#WriterWednesday: 5 Tips to Get Your Book Done Quick

There’s this story burning inside of you. It’s a blistering kind of heat that you just can’t escape. However, you still haven’t completed your book. You’re somewhere between start and stuck. It’s time to move forward and get this book done quickly.

Use the 5 Tips I’m about to share with you so that you can go from start to finish. Because it’s time.

1. Sit your behind down and write. Stop thinking about writing. Stop talking about writing.Stop romanticizing writing, sit yourself in a chair and get to typing or writing.

2. Establish a concrete timeline for the publication of your book. The first thing I ask any of Publishing Pow-Wow clients is, “When would you like to see your book in the hands of the reader?” Defining this helps set all other goals. This timeline will become the basis and foundation for you to get things done quickly. When do you want to see your book on shelves–six months from now two months from now two years from now? This will inform your word count goal and the development of your marketing plan (yes, you have to market the book). Some say you have to write everyday and there are others who say it’s okay to take break between the words. This timeline will tell you whether or not you can afford to take a break.

3. Outline your book. I’m sure you’ve heard of the great debate by now–to plot or to pants. I am mostly a pantser. However, when you reach a point in your manuscript where you just can’t write, it’s time to put your pants on and plot it out. Here’s a lose plot formula you can follow:

Plot driven: Protagonist–goal+motivation+obstacle+pursuit+obstacle+motivation revisited+earth shattering obstacle/revelation+decision to fight or take flight+aftermath=the end

Character Driven: inciting incident +goal+flaw+confrontation or obstacle+character ignores flaw and keeps on going+confrontation or obstacle character admits flaw but doesn’t changes=death or change (the flaw begins to have a tremendous impact on character) it’s time for change or go down with sinking ship.

Resources for outlining your novel book:

–8 Ways to Outline a Novel

-11 Easy Steps to Outline Your Novel (this was way too much for me to absorb)

–Outline Your Novel in 30 Minutes (I really like this one)

–9 Questions for 25 Chapters (I’m going to try this one–I’m behind on several deadlines)

4. Use your technology to get it done. I get it you’re all over the place. You have kids. You have a full-time job or demanding career, so there’s very little time for playing with words, which is why you need to steal time and allow technology to work for you. If you don’t have time to sit down and write yet you see whole scenes in your head dictate it.

–Dragon Dictation

If you’re on the go a lot like me. Use the notes function, pages, or Evernote to type your story. I typed more than half of my second novel, Seasoned with Grace on my phone and I typed the draft of this blog post on my phone.

5. Deal with all of your contaminating thoughts.

When a river is polluted or contaminated nothing can grow there or live their. New life can’t be created (and all you science buff, who are thinking about mutations and all that jazz, don’t come for me save it for your book and let me just use this analogy). Your mind is the river and your book is the life form that is dying because of how polluted your thoughts are. This step is the most important, but had I started with this tip you wouldn’t believe me, because it’s not one of the things we really discuss when we discuss writing. Get out of your head and your feelings. Don’t let the fear of rejection block you or stop you. Rejection is going to come, “rejection is apart of the process”. Do not allow your credentials or lack thereof stop you either. For all the writing classes I’ve taken I have never taken a fiction writing class. That didn’t stop me from writing a novel and it better not stop you.

Get busy and if you need more help getting out of your head checkout the replay of the Working Writers Series Day 1.

If you’re interested in joining me for full on Working Writers’ Workshops please let me know in the comments.

 

Do you have any tips to help us get our books finished in a jiffy?

Drop them in the comments and fuel someone else’s greatness. 

#FridayFinds Bejewled: Standing Strong by Chelle Ramsey

Have you ever been with someone who was locked up before? Could you imagine yourself arguing with someone about who was with him first or longer? Don’t worry if you’re not about that life this week’s #FridayFinds can help you imagine what it must be like.

Excerpt

The loud clatter of a curling iron falling to the floor drew everyone’s attention to Angel, who stood staring at the floor, hands shaking.

“You okay?” Georgette asked, moving closer to her friend.

“Y…yeah,” Angel muttered. She bent over to pick up the curling iron and put it back in its place. No longer able to ignore what was occurring around her, Angel walked to Antoinette’s station.

“Kianna, why are you lying? Did you purposely come to my salon to start trouble today? Because if that’s what’s going on, you need to leave. I refuse—”

Kianna cut Angel off. “Honey, please. The world don’t revolve around you, Angel. I knew you worked here, but I didn’t know you were here today. And I don’t know what you’re accusing me of lying about. I haven’t told one single lie since I been sitting in this chair, boo,” Kianna snapped.

“You’re lying about you and Black being together for thirteen years. Kianna, I met Black in 2007 when he first got out of jail, and we’d been kicking it for two years before we got married in 2009. You were nowhere around. I never heard of you, saw you, or met you until you came to work at the downtown salon in 2012,” Angel argued.

“It doesn’t matter if you heard of me, saw me, or met me until 2012; check your ex, boo. Because I was there. Matter of fact, that’s the reason I came to work for BeJeweled in the first place. I wanted to check out the competition. I have a degree in finance. Doing hair was just a little something I did on the side until I started my career. And there was no better place than BeJeweled, where you were,” she slipped in. “Pssh, me getting fired was the icing on the cake. I kept doing hair in my home on my own terms and time and found my dream job. I didn’t need this. All I needed was Black, and I got my man back,” Kianna barked, eyes narrowing.

A cold chill ran through Angel. How much of her life with Black had been a lie? What did she really know?

“Why the hell did you act like you didn’t know him the first time he came into the salon after you were hired?” Angel snapped.

“Ask him, Angel. You need to check Black. You still don’t believe me, do you?” Kianna asked, smirking.

She popped up her phone and pulled up her Facebook page. Scrolling through her posts, she pulled up a #throwbackthursday post. The caption read “#2003tbt with my boo. Cuz I’m a real ride or die chick.”

PURCHASE LINKS:

bit.ly/THOBJ4

bit.ly/THOBJ

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01NANQEGE/ref=series_dp_rw_ca_4

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MY8WQHJ/ref=series_rw_dp_sw

From the Author

Why I write in this genre:

I like to bring a refreshing perspective into the lives of my readers and I want them to find entertainment, healing and inspiration in each novel. Using real problems and challenges faced by ordinary people, I try to convey the message to readers that they can become empowered to rise above life’s adversities, with faith in God, and belief in themselves. 

My stories are relatable to individuals of diverse demographics, who have suffered a loss, been hurt, have low self-esteem, have lost hope, or need a word of encouragement. I use drama, humor, and inspiration to share a powerful and meaningful message that is designed to be impactful. Women’s fiction allows me to do just that and toss in an element of romance.

 

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

WEB: www.chelleramsey.com

EMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.com

FACEBOOK: ChelleWrites

TWITTER: @UndeniablyChell

PINTEREST: ChellesBooks

INSTAGRAM: UndeniablyChelle

#FridayFinds Love, Lies, & Consequences by Natasha D. Frazier

Okay, last week it was all about taking care of the teens and now let’s deal with some adult stuff, in Love, Lies, and Consequences by Natasha D. Frazier. 

Excerpt:

 

“Hold on, wait!” Tammy interrupted. “Now you know that you can’t give dude the cookie before you get engaged and then just decide to take it away,” Tammy said giggling. “I mean, seriously. You can’t blame him too much for getting upset about that. Here you were, having sex with him, get engaged to marry, then you snatch the cookie away as if you were using it as bait. Guys love sex, honey, and they generally feel like they’re moving backwards if you’re taking it away, even if you’re about to get married.” Tammy snapped her fingers to solidify her point.

Raegan’s stomach twisted into knots at Tammy’s reasoning because of how she’d let herself go with Rico. She was already feeling guilty enough about what happened between the two of them and now her friend was sitting here saying there was no going back. But Tammy wasn’t Rico, she thought.

Echoing Raegan’s thoughts, Michelle sat up straight on the couch and interjected, “Well hold on for a second now. So you’re saying that if a woman slips up and says yes once, twice or lots of times, then she can’t ever say no? What if she decides that it’s wrong and she wants to do the right thing by waiting until marriage? Then what?”

“A woman is certainly allowed to say no whenever she wants but you should understand that a guy may feel like he’s moving backwards and that usually doesn’t end well unless he agrees that the sex should wait until marriage,” Tammy said to clarify her point.

 “Can it really be serious enough to throw our relationship away?” Michelle asked as her eyes began to water, becoming frustrated again.

“I’m sorry honey, but I don’t make the rules. If you want to wait until you get married, you can’t give it up at all,” Tammy said as she moved over to sit next to Michelle. She could see that her words were really getting to her. Tammy rubbed Michelle’s back as the tears fell. Tammy continued, “Guys are like this. They simply want the cookies. If we give them up, they are going to expect to keep getting them. To them, they are receiving mixed signals if we give it up and then take it away. I know it’s hard to wait, but you have to make a choice. We’ve all had this conversation before. We want God’s blessings on our marriage whenever we get married, so we are trying to hold on to the cookies until then. Establish the boundaries up front and stick to them like our girl Rae over here,” she said as she winked at Rae.

Rae avoided making eye contact with any of them at that moment because she wasn’t sticking to her guns these days. Instead, she repositioned herself in the chair to help alleviate the awkwardness she felt in that moment.

To purchase Amazon kindle: http://amzn.to/2uvm8H5

To purchase an Autographed copy: http://bit.ly/2uQ3Was

 

From the Author: 

Why I write in this genre:

I write Christian fiction to inspire readers to grow closer to God. Through my characters, I want to encourage readers to develop a daily relationship with God and to let them know that even when they mess up, God’s love still covers us. Allow God’s love to lead you into being who you were called to be.

#FridayFinds The Final Ultimatium by Unoma Nwankwor

Friday Finds is always exciting to me, but this one is extra special. My #soulsis and award-winning author, Unoma Nwankwor is releasing her seventh book. Now, you know seven is the number of completeness and perfection in the Bible, so please help me make this release completely perfect for my sister. One-click, like, and share this Friday Find.

Please join author Unoma Nwankwor as she tours the blogosphere with Write Now Literary Book Tours and her new release The Final Ultimatum, October 21, 2016.

Book Title: The Final Ultimatum

ASIN: B01LQO2F60

Author: Unoma Nwankwor

Publication Date:  Oct 21, 2016

Genre: Christian Romance

About The Book

For the second time in Olanma Obinze-Rice’s life love hasn’t been good to her. Five years ago, a repossessed car and the looming threat of eviction, left Olanma Obinze-Rice in dire need of cash. Then out of the blue, she landed an interview of a lifetime that would solve all her problems. But she had to go through former bad boy and heir of Rice Holdings, Abayomi Rice. One ultimatum, a whirlwind romance and a life scare later, Olanma and Abayomi were married.

Now all Olanma wants is to be free. Free from her rocky marriage, manipulative husband and overbearing father. If everything goes according to plan, she’ll be divorced and free from her father’s clutches by her thirtieth birthday. All she has to do is wrap up one last business deal. Once he gets divorce papers, Abayomi Rice knows his wife has called his bluff. He didn’t mean to manipulate her but her broken promises and inability to stand up to her father tore them apart.

Despite their present state, the finality of a divorce is not an option. He wants his wife back. With his sister’s wedding coming up, he sets his plan in motion and issues one final ultimatum- pretend to be a happy couple one last time. Their farce leads to unexpected healing of their hearts, but then life throws another wrench in the plan. An ultimatum brought them together will this final one tear them apart?

About The Author

Born in Akron, Ohio to Nigerian parents, Unoma Nwankwor is a multi-published author and 2015 winner of the Nigerian Writers’ Award for Best Faith Based Fiction. Her readers are in love with her unique story telling that fuses faith, romance and African spice, capturing the essence of her present home base; Atlanta and her Nigerian culture. She is also the COO ofKevStel Group LLC and resides in Atlanta with her husband and two kids.

Excerpt

“Nma, so where’s this husband you keep saying you have?” Abayomi heard the man say as he approached.

Olanma giggled and then abruptly stopped. Abayomi knew that in that moment she sensed his presence. She turned sideways, but the man she was with was so busy checking her out that he didn’t see Abayomi walk up.

“If he’s not taking care of…”

“I hear you’re looking for me and I take care of my wife just fine.” Abayomi came to a halt between Olanma and the man.

The look of shock on both their faces was satisfying. Nma? He couldn’t believe she allowed another man to call her that. Not even her father called her “beauty.” Only two people had that privilege – he and her grandmother. Or so he thought.

Abayomi snaked his arm around his wife’s waist and kissed her hair. He then stretched out his other hand to the man. “Abayomi Rice, said husband.”

The expression on the man’s face switched from shock to embarrassment. At least he had some shame.

After a few moments, he heard his wife say, “Yomi, this is Emeka Maduka, an old friend.”

Old friend? That’s what she thought. The man wanted her. Abayomi wasn’t fooled. He wrote the book on old friends. It was time to cut this little reunion short. “It was nice meeting you. I’ll take my wife now.”

Abayomi didn’t wait for a response before he ushered Olanma out of the ballroom. He found a secluded area where they could talk. He stared at her and began to pace. He had never been good at hiding his possessive nature.

“Yomi, that was rude and what are you doing here?” Olanma asked in a hushed whisper.

“Apparently, reminding you that you’re still my wife.”

She stared at him in disbelief. “No, I’m not doing this with you.”

“Really? Nma,” Abayomi said, his tone laced with irritation and sarcasm.

“You’ve got some nerve. You pop into Lagos two days ago, and then you don’t come home…” Her voice was shaky with rage. “I’m not doing this with you. Not here.” She began to walk away.

Abayomi exhaled. He was messing this up. “Olanma, wait.”

She stopped, but didn’t turn around.

“I’m sorry. I saw him touch you and then you laughed with him. I haven’t heard that sound in ages and I saw red.”

He hadn’t meant to reveal all that, but masked feelings were what had brought them to this point. If there was going to be a chance for them, they would have to lay down the masks. And since he was the one that was served with divorce papers, he had to take the first step. His prayer was that his vulnerability would lead them back to the intimacy they once shared. Where their souls were tied as one and hopefully rebuild their trust. He hoped she would see that.

Olanma walked back to him and stared at him intently. “It’s been a year. What did you expect? That I’d curl up and die?” She turned and walked away.

Her heated eyes showed him her soul. She was hurt, but so was he. This wasn’t what he imagined for them. Past the pain and anger he saw in her eyes, he also saw longing and love. It was clearer to him that restoring his marriage would be an uphill battle. Losing, however, wasn’t an option.

Connect Socially

Website        Facebook      Twitter   

Amazon  (Kindle)       ITunes, Nook, Kobo 

Tour hosted by Write Now Literary Book Tours

Follow the Tour 

Work in Progress: Children of God

I don’t know how this happened, but I haven’t blogged about my current work in progress. The work in progress that is driving me crazy. 

1. This is my first book not set in New York. I am currently trying to find a way to work New York into the story line, however the protagonist is a New Yawker. 
2. This is the first book that I had to do some serious research in order to work on. 
3. I lost the USB that Children of God was saved on and I was 30K words deep into. 

Since losing the book about three weeks ago I’ve dug into the process of rebuilding the ruins. When I began Children of God I started it on my cell phone, so far I’ve recouped 10k words–10k random words. This week my task and goal is to continue writing and recreating the words that connected the randomness on my cell phone and get the story as fleshed out as possible.   

So here’s the deal, this is what Children of God is about:

Anaiya Cunningham signed up for her church’s annual missionary trip to the Dominican Republic to escape the ruins her life has become. She was supposed to spend just one summer there that is until she meets Joaquín Dominque.

Joaquín is the pastor of La Iglesia de Valle and not a fan of missionaries. Although he’s devoted himself to caring for God’s people, he resents their ability to take off when trouble arises. The atrocities Joaquín has witnessed in the batey where his church is located has depleted his faith in God, dashed his hope in man, and turned the idea of finding a partner into nonexistent.

Determined to change his mind Anaiya volunteers to take on the missionary position permanently. Instead of in love she finds herself in the middle of the island’s immigration battle. Against Joaquín’s wishes Anaiya dedicates herself to fighting for the people and his heart. Will her passion be enough fuel to start a revolution and a relationship?

So, what do you think? Are you excited about this next release?

 

Black Book Fair Recap

The Neophyte Author was on the move again this weekend at the Black Book Fair hosted by the Brooklyn Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta.

This is my second year in attendance and it was even better than last year.

Here’s a little photo recap:

 

Candid shot of my table and me.

 

My first supporter of the day!!!

 

The Kevin Powell discussing the importance of supporting women and young people in our community.

 

Abena Sidibe, an educator, blogger, supporter, and friend. BTW go follow her on Twitter @mindbrainfanatic

 

The shoe of the day! #feetonfleek

 

A selfie with Kevin Powell (he bought a book y’all) !!! I was over the moon. I met Kevin Powell, my table was besides his, and he purchased a book.

 

My mom came through to support me.

 

A little behind the scenes selfie stick fun with author, TC Spellen.

 

With the dopest big sister in a literary game. She holds me down at every event and every author that is my friend.

This event was well organized and a lot of my author buddies were in attendance. I would say I can’t wait until next year, but I’ve got another event coming up next weekend.

Oh the go, on my grind, knowing that God’s promises are not far behind. How do you stay sane when you’re on the go? What events are you looking forward attending this year?

Saturday Share: He Changed My Name

New Release Alert: My soulsis Unoma Nwankwor has a new book out–He Changed My Name. Please, please, one-click today. When you support her you’re supporting me.

He Changed My Name

 

Book Title: He Changed My Name

Publisher: KevStel Group February 12, 2016

ASIN: B01B786XFE

Genre: Christian Fiction Romance

Author: Unoma Nwankwor

About the Book: Eager to escape the hypocrisy of the church and build her singing career, pop sensation, Ayanti “Yanni” Effiong enters and wins The Next World Star. Apart from fulfilling her dream, her move to America offers the perfect opportunity to help young female immigrants. A cause she pursues with a passion until fame takes over. Fifteen years later, broke, dumped and fresh out of jail, she begins to regret the lifestyle and name she created for herself.

Mensah Afortey is on the brink of losing the church he put his heart and soul into for the past seven years. This years’ Valentine Day gala is his last attempt to raise money for the church. Everything is set but they need a big name to pull in donations. Just as he is about to give up, in walks “Yanni.” When he agreed for Ayanti to serve community service under his church he didn’t know she was the same person as the embattled star.

While she pays her debt to society, the last thing she wants to do is perform on a day that left a bitter taste in her mouth. But there is no denying the instant attraction between them. Before he wins her heart, Mensah must win her soul. Over time and in fellowship with the church, Ayanti comes to realize that despite what man calls her, God has the ability to change her name.

 

Excerpt:

 

The shrill ring of her phone brought her back to the present. She sat up against the headboard. Her heartbeat accelerated as she answered the phone. It was Debby.

“Please give me good news.”

“Hey, chica,” Debby responded. “I hope you’re doing better.”

Earlier, Ayanti had a breakdown. She had screamed and bawled her eyes out, wishing she was back in Calabar, the capital city of her home, Cross Rivers in Nigeria. It seemed like a lifetime ago she won that competition and left the country.

“Yes, I’m fine, but tell me I can be better.”

“Okay, here’s the deal. Charity for Homes had filled up with court ordered volunteers until next month…”

“I can’t wait that long!”

“Lemme finish, girlie. We were able to get you to volunteer with them not as an individual, but under a church group.”

“A church!” Ayanti wiped her hands across her face. She hadn’t been in one of those in years. Did Debby have any idea the kind of judgment that went on in that place? She’d take her chances with the mean police officer until next month.

“Hear me out. The church volunteers with Homes for Charity as a non-sponsor group. You can be part of those volunteers and when they are not volunteering, you can still make up some hours by working in the church. That way, you can get this thing over with faster. Now tell me that doesn’t beat picking up trash in the streets,” Debby finished.

“But those people would have known what I did. Why I’m there…”

“And? Which one of them there hasn’t done anything bad?” Debby asked. “Girl, think about it. Besides, you have nothing else to lose at this point.”

“I guess you’re right.” Ayanti contemplated the whole arrangement.

“Of course I am.” A beat of silence passed between them. “Now get some rest and I’ll see you tomorrow. Think about it and let me know what you want to do. You have until the end of the week.”

“What’s the name of the church?”

“Ummm…hold on.”  The shuffling noise of paper could be heard in the background. “It’s called Calvary Is the Way. It’s on Auburn.”

Ayanti remained silent for a few minutes. After a while they disconnected. Ayanti switched off the television and turned to her side. Calvary Is the Way? She rolled her eyes. These new age churches and their names. What ever happened to churches with sensible names? Like Mount something…

© 2016 Unoma Nwankwor

 

Purchase Links

 Amazon: http://amzn.to/23xHqjD

 

About the Author: Born in Akron, Ohio to Nigerian parents, Unoma Nwankwor spent her childhood and early adulthood years in Port-Harcourt, Nigeria. She possesses a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and a Master’s degree in Global Management. Her publishing credits include An Unexpected Blessing (2013), The Christmas Ultimatum (2013), When You Let Go (May, 2014), A Scoop of Love (Jan, 2015) and Anchored By Love (Dec 2015). Her work has appeared in Africa Book Club, USA Today HEA blog and The Kenyan E-zine; Wamathai.  Her stories are described as a fusion of faith, romance and African spice. Unoma is also the co-owner of KevStel Group LLC and resides in Atlanta Georgia with her husband and two children.

Social Links

Website: http://www.unwankwor.com

Blog: http://www.unomanwankwor.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/unwankworauthor

Twitter:  www.twitter.com/unwankwor

 

 

#BookBlast Tell Me Lies by Michelle Lindo-Rice

I usually only share new books on Friday, but Michelle and I once shared a publisher, so I have to support my fellow Christian Fiction author.

New Book Release: Tell Me Lies by Christian Fiction Author

Michelle Lindo-Rice

Kindle: ASIN: B018EXNO70

Publication Date: Jan 12, 2016

Genre: Christian Fiction

About The Author

Michelle Lindo-Rice is an award winning, bestselling author of “Able to Love” and “On the Right Path” series. She enjoys crafting women’s fiction with themes centered around the four “F” words: Faith, Friendship, Family and Forgiveness. She is the 2015 winner of the Black Writers And Book Clubs Rocks Author of the Year Award. www.michellelindorice.com

 

About The Book

A broken heart…When Sydney Richardson meets Pastor Noah Charleston it was practically love at first sight. Sydney has battled so much deception in her personal life and in her work as an attorney, she is glad to have a perfect man she can depend on. But her Prince Charming has some secrets that are worse than Sydney could have ever imagined. What will she do when Noah’s past life come to light?

A broken truth… Pastor Noah Charleston has come a long way since his troubled youth. A respected Man-of-God, Noah’s long buried past emerges in the form of blackmail and threats. Noah not only fears for his safety but also for his newfound love. Will he take a chance on the truth before it’s too late?

A broken trust…Newly converted Christian, Belinda Santiago, harbors a secret that could end her friendship with Sydney. She’s in love with Lance Forbes, Sydney’s ex-fiancé. When Belinda and Lance’s relationship is exposed she may have to choose between her man and her best friend.

A broken man…Lance Forbes returns to Port Charlotte to make things right with Sydney, but his feelings for Belinda are in his way. Lance knows for him to become a do-right man, he must face his childhood pain. Will Lance get his act together and take a chance on love or run again?

Connect Socially

Website: http://www.michellelindorice.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michelle.lindorice

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mlindorice

Purchase Links:

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1kj24B7

Amazon: http://amzn.com/B018EXNO70

Prologue

“The rumor is three black boys killed your parents. Is it true?”

Perched on the edge of his cot, Noah Charleston lifted his eyes to look at the four half-men standing before him. The leader of the pack, Mitch, was sixteen with a baby face, braces and bad acne around his chin. His two muscles, twins Roger and Wylie, were about a year older at seventeen. Both were built like linebackers. Finally, the Whiz, or Matthew a slender fifteen year old with glasses that took up half of his face was the brain of the group.

“Answer him,” Roger prodded, stepping into the small cell.

Noah shrugged. “That was a year ago.”

“We can do something about that.” Mitch popped his gum. “Join us.”

Noah had heard about the “Avengers” as they dubbed themselves. They ruled the juvenile detention hall and dressed in their version of combat gear: khaki pants, boots and camouflage shirts. Even the counselors were afraid of them.

Noah kept to himself. Everyone pretty much left him alone. Except for today.

He looked up at them. “Do I have a choice?”

Wylie stepped forward. “Do you want me to help you make up your mind?”

“How about I help fix that ugly face of yours?” Noah threw back.

Wylie sprung at Noah. Noah jumped to his feet and sidestepped the much bigger guy. Then he bashed Wylie in the back of the head. Roger lunged at him.

“Quit it,” Mitch bellowed. “Leave him alone.”

Roger’s chest heaved but he backed off. His eyes held a threat. Noah met his gaze, daring him to bring it.

“I like your heart,” Mitch said. “We need you.”

“I like my own company,” Noah said.

“We have something you want,” the Whiz said. His voice was barely above a whisper. He wheezed his words as if he was always in need of an asthma pump.

“You don’t have—”

Noah’s eyes widened. The Whiz held a crumpled 3×5 photograph in his hand. Noah snatched it, “Where did you find this?”

“We have our ways,” Mitch bragged.

Noah squinted.

“I hacked into the computer system,” the Whiz said. This time he coughed at the end of his words. “I know who took your picture.”

“We’ve handled him.” Mitch’s tone was solemn.

“That’s why you should be thanking us,” Wyle said, rubbing the back of his head.

Noah looked at the photograph of his parents and closed his eyes to keep the tears from falling. It was his most prized possession. When he had been sent here to the juvenile home two months ago, Noah had placed it under his pillow before lunch. When he checked for it later that night, it had been gone. He searched everywhere but couldn’t find it. That was the first time since his parents’ funeral Noah had cried himself to sleep.

“Thank you,” he grounded out.

“Thank us by joining us,” Mitch said.

The Whiz held up a picture. It was an African-American by the name of Tony Billows who had taken it.

Noah clenched his fists. “Where is he?”

“In the hospital with some missing teeth,” Roger said.

“And a missing pinky,” Wylie added.

Noah blinked. He would have settled it with a well-deserved punch or two. Not doing Tony serious injury. “That was vicious.”

“It was a message. You mess with one of us you mess with us all. We’re a family,” Mitch said.

“The Avengers,” Wylie and Roger said in unison. They held out their fists. Noah had reservations but Mitch had used the magic word. Family. Noah wanted family. He made a fist and the boys all did a fist bump.

“The Avengers,” he said.

“Welcome,” Mitch said.

“Glad to have you,” The Whiz whispered. “Now, let’s get you some proper clothes and a haircut.”

Noah swallowed his reservations. He had a family again. Nothing else mattered.

To Read the first three chapters, click here:

http://michellelindorice.blogspot.com/2015/09/tell-me-lies-prologue-and-first-three.html

Writer Wednesday: Events

Contrary to popular belief the internet isn’t the only way to sell books.

Live Events are another way to sell books and network. 

Sales

A live event can be hit or miss. I’ve attended events where I’ve sold lots of books at full price and I once attended an event where I only sold four books. 

Here’s the deal though–you may sell out you may not, but one sale can translate into life long sales. For example after attending the BWABC in Tennessee I released Tempted to Touch and someone for Tennessee contacted me directly to order the book. 

Networking

This is your opportunity to meet other authors. You can soldify relationships formed over the internet or you can just learn and grow through some real life interactions.

Those interactions can lead to collaborations and you can gain insight about what other authors are doing to promote their businesses, establish their brand, and sell some books. 

After attending the National Black Book Festival a year ago an author from the MidWest told me about in-home books signings. I asked a few friends if they would host and praise be to God at least one person said yes. It gave me the chance to connect with real readers. 

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Challenge

For 2016 The Neophyte Authors wants you to attend a couple events. If you’re strapped for cash stick to local events in your city or create your own. Call up a coffee shop or the library and ask them to host you. 

And you’re going to say, I don’t know about any events or it’s too late for me to book now. No way. Obviously, it might be hard to get into an event going on in January, but there are events in the middle of the year that are still accepting vendors or taking participants.

Check out these sites to get started:

AALBC.com

Writer’s Digest

Poets and Writers 

What’s your dream event that you’d like to attend? Do have questions about attending events or preparing for an event? Do know any events that authors must attend? 

To Keep Up with the Neophyte Author sign up for my newsletter because I’ll be on the go. I already have two events booked for January. 

 

 

 

#FinditFriday: Book Blast–Anchored by Love

I’m definitely biased about this Friday Find. Please check out my #soulsis Unoma Nwankwor’s newest release. When you support her you’re supporting me.

Publisher: KevStel Group LLC (December 4, 2015)

Author: Unoma Nwankwor

Publication Date: December 4, 2015

ASIN: B0175FT2EC

About The Book

When Jabir Danjuma met Damisi Odinga years ago, it wasn’t necessarily love at first sight. However, their attraction can’t be denied. Just as he begins to feel the forbidden emotion, Damisi breaks up with him and moves half way across the world.

Now, Damisi has a request that only Jabir could fulfill. Their encounter sets off a series of events that leave them both with fresh pain and hurt. They vow never to see each other again, but fate has a different idea. Will they stick it out long enough for the Potter to perfect their scars and pain for His purpose or will distance and time steal the day.

About The Author

Unoma Nwankwor is a romantic at heart. Born in Akron, Ohio to Nigerian parents. She spent her childhood and early adulthood years in Port-Harcourt, Nigeria. She is the COO of KevStel Group LLC, a faith based Entertainment Company aimed at providing uplifting and life changing entertainment through its movies and books.

Unoma is also the published author of An Unexpected Blessing (2013) , The Christmas Ultimatum(2013), When You Let Go (May,2014), A Scoop of Love (Jan,2015) and Anchored By Love (Dec, 2015). She has numerous published flash fiction and short stories. Her work has appeared in Africa Book Club, USA Today HEA blog and the Kenyan Ezine ;Wamathai and well as numerous radio shows and blogs. She is currently working on her next novel The Final Ultimatum.

Her readers are in love with her unique way of telling stories that capture the essence of her present home base; Atlanta Georgia and her Nigerian culture. Her stories which center on forgiveness, faith and hope have been described as a fusion of faith, romance and African spice.

After all, “and now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” ~1 Corinthians 13:13

Unoma resides in Atlanta Georgia with her husband and two kids.

Excerpt

“So I guess you’re my knight in shining armor coming to rescue the damsel in distress…”

The tone of her voice was not lost on him. There was an edge in it he didn’t like.

She continued, “How many of us have there been over the years?”

“What?” He stared down at her.

She sat up straight and scooted away from him. She stared at him. “How many of us have there been? Six years…let’s see…yeah, I remember the three-month rule, so what is that, twenty-four?”

“You want to do this? Now?” His forehead creased in confusion. What had he said? How could she go from sweet one minute to this the next?

“We might as well. All this pretending we’re all good is making my stomach sick.”

He sighed. He wasn’t going to take the bait. Besides, she really didn’t want the answer. She just wanted to find a way to not let him into her heart.

“Answer me. How many?”

“No.”

“No?”

“N-O. No.”

Social Links:

Website: http://www.unomanwankwor.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UNwankworAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/unwankwor

Purchase Links:

Amazon Link: http://amzn.com/B0175FT2EC

Kobo https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/anchored-by-love

 

Tour Hosted by Write Now Literary Book Tours www.wnlbooktours.com

Follow the tour: http://wnlbooktours.com/anchoredbylove