Writing Opportunities - Write for Hallmark Publishing

If your book seems like a Hallmark movie or TV series, it might be right for this publisher! They’re looking for male/female romance novels and cozy mystery novels of around 70,000 – 85,000 words in length and love romances and mysteries that also celebrate friendship, family, and/or community ties. All stories must have happy endings.

For romance, they’re mostly looking for light contemporary stories set in the United States and especially love to see Christmas, small town, and seasonal themes (winter, Valentine’s Day, spring, June brides, beach reads, fall), and want to hear about your series ideas.

They’re also interested in romantic suspense and will consider historical romance set in North America or the U.K. While they aren’t looking for heavy redemption arcs, religious elements in a story are fine.

The publisher isn’t interested in paranormal romance in general, but is open to time travel or a little bit of magic.

For mystery, they are mostly seeking contemporary stories set in the United States and would love to see ideas for series.

At this time, they aren’t looking for other fiction genres or nonfiction.

No nudity, sex, profanity, or graphic depictions of sexuality or violence will be accepted. Physical interaction must be limited to hugging and kissing. In murder mysteries, the murder must happen “off the page,” and they tend to avoid other heavy or disturbing content.

They prefer third person, alternating between her and his point of view, but will consider a first-person narrative with an entertaining voice and love to see stories that reflect ethnic diversity.

Please don’t mail physical copies of manuscripts. They accept electronic submissions only and never read scripts, so please don’t send them.

For more information, please visit their site by clicking here.

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Virtual Book Tour - Meet Terrell Williams, Author of But My Soul Is Black

Hello. I’m Excited. This is one of my stops during the month tour for But My Soul Is Black by Terrell Williams. This virtual book tour is organized by Write Now Literary Book Tours. This tour runs September 4-29, 2017. Follow the tour here. Book your own tour here WNL   

ISBN-10: 150069312X

ISBN-13: 978-1500693121

ASIN: B074TCQJDD

Genre: Fiction/Romance

Terrell Williams, Author

Terrell Williams began life as the 2nd eldest son of 9 children (4 girls and 5 boys) and was reared in less than affluent circumstances. The second in his immediate family to graduate from college, he went on to marry a wonderful woman, and who eventually became the proud parents of 4 children (3 girls and 1 son who is also his namesake).

Mr. Williams enjoys reading and writing poetry, and he has written several plays that have been performed and were well received in Texas. The idea for his debut novel, But my Soul Is Black, lay dormant for many years until Mr. Williams finally finished the novel upon his retirement, fulfilling his dream of becoming a published author. His romantic tale tackles controversial topics such as interracial relationships, generational differences of conceptual thinking about life and love. This novel seeks to remind the readers of the interconnectedness we share as humans, as well as showing that truly, love transcends all!

But My Soul is Black, takes a candid look at interracial romance and the human experience. The book reveals the cultural misperceptions that harm us, and the love that heals us.

Bobby has high hopes for his new life in Detroit, and he will not, under any circumstances, blow his chances by messing up a prime job opportunity at his uncle’s construction company. But his first meeting with his mentor, African American foreman Jimbo, turns out even worse than expected when it becomes apparent that Bobby is learning the ropes to become Jimbo’s boss.

As Bobby tries to navigate Jimbo’s understandable resentment, he must also wrestle with the misperceptions of Black culture that his Caucasian family has passed on to him. Eventually, the two men become friends as Jimbo recognizes that Bobby doesn’t hold the prejudices of his uncle.

But just as things start to smooth out, Jimbo introduces Bobby to the kind, clever, and stunning Karen—Jimbo’s favorite woman to string along. Confused by his strong feelings for this intriguing woman and frustrated with Jimbo’s flippant treatment of her, Bobby struggles with whether to pursue Karen…at the cost of ending his newfound friendship with Jimbo and sabotaging his future.

Taking a candid look at interracial romance and the human experience, …But My Soul is Black reveals the cultural misperceptions that harm us—and the love that heals us.

 
http://a.co/fWBzP17

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Ten Things You Didn’t Know About (author’s book)

1)        The book was on his mind for 35 years.

2)        It is a story about complex decisions one must make in life that can be extremely difficult to make and extremely difficult to live with, once the decision is made.

3)        This book was written to give a positive view and depiction of the Black woman from a Black man’s point of view.

4)        This book was written as a wakeup call to Black men, to appreciate the Black woman more, because of who she is, what she has to deal with in terms of being a career woman, in some cases a mother, a friend and a lover.

5)        This book validates the long time adage, “All is fair in love and war”.

6)        This book shows how love can turn ride or die friends into mortal enemies.

7)        This book shows the heartwarming power that a loving mother or grandmother can have on the life of that son, daughter, grandson or granddaughter.

8)        This book gives the reader the reassurance, that there are still a few people that do not believe that money and power mean everything.  There are still those who value love in a relationship, to be more important than power or prestige.

9)        This book gives credence to another adage, “what goes around comes around”.  In a strange twist of fate, cruelly life deals this devastating blow to Bobby.

10)      This book serves as a warning that we shouldn’t be too quick to show off everything that is important to us, because what we have may become enticing to someone who may develop a desire to what we have.

Ten Things About the Main Character Karen in “But My Soul 

Is Black”.

1)        She is intelligent

2)        She is witty

3)        She is a thinker

4)        She is beautiful

5)        She is independent

6)        She is loving

7)        She is talented

8)        She gives second chances

9)        She can make a decision and once made can stand by it

10)      She is feminine

What’s New in Romance?

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Green Days by the River Film to Open at the 2017 Trinidad+Tobago Film Festival

Green Days by the River, a film adaptation of Michael Anthony’s classic 1967 novel of the same name, will open this year’s festival, at the red carpet gala and screening to be held at NAPA, on September 19, 2017. Bringing to life childhood memories of the book, and a Trinidad of yesteryear, director Michael Mooleedhar’s film is set in the idyllic countryside of 1950's Mayaro and re-tells the story of 15 year old Shell. Newly arrived, he quickly gets caught between his longing to be a man, and his child-like innocence in the face of adult cunning. With adolescent hormones raging, amidst the breath-taking beauty of Mayaro, the quiet storm that’s brewing may prove more than he can handle and he’ll certainly never be the same again.

Watch this space for more information on tickets, which go on sale soon.

Click here to read more.

The Foreigner | Official Trailer | In Theaters October 13, 2017

THE FOREIGNER, starring Jackie Chan and Pierce Brosnan, is a timely action thriller from the director of “Casino Royale.”

The film tells the story of humble London businessman Quan (Chan), whose long-buried past erupts in a revenge-fueled vendetta when the only person left for him to love -- his teenage daughter -- is taken from him in a senseless act of politically-motivated terrorism.

In his relentless search for the identity of the terrorists, Quan is forced into a cat-and-mouse conflict with a British government official (Brosnan), whose own past may hold clues to the identities of the elusive killers. 

Hot Books for Your Reading Pleasure by Vivienne Diane Neal

Summer is almost gone, and fall is just around the corner. So, it is that time when we bring you some page-turning stories written by some of the most extraordinary authors.

As always, you will be exposed to writers from around the world and to a range of genres which are interracial, paranormal, and multicultural romance tales, horrors, thrillers, mysteries, detectives and crime stories, including a narrative that explores race and color. 

Check out these books by clicking on the title and have fun being taken on a distinctive and memorable voyage.

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Closed Door (The Angela Hunter Series, Book 1) by C.M. Okonkwo - This short story centers on a young woman who spends too much time in a locked bathroom, which is also shared by her sister, Angela Hunter, who sometimes has to ask her parents or brother if she can use theirs.

Jammed Door (The Angela Hunter Series Book 2) by C.M. Okonkwo - If you read the first book, Closed Door, the story continues with Angela, who sees a dead body under a preacher’s desk but no one believes her, not even her contemptible brother, her clueless dad, or the two bumbling detectives.

Locked Door (The Angela Hunter Series Book 3) by C.M. Okonkwo - The saga continues with Hunter who is hired as a makeup assistant for a music video but when she comes across another dead body, there may be a connection between this body and the murder of another person.

Blocked Door ((The Angela Hunter Series Book 4) by C.M. Okonkwo - Angela Hunter is smack in the middle of another murder, but this time her cousin is the prime suspect.

Shared Door (The Angela Hunter Series Book 5) by C.M. Okonkwo - In this final installment, Angela observes two suspects taken into custody for murdering people on a kill list, but when the person who hires them is revealed, the investigation shifts.

The Last Firefly by Kimberly A. Lagrone-DeMarco - Camille Sheridan, a straightforward, compassionate, and nurturing PI, is asked to investigate an attack on a woman committed by a childhood friend.

Being Biracial: Where Our Secret Worlds Collide by Sarah Ratliff and Bryony Sutherland - An anthology of essays exploring the negative and positive happenings of an eclectic biracial/multiracial community, written from their perspectives and experiences.

Undisclosed Desire - The Tycoon’s Heart by Falon Gold - A personal assistant has the hots for her handsome boss but decides to stop yearning for him by taking a weekend trip to Las Vegas, but upon her arrival, she will get the biggest shock of her life.

The Haunting of Merci Hospital: (Some Patients Never Leave) by Tanya R. Taylor - A newly hired nurse at a distinguished hospital believes she has the greatest job on earth until mysterious deaths occur and she is approached by a psychic.

Hard Fall - A Thomas Blume Novella (Book 1) by PT Reade - Thomas Blume, a down on his luck, alcoholic ex-cop from New York gathers information on cheating spouses but when one of his clients wants the name of the man his wife is cheating with, that individual seemingly commits suicide, discovering the real reason why Blume is in London.

Snow Burn (Book 2) by PT Reade - The story picks ups where Hard Fall leaves off, where Blume is hired by an anonymous client to find a computer hacker.

Red Hunt (Book 3) by PT Reade - The saga continues when Thomas is hired by a client to find his girlfriend who is on the run for murder.

Cross Fire (Book 4) by PT Reade - In the next installment, Blume is hired to perform security details at a social gathering for London’s moneyed citizens, but things begin to take a turn when a socialite and her friend are kidnapped.

Grave Walker (Book 5) by PT Reade - Thomas is now back in New York to confront an assassin who killed his wife and son, but before he can face the killer, Blume must first work on a case involving the murder of his ex-girlfriend.

Staying in Your Own Lane When it comes to Your Adult Child’s Relationships by Vivienne Diane Neal

I am not one to tell a parent how he or she should act when it comes to their legal age son or daughter’s love life. However, there are exceptions. If the person he or she is involved with presents an imminent danger or is on America’s Most Wanted List then, by all means, take action.

Other than that, when it comes to your adult child’s liaison, try and stay in your own lane unless he or she asks for your advice. And even when they ask for your opinion, you must tread very lightly, depending on your answer. Because based on what we see or hear day in and day out from parents and children, friends and relatives, most people don’t really want your advice, especially if the kind of guidance, which they don’t want to hear.

One way to alienate someone is to continue hopping on the same subject: he is going to break your heart; she is only after your money; why would you want to be with someone who has a criminal record or is behind his or her child’s support? And then there are those who don’t like your partner because of his or her color, ethnicity, religion, lifestyle or political affiliation. Or without any rhyme or reason, will never accept your significant other.

Most of us have been in this type of situation where you know the person your daughter or son is involved with is a good for nothing idiot but your son or daughter can’t see this or opts to be in denial.

Depending on how old the man or woman is, he or she may make mistakes when it comes to selecting a soul mate, and hopefully, as they get older, they would have learned something.  But in the meantime, try to be supportive and analyze what it is about that person you object to or why you fill you always have to interfere with your child’s love life. Go back to when you started dating. How did your parents react when you brought home someone and started dating or ended up marrying that individual? Did you take their advice or did you choose to make your own decisions? I am not a parent but when I listen to friends and relatives, you don’t have to be one to know what it’s like to butt into a child’s relationship.

Parents will always say, “No matter how old my son or daughter is, he or she will always be my child.” And that is true, but once your child becomes an adult, you should also attempt to stay in your own lane when it comes to his or her choices.

Meet Arnetta Ellinwood, the Narrator Who Brings Books to Life

When I first heard Arnetta Ellinwood narrate the book, The Last Firefly by Kimberly A. Lagrone-DeMarco, it was a done deal. I would ask her to narrate my book, Deception in Plain Sight. And what an extraordinary job she did when delving into every scene, every character’s interpretation and dialogue, and bringing the storyline to perfection with her velvety voice. Switching from one character’s discussion to another is not an easy task, but Arnetta made it seem as though it was a cakewalk because she brought the sequence of events to life through her patience, supportive feedback, comments, and suggestions and going beyond the call of duty when it came to following directions. And if I learned anything from working with her on this project, I could never be a narrator.

Please tell our readers something about yourself. I am a mom of an awesome little three-year-old who I love to sing the Spiderman song with and spend most of my days with. I also love to DIY. When I am not hanging with my son/family or narrating great books, I am usually trying to find my next DIY fix. Lol 

I see you have done voice-over work. Is there a difference between a narrator and a voice-over? There is definitely a difference in my delivery between the two.  I find my voice-over work is mostly geared toward commercials or voicemails for small businesses and usually when I do these types of voice-overs, the expectation of my voice is always the same: Bubbly and uplifting. As opposed to when I narrate books, I usually have to get a feel for the characters and truly become their personalities. I feel like the audiobook is definitely more of an acting role than most of the voice-over work I do. Although, I absolutely love both. 

Is there a book you would like to narrate, and if so, can you tell us the title and author? Never know who is reading this Blog. :) Anything Oprah has written. Lol 

Have you ever received a negative comment or review about your narrating, and if so, how did you handle it? I have, and I honestly do not look at it as negative so much as a criticism that I should take constructively. I had someone tell me something about my recording that sounded off to them. My response was simple, give me every detail you can think of and I will work to fix it. I actually ended up fixing the issue and realizing my audio was improved because I took the time to listen to the person. I even wrote them to thank them for the advice and told them how much it helped. They have actually returned, but to buy from me. :)

When it comes to narrating, how do you manage your time? Well, I will say this took me forever to figure out. I make sure the most important things come first. My son is number one priority, providing and caring for him is always at the top of my list. For me, it’s important to keep a planner for my work purposes only. My family and son come first and then it’s to my planner to plan out recordings and editing time for ACX or Fiverr. Don’t get me wrong I absolutely love what I do and the opportunities it has and will give me but my first love is my family, so I make sure they come first at all times. As long as I plan out my work week, it’s smooth sailing. I pray I never lose that planner because I will be lost. Lol 

What are some of the most valuable lessons you have learned from being a narrator? Be consistent and it’s also taught me to listen. I only know what the author wants from their character through how they choose to verbalize that through their writing. I have learned to listen to what they want not only through communication, through email, and simply asking questions, but to really listen to the words they use in the book. 

As a narrator, what have been your biggest challenges, trials or tribulations, which you have overcome? I most recently finished a book that required me to speak French in a couple of chapters. This was so scary for me as I have never in my life taken a French class. Lol. I told the author I would work at it and I did and it happened to turn out pretty well. I just finished the book and it should be out soon. I am hoping readers like the French parts and that I am not torn apart too much. Lol. I actually surprised myself in the end though; I joked with the author and told him I wished it was Spanish because of all the years of Spanish classes I took. Lol. I definitely would have knocked it out of the park. Lol. I have also currently started a novel that is very deep in its message and I find it hard to portray one of the characters in the book because of this. I am finding that I have to really dive in and feel the pain and passion within the book to make sure I deliver it to the standards that I know both I and the author want. It has made me really appreciate actors and actresses that have to portray a character who is considered the villain in movies, especially when the movie has a deeper and some times dark message or story that needs to be told. 

Do you have any words of wisdom for future or current narrators? Honestly, just love what you do and it will show in your efforts. I can’t tell you how much this rings true. If you want to try narrating, do it. Give it a try and if you don’t love it wholeheartedly, let it go so that you can find something you truly fall in love with. I spent a lot of time doing other things I thought I wanted either because of money or because I had my own idea of what success was supposed to look like. I always say I think I am pretty blessed because narration found me and once I got started it was like love at first sight. So, just love what you do and do it with a good clean heart. 

What approach do you use before narrating a story? I always try to read out loud so I can hear myself saying the words. When I do this I am listening for a couple of things. The first is can I hear myself in any of these characters, the second is will this reading catch the ear of a random audible listener? And last but definitely not least, am I interested in what I have read so far? If all of these answers are yes, I usually know this is the book for me and that I need to audition ASAP :) or if I have already been offered, then I know I can move forward. 

How can our readers get in touch with you? They can get in touch with me by clicking here.

Arnetta, thank you for stopping by and allowing our readers and visitors to learn more about you and your service and thank you again for making Deception in Plain Sight a more captivating story. It was a joy working with you.

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Buying Links to Audiobook - The Last Firefly by Kimberly A. LaGrone-Demarco

Audible.com

iTunes

Amazon

Buying Links to Audiobook - Deception in Plain Sight by Vivienne Diane Neal

Audible

iTunes

Amazon

Our Love Challenges - A Book for Couples in Love

Create your own unique story with this original book full of challenges which you will be completing with your partner.

Our Love Challenges is a project inspired by our own experience. We often struggle to come up with original and lovely presents for our loved ones. There are many people with the same problem (maybe even you?) and so we decided to create this book.

Our Love Challenges is a unique book full of intriguing challenges, romance, adventure and enough free space to note down all the awesome things you experience. Along the way, as you complete the challenges, you strengthen your relationship and create a beautiful album of your memories that you can come back to at any time and remember how much fun you had together.

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Link to their Kickstarter campaign with pre-order option  

Link to their website at www.ourlovechallenges.com

Virtual Book Tour - Meet Michelle Stimpson, Author of Who Killed My Husband?

Write Now Literary is pleased to announce 

Who Killed My Husband? By Michelle Stimpson

Virtual Book Tour. July 17-28, 2017.  

Genre: Short Story/Mystery

ASIN: B071743ZLP

Michelle Stimpson is an author, a speaker, and an educator who received her Bachelor of Science degree from Jarvis Christian College in 1994. She earned a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2002. She has had the pleasure of teaching elementary, middle, and high school as well as training adults. In addition to her work in the field of education, Michelle ministers through writing and public speaking. Her works include the highly acclaimed Boaz Brown, Divas of Damascus Road (National Bestseller), and Falling Into Grace. She has published several short stories for high school students through her educational publishing company, Right Track Academic Support Services, at www.wegottaread.com. Michelle serves in women’s ministry at her home church, Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship, in Dallas, TX. She regularly speaks at special events and writing workshops sponsored by churches, schools, book clubs and other positive organizations, and she has taught writing classes at the University of Texas at Arlington. Michelle lives near Dallas with her husband, their two teenage children, and one crazy dog.

Ashley Crandall finally convinced her husband, Allan, to attend the Christian men’s retreat...but he ends up dead there. What happened to him on the campgrounds? Who would want to kill Allan? And why are the detectives pointing fingers at Ashley? In her quest to solve the mystery and clear her name, Ashley will learn something about her husband that she didn’t want to know and something about her Christian faith that shifts her life. 

This short work by national bestselling, multi-published author Michelle Stimpson is packed with emotion, suspense, and her signature way of weaving hope into a story – always a hit with readers who enjoy faith-based reads.

In Conversation with Michelle Stimpson

Q: This is a different kind of book for you. What made you venture a little with this title?

A: After writing 40+ books, an author can get kinds stagnant. I have recently started reading clean mysteries, and I found that I actually enjoy them. They keep me up late at night because I truly want to find out whodunit and why. I’m hoping my readers will enjoy a different pace, too. I think they’ll be glad to know it’s possible to change things up and still keep the message of the book strong.

Q: What is the message of the book?

A: The main character, Ashley, is struggling to make sense of things as they relate to her. She has suffered much loss in her life already. But she’s going to have to understand that God doesn’t make His plans around Her. She may be the apple of His eye, but she is not the center of the universe.  His promise to be there always will have to sufficient for some of us until we reach the other side.

Q: Wow! That title really caught me. How did you come up with the idea for this book?

A: You know what, I wish I could remember. Thankfully, I have not experience much death around me, but I know that the longer I live, the more loved ones will pass away. Death is a part of life.  I don’t kill off a lot of characters in my books, but there was just something about this couple that struck my imagination and I knew they needed a book. Quickly!

Q: How quick?

A: About 10 days from outline to finished first draft.

Q: Seriously?

A: Yes, but keep in mind: This is a shorter work of fiction.

Q: Why did you choose to write a shorter piece?

A: I actually got my start with fiction as a short-story writer. I love shorter reads because I can finish them quickly. My schedule is often irregular, so it’s hard for me to get into longer books during hectic weeks. When I sit down for a few hours with a short read, I already know I’m going to have the satisfaction of finishing it. I usually save longer reads for holidays/vacations.

Q: What else is going on with you outside of the writing world?

A: Glad you asked! I am now the grandmother of a wonderful baby girl. Bless God! I am spending a ridiculous amount of time just staring at her and nibbling on her juicy cheeks.

Q: What’s your next release?

A: I’ve got a non-fiction book coming out entitled Change Your Mind, Transform Your Life: 21 Truths to Renew Your Mind in Christ. I am always sooo excited about edifying believers. Non-fiction is not my first genre, but it is definitely one of the most fulfilling to me.

Q: Do you have advice for aspiring authors?

A: I have more than advice—I have help! They can visit www.PublishMyBookAlready.com to take classes and learn more about publishing, marketing, etc.

o:po:pspandiv

Q: How Can Readers Connect with You?

A: The best way to keep in touch is through my email list. I send out notice of new books and keep people posted on all kinds of things from events to what’s happening with their favorite characters to upcoming releases. Click here to join.

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Tour hosted by Write Now Literary 

www.wnlbooktours.com

Click here to follow the tour.