Sistahs Sizzlin’ Reads 2013

YOUNG ADULT
37 THINGS I LOVE (IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER) – KEKLA MAGOON

Give a brief description of your novel, 37 Things I Love (in no particular order).
In 37 Things I Love, fifteen-year-old Ellis is approaching the end of the school year with a lot more on her mind than finals and summer vacation. Her father is in a coma after a construction accident, and he will soon be removed from life support, which means he will die. Ellis struggles with the impending loss, because she was very close to her father. Meanwhile, life around her is going on as usual, even with Ellis’s best friends Abby and Colin, who don’t seem to recognize quite how upset Ellis is. Then an old friend, Cara, re-enters Ellis’s life in sudden and surprising ways, shaking up Ellis’s world even more. But somehow, Cara’s friendship helps Ellis stay steady, even as it feels like the whole world is falling apart around her.

Why should readers pick up your book?
Why not? I’m told it’s a pretty good read! I enjoyed writing it, and I get lots of great feedback from my readers about the story and the characters, so I would say it’s a good book to pick up. Also, there’s a pretty hilarious scene involving lime jello, placed somewhere….umm…unusual.

What are you working next?
I am about to hand in the first draft of a new YA novel to my editor (the same editor who worked on 37 Things). This novel is called How it Went Down, and it’s a multiple-viewpoint novel about how a community responds to the tragic death of a boy named Tariq who lived among them. Most of the characters are Tariq’s friends and family, who are directly affected, and others are neighbors and classmates who didn’t know him as well, but still feel affected by his death.

What are your summer plans?
I plan to travel and write. I will be making various stops in New England and in the Midwest, among other places, and I will be alternately working on my new novel and a non-fiction book.

Website:  http://www.keklamagoon.com

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/AuthorKeklaMagoon

Twitter:  @KeklaMagoon

Where can readers purchase 37 Things? Your local bookstore (if it’s not on the shelf, you can ask to have it ordered), or online at IndieBound (http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780805094657), Barnes & Noble, or Amazon. You might also find a copy in your local library. The hardcover version is available now, and the paperback will be out in October.


CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
THE EXCHANGE – NIKKI RASHAN

Give a brief description of your novel, The Exchange.
The EXchange is the third installment of Kyla’s story. I must confess she remains my favorite character to write about. Readers were introduced to her in my first novel, Double Pleasure Double Pain, and hung out with her again in the sequel, You Make Me Wanna. In The EXchange, Kyla has been with her partner, Asia, for nine years and has become unenthused with the relationship. She finds unexpected excitement with Angie, a friend who also happens to be someone she dated in the past.

Why should readers pick up your book?
Readers, hopefully, will be able to relate to various themes within the storyline, the primary being whether or not exes can be platonic friends. I’ve engaged in many conversations about that topic and opinions vary greatly. The book also addresses the challenge of how to keep a long-term relationship energized and stimulating. Any reader who has faced these challenges, or who has been through a break-up, cheated, been cheated on or has made a mistake in a relationship can relate to the story. I don’t believe anyone will reach the last page of the book without having felt anger, frustration, and shock by some of the actions of the characters.

Also, The EXchange is the first of my books to include discussion questions at the end of the story. I hope that this added feature is helpful to all, especially book club readers.

What are you working next?
Recently, I began working on a book of short stories. After completion of my first novella, Sugar on the Side, which is part of Carl Weber’s Full Figured series, I became interested in the idea of writing my own compilation.

What are your summer plans?
I’m excited for this summer! After 16 years with my former employer, I quit my job in May to live my dream of writing full-time. My wife and I also relocated to California shortly after. Over the summer, I plan to find a couple of beautiful beach locations where I can write. I also plan to promote my books, promote my books and promote my books. J

Website:  http://www.nikkirashan.com

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/authornrashan

Twitter:  @nikkirashan

Where can readers purchase The EXchange? All of my books, including The EXchange, can be purchased online through my website, Amazon or Barnes & Noble. Readers are also welcome to check bookstores in their area.


LOVE & DRAMA
HERSBAND MATERIAL – C. WASH

Give a brief description of your novel, Hersband Material.
Hersband Material is a story about Mystro Mason who longs for a family, complete with a beautiful wife, but she has a problem with falling in love with the wrong women. It’s not until a Washington, DC judge threatens her with a jail sentence, after an order of protection was issued, that she slows down her stalker tendencies. But, she discovers it’s easier said than done. Native Houston, Mystro’s roommate and comrade, is all about clothes, shoes and her lust for a multitude of women. But after losing her job for trying to bed the boss, she soon realizes that her careless actions are coming back to haunt her. Church is a vixen who enjoys the company of women, but the only thing she loves more is money. When Mystro meets Church, it is love at first sight in Mystro’s eyes. But, everything that looks good is not always good for you. Although Mystro is busy falling in love, again, Native can see Church for who she really is, and tries to warn her friend before its too late. The problem is that once Mystro has her mind made up, there is no stopping her, even if she goes too far.

Why should readers pick up your book?
My story is a story of craziness, drama, love and what happens when love is forced. It’s a story that everyone can identify with and not just the typical gay or lesbian fiction novel.

What are you working on next?
I currently have a couple of items on my desk. I’m working on the sequel to Hersband Material, as well as another novel that will both be available next year.

What are your summer plans?
The summer is my busy time of the year. The Cartel Publications is prepping to be at the Harlem Book Fair this month, which is a major event for us. We’re also putting the finishing touches on our first film, Pitbulls In A Skirt – The Movie to be released as well as starting the process for shooting our second film, Raunchy.

Website:  http://www.thecartelpublications.com

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/cwashvp

Twitter:  @cwashvp

Where can readers purchase Hersband Material? You can find Hersband Material on Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Apple iBooks, Kobo Books, Google Books and of course our website, www.thecartelpublications.com.


PARANORMAL FICTION
MIDNIGHT COMES WITH THE DAWN: THE VAMPYIR PLAGUE – DARLENE BURNS

Give a brief description of your novel, Midnight Comes with the Dawn: The Vampyir Plague.
My book is basically about a Vampyir plague that takes place during our current times. It is not only killing the human race but it’s killing the Vampyir race as well. The main character, Katrine Baten a.k.a Midnight, tells the story from her perspective. She also tells the reader her life before and after she is “made-over” and what happens as a result of becoming a lesbian Vampyir. As one of the results of becoming a Vampyir, she creates a network of prosperity with her coven of lesbian Vampyirs.

Why should readers pick up your book?
This book is not only for the LGBT community it is for anyone who enjoys a fast-paced story that involves, mystery, desire, and how even the lowest form of life can be redeemed.

What are you working on next?
Whew! I am currently working on the second installment of this series. I am also working on a 2 scripts and a life story of a exotic dancer.

What are your summer plans?
I have 3 more appearances, and I am relocating to Jacksonville, Florida! I am very excited. Brand new place of residence and the opportunities that await me.

Website:  http://www.dburnsauthor.com

Twitter:  @darlenevb or @dburnsauthor23

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DarleneBurns

Where can readers purchase Midnight Comes with the Dawn: The Vampyir PlagueMy book can be purchased on Amazon for kindle or paperback, and also Barnes & Nobles for Nook or paperback.


TRAVEL
SKYEVIEW: A SISTAH’S VIEW OF THE WORLD, PARIS CHAPTER – SKYE WARD

Give a brief description of your guidebook, Skyeview: A Sistah’s View of the World, Paris Chapter.
This book is a superb practical guide to Paris. It contains a plethora of information about the city, and how to experience it, that you won’t find anywhere else.The book is written specifically from my Black lesbian feminist-situated point of view. I urge the reader to leave her comfort zone, take risks, and think and live otherwise. And I demonstrates how that can be done. I recognizes that bodies travel differently in space and offers the reader a sense of what it is to travel in a Black queer female body through the streets of this famous city.

This book is meant to supplement both mainstream travel books and the general tourist information about Paris that is available online. And it does so with great sensitivity, joy, thoughtfulness and humor. The book is profoundly practical. For example, it includes a list of parks within Paris where the contemplative, spiritual or simply tired traveler can safely go to experience a calm moment in nature. It includes information about events off the beaten path.

The book opens the reader to political awareness of the city. We find out about revolts against racism and the politics they implicate. The book stimulates the reader to understand Paris with a sense of social engagement, to get involved and give back, all as part of experiencing the city as a situated person “walking in the world.” In sum, the book offers an abundance of helpful information, counsel and reflections for women of color travelers, but also for everyone with queer, feminist and anti-racism sensibilities. It is as useful for the first-time traveler on a low budget as to the experienced traveler who may already know Paris well

Why should readers pick up your book?
The book is indeed the very first travel guidebook of Paris ever written specifically for Black lesbians and other lesbians of color. But any human being on the planet, in any type of body, can find it useful and meaningful. The book is a unique travel book, and also a poem, a diary, a journal, a spiritual journey, an action, an event. It transforms the reader into a traveler on a complex and layered journey, as opposed to simply a tourist engaging in tourism. It provokes the reader to move, to enjoy, to become, in the city of Paris.

What are you working next?
A French version of Skyeview Paris ebook is forthcoming in late fall 2013. The manuscript has been translated and is pending copy-editing and layout.

I have started work on a second guidebook, Skyeview: A Sistah’s View of the World, Mumbai Chapter.

What are your summer plans?
I am working as an academic coordinator for a summer program that serves middle school students at the University of California, Berkeley. During my downtime I enjoy visiting a nearby horse stable and ranch to help feed the horses of which I find immensely relaxing and meditative. Planning my fall travel!

Website: http://www.skyeviewtraveler.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SkyeviewTravelerSistahTraveler

Where can readers purchase Skyeview: A Sistah’s View of the World, Paris Chapter? You can purchase it on Amazon.com at http://www.amazon.com/books/dp/0615661831.


CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
THE WOMON – SECONYA BAGBY

Give a brief description of your novel, The Womon.
The Womon is an urban love story with a twist. The main character, Yvonne, is a single mother who has just found the perfect balance in co-parenting with her ex. In an attempt to move on with her life after a failed marriage she solicits the advice of her best friend, Corrine. In doing so, she bites off more than she can chew when she finds herself drawn not only to Corrine, but also to Dorian, a gentleman she meets while vacationing in St. Thomas. The Womon chronicles the highs, lows, ins and outs of Yvonne’s quest to find the love she truly desires. Will it be the man or “the womon?”

Why should readers pick up your book?
I was never of the mindset that this book was for everyone. What I can say though, is that beyond the initial storyline, it offers something that everyone can relate to on some level whether it’s the bond shared between friends, the simplicities or difficulties in relationships, the constant battle between head and heart or just the crazy complexities of a woman in her own mind. With certainty, The Womon has more to offer than meets the eye.

What are you working on next?
I am currently in the process of writing the sequel to The Womon which I am hoping to release the latter part of this year. With the first book, Yvonne spent a great deal of time in her own head. This time around she is forced to deal with her heart. Whether it’s aching, breaking, jovial or joyous, you will gain a greater understanding of Yvonne as a mother, lover and friend. So keep an eye out for Two Times a Lady!

What are your summer plans?
Beyond finishing up book two, I plan on doing a bit of traveling this summer. The Essence Festival in New Orleans to start the month of July followed by a trip to Jamaica by months end.

Website:  http://www.seconya.wordpress.com

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/seconya

Twitter:  @Seconya

Where can readers purchase The Womon? You can purchase it at amazon.com/author/Seconya.


POETRY
A WORD FOR THE OPEN MOUTH – KENYATA GARNER

Give a brief description of your poetry book, A Word for The Open Mouth.
A Word For the Open Mouth is a very in depth and unique book of spoken word poetry. It really brings a fresh outlook on spoken word as it tests the boundaries of traditional poetry and literature. Like the founders of spoken word, each piece holds truths and emotions tied in with creativity and unspoken music. Meaning it moves to an unheard beat. Every poem has its own rhythm, its own voice, it’s own specific pace, which gives each piece the ability to speak to all genders, sexualities, races, and personalities. It is an overall collection of diverse poems written throughout the past six or seven years of my life. It allows the readers to experience my growth and my understanding of events, our world, and life in its entirety, as I walk throughout different phases in my own life. Although most poems are not personal they speak a lot to who I am as a person. My ability to look on the other side of the mirror. Unafraid, naked, exposed and without literary boundaries. It is most definitely a ground shaking adventure.

Why should readers pick up your book?
Readers shouldn’t pick up A Word For The Open Mouth without intentions on experiencing it. It is one thing to read a book, it is another to engage in it, to connect with its contents. Not only engaging in a book, but relating to or being able to relate to what is being said. Performances with no depth have little effect on an individual’s outlook. I want to change the outlook, give a different view on things, performance is always good to keep an audience interested, but I want to educate, reach out, and change lives. Visualization is also a very important key with this particular book. It allows the reader to not only read but to explore, to visualize and to be able to grasp hold of the actual “scene.” There are many books in the world, some with clever catch phrases and peculiar settings etc. This book is for the lover of poetry as a whole. One who can look past what may seem to be borderline insanity and say, “Ah, there it is, that is what I’ve been looking for.” I want to cause my readers to think, and to think not only outside of the box, but to really “Get” it.

What are you working on next?
I actually have three new projects I am working on at this time. I have a second poetry book, which is completed and ready to be released in 2014 called Freedom of the Speechless. The other two projects are still coming along, both of which are novels: Birds Don’t Swim in the Winter, the second title is still in the making at this time. I will say this; the novels are very different from my poetry but still hold true to my ability and need to test boundaries. They will most definitely be a must read for the summer of 2014. I think my readers will be pleasantly surprised at my ability to be versatile in my writings.

What are your summer plans?
My summer plans are simply to relax, write, work, and explore Chicago! I moved here about 8 months ago and there is still so much to see! I spend most of my free time writing, walking, and trying to catch a swim or two at the beach. It is very different from what I know to be home so I intend on seeing as much as possible. Expanding my writing and exploring. Networking is also a must! I’ve met so many young actors, writers, comedians, all around artists here; I moved during the colder months so I haven’t really had the opportunity to get out until now. So far, I am really enjoying the energy that Chicago brings. The diversity and the differences in the community here, It sparks a new kind of creativity in me. I intend to continue my networking, visiting the art district and really connecting with the other artists here.

Website:  http://www.sumbrypublishing.com (Currently under Construction)

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/Kenyata Garner (The actual artist page)

Twitter:  @KenyataGarner

Where can readers purchase A Word for The Open Mouth? You can purchase at Amazon.com, Barnesandnoble.com, and Smashwords.com. It is also available on Sony and Ibooks as well (Using your iphone or ipad ibook app).

Published July 2013

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