Writer

Cat Welcomes Author Rod Ballard, a Reader’s Favorite Award-Winning Writer Who Just Released His New Book “Back To Slavery.”

Catherine Lyon Author/Writer Author News, Book Review, Featured Guest, News Around The Web, Posts , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,



Back to Slavery by Rod Ballard
Fiction – Historical Suspense
African-American Mystery, Drama
116 Pages – Available From Amazon Books


ABOUT THE BOOK:

Royal is an outstanding high school basketball player from Atlanta, Georgia, who has a bright future ahead of him. Even though things are going great for him, he really doesn’t understand how far his people (African ancestors) have come for him to be able to be in the position he’s in. Royal didn’t care much about what his ancestors had to go through in the past. He thought slavery was pretty simple. “Just sit back, do your work in the fields, and listen to the white man. How bad could that be?”

Not caring about how tough slavery was for his ancestors, one night after he falls asleep, Royal awakens in an unfamiliar place. He wasn’t in Atlanta, Georgia, anymore. He wakes up on a slave plantation where he witnesses hangings, beatings, sufferings, and hard labor in the fields. He goes to sleep every night wishing to wake up in his bed back in Atlanta, only to wake back up in ‘slavery’ each time. Royal is horrified as he tries to survive slavery and everything that comes with it. Will Royal ever make it back home? Or will he forever be stuck back in slavery?




About The Award-Winning Author Rod Ballard


Rod Ballard is an Award-Winning, acclaimed writer and entrepreneur who is a native of South Carolina, born and raised. With four published books to his credit, including his newly released title “Back to Slavery,” he has been awarded numerous Readers’ Favorite 5-Star Editorial Reviews. He has been writing since childhood but took it seriously in 2015. Rod’s books are available on Amazon Books, Amazon Kindle, Barnes Noble, and many fine online book sites.

Rod is committed to fitness and health, living a positive life, as it is his personal belief that how you keep yourself fit on the outside reflects who you are on the inside. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, writing, movies, and listening to music of various styles but favors Smooth Jazz and R&B.

With one goal accomplished of being an award-winning and best-selling author, his next aspiration is to see one of his books come to life in the movie “Silver Screens.” Rod continues to reside in South Carolina. He enjoys engaging and hearing from his reader fans and welcomes your comments and thoughts by email.

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“Back To Slavery” Awarded 5 Stars by Reader’s Favorite Book Influencers!


Reviewed by Adanna Ora for Readers’ Favorite

As a black boy living in Atlanta, Georgia, with a wonderful family and a promising basketball career, loved by his teachers and classmates alike, Royal thought that life couldn’t be more perfect. He based his view on material things and didn’t stop to appreciate that life hadn’t always been like that for his people. Anytime he was reminded of his privileges, especially considering what his ancestors had been through in earlier times, slaving away for their white masters, he brushed it aside. However, a day came when he experienced something that changed his life and his perspective forever. What could that be, and what did he experience? Back to Slavery by Rod Ballard is a drama that reviews black history and pinpoints several lessons that can be learned from it.

Back to Slavery has two settings, relating to both historical and modern times. Each comes with a specific language and style, giving the reader a different experience and the ability to enjoy the author’s rich talent for writing. There is also abundant use of suspense to keep readers longing for more and keeping them on their toes the whole time. I love the sense of mystery that surrounds certain events in the story.

Above all, the moral lessons are enormous. It helps humans, especially black Americans, to be aware of their history and know the price their ancestors paid for them to be where they are at the moment. It also preaches the equality of races and the need for everyone to live in peace, irrespective of their race or color. The book helps us to be grateful for what we have now and be empathetic toward the plight of others who are not as privileged as we are. I enjoyed reading this amazing work from Rod Ballard, and I hope that others appreciate it as much as I did. I highly suggest everyone read it!

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All Fiction Books By Rod Ballard


Cat hopes you have enjoyed meeting our newest amazing author in the book library!

Feel free to connect with Rod on his Social Media; all his books are available from Amazon Books and Amazon Kindle. His e-books are within Kindle Unlimited for members to Read Free.
VISIT >>  Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Goodreads, Amazon, Linkedin,


Wishing All My Friends, Readers, and New Visitors a Merry Christmas Holiday!



“Meet Author Deborah Perdue,” Who is an Award-Winning Writer and Graphic Designer Featured on The Readers Community at All Author…

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SNIPPET:
A self-published author and a book designer, Deborah L Perdue is the author of five books. With a B.A. in English, she has been writing ever since childhood. She writes spiritual articles and blog posts on gratitude. She has a daily practice of writing to keep herself engaged and motivated. In her free time, she enjoys taking walks with her dogs, nature, swimming, and artwork.

~All Author Reader Community


“Meet Award-Winning Author Deborah Perdue & Her Books”


Deborah, what is your favorite childhood memory?

We were at a good movie. My parents came and told us we had to go. I was mad. It turns out they had brought two horses to us from Utah; we, all 3 daughters, loved horses. So they introduced us to the two beautiful mares. I wasn’t mad anymore that they yanked us out of a movie! (LOL).


What developed your love for writing?

I have always written since I was a young child. Journaling was something I’ve always done. Then, in school, I continued writing and reading wonderful authors. Eventually, I studied and received a B.A. in English (emphasis: Creative writing), and I’ve been writing ever since.


What makes Gratitude your favorite topic to write about?

I found the power of a gratitude practice when a minister gave us all blank journals and told us to write 5 things we were grateful for every day for 40 days and that our lives would change for the better. It worked. Now, I love to share gratitude in my books and gratitude journals.


Which is the best book to start reading habit with?

Wow, how can I pick one?! Pick a genre you like; for instance, I like modern psychological fiction – one author I love is Kristin Hannah. Start there, read all of her works, and then find similar authors.


Your thoughts on conventional vs. self-publishing? What route did you choose and why?

I chose self-publishing because it allows us to have freedom and get our books out there, rather than trying to get a traditional publisher to take notice and take us on.


How much importance do you place on book titles and covers?

I am also a book designer! (www.illuminationgraphics.com)! So, I place more importance than most people on cover design. It is very important to have a professional book cover. An engaging title is also crucial and good when you can put important keywords into a title and/or subtitle too.


In what ways do you think your book, Grace of Gratitude Journal, will influence the lives of its readers?

The Grace of Gratitude Journal has been published for quite a while. I hear from many that it has greatly impacted their lives in beneficial ways to start a gratitude practice using my beautifully illustrated, inspiring journal.


From where did you get the idea for writing “Daily Gratitude Reflections: 365 Guides to Great-Full Living”?

I have a subscriber list (you can sign up at http://www.graceofgratitude.com). I have been writing thoughts of gratitude Mon-Fri for about 7 years! I picked the cream of the crop in both of my Daily Gratitude Reflections books for these daily guides.

What, according to you, are the key ingredients of a successful book?

I feel the author needs to have passion for their genre. If the author is passionate, like I am, for being grateful, the readers will feel the sincerity and react very positively.


What is the sweetest fan mail that you have ever received?

Here is a short one that I particularly love:
“Keep the vibrations of love flowing! The Daily Gratitude Reflections that Deborah Perdue writes and sends daily are deep and wondrous and touch my heart.
-P. Singh

When are you most inspired to write, and What are some things you do to motivate yourself when you’re stuck in a rut? Since I have a daily practice of writing, that always keeps me engaged and motivated.

What were some misconceptions you had about the book and publishing industry before you became a published author?

I didn’t realize that marketing is so important, even if you have a traditional publisher. Your “job” is not over when you are done writing a book. Getting the word out is very important.


What other things, apart from writing, do you enjoy doing?

Taking walks with my dogs, nature, swimming, artwork, my book design business, friends, and spirituality.


What are some of your plans for the future? Are you working on a new project at the moment?

I plan to write another book about Radical Gratitude. I have started it. I feel there is always something you can find to be grateful for, even when something harrowing happens in your life. I will use examples from myself and others to show how to find gratitude in a tough situation.


When were you first introduced to AllAuthor, and how?

My book marketing person who was helping me recommended your helpful website. This was in 2021 when my new book was launched. It is very useful in promoting my books.


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VISIT AUTHOR: Website, Join Author’s Newsletter, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Amazon, Linkedin, and Visit Her Website If You Are An Author Looking To Self-Publish Your Next Book!
https://illuminationgraphics.com/


All Women Should Read This Amazing Book and Learn More About Author Elizabeth Upton…

Catherine Lyon Author/Writer A Writer's Thoughts, All About Book Deals, Author News, Featured Guest, News Around The Web, Posts , , , , , ,

Reveal Yourself Without Cloak of Veil Through Your Purest Form of Love, Innocence, and Boldness…


Award-winning author and novelist Elizabeth Upton writes both inspiring and thought-provoking nonfiction books and thrilling suspense romance fiction! You can find all her books on Amazon… https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B001KEA1NG/about/


~Catherine 📚🎉📚😺

New Spotlight Interview With Multi-Award-Winning Novelist Kim Carter, Who Will Release a New Mystery Early Fall. And a Free E-book…

Catherine Lyon Author/Writer A Writer's Thoughts, Author News, Featured Guest, News Around The Web, Posts , , , , , ,



About The Author

Kim Carter is a multi-award-winning author and critically acclaimed writer of gripping suspense, chilling thrillers, and haunting historical mysteries.

Ms. Carter is widely known for her vibrant characters in her Clara and Iris Mystery series, a couple of overly curious widows who turn into private investigators. These funny women were inspired by Kim’s mother and her mom’s best friend. Book one of this series, Murder Among The Tombstones, was chosen Finalist for the 2018 Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Award and a recipient of the 2017 TCK Publishers’ Readers’ Choice Award.

Ms. Carter’s Mysteries and literary works include; “Sweet Dreams, Baby Belle,” When Dawn Never Comes, Deadly Odds (chosen Editor’s Pick in Books Shelf Magazine in 2022), No Second Chances, ‘And The Forecast Called For Rain,’ and her newest mystery Dark Secrets of the Bayou. “Bayou” has been awarded a Reader’s Favorite Editorial 5-Star Review, also chosen #1 Finalist for Best Historical Mystery from Reader’s Favorite 2021 book awards, and was awarded a 2021 Killer Nashville Finalist for The Silver Falchion Awards. In 2022 “Bayou” was chosen by The Author Shout Book Awards as a Recommended Read.

All of Kim’s novels can be purchased online at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, BAM, and Indie Bound. Kim’s writing career started after she suffered an illness that made her housebound for a couple of years. An avid reader of mystery novels herself, she embarked on writing to fill her time. Kim’s health struggles and successes have been chronicled on Lifetime Television in early 2000, in The Atlanta-Journal Constitution, Women’s Day Magazine, and Guidepost.

Now, with seven acclaimed mystery titles to her credit, Kim worked in many different capacities in county government. Still, her job as a correctional officer ultimately offered her opportunities to talk and interact with a diverse group of people. Her experiences run the gamete from inspiring success stories to tragic endings as she writes within her mysteries.

Kim began networking and made connections with numerous homicide detectives, medical examiners, and prison officials. Her research has taken her to many places, including morgues, death row, and the occasional midnight visit to cemeteries to gain material for her novels. Kim is a Saint Leo University college graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. She is an avid reader and has raised three successful grown children. Kim and her new pup Wally reside outside Atlanta, GA.

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** Readers can now download FREE Book One of “A Clara and Iris Mystery” series titled “Sweet Dreams, Baby Belle” beginning JULY 27th thru JULY 31st, 2023, on Amazon Kindle! **
https://www.amazon.com/Sweet-Dreams-Baby-Belle-Carter-ebook/dp/B0742KNK86/

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** Exclusive Interview with Kim Carter **

When did you start writing?

I started writing after an illness left me homebound for a couple of years. It was very therapeutic, but I never dreamed they’d be published.



What makes writing your passion?

Writing is very much like reading a really good book. It takes you away to another place. Often times I’m unaware of how my characters manifest themselves into the opposite of what I’d envisioned them becoming. They seem to take on a life of their own, so I simply follow their lead.


What was the feeling when you published your first book?

Oh wow! I quickly learned that writing a book is just the beginning of the process. The cover, the edits, and the ‘dreaded synopsis’ are to follow, along with other details. But there is no feeling like it in the world than holding your own book in your hands – the culmination of so much work, blood, sweat, and tears… But the hardest of all is saying goodbye to the characters that have become friends.


What’s the story behind your choice of characters?

The characters of Iris and Clara are based on real-life characters – and allow me to stretch these characters! My mother and her friend of fifty years were an absolute hoot, just as Clara and Iris are, and I enjoyed writing about them because it brings back such fond memories of being blessed with spending time with them. They were first introduced in my first two novels, Sweet Dreams, Baby Belle, and Murder Among The Tombstones, everyone loved them.

They were meant to be bit parts, but they clearly stole the show, making a series a no-brainer. I just finished the third book of this series, and I hope my reader fans will enjoy reading the next installment. It will be titled “Root Of All Evil.”


What annoys you the most in pursuing a writing career?

Oh, I have no right to complain about anything, but since you are giving me the opportunity – haaaa, It would be rude to turn you down. Being a writer that works from home, no one thinks you have a real job, and making you available at all times. Everyone is under the hysterical illusion that published authors are rich and famous.
Still trying to figure that one out. A real head-scratcher… Lol.



How do you get over the “writer’s block”?

I believe writing, by far, is the easiest part. Most of my time is spent rolling ideas around in my head and putting them on paper, which inevitably ends up with me painting myself in a corner and trying to find a feasible and believable way out.
(Can you say – a run-on sentence? Geez.) The easiest way for me to get back on track is usually to take a short trip to research something I’m writing about. It rejuvenates my mind, and I keep going.


What advice would you give to new authors?

My friends, family, and my publicist are always great encouragers which is a huge help.

But I have to say that my biggest inspiration is hearing from my fans and how much they’ve enjoyed a particular book or that they’re anxiously awaiting a new release. My advice for new authors is this business takes tough skin. Unfortunately, I don’t have it.

There will inevitably be people that may not like your work, and that’s okay. Some people will not like your particular genre or may simply just not like your writing. Write for those who do, but most of all, write for the love of writing. If you don’t love what you do, it’ll be challenging to be successful.


Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with the bad ones?

Yes, I do read my reviews, and like I said earlier, I’m very thin-skinned. I do, however, appreciate constructive criticism. I realize not everyone is going to be a Kim Carter fan or even a mystery fan, so I try to take it in stride.

I once got an Amazon one-star which really hit me hard. I felt like – “Hey, don’t I get something for the effort? When you write an entire book, how much are you sacrificing your scruples to give a writer two stars? Good Grief.”

It took a while to get over that one, but I soon realized I couldn’t just throw in the towel every time someone didn’t like my work.



How do you feel when people appreciate your work or recognize you in public?

It’s the most incredible feeling. I’ll never forget one day I was meeting my sister in an office supply store. She came up to me and loudly said, “You’re Kim Carter! And you look so normal!” We got quite a kick out of that! But I have to admit it’s quite the high to have someone recognize me and talk about the books I’ve written.

Although, if I must confess, I have a limited social life – I’m either at the grocery store, an antique store, or Goodwill, finding something to DIY. Since all those places are close to my home, I rarely put on make-up as I rush out the door for a quick trip. I look nothing like the beautiful photoshoot pics, more like someone that just rolled out of bed! LOL.


What’s the dream? Whom would you like to be as big as?

Wouldn’t we all love to be a legend like Stephen King?
What a brilliant mind! I am under no illusions that my writing can stand up to any of my favorites, so I am satisfied doing what I love and having the people that read my novels enjoy them. A little money would be nice, too. Maybe a Netflix series for “Clara and Iris, or two or three… I told you I was comical!


And lastly, share a secret with us… 🤗

Technically, it will no longer be one if I share a secret. Want to know what I treated myself to with my first royalty check? I had been wanting the Ove Glove for quite a while, as seen on TV. !! Thank goodness I’m a simple person!


VISIT AUTHOR: Website, Join Author’s Newsletter, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Goodreads, Amazon,

Special Guest Author Kaden James Shares An Invite For A  “2-Day Immersive Experience” Blog Post That Will Show You How. . . Enjoy!

Catherine Lyon Author/Writer A Writer's Thoughts, Author News, Featured Guest, Just A Blog Post, News Around The Web , , , , , , , ,


2-Day Immersive Experiences

NOT ONE DAY – NOT SOMEDAY – 2-DAY

Join me for a life-altering 2-Day coaching intensive, where we embark on a transformative journey designed to empower and elevate your life. Together, we will meet anywhere on Earth with WiFi, creating an immersive and personalized experience that combines coaching, exploration, adventure, delicious food, fun, and self-discovery in a unique and unforgettable way.

THESE TWO DAYS ARE DEDICATED TO YOU!

This image was taken while on a retreat in Tulum, Mexico.



You will be Seen, Heard and Celebrated: It’s all too rare these days that we get the tailored approach to growth and personal development. We can be lost in the pack or feel like we are on our own…

That’s where I come in, I will be there to guide you through this adventure of a lifetime! With this experience we will explore a beautiful destination and also your hearts deepest desires. Together we will uncover the blocks and challenges that live within and connect with your power so you can achieve your greatest life.

~Kaden James, Life Coaching



Now, Cat wants you to INVEST IN YOURSELF & VISIT Kaden’s Website/Blog To Follow The 2-Day Instructions he has laid out and ENJOY!
https://www.kadenjames.com/blog/2023/6/12/2-day-intensive-retreat



Because as Kaden Shares, we need to invest in Self-Care and Self-Love too. . .

INVESTMENT IN YOURSELF:

“This investment for the personalized 2-day coaching retreat will depend on factors such as travel arrangements, accommodation, destination, and program customization. During the initial consultation, we will gather information to create a detailed proposal with investment details tailored to your preferences and needs.

Embark on this extraordinary journey of self-discovery and empowerment, and let’s create an unforgettable coaching experience that will set the stage for your incredible future.

Together, we will unlock your true potential and pave the way for a fulfilling and purposeful life.”



You may connect with Kaden as he is available for one on one Life Coaching, and here is what you will gain by doing so! > https://www.kadenjames.com/coaching


WHAT YOU GAIN FROM COACHING

  • A life coach saves you time. Time is your most valuable asset. You can always make more money, but you can not make more time. I will help you save time by helping you uncover what drives you, and where your real passion is and help you get on the path to living in this passion which will keep you feeling younger, healthier, and happier.
  • Coaches help you uncover limiting beliefs that you may be unaware of that can hold you back from moving forward with your life. After we uncover these negative thoughts that limit you, your coach will help you replace these thoughts with new uplifting thoughts that will help you rise to your full potential.
  • A great coach will help you gain clarity on your life, helping you uncover what truly matters, and will bring you a heightened level of peace. 
  • Coaches provide accountability and give you that extra push we all need sometimes to get to that next level. 
  • Effective coaches help people overcome fears to gain their ideal life. 
  • It’s our job to help you get your life in order. Any area you struggle with from finances, romantic relationships, career, or personal development we help you create a life of abundance and fulfillment.








Congrats To Our Author Candace Gish & Her New Anthology, Book 2 Has Been Awarded 5-Star Editorial Book Reviews By Reader’s Favorite.

Catherine Lyon Author/Writer Author News, Book Review, Featured Guest, New Book & Author Press Release, News Around The Web, Posts, Updates and More , , , , , , , ,


Our Mothers, Our Daughters

Our Mothers, Our Daughters

Divas That Care Collection

by Candace Gish

Non-Fiction – Anthology – Contributing Authors

Kindle Edition – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BZ59BSBN

Reviewed on 04/25/2023

Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers’ Favorite

Our Mothers, Our Daughters by Candace Gish reminds us that the relationship shared between mother and daughter is deep. It’s not always positive, but it defines the identity of both mother and daughter and the way that the world sees them. We grow together and learn together and, for better or worse, we create ourselves in the image of the other. It’s like a road trip, one that takes many dips and turns and leads us, hopefully, to a positive and pre-destined place. As Jacqueline Biollo writes in her story, Alethea, “Metaphorically, road trips, like relationships, can be expensive.

They take time and energy to foster. But with some planning, we can successfully navigate the road ahead and avoid some bumps along the way. Relationships can be adventurous and advantageous to exploring new things, building confidence, and making memories.” Simply put, life and relationships are journeys we must take that will lead us to places unknown.

Candace Gish’s book, Our Mothers, Our Daughters, is an anthology of stories honoring the mother-daughter dynamic. This book is part of the Divas That Care Collection, bringing together the positive and the negative (and the most loving and challenging) connections that define who we are. The stories feature three distinct themes: Connection, Inner Self, and Unconditional Love. The accounts are meant to inspire all of us mothers and daughters as we embark on the mission of bonding and love (or, sadly, the lack thereof). Some of the stories may spark a similar memory in the reader’s mother-daughter relationship. The narratives are accompanied by prompts and suggestions to further strengthen, or at least comprehend, the complexity that makes up our own stories.

Through the words of other mothers and daughters, this anthology will both inspire and encourage all of us to look deeper into our emotions as we make that poignant, sometimes difficult, journey.



Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers’ Favorite

Our Mothers, Our Daughters: The Stories That Make And Create Our Lives (Divas That Care Collection) is an anthology of non-fiction stories that revolve around maternal relationships and the ties that bind mothers and daughters. The collection has multiple individual authors who share a slice of their stories with the contributions having been pulled together into its present book format by Candace Gish.

The stories range from the inspiring My Daughter, My Valentine by Brenda Pearce in which the author, who thought she couldn’t have more kids, feels an overwhelming desire for a baby while admiring a newborn girl at work. Weeks later, she discovers she’s pregnant and gives birth to a healthy baby girl on Valentine’s Day, whom she considers a miracle and a gift from the Divine; to A Study in Golden Rule and Persistence by Rosanna Pittella, wherein Pittella recounts her decision to send her gifted daughter Jessica to school at 18 months old, despite opposition from others. Jessica thrived and went on to earn three degrees.

All told, Our Mothers, Our Daughters by Candace Gish contains over two dozen stories that each pack a huge heartwarming punch despite their compact sizes. I like that the stories are categorized into three distinct and interconnected parts: Connection, Inner-Self, and Unconditional Love. I was most touched by My Beautiful Miracle by Jennifer Herron who reflects on the joys and challenges of raising her daughter Lauren, who was born premature and faced health and developmental obstacles.

Through their journey together, Herron has learned the importance of embracing uniqueness and adapting to the unknown, and she feels truly blessed to have learned so much from her daughter. All of the stories are polished and wonderfully composed, and I loved that each section ends with action steps, journal prompts, and affirmations. I walked away from this collection feeling whole and happy and completely fulfilled.

Very highly recommended.


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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

“Candace is a best-selling Canadian Author from Alberta. She is a wife, homeschool mom, author, “Radio Host, Entrepreneur, and Change Maker. Living life to the fullest!“


Full Bio:

Candace Gish is a motivator and empowering change agent who understands the challenges women face while finding success in their everyday lives and businesses. She is an advocate for mentorship and strong, supportive networks.

Her four daughters and wonderful husband have inspired her to create a better world, thus the Divas That Care Network was born. Candace enjoys connecting with goal-oriented women and has a commitment to making a difference. She believes in the power of women converging to implement change and has ensured that the purpose of the Divas That Care movement quantifies just that.


Visit & Connect With The Author

 Website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Goodreads, Amazon, Pinterest, Linkedin,



On Sale Now for Mother’s Day! Both E-books in this collection are now on sale on Amazon Kindle and have HIT #1 on Amazon Canada in several categories>> https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09QQP4DRJ/ …


HAPPY READING!