Friday, February 24, 2006

Hot New CD for What Ails You -- MUSICAL THERAPY

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Sunday, February 19, 2006

Interview with author Donna Hill

Humble Interview by Nicole M. Stevenson



It is a true pleasure to introduce Donna Hill who is an established yet humble woman. Three of her novels have been transformed into movies for t.v. Donna Hill is the first recipient of the Trailblazer Award (2002) for her pioneering work in the literary industry for authors and readers. She is doing so much more and has received more credit for her works.


Donna how many books have you written?

To date I have written over forty books which include both full-length novels and novellas. I’ve also edited three anthologies, in addition to co-writing an independent film which was produced.



Have you ever gotten writer's block?

I wouldn’t exactly say writer’s block. To me that means you are totally stumped, unable to write or get your thoughts down. When I don’t write it is more by choice than anything else. I find that if you plan well, get the concepts, the outline, character sketches and scenes down before you start writing, the possibility of you running into a blank wall is reduced exponentially. Sometimes all it takes to break the cycle of not being able to write is to walk away from it, do something physical and let your mind roam. Another remedy is to revisit your work, make adjustments, fill in blanks.



Can you share with us an excerpt from Getting Hers?

Sneak Peek at Getting Hers
Prologue--Fate is A Funny Thing


“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to put to rest the body of our brother, Troy Benning, husband of Kimberly Sheppard-Benning and a friend to many . . .”

Kim’s alabaster complexion was dutifully shielded behind the black veil that dipped down dramatically from her wide-brimmed black hat. She brought a white handkerchief beneath the veil and dabbed at her dry eyes. “Bastard,” she muttered.

The reverend droned on about what a wonderful man Troy was while an endless stream of grievers marched up to the grave to toss a rose or utter words of sorrow and condolence to Kim.
Kim scanned the crowd from behind her veil hoping to catch a glimpse of Stephanie. Finally she spotted her, with her arm tucked through that of her husband, Malcolm. Kim’s stomach muscles tightened as Stephanie’s green-eyed gaze found Kim’s blue one. Stephanie offered a slow, sad smile before looking away.

On the far side of the proceedings, Tess McDonald desperately wanted a cigarette. Funerals, cops, pre-dawn phone calls, hot sex and situations out of her control always elevated her craving. Casually she looked the crowd over. Nothing particularly unusual, except that someone in attendance murdered Troy Benning.

From the opposite side of the hole, beneath the shadow of a spanning oak, Nicole Perez murmured “Amen,” along with the mourners. “And good riddance,” she added under her breath. Nicole clasped her gloved hands together and licked her blood red lips. From behind dark glasses her onyx eyes darted around the throng of mourners then returned to rest on the hole in the ground. She swallowed. With all of the situations that she’d found herself in, even behind bars, she hadn’t been afraid, wary maybe, cautious for sure but never afraid. She put on a good front, she had to. No one could ever find out what really happened—or didn’t. She swallowed hard and tugged in a deep breath. This would all be over soon and the three of them could move on with their lives—whatever that may be.


Two Months Later:

Tess, Nikki and Kim raised their wine glasses in a quiet toast.

"To us," Tess said, as her lids lowered ever so slightly over her honey brown eyes and the curve of her wide mouth spread in a salacious grin, the bold bronze color matching her body-hugging dress to perfection.

The trio clinked their glasses together as the Amtrak Acela Express sped out of New York City en route to Washington, D.C.

Expertly coiffed as usual, Kim’s signature diamond studs sparkled against the light. Kim lowered her head and her voice to a whisper. "I still can't believe it.”

"What's not to believe? They tried to screw us and we fucked them first," Nicole said with a nonchalant flick of her wrist. Her tennis bracelet flashed. “The bastards deserved it.”

Kim flushed crimson. She spoke from between clenched teeth. "Do you always have to talk like that?" Her blue eyes darted around the dining car to see if anyone in earshot was offended. “We can dress you up but we still can’t take you out.”
Nicole grinned and gave Kim a wink. “Be careful my little pretty, the wife is always the first suspect.”

“Nikki--”

Tess stretched her slender hand across the table and covered Kim's pale fingers with her cocoa brown ones. "Relax. You know Nikki is just being Nikki. She loves to see you flustered, and you go for it every time."

Kim cut a look in Nicole's direction. Nicole smirked into her glass.

“Philadelphia 30th Street Station in three minutes,” the conductor announced.

Nicole picked up her purse and rose.

“Both of you be sure to check the classifieds from time to time. It is how we will communicate—should the need ever arise,” Tess said.
Kimberly and Nicole nodded in agreement.

Nicole looked from one woman to the other and for an instant appeared sad. “New city, new life.” She paused, pulled and pulled in a breath of resolve. “Thank you both,” she said barely above a whisper. She turned and walked away.

“I should be getting back to my car,” Kimberly muttered, before polishing off the last of her drink. She stood. “I’m sure we won’t be seeing each other again.”

Tess nodded. “You never know,” she said slowly.

“Take care of yourself, Tess.”

“You do the same, Kim.” She smiled as Kim walked away.


Alone now, Tess leaned back against the blue leather headrest and watched the landscape sweep past the window. She crossed her legs beneath the table and took a thoughtful sip from her glass of wine.

Over the past few months they'd gone from virtual strangers and wary adversaries to partners in crime--so to speak—revealing and acting upon their deepest secrets, their darkest fears. It had been risky. They’d put their families, their money, themselves in jeopardy. It had taken all of their connections, wits, and determination, but mostly the unholy pact they made to get as far as they did. Had is all been worth the sleepless nights? Only time would tell.
Under normal circumstances they would have never met in a million years—she a black high-priced Madame who ran the biggest escort service on the East coast, Nicole a Latina beauty boasting a mouth like a long shoreman, with a penchant for guns and fast cars, and Kim a white, married business tycoon who was in love with the wife of a congressman. But fate, the stars, and the mutual goal of retribution brought them together one blistering afternoon in June--the hottest June day on record...



Where did you come up with the idea for this book?

I’ve always loved mysteries ever since I was a teenager and cut my teeth on Agatha Christie. Even in many of my romances there is a suspense or mystery element woven into the love story. But for the first time, I didn’t concern myself with the male/female relationship but on the murders! I was inspired to write Getting Hers after remembering seeing the movie “Strangers On A Train,” the thriller by Alfred Hitchcock. The premise of the story intrigued me; complete strangers committing a murder for the other. In Hitchcock’s version one was reluctant and refused. In my version, all of them agree. But the twist is none of my trio know who the other will murder.



The title is catchy; did you have a hard time coming up with it?

Well, the title Getting Hers is truly tied to the whole theme of the novel, getting what is due you.



In one word can you sum up Donna Hill?

Busy! LOL



Is it difficult writing with three characters having their own voice?

No, I didn’t find it difficult at all. As I mentioned earlier if you set up your groundwork, specifically your characters before you write the book, you “know” who they are. They should have very distinct personalities and voices. That is what I tried to do with Getting Hers. In addition, each of my women are of different nationalities.



Did this story in any way relate to someone you knew?

Oh gee, I sure hope not! LOL



Can you tell us about Diva Inc.?

Divas Inc. was my first chick-lit with a very comedic twist. I took the fairytale of Cinderella and the notion of the grass being greener on the other side and came up with Margaret Drew my protagonist in Divas Inc. Although it is a comedy it is a story of self-discovery. Margaret was searching for something outside of herself that she had within all along. But it took her turning her life upside down to discover that special part of herself. The novel actually became the catalyst for the organization of the same name, The Divas Incorporated Society, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to uplifting and empowering women and girls through a variety of support and resources.



How did Sisterfriends come to be?

Sisterfriends is a bookclub that I facilitate at the Queens Library in New York. It began about 3 years ago in partnership with the Charlotte Meckelenburg Library in Charlotte, NC., and that was spear-headed by my good friend LaToya McLean. We meet monthly, discuss literature, host author visits, support literary events, and periodically do video-teleconferencing to share in real time a visit of an author with another library.



Does being known as a trailblazer put pressure on you to want to continue to produce extraordinary works?

I don’t know about extraordinary. I do know that I want to continue to stretch. To use my abilities to continue to write the best books that I can. I want to explore other genres, and let my writing take me where it may. Most of all I want to be in a position to help other writers from giving them a name to call to working with them on a novel, getting them in front of an audience—whatever it takes.



Is there any other genre that you are thinking about getting into?

Hmmm. Well, I’ve done romance, erotica, mainstream, comedic, chick lit and now mystery. For the time being I think I’ll just keep moving back and forth with these.



What do you do in your free time?

Listen to music mostly or zone out on the TV. Dinner with my guy or with friends. Movies, stuff like that.



I want to let you know that you along with others have inspired me to write and to work towards success...can you leave words of encouragement for others that are just getting in touch with their creativity?

The main thing is, if you believe it, you can achieve it. Surround yourself with inspiring and positive people. And that may mean kicking some folks to the curb if they do not have your best interests at heart. Hone your craft. Study the art of writing. Take a class if you need to. And always remember that your work is a reflection of you and will remain long after you are gone. Be remembered well.


Check out more about Donna at her website!

Saturday, February 11, 2006

"Chase the Dream" Contest for Writers

Author Rachelle Chase has launched her "Chase the Dream" Contest for writers. Submit the first 1,000 words of an unpublished romance (or chick lit/mainstream fiction with romantic elements) novel/novella. Each week, a winner will be chosen from the emailed entries and posted online, then readers will vote for their favorite. Prizes awarded to finalists include: A manuscript critique by multi-published author, Leigh Michaels, an online interview, autographed books by Leigh Michaels and best-selling author, Lori Foster, and spa bags by Rachelle Chase. To enter or for more details, please go to 2006 "Chase the Dream" Contest.

Interview with author Kim Robinson

MORE THAN TALENTED Interview by Nicole Marie Stevenson



Allow me to properly introduce author Kim Robinson who wrote a The Roux in the Gumbo, which tells the story of her history. Can you tell us a little about your book?

It starts in the 1800’s in Louisiana telling the story of people who helped my great-grandmothers and grandmother whose life story I tell through the migration to California and goes through to 1997 to my grandmother's funeral. Back in the day women had a lot of adversity to overcome, but they also had the heart to help others. Every person adds something to everyone he or she touches. This story has slavery, reconstruction, prohibition, and the depression era.


What made you feel compelled to write The Roux in the Gumbo?


I was bedridden during the end of my pregnancy, and my grandmother came from California to help me out. One day we were watching Oprah talk about her life and my grandmother said, “Shoot, I could write a book. I had a lot of stuff happen to me. Shoot, you should write one, too.” She started telling one of them old stories, you know the kind you have heard a few times growing up and since the computer was set right next to the pull out couch in the den where I spent my days, I said, "Lets do it. I bet everybody in the family would like to read it." When she went back home, I bought her a tape recorder so that when she thought of something she could tape it and send it to me. Every few months I sent her tickets and she would come and stay for awhile. My grandmother suffered a stroke during a spinal cancer surgery and went into a coma. I printed out what I had and went to California. I would sit by her bed reading and the family asked me what I was reading and when I told them they said they wanted to read it. My mother made some copies and gave them out. One day while I was reading to my grandmother, she said my name, though still in a coma. Everyone said that I had to finish the book. She died a few days later. When I went back home, my family members would call me and give me their memories and send tapes that I added to the book; my grandmother’s sister and I would talk over the phone, and I sent her a ticket to come but sadly she got sick and died before she could come, but I did get everything she wanted in. My mother came and started reading and giving me her memories and here you have it. The title is because everyone who has someone who influenced his or her life, just as the roux base or gravy in gumbo influences every spoonful.



How long have you been writing?

I used to write poetry as a kid, and have always been an avid reader, I started this book in 1993. I didn’t get serious until my granmother died because her spirit is always around me encouraging me to finish.



Do you feel that you told the story the way your family would have wanted it or approved of it?

I left out a whole lot of stuff so that no one would get upset. I believe that my ancestors all approve of this because it is a way of carrying on their memories, and they were amazing people who persevered through a lot of tragedy. I feel in my heart that what I am doing is God’s way of using me to help others.



What does it mean to be Capa Nominee?

Actually my email was blowing up with congratulations on my capa, and all I could say was "Thanks, but can you tell me what a capa is?" Romance Studio was one the first people I queried about doing a review for my book. Most of the reviewers on the list I was given accepted the book, but I only saw a review from them and in the library reviews. I was very pleased with what Diane Tugman wrote, and she even wrote to me before finishing the book to tell me how much it made her think of her own grandmother. Capa is where the reviewer picks the book they liked the most. Diane picked me. I am very grateful.



Besides writing is there anything else you like to do?

I love to cook. I spent a lot of time in my Grand mother's café “Mom's Soul Food,” in Los Angeles. My grandmother always said that there is no greater gift you can give someone than a plate of food. You feed the body and you feed the soul, and always cook in good spirits because that will go into the food. I also love to sew curtains, comforters, and clothes. I have been sewing since I was seven; my dad was a tailor and I loved hanging out in his sewing room with him and it stuck. Spending time with my family is also something I cannot get enough of.


What advice can you offer to others?

Don’t give up. I have over 200 rejections letters and when my writing gets me to the point where I can build a house, I am going to wallpaper with them, with my contracts and book covers right in the center for incentive. If God has put it on your heart to write something, you should do it because you never know what your words can bring to someone’ life.


Do you have support from your family?

Yes, My kids read everything I write, and my husband pays! My grandmother's sister helped and my parents pushed me to complete it.



What can we expect from you next?

My next work is G Momma; it tells the story of an ex-gang member/prostutite who raised five kids. She feels the penitentiary ain't nothing but a college. It will be told in an eight-book series.


Visit Kim at her site!

Monday, February 06, 2006

Celebrate Black History Month with 28 Days of Poetry

For Black History Month, visit LatorialFaison.com for the 6th day of poetry!


"Who Was Benjamin Banneker"
A Poem for Young Readers
by Latorial Faison







Sunday, February 05, 2006

Bernice McFadden's "Nowhere is a Place" Hits Bookstores Today!

Bernice McFadden's sixth novel, Nowhere is a Place, hits bookstores nationwide today!

Nowhere is a Place is a touching novel about a young woman uncovering a surprising family history filled in measure with dark secrets and life-affirming wisdom. Sherry has struggled all her life to understand who she is, where she comes from, and, most importantly, why her mother slapped her cheek one summer afternoon. The incident has haunted Sherry and it causes her to dig into her family’s past. Like many family histories, it is fractured and stubbornly reluctant to reveal its secrets, but Sherry is determined to know the full story. In just a few days’ time her extended family will gather for a reunion and Sherry sets off across the country with her mother, Dumpling to join them. What Sherry and Dumpling find on their trip is far more important than a scenic site here and there—it is the assorted pieces of their family’s past. Pulled together, they reveal a history of amazing survival and abundant joy. Nowhere is a Place is a graceful, richly imagined work by McFadden; it promises to bring a new audience of admirers.

So far, reviews for the novel has been more than favorable. Library Journal states "McFadden weaves together a multigenerational family tale, that like, Alex Haley's 'Roots', will inspire readers to research their family history. While writing in a mystical style similar to Gloria Naylor's 'Bailey's Cafe', McFadden is an imaginative storyteller who mesmerizes readers with her words."

If you love wonderful storytelling by one of the best contemporary literary novelists in the biz, you definitely want to check out this latest by McFadden. You can read an excerpt of the novel at McFadden's website.

Saturday, February 04, 2006

2006 Urban Film Series Tour Announcement



Call for Films for 2006

Next Generation Awareness Foundation ("NGAF") has chosen to expand the Series not only geographically, but also in terms of its composition. For 2006, NGAF has chosen to produce the following 3 Series:

  • The 3rd Annual National Black History Month Film & Discussion Series a/k/a The Urban Film Series
  • Black Docs ~ A series whose focus is documentaries
  • Urban Film & Discussion Series ~ Broadening the scope and expanding the subject matter areas of the February Series


    Be a part of this historic event. Be a volunteer, speaker, vendor affiliate, sponsor, poet or author. Submit your film or your proposal to bring one of the Series to your area. Sign-up and get information so you can pass the word to all relevant sources, persons and organizations. Deadlines are as follows:

    *Film Submissions Deadlines

    • Annual National Black History Month Film & Discussion Series ~ January 2, 2006
    • Black Docs ~ February 13, 2006
    • Urban Film & Discussion Series ~ April 17, 2006



    *City, Sponsorship or Partnership Proposal Deadlines

    • Annual National Black History Month Film & Discussion Series ~ December 26, 2005
    • Black Docs ~ February 6, 2006
    • Urban Film & Discussion Series ~ April 17, 2006



    *Vendors ~ Expression of Interest Deadlines

    • Annual National Black History Month Film & Discussion Series ~ December 26, 2005
    • Black Docs ~ February 6, 2006
    • Urban Film & Discussion Series ~ April 17, 2006



    *Authors, Poets and Speakers Deadlines

    • Annual National Black History Month Film & Discussion Series ~ January 2, 2006
    • Black Docs ~ February 13, 2006
    • Urban Film & Discussion Series ~ April 17, 2006



    *Volunteers Deadlines

    • Annual National Black History Month Film & Discussion Series ~ December 26, 2005
    • Black Docs ~ February 6, 2006
    • Urban Film & Discussion Series ~ April 17, 2006



    *Press Credentials Deadlines

    • Annual National Black History Month Film & Discussion Series ~ January 23, 2006
    • Black Docs ~ March 6, 2006
    • Urban Film & Discussion Series ~ April 24, 2006



    Click here for 2006 submission details

Rundu 2006 Calendar & DVD!!!


February 3, 2006


***MEN…RUNDU STYLE in RETROSPECT 2006 CALENDAR

"The past never looked so good."

We are busy working on some exciting new products that will be available
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If you haven’t yet seen the Wetdreams book featuring nude, yet tasteful
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With the Wetdreams SUPER SPECIAL you’ll receive the Wetdreams book, 2006
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Check out Wetdreams HERE.



***SEEKING SOME SEXY BEDTIME STORIES and SPOKEN PASSIONS

We will be updating our Bedtime Stories and Spoken Passions areas of the
Rundu.com website and welcome some sexy submissions. Our Bedtimes
Stories section features original, erotic stories. We love intense,
steamy stories that are hot, hot, hot. Of course some expressive
profanity is allowed but we are not seeking any profanity-laced stories.
All story lengths are acceptable.

If your story is selected, you will receive a complimentary 2006 Rundu
calendar and DVD. Also, if you are an author/poet with a book, etc. and
have you own website or link with more info about your book, etc., we
will place a link at the end of your story/poem so readers can visit
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You may use your real name, an alias or remain anonymous – whichever you
prefer. However, we will need your email address so we can contact you
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not be published.

We are also seeking erotic poetry and if your piece is chosen, you will
receive free Rundu products as well.

Please feel free to email your story or poetry to us at info@rundu.com
You may copy and paste your story within your email or attach it as a
Word document.

Rundu Enterprises, Inc. will not own any copyrights to your work or use
your work in any way other than as content in the Bedtime Stories and/or
Spoken Passions sections of our Rundu.com website. A copyright notice
will be placed on your work next to your name or your alias. If you
prefer to remain anonymous, we will still place a copyright mark next to
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***WHERE’S BARE ESSENTIALS?

A hot, new issue of Bare Essentials will return in 2007. In the
meantime, please enjoy the 2006 Rundu calendar and the DVD. We know
what you liked in Bare Essentials and we've captured you an "eye full"
in the full-color Rundu DVD.

Also, if you’ve already paid for a copy of Bare Essentials, we will
offer you a full-refund or other Rundu products…whichever is your
preference. We sincerely appreciate your business and apologize for any
inconvenience.

Thank you again for your support,


The Rundu Team
Rundu