Monday, January 28, 2008

JAN BOOK TOUR: Nathasha Brooks-Harris


Nathasha Brooks-Harris

Nathasha Brooks-Harris is the co-author of the Kimani Books (Harlequin Books) anthology, Can I Get An Amen Again, for which she developed the concept. It is the sequel to the ever-popular, Can I Get An Amen. In addition, she currently has a short story in the anthology, Erogenous Zone, and an essay in Gumbo For The Soul anthology. Her debut novel, Panache, earned her an Emma Award as Best New Author in 2002. She is the former editor of Black Romance and Bronze Thrills Magazine and the Associate Editor of True Confessions Magazine at Dorchester Media, and she edits independently under her company, NBH Literary Services. She is also a Contributing Editor at Today's Black Woman Magazine and freelances for several other publications. In her spare time, this Brooklyn-born and bred author and editor creates cloth dolls and quilts under her recently-created Studio 447.

Can I Get An Amen Again?

When Dr. Gabrielle Talbot arrives in Red Oaks, Georgia, the last thing she has on her mind is romance--that is until she meets Marcus Danforth. But will he break her heart like her ex-fiance, or will he find a way to win her trust? From Nathasha Brooks-Harris's "A Change is Gonna Come" in the anthology Can I Get An Amen Again?


What did you learn while writing this book?

I learned that life can throw you some serious curves and setbacks. I learned that when they come about, you must be strong and deal with them head-on. I also learned that whatever doesn’t kill you, fattens you, or makes you stronger, whichever comes first. I learned that even when the words wouldn’t come, a quick prayer got me back on track and writing again.

How much marketing do you do? What have you found that particularly works well for you?

Truthfully, I didn’t do any marketing of this book. I was the sole caretaker of my mother. She was ill and couldn’t be left alone. Help from family members was non-existent, so book marketing was the last thing on my mind. She was all I had left and she came first. I left it in God’s hand and just said that if it was His will, this book would do well. I let the other three co-authors know that I couldn’t do anything because her care was critical and she demanded all of my time when I wasn’t at work. I told them that it was on them and that they should do whatever they could to help move this book.

In the past, though, I found that getting out meeting the readers and fans worked best. They were able to put a face to the name and I began to develop relationships and connections with them. Speaking at conferences and teaching workshops helped me as well. I love doing that and giving back some of what I’ve learned. Romance Slam Jam has helped me in a major way. Those readers are phenomenal! They are serious about their romance-reading and are very loyal. They make authors feel like a five-pound box of new money in hundred-dollar bills! That’s pretty damn good.

What should a new writer know about the publishing business?

Very simply, writers should realize that the publishing business is about the bottom line: can their book sell? Publishers are concerned about sales and profits. No sales or profits, no book! It’s a very simple and uncomplicated concept. If a writer wants to write, she needs to go into it with the mindset that all a publisher is obligated to do once the contract is signed is to publish the book. The publisher is not obligated to push it and give the book much (if any) promotion. If the company does that, it’s a gift with a big red bow on the package. It is up to the author to push the book and make it sell. That’s where things get real interesting. From what I’ve seen, so many authors aren’t willing to do that. They sit around and complain about what the publisher is not doing to promote the book. The bottom line is this: if an author gets out there and hustles and really pushes a book and it does well, the publisher is more inclined to help with promotions for the next book or somewhere down the line.

What one thing about writing do you wish other non-writers would understand?

I wish that non-writers would understand that writing is what a serious writer does. When a non-writer calls a serious writer up and starts talking about their man problems or baby daddy drama, if a writer says I’m writing, call back later! At least, ask the writer when’s the best time to call so they can chat! That doesn’t happen. You say you’re writing and the call goes forth as if the caller is saying, So what? You’re just writing. Surely I’m more important. They just have no clue what it means to put butt in chair and write until it hurts. They see it as a joke or a hobby or something!

When it comes to writing, what do you know for sure?

When it comes to writing, I know for sure that if you don’t begin, the book won’t get written. A book begins with a single word and the determination to keep writing no matter what happens.

How can readers contact you?

Readers can contact me at:
Nathasha Brooks-Harris
P.O. Box 150232
Brooklyn, NY 11215-0232
Or by e-mail at: nabrooks@aol.com or writernbh@yahoo.com.

My website is currently under construction at www.nathashabrooksharris.com. It will be live very soon.

I love to hear from readers and fans. Please do contact me.

Thank you for the opportunity to speak to you via this book tour. Thanks for taking the time to read this and learn more about me and my writing. Be blessed and always remember: “To whom much is given, much is required!”

Sunday, January 27, 2008

AUTHOR INTRO: Julie Lessman



Julie Lessman is a debut author who has already garnered writing acclaim, including ten Romance Writers of America awards. She is a commercial writer for Maritz Travel, a published poet and a Golden Heart Finalist. Julie has a heart to write “Mainstream Inspirational,” reaching the 21st-century woman with compelling love stories laced with God’s precepts. She resides in Missouri with her husband and their golden retriever, and has two grown children and a daughter-in-law. Her first book, A Passion Most Pure, was released January 2008.

Visit her Web site at http://www.julielessman.com/



A Passion Most Pure

She's found the love of her life. Unfortunately, he loves her sister ...

As World War I rages across the Atlantic in 1916, a smaller war is brewing in Boston. Faith O’Connor finds herself drawn to an Irish rogue who is anything but right for her. Collin McGuire is brash, cocky, and from the wrong side of the tracks, not to mention forbidden by her father. And then there’s the small matter that he is secretly courting her younger sister. But when Collin’s affections suddenly shift her way, it threatens to tear Faith's proper Boston family apart.


Julie is kind enough to offer an autograph copy for one of our lucky readers.
Congrats to our winner Pam J.

Monday, January 21, 2008

JANUARY BOOK TOUR


Nathasha Brooks-Harris is embarking on an online book tour. Stop by and meet her.

Book: Can I Get An Amen Again?

Publisher: Kimani Press

When Dr. Gabrielle Talbot arrives in Red Oaks, Georgia, the last thing she has on her mind is romance--that is until she meets Marcus Danforth. But will he break her heart like her ex-fiance, or will he find a way to win her trust? From Nathasha Brooks-Harris's "A Change is Gonna Come" in the anthology Can I Get An Amen Again?


TOUR DATES


JANUARY 28

http://sormagtours.blogspot.com/



Friday, January 11, 2008

HOTBOOKS - January

Happy New Year!

I always love the new year. It always means a fresh start. This year I've decided to read a book a week. I'm hoping to read a different genre each week. Do you have any book reading goals for 2008?

2008 promises to be filled with many new authors that we will showcase here. So make sure to open up your newsletter on Fridays to see what's new on the shelves to add toyour book reading list.

We're trying to build our readership, so please feel free to forward this newsletter to all your friends who enjoy a good book. We're hosting a new membership drive contest. Five lucky winners will receive a SORMAG goody pak. You can win if they tell me you forwarded the newsletter to them. That means 10 winners. Winners will be announced in the first issue of the February newsletter.

Virtual Tours Listing

Are you going on a virtual book tour? Make one of your stops SORMAG Tours. All we ask for is a copy of the book to give out as gift to our readers.

See ya on the net,

LaShaunda


FEATURED AUTHORS THIS WEEK

Donald James Parker & Virgina DeBerry & Donna Grant


ALL THE VOICES OF THE WIND

This novel combines romance and humor with a cerebral search for truth. It does not pull punches. It names real people as it showcases most of the intelligent design/creationism arguments in one central location. This book is not for those unprepared for an intellectual challenge or a spiritual gut check.


GOTTA KEEP ON TRYIN'



Almost since Tryin' to Sleep in the Bed You Made hit the shelves, readers have been asking for a sequel--something we never thought about after we completed that book. But 10 years worth of requests later--we decided to tackle the project. It was nerve wracking--but ultimately fulfilling to revisit the characters we'd put down so many years before. We thought long and hard about how to approach the story and concluded that the best way was to allow for time to have passed in Pat, Gayle and Marcus' lives too. So in Gotta Keep on Tryin' we pick them up six years after Tryin' ended and bring them forward to the present time.




CHRISTIAN

Happily Even After
Marilynn Griffith


Steeple Hill Books

0373785984

978-0373785988

In her old group of friends, Tracey Blackman was All That, but in her husband's new church circle, she's Nothing Much. Especially if you ask Queen Elizabeth, her haughty and harried mother-in-law who keeps putting Jenny Craig coupons in her diaper bag. Everyone from the pastor's wife on down seems to have it all together, right down to their perfect marriages. Tracey can't relate. She's got the man, the baby and the house, but this ain't no fairy tale. Right about now she's just hoping to live happily...even after all the mess.

http://www.marilynngriffith.com/




ONE HOLY NIGHT
J. M. Hochstetler


Sheaf House


ISBN-10: 097974850X

ISBN-13: 978-0979748509

On this bleak Christmas Eve, what God has in mind is a miracle. As on that holy night so long ago, a baby will be born and laid in a manger--a baby who will bring forgiveness, reconcilliation, and healing to a family that has suffered heart-wrenching loss.

http://www.sheafhouse.com

http://www.jmhochstetler.com/



MAINSTREAM

Things In Between
Nathanial Portis


Quick Press Publications

ISBN-10: 0976037203

ISBN-13: 978-0976037200

A touching tale about one young man's fervent effort to overcome "things in between" that are standing in the way of his success. With believable characters faced with true-to-life situations, Things In Between is an engaging read. Readers will feel Cameron's pain and cheer his triumphs. Portis also weaves in an element of suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

http://www.nathanialportis.com/


http://myspace.com/nathanialportis



NON FICTION

The House That Love Built: The Story of Linda & Millard Fuller, Founders of Habitat for Humanity and the Fuller Center for Housing
Bettie B. Youngs

Hampton Roads Pub Co

ISBN-10: 1571745467

ISBN-13: 978-1571745460

In the hearts of volunteers who mobilize resources to build houses, "Habitat for Humanity" signifies caring. However, few people know that thirty years ago, successful entrepreneur Millard Fuller and his wife Linda left behind their materialistic lifestyle and crumbling marriage to start over as missionaries in Zaire. Upon returning to Georgia, they started building houses to bring new life to the poverty-stricken as their personal Christian ministry.

Millard recruited Jimmy Carter to work with Habitat when he left the White House. Together they attracted leaders from church and state worldwide. Habitat became an international movement with 1700 affiliates and a Board of Directors comprised of increasingly large corporate donors. As it grew, a new, more secular vision evolved, and eventually Millard and Linda found themselves alone starting over. The Fullers responded with "God is not done with us." Within days, they were back raising money and building houses for The Fuller Center for Housing--for Katrina victims and in Nepal, Nigeria, and Romania.

About the Author

Bettie B.Youngs, PhD, EdD, teacher of the year, university professor and Pulitzer Prize-nominated author of 32 books published in 24 languages.

Website address: http://www.bettieyoungs.com/



POETRY


Speaking Me: A Youth Anthology
Pam Osbey


Osbey Books, Inc.

ISBN - 9780975266243

From heavy topics of alcoholism, affects of death, losing loved ones, domestic violence, teen violence, body image issues, spirituality, frustration with the government, music, and much more, Speaking Me: A Youth Anthology is a poetry and prose book that compiles the best in teen writings. Featured writers in this anthology include Carmen Li, Jeannette Anderson, Dahiana Baez, Tamasia Johnson, Marah Langellier, Sayre Mingan, Mary Williams, Gabriel C. Tyler, David Oliver Cousins, Jr., Milton Brawner, Derrick Barber, Bryent Edwards, Michelle Cole, Zakiya Zemmott, Jenny Perez and Ericka Dickerson.

Website address - http://www.osbeybooksinc.com/


Where can it be purchased from - http://www.authorsbookshop.com/speakingme



ROMANCE

Love.com
Teresa Alessi & Therone Shellman


Third Eye Publishing, Inc

ISBN: 0-9771004-4-8


Harold is not the best looking guy in the world, but he is a good husband, employee and friend. His life is shattered when he finds out his wife of eight years Linda is cheating. To make matters worse she divorces him. Heartbroken he decides to create a profile on a dating site called 'Love.com' Will Harold prevail and find true love?

Websites:

http://www.thirdeyepublishing.org/

www.myspace.com/theroneshellman




One Foot Outside The Door
Vina St.Fran


Zam Publishing

ISBN-10: 0615137970

ISBN-13: 978-0615137971

Cyndarella Worthy is a beautiful, 30-something African-American woman who owns a successful minority advertising agency in Southfield, Michigan. About to marry Thad Mitchell, Cyn has a blast from the past in the form of her high school sweetheart and first love, Bashar Bazzi, an Iraqi gentleman who comes back with an agenda of his own for his former lover. Will she ride off into the sunset and live happily ever after, or find herself back in circulation?

http://www.vinastfran.com/


http://www.zampublishing.com/




NEVER WITHOUT YOU AGAIN
Francine Craft


Kimani

ISBN-10: 0373860374

ISBN-13: 978-0373860371


How can I forget our past?
Theda Coles wondered as Hunter 'Brave Wolf' Davis once again grabbed hold of her heart and refused to let go. Hunter was back in town and back in her life. And the fire that had seared both their hearts a decade ago flared hotter than ever. Theda now struggled to uphold her daytime reputation as a small-town high school principal, even as she secretly reveled in the passionate loving only Hunter could give her at night. Each time they were together, Theda vowed it would be their last. But she couldn't stop seeing him. Even though their relationship meant risking her career.

Author's Website:

http://www.francinecraft.com/


www.myspace.com/francinecraft



2008 CONFERENCES


Romance Slam Jam 2008

The Event for Readers and Authors of Black Romance

12th Annual National Conference

April 30, 2008 - May 4, 2008

Chicago, IL

http://www.romanceslamjam.org/




2008 RSJ Aspiring Author Contest

This contest is open to all aspiring authors of Black romance/women's fiction.

http://www.romanceslamjam.org/conference/AAContest.htm



Are you hosting a conference? Advertise it here for $25.00

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