The Naked Truth: Young, Beautiful, and (HIV) positive - Marvelyn Brown

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The Naked Truth: Young, Beautiful, and (HIV) Positive

A Love For All Times Virtual Book Tour

In When a Man Loves a Woman, handsome Dr. Alcee Jules (AJ) Baptiste is determined to find answers to two questions: What do you do when you are in love with a woman who won’t give you the time of day? How do you convince her that she really is meant to spend the rest of her life with you when she avoids you at all costs? A. J. knows that he wants to spend the rest of his life with Victoria (Vic) Bennett. But Vic wants nothing to do with love, and even less to do with him. So what is A. J. to do? He will do what a man has to do – resort to a bit of scheming to win her over! And when he does, Victoria Bennett will confess that when a man loves a woman, it really is . . . a love for all times!



Watch the Trailer now!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkshbXM125Y

I absolutely love romance. And although I'm excited about being on "The A Love For All Times Virtual Book Tour," hosted by Ms. Marlive Harris of TheGrits.com, this stop is not just about being hostess for a day. Ms. Taylor-Jones, author of this wonderfully romantic novel, wants me to answer the question, "Does everyone have a soul mate?"

Well it's certainly a beautiful thought, offering hope to the millions of women unlucky at love in this world. It's a lovely sentiment to hold on to, helping them through the sleepless, lonely nights. Something to cling to when their bodies are cold and untouched and unloved by another of their choice (gotta make sure to put that in there). An idea that conjures up beautiful, romantic dreams when they lie down to sleep, only to be awakened by the cold reality that they are still as alone as they were before they fell asleep. Not to mention the daunting task of continuing to believe. And so they send out even more positive affirmations to the universe: "I still believe in love, and I still believe he's out there!" ...uh... hah, I-I mean they.

But the truth is, if there are soul mates for everyone, a lot of people fail to find them, because numbers don't lie. And there is a definite disparity in the statistics for single, black women. Unfortunately, I'm in the number.

Another thing to ponder...
What exactly is a soul mate anyway?


It can't simply be the equivalent of a partner or spouse. I have a hard time believing that everyone in a relationship is actually with their soul mate. I think a soul mate is someone who shares an extra*ordinary bond with someone on many different levels, and on many different planes. I believe soul mates not only share love, but also soul experiences and soul lessons, and not always as a couple. That depends on which lessons we're here to learn at that particular time. So if one just happens to share a love relationship with a true soul mate, then the experience is so much richer than any ordinary love. Not many people are willing to wait for such thing as this, and so they settle.

And so my answer is an emphatic and optimistic, "YES! Everyone does have a soul mate." What can I say? I'm a hopeless romantic. I choose to believe that while I'm preparing myself for a love relationship with my soul mate, he's out there preparing for me. And when we're both able to truly give and receive love, and are capable of being true soul mates and love mates to each other, then our blinders will be removed and we will see each other...clearly.


Okay, so now back to the book.
This is a definite must read for all the other hopeless romantics out there. Touted by the critics for it's saucy, suspense-filled, page-turning plots, When a Man Loves a Woman will make even the most cynical of the cynics believe in and want experience this kind of love - a love for all times.


About the Author

LaConnie Taylor-Jones is an exciting new voice in the romance industry! She’s a health educator consultant and holds advanced degrees in community public health and business administration. She has been an avid reader of romance for over twenty-five years. But thoughts of a romance writing career did not come until the spring of 2003 while complaining to her husband about a romance novel she was reading. It was past midnight and he was tired of her complaints about the book so he offered her this challenge:

“Honey if you can write a better book, do it! But baby, turn out the lights.”

LaConnie took him up on his challenge and she’s never looked back. She has been an active member of the San Francisco Area Chapter of RWA since 2003 and received the Romance Slam Jam 2008 Emma Award for her debut novel, the contemporary, multicultural romance, When I’m With You, published by Genesis Press, November 2007. When a Man Loves a Woman is her second novel!

To learn more about LaConnie and her new novel, When a Man Loves a Woman, visit her online at her:
Website - www.laconnietaylorjones.com/
& Blog - www.laconnietaylorjones.blogspot.com/

A word from Vee to LaConnie: I am so honored that you're stopping by my place today. And how lucky are we that your tired hubby planted that seed of inspiration in your soul that night? And it's kinda romantic too;-)

Peace, Love, & Romance,

Vee

FROM DUSK TO DAWN: Against All Odds 2008 Virtual Book Tour

From Dusk to Dawn
Niambi Brown Davis
Parker Publishing, May 1st, 2008
$10.95 US;
ISBN-10: 1600430368





Meet Bilal and Ayo, two people who are polar opposites in every way. He’s 32 and she’s 42. Bilal is ready to get married and start a family. Ayo, on the other hand, is a comfortably relaxed, in- her own skin widow with a 20 year old son. And she's certain her child-bearing days are over. Bilal is Muslim, and Ayo is most certainly not. Neither Bilal's father, nor Ayo's son are too happy about the relationship. These two, having nothing in common, would struggle to even hold a conversation, much less fall in love? And after their disastrous first encounter, you’d think it was impossible. Or is it?

But not so fast. I’ve been invited to participate in the FROM DUSK TO DAWN: Against All Odds 2008 Virtual Book Tour. Debut author, Niambi Brown Davis, has asked me this question, "Which of these issues - older woman/younger man, different faiths, disgruntled family members, late in life motherhood/infertility issues - has the potential to wreck the most havoc on Ayo and Bilal's relationship and keep them from walking down the aisle?"

But before I give my perspective, watch the trailer.


The fate of this relationship is quite questionable since there are issues and obstacles right from the very beginning. From their May/December romance, to their different faiths and feelings regarding children/starting a family, to the disapproval of family members, this couple will definitely find out if their love is real enough to last. But for the sake of blogging, I'm going to delve into all the different obstacles facing them and decide which one I think could possibly manifest the biggest problems and be the hardest to overcome.

Albeit, all relationships are a work in progress, but starting off behind the eight ball only makes things harder. Notice I didn't say impossible? And while I do believe any of these challenges could potentially cause havoc in a relationship, I think the biggest issue facing this couple is their different religious beliefs. All the other obstacles can be overcome by the mighty "L" word. But having very different religious beliefs and faiths would be the most detrimental in any relationship, even if the love is true.

Why?
Because a person's faith and religious customs and beliefs may influence the way he or she eats, sleeps, prays, and possibly even celebrates holidays, it would be ridiculous to think that a major difference in two views would be of little concern. Also, that faith is the determining factor for how the person will both act and react in a certain situation and how circumstances are viewed. It makes no difference if the situation or circumstance is positive or negative, serious or not so serious. So when crises occur within that relationship, if the two people involved are not in some sort of agreement about how to handle them, or at least what the expected outcomes should be, then chances for having huge, unresolved issues, which can lead to breakdown in communication and ultimately broken relationships, increase drastically.

Now we all know that every relationship will cause a few scrapes and bruises from time to time. But when the love is real, these hurts will heal easily and become barely noticeable in no time. But when you start mixing religions or trying to change a person's belief system and how he or she worships and views the world, now we're talking big, gaping wound territory.

This novel is most extraordinary! National Best-selling Romance and Romantic Suspense Author, Deidre Savoy, describes it as SIZZLING!

You DON'T want to miss this one!

About the author:

Niambi was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and raised on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. She and her family lived for many years in Washington, DC and for three and a half years, made the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago their home. She has written for Bronze Thrills, True Confessions and Black Romance Magazines. Niambi indulged her passion for sailing and travel by serving as publicist for the Black Boaters Summit and as a member of the National Association of Black Travel Writers. Presently, Niambi writes for Travel Lady Magazine. Her first digital novella was published in January 2008 by Arrow Publications, LLC. Aside from writing and travel, Niambi is an avid reader of historical fiction, and deeply involved in tracing the history of both branches of her family tree. Her day job is running the business of Sand & Silk/Soleful Strut, where she produces private label products for hair and skincare companies as well as her own line of handcrafted soaps, creams and scrubs.

For more information on Niambi Brown Davis, please visit:
http://www.niambibrowndavis.com/
http://niambibrowndavis.blogspot.com/

The Against All Odds 2008 Virtual Book Tour hosted by Yasmin Coleman of http://www.apooo.org/

Peace, Love, Light, & Good Reading,

Vee

Future Tour Stops:

May 8th, 2008 - Mo Flames
http://www.myspace.com/monique_flames

May 9th, 2008 - Eboney Farashuu
http://www.myspace.com/ebonyfarashuu

Earlier Tour Stops:

May 6th, 2008 - Tifany Jones
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/sistahconfessions

April 20th, 2008 - Yasmin Coleman - The Kick off!
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/ycoleman

The Humble Housewife 2008 Virtual Book Tour

Sweet Georgia Brown

Cheryl Robinson

NAL Trade, January 2, 2008

$13.95 US; ISBN: 0451222288

Meet Georgia Brown-a humble housewife determined to become a household name….
After eleven years of marriage, Georgia Brown is fed up with her husband, Marvin, a popular radio personality. It’s not just because she suspects he’s having an affair, or because she’s suddenly expected to raise his thirteen-year-old daughter, Chloe-whom she never even knew existed. It’s because of the comments he makes about her weight, their marriage, and their sex life…on national radio! Now, to save their marriage, Marvin invites Georgia to the station for an on-air rebuttal . . . .

I’ve been invited to participate in the SWEET GEORGIA BROWN: Humble Housewife 2008 Virtual Book Tour. Cheryl Robinson, the author of this exciting new release has asked me the question, “If I was in her humble housewife, Georgia Brown’s shoes, what would my on-air rebuttal be?”

But before I give my rebuttal, take a look at the trailer.

Sweet Georgia Brown

Vee's Rebuttal
"Marvin, I'm still mad as hell! You bringing these strangers into our bedroom?! How could you do that? You bring all this drama into my life at home, and then have the nerve to disgrace me on live radio? And you've got them thinking you're all that and you've got it going on. Well honey, seems to me that I'm not the only one who could use a little stretching. And I ain't talking 'bout your mind, if you know what I mean!

But see baby, I never would have taken it there, not on air. But you wanna play dirty, so okay let's do it.

You see, all these things you think are so wrong with me, some see as beauty. And I could conform to your ideal, if I chose to. I could change myself and my weight, but it wouldn't change who I am. But now you, can you change the s...

You know what? Never mind. humh. I can't even play your game. I'm too classy for this. The honest truth is I loved you. And all your imperfections, I adored, because I adored you. But I tell you what, Marvin, I deserve better.

And I WON'T hold you any longer, dear.
You have broken my heart, but you will NOT break my spirit,
and you WILL NOT steal my joy.

Not anymore.

You are free...to...go.

And baby...your things will be outside waiting for you when you get home.

This is Sweet Georgia Brown, everyone, signing off."

For more info on Cheryl Robinson, please visit:
http://www.cherylrobinson.com/
www.myspace.com/cherylrobinson
Video directed by Brett Haley

Never Without You...Again by Francine Craft

I am both honored and very delighted to announce that this site is now officially a part of TheGRITS.com Virtual Book Tour, hosted by Marlive Harris. Being but one of many stops on this unique tour, we will be showcasing authors along with their literary works.

I just had the pleasure of interviewing Ms. Francine Craft, author of Never Without You...Again. The multi-talented Ms. Craft is a national best selling romance writer whose novels have completely captured the hearts of her readers. After reading her latest treasure, I decided I wanted to know a little more about the lady behind the pages of,

Never Without You… Again

Vee: In the “Dear Reader” letter located in the beginning of your new release, Never Without You Again, you say that the story of Hunter Davis and Theda Coles has been in your head for a long time. How so and why is their story so special to you?

Francine: I have had especially good luck with a rekindled romance, so it remains solidly in my heart as an all time favorite. I think this is the major reason the story is so special to me.

Vee: Hunter Davis is a renowned photographer in this novel and you mention that photography is one of your hobbies. Tell us more about this hobby and how you incorporated it into this story.

Francine: I don't have as much time for photography as I've had in the past, but I still like to read the books on photography and study the photographs of masters and amateurs. I've taken some photos in my time that friends and those in the field have praised highly. Like so many people, I probably have a natural knack for it.

Vee: How have readers and reviewers responded to this new release so far?

Francine: Readers and reviewers have been wonderful concerning Never Without You....Again. I just got a notice that the book has sold out, which doesn't mean it isn't still very much on sale and available. Readers and reviewers have been more than kind, with many singing praise. This doesn't mean it doesn't have its detractors, but there haven't been many, and I think the late President Truman said it best: "If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen."

Vee: Do all of your books contain a special message you want readers to grasp and understand?

Francine: I think all my books contain a message or messages:
1) Learn to trust yourself and others, whatever you do, and be discriminating about it,
2)Love and caring are so absolutely necessary to a good life.

Vee: What makes a good heroine and what qualities should a good hero have?

Francine: I think a heroine should be loving (or at least have the capacity to be), be caring and want to trust her heart. She is a good friend and a good lover. She is dedicated to finding the best that life has to offer and to lending what aid and assistance she can to others. A hero should have the same qualities, but men have been trained to hide these qualities under a macho mask.

Vee: What do you enjoy most hearing from your fans?

Francine: I just enjoy about everything I hear from my fans. I have been privileged to get some of the most warm-hearted, endearing letters you can imagine, and trust me I answer right away. I love it when fans identify with the characters in my books and when they write long letters and tell me about this or the other character. My own head is often chock-full of characters to come and I don't always instantaneously remember, but I'm charmed, pleased and just go into orbit when they do this. I also love it when fans suggest spin-offs and other books and I've been able to use a few of these. The personal touch is big with me; when someone says why on earth did you have so and so do such and such? I laugh out loud and think about it. And yes, I love good, constructive criticism and I think I develop from it. You didn't ask, but I'll tell you what I don't like and that's when someone takes off on me in a mindless, vindictive tear and without rhyme or reason picks something I've written to pieces. But hey, that's all a part of the game. You've got to learn early that you just can't win them all.

`

Vee: Well Ms. Craft, it has certainly been a pleasure talking with you. Thank you for stopping by.

`
Francine: No Vee, thanks for having me and much love!

About the Author

Francine Craft is the pen name of this Washington, D.C. based writer who has enjoyed writing for many years. She has been writing romance since 1995 and has a total of 21 titles - 16 novels and 4 anthologies. Never Without You . . . Again is her latest Kimani Romance release. Visit her online at http://www.francinecraft.com/ or www.myspace.com/francinecraft for more information.



Never Without You . . . Again by Francine Craft is available wherever books are sold!

Get Your Literary Works Published

Marlive Harris
THE GRITS DOT COM Literary Services
Dallas, TX US
Owner/ Virtual Press Agent
Division of The MOTH Group, LLC
2004 - Present


Marlive is the founder and business owner of TheGrits.com, a reading and web publicity service, dedicated to the promotion of classic and contemporary literature for readers and writers of all ages.

Their reading communities for adults and children at thegrits.com collectively consist of author interviews, book reviews, reading guides, book club listings, and interactive elements such as author chats, email book discussion, virtual book tours and virtual book parties. Their book promotion services design book campaigns tailored to fit the author's special interests, talents, books, and readership.

Besides all the wonderful things TheGrits.com has to offer on their site, they are also truly unselfish when it comes to informing their readers about different opportunities for them to gain experience, exposure, and possibly even monetary compensation for their contributions to the literary world. Marlive is one of my myspace friends, and she often posts bulletins that are both interesting and informative. She believes in spreading the word about other quality sites, and at the same time offering valuable information to writer hopefuls and veteran writers alike, of the different writing opportunities available. So I decided to get on board and join her.

So check out these sites for some exciting opportunities and/or platforms to publish your work. (Originally posted by Marlive on www.myspace.com/thegritsdotcom)



KIDS' PAGES
http://www.kidspages.org./

Kids' Pages Family Magazine is Colorado's premier family publication addressing the needs of families with children aged newborn through high school. The magazine offers a well-informed, local and relevant perspective on issues affecting families. Kids' Pages Family Magazine informs, educates, entertains and inspires parents, children and the community.

Kids' Pages Family Magazine is Colorado’s most respected and most comprehensive resource for families. Pays ten cents/word.




YALOBUSHA REVIEW
http://www.olemiss.edu/yalobusha/submit.html

Literary journal of the University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS. Publishes fiction, poetry, creative non-fiction, black and white artwork and photographs. New and established writers.

No seeking any specific genre, just quality work. Pays small honorarium and copies.




TEA PARTY MAGAZINE
http://www.teapartymagazine.com/

Seeks submissions of fiction, poetry, photography, visual art, comics, interviews, and feature articles for its upcoming issue #18, to be published in Spring 2008. The theme for Issue #18 is THE FREE ISSUE. Deadline October 31, 2007.

Pays $10 to $50.




New York Times buys book blog!

The New York Times has added a book blog to its website. The site now features the Freakonomics blog written by Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner. Vivian Schiller, an executive at NYTimes.com, has said that “This is the first established blog that we've picked up. But it won't be the last.”

Will your blog be the next?

It could be if you make it really interesting. Of course, it would help to have a bestselling book to back it up. Look for more media websites to be picking up blogs and other web content. If you make your website or blog valuable enough, you could find various websites begging to give you money to have you post content for them.

If you have already written a book, your content is already more valuable than content from websites with no books to back them.