Welcome to my new blog site. This is a great way to introduce new readers and my old readers with a Q & A session, where all of the questions were asked by some of you.

if~ever said: What were your biggest inner personal obstacles (fear, rejection, etc) in writing you had to overcome before you became a published author, showcasing your written words?

Fear was one of my biggest obstacles. I have been writing poetry, short stories, etc for years but was afraid to show it to others (outside of my best friend).  Rejection wasn’t the reason for the fear. The fear came from realizing this was something I really wanted to do and since no one in my inner circle had done what I was aspiring to do, it was a little scary. Joining writer’s groups helped me get over the initial fear factor. 

Persia Ellis said: Let’s see.. you said ‘anything’ right? Here goes: A. How do you feel about homosexual partners adopting kids?  B. What about Whites adopting African American babies or Vice-Versa?

A.  A boy or girl need to have both a man and woman role model in their lives and it usually starts at home. Although I’m aware there are many who are single parents and those are different circumstances.  

B.  I don’t see a problem with a white or black couple adopting children of another race as long as they are not prejudice.  Those parents should not deter the child from learning about its birth culture. 

Do you think cheaters can ‘change’?

Everyone can change, so the possibility is there. 

Would you give a self-proclaimed reformed infidel another chance? Why or why not?

Would I trust a man after he cheated on me, probably not. He would have to work overtime to prove to me that he is faithful and since I’m not married, I’m not obligated to give the man another chance. If he cheats once, that means he was looking for an “out” and no matter how painful it is, I will have to move on.  Why? Life is too short to deal with BS. At this stage of my life, my tolerance for it is nil.

Michelle Monkou said: A man confronted a fellow AA author that her books are turning the AA youth’s brain into mush. Her books are comparable to your style - how would you defend that accusation at a booksigning in a store?

Good question. I would suggest they stop their kids from  reading books that are obviously written with adults in mind.  Fortunately,  there are more and more AA young adult books being released, so I would suggest to him a list of those books and authors. 

Lori said: Okay, here’s one: What has surprised and/or disappointed you most–as far as being an “author” is concerned?

When I first became an author with a traditional publisher, I was surprised that I still had to market as if I was self-published.  Unless you’re one of the chosen ones (smile), most authors are still responsible for getting the word out about their books, so don’t flinch when you see that author promo email

Linda! said: Do you feel that an author has a responsibility for the content of their works?

An author is responsible for writing the best book they can at the time that they write it. The contents may vary depending on the genre. For me, I chose not to write anything that I wouldn’t mind my mama reading. 

Today’s quote: “Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle. And so we must straighten our backs and work for our freedom. A man can’t ride you unless your back is bent.”
Martin Luther King, Jr.

Ask me anything and I will answer it here on the blog on Friday. Promise…you can leave your name or leave one anonymously…I’m not scared (smile). I look forward to your questions.

Its a new year and its time for a new start. As one year ends and another one begins, its time to make some much needed changes. Procrastination was left behind. What I can do today, I will. Dead weight has been lost. In order to move forward on the path God has set forth, life can’t remain stagnant. Change isn’t always easy; but change will come whether you prepare for it or not. As my friends know, my life changed at the end of 2007. I lost someone dear to my heart. As I reminisced about the good times I was blessed to share with my grandfather, I also took time to reflect on other areas of my life.  Although I don’t know what 2008 will hold; I will do my part to make sure I’m working towards my personal and professional goals. Learn from the past and live for today. Its time to embrace not only a new year but a new start.

For Contests and to see what’s new for 2008, read the January 2008 newsletter:  http://www.sheliagoss.com/newsletter.htm

Next week, I’m opening up the spot for guest blogging.

If you are interested in being a guest blogger during December, please leave a message in the comments field or contact me at sheliagoss@aol.com and I’ll let you know which day I’ll need your post.

The subject should be about relationships. Let’s have some fun.

O.P.B. stands for Other People Blogs. These are a few places I visited this past week. Check them out:

Peggy Eldridge Love’s post on Blogging in Black, made me think:

Who Will Tell Your Story?

If you watch ABC’s Desperate Housewives, you may want to chime in on the conversation over on Bettye Griffin’s blog…especially if you saw last Sunday’s episode.

Okay, some of you know that I watch the crazy reality show - I Love New York. Well check out this funny blog entry over at DC Speaks. Got to love it:  Guest investigator honors goes to?…

A Hip-Hop moment…check it out over at Gwyneth’s Blog.

Speaking of hip-hop, don’t forget to enter the 2Pac Cd contest:

Contest - Enter to Win The Best of 2Pac CD

Jackie Young Writes gives the Recipe for a Happy New Year:

Take twelve whole months.
Clean them thoroughly of all bitterness, hate, and jealousy.
Make them just as fresh and clean as possible. Read on…

Mr. Slish tells it like it is in Grounded For Life:

My 5 pennies to the women hoping to marry a BALLER!. Do what K.imora did. Marry an old fool,  give him two beautiful kids, get him to give you your own clothing line, and file  for DIVORCE….Read on…

Thank Monica Jackson for this week’s eye-candy.

 I don’t know who this actor is, but he sure is a nice hunk of chocolate.  I can see a sista coming to blows over him. To read more…

I’m modifying the rules to fit the “blogsphere.” Thanks Kem for sending this to me.

Welcome to the ‘Christmas Edition’ of getting to know your friends.

 1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper for kids and family gifts and gift bags for friends gifts or when I have to go to a party and bring a gift
2.Tree–Real or Artificial? Artificial…saves money all the way around

3.When do you put Christmas tree up?   It’s up now…anytime after Thanksgiving.

4. When do you take the tree down? Who says I take it down…lol…usually sometime in January…it’s fun putting it up…but I sure hate to take it down.
5. Like egg nog?   No…don’t like the stuff.
6. Do you have a nativity scene?   On my computer…does that count.

7. Favorite gift received as a child?  Black Barbie Doll, record player and the list goes on and on…I received so many.
8. Hardest person to buy for? Who said I was buying anything this year… (smile) but that would be for my mom

9. Easiest person to buy for?  Myself…because I know exactly what I want.
10. Worst Christmas gift? A bunch of Christmas stuff in a basket that I couldn’t use until the next Christmas…I’m like…excuse me, but could have I gotten something I could use during the rest of the 11 months.

11. Mail or email a Christmas card?  Mail…what’s that…you know I’m the email queen…but yes, there are old friends I still mail Christmas cards too…everybody else–EGREETINGS!
12. Favorite Christmas movie?  Although not really a Christmas movie, but they show it every year around this time is IMITATION OF LIFE…that movie has me in tears every time I watch it. I also like Scrooge.
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?  The day after Thanksgiving–Black Friday.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?  Do you want the truth or fiction (hee hee)? If I did, I wouldn’t put out in cyberspace.
15. Favorite food to eat on Christmas?  Glazed Ham/Pound cake/Sweet Potatoe Pie/Pecan Pie and my mama’s cornbread dressing (not that jiffy stuff).

16. Colored or clear lights? Both
17. Favorite Christmas Song? This Christmas by Donny Hathaway & Silent Night by the Temptations run neck-n-neck!!!
18. Travel during Christmas or Stay home? When I lived elsewhere, I would travel back home for Christmas…but now that I’m living at home, I stay home.
19. Can you name Santa’s reindeer’s? Yep (I think…) Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixon, Comet, Cupid, Donder, Blitson… and Rudolph

20. Angel or Star on Tree top? Star
21. Open presents on Christmas Eve or morning? If it’s at a friend’s party or holiday party, gifts are open during the party…all other gifts are open on Christmas Day (unless I sneak and peek).

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? Not having my entire family around due to distance and/or death…but I have plenty of good Christmas memories.  

Okay, here’s what you’re supposed to do and try not to be a SCROOGE!!! Just copy and paste into a new blank BLOG POST. Change all the answers so they apply to you. It’s the season to be cheerful!! So here’s wishing each of you a very Merry Christmas!!!

Made you look, didn’t I?
Why wait on someone else to pamper you, when you can pamper yourself. There are several things that I absolutely can’t do without (well I could but…)
The Top 5 things I use on a daily basis are:

1. Pink Motorola Razr Phone

2. Sweet Pea Bath and Body Products

3. Issey Miyake Eau de Parfum Spray or Calvin Klein Escape Body Spray

4. Sansa MP3 player

5. Shock-o-late M.A.C. Lip Glass
What are some things you absolutely can’t do without?

I’m on a much needed vacation this week, but will be back next week.

In the meantime, check out some of the pics from the Paige’s Web book release party this past weekend:

The picture machine broke so instead of the book cover they went with fall colors.

Nice decorations

Me in the red.

I won a door prize…a book…hopefully I’ll get a chance to read while on break.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!!!

P.S. - I’ll probably be checking email remotely from my laptop sometime during the week.

My Life from A to Z
A - Age: late 30s
B - Best Friend: They know who they are.
C - Choice of Meat: Beef
D - Dream Date: hmm…let me think on this one…dream date are you out there…
E - Exciting Adventure: taking a cruise on the Nile River and visiting the pyramids in Egypt
F - Favorite Food: chicken fetticine alfredo, bar-b-que, steak
G - Greatest Accomplishment: Ask me this in about a year (smile)
H - Happiest Day of Your Life: Every day because every day is a blessing
I - Interests: Writing, Reading, Travelling, Surfing the Net, Chatting with Friends (online/offline)
J - Joke: Couldn’t tell a joke, even if you gave me the punch line.
K - Kool-Aid: Any variation of RED
L - Love: It’s possible…still waiting on that dream date
M - Most Valued possession: duh…my computer
N - Name: no, my mom did not spell my name wrong…it’s s-h-e-l-i-a…not the other way.
O - Outfit You Love: Black top/skirt/leather boots

P - Pizza Toppings: italian sausage
Q - Question Asked To You the Most: It’s a tie: When are you getting married or Why you don’t have any kids?
R - Radio Station: XM Radio
S - Sport: Basketball…will watch Football if I’m with a guy I really REALLY like
T - Television Show: Any CSI, The Unit, The Game, Cane, Ugly Betty

U - Umbrella in the rain?: Now you know I can’t get the perm wet unless I’m wearing a hair weave…lol
V - Video: The Color Purple, Friday(s),  Love Jones, Love & Basketball, Waiting to Exhale, Purple Rain, The Best Man, Two Can Play that Game, etc
W - Winter: Love it if I can be cuddled up with some sexy guy
X - X-rays recently?: that’s a little too personal…but NO.
Y - Year Born: okay, this goes back to the letter “A”…let’s just say it was in the 1900’s
Z - Zodiac Sign: Virgo–and you know this.

If you’re reading this blog, be sure to repost and do your own A to Z on your blog (I bet you’re saying Oh No Shelia Didn’t…hee hee).

O.P.B. stands for Other People Blogs. These are a few places I visited this past week. Check them out:

 Film Reviews 2 Go

This episode is about American Gangster starring Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe. To listen, CLICK HERE.

Mr. Slish talks about men and cheating in his post Sloppy Joe.

Rule #1

1. Don’t stay out the entire evening. Come home at a reasonable hour. Before 12 midnight is recommended. If you don’t live with your lady. Make sure you know where she is right before you step out. If you’re good at what you do. You should already have her used to an 11pm phone call before bedtime. Tell her what she needs to hear and she will go to bed knowing that her man loves her. LADIES CHECK OUT WHAT ELSE MR. SLISH HAS TO SAY!!!

Jackie Writes

When does a life experience or situation become BAGGAGE? EXPERIENCE…or…BAGGAGE? |

Eye Candy of the week, courtesy of Adrianne Byrd.  Don’t forget to visit her site on Thursdays:

HOT HUNK THURSDAY PRESENTS: D’ANGELO (MY, MY, MY)