Unika Welcomes AAMBC Fall Tours Featuring Author Tina Sinches

Catina Sinches has always had a love for writing. Short stories and poems served as her foundation. A new chapter in her life has begun as she pursues her dream of becoming an author. Coupled with women she knew and her own life experiences motivated her to write Full Figure Monologues. ” I wanted to create something on a personal level that was not centered around losing weight nor what was going on in the fashion industry.” She hopes to inspire and encourage women through writing.

Catina currently resides in Texas. She earned her degree from Texas Southern University and she is also a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.
 
Interview with Catina Sinches


How did you come up with the title Full Figure Monologues?
I honestly think the title chose me. For a long time, we were not always afforded a platform to express the way we feel as women without focusing on our size. I felt as if no one truly heard what we had to say. I wanted a title that would encourage dialogue for full-figured women. In the book, I wanted readers to feel that if they heard just one story, they would be able to see themselves or someone they know in the book. We have the same issues just as anyone else. With that, I thought the title was appropriate.


Why are you passionate about writing for full-figured women?
I have been full-figured all my life and I had to face challenges because of my size. By me writing this book, I wanted to give women a sense that they are not alone.


What advice would you give aspiring writers?
Step out on faith and pursue your dream. No one can take that away from you. Take time to research your craft and don’t be afraid to ask questions. It’s okay if you make mistakes along the way, learn from them and keep moving.


Do you have time to read works by other authors when preparing your own?
I don’t have the time that I would like to read a lot when I am working on my own projects. But I do take time to read a little.


Did you always want to be a writer?
I have always had a love for writing. When I was younger, I would always write short stories or poems. At this time in my life, I decided to take it seriously and pursue it.
How do you prepare to write?
I have to be in the mood to write. I don’t force any ideas on paper if the feeling is not there. If I am not feeling my all, I don’t want that to reflect in my writing. But I make sure that I always have pen and paper around all the time so when the feeling hits, I will be prepared.

Are there other genres you are interested in writing?
I would like to continue non-fiction, but I am also interested in fiction as well.
Who has been your source of inspiration for becoming an author?
My parents have been my source for inspiration. Being that they were both educators, that encouraged me to pursue writing.
Where can readers contact you such as Facebook, website, etc.?
Facebook: Author Catina Sinches or Catina Sinches
Website: www.catinasinches.com
Twitter: @CatinaSinches
LinkedIn: Catina Sinches
What’s next for Catina Sinches?
I do plan to continue to write, I absolutely love it. But I would like to take on new projects like film and stage production. Who knows what else, the sky is the limit and you only live once.
Find Catina at: www.catinasinches.com

Full Figure Monologues was written to inspire and lend a voice to full-figured women. It focuses on real life issues and captures our hopes, worries and triumphs. The intent is to open up dialogue and encourage people to sit back and look at life from the point of view of women who are realistically the population within society.

Women will be able to truly see themselves or someone they know who has dealt with the struggle to love their curves, entertaining negative thoughts, their relationship with food, letting go of the past as well as the courage to pursue their dreams.

Along with our curves, we are real women with everyday struggles. The women in the book put life into perspective and open up to show others that they are never alone. Life is not always going to be easy no matter what size you are, but the journey is absolutely worth it.

Full Figure Monologues

Excerpt

Now It Begins

No one can truly understand what it is to be a full figured woman

until you have worn the outfit and walked in our beautiful shoes. For many,

the outfit has been our armor – a shield of unparallel strength that we have

worn since we were cute chubby little girls. Teasing was a cruel reality that

we had to continually endure . The teasing had many faces as it came from

our own family members, friends, kids at school as well as strangers. Our

pretty faces were often covered in tears and were a source of comfort to

reveal our pain as we were too young to truly understand why people were

being so mean to us. The arms of a loving adult or older sibling was also our

refuge as they wiped our tears because we could not understand why they

called us names.

Now take a step back and look at what you have endured and the

blessing that you are still here standing tall. Despite the bumps and bruises

during our journey, we had the strength to carry on. We can’t change the

past but we can take control of the present and begin enjoying life right now

and the many years to come. I know for myself that I can never be mistaken

for anything else, other than a courageous woman. It is with a sincere heart

that I hope you wake up everyday to the sun rays caressing your beautiful

face and start living. When you take the first step and use your heart as your

guide, you will have the courage and strength to stand against anything.

Unika Welcomes AAMBC Fall Tours Featuring Author Clifton J. Dutton

Author, Clifton J. Dutton is a multi-faceted man that has confronted life’s positive and negative moments with courage and tenacity. His endowment of writing allows him to share these enthralling real life events, and allows the awaiting public a glimpse into his creative mind.

Born in 1972 in Sandy Spring, MD, Howard County, Clifton was raised in a middle class family of one sister and two brothers; Clifton being the youngest of the four. He earned a full athletic scholarship to the University of Tennessee where he studied Criminal Justice. Once college was over and the dreams of a career in the NFL never materialized, he pressed on with aspirations of working in the music industry.

Although Cliff is blessed with a wide range of gifts and talents, he quickly discovered that his mastery is indisputably writing. This expert author possesses the ability to bring his readers the gritty intense reality of the same streets that many experience every day. Cliff’s vivid imagery causes his audience to truly understand and feel what they otherwise could only speculate, traveling from DC boardrooms and South Beach bedrooms to this nation’s most powerful courtrooms.. Readers who are lovers of action, thrills, suspense and drama, get ready to brace yourself as he brings you powerful anthology which highlights the pleasure (and pain) of relationships, along with the dangerous and seductive world of the street life leaving no truth untold.

Brace yourselves as he releases the first of many in the Clifton Dutton Novel Series, Prince to a King!

 

Get to Know Cliffton:

1. Where are you from?

I am from Howard County, MD.

2. Where did you attend school?

I went to the university of Tennessee on a full football scholarship.

3. What made you begin to write?

I loved to write at an early age but once sports took over my life writing was put on the back burner. Once I was incarcerated I used the time wisely to re-invent my gift of writing.

4. Where did the concept of Prince to a King come from?

The concept literally came from the first sentence of the book. I wrote the first sentence and then let the story come to life.

5. As a writer who is Clifton Dutton?

A man that is not scared to tell the truth and creatively have the ability to fictionalize the truth of life and make written words become visual as you read.

6. how many books do you plane to release under the Clifton Dutton novel series?

The plan is for the first four releases to have three parts making 12 in all.

7. Finally what makes you different then the other hundreds of Urban authors?

My opinion is this, my upbringing is completely different then most of my fellow authors in my demographic.Most of them have a “HOOD” upbringing. Myself, I was raised in a 98% whit area which gives me uncanny ability to write and be able to expand on the interest of all demographics. I just got a great review back from a 75 year old white country woman from Nevada.

 

Prince to a King is a novel set in an urban environment, but is also relatable to all societies. The love story that unfolds and proves to grip the plot, can take any reader of any backgrounds heart. How often do you find yourself cheering for the bad guy?

Based on elements of true events, new author Clifton J.Dutton takes the reader on a journey that proves to be electrifying.This novel captures the audience of the passionate type, while never losing the interest of the action and drama reader. This combination is often lost when trying to reach one core audience.
Prince to a King is an urban novel, but stretches the boundaries of the term taking you deep into the mind of a confused young black man that desperately seeks the love that was taken from him so long ago.©
DC, the murder capital, city of terror; It’s within these streets where a Prince will come to rise. Prince is a young man with a sadistic inner soul that was created by the tragic events of his early childhood.


Though these events have been suppressed deep in his mind, these are the traits that make him the man he is. As the pages turn and the roller coaster ride of Prince races toward the Man that stole his young life as he knew it, you can’t help but to cheer for the one American Gangster you hate to love.


Excerpt-
“Nigga drive, why the fuck you sitting here..?” Before he could finish his head was flung back from the force of the truck speeding away. Fear is the worst enemy of a man. This concept was described as the fifth law of power in the book, 48 Laws of Power written by Robert E. Green. Prince was another Sun Zu of sorts. As the smoke cleared Prince stood unmoved by the events.


The niggas ran like bitches even though everyone of them was strapped. The presence of Prince made them afraid. He was living proof that fear is indeed the worst enemy of any man. The truth of the streets of DC stood strong on that sidewalk that hot summer night. The urban legend stood tall for all to see!!

Find the Author at:
www.cliftondutton.com


cliftondutton@twitter.com


cliftondutton@facebook.com


cdutton007@gmail.com

Unika Welcomes AAMBC Fall Tours Featuring Author Winkk

Once you open one of Winkk’s novels, you won’t be able to stop until you’ve navigated every twist, turn and tragedy in the lives of her relatable and fascinating characters. Winkk’s deft storytelling and experience as a former model, actress and professional dancer for artists, including R. Kelly, Avant, and Ronald Isley made “Tour Secrets” and “Tour Secrets 2,” a rousing success.


The two novels–which follow the lives and torrid love affairs of dancers and best friends, Raven and Music–flew off virtual shelves when they were published in 2009 and 2010, netting acclaim from outlets including Rolling Out, Power 92.3 FM, Parle magazine and Raw TV. She is a “Breakout Author of the Year” nominee for the 2011 African American Literary Awards, an honor also bestowed upon fellow nominees and celebrity writers Iyanla Vanzant, Tavis Smiley and CNN anchor Don Lemon.


Winkk follows that credo in her own life. That is why, despite dancing for some of the biggest names in R&B and modeling for Ebony magazine among others, she opted not to go the tell-all route. Instead, Winkk focuses on fictionalized stories based on her experience and imagination, broaching topics from “down low” men to transsexual entertainers.
Winkk also is building her brand beyond writing novels. In 2011, she founded Ailam Publishing. Though she is currently publishing her own projects, she wants to assist other authors in finding their voice.


“When I first started writing, I wanted to tell the story of the tour experience from the dancer’s side…that’s a side that never got out,” Winkk said of the books and innovative video teasers she produced on her own. “Misleading” too will get the visual treatment, as part of Winkk’s holistic literary vision. “Now, I want to tell as many stories as I can as many ways as I can in print and eventually on the small and big screen.”
 
Get to Know Winnk:
 
What inspired you to write the novels Tour Secrets and Tour Secrets 2?
I’m a former dancer/choreographer and have worked for artist including R. Kelly, Avant and Ronald Isley. Traveling on the road as a dancer inspired me to write the Tour Secrets series so the readers could get a glimpse of what dancers experienced. I felt it would be interesting to write some outrageous and sometimes unbelievable, but realistic things that dancers deal with. Tour Secrets is not a tell all, but will give you a heart-stopping, jaw-dropping inside look into the music industry. The novels have been re-released under Ailam Publishing, and are available in paperback an Ebooks.


What character did you enjoy writing about the most in the series Tour Secrets?
Raven and Que were the characters I enjoyed creating and writing about the most. Raven revealed a big secret in the book and her sassy, humorous personality was exciting to write. Que is scandalous and ruthless, and creating his character was fun.


Was it easy making the transition from a dancer to an author?
The literary industry is very similar to the entertainment business, so the transition was very easy. Since I’ve been writing for many years and used to write while traveling, I felt comfortable making the change.


Tell us about your new novel Misleading?
My new novel Misleading is about a nightclub owner who is focused on money and being successful. He realizes that he can’t control the world with money and finds out that the people closes to him are more interested in bringing him down then helping him succeed. Revenge, deceit, sex, drama and scandal are all tied up in this novel. The novel will be available on September 30, 2011 and you can pre-order it now on amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com. It will be available in paperback an Ebooks.


What part of the writing process do you enjoy the most?
The part of the writing process I enjoy is creating the story and seeing all the elements come together. I usually create the cover in my mind first and everything else falls into place. I love creating so writing a novel is like choreographing a dance routine to me. I enjoy the process from the beginning to the end.


Why did you decide to self-publish and what are your plans for your new publishing company?
I started Ailam Publishing to publish my novels and to keep the creative control over my projects. I will continue to publish my novels and would also like to publish other authors in the future.


What can we expect next from Winkk?
I will keep writing novels and producing video book trailer. I will turn my novels into movies and continue mentoring and sponsoring local artist. I’ve got a few things up my sleeves, so be on the lookout.


You can catch me at www.winkkatme.com or info@winkkatme.com. Also facebook.com/winkkatme2, Twitter.com/winkkatme.com, Myspace.com/winkkatme and Youtube.com/winkktv.

Sexy, wealthy and handsome is what best describes Jarvis Denttin, the owner of the exclusive popular Denttin nightclubs. His posh lifestyle has women flockingis love to him regularly, and they feed his strong appetite for sex. Having his choice of any woman, has created a selfish, deceiving, controlling man. Women are attracted to his alluring demeanor, until they are invited into his life and introduce to his devious side.

Expanding his company, Jarvis Denttin is excited to open a new nightclub in Chicago. He is devastated when his close friend is killed and his businesses become in jeopardy, that he is now reconsidering his move to the Windy City. Just as attractive and charming as Jarvis, his friend and employee Antonio Flink, is being well trained to become a duplicate of him, but Antonio proves that he is more conniving then Jarvis could imagine.


Candace Mourton, the personal assistant to Jarvis Denttin is a smart opportunist and knows that he is capable of providing the lifestyle she deserves, and she is willing to do whatever it takes to keep the money flowing. She enjoys her professional and sexual relationship with him, until she breaks her own rule and falls in love. Jarvis takes care of her financially, and she caters to him daily, but realizes that isn’t enough to keep him interested in her.


With money dominating Jarvis’s successful life, he is unaware of the scheme being orchestrated to bring him down and he gets caught up in a web of deception. Knowing all the wrong he has done to people, he’s ready for a fresh start, but karma gets to him first. Oblivious of his acquaintance motives, puts him in a deadly situation. Will his life crumble before he finds out that the people around him have been misleading him the entire time?

Unika Welcomes Tywebbin Blog Tours Featuring Author Patti Lacy and The Reclaiming Lily Blog Tour

Blog Tour Schedule

About the Author

Patti Lacy graduated from Baylor University in 1977 with a BS in education. She taught at Heartland Community College in Normal, Illinois, until she retired in 2006 to pursue writing full time. She and her husband, Alan, have two grown children. Visit Patti at http://www.pattilacy.com/.

Two Women. Two Cultures. A Troubled Teen

About the Book
A storm the size of Texas brews when Gloria Powell and Kai Chang meet in a Dallas hotel. They have come to discuss the future of Lily, the daughter Gloria adopted from China and the sister Kai hopes to reclaim. Kai is a doctor who had to give up her little sister during the Cultural Revolution and has since discovered that an inherited genetic defect may be waiting to fatally strike Lily.


Gloria's relationship with her daughter is tattered and strained, and the arrival of Kai, despite the woman's apparent good intentions, makes Gloria fearful. Gloria longs to restore her relationship with Lily, but in the wake of this potentially devastating diagnosis, is Kai an answer to prayer...or will her arrival force Gloria to sacrifice more than she ever imagined?

Video Trailers for Reclaiming Lily
BOOK TRAILER #1

Unika Welcomes Tywebbin Blog Tours Featuring Author Patricia Raybon

Author's Website

Award-winning writer Patricia Raybon is author of two critically acclaimed books, “I Told the Mountain to Move” and “My First White Friend.” Her personal essays have appeared in the New York Times Magazine, Newsweek, USA Weekend, Charles Stanley Ministries’ In Touch Magazine and have also aired on National Public Radio. She writes full-time on life-changing faith.

What is the most “Unique Experience” that you have had during your literary journey? Please explain in detail.

I was interviewed by Oprah Winfrey on her show back in 1995 for my forgiveness memoir, My First White Friend. That was significant. However, my most unique experience was getting published by a major publisher right out of the gate.


I’d worked as a newspaper reporter for a dozen years, working eventually as Sunday Magazine editor at The Denver Post. From there, after a year’s break, I started teaching at the University of Colorado’s School of Journalism, where I was required as a faculty member to be published on a national level. So I started writing personal essays about my life as an African American, a wife, a mother, a Christian and so on. Almost every time I submitted an essay—to USA Today, USA Weekend, National Public Radio, then to The New York Times Sunday Magazine –the essay would sell and get published.


Then, after publishing a couple pieces in The New York Times, agents started contacting me, asking if I’d written a book and could they represent me. I hadn’t written a book. But after about the 30th or so agent contacted me, my husband gave me a pep talk, saying, “Maybe it’s time you wrote that book.” So that’s what I did. I wrote a racial memoir, My First White Friend. However, I had an agent before I even had a book idea. Highly unusual. It doesn’t happen like that anymore.
But there’s more to the story. That agent was friends with an editor at Penguin Putnam, a major publishing house, and they offered me a book contract. But my agent turned it down, asking for more money, and Penguin agreed. Again, it doesn’t happen like that anymore. So I’m grateful this unique aspect of my journey to publication.


Many writers struggle for years to find representation. But, for some reason, I was blessed to land an agent, a publishing house and a contract for my first book—which is still in print. I learned a lot in that experience. The main thing it taught me is to believe in yourself, especially as a writer. I didn’t know a soul in New York, but I submitted my essays to the New York Times and the magazine editor bought them. I also learned to always present my best work. I’ve had success selling my articles and books, I believe, because I aim for excellence. Editors appreciate that. Readers do, too. So that’s what I try to offer. Quality work.


I also try to watch what God is doing—and let God lead. When I get ahead of God, whether in my book life or my family life, I get off track. The Bible says God sees the beginning from the end, so I try to follow where God is going. When it comes to book writing, His path for me is always uniquely best.

Unika Welcomes AAMBC Fall Tours Featuring Author Syretta A. Walker

Syretta A. Walker was born in South Carolina, but raised in Dayton, Ohio. She is a single mother of one little boy. Currently, she is obtaining an associate degree in real estate property management. In her free time, she enjoys reading, writing, cooking, and eating. Her debut novel Upgrade You was written as a form of therapy after some of her old baggage began to surface. Upgrade You is loosely based around her life story. Syretta hopes that her novel can help at least one girl that is facing similar struggles.

Get to Know Syretta:

What is your first title called, and what is it about?
A: My first street lit title is called ‘Upgrade You’, and it is about a “broke dog”{ who goes through on trial after another on a promiscuous journey to find love; maybe it will happen, maybe it won’t.


Where did you get the inspiration to write ‘Upgrade You’?
A: My baby sister, and my son. Got to do it for the kiddies, and leave my next few generations secure.


What sets ‘Upgrade You ‘apart from other books in the same genre?
A: I wrote the book while going through schizophrenia before being diagnosed with the disease. I was hearing voices and characters in my head.


Who was the biggest influences in your life coming up, and why?
A: My late great-grandmother because I would watch her tend house for others, sell baked goods, and remain a gracious woman while instilling a hustler’s mentality in me. Second,the late rapper Tupac Shakur, for sharing his trials with the world, and still trying to help in the crisis of poverty.


As an author, what are the keys to you success that lead to getting Upgrade You out to the public?
A: Word of mouth and attending seminars to get recognized as an upcoming serious author.


As an author, what is your writing process? How long did it take to write Upgrade You?
A: It took me a month and a half. My writing process was eating a great deal of chocolate, drinking lots of sodas, and consuming lots of Newport cigarettes.


What other projects do you have available, and what’s next for Syretta Walker?
A: Chocolate Rose 2 is available on Kindle, and Nook. And I will be releasing Behind Tha Chastity Belt coming early 2012.

Anabella Carter is alone and miserable. The only thing that brings her happiness is a blunt and a pint of Hennessy. Due to a number of misforturnes, she doesn’t know where her life is headed until she enters a urban fiction contest.  As she journeys through her tale, she discovers the meaning of love and pain. Anabella realizes one person has stood by her side during the good times and the bad. She wants to tell him how she feels, but doesn’t want to risk losing him. Will Anabella will succumb to the pain? or Will love prevail?

Excerpt:
That was also part of the reason Anabella decided to tell her story. She had been unable to talk about the point when her life took a turn. Anabella hated that point and most importantly she hated the way her life was headed at this point. She was twenty-one years old now with a child of her own, and most times she couldn’t believe she was a mother herself.


Anabella had gotten pregnant at seventeen, had her daughter at eighteen, and had continued to see hell every since. Currently, her National City checking account held a balance of twenty-three cent, and she didn’t have anything else to lose.


At least we got a roof over our heads and food to shove in our mouths, Anabella thought of her, and her daughter Isabella. She was due to start one of her last three semesters at Sinclair Community College tomorrow, and she didn’t know how she was going to swing that, and writing her novel as well. But, to Anabella it no longer felt like an option anymore. It was mandatory. Anabella loved the idea that she could erase the pain and hatred from her heart. She felt like she would be able to start all over again. Anabella just hated the fact that she would have to give the readers her triumph, before her tragedy. But, she thought, what the hell? Might as well get all this shit off me. Anabella decide she would use characters real names for the time being, although she knew it was risky. That is where an urban tale was born, five days into 2008, and the day before Anabella was due to go back to school…


Books can be purchased at a www.mahogneyinkpublication.com, amazon.com and a bookstore near you!!!
 
Email: Xmom9727 @att.net