“Walking Among The Kudzu” is your third novel, what is it about?

      This story chronicles the life of a Chicago youth who is mentally abused by her disenchanted mother. Their relationship based on the child’s ability to be invisible in her mother’s house. She has the misfortune of having to cope with a mother who did not want the responsibility of the company of children in her life. At the first opportunity, the main character, Shelby Reed is farmed-out to neighbors and friends so that her mother can have company. This child knows that she is unwanted and disliked, but she learned how to live in a hostile environment by fading into the woodwork so that her mother does not know she exists. When her mother decides to rid herself of her mothering responsibilities, she sends Shelby to an unknown aunt in Atlanta that the child never knew she had. From there, Shelby discovers things about her family that disturbs her and isolates her even more than she was in her mother’s home. Needing acceptance and love, her life becomes complicated when she is rejected by her family in Atlanta, her mother, and the one person whom she finds to love. In the backdrop of this dramatic story, the reader revisits the civil right era of the 1950’ and 60’s, where values, beliefs, and problems unfold in the lives of colorful and brilliant characters that reflect the daily life of living in a separate but unequal society.

What was your purpose in writing “Walking Among The Kudzu?”

      The main theme of the book is that life goes on no matter what and people have to be resilient in order to be successful. It does not matter what mistakes you make, but it does matter how you react to your mistakes. Do you continue? Do you change your behavior? You must. We must always adapt to changes because that is the most constant element of our lives. We must set new goals and be determined to complete them…. never giving up on life and especially never giving up on ourselves. I wanted to convey that message in “Walking Among The Kudzu.”

The story has some interesting details about the civil rights era, are any on the incidents in the book true?

All of my writings reflect real life experiences, but that have been fictionalized to create a good story. I find that all good writing is based on the daily interactions and reactions to our environment. How else can the reader relate to it? Even writers of science fiction and horror stories based their writing on human experiences that they take to the next level. The best writing starts out with a simple question, “What if?”

Where did you learn to write?

At my computer, but I learned to tell a good story as a child growing up in Atlanta. Much of my childhood was spent listening to stories from elders, siblings, and friends. Everyone told stories. Sitting around the dinner table, at family reunions, sitting on the front porch, or hanging out on the front steps at night… people always told stories. It just so happened that most of the stories they told were true, taken from real life. My biggest challenge was to learn how to put my stories down on paper or on the computer… it was truly a learning experience. It took time and a great deal of hard work to complete my first three novels and to continue working on the ones that will follow. One day, I hope to perfect the art. I compare the process of writing a story with a journey that starts out at the beginning and goes until you write your way to the end. I hope that when I get to the end of my writing career that I will have perfected the art of writing so that others will appreciate it and enjoy my stories.

“Walking Among the Kudzu is your third book, what were the first two?”

      The first two novels that I published were, “Stones Along The Path, Part I & Part II,” a two-part intimate family memoir, which starts in Kenya and migrates to Philadelphia. The two books tell the story of a wildly romantic relationship that crosses two cultures and two continents. The main characters, Jessica & Akinyele are insanely in love, but they have adjustments because of their cultural and differences. What I love about this story is that the reader gets to evaluate their relationship and their suitability for each other. It amazes me when readers tell me that they are angry with Jessica or disgusted with Akinyele. That means they became involved with the storyline. One of my favorite book clubs nicknamed it as the “Black Cinderella Story,” and it is. Readers will love it, but be ready for a real roller coaster ride.

Where can readers get copies of “Walking Among The Kudzu” and “Stones Along The Path, Part I & II?”

      Anyone who wishes to purchase one of my books can go to one of my Websites, www.walkingamongthekudzu.com, www.stonesalongthepath.com, www.bookclubsatsea.com. Or they can order it on www.amazon.com, or they can order it from Barnes & Noble, Borders, or any other book store.

What is Book Clubs At Sea?

      Book Clubs At Sea is a special program that I created to help black authors, like myself, who need to get their work out to the public and on an international stage. It’s an opportunity for authors to bring their fans on board cruise ships around the world to experience the ultimate book club. While cruising to fabulous destinations, they will have an opportunity to sell their books to all the passengers and crew around the world. We also encourage Book Clubs members who want to vacation with authors to join us and enjoy all the special activities we provide onboard. Anyone who wishes to join one of our cruises can send their request to bookclubsatsea@aol.com.

Learn more about Victoria at:
www.walkingamongthekudzu.com
www.stonesalongthepath.com

About “Walking Among The Kudzu” by H. Victoria Hargro Atkerson

Walking Among The Kudzu describes the striking parallelism between life and the growth of these vines based on the author’s insights from experiences. Both twist and twine in all directions—people make mistakes, celebrate, achieve, and do many things sometimes regretful. However, life in its own resilient way continues.

Like the awe-inspiring kudzu, we must be strong when facing difficulties or when encumbered by circumstances in our lives, which seem insurmountable, but we must remember the power within us, the power of the human spirit as we define who we are and hold onto God for the rest.— H. Victoria Hargro Atkerson

H. Victoria Hargro Atkerson writes inspiring romantic stories based on historical events. Her love of history and her dedication to her craft are apparent in the profundity of each character that she writes about in her stories. Philadelphia is her home, which she shares with her husband, but her southern upbringing resonates in all her writings and in her storytelling abilities. When she is not writing, she enjoys baking, needlecrafts, and fishing with her family on the Jersey shore.

Jessica T. Rogers has wanted nothing more than to write her entire life. At an early age, she drew her inspiration to write short stories from children’s books graduating to romance novels and Christian novels. She temporarily put her dream on hold to work as a journalist and raise her family. After allowing her stories to sit on her computer for years, she finally decided to self publish her first novel. She recently re-dedicated her life to the Lord, making a personal vow to serve God by sharing the gospel through her novels. Her first novel, By the Grace, was published under her self publishing company, Way of Grace Media, in December 2010. Jessica is currently working on her next project, The Conversation, to be released in late 2011.

Q&A with Jessica:

What inspired you to write? I have been writing since I learned how to put words together as a child. I learned how to use quotation marks in elementary school by mimicking Beverly Cleary. Writing is all I ever wanted to do. I love it. This is a dream come true!

Will you write more books? Absolutely! I am currently working on some projects. I am expected to release my next novel, The Conversation, this year.

Who is your favorite author? I just like a good book. I can’t pick a favorite. There are so many fabulous writers out there.

What are you reading now? I try to read the Bible from cover to cover every year. And every year, I find something new. Plus, I have to read it for research for another project. But when I need to get into another world, there’s always Terry McMillan.

What puts you in the mood to write? Anything can trigger it. I have been on the Interstate and had an idea. I would pull over, jot it down and keep rolling. When I write, I like a quiet area, preferably outside.

This is your first published work. Anything you plan to do differently the next time? Yes. I am learning a lot with this project. There is so much I want to say. I have so many ideas in my head. I have learned not to try to say it all at once…just pace myself and allow the story to flow.

What are your writing goals? What are you trying to accomplish? I am not in this to make a name for myself, which is one reason why I choose to use a pen name. I feel as if I have finally found the truth about the Bible and God. I feel as though I am closer to Him than I have ever been. And when you feel this good, you want to share it! That’s what I want to do. If these books can reach just one person, than I am satisfied.

About By the Grace:

Mary is a local adult porn star looking for a way to finally tame her childhood demons born from childhood sexual abuse. She abandoned her church and her family to seek fortune and fame in adult films. She settled into a world filled with sex, drugs and money. But after her abuser dies, Mary questions her chosen path.  She comes to a crossroads when she meets Derek, a young new pastor of a church in her neighborhood. Can she finally let go of the past and seek the relationship with Christ she never thought she could have?

 Derek is a young new pastor in Mary’s neighborhood struggling to get rid of the shadow of corruption and religious abuse that his father left behind. When he attempts to make much needed changes in the church, he is faced with opposition from his older congregation and his long time girlfriend who wants him to give it all up and marry her. Derek handles this stress by indulging in his secret addiction to pornography. Filled with guilt and shame, Derek questions his call to the ministry until his path crosses with Mary. Is his faith strong enough to pass this ultimate test?

To learn more, go to: http://www.wayofgracemedia.com/

Frederick Germaine has always been fascinated how writing could be so intriguing. It takes dedication and an imaginable thought process to capture an audience within a good novel. After writing leisurely for years, Frederick Germaine decided to pen his first novel. Ladies’ Man is an entertaining love novel from a male-perspective. He wrote the novel because he felt almost everyone has previously been in love, is currently in love or simply seeking love. Thus, we all can relate to it. After the release of Ladies’ Man, Frederick Germaine was featured in Xtra Magazine.

Besides being an author, Frederick Germaine is an advocate for mentorship programs. He currently serves as a mentor to the youth and young adults. Additionally, he is a motivational speaker compelling individuals to make the right “choices” in life. Frederick Germaine graduated from Jacksonville State University where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business. He currently resides in Atlanta where he continues to write and promises to deliver another hot novel.

Tell us about your novel.
Ladies’ Man is the ultimate entertaining love novel from a male-perspective. The story begins when the main character, Damien Hardy, finds his girlfriend of more than three years cheating on him when he catches her in bed with another man. His girlfriend, Crystal Gayle, breaks his heart and he basically vows never to fall in love again or commit to a woman. Damien eventually turns into a ladies’ man and goes through a plethora of beautiful black women but eventually has second thoughts on falling back in love again. This is caused when Crystal reenters his life after many years have passed. A dilemma develops when Damien has to choose between the former love of his life or attempt to balance the women in his life now. There are a cast of women characters that will stop at nothing to have Damien all to themselves.

Where did you get the idea for the storyline and do you plan to continue its development?
I develop my storyline for all my novels in an unorthodox way. First, I brainstorm on the hottest titles or topics and write them down. Then, after I narrowed them down to the final two or three I make a selection. That’s how I came up with Ladies’ Man. I chose the title first, and then wrote the storyline from there. I figured everyone could relate to it and know what it means to be a “ladies’ man.” Most men want to me a ladies’ man which means being charismatic, attractive, and well dressed. And of course, women are attracted to a ladies’ man by the traits he possesses. The storyline basically centers on love and romance which I know mostly all readers can relate to.
I plan to develop Ladies’ Man into a play or movie in the near future. A few people who read the advanced copy are already asking me if there will be a sequel. I wrote the novel without a sequel in mind. I wanted Ladies Man to be a classic. In my opinion, classics don’t have sequels.

Do you have anything in common with the characters?
It’s so funny you asked that because a few of my close friends (who read the book) are asking me if I am Damien Hardy in the book. I laughed at them but the answer is no. The real ladies’ man is definitely Damien not me. I did use to play a lot of baseball growing up but that’s the only similarity Damien and I have in common.

What/Who inspired you to write a novel?
I love reading African-American Literature and have been writing leisurely for a few years. I’m a big fan of Michael Baisden and he was my biggest inspiration to pen my first novel. I read all his books and constantly listen to his radio show. He is always pushing for entrepreneurship and wants everyone to reach for their dreams. Plus, he does so much for the African-American community. I finally woke up one day and said I was going to stop sleeping on my dream.

What advise you would you give to someone who is interested in getting published?
First and foremost, learn the business of what publishing is. Many times new authors go into publishing novels without learning the business end first. Publishing is the backbone in the book industry. Always retain your publishing rights no matter what!
After learning the business end, authors should be prepared for running into roadblocks along the way. Never give up on your dreams and aspirations to pen a novel. If you’re denied by a major publishing company try to self-publish your novel. If you are indeed a great author with an excellent novel, the major publishing companies will eventually find you and eagerly come knocking on your door. Remember, for every one hundred doors that close on your dream, there is one that will open. That one might be your big break. Never let anyone say “no” to your dreams. Simply implement your plan if you indeed believ

e in yourself.

Where can we purchase your book?
Ladies’ Man will be available in paperback and eBook format at all major on-line retailers including: Amazon, Barnes

 and Noble, and Lulu. It will be available in Kindle, Nook, and the iBookstore as well.

Are you available for speaking engagement, events, or book signings?
Yes, very much so. I currently participate in various speaking engagement in Atlanta now. I speak to the youth

 and young adults about making the right choices in life. I believe we can’t give up on our youth because they are our future.
All events including book signings can be viewed on my website: ww. For anyone wishing to book me for an event, please make the request from my website.

w.frederickgermaine.com

Find Frederick at:www.frederickgermaine.com
www.twitter.com/f_germaine
www.facebook.com/frederickgermaine

I was recently featured on the Romance Author Buzz website.

What is the best thing about your job as an author? What is the hardest thing?
The best thing about being an author is I get to create a new world every time I write a new book. I get to meet new people when I’m out promoting my books.

The hardest part about being an author is getting the word out about my book on a limited budget.
If Oprah invited you onto her show to talk about your book, what would the theme of the show be?
Family Ties
 
Describe a day in the life of Shelia Goss.

To read the rest of the interview, go to: http://romance-author-buzz.blogspot.com/2011/03/meet-sheila-goss.html

Cynthia Eden has become one of my favorite romantic suspense writers. Deadly Lies is her new book and I got a chance to ask her a few questions. Check out the interview below.

7 Questions with Cynthia Eden

By Shelia M Goss

When did you decide you wanted to be a writer?
Growing up, I always knew I wanted to be a writer.  I wrote my first story in elementary school, and when I was eighteen, I wrote my first novel (a very bad novel, but I still wrote it!).

Do you find it hard to write in multiple genres?
I actually love to write in multiple genres. Switching genres challenges me, and I think that challenge pushes me to be a better writer.

I’ve read the other two books in the Deadly series and can’t wait to read Deadly Lies. The cases from the books seem so real and they read like newspaper clippings from real cases. Did you have to do research before writing this series?
Thank you! I am so glad you enjoyed the other Deadly books.  The Deadly books are definitely the most research intensive books that I’ve ever written.  Before I started writing them (and while I was writing them), I read a ton of books and talked with all sorts of experts. For DEADLY HEAT, I even went and toured a fire station (and got to shoot the hose, but that’s another story…)

Does it matter which order readers read the books in the Deadly series or should they start in order before reading Deadly Lies?
The books are written so that they can stand alone, but I think readers will gain more insight into the characters if they start with DEADLY FEAR, then read DEADLY HEAT, and finally pick up DEADLY LIES.

Samantha Kennedy has to be tough in her line of work, but what makes her soft and vulnerable?
An FBI Agent certainly does have to be tough, but Samantha is still recovering from a traumatic attack when DEADLY LIES opens.  So while she’s putting on a brave front, she’s actually terrified on the inside. Sam has always been more comfortable behind a desk than in the field, but she is desperate to regain control of her life, so she’s pushing herself to step up her game and find courage.

Tell readers about Samantha’s love interest Max Ridgeway.
Max is a complex guy.  Tall, strong, handsome, he’s a self-made millionaire, but he’s also a guy with a very dark and twisted past—one that is coming back to haunt him.

How can readers learn more about you and your books?
I have excerpts and book information on my website:  www.cynthiaeden.com.  Readers can also follow me on Twitter (www.twitter.com/cynthiaeden) or friend me on Facebook (www.facebook.com/cynthiaeden).

Enter for a chance to win a copy of Deadly Lies by Cynthia Eden

Two ways to enter:

2. Throughout the month of March, you will have other opportunities to enter. The more comments you leave, the better chances you have to win. At the end of any post between now and April 1, 2011, leave a response. Your comment will automatically increase your chances.

To be updated on the blog posts, I suggest you sign up to my mailing list if you’re not already a member. To sign up, click or paste the following link: http://www.feedblitz.com/f/?Sub=498262

All entries must be in between now and 11:59 p.m est 4/1/11. Several winners will be chosen at random. US & Canada Residents Only. Void where prohibited by law.

I’m happy to announce that I’m the Author of the Week at Authors & Readers Book Corner.

A&RBC: What is one thing you have learned about the publishing industry?
Shelia: I wish I knew that I didn’t have to limit myself. I can write in multiple genres; like I’m now doing.

Check out the full feature here: http://arbookcorner.blogspot.com/2011/02/author-of-week-shelia-goss.html

I’m excited to be featured at the L.L. Reaper blog today. It unofficially kicks off the Savannah’s Curse virtual tour.

Excerpt from interview:

Tell us something about yourself many don’t know.
I love to play spades and dominoes and I’m a Virgo.

To read the rest of the interview go to: http://www.llreaper.net/?p=102