My First Holiday Contest

Greetings Book Lovers.

As many of you know,SEDUCTION AND LIES my second book in The Ladies Cartel Series hits bookstores nationwide on Monday, December 1, 2008!!! I'm psyched. And to celebrate I am launching my first holiday contest. In order to be eligible to win, you must send me a copy of your proof of purchase of Seduction and Lies, by December 14, 2008.
You will be eligible for:
1st prize A Victoria Secret Gift Certificate
2nd Prize A Basket of Scrumptious Body Products
3rd Prize Autographed copies of 3 of my hardcover novels.

I must receive your proof of purchase no later than December 14. Winners will be announced on my blog, my fanclub page and my newsletter.

Send a copy of your receipt to:
D. Hill
232 Macon Street
Brooklyn, NY 11216

And December is a great month of fans of my work! If you missed the hardcover version of Wicked Ways, don't despair. The trade paper version will hit stores nationwide on December 9th!!

So I do hope you will add Seduction and Lies and Wicked Ways to your holiday shopping list. A book makes a great gift and it always fits!!

Happy reading

Santa Baby 2008 Virtual Book Tour for Hopeless Romantics

The Santa Baby 2008 Virtual Book Tour allow hopeless romantics to flex their very vivid imaginations and soar as they hear from ten beloved romance writers just in time for the holidays!

All The Buzz Reviews and The GRITS COM Literary Service have teamed up to host the Santa Baby 2008 Virtual Book Tour headlining some of today’s exciting African American romance writers, December 1-12, 2008!

This exclusive ten-day virtual book tour will give romance readers, and new readers to the genre, a chance to hear from ten popular writers about their new and upcoming book releases just in time for the holidays!

This virtual book tour is inspired by the sultry sex-kitten, Eartha Kitt. Her Christmas song, “Santa Baby,” topped the charts in 1953 making her one of the most popular entertainers in the world. The same sensuous mix that Eartha Kitt brought to this Christmas song many years ago, is the same sensuous mix - Gwyneth Bolton, Niobia Bryant, Dyanne Davis, Gwynne Forster, Bettye Griffin, Donna Hill, Andrea Jackson, Deborah Fletcher Mello, Farrah Rochon, and Stefanie Worth - bring to their work and to this tour!

Romance novels made an astonishing $1.4 billion last year, making the romance genre one of the top sellers in the publishing industry. Though some complain that the formulaic plot and “happily-ever-after” endings in romances aren’t always indicative of real life; the staggering number of romances sold each year is testament to its popularity and staying power!

The Santa Baby 2008 Virtual Book Tour begins Monday, December 1, 2008. So join the tour at AllTheBuzzReviews (www.allthebuzzreviews.com) or TheGRITS.com/virtualbooktour (www.thegrits.com/virtualbooktour)

About All The Buzz Reviews
All The Buzz Reviews is the book reviews and literary event blog of Renee Williams, the CEO & Owner of Literary Signature Service, an event planning business specializing in literary events for authors of every genre.

About The GRITS COM Literary Service
The GRITS COM Literary Service is an online book promotion service that specializes in serving the unique web publicity needs of authors and publishers.

CONTACT:
The GRITS COM Literary Service
526 Kingwood Drive, Suite 404
Kingwood, TX 77339

281-973-6919

A Gift that Fits Everyone

Hello Book Lovers,

My name is Debra Owsley and I am the owner and creator of Simply Said Reading Accessories www.simply-said.net. I create by hand a full line of bookmarks, and book thongs, for book lovers. As an avid reader myself, I have designed this line with us in mind. They come in many categories, such as motivational, provocative, wit and wisdom, I love my pet, and a children's line and more.

During this holiday season what would more perfect and fitting to give your fellow book lovers? They also are great gifts for teachers, your children's classmates, your church congregation, your co-workers, or and one else you want to give a thoughtful and useful, inexpensive gift to for the holidays. If you have a lot of people to buy for, you can buy assorted packages, mixed and matched for your needs .I also can create mini packages for specific people on your list by request, to make it even more special. I also do custom work if you want to create bookmarks for your book club.

They are wonderful stocking stuffers and they will fit into a holiday card for easy mailing. Please visit my site www.simply-said.net as well as my www.myspace.com/odebsimplysaid

 

Let's make your shopping for the holiday, Simply Said !

www.simply-said.net

www.simplysaid.ning.com

www.myspace.com/odebsimplysaid

www.simplysaidreadingaccessoies.blogspot.com

odebdeb@aol.com

Debra Owsley

Custom Orders Portfolio --showcase of customized items
http://photobucket.com/customworkportfolio

Full Bookmark Catalog --full bookmarks displayed
http://photobucket.com/fullbookmarks

Halfmark Catalog --half bookmarks
http://photobucket.com/halfmarks

Book Thong Catalog --book thongs in various colors
http://photobucket.com/bookthongs

Notecards-Bookplate Catalog--reading accessories
http://photobucket.com/notecardsbookplate

 

odebdeb@aol.com

Twitter or Not to Twitter... That is the Question

Twitter is a nifty little thingy to take more time out of your day to send short messages out to the world... a way to stay connected.

Me, being somewhat of a techy nerd and always looking for the next thing decided to try it out. I try to post something worthwhile or at least amusing and I actually have people interested enough in what I do or say during the course of a day to actually "follow" me.

Unfortunately, the stream of info that comes into my "twitter box" is confusing at best, at least for me, as I have no idea what people are commenting on or why. Sigh...

I'm determine to get the hang of it and find some valuable use for twittering.

I'm totally open to suggestions!

Welcome White Folks

Yeah, I thought the title would get your attention! Well, do check out this very interesting blog that attempts to demystify black books for potential white readers. December is get white folk to read black books month!

Enjoy. Click on the link below

Welcome White Folks Blogspot

Obama's Use of Complete Sentences Stirs Controversy

The following was sent to me in an email and I felt compelled to share with my readers!!!


Obama's Use of Complete Sentences Stirs Controversy
>
>
In the first two weeks since the election, President-elect
Barack Obama has broken with a tradition established over
the past eight years through his controversial use of
complete sentences, political observers say.
>
Millions of Americans who watched Mr. Obama's
appearance on CBS's 60 Minutes on Sunday witnessed the
president-elect's unorthodox verbal tick, which had Mr.
Obama employing grammatically correct sentences virtually
every time he opened his mouth.
>
But Mr. Obama's decision to use complete sentences in
his public pronouncements carries with it certain risks,
since after the last eight years many Americans may find his
odd speaking style jarring.
>
According to presidential historian Davis Logsdon of the
University of Minnesota, some Americans might find it
"alienating" to have a president who speaks
English as if it were his first language.
>
"Every time Obama opens his mouth, his subjects and
are in agreement," says Mr. Logsdon. "If he
keeps it up, he is running the risk of sounding like an
elitist."
>
The historian said that if Mr. Obama insists on using
complete sentences in his speeches, the public may find
itself saying, "Okay, subject, predicate, subject
predicate -- we get it, stop showing off."
>
The president-elect's stubborn insistence on using
complete sentences has already attracted a rebuke from one
of his harshest critics, Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska.
>
"Talking with complete sentences there and also too
talking in a way that ordinary Americans like Joe the
Plumber and Tito the Builder can't really do there, I
think needing to do that isn't tapping into what
Americans are needing also," she said.
>
>
>
> Andy Borowitz is a comedian and writer whose work appears
> in The New Yorker and The New York Times, and at his
> award-winning humor site, BorowitzReport.com.

It's Almost Heeeere!

SEDUCTION AND LIES, Book 2 of my exciting and sexy new series, "The Ladies Cartel" is scheduled to hit bookstores nationwide on December 1st.


SEDUCTION AND LIES features Danielle Holloway, fashion photographer and Cartel member who gets pulled into an identity theft case that not only has her tracking down the ring leaders but examining her own identity. To compound problems, she must of course keep her activities secret from her live-in lover Nick Mateo who is also her business partner! Dani definitely has her hands full, but of course she will have the help and assistance of her girls Savannah and Mia, with a few surprises thrown in as well.

I do hope readers will enjoy it and for a special treat. Once you finish SEDUCTION AND LIES you get a three chapter preview of TEMPTATION AND LIES which will be available Feb. 1 2009!!!

So please be sure to get your copy during the first week of sales. That is so important. If your bookstore does not have it, please insist that they order it for you.

I know things are tight in this economic times, so I deeply appreciate your support!

Happy reading
Donna

Hurston Wright Legacy Award--Deadline Approaching

Please forward to appropriate lists. Deadline is next week!!!


> 6525 Belcrest Road, Suite 531, Hyattsville, MD 20782 Phone (301) 683-2134
> E-mail: info@hurstonwright.org Website: www.hurstonwright.org
> A Resource Center for Writers, Readers & Supporters of Black Literature Since 1990
>

We are in the process of excepting books for the 2009 Hurston/Wright Legacy Award. Often publishers overlook submitting quality books by black authors and to compensate for this oversight we are asking that you provide us with the titles of any books you think should be included in this years contest. We except submissions in the categories of debut fiction, fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. All submissions must have a publication date of 2008. Books written by multiple authors are ineligible. For more information about the Legacy Award click here.
>
> Please send the titles of your suggested books to info@hurstonwright.org by November 24.
>
>
> Thanks,
> Elizabeth
>
> Elizabeth Williams
> VP Programs & Communications
> Hurston/Wright
>
>
> Email Marketing by
> Hurston/Wright | 6525 Belcrest Road | Suite 531 | Hyattsville | MD | 20782

=

What a Wonderful Week

I remain elated and hopeful as the most historic week in U.S. and World History as drawn to a close. The first Black president, not only of the United States but the world. He is the only black man of that level of power who has been elected to office in a non-black country. That in and of itself is phenomenal.

My hopes and dreams for a better place have been renewed. Yet, I am realistic as well. I understand that as much as we have virtually sainted this man, we must remember that he is still only a man. He has been put int this place at this time in our history to lead and guide. But it is up to us, all of us, in our homes, our jobs, our schools, our communities to do our part. He cannot do it alone. And we can not sit back and let him take on that weight and expect him to multiply the loaves of bread to feed us all.

There are many opportunities for each of us to participate in this great new world, beginning in our homes and in our relationships. Strengthen those first and foremost. Go out into the community with perhaps nothing more than a "good morning" to a stranger. Stay connected to the process, watch the news instead of the night time dramas and daytime soaps. Hold your local officials accountable, attend the neighborhood meetings, go to your child's school, hold the teachers accountable for educating your child. Mentor at least one young person. Just one and see what an amazing difference it will make not only to them but to you.

We are all part of this great turn in American History. Barack Obama is at the head of the table and it will be up to each of us to earn the priviledge of sitting at that table. Let's all do our part.

From the Shores of Antigua

I writing to one and all from the sunny shores of Antigua in the Caribbean Islands. What a beautiful place. I guess you're wondering what I'm doing here and not at home glued to my computer finishing up my book. Well I actually am working. I'm attending the third annual Antigua Literary Festival. Just to give you a taste of who is here:
Tiny McElroy Ansa, Victoria Christopher Murray, Eric Jerome Dickey, Tannarive Due and her husband Steven Barnes, Mary Morrison, Troy Johnson (AALBC)Victoria Rowell (of Soap Opera fame) and a host of others!

This is my second year and it is even better than the last time. Well, gotta run. They're handing out free Pina Coladas! Bottoms up.

Rock the Vote

Kimberla Lawson Roby

Romance Slam Jam 2009 CANCELLED

Due to the uncertain economy and the looming recession, Romance Slam Jam 2009 will not be held this coming year. As much as we hate to cancel, we cannot proceed at this time. Everyone is tightening their belts and preparing for the worst.

The Romance Slam Jam has been an honored tradition and celebration for readers and writers alike, and to have to make this decision was extremely hard. The Slam Jam 2009 Committee has talked all week about ways to continue and cut costs and found it impossible to do so.

Those of you who have registered for the conference and/or purchased ad space in the program will receive a full refund, which will be mailed out by Nov, 3, 2008

Reading is food for the soul, and we know people wonʼt stop reading. We urge you all to remember the commitment Slam Jam has to readers and writers alike and to consider this year off a bonus to save money for the Romance Slam Jam Anniversary Cruise in 2010.

See you in Miami!

The 2009 Slam Jam Committee
Kelley Vitollo
Miriam Pace
Jacqueline Hamilton
Shae Williams
Passion 4 Reading

Call For Young Women Writers

Request for Young Women Writers

"Together we promote unity through experience and show young women of color they are not alone in their daily struggles. Most importantly, we are creating a legacy to pass on to the next generation." -- Dawn Daniels and Candace Sandy, Publishers of Souls of My Sisters Books

National bestseller SOULS OF MY SISTERS: Black Women Break Their Silence, Tell Their Stories, and Heal Their Spirits would like you to join us in healing young women of color.

Souls of My Sisters written and edited by Dawn Marie Daniels and Candace Sandy, catapulted to the #1 spot on the Essence Best Sellers List, now in its fifteenth printing, with over 100,000 copies in print, is seeking young writers for a new volume Souls of My Young Women (Souls of My Sisters Books/Kensington Publishing Corp.)

The young women in this new volume ages 18-30 will recount their stories of obstacles and triumphs that run the gamut from searching for self to the power of choice, career, sexuality, addiction, relationships, self-esteem, body and self-image, friendships, religion, health and dealing with death. Many of them only offer themselves the least in life afraid to fail and unaware of their own abilities.

Chapter Topics include:
Finding happiness
Searching for self/self esteem
Relationships
Marriage
Careers
Overcoming life challenges
Health crisis
The Power of choice
Religion
Saying goodbye
I have had enough…
Understanding money

Young women encounter many daily struggles and obstacles and are interested in finding out from real life experiences how to navigate their often complex lives. In Souls of My Young Sisters will serve as the road map to and through life's ups-and-downs inspiring young women of color to achieve and succeed where they may have never saw hope.

Stories must be true (non-fiction), written in first person, and 1,000 words or less. Stories should invoke emotion and the message or should be clear. Please refer to Souls of My Sisters: Black Women Break Their Silence, Tell Our Stories and Heal Our Spirits.

You may submit more than one story. For each story selected, a 50-word biography will be included about the contributor.

The tentative submission deadline is December 1, 2008. If you are interested in submitting a story for this project please email at candacesandy@gmail.com or contact us via phone at 212.407.1581.

Brother 2 Brother Symposium

Ladies and Gentleman,

I am happy to announce that the Brother 2 Brother Literary Symposium (B2BLS) will be held this year at TSU University. The event is November 21-22, 2008. We are excited with this great opportunity and are moving forward with great purpose and direction to help the youth of the City of Houston. With your help we can make this event spectacular. We already have the commitment of four major publishing houses to put a book in every person's hand that attends our event. Remember the event is free and open to the public.

That's why we need your assistance. Your tax deductible contribution in the amount of $40.00 will sponsor 4 children. It costs $11.00 per day for our two day event for a child to attend. It costs $52.00 a day to incarcerate a person. Please make your donation by 11-10-2008. Save a youth from Dropping out of school. The drop-Out rate in Houston is 50% for young men and 37% for young women. Please go to www.b2bls.com and make your donation on the Paypal button or you can send it in to:

B2BLS
PO BOX 752481
Houston, TX 77275
You will get no return on your tax dollars from a person incarcerated. The 2400 youth attending our event, just working part-time at $7.00 per hour can bring into the Houston economy over $16 million dollars.

You can inspire faith, hope, education, and dreams by lending your support. Please give and show you care about our youth and Houston. I am here and dedicated to the Houston Community and to TSU University to shed a positive educational light that beacons our youth to opportunities and possibilities of a great future and productive life.

Don't just talk about it, be about it! Help us help our youth. Help us help Texas. Together we can make a positive difference and spread learning and literacy across this great state. Please feel free to forward to friend and other business owners that can help make this a remarkable event. Please help Houston youth.

Thanks and I can be reached at 816-914-1560.
Vincent Alexandria
Chairman B2BLS