2020 #118-UP CLOSE & PERSONAL W/ AUTHOR Smook Thomas

Marterricus "Smook" Thomas is from Quincy, FL., and he is a fervent of honor, loyalty, leadership and excellence. He is the author of "Winners Adjust - The Matt Fisher Story" which is an inspirational book about a character named Matt Fisher, who had to make adjustments to overcome trials and tribulations throughout his life. It is a fictional book and it is based on a true story. Marterricus "Smook" Thomas is a former All-American football player that played wide receiver at Missouri University of Science & Technology. He graduated from Missouri University of Science & Technology with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business & Management Systems with a Minor in Communications. He is very passionate about sports and helping individuals reach their full potential. He is currently the Executive Director at AMIkids Gainesville where he works with at-risk youth to mold them into productive citizens.

Facebook: Smook Thomas

Instagram: ybg_smookthomas

LinkedIn: Marterricus Thomas

Email: marterricus@hotmail.com

 

2020 #117-UP CLOSE & PERSONAL W/ AUTHOR Casey Bell

Proud Uncle Casey Bell has authored books in multi-genre including: Young Adult, General Fiction, Non-Fiction, Horror, Poetry, and Children’s. He enjoys sharing stories, ideas, and art that cause people to think beyond the box. Not only an author, but also a playwright. Casey’s Bell’s plays “Maria’s Troupe” and “Cry” both received a play reading, and his Children’s Theater play, “The Day the Rainbow Broke Up,” was produced in 2017 and 2019 by The Strollers Community Theater Company located in Maplewood, NJ. He is also a published songwriter and an A.S.C.A.P. member. He has recently produced a dramatic short film and a dramatic short series on his new YouTube channel. Lastly, he is a contributor writer for theatreartlife.com.  Outside of writing he is also a graphic designer/artist, fine artist, and fashion designer. 

Casey Bell

Phone: 609-879-9631

Fax: 215-273-0971

caseysamuelbell@gmail.com

http://www.caseysamuelbell.com/

https://www.authorcaseybell.com/

https://www.readywritercsb.com/

 

2020 #116-UP CLOSE & PERSONAL W/ AUTHOR Khaalida G

You can follow me on 

FB: DrEgypt Grandison

IG: dr._zetachic12

Twitter: dr._zetachic12

You can purchase my Novelettes on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Books-Khaalida-G/s?rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3AKhaalida+G

 

2020 #115-UP CLOSE & PERSONAL W/ AUTHOR Caleb Harris

 Caleb Harris is an author, filmmaker, and blogger who currently resides in Enfield, Connecticut. He's best known for his recent story, BETTER LUCK NEXT TIME DARRELL and his popular documentary, HELP US. He also writes non-fiction, on subjects ranging from personal development to self-care tips on his blog Unpopular Opinions. When Caleb isn't writing he enjoys long walks in the woods and a good game of basketball.

Suffering in Silence; August 15th, 2003: https://rb.gy/nceggj

Follow Caleb Harris

Facebook: Caleb Harris

Instagram: calebhatescake

Email: caleb21294@aol.com

Blog: https://unpopularopinionsdots.com

Website: linktr.ee/charr8

 

2020 #114-UP CLOSE & PERSONAL W/ AUTHOR LaShone Grimes

LaShone Grimes is a native of Savannah, Georgia. She attended Armstrong State University and received a Bachelor of Science in Early Elementary Education. After teaching in the Chatham County Public School System for seven years, she also received a Masters in Public Administration Degree from Savannah State University. After her teaching career, she pursued a position as the Executive Director of Urban Hope, Inc which was a non – profit organization that provided after school program services for elementary, middle, and high school students. During this position, she collaborated with churches and schools to provide adequate tutoring and mentoring services for students.

LaShone became the First Lady of Maranatha Church International in 2010. Pastor Wayne Grimes and LaShone are diligently fulfilling the divine purpose of their lives by teaching others how to follow the plan that God has for your life. The vision at Maranatha is to “build faith, embrace, elevate, transform, and equip lives from the inside out to further the Kingdom of God”.

Additionally, she is passionate about building self – esteem and courage in girls/women each day of her life. As a mother of three extraordinary daughters, her mission is to help young ladies to recognize that true beauty radiates from within. She is the creator and the facilitator of “More Than a Pretty Face” workshops and empowerment sessions for young ladies in the city of Savannah.

Currently, she is now an author who has written a new empowerment book entitled, “More Than a Pretty Face: Empowering Women to Love and Value Their Inner Beauty”. It ignites a passion within young women to pursue their dreams, gives practical keys on goal setting, and helps individuals gain insight on how to maintain their self – confidence. Her belief is that we are created to be “more than pretty faces” but strong vessels of courage, determination, perseverance, and self – confidence.

She has been married to Wayne Grimes for thirty years and is the proud mother of three amazing daughters. She also has three precious grandchildren. Additionally, she is an active member of the Hilton Head (SC) Chapter of the Links, Incorporated. During her spare time, she enjoys traveling, reading, Zumba, and spending time with family. 

 

2020 #113- UP CLOSE & PERSONAL W/ AUTHOR Sapphire a.k.a. (Yvonne Dunlap)

Born and raised in Fort Meade, Florida, Sapphire a.k.a. Yvonne Dunlap is a mother of two young adults. She is a Management Analyst, with an extensive medical background, who fell in love with writing at an incredibly young age and never recovered. Writing her life story has always been on her bucket list and finally, it’s a reality! Today she is pursuing her dream of being a published author. She is also starring in a movie series called “Ascension”, written, and produced by Todd B. Hepburn (King T Studios), while also working a 9 to 5.  When not working on promoting the next best seller, Yvonne enjoys spending time with her daughters, car rides (where she is not driving), and most importantly relaxing to keep her mind clear.

FACEBOOK:  www.facebook.com/theOriginal1stLady

INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/OriginalMsVonne/

TWITTER:  https://twitter.com/OriginalMsVonne

TO ORDER YOUR COPY CLICK BELOW:

https://dunlap7.godaddysites.com/

2020 #112-UP CLOSE & PERSONAL W/ AUTHOR Sultana Sams

Sultana Sams has loved reading books since she was a toddler. Always wanting to write but scared, she finally finished her first novel in 2015. Though she started with a small publisher, she decided to go independent. So far she has written 10 books. 2 of those 10 are novellas (shorter than novels). All of her books have a message to them. She is also an Accountant who offers bookkeeping and tax preparation services.

follow me on facebook: 

https://www.facebook.com/authoresssultana.sams

www.facebook.com/sultana.sams

You can purchase all of my books on Amazon

www.amazon.com/author/sultanasams

 

2020 #111-UP CLOSE & PERSONAL W/ AUTHOR Telecia Stanton

Telecia Stanton is the Founder of Dreamz2Success Movement, Inc., a non-profit organization

that unites with the community through businesses, churches, schools, and families to help foster

the development of character, life skills, and equip our youth to be leaders. From a young age,

Telecia has helped people and ensured they receive adequate resources for success.  As a mentor,

she focuses on scaling down the walls of social disparities and determining solutions.  Ms.

Stanton realized that our youth continue to struggle from pre-teen years to young adulthood. She

recognized that children ages 13-19 need significant guidance in understanding their purposes

and passions in life. Ms. Stanton is a United States Army Veteran who overcame many

challenges in her personal and professional life. She holds a Master of Science in Business

Administration, a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management, and an Associate of

Science.

Teleciastanton@dreamz2success.org

Telecia.stanton@gmail.com

313-409-5216

Teleciastanton@dreamz2success.org

Telecia.stanton@gmail.com

313-409-5216

 

2020 #110-UP CLOSE & PERSONAL W/ AUTHOR Cassidy A Lee

Business Name  Cassidy A. Lee, LLC

Website address  www.cassidyalee.com

Autobiography

                My name is Cassidy A. Lee, and I am an educator, librarian, freelancer, but most importantly a worker in the kingdom of God. 

 

                My writing ministry grew from a desire to strengthen and encourage others. I began my first blog, “Cross View,” in 2009 to reach my readership. In July 2020, I released my first book, Finding Peace During the Healing Process: A 21-Day Devotional, as an eBook on Amazon. I plan to follow it with print and audiobook versions soon. Amongst my other offerings are products, such as t-shirts and greeting cards, in my ecommerce shop: www.cassidyalee.com/shop.

 

                I provide book coaching services to new authors. My goal through my book coaching course is to coach writers, especially new authors, through the writing, editing, and publishing processes. In the near future, I will host writing and consulting workshops to mentor creatives who are aspiring to publish their works.

                Developing a fondness for teaching while serving my community through diverse volunteer programs, I have worked in the field of education in various capacities for 14 years. Previously, I served on leadership teams and oversaw school-wide writing and literacy programs on multiple occasions at several schools' sites for over five years. I serve in youth and children's ministries by teaching a class of 2nd graders and leading a small group/Bible study for young ladies. I was also a part of East Baton Rouge Parish School System’s first cohort of technology integration learning leaders and served as the director of a specialty resource library for educators for two years.

                My educational background includes: A Master of Science in Library and Information Studies from Florida State University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Liberal Arts from Southern University and A&M College. I hold certifications in 6th-12th grade English, language arts, and reading as well as library media. Currently, I am a doctoral student studying curriculum and instruction through the University of South Carolina’s distance education program.

 

I hope my dedication will continue to meet the growing needs of educators and students.

Business Tags

Cassidy A Lee, Writer, Writerslife, Healing, Encouragement, Restoration, Christian Contemporary Author, Fantasy Author, Sci-Fi Author, Young Adult Fiction, Book Coaching, Writing Workshops, Editing, Consulting, Education, Freelance, Creative, Mentorship

Business Taglines

Pursuing Self Efficacy; Self-proclaimed Jill of all trades and a master of a few

Email Contact Information

Cassidy’s available for motivational speaking, freelance editing, book coaching, consulting, and writing workshops. You can reach Cassidy at consultantcassidy@gmail.com

 

 

2020 #109-UP CLOSE & PERSONAL W/ AUTHOR KENYATA GARNER

                                                             I started writing when I lived overseas in Europe. I was 11 years old and I really just loved telling stories during "Show and tell." I know sounds crazy but I literally wrote short stories for every show and tell. My teacher Mr. Fitzgerald thought it would be good for me to expand my skills so I joined the young authors club. That's when I wrote my very first book. From there I've been writing and creating ever since. For me its how I create, how I contribute to the world. Through writing, music, art. I love all things creative.

                                                                    The topic of this book: Birds Don’t Swim In The Winter, was important to me because I see so many kids, teenagers struggling with life and they all have so many stories to tell. Some good, some bad. I've also seen so many people quieted or told to sit down and shut up. Their stories forever lost to the weight of their families, society, friends, and even jobs. Its hard. I struggled a lot during my teen years with depression and so forth so it was important for me to give a voice to not only the main character but the other main characters struggling with their own demons. My book deals with a plethora of emotions and situations that I wholeheartedly feel we need to talk about. As a black woman, I was always told "What goes on in this house, stays in this house." I've also fell victim to when bad things happen, and you're forced to watch the person get away with it for the sake of saving "our black men." When in reality, it should never be about that. Not to give the book away but it deals with a lot.

It shows the strength and power in friendship as well as when friendships fall apart. It shows the power one has if they simply choose to push on and push past their own limits to make it to the other side. Not everything will turn out the way you want it, and sometimes it doesn't need to. You can push and push and push even past your own negative traits to find a better you waiting on the other side.

The synopsis and the book trailer are both on my website at

Www.kenyatagarner.com

 

2020 #108-UP CLOSE & PERSONAL W/ AUTHOR Derrick Anderson Lewis

Derrick Anderson Lewis was on November 14, 1988 in  Louisville, Kentucky to his hard-working and single mother 

 Ms. Carmen Rochelle Lewis. Due to his father’s absence he assumed the role of man of the house at an early age. Because his dad was sentenced to prison 4 months before he was born, and because of that he took it upon himself to be there for his mother and his precious baby sister Gabby who was six years younger than him. He helped raise her and looked after like she was his own, and he credits this experience for helping shape him into the father that he is today.  Now he had just 6 when his sister was born and that  Were his doctors had discovered the he had epilepsy, for which   some he felt could have taken his life at any given time. And  between the ages of 6 to 15 he had at least 2 or 3 every year or so to the point where they were happening so frequently 

  that his mother had to quit working just to watch him.   Because everyone was afraid to watch him due to their fear of not knowing how to handle him once he went into one. However, after years of being teased and tortured by his 

Classmates he turned to poetry to help him escape from the cruel treatment he suffered in his youth. From being made fun of because is condition and slow speech, having a phone book  thrown at his head, being dangled off his middle school banister, to having his head piledriven into the concrete floor in his class etc. But Mr. Lewis is resilient to say the least and doesn’t let nothing or nobody stop him, nor does he use his  condition as a crutch but to use his testimony to encourage others. That’s why he’s hesitant to tell anybody what he has, because he doesn’t want no one to treat him  different. As he now is a successful author of two books, a single father of adorable six-year little girl, who he has had the custody of since 2017, and continues to be a loving son and brother. So, as he says “don’t feel bad for me because God brought him through, because it’s all proven”..............

 

2020 #107-UP CLOSE & PERSONAL W/ AUTHOR Joe N. Freeman Jr.

        Joe N. Freeman Jr. is a proud member of Xi Chi Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. by way of Zeta Chapter. He is also Black Enterprise Modern Man of 2018 (https://www.blackenterprise.com/modern-man-author-joe-freeman/), http://voyageatl.com/interview/meet-fnf-dynamics-freeman-dynamics-buckhead/ teacher of the year 2017-18 for Atlanta Public Schools, one of the most engaging and authentic people you will ever meet, on the subject of youth empowerment. Joe Freeman is the children’s book author of “The Adventures of BG: “The Importance of Positive Self-Esteem, Friendship at its Best and Lucky Enough to see the World Differently.” The Adventures of BG “The Importance of Self-Esteem” follows BG a young and awkward nine year old African American Boy who knows little about this new town his parents have just relocated to, right outside of the Everglades. Will BG ever makes friends in this new and tropical town?

    The Adventures of BG “Friendship at its Best” follows BG and Big L as they both struggle to make sense of their quickly changing world. The children embark on a journey of healing and acceptance as they come to realize that one of their friends will forever be changed. Children may struggle with the uncertainty and inevitable change that occurs when a chronic illness affects someone they know, whether it’s a family member, a friend, or a beloved teacher. Parents, grandparents, teachers, and social workers will find this book a frank but gentle tool for teaching inquiring minds and comforting tender hearts.  His new book soon to be released “Lucky Enough to see the World Differently” follows a young man by the name of Truesdale, who in the eyes of others was different and outcast. Truesdale’s exceptional intellect and ability to pay attention to detail, allows him to teach BG and his friends to never judge a book by its cover and to treat everyone equally. The desire to write “The Adventures of BG Series” came from Joe’s own experiences as a young father, husband and as a teacher. Being a dedicated and determine teacher in Atlanta Public Schools for over a decade, left him wanting to do more for our youth. It was at that point that Joe co-founded FNF Dynamics’ L.L.C., and The Adventures of BG Scholarship. These programs were designed to challenge, inspire, and motivate children of various ages, while strongly advocating the need to understand and advance the maturity of students through the development of age-appropriate curricula.

    This passion to motivate and empower youth stems from his own reflection and the impact he had on students of all ages. As a teacher at a high performing school, he often looked around at the trappings that came with the big name and wondered why he always felt like he could be doing more. After much reflection, he set off on a new path as an advocate for all youth. Joe is fully engaged in his quest to getting his message out about the power of positive self-esteem and youth empowerment, at work and social settings. You can find his websites at Theadventuresofbg.com & fnfdynamics.com.   

 PRE-ORDER THE ADVENTURES OF BG #3

 

Here is the full cover to my upcoming third issue in The Adventures of BG series, alongside the poster incorporated into the design! Lucky Enough to see the World Differently. Time has passed since the crew has been on their last adventure. Will Truesdale exceptional intellect be enough to save BG? And his new friends? 

Most importantly, will they live to tell about their new adventure? All of these questions and more will be revealed in the long awaited sequel to my best-selling children’s book series! Featuring art by Lameek Wilson. You’re probably one of the many that have been patiently waiting on the next adventure, especially after the devastating news about Big L in Friendship at its Best (book #2). With your help I can fully fund my third book with your PRE-ORDERS! A portion of the proceeds from the sales of my books continue my philanthropic effort to support grassroots organizations around the country, along with The Adventures of BG Scholarship. Please share this post!

I also still have more FREE GIFTS The Adventures of BG coloring sheet! It’s available to download. All you need is a printer, paper, and crayons. Post photos of your artwork and tag me on social media! Please share your post.

Visit my website and social media sites today: www.theadventuresofbg.com

Instagram:@adventuresofbgbooks                www.venmo.com/Joe-Freeman-9

           Facebook: @joefreeman                                  Paypal: @TheAdventuresofBG

Linkedin: @joefreeman                                    Cash app: $adventureofbg

Twitter: @jofreeman

 

 

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