Delicious Destiny Virtual Tour with Yahrah St. John

Always and Forever

Hmmm…when I think of this song I think of my Dad and stepmother’s marriage of 32 years. Although he and my mother were not meant to be, clearly the second time around was the charm. A couple of years ago, they celebrated their 30^th anniversary.

I was so amazed by their longevity that even though I lived in Orlando, I wanted to be part of the celebration. I flew from Orlando to Chicago during the dead of winter to surprise them. They were so excited to see me that it was well worth the snowstorm that came that weekend.

But getting back to the story, since I’m the writer in the family, my sister asked me to write a poem on what it takes to endure the storms that 30 years of marriage brings. I wasn’t thrilled. Poetry isn’t my thing. Back in college, in order to take Fiction Writing class, I had to take Poetry Writing. Although I received a B in Poetry, I agonized for an entire quarter over writing those poems. Somehow, I manage to put pen-to-paper for my Dad’s anniversary and come up with what I felt was a good poem. My Dad and stepmother were really touched by the poem and I think I saw some tears trickle down his face though he would never admit it.

I remember asking my Dad on his 30^th anniversary night on why he thinks their marriage has survived this long and I’ll never forget what he said. It goes a little something like this…You make vows for better or for worse, but oftentimes when the bad times come, you don’t remember the good. That’s why you have to put those good times in a bank, so when the bad times come, you can withdraw from the bank and look back on those wonderful memories to sustain you through the hard times. That’s why our marriage has endured….And that’s why I think of their marriage when I hear Always and Forever. 

Answer the trivia question below and be entered to win a $20 gift card to Bed Bath & Beyond courtesy of Yahrah!

What movie studio did Grant and Shari go for their date?

Send your answers via email to Yahrah  - yahrah@yahrahstjohn.com. 

About the Author

Yahrah St. John is the author of thirteen published romances with Harlequin’s Kimani Romance line and a 2011 RT BookReviews Reviewer’s Choice Award Nominee. A member of Romance Writers of America, St. John enjoys the arts, cooking, traveling and adventure sports, but her true passion remains writing. St. John lives in sunny Orlando, the City Beautiful and is working on her fifteenth book Entangled Hearts.

About the Book

1. Sweet secrets…

It has been almost five years since Shari Drayson graduated college—almost five years since she had her heart broken. Now the only man in her life is her cherished son, Andre. But her life is full, and her family’s bakery is about to appear in a baking competition on national TV. Who needs love when you’ve got pastries?

Sweetest seduction…

When Grant Robinson finally tracks Shari down in Chicago, he expects she will still be beautiful. He expects she will still be smart. What he doesn’t expect is her four-year-old son—who looks exactly like him. The wealthy restaurateur is stunned, and his anger wars with passion for the woman he has never truly forgotten. Determined to claim what is his, Grant insists they marry at once. But his bride soon realizes she’s at risk for another heartbreak. Can Grant’s skillful form of persuasion change her mind and convince her that his love is all she really needs?

View the tour schedule  at All the Buzz Reviews.

Purchase the Book:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Delicious Destiny Virtual Tour with Yahrah St. John is a post from: APOOO

Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

 A House Divided by Kimberla Lawson Roby

Good Man Friday by Barbara Hambly 

Little Green by Walter Mosley 

Love is Power or Something Like That by A. Igoni Barrett 

Mama’s Child by Joan Lester

Montaro Caine by Sydney Poitier 

And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini

Never Keeping Secrets by Niobia Bryant

On Sal Mal Lane by Ru Freeman 

Sugar by Jewell Parker Rhodes

Unsinkable by Nicole Bradshaw

We Need New Names byNoViolet Bulawayo

Which of the above African American releases do you plan to read in May?  Which ones are you recommending to others?

May 2013 African American Book Releases is a post from: APOOO

Blind Man’s Garden by Nadeem Aslam

Can’t Stand the Heat by Shelley Ellis

Decadence by Eric Jerome Dickey

Get Ready for War by Ni-Ni Simone and Amir Abrams

In Times of Trouble by Yolonda Tonette Sanders

Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline

Which April 2013 African-American new book releases  did you read or plan to read?  Share your list with APOOO…and feel free to tell us about books not listed.

April 2013 African-American New Book Releases is a post from: APOOO

Ghana Must Go by Taiye Selasi

The Black Russian by Vladmir Alexandrov

Ghana Must Go by Tayie Selasi 

Consequences by Sasha Campbell

Drop Dead, Gorgeous by J.D. Mason

First Sunday in October by Wanda Campbell

Get You Good by Rhonda Bowen

A Good Man by J.J. Murray

Liberation by Wanda Campbell

The Motherhood Diaries by ReShonda Tate Billingsley

Project Chick 2 by Nikki Turner

Reality Check by Kelli London

The Rich Girls’ Club by Honey B

Sister Mine by Nalo Hopkinson

Strange Fruit by Michelle Janine Robinson

The Supremes at Earl’s All You Can Eat by Edward Kelsey Moore

When Memories Fade by Tyora Moody  

The Young & Restless by Victoria Rowell

Which 2013 African American  book releases did you read or plan to read?  Which ones did you recommend to others?

March 2013 African American Book Releases is a post from: APOOO

In 140 words or less, tell us a little about yourself.

I’m a Christian inspirational author of four books (so far):

“With Style & Amazing Grace”, 2007 – “He’s the Keeper of My Soul”, 2008 – “Jazz, Java & Jesus”, 2010 and now “Inspired to Move Forward”, 2013. I also write a lifestyle blog called “Aleysha’s Lifestyle Cafe”. I plain and simply enjoy life, and it’s not because everything always goes my way, it’s because I’m a woman of faith and I know how to use my faith in my toughest seasons. I use my writings to inspire others to not only enjoy life, but to build or rely on their faith as well.  I reside in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. 

In 140 words or less, tell us why your book title would make a great addition to our personal library.

Inspired to Move Forward would make a great addition to anyone’s personal library because it’s a nonfiction book that filled with good news. The chapters are short so that the reader can easily apply the principles in their own lives immediately.  Nothing in my books are about things you can’t use in your present day life – there are no fantasies here. 

How did you come up with the premise for your book title?

Inspired to Move Forward is really a spin off of my 3rd book, “Jazz, Java & Jesus: Christian Devotions to Soothe Your Soul”. I was writing for an online faith-based magazine and used my writings that I shared with their audience in my new book. 

 

Tell us about the main character(s) in your book title.

The main character in Inspired to Move Forward is the reader. It’s a non-fiction book, written in a conversational manner, and the reader should be able to see themselves in some of the situations that I write about. 

What are some of the main themes you portray in your book title?

The theme of Inspired to Move Forward is that God is faithful. He’s going to keep His word and promises to us, no matter how dismal our situations may currently seem.

 What makes your book title different from other books in the marketplace?

Inspired to Move Forward is filled with good news. How much good news is really out in the marketplace? Not much at all. We’re surrounded with bad news and tragedies everyday. We’re now living with 24-hour news cycles, and one story after the next is normally nothing but bad news. Allow me to tell you something that’s good, and concerns you, the reader.

What genre is your book title and who is the target audience?

The genre is Christian Inspirational, and the target audience is anyone who’s a bit weary on their journey through life and needs some encouragement.

What lessons have you learned about the publishing industry?

I would say that the lessons that I’ve learned about the publishing industry are to keep writing and get your marketing hustle on. You’re going to need it.

What can readers expect from you in the future?

I’m actually working on my fifth book, as we speak. It should be out this summer (2013). And it’s more, yes, GOOD NEWS!

Is there anything else you would like to share with APOOO readers?

Yes, the APOOO readers can also connect with me on my blog, “Aleysha’s Lifestyle Cafe” at www.AleyshaProctor.com, as well as most social media platforms @AleyshaProctor. 

Visit the author online at:  http://AleyshaProctor.com 

View the blog tour schedule at:  http://tywebbinvirtualevents.com/xdHYy 

Purchase the Book Online at:

Amazon.com

BarnesandNoble.com

Inspired to Move Forward Virtual Book Tour Featuring Aleysha Proctor is a post from: APOOO

Thank you for having me, Yasmin! 

In 140 words or less, tell us a little about yourself.

I’m a passionate, creative and an introvert. I don’t really ever have a problem with being bored. LOL! I have been designing book covers, promotional materials and websites for authors for over 12 years. I love seeing people’s ideas come to life. My design and marketing work started as a hobby and it’s a bit surprising and exhilarating to be on the other side as an author myself. In my free time, I’m still a bookworm and a big fan of mystery and suspense novels. I love watching animated films and big action movies. I also enjoy hanging and traveling with family.  

In 140 words or less, tell us why When Memories Fade would make a great addition to our personal library.

If readers love suspense with a bit of romance and characters facing realistic issues, I continue that style of writing in When Memories Fade, the second book in the Victory Gospel Series. 

 
How did you come up with the premise for When Memories Fade?

I knew after writing When Rain Falls (Victory Gospel Series, Book 1), that some of the minor characters seem to have stories that could be expanded. I was watching a true crime TV show about missing persons and it stuck with me how the family of a missing person is left with no closure. Angel Roberts’ mother has been missing for twenty years. Now the same age as her mother when she went missing, Angel is determined to find answers. 

Tell us about the main character(s) in When Memories Fade.

SYNOPSIS: Angel Roberts has embraced her new faith, but past memories remain fresh. When her beloved grandmother suffers a stroke, Angel sets out to investigate a mystery that has created family tensions and lingered since she was five years old. What happened to her mother? 

She teams up with investigative reporter, Wes Cade, a man obsessed with his Alzheimer stricken grandfather’s remaining memories. As Angel lets her guard down with Wes, his determination to get the story could push her to the edge. Is his interest in her or the story? Angel must conquer her fears to find the truth. Unknown to her someone close is working feverishly to stop Angel from unlocking the truth of what really happened to her mother.

Who will win?

 What are some of the main themes you portray in When Memories Fade?

I deal with some very relatable themes like aging, caregiving, and forgiveness. More specific topics include search procedures for a missing persons, the affects of Alzheimer’s and Stroke/Heart Disease. 

What makes When Memories Fade different from other books in the marketplace?

I think When Memories Fade fills a gap for readers seeking suspense novels within the Christian Fiction genre, especially books with characters of color. I like that I now have two books (Victory Gospel series) that are suspense filled, but inspirational for readers to consider adding to their bookshelves or e-readers. 

What genre is When Memories Fade and who is the target audience?

When Memories Fade is a romantic suspense novel. My publisher is Urban Christian, but I believe anyone can relate to my main characters, Angel Roberts and Wes Cade. Both of them are twenty something individuals growing in their faith. Some readers are in that place now, while other readers can relate to that time in their life. 

What lessons have you learned about the publishing industry?

I’ve been working with authors for about twelve years now via my design and marketing company, TywebbinCreations.com. Over the years, before I thought about becoming an author, I have received a lot of advice from other authors about the publishing industry. I can’t say anything has been surprising so far, but it has been challenging. 

I do want to recommend to aspiring writers to spend as much time as possible polishing your manuscript. Invest in editing and really study the market. There are so many ways to promote your book(s) and find readers, both offline and online. It takes patience and perseverance to introduce your novel to as many readers as possible. 

What can readers expect from you in the future?

I have the first novella in a series being released June 2013. Deep Fried Trouble is a cozy mystery that centers around Eugeena Patterson, a retired school teacher and grandmother turned amateur sleuth. It’s a bit of a different read and very humorous compared to the Victory Gospel Series. 

I’m also getting ready to write the third and final book in the Victory Gospel Series. I’ve been looking forward to developing the story behind Lenora Freeman, the First Lady of Victory Gospel Church.

 Is there anything else you would like to share with APOOO readers?

I spend quite a bit of time online blogging and sharing tips for writers via social media. Visitors can find me at: 

http://www.tyoramoody.com

http://facebook.com/AuthorTyoraMoody

http://www.twitter.com/tyoramoody

Please leave your comments on this blog post. You could win a copy of When Memories Fade. 

• Three (3) copies will be given away during this tour.
• There will be a GRAND PRIZE – All the books in the Victory Gospel Series (When Rain Falls and When Memories Fade) will be included in a special customized Thirty-One Gift Bag - https://www.mythirtyone.com/prjoy/

When Memories Fade Virtual Book Tour Featuring Tyora Moody is a post from: APOOO

In 140 words or less, tell us a little about yourself.
I’m a complicated girl from Jamaica who now lives in Toronto Canada. When my first novel came out I used to tell people that I was an event planner. But I have transitioned out of that career in the past few years and am now finishing up studies in the area of child and youth work. This will see me working with complicated and often high risk youth.  When not writing or working or studying, I prefer to spend my time with my family or staying active going hiking, camping or playing sports. Otherwise you might find me at my church involved in various youth-related initiatives. My faith however, is the absolute centre around which everything else orbits. It’s pretty much the only thing that has stayed constant throughout my crazy life.

In 140 words or less, tell us why Get You Good would make a great addition to our personal library.
How far would you go for love? Would you lie? Cheat? Steal? Kill? Get You Good forces you to ask yourself those questions. It’s a story about love and loyalty and what those two things mean in the context of family. Sydney is young woman whose career and existence become threatened by her new sister-in-law.  When she finds out that said sister-in-law is not everything she appears to be Sydney is determined to do whatever she needs to in order to protect her brother and her family’s legacy, even if it means destroying her own romantic relationship and straddling the line between what’s wrong and what’s very wrong. Think you know how far you would go? Get You Good forces you to think again.

How did you come up with the premise for Get You Good?
The idea for Get You Good actually came from Genesis 34, the story of Dinah’s rape. I find this to be one of the more interesting stories in Genesis, particularly when you get to the reaction of Dinah’s brothers which involved them killing an entire town of men. Sometimes we read these stories in the Bible and they seem so far from something that could happen with everyday people. I wondered what it would be like to take that concept of revenge into a modern setting, flip it a bit and see how it might play out. So I did!

Tell us about the main character(s) in Get You Good.
Our heroine of sorts is Sydney Isaacs. She is the eldest sister of a large dysfunctional family, primarily made up of women. But as the oldest sister she feels it her responsibility to preserve her family legacy. Part of that legacy is Decadent, the gourmet pastry shop that has been in her family for years. When the shop is threatened and when a member of her family is threatened she is willing to do almost anything to protect them. Unfortunately that anything crosses over into shady territory, but she is so blinded by her own desire to make things right that she can’t see how wrong she is.

Our hero is Hayden Windsor, who is the quintessential good guy who somehow ends up between a rock and a hard place. He loves Sydney and has this connection with her because they grew up together, but at the same time he’s trying to do right by his family, in his case his sister Sheree. He has to make a choice between these two important women in his life and it’s in making this choice that things get complicated.

What are some of the main themes you portray in Get You Good?
Loyalty is a big theme in Get You Good. Loyalties are betrayed and many of the characters have to choose who they will be loyal to throughout the novel. The question of whether love should trump loyalty or whether love is loyalty also comes up. There is also the question of how much is too much? How much is too much to get back what has been taken from you? How much is too much to forgive?

What makes Get You Good different from other books in the marketplace?
I think the themes might be familiar but the way they play out is not. In addition I think that in Get You Good, the line between villain and victim is very blurry. No character is really all bad and no character is really all good, which adds to the realism because that’s how it is in real life.

What genre is Get You Good and who is the target audience?
It is women’s fiction and it is inspirational, but it is not so tightly fitted into those genres that other readers can’t get something from it. There’s a little bit of intrigue, quite a bit of romance, even some action in there!

What lessons have you learned about the publishing industry?
That it requires discipline to stay in the game. A lot of people can write a novel. Not as many people can write two. But publishers aren’t looking for one book authors. They want authors that they can grow, and that means having the discipline to produce on schedule. Which leads to the other thing I’ve learned: it’s important to have a vision for where you want to be as a writer. Don’t just think about your second book, but think about what kind of author you want to be.

What can readers expect from you in the future?
Well I am working on my fourth novel, so readers can look for that early next year. It is a follow up to Get You Good, so get ready to see some of those crazy characters again.

Is there anything else you would like to share with APOOO readers?
I would love to hear from you guys so hit me up online via email, Rhonda.bowen@yahoo.com or on my website rhondabowen.com. You can also find me at facebook.com/MsRhondie.

Get You Good Virtual Book Tour Featuring Author Rhonda Bowen is a post from: APOOO

In 140 words or less, tell us a little about yourself.

I am a newly published author and really enjoy going outside of my own imagination and being creative. Writing allows me to escape to another world and experience the illusions of my characters.

In 140 words or less, tell us why Color Me Black would make a great addition to our personal library.

Color Me Black has a deep message at the end of the story. I’ve met so many people from all walks of life through this journey as an author. They have all experienced that great love story; not all ended up a ‘happy ever-after.’ So in essence, my characters in Color Me Black are just like me and you. 

What’s the best compliment a reader has given you regarding Color Me Black?

One of the best compliments a reader has given me regarding Color Me Black was to write a Color Me Black II.  Many of my loyal readers are hoping Jasper would find another love again, to get back at Autumn. 

Many writers have ‘writing rituals.’ Do you have any and what are they?

Honestly, not sure if I have a ‘writing ritual.’ But my favorite time to write is at 5am in the morning, when it’s really quiet and peaceful. I can say I’ve pulled over while driving and wrote the name of one of my new characters that I am developing down on a receipt I had in the car.  I couldn’t let that name get away from me.

 A typical day in the life of author Jeannie Eneh includes:

Wow! A typical day in the life of author Jeannie Eneh is basically not enough time to complete everything currently on my plate. My day starts at 5am and cut off time from everything and everyone around 9pm.  If you want me to say yes, ask at 5am. LOL 

You just won $10,000 and have to use it on a two-week vacation.  Where are you going and why?

It would be Cape Town, South Africa one of the most beautiful and romantic places on earth. Second choice would be Dubai, pure beauty. 

In your spare time, besides writing and reading, what else do you enjoy doing?
I enjoy traveling, watching tennis and basketball.

What can readers expect from you in the future?

Readers can expect more books, a collection of poetry, a movie and my new soon to be released: Jeannie Eneh’s Adult Bedtime Stories: An Anthology. 

Is there anything else you would like to share with APOOO readers?

Whatever is meant to be-will eventually be!

On the ‘Net with Author Jeannie Eneh is a post from: APOOO

In 140 words or less, tell us a little about yourself.

I am a native Chicagoan, but I consider the Oakland/San Francisco Bay Area my hometown, since I have lived here from age two. I am a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a minister, a mentor and an author. My greatest role is being a servant of God. Writing is my passion and books are my one addiction. 

I began writing in 2005, and to date have seven published award-winning Christian Fiction novels. I enjoy writing “edgy” stories about imperfect people and using relationships to show forgiveness and restoration.

In 140 words or less, tell us why Liberation would make a great addition to our personal library.

Liberation is a heart-wrenching and uplifting tale of pain and triumph. Shannon Yates can be found in every neighborhood in every community across America. The struggles Shannon face are not limited to African-Americans, but are universal. How she handles her problems are realistic and her personality is relatable.

How did you come up with the premise for Liberation?

Finding the premise for Liberation was easy, considering I have personally experienced much of Shannon’s struggles.

Tell us about the main character(s) in Liberation.

After spending most of her life searching for acceptance, Shannon Yates is a young woman struggling to find herself. Traumatic events and years of neglect have left her void of self-esteem and confidence. Desperate to discover her self-worth, Shannon turns to the church, but old and new wounds keep her locked in the past.

Marcus Simone is a man of substance and confidence. He’s used to getting what he wants, when he wants it. He isn’t afraid of a challenge, but his pursuit of Shannon pushes him to the limit. In the process, Marcus learns the true meaning of unconditional love.

What are some of the main themes portrayed in Liberation?

Family neglect, emotional and physical abuse, low self-esteem, insecurity and family values.

What genre is Liberation and who is the target audience?

Liberation is a Christian Fiction novel. The target audience is anyone who has experienced emotional abuse and neglect from family members.

What can readers expect from you in the future?

My eight novel, Doin’ Me, will be available May 2013.

Is there anything else you would like to share with APOOO readers?

I appreciate the support APOOO has shown through the years.  

Visit the author online at:  www.wandabcampbell.com/

View the blog tour schedule at:  http://tywebbinvirtualevents.com/kwIvD

Virtual Book Tour for Author Wanda B. Campbell is a post from: APOOO

In 140 words or less, tell us a little about yourself.

I’m a wife, mother, writer, editor, educator, entrepreneur, and with every one of those hats, in every role, I am a servant of God. My life’s journey has been both deep and wide and I’m tremendously grateful.

As a writer, I am compelled to write stories with characters that are identifiable to the reader. Either you know my characters, understand my characters, or are my characters. Lol!

I’m also very interested in exploring the intersection of faith and identity. In researching my debut nonfiction book, The Integrated Church: Authentic Multicultural Ministry (Beacon Hill), I became fascinated by the impact of identity and culture (individual and collective)—essentially who we are—on what we believe; our faith. So in my fiction, I get a chance to “play around” with some of these tensions.

In 140 words or less, tell us why The Unlikely Remnant would make a great addition to our personal library.

First and foremost, it is a good story. That’s extremely important, I think. I could talk about my intentions or the message of the book all day long but if readers don’t engage the story, if they don’t invest their time and emotions with the characters (root for them or love to hate them), none of that “deep stuff” matters.

Above and beyond the story, the most common feedback I get from readers is that the book “makes them think.” So I guess if you are wrestling with the state of your soul, this book will give you some things to consider. And I think it does so in a way that is not preachy or belligerent.

How did you come up with the premise for The Unlikely Remnant?

I’ve said this many times before: I never wanted to write a book set during or after the rapture. I thought it was risky and quite honestly, I didn’t feel qualified. The subject itself is often debated by the best theologians so I thought, “Who am I to write this?” But the characters were calling me. LOL! It became increasingly clear to me that my mandate was not to debate theological perspectives (although my characters do some of that as part of their discovery process). I wanted to focus on what I felt like was a direct connection between their horizontal relationships (with the people in and around their lives) and their vertical relationship with God. The characters in the book find themselves in this “predicament” because of some early devastations relationship-wise. These issues created a great wall around their hearts and made it easy for them to profess something they didn’t actually believe. What they think about each other and what they think about God and heaven (pre and post rapture) is directly influenced by their relationships.

Tell us about the main character(s) in The Unlikely Remnant.

I’ll let them tell you a little about themselves:

Mother Faye Duncan is a church “mother.” She’s worked in the church for nearly fifty years and can tongue-talk and lay hands with the best of them.

“You would have thought after all these years I would have earned some credit with God for that alone, much less the fifty-some odd years I’ve spent praying and fasting, speaking in tongues and laying on hands. I, for sure, was more of a servant than most and yet, here I am. Sitting in the frigid blackness of the sanctuary that once was my second home, while those who I know smoked more than me, danced more than me, sexed more than me and certainly prayed a whole lot less than me, are with the Lord now.”

Chad Donahue is a right-wing, conservative, talk-radio host who gets a kick out of creating controversy around issues of race, class, and gender. He desires for America to return to the traditional family values of times past.

“Every day on the news there is another story about some ‘African-American’ man or woman killing, stealing, raping or whatever. I can’t help but to think it’s the African part of them that’s responsible for all of those atrocious acts because I’m certain it isn’t the American.”

Rosa Johnson-Vasquez is a single mother trying to make sense of a devastating illness. Raised as a Catholic, she is a survivor of domestic abuse.

“I’d decided I couldn’t count on anyone but myself for my help. Not friends, not my family and especially not God or any of His minions.”

Bishop Jeremiah Hampton is a prominent televangelist and the charismatic pastor of one of the largest mega-churches in the region.

“I believe in God. But so does Satan, so I guess that’s not saying much. I don’t know how many times I’ve preached that exact thing in my sermons. At any rate, I’m probably the biggest cliché́ of them all right now. The main character in a real-life, apocalyptic bestseller. The well-known televangelist that was left behind in The Rapture.”

What are some of the main themes you portray in The Unlikely Remnant?

There are two major themes in the book. The first is what I call the influence of our history. So much of what hinders us as believers from really bearing the kind of fruit that’s pleasing to the Lord can be found in our past. Our history. All the characters in my book carry the burdens of their past—their sins and the sins made against them—and have allowed these burdens to encase their hearts in stone. In the case of these characters, their hearts were so hidden that the “confession of their mouths” as it relates to Jesus, never translated into “belief in their hearts.”

The second significant thread in this book is the theme of grace and redemption. Without giving too much away, there are some who will learn—as many of us have already—that there is nothing too hard for God.

What makes The Unlikely Remnant different from other books in the marketplace?

Most novels that broach the subject of the Rapture or Tribulation do so with an emphasis on things like the anti-Christ or the mark of the beast or plagues. They often feature characters that were unbelievers prior to the rapture. While there’s value in those stories, I think The Unlikely Remnants different in the sense that it focuses on relational issues. It provides a context for what I imagine to be the worst of all experiences: actually believing that you would be caught up—calling yourself a Christian—and then finding yourself left behind.

What genre is The Unlikely Remnant and who is the target audience?

This book would be likely classified as Christian fiction and targets a general adult audience.

What lessons have you learned about the publishing industry?

Whew! That’s a heavy one. There are many lessons. The main one being that to be in this business as a writer (indie or major), you must know when to compromise and know when to stay true to yourself and your work. It’s a delicate balance. There will be things you must do, considerations you must make, in order to reach your target audience and actually sell books. For instance, you just might have to compromise your belief that Facebook and Twitter are demonic in order to reach readers and sell books in the age of Web 2.0. LOL!

At the same time, you cannot be risk averse. You must believe in the story you want to tell and hold fast to your vision where it matters. Integrity and authenticity will be what sets your work apart.

The challenge is in knowing the difference; knowing when and what to compromise and when to take the risk and stand alone.

What can readers expect from you in the future?

I’m currently finishing the third book in my Gospel Trilogy, In the Beginning: The Gospel According to Vivian Grace. I know many readers who have read the first two books in the series and are waiting not-so-patiently for the final story. I hope to have it out by the end of the year.

I’m also collaborating on a few projects including The Mommy Parables Project, a series of books for moms co-written with Angela Johnson Ayers. Our first e-book, Blast Off: Launching You into Motherhood, was released in January. Being a first-time mom of a 17-month old, this project is dear to my heart.

Is there anything else you would like to share with APOOO readers?

I don’t have anything else except that I really appreciate your support. The feedback on this book has been amazing and I hope those who plan to read it are really blessed by it. Thank you so much APOOO for the opportunity to share with you!

 Visit the author online at:  http://www.traceymlewis.com  

View the blog tour schedule at:   http://tywebbinvirtualevents.com/0BTrq

Virtual Book Tour for Author Tracey Lewis Giggett is a post from: APOOO