Interview with Author Seven – The Urban Therapist

Seven is a published author, poet and activist. Her passionate writing has not only transformed her own life, but also transformed the lives of others.

Growing up in the projects of Richmond, Virginia, Seven experienced many difficulties in her childhood including numerous deaths in her family. Through her writing and her outreach, she has drawn on her experiences to help others.

Seven writes on her website, “For some reason, I’ve always been intrigued by the power of words. It may have something to do with the fact that as a child growing up, my Mother used to tell me all the time that I didn’t have to fight (physically). She would always tell me that I could whip a person’s butt with my mouth (my words). She often reminded me that violence wasn’t necessary, unless absolutely necessary!”

Seven has her BA degree in Sociology/Criminal Justice and is currently working towards her Masters in Public Administration. Her books include “Gorilla Black,” a contributor in “Street Chronicles: Tales from Da Hood” and a compilation of poetry and prose called “Broken Flowers.”

During our interview with Seven, we discussed her goals, her writing, and activism.

Urbania: You are now published with Random House, which is fantastic. Was it a difficult path to get to this point? Can you tell us a bit about how this unfolded?

Seven: I had a short story published in Nikki Turner’s first installment of the Street Chronicles Series. My short story, “Big Daddy”, was the lead story in Street Chronicles/Tales from da Hood. After the anthology was published in Jan 2006, I was then asked to submit a story for Nikki’s line of full-length novels. My novel “Gorilla Black” was then also chosen to lead the Nikki Turner Presents line of hard-hitting street fiction.

To have been selected to lead the series of short stories and then later chosen as the lead author in the book line was such a double pleasure. Ironically, I never set out to write urban fiction. I was living and working in the D.C Metro area when an old friend (author LaKesa Cox) heard I was writing poetry. She introduced me to Nikki Turner. Nikki and I spoke over the INTERNET through email. I submitted a short story before the week was out and the rest is history.

Urbania: What advice would you give young writers who are struggling to get started?

Seven: I would encourage young writers to stay true to themselves and to write what’s in their heart. The pen doesn’t have an eraser. There is no right or wrong way to express yourself. Be yourself and do not try to imitate anyone else.

Urbania: Can you tell us more about your activism?

Seven: I am a volunteer member with R.A.I.N.N (Rape, Abuse, Incest, National Network). I am a member of RAINN’S Speaker’s Bureau. As members, we speak out, disseminate information and interview when needed. We attend events like Congressional Hearings, rallies or any affair that speaks or advocates for victims of sexual abuse and assault. I am 100% committed to my activism with the organization and often share my own personal experiences as a survivor. I encourage other survivors both known and silent, to take advantage of our toll free hot line, which is 1-800-656-HOPE.

Urbania: Do you see your writing and your activism being one and the same? Tell us about how they are related.

Seven: Writing is therapeutic for me. It helps me to deal with some of the horror I’ve seen (growing up in the hood, etc) and have also endured. In fact, some of my writing is reflective of my own personal experiences. My poetry/prose compilation entitled Broken Flowers is centered on many of my own personal experiences (sexual abuse, physical abuse, betrayal, etc.) Warning: The language is strong in this poetic bramble as the pain is very real. Broken Flowers can be purchased from paypal through my website at sevenspeaks.com

Urbania: You also go by the name of “Seven, The Urban Therapist.” What exactly does that tag mean?

Seven: I’ve been coined the Urban Mercenary or Urban Therapist by others in my genre because of my therapeutic style of writing. If you noticed on the back side of my novel Gorilla Black, Chunichi, author of the Gangster’s Girl series, is quoted as saying, “Seven is the new urban mercenary stealing hearts. You gotta love her!”

When I read Chunichi’s blurb, I was ecstatic, as I had heard that she was reviewing of the book but had no idea what her thoughts were until the book’s release. Ironically, the tag Urban Therapist had already followed me- so there you have it. Great minds think alike. To have such a tag placed on me by those writing in the same genre is an awesome feeling. Much love and respect to Chunichi (always) for such an appropriate and on point blurb! Chunichi, I’ll take that! (smiling)

Urbania: This question ties into the last one a bit… Have you gotten a lot of direct feedback over the years from people who have felt your work helped them?

Seven: By no means am I claiming to be a licensed therapist. In fact, my undergraduate degree is in Sociology/Criminal Justice. I am currently working towards my MPA (Masters in Public Administration). However, I have worked in the field of counseling as a crisis counselor, in addition to working with at-risk youth. I completed my undergraduate internship at the Richmond City Jail as a Jail Counselor, as well as worked as a volunteer at the Daily Planet Homeless Shelter.

While I have an extensive background both professionally and personally, I’d be remiss if I didn’t add that my personal experiences, and not my BA degree, make me a subject matter expert. I am an advocate of counseling because it is my belief that so many people are hurting. Men and women, boys and girls from all walks of life have confided deep dark secrets to me. Some after reading my work and or from just having open and honest communication with me.

Make no mistake about it, people are living in shame and fear about things that have happened to them, things that many of them have had absolutely no control over. And, while God is good all the time, it is my opinion that there are times where we need to be strong in our faith. But with faith, many of us still need counseling to go along with prayer. It is through my work that I attempt to reach hearts and save souls, one message at a time.

Based on the amount of feedback that I have received over the years from friends, family, co-workers, acquaintances and readers; the answer to your question is without question, yes. Helping others is part of my make up. I’m often criticized for wanting to help others but quite honestly, this is who I am and I know of no other way to be. However, again, I am not a therapist by profession. I encourage those who need help to seek it and to not depend on family, friends or books that you read to heal you. There is absolutely nothing wrong with going to sit on the “couch.”

Urbania: We read that you are working on something new. Can you tell us more about it?

Seven: Yes, I am writing another novel. I typically do not give out many details, as I like to surprise my readers. What I will say is that it is another meaningful work; one that I hope will steal the hearts of my readers, one chapter at a time!

For more information on Seven, please visit www.sevenspeaks.com or follow her on Facebook under Seven Speaks!

Interview with Keith at Marion Designs

Interview with Keith at Marion Designs

Keith Saunders is an Atlanta-based photographer and graphic artist. Keith and his company Marion Designs has created a wide range of book covers, magazine ads and corporate advertisements. He has worked for mainstream corporate clients including Cingular wireless, AT&T, Simon & Schuster, Random House Publishing, Kensington publishing, La-Z- Boy furniture and more. Keith has his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from American Intercontinental University, which is a private art school in Atlanta, Georgia.

More information about Marion Designs can be found at www.mariondesigns.com. At Marion Design’s Myspace page www.myspace.com/mariondesigns you can see some of the amazing book covers that Keith Saunders has designed over the years.

Urbania Magazine: How did you get your start in designing book covers?

Keith: I read a lot during my down time. I used to always be in Nubian Bookstore in Southlake Mall, Atlanta GA. The owner Marcus knew that I was a graphic artist, and one day asked me if I ever designed any book covers. At the time I worked for a design firm in North Atlanta, and so I told him that I could design anything. I turned out that an author had asked him earlier if he knew anyone and thought of me. I worked with the author and it took off from there.

Urbania Magazine: What do you think is your largest challenge when designing a new book cover?

Just understanding the project and any ideas that the author has in their head.

Urbania Magazine: How long does a typical book design take you from beginning to end?

Depending on the complexity and all of the elements that are needed for the project. It can take a week to a few weeks. Especially if it involves custom photography. We pride ourselves on doing custom designs. A lot of book cover designs floating around are photos that have been purchased, so the same image purchased for your project could end up on someone else project. We see it a lot in the industry.

Our custom book covers are very comparable in price to other design firms that don’t use custom photography.

Urbania Magazine: What is your favorite part of the book design process? Could you tell us a little about what the process looks like?

When the author says this is exactly what they imagined and more. That’s the best part! I never want a client to take my work on a project without completely being satisfied with the results.

Urbania Magazine: Where do you draw your inspiration when designing a new book cover?

From everything! I may be looking in a magazine, see a photo for inspiration, outside walking around and see something interesting, ie park, flowers, trees, color…

Urbania Magazine: I would like to pick your brain for some design tips. Could you give me a couple of tips for young or new designers who want to design a great book cover?

Just be inspired…Think outside the box! You really have to be an artist to stand apart from others. We see designers that get into the industry because they think it is a cool career, but they don’t have any artistic talent.

Urbania Magazine: What would you say are some definite book cover design mistakes that any designer would want to avoid.

Get the details! Get the details! Push the client to give you as much info about the project upfront to keep from trying to fix it on the back end. It is hard sometimes to pull info from people. Just get as much as you can.

Urbania Magazine: In terms of becoming a great book cover designer what kind of knowledge base or education do you think is most necessary? How crucial do you think a degree program in graphic design or some other aspect of visual arts is to one’s ultimate success as a book cover designer?

It is very crucial!!! You have to know the programs to create a great product. If you don’t know the programs, how can you design at your best?

Urbania Magazine: Any ideas on how young or new graphic artists could gain experience that would be helpful in learning the tricks of the book designing trade?

Just have the love for the industry, truly be an artist and give a 110% to all projects.

Urbania Magazine: I couldn’t help but notice from your website that you are rather versatile and are able to handle graphic design, web design and photography? Do you find that your skill base in these three areas translate to one another?

You have to be able to do a variety of things. It keeps you ahead of your peers and makes you more versatile.

Urbania Magazine: What are your main artistic influences?

People and the environment.

Book Editor and Designer Candace K. Cottrell Offers Tips for Writers and Editors

Book Editor and Designer Candace K. Cottrell Offers Tips for Writers and Editors

Candace has been a book editor and designer for the past 4 years, and a web developer for 10 years. She is the CEO of CanDann Productions, a company that offers design, web development, editing, and other great services. Candace has a successful career in book editing, and as we found out, she has some helpful tips and suggestions for writers/editors just starting out. More information about her work can be found at the CanDann Productions website www.candann.com

How long have you been editing and book designing?

Candace: I’ve been doing book covers for 8 years, editing for 4 years, and typesetting for 4 years.

How did you get your start as an editor?

Candace: I was working full-time in the web development field back in 2005 and doing freelance websites, book covers, etc. I was also a RAWSISTAZ Reviewer at the time.

One of my web clients, Mark Anthony, asked me to come on board at Q-Boro Books, what was then a small, up-an-coming independent press. I jumped at the opportunity and sincerely loved my job. It was a great place to work and I’m thankful to Mark for opening that door to me.

What was it that drew you to editing?

Candace: I’ve been a bibliophile since I was a kid, so the editing thing was getting paid for pursuing one of my passions. What more can you ask for?

Of all the differing factors involved what do you think is the single most difficult part of being an editor?

Candace: The hardest part was accepting the fact that no editor is perfect and very few books are 100% error-free. I was very hard on myself, even if just a comma was out of place. I learned that with each phase in the editorial process you have to do your best, go through it twice, and let it go. I also learned that more than one editor should look at EVERY book.

What are some of the key skills that you think someone needs to be a good editor?

Candace: You definitely have to pay attention to the details. I mean everything. You had better write down or remember every character’s name, car, hair color, etc. Otherwise, Brian might inadvertently become Brice on page 120.

I think it’s also important to have instinct. Much of editing is learned, but the part that makes you a great editor is inherent, especially when we’re talking about content or substantive editing.

Is there something that new or young writers need to know about working with an editor? Or to phrase it another way, what mistakes do writers sometimes make when dealing with an editor?

Candace: Taking things personally. Brandon Massey once said that if a writer tells you he isn’t sensitive about his work, he’s lying. However, authors should realize that most good editors have only their best interest at heart. Also, they are all just suggestions. An author can choose to agree or disagree, change or not change. But I encourage them to ponder each suggestion. After all, aren’t you paying an editor for his or her expertise?

On the flip side of the coin what can a writer do that really makes you happy? What should young and new writers try to do to impress their editors and make them happy?

Candace: The things that make me happy are simple:
1) Read through the book a couple of times. You’ll be amazed at the time you’ll save an editor if you just read your own book before you hand it in.
2) If you want to be an author, that means you need to be a writer first. Real writers want to improve their craft. The best way you can do this is to simply practice.

What were some of your influences in terms of literature, film and music?
Oh, wow. I have so many in each category.

Candace: In literature, I love Charles Bukowski, Bernice McFadden, Stephen King, Nora Roberts, Kenji Jasper, Jewell Parker Rhodes, and the list goes on and on.

In film, I am a big fan of Vincent D’Onforio, Sophie Okonedo, Angela Bassett, Thandie Newton, Steven Buscemi, Sean Connery, and I could go on for hours.

In music, which is my first love, I am inspired by Bessie Smith, Son House, Muddy Waters, Dinah Washington, Aretha Franklin, Amel Larrieux, Alicia Keys, Leela James, Adriana Evans, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and hundreds more.

What do you feel was the best book you have ever read?

Candace: There are three books that really stole my heart: The Warmest December by Bernice McFadden, Beloved by Toni Morrison, and The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd. My favorite all-time, however, is Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird. I will never forget his expert synthesis of characters, plot, and narrative.

How many hours does the typical book take to edit? Any tips for writers as to what they can do to cut down the number of hours you need to spend editing their work?

Candace: It depends on which phase of the editing process we’re talking about. Content editing can take around 20 solid hours, because not only are you reading the book, you’re thinking of ways it can be improved and then formulating an action plan for the author.

Copy editing is probably the most detail-oriented and mundane phase. It can take 30+ hours if the editor goes through it twice and enters changes into the computer.

Finally, proofreading is the quickest. It can be done in 10-15 hours. At this point, the book should be tight with few errors and (hopefully) no structural problems.

I’ll reiterate that the best thing an author can do to save an editor time is to READ THEIR BOOK BEFORE HANDING IT IN.

Any tips for someone looking to break into editing?

Candace: I would suggest reading Sol Stein’s books on writing (all of them) and anything else you can get your hands on. In essence, an editor is a skilled reader. Hence, he should be well read. As far as getting the actual work, you may have to prove yourself. But we all have to start somewhere, so offer a free edit in exchange for using the title on your books edited list.

Finally, any good tips for writers looking for that big break? What do you think the biggest “dos” and “don’ts” are in today’s publishing world?

Candace: Great writers don’t write to become rich and famous. They write because it’s what they love to do. I think it’s easy to tell the difference. Acquisitions editors will also be able to tell the difference, but you also have to understand that great books are passed on every day due to literary fads and budget restrictions. Get an agent who truly believes in your work, who can sell it because she believes in it. Otherwise, try self-publishing and get your name out there. Finally, just write. Keep writing. Some stories will be heard and others won’t, but you’ll be better for having gotten them on paper.

Interview with Over and Over Again Author Nicola Mitchell

1. UM: Thank you for taking the time to speak with us. What inspired Over and Over Again?

When I started writing the book it was supposed to be a tribute to my children. I had a daughter that passed away named Dionni. She lived to be 40 days old. The combination of all of my daughters is who I created this character to be. I combined the features of my other daughter’s Destani 15 and Diamond 10, and came up with this character. I believe the characteristics, and the description that I created in this story is how my real Dionni would have been.

Then like other artist who has written about relationships, I was hurt. The pain that I was feeling allowed me to take the story line and my characters to another level. It allowed me to express how my self and the way other women in the world may feel after trying to make things work over and over again.

2. UM: The writing process is different for every writer. Describe your ups and downs when writing Over and Over Again.

Like I stated before, in the beginning it was a story created as a tribute to my children, but once I got into it, I went into another direction. At times I had writers block, but I would just stop and go to another section. I work a full time job and I am getting my MBA. So when things would come to me at work or at school, I would just jot them down, and work on it in the wee hours of the night. Once I established the pain in the story line, it was a lot easier for me to complete. A natural flow was then established, and while listening to music I was able to complete the manuscript.

3. UM: Is there a moral to the story or a message you want to communicate to readers?

I want my readers to be entertained but at the same time display that even through the trials and tribulations that life may bring, us as women can still be independent and successful.

4. UM: What is next for you? Any future events or information you want our audience to know about?

I have already started my next book “The Appetizer,” and right now I am just promoting and preparing for my book release in July. I was just at the Las Vegas Black Book Festival as one of the 20 a featured author, and I have a host of other events such as:

Apr 4 Maryland Writer’s Conference

May 28 – 31 Book Expo of America – New York City, NY

Jun 18 – 20 Black Writer’s Conference – Las Vegas, NV

June 13-14 AAMBC National Meeting – San Antonio, TX

July 18 Harlem Book Fair – Harlem, NY

July 31- Aug 2 National Book Club Conference – Atlanta, GA

5. UM: How can our readers contact you and support your endeavors?

The readers can check out my website: www.nicolacmitchell.com or join my fan club site nicola.ning.com. My email is nicola@nicolacmitchell.com

Thank you

Interview with National Best Selling Author Angela Winters

Angela Winters is a prolific writer, and blogger. She has written quite a few books, mostly focusing on the African American Romance genre. Her novels include over eleven titles including Only You, Sweet Surrender, Island Promise, A Forever Passion, and many others. Winters is also a screenplay writer who has received commendations from Scriptapalooza, Benderspink, American Accolades, aTalentScout, The People’s Pilot, Energy Entertainment, Script Magazine, Acclaim TV, Hollywood’s Next Success, and Fade In Magazine. Winters also runs Politopics, www.politopics.com, a blog that focuses on “Centrist Political Commentary from a Black Perspective.”

What inspired you to become an author?

Angela Winters: I’ve loved writing since I was a kid. I always knew what I wanted to be. I was a pretty solitary person, so writing was my communication.

What were some of the biggest obstacles that you faced when you began your career?

Angela Winters: Finding a new publisher when I wanted to change genres. My publisher was only interested in romantic suspense, which I had been writing. I wanted to move into mainstream family saga, but not a lot of publishers want to take that chance. It took a while.

How long does it generally take you to go from an idea or concept to a finished novel?

Angela Winters: A little more than a year depending on the schedule of the editor.

How long have you been blogging and what prompted you to start blogging?

Angela Winters: I started Politopics in Sept 2004, because I wanted to participate in political conversations and I felt there weren’t enough black blogs at the time.

There is a lot of content on your politopics.com site, how often do you blog?

Angela Winters: I’m currently on a hiatus, but I usually blog big 2x a week and ad hoc 3x a week. I rarely blog on the weekend. By “blog big” I mean post a lot of blogs with commentary. Ad hoc is just quick posting with a quick comment or no comment with an excerpt from the article.

What do you feel are some of the main creative differences between your previous written work and your blogging style?

Angela Winters: Writing fiction puts you more in control. Blogging, you have stay within the confines of the topic. Also the immediate feedback in blogging is different. You have to write with this in mind.

What are you currently doing to promote your blog? Any tips for all those bloggers out there?

Angela Winters: The best thing I did for my blog is guest blog on more popular sites. I emailed the blog owner, asked them to check out my site and asked to guest blog. People liked it and then came over to my site. Also offer to cross promote. I will quote from your blog, and you quote from mine with the link.

How do you think your own political views and ideas are shaping politopics.com?

Angela Winters: As I have evolved, politopics has me looking at issues differently. Comments with another point of view challenge you. Also when you know other people are listening, you research more before you post. I found that I am no longer as conservative as I used to be.

If you had to give a new blogger any key pieces of advice what would that advice be?

Angela Winters: Don’t be afraid of criticism. Also, spuce up your blog sometimes with an out of place topic. Read other blogs like yours and comment on them with a link to your blog. Build relationships with other bloggers. It will come in handy some day.

As long as we are on the topic of advice, what advice would you have for that new novelist trying to get that first novel published.

Angela Winters: Join writers groups. You will meet other authors who can refer you to their agent or publisher. Enter writing contest. Even if you don’t win, agents and publishers are judges and they might like you. When you approach an editor have a full concept, meaning know your audience, have good marketing and publicity ideas. Have examples of books like yours that have been a success. You’ll look more professional and publishers like writers who want to be involved in the process.

Interview with Ella Curry of EDC Creations on the making of her media network

1.  In general, how did you become involved with books? Specifically, how did you get involved marketing black authors online?
EDC Answer: Working at Karibu bookstores was where I first came into contact with new authors. As a Buyer and the Product Submissions Manager, I would receive their book submissions and press-kits. It was a real shame how under educated most of the authors were at that time. I turned my web design and event planning company into EDC Creations and started helping the authors with their branding and marketing materials.

As a single parent, who spends all her spare time on the Internet, I realized that there were more and more businesses taking their business to the web. What I didn’t see on the web in 2000, when I started my online company, was an abundance of black people. I knew this was a market I could dominate with my skills and passion for reading and my people. At the time, I was attending UMUC and taking graphic design and business management, I merged all my talents into a profitable business, doing what I loved—reading quality literature. Today, I review books for publishing houses, interview celebrities as well as new authors on BAN radio and represent some of the hottest authors in African American literature.

2.  Does online marketing generate an increase in online sales? Offline?
EDC Answer: Online marketing definitely increases online and offline sales. You can reach millions of potential customers in one day, via the Internet. You can conduct business in several countries from the comfort of your home, via the Internet. The use of online marketing is one sure way of increasing your territory and getting the word out about your product or service. Micro-blogging, social network marketing, RSS feed syndication and article submissions are just a few of the ways that business owners can connect and create relationships with their target audiences. Internet marketing has so many components, but a great business plan, marketing plan and solid publicity strategies can put it all together and definitely increase awareness and sales.

3.  Name three online marketing strategies that no new author should do without.
EDC Answer: a) Article placements on Internet sites is an important strategy and should be included in all authors overall publicity plan. Writing for Associated Content or becoming a professional blogger is a great way to build followers and to show your range of writing. It can be essential in building your overall brand. b) Using Internet radio interviews should become an important part of the authors overall media and publicity strategy. Internet radio and the syndication of the shows to iTunes can award authors overnight popularity and cause a great deal of viral responses to their books. I am the producer for Black Authors Network Radio; we reach over 118,000 fans per show via RSS feeds delivered to their personal email accounts! c) Creating a strong relationship with readers is the most important strategy of all. Authors can do this by social networking with their target audience. Finding out where their potential readers shop, socialize and play online and making meaningful conversation with them, can create repeat buyers and establish brand loyalty for life. Authors should share their news with the readers, as well as take sincere interest in the reader’s daily lives. Combining just these three strategies can take authors a long way, but there are hundreds of other more industry savvy ways that could be explored. That’s why people come to EDC Creations Media Group, my publicity company, to help them find those unique and cutting edge ways to reach the readers….LOL.

4.  In what ways can EDC assist authors in online marketing?
EDC Answer: EDC Creations coaches each client on how to capitalize on what they already have in place. Be that a tight focus group to sell their first books to or to use their every day careers as a platform to showcase the books. We help the authors to get major book publicity in radio, local TV, print and on the Internet. The most important thing that EDC Creations does for our clients is bring out their strengths and weaknesses and address both in the most productive manner. We take the vision of our clients and chart the course to turn it into a reality!

Additionally, we offer services in:

• Web Business Consultation
• Marketing Strategy Creation
• Marketing Plan Development
• Corporate Identity creation
• Comparative SWOT Analysis
• Branding & Book Coaching Programs
• Competitive Research
• Marketing Communications

5.  How does the economy affect book marketing? What can still be done to effectively market in downtimes?
EDC Answer: The economy being in this slump can play a significant part in the success of an independently published author. Traditionally published authors have the benefit of the publishing house presenting their books to libraries and bookstores via seasonal catalogs and through sales reps pushing the books. The self-published author has to write the books, market the books, distribute and promote the books. All of this can be very costly! In this economy the authors tend to start taking shortcuts to control the costs, sometimes this brings down the quality of the product. This is a serious no-no!

Also, when readers have less money to spend on entertainment, they tend to cut down on their book purchases. Some readers will turn to the libraries, online book swap groups and such sites as Book Crossings to find free or used books. The authors can work around this by creating personal relationships with their readers that will stimulate loyalty period. Some ways to do this is to create video blogs of the author in their every day life talking about the books and what’s going on with them. Create podcast readings from their books and post them all over the web. Use sites such as MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, and Ning networks to meet the readers on their own turf. Create blogs about their daily lives or what’s going on with their characters to give readers something to chat about amongst themselves. Virtual book/blog tours are the hottest thing going in the book world right now. The online tours are a great way to reach people without breaking the bank. At EDC Creations, we offer blog and radio tours starting at $199.00, which will increase the author’s territory and put them before thousands of readers per day!

6.  How can people contact you for your services?
EDC Answer: For book promotions and publicity the best way to reach me is to visit my EDC Creations website. On the main website you can find Black Pearls Magazine, Black Authors Network Radio Show and all the packages we offer authors and publishers. The readers will also meet the authors we are featuring for the month.

To meet new authors and to explore the latest books, readers can visit the BAN Radio Community blog. We have two online bookstores established to suggest great literature for all our readers. The stores are updated monthly with new releases. It’s like going into any brick and mortar store; you can skim the books, and meet the authors. The site addresses are listed below for you and your readers to enjoy. It is a pleasure to meet new readers weekly! On BAN radio we always have gifts and prizes for the visitors. Frequent visitors and bloggers to our community, win books by posting regular and truly joining the conversations. Check us out…you won’t be disappointed! Thank you so much for this opportunity to share the world of EDC Creations Media Group with your network.

EDC Creations’ Main Website
http://www.edc-creations.com

Black Pearls Magazine
http://www.blackpearlsmagazine.com

EDC Creations Internet Book Promotions
Meet the authors on book tours in 2009
http://www.edccreationsbooktours.ning.com

BAN Community Blog
http://www.profilesinblack.blogspot.com

Black Pearls Magazine Blog
http://edcmagazine.blogspot.com

EDC Creations Bookstores:
http://astore.amazon.com/edcmagazine-20
http://astore.amazon.com/sanklitesoci-20