Blessed 2 Write

My 2012 Resolution

2011-12-31T11:23:00.010-05:00

It's been too long since I've blogged. As the second half of 2011 swung into full gear, life seemed to get in the way. Between ministry assignments, business travels, holiday activities, and family functions, I found my attention being stretched in many different directions, and my blogging was placed on the back burner. But there is no way that I can allow the year to fade into a past memory without one more installment to bring 2011 to a proper close on the Blessed2Write Blog. So here I now sit, enjoying The Williams Brothers' new "Live At The Hard Rock-Part 1" DVD while I type this final entry for this year.

For me, 2011 seems to have passed at lightning speed, but not so fast that God didn't grant me the opportunity to celebrate some memorable personal and professional highs--my baby's graduation from high school, my firstborn's induction into her sorority of choice (Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.), my parents' 50th wedding anniversary, the release of my 18th published work (Upon This Rock), the opportunity to take the message of my empowerment ministry (The I.S.L.A.N.D. Movement) to several cities across the United States, the fourth successful launching of my at-sea ministry (Cruisin' For Christ), the birthing of a national writers fellowship (M-PACT Writers) and a Facebook-inspired women's spiritual empowerment group (Gospel Girls Group), and the chance to finally meet, talk to, and take photos with a living legend that I have admired for more years that I can recall: Ms. Ruby Dee.

Of course, just like everyone else, my year came with its share of low points as well. I lost both friends and family members (some because God removed them from this earthly life and called them into eternity, and others because God allowed me to see behind the masks that they wore, and they were simply removed from my inner circle). How ever they were taken away, it caused some level of pain and sadness, but God has been faithful and has given me the strength to triumph. I truly love the LORD!

Annually, as a tradition, people all over the world take this time to make resolutions that often fail before they can even give it their best try. An acquaintance told me (for the fourth year in a row) that she is going to get back to her pre-motherhood weight. I heard a radio disc jockey say that he was going to stop smoking. He admitted that two earlier attempts were unsuccessful, but he's sure he can do it this time. When I hear of people making promises of what the New Year will bring, I always wish them well, but for myself, my only resolve is to please God. I know that if I do that, all the other godly things that I wish, hope, and pray for will come to pass (Matthew 6:33).

The year 2011 has been a trying one for me, but as I bid it farewell and prepare to embrace what God has earmarked for my 2012, I am also saying goodbye to the troubles that came along with it. I claim them all washed away! I am preparing for a fresh start; one that will bring about major changes in my professional life as well as my personal life, and I'm putting God in the forefront of all of it. As I continue to walk the path of my purpose, I have learned that change and transformation, as uncomfortable as they may be, are a part of the journey, and we must be prepared what whatever God presents. When we tell God to "make me and mold me," we'd better know what we're asking Him to do. It's not all going to be pleasant, but it's all working for our good.

Thank you, LORD, for allowing me to live to see the brink of a brand new year. Thank you for all that you gave me and all that you allowed to be taken away from me over the past twelve months, because I realize that you do everything for a reason . . . and whether I can see it in the natural or not, I know that it is all for your glory. Thank you for preparing me for the next phase of my life. Thank you for the spiritual SHIFT. I look forward to all the wonderful things that 2012 will bring to me and to your people all over the world. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Cruisin' For Christ IV - God Did It Again!

2011-09-27T15:51:00.017-04:00

I have recently returned back to U.S. soil after a glorious week on international waters where I, along with nearly 100 other registered guests celebrated Cruisin' For Christ IV aboard the Carnival Liberty. For seven fun-filled days (September 17-24, 2011), we fellowshipped and worshipped as we visited the beautiful Eastern Caribbean, making stops in the Bahamas, US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and Grand Turk. And just as with every launching before it, Cruisin' For Christ IV was a labor of love that came forth by way of blood, sweat, and tears. But despite that, all I can say is HALLELUJAH, because God did it again!

If I dared to compare the launching of each Cruisin' For Christ mission to the child birthing process, I would have to say that the delivery of Cruisin' For Christ IV was the most difficult to date. The labor was longer, the contractions were harder, and the process that requires pushing beyond the pain was far more challenging.

What some have always known (while others have not) is Cruisin' For Christ does not have the corporate or individual sponsorship that many other similar gospel cruises have. God handed this ministry to me in 2006, and the first CFC mission was launched in 2007. That inaugural sailing (as well as every one that has gone forth after it) was funded almost solely from the limited resources that God has allowed me to take in from book sales and speaking engagements. In the four years that we have taken this celebration of Christian artistries to the seas, I have only had one monetary sponsorship, and that was a $1,000 token that was so graciously given to me in 2009 by a local Atlanta pastor. No other business or person that I or any member of the CFC Board of Directors have approached has agreed to being a financial supporter.

I won't even try to tell you the bottom line of how much it cost to put together a cruise of this quality and magnitude, but just know that it is monumental, and as a starving artist, I know that it is only by the grace of God that Cruisin' For Christ has been able to stay afloat (pun intended) over the years. I call it a labor of love because that's exactly what it is. God has given me a passion for ministry. It's not just something I speak with my lips, but it's demonstrated in my actions. I'll put it all on the line for the sake of the gospel. But it's not easy by any stretch of the imagination. The undertaking of CFC is so massive, that after the completion of each launching, I vow that I'll never do it again. But the Lord has repeatedly proved me wrong, reminding me time and time again that it's not about me, but about HIM. It's not about my limited capabilities, but about His infinite provision. And this year, more than any other in the past, God made that abundantly clear.

Proverbs 18:24 tells us that a man who wants friends must show himself friendly. Additionally, a popular common quote says, "a friend in need is a friend indeed." Both the scripture and the quote were put to the test for me as I struggled to get the funds together for Cruisin' For Christ IV. When I didn't receive a check I was hopeful of getting by a certain date - the check that would have covered the final outstanding expenses for CFC IV - I turned to people that I dubbed my closest friends, requesting 30-day loans that would help me get the balance paid. I'd shown myself friendly to so many. I'd been there when they needed me. I'd given of my time, my knowledge, my business, my support, my resources, etc., and I thought that for certain, they would remember those things in my time of need and provide the temporary assistance. I was not ready for the closed doors, and in some cases, doors on which my knocks were never even acknowledged. Outside of friends, even many associates who I've given business to and recommended business to over the years would not even support with even the smallest ad in the souvenir booklet that was being put together for the cruise. It was heartwrenching and heartbreaking to say the least. Please understand . . . I never do for others so that they will do for me, but being one who rarely asks for anything at all from anybody, I didn't expect to have so many of those I categorized as nearest and dearest to me to totally shut me out. I'd made it clear to friends that it was a make it or break it moment; that if I didn't come up with the required balance, CFC IV would not take place, and a hundred people who were already fully registered were depending on it to take place. It would have been embarrassing and humiliating for it to fold last minute, not to mention all of the money that registrants would have lost. They knew my desperation, but outside of one person, no others offered to assist on any level. Not a dollar. Not a penny. If the saying of "a friend in need is a friend indeed" held true, I was virtually friendless. I felt like a woman who had been thrown into storm-tossed seas with many of my friends standing on the shore with folded arms, watching to see how I was going to get myself out of this one. Perhaps seeing if the God I spoke of and prayed to so often was going to rescue me from this den of lions. And yes . . . God did it again! He didn't come when I wanted Him to, how I wanted Him to, or through whom I expected Him to, but GOD DID IT AGAIN and I thank Him!! The enemy didn't appreciate how God came through at the 11th hour, and he continued to try and trip us up even after we returned from our mission, but the devil is a lie and God is almighty. I celebrate in victory regardless!

Cruisin' For Christ IV was a great success. Our headliners, Stellar Award winning gospel legends, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, and Melvin Williams, along with international gospel/jazz saxophonist, Antonio Allen, and national comedian, Small Fire, were a tremendous blessing to us all. Other featured artists included national comedians Willie Brown and D.L. Henry and award-winning mime minister, The Master's Mime. Additional ministry was provided by those who performed on our Rising Artist Showcase: recording artist, Mark A. Smith; mime minister, Felicia Harmon Brown, and "Soetry Music" artist, Kenny Lofton. The Word of God was imparted to us by our two special guest speakers, Bishop Oliver Smith (Mending Hearts Ministries; McComb, MS) and Pastor Adrian Bellamy (Central Bible Fellowship; Perry, GA), and it all was hosted by our primary emcee for the week, Rhodell "Rhodell in the ATL" Lewis.

It was a journey to remember, and I am thankful to God for allowing us to continue to take this powerful ministry internationally. God is so good! And yes . . . though I again said that I wouldn't do another one, I know that God isn't hearing it. So I might as well get ready for the blessings (and the challenges) to come. My prayer is that Cruisin' For Christ V (our 5th launching) be a phenomenal one. Dates and details will be added to the website as they become available. I have no idea how it's going to happen, but someway, I know that God is going to DO IT AGAIN!

Dear Anonymous...

2011-07-04T21:22:00.014-04:00

As I type this relatively brief entry into my online blog, I'm listening to the sounds of fireworks that are being set off at Stone Mountain Park. Although I'm not in the park itself, I live close enough to hear the noises, and if I stand in just the right place on my back deck, I can see some of what's causing it all. All these loud popping sounds are in recognition of Independence Day, a time that our nation sets aside to celebrate the time, in 1776, that the thirteen colonies separated themselves from the Kingdom of Great Britain. That day marked an historic time, because had that breaking away never taken place, there may have never been a United States of America.

On my Facebook page today, I quoted John 8:36 in my status, which says, "If the Son therefore makes you free, you shall be free indeed." It was so befitting of Independence Day, because what we, who have accepted Christ know for sure is that had we never separated ourselves from the bondage of sin, we would never have known what God had in store for our lives, and we would never have become all that He designed us to be.

I've never before written a blog posting that was addressed to any particular person before, but today, I felt compelled to do so. In recent days, someone, who chooses to keep themselves "anonymous" has attempted to leave two negative (personal attack) comments on my blog. Without getting into any of the details, I just want to let "Anonymous" know that her (because I know it's a woman) comments do not shake me in the least, nor do they make me desire to change the way I do things. What I do as it pertains to my writing career and my life as a whole is ministry. As an outsider, you know nothing about me, therefore it is highly presumptuous of you to think otherwise. And just like the case with the fireworks that I'm listening to right now, while I'm not in heaven, I can hear the voice of God, and if I position myself in just the right place, I can see His hand of direction for my life. He is with me everywhere I go. And because He has set me free from the bondage of worrying about what people think of me, I can declare in Jesus' name, that your attempts to unnerve or unravel me have failed. As a matter of fact, your attempt at launching a verbal attack has brought a smile to my face, because I realize that it is only when a person is stiving to do a work for God that the enemy feels the need to rear his ugly head in such a manner as this, in hopes of throwing God's people off course. But sister...MISSION UNACCOMPLISHED! Your seeds of discord have fallen on stony ground and have not taken root. The sun (and the SON) has dried them up, and they have whitered and died.

If you ever have anything further to say to me, please feel free to come out of your hiding place. When used in the case of sending unpleasant notes, the word "Anonymous" is just a longer way of spelling "coward." I pray for you, my sister, because very few things are more dangerous than tampering with God's anointed ones. Although I don't know your name, HE does, and there is no better time to ask His forgiveness for your misguided assumptions and impure thoughts than now. What better day to free yourself from the bondage of being used as a tool of the enemy than on Independence Day? Free yourself from the bondage of your own mind and your own twisted imaginations. The freedom you'll feel once you've done so will be more refreshing than you've ever dreamed. God bless you. He loves you unconditionally, and so do I.

Write. Dream. Remember.

2011-05-30T21:23:00.016-04:00

I'm convinced that there's just nothing like the simple things in life. For me, today has been one of the best Memorial Days in recent memory, and it has nothing to do with the typical celebrations that consist of grilled food, cold drinks, or dwelling among a host of friends. As a matter of fact, I never got out of my pajamas today, and there wasn't a pork rib or a piece of barbecue chicken anywhere near my house. Today, for me, was a day of reflection and memories...and all of it was unplanned.

My day started with a very late arising. I was up until almost 4:00 this morning because the writing bug bit me very late last night, and the creative juices were running so freely that I didn't want to stop until the river slowed. That was the reason for my late bedtime, and ultimately, it was the reason for my eyes not opening until 12:02 this afternoon. Once I got up and moving, I fired up my computer and began returning personal and business emails. Yes, it's a holiday, and technically, KNB Publications was closed for business, but I found myself working in spite of today's date.

After an hour or so, I took a break from my computer and began doing a little house cleaning. My husband was on his laptop taking care of a little business in his space, and I gave my daughter permission to attend a cookout at a friend's house, so my house was very quiet for most of today. As I was cleaning, I ran across a few greeting cards that I'd recently received for Valentine's Day and Mother's Day, and I as I pulled out the drawer in which I normally file away keepsake cards, I noted that it was too full to accomodate my latest collection. I hadn't gone through this drawer in years, so I thought I'd take a moment to do so and perhaps, throw away some things in the process.

As I embarked on what should have been a small and short-order task, the drawer became a treasure chest of memories for me, and for that reason, Memorial Day seemed like the perfect time to have decided to do this impromptu cleaning. I smiled jus tabout the entire time as I pulled out stuff that I didn't even know I had, such as the original graduation invitation and graduation program that dated back to June 11, 1995, the date that my firstborn daughter (now a 21-year-old rising college senior) graduated from the daycare center where she got her earliest learning experiences as a toddler. Although that paperwork is now sixteen years old, it wasn't the oldest keepsake item that I found in the drawer. Soon after I discovered her daycare graduation papers, I found the cement handprint of a child. My first thought was that it was either something that one of my daughters had done in grade school, or it was a mold of my 14-year-old godson's hand, since he often came to stay with us when he was much younger. Well to my shock, I flipped the mold over and saw my name and the date of 5/72 (May 1972) carved into the molding. That little hand was mine at the age of five. I almost got emotional at the sight of it. That was my little hand! How cool!

Other things I found actually did make me a little emotional. There was a 220-page wirebound notebook in the drawer that had 219 blank pages. Only one page had words on it, and they were in my hand writing. It was a documentation of the last three days of my first husband's life. He was bedridden at the time, and I was his primary caregiver. I was administering his medicines and was keeping written documentation of each med I administered, the doseage of each that I gave him, and the time that I gave them to him. It was a bittersweet find, but it is still a memory that I would dare not discard. As a matter of fact, very few of the items that I pulled from the drawer were disposable. The memories they brought back were too fond. There were report cards from my daughters' school days, old printed programs from my childhood church home, newspaper articles that I wrote (as the reporter of my high school's FHA club) for the city newspaper, and an August 1981 edition of Ebony magazine with Jermaine Jackson on the cover(because when every other little girl in the world was in love with Michael, I was crushing on his older brother). I even found the printed program from my own high school graduation...an event that took place almost 27 years ago.

The find that held my attention the longest was a Dream Journal that I'd totally forgotten I had. My first entry in it is dated for January 5, 2003. Over the course of 30 days, I wrote in that journal almost daily. I don't know why I stopped, but as I read through all of the entries that I made, I was amazed to find that God has turned many of those dreams I had into reality. From my "dream" of being able to leave my 9 to 5 to become a full time writer, to my dream to becoming a national bestselling author, to my dream of seeing my daughters grow in grace and became beautiful women of God. All of those dreams that I put in writing back in 2003 have come true, and I'm grateful. Inside the journal, I also have documentation of some actual nighttime dreams that I had back then, and I'm thrilled that I wrote them down because I'd forgotten about them over the years, and being reminded of them through the words in the journal has been a refreshing experience.

Memorial Day 2011 has truly been about memories. Life is fleeting, and time passes so quickly that more and more, I am learning to cherish memories for the priceless jewels that they are. Happy Memorial Day to me...

Sick and Tired of the Christian Fiction Argument

2010-12-10T17:09:00.013-05:00

Okay...I need a moment to vent. But since I'm using my blog as a means by which to do it, let's just say I need to "blent." Get it? It's a combination of "blog" and "vent." Not a real word, I know. But, oh well. Let me start by admitting that this is not a new annoyance for me; however, it's a growing one, and I think I've about reached my limit. So here goes...
Why is it that we (authors who write Christian books) are always being put in the position to defend our craft? Why are people constantly trying to tell us that the books we write are only for "church folks?" I can't even count how many times I've heard one of my colleagues defend this issue, or the number of times a radio or online interviewer has posed the question to me of, "What kinds of people can enjoy Christian fiction novels?" It's an insane line of thinking, really. Why on earth would one think that only Christians can enjoy Christian books?
The people who can embrace and enjoy Christian fiction and nonfiction are READERS...plain and simple. What I write is definitely faith-based. It's romantic, dramatic, and sometimes it's even mysterious. It's not preachy and it's not saturated with scripture references, but rest assured, Christ is at the center of every book (whether fiction or nonfiction) that I pen. I say that without shame, question, or apology. I will never denounce what I write or the ONE for which I write. However, my audience is comparable to a quilt, not a blanket. It is not comprised of one color or one texture or one fabric. Just like I have, I know many other Christian fiction and Christian nonfiction authors who have received emails and letters from everyday readers who have been able to embrace our writings. They were just plain avid book lovers who read a variety of subject matters, and they counted our books worthy of being in the number. In the best of the best situations, we have received feedback from people who were introduced to Christ through our books. And if they were introduced to Him, that means that they didn't know Him on a personal level prior to reading the book. Thus, they were non-Christians who enjoyed reading our books. So what does that tell you?
Nobody ever says that the authors who write romance are only writing for romantics and lovers, or that the only people who can enjoy crime fiction are cops and criminals, or that the only people who should buy horror stories are zombies and vampires, or that the only people who can relate to street lit are users and abusers, or even that the writers who pen erotica are writing only for the world's nymphomanics. So why is it that Christian fiction is constantly under the gun and made a target for those who wish to pigeon hole it?

Simply put: Christian books are NOT written for Christians only. It is NOT true that only church-goers can relate to books like mine. They are written for readers, and just as readers can appreciate any other genre of books, they can do the same for books that are deemed faith-based. Period.

Vent over....The End. :-)

From Pain To Purpose

2010-10-08T12:24:00.007-04:00

October is always a "disjoined" month for me. I have the tendency to feel somewhat out of sorts and a bit disconnected during the 10th month of the year. While October has its celebratory moments...my dad's birthday...my mother-in-law's birthday, it stands out more to me for the painful things it marks. It's the month of my first husband's death. The month that I buried him. The month that we fell only ten days short of celebrating our seventh wedding anniversary.

This month (yesterday, to be exact) marked the fifteen-year anniversary of the date that I buried my first husband. I remember it as though it happened yesterday. It was the ultimate painful experience. In my mind's eye, the only heartache that could possibly be greater than that of losing a soul mate is losing a child. If you are one who has never had to experience either, no matter what other adversities you may be facing in your life, count yourself blessed beyond measure. You have so much for which to be thankful.

This month (last Friday, to be exact) also marked the official release date of my latest book. It is my 17th published title, but my first nonfiction/ministerial offering. The title is I Shall Not Die, and it is inspired by life. My life. The same life that includes the loss of my spouse. As uninviting as the ordeal was, I know that it was by way of that pain that God directed me to my purpose. I would even go so far as to say that I never would have become a published author had I not gone through that life-altering trial. It was at Jimmy's (my first husband's) urging that I first picked up a pen to write my first manuscript. Granted, I put the pen down once he passed away and it would be years before I would make another move toward manuscript writing, but the seed of purpose was planted during that most painful time of my life.

I've been interviewed countless times since my first book was published back in 2002, and one of the questions I am most asked is, "Which of your books is your favorite?" In times past, I've consistently said that there was no way I could answer that question. I likened it to having to choose which of my two daughers is my favorite. It's an impossible choice to make. I've created characters that I can dub as my favorite, but books? No. I love each of them equally, just as I do my children. I will forever feel that way about my daughters, but when it comes to my books, God has now allowed me to birth one that I view in a different light. It has a place in my heart that none of the others before it has ever occupied. I Shall Not Die is my favorite.

There is so much that God has already done through this ministerial tool. It has only been out for a few days, yet I've received an abundance of emails and website posts and Facebook notes from readers who have been touched by the words that God ordered me to write in this book. I have heard it said (and I often echo the words) that the things we go through in life are not for ourselves, but for others. God allows us to go through tests so that the resulting testimonies will be a blessing and an encouragement to others. Nobody likes pain. Even if we had advance knowledge that our pain would one day lead to our purpose, that wouldn't make the pain any more inviting. Yet, there is something humbling about discovering divine purpose that makes us grateful despite what we had to go through to find it.

Each weekend in the month of October, I will be traveling somewhere to promote the I Shall Not Die book, and the accompanying I.S.L.A.N.D. Movement ministry. In a million years, I never would have guessed that this would be the result of my story, but I feel favored to be able to share it all with the world. The platform to which God has entrusted me is one that I hold dear, and I am honored to answer His call. To follow, in detail, all of the goings on with the book and the ministry, please become a follower of the I Shall Not Die blog. Additionally, by clicking on the I.S.L.A.N.D. Movement link above, you can become a VIsion Partner (VIP) of the ministry itself and obtain several valuable perks, including $100 off of Cruisin' For Christ.

A journey from pain to purpose. That is what my 17th book - my favorite among my books - signifies to me. And with each copy that is sold, my most earnest prayer is that the reader of it is challenged to always LIVE a Psalm 118:17 existence. Order your copy today by clicking HERE.

Celebrating... "Song of Solomon"

2010-07-13T21:00:00.086-04:00

I remember that feeling I experienced eight years ago when my first novel was released. There was this overwhelming sense of gratefulness; this 'wow factor' at the realization that God had not only shown me my purpose, but was also allowing me to walk in it. This month, my sixteenth novel was unveiled, and that same level of gratefulness still overtakes me. "My passion, my purpose, my pen." The joy and fulfillment that the combinaton of them continues to bring never stales.

Song of Solomon hit bookstores nationally on July 1st, but the official release celebration didn't take place until Saturday, July 10th. On that afternoon, a conference room full of Mississippians joined me at the Willie Morris Library located in the capital city of Jackson to help commemorate the occasion. The hosts for the afternoon were the members of Savvy Book Club (president, Rose Wright) and Books And Beignets (BAB) Book Club (president, Sonya Ward) . . . and what a celebration it was!
One thing I never do is score the book release celebrations that are thrown in honor of any of my novels. I wouldn't dare try and list them numerically, saying which was best, which was second best, and so forth. God has been very gracious to me over the years, and trying to categorize the special events would be too difficult a task to undertake. Every book release event that I've been blessed to have for any of my novels has been applause worthy, and the Song of Solomon affair was no different. The food, the fellowship, the fun . . . in a word, all of it was fabulous!
While I refuse to even attempt to rank my book releases, I will readily admit that there was something very unique about the event that marked Song of Solomon. I experienced a few "firsts" at this event and they made it all the more special. For the first time in my literary career, a radio remote was pitched from the location of my book release. Nikki Dulaney, of 95.5 Hallelujah FM, came and broadcasted live from Willie Morris Library while we were there celebrating. I had the opportunity to be interviewed and to address her listening audience, inviting them to come and join the celebration. Add to that another first . . . An award winning, legendary gospel artist performed at my function. To be clear, I've had a nationally recognized, award winning artist to entertain at a book release event before. My friend and spiritual brother, Lowell Pye (of Men of Standard), captivated the guests who attended the Fifteen Years book release back in February of this year. But the Song of Solomon commemoration marked the first time I'd ever had one to perform who is a seven-time Grammy nominated artist. Not only a seven-time Grammy nominated artist, but he's also a three-time Stellar Award winner. Not only a seven-time Grammy nominated, three-time Stellar Award winning gospel artist, but a gospel music legend. And not just any gospel music legend.
For five decades, The Williams Brothers have been trailblazers, blessing the world with great gospel music. And for three of those five decades, they have been my all-time favorite group. And anyone who knows me well, knows that lead vocalist, Melvin Williams, is unrivaled as my best loved gospel artist. So it was more than a delight; it was incredibly humbling to have Melvin accept my request to be at the book release for Song of Solomon. And not only be there, but to perform live for me and my guests. Undeniably, his presence and participation was a personal gift for me, but there was more to my request for his presence than he was aware. I had a few surprises up my sleeves for him, and thanks to the help of his faithful assistant who worked with me behind the scenes for months, we pulled it all off without a hitch.
Melvin had no clue that I'd dedicated Song of Solomon in his honor. If you read the book, you'll see the titles of all of his solo albums (typed in italics) as a part of my expressions on the dedication page. In addition, he had no knowledge that the lead male character in the book was inspired by him. I revealed all of that at the celebration, and to top it all off, just before he took the mic to sing, the host book clubs helped me present him with a cake to honor his approaching July 21st birthday. Melvin's music, his character, and his presence has been such a blessing to me over the years (there's a testimony behind that, which I shared with the attendees of the book release), and I wanted to use the platform of Song of Solomon to show a little of my gratitude. His generosity at the event was overwhelming. Not only did he render a wonderful mini-concert for the attending supporters, but he also gave free (yes, I said free) autographed CDs to every person who purchased a copy of Song of Solomon!
The celebration didn't end with Saturday's event. Each time that I travel on tour, I make an effort to find a local church to worship with before returning back to my home in metropolitan Atlanta. While in Mississippi, I chose Rose Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Smithdale. The shepherd of the house, Pastor Oliver Smith, is set to be the worship service speaker on Cruisin' For Christ IV when it launches next summer, so I thought I'd take advantage of the opportunity to get an advance taste of his ministry. My publicist and I rose early Sunday morning and drove from Jackson to Smithdale to be a part of the service there. It was well worth the 90-minute commute, and Pastor Smith's message was a perfect topper for our weekend. Following the benediction, he invited me to have a book signing in the fellowship hall of the church. The members of Rose Hill were extremely generous in their support, and just like he had done at the Saturday event, Melvin Williams was there at Rose Hill giving complimentary autographed CDs to all those who purchased Song of Solomon.
Quite honestly, I couldn't have asked for much more. A successful weekend book launch tour wherein I was blessed to sell an impressive number of books, spend time with friends and supporters, partake in my first live radio remote feature, worship at the church where the man I now call my "Mississippi pastor" is the presiding shepherd, and not only have my best loved singer perform at my book release, but be favored to share a signing table with him during both appearances. Is there any wonder that the Song of Solomon release celebration will forever be etched favorably in my memory banks?
Aside from the millions of thanks that I want to shower on Savvy, BAB, 95.5 Hallelujah FM, Pastor Oliver Smith, and all of the supporters in the Jackson and Smithdale areas, I would also like to send a warm heart full of overflowing gratitude to my publicist (Terrance Wooten), Melvin's assistant (Bridget Flury), and of course, to the incomparable Melvin Williams for the special parts they played in making the weekend more than special. And even though the celebratory weekend has ended, the reasons to be thankful continue.
Since our departure from Mississippi, I have received word that the Nikki's Hallelujah Book Club (on-air book club founded by Nikki Delaney at 95.5 Hallelujah FM) has chosen Song of Solomon as their featured book of the month. Additionally, Saavy Book Club has selected it for their August book of the month.
To God be the glory!

KC Girlfriend's 3rd Annual Literary Retreat

2010-07-03T00:17:00.017-04:00

There's a first time for everything, and it is said that the first impression of anything is the lasting one. I can't decree that the saying rings true in every situation, but for certain, it is a fitting one when it comes to the impression of my very first visit to the state of Missouri.

After eight years of being a published author and being favored with the opportunity to fly all over the United States and even travel abroad, it's even a bit mind-boggling to me when I realize that even with all of my traveling, there are still unchartered states on my personal map. At times, it may feel like I've been everywhere, but I haven't. And until Friday, June 11, 2010, Missouri and Kansas were two of the state lines I had not crossed. However, during my time serving as featured author and keynote speaker for the KC Girlfriends 3rd Annual Literary Retreat, I was blessed to visit both.

I had a wonderful time of fellowship! KC Girlfriends Book Club president, TaNisha Webb, extended to me the royal treatment from the time my flight landed. Upon picking me up from the airport, TaNisha wisked me away on a sightseeing journey which included an educational tour of The Museums at 10th & Vine (which houses the Negro League Baseball Museum and the American Jazz Museum). Man...I wish they allowed picture-taking in that place because it was jam-packed with awesome photos, official documents, and other memorabilia. I couldn't take pictures inside, so the best I could do was capture one from the outside. In addition, I had the pleasure of visiting Willa's Books, a local African American owned bookstore that is stocked with not only fiction and nonfiction books, but wonderful collector's items like early editions of Time, Ebony, and Jet magazines and vinyl records (albums) of music of all genres.

The book club retreat was the following morning (June 12), and KC Girlfriends, along with Chocolate Pages Book Club, put together a very pleasant affair that I thoroughly enjoyed. Despite the fact that the skies opened up and heavy rains fell, the supporters braved the weather and filed into Holiday Inn at the Plaza for great fellowship and a delicious meal. I felt blessed to be in the presence of some wonderful local authors who were also a part of the day's program. Archuleta Chisholm and Rachelle Law were a pleasure to meet and hear, as they also served as speakers during the event. The fellowship among readers and writers who gathered there was delightful.

In addition to the opportunity to have face-to-face meetings with some of my loyal readers in the area, the highlight of the retreat for me was meeting a man by the name of Mike Dodson and his wife, Cindi. Only a few weeks earlier, Mike and I spoke via telephone after he was introduced to my work by a devoted "Kendra Norman-Bellamy reader" who (I believe) lives in the Witchita, Kansas area. After never having visited Missouri in my life, God orchestrated it so that I was booked to make an appearance shortly after my telephone conversation with Mike, and in doing so, I was blessed to meet him and his lovely wife when they came to hear me speak at the retreat. My connection with the Dodsons is one of those devine ones that only God could have made happen when, where, and how He made it happen. I hope to be sharing more about that with you at a later date.

A big THANK YOU goes from my heart to TaNisha and the ladies of KC Girlfriends Book Club as well as the sisters of Chocolate Pages Book Club for rolling out the red carpet. I enjoyed my time with you all, and I hope to do it again some time!

Dayton Book Expo and More...

2010-05-24T01:37:00.017-04:00

Needless to say, it's been awhile since I've updated the Blessed2Write Blog. Charge it to my head and not to my heart. It's not that I've not had anything to write about, but very much the opposite. My calendar has kept me so busy lately that I haven't taken the time to break away to journal in my web log. I guess that's both a good thing and a not-so-good one. I often say that in this business (the world of writing) "busy" is a wonderful thing. It means that there is a demand for you and/or your work. The alternative would leave you sitting at home looking at a blank computer screen or twiddling your thumbs, wondering why the telephone isn't ringing. So I thank God for being so snowed under that I haven't had the time to blog.

It's nearing two o'clock in the morning as I share these thoughts, and no doubt, it will be after two by the time I finish this entry. I just finished looking back on some of the photo memories that I have of my participation in the inaugural Dayton Book Expo in Dayton, Ohio, and decided that before I shut down my computer and call it a night, I'd take the time to share my experience.

The Dayton Book Expo took place at Sinclair Community College on Saturday, May 1st. There was wonderful fellowship among the attending authors (saw some faces I hadn't seen in awhile and met others I'd never seen before), very informative panel discussions (I facilitated one about traditional publishing), and great support from the reading community (met some faithful followers of my works). Traffic was constant throughout the six-hour affair, and the Dayton community supported in good numbers in spite of the off-and-on rainfall. And I must say that I received remarkable red carpet service from Charlotte Brown, owner of C's Gifts, who not only served as my onsite bookseller, but also arranged ground transportation for me to get everywhere that I needed to be over the course of the weekend. Though the DBA took place on Saturday, my tour of Ohio went beyond the expo itself.

In addition to the expo, I had a book signing appointment on Friday afternoon at a local library where I shared my writing journey, writing tips, and other information with an intentive group of readers who gathered there to meet and speak with me. I have to give a special thanks to my sister-friends and supporters, Rhonda Bogan (of Mocha Readers) and bestselling author, Vanessa Miller, for coming out to support my appearance at the library. Saturday evening at the Dayton Convention Center during the production of the gospel play, "Don't Drive Mama Away", and then on Sunday afternoon, I was escorted to an area right outside of Cincinnati, Ohio to a local Pappadeaux restaurant where I hosted a signing and enjoyed a great seafood meal along with Charlotte Brown and local playright, Stephanie Hammett. Then just before I had to head back to the Dayton Airport to catch my flight back to Atlanta on Sunday night, I was fortunate enough to have some extra time to stop by a local Dayton church where one of my favorite contemporary gospel groups, Christopher, was performing live in concert. Unfortunately, I couldn't stay long enough to enjoy their music ministry, but I took advantage of the opportunity to hang out with them off-stage for a few minutes before my 7pm flight home. All in all, an excellent trip.
Congratulations to Dayton Book Expo visionary, Valerie Coleman, for a job well done. With a first year as well-organized as DBA's was, I predict that it will be even more enjoyable next year. For those who are interested, save the date (April 30, 2011). Visit the Dayton Book Expo website reguarly for more information and updates.

My First Nonfiction Is Complete

2010-03-31T02:24:00.013-04:00

It was a challenge to write, but that came as no surprise. I knew it would be, but with the Lord's help, it's finally finished! And believe me when I say that without Him it never would have gotten done. Truly all things are possible when you believe in God. To God be the glory for the things He has done! My first nonfiction/ministerial tool is complete, and what a joy (and a relief) it is to celebrate this accomplishment. The writing of I Shall Not Die serves as the final piece of a very big puzzle in my life. I won't go into that fullness of that in this blog post. . .you'll have to read the book (smile).

My most sincere prayer is that when this book is officially released in October, it will be a powerful source of encouragement to those who read it. I want this book, more than any book I've ever written, to get into the hands of those who need its message most and be a life-changing experience to the readers. Throughout my career as a writer, I've been asked many times during television, radio, magazine, and blog interviews which of my books is my personal favorite. My answer has always been that there is no answer for that. I just didn't see how I could love one more than the others. "That's like asking a mother which of her children are her favorite," I'd often reply. But I have an answer to that question now. By far, I Shall Not Die is my favorite among my titles. It's not necessarily better written than any of my other books, but because of the content, and because it's a personal testimony, it is dearer to my heart.

For any who saw the original cover (see photo below right) that was designed for this book, you will notice that it has been upgraded just a bit (see photo top left). I polled a few family members and asked them which cover they liked better and the revised design won by an overwhelming majority. A special thanks to Alex Johnson, III of AJ3 Photography for the picture of me that is on the new cover and for the cover design itself. Additionally, I'd like to send a special thanks to Lisa Zachery of Papered Wonders for designing the new logo for the I Shall Not Die motivational ministry. And for everyone who has gone through the website to pre-order your copy, thereby making you a VIsion Partner (VIP) with this ministry, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. As I head down the home stretch toward the finished line of getting this book in print, I thank God for you because I know that your support has made the process a little easier for me.

Stay tuned. . .

The Official Release of "Fifteen Years"

2010-02-26T13:51:00.025-05:00

It seems that my life's meter has been locked on the setting of "whirlwind" since the beginning of the year, but even more so since the beginning of this month, when my fifteenth novel released on February 1st through Moody Publisher's Lift Every Voice imprint. Fifteenth novel. Wow. The realization of it sometimes even makes me have to catch my breath. I'm just so thankful to God that He equipped me for such a time as this. This writing ministry to which He assigned me in 2002 has been quite a journey. It hasn't always been easy. The road has been winding and bumpy at times. Every day of it hasn't brought me happiness, but there's not been a single day that hasn't brought me joy. I love what I do, and each novel reminds me of why I do it.

When many people hear that the title of my most recent novel is Fifteen Years, they assume that it was titled to match its placement in the lineup of my career. Totally not the case. The irony is definitely a God-thing. When I initially turned the completed manuscript in to my editor, the title was something completely different and unrelated. I still recall the day when she called me and told me that the publishing house loved the story itself, but wanted to change the title of it. She kept saying, "It's not that we don't like the title you have, but we feel led to change it." It was a first for me. In all the books I've previously written, never had the publishers of them wanted to change the title. I was told that the title they wanted to give it was Fifteen Years, and as much as I liked my original title for this novel, I had to admit that theirs was a better fit. I immediately loved and embraced it, and it wasn't until several weeks later that I realized it would also be my fifteenth published project. It wasn't in my plan nor the plan of the publisher, but I'm convinced that it was in God's, and I thank Him.

Though the book released nationwide on February 1st, the official release observance of Fifteen Years didn't take place until Saturday, February 20th, and what a celebration it was! It was a beautiful day that came with bright sunshine, perfect temperatures, and about 100 supporters (including friends, family, and fans) that filed into the fellowship hall of Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in Atlanta, GA at 2:00 in the afternoon to help me commemorate this milestone with an event so enjoyable that it made the three-hour celebration seem far shorter. The event was spearheaded jointly by the members of Something More Book Club and Book Talk Book Club, and hosted by on-air radio personality, Rhodell Lewis (aka 'Rhodell in the ATL') from Atlanta's Inspiration Station, Praise 102.5.

Along with wonderful fellowship, a treasure chest of door prizes, and a delicious catered lunch (prepared by Marquitta Rogers, president of Something More Book Club), the agenda was packed with live entertainment provided by Agape Award winning mime minister, The Master's Mime; Emmy Award winning poet, Hank Stewart; Stellar Award winning vocalist, Lowell Pye (from Men of Standard); comedy team, Willie Brown & Woody (from BET Comic View and HBO's Def Comedy Jam), and gospel/jazz saxophonist, Antonio Allen (of Five Men on a Stool). Talk about first-class entertainment! We sang, we worshipped, we laughed until we cried....and shhhhh....don't tell anybody, but there may have even been a bit of swooning and cat-calling going on in the mix (but I won't call any names). :-)

It was an afternoon to remember. Speaking personally, I know I won't soon forget it; especially since I have a ton of photos for my memory book that were captured by Alex Johnson III of AJ3 Photography, and a video diary of the entire event, filmed by Lloyd Caldway of Anointed Photography & Video. I know that I will be admiring photos and reviewing footage for many days to come. And I would like to publicly thank my wonderful family, my beautiful sorors (the Delta Chapter of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc.), the awesome entertainers, and all of the fabulous book clubs, avid readers, business associates, friends, and supporters who came and were present for the celebration. Thank you for sharing your amazing talents, your warm smiles, your kind words, and of course, I thank you for maximizing your show of support by purchasing copies of my novel.

To view a few of the photos that were captured at the event, please click on the link that is provided at the close of this blog entry. To get your own copy of Fifteen Years, visit any local bookstore or online bookstore. To read a synopsis of this story, visit my website by clicking HERE, and then clicking on the "Books" tab in the website menu. While browsing the site, stop by and sign my guest book. I'm always excited to hear from readers and supporters, and signing the guest book will automatically get you added to my newsletter which will keep you abreast of all of the important goings on in my career; including upcoming releases.

View photos by clicking HERE. For easier viewing, choose the "View Album" link at the bottom of the web page, and then click the "Play Slideshow" link at the top of the next page.

Blog Contest Winner

2010-02-05T11:38:00.006-05:00

Congratulations to Nicole Williams - winner of our blog contest! She answered the question correctly regarding the significance of the title Crossing Jhordan's River to the story itself.

In her email response, Nicole said:

The significance of the title"Crossing Jhordan's River" to the novel is that, Jhordan was unable to congueror his fear of trusting women, this was the major problem (river) in his life and marriage. So , in order for Jhordan to save his marriage he had to overcome his fears (cross the river) and reclaim his marriage and life.

Thank you for your participation, Nicole....and thank you to all others who responded. As the winning submission, Nicole will receive a FREE autographed copy of my hot-off-the-press title, Fifteen Years!

Here's Your Chance To Win A Free Book!

2010-02-03T01:43:00.005-05:00

My latest novel, Fifteen Years, officially released on February 1, 2010, and I have partnered with Review magazine (click on the magazine's name to read my latest online interview) to give a free copy to one blog reader as a way to kick off the book's debut. To qualify for the free book, all you have to do is carefully read the information below....

In 2005, I released a book entitled Crossing Jhordan's River, which reached the #1 slot on Essence magazine's bestsellers list. I hope you were one of those who read it! It would help you to have a better chance of winning this contest. :-)

In order to have your name placed on the qualifying list to receive a free copy of Fifteen Years, you must do two things. First, if you are not already an official follower of the Blessed2Write Blog, you must click on the appropriate link to become one. And second, you will need to send an email directly to me at blessed_2_write@yahoo.com and tell me the significance of the title, Crossing Jhordan's River. In other words, how did the title of that book relate to the story?

The names of all those who answer correctly will be place in the qualifying bowl, and one blessed participant will receive a free personally autographed, hot-off-the-press copy of Fifteen Years! The clock is ticking. This contest is ONE DAY ONLY! I will announce the winner on tomorrow (Wednesday) night. Will it be you?

Make That A Triple!

2010-01-18T02:53:00.011-05:00

Happy New Year to all of those who take the time to read the Blessed 2 Write Blog. I hope this year has gotten off to a great start for you. I believe that 2010 is a year of great things. During the Watch Night Service at my church here in Atlanta, Bishop Johnathan and Co-Pastor Toni Alvarado tag teamed together and preached a message titled "Continuing With The Lord." That's my aim, and I hope you'll make it yours too. I believe that by doing so, God will allow us to reap great rewards. Amen? Okay....that's the end of my mini-sermon. Now on to the blog! :-)

I'd announced on a few online forums a couple of weeks ago, that God had handed me a double blessing in the month of January. Well, make that a triple! The year 2010 has met me with three wonderful honors thus far....To God Be The Glory!
First, I was one of the recipients of the "Best Series Books of the Decade" award, which is an honor that was given to twenty African American authors by Ella Curry and EDC Creations. The award recognizes authors who the judging committee viewed as those who rendered the most outstanding series books between the years 2000-2009. This honor is particularly humbling for me because the judges didn't just focus on Christian fiction books. They looked at all of the books of every fiction genre that was released from every African American author over the past ten years and named those that they felt had written the best series. And my books in the Shelton Heights Series (In Greene Pastures, Battle of Jericho, and The Lyons Den) made the list!
My second honor was to be chosen to grace the cover of the new "The Grove" online literary magazine. The magazine's creator, Brian W. Smith, approached me several weeks ago and asked if I would consider being one of the authors that he would feature in his inaugural issue. The edition released a couple at the beginning of the year. In it are insightful interviews that were conducted with me and the other cover authors: Mary "Honey B" Morrison, Kimberla Lawson Roby, and T-Styles. To read the online magazine, click HERE. This particular complimentary edition will be available online for viewing through the end of January 2010. If you'd like to have access to future issues, subscriptions are available on the website as well. To read the magazine, click on the upper right corner of each page to make them turn. Technology is amazing, isn't it? :-)
The third honor I received was that for the first time, one of my novels was chosen as a "Featured Pick" by Black Expressions Book Club. Several of my novels have been made available in the hardcopy format through Black Expressions, and many of them have been chosen as "alternate picks," but my new January release, The Morning After (with co-author, Hank Stewart) is the first to be chosen a "featured pick." This may seem like a small thing to some, but for me, it was a prayer answered, and I consider it a blessing and an honor. If you are a member of Black Expressions Book Club, please consider accepting the automatic shipment of this book and add it to your library. The Morning After is the long-awaited sequel to Three Fifty-Seven A.M., and is the final installment in what has been dubbed the "God's Timing Series." Pick up a copy wherever books are sold. I'm certain that you will enjoy reading this dramatic and inspiring story.
I'm grateful for the early blessings that I have enjoyed in the year 2010, and as I thank God for those, I also thank Him in advance for those that I pray are to come.

I Believe I'll Run On...And Walk On...And Write On

2009-12-29T01:06:00.009-05:00

I'm not one of those fortunate people who can eat all they want and never have to exercise or worry about weight gain. Those people, quite frankly, make me sick. I'm kidding (but not really). I'm also not one of those "either/or" people who can get by with either eating right or exercising. As a health advocate, I have done extensive reading and research to self-educate myself on which foods will render a healthy dose of good nourishment without packing on the pounds. And in the six years that I spent as a certified group fitness instructor, teaching aerobics classes at various local gyms across metropolitan Atlanta, I was well-versed in what to do in order to build a healthy heart and fit body. But what I have found is that if I eat right and don't exercise regularly...or exercise and don't eat properly, I fail in my efforts to keep fit. If I want to maintain a healthy weight, I have to do both. I know that to be true because in the last four months, I've maintained a relatively healthy diet, but due to my heavy workload, I didn't make the time to exercise like I should have. As a result, I've gained six pounds. Ughhhh...those evil little scale crushers!
Monday morning, for the first time since the end of August, I got out of bed, and after spending time in prayer and meditiation, I hit the gym. The one hour session that had become second nature for me months ago was tedious to get through today. I had to pep talk my way through those miles that I walked the threadmill on an uphill incline. And when I erased the incline so that I could throw in a few high speed sprints on level grounding, I found myself switching from pep talking to downright praying. By the time I made it to the weight bench and began churning out chest presses, bicep curls, and tricep dips, I was ready to start speaking in tongues. And those crunches... Man! What a difference (and not in a good way) that four-month hiatus from the gym made. I have truly learned my lesson. Getting back on the exercise wagon wasn't easy, but I've done it. The hardest part - that first day - is behind me, and I'm back on track now, and the strides of day one already have me pumped up to take on day two.
The point I'm trying to make (I took the long route to make this point because the long route burns more calories) is that if you want to do anything well, and if you desire for it to become less of a chore, you've got to do it regularly. A few more daily visits to the gym, and my workouts will become second nature once again. That's just the way it is. The more you do a thing, the more natural it becomes. It may not be easy, and it may call for a little schedule shifting and a little sacrifice, but once you get accustomed to doing it routinely, it becomes a normal part of your daily schedule. And that includes PROCRASTINATING. That's right. The more you put things off, the easier it becomes to put things off. Like my exercising. Notice I said because of my workload, I didn't make the time to exercise. It wasn't that I couldn't exercise, I just didn't make it a priority.
Anyone who has taken any of my Writer's Cocoon Workshops have heard me say it. Writer's write. Anybody can talk about writing a book, but only a writer actually writes one. Talk is cheap....and useless without following it up with action. I'm a firm believer that anything you want to accomplish, you'll do what you have to do to accomplish it. You may have a full day of activities on your schedule. Work....family....laundry....cooking....cleaning....eating....most of us share those duties. They are not viable excuses. If you want to get that book written, you have to make the time to do it. Plain and simple. Donate thirty of those minutes that you spend sitting in front of the television. Sacrifice fifteen minutes of sleep time. Better yet, give your writing at least one of those four hours you spend on Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter telling everybody in cyberspace your business. Use that time to hit the literary gym. Exercise your creative writing skills. Put that energy into lifting a pen and pad or burning calories by allowing your fingers to dance across a computer keyboard as you type out that manuscript. Lose the fat of procrastination and build the muscle of achievement! It will be a challenge at first, but mark my words...the more you do it, the easier it will be come.
There is an old church song that says, "I believe I'll run on and see what the end is gonna be..." The only way we will ever see our literary goals achieved is by daring to get in the uncomfortable position of taking the first step. Once we've done that, the hardest part is over. The finish line is within reach....

Run on...walk on...write on!

Happy Birthday To Me

2009-12-19T00:07:00.024-05:00

Life is so beautiful. It's not always easy. It's not always what we expect. There are times when we struggle, times when we are sick, times that we are mistreated, times when life throws us curve balls, times when we grieve devastating losses, and even times when we think it can't get any worse. But regardless of its challenges and pitfalls, life is still beautiful, and I'd prefer it over the alternative anyday.
On December 17th, I celebrated my 43rd birthday....to God be the glory! Yes, I know that each year that passes is a reminder of the aging process, and maybe I'm crazy....but with each passing year, I feel younger and more zestful than ever. It's not because I'm rolling in dough or living in the lap of luxury. I'm far from it. In fact, financially, the year 2009 has been the most difficult that I've ever endured as an adult. But on Thursday, my 43rd birthday, I still felt like celebrating all day long.
In fact, the festivities began the night before. One of my best girlfriends treated me to an Atlanta Hawks game. It had been several years since I'd gone to one, and I'm not really a sports fan, but I had a blast just hanging out with my sisterfriend and cheering for the home team. Final score...Atlanta Hawks 110, Memphis Grizzlies 97. On Thursday morning, I got up thanking God for another inhale and exhale; another chance to celebrate life and for the mudslide of blessings that He has given me over the past 43 years. After my morning devotion and getting dressed, I stood by the staircase of my home and called for my older daughter, who is home from college for Christmas break, and asked her to take photos of me so that I could capture year 43 the same why I had done 40, 41, and 42. I don't know...but ever since turning 40, life has had new meaning; a new spice has added that has given it new flavor. I placed the first photo I took as the first one in this post and the last one as the last photo on this post. After my amateur photo shoot, my daughter and I jumped in the car and drove to Radio Shack where I blessed myself with an upgrade from the Sony Ericsson that I'd had for the past two or three years. While so many have now moved up to the iPhone, I'm just reaching BlackBerry status. I chose the BlackBerry Curve 8900 and have spent hours both hating and enjoying the process of learning how to use it (I think I've finally gotten the hang of it though).
When my younger daughter arrived home from high school, we were making plans for my birthday dinner. It's an annual event for me. Every birthday, my one wish is that my family and I all go out and eat together. But like I said...sometimes life throws curve balls. En route from work, my husband got stuck in a major traffic jam behind a five-car accident that had all lanes of the highway closed. Time ticked away as he sat frustrated on the interstate. Finally he called and said for the girls and me to go out, promising that we'd do something as a family later. Our plans were forced to change, but the dinner was still a treat. I thoroughly enjoyed what had become a girls' night out as my daughters and I dined at Chilli's, one of my favorite eaterys. After feasting on a basket of chips and salsa, I chose shrimp and fries as my celebratory meal. Simple but delicious. The waiter gave me a free dessert (chocolate cake and ice cream) to mark the occasion (thank goodness I didn't have to endure the embarrassment of a stream of servers standing over me clapping and singing off-key). I broke every one of my eating rules when I ate that dessert, but oh well... :-)

December 17th was a day filled with cards, gifts, food, photos.....and writing. Oh come on...you knew I had to get some writing done, right? What's a birthday without writing (LOL). I received tons of thoughtful well-wishes on my Facebook, MySpace, and Tagged networks......some from people I know and others I don't, but I was grateful for each and every one. I am extremely appreciative for all the gifts, both virtual and actual that I received, but as with most people, I have a personal favorite among them. What was my favorite gift to mark my 43rd birthday? A serenade. I received a special rendition of "Happy Birthday" by way of a phone call from my all-time favorite gospel singer....a six-time Grammy nominated, 3-time Stellar Award winning legend. If you really know me, you know who that is. If you don't know who it is, I'll just leave you guessing (smile).

Happy Birthday to me.....

Introducing SECRETS AND LIES by Rhonda McKnight

2009-11-30T00:06:00.015-05:00

About the Book:

Faith Morgan is struggling with her faith. Years of neglect leave her doubting that God will ever fix her marriage. When a coworker accuses her husband, Jonah, of the unthinkable, Faith begins to wonder if she really knows him at all, and if it’s truly in God’s will for them to stay married.

Pediatric cardiologist Jonah Morgan is obsessed with one thing: his work. A childhood incident cemented his desire to heal children at any cost, even his family, but now he finds himself at a crossroads in his life. Will he continue to allow the past to haunt him, or find healing and peace in a God he shut out long ago?

About the Author:

Rhonda McKnight owns Legacy Editing, a free-lance editing service for fiction writers and Urban Christian Fiction Today, a popular Internet site that highlights African-American Christian fiction. She’s also the vice president of the Faith Based Fiction Writers of Atlanta. Originally from a small coastal town in New Jersey, she’s called Atlanta, Georgia home for almost twelve years.

Rhonda, tell us how you came up with the idea for this story? I woke up one morning and these people were talking in my head, or rather arguing. (LOL). I thought this could be interesting, turned on the creativity, and came up with the “issues” in their marriage. I also did a lot of research about heart disease. Jonah is a pediatric cardiologist and that’s central to the story. I knew absolutely nothing about heart disease before I wrote this novel.

Who is your ideal reader? I think most people will think my ideal reader is women who are married. While I think the book will definitely appeal to married women, I’d love for single women who are thinking about marriage or waiting on Mr. Right to read the book. There is a valuable lesson for single women in the story. Faith chose to overlook a very important issue prior to her marriage to Jonah. This issue becomes a huge source of pain for her. Ten years later her ideal black man has her pulling her hair out.
Name something about the book that will appeal to readers? I think readers will find it appealing, because more than half of it is written from Jonah’s point of view. My informal research amongst readers has taught me that women readers love stories that are written from a man’s perspective. Like most men, Jonah is complex. He’s a love to hate kind of guy. People will love him because he’s dedicated his life to physically healing children, but he’s emotionally and spiritually sick himself. What a burden for Faith. Faith’s pain will have some folks shaking their heads at Jonah.
When’s your next book being released? My second novel, An Inconvenient Friend comes out August 1, 2010. I have a nasty little character in Secrets and Lies who gets her own story, and what a story it is. She’s up to no good. Can she be redeemed?How can readers find out more about you? Readers may contact me at my website at http://www.rhondamcknight.net/. I love for people to sign my guestbook and share their thoughts about the story. I’m also a complete Facebook addict. You’ll definitely find me there more than you should at www.facebook.com/rhondamcknight.

Click HERE to order Secrets And Lies now!

Thankful, In Spite Of...

2009-11-26T18:32:00.010-05:00

The year 2009 has been a challenging one. Not for a modest few, but for many. Rare to find are those who have not been affected in some direct way by the recession that has plagued our country. The U.S.'s economic problems didn't just start this year, but they certainly worsened. Decrease in healthcare benefits, mounting job losses, shifting gas prices, record company closures, increased theft reports...all of it is largely due to the economy, and all of it has touched each of us in one way or the other.
In times like these, when we cannot necessarily cite a long list of materialistic things for which to be grateful, we sometimes find ourselves waddling in self-pity. Then instead of counting the blessings that we do have, we gripe about those things that we don't have. But as I now sit in my home office, taking a break from an editing assignment as this great holiday winds down, I am full of thanksgiving. This year has been trying for me, and the challenges have been great. But the same God that had been good in the time of plenty has remained good in the lean time. Yes, there were days when finances fell short and days when there was more month than money. But on this Thanksgiving Day, I have been determined to be thankful in spite of.

All that I want may not be visible before my eyes, but I have been provided with all that I need. No, my bank account does not qualify me to rank among the wealthiest authors in the industry, but as Proverbs 10:22 says, The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it. Therefore I am richer than so many whose bank accounts are running over. I have an abundance of faith - For what does it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? (Mark 8:28); an understanding of God's Word - With all thy getting, get an understanding (Prov. 4:7), and a respected name in the literary industry where I've been placed to serve in ministry - A GOOD name is rather to be chosen than great riches (Prov. 22:1). Those things that money cannot buy are perhaps the things for which we should be most grateful. They are certainly the things that I am most thankful for this year.
I had a conversation with a long time friend and supporter on last week who had just suffered a stroke that left him paralyzed on one side and unable to walk on his own accord. When he revealed his current situation to me, my heart immediately saddened, and I prayed inwardly for something to say to him that would give him hope. But it only took a few seconds for me to realize that my hospitalized friend didn't need my sympathy, and he had enough hope to spare. Before I could form a word, he continued to tell me how grateful he was. "It could have been worse," he said, and then he went on to give God thanks and praise for what was versus what could have been. Instead of me building his faith, he built mine. When I ended the call with him, I began to thank God too. I thanked Him for sparing my friend's life and for giving him back the full use of his extremities (I claimed that one by faith).
When we learn to thank God in spite of, I believe that it is then that we are blessed to see the overflow that He has stored up for us. If we can't be grateful for what we have, how can God trust us with the abundance that He has on standby? So for the few hours that are left in this Thanksgiving Day, I will continue to give God the praise; not only for what I have today, but for those things that I know that He will bless me with on tomorrow...and the next day...and the next day....and the next day...

What things are you thankful for? In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you (I Thessalonians 5:18).

The "I Shall Not Die Blog"

2009-10-18T23:55:00.006-04:00

Hello to all of my Blessed2Write Blog followers. Thank you for your ongoing support and most recently, for all of the feedback that you have given regarding my pending I Shall Not Die project. I would like to ask each of you to consider becoming "followers" of the new I Shall Not Die Blog.

This online journal was created as another means to keep me on task with completing this challenging project. Following it will keep you abreast of the progression of the forthcoming book and the accompanying motivational ministry. I know that sharing the journey with you and reading your feedback will be a great encouragement to me. There is also now an I Shall Not Die official website. While there, please consider pre-ordering the book and becoming a vision partner for this God-ordered project.
Thanks and God bless. I look forward to sharing this experience with you.

My First Nonfiction - Stay Tuned...

2009-10-05T01:45:00.015-04:00

Today is Monday, October 5, 2009, and I'm going to try as much as possible to abbreviate this blog entry. There is so much to be said. This date marks the fourteen-year anniversary of the death of my beloved first husband. I've rarely put anything in writing about the life and legacy of Jimmy Lee Holmes. He was an outgoing, fun-loving, God-fearing man who was loved and respected by most. In addition to being a devoted husband, father, and friend, he was a highly gifted singer and preacher and served in the capacity of choir director, youth pastor, and ultimately as senior pastor. Until now, nearly all of my written referencing of him has been in the brief accolades that I've dedicated to him on the acknowledgements pages of each of my fictional novels. For most, this is the first time a visual image of him has been seen (see photo). So why, after so many years, have I now decided to write about him? The truth of the matter is that it wasn't necessarily my decision to make. God has said that now is the time, and I am finally adhering to His will.
On this day, I am actively embarking upon the challenge of writing my first nonfiction. Doing this wasn't an overnight decision. It's been a very long time coming. Even before Jimmy's death back in 1995, I had begun writing somewhat of a documentary that was based upon his life. I never had any intention to publish those notations, I was just recording them (with his input) as a way to have a written legacy for our daughters to read and keep close at heart. Something that would insure that no matter how many years passed, they would never forget their doting daddy. Unfortunately, Jimmy passed away before we could finish the project, and my zeal to write it died right along with him. In 1999 (I'd remarried by this time), my current husband bought me a new computer, and I sat down and began writing again. I remember opening a new document and the first words I typed were "I Shall Not Die" which was the title of the last sermon that Jimmy preached. Those words began a painful purging process that ended 125 pages later. I'm sure that I cried more during the weeks that it took me to write out those thoughts than in all the years of my life combined. Once again, those where private writings that I never intended to publish, and when I placed the period on the last sentence of those pages, I thought that all had been said and done.
Little did I know that God wasn't through. A private journal couldn't bless anyone but me, and God wanted to use Jimmy's life to touch the masses. It was a year later, the year that would mark the fifth anniversary of Jimmy's death, that the Lord began nudging me to pick up a pen and begin the process again. By that time, I'd begun writing Christian fiction manuscripts which were beginning to form a small pile behind my bed. There were still no publishing endeavors. I was writing for the therapeutic value only; I found that writing fiction stories was relaxing and liberating. Writing them brought me joy, unlike the experience of writing the "I Shall Not Die" memoirs. When I continued to feel the divine nudging to write a fiction piece based on Jimmy's life, I procrastinated. In this case, that's a nice way of saying that I refused. To a degree, I tuned out God's voice. I told Him that I would begin to write it before the end of that year, but I can't honestly say that I ever had any intention of following through with it. Thank God for His longsuffering and forgiveness.
From that point on, the call to write an "I Shall Not Die" project for publishing purposes never ceased. After reneging to obey within the fifth year, I began saying that I'd wait until the tenth year. By then, I reasoned, I'd be in a better position both mentally and spiritually to write Jimmy's and my full story; to go back and reopen the painful wounds of losing someone so dear so that I could expand upon the 125 pages that had been written in 1999. I'm sure I don't have to tell you that the ten year anniversary (2005) rolled in and out without me even so much as writing one word of the book that had been ordered by God years earlier. I have been abundantly blessed that even in my procrastination/disobedience, God has shown much favor to the Christian fiction novels that I have written and began publishing in 2002. But now I can't help but wonder where my career might be today had I been obedient from the start. Hmmmm....
At any rate, let's fast forward to the year 2009. This year, God made it clear that my five-year increments of procrastination were over. The well of His grace was running dry. October 5, 2010 will mark fifteen years since Jimmy's death, and the Lord said that October 2009 was the time to start writing, and October 2010 was the month of release. His unmistakable order began manifesting itself early in the year. I didn't realize at the time that it was His doing, but God allowed me to be hurt by people that I'd done nothing but helped. It was His way of revealing to me who my true friends and supporters were because only those who were true to the core needed to be in my circle once this journey began taking wings. Seeds of what was inevitably to come began being planted in me this year by people who had no prior knowledge of my past life with Jimmy or the charge to write this book that was initially given in the year 2000. The insight they had could have only come from God. The most prominent eye-opener for me was made during my April 2009 visit to Hamden, Connecticut where I had gone to meet with Genesis Book Club to celebrate the release of The Lyons Den. The day after the book release event, I visited Love Center Deliverance Ministries, and the co-pastor, Dr. Kim Carmichael was speaking. As she began praying for and prophesying to the people, she suddenly turned to me and told me that eyes had not yet seen nor had ears heard what the Lord was going to do in my writing ministry. At the closing of her prophesy, she said, "There's a book inside of you that you haven't written yet. God says that you know what that book is, and He says when you write it, you're going to see Him bless you on an international level. You will become a household name." My tears overflowed because I immediately knew that the book she was referencing was I Shall Not Die. In emotional contrast, I had to laugh recently when I went back home to speak at my father's church, and as he held a copy of one of my other novels in his hand, he turned to me and asked, "When am I going to see a picture of you on the front of one of your books? I keep seeing a picture of you on the front cover." I knew immediately that the book he was "seeing" was I Shall Not Die.
So the time is indeed now. As soon as I gave up the losing battle and told God yes, doors began to open (for speaking engagements) that will serve as preludes to the platform of my newly expanded empowerment ministry. Additionally, when I moved out of the way and allowed God to have His way, I found out that this process wasn't going to be the painful punishment that I'd been needlessly running away from. If I had just allowed God to finish speaking to me all those years ago instead of basically tuning Him out, I would have known that the manner in which He was directing me to write this ministerial tool would not bring on the intense pain that my fallible mind had concluded that it would. Writing it will not bring grief to me, neither will reading it bring grief to others. Instead, it will offer hope and equip God's people for such a time as this. I Shall Not Die is going to allow me to encourage people to live, and now, for the first time in fourteen years, the zeal to write it has returned.
My first nonfiction entitled, I Shall Not Die: Living A Psalm 118:17 Existence will make its debut in October of 2010. I have never been so excited about the writing of or the pending release of a book as I am this one. Stay tuned!

Cruisin' For Christ III: From Glory to Glory

2009-09-26T16:54:00.028-04:00

September 5-12, 2009 marked the dates of the third launching of Cruisin' For Christ, and my, what a magnificent experience it was! Not only did this year's mission bring our largest attendance ever, but it was also the most extraordinary mission to date. Registered guests from all over the United States, and even some from as far as Canada, boarded the Carnival Glory in Orlando, Florida, and were blessed by the full week of events that our agenda entailed. Each year, the planning and organizing of Cruisin' For Christ is a difficult task, but this year, the challenge was greater than ever before. Over the years, scripture lessons have taught me that "the greater the battle, the greater the blessing," and it held true to this year's cruise. I knew that there was a great reward awaiting all of us once we crossed the threshold and boarded the ship. And indeed there was! From the initial gathering on the evening of our first day at sea, God's presence was there in the midst, and it all just got better with each passing day.

This year, we visited ports in Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico, as well as Belize City, Belize and Nassau, Bahamas. There was fellowship on the ship and fun in the sun that registrants won't soon forget. As always, Cruisin' For Christ highlighted some respected names in the gospel industry. Featured guests this year included Stellar Award winner, Jonathan Nelson (of Jonathan Nelson & Purpose) and Stellar and Dove Award winner, Melvin Williams (of the legendary group, The Williams Brothers). Other featured artists were the beautiful LaShell Griffin (Oprah's Pop Star Challenge winner), Stellar Award nominated artist, Marcus Cole (formerly of Commissioned),the incomparable K&K Mime (founders of gospel mime), and multi-talented funny man, Roderick Allison aka ("Rod of God"). Cruisin' For Christ III also spotlighted the varied ministries of acclaimed saxophonist, Antonio Allen, actor, Brian Hurst (of Tyler Perry's "Madea Goes To Jail"), and comedians, DL Henry and Hen Sapp (brother of Marvin Sapp). Co-Hosts for this year's mission were comedian, James Ford (aka "The Storyteller") and Atlanta's popular Praise 102.5 radio host, Rhodell Lewis (aka "Rhodell in the ATL). Aside from myse lf, other featured authors were Kim Brooks, Maurice Gray, Jackie Moore, A drian Bellamy, and Coylette James.

Not only were cruise goers blessed to enjoy some show-stopping, boat-rocking, high-praising concerts, but Cruisin' For Christ offered a wealth of valuable information by way of educational workshops that highlighted an array of important topics from worship mentorship to HIV/AIDS awareness to how to manage stress in kingdom careers. The spiritual and women's empowerment seminars were highly applauded, and attendees raved about the sessions set aside specifically for single Christians and married couples. In addition, there were enlightening panel discussions where topics of ministering through Christian writing (fiction and nonfiction), Christian music (gospel and inspirational), and Christian entertainment (acting, comedy, and mime) were expounded upon through lively moderated Q&A sessions between our featured guests and our onboard registrants.
Our time of worship during Sunday morning service was spiritually rejuvenating, and the night that was set aside to honor the founder - that would be me :-) - was beyond special as several of the artists performed and the attendees packed out the space, dressed in their best formal wear. Though organized and structured, the agenda for Cruisin' For Christ III was also a boatload (pun intended) of fun. Edw ard Watson (aka DJ E. Double U) of the renowned Go Ye DJs was a mix master extraordinaire as he played the hot music mixes that kept us clapping, singing, and dancing during CFC's onboard signature Praise Party and the Old School Jam. And the sightseeing was a beautiful experience during our times on each island that we visited throughout the week. Oh, what a time!

When God gave me the vision for Cruisin' For Christ back in 2006, I never saw it becoming the celebrated ministry that it has grown to be. But as phenomenal as these past three missions have been, I know that the best is yet to come. Each time we embark on another CFC venture, the Lord lifts us to a higher wave (pun intended again) of ministry and a deeper level of fellowship. Even through the challenges and trials that come with handling a mammoth undertaking such as this one, God is faithful. He and He alone gets the glory for giving us yet another highly successful conference. But I know that it would not have been what it was without all of the gifted artists and the registrants who traveled along. So a big CFC "Thank you" goes to each of them.

Wish you had been there? Don't waddle in regret, just join us the next time. We're doing it again, and once more, we will be joined by some of gospel music's finest; along with bestselling authors, celebrated comedians, gifted musicians, and other Christian industry professionals. Our fourth launching will take place in 2011 which gives all who are interested plenty of time to make preparations. Check our website often as the dates for Cruisin' For Christ IV and an affordable payment installment schedule will soon be posted. You may also refer to the website to see more photos of the 2009 mission (special thanks to APV Images, our official onboard photographer) and to read the feedback that has been posted from many of this year's attendees.

Mark my words...we're taking it to heaven in 2011....Don't miss the boat!

The Thrill Is NOT Gone

2009-06-26T23:16:00.013-04:00

Very shortly after the death of Michael Jackson was announced and confirmed on Thursday (June 25, 2009), I became very aware of one significant thing. And that is that I am one of only about eight people in the entire world who was never a fan of this music giant.

Don't get me wrong. I've never denied his worth, his genius, his status, or his talent. I've always been awed by the way Michael could move; especially as he matured in years. Even as a man in his forties, he seemed to have the energy level of entertainers half his age. So my lack of "fanhood" (if there is such a word) had nothing to do with Michael's gift. It probably had more to do with my upbringing than anything else.

As the daughter of two preachers who was raised in a home where only gospel music was allowed (unless you count the jingles that were heard on television commercials), I was never introduced to Michael in his early career. I never had a Jackson Five album or a Michael Jackson poster like most girls in my generation probably did. Even as I grew into adulthood and moved out on my own, I was never drawn to his music. To me, he was just another young, gifted, African American artist who had been blessed to make it big in the music industry.

Shame on me? No...not as far as I'm concerned. I was never drawn to what was labeled as "pop music." When I began venturing out and listening to secular music, I was far more drawn to jazz and to those men of music who were known for being romantic balladeers in the R&B arena. Everybody has the right to choose their favorite music and favorite artists, right? Last I checked, we still lived in America where we have the freedom to choose. To this day, the only album of Michael's that I own is "Thriller," and I forgot I owned that one until my husband reminded me just today. But with all of that being said, it still doesn't mean that I don't respect the larger-than-life image that Michael earned in his years as an artist. I do. I think he was one of the greatest entertainers to ever walk out on a stage. No one could light up a stage like he could. Let's face it: Michael Jackson was absolutely phenomenal! No one could command the attention that he could. With a single swing of his hip, or with one release of that famed high-pitched "Heee-Heee" of his, he could send a crowd into a frenzy. Grown men would be screaming like little girls. Grown women would be crying like babies. The Gheri Curl, the white glove, the high water pants, the leather jackets, the signature sunglasses....whew! It all would have looked crazy on the average brotha, but Michael pulled it off beautifully. Not to mention the Moonwalk! How'd he even think of creating that move? It was genius...pure genius. There was never another one before him, and there won't be one after him.

Though I haven't been a loyal follower of his music over the decades, one thing I have respected about him for years is his gift for writing. Michael knew how to write a song that told a story. Sometimes it was his story, and other times it may have been somebody else's story. But there always seemed to be a story behind his music, and as a writer, I definitely take my hat off to him for that. I find that the lyrics to many of the songs that top the music charts today are saying absolutely nothing. But when Michael Jackson sang, if you looked beyond the show-stopping dance steps and listened to the words, you would hear a story.

So for that, I wanted to take the time to salute the life and legacy of not just one of the greatest music geniuses of our time, but to salute the life and legacy of one of the greatest writers to have ever picked up a pen. The THRILLER himself may be gone, but the THRILL will continue to live on.

Yes, Virginia...There is an Opelika

2009-06-10T18:28:00.011-04:00

Last weekend, I traveled to a city just outside of Auburn, Alabama called Opelika. I'd heard of it before, but to my knowledge, I'd never been there.

Some weeks ago, I was contacted by Marion Sankey, president of G.O.S.S.I.P. (Gathering Of Spiritual Sisters In Peace) Book Club (see top left photo), and my presence was requested for their June meeting. During my online exchanges with Marion, I introduced her to the writings of my daughter, bestselling teen author, Brittney Holmes, and suggested that they have us both join them.

Marion took the idea back to the book club, and the rest became history. What began as a regularly scheduled book club meeting turned into something more. Much, much more. In addition to the book club members, approximately fifty other members of the Opelika community joined me in a private room of the Hampton Inn Suites to enjoy some tasty finger foods and to discuss One Prayer Away, their pick of the month. And while I was fellowshipping with them, Brittney was in the open dining area of the Hampton, discussing her debut novel, Living Consquences, with nearly twenty of the area's teen and young adult readers. Both Brittney and I had a marvelous time with these groups.

And the fellowship didn't end there. On Sunday morning, we attended worship services at Greater Peace Missionary Baptist Church, pastored by Rev. Clifford E. Jones. The majority of G.O.S.S.I.P.'s members are also members of Greater Peace. We had a wonderful fellowship there and was able to sell a few books at the close of the service. To cap off the weekend, Brittney and I were treated to a delicious meal at Red Lobster before hitting the road to head back to Atlanta.

What a delightful experience! Brittney and I had a blast and we met some lovely people in the process. Everyone who knows me knows that I feel particular blessed when I get the opportunity to make appearances with my daughter. She's become an old pro in the almost three years that she's been a published author. I'm so proud of her.

And G.O.S.S.I.P. Book Club was a gracious host! This book club puts Opelika on the map, for sure. I am already looking forward to returning to meet with them in the near future. They are preparing to read Three Fifty-Seven A.M. in the coming months, and I can hardly wait to hear their feedback on that one!

Victorious Magazine Launch Celebration

2009-05-17T21:11:00.011-04:00

VICTORIOUS Magazine is the cornerstone of our public communication, providing access to articles representing our victorious message! By reaching out directly to each woman and touching on the concerns that are on her heart we are able to encourage her to press on toward her dreams to live victoriously, taking control of her own destiny and achieving her true purpose. Our editorial content is designed to validate the importance of the things that appeal to her on all levels - personally, professionally, spiritually, and mentally - in a way that only women can understand.

Our article categories include Destiny & Purpose, Inspiration & Empowerment, Stewardship, Victorious Living, Victorious Wellness, and Style & Grace. The publication launched its digital version March 30, 2009. The first print issue of VICTORIOUS MAGAZINE will hit the newsstands September 2009, with an initial circulation of 25,000.

Featured Columnist - Danyelle Scroggins

Danyelle Scroggins is the Pastor of New Vessels Ministries and author of Not Until You’re Ready. Learn more about Pastor Danyelle Scroggins by visiting her web site danyellescroggins.com.

The Value Of A Friend
by Pastor Danyelle Scroggins

Have you ever had time to just take inventory of all the friends you have? Have you ever been in a position when you needed a friend, but you just didn’t know who to call for that particular task? Or is it that you are so blessed, you don’t have to plunder on the need when it comes to your friends, all you have to do is call? The Lord showed me something awesome concerning friends and their value in the ninth chapter of Matthew.

Check out the rest of this article at VictoriousMagazine.com.

For the full schedule visit, http://bit.ly/VictoriousMagazineLaunch.

Celebrating "The Lyons Den" Connecticut Style

2009-05-16T01:36:00.005-04:00

I'm still in awe. It's been almost a month since the porverbial icing was placed on the cake for the book club tour that was set in place to celebrate the release of The Lyons Den, yet whenever I think about that Saturday (April 18th), I'm awed all over again. I have only two words for the Connecticut celebration...."Oh, my!"

When I approached Lizz McCrae, president of Genesis Book Club (see photo), with the idea of her group hosting one of three official tour stops, I knew it was going to be a well-planned event. I'd met this awesome group of sisters last year when they sent for me to come and join them for the discussion of some of my previous titles. An instant spiritual bond was formed between us, and I now feel that they (especially Lizz) are not only my fans and supporters, but also my friends. It's a God thing! The women of Genesis are my sisters in the Spirit.

Anyway...back to the book release. As I said, I knew it was going to be well-organized, but I had no idea that it would be what it was. The Connecticut event wasn't just about celebrating books, it was about celebrating Christ. A flood of guests poured into the Christian Union Outreach Ministry's banquet hall to be a part of the festivities. Some came from as far as New York (shout out to Jackie) and New Jersey (shout out to Sharel and her crew)! The program consisted of powerful spoken word, praise dancing, songs rendered by several local talented artists, and live entertainment from the awesome Ace Livingston (and his band). Additionally, there was a solo rendered by a rising gospel artist by the name of Jimmy Wells. The event had already been an emotionally charged one, but when Jimmy took the mic, the Spirit began to move on a whole new level. At that point, it wasn't even really about books anymore, it was about worship. And boy did we worship...and worship...and worship!

I can go on and on about Connecticut, but I must end this blog entry. However, I cannot close without mentioning that the Saturday evening gathering turned into a two-day affair. Since my flight back to Atlanta wasn't until Sunday afternoon, I was invited to attend church services with Lizz and others of the members of Genesis Book Club on Sunday morning. Once again, two words..."Oh, my!" I had quite a wonderful experience during my time of fellowship with Bishop Frankie & Dr. Kim Carmichael at Love Center Deliverance Ministry in Hamden. All I can say is Dr. Kim brought the Word and I (along with everyone else in the building who was receptive to the Word) was truly blessed. By the time church ended, I was so uplifted that it felt like I was flying long before I boarded the plane to head back to Atlanta.

All in all, the weekend was beyond fabulous. Oh, did I forget to mention that I completely sold out of the cases of books that were shipped ahead of my arrival? The support was absolutely incredible, and I thank Lizz, the members of Genesis, Bishop & Dr. Carmichael, and all of the supporters in Connecticut who took part in making the last stop on my book release tour a memorable one.

To view a few of the photos taken, click HERE. For easier viewing, click on the "View Photos" at the bottom of the page and then choose "Play Slideshow" at the top of the next page.

Celebrating "The Lyons Den" Atlanta Style

2009-05-04T00:54:00.011-04:00

The second stop on my "The Lyons Den book release tour" allowed me to avoid interstate or airport traffic. (YAY!) The celebration was held on April 11th and was hosted by the ladies of Imani Book Club (see photo at left).

Supporters gathered at the Auburn Avenue Research Library and joined me for an afternoon of food, fellowship, and some awesome live entertainment. In the way of entertainment, author, Terence B. Lester, ministered through a moving spoken word piece. His talent was followed by Antonio Allen who brought the crowd to its feet when he rendered an inspirational medley from his latest album, "The Air I Breathe." And the final layer of icing was placed on the cake when Emmy Award winning poet, Hank Stewart shared one of his most popular pieces, simply entitled "It." Everybody who came to this event was special to me, but I have to send a special shout out to my husband and daughters, the members of the Delta chapter of Iota Phi Lambda (the baddest sorority in the world), all of the local area authors who attended, Praise 102.5's radio personality, Rhodell Lewis (a.k.a. "Rhodell in the ATL") for stopping in to support, and to the local members of my national aspiring and new writers group, The Writer's Cocoon Focus Group.

It was no surprise to me that Imani Book Club did an outstanding job of organizing the Atlanta affair. This book club is one of the longest standing ones that I've ever fellowshipped with, and after more than fifteen years, they are still going strong and being a major support system to authors everywhere. And I absolutely LOVE the beautiful 'Daniel in the Lion's Den' matching Bible cover and journal that they presented to me in private at the close of the celebration. How creative of them to match the gift with the book's theme!

Thank you, Imani Book Club, and thank you, Atlanta, GA for the mad home town support!

Photos from the Atlanta event can be viewed by clicking HERE.

Celebrating "The Lyons Den" Mississippi Style

2009-04-08T23:20:00.007-04:00

April 1, 2009 marked the official release date of my 13th novel, The Lyons Den. I'm humbled when I think back over the life of my career and see where God has brought me. Not that I've been writing for that terribly long of a time, but in the seven years since the release of my debut novel, For Love & Grace (the self-published version), I know that I have been truly blessed.

As the release date of The Lyons Den neared, I pondered whether or not to have an official release celebration as I have had with most of my previous novels. I have been blessed with such a supportive fanbase of readers, but after more than a dozen books, I wondered if they would be so eager to attend yet another celebratory occasion. But as I was wrestling with the "should I or should I not," God reminded me that all of His blessings are worth celebrating. His favor never grows old and as one who has been a recepient of His favor, I should never doubt whether I should celebrate Him. After that eye-opening revelation, I was inspired to not only have one official book release event, but several of them. And if I had any doubts about whether or not my supporters would embrace the idea of joining me again for another book release commemoration, all of those doubts were put to rest when I traveled to Jackson, Mississippi on Sunday, April 5th, for the first of three official launch parties.

The sisters of Q.U.E.E.N.S. Book Club of Mississippi (see group photo) were the gracious hostesses, and they worked together to organize and carry out a fun-filled affair that took place in a private dining area of a local eatery called Sal and Mookies. The food was delicious and the fellowship was divine. Dozens of supporters packed out the room and showed more support that I ever imagined, purchasing not only my newest novel, but virtually clearing out the stash of other titles that I brought along as well. Several other area book clubs were represented at the affair as well and I'm grateful for each of them.

I would like to again thank Adrienne (president of Q.U.E.E.N.S. Book Club of Mississippi) for accepting the challenge of spearheading the book release party as well as all those who came out and proved that there is no hospitality like southern hospitality. With such a great first event, I can hardly wait to see what God has in store for the two remaining celebrations.

To view a photo slide show of the Mississippi release, click HERE then choose the "view album" link near the bottom of the page.

New Group for Aspiring & New Writers

2009-03-23T10:11:00.015-04:00

I know I'm not the only one who the game of life has thrown curve balls to at one time or another. I'm inclined to believe that the majority of us have made plans or had long-term goals for something that didn't quite turn out the way that we thought it would when we first laid the initial foundation. Can I get an amen? Well, if you're like me, you ultimately take these curve balls as a reminder that you're not the one who is in control to begin with. Sometimes, as unexpected as they may be, they serve as a divine shifting in the path that we are traveling. These curves are simply a result of God's desire for us to change directions and/or regroup. Don't you just love the way He does things?

In January of this year, I was pitched one of those undesired balls, and the curve was so steep that I not only was unable to hit it, but it hit me. Hard. It was one of those balls whose impact brought so much discomfort and discombobulation that I had to call a time-out so that I could give the pain time to dissolve, my lungs time to regain the wind that had been knocked out of them, and my body time to muster up the strength to get up off the ground. Amazingly, it only took a few seconds for all of that to take place. And once I'd brushed off the dirt that lingered from the fall, God planted a new seed that He promised to grow bigger and better I imagined. Thus, the Writer's Cocoon Focus Group was born.

Through this newly established national organization, designed specifically for aspiring and new writers, I am able to continue living out my Spirit-induced passion for helping up and coming writers through the process of creating their literary projects and even assisting them beyond the writing process into the publishing and marketing aspects of the business. Often times, I receive generous emails from the wonderful members of this group who pour out their heartfelt thanks for the insight I share with them in our online forum and even in our periodic in-person group meetings. While I appreciate all of their accolades, knowing that I've helped them in some way is plenty thanks enough for me.

I am grateful to God for this new platform that He has inspired and enabled me to build. If you are a new or aspiring artist who is serious about attaining your goals as a fiction or nonfiction writer, and you are interested in being a part of the Writer's Cocoon Focus Group, please visit the website and click on the link to join.

Official website: Writer's Cocoon Focus Group

CFC Short Story Winner is Nationally Published Author!

2009-02-07T20:31:00.013-05:00

I first met author, Wanda B. Campbell, two years ago. I was facilitating a session of The Writer's Cocoon in Atlanta, Georgia, and she was among the many registrants who gathered that day to learn more about the ins and outs of the writing, publishing and marketing process. Every name and face that was there had a thirst for increased knowledge, but Wanda's attendance stood out because while all of the other students in my class had come from somewhere in the metropolitan Atlanta area, she had flown all the way from California for the sole purpose of taking part in that four-hour workshop. It was passion and determination in action. I knew then that it would only be a matter of time before she would soar full speed into her destiny. And with God's help, she has now taken flight.

Having been blessed to be an advance reader of her debut nationally published book, Illusions, I can say without doubt that the literary world is going to love the works of this breakout author. It is my pleasure to have Wanda as the first author to be featured on the Blessed2Write Blog.

Read on....

B2W: At what point did you realize that writing would become an intricate part of your life?

WBC: As a Christian, I allow God to direct my steps. On a good day, I follow the path He orders. In April of 2006 as I sat in a worship service, I asked God what He wanted me to do with the stories I'd written. At the time I had two completed manuscripts, but didn't know what to do with them. The answer came minutes later in the form of a Jehovah's Witness, who to this day has not read one word of Christian Fiction, placing money in my hand for a plane ticket to Georgia for a writing workshop. Her exact words were, "You are going to get your stuff published."

B2W: How was the transition for you from self-published author to mainstream?

WBC: Initially, I was excited to have been selected by a mainstream publisher. As the reality of my responsibilities as an author settled, some of the excitment faltered. I still have to work like I'm self-published to promote my book, but it's an awesome feeling walking into a major bookstore and seeing my book displayed.

B2W: From where did you draw the inspiration for Illusions?

WBC: Illusions was truly inspired by God. I vowed never to write a story with the subject matter covered in Illusions. However, God set it up to where I didn't have a choice. Illusions won the Cruisin for Christ Short Story Contest in August 2007. The cruise is founded and organized by national bestselling author, Kendra Norman-Bellamy. To claim the prize of being published by a mainstream publisher, I had to turn the short story into a full length novel and present it to the executive editor at Urban Christian. At the time, Illusions was only 8,000 words long. After much prayer, I submitted the manuscript six weeks later. Every word was written with the help of prayer and worship music (Israel & New Breed: Live From A Deeper Level).

B2W: Did you have any doubts or reservations about tackling such a touchy subject matter in a Christian novel?

WBC: My initial reservations about the subject matter stemmed from my desire not to write a painful story. I prefer to write romances with happy endings. It is my belief that any and all topics Christian face should be covered in a Christian novel. The challenge is not to stop at identifying the problem, but to show the reader how to overcome real-life struggles.

B2W: Choose three major characters from the story and introduce them to the Blessed2Write Blog readers.

WBC: The main characters are Pastor Bryce and First Lady Denise Hightower. They have been married for three years and shepherd what appears to be a healthy, growing congregation. On the surface, Bryce is the ideal husband and pastor. He’s anointed and he loves God. However, he has a secret addiction that has grown out of control and could destroy his marriage and his position as pastor.

Denise, a deacon’s daughter who grew up in the church. Under the tutelage of her mother, she plays the role of the “perfect” first lady until she accidentally discovers her husband’s secret. As a result, she is torn between doing what’s best for the church or what’s best for her. Feeling pressure from Bryce and the revealing of a family secret by her mother, Denise agrees to keep the quiet and help Bryce work through his issues.

Benny is a retired gardener who is anointed to stick his nose in other folks' business. He's pushy and tells it like it is. Although rough around the edges, he has a tender heart.

B2W: What kind of message do you hope readers will take from this story?

WBC: It is my prayer that readers will not only be entertained, but also ministered to. I hope readers will take a deep look within themselves and learn what drives them to perform counterproductive actions. I want all people to stop suffering in silence and seek God's help for deliverance.

B2W: What is the title of your 2010 novel and what kind of meaningful topics will you be addressing in that one.

WBC: Right Package, Wrong Baggage is scheduled for release July 2010. In this romance, readers will learn what happens when God sends a mate with the right packaging, but you can't handle the baggage.

B2W: Any advice for aspiring writers who hope to follow your path?

WBC: Before diving head-first into the vast ocean known as "the literary world," make sure this is the path God has ordained for you. Then learn as much as you can about the business.

Wanda B. Campbell currently resides in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and two sons. Purchase her novel by clicking on the Amazon link provided in the right banner of this interview. Once you've read Illusions, please feel free to email the author directly at wbcampbell@prodigy.net, and let her know your thoughts.

I Believe

2009-01-21T14:49:00.011-05:00

I had so many "moments" yesterday as our 44th President of the United States officially took office that I didn't even try to keep count. When he won the election back in November of last year, I remember being speechless. It was one of those moments that needed no words...if there were any to describe it.

Yesterday, the moments were different. Still somewhat indescribable, but on a much different level. Yesterday made it all real, and my emotions varied from one minute to the next.

I clapped and gave my best round of barking (pumping my fist and all) when the name Barack H. Obama was called out over the loud speakers, and he made his grand entrance into the arena where the ceremony was to take place. I laughed as he took the Oath of Office, keeping his poise amidst the fumbled words that were given to him to repeat. I cheered after what I thought was a well-written, amazingly-delivered inaugural speech. I burst into unexplainable tears the first time President and First Lady Obama exited "The Beast" (the name given to the massive car they rode in during the motorcade to The White House) and walked for seven minutes down Pennsylvania Avenue waving and thanking their adoring supporters.

Call me a lover of fairy tales....or maybe it is the romance writer in me. I don't know. But in the mix of all of the wonderfully profound things that went on during the course of the day, my favorite moment of all was the Obamas' first dance during the Neighborhood Inaugural Ball. Every single one of the reactions and emotions that I had to all of the other happenings joined forces (yes...including the barking and fist pumping) and erupted from me during this two or three minute dance to Etta's James's "At Last" as performed by Beyonce'. It was a near-perfect ending to a near-perfect day of celebration.

When I see the Obamas, and when I see what they've accomplished, and when I see where they plan to take this country, and when I see WHO (God) is really in charge and know that He has all power in His hands....I can't help but hope and believe. I'm not making Obama an idol of any kind. I know Who reigns and sits on the throne. I don't expect things to change overnight, and I don't expect President Obama to make all the right choices. But I hold fast to the Word of God that says all things are possible if we just believe.

I believe....do you?

The King & I

2009-01-19T12:11:00.006-05:00

I remember being in my early weeks as a senior in high school when then President Ronald Reagan, though reluctantly, signed a bill that created a holiday honoring the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In my Senior Memory Book commemorating my 1984 graduation, I wrote down that moment - the signing of the bill - as the most memorable day of my senior year.

There was a time in my life that I was beyond fascinated by Dr. King. Not just for what he'd done, but I was captivated by who he was...the man. As a child, I thought that he bore an odd, but distinct, resemblence to my dad. Both physically and otherwise. The relatively short statue, the calculated speech, the identical mustaches and similar lips, the title of "Reverend"...they all added up to make me feel like I had some strange personal connection with "the King." Maybe I did...maybe I still do...maybe we all do.

As a young writer, before I even knew I was a writer; some of my earliest poems were about Dr. King. His life. His ministry. His impact. His dream. In fact, it was a poem I wrote about him that won me my first literary award. I was honored with being named the winner of the citywide poetry contest in my then hometown of Valdosta, Georgia in 1992 for a poem I wrote simply entitled, Dr. Martin Luther King. I still have the $50.00 American Express savings bond that was the grand prize (smile). In a sense, it can be said that Dr. King and the impact of his legacy on my life played a pivotal role in the launch of my career as a writer. It would be a few years later before I would pick up a pen to write an actual novel, but the foundation had been laid.

So today...on this Martin Luther King Day of 2009, I salute a man who I never knew. A man I never had the priviledge to meet. A man who died at the young age of thirty-nine, yet lived a life that was fuller and more accomplishing than many men who live to be twice as old. A man whose existence impacted the lives of many little girls just like me, who were barely learning to walk and talk as he was being laid to rest. Today, I celebrate and thank God for the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Words from a Mother's Heart

2009-01-12T20:39:00.013-05:00

I recall the day I became a national bestselling author. It was September 2005, and the book that marked that monumental moment for me was Crossing Jhordan's River (Moody Publishers/Lift Every Voice imprint), my third novel. Since that time, God has truly shown me much favor. Between then and now, six more of my titles have graced the Essence magazine's Best Selling Books list, making me a 7-time national bestseller. It's an humbling honor that I don't take for granted.

The first time I made "the list," I can remember thinking that it would be incredibly difficult for any happening in my literary life to measure up to that moment. I've been immeasureably grateful and elated every time I've made the list, but there has always been something about that first time that made it more special and more memorable than all the others. That moment - the moment Crossing Jhordan's River made the list - had never been rivaled...until now.

Today, my heart is overwhelmed. Thanks to the sales of her novel, Testing Relationships (Urban Books/Urban Christian imprint), my daughter, Brittney Holmes, made the list (see Essence magazine's February 2009 issue). And I found myself overjoyed beyond belief. Far more so than I was when I saw my name etched among the elite four years ago. Today I laughed louder, cried harder, and celebrated longer than I ever did for myself. My baby made the list! It was a prayer answered, and I took joy in calling her in her dorm on the campus of University of Georgia to inform her of the honor. While she released gleeful screams, I cried some more. The same glee motivated my tears.

It sounds so cliche' at times when we hear it said that parents want their children to be even more blessed than they, or to obtain greater achievements than they did. But what I felt today brought so much validation to that age-old adage. I was 38 when I became a national bestselling author. Brittney is 19. It was my third book. It's her second. She's on track to achieve above and beyond what her mother achieves, and I don't think I could be happier or prouder if I'd tried.

Congratulations, sweetie!

From a mother's heart......

How Do The Holidays Affect Your Writing?

2008-12-26T02:08:00.001-05:00

It's nearly 2:00 in the morning on December 26th as I'm typing this blog entry. I've been sitting in the bed working on my laptop (off and on) for the past five hours. That means that even on Christmas Day, I was writing.

As I looked at my beside clock and noted the time, it occurred to me that when it came to my writing pattern, weekends and holidays were just like any other day of the week. In fact, sometimes these "special days" seem to add fuel to my motivation, and the creative juices seem to flow more freely; pushing me to write even more. There are very few days that pass that I don't find time and/or inspiration to tap away on my keyboard; writing, editing, journaling, blogging, etc. Am I in this alone? Please share your thoughts with me.

How do "special days" affect your writing...or do they affect them at all? Do you turn off the computer completely on the weekends? When you're on vacation, do you vacate from your writing as well? On holidays, do you break away from your writing just like you break away from a corporate American job? I'd love to hear your feedback.

Okay....back to my manuscript. :-)

Writing That Makes Music

2008-12-01T17:20:00.000-05:00

At the age of fourteen, I developed my first crush. And it happened to be on a writer. I didn't view him as such at the time, but he was. And his writing made music. I didn't know who he was or what he looked like, but for every single minute that the song played on the radio through the speakers in my daddy's car, the lead singer of it held my heart in his hands. It would be years before I'd discover the owner of that captivating voice. Four years later, to be exact.

In my staunch Christian childhood household, gospel was the only music allowed. My parents (both of whom are preachers) had their preferred gospel artists. Their album collection sported worthy names like Rev. James Cleveland, Shirley Caesar, Dorothy Norwood, and the like. My father and mother weren't big fans of quartet music, but at the age of eighteen, I purchased my very first album, and it was quartet music at its finest. The title of it was Blessed and the group was The Williams Brothers.

A few days before my purchase, I'd been listening to the radio again and heard the words, "I'm just a nobody, trying to tell everybody, about somebody who can save anybody" sang over the airways. I immediately knew that the man behind the mic was the same singer...the same writer, who had captured me four years earlier. Once I purchased Blessed, I did a little research of the four men on the cover and learned that the identity of my "first love" was the one standing behind the sofa. His name was Melvin Williams.

Ironically, many years later, Melvin (unknowingly to him, but definitely by God's design) rescued me from the onset of a bout with severe depression. It was April 14, 1996, six months after the death of my first husband and the darkest time in my life. Melvin didn't have a clue of what I was going through at the time, but a concerned friend of mine saw my situation and insisted that I go to meet him backstage after a Williams Brothers concert. I'd seen Melvin in concert before, but this was the first time I'd met him. It was a brief encounter that consisted merely of a few exchanged words, a handshake and a photo opportunity. On the outside, it appeared to be insignificant, but somehow, meeting him gave me the courage to breathe again.

When I founded the ministry of Cruisin' For Christ in 2006, Melvin was the first artist on my list to add to the talent roster. Ten years had passed since the '96 encounter and I knew he would not remember me; but I prayed that when the cruise's Entertainment Director reached out to him, he would see the vision of Cruisin' For Christ and agree to join our first launching in 2007. And he did. Not only did he sail with us on our inaugural cruise, but he returned for Cruisin' For Christ II in 2008 and is a confirmed featured artist for the upcoming Cruisin' For Christ III in 2009.

And it is with great honor that I share my recent interview with him with my blog readers. Introducing a man whose writings make music.....the legendary, Melvin Williams.

KNB: Thanks for joining me, Melvin. Please share the back-story of how you got your start in gospel music.
MW: I got my start in gospel music through my dad, Leon “Pop” Williams and my older brothers, Frank and Huey Williams of the Jackson Southernnaires. Frank later became the founder of the Mississippi Mass Choir. But before all that success, he was an original Williams Brothers first. We were organized in the late 60’s and recorded our first Williams Brothers album in 1973.

KNB: Hands down, your success and longevity has earned you the right to be categorized as a legend, but I know it hasn’t always been easy. What are some of the obstacles you had to overcome on the road to become the respected artist we know today?
MW: One of the things we were concerned with over the years was that we did not want to be categorized as just a quartet group. We wanted our music to cross all genres and touch people from all walks of life. And we thank God that He allowed us to achieve that goal by writing and producing music that everyday people can relate to and identify with.

KNB: That's the same way I feel about my fiction writing. I want all readers to be touched by my message too. I have colleagues who dislike being labeled as "Christian writers" because they believe it limits their appeal to the book-buying public. As a gospel recording artist, do you embrace the identification as such, or would you rather just be generalized simply as an entertainer, without the Christianity label?
MW: I like being labeled as both. There’s always been a certain amount of entertainment in our music. But at the end of the day, above all, we want our music to be remembered as our ministry.

KNB: Oh, it will be. No doubt about that. Now, this question is always a difficult one to answer when people pose it to me regarding my books; but I'm going to put it out there to you about your music. Over the years, you’ve written and recorded many songs with The Williams Brothers and as a solo artist. Among your collection, do you have one song that is your personal favorite? If so, which is it and why does is resonate so fondly with you?
MW: “Prayer Made the Difference” from the This Is Your Night album is one of my favorites because it is one of those songs that helps me get through a lot of issues and struggles in my personal life. Another favorite of mine is “I’m Still Here” from the Still Here CD.

KNB: Why is that one a favorite?

MW: Well, when you listen to the words it's self explanatory of where we’ve come from, what we’ve been through and where God has allowed us to be today.

KNB: Speaking of things you've been through, what has been your greatest heartbreak or disappointment to date (personal or professional) and how did you survive it?
MW: My greatest heartbreak would probably be losing my brother, Frank, because he was not only my brother but also my best friend. But it was his contribution to the world through his music that helped me to survive. The song “Special Place” from my Never Seen Your Face CD which was dedicated in his memory sums it up best how close we were and what he meant to me.

KNB: I remember when Frank died in '93. The song, "Your Grace and Mercy" that he recorded with The Mississippi Mass Choir is still a favorite of mine. And as you know, "Never Seen Your Face" is my favorite Melvin Williams song. I remember cheering from my sofa as I watched you accept a Stellar for that album. As a singer/musician/composer, you've won many awards for outstanding music. Is there anything in your career that you have not accomplished that you hope to achieve in the future?
MW: Lately, I’ve done quite a bit of co-hosting with Dr. Bobby Jones. I’d like to do more television and radio hosting and a movie about the life story of The Williams Brothers. And win a Grammy if that’s in God’s plan. You know we’ve been beat out six times between Shirley Caesar, Albertina Walker and The Blind Boys. Maybe we should get some dark glasses? (laughing) Just kidding. Y'all know I do have a sense of humor. They’re friends of mine and I’m happy for them.

KNB: You definitely deserve a Grammy, so I hope it's God's will for you to win one soon. In the meantime, what’s next for you? Any new projects on the horizon?
MW: The Williams Brothers just released our first album in over 5 years entitled “The Journey Continues” that is in stores now. Other new projects are a possible “Best of Melvin Williams” in '09, a new Neal Roberson LIVE and The Fellas featuring Pastor Tim Rogers.

KNB: I recently purchased "The Journey Continues" and it's a great project. Well worth the 5-year wait. I highly recommend it. And I'll surely be first in line for the "Best of" album. Maybe we can give you a CD release party for it on the cruise next year...(keeping my fingers crossed). In closing, I'm going to throw out a couple of words and you tell me your favorite in these categories. Just a fun way for my readers to get a feel for Melvin Williams, the man. First, what's your favorite color?
MW: Earthtone colors (brown, tan, etc.)

KNB: Food?

MW: Soul food and seafood

KNB: Seafood is my favorite too. Ummm, favorite scripture?

MW: There are several scriptures that I live by so I don't have just one favorite.

KNB: Okay; pastime or hobbies?

MW: Riding my 4-wheeler, concerts, and going to the movies

That's a wrap! I know how busy your are, Melvin, so thanks for lending Blessed2Write a few minutes of your time. Your talent for writing words that make music is a gift to the world and I pray much continued success to you and The Williams Brothers.

Visit Melvin on the web at any of the following Internet sites:

Melvin Williams - The Williams Brothers - Melvin Williams Fan Club

Empty African American Fiction Shelves

2008-11-18T13:39:00.000-05:00

This past weekend, I had a marvelous time during my first visit to Phoenix, AZ. I was there along with others of my Anointed Authors on Tour sisters, on the last stop of our 2008 tour. Almost everything about this tour stop was perfect. The weather was ideal (low 80's during the day, high 50's during the night). The hosting book clubs (see group photo) rolled out the red carpet, showered us with wonderful Arizona souvenirs, fed us well and provided us with limo escorts (two thumbs up to Girlfriend 2 Girlfriend Book Club and Shades of the Desert Book Club). I reconnected with two wonderful fans-turned-friends that I met three years ago in Baltimore, MD who have now moved to Phoenix (big shout out to Yulanda and Cooky). The community of readers came out and supported our appearances (not just in attendance, but they bought books).

So, there was very little that didn't go wonderfully under the Arizona sun. However, there was one thing that I found unnerving. Saturday afternoon, Yulanda and Cooky, came and picked me up from my hotel between functions and took me on a brief tour of the city. I'd been told earlier that AA books were difficult to find on bookshelves in Phoenix, but I wasn't prepared for what I saw. We stopped by a very busy area mall and strode inside the Borders Bookstore there. After browsing for quite some time, we finally located the African American section of the store. There was only one bookcase to embody that section and that bookcase only contained about four shelves. And on those shelves, there was one AA fiction title. One. O-N-E (big congrats to Jacquelin Thomas for being our sole representation).

Of course, with my sister-girls being the avid readers that they are, and me, being the avid writer that I am, we couldn't dare leave without confronting the store workers about their empty African American section. When asked why they didn't have more of our books, the worker replied, "Oh, we had some, but they just sell so quickly." My challenging response was, "So, if they sell so quickly, that means the demand is there. Why didn't you restock when you sold out?" His answer, "Because the publishers and distributors won't send us any more."

One of my sister-girls asked whether or not he'd placed an order for more books and he responded by saying, "We don't order books. The companies just send them to us. All the other companies for all the other books you see just sent us these books for the shelves, but none of the publishers for the African American titles will send us any." At that point, all the three of us could do was look at him. Apparently, we looked a whole lot dumber than we were for him to think we'd buy that. The publishers and distributors won't send any more? Are you kidding me? The publishers and distributors make their money by sending out the books and having them sold. Why would they not restock the shelves?

"Are you disappointed?" That was the question he asked with an almost sneering smile as we stared at him. At that point, leaving just seemed like the right thing to do.

What does it mean for African American writers when there are stores who won't stock our books? When the buying public has no option other than to go to the counter and order our books any time they want to get one, how many book sells do we lose? The thought is disheartening.

Barack Obama is president-elect, yes. He smashed a barrier that just a few years ago...just a few months ago...maybe even just a few weeks ago, seemed unbendable, let alone unbreakable. The bar has been raised and a new standard has been set. Somehow, as creators and supporters of African American literature, we have to find a way to overcome the obstacles that are set in place to limit our achievements as well.

We've come a long way, baby.....but the battle ain't over yet.

When A Writer Is Rendered Speechless

2008-11-05T14:44:00.000-05:00

As a woman who makes a living by stringing together words (roughly, 85,000 of them per novel), I can honestly say that there haven't been many moments in my lifetime when I found myself literally speechless. I've been surprised. I've been awed. I've been blindsided. I've even been amazed. But rarely has whatever it was that unfolded before me, left me unable to utter a word. Last night was the exception.

When Senator Barack Obama became President-Elect Barack Obama, I was too moved for words. For the first few moments following CNN's announcement, all I could do was stare at my television screen, looking at words and images that tears had blurred beyond recognition.

I had followed the happenings of the presidential race. Saw the number of contending democratic hopefuls dwindle to three, then two, then one. All the while, I was impressed at how this man, who, until three or four years ago was a virtual unknown, spoke with such eloquence, proliferated such knowledge, and handled himself with such dignity. A family man. A God-fearing man. An educated man. A black man.

The odds were most definitely against Obama. He came from a broken home where his father left when Barack was two, and only returned once to visit when he was ten. After that, he never saw his father again. Obama had only served in the Senate for a few years and was still viewed as "green" and "inexperienced" by his opponents. They said he wasn't ready to be president. Wasn't qualified. And add to that that he was African American (the product of a black father and a white mother) and his chances seemed slimmer than slim. Yet, unfazed and unintimidated, Senator Obama set out to become the holder of the highest political office in the United States.

Few expected him to win the democratic nomination against the better known, well-liked and more experienced Senator Hilary Clinton. But with the declaration of three words that became his mantra: "Yes We Can," Illinois Senator, Barack Obama began a long, historic battle that he ultimately won, not only against Senator Clinton, but against the much-respected Republican hopeful, Senator John McCain, making Senator Obama President of the United States of America.

I'm not sure why the realization of it all rendered me dumbfounded. Perhaps it was because I never thought that a man who looked like me would ever be voted U.S. President. Maybe it was because I was grateful that not only had it happened in my lifetime, but that even my parents, who participated in marches, sit-ins and endured the days of segregation, had lived to see it. Perhaps it was because God had just given my children an excellent example to assure them that with Him, all things are possible if they believe. Maybe it was a mixture of all of the above.

Whatever the reason, November 4, 2008 goes down in my life's history as the day I became proudest of my country. The day that I became happiest to be an American citizen. The day I came to believe, more than ever, that a change.....a GOOD change was on its way to our government and our world.

Many books will arise from this moment in history. Authors from within the U.S. and beyond will capture pieces of Obama's life and his journey between the lines of their novels, memoirs, children's books and poetry. And no doubt, all that will be written won't be positive. Everybody didn't vote for him. There were some who desired to see him fail. But years ago, before the foundation of the world, God's pen wrote Barack Hussein Obama's name as the 44th U.S. President, and His pen is always right.

God bless our President-Elect Obama. God bless our newest first lady, Michelle Obama. God bless their children, Malia and Natasha (Sasha) Obama. May the Lord protect them from harm's way, keep them in His grace, and provide them with all of the knowledge, courage and strength that they will need to successfully lead our country into a brighter future.

God bless the United States of America.

He Saw the Writer in Me

2008-10-12T23:46:00.000-04:00

In a few days (on October 15th) my father will turn 70 years old. On yesterday, my three sisters and I (my brother, who lives in California, couldn't make the trip) surprised our dad by traveling to Macon, Georgia and showing up on his front porch, bringing with us gifts and nine of his twelve grandchildren. It was a wonderful surprise to him and we spent much of the day with him, treating him to dinner at one of his favorite restaurants (Ryan's) and sharing family time at my parents' home. (Photo at left was taken at Ryan's)

Most people who know me well, are aware that my dad is a preacher, and has been most of his life. As a child, I remember growing up thinking that my mom and dad were the strictest parents in the universe. My siblings and I were never allowed to go to many of the places or do many of the same things as our schoolmates. Back then, it seemed like cruel and unusual punishment. Today, age has matured me well, and I realize how blessed I truly was, and still am, that my parents loved me enough to set boundaries and enforce them. Just one look at some of those that I envied back in the day (those that are still alive, that is) is enough to make me thankful for my Christian upbringing.

Often times, I am questioned as to why I choose to write books wherein the main male characters are imperfect, yet positive role models. That is largely due, in part, because of my father. My dad was always the true patriarch in our family. Still is. He may not always get it right, but everything that he does for his family is done in love and with good intentions. Like the lead males in my books, Daddy loves God, his family, and his associates. I am more than thankful that the Lord has allowed him to see seventy years. Not only just to reach this milestone, but to reach it in sound mind and in exceptionally good health. My entire life, my father has never been hospitalized for any ailment and I think that is a major testimony. He's never dyed his hair, but he has so few grey strands in his head that they can probably be counted on both hands. And if I must say so myself, at 70, he looks better than many men twenty years his junior.

One of my fondest memories as a child and as a teenager is how Daddy constantly told me that there was a writer inside of me. Back then, my writing was limited to poetry and plays. For almost every special church or family function, I was called upon to write and read a poetic piece; and I wrote skits just for fun, and often shared them with one of my younger sisters with whom I shared a bedroom. Every time my father would read one of my creations, he would remind me that my talent was a God-given gift and would encourage me to expand on it and allow it to fully flourish. Back then, I had no idea of where my gift would lead me, but I think Daddy knew all the while. He was happy, but didn't seem all that surprised back in 2002, when I first shared the news with him and my mom that I was self-publishing my first book.

So, twelve books and many literary awards and recognitions later, in tribute to him and the part that he played in helping me to realize my destiny, I wanted to dedicate this blog entry to Bishop Harold Norman. I love you, Daddy; and I pray that I continue to make you proud.

Ministering through Christian Writing

2008-10-06T11:28:00.000-04:00

This past weekend, I had the fortune (once again) of being a featured author at the 5th Annual Pen to Paper Symposium in Dayton, OH. This literary function is the brainchild of author and publisher, Valerie Coleman (of Pen Of the WritER) and I've been blessed to be a part of it each year since it's inception, with the exception of last year when a schedule conflict prevented my participation. Valerie is never going to let me live down that one absentee, so I'll be apologizing from now until when Christ makes His return. (So, once again....sorry, Val!)

As in previous years, Pen to Paper was a delightful experience. Valerie (along with her husband, Craig, and their team of assistants) always manages to pull together an organized conference that is well attended and with workshops that are capably anchored. The facilitators this year (among others) included myself (I not only facilitated a writing workshop, but was honored to be keynote speaker for an empowerment session as well), Pam Perry (who I was so very delighted to finally meet after years of only knowing her through web interaction), Avalon Betts-Gaston (an amazing legal mind, to say the least), and Christopher McNeal (lead vocalist of the gospel group, CHRISTOPHER) who facilitated a very insightful music artist workshop.

Okay....let's take a moment and just talk about CHRISTOPHER (whose members names are Christopher McNeal, Christopher Reid, and Christopher Surratt.....seriously, all their names are Christopher!) This trio is a blend of harmony and energy that is almost beyond description! They've been around for about 16 years, but I only heard of them last year. I'd purchased their newest CD in 2007 from a member of their management team, so I knew that they could sing. But seeing them perform live as they headlined the Friday night concert, was an entirely different experience. Oh, my! These fellas know how to fire up a mic and rock a stage. And their personalities are as endearing as their voices. After the concert, I lingered around until the "fan line" died down and met them personally. I was also able to talk to their management and get them booked for Cruisin' For Christ III. I know the onboard guests are going to love these guys. (You may see a live performance by clicking HERE).

As an author, I travel quite a bit to promote the works that God has chosen me to pen. In doing so, I attend many, many conferences. Those who know me well, know that I don't promote a conference unless it is planned and carried out with professionalism. The Pen to Paper Literary Symposium is one that I would highly recommend for any writer, poet or artist who has a desire to learn more about the craft and the industry as a whole.

Hats off to Valerie Coleman and Pen Of the WritER (POWER) for another job well done!

Two Out of Three Ain't Bad

2008-09-30T18:13:00.000-04:00

The official announcement came on the eve of Thursday, September 25th, during the 4th Annual African American Literary Awards Show, which took place at the Harlem Gatehouse in Harlem, NY. This year, I was nominated for three of the prestigious awards, and was blessed to win two of them: Best Christian Fiction of the Year for Battle of Jericho and Best Short Story/Anthology of the Year for This Far By Faith, an anthology title that I share with noted authors, Stacy Hawkins Adams and Linda Hudson-Smith, who also have short stories in the collection.

A heartfelt "Thank you" goes to everyone who sent in enough nominations to place my books on the "finalist" lists, and to those who voted in the online poll and made Battle of Jericho and This Far By Faith winners. The third category in which I was recognized a finalist was Best Independent Publisher. For the second year in a row, my company, KNB Publications, LLC was nominated for that award and made it to the final round. Although, in the end, it was not chosen the winner, I count it a blessing to be recognized as an independent publisher whose work is worthy of such an honorable mention.

God is good!

Welcome

2008-09-24T11:44:00.000-04:00

Hello, and welcome to the Blessed 2 Write (B2W) Blogspot, featuring your new resident blogger, Kendra Norman-Bellamy! Yes, I've been a writer for a few years now, and yes, I currently have twelve published works of fiction on the market. But this blogging thing....well, I avoided it like the plague for as long as I could. Why? Nothing against blogs, bloggers or blogging. I just didn't see how I could fit the time in my ultra busy schedule to keep a current one going. Still can't. LOL! But I've finally bitten the bullet and joined the ranks of professional bloggers everywhere. What can I say? I love a good challenge!

Since writing is my life and my ministry, most of the blogging that you will find in B2W will reflect that. I will make it my weekly endeavor to not only share my thoughts about writing and publishing, but also my experiences as I travel to fulfill the demands of my literary appointments. I'm always meeting interesting people and seeing fascinating things and I'll be using this blog as a means to share them with you.

If you've not yet read any of my titles, please consider picking up a copy and experiencing a Kendra Norman-Bellamy novel. They are guaranteed to entertain, uplift, inspire, and test every single one of your emotions. I feel favored to have been given this gift by God and I am humbled that He allows me to use it for His glory.

Welcome again and until next time....be blessed!