Dee Gospel PR

DOES THIS BOOK STINK or ITS BOOK REVIEW?

2012-09-05T08:27:00.001-07:00

6 Tips for restoring Book Reader Confidence in Book Reviews

A few weeks ago a national book club shared with me that their book reviews had been taken down from Amazon.com, because the account had more than one person noted as a reviewer. Amazon.com’s new policies no longer allowed multiple users on one account.

The book club was outraged. They felt targeted. They didn’t understand.

What was the problem of using one account for all the members to broadcast their book reviews?

This past week’s RJ Ellory debacle maybe the best answer. According to The Telegraph Ellory admitted to creating fake book reviews for over a decade. To make matters worst, some of the reviews were negative toward other authors.

Giving MacBride one star for his work Dark Blood, he[Ellory] wrote last month: “Unfortunately this is another in the seemingly endless parade of same-old-same-old Police procedurals that seem to abound in the UK.”

Later he used the same names in forum posts during a bit of “shameless self-promotion”, in which he also attacked another author before appearing to give himself away by signing off messages with “Roger”.

Now if that ain’t a hot mess… Catch this. Ellory is not alone. There have been other authors caught gaming online book review sites. (Orlando Figes)

So how does this affect book clubs submitted online reviews?

Because authors, paid reviewers, and who-knows-what-else have disregarded FTC guidelines for full disclosure and have crossed the ethical line for book reviewers, Amazon.com and other consumer review sites have had to create stricter guidelines, in order to try to restore the value of the system.

Now I am not a fan of online reviews, because up onto this point, many reviews are biased or paid, aren’t always about the content but things beyond the authors control, and do not follow a universal book review writing guidelines. I cannot place the same value in a book review from someone whose review is simply “I couldn’t relate to the author.”

On the other hand as a published author, publicist, and former book reviewer, I know how book reviews are. In this new landscape of ~~oversaturated book hodgepodge~~ easy to find, cheap, affordable books-a-plenty book discoverability has become paramount. We know that book reviews help lift our books out of story obscurity.

But if the book review system is this flawed, then what is the value of a book review now, too? Very close to zilch.

So what can we do?

Karen Burgess at Literary Lunchbox shared a great idea to resuscitate book review power.

“… Consider doing some reviews yourself… on Amazon, on Goodreads, or even start your own blog. Because the more people who really love books share the love, the less opportunity there is for hacks and scammers!”

I also suggest for publicists:

Traditional PR works for one great reason. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel here. Submit books to review according to review periodical editorial guidelines and let the chips fall where they may.
Understand the FTC Guidelines for Book Bloggers and use them when you approach book bloggers for book review opportunities.
Review the reviews on your client’s book pages (Amazon, Barnes and Noble, GoodReads) monthly. It’s our job to manage our client’s image. Make sure those reviews line up to ethical standards.
No how to contact Amazon.com or any consumer review site to dispute a review. (Note I am a Good Reads Librarian. Contact me about your clients book data.)
Be transparent.
Work with vetted reviewers and bloggers who have a reputation for quality and ethical reviews.

Photo credit: Digitized Chaos

Pamela Samuels Young SpreeCast

2012-08-13T20:50:00.001-07:00

Last night author Pamela Samuels Young chatted with book clubs and her friends at Ell Curry’s New Spreecast. The event kicked off Pamela Samuel’s release of her new legal thriller novel ATTORNEY-CLIENT PRIVILEGE. Click here to watch the cast.

Invitation to Join the ATTORNEY CLIENT PRIVILEGE BLOG HOP

2012-07-26T21:37:00.001-07:00

COMING SOON!

We're having a party, and you're invited! In honor of the release of Pamela Samuels Young new novel, ATTORNEY-CLIENT PRIVILEGE, some author friends and I decided to band together to celebrate, promote, and extol the many virtues of this wonderful, entertaining, legal thriller.

ATTORNEY-CLIENT PRIVILEGE(ACP) Blog Hop 2012 will be a week-long event, running August 13th-24th. We are seeking amazing writers and bloggers to donating their time, talent, and some very special prizes to make this event a huge success!

Here's how the blog hop will work . . .

Each of the participating bloggers will write a special ACP-centric piece and these posts will go live on Monday, August 13th. At each blog hop stop, you will have the opportunity to receive a free Kindle download of ATTORNEY CLIENT PRIVILEGE. All your blog readers have to do is leave a comment on your blog post, including their name and e-mail address, and they're automatically entered to win the grand prize (see below). If they visit each blog hop stop, you and they increase your chance of winning it!
The blog hop will start at Ella Curry’s Black Pearl Magazine and end at Christian Fiction blog. You will find a list of all the stops on the blog hop at each blogger's blog. Bloggers will be listed in alphabetical order according to last name.
In each of the author's blog posts, there will be a "secret word." This word will be italicized, so it will be easy to find. All you have to do is make note of this secret word at each blog hop stop. Collect all secret words and submit your list to Dee Stewart at deegospelpr@gmail.com before midnight on Friday, August 24th and you will be entered into the Grand Prize Drawing! The winner of this drawing will receive a FREE Vernetta Henderson Handbag Gift Pack (contains a burgundy Cabas handbag, designer scarf, cosmetics bag, makeup kit, stationary, and an autographed copy of ACP) from Pamela Samuels Young. How fun is that?
Contests are open to residents of the United States only.

We hope you'll join us for this exciting event! Don't forget to tell all of your Pamela Samuels Young loving friends! The more, the merrier!

Add this cute badge to your blog and add you and your blog to the linky link below. We will email the details and where to receive the content you need for the blog hop and your secret word.

2012 Client List

2012-06-03T21:21:00.001-07:00

Pamela Samuels Young is a practicing attorney and the author of Every Reasonable Doubt, In Firm Pursuit, Murder on the Down Low, BUYING TIME and ATTORNEY-CLIENT PRIVILEGE(July 2012.) She has been featured on BET’s “The Monique Show” and is on the Board of Directors of the Los Angeles chapter of Sisters in Crime, an organization dedicated to the advancement of women mystery writers. She lives in Los Angeles. Visit her at www.pamelasamuelsyoung.com

Rhonda Bowen is a writer and event planner living in Toronto, Ontario Canada. She enjoys spending time with her family, trying on shoes she can't afford, and enjoying life's unexpected twists and turns. Her new novel, ONE WAY OR ANOTHER releases February 28, 2012 through Kensington Books. Join her BookClub on Facebook here or visit her website at www.rhondabowen.com

Trice Hickman is an award-winning and bestselling author. Prior to becoming a published author,she self-published this title three years ago under her own small press Platinum Books. Since then she has won the 2008 and 2010 African American Literary Award for Romance and became a premier book selection for Black Expressions, a national book club company with a membership of over 450,000 readers. In 2010 she signed a three book contract with Kensington Publishing Corp, the last remaining independent U.S. publisher. Unexpected Interruptions released nationwide April 1, 2011. Her current title KEEPING SECRETS AND TELLING LIES released February 2012. Join her book club on Facebook here or visit her website at www.tricehickman.com.

Shana Burton is an educator in Macon, Ga. She is also a published author and is a three time Georgia Book of the Year Nominee. She is the author of Suddenly Single, First Comes Love, Flaws and All, and Catt Chasin under Kensington Publishing. Catt Chasing released July 2011, has been selected as a Black Expressions Book Club Pick. Her upcoming novel FLAWLESS releases Summer 2012. Join her bookclub on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ShanaBurtonAuthor or visit her blog at http://shanajburton.blogspot.com/

Rhonda Bowen featured on the Cover of Christian Fiction Online Magazine

2012-03-01T05:18:00.001-08:00

The February 2012 Library Journal features the Christian fiction genre with a spotlight article, “Christian Fiction: A Born-Again Genre.” One of the authors mentioned is Kensington Books author Rhonda Bowen. Rhonda’s spotlight is special because she does not write for a Christian publisher. As the genre grows, acquisitions of these works by secular publishers have grown, especially for multicultural authors. This month Christian Fiction Online Magazine chatted with Bowen about her upcoming release, One Way or Another.

Click here to read more.

Rhonda Bowen featured in Publishers Weekly

2012-01-10T12:18:00.001-08:00

Rhonda Bowen. Dafina/Kensington, $14 trade paperback (320p) ISBN 978-0-7582-5958-5

Less a traditional romance novel and more a story of faith and redemption, Bowen’s sophomore outing (Man Enough for Me) enchants from the first page. Click the link to read the full review.

One Way or Another releases February 28, 2012.

Christmas Gospel Music Performance at Washington, DC Salvation Army

2011-12-13T19:29:00.001-08:00

Washington, DC – Fans say that D.C. Gospel Music Producer and Psalmist, Deborah E. Bradley combines the spiritual intimacy of Mahalia Jackson with the jazzy gospel sound of Dottie Peoples. In November she released her Christmas CD, TIS THE SEASON. Enjoy ten tracks of classic Christmas songs and Gospel hymns compromise this fusion of contemporary and nostalgic Christian music perfect for the holiday season.

As a gift to the community that has supported her, Bradley offered a free concert to local non-profit organizations, which service the needy during the 2011 holiday season and they answered. Bradley will be performing for Washington, DC’s Salvation Army Harbor Light Center’s Angel Tree Christmas Program Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on December 16, 2011 at 9AM ET.

“I have spent time at Harbor Light. It is a wonderful center to service,” Bradley States. She will be performing her new release, “Joy to the World.”

Click to listen to “Joy to the World”

Community service is important to Ms. Bradley, because by day she is a special education teacher for DC schools. By nights and weekends she can be found producing Christian music or ministering at hospitals, nursing homes, and shelters. She is also a member of Hope for Life Church of Christ Church and serves as a member of their praise team. Moreover Bradley has performed throughout the Washington, D.C. area at Seaton Memorial AME Church of Lanham, MD and Montplier Arts Center in Laurel, MD

Join the Blog Tour

2011-11-08T13:49:00.001-08:00

We are proud to announce that Kensington Books Christian Fiction Author Rhonda Bowen Blog Tour is set for March 6, 2012. We would love for you to participate. Please complete the form below.

Want You NANOWRIMO With ME?

2011-11-02T21:21:00.001-07:00

November is National Write a Novel Month. For the past six years I've participated in NANOWRIMO. This year I'm writing Book 3's first draft during NANOWRIMO. Although I can't share the novel with you, I would love to write with you. I'll also be sharing a NANOWRIMO writing tip at my friend Alma Katsu's blog this month so stay tuned for that. If you want to be my friend at NANOWRIMO here's my participant link. Hope to read you there.
Miranda at Nanowrimo

DC Music Producer Gifts Free Holiday Concert to Local Non-Profits

2011-10-17T09:20:00.001-07:00

Deborah E. Bradley releases Holiday CD Tis the Season.

Washington, DC – Fans say that Music Producer Deborah E. Bradley combines the spiritual intimacy of Mahalia Jackson with the jazzy gospel infusion of Dottie Peoples in a contemporary and nostalgic way. By day she serves as a special education teacher for DC schools. By nights and weekends she can be found producing Christian music or ministering at hospitals, nursing homes, and shelters. Her newest CD release, TIS THE SEASON, celebrates the gift of Jesus Christ and reminds us of whom we belong to, while we celebrate.

This year there is a want for nostalgia. By the television shows we’re watching, the clothes we are wearing, we want to remember the great things about being American. Classic Christmas and Gospel songs include: “Go Tell it On the Mountain” and “The Old Rugged Cross.”

“TIS THE SEASON reminds us of the greatness of God. There is at least one or two songs that every listener will love dearly and may choose to listen year round, because these are classic Christmas songs. Songs we can hear over and over again,” Bradley states.

Bradley has appeared at Seaton Memorial AME Church of Lanham, MD and Montplier Arts Center in Laurel, MD. As a gift to the community that has supported her, Bradley is offering a free concert to local non-profits, which service the needy during the 2011 holiday season

Visit her at www.deborahedwardsbradley.com. To book her to appear at your holiday event, please contact Dee Stewart at deegospelpr@gmail.com. She is offering free concerts to churches and charities for the holidays.

Steve Jobs Forever

2011-10-05T19:34:00.001-07:00

RIP Steve Jobs. “His spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple.”

I was very sad to hear this news tonight. Surprisingly some of my friends share my same sentiment. Although I never met Steve Jobs, I championed his vision for Apple and our world.

His contribution definitely helped me as a publicist. To be able to do my job anywhere—while waiting in school car pool, at Dunkin Donuts, in an doctor’s waiting room, in my home, at my office—my life is better.

Thank you, Steve; Bless you, Apple.

Fall into Faith, Fun, and Romance with Christian Fiction Author Shana Burton

2011-10-03T10:06:00.001-07:00

Christian Fiction Author Shana Burton featured in October Christian Fiction Online Magazine

Fall is one of my favorite times of year for reading. The summer book best-seller blitz is over. My book tour winds down. My next book isn’t due to my publisher for a few months, so I have time to visit some book festivals and soak myself in a good read.

This year I wanted to read something funny, romantic, and filled with Christian principles. Georgia Book of the Year Nominee and Double Day Book Club Pick Shana Burton’s new book, Catt Chasin’, fit that need. I’ve known Shana for a few years. She is the sweetest person you’d ever meet, and she’s quite shy. This month she opens up about the book, how its message brought her closer to Christ, and why dating coaches and people watching make great fodder for plot points.

Click here to read more http://christianfictiononlinemagazine.com/best_multicultural.html

How to Plot your Novel and Bring Your Character’s to Life Free Online Writing Workshop

2011-10-03T07:32:00.001-07:00

Essence Magazine Bestselling author Shelia Goss and Kensington Books New Suspense Author Miranda Parker team up to host a free online writing workshop for their fans and aspiring writers.

How to Plot Your Novel and Bring Your Character’s to Life Workshop October 20-22, 2011 at http://novelwritingworkshops.blogspot.com/

This three day workshop will include two components:

How to Plot your Novel. Miranda Parker host
- In this workshop you will take your working story idea and build a novel ready plot that can also be used as book proposal synopsis.
- On Day One you will learn the basics and writing techniques to compose a novel plot and will receive a homework assignment to apply these rules to your working story.
- On Day Two you will present your story plot to the other participants in the workshop to be critiqued by Miranda Parker and the group. Miranda will send you revisions and suggestions.
- On Day Three you will submit the final plot.
How to Bring Your Characters to Life. Shelia Goss host.
- In this workshop you will take your main character in your working story and learn techniques to build a publishable character story arc.
- On Day One you will learn how to make your character novel worthy.
- On Day Two you will present your character sketch to other participants in the workshop, to also be critiqued by Shelia Goss and the group. Shelia will send revisions and suggestions.
- On Day Three you will submit your final sketch.

This workshop includes:

a private Facebook group for participants
one on one feedback from both Shelia Goss and Miranda Parker
a private online workshop to protect their work

More about Shelia Goss:

Shelia M. Goss writes in multiple genres. She is the author of the Essence Magazine, Dallas Morning News and Black Expressions Bestseller My Invisible Husband and Roses are thorns, Violets are true, Paige’s Web, Double Platinum, His Invisible Wife, Hollywood Deception, Delilah, Savannah’s Curse, and Ruthless (Dec. 2011). She’s also the author of the young adult book seriesThe Lip Gloss Chronicles: The Ultimate Test, Splitsville, Paper Thin, Secrets Untold and Secrets Undone (2012).Shelia also writes young adult fiction. Be sure to share the news of her books with a teen in your life. The website is www.thelipglosschronicles.com. The Ultimate Test, Splitsville, Paper Thin, and Secrets Untold are the books in the Lip Gloss Chronicles series.

visit her at www.sheliagoss.com

More about Miranda Parker:

Miranda Parker is the author of A Good Excuse to Be Bad, book 1 in the Angel Crawford Bounty Hunter Series. She has been featured in the Atlanta Journal Constitution, RT Book Reviews Magazine and Publishers Weekly. She has also made featured author appearances for the 2011 (NBCC) National Book Club Convention, Black Pearl Magazine’s Chocolate Social, The Decatur Book Festival, and the Atlanta Press Club. She is also the Social Media/Marketing Head for the ITW Debut Authors Program and a contributing editor to The Big Thrill. Bestselling Author Reshonda Tate Billingsley states that "Angel is a good girl in a fast paced, kick butt, bad boy chase, sexy thrill-ride. Can’t wait for the next man hunt." She resides with her family in Georgia near a horse ranch and her daughter’s Girl Scout Troop. On a perfect day she can be found curled up with a good book or in a movie theater with a bucket of popcorn. Visit her blog at www.mirandaparker.com or on facebook at www.facebook.com/mirandaparkerbooks

To register for this event, please visit http://goo.gl/m4FIq

Shana Burton

2011-09-30T16:19:00.001-07:00

Greetings! Welcome to the Online Press Room for Author, Shana Burton. This room is designed to be media friendly. If you need further assistance, please contact me at deegospelpr@gmail.com .

BIO:

Shana Burton is a high school teacher at Northeast High School in Macon, Ga. She is also a published author of Suddenly Single (GA Book of the Year Nominee,) First Comes Love(GA Book of the Year Nominee), Flaws and All(2010 Georgia Book of the Year Nominee) and Catt Chasin under Kensington Publishing. Catt Chasing released July, 2011, has been selected as a Black Expressions Book Club Pick.

Chocolate City Magazine calls Flaws & All a “Sex and the City meets Waiting to Exhale meets Christ. Flaws and All is a tell-it-like-it-is saga of redemption, sisterhood, and unconditional love.”

PAST APPEARANCES:

Listen to internet radio with Lady Serenity on Blog Talk Radio

2009 Baptist Student Union, Fort Valley State University, Fort Valley, GA
2009 For Sisters Only Conference in Charlotte, NC
Real Eyes Book Store, Charlotte, NC
Nubian Bookstore, Southlake Mall, Morrow, GA
Borders, Stone Crest Mall, Lithonia, GA
CNN Waldenbooks, Atlanta, GA
2009 Sweet Auburn Festival, Atlanta, GA
2009 Charlotte Literary Festival, Charlotte, NC
2009 Barnes & Noble Author Showcase, East Point, GA
2009 Faith and Fiction Retreat, Orlando, GA
2010 Black Pearls Magazine Chocolate Social, Atlanta, GA
2010 Faith and Fiction Retreat, Atlanta, GA
2010 Hank Stewart White Linen Affair
2010 Decatur Book Festival
2010 Georgia Literary Festival
2010 Peach County Public Library Fall Literary Show(host), Perry, GA
Books A Million

Photos:

Radio Interviews:

Interviews:

Reviews:

Catt Chasin

9/11, Nhactre

Romance in Color

Flaws & All

UC His Glory Book Club

2010 Bella Online

Loving Heart Mommy

8/10 Curled Up with Good Book

8/10 , Arms of a Sister

7/10, Chocolate City

7/10 Books of Soul

Recognition:

Galley Cat Magazine 2010 Labor Day Weekend Coming Attractions Pick

Press Releases:

Tour Schedule & Booking via BookTour.com

Book Covers:

Nelson George, Chris Rock and Diane Paragas at Opening Night of the Urbanworld Film Festival

2011-09-16T19:35:00.001-07:00

FILM STARS GATHER AT OPENING NIGHT OF URBANWORLD FILM FESTIVAL

Nelson George, Chris Rock and Diane Paragas at Opening Night of the Urbanworld Film Festival

(NEW YORK) September 16, 2011 - The 15th Annual Urbanworld Film Festival presented by BET Networks kicked off last night in NYC with the Opening Night world premiere of Nelson George and Diane Paragas' documentary Brooklyn Boheme. Stars such as Chris Rock, Spike Lee, festival ambassadorMario Van Peebles, Maxwell, Giancarlo Esposito and John Boyega (who's filming a movie with Spike) came out in support of the film many describe as a "love letter to Brooklyn."

"We're very excited to be premiering this film at Urbanworld," said George. "Hopefully, the exposure we're receiving at this festival will create opportunities for us to bring 'Brooklyn Boheme' to the rest of the world."

Additional celebs/VIPs in attendance included BET's Stephen Hill, Basketball Wives' Meeka Claxton, radio personality Egypt Sherrod, culture critic Michaela Angela Davis, stylist/entrepreneur Marlo Hampton, actorHassan Johnson, director Qasim Basir and The Start of Dreams directors The Horne Brothers.

Urbanworld continues through Sunday 9/18 with appearances by Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson, Lynn Whitfield, Tyrese, Jamie Hector, Valerie Simpson, Sonia Sanchez, Tami Roman, Chad Coleman, Nashawn Kearse and more. Visit www.urbanworld.org for more information.

BookByte: Could Foursquare 2.0 Revive Book Tour Lure

2010-09-21T11:05:00.001-07:00

Yesterday Foursquare announced Foursquare 2.0 and the its features. I checked it out, because I wanted to know how this revised social media service can help my clients, particularly authors and recording artist.

The Add to My Fourquare Button got my attention. Here’s why:

You don’t always learn about new places from your friends, you may have read a review of someplace in the paper. Since there hasn’t been a good way of remembering a review when you’re nearby, we’ve rolled out a new embeddable ‘Add to My foursquare’ button, which connects what you find on the web with your foursquare To-Do List. Read the review, click on the button, and that tip about tasty cupcakes is now on your phone. It’s like Instapaper, but for things to experience in the real world.

1. Authors can Add Foursquare to their Events Schedule

oftentimes fans notice the tour schedule, but forget when their fave artist/author is coming to town. i’m hoping this feature will allow a fan to click the button on tour dates near their location, then foursquare will remind them. i will be adding this feature to Miranda Parker my author page(have you bookmarked me, yet?) .

2. Authors and bookstores or libraries can partner on events using Foursquare

the pub industry is changing. for every door closing windows are opening. hopefully Foursquare can be an answer for dwindling reader community hot spots. I see contests, giveaway, badges…fun things that make foursquare so popular and can transcend into local music and book events. I would love to see a foursquare check-in at a book event like the Decatur Book Festival.

3. Authors/artists can collab with trendy local venues for hot cross promo.

i’ve visited some great book club meetings in nice spots here in Atlanta. Also by using booktour.com I’ve found some nice spots that attract readers like Sammiches in downtown Decatur or Licquid in Castleberry Hill. The Add Foursquare button could make book events sexy again.

4. Cupcake bloggers like Cupcake South could turn their blogs into cute online coffee table book blogs using Foursquare & Tumblr.

Throwing that out there for myself before I forget it. But it is an idea on how to make hyperlocal hot.

5. What other ways you think you can use Foursquare 2.o to promote your client or yourself?

Looking for Me?

2010-06-27T12:59:00.001-07:00

Visit me at:

as I revamp this blog.

Thanks for reaching out.

Be the Bright Spot

2010-05-01T04:12:00.001-07:00

Be the Bright Spot

Part 3 of the Contagious Joy Writing Series

When I was in distress, I sought the Lord;
   at night I stretched out untiring hands
   and my soul refused to be comforted.

I remembered you, O God, and I groaned;
   I mused, and my spirit grew faint.
   Selah

-Psalms 77: 2-3

For the past week, before I pull into my garage I am greeted by this gorgeous site. When the pangs and disappointments of life dig at your faith God brilliantly delivers a bright spot to keep you vertical.

A week ago I had to ask my editor for an extension, for my writing deadline. Oh, I was sick, we had a family issue, and every roadblock that could come up did. I felt like a heartbroken lover staring over a cliff. Becoming published is a childhood dream and an item on my sweetgrass basket list. I want badly for my story to introduce readers to the God I know. But honey, let me keep it real…I was ready to give up on it and resend the contract. I couldn’t see hope for completing my novel to save my life. Just before I threw up my white flag I remembered that God had given me a few life lines, who’s mission was to see me through this book.

Want to know what they were?

Continue reading "Be the Bright Spot" »

Earth Day: The Publishing Industry Response

2010-04-22T06:30:00.001-07:00

In honor of Earth Day 2010 I will share some great information regarding the publishing industry and how we can create a safer world.

1. At eco-libris blog today:The future of Publishing - a talk with media industry expert Scott R. Singer

Singer was asked….

Finally, we are going to celebrate Earth Day tomorrow - what should be done to make the book industry more eco-friendly?

Well, the e-reader is perhaps the best answer to saving trees and lowering the use of fossil fuels and reducing emissions. Fewer trees will need to be cut to make books, newspapers, and magazines. Fewer chemicals will need to be mixed to create ink. And fewer trucks will
need to roll to deliver these physical products assuming e-reading grows to the levels many expect. A great result for our planet overall

2. Disney’s Earth Day Book

In honor of the 40^th anniversary of Earth Day, Disney Digital Books (DDB) is offering kids everywhere a 7-day free trial to four Earth Day themed books in addition to its robust online library of over 600 other classic Disney stories all available at the click of a mouse.

The four Earth Day themed books on DDB include:

Mickey Goes Green: Donald wants to understand why Minnie brings her own bag to shop at the grocery store. Minnie explains how reusing things helps the planet. Donald learns this and many other eco-friendly tips that he can do every day to help make Mickey Park a better place.
Mission Ocean Rescue: Rocket is taking the Little Einsteins to enjoy a day at the beach when they discover that the beach is full of trash. The team joins together to clean up the beach but soon they find a baby dolphin needs their help! Join the team while they complete these two very important missions.
No Place Like Earth: It's Earth Day at the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Esteemed scientist Professor Von Drake is the main speaker. The Professor has a lot to say about ways we can help save our planet every single day. To the Professor's surprise, Mickey and the gang have even more to say—and show.
Think Green: Mayor Rosa has asked Manny to help get the town ready for its annual Earth Day celebration held each year on April 22^nd. As the team prepares for the big event, Manny and the citizens of Sheet Rock Hills teach the tools about the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling!

3. Christian authors host creation simulcast

Joel Hunter--senior pastor of Northland, a Church Distributed in Longwood, Fla., and author of several books, including A New Kind of Conservative (Regal Books)--will host Hope for Creation, a free simulcast event Wednesday, April 21, at 7:30 p.m., EST.

To be held at Northland and co-hosted by Matthew and Nancy Sleeth, the event--expected to draw Christians from thousands of churches and religious leaders--will include live musical performances, interactive audience participation and biblical guidance on caring for creation on the eve of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day.

Also featured will be clips from the "Hope for Creation" video series (Zondervan) and talking points from Matthew Sleeth's The Gospel According to the Earth: Why the Good Book is a Green Book (HarperOne).

Click here for more information or to sign up for the gathering, sponsored by the nonprofit organization Blessed Earth.

Essence Bestselling Author Sherri Lewis on Why Sequels Matter

2010-04-19T11:10:00.001-07:00

Selling My Soul Blog Tour

Sherri Lewis’ writing was put on hold while she attended Howard University as an undergraduate, then medical school at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. After working almost fifteen years in the medical field, Sherri left her position as a staff physician at a Georgia Department of Corrections’ Women’s prison to pursue writing and ministry full time.

Sherri is co-founder of the Faith-Based Black Fiction Writers of Atlanta with Essence Best-Selling author Tia McCollors. Selling My Soul is the anticipated sequel to Sherri’s debut novel, My Soul Cries Out. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia. Visit Sherri online at www.sherrilewis.com.

Could you tell a little about the first book, My Soul Cries Out and why you decided to write the sequel, Selling My Soul?

My Soul Cries Out is about Monica Day, a newly married Christian woman, who comes home to find her husband Kevin, the minister of music in their church, in bed with another man. The book deals with a controversial issue whispered about in the pews but not dealt with in most churches – sexual identity and Christianity. In the book, Kevin was struggling with his sexual identity after being molested by two deacons in the church. The Bishop of the church wanted to cover up Kevin’s past and current indiscretion because Kevin is an awesome anointed worship leader whose music has exponentially increased attendance at his mega-church. To be honest, after dealing with such difficult, painful, taboo issues, I never wanted to see the characters from My Soul Cries Out again. However, readers enjoyed it so much, they pretty much demanded a sequel. Every email, every comment, every bit of feedback I got on the book wanted to know what happened to Monica and Kevin, whether justice ever come to the deacons, and did the Bishop get what he deserved. I finally gave in and wrote the sequel, Selling My Soul, to resolve off all the issues the readers asked me to address.

The main character is Trina, Monica’s best friend, who left for a 2 year mission trip to Africa not long after helping Monica deal with the initial shock of her marriage falling apart. In the sequel, Trina returns just as the whole scandal with the deacons molesting young boys in Bishop’s church has broken into the national news. Trina has to return to her career in public relations when she comes home to discover that she’s about to lose her house and that her mother has terminal cancer and can’t cover her bills. Her first client is Bishop Walker whose first priority is to protect his name to keep his mega-church status intact. When Trina tries to refuse to help someone who’s allowed so much pain in so many lives, Bishop Walker threatens to out Monica’s husband Kevin. Faced with the cost of her mom’s medical care, the threat of losing her house and Kevin’s reputation being ruined, Trina has to decide whether to sell her soul.

About the Book

When Trina Michaels steps off the plane after her two-year missions trip in Africa, she realizes that other than longing to see her mother and her best friend, her heart aches to fly back to the place that now feels more like home than anywhere she’s… ever lived. And to the man who’s stolen her heart.

Her dream of a quick return to Mozambique fades within hours when Trina discovers that her mother has been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. Trina is forced to go back to her job as a publicist to cover her mother’s health costs.

She’s assigned a damage control client, Bishop Walker, a megachurch pastor accused of covering up a church sex scandal within his church involving the molestation of young boys. Representing him could cost Trina her most valued friendship, the love of her life, and her soul.

View the blog tour schedule and read an excerpt at http://bit.ly/SellingMySoulBlogTour .

#MondayMotivation: Celebrate Your Crazy to Reach Your WriteGoal

2010-04-19T09:05:00.001-07:00

This morning I woke up to find Blue Thunder, my car wouldn’t work. Usually I would unleash The Crazy, because of course I have to take girlee to school and I have Weight Watcher’s Weigh In on Mondays. More importantly, I have been replacing parts here and there for the past year on old girl. It’s not a newsflash that I am oftentimes between blessings and fluctuate between high poverty and lower middle class. So the cost of repairing Blue Thunder right now should definitely release The Crazy. But…guess what? I’m good.

Call it growing up, being prayed up, or living with a new kind of Crazy. I’m not going to let Blue Thunder’s forced benching ruin my day or my writegoal for today.

One thing I know for sure—some of you know I can personally attest to this fact—you can’t control the unlikely, but you can definitely control The Crazy.

Here’s a little MusicMonday sparkly to get you through the day.

Want to know behind the scenes info about my book sign up for Miranda Parker’s Stake Out Here. It’s free. It is an exclusive email to the first 100 responders. I will share the drama, my road to publishing, writer’s calls from my publisher and others, answers to your questions on writing, and, of course, The Crazy.

Weekend Chatterbox: SxSWi & The Future of Publishing

2010-03-12T07:34:00.001-08:00

SXSW begins today. Wish I was there for one major reason: to chatter about the digitization of book publishing. Apple’s iPad launches next month (April 3) and according to Shelf Awareness and Forbes Magazine the iBookstore is more sophisticated and book-buyer friendly than once hoped. Moreover, B & N plans to release a 3rd party iPad application. (Mama say what?)

On top of that SXSW has some great panels that will chop it up about book publishing’s future. Because Apple is just the beginning…So since I have a deadline to turn in my manuscript (April 15,) so I can’t be there. I will be following the festival on Twitter #sxswi and hanging out on facebook when I take breaks. In the meantime, I would like to know your thoughts: What do you foresee about the publishing industry? What are the benefits of digitization?

The #1 Reason Your Book Marketing Efforts Fail on Facebook

2010-03-04T07:11:00.001-08:00

Me on Twitter

Last month I asked a question on my Facebook profile: If you could give up one social media platform-- Twitter or Facebook-- what would it be? Most respondents chose Facebook, because they didn’t get it. Although the results weren’t shocking, they were problematic. Many of those responders were authors… african-american authors. But in this “Relationships are Imperative for Survival” age, black authors need to get Twitter. They need to get it like two years ago…

Social Media affords us (all writers) the opportunity to communicate with our readership about our stories. However, we must realize that communication is a two way activity that requires both listening and speaking. And truthfully, more listening than speaking.

Oftentimes authors come to me with an interest in becoming a public speaker, but little to no one ever asks me how to become a Public Listener. The latter is the tipping point.

If you want to have a long lasting relationship with your readers you must listen to them. To do that effectively, authors need to master the art of building better listening stations.

Twitter is the foundation of that listening station, because:

services like monitter helps the authors listen to the reading community within their zipcode
services like summize helps authors listen to publishing industry buzz, especially digital publishing issues, bookstore needs, and reader feedback about your book
services like tweetgrid allows you to listen and respond in real time faster than Facebook
services like hootsuite allows you create specific listening channels like
- publishing
- bookstore
- deegospel
- bookclubs
services like disqus allow your to listen to your blog subscribers via twitter
and guess what services like Facebook’s many twitter applications allows you to listen to your facebook friends without being tied to your laptop

All of this vital chatter, authors miss by the second, hour and day because they aren’t listening. Granted, Facebook helps you to talk to your readers better. However, Twitter allows you to listen to them and then give them what they say they need and want.

Psst…I’m seeking listeners for my upcoming book release, A Good Excuse to Be Bad. Follow me as MirandaParker2 and DeeGospel on Twitter.

48 Guerrilla Marketing Tips from Top PR Pros

2010-02-15T23:16:00.000-08:00

I'm quoted in this week's American Express Small Business Site, Open Forum's 48 Guerilla Marketing Tips from Top PR Pros.

We’ve asked some of the most experienced public relations professionals to share their secrets on how to market a company on a small budget. Here are some of the best ways to use social media and word-of-mouth marketing to gain a competitive advantage in this tough economy. stated Senior Writer, Linsey Knerl

Read the list, copy it for your notes, and let me know what you thought of my tip.

How will the Battle of Amazon Macmillan Affect Authors in the Ebook War?

2010-02-08T06:32:00.000-08:00

Unless you've been on a vacation then you know that the publishing world shifted slightly on its axis when Steve Jobs announced the iPad last month. Honestly, when I watched the announcement online I had no clue that two days later Amazon and Macmillan would go to war and Hachette would join the battle with Macmillan a week later. But when Amazon quietly conceded this weeked to Macmillan, thereby raising the price of ebooks I wondered not what concessions Amazon was getting to seal this deal, but how would these changes affect authors?

Continue reading "How will the Battle of Amazon Macmillan Affect Authors in the Ebook War?" at TMA»