Welcome to Urban Image Magazine

Succubus: Sins of the flesh by Vanna B. is the first in a 3-part erotica short story trilogy. After you read the first one you will want to immediately snatch up the next two.

It follows of story of a young man named Darrin Brown who is a plain and boring as they come who is in college in New York City. There’s nothing remarkable about him whatsoever, and his girlfriend Melody is equally unremarkable.

However, he catches the attention of Raven DuBois. You think that she’s just the average goth girl that has piercing and tattoos, but think again. He’s enamored by her unpredictable and lascivious behavior. He soon is unable to resist her even at the risk of losing everything.

You have to read it to find out just what Raven’s intentions truly are. I don’t do spoilers honey!

I’m a huge fan of the paranormal, and honestly this was the first one that I’ve read by an African American Author. I had absolutely no clue what to expect from it, and I was pleasantly surprised. It was nice to read a paranormal story with some grit.

The first thing that immediately caught my attention is that it’s written in the third person. I’ve forgotten how much I enjoyed stories that are written well in the third person. I emphasize the word  ’well’  because a lot of authors fall short in this area, and it can get confusing. Vanna B. does it flawlessly.

This is a must read if you’re into the paranormal, you love great sex scenes, or you’re just looking for something different.  Give it a read and let me know what you think!

It’s only 99 cents on Kindle, and it’s available in paperback

Click here to purchase

Until next time!

Je Tuan Lavyonne

*Would you like your book reviewed? Contact me at [email protected]

 

Money is King tells the story of Mink and Cesar, and it’s set in Chicago (the best city in the world..but I’m biased because I live here).

Mink is a spoiled ghetto BIOTCH and everytime something bad happens to her your heart will jump with glee. However, when she gets over on someone you can’t help but smile a little. I love an amazing villain. You know the kind of character that you just can’t stand. I love to hate characters, and that’s probably because that’s how I am in real life. Most of my friends are assholes although a lot less rachet.

Cesar is a sexy man that most women would love and cherish. He holds his family down by any means necessary, and he’s loyal. He is in a relationship with Mink, and they have a child together (insert sad groan here).  Unfortunately, he loses his job, and that’s when the whirlwind begins.

Mink’s treachery is shown all throughout this book.  She doesn’t care about anyone but herself, and she’s constantly looking for her next meal ticket. I literally screamed at her at various points throughout.

This book kept me engaged from the beginning until the end. I immediately had to run to read the second one. If you’re looking for a great read with some ghetto drama… this is it. You won’t be disappointed.

 

Right now you can grab it for your kindle for only .99 cents.  It’s also available in paper back.

Click here to purchase. 

You can connect with Nicety via facebook here.

Until next time!

Je Tuan Lavyonne

*Would you like your book reviewed? Contact me at [email protected]

 

 

Tell us about yourself.

I have a husband, who is my writing partner, and I am the mother of two sons.  I began my career as an Urban and Regional Planner before becoming a high school Social Studies teacher.    Currently, I am attending the University of Tennessee to earn my doctorate in education with a concentration in Cultural Studies.  This is exciting to me because it combines all of my interests.  I was born in New Jersey but grew up in Hilton Head, South Carolina, where my father’s family is from.  He, along with my grandmother, taught me the importance of always keeping our ancestral land in the family.  In fact, my grandmother was the one who inspired me to write my first novel, “The Promise of Palmettos,” which is about a family fighting to maintain ownership of their land. 

What types of books do you write?

I draw upon experiences as an urban planner and a history teacher, as well as my knowledge of the Gullah culture to write fiction that is usually set in the South Carolina Low Country.  And because I love a good mystery, it’s always the theme of my novels. 

How did you get into writing?

In school, I enjoyed creative writing because it was a chance to use my vivid imagination.  Also, I always had a story in my head, whether it was something that happened at school or a fun vacation.  Like my grandmother, I keep journals.  As I think about it, my mother, who always nurtured my creativity, kept journals as well.    I suppose that gene for keeping personal records runs strong within me.               

Tell us about your latest book and how you got the idea for it?

“Marshland,” my latest book, which is set during the Civil War, is about a slave family that escapes from their South Carolina plantation and lives in freedom.  Unfortunately, the death of a Union Soldier threatens their freedom and sends the family on the run again.  They encounter slaves that are willing to help them, while others are set to betray them.  The whole time, they are fearful of being caught.  The idea of “Marshland” came from my own family folklore.  As far back as I can remember, the family would talk about how our ancestors escaped during the Civil War and ended up on Hilton Head.  I just used my imagination to fill in the blanks because no one recorded the specific details of that journey.  The idea to actually write this story came from my husband, who thought the story was so interesting that it needed to be told. 

 Who is your book’s audience? In other words, who do you think should read it specifically?

I think that my books are for people who are young adults and older.  I believe people who have a love for Gullah culture, history, preservation, and mystery will enjoy the stories. 

What did you learn about yourself while writing your book?

I learned how committed I am to a project and how I need to see an entire manuscript through to completion.  I also learned that I am surrounded with very supportive family and friends who want me to be a successful author, as much as I want that for myself. 

Tell us a bit about your journey to publication.

My journey was lengthy.  “The Promise of Palmettos” had been written six years prior to its publication. I tried to use traditional publishers and would receive rejection letters, which hurt.  I didn’t want to give up so, I tried self-publishing.  At that time, up-front expenses were required and I knew that I had to save money if I wanted to be published. I also knew that would take time and I was determined to see my words in print.  It was my mother who sent me a link to the Create Space site and I couldn’t believe that publishing my book was actually within my reach.  It took a few more months, but I finally realized my dream. 

What is your opinion on the literary industry from a black perspective? Do you see growth for black authors?

I do see growth.  I think it is absolutely amazing to see the many genres where Black authors have expanded.  I think it is a matter of people being aware of where they all can be found.  I participate in a number of reading groups where the participants are excited to share the work of different novelists.  I also think it is past time where Black authors are integrated through the entire bookstore.  There are too many of us out there to be confined to one shelf. 

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from being a writer?

Patience.  Writing success goes beyond publishing the manuscript.  Few people are overnight successes.  It is my job to let everyone know that my books are available and that is a long process. 

What do you do to get the word out about your books?

My friends and family are very good about spreading the news of my books.  I let people that I encounter know that I am an author with a couple of published works.  I have had a couple of book events and anticipate having a few more in the upcoming year.  I also use social media sites, like Facebook and Twitter.  My blog, http://www.authorsherysenoelledubose.wordpress.com serves the purpose of discussing growing up in the South Carolina Low Country and how it relates to my novels.

Do you have any regrets concerning your writing career? If so, what?

When I begin to wish that I started writing novels sooner, I remind myself that everything happens in its own time.  I believe the rewards of writing and publishing far outweigh the frustrations. I just want to enjoy this journey.

What advice do you have for aspiring writers?

Learn the entire business.  Understand the process. Protect your product. 

Thanks for joining us!

Facebook - Author, Sheryse N. DuBose

Twitter - @SheryseNDuBose

Tell us about yourself.

Well, I am a poet, writer, blogger and author.  I’ve been writing since I was nine which I started off with short fiction stories and at the age of fifteen, I started writing poetry.  I am very passionate about poetry writing because it takes me to a whole different place where I can just be free with my words and get in touch with my inner self and soul.  I like to take different situations that are going on in my life and in the world and write a poem about it.  It soothes the mind and challenges my creativity.  My first book “A Collection of God’s Word and Motivation” was published May 2012. 

What types of books do you write?

I like to expand my imagination and what about whatever comes to mind.  My first book is a collection of religious poetry and my second book which will be released soon is poetry as well about life situations and inspirational/motivational poems. Starting 2014, I will be transitioning to writing short fiction stories again.  I want to tell a story that people are able to relate to.  Mostly inspirational/motivational books with a twist of romance as well. 

How did you get into writing?

Like I stated earlier, I started writing at a very young age.  Everyone was always telling me that my short stories were very creative and imaginative.  They thought an older person wrote them because of the way they were written.  I wish I still kept them because I would have had them published for children and young adults.  As the years progressed and my attention turned to poetry, I became more in tuned and creative with my words. 

 Tell us about your latest book and how you got the idea for it?

My first book “A Collection of God’s Word and Motivation” title came from the two parts of the book.  The first part is poetry which is a collection and the second part is motivation words that I wrote myself.  I wanted to write something motivational for people to read because everyone needs motivation.  Now my latest book “Lyrical Passion Tears from my Inkwell” came from personal experiences from myself.  Lyrical Passion is a name I gave myself as a poet.  Lyrical meaning the words that sings harmony and lyrical beats upon my canvas of poetry and dances upon the stars of revelation and Passion came from the passionate heart-felt moments behind my words that I bleed on paper.  I am very passionate about my art as a poet and writer. There are four parts of my second book.  Each has its own little theme.  A lot of the poems talks about me in a deep version of situations I’m going through and I just want my readers to relate to my pain and understand pieces of me.  Tears from my Inkwell, I’ve gotten from a very hurtful past that has caused so much pain and tears, that at some points in time of life, I wanted to give up on everything!

Who is your book’s audience? In other words, who do you think should read it specifically?

My book is directed more towards young adults and adults because they can probably relate more to each of my poems and understand it better versus teens and younger people.

What did you learn about yourself while writing your book?

Oh wow, I learned a lot of things while writing my poetry overall.  A lot of my poems talk about pain that I dealt with and things people go through on a daily basis.  I also learned that I have a great gift that nobody can’t take away.  I feel as though my writings are becoming stronger each time I write.  Painting a picture so vividly and letting go of anger and pain by using my pen to create a story so real and true really helped a lot.  I’m still learning more about myself while writing.

Tell us a bit about your journey to publication.

As I became a new author on the block, I found out that publishing your book is very expensive! LOL.  However, it’s very worth the time and the publishers I’ve been through made sure my work was done right.  I like to try new publishers to get a feel of how they do their work and what they have to offer.  I guess at the end of the day, the money invested to getting your book published is worth it.

What is your opinion on the literary industry from a black perspective? Do you see growth for black authors?

I see plenty of growth for black authors.  I want our voices to get heard more often because as African American writers, we have a great voice and gift that should be heard more often. 

 What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from being a writer?

The biggest lesson I learned from being a writer is that everyone isn’t going to support your work!  I learned that the HARD way and I’m still learning now.  My biggest problem was getting the support I deserved as a poet and author.  I wanted the attention from the social media so bad that I started hurting people with my words and I’m still dealing with that now, but I just promote my own self and whoever likes and support my work, I will be thankful for that.  I’m always gaining new fans slowly, so the best thing for me to do is be patient and stay positive.

What do you do to get the word out about your books?

I self-promote myself a lot every week.  I have my fan page which has my poetry on it that I promote all the time and other websites I have to help get more exposure.  I’m always trying to share in groups on Facebook, LinkedIn, twitter and now I’m trying to be on other sites such as good reads, hub pages and any other spot I can find.  Even if I have to pay money for the exposure, I will do that as well.

Do you have any regrets concerning your writing career? If so, what?

Nope.  Not really.  Becoming a published author, poet and blogger is the best thing that has happened to me.  Even through the disappointments of marketing, I’m glad I’m able to expand my gift even further and I pray I expand it even more through features and interviews.

What advice do you have for aspiring writers?

To never give up on your dreams and to follow your heart.  Never allow negativity to stop you from doing what you do best.  And keep striving!

Thanks for joining us!

Thanks for having me!

Website: http://www.innerchildpress.com/patrice-n-rivers.php

Tell us about yourself.

I’m a 36 y/o mother of a 13 year-old daughter & 2 year-old son. I love The Walking Dead, Scandal and Breaking Bad. I enjoy several different genres of music ranging from classical to hip hop, pop and rock. When I’m putting my son to sleep at night I read the Bible to him and learn something new each time. And I’m passionate about the people and things I love.

What types of books do you write?

I write Fiction/Christian/Action & Adventure. I call it Provoking Realism.

How did you get into writing?

Wow, I’ve always written, but it wasn’t an organized process, just something I did because I enjoyed expressing my thoughts on paper. City of Guardians was a very organic process. When I first began writing this story 4 years ago, I had no idea it would become what it has became. I started out writing about 3 boys going to  the park to practice baseball. I wrote 3 pages and then stopped. Three years later my brother ignited, what become my first novel. When I started the book again, I realized I had to introduce something that would grab and keep readers’ attention. I started to brainstorm about a nemesis and that led to the different emotions we, as a society, experience. I thought, ‘how cool would it be if I gave a voice to ‘Rage’, ‘Love’, and ‘Jealousy’? It turned out better than I could’ve ever imagined.

Tell us about your latest book and how you got the idea for it?

The idea started out very boring, very generic. I wanted to tell a story that had depth and meaning to it. I felt that if people were going to spend their money on something that I wrote, it should be worth their time and money. I brainstormed for days about something that every human on earth could relate to. I started to think about the good and bad that exists in the world today. I wanted to give a voice to those experiences and delve into the whys of them. Rage (Rip) and Love (Leere) came to mind at first and the Strength (Stilo) and Jealousy (Jilt). I just kept building on these emotions and eventually came up with 10 different Guardians and what they represented. I never knew how the story would end but felt intuitively that it would become what it became.

Who is your book’s audience? In other words, who do you think should read it specifically?

This is a really tough question, one that my publisher has asked many times. I continue to give him the same answer…everyone. It’s really hard for me to pinpoint one specific audience when I know that every soul on earth has experienced a whisper. Everyone has heard or felt that little nudge that says, “Don’t go  there today, or slow down.”

What did you learn about yourself while writing your book?

One of the things I learned while writing this book is that I’m a very strong person and I’ve found my passion. I would write even if no one ever purchased my book, although I’m happy that many have.

Tell us about your journey to publication.

Oh my, I published with a company called Xulon Press. There were a few bumps but overall a pretty good experience. The thing I was most impressed with them about was the cover of my book. I gave them ideas and they nailed it. They gave me exactly what I wanted. I needed a cover that would stop males and females, black and white, young and old. I didn’t know about Createspace when I published with them. The following books from my series will be published through this company.

What is your opinion on the literary industry from a black perspective? Do you see growth for black authors?

I’m so glad you asked this question. I’ve been waiting to express my opinion on it. I’ve only published one book, so far, but I’ve been reading forever. And I’m disappointed when I see scantly clad black women and black males with guns on the covers of books. I think we have so much more to offer than the stereotypical, angry, slutty black woman, cheating black man-revenge in the end plot/synopsis. We can do better, we have to do better. We have to expand our minds and reach deeper than the surface of what America thinks we represent. If I never see another cover with a stripper in a g-string, I would not complain one bit.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from being a writer?

I’ve learned that you have to write, write, write. You have to read every article you can get your hands on about writing, marketing, and the craft.

What do you do to get the word out about your books?

A) I started a blog.

B) I joined ASMSG.

C) I tweet and FB about my book all the time

D) I have also joined book clubs & started my own book club.

E) Made and passed out flyers.

F) The front of my business card has the cover of my book on it with information about the book on the back.

G) I request book reviews as well as give them.

H) I tell everyone I come in contact with about my book either with a soft (just giving them a business card) or hard (explaining verbally to them what my book is about while holding a copy in my hand) approach.

I) I sent out excerpts of my book to people I knew and requested a review. Then I posted it on my website.

Just to name a few.

Do you have any regrets concerning your writing career? If so, what?

The only regret I have is that I didn’t start publishing sooner. If I had started pursuing my passion sooner, I would’ve been able to affect more lives by now.

What advice do you have for aspiring writers?

Research the craft/art, learn the craft/art, practice the craft/art of writing, and don’t give up. Read every article you can get your hands on & connect with as many authors are you can And if you aren’t comfortable with social media, get comfortable with it. The last ones are a no-brainer.

Oh I almost forgot this one, probably the single most important piece of advice would be to write it, read it, re-read it, edit it, and STOP. Don’t send it. Let someone else read it/edit it. Then read it again and again. Then and ONLY then, click ‘Send’. I learned the hard way.

Thanks for joining us!

http://www.beelkirk.com

Twitter: @beelkirk

FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorBeeLKirk

Book FB Page: http://www.facebook.com/CityOfTheGuardiansIntroducingAlexHonor

Twitter Video: https://www.vizify.com/bee-l-kirk/twitter-video