The World According to ChickLitGurrl™

Where the WORD is IT :: Editorial/Writing Assistance offered by author, editor, educator Shōn Bacon

Author Steven Payette Stops by All the Blog’s a Page October 31, 2008

Filed under: All the Blog's a Page, the writing life, writings — Shon @ 7:37 am
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For the month of OCTOBER, All the Blog’s a Page (AtBaP) is featuring MALE WRITERS!  We wrap up the month with author Steven Payette, who has just released the first book in his Trevor Samuels mysteries, THE BACK OF MY MIND.

About Book:  Trevor Samuels, an investigator with fifteen years experience, is commissioned to investigate three arson losses. After numerous leads fail to generate any suspects, he suddenly gets a break in the form of fifteen-year-old Goth boy named Jesse. Jesse is heavily involved in the contraband cigarette market and he exposes Trevor to this seedy underworld. While trying to determine if the arson’s are related to the contraband cigarette market, Trevor uncovers greed, murder and corruption among the people he respects most. Join Trevor as he investigates the most difficult case of his career, a case that will either make his career or haunt him for the remainder of his life.

For the month of October, AtBaP authors are talking about BEING MALE; here’s the question that was posed:  Reflect on the stories you have written – the stories waiting to be written.  What themes, topics do you find your writerly mind pushing you to write?  How do these themes, topics portray themselves through you as a male writer?

What did Steven have to say?  Head over to ALL THE BLOG’S A PAGE today to read his response AND to check out an excerpt of THE BACK OF MY MIND!

While at AtBaP, take the time to check out authors Vincent Alexandria, M. Christian, and Torrance  T. Stephens, Ph.D. and their responses on being male writers!

ALL THE BLOG’S A PAGE (AtBaP) – Where everything relates to writing

[http://alltheblogsapage.blogspot.com]

 

Why do YOU love Chick Lit Contest – TWO MORE DAYS! October 29, 2008

Filed under: Uncategorized — Shon @ 12:32 pm

ChickLitGurrl™ and author Brenda Janowitz are asking you, “Why do you love Chick Lit?”

From October 1, 2008 to October 31, 2008, you have the opportunity to answer this question in 250 words or less!  Be funny.  Be heartfelt.  Be creative.  Be engaging.  Take the question and develop a response that truly shows YOUR love for the genre.

On November 7,2008, ChickLitGurrl will announce the three best responses, and winners will receive an autographed copy of Brenda Janowitz’s latest novel, JACK WITH A TWIST!

About JACK WITH A TWIST:  Planning a wedding can be a trying experience…A little prewedding anxiety is normal for every bride, and Manhattan attorney Brooke Miller isn’t worried. She’s got the loving support of the world’s greatest guy, so planning her nuptials should be a piece of cake.But that was yesterday.

Today, Brooke’s landed her first big case and has just discovered that the opposing attorney is none other than her fiancé, Jack. But that’s okay. These two professionals aren’t going to let a little courtroom sparring get their legal briefs in a bunch.… Right? Wrong!

Now Jack’s pulling every dirty trick in the law books, and Brooke’s starting to suspect that maybe he isn’t the man she thought he was. Warring with her fiancé at work and at home, Brooke realizes that she’ll have to choose between the case of her life, or actually having a life.

**********

Contest submissions must be e-mailed to sdb6812@hotmail.com and be received no later than 11:59 p.m., October 31, 2008.  Only ONE submission per participant.

Looking forward to reading why YOU love CHICK LIT!

 

SisterDivas Interviews Three Creative Women at MEDIA October 27, 2008

Filed under: SisterDivas, publicity — Shon @ 7:41 pm
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Over @ SisterDivas Magazine’s MEDIA COLUMN, we feature three phenomenal women with mega talent!

This issue, SD talks writer, director, educator ANASTACIA TOLBERT who shares her passion for writing, her excitement of being a Cave Canem fellow, and her drive to showcase her documentary GOTBREAST?…among other things!

Through the magic of the Internet, SD’s Shon Bacon reconnected with college classmate, photographer CHRISTY MARIE, and here, Shon talks with Christy about her various projects…GREAT PHOTOS within the interview!

SD Founder Tonya Howard sits with Italian songstress, ROMINA JOHNSON – who talks about her inspiration, her musical beginnings, and her latest CD Soul River!

Head to SISTERDIVAS now (at MEDIA) to check out our interviews!

SisterDivas Magazine – Where REAL Women Congregate![www.sisterdivasmagazine.net]

 

TNC Interviews Authors Deaubrey Devine & Stacey-Deanne October 27, 2008

Filed under: TNC, publicity — Shon @ 6:56 pm
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Shon Bacon, editor of The Nubian Chronicles, interviews authors Deaubrey Devine and Stacey-Deanne for TNC’s Fall 2008 issue.

Deaubrey Devine

Click cover to purchase YOUR copy of DESTINY HOPE FAITH DIVINE today!

INTERVIEW EXCERPT

TNC: Deaubrey Devine: THE SOUNDTRACK! What three tracks would make it onto a soundtrack of your life, and why?

DD: Never Would Have Made It-(Marvin Sapp) I chose this song to represent my life because of all the trails and tribulations I’ve experienced and knowing that God is the only reason I got through them all.

My Love – (Joe) I’m full of expressions, communication, and caring with a giving heart. I love to cater to my woman and make her feel important and special.

Good Life – (Kanye West ft. T- Pain) This song represents me as a person that likes to experience, explore, and enjoy a blessed life to the fullest. Sometimes it’s healing to just kick back and have a good time doing the simple things that makes you feel happy.

TNC: Who are some of your favorite writers, and how do they inspire you as a writer?
DD: Both Eric Jerome Dickey and Carl Webber are very inspirational writers to me because they both write about relationships that one can relate to. I’m also inspired and driven by Michael Baisden for his entrepreneur desires and self motivation.

TNC: What have you learned as a writer since the publication of DESTINY HOPE FAITH DIVINE?
DD: As a writer, I’ve learned that you have to remove yourself and personal feelings to the side to write for the reader’s. I’ve learned that reader’s want to be entertained but also they want to be able to get something out of the story. It’s important to deliver a message with a page turning flow so readers can enjoy the read without putting the book down.

Stacey-Deanne

Clickcover to purchase YOUR copy of MELODY today!

INTERVIEW EXCERPT

TNC: In screenwriting, a logline is a one-sentence summary of a script. Typically, a logline does three things: tells who the main character is and what he/she wants, tells who or what stands in his/her way, and tells what makes the story unique. Having said that, imagine the poster for MELODY: THE MOVIE.
What would its logline read?

SD: Melody has always had a reason to dislike her sister’s new boyfriends…now she has a reason to fear one.

TNC: What was the spark to which your novel MELODY began to take shape?

SD: I would definitely say when I thought of the character Keith. Keith is the antagonist in the story. He’s the villain and since this is a thriller,the novel feeds off of Keith’s actions. Keith is the one who moves the story and there would be no purpose for Melody without him. He’s not only Melody’s obstacle in the story, but he is also the purpose for her goal. She spends her time trying to get rid of Keith and expose him for the menace that he is. She soon finds out that this is not an easy task. He stops her (in unpredictable and frightening ways) at every single turn, leaving her cornered every time. She knew the guy was charming and even sneaky but she soon finds out he is also dangerous. From the opening chapter, the sparks between Melody and Keith explode and from that point on Melody embarks on a quest to find out the deal about this mysterious man.

TNC: What’s your favorite thing about MELODY?

SD: The character Keith is the main thing. Like I said there would be no Melody without him. He is my favorite character because he is the villain. He makes you so excited to see what he’s gonna do next. He even surprised me a few times, LOL. Also, I let loose with some things that happened in this book and I pushed the envelope a bit with the subject matter. That was very exciting. Melody was the first thriller I’ve written. I originally wrote it years ago,in 1997. After writing it, I saw how fun it was to write thrillers and mysteries. I began writing more thrillers. I felt like a vampire I suppose with her first taste of blood. After that taste, there was no turning back. I wanted more,
LOL.

To read more of Deaubrey Devine’s and Stacey-Deanne’s interviews, head over to The Nubian Chronicles‘ STRAIGHT FROM DA PEN column and check them out!

The Nubian Chronicles – Writings of the Black Experience

[www.tnc-magazine.net]

 

The CHICKLITGURRL in The World According to ChickLitGurrl™ October 25, 2008

Filed under: chicklitgurrl, publicity — Shon @ 9:11 pm
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A lot of people ask me how I came up with the name ChickLitGurrl as my online moniker.  Initially, it was for a girl (me) who was a fan of Chick Lit.  It soon grew from that to a girl (me again) who loved literature by chicks (women, obviously).  It has kept parts of both definitions and now adds to it a girl (yep, me again) who loves writing literature about chicks (yes, women).

With that love of reading and writing women’s fiction, I started the blog ChickLitGurrl:  high on LATTES & WRITING (CLG) where I have interviewed and promoted women authors since 2005.

That love of showcasing women writers branched into wanting to help all writers.  This can be seen in the editing I do for clients, the Writers Boot Camp class that I offer, and the columns I write on various aspects of writing – all of while, I hope, will aid writers in developing their craft and achieving their literary dreams.

My latest foray into helping support writers comes in the form of a new blog – All the Blog’s a Page (AtBaP):  where EVERYTHING relates to writing.  In this monthly blogging series, I play moderator to a group of writers.  I pick a topic, pose a question, and ask the writers to respond by tying the topic to their writing.  AtBaP began in August 2008, and has tackled the topics of faith, sex, and being male.  In November, we’ll look at being female, and end the year by looking at homosexuality and writing.

SO, at the end of the day, when it’s asked, “What is ChickLitGurrl?  Who is ChickLitGurrl?” I answer that ChickLitGurrl is a wordsmith who believes that one of her literary goals is to help other writers achieve their literary dreams – via interviews, features, and articles (all of which are free)…and editing and Writers Boot Camp (which aren’t free – lol – but are VERY reasonable!).

This blog site will offer information regarding my editorial and story development services as well as showcase the interviews, features, articles, and other things I’m doing to help writers.

If you’re a writer looking to connect with someone like me, then get to it! :-)

 

Why Do You Love CHICK LIT Contest – 7 More Days! October 24, 2008

Filed under: Uncategorized — Shon @ 12:40 pm

ChickLitGurrl™ and author Brenda Janowitz are asking you, “Why do you love Chick Lit?”

From October 1, 2008 to October 31, 2008, you have the opportunity to answer this question in 250 words or less! Be funny. Be heartfelt. Be creative. Be engaging. Take the question and develop a response that truly shows YOUR love for the genre.

On November 7,2008, ChickLitGurrl will announce the three best responses, and winners will receive an autographed copy of Brenda Janowitz’s latest novel, JACK WITH A TWIST!

About JACK WITH A TWIST:  Planning a wedding can be a trying experience…A little prewedding anxiety is normal for every bride, and Manhattan attorney Brooke Miller isn’t worried. She’s got the loving support of the world’s greatest guy, so planning her nuptials should be a piece of cake.

But that was yesterday.

Today, Brooke’s landed her first big case and has just discovered that the opposing attorney is none other than her fiancé, Jack. But that’s okay. These two professionals aren’t going to let a little courtroom sparring get their legal briefs in a bunch.… Right? Wrong! Now Jack’s pulling every dirty trick in the law books, and Brooke’s starting to suspect that maybe he isn’t the man she thought he was. Warring with her fiancé at work and at home, Brooke realizes that she’ll have to choose between the case of her life, or actually having a life.

**********

Contest submissions must be e-mailed to sdb6812@hotmail.com and be received no later than 11:59 p.m., October 31, 2008. Only ONE submission per participant.

Looking forward to reading why YOU love CHICK LIT!

 

Check Out WomenPR Wire! October 22, 2008

Filed under: publicity — Shon @ 7:43 pm

WomenPR Wire [http://www.womenpr.com] was created to help entrepreneurs and small business owners distribute their company news to women’s media, customers and prospects.

WomenPR Wire offers press release distribution to women focused newspapers, magazines, web based publications, and radio and television stations.

The company’s database holds a comprehensive listing of women focused media outlets. It delivers its clients’ press releases and electronic newsletters on a nationwide and international level.

Created by a self-published author, WomenPR Wire began as a do-it-yourself promotional service for self-published authors seeking to promote their literary work to perspective media outlets. Today the company has distributed press releases for clients from various industries.

Our services are designed to save our clients time and money while delivering results.

Check out WomenPR Wire [http://www.womenpr.com] today!

 

What’s Up with ChickLitGurrl: high on LATTES & WRITING? October 20, 2008

Filed under: chicklitgurrl, publicity — Shon @ 10:05 am
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http://chicklitgurrl.blogspot.com

Shon Bacon, aka ChickLitGurrl, started the blog CHICKLITGURRL:  high on LATTES & WRITING in 2005 to showcase the talents of women writers; she wanted to know what inspired them to write, she wanted to know the trials they faced to get published, and she wanted to know what they were doing to promote their published works.  She also wanted to know the “other” side – how they managed writing in their busy lives, what they did outside of writing.

In those four years, Shon has interviewed over 60 writers, and in 2008 alone, she’s interviewed nearly 30, to include Abiola Abrams, Diana Rodriguez Wallach, Jennifer Banash, Liane Bonin, Lisa Mondello, Lutishia Lovely, Marissa Monteilh, Niambi Davis, Paula Chase-Hyman, Shannon McKelden, Shelley Halima, Wendy Nelson Tokunaga, and Yasmin Coleman!

It’s never to late to check out the interviews; in the right hand column, the interviews are located by YEAR.

For 2009, Shon plans to spotlight TWELVE AUTHORS, one every month.  HOWEVER, she’s only spotlighting indie authors – those who are self-publishing or those who are published through small, indie presses.  Books have to be published AFTER July 1, 2008.

If you fit into those two categories, send her an e-mail at sdb6812@hotmail.com and provide her with the following info:

Book title:
Book genre:
Book description:
Publishing house (and url):
Publication date:

 

ChickLitGurrl Talks with YA Author Diana Rodriguez Wallach October 20, 2008

Filed under: chicklitgurrl, publicity, the writing life — Shon @ 9:40 am
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ChickLitGurrl Talks to young adult author Diana Rodriguez Wallach about her debut novel, AMOR AND SUMMER SECRETS!

INTERVIEW EXCERPT

CLG: YA is huge – there are so many books on the market that feature girls having to spend what’s to be their best summer away from home in a different place. There are a slew of books about best friends, new friends, and love – how do you make your series UNIQUE? How does it stand out from the pack?

DRW: I didn’t set out to write a “fish out of water” story. My goal for Amor and Summer Secrets was to offer a modern-day look at the reality facing many American teenagers who are torn between two ethnic groups. It doesn’t matter whether your half Polish and half Puerto Rican, or half Filipino and half Russian, people can relate to what Mariana is feeling.

But in terms of uniqueness, the novel also brings to light many secrets that would have stayed hidden in Puerto Rico had Mariana not taken that trip. It opens Mariana’s eyes to a side of her family she didn’t know existed, and I think many teens can relate to being kept in the dark about unpleasant family histories. Trust me, I know. I was the youngest. I practically lived in a bubble.

CLG: Do you think the multiculturalism is an aspect that helps to illustrate the series uniqueness?

DRW: Absolutely. I think it’s becoming rare to find many American kids who are 100% affiliated with just one ethnic group. And I find that many people, including myself, connect more to the culture that they “physically” resemble.

For much of my life, I had a hard time connecting to my Puerto Rican roots because I didn’t fit the stereotype. My picture’s posted here, take a look. Would you look at me and think “Puerto Rican”? But as I grew older, I chose to seek out those connections. I studied Spanish in school, took a semester abroad in Madrid, and visited my family in Utuado.

So I purposely sent Mariana on a journey that it took me much longer to take. After all, Mariana’s a smart cookie, I knew she could handle it.

Check out the rest of Diana Rodriguez Wallach’s interview @ ChickLitGurrl:  high on LATTES & WRITING!

ChickLitGurrl: high on LATTES & WRITING
Chocolate-caramel lattes + Women writers = ONE GREAT TIME!
[chicklitgurrl.blogspot.com]

Leave comments!

 

Fall 2008 Issue of SisterDivas Magazine is LIVE! October 19, 2008

Filed under: life, publicity, writings — Shon @ 1:48 pm
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SisterDivas Magazine – Where REAL Women Congregate

http://www.sisterdivasmagazine.net

QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER

FALL 2008 (October – January)

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TO SUBSCRIBE TO SD Quarterly Newsletter/Magazine and discussion,

send an e-mail to sisterdivas-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Copyright 1999 – 2008

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CONTENTS

**Check out the new SD BOUTIQUE!**

1) MEDIA

2) TOTAL BODY

3) FEATURE

4) LIFE

5) RELATIONSHIPS

6) BUZZWORTHY

7) CONTACT INFORMATION!

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**Check out the new SD BOUTIQUE!**

SD now has a spot on the net where we are showcasing products that you, the ultimate SISTERDIVA, might be interested in! Check out our SD Boutique today!

SD Boutique @ http://astore.amazon.com/sistemagaz-20!

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1) MEDIA

@ MEDIA, we have WONDERFUL, ECLECTIC interviews with dynamic women:

Cave Canem fellow and documentary filmmaker Anastacia Tolbert,

photographer Christy Marie Edwards,

and Italian songstress Romina Johnson!

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2) TOTAL BODY

This issue of TOTAL BODY – Dr. Cherry explains to us why it’s important to have a PERSONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS in our lives!

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3) FEATURE

In Episode Five, Destiny anticipated her date with Devon and got much-needed love, support, and advice from her mom.

NOW, in EPISODE SIX, Destiny goes on her date with Devon and finds herself surprised with the outcome; on the flip side, Sharay decides that one fine man that caught her eye is worthy of more attention!

::Excerpt::

Devon took silent steps toward Destiny’s door, peering through the small opening.

“Good,” Devon said, his voice lowered. “After that, we can do whatever you want.”

Wow, Devon thought as Destiny slid her skirt and stockings off before stripping from her blouse. Devon’s breath caught in his throat as he inwardly oohed and aahed over the curvy frame of Destiny, the way her gold lace bra brought her ample breasts up and out and her matching panties clung to the full roundness of her hips and backside.

“You’re awfully quiet,” Destiny hollered, moving to her closet to remove a pair of black slacks and a gold silk blouse.

“Uh…well, just letting you take your time getting ready.”

“Aren’t you just the gentleman?” Destiny chuckled. Devon felt a tightening in his groin as he watched a scantily clad Destiny dress and slip on a pair of trouser socks before pulling on her black leather ankle boots. Softly groaning, Devon stepped away from the door and made his way over to the loveseat, sitting with a frustrated plop.

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4) LIFE

Over @ LIFE this issue, we have plenty to dish out – beauty tips for the holiday season with All That Glitters columnist Melody Shore and her guest Debora Routhe, modeling with Sharon Quinn, job searches for working mothers with expert Roxanne Ravenel, and wines for the fall/winter seasons with The Sipping Sommelier, L. Denise Jackson!

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5) RELATIONSHIPS

@ Relationships, we’re focusing on the relationship with self by featuring author Monica Marie Jones and her novel, The Ups and Downs of Being Round, a coming of age story about a girl who struggles throughout her life with issues of weight.

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6) BUZZWORTHY

Every issue of SD, we give you our BUZZWORTHY picks in books, movies, TV, and music! Come see what WE think is HOT for FALL 2008!

Do you have a book, CD, TV show, DVD, anything media worthy that you would like us to consider for BUZZWORTHINESS?

If so, e-mail us at info@sisterdivasmagazine.net and tell us about your product!

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7) CONTACT INFORMATION

To contact SisterDivas regarding submissions or other inquiries, please e-mail us at info@sisterdivasmagazine.net .

We work hard to answer ANY and ALL e-mails as quickly as possible.

SisterDivas: Where ALL Women Congregate!

http://www.sisterdivasmagazine.net