DeiIra Smith-Collard
 DeiIra Smith-Collard DeiIra Smith-Collard is an exciting new author from Houston, Texas. The 1st of 4 children, she has always had a strong passion for writing. She currently works in customer service for a telecommunications company while practicing her craft. To her the beauty of the world is that it's not perfect and there is somehow comfort in life's imperfections. Her writing style embraces those imperfections and compels her to write from the heart. DeiIra Smith-Collard is a multifaceted writer exploring more than one genre. She also writes poetry, short stories, and children's fiction.
DeiIra currently resides in Houston, Texas with her husband and two children.
Contact:Secrets, Sins and Shameful Lies
 Title: Secrets, Sins and Shameful Lies Author: DeiIra Smith-Collard 200 Pages ISBN: 978-0982245309Buy on Amazon Five years have passed since a storm of betrayal and deception swept through the halls of Synergy Wireless. Everything seems calm, but just as things have settled and everyone is back to the comfortable norm, long forgotten secrets and lies threaten to expose sins, both past and present. Nicole, still hungry for love and craving attention is desperate to find a man to show her true affection. True to her nature she is willing to have it at all cost. Carmell constantly longs for Louis, but is she willing to sacrifice herself for the sake of his love? Natina is devastated by loss, and blames others for her misfortune. Anger causes her to employ her by any means necessary tactics of revenge. Years after, Kendra is still torn between desire and obligation, as she struggles to find her way, can she end up finding herself? Secrets, Sins and Shameful Lies will again satiate your appetite for drama. Some secrets will be revealed while others concealed. Get ready for another turbulent voyage.
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Paulette Harper
 Author and Minister Paulette Harper has made her presence known with her first inspirational book That Was Then, This Is Now, This Broken Vessel Restored has become a National Best Seller.
A heart-wrenching account of one woman’s true story of determination, loss and triumph. In her book, she outlines how a heart attitude of surrender allows God to use a broken vessel for His ultimate plans of Glory.
A native of Pittsburg, Ca, Paulette travels as an Inspirational speaker teaching people how to overcome life’s unexpected experiences by delivering a strong message of hope.
Beyond her writing ability she has a passion to lead people to a clear and precise understanding of how life challenges can become one’s ultimate source of victory by sharing solid, biblical principles that will enable people to find a way out of every trial so they can reach their God given potential.
Paulette resides in Northern California and is a member of New Birth Church in Pittsburgh under the leadership of Pastor Carl Smith.
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That Was Then, This Is Now,
This Broken Vessel Restored
 Title: That was Then, This is Now, This Broken Vessel Restored Author: Paulette Harper Pages: 151 pages ISBN: 9781604625547 Buy on AmazonHow could God have a purpose for me amidst this mess? Why do such bad things happen to good people? If you’ve recently asked yourself these questions, Paulette Harper’s That Was Then, This is Now has the answers. Struggling to recover from a broken marriage and disappointed dreams, Paulette Harper gropes for meaning and understanding, and through her searching, God reveals Himself to her in ways she never before imagined possible. By sharing her struggles with transparency, she illustrates how a heart attitude of surrender allows God to use a broken vessel for His ultimate plans of glory. That Was Then, This is Now ministers to hurting hearts in every season of life, reminding them that God restores shattered lives, intent on using them for His sovereign purposes.
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Edwin De Leon
 Edwin De Leon Edwin De Leon was born and raised in the projects of the South Bronx, New York. Despite the challenges he faced growing up there, he credits its surroundings with providing him an education in life that few places can offer. Raised in the South Bronx during the 1960’s and 70’s, during a time that poverty, drugs and crime was at it’s highest. As a child, he would escape his surroundings, through his vivid imagination and passion for reading and writing.
At the tender age of nine, due in large to a brief encounter with a Marine, he was influenced to become one. That dream was almost shattered, when at the age of 12; he was diagnosed with a debilitating bone disease. An avid athlete, he was restricted from playing sports and participating in physical education in school. However, with his strong faith in God and perseverance, he did not allow it to deter him and eventually excelled in fitness.
Upon graduation from high school was awarded the John F. Kennedy Orthopedic Achievement Award. Upon graduation from high school, he fulfilled his lifetime dream by entering the Marines and graduating from basic training with honors. He went on to serve for twelve years, and achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant (E-6) in less then seven years. His tenure in the Marines, during which he traveled abroad and within the United States, allowed him to tap into some unique, vast, and universal experiences. In his lifetime, Edwin De Leon has held various positions, which include being a Recruiter, Instructor, Fitness Trainer, Private Investigator, Security Director, Mentor/Counselor, Motivational Speaker and Life Coach. He is also a comedian, actor, and all-around entertainer.
As a child, he developed a strong affinity for poetry and short stories. In addition, he cites the Bible, Langston Hughes, Edgar Allen Poe, and Charles Dickens as his greatest literary influences. His personal and observational experiences, combined with an interesting imagination, lend themselves too many profound, humorous, and exhilarating stories. This also allows him to bring a wide and diverse background to his style and approach to writing.
"In his introductory novella "A Forgiver's Consequences" he addresses the issue of domestic violence. A debilating epidemic all too prominent in our society. Edwin De Leon is very active in his community, and a strong supporter in helping in the fight against domestic violence. He speaks in schools, churches and other community organizations and venues in effort to promote dialogue and awareness. He also speaks in jails and prisons to men and women who are victims and/or perpetuators of domestic violence". In addition, some proceeds of the sale of his book "A Forgiver's Consequences" goes to support the cause against domestic violence. The funds are distributed to organizations that help support those who have been victims of the domestic violence.
Contact:A Forgiver's Consequences
 Title: A Forgiver’s Consequences Author: Edwin De Leon
Pages: 102
ISBN: 978-1425132316
Publisher: Author HouseBuy on AmazonWhen Lisa married David, she thought she found every woman's dream, the "perfect" man. He was intelligent, educated, independent, successful and last but not least, extremely handsome. Soon after, she discovered that the fairy tale marriage she envisioned quickly turned into a nightmare. Her husband's jealous and aggressive nature would manifest itself in severe mental and physical abuse. Moreover, despite numerous pleads and promises from him that he would change, it never happen. Lisa's love for him and undying determination not to allow her marriage to fail would compel her to continue to forgive him. However, the abuse continued, and with every episode, the severity of the results became more and more alarming. Profoundly embarrassed and gravely despaired, she turns to her long time friend and confidant, Javier. A man torn between his love for her and the respect he has for their friendship. In an effort to bring comfort and support to his friend, Javier’s loyalty and support is unwavering. However, this decision proves to be a dangerous one, resulting in a series of devastating consequences.
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DeiIra Smith-Collard
 DeiIra Smith-Collard DeiIra Smith-Collard is an exciting new author from Houston, Texas. The 1st of 4 children, she has always had a strong passion for writing. She currently works in customer service for a telecommunications company while practicing her craft. To her the beauty of the world is that it's not perfect and there is somehow comfort in life's imperfections. Her writing style embraces those imperfections and compels her to write from the heart. DeiIra Smith-Collard is a multifaceted writer exploring more than one genre. She also writes poetry, short stories, and children's fiction.
DeiIra currently resides in Houston, Texas with her husband and two children.
Contact:Love, Lust & a Whole Lotta Distrust
 Title: Love, Lust & A Whole Lotta Distrust Author: DeiIra Smith-Collard 299 Pages ISBN: 978-1-4303-1903-0Buy on Amazon
Employed by Synergy Wireless these four women work together and sometimes play together. Nicole and Kendra are best friends, co-workers and much like sisters, but their relationship is soon tested when Nicole feels threatened by Kendra. Nicole’s actions reveal a secret that can ruin Kendra’s marriage. Kendra’s once peaceful life has now been turned upside down by the one person she thought she could always trust. Consumed with rage she decides to beat Nicole at her own game. Hired at the same time, Carmell and Natina are fast friends learning to confide and trust in one another quickly. Natina has ulterior motives for seeking a friend in Carmell. Her intentions are soon revealed causing these close friends to become bitter enemies. Contending for the same man’s affections, these once friends now rivals use old tricks and new games to outwit one another. Entangled in a web of lies, entwined in a maze of deceit, and motivated by their own selfish desires, the women of Love Lust and a Whole Lotta Distrust find there’s a thin line between love and lust, and when combined distrust will soon follow
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Woody Campbell
 Woody Campbell Woody Campbell was born and grew up on a tobacco farm in Mount Pleasant, Florida. His parents provided him and his siblings love and guidance instilling in them the importance of a good education and becoming the best they could be. He attended Northwestern University of Evanston, Illinois on a football scholarship and graduated with a BA Degree in Arts and Sciences. Woody is considered one of the first black football players to pioneer College Football for black athletes in the State of Florida.
Woody was drafted by the Houston Oilers where he was an All Pro Running Back. After leaving professional football he became the first Black sportscaster in the city of Houston. He is a member of the Retired National Football League Players Association and retired Vietnam Vet.
Woody has enjoyed a successful career as a middle manager in corporate America where he was often sought as a mentor and advisor to the many associates he has worked alongside. Today, Woody enjoys motivating and inspiring others through his speaking and writing.
Contact:Fade to Black
 Title: Fade to Black 96 Pages ISBN 978-09645493-9 Publisher: Against the Wind Buy on Amazon
Who are we? Who decided that we were “African Americans?” How did the world conclude that to be our designation? As children growing up we were called, with apparent acceptance “Colored people.” By the time the Civil Rights Movement was ushered in by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., we were elevated to the respectable status of “Negro.” In college, I saw us move to “Afro American” and then to the preferred “Black American,” which I thought represented the result of the efforts of slain martyrs like Medgar Evers and Dr. Martin Luther King, who perished so that we could be known as Black Americans. They died so that we could move forward and share in the fruits of our labor in America. For many years, I have been troubled by the apparent fact that we as Black Americans of African descent—whose ancestors had not immigrated willingly to America—have been unable to settle on a definitive identity. I am unable to understand why this has not been done before. I feel that there are thousands, if not millions of people who feel as I do but for some reason, perhaps the fear of expert opinion, have not demonstrated their opposition. For all of those people let me state without hesitation that I believe we are Black Americans of African descent. The African American designation is by definition and logic, a misrepresentation.
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Kaira Denee
 Kaira Denee Kaira Denee was born in Boston, MA. Both her parents were enlisted in the U.S. Army so she was raised in Germany, Texas, Louisiana, Virginia and finally settled in Connecticut where she has lived for the last fourteen years.
Kaira self published her debut novel, Take it There in 2005. In 2007 Urban Soul bought the rights to publish Take it There as well as a second untitled manuscript due for release in 2008.
Kaira resides in Connecticut with her husband and two children.
Contact:Take it There
 Title: Take It There Author: Kaira Denee 300 Pages ISBN 13: 978-1-59983-028-5 Publisher: Urban SoulBuy on Amazon
Kaira’s debut novel, Take it There, introduces the dynamic trio of Brittany, Nia and Shari. The new breed of young African American professionals who epitomize the “other” nine to five, where urban professionals trade their proper English, phony smiles and professional demeanor for street savvy, quick tongued around the way vernacular and mannerisms. Will taking it there prove to be disastrous for the girls or will it lead them to ultimate happiness? Brittany’s outlandish views of love and sex are entertaining at most, but sad because there are many women out there that think just like her. Self centered, raunchy and sometimes obnoxiously conceited, Brittany is the token character that you love to hate. Unfortunately, she lands in a heap of trouble midway through the story and a softer, more human side brilliantly shines through and finally, you begin to feel sorry for her ignorance and relate to her misguided views of life. Think of an African American version of Charlotte from Sex and the City when describing Nia. Her innocence is sometimes laughable. Nia proves to often be a voice of reason to her friends. Astonishingly beautiful, Nia’s the only one who doesn’t quite realize it, at first. Until she meets a special friend while away on a business trip, Nia thinks her life is good enough. She’d just reunited with an ex boyfriend (who didn’t deserve a second chance), but left Houston still fantasizing about her new friend. Shari’s marriage would make anyone jealous. Her husband, Dexter, is a breath of fresh air. Shari has a shaky history of past relationships that prevents her from fully trusting her husband. When Shari does the ultimate no-no by letting another woman stay in her house, her downward, and sometimes maniacal spiral of her insecurities weakens her to the point of running home to her momma. And her husband running away from her. With humor, steamy sex scenes and oh so realistic situations, the drama of Take it There is sure to entertain and hopefully teach young women a thing or two about respecting their bodies. It’s a great read for anyone that likes to sit back, laugh, cry and blush at the realistic dialogue and situations.
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Anita Bunkley
 Anita Bunkley Anita Bunkley is the author of eleven book-length works of fiction, three novellas, and one work of non-fiction. An NAACP IMAGE AWARD nominee and a member of the TEXAS INSTITUTE OF LETTERS, author, Anita Bunkley was voted one of the 50 favorite African American authors of the twentieth century by the on-line African American Literature Book Club. She is a full time author and has been under contract with major houses such as Penguin USA, Harper Collins, Kensington and Harlequin for over sixteen years. Anita speaks regularly at national conferences, workshops, and book fairs giving her workshop for aspiring novelists entitled: Dream it! Write it! Sell it!
Contact:Between Goodbyes
 Between Goodbyes Title: Between Goodbyes449 PagesISBN: 978-0-7582-1247-4Publisher: Dafina/KensingtonBuy on AmazonA story of survival, triumph, and the search for true love in sultry Miami, sophisticated New York, and the rugged mountains of Colorado. Three men desire her. Three men have claimed her. Which one will Niya Londres choose? As Niya carefully weighs her decision, she discovers that all she's ever dreamed of might not be what she really wants... Long, lean, and exotically beautiful, Afro-Cuban Niya Londres has achieved a great deal since coming to America ten years ago. Through talent and hard work, she climbed her way to the top of her glittering career as an exotic salsa dancer, and then as the star of a hit Broadway musical. Now she's planning her lavish Acapulco wedding. There's just one hitch -- she hasn't said "Yes" to any of the three men who are madly in love with her! Tremont Henderson, a gifted jazz musician with a checkered past, was the first to capture Niya's heart. He pulled her out of a Florida swamp and into his exciting world of hot music and sultry dance. Broadway producer and her long-time manager, Granger Cooper, fell in love with Niya at first sight and now holds a claim on her affections. She owes him everything, as the man who made her a star. And then there's Astin Spencer, a tanned and devilishly sexy entrepreneur who calls the Nevada desert his home, and who unexpectedly comes into Niya's life and turns everything upside down..... BETWEEN GOODBYES touches on the topic of the plight of Afro-Cuban immigrants and their struggle to assimilate into American society. It also provides a glimpse into the current socio-economic conditions that exist in Cuba.
From the author: I have self-published and been published by major houses such as Penguin USA, Harper Collins and Kensington. I am a member of the American Book Cooperative and serve on the advisory board of the Houston Writers Festival 2006. I have spoken to audiences across the nation at corporate settings, national conferences, workshops, and award presentations. Working with experienced and aspiring authors, I have presented workshops at numerous writers conferences. I toured with African American Women on Tour for four years giving workshops on finding fulfillment in the workplace, the community and in one's personal life. My book, STEPPIN' OUT WITH ATTITUDE, Sister Sell Your Dream (HarperCollins) was well received by many women who were anxious to reach their potential. Listen to Anita's Interview
LaShonda DeVaughn
 LaShonda DeVaughn LaShonda DeVaughn discovered in High School her flare for writing. … She carried that flare into College thus writing poems for students as well as columns in the weekly bulletins. She decided to take her writing a step further by constructively creating novels. Her first novel being, “A Hood Chick’s Story.”
Her debut novel has been receiving an overwhelming amount of positive reviews thus far and she’s excited to continue to bring forth creative literature for her readers.
LaShonda is residing in Boston with her husband and two beautiful children. Read more.
Contact:A Hood Chick's Story
 Title: A Hood Chick’s Story Author: LaShonda DeVaughn300 Pages ISBN 978-0-615-16867-8 Publisher: StreetDreamz PublicationsBuy on Amazon Drama is no stranger to Tiara James. When it felt like the world had finally changed the hand that she’d been dealt, reality continued to creep up on her. With a mom on the verge of becoming an alcoholic and an alcoholic crack-addicted father who use to beat her mom in front of her, who could blame Tiara for finding a family on the streets. Tiara’s loyalty to her friends was undeniable. The crew consisted of, Tiara, Tamika, Shavon, Renee, Ke Ke and Karen. They jumped, robbed and fought other girls who stood in their way. When trouble surfaced, the crew had no problems with getting their hands dirty. Tiara was faithful to her crew handling any drama that presented itself. But when jealousy get’s the best of friends, things continued to get ugly.
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Cereka Cook
 Cereka Cook Cereka Cook is from Washington state and has been residing in Atlanta since 1996.
Involvement in theater came from years of doing impressions, funny voices, and acting out movie scenes as a child. So, as a teenager, Cereka decided to channel those energies onto the stage. And in later years channeling those same energies onto a page. Some of her aspirations are to turn her novels into stage plays and screen plays.
Cereka would also like to become the owner of her own publishing company in order to give back and help other young black writers, the same way James D. Jackson helped her.
Contact:Extreme Circumstances
 Title: Extreme Circumstances
Author: Cereka Cook
280 Pages ISBN 0976927764 Publisher: RJ Publications, LLC Buy on Amazon What happens when a devoted woman is betrayed? Come take a ride with Chanel as she takes her boyfriend, Donnell, to circumstances beyond belief after he betrays her trust with his endless infidelities. How long can Chanel's friend, Janai, use her looks to get what she wants from men before it catches up to her? Find out as Janai's gold-digging ways catch up with and she has to face the consequences of her extreme actions.
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