Welcome Back Brieanna Wilkolf to the Read to Lead/Write to Enlight Book Festival

Author/Sponsor

Brieanna Wilkoff (she/her) believes wholeheartedly in the power of kindness, the importance of theatre, and the awesomeness of ’80s rock. She married her husband onstage at the oldest surviving theatre in central Ohio, and their first dance was to Bon Jovi’s “Thank You for Loving Me.” Her favorite musical is a three-way tie between Les Mis, Wicked, and Hamilton.

I’ll Be There for You is Brieanna’s debut young adult novel. It was inspired by her family’s commitment to kindness, including performing 100 kind acts in a single day. Brieanna lives in Westerville, Ohio, with her husband, daughter, and dog. You can visit her online and sign up for her newsletter at brieannawilkoff.com or follow her on Twitter (@BrieannaWilkoff), Facebook (Brieanna Wilkoff Author), or Instagram (@brieanna_wilkoff).

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
I’ll Be There for You
Rae Ballester loves movie musicals and—thanks to her dad—’80s rock. Since he died a year ago, his favorite music helps keep his memory alive. Struggling to move on, Rae keeps her head down and earbuds in, but shunning the world has cost her even her closest friendships, leaving her the “Owner of a Lonely Heart.”

When Rae meets Mac, a boy with a charming smile who thinks any problem can be solved with a show tune, she cautiously welcomes their easy banter. With his humor, enthusiasm, and well-curated Broadway playlists, Mac slowly edges his way into her heart, but when he proves “Every Rose Has Its Thorn,” Rae thinks about withdrawing to the comfort of hair metal and the silver screen. 

Should Rae retreat from the world to protect her already broken heart, or will her involvement in the school’s theatre program and the random acts of kindness she and others have started performing give her “Something to Believe In”? I’ll Be There for You delves into the personal journey of healing old wounds, making new friends, and learning how to build a future with pieces of the past and present.

2nd Annual Read to Lead/Write to Enlight Book Festival

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.

The event is being hosted by Hampton Publishing House, Java Central, and myself. we are 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

Thankful and Grateful

I am thankful and grateful for family. I am thankful and grateful for friends. I am thankful and grateful for new and old relationships. Most of all, I am thankful and grateful for new opportunities.

Below I list a few of these opportunities that have supported my books. What are you thankful and grateful for?

Available at the Columbus Metropolitan Library

Click here: CML
Click here: CML
Click here: CML

Available at Target

Click here: Target
Click ahere: Target
Click here: Target
Click here: Target
Click here: Target

My First Computer

Write about your first computer.

I remember the first time I ever encountered a computer. I was around 10 years old and it was at my aunt’s house. The interesting part is that there was some type of code she had to type in to get everything started. Once it was ready, it would go to a black screen. She would then have to type in something else to take it to another screen. The monitor was big and bulky. Very similar to an early TV set.

Fast forward about 12 years later, I was out of college and I purchased my first desktop. This is around the time they had just started making flat screen monitors. The hard drive was still big and bulky, but I loved that computer. It had all my early writings on it, music, and all the tools I used to become an author/publisher.

Making Sacrifices

Today this posting is about the sacrifices you have made to get to where you are today. What sacrifices have you made for yourself? Maybe the sacrifice wasn’t for you, but a child, significant other, or a family member? Was it a big or little sacrifice? If you could do it all over again, would you still make the same sacrifice?

I’ve talked to various people about sacrifices they have made, which has ranged from moving out of state for a significant other and putting off starting a family for their career.

What sacrifices have you made or are still making

New Year, New Goals

First, I want to wish you a happy new year. I hope this year provides you joy, happiness, stability, and continued growth. 2022 was amazing for some and presented challenges for others. I hope that you turn those challenges into stepping stones and keep stepping towards your blessings.

I was blessed beyond measure, even during the challenging times. Due to inflation, which has affected everyone, I had to rethink and reevaluate my expenditures to make sure I was living within my means. This can be challenging. My budget is still a work in progress to make sure I am making the most out of my paychecks.

With the new year, we have to make new goals and try to stick with them. Please see a list of my three goals below:

  • Goal 1: Decrease my added sugar intake. This means reducing/eliminating drinks with added sugar, candy, breads, pasta, and all those other products that has sugar that no one knew was there.
  • Goal 2: Exercise for 30 minutes a day, at least 4 days a week
  • Goal 3: Sale 20 books a month. My goal for January was already accomplished, as more that 20 books was recently purchased.

Have you set your goals for the year. My suggestion for you if you have not set your goals is to start small with 1 – 3 goals, work on adjusting goals from last year, and find a way to have fun.

Culture, Unity, Community, and Socialization

Mount Vernon Avenue is a book about a historical area in Columbus, Ohio called Mount Vernon Avenue. This book details the personal accounts of individuals who had the opportunity to visit the area and what they recall from their many visits there. These individuals range from the ages of 30 to 99 years of age. The information they divulge includes music, The Cameo, parades, Woolworth stores, shaking hands with a presidential candidate, and tutoring sessions.

The book coincides with some of what past artists in the area displayed in their artwork. Some of this artwork graced the Columbus Metropolitan Library in downtown Columbus, Columbus Museum of Art, and other places in the city. This literary work brings to life artwork in the form of words with explanations of the people, culture, and different activities that took place there.

Being Faithful in Your Dreams/Passion and Faithful in God

Question for all of you: do you think being faithful in your dreams/passion has some of the same qualities of being faithful with God or your religion?

I was talking to a friend on Wednesday. We’ve know each other for about 12 years. We’ve had our ups and downs, but have stayed friends no matter what. As I was talking to this individual, we were moved to talk about faith in your passion and faith in God. Isn’t it interesting the things you say or talk about in the moment. This conversation then amplifies your thoughts and helps you open your understanding.

When I think about faith, I think about having a total belief in something. Believing in something without the visual or tangible proof that it is actually there. Just knowing and having an innate feeling and determination. Now let’s look at the Merriam-Webster definition of faith: « Faith is the allegiance to duty or a person, fidelity to one’s promises, sincerity of intentionsacted in good faith, belief and trust in and loyalty to God, belief in the traditional doctrines of a religion, and firm belief in something for which there is no proof.”

Now let’s look at God, religion, and dreams/passion. To accepted GOD or a different religion in your life is to be faithful in the word, to accept the message, and to practice the scripture so that your life may exude the teachings and blessings of living a righteous life. To accept your God given gifts/talents is be faithful in what you were given or had the ability to cultivate, to accept your purpose, and to practice living on purpose. As you can see, being faithful in your passion can look very similar to being faithful in God.

You can be faithful in your passion, while also being faithful in God and/or your religion. Sometimes these things go hand-in-hand and sometimes they look very similar. When you’re passionate about something, you believe wholeheartedly in yourself and your future. You will move heaven and earth to make your dreams come true. You may not see success now, but you continue to push because you are faithful in your future. This is the same for God or a religion. You believe wholeheartedly in your religion, you move heaven on earth to attend church activities and functions, and although you cannot always see what you believe in, you still move forward with faith.

Mount Vernon Avenue

We’ve been quite busy with new releases, re-illustrations, an updated website, and more.
Re-branding takes time, dedication, and patience. Check out our re-Illustration of Mount Vernon Avenue. Let us know how you like it.

Grab your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/Mount-Vernon-Avenue-Melica-Niccole/dp/1519074255/ref=mp_s_a_1_14?crid=AVT4B3NYQDLJ&keywords=melica+niccole&qid=1670843016&sprefix=melica+%2Caps%2C87&sr=8-14

Georgie Eat Your Peas

Introducing Georgie Eat Your Peas. Georgie was a jubilant soul, who didn’t like to eat his peas. He prayed to God almost every night, when he got on his knees.

Georgie Eat Your Peas is a social, poetic, interactive, innovative Children’s Book Duo. It is called a Children’s Book Duo because it is a one-of-a-kind book that is also paired with another book. The book is paired with Gracie Eat Your Peas. These books allow children to experience a book with a different main characters who is female or male.

Pre-order a copy here

Buy in Bulk

Are you a teacher at a pre-school or headstart program, administrator at a daycare center, or do teach reading skills to children between the ages of 0 – 5 years old? Then this is just for you.

Order bulk copies of 1 or 2 children’s books to supply various classrooms or send a copy home with each child to help increase literacy at home. Literacy is just as important at home, as it is at school.

Each year, The Bureau of Labor Statistics releases information about the average hours per day spent in selected leisure and sports activities by age. In reviewing the table for 2021, what I want you to consider is the ages between 15 – 54 reading for personal interest. Generally, this is the age range of most parents. Below is a photo from bls.gov. Click here for results.

After reviewing the information above by comparing the time spent reading, watching T.V., and socializing, do you know why literacy is very important? Help become a change agent by working with your local community advocates in increasing literacy amongst youth and families. You can start by buying in bulk and gifting these books to a school, children in your classroom, or a reading program. These books can also be gifted for the holidays and special occasions, such as birthday parties, school reading programs, Juneteenth, and much more.

Book Reading for Children and Presentation for College Students

As stated in my last post, Friday was very eventful. I started by day by reading books to my daughter’s class. These little darlings were amazing; they listened, asked questions, and sang the All in Together Girls song. The center director messaged me a couple hours after I left and stated the kids were still singing the song. This truly touched my heart.

Next, I visited my undergraduate alma mater; Otterbein University. I met with a class to discuss my work with individuals with various disabilities, writing, and my books. I discussed career counseling, assistive technology, sheltered employment, supported employment, competitive employment, transition services, and more. A couple of students stayed to talk with me after class. I truly enjoyed speaking with the students about my work and passion. I also enjoyed giving them pointers I wish I knew when I was a student.

Collect Your Coins!

This past Thursday, I wrote a blog post titled, “‘Hobby Of Kings’ Or ‘King’ of All Hobbies.” It was my first post about coin collecting. Since then, I have learned quite a bit of information about coin collecting, such as Proof Sets, current mints, previous mints, and more.

The book, Coin Collecting for Beginners 2023: The New Updated Guide to Easily Start Your Coin Collection and Learn How to Identify, Value, Preserve and Profit From Your Hobby, by Lincoln Ford is helping me identify what questions I need to ask and start researching those questions. In my research, I found out there were numerous mints that had opened due to the gold rush and has since then closed. I also found out that the one letter on the right side of the coin identifies which mint made it. I am sure this is basic information for some; however I find it fascinating. When I read information about dates, such as 1792 and 1982, my mind began to create a timeline of events and all that has taken place before, during, and after these mints were established. I think about Independence Day (U.S.), Emancipation Proclamation, World War I, The Harlem Renaissance, The Negritude Movement, Plessy vs Ferguson, Prohibition, The Dust Bowl, The Great Depression, March of Dimes eradicating Polio, World War II, Board of Education vs. Topeka Kansas, Roe vs. Wade, Civil Rights Act, Americans with Disability Act, Vocational Rehabilitation Act, and much more.

My research led me to Proof Sets, which seem like a must have for a coin collector. If not all sets, maybe just one or two. Feel free to check them out for yourself. Let me know what you think or if you have experience in this already.

Feel free to check out my initial article below.

PUSH AND GRIND BEYOND WHAT’S EXPECTED

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.

Creating A Reading/Learning Nook at Home

For about a month, I have been creating a reading/learning nook for my daughter. she’s only three years old; however she is a human sponge. She is soaking in everything and also talking more. I want to reinforce learning with her at home to make sure she understands information and doesn’t get left behind.

I have always started her off early to do things. Even she was one years old, we practiced her ABC’s

Parts of Speech Decorations and Good Morning Amira Book can be found at Target.

Out with the Old, In with the New

Father Time

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.

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTR99cKEb/

Learn How to Create a Children’s Book Workshop for Kids

Ready to help your child become a Children’s Book Author? Well, you have came to the right place. I will discuss publishing, marketing, and selling books with your child for only $25 per person. I have 10 spots available.

Register here

The Woman King / G.I. Jane of Children’s Books

Pictures from theblackwallstreettimes and IMDb

When I think about Football Fumblina, I think about being different, being enough, and going against the grain. I have yet to see The Woman King; however that is exactly how I imagine her to be.

My daughter’s father is from Cotonou, Benin. When we were in a relationship together, he was ecstatic about his country’s history. One story he told me was of the all-female warriors who protected his country. They were fierce, skillful, and courageous. For generations, their stories were and are still being passed down to people of his country. Definitely stories worth listening to. Fast forward to today, The Woman King is based on the all-female warriors he told me about many years ago. As stated from the Smithsonian Magazine “At its height in the 1840s, the West African kingdom of Dahomey boasted an army so fierce that its enemies spoke of its ‘prodigious bravery.’ This 6,000-strong force, known as the Agojie, raided villages under cover of darkness, took captives and slashed off resisters’ heads to return to their king as trophies of war. Through these actions, the Agoije established Dahomey’s preeminence over neighboring kingdoms and became known by European visitors as “Amazons” due to their similarities to the warrior women of Greek myth.”

In thinking about the movie G.I. Jane, Demi Moore’s character represented women being different, enough, and going against the grain. She was challenged, made to feel inadequate, and tormented. Most of which, can be found in the Children’s Book, Football Fumblina.

In Football Fumblina, she could have been a ballerina, but she chose an alternative; football. 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, Woman King, or G.I. Jane in you?

Football Fumblina is a poetry book that is similar to a nursey rhyme, which allows listeners to hear the words and join in on all the fun.

We all need some encouragement and positivity every now and then. Football Fumblina provides just that. She helps people understand that obtaining a goal is a process. The first step in the process is to attempt to achieve a specific goal. Whenever we do this, there are usually two outcomes; you either achieve it or you don’t. However, she wants you to know that not achieving a goal does not mean you lost, it just means you have to try a little harder and perhaps try a different approach.

Football Fumblina wants you to know that you are special, kind, smart, loving, joyful, caring, beautiful, helpful, and funny. You are all the things you imagined yourself to be and more. Claim your positive affirmation for the day and how you will look at life. It not only helps you with interacting with other people, but it is also always a great self-esteem builder 

Football Fumblina makes a choice

 

Making a decision can be tough sometimes 

In life, sometimes decisions have to be made; will I work on my skills of becoming a ballerina or will I try to compete in a sport that test my skills, agility, and ability to think fast? For children, this information of “what I want to do or become in the future” may be challenging to comprehend at an early age. This book aims at opening the line of communication with children to identify those jobs such as coding, engineering, or other specific jobs may not be so far out of their reach.

Why should you purchase this book? Because you may know someone or you may be just like Fumblina. It may not be regarding football, but maybe wrestling, day trading, or some type of field that is recognized as a male dominated field. Grab your copy here

Goal Achieved

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.

Books are sold here: Target, Amazon.com, Apple, The Book Loft, Barnes and Noble, Walmart, BAM, Gramercy Books, Indie BookStore, Hudson Booksellers, Powell’s and more. Click links to visit pages.

GMA

Good Morning Amira

When you think of GMA, what comes to mind? Do you think about Good Morning America? Great Morning Attitude? Or Goals, Motivation, and Affirmations?

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.

Ready! Set! Goals!

October Goal: Sell 15 books. 6 books down and nine to go. Have you focused on your goals lately? This independent goal has helped me to market my brand and get my stories out into the community. What’s my story you ask? Well, I’m a health conscious, thought-provoking, moral based storyteller who writes about domestic violence, friendships, exploring the world, traveling, life, resources for individuals with various diagnoses, working together, and turning hurt into fortune.

Good Morning Amira Now Sold at Target

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.

Make sure you grab your copy today!

Welcome October

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.

Ask me how you can help!

4 More Books Left

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.

Looking for Reviewers

This may be for you or someone you know. We are looking for 2- 4 reviewers to give honest reviews. Reviewers must enjoy Children’s books, poetry, journals, or suspense books. Reviewers will be given free books and an opportunity to post their reviews on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Smashwords.

Message me for details

Poem: I Am

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

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.

Sell 15 Books a Month

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.

And the Winners Are…

Meet the winners of the Read to Lead/Write to Enlight Book Festival Scavenger hunt. This past Saturday, attendees were given a chance to win prizes for a scavenger. This family of five (Three pictured here) were the first and only attendees to complete the scavenger hunt successfully. It was only right for them to win the prizes.

They won six items, which were:

  • Kindle Fire Tablet
  • Kindle Fire Tablet Cover
  • Trader Joe’s Gift Card
  • Cash
  • Target Gift Card
  • Starbucks Gift Card

Not to mention this family also was gifted a book from Tyler Porter at the event on Saturday. If you know them personally, please wish them congratulations.

Recap: Read to Lead/Write to Enlight Book Festival

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.

Video from Festival #VistaCreate
Book Readings #VistaCreate

Read to Lead/Write to Enlight Book Festival Today

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

Creating 7 Different Streams of Income

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.

Count Down – 5 Days Away

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.

Find out more about the organization here: https://bcbooksandauthors.com and make a donation here:
PayPal👇🏿
bit.ly/32CawYw
Cash App: $BCBooksA
Venmo: BCBooksA

Welcome Abby L. Vandiver to the Read to Lead/Write to Enlight Book Festival

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.

Follow her on: Twitter, Instagram,Facebook, Website, and Amazon

Welcome James A. Wright to the Read to Lead/Write to Enlight Book Festival

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.

Follow him on Pharafaneelya.com and Twitter: @Jaws1275Wright/@Pharafaneelya

Welcome Ron Cunningham to the Read to Lead/Write to Enlight Book Festival

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!

Follow him on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

Meet the authors of the Read to Lead/Write to Enlight Book Festival

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.

One Down, Many More To Go

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 Jamilah Ewing to the Read to Lead/Write to Enlight Book Festival

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.

Make sure you grab a copy of this book and follow Jamilah and her team on Instagram at Author Jamilah Ewing , EH Publishing, and Charles Ewing.