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In this issue, we offer event news, an interview with a new author about financial literacy for kids (Vanessa Bright), Austin Camacho (thriller expert), new POD technology at Politics &Prose Bookstore in DC, Barry McLeod, and of course Mary Honey B. Morrison. Additionally, we are sharing book club profiles from members across the States (and around the Internet).

Ciao
http://issuu.com/bloggertime/docs/the_book_club___book_lover_s_editio

Writing while parenting. Interesting youth in turning pages.

Last week I scooped up copies of Chicken Soup for the African-American Woman's Soul, and pulled my suitcase of books while holding a little hand. I figured the best way to break my little one in to the book signing environment was to do so locally. I woke up my treasure just after the crack of dawn. He was cranky but agree to accept a cup of milk. I baked muffins at 4:00 AM and packed his little people "stuff."

Things were going well, until I realized that the back wheels to my luggage had broken. It had been a while since I've been circulating in this way ; I'd plain forgotten! I still dragged it half way across the building while asking him to follow me. He sparked some waves and points from seniors.

We arrived and set up. All was well in book fair world, until I realized that there was no eating allowed in the room. He started tugging at his book bag, but I was supposed to speak. So, the moderator was nice enough to keep him in one spot until that was over. We trekked down the hall so that he could eat something, then returned to the fair. A few authors let him help give out book marks, so that he could stretch his legs. When it was almost time to go, I found myself chasing him down while circling tables. Yes, I got lots of cardio in that day.

All in all, he was a good toddler, considering that the event lasted nearly four hours. By the time we reached home, his head was slumped over, his baseball hat atop it. He had crumbs all over his clothes from those muffins. However, I felt content that others saw the value in including a very young child in the book fair experience. If more kids should read, I see no reason why I should wait to expose him to the environment, although he is under 2.

Now that I'm a parent, there are days when I feel that time won't allow me to pen another book, or that I worry over technology interrupting the good ole experience of picking up a book before bed time. The thing is, it's my responsibility to respect and encourage tradition. Looking back on it, I too was taught to love books long before I was required to do so.

Someone I know well shared something startling with me. She said that she can get plenty of free books for her children where she lives, because none of them sell during school book fairs, and not many people want them at all--even free ones. As a result, the school happily gives them away. And there are also other urban reading programs where interest in literacy is super low. Now I know why her house is full of nice children's books. What a shame.

Thank you for entering the Mary Honey B. Morrison contest.

Bozie won a copy of The Rich Girl's Club!
J.H. won a copy as well.

"Soulmates Dissipate was an excellent book. I like all of Mary Morrison's books. I look forward to reading this one by Honey B.," one winner told me.

Thanks for entering our contest. Happy reading.

The Rich Girl's Club by Mary Honey B. Morrison. Interview and contest post.

Mary Honey B. Morrison
The Rich Girl's Club

Today, I would like to warmly welcome New York Times Bestselling author, Mary
Honey B. Morrison to The Nook. The Rich Girl's Club was released on March
26,2013. This title is her 18th published novel.

Andrea: Can you give us a brief synopsis of The Rich Girl's Club?


Mary: California has never had an African-American or female governor. Morgan, Hope, and Storm decides Brooks will run. TRGs sexually blackmail each of Brooks' opponents. All goes well until an unbelievable internal affair threatens the life of one of the girls.

Andrea: What genre would you consider the book, and is there a message embedded in it to empower women?


Mary: TRGC is erotica. There's sex in virtually ever chapter. Men love it! Women feel liberated and empowered which leads me into the second half of your question. Yes, every book I write has empowering messages conveyed though the characters.

Andrea: How did you come up with the premise of it?

Mary: I absolutely love all of the sex scandals men, from former President Clinton to Arnold Schwarznegger. Herman Cain, John Edwards and more. Affairs have destroyed the careers of and/or embarrassed many men. This intrigued me as the same has never held true for women. When TRGs come together, men want all-in. By the time these guys find out their in over their heads, the orgasms are over.

Andrea: Would you say that Honey B's writing style is different from Mary B. Morrison's?

Mary: Yes and no. Honey B and Mary B are both written to empower women. The difference is Honey B is sexually driven and Mary B. Morrison is character driven.

Andrea: Did you do any political research for the book?

Mary: Indeed I did but not extensively. TRGC is highly entertaining. I didn't want to impress readers with political statistics or overwhelm them with historical facts. TRGC is fiction and it's fun!

Andrea: This title is also available for purchase as an audiobook, correct? Where can readers find various versions of The Rich Girl's Club?


Mary: Amazon.com is the best place to find the audio and other versions of TRGC.

Andrea: What's next for you and when?


Mary: My film deal with Lionsgate and Codeblack Entertainment is underway for Soulmates Dissipate by Mary B. Morrison. I'm wrapping up my If I Can't Have You series. Book 2, I'd Rather Be With You releases July 30, 2013. Book 3, If You Don't Know Me comes out April 2014. I'm finishing my non-ficiton book, D.A.D.: A Woman's Guide to Finding the Right One by my birthday, September. D.A.D. stands for "Dicks are Dumb."
What's the best place for fans to keep up with you online?
My website: www.MaryMorrison.com
Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mary-Honey-B-Morrison/167732794577?ref=ts&fref=ts
Twitter: https://twitter.com/marybmorrison

Thank you, Mary. It was a pleasure speaking to you today about The Rich Girl's
Club. Please come back and visit with us again.

Special thanks go out to Mary and her publisher. The Nook will be giving several copies of The Rich Girl's Club away! You must be 18+ to participate. Questions and instructions will be posted through our social media sites. All of the answers are in this post. Good luck, and happy reading!

Twitter: AndreaBlackston

Have you visited Grove Street yet?

Here are all of our E-zine issues. We feature authors, entertainers, business professionals, literary experts and more!

Our 7th issue celebrates Y'Anna Crawley, Captain Jas Boothe, (Poet) Lawren Greene, Sister Souljah and additional news and information.

Please subscribe to our blog or join us on Facebook.

1 Thankfulness and Faith
http://issuu.com/bloggertime/docs/bloggertime?mode=mobile&origin=emailnxnnx

2 Knowledge and Joy
http://issuu.com/bloggertime/docs/issuu_ezine2?mode=mobile&origin=emaile


3 Mompreneurs
http://issuu.com/bloggertime/docs/mompreneurjanuarygrovestreete-zine?mode=mobile


4 The Spice Pages featuring Zane
http://issuu.com/bloggertime/docs/february_s_spice_pages_issue_for_grove_street

5 The Black History Pages
http://issuu.com/bloggertime/docs/blackhistorypagesgrovestreet-1


6 Honoring Women in Entertainment in the DMV featuring Traci Braxton

http://issuu.com/bloggertime/docs/honoring_women_in_entertainmentmarch2013?mode=mobile

7 Non Profits
http://issuu.com/bloggertime/docs/grove_street_april_2013_nonprofit_edition2?mode=mobile


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Morenike' signs Taste of Insanity in the DC area, May 9th.

Morenike' is a talented author and graduate student from Mississippi. Just before her trip to the DC area, I caught up with her to ask her a few things about Taste of Insanity. Read the buzz!

What gave you the idea to write it, and what it is about?

Taste of Insanity is a fictional glimpse of mental illness in the African American community; specifically women. It's about what happens when a woman is at her wits end. I chose to write this story because mental illness is a taboo subject that affects my community.

Is this your first book? Yes, it's my debut novel.

What is your writing routine? I write everyday and I have set a goal to write 1500 words a day; hopefully that increases in the future.

I am driven to write because________.

God gave me a gift to speak for the voiceless, inspire, and encourage awareness and literacy.

In three lines or less, pitch your book to readers with your best hook.

Women are often seen as soft, delicate creatures but what happens when they are plagued with tragedy? Follow as Egypt, Blakely, & Andrea are admitted to the Rosa Lee Institution after their strength is tested & their demons exposed. Every woman comes to a breaking point; do you know what crazy tastes like?

Please list your next upcoming signing information.

Howard University in DC on May 9th, 1-3 PM
May 10th - Horizon Books in Philly Noon-5 PM
May 11th - TLJ (The Literary Joint) Bookstore in Forestville, MD 2-8:30 P.M.


What is your contact information?

I can be reached at AuthorMorenike@gmail.com.


Book Trailer Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgGe5UsrE5A

Body Butter by Renee Luke is almost here.

Renee Luke is an author from California. Body Butter will be released on Thursday May 9th!

What is the book about?
Because of non-refundable tickets and a loser, would-be groom caught with his pants around his ankles just before the wedding, Jade Palmer finds herself all alone on an exotic island, in a resort world renowned for its specialty creams. After a year of depriving herself to fit into the designer gown, she plans on flaunting her new slim body in a bikini on the beach, indulging in some of the resorts special creams, and taking care of her needs for a change. Her main need, a man to live out the sexual fantasy this trip was meant to be.

This resort gig was his mother’s thing, so how Ty Zamir got suckered into caretaking her business for the summer is beyond him. Worse yet, because of a scheduling mix-up, he’s left delivering breakfast to their newest guest. She’s naked when he arrives--and dreaming--mumbling about fantasies and creams. Ty’s supposed to leave the tray of breakfast creams, and quietly leave her room, but he pauses and she awakes before he can. She tells him he’s why she came--what she needs--and offers herself in exchange for being shown how to use all of the island’s exotic, edible creams.

What is one thing about you that readers would be surprised to know?

I breed UKC PR Pitbulls and Arabians.

What has the feedback been?
So far, I've only had one reader beta read Body Butter and she loved it! Said the flow led her along and she was swept up in the romance and sex scenes. She's an editor and a reviewer, not my mama reading.

All of my other books have always gotten very positive responses. Right now, Sweet Spot, which was released in March has nothing but 5 star reviews. Chocolate Kisses and Making Him Want It have won awards, including EMMA and KAPPA.

Are you an avid reader? If so, what is your favorite genre?
I use to be an avid reader. I use to gobble through romance novels like they were Lays potato chips, but when I am in writing mode, I read very little. I don't want my author voice watered down, nor do I want to pick up on a style or word phrasing used by another author, and then mistakenly reuse it. And, I think I'm a little bit of a control freak, because when I'm reading a book by someone else, I get frustrated that I cant change thing.

Romance is my favorite genre. I am in love with love and a sucker for happy endings.

Do you have any upcoming book signings?

I do not have any signings scheduled at this time, and to be honest, I am a little shy and tend to get pretty nervouse at my signings. I love meeting the readers, but I don't like being the center of attention.

What is your contact information?
www.facebook.com/reneelukenovels
www.reneeluke.net
renee_luke@hotmail.com
@reneelukenovels (twitter)

Please tell us where your book can be purchased.
All of my previous releases (pre 2013) can be found at all bookstores and online including Walmart, B&N, Amazon. They are even available at most public libraries.
My new releases can be found e-version or in paperback at Amazon.com under Renee Luke. Those titles are Sweet Spot, Body Butter, and Alley Cat (a quickie, which is an e-version exclusive)

Express literary dish! What's happening with some of your favorite authors?

On May 2nd, Carl Weber announced, "Big things happening! Look for a press release on the Family Business TV show sometime next week. Producers are talking to some big people to play key parts. Hint-hint, someone from the Sopranos has agreed to play mob boss Sal Dash. Oh I wish I could tell you more."

This past Tuesday in Washington, DC, a bookstore called Politics & Prose hosted First lady, Michelle Obama. She signed copies of her book, American Grown: The Story of the White House Kitchen Garden and Gardens Across America, just in time for Mother's Day.

A.C. Arthur cleans up in 2013, winning suspense of the year, sequel of the year, and hero of the year at the Emma Awards, which acknowledges excellence in African-American Romance.

Momentum is building up as Zane's publishing bootcamp excites aspiring authors, and published writers wanting to brush up on what to do. It's reportedly being slated to be held in Maryland. http://zanebootcamp.eventbrite.com/

Renee Flagler's novel, Raging Blue is now available in paperback.

Follow me on Twitter @AndreaBlackston

Here is our latest edition of Grove Street. http://issuu.com/bloggertime/docs/grove_street_april_2013_nonprofit_edition2
It feature's award winning singer, Y'Anna Crawley, Captain Jas Boothe, cancer survivor Gene Gadd, poet (Lawren Greene), Sister Souljah and more.

We'll see you next time in express literary news!

Zane offers her first publishing boot camp and workshop in Maryland.

https://zanebootcamp.eventbrite.com/

Non-fiction writer's conference.

http://nonfictionwritersconference.com/register/