It’s that time of the year! Registration for the Read to Lead/Write to Enlight Book Festival has begun.
Read to Lead/Write to Enlight is a concept. It’s a motto. It’s about the natural process of allowing reading and writing to become a part of your daily activities and supporting authors, whether they are local, out-of-state, or from another country. We love literacy, whether it’s from Ohio, New Jersey, Florida, or France. We hope you get engaged with us on this literacy journey toward reading, leading, writing. and enlightening.
I am excited to announce that this year, some of the proceeds for the Read to Lead/Write to Enlight Book Festival we will go to Thurber House. Founded in 1984, Thurber House is a nonprofit literary arts center, James Thurber museum, historic landmark, and gathering place for readers, writers, and artists of all ages.
Authors can register here and sponsors can register here.
We hope to see you there or see your sponsorship if you are unable to attend
Pushing beyond expectations is for you and for them. I know you’re wondering who I am referring to when I say them. These are the people who speak negatively about you or towards you, expects less, and are so quick to judge. These individuals can be family members, friends, and those who just do not understand your vision, but believe me, they will.
The first person you have to consider when pushing yourself is yourself. You are your own worst enemy when it comes to your words, actions, and thoughts. You are even your worst enemy when it comes to negative self-talk. We often speak negativity into existence, while trying to push ourselves beyond our own expectations. I want you to do yourself a favor. Push that negativity out of your mind and replace it with I can and I will. I also want you to push yourself beyond your expectations, but not over the limit. You have to push yourself just enough to where you are doing new and exciting things without becoming bored and redundant. You, as well as I know that once things become bored or redundant, the frequency of doing it decreases and we become less interested in that activity.
Now let’s talk about “Them.” You know, the one’s we’ve been taught to ignore, but how can we ignore someone who’s right in our faces? I want you to do the direct opposite than ignore. I want you to hear what others are saying, validate your feelings about what you hear, and then move positively in a silent or loud manner. I say this because some of us have been taught to move silently, while others have been taught to move loudly. Whichever way you choose, just know you got this. You are going to push yourself beyond your and their expectations.”
I am going to leave you with this… Push, Grind, and Sunshine. I want you to push and grind toward living in your passion, while creating sunshine no one can recreate nor destroy. Remember you hold the key to your happiness and the ability to live beyond your expectations.
The title of this blog post can mean so many things. This is probably the reason I chose this title. I wanted people to wander about the content of the article and naturally think about what this means to them. The interesting thing about the title, is that I interviewed someone in the past and this is what the person referenced when discussing Affirmative Action. The reference was regarding out with the old language of hiring minorities and in with the new language and law protecting these individuals. And when I think about affirmative action, it protected so many individuals besides the intended population.
My reference to old and new is regarding the end of October and the beginning of November. Out with the old month and sales goal and in with the new month and sales goal.
Check out this TikTok video for Good Morning Amira as I prepare for November and selling 15 books next month.
This month, I had the pleasure of selling 18 books, which exceeds my monthly goal by three books. This is 19 days before the deadline. I am beyond ecstatic. I am also hopeful, thankful, and grateful. Feel free to purchase a book for yourself, kids, friend, or loved one.
I think about Good Morning Amira (GMA) the Children’s Book. GMA helps toddlers become familiar with the morning routine of waking up, brushing their teeth, washing their face, washing their hands, and completing other daily activities to get them up and going. Just as Proverbs 22:6 states, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart for it.”
Routines are good to have, especially when you are teaching toddlers how to wash their hands, face, brush their teeth, and helping them become contributing parts of society. Lol, you have some time before for that last part, but it will be here before you know it. For those currently raising a toddler, you know that routines often have to be changed or adjusted based on your little one and his or her needs.
Make sure you grab a copy of GMA at your local Target store.
I am excited to announce that Good Morning Amira is now sold at Target. I am truly over the moon right now. I absolutely love Target and spend quite a bit of money with them each week. I’ve bought furniture, household applications, hair products, and more with them. Now, I have the ability to sell my books there as well. It’s a win-win situation.
Good Morning Amira is a book for children between the ages of 0-5 years of age. Amira starts her day each morning completing her morning routine with some help from her mother. This toddler is full of life as she wakes up in the morning to start her routine of washing her face, brushing her teeth, and washing her hands.
It’s a new month! Welcome October. I’m looking forward to this month and continuing with my monthly sales goal. Last month, I tasked myself with selling 15 books a month until the end of December. I only sold 11 books last month. Not quite 15, but I still feel like I have accomplished something. This month, I would like to sell 15 books. So tell your friends and family they still have time to support this effort. I would love it if 15 of my friends purchase a book and gift it to yourself or someone who could benefit from reading more.
On September 20th, I started a challenge to sell 15 books a month, until December. This means that my goal is to sell 60 books by the end of December. I have almost reached my September goal. I just need to sell four more books.
Feel free to help me by reposting, sharing, liking, and buying a book.
Many moons ago, I published my first book of poetry called Poetic Outlets. I put my heart and soul in this book. Check out one of my favorite poems.
I Am
I am versatile When I talk I don’t have to talk really loud I can talk softly However, my voice can be heard for many miles I don’t have to put on a show Like the girls on Girls Gone Wild Like Luther Vandross I only have to worry about The Here and Now
I am calm My personality soothes the raging heart As calm as the Red Sea That many centuries ago Moses parted
So tranquil that I have people amazed before I even start
I am powerful The knowledge that I withhold is deadly Some of my words Are capable of beheading me
I embrace my heritage For many are unable to see The past, the pain Which lead them to be
I am woman I am versatile, calm, powerful and sweet I bring the unity For which you seek I am a great listener For I know you have a story to tell
I am courteous And I mediate well I know you know me For there is one in every family However this is the only time You really took a look at me
Dead Wrong is about a young woman named Tasha Marie Smith. Tasha is a smart, goal-oriented woman looking for fun, excitement, and a little money on the side. She is dedicated to making a few extra dollars on the side, while working as a Community Prevention Specialist and going to school for her Master’s. Life couldn’t get any better than this. Well, that’s until her life takes 180 degree turn down the wrong direction. She only has one person to blame and that’s herself. How did success lead her here? The price of success comes with a high price, which often can be everlasting. Is Tasha willing to pay the price of success? Whatever she decides, the decision will leave her body limp with frustration, shock, betrayal, and deceit. Tasha Marie Smith is dead Wrong. She will admit her wrongness or feel the burdens of it.
My goal from now until the end of December is to sell 15 books a month. This means for the next 4 months, I plan to sell 60 books total.
How can you help? Tell your momma, daddy, brother, sister, nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles I have the book just for them. Buy a book or two; keep one, while donating the other one to a friend or local charity. Buy a book a month through my subscription service and get a new book shipped to you each month. Purchase 2 Children’s Book Box sets for your local elementary school. Gift one of my books to your alma mater. Message me for details.
This past Saturday, I hosted the Read to Lead/Write to Enlight Book Festival. The book festival was geared towards helping individuals with making reading and writing a part of their daily activities. The event also spotlighted authors in Ohio and an author from Indiana.
Authors were given the opportunity to read their books in front of other people. The readings were amazing. We were presented with stories about unwrapping your gifts, God, overcoming harmful situations, suspense, 80’s Rock, and much more. We even had a book reading that included rhythmic drums and a host of other organized production techniques to tell a love story “that’s not a romance novel.”
This was the first book festival for some authors, while others had already attended 2 or more. The energy in the building was astounding. A reporter from the T&C spoke with me about the event and interviewed a few authors.
If you happened to miss the event, check out pics and videos here.
Author Tyler Porter gifts his book to this familyAuthor JAWS gifts this book to Author Alicia Wiggins Author Colette Harrell is supported by this beautyAuthor Sarah Johnson reads her bookAuthor Jamilah Ewing is supported by a patronThe Read to Lead/Write to Enlight Book Festival Authors Author Sarah Johnson is supported by Author Alicia Wiggins Author Colette Harrell is supported by Author Siarre Lashelle Massey Tyler Porter discusses his bookAuthor Siarre Lashelle Massey discusses her bookAuthor Colette Harrell is supported by Alicia WigginsJAWS talks to patrons about his booksAuthor Ron Cunningham gifts his book to this beautySupporters of the festival and Author Colette Harrell Author Colette Harrell is supported by a patron Author Colette Harrell gifts her books to these patronsPatron displays her goodies on social media appsVideo from Festival #VistaCreateBook Readings #VistaCreate
Today is the day! The Read to Lead/Write to Enlight Book Festival will be at The Point at Otterbein University from 1 pm to 4 pm. Come meet the authors, grab a book, enter to win a prize, and enjoy all the fun. Hope to see you there. #bookfestival #westerville #ohio #readtolead #writetoenlight
This morning before work, I created this flyer, not realizing how this whole concept would come into fruition. As the day went on, I had the opportunity to speak with a passionate soul who is just as dedicated as I am in having and using multiple gifts. Sometimes, people with multiple gifts and purposes are told that they have too many gifts or are doing too much. Which is not true. This pleasant soul touched on creating multiple streams of income. This was definitely a sign that I was on the right path. We were meant to speak and share our ideas of generational wealth, streams of income, our passion, and being multi-gifted.
I am using my gift of writing to provide details on creating multiple streams of income. The goal is for individuals to identify current streams of income, identify future streams, and to work towards having at least 7 streams. This is a work at your own pace, income generating plan.
Feel free to subscribe to my monthly subscription page to get information on writing, publishing, and creating different streams of income.
Have you considered creating different streams of income? Creating different streaming not only provides you with increased income if needed, it also allows you to create passive and active income.
We are officially in count down mode until the Read to Lead/Write to Enlight Book Festival. Every day, until the festival, I will provide 5 things I am grateful for regarding the festival. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the gratitude.
Music from VistaCreate
5 days away- I am grateful for the organization, Black Children’s Books and Authors (BCBA). Because of them, I am able to support there efforts. In the next few days, I will make a donation to the organization on behalf of the festival. Each year, a new literary organization will be chosen to support and uplift.
Abby L. Vandiver, also writing as Abby Collette and Cade Bentley, is a hybrid author who has penned more than thirty books and short stories. She is both a Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author. Her latest books are A Killer Sundae as Abby Collette, published by Penguin Berkley and Where Wild Peaches Grow writing as Cade Bentley, published by Lake Union. Abby spends her time writing cozy mysteries and women’s fiction, as well as facilitating and teaching writing workshops at local libraries and hanging out with her grandchildren, each of whom are her favorite.
Where the Wild Peaches Grow Synopsis: In a deeply emotional novel of family, cultural heritage, and forgiveness, estranged sisters wrestle with the choices they’ve made and confront circumstances beyond their control.
Nona “Peaches” Davenport, abandoned by the man she loved and betrayed by family, left her Natchez, Mississippi, home fifteen years ago and never looked back. She’s forged a promising future in Chicago as a professor of African American Studies. Nona even finds her once-closed heart persuaded by a new love. But that’s all shaken when her father’s death forces her to return to everything she’s tried to forget.
Julia Curtis hasn’t forgiven her sister for deserting the family. Just like their mother, Nona walked away from Julia when she needed her most. And Julia doesn’t feel guilty for turning to Nona’s old flame, Marcus, for comfort. He helped Julia build a new life. She has a child, a career, and a determination to move on from old family wounds.
Upon Nona’s return to Natchez, a cautious reunion unfolds, and everything Nona and Julia thought they knew―about themselves, each other, and those they loved―will be tested. Unpacking the truth about why Nona left may finally heal their frayed bond―or tear it apart again, forever.
Welcome James A. Wright Sr. (Jaws) to the Read to Lead/Write to Enlight Book Festival. He was born in Lima Ohio. Raised in a military family, he traveled a lot throughout his childhood. He currently lives in Columbus, Ohio, where he works in various engineering fields, such as electrical and Information Technology (I.T). He has received 8 film festival awards, named a finalist 7 times, and received an honorable mention.
Quote from Jaws “My audience of my books will like the up and downs, twist and turns. There is a positive message in all the stories. I hope the readers can find it, through all the insanity and emotion of the book. Ultimately, having readers that like my creativity and the twisted style of the writing, is enough one could ask for.”
Pharafaneelya Thriller Book Series Synopsis: The most recent series takes place in an asylum. An asylum that exits in a world of cursed pages of a cursed book. An asylum that consumes tricked souls as its victims. Victims that are specifically chosen by the spirits that cursed the book, which lands in the town of Pharafaneelya . The first book was released on Amazon in April 2018. The book is packed with action and suspense that is guaranteed to keep reader’s interest from the beginning to the end.
Welcome Ron “Buster” Cunningham to the Read to Lead/Write to Enlight Book Festival. He is a newcomer to the title published author. Although Unwrapped Gifts is his first book publication, his writings span 37 years, beginning with poetry. His haikus and sonnets won middle school writing contests, and his talent would eventually progress him into a lyricist, writing both R&B and Hip-Hop. Ron, or Buster to some of us, would rekindle his youthful passion for poetry, engaging in community readings and developing a passion for the spoken word. His desire to write expanded further into script writing for the NuTalkNow podcast. From here, his writing creativity would further grow into ideas like the NuLeague for Freedom, which was his rendition of our freedom fighters as superheroes with superpowers fighting for freedom in both modern and historical contexts.
Buster, or Ron to some of us, has been grooming his various artistic gifts for years. Musically he was a member of Greenhouse Effect, PipeDown, and the Prophetionals. He also partnered to create Weightless Recordings and would eventually create GyeNyame/God Only Recordings, where he was either a featured lyricist on albums or collaborated with others to bring musical art to its fruition.
“I no longer fear the responsibility of my purpose. I love helping others, which allows me to live in my optimum self. So, when I wrote Unwrapped Gifts, I found my freedom. I found confidence in my authentic self, which is a sense of liberation that is euphoric – borderline indescribable. More importantly, I now know that this euphoria is something that belongs to you also. Therefore, I encourage you to Unwrap your own Giftsand LIVE!”
Synopsis of Unwrapped Gifts: Have you ever asked yourself, “What can I give to make this world a better place?” Your answer may lie within the talent or gift you possess. You may not know what that talent is yet, or maybe you do. If your goal is to leave a legacy by sharing your talent or gift then you should read Unwrapped Gifts to help guide you through the journey while overcoming pitfalls such as fear, self-doubt, procrastination, and distractions. We all need a boost to remind us of our capabilities of doing great things in life. A wake-up call is necessary to cue our urgency in this lifetime. It is critical to know how we impact others and ourselves when we share our gifts and when we do not. You are not too young or old. You can conquer your fears, excuses, and unforeseen challenges. You are good enough to share the gifts inside you; read why!
We are less than a month away from the Read to Lead/Write to Enlight Book Festival. This is the first literary festival that will be held at Otterbein University with hopes of making it an annual event. We will have the following genres: Love, Self-Help, Christian, Movie Musicals, Suspense, 80’s rock, Poetry, and Children’s Books
Join us on Saturday, September 17th for book readings, raffles, and more. Can’t wait to meet you.
This was one of many events to come. Yesterday, I was afforded the opportunity to attend the Mid-Ohio Indie Author Book Expo. This was my second year attending. I met some amazing people, made connections, and sold some books. Ah, the wonders of being published and selling books.
Being pushed and attending book festivals has it’s ups and downs. Sometimes I attend a festival and sell 10-15 books and other times I sell 1 or 2. There’s no method to the madness. One thing is for sure, if you can provide a business card or flyer, please do. Don’t let a potential partner, sponsor, supporter, or just a great person in general leave your table empty handed. This is funny I say this because that’s exactly what happened yesterday. Yesterday, I brought business cards to hand out to the guests. Within 1-2 hours, I ran out. Oh no 🙈, what was I going to do? I still networked, made connections, and interacted with people. I am saying this to say, plans change. No matter what you want to do, sometimes life shows you another way of doing things.
If you ever have an opportunity to visit a book festival, please do. There are some amazing authors, stories, an opportunities awaiting you. Hope to see you there.
Welcome Author Jamilah Ewing to the Read to Lead/Write to Enlight Book Festival. Jamilah is a native of Mansfield, Ohio. She started her career as a professional hair stylist. Her journey led her to Columbus, where she opened her own salon, Mahogany Design Studio. In between clients, Jamilah penned The Prototype: A Story of True Love. Jamilah enjoys spending time with her family, perusing record stores, and enjoying a good latte.
The Prototype: A Story of True Love
The Prototype: A Story of True Love tells the story of Jadirah, a woman in search of the perfect love. Throughout her journey, Jadirah is striving to maintain her mental, physical, and spiritual health after public shame and loss. As she embarks on a journey toward the unconditional love that she deserves, she is faced with a choice that will radically transform her family and her future.
Welcome Siarre Lashelle Massey to the Read to Lead/Write to Enlight Book Festival. Siarre is an Ohio born and based writer, storyteller and artist.
Her Solar Return
Her first collection, Her Solar Return, was published in June 2022. Prior to this, she shared solely via blogging. She is here, first and foremost, to share her experiences as a multi-ethnic woman, as a mother, as a person with neurodivergence—-as a human being living and learning and trying to enjoy the scenery along the way.
As I reflect on being an author, I reflect on my 12 years of published authorship. From starting out and knowing very little to becoming a literary publisher with years of experience behind me. The time as an author and publisher has not been easy, but definitely enjoyable. Writing and publishing has the ability to enrich your soul, help you develop ways to market yourself, and give you an opportunity to build a legacy.
Writing has enriched writers souls by allowing them to meet and network with others. From meeting numerous authors, entertainers, and readers who love attending book festivals and planning programs together. Some authors have had the pleasure of working with other authors to plan book festivals, book bag and book drives, and other literary activities to get the community engaged in reading and writing. Networking provides a great opportunity for authors to share ideas with each other and help each other uncover things about the field. Authors also tell each other about different events, festivals, and collaborations.
Marketing is about utilizing various methods to help increase your exposure, sales, competitiveness, ranking, and whatever else you deem necessary for your area of interest. Marketing can be word of mouth, printed materials, paid and non-paid advertisements, social media, blogging, online, and offline. The great thing about marketing now is that it can be relatively cheap. Some social media applications and publishing sites allow you to take out an ad for as low as $5 a day for as many days or months you would like.
Building a legacy is a great way to build generational wealth and a foundation for your loved ones. In writing, legacies are built by creating a body of work that people love, read multiple times, and tell others about. Authors who have built a writing legacy are Maya Angelou, Sista Souljah, Robert Greene, and Viola Davis.
Writing and publishing can be a very long process, as well as marketing, and building a legacy. However, if you create plans like marketing plans and work with individuals who know the industry, it can reduce the amount of time you spend on mistakes and correcting mistakes.
Brand new feel. Brand new pics. Brand new story. It’s an old title with a brand new outlook and a whole lot of traveling going on. Meet the #Wanderlusts. The Wanderlusts love to travel. They also love meeting new people, art, taking pictures, helping others, reading, and exploring the world. Come travel with them in the re-release of The Wanderlusts. Illustrated by Viviana Moyano, Organized by Zora Nelson and edited by Monae Jones.
Are you looking for books you and the family can enjoy each month? Check out some of my works for you and the family. This selection includes Children’s, Self-Help, Poetry, Thiller, Journal, and Romance/Thriller.
January- All in Together Girl (World Peace)
All in Together Girls is a children’s book that displays and discusses two cousins who play a childhood jump rope game. The cousins take you on a journey to family, friends, and fun. This books allows children to learn the names of each month and experience the activities and weather associated with those months. Shay and Jaye will have you ready to take out your Double Dutch rope and sing with them in their journey down memory lane.
February- Good Morning Amira (Black History Month)
Start the day with Amira as she completes her morning routine with some help from her mother. This toddler is full of life as she wakes up in the morning to start her routine of washing her face, brushing her teeth, and washing her hands.
March- The New Face of Disabilities (National Disabilities Month)
The face of those with a disability is ever changing, making it more and more challenging to determine who has a disability and who does not. Wouldn’t it be a perfect world if everyone was equipped with the right tools to assist those with a disability? Well, why not try to make it an almost perfect world? Melica Niccole provides you with helpful tools to assist you work with this population.
April- Poetic Outlets (Poetry Month)
When it comes to writing books, Melica Niccole knows how to take you on an emotional roller-coaster by poetically entering your spirit and releasing emotions that have longed to be set free. She knows the consequences of holding onto things for so long that a choice has to be made. Her choice was to liberate her feelings with an objective of becoming one with herself. She has been through so much in life that she wants to share her world because it’s all about the lessons you learn and the opportunities you take. Just know that with great success comes great failure and you must continuously push toward a dream and keep your Eyes on the Prize. Melica is a dream big, reach for the stars type of person. She gives special thanks to her mother and father for encouraging her throughout life and always believing in her. In reading Poetic Outlets, you will witness her transition as a writer, which is astounding. The shift will be seen when she discusses depression, society, love, and attributes of a woman. It can honestly be said that this book has a bit of everything in it that draws you deeper and deeper into the author’s thought process.
May- Renaissance of the Psyche (Memorial Day)
Melica Niccole’s fourth book of poetry. In this work, she returns to what she loves about writing and producing poetic flows with passion, love, and dreamy-realism. She pays homage to poets of the past and present in “Respect” and “Long Live the Poet”, takes you on a journey to “Love’s Utopia” and keeps you on edge with “Omen”. You will feel the passion in her heart with every word that you read and every page that you turn. This book is about releasing your soul into the universe by doing what you love and giving life your all. Are you doing what you love?
June- PJ’s World (Juneteenth)
PJ’s World is a children’s book about family, adventure, and fun. Join PJ as he talks Hip-Hop with his cousin, drives a train as a conductor, and becomes a dancer at the dance studio of a world renowned Choreographer. Come and explore with him and be a part of his adventures.
July- Jacob: In the Mind of a Mad Man (Disability Independence Day)
The sequel to Dead Wrong. This book is about the thought process of a mentally unstable individual who could snap at any given moment and he only has one thing to blame; love. How will his love interest respond to his unwarranted advances? What happened in Dead Wrong to make Jacob flip the script? The only way to understand him is to think like him. Now, let’s go deep inside the mind of a mad man.
August- The Wanderlusts (Women’s Equality Day)
The Wanderlusts love to travel. They also love meeting new people, art, taking pictures, helping others, reading, and exploring the world.
September- Football Fumblina (Football Season)
Football Fumblina could have been a ballerina. From ballet shoes to fumbles and tumbles, Fumblina shows the world why she loves being herself and playing a game she does not always win. This game is just like life, sometimes you have to fall to learn how to stand up on your own and go after your dreams. She knows all about falling and working hard so she will be able to change her outcome. Do you have a little Football Fumblina in you?
This poetry book is similar to a nursey rhyme, which allows listeners to hear the words and join in on all the fun.
October- Dead Wrong (Domestic Violence Awareness Month)
Tasha Marie Smith is a smart, goal-oriented woman looking for fun, excitement, and a little money on the side. She is dedicated in making a few extra dollars, while working as a Community Health Prevention Specialist and going to school for her Master’s. Life couldn’t get any better than this. Well, that is until her life takes a 180 degree turn down the wrong direction. She only has one person to blame for the decision that’s herself. How did success lead her here? The price of success comes with a high price, which often times can be everlasting. Is Tasha willing to pay the price of success? Whatever she decides, the decision will leave her body limp with frustration, shock, betrayal, and deceit. Tasha Marie Smith is dead wrong. She will admit her wrongness or feel the burdens of it.
November- My Poetic Soul Unleashed (World Kindness Day)
My Poetic Soul Unleashed is Melica Niccole’s second book of poetry. Melica felt that it was time that she unleashed her soul in the form of poetic words and allow people to witness her talented aura on paper. So many times in life, people tend to see the things that are on the surface without digging beneath the exterior and revealing a diamond in the rough. It’s time to stop recovering items from the surface and start digging for more than the obvious.
December- Event Planning and Task (Universal Human Rights Month)
This Event Planning and Task Management Journal was created for the sole purpose of helping students, innovators, event planners, and new individuals to the field with creating a plan to assist them with developing programs/events. These programs can be developed for the community, higher education environments, financial institutions, and other areas as needed or wanted.
This is just a few of my works to help you make reading a part of your daily activities. Reading is just as important as eating health and exercising. You are actually exercising your brain by reading new, fun, and challenging material. So join the movement and Read to Lead and Write to Enlight
Welcome Brieanna Wilkoff to the Read to Lead/ Write to Enlight Book Festival. She is a debut author who lives in Westerville, Ohio with her husband, daughter, and dog. As described in her novel, she believes wholeheartedly in the power of kindness, the importance of theatre, and the awesomeness of ’80s rock. In fact, she married her husband on stage of the oldest surviving theatre in central Ohio and their first dance was to Bon Jovi. Kudos to Brieanna for completing 100 random acts of kindness in a single day.
I’ll Be There For You
I’ll Be There For You synopsis: Sixteen-year-old Rae Ballester loves watching movie musicals and, thanks to her dad, listening to ‘80s rock. This has been the only way of feeling close to him since he died a year ago. Still struggling to move past his death, she keeps her head down and her earbuds in, while still trying to deal with it all. Shunning the world has cost her friendships, while leaving her the “Owner of a Lonely Heart.” When she meets a boy named Mac, she cautiously welcomes their easy banter. Mac slowly worms his way into her heart with his humor, enthusiasm, and well-curated Broadway playlists. After he proves “Every Rose Has Its Thorn,” Rae’s instinct is to withdraw to the comfort of hair metal and the silver screen. Rae must decide whether to retreat and jeopardize what she and others have started performing or put herself out there to hold onto her new friends, take a second chance on love, and honor her father’s memory.
Here are a few of the books that will be in attendance on Saturday, September 17, 2022 at the Read to Lead/Write to Enlight Book Festival. Books will consist of the following genres: Suspense, Thriller, Romantic-Thriller, Children’s, Self-Help, Poetry, Non-fiction, and more. Check out my home page here to get details about the attending authors, their books, and sponsors.
Welcome Author Tyler Porter to the Read to Lead/Write to Enlight Book Festival. Tyler is an American Author with a focus on suspenseful, thriller novels. He launched his writing career with the debut of his novel, Love Before Law. From a young age, he has been involved in creative writing and has always had an interest in storytelling. There are many exciting things in the works for him, so be sure to follow him on his social media outlets!
Eyes Never Lie Synopsis: A ruthless killer. A retiring detective. A game of life and death. After thirty years on the force, Detective Casey Norris has finally accepted that the time has come for him to retire. His body is slowing down, his mind can’t be far behind and he won’t allow either to decide his fate. He is ready to go out on his terms. But, before it can be made official, a killer emerges from the darkness with a mission. A mission that must be carried out through blood and death. A mission that will not be complete until the killer has the thing they want the most; the death of Casey Norris. Norris has never been a step behind, but as he and his team of detectives work to stop the rising body count, the murders begin hitting too close to home. It becomes evident that the killing will not stop until he or the killer is dead. Will he be able to protect those closest to him? Or has he finally met the monster he cannot stop?
Literacy and giving goes hand-in-hand, especially if you are giving the gift of literacy. There are so many ways that you can give the gift of literacy, such as: giving books or a kindle as gifts, having book readings, teaching others how to read, and developing a book festival with the goal of increasing individuals daily reading activities. Ways in which a book festival can do this is by spotlighting new and upcoming authors, supporting literary programs, and giving away books and other items for the encouragement of reading and writing.
The Read to Lead/Write to Enlight Book Festival does just that. The festival was developed with the intention of connecting readers and potential readers with authors and the books they write. The festival is also intended to connect writers/bloggers with the literary community to encourage them to continue to write and possibly become an author in the future.
If this sounds like a festival just for you, feel free to message me or contact me with the information listed on the flyer. We only have two more spots available.
This year I released book number 22. My first book was published in 2010. You could say I published about 2 books a year. Of course there was a year or two that I went without publishing a book; however, I made up for it.
I am grateful that I have been able to continue to write and publish these literary works. Reading and writing has been a part of my life as far as I can remember. When I was around 8 years old, my aunt kept my sister and her children involved in reading and writing programs. We participated in Columbus Metropolitan Library’s reading program each year. We also often participated in another program, which we could read off our fines. Let me tell you, that’s one of the most powerful tools ever when it comes to literacy and helping kids to love reading. I absolutely love reading and writing.
Feel free to check out my 22 titles below:
Dead Wrong- Romance/Thriller
Poetic Outlets- Poetry
All in Together Girl- Children’s
My Poetic Soul Unleashed- Poetry
Jacob: In the Mind of a Mad Man- Thriller
The New Face of Disabilities- Self-help
Journey to the Truth- Poetry
The Book of Quotes- Quotes
Sisters of the Shield- Fiction
Mount Vernon Avenue- Creative Nonfiction
PJ’s World- Children’s
Naturals: The Paper People- Children’s
Diversify Is Us- Young Adult
Intimate Lies- Creative Non-fiction
The Alphabet Monster- Children’s
Renaissance of the Psyche- Poetry
From 500 to Well Over 700: How to Save Big and Increase Your- Self-Help
The Wanderlusts- Children’s
Good Morning Amira- Children’s
Tested- Dystopian
Football Fumblina- Children’s
Event Planning and Task Management Journal – Journal
On Tuesday, February 8th at 6 pm, I will participate in the African American Read In event at Otterbein University alongside Rayshawn Wilson. I am truly grateful for opportunities like this. If you would have asked me in undergraduate school if I saw myself public speaking in the future, the answer would have been to no. I was extremely afraid to talk around others and I often forgot my lines. I sometimes stuttered as well.
As time progressed, so did my presentation skills. I have presented to college students, attended numerous authors events, and have been given a great amount of time to increase my confidence in presenting.
Hoping you all with join me in this Zoom conversation about publishing, writing, authorship, and upcoming events.
A virtual conversation with two Otterbein alumni authors, Rayshawn Wilson (’02) and Melica Niccole (’04) as part of the African-American Read In. They’ll be discussing their path to publishing, their inspiration, and more. #FYS #INST and #cardsSTANDtogether approved.
The registration for the Read to Lead/ Write to Enlight Book Festival has opened up. We are truly excited for this event to take place, as well as other future events.
Read to Lead, Write to Enlight is a call to action. We dare you to Read to Lead, Write to Enlight and buy books locally. The event is geared toward spotlighting 7-10 local authors with the potential to also include 1-3 authors from other states. Authors will have the ability to sell their work, talk with attendees, and get the community engaged in reading, writing, and literacy activities.
There are different ways to support the event, which are:
Author Table
Includes author table, two chairs, a boxed lunch, and a page feature in event booklet.
Author Table/Sponsorship
Includes author table, two chairs, a boxed lunch, a page feature in event booklet, and benefits of a gold sponsor.
Spotlight Author
This allows you to support the event without attending the event. There’s nothing like wanting to attend an event, but being unable to do so because of your location or activities. Well with this option, you name and a link to your website will be added to this page.
Sponsorship/Advertise
There are three different levels of sponsorship, which are Bronze, Silver, and Gold. The very basic level allows you to be featured in the event booklet. The next level not only allows you to be featured in the event booklet, but also allows your name or organization to be listed on all the promotional materials. The last level allows you to have all the features of the Silver sponsorship with a shoutout on various social media accounts as a sponsor.
Interested in being an author, listed on the website, or sponsoring this event? You have two options to participate, you can go to my Envite page and select a sponsorship level or go to the registration page to select any and all options.
Melica Niccole 