Monday, September 5, 2011
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Saving Lives Through Lit: A Domestic Violence Anthology!
Saving Lives Through Lit
Two creative women had an idea and sent out an SOS to Authors, Editors, Poets, Graphic Designers, and other creative personalities for assistance. Together everyone that came together to make this Project a reality have one Mission: To SAVE LIVES THROUGH LITERATURE! This is a Project that was born last year. However, domestic violence as a whole has been a issue for too many years to count. Through the Directors of SAVING LIVES THROUGH LITERATURE, Elizabeth Funderbirk and Kiexiza Rodriquez, they want to bring an awareness and a voice to the voiceless affected by this crisis. Together that have arranged talent, enlisted services to be donated, created a media buzz, established this website, and an email that will be directly used for this one mission.
This project is a Non-Profit venture that is totally being presented by DONATIONS only. Our goal is to shed light on a topic that needs to be addressed. There are many organizations that deal with the issue of Men, Women, and Children living with Domestic Violence, we as representatives of the artist community wanted to lend our Voices/Pens, and talents to the Cure. What better way then to do what we love and Write the stories of the many faces. Stories some are still afraid to voice.
We pray that our efforts are met with an abundance of support. So that we can all be apart of the Movement to end Domestic Violence.
The founders of the "Saving Lives Through Lit" project had a vision of bringing together those in the literary community willing to contribute pieces of who they are to create an anthology to affect change in our nation.
Elizabeth Funderbirk and Kiexiza Rodriquez set the wheels in motion and received an overwhelming response.
The first anthology for "Saving Lives through lit" will be entitled "The Voices Behind the Tears" and will be released in October 2011. The funds made will be solely used for donations to several national organizations and to fund future SLTL Projects.
This is our way to join and support the cause and raise awareness. Many of those contributing have been personally affected by domestic violence in one way or another and desire desperately to aid those that are living with this and those that are seeking way out.
Support and donations are greatly appreciated as they will contribute to SLTL's success. Please email savinglivesthroughlit@ymail.com for more information on how you can help!
Please JOIN our Web Site http://savinglivesthroughlit.org
Two creative women had an idea and sent out an SOS to Authors, Editors, Poets, Graphic Designers, and other creative personalities for assistance. Together everyone that came together to make this Project a reality have one Mission: To SAVE LIVES THROUGH LITERATURE! This is a Project that was born last year. However, domestic violence as a whole has been a issue for too many years to count. Through the Directors of SAVING LIVES THROUGH LITERATURE, Elizabeth Funderbirk and Kiexiza Rodriquez, they want to bring an awareness and a voice to the voiceless affected by this crisis. Together that have arranged talent, enlisted services to be donated, created a media buzz, established this website, and an email that will be directly used for this one mission.
This project is a Non-Profit venture that is totally being presented by DONATIONS only. Our goal is to shed light on a topic that needs to be addressed. There are many organizations that deal with the issue of Men, Women, and Children living with Domestic Violence, we as representatives of the artist community wanted to lend our Voices/Pens, and talents to the Cure. What better way then to do what we love and Write the stories of the many faces. Stories some are still afraid to voice.
We pray that our efforts are met with an abundance of support. So that we can all be apart of the Movement to end Domestic Violence.
The founders of the "Saving Lives Through Lit" project had a vision of bringing together those in the literary community willing to contribute pieces of who they are to create an anthology to affect change in our nation.
Elizabeth Funderbirk and Kiexiza Rodriquez set the wheels in motion and received an overwhelming response.
The first anthology for "Saving Lives through lit" will be entitled "The Voices Behind the Tears" and will be released in October 2011. The funds made will be solely used for donations to several national organizations and to fund future SLTL Projects.
This is our way to join and support the cause and raise awareness. Many of those contributing have been personally affected by domestic violence in one way or another and desire desperately to aid those that are living with this and those that are seeking way out.
Support and donations are greatly appreciated as they will contribute to SLTL's success. Please email savinglivesthroughlit@ymail.com for more information on how you can help!
Please JOIN our Web Site http://savinglivesthroughlit.org
Three Things I Have Learned Since Becoming A Published Author....
Three Things I Have Learned Since Becoming A Published Author....
There are so many things that come to mind when I contemplate the knowledge I have gained since beginning my literary journey. Most of the articles I write in my Literary Journal “Trials, Tribulations, and Torn” are about my path to get on the shelves. Now, that I have rightfully obtained the moniker “Published Author” I now know the hard work it really takes to sustain in this industry. There are many things I can share on this topic and actually, I could write a book about it J but this particular article I will focus on three things I’ve learned.
The first thing that I have learned for sure is that marketing your book is a must. Some people get so caught up in social media they forget to shut down their PC’s and hit the pavement.
I was one of these people. Don’t get consumed in the social networking machine. It is definitely an invaluable tool and has made it so much easier to reach the masses; however, don’t under estimate the power of the original hustle and get out and meet and greet the public. These are the folks who will remember you took the time to sign and autograph your book that they’ve purchased. It will also exemplify that you are hungry enough to be out and about to spread the word on your work. In turn, these people will continue to spread the word too. Word of mouth is the BEST advertisement you will ever get and the most cost effective.
Marketing and promoting yourself, your work, and your brand, can and will get costly. So it is a MUST to use creative strategies when you begin to hear echoes in your wallet. You can’t put your business on hold when you hit road blocks. Think outside the box to keep your progression going. If you are not being seen or driving traffic your way then you will have sacrificed for nothing.
After you have posted in every and all social media sites, gone out and made yourself known amongst the consumers, and set up a website for all of them to reference … NOW what? Cross promote. Team up with someone in your shoes or shoes that you one day wish to fill and target one other supporters. This is a win, win situation for both parties. You know for sure that if they are making sales and doing well they have obtained a fan base. Readers are waiting on their next read while in the middle of their current book. You know that they have a need for what you have, you just need to gain their attention long enough to tell them. What better way to do so than to get someone they already support to pass along your info. It works both ways. This creates great networking connections and customers for all parties involved.
Don’t forget to ALWAYS give your supporters a deal. Not a hook up but a deal. We all love a deal and if you have people who have been on the fence about your book, a good SALE may just be what they need to take a chance on you, especially if you are new on the scene.
Remember there are always marketing options that will not leave you in financial straits.
The second thing I have learned is ALWAYS be professional. Your professionalism is your brand. Always keep that in mind when you are working and even when you are not. I mean are authors ever off the clock? Your office is not a conventional one. You are a public figure so to speak. Your demeanor in social settings, social media included, will propel your success OR send it diving.
Your conduct as a professional is imperative no matter the genre you write. Consumers want to spend, and support businesses that show longevity and give their clients respect. Becoming an author is starting a business essentially, especially if your goal is to continue writing as a career. Approach each encounter with a buyer, or potential buyer like they have stepped into your office and you need to impress them with not only your business savvy, but your product.
Conducting yourself in a professional manner on social media is MUST! It is so easy to get caught up in the fact that you are behind a screen. Your internet footprint is lasting and can be accessed by almost anyone. If you’re on your social media pages fussing back and forth or get caught up in senseless drama it is unbecoming as a professional and a turn off to potential readers/buyers. Don’t take the bait and allow someone to take you outside your character. The anonymity can make it so easy and although social media should not be your only form of marketing/promoting it IS a wonderful asset. Don’t get a reputation in the negative regarding your interaction or comments made in a public forum. The word of mouth can work both ways.
The third, and most important thing I’ve learned is to believe in your vision. When I started I knew what I wanted. I knew what I wanted my book cover to look like. I knew I wanted to work with a company as opposed to self-publishing. I knew the market I was targeting. I knew what I hoped to grow into as an author. Keep your vision. In this business you will gain a wealth of knowledge from those who have done it before you and their advice will be valuable and help you to get to another level. That does not mean that your game plan is all wrong. That means that you may have to grow your vision or shelf certain ideas until you can bring them to fruitation, but never let them go. Your vision is what brought you this far.
Opinions will come at you, which you need to modify this and do away with that. However, that may not be exactly what you envisioned. As the head of your new literary venture you must take control and make the final decision. It may not be the right one, but it will be yours and you will know that you took control. The mistakes is where the learning process begins. If anyone tells you they have the formula for success and it is 100% guaranteed they are fooling you and themselves. They too had growing pains. Some will reach out and express concern because they failed in the direction in which you chose to take. The thing is they cannot tell which path will bring you success. You have walked your path and only you know your circumstances. You can’t follow someone else’s blueprint to the letter because their start and their finish will be different than yours. Although they have obtained success doing exactly what they explained you should do, there is no way to know if that same advice will work in your favor. That is why you can’t look at the next person and wonder why this is not working for me? Or if you are successful you should not question why are they going about things that way? Believe in you and take it all in. Learn your business, research everything! Then research again to make informed choices.
Please base you business decisions on what you KNOW will work in your favor. Base them on what you KNOW you can accomplish on your means. By all means take advice and apply where you can. What you can’t, like I stated before get creative, and stay on the path to your vision.
Three Things I Have Learned Since Becoming A Published Author. By: Elizabeth Funderbirk for Urban Bookshelf.
This article along will many other will also be featured on the Author Literary Blog “Trials, Tribulations, and Torn” http://writingtorn.blogspot.com
For more information on Elizabeth “LiteraryLiz” Funderbirk please visit “Literary Liz Writes” www.LiteraryLiz.com
There are so many things that come to mind when I contemplate the knowledge I have gained since beginning my literary journey. Most of the articles I write in my Literary Journal “Trials, Tribulations, and Torn” are about my path to get on the shelves. Now, that I have rightfully obtained the moniker “Published Author” I now know the hard work it really takes to sustain in this industry. There are many things I can share on this topic and actually, I could write a book about it J but this particular article I will focus on three things I’ve learned.
The first thing that I have learned for sure is that marketing your book is a must. Some people get so caught up in social media they forget to shut down their PC’s and hit the pavement.
I was one of these people. Don’t get consumed in the social networking machine. It is definitely an invaluable tool and has made it so much easier to reach the masses; however, don’t under estimate the power of the original hustle and get out and meet and greet the public. These are the folks who will remember you took the time to sign and autograph your book that they’ve purchased. It will also exemplify that you are hungry enough to be out and about to spread the word on your work. In turn, these people will continue to spread the word too. Word of mouth is the BEST advertisement you will ever get and the most cost effective.
Marketing and promoting yourself, your work, and your brand, can and will get costly. So it is a MUST to use creative strategies when you begin to hear echoes in your wallet. You can’t put your business on hold when you hit road blocks. Think outside the box to keep your progression going. If you are not being seen or driving traffic your way then you will have sacrificed for nothing.
After you have posted in every and all social media sites, gone out and made yourself known amongst the consumers, and set up a website for all of them to reference … NOW what? Cross promote. Team up with someone in your shoes or shoes that you one day wish to fill and target one other supporters. This is a win, win situation for both parties. You know for sure that if they are making sales and doing well they have obtained a fan base. Readers are waiting on their next read while in the middle of their current book. You know that they have a need for what you have, you just need to gain their attention long enough to tell them. What better way to do so than to get someone they already support to pass along your info. It works both ways. This creates great networking connections and customers for all parties involved.
Don’t forget to ALWAYS give your supporters a deal. Not a hook up but a deal. We all love a deal and if you have people who have been on the fence about your book, a good SALE may just be what they need to take a chance on you, especially if you are new on the scene.
Remember there are always marketing options that will not leave you in financial straits.
The second thing I have learned is ALWAYS be professional. Your professionalism is your brand. Always keep that in mind when you are working and even when you are not. I mean are authors ever off the clock? Your office is not a conventional one. You are a public figure so to speak. Your demeanor in social settings, social media included, will propel your success OR send it diving.
Your conduct as a professional is imperative no matter the genre you write. Consumers want to spend, and support businesses that show longevity and give their clients respect. Becoming an author is starting a business essentially, especially if your goal is to continue writing as a career. Approach each encounter with a buyer, or potential buyer like they have stepped into your office and you need to impress them with not only your business savvy, but your product.
Conducting yourself in a professional manner on social media is MUST! It is so easy to get caught up in the fact that you are behind a screen. Your internet footprint is lasting and can be accessed by almost anyone. If you’re on your social media pages fussing back and forth or get caught up in senseless drama it is unbecoming as a professional and a turn off to potential readers/buyers. Don’t take the bait and allow someone to take you outside your character. The anonymity can make it so easy and although social media should not be your only form of marketing/promoting it IS a wonderful asset. Don’t get a reputation in the negative regarding your interaction or comments made in a public forum. The word of mouth can work both ways.
The third, and most important thing I’ve learned is to believe in your vision. When I started I knew what I wanted. I knew what I wanted my book cover to look like. I knew I wanted to work with a company as opposed to self-publishing. I knew the market I was targeting. I knew what I hoped to grow into as an author. Keep your vision. In this business you will gain a wealth of knowledge from those who have done it before you and their advice will be valuable and help you to get to another level. That does not mean that your game plan is all wrong. That means that you may have to grow your vision or shelf certain ideas until you can bring them to fruitation, but never let them go. Your vision is what brought you this far.
Opinions will come at you, which you need to modify this and do away with that. However, that may not be exactly what you envisioned. As the head of your new literary venture you must take control and make the final decision. It may not be the right one, but it will be yours and you will know that you took control. The mistakes is where the learning process begins. If anyone tells you they have the formula for success and it is 100% guaranteed they are fooling you and themselves. They too had growing pains. Some will reach out and express concern because they failed in the direction in which you chose to take. The thing is they cannot tell which path will bring you success. You have walked your path and only you know your circumstances. You can’t follow someone else’s blueprint to the letter because their start and their finish will be different than yours. Although they have obtained success doing exactly what they explained you should do, there is no way to know if that same advice will work in your favor. That is why you can’t look at the next person and wonder why this is not working for me? Or if you are successful you should not question why are they going about things that way? Believe in you and take it all in. Learn your business, research everything! Then research again to make informed choices.
Please base you business decisions on what you KNOW will work in your favor. Base them on what you KNOW you can accomplish on your means. By all means take advice and apply where you can. What you can’t, like I stated before get creative, and stay on the path to your vision.
Three Things I Have Learned Since Becoming A Published Author. By: Elizabeth Funderbirk for Urban Bookshelf.
This article along will many other will also be featured on the Author Literary Blog “Trials, Tribulations, and Torn” http://writingtorn.blogspot.com
For more information on Elizabeth “LiteraryLiz” Funderbirk please visit “Literary Liz Writes” www.LiteraryLiz.com
Friday, August 12, 2011
Saving Lives Through Lit
Saving Lives Through Lit, is the vision of a beautifully, wonderful woman, Elizabeth Funderbirk.
After enlisting the help and support of Kiexiza Rodriquez, together the duo took her idea and broughtit to life. Liz desired to bring people in the literary community together to support different causes.
And, when the call was sent out neither of them were let down from the responses that came in fromthe literary community.
Saving Lives Through Lit's first cause will be near and dear to both Liz and Kie's heats, Domestic Violence.Domestic Violence affects many homes across the world. many children, women, men, sisters, brothers, mother's suffer in silence daily, not knowing if today will be the day a shove ends their life, why they just can't get it right, why do mommy nad daddy have to fight, what they can do to help their friend or family member get help, or even how the victim themselves can do to get out.
D.V. doesn't care if your black, white, Indian, rich or poor, man or woman. D.V. cares not about your social status, age, how much money you have in the bank, or what college you went to.Together many in the literary world, from writers, poets, graphic designers, editors, and others have bannedtogether to add their voice and talents to the completion of this project.
SLTL is a non-profit venture. 100% of proceeds will be donated to select D.V. agencies and to support future project.NO ONE is making money from any sales, all monies earned are put back into the project, and are donated.
Any Questions, Comments, Donations, and/or Suggestions
Please email "Saving Lives Through Literature" at savinglivesthroughlit@ymail.com.
After enlisting the help and support of Kiexiza Rodriquez, together the duo took her idea and broughtit to life. Liz desired to bring people in the literary community together to support different causes.
And, when the call was sent out neither of them were let down from the responses that came in fromthe literary community.
Saving Lives Through Lit's first cause will be near and dear to both Liz and Kie's heats, Domestic Violence.Domestic Violence affects many homes across the world. many children, women, men, sisters, brothers, mother's suffer in silence daily, not knowing if today will be the day a shove ends their life, why they just can't get it right, why do mommy nad daddy have to fight, what they can do to help their friend or family member get help, or even how the victim themselves can do to get out.
D.V. doesn't care if your black, white, Indian, rich or poor, man or woman. D.V. cares not about your social status, age, how much money you have in the bank, or what college you went to.Together many in the literary world, from writers, poets, graphic designers, editors, and others have bannedtogether to add their voice and talents to the completion of this project.
SLTL is a non-profit venture. 100% of proceeds will be donated to select D.V. agencies and to support future project.NO ONE is making money from any sales, all monies earned are put back into the project, and are donated.
Any Questions, Comments, Donations, and/or Suggestions
Please email "Saving Lives Through Literature" at savinglivesthroughlit@ymail.com.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Teaser from CHAPTER 15 "Love TORN Asunder" By: Elizabeth Funderbirk
Teaser of CHAPTER 15 "Love TORN Asunder" ....Suspense, Drama, Romance, Lust & Loyalty.
CHAPTER 15
HER
Kendrick has been spending a lot of time at home. He even spent Thanksgiving with me and the kids although he usually celebrated it with his family, and I went with mine. It was nice us spending it together, but he is getting antsy. I have been trying to do my best to accommodate him by allowing Bernard over without a lot of fuss. I know that this isn’t going to last long. Ever since we went to that blues lounge, The Indigo, he has been even more on edge than usual. I thought it was strange for him to invite me out without me having to push him. The last time he was so accommodating was the last time I caught him cheating on me. We had taken a cruise to the Bahamas with a group of friends. I’d paid for the trip because I just wanted to spend time with Kendrick without his friends around. I’d wanted to let him know that I would do anything for him and this marriage. Kendrick and I just couldn’t get it right. My oldest son, Robert, had moved out about a year a half ago and I became severely depressed after that. No one understood. My family said that I had chosen Kendrick over my own son. Kendrick is my husband and Robert, my first-born. Robert is an adult though and the things that he was accusing Kendrick of couldn’t have been possible. He wouldn’t have disrespected me like that in our house. I knew Kendrick did things that a husband shouldn’t do in a marriage, but he would not bring those things to my home. A year and a half ago was when I started detaching myself from Kendrick’s indiscretions.
Robert and I came home from the grocery store on a Tuesday afternoon. Robert started unloading the groceries from the trunk of my car and taking them in the house while I gathered my daughter, Rayne. I was walking through the garage to the back door when I heard the commotion. I picked up my pace and when I entered the kitchen I could tell that it was coming from upstairs. I secured Rayne in her high chair in the kitchen and raced to the hallway. I stood at the bottom of the staircase and watched Robert and Kendrick attack one another. I didn’t know what to do. I was planted in that spot and couldn’t find my voice. Robert’s girlfriend Emma was shouting at them to stop, that they were acting like fools. I agreed but I couldn’t talk. She looked at me asked if I was going to do anything? Was I going to get Robert off Kendrick? I couldn’t move. My baby began crying in the kitchen and I still couldn’t move. Out of nowhere, Reggie came bounding through the front door and up the stairs. He pried them apart after a few tries. Robert was staring down at me, breathing hard, nostrils flared. The glare on his face made tears spring to my eyes and burn a trail down my cheeks. He turned his anger toward my husband, demanded that he leave and told Emma to do the same. Robert was pushing her down the stairs, one step at a time. The tears impaired my vision, which made everything blurry.
“Mom! What are you going to do about this?” I heard him but I couldn’t answer. What could I say?
“Are you going to let him stay here after this shit? He has always been a cheater, but I know you’re not going to let him get away with this!” Robert yelled, demanding answers. My lungs were burning from holding my breath. “He was fucking Emma in my room, Mom. He’s sleeping with my girlfriend under your roof!” His voice boomed throughout the house, the sound echoing inside my head. “Mom?”
I could hear Kendrick telling him to calm down and to stop raising his voice in his house. “So you’re really not going to say anything, are you? You’re just going to look the other way again? Even though this time he didn’t just fuck you over he fucked me too!” My son said those words to me, and that was the last time we stayed under the same roof.
After some time, I made sure that Robert was settled into an apartment. It took a lot of doing since he didn’t want to speak with me and I couldn’t blame him. When things sort of fell in order, I planned the cruise. It was a five-day, four-night event. By night three, he was antsy. He couldn’t even keep it together on a boat in the middle of the ocean. One evening while I was in the shower, he left the room. I knew that he was up to something. He kept trying to get me involved in an activity to keep me busy so he could get away, but I wasn’t falling for that. I stayed stuck to his side, until I went to take a shower that is. I got out of the shower and wrapped the new robe that he purchased for this trip around my body. I then called everyone that we came with on the cruise to see if had hooked up with any of them. No one had seen or talked to him since we left after dinner. I had an idea of where he might be, but I just didn’t want to believe that he would embarrass me like this with all these people to witness it. I went straight to Barbara’s room. She was the sister of one of my friends that came along. She was exactly what Kendrick liked. She had light skin and big breasts. She was very cute, so the sight of him being friendly with her made my insecurities rise. She and Kendrick had been a little too friendly for the first couple of days. My stomach was in knots and I had a bad feeling about the whole thing as I got closer to her suite. When I made it to the door, I just listened at first. I could hear him inside laughing with her. Why would he do this shit here? Why now? I knocked. They became quiet, so I knocked again, louder. Then louder. Nothing.
“I heard y’all in there and I am not leaving until you send my husband out here, Barbara.” I heard movement. Then there was nothing. I stood there for ten damn minutes then knocked on the door to the next cabin. A woman tentatively opened the door. I asked her if I could borrow a chair. She kindly brought one out to me without question. I’m sure she could hear what was going on through the thin walls. At that point, I didn’t care anymore. He’d already made me look like a fool for pulling this so why should I give a fuck? I sat there, arms folded, in the middle of the hallway on the cruise that I paid for to bring us closer together. He waited another fifteen minutes before he showed his face. He came out and all he could say was a pathetic “I’m sorry”. He took me by the arm lifted me from the chair and escorted me back to our room. He didn’t say anything about what happened and foolishly, neither did I. He made love to me as soon as we got back to our suite, while I cried.
I have that same feeling that I had that night on the cruise, the knots in my stomach that I had at The Indigo. Now Kendrick is in the shower preparing to go to Dahlia’s house. What he doesn’t know is that I’m going too. He is not about to leave me in this house tonight while he runs the damn streets. I know that my husband has needs that I’m not always willing to fulfill. I’m tired! I deal with a five-year-old autistic child all day long and a sixteen-year-old with raging hormones, who is driving me crazy to drive my car. My day begins with me taking Rayne to the center that provides classes with other children like her and support counseling for the parents, which Kendrick refuses to attend. I believe he is under the impression that if he doesn’t acknowledge it then it isn’t true. Therefore, Rayne and I don’t get the support that we desperately need and deserve from her father, my husband. When I do return home he’s not there and by the off chance that he is, he is in our bedroom asleep or watching porno DVD’s. He doesn’t come to help me. He doesn’t come out to spend time with our daughter. There is laundry that needs to be done, dusting, vacuuming, and cleaning up after my little angel. Then Reggie is home. After talking to him about his day, checking to see if he completed his homework, then carpooling him and four other rowdy teenagers to football practice, I get home and start dinner. By the time dinner is ready, Reggie is home from football practice. After all is said and done at the end of the day, everyone is bathed and sleeping soundly in their beds. Believe me there is so much more that happens before I head off to bed for the night. I just don’t have the energy to be a porn star for Kendrick after all that.
He finally emerges from the bathroom dressed head to toe in black and smelling of cologne that I didn’t purchase. Kendrick is so tight with a dollar that I know he didn’t buy it for himself. He sees me sitting on our queen size bed,
dressed and ready to go.
To purchase "Love TORN Asunder" is available on-line through ALL major book retailers, Amazon, Emeraldstarpress.net, and my website "Literary Liz Writes" www.Literary.com. If you buy "Love TORN Asunder" through my website there will be NO shipping added to your purchase.
Lots of Love LiteraryLiz...
www.LiteraryLiz.com
CHAPTER 15
HER
Kendrick has been spending a lot of time at home. He even spent Thanksgiving with me and the kids although he usually celebrated it with his family, and I went with mine. It was nice us spending it together, but he is getting antsy. I have been trying to do my best to accommodate him by allowing Bernard over without a lot of fuss. I know that this isn’t going to last long. Ever since we went to that blues lounge, The Indigo, he has been even more on edge than usual. I thought it was strange for him to invite me out without me having to push him. The last time he was so accommodating was the last time I caught him cheating on me. We had taken a cruise to the Bahamas with a group of friends. I’d paid for the trip because I just wanted to spend time with Kendrick without his friends around. I’d wanted to let him know that I would do anything for him and this marriage. Kendrick and I just couldn’t get it right. My oldest son, Robert, had moved out about a year a half ago and I became severely depressed after that. No one understood. My family said that I had chosen Kendrick over my own son. Kendrick is my husband and Robert, my first-born. Robert is an adult though and the things that he was accusing Kendrick of couldn’t have been possible. He wouldn’t have disrespected me like that in our house. I knew Kendrick did things that a husband shouldn’t do in a marriage, but he would not bring those things to my home. A year and a half ago was when I started detaching myself from Kendrick’s indiscretions.
Robert and I came home from the grocery store on a Tuesday afternoon. Robert started unloading the groceries from the trunk of my car and taking them in the house while I gathered my daughter, Rayne. I was walking through the garage to the back door when I heard the commotion. I picked up my pace and when I entered the kitchen I could tell that it was coming from upstairs. I secured Rayne in her high chair in the kitchen and raced to the hallway. I stood at the bottom of the staircase and watched Robert and Kendrick attack one another. I didn’t know what to do. I was planted in that spot and couldn’t find my voice. Robert’s girlfriend Emma was shouting at them to stop, that they were acting like fools. I agreed but I couldn’t talk. She looked at me asked if I was going to do anything? Was I going to get Robert off Kendrick? I couldn’t move. My baby began crying in the kitchen and I still couldn’t move. Out of nowhere, Reggie came bounding through the front door and up the stairs. He pried them apart after a few tries. Robert was staring down at me, breathing hard, nostrils flared. The glare on his face made tears spring to my eyes and burn a trail down my cheeks. He turned his anger toward my husband, demanded that he leave and told Emma to do the same. Robert was pushing her down the stairs, one step at a time. The tears impaired my vision, which made everything blurry.
“Mom! What are you going to do about this?” I heard him but I couldn’t answer. What could I say?
“Are you going to let him stay here after this shit? He has always been a cheater, but I know you’re not going to let him get away with this!” Robert yelled, demanding answers. My lungs were burning from holding my breath. “He was fucking Emma in my room, Mom. He’s sleeping with my girlfriend under your roof!” His voice boomed throughout the house, the sound echoing inside my head. “Mom?”
I could hear Kendrick telling him to calm down and to stop raising his voice in his house. “So you’re really not going to say anything, are you? You’re just going to look the other way again? Even though this time he didn’t just fuck you over he fucked me too!” My son said those words to me, and that was the last time we stayed under the same roof.
After some time, I made sure that Robert was settled into an apartment. It took a lot of doing since he didn’t want to speak with me and I couldn’t blame him. When things sort of fell in order, I planned the cruise. It was a five-day, four-night event. By night three, he was antsy. He couldn’t even keep it together on a boat in the middle of the ocean. One evening while I was in the shower, he left the room. I knew that he was up to something. He kept trying to get me involved in an activity to keep me busy so he could get away, but I wasn’t falling for that. I stayed stuck to his side, until I went to take a shower that is. I got out of the shower and wrapped the new robe that he purchased for this trip around my body. I then called everyone that we came with on the cruise to see if had hooked up with any of them. No one had seen or talked to him since we left after dinner. I had an idea of where he might be, but I just didn’t want to believe that he would embarrass me like this with all these people to witness it. I went straight to Barbara’s room. She was the sister of one of my friends that came along. She was exactly what Kendrick liked. She had light skin and big breasts. She was very cute, so the sight of him being friendly with her made my insecurities rise. She and Kendrick had been a little too friendly for the first couple of days. My stomach was in knots and I had a bad feeling about the whole thing as I got closer to her suite. When I made it to the door, I just listened at first. I could hear him inside laughing with her. Why would he do this shit here? Why now? I knocked. They became quiet, so I knocked again, louder. Then louder. Nothing.
“I heard y’all in there and I am not leaving until you send my husband out here, Barbara.” I heard movement. Then there was nothing. I stood there for ten damn minutes then knocked on the door to the next cabin. A woman tentatively opened the door. I asked her if I could borrow a chair. She kindly brought one out to me without question. I’m sure she could hear what was going on through the thin walls. At that point, I didn’t care anymore. He’d already made me look like a fool for pulling this so why should I give a fuck? I sat there, arms folded, in the middle of the hallway on the cruise that I paid for to bring us closer together. He waited another fifteen minutes before he showed his face. He came out and all he could say was a pathetic “I’m sorry”. He took me by the arm lifted me from the chair and escorted me back to our room. He didn’t say anything about what happened and foolishly, neither did I. He made love to me as soon as we got back to our suite, while I cried.
I have that same feeling that I had that night on the cruise, the knots in my stomach that I had at The Indigo. Now Kendrick is in the shower preparing to go to Dahlia’s house. What he doesn’t know is that I’m going too. He is not about to leave me in this house tonight while he runs the damn streets. I know that my husband has needs that I’m not always willing to fulfill. I’m tired! I deal with a five-year-old autistic child all day long and a sixteen-year-old with raging hormones, who is driving me crazy to drive my car. My day begins with me taking Rayne to the center that provides classes with other children like her and support counseling for the parents, which Kendrick refuses to attend. I believe he is under the impression that if he doesn’t acknowledge it then it isn’t true. Therefore, Rayne and I don’t get the support that we desperately need and deserve from her father, my husband. When I do return home he’s not there and by the off chance that he is, he is in our bedroom asleep or watching porno DVD’s. He doesn’t come to help me. He doesn’t come out to spend time with our daughter. There is laundry that needs to be done, dusting, vacuuming, and cleaning up after my little angel. Then Reggie is home. After talking to him about his day, checking to see if he completed his homework, then carpooling him and four other rowdy teenagers to football practice, I get home and start dinner. By the time dinner is ready, Reggie is home from football practice. After all is said and done at the end of the day, everyone is bathed and sleeping soundly in their beds. Believe me there is so much more that happens before I head off to bed for the night. I just don’t have the energy to be a porn star for Kendrick after all that.
He finally emerges from the bathroom dressed head to toe in black and smelling of cologne that I didn’t purchase. Kendrick is so tight with a dollar that I know he didn’t buy it for himself. He sees me sitting on our queen size bed,
dressed and ready to go.
To purchase "Love TORN Asunder" is available on-line through ALL major book retailers, Amazon, Emeraldstarpress.net, and my website "Literary Liz Writes" www.Literary.com. If you buy "Love TORN Asunder" through my website there will be NO shipping added to your purchase.
Lots of Love LiteraryLiz...
www.LiteraryLiz.com
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Suspense, Drama, Romance, Lust & Loyalty..... ALL of this and MORE in one NOVEL by Literary Liz! - Black Folk Hot Spots #teamBFHS
Suspense, Drama, Romance, Lust & Loyalty..... ALL of this and MORE in one NOVEL by Literary Liz! - Black Folk Hot Spots #teamBFHS
To read my Synopsis, Reviews, and to purchase "Love TORN Asunder" with NO shipping added, Please visit my WebSite "Literary Liz Writes" http://LiteraryLiz.com
To read my Synopsis, Reviews, and to purchase "Love TORN Asunder" with NO shipping added, Please visit my WebSite "Literary Liz Writes" http://LiteraryLiz.com
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
What have you done to Promote/Market yourself and your Project today. The skinny on marketing on a Budget As I see it.
What have you done to Promote/Market yourself and your Project today. The skinny on marketing on a Budget As I see it.
I have gotten a wonderful response from my previous article/post regarding Promotions/Marketing in the world of Social media. That Article/Post ranked #1 in the Google Search under "Publishing A Body Of Work". Please also check that out!
However, please don't let your Grind stop there.
Me like many others go into this venture and have no idea of the funds it takes to get this sort of project off the ground. In the beginning of your Journey you funds will be used to put your book together EX: Editing, Typesetting, Printing, A book cover, and host of other services that you will need to make your presentation professional. More then likely your first venture out the gate will not turn a huge profit. The money you do see SHOULD be invested back into you. In order to pave the way for the future. Your ultimate goal should be to see longevity in your field/career. To build your brand. To spread the word. To make your name. In order to do so you can NOT only boxed yourself into the computer box. You must spread your wings and stretch your legs and get out in the world and let them know, You are here and you have what they need/want.
Once your project is out, in my case, my book is in publication. The funds are low. This is the beauty of Social Media. However, it does not stop there.
Here are some things I use from my trick bag... lol
I carry my book everywhere. Tucked in my arm. I do this because as a reader myself, if someone is carrying a book around and they seem approachable I will ask what are you reading? I find that MOST book lovers can't help themselves when they see someone toting their latest novel around. Right there at that moment you have a potential readers attention and all you did was carry you material around. Cost you nothing to run your errands and your own personal billboard. Have T-Shirts made. Wear it whenever you know you are going to be in high traffic areas. Wear it when you go to the Book Store, The nail salon, Barber Shop, The Mall, The Park, Anywhere. If you cant have multiple T-Shirts made. Have one and you Wear it until you can have more produces, then sell those as apart your Brand as well.
Get Creative. Make a simple but effective T-Shirt yourself. That simply states your product info and where to find it. This may be less cost then having to find a 3rd party to mass produce them. This way you can make them in different colors and have your friends wear them as well.
When I go to Walmart, Target, etc... I always have my business cards or book marks with me. I hand them out and let people know who I am. About my work, my website, where to find me and my book. I am local Author and have a book available on-line through all major book retailers. I also extend them a discount if they would like to purchase on the spot. (BTW, Never leave your house without your product) I have a bag that I never leave the house without. I carry 3-5 books everywhere I go. I also have extra in the trunk. It does not stop there though. I go to the book section and Ummm.... :-) I place my book marks and/or business cards in as many books as I can. :-)
Not just my genera. Which is Contemporary Fiction. In as many books as I can. Magazines as well. I want to at the very least get the purchaser to go to my website and read my synopsis. Maybe I will have piqued there interested enough where they go to Amazon. There they will find my reviews, and just maybe I will have made a sale.
Leave your business cards in establishments that will allow. Like the doctors office, Restaurants, etc.
Pass out Fliers.... Since we are talking about budget friendly strategies, you can make you own. Some people will scoff at that. Saying that it will taint your image if you don't have it done by a professional. I don't know about that. I see it like this. I am responsible to get the word out about myself and my project and if I'm doing so on a budget I have to do it the best way I see fit. You can find a program on-line for Free. Take your time to make your flyer as professional as possible. Go to Fed-Ex, Kinko's, Or any other company that provides printing services and have it printed on Quality paper. Then get out and Pass it to whomever will stand still long enough to listen.
I learned this in one of my FaceBook Groups. You need to have an elevator speech ready! That is just 1- 3 lines that is selling yourself. Enough time it takes to ride the elevator from one floor to the next. Sometimes that is all the time you have to get someone to pay attention.
Attend Fairs and Other functions. These will cost you a pretty penny to be apart of. If you are unable to pay the cost. Don't extend yourself. Attend as a spectator. Make connections. Chat up what you have going on. Pass out your promo material. Self made or if you had it designed.
Something you can do that is Free to set up is a Website. If you have a PC or even if you don't. You can set up a Website to Display yourself as an business, Your work, and your future projects. If you don't have your own PC. You can utilize the ones at Libraries and Community Centers. It may be daunting but if you are not fully invested and focused who else will be? Sometimes you have to take baby steps before you can "leap tall buildings in a single bound". It's OK to work with what you have at your disposal while you lay out future plans. Everyone has a different starting point. It's important to work within your means in order to be able to continue on your path.
One of the Best ways I Promote/Market on a budget is through my readers , friends, and family.
Word of mouth is true indeed a powerful tool. Because I know people in several states I utilize them in my marketing plan. I ask that they go to Major Book Stores in their state/town and request my book for purchase. Once they read it, I ask them to tell their friends and family to do the same. I even have them go to the extent of asking why my book is not available on the selves. This has to be continuous. This tactic has worked in my favor and has made my book not only available on-line through Major Book retailers. I am also on the self of a Barnes and Noble in major city.
Money talks! If you can get consumers to create a demand for you, then the retailers will listen.
I send Promo material to Friends and Family in different states. I have them to pass my info around. At the book stores, Salons, etc. Nothing that will take them outside of there normal lives and make it work for them. I just ask that they keep my material in mind on their everyday dealings. This way I can reach a base of people in a State that I may not have had exposure in otherwise.
Readers that enjoy your work will talk you up to other readers, they know will also enjoy the read.
Reach out to these satisfied readers and ask that they post reviews to different sites. Also ask if its OK if you mail them Book Marks/Business Cards to distribute to friends and co-workers. The beauty in this, is that they can speak about your product/Book through the eyes of a reader just passing along a Good Read. Not as a sales person looking to gain a profit. It adds credibility to what you have put out.
Cross promote with others in your field. It's great to set up connection with other like minded people and have them promote you to their audience and vice versa. It works as a win win for all parties involved. I myself will be utilizing this in the near future.
There are many avenues in order to Promote/Market yourself and your project on a budget you just have to get creative and think outside the box. Most importantly do what you feel is best. There will always be nay sayers. However, YOU are responsible to make it happen. Only you!
For more information on Me, Author/Writer/Blogger Elizabeth Funderbirk. Please visit my Website "Literary Liz Writes" http://LiteraryLiz.com also check out my blog on BFHS you will find this article along with many other http://bfhsnetwork.com/profile/LizFunderbirk
Lots of Love LiteraryLiz....
I have gotten a wonderful response from my previous article/post regarding Promotions/Marketing in the world of Social media. That Article/Post ranked #1 in the Google Search under "Publishing A Body Of Work". Please also check that out!
However, please don't let your Grind stop there.
Me like many others go into this venture and have no idea of the funds it takes to get this sort of project off the ground. In the beginning of your Journey you funds will be used to put your book together EX: Editing, Typesetting, Printing, A book cover, and host of other services that you will need to make your presentation professional. More then likely your first venture out the gate will not turn a huge profit. The money you do see SHOULD be invested back into you. In order to pave the way for the future. Your ultimate goal should be to see longevity in your field/career. To build your brand. To spread the word. To make your name. In order to do so you can NOT only boxed yourself into the computer box. You must spread your wings and stretch your legs and get out in the world and let them know, You are here and you have what they need/want.
Once your project is out, in my case, my book is in publication. The funds are low. This is the beauty of Social Media. However, it does not stop there.
Here are some things I use from my trick bag... lol
I carry my book everywhere. Tucked in my arm. I do this because as a reader myself, if someone is carrying a book around and they seem approachable I will ask what are you reading? I find that MOST book lovers can't help themselves when they see someone toting their latest novel around. Right there at that moment you have a potential readers attention and all you did was carry you material around. Cost you nothing to run your errands and your own personal billboard. Have T-Shirts made. Wear it whenever you know you are going to be in high traffic areas. Wear it when you go to the Book Store, The nail salon, Barber Shop, The Mall, The Park, Anywhere. If you cant have multiple T-Shirts made. Have one and you Wear it until you can have more produces, then sell those as apart your Brand as well.
Get Creative. Make a simple but effective T-Shirt yourself. That simply states your product info and where to find it. This may be less cost then having to find a 3rd party to mass produce them. This way you can make them in different colors and have your friends wear them as well.
When I go to Walmart, Target, etc... I always have my business cards or book marks with me. I hand them out and let people know who I am. About my work, my website, where to find me and my book. I am local Author and have a book available on-line through all major book retailers. I also extend them a discount if they would like to purchase on the spot. (BTW, Never leave your house without your product) I have a bag that I never leave the house without. I carry 3-5 books everywhere I go. I also have extra in the trunk. It does not stop there though. I go to the book section and Ummm.... :-) I place my book marks and/or business cards in as many books as I can. :-)
Not just my genera. Which is Contemporary Fiction. In as many books as I can. Magazines as well. I want to at the very least get the purchaser to go to my website and read my synopsis. Maybe I will have piqued there interested enough where they go to Amazon. There they will find my reviews, and just maybe I will have made a sale.
Leave your business cards in establishments that will allow. Like the doctors office, Restaurants, etc.
Pass out Fliers.... Since we are talking about budget friendly strategies, you can make you own. Some people will scoff at that. Saying that it will taint your image if you don't have it done by a professional. I don't know about that. I see it like this. I am responsible to get the word out about myself and my project and if I'm doing so on a budget I have to do it the best way I see fit. You can find a program on-line for Free. Take your time to make your flyer as professional as possible. Go to Fed-Ex, Kinko's, Or any other company that provides printing services and have it printed on Quality paper. Then get out and Pass it to whomever will stand still long enough to listen.
I learned this in one of my FaceBook Groups. You need to have an elevator speech ready! That is just 1- 3 lines that is selling yourself. Enough time it takes to ride the elevator from one floor to the next. Sometimes that is all the time you have to get someone to pay attention.
Attend Fairs and Other functions. These will cost you a pretty penny to be apart of. If you are unable to pay the cost. Don't extend yourself. Attend as a spectator. Make connections. Chat up what you have going on. Pass out your promo material. Self made or if you had it designed.
Something you can do that is Free to set up is a Website. If you have a PC or even if you don't. You can set up a Website to Display yourself as an business, Your work, and your future projects. If you don't have your own PC. You can utilize the ones at Libraries and Community Centers. It may be daunting but if you are not fully invested and focused who else will be? Sometimes you have to take baby steps before you can "leap tall buildings in a single bound". It's OK to work with what you have at your disposal while you lay out future plans. Everyone has a different starting point. It's important to work within your means in order to be able to continue on your path.
One of the Best ways I Promote/Market on a budget is through my readers , friends, and family.
Word of mouth is true indeed a powerful tool. Because I know people in several states I utilize them in my marketing plan. I ask that they go to Major Book Stores in their state/town and request my book for purchase. Once they read it, I ask them to tell their friends and family to do the same. I even have them go to the extent of asking why my book is not available on the selves. This has to be continuous. This tactic has worked in my favor and has made my book not only available on-line through Major Book retailers. I am also on the self of a Barnes and Noble in major city.
Money talks! If you can get consumers to create a demand for you, then the retailers will listen.
I send Promo material to Friends and Family in different states. I have them to pass my info around. At the book stores, Salons, etc. Nothing that will take them outside of there normal lives and make it work for them. I just ask that they keep my material in mind on their everyday dealings. This way I can reach a base of people in a State that I may not have had exposure in otherwise.
Readers that enjoy your work will talk you up to other readers, they know will also enjoy the read.
Reach out to these satisfied readers and ask that they post reviews to different sites. Also ask if its OK if you mail them Book Marks/Business Cards to distribute to friends and co-workers. The beauty in this, is that they can speak about your product/Book through the eyes of a reader just passing along a Good Read. Not as a sales person looking to gain a profit. It adds credibility to what you have put out.
Cross promote with others in your field. It's great to set up connection with other like minded people and have them promote you to their audience and vice versa. It works as a win win for all parties involved. I myself will be utilizing this in the near future.
There are many avenues in order to Promote/Market yourself and your project on a budget you just have to get creative and think outside the box. Most importantly do what you feel is best. There will always be nay sayers. However, YOU are responsible to make it happen. Only you!
For more information on Me, Author/Writer/Blogger Elizabeth Funderbirk. Please visit my Website "Literary Liz Writes" http://LiteraryLiz.com also check out my blog on BFHS you will find this article along with many other http://bfhsnetwork.com/profile/LizFunderbirk
Lots of Love LiteraryLiz....
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