Just In Case You Were Wondering

Speaking Me, a Youth Anthology is....

in printing mode! 17 youth authors with amazing work - poetry, short memories of life, love, and other things...will be published shortly.

With funding from CAAP (Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs), we are excited to roll out this book in the next few weeks.

I was promised the books by early next week. I'm hoping to have copies by end of this month to writers and start the promotions by December.

I will keep you posted on this as soon as I get new information. Thanks to everyone for the progression of this project.

Osbey Books, Inc. will begin to seek new material for Speaking Me, Volume II between January 10 - Early April 2008. Good luck to all writers.

Mocha Sistah

Upcoming Features

hey all...

it's been a while. Just dropping in to say hello. i have shows on www.blogtalkradio.com/literarypizzazz every tuesday and thursday. This week's feature is Dex from Michigan (novel, Not An Ordinary Life) and inspirational author of the book, Simply Elevate on 11/13 and 11/15. Atlanta's Hotep stops by on November 20th to school us on the Hustler entrepreneurship concepts and discusses his book. Then I host Philadelphia's "Mika Miller" - And God Created Woman on November 30th.

Come December, we will have a Womanhood show along with a few authors, including Lucinda Thierry who will discuss her book, Salutations. January and February 2008 shows brings a UK author and a few more American ones.

Until then, I guess we'll chat and I'll post some new things shortly here. Thanks for stopping by -- leave a little sunshine for me , why don't you.

Recommended books:

So Much Drama - Kenya Moss
Cimmerian City - Rae Lindley

To get booked on Literary Pizzazz, email osbeybooks@sbcglobal.net with a short bio, book description and jpeg of your book along with your availability and we'll set your FREE show up!

Speaking Me Anthology: Online Showcase June 5th

What is "Speaking Me"? It is an anthology that will feature writers ages 10-18. Their words. Their emotions. Their world. Some of these writers share personal stories through lyricism, rhymes and poetry. Others share their gift of writing through prose and short stories.

The project is supported by a partial grant through the Illinois Arts Council and the Department of Cultural Affairs.

The editor is Pam Osbey, CEO of Osbey Books, Inc., a small press publisher.

The collection will feature over 35 youth writers and will be published in Late 2007. Expect a deluge of activities in Chicago, New York, and other cities where the poets reside beginning in early 2008.

Featured Writers on June 5th's show:

Mary Williams is 16-years-old, attends Ossining High School in New York. She enjoys all kinds of writing from screenplays to stories to poems. She has studied writing with magazine TeenInk in London and conducted an interview with Alicia Keys with TeenInk. She also studies at the Hudson Valley's Writer's Center with acclaimed poet Brenda Conner-Bey.

Sayre Mingan lives in Berkeley, California. He is a student of San Francisco School Of The Art's Creative Writing Program. This the first time his fiction is being published. His poetry had been published in the Cacaphony and The Advocate. He believes that all words are important and should be heard because everyone has a story to tell.

Jeanette Anderson finds herself most inspired by the city she lives in, New York City. She is 18 years old and hopes to major in Creative Writing. She has been published in the british publication, Magma.

Gabriel C. Tyler is a student at Walter Payton College Prep is 16-Years-Old and resides in Chicago, Illinois. His personal life motto in words: "Pro Education, Fighting Injustices, Compliance, and Ignorance, and Promoting Expression." He describes himself as an African American young male who is inspired by the environment around him. He is inspired by the earth, neo soul music, Christianity, Lauryn Hill, and most importantly he believes that the edification of one's mental being is their key to success. Writing is not only his life, but his passion and his peace of mind.

Log on to Blog Talk Radio with host Pam Osbey, author of several titles including Musings of a Mocha Sistah, and the highly acclaimed "Smoke Signals" www.blogtalkradio.com/literarypizzazz

Air time: June 5, 2007 at 4pm, CST time!

Call in to the show at Dial In Number (646) 478-5460

We look forward to any and all callers, but particularly any youth writers or poets with words to share. Thanks again, Literary Pizzazz
www.myspace.com/literarypizzazz

An Author to Know: Kamryn Donavan

Kamryn Donavan and her debut novel is titled GETTING LUCKY--due in stores 9/4/07.


About the Author:

Kamryn Donavan is a native of Lake Charles, Louisiana. Despite her deep southern roots, she will always be a Midwestern Girl at heart. Raised in University Park, a south suburb of Chicago, Kamryn has had a love for writing since her first short story assignment in third grade. She now resides in Los Angeles, California with her two sons, and is employed with the Communications Division of the Los Angeles Police Department. GETTING LUCKY is Kamryn's first novel, which took an impressive two weeks to complete.

BOOK EXCERPT:
Unit 109

His name is Vernon . No, no…it's Victor. Or did he tell me his name was Vincent?
For all Peaches could remember, the strange man sleeping in her bed at least had a name that started with a V.
Peaches had never been good at remembering a guy's name, which is probably because she never stayed with one long enough to learn his name. A guy could introduce himself, but she would never be interested in any of that small talk. All she wanted to know was how much money he had in his pocket. From there, she would make up her own name for him. Like the man in her bed, his name was Mr. 1000. That is how much he had spent on her the entire evening. At least a hundred in tips and private lap dances…the rest is what he paid her to take him home.
Peaches called out to him, hoping the sound of her voice would jostle him from his sleep.
She stood at the foot of her bed, naked and fresh from the shower, ready to get this strip club trick out of her bed so she could go on with her day.
This was not Peaches' normal routine. She had brought plenty of guys home from the club before, and then after sex, she would quickly send them on their way. Mr. 1000 was different, though. He was the first one she had actually allowed to sleep over—mostly because he was the first one to spend so much money on her in one night. The sex had something to do with it, too. Mr. 1000 had worked her over so good that she almost felt obligated to reward him with a few hours of sleep next to her, but now his time was up.
This time Peaches used her foot as a wake up call. "Hey! Wake up, man! I'm not running a damn motel here."
That was enough to rustle him from his slumber. The man rolled over and smiled at Peaches, still rubbing sleep from his eyes. "Hey there, baby girl."
Peaches did not have a smile to return. "This ain't Motel 6. If you wanna sleep, you need to take ya ass home."
"You kicking me out already, baby girl?" the man chuckled as he threw back the covers to show her how he was arousing himself. "You sure you don't wanna take another ride before you send me packing?"
Peaches marveled at how such an ugly man could be blessed with such a large one, but she quickly figured that was God's way of balancing things out. Since his ugly face could not reel in the ladies, his big dick and overflowing wallet sure would. As tempting as it was to take another ride on Mr. 1000, she had to remind herself that he was for business, not pleasure.
"Do you have some more money?" she asked, keeping a straight face to let him know that she was serious.
The man laughed then jumped out of bed to reach for his clothes. "You sure are something else, baby girl," he said with a hint of laughter in his voice.
Knowing that he was watching, Peaches pranced over to the closet to slip into her robe, making sure to put an extra jiggle in her step.
"Damn, baby girl, having that much ass should be against the law!"
Peaches laughed to herself, wishing she had a dime for every time she had heard that line. When it came to her, God had certainly made the scales unbalanced; blessing her with good looks and a body that could make a grown man cry.
"So are you working tonight?" the man asked, attempting to kill the awkward silence between them.
"Of course I am. I'm there every night making that paper."
The man went into his wallet then handed Peaches forty dollars. "This is just a lil' something extra for you," he whispered in her ear as if someone else were in the room listening.
A smile spread across her face as she slipped the money in her pocket. She said thank you, trying her best to sound appreciative, but such a measly gesture is not what brought such a look of pleasure. She just found it hilarious that he was giving her money, not knowing that she had already lifted sixty bucks from his wallet while he had been asleep.

Check out the hot debut novel GETTING LUCKY by Kamryn Donavan,
due in stores 09/04/07.
Copyright © 2007 Urban Soul Books, ISBN-10: 1599830256

Road Trip: St. Louis, MO

I took a short trip to St. Louis, MO this past weekend. Literally....left Chicago on Saturday night and boarded Megabus, took at $1.00 bus ride to St. Louis. That's right. I got a $1.00 bus ticket via the site and had to endure 5 hours on the road, but there was only like 7 passengers, so we all literally froze outside Union Station, but boarded the bus at 12:10 am on Sunday, April 8th and arrived in St. Louis at 5:10 am, at the Union Station in STL. I actually got a little sleep and then was picked up by my family (The Millers), when I got to the house in Florissant, MO, I went straight to sleep for a couple of hours, and then, logged online, but did not check any of my emails, and made some phone calls. I spoke with Fo Feet and confirmed the time that I needed to be at her venue for SHE-ISM's Sunday event at Legacy Books and Cafe, and then, relaxed for most of the day. 5Pm, I arrived at the venue and asked Charlie Brown (one of FoFeet's musicians from her dope house band) if he knew some Anita Baker tunes. I ended up singing, Sweet Love and Been So Long, however, I ended up messing up both of these songs during my 15 minute performance. The poetry was on point. The crowd had a good time, and so did I. I realized, I have not publicly sung since the days of singing in New Hope Missionary Baptist Church Choir (Chicago, IL), and although I sing sometimes with my poetry, it's not a full song. I was told by several people including Starlite that I need to get in 'the studio' to do a full CD. It's not a focus right now, but it's not the first time I've heard that I have a 'pretty voice'. I"m not full of myself, God has given me this as another gift. Anyway, after being at Legacy for a few hours, I went back to Florissant, for a few hours, and hung out with my cousin for a few hours on Monday (my train was leaving at 5pm - Amtrak). I decided to take a different route home, plus I planned to write poetry on the trip home and watch movies on my laptop. I got "Business Class" on Amtrak and it only cost an additional 14 dollars. My train ticket was 36 dollars total. Had I taken the plan, I would have paid double that amount along. Because I have lovely family, I didn't have to drive myself, they took me everywhere I needed. I'm blessed. Anyway, The train ride was longer than 5 hours, but I must say, Business Class is the bomb and I might have to do that again. You have a lot more room, and it's like Leather seats. I was in heaven. I enjoyed watching "Phat Girlz" and "Kill Bill" on my new laptop, and reading, "Riding Rhythm" while waiting to get home. I got home last night around Midnight, and took a cab ride home, which took me about 15 minutes from the loop. Even though I didn't eat breakfast this morning, I had a great Lunch after my class - and then, got to the business of getting my little writer/publisher life back into order. Total cost of trip: $37 dollars. I kid you not!!!!!

Next up: Another writer/poet...stay tuned to the Musings Report.

Hope your Easter was fulfilling.

-- Mocha Sistah

Introducing Poet Stacey Barlow

Born Stacey Yvonne Barlow, December 18, 1968 to Juanita Barlow, she was faced with many obstacles dealing with her cerebral palsy. But by the grace of God and her mother saying to her, “You can do anything you set your mind to doing because the sky is the limit for you,” she didn’t realize that she would be lead to writing. Stacey has been writing for 28 years. Her first break came when she wrote the astounding poem, “Not A Broken Dream” (1985) giving homage to the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. She is a member of the Cedar Springs Baptist Church of Hooks, TX and sings in her church choir. A Hooks High School graduate of 1987, Stacey went on to higher education attending Texarkana Community College also East Texas State University where she received her Associates Degree in Office Careers. She also attended East Texas State University in Commerce TX majoring in Communications between the years 1988 to 1993. In 1992 “I Can’t Love You If You Can’t Love Me” was recorded by The Sound of Poetry through The National Library of Poetry. She has also received two Editor’s Choice Awards for the poems “I Can’t Love You If You Can’t Love Me“, (1995). In the winter of 1997, Stacey was elected into The International Poetry Hall of Fame. “My Name Is. . .” (1997) was recognized by the judges as being among the best 3% of all entries judged. She has been published in two anthologies, Walk Through Paradise and The Best Poets of 1997. Stacey has had the opportunity to see her work in print “Carry On” in her local newspaper Citizen Tribune, (1997). In addition, she has recorded her CD of poetry, produced poetry calendars, written several other poems, and has been heard reciting poetry on Baltimore Maryland’s WPCG 95.5. Stacey was a featured poet on well renowned poet, Michelle Pinkard’s website, www.michellejpinkard.com (1998-2001) She continued to hone her talent and gifts for the next couple of years. Stacey Barlow has written a poem for the volunteers of The American Cancer Society of Pittsburgh, Texas. “Celebration of Life” (2001). Wrote a piece for a church function, “Food For the Soul. . .Eat Well.” (2003). Stacey is the co-partner of the website Pleasure _X1 with well renowned HBO poet DJuna Blackmon. She has also added to her accomplishments, a spot at Timbooktu.com for the month of March 2004 as one of the featured writers. The author is writing a fiction novel and working on building a business in poetry. She is presently working on her third and fourth projects. Published a piece in “The Head Doctor Presents Punany: The Hip Hop Psalms III The Onliners Erotic Poems and Short Stories from People Just Like You” entitled “Punany Ritual” in 2005. She recently wrote a piece for the children in her church, entitled “Mirror” which received rave reviews. (2006) and “Oceans Tears,” in honor of the troops. (2006). She is presently working on her third and fourth projects.

The Musings Report introduces you to Stacey Barlow

What is your inspiration for writing poetry and when did you start writing? My inspiration for writing is God and things around me; I've been writing for 29 years.

Can you tell us more about your collection of writings that is currently published?
My collection of poetry is a description of different types or kinds of love ranging from God, family, friends, self and unrequited love. It's a vision of words to help people see outside of the box or see things they refuse to see at that particular time in their lives.

Are you working on any novels in progress? Yes, I am working on other novels. My second book is of poetry. The third book is a novella (unless changed) and it is finished and I am working on my fourth project.

What is the difference between poetry and spoken word (like Def Poetry Jam) and open microphone sessions? Spoken word is (to me) expresses words poetically by being onstage because that's where artists may feel comfortable, while poets express themselves by techniques of words, visualization, through the eyes and seem to have a quiet sense about them. But they do however share a common vision which is to be heard in a certain form or fashion, and letting people know what and how they are feeling.

What do you want people to get from your poetry? I want people look beyond what might be in front of them; to be able to see the bigger picture of what's going on in their lives, grasp it, understand that it's just a feeling that can easily be let go of. There is more to life than what's going on in their relationships, jobs, church etc.

Are you appearing on any radio shows or have any upcoming features? I've appeared on a couple of radio shows earlier in the year. A few of my pieces are being heard at a couple of New York radio stations. I'm looking to also appear on a London radio station within a few months. One piece that was written for the American Cancer Society will be featured at the "Relay For Life" event in Oklahoma City, OK in May and it will also be featured at a church benefit in Shreveport, LA. (April 1, 2007)

What other future projects are you working on and releasing later this year or in early 2008? As mentioned, I am working on my fourth project that I'm hoping to get out next year. It's also a fiction novel called "Broken." The poetry, I'm looking to get out by the end of the year if not by the summer. Same as to the third project.

Name 3 influential poets that inspired you. (1) Maya Angelou (2) Robert Frost (3) Nikki Giovanni (even though there are many poets that inspired me)

What has been audience response to your work? The audience response have been overwhelming! I'm still pinching myself. lol

I hear your work is currently abroad in London, England. What other countries would you like to expose your writings to? Where else? Hmmm, that was the only place that I wanted it to be exposed to. It has been exposed to Puerto Rico which I am very happy about that. But if I had to chose, it would be Japan, Africa, China, and Italy

Link to purchase: http://www.creativeenigma.com/Bookstore/Newbookstore_files/page0003.htm


Without No This, We Have No That

Children, my African pride of the earth
Have you ever seen a mother's smile
after seeing the first birth
of her child?

All, if any
that is a wonderful creation
Everything being around us
is of some kind of relation.

From the beginning
there were drums to make
the sweet music
the drums had an added volume
just to make a beat.

Your mother's mother is your grandmother
and your father's mother is the same
they shared together this thing called love
And then, from the womb
you came.

Listen to the heart of your lover
bringing back that which was lost
here and now you both will discover
but at what cost?

Falling in love for the first time
is where it's at
Without no this
We have no that.
~Stacey Barlow 2004)

Please support Stacey if you can. Stacey is another reason to celebrate the National Poetry MONTH!!!

We wish her many literary blessings.

-- The Musings Report

Introducing Kisha Green

Kisha, you have several books, what started you off in the literary arena?

Well, it started off when I was about 11 years old and I always had a vivid imagination. I just wanted to tell a story but more so wanting the world to read my stories.

What book is your favorite book that you’ve written?

Dear Mommy- it is so personal to me since I am allowing readers into what I went through since losing my mom to a brain tumor.

Tell me more about your book company, DivaBooksInc, what do you really want to accomplish and what’s difference in your approach as a publisher? I am so passionate about writing so DivaBooksInc. (DBI) was created so that I could have total control over my literary fate but also allowing new authors on the literary block a chance to shine. I believe everyone has a story to tell. My approach with the authors I work with is that unlike the larger publishing houses I am willing to take that chance on the underdog.

How long does it take you to complete a work in progress and is there something specific you have to have while writing that inspires you or helps you during the process?

I do not have a set time frame, it is whenever the story comes to my mind and I gotta get it out of my head and on paper. My inspiration comes from life situations and sometimes I can even hear a song that will make me think of a storyline, and I will just go from there.

Give me 3 words that describe you as a reader?

avid, devoted and open minded. I love books and will almost anything and love to curl up on my couch or bed with a good book and be swept away by the author's words. I always tell myself if I can get that mini movie in my mind while reading, then the book is good!

Give me 2 literary giants that inspire you as writers?

Stephen King, James Patterson- there are so many more but those two take readers into the mind state of their characters and make you feel as if you truly know these people and are able to identify with them.

What’s the best thing about being a publisher?

I have creative freedom! I can take a risk with a new author and it is nothing more rewarding than seeing your work in print and it being well received.

What’s the hardest lesson you’ve learned being in the writing industry?

That everyone doesn’t always have your best interest at heart. It is sad but it is true especially in this industry.

Do you have any projects you’d like to share with our readers?

Yes, I have an erotica anthology being released next week titled Mental Seduction-Erotic Escapades and this is a compilation of sizzling short stories by some new authors who are definitely bringing fire to this anthology.

I also have an urban anthology being released next month titled On Da Corner and this collection is introducing some great writing talent and bringing a refreshing style to the street literary scene.

I am just so excited about these books since all of these authors definitley have talent and it is indeed a blessing that they will have the opportunity to let the world see what I already know!

For more information about any other upcoming DBI literary works please visit my website www.divabooksinconline.com

Thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedule. We wish you continued success.

Thank you Pam for this opportunity!

EXCERPT FROM KISHA'S WORK!

Give Thanks!
By Kisha Green

As a new year begins there isn’t a better time to reflect on where you have been but more importantly where you are going. Life is about choices and often times enough we tend to forget just that. As we get caught up in the things that we want to see happen, we forget that it actually requires an action better yet a plan to make that vision an definite reality.

We also forget the main person that makes any of these things possible for us. That is why it is important to give thanks and not just when good things happen to us but all of the time. Our heavenly father doesn’t just come around for the good with us; he is there through the good and the bad and thick and thin. Do we not owe him the same courtesy?

Some think to themselves “God knows my heart” and part of that is true but just think how you would feel as day in and day out as you care for your children night and day and no one would ever say thank you or any token of appreciation but instead “Oh mom knows my heart”. How would that make you feel? My point exactly…just give some thanks.

Today’s society is often over consumed with themselves to stop and take a minute and show some form of gratitude. Thanksgiving is not just a holiday in November or a reason to over indulge on high calorie foods. Thanksgiving is to give thanks but what better deserving person than the person who gave you life and allows you to wake up each morning. Fair enough right?

So let’s not sweat the small stuff but more importantly give thanks for the real things that matter instead of taking it for granted!

"Charm is deceitful, and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates." Proverbs 31:30-31

***

How To Find A Good Man!

By: Kisha Green

I knew I could grab your attention with a title like that…lol…Single ladies saw that heading like it was a flashing neon sign and immediately wanted to know how and where they could go and get one like a good man was a gallon of milk at your local convenience store just waiting to be brought. Only if it was that simple huh?

I have asked different woman on where were the good men? They all quickly replied that they were either liars, playas, broke, had bad credit, lived at home with their mama, in jail, homeless, secret drug habits, HIV+, on the “down low” or just had “babymamadrama”…lol… So seeing that what men are about these days I thanked the Lord I was married and not single because I too would be scared to date.

I thought to myself this couldn’t be true. Could it? I have been with my husband for nine years and I know my “boo boo” wasn’t like that. So I decided to conduct my own little investigation.

I spoke with a lot of different woman in various age categories who have been unsuccessful in finding a good man. Why? Was the question that plagued me?

I observed that woman made these mistakes when it came to dating;

• Ladies that think they can find Mr. Right in a bar/nightclub.
• Ladies who dress provocatively thinking this will get a man’s attention (It does just not the attention you are seeking).
• Ladies believing that it is all right to go home with a man you just met and sleep with him.
• Ladies that play too many games and or carry around baggage from past failed relationships.

Those were the most frequent errors that I had observed but it doesn’t just stop with that either. Something else just as troublesome was ladies wanting this all together perfect man, when they aren’t that put together themselves. I suggest putting the shoe on the other foot. Are you in the same situation that you are seeking from a mate? In some cases the ladies aren’t. What I am essentially saying is try to bring something to the table of mutual interest besides what is between your thighs!

Speaking of sex the numero uno mistake that I see is that a lot of ladies are willing to settle for being the sloppy seconds of becoming a booty call AKA “the jump-off”.

Believing that if you make yourself available to this man he will eventually realize that you are the “one”…NOT!!

The only thing he will realize is that you are the one to call for sex and if you keep trying to act as if you have anything more than a prearranged sexual relationship he will cut that off as well!

So what I am principally trying to convey is that before you step out into the dating scene of seeking a suitable mate. Check yourself first, in order to find a man and love him unconditionally, first love yourself unconditionally and with a formula like that you can’t lose. Now when you do step out you are putting your best foot forward!

OK…Stepping off my soapbox…until next time that is…

Peace & Blessings

Kisha

Kisha Green

Author...Publisher...Reviewer

www.divabooksinconline.com
Author of Novels -And Even If I Did,

Dear Mommy and If It Aint One Thing...it's Another

Introducing Author Crystal Bright

My name is Crystal B. Bright. I have 3 books published with New Concepts Publishing, 1 in print and 1 about to go into print at the end of February 2007. My website address is www.CrystalBrightWriter.com I am the author of Revamped, a story about a vampire with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Bio:

A self-professed nerd, Crystal B. Bright has been telling stories for as long as she can remember. After earning her Bachelors of Art degree in Creative Writing from Old Dominion University and her Masters of Art degree in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University, she became serious in pursuing her dream. To know more about this up-and-coming author, please visit her website at www.CrystalBrightWriter.com.

Snippet from Revamped through New Concepts Publishing:

Elaine felt there was something about him that was masterful, something deep-seeded within him that he hadn’t released, or maybe was afraid to release. His authority may have had something to do with the fact that he knew so much about her and her family and hadn’t explained how.

“Don’t you think I’ve been inconvenienced enough?” Mina’s words seemed to have another meaning the way they stared at each other.

Elaine could have sworn she heard a low, rumbling growl. She scanned the room to see if a dog hid in the shadows. To channel her fear, she bit the inside of her bottom lip.

Seth brought himself up to his full height. He lorded over his assistant, still seated. With the venom of a million cobras he said, “Know your place.”

The way he spoke to his assistant sent shivers up Elaine’s back. If this was Seth slightly peeved, she had no interest in seeing him angry.

Mina swallowed hard and with great reluctance from the way she exhaled accommodated his request and moved to the other chair.

When he started pacing once she sat down, Mina folded her arms again. Fear coursed through Elaine’s body making her head feel near explosion. She had to get her thoughts together so she could make a plan to get out.

“You don’t have to explain anything,” Elaine said, keeping her voice low and even. “Besides, I’m sure I have people looking for me right now so I should go soon.”

Since she lived alone in her cramped condo, she knew no one would go look for her. These two didn’t know that. At least she hoped they didn’t. Perhaps her party-animal grandmama or her hermit-like mother would try to find her. Or maybe she could count on her brother who was across the country right now.

Elaine muttered a silent prayer.

“Funny,” he said. “I like the way you think.”

Damn, she was playing this too aloof. Her gaze cut to the door then back at the duo. Maybe she had to play them against one another.

“Look at him.” Mina pointed. “He’s obsessed with cleanliness. He’s afraid of bugs and the small animals.” She folded her arms and huffed. “And spoons? I don’t get that. He has a ritual for everything. Now he’s got this germ-phobia that’s really killing us, and I do mean killing us!”

Mina jumped from her seat and sauntered over to Elaine. Preparing to be grabbed again, Elaine kept her fist at the ready on her lap. Instead Mina pulled up the hem of her shirt and exposed a large bandage on her side. After removing the gauze, she showed Elaine an oozing open wound. It looked like an animal had torn her flesh.

“Can’t really style in a two-piece anymore.”

Elaine felt her stomach churning and her throat closing. “You need help. Have you seen a doctor for this?” Seeing grotesque sores like this prompted Elaine into psychiatry instead of internal medicine.

“Why do you think you’re here?”

“I’m not that type of doctor.” Elaine’s voice quivered. “I could refer you to someone.”

Mina lowered her shirt. “Trust me. If he starts doing what he’s supposed to do and you help him, then I won’t need a surgeon.” She put her hands to her hips. “If he doesn’t feed soon, we’re all going to disintegrate into a pile of mush. But he’s afraid the next person he feeds on will have some germ or something.”

“Hold your tongue, woman.” Once he stopped moving, Seth said to Elaine, “for generations your family has assisted mine in our survival. One would not think that hunters such as our kind would need the assistance of anyone else, especially a mortal.”

Seth and Mina laughed in unison. The sound curled Elaine’s toes.

“As times changed,” Seth began, “your gift is needed again. I have not fed in several months.” Looking pointedly at Elaine, he said, “I need you to help me feed again.”

Clearing her throat first, Elaine tried digesting what he’d said. “What are you people?” she asked again.

“Sanguinarians. Life-force extractors. Human predators.” He adjusted his glasses on his nose.

“Vampires?” Elaine asked, deducing his politically correct statements. Sweat trickled down between her shoulder blades and for a brief moment, her gaze became blurry like she wanted to pass out.

Mina huffed. “Come on. It’s the new millennium. Call us plasma connoisseurs.”

Elaine sat in disbelief. These people claimed to be vampires, blood suckers in this day and age. She wrung her hands this time and tried swallowing down her sandy dry throat.

“You’re obsessive-compulsive and you want me to help you so that you feel comfortable enough to kill again?”

Moving to the edge of her seat, she prepared to leap from it soon and head to the door.

“It is your duty.” His tone made it seem like she couldn’t turn him down.

Seth appeared a little paler than before. A strange but instant pang in her wanted to help him, cure him of what ailed him. It had nothing to do with his sullen look.

She wanted to help him? She couldn’t be feeling this way. However, she couldn’t deny the stirring in her stomach and the guilty feeling that swarmed in her head. The feeling went beyond the empathy she would feel for her patients in need and in pain. It was as though his pain was now her pain. The hell she would feel that way for this cruel stranger.

Elaine shook her head. He and Mina personified evil. She had to worry about getting herself out of the house.

“I can’t do that. I can’t aid a serial killer to kill again. You all need help.”

In a whine that rivaled any child’s, Mina said, “I knew we should have fed from her. What good is she to us? And now she knows our secret.”

“Mina, not another word.” Seth’s voice echoed off the walls but even with his commanding voice he kept his arms folded over his chest.

“Or what?” Mina strolled to the fireplace. “What are you going to do to me?” She stretched her arms across the mantle and smirked.

Seth snorted and charged toward her. If Elaine didn’t know any better, she could have sworn he flew. She didn’t remember hearing footsteps pounding the carpeted floor but the throbbing in her head muted most sounds so she could have been mistaken.

When he reached her, Mina placed her hand flat on the mirror behind her head. The man split his attention between her and the palm print on the glass.

Mina.

Mirror.

Mina.

Mirror.

Then he directed his full attention to the mirror. He grumbled and darted from the room into another. For a big man, he glided. Elaine knew he would have caught her for sure if she tried running away. Didn’t mean she still wouldn’t try.

Mina slipped back to her chair and reclaimed her position. As soon as she took her seat, Seth returned to the room with a bottle of blue liquid cleaner and a roll of paper towels.

“The oils in your hand can ruin this antique glass,” he muttered as he cleaned the mirror. The scent of ammonia wafted over to Elaine as he sprayed the reflective glass.

She suppressed a sneeze, clamping a hand over her nose and mouth. The emission of her germs would probably send the man into a frantic tailspin.

“This came over from Mexico with the family,” he said. “It has managed to get through wars, burnings and customs. I want to make sure it outlasts you.” He sneered at Mina.

“Very funny.” Mina cocked her head.

Mexico. Elaine had been right about his accent. Good info to remember when she talked to the police. Holding her in this house against her will was definitely a crime even if she couldn’t prove his involvement in her father’s death.

As Elaine watched him she noticed something strange, something shocking, something unreal. The reflection only showed the paper towel moving over the mirror but nothing else. Not this Prince of Darkness. Not even Mina. The police wouldn’t understand that.

Mina must have noticed her observation. When Elaine glanced at her, the woman winked.

Elaine forgot about acting cool and found her breath to scream. She sprang from her chair, stumbled to the side, her hands grasping at air. Her otherworldly scream burned her throat and squeezed every bit of air from her lungs. She ran to the door, making it this time without Mina’s intervention.

“Why do they always run?” Mina screamed after her.

Elaine yanked the door open and a rush of wind almost knocked her backward.

“Do not walk out that door!” Seth pointed at her with yellow gloves covering his hands.

This man lived on another plane of insanity. He talked to her like she worked for him. Seeing Mina race toward Elaine like a gazelle gave Elaine the motivation to keep running. If she hadn’t closed the door in time, Mina would have had her.

As Elaine ran down the long driveway, she scanned her surroundings. Woods lined the path. Her car. Thank goodness she decided to park it in the street instead of inside his gated property.

In between the trees, she spied glimmering lights, or maybe they were eyes peeking through the leaves. She took a deep breath and inhaled the salty sea air with a mixture of a rose scent coming from the rose bushes that lined the perimeter of the expansive front yard.

“You can be food for me or something else!” Mina screamed from the open doorway as Elaine kept up her jog down the brick way.

As though the cryptic line cued it, something large sprang from the woods and pounced on top of Elaine, knocking her to the ground and pinning her already sore shoulders to the hard surface.

~Making your day BRIGHT one story at a time!~

www.CrystalBrightWriter.com

Musings Reports Exclusive interview with Crystal Bright:

I love Vampires, and apparently you do too. How did you come to write about the genre and who were some of your influences?

Believe it or not, I really don't read or write a lot of vampire books. Revamped, my vampire novel through New Concepts Publishing, came about after a weekend of watching back-to-back episodes of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Monk." The vampire in my novel has Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. I thought about that idea and what it would mean to be a vampire and be afraid of germs.

Now I have read Lynsay Sands' vampire novel Single White Vampire and I enjoyed it. And I have every L.A. Banks books in her vampire huntress series but I have yet to read them. My man has and he loves them. Even my niece begged me for her books. So I understand how popular the genre is.

What does your writing process consist of? Do you use the outline method or build chapters as you go or something else entirely?

If I'm writing something short, less than 100 pages, I'm what we call in the writing community a "pantser." That means I write by "the seat of my pants" from beginning to end without notes. Now when I write a novel, I do break out my trusty notebook. The first thing I do is a character profile on my main characters. I talk about their looks, what they do for a living, where they live, if their parents are living or deceased, their internal and external conflicts, everything. I even write down the actor or actresses name who the character most resembles. For example in Revamped, my hero Seth Overkill looks a lot like professional wrestler/actor Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, and the heroine Elaine Shrink looks like Jennifer Lopez.

After that I do a brief chapter-by-chapter outline. I note what should happen in each chapter all the way to the end. This keeps me focused so that I'm not going off on wild storyline tangents.

What is one word that describes you as a writer?

My friends and family would say "prolific." I would say, "consistent."

Tell me about your characters, how do you create them or build them?

As I mentioned earlier, I usually draw from celebrities for my characters' looks. Sometimes the characters will come to me in my dreams like with the Casanova character in Kissing Casanova, also through New Concepts Publishing. Every time I closed my eyes to go to sleep, Casanova, the hero in the book who is a professional wrestler, kept saying, "You're going to write about me, right? I know you are. Come on. What are you waiting for?" At the time, I heard from other industry people that publishers do not like stories with characters who are athletes or actors, so a professional wrestler was a big double whammy. But I couldn't resist writing him so I did. With that character, I knew from the very beginning that he looked like pro-wrestler Stone Cold Steve Austin. And I knew the heroine would look like Ashanti, a young, beautiful African-American woman who is confident and very sexy---if not a bit spoiled.

Basically the characters come to me either in my dreams or when an idea hits me. Sometimes I'll see someone and feel compelled to write a story about that person.

How has your extensive education helped with your career as a writer?

Getting my Bachelor of Arts degree from Old Dominion University and my Master of Arts degree from Seton Hill University has definitely helped me structure how I write to make me a more efficient writer. I never used to outline my stories before and that prevented me from producing a lot of stories.

I also learned that rejection is not always a bad thing. I didn't submit my work for a long time because I was always afraid of rejection. Just like with a lot of other authors, I have enough rejections to wallpaper my house. To me, they are just tools for me to improve my craft.

And with the program at Seton Hill University, I made many contacts and learned so much about the behind-the-scenes process of publishing. I was a student along side multi-published authors Susan Mallery, Nalo Hopkinson and Suzanne Forster. One of my professors was award-winning and multi-published author Felicia Mason. And I got to meet agent Donald Maas and author Octavia Butler before her untimely death recently. I wouldn't trade my educational experience for anything. It's because of it that I even started submitting my work.

Tell us more about how you came to be an author under the New Concepts Publishing Company?

Before submitting my manuscript to them, I did extensive research. I checked out New Concepts Publishing's website and saw what they had to offer in terms of what stories they published and where readers can buy their books. I really liked the fact that New Concepts Publishing's books are stocked at Walden's and Border's book stores. I was so excited to see Kissing Casnaova on the shelves at my local Walden Books, so much so that I screamed like an idiot when I saw it on the shelf. The booksellers were kind enough to allow me to sign the unsold copies so that was thrilling for me.

So with those factors, I submitted Kissing Casanova. When they made me a contract offer, I submitted Gray's Anatomy, another novel with a professional wrestling backdrop. That got accepted. And when I saw they had a new line called Harmony, I submitted Revamped and that got accepted into that new line. Revamped should be out in print soon.

What would you tell aspiring writers not to do as they attempt to publish their first

Novels or poetry books?

Actually, I have two pieces of advice. First, don't sell yourself short! There are a lot of publishers out there, small and large, who will take advantage of the fact that you are a new author and willing to do just about anything to get your work published. There is one fairly large epublisher that now offers a contract where they want the full rights to your work for the lifetime of your work! For some authors this may not be a big deal to them. However for me, I wouldn't want to give up my "baby" to a publisher for the rest of my life. I work hard to write a story. I want that story to work hard for me. Just because they own the rights to your work does not mean it'll be on sale that way for the rest of your life. The publisher could release it right away, shelve it for several years, then release it again. They could release it after you die. It's their work so they own it. That's what I don't like. So if you're ever offered a contract, read over it carefully. If you have another author friend who has been published, maybe ask that person to read it over. There's a website called EPIC for electronically published authors and publishers that offers a great, short tutorial on the do's and don'ts of a publishing contract. Go to www.epicauthors.com Authors should also check out the National Writers Union at www.NWU.org if they suspect there's a problem with their contract.

My second piece of advice is to keep writing. A lot of authors, including myself, as soon as you type "The End" you sit back and bask in your glory that you finished your book or your last poem. That's great. Celebrate. But after you celebrate and while you're submitting that book, keep writing. I guarantee you that as soon as you publish that book, your publisher or agent will say, "What else do you have?" They want to make sure you're going to be a career author and not just a one-trick pony. So keep up your catalogue. Trust me. It'll pay off in the end.

What’s the hardest thing you had to deal with as an establishing writer in this field?

The promotions! Agh! Some days it's hard to write and promote at the same time. I don't have enough hours in the day to do it all. But this is what I want to do so I'm going to keep chugging along until I'm a household name.

I love how you blended two genres together – the horror with an health crisis of your character in Revamped. What inspired you to do that?

A "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Monk" marathon. I wish I could say it was something deeper than that. I did find, though, that after writing Revamped that I discovered my own obsessive-compulsive behavior. They're not as bad as Seth's but it did help me get into his character.

Are you releasing any new works and where can we find out more about your books?

Revamped will be out in print sometime in March 2007. And right now I'm working on a novella for Parker Publishing called "After the Storm." It's for a proposed anthology surrounding interracial romance. Not sure of that release date yet. And I'm working on the sequel to Revamped that will be centered on Elaine's brother.

For more information on what I'm doing and how to buy my books, go to my website at www.CrystalBrightWriter.com

Thanks Crystal . We appreciate your time and efforts. Continued success as you write and publish more books. We applaud your efforts!

Thanks so much for agreeing to interview me! I truly appreciate this wonderful opportunity!

Introducing Author Mirika Cornelius

So what was the inspiration for your writing, when did your writing bug bite you?

Inspiring me first is my Lord above. Gotta bless Him! Secondly, I have always had the desire to become an author from a very young age, so it has basically always been 'inside' me waiting to manifest outwardly. I do like to inspire and help situations through my talent as well as entertain through the many outlets of emotion that creative literature and imagination will allow.

With an extensive background in several things including modeling, optometry, and post-high school education, do you often find those experiences have either enhanced some of your novels?

Excellent question, yes! I haven't done everything but have been blessed enough to have had the opportunity to dip my hands into many different areas. As a very inquisitive person, I love to learn and when I finish learn incorporate all that I have gained into something special. Everything that I have accomplished from modeling to medicine greatly impacts my overall storytelling, giving me the ability to understand and generate better quality plots, characters, and realism.

How did you come up with the “secret” character from the novel Secret?

Secret, the protagonist...both her and her name comes from the multitude of taboos, hidden agendas and darkness surrounding the birth of this young female character. Upon writing the novel, there was nothing better than Secret because the whole story encompasses the reason for her being. The suspenseful nature behind the story was written to be unlike any other. Being very intense, no reader has ever guessed the ending, which is highly explosive while causing a deep sense of empathy.

What are some recent highlights relating to your writing career?

Highlights relating to my writing career are winning best excerpt for the Writer's Inn Top 10 Books for 2007 some months ago as well as continuing to get great reviews, and the book clubs who have interviewed me have been fabulous! That is the greatest really. Outside of everything else, even many students absolutely find my novels excellent for the classroom as well as the teachers due to the content and power that follows them. It is great to have the love from those I have come to know personally.

What is the best business tip someone shared with you about the business of writing and how has that helped you?

I honestly can use all the tips I can get! I am not too proud to beg, baby!

Mostly though, I read. Whatever I need to know, I find from somewhere and some of the greatest tips I get really haven't been through direct conversation. I learn through watching and doing. Honestly, at times, I learn faster through paying attention to actions.

I notice both of your novels are set in Louisville , GA , do you have a particular reason why they have been set in this town?

Louisville, Georgia was chosen not only am I familiar with the feel of the state because I used to live in Georgia, but the city of Louisville provided the vibe I needed for my story. After having selected the town, a couple people familiar with the city stated it was a great choice. It's a town that grew slowly and people still remember the days of racism and hardship and there are many reminders still there today. Finally, it's a place hardly anyone has heard of, and when you think of town, you don't think of a well known Atlanta, so the city had to be very small and not well known.

Are you working on any other novels set to print this year or early 2008?

Yes, yes, yeah! For the years 2007 and 2008, through the grace of God, I plan to release two books unlike my previous titles. They will be poetry and without releasing too much information, a "killer" novel that I am sure everyone will find great to chew on.

Where you find your ideas for characters or your stories?

I let my mind go! Most of my characters have some part of what I adore or like to be around or the complete opposite...attitudes I hate. These I create the with the most flair and enjoyment.

What is the weirdest idea of inspiration that cropped up while you were drafting a novel?

Honestly, the answer to that is dumb stuff. Whatever I believe is straight up wack and retarded whether it be when I am eating, driving or sleeping in a dream, hey...it might inspire me. Being a little over the edge type of person, my inspiration comes from things that will make you say hmmmm.

What’s the best book signing you ever attended and why was it spectacular?

Sarasota Festival of Books and Printer's Row in Chicago! Absolutely spectacular events, and everyone should go every year! It is just crazy how many people you meet and opportunities that arise just from two days of fun and signing! The amazing people of Chicago will get drenched just to take a picture with you and get an autographed copy in the rain, and in Sarasota...wow! That's all I can say. The schools turn out like crazy and they are absolutely ecstatic to learn and hear from African American authors.

Where can readers find out more about you?

All you need to know about me is a www.mirikacornelius.com.

With a simple click, move through the site to read previews of Colored Lily, Poppa Took My Innocence and Secret.

God Bless

More about the Author:

Mirika Mayo Cornelius is the author of two five star novels entitled SECRET and COLORED LILY, Poppa Took My Innocence. She also holds a Bachelor's degree from USC, a former model, and a certified optician. Mirika is married to author and scriptwriter, Rod Cornelius, who has written two books entitled Single Again and Ghetto Eyes.

About the book Secret

In the small, southern town of Louisville, Georgia, there is a
scorned secret that has ripped through homes. Accursed is the
whore that it came from, people around town say, but to a sassy,
country girl named Secret, that's not all to it. She asks herself, what
curse, and what does it have to do with me? That's when Secret takes
matters into her own hands and attempts to solve the terrifying
mystery of her family.

About Colored Lily

What would a daughter want more from her father than his love? However, in the
rural town of Louisville, GA, a teenage girl called by the name of Jocie, finds out how
the love she once adored from her poppa can become twisted and feel so much
like hatred, causing hell-grown wounds. Going on a search for the love that she
yearns so deeply, Jocie winds up with worse than she bargained for, and
without an escape, ends up in the midst of death, darkness, and a cold
conception while gripping the darkest secret that only God in heaven can know
and forgive!

Mirika Mayo Cornelius

Author of Secret and the prequel, Colored Lily - Poppa Took My Innocence

Visit, preview, and purchase the latest and greatest books at www.mirikacornelius.com

Also sign up for the newsletter while there...

*******************************************************

We thank her for stopping by the Musings Report. We applaud her efforts in the arena of literary publishing and wish her continued success!

Coming Soon: Mirika Cornelius

Check back by February 28th! Visit the Author online at

www.mirikacornelius.com

Thanks for your support.

Introducing MsLovelieLadie

I love your title, “Love Sweet Love.” What was the inspiration for this book? My feelings. I simply use what I’m feeling to write about.

How long have you been writing poetry and where do you get you inspiration? I started writing as a child. It was something I enjoyed that I was good at. My inspiration comes from what I am going through at that moment or what I’m feeling at that time.

Most of your poetry for the “Love Sweet Love” focuses on black love, romance and relationships. What do you think is unique about your poems and how does that fit in with the poetry genre overall right now?The realism in my poetry is real because it’s something I have experienced in some way. Anyone can place themselves into one of the situations that take place in my poetry. You can travel there while your reading it will take you there. I think that right now with all that’s going on around us people want to get away from it even if it’s only for a little while in a poem or poems. Poetry varies yet it has many commonalities that is what makes it beautiful it doesn’t have to be like anything.

When you aren’t writing poetry, who are your favorite writers and why? Whoo, well there are so many. The first poet that I really enjoyed was Ntozake Shange writer of “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When The Rainbow is Enuf.” I fell in love with the poem “Sorry.” I was in grade school at the time and my sister gave me the book and told me to read it and I did. “Sorry” touched me, I related to it. When I read it I felt empowered. To a child this is just as important a feeling as it is to an adult. That feeling has kept me writing. I wanted to feel that power and give others that same feeling.

Can you remember the first time you got the “writing bug?” What was that experience like and how did that get you to the point where you now are getting published? Well, I first started writing seriously when I was about twelve. That’s when my parents separated. Writing helped me to deal with the hurt, anger and pain of the separation. I never saw it coming everything seemed so normal so it was a shock to me. I had no one to talk to that would understand what I was feeling so I began writing. The road to where I am now is paved by family and friends who read some of my poetry and stories and encouraged me to go farther with writing. They would request that I write a poem or story for them for different occasions.

What are your future literary projects? Are there any upcoming features where your work will be highlighted? Well I have “Love Sweet Love” of course. I have a short story that will be in Zane’s Chocolate Flava 2 in August of this year. That was very exciting for me to get into her book. Also, her publishing company Strebor Books is also considering publishing my novel “Why Isn’t Love Fair,” if they do it will come out next year. So that was also very exciting. I love Zane’s work so she was the first person I submitted my work to and it is paying off. So thanks not only to Osbey Books but also to Zane with the two of you I know I’ll do well. I also have two other books of poetry I’m trying to get published. One is titled “The Darker Side of Love” it’s very intense emotional poetry about when love goes wrong. My poem “Captivated By Your Lies” comes from that book. The third book is general poetry covering a spectrum of subjects. I also have completed a book of erotic short stories. That is where I took the story from that I submitted to Choc Flava 2. I’m in the process of writing another story to take that one’s place. So hopefully things will go the way I’m praying that they do and I’ll stay busy. This for me is a lifelong dream come true.

Where did you get your pen name from? Where does it originate from and how does it define you as a writer/poet? I have an old friend who always called me Lady and I liked the way it made me feel so I kept it. I added MsLovelie to it because that is also how I feel like a lovelie ladie who loves to write.

Tell our readers where they can get information on your work, upcoming features and activities.

They can look at my Myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/mslovelieladie or check out Osbey Books Myspace page for upcoming events.

True Love

Each time I think of you I smile

Each time I see you I laugh

Each time we touch I get chills

Each time we embrace

My heart beats at a faster pace

Each time we make luv

I’m takin to another place

Each time I wake up in your arms

I realize there’s no place I’d rather be

Everyday is made a new when I remember you

Everyone can see the happiness and joy

You bring out in me

Life is always worth living

But the living is easier when we two are together

When we’re apart I’m amazed at the loneliness I feel

Deep down in my heart

It’s always been like this from the start

Cause when we first met you captured my heart

I’ve always longed to be near you

Now I realize you feel the same too

I’ve always wanted to touch your heart

And open up the door

To your love, kindness and consideration

Now that I have

Together we can start a new generation

One that’s filled with love and tenderness

And bound for sure success

Now that I have you I’ll always hold you near

You’ll always know that my luv is sincere

Now that your heart has embraced me

I no longer fear the loneliness

That once was me without you

For in my life this has been a real breakthrough

It’s a blessing for anyone to find a love that’s true

For me this has been long overdue

But, I’m glad to have found it

In the love I share with you

(c) 2007 by MsLovelieLadie

All Rights to MsLovelieLadie and Osbey Books

No Reprints without expressed permission

WHO IS MS.LOVELIELADIE?

Jacquelyn A. Bryant a.k.a. MsLovelieLadie is a Philadelphia native. She has an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education and is the mother of three. Writing has been her passion since childhood. She plans to continue to write and have more of her work published. Some of her poetry was published on the Pages in Black website. You can contact the poet by emailing her at mslovelieladiepoet@hotmail.com.

Introducing Author Adra Young

Your book, The Everyday Living of Children & Monologues, seems to be a good resource for any young performers wanting to get into the entertainment industry. Why do you feel this book was important to bring forth? This book was important to bring forth because a need for a "Kids Based" acting guide was needed. In addition a guide was also needed to show kids what body movements to make. This book provides directives for body movements as well.

With an extensive background in the arts, how did you come to writing, or did you always write while acting in theatrical performances? This book needed to be brought to life because now more than ever the youth need a book that provide in-sights on what kids face in the inner city on a daily basis. I felt that kids would have an opportunity to see behind the eyes of another child.

With your book being published, what was the reaction from your peers and young performers alike? I have gotten some good responses and bad responses. Unfortunately people who are unaware of a urban school setting simply just cant relate. On the other hand, Reader Views of Texas stated that my guide should be on the desk of every teacher today. I was very proud of that. In addition, it brought tears to my eyes when a parent said thank you Ms. Young for telling "Our Story."

I commend you for taking your teaching strategies, tips, and learning abilities beyond the stage, and helping the youth. Where does this passion for assisting the youth come from? My passion comes directly from the students that sit in front of me everyday. Without my students, this book could have not ever came into existence.

Why do you feel it's important to empower them with this very important knowledge? Kids need to know that someone out here in this cruel world understands what there going through. Although I cannot agree with some of the choices they decide to make, I do understand why they feel they may be force to make so difficult decisions. Kids have it so hard. I feel sorry for a lot of them. A lot of them today don't get the opportunity to simply be just kids. To many adult responsibilities are being places upon them entirely too soon.

I like how you provide valueable knowledge with empowering the parents of young performers within your book. Why do you feel its important for parents to have different strategies with communicating with young singers, actors and actresses? In my opinion, "The Arts" since the beginning of times have served as ways for the youth to express their inner feelings. Whether dance, singing, or acting, these strategies can all work as great ways for kids and parents to communicate. I also conduct a workshop titled, How to Utilize Acting as a Healing Component for the Youth." This workshop allows individuals to read/dramatize acts to help the youth with solving their problems. I know as an adult myself how work and survival can sometimes overwhelm one with unintentionally overlooking to communicate with their kids. I have had parents read the book and tell me how they could relate directly to the act in the book. In other words they faced the same issue as a child.

Tell me about the impact of your program ARDANNYL. What does it stand for? How has this program affected the community as a whole? Ardannyl is simply my first and middle name spelled backwards. My name is Adra Lynn. I got this idea from Oprah. LOL This program has in my opinion through the utilization of acting assist kids not only with acting but fear factors as well. I had a student who took the class just to overcome his stuttering.

Please tell our readers if there are any youth showcases, book signings, or other events that you will be highlighted. If you would like to book me for a workshop, log on to www.schoolbookings.com. Just simply type in my name. I may also be reaches at 313-729-2573. On February 10, 2007 at 11:00 am. I shall conduct a guest speakers appearance and workshop at Macomb Public Library in Clinton Township, Michigan. You may also contact me at www.ardannyl.com or, www.myspace.com/ardannyl.

Title : The Everyday Living of Children & Teens Monologues

ISBN: 1-41205949-6
Author: Adra Young

The Acting/Social Skills Guide of the Decade for the youth ranging from ages 7thru12 and ages 12 thru 18

Things to consider as you read the excerpts.


When reading this guide it is imperative to implement the directive enclosed within the parenthesis. Please try to implement the directives while reciting the monologues at the same time. These are the actions that make the acts appear real.


A young lady expresses how it feels to end a relationship minutes before a date.


“HOW COME I’M BEING DUMPED?”


Friday after school, my boyfriend told me he’d pick me up from my place at six. We were going to the show. I re-curled my hair. I put on my favorite outfit. I even added a hint of lipstick and sprayed on a little of Mom’s perfume. While Spraying Mom’s perfume, the phone rang at 5:55. It was my guy. Surprisingly, he wasn’t calling to let me know that he was running late. He wasn’t calling to tell me that his mom’s car had broken down either. Individual shakes her head no.) When he said it was over, it felt as if my heart had been pulled from the inside of my chest and thrown to the ground. (Individual balls her fist up and imitates throwing her heart toward the ground.) I told him to have a nice life and quickly hung the phone up!

After a whole year of dating he’s not interested in me anymore. How could he waste my time? What’s his problem? Exactly what went wrong? I thought he liked me so much. Apparently not true! Because if he really cared about me he would have not
dumped me! States in a disappointed manner.) I bet I’m the only girl in the world to ever get dismissed by a guy on a Friday night.

Having a personal experience with acne this little lady catches a whiff of the “Stay Home Blues.”

“THE CASE OF THE DOTS”

I’m never leaving this house again! Everything was great until this year. Now that I’m twelve, my clothes are too little. (Individual grabs jeans by the waist indicating they’re too tight.) Looks like my hair has even stopped growing. Just last month mom and dad told me that I have to get braces. I thought that was the worse! Until two weeks ago.


Two weeks ago two bumps appeared on my fore-head. The day after that, three popped up on my jaw. By the end of the week my entire face was covered with pimples.(Individual points her hand at her face and moves it in circular motion.) They are so ugly! And now I am so ugly. (States depressingly.)


Mom and dad told me they would go away real soon. Well, how come real soon
can’t be right now? I hate looking at myself in the mirror. I can’t even see my own face due to acne. Well, I tell you, I just refuse to leave this house. And until these dot’s clear up on my face. I’m gonna remain right here! Right here at home!

About the Author
Adra Young is a native of Gary, Indiana. A teacher of eleven years, she’s also an Actress, Writer, and Actors Coach for youngsters. Graduating from Roosevelt High School in 1990 and, Central State University in 1995, she took her first shot at acting on the college campus in 1993.

Earning her Master’s degree in 1999 from the University of Detroit Mercy, she currently instructs Acting and Dramatization Strategies to the youth. In 2004, she took her first shoot at becoming a Play Wright and produced On the Scene Representing the Red Black and Green, a tribute to the Honorable Marcus Mosiah Garvey.

Some of Ms. Young most recent independent work in 2006 involves her direct involvement in the theater production of the play titled Sweets, and her film involvement with the movie titled Amsteroids in Ann Arbor Michigan.

About The Book

Her book, The Everyday Living of Children & Teens Monologues, is a realistic testament of situations that children, teens, males, or females of all ethnical backgrounds are faced with on the daily basis of their lives directly or indirectly. www.trafford.com/05-0850

The book is a performance arts guide for children and teens striving to become Superior Actors. It contains 51 real life acts of children and teens to implement for improvement of performing arts. Parents may utilize this book to address sensitive subject areas and establish stronger communication bonds with their kids.


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