Category Archives: book reviews
Dynasty by Dutch
Paperback: 245 pages
Publisher: DC Bookdiva Publications
ISBN-10: 0578029464
ISBN-13: 978-0578029467
Price: $15.00
Purchase: DC BookDiva Publications | Amazon
Description
National Bestselling Author Dutch debut’s “Dynasty”, the first urban soap opera! The Bells and Simmons are family. The Bells, a crime family in New York, have the cocaine market on lock. The Simmons, hailing from the South, reign supreme in heroin. Talks of joining forces are suddenly stalled when family patriarch Guy Simmons is gunned down. Suspicions fly. Jealousy breeds. The body count rises. Guy Simmons has created a legacy he wants to pass on to his two sons, Kevin and Tyquan. However, his womanizing ways have spilled over and jeopardizes all he’s worked for. The mothers of his sons hate each other. Like mother, like son. Guy s shooting has ignited a new brotherly beef; a beef that could have deadly repercussions, especially when you have a family where the enemy may lie within.
Review
This is the second book I’ve read by Dutch. I believe he is an excellent writer and storyteller.
Dynasty is rich with intrigue and drama, containing some interesting twists which will surprise you.
Dutch draws you in immediately from the start, and you won’t want to put the book down. His characters are rich and vibrant, the story is detailed and believable. He is a gifted writer, who has an uncanny ability to teach as well as entertain you.
Dynasty is about two families, the Bells and the Simmons, but centers around the main protagonist, Guy Simmons. The surprises that are set off as a result of Guy’s decisions will have you reeling.
All in all, Dynasty is a fabulous read. I highly recommend it and can’t wait to read the sequel, Dynasty II.
Hailing from Newark, New Jersey, Dutch is the award winning, critically acclaimed, and Essence #1 bestselling author of the street classic Dutch trilogy. His other novels include The Adventures of Ghetto Sam and the Glory of My Demise and Thug Politics under the pseudonym Dutch. With a passion for writing, Dutch is hard at work on his next novel.
TAINTED by Novelist Blacc Topp
Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: BlaccStarr Media Group
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1630683647
ISBN-13: 978-1630683641
Purchase: BlaccStar Media Group | Amazon
Description
Monica cursed under her breath; she didn t like the fact that King had a hold on her body the way that he did. Their bodies had fit together as if they were made for each other….She had allowed herself to fall in love with a serial killer, a man with obvious mental problems, and if she didn t end the case soon, one of them would surely meet their demise at the hands of the other. Driven by the need to right the rape of her nine-year-old sister at the hands of drug lords, Monica Deitrich for a decade trained to work in law enforcement. Hired by the DEA, she receives her first assignment: Infiltrate and bring down King Kochese, a ruthless killer who controls the Texas drug trade. She soon finds her job is not so simple. Never mind the danger of working undercover the simple fact is that King Kochese is a virile, complicated man who she quickly falls for.
Review
I read Novelist Blacc Topp’s first book The Hustle Chronicles and absolutely loved it. But TAINTED though, wow!
As I’ve previously mentioned, I discovered this author recently, and his talent far surpasses any urban author I have read.
You know when you come across a writer that just has it. Well, Novelist Blacc Topp is that kind of writer. You can’t pigeon hole him. He is in a league of his own. He demonstrates versatility and range as a writer. He is not your every day, ordinary, or mundane writer.
His writing is rich, vivid and realistic, that I made the mistake of reading TAINTED before going to sleep. His incredibly written novel left me in suspense and at the edge of my seat.
Novelist Blacc Topp’s words and images portrayed, pierced my psyche and soul. His creative genius, passion and love for words, permeated off of every page. Thus, the recipe for his great story telling ability, as if you are watching a movie. I was able to visualize and feel everything he penned. He is an extraordinary writer.
Please, if you haven’t read any works of Novelist Blacc Topp, do yourself a favor, and pick up TAINTED. His talent and gift surpasses the average writer out there today.
TAINTED is a great piece of literature which will leave you breathless, spell bound and wanting more.
Novelist Blacc Topp was born to a father that was a gangster turned preacher and a mother that was a singer, artist, and scholar. He was born into a family of preachers, pimps, prostitutes, drug dealers, dopefiends, and squares. Blacc Topp was raised on the streets of South Dallas, Texas. After the death of his father, feeling as though he had nowhere to turn he turned to the gang. The neighborhood gang, Dixon Circle 357um Gangsta Crips is where he would learn to become ruthless and unfeeling. Although he was deep in the gang and game, he continued his studies for fear that his mother would make him move to Florida.
By the age nineteen he had been shot three times and was on his way to the Texas Department of Corrections with a forty year prison sentence for distribution of narcotics. While inside he lost his youngest sister to the violence of drugs in 1996. After serving seven years, he was granted parole (mainly due to his mother’s efforts). He used the education that he obtained inside to land a job at a top engineering firm in Texas. He used his love of word play to push himself to local fame on the hip-hop scene in Texas and Florida but, he would lose his mother to cancer in 2006, only to lose his oldest sister to cancer in 2008 and he knew something had to change. He began to chronicle his life, his mishaps and his capers which gave birth to The Hustle Chronicles, his debut novel and soundtrack of the same name.
You can follow him at: Novelist Blacc Topp, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
The Hustle Chronicles by Blacc Topp
Publisher: Blacc Star Media Group
ISBN-10: 1622093712
ISBN-13: 978-1622093717
Price: $10.00
Purchase: Blacc Star Media | Amazon
Description
Julius Jr.s’ childhood is far less than perfect. He is torn between his mother and father who are going through a bitter divorce. His world is turned upside down when his father takes him from the comfort of the family home in Benton Harbor Michigan to the brutal streets of South Dallas Texas. When Julius Jr.s’ family is gruesomely murdered his life takes a dramatic turn. His mother Naje moves to Texas to care for her youngest son and finds herself drawn into a conspiracy that threatens to not only take the life of her youngest son but hers as well. Roll with Julius as he grows into the ultimate hustler and unrelenting killer that the gang-ridden streets of South Dallas often breeds, where pimping, drug dealing, treachery and betrayal go hand in hand.
Review
I happened upon Novelist Blacc Topp recently, and decided to explore his writing. The Hustle Chronicles is his debut novel which was released in 2012.
Little did I know, I would embark on a suspenseful ride of twists and turns. I immediately fell in love with his writing, the story and the characters. Especially, Julius Sr. and Julius Jr. Their bond was special and touching.
Novelist Blacc Topp does an extraordinary job of evoking emotion as well as conveying the inner workings of the mind and heart of his characters. His writing style is raw, sensual and thought provoking. He draws you in, and seduces you with his vivid and detailed descriptions. It’s as if he’s holding your hand and guiding you through an experience you won’t forget.
Blacc Topp is a creative genius and a master of words. His unique and original style has taken this genre to another level.
I highly recommend The Hustle Chronicles, and any book he pens. I promise, you won’t be disappointed.
Novelist Blacc Topp was born to a father that was a gangster turned preacher and a mother that was a singer, artist, and scholar. He was born into a family of preachers, pimps, prostitutes, drug drealers, dopefiends, and squares. Blacc Topp was raised on the streets of South Dallas, Texas. After the death of his father, feeling as though he had nowhere to turn he turned to the gang. The neighborhood gang, Dixon Circle 357um Gangsta Crips is where he would learn to become ruthless and unfeeling. Although he was deep in the gang and game, he continued his studies for fear that his mother would make him move to Florida.
By the age nineteen he had been shot three times and was on his way to the Texas Department of Corrections with a forty year prison sentence for distribution of narcotics. While inside he lost his youngest sister to the violence of drugs in 1996. After serving seven years, he was granted parole (mainly due to his mother’s efforts). He used the education that he obtained inside to land a job at a top engineering firm in Texas. He used his love of word play to push himself to local fame on the hip-hop scene in Texas and Florida but, he would lose his mother to cancer in 2006, only to lose his oldest sister to cancer in 2008 and he knew something had to change. He began to chronicle his life, his mishaps and his capers which gave birth to The Hustle Chronicles, his debut novel and soundtrack of the same name.
You can follow him at: Novelist Blacc Topp, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
A Public Announcement
I wanted to make a public announcement to all my subscribers and readers…
Courtesy of Creative Commons
When I first began this blog, I was mainly focussed on reviewing Christian genre books. However, as time passed, I started reading and reviewing books in other genres.
Based on this new development, I no longer want to limit this blog to one genre. I decided to expand and include other books and genres that pique my interest.
As not to mislead or cause confusion to those who are either subscribed, visiting or reading my blog, I had my web designer remove the word “Christian” from the title of my blog.
This is not to say I won’t ever be reviewing Christian books again. It only suggests my desire to include other genres and not limit it to only Christian titles.
I want to take this opportunity to thank you for following my blog and for your continued support in this transition.
Tropical Illusions by John Bowens
ISBN-13: 9780985330309
Publisher: Step Ya Game Up
Publication date: 4/20/2012
Pages: 264
Price: $15.00
Purchase: Amazon | BN
Description
Tasia and Jeff are in a monogamous relationship and they share a bond befitting that of a fairy tale. Misfortune befalls them when two things happen. First, Jeff is seduced by a stripper named Tropical, and what begins as a protected sexual escapade ends as a harsh reality when Jeff learns that the condom broke during intercourse.
Next, Jeff is accused of murder, and he finds himself trapped in an unforgiving system, figuratively and sometimes literally, fighting for his life.
The drama unfolds when Jeff is diagnosed with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, and he’s forced to break this life changing news to the love of his life. Unfortunately, Tasia has no understanding. Instead of getting tested, she automatically assumes that she’s infected with the deadly disease. Out of hatred and anger, Tasia concludes that all men are dogs…and she vows to share her newly acquired fortune with as many men as possible.
Review
It’s been a while since I have reviewed a book, but Tropical Illusions by John Bowens was one I could not pass up. I have to be honest and say, that I wasn’t sure if I was going to like this book. I read the description and was on the fence about wanting to read anything about HIV or AIDs. However, I’m so glad I did, because Tropical Illusions taught me a lot.
I believe this story is vital and needs to get into hands of the youth. Tropical Illusions articulated a variety of life lessons, the greatest one being, the dire and fatal consequence of engaging in unprotected sex.
Let me tell you, if you or anyone you know is having unprotected sex, this book will scare the living daylights out of you. I can assure that after you read Tropical Illusions, you won’t have unprotected sex again.
Tropical Illusions was written as fiction, however, it felt real to me. It is the type of book that you can’t put down. You want to keep reading to find out what will happen next. The characters were palatable, the story was raw and explosive. Bowens did an excellent job as I was able to visualize and feel everything as if I was there.
I highly recommend Tropical Illusions, as it has an important and life saving message. I believe it needs to be read by as many people as possible, especially the youth.
After being sentenced to 19 years to be served in federal prison, John Bowens utilized his time by furthering his education. During his incarceration he lost a friend to HIV/AIDS which prompted him to begin writing. He was born and raised in NYC but currently resides in Charlotte, NC where he is an advocate encouraging others to join the fight against HIV and AIDS as well as the fight against illiteracy.
Author Interview: Umar Quadeer
Paperback: 300 pages
Publisher: Wahida Clark Presents
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1936649071
ISBN-13: 978-1936649075
Price: $15.95
Purchase: Amazon | BN
It is an honor to present a new author whom I had the pleasure of reading his most recent book, Enemy Bloodline and thoroughly enjoying it. I wanted to know more about him and he was gracious enough to do an interview with me.
Mr. Quadeer has a fresh voice and is gifted writer. I see great things ahead for this talented young man. It is with great pleasure that I introduce to you, Umar Quadeer.
1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. Where did you grow up? How was your childhood?
I grew up in North Philadelphia. My childhood was fun and adventurous, but dangerous.
2) When did you discover you wanted to be a writer?
My father taught me how to write rap songs at 9 years old. Over the years I grew a name in the underground hip hop world and my best songs were based on stories. So I ended up branching out and writing books.
3) What are some of your favorite authors?
Of course, Wahida Clark and Rumont Tekay. But I also like Stephen King, Robert Greene, Donald Goines, Joy Deja King, T. Styles, and K’wan to name a few.
4) What do you believe help shape you as a writer?
Signing this deal with Wahida, and going through the editing phase really molded me as a writer.
5) Tell us a little bit about your book, Enemy Bloodline. How did this book come about? Was it based on true life events?
I came up with this book sitting in my cell bored. I wanted a TV in my cell and couldn’t have one, so I went into my mind and started watching TV, lol!
Every night I would watch this movie in my mind and decided to write it down and that’s where Enemy Bloodline was born.
All my books are based on real situations with a fiction plot.
6) Will you be writing a sequel?
The sequel is finished I’m just tweaking it. But it will be coming soon!
7) What inspires you?
Energy and thoughts.
8) What is your dream?
My dream is to become one with the universe.
9) I read you were in federal prison for a number of years? How did you get through it? What did it teach you?
Being in the Feds taught me how to associate with millionaires. It trained me to be patient during setbacks and depend on myself to make anything happen.
It starts with yourself, then other elements of help come after.
I got through my time by writing books every month.
10) What advice would you share with our youth today?
Stay focused on your goals and stay out of trouble.
11) Lastly, what advice would you give a writer who is starting out?
My advice is to study the game, don’t just dive into a situation because it looks good. Build your craft and know your worth.
Umar Quadeer was raised in North Philadelphia, at a time were the city was the murder capital of the United States.
At the age of 13 Umar moved to Sacramento California where he was introduced to Crips and Bloods. At the age of 9 his father taught him how to write lyrics, memorize and recite them.
At the age of 16, Umar performed on stage with the late Notorious B.I.G., Mob Deep, and the Roots.
While doing time in the FEDS he began writing stories and decided to hone his craft. He joined a novel writing class and earned a certificate and upon his release landed a deal with Wahida Clark Presents.
The Making Of A Prophet by Jennifer LeClaire
Paperback: 176 pages
Publisher: Chosen Books (February 18, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800795628
ISBN-13: 978-0800795627
Price: $12.99
Purchase: Amazon | CBD | BN
Description
Now what?
In this book, leading prophetic voice Jennifer LeClaire guides readers along the journey of a prophet– from the initial call all the way through to maturity.
This process is anything but easy. But LeClaire offers honest, accessible counsel to help you move into your prophetic call. Her spiritual insights will help you overcome the fear of man, identify and eliminate wrong motives and, above all, pursue intimacy with God.
Many prophets are called . . . but not everyone endures the making process; to his or her prophetic destiny.
God is looking for people to entrust with the secrets of His heart.
Embrace the journey toward your call with this comprehensive, practical guide, and experience the awesome process of being formed into a mouthpiece for the God of the universe.
Review
I have read many books on this topic and The Making of a Prophet was the best I’ve read thus far.
When I first selected this book to review, I was on the fence about it. Since the other books I read were a disappointment. This book was different than all the other books I’ve read on this subject.
The Making of a Prophet is a practical and biblical guide to what it truly is to be used of God as a prophet and also, the great responsibility and cost that is associated with this office.
LeClaire does not sugar coat anything. She tells it like it is. She derives and shares from her own personal experiences; the mistakes as well as the victories.
Her writing style is honest, down to earth and real which I find refreshing in this day and age.
Especially with so many today in the prophetic ministry, who call themselves “prophets” and go around using, abusing and exploiting their so-called gift for their own personal gain, status or recognition.
If you want to read a sound and no nonsense book on this subject, I highly recommend you read, The Making of a Prophet.*
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a review.
Jennifer LeClaire is a prophetic voice and teacher with a growing media ministry. She directs IHOP-Fort Lauderdale and serves as news editor of Charisma magazine. In addition, she writes one of Charisma‘s most popular prophetic columns, “The Plumb Line,” and frequently contributes to Charisma‘s Prophetic Insight newsletter. Her media ministry includes her website, 40,000 followers on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and a growing newsletter list. She lives in south Florida. Learn more at www.jenniferleclaire.org.
A Forgotten Ministry
Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them;and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.
Hebrews 13:3
Courtesy of Creative Commons
A couple of weeks ago, I came across an article about a new book that was released, Black is the Day, Black is the Night by Amy Elkins.
This article fascinated me. Amy Elkins corresponded with five male inmates on death row, which lead to her book of remarkable photographs. She expresses their story in an artistic way.
I have been studying about solitary confinement and prison life for awhile now.
Our entire prison and justice system baffles and troubles me. I have a burden for those who are incarcerated.
Those who have been locked up, forgotten about by family and so-called friends as if they no longer exist.
Let me share an excerpt by Amy Elkins:
“A system that uses long-term solitary confinement and capital punishment is broken. Housing someone in infinite isolation has been proven to be hugely damaging to one’s psychological and physical state. This type of isolation breeds behavioral and emotional imbalances that are bound to cause most to remain in a perpetual state of anxiety, depression and anger. Which means they are set up for failure. There is absolutely no way to rehabilitate in such conditions. But clearly rehabilitation isn’t what they have in mind.
I have written with one man in particular who has served 20 years in solitary confinement as part of a Life Without Parole (LWOP) sentence for a non-murder related crime he committed aged 16. He has written about going years talking through concrete walls without ever seeing the men he holds daily conversations with. He spends nearly 23 hours a day in a small cell by himself and when he is let out, he is shackled and permitted to exercise in a slightly larger room by himself for an hour. How he’s gone 20 years in these conditions and not gone completely mad is mind blowing.”
I have been writing to inmates off and on now for years. You have no idea how happy it makes them to receive letters.
While sitting in their 6 x 9 to 8 x 10 feet cell, day in and day out, for 22 or 23 hours a day, with no hope of physical contact with anyone other than a correctional officer.
They describe solitary confinement or death row as hell on earth.
You may be thinking, these prisoners are criminals, they deserve what they get. They took a life or whatever, so they need to pay for what they did.
But think about it, how will they ever rehabilitate in a barbaric system like solitary confinement or capital punishment?
The system is flawed.
The Bible admonishes us not to forget about those who are in prison.
Perhaps you don’t want to visit a prison. That is understandable. It’s not for everyone.
But, if you have a burden, you could write to an inmate or two.
Some churches even have a prison ministry. If you a part of or member of a church, you may be able to get involved in their pen pal ministry.
If not, you can do it on your own; just Google inmate pen pal sites and choose an inmate to write to.
It’s best to write to the same sex, however, you may discover you identify and have a burden for someone of the opposite sex.
It is important to be clear about your position and intention in your first letter to them, so they know where you stand. Setting boundaries from the beginning is vital.
They will respect your wishes because all they desire is to be able to communicate with someone, anyone.
Believe it or not, the majority do not receive letters from anyone.
If you are concerned about your safety or of your family, you can always use an alias and rent a P.O. Box.
I highly suggest only using a P.O. Box.
If you are going to begin writing to an inmate, the most important thing to remember is consistency is key.
If you believe you won’t be able to be consistent for whatever reason, it is best not to start.
The reason why I say this, is because it will only result in another let down and disappointment for them.
They are already at a loss and suffer from hopelessness.
The only thing they look forward to is receiving letters.
If you decide to start, please make sure you can stick with it.
Writing to those in prison is a forgotten ministry, but is one of the best ways to demonstrate God’s love in action.
Is this something you would be interested in doing? Do you have any questions or concerns? If so, please comment below.
Life After Death by Damien Echols
Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: Plume
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0142180289
ISBN-13: 978-0142180280
Price: $17.00
Purchase: Amazon | BN
Description:
The New York Times bestselling memoir by Damien Echols of the West Memphis Three, who was falsely convicted of three murders and spent nearly eighteen years on Death Row—Life After Death is destined to be a classic of explosive, riveting prison literature.
Review:
I read an interview with John Grisham and the interviewer asked him what he was reading. He responded, a memoir called Life After Death by Damien Echols. He mentioned it was one of the best books he’s read in a long time. So I decided to get it.
When I began reading this book, I was riveted.
Damien Echols is an extraordinary writer. I was blown away by the way he writes. He is a true artist.
However, this book is no walk in the park. Nor is this the type of book I would normally gravitate to. Life is hard enough than to read about injustice to such severity, it made my blood boil.
I honestly do not know how Damien Echols survived it, much less, remained the positive person he is today with all the hell he endured. What resilience.
He was falsely accused and convicted of a crime he didn’t commit. He and two others were accused of murdering three boys in West Memphis, Arkansas. They did not do it. Someone else did and they still haven’t found out who.
Imagine being a teenager and spending 18 years on death row for a crime you didn’t commit? Being beaten by guards and surrounded by mentally ill inmates. Prison is full of the mentally ill who are not getting the help they need. They are put in prison to rot, meanwhile they are not well.
His memoir was difficult to read. I found myself disgusted, angry, sad, disillusioned and broken for him and all those who are on death row or in solitary confinement who are innocent.
I can’t find the words to describe how provoking this book is. This book describes the absolute brokenness of our prison system. It also sheds light on the corruption that exists in our court system.
If Damien Echols was standing in front of me today, I would apologize to him on behalf of all the Christians in his life that turned him away from Christ.
He depicts with such accuracy the judgmental and critical nature of Christians. While reading his experiences outside and inside of prison, I was embarrassed and ashamed. Instead of Christians being a light in his life, they were the complete opposite.
There is no other word to describe it other than disgusting.
I would tell Mr. Nichols, those were not followers of Christ. Those were lost, broken people, who were ignorant, confused and didn’t know an ounce about loving others.
As a result of this, he is not a Christian today. He became a buddhist in prison. He was treated better by Buddhists than Christians. After what he went through, I can’t quite blame him.
There was one part where he describes that when there was an execution scheduled, Christians would appear, but not on any other time. It was as if they enjoyed the excitement of someone being executed.
I can’t write it the way he describes it in his book. He is truly brilliant and a gifted writer. His writing is palatable for you see and feel everything.
I am glad he is free now and with his wife Lorri who helped him the most. There were many others, but she was the persistent one, who never gave up.
He also made mention that the prison system is designed for those to be forgotten by society, including family and friends. He said what gave him some hope and kept him going was receiving encouraging letters from strangers.
Overall, I would have to say this was the best book I read in 2013. Yes, it was the hardest to read, but it was most certainly the best. I highly recommend it, but it’s definitely not for the faint at heart.
Damien Echols was born in 1974 and grew up in Mississippi, Tennessee, Maryland, Oregon, Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas. At age eighteen he was wrongfully convicted of murder, along with Jason Baldwin and Jessie Miskelley, Jr. Echols received a death sentence and spent almost eighteen years on Death Row, until he, Baldwin, and Miss Kelley were released in 2011. The West Memphis Three have been the subject of Paradise Lost, a three-part documentary series produced by HBO, and West of Memphis, a documentary produced by Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh. Echols is the author of a self-published memoir, Almost Home. He and his wife, Lorri Davis, live in Massachusetts.
Author Interview: Rhonda McKnight
Today I have the great pleasure of introducing, author Rhonda McKnight.
My connection to this superb writer is through our mutual friend, mentor and amazing author, Victoria Christopher Murray.
I really enjoyed her interview, and I hope you will too.
********
1) Tell me about your current project?
Breaking All The Rules is my first romance and my second indie project.
All of my novels were with traditionally published with Kensington and my first indie project was only indie for a short time. I sold it to my publisher for re-release.
Breaking is the story of a Deniece Malcolm, a wedding planner, whose pregnant baby sister is marrying her ex-fiancé. I think it’s a no, no for most people, but dating an friend or relative’s EX is a major taboo in the African-American community.
To make matters worse, Deniece’s sister has the nerve to ask her to help with the wedding.
Our hero is the groom’s rich, sexy, younger cousin, Ethan Wright. Ethan’s interested in Deniece, but she has a rule about dating younger men.
Despite her resistance, things heat up between them and Deniece begins to wonder if it’s time to break a few rules of her own.
2) How has Breaking All The Rules been received?
Readers love it. They love it more than I ever thought they would. It’s my first romance and I was a little nervous about introducing something that wasn’t the women’s fiction I normally write, but they can’t get enough of my hero.
The reviews have poured in and the sales have been better than I ever thought they would be. I also received my first review in USA Today and it was glowing. I was quite proud of that.
3) How long did it take you to write your first novel?
Too long. About 32 years. (That was a joke.)
I became serious about publication in 2003 and started Secrets and Lies in May of 2004.
I work full-time, so any writing I do is in the evenings and on weekends.
I finished the book in early 2007, but along the way I completed graduate school, had a baby, and in general was not working on the manuscript. Time in front of the computer was probably a total of seven months.
I wrote my second novel, An Inconvenient Friend in six weeks.
4) What was the most difficult thing about writing a novel?
The stress of draft writing and the discipline of pushing to the end without hating it too much along the way.
5) Who are your mentors or influences?
Victoria Christopher Murray is my mentor and she’s taught me more in a phone conversation than I could learn in ten years in this business.
6) Who are your favorite authors and why?
Victoria Christopher Murray, Pamela Samuels-Young and the late BeBe Moore Campbell. Victoria and the late Ms Campbell are master story tellers.
Ms. Moore in particular weaved multiple complex plots and a large cast of characters seamlessly. I miss her voice. I love a good mystery.
Pamela is the next John Grisham. Her legal thrillers are not to be missed.
7) What are your favorite books and why?
My favorite books are Too Little, Too Late by Victoria Christopher Murray, My Soul Cries Out by Sherri Lewis, A Heart of Devotion by Tia McCollors and Passing By Samaria by Sharon Ewell Foster.
In addition to being well written, I learned something from each story that has helped me in my Christian walk. That’s important to me and puts them at the top of my list.
Another favorite is Gather Together In My Name by Tracy Price-Thompson. I read it in one sitting and I’ve read it twice. I never read a book in one sitting and I never read a book more than once, so there was something special about it. I’ve not quite sure I’ve figured it out yet. I think it was just a fantastic story.
8) What books have helped you as a writer?
Books about novel writing. I own nearly 40 craft books and have probably borrowed at least 20 more from the public library.
9) What are you currently working on?
A Christmas novella that won’t end. LOL. Give A Little Love. It’s due for release in early December. I hope!
10) What do you want a reader to get from your novels?
I want readers to be entertained by my stories, because I’m an entertainer first. I’d love for them to also walk away with a message about hope, faith and forgiveness, because those are the themes that resonate from my work.
11) What is your writing and creative process?
I’m a bit of a planner. My stories or characters come to me and I write the first one or two chapters, but then I never write more until I know exactly who the people are and what’s going to happen.
I typically write the last chapter after I write the first and I force myself to outline and determine the goals, motivation and conflict before I get to Chapter 3. I write much faster and cleaner that way.
I draft write without re-writing and then re-write, re-write and re-write until I’ve reached my deadline.
My books are never finished. I just have to stop.
12) How does your faith play into your writing?
Heavily, I write who I am and I am a person who loves the Lord, so it shows in my stories. I’m also a divorced woman who still loves men, so the men in books are flawed, but they smell and look good.
13) How does a Christian writer write about romance and sex without feeling like they are sinning?
Let me say this so it’s clear up front, I write a pretty sweet romance. I’ve never written anything but chaste stories. I’m not sure how it works for other people, but I don’t think there’s anything un-Christian about romance and sex, and I consider myself to be a conservative Christian.
However, I also know the word “Christian” means different things to different people. Being Christian is my faith, but it’s also a lifestyle. While I recognize that we’re in our flesh (the human state) until we die, there are things that we can do through faith; remain celibate is one of them.
My stories are sexy, but I don’t write sex scenes. My characters are strongly attracted to people, but “though shalt not fornicate” in a Rhonda McKnight story. I balance what is realistic with what the Holy Spirit says is okay. When I rewrite it’s very easy to find content that needs to be deleted.
14) What do you think is the number one thing that hinders writers?
That’s an interesting question. Are writers really hindered? I don’t believe we are.
Writing is solitary act that can be as private or public as the writer decides.
Authors are hindered or can be by lots of things: contracts, deadlines, genre, reader expectations, the demands of marketing, etc, etc, etc.
I could go on and on, but I’ll sound ungrateful. LOL. I am glad to have a book contract.
15) Lastly, what advice would you give a novice writer?
Attend writer’s conferences (American Christian Fiction Writers is a very good one, as is Black Writers Reunion Conference) and build a network of other writers.
You’ll learn a great deal at a conference and your network will encourage you to stay the course. I know mine did.
The writers I connected with ten years ago are the same people I email and text good news and “grumble, moan and whine to” today. They’re also the people who help me promote my work and I help them. Those relationships are very important.
Pick a project and make yourself finish it. Get to “The End”. The End feels so good.
Lastly, believe in yourself.
Everyone won’t support your writing. Most people won’t, so be okay with ‘you’ being the only person who does.
Thank you so much for this wonderful interview, Rhonda McKnight.
********
Rhonda McKnight is the author of the Black Expressions Top 20 bestseller, A Woman’s Revenge (Mar 2013), What Kind of Fool (Feb 2012), An Inconvenient Friend (Aug 2010), Secrets and Lies (Dec 2009) and Breaking All the Rules (Oct 2013).
She was a 2010 nominee for the African-American Literary Award in the categories of Best Christian Fiction Novel and Best Anthology. She was the winner of the 2010 Emma Award for Favorite Debut Author and the 2009 Shades of Romance Award for Best Christian Fiction Novel.
Originally from a small, coastal town in New Jersey, she’s called Atlanta, Georgia home for fifteen years.
Visit her at www.rhondamcknight.net and www.facebook.com/booksbyrhonda and follow her on Twitter @rhondamcknight.
Who’s Who In The Bible by Jean-Pierre Isbouts
Hardcover: 384 pages
Publisher: National Geographic
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1426211597
ISBN-13: 978-1426211591
Price: $40.00
Purchase: Amazon | CBD | BN
Description
From the fall of Adam and Eve to Judas’s betrayal of Jesus, the key events of the Bible are expressed through the lives of hundreds of people. Each of the five chapters begins with a comprehensive historical overview that sets the stage for the events and characters that follow and detail the political and historical forces at play in the events described. This overview is augmented with award-winning maps, stunning National Geographic photographs that lend the text a sense of place, a time line that places the events in context.
The chapters end with a comprehensive alphabetical directory of the characters that appear in that part of the Bible. In true National Geographic fashion, exquisite art and artifacts, informative maps, intriguing text and unique family tree features are the threads that tie this illuminating volume together, revealing the stories of Biblical characters in chronological order and highlighting their greater meaning for mankind.
Who’s Who In the Bible is an authoritative and engaging reference source and an ideal gift for any religion or history buff.
Who’s Who in the Bible: Overview of the Book http://youtu.be/L1k4Psh-8BM
Who’s Who in the Bible: The Women of the Bible http://youtu.be/XslTybzLakA
Who’s Who in the Bible: Abraham, Hagar and Ishmael http://youtu.be/dj4LaXLDTbA
Who’s Who in the Bible: Dinah http://youtu.be/Om5eEX0cqr4
Who’s Who in the Bible: Mary Magdalene: http://youtu.be/ZJmLEcn9K78
Review
Who’s Who in the Bible is a delightful reference book. This textbook is filled with beautiful paintings, drawings and photographs from Genesis to Revelation.
It contains an alphabetical listing of characters and important timelines. This book is an incredible resource.
I collect books and this one surpasses any biblical reference book I have on my shelves.
I enjoyed being transported to biblical times while reading and viewing the photographs in this masterpiece.
Dr. Jean-Pierre Isbouts is brilliant and did a magnificent job in his research and writing of this book.
Who’s Who in the Bible does not disappoint. This is a must have for any biblical scholar, student, professor or layman.
Who’s Who in the Bible will make a wonderful Christmas gift. I highly recommend it.
Jean-Pierre Isbouts completed his doctoral program on archeology and art at the University of Leyden and is currently professor of culture and media studies at Fielding Graduate University in Santa Barbara, California. He has written several other books, including National Geographic’s The Biblical World: An Illustrated Atlas, From Moses to Muhammad and In the Footsteps of Jesus.
Isbouts has also written four television programs that explore the legacy of the Bible, including the Hallmark television mini-series “The Quest for Peace,” which won the 2005 Gold Aurora Award and the 2005 DeRose-Hinkhouse Award.
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