read the review.

To Order This Book:

• Amazon.com

To find out more about Regina, check out her webpage, her facebook page and/or follow her on twitter:

• Webpage
• Facebook
• Twitter

Shoutout to my Shero…you know who you are!

For some of us, the words “lean on me” is a last resort. It means we’ve exhausted all our financial, physical, and emotional resources and now have to step outside ourselves to ask for help. There is truth in the fact that our physical strength is determined by how many miles we can run, how high we can climb or how how hefty the load we can carry.

There is also truth in the fact that as we go through the different stages of life from childhood to adulthood, through the yeses and nos, the triumphs and failures we gain mental and emotional strength.

There is also truth in fact that while many of us acknowledge that we know there is a God and even that we believe in God or even that we say we have a relationship with God…we always seem to leave the option to…Lean on Him…in prayer, in meditation…in supplication…as a very last resort.  All He’s ever wanted for us to do is Lean on Him. Our strength is perfected…in Him.  Even the strongest of us have weak moments and that’s ok…that’s when He gives you His to keep on going, all you have to do is ask.  He divinely places people around you to support you, ask Him to show you who they are as you listen to this song.

God Bless,

Hi Folks,

Sorry for the delay in posting and notification.  Every year around this time I try to be superwoman and I volunteer for too many things and each year I say, I’m going to write myself a note for next year to remind myself that this is really ridiculous, and that I should practice saying, “No.”

Obviously, I didn’t get my own memo.  LOL.

Anyway, the moment you’ve all been waiting for…who won the prize in the giveaway?

None other than:

Please join me in congratulating Janelle! An email has been sent to her and she has 48 hours in which to respond before I have to choose another winner.

Blessings,

ATTENTION! Please read the rules before entering the giveaway.  Thanks!

Hi Folks,

The moment we’ve all been waiting for is here! Over 300 blogs thanking their followers for their loyalty and participation over the past year. Another year has gone by so quickly I can hardly believe it and here once again is the Gratitude Giveaway Hop hosted by I Am a Reader, Not a Writer and All Consuming Books.

Ordinarily, I’m not down with the “you must be a follower to participate” prerequisite because I figure folks will just be following for my stuff. But since this giveaway is to thank all those who have followed me as I whined, rambled, celebrated and/or cried…here’s to you!

Up for  grabs in this International giveaway is a  $10 gift certificate to Amazon, Barnes and Noble or Book Depository plus an ebook copy (PDF, ePub or Mobi) of Age is Just a Number!

About the Book:

Age is Just a Number: Adventures in Online Dating by D.S. White

MEET DIVINE: female, thirty-seven, slaphappy, young at heart, self-employed; an online newbie, living in New York. She is fresh out of a long-term relationship and has completed the two-year mandatory wound-licking I-hate-men mourning period. Unfortunately for Divine, someone neglected to inform her that dating has been upgraded to new millennium level. But maybe she shouldn’t worry … hemlines aren’t the only things that have gone up. Thirty-somethings are premium dating material now … at least for the twenty-year-olds … Divine’s experiences are the basis for the serial memoir I call Age Is Just a Number, a lens through which to view the world of online dating.

Giveaway rules:

You must have been a follower before the giveaway began at 12:01 AM EST. That is my only prerequisite—well, that, and indicating your participation in the comments section. I’ve found a fabulous little plugin that will help me choose a winner so no Google entry forms this year.

• Comment including your name, email address and website (if you’ve got one)
• Include mention of which way you follow:
• Feedburner (email or feed) or
• Google Friend Connect (GFC) or
• Like my Facebook (FB) page, then
• Click on the linky to visit another site!

That’s all there is to it. Here’s to another great year!

Peace,

P.S. I’m participating with 4 of my blogs. These are the names and links so please check them out in the linky below (#110 – #113):

• Age is Just a Number – Online dating, relationships, articles
• At the Water Cooler – Marketing and Promotional blog about all things literary.
• Dee411 – Resourceful and encouraging site for abuse, domestic violence, suicide and mental issues
• Naked and Unashamed – Transparent ramblings of a singing, speaking and writing abuse survivor (This Blog)

Good Morning Dear Readers!

I hope some of you have had a chance to see Courageous the Movie, If so, please do share your thoughts under the review. I’ve a lovely treat for you this morning. Patricia Raybon is on Tour with Tywebbin Blog Tours promoting her two new books, One Year God’s Blessings and Bound for Glory. Patricia was gracious enough to answer a few interview questions for me. I must admit, that since I’ve been trying to write devotionals for about a year, I was hoping to learn what the magic formula might be. You see I’m either, going off on a tangent, too brief or too wordy when I attempt one, but I shall not give up and if that is an interest of yours as well, you should not either! Now for some words of wisdom and frankly the best interview I’ve done this year. Welcome Patricia Raybon!

Dee: How do you approach getting prepared to write a devotional? Do you have a ritual? (for e.g. fasting, meditation, blogging and then compiling [my personal method] etc.)

Patricia: I’d never written a devotional. My other published books are inspirational nonfiction. However, for my new book—a One Year devotional for Tyndale House-I spent serious time in Bible study. Then I prayed as I wrote, asking the Lord to show me what He wanted my readers to see and learn.

Dee: How did you begin writing Devotionals? (Is it your first love? Did you fall into it?)

Patricia: I’d written a few devotionals for Upper Room—but never an entire book of devotionals. However, while reading through the One Year Bible, I was surprised to discover how passionate God is for blessing His people. The other surprise to me was that blessings are conditional—tied to the way we live. So it’s true: God don’t bless mess! So I started studying those character traits that, in fact, God will bless. Then I wrote them down. Over time, I had enough to fill a book. I pitched the idea of a devotional on virtues to Tyndale House, which published my book on prayer, I Told the Mountain to Move,  and they gave me the green light. Then they assigned the project to their One Year brand. The result is my new devotional, the One Year God’s Great Blessings Devotional.  It’s a daily guide through  52 virtues that God blesses.

Dee: Do you often find that you start with one thought and end up writing another?  If yes, how do you stay focused?

Patricia: Yes, but that’s not always a bad thing. After a lifetime of professional writing, I know now that our writing “knows” where it is trying to take us. Our job as writers is to pay attention to the flow. So if you start out with one thought, but the subconscious sees a different path, follow it! As I tell my writing students, follow the writing. The true gold—the treasure you’re trying to find—gets discovered when you stop trying to control the writing and, instead, let it lead you to where you really need to go.

Dee: Thanks for that shot in the arm! (Note to self: Let your muse alone!)

So What makes writing a book a success for you? Resultant Introspection? The joy of Completion? Reader Reception? If all or none of the above, please explain.

Patricia: Great question.  To me, a successful book is one that changed my life because I wrote it—and now is changing the lives of people reading it. That’s the reaction I’ve received from all of my books so far. “Your book changed my life.” That reflects the extraordinary power of books to transform.  When I hear that from a reader, I know the book succeeded.

Dee: I heartily agree. Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Patricia: For aspiring writers reading this interview, keep at it. But prepare yourself to succeed. How? Take some writing classes. Read the best books on writing. Go to writing workshops. Create a writing space in your house or apartment, and set aside adequate time to write. This lets others know you’re serious about writing. Just as important, however, listen to criticism. Then apply it to your writing. Don’t aim to see your book in print. Aim to give the world something excellent to read. The world is dying for a great story. Work hard and your story might be the one the world needs most.

Patricia, thanks so much for your candid and helpful answers. I pray that your book will reach and touch the hearts of many!

About the Book:

About the Author:

Award-winning writer Patricia Raybon is author of two critically acclaimed books, “I Told the Mountain to Move” and “My First White Friend.” Her personal essays have appeared in the New York Times Magazine, Newsweek, USA Weekend, Charles Stanley Ministries’ In Touch Magazine and have also aired on National Public Radio. She writes full-time on life-changing faith. Visit Patricia’s Website at www.patriciaraybon.com.

Purchase the Book at your favorite online book seller:

• Alibris: Books, Music & Movies
• Amazon.com
• Barnes and Noble
• Book Depository (free shipping worldwide)
• Christian Book Distribution

Title: Courageous
Actors: Alex Kendrick, Kevin Downes, Kevin Bevel, Ben Davies and Robert Amaya
Director: Alex Kendrick
Movie Release Date: September 30, 2011
DVD not yet available

Synopsis:

Honor Begins at Home

Four men, one calling: To serve and protect. As law enforcement officers, Adam Mitchell, Nathan Hayes, David Thomson, and Shane Fuller are confident and focused. Yet at the end of the day, they face a challenge that none of them are truly prepared to tackle: fatherhood.

While they consistently give their best on the job, good enough seems to be all they can muster as dads. But they’re quickly discovering that their standard is missing the mark.

When tragedy hits home, these men are left wrestling with their hopes, their fears, their faith, and their fathering. Can a new found urgency help these dads draw closer to God … and to their children?

Filled with action-packed police drama, COURAGEOUS is the fourth film from Sherwood Pictures, the movie-making ministry of Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia. Riveted moviegoers will once again find themselves laughing, crying, and cheering as they are challenged and inspired by everyday heroes who long to be the kinds of dads that make a lifelong impact on their children.

Protecting the streets is second nature to these men. Raising their children in a God-honoring way? That’s courageous.

View the Trailer:

My Thoughts:

I saw this movie last night and the writers, directors and actors did an awesome job bringing it to life. With use of tender humor, touching despair, and manly man heroics it charges men to be or become the the spiritual head of their households God created them to be. By incorporating statistics and personal testimony of one of the lead characters, it brings home the fact that children in homes without fathers are more likely to end up on the wrong side of the law. This movie encourages and dares men to come back to the land of accountability, to do the uneasy, difficult and righteous thing–to stay and stand against all odds to be the fathers that their children need them to be. Fathers who find their M.O. in the Bible, fathers who build a foundation and set a standard to which their children may aspire. Being an okay dad…is no longer acceptable. Memorable character to look out for is “Javier” I LOVED him!

After the movie was over, there were men at the exits handing out flyers for the Courageous Men Bible Study program instituted by the men in the movie. All in all a well spent night for me…and you as well, go see this movie and buy it for your collection!

For more about the movie and the courageous dad program visit the movie website: http://www.courageousthemovie.com/

Title: The Liberating Truth: How Jesus Empowers Women
Author: Danielle Strickland
Publisher: Monarch Books (UK) / Kregel Publications (USA)
Release Date: August 31, 2011
Genre: Non-Fiction / Religion / Christian Life / Social Issues
Reviewed by: D.S. White

About the Book:

Women everywhere, despite the feminist movement, remain subjugated and constrained by cultural norms, all too often under girded by church practices that tell them to conform, hold back, and turn aside from God’s call upon their lives. The church and culture may restrict women, but Jesus empowered them, and Danielle call us to do the same.

My Thoughts:

I chose this book based on the title and the promise implied: truth, liberation and empowerment. In the back of my mind was the thought that it might have a feminist agenda, which I do back flips to avoid reading but I chose the book anyway.

As I read Danielle’s pain and frustration at situations experienced, personally and secondhand via the stories of women she encountered personally or read about was tangible. I can imagine that a life’s work of research and instituting programs to empower women while encountering the same stories of abuse, abandonment or neglect over and over again would engender the need to do something, say something to alert society to the silent unanswered cries of women all over the world.  Different women, different cultures, same abuse.

After reading, I can say there is truth in it with regards to abuse women suffer in and out of the church due to small minds, society turning a blind eye and inaccurate theology, however, I felt neither liberated nor empowered.

Despite that, there are some good points:

• The author’s love for God is clear and prevalent
• The book is a quick read
• The first half of the book gives lots of interesting statistics
• The back of the book gives brief biographies of many fascinating women
• This book is a good conversation starter referencing how we apply God’s principles in today’s society

I gave this book 2-1/2 mice

Since I disagree with much of the theology, I would be hesitant to recommend this book to others, especially a young Christian who has not had time be discipled.

About the Author:

Danielle Strickland is a Major in the Salvation Army in Canada. A gifted evangelist, she is widely sought after as a speaker. She and her husband, also a Salvation Army officer, have two young children. More about her can also be found on Wikipedia.

NOTE: This book was received from the Publisher, Kregel Publications, free of charge in exchange for an honest review.

WWW Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Should Be Reading. To play along you just have to answer these three questions:

• What are you currently reading?
• What did you recently finish reading?
• What do you think you will start next?

MY ANSWERS:

	What are you currently reading? I’m currently reading Deliver Me: Hope, Help, & Healing through True Stories of Unplanned Pregnancy compiled by Dianne Butts. About the Book: She stares at the test strip, palms clammy, breathing uneven. She’s never felt more alone. Tears blur her vision. Panic edges in. An unplanned pregnancy can leave emotional wounds that take years to heal. The options are many: abortion, adoption, keeping the child. The questions are even more: How? Why? Where can you go for help? What do you do?
	What did you recently finish reading? I recently completed Inside Out by Grayson Cole. I love interracial romances so I got excited the moment I discovered this book was coming out via Sormag’sUpcoming Release email blast so I put it on my reminder list and purchased a kindle version as soon as it became available. It was a quick and enjoyable read and that’s all I’m going to say right now. You will have to check out my BookZone blog for the upcoming review.
	What do you think you’ll read next? I’m starting The Liberating Truth, How Jesus Empowers Women by Danielle Strickland which I received from Kregel Publication. It goes on tour September 26-30. I will be posting my review right here on DeeSWhite.com so stay tuned for it! About the Book: In short chapters full of memorable personal stories Danielle Strickland challenges us to take seriously our reading of the Gospels and the consequences of that reading. Strickland exposes the lie that debates regarding women’s positions in the church and in life are academic exercises conducted by theologians with no impact on the day-to-day lives of women and the lie that the debate is even about gender.

This post is a continuation/derivative of my 7 Things I’ve Learned While Blogging post over at The Water Cooler.  It was all one post but once I saw that I was about to go waaay left and change the purpose of the original post, I cut it short and here we are:

During a conversation some years ago, I was told that someone duplicating my work or misrepresenting my idea as his/hers was a true representation of how good my work or idea was and in essence, how good I am myself.  The egocentric optimist in me did a fist pump and shrieked, “Whoopie!”  For about one second then…screech!

Nahh…that’s my stuff, from my brain, my mind, my life experiences came up with that, how are you going to use it and try to soup me up by telling me how good I am?

Uhhh…by line, link, introductory paragraph, resource box or anything else that draws a big old arrow back to me is a much better proposition.  But, since I’m the non-confrontational type anyway, I figured, what are the odds that I’d write something that begged to be “borrowed” or have an idea or creation that someone would tweak and misrepresent as theirs?

It took six years between the original conversation above and now for me to have an encounter with plagiarism twice in one year, online and offline, here’s the online encounter:

Before Yahoo Personals died its scary death (some of the people on there could tweak Hannibal Lechter) I replied to a request for communication from a nice looking brother that we will call Krouton. (What? I just came off a 10 day fast, food is it right now.)

Krouton and I had several conversations and  were tooling along nicely until we got to the dreaded “meetup” negotiations. I believe a brother who is interested, should come to me. He believed, since he has a house with a spare bedroom I should go to him.

There were lots of “I don’t know you like that” and “would you advise your mother or sister to do this?” bottom line was…I was NOT going. Krouton pulled the “offended” card declaring I should trust him because he used to be a cop.  Current or used to be…Not buying it.  You’re retired at your age? Hmmm…sounds more like an F word that rhymes with retired to me. Anyway, since neither of us would budge, we came to an amicable parting of the ways.

About a month or so later, I finally got around to going through some of my old emails and noted an invitation from him on Facebook. Curious, I hopped on over to Facebook and clicked happily on the little accept button.  I began exploring his page and lo and behold, there was my introductory poem, tweaked to the male point of view, proudly displayed on his page.

I hunted through all the compliments and his responses to see if he gave credit where due at any point.  Nothing. Zip. Nada! I waited about 5 seconds then posted a comment about how great the tweaked poem was, but I’d missed the part where it stated that it was a derivative of my piece. Satisfied that I’d shown him.  I sat back and awaited a response.

I didn’t have to wait very long.

Krouton deleted me from his friend list and blocked my access to his Facebook page. I then reported it to Facebook, but we know how effective they are, don’t we? I was hacked and reported it to them, the end result, they deleted my first Facebook page.  I didn’t go on there again for a year. Personally I don’t see the pull besides networking.  People are on there inviting stalkers to arrive at their destinations before they do by listing their destinations every five minutes, but that is a rant for another night.

In retrospect, I didn’t follow my own advice in #5 of 7 Things I’ve Learned While Blogging. I didn’t sit on my response for a couple of days before I hit send. Had I waited I could have sent a message privately, but my ego was in high alt.  Of course, the brother deleted my access to his Facebook page (I would have too).

As I was about to sign, The End, a thought occurred to me. Everything that I am and do is ordained by and derived from God, but I don’t sign my books or written pieces, by G.O.D (God of D.S. White).

I’d really be in a bad place if He got ticked off one day and invoked His copyright infringement rights.  Was Krouton wrong for infringing on my rights? Heck yeah!  Was I right in pointing it out to him? Heck yeah! Was I right in trying to publicly humiliate him in asserting my rights? Heck No! Even when we are in the right, the manner in which we invoke or assert our rights should veer towards enforcing the spirit of the law, versus the letter of the law.

So again I say, please, please, please don’t plagiarize! Take the time to learn what fair use means and respect others’ virtual rights. If you are enraptured by someone’s content and would like to share, shoot them an email to request permission. Usually if you include a short bio and link back to their site or the original post, permission is granted. If not, maybe suggest a guest post of original content on your blog. If not, that happens. Thank them kindly and move on to someone who will give permission, or write your own post on the topic and give them some link love as the inspiration for your post.

Peace,

Hi Folks,

I’m actually at home writing this on a Sunday morning. Gasp! Yes, at home!  Due to Hurricane Irene our Senior Pastor and Elder Board opted to veer on the side of caution and close up shop today. I pray that if you are or have been in the path of Hurricane Irene that you and yours are faring well.

This is the second hurricane I’ve experienced  since I’ve been in the USA. The last one was in 1985 while I was pregnant with my daughter and living in New York. I remember being seated in the living room in front of the wide paned windows staring out at the branches of the trees as they bent and waved with each gust of wind wondering if they would actually snap and ultimately wondering where was my husband.  I still wonder that today, not if the branches will snap, but where is my ex-husband…lol.

Anyway, that is not the direction in which I’m going this morning, I’m going to keep it light and pose a question that I’ve wondered every since I was fourteen and first fell in love with the  game show called Family Feud. I just knew that one day I was going to be a guest on that show.  I even convinced my mom to buy me the board version of the game so I could practice for the big day and thought up numerous ways to avoid being kissed on the lips by Richard Dawson.

(As I type, my power has flickered 3 times in succession so I’m going for the short version.)

While the burning desire to get on Family Feud has given way to writing/publication and singing/demo my question still lingers:

Before each question the host starts off with the number of people surveyed (usually 100) and the top 4 – 7 answers are on the board. After rabid viewings I noticed something, it seemed like the people surveyed didn’t think like people where I lived in Prince George’s County, Maryland, but more like the people wHho lived in Montgomery County, Maryland.

Evenso, I’ve sat by my phone and waited for a survey call and it never rang! I’m now 46 and to date I have not received a phone call for a Family Feud survey.   So my lingering question is, who have they  been calling to survey for some of those answers we see go by? I know America’s population is huge but it’s been 32 years!  Have you ever received a call? Do you know anyone who has received a call?

Please share!

This post is dedicated to the voice behind the voice. No, I’m not talking about God this time, although she speaks on His behalf quite frequently and eloquently from her site, her books and newsletters.

The voice to which I refer is, Rachel Thomson, who I’m blessed to call my editor.  The well read and punctuated articles available for your consumption and hopefully edification were all whipped into shape by Rachel.

Rachel is so much more than an editor though. First and foremost she is a child of God who uses the arts to proclaim His beauty and majesty far and wide. She may be located in Canada, however, with her physical travels and the aid of the Internet her reach has expanded far past those physical parameters.

Ergo, my site based in America which you are reading from wherever you are. A lot of time people feel that payment in currency is enough. While necessary and sometimes ineffective if we attempt to use it to replace an agreed upon payment, thank you should never be omitted from our dealings with one another.

Thank you Rachel for all you do and the joyful and encouraging way in which you do it.

View Rachel in Trailer:

For more about Rachel check her out at:

• Website – www.rachelstarrthomson.com
• Twitter – @writerstarr
• Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rachel-Starr-Thomson/50337214466

Peace,

P.S. It would be cool to know the location of everyone who reads this post so roll call. Who’s present and where are you located?