Meet Author and Acting Coach Adra Young

        Adra Young, a native of Gary, Indiana is not your typical educator.  Having a passion for acting, this young lady took her first shot within that performance arena at her very own Alma matter Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio.  Moving to Detroit, to pursue her teaching career, she wasted no time, and also decided to take additional acting classes to perfect her craft.   Taking the classes led her to receiving roles in various commercials, plays, and promotional modeling opportunities within the Detroit and South-East Region.

        Accepting a position as an Acting Coach for a entertainment company in 2003, Ms. Young wrote all of the materials for the youngsters and In 2005 self published her first acting and socializations skills guide for the youth titled, The Everyday Living of Children & Teens Monologues. In 2006, she launched and established Ardannyl, an After-School program designed to promote acting, singing, dancing, creative writing, and art.

        Due to her first book receiving positive acknowledgments for addressing the dilemmas that children, tweens, and teens are faced with, her second book, The Everyday Living of Children & Teens Monologues Volume II was released in the fall of 2008.  Currently Ms. Young along with author Tracie Christian are on a book tour titled, The Live Ladies of Literature Tour.  To find out more about this positive and energetic lady’s upcoming literary events and acting seminars, log on to Facebook.com/AdraYoung

MS YOUNGS ACCOMPLISHMENTS

2005         Nominated for the Black Enterprise Grant Competition

2005         Self published her first book

2006         Outstanding Educators Award

2006         Proud donor of Locks of Love Foundation

2006         Created Ardannyl Performing Arts After School Program

2007         Acknowledge by the Detroit Youth Foundation

2008         Self published second book

2009         Live Ladies of Literature book tour

What made you decide to become an author?  
    
After instructing my first class as an Acting Coach, I decided to write my first book non-fiction acting and socialization skills guide for youth.

Who are some of your favorite authors?
    
The late E. Lynn Harris, Marry B Morrison, Janaya Black, Tracie Christian, and Anita Jefferson.

How are you giving back to your community?  

Currently serving as board of directives for Detroit's United Nations Association as Co-Director of International Arts & Culture, I along with my literary partner Tracie Christian on a bi-monthly basis provide a free event titled Coffee Arts & Entertainment. This event encourages authors and artist from all avenues the opportunity to network, exchange ideas, and provide tips on how to take the artistry to the next level of success.

Give one tip you would give new authors?
     
My advice to all new authors is to self promote and continue to market your literary product. Surround yourselves around positive like minded seasoned authors.  

What is the biggest lesson you've learned since becoming an author?

The biggest lesson I've learned since being an author is that it is very hard work. Success in this business will come if you work hard, Apply strong efforts, and a lot of determination.

Suggest a preferred literary service?
     
I will provide several. Sylvia Hubbard of Motown Writers Network. Tamika Newhouse of African American Book Club on the Move. Ronda Bogin of Mocha Readers, and Ella Curry of The Black Writers Network.
  
What genre do you consider yourself?
I consider myself on be a non-fiction writer.

Where can your work be found?
      
You can find my work at  Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble.Com. For further information about my literary events and activities, log on to www.ardannyl.me.  I am also very active on Facebook.   

REVIEW

The Everyday Living of Children and Teens Monologues Volume II by Adra Young – ISBN: 978-0-615-23754-1 – 115 pages – published by Ardannyl – Paperback – Reviewed by Yolanda M. Johnson-Bryant, Literary Wonders! (www.literarywonders.com) December 23, 2009 – 4 Stars

Author and Acting Coach, Adra Young does it again with The Everyday Living of Children and Teens Monologues Volume II. If you liked the first volume, you will love this one as well. The Everyday Living of Children and Teens Monologues Volume II boasts 52 real-life acts for aspiring actors and actresses from ages 7 through 18.

Among some of our favorites are, “The Same Old Clothes”, “Good Health is Priceless”, “Bad Note”, “Believe in Yourself” and “Requirements”.

Each monologue runs anywhere from thirty five seconds to two minutes. Each monologue is complete with required props and emotion.

The topics chosen by Ms. Young are in line with the everyday lives of our youth and the issues that they face. A lesson can be found in each of these excellent monologues. Ms. Young has done an excellent job reaching out to today’s youth and giving them an educational, constructional and fun outlet to express their frustrations and their talent!

Thank you Adra for sharing your work with us and thank you for investing in our youth! ~~Literary Wonders!

Meet New Christian Fiction Author Rhonda McKnight

I’m a new author, the owner of Legacy Editing, a free-lance editing service for fiction writers. I’m also the Vice-President of Faith Based Fiction Writers of Atlanta. I’m a divorcee with two awesome sons. I’m originally from a small, coastal town in New Jersey, but I’ve called Atlanta, Georgia home for eleven years.

What made you decide to become an author?

Being an author chose me. I’ve been writing since I was child, but never thought of myself as a potential author until Terry McMillian published Waiting to Exhale. Then I read Temptation by Victoria Christopher Murray and knew I had to work towards publication. But ultimately the decision came as a response to prayer.  About ten years ago I asked God what my purpose was, I surmised it wasn’t just to be a wife and mother, and He told me, He’d given me the gift to write. So here I am, using the gift and fulfilling my God-given purpose.  People from high school tell me all the time that they knew some day I’d be an author. I never saw it.

Who are some of your favorite authors?

Sherri Lewis, Tiffany L. Warren, Victoria Christopher Murray, Stacy Hawkins Adams, Tia McCollors, Sharon Oliver, Nikita Nichols, Claudia Mair Burney, Jacquelin Thomas, ReShonda Tate Billingsley, Linda Leigh Hargrove…for real, really are you asking me that? I could go on for an hour. I love to read. The Pamela Samuels Young, late BeBe Moore Campbell, Deberry and Grant, Tracy Price Thompson, fade to black… LOL.

How are you giving back to the literary community?

I blog about books at www.urbanchristianficitontoday.com . It’s my way of getting the word out about all the under-promoted and under-purchased books by African-American Christian Fiction authors. I also teach for free at online writing seminars several times a year. My writers group has been raising money for the last year to provide a partial tuition scholarship for a rising high school student who wants to study journalism or something writing related in college. We will award it in May 2010.

Give one tip you would give new authors?

Study the craft of writing. Story is king, but executing that story with excellence is a skill that’s honed. Just like someone may be gifted to play the piano, they won’t play in an orchestra until they learn how to read music. Readers deserve the best.

Who, What, When and Where is your next event?

My first event is Sunday, Dec 5^th. I’m having a Book Release Celebration and Signing at Big Miller Grove Church(Lithonia, GA) Family Life Center in the Fellowship Hall from 2:30 to 5 pm. On Dec 13^th I’m having another release and signing event in Manning SC. (Details on my website – the location is private) and I’m currently scheduling several signings in and around Atlanta.

My biggest event for 2010 will be the annual Faith and Fiction Retreat – June 18 and 19^th in Atlanta. Details at www.faithandfictionretreat.com  I’ll be there with some awesome authors, like Kim Roby, Victoria Christopher Murray , Tiffany L. Warren and more.

What is the biggest lesson you've learned since becoming an author?

It’s not easy selling books. People will take the chance on anything but a book, so when I meet someone who just says, “Oh, I’m going to get your book” I want to jump for joy and hug them, seriously.

Suggest a preferred literary service. (i.e. publishing, printing, editing, marketing, accessories, etc)

Tywebbin Creations. Tyora Moody is a web designer, graphic designer, virtual publicist and she offers an awesome blog tour service. Very creative and the ultimate professional.

What genre do you consider yourself?

I write women’s fiction, but I’d classify it as Christian Fiction.

Where can your work be found?

Wherever books are sold. I’m with Kensington Publishers and we have great distribution. Our books are in all the main bookstores, independent stores, online and even in the supermarkets.

Where can we contact you?

My website is the best way to contact me www.rhondamcknight.net and I’m a big FaceBook junkie www.facebook.com/rhondamcknight

Thank you so much for allowing us to get to know you Rhonda! ~~Literary Wonders! (Please find Literary Wonders! review of Secrets and Lies below)

Secrets and Lies by Rhonda McKnight – ISBN 13:978-1-60162-940-1 ISBN 10: 1-60162-940-0 – 376 pages – published by Kensington Publishing/Urban Books LLC – Paperback – Reviewed by Yolanda M. Johnson-Bryant, Literary Wonders! (www.literarywonders.com) December 29, 2009 – 5 Stars

Welcome newcomer and Christian fiction author, Rhonda McKnight with her freshman debut, Secrets and Lies. Mrs. McKnight’s opening scene gives a thought provoking entry that is often rare with new authors.

The key players, Jonah and Faith Morgan, are faced with many trials throughout this page turner that will test and possibly end their ten year union.

Jonah is a lucrative cardiologist who is partner at Christian Brothers Family Health, where the main objective is to help patients who normally cannot afford healthcare. Jonah’s work is his passion, and he’s recently taken on the challenge of nine-year-old Amadi Lazarus. Dr. Morgan has taken a “special” interest in his new patient and within the confines of his reasoning lies a deep dark secret.

Faith, Jonah’s wife and a stay at home mother, is involved with her church and its various activities, is starting to feel the strain of her husband’s demanding career and becomes suspicious when she starts receiving mysterious phone calls. Her confidence is tested as she starts to wonder if the good doctor is cheating.  

Jonah has given up on God and his relationship with his father. And just like his relationship with his father, he’s tucked his past far, far away. So far, that he failed to tell his wife. Through warnings from his mother, God sends Jonah messages that he needs to utilize forgiveness or things are only going to get worse for him. And when Jonah starts to feel pressure at work, he feels the only thing he can turn to is alcohol.

Faith makes an attempt to try to save her marriage but is confronted with Jonah’s past during a routine trip to the vital records office. Hurt and betrayal engulf her and she decides she will no longer roll over and cater to the needs of her husband.

Mrs. McKnight takes her readers on a rollercoaster of trials and tribulations, scripture, biblical and spiritual life lessons. In Secrets and Lies can Jonah and Faith find their way back to each other before it’s too late? Can they both learn the true meaning of forgiveness before it destroys their family and those around them?

Secrets and Lies is an easy but powerful read that can be read in one sitting. The pages will have you turning and not wanting to put it down. Kudos to Mrs. McKnight, she truly knocked this one out the park.

Today's Showcased Author is Angelia Vernon Menchan

I am Angelia Vernon Menchan, wife, author, mother, nana and mentor and I own MAMM Productions with my husband Maurice. Since January 2006 we have published nine books with my latest being Mrs. Black.

I always dreamed of writing but actually started when my youngest son started college. I started my own publishing company in order to own my work and my words. I coined my work 'Fictionalized Truths' though some call it Women's Fiction others Spiritual Fiction. I also have a young adult and a non-fiction book.

My favorite authors are Colin Channer, Pearl Cleage, James Baldwin and way too many others to name.

My main means of support is purchasing and supporting the work of other authors. I am also willing to assist in any way those who are up and trying to produce their own work.

To new authors I would say, keep your ears and heart open to learning.

My next online event is the RAWSISTAZ HOLIDAY READING Challenge. Mrs. Black will be discussed on December 29 from 10-10.

Since becoming and author, I have learned to not take any of this personally, it is business, take away what you can learn from and leave the rest alone.

To see my work you can visit my blog http://acvermen.blogspot.com  and at all online literature sites, Amazon, Booksamillion, Barnes and Nobles, etc. Also most bookstores will be glad to order.

You can contact me at http://acvermen.blogspot.com, acvermen@yahoo.com, Twitter and Face book.

Mrs. Menchan’s preferred literary service is AALBC and RAWSISTAZ and APOOO. They have been excellent advertising vehicles for me. Simply-Said has wonderful accessories. So many have supported me.

Thank you for giving us some of your time today Angelia! Everyone please stop RAWSISTAZ (www.rawsistaz.com or RAWSISTAZ on Facebook) and show Mrs. Menchan our support! ~~Literary Wonders!

Meet Louisiana Author Vanessa A. Johnson!

 Vanessa A. Johnson, a life-long Louisianan, began writing in 1995 after the untimely deaths of her mother and son in August and September, 1994. She and her husband, Welton reside in Ama, Louisiana with their 10-year old daughter, Alexis. Johnson is retired and currently working on the release of her next book, Sacrifices In The Name of Love (2010) and doing edits on her 3rd book, Tempted by Love.

I began writing as a form of therapy after the sudden loss of my mom and son during a one-month period. Writing is now my escape from the real world where unlike the real world, I have the final say in the “happily ever after” ending (if I so choose :).

Some of my favorite authors are Tina McElroy Ansa, Deatri King Bey, Tina Brooks McKinney, Brenda Jackson, E. Lynn Harris (RIP E Lynn), Eric E. Pete, Yolanda Johnson Bryant, Evelyn Palfrey, Farrah Rochon, Mary Higgins Clark, John A. Wooden, Timothy Stelly, Jackie Young, Peggy Love and Shelia Goss. I have so many that my list can go on forever. There are so many new authors I'm discovering on a regular basis, such as Farrah Rochon.

There were many people who offered a hand in getting my first published in print. I believe in returning the favor. I enjoy helping others just as I was helped.

To new authors, you have to believe in yourself, and never give up although there may be many rejections along the way. Everyone is not going to like what you write. Persistence and perseverance are the key ingredients in the literary world. I guess that's more than one tip, huh :) 

Since I'm in the process of preparing for my book's release sometime in 2010, I don't have anything lined up at the moment. I suppose, this is my first chance at letting everyone know what's coming soon from me.

Since becoming an author, I have learned that everyone is not your friend, although there are some who may want you to believe they are. The publishing world is a business, a tough business and you need thick skin if you want to remain in the business.

My editor is Lynel Johnson Washington and she can be contacted @ lmaria23@hotmail.com (tell her I sent you :) )

I really hate to box myself in one genre because I write non-fiction, fiction and poetry, but if I had to pick genre, I'd venture to say contemporary romance. I'm a sucker for a good romance and you'll see that evidenced in Sacrifices In The Name of Love and Tempted By Love :)

You can find my work at www.vanessaajohnson.com, www.amazon.com, www.bn.com, and soon www.redrosepublishing.com. I can be reached through my website @ www.vanessaajohnson.com or E-mail @ vanessaajohnson@hughes.net. I'm also available on FaceBook, MySpace and Twitter.

Thank you Vanessa! Literary Wonders! was lucky enough to review Mrs. Johnson’s first title, When Death Comes A Knockin’. We cannot wait to read your romance titles! ~~Literary Wonders!
 

Meet Inspirational Author and New Mom, Monica P. Carter Tagore!

Hi, I'm Monica Carter Tagore. I write inspirational fiction under Monica Carter and inspirational nonfiction under Monica Carter Tagore. I've been a professional writer all of my adult life -- first as a journalist, now as an author and owner of a writing and design company. My latest novel is Scandalous Truth, the story of a woman whose world is rocked when her husband runs for political office and her most guarded secret threatens to come out. How far would you go to protect your most scandalous truth?

2.  What made you decide to become an author?

I've always wanted to be an author, ever since grade school. I realized I wanted to become a professional writer (in other words, to get paid for it) when I was in the fourth grade. So I decided to become a journalist as a means of writing for pay. I did that and also began my literary career while working at a newspaper. 

3. Who are some of your favorite authors?

The list of my favorite authors changes, depending on my mood and what I've read recently. Some perennial favorites are Robert Kiyosaki and John Grisham. I also enjoy books by many of my fellow authors on the Urban Christian line.
 
4. How are you giving back to the literary community?

I am giving back to the literary community by sharing information to help aspiring and established authors manage the publishing -- business -- side of their careers. I conduct free workshops on publishing and also offer a coaching program, which will soon be available at www.rootskybooks.com, our newest site being built. While I do have a traditional publishing deal, I began my career as a self-published author and continue to publish some of my own works. I truly believe self-publishing can be the way to the American Dream of business ownership for a lot of people. If you self-publish, you can share your thoughts and concepts, while also building a real business. 

5. Give one tip you would give new authors?

It's the tip I give anyone who tells me she wants to write, and it is this: Put your rear-end in the seat and write. Lots of people talk about writing but never get around to actually doing it. So the first thing is to put in the time and get the writing done. 


6. Who, What, When and Where is your next event?

I took a hiatus from travel and offline events this year to have a baby. Online events will be announced at www.rootskybooks.com, once that site is up at the beginning of 2010. 

7. What is the biggest lesson you've learned since becoming an author?

The biggest lesson I've learned is that writing is only part of the equation if you want to be successful. You must take care of the business side of your writing -- marketing, publishing, etc. When I help clients and authors see this, they can better manage their careers.

8. Suggest a preferred literary service. (i.e. publishing, printing, editing, marketing, accessories, etc.)

Of course I would have to suggest my own literary service, RootSky Creative. We ghostwrite, edit and design books. We also manage the entire publication process for clients who prefer a one-stop shop. In that case, we write the book, edit it, design it, secure ISBN and other technical details, and find an appropriate printer. Our main Web site iswww.rootskycreative.com, which has information about our Web site design, graphic design and book writing and design services. Starting at the beginning of 2010, you will be able to check out www.rootskybooks.com for book and literary services, as well as informative articles. 

9. What genre do you consider yourself?

I write inspirational (also known as Christian) fiction, which always has an element of self-discovery for the main character. I also write inspirational nonfiction, which helps readers discover, learn or improve something about themselves. My nonfiction title is Zoom Power: Your Key to Hitting Your Personal, Business and Financial Targets.

10. Where can your work be found?

My books are in brick and mortar bookstores, online bookstores such as amazon.com, and also available at www.monicacarter.com.  My contact information is Monica Carter Tagore, RootSky Creative, P. O. Box 52482
Shreveport, LA 71135, monica@rootskycreative.com, (318) 364-8413.

Monica, thank you for taking time from your busy schedule to allow us to get to know you a little better. Congrats on your new book, your business and congrats on your new bundle of joy! We look forward to hearing from you in the future and reading your work. ~~Literary Wonders!

Romance Author Ashlyn Chase

Ashlyn Chase describes herself as an Almond Joy bar; a little nutty, a little flaky, but basically sweet, wanting only to give her readers a scrumptious, satisfying, reading experience. 

She holds a degree in behavioral sciences, worked as a psychiatric RN for several years and spent a few more years working for the American Red Cross where she still volunteers as an instructor.  She credits her sense of humor to her former careers since comedy helped preserve whatever was left of her sanity.  She is a multi-published, award-winning author of humorous erotic romances.

Represented by the Nancy Yost agency in New York, NY, she lives in beautiful New Hampshire with her true-life hero husband and a spoiled brat cat.     

I was going through a horribly stressful situation when I made the decision to become a writer. Both of my parents were terminal at the same time. As an RN, I took care of them until they passed. The only thing that got me through was a series of romance novels. I wanted to offer that kind of healthy escape to others. I consider it an honor to be able to do so.

Now, I'm president of the New England chapter of RWA. I give workshops, help answer questions or critique a few chapters for newbies, and offer library talks or book signings for readers.

The best tip I can give new authors is, never give up. As soon as you finish book one and submit it, begin writing book two. When that one is finished and off to agents or editors, write your third. The early ones may not sell, but you'll get better with practice, and when you do sell a manuscript, your editor may ask to see your backlist--and you'll have one.

My next event is a Dec. 14th book release. Green Card is a contemporary Rubinesque erotic romance. (Warning: it contains a spanking scene and M/F/M manage.)
I'll be blogging on that day at The Romance Studio blog and the Quirky Ladies blog. The Quirkies will also interview me.

The biggest lesson I've learned since becoming an author? Some people will love what I write and some won't. As long as it makes me happy, I should continue. Case in point: Penelope Cruise said she realized she was famous when taking a walk with her father in her native Madrid. Within the same twenty seconds, someone stuck their head out of a passing car and shouted, "I love you!" The person in the next car yelled, "Whore!"

I write mostly erotic comedy. See my website and you'll discover all but one are in this genre. www.ashlynchase.com  Most are with Ellora's Cave www.jasminejade.com, but I have handy links to each publisher's website right from mine. Just click the book cover.
My contact info is at the bottom of my bio and my email is ash@ashlynchase.com. In addition you can find me at http://www.myspace.com/ashlynchase, http://www.leagueofamazingwriters.com,  and http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ashlynsnewbestfriends/

Yes, I’m on Facebook and I tweet as GoddessAsh.

Thanks for the opportunity to reach more readers! Have a beautiful and magical holiday season.

Thank you for sharing yourself with us Ashlyn. You certainly have been busy. And we look forward to more from you in 2010! Happy Holidays! ~~Literary Wonders!

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas 

from

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The Author's Hideaway!

Author and Pioneer Donna Hill

My writing career began in 1987 with the short story "The Long Walk." My first novel was published in 1990. Since that time I have more than 60 titles in print.  Three of which were adapted for television. I'm a born and bred Brooklynite who loves to travel and return to her family and her neighborhood.

I was always a reader since I was 4-5 years old. Writing, I guess, was a natural progression.  My love for storytelling, and creating grew until it became boundless.  There are so many stories to be told and my passion is to be one of those amazing storytellers.  My genre is women’s fiction.

Some of my favorite authors include Carleen Brice, Bernice McFadden, James Patterson, Stephen L. Carter, Patricia Cornwell, Marita Golden and Toni Morrison

For the past two years I have been teaching a Memoir Writing Class to seniors at the neighborhood church.  It is a program that is sponsored through Poets and Writers and Medgar Evers College.  I also offer mentoring to aspiring writers.

One tip I would give new and aspiring writers is to plan your career beyond your first book.  You must decide that being an author is what you want to do because it is your passion, not to be rich, famous or have your book on the shelves.  Writing is an art. Study the art form. And when done well a writer can produce masterpieces.

My next major event will be in March 2010 with the release of WHAT MOTHER NEVER TOLD ME, the sequel to RHTYHMS and the anniversary of my 20th year in publishing

Since becoming an author, I’ve learned that writing, in addition to it being an art form, is a business--at least if you intend to stay in it.  Manage your finances well and from the beginning. 

All of my novels can be found in any major bookstore, independent bookstore as well as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Target, Wal-Mart.

Please visit me on the web at donnahill.com.

Donna’s preferred literary business is Simply Said Accessories. I love "Simply Said Reading Accessories" They are the best and I use them for all of my releases.

Donna we know that you are busy, so we truly thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to share with us. You are truly a pioneer in the literary industry and we look forward to more and more of your good writing! ~~Literary Wonders!

Soon to Hit The Scene, Christian Author Sha Lognion!

At the age of nine, a journal given as a gift from a relative opened Sha’s mind to the idea of not using it for journaling, but for writing a book, and that’s exactly what she did.  She wrote her first mystery novel at the age of nine titled “Who’s at the Front Door?”

Later in life, Sha became a freelance writer and spoken word poet. In 2002, “Mind Over Matter” was born, a collection of short stories.   But due to numerous setbacks, and many disappointments from the publishing world, “Mind Over Matter” was never published. 

Sha didn’t give up her dream of writing.  As a matter of fact, she pursued it even more, except this time, instead of mysteries; she focused on her faith, which led Sha to write “Made Me Who I Am”, her Spring, 2010, debut Christian novel, under her publishing imprint, Rarer Than Rubies Publishing.

Putting  God first and focusing on him has helped Sha find her way in the literary world, and with a little faith and support from family and friends, she has been writing nonstop, novel after novel.  She currently lives in San Antonio, TX with her loving husband and two beautiful children.  She plans to release her second novel “God, Are You Listening” in July 2011.

Sha would like her readers to know that if you put God first and let him order your steps, success is a given.  Always remember, God is in control.

As a little girl reading helped me escape from my reality.  I thought it would be awesome to be able to help other young girls escape from their world.  So I became an author to help inspire others. My genre is YA Christian Fiction.

Victoria Christopher Murray, Reshonda Tate Billingsley, and Toni Morrison are a few of my favorite authors.

In 2010, I will be having my first annual conference for young ladies.  At this conference, I will help inspire the ladies to read more, write more, and hopefully help them realize the power of literature one book at a time.

My advice for new authors is, don’t look to the left or the right, but straight ahead!

My next event will be my release party in April 2010 at The Clinton Library in Little Rock, AR.

Since becoming and author, I’ve learned that patience is really important!

Soon, you will be able to find my work at Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, and  just about anywhere books are sold. You can contact me via email at Sha2001a@hotmail.com, and coming in January look for my official website.

Sha’s preferred literary service is Debbie Perdue, and Tara Thalen of Illumination Graphics.

Thank you for introducing yourself to our audience Sha! We look forward to great things to you in 2010! ~~Literary Wonders!

Meet Hunky Fiction Author Pierre Roustan!

As much as I love writing fiction, my first love growing up was poetry. I’ve been writing, essentially, since I could speak in complete sentences. My first short story was written in second grade. I only started writing stories, because at heart I believed I was a storyteller. That’s what was missing in poetry for me: the depth of a story. After graduating from high school, I attended the University of Illinois at Chicago, achieving a B.A. in Creative Writing. I currently work full time as a caption editor for a company that manages the closed captioning for networks such as Fine Living, HGTV, ABC and DIY. Working in that profession has, of course, sharpened my craft in terms of editing and deadlines and proofreading.

Ever since childhood, I had the urge to tell a story. I don't think I could be happy if I wasn't--and writing them down seemed such an efficient way to express them. More importantly, storytelling is an expression of myself. I am what I write. Currently, I find that I write dark urban fantasy with a taste of thriller and horror added into it.

Some of my favorite authors are Terry Brooks, Terry Goodkind, J.K. Rowling, J.R.R. Tolkien, Isaac Asimov.

I have this habit of running really weird and bizarre contests involving my debut novel THE CAIN LETTERS, which results in prize giveaways such as autographed posters and/or free e-books! I sometimes think I go overboard with it (especially when the funds are so darn tight that I have to wait until some money comes around to getting the posters and then sending them out!).

I would tell new authors to have fun. By 'fun', I mean just keep writing! Don't turn away any other literary endeavor, whatever it may be. There are many different ways to break into the industry--contests, conventions, the all-powerful "query letter", self-publication, networking. Sky's the limit. So get to flyin'.

Well, the 'who', 'what', 'when' and 'where' of my next event shall be combined to form one LARGE answer, in that probably the next scheduled 'event' I have would be the sequel to THE CAIN LETTERS, a novel I call CHIMERA FALLS, scheduled for release May 2010.

Since becoming an author, I’ve learned to expect the unexpected. It's a really fun lesson to learn. Especially when your super-cool editor gives you a call out of the blue and starts talking to you as if you've been friends for years.

You can find THE CAIN LETTERS, following books in the series of the REVENANTS OF ANARCHY and future novels yet to be written at http://eirelander-publishing.com.

Anyone can contact me at 616-608-0227, roustan@hotmail.com, pierreroustan@rocketmail.com, pierreroustan@eirelanderpublishing.com, Facebook at http://facebook.com/proustan, Twitter at http://twitter.com/Starwise and my main character's MySpace at http://myspace.com/Alexandra_Glade. I also have Skype with user name Shadowzander.

Pierre’s preferred literary service is Quertytracker.com. I would say, hands down, probably one of the best 'services' would be Querytracker.net. The single best way to network, research agents, tweak a query letter and just plain get advice and showcase your writing.

Thank you, Pierre, for sharing your valuable time with us. We look forward to reading The Cain Letters and more of your work. Much success to you in 2010! ~~Literary Wonders!

Meet Christian Fiction Author Sharon Oliver

I am a native of Baltimore, Maryland and have been a resident of the Atlanta area for the past 15 years.  My genre of writing is Christian fiction, in particular mystery and humor.  Aside from some freelance writing, I am currently working on a psychological thriller and a mystery series.

The decision to become and author was made for me.  I worked my whole adult life in the federal government and never aspired to be a writer.  However, reading has always been a passion of mine and the desire to write was birthed in 2003.  Clearly, God ordered my steps. My genre of writing is Christian fiction, specifically mystery and humor.

Some of my favorite authors are J. California Cooper, Agatha Christie and Elaine Viets to name a few.  There are so many who I admire for their storytelling.

One thing I like to do is keep email contacts.  When I find something of particular interest to an individual I will email them the info and share resources.

To new authors, I would say network and research all you can.  It is an absolute must.

I’m still learning, but will share this – an author’s work does not stop with writing.  Authors will have to market their product and it is just as time consuming and hard as penning.  But it is overwhelmingly worth and fun to do.

For preferred literary services, I would suggest sites such as this one;(literarywonders.com), sormag.com, urbanchristiantoday.com.  There are many, many literary related venues out there to help get one’s name out.  Search out Blogspots and Blog Talk Radio, literary magazines and even some book clubs will feature authors.

You can find my work at booksellers everywhere including, Barnes & Noble, Borders, amazon.com, half.com, independent bookstores, etc.

My email address is: olivershar7@aol.com, The website is: http://www.sharonoliver.net and I’m also on Facebook (Sharon Oliver).

Thank you Sharon for taking time out of your busy schedule. We look forward to reading Deliver Me From My Enemies and Keep Your Enemies Closer! ~~Literary Wonders!