Photo courtesy of www.FoxNews.com

The YOUnity Guild is divided on the issue IT appears like people are saying why should Brandy be let off the hook? An innocent victim was killed who could have been your mother, brother or family member. On the otherhand, folks are saying that an accident is an accident, and why should a person be charged with manslaughter if they did not have intent to kill anymore? Perhaps, Brandy should serve community service and give attention to driving safely. Halle Berry, another celebrity who was involved in a supposed ”HIT & RUN” was let off  the hook for an undisclosed amount and went on to win an Oscar. Is there a double standard in America on who gets let off the hook? It is obvious Halle did leave the scene of an accident, but of course, she was delerious and out of her mind as apparent by a gash wound on her head. However, Cinderella, Brandy Norwood  may now have to do time because of several media hot heads suggesting the latter in the GET THIS, Black  media community and now this… Are we our own self-destruction in the Black community?  Brandy is no criminal, and I am sure she deeply regrets the outcome of her accident and the death she caused. There are real criminals out there. I believe counseling, and a statement or personal address to the family may be better suited. The family member is gone. Nothing can replace the life of the victim, but the family should be given at least a million. Brandy would not survive in jail and is more valuable out of jail and serving her community. She’s even the spokesperson model for hair products for little girls. I am angered by the accident, but I don’t want to see Brandy go to jail. Send your comments to Disilgold@aol.com. Developing…

Subscribe to Literary Dish feed to share news.RSS feed or join our email newswire to get LiteraryDish.com News first.

Check out Joe James as featured on cover of new novel  Tekila Nika by Heather Covington aka Babe Charisse Worthington in the arms of Jennifer Hudson. An exclusive the paparazzi could not catch!

http://joejamesjr.com/jhudson.htm

THE DISILGOLD DAILY LITERARY DISH
Presented by DisilgoldSOUL Literary Review Jan 2007

In This Issue
One of the Most Anticipated Books this Season Has Arrived from Cherlyn Michaels! She’s one of top bookclubs favorite authors.
FIRST FRIDAYS BY CHERLYN MICHAELS

Personal Message from Heather Covington

“Setting goals with a purpose in mind must always be your mission because your life is WORTH IT!” Keep the faith.
Ask Heather Q& A

Disilgold Literary Network
Disilgold YGA Showcase
PressReleaseBlaster
Disilgold Catalog & Bookstore
Disilgold Events
Disilgold Publishing Founder’s Author Home

HEADLINE LITERARY DISH: FIRST FRIDAYS BY CHERLYN MICHAELS IS DESTINED FOR DEBUT SUCCESS & NEWS ON YGA AWARDEES ON THE RISE!

It’s no secret that Cherlyn Michael’s, the HighTech Lady of Pen, is heating up cyberspace with the eager anticipation and release of her latest drama First Fridays. Longtime friends and loyal readers are ready to send Cherlyn Michaels to number 1. What’s so unique about Cherlyn is her dedication toward keeping an online journal since day one reflecting her life as a writer and even sharing news about her bookdeal over at CherlynMichaels.com. Authors will find many of her tips to be very valuable. Check it out. Her site is supported by Pageturner.net. She also generates an exciting newsletter that has gained a surge of new fans. Cherlyn’s new book arrives just in time for Valentine’s Day, and of course, it makes a nice gift for those who design gift baskets for friends and family. I plan on adding Cherlyn’s book along with boxes of chocolates, socks and mouse pads with hearts and a card from Elisse Gabrielle, the author of “Good to the Last Drop.” This author makes some greeting cards that rival Hallmark. I want to triple up with 3 books in my gift baskets, so I am adding Electa Rome Park’s Girl’s Night Out and Vickie Stringer’s Dirty Red. These Book Gift baskets are becoming a hobby I personally enjoy. Try making one for your loved ones . Giving books as gifts is practical and affordable.
I might also top off my gift baskets this Valentine’s Day with a newspaper style letter featuring literary news. Authors have to support one another and not let the booming publishing industry slow down. Speaking of literary news, Terry Anne O’Neal, resident 1st Lady of Poetry over at Disilgold, will debut a new movie adapted from her critically acclaimed novel, Sweet Lavender. Additionally, I opened my copy of Black Enterprise, and nearly fainted when I saw J.Ivy, resident 1st Gentleman of Poetry over at Disilgold representing his Black History poem. There is even a play back button so you can listen toJ Ivy recite his poem. This is state of the art marketing folks, and I guess I will keep my Verizon plan being that the company is supporting African American poets to the top being featured in HOLLER: A Poetry anthology of A Decade. This insert can be pulled out and given as a gift to a young one. Do pass on J.Ivy’s message.

Now when you read Cherlyn’s new book, I want you to see why we are just delighted that she’s back. Talk about a fun read. Feel free to share which part of Cherlyn’s book you enjoyed the most by emailing Disilgold@aol.com. We’re going to announce the YGA’s favorite part.

CONTEST: Cherlyn is calling all booklovers to support sales of First Friday’s at your local bookstore and online on Valentine’s Day. Do visit Cherlyn’s website to share your favorite part of her book after purchasing a copy from Amazon or your favorite bookstore. Cherlyn is going to randomly choose a winner of free autographed book giveaways. AUTOGRAPHED BOOKS FROM BESTSELLERS ARE VALUABLE TREASURES. All of my autographed books from folks like Michael, Ian, Vickie, K’wan, Terry, Omar, Cherlyn, Edith, Alethea, Rhonda, Jewelene, Dena,Delores, and many more are certainly my treasures. The winner of Cherlyn’s Book Giveaway Contest will also be spotlighted on www.Disilgold.com photogallery. . Join in on the fun. It’s Cherlyn Michael’s time to shine. Enjoy the review.

Visit the Daily Literary Dish Syndicate for more Literary News

One of the Most Anticipated Books this Season Has Arrived from Cherlyn Michaels! She’s one of top bookclubs favorite authors.

Visit DisilgoldSOUL for Bookclub Links

FIRST FRIDAYS BY CHERLYN MICHAELS

HYPERION/ ISBN-1-4013-0814-7-First Fridays by critically acclaimed author, Cherlyn Michaels, who brought the literary world the bestselling novel, Counting Through a Stained Glass Window, returns with the highly anticipated First Fridays, a dynamic, exciting, fast paced novel that is by far one of the most entertaining reads of the year, highly energetic, cunningly charming and sexy from beginning to end.
The story plot centers around Naja Rodgers who creates an Internet Cafe haven called First Fridays, but she soon attracts Russ’s insightful eye who believes she has a goldmine not only worthy of investing his money in, but possibly courting the naive entrepreneur who falls into the trap of mixing business with pleasure.

Suddenly, Russ’s plan goes bust and his big time investment backers pull out of a deal. He decides to steal all former contacts, show his true colors all along, but where does this leave Naja’s and Russ’s former relationship?

Will Russ join the list of men who prey on entrepreneurial women or will she be able to pick up the broken pieces of their relationship and move on? Wait until you see what happens next! Wait until you see what happens to her business.

First Friday’s by Ms. Cherlyn Michaels is ENGAGING, WELL WRITTEN, and owns an ORIGINAL PLOT from Hyperion Books that is a PLEASURE TO READ and highly recommended.

Visit the author:

Upcoming Events

Exhibitors wanted for African American Pavilion @Book Expo 2007 May 31-June 3 More information

PerSOULnal Blessings,

From The DisilgoldSOUL Literary Review family.

CONTACT DISILGOLD PUBLISHING

CEO/FOUNDER Heather Covington 1-718-547-0499 disilgold@aol.com

www.AALBC.com RECOMMENDS

Literary Living
www.blackfamilychannel.com 

Literary Living hosted by best-selling author Heather Covington, airs every Tuesday at 8:00 p.m. (EST). The show targets an exclusive audience, the African American book buying market. The half-hour program will take viewers on a journey through the offices and streets of New York City; will introduce some of today’s greatest publishers, authors, writers and poets. 

 Visit:
 http://www.thumperscorner.com/discus/messages/1/17457.html 
for more information.

Literary Divas: The Top 100+ Most Admired African American Women in Literature

MAKES ITS MARK IN LITERARY HISTORY

A 2007 NAACP IMAGE AWARDS FINALIST IN LITERATURE

National - Literary Divas: The Top 100+ Most Admired African American Women in Literature by Heather Covington ISBN #:  0-9767735-3-8 / Paperback / Pictures/ 250 Pages / $16.95

Literary Divas salutes more than 100 Literary Divas who have impacted our nation’s culture.

Dr. Maya Angelou, world renown poet and author recently told Ms. Covington, “Child, take my hand”.

Author, Heather Covington is an educator of kindergarten children.  When not teaching, Heather serves as the president of the YOUnity Reviewers Guild of America, editor-in-chief of Disilgold Soul Literary Review, and is noted as one of the nation’s top media personalities and promoters of literary artists…..Heather works as a poet, author, producer, publisher, promoter, educator and humanitarian…..

She has captured the essence of more than one hundred Literary Divas who have shared their pain, struggles, desires, and triumphs, through their written words as messengers of time and circumstance.

According to Omar Tyree, NAACP Image Award winner and New York Times bestselling author, “LITERARY DIVAS…is a relevant and historical tool that all men , women, and children MUST READ!!

Literary Divas’ stories will amaze you…their written words are powerful, boundless, miraculous, paranormal and the best mentor to a writer’s soul.

WHAT A GREAT CONCEPT! Heather provides a valuable reference with glowing tributes to women who are making a difference. - Ann Burns, Associate Editor, Library Journal.

By representing the voices of past & future generations, Literary Divas marks the historical turning point of a new century of African-American women in literature. Literary Divas salutes: Alice Walker, Alicia Keys, Angel Hunter, Angela Davis, Anita Doreen Diggs, Artist C. Arthur, Barbara A. Custer, Barbara Reynolds, Bea Joyner, Bebe Moore Campbell, Bernice L. McFadden, Bertha Davis, Brenda Hampton, Brenda Thomas, Camille Yarbrough, Candice Dow, Cassandra Darden Bell, Celise Downs, C. F. Hawthorne, Cheryl Willis Hudson, Cheryln Michaels, Christine Young Robinson, Corey Sue Ward, Crystal McCrary Anthony, Crystal Lacy Winslow, Crystal Rhodes, Cydney Rax, Cynthia Highsmith-Hooks, Darcel P. Williams, Darline Dorce-Coupet, Dawn Breedon, Deborah Gregory, Deborah Smith, Debra Clayton, Dee Freeman, Deirdre Savoy, Delores Thornton, Denise Campbell, Denise Turney, Donna Hill, Dorothy Ford, Dorothy Pitman Hughes, Dorrie Williams Wheeler, E. Hill, Edith Holmes, Electa Rome Parks, Elizabeth Nunez, Erica L. Perry, Evelyn Palfrey, Francis Ray, Gina Cox, Gloria Naylor, Gwynne Forster, Harriette Cole, Ida Greene, Iman, Iyanla Vanzant, Jada Pinkett Smith, Janet West Sellars, Janine A. Morris, Jel Lewis (Jones),  Jessica Care Moore-Poole, Jessica Tilles, Jewelene Banks, Jewell Parker Rhodes, Jill Nelson, Joylynn Jossell, Juanita Bynum, Karen Ligon, Karen E. Quinones Miller, Karen White-Owens, Kashamba Williams, Kelly Kenyatta, Kelly Starling Lyons, Kim Robinson, Kimberla Lawson Roby, Lenaise Meyeil Williams, Leslie Esdaille Banks, Lexi Davis, Margie Gosa Shivers, Mari Evans, Marita Golden, Marti Tucker, Mary B. Morrison, Maxine Thompson, Maya Angelou, Nancey Flowers, Natalie Darden, Nea Anna Simone, Nikki Giovanni, Ntozake Shange, Pam Osbey, Pamela DeLeon-Lewis, Pat G’orge Walker, Renee Daniel Flagler, Reshonda Tate Billingsley, Rewa Marie Fyles, Rita Dove, Rita Ewing, Rosa Guy, Sammie Ward, Sheila Goss, Shelley Parris, Sonia Sanchez, Stacy-Deanne Reed, Star Jones, Tajuana “T. J.” Butler, Takesha Powell, Terrie Williams, Terry McMillan, Terry a. O’ Neal, Toni Morrison, Tonya Lewis Lee, Tracy Price- Thompson, Tyra Banks, Vickie Stringer, Victoria Christopher Murray, Wendy Williams, Yolanda Joe, Yolantha Pace and Zane make us so proud.

Editorial Divas: Adrienne Ingrum, Alicia Marie Rivers, Angela P. Dodson, Carol Mackey, Carole F. Hall, Caroline Rogers & Brenda Piper, Cherise Davis, Cheryl Woodruff, Clara Villarosa, Dawn Davis, Denise Stinson, Emma Rodgers, Faith Childs, Faye Childs, Gwen Richardson, Heather Elitou, Janet Hill, Kim McClarin, L. Peggy Hicks, Linda Gill, Lottie Gooding, Malaika Adero, Marie Brown, Marilyn Ducksworth, Niani Colom, Oprah Winfrey, Pamela Yvette Exum, Rachel Breton, Rockelle Henderson, Shunda Leigh, Susan McHenry, Susan Taylor, Sybil Wilkes, Tee C. Royal, Vivian Stephens and Yvonne Rose keep the works of Literary Divas at the forefront of the Publishing Industry.   Literary Divas who have passed on: Alice Childress, Coretta Scott King, Gwendolyn Brooks, Lorraine Hansberry, Octavia Butler, Rosa Parks, Shirley Chisolm and Zora Neale Hurston have become our inspiration and our guides.               Terrie M. Williams, author, The Personal Touch stated: “Literary Divas is an important acknowledgement which not only highlights and details our collective body of work, but most importantly will inspire the up-and-coming Literary Divas and Dons to realize their potential as writers.”

For further information or orders, contact:  Amber Communications Group, Inc. TOLL FREE: 1-866-566-3144 or  602-243-3144 or email: amberbk@aol.com.   

Bookstores and libraries, please contact ACGI directly or your wholesaler/distributor for ordering.

For international licensing / foreign translation rights please contact:  Al Longden, Director, Rights Unlimited, Inc. Literary Agents, 6 West 37th St. 4th floor, NY, NY 10018, 212-246-0900, email: alongden@rightsunlimited.com

For interviews, speaking engagements or booksignings, contact:  Heather Covington at disilgold@aol.com

Visit: WWW.AMBERBOOKS.COM to see the complete ACGI collection.  

Literary Divas: The Top 100+ Most Admired African American Women in Literature

MAKES ITS MARK IN LITERARY HISTORY

A 2007 NAACP IMAGE AWARDS FINALIST IN LITERATURE

National NEWS: Literary Divas: The Top 100+ Most Admired African American Women in Literature by Heather Covington ISBN #:  0-9767735-3-8 / Paperback / Pictures/ 250 Pages / $16.95

Literary Divas salutes more than 100 Literary Divas who have impacted our nation’s culture.

Dr. Maya Angelou, world renown poet and author recently told Ms. Covington, “Child, take my hand”.

Author, Heather Covington is an educator of kindergarten children.  When not teaching, Heather serves as the president of the YOUnity Reviewers Guild of America, editor-in-chief of Disilgold Soul Literary Review, and is noted as one of the nation’s top media personalities and promoters of literary artists…..Heather works as a poet, author, producer, publisher, promoter, educator and humanitarian…..

She has captured the essence of more than one hundred Literary Divas who have shared their pain, struggles, desires, and triumphs, through their written words as messengers of time and circumstance.

According to Omar Tyree, NAACP Image Award winner and New York Times bestselling author, “LITERARY DIVAS…is a relevant and historical tool that all men , women, and children MUST READ!!

Literary Divas’ stories will amaze you…their written words are powerful, boundless, miraculous, paranormal and the best mentor to a writer’s soul.

WHAT A GREAT CONCEPT! Heather provides a valuable reference with glowing tributes to women who are making a difference. - Ann Burns, Associate Editor, Library Journal.

By representing the voices of past & future generations, Literary Divas marks the historical turning point of a new century of African-American women in literature. Literary Divas salutes: Alice Walker, Alicia Keys, Angel Hunter, Angela Davis, Anita Doreen Diggs, Artist C. Arthur, Barbara A. Custer, Barbara Reynolds, Bea Joyner, Bebe Moore Campbell, Bernice L. McFadden, Bertha Davis, Brenda Hampton, Brenda Thomas, Camille Yarbrough, Candice Dow, Cassandra Darden Bell, Celise Downs, C. F. Hawthorne, Cheryl Willis Hudson, Cheryln Michaels, Christine Young Robinson, Corey Sue Ward, Crystal McCrary Anthony, Crystal Lacy Winslow, Crystal Rhodes, Cydney Rax, Cynthia Highsmith-Hooks, Darcel P. Williams, Darline Dorce-Coupet, Dawn Breedon, Deborah Gregory, Deborah Smith, Debra Clayton, Dee Freeman, Deirdre Savoy, Delores Thornton, Denise Campbell, Denise Turney, Donna Hill, Dorothy Ford, Dorothy Pitman Hughes, Dorrie Williams Wheeler, E. Hill, Edith Holmes, Electa Rome Parks, Elizabeth Nunez, Erica L. Perry, Evelyn Palfrey, Francis Ray, Gina Cox, Gloria Naylor, Gwynne Forster, Harriette Cole, Ida Greene, Iman, Iyanla Vanzant, Jada Pinkett Smith, Janet West Sellars, Janine A. Morris, Jel Lewis (Jones),  Jessica Care Moore-Poole, Jessica Tilles, Jewelene Banks, Jewell Parker Rhodes, Jill Nelson, Joylynn Jossell, Juanita Bynum, Karen Ligon, Karen E. Quinones Miller, Karen White-Owens, Kashamba Williams, Kelly Kenyatta, Kelly Starling Lyons, Kim Robinson, Kimberla Lawson Roby, Lenaise Meyeil Williams, Leslie Esdaille Banks, Lexi Davis, Margie Gosa Shivers, Mari Evans, Marita Golden, Marti Tucker, Mary B. Morrison, Maxine Thompson, Maya Angelou, Nancey Flowers, Natalie Darden, Nea Anna Simone, Nikki Giovanni, Ntozake Shange, Pam Osbey, Pamela DeLeon-Lewis, Pat G’orge Walker, Renee Daniel Flagler, Reshonda Tate Billingsley, Rewa Marie Fyles, Rita Dove, Rita Ewing, Rosa Guy, Sammie Ward, Sheila Goss, Shelley Parris, Sonia Sanchez, Stacy-Deanne Reed, Star Jones, Tajuana “T. J.” Butler, Takesha Powell, Terrie Williams, Terry McMillan, Terry a. O’ Neal, Toni Morrison, Tonya Lewis Lee, Tracy Price- Thompson, Tyra Banks, Vickie Stringer, Victoria Christopher Murray, Wendy Williams, Yolanda Joe, Yolantha Pace and Zane make us so proud.

Editorial Divas: Adrienne Ingrum, Alicia Marie Rivers, Angela P. Dodson, Carol Mackey, Carole F. Hall, Caroline Rogers & Brenda Piper, Cherise Davis, Cheryl Woodruff, Clara Villarosa, Dawn Davis, Denise Stinson, Emma Rodgers, Faith Childs, Faye Childs, Gwen Richardson, Heather Elitou, Janet Hill, Kim McClarin, L. Peggy Hicks, Linda Gill, Lottie Gooding, Malaika Adero, Marie Brown, Marilyn Ducksworth, Niani Colom, Oprah Winfrey, Pamela Yvette Exum, Rachel Breton, Rockelle Henderson, Shunda Leigh, Susan McHenry, Susan Taylor, Sybil Wilkes, Tee C. Royal, Vivian Stephens and Yvonne Rose keep the works of Literary Divas at the forefront of the Publishing Industry.   Literary Divas who have passed on: Alice Childress, Coretta Scott King, Gwendolyn Brooks, Lorraine Hansberry, Octavia Butler, Rosa Parks, Shirley Chisolm and Zora Neale Hurston have become our inspiration and our guides.               Terrie M. Williams, author, The Personal Touch stated: “Literary Divas is an important acknowledgement which not only highlights and details our collective body of work, but most importantly will inspire the up-and-coming Literary Divas and Dons to realize their potential as writers.”

For further information or orders, contact:  Amber Communications Group, Inc. TOLL FREE: 1-866-566-3144 or  602-243-3144 or email: amberbk@aol.com.   

Bookstores and libraries, please contact ACGI directly or your wholesaler/distributor for ordering.

For international licensing / foreign translation rights please contact:  Al Longden, Director, Rights Unlimited, Inc. Literary Agents, 6 West 37th St. 4th floor, NY, NY 10018, 212-246-0900, email: alongden@rightsunlimited.com

For interviews, speaking engagements or booksignings, contact:  Heather Covington at disilgold@aol.com

Visit: WWW.AMBERBOOKS.COM to see the complete ACGI collection.  

Literary Divas: The Top 100+ Most Admired African American Women in Literature

MAKES ITS MARK IN LITERARY HISTORY

A 2007 NAACP IMAGE AWARDS FINALIST IN LITERATURE

National - Literary Divas: The Top 100+ Most Admired African American Women in Literature by Heather Covington ISBN #:  0-9767735-3-8 / Paperback / Pictures/ 250 Pages / $16.95

Literary Divas salutes more than 100 Literary Divas who have impacted our nation’s culture.

Dr. Maya Angelou, world renown poet and author recently told Ms. Covington, “Child, take my hand”.

Author, Heather Covington is an educator of kindergarten children.  When not teaching, Heather serves as the president of the YOUnity Reviewers Guild of America, editor-in-chief of Disilgold Soul Literary Review, and is noted as one of the nation’s top media personalities and promoters of literary artists…..Heather works as a poet, author, producer, publisher, promoter, educator and humanitarian…..

She has captured the essence of more than one hundred Literary Divas who have shared their pain, struggles, desires, and triumphs, through their written words as messengers of time and circumstance.

According to Omar Tyree, NAACP Image Award winner and New York Times bestselling author, “LITERARY DIVAS…is a relevant and historical tool that all men , women, and children MUST READ!!

Literary Divas’ stories will amaze you…their written words are powerful, boundless, miraculous, paranormal and the best mentor to a writer’s soul.

WHAT A GREAT CONCEPT! Heather provides a valuable reference with glowing tributes to women who are making a difference. - Ann Burns, Associate Editor, Library Journal.

By representing the voices of past & future generations, Literary Divas marks the historical turning point of a new century of African-American women in literature. Literary Divas salutes: Alice Walker, Alicia Keys, Angel Hunter, Angela Davis, Anita Doreen Diggs, Artist C. Arthur, Barbara A. Custer, Barbara Reynolds, Bea Joyner, Bebe Moore Campbell, Bernice L. McFadden, Bertha Davis, Brenda Hampton, Brenda Thomas, Camille Yarbrough, Candice Dow, Cassandra Darden Bell, Celise Downs, C. F. Hawthorne, Cheryl Willis Hudson, Cheryln Michaels, Christine Young Robinson, Corey Sue Ward, Crystal McCrary Anthony, Crystal Lacy Winslow, Crystal Rhodes, Cydney Rax, Cynthia Highsmith-Hooks, Darcel P. Williams, Darline Dorce-Coupet, Dawn Breedon, Deborah Gregory, Deborah Smith, Debra Clayton, Dee Freeman, Deirdre Savoy, Delores Thornton, Denise Campbell, Denise Turney, Donna Hill, Dorothy Ford, Dorothy Pitman Hughes, Dorrie Williams Wheeler, E. Hill, Edith Holmes, Electa Rome Parks, Elizabeth Nunez, Erica L. Perry, Evelyn Palfrey, Francis Ray, Gina Cox, Gloria Naylor, Gwynne Forster, Harriette Cole, Ida Greene, Iman, Iyanla Vanzant, Jada Pinkett Smith, Janet West Sellars, Janine A. Morris, Jel Lewis (Jones),  Jessica Care Moore-Poole, Jessica Tilles, Jewelene Banks, Jewell Parker Rhodes, Jill Nelson, Joylynn Jossell, Juanita Bynum, Karen Ligon, Karen E. Quinones Miller, Karen White-Owens, Kashamba Williams, Kelly Kenyatta, Kelly Starling Lyons, Kim Robinson, Kimberla Lawson Roby, Lenaise Meyeil Williams, Leslie Esdaille Banks, Lexi Davis, Margie Gosa Shivers, Mari Evans, Marita Golden, Marti Tucker, Mary B. Morrison, Maxine Thompson, Maya Angelou, Nancey Flowers, Natalie Darden, Nea Anna Simone, Nikki Giovanni, Ntozake Shange, Pam Osbey, Pamela DeLeon-Lewis, Pat G’orge Walker, Renee Daniel Flagler, Reshonda Tate Billingsley, Rewa Marie Fyles, Rita Dove, Rita Ewing, Rosa Guy, Sammie Ward, Sheila Goss, Shelley Parris, Sonia Sanchez, Stacy-Deanne Reed, Star Jones, Tajuana “T. J.” Butler, Takesha Powell, Terrie Williams, Terry McMillan, Terry a. O’ Neal, Toni Morrison, Tonya Lewis Lee, Tracy Price- Thompson, Tyra Banks, Vickie Stringer, Victoria Christopher Murray, Wendy Williams, Yolanda Joe, Yolantha Pace and Zane make us so proud.

Editorial Divas: Adrienne Ingrum, Alicia Marie Rivers, Angela P. Dodson, Carol Mackey, Carole F. Hall, Caroline Rogers & Brenda Piper, Cherise Davis, Cheryl Woodruff, Clara Villarosa, Dawn Davis, Denise Stinson, Emma Rodgers, Faith Childs, Faye Childs, Gwen Richardson, Heather Elitou, Janet Hill, Kim McClarin, L. Peggy Hicks, Linda Gill, Lottie Gooding, Malaika Adero, Marie Brown, Marilyn Ducksworth, Niani Colom, Oprah Winfrey, Pamela Yvette Exum, Rachel Breton, Rockelle Henderson, Shunda Leigh, Susan McHenry, Susan Taylor, Sybil Wilkes, Tee C. Royal, Vivian Stephens and Yvonne Rose keep the works of Literary Divas at the forefront of the Publishing Industry.   Literary Divas who have passed on: Alice Childress, Coretta Scott King, Gwendolyn Brooks, Lorraine Hansberry, Octavia Butler, Rosa Parks, Shirley Chisolm and Zora Neale Hurston have become our inspiration and our guides.               Terrie M. Williams, author, The Personal Touch stated: “Literary Divas is an important acknowledgement which not only highlights and details our collective body of work, but most importantly will inspire the up-and-coming Literary Divas and Dons to realize their potential as writers.”

For further information or orders, contact:  Amber Communications Group, Inc. TOLL FREE: 1-866-566-3144 or  602-243-3144 or email: amberbk@aol.com.   

Bookstores and libraries, please contact ACGI directly or your wholesaler/distributor for ordering.

For international licensing / foreign translation rights please contact:  Al Longden, Director, Rights Unlimited, Inc. Literary Agents, 6 West 37th St. 4th floor, NY, NY 10018, 212-246-0900, email: alongden@rightsunlimited.com

For interviews, speaking engagements or booksignings, contact:  Heather Covington at disilgold@aol.com

Visit: WWW.AMBERBOOKS.COM to see the complete ACGI collection.  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

POETRY, SHE WROTE II: REFLECTIONS OF THE HEART

                                                                                     By Dee Freeman

Poetry from a woman’s perspective,

as she searches the very bottom of her soul

to find truth and reality.

        © 2006  Hot off the Press

          AuthorHouse Publication

                      $15.95

             ISBN 1-4033-3780-2

“The optimism in Dee Freeman’s third volume of poetry is just as contagious as in her first volume … From the opening epigraph from Herman Hesse’s Reflections, which stresses the oneness of all living beings, to the self-eulogy that ends Part II of Poetry She Wrote, Freeman traverses a plethora of emotions from yearning… to resolution… I always knew she possessed tremendous spiritual beauty.  I am glad she decided to share this beauty with the world in such a beautifully organic manner….”

Lovalerie King, PhD;     Assistant Professor of African American Literature,

Penn
State
University.

 “Just imagine with me, a little kinky haired girl, who moves …from knowing nothing about the world, to a star of a woman who can explore the universe through her poetry and declare “Still Me”…a masterpiece…A work of art.  So genuine, so rich… so well blended in mind, body, and soul……”  Geraldine Smothers, MPA, RHIA, CSL, CPHQ…President and CEO, Professional Dynamic Network, Inc. …The Jordan Evans Institute

Poetry, She Wrote II: Reflections of the Heart       By Dee Freeman

This poetry addresses aspects of life from a woman’s point of view, as she journeys and searches through every nook and cranny on earth, then scans the heavens for truth, answers and awareness.  This central theme reinforces the fact that people have a strong faith and are determined to continue their search until they no longer breathe.  There are miles to be traveled before reaching the ultimate plateau of awareness and contentment. 
Dee wishes to help in this conquest with these diverse literary expressions.  Poetry, She Wrote II reveals a number of experiences she has personally encountered while traveling this journey.  Both the poems and prose convey a message, express sentiment, pose unanswered questions, inspire determination, encourage love and togetherness, promote pride, open the emotional window to the heart and invoke inspirational healing.  Their clarity and lucidity motivate as they foster: self-esteem, self-confidence, self-love, self-awareness, healing and a sense of well-being.

About the Author:

“A dynamically gifted poet…Dee Freeman, Independent Bestselling Poetess and Author, producer and host, speaker and literary advocate, has been writing and sharing her compelling poetry and prose for years!  Poetry, She Wrote II,
Dee’s third book- ‘HOT’ off the press -is one of the most informative, captivating, inspirational and breathtaking poetry works of our era. 
Dee has arrived to join the ranks of poetry Goddesses like Dr. Maya Angelou, Nikki Giovanni, Denise Campbell, Jessica Care Moore, Cynthia Highsmith Hooks, Terry A. O’Neal, Alice Walker and Sonia Sanchez!  Her books are undeniably among the most uplifting poetry books of all time; among the few that will stand the test of time,” says, Heather Covington, Editor of DISILGOLDSOUL! Magazine.

Dee uses her creativity, passion, love and clarity of voice to serve up imagery and rhythmic rhyme to tickle and delight her readers.  Her previous well received books of poetry, “Oceans of Love: To Us From Us” and Poetry, She Wrote I: Oh, Magnify Him” proved beneficial; gently touching, softly soothing, delightfully awakening, enthusiastically illuminating and fervently healing.  Her lyrical verse peers into the mind, opens the emotional portal to the heart, and grabs at the soul-all seemingly simultaneously. 

Her award winning poems have appeared in magazines, anthologies and both local and distant news papers. She writes a monthly book review, article or word of inspiration for the Lansing State Journal.  She works with the Michigan Million Women Movement that sprang out of the MWM (Million Women March) of 1997.  She participates with functions of the

Lansing
School District.  She’s a member of Marguerite Press, Disilgold Soul and Publishing and co-founder of Sisterhood Of The Written Word.  She proudly accepted a commendation from the City and City Council during Black History Month in 2005 for a stirring presentation.  She was selected as a magazine award cover spotlight winner at Disilgold Soul and heavily referred by the YOUnity Reviewers as top poet of the year.  It isn’t uncommon to see Dee Freeman co- hosting poetry readings, slams, competitions and providing tributes and motivational words throughout the
Lansing and surrounding areas.

Dee is eloquent, eclectic, and innovative.  She is an advocate for the arts, human development, peace, global equality and cultural diversity.  She sings with a 35 voice group-The Earl Nelson Singers.  Her two year old TV show-Poetree-N-Motion is expanding and is also a hot spot; drawing dynamite guests, who come by and share their wisdom, viewpoints and advice on a variety of topics.  It airs in Lansing on Comcast channel 16 -Thursday @ 3:30PM and East Lansing channel 30 WELM on Tuesday @ 7:00PM and soon to be back in
Detroit on channel 68, daily.

Attorney Myron S. Freeman, Sr., the love of
Dee’s life, is also her #1 supporter; inspiring her to write pieces on love and romance, so her manuscript, “Love Ever Flowing,” the third in the ‘Poetry, She Wrote’ series is almost complete.  Her three adult children and grandson-Giovanni, who inspired her children’s book, To Heir Is To Love, give her much happiness.  Her constant message to everyone is, “Being your best self; Be proud, Be productive and Be Blessed”

Dee invites your comments and feedback:

www.deepoette.com  or  deekfreeman@yahoo.com

or 1 517 321-3122,
Lansing, Michigan 
48917-4805

Dee Freeman,

Author, Poet, Literary Advocate,

Producer/Show Host and Speaker for Truth

deekfreeman@yahoo.com or deepoette@yahoo.com

See why I quit my J O B!
www.deepoette.ws

 

Beverly Black Johnson, Founder of “GUMBO FOR THE SOUL” LITERACY PROGRAM Offers free Literacy Support Ribbon with each pre-order  ”Gumbo for the Soul: the Recipe for Literacy in the Black Community”

Dear Literature Enthusiasts, Healthcare & Educational Professionals, Corporate Executives, Entrepreneurs, and Community and Ministerial Leaders: Beverly Black Johnson, founder of “Gumbo for the Soul” Literacy Program, and compiler of the soon-to-be-published anthology Gumbo for the Soul: the Recipe for Literacy in the Black Community, announces Gumbo for the Soul Literacy Program was created to heighten awareness of the growing high school drop-out rate in the African-American community. Proceeds from the anthology will support funding of the Gumbo for the Soul Literacy Program. Beverly Black Johnson gives Gumbo for the Soul 5 out of 5 rating! Gumbo for the Soul: the Recipe for Literacy in the Black Community encompasses accounts of educational, occupational and personal experiences of overcoming adversity and obstacles with perseverance and determination – eloquently portrayed in delicious poetry, essays, quotes, reflections and gumbo recipes.   1 FREE Literacy Support Ribbon per book pre-ordered The pages are penned by best-selling authors, first-time writers, media personalities, corporate professionals, laypersons, parents, teachers, students and others from all walks of life. Heather Covington, author of Literary Divas: The Top 100+ Most Admired African American Women in Literature (ACGI, www.Amberbooks.com), has written the foreword. Pre-order at: www.gumboforthesoul.com. Gumbo for the Soul: the Recipe for Literacy in the Black Community anthology release date scheduled for early 2007. Remit payment in US currency check or money order to: Gumbo for the Soul, P.O. Box 5193, San Jose, CA 95150 or pay online www.gumboforthesoul.com/11601.html. A two-year effort, this first “Gumbo for the Soul” title is self-published with direction and assistance from iUniverse.com. There are eight impending titles in the queue. The “Gumbo for the Soul” series remains open to agent representation for the future anthologies. We look forward to garnering the attention of a major publisher. Please visit www.gumboforthesoul.com and help support literacy by ordering our Literacy Support Ribbon. Pre-ordering information will be available soon for Gumbo for the Soul: the Recipe for Literacy in the Black Community anthology. Proceeds from the sale of Gumbo for the Soul to benefit Literacy Programs and scholarships for students at all academic levels. Thank you for your support of and dedication to this very important project. Sincerely, Beverly Black Johnson The “Gumbo for the Soul” book cover embraces the bold and beautiful work of Synthia Saint James, fine artist, author, songwriter, and illustrator of the widely  popular Kwanzaa postage stamp. (cover facsimile)

Toni Beckham
408.499.3664
Toni@PRetCetera.com
www.PRetCetera.com

__,_._,___

Acclaimed filmmaker Rel Dowdell not only will be at one of the largest African-American colleges in the nation at Prairie View University (over 8000 undergrad) in Texas this week, but his also will be interview on the radio by the mayor of the city, Frank Jackson, to discuss the importance and great success of the film as well, a very distinguished honor. Please take a few moments to check out the advertisement spotlight of the event this week below.

Thanks for listening,

James L. Deame

Home » Prairie View A&M University Spotlights

Prairie View A&M Hosts Movie Screening of Train Ride

Friday, January 12, 2007

Prairie View A&M University will host a screening of the movie “Train Ride,” on Thursday, January 18.  Following the screening, the movie’s writer and director Rel Dowdell, will lead a discussion with PVAMU students and attendees on the film’s message and the prevention of sexual violence on college campuses.

One of SONY’s most successful DVD films of 2005, “Train Ride” takes place on the campus of an all-black college and pushes the edge with a thrilling presentation on the issue of date rape.

“Train Ride,” features stars such as Wood Harris (from the hit HBO series “The Wire”), female rap pioneer and recent VH 1 Hip Hop honoree MC Lyte and the late Emmy-award winning actress Esther Rolle.  Dowdell was the last director to work with Esther Rolle before she died in 1998.  Her performance in “Train Ride” was her final one before her death.

The movie screening is free and open to the general public.

Who:           Prairie View A&M University

What:         Free screening of movie “Train Ride” with an appearance and discussion by the writer and director Rel Dowdell

Where:       Prairie View A&M University
                    Memorial Student Center (MSC) Auditorium
                    L.W. Minor Street
                    Prairie View, TX 77446

When:        Thursday, January 18, 2007, 7:00 p.m.

About “Train Ride”:

“Train Ride” is a riveting thriller that takes the viewer on an emotional “Train Ride.”  In this urban drama, four college students are forced to pay for their actions after a startling act of sexual violence.  Katrina (MC Lyte) is a college freshman who, after attending a big party on campus, is invited to a smaller private party thrown by Will (Wood Harris), a charismatic senior.  After plenty of drinking, Will and his friends slip a dose of a “date rape” drug into Katrina’s wine. Once Katrina passes out, the upperclassmen violate her.  Will and his cohorts think the whole sordid matter is over the next morning, but it quickly becomes evident that Katrina is not about to forgive or forget.

About Rel J. Dowdell:

Filmmaker Rel Dowdell, received a bachelor’s degree in english from Fisk University and a master’s degree in film from Boston University.  He was the last director to work with the late, Emmy award-winning actress Esther Rolle in his feature-film “Train Ride”.  She also appeared in his multi-award winning shorter film version when he was a graduate student at Boston University.  Dowdell was the first black to win the top prize in filmmaking with his short film “Train Ride”, at Boston University. He also won the Redstone Film Festival with his thesis project short film “Train Ride”.  After the success of the shorter film, Dowdell was courted by a number of producers to adapt his movie into a feature-length film, which had been a celebrated work in small film circles.  In 2005, SONY released the “Train Ride” DVD version with advanced audio and clarity. It has been one of the top selling African-American films in the world on amazon.com for almost 2 years, and was called “one of the best American films” of 2005 by noted film critic Gerald Peary.Currently, Dowdell works as an assistant screenwriting professor at Boston University.

About Prairie View A&M University:

Founded in 1876, Prairie View A&M University is the second oldest public institution of higher education in Texas.  With an established reputation for producing engineers, nurses and educators, PVAMU offers baccalaureate degrees in 50 academic majors, 37 master’s degrees and four doctoral degree programs through nine colleges and schools.  A member of the Texas A&M University System, the university is dedicated to fulfilling its land-grant mission of achieving excellence in teaching, research and service. During the university’s 130-year history, nearly 48,000 academic degrees have been awarded.  For more information regarding PVAMU, visit www.pvamu.edu.

Dear Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

I have finally discovered…

that the world is not ready for the gift of peace you brought to this world…

the world is not ready to accept one another regardless of their race, color, creed or gender…

 the world is not ready to spread your song of harmony and love…

 the world is not ready to understand the importance of your work…

 the world is not ready to stand up to the pain and struggles you endured for little black girls and black boys to walk together…

 the world is not ready to celebrate and support people who resemble your greatness…

 the world is not wealthy, but greedy

the world is not honest, but a liar

the world is  not a team player, but envious

the world is not well, but sick

the world  is not powerful, but weak

The world is not free, it is in bondage with its own curse…

the world cannot celebrate, because the world is not free,

 but I will still carry on your dream for the world although

 I still do not believe that this world wants me to be free!

Copyright 2007. Heather Covington

Share your poem.

Publicity Manager for J. L. Woodson

Macro Publishing Group 888.854.8823

 (Exclusive photo of Literary Diva Lissa Woodson coming soon. Find out what Lissa Woodson is wearing to the NAACP Image Awards.)

Lissa Woodson
also writing as Naleighna Kai author of
Essence & Black Expressions Bestseller Every Woman Needs a Wife
What happens when a married couple fight for custody of the mistress?
New York Times National Bestseller contributing author
http://www.naleighnakai.com/
http://www.macropublishing.com/
Trade Paperback ISBN: 1593090609
Black Expressions Bestseller Hardcover Item Number: 487444
Available at Borders, Barnes & Noble, Walmart and Amazon.com

GENERATIONAL HERITAGE UNCOVERED WHILE MAKING UPCOMING FILM “STOMP THE YARD”

Like Alex Haley’s “Roots”, Making of new film found Author Gregory Anderson reaching into his past
When Gregory Anderson first sat down to pen the script for the upcoming Sony / Screen Gems film “Stomp the Yard”, while a student at Florida A&M University, the film’s future was nothing more than a dream. Several years later as he prepared to do the rewrite, he found that the story and history of “Stomp the Yard” had a deeper connection to not only his family, but to all African Americans. “At the end of the day, what I discovered about myself and my people, was far more valuable than I could have ever imagined” – Gregory Anderson.

The movie, which opens nationwide January 12, is driven by the unique artform called “Stepping”. Stepping (or “Stomping”) is a rhythmic dance tradition created by African American Fraternities and Sororities. This territory was nothing new to Gregory, who is a member of Omega Psi Phi and whose classmates Will Packer and Rob Hardy (Rainforest Films, Producers of “Stomp the Yard”) are members of Alpha Phi Alpha. But, as Greg crafted the story, he soon realized he had to go deeper. “I had a teacher in High School named Mrs. Hendricks, and she taught us that in life, we have to look beyond the surface of things, the shape of things. No matter how painful or hard, we have to search for what lies beneath, because that is where the truth is”.

Greg always knew he had a long lineage of frat / soror members in his family, dating back to the early decades of the organizations and spanning all the way to today. The key was to uncover the roots of stepping and why it stayed relevant. What he found along the way, was a reconnection he would never forget.

For more of this release go to www.tridestined.com/andersonspeaks

So you visit a website with a bunch of Frontpage Hyperlinks that you think are linking to intra-site links within a site’s infrastructure when you’ve completed a chapter. Think again. A few of those hyperlinks may be booby-trapped links to paid for click on ads that extract information from your travel history, surfing and even personal stuff about you. You can tell these sites by all of those Google Ads directed toward downloading software. Be careful! Big brother is watching you. Just say no! Leave sites that want you to download information or warn you that your computer may be infected, “DOWNLOAD NOW”. Once you install this spyware, your computer slows down and a lot of other crazy things you never thought computers could do. Your best bet is to buy a daily newspaper. Most media sites are doing nothing more that loading contrived photos for their bogus stories, although entertaining, and linking to legit news resources or regurgitating what was already featured in the news on the same day. Many are safe havens for media conglomerates who build these sites to disclaim the gossip they dish via other resources and its their gossip disguised, quoted by the masses and damaging good folk’s lives with nonsense. Brilliant idea, but you can tell when a media site is fishy  when you can’t put a face to the OWNER , nor a verifiable name that owns up to the garbage they dish, and for a while has been some of my dear friends from multi-industries. It’s a pure disgrace, but you can fight back at this sites damaging your folks from your industry by docoumenting and downloading every contrived post for 6 months to a year, and then forming a petition to have the site shut down completely. You’d be surprised what people can do with 100,000 signatures. Now don’t get me wrong, some folks like the attention, and  they know who they are, but AUTHORS, don’t sell yourself cheap with gossip and controversy. You have a long career, and once the hype about any controversy is over, so are you. Always think integrity, and especially if you are a DisilgoldSOUL.   Keep your mind focused on quality media. Remember, most news must come from a verifiable source that is the standard or  it is just gossip and stupid hype that wastes your energy from getting the news you need to succeed and stay motivated as writers. 

WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND TONYA’S BOOKS ON ALL LEGAL MATTERS! HERE IS SOME NEWS YOU DIDN’T KNOW

From the Desk of Tonya Evans-Walls Legal Write Publications
Date: Jan 11 2007 4:53 PM

“Did you know that regardless of the terms of your transfer document (e.g., a publishing agreement or a license), you have the right to reclaim your copyright? Discussion about this little-known legal right for authors is just starting to emerge in the publishing industry. Publishers, for instance, may not want authors to know that the “life of copyright” term in most publishing agreements can be rendered null and void if a statutory termination is properly effected. But because different versions of the copyright law apply to different works, depending on when they were created, registered, and transferred, and depending on who transferred the rights, there are different rules for terminating transfers of those works to third parties.

I will examine only those transfers made on or after January 1, 1978 (not pre-1978 transfers that have slightly different rules); but if you have a specific question regarding a potential transfer termination, please contact an intellectual property attorney who is well versed in literary law and transfer termination issues. This is tough stuff even for lawyers so err on the side of caution and consult with an expert to address your specific concerns.”

So if you want to learn how to reclaim your copyright after transferring it to a publisher or someone else, check out my Blog for more information.

And continue to Write and Shine!

Tonya Evans-Walls
Author, Copyright Companion for Writers
www.literarylawguide.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 10, 2007 CONTACT:
Tony Rose
Amber Books
1-866-566-3144
www.amberbooks.com
LITERARY DIVAS BY HEATHER COVINGTON AN NAACP IMAGE AWARD FINALISTLiterary Divas: The Top 100+ Most Admired African American Women in Literature
Bookcover Phoenix, AZ (BlackNews.com) – Literary Divas: The Top 100+ Most Admired African American Women in Literature by Heather Covington (Amber Books) has been named as one of 22 finalists for the 38th NAACP Image Awards in Literature for: Outstanding Literary Work – Biography/Auto-Biography.An NAACP literature sub-committee vote will determine the five nominees in this category. The five nominees will be announced at a press conference on Tuesday, January 9, 2007 in Los Angeles. The list of nominees will then be placed on a master ballot, which will then be distributed nationally and internationally to NAACP Members via the February Issue of The Crisis Magazine. The projects in each category that receive the highest number of votes will be announced at the 38th NAACP Image Awards, Friday March 2, 2007 in Los Angeles.We thank you for your consideration of Literary Divas: The Top 100+ Most Admired African American Women in Literature.Finalists for Oustanding Literary Work – Biography/Auto-Biography:Barefootin’: Life Lessons from the Road to Freedom, by Unita Blackwell and JoAnne Prichard Morris (Crown Publishing)Before the Legend: The Rise of Bob Marley, by Christopher Farley (Amistad/Harper Collins Publishers)Black Gold of the Sun, by Ekow Eshun (Pantheon Books)Black Maestro, by Joe Drape (Harper Collins Publishers)Conversations: William Jefferson Clinton…From Hope to Harlem, by Janis F. Kearney (Writing Our World Press)Earl B. Dickerson: A Voice for Freedom and Equality, by Robert F. Blakely with Marcus Shepard (Northwestern University Press)Everybody Gotta Piece of Me, by Audrey Briggs (Fishbowl International)Fabulosity: What it is and How to Get it, by Kimora lee Simmons (Harper Collins Publishers)Fallen to Grace, by Lewis Banks (Chicago Spectrum Press/Evanston Publishing Inc.)Jim Brown: The Fierce Life of an American Hero, by Mike Freeman (Harper Collins Publishers)Jokes My Father Never Taught Me, by Rain Pryor (Regan Books/Harper Collins)Literary Divas: The Top 100+ Most Admired African American Women in Literature, by Heather Covington (Amber Books)Mixed: My Life in Black and White, by Angela Nissel (Random House Publishing Group)On Michael Jackson, by Margo Jefferson (Pamtheon Books)A Piece of Cake, by Cupcake Brown (Crown Publishing)The Pursuit of Happyness, by Chris Gardner (Amistad/Harper Collins Publishers)Secret Daughter: A Mixed-Race Daughter and the Mother Who Gave Her Away, by June Cross (Viking Penguin)This Voice in My Heart: A Genocide Survivor’s Story of Escape, Faith and Forgiveness, by Gilbert Tuhabonye and Gary Brozek (Amistad/Harper Collins Publishers)Unbowed, by Wangari Maathai (Alfred A. Knopf)Wealth of A Family: An Adopted Son’s International Quest for Heritage, Reunion, and Enrichment, by Thomas Brooks (Thomas Books)What I Know for Sure: My Story of Growing Up in America, by Tavis Smiley (Doubleday)White Preacher’s Message on Race and Reconciliation, by Robert S. Graetrz (New South Inc.)Literary Divas: The Top 100+ Most Admired African American Women in Literature, ISBN# 0-9767735-3-8 (Amber Books)To order, call toll free: 1-866-566-3144 – online at www.amberbooks.com, www.amazon.com or purchase at your nearest bookstore.