In the Author's Corner with Etienne

Born in Panama in 1972, Kai came to New York in 1981 with her mother. She discovered her writing gift as a junior at Boys & Girls High School when an English teacher gave her an assignment to develop a story from just one paragraph and since then, her pen was hot. Through the years, Kai continued to write any and everything not only to keep her gift alive but also for therapeutic reasons. She decided to pen the first 3 chapters of Alani’s Bigger Hustle. Only after she submitted the first 3 chapters did she decide to write the rest of the book “just to see what I would do with it”. “This story literally lived inside of me since I was 12 years old, it grew up with me and I knew one day it would be out in the world for all to see, it just had to!” Kai, first signed to a publishing house in August 2008, was ready to be published in October 2010 when she discovered the company was not all ready to release her book. On Facebook, Kai found Twenty First Street Urban Editing & Publishing, LLC, that brought Alani’s Bigger Hustle to life. In 1997 Kai was blessed with her first daughter, Africa, followed by another daughter, Agodess, in 2009. On Facebook, Kai is nicknamed “The hardest worker in the business!” and when you meet her, you know why! 

Author Keshia Robertson hails from Toronto, Canada where she writes fresh sensual to erotic contemporary romance with a multicultural twist. When she isn't crafting stories of sexy heroes and witty heroines, she can be found on Twitter, @startswithakesh or on her website, www.startswithakesh.com, discussing her preferred writing techniques or the latest episode of a Korean drama. Excerpt for Just As Good - 4 days before Christmas: Evan Hermes traded in romance for pragmatism when he suggested marriage at their New Year's Eve party to his girlfriend, Kitt Preston. It was a “suggestion” which wasn’t well received by the love of his life. Though it’s taken him most of the year to figure out the perfect proposal, this time romance is front and center to obtain a yes! Kitt has been in love with Evan ever since he asked her out during their first year of college. Tall, handsome, and a family man, Evan is the kind of person that most women would be falling over themselves to marry…but not her. Kitt is only willing to say yes to a marriage proposal that is worthy of their love and years together. A second chance for Evan to propose felt about as miraculous as Santa Claus standing in the middle of his living room with an inheritance grand . . . *********** Credits: A joint project with www.SexyBooksBlog.net Music, Song for My Father, courtesy of www.AnnaFisher.com   

Here is the Synopsis of Boss'N Up:  Brash, sexy, and dangerous Yaseer is the leader of a young, ambitious team known as The Torture Crew. They live by a code of loyalty, honesty, and respect which gets tested every step of the way as jealousy and greed find its way into the midst of the clique's seemingly unbreakable bond. By Yaseer's side is his family and his ride-or-die chick, Paris, a strikingly beautiful gangstress whose loyalty to her man is ironclad. But will Paris remain a true rider when Yaseer's indiscretions rise to the surface and his love for her comes into question? Many can talk the talk but few can walk it, especially when everything that they have built in the treacherous streets turn against them. When family ties get broken and bodies begin to fall, and the one love that was supposed to be infallible turns against him, Yaseer remains determined not to fold. It is in times of chaos and destruction that the cream rises to the top. Turn the pages of Boss'n Up and fall in love with the best that ever did it.

A passionate educator, motivational speaker, and author, Dr. Gretchen Jones Torbert has traveled across the United States to conduct professional development sessions and lead inspirational sessions for educators and women. Dr. Torbert completed her Bachelor’s degree in Middle Childhood Education from Georgia State University, her Master’s degree in Urban Teacher Leadership from Georgia State University, and her Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Liberty University. She has completed her Doctor of Philosophy in Education degree with a specialization in Curriculum and Instruction from Capella University. In addition to her educational endeavors, she is an author of over 20 books in various genres, a passionate motivational speaker and a philanthropist.

Theresa Harvard Johnson, a poet, spoken word artist, playwright, and artist, often ministers with a team of prophetic scribes creatively to facilitate healing to the broken. She is a nationally trained leader in inner healing with the Living Waters Program of Desert Stream Ministry. She serves as a leader within the Voice of Peace Retreat for adult survivors of child sexual abuse led by the international organization, Voice Today, Inc. With a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications, she is completing a Master’s of Divinity in Biblical Studies from Liberty University. Theresa’s creative, scribal ministry is rooted in inner healing, Godly character building, affirmation and bringing significance to the lives of others through the prophetic, creative arts. A former award-winning print news reporter with a career spanning more 22 years, she is an active freelance writer, blogger, and the author of The Scribal Anointing® Book Series. She also authored a collection of poetry and spoken word, Thank God for Salvation, and is the co-author of nationally published and distributed workbooks addressing child sexual abuse awareness and prevention including: The Courage to Speak; The Grooming Mystery: Unmasking the Sex Offender; True Intimacy; Pathways to Healing and the soon-to-be-released workbook, Splinters of Shame. Theresa has published blogs and articles, and has been published in Charisma Magazine, Rejoice Atlanta News, The Answer Newspaper, and more.

Note the time change to 1:00 pm.! Pablo Solares Acebal, an emerging Spanish Author, with two published novels, he's ready to write more! As a Translator, he intends to translate books from English into Spanish. Thus, his services include: Translation, Manuscript Editing, and Proof-reading. Pablo has published three books up to now: two titles in Spanish and one translation. Moreover, a movie based on his first work, The 6th of November, is in the making. Born in Villaviciosa, Spain, in 1992, Pablo Solares Acebal is the critically-acclaimed author of The 6th of November. Written during a two-year period soon after the loss of his mother, it was picked up by Spanish publisher, Albores, when he was just 18. Published in Spain and across South America in 2012, The 6th of November received immediate critical acclaim. A film version, to be directed by Daniel Cabrero, is now in the works, set for release on November 6, 2015. Despite working towards a degree in English Studies and Translation from the University of Oviedo, Pablo, now 21, has found time to pen an English-language adaptation of his debut work, as well as a second novel, Explosión En El Corazón Del Diablo (Devil’s Home), published in Spanish in 2013. Pablo is based in Oviedo, Spain. Take a look at Pablo's article  The Benefits of Translating into Spanish

Charlotte Y. Marshall Templeman, a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania has been writing short stories, plays, poetry and full-length stories since the age of 8. She is the writer of the short-feature film, "Soul of the Dance." A counselor for teen parents in a local high school, Charlotte is also the founder of an organization where she mentors young girls. She lives with her son, Jerome, and daughters, NaKayla and Summer, in Philadelphia.  Charlotte is currently working on her second book, "Same Ole Song."

Marilyn has 20 jobs, but writing urban erotic tales is her passion. A synopsis of her book, Dream Killer: Darius Servance was the "Big Man" on campus.He was tall, black, and fine as hell. He had ninety-nine problems but getting a female wasn´t one. Then he met her. It was something different about her.....He didn´t know it was the God in her. Sharell Logan was a freshman, who was raised to love the Lord. She was pretty,smart, and well grounded. She had no idea what she was getting into when she met him. Her life would forever be changed...... She couldn´t save him and he seemed determined to destroy her. Dream Killers is about true love, over-coming life's obstacles, family unity, forgiveness and most importantly, KEEPING GOD FIRST! You are guaranteed to see your story somewhere in this book. (WARNING: This book contains explicit language and sexual content.)

Suzanne Strisower, a Life Purpose Expert & Certified Life/Career Coach, has worked with people for over 35 years as a counselor, social worker, & personal coach. She also has presented workshops nationally & been a guest lecturer at several colleges & universities, including the University of Miami and the Dominican College. Her expertise & life purpose workbook have been featured on Nancy’s Bookshelf (Northstate Public Radio). A featured guest expert on an upcoming episode of the hit National Geographic television show, Doomsday Preppers, she will show the world how to live consciously, without fear and on purpose. An author of 3 books, 111 Inspirational Life Purpose Quotes, Exercises to Find Your Purpose in Life, and One Hundred Eleven ‘Tweetable’ Life Purpose Quotes. If that were not enough, Suzanne co-authored 3 books, including chapters in the bestselling Wake Up Women books, Be Happy, Healthy and Wealthy: A Guidebook for Women, & Spread Your Wings and Fly. Suzanne has worked with thousands of people from all walks of life, including realtors, teachers, attorneys, artists, & authors, to get them aligned with their purpose & expressing it in their most inspired & productive ways. She works with people of all ages & all walks of life, from students to successful business people, helping them to transition into new life ventures or careers. For a FREE 20-30 minute coaching call, click here.

Welcome to our weekly series starting today, August 6, 2014. Theresa Harvard Johnson's creative scribal ministry is rooted in inner healing, Godly character-building, and affirmation because it is bringing significance to the lives of others through the prophetic, creative arts. A former award-winning prnt news reporter with a career spanning more 22 years, she is an active freelance writer, blogger, and the author of The Scribal Anointing® Book Series. She also authored a collection of poetry and spoken word, Thank God for Salvation, and is the co-author of nationally published and distributed workbooks addressing child sexual abuse awareness and prevention including: The Courage to Speak; The Grooming Mystery: Unmasking the Sex Offender; True Intimacy; Pathways to Healing and the soon-to-be-released workbook, Splinters of Shame. Theresa has published blogs and articles, and has been published in Charisma Magazine, Rejoice Atlanta News, The Answer Newspaper, and more. She also authored a collection of poetry and spoken word, Thank God for Salvation, and is the co-author of nationally published and distributed workbooks addressing child sexual abuse awareness and prevention including: The Courage to Speak; The Grooming Mystery: Unmasking the Sex Offender; True Intimacy; Pathways to Healing and the soon-to-be-released workbook, Splinters of Shame. Theresa has published blogs and articles, and has been published in Charisma Magazine, Rejoice Atlanta News, The Answer Newspaper, and more. Visit Theresa at voicesofchrist.com/

Franny Armstrong is a mother of three and a grandmother of four. Her husband supports her imagination and has the patience of a saint. She’s been writing since she was a child, creating plays to act out in front of the neighborhood children. She charged them five cents admission to join her in the family garage for the play. Since 2002, after a serious breakdown, Franny had to express herself on the computer since she couldn’t speak, everything coming out gibberish at that time. She’s slowly healed to the point that she can function fairly well. Writing was the best medicine for her and still is. Franny, an author of paranormal romance stories, also loves to write about rainforests and Caribbean islands rather than about cities. Her characters are well rounded and share her wacky sense of humor.

A Mom, a Model, a Role Model - That's Shazmine Jewel for you!

A recipient of a Master of Arts in Human Resource Development and a Bachelor of Arts in Community and Human Services, Ms Charron Walker’s accomplishments reached beyond her battle with cancer to become a recovery volunteer, a teacher assistant for special education, and a financial mentor. Additionally, Ms Walker is affiliated with the American Cancer Society and is a volunteer at St. Vincent's Health Care in the Breast Health Center. Diagnosed at the age of 32 with breast cancer, she was found to have had to endure a lumpectomy, chemotherapy, radiation, and 5 years of hormone therapy. “One of the hardest things about having cancer”, she states, “is the feeling of a loss of control. I survived a physical and emotional battle with cancer, which has given me the gift of a new outlook on life. I don't worry about the small stuff; I strive to live life to the fullest. I am a 14-year breast cancer Conqueror who has traveled this road, and is still walking in faith   want to help others on their personal journey.” Consequently, Ms Walker went on to become the CEO and Founder of Young Survivors Network, Inc. Her passion is reflected in her mission statement: “Our mission is to educate, support, and advocate for young women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. We also equip these women in our community with information and a network of caring members, that are willing to give them the best chance available to cope with cancer.” Ms Walker is the author of My Purpose God's Plan.

Reds Johnson is a 20 year old author/writer at True Glory Publications. Born and raised in a small town named Bridgeton in New Jersey, Reds lives with her brother, 2 sisters, 2 nephews, and 3 nieces.  Writing since she was 9 years old, Reds tells her life through her writing and public speaking as a motivational/inspirational speaker for children, troubled teens, and full figured women.  She loves giving back to others even if it's her last. During her teen years Reds gave back to her community by  volunteering at a center fo the blind and Salvation Army.  Her first book, Silver Platter Hoe, sold over 142 copies in less than 24 hours. Her book also made it to the number three position  on the best-sellers list. Through social media sites Reds communicates with her fans on a daily basis.

Author Keshia Robertson hails from Toronto, Canada where she writes fresh sensual to erotic contemporary romance with a multicultural twist. When she isn't crafting stories of sexy heroes and witty heroines, she can be found on Twitter, @startswithakesh or on her website, startswithakesh.com, discussing her preferred writing techniques or the latest episode of a Korean drama. Excerpt for Just As Good - 4 days before Christmas: Evan Hermes traded in romance for pragmatism when he suggested marriage at their New Year's Eve party to his girlfriend, Kitt Preston. It was a “suggestion” which wasn’t well received by the love of his life. Though it’s taken him most of the year to figure out the perfect proposal, this time romance is front and center to obtain a yes! Kitt has been in love with Evan ever since he asked her out during their first year of college. Tall, handsome, and a family man, Evan is the kind of person that most women would be falling over themselves to marry…but not her. Kitt is only willing to say yes to a marriage proposal that is worthy of their love and years together. A second chance for Evan to propose felt about as miraculous as Santa Claus standing in the middle of his living room with an inheritance grand . . . ***** Credits: A joint project with www.SexyBooksBlog.net  Music, Song for My Father, courtesy of www.AnnaFisher.com