I am an author and Christian motivational speaker. The first book I published in April 2009 was called “The Seven Deadly Sexual Sins”, which is a book about deliverance.  The second book I published is called “Before the Lights Go Out: 11 Keys to Achieve Real Physical Intimacy, which is an inspirational self-help book on how to achieve intimacy in your relationships.  I also wrote a free downloadable e-book as well called “Walking the Path to Real Love: 12 Steps to Practice Abstinence and Celibacy” which is available as a free download on Lulu.

I am founder of I am the Chase Ministries, LLC which is a singles women’s ministry whose mission is to promote abstinence and celibacy.  I am also founder of Chasing Books Christian Book Club that was formed to support our African American self-published authors like myself and those who have published with a traditional publisher such as AuthorHouse, Xlibris, etc.  I wanted to form this book club as a way to support our own people of color and also let the world know that self-publishers have great books as well and only need a platform to showcase their talent.

I travel often doing book signings and speaking at conferences and high schools.  Besides writing and speaking, I am also active in the church I attend and work a full time job as a legal assistant.  My schedule is very busy, but writing is my passion because it allows me to minister to others.

How do you find time to connect with God?

I connect with God many different ways such as praying, going to church regularly and reading my bible.  Since I am single and have no children, I have plenty of time to connect with God because he is the sole reason why I do what I do.  I’m a Christian, so I can’t do anything without him.  I realize that whatever you make a priority is what you spend the most time doing so God is my focus and priority so it’s natural that I spend time with him on a regular basis.

Who are your favorite authors? Favorite books?

I love Joyce Myers books, Hill Harper writes book full of substance and wisdom and I just finished reading his book “The Wealth Cure and gained a lot of wisdom and insight. I am currently reading a few of Iyanla Vanzant’s books called “Peace from broken pieces’ and “In the meantime”.  I also enjoyed reading a book titled Cupcake Brown and Color Me Butterfly, which I put all these on my top ten reads.

Tell us about your current book?

My current book, “Before the Lights Go Out: 11 Keys to Achieve Real Physical Intimacy” is a book about what defines real intimacy.  There is so much divorce and separation in our society right now that people are not staying together.  There is a lack of unity and commitment.  Also, our view of what love is supposed to look like has been tainted with all the dating sites on the internet and dating reality shows that shows us the quick version of how to find a mate, when in reality there is so much more to the process.

So, this book was written to help people learn the biblical principles of what marriage should resemble and it also prepare us for marriage. I thought it was so important to not only talk about these things, but also present real life experiences about the pitfalls of marriage and staying committed and being able to long suffer with one another as the bible tells us in 1 Corinthians 13, that love suffers long, is patient, kind, not envious, boastful, etc. so I decided to talk to my family members including my parents who have been married for 50 years of what it took for them to stay together.

This book is practical and filled with so much insight and wisdom on what it takes to make a relationship work.  What’s missing is there is no real intimacy, meaning a spiritual and an emotional connection.  We have mistaken physical intimacy for intimacy when it is not as any two people can have sex without having a real bond or connection.  The book was written to bring unity back to marriages and also provide a foundation for singles on what to look for in a potential relationship that will last, and not pattern our behavior after the false images we see represented in the media.

What’s next for you?

I am holding a writers teleconference for authors, writers and potential authors on January 15, 2012 to share some of my personal experiences with publishing and also marketing tips as well.  Also on April 14, 2012, I will be holding my 2^nd Annual Worth the Wait Women’s Conference in Columbia, MD.  In between those dates, I have several book signings lined up the end of this month and early February to promote love and commitment especially since Valentines is coming up.

Where can visitors find you online?

People can reach me at my website at www.iamthechase.com or join my book club at www.chasingbooks.com.  I am also active on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.  My twitter name is dladyque and you can search for Quiniece Sheppard on Facebook or LinkedIn to connect with me there.

I’ve been married to my husband, Kerry, for almost twenty-nine years, and I praise God for a good marriage. I’ve converted my sofa-strapped, sports-fanatical husband into an amateur travel agent, untrained bodyguard, and GPS-guided chauffeur. We have a son who is a walking miracle. He is blessed to be alive after a horrific car accident years ago, but God let me know that is my son’s testimony and to let him tell it. Our daughter who attended college on a bowling scholarship recently graduated. She says she feels like making a sign and standing on the streets saying, ‘College student needs corporate job.’ We keep encouraging her that God is the CEO of all jobs.

As far as hobbies, I’m an avid seamstress. I used to sew regularly until I started writing. Now, I sew a few times a year, or if I see an outfit I like, I’ll buy the pattern and duplicate it. I became a storyteller when I tried to get myself out of trouble when I was a little girl. It didn’t fly with my parents. I’m a romantic at heart—movies, books, commercials, Disney cartoons.

The bottom line is I enjoy happy endings. But my passion, in addition to living for Jesus and making sure I’m spiritually spotless for the rapture, is tracking down my ancestors.

I’m a genealogy sleuth. Anyone who loves the Jamieson men have read about some of the tidbits I’ve uncovered from researching old documents.

How do you find time to connect with God?

First thing in the morning is best for me before I get my day started. I try to be steadfast and dedicate at least thirty minutes to one hour for reading my Bible, which could be up to three chapters and take notes.

Do you have a favorite bible verse and or quote you wish to share?

Romans 12:1-2: I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Whew. That says it all, doesn’t it? If you really think about this, Paul is practically begging us to serve God, then warning us not to be tricked with the cares of this world.

Who are your favorite authors? Favorite books?

That’s a two-part question. I have fellow authors who I turn to for advice about anything from editing to marketing. Some of them do not write in my genre, but they would be my favorite authors that would be there for me. As for reading, Henry Louis Gates would probably be my favorite when it comes to the genealogy genre. Since I love romance and I want to keep my mind clean, I enjoy Christian romance by Vanessa Miller, Kendra Norman-Bellamy and others.

Tell us about your journey to publication.

My journey was basically generic. It was a challenge to complete a manuscript as far as staying focused. I had to time myself just to see how long it would take me to complete a manuscript. It was even harder to find an agent than publisher. There are still publishers that will take a manuscript without an agent, but you can’t deviate from the guidelines. It’s a fine line to walk and write. As an aspiring author, I never became accustomed to the rejection letters and emails. When I finally received an email from Joylynn Jossel, I just knew it was another rejection, but to my surprise, she actually liked the story. I wrote five books for Urban Christian.

I got my second and current publisher, Lift Every Voice, by God’s divine plan. I was pitching the Guilty series to another publisher. I had printed too many copies of the proposal. Since I didn’t want to waste my ink and paper, I sent it to my editor, Cynthia Ballenger. Cynthia loved it! I was humbled because they had originally turned down my first manuscript five years ago. It wasn’t my time for the great opportunity they gave me now. Praise God.

Tell us about your current book.

In Guilty by Association, Kevin “Kidd” Jamieson suffers from the “angry black man syndrome”. With an absentee father, the Jamieson name is worthless. Kidd’s anger is seeping out into every area of his life as he carelessly becomes as a roaring lion, seeking whatever and whomever he can devour.

When he receives an invitation from a distant cousin, Parke Jamieson VI, to come to St. Louis, he is hesitant but accepts, almost as a dare. Though he initially bumps heads with Parke, a series of events that involve a dog named Silent Killer, Stacy Adams shoes, and two women who enter his life to calm his raging storm, Kidd makes St. Louis home. One woman is Eva Savoy who becomes his “Eve,” a woman God created out of the underlying goodness in Kidd’s own heart.

Reluctantly, Kidd allows Parke to walk him through generations of his royal African tribe heritage. Overwhelmed by the care and compassion of new friends and family, Kidd struggles to keep up the bad boy attitude. His walls are starting to crumble and he knows he’s going down. Eventually, Kidd learns it’s not his association with the name that identifies him, but the man he becomes that defines him.

What influenced you to write this book?

My heart bleeds for our young men who are rebellious and lashing out, and we as a society, don’t take the interest to find out why. They are wasting their lives away. These talent young men are hurting inside and we need to ask ourselves why and how we reach our angry black men, sons, husbands, brothers. That was my mission when I set out to write Guilty by Association. My character, Kidd Jamieson, is rough around the edges. He is surrounded by people who love him, but two women begin to minister to his emotional hurt—an old woman in the nursing facility would tell stories about slavery and his love interest at his job who shows him the love of Jesus. It’s truly a love story.

Did you have a favorite character(s)? Who and why?

Of course, as the author, I have to pull for the Jamieson men. I chose Kidd because he is the underdog. And Jesus roots for the underdog. I enjoy writing Kidd’s transformation and despite his rough edges, he was a caring and loving son and brother. He had good qualities.

What’s next for you?

Are you kidding? The Jamiesons are keeping me busy. There is also the sequel to Crowning Glory and other single titles that I’m looking forward to getting out this year. It’s important to me to have a diverse portfolio of novels, so that readers can see I can do more than the Jamieson Legacy. In 2012, there will be three books released in the series: Guilty by Association (Jan 2012); The Guilt Trip (June 2012); Free from Guilt (October 2012).

Where can visitors find you online?

It seems like everywhere.

• www.patsimmons.net
• twitter.com/patsimmons
• facebook.com/patsimmonsauthor

Jacqueline Goodwin is an ordain minister who ministry focus is deliverance and healing. She has a passion and heart for the youth which has lead her to various positions within the ministry and career field. Since 2002 Goodwin has served as Youth Director, a mentor, and Sunday School teacher within her local church. A former paralegal, educator, and substance abuse counselor who use her gift of empowerment to transform lives within her career field. She has earned a Master of Counseling from Webster University, Columbia SC, an Associate Degree of Paralegal graduating “Magna Cum Laude” from South University and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Francis Marion University, Florence SC.

She currently resides in South Carolina with her son and two daughters. Her hobbies include running, walking, meditating, and writing, counseling youth and working in the community.

 How do you find time to connect with God?

I find time to connect with God early in the morning around 2am and during the time I walk through my neighborhood.

Who are your favorite authors? Favorite books?

My favorite authors are Prophetess Juanita Bynum, Joyce Myers, Apostle Kimberly Daniels, and Apostle John Eckhart.

My favorite books are The Bible, Destiny Thieves, The Purpose of a Driven Life, Threshing Floor, Identifying and Breaking Curses, Prayers That Bring forth Healing, and Prayers that Rout Demons.

Tell us about your journey to publication.

My journey has been a tedious one because I have experience that with publication you have to be prayerful about what publishers you are connected with as an author.   I have no problems with having my book publish the struggles come with the promotion of the book.

Tell us about your current book.

My current book, Healing In The Vessel, is a book about personal testimonies that shows how God’s mighty hand is still upon us as we go through the fires, floods, and rivers. It is a book that empowers one to have a  stronger relationship with God and  takes their faith to another dimension in God.  Healing In the Vessel provides one with  hope to raise above the ashes that life burns them with.   It elaborates on how the enemy left  me for dead and expected his attacks to expire my very existence but of the broken vessel God used the story of my life to perfect me for my destiny which is to bring healing and restoration to other broken vessels.

How did you come up with ideas for this book?

I was influenced by the direction and instructions of God during my prayer time.  God spoke into my spirit that it was the season for the birthing of my book, “Healing In The Vessel” during December 2008.

What valuable lessons do you want readers to learn from your book?

The most important lesson I want my readers to take away from my book is the power of faith.  I want readers to learn from reading my book that in spite of the enemy’s attack that they can still stand and encourage others.  Secondly,  I want my readers to learn that God is faithful to keep his promise and  that he will never leave us nor forsake us.  Lastly, I want my readers  to learn  how God can use a broken vessel to bring forth healing and restoration to the broken heart and contrite spirit.

What’s next for you?

I plan to write many more books as I am lead by  God.  I am working on having my book available on CD and allowing God to establish my ministry “Healing In The Vessel.”  I am also working on writing articles for magazines.

Where can visitors find you online?

Visitors can find me at lenisegoodwin@yahoo.com, facebook.com/jacquelinegoodwin and http://healinginthevesselminstry.com

I am a proud Georgia native who enjoys traveling and watching classic movies. After graduating from college with a degree in Communication Arts I moved to Baltimore to become a flight attendant. Then the 9-11 tragedies rocked the travel industry and I moved back to the south. In addition to writing and speaking to youth and women’s groups, sharing my story of betrayal and renewed faith, I will be receiving my MBA in March 2012.

How do you find time to connect with God?

Each moment I am awake is an opportunity to connect with God. I have learned to appreciate the little things in life like a full moon or something funny my children may say or do — and they say and do a lot of funny things — but I connect with Him through prayer and quiet meditation or when I exercise.

Who are your favorite authors? Favorite books?

My favorite books are ‘The Coldest Winter Ever’, ‘A Piece of Cake’, ‘Flyy Girl’, and anything by Kimberla Lawson Roby.

Tell us about your current book?

The Upside of the Down Low, a Pastor’s Wife’s Memoir is an autobiography following the life of a southern Baptist pastor’s wife, Yolanda Jacksyn. Turmoil and disorder ensue as she quickly finds out her affluent, positioned husband, Pastor Edgar Otis Jacksyn, III (PJ) is plagiarizing life in the pulpit. His parishioners love his candid, real-life preaching style and community leaders applaud his fresh ideas.

But at home PJ squanders money, lies about deadly health issues, and preys on unsuspecting young men. PJ’s trickery and deceitful ways finally walk through his front door and confronts Yolanda – in the form of a teenage boy PJ has been having sex with since the beginning of their marriage.

Not willing to deal with the outcome of his sordid past or succumb to the street or court summons, PJ chooses to end his own life where it began: on the church ground.

The Upside takes a vivid look at speculations surrounding church folk while shedding light on topics long considered taboo in communities across the country; depression, infidelity, homosexuality, and suicide.

How did you come up with ideas for this book?

My life inspired the words on the pages of the book. It was literally turned upside down when my late husband’s infidelities and down low happenings came knocking on my door and sat down in my living room. I would have never imagined the events that followed.

After my husband took his own life I didn’t find any books on black suicide written in plain language that could help me cope with the loss of my husband in the manner he died.

My faith in God is what kept me sane through everything so when He gave me the words to write, I wrote, and The Upside of the Down Low, a Pastor’s Wife’s Memoir is the finished product of what He has done in my life.

What valuable lessons do you want readers to learn from your book?

As believers, just because we are saved does not mean we are shielded from disruptions and disappointments in life. That it is why it is important to hold to your faith in God no matter how dark the situation, and have that relationship for yourself. With Him you can overcome obstacles and adversities without harboring bitterness so you can move forward to the upside of your life.

What’s next for you?

Next, I will seize every opportunity possible. I will tell my testimony every chance I have the opportunity. I will enjoy time with my children and appreciate the life God has given me. I do plan to write another book and I can’t wait to get started.

Where can visitors find you online?

There are several online mediums where I can be found.

• www.upsidebook.com
• www.facebook.com/noordinaryrose
• twitter.com/noordinaryrose

Email me at yolanda@upsidebook.com and YouTube me because I regularly post videos from speaking engagements.

Damainion, describe yourself for our visitors.

Simply put, I am a follower of Jesus Christ, a devoted father of three, an avid New York Giants fan and an all-around good guy. I am a man that describes passion as my passion, and that is the singular driving force behind everything that I do.

How do you find time to connect with God?

With the hectic schedule that I have to meet, I have to force the time to spend with Him to think, recharge my batteries and just connect with my Father. Oftentimes, something has to go to the wayside in order to make that happen, but it is a sacrifice that is easily made.

Who are your favorite authors? Favorite books?

My favorite author, far and away, is Zora Neale Hurston, who is also the author of my favorite book, Their Eyes Were Watching God. I am also very fond of James Baldwin, Maya Angelou and Langston Hughes. The Harlem Renaissance era of writing and the authors during that time offered me a platform to write and express myself in ways that I would not otherwise do.

Tell us about your journey to publication.

I started writing professionally in 1999, for a now defunct hip-hop website. I wrote biographies on various music personalities, and gained a small following. From there, I began writing for various magazines, newspapers, online sites and other mediums until the inspiration for a book came in 2008. By that time, I had given up secular writing, for the most part, and began seeking assignments in Christian media. Over the three year period that I took to write my book (2008-2011), I dedicated my pen solely to the LORD. Once I did that, the book began to shape into the form that is available to the public now.

Tell us about your current book?

My book is called The Articles Of Restoration: God’s Resolutions For Hurting People. The sole premise of the book is to provide encouragement and solace (using the Word of God) to those who are suffering with issues with no way of escape. I talk about risqué topics that some Christians seem to shy away from, and offer pieces of my testimony about where I was delivered from. I delve deep into topics such as molestation, rape, drug addiction and others, for the expressed purpose of helping people begin the healing process within themselves. I am surprised to discover that there are so many people without a voice, and it is my prayer that my book can help their voices come to life, so that they may cry out to the LORD for deliverance.

How did you come up with ideas for this book?

I began compiling the chapters of this book without me realizing it in 2008. I was prompted to begin writing inspirational pieces, not knowing that they would all come together as chapters for a book. The book really had no forethought, plan or premise to it in the beginning. Once I began arranging the articles, it amazed me how the LORD made everything so in tuned that I thought I pre-planned the format of it. When the final product was pressed up, I just stood in awe of what He had done.

What valuable lessons do you want readers to learn from your book?

The only lesson that I intend for my readers to get from my book is how to speak up in order the healing to begin. Silence may be the world’s deadliest killer, and people are literally being eaten on the inside because they do not know how to move on from the pain. My book is aimed to restore happiness, joy and peace within every single reader. It does not matter what they have suffered through. My aim is to circumvent the pain of the past so that people can enjoy the love of the future.

What’s next for you?

I am working on a concept for a new book, and I have begun penning chapters for it. I plan to announce it sometime during the spring and target a release date for some time in April. I am currently planning a book release party and seeking out speaking engagements and interviews for the purposes of marketing and getting the word out about my project.

Where can visitors find you online?

My website, http://www.godswriter.com, is going to undergo major plastic surgery and be re-launched sometime in December, 2011. Readers can also find me on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/officialgodswriter) and on Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/godswriter777). My book can be purchased on http://www.lulu.com, and it will be available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and major brick and mortar bookstores soon!

I’m an award-winning author of four published books—all inspirational nonfiction. But in general, I write books that help people heal. In fact, I started my career as a newspaper journalist, writing for The Denver Post—primarily “human interest” articles about people trying to figure out life, family, work, love and how to cope with it all. Now I wrestle with those questions in books.

How do you find time to connect with God?

In the mornings, before starting the day, my husband and I will often read from the Bible and talk the lessons and wisdom—then pray together. This is new for us. We’ve been married 35 years. I regret all those years we didn’t pray like this. But you start where you are. And, thank God, we’ve learned the value in getting up early and seeking God together. It’s good for our relationship and for our family. After the day, however, before bedtime, I seek private time with God. I turn off the TV, the phone and so on and get quiet with the Lord. I like to write down my prayers, questions, feelings about the day—and in these times, if I seek Him, God will answer. Sometimes during the night. Sometimes right then. What I’ve learned is there’s nothing on TV more important than what God is saying. But I have to take time to listen.

Who are your favorite authors? Favorite books?

Too many to name! And it depends on what I’m ready at any one time.

Tell us about your journey to publication.

I’ve been writing since I could read—always writing stories as a way to look for answers to life questions. That led me to newspaper journalism. After working about 12 years in newspaper journalism, I taught journalism at the University of Colorado at Boulder. As a faculty member, I started writing and selling personal essays to national publications—USA Today, USA Weekend, the New York Times Sunday magazine, NPR Radio and others. With that exposure, I got my first book deal with Penguin Putnam for my book on racial healing, My First White Friend. That was 15 years ago. With my two latest books, I now have four published books in print.

Tell us about your current book?

God’s Great Blessings is a daily devotional exploring the godly virtues that God blesses. But which virtues? I decided to find out while reading through the One Year Bible and seeing how passionate God is for blessing His people. The other surprise was that blessings are conditional—tied to the way we live. So it’s true: God don’t bless mess! So I started studying those character traits that, in fact, God will bless. Then I wrote them down. Over time, I had enough to fill a book. I pitched the idea of a devotional on virtues to Tyndale House, which published my book on prayer, I Told the Mountain to Move, and they gave me the green light. Then they assigned the project to their One Year brand. The result is my new devotional, the One Year God’s Great Blessings Devotional. It’s a daily guide through 52 virtues that God blesses.

How did you come up with ideas for this book?

By going to the Bible—and actually reading it. As a lifelong Christian, and as an author, I’d written a few one-day devotionals for the Upper Room and other magazines. But I’d never written an entire book of devotionals. But this time, by persistently reading my Bible—the entire Bible, that is—I ended up with this published book. Behind it all, to be honest, was my desire to receive God’s favor and blessings. But how does that happen? I searched the Bible and the path to blessings was challenging, but it wasn’t hidden. So I decided to write about that path. The devotional format is a good one for this book because it’s a daily journey. The road to blessings unfolds day by day, at God’s pace. I needed to learn that.

What valuable lessons do you want readers to learn from your book?

That godly character matters to God. Big time! We’ve had so much preaching about speaking our miracles and calling out demons and so on. But the Bible is practical. It teaches courage and persistence and honesty and thrift. It says that modesty makes a woman beautiful. And that discipline, by controlling our tongues, leads to long life. And that living with love leads to prosperity. This is practical stuff, right there in God’s Word, and godly character is the key that unlocks God’s blessings for us. I pray others will see that there is power in seeking this wisdom, then living it.

What’s next for you?

I plan to go back to the place where I started as a writer—writing personal essays that explore the challenges, joys and mysteries of daily life, then pitching those pieces to national news and general interest publications. We’re in the era of the blogs. But I made a name for myself in that arena and I miss it. So I hope to do more of that kind of writing. Then for fun, I hope to finish a detective novel I started a couple of years ago. The character and story have a religious angle. So it’s a good fit for a Christian writer like me. So stay tuned!

Where can visitors find you online?

Please visit my website at www.patriciaraybon.com. You’ll find lots of information there about the things that matter to me most as an author—good writing, power prayer, wise living and life-changing faith.

Visit Patricia Raybon’s Virtual Book Tour at http://bit.ly/PatriciaRaybonVirtualBookTour.

Gail, describe yourself for our visitors.

I am a woman, wife, and mother who share the words that are spoken into my heart by the Holy Spirit and those same words are delivered directly from me and my heart to the listener’s ear. One would say that I am most widely recognized for my personable and outgoing personality. I was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. I was ordained as a pastor in March 2009 and pastor alongside my husband at our church plant, The Church at North Pointe in Columbus, Ohio.

God has anointed me to deliver life changing messages; whether reading scripture, speaking truth from the pulpit or walking the aisles while teaching, the listener’s heart is stirred by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. God has anointed me to speak messages that will stir the soul and further advance her desire for all Christians to find healing, hope and health.

How do you find time to connect with God?

I live a life of prayer. I am also an author of a prayer book and workbook entitled: Ready to Pray. I rise early to be with, God. I travel the US conducting 24 hour prayer gatherings. Without connecting with, Jesus I’m a mess.

Tell us about your current book?

The book Title: Who Told You That? The Truth about the Lies ~ is a book about exposing the lies the enemy has whispered into our spirit.

Have you lived your life based upon a lie that someone has spoken into your life?

Have you ever looked in the mirror and thought to yourself; “I’ll never amount to anything.” Why do you feel this way? Did someone tell you that? The devil has told us many lies and we believed Him; God has told us the truth and we doubted Him, Pastor Gail Dudley’s “Who told you that?” exposes the reality about some of those beliefs and assumptions. Genesis 1:1 reveals to us, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Over and over again throughout the first chapter of Genesis God declares, “It was good.” It’s all good! So what’s up with the woman in Genesis chapter three? What in the world? She, like many of us today, allows others to whisper in our ears the lies of the enemy that, in turn, fill our minds with false information. Prayerfully this book will open your eyes, get you thinking, and lead you to ask yourself, and others, “Who Told You That?” It’s time to expose the deception and to live into the truth. This book will help you to recognize the tricks and lies and teach you how to believe and rely on the Word of God.

How did you come up with ideas for this book?

While preparing a sermon to women who have been wounded by the “lies” the enemy has whispered in their ears I realized the lies I personally believed. This turned into much research and conducting surveys of women. Time and time again lies were exposed and deliverance took place. After delivering this sermon message; CD’s sold at a record high and women would meet me in the mall, restaurants, at the airport without calling me by name, but saying, “You’re the woman who preached, “Who Told You That?” They would continue by saying, “That message changed my life.” That’s when I was led to write a book and call it, “Who Told You That?” with the sub-title: The Truth about the Lies.

What valuable lessons do you want readers to learn from your book?

Be delivered and move beyond the lies of the enemy.

What’s next for you?

Waiting for the release of my prayer CD called, “Ready to Pray.”

Where can visitors find you online?

www.GailDudley.com @GailDudley on Twitter

Joylynn, describe yourself for our visitors.

I’m BLESSEDselling Author E. N. Joy, the writer behind the five book “New Day Divas” series, which has been coined the Soap Opera In Print.  I formerly wrote secular works under the names Joylynn M. Jossel and JOY.  I currently write children’s books as well under the name N. Joy.  Besides being the acquisition editor for Urban Christian, an imprint of Urban Books, LLC, I am a lover of the written word.  I’m a lover of writing period. In addition to writing books, I also write songs and am proud to be DJHK Gurls exclusive song writer.

I’m a wife and a mother of four.  My youngest is only two and a half, my oldest, 23.  I must say that I appreciate motherhood and respect it much more in these later years.  I got pregnant with my oldest son at the age of 15 and had no clue on how to appreciate and respect the role of motherhood.  I can probably count on one hand how many parent/teacher conferences I went to back in those days, or how many times I volunteered in the classroom or went to PTA meetings.  Now, I refuse to just turn my child over to a system for 6-7 hours a day and hope for the best.

When I’m working on a book, I’m nurturing it and molding it from the beginning to end.  As much as I love writing, I refuse to invest more time into the future of my book than my own children.  I hope I’m not getting off course here, but the question asked me to describe myself.  I’m assuming most readers will want to know who I am as an author, but E. N. Joy is soooooo much more than just an author.

How do you find time to connect with God?

In order to find something, you have to go looking for it in the first place.  I don’t go looking for the time to connect with God; it’s just there.  Every morning I wake and say, “Good morning God.  Good morning Holy Ghost.  Here I am, God.  Do with me as you please.”  It’s an instant connection right then and there because I release myself to Him.  When I try to do anything on my own, in which I must admit I still do sometimes, I make a complete mess of it.  I bring confusion and anxiety upon myself.  So I try really hard at the start of the day to just turn it over to Him and follow His lead.  When I don’t, I sometimes end up with regret.  But because God loves me so much, and we are connected. He still manages to turn things around for me.

Who are your favorite authors? Favorite books?

My most favorite author, and anybody who knows me knows this, is Brenda Jackson.  My favorite singer was AAliyah.  AAliyah didn’t have to be the biggest person in the room; as a matter of fact, she couldn’t have cared less if anyone even knew she was there.  But she was dedicated to her craft.  She connected with her fans like very few artists can.  She spent a long enough time in one craft before jumping right into another.  Her goal wasn’t to be the jack of all trades and the master of none.  But whatever she did do-she perfected it.  She wasn’t all over the place having nervous breakdowns because she had too many fires burning.  Time management was key.  Brenda Jackson is my AAliyah of the literary industry.

As far as favorite books;  There’s still something about Bebe Moore Campbell’s What You Owe Me that just stays in my spirit.  I love historical fiction.  Colored Summer is another I enjoyed.  I would have become a big fan of that author had she consistently written that type of work.  And by no means is that taking a shot at that author.  If anything, it is a compliment that that particular work of hers could even be compared to the great Mrs. Campbell.  For the record, I have lots of favorites; being biased, that would include almost every author and title on the Urban Christian line.  Then there’s ReShonda Tate Billingsley-now you know when she’s in the room, so she’s my Beyonce of the literary industry.  As a matter of fact, I think I even told her that on Facebook once.

Tell us about your current book? 

My latest release is Trying to Stay Saved, which is book 4 of the “New Day Divas” series.  Prior books in the series include She Who Finds A Husband, Been There Prayed That and Love Honor or Stray.  This series has been coined as the soap opera in print for a good reason.  It’s full of engaging storylines, memorable characters, chance, coincidence, drama, mystery, murder, but most importantly, it’s full of faith…and sometimes forgiveness.  I deal with issues that have been dealt with before, but I take it to another level.  Abortion is a subject matter, but this abortion deals with the mother sitting in the clinic about to terminate a baby that she can feel moving in her belly.  I deal with sibling rape, obesity, anxiety, a girl in a bathroom stall actually delivering her baby and cutting the umbilical cord with supplies from her book bag.  If I had to sum up this body of work in three words, it would be healing, deliverance and forgiveness.

What’s next for you?

I am so humbled to say that the “New Day Divas” series is doing so well, that my publisher has signed me on to continue the series with “Still Divas,” which is a three book series that will release 2012.  The titles included in that series are And You Call Yourself A Christian, The Perfect Christian and The Sunday Only Christian.  In addition, I will continue to write songs for DJHK, which samples can be heard on DJHK Gurl Youtube Channel.

Where can visitors find you online?

E. N. Joy can be found on Facebook under Joylynn Jossel and Author EN Joy as well as Foursquare and Linked In.  I also encourage people to check out my Author Page on Amazon.com’s Author Central Page.  And of course there are my websites, www.enjoywrites.com and www.joylynnjossel.com.