Interview with #AAMBOOKCLUB #Author Ni'Cola Mitchell #IRInk




Striving to inject her unique flair into the realm of contemporary fiction, Award-Winning, Best-Selling author Ni’cola Mitchell entered the literary scene with one main objective: To Stimulate Your Mind, One Word at a Time.

Through her independent publishing company NCM Publishing, Ni’cola published numerous titles which have been featured on various best-selling lists throughout the country. Much of her work revolves around complex relationship issues and Mitchell’s compulsive desire to see women overcome challenges.

Over and Over Again was featured in the top ten by EDC Creations Recommended Reading List the 2009 fall season under Mainstream Fiction and Women’s Fiction. Ni’cola was nominated Self-Published Author of the Year with the African-American Literary Award Show for 2010 and 2011. Her short story “The Forbidden Rain” was featured in the Between the Sheets anthology which won 2011 Anthology of the Year with the African-American Literary Award Show. Recently her novel Twisted won 2011 Book of the Year with the African American on the Move Book Club.

Because of her outstanding representation of Las Vegas’African American community, Ni’cola Mitchell was featured in the second edition of Who’s Who in Black Las Vegas. Ni’cola was also included in the fourth volume of the I Am Royalty: Profiles in Black History series. She is also a motivational speaker and literary consultant. Currently, she is touring across the country, speaking about the importance of going after your dreams and overcoming obstacles, and how to self-publish your book successfully.

When she isn’t writing, Mitchell loves to spend time with her family and volunteers as a mentor for youth activities. Originally from Kingston, Jamaica, she currently resides in North Las Vegas, Nevada with her two daughters Destani and Diamond. Co-Founder of the Baltimore Urban Book Festival, Ni’cola holds a Bachelors degree of Science in Business Management and is currently pursuing a Master’s of Business Administration.

Get to Know Ni’Cola

1. Hi Ni’cola, tell us a little bit about yourself and where you are from?
Hello, my name is Ni’cola Mitchell, and I am an author and I run an independent publishing house NCM Publishing. I also co-own Obsessive Soul Media with my best friend and co-author Tamika Newhouse. Originally from Jamaica, I am a proud mother of two beautiful and talented girls Destani Imani 18 and Diamond Lynn 13. Currently we reside in North Las Vegas, Nevada.

2. What books have you read that has influence your writing?
I am an avid reader and very eclectic. When I choose an author, I try to read all of their titles. Some of the authors that I feel have had an impact on my writing are as follows: Omar Tyree, Kimberla Lawson Roby, Mary B. Morrison, Anna J., Carl Weber, V.C. Andrews, Francis Ray, and Jackie Collins

3. What advice will you give inspiring writers?
Hmmm… There is a lot of words of wisdom that I can ponder and put together for inspiring writers, but some key points are as follows: to not give up, and try to write every day. I know that this is hard, but that is the only way that you will be able to master your craft. Stand up to the naysayers. Everyone doesn’t wish you well. You have to learn to stay persistent, put God first, and everything else will just fall into place.

4. Are there any upcoming releases that are associated with NCM Publishing that were written by other authors, you will like to tell us about?
Well… There are A LOT of releases for 2012. LOL. Two were just released in February: Crime drama, A Little Sumthin’ Sumthin’ by Imani True and Christian Memoir, Voices of Cyn…Traces of a Backslider by Cynthia Evans’ March: Suspense Thriller, A Cold Piece by me, April: Contemporary Fiction, Miles Apart by Tamika Melvin-Williams, May two releases: An anthology, Ebony Chronicles of Elevation featuring a range of male authors: Omar Tyree, Chris Hicks, Moses Miller, Q.B. Wells, Eyone Williams, Corey Barnes, and Norris Pimpton and a poetry book, Whispers of Words Spoken by An Howard. Two releases in June: Self-help Memoir, When is Strong, Strong Enough? By Souraya Christine, and Christian Fiction, A Generation of Curses by Patricia Bridewell and Faatima Albasair-Johnson. In July there will be two releases as well. On National French Fries Day Children’s book, Are There French Fries in Heaven by Kay Gibbie, and Lil’ Creepers Winter Shenanigans by Shawna Carter.

5. Tell us about the upcoming book “A Cold Piece”, I read the excerpt it was quite riveting it captures your attention. I notice a change in direction compared to the 2010 release of “Appetizer”. Is this the first time you are writing a thriller? Well I am really excited about this novel. This one is not like my usual drama filled novel. A Cold Piece is a Suspense Thriller revolving around three main characters: Lisa, Anthony, and Gabrielle. Lisa Oliver was comfortable in her lifestyle. She had everything that one can ask for, anything that money could buy, and a husband that treasured her. Everything changed once Anthony found about some horrible secrets that Lisa was hiding and divorced her. Two years go by, and Anthony remarries Gabrielle, they are happy and settled in their life, until everyone around the happy couple either becomes missing, hurt or dead. This is the first time that I have written a thriller. When someone read any of my titles, you can always expect a drama filled action pact piece, but this is the first time that I wrote a suspense thriller. It is a little different because you have to really get into the mind of that crazy character. You have to make the reader see why they operate in such a manner.

6. If “A Cold Piece” was made into a movie, what are the main actors you would you love to see playing your characters, especially the role of Lisa?
 Wow. If this book was made into a movie, my main characters would be as follows:
Lisa: Nicole Kidman, Anthony: Michael Ealy, Gabrielle: Zoe Saldana, Elizabeth: Phylicia Rashad

7. Where can people purchase this book and all other books under NCM Publishing? All of our titles are available in Barnes and Nobles, Amazon.com, and NCMPublishing.com. To find out more about us check out atwww.facebook.com/ncmpublishing and www.twitter.com/ncmpublishing. To find out about any new titles and where will I be at next check me out at www.nicolacmitchell.com or www.nicolaandtamika.com. Also become my friend on facebook www.facebook.com/msnicola and follow me on twitter www.twitter.com/msnicola

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Synopsis:
Lisa Oliver had it all. A beautiful home, luxury cars, a lavish lifestyle, and a wonderful husband Anthony who loved and adored her until…. That dreaded morning when her perfect life spiraled into extinction, right before her eyes. After hiring a private investigator, Anthony learns about her dark hidden secrets, and comes up with a plan to get away from this evil seductress. Serving her with divorce papers after a passionate morning sexapade, Lisa is on wits end because Anthony would not give her a reason and shut her out of his life completely. Solitude makes Lisa go crazy and is on a rampage to get her man back… at any cost. After two years, Anthony has gone on with his life, but everything changes when everyone around him comes up missing, hurt, or dead. From the pen of award winning, bestselling author Ni’cola Mitchell comes a cold, gritty tale that takes you into the mind of a woman that has lost everything and there is only one to blame. This suspenseful thriller will remind you of a cross between Obsessed, Single White Female and The Hand that Rocks the Cradle.

Excerpt:
“Gabrielle!” I screamed kicking the door. I could hear her screaming for her life from inside,and there was nothing that I could do about it. My left arm was limp and bloody, and you could still see the smoke coming from the hole that the bullet created.

I prayed under my breath, “Dear Lord, please help her. Please let me save her,” as I continued to kick the door. Lisa was at the end of her rope, and there was no point of return. She believed that her life was over, and there was only one person to blame, and that was Gabrielle.

My body was weak,and my vision was getting blurry, but I could not give up. Gabrielle was indanger, and I was the cause. That was the worse feeling in the world.

Another gunshot blast rung out, Gabrielle yelled out again.

Where the hell is the police, I thought to myself; feeling helpless and insecure. Taking in a deep breath, I attempted to regain my composure as I kicked the door hopefully for the last time.

Boom! Another gunshot rang out. This time it was not followed by a cry. 

Link to Trailer:
Web-links:


Check out the Fantastic Reviews for The Knight and Maggie's Baby by Lisa Monde...


Every author gets a little nervous thinking about how the public is going to receive their book.  Reviews can be wonderful...but they can be brutal too.  Alas, not everyone is going to think that your masterpiece is perfection.  Some people won't even think it's a masterpiece...they'll just enjoy the time they spent getting to know the characters you've created.  And that's fine too.  But sometimes, you blow the reader away and keep them up all night reading!  I love those times!

I've been fortunate enough to have had my books received well by many reviewers.  I thought I'd share just a few of those reviews with you for THE KNIGHT AND MAGGIE'S BABY, book 3 in the Fate with a Helping Hand series.


REVIEWS for THE KNIGHT AND MAGGIE'S BABY by Lisa Mondello
Snowdrop Dreams of Books: http://www.snowdropdreams.ca/2012/02/review-knight-and-maggies-baby-by-lisa.html?spref=bl 


Flipping Book Worm http://flippingbookworm.blogspot.com/2012/04/knight-and-maggies-baby-lisa-mondello.html

Cocktails and Books http://www.cocktailsandbooks.com/2012/02/blog-tour-review-knight-and-maggies.html?zx=6e8ebc92614c77ad

Always a Booklover: http://alwaysabooklover.blogspot.com/2012/01/knight-and-maggies-baby-by-lisa.html



You can order THE KNIGHT AND MAGGIE'S BABY at these online outlets...

Amazon: http://amzn.com/B005K0ECFY

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-knight-and-maggies-baby-lisa-mondello/1105172661?ean=2940013088238

Kobo: http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/The-Knight-and-Maggies-Baby/book-f8U0vyAmnUakGMlJJC5loQ/page1.html

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/88367

iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-knight-and-maggies-baby/id467570984?mt=11

Interview with #AAMBOOKCLUB Author Kate Smith




Katherine “Kat” Smith is formerly a co-host of a four year, syndicated morning radio program with ABC Radio Networks, Inc. Her Wednesday one hour show, A Woman’s Point of View, focused on relationships.
Recently certified as a relationship coach Kat also created and manufactures a communication game for couples. She is native of New Orleans, who learned early that life is not fair, it’s just life. One of twelve siblings from ten fathers, Kat was born to a mother whose own confusion with love created damaging patterns that she and her sisters repeated in their own relationships. Now she speaks to help women who cannot articulate or communicate their experiences with topics that concentrate on love and life enrichment, clarity of message in both career or personal relationships and recovery.

Kat is the author of several books including Romantic Retreats in Texas, Seeds From Mama’s Garden and has several programs and products that support healthy emotional living.

Get to know Katherine:
1. What inspires you as an author?

Stories inspire me. My life has been filled with vivid stories both real and fiction. This story is based on a true account of my life. I changed the names ever so slightly to protect myself, not the guilty. I wanted to share this story with the hope that it may inspire just one woman to release her bonds from childhood trauma and live a life filled with love, free from what haunts her.

2. Are there strong female characters in this story?
Yes, I believe in our strength and gratefully I was given examples of that in my life and I cherish that. We don’t have to use that strength against ourselves by being combative or by sabotaging our relationships. We have to balance that strength with love and self-nurturing. Katarina LeBlanc, is my main character. She find strength in her mentor and boss, Susan Williams who takes her under her wing and grooms her with love and support. They have a special bond. Katarina also experiences the failing of love as she endures a separation from her husband Jonathan. But with a twist of fate, love blossoms elsewhere for Katarina.

3. You use horticulturist terms to identify the chapters in Seeds From Mama’s Garden. What is the significance?
From the seed we grow. From seeds gardens grow. Although these chapters show a chronology of the growth of the characters in the book, they also represent growth in life and how if we neglect our gardens they can get over run with weeds and the not so pretty things that grow there. But, if we cultivate and nurture them, they produce beauty and harvest. Katarina learns that seeds of deception and pain were propagated in her family’s garden and the keeper was none other than her mother, Lorraine.

4. How is the story is laced with a touch of spirituality?
Katarina is forced to deal with her past when she sees visions of a nine year old. Laura, her therapist guides her into a session where Katarina relays a dream. When she realizes its meaning it starts the spiral into her struggle to uproot the weeds that choke her life’s happiness. In addition, the Universal powers will not allow her to bury her past any longer. At work she is assigned a new client; SAIF (Survivors of Abuse and Incest in Families). Tellani Grayson, their representative and a clairvoyant can see this little spirit and the pain that Katarina carries with her.

5. Now the cover is quite an eye catcher. You designed it, so how did you come up with the design.
There is three messages in the cover: Sin of the flesh, is represented by nakedness. Seed of the womb for the female body and the southern woman is represented by the magnolias. I am born and raised in New Orleans, and have very full and colorful memories of my life there. Especially with my Grandmother, Madear. Honestly, that is what we called her. My cousins called her Greenie. And we refer to her mother, my great grandmother as Mama Jo.(Short for Josephine). They were strong women and I wanted to honor them in my story along with my sisters which I liken to various trees that matched their personalities.

6. What about you personally? What do you want readers to know about you?
I am passionate about my craft of writing. I have eight books now with the recent release of two at the same time: Seeds From Mama’s Garden and a romantic Texas travel guide – Romantic Retreats in Texas. Presently, I am now on chapter eight of my next book. I love writing and publishing. I created an event in Dallas called the Muse Literary Mingle where I feature a publishing professional each month (i.e. author, agent, editor, etc). It is a casual, after work gathering which allows networking and one-on-one conversations with the guests and the opportunity to sell and promote their books and services. I have volunteered for literary organization and provided consultations for those seeking publication. In the past I was a model and actor. I am the eighth of 12 children, 6’2” tall and I love to cook, travel and the ocean.

7. Who are your favorite authors?
Again, I am drawn to stories of strong female characters. Toni Morrison won me over with Song of Solomon, Beloved and Bluest Eyes. As a young girl I was introduced to Victoria Holt to which now I have an entire collection. Mostly I read inspirational books.

Synopsis:
Seeds from Mama’s Garden is an inspiring, based-on-truth account of one woman’s journey to a rainbow of happiness, led by the spirit of her youth. With help, she weeds her life of the strangling debris of memories. Inspiration gives her the strength to uproot the pain of generational abuse, unearthing the source of the family’s unhappiness and their mother’s true identity; an accomplice in the crimes committed against her daughters.

At a time when KATARINA LEBLANC thought her world was settling close to normal, everything changed, again. An attempted rape opened the gates to a deluge of memories and dreams to which she began communicating with herself as a child, quickly reconciling the past, which she had buried long ago.

Therapist LAURA THOMKPINS, helped Katarina uproot the painful history of her family, cultivated generations before. Together with the heroine from her dreams, (herself at the age of the abuse) she unravels the mysteries which led to answers long awaited. Likened unto a flower that blossoms between the cracks in the sidewalk, she saw her youth as strong, beautiful and determined.

Her family’s garden had been tended by women who forsaken their desire for love and endured tainted relationships in exchange for the comforts of financial stability. Women like her grandmother MADEAR, whose brutal rape in a cotton field formed her opinion about men. LORAINE GERARD, her mother, who recklessly bore twelve children, fathered by ten men. When she married GENE GERARD, Loraine ultimately sacrificed her daughters to sexual torment by neglecting the sprouts of her womb and propagating seeds of lies, deception and denial.

Katarina develops a three dimensional view of her childhood, teenage years and adulthood. She and Laura examined the patterns Katarina displayed and suffered from repeatedly. Encounters with her younger self and therapy gives her insight into the relationships with her siblings and the part they play in the infestation of incest.

Ensuing weeks filled with emotional turmoil, became even more dramatic as Katarina fought to mask her pain while challenged with the assignment of a new account, Survivors of Abuse and Incest in Families (SAIF). TELLANI GRAYSON, a representative of SAIF and a clairvoyant, inspires Katarina by sharing visions of Katarina’s past and future.

With physical and spiritual forces bearing down, Katarina also struggled to emotionally cope with a separation from husband JONATHAN LEBLANC. His affair, accompanied by the assault leaves Jonathan desperate to scale the walls she’s built around her heart, while a budding new love interest, BRAXTON JUSTICE is overshadowed by Katarina’s need to end her family’s suffering.

First she must confront her mother Loraine, for failing to expose her husband, Gene for what he is; a child molester and rapist. Seen as his accomplice, Loraine ignores the fact that he may prey on yet the next generation of girls in the family.
Next is her sister LOUISE, who holds the truth as to the father of her first child, CLARISSA. Twenty five year old Clarissa only needs confirmation that her grandfather is actually her father.
In the end, Katarina experiences closure with her little spirit, setting her free of the vines that bound them.

Loraine and Gene are arrested, tried and convicted. During the trial, Clarissa reveals that she secretly tested Gene’s DNA to prove that he is her father. With vindication brings wholeness and healing for the family and Katarina blossoms into a new life.

Web-Links:

4 1/2 Star Review from Mrs. Mommy Booknerd's Book Reviews: REVIEW: THE MARRIAGE CONTRACT- A Contemporary Rom...

Mrs. Mommy Booknerd's Book Reviews: REVIEW: THE MARRIAGE CONTRACT- A Contemporary Rom...: MY REVIEW: I was completely delighted the whole time I was reading THE MARRIAGE CONTRACT.  Right from Chapter One I enjoyed the character...

I received a FANTASTIC 4 1/2 Star review from Mrs. Mommy Booknerd's Book Reviews.  Click on the link above to read the full review for THE MARRIAGE CONTRACT.

Here is an excerpt from THE MARRIAGE CONTRACT:

What would you do to get a second chance at love? Sometimes fate needs a little helping hand...


When Ruthie Carvalho finds an old birthday card with a marriage proposal scribbled on the back, she figures she's hit pay dirt and is destined to get her 35 year old daughter married.

The trouble is, Ruthie can't stand Cara's boyfriend and Cara is just stubborn enough to push in the opposite direction of what her mother wants.

When Devin Michaels gets a phone call from his old friend's mom, he knows Ruthie is up to something. But he's at a crossroad. It's been 17 years since he's seen Cara and memories of their soulful talks and walks on the beach make him long to reconnect.

Going back to the seaside town of Westport Massachusetts to reconnect with Cara seems like just the thing to do. One look at Cara and the years seem to melt away. With a little help and “creative” planning from Ruthie, can these old friends become lovers and have a second chance at happiness?

*********************************

Excerpt:

“Oh, but...what about the wedding?” Ruthie gasped.

“Who's wedding?”

“Why...yours and Cara's, of course. You did read the card, didn't you?”

“Yes, but...” Puzzled by her query, Devin picked up the card again and turned it over in case he’d missed some important piece of information. The search proved futile.

“Cara will be thirty-five next week.”

“Yes, I know.”

“Well, then you know what that means, don’t you?”

He was silent.

“Do you or don't you intend to honor that contract, young man.”

A grin tugged at his lips. Although Ruthie's voice held a hint of amusement, he sensed her taking this line of offense immensely serious.

Knowing in advance how Ruthie Cavarlho operated, he proceeded with caution. “Ruthie, it’s not really a contract.”

“It’s in black and white.”

“Yes, but…it’s bogus. There was no serious intention of marriage by either of us, no meeting of the minds. No-”

“Devin, dear, don’t talk to me in legal mumbo jumbo. I don’t understand a word of it.”

“It was a joke. It’s not legal.”

“Not legal,” Ruthie grunted.

There was silence on the other end of the line for a few seconds. Devin picked up the ball point pen he'd strangled earlier and started tapping in his desk to fill in the void.

“Would Cara know this?” Ruthie finally asked.

“Well, I-”

“I'll bet she doesn't,” she proclaimed, an undertone of hope resonating in her words. He could almost hear the wheels in her head spinning triumphantly when she declared, “What she doesn't know won't hurt her.”

A grin tugged at his lips. “Ruthie, what are you up to?”

Check out the full FATE WITH A HELPING HAND series at Amazon.

52,362 Total Self Published Books Sold in 8 Months!

I want to take this opportunity to thank all my readers who've bought my books and the many, many traditional and self published authors who shared their wisdom with me over the last 8 months.  It's been a wild ride! 

When I first decided to self publish my backlist of books, I'd just received a particularly hard rejection letter from my editor.  Rejection is a part of publishing, just like good reviews and the not so good reviews.  You suck it up and move on.  I was at a crossroads in my writing and facing paying college tuition bills for 3 kids!!  Let's just say I was motivated to see how self publishing my books that had previously been published would fit into my writing career.

The VERDICT:  Fantastic!!

I've said this many times before and I'll say it again...my move to self publish did not mean then and does not mean now that I plan on abandoning my efforts to continue with traditional publishing.  That is still my goal.  I have a fantastic agent and I will be working with her on the next step of my publishing career.  But as I've also said, there's more than one way to reach a goal. I plan on continuing to self publish as well as submit to traditional publishing houses in the future.

Okay, here is the down and dirty numbers broken down for those who are interested.


All I Want for Christmas is You - published September 2011.......5719
             (Does not include over 350,000 free downloads)
Fate with a Helping Hand Box Set - published January 2012.......539  
Her Heart for the Asking -  published February 2012..................14,105  
His Heart for the Trusting - published February 2012....................3511
Nothing But Trouble - published September 2011.........................9874
The Knight and Maggie's Baby - published September 2011.......10,275
The Marriage Contract  - published September 2011...................6431
The More I See -  published April 2012..........................................603

Total books sold........................................................................52,362

I still have a few books yet to release.  My next release will be my first single title romantic suspense MATERIAL WITNESS available through Barnes and Noble on June 11 for the Nook First program and on July 11 for Kindle.  Don't worry Kobo, iTunes and Sony readers.  You'll be able to purchase a copy of Material Witness from Barnes and Noble and side load it to your device.  

Check back for more information about upcoming releases.  In the meantime, here is a sneak peek of MATERIAL WITNESS, coming June 2012.

MATERIAL WITNESS by L.A. Mondello

Crime author Cassie Alvarez had murder on her mind when she walked into Rory's Bar under dressed and under cover to research her latest crime novel.  Researching the cool, blue-eyed and dashingly handsome man at the end of the bar stirred her senses more than she wanted to admit.  But was this man of leather armor all he appeared to be?

Playing White Knight to an innocent wasn't how Detective Jake Santos planned to spend his time under cover.  But there was no way "CJ" was what she claimed to be and that nagging tightness in Jake's chest told him he'd better take her home to safety before she got herself in trouble.  Then the barroom exploded with gunfire.  When the dust clears, an FBI agent is killed along with Providence’s most notorious crime boss. 

Cassie is the only material witness who can identify the shooter.  But when her name is leaked to the media as his only witness to the grisly murders, the FBI wants to protect their case at all cost.  Cassie insists she only trusts Jake to protect her.  He gives his word he'll protect her at all cost despite the fact that guarding the beautiful novelist is a serious distraction.  But can he keep from betraying her trust?

 


On Conversations: Interview with author Vonda Howard.


Today I have author Vonda Howard on Conversations talking about her new book in her popular D-Cup Divas series .  Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy!
Lisa ~



http://aambookclub.com/d-cup-divas-2-rossalyn-by-vonda-howard/dcupdiva2a-1-2


Synopsis:
Rossalyn McMillan is full figured and full of big dreams and aspirations. At a healthy size 18, she flaunts and struts it just like her older sister Chandra. She is a new graduate of Howard University and is looking to get her career started in the fast paced world of couture fashion. She is a brilliant designer, and gets constant ridicule from her colleagues when she decides to launch her couture plus size clothing line. She is an instant hit and gets attention all over the world as the new “it” girl for plus sized ladies. How will her new-found fame affect her friendships and romantic relationships? Will she be able to tell the real from the fake?


Excerpt:
The secluded tree-lined back road was perfect for Rossalyn to test out the engine on her brand new sports car; a pink, custom made Aston Martin V12 Vantage. It was a graduation gift to herself, one of the first things she bought out of her freshly unlocked trust account. She had worked so hard and it had been such a long wait to get her hands on the money her mom and dad had set up for her. She worked her ass off at her now Alma Mater, Parsons School of Design in New York City and could proudly boast her new Masters of Fashion Design. It wasn’t an easy decision to go there after she graduated from Howard University and leave the sister that she had been joined at the hip to for all her life, but she did it. She was actually a little shocked that Chandra was so good about it.

Normally, she would get a raised eyebrow if she went too far out of town with girlfriends.
It was almost like she never left anyway because Chandra would come up and stay with her in her apartment at least once, sometimes twice a month. She didn’t mind though, it actually helped her adjust better to being away from home. She knew exactly what she was going to do with the money. She was going to start her own plus size couture clothing line. Her friends wondered why she didn’t go and blow half of it on multimillion dollar houses, designer clothes and gaudy handbags. All that stuff is nice, of course, but she wanted to fulfill her dream and bring “Daisy” to life.

Not only was Daisy the name of her favorite flower and cartoon character, it was going to be a movement for her. It was her chance to step out of the baby sister spotlight that Chandra kept her in. She was bustin‘ out! Her clothes already had a little buzz around them from her including them in some local fashion shows and showcases sponsored by Parsons. She was even featured in a few very prominent blogs and magazines as one of the hottest up and coming designers in the country.

Even Mo’nique was wearing one of her designs, (she practically stalked her when she was in New York. After she chased down a former design assistant that was part of the style team for Mo’nique; and paid him a healthy sum of money to get her measurements, she worked like a dog getting that dress perfect. So, when she saw her wearing it on her talk show she was on cloud nine. After that, she couldn’t stop all the phone calls or interviews and requests for her to design for other celebrities and models, but she wanted more. She wanted Daisy to be an internationally known brand.“I don’t have time for this.” Rossalyn sucked her teeth as she looked up in the rear mirror at the flashing lights of the police car behind her. She was already 30 minutes late for the graduation celebration her sister Chandra was throwing her.

She knew she would have to hear it…Her big sister lecturing her once again about the importance of punctuality. She knew Chandra meant well, it’s just that ever since their mom died about three years ago, she hadstepped in as her surrogate mom. There was no doubt she would be in her ass about getting pulled over yet again.

She wasn’t really rushing to this “foo-foo” thing Chandra was throwing anyway. She would have been just as happy with sitting around at her friends eating pizza and tripping out. No, Chandra wanted to make a big deal and show her of, so she was letting her.She pulled over on the side of the road; looking in her driver side mirror, smiling and admiring the god-like physique of the policeman that was outlined beautifully by the bright glare of his spotlight. He was even sexier up close; strong squared jaw line, smooth acorn brown skin, and chocolate brown eyes that she could have dived into. She tried her best not to lick her cherry flavored glossed lips as her eyes slowly made their way up his body, spending extra time on his crotch, which was perfectly placed in her view.

“License and registration please?”

His voice had a silky low tone.“Is it okay if I reach over into my glove compartment?” She answered as she leaned to the side. She has used this trick on many occasions. She would bat her naturally thick eyelashes and push out her perky D-cups and get herself out of the jam. Unfortunately, this officer was not affected.Yes, ma’am it’s fine.” He replied, straight-faced shining his flashlight in hers causing her to squint. “Do you realize how fast you were going?”She reached over, grabbed her insurance card and registration out of her glove compartment and handed it over to the waiting officer.

“No sir. Must not have been that fast if you caught up to me.”

She tried to make a joke, but it fell flat.“Ma’am, you were doing 60 in a 25.” “Was I?” She tried to sound unaware of her speeding, but she was fully aware. She has always been a bit of a lead foot. Chandra refuses to ride with her because she claims she scares her half to death; weaving in and out of traffic and speeding like they are in the Daytona 500.

She got her very first ticket the same day she got her license at sixteen years old and it just never stopped. Her license has been suspended more times than she liked to think about. “Yes, you were. What’s the rush, Ms. McMillan?” He asked looking down at her license. “I’m on my way to a party and I am very late.” “Well, I’m sure the people at this party would like you to arrive late and safely rather than get a call that you were in the hospital or worse. Do you know this far over the speed limit constitutes as reckless driving?”

“Ooh, does that mean you pull out your cuffs?”

The officer was not amused by her obvious flirtations. “Ma’am, this is no joke. I’m two seconds off hauling you to jail, right now.” You’re absolutely right, officer. I apologize.” Her smile quickly fell to a serious expression.

http://aambookclub.com/d-cup-divas-2-rossalyn-by-vonda-howard/howard_01-croppedVonda Howard grew up in Southeast DC and has been writing since 10 years old. In 2007 she wrote her first self-published novel named “Diamond Lives, Platinum Lies” which was a huge success. Her second book, “It’s Always The Pretty Ones” (released in 2008) had very similar success. In June 2009, she was signed to Anexander Books where she released the very popular “D-Cup Divas” Series that spotlighted confident and beautiful plus size characters.

Vonda Howard also runs her own graphic design firm, Cupcake Creative Studio, which has serviced such well known clients as Brian W. Smith, Torrian Ferguson, Kaira Denee and Marissa Monteilh. She is also the Co-Founder and Editor-In-Chief of the multi-award winning Black Literature Magazine.






Get to Know Vonda:
1.) The D-Cup Divas Series is centered around the lives of four plus sized professional women. Why did you feel this series was needed?
I started this series because I felt there was a need to create some characters that portrayed full figured women in a positive light. Often times, full figured in books and movies are sad, wretched, unattractive loafers that are the butt of the joke. I am none of these things and neither are any of my full figured gal pals. That is why I created a series that I affectionately call the “Sex In The City” for curvy girls. All of my characters are smart, beautiful, career driven women.

2) This is the second in the series (Rossalyn) and we know you are currently working on the third D Cup Diva (Lanora) , how do you feel you have progressed as a writer?
I can definitely see the growth in how I tell the story. Like with anything, the more you do it the better you get. I also make it a point to research, read and learn along the way. I’ve also had a pack of awesome teachers and mentors around me helping me along the way too.

3) How much of your real life inspires your writing and the lives of your characters?
A lot of it actually, real life is the best fiction! I am often inspired by news stories, movies, television shows and even songs.

4) Which of the four Diva characters is your favorite?
I would have to say Chandra. Not because she was the first, but I love her intensity and her work ethic. Chandra does what she wants, when she wants and by her own rules. She’s also flawless in her fashion sense and love for herself.

5) Who are some of your literary influences and how have they influenced your brand of writing?
I would say some of my influences are Nickolas Sparks for the way he writes true and realistic love, T. Styles for her grittiness and the way she pushes the boundaries and Zane for her undeniable sense of sexuality and sexiness.

6) This book has a really serious scene in it (we won’t ruin it for readers). How hard was it to write that scene? What did you have to do to mentally prepare for it?
That scene was hard to write. I tend to let my characters do and say what they want, i’m just the transcriber. (I know that sounds crazy) When that scene came about I actually had to step away for a second angry that it was even happening. (Again, I know that sounds crazy. LOL) I just went there and tried my best to capture every emotion and reaction the way it should have been. Hopefully, the readers will feel the intensity of it also.

7) What are some of your hopes / plans / goals for the future of your writing?
All I really want is to continue to be blessed enough to do what I love, and readers continue to enjoy it. I also want to continue to learn and help others as much as I can in the industry. Of course the New York Times Bestseller List and a movie deal sweeten the pot too!

Web-links:
Twitter: @VondaHoward
Email address : vonda@vondahoward.com
The books can be purchased on my website (www.VondaHoward.com) or on Kindle, Nook, and IBooks.

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