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Diary of a Freak by Bricy Shay Genre: African American Romance, African American Urban Fiction Publication Date: March 16, 2016 Publisher: Boss Chic Empire Publications ASIN: B01CV0B2X0 Price: $4.99, Available free with Kindle Unlimited Synopsis There is a dark side to every freak. Sexually, it takes a lot from a woman when her innocence is taken away. Some people hate sex for this reason, but others use sex as an escape as to what is really going on in their life. Many of the stories in this book will hit home for some people, and it is time to stop hiding behind all the secrets and lies that we, as humans, tend to do every day. The beginning of this book explains the dark side of every character. This book will go from the present to the past and back to the present. Welcome into the world of us crazy freaks. Add Diary of a Freak to your TBR Goodreads List https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29534337-diary-of-a-freak Purchase Links Amazon Kindle eBook: http://amzn.com/B01CV0B2X0 Enter the Giveaway Giveaway #1 https://goo.gl/18YqF4 Giveaway #2 http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/3f2f1a425/ Be sure to follow the Diary of a Freak Blog Tour! To stay updated, click here: http://www.vipliteraryservices.com/diary-of-a-freak.  About Bricy: Bricy Shay is a business owner by day and an urban fiction author by night. She is an island gal, born in the United States but raised in The Bahamas. Bricy Shay loves to read and write urban exotic novels. She began writing books from the age of fifteen and finally released her first book, Mr. Officer, in 2015 under Boss Chic Empire Publications. Bricy Shay wants her readers to escape into a different world when reading her books. For more about Bricy Shay you can follow her on Instagram, Facebook and Amazon. Connect With BricyShay Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14071730.BricyShay Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/BricyShay/e/B00Z90RHHA/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BricyShay Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorbricyshay/  If you enjoyed Bricy's excerpt, please leave her some comment love in the comments section. To join this blog, simply click the "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the right panel.For exclusive content, contests, cover reveals, and more join my newsletter. Living Life Beautifully Inspired!
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I will always be a Mama's girl and she will always be the center of my world. <3
She's an excellent mother, wife, and grandmother. She can often be seen dancing around the house, whether to the music pouring from the radio, or a beat in her head.
I love you, Mama! Happy 60th!!!
I love you, Mama! Happy 60th!!!
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Living Life Beautifully Inspired!
Undeniably Chelle...
A nine-year-old little girl in Utah was raped by four men, while her mother sat in her basement smoking meth. That news scrolled on the ticker tape at the bottom of my television screen on Tuesday, April 5th. I was outraged at this horrific crime, wondering how we as mothers, as a nation, as a people get so lost in ourselves that we can allow our children to be victimized in such a manner.
When I got up to start my morning prayer, I prayed for that little girl. While I do not know her or her circumstances, I am moved in my heart to want to protect her. Yet, all I have to offer is prayer and declarations and decrees over her life. Too often throughout the world our children are victims of rape, molestation, abuse, homelessness, hunger, bullying, predators, poverty, abandonment, orphaned, and so much more.
As I prayed for this little girl, I began to pray for the children all over the world who are suffering at the hands of their victimizers. I pray our Heavenly Father's protection, peace, and comfort over their lives, and declare deliverance and healing for every one of them. All too often, children who have been victimized lash out in some form or other, which usually takes them on a path of self-destruction. They have been stripped of self-love, and self-esteem.
There is freedom and healing in our prayers and we have to pray for one another. We have to pray for these children, because they are our future. They need our covering from the plans of the enemy designed to destroy them and their future. However, I believe and therefore, declare that they shall live and not die, that they may declare the works of the Lord (Psalm 118:71). There is a testimony within that they must use to empower others. The Lord is fighting on their side and has guaranteed them the victory (Deuteronomy 20:4). Therefore, I declare they are healed and victorious, and every shackle and chain has been broken off their lives.
The power of prayer breaks the chains and shackles placed on our lives by those who victimize us. Some of the heinous acts I have listed above are enacted against us by those who are filled with an evil spirit. Only with prayer can we overcome what has been done to us (Mark 9:29). Understanding the power you unleash when you pray gives you the authority to break the chains that have been placed on your children and the children of the world. We have been given the authority to protect and heal them through our prayers (John 14:13-14).
Speaking into our children's lives and the lives of children across the world brings positive light into their lives. It serves as a counterattack against the enemy, stopping his destructive plans. We must believe there is power in prayer and speaking things that are not as though they were. It's our duty to speak life into our children, for we know that whatever we speak that's what will come to pass. "Death and life [are] in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof." Proverbs 18:21
When I got up to start my morning prayer, I prayed for that little girl. While I do not know her or her circumstances, I am moved in my heart to want to protect her. Yet, all I have to offer is prayer and declarations and decrees over her life. Too often throughout the world our children are victims of rape, molestation, abuse, homelessness, hunger, bullying, predators, poverty, abandonment, orphaned, and so much more.
As I prayed for this little girl, I began to pray for the children all over the world who are suffering at the hands of their victimizers. I pray our Heavenly Father's protection, peace, and comfort over their lives, and declare deliverance and healing for every one of them. All too often, children who have been victimized lash out in some form or other, which usually takes them on a path of self-destruction. They have been stripped of self-love, and self-esteem.
There is freedom and healing in our prayers and we have to pray for one another. We have to pray for these children, because they are our future. They need our covering from the plans of the enemy designed to destroy them and their future. However, I believe and therefore, declare that they shall live and not die, that they may declare the works of the Lord (Psalm 118:71). There is a testimony within that they must use to empower others. The Lord is fighting on their side and has guaranteed them the victory (Deuteronomy 20:4). Therefore, I declare they are healed and victorious, and every shackle and chain has been broken off their lives.
The power of prayer breaks the chains and shackles placed on our lives by those who victimize us. Some of the heinous acts I have listed above are enacted against us by those who are filled with an evil spirit. Only with prayer can we overcome what has been done to us (Mark 9:29). Understanding the power you unleash when you pray gives you the authority to break the chains that have been placed on your children and the children of the world. We have been given the authority to protect and heal them through our prayers (John 14:13-14).
Speaking into our children's lives and the lives of children across the world brings positive light into their lives. It serves as a counterattack against the enemy, stopping his destructive plans. We must believe there is power in prayer and speaking things that are not as though they were. It's our duty to speak life into our children, for we know that whatever we speak that's what will come to pass. "Death and life [are] in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof." Proverbs 18:21
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For exclusive content, contests, cover reveals, and more join my newsletter.
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Living Life Beautifully Inspired!
Undeniably Chelle
It's a #writerwednesday and I'm sharing a snippet from BeJeweled: A Beautiful Blend! Ladies, the fellas are getting together today and having straight talk no chaser! There are no filters today.
Let's be a fly on the wall and here what they have to say abut the "womenfolk."
EXCERPT_CHAPTER_SAVING WESLEY:
A knock at the door disturbed their conversation. They both looked at one another to determine who would answer it; nodding their head in agreement, they called out in unison, “Come in.”
The door swung open, and in walked Eric, Ali, and another good friend named Ricky.
James got up from his recliner and walked up to Ricky.
“Wassup, my man. I ain’t seen you in a minute,” James greeted Ricky with a large smile, giving what the fellas called ‘dap’, clasping their right hands together and pulling towards one another in a half-hug. James exchanged pound with Eric and Ali, too, before reclaiming his seat in his recliner.
“Nothin’ much, boss man. Just clocking the dollars,” Ricky replied. “I thought I needed to make an appearance to check on my cat over here.” Ricky walked towards Wesley and smiled at him as they gave dap.
“Wassup, cap, we got a prez for ya, my nig,” Eric said. “Give it to ‘im, Ali.” He gestured to a bag Ali was holding in his hands. Ali sat the bag on the coffee table where Wesley previously had his feet propped up.
“Yeah, man, we figured you needed this to complete the role. You can’t do a proper job without it,” Ali said, reaching into the bag.
“Man, what y’all fools tripping on?” Wesley smiled. Looking around the room, he could tell everyone was in on whatever was going on, including James who sat in his recliner with a smug look on his face.
“Well, since you wanted to be Cap’n Sav-A…we figured you needed the cape to go with it,” Eric teased. Ali pulled a red cape out of the bag with an “S” engraved on the back. All the fellows fell out laughing, except Wesley.
“Oh, okay, y’all got jokes, now. I see, I see.” Wesley looked at each one of the men.
“Wassup, brother? I hear you’ve got yourself a DV run away,” Ricky stated.
“Oh, so, that’s why you finally came to holla at yo’ peeps. We ain’t seen you in months, cuz that job keep you on lock down, and now you pop up. So, they sent you to rescue me?” Wesley teased back.
Ricky nodded his head. “Man, they desperate and hoping I can talk some sense into you.”
“And you figure you can, huh?” Wesley asked, looking at his friend, Ricky.
“Yeah, boy. We ain’t tryna’ have you go out like that. We ain’t ready to lose our boy. ‘Specially not over no woman.” Ricky shook his head.
“Man, I’m like Everlast; I ain’t going nowhere.” Wesley patted his hand against his chest.
“I hear ya, man, but that ain’t what James said. He told us you losing it, man. Wassup with you going to ol’ girl’s apartment, staking it out to see her man? What was you gon’ do, boy? You can’t roll up on nobody like that, especially when you ain’t got yo’ boys having yo’ back. You don’t know what you rolling up into. What if ol’ dude was packing heat? Then what? And the saddest part about it, man, she gonna be sittin’ up here, talking ‘bout how things got out of hand and she didn’t mean for it to go down like that. Do you really think we gon’ be tryin’ to hear that? You forgot about my ordeal, huh?” Ricky asked.
Ali, Eric, and James sat quietly while the two men engaged in the conversation.
“Na’ll, man, I ain’t forgot,” Wesley mumbled quietly, feeling like a chastised child.
“Good, and don’t you ever forget. Cuz when Gina’s husband, Doug, came up in my place and shot me cuz his woman wouldn’t come back home, I thought my life was over. Not because he shot to kill, cuz he didn’t. I was hurt, boy. I lost my damn mind during those months. I couldn’t believe she gave him the key I had given her and let this dude walk up in my place like that. She didn’t even call to warn me. When he left her job that day headed to my crib, she didn’t do shit. She just let it go down, talkin’ ‘bout he said he was just coming to talk to me. Kinda shit is that? Then to top it off, she go back home to ‘im, talkin’ bout they gon’ work on they marriage. Then she had the nerve to be mad at me when his ass went down for that shit! Talkin’ ‘bout, I didn’t have to press charges. I didn’t. I ain’t no bitch ass nigga. I was going back for mine. Neighbors called the folks and told ‘em what happened. That’s how his ass got caught. I’m tellin’ you, ain’t no woman worth all that. I don’t care what her story is. If she can’t get a divorce first, she ain’t for you, man.”
“She a good girl though, man. She just need somebody to protect her.” Wesley knew his heart was gone. At this point, there wasn’t anything Wesley would not do to protect Nikki.
“That’s her husband, dawg. And that’s her story to you. You don’t know what they going through. She could be telling you anything. Heffas be scheming.” Eric chuckled.
“All I know is she can’t stay here,” James repeated.
The doorbell rang again at that moment and Ali popped up from his spot on the floor and went to answer it. When he opened the door, he rubbed his hands together, smiling, looking at her rear assets. He just needed her to turn around to make sure the face matched the rest of her.
“Good eeeveninng…what can I do for you!” he exclaimed as he rubbed his hands together.
Disappointment took over his features when she turned around sporting a swollen belly.
She smiled back at him and said, “I’m here to see Wesley.”
Let's be a fly on the wall and here what they have to say abut the "womenfolk."
EXCERPT_CHAPTER_SAVING WESLEY:
A knock at the door disturbed their conversation. They both looked at one another to determine who would answer it; nodding their head in agreement, they called out in unison, “Come in.”
The door swung open, and in walked Eric, Ali, and another good friend named Ricky.
James got up from his recliner and walked up to Ricky.
“Wassup, my man. I ain’t seen you in a minute,” James greeted Ricky with a large smile, giving what the fellas called ‘dap’, clasping their right hands together and pulling towards one another in a half-hug. James exchanged pound with Eric and Ali, too, before reclaiming his seat in his recliner.
“Nothin’ much, boss man. Just clocking the dollars,” Ricky replied. “I thought I needed to make an appearance to check on my cat over here.” Ricky walked towards Wesley and smiled at him as they gave dap.
“Wassup, cap, we got a prez for ya, my nig,” Eric said. “Give it to ‘im, Ali.” He gestured to a bag Ali was holding in his hands. Ali sat the bag on the coffee table where Wesley previously had his feet propped up.
“Yeah, man, we figured you needed this to complete the role. You can’t do a proper job without it,” Ali said, reaching into the bag.
“Man, what y’all fools tripping on?” Wesley smiled. Looking around the room, he could tell everyone was in on whatever was going on, including James who sat in his recliner with a smug look on his face.
“Well, since you wanted to be Cap’n Sav-A…we figured you needed the cape to go with it,” Eric teased. Ali pulled a red cape out of the bag with an “S” engraved on the back. All the fellows fell out laughing, except Wesley.
“Oh, okay, y’all got jokes, now. I see, I see.” Wesley looked at each one of the men.
“Wassup, brother? I hear you’ve got yourself a DV run away,” Ricky stated.
“Oh, so, that’s why you finally came to holla at yo’ peeps. We ain’t seen you in months, cuz that job keep you on lock down, and now you pop up. So, they sent you to rescue me?” Wesley teased back.
Ricky nodded his head. “Man, they desperate and hoping I can talk some sense into you.”
“And you figure you can, huh?” Wesley asked, looking at his friend, Ricky.
“Yeah, boy. We ain’t tryna’ have you go out like that. We ain’t ready to lose our boy. ‘Specially not over no woman.” Ricky shook his head.
“Man, I’m like Everlast; I ain’t going nowhere.” Wesley patted his hand against his chest.
“I hear ya, man, but that ain’t what James said. He told us you losing it, man. Wassup with you going to ol’ girl’s apartment, staking it out to see her man? What was you gon’ do, boy? You can’t roll up on nobody like that, especially when you ain’t got yo’ boys having yo’ back. You don’t know what you rolling up into. What if ol’ dude was packing heat? Then what? And the saddest part about it, man, she gonna be sittin’ up here, talking ‘bout how things got out of hand and she didn’t mean for it to go down like that. Do you really think we gon’ be tryin’ to hear that? You forgot about my ordeal, huh?” Ricky asked.
Ali, Eric, and James sat quietly while the two men engaged in the conversation.
“Na’ll, man, I ain’t forgot,” Wesley mumbled quietly, feeling like a chastised child.
“Good, and don’t you ever forget. Cuz when Gina’s husband, Doug, came up in my place and shot me cuz his woman wouldn’t come back home, I thought my life was over. Not because he shot to kill, cuz he didn’t. I was hurt, boy. I lost my damn mind during those months. I couldn’t believe she gave him the key I had given her and let this dude walk up in my place like that. She didn’t even call to warn me. When he left her job that day headed to my crib, she didn’t do shit. She just let it go down, talkin’ ‘bout he said he was just coming to talk to me. Kinda shit is that? Then to top it off, she go back home to ‘im, talkin’ bout they gon’ work on they marriage. Then she had the nerve to be mad at me when his ass went down for that shit! Talkin’ ‘bout, I didn’t have to press charges. I didn’t. I ain’t no bitch ass nigga. I was going back for mine. Neighbors called the folks and told ‘em what happened. That’s how his ass got caught. I’m tellin’ you, ain’t no woman worth all that. I don’t care what her story is. If she can’t get a divorce first, she ain’t for you, man.”
“She a good girl though, man. She just need somebody to protect her.” Wesley knew his heart was gone. At this point, there wasn’t anything Wesley would not do to protect Nikki.
“That’s her husband, dawg. And that’s her story to you. You don’t know what they going through. She could be telling you anything. Heffas be scheming.” Eric chuckled.
“All I know is she can’t stay here,” James repeated.
The doorbell rang again at that moment and Ali popped up from his spot on the floor and went to answer it. When he opened the door, he rubbed his hands together, smiling, looking at her rear assets. He just needed her to turn around to make sure the face matched the rest of her.
“Good eeeveninng…what can I do for you!” he exclaimed as he rubbed his hands together.
Disappointment took over his features when she turned around sporting a swollen belly.
She smiled back at him and said, “I’m here to see Wesley.”
I hope you enjoyed this excerpt. To get your copy click the link below:
BeJeweled: A Beautiful Blend
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BeJeweled: A Beautiful Blend
To join this blog, simply click the "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the right panel.
For exclusive content, contests, cover reveals, and more join my newsletter.
Living Life Beautifully Inspired!
Undeniably Chelle
21 Days of Love!!! March Madness! I ain't feeling the love and you damned right that was mad! This ain't no sports team, this a blog! How she gon' just kick me out for two months? For real? People walking up in the shop, talking 'bout, "Tyrone, you been fired?" or "Ty, why we ain't reading your posts over at Chelle's Blog, no mo'? She got rid of you?"
Heffas, don't come at me like that! Ain't nobody fired this diva! I ain't going nowhere! But two months? Honey, please! I had time enough to look for another job in that two months. What's my new job? Sitting at home, being mad as hell!!! How she gon' let all them authors come up in here gallivanting sharing their love posts from their books, and not have me up in here. Honey, I can write a love scene that'll make yo' head spin like that girl in that Exorcist movie! By the time I finish with you, y'all will be praying for some holy oil!!!
Two months? Who kicks somebody off their blog for two months! You ain't paying me! I'm volunteering! Then I hear she's writing for these other two blogs as well. Hmph! Do it again, and I'm gonna go write for AmoreSpeaks! Yeah, I know I'll have to clean up my language, but I'll show Chelle a thing or two. Who does she think she is? You. Don't. Put. Ty. On. Hold!
Then I heard she had a book club appearance yesterday. I wasn't even invited! She could've dropped by the shop and shared an invite or two, with the rest of us. Mm-mm. She too good for that! Then I heard she was talking about everybody at the salon while she was in the meeting. But a big bird told me she glossed over me. I see you, boo. Well, I'm just gon' gloss over her appearance, and that's all I'm saying on that matter.
You know what! I'm not feeling this! I think I'm heading home for the day. I'm not even going back to the shop. So, divas if you need yo' do did, drop by on Saturday. I'm feeling a little spring feverish today and I need a few days to myself. Maybe, I'll be back next Tuesday...maybe I won't. You'll have to stop by to see.
Heffas, don't come at me like that! Ain't nobody fired this diva! I ain't going nowhere! But two months? Honey, please! I had time enough to look for another job in that two months. What's my new job? Sitting at home, being mad as hell!!! How she gon' let all them authors come up in here gallivanting sharing their love posts from their books, and not have me up in here. Honey, I can write a love scene that'll make yo' head spin like that girl in that Exorcist movie! By the time I finish with you, y'all will be praying for some holy oil!!!
Two months? Who kicks somebody off their blog for two months! You ain't paying me! I'm volunteering! Then I hear she's writing for these other two blogs as well. Hmph! Do it again, and I'm gonna go write for AmoreSpeaks! Yeah, I know I'll have to clean up my language, but I'll show Chelle a thing or two. Who does she think she is? You. Don't. Put. Ty. On. Hold!
Then I heard she had a book club appearance yesterday. I wasn't even invited! She could've dropped by the shop and shared an invite or two, with the rest of us. Mm-mm. She too good for that! Then I heard she was talking about everybody at the salon while she was in the meeting. But a big bird told me she glossed over me. I see you, boo. Well, I'm just gon' gloss over her appearance, and that's all I'm saying on that matter.
You know what! I'm not feeling this! I think I'm heading home for the day. I'm not even going back to the shop. So, divas if you need yo' do did, drop by on Saturday. I'm feeling a little spring feverish today and I need a few days to myself. Maybe, I'll be back next Tuesday...maybe I won't. You'll have to stop by to see.
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For exclusive content, contests, cover reveals, and more join my newsletter.
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“There is no royal road to anything. One thing at a time, all things in succession. That which grows fast, withers as rapidly. That which grows slowly, endures.” – Josiah Gilbert Holland
We live in a society where we want everything delivered to us yesterday and we then complain yesterday's too late! This is especially true when it comes to success and seeing our dreams come true. I think about when I published my first novel, Reflections of Promises. In my mind I had arrived! I had written the book, actually a few books by then, and I had published it for the world to read.
Imagine when to my surprise, like plenty of new authors I'm finding, nothing happened. I remember walking through the parking lot into Kroger. I looked around at everyone thinking, they should know what I know! Then it hit me, no one would know that I had written a book if I did not tell the world. At that point the work began, building my platform, building relationships with my readers, creating a promotional plan, and all the other intricacies that goes into marketing and promoting your book.
Here we are almost four years later, and I'm much further along than I was back then, but not where I aspire to be. However, I have learned patience, perseverance, and most important I have learned that you have to put in the work. I understand the importance of building those relationships, not just for the sake of selling a book, but because my readers and other authors matter to me. I have met so many beautiful and supportive people through these last almost four years. The lessons I have learned along the way I will take with me for the remainder of this life my Heavenly Father blesses me with.
The most important lesson is that although it takes time to get to where I want to be, it's worth the road traveled. My stories, blogs posts, articles, and random thoughts shared are valuable lessons that I pray ministers to others and offer a word of encouragement and hope. What I'm building is strong, secure, and prepared to last a lifetime.
I don't compare myself to other authors or worry about how many novels I can push out in a certain amount of time. I take my experience, knowledge, and lessons learned and pour them into my works as I build my brand, striving to create a beautiful blend.
Whatever you're working towards, wait patiently, believing in yourself and knowing that it will come to pass. Don't rush the process because there are lessons to be learned along the way.
We live in a society where we want everything delivered to us yesterday and we then complain yesterday's too late! This is especially true when it comes to success and seeing our dreams come true. I think about when I published my first novel, Reflections of Promises. In my mind I had arrived! I had written the book, actually a few books by then, and I had published it for the world to read.
Imagine when to my surprise, like plenty of new authors I'm finding, nothing happened. I remember walking through the parking lot into Kroger. I looked around at everyone thinking, they should know what I know! Then it hit me, no one would know that I had written a book if I did not tell the world. At that point the work began, building my platform, building relationships with my readers, creating a promotional plan, and all the other intricacies that goes into marketing and promoting your book.
Here we are almost four years later, and I'm much further along than I was back then, but not where I aspire to be. However, I have learned patience, perseverance, and most important I have learned that you have to put in the work. I understand the importance of building those relationships, not just for the sake of selling a book, but because my readers and other authors matter to me. I have met so many beautiful and supportive people through these last almost four years. The lessons I have learned along the way I will take with me for the remainder of this life my Heavenly Father blesses me with.
The most important lesson is that although it takes time to get to where I want to be, it's worth the road traveled. My stories, blogs posts, articles, and random thoughts shared are valuable lessons that I pray ministers to others and offer a word of encouragement and hope. What I'm building is strong, secure, and prepared to last a lifetime.
I don't compare myself to other authors or worry about how many novels I can push out in a certain amount of time. I take my experience, knowledge, and lessons learned and pour them into my works as I build my brand, striving to create a beautiful blend.
Whatever you're working towards, wait patiently, believing in yourself and knowing that it will come to pass. Don't rush the process because there are lessons to be learned along the way.
Ladies and gentlemen, we're back to our regular blogging schedule! Today's Motivational Monday Moment is a written post and we will resume our video posts next week.
To join this blog, simply click the "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the right panel.
For exclusive content, contests, cover reveals, and more join my newsletter.
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Living Life Beautifully Inspired!
Undeniably Chelle
Hi Readers!!! We had fun these last two months off with 21 Days of Love and March Madness, but Fab Friday Feature is back! Today's guest is Empress Simone. Grab your favorite beverage and chair and curl up to read more...
CHELLE: Simone, welcome to the Beautifully Inspired Blog. You may be new to this blog, but perhaps not new to the readers. Let's get to the heart of the matter and give them some details they may not know about you. When it comes to writing would you say that you're a Plotter or Pantser?
SIMONE: I’m not even sure. If I had to pick I’d say plotter.
CHELLE: Tell us a little about yourself? Who is Empress Simone the woman?
SIMONE: As a child, I was born addicted to heroin. I overcame that by being an honor roll student in Catholic school since first grade and having a loving step-mom and father. As an adult, I’m a mom who battles bipolar every day. I’m not ashamed of it. My life circumstances have led me on this path and by the Grace of God I have survived being raped as a child as well as being born addicted to drugs. While my life reads like a novel, it’s not and there are times when I’d say it’s not worth it. However, I hang in there every day. I accomplish my school task and my writing and work tasks only to show and say I am proudly a new self-published author who has published 9 books (and counting as I have 2 new releases in the next upcoming week or two). I am also a radio host of ‘The Tea Live Hosted by Empress Simone’ which is due to end its first season with the last show on May 31, 2016. And finally I just published a literary magazine affectionately titled ‘Strictly for My People: An Urban Literary Magazine’. While I toiled with the thought of not even publishing my magazine, I knew I had to when faced with adversity and after a lady who I thought was a friend. I have a testimony and not a sob story. I push through adversity toward my goals while telling my story because I want everyone to know they may encounter these type of hardships but don’t worry God always hand his children the victory. Stay strong.
CHELLE: Simone, I must say you have overcome quite a bit of adversity. And pursuing your dreams definitely inspires others out there who have obstacles to overcome in life. You obviously have a lot on your plate. How do you create work and life balance being an author?
SIMONE: My strategy is that I don’t have one. I don’t adhere to any set routine. I’m too fickle for that. I create my balance by performing the tasks as the need either arises or the opportunity presents itself. I network with others in an attempt to lighten the load and help them along their journey as I go along with mine. I feel it’s my purpose to help others after being stagnant in my own career for so long. I can see that’s exactly what I am called to do even if it seems as if no one notices me or my work, I am a hundred percent happy that I have helped someone accomplish their goals.
CHELLE: Describe a day around your house and in your ordinary life where writing is not key.
SIMONE: For me writing is key almost every day. Even if it’s just to write one line on a notepad. I’m allowed to do this because my children are grown. They help out by doing some of the chores even cooking. I however must do the cleaning since I like it a certain way they never seem to grasp the knowledge of how to do it.
CHELLE: I can relate to that. My children aren't grown, but it seems as if we're always correcting the way they perform their chores. Simone, most authors have a routine they settle into when they prepare to write. Yet, others toss routine out the window and go with the flow. Tell us about your writing routine.
SIMONE: My routine is to have lots of coffee and silence. Then and only then can I write.
CHELLE: Silence. I like that. Pandora or I Heart? What would we find on your playlist?
SIMONE: Pandora. You’d find ‘So Gone’ by Monica and ‘Almost doesn’t count’ by Brandy.
Definitely ‘Me, Myself and I ‘by Beyoncé and ‘I’m the only Woman’ ‘Be without you’ and ‘Sweet Memories’ by Mary J. Blige.
CHELLE: You have some great artists there. Did you keep a journal or diary as a child growing up? If so, what secret did you not want your parents to read?
SIMONE: Yes, I did keep a journal. I had a crush on a neighborhood guy is the secret I wanted to keep to myself.
CHELLE: What genre do you write and why? What authors have influenced your writing?
SIMONE: I love to write Street Lit Novels. It’s just something I love to do. I like to think of myself as an action writer. If I could I’d bring my books to life via movie screens or web series. I love Frederick Douglass, Terry McMillan, E. Lynn Harris, Nikki Turner, Kendal Banks, Mykal Malone, Terri Woods and Kwan. They all have inspired me during different periods of my life when I have needed it most.
CHELLE: Terry is one of my favorites as well. If you could pair up with another author to write, who would you choose and why?
SIMONE: I’d pair up with Terry McMillan or Kendal Banks. Terry would be because she writes a lot about heart break and I’ve experienced a lot of heart break. Kendal would be because she solidified my decision amongst other reasons to shop my manuscript around.
CHELLE: I'm glad you brought that up. Why did you decide to switch from traditional publishing to indie?
SIMONE: I had different ideas than what the publisher had for his own company. He wanted to grow and become a powerhouse. I like to remain small and with the ladies already signed. I finished my contracted 5 books and left. I was going to sign again but thought I should try this on my own. I like being on my own. I'm my own boss, I make my own deadlines and I get to work with those I'm comfortable with.
CHELLE: I think more and more authors are going that route. If your latest release were turned into a movie, what actors would you select to play the starring roles, and what music would comprise the soundtrack?
SIMONE: I love Taral Hicks she would have to play an extra or something. The character might call for a younger actor so I’d go with Kiki Palmer, Drew Sidora would play the main character’s friend and cell mate. For male roles, Jesse Williams, Idris Elba and Maino (the rapper). The music that would comprise the soundtrack would be Mary J. Blige, Beyoncé, Keke Wyatt, and 702, Missy Elliot, Biggie Smalls, Uncle Murda, Luther Vandross and Drake.
CHELLE: Kiki is a phenomenal actress. I have enjoyed watching the depth of her talent grow through the years. Idris seems to be on all the writers' list of actors to select. (Laughing). There I go straying again. Anyhoo, we all encounter it from time to time. Some fear it, others walk all over it. Tell us about you. How do you handle the dreaded writer’s block?
SIMONE: I reread my story. I change little details about the novel in hopes that it flows. I usually do this from my windows phone. So far it has worked.
CHELLE: Excellent tips. Thanks for sharing, Simone. Mountains or the beach?
SIMONE: The beach of course.
CHELLE: Provide one marketing tip for upcoming authors that has worked for you.
SIMONE: One marketing tip is to promote in the groups on Facebook.
CHELLE: If there was one thing you would want your readers to know after reading your works, what would it be?
SIMONE: I always try and bring up a taboo issue within the Black community in the hopes it will open up a dialogue in changing a person’s perspective. For instance my days with bipolar are sometimes implemented in my story, my mother’s battle with AIDS is also a subject I reference. My hope is that people will stop thinking that certain issues mean someone is crazy. I’m highly intelligent and made the Dean’s list this past fall, I have 9 plus novels under my belt. It’s an emotional issue but being born addicted to drugs will do that to a person. I like to call awareness to those who might be treating a loved one different and let them know that people with issues will always have issues if they are not talked about and addressed to bring forth solutions. Also I like to show a lot of action in my writing and not everyone can be trusted. Some will seek to harm you and despite this fact you can overcome it. I also try to show the beauty of researching our ancestors by giving my character names of the ancestors who have influenced or inspired me during my genealogy research.
CHELLE: That's beautiful, Simone. I love stories where everything is not always perfect. Art mimics life so to speak. In my mind we can really relate to those stories and have hope to overcome adversity. Writers often have to forsake time with friends and family when deadlines are looming, or the creative muse is flowing. What one person has been your greatest supporter on your publishing journey?
SIMONE: My sons have been my greatest supporters.
CHELLE: Simply sweet and outstanding! Sounds like you've raised great young men. With all of the activities you have going on, including being a mother, describe your idea of the perfect “me-time.”
SIMONE: The perfect me time is a pedicure and retail therapy fueled by lots of coffee.
CHELLE: Sounds like every girls' dream. On to the important question. Kobe or LeBron?
SIMONE: To be honest neither.
CHELLE: (Gasps, hand to her chest, eyes enlarges in disbelief). I am mortified, Simone! (Laughing). Okay, now that my diva drama moment of the day is over let's move forward. We live life beautifully inspired here, at The Beautifully Inspired Blog. Leave us with an inspirational post, comprised of three words.
SIMONE: As my life coach says ‘Perfect by Design.'
CHELLE: Thank you for stopping by and allowing our readers to know more about the woman and author, Empress Simone! Check out her links below to purchase her books or connect with her.
Empress Simone | Author of A Bronx Chick's Story (www.empressedforlife.com)
Author's Page - Author Empress Simone: https://www.facebook.com/empresssimone/?fref=ts&ref=br_tf
Radio Show's Page - The Tea Live Hosted by Empress Simone
https://www.facebook.com/thetealivehostedbyempresssimone1/?fref=ts&ref=br_tf
SIMONE: I’m not even sure. If I had to pick I’d say plotter.
CHELLE: Tell us a little about yourself? Who is Empress Simone the woman?
SIMONE: As a child, I was born addicted to heroin. I overcame that by being an honor roll student in Catholic school since first grade and having a loving step-mom and father. As an adult, I’m a mom who battles bipolar every day. I’m not ashamed of it. My life circumstances have led me on this path and by the Grace of God I have survived being raped as a child as well as being born addicted to drugs. While my life reads like a novel, it’s not and there are times when I’d say it’s not worth it. However, I hang in there every day. I accomplish my school task and my writing and work tasks only to show and say I am proudly a new self-published author who has published 9 books (and counting as I have 2 new releases in the next upcoming week or two). I am also a radio host of ‘The Tea Live Hosted by Empress Simone’ which is due to end its first season with the last show on May 31, 2016. And finally I just published a literary magazine affectionately titled ‘Strictly for My People: An Urban Literary Magazine’. While I toiled with the thought of not even publishing my magazine, I knew I had to when faced with adversity and after a lady who I thought was a friend. I have a testimony and not a sob story. I push through adversity toward my goals while telling my story because I want everyone to know they may encounter these type of hardships but don’t worry God always hand his children the victory. Stay strong.
CHELLE: Simone, I must say you have overcome quite a bit of adversity. And pursuing your dreams definitely inspires others out there who have obstacles to overcome in life. You obviously have a lot on your plate. How do you create work and life balance being an author?
SIMONE: My strategy is that I don’t have one. I don’t adhere to any set routine. I’m too fickle for that. I create my balance by performing the tasks as the need either arises or the opportunity presents itself. I network with others in an attempt to lighten the load and help them along their journey as I go along with mine. I feel it’s my purpose to help others after being stagnant in my own career for so long. I can see that’s exactly what I am called to do even if it seems as if no one notices me or my work, I am a hundred percent happy that I have helped someone accomplish their goals.
CHELLE: Describe a day around your house and in your ordinary life where writing is not key.
SIMONE: For me writing is key almost every day. Even if it’s just to write one line on a notepad. I’m allowed to do this because my children are grown. They help out by doing some of the chores even cooking. I however must do the cleaning since I like it a certain way they never seem to grasp the knowledge of how to do it.
CHELLE: I can relate to that. My children aren't grown, but it seems as if we're always correcting the way they perform their chores. Simone, most authors have a routine they settle into when they prepare to write. Yet, others toss routine out the window and go with the flow. Tell us about your writing routine.
SIMONE: My routine is to have lots of coffee and silence. Then and only then can I write.
CHELLE: Silence. I like that. Pandora or I Heart? What would we find on your playlist?
SIMONE: Pandora. You’d find ‘So Gone’ by Monica and ‘Almost doesn’t count’ by Brandy.
Definitely ‘Me, Myself and I ‘by Beyoncé and ‘I’m the only Woman’ ‘Be without you’ and ‘Sweet Memories’ by Mary J. Blige.
CHELLE: You have some great artists there. Did you keep a journal or diary as a child growing up? If so, what secret did you not want your parents to read?
SIMONE: Yes, I did keep a journal. I had a crush on a neighborhood guy is the secret I wanted to keep to myself.
CHELLE: What genre do you write and why? What authors have influenced your writing?
SIMONE: I love to write Street Lit Novels. It’s just something I love to do. I like to think of myself as an action writer. If I could I’d bring my books to life via movie screens or web series. I love Frederick Douglass, Terry McMillan, E. Lynn Harris, Nikki Turner, Kendal Banks, Mykal Malone, Terri Woods and Kwan. They all have inspired me during different periods of my life when I have needed it most.
CHELLE: Terry is one of my favorites as well. If you could pair up with another author to write, who would you choose and why?
SIMONE: I’d pair up with Terry McMillan or Kendal Banks. Terry would be because she writes a lot about heart break and I’ve experienced a lot of heart break. Kendal would be because she solidified my decision amongst other reasons to shop my manuscript around.
CHELLE: I'm glad you brought that up. Why did you decide to switch from traditional publishing to indie?
SIMONE: I had different ideas than what the publisher had for his own company. He wanted to grow and become a powerhouse. I like to remain small and with the ladies already signed. I finished my contracted 5 books and left. I was going to sign again but thought I should try this on my own. I like being on my own. I'm my own boss, I make my own deadlines and I get to work with those I'm comfortable with.
CHELLE: I think more and more authors are going that route. If your latest release were turned into a movie, what actors would you select to play the starring roles, and what music would comprise the soundtrack?
SIMONE: I love Taral Hicks she would have to play an extra or something. The character might call for a younger actor so I’d go with Kiki Palmer, Drew Sidora would play the main character’s friend and cell mate. For male roles, Jesse Williams, Idris Elba and Maino (the rapper). The music that would comprise the soundtrack would be Mary J. Blige, Beyoncé, Keke Wyatt, and 702, Missy Elliot, Biggie Smalls, Uncle Murda, Luther Vandross and Drake.
CHELLE: Kiki is a phenomenal actress. I have enjoyed watching the depth of her talent grow through the years. Idris seems to be on all the writers' list of actors to select. (Laughing). There I go straying again. Anyhoo, we all encounter it from time to time. Some fear it, others walk all over it. Tell us about you. How do you handle the dreaded writer’s block?
SIMONE: I reread my story. I change little details about the novel in hopes that it flows. I usually do this from my windows phone. So far it has worked.
CHELLE: Excellent tips. Thanks for sharing, Simone. Mountains or the beach?
SIMONE: The beach of course.
CHELLE: Provide one marketing tip for upcoming authors that has worked for you.
SIMONE: One marketing tip is to promote in the groups on Facebook.
CHELLE: If there was one thing you would want your readers to know after reading your works, what would it be?
SIMONE: I always try and bring up a taboo issue within the Black community in the hopes it will open up a dialogue in changing a person’s perspective. For instance my days with bipolar are sometimes implemented in my story, my mother’s battle with AIDS is also a subject I reference. My hope is that people will stop thinking that certain issues mean someone is crazy. I’m highly intelligent and made the Dean’s list this past fall, I have 9 plus novels under my belt. It’s an emotional issue but being born addicted to drugs will do that to a person. I like to call awareness to those who might be treating a loved one different and let them know that people with issues will always have issues if they are not talked about and addressed to bring forth solutions. Also I like to show a lot of action in my writing and not everyone can be trusted. Some will seek to harm you and despite this fact you can overcome it. I also try to show the beauty of researching our ancestors by giving my character names of the ancestors who have influenced or inspired me during my genealogy research.
CHELLE: That's beautiful, Simone. I love stories where everything is not always perfect. Art mimics life so to speak. In my mind we can really relate to those stories and have hope to overcome adversity. Writers often have to forsake time with friends and family when deadlines are looming, or the creative muse is flowing. What one person has been your greatest supporter on your publishing journey?
SIMONE: My sons have been my greatest supporters.
CHELLE: Simply sweet and outstanding! Sounds like you've raised great young men. With all of the activities you have going on, including being a mother, describe your idea of the perfect “me-time.”
SIMONE: The perfect me time is a pedicure and retail therapy fueled by lots of coffee.
CHELLE: Sounds like every girls' dream. On to the important question. Kobe or LeBron?
SIMONE: To be honest neither.
CHELLE: (Gasps, hand to her chest, eyes enlarges in disbelief). I am mortified, Simone! (Laughing). Okay, now that my diva drama moment of the day is over let's move forward. We live life beautifully inspired here, at The Beautifully Inspired Blog. Leave us with an inspirational post, comprised of three words.
SIMONE: As my life coach says ‘Perfect by Design.'
CHELLE: Thank you for stopping by and allowing our readers to know more about the woman and author, Empress Simone! Check out her links below to purchase her books or connect with her.
Empress Simone | Author of A Bronx Chick's Story (www.empressedforlife.com)
Author's Page - Author Empress Simone: https://www.facebook.com/empresssimone/?fref=ts&ref=br_tf
Radio Show's Page - The Tea Live Hosted by Empress Simone
https://www.facebook.com/thetealivehostedbyempresssimone1/?fref=ts&ref=br_tf
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For exclusive content, contests, cover reveals, and more join my newsletter.
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Undeniably Chelle
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