Chizelle, describe yourself for our visitors.

Outgoing, funny, full of laughter, I really think I have this hidden desire to one day become a comedian, although I’m not that good though, I believe my comedy is more like the kind that needs to be only heard by ones that really love you. You know the ones that will laugh even if it isn’t funny, but I think I’m a pretty good person to be around. I love the Lord, and I’m not ashamed to let the world know it.

How do you find time to connect with God?

Every chance I get I try to connect with God, although I promise there are times when I’ve felt he has put me on hold and answered someone else’s call, and then there are other times when he answers so fast I’m like, hey was that really for me. But on a serious note, it doesn’t matter, in the car when I’m driving, or when I’m at work and the hell hounds are on my trail, I call HIM up 911!

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

Yes, Psalm 37, it has gotten me through some of the darkest days of my life. Also my favorite quote, “It’s not where I’ve been, it’s where I’m going.”

Who are your favorite authors? Favorite books?

I don’t like feeling so facetious, but excuse me, because I just can’t say this enough … On this journey in my life I’m my favorite author, but before there was Chizellé T. Archie, the author, there was Kimberla Lawson-Roby. She made me feel comfortable about writing about the real things that actually go on in church, and not be ashamed of it. Then there is Sistah Souljah, she wrote a book that has transcended time for me, every young girl growing up needs to read it. That Winter is something else. Also Eric Jerome Dickey, and Omar Tyree. As far as my favorite books, it would have to my current novel, and also my all time favorite of course is “The Coldest Winter Ever”, as well as “Casting the First Stone”, “The Other Woman”, and “Flyy Girl.”

Tell us about your journey to publication.

It was a good one, a bit stressful at times, but overall it was great. Though on my journey I learned a lot about the self publishing industry in which I still don’t know everything there is to know, but I am glad I chose to go this route. I don’t think I would change anything, and I had some great people that have been by my side, such as the man who put it all together, Mr. Nathaniel Dyer, he did everything the publisher would have done, like design my cover, sketch the images, all except place the copyright page in the book, and he could have done that too! Also Ms. Dee Stewart, my publicist, who taught me about the self publishing game, she gave me some wonderful outlets, and to her I am grateful.

Tell us about your current book.

It’s an Urban Christian Novel, taken purely from the scripture Psalm 139:14. It’s about a woman named Victoria Diamond Cartiér, who is an investment advisor in Manhattan. She has everything, success, money, and I would say she’s your upward mobile bourgeois type of girl, and she’s in love with her handsome, smooth talking husband Malcolm. It doesn’t take long where she begins to feel her marriage is not what it’s supposed to be, and one day when she plans to share the greatest news of their life, she gets some deathly news on the same day, in which this causes her to began to distrust everyone in her life, even God himself. And once her life spirals totally out of control she starts to rethink some of her decisions, and begins to ask the question “God where are you?”

What influenced you to write this book?

To say influenced would be an understatement, how about assignment. This was a vision from God, He told me clearly one night five years ago that He wanted me to write it down, and I did not know what that meant, nor did I know what to write about, so once I began to write the story it came to me, and I will never forget, a sermon my Pastor preached where He asked us women in the congregation, “If you were a diamond, what type of diamond would you want to be?” I pondered that thing, but He taught me, that I am a diamond that is kept in the vault, hidden away, not one for everyone to see, I am precious, I am flawless in His eyes, and there is nothing fake about me, if you want to see me, you are going to have to get access to do that, so I am not or never will I be a cubic zirconia to be put on display. Hence The Fearfully and Wonderfully Made Diamond.

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

That’s a great question, because they are all my favorite, and one would think it’s Victoria, because she and I are sooo much alike, but there is one I truly enjoyed writing about, and that is her best friend Lucy, he’s a gay guy, that happens to work as a personal shopper at Neiman’s, he’s Puerto Rican, handsome, and fabulous, but most of all he will tell it like it is. He doesn’t care, and if Lucy doesn’t like it, you will definitely know it, but one thing I really love about Lucy, is that he’s human, he has a true heart deep down inside, and the one thing he really wants, is to be loved. Also I really love Marcel, because he is the epitome of a God fearing man, there were times when I asked myself, where did he come from? The answer I kept getting was he was sent from God!

What’s next for you?

To complete the follow up to this one, “His Grace, His Blood, His Mercy!” also I have been playing around with a little something extra, not a part of this project. I have a Book Signing coming up on September 18^th here at Nubian Bookstore 3-4, in Morrow Ga, as well as on September 25^th, I will share with my first Book Club, the Page Turners in Montgomery, Alabama, so I’m excited, God has truly been good to me on this journey thus far.

Where can visitors find you online?

www.chizellearchie.com, or you can find me on Facebook on my author page,

http:// www.facebook.com/ChizelleArchie, and you are welcome to join the page, there are other things being added.

I am also on twitter, http://www.twitter.com/ChizelleArchie, and also at my blogspot, http://www.chizellearchie.blogspot.com.

 

Shana, describe yourself for our visitors.

I’m a Christian, a mother, a sister, a girlfriend, and an auntie. I’m also an author trapped in a teacher’s body. It’s a fabulous body, mind you, but I still feel trapped. I love writing. If I could just do that all day, I would. I have so many stories and characters in my head. Maybe I just have a hint of ADD or schizophrenia.

How do you find time to connect with God?

Sometimes it’s hard, but I make time to do it, usually in the morning. I get up around 5:15 to devote at least 45 minutes to prayer and meditation before getting ready for work.

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

“The Lord works everything out for his own ends.” Proverbs 16:4

Who are your favorite authors? Favorite books?

Too many to name—honestly! My favorite author is whoever’s book I read last and loved. Today, that’s Victoria Rowell because I finally got around to reading The Women Who Raised Me. But I’m also going to the bookstore today to buy something else, so I’ll have a new favorite author this time next week.

What are your favorite books?

My favorite books are Native Son and Their Eyes Were Watching God.

Tell us about your journey to publication.

The first time I wrote a book for actual publication was in 2005 when I wrote Suddenly Single. I tried shopping the book on my own for about a year. I got some interest but no actual contract. Then in September 2006, I contracted with an agent. She had my book deal secured within a week or two. When she told me that Urban Christian was interested in signing me, my first reaction was, “Did they read the book?” because it was not written with the Christian reader in mind. I didn’t even know that this genre existed. Apparently, they saw something in my writing that they liked because I got a book deal, and Suddenly Single came out December 2007. Of course, this is the short version. I’m leaving out the dozens of rejection letters I received, the sleepless nights, the cries to God for direction, blaming my mother for making me go into education when I should’ve been writing, and giving up a few thousand times.

Tell us about your current book.

Flaws and All is a story that takes its readers on a soul-searching journey of redemption, sisterhood, and the meaning of conditional love. It’s been dubbed as “Sex and the City meets Waiting to Exhale meets Christ,” which sums it up quite nicely. The five lead characters all face major obstacles and challenges during one turbulent year, ranging from baby-mama drama to infidelity to death, but the bonds of their friendship and their connection to God enables them to get through it all.

What influenced you to write this book?

My editor’s deadline was the biggest influence. I had to submit a book in while promoting First Comes Love. I was running short on time, but I had five other books on my laptop that I’d started on but hadn’t completed. I decided to make the characters from those books friends and combined the stories into one book. The result…Flaws and All.

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

My favorite character from Flaws and All is Sullivan Webb. She’s so unapologetically selfish, shallow, sexual, and mouthy. For some reason, I can identify with her the most. I shudder to think what this says about me!

What’s next for you?

I’m finishing Catt Chasin’, which is supposed to come out May 2011, and I’m outlining Still Flawed, the sequel for Flaws and All.

Where can visitors find you online?

• www.shanaburton.com
• www.facebook.com/shanajohnsonburton
• www.twitter.com/shanajburton
• www.shanajburton.blogspot.com

The rest, as they say, is history.

ReShonda went on to sign one deal after another with Simon & Schuster and to date, is considered one of the country’s top inspirational authors. Her sophomore novel, Let the Church Say Amen, is being made into a movie of which she is Executive Producer and actress Regina King is the director. ReShonda’s literary career is such a success that in 2007, she was able to leave her job as a reporter with Fox 26 News in Houston to write full time.

ReShonda has appeared on the Essence Bestseller’s list more than 20 times, as well as The Washington Post, Dallas Morning News and Ebony Magazine Bestseller’s lists. Her books include The Devil is a Lie, Can I Get a Witness, The Pastor’s Wife, Let the Church Say Amen, Everybody Say Amen, I Know I’ve Been Changed and My Brother’s Keeper. Her inspirational teen novels include Nothing But Drama, Blessings in Disguise,With Friends Like These, Getting Even, Fairweather Friends, Friends ‘Til the End, and Caught up in the Drama. She has one non-fiction title, Help! I’ve Turned into my Mother. ReShonda has won numerous awards for her journalism, fiction and poetry writing skills. She is a five-time winner of the National Association of Black Journalists Spirit in the Words competition, one of Rolling Out Magazine’s Top 25 Women in Houston and H-Texas Magazine’s Top Professional.

ReShonda’s upcoming projects include Holy Rollers (July 2010), Say Amen, Again (July, 2011), the teen novel Drama Queens (Fall 2010), and two travel suspense novels. The Houston native also serves as a freelance editorial and marketing consultant. She has ghostwritten four fiction projects and five non-fiction projects. She is married with three small children and does not hide her addiction to Reality TV and Facebook.

She welcomes readers to her websites at www.reshondatatebillingsley.com.

About the Book

Looking for Love . . .

Lifelong friends Coco, Nita, and Audra have spent years looking for love in the arms of flashy pro athletes, hoping to land a baller but ending up with a stream of failed relationships. The beautiful and demure Coco has endured years of physical abuse from her boyfriend, Sonny, while Audra, a single mother, has dated her fair share of cheaters and yearns for a stable companion who will be a father figure to her son. And feisty, seductive Nita is tired of being the million-dollar mistress and wants to settle down—if she can find someone worth coming home to.

Changing the Game . . .

Now that the women are approaching thirty, they’re finding it harder than ever to compete with the pro groupies. Determined to change the game and find some worthwhile men, Audra hatches an outrageous plan. Soon the trio is "holy rolling," masquerading as God-fearing churchgoers at a local conference for young ministers in the hopes of snagging a prominent pastor. But will their big gamble pay off? Men of the cloth are still just men, after all. As the three friends meet their potential life partners, they will have to decide how far they want to take their holy rollers scheme—each risking heartbreak while taking a chance on finding a reliable, responsible man to love and cherish, flaws and all.

Book Review (optional)

If you have read the book, please post your book review here or link to it if you have posted the review in another spot. We do encourage posting book reviews on Amazon.com and other online stores.

View the blog tour schedule at http://bit.ly/HolyRollersBlogTour.

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.