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10744057671?profile=originalWhat Love Has to Do With It!The Importance of Unconditional Love in A Relationship!By Kamal Imani © 2010My wife and I have been happily married for 15 years and together for 19. Much of our success can be attributed to a book we read entitled “Black Woman’s Black Man’s Guide to a Spiritual Union” by Ra Un Nefer Amen. In this book he speaks about the importance of unconditional love. He also highlighted how we have a script or sort of fantasy like picture in our minds of the perfect or ideal lover or mate and when that person doesn’t meet our expectations, we feel let down, disappointed, the drama begins and things begin to fall apart.When our partner fails to perform up to our Hollywood or conditioned standard financially, sexually, emotionally or otherwise, maybe they didn’t cook, clean, communicate or perform the way that we envisioned it, we allow dissatisfaction to set in.Have Realistic Expectations but High standardsWhen getting to know your significant other, you need to be real when it comes to acknowledging his/her strengths and weaknesses. You also need to realize that peoples long developed habits are slow to change. If you’re hoping that something he/she does will change simply because you have entered their life, you may be disappointed. Some changes can be made if it’s clearly communicated, understood and your partner makes a conscious effort to change, but be very patient because it will probably be a slow and gradual process. I’m not saying that you should lower your standards, but have you ever heard the term wysiwyg? It is an acronym for what you see is what you get. And, you know while you’re dating you’re getting a persons best side, and as the saying goes “You don’t know a person until you live with them”. So keep it real, but stay optimistic, patient and keep the faith. Always keep a spiritual vibration in your relationship.Unconditional LoveUnconditional love is giving of your self without expecting anything in return. It is being selfless! If you’re giving and taking is like a Wall Street financial transaction, sometimes you will rise, other times you will be in a recession, a depression and eventually a crash! So it is important for both partners to practice selfless giving with out making the other partner feel that he/she owes you something.When unexpected financial, medical and other emergencies arise, you will have to be flexible, calm and optimistic until the situation improves (because you will be tested). Always find a creative way to communicate, be understanding, stay affectionate, optimistic, patient and faithful…Did I say patient? Selfless giving/unconditional love is a high form of practical spirituality and it takes two to apply it. It indeed takes two to make a thing go right.Watch Kamal’s tribute to the sisters “Ms. Melanin” on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aledyuIlCjsKamal Imani is a Poet, Author, Film Maker Teacher and Mentor residing in New Jersey. He can be reached at http://www.kamalinspires.com To book Kamal for speaking engagements email Terrenceteaches@gmail.com or call 201-923-9213
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A long overdue advantage...

All of the economic chaos that surrounds us can be downright scary!

The great news is that I just discovered something that will quickly ease any fear and uncertainty. In fact, if your anything like me, you're about to get very excited.

What if there was a way for you to know the investing strategies of the "Ruling Class" that have long been kept secret from the MIddle Class?

Want to know how they do it? And how you can too?

I just watched a short video that opened my eyes to new possibilities, and you have got to see it!

 

Click here to see it

 

Wishing you growth and prosperity!

 

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In today’s business world, social media can’t be ignored. By utilizing social media as a part of your marketing strategy is an obvious step towards growth of your business. Social media is a great way to leverage your products or services. It is an easy and inexpensive way to connect to people around the world and an opportunity to make friends with people who have similar interests, find solutions to problems by collaborating with others, as well as attract clients that might need your products or services.

According to a recent survey on online social networking by the Institute for Corporate Productivity:

  • 65% of business professionals use some form of personal or professional social network
  • 47% use social networks to connect with potential clients and market their skills
  • 55% use social networks to share best practices with colleagues

So, ready to jump on the Social Media Bandwagon? Here are 4 reasons why small businesses can benefit from social media.

Increase Your Opportunities

By incorporating social media into your business strategy, can increase your chances of opportunities beyond your local area. It is an excellent way to increase the visibility of your small business. As the founder of a virtual community, ‘National Association Women on the Rise’ (NAWR), I’ve had some amazing opportunities to connect with other business professionals and organizations. For example, a few opportunities this year include:

  • Co-Author: I developed a relationship with Cheryl Pullins, Founder and Chief Visionary of Victorious Living International and Triumphant Living Coaching & Training. I am now co-author of “Victorious Living for Moms,” an amazing journey of 40 writers from across the United States who came together for the common goal of sharing their stories of trial and triumph for the purpose of impacting lives and changing people with a message of hope, love and victory.
  • National Advisor: I was invited by Omar Muhammad, Director at Morgan State University; Entrepreneurial Development & Assistance Center; 2010 National Board of Advisors. We planned and executed the W.O.M.E.N’s conference. I also served as a seminar presenter.
  • Key Note Speaker: I was contracted by the Women in Business group of Pensacola, FL., to provide a business related seminar for their annual holiday conference.

As you can see, by taking time and establishing relationships with others can open doors of opportunities for you.

Position Yourself as an Expert

Business owners are always looking for ways to position themselves as an expert in their industry. One way is to start a blog and create relevant content for your target market. For example, as a business consultant specializing in helping women grow their companies, I write business related articles and regularly post to my blog, ‘Sylvia Browder’s Blog for Women Entrepreneurs.’ I also accept articles from others. By creating this platform for women to find resources, I have a few hundred visitors each week to my blog. When people choose to follow you, they have accepted you as an expert in your industry and look to you as a reliable source.

Here are a few ways to get the word out:

  • Share links from your articles by using Twitter, LinkedIn or Facebook
  • Respond to people’s questions in forums and networking communities
  • Partner with other bloggers to post your articles on their sites. For instance, I am a featured blogger for several blogs and publications including Natalie MacNeil’s, “She Takes on the World,” a blog that recently won the prestigious Stevie Award for Blog of the Year. In addition, she is listed as Forbes, “10 Best Career Sites for Women.”

Make the Connections

Business owners can use social media to communicate and engage network connections with potential clients, partners, vendors or advertisers, etc. Social media networks such Twitter, LinkedIn or Facebook and MySpace are great tools to create viral buzz about your business.
It is easy to make an initial connection, but you must take the time to develop that connection into a relationship. Remember, people do business with people they know and trust.

Natasha Rubin, owner of Gifted Assistant Management Services, says, “As a Virtual Assistant, I am a part of several wonderful Virtual Assistant communities. But last year, I wanted to branch out into other forums and arenas where I had the opportunity to meet and network with other successful women business owners. I was honored when I received an invitation from Sylvia Browder to join "National Association Women on the Rise," through LinkedIn. A short time after I posted in the "Introduce Yourself" forum, I was contacted by another member of NAWR for a possible business connection.

That was in November 2009 and I am still partnering with Walethia Aquil, Etiquette & Image Coach of
Grace and Charm, as her Virtual Assistant. So yes, NAWR has been a great resource both professionally and personally! Thank you for making that possible.”

Build Lasting Relationships

If you put up your profile to never update or visit the social media site again, what are potential clients and business partners to think? In order to blossom and make an impact in the communities that you join, you must network. Networking is a reciprocal process based on the exchange of ideas, contacts, advice and referrals. By networking, you are building professional relationships and generating new business.

In conclusion, don't be afraid of social media but rather embrace it. Many small businesses are climbing aboard the social media bandwagon to market themselves for free or low cost marketing. It just makes good business sense to learn how to leverage social media to build communities around brands and then leverage them into revenue.

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Sylvia Browder is CEO of Browder Consulting Group, a virtual small business consulting firm. In her role, she helps Women in Business grow and succeed. She is employed as Project Director and business consultant for the Women's Business Center Inc, a non-profit economic development organization with a mission of empowering women to start and grow successful businesses. She has served as an online volunteer SCORE counselor since 2004. She also serves as a Technical Assistant Provider for SBA’s Community Express Loan Program. For FREE weekly articles go to Sylvia Browder’s Blog for Women Entrepreneurs, www.sylviabrowder.com. She can be contacted at info@browderconsultinggroup.com.

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If your PC is slow: I am giving away 20 downloads of the ChicaPC-Fix Software. Click Here

Also 3 Things to Do Today:

  1. Discover 3 Small Marketing Mistakes that Cost You BIG TIME Online
  2. Share Your Holiday Giveaways Here
  3. Click here to send me an email. I want to know your thoughts on BBWO this year.

One more thing, I sent out a Thank You gift email to BBWO members on our newsletter list yesterday. If you didn't get it, make sure you subscribe to our BBWO / SistaSense Newsletter for the next one.

More to come!

LaShanda

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Harmonic Relationships: The Ultimate Gift

Harmonic Relationships

By Herbert Harris

The Ultimate Gift

The basic principle of the universe is that of order. When order is extended over a time period, it becomes harmony. This universal harmony is like a great symphony in which all notes, vibrations, and sounds are being played at the same time, for all time.

Each entity, each person, each life form is a note, a vibration in that great universal sound. When your life is in order, your goals are attained and your visions are realized. Your purpose is fulfilled, and you are in a complete harmonic relationship with the universe.

The note and vibration that is your life is in perfect harmony with your destiny. When this perfect harmony is achieved, you become one with the universe, and, upon your transition, leave your physical body at the proper level of consciousness to ascend to the next level of your universal evolution.

When your life is out of order, your goals are not being attained, nor is your vision realized. You are not in a complete harmonic relationship with the universe.

How do you know that your life is out of order?

You feel it. You are not happy. You are not clear about where you are going. You fear the future, and suffer anxiety, stress and a host of other unpleasant feelings.

How do you get your life in order?

You study the universal principles of the universe, and then align yourself with these principles. The extent to which you align yourself with these universal principles determines the extent to which your harmonic relationship with the universe can move toward completion.

The way that you align yourself with the principles is to study, implement and master them. The better you get, the more complete your harmonic relationship with the universe. Once you are on the path, there is an endless cycle of growth, illumination and elevation to the next level to be mastered.

Our book, The Twelve Universal Laws of Success, lays out the laws of success and demonstrates their universal application.

These principles will aid and assist you as you move toward the completion of your own harmonic relationship with the universe and the realization of your destiny.

Seven Basic Harmonic Relationships.

1. The first harmonic relationship, Self with Source, is the relationship between you and God—the Universal Intelligence, Consciousness, Force, and Source that is common to all religions and cultures.

2. The second harmonic relationship, Self with Self, is the relationship between you and yourself. How you feel about yourself

3. The third harmonic relationship, Self with Others, is the relationship between you and other people.

4. The fourth harmonic relationship, Self with Energy, is the relationship between you and your powers.

5. The fifth harmonic relationship, Self with Objectives, is the relationship between you and your goals and vision.

6. The sixth harmonic relationship, Self with Results, is the relationship between you and that which you achieve.

7. The seventh harmonic relationship, Self with Purpose, is the relationship between you and your life purpose – your destiny.

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Do you have a Facebook account? If not and you want one you can easily sign up for one at www.Facebook.com You’ll be given prompts which will include setting up basic information.

You’ll want to add a photo of yourself. Be careful here because a picture does speak a thousand words. It says a lot about you. If you’re aiming to build the know, like and trust factor then you want a picture that’s going to promote that. This is not the place to show your wares. Ladies you know what I mean unless that’s what you’re there for and still it’s always good to be discreet but that’s your option.

You’ll be given a couple of opportunities to add friends and you can do that now or later.

When you’re ready to add friends you can use this way and also include more intentional ways that will allow you to target the friends that you add. Adding friends is going to be beneficial to your fanpage activities.

Your profile is supposed to be more for personal, however, it’s also the place that some of your business associates will get to know you. Keep this in mind, your friends will end up hiding your posts if you post too many business updates on your profile wall.

So do you need a Facebook page also known as a Facebook fanpage or don’t you?

Read more here

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Black Parenting Today + Holiday Giveaways

Greetings Moms and Dads:

Are you running around like crazy! I know the holidays keep us busy. I just wanted to keep you connected at the same time! Be sure to enter the free iPod Touch and Wii Game Giveaways AND also visit our forum for some mommy chat.

In the past few weeks I've written ALOT on the Black Parenting Blog about new gadgets, teens to know, various multicultural and positive books/toys for Black Children. Here are some of the latest posts...

More to come! Till then Download a sneak peak of the Color of Christmas: My African American Holiday Guide!

LaShanda Henry | Creator of the BlackMomsClub.com

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Twitter Plugin To Get More Traffic

Do you need more traffic to your site? Well I have been spending my time researching and trying to find the best resources and tools to grow my business and at the same time leverage my time.I invite you to visit my previous post: Twitter To Build An AudienceGuess What I Found>>>>>>>Well in my research I found this savy little plugin called Tweet Old Post by ajaymatharu.comThis plugin is designed to tweet your older posts to get more traffic. Tweet Old Posts randomly picks your older posts based on the interval specified by you. Its primary function is to promote older blog posts by tweeting about them and getting more traffic.Now You will need to update the settings which of course is very easy to do because I am using it and let's face it I am not all that technology savy.such as your Twitter account details – so that the plugin can start tweeting. Minimum interval between tweets – allows you to determine how often the plugin will automatically choose and tweet a blog post for you.Randomness interval – This is a contributing factor in minimum interval so that posts are randomly chosen and tweeted from your blog. Minimum age of post to be eligible for tweet – This allows you to set how old your post should be in order to be eligible for the tweet. Categories to omit from tweets – This will prevent posts from the selected categories from being tweeted.So If you need more traffic to your site I highly suggest downloading and using this Plugin.If you found this tool helpful then you will want to subscribe to my blog and stay update on all new posts or complete the form below
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Come and experience California's Hot Spot!

Ego Extensions L.A. offers a Luxury Line of Remy Hair Extensions and Lace Wigs. Imagine beautiful, soft, luxurious hair that you can color, wash, straighten and style to your hearts desire. Our Lace Wigs and Extensions are made of 100% Premium Remy Hair.Ego Extensions L.A. caters to an elite group of clientele.Hollywood's A -Listing Actors, Singers, Dancers and Models.Our hair comes imported from India, Brazil and Russia with only the most beautiful strands being hand chosen. Take this opportunity to shop on-line for what people are calling the most "ELITE HAIR ON THE MARKET ".

Have questions? Email: egoorderbox@gmail.com. We are always here to service our valued customers. We pride ourselves in selling high-end, premium hair that everyone can afford. So go ahead and indulge yourself....in Ego Extensions.

EGO EXTENSIONS LACE WIGS

Ego Extensions Lace Wigs have become the most highly sought after Lace wigs in the entertainment industry and abroad.Our professional staff and superior wig quality has catapulted us to the top.We pride ourselves in having the combination of product and customer service that clients have been searching for.Many customers visit us from other states and countries to experience the relaxing atmosphere which we provide for their Lace wig fitting.Our boutique carries enough wigs to not overwhelm clients with choices,but give them the ability to find that special unit.Choose from Full Lace Wigs,Frontals,Closures,Lace Front Wigs and more.We carry Indian,Brazilian,Mongolian,Chinese,and European Hair Wigs as well as a variety of high quality affordable synthetic units.

Ego Extensions was founded in Los Angeles California,and now services Atlanta,Memphis,Chicago,Miami,Virginia,New York,North Carolina,South Carolina,Colorado,Houston,New Jersey,Nashville,Detroit, Boston,Canada,London,France,Sweden,Africa and many other areas nationwide.

We specialize in African American Lace Front Wigs,Caucasian/European Hair Lace Front Wigs,Chemo Wigs, Trichotillomania Wigs, Human hair, Silk top, Malaysian, Indian, Brazilian, Virgin Hair Lace Front Wigs and Full Lace Wigs, Lace Closures, Virgin Indian, Brazilian and Malaysian Imported Human Hair Extensions. Contact us in regards to ordering our products Wholesale for your personal clientele.

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DO YOU NEED SCHOLARSHIPS FOR COLLEGE?

(New scholarships posted everyday)
Students Seeking Education by Experiencing Academic America (S.E.A.) an Houston, Texas based mentoring program for high school students, students at risk, and college bound students who want to attend an Historically Black College / University. (HBCU).
S.E.A will post a scholarship for minority students each day. If you are a high school senior, junior, or a transferring college student, these scholarships are for you. FREE MONEY! We all know through life there is nothing Free; you have to apply to receive this money. Your cost is time. The time it takes to fill out the scholarship application. Look for the S.E.A. blog each day, highlighting a new scholarship listing 2010/2011
SCHOLARSHIP OF THE DAY
12-13-2010
TIME WARNER Time Warner Scholars Program
Scholarship is Open to: College Sophomore Scholarship is Restricted to: No state restrictions were provided Application Deadline: Consult scholarship provider Award Range: $2,500.00 Eligibility Criteria: Consult scholarship provider Application Requirements: • Application • FAFSA Institutions that Scholarships Can Be Used At: Benedict College, Bennett College for Women, Bethune-Cookman College, Claflin University, Clark Atlanta University, Dillard University, Edward Waters College, Fisk University, Florida Memorial College, Huston-Tillotson University, Johnson C. Smith University, Lane College, LeMoyne-Owen College, Livingstone College, Miles College, Morehouse College, Morris College, Oakwood College, Paine College, Paul Quinn College, Philander Smith College, Rust College, Saint Augustine's College, Saint Paul's College, Shaw University, Spelman College, Stillman College, Talladega College, Tougaloo College, Tuskegee University, Virginia Union University, Voorhees College, Wilberforce University, Wiley College, Xavier University, Florida A&M University, Norfolk State University Renewable? Consult scholarship provider.
Contact: United Negro College Fund
8260 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive
P.O. Box 10444 Fairfax, VA 22031
(800) 331-2244
p.s. If you need help in your scholarship search, please contact S.E.A. c/o NORRIS COLEMAN @ mr.nncoleman@yahoo.com
*As part of .E.A. Mentoring Program, we want to build our Mentees vocabulary. S.E.A. has chosen to italicize words and statements in blue for our Mentee to understand and use in their vocabulary
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Is your Mindset sabotaging your Social Media marketing success?

Any level of Woman Entrepreneur Empowerment requires continued personal, spiritual and business development endeavors.

Social media is playing a BIG role in business development. Believe or not your mindset also plays a BIG role in weather you are successful or not successful.

Your mind is a powerful thing and although there are many contributing factors the wrong mindset can hold you back from realizing the results you desire.

Here are three mindsets that will stop you every time.

1. Scarcity mindset

When you operate from a mindset of scarcity you see everything from a perspective of lack. You may resist trying to learn new tactics or even attempt to apply what you’ve learned because you feel there are already so many people out there in your field so why try? Truth be told there are many individuals out there who need your expertise and are waiting for you to step up and out so that they can resolve some of their problems with your solutions, however, how will they know if you never get out there. Also you may choose not to invest in additional resources that will empower your results but your scarcity mindset kicks in again causing you to hold on to every penny because there may not be enough for something else.

2. Inferiority mindset
Here you always size yourself up with others who are miles ahead of you. Stop! When you do this you will end up giving up and this is fuel for low self esteem. Instead tap into your brilliance. What makes you unique? What are you bringing to the table that gives you a competitive edge? It’s important that you take the time to discover this. Once you are clear on the value that you offer you will no longer practice the activity of comparison,however, you will arise and shine for all the world to see!

3. It’s too late for me
Sure things may not have happened the way you want them to happen, however, as long as you have breath in your body there’s hope. Take inventory of why things are not working. Don’t be a victim of time. There are many who started in there latter years and actually realized more in their latter years than their earlier years. Spend your time discovering new ideas, strategies and resources. Determine who it is you are here to serve. Develop an appropriate brand and make sure you have an online visibility plan that works.

Where are you in your Social Media Marketing endeavors? Do you recognize yourself in any of the mindsets mentioned? There are many more. Take inventory of some of the negative chatter that happens when you attempt to move forward with Social Media.

I’d like to offer you an opportunity to get in on my No Cost Social Media Empowerment Tele-training "Share your message and extend your reach to thousands using Social Media!"

When: Wednesday, December 15 at 1:00 pm PST, 4:00 pm EST
Can’t make the call? The audio replay will be available to all registrants
Plus you’ll quality for my drawing.
Click here to secure your seat now!

Power up your Social Media Marketing! Join me for this call.

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HTTP://WWW.EGOEXTENSIONS.COM
805-426-5227
Come and experience California's Hot Spot! Ego Extensions L.A. offers a Luxury Line of Remy Hair Extensions and Lace Wigs. Imagine beautiful, soft, luxurious hair that you can color, wash, straighten and style to your hearts desire. Our Lace Wigs and Extensions are made of 100% Premium Remy Hair.Ego Extensions L.A. caters to an elite group of clientele.Hollywood's A -Listing Actors, Singers, Dancers and Models.Our hair comes imported from India, Brazil and Russia with only the most beautiful strands being hand chosen. Take this opportunity to shop on-line for what people are calling the most "ELITE HAIR ON THE MARKET ". Have questions? Email: egoorderbox@gmail.com. We are always here to service our valued customers. We pride ourselves in selling high-end, premium hair that everyone can afford. So go ahead and indulge yourself....in Ego Extensions. EGO EXTENSIONS LACE WIGS Ego Extensions Lace Wigs have become the most highly sought after Lace wigs in the entertainment industry and abroad.Our professional staff and superior wig quality has catapulted us to the top.We pride ourselves in having the combination of product and customer service that clients have been searching for.Many customers visit us from other states and countries to experience the relaxing atmosphere which we provide for their Lace wig fitting.Our boutique carries enough wigs to not overwhelm clients with choices,but give them the ability to find that special unit.Choose from Full Lace Wigs,Frontals,Closures,Lace Front Wigs and more.We carry Indian,Brazilian,Mongolian,Chinese,and European Hair Wigs as well as a variety of high quality affordable synthetic units. Ego Extensions was founded in Los Angeles California,and now services Atlanta,Memphis,Chicago,Miami,Virginia,New York,North Carolina,South Carolina,Colorado,Houston,New Jersey,Nashville,Detroit, Boston,Canada,London,France,Sweden,Africa and many other areas nationwide. We specialize in African American Lace Front Wigs,Caucasian/European Hair Lace Front Wigs,Chemo Wigs, Trichotillomania Wigs, Human hair, Silk top, Malaysian, Indian, Brazilian, Virgin Hair Lace Front Wigs and Full Lace Wigs, Lace Closures, Virgin Indian, Brazilian and Malaysian Imported Human Hair Extensions. Contact us in regards to ordering our products Wholesale for your personal clientele.

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Truth About Being a Published Author
by Electa Rome Parks


"It has been a pleasure, an honor and a privilege to be a published author; it is one of the true joys and accomplishments of my life. Not everyone has the opportunity to realize a dream and I feel totally blessed to be in that number. During my tenure as a published author, I've discovered certain truths." - Electa Rome Parks


1. You can't please all of the people all of the time. Everyone is not going to love or even like your novels. And that's OKAY.

2. Everyone, their mother and cousins will want to point out any editorial errors they may find within the pages of your books. Everyone's a critic.

3. You don't necessarily have to go to college to become a successful writer. I believe there are elements of writing that comes naturally, just like breathing.

4. Everyone thinks they can write a book. However, every book in the marketplace isn't necessarily a good book.

5. Everyone thinks their life story should be a book.

6. Talent will only get you so far. Sometimes it's all about being in the right place at the right time.

7. The right "handlers", i.e. agents, editors, PR person, make all the difference in the world.

8. Every fiction novel has some element(s) of truth. Don't believe the hype.

9. Writing is a business. Sales are the bottom line. No matter how talented you are, if you don't have the sales, you won't get the next deal.

10. There is such a syenergy when creative minds come together; it's magic.

11. There is such a sense of freedom and joy in having the ability, from the very core of your soul to express yourself to the world; it's almost like giving birth.

12. The new "renaissance" authors are making history and some are creating powerful legacies.

13. Writing is a lonely and hard business to be successful in. Most of us can't quit our day jobs.

14. Every author should pen at least one book that gives back to the universe in a positive, appealing manner to the masses.

15. You have to have a real love affair with the beauty and power of words in order to stick with it because the industry, like a lover, will take you through ups and down and sometimes screw you over.


Check out my latest fiction release:


True Confessions by Electa Rome Parks
Purchase from Amazon.com
ISBN-13: 978-1601622396
http://www.amazon.com/True-Confessions-Electa-Rome-Parks/dp/1601622392


About the Author
Electa Rome Parks
lives outside Atlanta, Georgia and is the best-selling author of seven acclaimed novels, The Ties That Bind, Loose Ends, Almost Doesn't Count, Ladies' Night Out, These Are My Confessions (anthology), Diary of a Stalker and her latest release True Confessions.

Dubbed a "book club favorite," avid readers have embraced Electa's true to life characters that tackle prevalent and heavy hitting issues that take them on an emotional roller coaster. Electa is currently following her passion and working on her next novel and first screenplay.

To find out when and where Electa will be in your area, check out her website at www.electaromeparks.com.

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True Confession Conversation with Electa Rome Parks


Electa Rome Parks currently resides outside Atlanta, Georgia. After successfully self-publishing her debut novel, The Ties That Bind, New American Library, a division of Penguin Group, bought the rights. Electa signed a three-book deal with New American Library. All three books were immediately chosen as Black Expressions Book Club main selections and embraced as Books of the Month by book clubs across the country. Dubbed a "book club favorite," avid readers have embraced Electa's true to life characters that tackle prevalent and heavy hitting issues.

Since then Electa has become a bestselling author of several other mainstream (Loose Ends and Almost Doesn't Count) and erotic (These Are My Confessions, Ladies' Night Out, Diary of a Stalker and True Confessions) novels with Penguin Group, HarperCollins and Kensington.

The self-proclaimed, Queen of Real, Electa has been a frequent guest on radio shows, has been nominated for many industry awards and has been interviewed by newspapers, AOL's Black Voices, Vibe Vixen, Upscale Magazine, Today's Black Woman, Rolling Out and Booking Matters, to name just a few. With a BA degree in marketing and a minor in sociology, she is following her true passion and working on her next novel and first screenplay.



BPM: Electa, tell us about your passion for writing. What impact do you want your books to have on readers?
Wow! Where do I begin? There is no way to best describe it. I always jokingly state that I have a passionate love affair going on with reading and writing. Our torrid affair has consumed me for much of my life. Writing is in my blood and I can’t imagine life without it. My very spirit would probably shrivel up and die if I couldn’t write. Writing is my therapy. My Voice. My sincere expression of the world as seen through my eyes.

I don’t write as a hustle. I write because I’m passionate about the power and beauty of words. As my children say, “That’s real talk.”

When I write, I am transported to another dimension. My soul feels free and at peace. Writing brings me serenity and peace like no other. When I write I feel powerful---after all, I’m creating life with the stroke of my pen or computer keys. My characters come alive on the pages of my books. And when my readers read my stories, they get to meet these incredible people, faults, imperfections and all.

What drives me? Life, the precious beauty of existing, the experience of learning something new each and every day. Joys, pains. Failures. Accomplishments. Life lessons. My children, my spouse. Observing people in their beauty and splendor and seeing the not so pretty side. Writing is my essence, my link with the world.

As far as an impact is concerned, I simply want my readers to be entertained and pulled into a world completely different, or maybe not, from their own. If a life lesson is learned during the process that makes the experience all the sweeter.


BPM: Take us inside the erotic fiction, True Confessions.
Twenty-eight year old Kennedy Logan is gorgeous, educated, talented, and in love. Unfortunately, Drake Collins has other ideas about the true state of their relationship. Kennedy hopes to turn him around; Drake just wants to turn her out sexually. Kennedy is also searching for her biological mother, who gave her up at birth. She wants answers and she has tons of questions. The enormous weight of these predicaments leads to a failed suicide attempt.

Her overprotective and overbearing mother, Dorothy Logan, moves in with Kennedy and makes it her mission to get her daughter's life back in order. The first step is getting rid of Drake Collins once and for all, but that's easier said than done. Drake has no intentions of going anywhere. Kennedy's ever loyal and fun-loving best friend, Taylor, and her absentee father join forces to help support Kennedy in her time of need.

At her psychiatrist's advice, Kennedy uses writing as her therapy. She starts to keep a daily journal detailing the erotic circumstances and family drama that led up to her despair. Through very personal, funny, and graphic entries, readers will share her confessions. Brace yourselves for a very steamy journey!


BPM: What specific situation prompted you to write True Confessions?
True Confessions actually started out as a short story titled These Are My Confessions in the anthology These Are My Confessions (Harper Collins, 2007). So many readers emailed or excitedly asked me during signings about Kennedy and Drake and their back story that I decided to pen the novel length version. I've always believed in listening to my readers and taking their suggestions:).

Kennedy and Drake captured my imagination as well; they stayed with me long after the short story was published. I wanted to delve deeper into what made them "tick" and a short story didn't allow that. As a writer, for me, it is always about what makes up the core essence of my characters. How did they become who they are? What event(s) shaped their lives? What brought them to this place in their lives when they are introduced to my readers? We are all products of our childhood and I adore piecing the puzzle together to create a likeable, sometimes not so likeable character(s) that has faults, imperfections, just like we all do.


BPM: Electa, who do you want to reach with True Confessions and the message within?
I would like to reach the readers who have wisely figured out we are all works in progress. Can I get an amen? If we are truly honest, there are aspects of our lives that we can all work on during our journey of self exploration.

As with my previous titles (The Ties That Bind, Loose Ends, Almost Doesn't Count, Ladies' Night Out, These Are My Confessions and Diary of a Stalker), they have dealt with topical issues that are prevalent in our communities and society in general. And True Confessions is no different. At first glance it appears to be a relationship gone bad type of storyline, but True Confessions is so much more than that. Issues of suicide, adoption, dysfunctional relationships, bond of a mother and daughter, father and daughter bonds, divorce and low self esteem issues are all addressed. Bottom line, if I had to encompass a general theme prevalent throughout the novel, all of Kennedy's problems and issues stem from feelings of low self esteem and unworthiness.

So. . . my underlying message is that just because someone appears to have it all together doesn't mean they actually do. Kennedy and Drake were prime examples each in their own way. Before we can receive love or give love, we have to love ourselves first. Kennedy and Drake didn't love themselves and it showed up in various aspects of their personalities and life.


BPM: Besides the actual writing process, what is the most gratifying aspect of being a writer?
Hands down, the most gratifying part of being an author has been meeting and greeting new and interesting readers who are embracing my stories and e-mailing me and writing me and meeting me at signings and telling me how much they've enjoyed my books! We talk about my characters like they are old friends. No matter how many times I've experienced this, it always makes my day. Puts a big Kool-Aide smile on my face (LOL).

Their (the readers) feedback and reactions totally validates that my craft is a gift from God! If I can touch a number of people with my stories or even if I only entertain them and they don't walk away with a life lesson, then I've still done my job.

As you know, my stories are typically relationship based, very drama filled with an ounce of spice thrown in, well maybe a pound of spice thrown in, and they usually cover a topical issue that is prevalent in today's society. Believe me, I have so many characters screaming inside my head, waiting to tell their story, that I feel like the lady from the movie Sybil (LOL). So, bottom line, I pray and claim that my readership base will continue to grow and I'll have wonderful opportunities to meet many more fans.


BPM: If you weren't a writer what would you be?
Don't laugh, but if I weren't a writer, I'd probably be a psychiatrist. I absolutely love getting inside people's heads and seeing how or why they tick the way they do. The human psyche totally amazes and intrigues me to no end.


BPM: What is one thing most readers don’t know about you?
Most readers don't know that I'm moody and a real perfectionist. Well, I guess that is two things. LOL.


BPM: How do you deal with adversity and failure?
I stress out! I totally freak out, have a pity party, and take to my bed (LOL)! I'm laughing, but I'm pretty accurate. I'm so hard on myself, I'm my worst critic, and I've got to stop doing that. I can't enjoy my successes because I'm too busy worrying about what I could have done better or thinking about the next venture.

After I finally pull myself out of bed and stop my pity party (this usually lasts for roughly 24 hours), I analyze my situation like I'm breaking down a trigonometry problem. After all is said and done, I learn the lesson, file it in my permanent memory bank, remember I'm still standing and move on. In afterthought, life lessons are wonderful, even the ones filled with adversity and failure; they make us stronger and wiser and who we are today.

Also, if I may add, I have a good support team in place with my family and friends. Plus, I have a solid spiritual foundation that keeps me strong and undaunted by the dream dashers.


BPM: Electa, how do you define success?
Good question. Personally, I define success as being able to do something you truly love on a day to day basis, getting paid for it in the process, giving back to the community (to whom much is given, much is expected) and being the best person you can be which enables you to sleep peacefully at night. To me, those combined elements make you a successful person. And. . . if you place God and your family first, the sky's the limit!


True Confessions by Electa Rome Parks
ISBN-13: 978-1601622396

Preview at Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/True-Confessions-Electa-Rome-Parks/dp/1601622392

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EDC Creations Seeking Blog Tour Hosts

Hello!

My name is Ella Curry and I own EDC Creations Media Group. We host five virtual author book tours per month through my company. We are currently seeking bloggers, radio hosts and book reviewers to join the 2011 virtual book tours!

We are Seeking Blog Tour Hosts

If you would like to have a few of today's most talented authors stop by your blog and discuss their books, please email me at: edc_dg@yahoo.com Please use this subject line: Blogging for Black Books. It is not a hard task to become a host blogger. I will send you the material from the author's tour and you would post it to your blog. Once the information is on your blog, you would ask your network to stop by and chat with the author. The host blogger decides what genre and type of books that they will feature and how often they would like to participate.

Our primary goal is to have as many readers meet the authors in one month as possible. It would be a pleasure to add your blog to the virtual author tours. If you have an online magazine, newsletter, radio show or chat board, we would love to bring exciting authors your way. Bookclubs, we host weekly video chats just for you too! All of our book promotions are geared toward introducing readers to books that they might not know about yet.


We are also seeking book reviewers for the blog tours. We would send the host about 4 books per month to review in a two week period of time. The host would write a review for the book, giving their honest opinion of the quality of the writing and the overall book. This is a fabulous way to read books from various genres. If you like the author this time, you might consider purchasing other books. If you would like to become a book tour reviewer, email me at: edc_dg@yahoo.com I would love to have you!

Share this email with your friends and any book lovers that you know. The publishing houses send me about 50 books per month to have reviewed, we would love to share these with the every day reader too. We need people who are NOT in the publishing industry to review these books.

Thank you for taking the time to read this message. I hope to see our authors on your blog soon!

Ella Curry, president of Black Pearls Magazine

www.blackpearlsmagazine.com

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DO YOU NEED SCHOLARSHIPS FOR COLLEGE?

(New scholarships posted everyday)

Students Seeking Education by Experiencing Academic America (S.E.A.)

an Houston, Texas based mentoring program for high school students, students at risk, and college bound students who want to attend an Historically Black College / University. (HBCU).

S.E.A will post a scholarship for minority students each day. If you are a high school senior, junior, or a transferring college student, these scholarships are for you. FREE MONEY! We all know through life there is nothing Free; you have to apply to receive this money. Your cost is time. The time it takes to fill out the scholarship application. Look for the S.E.A. blog each day, highlighting a new scholarship listing 2010/2011


SCHOLARSHIP OF THE DAY
12-11-2010

Toyota Motor Sales, USA Inc. Toyota/UNCF Scholarship

Eligibility Criteria: Must be majoring in engineering, business, finance, economics, accounting, information systems, marketing, communications, computer science, liberal arts, political science, English, history, psychology, electrical engineering, information technology, computer engineering, mechanical engineering, or MIS Scholarship is

Open to: High School Senior Scholarship is

Restricted to: No state restrictions were provided

Application Deadline: 10/26/2011

Award Range: $7,500

Website for Application Download: www.uncf.org/forstudents/scholardetail.asp?Sch_ID=263

Institutions that Scholarships Can Be Used At: Bethune-Cookman College, Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Spelman College, Tuskegee University, Xavier University

Renewable? Consult scholarship provider

Contact: United Negro College Fund

8260 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive,

PO Box 10444 Fairfax, VA 22031

(800) 331-2244

Website: www.uncf.org/forstudents/uncfscholarship.asp

p.s. If you need help in your scholarship search, please contact S.E.A. c/o NORRIS COLEMAN @ mr.nncoleman@yahoo.com

*As part of .E.A. Mentoring Program, we want to build our Mentees vocabulary. S.E.A. has chosen to italicize words and statements in blue for our Mentee to understand and use in their vocabulary

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Wow! Is all I could say when I was exposed to this traffic power-house.

Have you heard of this Traffic Queen? Her name is Kim Roach.

Kim is one of those rare finds in the IM space that consistently provides
tremendous value in everything she does.

She’s a country gal at heart but don’t let that fool you…

She’s been beating out many of the big-name gurus with
her southern belle charm.

In fact, many refer to her as the ‘Traffic Queen’. Which from
what I’ve seen is certainly a worthy title.

At the ripe ‘ol age of 25 she’s managed to unlock
the secrets to massive traffic…testing and tweaking
new traffic strategies… plus adding her own little
twists and tricks.

And unlike most other marketers, she spends most of her
time in the trenches, locked up in the marketing laboratory -
cookin’ up more juicy traffic goodness.

But every once in a while she surfaces back up into the
real world to share her latest findings.

If you’d like to see what she’s been cookin’ up in
the lab lately click here to go there now

I don’t get too caught up with many traffic products, however,

this one receives my recommendation.

Here’s a sneek peak at what you’ll find inside…

A super simple method for cramming your opt-in
list with 200-400 subscribers in a single day…
(and NO this has nothing to do with ad swaps)

A really cool strategy that shows you how to get 10x
MORE traffic from EVERY article you write.

As many of you probably already know, traditional article
marketing is becoming less and less effective. What worked
in 2004 simply doesn’t cut it anymore.

So Kim show’s you 10 different ways to repurpose your content
for additional traffic and exposure. Use just a couple of the
strategies in this video and you’ll have no excuse for not
getting AT LEAST a couple hundred visitors for every article
you publish.

… and that’s just the tip of the iceberg!

This thing is packed with over 8 hours of juicy
traffic goodness… NO fluff… NO filler.

With over 8 hours of step-by-step video and
enough how-to information to DESTROY literally
every question, worry and problem you’ve ever
had in regards to traffic.

A Word of Warning: There’s just ONE caveat to this
product. In fact, these traffic methods will NOT work in all
situations. In order for these traffic strategies to reap
their full power – you MUST be creating HIGH QUALITY CONTENT!
(not some auto-generated content that not even your momma would
be proud of…)

If you think you’re going to slap together some useless stuff,
throw up some auto-generated sites and have thousands of visitors
pouring in…This course is NOT for you.

This training course was created specifically for people who
are looking to build REAL businesses online… People who are
dedicated to providing top-notch value for their visitors,
subscribers, and customers.

This is something Kim stresses a lot, and I agree. If you’re
not willing to take the time and effort to put together some
really good content and offer real value, then don’t bother
with ‘The Traffic tool’. It will just be a waste of time
for you if you don’t have good content in place.

But…

If you are dedicated to building a REAL business online and
providing your visitors with REAL VALUE then ‘The Traffic
Dashboard’ will help you to grow your business 10x faster.

Plus, at an affordable price to boot!

So, if you’re ready to turn on the traffic tap, then
click here

There are no “tricks”, or “magic traffic buttons” here, just
proven traffic strategies that are designed to generate traffic
as quickly as possible.

Plus, for those of you who are more advanced, Kim combines old
school tactics with new traffic twists and tips that you won’t
want to miss…

Power up your website, blog traffic now!

Robin Tramble

Authentic Life and Biz Empowerment

Mentor,Coach and Trainer

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