Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Trayvon Martin, Jordan Davis ... Loaded Chambers

On this second anniversary of Trayvon's death I am reminded of a poem I wrote when we were in the throes of division in the nation about the Zimmerman trial - devastated by those who were having difficulty understanding our outrage and despair. The poem became even more poignant as we revisited those emotions recently in the Davis/Dunn trial. It's entitled Loaded Chambers and is posted on TimBookTu's site currently. http://www.timbooktu.com/peggy/loaded.htm It's a little edgy, a little raw, but emotionally so too are we.

Read it now on TimBookTu.com:   LOADED CHAMBERS


Photo Credits: From 123rf : Copyright : Alexandr Rozhkov

Monday, February 24, 2014

God's Reverse Psychology



Ever have a problem forgiving someone? I very rarely hold grudges, but was struggling with something that I was really hurt and angry about several years ago. One day it struck me  that I was becoming bitter - I never want to become bitter, so I made up my mind that every time I started to think negatively about them that I had to ask the Lord to give them the deepest desire of their heart, to bless them to the point of overflowing in all they hoped for and dreamed...

That sounds pretty cavalier of me perhaps but, here's the tricky part, and it sounds kind of terrible,  I soon started to think about what they did or to think about them PERIOD less and less until they rarely crossed my mind at all. Next thing I knew, months later when I did think about them again my attitude towards them had softened and I had changed - that root of bitterness that had been about to take hold within me was gone.

The angry "flesh" part of me resisted having to wish them well initially. Rather than wish them well I canceled thoughts of them out entirely...at least for a while. I think perhaps it was a bit of reverse psychology from the Lord. :) Notice I say I think, but I'm reminded that He tells us  :

Isaiah 55:8-9

8:
 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.
9:
“For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts.

All I truly know is that somehow it has worked. My prayers for their well-being now is both genuine and from the heart.

Friday, February 21, 2014

The Joneses Tour




7 Questions with Shelia M. Goss and Giveaway

Shelia M. Goss is a national bestselling author and a screenwriter. The Joneses is her seventeenth book in print.

Where are you from and what jumpstarted your writing career?
I am from Louisiana – home of good food and good people (smile). I’m also an alumni of Southern University. I’ve been writing since I was 9 years old. When I was in elementary school, my teachers submitted my poems to Seedlings. In school, I’ve been on the yearbook staff, newspaper, etc. I decided to pursue writing as a career back in 1997. My first book outside of school was actually a collection of poems. It was called Embraced by Love – The Relationship.

Writing was always something that I wanted to do, but I originally had planned on waiting until I retired. After losing my dad and hearing of Princess Diana’s death, it dawned on me that life was too short and I shouldn’t wait to pursue my dreams. So, while I was still working, I would write at night, during my break, at lunchtime, etc. When the right opportunity came, it was just the right time to go ahead and put everything I had into it.

What genre(s) do you write?
I write in multiple genres: women’s fiction, romance, Christian fiction, suspense, young adult, etc.

What is your favorite sort of character?
One that is flawed. No one’s perfect in real life, so the characters in my books aren’t either. They have issues just like a friend, a co-worker or a stranger on the street would have.

What's something about yourself that readers may not know? 
I love to play spades and dominoes. I'm a Virgo and Prince is my all time favorite music artist.

Were there things from “your world” incorporated into this storyline?
I don’t write about my real life. All of my books are fiction; any resemblance to anyone real is purely a coincidence.

What words of advice would you give an aspiring writer?
The best advice I could give an aspiring writer is to write, write, write. Write a complete manuscript, revise, join networking groups and research. Google is a writer’s best friend. When asking questions to other authors, be specific. A generic question like “how can I get my book published?” will not yield you the response that you want. Why? Because there’s no magic formula to getting your book published, but yet, there are many books written on the subject.  Asking specific questions will show that you’ve taken the time to do your research and possibly read some of those books or articles and that you’re serious about the craft of writing.

What's next for Shelia Goss?
2014 is off to a good start. I have several pending projects that I hope to finalize in the first quarter. I'm working on a couple of new books as well as writing a couple of screenplays.  Thirsty-The Movie that's based on one of my original screenplays has a Facebook page. To keep up with the process of what's going on with the movie, be sure to "like" the page: https://www.facebook.com/theThirstyMovie
To keep up with all of my projects, be sure to bookmark my website www.sheliagoss.com.

About The Joneses:

Keeping up with the Joneses isn’t all it’s made out to be. In this intriguing novel full of drama and plot twists, one family tries to hold on to their “perfect” life before their secrets, lies, and scandals are exposed.

On the outside, the Joneses seem like the ideal family: Royce Jones, a funeral home mogul, and his wife, Lexi, are parents to Charity, Hope, and Lovie—and everybody wants to be them. But it’s true that money can’t buy happiness, and the Joneses are harboring secrets that can’t stay hidden forever…It’s only a matter of time before the Joneses’ perfect life goes spinning out of control. 

Order your copy of THE JONESES from Simon & Schuster (http://books.simonandschuster.com/Joneses/Shelia-M-Goss/9781593095222) or purchase from other online retailers such as: 

Available in stores everywhere on February 18, 2014.

More About the Author:  Shelia Goss writes in multiple genres. USA Today says, “Goss has an easy, flowing style with her prose…” She's received many accolades in her career, including being a finalist in the mystery category for the 2013 AA Literary Award Show and a 2012 Emma Award Finalist. Her books have been on several best sellers lists, such as: Essence Magazine, Dallas Morning News and Black Expressions Book Club. Shelia loves to hear from readers so feel free to contact her via her website: www.sheliagoss.com or follow her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sheliagoss or Twitter: www.twitter.com/sheliamgoss.

THE JONESES GIVEAWAY

Lexi Jones, one of the main characters, from THE JONESES loves her handbags so it’s just befitting that the grand prize be a handbag.  Contest ends on February 25, 2014.

GRAND PRIZE:
One (1) random entrant will receive a small Coach handbag {Retail value: $188.00, 10 3/4″(L) x 7″(H) x 3 1/4″(W)} and Bath & Body Works minatures (Retail value: $19.75)

RUNNER UP:
One (1) random entrant will receive an autographed copy of Montana’s Way.

10 ENTRANTS:
Ten (10) random entrants will receive the electronic version of the book Hollywood Deception.

Open to U.S. & Canada residents only. Avoid where prohibited by law.

To enter please use the rafflecopter form below.

Monday, February 10, 2014