Writers Unbound

His persistency, doing little tasks day after day has created a great business. His faith and self confidence adds to his productivity. Wherever you are in your writing career, these attributes also can build your foundation for success.

I love writing my blogs, because it creates my platform for keeping words flowing and the brain working. I could use more time to finish or start other creative projects. However, I believe each step I take moves me to my greater goals. Each post I publish affims the value of my work.

I could build on these ideas and create short books or guides. I may touch the heart or mind of a reader, and help that person begin their writing.

Ever wondered what happened to those popular black true confessions magazines –Bronze Thrills, Black Romance, and Jive?

Well tune in to hear Author/CEO, Sammie Ward, talk about her writing life and how her company, Lady Leo Publishing, is responsible for the “rebirth” of black true confession stories in the digital age with On The Air host, Marlive Harris!

April 21, 2009 edition of On The Air with Lady Leo Publishing [40:36m]: Hide Player | Play in Popup | Download

Let Us Know Your Thoughts! If you have comments about our feature with, Sammie Ward, please let us hear from you via our Comment Line at (214) 615-6505 ext 9377. Thank you for listening to On the Air!

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On The Air features Storyheart, author of ‘Across the Pond’
Thursday, March 26th, 2009

Tune in to hear Storyheart (the wonderful Barry Eva) talk about his exciting new teen romance, Across the Pond, with On The Air host, Marlive Harris.

March 26, 2009 edition of On The Air with Storyheart [34:32m]: Hide Player | Play in Popup | Download

Leaving his home in England to stay with friends in the US while his parents are away on a dream vacation - for 2 - in Australia, almost 15 year old Frederick Squire is not a happy camper. That is until he meets Brittany. Struggling with the English language and his feelings for Brit, Fred is further confused when he meets Brit’s flirtatious friend, Angel. Escaping a confrontation with Steve Harris, the neighborhood bully, Brittany tells Fred her dark secret, and Fred’s world is turned upside down.

Life continues to throw young Frederick curveballs when he atually catches a base ball during a ball game that is worth a small fortune. Further run-ins with Steve Harris, a crazy family BBQ, and a chase through a mall all add to Fred’s American adventure. “Brit and her Brit”, know that their young love will be followed by heartache when Fred has to return to England. But not before some final twists in the tale.

With believable characters, exciting events, humor, first love, education and a little sport thrown in for good measure, Across the Pond, is a book for all ages from the young to the young at heart!

Let Us Know Your Thoughts! If you have comments about our feature with author, Storyheart (Barry Eva), please let us hear from you via our Comment Line at (214) 615-6505 ext 9377. Thank you for listening to On the Air!

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On The Air features Barbara Techel, author of Frankie, the Walk and Roll Dog
Thursday, November 20th, 2008

Tune in to hear animal activist and award winning writer, Barbara Techel, talk passionately about her new book, ‘Frankie, the Walk and Roll Dog’ with On The Air host, Marlive Harris!

November 20, 2008 edition of On The Air with Barbara Techel [25:32m]: Hide Player | Play in Popup | Download

Frankie, the Walk and Roll Dog is a true, inspirational story about a dachshund whose life started out just like any other dog walking on all four paws until a spinal injury leaves her paralyzed. Frankie is custom fit for a wheelchair and learns to keep on rolling. Her zest for life will have you cheering and she will give you hope that all things are possible. Frankie will leave an everlasting and loving paw print on your heart. A book for all ages to teach overcoming challenges and also compassion for the physically challenged. Frankie was recently nominated for the 2008 Wisconsin Pet Hall of Fame. Visit www.joyfulpaws.com for more information and to purchase the book!

Let Us Know Your Thoughts! If you have comments about our feature with Barbara Techel, please let us hear from you via our Comment Line at (214) 615-6505 ext 9377. Thank you for listening to On The Air!

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On The Air features Yvonne Perry, author of Book Marketing in the Digital Age, Online Promotion Made Easy
Thursday, October 30th, 2008

Tune in to hear Yvonne Perry talk excitedly about her new ebook, Book Marketing in the Digital Age, Online Promotion Made Easy, with On The Air host, Marlive Harris!

October 30, 2008 edition of On The Air with Yvonne Perry [32:01m]: Hide Player | Play in Popup | Download

Attention authors and aspiring Writers; today’s podcast is definitely for you! My awesome guest today is Yvonne Perry; she’s an author, freelance writer, editor, speaker, workshop clinician, and owner of the Writers In The Sky Creative Writing Services based in Tennesee. Our focus today will be about her new ebook, Book Marketing in the Digital Age, Online Promotion Made Easy. This is a must-have ebook for authors who are serious about promoting their books online and about building and maintaining an online presence!

Let Us Know Your Thoughts! If you have comments about our feature with Yvonne Perry, please let us hear from you via our Comment Line at (214) 615-6505 ext 9377. Thank you for listening to On The Air!

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On The Air features Luther E. Vann and Aberjhani, artist and author of Elemental
Thursday, September 11th, 2008

Tune in to hear from two of Savannah, Georgia’s most acclaimed creative artists: painter Luther E. Vann, and award-winning writer Aberjhani as they talk about their collaborative project, Elemental: The Illuminated Power of Love with On The Air host, Marlive Harris!

September 11, 2008 edition of On The Air with Luther E. Vann & Aberjhani [43:50m]: Hide Player | Play in Popup | Download

Elemental: The Power of Illuminated Love consist of more than 60 color reproductions of art by Vann, and over 50 poems and two essays by award-winning writer, Aberjhani. The artwork throughout the book expresses Vann’s perception of spiritual principles active in the personal and public lives of people in New York and Savannah. Aberjhani’s poetry which complements the art explores themes like war, homelessness, the origins of love and spiritual consciousness.

Let Us Know Your Thoughts! If you have comments about our feature with painter, Luther E. Vann and author/writer Aberjhani, please let us hear from you via our Comment Line at (214) 615-6505 ext 9377. Thank you for listening to On The Air!

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On The Air features Kimberly Cash Tate, author of Heavenly Places
Monday, May 26th, 2008

Today’s podcast is the kick off of Kimberly Cash Tate’s In Love Virtual Book and Podcast Tour celebrating the release of her new novel, Heavenly Places.

May 26, 2008 edition of On The Air with Kimberly Cash Tate [44:13m]: Hide Player | Play in Popup | Download

In Heavenly Places, Treva Langston has always felt inferior, thanks to her mother. She at least found her worth in a successful career; well, until it was gone. Now her life has suddenly been turned upside down. Without her high-powered job, she has returned with her family to her hometown and to all the memories of heartache she desperately fought to escape. Worse, she’s near her mother again, who hasn’t changed one bit. Beset with feelings of unworthiness, she’s filled with despair until her sister coaxes her into a women’s home Bible study. Though Treva resists and quits a couple of times, she comes to learn the importance of family, the blessing of friendship, and the powerful truth that conquers a lifetime of lies. To every woman who has ever doubted that she is fearfully and wonderfully made, this novel and virtual book and podcast tour is just for you!

To join the In Love Virtual Book and Podcast Tour, visit our Virtual Book Tour Blog Site for more information!

Let Us Know Your Thoughts! If you have comments about our feature with author, Kimberly Cash Tate, please let us hear from you via our Comment Line at (214) 615-6505 ext 9377. Thank you for listening to On The Air!

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On The Air features Valerie A. Howard, author of Sassy
Friday, May 16th, 2008

Tune in to hear the multi-faceted, Valerie A. Howard talk about her new book, Sassy, and her journey as a self published writer with On The Air host, Marlive Harris.

May 16, 2008 edition of On The Air with Valerie A. Howard [33:52m]: Hide Player | Play in Popup | Download

Sassy is the nickname of the main character, Cecilia Ann Richards. She’s saved, single, self-assured and successful. In short, she’s “Little Miss Perfect.” She has no problem correcting those around her and telling them how to live their lives better, including her best friend, Amber, who is involved in an illicit relationship with a married man and her neighbor, Jayna, who lets her in on a deep dark secret from her past. Sassy’s world is turned upside down when her man, Darnell, finds success and enjoys being an R&B singer than being with her, she falls out with both of her girlfriends, and her job as a top marketing executive is compromised. Can Little Miss Perfect get it together before she loses it all? Readers will find out just as soon as they pick up a copy!

Let Us Know Your Thoughts! If you have comments about our feature with author Valerie A. Howard, please let us hear from you via our Comment Line at (214) 615-6505 ext 9377. Thank you for listening to On The Air!

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On The Air features Niambi Brown Davis, author of From Dusk to Dawn
Tuesday, May 13th, 2008

On The Air welcomes the Against All Odds Virtual Book Tour!

Tune in to hear new author, Niambi Brown Davis, talk about her romance novel, From Dusk to Dawn, and Virtual Book Tour with host, Marlive Harris!

May 13, 2008 edition of On The Air with Niambi Brown Davis [38:18m]: Hide Player | Play in Popup | Download

In From Dusk to Dawn, Ayo Montgomery’s and Bilal Salaam’s first meeting was as explosive as a lightning storm. The verbal showdown that erupted between them should have been the end of them; if they couldn’t manage a civil conversation with one another, how could they possibly fall in love? But they do fall in love deeply and completely. However, in fiction as in real life, the course of even the greatest love never runs smooth. Bilal and Ayo make it through the minefield of differences in age, faith and family opposition, only to face an unexpected challenge and the greatest threat to their future together. For one of them love means letting go, but for the other, it means holding on – against all odds.

Join Against All Odds Virtual Book Tour online today!

Let Us Know Your Thoughts! If you have comments about our feature with author, Niambi Brown Davis, please let us hear from you via our Comment Line at (214) 615-6505 ext 9377. Thank you for listening to On The Air!

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On The Air features Te’an Swington, author of SEXpressions
Tuesday, November 20th, 2007

Tune in to hear serviceman, Te’an Swington, talk about his new erotica collection, SEXpressions: The Green Book, with On The Air host, Marlive Harris.

November 20, 2007 edition of On The Airwith Te’an Swington [19:53m]: Hide Player | Play in Popup | Download

Listener Comment - November 22, 2007: Hide Player | Play in Popup | Download

SEXpressions: The Green Book, is a collection of erotically charged short stories that explore some of the sexual actions and fantasies of everyday people. But what makes this collection of sizzling stories so interesting is the fact that Te’an wrote them while on deployment in Iraq!

Let Us Know Your Thoughts! If you have comments about our feature with author, Te’an Swington, please let us hear from you via our Comment Line at (214) 615-6505 ext 9377. Thank you for listening to On the Air!

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On The Air features Nicole Lynn Hannans, author of GLORI
Tuesday, November 13th, 2007

Tune in to hear writer and motivational speaker, Nicole Lynn Hannans, talk about her new book, Glori: A Different Story, with On The Air host, Marlive Harris.

November 13, 2007 edition of On The Air with Nicole Lynn Hannans [26:02m]: Hide Player | Play in Popup | Download

Glori is the breakthrough memoir of Nicole Lynn Hannans, a young woman who faced tremendous obstacles as a single teen mom — poverty, homelessness, being in an oppressive relationship, and living in a drug-infested environment. Glori tells how she beat the odds by earning two degrees and having a meaningful career today. Hannans offers an inspiring story about the power of believing in yourself that every young person, teen parent, single mom, parent and anyone working with youth should read.

Let Us Know Your Thoughts! If you have comments about our feature with author, Nicole Lynn Hannans, please let us hear from you via our Comment Line at (214) 615-6505 ext 9377. Thank you for listening to On the Air!

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http://www.thegrits.com/radio/?cat=4

Join WITS owner Yvonne Perry and full time online book marketer Marlive Harris on Writers in the Sky Podcast today as they discuss the following:

The G.R.I.T.S. Online Reading Club, a leading online reading and book promotion community for adult readers and writers on New Year’s Day in 2000.

The award winning G.R.I.T.S. Kidz Book Club, an online book club for kids, parents, and adult care-givers of children who desire to discuss and learn more about African American and other multicultural literature written for young people.

The GRITS COM Literary Service designed to meet the unique Web publicity needs of authors and self-publishers.

On the Air With Marlive Harris, a collection of lively book talk podcast programs for people who love to read! Authors will learn how they can be a guest on Marlive’s radio show and glean ideas for marketing books online.

Archive for the ‘On The Air’ Category
« Previous EntriesOn The Air features Lady Leo Publishing
Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009
If you’re new here, you may want to subscribe to our RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!

Ever wondered what happened to those popular black true confessions magazines –Bronze Thrills, Black Romance, and Jive?

Well tune in to hear Author/CEO, Sammie Ward, talk about her writing life and how her company, Lady Leo Publishing, is responsible for the “rebirth” of black true confession stories in the digital age with On The Air host, Marlive Harris!

April 21, 2009 edition of On The Air with Lady Leo Publishing [40:36m]: Hide Player | Play in Popup | Download

Let Us Know Your Thoughts! If you have comments about our feature with, Sammie Ward, please let us hear from you via our Comment Line at (214) 615-6505 ext 9377. Thank you for listening to On the Air!

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On The Air features Storyheart, author of ‘Across the Pond’
Thursday, March 26th, 2009

Tune in to hear Storyheart (the wonderful Barry Eva) talk about his exciting new teen romance, Across the Pond, with On The Air host, Marlive Harris.

March 26, 2009 edition of On The Air with Storyheart [34:32m]: Hide Player | Play in Popup | Download

Leaving his home in England to stay with friends in the US while his parents are away on a dream vacation - for 2 - in Australia, almost 15 year old Frederick Squire is not a happy camper. That is until he meets Brittany. Struggling with the English language and his feelings for Brit, Fred is further confused when he meets Brit’s flirtatious friend, Angel. Escaping a confrontation with Steve Harris, the neighborhood bully, Brittany tells Fred her dark secret, and Fred’s world is turned upside down.

Life continues to throw young Frederick curveballs when he atually catches a base ball during a ball game that is worth a small fortune. Further run-ins with Steve Harris, a crazy family BBQ, and a chase through a mall all add to Fred’s American adventure. “Brit and her Brit”, know that their young love will be followed by heartache when Fred has to return to England. But not before some final twists in the tale.

With believable characters, exciting events, humor, first love, education and a little sport thrown in for good measure, Across the Pond, is a book for all ages from the young to the young at heart!

Let Us Know Your Thoughts! If you have comments about our feature with author, Storyheart (Barry Eva), please let us hear from you via our Comment Line at (214) 615-6505 ext 9377. Thank you for listening to On the Air!

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On The Air features Barbara Techel, author of Frankie, the Walk and Roll Dog
Thursday, November 20th, 2008

Tune in to hear animal activist and award winning writer, Barbara Techel, talk passionately about her new book, ‘Frankie, the Walk and Roll Dog’ with On The Air host, Marlive Harris!

November 20, 2008 edition of On The Air with Barbara Techel [25:32m]: Hide Player | Play in Popup | Download

Frankie, the Walk and Roll Dog is a true, inspirational story about a dachshund whose life started out just like any other dog walking on all four paws until a spinal injury leaves her paralyzed. Frankie is custom fit for a wheelchair and learns to keep on rolling. Her zest for life will have you cheering and she will give you hope that all things are possible. Frankie will leave an everlasting and loving paw print on your heart. A book for all ages to teach overcoming challenges and also compassion for the physically challenged. Frankie was recently nominated for the 2008 Wisconsin Pet Hall of Fame. Visit www.joyfulpaws.com for more information and to purchase the book!

Let Us Know Your Thoughts! If you have comments about our feature with Barbara Techel, please let us hear from you via our Comment Line at (214) 615-6505 ext 9377. Thank you for listening to On The Air!

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On The Air features Yvonne Perry, author of Book Marketing in the Digital Age, Online Promotion Made Easy
Thursday, October 30th, 2008

Tune in to hear Yvonne Perry talk excitedly about her new ebook, Book Marketing in the Digital Age, Online Promotion Made Easy, with On The Air host, Marlive Harris!

October 30, 2008 edition of On The Air with Yvonne Perry [32:01m]: Hide Player | Play in Popup | Download

Attention authors and aspiring Writers; today’s podcast is definitely for you! My awesome guest today is Yvonne Perry; she’s an author, freelance writer, editor, speaker, workshop clinician, and owner of the Writers In The Sky Creative Writing Services based in Tennesee. Our focus today will be about her new ebook, Book Marketing in the Digital Age, Online Promotion Made Easy. This is a must-have ebook for authors who are serious about promoting their books online and about building and maintaining an online presence!

Let Us Know Your Thoughts! If you have comments about our feature with Yvonne Perry, please let us hear from you via our Comment Line at (214) 615-6505 ext 9377. Thank you for listening to On The Air!

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On The Air features Luther E. Vann and Aberjhani, artist and author of Elemental
Thursday, September 11th, 2008

Tune in to hear from two of Savannah, Georgia’s most acclaimed creative artists: painter Luther E. Vann, and award-winning writer Aberjhani as they talk about their collaborative project, Elemental: The Illuminated Power of Love with On The Air host, Marlive Harris!

September 11, 2008 edition of On The Air with Luther E. Vann & Aberjhani [43:50m]: Hide Player | Play in Popup | Download

Elemental: The Power of Illuminated Love consist of more than 60 color reproductions of art by Vann, and over 50 poems and two essays by award-winning writer, Aberjhani. The artwork throughout the book expresses Vann’s perception of spiritual principles active in the personal and public lives of people in New York and Savannah. Aberjhani’s poetry which complements the art explores themes like war, homelessness, the origins of love and spiritual consciousness.

Let Us Know Your Thoughts! If you have comments about our feature with painter, Luther E. Vann and author/writer Aberjhani, please let us hear from you via our Comment Line at (214) 615-6505 ext 9377. Thank you for listening to On The Air!

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On The Air features Kimberly Cash Tate, author of Heavenly Places
Monday, May 26th, 2008

Today’s podcast is the kick off of Kimberly Cash Tate’s In Love Virtual Book and Podcast Tour celebrating the release of her new novel, Heavenly Places.

May 26, 2008 edition of On The Air with Kimberly Cash Tate [44:13m]: Hide Player | Play in Popup | Download

In Heavenly Places, Treva Langston has always felt inferior, thanks to her mother. She at least found her worth in a successful career; well, until it was gone. Now her life has suddenly been turned upside down. Without her high-powered job, she has returned with her family to her hometown and to all the memories of heartache she desperately fought to escape. Worse, she’s near her mother again, who hasn’t changed one bit. Beset with feelings of unworthiness, she’s filled with despair until her sister coaxes her into a women’s home Bible study. Though Treva resists and quits a couple of times, she comes to learn the importance of family, the blessing of friendship, and the powerful truth that conquers a lifetime of lies. To every woman who has ever doubted that she is fearfully and wonderfully made, this novel and virtual book and podcast tour is just for you!

To join the In Love Virtual Book and Podcast Tour, visit our Virtual Book Tour Blog Site for more information!

Let Us Know Your Thoughts! If you have comments about our feature with author, Kimberly Cash Tate, please let us hear from you via our Comment Line at (214) 615-6505 ext 9377. Thank you for listening to On The Air!

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On The Air features Valerie A. Howard, author of Sassy
Friday, May 16th, 2008

Tune in to hear the multi-faceted, Valerie A. Howard talk about her new book, Sassy, and her journey as a self published writer with On The Air host, Marlive Harris.

May 16, 2008 edition of On The Air with Valerie A. Howard [33:52m]: Hide Player | Play in Popup | Download

Sassy is the nickname of the main character, Cecilia Ann Richards. She’s saved, single, self-assured and successful. In short, she’s “Little Miss Perfect.” She has no problem correcting those around her and telling them how to live their lives better, including her best friend, Amber, who is involved in an illicit relationship with a married man and her neighbor, Jayna, who lets her in on a deep dark secret from her past. Sassy’s world is turned upside down when her man, Darnell, finds success and enjoys being an R&B singer than being with her, she falls out with both of her girlfriends, and her job as a top marketing executive is compromised. Can Little Miss Perfect get it together before she loses it all? Readers will find out just as soon as they pick up a copy!

Let Us Know Your Thoughts! If you have comments about our feature with author Valerie A. Howard, please let us hear from you via our Comment Line at (214) 615-6505 ext 9377. Thank you for listening to On The Air!

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On The Air features Niambi Brown Davis, author of From Dusk to Dawn
Tuesday, May 13th, 2008

On The Air welcomes the Against All Odds Virtual Book Tour!

Tune in to hear new author, Niambi Brown Davis, talk about her romance novel, From Dusk to Dawn, and Virtual Book Tour with host, Marlive Harris!

May 13, 2008 edition of On The Air with Niambi Brown Davis [38:18m]: Hide Player | Play in Popup | Download

In From Dusk to Dawn, Ayo Montgomery’s and Bilal Salaam’s first meeting was as explosive as a lightning storm. The verbal showdown that erupted between them should have been the end of them; if they couldn’t manage a civil conversation with one another, how could they possibly fall in love? But they do fall in love deeply and completely. However, in fiction as in real life, the course of even the greatest love never runs smooth. Bilal and Ayo make it through the minefield of differences in age, faith and family opposition, only to face an unexpected challenge and the greatest threat to their future together. For one of them love means letting go, but for the other, it means holding on – against all odds.

Join Against All Odds Virtual Book Tour online today!

Let Us Know Your Thoughts! If you have comments about our feature with author, Niambi Brown Davis, please let us hear from you via our Comment Line at (214) 615-6505 ext 9377. Thank you for listening to On The Air!

ShareThis

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On The Air features Te’an Swington, author of SEXpressions
Tuesday, November 20th, 2007

Tune in to hear serviceman, Te’an Swington, talk about his new erotica collection, SEXpressions: The Green Book, with On The Air host, Marlive Harris.

November 20, 2007 edition of On The Airwith Te’an Swington [19:53m]: Hide Player | Play in Popup | Download

Listener Comment - November 22, 2007: Hide Player | Play in Popup | Download

SEXpressions: The Green Book, is a collection of erotically charged short stories that explore some of the sexual actions and fantasies of everyday people. But what makes this collection of sizzling stories so interesting is the fact that Te’an wrote them while on deployment in Iraq!

Let Us Know Your Thoughts! If you have comments about our feature with author, Te’an Swington, please let us hear from you via our Comment Line at (214) 615-6505 ext 9377. Thank you for listening to On the Air!

ShareThis

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On The Air features Nicole Lynn Hannans, author of GLORI
Tuesday, November 13th, 2007

Tune in to hear writer and motivational speaker, Nicole Lynn Hannans, talk about her new book, Glori: A Different Story, with On The Air host, Marlive Harris.

November 13, 2007 edition of On The Air with Nicole Lynn Hannans [26:02m]: Hide Player | Play in Popup | Download

Glori is the breakthrough memoir of Nicole Lynn Hannans, a young woman who faced tremendous obstacles as a single teen mom — poverty, homelessness, being in an oppressive relationship, and living in a drug-infested environment. Glori tells how she beat the odds by earning two degrees and having a meaningful career today. Hannans offers an inspiring story about the power of believing in yourself that every young person, teen parent, single mom, parent and anyone working with youth should read.

Let Us Know Your Thoughts! If you have comments about our feature with author, Nicole Lynn Hannans, please let us hear from you via our Comment Line at (214) 615-6505 ext 9377. Thank you for listening to On the Air!

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They talk about everything about publishing, writers events, new books….then came the children’s book club. African American CHildren books are the focus. Grits Kids….

This is a powerful interview. You can learn how to make your site grow. You can have lots of resources. Kids can blog. Teachers new resources. Just give this a listen. Fascinating.

http://www.audioacrobat.com/play/WNgprlTW

Join WITS owner Yvonne Perry and full time online book marketer Marlive Harris on Writers in the Sky Podcast today as they discuss the following:

The G.R.I.T.S. Online Reading Club, a leading online reading and book promotion community for adult readers and writers on New Year’s Day in 2000.

The award winning G.R.I.T.S. Kidz Book Club, an online book club for kids, parents, and adult care-givers of children who desire to discuss and learn more about African American and other multicultural literature written for young people.

The GRITS COM Literary Service designed to meet the unique Web publicity needs of authors and self-publishers.

On the Air With Marlive Harris, a collection of lively book talk podcast programs for people who love to read! Authors will learn how they can be a guest on Marlive’s radio show and glean ideas for marketing books online.

Click here to listen to the interview . . .

http://www.thegritsbookclub.com/
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Beat the heat this summer . . .

READ!

Okay, it’s summer time and the reading . . . is easy!! Well, easy for The GRITS Online Reading Club because July/August are the months we pack up those fav reads and head for the beach, go on vacation, or just enjoy this time of year with family and friends.
So we will see you back online this Fall!

——————————————————————————–
Harlem Book Fair 2009
July 17-19, 2009
West 135th Street
5th Avenue to Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Blvd.

Like a Canvas

The canvas stands bare
waiting to be given life.

Calming pastel colors,
soft clouds floating in
a happy sky of blue.

Silver moon leading
stars though the night,
hope for tomorrow,

or a dark, raging sea,
tossing waves about,
no peace to find.

Life is like a canvas.
You the artist hold the brush.

Gail Livesay’s passion is writing poetry but she also writes plays, fiction and non-fiction short stories and is currently revising her autobiography about growing up with undiagnosed bipolar disorder. Gail has been published by Poetry as Prayer, Appalachian Women Speak, Breath and Shadow, a selection of her work was used as part of a production by New Mummers Group, USAdeepsouth, Oncology Times Applachian Women’s Journal, Women on Earth, Appalachian Connection, Helium, Writers in the Sky E-zine, and LaChance publishing.

Part of the Promise

I was her friend before she was his wife.
They had a little baby; they had a great life.
We used to go line-dancing; we played golf.
We used to go to movies; we hung out.

Part of her promise to him was not running with me.
But sometimes here was where she wanted to be.

Then he got a little problem,
getting stoned and getting high.
We had to get him in re-hab. At least we had to try.
I cashed a pay check; handed the money to him.
Take it, dude. Do you want to owe me or them?

Part of his promise was to understand her and me.
He wanted to be well, he wanted to be clean.

It worked; he’s better. One day at a time.
Some days are good; some, not-so; mostly, he’s fine.
We can start to stop worrying;
we’ll get it back some day.
When I see their baby smile, I know we’re okay.

Part of his promise to me was being back in their life.
He knows I’ll always be her friend;
he knows she’ll always be his wife.

Janice Bossing
Joelton, Tennessee

I Read the Last Page First

I was lost
Couldn’t find my way
Then I opened the Good Book
I read the last page first
and knew I would be found.

No need to fret and worry
The answer was there
for all to see.
I read the last page first
and knew God would help me.

So when you are unsure
which way to turn,
take the short cut back home.
It’s on the last page
and he’ll be there for you, too!

Irene Brodsky from Poetry Unplugged

Like Drunken Cowboys

There’s a place inside my head where hurt never filters in,
A place to heal, where I can know I’m my own best friend,
Sometimes find it easier than facing reality,
Like drunken cowboys living without a dream.

Call me crazy; call me a fool, for shutting out the world.
I just need time to contemplate the way my life’s unfurled.
Wouldn’t want to take it out on everyone around
Like drunken cowboys tearing up the town.

I don’t want to think about forever,
Trying hard to make it through the storm.
Toughening my feelings into leather
Til it just doesn’t matter anymore.

Take a step back to a time when
Life was a free-for-all,
Where disagreements could always be settled
in a barroom brawl
Where consequences and concerns were not a high priority
Like drunken cowboys living wild and free.

Dennis S Martin
Web site: www.iwritesome.com
Blog: www.iwrtiesome.blogspot.com

Writers write and send me YOUR ideas. Or Tweet me DM. http://twitter.com/makkinart As writers sometimes we get stuck in thinking of our challenges, or in repeating the same avenues of writing we have done before. However we are often multi talented and can put our words on many different pages, publications, and location (online). Writer’s in the SKY newsletter really opens our mind’s eye to the vast horizon waiting for our words.
Vol. 5 Issue 7
Writers in the Sky Newsletter
July 2009

Whether you are a published author or a writer-wanna-be, this e-zine is for you. Here, you will find articles, book reviews, announcements, poetry, and information about the craft and business of writing, publishing, and book marketing written by our readers. Our goal is to connect the writing and publishing community through networking.

In This Issue

Editor’s Corner

A word from WITS owner Yvonne Perry

E-book Karma ~ What Goes Around Comes Around

by Erin Chavez

WITS Podcast Schedule

The Dream of Writing for Children

by Dawn Menge

Network With Us

The Writing Life: Thinking Outside the Box

by JJ Murphy

Book With a View

Read this month’s book reviews

Social Networking Tips for Writers

by L. Drew Gerber

Poetry Corner

Poems from our readers

——————————————————————————–
Editor’s Corner

by Yvonne Perry

I’m a grandma again! My daughter, Sareya, gave birth to her baby at 12:24 a.m. on June 24, 2009. He weighed in at 9 pounds and 11.8 ounces and measured 21.5 inches long. Baby Liam and his mommy are doing well. Scott Kidd is a very proud father. Here’s a photo of us. Amanda, my son’s wife, is due to give birth to Jonas next week! We are a growing and happy family.

I promised you an update on my research about short discounts for printing color books. Thanks to the information I have gathered from Aaron Shepard, Morris Rosenthal, and Dana Lynn Smith, I have discovered that Ingram will not deal with publishers who have fewer than ten books in print, and even then it may be difficult. So, I have opened an account at Lightning Source to make my book The Sid Series, Holistic Stories for Children available for printing there. They charge about $100 to upload the file and prepare it for printing. The whole process takes several weeks: you upload file, they process it, you approve it, Ingram adds it to their database, and Amazon eventually lists the book. Then, it will automatically become available through B&N.com, libraries, and anyone else who orders through Ingram.

Even though my book will be listed in Ingram’s catalogue, I probably won’t get many sales in bricks and mortar stores because I am not offering the typical “no return” policy and I am only offering a 25% discount to book retailers. Retail bookstores don’t take too kindly to that because they normally ask for publishers to sell a book to them for 55% discount and they want their money back if the book doesn’t sell within a short time period. However, bookstores could place special orders at the request of customers, which is the same deal you get with most POD publishers.

My color-printed, 48-page book will be available on Amazon.com for about 10 percent off the retail price. Since my publicity and 90% of the sales for all my books are transacted online, I will focus on selling the book through my own Web site. I’m still waiting for my illustrators to get finished with the artwork. Once they are done, I’ll compile all twelve stories into one printed book. Target pub date is September 2009.

I hope you enjoy this issue of WITS E-zine. There is a lot of great information from our subscribers. I think you will especially like the writing exercise JJ Murphy contributed.

This e-zine is proofread by Sarah Moore or Barbara Milbourn. I appreciate your contributions and thank Sarah and Barbara for their hard work.

WITS Web site: http://www.writersinthesky.com
WITS Blog: http://www.writersintheskyblog.com/
Phone: (615) 884-1224
MySpace
Facebook
LinkedIn
Twitter

by Erin Chavez

“To write what is worth publishing, to find honest people to publish it, and get sensible people to read it, are the three great difficulties in being an author.” ~ Charles Caleb Colton quotes

That quote sums it all up, doesn’t it? The hope, the fear, the feelings that well up inside of you and if only there was a crystal ball to help us all out–to show us how to obtain what we really want for the life of our books. Unfortunately, there is no such thing. You have to pull up your bootstraps and start shoveling through the piles of information that we, as authors, need to sift through to make our most informed decisions.

I am sure you have at least looked into your publishing options . . . traditional publishing, self-publishing, Amazon.com publishing and maybe you have even thought about starting your own Web site to sell your books on your own. It’s a crazy business, isn’t it? You have so many choices–how do you know what the best choice for you will be? That is a decision that is completely up to you. You have to choose how you are going to get your book out to the world, how you are going to get people to actually purchase your book, and ultimately how you are going to profit from your book–your blood, sweat and tears.

I am here to tell you about one option that you may not have heard of yet. I am owner of a spankin’ new online publishing business called, “ebooKarma”. It is designed to allow writers the chance to get their books out to the world with no cost to them, and earn a 50% royalty. Plain and simple—that is all there is to ebooKarma. The process is quite simple:

•You send in the first five pages of your book for approval.After approved, you will receive an agreement via USPS to sign. (This agreement is much more for the author’s sake than ebooKarma’s sake.)
• Included with the agreement will be a checklist that I use to make sure all steps are completed. You will even see what steps take place “behind the scenes,” including what emails you will receive after publication, and what efforts ebooKarma makes to market your book for you. (This sheet is purely FYI, so you can check off the requirements for which you are responsible.)
• Next, you send a cover in JPEG (if you don’t have one, we have a graphic designer that can create one for you at a discount price), your book in PDF, keywords, a short description, a long description, and a bio of yourself.
•Done. That is all there is to it. Sure, there may be questions and clarifications along the way, but we get those ironed out quickly. When you start selling your books on ebooKarma, you will receive a 50% royalty that is deposited directly into your PayPal account. (You can choose an actual check if you wish.) You can even sign up to be an affiliate with ebooKarma, so if while promoting your own book, somebody goes to the site and buys another book… you earn 20% on that sale.

See, I told you this was simple! You can even still publish your books on other Web sites (including Amazon.com and kindle). All I ask is that you don’t sell your book any cheaper on another site. There are no hidden agendas here. No surprises. It is a straightforward process where everybody wins in the end! The slogan for ebooKarma is, “What goes around comes around.” It is my goal to provide the best service for you and to help you succeed… and in turn, I hope the same will happen for ebooKarma.

Here are some links you might find useful:

•Sell an Ebook
•Agreement
•ebooKarma (where the magic happens…)
•News & Updates
(Check out the stats on ebook sales!)

I truly hope you will find the value that ebooKarma can offer you. You can even call me on my cell at 469-360-6918 if you want. I am an “open book” available to answer any questions and take all comments and suggestions.

Also check out our writing contest with $500 grand prize. Other prizes too! (All entries eligible for publication.)

——————————————————————————–

Ms Perry has developed several niche aras which also can keep a writer afloat in economic wavy times. Visit her page for activated links. Enjoy!
http://writersinthesky.com/books-by-yvonne.html#childrens books

Children’s Books by Yvonne Perry
Books in the Sid Series share messages that support the whole child—body, soul, and spirit—by empowering and building self esteem. Each book teaches skills such as following inner guidance, being true to one’s self or overcoming fear. Great for the classroom, young readers or toddlers being nurtured at home. Modeled after the lessons Yvonne’s grandson, Sidney, is teaching her.

Titles in the Sid Series include:

A Ghost in My Closet ~ Communicating with Angels
A Powerful Potion ~ The Power of Imagination
A Stormy Adventure ~ Facing the Fear of Storms
Always Be Honest ~ Learning to Tell the Truth
Ask Your Body ~ Understanding the Body’s Needs
Here Comes Jonas ~ Making Room for Baby Brother
My Friend’s Skin ~ Accepting and Appreciating Diversity
Old Things New ~ Learning About Recycling
Puppy Love ~ Dealing with the Death of a Pet
Sid’s Fairy ~ Learning about Inner Guidance
The Pirate’s Treasure ~ Finding Treasure Within
You Can Be! Understanding Destiny and Making Choices

The children’s holistic e-books are available as a PDF for $3.00 each. You may click on the link beside the picture to add items to your shopping cart and use a credit card via PayPal for your purchase.

Sid’s Fairy ~ Learning about Inner Guidance
Sidney and Von-Von interact with the elemental kingdom in the garden as they dance with fairies. This book teaches children to develop their ability to sense and trust the still small voice inside.

Download as e-book $3.00

A Stormy Adventure ~Facing the Fear of Storms
Sidney and Von-Von take a kayak trip on the Banana River lagoon when a thunderstorm suddenly threatens their safety. Sidney faces his fear of storms by understanding Mother Nature at play.

Download as e-book $3.00

The Pirate’s Treasure ~Finding Treasure Within
Sidney and Von-Von take a trip to the beach in search of the pirate’s buried treasure. This book teaches that the greatest treasure of all must be found inside ourselves.

Download as e-book $3.00

You Can Be!

Where SEO Yin Meets SM Yang
“Is your website search- and social-media-friendly?” inquires a recent post at the Online Marketing Blog. According to Lee Odden, search is the most efficient and effective way for consumers to discover content. However, focusing on standard SEO tactics, such as keyword usage and links, is not enough to remain competitive, he says. Odden stresses that increasing demand for fresh, live Web content, as well as consumer expectations to interact with information in search results, require today’s Web marketers to complement SEO with social media.

Here are a few tactics Odden suggests to help incorporate a social-media strategy with your overall search-marketing plan:

Provide always-fresh content. Provide updated RSS feeds or widgets so that website visitors can access additional forms of information and interaction with your company.

Offer social content. Add a blog, reviews, forum, or even a social network to your site. Provide opportunities for consumers to interact with other brand fans as well as with your company.

Make everything easy to share. Use “share this” options that make it easy for readers to share content at social sites like Facebook and Twitter—and just about anywhere else.

By adding fresh, interactive, and easily shareable content to your website, you can improve online word-of-mouth, stimulate conversations with prospective customers, and expand your market reach, Odden concludes.

The Po!nt: Balance your Yin and Yang. To extend your reach and facilitate engagement, make sure your content strategy factors in the value of search and social media.

Source: TopRank Online Marketing Blog. Read the full post here.

Looking for practical help in building an effective blog marketing program? Check out SmartTools: Blog

Much of the work you do can be inexpensive, such as blogtalkradio, and the seminars can be fun. Read the article by Bob the Teacher and visit his blog often! Please leave comments to let me know what you think, or to pose additional questions.

http://askbobtheteacher.com/blog/teleseminar-list-building/

5 Steps To Building Your List With Teleseminars
July 6th, 2009· by BobTheTeacher · Filed Under: Bob The Teacher Training · Business Building · Getting Started · List Building · Teleseminars · teleseminar formula
Build a list, build a list, build a list…

Seems like all you hear these days about growing a business is how you have to build a list. Do you hear that too?

Lists come in many shapes in sizes. You’ve got your tire-kickers who just want all your free stuff. The customers who want to get what you promise them. And your raving fans who want everything you’ve got.

You also have your followers on Twitter, Facebook, and other social media. Then you have your subscribers to your blog’s RSS feed.

The question becomes, how can you build your list quickly in a time when getting people’s attention is increasingly difficult?

The answer: set yourself apart from the “everybodys” and become an authority on what you know. To me, the fastest way to do that is with teleseminars because in 1 hour you can have a conversation answering people’s questions so they can quickly…

know you know what you’re talking about (credibility)
get connected to your voice (emotions)
realize that you attract attention from other people (social proof)
This is a winning combination, and you don’t have to be the very best - just the best they know about and can connect to.

So here are 5 steps to building your list with teleseminars.

Talk about a topic you know well
Set up your traffic net
Build buzz about your live event
Deliver great information
Give away part or all of the replay forever
1. Talk about a topic you know well
You can’t show off your expertise if you sound like a blubbering idiot. So make sure that you’re talking about stuff you’re excited about, and that you know pretty well. If you’re not sure what that is just yet, ask around. Your friends, family, and colleagues will tell you what they come to you for.

You can also talk about products and services that you’ve used in the past that you know well. This is a great way to grow first through affiliate marketing, but still grow your list centered around you.

2. Set up your traffic net
The technology must help you automate the process of building your list. So that means you need a page online to describe your call, and a registration (i.e., opt-in) form to collect email addresses to add to your list.

You can use your blog pages and posts to be your landing page if you want. Or you can set up a squeeze page separately (Matthew Glanfield’s Your Squeeze Page System is a cool way to go if you’re just starting out).

Personally, I like to recommend that people use the Instant Teleseminar system to do their landing pages, which also show off the replay, too. Then use a hover-pop to collect email addresses to your autoresponder.

Whichever landing page idea you use, I suggest using Aweber for the email database. They rock, plain and simple; and I rely on them to help me manage my list of 30,000+.

3. Build buzz about your live event
Once your event is set up, you need to attract attention to it. Spread the word as wide and far as possible, but make your event itself something specific and unique that people will want to attend.

Use your existing list if you have one. Borrow other people’s lists by having them tell their subscribers about you (in exchange for money, bartering, promo later, sponsorship on the call, etc.).

Don’t forget Facebook and Twitter. Use these and other social media events to let the news of your event go viral.

4. Deliver great information
Truthfully your first calls will be your worst calls - especially in terms of attendance. So the real list building secret is to make those that do show up extremely excited that they did so.

List building is a combination of finding new subscribers and keeping existing subscribers happy so they stick around.

During each call, make sure you connect with your audience by delivering what you’ve promised.

Then give them the power to spread the word. Encourage them to tweet about the call, and respond to those that do.

You want to build a reputation of over-delivering on content, and not become known just as someone who wants to sell stuff.

5. Give away part or all of the replay forever
Once the call’s done, you’ll build your list forever by keeping the replay up. Let those that listen later pass it along to others, and put a link or opt-in box on the replay page for people to be notified of when your next call is going to be.

The seeds of your next call should be planted in each previous one.

You may also want to sell part of your call, or sell the transcripts - then set up an affiliate program to incentivize your members to spread the word.

Follow these 5 steps, and you should see your list building efforts become more fun and profitable!

Bob Jenkins
TeleseminarFormula.com

p.s. To learn even more specific strategies to build your list with teleseminars, and all the technical goop that comes along with it, be sure to check out my comprehensive training on teleseminars at TeleseminarFormula.com.

p.p.s. You have my permission to reprint this entire article AS IS (no changes) on your blog or in an ezine. You may change the links to Teleseminar Formula to your affiliate link if you wish.

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