4th Annual 2008 African American Literary Awards Show Nominations

REPOST:

 

Hello all,

 It’s that time again!!!!  The Nominations Process for the 4^th Annual African American Literary Awards Show ! 

African American Literary Award Show will be held on Wednesday, September 24, 2008 at the Harlem Gate House in New York City.

We are looking for participation from all book clubs, avid readers, and those who appreciate the literary art form regarding the nomination process.

If you have the time, please review the categories below and select three (3) books/authors from each category and send your results to yvette@literaryawardshow.com.

The nominations process for 2008 starts on Monday, May 12, 2008 and closes on Monday, June 30, 2008.

To be eligible for the 2008 nominations, books and other literary works must be published between June 2007 and June 2008.

If you have any questions or need further information, please let me know.

The award categories for the 2008 African American Literary Awards Show are:

•  Fiction
• Science Fiction
• Historical Fiction
• Mystery
• Romance
• Christian Fiction
• Street Fiction
• Erotica
• Biography/Memoir
• Non-Fiction
• Short stories/Anthologies
• Children’s Books – Best Story Written For Children
• Poetry
• Playwright of the Year
• Magazines (Literary)
• Magazines (Non Literary)
• Self-Help
• Cook Books
• Finance
• Humorist Award of the Year (Stand-up Comics)
• Comedy Book Author of the Year
• Comic Strip
• Breakout Author of the Year (Male and Female)
• Self-published Author of the Year
• Independent Publishing House of the Year
• Publishing House of the Year
• Author of the Year Award  (Male and Female)
• Book Club of the Year
• Television Writer of the Year
• Screenwriter of the Year

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Rev Run's Daily Word of Wisdom for May 13, 2008

Good morning. You are a sales person and the person up for sale is you. You are a brand! Become a master marketer! Feel good about you! Make yourself look good, feel good and smell good. When you're impressed with YOU, so is everyone else. (Remember!!!!) If you want to impress anyone, you must FIRST be impressed with yourself. It all starts with YOU! :-)

God is Love Rev Run

Book Review: Real Men Don't Lay on the Couch All Day by Dwight C. Walker, Jr.

Real Men Don’t Lay on the Couch All Day by Dwight C. Walker, Jr.

Reviewed by Tavares S. Carney

Amazon Rating: 3

“Get Up, Get Out and Get Something ”

We have all heard the saying “love makes you do crazy things.” In Real Men Don’t Lay on the Couch All Day, author, Dwight C. Walker, Jr. gives it to the sisters, straight up, no chaser about being “crazy in love.” Mr. Walker sounds the alarm for women to stop settling for less, second best and less than they deserve. In this short, 39-page novella, Mr. Walker lists traits and characteristics of men that want nothing more than to be a couch potato or leech off of a woman for personal financial, material and emotional gain. Mr. Walker boldly steps up to the plate, informing women that don’t know, reminds those that know better and encourages all women to lose the dead weight laying on their living room couches.

I recommend this book to women who suffer from the angst of having a mate that is not their “help mate.” Readers will put this book down with a newfound strength to unload the dead weight that is keeping them from making progress in life. While this book does tell it like it is, and is very encouraging to women in need of encouragement in order that they seriously contemplate ending unproductive relationships, I did find the message to be somewhat repetitive and would have liked for the author to have shown more substance such as factual information or statistical research that back up his opinions. This would have possibly lengthened the novella and readers would have been able to gain more insight into the long-term effects of these type relationships, be it financial, emotional or otherwise. Another approach I would have liked to see the author take would be the offering of possible solutions or ways out of these type relationships for women that can’t easily walk away such as married women with children and abused women; for example, a listing of organizations or domestic abuse hotlines.

Overall, Real Men Don’t Lay on the Couch All Day is a very quick, easy read. It would not hurt to pass it to a friend, relative or colleague in need of some “tough love.” Dwight C. Walker puts into words what so many of us think about those we love and care about being in a dead-end relationship.

Book Review: When A Man Loves A Woman by LaConnie Taylor-Jones

Reviewed by Tavares S. Carney

Amazon Rating: 4


LaConnie Taylor-Jones does it again. In her second release, When A Man Loves A Woman, the author continues to draw readers into the lives of the Baptiste men and their women. This time the story centers on Victoria Bennett, Caitlyn's best friend who is sour on love, and A.J. Baptiste, Marcel's younger brother. Will the pain from Victoria's past stop her from accepting the love A.J. Baptiste is ready, willing and able to give her?

I enjoyed the many layers of Victoria. Although she is quite educated and has reached the top of her game as a nursing administrator, what is important to her is having a heart for people; she genuinely cares about others. She exudes confidence at times and vulnerability at others. Her character is very believable. What I liked about A.J. Baptiste is the fact that despite his family wealth, he is still willing to work and give back to his community. He could probably have any woman he wants, but he is pursuing one woman, only. I was happy to see Victoria finally considering giving A.J. a chance. The story flowed well for me and while it is categorized a romance, the plot still offers a dramatic subplot that is sure to arouse reader suspense.

This book does stand alone for readers who have not yet read When I'm With You, the author's first novel; nonetheless, I was glad to be brought up to date with the courtship turned marriage between Caitlyn and Marcel Baptiste. I'm looking forward to more from this author.

Best Writer's Website-We Need Your Help!

Best Writer's Website—We Need Your Help!We're looking for the writer with the best personal website or blog that was created and is maintained without outside help. Sites will be judged by Writer's Digest editors on presentation, ease of use and marketing effectiveness. Send your nominations—and don't be shy; you can nominate your own site—to writersdig@fwpubs.com with "Best Writer's Site" in the subject line. The deadline is June 10.
The top 10 sites will be listed in our October issue, in our e-newsletter and on WritersDigest.com. The writer with the best site will receive a one-year subscription to WritersMarket.com and a subscription to Writer's Digest; the nine runners-up will receive one-year subscriptions to Writer's Digest.

What Are You After Today?

 

What Are You After Today?
By: Matthew Bacchus

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What Are You After Today?



And when they had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfill all my will. Acts 13:22

David was known as a man after the heart of God. What are we after today? Are we after the heart of God? Are we after spiritual things? What are you searching for in your life today? Is our focus and mind on the kingdom of God? It seem that we are after other things such as relationship, material things and the list goes on and on. There is nothing wrong with that but we must also desire to want more of God in our lives. We should be hungry and thirsty for God. The cry of your heart should be your all I want, your all I need. What are you after today? What is the thing or things your longing for? What got your attention now? God want us to go after him just like we go after other things. The same way we go after the latest sneakers or clothes and the things that are popular today, we should also go after God. The bible also say to seek ye first and the kingdom and all these things shall be added unto you (Matthew 6:33). I encourage you to go after God. Go after his heart. I ! guarantee you that you won't be disappointed.

2008 Sistahs Conference: Embracing the Elevation

The Jaylen Rose Foundation: The Rose that Grew from Concrete

The Jaylen Rose Foundation: The Rose that Grew from Concrete

 
The Jaylen Rose Foundation will award FIVE college scholarships totaling $10,000 each to high school seniors residing in the city of Detroit, MI, who will begin college in the summer or fall of 2008

Eligibility:

Applicant must reside in Detroit and be a high school senior in good
standing during the 2007-2008 school year with a cumulative GPA of
3.0/4.0 or higher.

F.Y.I:

Scholarship will be forfeited if the student doesn't enroll in college
during the summer or fall of 2008

How To Apply:

     Log on to
http://www.givingback.org/rose/rosescholarship.htm

1.      Applicant needs to fill out and submit the form with an
"Official High School Transcript",
2.      A one page statement describing his or her goals for college
(including how the student expects to finance their college education)
3.      A copy of their FAFSA form and a copy of the student's college
acceptance letter.
4.      Recommended that student submit 2 letters of recommendation
with appropriate verification signatures.
5. College acceptance letters

Deadline: All entries must be postmarked no later that April 30, 2008! < FONT size="3">

Further contact:

The Jaylen Rose Foundation
c/o The Giving Back Fund
6033 W. Century Blvd., Suite 240
Los Angeles, CA 90045
(310-649-5222)


For Additional information or assistance, contact Denise Jamieson,
Director, Department of Funds and Development, Office of Grant
Development
(313) 870-3644

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Casting Calls

Casting directors for on season five of Bravo's Top
Chef will be in four cities throughout May looking for chefs to
compete in this culinary series. Open casting calls will happen in
Las Vegas May 4; New York/Upstate May 10; New York/Manhattan May
11; and Los Angeles May 26. More details on the casting call
locations can be found at www.BravoTV.com/casting.

Casting Call: MTV's newest reality competition series, Teen Dream
from executive producers of America's Next Top Model, will find the
next female superstar. Producers are seeking talented young women
and their mothers who are looking forward to showing off their
daughter's talents. Open casting calls where mothers and daughters
must appear together will happen in Los Angeles on April 18-19;
Orlando on April 25-26; Miami on April 27; and New York on May 3-4.
For complete information regarding these casting calls and what is
required to bring, send an email to teendreamcasting@gmail.com

Casting Call: For its summer lifestyle show, My Fair Wedding, WE tv
is giving brides planning summer nuptials a chance to enhance their
event by working with celebrity wedding planner David Tutera. David
will add extra elegance to weddings already in the planning stages.
If you are getting married July or August 2008, or know someone who
is, and the event will be within an hour from New York City, send an
email to show producers at Wedding@pilgrimfilms.tv along with the
wedding date, photo of the bride and how David can help.

Law Camp for Teens

If you know of an A student that is interested in becoming a lawyer
Howard University has a camp. It seems they try to pay the camp
fees for those that may not be able to afford. Here is the info
pass it on. You can copy and paste the link in the address bar.

http://www.nationalbar.org/lawcamp/index.shtml

Do you know any young people interested in a career in law? The
National Bar Association Crump Law Camp will be held July 6 - 19 in
Washington, DC. Applications must be postmarked by April 30, 2008.
Applicants must be 14 -17 when camp begins and entering the 9th-11th
grade in the fall of 2008. See the attached brochure and application
for more information. Call 301-249-8355 with any questions.

Seeking Books for the National Achievers Society Silent Auction

The message below is from a good friend of mine.  I am trying to put a gift basket together per her request below.  If you are able to donate an inspirational, encouraging or motivating autographed book for inclusion in a gift basket  to be auctioned off by the National Achievers Society Parent Alliance, please send an email to thecultureclique@ yahoo.com or echelonbooks@yahoo.com .

 

Thanks a mil,

 

Tavares

Visit THECULTURECLIQUE.com today!

Stop back by for recent news and information, updates, contests, reviews and author spotlights.

Be sure to sign the guest book and let us know you were there!

Also check us out on Myspace and Shelfari

___________ _________ _________ _________ _______

 

 

I am working as a volunteer on a scholarship fundraiser for a non-profit organization emphasizing EXCELLENCE in academics and community service for African-American public school students.  I was wondering if you could help us out in any way.  I see that you have connections with awesome Christian authors and I was thinking that a basket of a few of these novels, possibly autographed, would make a great donation for a silent auction to benefit the National Achievers Society here in Tallahassee, FL where I live.  The silent auction will be held on June 6, 2008.  Any donation would be appreciated.  Let me know what you can do to help!  Our fundraising goal is $15K, but every little bit helps!  Thank you for your time!

 

Sincerely,

Kai

representing

National Achievers Society Parent Alliance

Author Lee Thomas @ the Southfield Public Library

Phone	248.796.4362
Fax	248.796.4365

News	Release
Date:	April 18, 2008
Contact:	Community Outreach
For Release:	Immediate

 

 

 

 

 Author Lee Thomas @ the Southfield Public Library

Southfield, MI - The Southfield Public Library is pleased to host author and four-time Emmy Award winning TV broadcaster Lee Thomas on Tuesday, April 22, 2008 at 7:00pm in the Meeting Room.  Mr. Thomas will present his book Turning White: A Memoir of Change.

The Fox 2 Detroit reporter recently turned the spotlight on himself offering insight into the life-changing skin disorder that led his life on an unexpected journey.  Mr. Thomas shares the physical and mental battle he is waging with vitiligo, a skin disorder that is literally transforming not only his skin color from brown to white, but also his life.

Hear the story first hand and see the short video he has prepared dramatically illustrating his condition.  Mr. Thomas will be available for a book signing following the presentation.  His books will be available for purchase at the event!

Southfield Public Library is located in the Southfield Municipal Complex, 26300 Evergreen Road .  Visit the Library’s Home Page at www.sfldlib.org. For further information, please call the Guest Services Desk at 248.796.4224.

 

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Book Review: Narrow Is The Path by Rickey Teems, II

Narrow Is The Path by Rickey Teems, II

Reviewed by Tavares S. Carney

Amazon Rating: 4

"It's A Thin Line"

Narrow Is The Path is the second installment of the Cross Realities series by author Rickey Teems, II. Teems invites us back into the lives of the Cross Family. Reuben and Tamar continue to face challenges that test their faith to the extreme. Unsure of how they will survive, Reuben struggles with his emotions on how to deal with a serious family tragedy involving the couples' daughter, Aurielle, while Tamar is still tormented by pain from her past, a brother with a death wish and a deceitful sister. In spite of all occurring around them, the two continue to press toward their goals.

This novel is able to stand alone for readers who have not yet read Cross Realities, the first book in the series. Readers learn more about what is happening at New Risings, the church most of the Cross family members attend. Teems brings back Dr. Taylor, the doctor who treated Datiel, Tamar's gang banging brother, and introduces Mr. Delano. This entire cast of characters and the storyline make you thirst for the wrap-up of the series.

This is a riveting read, as it is true to life and delves into the issue of balancing faith amidst some of life's most unfortunate circumstances.

Book Review: Suddenly Single by Shana Burton

Suddenly Single by Shana Burton

Reviewed by Wanda B. Campbell for The Culture Clique Book Club

Amazon Rating: 4

"No More Drama"

After the humiliating experience of being left at the altar, Vashti Hunter's life begins spiraling out of control. She finds herself doing the very things she is certain are morally wrong.

On the surface, some of the situations Vashti finds herself in are just plain ridiculous. Blindly, Vashti compromises her livelihood, reputation and worth, with undeserving men in an attempt to fill the voids in her life. Taking a deeper look, however, Suddenly Single is a very realististic portrait of a woman controlled by insecurity and low-self esteem.

Shana Burton has done an outstanding job of demonstrating the necessity of putting God first and looking to Him to find our identity and self-worth.

Book Review: Something On The Inside by T. N. Williams

Something on the Inside by T.N. Williams

Reviewed by Wanda B. Campbell
for The Culture Clique Book Club

Amazon rating: 4

It's Time to Deal With the Real

Celia Alexander has it all: a rewarding career, a loving husband with a six-figure income, and two wonderful children. Lacking nothing, she and her husband, Khalil, are solid Christians. From the mini-mansion to the luxury vehicle, the Alexanders appear to have the perfect life.

Celia's perfect world comes crashing down, when upon returning home earlier than expected from a business trip, she discovers the man she has spent the past fifteen years loving doing the unthinkable. In a matter of minutes, everything she believes in and thought to be important is challenged.

Something on the Inside is labeled as Christian fiction, yet, it is
the horrific reality of thousands. Ms. Williams boldly pulls the
immoral band-aid off wounds that have been concealed for far too long and forces us to deal with the issue of sexual abuse in the family. As Christians, no longer can we stick our heads in the sand. The saying "what doesn't kill you will make you stronger" is no longer an excuse for silence.

I strongly recommend this book to everyone facing the devastation of sexual abuse.

Book Review: 13 Years of Misunderstanding by Ronald K. Cook

13 Years of Misunderstanding by Ronald K.Cook

Reviewed by Tavares S. Carney

Amazon Rating: 3

"No Holds Barred"

13 Years of Misunderstanding is the debut novel from Ronald K. Cook. The author's life experiences from childhood to where is he today has been a roller coaster ride for the once troubled teen hailing from the projects of Dallas, Texas. You name it, he's been there and probably has done it, especially if it dealt with any aspect of the street life.

Written with a 'keep-it-real' flair, and in a language that can be easily understood by the average 'thug' of today's age, this "G" shares his life story. Ronald Cook delves into the pain of his past, evaluating where he was, is and strives to be. Leaving nothing to ponder, he candidly tells readers how he made it to where he is today. You will need to read this book to learn what, by Mr. Cook's definition, it is to be 'truly buried a G.'

What I liked about Mr. Cook's writing style is that he comes across as talking to today's youth and not at them. I recommend this book as a reading selection for residents of boy's homes, youth detention centers, parole offices, prison libraries, as well as any organization whose mission is to improve the quality of life for inner-city children, teens and young adults.

Book Review: Jezebel by Jacquelin Thomas

Jezebel by Jacquelin Thomas

Reviewed By: Idrissa Uqdah for The Culture Clique Book Club

Amazon Rating: 5


Jesse Belle Holt, the girl from small-time Mayville, Georgia, finds her way out the boondocks through her marriage to Treynor Deveraus, a kind and loving but naïve pastor who has the potential for greatness. Jessie Bell is a cunning young girl who learned early in life how to use her feminine wiles to get whatever she wants. A pastor's daughter, she watched her mother use the same tactics as a child. Despite her reputation, Treynor is taken by her at first sight and will not listen to the warnings by those in her hometown who know her well.

When Traynor sets his sights on Jesse Belle while preaching a revival in his hometown, he forgets to consult the Lord, his flesh speaks out to him and he marries his young wife believing that she is the one that the Lord has sent to be his wife. He has no idea what is ahead of him.

Jesse Belle is driven by greed, power and her love of material possessions. She is a woman full of discontent. She is never satisfied. Treynor is just her meal ticket to a plush and lush lifestyle that she had dreamed of all of her life. The Pastor's Wife with a demon seed, Jesse Belle does whatever she has to do to convince Treynor to aspire to a higher goal, one elevation after another. Treynor, wanting to please his wife, continuously forgets6 to consult God and continues to satisfy Jesse Bell. He has never felt like this with any other woman his entire life. He has been overwhelmed by her seductive spirit, her powerful nature and before he knows it, their life has spiraled out of control.

Jesse Belle lies, manipulates and betrays Treynor until he finally becomes uncomfortable in his marriage. He realizes that he can no longer trust his wife and he is afraid of uncovering more of her dirty deeds and schemes that keep her evil world afloat. Prostitution, murder, drugs, and the secrets that bind her to her sinful ways continue until Jesse Belle's past is uncovered and a tragic turn of events cause her to pay a huge price for her sins. Struggling for her only chance at redemption and seeking forgiveness from her family and friends, Jesse Belle finds that God's grace is sufficient and in the end, she repents and allows the Lord to deliver her. However, she pays dearly for her transgressions.

This is a very powerful story about a woman who was cursed with the spirit of Jezebel in modern times. The author uses this woman's story to encourage all of us to stay prayed up and look to the Lord for a discerning spirit in our lives. Thomas developed a remarkable character in Jesse Belle. I was very impressed in how she portrayed Jesse Belle in her early years as a country girl with no class and no style. The author stepped out of her box with this character. Jesse Belle is so unlike any of the other women in Thomas' previous books. As the story evolved, the author developed the character of Jesse Belle from a caterpillar to a butterfly.

Move forward anyway

You may not get it right on the first attempt. Do it anyway, and you'll soon figure it out.

People are likely to come up with all sorts of reasons why it will never work. Work on it anyway, and commit yourself to handling each challenge as it comes.

Something unexpected will probably happen, in your life, in your industry, or in the world at large, that will cause many of your assumptions to be incorrect. Move forward anyway, because you are perfectly capable of adjusting to changing conditions.

It's possible that you won't get the results you expected. Learn from the results you do get, and with your newfound knowledge you'll discover ways to achieve even better results than you first expected.

There is no good reason to deny yourself the opportunity to accomplish whatever you choose to accomplish. Life is about making a difference, and you will never run out of ways to do that.

Whatever has happened, whatever they say, whatever the state of the weather or the economy may be, move forward anyway. Life is what you choose to make it.

-- Ralph Marston

Dr. Stacia Pierce Biography

Dr. Stacia Pierce Biography - Author of "How to Write a Book"

Dr. Stacia Pierce's step-by-step manual
will take you from aspiring writer to a published author in no time.
It's time to put the pen to paper and
write the book you've always dreamed of writing.

The next ACW/Detroit Meeting will give you the inspiration, information and tools to make success happen for you.


The American Christian Writers/Detroit Chapter
will host a special presentation
"Dream it, plan it and do it!"

When: Monday, April 21 from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Greater Grace Temple, Conf. Rm. 200 C - Located at 23500 W. Seven Mile Road (East of Telegraph) - Detroit, 313.543-6000
Cost: FREE

ACW Meeting will feature a presentation of the DREAM Conference of the year!
Ladies from Lansing will be distribute "success secrets and clues" from Dr. Stacia Pierce and have prizes for many attendees.

Grand Prize:
"How To Write A Book" Manual
by Dr. Stacia Pierce
(order on line by calling 517.393.9806 or go to www.Ministry4Women.com)


Dr. Stacia Pierce is a best-selling author and life coach to thousands of women nationwide. As a powerful Women's Ministry expert and Co-pastor of Life Changers Christian Center, she assists her husband, senior pastor, Dr. James Pierce, in changing lives at their 4,000-member church located in Lansing and Muskegon, Michigan. She is also an outstanding mother to the successful young authors, Ariana and Ryan Pierce.

As a leader of leaders, she uses biblical principles to motivate and inspire womento become successful.
She is widely known for her top-rated national television broadcast, Successful Living with Dr. Stacia Pierce, and for hosting two dynamic venues: Successful Living National Women's Bible Study and the revolutionary International Women's Success Conference, which attracts over thousands of women each year to Lansing, Michigan.

Every spring, women nationwide travel to Lansing to attend the Womens' Success Conference. This exclusive annual retreat for women is filled with celebration, inspiration, training and excitement. Several political dignitaries have recognized the conference as the most influential event for women.
Dr. Stacia is committed to helping ordinary women lead extraordinary lives. She leads by example, using the Bible as her foundational tool for success. Her events and materials encourage personal growth, provide mentorship, spark ideas and inspire listeners to dream and revitalize their lives. She is committed to giving people a picture of what's possible.

She has written twenty books, including her signature 25 ways series; a fourbook series that includes the top selling, 25 Ways Women Can Motivate Themselves. Her books speak right to the heart of women; encouraging, empowering and equipping them for success. She also has built a vast library of materials that prepare men and women to live winning lives; such as The Original Prayer and Purpose Planner, the premiere resource tool to visualizing your way to the next level. Her training materials are widely used in churches, schools, and corporate settings.

also Click to join MinistryMarketingSolutionsLEARN THE Ins & Outs of Book Publishing, Promoting & Publicity for the PROS!FREE PR TIPS FROM PAM PERRY, PR COACH

To be alive

Give for the sake of giving. Love for the sake of love.

Live for the sake of living. Learn just because you can.

Don't fill the future with ambiguous motives or imagined fears. Fill the moment you're in with the extraordinary richness of ordinary life.

This day is a gift that you've never had before. Jump in and explore the exquisite treasure that is right now at your feet.

Life's beauty appears at exactly the place where you choose to see it. Choose to see the beauty and value of whatever situation you find yourself experiencing.

Listen to the part of you that resonates with life's true and never ending goodness. Experience again and again, in a new way each time, what it means to be alive.

-- Ralph Marston