Unika Welcomes AAMBC Author Tours Featuring Author Michlle Kershaw

Just how far would you go to save a friend? In a city where dead men tell no tells, and things are never what they seem who can you trust. Is all really fair in love and war? When hearts are broken and egos are bruised all bets are off. DeAndrea Patterson- Black is an all American woman looking for love, happiness and a successful career.

Greed and lust threaten to keep that all just out of her grasp. Friends and family rally to her side to bring her through her darkest hour. In trying to help DeAndrea everyone learns a little more about themselves, proving you can’t see the forest before the trees and what you are looking for just might be in plain sight.



This dramatic novel reveals the complicated nature of the relationships individuals hold with their families and close friends. I tried to develop the characters throughout the course of the novel as they face realistic scenarios in an effort to help the audience better relate to the storey line. I hope that “Fatal Deception: In Plain Sight” will inspire readers to look closely at their lives and their relationships.


Excerpt:


“Just chill D, we came here to relax and enjoy ourselves tonight. Besides, since you started working for Thomas and Associates, when was the last time you just let go?”


Come to think of it, I hadn’t. I had been working 70 hour weeks since I graduated from grad school. I hadn’t had much time for myself or for anyone else. I began to survey the room. The room was dark, that was to be expected in a lounge. There were at least 10 guys that look like GQ models and several women who needed a ham sandwich. There was a dark skinned average Joe sitting near the fire pit. Hell even the bartender was cute.


“Since I am here I might as well have a drink.” I begin to nurse a purple guppy when the bartender places another in front of me.


“I didn’t”….


The bartender cuts me off and said “It paid for by the gentleman at the window.”


I turn and notice it was the same man from the fire pit. “Tell him thank you, I said to the bartender. ” M cuts me off to tell the bartender that I will keep the drink and to tell the gentleman thank you.


“Girl when do we ever turn down free drinks, are you crazy? Now get up off your cute ass and go tell the man thank you.” I begin to protest but I am distracted by a light brush against the back of my arm.


I turn, and hear a man say,


“Hello. I am David.”


As I stand there taking stock of the man that is so brazen I hear M. say, “She is DeAndrea and I am Emerald.”


“Good evening to both you ladies. David appeared to be a well groomed man. He had an appeal to him. He was Taye Diggs dark, with the most beautiful eyes. There was huskiness about his voice. Little did I know that same voice would be saying “I do” to me a year later.

South Carolina native Michelle Kershaw attended Montgomery University, where she earned her degree in business administration in 2003. She then earned her degree in legal studies four years later at South University. While pursuing this degree, she came across the idea for her first novel.

Get to Know Michelle:
1. What inspired you to write?
 I began writing as way to express myself. I am inspired by everyday life and the people in it.

2. Will you write more books?
 Absolutely!  I am currently working on the second novel in the Fatal Deception series, entitled Jaded Thoughts.

3. 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.

4. What are you reading now?
 Current events, they give me comedy, tragedy,  drama the news is better than television most day.

5. What puts you in the mood to write?
 Neo-soul music is truly my muse.

6. This is your first published work?
This is my first published novel. I began publishing poetry at the age of 9.

7. Anything you plan to do differently the next time?
As I learn about this industry there is always something new. I would definitely network more.

Find Michelle at:
www.michellekershaw.com
Monk3300@gmail.com

Unika Welcomes AAMBC Author Tours Featuring Author Kimberly Purpoz

Purpoz has been a professional writer and author for over 12 years. She is the owner and founder of of Messenger Inc. and was the publisher of Creative Minds Magazine. Kimberly is an author of several books under her current name and her previous pen names (Kimberly S. Phillips and Kimberly Ware).


Purpoz started writing under her new pen name in February 2011. She has written several books and co-authored one book. The following are the titles of her books and series: “The Nia Trilogy”, “How To Release The Book In You” co-authored with Dr. Johnnie Swanson, “Heal My Wings: A Healing Guide for Women” and “Heal My Wings: A Healing Journal and Workbook for Women.”


Purpoz is also the author of the upcoming teen book series “Candace Green Mystery Series”. She completed the first two books to her urban fantasy novel series called “Foreshadowers”. The first book to “Foreshadowers” was released on Kindle in February 2011. The first book, “Age of Innocence” to her urban fiction series was re-released by Messenger Books. All of her novels are based on her dreams.


Under Kimberly Ware, She also writes for Associated Content and The Examiner.com. Kimberly is a graduate of Georgia State University. And is currently attending the American Institute of Holistic Theology to pursue her Master’s degree in Metaphysics. She is also a teacher and spiritual healer. Ware is also an artist and uses water color as a medium for her paintings.


She is a sought after speaker and conducts the Heal My Wings, Spiritual Pathway, and A Recipe for the Soul Workshop Series, seminars, and keynotes through out the country. She was also a speaker for the United Way Speakers Bureau. She is currently a speaker for the Great Black Speakers Bureau.


She has received many awards and recognition for her work. She was the 1998 Final Nominee for the Georgia Author of the Year. And she was nominated Who’s Who in Black Atlanta in 2000. She was nominated for the 2001 issue of Who’s Who National Registry for Business Executives. Purpoz was nominated for the Georgia Author’s Hall of Fame from the University of Georgia, under her previous pen name. And she was nominated and a member of the 2007/2008 Cambridge Who’s Who.


Q&A with Kimberly:


Q: When and where were you born?
A: I was born on December 9, 1972. Oh no I am giving away my age! Ha, Ha, Ha! I am a Sagittarius, for those who are into zodiac signs. I grew up in Decatur, Georgia what some people from that area used to call “The Dec.”


Q: What types of books do you write?
A: I write spiritual books, romances, mysteries, urban fiction, urban fantasy, paranormal, and young adult fiction.


Q: Where do you get your ideas for your novels?
A: My ideas for my novels come from my dreams; that is why I keep a dream journal handy!:-)


Q: How long does it take you to write a book?
A: .It takes me about 3-6 months to finish both my spiritual books and novels depending on my schedule.


Q: Do you have a pen name?
A:My previous pen name was Kimberly S. Phillips. I will be phasing off of the Kimberly Ware name due to divorce. And my new titles will be under my new pen name, “Purpoz.” “Purpoz” is a play on the word purpose. The “Z” at the end of Purpoz represents zeal and zeal means power. “Purpoz” means power in your purpose.


Q: What do you do during your spare time?
A: I love to watch movies, go for walks, to work in my garden, and paint. I love to use watercolor for my art work. I am also into drawing comics. I am looking to turn my Foreshadowers series into a graphic novel series and comics. I’ll keep you all posted with my art projects.


Q: Tell us more about your current and future book projects.
A: “Age of Innocence”, book one to The Nia Trilogy Series, was re-released in March 2011 by Messenger Books. I have just completed the first two books to my new urban fantasy series called “Foreshadowers”. I will keep you all posted on my website.

A coming of age fiction about young love in da hood!


The Age of Innocence is the first book of the Nia Trilogy novel series. An urban classic street lit that foretells a saga of love, passion, hood life, street gangs, sex, violence, money, and power which weaves a web of deception.


Drug Lord, Q, has his eyes on his beautiful stepdaughter, Nia. Nia’s beauty and innocence is was what made Q want to draw her into his sinister world of human trafficking. Rachel, Nia’s crack addict mother gets entangled into Q’s illegal activities. Rachael witnesses a high profile murder spree; she vanishes with out a trace.


Nia finds the courage to run away and leave the dysfunctional home, but unfortunately she was placed back into the same dilemma by a social services system that failed.


Nia get some support from her high school sweet heart, Clay, but is he really there for her in the long run? Will peer pressure and gun violence ruin Nia and Clay’s lives? Will Nia be able to handle these problems that are beyond her age of innocence?


Excerpt:


Journal Entry #1


Dear God:


I am new to journal writing. So if I don’t use proper English please forgive me Lord. Grandma Maria gave me this journal so that I can write down my deepest thoughts. She said it was a great way to talk to you, God. I want to share my feelings with you. And I want to do right by you because I want to go to heaven one day. Right now I am only fifteen years old but I have to grow up real fast.


I miss Grandma so much that it really hurts deep down inside. It’s been three months since her death but my heart still yearns for her. Will this feeling of hurt ever go away or will it forever linger? God please bless me with a family and home.


Love,


Nia


September 1986


I reached the towering buildings of James Monroe Housing. I opened the door to my building and went up a flight of stairs.


When I got home I heard commotions going on inside mama’s apartment. From outside the door, I heard Rachel’s voice and a male’s voice yelling in the background.


I opened the door. Rachel was in the living room pleading with the local drug dealer name Q which was short for Quinton.


The living room had holes and stains all over the walls. Instead of having lovely curtains hanging in the windows, there were cheap floral sheets covering the window seals. On top of the battered wooden end table there was a picture of mama, during mama’s earlier years when she was not abusing drugs. In her pictures she was a beautiful woman, but years of street life was beginning to take hold on her body; her beauty was beginning to fade away.


“Rachael, where is my money?” Q cursed and grabbed her thin arms and shook her. He threw her on to the floor like a rag doll.


Mama was dressed in an extremely short, provocative, purple colored mini dress; her cleavage was showing. Mama’s once long silky shoulder length hair was now in disarray. Q was a chestnut complexion with gold streak in his hair. He had shaved line designs going through his hair and had the letter Q shaved into the back of his head. He had a gold herringbone necklace around his neck.


“Q, please-”


I closed the door and my heart was pounding as fast as a locomotive and my palms were clammy. I wanted to help mama but I knew it was too dangerous. He had a gun strapped to the back of his pants and he was known in the community for killing people with his street gang.


Rachael saw me standing by the door, Q’s gaze followed Rachel’s.


“Nia what are you doing here?” Rachel got up and adjusted her short dress.


“Mama-”


“Oh I see Rachael, you have a little girl. I didn’t know that you have such a fine little thang. Maybe we can keep it all in the family.” Q gave a sinister grin.


“Q, stay away from her your beef is with me!”


“I’m not going to give you anymore credits, Rachael!” Q turned around and approached mama.


“But there is one is thing you can do for me that would change my mind.” Q took his long index finger and caressed her cleavage. His dark evil eyes stared into hers.


“Come on Q, my baby is here.”


“You owe me! Don’t make me cut you in front of your baby girl!” He cursed and glared into her eyes. He grabbed her arms real tight. Rachael winced in pain.


“Ok, Q But not out here.”


“Baby, mama will be right back. This won’t take long.” Rachael blinked back her tears.


“Get your butt in here!” He cursed and smacked her hard on her bottom. He pushed her into the bedroom and slammed the door shut.


I sat in the living room and waited for mama. I could hear them moaning in the other room. I heard the head board from the bed banding against the wall. I shook my head in disgust.


Q opened the bedroom door. He adjusted his pants and had a dirty grin on his face.


Rachael’s hair was puffy and in more disarray, she stepped out of the room and pulled down her dress and adjusted her dress straps.


“Here’s ya damn drugs.” Q threw the crack rocks on to the filthy floor.”


Rachael plugged on to the floor in desperation. She was like a stray dog in the street foraging around trash cans for food.


Q shook his head, “You junky whore.”


Q then turned his attention to me. I was sitting on the corner of the couch.


“You are a cute thang. I can have you walk the streets and sale your sweetness,” he reached over and caressed my face. I turned my head away in disgust.


“You stay away from her! You got what you wanted now leave!” Rachael stood up.


“I’m leaving. I’ll be over again for some repayment options. You still owe me.” Q gave Rachael an insinuating look and winked. Rachael’s eyes were filled with tears.


Rachael closed the door.


I rushed towards mama and hugged her.


“Mama you don’t have to use those drugs. I miss you.”


“I miss you too, baby.”


“What are you doing here? You’re supposed to be over Thelma’s house.”


“I know, but I wanted to see you, mama, and make sure you’re ok.”


“I’m fine.”


Mama was sweaty and was beginning to tremble.


“What’s wrong?”


“I need it baby.”


“Look baby, I need you to leave it is not safe out here.”


Rachael picked up her crack pipe and walked me towards the door.


“Now Nia, go back to Thelma’s and stay there. My life is complicated right and I just don’t need you in the middle of my mess.” Rachael scratched her head in frustration.


“Ok mama.”


Mama closed the door behind me.


Find the author:


Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/purpozwrites


Twitter – http://twitter.com/kimberlypurpoz


Kimberly Purpoz’s Site: http://www.kimberlypurpoz.com


Kimberly Purpoz’s Wiki: http://www.purpoz.wetpaint.com

Unika Welcomes AAMBC Author Tours Featuring Author LaTonya G.Green

LaTonya is an astute teacher and preacher of the Word of God. She lives her life by example, walking out the knowledge, wisdom and application that she teaches. LaTonya has a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Resources Management and Business Management and an Associate’s degree in Biblical Studies and Christian Education. LaTonya has been licensed and ordained as an Elder.


She has previously taught Bible Study through a Prison Outreach ministry for several years and has directed youth ministries. She is an active missionary. LaTonya travels domestically and internationally to minister the gospel and help build up communities. She has ministered as close as her next door neighbor and as far as Uganda, Africa.

LaTonya got started in ministry after turning her life over to God. She had spent many years being angry, bitter and hurt. She often blamed others for the outcome of her life. This caused her to hurt many people in her path. When she accepted the love of Christ, she took a different outlook on life. Accepting responsibility for her own actions and thoughts, caused her to mature mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

Her main passion is motivating and encouraging women and teen girls to understand their full value and worth. She tries to use every opportunity she can to encourage others to pursue their dreams and live life on purpose instead of just living life.

She has appeared as a guest speaker on the Ester Davis show and on the radio with Chaplain E. Jean Jones in Dallas.

LaTonya lives near Dallas, TX with her husband Mark and their children.

Get to Know Latonya:


How can people get the book?

My book is available on amazon.com and barnesandnobles.com in paperback and ebook formats. It can also be requested at your local bookstores. There is also information on www.latonyagreen.com.

How did you come up with the title for the book?

I actually was almost done writing the book, when I realized I didn’t have a title. I prayed and asked God to give me a title for it. The title He gave me was Wounded In Darkness, Healed In the Light. I thought to myself that it was a great title, but surely it was already taken because it just sounded like a book that had already been written. I know there are lots of books that have the same title, so I didn’t concern myself with it too much. As soon as I had a chance I went to amazon and google to search for the title and to my surprise there was not a book with it. It just reminded me that when we seek God for answers, He always gives us the right answers. He is the creator and He can give us creative ideas.

What was your work schedule like when you were writing?

While I was writing the book, nothing in my life slowed down. All my responsibilities were still in place and needed tending to. My roles as wife, mother, minister and full-time employee never stopped. All of them require a lot of my time and attention.

The way I found time for writing was to write in the middle of the night while everyone else was asleep. Sometimes, I would just set my alarm clock for 2 or 3 a.m. in the morning and I would get up. It was not easy, but I didn’t see any other way. I was not willing to sacrifice the other areas of my life to accomplish my goal of finishing the book. It also meant I had to remain disciplined throughout the process. If I had not, I probably would still be in the planning or writing phase of the book.

Is there a sequel planned for your book?

Yes, there is more to come. Now that I’ve written the first one, I’m ready to write again. There is an evolution of the characters, their attitudes and their actions and reactions to Josette’s journey. I would love to share more, but I don’t want to give away the next book.

What is some of the feedback you’ve received so far?

The feedback has been awesome. There have been testimonies of deliverance, testimonies of healing and so many that found themselves in the book in one way or another. I’ve been told that the story is so captivating, that one doesn’t want to put it down. That has been very exciting for me because as a first time author I wasn’t quite sure how people would react. I knew that the story had to give something that would make others tell someone else since I’m an unknown author, for now. I’ve also had a lot of comments that this book should be a movie. The blessing in it has been that I’ve had people come back and buy 3 or 4 books because they say this is a story that almost anyone can relate to and also a story that will help so many.

What or who inspired you to write Wounded In Darkness, Healed In the Light?

My answer to this question might sound strange but I did not have a personal goal to write a book in the beginning. This truly was an assignment from God. I even responded back to Him by saying “God I read books, I don’t write them”. I then had a choice to make, would I or would I not write the book. God doesn’t force us to do anything He tells us to do. I decided I would put my own feelings aside and do as I was being instructed. Now that the book is written and I hear the testimonies from so many, I am so glad that I did it. It’s just like the Bible says “obedience is better than sacrifice”. I am blessed every time I hear a praise report about the book. I know there are many more to come as well.

What have you discovered since you published your book that has surprised you the most?

For me, the most surprising thing has been the commonalities of the reports by those who have read the book. My favorite comment is “I could not put it down once I started reading it!” especially when it comes from people who say they don’t normally read books and yet they read my book in one or two days. My other favorite comment is when people say this book needs to be a movie and I’ll get questions like “have you thought about sending this to Tyler Perry or to Oprah’s Book Club”?

Josette is the daughter of an abusive drug addicted mother and now her life seems to be on the same path to repeat history. She has learned how to lie, steal, get high and look for love in all the wrong places. An ultimate betrayal leaves her plotting murder. Will it take death for her to find life and be released from so much pain? Only God knows.

This book is a thought provoking novel that sends the reader through a range of emotions. It is a heart stopping, tear jerking, tickle your funny bone, page turner. It has characters you will love and characters that will have you asking, “where is the love?”.

Easy to pick up and hard to put down until the last page has been read!

Excerpt:
It had been another day of not eating. It was Saturday, so there was no school lunch to tide us over. My mother finally came home from wherever she had been. She had brought home a box of fried chicken from her favorite fast food restaurant. The only problem was that it was not a big box with enough chicken for all of us. It was a three piece snack sized box. She laid down on the couch and put the box on the floor next to the couch. I was peeping out the bedroom door and watching her every move. She was not even thinking about feeding us or the fact that we had not eaten all day. She finally fell asleep. I told my brothers that I was going to get that chicken for us.

I got a knife from the kitchen. I went into the living room, where she was still sleeping. I slowly and softly walked toward her. When I was directly over her, I looked at her lying on her back. I turned and saw my brothers watching me. I knew the only way I was going to get this chicken for us was to kill her.
I slowly raised the knife over my head with both my hands. I just stood there for a few moments, gathering up the courage to stab her. I held my breath and brought the knife down…