The Wealth Cure: Putting Money in Its Place by Hill Harper

Interview with Cherise “Reese” Charleswell

Cherise “Reese” Charleswell is a self- and- internationally published author, describing her self as a poet/spoken word artist, bookworm, fashionista, penny-pincher, accessories designer, music lover, and sista-friend, who has been described as the “Mad Scientist”, due to her varied interests and passions. She is of West Indian descent, with heritage from numerous Caribbean islands, such as St Thomas, St John, Puerto Rico, Tortola, St Kitts, and Anguilla. Despite her love for the arts, Cherise actually has an educational background in the fields of the biological sciences and anthropology, with degrees from California State University Northridge.

Cherise has also been a fixture in the historic Leimert Park district of Los Angeles, where she stepped in as a producer for the weekly venue Poets Jazz House; which she produced as a member of Liquid Whine Entertainment. The venue was an open mic, literary workshop, and showcase. Cherise is also the Executive Producer of the erotic poetry showcase “The Oralgasm.”

Cherise is also CEO & President of Eclectic Life & Eclectic Life Books.

(1) Real Talk TIPS sounds ambitious. Is it too simple to call it a self-help guide? When I began the book project, I did realize that it was an ambitious undertaking, midway through I wondered if I actually had enough TIPS to share. I spent more than a year working on the project, when memories of past experiences, mistakes, or wisdom shared with me came to mind, I quickly jotted them down. When I came across something or someone that stood out to me, whether it be in person or via the news and entertainment media, I would write numerous TIPS based on that single observation.

I would say that referring to the book as a self-help guide would be too simple. It is more of a work book, that leaves it up to the reader to identify core areas that they may need to improve in their lives. Each TIP does not pertain to everybody, but everybody should be able to identify a TIP that pertains to and motivates them to make some necessary changes in their lives.

(2) How much of your experiences are reflected in the book?
I would have to say that my experiences, whether it was from direct involvement or direct observation, are reflected in this book. I admit that I have been guilty of a few TIPS, or I have observed family, friends, and acquaintances make a number of mistakes, missteps, and endured setbacks; and I have learned from their experiences.

(3) How are you promoting Real Talk TIPS? Who is the audience that you are targeting?
I actually just published Real Talk TIPS in May of this year, so I am in the early stages of promoting. I have been utilizing word-of-mouth, social media, the blogosphere, and have just begun to directly contact book distributors regarding the book. I am also finding it beneficial to join associations for writers and other authors. Exhibiting at the Los Angeles Black Book Expo will actually be the first event that I use for promotion purposes.

Real Talk TIPS target audience is actually quite diverse. The book is not reflective of any age group or racial and ethnic background, and I believe that this is due to the fact that the TIPS cover such a wide range of topics that many can relate to.

(4) What has been the response to Real Talk TIPS?
Thus far I have had many positive responses to Real Talk TIPS. The initial response that my readers have shared is that the book was hilarious, and I was a bit amused by this assessment. Although, I did write in a manner, where I used some humor, so the tone of the book wouldn’t seem preachy; I had no idea that what I was writing would be considered that funny.

Interview with Denise L. Cook, The ORACLE

Denise L. Cook brings to the stage a wealth of experience as a choreographer, producer, assistant director, published author, actor, dancer, spoken word artist, singer and motivational speaker, and is well known as a healer in the field of massage therapy. Asked what motivated her to pursue such a wide range of interests, she answers, “my father always said ‘anything worth doing is worth doing well. And anything you put your time and effort into, you may as well get credentialed’. I believed him, so doing anything less wasn’t an option. With Daddy excellence was the first line of defense against the big bad wolf of life.”

Denise began her career in the arts at an early age establishing her first dance company at the age of eight. Ms. Cook went on to receive her B.A. in Dance and MFA at U.C.L.A. and later a MEd at National University. She has studied, performed and worked alongside such notables as Carmen De Lavelaude, Chester Whitmore, Fayard Nicholas, Debbie Allen, Steven Simeon, Shirley Martin, the U.C.L.A. Dance Company, Hal DeWindt, Eddie Beale, Peter Long, Curtis Gadson, Saul Bernstein, Delilah Williams, H. B. Barnum and Mark Swinton. Stage credits include producer, choreographer, assistant director, lead, principal, and supporting lead roles in known plays, for coloured girls who have considered suicide when the rainbow is enuf, Tell Hell I Ain’t Coming, Dream Girls, A Chorus Line, Shades, West Side Story, Oklahoma, Legends and Traditions Claim It and the Special Program, and dramatic plays A Shrine To Junior, Love Makes No Sense, and Looking For A Man. Two years on tour with Vickie Winnans in the award winning gospel, Somebody Oughtta Tell God Thank You, and two seasons on BET television sitcom, The Blackberry Inn as Ms. Laura’s evil sister Ruthie Anne and her one woman show titled “Lena Horn Elegance With Lady Day Style” circa 1945. To top it all off, Denise has ventured into the exciting eclectic realm of Spoken Word Artistry. Denise is a prolific writer and captivating performer bringing to life words penned by her hand and others; she invites in, then envelopes her audience with memorable performances.

Her first book and CD, FULL CIRCLE Balance In Life: A collection of poetry and prose chronicling self-love and self-awareness, was nominated for several awards.

(1)What was the effort like in preparing and producing The ORACLE Speaks? There really was no effort at all in preparing and producing. The ORACLE Speaks… just because. After having walked through the publishing process with Cullen Chambers of Back To One Publications on my first book, FULL CIRCLE Balance In Life, this one was a breeze. It took six months to publish the first book, only three with The ORACLE Speaks…

(2)Who (what?) is The ORACLE?

The ORACLE is a wise woman who gives no advice save to hold the mirror of life that you may see your own truth. Like the masterful Oracle of Delphi or Malkeventa Melchizedek, I simply point out the truth as I see it. No agenda, just the truth, sprinkled with love, understanding and unconditional acceptance of who and what you are. Pure love. My claim to fame is that I make people feel good about themselves. My hope is to envelope them with my word and love of self and life, that they may find their own truth.

(3)What are the inspirations behind doing both a book of poetry and a music CD? Who inspires you?

The inspirations behind doing both a book of poetry and music CD came from a deep seeded desire to share my word with the world. What better way than to speak the language of Havona (heaven); MUSIC. So, as with the first book, for which I have a companion CD, I set out to do just that. Only the second CD, I Gotta story To Tell, became more than just spoken word with music. Each piece is stand alone and worthy of radio airplay. They are finger-snapping and toe-tapping in additional to being inspirational. Not churchy, just a real feel good experience.

My inspirations are varied, from the candid truths shared by Kahlil Gibran to the sultry honesty of Nina Simone, to the veiled and hidden messages of life shared by Kurt Vonnegut. As a child I really liked e.e. cummings because he broke the standard “writing rules” and David Frost, simply because I liked his style. I would be wrought not to mention Maya Angelou because she’s bold and in your face, which I can tend to be.

(4) How are you promoting The ORACLE Speaks?

I am promoting The ORACLE Speaks, along with my CD, inspirational booklets and other products via the internet, Social Media, book signings, Amazon.com, mostly word of mouth. I don’t have the budget to do a full out publicity blitz, so I rely heavily on the net. I am also a Motivational Speaker and find I am able to promote from the stage. It’s tricky though, you never want to come across as being “salesy”, so you find a balance. Final answer, word of mouth and lately lots of radio interviews.

(5) With such a variety of interests and experiences, what is next for you?

What is next for me is the next book, Facing The Demons. Although the first two books speak to my life experiences, they are camouflaged in the commonality of life experiences we all share; love, death, hardships of life. This third book will speak specifically to some of the incidents in my life which helped to make me who and what I am. An honest shedding of the mask I, we all wear as a way to protect our inner child (innocence). At 53, I certainly can’t be considered an innocent, but I beg to differ and my writing opens the door to the fantasy of innocence that we all strive to cling to.

Interview with Lorna Clarke Osunsanmi

Lorna Clarke Osunsanmi aka Lorna O. is not your average love coach. She is a life changer with an uncanny knack for vividly identifying self-help strategies. Her witty yet practical style underscores a nurturing demeanor that is a gateway way to big advice. A film and television host and producer of her own show “Yin N Yang” in Hollywood, Lorna O. graduated magna cum laude from Texas Woman’s University. The native Christiansted, St. Croix U.S. Virgin Islands is the byproduct of parents who have sustained a 40-year marriage. With two older and younger siblings in 20 and 10-year marriages, respectively, Lorna has seen and heard the gamut of ups and downs in both relationships and marriages. The happily married advice diva continues to live bold daily and has plans for a series of additional inspirational books. Be BOLD and uncover Lorna O’s guidance at http://www.lornaonline.com and http://www.mylobsterforlife.blogspot.com.

Becoming Bold unleashes a straightforward guide for delving deep and mining one’s inner audaciousness. With the goal of unmasking and releasing latent deterrents to success, “Becoming BOLD” serves as the definitive guide to self-actualization and transformation. By going for the gusto, we set the pace for achieving ideal love and life.

(1) Among the many volumes of self-help, self-improvement, and self-sustaining that
weigh heavy on the store shelves, what makes Becoming Bold stand out?
The Orange Lady! Most people love the cover and people have told me how compelling it is. It encapsulates how they feel either as a person stuck in the row or the Orange Lady breaking out of the mold to become the person they want to be. Personally, I am inspired by the Orange Lady!

(2) What were your inspirations in writing it? What is the message that you want to
impart to your readers?
I always wanted to be writer growing up. I wrote articles for my school newspaper, I wrote poems, and short stories, but I got serious about having a career as a writer after college. It then decided to pursue a career as a television film writer and ended up working as as Assistant to Executives on a variety of popular shows and on the movie “Get Him To The Greek”. My career expanded early on as a talk show host/producer and with each episode I researched for Yin N Yang, I came up with more and more ideas about how to help people have healthier relationships and fuller lives with themselves and others. I drew from my own journey and my own struggles on how to achieve success, and knew if I was having to become a stronger, bolder person and overcome challenges, that others were going through the same thing. I wanted to tell people that they could change. I wanted to share what I discovered: that with a little bit of courage, fearlessness, your entire life could change for the better. Mine’s did! This is where the idea for Becoming Bold was sparked.

(3) What does “mining one’s inner audaciousness” mean?
Audacious means invulnerable to fear or intimidation, which is essentially being bold! Boldness also includes being direct, clear and honest even in the face of opposition. But I believe everyone has a level of boldness and audaciousness inside of them except the fire burned out. The switch was turned off. Fortunately, that switch is still there. It exists! The ability to be bold, audacious is possible, it’s just deep inside of us. It calls for us to make choices and moves that ignite those bold fires so we can turn that switch back on. When we do we’ll our life will change for the better. I love the quote that I use in the book because it so true and encompasses the ideas in Becoming Bold: “Courage [Boldness] is the greatest of all virtues. Because if you haven’t courage, you may not have an opportunity to use any of the others.” (Samuel Johnson, Novelist, Poet)

(4) What are you doing to promote Becoming Bold?
I’ve been doing radio interviews across the U.S. I’ve also been sited in news articles. I was featured on Tom Joyner’s Black America Web.Com with Erica Taylor; and I’ll be a part of the Author’s Circle at the Tom Joyner Family Reunion in Orlando, Florida next month. With my own dating and relationship talk show, Yin N Yang, I’m able to promote my book and discuss different ideas that I talk about in Becoming Bold. I’m also planning a book tour. Basically, I’m promoting my book in every way possible!

(5) What has been the response like to Becoming Bold?
The response has been fantastic! A friend told me that just by looking at the cover she felt stronger. She made a “bold” decision that she was vacillating on that ended up saving her $3000.00 dollars and she was motivated by the cover of Becoming Bold. Stories like that are what I’ve been hearing. It’s truly a blessing to be a blessing to others. It makes every second I spent writing the book worth it!

Press Release: Eclectic Life Books Exhibiting at the Los Angeles Black Book Exposition Saturday, August 20, 2011

Press Release — Book Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: (August 12, 2011)

Eclectic Life Books Exhibiting at the Los Angeles Black Book Exposition Saturday, August 20, 2011

Los Angeles, CA– Author Cherise Charleswell, President of Eclectic Life Books will be exhibiting at the annual Los Angeles Black Book Expo. Ms. Charleswell will be there to debut her book, Real Talk TIPS: Laugh-Out-Loud Pointers & Suggestions For The Morally Challenged, Socially Inept, & The People Who Love Them.

The Los Angeles Black Book Expo is being held on Saturday August 20, 2011 from 10AM to 6PM, inside the Los Angeles Convention Center #403. The LA Convention Center is located at 1201 S. Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015.

The book, just published in May 2011, is a non-traditional, sassy, tongue-in-cheek, and painfully honest self help guide and workbook for the morally challenged and socially inept members of society; as well as those who want to improve on their quality of life. The Adinkra image that graces the book’s cover is called “Mate masie” and it loosely translates to “What I hear, I keep”. The book draws on my experience as a West Indian child, where wisdom was often imparted as a series of “old time” sayings, tips, and proverbs; leaving one to interpret the true meaning and come to their own conclusion and understanding.

The book has always garnered the following praises and reviews:

“Cherise Charleswell is a fresh and funny young voice with wisdom for the ages. The author takes aim at the morally challenged, the socially inept and everyone else and skewers them to hilarious new heights. Highly recommend. ”
Robyn McGee
 Author and Educator at California State University Dominguez Hills

“Bug in your ear wisdom, you have lint in your hair or you missed a

button. A good read intent on being more cautious of our attitudes

behavior and Appearence. Whimsical light hearted Examanation

of pop culture from a concerned sister prospective. Real Talk Tips

Is full of timeless tips, Critiques, and Compliments. Noteworthy

Thoughtful solutions , tuff love with a hug. Its Funny Bitterly

Honest The way family is. A must read for all ages that actually

builds self esteem and self worth.”

Yawo Watts

Writer, Poet, Spoken Word Artist

CONTACT:
Contact Person: Cherise Charleswell
Company Name: Eclectic Life
Voice Phone# 818-521-8422
Email Address: eclecticlifediva@yahoo.com
Website: www.createspace.com/3550362

Press Release: Real Talk TIPS: Laugh-Out-Loud Pointers & Suggestions For The Morally Challenged, Socially Inept, & The People Who Love Them

August 12, 2011 – For Immediate Release

Real Talk TIPS: Laugh-Out-Loud Pointers & Suggestions For The Morally Challenged, Socially Inept, & The People Who Love Them.

“Who Are The Morally Challenged?”

Los Angeles, CA–They walk among us, are related to us, and may be that reflection that one views in the mirror. Moving about in ill-fitting clothing, wearing questionable hairstyles, and consistently making poor decisions in life. They are the morally-challenged, and they are often ignorant of their predicament.

Author Cherise Charleswell uses biting wit and a great sense of humor to identify and mentor these individuals. She discusses her motivation for writing this book,

“I began this book after posting a series of daily words of wisdom, or TIPS as they became known on a social networking site. These TIPS were based on daily interactions, observations, and self reflection.”

Real Talk TIPS, just released in May 2011, is a non-traditional, sassy, and painfully honest self help guide and work book for the morally-challenged and socially inept members of society; as well as those who want to improve on their quality of life. The book draws on the author’s experience as a West Indian child, where wisdom was often imparted as a series of “old time” sayings, tips, and proverbs; leaving one to interpret the true meaning and come to their own conclusion and understanding.

Real Talk TIPS: Laugh-Out-Loud Pointers & Suggestions For The Morally Challenged, Socially Inept, & The People Who Love Them offers readers a chance to Laugh-Out-Loud at the witty social commentary, as well as motivate them to conduct a honest self evaluation. The book is published through Amazon Publishing, and is available for purchase at:
Direct from the author at: www.createspace.com/3550362
Amazon.com
Barnes & Nobles

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Cherise Charleswell is a poet, author, accessories designer, and President of Eclectic Life Books.  Contact Cherise at eclecticlifediva@yahoo.com or 818-521-8422.

CONTACT:
Contact Person: Cherise Charleswell
Company Name: Eclectic Life
Voice Phone# 818-521-8422
Email Address: eclecticlifediva@yahoo.com
Website: www.createspace.com/3550362

Bestselling author, John A. Andrews releases Part I of his Hollywood Story.

Just over a decade ago, prolific, national bestselling author John A. Andrews moved from New York to Hollywood to pursue his acting career. Now, with almost two dozen published titles under his belt. He releases the biographical romance thriller – Whose Woman Was She? Giving readers a glimpse inside his True Hollywood Story, a biography etched in two volumes.

Andrews, once as a struggling actor found his niche, writing, in 2002. This career, nucleated out of a divorce, setbacks, and in addition to meeting the attraction, Eve.

Eve Butler is the embodiment of genuine beauty. In search of a modeling career, she eagerly embraced Hollywood. Ironically, her vision takes a backseat upon meeting the man who would sign her, and she would not let up until she seduces him.

Andrews a devoted businessman, refusing from mixing business with pleasure, is in pursuit of Eve to become his franchise model. He inadvertently falls for Eve, and finds himself entangled in a web of sexual attraction and duplicity.  Andrews soon wakes up to the realization that Eve is not only a devil in disguise, but she is wanted.

Andrews, not only delivers his story in a colorful dramatic documentary, but allows it to satisfy all the five senses.

The upcoming Spanish edition ¿Cuya Mujer Fue Ella?, is set for a summer release, according to Books That Will Enhance Your Life its publisher. As well as part II of his bio, When The Dust Settles – I Am Still Standing. This inspirational and motivational saga will be previewed at Book Expo America, May 24-26, 2011.

John A. Andrews’ complete biography: When The Dust Settles – I Am Still Standing and Whose Woman Was She? Is a blend of The Pursuit of Happyness and Devil in A Blue Dress.

An A L I project. Visit: www.AndrewsLeadershipInternational.com

By Teen Success

818-297-2189

Email: theauthor@therudebuay.com

Black Woman Redefined by Sophia Nelson

Since Michelle Obama has been thrust into the spotlight as the first black First Lady in January 2009, everywhere you look, from major newspapers, documentary films, and national TV talk shows to music videos, universities, and corporate settings, professional black women are a hot topic of discussion — for better or worse. In Black Woman Redefined, Sophia A. Nelson, respected national opinion columnist, JET Magazine feature political writer, and MSNBC Analyst arms black women of this present and the next generation with the necessary tools and encouragement to redefine themselves and overcome destructive notions floating around in the media that these women can’t have it all — a career, a love life, and a healthy balance. In a sentence: this book helps black women take their lives from one of achievement, to one of love and fulfillment in this new age of First Lady Michelle Obama. Black Woman Redefined teaches black women how to transform unsettling trends, such as high workplace stress, damaging stereotypes, emotional wellness problems, and challenging personal life options, to better achieve: • Positive, multi-dimensional relationships • Balanced and emotionally rewarding lives • Good health & financial freedom • Spirituality that doesn’t reject their human sexuality • Satisfying, successful and flexible careers Nelson uses original, groundbreaking national research conducted by nationally respected pollster Kellyanne Conway the Polling company/Woman Trend and Xavier University pollster like Dr. Silas Lee to provide black women with the answers to the burning questions that everyone is asking about them: Why are so many accomplished black women seemingly suffering from depression & loneliness? Has Michelle Obama moved the ball for professional black women in a new and positive direction? Why can’t professional black women truly crack the glass ceiling in corporate America? Why such a huge wealth gap between professional black women and their white counterparts? Why are 70 percent of all black professional women unmarried? And why over 43% will never marry? Black Woman Redefined explains why black women must begin to understand their unique patterns, contexts, and strengths — rather than focusing on their weaknesses and limitations. By doing so, Nelson says, their innate beauty, brilliance, compassion, sensuality, and soul, will be revealed, fulfilling their true destinies. Black Woman Redefined: Dispelling Myths and Discovering Fulfillment in the Age of Michelle Obama by Sophia Nelson BenBella Books

Interview with Mercedes Brown

Mercedes Brown will be appearing at the Leimert Park Village Book Fair on Saturday, June 25.

Mercedes Tidmore Brown is a California native, born and reared in Long Beach, California. She attended Long Beach City College and California State University Dominquez Hills, where she received a B.A. degree in philosophy and a certificate in Alcohol and Drug Counseling.. She received a Master of Science degree in Community Counseling Psychology from Springfield College of Los Angeles, California. She is currently attending California State University Dominquez Hills, studying to become a licensed marriage and family therapist.

Mercedes, turns her pain into passion, and ultimately to freedom. The freedom from the shames that mothers feel when their child is incarceration. The author becomes transparent as she pens her memoir, sharing the pain of three generations of women in her own family who had a child behind the prison wall.

Mercedes desire is to help others whose soul is incarcerated when their loved ones are incarcerated. She wants to teach other women how to get their life back and triumph over all adversities. Mercedes is utilizing her education in marriage, family and therapy to help others to seek their purpose while pushing beyond their pain. She is available for workshops and seminars on the subject matter.

For more information, review copies, or interviews please contact the author at:
Email: mrcdswllms@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.asoulincarcerated.com

(1) How did you go about writing and producing A Soul Incarcerated? Who are your target readers?

For the past three years I have been a student in the marriage and family therapy program at CSUDH. Some of the chapters in the book are actually assignments (vignettes) that I had to write on my relationships. The poetry and prayers were written years ago during stages of my souls’ incarceration. As a family member who has been impacted by incarceration this memiors was compiled to encourage others who are facing simular challenges and situations, and to erase the stigma of the shame and guilt associated with the incarceration of a loved one. The targeted readers are the communities who have family members incarcerated, individuals who have been abused and/or who have felt isolated, and the constituents and shareholders of the incarcerated.

(2) What did you do to get help in producing the book? Did you get help from readers and colleagues?

I went to Dr. Rosie Milligan for consultation and advice. She worked very closely with me in helping me to compile the contents of the book, as well as the publishing of the book.

(3) What are your plans for A Soul Incarcerated?

My plans for A Soul Incarcerated is to share my story with the global communities and to let them know they are not alone. There are 2.4 million families who are impacted by incarceration and we need to have an open dialogue about the subject, especially in the churches. My desire is to help others whose soul is incarcerated and teach others how to triump over adversities. I also have plans to write a series of “A Soul Incarcerated” on different subjects and issues.

(4) What is on your bookshelf? What have you read lately that you’d like to share?

I have a wide variety of books on the shelves. From ancient civilization to art, psychology, religion and much more. I’m currently reading “The Value In The Valley” by Iyanla Vanzant.

86400: Manage Your Purpose to Make Every Second of Each Day Count by Lavaille Lavette