Mylow Young Virtual Book Tour-Against the Gates of Hell

Interview with author Mylow Young  by Linda Fegins

What inspired you to write Against the Gates of Hell book?

I was inspired to write this book because in the beginning I thought there was no hope for me. After going through rehab and discovering who I am in Christ and how God didn’t condemn me, that He loved me through and in an in spite of my addiction, I began to see that there was in fact hope! The Lord spoke to my heart about the hopelessness I had experienced and that there are countless, precious people that Jesus died for who are still living in that hopelessness. I wanted them to see, experience and live the same hope and freedom I have found! “That” was my inspiration!

Who are your favorite authors and why?

Believe it or not I am not an avid reader… not at all. But over the years there is one who really speaks to my heart and I see him as someone who really got to know the heart of the Father and that is Watchman Nee. He speaks always of the spirit in man/woman and how God wants so much to break through our outer man to get to the “innermost” man… our spirit… where we can really hear God speak!

As a black Christian male author do you believe you added a different perspective for your readers than other authors? Tell us why you were able to do that?

Yes, I think I bring to the table a sense of raw deal, the “real” deal… no sugar added! There are others who have a whole lot to say also, but I feel that with the gift that God has given me, I bring you “into” the story where you can live in it as I share it with you. I want to bring the story of addiction… particularly… to the forefront from the perspective of the addict. Not in a feel “sorry for me” way but in a way that would give the reader, the family members and friend an up close look at what their loved one is or has been dealing with as well as getting the addict/former addict to see what he has or is putting his loved ones through.  

About the Author

MYLOW YOUNG is a native of Philadelphia and has struggled with drug addiction for more than half of his life. After several stays at Bethel Colony of Mercy and even serving in that same ministry, consistency in his life was not to be found. After totally surrendering his life to Jesus Christ and discovering his identity in Christ, he has found newness of life. Mylow and his wife Sondra attend The Connection of Statesville Church where Mylow serves as a Deacon. Mylow is available for speaking engagements at your church, youth group, Sunday school service or recovery group and can be contacted at gaitsofhell1@gmail.com.

MYLOW YOUNG is a graduate of University City High School in Philadelphia and attended the Basic Bible Institute of Pennsylvania. He is a licensed minister and deacon at the Connection Church in Statesville, N.C. where he currently resides with his wife Sondra. For more information visit: mylowyoung.com.

 

About the Book

He had always looked down on those who partook and pedaled drugs which claimed the lives of many in the streets.  Now Kerby Wilson finds himself held captive by his own pride and going down a very desperate path of his own.  Distraught over the death of his parents and, the murder of a fellow police officer, Kerby alienates those closest to him, pushing them away—his wife, brother, police force buddies and old friends. As the bottom falls out of his life and darkness consumes his soul, his life is spent seeking an elusive state of peace.

Junior, Kerby’s identical twin brother is angry with Kerby for turning on his family, friends, and the police force and for going down this destructive path. As his heart hardens and he is caught up in his own battle of resentment and bitterness, he tries to shut Kerby out. But Rene, his God-fearing wife won’t allow that to happen. Instead she continually appeals to his conscience, reminding him of God’s unfailing love and Kerby’s need for his help.

After Kerby’s latest antics, Junior and the rest of their family and friends are challenged to push past their struggles with Kerby’s addiction to help him.  Will Kerby accept the help of his family and friends? Will he stop running and turn to the only one who can save him and give him the power to stand against the gates of hell?

 

Purchase the Book Online at:

Amazon.com

BarnesandNoble.com

 

BOOK TRAILER

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40d_A4dJv_o 

 

View the blog tour schedule at: 

http://www.tywebbin.com/blog-tours/authors-on-tour/2012-tours/

 

National Day of Prayer May 3, 2012 by Linda Fegins

Today, May 3, 2012, is the 61st annual National Day of Prayer(NDP). Millions will unite in prayer at thousands of events from coast to coast. This year’s theme, One Nation Under God, is based on Psalm 33:12: “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” 

 The  NDP emphasizes prayer for America and its leadership in the seven centers of power: Government, Military, Media, Business, Education, Church and Family (I Timothy 2:1-6). Pray for each of the areas .For guidance in how to pray for these areas see http://ladyofprayer.com/national-day-of-prayer-god-is-our-refuge-psalm-912

President Obama has recognized the importance the role prayer has played in shaping the nation and its leaders. In discussing the  National Day of Prayer last year in 2011, President Obama proclaimed:

“Let us be thankful for the liberty that allows people of all faiths to worship or not worship according to the dictates of their conscience, and let us be thankful for the many other freedoms and blessings that we often take for granted.

“I invite all citizens of our Nation, as their own faith or conscience directs them, to join me in giving thanks for the many blessings we enjoy, and I ask all people of faith to join me in asking God for guidance, mercy and protection for our Nation.”

Let us continue to pray for our nation in prayer gatherings and in our homes. God throughout His Word tells us to pray that He may heal our land. 2 Chronicles 7:14.

Legal and  attacks have been raised seeking the demise of this nation recognizing a National Day of Prayer. Last year was a significant milestone as on April 14, 2011 the 7th U. S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected a lawsuit that challenged the National Day of Prayer (NDP) as unconstitutional. The court overturned the April 2010 ruling by U.S. District Judge Barbara Crabb, for the Western District of Wisconsin, that NDP violates the Establishment Clause of the United States Constitution. Two groups that represent a large percentage of atheists, the American Humanist Association and the Secular Coalition of America, seek to combat the National Day of Prayer by promoting the “National Day of Reason, which is held on the first Thursday of May each year, the same day  the National Day of Prayer is recognized. Rep. Pete Stark, a California Democrat, has sponsored a proclamation on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives giving his support to the cause and as an alternative for atheist Americans to celebrate “reason,” as opposed to prayer.

Tyora Moody Virtual Book Tour

Meet Tyora Moody, author of When Rain Falls

Tyora Moody’s debut novel, When Rain Falls, is the first book in the Victory Gospel series. She owns and operates Tywebbin.com, a design and marketing company. Her company’s niche is assisting authors with branding and developing an online presence. Tyora served as a judge for the Christy Awards for three years. She is a member of Sisters in Crime and American Christian Fiction Writers. Tyora resides in South Carolina. Visit her online at http://www.tyoramoody.com.

Tyora, what inspired you to write?

What inspires me to write? Well, I can remember writing short stories in high school and college, but it seemed to be something I grew out of mainly because I started to pursue more of my love for design.  The desire to birth a story returned in 2006. With my surprise, this became more than a short story but a novel. LOL!  

What inspired you to When Rain Falls and to select this particular theme?

I love to journal. I don’t do use my journal as much anymore, but I do keep notebooks around when I want to map out ideas or plot a scene. In 2006, while writing in my journal these characters popped into my head.  I was seeking new direction at the beginning of the year. Just really burned out and wanting something new to pursue creatively. God answered my prayer in the form of a developing story.

Well, once I got a small glimpse of this little girl in the back of a police car, I wanted to know more. What formed was a story of grief and loss surrounding a woman named Candace Johnson. Candace’s story is one of three stories in a series.

When Rain Falls is the first book in the Victory Gospel Series. The series introduces three women whose pasts insist on walking beside them like a maddening visitor, unwilling to depart. Through a series of twists and life-altering experiences, these women learn victory over pain truly only comes in developing a deep trust in God. I’m looking forward to having readers grow with me and the characters.

What advice would you give a writer about the business side of writing ?

Perseverance and patience are key elements. Whether you want to be signed with a traditional publisher or self-publish, this is not an easy journey. First, you have to be willing to put your manuscript through many types of edits so that the story really shines and attracts readers. Next, is the part that most authors don’t like, marketing. You have to be willing to stretch yourself so that readers are even aware of your book. You almost, well not almost, you are an entrepreneur. I was already an entrepreneur prior to becoming an author so I understood the need for a marketing plan. Book promotion is a business that most authors have to learn.

What advice would you give a writer about the process of writing?

Take your time and discover what works for you. I started out like most writers by writing what came to me. That didn’t work out to well for me. A few author friends described to me how they used outlines. With my analytical brain, an outline was the best thing for my writing process especially since I write mysteries. I spend quite a bit of time researching and developing an outline. After I start writing the scenes, sometimes I will see visually how one scenes works better earlier or later in the timeline, so I just adjust my outline.

About the Book

http://youtu.be/j3OV19T9Cx8

“Why does God keep taking away the people I love?” This is the lamentation of widow CANDACE JOHNSON when her best friend is brutally murdered. Ensnared by a deep-rooted bitterness, seeping her faith day by day, Candace is determined to seek justice.

Detective Darnell Jackson is in need of clues fast. The police captain is coming down hard on him and his partner to find out who murdered Pamela Coleman, the daughter of a high profile judge. Darnell confers with Candace to get the inside track on events leading up to the murder. As the investigation heats up, his growing attraction for Candace plays havoc on Darnell’s judgment.

Little does she know, Candace’s quest to find the truth has led her straight to the killer. She’s already lost loved ones. Now Candace must choose to completely trust God with her own life.

Book Review by Linda Fegins

When Rain Falls by Tyora Moody is a great who dunnit with an interesting plot and crossover appeal for readers, who do not normally read Christian fiction. This well written suspense ,with its twist and turns ,held my interest until the last page.

 Ever question God about occurrences in your life?  Some Christians may believe that you shouldn’t question God. But Candace Johnson, whose faith has grown weak in response to what she has suffered, poses the “Why God” question after tragedy strikes in her life when her dear best friend Pamela Coleman, a criminal attorney, is murdered. Pamela is the daughter of a high profile judge. Her death comes while Candace is still recovering from the heartache and tragedy of the murder of her police officer husband. As a child Candace was traumatized by the death of her mother due to domestic violence.

This romantic mystery addresses issues of loss and grief which we all have experienced.  We observe Candace gain victory over her struggle with doubt, fear and bitterness to find love, family and a deep trust in God while she is determined to find justice.

Detective Darnell Jackson needs to find clues to the killer. The police captain is expecting the Detective and his partner to find out who murdered Coleman. Candace is bent upon doing some investigation on her own. As the investigation heats up, there is a growing attraction for each other that could complicate matters. This suspense novel, with its host of realistic characters, made it hard for me to put it down because I wanted to know who the killer was.  This is the first time I missed all the clues. This was not a predictable who “dunnit”.  I look foward to reading more from this author in the Victory Gospel Series.

When Rain Falls Books Galore Giveaway

Virtual Book Tour – March 5 – 30, 2012

It’s raining books!

From March 5-30, 2012, a winner will be chosen each week  to receive a gift pack from Tyora Moody.  There will be four (4) chances to win an autographed copy of When Rain Falls by Tyora Moody. The winner will also be eligible to win the following books during the week they are offered. The winner may choose the paperback or ebook version (except in the last week which is all ebooks).

Week 1  - March 5-9, 2012
What Kind of Fool by Rhonda McKnight
One Way or Another by Rhonda Bowen

Week 2  - March 12-16, 2012
A Good Excuse to Be Bad by Miranda Parker
Broken by Patricia Haley

Week 3  - March 19-23, 2012
Coming Home by Stacy Hawkins Adams
Stepping Into the Good Life by Tia McCollors

Week 4  - March 26-30, 2012 
Kayla’s Redemption by Wanda B.Campbell (ebook only)
The Playboy’s Redemption by Vanessa Miller (ebook only)
True Beauty by Shelia Lipsey (ebook only)

What do you need to do to win? 

Simply answer the following question in the comments area of this blog post and REMEMBER to include your email address.

Have you ever asked a similar question to what Candace has asked. “Why does God keep taking away the people I love?”  What was your why and what were your reasons for asking? 

If not, how can you encourage someone who has experienced loss without sounding cliche? Remember loss can come in various forms (death, divorce, broken relationship, unemployment, etc.)

 To qualify, please respond with a thoughtful answer.

DISCLAIMER: Drawings void where prohibited; open only to U.S. residents; the odds of winning depend upon the number of participants. See full disclaimer at http://tywebbinvirtualevents.com/contest-rules/

Celebrate Women in Leadership Series with Dawn McCoy

Reblogged from Faygo's Report:

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During the month of March 2010, Dawn McCoy, author of Leadership Building Blocks will highlight great women in leadership during Women’s History Month. Linda: Thank you for allowing me to be a guest blogger today at Faygo’s Report. Today, in the Celebrate Women in Leadership series, I want to highlight Doris Pilkington Garimara.

The story of Doris Pilkington Garimara is amazing!

Read more… 571 more words

The Morgan Love Series – A+ Attitude by Stephanie Perry Moore

About the Book    

The Morgan Love Series is a chapter book series written for girls, 7 – 9 years old. The series provides moral lessons that will aid in character development. It will also help young girls develop their vocabulary, English and math skills as they read through the stories and complete the entertaining and educational exercises provided at the end of each chapter and in the back of the book.

 A+ Attitude

Morgan is sad and mad at the world because things are not going the way she wants. Why does my daddy have to leave again to save the country? Why do I have to go live with mommy and her new husband? Why does my mommy have to have a new baby? Why do I have to go to a new school? Why do I have to make new friends? Why? Why? Why? 

If Morgan got a grade for her attitude and her actions it would be an F. But after her mommy gets really sick and Morgan thinks her mommy is going to die she starts to feel bad about her attitude and realizes how mean she’s been to almost everybody. Though she is having a hard time adjusting to all the new things in her life, especially her new baby brother and stepdad, Derek, Morgan makes up her mind that no matter what is going on, she is going to have an A+ attitude

 Interview with Stephanie Perry Moore

How did you come up with ideas for this book?

I came up with the character Morgan Love because I spend time speaking to elementary students and I found that if they believe in themselves and have a great attitude they are more successful. Thus, I developed a character to teach them that very thing.

How did you come up with ideas for this book?

I came up with the character Morgan Love because I spend time speaking to elementary students and I found that if they believe in themselves and have a great attitude they are more successful. Thus, I developed a character to teach them that very thing.

Who are your main character(s)?

Miss Morgan Love is the main character and she is spunky, yet sweet. She learns that you have to speak up for what is right. Stand for those need help. And that you have to be grateful for your blessings. She is a charming character that parents would like their child to read about.

Did you have a favorite character(s)? Who and why?

Morgan is my favorite character in this series because she learns to grow better with each tough experience. Every reader can learn something from her sweet character.

Did you have to do quite a bit of research for this book?

Yes, I spent time in elementary schools and teachers helped me make sure my state standards were accurate. Also, church youth leaders helped me get biblical stories that resonate well with this age group.

What do you hope readers will learn/discover from reading A+Attitude?

The Morgan Love series is comprised of five YA titles to entertain, encourage, and educate youngsters. The first title is A+ Attitude. I hope this title will bless young readers as it is important to teach them about having a great attitude no matter what life brings. It also has forty-nine bolded face words, cross word puzzles and workbook pages that are targeted for 2nd and 3rd graders.

About the Author

STEPHANIE PERRY MOORE is the president of Soul Publishing, Inc. a company geared toward expanding the African American presence in the Christian publishing world. She also  is the author of many Young Adult Christian fiction titles, including the Payton Skky series, the Laurel Shadrach series, the Perry Skky Jr. series, the Faith Thomas Novelzine series, the Carmen Browne series, and the Beta Gamma Pi series. She is also the co-editor for the impactful BibleZine, REAL. Mrs. Moore speaks with young people across the country, showing them how they can live life fully and do it God’s way. Stephanie currently lives in the greater Atlanta area with her husband, Derrick, a former NFL player and author, and their three children.

Book Review

A plus Attitude by Stephanie Perry Moore is a charming book for 7-9 year old girls who will love Morgan Love an active, delightful, spunky and smart young girl. The story stresses the importance of having a positive attitude even when one is disappointed about the circumstances an 8 or 9 year old might face such as divorce, a step- father, a new brother or sister or attending a new school. This story and series is highly recommended as it provides moral lessons that will aid in character development, but engages the concerns and interests of young girls without seeming to be an “educational book”. The educational and entertaining exercises after each chapter help develop vocabulary, English and math skills and will engage the young readers.

Visit her website at http://www.stephanieperrymoore.com/

Book Trailer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3NFDmscA0c&feature=colike

Marlene Banks Virtual Book Tour- Ruth’s Redemption

How did you start out your writing   career?

I’ve written for fun since childhood; very early before I could even write cursive. I printed out little stories. I only took writing serious about fifteen years ago. That’s when I started pursuing it as something I wanted to do professionally. So I wrote and wrote and wrote some more. Stories spilled out of me like water. I knew then it’s was GOD’s will for me to write. After I got saved it became something I did more often. Then after I got Baptized it really took off. I was not formally trained so I learned as I went and am still learning.

What inspired you to write a   historical piece?

I love writing romance and I’m a very lightweight history buff. As I get older I find my interest in past events growing. A marriage of the two genres seemed like a perfect match and a new area for me too stretch my writing ability. This is my first Historical Romance.

What was your most difficult scene to   write?

With a slave era story there are many difficult scenes emotionally but two difficult scenes to craft technically and emotionally were Ruth’s first encounter with Jasper in the barn and Mara’s attack by the slave catcher. As an African American female those kind of scenarios assaulted my sensibilities on all fronts. It was taxing and draining just to write so I can only imagine what it would be like to actually experience it. Much of the raw emotion and description in the original manuscript was edited out. I tried to do it tastefully but keep the real horror of the situation out front. It was a tough job to balance the trauma and vulgar violence with delicate wording.

Can you give us one do and one don’t   for those aspiring to be a writer?  

Do keep writing because practice makes perfect…or at the least you get a whole lot better. Write, write and write some more. 

Don’t give up because  you get rejected over and over. Hang in there.

Which character did you have the most   fun writing about? 

Naomi, she was a lot of older sisters I knew and loved in my own life rolled up into one character. She was full of love, wisdom and common sense. She was Godly and strong. She was also outspoken, meddlesome and sassy.

Have you had a “Wow” moment since you have   been an author? What made it a “Wow” moment for you?  

My “Wow” moment was getting my first contract from Lift Every Voice Books/Moody. I was stunned and thrilled and “Wow was just the feeling I had. I couldn’t believe it that after years of trying it had actually happened. All I could think and say was “Wow! Thank you, Jesus!”

What did you hope to accomplish with   this book?

Tell an engaging and thought provoking story that showed the power of GOD in everyday living and the desperation that fueled slave revolts. Show the human side of events that historical accounts my not consider and give a good romantic fix to romance lovers.

What’s playing on your CD while you’re writing?

Nothing, I write in total quiet so the story come alive in my head without distraction as much s possible. Occasionally I play some music relevant to a story if I need it to help me get into the mood.

If you had the opportunity to talk with three writers, who would you choose and why?

Alex Haley because I thought Roots was Phenomenal. It’s one of my favorite stories and movie. I actually met him in college after he wrote the book but a few years prior to the movie release. If he were alive I’d like a redo. 

Francine Rivers because she is one of my favorite Christian writers.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle because I absolutely adore Sherlock Holmes stories. He created a timeless character that still fascinates. 

What was the best advice you’d ever gotten about the publishing industry? The worst?

Get thick skinned if you want to be a writer is the best advice. Everybody’s a critic. 

Don’t write Christian fiction and African American relevant novels was the worst.

What is something readers would be surprised you do?

Once I get into a story I can write twelve to sixteen hours a day non stop if given the time.

What are your favorite resources on  the net.

I have no favorites. I goggle and whatever comes up I check it out. There are so many out there now and new ones popping up all the time.

About the Book       

Set in the 1800s, Ruth’s Redemption, depicts slave life in the south.  Bo, the main character who was educated while a slave is a freedman who now owns a farm and  buys slaves for the purpose of giving them their freedom. Bo is also a widower whose life is destined to changed when he meets the stubborn, proud and hard-hearted 20 year old slave girl, Ruth.

Ruth has known nothing but harshness and brutality since being seperated from her mother at age thirteen. Purchased and sold primarily for breeding and the enlargemnt of her master’s slave stock, Ruth struggles to understand the way of her new master. Bo is unlike any master she has known and what she experiences in his care will leave her forever changed. A gripping pre-Civil War slave era novel, Ruth’s Redemption is a story of forgiveness, acceptance and redemption. Set against the backdrop of the Nat Turner Rebellion in Tidewater, Virginia, this novel shines the light of God’s unconditional love in the darkness of the evils of hatred and acts of inhumanity.

 

About the Author 

Marlene Banks is a Philadelphia, PA native.  She attended Westminster College in New Wilmington, PA and has an Associate’s Degree in Theology from the Rhema Bible Institute in Keysville, VA.  She is the director of ministry at Lifeline Mission of the Gospel.  Through her writing ministry, Marlene’s desire is to promote the gospel and serve the needs of her community.

Book Review by Linda Fegins

 RUTH’S REDEMPTION is a compelling historical love story set in 1830s Virginia that grabbed me from the beginning until the very end despite the fact it’s a slave era story. A lover of history, yet I did not want to read about slavery at this time. But Ruth’s Redemption is not just another story of the evils of slavery, but is one of forgiveness, redemption and wholeness. It is a well crafted story about Ruth, a young female slave who is defiant and bitter from the abuses of her slave existence. Ruth’s strong, yet poignant character, arrested me as I saw the development of her character when her liberator, Bo who later becomes her husband, helps free her from the physical and emotional bondages of her past. Her life becomes entangled when she’s purchased by a free black man named Bo. Bo is an educated man of strong faith in Christ. Ruth wants no part of Bo’s faith and yearns to be free from slavery and men who have misused her. Ruth learns to love Bo, but still cannot trust a God who allowed blacks to be treated with such degradation as she cannot see that God is the one who made it possible for her freedom through Bo. Banks does a great  job of portraying the conflict Ruth has about believing in Jesus and putting her faith in God and loving a saved man of God Bo. However, she discovers and embraces freedom from sin, slavery and her past and learns to trust God for her redemption. My only concern is that as the reader I would have seen a clearer demarcation of when Ruth accepted Bo’s God as her God and Savior.

 Book Trailer

http://youtu.be/RKwbmpX1H0I 

 

Visit the author online at:

www.marlenebanks.com

http://www.ruthsredemption.com