Today, we have a special treat in the form of a guest blog post from Author Suzanne Burdon, who wrote Almost Invincible: A Biographical Novel of Mary Shelley, Author of Frankenstein.








BEHIND THE BOOK 

Don't leave me alone with her. She's been the bane of my life since I was three years old!'' These were the words of Mary Shelley to her daughter in law, who kindly proposed giving Mary, then in her 50s, some time with her visiting step sister.

I read this some four years ago and found it so intriguing, that it led me on a fascinating journey into the early 19th century. What could have caused such vehemence? Why was Mary so anxious about being alone with her stepsister? I knew little of Mary Shelley. Like many people, I was vaguely aware that she had written Frankenstein when she was quite young. I knew also that she was married to the poet Percy Bysshe Shelley.

That is when I discovered that I am an obsessive researcher. As a sociologist, most of my working life has been spent conducting market and social research and when I started reading Mary’s story there were many aspects of it that resonated strongly with modern life. It was operatic - even a soap opera! There were more scandals, deaths, tortured relationships, loves and losses than in several seasons of Desperate Housewives. Through it all there was Mary, a strong but also vulnerable young woman in socially unsympathetic times. I glimpsed someone who was a teenage rebel, grieving mother, determined author, and long suffering lover of a man well ahead of his time. I wanted to get to know her better, and especially to understand the insidious and damaging influence of her step-sister, Claire 

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When Rowan Hunter begins to suffer from a bout of the proverbial writer's block, his editor offers up his beach cottage in Martha's Vineyard. Prepared to relax, unwind and pray that the words begin to flow again, he gets an unexpected surprise one evening. To the world she is known as the eccentric jazz singer Sapphire Woods. But to the small town of Oak Bluffs Massachusetts on The Vineyard, she is simply Laurel Asher, their best kept secret. In need of some time out of the spotlight to work on her next album, Laurel goes to the one place that's always been home. Thanks to a misunderstanding Laurel and Rowan end up under the same roof. As the house has more than enough room, they decide to share the place. But what neither of them expects is the sensual attraction that begins to build up. As the color of the leaves begin to change and fall to the ground, these two find themselves falling as well–for each other.

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About the Author:
Té Russ found solace in reading at an early age and a vehicle which broadened her horizons. As an adolescent she used writing to express her unspoken words. Since then, she has gone from writing stories in diaries to attending college for journalism and falling in love, which has allowed those youthful words of love to blossom into a series of stories in her romance novels. This Texas wife and mother of three can be found reading, skydiving, cheering for her MMA fighting husband at, buzzing down the interstate on the back of motorcycles, or kayaking.

Social Links:

www.terussnovels.blogspot.com

www.facebook.com/TeRussNovels (Page) & www.facebook.com/TeRussAuthor

www.twitter.com/TeRussNovels

www.instagram.com/TeRussNovels

terussnovels@gmail.com

Oblivious to the lies men tell and the games they played, Sidney Jackson wants nothing more than to find love and acceptance. However, in the process of searching for “the one” her heart is left mutilated; and her self-esteem and confidence is at an all-time low. Falling into a depression during summer break from college ultimately forces the weight loss she so desired and suddenly, a new Sidney was created.

Fueled by past rejections, Sidney returns to college, embodying society’s definition of beauty. She has a slimmer waist and more confidence, but still yearns to be loved by a man who will reciprocate her same devotion. Then out of nowhere, came Quintavius “Q” Ford.

Q wasn’t the one who caught her eye, but when Q’s friend, Kaylin, seemingly isn’t interested, Sidney reluctantly begins to date him. To Sidney, Q is perfect, but he isn’t Kaylin and when she finally decides to take her life by the reins and guide herself to happiness, things take a turn for the worse.

When it seems that all of her efforts to find love are finally in her favor, she soon finds herself entangled in a web of meaningless sex, drugs, alcohol, and torn between two guys who have an agenda of their own. Sidney forgot one thing in this game of love and war-to love herself first. Will it be too late for that?

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Monica Jeremie was born in Georgia and raised in Texas. She currently resides in Orlando, Florida with her fiancé and their two children. She obtained a bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies from the University of Central Florida in 2007. Last fall, Monica Jeremie enrolled back at UCF part-time to pursue a second degree in Public Administration.

One of her future goals is volunteering with teens and young adults, assisting with the development of life and social skills and achieving a higher education. She would also enjoy the opportunity to speak with young girls about the importance of self-love and acceptance and avoiding toxic relationships.

Monica Jeremie’s love for reading and writing began over seven years ago and instantly became two of her passions. She looks forward to creating stories that are relatable, entertaining, and original.

Get to know Monica:

What inspired you to write Why a Thug Can’t Love Me?

I was inspired by the negative trends and stereotypes as well as unhealthy relationships and lifestyles prevalent among teens and young women, specifically African American women. This book is my interpretation of social issues I’ve seen on TV and social media and hear in today’s music.

Do you see yourself in any other characters in the book?

While in high school and college, I dealt with the same insecurities as the main character, Sidney. I struggled with low self-esteem and a lack of confidence, as well as my weight and appearance. It was hard for me to fit in and socialize because I was very shy and quiet. It took me a while to truly love myself and accept myself as I am. Once that happened, everything else just fell into place.

What do you hope that readers will take away from this book?

I hope this book will help people, especially women, understand that it is hard for relationships, marriages, and friendships to be successful if you do not care and love yourself. People will do to you only what you let them. If you don’t love and treat yourself with the utmost respect, you shouldn’t expect someone else to?

What inspired you to write?

In 2009, I was working at a job that I hated, and was due to be laid off at the end of the year as a result of budget reductions. By this time, I already obtained my bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies but had also decided I no longer desired to work in that field. Knowing that I was going to be out of a job soon, I told myself that my next job was going to be doing something I loved. One night while reading one of my favorite books, becoming a writer just kind of popped into my head. It was a slow and difficult process in the beginning, but once I got into it, I knew that I had just found my new career.

At what point did you realize writing was your purpose?

I realized writing was my purpose when it became all I thought about. No matter where I was different scenarios would keep going through my mind. Eventually, I started carrying a pen and notebook with me whenever I left home, so that I could jot down whatever was on my mind or something interesting that I observed while out and about.

What are you goals as an author?

My goal as an author is to write as many entertaining stories without them becoming similar and predictable. Eventually, I would like to experiment with different genres, such as, science fiction, mysteries, and non-fiction self-help books.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

No matter how many rejection letters you receive or how discouraged you become, do not quit. If writing is something you truly love, keep writing. I have received rejection letters. I have had submissions go unanswered. I have stopped writing for several months at a time because I became so discouraged. But I always came back because I couldn’t stop thinking about it.

There will be people who do not like your work. There will be several people that do.  Keep doing what you love.

Find the author and the book:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/monica.jeremie

Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/authormjeremie

Instagram: http://instagram.com/monicajeremie/ (@monicajeremie)

Twitter: http://twitter.com/monicajeremie/ (@monicajeremie)

Why A Thug Can’t Love Me is now available on Amazon.

Email address:
mjeremie29@gmail.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Michael Phillip Cash is an award-winning screenwriter and novelist. He's written ten books including the best-selling Brood X, Stillwell, The Flip, The After House, The Hanging Tree, Witches Protection Program, Pokergeist and Battle for Darracia series.

Michael resides on the North Shore of Long Island. He writes full-time with his screaming kids in the background.

CONNECT WITH THE AUTHOR

Amazon Author Page
Facebook
Twitter
Website
Email

People often ask me where the stories come from. Ideas come from everywhere.  It could happen at any time, a sunrise could inspire me, a great meal, a headline in a paper. I usually start with the thought that I am looking for something to write about a subject like a ghost, or haunted house. That is exactly what happened with a book I had idea I had been toying with for a while about witches. I didn't know where to go with it. I wanted it to be different from everything else out there. This may be a bit embarrassing but I was in the bathroom and checking out my wife’s trashy magazines.  I glanced at one upside down and I thought it said Witches Protection Program, but it really said Wetless Protection Program.  I thought to myself, Witches Protection Program would be a great idea for a book.  Months later, it’s a best-seller on Amazon with some interest from Hollywood studios. 

Keep your eyes and ears open for ideas.  Right now, I’m working on a great idea called Monsterland.  A teen must save his date in a theme park whose main attractions – real werewolves, vampires and zombies – descend the place into chaos.  I’ve always wanted to write a monster piece, and I’ve always wanted to own a theme park.  Got ‘em both and turning it into a novel!

My writing process is simple.  9am to 5pm is research and development.  Google…gotta love it.  Note taking.  Learning.  Veering off and reading about Donald Trump’s run for President. You think I’m kidding, but the owner of my theme park in Monsterland has some very ‘Trump’ish qualities. Then, 5pm is dinner. Bath for the kids after.  Kids are in bed at 8pm.  My wife is in bed by 830pm.  Then it’s go time until midnight.  I take everything I learned that day and put it down on my laptop, with the Food Network or Travel Channel on in the background.  That’s pretty much a day-in-the-life of Michael Phillip Cash. 

Wes Rockville, a disgraced law enforcement agent, is given one last chance to prove himself and save his career when he's reassigned to a 232 year old secret government organization. The Witches Protection Program. His first assignment: uncover a billion-dollar cosmetics company’s diabolical plan of using witchcraft for global domination, while protecting its heiress Morgan Pendragon from her aunt’s evil deeds.

Reluctantly paired with veteran witch protector, Alastair Verne, Wes must learn to believe in both witches and himself. Filled with adventure, suspense and a rousing good time, Michael Phillip Cash creates a tongue-in-cheek alternate reality where witches cast spells and wreak havoc in modern day New York City.


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To the outside world, the Bird sisters have it all: money, power, a successful interior design firm, and beauty. However, on the inside, these three black socialites are a mess. They have allowed the dysfunctional and at times, emotionally abusive marriage of their parents to color their views on life and love.
Robin is determined to have a family at any cost and is willing to destroy anyone standing in her way. Raven has been married for ten long years and sees no way out of her drug dealing husband’s tight grasp, until she begins to fall for his best friend. Sparrow is afraid of becoming consumed by men and love like her mother, so she leaves a trail of broken hearts in her wake and some don’t take the rejection as well as others.

When all three sisters put their trust in the wrong men, they find themselves faced with deadly stalkers, scorned ex-husbands, and jealous wives that throw them headfirst into Chicago’s underbelly. Help arrives from the most unlikely of sources, their baby brother, Blue-who has secrets of his own. With Blue and his associates by their side, Robin, Raven, and Sparrow are forced to reevaluate their life choices, commit unthinkable acts, and are pushed closer to the line of no return.


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Phoenix Williams is an author based out of Illinois.  Her love of writing was born during her early childhood.  Creating what she dubs “Realistic romance and family dramas with an urban twist,” Phoenix spins tales that allows the readers to see glimpses of themselves in the characters.

Her works consist of several short story collections—Running, Whipped, Screwed & Stripped, and Phoenix After Dark—and her debut novel with Mahogany Red Books—To Love A No Good Nigga.

Get to know Phoenix:

Where are you from?
I was raised in Illinois, right outside of Chicago.

When it’s time for you to start writing, how do you prepare?
I turn off all the lights, turn off my phone, and throw on some music. The music is the most important part of the process.  I like my books to flow like a movie and movies have scores and soundtracks.

Did you always want to be an author or did you have different career goals?
I have always been a writer but I didn’t take it seriously until a few years ago. I was in college, studying to be a lawyer.  I was in my second year when I realized that I hated what I was going to school for.  So, I quit and started self-publishing.

Do you pull from personal experience for storylines?
There is always a little bit of truth in fiction. Everyone has experienced family and relationship drama.  That’s what I write about.  However, I haven’t written a story that is 100% fact.  I usually get my storylines from people watching.  If I am ever stuck then I just ride through the west side of Chicago.  I’m guaranteed to see at least twenty possible stories.

What do you want readers to get from your books?
I really want the reader to be able to see glimpses of themselves in each book. If you read one of my books and can relate to any of the characters then I feel like I’ve done my job.
If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be?
I’d love to collaborate with Tamika Newhouse—and I’m not just saying that because I signed with her. She’s one of the few authors who can get a physical reaction out of me.  I start yelling at the characters like they can actually hear me!  I would also love to work with Adrianne Byrd and Zuri Day.  Those ladies are so talented.  Their genre is different than mine and I’d love the challenge of trying to mesh our styles


What is the best piece of writing advice you have ever received?
When I was writing To Love A No Good Nigga I was having a hard time starting it. I knew what I wanted to say but I wasn’t sure how to say it.  My best friend, Envy, sat me down and told me to pretend I was telling her about these three crazy sisters.  Two months later, the book was finished.

Find the author:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PhoenixWilliams01
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Phoenix_William
Instagram: @PhoenixWilliamsBooks
Website: http://phoenixwilliams.wix.com/phoenixwillamsbooks#!bio/c1ktj

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Crossroad: a point at which a vital decision must be made.

On February 6, 2006, Precious Jackson had to make one of the most devastating choices that anyone has ever had to make; to live or die. Precious’ world was shattered as she peered at it through a broken mirror. Hiding behind a mask of well put together smiles and faces, Precious’ eyes told the story that burdened her soul. Warding off issues of abandonment, failed relationships, delving into poor decision-making due to a lack of self-confidence; and rescuing others from their problems, Precious was not prepared for the storm that was brewing her way. Not heeding the warning signs that God placed before her, Precious fell into emotional and spiritual bankruptcy. There was nothing left in her; Precious had pronounced herself dead!

In 2015, with a rejuvenated spirit for life, Precious reveals her journey. With a clear view of her authentic self, Precious explores and resolves the roots that kept her bound. Breaking free from past hurt and pain, Precious now experiences; love, laughter, strength and most of all, the courage to share her story. Knowing now that life will throw you curve balls, Precious reminds us that we sometimes create our own chaos.

“We have choices; we can stay stuck and play the victim role, or we can take responsibility for the decisions that we’ve made, learn from our mistakes, heal, recover and live our lives to its fullest potential!!”  –Precious


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Precious A. Jackson of South Los Angeles is the author of Revelations: Unveiling the Mask. Born during a time where social prejudices were very relevant, she relied on the values instilled her to become an independent college graduate who reached back to lend a helping hand within her community. Teaching others to pay it forward became her motivation until she was taken on an emotional roller coaster ride when her doctor delivered the devastating news that she tested positive for HIV.

Not giving strength to her diagnosis, Precious knew what her next mission would be; to educate both men and women equally on the importance of getting tested and protecting themselves at all cost.

Adamant about bringing awareness to everyone, Precious has been featured in the Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, “The Oprah Winfrey Show”, BET News Special and Newsweek, Essence and Ebony Magazines. In 2008, she was given the opportunity to travel to Cape Town, South Africa with Sheryl Lee Ralph’s Sister Circle, a program of the Diva Foundation that helps to create a global connection and movement with other women whom were infected with HIV.

The courageous Mantra that Precious shouts to the world comes from the words of Maya Angelou “Courage is the most important of all virtues, because without courage you can’t practice any other virtue consistently. You can practice any virtue erratically, but nothing consistently without courage.” These words purposely filled her with inspiration and guided her on the quest to bring change amongst those infected and uninfected.

Today, Precious is empowering others to be courageous in announcing they are beautiful and helps them face their battles of self-esteem issues. Receiving the Social Service Provider Award from the Los Angeles County Women’s HIV/AIDS Task Force and a certification as a HIV Testing Counselor and Hepatitis C Community Educator’s trainer, Precious is always delving into the lives of others to help them survive.

Realizing that her education status was very important to her, she faced the thought of those who needed more than just a dose of a feel good moment. Precious put her pen to paper and released her life story of struggles and pain to show that if she can heal and recover, you can too!!

Get to know Precious:

Where Were You Born?
I was born in San Bernardino, CA and was raised in South Central Los Angeles by my paternal grandmother and step grandfather.  I had a good childhood growing up. My grandmother was a stay home wife while my grandfather was the breadwinner of the home. I had the privilege of having my grandmother participate in my education. She made sure I did my homework, attended every parent-teacher conference, and did what I call “drive-bys” she would come to the school unannounced just to check to see if I was paying attention in class. I was a good student, but I loved to talk so, I would get disciplined. Because of my grandmother’s strong believe in education, I excelled in school.


Is This Your First Book Project?
Yes, this is my first book that I’ve written and I plan on writing more books. The next book I’ll write will be about my childhood through my adult life and when I tested positive for HIV in 1998. After testing HIV positive, I decided that I wanted to empower women to stay HIV negative or if they were positive themselves how to stay healthy by telling my story of how I acquired HIV.


What Was Your Motivation For Writing Your First Book?
I’ve always been told I should write my book about how I acquired HIV and how I’ve become an HIV advocate powerhouse. I wasn’t motivated to write a book then because I felt people already knew about my story. Being the fact, that I’ve appeared on several news specials like K-Cal 9, BET News Special “Down Low Exposed.” I’ve been in Essence Magazine, Ebony Magazine and I also appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show in 2006. In 2013, I was talking to my good friend/brother Corey and we were discussing our life struggles and Corey discussed how he struggled with drug addiction. Corey explained to me a phrase they say in Narcotics Anonymous “full flight from reality” when he explained that phrase that’s when the light bulb went on. I knew then, I needed to tell my story of how I struggled with making wrong choices which lead to a physical altercation with my ex-husband and how I was able to heal and recover.


What Is Your Favorite Chapter? And Why?
My favorite chapter is “A Moment of Clarity”. In this chapter, I finally recognized not only did my ex-husband have a problem (drug addiction) but I had a problem, too (co-dependency).  I enabled him to continue his lifestyle due to my need to be needed in a relationship and to feed my appetite to control. When a person attempts to control another human being this means that this person refuses to take responsibility for their own actions and decisions.


How Long Did It Take For You To Write Your Book?
It took me 1 year to write my book. When I started, I was motivated and excited and then I hit a low after writing about the physical altercation with my ex-husband. I became depressed not wanting to write so I stopped writing for 6 months. After my father became ill I started to get the motivation to write again, but then as his illness became terminal I didn’t have the time due to taking care of my father.  After my father passed it was like I had a burst of energy and I plummet through until I completed the manuscript in April 2014. The book was finally released on May 5, 2015.


If a Person Would Like To Write a Book Would You Recommend a Book Coach?
I would recommend if a person has never written a book to sit down with a book coach. Seek out a book coach who has written books themselves whether they’ve self-published, or if they went through a publishing company. The book coach should have knowledge and resources on how to copyright your book, resources on book cover designers, editors, and discuss on a weekly basis your progress on your book writing journey.


How Do You Market Your Book?
I utilize social media outlets such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and my website. I’ve also hired a publicist to help me email press releases about my book to past journalist who I’ve interviewed with from Essence, Ebony, Poz and HIVPlus Magazines. Also, my publicist will be booking book readings and signings at different venues.

Find the author and the book:

www.facebook.com/ladyptheauthor
www.twitter.com/ladyptheauthor
www.instagram.com/ladyptheauthor
website: www.TheOfficialLadyP.com

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