Author Spotlight (Tracy L. Darity)

Tracy Darity (embed www.TracyLDarity.com ), the author of He Loves me He Loves Me Not! and Love…Like Snow In Florida on a Hot Summer Day is a lifelong resident of  St. Petersburg, Florida.  Her novels are released under the imprint of Teganjaz Books Presents… The title is a derived from the names of her three daughters, Shaunte, Morgan, and Jasmin, whom she attributes to her continued success in writing and publishing.

As a child Tracy always had a creative imagination and a love for reading.  In her early teens she began writing short stories as a hobby.  It was not until she attended the 1997 Essence Festival in New Orleans, Louisiana, that she decided she wanted to fulfill her dream of becoming a published author.   The words of Activist and TV Show Host, Tavis Smiley inspired her tremendously.  During his speech at one of the forums she jotted down this message, "We all have a God given talent but if you don't have the desire to define, develop, and deliver your talent, you will always be in the audience and never on stage."

Tracy returned home from the festival energized and began penning her first novel.  Although the manuscript was completed in late 1998, she became discouraged after receiving rejection letter after rejection letter from the publishing industry.  She shelved her manuscript but every now and then would pull it out and do minor rewrites.  The desire to have her work published still simmered deep inside.  In 2004 the flame inside of her reignited and she made the decision to pursue self-publishing.  As time passed she began to feel discouraged again but refused to give up.  She did research, talked with other self-published authors, and continued to believe that her dream would one day become a reality.  Today she is enjoying the success of, He Loves Me He Loves Me Not! and, Love…Like Snow In Florida On A Hot Summer Day.  Her third release, The Red Bear Society, a powerful story that will explore the aftermath of high positive HIV readings at a local high school, after a blood drive to assist an injured student.  The release is slated for a December 1, 2011, to coincide with World’s AIDS Day.

To learn more about Tracy L. Darity, and her novels, please visit www.TracyLDarity.com.  You can also click here (not sure if you embed links or not  http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs028/1102365104718/archive/1103607728924.html ) for a more intimate look at the author.

Books are available in Trade Paperback, Hardcover (He Loves Me He Loves Me Not!), Amazon Kindle, and Barnes & Noble Nook.  To purchase:

Author Website (http://www.tracyldarity.com/apps/webstore/), Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

Church Issues (Minorities & The Church)

I don’t take the credit for writing this post (however, I did make a few modifications). This post will be a prelude to the next topic which will be Unity. I know this is a very touchy subject especially for minorities because we'll fall so deep into a church and its traditions because it's all we know (passed down from generation to generation). I'm not saying that's totally wrong, but I ask that you do some independent thinking and learn all you can about the church you go to (and please, ask questions). The flip side is that we'll go to a church based on our feelings even though the church may not be right for us (I'm not saying this is a cause not to go to church at all).

It’s a sad truth that the church is the most racist organization that has ever existed. Because the church has allowed the devil to creep in churches, some have taken the name Christianity and used it to subjugate people and put off on them the aura of inferiority. The result is that minorities have put off Christianity to turn to other religions (ex. African-Americans dumped Christianity to turn to Islam – specifically the Nation of Islam). Why is that? It gives the appearance that the NOI has the African-American interest at heart and Christianity doesn’t.

Just because some people got together, bought ski masks and decided to rob a bank in a Ford truck, doesn’t mean that the Ford truck is bad! The same holds true: just because some people took the Bible and used for ulterior motives, doesn’t mean the Bible is bad! We must find out if there’s any validity in Christianity or are we going to be directed by what some idiotic person does! You don’t throw the baby out with the bath water. A lot of people of color dumped Christianity because of what Caucasian people have done (use the Bible for ulterior motives to keep people in slavery). Think about it: Muhammad had slaves; Jesus had disciples (not slaves). Anyway, it’s obvious that they weren’t Christians. Just because somebody says they’re something, doesn’t mean it’s true! We must find out if there’s any validity in the Bible (irrespective if somebody tries to disprove it or somebody tries to rewrite the Bible their way). Let’s try some independent thinking for a moment (I’ll talk more on independent thinking in Unity). Don’t dump the Bible because you are missing a great benefit to your life! I know people have misused things, but I have to find out the Truth of God for myself (reading, studying the Word & praying). I have found that God is no respecter of persons! I have found that His Word is life to me! I have found that His Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path!

The beauty of God is that He doesn’t see any distinctions with our external appearances and skin color; unfortunately, we do. We need to rise above it. I don’t want to get too far ahead in this, because this is leading up to the Unity blog.

We can’t get to God except through Christ. We can’t get to Him through Muhammad or Confucius, Buddha or any other prophet. If God is the Creator, then He makes the rules (and has that right). If you were to read Ephesians 1:3, you’ll find no gender or ethnicity mentioned in that verse! No one can pull that over us now, because we can read. And this is why it was a crime for minorities to read back then. That’s how people were messed over because they couldn’t read. I can appreciate the mode of operation (not accept it) because that’s how you can control people through ignorance. Unfortunately, it was done through the church (and the church got in line with it – I’m referring to the organized and/or denominational church). In fact, some people will say that because Ham (from Noah's day) was part of the Cush tribe and because Noah cursed Canaan (not Ham) that it was OK to keep its descendants in slavery, supposedly minorities, which is far from the truth. Also, there are some churches that say they accept all races, but if you research the history, their doctrine is covered with racism and that minorities are a curse. I pose a question to that: would you stay in a church like that if you're a minority and found this out, knowing that you could possibly be a pawn to the church to boost the church's ego? And why is it that activist groups have to get churches to change their racist ways in order for minorities to participate in the church's doctrine? Would you still want to go a church like that if you're a minority? As I stated earlier, God doesn't see color, man does (in fact, there's a song I remember that went colors don't hate, people do). 

Now let’s be real for a moment: God never covers things up. The church as a worldwide organization has been covering things up and it’s time for exposure. Judgment must begin at the house of God. Since we are the house of God, it has to start with us! It must be exposed. See you on the next blog.

Author Spotlight (Kena Bwembya)

This week's author spotlight will shine on my sister & fellow author Kena Bwembya.

Kena Bwembya is the owner of Keeping With the Industry Publishing (KWI) and the author of Saved for a Season. Bwembya is a graduate of Texas Southern University's Thurgood Marshall School of Law and Chestnut Hill College. She resides in Florida with her husband, Charles.

Mrs. Bwembya loves to write fiction and is working on her second novel Chasing the Sun. Find our more at www.kenabwembya.com

About the Book:

Saved for a Season is a heartwarming, inspirational fiction novel that covers love and friendship in a realistic and entertaining way. You will relate to the character's humanness and cringe at their mistakes but love the way they overcome obstacles.

High school sweethearts reconnect at a much anticipated wedding in the small town of Cobbleville, Florida. Though once grounded in friendship and faith, each have new struggles that threaten their friendships and marriages. Struggles that have the promise of leading some to self-destruction. Will Lela, Jake, Tristan and Jeff make the choice to live and love without fear?

Church Issues (Faith vs. Works)

Hebrews 11:1 says: Now faith is the substance of things hoped for; the evidence of things not seen. Between this passage and the last few verses of James 2 has been a struggle for many people. It’s been so much of a struggle that many people have left the church over. I’d like to address this particular topic because we all can get it twisted sometimes. Having said that, I pray that you have an open mind and heart as you read this.

Some people will say that faith is more important than works.

Some people will say that works is more important than faith.

Both of those sentences have caused major confusion. If the truth be told, both faith and works are equally important, no more or less. A proper balance is needed.

For those who say faith is more important than works. Let’s talk about this for a moment. Some people will have faith in multiple things: such as a car, money, a new job, a new business and that’s fine. Notice that those are things that are unseen yet. Here’s a thought: if we have faith in those things mentioned above, how come we don’t step out on faith and do what we’re called to do? Have we become part of the rat race (and complacent)? Before we go further, hold my feet to the fire on this (ensuring that I’m not complacent and that I also step out on faith to do what I’m called to do). What I’m talking about here is a prime example of faith without works is dead.

A great example: I believe I’m called to be a singer and songwriter, but I sit on my talent because I’m scared of what’s going to happen. I could face rejection or my family and friends will laugh at me.

This example shows that you have faith in your calling, but no works are added to it. There’s a passage in Luke 14:28-33 that says “for which of you intends to build a tower sits down first and count the cost.” Why is this statement so important? Because a verse or two later, it’s stated if the tower is not completed, that person will be a laughing stock (yes, I’m paraphrasing that, but you get the point).

Some can go overboard with faith and say that it’s more important than works, hope and love. Faith can’t do anything without works, hope and love.

For those who say works are more important than faith. Let’s talk about this for a moment. Some people say that works are mandatory in order to ensure your salvation. Well, yes & no. Yes, because your works demonstrates your faith; however, works doesn’t ensure your salvation. It’s recorded in the Old Testament that our works according to God are nothing more than a filthy rag. I don’t know about you, but that doesn’t sound too good. Christ died for us in order to have salvation without any part of ours (accept to receive it from Him). If our works determined how clean we are, then we could be clean by rolling in mud.

I need to add that Paul & the book of Hebrews were referring to faith from a vertical standpoint (man to God and vice versa); James was referring to faith from a horizontal standpoint (brother/sister to brother/sister). When you read passages such as Titus 2:5 and Ephesians 2:8-10, you’ll find that faith precedes the works and the works are evidence of our faith. Notice the balance here. You can’t have one without the other (and must be balanced).

Author Spotlight (Irma Clark)

I turn the spotlight on my sister & fellow author Irma Clark.

Irma Clark is the author of A Perfect Match, an adoption story. She is a graduate of Florida State University currently living in Tallahassee, Florida. Also, she is a member of the Tallahassee Authors Network because she enjoys spending time with other authors to motivate her writing career. Her novel is an adoption story written in Christian fiction.
Irma is working on her second novel entitled, The Barren Woman.

Church Issues (Loss of Identity)

I’m starting on a blog series that has been on my spirit since June of this year. I was debating on Sunday whether to subtitle this Loss of Identity or Free Thinking. As you can see, Loss of Identity won. This particular post has been on my spirit for a couple weeks. It’s my heart’s prayer that you open your mind, heart & spirit to this. I believe God will bless your spirit totally if you can stay through this entire post. I need to thank one of my sisters for these thought provoking questions, which will be how I start this blog (and for some additional thoughts within this blog). I modified some of the questions a little bit for all to participate.

Take this moment and think about your life before you joined your respective church and now that you’re in your respective church. Here are some questions for you to ponder:

1. How was your relationship with your parents, siblings, and friends?
2. Were you always in a defensive mode?
3. Were you always on guard?
4. Did you always feel like you have to hide the truth about your past or current church?
5. Are you openly sharing the teachings of your current church?
6. Have your habits changed?
7. Have your eating or sleeping habits changed?
8. Do you feel nervous or on edge?
9. Do you still hang out with your friends from the past on a regular basis?
10. When was the last time you called them asking to hang out or just talk?
11. What about your music choices, have they changed?
12. Has your prayer life and prayer language changed?
13. Has your vocabulary changed?  How many words have different meanings now that you’re attending your current church?
14. Do you listen to Christian radio or visit Christian bookstores or did you used to?
15. What about God?  How is your relationship with Him?  Be honest with yourself and God.
16. How many times have you chosen to lie to your loved ones about anything to do with your new church?
17. Ladies: when was the last time you wore a pair of pants/jeans or sandals to church on Sunday?  Have you stopped wearing two pairs of earrings if you have double piercings?
18. Men: when was the last time you went to church on Sunday without wearing a tie and slacks?  Have you stopped wearing earrings if your ears are pierced?

If your responses came out more on the negative side to where you’ve shunned your friends & family away, you might have lost your identity to the church and its doctrine. This is just a little something to think about.

Now, I used to go to a church where we all (men & women) were under the leader’s control. I’ll use this one clip because I will cover different clips under a different topic.

I think back to my former church and it was mandatory that we men go to the Men's Bible Studies (M-F at 6am). There were times I would register for classes either at 7am or on Thursday night intentionally just to get a break from it. Our pastor would go so far as to say we were in sin if we didn't do what he says. If we missed a Thursday night service or a Sunday service, we were taking a vacation from God. How’s that for control! He said that the wives had to be homemakers, and they were in sin if they worked. A man was not supposed to cook, that was the woman's job. There was a couple where the husband was living a double personality. He was trying so hard to be himself, but he didn't want to hear a lecture all about him being in sin if he didn't implement what the pastor told him to do (causing him to lose his own identity). My former pastor was good for making a Sunday lesson (or a Men’s Bible Study) on people who didn’t do what the pastor said. The end result was a loss of his identity, the couple divorced and they both left the church. I actually left the church a week or two after they did. Just from that, you can gain an idea of what we went through (I stayed there from August 1998 to May 2000).

There are many churches where people can't think for themselves. It's a tragedy!

The beauty of God is He gives us the power of choice. We have the choice to do right or to do wrong, but we will reap what we sow. Churches designed by God are taught to listen to Him through reading His word, gaining counsel from your pastors, parents and friends and to think for you. Domineering churches (like my former church) are taught to listen to the leader because he has made all of the decisions for you. I will add this: my former pastor was so domineering to where he decided who you married. Here’s the tragedy, most of those he married, are now divorced once they left the church.

Here are some more characteristics of a domineering church (and I’d strongly consider you leaving for your sanity):

1. Every single action you participate in with a church is determined by your pastor of the local congregation.
2. You will be told when to go to church and where.  You’ll be told how to dress, what to eat and drink, what to study and when.  You only serve on the worship team or child care when the pastor calls to let you know they have an opening that needs to be filled

Ladies, would you sit under a religions organization that's telling you what to do and you have no right to question it OR would you continue to sit under that kind of teaching even if you know that teaching is far off or contradictory? If you are currently sitting under a domineering church like what I mentioned above, why are you still there? If you have fears of leaving, talk to me. I left my former church and they actually came looking for me. But I have my freedom.

Author Spotlight (Shelia M. Goss)

This week's author spotlight is on my sister & fellow author Shelia M. Goss. I was privileged to ask her some questions, and I believe her responses will inspire you to go forward (especially if you're an aspiring author).

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 (January 2011), and Savannah’s Curse (February 2011). She’s also the author of the young adult book series The Lip Gloss Chronicles: The Ultimate Test, Splitsville, and Paper Thin.

Her books are available in stores or from any of the online retailers or order direct from www.kensingtonbooks.com.

Her 10th novel, Delilah,  was released in January 2011 and it’s her first Christian fiction novel. Her suspense novel, Savannah’s Curse will be in stores at the end of February 2011.

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, and Paper Thin are the three books in the Lip Gloss Chronicles series.

Although Shelia has a Bachelor of Science in Engineering, her passion for writing has always been there. Shelia decided to pursue her life-long dream after being down-sized from a fortune 500 company.

She’s received many accolades since embarking on a writing career:

• 2011 EDC Creations Top Books Award - Delilah
• 2010 Dallas Morning News Best Seller - Paper Thin: The Lip Gloss Chronicles Vol. 3
• 2009 EDC Creations Top Books Award – His Invisible Wife
• 2009 EDC Creations Author of the Year – Lip Gloss Chronicles series
• 2009 Amazon Best seller - His Invisible Wife, The Ultimate Test, & Splitsville
• 2008 BlackWebAwards.com – Best Female Author Site
• Disilgoldsoul 2007 YOUnity Guild Award – Most Outstanding Book Debut Promotions- “Paige’s Web”
• Infini’s Outstanding Author 2006
• Literary Divas: The Top 100+ Most Admired African-American Women in Literature
• ESSENCE MAGAZINE Bestsellers List
• #1 Black Expressions.com Bestseller
• Honorable mention in a New York Times article & Writer’s Digest article
• 2004 OneSwan Productions Female Author of the Year
• Three Shades of Romance Magazine Reader’s Choice Awards
• Dallas Morning News Bestseller

Was there a time as you were writing, you thought about quitting (and what made you keep going)?

No. I've always enjoyed writing. I write because there's something within me that won't allow me to NOT write.

What are your sources of inspiration when you write your novels?

Life is my inspiration. I sit, observe and listen. Ideas are planted and usually come to the forefront of my mind via dreams.

How did you overcome the adversity when people reject your book?

Since I feel like my writing is a God given talent, I wouldn't or couldn't allow rejections to stop me from pursuing the path that I went on. I used the rejections to give me the fuel I needed to push forward.

What would you want to say to those who know they’re to be writing, but don’t make the time to follow-through?

If you want to be a writer, then write. Don't talk about it, do it.  If you're waiting to find enough time to write, you'll never write a paragraph. You have to make time to write. If you need to get up early or stay up late to do so, then do it. Remove the excuses from your way of life and just write.

Which project was your longest project to complete?

The longest project was a book that I collaborated on with another writer. We had two different schedules so when you're partnering with someone else, you have to make time adjustments.

Was writing your ultimate dream in life?

Yes. I've been wanting to be a writer since I was a freshman in high school; maybe even before then since I've always been on the newspaper staff or yearbook staff.

What are your thoughts on authors needing to support each other and needing to not compete against each other?

For the most part, authors are very supportive of one another. We each pass on information about our peers books as well as purchase our peers books. Once a reader finishes reading one of our books, they are eager to read other books.  As an avid reader, I love discussing books with my network of people.

When you started your first project, was it mandatory that you believed in yourself?

Absolutely.  You have to believe in yourself first, before anyone else will.

When is your best time in the day to write?

I write better in the morning.

What do you want readers to know about you?

I'm down to earth. I love my family and cherish my friendships. I'm shy but I'm also a people's person.  I love stylish purses.

What do you want readers to understand when they read your works?

I want readers to not only be entertained but encouraged or inspired after reading some of my books.

Apart from writing, what else do you like to do or what else are you gifted in?

I love doing graphics work. I do banners, websites, etc. It started off as a hobby but has blossomed into extra income to me.

More information about her can be found on her website: www.sheliagoss.com