July Newsletter & Happy 4th All Rolled Into One
Posted by: Shelia in Author, Books, Writer, tags: Newsletter
Happy 4th of July! and check out the July Newsletter by clicking here.
Archive for the “Books” Category
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07
2008
July Newsletter & Happy 4th All Rolled Into OnePosted by: Shelia in Author, Books, Writer, tags: Newsletter
23
06
2008
Meet Author Paula Chase HymanPosted by: Shelia in Author, Books, Interviews, tags: Del Rio Bay Clique, Paula Chase Hyman
7 Random Thoughts with Paula Chase-Hyman What’s one thing (besides writing) that you enjoy doing? I love being active. Writing is a quiet, solitary, sedentary thing. So when I’m not doing that, I enjoy being outside. I’m a total nature chick, so I love parks and bike trails. Best of all, being outside working out or being outside lying on a blanket looking up into the sky are both great for kick starting ideas.
“The only constant in life is change.” I have no idea who may have said it originally, but my dad used to say it to me all the time when I was a teenager. It was his way of helping me learn that change is forever. And to this day, I take that to heart. It’s why, no matter what, I roll with the punches and adjust as things change around me.
Hmmm…I know what television title describes my life: Mi Vida Loco! “My Crazy Life” because my life is very full and often crazy. A typical work load for me is working my full-time job, juggling writing and promotional responsibility for my series, coaching a competitive cheer squad and being a wife and mom on top of all that. I’m a multi-tasker times ten. But honestly, Seinfeld is a good pick too because it reinforces how life is simply a series of quirky everyday happenings. I know my life is.
My health. I was in a terrible car accident a month ago and was bedridden for a few weeks. It was the worst feeling in the world. Although things could have been much worse, I had a lot of time to lament the loss of independence. Now I’m still dealing with recovery, as my knee was injured. And for someone as mobile and active as me, not being able to do for myself and get around on my own terms is as close to hell as I ever want to get.
That I’m crazy. But good-crazy. I’m the sarcastic-witted friend in the bunch. The one always dropping observational one-liners.
Love means supporting someone unconditionally. I’m not saying turning a blind eye to wrong-doing or constantly forgiving someone when they take advantage of you. I mean, even when you’re angry, annoyed, frustrated or just plain sick of someone, you’re still able to stand by them and give them what they need.
I’ll probably have to retire these this year, but I have a pair of brown cords that I purchased in the junior department of a store about three years ago. I’ve always been so proud that I can fit them, so I love wearing them. They’re skinny at the top and slightly flared at the leg, so it makes me look a little taller – always a good thing since I’m a shortie.
Bonus: Tell me about your teen series and what can readers expect from you in 2008. My Del Rio Bay series has really taken off. It’s YA that speaks to suburban teens. I focused on suburban teens because African American ‘burb teens are often left out of mainstream books. Or they’re the token, side friend. And honestly, books that revolve around African American teens tend to focus on either historical situations or inner city scenarios. But what about the teens who deal daily with the duality of living in a suburb where they’re one of only a few black faces in their school or neighborhood? I grew up in a predominately African American suburb, but my school was predominately white – so I’ve always lived the duality of my neighborhood’s culture vs. the school’s overall culture. I wanted to portray that side of life in fiction.
The third book in the series, That’s What’s Up! will be released July 1st and I feel like this is the make or break book for the series, because a reader could have picked up the first OR second in the series and been up to speed. But you can’t read That’s What’s Up! without reading So Not the Drama or Don’t get It Twisted. This third book signals you’re an honest to God fan of the series – so I’m excited about that. It anchors the series because now readers need to be familiar with the characters and those who are will understand the characters actions, will understand the growth the characters are experiencing.
This series is truly like my baby, right now. I’ve taken a group of friends, started them as freshman and hope to get them to graduation. Even though I’m their puppet master, it’s still fascinating to watch them grow. And while some people probably expected each book to be about popularity, the series is organic. I’m having the characters deal with real issues. The first was about transitioning friendships from middle school to high school. The second was about crushes and boyfriends. This third is about forbidden relationships and frenemies. So they’re dealing with issues that many teens face.
By year’s end, the fourth book in the series, Who You Wit’? will be out. The characters are in their sophomore year by then and the book deals with first times vs. abstaining from sex. So in 2008 readers will watch Mina and the clique mature before their eyes. What I love about it is, it’s not a from zero to sixty growth in maturity, but a very real step-by-step journey. I hope readers enjoy going on the journey with the characters as much as I do when I’m writing about it.
Be sure to promote summer reading with your teens. Be sure to pick up Paula Chase-Hyman’s latest book. To learn more about her or her books, visit www.paulachasehyman.com
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06
2008
Best of the Best - R & B Diva Interview Everyone Talked AboutPosted by: Shelia in Books, Interviews, tags: double platinum, shelia gossMeet Parris Mitchell - The R & B Diva
The R & B Diva multi-award winning singer Parris Mitchell is back on the music scene after taking a little time away from the limelight to regroup. Her previous albums have hit every chart and she’s had several number one singles. Her personal life has been filled with turmoil lately with the news of her ex-boyfriend and ex-manager Archie Walker running out with not only her money but her assistant. How does one make a comeback? I recently had a chance to interview Parris and she discusses the fiasco as well as her music. Shelia Goss: Parris, it’s good to see you making a comeback. We’ve missed not hearing any music from you. Shelia: So what happened with Archie Walker? There was a time where I couldn’t open up a magazine or newspaper without seeing you two together. I was shocked to read the news about your breakup. Shelia: Now that was low down. Shelia: I know that must have been hard. Shelia: I want to thank you for granting me this exclusive interview. I know you were shying away from reporters so I’m honored. Shelia: Were you able to recoup any of your money? Shelia: You have a great attitude. Shelia: Did your record company give you an ultimatum or was that a rumor too? Shelia: When can fans expect to hear some new music from you? Shelia: I heard it through the grapevine that you would be working with CJ the Hitmaker. Parris: Right now, I’m not at liberty to say who I will be working with. I’ve been looking at him and Lance and a few others. Shelia: You’ve been around for about ten years now. Do you think you can compete with the new class of R & B singers?
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06
2008
Writers Tips - Check Out My Guest BlogPosted by: Shelia in Author, Books, Writing Tips, tags: Bettye Griffin, shelia gossCheck out my guest blog post over on Bettye Griffin’s blog. Bettye’s the author of Once Upon a Project - one of this summer’s must reads. If you’re an avid reader, you’ll definately want to check it out. For you aspiring writers, here’s a sneak peek at what to expect in my guest blog entry:
03
06
2008
Summer Sizzlin’ ReadsPosted by: Shelia in Books, tags: double platinum, Essence Magazine Bestseller, My Invisible Husband, Paige's Web, shelia goss, Summer Books
7 Random Thoughts with Stacy Deanne By Shelia M. Goss What’s one thing (besides writing) that you enjoy doing? What’s your favorite quote? What television show best describes your life and why? What is your most valued possession? What does love mean to you? What is your favorite outfit to wear and why? About Stacy Deanne’s New book Melody: At the same time, a man named the “Albany Predator” has been brutally raping black women throughout the city, and Melody is convinced that her best friend is the rapist’s next target. Detectives Brianna Morris and Steven Kemp are placed on the case, determined to bring the sadistic felon to justice. But when things couldn’t get anymore complicated, all evidence is turned around to reveal a surprising suspect. To learn more about Stacy Deanne, go to http://www.myspace.com/stacydeanne or http://www.myspace.com/everlastingbystacydeanne or she can be reached via email: stacydeanne1@aol.com.
13
05
2008
An Open Letter to My Role Model - Part of the Every Day is Mother’s Day TourPosted by: Shelia in Books, tags: APOOO Book ClubToday I’m featured on APOOO’s website during the Every Day is Mother’s Day Tour. I wrote An Open Letter to My Role Model and would like to share it with you all here. There’s a little contest going on too, so I really REALLY need for you to leave a comment :). Share some of your own experiences good or bad or just let me know you read it :) An Open Letter to My Role Model: There are so many words that have gone left unsaid. I wanted you to know it’s an honor and a privilege to have you as my mom. The teenage years were a little rough because of the “you just don’t understand me” phase, but we made it through. I laugh now at how I thought I knew it all and didn’t have a clue. Although I may not always say it, the things you’ve taught me over the years have come in handy in more ways than one. I now realize the things you tried to teach me were for my own good. You didn’t want your precious daughter to go through any unnecessary heartaches and pains. Sadly, I didn’t listen in some situations but you never said the words “I told you so” as you could have easily done. Instead, you helped me through the situations and I learned through the school of hard knocks. As an adult, I realize that I lived like a little princess compared to how some people grew up. I want to thank you for the “normal” childhood that so many others didn’t get a chance to enjoy. I grew up with two loving parents and got to experience life as it was meant to be. Through your life example, you taught me so much. You taught me how to be the responsible adult I am now. You taught me how to be grateful. You taught me how to be unselfish. You taught me how to think for myself. You taught me how to treat others like you want to be treated. You taught me that having faith in God will get you through the good times and bad. You taught me how to show compassion. You taught me how to be a caregiver. You taught me how to live and to love. You’ve been my number one fan and during the times where I wanted to give up, you were the one who encouraged me. As we celebrate all mothers during the month of May, I wanted to publicly acknowledge to the world that I think I have the greatest mom. Signed, Shelia M Goss Daughter of the Perfect Role Model
13
04
2008
Introducing the Knowledge Wealth Series with Monica Carter TagorePosted by: Shelia in Books, Interviews, tags: Guest Blogger, Monica Carter TagoreThis week besides the regular relationship topics, I’ll be showcasing helpful information from Monica Carter Tagore as she offers tips on pushing you closer towards your goals.
Learn more about Zoom Power & Monica Carter Tagore below:
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04
2008
Podcast Interview with Author Naleighna KaiPosted by: Shelia in Books, Interviews, tags: Naleighna Kaiby: Shelia in Books, Interviews, tags: Naleighna Kai
Welcome to another edition of eSpot - Interviews on the Go.
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03
2008
Five Questions with Torrance StephensPosted by: Shelia in Books, Interviews, tags: Torrance StephensI’m back from Spring Break. Now, I need a break from the break (smile). This week I have the pleasure of introducing you to Torrance Stephens. I read one of his books a few years ago and I finally got a chance to ask him a few questions. Your new book title: dirt behind my ears definitely gets the reader’s attention. Is it fiction or non-fiction? It is non fiction. Basically it is a collection of opinion editorials from my earlier years from newspapers and my blog. Subjects, albeit mostly on politics, African American Culture and relationships, also covers history, and issues about the family and sports. I’m a frequent visitor to your blog: http://rawdawgb.blogspot.com/. Will your new book be anything like your blog commentary? Tell us about it. Well, I use it mainly to express what I thinking. I want to also use it as a medium to inform folks, especially men, that there is nothing wrong with expressing scholarship and thought. I want to present that there are other things that males, especially African American men seriously think about outside of women, money, music and sports. It also allows for me to promote and sale some of my other published works as well as some of my scientific publications. Most of all it allows me direct access to the general public and that can go along way, especially if one has a penchant for informing the public and getting people to do. That’s what I want my blog to do – to get people to question and think. What’s your opinion on the state of African-American fiction? One word – LAME. Do not get me wrong, there are some great and excellent writers in our community; my list would be inordinate. However, we don’t have grasp on any of the whole of classic, estranged, offbeat and other worldly literature. What I read makes me think that folks want to sale books moreso that their craft. No creativity and it is a serious indication o me, that substantial bevy of our writers are not well read and/or versed in issues outside of fiction. That would have not sufficed 100 years ago today. On the other hand, it may be a refection of the reading public we service. If your life was a reality TV show, what would be the title of it and why? RAW DAWG BUFFALO – LIVE FREE OR DIE. Don’ know why, but that is just how I live and do. What advice would you give aspiring writers who want to make it in this field? Write for yourself first, study your craft, and never, never be afraid of writing what you really feel. Please never right for no one but yourself first. To learn more or get in contact: Torrance T. Stephens, PhD. Braincellinc@gmail.com Purchase books at www.bbotw.com (search torrance stephens) |