Wordless Wednesday w/ Linky

Toni Morrison at the interview session at the Sheer Good Fortune event

Maya Angelou at the reception for the Sheer Good Fortune event.

The drill field at Virginia Tech

We are sitting on the steps outside Burruss Auditorium at Virginia Tech, taking in the view of the drill field in the above photo.
Three ladies from Alabama as we called ourselves that day.
Poet Kimeko Farrar, Joneia P. Brown and myself, Lena Sledge

Don't forget to add your Wordless Wednesday photo to the Linky below so we can check it out!

Reading is Fundamental

In 1966, former teacher Margaret McNamara brought a bag of used books to four boys in Washington, D.C., whom she tutored in reading. When she told the children they could each select a book to keep, their astonishment and delight led her to discover that these children, and many of their classmates, had never owned any books. By that summer, McNamara had gathered a group of school volunteers, and on November 3, 1966, they launched the book distribution and reading motivation program they called Reading is FUNdamental. From November 1966 through the early 1970s, RIF expanded from a pilot project at three elementary schools in Washington, D.C., to a program reaching children in 60 of the city's public schools. Its well-known slogan during those times was "Reading is FUNdamental". In 1975, the U.S. Congress created the Inexpensive Book Distribution Program (IBDP) which provides federal matching funds to sites that qualify for RIF's national book program. Today, through its contract with the United States Department of Education to operate the IBDP, now supplemented with private funds, RIF programs operate in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam. RIF is also affiliated with programs in Argentina and the United Kingdom.

Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) is the largest children’s literacy nonprofit in the United States. They prepare and motivate children to read by delivering free books and literacy resources to those children and families who need them most. They inspire children to be lifelong readers through the power of choice. RIF provides new, free books for children to choose from and make their own. The seeds of inspiration in these books have motivated children to follow their dreams and achieve their potential. Yes, it seems incredible for a book to launch a life, but it happens every day as hungry, inquisitive young minds reach out and grab hold of the new people, places, and ideas that books bring them.

Nearly two-thirds of low income families in the United States own no books. I wanted to highlight reading today because so many children are labeled as lazy in school. But I honestly think with today's technology they are over stimulated and are just tuning out. I remember days as a child, spending hours in the library debating over which books to check out. My family was poor so it wasn't until I was a teenager that I owned a book, which is probably why I won't loan out a book today. But I will buy you one. :-) And I perhaps if more kids had access or were encouraged to read in order to decompress from the outside noise and technology, maybe their grades from school would improve and the effort demonstrated by these students would increase.

My nine year old niece often ask me for books. Last night, she asked me for a book and a new bible. When she asks me, I get excited. I told my brother-in-law, you know if she asks me for books, I'm compelled to get them. Plus, I get to let out my book buying demon. Joy, joy and win-win for me.

So if you're out one day buying yourself a book, buy an extra one for a school classroom, library or family member or donate to RIF. Give back some of what you love, and the world may just be a little more productive because of it.

(Sources: RIF, Wikipedia and Margaret McNamara Memorial Fund)

Do you donate books or buy books as gifts?

The Waiting Booth by Brinda Berry

The Waiting Booth by Brinda Berry

A missing boy, government agents, an interdimensional portal... Mia has one goal for her senior year at Whispering Woods High-find her missing older brother. But when her science project reveals a portal into another dimension, she learns that travelers are moving in and out of her woods in the most alarming way and government agents Regulus and Arizona are policing their immigration. Mia's drawn to the mysterious, aloof Regulus, but it's no time for a crush. She needs to find out what they know about her brother, while the agents fight to save the world from viral contamination. But when Regulus reveals that he knows Mia's secrets, she begins to wonder if there's more going on than she thought...and if she was wrong to trust him...

Purchase:

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Book Depository

Praise for The Waiting Booth:
"The book kept me on the edge of my seat with its perfect balance of teenaged angst, interdimensional portals, and a fractured family."
~ Author Christine Ashworth

"The description was so good I could easily see things as they happened...like a movie playing in my mind as I read. I just love Regulus. He's my kind of hero for sure."
~ Author Lynn Rush

Author Brinda Berry

Brinda Berry lives in the southern US with her family and two spunky cairn terriers. She has a BSE in English and French and a MEd in Learning Systems Technology. She's terribly fond of chocolate, coffee, and books that take her away from reality. She doesn't mind being called a geek or “crazy dog lady”. When she's not working the day job or writing a novel, she's guilty of surfing the internet for no good reason.

Links:

Website * Blog * Facebook * Twitter 

Goodreads * Youtube * Google+

The Waiting Booth Book Trailer:

Book Blast Giveaway Details:
$100 Amazon Gift Card or $100 PayPal Cash from Author Brinda Berry
Ends 11/1/12
*You need not enter your twitter name for each entry. Simply enter it when you follow Brinda and leave the others blank.


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Wordless Wednesday with Linky

Welcome to Wordless Wednesday. I recently attended the Sheer Good Fortune event celebrating Nobel Prize and Pulitzer Prize author Toni Morrison. There were so many acclaimed authors, poets and professors in attendance. To read more about my experience check out My Sheer Good Fortune post. In the meantime, enjoy some of the photos taken while I was there. Don't forget to add your Wordless Wednesday photo to the Linky list below.

Toni Morrison at the Sheer Good Fortune event.

India Arie performing at the Sheer Good Fortune Celebration

Nikki Giovanni at the reception before the Sheer Good Fortune celebration

Me and Nikki Giovanni after the press conference.

My Sheer Good Fortune with Toni Morrison

This past week has been extraordinary. It took several days for me to come down off my adrenaline high. I left Alabama headed to Virginia Tech with two of my girlfriends on October 14, 2012. We drove to Blacksburg, Virginia in foggy, rainy, gloomy weather Sunday night. It took us a little over eight hours to make arrive to our destination. We arrived tired, but too anxious to sleep. We only had two hours to get prepared before the press conference anyway, so I decided to get dressed and go over my interview questions for Toni Morrison.

We arrived fairly early and secured front row seats. The room was intimate, maybe with thirty people eventually being in the room. There was of course other press and media outlets there, but not as many as I expected or felt should have been there for such an auspicious occasion. They wheeled Dr. Morrison in and she looked vibrant and cheerful. After a few reporters asked questions, I knew if I wanted to ask my own, I would need to just jump in there and so I went for it. I asked about seven questions. My girlfriends were with me and they were able to ask her each a question as well. After the conference, they quickly wheeled Dr. Morrison away. I went and introduced myself to Nikki Giovanni thinking she probably didn't remember me. Surprisingly she did. She said, "I know who you are." Then she gave me a hug. I introduced my friends and we all took pictures.

Angela Davis, Maya Angelou and Sonia Sanchez

After Ms. Giovanni left, a documentary producer approached us about being in a documentary honoring Nikki Giovanni. We graciously accepted. We were led to this private library where camera and video had been set up, along with TV monitors. The monitors allowed us to see how we looked while we were being filmed. The three of us were interviewed individually, I went last. I honestly can't tell you what I said during my interview, I was so nervous. I don't even remember the questions the interviewer asked me. It was a surreal experience. I am truly grateful for the opportunity and as soon as the documentary becomes available, you know I'll post it any and everywhere.

Next we were invited to the reception the following day before the actual Sheer Good Fortune event. This is where it really gets good because I left Alabama having no expectation other than to get to the press conference and to attend the event. But so far I was able to get to the press conference and have my friends experience it with me. Not only that, but then be asked to participate in a documentary for Nikki Giovanni and then invited to the reception was a blessing. Every step of the way, things kept getting better and better.

Toni Morrison and Maya Angelou holding hands while
a tribute was being song to them

So we arrive at the reception, early as usual. We get so close that we are standing in front of the microphone where the presenters would speak. We see the attendees arriving and they are coming down the stairs in small groups. I glance up towards the stairs and nudge my friend, Joneia P. Brown. "It is Angela Davis and Sonia Sanchez." I repeat it again as if I need to hear it for myself to ring true. At this point, I'm giddy. We wanted to leave our spots and go over to both ladies, but our spots were too damn good and we hadn't seen Maya Angelou yet. A few moments later, Toni Morrison arrives and she is wheeled directly in front of us. Angela Davis and Sonia Sanchez go to her and they take pictures. Joneia sits on the floor in front of them and starts to take photos, the media is snapping away and recording and it's all pure magic. Then shortly thereafter, Maya Angelou is wheeled in next to Toni Morrison. Time basically stopped for me, I'm literally standing five feet directly in front of Maya Angelou and Toni Morrison. Everything becomes a blur at this moment. I'm trying to digest it and I think my cup is so full from delight, I can't process what's happening. After the reception, I am able to speak with Angela Davis and Sonia Sanchez. They are truly gracious and kind women. We were able to meet several Pulitzer Prize winners, Poet Laureates and distinguished authors and professors. I can't wait to tell you about all the talented gifted and extraordinary men and women we met while at the event. I indeed experienced sheer good fortune.

I have to personally thank Ms. Nikki Giovanni for being so gracious and  generous in accommodating our presence. The event was beyond spectacular and most people tasked with putting on such a splendid affair would be short or slightly stressed, but she never once appeared that way and was very kind to us every step of the way.

There is lots more to tell you and I'll give you all the details in the next post.

Poet and Blogger Kimeko Farrar, Television Producer and Speaker Joneia P. Brown , Nikki Giovanni and me :) Lena Sledge taken right after the press conference.

Next up....How I Made it to the VIP Room and the Actual Sheer Good Fortune Celebration. Stay Tuned.

Spooktacular Giveaway Hop

It's one of my favorite times of the year....Halloween. I have five kids, most are adults now, but when they were small, I use to love to take them trick or treating and help them get dressed in their costumes. Now I take pleasure in watching all the little ones coming knocking at my door for treats, they are just so precious. What I also enjoy is watching all the scary movies that come on television. My favorite being Halloween and Carrie. In delight for all things scary and fun for Halloween, I'm participating in the Spooktacular Giveaway Hop. It's open to U.S. and International participants.

What's up for grabs?
One (1) $25 Gift Card from Walmart or Amazon or up to $25 in purchases from the Book Depository.

The Rules:
Just fill out the Rafflecopter form.

There are over 500 blogs participating in this hop. For a complete list of other blogs that are participating in this hop click HERE. Thanks to Diary of Book Worm and I am a Reader, Not a Writer for hosting this  spooktacular hop.

Happy Spooktacular Hopping!
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Once Upon a Midnight Dreary Giveaway Hop

Thank you for stopping by for the Once Upon a Midnight Dreary Giveaway Hop. This hop runs from October 17 - 31, 2012. It's midnight and even though I'm exhausted, I'm still posting because I'm so energized from meeting and talking to two of my favorite authors in person today, Toni Morrison and Maya Angelou. I'm so inspired to read more, write more and give back. And I want to give to people just like me who love to read.

What's up for grabs:
(1) $20 Amazon or Walmart gift card or up to $20 in purchases from the Book Depository. The holidays are nearing and I like to give readers a choice to choose what they like for themselves or for others as a gift. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents and international participants.

What are the rules: 
Just fill out the rafflecopter form.

Great News: My blog has been nominated for (5) blog awards. Thanks to your votes last week, I made it to the finals (woohoo!), so I really need your votes now. This is the last leg and I really need your votes. I'm truly grateful for all your support. So I'd appreciate it if you'd vote for me now in all five categories. Once you do you can add that entry as completed on the rafflecopter, it only takes a second to vote, but its optional. I want you to vote for me because you want to. You can only vote once per computer, so if you have already voted, just mark the option as completed, I trust that you will be honest in actually voting and I thank you.

There are many blogs participating in this hop. So make sure and stop by the other blogs to enter and increase your chances of winning some awesome prizes. For a complete list of the other blogs participating, click HERE. A special thank you to Literary Addicts for hosting this hop.

Good luck and happy hopping!
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Fall into Fantasy Giveaway Hop

Thank you for stopping by for the Fall into Fantasy Giveaway Hop. This hop runs from October 16 - 21, 2012. The theme of this giveaway is Fall into Fantasy. My favorite fantasy book would likely be Harry Potter.

What's up for grabs:
(1) $15 Amazon gift card or up to $15 in purchases from the Book Depository. The holidays are nearing and I like to give readers a choice to choose what they like for themselves or for others as a gift. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents and international participants.

What are the rules: 
Just fill out the rafflecopter form. My blog has been nominated for (5) blog awards. Thanks to your votes last week, I made it to the finals (woohoo!), so I really need your votes now. This is the last leg and I really need your votes. I'm truly grateful for all your support. So I'd appreciate it if you'd vote for me now in all five categories. Once you do you can add that entry as completed on the rafflecopter, it only takes a second to vote, but its optional. I want you to vote for me because you want to.

There are nearly 150 blogs participating in this hop. So make sure and stop by the other blogs to enter and increase your chances of winning some awesome prizes. For a complete list of the other blogs participating, click HERE. A special thank you to The Write Path and I'm A Reader, Not a Writer, for hosting this hop.

Good luck and happy hopping!
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Wordless Wednesday w/ Linky

The theme is illusions. Even in our writing, illusions are needed to make the reader believe, think, and imagine a scene is real. To do this, the writer uses sensory detail by providing cues and hints that allow the reader to imagine the story as it unfolds. Sometimes the illusions can lead the reader to interpret a story one way, then the writer persuades them to perceive it another way. Same thing with the photos below. 

What did you see first? 

Don't forget to add your Wordless Wednesday photo to the linky list below. Happy Wordless Wednesday!

Happily Ever After Giveaway Hop

Thank you for stopping by for the Happily Ever After Giveaway Hop. This hop runs from October 9 -14, 2012. The theme of this giveaway is happily ever after. It was really hard trying to come up with a book that I love that had a happily ever after that I thought was believable. The most memorable for me would be The Story of Beautiful Girl by Rachel Simon. I truly enjoyed that book and it wrapped up nicely at the end, not over the top and not underwhelming. If you haven't read it, you should check it out.






What's up for grabs:
(1) Amazon gift card or up to $20 in purchases from the Book Depository. The holidays are nearing and I like to give readers a choice to choose what they like for themselves or for others as a gift. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents and international participants.


What are the rules: 
Just fill out the rafflecopter form. My blog has been nominated for (5) blog awards. Thanks to your votes last week, I made it to the finals (woohoo!), so I really need your votes now. The finalist voting began today. This is the last leg and I really need your votes. I'm truly grateful for all your support. So I'd appreciate it if you'd vote for me now in all five categories. Once you do you can add that entry as completed on the rafflecopter, it only takes a second to vote, but its optional. I want you to vote for me because you want to.

There are nearly 150 blogs participating in this hop. So make sure and stop by the other blogs to enter and increase your chances of winning some awesome prizes. For a complete list of the other blogs participating, click HERE. A special thank you to Murphy's Library and I'm A Reader, Not a Writer, for hosting this hop.

Good luck and Happily Ever After hopping! a Rafflecopter giveaway

Guest Post By Rachael Anderson w/ Giveaway

Unknowingly cast as the bachelorette for her town’s charity event, Taycee Emerson wants out. Especially when she discovers her old teenage crush, Luke Carney, is one of the bachelors and it's up to the viewers--not her--to decide which bachelors stay or go. Coerced into participating, Taycee does what any self-preserving girl would do. She launches a subtle attack on Luke’s good name with the hope of getting him voted off the show. Unfortunately, Luke's an eye-for-an-eye kind of guy, and when he discovers what she's up to, it means revenge. But when their pranks go south, will they screw up any chance they have at a future together, or will they be able to forgive and forget and prove that love really does conquer all?

My journey into the world of publishing is probably one of the most uneventful stories ever. I wrote a book (that took me six years to complete), submitted it to one publisher, and got accepted. It's something I credit to divine intervention because I didn't know a whole lot about writing back then. The only thing I knew is that I enjoyed creating a story.

That being said, if hadn't made it off my computer, I really don't think I would have kept writing. I realize that makes me sound like a quitter, but writing is a HUGE time investment, and I wasn't willing to continue to give up that much time without seeing any results of all that labor. I hate the idea of wasted time, and I would rather do something worthwhile than endlessly type out words on a computer screen. Like spending time with my family or creating scrapbooks for my kids or keeping my house cleaner and cooking better meals.

But my book got published, and so I continued to write. I started going to conferences, reading books on writing, and doing everything I could to improve my meager skills. I saw it as my opportunity to put more clean, uplifting, and fun books out there that are becoming so much harder to find these days.

I know that my journey to this point sounds pretty easy, but I still get discouraged. It still stings when I read a negative review. And I still sacrifice a lot of time to keep at this. But early on, I found a purpose--my own reason to keep on keeping on even when life throws you a mountain to climb.

So for all of you up and coming authors out there, if I could give you one piece of advice, it would be to find your own purpose.

~ Rachael
www.rachaelreneeanderson.com

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To enter the Reluctant Bachelorette Giveaway for a $15 Amazon gift card plus other goodies, fill out the rafflecopter form below. A special thank you to I Am a Reader, Not a Writer for hosting this blog tour. You can visit her blog for the complete tour schedule.

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Pinterest for Authors: 5 Ways to Use for Promotion

I admit, I'm a Pinterst addict. Shhh. Don't tell anyone. Nah...go ahead. Tell everyone. I've been using Pinterest for maybe a year, but seriously starting utilizing it in the past four months. I have sat at my computer some days not realizing I've spent 4 hours or more pinning images. I currently have 53 boards and over 3,500 pins and counting. It's amazing how quickly the images add up.

Since my emergence on the Pinterest scene, I've come across some great marketing strategies. So I want to share with you some of the amazing ways I've seen authors utilize Pinterest to strengthen their readership and promote their books and writings, as well as some of the ways I'm currently using Pinterest to promote my own book.

First, what is Pinterest?
It's a cross between a virtual pin up board and a scrapbook. Once you create your account, you are able to create boards for different interests by organizing photos and illustrations from websites and blogs. For instance, I have boards titled Shoegasms, Kick Ass Boots, Yummy Desserts, and My Beautiful Book Covers. Each album contains photos (pins) of items that fit the description. You can also allow others to contribute to your album if you desire, which fosters increased sharing and interaction.

So what five ways can you use Pinterest to promote your book or writing?

1. Create an album like I did for book covers. You can name your album whatever you choose. Then pin book covers to that album. Make sure and leave a great description of the book, so if someone is interested in purchasing it or getting more info, they can do it easily. It's best to leave shortened url links as they look better. Try using Bitly or Tinyurl.

2. Create an album for the characters in your book. I'm currently in the process of doing this one. I'm finding it hard though to find characters that fit what I think the characters look like, or if I want to even go that route. I may just find items that fit the scene or setting associated with the character. I haven't decided. Or you can create fashions, clothes or accessories that your character would likely wear. You can choose whatever you like and create an entire world for your character with an album. Another great tip: add your readers and fans to the album as contributors and have them come up with images they think represent the character. It's a great way to get your readers involved and stay connected.

3. Create an inspiration board. I have one titled, Why I Write. It contains images and photos of things that inspire and motivate me to write. I hope that other writers, authors and aspiring writers can use the same images to help them too. We all need a little motivation sometimes and it helps readers to know that we don't wake up everyday revved up and ready to type away. Some days, it takes a little prodding. You can also use images that help you write, such as a beautiful desk, gorgeous stationery, funky pens or quotes about writing.

4. Create a Favorite Books album. I have one titled, Page Turners. It's an album of all the books I couldn't put down or books I just absolutely love. Make sure and describe your images appropriately with the author and title. This helps because authors may search for images of their own books, how nice would it be for an author to see that you've pinned their book and leave a comment on your pin? It's also a great way to give book recommendations to readers. People don't want to be inundated with your self-promotion, they want resources and info they can use.

5. Get your readers involved. Ask your readers to contribute to your album for the next book. Ask them to come up with images that you need to add description to your characters. Maybe your character wears a certain type high heel shoe or drinks a certain vintage wine but you can't find it. They can help you with the research and pin it to your board. Readers would love to contribute their input and feel like they helped in the making of your upcoming book.

BONUS* I couldn't resist. Actually, five just sounds better than six.
**Create a board for your videos. Yep, you can pin videos. I have an album for all my book trailers called Video Voyeurism for Books. Sound naughty doesn't it. I love it. You can also create an album for trailers that could help writers, video book reviews, book signings, workshops, or just a video message to your readers.

Must do's once you're on Pinterest

* Use large images, they visually look better. Use catchy album titles that sound attractive and appealing.

* Put a Pinterest widget on your blog or website so people can follow you on Pinterest. (mine is below near comments for pinning and at the top for following me)

* Reciprocate. Just like in the blogging community, people like to have comments and likes, but they also want their images repinned. Don't just put up photos and think that's it. You must engage by repinning other photos and following their albums.

* Try to use as many images from your own blog or website, it helps generate traffic, which could land you a new follower or reader. You can track how many people come to your blog from Pinterest by using your Google Analytics.

* Share your Pinterest albums with your other social media outlets like Facebook and Twitter.

* Use your time wisely. Pinterest can be a time sucker just like an other social media tool. Your objective is to promote, engage, connect and WRITE. Can't write if you're stuck on Pinterest all day.

Do you use Pinterest? What are some of your favorite Pinterest albums? If you've used Pinterest to market your book tell us how?

Wordless Wednesday w/ Linky

Me at the African American Literary Awards Show  held in New York on September 27, 2012, where I won  an award for my book, If I Had My Way. Check out the post about my trip to the awards show and the authors I met.

The shoes I wore to the AALA show. They garnered more attention

than I did. Photographers actually took pictures of just my shoes.

And finally, a picture of my award. Woohoo!

Isn't she purty?

Don't forget to add your link to the Wordless Wednesday Linky below.

Book Blast with Rachael Anderson

Rachael Anderson is the author of The Reluctant Bachelorette, Luck of the Draw, Divinely Designed and Minor Adjustments. She is currently on a blog tour hosted by I Am a Reader, Not a Writer. On October 9, 2012 she will do a guest post on my blog about her journey into the literary world and how she became published. So stay tuned and make sure you come back to read her post. In the meanwhile, you can enter the giveaway for a $50 Amazon gift card. That's a big help for your upcoming holiday shopping. All you have to do is fill out the rafflecopter form below. 

There will also be an additional giveaway up the day she does her guest post on October 9th, so come back to enter that giveaway as well for a $15 Amazon gift card and other goodies. I also posted her book trailer for her book, Minor Adjustments. Tell me what you think about it. Y'all know I'm a huge fan of book trailers and I look forward to your opinions and comments. 

Unknowingly cast as the bachelorette for her town’s charity event, Taycee Emerson wants out. Especially when she discovers her old teenage crush, Luke Carney, is one of the bachelors and it's up to the viewers--not her--to decide which bachelors stay or go. Coerced into participating, Taycee does what any self-preserving girl would do. She launches a subtle attack on Luke’s good name with the hope of getting him voted off the show. Unfortunately, Luke's an eye-for-an-eye kind of guy, and when he discovers what she's up to, it means revenge. But when their pranks go south, will they screw up any chance they have at a future together, or will they be able to forgive and forget and prove that love really does conquer all?

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I'm Now an Award Winning Author

Isaiah Washington, Victoria Christopher Murray, Me and Yvette Hayward

This past Thursday I embarked on a journey to the African American Literary Awards Show held in New York. It was a rocky start, beginning with my connecting flight that I missed due to inclement weather and my plane running out of fuel causing the plane to make a detour and refuel. After many delays, I finally made it to New York with two hours to prepare for the awards. I didn't have time for the mental break down I felt I deserved, instead I put on my big girl shoes and persevered.

I had the concierge send for a car to take me to the awards show, and again bad luck reared its ugly head. The concierge had written down the wrong address, writing the address numbers backward. By now the car that dropped me off was now gone and I was stranded. Next, I walked down the block in my five inch heels and hailed a taxi to take me to the correct address, which cost me an additional $10. Tired, frustrated and sleepy as hell, I walked in the building feeling slightly defeated. But by the time I stepped off the elevator, I had given myself a stern pep talk. I said, "Lena, you made this far in spite of the obstacles, just go a little further and claim what God has in store for you. You are already a winner, you just need to get your award." So I stepped out that elevator confident and assured. I was met by familiar faces that I admire, like authors Victoria Christopher Murray and Reshonda Tate Billingsley. Then I met new authors that I recognized through Facebook and the back of book covers, like Walter Mosley, Wahida Clark and K'Wan. I also met editors of Kensington Publishing and the founder of AALBC, Troy Johnson.

Me and Victoria Christopher Murray

The time finally arrived to have dinner and to announce the winners. My category was Anthologies/Short Stories and the presenter was none other than Victoria Christopher Murray, whom I sincerely adore. When she announced my name as the winner, she smiled so wide and said, "one of mine won. Yes!" She gave me a kiss and a hug and I felt overwhelmed with gratitude and appreciation. I became teary-eyed and thanked my blog followers and readers for their support. Because I knew without them, I couldn't have made it this far. I took photos with the AALAS founder Yvette Hayward, Victoria Christopher Murray and actor Isaiah Washington. 

I took my seat, stared at my award and exhaled. I was now ready to go home. I was elated to be there but I missed my husband who was back home in Alabama with our kids. Without him there to share in my joy, it just didn't feel complete. He has been my biggest cheerleader from day one. He bought me my first computer and told me to write. So without him, the moment felt imperfect. I needed to get home and show him our award. After the awards were over, I took lots of pictures and networked. I hailed a taxi back to my hotel room and packed my suitcase. I had to be at the airport in less than fours hours, I had no time to relax or decompress. Not wanting to wake up my husband with a late phone call, I texted him the words, "I did it." He texted me back, "We won?" I texted him back, "We sure did." Then I called him and told him all about my exhausting day, while he listened attentively. My heart and my award truly belonged in sweet home Alabama and I couldn't wait to get them both there.