Patricia, describe yourself for our visitors.

Hello everyone. I’m Patricia Haley, often labeled as one of the faith-based trailblazers. My first book, Nobody’s Perfect, was self published in 1998, sold roughly 20,000 copies, and went on to become an Essence #1 bestseller. Combining modern day struggles, dynamic African American characters, clean fiction, and adding a spiritual twist wasn’t heard of back then. It was such a blessing when Nobody’s Perfect became #1, proving at the time that we could write, publish, and sell entertaining, faith-based novels loaded with real life issues. I’ve tackled various stories and themes since, with each of my books coming back to the central theme of hope and the power of forgiveness.

Besides writing, I’ve used my engineering and business background to work as a project manager leading teams in N. America, Asia, Europe, and Australia. I love my husband, my daughter, my family, my relationship with the Lord, and my membership in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. With the rest of my time, I manage to relax, watch plenty of movies, hang out with my hubby and daughter, watch basketball and tennis as much as I can squeeze in, and travel a lot. I’m not a vegetarian. However, vegetables are my favorite food group. I vegetables with the exception of brussel sprouts – ugh. I guess the only other thing to mention about me is that writing is my gift, working with finances and math are my passion, and being an encourager is my purpose on earth. That’s pretty much me.

How do you find time to connect with God?

In addition to attending a bible based church, I try to read one chapter from the Bible every morning before getting started with my day. Prayer is something that I can’t survive without, so that’s ongoing – any time, all the time. There are times when I have to spend extra time with the Lord via fasting. I might give up TV, food, or whatever, and use the time to pray, read, meditate, or whatever I feel led to do or not do. Connecting with God is a personal event and everybody has their unique way of making it happen.

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

I have a bunch of favorite bible verses. I always include one at the beginning of each of my books, one that most reflects the heart of the story. For Destined, the scripture is “When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.” – Psalm 94:19. I love this verse because it basically says that no matter how crazy things become around us, we can always find a place of escape (peace and joy) in the Lord.

Tell us about your current book.

Chosen started the war between brothers for ultimate control of their father’s multimillion-dollar ministry. Destined continues the feud in the captivating second novel from Patricia’s new series, combining family drama, corporate intrigue, faith-based themes, and a dash of romance. The bitter family war between two half brothers kicks into high gear when Don returns from South Africa at the pleading of his mother and former love interest, forcing the Mitchell’s to realize that some battles are destined. This modern-day tale of the biblical kings David and Solomon will keep readers riveted until the stunning conclusion, when the fate of a family rests on their ability to forgive.

What influenced you to write this book?

The inspiration behind my Chosen series came from one of my all time favorite characters in the Bible, King David. He is an imperfect man plagued with family tragedy, personal failures, and constant battles. Yet, he is remembered as someone highly favored by God. That’s because David understood the power of forgiving and forgetting. Once he repented and God forgave him for his shortcomings and poor decisions, David quickly forgave himself and moved on, determined to fulfill God’s purpose in his life, guilt free and not caring about what others thought. I’m equally intrigued by King David’s son Solomon. Although he was born out of an adulterous relationship, God made Solomon the richest and wisest man alive for a reason. As blessed as he was, Solomon managed to squander away his noteworthy position after succumbing to his weakness for lots of women. So it is in Chosen and Destined with Joel, the son of Dave Mitchell.

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

I want the readers to be entertained first. Then, before closing the book, I’d like for them to grasp the message that in spite of challenges and dysfunction, a person’s ability to forgive, to love, to forget the pain of the past, and to exercise a tad bit of diplomacy can get them through any situation, no matter how tragic the circumstances.

What’s next for you?

The third book in my Chosen series is Broken scheduled for 2011. The family battle takes a twist when the estranged daughter returns to stake her claim, disrupting any short lived peace the family has managed to find. I also plan to spend more time with my motivational speaking in 2011.

Where can visitors find you online?

Visitors can find me online at www.patriciahaley.com.

They can also join my Fan page for Author Patricia Haley at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Patricia-Haley-Fan-Page/113087875385064

Victoria, describe yourself for our visitors.

Ms. “V” (Victoria Thomas Poller) – The ‘Dear Ms. “V” of the Christian circuit. She has a target audience that includes everyone. Her main objective is to answer questions and give advice from a Christian perspective. She will touch subjects that may not come across the pulpit. You may have had the subject matter on your mind, yet she will give a reply that is Bible based and down to earth (scripture and verses included). Don’t stay away from a church, congregation or God because of previous hurts or misunderstandings. God loves you. Let her prove it.

Victoria Thomas Poller (Ms. “V”) has been united in marriage for over 32 years to Levan and they have two grown children. She followed her husband in his USAF military career for over 24 years.

How do you find time to connect with God?

Ms. “V” takes time to connect with God 24/7 by acknowledging Him in everything that she does. She reads her Word daily and relies heavily upon the Holy Spirit for inspiration, direction and answers.

Favorite Bible Verse

Her favorite Bible verse is taken from: Proverbs 3:5-6 (King James Version) “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths”. When you check to see what God has for you to do, and you’re walking in His ‘Divine Will” then He will make everything right.

Tell us about your current book.

“Bent But Not Broken”

Just as a fruit tree branch is heavy, when laden with fruit; so too are our lives sometimes heavy with problems. We sometimes bend under the pressures and strains that life brings us. We get depressed. We lack self-confidence. We don’t trust people. We say that we can’t take it anymore. We need a solution to our dilemma.

When things like this happen to us it’s good to know that someone else has gone through the same or similar situations as you have; and that they have made it through. You too should be able to identify with this book and make it through life’s journeys. You are not alone. You can make it with confidence. You can move your mountain that have kept you back. You can be an over-comer through Christ Jesus, the deliverer of all our problems. Learn how to stand tall like the majestic French Maritime Evergreen Pine trees (pictured on the cover) that sway in the midst of any storm.

We are not to add to nor take away from God’s Word, yet I do believe that He helps us today with inspiring words of wisdom from others. Those things that are written in this book are some of those inspired words; some of which are very funny. As you conclude this book, my prayer to God is for “Bent But Not Broken” to have eased some of your time through your ‘valley’ – don’t fear. Be Blesses In Order To Be A Bigger Blessing.

What influenced you to write this book?

You May Be Down, But You’re Never Defeated.

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

Bent But Not Broken will help you to enjoy what God has for you despite what the circumstances may look like. “You will bend, but you won’t break.” It’s like the old toy commercial, “Weebles wobble, but they don’t fall down”. We may be tossed to and fro in the wind, but with our feet firmly planted in Him; we won’t fall down.

What’s next for you?

Her next book, Chil’!, Let Me Tell “U” Somethin’, is due in 2011.

Where can visitors find you online?

(Ms. “V”) posts a monthly blog on her web site and at: www.victoriapoller.com and she also has a weekly column on The Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/x-25082-Jacksonville-Christian-Living-Examiner . She welcomes your comments on both.

Dr. Karia, describe yourself for our visitors.

I am 49, on a diet, a mom of three, a wife of one (for 27 years), a servant of God’s people, a teacher of God’s Word, a theologian, a scholar, and a workaholic. I’m trying to break that last one up, but it is not working!

How do you find time to connect with God?

You find time for what is optional. Since connecting with God is not optional, I find time for everything else. I connect with God first.

You see, the Word tells me that my productivity is dependent on connecting with God. (That “I am the vine, you are the branches….you aren’t going to do yourself any good without being connected with me passage…remember?”) So why would I defeat “my own self”? Come on. He knows what I should be doing every day, every week, every month. So I just ask Him. It relieves a lot of stress, and I don’t make as many mistakes. Most of my mistakes come when I don’t ask, or don’t listen.

Practically speaking, I pray first in the morning. I don’t get in any discussions about anything with anybody until I pray. Because, who knows, I could wake up in the morning with an attitude I need to straighten out on my knees. And if I don’t, I could ruin my day and everybody else’s, too. Or I could do that day what God did not have planned for me, and waste my time. So I connect first, everything else comes after that.

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

The ministry the Lord has given me, named Focused Forward (www.focusedforward.org), is based on Philippians 3:13, 14 “Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” God has a prize and a call for all of us, and it us upward. We all have a past, but we all have a future, too. God has called on purpose with purpose. I want us to attain it – and we can. I want us to live in His victory, His promise, His assurance, and His Word.

Tell us about your current book.

Daddy’s Delight : Embracing Your Divine Design tells women that God designed them, they have value because He gave it to them, and through application of His Word to every stage of life they can experience God’s freedom and accomplish their destiny.

The problem is that although we desire to live a victorious life, we don’t know how to get there. You and I want to accomplish our destiny, but life keeps getting in the way. You know you were created for more, but there is enough stress just where you are. You are lonely or overwhelmed. Business is going so great that you are exhausted trying to keep up, or business is not going so great and you are about to starve! The children are not doing what you told them to do, there is a baseball game your nephew is in that you have to attend, the pressure is building at work, the kids are in front of the t.v or playing video games and you want more for them, you have to make dinner, the day care closes in 30 minutes, and the neighbor’s child just spilled red kool-aid on your beautiful white carpet. Sometimes that relationship broke up that you thought would last forever, and you are asking yourself the question, “Is this the end of all my dreams?”, or “How in the world can I start over from here?” Sometimes the mate is absent – or altogether too present (and not always acting right). You are tired, stretched, frustrated, and silently or audibly crying out for answers. After all that you are exhausted, and you look in the mirror at the end of the day feeling, “Why can’t I get it together? Can God fix this? There has got to be a better way.”

The real question you and I are asking ourselves is, “How do I maximize my life from this place?” This book is designed to answer that question.

What influenced you to write this book?

My study of the Word of God, and my life among the women of God.

I am a woman, and I minister primarily to women. And I know our lives. I know our struggles. And I know that God has the answer to the issues we face every day. God wants us to live victoriously and accomplish our purpose. But many of us have been hurt and discouraged by life. Part of what God is doing through this book is healing our broken places, and another part of what He is doing is giving us solid instructions that will fix those potholes that are littering our path to the destiny He prepared for us before the foundation of the world.

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

First, that they are made in the image of God so that they are already valuable, no matter what people have said, no matter what people have done to them, and no matter what they are telling themselves right now.

To the reader this book wants to say, sometimes when people have used you or run over you, you no longer feel valuable. That is a lie straight from Satan. Not only are you created valuable, you are adopted into God’s very family. That means there is royal blood running through your veins. God has given you access to Him, to help you be successful. You just need to know how to access who you are, and what you have..

This book declares that God’s Word has the capacity to set you free through its’ solid, thorough application according to your stage in life. That’s why the chapters are divided by life stage: for people struggling with identity, for people struggling with temptation, for unmarried folk, for married people, for caretakers and those in crisis, for mothers, for friends, for businesswomen/career women, and for ministers. Every stage of life has a unique set of instructions from God that will equip that woman to be successful at that stage of life. God’s women can receive those instructions, and be free to be the great woman God intended her to be.

What’s next for you?

We are working on a study guide to go along with Daddy’s Delight, so readers can integrate the principles into their life. In September, I will start teaching the Word again at Life on Life again, a Bible study of about 150 women that meet at my home church, Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, TX. We do not gather in the summer, so I am looking forward to seeing them in September. The Lord has given our ministry a television broadcast – we are on Direct TV channel 378, Sky Angel 126, and we broadcast weekly at 10:30 Central Standard Time, 11:30 Eastern Standard Time. Our program airs right after that of Kay Authur. Through Direct TV we go into over 11 million homes.

The ministry the Lord has given me, Focused Forward, beginning in September also hosts a power lunch/taping every 2^nd Thursday in Plano, TX – if you are in the area, come on out! And I do conference speaking, workshops, pastor’s conferences, and workshops in the United States and in places like Nigeria, Hati, and Papua New Guniea. I am prayerful that the Lord will expand my conference speaking, retreat, and Women’s Day ministry. I love sharing God’s Word with God’s Women! I’ve started on the manuscript for my next book, so we are praying for God’s direction there. We believe the Lord is moving us into radio, so your readers can listen in soon, if they are not able to TiVo or record the Thursday morning broadcasts. Just a plug – I will be teaching Women in Church Leadership at the Kingdom Agenda Conference and Teaching the Bible at the First Ladies Conference in October, the ministry of Dr. Tony and Dr. Lois Evans, mark your calenders! Your readers can check out our website at www.focusedforwardministries.org to see what God is doing through this servant down in Dallas, TX.

Where can visitors find you online?

Our website is www.focusedforwardministries.org. Also, I am have a facebook fan page (but I just started), so for the time being, follow this link: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Focused-Forward-Ministries-with-Dr-Karia-Bunting/124665357565978?ref=ts.

Kandie, describe yourself for our visitors.

I’m an author, screenwriter, graphic designer and aspiring filmmaker.  I currently reside in North Texas and have recently published a book of poetry, ‘Curtains: The Collective Works’.

How do you find time to connect with God?

This is something I do throughout my day.  I pray for guidance on the way to, during and from work.  I set aside time to read and study the word, because I need that daily bread to keep me focused and in line with God’s
direction for my life.  Basically it’s not just a Sunday thing, I try to include time with God each day whether I’m praying, reading, listening or counseling others.

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

Phil 4:7 and 2nd Corinthians 4:8-10

Tell us about your current book.

Curtains: The Collective Works is a collection of poems I wrote, using
free verse and lyrics about self-awareness- growth in every aspect of my
life- becoming authentic since 1990.

What influenced you to write this book?

I’ve always known I wanted to be an author, but compiling my poetry and articles to publish was something that I credit my 6th grade teacher, Mr. Wally Bruce with. Mr. Bruce was a militant in his teachings. He was about discipline and tolerance. He was the type of teacher who wanted you to explore life and learn about yourself.  He would pair someone who wasn’t very vocal with someone who was.  Or a strong writer with an entertainer.  He pushed us to be our better selves and he was kind man.  He would show you things about yourself you never considered.  I remember he would have the class come in every Monday morning and write about our weekends.  Where most of my classmates barely had a paragraph completed I would have a couple of pages.  Mr. Bruce eventually pulled me to the side and said [paraphrasing], "Delley, you’re a good writer. It’ll make you famous one day.  You should collect all your work.  However, I don’t have all day to read your lengthy journals."

That may seem harsh, but  He immediately added, "So I want you to use Monday mornings to write a play.  And I did.  He loved it and helped me produce it for the student body.  That experience made me want to be more than a writer, and little did I know the quest to fulfilling that dream would encompass so much growth business wise, creatively and personally. 

Now about 25 years later, my first book, is complete and dedicated to Mr. Bruce.  Unfortunately when I was able to locate him, I found out he passed away.  But I was able to connect with his wife. We shared our memories of her husband, an amazing educator, and she gave the blessing for my book dedication to him.

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

To be who you are whether on stage [in front of people] or behind the curtains [alone].  It’s not easy to do for most people, including myself. But revealing Curtains: The Collective Works is my first step.  I’m stripped in this book, there are great parts, shallow parts, insecure parts and victorious parts.  It’s life.  Exposing me to relate with others using poetry.

What’s next for you?

I have three more books that will be released this year.  Two how-to e-books and
my first novel short story anthology, Tempestuous Love Stories.  I’m excited about Tempestuous Love Stories because it will commence my journey into fiction writing.  Needless to say, I’m also in the editing stages of my first adventure novel series.

Where can visitors find you online?

www.kandiedelley.com

Renee, describe yourself for our visitors.

I’m a writer, a wife, but most importantly a Christian. I’ve been married three years and currently reside in South Carolina.

How do you find time to connect with God?

It’s actually a lifestyle for me. I base this on Colossians 3:17, “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” I seek Him in the decisions I make, the people I entertain, and in the stories I share.

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

My favorite book in the Bible is Matthew 5 (so far), so if I had to choose a verse I would say Matthew 5:8, “Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God.” This scripture tells me that those who will see God have a pure heart, those with a pure heart love God, and those who love God will obey His commands.

Who are your favorite authors? Favorite books?

I really don’t have a favorite author right now, but I will say that my book shelf consists of multiple non-fiction books by Derek Prince.

Tell us about your journey to publication.

When I first began writing, I sought agents (only a handful), but soon realized that if this is something I wanted to do, I was going to do it. I originally self-published the previous editions (with good reviews), but this time around I was able to secure an offer from a publisher where my books (The Fiery Furnace series) found a home. I appreciate God for where I am and look forward to where He’s taking me. There’s a season for everything.

Tell us about your current book.

My current book, The Kiss of Judas (third edition), is due out July 27, 2010. It is about a young, successful CEO, Isaiah Johnson, and a savvy ad executive, Justine Dasant. The pair has been in a relationship for just over a year when Isaiah feels the pull to draw closer to God. Justine is use to living a worldly relationship with her boyfriend and doesn’t understand why things must change now. She’s adamant on keeping things the same, regardless of Isaiah’s protests. As the story unfolds, Isaiah finds the strength to step out on faith, but at what cost will he say no to the world and yes to God?

What influenced you to write this book?

The misconception that many believe they should be a certain way before they come to Christ. In this book, you’ll read about sinners and how the light of God affects their lives. It’s disheartening to hear how some believe they can actually “get themselves together” and then come to Christ. The road to salvation is different for each person, but the destination is the same. I’ve found that many stay away from the church because they feel as if they must be perfect before they approach God. The only criteria for salvation is to believe (confessing with your mouth and believing in your heart) that Jesus Christ is the Son of God raised from the dead, and to accept Him as Lord and Savior. He never said wait until you’ve disciplined yourself into sounding saved. He simply wants us to believe and confess. If a person can clean themselves up and straighten their lives out on their own, then Jesus died in vain. And we know that’s not true.

I wanted to make it plain that ordinary people who may be devout Christians now haven’t always been that way. I wanted to let readers know who may be struggling with sins of the flesh that God is indeed able to deliver. Also, that no matter what trials a person may endure, God is right there in the midst for He promised to never leave us nor forsake us.

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

My favorite character is Isaiah. He shows vulnerability that many can relate to, but when it matters most he displays strength. The realness exhibited by Isaiah is one that I’m sure many will be able to identify with at particular points in the story. I believe the reader’s capacity to sympathize with him will grab them from the very first chapter.

What’s next for you?

I’m looking forward to penning more Christian-based novels. It gives me joy to share Jesus with the world. Not everyone accepts Him and at times when I share my faith it feels like a personal rejection, but like God has told me many times before, it’s not about me … it’s all about Him.

Where can visitors find you online?

Currently, I have several online sites: www.reneeallenmccoy.com (home website), http://renee-mccoy.blogspot.com (devotional site), http://renee-straightup.blogspot.com (newsletter), http://inhisnamebookclub.blogspot.com (book club blog), and http://inhisnamebookclub.webs.com (social site for the online book club).

Describe yourself for our visitors.

I am a Christian, a wife, a mother, a military spouse, a teacher, an entrepreneur and a young African American woman.

How do you find time to connect with God?

I use my weekends to read my bible, I listen to gospel music and pray on my drive to work. I drive an hour to and from work each day so it a great time to connect with God and really spend some personal time with Him.

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

One of my favorite bible verses is Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

I love this verse because it is so simple and yet so powerful. It teaches us who we should be and how we should act as followers of Jesus Christ. I taught my kids a lesson on the fruit of the spirit the other day and they understood it so well. They told me that “if we, Christians have the spirit of God on the inside of us than we should have all of this fruit just like a grape vine grows grapes.” Can you image the joy that I felt just to know that my kids understood that because of who we are this is how we should behave? That was the most amazing definition and it is so true. God is good.

Who are your favorite authors?

T.D. Jakes, Joyce Meyers, Kimberla Lawson Roby, Kendra Norman Bellamy, Terri McMillan, and so many others

Favorite books?

Anything by Kim Roby and Kendra Norman Bellamy, they are such great writers.

Tell us about your journey to publication.

My journey to publication with this book was very different but very rewarding. This was the first book that I released with my own publishing company. I really enjoyed seeing all of my hard work come to fruition. My husband and I had worked so hard to get all of the contractual agreements in place for the publishing company and hire all of the necessary people to make everything work and Jesus blessed our every move. Jesus sent us everything that we needed: editors, graphic artist, book distributors, printers and book stores. Having my own publishing company was very different from the process of just self publishing and it took a lot of work but I loved every minute of it and I am looking forward to all of the other books that we will publish. HortonJones, Inc is new to the publishing world but we are here to stay. We already have distribution in five different countries.

Tell us about your current book.

Nothing Is Too Hard For God, is a stand-alone novel to my first novella, I Still Do. These books are about the friendship and lives of three ladies. Nothing Is Too Hard For God, specifically deals with a lot of the issues that the ladies have on a more personal level instead of everything being handled within the friendship the way things were done in, I Still Do. I wrote the book this way because truly when we have to handle the different issues that we have within ourselves we have to handle them on our own, no one else can do that for us. It’s funny, dramatic, encouraging, laugh-out-loud-funny and a testament to what God can do in our lives if we would only surrender “it” all to Him.

What influenced you to write this book?

Well I decided to write this book because at the end of the first book, I Still Do, I felt like there was more to say but that I should create a series. However I became certain about it as I toured and talked to the readers and they wanted to know more about these characters and their lives. I am also experiencing this again so after, He Left Me, my book that will be released in November, I am going to come back to these characters with another book. I will keep writing about them as long as the readers love them.

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

In the first book, I Still Do, Deborah was my favorite character because she is an attorney, something I have always dreamed of being but now Karen is my favorite. She is my new favorite character because she really stands up for herself in, Nothing Is Too Hard For God

What’s next for you?

I am completing my third book which is also a novel, He Left Me, and it’s about a family from Ghana West Africa that faces woes as they try to leave Africa and make a new life for themselves in the United States. The main character is beautiful women named Tete, she and her husband have been married since the age of 12. Kenu her husband comes to America and is now tired of “the married life”. His decisions as well as hers begin to affect their six children and bring back some awful things from the previous generations in both of their families. There is a preview of this story in the back of; Nothing Is Too Hard For God. He Left Me, will be released November 2010.

I am also helping my children put together their first children’s book as well as continuing to build my publishing company, HortonJones, Inc. and traveling to speak at different events and teach writing seminars.

Where can visitors find you online?

I am on facebook and I have a website. I can be contacted on either one, unless I am on tour or traveling with my family I check them daily.

• http://www.facebook.com/cmjonestheauthor
• www.cmjonestheauthor.com