Orgasmic highs

They capture you

**ANNOUNCEMENT** Hey ya'll so I reported that High Rollers is done and will be on Ebook this Friday. Welllllllll......pre-orders are now available on my site for the paperback which will be arriving in 2 weeks. I have a secret though. To those who pre-order I came up with my own line of *official book junkie* and *official skate junkie* wristbands and will be giving one free with purchase. Go to http://envyred.com and click on the store  

Mental illness, childhood trauma, and serial killer are the terms associated with the character Jade. Get up close and personal with Envy Red as she gives the inside scoop on the mental mayhem she calls "Jaded." FInd out what was the most troubling thing for her to pen in this psychological thriller. 

Open Book was started as a forum for authors and those in the surrounding business to spread the word about what makes the world go around...LITERACY. Join us as we discuss the latest and greatest in the industry and give you and your business an open platform to chop it up.

On episode two of "Open Book," Envy Red novels are featured. More specifically we are getting down to the nitty gritty of "High Rollers" coming Tuesday July 17, 2012. The first roller skating fiction of it's kind. Listen in as I sit down with executive producer Q and discuss my ties to the rollerskating community and the anticipated drama in this urban tale. 

Highlights:

*Discussion of the main character "Snake" who started the rink as a cover up for his human trafficking operation. 

*Get a glimpse inside the mind of the charismatic one they call "Snake" and what motivates him

*The roller skating culture from Envy Red and Q's perspective

*Shout out to Joi's Sk8-A-Thon Labor Day weekend in Atlanta, GA 

Open Book was started as a forum for authors and those in the surrounding business to spread the word about what makes the world go around...LITERACY. Join us as we discuss the latest and greatest in the industry and give you and your business an open platform to chop it up.

Young, Fabulous, and Self-Employed! What a slogan right? Well that's exactly what I thought when I came across a website that adorned that very name. I soon learned that it was a magazine geared toward promoting the entrepreneurial spirit and helping go getters realize their dreams. 

Anyone who has embarked on this journey has most likely experienced anxiety over a key component of that mission, the dreaded "F" word. Finances! Even to the most savvy business person, I have no doubt it can be the source of much stress. However, I am learning that it does not have to be that way at all. With preparation and a lot of hard work, one can equip themselves with the knowledge to overcome this critical obstacle. Below is an article I pulled from Young, Fabulous, and Self-Employed Mag:

Now that I have your attention, let's discuss. At first glimpse one may think the title implies that race matters but it was really just the author in me who created a ploy to grab your attention. Besides, a good story, or in this case a good blog, should capture you from the start right? I am so laughing out loud right now. For the remainder of this blog, let's clarify that the true topic is matters of race and not that race matters. 

On a serious note, a post by a fellow author by the name of Oana definitely caught my attention this morning with a subject she raised for discussion. Paraphrased, the questions were:

With so many individuals realizing their goal to be a published author through the help of self publishing tools, print on demand services, and small publishers alike, it is a wonder that the basics are still falling by the wayside. We have entered the land of publishing mayhem. Like any business, the road to success in becoming an author is not realized without hard work and dedication. So why then are so many still jumping in blind to the basics? Writing should be the easy part but what comes after will take many hours of training and a good dose of that thing we call reality check. You wrote an awesome book. That may be a true statement but does it mean that everyone will immediately flock to your product? Chances are no. You must build your brand and following from the ground up. There are many books in the sea. How will you separate your work from the pack? Publishing involves more than just packaging a book for sale.  

When it comes to seeking a publisher, education goes a long way in ensuring one does not enter into a deal that will do no more than front them the cash for a book cover, typesetting, and editing. One of the key terms that many new authors fail to consider is DISTRIBUTION. It is a self publishers nightmare as limited resources and connections could very well present a huge challenge for authors with so much potential, self included. When entering the publishing mayhem it is wise to ask key questions about how your work will be distributed and reach the hands of buyers. Ingram will not establish a direct connection with publishers of fewer than 10 titles and Baker & Taylor focuses heavily on proven demand. Let's say you overcome the obstacles. It will not help to get that nice distribution account with the likes of Ingram and Baker & Taylor if you can't:

People are often surprised at my candidness when it comes to speaking up about my battle with cancer. In August of 2010 I was diagnosed with a rare form. You know that thyroid gland that exists in your neck? It does wonders for your energy levels and helps regulate your metabolism. Well I had malignant thyroid tissue in one of my ovaries which is almost unheard of. So much so that my case was referred to Yale University (PA) and involved Kaiser Permanente, Washington Hospital Center, and Holy Cross Hospital (DC Area). It required that I also have my thyroid removed in March of 2011 just after my birthday. I then had radiation treatment shortly thereafter in May of 2011. 

The fact of the matter is, cancer is plaguing the nation, It is becoming as common as the cold it seems. I am not ashamed to tell people about my experience because in my mind it may help save someone's life. As I take this journey, it is my hope that someone will hear my story and it will drive them to keeping their regular doctor visits. Furthermore if one feels in their heart that something is not right, it is important to pursue it and get as many opinions as possible until the source of the ailment is found. I know this from experience as mines went under the radar until after the decision was to made to have the first surgery. It was not until the biopsy was performed that what they thought was a large cyst was confirmed to be cancer. Wow! 

Aspiring authors always ask "should I use a pen name?" Well I hate to report but there is no magic answer to this age old question. The key is to be memorable. Therefore, you must do what works for you. In my opinion if your name is common, chances are you just may be lost in the sauce of the million other "Danielle's" of the world. Unless of course you are Danielle Steele. Her name is a household commodity and is synonymous with the term "bestseller". However, don't get me wrong. It does not just take a strong name to sell a book. For these purposes we are assuming the book is great!

Whether or not to use a pen name was the dilemma I faced when embarking on my literary journey. I knew my name was common so I wanted something that I could brand and set myself apart from others in my field.  I wanted it to be short enough to remember yet easily associated with something memorable. In addition, the key for me was to also make it catchy with a bit of an edge to say the least. To me, pen names should be a conversation piece. So far "Envy Red" has done just that.

Kindle, Nook, and iPad's have changed the way books are brought to fans. In fact, the list of eReaders goes on and on as the eBook craze has swept the nation! With the touch of a button and often times a large fraction of the cost, one can download books from their favorite authors without stepping foot in a store. With small independent stores and large retailers like Borders closing it's doors, one is left to wonder what the future holds for the industry? As a new author, I have participated in book fairs and festivals with some showing a large turnout while authors struggle to bring the author out of the red associated with participation. Although I have not been privy to the changes in the industry on a grand scale, one thing I know for sure is that change is occurring at a rapid pace. It is up to us to sink or swim as authors and bring you, the fans, what you want.

So the question is do you still enjoy the feel of a good paperback or hardback book in your hand? Do you enjoy the atmosphere of being surrounded by your favorite authors in one place ready to meet and greet you with an autographed copy of their work? Are book fairs here to stay or will they evaporate like other traditional literary platforms?

As a youth, I found no joy greater than curling up in a corner with a great book. My family would often tease that, outside of my tom boy outdoor adventures , I was permanently attached to a book at any given moment. Furthermore, when I was in reading mode, in order to capture my attention it would have to be pried from my hands or some natural disaster would have to occur. As I look back, although playing childhood games and climbing trees was one of my favorite past times, I was absorbed by books. The feel of a hardback or paperback flowing through my fingers as I soaked in the fantasy world was priceless. They sparked my imagination and enhanced creativity that transferred over into my school work which was a proven bonus for me.

Today, with technology changing it has had a major impact on the way our youth receive information including literature. The eBook craze has created a new generation of readers who now pick up a Kindle, Nook, IPad, or various other devices and download as many books as they like. In addition, even younger generations of new readers have eReader devices made by Vtech and various other companies that have the same technological goals. However, interactive books and learning games are loaded on cartridges for reading fun and learning. At any rate, young people have the capability to take all of their favorite books with them on their literary journey. Wherever they go, they can take the device out and absorb themselves in a great book. If the book is not so great, they can move on to the next with ease and convenience. Furthermore, although many adults initially kicked and screamed at the idea of removing printed books from their grasp, many more have gravitated to the new technology and embraced it's benefits.

Shaping Young Minds:

Civil rights leaders, freedom riders, bus boycotts, voter registrations, lunch counter sit ins, non-violent protests, speeches, and famous marches are all things that may instantly come to mind when you sit and reflect on the late great Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Perhaps his Letters From a Birmingham Jail, my hometown, which helped inspire a full on civil rights movement sticks out in your mind. Or is it the famous March on Washington and subsequent "​I Have a Dream"​ speech that are highlights of his life for you?

Imagine having your life consumed with nightmares of an addict mother whose career in prostitution leaves no one including yourself exempt from its consequences, an unknown father whose only mark left on your life are unexplained exotic features. Imagine learning that you were marked and written off as criminally insane at the tender age of 12 and that this same mental illness has you torn between two worlds of fantasy and reality. The twists and turns of this true to life drama will leave you speechless when fact is separated from fiction in "​Jaded."​

Come along for the ups and downs of this jaw dropping drama as Envy Red steps outside of erotica to bring you an intense read about social issues such as mental illness and childhood trauma that cross cultural boundaries, the sometimes tumultuous human transition from childhood to adulthood, and everything in between.

Originally started as Negro History Week in 1926 by Carter Godwin Woodson, Black History Month evolved as a means to celebrate the many contributions African Americans have made to their communities and the greater good of society as a whole. 1976 would mark the time when the celebration as mainstream would come to know it would obtain it'​s tradition of being celebrated each year in the month of February. This was done to commemorate the life of abolitionist Frederick Douglass and Emancipation Proclamation writer Abraham Lincoln who were both born during the month of love.

So with such great history behind the tradition, why has it adorned a reputation of creating divide among it'​s opposers? What is it'​s relevance to those proponents who believe in it'​s significance? Is it as releveant today as it has been in the past? Why or why not? What about the decision to celebrate during the month of February, is it justified or is it falling short of that which it was intended? Is enough being done to encourage the youth and even the elders of today to acknowledge the great contributions of those names both small and great who came before them paving the way for their future? Is there more that can be done to promote unity and destroy divide surrounding the celebration and all year round?

To me this journey is about more than selling books. It is about getting intimate with my fans and colleagues and letting the real me shine through. I don't want you to just love my work, I want to share my world with you. From time to time I see postings from some of my favorites with fun facts about themselves and it has always been enjoyable for me. Therefore, I though I'd give you that with a twist. We are all blessed with five senses. When each comes to mind there is something that connects me to it. A bit of randomness for you to enjoy. Here it goes:

1.) SIGHT:  I love landscape and scenery more than anything when experiencing new places. From the mountains to the sea to the most minute creature I absolutely love taking it in!

Kindle, Nook, and iPad's have changed the way books are brought to fans. In fact, the list of eReaders goes on and on as the eBook craze has swept the nation! With the touch of a button and often times a large fraction of the cost, one can download books from their favorite authors without stepping foot in a store. With small independent stores and large retailers like Borders closing it's doors, one is left to wonder what the future holds for the industry? As a new author, I have participated in book fairs and festivals with some showing a large turnout while authors struggle to bring the author out of the red associated with participation. Although I have not been privy to the changes in the industry on a grand scale, one thing I know for sure is that change is occurring at a rapid pace. It is up to us to sink or swim as authors and bring you, the fans, what you want.

So the question is do you still enjoy the feel of a good paperback or hardback book in your hand? Do you enjoy the atmosphere of being surrounded by your favorite authors in one place ready to meet and greet you with an autographed copy of their work? Are book fairs here to stay or will they evaporate like other traditional literary platforms? In wake of the Harlem Book Fair scheduled for Saturday 7/23 these questions consume my thoughts. What do you think?