Hello RSJ Family. I hope each and every one of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. There are many things I’m giving thanks for, each of you are a part of my blessings. The ladies that are in this letter I am most especially thankful for.
By now there is no way that not each and every one of you knows about Destination Romance. Deatri came up with an idea to have an anthology set aboard our upcoming cruise and to use RSJ as our backdrop. Then came the idea to give any and all profits to charity. We chose, Southside Help Center in Chicago because of education and assistance it gives to victims of HIV. AIDS in African American women is on the rise and we wanted to do something to help.
Destination Romance is our way of helping. All of the separate stories are out in ebook format and just a few days after you read this, ‘ALL’ of the stories will be available in one print book. The separate stories and the print book can be purchased at http://www.redrosepublishing.com/ We wish to thank each of you who have purchased the individual stories and those of you who are waiting for the print edition.
Now it gives me great pleasure to bring to you in alphabetical order each author involved in this project and to tell you a little of what they’re up to. You’ll also hear from A. M. Well, who designed the Destination Romance trailer, Red Rose Publishing and South Side Health Center.
There are a lot of interviews this month. So many they wouldn't all fit on the front page so please be sure to click on the older post link in the botton right side of the screen after the last interview on the page.
Dyanne Davis
http://www.dyannedavis.com/
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
A Few Words from A. C. Arthur
The holidays are nearing and with them the hustle and bustle of the season. This is my favorite time of year, especially since it affords me the opportunity to announce my upcoming releases.
The first part of the year will seem like a hiatus but as soon as the heat of summer truly begins to rise the first story in The Lakefields series will be released. Summer Heat, Kimani Press, August 2010. After meeting at the opening of a casino in Maryland (Full House Seduction) Sam Desdune and Karena Lakefield are dying to get to know each other better.
August will also bring the release of my debut into the young adult genre (writing as Artist Arthur) with the release of Manifest: A Misfits Novel. The first paranormal young adult release from Kimani TRU is scheduled to hit the shelves in August and I can’t wait! If you think seeing ghosts is strange just wait ‘til you see what else these teenagers can do!
The first part of the year will seem like a hiatus but as soon as the heat of summer truly begins to rise the first story in The Lakefields series will be released. Summer Heat, Kimani Press, August 2010. After meeting at the opening of a casino in Maryland (Full House Seduction) Sam Desdune and Karena Lakefield are dying to get to know each other better.
August will also bring the release of my debut into the young adult genre (writing as Artist Arthur) with the release of Manifest: A Misfits Novel. The first paranormal young adult release from Kimani TRU is scheduled to hit the shelves in August and I can’t wait! If you think seeing ghosts is strange just wait ‘til you see what else these teenagers can do!
A.C. Arthur
More Than a Few Words From Deatri King-Bey
I know I’m supposed to be talking about what I’m up to and all, but I’m not the best at following instructions and I have to take a few moments to thank everyone for making Destination Romance a success. This will come as a shock to you, but many people in the publishing industry are all about themselves and don’t like to share the limelight (SMILE). When I went to the authors in the Destination Romance Series and explained the vision of writing an anthology in honor of the Romance Slam Jam, not one of them hesitated. We started with nothing but a crazy idea. They took time out of their busy schedules to write their piece, knowing how difficult it is to find a publisher for anthologies—especially anthologies with Black main characters. I thank each of you for honoring the RSJ Family with your contribution.
It didn’t stop there folks. I’m known for getting people into stuff (SMILE). I went on to sugges
t we give all proceeds to charity and again, the authors came through in a BIG way. Without hesitation, they were all anxious to forgo any royalties. That our passion for writing can benefit others…It feels really good. So again, I thank the authors.
Next is the publisher Wendi Felter of Red Rose Publishing. When I asked Wendi about publishing Destination Romance, again I was met without hesitation. She said yes without even seeing the anthology or knowing what authors were in it. And when I told her the authors wanted to donate their royalties to the South Side Health Clinic, she said that was wonderful and she would forgo profits from the series also. She went a step further and asked the editor, Crystal Hubbard, and cover artist, Shirley Burnett to donate their salaries for this work to the SSHC and guess what? They both said YES.
Do you see where I’m headed here. This does not happen. I’m just overwhelmed. Every step of the way the support for this project has been phenomenal. Lemme keep on going. Have you seen the Destination Romance Trailer? Excellent work. We have none other than A. M. Wells to thank, and guess what. Yes, she also donated her time and talent for this project.
I’m not done. I spoke with Louise Snead, publisher of the national publication Affaire de Coeur magazine, and told her what we were trying to do and guess what? Yes, again she jumped in to contribute. She is running a full length article about the effort in December’s issue of the magazine.
Next we have Vanessa Smith, the executive director of the South Side Help Center, and yes she too gives in a selfless way. Do you realize African-American women are the fastest growing population being diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. Why? We have to do something and I’m grateful Vanessa’s organization is there with the “know how” and “spirit to do something about it.”
Now you know Miss Emma, one of the Romance Slam Jam founders, is in the mix also. Back when I first told her about the anthology and the proceeds going to charity, she jumped in also and has been spreading the word about it to anyone who will listen.
Last but not least, we have YOU, the Romance Slam Jam Family. You were our inspiration. This project would not be without you. Every year we get together and celebrate our love of reading and writing Black romance. We also try to give back to the community. Every year you come through, and this year is no different. Thank you for supporting the South Side Help Center with your purchase of Destination Romance. Thank you for spreading the word. Thank you for being you.
I love you all. I really do. You all make me proud.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Deatri King-Bey
http://www.deewrites.com/
It didn’t stop there folks. I’m known for getting people into stuff (SMILE). I went on to sugges
t we give all proceeds to charity and again, the authors came through in a BIG way. Without hesitation, they were all anxious to forgo any royalties. That our passion for writing can benefit others…It feels really good. So again, I thank the authors.Next is the publisher Wendi Felter of Red Rose Publishing. When I asked Wendi about publishing Destination Romance, again I was met without hesitation. She said yes without even seeing the anthology or knowing what authors were in it. And when I told her the authors wanted to donate their royalties to the South Side Health Clinic, she said that was wonderful and she would forgo profits from the series also. She went a step further and asked the editor, Crystal Hubbard, and cover artist, Shirley Burnett to donate their salaries for this work to the SSHC and guess what? They both said YES.
Do you see where I’m headed here. This does not happen. I’m just overwhelmed. Every step of the way the support for this project has been phenomenal. Lemme keep on going. Have you seen the Destination Romance Trailer? Excellent work. We have none other than A. M. Wells to thank, and guess what. Yes, she also donated her time and talent for this project.
I’m not done. I spoke with Louise Snead, publisher of the national publication Affaire de Coeur magazine, and told her what we were trying to do and guess what? Yes, again she jumped in to contribute. She is running a full length article about the effort in December’s issue of the magazine.
Next we have Vanessa Smith, the executive director of the South Side Help Center, and yes she too gives in a selfless way. Do you realize African-American women are the fastest growing population being diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. Why? We have to do something and I’m grateful Vanessa’s organization is there with the “know how” and “spirit to do something about it.”
Now you know Miss Emma, one of the Romance Slam Jam founders, is in the mix also. Back when I first told her about the anthology and the proceeds going to charity, she jumped in also and has been spreading the word about it to anyone who will listen.
Last but not least, we have YOU, the Romance Slam Jam Family. You were our inspiration. This project would not be without you. Every year we get together and celebrate our love of reading and writing Black romance. We also try to give back to the community. Every year you come through, and this year is no different. Thank you for supporting the South Side Help Center with your purchase of Destination Romance. Thank you for spreading the word. Thank you for being you.
I love you all. I really do. You all make me proud.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Deatri King-Bey
http://www.deewrites.com/
A Few Words from Niobia Bryant
It's a pretty busy time for me right now. I have three releases in 2010 that I am equally excited about. In February, there's my debut in the Teen Fiction arena with FABULOUS: A Pace Academy Novel written as Simone Bryant. That series is specifically for tweens and teens. It's an ongoing series about a private school for the celebkids of rich and famous celebrities. Then there's a new mainstream in March, MESSAGE FROM A MISTRESS that is a take on the 1940s movie A Letter to Three Wives. This book is drama, scandal and secret but it's also a look at the true meaning of keeping your friends close and your enemies closer. And lastly, all of the readers of my romance will be glad to know that book # 3 in the Strong series, GIVE ME FEVER, drops the first week of May. All of the books are available for pre-orders and I would like to urge the readers to su
pport all authors with pre-orders and purchasing the book on the release date. Like I blogged on my website recently, I am not at all ashamed to admit that pre-order and first week sales have never meant so much in the publishing industry. Just like the music industry, first week sales and pre-orders matter.
I love to connect with the readers and look forward to seeing everyone on the RSJ Cruise. Also, they can reach me all over the net. LOL. Facebook Fan Page, Facebook Personal Page, Follow me on Twitter!, Join me on Myspace, Meesha Mink Myspace, My Amazon Profile Page, Niobia Bryant News Yahoo Group, Shelfari: Unlimited_Ink, Simone Bryant (YA) Twitter, Simone Bryant (YA)–Facebook.
Niobia Bryant Meesha Mink Simone Bryant
Four Genres...Three Publishers...One Writer
http://www.niobiabryant.com/ http://www.meeshamink.com/ Facebook Twitter
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Urban Fiction: THE HOOD LIFE...Out NOW!
Mainstream: LIVE AND LEARN...Coming February 2010 (mass market)
YA Fiction: Pace Academy: FABULOUS...Coming February 2010
Mainstream: MESSAGE FROM A MISTRESS...Coming March 2010
Romance: GIVE ME FEVER...Coming May 2010
YA Fiction: Pace Academy: NOTORIOUS...Coming 2011
~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~:~::~::~::~::~::~::~::
pport all authors with pre-orders and purchasing the book on the release date. Like I blogged on my website recently, I am not at all ashamed to admit that pre-order and first week sales have never meant so much in the publishing industry. Just like the music industry, first week sales and pre-orders matter.I love to connect with the readers and look forward to seeing everyone on the RSJ Cruise. Also, they can reach me all over the net. LOL. Facebook Fan Page, Facebook Personal Page, Follow me on Twitter!, Join me on Myspace, Meesha Mink Myspace, My Amazon Profile Page, Niobia Bryant News Yahoo Group, Shelfari: Unlimited_Ink, Simone Bryant (YA) Twitter, Simone Bryant (YA)–Facebook.
Niobia Bryant Meesha Mink Simone Bryant
Four Genres...Three Publishers...One Writer
http://www.niobiabryant.com/ http://www.meeshamink.com/ Facebook Twitter
~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~:~::~::~::~::~::~::~::
Urban Fiction: THE HOOD LIFE...Out NOW!
Mainstream: LIVE AND LEARN...Coming February 2010 (mass market)
YA Fiction: Pace Academy: FABULOUS...Coming February 2010
Mainstream: MESSAGE FROM A MISTRESS...Coming March 2010
Romance: GIVE ME FEVER...Coming May 2010
YA Fiction: Pace Academy: NOTORIOUS...Coming 2011
~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~:~::~::~::~::~::~::~::
A Few Words from Barbara Keaton
The past few months have been super busy for me. I started a new job a couple of months ago, which I'm still becoming acclimated to. I also had a story to come out with Parker Publishing in November. It’s part of an anthology, He’s Good with His Hands. My contribution to the anthology is titled, Mr. Telephone Man. I had so much fun writing that story. You can find it at http://www.parker-publishing-shopping.com/index.php
I’ve been extremely busy creating a new romance series. I’ve also been having a lot of personal “SWEET” time. I’m so looking forward to seeing each and every one of you on the cruise.
Lastly, I want to thank you for supporting Destination Romance. I have been actively involved with the center in all of its endeavors for several years. I can assure you that this is an organization does what it promises. Many people have been helped by their various programs.
Barbara Keaton
http://www.bkeaton.com
A Few Words from AlTonya Washington
Join me and my fellow authors in supporting the Southside Help Center in Chicago, Illinois. Proceeds from your purchase of one or all of the Destination Romance titles go to benefit the charity. My contribution to the anthology is the title: As A Whisper. Be sure to tell me what you think of it: http://us.mc1123.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=altonya@lovealtonya.com
Thanks to all of you wonderful readers for your awesome support of my debut publishing effort A Lover's Soul- The Ramseys Book VII. Look for the releases of Lover's Allure and A Ramsey Wedding this holiday season. My next Harlequin/Kimani title The Doctor's Private Visit releases January 2010. Visit my website for more info: http://www.lovealtonya.com/
Thanks to all of you wonderful readers for your awesome support of my debut publishing effort A Lover's Soul- The Ramseys Book VII. Look for the releases of Lover's Allure and A Ramsey Wedding this holiday season. My next Harlequin/Kimani title The Doctor's Private Visit releases January 2010. Visit my website for more info: http://www.lovealtonya.com/
AlTonya Washington
A Few Words from Wendi
While we all need help at one time or another, in these times especially when a lot of federally funded programs have been cut, it is Red Rose Publishing's pleasure to help South Side Help Center. Red Rose Publishing is proud to be a part where we can give a little back to a worthy cause. SSHC is truly a wonderful place who go out of their way to help and assist others. Sometimes we all need a helping hand, so I am asking that every one get out there to make a difference in these women and children's lives. Please help us out to make someone's life a little bit easier!
On a more personal note, Red Rose Publishing has been awarded Publisher of the Year, Upcoming Publisher of the Year as well as we have been awarded NAPW-National Association of Professional Women 100 top Women in the World. Come see why all of the authors of Red Rose Publishing are what makes Red Rose Publishing the place to be, find excellent books as well as some of the top Black writers and Multicultural Writers in the world. From Essence Magazine Author of the Year, LA Banks, Lifetime Achievement Award, Marilyn Lee, and such wonderful authors that will take your breathe away!
www.redrosepublishing.com See why our slogan is Publishing with a Touch of Class!
Wendi
On a more personal note, Red Rose Publishing has been awarded Publisher of the Year, Upcoming Publisher of the Year as well as we have been awarded NAPW-National Association of Professional Women 100 top Women in the World. Come see why all of the authors of Red Rose Publishing are what makes Red Rose Publishing the place to be, find excellent books as well as some of the top Black writers and Multicultural Writers in the world. From Essence Magazine Author of the Year, LA Banks, Lifetime Achievement Award, Marilyn Lee, and such wonderful authors that will take your breathe away!
www.redrosepublishing.com See why our slogan is Publishing with a Touch of Class!
Wendi
A Few Words from A.M. Wells
I am a writer of contemporary women fiction. An avid reader since childhood, I turned my attention to writing two years ago on a dare from a friend. In my real life I work as a Computer Specialist with the local college. In addition to writing I'm an artist, web designer, graphic artist, and have produced several book trailers. I'm excited to announce I will soon be among the ranks of the published author. Red Rose has offered me contrast for a work entitled Susanna’s Heart. When Dyanne asked me to help with creating a book trailer for the Designation Romance Series, I was more than eager to contribute my time to such a worthy cause.
A.M. Wells
A.M. Wells
A Few Words From Vanessa Smith
We at the South Side Health Center wish to thank each of the authors for giving so selfishly of their talents. We want to thank Red Rose Publishing for presenting it to you the readers.
I would like to tell you a little about our organization. We’re a social service organization. We started out to provide HIV education. Our primary focus is on AIDS. We offer direct care for women, men and young adults. We also provide shelter for homeless women and children. Among the things we’re most proud of is our education for partners of incarcerated men. (for obvious reasons) Thank you once again.
Vanessa Smith
http://www.southsidehelp.org/
I would like to tell you a little about our organization. We’re a social service organization. We started out to provide HIV education. Our primary focus is on AIDS. We offer direct care for women, men and young adults. We also provide shelter for homeless women and children. Among the things we’re most proud of is our education for partners of incarcerated men. (for obvious reasons) Thank you once again.
Vanessa Smith
http://www.southsidehelp.org/
A Few Words From Dyanne Davis
There you have it. (Smile) I’m bringing up the rear here. My latest story The Good Side of Evil is part of a Parker Publishing Anthology, Carnivale Diabolique. (Yeah, I know if you look on Amazon my name’s not on it.) My story is about Vulcan, a demon. Do I really have to tell you how much I enjoyed writing about a bad @#$%^&*%%, demon? I think not. There has to be something, someone, is trying to tell me. LOL.
My plans for the New Year include a complete makeover of my website. I’ve also decided to try my hand at publishing a book of short stories which will be available in PDF format from my website. In the meantime I’m writing, submitting my work, and hoping for the best.
Have a safe and blessed holiday. And God willing, I’ll see you back here next year.
Dyanne
http://www.dyannedavis.com/
My plans for the New Year include a complete makeover of my website. I’ve also decided to try my hand at publishing a book of short stories which will be available in PDF format from my website. In the meantime I’m writing, submitting my work, and hoping for the best.
Have a safe and blessed holiday. And God willing, I’ll see you back here next year.
Dyanne
http://www.dyannedavis.com/
MERRY CHRISTMAS
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