Celebrating "The Lyons Den" Atlanta Style

The second stop on my "The Lyons Den book release tour" allowed me to avoid interstate or airport traffic. (YAY!) The celebration was held on April 11th and was hosted by the ladies of Imani Book Club (see photo at left).

Supporters gathered at the Auburn Avenue Research Library and joined me for an afternoon of food, fellowship, and some awesome live entertainment. In the way of entertainment, author, Terence B. Lester, ministered through a moving spoken word piece. His talent was followed by Antonio Allen who brought the crowd to its feet when he rendered an inspirational medley from his latest album, "The Air I Breathe." And the final layer of icing was placed on the cake when Emmy Award winning poet, Hank Stewart shared one of his most popular pieces, simply entitled "It." Everybody who came to this event was special to me, but I have to send a special shout out to my husband and daughters, the members of the Delta chapter of Iota Phi Lambda (the baddest sorority in the world), all of the local area authors who attended, Praise 102.5's radio personality, Rhodell Lewis (a.k.a. "Rhodell in the ATL") for stopping in to support, and to the local members of my national aspiring and new writers group, The Writer's Cocoon Focus Group.

It was no surprise to me that Imani Book Club did an outstanding job of organizing the Atlanta affair. This book club is one of the longest standing ones that I've ever fellowshipped with, and after more than fifteen years, they are still going strong and being a major support system to authors everywhere. And I absolutely LOVE the beautiful 'Daniel in the Lion's Den' matching Bible cover and journal that they presented to me in private at the close of the celebration. How creative of them to match the gift with the book's theme!

Thank you, Imani Book Club, and thank you, Atlanta, GA for the mad home town support!

Photos from the Atlanta event can be viewed by clicking HERE.

Celebrating "The Lyons Den" Mississippi Style

April 1, 2009 marked the official release date of my 13th novel, The Lyons Den. I'm humbled when I think back over the life of my career and see where God has brought me. Not that I've been writing for that terribly long of a time, but in the seven years since the release of my debut novel, For Love & Grace (the self-published version), I know that I have been truly blessed.

As the release date of The Lyons Den neared, I pondered whether or not to have an official release celebration as I have had with most of my previous novels. I have been blessed with such a supportive fanbase of readers, but after more than a dozen books, I wondered if they would be so eager to attend yet another celebratory occasion. But as I was wrestling with the "should I or should I not," God reminded me that all of His blessings are worth celebrating. His favor never grows old and as one who has been a recepient of His favor, I should never doubt whether I should celebrate Him. After that eye-opening revelation, I was inspired to not only have one official book release event, but several of them. And if I had any doubts about whether or not my supporters would embrace the idea of joining me again for another book release commemoration, all of those doubts were put to rest when I traveled to Jackson, Mississippi on Sunday, April 5th, for the first of three official launch parties.

The sisters of Q.U.E.E.N.S. Book Club of Mississippi (see group photo) were the gracious hostesses, and they worked together to organize and carry out a fun-filled affair that took place in a private dining area of a local eatery called Sal and Mookies. The food was delicious and the fellowship was divine. Dozens of supporters packed out the room and showed more support that I ever imagined, purchasing not only my newest novel, but virtually clearing out the stash of other titles that I brought along as well. Several other area book clubs were represented at the affair as well and I'm grateful for each of them.

I would like to again thank Adrienne (president of Q.U.E.E.N.S. Book Club of Mississippi) for accepting the challenge of spearheading the book release party as well as all those who came out and proved that there is no hospitality like southern hospitality. With such a great first event, I can hardly wait to see what God has in store for the two remaining celebrations.

To view a photo slide show of the Mississippi release, click HERE then choose the "view album" link near the bottom of the page.

New Group for Aspiring & New Writers

I know I'm not the only one who the game of life has thrown curve balls to at one time or another. I'm inclined to believe that the majority of us have made plans or had long-term goals for something that didn't quite turn out the way that we thought it would when we first laid the initial foundation. Can I get an amen? Well, if you're like me, you ultimately take these curve balls as a reminder that you're not the one who is in control to begin with. Sometimes, as unexpected as they may be, they serve as a divine shifting in the path that we are traveling. These curves are simply a result of God's desire for us to change directions and/or regroup. Don't you just love the way He does things?

In January of this year, I was pitched one of those undesired balls, and the curve was so steep that I not only was unable to hit it, but it hit me. Hard. It was one of those balls whose impact brought so much discomfort and discombobulation that I had to call a time-out so that I could give the pain time to dissolve, my lungs time to regain the wind that had been knocked out of them, and my body time to muster up the strength to get up off the ground. Amazingly, it only took a few seconds for all of that to take place. And once I'd brushed off the dirt that lingered from the fall, God planted a new seed that He promised to grow bigger and better I imagined. Thus, the Writer's Cocoon Focus Group was born.

Through this newly established national organization, designed specifically for aspiring and new writers, I am able to continue living out my Spirit-induced passion for helping up and coming writers through the process of creating their literary projects and even assisting them beyond the writing process into the publishing and marketing aspects of the business. Often times, I receive generous emails from the wonderful members of this group who pour out their heartfelt thanks for the insight I share with them in our online forum and even in our periodic in-person group meetings. While I appreciate all of their accolades, knowing that I've helped them in some way is plenty thanks enough for me.

I am grateful to God for this new platform that He has inspired and enabled me to build. If you are a new or aspiring artist who is serious about attaining your goals as a fiction or nonfiction writer, and you are interested in being a part of the Writer's Cocoon Focus Group, please visit the website and click on the link to join.

Official website: Writer's Cocoon Focus Group

CFC Short Story Winner is Nationally Published Author!

I first met author, Wanda B. Campbell, two years ago. I was facilitating a session of The Writer's Cocoon in Atlanta, Georgia, and she was among the many registrants who gathered that day to learn more about the ins and outs of the writing, publishing and marketing process. Every name and face that was there had a thirst for increased knowledge, but Wanda's attendance stood out because while all of the other students in my class had come from somewhere in the metropolitan Atlanta area, she had flown all the way from California for the sole purpose of taking part in that four-hour workshop. It was passion and determination in action. I knew then that it would only be a matter of time before she would soar full speed into her destiny. And with God's help, she has now taken flight.

Having been blessed to be an advance reader of her debut nationally published book, Illusions, I can say without doubt that the literary world is going to love the works of this breakout author. It is my pleasure to have Wanda as the first author to be featured on the Blessed2Write Blog.

Read on....

B2W: At what point did you realize that writing would become an intricate part of your life?

WBC: As a Christian, I allow God to direct my steps. On a good day, I follow the path He orders. In April of 2006 as I sat in a worship service, I asked God what He wanted me to do with the stories I'd written. At the time I had two completed manuscripts, but didn't know what to do with them. The answer came minutes later in the form of a Jehovah's Witness, who to this day has not read one word of Christian Fiction, placing money in my hand for a plane ticket to Georgia for a writing workshop. Her exact words were, "You are going to get your stuff published."

B2W: How was the transition for you from self-published author to mainstream?

WBC: Initially, I was excited to have been selected by a mainstream publisher. As the reality of my responsibilities as an author settled, some of the excitment faltered. I still have to work like I'm self-published to promote my book, but it's an awesome feeling walking into a major bookstore and seeing my book displayed.

B2W: From where did you draw the inspiration for Illusions?

WBC: Illusions was truly inspired by God. I vowed never to write a story with the subject matter covered in Illusions. However, God set it up to where I didn't have a choice. Illusions won the Cruisin for Christ Short Story Contest in August 2007. The cruise is founded and organized by national bestselling author, Kendra Norman-Bellamy. To claim the prize of being published by a mainstream publisher, I had to turn the short story into a full length novel and present it to the executive editor at Urban Christian. At the time, Illusions was only 8,000 words long. After much prayer, I submitted the manuscript six weeks later. Every word was written with the help of prayer and worship music (Israel & New Breed: Live From A Deeper Level).

B2W: Did you have any doubts or reservations about tackling such a touchy subject matter in a Christian novel?

WBC: My initial reservations about the subject matter stemmed from my desire not to write a painful story. I prefer to write romances with happy endings. It is my belief that any and all topics Christian face should be covered in a Christian novel. The challenge is not to stop at identifying the problem, but to show the reader how to overcome real-life struggles.

B2W: Choose three major characters from the story and introduce them to the Blessed2Write Blog readers.

WBC: The main characters are Pastor Bryce and First Lady Denise Hightower. They have been married for three years and shepherd what appears to be a healthy, growing congregation. On the surface, Bryce is the ideal husband and pastor. He’s anointed and he loves God. However, he has a secret addiction that has grown out of control and could destroy his marriage and his position as pastor.

Denise, a deacon’s daughter who grew up in the church. Under the tutelage of her mother, she plays the role of the “perfect” first lady until she accidentally discovers her husband’s secret. As a result, she is torn between doing what’s best for the church or what’s best for her. Feeling pressure from Bryce and the revealing of a family secret by her mother, Denise agrees to keep the quiet and help Bryce work through his issues.

Benny is a retired gardener who is anointed to stick his nose in other folks' business. He's pushy and tells it like it is. Although rough around the edges, he has a tender heart.

B2W: What kind of message do you hope readers will take from this story?

WBC: It is my prayer that readers will not only be entertained, but also ministered to. I hope readers will take a deep look within themselves and learn what drives them to perform counterproductive actions. I want all people to stop suffering in silence and seek God's help for deliverance.

B2W: What is the title of your 2010 novel and what kind of meaningful topics will you be addressing in that one.

WBC: Right Package, Wrong Baggage is scheduled for release July 2010. In this romance, readers will learn what happens when God sends a mate with the right packaging, but you can't handle the baggage.

B2W: Any advice for aspiring writers who hope to follow your path?

WBC: Before diving head-first into the vast ocean known as "the literary world," make sure this is the path God has ordained for you. Then learn as much as you can about the business.

Wanda B. Campbell currently resides in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and two sons. Purchase her novel by clicking on the Amazon link provided in the right banner of this interview. Once you've read Illusions, please feel free to email the author directly at wbcampbell@prodigy.net, and let her know your thoughts.

I Believe

I had so many "moments" yesterday as our 44th President of the United States officially took office that I didn't even try to keep count. When he won the election back in November of last year, I remember being speechless. It was one of those moments that needed no words...if there were any to describe it.

Yesterday, the moments were different. Still somewhat indescribable, but on a much different level. Yesterday made it all real, and my emotions varied from one minute to the next.

I clapped and gave my best round of barking (pumping my fist and all) when the name Barack H. Obama was called out over the loud speakers, and he made his grand entrance into the arena where the ceremony was to take place. I laughed as he took the Oath of Office, keeping his poise amidst the fumbled words that were given to him to repeat. I cheered after what I thought was a well-written, amazingly-delivered inaugural speech. I burst into unexplainable tears the first time President and First Lady Obama exited "The Beast" (the name given to the massive car they rode in during the motorcade to The White House) and walked for seven minutes down Pennsylvania Avenue waving and thanking their adoring supporters.

Call me a lover of fairy tales....or maybe it is the romance writer in me. I don't know. But in the mix of all of the wonderfully profound things that went on during the course of the day, my favorite moment of all was the Obamas' first dance during the Neighborhood Inaugural Ball. Every single one of the reactions and emotions that I had to all of the other happenings joined forces (yes...including the barking and fist pumping) and erupted from me during this two or three minute dance to Etta's James's "At Last" as performed by Beyonce'. It was a near-perfect ending to a near-perfect day of celebration.

When I see the Obamas, and when I see what they've accomplished, and when I see where they plan to take this country, and when I see WHO (God) is really in charge and know that He has all power in His hands....I can't help but hope and believe. I'm not making Obama an idol of any kind. I know Who reigns and sits on the throne. I don't expect things to change overnight, and I don't expect President Obama to make all the right choices. But I hold fast to the Word of God that says all things are possible if we just believe.

I believe....do you?

The King & I

I remember being in my early weeks as a senior in high school when then President Ronald Reagan, though reluctantly, signed a bill that created a holiday honoring the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In my Senior Memory Book commemorating my 1984 graduation, I wrote down that moment - the signing of the bill - as the most memorable day of my senior year.

There was a time in my life that I was beyond fascinated by Dr. King. Not just for what he'd done, but I was captivated by who he was...the man. As a child, I thought that he bore an odd, but distinct, resemblence to my dad. Both physically and otherwise. The relatively short statue, the calculated speech, the identical mustaches and similar lips, the title of "Reverend"...they all added up to make me feel like I had some strange personal connection with "the King." Maybe I did...maybe I still do...maybe we all do.

As a young writer, before I even knew I was a writer; some of my earliest poems were about Dr. King. His life. His ministry. His impact. His dream. In fact, it was a poem I wrote about him that won me my first literary award. I was honored with being named the winner of the citywide poetry contest in my then hometown of Valdosta, Georgia in 1992 for a poem I wrote simply entitled, Dr. Martin Luther King. I still have the $50.00 American Express savings bond that was the grand prize (smile). In a sense, it can be said that Dr. King and the impact of his legacy on my life played a pivotal role in the launch of my career as a writer. It would be a few years later before I would pick up a pen to write an actual novel, but the foundation had been laid.

So today...on this Martin Luther King Day of 2009, I salute a man who I never knew. A man I never had the priviledge to meet. A man who died at the young age of thirty-nine, yet lived a life that was fuller and more accomplishing than many men who live to be twice as old. A man whose existence impacted the lives of many little girls just like me, who were barely learning to walk and talk as he was being laid to rest. Today, I celebrate and thank God for the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Words from a Mother's Heart

I recall the day I became a national bestselling author. It was September 2005, and the book that marked that monumental moment for me was Crossing Jhordan's River (Moody Publishers/Lift Every Voice imprint), my third novel. Since that time, God has truly shown me much favor. Between then and now, six more of my titles have graced the Essence magazine's Best Selling Books list, making me a 7-time national bestseller. It's an humbling honor that I don't take for granted.

The first time I made "the list," I can remember thinking that it would be incredibly difficult for any happening in my literary life to measure up to that moment. I've been immeasureably grateful and elated every time I've made the list, but there has always been something about that first time that made it more special and more memorable than all the others. That moment - the moment Crossing Jhordan's River made the list - had never been rivaled...until now.

Today, my heart is overwhelmed. Thanks to the sales of her novel, Testing Relationships (Urban Books/Urban Christian imprint), my daughter, Brittney Holmes, made the list (see Essence magazine's February 2009 issue). And I found myself overjoyed beyond belief. Far more so than I was when I saw my name etched among the elite four years ago. Today I laughed louder, cried harder, and celebrated longer than I ever did for myself. My baby made the list! It was a prayer answered, and I took joy in calling her in her dorm on the campus of University of Georgia to inform her of the honor. While she released gleeful screams, I cried some more. The same glee motivated my tears.

It sounds so cliche' at times when we hear it said that parents want their children to be even more blessed than they, or to obtain greater achievements than they did. But what I felt today brought so much validation to that age-old adage. I was 38 when I became a national bestselling author. Brittney is 19. It was my third book. It's her second. She's on track to achieve above and beyond what her mother achieves, and I don't think I could be happier or prouder if I'd tried.

Congratulations, sweetie!

From a mother's heart......